IN CHRIST ALONE

          There are some powerful worship songs being written and introduced to congregations in this generation.  One of these, "In Christ Alone", written in 2002, was a collaborative effort between Stuart Townend and fellow songwriter Keith Getty. 
          Keith Getty (b. December 16, 1974) is a world-renowned modern hymn writer. Keith developed a passion for writing good songs for the church in his twenties, and began writing for his small Baptist church. He writes and performs with his wife, Kristyn, and they regularly tour the United States and the United Kingdom. 
          Stuart Townend (b. 1963) grew up in West Yorkshire, England, the youngest son of an Anglican vicar. He started learning piano at a young age, and began writing music at age 22. He has produced albums for Keith Routledge and Vinesong, among many others, and has also released eight solo albums to date. Some of his better-known songs include "How Deep the Father's Love," "The King of Love," and "The Power of the Cross." He continues to work closely with friends Keith and Kristyn Getty, and is currently a worship leader in Church of Christ the King in Brighton, where he lives with wife Caroline, and children Joseph, Emma and Eden.
          "This song came about in an unusual way," Townend explains. "Keith and I met in the autumn of 2000 at a worship event, and we resolved to try to work together on some songs. A few weeks later Keith sent some melody ideas, and the first one on the CD was a magnificent, haunting melody that I loved, and immediately started writing down some lyrical ideas on what I felt should be a timeless theme commensurate with the melody. So, the theme of the life, death, resurrection of Christ, and the implications of that for us just began to tumble out, and when we got together later on to fine tune it, we felt we had encapsulated what we wanted to say."
          Often attributed as "one of the best modern examples of storytelling conveying the power of the gospel", In Christ Alone was co-written, Stuart on the lyric side and Getty focusing on the melody and music. What resulted from this new found collaboration was a song that epitomised praise and worship covering the Attributes of God, Actions of God and our response for all Christ has done. 
          In an interview with Christian Music Today, Getty says "I struggled to understand and fully embrace my faith amid an unbelieving, universalist, and multi-religious culture (when growing up in Durham, England). It was a journey to believe in the uniqueness of Christ, the Scriptures and the gospel story. By the time I came through this, my faith was stronger, and I really wanted to write songs for the Church that brought the full, rich, life-giving story of the gospel into believers' hearts and minds. I then had the privilege of connecting with songwriter Stuart Townend, who had penned the hymn "How Deep the Father's Love for Us." When we first met, there wasn't an immediate personal connection. But we said, "Let's write one song." I knew I wanted the song to be story-driven, so I said, "Let's do a song that tells the whole story of Christ coming to earth-the whole gospel story in one song. Let's have as many verses as we want, and let's just go for it.""
         A few weeks later Getty sent Stuart some melody ideas, the first of which, penned on the back of electricity bill as a 25 year old, was a magnificent, haunting melody that Stuart loved, and he immediately started writing down some lyrical ideas on what they wanted to say, covering the life, death, resurrection of Christ and the implications of this on our lives. Throughout this process was a deep desire to dig deep into the meaning of God's word and express it in poetic and memorable way, so that the truths of His word would remain in our minds. So that the truth about God and who we are in Him remains central to our lives as believers.
         As the lyrics came to life, Stuart became all the more excited because it places our hope, our assurance, our eternal destiny in the right place - on the solid foundation of Christ. He knew in his own life he needed reminding continually not to live by his feelings or his circumstances, but by the unchanging truth of the gospel. It was an undeniable statement of the power of Christ to sustain us in this life They finally got together, and after some fine-tuning, In Christ Alone was born. A song abounding in biblical truths.
          As you study these words, be reminded of the impact of the power of Christ on your life.  Thank Him and praise Him as the One who provided this power for you.

In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
Here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone! – who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe.
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save:
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied –
For every sin on Him was laid;
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious day
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine –
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand:
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.

