tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49339536125423837822024-03-17T23:14:20.568-04:00Hymns With A MessageBarry Kauffmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07015588684956715869noreply@blogger.comBlogger820125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933953612542383782.post-4565334814574690052024-03-17T01:00:00.015-04:002024-03-17T16:03:21.511-04:00OPEN OUR EYES<div class="yahoo-style-wrap"><div style="border-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 0in;"><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhjwkY1-t3hUMXqRDrQgasI6r7W9rndSIWCHLbSYYFfXCjCFTE4Cp-mqGrih_KMPFIgygvhi8mJ0rp7U1AK2wPCFlcV4YqWVkUcoFy7M0JTXS2eue5ijS_J8O1RP4bD2VcbWnS8nW-KpzSr33d1Yp6iCkEjm6Qp_0yALoUuywsdQhoHfLjSCtIRUGqCjo" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="130" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7262079364207302498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhjwkY1-t3hUMXqRDrQgasI6r7W9rndSIWCHLbSYYFfXCjCFTE4Cp-mqGrih_KMPFIgygvhi8mJ0rp7U1AK2wPCFlcV4YqWVkUcoFy7M0JTXS2eue5ijS_J8O1RP4bD2VcbWnS8nW-KpzSr33d1Yp6iCkEjm6Qp_0yALoUuywsdQhoHfLjSCtIRUGqCjo=w200-h130" width="200" /></a></p><p style="border-color: currentcolor; border-style: none; border-width: medium; margin: 0.2in 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> </span></i><span>Being blind physically must be one of the most difficult handicaps that some must live with. So many of normal life activities are very difficult or even impossible without sight. And, in most cases, there is no way to restore your sight. And yet many people have successfully lived though being blind physically. I think of someone like Fanny Crosby whose music has ministered to multitudes over the years.<br /> But there is a more serious blindness – spiritual blindness. It's a condition everyone is born with. But there is a cure. God has provided a free cure. </span><span lang="EN" style="color: #4d5156;">Psalm 119:18, "</span><span lang="EN" style="color: #040c28;">Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law</span><span lang="EN" style="color: #4d5156;">."<br /> </span><span style="color: #374151;">With our eyes opened, we see in God's Word the living God who graciously reveals himself to us. We learn how to live the way God intends for us. We ultimately find the "wonderful things" of God's grace and mercy—above all, in God's gift of Jesus—and we live in gratitude for all he has done for us.<br /> Now </span><span>every speaker has times when he/she feels like he/she is speaking to a brick wall. Youth speakers might experience this more than most other speakers.</span><span style="color: #374151;"> </span><span>How can God possibly get to a group of people when their eyes and ears are closed? Robert Cull felt that way when he was speaking to a group of young people in a Christian school in Hawaii. As long as he was entertaining them, it was okay. But when he started drawing them to Jesus Christ, he lost them.</span><span style="color: #374151;"><br /> </span><span>Bob felt defeated and wondered if it was hopeless. That's when God seemed to encouraged him to write a prayer song to "reach closed-hearted people". After praying about it for half an hour, he says, "the song, like an answer to my prayer, fell into my head".</span><span style="color: #374151;"> </span><span>Since that time, this song has been translated and recorded in dozens of languages. </span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; color: #404040;">The song was copyrighted in 1976 and published by Maranatha! Music. <br /> The song is really a prayer that we could sing and recite daily. Remember</span><span lang="EN" style="color: #4d5156;">Psalm 119:18, "</span><span lang="EN" style="color: #040c28;">Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law</span><span lang="EN" style="color: #4d5156;">."</span><span style="background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; color: #404040;"></span></span></span></p></div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="ydp7aa7f284MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody><tr><td style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"></td><td style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><p class="ydp7aa7f284MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Open our eyes Lord</span></b></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>We want to see Jesus,</b></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>To reach out and touch Him</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>And say that we love Him.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Open our ears Lord</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>And help us to listen,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Open our eyes Lord</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>We want to see Jesus.</b></div></b></span><p></p><p class="ydp7aa7f284MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Listen to it here. <b><a href="https://youtu.be/4XJu0mnn_b4">EYES</a></b></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="ydp7aa7f284MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><div style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><br /></div>Barry Kauffmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07015588684956715869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933953612542383782.post-75048309262341014362024-03-10T01:00:00.033-05:002024-03-10T09:18:33.349-04:00FATHER, WHATE'ER OF EARTHLY BLISS<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkRsMxBvOukq2CNYl-NILoJbwT4m_0BcdU9ysBbqC9EUDYXpDNSEaCgU7ZFaGi-0vWWhukIbc2-wqE1zUId0oHZJuu7BglbyGCK_p1pOq_XsCflmU2nD3dvnhtB_W4t54XirUe9CAa62sauZJpfzu5qLgOsg5zrZQpvObE-L-9CuT_ZDY4BtKkJIkT0Ro" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="100" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7296188408879670482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkRsMxBvOukq2CNYl-NILoJbwT4m_0BcdU9ysBbqC9EUDYXpDNSEaCgU7ZFaGi-0vWWhukIbc2-wqE1zUId0oHZJuu7BglbyGCK_p1pOq_XsCflmU2nD3dvnhtB_W4t54XirUe9CAa62sauZJpfzu5qLgOsg5zrZQpvObE-L-9CuT_ZDY4BtKkJIkT0Ro=w200-h100" width="200" /></a></p><div class="yahoo-style-wrap"><p class="ydpc59c7fd1MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span> The Lord has oftened used the sufferings and difficult experiences of his children to encourage others, often through the music which they compose. Such was the case with Anne Steele (1717-1778), the daughter of a Baptist preacher and timber merchant, William Steele.<br /> Steele faced many challenges. She lost her mother at age 3, a potential suitor who drowned at age 20, her step mom at 43 and her sister-in-law at 45. She spent many years caring for her father until his death in 1769. She suffered a severe hip injury. For most of her life she also exhibited symptoms of malaria, including persistent pain, fever, headaches and stomach aches. She was bed ridden for some years before her death.<br /> Out of her suffering, she began writing devotional material and her ministry along side her dad to his congregation blossomed. In her mid-forties, she submitted her. <i>Poems on Subjects Chiefly Devotional</i> for publication. Of this work her father said "I pray God to make it useful and keep her humble."<br /> So many of his poems were converted to hymns that Anne is remembered as one of the foremost women hymnists of the eighteenth century.<br /> This week's hymn choice is an interesting prayer of hers. She asks for a calm and thankful heart and God's presence on her journey here below.<br /></span><span style="color: #0a3f64;"> When the hour of her journey's end finally came, she welcomed its arrival, and though her feeble body was excruciated with pain, her mind was perfectly serene. She took the most affectionate leave of her weeping friends around her, and at length, the happy moment of her dismission arising, she closed her eyes, and with these animating words on her dying lips, "I know that my Redeemer liveth," gently fell asleep in Jesus.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.1in 0in 0.2in;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: #0a3f64; font-family: georgia;">1 Father, whate’er of earthly bliss</b></div><span style="color: #0a3f64; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Thy sov'reign will denies,</b></div><b><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Accepted at Thy throne of grace,</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Let this petition rise.</b></div><o:p></o:p></b></span><p></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(10, 63, 100); display: inline-block; margin: 0.1in 0in 0.2in;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: #0a3f64; font-family: georgia;">2 Give me a calm, a thankful heart,</b></div><span style="color: #0a3f64; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b>From every murmur free;</b></div><b><div style="text-align: left;"><b>The blessing of Thy grace impart,</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>And let me live to Thee</b></div></b></span><p></p></div><div class="yahoo-style-wrap"><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><p style="display: inline-block; margin: 0.1in 0in 0.2in;"><span style="color: #0a3f64;"><span face="-webkit-standard" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> </span></span></p></span></b><p style="caret-color: rgb(10, 63, 100); display: inline-block; margin: 0.1in 0in 0.2in;"><span style="color: #0a3f64;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">3 Let the sweet hope that Thou art mine</span></b></span></p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="caret-color: rgb(10, 63, 100); color: #0a3f64;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">My life and death attend;</span></b></div><p style="caret-color: rgb(10, 63, 100); display: inline-block; margin: 0.1in 0in 0.2in;"><span style="color: #0a3f64;"></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0a3f64;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Thy presence thro' my journey shine,</span></b></span></div><span style="color: #0a3f64;"><b><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">And crown my journey’s end.</span></b></div></b></span><p></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0.1in 0in 0.2in;"><span style="color: #0a3f64; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">The music can be heard here. <b> <a href="https://youtu.be/DcJq7GcQ_tk?si=oFI0WfDFBIPo8q4x">CALM</a></b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p></div><div class="yahoo-style-wrap"><br /></div>Barry Kauffmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07015588684956715869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933953612542383782.post-76451365146474990902024-03-03T01:00:00.013-05:002024-03-03T01:00:00.134-05:00BLESSED ASSURANCE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1JQz-fyuX36XOfVpkga0TJCqnY20esO_8FrSnRpmGeMihh7M3HBr05Ht1glI4ybN8frKva7Ft0A-KYMr-LxabAfLaVTeVGwWgbmqcwnVBuMi-jTvGd4liW-y2n5kNx51HhvFpWE5TPtihPqQRorvdGHxPeE1neJ7pBNawVPhgo3mu3i0WRI2GnmtXi_k" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="116" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7254295041350613986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1JQz-fyuX36XOfVpkga0TJCqnY20esO_8FrSnRpmGeMihh7M3HBr05Ht1glI4ybN8frKva7Ft0A-KYMr-LxabAfLaVTeVGwWgbmqcwnVBuMi-jTvGd4liW-y2n5kNx51HhvFpWE5TPtihPqQRorvdGHxPeE1neJ7pBNawVPhgo3mu3i0WRI2GnmtXi_k=w511-h116" width="511" /></a></div><p class="mobile-photo"></p><div class="yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif;"><p class="ydp79811dcbMsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in;"><b><i><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Once a month I take time to share one of my favorite hymns. This month I have chosen Blessed Assurance which has been a personal favorite of mine for many years.</span></i></b></p><p class="ydp79811dcbMsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="ydp79811dcbMsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span class="ydp79811dcbapple-style-span"><span style="font-size: medium;"> How could I not pick hymns by Fanny Crosby among my favorites? All of us have enjoyed and have been touched by the many words written by the great blind hymn writer. </span></span></p><p class="ydp79811dcbMsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span class="ydp79811dcbapple-style-span"><span style="font-size: medium;"> The themes for her hymns were often suggested by visiting ministers who wished to have a new song on a particular subject. It is amazing that, especially for a blind person, someone could write on this variety of spiritual truths and experiences with such proliferation. And with such speed.</span></span></p><p class="ydp79811dcbMsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span class="ydp79811dcbapple-style-span"><span style="font-size: medium;"> For a considerable period of her life, while under contract to a music publisher, she wrote three new hymns each week. She used over 200 pen names. Many of her original texts are still being uncovered and perhaps might be found and published in the future. </span></span></p><p class="ydp79811dcbMsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span class="ydp79811dcbapple-style-span"><span style="font-size: medium;"> About 500 of her hymns were accompanied by the music of an amateur musician, Mrs. Phoebe Knapp, the wife of the second president of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. She attended the same church as Fanny and kept a pipe organ in her apartment to help her compose. One day Fanny was visiting her friend Phoebe as the Knapp home was having the large pipe organ installed. The organ was incomplete so, using the piano, Phoebe played a new melody she had just composed. "What do you think the tune says?" she asked. "Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine", answered Fanny Crosby. And with that inspiration, Fanny penned the words of this great hymn of testimony which is still being sung today in many churches. </span></span></p><p class="ydp79811dcbMsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span class="ydp79811dcbapple-style-span"><span style="font-size: medium;"> And what a powerful message it contains. We have the assurance that Jesus is ours and His praise should be on our lips all day long. I also marvel at how a blind person can talk about sight as she does with the phrase "Visions of rapture now burst on my sight." Then later she says that she is "watching and waiting, and looking above". Then she ends with the testimony "filled with His goodness, lost in His love". </span></span></p><p class="ydp79811dcbMsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="ydp79811dcbapple-style-span"><span> There isn't too much that we can count on today in this changing world. But, what a joy to have this blessed assurance in your life, that Jesus, your Savior, is yours for eternity. Is this your story? Is this your song? May your heart be filled with His praises all the day long.</span></span><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"></span></span></p><p class="ydp79811dcbMsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="ydp79811dcbMsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="ydp79811dcbapple-style-span"><b><span>(1) Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!</span></b></span><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp79811dcbMsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="ydp79811dcbapple-style-span"><b><span>O what a foretaste of glory divine!</span></b></span><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp79811dcbMsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="ydp79811dcbapple-style-span"><b><span>Heir of salvation, purchase of God,</span></b></span><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp79811dcbMsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="ydp79811dcbapple-style-span"><b><span>Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.</span></b></span><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp79811dcbMsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="ydp79811dcbapple-style-span"><b><span>This is my story, this is my song,</span></b></span><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp79811dcbMsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="ydp79811dcbapple-style-span"><b><span>Praising my Savior, all the day long;</span></b></span><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp79811dcbMsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="ydp79811dcbapple-style-span"><b><span>This is my story, this is my song,</span></b></span><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp79811dcbMsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="ydp79811dcbapple-style-span"><b><span>Praising my Savior, all the day long.</span></b></span><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp79811dcbMsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="ydp79811dcbMsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="ydp79811dcbapple-style-span"><b><span>(2) Perfect submission, perfect delight,</span></b></span><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp79811dcbMsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="ydp79811dcbapple-style-span"><b><span>Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;</span></b></span><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp79811dcbMsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="ydp79811dcbapple-style-span"><b><span>Angels descending bring from above</span></b></span><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp79811dcbMsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="ydp79811dcbapple-style-span"><b><span>Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.</span></b></span><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp79811dcbMsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="ydp79811dcbapple-style-span"><b><span>This is my story, this is my song,</span></b></span><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp79811dcbMsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="ydp79811dcbapple-style-span"><b><span>Praising my Savior, all the day long;</span></b></span><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp79811dcbMsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="ydp79811dcbapple-style-span"><b><span>This is my story, this is my song,</span></b></span><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp79811dcbMsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="ydp79811dcbapple-style-span"><b><span>Praising my Savior, all the day long.</span></b></span><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp79811dcbMsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="ydp79811dcbMsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="ydp79811dcbapple-style-span"><b><span>(3). Perfect submission, all is at rest</span></b></span><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp79811dcbMsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="ydp79811dcbapple-style-span"><b><span>I in my Savior am happy and blest,</span></b></span><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp79811dcbMsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="ydp79811dcbapple-style-span"><b><span>Watching and waiting, looking above,</span></b></span><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp79811dcbMsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="ydp79811dcbapple-style-span"><b><span>Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.</span></b></span><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp79811dcbMsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="ydp79811dcbapple-style-span"><b><span>This is my story, this is my song,</span></b></span><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp79811dcbMsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="ydp79811dcbapple-style-span"><b><span>Praising my Savior, all the day long;</span></b></span><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp79811dcbMsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="ydp79811dcbapple-style-span"><b><span>This is my story, this is my song,</span></b></span><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp79811dcbMsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="ydp79811dcbapple-style-span"><b><span>Praising my Savior, all the day long.</span></b></span><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"></span></span></p><p class="ydp79811dcbMsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="ydp79811dcbMsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="ydp79811dcbapple-style-span"><span>Listen to it here.</span></span><span class="ydp79811dcbapple-converted-space"><span> </span></span><span class="ydp79811dcbapple-style-span"><b><span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UePXtov0zC0" rel="nofollow" style="color: #954f72;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0066cc;">LISTEN</span></a></span></b></span></span><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 9pt;"></span></span></p><div style="font-size: 16px;"> </div><div style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><br /></div>Barry Kauffmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07015588684956715869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933953612542383782.post-77718471813920854292024-02-25T01:00:00.008-05:002024-02-25T01:00:00.135-05:00WORK FOR THE NIGHT IS COMING (TH)<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEju5TRMW8fMc2lRR3B5vL87kkF_RK1MgQpPhw2Vd7kyql1JzfEJAKizouzug4xjF_r2actBSDB1Pvnr4f3Ye-lCLGns9BHEIDjvlWzWgLLYXKQep1oXyu2cCpTY_lDSlgQj2D8gcSCT65TmaAt4YpJlueNfLBuqnaCZNxPsJmx06VmMV3iQdYrkJcBW-NE" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="133" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7250944702206303090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEju5TRMW8fMc2lRR3B5vL87kkF_RK1MgQpPhw2Vd7kyql1JzfEJAKizouzug4xjF_r2actBSDB1Pvnr4f3Ye-lCLGns9BHEIDjvlWzWgLLYXKQep1oXyu2cCpTY_lDSlgQj2D8gcSCT65TmaAt4YpJlueNfLBuqnaCZNxPsJmx06VmMV3iQdYrkJcBW-NE=w200-h133" width="200" /></a></p><div class="yahoo-style-wrap"><p class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span><i><span>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. <br /><br /></span></i><span></span></span></p><p class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">I clearly remember a few years ago sitting with some couples who were several years older than I was. They were talking about retirement and how they had also retired from all their responsibilities at church. They said that it was time to step aside and let somebody else do it. I was really taken back by this discussion and while I just listened, I thought how can one retire from serving the Lord, especially when there are so many opportunities and needs all around us. <br /> Now I realize that as one gets older there are some things that become more difficult to do, especially with physical changes. But one can adjust and find ways to use the gifts that God has given. And retirement does provide more time to serve the Lord. Retirement in the Lord's work should not be an option. Readjustment may be a better choice. <br /> Unfortunately, while I have been talking about older folks, the very same problem exists with others who are much younger. All sorts of things attract us and take us away from serving the Lord. Boats, cabins, races, sports, vacations, family, hobbies take us away from serving and worshipping on Sunday. Jobs, activities, recreation, hobbies limit our availability to serve during the week. More and more we have to hire professionals to cover areas of service and outreach once done by volunteers. Maybe we need to memorize and daily quote John 9:4, "As long as it is day, we must do the work of Him who sent Me. Night is coming, when no one can work." But do we really believe that.