Hymns With A Message

FIND US FAITHFUL

2012-03-04T01:00:00.001-05:00

For several years the topic of legacy has been on my mind. How do we want to be remembered when we are gone, by the money or possessions that we leave behind? Or will we leave a godly legacy that draws others to the Savior? If the Lord suddenly called you home today, how would you be remembered? How would the things you left behind reflect your testimony and walk with the Lord. I recently talked to a friend whose father was suddenly called home to heaven. She had grown up with a godly father who had taught her many lessons including the lesson that all that we have is really the Lord's, including our money. She told me that while she knew this, when she looked at his checkbook left behind she saw how he had really practiced what he had shared. She was amazed at the number of missionaries and ministries he had supported in addition to his own church. What will your possessions say about your love for the Lord when you are gone? For over 25 years my wife and I and our three sons had a family ministry. We often presented about 100 programs a year with children and families. When our programs were for families, my wife and I often closed the program by singing this week's choice, Find Us Faithful, written by Steve Green in 1988. Every time we sang it, the words challenged me. And as I've watched so many of my close friends move on to heaven the words continue to challenge me. I have been blessed to have family and friends who have influenced me spiritually and I thank the Lord for them and their impact on my life. But, unfortunately, not all folks finish well. We've too often been saddened to see the actions of some in their latter years of ministry do things that tarnished their legacy. I pray that this won't happen to me and that when the Lord calls me home, my family and friends will be left with a godly testimony that impacts their lives. Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful.

We're pilgrims on the journey Of the narrow road

And those who've gone before us line the way

Cheering on the faithful, encouraging the weary

Their lives a stirring testament to God's sustaining grace

Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses

Let us run the race not only for the prize

But as those who've gone before us

Let us leave to those behind us

The heritage of faithfulness passed on through godly lives

After all our hopes and dreams have come and gone

And our children sift through all we've left behind

May the clues that they discover and the memories they uncover

Become the light that leads them to the road we each must find

CHORUS:

Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful

May the fire of our devotion light their way

May the footprints that we leave

Lead them to believe

And the lives we live inspire them to obey

Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful

You can listen to Steve Green sing his song here. LISTEN

I GAVE MY LIFE FOR THEE

2012-02-26T01:00:00.002-05:00

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself the question, what have I done with my life? That was a question that Frances R. Havergal (1836 - 1879), much like us, often asked herself. When she was 22 she was visiting relatives in Germany. She was weary from visiting sites there and as she sat to rest in an art museum in Dusseldorf she saw a painting of Christ, wearing a crown of thorns, standing before Pilate and the mob. Under the painting by Sternberg were the words, "This have I done for thee; what hast thou done for Me?" She was deeply moved and with tears in her eyes she found a piece of scrap paper and scribbled down what would become the words of this great hymn. Returning home from her trip, she decided that the poetry really was poor so she threw it into a stove. Somehow the paper was scorched but not burnt and it floated out of the flames and landed on the floor. Later it was found there by her father, the Rev. Eilliam Havergal, an Anglican minister who himself was a poet and musician. He encouraged her to preserve the poem by composing the first melody for it. Later the tune for this test was composed by the noted American gospel songwriter, Philip P. Bliss, and was first published in 1873. Since then the hymn has been sung by thousands around the world. And this week the hymn should remind us that Christ gave His life for us. He left all the glories of heaven to pay a terrible price so that we could be ransomed. His precious blood has made our salvation possible. And the question remains, what have we done for Him?

1. I gave My life for thee,

My precious blood I shed,

That thou might'st ransomed be,

And quickened from the dead;

I gave, I gave My life for thee,

What hast thou given for Me?

I gave, I gave My life for thee,

What hast thou given for Me?

2. My Father's house of light,

My glory circled throne,

I left, for earthly night,

For wanderings sad and lone;

I left, I left it all for thee,

Hast thou left aught for Me?

I left, I left it all for thee,

Hast thou left aught for Me?

3. I suffered much for thee,

More than the tongue can tell,

Of bitterest agony,

To rescue thee from hell;

I've borne, I've borne it all for thee,

What hast thou borne for Me?

I've borne, I've borne it all for thee,

What hast thou borne for Me?

4. And I have brought to thee,

Down from My home above,

Salvation full and free,

My pardon and My love;

I bring, I bring rich gifts to thee,

What hast thou brought to Me?

I bring, I bring rich gifts to thee,

What hast thou brought to Me?

It was hard to find a music video for this hymn because so many are sung to a different melody than the one that I remember and find in current hymn books. And the few that do use this melody are rather poorly done. But here is one that you can watch and listen to that is close. LISTEN

I AM HIS AND HE IS MINE

2012-02-19T01:00:00.002-05:00

There are numerous hymns that I really miss singing and hearing. This week's is one of those. I have always loved this hymn because of the rich words and the beautiful harmony. Years ago my wife and I sang this as part of a mixed quartete and it was a blessing to sing it. It is also known to some as "Loved with Everlasting Love." The words were written by George W. Robinson (1838 - 1877) but little is known about him. Born in Ireland, Robinson was educated at Dublin's Trinity College, and later at New College in London. Later he became a pastor in Dudley. It is said that he became ill and resigned as pastor. Little is known about the cause of his illness and death. but this great hymn was written one year before his death which came at the young age of 39. The words do communicate that Robinson knew the Lord and knew where he was going after his death. He talks about this full and perfect peace which he obviously received from the Lord. I especially love the poetic words of the second verse which share what a believer can see that Christless eyes can never experience. And what a beautiful picture shared in verse three where the child of God is sheltered in the everlasting arms of the Father while the wild alarms of life are all around. The words of the fourth verse are even more powerful when one realizes that the author was ill and just a year away from death but realizing that nothing could part him from the Lord. What precious, powerful words. And what a joy to know that "I am His and He is mine!"