Listen to it here.    ALONE

https://youtu.be/h2ld1wI2hT8?si=1KRKNaA5BwD9mCpM 

NO HIGHER CALLING. - "classic chorus"

            There are a few choruses that continue to come back to my mind at various times when either I have a perplexing need or I am burdened for a friend who is facing a challenging situation.  There are times like this that I am reminded of my need to fall at the feet of Jesus and seek His face.
            These times also remind me of the honor that is mine to do this.  I am reminded of His glory and mercy and my need to worship Him.

            "No Higher Calling" is a powerful and inspiring song often sung by Promise Keepers that touches the hearts of many with its profound lyrics and captivating melody. This song holds a deep meaning that resonates with listeners, reminding them of their purpose and calling in life.

            The opening lines, "Down at Your feet, oh Lord, is the most high place," set the tone for the entire song. It humbly acknowledges that God is the highest authority and that surrendering to Him is the way to find our true purpose. It emphasizes the importance of putting our trust in Him and seeking His guidance in all aspects of our lives.  
          As the song progresses, it speaks of the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross, reminding us of His unconditional love and the redemption that is available to all who choose to follow Him. It encourages us to embrace this love and dedicate our lives to His service, proclaiming that "there is no higher calling, no greater honor than to bow and kneel before Your throne."
            While the specific inspiration or story behind the song is not readily available, the essence of the song aligns with the core teachings of Christianity. The lyrics reflect the biblical truth that God deserves our highest praise and worship. It is likely that the song was birthed out of a desire to express adoration and surrender to God in a profound and meaningful way.   
          Psalm 95:6 (NKJV): "Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker."  Philippians 2:9-11 (NIV): "Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
            

Down at Your feet, Oh Lord, 

is the most high place; 

in Your presence, Lord, 

I seek Your face, I seek your face. 

 There is no higher calling, 

no greater honor 

than to bow and kneel 

before Your throne. 

I'm amazed at Your glory, 

embraced by Your mercy, 

Oh Lord, I live to worship You. 

You can listen to it here.       CALLING

 

 

WE SHALL BEHOLD HIM

          Have you ever been struck by the beauty of a colorful sunrise or sunset?  Did you ever think that this could be the setting of the Lord's return?  This was the situation which stirred Dottie Rambo to compose this week's song.
           Rambo and a fellow musician were leaving their motel for a seven-mile trip to the sight of a concert when suddenly they saw an unusually beautiful sunset. She said there were "colors that I had never seen in my lifetime." She thought of the wonderful prospect of Jesus, "coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory" (Matt. 24:30).  The Lord said "be still I want to give you something special."  It was all she could do to drive as she began to compose the words during those seven miles, He allowed her to write this beautiful song.
          The first time that Sandi Patti heard this song was on a demo tape and she was immediately mesmerized by it.  She played the demo for her arranger, David Clydesdale at their next meeting. They were sitting at her little spinet piano, talking about that song.  And while they sat there, he started adding the orchestration. Two hours later, it was done.  He wrote it right there on the spot and the next day the musicians were playing it.
          Rambo was an American gospel singer and songwriter.  She was a Grammy winning solo artist and multiple Dove award winning artist.  She wrote more than 2,500 songs.
          At age eight, she started writing songs while sitting on a creek bank near her Morganfield, Kentucky home.  She had the support of her mother and father, and by age ten she was singing and playing country music cover tunes on a local radio program.   At twelve years old, she became a born-again Christian and made a commitment to write and sing Christian music. The decision turned out to be pivotal in more than one way; it did not sit well with her father who gave her an ultimatum – give up Christian music or leave. She left home and went on the road, with her first engagement being at a church in Indianapolis, Indiana. She formed a trio called the Gospel Echoes and traveled throughout the midwestern and southern United States. Along with ex-husband Buck and daughter Reba, she later formed the award-winning southern Gospel group, The Rambos.
            On May 11, 2008, while on her tour bus heading to Texas for a Mother's Day concert, Rambo's tour bus crashed, killing her instantly. The crash took place in Mt. Vernon, Missouri. The other 6 passengers survived with injuries, including her manager Larry Ferguson and his family.
          This song reminds us of that glorious time when Christians will finally see the Lord face to face when they are raptured and taken home.  Now I must admit that I think Rambo mixes some facts of the Lord's rapture and His second coming.  But that doesn't change the effect we will experience when we finally behold him face to face. And, that could even happen today.  Are you ready?
          Listen to it here.   BEHOLD HIM