<br /> Is the night coming soon? I think so. It may have been that verse that was behind the writing of this week's hymn, "We'll Work Till Jesus Comes". Sometimes dated 1829, the text was written by an unknown author. In many books the song appears as "Anonymous." Some authorities believe that it is from the American folk tradition. <br /> In other books, it is attributed to Mrs. Elizabeth King Mills (1805-1829). The daughter of Philip King, she married Thomas Mills, who was a Member of Parliament. No other information about her is available, except that she was a poet who produced what was once a well known hymn, "We Speak of the Realms of the Blest." But no matter who wrote it, this hymn reminds us of the urgency of serving, while we still can. <br /> The stanzas share the story of the Christian's pilgrimage from earth to heaven. In stanza 1 we are told that heaven is a land of rest for which we sigh. In stanza 2 we are told that in contrast this earth is not our home. In stanza 3 we are told that, therefore, we must flee to Jesus Christ for our rest. In stanza 4 we are told that Christ will help us through death. In stanza 5 we are told that finally our tears shall be wiped away. But the refrain sounds out the commitment, we'll work till Jesus comes ... and we'll be gathered home! <br /> Have you "retired" from serving the Lord faithfully? Maybe this week we need to renew our commitment to serve and share the Gospel with the many that need the good news. The night is rapidly approaching when we can work no more.</span><span style="color: #00060d;"></span></span></p><p class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">(1) O land of rest, for thee I sigh!</span></b><span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">When will the moment come</span></b><span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">When I shall lay my armor by</span></b><span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">And dwell in peace at home?</span></b><span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">We'll work till Jesus comes,</span></b><span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">We'll work till Jesus comes,</span></b><span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">We'll work till Jesus comes,</span></b><span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">And we'll be gathered home.</span></b><span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">(2)"No tranquil joys on earth I know, </span></b><span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">No peaceful, sheltering dome.</span></b><span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">This world's a wilderness I know; </span></b><span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">This world is not my home."</span></b><span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">We'll work till Jesus comes,</span></b><span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">We'll work till Jesus comes,</span></b><span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">We'll work till Jesus comes,</span></b><span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">And we'll be gathered home.</span></b><span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">(3) To Jesus Christ I fled for rest;</span></b><span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">He bade me cease to roam,</span></b><span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">And lean for comfort on His breast</span></b><span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Till He conduct me home.</span></b><span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">We'll work till Jesus comes,</span></b><span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">We'll work till Jesus comes,</span></b><span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">We'll work till Jesus comes,</span></b><span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">And we'll be gathered home.</span></b><span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">(4) I sought at once my Savior's side;</span></b><span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">No more my steps shall roam.</span></b><span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">With Him I'll brave death's chilling tide</span></b><span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">And reach my heav'nly home.</span></b><span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">We'll work till Jesus comes,</span></b><span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">We'll work till Jesus comes,</span></b><span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">We'll work till Jesus comes,</span></b><span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">And we'll be gathered home.</span></b><span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">(5) Our tears shall all be wiped away, </span></b><span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">When we have ceased to roam;</span></b><span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">And we shall hear our Father say, </span></b><span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">'Come, dwell with Me at home.'"</span></b><span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">We'll work till Jesus comes,</span></b><span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">We'll work till Jesus comes,</span></b><span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">We'll work till Jesus comes,</span></b><span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">And we'll be gathered home.</span></b><span></span></span></p><p class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="ydp35c0c1a6MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Listen to it being sung here. <b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbqmOPk_RZU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0066cc;">LISTEN</span></a></b></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 9pt;"></span></span></p><div style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;"> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><br /></div>Barry Kauffmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07015588684956715869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933953612542383782.post-63392841757118389352024-02-18T01:00:00.011-05:002024-02-18T01:00:00.127-05:00GOD IS THE REFUGE OF HIS SAINTS<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDiQ2YnfVV62CtaJrjzpe7k1Ab6nXJIkSjVtC2lgJt1BOabb4cyFlXxsUt1nQEA4d3tfVIQTQyymRF267ktpP0viVfX6sRseJSzdENeX81Je6LQOMbrZu1aqItWPKDvd8ENh91s24mAzmk7ItQknosPbuXzKhsioYna5s7yndjn1WVaSO22OJM0fHj3nU" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="133" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7294429681467552658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDiQ2YnfVV62CtaJrjzpe7k1Ab6nXJIkSjVtC2lgJt1BOabb4cyFlXxsUt1nQEA4d3tfVIQTQyymRF267ktpP0viVfX6sRseJSzdENeX81Je6LQOMbrZu1aqItWPKDvd8ENh91s24mAzmk7ItQknosPbuXzKhsioYna5s7yndjn1WVaSO22OJM0fHj3nU=w200-h133" width="200" /></a></p><div class="yahoo-style-wrap"><p class="ydpe38ef2f1MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; color: #4d5156;"> Isaac Watts was truly one of the great hymn writers of all time. He is said to have written over 600 hymns, 52 other works, including a book of logic used widely in universities, and on grammar, astronomy, philosophy and geography. But in addition to his scholarly books, he wrote most of his hymns in his early twenties. <br /> In 1739 he suffered a stroke that left him able to speak but unable to write. A secretary was provided to transcribe his dictated poems and books. But over the years he became increasingly weak and eventually bedridden. He died in 1748.<br /> Apparently, he was not a very handsome man. Standing five feet fall, he had an outsized head and a prominent nose. His skin was tallowy. One woman, Elizabeth Singer, having never met him face-to-face, fell in love with him through his hymns and poems. But when she met him she was unsettled. He fell in love with her but she couldn't bring herself to marry him. Later she said "I only wish I could admire the casket (Jewelry box) as much as I admire the jewel."<br /> And, unfortunately that was the end of that brief romance.<br /> This particular hymn was one of the first written by Watts. It was inspired by Psalm 46. "The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge." Psalm 46:7<br /> God is our refuge,<span class="ydpe38ef2f1apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #040c28;">our safe place, our retreat, the place we go when we are afraid</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; color: #4d5156;">. And there is a lot of fear going around today. God is also our strength or "power." This is the same word that Jesus uses in in Acts 1:8 when he promises to give us "power" with the coming of the Holy Spirit who now lives within us.<br /> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" lang="EN" style="color: #4d5156;">But in the midst of these anxieties, we are reminded that we have the strong refuge, our loving God as we read </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" lang="EN" style="color: #040c28;">Psalm 46:1</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" lang="EN" style="color: #4d5156;"> "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." Here God is presented as a refuge and fortress for His people in a time of earthly upheaval.</span><span style="background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; color: #4d5156;"></span></span></span></p><p class="ydpe38ef2f1MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> Centuries may have passed but God is still the refuge of His saints. He provides sweet peace and new strength to fainting souls.</span></p><p class="ydpe38ef2f1MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> Dear saint may He be your refuge today.</span></p><p class="ydpe38ef2f1MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> Listen to it here. <b> <a href="https://youtu.be/t5IKUmHIfnw?si=S5AknCH1vXEPaTNS">REFUGE</a></b></span></p><p class="ydpe38ef2f1MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><div style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; border-color: black; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 0in;"><p style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; border-color: currentcolor; border-style: none; border-width: medium; margin: 0in; padding: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0a0a0a; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">God is the refuge of His saints,<br />When storms of sharp distress invade;<br />Ere we can offer our complaints,<br />Behold Him present with His aid.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; border-color: currentcolor; border-style: none; border-width: medium; margin: 0in; padding: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0a0a0a; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br />Let mountains from their seats be hurled<br />Down to the deep, and buried there;<br />Convulsions shake the solid world:<br />Our faith shall never yield to fear.<br /><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; border-color: currentcolor; border-style: none; border-width: medium; margin: 0in; padding: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0a0a0a; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Loud may the troubled ocean roar;<br />In sacred peace our souls abide;<br />While every nation, every shore,<br />Trembles, and dreads the swelling tide.<br /><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; border-color: currentcolor; border-style: none; border-width: medium; margin: 0in; padding: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0a0a0a; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">There is a stream, whose gentle flow<br />Supplies the city of our God,<br />Life, love, and joy, still guiding through,<br />And wat'ring our divine abode.<br /><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; border-color: currentcolor; border-style: none; border-width: medium; margin: 0in; padding: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0a0a0a; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">That sacred stream-Thy holy Word-<br />That all our raging fear controls;<br />Sweet peace Thy promises afford,<br />And give new strength to fainting souls.<br /><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; border-color: currentcolor; border-style: none; border-width: medium; margin: 0in; padding: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0a0a0a; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Zion enjoys her Monarch's love,<br />Secure against a threatening hour;<br />Nor can her firm foundations move,<br />Built on His truth, and armed with power.</span></p></div><p class="ydpe38ef2f1MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in;"> </p><p class="ydpe38ef2f1MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in;"> </p><div style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><br /></div>Barry Kauffmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07015588684956715869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933953612542383782.post-49737094327082176612024-02-11T01:00:00.014-05:002024-02-11T20:44:06.740-05:00BEHOLD THE GLORIES OF THE LAMB<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgg09ZrR7lLuZ7k7oJhSXhGmm0rKbYnwvAY1lD0IbO-B7WPKGGoeRmyRQO7p0o9nW1RUuedMlzTOs7-RrYz50x9ucgYFJKCt48ZMy8IAg-MzWtbUTHpVPX-ToH_I196rt1mAYCD1iwQM6XyYtidbd0liCn9MdoQqb8ejh6gkEcEjTPCR5u03nkfpG0PHZU" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="170" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7283914681493230130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgg09ZrR7lLuZ7k7oJhSXhGmm0rKbYnwvAY1lD0IbO-B7WPKGGoeRmyRQO7p0o9nW1RUuedMlzTOs7-RrYz50x9ucgYFJKCt48ZMy8IAg-MzWtbUTHpVPX-ToH_I196rt1mAYCD1iwQM6XyYtidbd0liCn9MdoQqb8ejh6gkEcEjTPCR5u03nkfpG0PHZU=w200-h170" width="200" /></a></p><div class="ydpbf2352ayahoo-style-wrap"><div id="ydpbf2352ayiv3741675724"><div class="ydpbf2352ayiv3741675724yahoo-style-wrap"><p class="ydpbf2352ayiv3741675724ydpc5b56107MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> Many hymns have unusual backgrounds. Such is this hymn penned in 1707 by a young man, Isaac Watts, when he was only about 20.<br /> The author's father, Isaac Watts, Sr., was a clothier and a deacon in the Above Bar Congregational Church in Southampton, England. He and his wife, Sarah, were "Dissenters", Non-Anglicans. This was a treasonous offense in those days. About the time that their son prematurely arrived, the elder Watts was arrested. It is said that Sarah nursed her newborn son while seated on a stone outside the prison.</span></p><p class="ydpbf2352ayiv3741675724ydpc5b56107MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> After Watts was released, they discovered that they had a very gifted son. He loved books. He learned Latin at age four, Greek at nine and Hebrew at thirteen. He loved rhyme and verse and wrote poetry.<br /> After Isaac graduated from grammar school, a wealthy friend offered to send him to school in Oxford. But he declined since that would have required his becoming Anglican. Instead, he enrolled in a college level school for Dissenters in Stoke Newington, London. There he excelled.<br /> After graduation from college, he returned to Southampton. There he complained to his father about the dismal singing at church. Only arrangements of the Psalms were used. Martin Luther taught his followers to sing hymns, but John Calvin allowed only the singing of the scriptures. Watts argued with his father that singing only the Psalms made them miss important New Testament truth. His father then challenged him to write a hymn.<br /> Centering his thoughts on Revelation 5, he did so. This week's hymn is his first. Once his congregation was convinced of what Isaac was saying, he began turning out a new hymn each week. This hymn reveals the amazing breadth of his Biblical knowledge. There are allusions to many Scriptural passages.<br /> Watts went on to write over 600 hymns, earning him the title of "Father of English Hymnody."</span></p><p style="margin: 0.1in 0in 0.2in;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #0a3f64; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1 Behold the glories of the Lamb</span></b></div><span style="color: #0a3f64; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>amidst His Father's throne!</b></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>amidst His Father's throne!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Prepare new honors for His name,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>and songs before unknown,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>and songs before unknown.</b></div></b></span><p></p><p style="margin: 0.1in 0in 0.2in;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #0a3f64; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;">2 Let elders worship at His feet,</span></b></div><span style="color: #0a3f64; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>the church adore around,</b></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>the church adore around,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>with vials full of odors sweet,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>and harps of sweeter sound,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>and harps of sweeter sound.</b></div></b></span><p></p><p style="margin: 0.1in 0in 0.2in;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #0a3f64; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;">3 "Worthy the Lamb that died," they cry,</span></b></div><span style="color: #0a3f64; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>"to be exalted thus,</b></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>to be exalted thus!"</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>"Worthy the Lamb," let us reply,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>"for He was slain for us,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>for He was slain for us."</b></div></b></span><p></p><p style="margin: 0.1in 0in 0.2in;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #0a3f64; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;">4 Now to the Lamb that once was slain</span></b></div><span style="color: #0a3f64; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>be endless blessings paid;</b></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>be endless blessings paid;</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>salvation, glory, joy, remain</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>forever on Thy head,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>forever on Thy head.</b></div></b></span><p></p><p style="margin: 0.1in 0in 0.2in;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #0a3f64; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;">5 Thou hast redeemed our souls with blood,</span></b></div><span style="color: #0a3f64; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>hast set the pris'ners free,</b></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>hast set the prisoners free,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>hast made us kings and priests to God,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>and we shall reign with Thee,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>and we shall reign with Thee.</b></div></b></span><p></p><p style="margin: 0.1in 0in 0.2in;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #0a3f64; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;">6 To Him who sits upon the throne,</span></b></div><span style="color: #0a3f64; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>the God whom we adore,</b></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>the God whom we adore,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>and to the lamb that once was slain,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>be glory evermore,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>be glory evermore.</b></div></b></span><p></p><p style="margin: 0.1in 0in 0.2in;"><span style="color: #0a3f64; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Listen to this old hymn being sung. <b><a href="https://youtu.be/fsj5IDIRacg?si=wguQer29Tuhj7TPs">BEHOLD</a></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0.1in 0in 0.2in;"><span style="color: #0a3f64; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p></div></div></div>Barry Kauffmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07015588684956715869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933953612542383782.post-87694093263488421522024-02-04T01:00:00.011-05:002024-02-04T01:00:00.134-05:00WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS<div class="yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif;"><p class="mobile-photo" style="font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyZOsZhhKy-JMdBdMO4WLUl2rubj07tgaVXnLssgVuXgUYcEF5p1SfX6-w60ydIiayV6mH4g3KT2lYpNGm9warr1l1vmjLPy8EGXnH89npzQHjYqOirx8c37-GQQjycuYeUM7VraNHGFDU1S9ZcFjPWbs5GWuRfAu0UzKYPwPtz8TAhdtE8gfyQsGFc0s"><img alt="" border="0" height="90" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7254225927783625634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyZOsZhhKy-JMdBdMO4WLUl2rubj07tgaVXnLssgVuXgUYcEF5p1SfX6-w60ydIiayV6mH4g3KT2lYpNGm9warr1l1vmjLPy8EGXnH89npzQHjYqOirx8c37-GQQjycuYeUM7VraNHGFDU1S9ZcFjPWbs5GWuRfAu0UzKYPwPtz8TAhdtE8gfyQsGFc0s=w400-h90" width="400" /></a></p><p class="ydp6831da02MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in;"><b><i><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Once a month I take time to share one of my favorite hymns. This month I have chosen What A Friend We Have In Jesus" which has been a personal favorite of mine for years.