(1) Loved with everlasting love, led by grace that love to know;

Gracious Spirit from above, Thou hast taught me it is so!

O this full and perfect peace! O this transport all divine!

In a love which cannot cease, I am His, and He is mine.

(2) Heav'n above is softer blue, Earth around is sweeter green!

Something lives in every hue Christless eyes have never seen;

Birds with gladder songs o'erflow, flowers with deeper beauties shine,

Since I know, as now I know, I am His, and He is mine.

(3) Things that once were wild alarms cannot now disturb my rest;

Closed in everlasting arms, pillowed on the loving breast.

O to lie forever here, doubt and care and self resign,

While He whispers in my ear, I am His, and He is mine.

(4) His forever, only His; Who the Lord and me shall part?

Ah, with what a rest of bliss Christ can fill the loving heart!

Heav'n and earth may fade and flee, firstborn light in gloom decline;

But while God and I shall be, I am His, and He is mine.

Listen to this great hymn here. LISTEN

THE LOVE OF GOD

2012-02-12T01:00:00.000-05:00

This week much attention will be given to the subject of love. Many will celebrate Valentine's Day in a variety of ways. Huge amounts will be spent on cards, flowers, dining out, jewelry, and other gifts. And experiencing true human love is something special, especially when it is love between a husband and wife. But we all can experience true sacrificial love through our relationship with God, through Jesus Christ. God showed his love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). And that love is far beyond any that can be shown or known on this earth. O love of God, so rich and pure, so measureless and strong. It shall forever more endure. And that is the stirring message of this week's hymn choice. The words were penned in 1917 by Frederick M. Lehman and were based on the Jewish poem written in Aramaic in 1050 by Meir Ben Isaac Nehorai, a cantor in Worms, Germany. Ironically, verse three was penciled on the wall of a narrow room in an insane asylum by a man said to have been demented. The profound lines were discovered when they laid him in his coffin. The general opinion was that this inmate had written the words in rare moments of sanity. I think one of my best memories of this hymn is hearing it sung by George Beverly Shea in many Billy Graham crusades. Shea recently celebrated his 103rd birthday. His solos have ministered to many millions over the decades. At the close of this blog you can hear a classic edition of Shea sharing this message of God's love.

(1) The love of God is greater far

Than tongue or pen can ever tell;

It goes beyond the highest star,

And reaches to the lowest hell;

The guilty pair, bowed down with care,

God gave His Son to win;

His erring child He reconciled,

And pardoned from his sin.

Refrain

O love of God, how rich and pure!

How measureless and strong!

It shall forevermore endure

The saints' and angels' song.

(2) When years of time shall pass away,

And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall,

When men, who here refuse to pray,

On rocks and hills and mountains call,

God's love so sure, shall still endure,

All measureless and strong;

Redeeming grace to Adam's race—

The saints' and angels' song.

Refrain

O love of God, how rich and pure!

How measureless and strong!

It shall forevermore endure

The saints' and angels' song.

(3) Could we with ink the ocean fill,

And were the skies of parchment made,

Were every stalk on earth a quill,

And every man a scribe by trade,

To write the love of God above,

Would drain the ocean dry.

Nor could the scroll contain the whole,

Though stretched from sky to sky.

Refrain

O love of God, how rich and pure!

How measureless and strong!

It shall forevermore endure

The saints' and angels' song.

Listen to it being sung by George Beverly Shea.

LISTEN

WHAT A DAY THAT WILL BE

2012-02-05T01:00:00.001-05:00

Last Sunday I received the news that my best friend had suddenly and unexpectedly died. I still have a difficult time believing this has happened. (See my blog for Feb. 3) I will miss him. In addition to my father, father-in-law and dear aunt, this is the fifth of my dear friends (Norm, Gary, Ralph, my brother Terry, and now Jim) who have died in the last six years. In fact I am now the only male in our wedding party that is still alive. But the good news is that all of these folks are in heaven. And that fact is what brought me to this week's choice. What a day that will be when we see Jesus and our dear friends once again. What a thrill it is to have that assurance as we face the loss of their friendship and companionship here on earth. This week's choice was written by Jim Hill. He relates that his mother-in-law became very sick. He was a very new Christian at the time and one day when he was coming home from work, he was asking God why this was happening to his mother-in-law. Then he said, words just starting filling his mind, but he did not have anything to write the words down. So when he got home he got out of the car, looked down and there was a old piece of cardboard. So he picked it up and wrote down the words to "What A Day That Will Be." The first person that Jim Hill sung the song for, was his sick mother-in-law. Since then the song has been an anthem of encouragement many times for many people. "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." Revelation 21:4

(1) There is coming a day

When no heartache shall come

No more clouds in the sky

No more tears to dim the eye

All is peace forever more

On that happy golden shore

What a day, glorious day that will be.

Chorus:

What a day that will be

When my Jesus I shall see

And I look upon His face

The One who saved my by His grace

When He takes me by the hand

And leads me through the Promised Land

What a day, glorious day that will be

(2) There'll be no sorrow there

No more burdens to bear

No more sickness, no pain

No more parting over there

And forever I will be

With the One who died for me

What a day, glorious day that will be.