The sky shall unfold

Preparing His entrance

The stars shall applaud Him

With thunders of praise

The sweet light in His eyes, shall enhance those awaiting

And we shall behold Him, then face to face

O we shall behold Him, we shall behold Him

Face to face in all of His glory

O we shall behold Him, yes we shall behold Him

Face to face, our Savior and Lord

The angel will sound, the shout of His coming

And the sleeping shall rise, from there slumbering place

And those remaining, shall be changed in a moment

And we shall behold him, then face to face

We shall behold Him, o yes we shall behold Him

Face to face in all of His glory

We shall behold Him, face to face

Our Savior and Lord

We shall behold Him, our Savior and Lord

Savior and Lord!

 

NO ONE UNDERSTANDS LIKE JESUS

This is a feature where once each month 

I share one of my personal favorite hymns.

 

          All of us go through periods when we feel all alone and think nobody seems to care.  The problems seem so heavy and we wish that we just had somebody who could help us through the fog that we face.  The difficult times in which we live have brought new, heavy tensions -   unemployment, bills, mortgages, illnesses, family struggles, fears, terrorism, loss of freedoms, uncertainty - heavy burdens to bear.  

          And every year we start afresh hoping that things will change for the better.  But we live in a sinful world where problems are not going to vanish even if we make good "resolutions".  

          A hymn by John Peterson (1921– 2006) has often been a comfort to me when I have faced these seemingly "impossible" pressures.  Incidentally, back when I used to sing solos, this was the first hymn that I sang with a taped background - in fact it was the first time any soloist used a background tape in our church.  So it does have a special meaning for me

          Mr. Peterson wrote this hymn in the early years of his ministry.  Here is his account of how it was written. "At one time I had a fairly responsible position with a well-known gospel ministry. One day a supervisory position opened up in my department. I was led to believe that I was to be promoted to this position. I was thrilled and challenged by the prospect of a new job. But I was by-passed, and a man from the outside was brought in to fill the position.  There followed days of agonizing heart searching. It was all I could do to keep from becoming bitter. 

          One night I had occasion to spend an evening with the man who was brought in for "my" position. For some reason or other, though otherwise a very pleasant fellow, that night he became quite caustic in some of his remarks to me; and I was deeply hurt.   Later that evening, after returning home, I was sitting in our living room thinking about the events of the past days and about the bitter experiences of that evening. I began to feel very alone and forsaken. Suddenly, I sensed the presence of the Lord in an unusual way and my mind was diverted from my difficulties to His faithfulness and sufficiency. 

          Soon the thought occurred to me that He fully understood and sympathized with my situation.  In fact, no one could ever completely understand or care as did He. Before long, the idea for the song came and I began to write."  Since then. this hymn and its truth have been a special comfort to me as well as to untold scores of believers. 

         Yes, Jesus is a friend who will never leave us or forsake us.  He is our only true friend.  May the words of this song encourage you during the days ahead.  Cast your every care on Him.

 

1.     No one understands like Jesus.
He's a friend beyond compare;
Meet Him at the throne of mercy;
He is waiting for you there.
No one understands like Jesus
When the days are dark and grim;
No one is so near, so dear as Jesus--
Cast your ev'ry care on Him!

 

2.     No one understands like Jesus;
Ev'ry woe He sees and feels;
Tenderly He whispers comfort,
And the broken heart He heals.
No one understands like Jesus
When the days are dark and grim;
No one is so near, so dear as Jesus--
Cast your ev'ry care on Him!