</span></i></b></p><p class="ydp6831da02MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="ydp6831da02MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"> Some hymns are my favorites because of the lyrics, some because of the melody, and some because of the story of its writing. "What a Friend We Have In Jesus" qualifies for me in all three categories.</span></p><p class="ydp6831da02MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"> I have found Him faithful in bearing my sins and griefs and giving me peace in return. Truly He knows my every weakness and He shares all my sorrows. He shields me and is my source of solace in this crazy world. What a friend He is to me! And I can always go to Him and He is there. The words are my testimony and that makes it a favorite.</span></p><p class="ydp6831da02MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"> But the story behind the hymn also makes it a favorite. Joseph Medlicott Scriven was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1819. He fell for a lovely young woman, but on the eve of their wedding she accidentally drowned. Scriven never recovered from the shock. </span></p><p class="ydp6831da02MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"> The Irishman began to wander, hoping to forget his sorrow. At age 25, he finally settled in Canada. His faith led him to do menial tasks for poor widows and the sick and He often worked for no wages. He later fell in love again and planned to marry a wonderful Canadian woman. But again, tragedy struck. His fiance died after contracting pneumonia. </span></p><p class="ydp6831da02MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"> In 1855, a friend visited an ill Scriven and discovered a poem that he had written for his ailing mother in faraway Ireland. Scriven didn't have the money to visit her, but he sent her the poem as an encouragement. He called it "Pray Without Ceasing." Scriven never intended for the poem to be published, but it made its rounds, and was set to music in 1868 by musician Charles Converse, who titled it "What a Friend We Have in Jesus." Scriven died in 1886, ironically, in an accidental drowning. In his memory, the town of Port Hope Ontario erected a monument with this inscription from Scriven's famous song: "In His arms He'll take and shield thee. Thou wilt find a solace there". </span></p><p class="ydp6831da02MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"> Since its publication, this music has been a real inspiration and comfort to many. Possibly today you are facing a trial and need a friend. Jesus is there to bear that burden for you. Just take it to Him in prayer.<br /><br /></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp6831da02MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">(1) What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp6831da02MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">sins and griefs to bear!</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif"></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp6831da02MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">What a privilege to carry everything to</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif"></span></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp6831da02MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">God in prayer!</span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydp6831da02MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">O what peace we often forfeit, O what</span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydp6831da02MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">needless pain we bear,</span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydp6831da02MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">All because we do not carry everything to</span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydp6831da02MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">God in prayer.</span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydp6831da02MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydp6831da02MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">(2) Have we trials and temptations? Is</span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydp6831da02MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">there trouble anywhere?</span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydp6831da02MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">We should never be discouraged; take it to</span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydp6831da02MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">the Lord in prayer.</span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydp6831da02MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">Can we find a friend so faithful who will</span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydp6831da02MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">all our sorrows share?</span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydp6831da02MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to</span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydp6831da02MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">the Lord in prayer.</span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydp6831da02MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydp6831da02MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">(3) Are we weak and heavy laden,</span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydp6831da02MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">cumbered with a load of care?</span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydp6831da02MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to</span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydp6831da02MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">the Lord in prayer.</span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydp6831da02MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take</span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydp6831da02MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">it to the Lord in prayer!</span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydp6831da02MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">In His arms He'll take and shield you; you</span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydp6831da02MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">will find a solace there.</span></b></p><p class="ydp6831da02MsoNormal" data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">Listen to it here. <b><span style="color: #0066cc;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAbaqzk66Vc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LISTEN</a></span></b></span></div><br /><p style="font-size: 16px;"></p></div>Barry Kauffmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07015588684956715869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933953612542383782.post-61097774252358542002024-01-28T01:00:00.008-05:002024-01-28T01:00:00.341-05:00WHEREVER HE LEADS I'LL GO. (TH)<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQ8OZO1FahcSrgjBBn3Ef6uK8YVhy2huOgLn5-6Sjl_BgL7OMw2Y8kKj_EdBCEywAnHU1Mj7nHmlDB0oAoGQTBlkwqRb3Fl0furCVli-o_GGkdOrEw3kbW6zRLEqoE2bl5QjQBj7CF4gM5DJ7ZA_acuBV3ppJSWl4YLOTCTx3IwlnHXYveCjluPvxr8v8" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="133" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7249132011945856722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQ8OZO1FahcSrgjBBn3Ef6uK8YVhy2huOgLn5-6Sjl_BgL7OMw2Y8kKj_EdBCEywAnHU1Mj7nHmlDB0oAoGQTBlkwqRb3Fl0furCVli-o_GGkdOrEw3kbW6zRLEqoE2bl5QjQBj7CF4gM5DJ7ZA_acuBV3ppJSWl4YLOTCTx3IwlnHXYveCjluPvxr8v8=w200-h133" width="200" /></a></p><div class="yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-size: 16px;"><p class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" style="color: #00060d;"><img data-id="1687819911591" data-inlineimagemanipulating="true" style="max-width: 0px; width: 315px;" /></span><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" style="color: #00060d;"> </span><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">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. <br /></span></i><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" style="color: #424242;"><br /></span></p><p class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin: 0in;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><i> </i></span>Mark 8:34</span><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" style="color: #00060d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> - "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." <br /> Opportunities to follow and serve the Lord come to us in many ways. Sometimes the Lord calls us to actually pick up and move, maybe to a foreign country, to serve him. Sometimes He provides us with a new job opportunity that will allow us to share our testimony and faith in our community. </span></p><p class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" style="color: #00060d;"> Sometimes He may call us to go visit and befriend a neighbor. Sometimes the opportunity might be to visit one who is homebound and needs encouragement. And sometimes we may be led to join a ministry in our church or in our community where we can serve him and others. </span></p><p class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" style="color: #00060d;"> Unfortunately, often we are too busy or too tied to our present schedule to hear and/or respond to His leading. And then we miss the blessing that He has in store for those who follow up. It is one thing to say wherever you lead Lord, I will follow. It is another thing to actually obey and follow Him and serve Him wherever He is leading. Often it is our lack of faith that keeps us from responding when we see the obstacles and the changes that obeying would require us to make. We are just not ready to surrender our all. </span></p><p class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" style="color: #00060d;"> In January of 1936, the Southern Baptist songwriter B. B. McKinney was leading the music at the Alabama Sunday School Convention.</span><span face=""Lucida Grande", sans-serif" style="color: #00060d; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" style="color: #00060d;">The featured speaker was the Reverend R. S. Jones, McKinney's friend of many years. Because of ill health Jones had recently returned from missionary service in Brazil. </span><span face=""Lucida Grande", sans-serif" style="color: #00060d; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" style="color: #00060d;">The two men were visiting over dinner one evening when Jones revealed to Dr. McKinney that his physicians would not allow him to return to South America. </span><span face=""Lucida Grande", sans-serif" style="color: #00060d; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in;"><span face=""Lucida Grande", sans-serif" style="color: #00060d; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" style="color: #00060d;">When asked about his future plans, the missionary said, "I don't know, but wherever He leads I'll go." </span><span face=""Lucida Grande", sans-serif" style="color: #00060d; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" style="color: #00060d;">The words stuck in Dr. McKinney's mind, and before the convention's evening session began, he had written both the words and music of this song. </span><span face=""Lucida Grande", sans-serif" style="color: #00060d; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" style="color: #00060d;">At the close of Mr. Jones' message, Dr. McKinney related this story and sang "Wherever He Leads I'll Go" to the congregation. </span></p><p class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" style="color: #00060d;"> Consider the words of this hymn of consecration this week and see if there are things standing in your way of responding to the Master who gave His life for you. Maybe it is time to obey and follow Him, no matter what it may cost you, as you see the needs and opportunities that He reveals to you.</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="color: #00060d; font-size: 10pt;"></span></p><p class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in;"><span face=""Lucida Grande", sans-serif" style="color: #00060d; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">(1) "Take up thy cross and follow Me,"</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">I heard my Master say;</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">"I gave My life to ransom thee,</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Surrender your all today."</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Wherever He leads I'll go,</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Wherever He leads I'll go,</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">I'll follow my Christ who loves me so,</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Wherever He leads I'll go.</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">(2) He drew me closer to His side,</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">I sought His will to know;</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">And in that will I now abide,</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Wherever He leads I'll go.</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Wherever He leads I'll go,</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Wherever He leads I'll go,</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">I'll follow my Christ who loves me so,</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Wherever He leads I'll go.</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Lucida Grande", sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">(3) It may be through the shadows dim</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Or o'er the stormy sea:</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">I take my cross and follow Him,</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Wherever He leadeth me.</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Wherever He leads I'll go,</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Wherever He leads I'll go,</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">I'll follow my Christ who loves me so,</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Wherever He leads I'll go.</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Lucida Grande", sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">(4) My heart, my life, my all I bring </span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">To Christ who loves me so;</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">He is my Master, Lord, and King,</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Wherever He leads I'll go.</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Wherever He leads I'll go,</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Wherever He leads I'll go,</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">I'll follow my Christ who loves me so,</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p><p align="center" class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Wherever He leads I'll go.</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p><p class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><div style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">You may listen to it here. <b>LISTEN</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif;"><br /></div><br /><p class="ydp56d136f8MsoNormal" data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p></div>Barry Kauffmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07015588684956715869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933953612542383782.post-75272014369328507022024-01-21T01:00:00.013-05:002024-01-21T01:00:00.130-05:00THE LORD BLESS YOU<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAEGuK9oMd-zlAZODXu54Rqr7KC7dLAcjKGJbal7ojhikCgsfreM3hskgXEe70v-Ga9NHQD1c3I1vEO6XvD7vU4B5GgQDv0-dYe0qbndNqwhgBZVi2Kd4TxSQCjhYQznAXS8szw2Anv9RbAxRxBRihWVsoVGB1h3GTD0kfllzFIR6BHAcdWlJyMDbnRgg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="133" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7278067927627723650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAEGuK9oMd-zlAZODXu54Rqr7KC7dLAcjKGJbal7ojhikCgsfreM3hskgXEe70v-Ga9NHQD1c3I1vEO6XvD7vU4B5GgQDv0-dYe0qbndNqwhgBZVi2Kd4TxSQCjhYQznAXS8szw2Anv9RbAxRxBRihWVsoVGB1h3GTD0kfllzFIR6BHAcdWlJyMDbnRgg=w200-h133" width="200" /></a></p><div class="yahoo-style-wrap"><p class="ydp1a8d0d8cMsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; color: #343434; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> During the decades of my life one of my best memories are experiences singing with many excellent choirs. I remember the performances of many classic hymns and stirring cantatas.</span></p><p class="ydp1a8d0d8cMsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; color: #343434; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> But my best memories of these choir performances were the acapella presentations of "The Lord Bless You And Keep You". Not only did the words always touch me, but the "Sevenfold Amen" was always a touching and memorable close.</span></p><p style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; color: #343434;"> The author of this classic number was Peter Lutkin (1858-1931) who specialized in writing unaccompanied choral music, primarily for his own choir. He wrote at least thirty hymn tunes, numerous songs for children, and sixty-five choral anthems.<br /> Lutkin was born in Wisconsin. His parents emigrated to the U.S. from Denmark in 1844. He attended Chicago public schools and was a chorister and organist at St. Peter and St. Paul's Episcopal Church. At age thirteen he began formal music training, stu</span><span style="color: #343434;">dying organ and music theory. From 1881–1884, Lutkin followed the practice of many serious composers and performers by studying in Europe. His years abroad took him to Berlin, Vienna, and Paris.</span></span></p><p style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> The lyrics of this hymn are found in Numbers 6:24-36, "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace."<br /> The Dead Sea Scrolls were, until recently, the oldest copies of Biblical text. But in 1979, Villanova professor, Judith Hadley, was assisting archaeologist Gabriel Barkay, in excavating a site in Jerusalem's Hinnom Valley. In a burial cave, she saw something resembling the metal cap of a pencil. It was a sensational find, a tiny silver scroll of great antiquity. Another was found nearby. These dated to seven centuries before Christ. They were so small and fragile that it took years to clean and open them.<br /> When scientists finally unrolled them, they found the world's oldest extant copy of a biblical text. And what was the text they found? The words to Numbers 6:24-36.</span></p><p style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #343434; font-family: georgia;">The Lord bless you and keep you.</b></div><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; color: #343434; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The Lord lift His countenance upon you.</b></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>And give you peace, and give you peace.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The Lord make His face to shine upon you.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>And be gracious, and be gracious.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The Lord be gracious unto you.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Amen, amen, amen,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Amen, amen, amen</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Amen</b></div></b></span><p></p><p style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; color: #343434;">Listen to it here, <b><a href="https://youtu.be/QB2FVlaPM-o?si=PhULJAem_3mf0WJB">BLESS YOU</a></b>.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; color: #4d5156;"><br /> </span></span></p></div>Barry Kauffmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07015588684956715869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933953612542383782.post-27772472786282750922024-01-14T01:00:00.012-05:002024-01-14T01:00:00.134-05:00LIFE IS LIKE A MOUNTAIN RAILWAY<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEtqTXyuIezeMs8SYT1aelBr5fNyp_PKyakWCfMIOljE0cHFN3wR-PyE0M9FV6NmZ4LyGSyTtyHsd_fyUhNzHc8IrQvN_9PcXE2m90zp6moq48nOg9A6LlA_j-e7gnO_qmnzD3yfKrd5qjdOvGGyzUi_1oxDgczEI5EvLM7T3_d2kW0AkyBsprV9Ppuy0" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="112" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7272858524671879170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEtqTXyuIezeMs8SYT1aelBr5fNyp_PKyakWCfMIOljE0cHFN3wR-PyE0M9FV6NmZ4LyGSyTtyHsd_fyUhNzHc8IrQvN_9PcXE2m90zp6moq48nOg9A6LlA_j-e7gnO_qmnzD3yfKrd5qjdOvGGyzUi_1oxDgczEI5EvLM7T3_d2kW0AkyBsprV9Ppuy0=w200-h112" width="200" /></a></p><div class="yahoo-style-wrap"><p class="ydpd5ad4be9MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124;"> </span><span style="color: #202124;">Back in 1950, as a teenager, I was part of the formation of a new church plant. We were joined by numerous families who had moved to our area from other parts of the region, seeking employment. They brought various traditions with them.<br /> Several families came from the coal regions of Pennsylvania and they became wonderful friends and active members. But they did have a different style of music. We soon learned to expect that at every fellowship and hymn sing somebody would request "Life Is Like a Mountain Railroad".<br /> This </span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; color: #242323;">is a gospel song written by Charlie D. Tillman, M.E. Abbey, and J.R. Baxter. M.E. Abbey added the chorus while Tillman published its lyrics and composed the music. Sources state that Eliza R. Snow originally wrote the classic hymn in poem form in the 1890s. However, the copyright document did not credit Eliza Snow's contribution.