Chorus:

What a day that will be

When my Jesus I shall see

And I look upon His face

The One who saved my by His grace

When He takes me by the hand

And leads me through the Promised Land

What a day, glorious day that will be

Listen to it here. LISTEN

SWEETER AS THE YEARS GO BY

2012-01-29T01:00:00.003-05:00

Last week when my wife shared her age with a friend, the friend asked, "How did you get that old so fast?" Yes, time does fly. On Tuesday (see my personal blog for January 30) my aunt and uncle will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary. The Lord willing, we will celebrate our 50th anniversary in June. And in June I will celebrate my 67th spiritual birthday. Where did the years go? But in all three of these relationships, they are better and closer today than they ever were. And that is the testimony shared by this week's hymn, "Sweeter As The Years Go By". Last Saturday night, a local radio station was playing programs from the past and they played an old recording of "The Old Fashioned Revival Hour". After Rudy Atwood's traditional piano opening, the choir sang this week's hymn. I hadn't heard it in years but I sang along and thought how true the words really were not only years ago, but even more so, today. No matter how long you have served the Lord, I hope that this is also your testimony. I understand that the lyrics and music were written by Leila N. Morris (1862-1929). She became blind in her early fifties, but that didn't keep her from writing. I am told that she had a 28-foot long blackboard with large music staff lines. Using this special board she was able to see enough to help her write hymns. In all she wrote more than 1,000 hymn texts as well as many of the tunes. Her handicap didn't keep her from doing this and being productive for God. This hymn was first copyrighted in 1912 and the stanzas were originally for soprano and alto duet. But arrangements for full four part harmony were made by the Lillenas Publishing Company. Even with her blindness, Mrs. Morris found that her Lord did become sweeter to her as the years went by. Richer, fuller, deeper, Jesus' love is sweeter, sweeter as the years go by. May this also be your experience.

1. Of Jesus' love that sought me, when I was lost in sin;

Of wondrous grace that brought me back to His fold again;

Of heights and depths of mercy, far deeper than the sea,

And higher than the heavens, my theme shall ever be.

Sweeter as the years go by, sweeter as the years go by,

Richer, fuller, deeper, Jesus' love is sweeter,

Sweeter as the years go by.

2. He trod in old Judea life's pathway long ago;

The people thronged about Him, His saving grace to know;

He healed the broken hearted, and caused the blind to see;

And still His great heart yearneth in love for even me.

Sweeter as the years go by, sweeter as the years go by,

Richer, fuller, deeper, Jesus' love is sweeter,

Sweeter as the years go by.

3. 'Twas wondrous love which led Him for us to suffer loss,

To bear without a murmur the anguish of the cross;

With saints redeemed in glory, let us our voices raise,

Till Heav'n and earth reecho with our Redeemer's praise.

Sweeter as the years go by, sweeter as the years go by,

Richer, fuller, deeper, Jesus' love is sweeter,

Sweeter as the years go by.

I often have difficulty finding videos of many of these old hymns. I finally found a video for this hymn, but it is just an instrumental rendition accompanied by the words. So sing along as you recall this hymn. LISTEN

STANDING ON THE PROMISES

2012-01-22T01:00:00.001-05:00

Russell Kelso Carter (1849-1928) was a star athlete of a military academy and an excellent student academically, who went on to be a successful teacher and coach. He then spent several years as an ordained Methodist minister, after which he went to medical school. He spent the last of his professional years as a doctor of medicine. Carter was also a musician and songwriter. In 1886, he co-edited a hymnbook which included Carter's most famous hymn, Standing on the Promises which was written while he was serving as a professor (of chemistry and mathematics) at the Pennsylvania Military Academy. The music, composed by Carter as well, has the kind of bright marching style that must have been familiar at the academy. Although Carter was a professed Christian most of his life, it wasn't until a crisis with his natural heart that he began to understand the reality and power of Bible promises. At age 30, his health was in critical condition and the physicians could do no more for him. Carter turned to God for help and healing. He knelt and made a promise that healing or no, his life was finally and forever, fully consecrated to the service of the Lord. It was from that moment that the written Word of God became alive to Carter. Over the course of the next several months his strength returned, and his heart was completely healed. Carter lived another healthy 49 years. Life's storms may threaten to sweep us away at times, but when we choose to stand upon the promises of God, we have found a place of safety, a place where the footing is forever firm. With confidence we say, "the Word of our God stands forever" (Isa. 40:8). To believe it and obey it is to anchor our lives to the impregnable rock of God's truth. What a great place to stand as we begin a new year in a world that is filled with despair and uncertainty.

(1) Standing on the promises of Christ my King,

through eternal ages let his praises ring;

glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,

standing on the promises of God.

Standing, standing,

standing on the promises of Christ my Savior;

standing, standing,

I'm standing on the promises of God.

2. Standing on the promises that cannot fail,

when the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,

by the living Word of God I shall prevail,

standing on the promises of God.

Standing, standing,

standing on the promises of Christ my Savior;

standing, standing,

I'm standing on the promises of God.

3. Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,

bound to him eternally by love's strong cord,

overcoming daily with the Spirit's sword,

standing on the promises of God.

Standing, standing,

standing on the promises of Christ my Savior;

standing, standing,

I'm standing on the promises of God.

4. Standing on the promises I cannot fall,

listening every moment to the Spirit's call,

resting in my Savior as my all in all,

standing on the promises of God.

Standing, standing,

standing on the promises of Christ my Savior;

standing, standing,

I'm standing on the promises of God.