 

3.     No one understands like Jesus
When the foes of life assail;
You should never be discouraged;
Jesus cares and will not fail!
No one understands like Jesus
When the days are dark and grim;
No one is so near, so dear as Jesus--
Cast your ev'ry care on Him!

 

4.     No one understands like Jesus
When you falter on the way;
Tho' you fail Him, sadly fail Him,
He will pardon you today.
No one understands like Jesus
When the days are dark and grim;
No one is so near, so dear as Jesus--
Cast your ev'ry care on Him!

 

Listen to this beautiful hymn sung here.    

 

A solo   LISTEN1

A choir   LISTEN2

 

NEAR TO THE HEART OF GOD. (TH)

        TIMELESS HYMNS - A regular feature in which I choose a previous hymn blog, revise it and post it again.  This one was first posted in 2014.

 

           It is strange how our mind sometimes recalls incidents that happened to us decades before and have since been forgotten.  As I began to prepare this blog my mind went back to when I was a youngster and was having great difficulty memorizing the memory verse for the week.  The verse was James 4:8, "Draw nigh unto God and He will draw nigh unto you."  I struggled with this simple verse probably because I didn't have any idea what was meant by "drawing nigh".  But as my parents tried to explain the meaning to me it all began to make sense and it has since become one of those verses which I've never forgotten.  

          It has also become much more meaningful to me as I've grown older and experienced the truth of the verse.  James 4:8 may have been part of the truth that guided Cleland Boyd McAfee (1866 - 1944) to write these words in 1903. But like so many of the great hymns, it was born out of tragic circumstances. 

          McAfee, an American theologian and Presbyterian minister, suffered the loss of two infant nieces to diphtheria. At that time McAfee was preacher and choir director of the campus Presbyterian church at Park College, Parkville, Mo. His daughter described the account in her book, "Near to the Heart of God". 

          Hymnologist William J. Reynolds quotes the account: "The family and town were stricken with grief. My father often told us how he sat long and late thinking of what could be said in word and song on the coming Sunday. So he wrote the little song. The choir learned it at the regular Saturday night rehearsal, and afterward they went to Howard McAfee's home and sang it as they stood under the sky outside the darkened, quarantined house. It was sung again on Sunday morning at the communion service.  

          And in the years since it has been a real comfort to many of us who have learned that we need to "draw nigh" to the blest Redeemer, sent from the heart of God, who is always there to comfort us and cheer us and guide us.  What a privilege to go to that place of quiet rest, of comfort sweet, of full relief, near to the heart of God.  

          Maybe the events of your life are pressing you for that help.  Then draw nigh to Him and He will draw nigh to you.  He is always there to meet you when you seek Him.

 

(1)    There is a place of quiet rest,

Near to the heart of God.

A place where sin cannot molest,

Near to the heart of God.

O Jesus, blest Redeemer,

Sent from the heart of God,

Hold us who wait before Thee

Near to the heart of God.

 

(2)    There is a place of comfort sweet,

Near to the heart of God.

A place where we our Savior meet,

Near to the heart of God.

O Jesus, blest Redeemer,

Sent from the heart of God,

Hold us who wait before Thee

Near to the heart of God.

 

(3)    There is a place of full release,

Near to the heart of God.

A place where all is joy and peace,

Near to the heart of God.

O Jesus, blest Redeemer,

Sent from the heart of God,

Hold us who wait before Thee

Near to the heart of God.

 

Listen to it being sung here.   LISTEN

 

THE UNSEEN HAND

          I miss my father.  He was a godly man with great wisdom.  Often I was able to go to him for advice when I needed help.  

         But now He is in heaven and I can no longer visit or even call him.  Those days are gone forever.

         However, I still have a Father that I can reach and go to whenever I need help.  He has great wisdom and is never too busy to guide.  He is never on vacation and I don't need an appointment to come into His presence.  He is an "unseen hand".

          Albert J. Sims (1884-1969) was an Elder in the Primitive Baptist Church who served many churches in northwest Georgia.  He wrote this hymn about the unseen hand which he experienced in ways he could not see while going through "this world of woe."