<br /> </span><span style="color: #242323;">The gospel song describes the Christian life using railroad jargon. Its lyrics depict how life may be full of challenges and exhausting, just like a trip on a mountain railroad. </span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; color: #4d5156;">It may operate through the mountains by following mountain valleys and tunneling beneath mountain passes, or it may climb a mountain to provide transport to and from the summit. </span><span style="color: #242323;">However, the imagery also shows how a journey on the railroad requires courage and watchfulness to possible danger and not giving up, much like how we should approach life.<br /> </span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; color: #4d5156;">Members of Western Writers of America have chosen this song as one of the Top 100 Western songs of all time.<br /> The song reminds us that our lives will face curves and tunnels along the way. There will be many obstructions. We need to keep our eye upon the rail and our hand upon the throttle and let Christ be our conductor. Eventually we will roll into the Union Depot and meet our </span><span style="color: #0a3f64;">Superintendent, God the Father, God the Son, and hear the hearty, joyous plaudit,"Weary pilgrim, welcome home."<br /> The song concludes with a prayer. "Blessed Savior, Thou wilt guide us, till we reach the blissful shore, where the angels wait to join us, in Thy praise forevermore." This would be an excellent prayer to share each day.</span><span style="color: #202124;"></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.1in 0in 0.2in;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #0a3f64; font-family: georgia;">1 Life is like a mountain railroad,</b></div><span style="color: #0a3f64; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>With an engineer that's brave;</b></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>We must make the run successful</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>From the cradle to the grave;</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Watch the curves, the fills, the tunnels,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Never falter, never quail;</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Keep your hand upon the throttle,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>And your eye upon the rail.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Refrain:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Blessed Savior, Thou wilt guide us,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Till we reach the blissful shore,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Where the angels wait to join us</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>In Thy praise forevermore.</b></div></b></span><p></p><p style="margin: 0.1in 0in 0.2in;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #0a3f64; font-family: georgia;">2 You will roll up grades of trial,</b></div><span style="color: #0a3f64; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>You will cross the bridge of strife;</b></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>See that Christ is your conductor</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>On this lightning train of life;</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Always mindful of obstruction,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Do your duty, never fail;</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Keep your hand upon the throttle,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>And your eye upon the rail. [Refrain]</b></div></b></span><p></p><p style="margin: 0.1in 0in 0.2in;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #0a3f64; font-family: georgia;">3 You will often find obstructions,</b></div><span style="color: #0a3f64; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Look for storms and wind and rain;</b></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>On a fill or curve or trestle,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>They will almost ditch your train;</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Put your trust alone in Jesus;</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Never falter, never fail;</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Keep your hand upon the throttle,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>And your eye upon the rail. [Refrain]</b></div></b></span><p></p><p style="margin: 0.1in 0in 12pt;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #0a3f64; font-family: georgia;">4 As you roll across the trestle,</b></div><span style="color: #0a3f64; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Spanning Jordan's swelling tide;</b></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>You behold the Union Depot</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Into which your train will glide;</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>There you'll meet the Sup'rintendent,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>God the Father, God the Son,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>With the hearty, joyous plaudit,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>"Weary pilgrim, welcome home." [Refrain]</b></div></b><br />Listen to it here. <a href="https://youtu.be/dqoRTqHhxT8?si=bqWFWOiOFKE5v9pQ"> <b>RAILWAY</b></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 9pt;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="color: #0a3f64; font-size: 9pt;"></span></span><p></p><div style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="color: #4b5d67; font-size: 8.5pt;"><a href="https://youtu.be/dqoRTqHhxT8?si=bqWFWOiOFKE5v9pQ">https://youtu.be/dqoRTqHhxT8?si=bqWFWOiOFKE5v9pQ</a></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><br /></div>Barry Kauffmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07015588684956715869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933953612542383782.post-8173079471707045672024-01-07T01:30:00.010-05:002024-01-07T01:30:00.134-05:00JESUS LED ME ALL THE WAY<p class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9UxpY_lYgIjbJ_-Qiu4_zohbtthygYLRtqeSjgTfhjC1ulDzHzsO8DpKuYIABhupqWdyqe59bFg6dv3xx7F9rV7ZxihtJNOzuh3HejAt-BxOcLdLH29Utp46chJ0dbPuFjJzFOyNLSH8wN7SOacY3u5RQ83eAUOynh4bW12vB2wzlXe7u2kgF8Olw"><img alt="" border="0" height="102" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7213855889248918210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9UxpY_lYgIjbJ_-Qiu4_zohbtthygYLRtqeSjgTfhjC1ulDzHzsO8DpKuYIABhupqWdyqe59bFg6dv3xx7F9rV7ZxihtJNOzuh3HejAt-BxOcLdLH29Utp46chJ0dbPuFjJzFOyNLSH8wN7SOacY3u5RQ83eAUOynh4bW12vB2wzlXe7u2kgF8Olw=w453-h102" width="453" /></a></p> <div style="color: black; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font: 14pt Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, Serif; line-height: normal;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> For many folks the new year is a time to make goals or resolutions for the coming year. And many times these are quickly forgotten and not met. I've never been one to do that, but I often do take the time to reflect upon the past year and recall how the Lord has directed my paths, often in so many unexpected ways. <br /> In this week's hymn choice, the hymn writer, John Peterson, talks about these as "the winding paths of earth". In my life I think about the winding paths that took me to college, that led me to my wonderful wife, that brought me into contact with so many godly friends, that took me to excellent jobs, that provided so many ministry opportunities, that led me to doctors that solved perplexing physical problems and even saved my son's life, and provided me with a special family and heritage. <br /> As I recall my life, I can join John Peterson by testifying that Jesus did lead me all the way. Psalm 73:24 "Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory." And taking time to remember God's leading in the past, gives me the courage and confidence to face the unknown challenges of tomorrow that always come with advancing age and living in a world that appears to be falling apart. <br /> Is this your testimony as well? Has Jesus led you all the way? Or are you struggling on your own? Honestly, I don't know how people without the Lord face tomorrow with all that is happening in the world today. It seems to me that one must be fearful and without hope if one doesn't know the Lord and have His leading in life. <br /> This hymn has become one of my favorites and if I have a memorial service I would like to have it included as my testimony.<br /> As you begin a new year, why not let the Lord lead you daily as you depend upon Him? What a day it will be when I can tell the saints and angels, as I lay my burden down, that Jesus led me all the way. Think about these words during the coming week and year.</span><span style="color: #00060d;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Some day life's journey will be o'er</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>And I shall reach that distant shore,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>I'll sing while ent'ring Heaven's door</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>"Jesus led me all the way."</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Jesus led me all the way,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Led me step by step each day;</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>I will tell the saints and angels</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>As I lay my burden down</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>"Jesus led me all the way.</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>If God should let me there review</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>The winding paths of earth I knew,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>It would be proven clear and true</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Jesus led me all the way.</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Jesus led me all the way,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Led me step by step each day;</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>I will tell the saints and angels</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>As I lay my burden down</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>"Jesus led me all the way.</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>And hitherto my Lord has led,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Today He guides each step I tread,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>And soon in Heav'n it will be said</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Jesus led me all the way.</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Jesus led me all the way,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Led me step by step each day;</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>I will tell the saints and angels</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>As I lay my burden down</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>"Jesus led me all the way.</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">You can listen to it here. <b><a href="https://youtu.be/wPaWbJJgP2c">LEAD</a></b><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div> <div style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: normal;"></div> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: medium;"></span></div> Barry Kauffmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07015588684956715869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933953612542383782.post-82269710476952798742023-12-31T01:00:00.011-05:002023-12-31T01:00:00.129-05:00ONCE IN ROYAL DAVID'S CITY (TH)<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4rGDs-c4ZV7urpbiiFWYZsioVHiZLNNeoytIzD4GRxWN2y2jir9-ZPA0bqsM69QE_RF6DkJ6uxC7nS0bl5w0ZuCZTUcJ1F9ACd19qkwHGDk3Jlmti6gxOFWcRJMcNTfmzz4GR9m1vgo9KIa8I5fT-QqtQXJnVPhRsMr5S5HvTTRJW6D0YjeC2lvBL" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="133" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7180410352309573810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4rGDs-c4ZV7urpbiiFWYZsioVHiZLNNeoytIzD4GRxWN2y2jir9-ZPA0bqsM69QE_RF6DkJ6uxC7nS0bl5w0ZuCZTUcJ1F9ACd19qkwHGDk3Jlmti6gxOFWcRJMcNTfmzz4GR9m1vgo9KIa8I5fT-QqtQXJnVPhRsMr5S5HvTTRJW6D0YjeC2lvBL=w200-h133" width="200" /></a></p> <div style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font: 14pt Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, Serif; line-height: normal;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">TIMELESS HYMN - A special feature where I repeat and highlight some hymns that have been featured previously in this blog. These entries are revised and expanded and shared again for our encouragement and challenge. This hymn was first shared here in 2014<o:p></o:p></span></i></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">.</span></i><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif"> For over four decades my wife and I had the privilege of ministering to children through a family ministry and through Awana. Whenever we did a series of meetings we always made it a point to teach a hymn, often using visuals produced by Bible Visuals. At Christmas we often chose "Once in Royal David's City" because it so clearly shared the true Christmas story. It also was a Christmas carol not often traditionally sung by adults. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> In doing some research for this blog, I was surprised to learn that the author, Cecil Alexander, loved children and wrote about four hundred hymns, most of them for children. Alexander (1818-1895), was born in Dublin, Ireland, and began writing in verse from an early age. She became so adept that by the age of 22, several of her hymn texts made it into the hymnbook of the Church of Ireland. "Once in Royal David's City" first appeared in her collection, <i>Hymns for Little Children</i> (1848), with six stanzas.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> This particular text was included with others as a means to musically and poetically teach the catechism. It is based on the words of the Apostles' Creed, "Born of the Virgin Mary," and is in six stanzas of six lines each. Even though this text was included in the Christmas liturgical sections of most hymnals, the narrative painted by Alexander truly relates to the entire "youth" of Christ and not just his birth. <o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> This is one of Alexander's most narrative and vivid texts, shattering perceptions of the picturesque Nativity with the realities of the lowly stable, and the weak and dependent baby. Alexander is said to have had the ability to take major biblical themes and break them down into four or six easy to understand lines. This hymn in particular tells us why we celebrate Christmas by telling us not only what happened on the first Christmas, but also why it happened and what it should mean to us today. <o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif"> During the Christmas season, may this old Christmas carol remind you, in the midst of this hectic and often stressful season, what Jesus did for us. He is the One who left all the glory and riches of heaven to experience birth in a lowly stable so that He could one day pay the debt for our sin. He provided for you, and all mankind, the greatest gift that could ever be given.</span><span style="color: #565656;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #00060d; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">1. Once in royal David's city</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Stood a lowly cattle shed,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Where a mother laid her Baby</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">In a manger for His bed:</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Mary was that mother mild,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Jesus Christ her little Child.</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">2. He came down to earth from heaven,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Who is God and Lord of all,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">And His shelter was a stable,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">And His cradle was a stall;</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">With the poor, and mean, and lowly,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Lived on earth our Savior holy.</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">3. And through all His wondrous childhood</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">He would honor and obey,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Love and watch the lowly maiden,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">In whose gentle arms He lay:</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Christian children all must be</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Mild, obedient, good as He.</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">4. For he is our childhood's pattern;</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Day by day, like us He grew;</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">He was little, weak and helpless,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Tears and smiles like us He knew;</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">And He feeleth for our sadness,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">And He shareth in our gladness.</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">5. And our eyes at last shall see Him,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Through His own redeeming love;</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">For that Child so dear and gentle</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Is our Lord in heaven above,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">And He leads His children on</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">To the place where He is gone.</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">6. Not in that poor lowly stable,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">With the oxen standing by,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">We shall see Him; but in heaven,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Set at God's right hand on high;</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Where like stars His children crowned</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">All in white shall wait around.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Listen to it here. <a href="https://youtu.be/TT3cfXd3Shk">DAVID</a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: medium;"></span></div> Barry Kauffmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07015588684956715869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933953612542383782.post-42404360623385698932023-12-24T01:00:00.043-05:002023-12-24T09:04:54.055-05:00HEIRLOOMS<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcRls8fCo4Qw-g3SrBy7pEGW-He15_5R9CdBbCaRsBs7pf7jsN6u7qxR1w_ld380vDaKYL6jEl5Iv_Ba2cs1LoafM4HqgXT7nFPTNh-kE6xmpkTUYtRE4mhMOd8AJ2xNAHfrqiqupmJte7Y80LZPTwsdxDSTs6hVv0YWq90g3IJAbnbetH_pOg_weCRoU" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="157" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7309617866569017314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcRls8fCo4Qw-g3SrBy7pEGW-He15_5R9CdBbCaRsBs7pf7jsN6u7qxR1w_ld380vDaKYL6jEl5Iv_Ba2cs1LoafM4HqgXT7nFPTNh-kE6xmpkTUYtRE4mhMOd8AJ2xNAHfrqiqupmJte7Y80LZPTwsdxDSTs6hVv0YWq90g3IJAbnbetH_pOg_weCRoU=w158-h157" width="158" /></a></p><div class="yahoo-style-wrap"><p class="ydpc94560f8MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #202124;"> </span><span style="color: #202124;">It was 30 years ago. It was the Christmas season. Most of my family was gathered in our church with our congregation for the annual Christmas candlelight service which for many years I had directed. Gathering together was a highlight of our holiday traditions.</span></span></p><p class="ydpc94560f8MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> For our family it was an emotional night for just 18 days earlier my mother was killed when a teenager ran a traffic light and hit my parent's car broadside. Mother instantly went to heaven. Of course, it was a shock for all of us.</span></p><p class="ydpc94560f8MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124;"> </span><span style="color: #202124;">The days before the holidays were tough, filled with memories and adjustments. Dad had to adjust to losing mother after over 50 years of marriage. We spent our days sorting through her possessions and dealing with the memories these heirlooms had. We had many laughs and many tears as we worked through these days.<br /> But that service hit us with more memories. I was doing fine until a soloist sang Heirlooms. Then my tears flowed.</span></span></p><p class="ydpc94560f8MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> The first verse describes going through the possessions and memories of one who has passed away. That does involves going through boxes and letters and photographs - family heirlooms. "My precious family is more than an heirloom to me."<br /> But then the second verse shares the precious birth of Jesus and how He came to bring us life. His love pierced through us. And "My precious savior is more than an heirloom to me."<br /> I thank the Lord for the peace He gave me that night and since then. I thank Him for my family and many wonderful memories, all heirlooms. But I especially thank Him for the wonderful gift of salvation and His presence in my life.<br /> Make sure to take time this year to thank the Lord for your family, your memories, and your gift of salvation.</span></p><p class="ydpc94560f8MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="ydpc94560f8MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>Up in the attic,</b></span></p><p class="ydpc94560f8MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #202124;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Down on my knees.</span></b></div><span style="color: #202124; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Lifetimes of boxes,</b></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Timeless to me.</b></div></b></span><p></p><p class="ydpc94560f8MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #202124;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Letters and photographs,</span></b></div><span style="color: #202124; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Yellowed with years,</b></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Some bringing laughter,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Some bringing tears.