Listen to this week's hymn here. LISTEN

I WOULD BE LIKE JESUS

2012-01-15T01:00:00.003-05:00

How many times this year have you made the mistake of writing 2011? Have you made any resolutions for the new year? If you have, after two weeks have you broken them yet? I have never been into the resolution thing myself. But the start of a new year does give you a chance to evaluate where you have been in the past and where you are headed in the future. It is important to have goals, especially spiritual ones. Recently I heard this week's hymn choice on the radio. It brought back memories of having sung it so often, many years ago, in Sunday night services. And I guess the memory of Sunday night services really dates me because today such services appear to be gone from the schedule of present day churches. Now while some critics say that this hymn emphasizes works too much, I disagree. Works should naturally follow our salvation which itself is a gift of God. And as a result we should desire to tell the story and serve Him. Our lives should continually show growth spiritually as the Holy Spirit guides us in our Christian journey. I chose this hymn specifically for today because I think it does serve as a good goal, or a good desire, for the future year. It should be our prayer each day. As we respond to the leading and work of the Holy Spirit we should become more like Jesus - in the home, in the throng, and all day long. Little is known about the writing of this hymn. James Rowe was the son of a copper miner. He worked for the Irish government for four years and then emigrated to America at the age of 24. He settled in Albany, New York, and worked in railroads in New York for about 10 years. He then became an inspector for the Hudson River Humane Society. Then he worked for music publishers in Texas and Tennessee. In his later years he moved to Vermont and worked with his daughter, an artist, writing verses for greeting cards. Rowe teamed up with the composer of the tune, Howard E. Smith. According to Rowe's daughter, Mrs. Louise Rowe Mayhew, Smith was a little man whose hands had become knotted with arthritis, but he could still play the piano.Therefore, while Rowe was writing words, Smith would play some notes on the piano and then copy them down. This is how they teamed together to write numerous hymns. Little else is known about the writing of this hymn. But, maybe we don't need to know more about its beginnings to make it our prayer, or resolution, for the coming year.

(1) Earthly pleasures vainly call me;

I would be like Jesus;

Nothing worldly shall enthrall me;

I would be like Jesus.

Be like Jesus, this my song,

In the home and in the throng;

Be like Jesus, all day long!

I would be like Jesus.

(2) He has broken every fetter,

I would be like Jesus;

That my soul may serve Him better,

I would be like Jesus.

Be like Jesus, this my song,

In the home and in the throng;

Be like Jesus, all day long!

I would be like Jesus.

(3) All the way from earth to glory,

I would be like Jesus;

Telling o'er and o'er the story,

I would be like Jesus.

Be like Jesus, this my song,

In the home and in the throng;

Be like Jesus, all day long!

I would be like Jesus.

(4) That in Heaven He may meet me,

I would be like Jesus;

That His words "Well done" may greet me,

I would be like Jesus.

Be like Jesus, this my song,

In the home and in the throng;

Be like Jesus, all day long!

I would be like Jesus.

You can listen to it here. LISTEN

ANOTHER YEAR IS DAWNING

2012-01-08T01:00:00.003-05:00

In January of 1874, the many friends of Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879) received a New Year's greeting with the heading, "A Happy New Year! Ever Such May it Be!" Following this greeting appeared her text, still considered to be one of the finest New Year's prayers of consecration ever written. One can well imagine that those who received this greeting card from Miss Havergal that year read her words thoughtfully. They were written by one who had already become widely known throughout England as "the consecration poet." It was said of her that she always lived her words before she wrote them. Her life was one of constant and complete commitment to God. Her many talents—an accomplished pianist and vocalist, proficiency in seven languages, a keen mind (memorization of the entire New Testament, Psalms, Isaiah, and the Minor Prophets)—were all dedicated to serving God and others during the new year. After the deaths of loved ones, I especially enjoy the closing lines "Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be on earth or else in Heaven, another year for Thee". So as we begin the new year of 2012 may this be the prayer of our hearts.

(1) Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be

In working or in waiting, another year with Thee.

Another year of progress, another year of praise,

Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.

(2) Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace,

Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face;

Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast;

Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.

(3) Another year of service, of witness for Thy love,

Another year of training for holier work above.

Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be

On earth, or else in Heaven, another year for Thee.

It was very difficult to find a video of this hymn to share with you, but I did find one which may be a little different. But you can hear the hymn sung and played. LISTEN

THERE'S A SONG IN THE AIR

2012-01-01T01:00:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! One of my annual disappointments is that the day after Christmas most radio stations stop playing Christmas music. One of the things I enjoy most about Christmas is hearing the music of the season, especially those carols that share the true meaning of the holiday. Because of this, I have decided to spend one more week with Christmas music. This week's carol was written by Josiah Gilbert Holland (1819 - 1881). Holland was forced to drop out of high school, but years later he became a medical doctor. He was also a poet, novelist, and magazine editor and he helped establish Scribner's Magazine. The poem first appeared in his book "The Marble Prophecy And Other Poems" in 1872. It then appeared in his "Sunday School Collection" in 1874 and again in his "Complete Poetical Writings" in 1879. The title for this carol originally was "A Star and A Song." The present tune, "Christmas Song,", was composed for these words by Karl P. Harrington, approximately twenty-five years later. The lyrics focus on the Nativity of Jesus and the recognition of Jesus as king. Each stanza concludes with a tribute to the kingship of the Christ child born in Bethlehem's manger. So as we leave the Christmas season for another year and move into 2012, meditate on these words as you again consider the great message of Christmas. And, as noted in verse three, may the message of this carol bring rejoicing to your home.

1. There's a song in the air! There's a star in the sky!

There's a mother's deep prayer and a baby's low cry!

And the star rains its fire while the beautiful sing,

For the manger of Bethlehem cradles a King!

2. There's a tumult of joy o'er the wonderful birth,

For the virgin's sweet Boy is the Lord of the earth.

Ay! the star rains its fire while the beautiful sing,

For the manger of Bethlehem cradles a King!

3. In the light of that star lie the ages impearled;

And that song from afar has swept over the world.

Every hearth is aflame, and the beautiful sing

In the homes of the nations that Jesus is King!