          Sims shared how this hand has led through shadows drear and while it leads he has no fear.  And he knows that this unseen hand will continue to lead to that home where sin and sorrow can never come.

          Sims wrote how he longs to see his Savior's face and sing the story "Saved by Grace".  And on that golden strand he'll praise Him for His guiding hand.

          Thankfully we can put our faith in that unseen hand that faithfully guides us through all the challenges that we face in this difficult world.  I do miss my earthly father, but even though I can't see Him, my "Unseen Father" is omnipotent, compassionate and always there.

1.       There is an unseen hand to me

That leads through ways I cannot see

While going through this world of woe

This hand still leads me as I go

I'm trusting to the unseen hand

That guides me through this weary land

And some sweet day I'll reach that strand

Still guided by the unseen hand

2.   This hand has led through shadows drear

And while it leads I have no fear

I know 'twill lead me to that home

Where sin nor sorrow e're can come

I'm trusting to the unseen hand

That guides me through this weary land

And some sweet day I'll reach that strand

Still guided by the unseen hand

3.   I long to see my Savior's face

And sing the story I've been saved by grace

And there upon that golden strand

I'll praise Him for His guiding hand

I'm trusting to the unseen hand

That guides me through this weary land

And some sweet day I'll reach that strand

Still guided by the unseen hand

You can listen to it here.  UNSEEN

 

GRACE FOR THE MOMENT

          There are many hymn writers who have written inspiring songs about God's great grace for His children.  His grace is abundant and free.  It is all that we need.
          One of these is musician Buddy Greene who with Tricia Walker shares that God's grace is there for each moment that we need it.  It is given faithfully and proves His great love for us.  

          The song "Grace for the Moment" is a reminder of the Christian belief in the sufficiency of God's grace for every moment and situation in life. It emphasizes the reliance on divine grace rather than one's own strength, with an undercurrent of trust in God's provision and the peace that comes from faith. The song encourages listeners to lean on God's promises and to receive grace with faith, highlighting the daily necessity of grace and the assurance it provides.

          The song starts by declaring the need for grace in every moment and the importance of faith to receive this grace. It moves on to address human worry and the peace that comes from turning to God in thanksgiving, suggesting that grace is abundantly available to those who seek it with a faithful heart. The song then touches on the concept of faith itself, defining it as a reliance not on oneself but on the unseen and constant support from Jesus, reinforcing the message that God's love is made manifest in the provision of grace. Each verse builds on the concept of living by faith, relying on divine grace, and the assurance of God's love and support.
        **2 Corinthians 12:9** - "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." This verse echoes the song's emphasis on the sufficiency of God's grace for every need and moment.
        **Hebrews 4:16** - "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." This reinforces the song's encouragement to approach God with faith to receive grace.
        **Philippians 4:6-7** - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This passage aligns with the song's message on the peace that comes from trusting in God's provision of grace.
        **Hebrews 11:1** - "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." This verse underpins the song's reflection on the nature of faith as relying on Jesus and His unseen assurance of grace and love.
       These verses collectively highlight the biblical foundations of the themes explored in "Grace for the Moment," such as the sufficiency of grace, the importance of faith, and the peace and assurance that come from trusting in God's promises. 
         Take time today to thank God for His grace and especially His grace for this moment in your life.

Grace for the moment, all that I need

Grace for the moment and faith to receive

All the promises given to those who believe

And grace for the moment, all that I need.

When I fret over outcomes that I cannot see

It's for certain I'll not have the peace meant for me

But when with thanksgiving I just look to Him

He will answer me time and again with

Grace for the moment, all that I need

Grace for the moment and faith to receive

All the promises given to those who believe

And grace for the moment, all that I need.

If I understand faith, it's not counting on me

It's the hope and assurance of what I can't see

It's the daily relying on Jesus to be

Providing more grace faithfully

Further proving His great love for me with

 

Grace for the moment, all that I need

Grace for the moment and faith to receive

All the promises given to those who believe

And grace for the moment, all that I need.