</b></div></b></span><p></p><p class="ydpc94560f8MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #202124;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Time never changes,</span></b></div><span style="color: #202124; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The memories, the faces</b></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Of loved ones, who bring to me,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>All that I come from,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>And all that I live for,</b></div></b></span><p></p><p class="ydpc94560f8MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #202124;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">And all that I'm going to be.</span></b></div><span style="color: #202124; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>My precious family</b></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Is more than an heirloom to me.</b></div></b></span><p></p><p class="ydpc94560f8MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div><span style="color: #202124; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Wisemen and shepherds,</b></div></span><p></p><p class="ydpc94560f8MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #202124;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Down on their knees,</span></b></div><span style="color: #202124; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Bringing their treasures</b></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>To lay at his feet.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Who was this wonder,</b></div></b></span><p></p><p class="ydpc94560f8MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #202124;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Baby yet king?</span></b></div><span style="color: #202124; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Living and dying;</b></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>He gave life to me.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Time never changes,</b></div></b></span><p></p><p class="ydpc94560f8MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #202124;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The memory, the moment</span></b></div><span style="color: #202124; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>His love first pierced through me,</b></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Telling all that I came from,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>And all that I live for,</b></div></b></span><p></p><p class="ydpc94560f8MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #202124;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">And all that I'm going to be.</span></b></div><span style="color: #202124; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>My precious savior</b></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Is more than an heirloom to me.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>My precious Jesus</b></div></b></span><p></p><p class="ydpc94560f8MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>Is more than an heirloom to me.</b></span></p><p class="ydpc94560f8MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="ydpc94560f8MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Listen to it being sung here. </span></p><p class="ydpc94560f8MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><a href="https://youtu.be/2T6lkhX7Nvw?si=SX7X4fxYv7iIeJUQ" rel="nofollow" style="color: #954f72; font-family: georgia;" target="_blank">HEIRLOOMS</a></p><br /></div>Barry Kauffmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07015588684956715869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933953612542383782.post-15984506169356642692023-12-17T01:00:00.017-05:002023-12-17T08:40:46.008-05:00PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaIVmPy9feGTyhC99VhF9gO3SK2vpTbcCX_FF2Xs9kBRPU0KrXj10JaKug1LCKk_oPdofrw63bo0JFmbtSpUnpV2W6SFZejEMuqhJh4VKZLgrYnjOuK9AyCKzTjOEirfileB-U1_b16x9u91Mkm0Li8RmY0Ui-cOem9c4unDyA-INMJMGPVyBMlWxo" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="130" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7209359731568147714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaIVmPy9feGTyhC99VhF9gO3SK2vpTbcCX_FF2Xs9kBRPU0KrXj10JaKug1LCKk_oPdofrw63bo0JFmbtSpUnpV2W6SFZejEMuqhJh4VKZLgrYnjOuK9AyCKzTjOEirfileB-U1_b16x9u91Mkm0Li8RmY0Ui-cOem9c4unDyA-INMJMGPVyBMlWxo=w200-h130" width="200" /></a></p> <div style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font: 14pt Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, Serif; line-height: normal;"> <div align="left" class="envelope" style="color: black; float: none; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal;"><br /></div> <div style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal;"></div> <div style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 16.8pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> Thomas Ken (1637–1711), was an Anglican minister, royal chaplain, and eventually bishop, who first penned verses for his students at Winchester College at Oxford University,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>to sing upon arising in the morning, and at bedtime each evening. Later he added a third hymn, to rehearse at midnight, were students to have trouble sleeping. Each hymn was a confession of faith, and an invocation of divine blessing, tailored to its particular moment of the day. <br /> The first of these was:<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 16.8pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Awake my Soul and with the Sun,</span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;">Thy daily Stage of duty run.</span></div><span style="color: #333333;"><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">Shake off dull Sloath, and joyful rise,</div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">To pay the Morning Sacrifice.</div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: center;">All praise to Thee, who safe has kept,</div></span><span style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: center;">And hath refreshed me whilst slept.</div></span><span style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: center;">Grant, Lord, when I from Death shall wake,</div></span><span style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: center;">I may of endless Light partake.</div></span> <br /><span style="color: black;"> Maybe this would be a good verse for us to recite each morning as we awake. His second hymn for his students was to be used as they ended their day and retired for the night. Here is the evening hymn:</span><br /> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">All praise to You, my God, this night,</span></div><span style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: center;">For all the blessings of the Light.</div></span><span style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: center;">Keep me, O keep me, King of kings</div></span><span style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: center;">Beneath the shelter of Your wings</div></span> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: center;">Forgive me Lord, for this I pray</div></span><span style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: center;">The wrong that I have done this day.</div></span><span style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: center;">May peace with God and neighbor be,</div></span><span style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: center;">Before I sleep restored to Thee.</div></span> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: center;">Lord, may I be at rest in You</div></span><span style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: center;">And sweetly sleep the whole night thro'</div></span><span style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: center;">Refresh my strength, for Your own sake,</div></span><span style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: center;">So I may serve You when I wake.</div></span> <br /><span style="color: black;"> This also would be a great verse for us to pray as we end our day and prepare to take our rest.</span><br /> <br /><span style="color: black;"> But that isn't the end of this story, for Ken added a final verse to each song, the same 25-word doxological verse in praise of God, three in one. These 25 words, known to many around the world today as "The Doxology," comprise what is likely the single best-known verse of all Christian hymnology and poetry. </span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="color: black;">As simple and accessible as these four lines are, Christians have been singing them now for more than three centuries.</span></span> And yet we find an enduring quality in "The Doxology" absent from many of our passing modern choruses. Substance hides in the brevity and singability.<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span> <br /> The tune, which Ken did not write, but which much later began to accompany the song, called Old One-Hundredth, originally designed to accompany the singing of Psalm 134<span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal;">, and later Psalm 100</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal;">. It first appeared in the Geneva Psalter in 1551 and was written by Louis Bourgeois (1510–1561), who served as head of choirs and music, alongside famous pastor and theologian John Calvin.<br /> God is glorified in our heartfelt expression of praise. God made us for praise. He made us for doxology. He made the world that he might be praised. And these simple yet profound words serve that simple yet most profound human act of devotion — and all the more when we join our voices and sing together.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="border: 1pt windowtext; color: #333333; padding: 0in;"><b>Praise God from whom all blessings flow;</b></span></i></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #333333;"><i><span style="border: 1pt windowtext; padding: 0in;">Praise him all creatures here below;</span></i></b></div><span style="color: #333333;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="border: 1pt windowtext; padding: 0in;">Praise him above, ye heav'nly host;</span></i></b></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="border: 1pt windowtext; padding: 0in;"><b>Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.</b></span></i></div></i></span></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><i><span style="border: 1pt windowtext; color: #333333; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; padding: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><i><span style="border: 1pt windowtext; color: #333333; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; padding: 0in;">Listen to it here. <b><a href="https://youtu.be/RB7WZxR-xGY">PRAISE</a></b><o:p></o:p></span></i></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><i><span style="border: 1pt windowtext; color: #333333; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; padding: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">https://youtu.be/RB7WZxR-xGY</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: medium;"></span></div> Barry Kauffmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07015588684956715869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933953612542383782.post-90850888086070319502023-12-10T01:00:00.015-05:002023-12-10T01:00:00.258-05:00WE'LL SOON BE DONE<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6Lg6RggJgD7EvlnLu3UFusxagKeRJT5AQW0HiciijDfb8-lLoOKEWPmfHhQiPguoGWNazmomRx02HfZJr-Uaf33zT1RMgeHVmBjv7iWwBwt_DJ66v_dHbQyYmzr_6W6n4DAxUYDVJ6G38LbX-weyRQtdI4YgyoEQzcYZZb4xGNhrh2rxUCm0rTllx" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7223181934751732226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6Lg6RggJgD7EvlnLu3UFusxagKeRJT5AQW0HiciijDfb8-lLoOKEWPmfHhQiPguoGWNazmomRx02HfZJr-Uaf33zT1RMgeHVmBjv7iWwBwt_DJ66v_dHbQyYmzr_6W6n4DAxUYDVJ6G38LbX-weyRQtdI4YgyoEQzcYZZb4xGNhrh2rxUCm0rTllx=w200-h200" width="200" /></a></p> <div style="font-stretch: normal; font: 14pt Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, Serif; line-height: normal;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> It's so easy to understand why so many people get discouraged and depressed as they look at our world and events all around us today. Liberal politics, war, sickness, inflation, and crime are difficult to deal with.<br /> But for the believer there is hope. A new world is coming. No more covid, sickness or death. No more crime. No more troubles or trials. No more heartaches or pain. And best of all we'll be able to sit down with Jesus and feel his matchless grace in a new home of love divine.<br /> And that is the exciting message shared in this week's hymn </span><span style="color: #4b4f58; font-weight: normal;">written by Cleavant Derricks.in 1934. Derricks is reported to have written more than 300 songs and several songbooks. He spent a lifetime dedicated to the Lord's work, composing songs, directing choirs and ministering from the pulpit. He was able to minister to the beleaguered with genuine love and empathy. His songs acknowledged tough times and call on believers to lean not on their own understanding but to trust in God.<br /> Though an African American, he distinguished himself as a songwriter most notably in the singing conventions of the white churches throughout the American South.<br /> When Rev. Derricks first approached the Stamps Baxter Music Company with his songs, there was no discussions of royalty payments or negotiations for an advance. In exchange for his destined classics, like this one, he received songbooks, assets to his congregation's worship experience, but hardly the just compensation he could have generated if he had shopped his songs today. He was not even interested in money. He was just a songwriter wanting to get his music published.<br /> In the many years since this hymn was published, an untold number have been excited to sing of heaven and that coming day when our toils and troubles will be done. We'll be reunited with friends who have already gone home, but more importantly, with Jesus who will provide peace and joy divine.<br /> Oh Lord, come quickly!<br /> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: black;">1. Some of these days I'm going home</b></div> </span><span><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Where no sorrows ever come,</b></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>We'll soon be done with troubles and trials;</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Safe from Heartaches, pain and care,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>We shall all that glory share,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>And I'm gonna sit down beside my Jesus,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Sit down and rest a little while.</b></div><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><u><span>Refrain</span></u><span>:</span></span></b></div><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; text-align: center;"><b><span>We'll soon be done with troubles and trials,</span></b></div><span><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; text-align: center;"><b><span>Yes, in that home on the other side,</span></b></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; text-align: center;"><b><span>And I'm gonna shake glad hands with the elders,</span></b></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; text-align: center;"><b><span>Tell my kindred good morning,</span></b></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; text-align: center;"><b><span>Then I'm gonna sit down beside my Jesus,</span></b></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; text-align: center;"><b><span>Gonna sit down and rest a li'l while..</span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span>2. Kindred and friends now wait for me,</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span>Soon their faces I shall see,</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span>We'll soon be done with troubles and trials;</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span>'Tis a home of Life so fair</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span>And we'll all be gathered there,</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span>And I'm gonna' sit down beside my Jesus,</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span>Sit down and rest a little while.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span>Refrain</span></b></div><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div> <div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal;"></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; margin: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">3. I shall behold his blessed face,</span></b></div><span><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I shall feel his matchless grace,</span></b></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>We'll soon be done with troubles and trials;</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>O what peace and joy sublime</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>In that home of love divine,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>And I'm gonna' sit down beside my Jesus,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Sit down and rest a little while.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Refrain</b></div></b> <br /> You can listen to it here. <b><a href="https://youtu.be/JLibkQbb8-E">HOME</a></b></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><o:p style="font-size: 16pt;"></o:p></span></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><br /></div> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span></span></span></div> Barry Kauffmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07015588684956715869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933953612542383782.post-88557430032667849792023-12-03T01:00:00.032-05:002023-12-03T01:00:00.174-05:00TELL IT TO JESUS<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0Gd8qdjcBtkjdXgPQ_aNMdWv2XTfz2vWqVikRosw4PLp6HYmMuE7yAYSS_57McFHkCYED5ozFFnD6SaPZcfzFp1-dBFkUsDtuFFvyWEWKJkmpzYTluNuzY7cUEkWlpYxuOQL3LNxx2hDUvbZmWhYhWwWIlX0avxIxKQ6v1toqAWb8UnDVDFj6AHmb"><img alt="" border="0" height="90" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7185212283158962290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0Gd8qdjcBtkjdXgPQ_aNMdWv2XTfz2vWqVikRosw4PLp6HYmMuE7yAYSS_57McFHkCYED5ozFFnD6SaPZcfzFp1-dBFkUsDtuFFvyWEWKJkmpzYTluNuzY7cUEkWlpYxuOQL3LNxx2hDUvbZmWhYhWwWIlX0avxIxKQ6v1toqAWb8UnDVDFj6AHmb=w400-h90" width="400" /></a></p><div style="color: black; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font: 14pt Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, Serif; line-height: normal;"> <div style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: normal;"></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif"> </span><i>For over 15 years I have written weekly hymn blogs. But while I have shared information about them, I have seldom listed which were my personal favorites. So I have begun a new feature in which once a month I share one of my favorites and why it has had an impact on my life.</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">TELL IT TO JESUS <a href="https://youtu.be/C0QWDcTwbGg"> (LISTEN HERE)</a></span></b></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> I guess when you are young you seldom think about the challenges of getting old. But most of us someday will experience the changes which we all face during our senior years. I also doubt that few people ever think of the challenges one will face upon the loss of family members and close friends. At least I never thought about it until it happened. <o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> Sometimes when the problems of life roll in, I long to be able to talk to my parents, or to my brother, or to my close friend Jim. But alas, they are all now in heaven. And, with the exception of my wife, I've reached the point where I no longer have that special person here on earth with whom I can share my burdens. <o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> Recently when I was feeling the need to talk to someone about my needs, I turned on the radio and found that they were playing one of my favorite hymns. It was a reminder of my friend, Jesus. He is always there and willing to listen. He is never on vacation or too busy to listen. He has promised never to leave us or forsake us. And He is faithful to keep all of His promises to us. <o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> The original text of this hymn was written in German and was composed by Edmund Simon Lorenz (1854-1942). Lorenz was born in North Lawrence, a small village near Canton in Stark County, OH. He studied music at Otterbein University in Westerville, at Yale, and in Europe. The English translation was made by Jeremiah Eames Rankin, who is sometimes incorrectly listed as the author. An interesting sidelight about Lorenz is that he served as president of Lebanon Valley College from 1886-1888. I find that interesting since my four members of my family graduated from Lebanon Valley. Eventually, Lorenz settled in Dayton, where he founded the Lorenz Publishing Company. There he wrote several books and composed a number of sacred works. <o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> Now I don't know the circumstances that brought him to compose this hymn but I can't help but believe that it must be his testimony of his life experiences. <o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif"> Maybe today you are facing the difficult challenges of life and you may feel overwhelmed. You are fortunate if you have a friend here on earth who can bare these challenges with you. But please remember that the best place to take your challenges is straight to the Lord. Are you weary, are you heavy laden, are the tears flowing, are you anxious about tomorrow, are you worried about dying? Then take it to Jesus in prayer and do it now. You've no other such a friend or brother.</span><span style="color: #00060d;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">(1) Are you weary, are you heavy hearted?</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus.</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Are you grieving over joys departed?</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Tell it to Jesus alone.</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">He is a Friend that's well known.</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">You've no other such a friend or brother,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Tell it to Jesus alone.