4. We rejoice in the light, and we echo the song

That comes down through the night from the heavenly throng.

Ay! we shout to the lovely evangel they bring,

And we greet in His cradle our Savior and King!

Listen to it here. LISTEN

AWAY IN A MANGER

2011-12-25T01:00:00.002-05:00

Please accept my wishes for a beautiful and memorable Christmas. For this week I decided to choose the beautiful simple message of Away In A Manger. According to Wikipedia, the online dictionary, "The song was first published with two verses in an Evangelical Lutheran Sunday School collection, Little Children's Book for Schools and Families (1885) where it simply bore the title "Away in a Manger" and was set to a tune called "St. Kilda," credited to J.E. Clark. For many years the text was credited to the German reformer Martin Luther. Research has shown, however, that this is nothing more than a fable. In the book Dainty Songs for Little Lads and Lasses (1887) it bears the title "Luther's Cradle Hymn" and the note, "Composed by Martin Luther for his children, and still sung by German mothers to their little ones." A possible reason for the spurious attribution to Luther is that the 400th anniversary of his birth was in 1883. The words were either based on a poem written for this anniversary or were credited to Luther as a clever marketing gimmick.This song has never been found in Luther's works. The third stanza, "Be near me, Lord Jesus" was first printed in Gabriel's Vineyard Songs (1892), where it appeared with a tune by Charles H. Gabriel (simply marked "C"), thus these words are probably by Gabriel. Gabriel credited the entire text to Luther and gave it the title "Cradle Song." This verse is sometimes attributed to Dr. John McFarland, but since the popular story dates his contribution to 1904 (postdating the 1892 printing by 12 years), his contribution is highly questionable". But no matter who actually wrote it, it has been part of most Christmas celebrations for many years. And just a reminder, the Babe born in the manger was the same Son of God who later hung on the cross for the payment of mankind's sins. And if you have never accepted Him as your personal Savior, the message of Christmas has not yet changed your life. Accepting Him today would be the greatest Christmas gift.

(1) Away in a manger,

No crib for His bed

The little Lord Jesus

Laid down His sweet head

The stars in the sky

Looked down where He lay

The little Lord Jesus

Asleep on the hay

(2) The cattle are lowing

The poor Baby wakes

But little Lord Jesus

No crying He makes

I love Thee, Lord Jesus

Look down from the sky

And stay by my side,

'Til morning is nigh.

(3) Be near me, Lord Jesus,

I ask Thee to stay

Close by me forever

And love me I pray

Bless all the dear children

In Thy tender care

And take us to heaven

To live with Thee there

Listen to it here. LISTEN

HARK THE HERALD ANGELS SING

2011-12-18T01:00:00.001-05:00

One of the things I most appreciate about the Christmas season is the beautiful music that we hear during this time. One of my very favorites is "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing". It is one of more than 6,500 hymns written by Charles Wesley, brother of John Wesley, founder of the Methodist church. Written in 1739, it is generally thought to be one of Wesley's finest and John Julian, noted hymnologist, considered this one of the four most popular hymns in the English language. A sombre man, Wesley requested slow and solemn music for his lyrics and thus "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" was sung to a different tune initially. Over a hundred years later, in 1840, Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) composed a cantata to commemorate Johann Gutenberg's invention of the printing press. English musician William H. Cummings adapted Mendelssohn's music to fit the lyrics of "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" already written by Wesley. In its original version the text consisted of ten four-line stanzas. There have been many alterations made over the years to the words but the present version is still basically the product of Charles Wesley. The text is really a condensed course in biblical doctrine in poetic form. The first stanza tells of the angels appearing to the shepherds and the following verses teach such spiritual truths as the virgin birth, the deity of Christ, the immoratality of the soul, the second birth and a concern for Christ like living. It is interesting to note that in 1627 the English Puritan parliament abolished the celebration of Christmas and all other "wordly festivals". During the remainder of the seventeenth century and well into the eighteenth century there was a scarcity of carol hymns in England. So this hymn is one of the relatively few important carol hymns to have been written during this time. I have included the most commonly found verses below, although in practice today most just sing the first three, or variations of those three. So as part of your Christmas celebration, join in singing this great carol.

(1) Hark the herald angels sing

"Glory to the newborn King!

Peace on earth and mercy mild

God and sinners reconciled"

Joyful, all ye nations rise

Join the triumph of the skies

With the angelic host proclaim:

"Christ is born in Bethlehem"

Hark! The herald angels sing

"Glory to the newborn King!"

(2) Christ by highest heav'n adored

Christ the everlasting Lord!

Late in time behold Him come

Offspring of a Virgin's womb

Veiled in flesh the Godhead see

Hail the incarnate Deity

Pleased as man with man to dwell

Jesus, our Emmanuel

Hark! The herald angels sing

"Glory to the newborn King!"

(3) Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!

Hail the Son of Righteousness!

Light and life to all He brings

Risen with healing in His wings

Mild He lays His glory by

Born that man no more may die

Born to raise the sons of earth

Born to give them second birth

Hark! The herald angels sing

"Glory to the newborn King!"

(4) Come, Desire of nations, come,

Fix in us thy humble home;

Rise, the woman's conquering seed,

Bruise in us the serpent's head.

Adam's likeness, Lord, efface;

Stamp Thy image in its place.

Second Adam from above,

Reinstate us in thy love.