Listen to it here.   GRACE

 

I'D RATHER HAVE JESUS

This is a feature where once each month 

I share one of my personal favorite hymns.         

          While I am sharing my personal favorite hymns once a month in this blog, I can't forget those sung by my favorite gospel soloist, George Beverly Shea. Not only did he have a beautiful voice but he ministered so sincerely and he lived a life which backed the Gospel message which he shared.
         For years he was the featured soloist with Billy Graham and many of his numbers are what I would call "classic" in the history of religious music. One of my very favorites is this week's choice, "I'd Rather Have Jesus".
         It is interesting that this poem, written by Rhea F. Miller in 1922, was left on a piano in the Shea home by Bev Shea who wanted her son to find it and change the course of his life. The words did move George and spoke to him about his own aims and ambitions in life. He sat down at the piano and began singing them with a tune that seemed to fit the words. Shea's mom heard him singing it and asked him to sing it at church the next day.
         George's life direction did change. He was offered a popular music career with NBC, but a few years later chose to become associated with evangelist Billy Graham and he sang this hymn around the world.
          I wonder how many of us can actually claim this message. Would we rather have Jesus than riches or great possessions? Would we prefer him over power and fame?

          I believe that should the Lord tarry, many believers, even in this country, will be forced to make that decision publicly. May each of us make that decision today and live lives that reflect it. May our hungering spirits find him to be all that we need.
          I'd rather have Jesus than anything this world affords today.

 

1.     I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold;

I'd rather be His than have riches untold;

I'd rather have Jesus than houses or lands;

I'd rather be led by His nail-pierced hand

    Refrain:

Than to be the king of a vast domain

And be held in sin's dread sway;

I'd rather have Jesus than anything

This world affords today.

 

2.     I'd rather have Jesus than men's applause;

I'd rather be faithful to His dear cause;

I'd rather have Jesus than worldwide fame;

I'd rather be true to His holy name

Refrain:

Than to be the king of a vast domain

And be held in sin's dread sway;

I'd rather have Jesus than anything

This world affords today.

 

3.     He's fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;

He's sweeter than honey from out the comb;

He's all that my hungering spirit needs;

I'd rather have Jesus and let Him lead

Refrain:

Than to be the king of a vast domain

And be held in sin's dread sway;

I'd rather have Jesus than anything

This world affords today.

 

Listen to it being sung here. LISTEN

 

HE KEEPS ME SINGING (TH)

TIMELESS HYMNS - A regular feature in which I choose a previous hymn blog, revise it and post it again.  This one was first posted in 2014          

 

          As I search the history of the writing of various hymns, I am continually impressed with the number of hymns that are the result of sorrow and tragedy.  Over the years the Lord has often used such events to stir the writing of music that has spoken and helped so many people.  
          Luther B. Bridges (1484 -1948) began preaching at the age of seventeen and was ordained as a Methodist Minister. He then served as an evangelist in the American South and in mission work in Belgium, Czechoslovakia, and Russia. He pastored in Georgia and North Carolina before retiring in 1945 in Gainesville, Georgia.  As a teen he met Sarah Vetch and they reportedly fell in love at first sight. They were both younger than twenty years old when they married. They had three boys.  

          In 1910 Bridges accepted an invitation to minister at a conference in Kentucky, so he left his family in the care of his father-in-law and made the trip to Kentucky. There he had two wonderful weeks of ministry. He closed the last service with great joy and was excited to be called to the telephone. He couldn't wait to tell his wife about all the blessings. 

          But it wasn't her voice on that long distance line. Instead, he listened in silence to the news that a fire had burned down the house of his father-in-law and his wife and all three of his sons had died in the blaze. He was bereaved for his wife and children and asked himself, "How could this happen while I was doing God's will?"  But that distraught father leaned heavily on His Savior and expressed his faith in God and during a tearful moment he penned the words of this week's hymn.  