</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">(2) Do the tears flow down your cheeks unbidden?</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus.</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Have you sins that to men's eyes are hidden?</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Tell it to Jesus alone.</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">He is a Friend that's well known.</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">You've no other such a friend or brother,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Tell it to Jesus alone.</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">(3) Do you fear the gathering clouds of sorrow?</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus.</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Are you anxious what shall be tomorrow?</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Tell it to Jesus alone.</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">He is a Friend that's well known.</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">You've no other such a friend or brother,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Tell it to Jesus alone.</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">(4) Are you troubled at the thought of dying?</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus.</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">For Christ's coming kingdom are you sighing?</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Tell it to Jesus alone.</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">He is a Friend that's well known.</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">You've no other such a friend or brother,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Tell it to Jesus alone.</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 9pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 9pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 9pt;"><br /></span></div> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: medium;"></span></div> Barry Kauffmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07015588684956715869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933953612542383782.post-81642055881249210262023-11-26T01:00:00.021-05:002023-12-02T23:43:58.157-05:00FOR YOU I AM PRAYING. (TH)<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5Kp-_PiVhqmDyipmZt_EzpgvFwGlzanw40ogWKS9hQEFqE6EhMaCJ9yvl2sIqVcFXNCDYf8wwMtqmF8RmTtPLOuHaeYYiSwm8gWgLS_pxAiCZ8DSkum7OvJYFX-HP-YgDEzj5puvwqdNu8KqWGgjuAN-cAoFAhIoujnXzKXGHMLKbLUTSy5xcJ9Et" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="133" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7189034664213256674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5Kp-_PiVhqmDyipmZt_EzpgvFwGlzanw40ogWKS9hQEFqE6EhMaCJ9yvl2sIqVcFXNCDYf8wwMtqmF8RmTtPLOuHaeYYiSwm8gWgLS_pxAiCZ8DSkum7OvJYFX-HP-YgDEzj5puvwqdNu8KqWGgjuAN-cAoFAhIoujnXzKXGHMLKbLUTSy5xcJ9Et=w200-h133" width="200" /></a></p><div style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font: 14pt Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, Serif; line-height: normal;"> <div style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: normal;"></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> I believe that the two biggest exaggerations that are used by Christians are, "If I can do anything for you, just let me know" and "I'll be praying for you". In the first case, if we really want to help out we would find out what the person needs and just do it. In making that statement we generally expect, and maybe even want, what usually happens - nothing. <br /> In the second situation, we probably mean well but soon forget the promise we have made. It is an easy way to sound pious in difficult times. It seems to me that it is rare today to have a person who will regularly take you and your needs to the throne of grace. Few of us are really burdened in pray for the lost around us. Few of us take the time to be genuine prayer warriors for the lost as well as for those around us who have needs, and that is so sad.<br /> It is rare to have a faithful, genuine prayer partner and, if you have one, then you are very blest. I've had a few in my lifetime. Most of them have been relatives. But most of mine are now already home in glory and I miss them. One of those was my grandfather, Pastor N. H. Wolf. I knew he was praying for me and my needs every day. We were involved in a family ministry for about 25 years and most Sundays we would be on the road very early in the morning traveling to a church to present a program. Only once in all of those years did we get lost trying to find the church. Days later it dawned upon me that the previous week Grandpa Wolf had been taken home to heaven and that on this Sunday morning, for the first time, he was not praying for me. I was struck by how much his faithful prayers had touched my life over the years. <br /> Prayer is powerful! Being an intercessor for another is a special privilege that should be ours. Now this hymn mainly focuses on praying for the lost, but I believe it can also be applied to remembering those around us who are struggling. I had forgotten about the hymn and It has been long since I have heard it and its powerful message. <br /> The words were written by Samuel O. Cluff (1837-1910) and the music was added by Ira Sankey in 1874. I don't know anything about the events behind its writing, but I must assume that it came from the heart of a man who had experienced the power of prayer and the privilege of being a faithful intercessor for others. He must have had a real burden for the lost around him. <br /> My challenge to you this week is to meditate upon the words and then become a true prayer warrior for others. People need the Lord! And for those you know with various needs, please don't say "I am praying for you" unless you really mean it. We need to be more honest with what we promise to others, more broken about the needs of our lost friends, and more faithful in spending time on our knees bringing the needs of others before the Lord.</span><span style="color: #00060d;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #00060d; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>(1) I have a Savior, He's pleading in glory,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>A dear, loving Savior </span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>though earth friends be few;</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>And now He is watching </span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>in tenderness o'er me;</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>And oh, that my Savior </span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>were your Savior, too.</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>For you I am praying,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>For you I am praying,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>For you I am praying,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>I'm praying for you.</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>(2) I have a Father; to me He has given</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>A hope for eternity, blessed and true;</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>And soon He will call me </span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>to meet Him in Heaven,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>But, oh, that He'd let me</span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span> bring you with me, too!</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>For you I am praying,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>For you I am praying,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>For you I am praying,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>I'm praying for you.</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>(3) I have a robe; 'tis resplendent in whiteness,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Awaiting in glory my wondering view;</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Oh, when I receive it </span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>all shining in brightness,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Dear friend, could I see </span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>you receiving one, too!</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>For you I am praying,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>For you I am praying,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>For you I am praying,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>I'm praying for you.</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>(4) When Jesus has found you, </span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>tell others the story,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>That my loving Savior is your Savior, too;</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Then pray that your Savior </span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>may bring them to glory,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>And prayer will be answered</span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span> — 'twas answered for you!</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>For you I am praying,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>For you I am praying,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>For you I am praying,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>I'm praying for you.</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>(5) Speak of that Savior, </span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>that Father in Heaven,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>That harp, crown, and robe </span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>which are waiting for you—</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>That peace you possess, </span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>and that rest to be given,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Still praying that Jesus </span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>may save them with you.</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>For you I a</span></b></span><b style="font-family: georgia;"><span>m praying,</span></b></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>For you I am praying,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>For you I am praying,</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>I'm praying for you.</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">It has been very hard to find a video of this hymn being sung. Here is the only one that I could find. <span style="color: #0066cc;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 102, 204);"> <b><a href="https://youtu.be/sH_DrcZ9p-U">LISTEN</a></b></span></span></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16pt;"><span></span><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: medium;"></span></div> Barry Kauffmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07015588684956715869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933953612542383782.post-28273412246961528272023-11-19T01:00:00.024-05:002023-11-19T01:00:00.137-05:00GOODNESS OF GOD<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwo8GiBZ2zViluJe-mO8SFAtpcHL70FcwTM72Vec_ttQf8Jg1mlosfnNpJ-UtsxrRVbDjaBdh7UzTaFbY7wHcdbBwF6ruj0kL9E5xedIlfAK3KhKRySdXWd_yaFcYHy6sYVxUgEs7eSyS904_0kDq6IVc5B8_kHaNuMaeK1cWGKhGwTcf0JjSjFj-p" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="136" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7244298951496465170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwo8GiBZ2zViluJe-mO8SFAtpcHL70FcwTM72Vec_ttQf8Jg1mlosfnNpJ-UtsxrRVbDjaBdh7UzTaFbY7wHcdbBwF6ruj0kL9E5xedIlfAK3KhKRySdXWd_yaFcYHy6sYVxUgEs7eSyS904_0kDq6IVc5B8_kHaNuMaeK1cWGKhGwTcf0JjSjFj-p=w200-h136" width="200" /></a></p> <div style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font: 14pt Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, Serif; line-height: normal;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; color: #202122; font-family: georgia;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; color: #202122;"> Some hymns have unusual beginnings. This one, released in 2019, is no exception.<br /> Credit for the writing goes to Ed Cash, Ben Fielding, Jason Ingram, Brian Johnson, and Jenn Johnson. </span><span>But it was really an experience by Johnson that started the process.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span> Johnson was inspired by the process of adopting her fourth child. She</span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; color: #202122;"> had been singing impromptu into her phone while driving on a long country road about the faithfulness and kindness of God. The song was then developed from the impromptu recording.</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; color: #212529;"> </span><span style="color: #212529;"> The belief in the goodness of God is a cornerstone and foundation for knowing and trusting Him deeply. If His goodness is not our cornerstone, conflict will cause us to question or accuse God. Have you found this to be your experience?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #212529; font-family: georgia;"> Jesus told us we would face trouble, but He promised to walk with us through the fire and carry us. In the middle of a storm, we can have joy and peace as we anchor ourselves in the unchanging goodness of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #212529; font-family: georgia;"> "I will sing of the goodness and lovingkindness of the LORD forever; With my mouth I will make known Your faithfulness from generation to generation."<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #212529;"> Are you finding that through all your life God has been faithful? From the moment that you wake each day do you sense his goodness? Is He close like no other? Then join in singing of His goodness. God is so good!</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="margin: 11.25pt 0in 22.5pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #626262; font-family: georgia;">Verse 1</b></div><span style="color: #626262; font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>I love You Lord</b></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Oh Your mercy never fails me</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>All my days</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>I've been held in Your hands</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>From the moment that I wake up</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Until I lay my head</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>I will sing of the goodness of God</b></div><o:p></o:p></b></span></div> <div style="margin: 11.25pt 0in 22.5pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #626262; font-family: georgia;">Chorus</b></div><span style="color: #626262; font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>All my life You have been faithful</b></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>All my life You have been so, so good</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>With every breath that I am able</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>I will sing of the goodness of God</b></div><o:p></o:p></b></span></div> <div style="margin: 11.25pt 0in 22.5pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #626262; font-family: georgia;">Verse 2</b></div><span style="color: #626262; font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>I love Your voice</b></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>You have led me through the fire</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>In darkest nights</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>You are close like no other</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>I've known You as a father</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>I've known You as a friend</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>I have lived in the goodness of God</b></div><o:p></o:p></b></span></div> <div style="margin: 11.25pt 0in 22.5pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #626262;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Bridge</span></b></div><span style="color: #626262;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia;">Your goodness is running after, </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia;">it's running after me</span></b></div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia;">Your goodness is running after, </span></b></div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia;">it's running after me</span></b></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia;">With my life laid down, I'm surrendered now,</span></b></div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia;"> I give You everything</span></b></div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia;">Your goodness is running after, </span></b></div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia;">it's running after me</span></b></div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Listen to it here.<b> <a href="https://youtu.be/n3t6CdeiN1M">GOODNESS</a></b></span></div></span></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16pt;"></span></div> <div style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: normal;"></div> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: medium;"></span></div> Barry Kauffmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07015588684956715869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933953612542383782.post-30256780742429653812023-11-12T01:00:00.031-05:002023-11-12T01:00:00.130-05:00STAND BY ME<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4PqQx1y2PRRWHODUspsxwvJkmHfh47AKbXWF9oOnSCmfhX57oZsb_osPOdqLCnIk3evL5Goj0MUYd6VUkRPuVc8G0gH4VJ3nxybx63I4jW7GmqWW3Z7NEAzQu-mIVJFS-PGipOzPiAc12QVVtK5HGd95IIz9rc9MiuGwF5sFkLVLxIO--sVPXjnbE" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="125" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7239417717641799298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4PqQx1y2PRRWHODUspsxwvJkmHfh47AKbXWF9oOnSCmfhX57oZsb_osPOdqLCnIk3evL5Goj0MUYd6VUkRPuVc8G0gH4VJ3nxybx63I4jW7GmqWW3Z7NEAzQu-mIVJFS-PGipOzPiAc12QVVtK5HGd95IIz9rc9MiuGwF5sFkLVLxIO--sVPXjnbE=w200-h125" width="200" /></a></p> <div style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font: 14pt Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, Serif; line-height: normal;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0.1in 0in 0.2in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="color: #0a3f64; font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="color: #0a3f64;"> The seasons of life that we encounter include disappointments, sickness, tribulation, failures and even persecution. But these encounters are easier to face if you have one to go through them with you.<br /> And believers have found that they do have One, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will stand by them and guide them through these challenging experiences. This truth is what is shared by Charles Albert Tindley (1851-1933) in his hymn "Stand By Me".<br /> Tindley's father was a slave, and his mother was free. His father died when he was very young. He was taken in my his mother's sister Caroline Miller Robbins in order to keep his freedom. It seems that he was expected to work to help the family. In his <i>Book of Sermons</i> (1932), he speaks of being "hired out" as a young boy, "wherever father could place me." He married Daisy Henry when he was seventeen. Together they had eight children, some of whom would later assist him with the publication of his hymns.<br /> Tindley was largely self-taught throughout his lifetime. After he and Daisy moved to Philadelphia in 1875, he took correspondence courses toward becoming a Methodist minister. He did this while working as a sexton for the East Bainbridge Street Church. Beginning in 1885 he was appointed by the local bishop to serve two or three-year terms at a series of churches, until coming full circle to become pastor at East Bainbridge in 1902. <br /> Under his leadership, the church grew rapidly. They relocated in 1904 to the East Calvary Methodist Episcopal Church, then again in 1924 to the new Tindley Temple, where the membership roll blossomed to about ten thousand.<br /> Tindley was known for being a captivating preacher, and for also taking an active role in the betterment of the people in his community. His songs were an outgrowth of his preaching ministry, often introduced during his sermons. Tindley was able to draw people of multiple races to his church ministry; likewise, his songs have been adopted and proliferated by white and black churches alike. <br /> Each of the verses of this hymn talk about one of the storms of life that we encounter and what Jesus can do to help us through them. As I've grown older I especially like the fifth one. "</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="color: #0a3f64;">When I'm growing old and feeble, stand by me." "When my life becomes a burden, and I'm nearing chilly Jordan, O thou Lily of the Valley,<br /> stand by me."<br /> Now our lives may take different paths but we all will grow older and probably more feeble and most likely a burden to some, sooner than we expect. But Jesus will stand by us and bear us safely to our new home where we will no longer be feeble nor a burden to anyone.<br /> "Thou who knowest all about me, stand by me."