Listen to it here. LISTEN

COVENTRY CAROL

2011-12-11T01:00:00.001-05:00

As we enter the Christmas season, I've actually chosen a sad traditional carol for this week. Future weeks will feature some which are more joyful. I promise. When I was in fifth grade we were taught this week's choice. We sang it as part of our school-wide Christmas program. My how times have changed. Unfortunately, today it would not be politically correct to teach this and use it in an assembly. But that sad change is not the topic of this blog. Looking back I doubt that when I learned it that I really understood at all what is was speaking about. The background is from the scripture found in Matthew 2: 16-18, "Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, was in a furious rage, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all the region who were two years old or under, according to the time which he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they were no more." So while we sing it at Christmas, it really relates to a time after the birth of Christ, a sad time when Herod ordered the death of all children who were two or under. What a tragic time for mothers. Mothers had carried their child in their womb for nine months, lived through the pain of child birth, and then nursed and raised their little son to the point where he was beginning to walk and talk. Then they were taken away and killed. The lyrics of this haunting carol represent a mother's lament for her doomed child. But as sad as it is, it does remind us that God did miraculously protect His Son who later would be the lamb slain for the salvation of mankind. The "Coventry Carol" actually dates from the 16th century where it was performed in Coventry, England, as a play called "The Pageant of the Shearmen and Tailors". It is the only carol that has survived from this play. The oldest known text was written down by Robert Croo in 1534, and the oldest known printing of the melody dates from 1591. The carol is traditionally sung a cappella. Now maybe in the midst of the joyful Christmas season I should not have chosen this sad hymn. But it still is a part, though a sad part, of the Christmas season and the story of the miracle of Christmas.

Lully, lullay, Thou little tiny Child,

By, by, lully, lullay.

O sisters too, how may we do,

For to preserve this day

This poor Youngling for Whom we sing

By, by, lully, lullay?

Herod the king, in his raging,

Charged he hath this day

His men of might, in his own sight,

All young children to slay.

That woe is me, poor Child for Thee!

And ever morn and day

For Thy parting neither say nor sing,

By, by, lully, lullay.

Lully, lullay, Thou little tiny Child,

By, by, lully, lullay.

You can listen to it here. LISTEN

THIS IS MY FATHER'S WORLD

2011-12-04T01:00:00.002-05:00

Do you ever get discouraged as you read the daily newspaper and listen to the news on the radio or television? If you don't you are fortunate. At times it seems like the world around us is crumbling. And in one sense it is. The news is full of wars, riots, terrorism, economic downturns, storms, violence, congressional gridlock, political correctness, and anti-Christian decisions. Is anybody in charge? For the Christian, the answer to that is simple. Yes. This is our Father's world. He created it and He has a plan for the future. And in that knowledge we can rest no matter what happens around us. Often when I am troubled and concerned I find that a good walk clears my mind and recharges me. Such was probably the case with the author of this week's choice. Maltbie Davenport Babcock, a minister from New York took frequent walks along the Niagara Escarpment to enjoy the overlook's panoramic vista of upstate New York scenery and Lake Ontario. He would tell his wife that he was "going out to see the Father's world". Shortly after his death in 1901, at the age of 42, she published a compilation of Babcock's writings entitled Thoughts for Every-Day Living that contained the poem "My Father's World." The original poem contained sixteen stanzas of four lines each. The poem was set to music by Franklin L. Sheppard, who apparently did not want to call attention to himself and signed using his initials rearranged as "S.F.L." Most sources state that Sheppard adapted the music from a traditional English melody. In this week's hymn, we are reminded of one of the most basic truths, "This is my Father's world." Such simple words, yet how much we need to be reminded of them! In these details - "rocks and trees ... skies and seas", so masterfully created by God, we see a visual reminder that He still holds the world in his hands. As the hymn writer so aptly put it, "O let us not forget that though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the Ruler yet."

(1) This is my Father's world, and to my listening ears

All nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.

This is my Father's world: I rest me in the thought

Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;

His hand the wonders wrought.

(2) This is my Father's world, the birds their carols raise,

The morning light, the lily white, declare their Maker's praise.

This is my Father's world: He shines in all that's fair;

In the rustling grass I hear Him pass;

He speaks to me everywhere.

(3) This is my Father's world. O let me ne'er forget

That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.

This is my Father's world: the battle is not done:

Jesus Who died shall be satisfied,

And earth and Heav'n be one.

(4) This is my Father's world, dreaming, I see His face.

I ope my eyes, and in glad surprise cry, "The Lord is in this place."

This is my Father's world, from the shining courts above,

The Beloved One, His Only Son,

Came—a pledge of deathless love.

(5) This is my Father's world, should my heart be ever sad?

The lord is King—let the heavens ring. God reigns—let the earth be glad.

This is my Father's world. Now closer to Heaven bound,

For dear to God is the earth Christ trod.

No place but is holy ground.

(6) This is my Father's world. I walk a desert lone.

In a bush ablaze to my wondering gaze God makes His glory known.

This is my Father's world, a wanderer I may roam

Whate'er my lot, it matters not,

My heart is still at home.