          When you sing the words of this "upbeat" song you'd probably never sense the pain and sorrow of the author.  But knowing the story behind it, you can see his sorrow with phrases he uses such as ... Fear not ... peace be still ...discord ... heart with pain ... broken strings ... His sheltering wing ... and then, in verse 4, waters deep ... trials ... path seems rough and steep.  Maybe at times in your life you've used the same words to express your situation.  But notice that the author always answers with ... Jesus, Jesus, Jesus ... fills my every longing ... keeps me singing as I go.  

          I trust that you have a song in your heart, no matter what your situation may be.  But I can't end this blog without mentioning the hope of the final verse - soon He's coming back to welcome me ... I shall reign with Him on high.  And that truth should enable us to live each day with a song of expectation in our hearts ... keeps me singing as I go!

 

(1)   There's within my heart a melody

Jesus whispers sweet and low,

Fear not, I am with thee, peace, be still,

In all of life's ebb and flow.

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,

Sweetest Name I know,

Fills my every longing,

Keeps me singing as I go.

 

(2)   All my life was wrecked by sin and strife,

Discord filled my heart with pain,

Jesus swept across the broken strings,

Stirred the slumbering chords again.

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,

Sweetest Name I know,

Fills my every longing,

Keeps me singing as I go.

 

(3)    Feasting on the riches of His grace,

Resting 'neath His sheltering wing,

Always looking on His smiling face,

That is why I shout and sing.

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,

Sweetest Name I know,

Fills my every longing,

Keeps me singing as I go.

 

(4)     Though sometimes He leads through waters deep,

Trials fall across the way,

Though sometimes the path seems rough and steep,

See His footprints all the way.

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,

Sweetest Name I know,

Fills my every longing,

Keeps me singing as I go.

 

(5)    Soon He's coming back to welcome me,

Far beyond the starry sky;

I shall wing my flight to worlds unknown,

I shall reign with Him on high.

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,

Sweetest Name I know,

Fills my every longing,

Keeps me singing as I go.

 

Listen to it here.   LISTEN

OVER THE SUNSET MOUNTAINS

             Over the decades hymn writers have chosen a variety of ways to describe heaven or the trip to heaven.  These have included things like trips through the river, flights through space or trips over the mountains.

          John Peterson (1921-2006), one of the great hymn writers of modern times, used the sunset mountains in his hymn about heaven.  He talked about someday crossing the mountains to softly pass into the arms of Jesus, the One who loved him so.  What a beautiful description of the time that awaits believers.       

          Peterson wrote over 1,000 songs and 35 cantatas.  When Peterson first started writing gospel melodies and lyrics some were rejected by publishers. He found one of these rejections especially disturbing.  He had just written this week's hymn choice.  The music editor he approached seemed pleased with his song but made this suggestion – "Take out the name of Jesus and enlarge a little more on heaven."

          Peterson thought, "Heaven without Jesus?  That is unthinkable!  So, he picked up his manuscript and left.  God honored Peterson for not compromising the truth.  Over the years the song was published as written and has brought comfort to many.

          In writing the song Peterson knew that in heaven toiling will all be ended, shadows will flee away and sorrows will all be forgotten. Oh, what a wonderful day that will be.
          Many believers fear when they think about their final moments on earth.  They don't know when or how this will happen.  But scripture and hymns like this one should remind us that He who loves us will be there to carefully carry us in His arms. What a wonderful day that will be.

 

Over the sunset mountains

Someday I'll softly go

Into the arms of Jesus

He who has loved me so

Over the sunset mountains

Heaven awaits for me

Over the sunset mountains

Jesus my Savior I'll see.

 

Toiling will all be ended

Shadows will flee away

Sorrow will be forgotten

Oh What a wonderful day

Over the sunset mountains

Heaven awaits for me

Over the sunset mountains

Jesus my Savior I'll see

Jesus my Savior I'll see.

Listen to it here.   MOUNTAINS