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0.1in 0in 0.2in;"><span style="color: #0a3f64; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>1 When the storms of life are raging,<br /> stand by me; (stand by me)<br /> when the storms of life are raging,<br /> stand by me. (stand by me)<br /> When the world is tossing me<br /> like a ship upon the sea,<br /> thou who rulest wind and water,<br /> stand by me. (stand by me)<o:p></o:p></b></span></div> <span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="caret-color: rgb(10, 63, 100); display: inline-block; margin: 0.1in 0in 0.2in;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="color: #0a3f64;"><b>2 In the midst of tribulation,<br /> stand by me; (stand by me)<br /> in the midst of tribulation,<br /> stand by me. (stand by me)<br /> When the hosts of hell assail,<br /> and my strength begins to fail,<br /> thou who never lost a battle,<br /> stand by me. (stand by me)</b></span></div></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font: 14pt Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, Serif; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><div style="caret-color: rgb(10, 63, 100); display: inline-block; margin: 0.1in 0in 0.2in;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="color: #0a3f64;">3. In the midst of faults and failures,<br /> stand by me; (stand by me)<br /> in the midst of faults and failures,<br /> stand by me. (stand by me)<br /> When I've done the best I can,<br /> and my friends misunderstand,<br /> thou who knowest all about me,<br /> stand by me. (stand by me)<o:p></o:p></span></div> </b></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font: 14pt Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, Serif; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span face="-webkit-standard"></span><div style="caret-color: rgb(10, 63, 100); display: inline-block; margin: 0.1in 0in 0.2in;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="color: #0a3f64;">4 In the midst of persecution,<br /> stand by me; (stand by me)<br /> in the midst of persecution,<br /> stand by me. (stand by me)<br /> When my foes in war array<br /> undertake to stop my way,<br /> thou who rescued Paul and Silas,<br /> stand by me. (stand by me)</span></div></b></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font: 14pt Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, Serif; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><div style="caret-color: rgb(10, 63, 100); display: inline-block; margin: 0.1in 0in 0.2in;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="color: #0a3f64;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <span face="-webkit-standard"> </span> </b><div style="caret-color: rgb(10, 63, 100); display: inline-block; margin: 0.1in 0in 0.2in;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="color: #0a3f64;"><b>5 When I'm growing old and feeble,<br /> stand by me; (stand by me)<br /> when I'm growing old and feeble,<br /> stand by me. (stand by me)<br /> When my life becomes a burden,<br /> and I'm nearing chilly Jordan,<br /> O thou Lily of the Valley,<br /> stand by me. (stand by me)</b><o:p></o:p></span></div> <span face="-webkit-standard"></span> </span><div style="margin: 0.1in 0in 0.2in;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="color: #0a3f64;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">You can listen to it here. <b><a href="https://youtu.be/pTjM1Ek8CoA"> STAND</a></b></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-weight: normal;"><o:p style="font-size: 16pt;"></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin: 0.1in 0in 0.2in;"><br /></div> <div style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: normal;"></div> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: medium;"></span></div> Barry Kauffmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07015588684956715869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933953612542383782.post-51173472953294776002023-11-06T01:00:00.028-05:002023-11-06T17:08:44.840-05:00MY HOPE IS IN THE LORD<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8hDHXTOGk8YVb2aTPxu4P7dxfqLGdPAYT7SyZfLIlMtRK67kTuRYZOTx-ZNscZuxfn-PjubmpFWpc1bp07a80FofrdIugVm1oPwyoVRNFB40mNT0eo1dNzZto6rQHPGx4ZBjaOWLYh3kUSNQgsBKhgqUaK73v-AYRq3Ia0OnWLkOytWiT-ynpE1yh6JE"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7298473085294340034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8hDHXTOGk8YVb2aTPxu4P7dxfqLGdPAYT7SyZfLIlMtRK67kTuRYZOTx-ZNscZuxfn-PjubmpFWpc1bp07a80FofrdIugVm1oPwyoVRNFB40mNT0eo1dNzZto6rQHPGx4ZBjaOWLYh3kUSNQgsBKhgqUaK73v-AYRq3Ia0OnWLkOytWiT-ynpE1yh6JE=s320" /></a></p><div class="yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><p class="ydpef26f843MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></b><b><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Georgia, serif;"> "</span></b><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Georgia, serif;">We put our hope in the LORD; he is our protector and our help. We are glad because of him; we trust in his holy name. May your constant love be with us, LORD, as we put our hope in you.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">" Psalm 33:20-22.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /> This hymn is one of my favorites because of the </span><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Georgia, serif;">clear and biblical explanation of the work of salvation that it provides. Trace the truths presented through the Scriptures and you will see what a fine declaration of the gospel of grace is given.<br /></span><span style="color: #0a3f64; font-family: Georgia, serif;"> The author, Norman Clayton (1903-1992) was born in Brooklyn, New York, the ninth of ten children. He was converted at the age of six in the South Brooklyn Gospel Church, where his mother had been a foundation member. He was church organist by the age of 12, a role he kept up the rest of his life.Clayton's profession was in the building industry, but he also created his own publishing house, Gospel Songs, which was later absorbed into the Rodeheaver Company. In 1942 he was working with Jack Wyrtzen's Word of Life organization, providing music for both the radio broadcasts and crusade meetings.<br /> Clayton said his usual practice was to write the music first before the words, and that he felt it was vitally important that every song he wrote be biblically based. In order to create songs worthy of His Lord, Clayton made it his practice to memorise scripture, so his songs would have a strong Biblical basis.<br /> The opening verse makes it clear that our only hope is the Lord who gave His life for our salvation. The chorus continues this theme proclaiming that for me He died and for me He lives. What a powerful truth.<br /> The second verse continues the theme, sharing that t</span><span style="color: #4b5d67; font-family: Georgia, serif;">he saving work of Christ is not just a hope, it's our <i>only</i> hope. Verse three concerns the present intercessory work of Christ, as our great High Priest in heaven. When the work of redemption was accomplished, Christ ascended on high, and is seated at the right hand of the Father (Heb. 1:3). His presence there eternally proclaims that our debt has been paid (Rom. 8:33-34).<br /></span><span style="color: #0a3f64; font-family: Georgia, serif;"> The final verse is my favorite. </span><span style="color: #4b5d67; font-family: Georgia, serif;">This is a work of grace, God's unearned and unmerited favor, given "freely." "By grace you have been saved through faith" (Eph. 2:8). Grace renders any human effort unnecessary and totally irrelevant.All </span><span style="color: #000022; font-family: Georgia, serif;">we can do is believe and receive this gift and hope. <br /> All we can do is to concentrate on these words as you sing them in humility and thankfulness.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"></span></p><p class="ydpef26f843MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"> 1. My hope is in the Lord </span></b></p><p class="ydpef26f843MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"> Who gave Himself for me,</span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydpef26f843MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>And paid the price of </b></p><p align="center" class="ydpef26f843MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>all my sin at Calvary.</b></p><p align="center" class="ydpef26f843MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">For me He died, For me He lives,</span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydpef26f843MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">And everlasting life and </span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydpef26f843MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">light He freely gives.</span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydpef26f843MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydpef26f843MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">2. No merit of my own </span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydpef26f843MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">His anger to suppress.</span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydpef26f843MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">My only hope is found </span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydpef26f843MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">in Jesus' righteousness.</span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydpef26f843MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">For me He died, For me He lives,</span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydpef26f843MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">And everlasting life and </span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydpef26f843MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">light He freely gives.</span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydpef26f843MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydpef26f843MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">3. And now for me He stands </span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydpef26f843MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Before the Father's throne.</span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydpef26f843MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">He shows His wounded hands </span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydpef26f843MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">and names me as His own.</span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydpef26f843MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">For me He died, For me He lives,</span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydpef26f843MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">And everlasting life and </span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydpef26f843MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">light He freely gives.</span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydpef26f843MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydpef26f843MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">4. His grace has planned it all, </span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydpef26f843MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">'Tis mine but to believe,</span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydpef26f843MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">And recognize His work of love </span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydpef26f843MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">and Christ receive.</span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydpef26f843MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">For me He died, For me He lives,</span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydpef26f843MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">And everlasting life an</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"> light He freely gives.</span></b></p><p align="center" class="ydpef26f843MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"> </span></b></p><p class="ydpef26f843MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Listen to it here. HOPE</span></b></p><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></div><div><br /></div><br /></div>Barry Kauffmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07015588684956715869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933953612542383782.post-71159633581922644582023-10-29T01:00:00.010-04:002023-10-29T13:05:07.986-04:00LIVING FOR JESUS (TH) <div style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font: 14pt Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, Serif; line-height: normal;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 14pt; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZ7_wOTx5_ts7bKu72ur1plvknOkjKYqF8byNez4JLj8JBKZKlzOnLS-Hnu-OW1i46hy6uTF7I9mPfVXkQup0uu_it03wDsYbtWT3OmAl8EHQ8cw1Uy73UOjF_vwYQRRStC2ZPVco_LlMPBRYj5CFykNz_BF0-oZSQlEb9pyRf2QLUktxp65b5XNT1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="190" data-original-width="200" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZ7_wOTx5_ts7bKu72ur1plvknOkjKYqF8byNez4JLj8JBKZKlzOnLS-Hnu-OW1i46hy6uTF7I9mPfVXkQup0uu_it03wDsYbtWT3OmAl8EHQ8cw1Uy73UOjF_vwYQRRStC2ZPVco_LlMPBRYj5CFykNz_BF0-oZSQlEb9pyRf2QLUktxp65b5XNT1=w200-h190" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"> What are you really living for? What would your calendar indicate? How about your checkbook? What about your work schedule? What would your family say? Maybe some of these would be better indicators of the truth of our answer to the original question. After all, it is easy to fool people by what we do and say on Sunday morning. <br /> Today many people claim to be Christians and believers in Jesus. But too many don't really understand what it means to really live for Jesus. This week's hymn choice makes it very clear what that commitment really means. In this modern world, with all of its attractions, or should I say distractions, can we really say, as the composer said, "I own no other master, my heart shall be Thy throne"? <br /> This week please read all of the words of each verse of this hymn very carefully and determine if these words of consecration are really yours. Jesus willingly gave Himself for us. What have we yielded to Him in return for this great sacrifice? <br /> The composer of this consecration hymn, C. Harold Lowden, tells about the origin of the hymn.</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times;"> "</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">In 1915, I wrote a gospel song entitled The Sunshine Song for children's services. It became quite popular, and many pastors wrote to me that the music should be saved, and a more general setting of words wedded to it. The rhythm and tempo suggested the words Living for Jesus. The idea came to me that a deep consecration setting of words would be most appropriate.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">After much thought and prayer, I decided to ask T.O. Chisholm to write the words. I mailed him a copy of the music and suggested the title and the type of refrain which I felt it deserved. In a day or so, Mr. Chisholm returned it to me, saying he didn't have the slightest idea as to the method used in writing words to music.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Immediately, I sent the material back to him, telling him I believed God had led me to select him, and suggesting that he permit God to write the poem. Within a couple of weeks, he had completed the writing of the words, just as they appear in the song today". Since then, the hymn has been translated into at least 15 different languages.<br /> May your daily prayer be, "O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,</span><span style="font-family: Times;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne. My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone"</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><br /></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">(1) Living for Jesus, a life that is true,</span></b><span style="color: #00060d; font-family: Times;"><br /> </span><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Striving to please Him in all that I do;</span></b><span style="color: #00060d; font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Yielding allegiance, glad hearted and free,</span></b><span style="color: #00060d; font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">This is the pathway of blessing for me.</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me.</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne.</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">(2) Living for Jesus Who died in my place,</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Bearing on Calvary my sin and disgrace;</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Such love constrains me to answer His call,</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Follow His leading and give Him my all.</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me.</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne.</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">(3) Living for Jesus, wherever I am,</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Doing each duty in His holy Name;</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Willing to suffer affliction and loss,</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Deeming each trial a part of my cross.</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me.</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne.</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">(4) Living for Jesus through earth's little while,</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">My dearest treasure, the light of His smile;</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me.</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne.</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Listen to it being sung here. <a href="https://youtu.be/12Tww_FPthc"> </a></span><b><a href="https://youtu.be/12Tww_FPthc"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">LIVING</span></a><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0in;"><br /></div> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: medium;"></span></div> Barry Kauffmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07015588684956715869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933953612542383782.post-58618857116916821122023-10-22T01:00:00.021-04:002023-10-22T01:00:00.155-04:00THE ANCHOR HOLDS<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrMBnNWTAW87EZbYMGBvLtsq-iQAX9p2NpquIcVGEWEocCZHNNn4m4pC0IayW02K8fcL3nlYzH63uGWZGbdHut2uWIqDFH9FHfloxYc09yhd38CaO0-5Vp8hk9meqk4oGkrqWd8vJP914g-QsasirzcAEpYSI7yGYbDVVxfJBulJaYqL39M_kZKebj" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="150" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7238741681455732146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrMBnNWTAW87EZbYMGBvLtsq-iQAX9p2NpquIcVGEWEocCZHNNn4m4pC0IayW02K8fcL3nlYzH63uGWZGbdHut2uWIqDFH9FHfloxYc09yhd38CaO0-5Vp8hk9meqk4oGkrqWd8vJP914g-QsasirzcAEpYSI7yGYbDVVxfJBulJaYqL39M_kZKebj=w200-h150" width="200" /></a></p> <div style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font: 14pt Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, Serif; line-height: normal;"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" style="color: white; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" style="color: white; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif;">O. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">One of the most terrifying situations a person can face is to be in a boat in the midst of a storm without an anchor. The winds may blow and the waves may pound but a good anchor can help the boat and its passengers survive.<br /> Boats and storms have provided the themes for many hymns. This one, written by Lawrence Mendel Chewning Jr. in 1992, is one of my favorites. There is so much truth and confidence when one can say "the anchor holds" in the midst of the storms of life.<br /> Chewning was a Christian recording artist, songwriter, and speaker who grew up in rural South Carolina as the son of a cotton farmer and merchant. At the age of eight he accepted Christ at a country church. <br /> He travelled full time with a group of his friends that formed a group band known as the Fishermen. They were together from 1970 to 1977. In 1978 he formed Lawrence Chewning's Eastland Band. They moved to New England where they did a number of concerts.<br /> But 1992 became the year of sorrows for his family, but the Lord turned it into the birth of a great song. Here is what he had to say about these events.<br /> "</span><span style="color: #5b5252; font-family: Georgia, serif;">My father died that year, we were facing health problems, I had come to a point of burnout from being in pastoral ministry for 19 years, and the church that I had helped plant was entering the first phases of what became a devastating split. I was also re-evaluating the focus of my calling. I was weary and discouraged. "<br /> "Then, in the summer of '92, my wife experienced her third miscarriage. We wept as we held the tiny 14-week fetus of our son in our hands. It truly felt as if our visions and dreams had "slipped right through like they were only grains of sand". It seemed as if the best years were over."<br /> "I was given a sabbatical from pastoring for six months. During that time, my wife and I grieved and prayed. I also began to play the piano again for hours at a time, alone with God. During this time of sadness and uncertainty, the Holy Spirit gave me a song which I entitled "The Anchor Holds". As I would sing it, I began to experience God's comfort and encouragement and hope. Eventually, fresh vision came and I entered a new phase of the calling on my life." <br /> In the spring of 1993, an old friend heard about the song during a time of sharing together … A few months later, he called me and expressed interest in possibly recording it. I sent the song to him "in the rough" and told him that he was free to adapt it for his purposes. He did and it was released for national airplay in November 1994."<br /> "The response to this song has truly been overwhelming. I am so grateful that God can take our broken pieces and make something of value out of them."<br /> May these words be a source of encouragement to you this week in the midst of your storms.</span><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #5b5252; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></span></div> <div class="break" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">I have journeyed through the long dark night</b></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Out on the open sea, by faith alone,</b></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Sight unknown;<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>and yet His eyes were watching me.</b></div><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="break" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div> <div class="break" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Refrain</span></u><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">:</span></b></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">The anchor holds,</span></b></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Though the ship is battered.</span></b></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">The anchor holds,</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Though the sails are torn.