Listen to it being sung here. LISTEN

MASTER THE TEMPEST IS RAGING

2011-11-27T01:00:00.002-05:00

The last few months have produced a number of storms around the country, but especially here in this part of Pennsylvania. Since August we have had severe storms, tornados, an earthquake, a tropical storm, a hurricane, flooding and an early snow storm in October. However, while those storms have produced much damage, they have come and gone quickly. But sometimes the storms of life that we face don't end that quickly and they often leave permanent scars and damage. None of us are exempt from today's economy, from serious health problems, from family troubles, and from other woes. For that reason I entitled our November hymn sing at Pinebrook as "Facing The Storms of Life". Following that sing I received an e-mail devotional from a friend concerning this week's hymn. It is a song that I haven't heard sung for many years but it was a favorite when I was growing up. The song is based on the story in Mark of Jesus and his disciples caught in a fierce storm on the Sea of Galilee. But in the midst of the terror, "He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm."The author, Mary Ann Baker. and her only brother suffered from the same respiratory disease that had taken their parents' lives He left their home in Chicago to find a warmer climate in the southern part of the United States. For a time he seemed to be improving, but then a sudden turn in his health came and he died almost immediately. Mary Ann and her sister were heartbroken. It only added to their deep grief that neither their own health nor their personal finances allowed them to claim their brother's body or to finance its return to Chicago for burial. Mary's trust in a loving God broke under the strain of her brother's death and her own diminished circumstances. "God does not care for me or mine," said Mary Ann. "This particular manifestation of what they call 'divine providence' is unworthy of a God of love." Have you ever thought the same thing? "I have always tried to believe on Christ and give the Master a consecrated life," she said, "but this is more than I can bear. What have I done to deserve this? What have I left undone that God should wreak His vengeance upon me in this way?" But as the days and the weeks went by, the God of life and love began to calm the winds and the waves of what this young woman called "her unsanctified heart." Her faith not only returned but it flourished, and she learned new things, things "too wonderful" to have known before her despair. Later, in 1874, as something of a personal testimonial and caring very much for the faith of others who would also be tried by personal despair, she wrote the words of the hymn we have all sung, "Master, the Tempest Is Raging." As you face your storms of life, remember that God does care about you and He alone can give you a peace that passeth understanding. I have experienced that, have you?

(1) Master, the tempest is raging! The billows are tossing high!

The sky is o'ershadow with blackness, no shelter or help is nigh;

Carest Thou not that we perish? How canst Thou lie asleep,

When each moment so madly is threatening a grave in the angry deep?

The winds and the waves shall obey Thy will, Peace, be still!

Whether the wrath of the storm tossed sea,

Or demons or men, or whatever it be

No waters can swallow the ship where lies

The Master of ocean, and earth, and skies;

They all shall sweetly obey Thy will,

Peace, be still! Peace, be still!

They all shall sweetly obey Thy will, Peace, peace, be still!

(2) Master, with anguish of spirit, I bow in my grief today;

The depths of my sad heart are troubled, oh, waken and save, I pray!

Torrents of sin and of anguish sweep o'er my sinking soul;

And I perish! I perish! dear Master

Oh, hasten, and take control.

The winds and the waves shall obey Thy will, Peace, be still!

Whether the wrath of the storm tossed sea,

Or demons or men, or whatever it be

No waters can swallow the ship where lies

The Master of ocean, and earth, and skies;

They all shall sweetly obey Thy will,

Peace, be still! Peace, be still!

They all shall sweetly obey Thy will, Peace, peace, be still!

(3) Master, the terror is over, the elements sweetly rest;

Earth's sun in the calm lake is mirrored,

And heaven's within my breast;

Linger, O blessed Redeemer! Leave me alone no more;

And with joy I shall make the blest harbor,

And rest on the blissful shore.

The winds and the waves shall obey Thy will, Peace, be still!

Whether the wrath of the storm tossed sea,

Or demons or men, or whatever it be

No waters can swallow the ship where lies

The Master of ocean, and earth, and skies;

They all shall sweetly obey Thy will,

Peace, be still! Peace, be still!

They all shall sweetly obey Thy will, Peace, peace, be still!

Listen to it here. LISTEN

GIVE THANKS

2011-11-20T17:40:00.006-05:00

"I will thank you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. I will be filled with joy because of you. I will sing praises to your name, O Most High" (Psalm 9:1-2, New Living Translation). While this season draws our attention to giving thanks, our hearts should always be filled with praises and thanksgiving to the one who loves us and provides all that we need. I decided to go a slightly different direction this week and I have chosen a contemporary song which shares the message of this season. This praise chorus was made popular by Don Moen. However, it was really written by Henry Smith in 1978. Following the introduction of the song during a worship service at a church in Virginia, a military couple reintroduced it to a congregation in Germany. The song eventually caught the attention of executives at Integrity Music who copyrighted it in 1986. After being released, the song was brought to the attention of Smith, who contacted Integrity with authorship information. As of 2010, the song has been recorded by over 50 companies and published in songbooks around the world, having been translated into various other languages, including Russian, Afrikaans, and Swedish. I Thessalonians 5:18 says, "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." I am amazed to see how much of the scripture reminds us to give thanks. Maybe that is because the Lord knows that praise and thanksgiving don't normally flow easily from us. So often we just get bogged down with the cares of life and fail to see the many blessings that we have. It is often easier to complain and be critical. So this season be sure that your heart and voice are filled with thanksgiving. First make sure that you thank God for his Son and the blessings bestowed upon you. Then maybe you could make it a point to write a note to some people who have blessed you. Thank some folks who work behind the scenes and never get thanked publicly. Write a note to your children or your parents thanking them for what they mean to you. Send a gift anonymously to someone who has touched your life or is alone or is going through difficult times. And make sure that your actions sincerely demonstrate the thanks in your heart even as you work so hard to prepare the Thanksgiving meal, or entertain guests, or travel to visit others on Thursday. Make sure that you have a grateful heart. God is so good - all the time!

Give thanks with a grateful heart

Give thanks unto the Holy One

Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son

And now let the weak say, "I am strong"

Let the poor say, "I am rich

Because of what the Lord has done for us"

(Repeat)

Give thanks, give thanks!

Listen to Don Moen sing it here.