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">I have fallen on my knees </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">as I face the raging seas;</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">The anchor holds in spite of the storm.</span></b></div><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div class="break" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div> <div class="break" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">I've had visions, I've had dreams,</b></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>I've even held them in my hand;</b></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>But I never knew they </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>would slip right through,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Like they were only grains of sand.</b></div><o:p></o:p></b></span></div> <div class="break" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: medium;"><b>I have been young but I'm older now,</b></span></div><div class="break" style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: large; font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>And there has been beauty these eyes have seen;</b></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>But it was in the night, through the storms of my life;</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Oh, that's where God proved His love for me,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The anchor holds.</b></div><o:p></o:p></b></span></div> <div class="break" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">I have fallen on my knees as I face the raging seas;</b></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The anchor holds in spite of the storm.</b></div><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; margin: 12pt 0in;"><span style="color: #5b5252; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: medium;">Listen to it here. <b><a href="https://youtu.be/2XGEOODU2aE">ANCHOR</a></b><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 12pt 0in;"><span style="color: #5b5252; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div> <div style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal;"></div> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></div> Barry Kauffmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07015588684956715869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933953612542383782.post-12914475142661285772023-10-15T01:00:00.019-04:002023-10-15T01:00:00.183-04:00ONLY A BOY NAMED DAVID. (CHORUS)<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8dCCMt-AWV6RZ2Gmrf0w12DVXBHvcJT4hMahxPjFkCDbgn4GoLKhQeSXdn3VuZ-LHTcWt0_Ksq3KFM1MFNV0zzHr47NvNeMavinlAqj8lMqTmUaQMTE0MkMEWc4WPhTSn9AqysLo6CGBs8ezmIkOss9-5H8FqD229NtwX5emVujQvt1aLWZF_p0dq" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="232" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7192710188111155890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8dCCMt-AWV6RZ2Gmrf0w12DVXBHvcJT4hMahxPjFkCDbgn4GoLKhQeSXdn3VuZ-LHTcWt0_Ksq3KFM1MFNV0zzHr47NvNeMavinlAqj8lMqTmUaQMTE0MkMEWc4WPhTSn9AqysLo6CGBs8ezmIkOss9-5H8FqD229NtwX5emVujQvt1aLWZF_p0dq=w320-h232" width="320" /></a></p><div style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 14pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; font: 14pt Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, Serif; line-height: normal;"> <div style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal;"></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> Another classic chorus:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> If you grew up going to Sunday School you must remember having sung "Only A Boy Named David". You certainly also enjoyed doing the motions, "and the sling went round and round, and round and round … and the giant came tumbling down!" <o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> The song was written by Australian Salvation Army Officer Arthur Arnott (1870-1941) and first published in 1931. Arnott's father built one of the largest cookie companies in the world. Arnott biscuits (cookies) fill stores and pastries across Australia.<br /> When he was only 21, Arthur managed a thriving factory for his father in Sydney. One day while walking through a nearby park, he heard a group of evangelists holding an open-air meeting. One of the organizers invited him to dinner and there explained the Gospel. Arthur received Christ as his Savior and immediately joined the Salvation Army which had sponsored the rally. He spent the remainder of his life winning others to Christ<br /> Arthur specialized in children's work and his 'happy' songs that he wrote were sung all around the world. He told the children, 'It is impossible to sing and grumble at the same time. But it is quite natural to sing and pray and rejoice all at once." </span><span style="color: #444444;">His visits to children's homes and his fundraising activities to build and support such establishments were to mark him out as an officer who clearly comprehended the eternal value of a child. Arnott and his wife retired to the Melbourne suburb of Thornbury where they supported the local corps. Even in retirement, Arthur was active in seeking souls for God's kingdom, often visiting local dance halls to give a brief message and an invitation.<br /> Over the years many of us have been introduced to the life of David, a man after God's own heart, through this classic chorus. None of us are too old to sing it again this week … with the motions. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>Only a boy named David, <o:p></o:p></b></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; margin: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: georgia;"><span>only a little sling,</span></b></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span>only a boy named David, </span></b></div></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; margin: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: georgia;"><span>but he could pray and sing.</span></b></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span>Only a boy named David, </span></b></div></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; margin: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: georgia;"><span>only a rippling brook,</span></b></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span>only a boy named David, </span></b></div></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: georgia;"><span>but five little stones he took.</span></b></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div><b style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span>And one little stone </span></b></div></b></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; margin: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: georgia;"><span>went in the sling,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span>and the sling went </span></b></div></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; margin: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: georgia;"><span>round and round.</span></b></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span>And one little stone </span></b></div></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; margin: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: georgia;"><span>went in the sling,</span></b></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span>and the sling went </span></b></div></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; margin: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: georgia;"><span>round and round,</span></b></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span>and round and round </span></b></div></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; margin: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: georgia;"><span>and round and round,</span></b></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span>and round and round and round.</span></b></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span>And one little stone </span></b></div></b></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; margin: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: georgia;"><span>went up in the air,</span></b></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span>and the giant came </span></b></div></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>tumbling down.</span><o:p></o:p></b></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><o:p><b> </b></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Listen to it here. <b> <a href="https://youtu.be/T0A2azEGlaw">GIANT</a></b><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><br /></div> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: medium;"></span></div> Barry Kauffmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07015588684956715869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933953612542383782.post-71694243178576979672023-10-08T01:00:00.017-04:002023-10-08T01:00:00.137-04:00CLEANSE ME <div style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font: 14pt Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, Serif; line-height: normal;"> <div style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 19.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQAO12KSj8ucNhRiEntbA5vgTCcbbCjWhbke-_Ck2AH0MBiDBDz-vAKl1fBPR7pIBKuK3twNTVeIKxn92KpfduePKV2jGy8PVdRiXU0OgAOQZ23OM5PNitjWpE3u43laaV9nut6liQgDQfP6mARObGTZVvoRrYOVgnokIKlnu6JcgRQjL0775Htkvp" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-size: 16pt; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img alt="" border="0" height="133" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7238387098114515138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQAO12KSj8ucNhRiEntbA5vgTCcbbCjWhbke-_Ck2AH0MBiDBDz-vAKl1fBPR7pIBKuK3twNTVeIKxn92KpfduePKV2jGy8PVdRiXU0OgAOQZ23OM5PNitjWpE3u43laaV9nut6liQgDQfP6mARObGTZVvoRrYOVgnokIKlnu6JcgRQjL0775Htkvp=w200-h133" width="200" /></a></div> </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> How easy it is for us to find and criticize the faults of others. </span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto;">We can criticize what they say, what they do, the decisions that they make, and even their commitment. Often they just don't live up to our standards and we can dwell upon their faults and apparent sins. <br /> Knowing that this would be a problem for mankind, Jesus reminded us to first examine our own lives before ever judging others. Matthew 7:3 (ESV), "Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?"<br /> This week's hymn is a prayer for the Lord to examine us and our sins and cleanse us from all sin. Some versions title this song "Search Me" while others say" Cleanse Me."<br /> </span><span>At the age of 24, a Baptist evangelist, James Edwin Orr (1912-1987) wrote this hymn following an Easter campaign in New Zealand. During that campaign in 1936, revival fell on the people of New Zealand. Midnight services had to be added to accommodate the crowds. Many people were converted. <br /> Revival fire spread across the island nation. The key to this revival was the public confession and reconciliation of believers. A theme verse for that revival was<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em><b><span style="border: 1pt windowtext; padding: 0in;">Psalm 139:1</span></b></em>, which says, "Search me, O God, and know my heart today." As hearts were cleansed, the Holy Spirit moved in power.</span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto;"><br /> </span><span>As Dr. Orr. was set to leave New Zealand, four </span><span style="color: #222222;">Aborigine</span><span> girls came to him and sang him their native song of farewell. Impressed by the song, especially the tune, and still stirred by the revival he had witnessed there, he quickly scribbled some verses on the back of an envelope while he was waiting. The song went on to be a challenge and a help to many over the decades. </span><span style="color: #222222;">Further campaigns by Dr. Orr throughout Australia in the 1930s and later in nearly all of the English-speaking world, soon popularized this prayer hymn everywhere.<br /> </span><span> </span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto;">David also had to deal with sin in his life when he prayed, as recorded in Psalm 139: 23-24, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way." What a powerful but dangerous prayer. When we ask the Lord to search our lives, He may indeed point out sin that we need to deal with. And if we don't deal with what he reveals, we will not experience the victory and joy He desires for His children. <br /> </span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto;">The words have expressed my own longing for God to search me and know me, to cleanse me and fill me with His Spirit, and to use my life in His service. Read through the song and make it your own prayer to God the Father. Be willing to be known by God and confess all of your sins to Him. Choose to follow Him in Christ Jesus, whatever the cost. </span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b> 1. Search me, O God,<br /> And know my heart today;<br /> Try me, O Savior,<br /> Know my thoughts, I pray.<br /> See if there be<br /> Some wicked way in me;<br /> Cleanse me from every sin<br /> And set me free.<br /> <br /> <o:p></o:p></b></span></div> <div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>2. I praise Thee, Lord,<br /> For cleansing me from sin;<br /> Fulfill Thy Word,<br /> And make me pure within.<br /> Fill me with fire<br /> Where once I burned with shame;<br /> Grant my desire<br /> To magnify Thy Name.<br /> <br /> 3. Lord, take my life,<br /> And make it wholly Thine;<br /> Fill my poor heart<br /> With Thy great love divine.<br /> Take all my will,<br /> My passion, self and pride;<br /> I now surrender, Lord<br /> In me abide.<br /> <br /> 4. O Holy Ghost,<br /> Revival comes from Thee;<br /> Send a revival,<br /> Start the work in me.<br /> Thy Word declares<br /> Thou wilt supply our need;<br /> For blessings now,<br /> O Lord, I humbly plead.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">You can listen to it here. <b><a href="https://youtu.be/kcuSIAiB0O4">CLEANSE</a></b><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: medium;"></span></div> Barry Kauffmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07015588684956715869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933953612542383782.post-41843226577712780732023-10-01T01:30:00.002-04:002023-10-01T01:30:00.140-04:00SINCE I HAVE BEEN REDEEMED<p class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhTWCeureWSqmiztSX6CYFjAm94AENdazrSNJnEYFOOGO-XGEzefD9cQ4MQyJq3jzs4bPFm7zwtuZCv84D5CXna0OZ48DIccR_PzmYDoUio-BlaolqLhb8gb3Gf0o7thZBSANuo0c2feHe1X5eeLJJj5LhmlGaMNwSVSkxIPwGrca3o8ETbO4koBLH"><img alt="" border="0" height="101" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7215320750668252578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhTWCeureWSqmiztSX6CYFjAm94AENdazrSNJnEYFOOGO-XGEzefD9cQ4MQyJq3jzs4bPFm7zwtuZCv84D5CXna0OZ48DIccR_PzmYDoUio-BlaolqLhb8gb3Gf0o7thZBSANuo0c2feHe1X5eeLJJj5LhmlGaMNwSVSkxIPwGrca3o8ETbO4koBLH=w449-h101" width="449" /></a></p> <div style="color: black; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font: 14pt Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, Serif; line-height: normal;"> <div class="envelope" style="float: none; font-weight: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Christians should be joyful individuals and all of their life, including their music, should radiate that joy. This hymn is one of my favorites because it does just that. It begins sharing the truth that I have a song that I love to sing, a song about my Savior King who has redeemed me. </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> In five verses it then shares that we have a Christ who satisfies, a witness bright and clear, and a home prepared for us. It concludes with the thought that this joy is even more than we can express. And because He has redeemed us, we glory in the Savior's Name. And this is my testimony and that is why this hymn is one of my favorites.<br /> The hymn's writer, Edwin Othello Excell (1851-1921), commonly known as E. O. Excell, was a prominent American publisher, composer, song leader, and singer of music for church, Sunday school, and evangelistic meetings during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Excell was born in Uniontown, Ohio and attended public schools in Ohio and Pennsylvania. <br /> He was marryied in 1871 near Brady's Bend, Pennsylvania. He supported his family for several years as a plasterer, bricklayer, and singing instructor. His focus turned to sacred music through his experience leading songs at revivals and worship services of Methodist Episcopal churches. He did this first in East Brady and then, starting in 1881, Oil City, Pennsylvania. Excell compiled or contributed to about ninety secular and sacred song books and is estimated to have written, composed, or arranged more than two thousand of the songs he published. The music publishing business he started in 1881 and that eventually bore his name, was the highest volume producer of hymnbooks in America at the time of his death. Excell was described as "a big, robust six-footer, with a six-in caliber voice" and extraordinary range that enabled him to solo as baritone or tenor. <br /> His song "Since I Have Been Redeemed" is a marvelous testimony of what happens when a sinner accepts the free gift of salvation and is redeemed. We have a new song to sing, a Christ who satisfies, a witness within, a new home and a new joy. And that is worth singing about! <o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> Incidentally, as a sidelight for those who are often critical of the number of repeated phrases in today's praise music, count the number of repeated phrases in this old hymn. Sometimes things don't change as much as we think. <br /> Rejoice as you sing along this week. May you show the joy that you have because He redeemed you.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><br /></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>(1) I have a song I love to sing,</span><span style="color: #00060d;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Since I have been redeemed,</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Of my Redeemer, Savior King,</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Since I have been redeemed.</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Since I have been redeemed,</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Since I have been redeemed,</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>I will glory in His Name,</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Since I have been redeemed,</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>I will glory in the Savior's Name.</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><o:p><b> </b></o:p></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>(2) I have a Christ Who satisfies</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Since I have been redeemed,</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>To do His will my highest prize,</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Since I have been redeemed.</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Since I have been redeemed,</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Since I have been redeemed,</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>I will glory in His Name,</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Since I have been redeemed,</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>I will glory in the Savior's Name.</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><o:p><b> </b></o:p></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>(3) I have a witness bright and clear,</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Since I have been redeemed,</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Dispelling every doubt and fear,</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Since I have been redeemed.</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Since I have been redeemed,</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Since I have been redeemed,</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>I will glory in His Name,</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Since I have been redeemed,</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>I will glory in the Savior's Name.</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><o:p><b> </b></o:p></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>(4) I have a home prepared for me,</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Since I have been redeemed,</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Where I shall dwell eternally,</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Since I have been redeemed.</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Since I have been redeemed,</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Since I have been redeemed,</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>I will glory in His Name,</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Since I have been redeemed,</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>I will glory in the Savior's Name.</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><o:p><b> </b></o:p></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>(5) I have a joy I can't express,</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Since I have been redeemed,</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>All through His blood and righteousness,</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Since I have been redeemed.</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Since I have been redeemed,</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Since I have been redeemed,</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>I will glory in His Name,</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Since I have been redeemed,</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span><b>I will glory in the Savior's Name.</b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Listen to it being sung here. <a href="https://youtu.be/4xzg4xRfEt8"> <span style="color: #0066cc;">LISTEN</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in;"><br /></div> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: medium;"></span></div> Barry Kauffmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07015588684956715869noreply@blogger.com0