LISTEN

HOW GREAT THOU ART

2011-11-13T01:00:00.004-05:00

Over the years of writing this blog I have featured over 160 different hymns. I was surprised to realize that I have not yet chosen this one. It certainly is a favorite of so many people and was even once voted as America's favorite hymn. The writing of the hymn and its verses was actually influenced by two thunderstorms. A young minister's two-mile walk in the rain provided the original inspiration for "How Great Thou Art." The Reverend Carl Boberg of Monsteras, on the southeast coast of Sweden, was 25 years old when he wrote the lyrics of this song after trekking through a thunderstorm from a church meeting two miles away. It was first published in 1886, under the title "O Store Gud". Boberg wrote a poem, not meaning to write a hymn, but later heard it being sung to an old Swedish tune. More than forty years later, an English missionary, Stuart Hine, first heard the song in Russia. He and his young wife were missionaries to the Carpathian area of Russia, then a part of Czechoslovakia. There, they heard a very meaningful hymn that was a Russian translation of Carl Boberg's "O Store Gud" (O Great God). While ministering in the Carpathian Mountains, Hine found himself in the midst of a threatening storm. The thunder, as it rolled through the mountain range, was so awesome that it reminded Hine of the beautiful Russian hymn that had already become so dear to him. English verses began to form in his mind, verses that were suggested by portions of the Russian translation. He actually added the final verse. Although the hymn had its origin in Europe, in 1954 song leader Cliff Barrows was given a copy of the words and in 1955 he introduced the "new" hymn to an appreciative audience at Billy Graham's Toronto Crusade. There soloist Bev Shea, assisted by a large volunteer choir, first sang the stirring words. It still was not widely known until 1957, when the Billy Graham Crusade in New York City, with the singing of George Beverly Shea, launched it around the world. It was performed nearly a hundred times during those meetings and countless times ever since. I love the references in it to creation, to salvation and especially to the coming of Christ. What a triumphant final verse. One cannot sing this majestic hymn of praise and adoration without realizing anew the omnipotence of the Creator who did it all. Our heart must cry out, "How Great Thou Art"!

(1) O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder,

Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made;

I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,

Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, How great Thou art.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

(2) When through the woords, and forest glades I wander,

And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees.

When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur

And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, How great Thou art.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

(3) And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing;

Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;

That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing,

He bled and died to take away my sin.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, How great Thou art.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

(4) When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,

And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.

Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,

And then proclaim: "My God, how great Thou art!"

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, How great Thou art.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

You can listen to it sung by George Beverly Shea right here. LISTEN

GOD HATH NOT PROMISED

2011-11-06T01:00:00.003-04:00

After the death of my father, I claimed several of his pictures. One was a picture of Jesus knocking at the door. That one had hung in our living room most of my life. Another was a pciture of Jesus with little children. I gave that one to him after he had served for many years as Sunday School superintendent. A third consisted of the words to this week's hymn choice. A note on the back of the picture explains that it had hung on the wall of the parsonage in Spring City about 1920, shortly after the poem was put to music in 1919.. I've hung this next to my bed where I can see the words each morning and again at night. It is a great reminder that God has not promised us an easy path. We will be subject to the storms of life, whether it be with our health, our job, our finances, our family members, or even our ministry. But God has promised us strength for the day and grace for the trials of life. This was the experience of the hymn writer, Annie Flint. She was adopted as a young girl and attended school in Trenton, New Jersey. She became a teacher but had to quit after only a few years when severe arthritis made her unable to walk. She was moved to the Clifton Springs Sanitarium and began writing poetry. Many of her verses were published on cards and in magazines. William M. Runyan put this poem to music. As you read the words and listen to the music you can't help but realize that the words were the personal experience of the writer. Have you found the same to be true in your life? Are you troubed today with a path that is so hard? Remember that God will provide strength, wisdom and peace as you trust Him. Just a personal comment - today is the 18th anniversary of my mother's death in a car accident. Our path was not strewn with flowers at that time. The path was hard. But God was there to provide the wisdom, strength and peace that we desperately needed. He will do the same for you. Trust Him!

(1) God hath not promised skies always blue,

Flower strewn pathways all our lives through;

God hath not promised sun without rain,

Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.

Refrain

But God hath promised strength for the day,

Rest for the labor, light for the way,

Grace for the trials, help from above,

Unfailing sympathy, undying love.

(2) God hath not promised we shall not know

Toil and temptation, trouble and woe;

He hath not told us we shall not bear

Many a burden, many a care.

Refrain

But God hath promised strength for the day,

Rest for the labor, light for the way,

Grace for the trials, help from above,

Unfailing sympathy, undying love.

(3) God hath not promised smooth road and wide,

Swift, easy travel, needing no guide;

Never a mountain rocky and steep,

Never a river turbid and deep.

Refrain

But God hath promised strength for the day,

Rest for the labor, light for the way,

Grace for the trials, help from above,

Unfailing sympathy, undying love.

Listen to it being sung. LISTEN

WONDERFUL GRACE OF JESUS

2011-10-30T01:00:00.001-04:00

Some of the old hymns stick with you because of their powerful message. Some because of the music and the harmony. A few become favorites because of both. This is one such hymn. It remains one of my favorites to sing because if its upbeat, bouncy meter and somewhat unusual refrain, which splits into two parts, with the melody alternating between the bass/tenor and alto/soprano parts. But I also love this hymn because of its great words. God's grace which is greater than our sins. Grace that reaches the most defiled and sets our spirits free. And where can our praise begin for such a wonderful Savior who deals with us with his great and wondeful grace.? This excellent hymn was written by Haldor Lillenas. He was pastor of a First Church of the Nazarene. In 1919, he published his first book, and three years later, he organized his own publishing house. For the next 10 years, he travelled, preached, wrote hymns and published song books. Over his lifetime Lillenas wrote more than 4,000 hymn texts and tunes, According to Lillenas, In 1917, "Mrs. Lillenas and I built our first little home in the town of Olivet, Illinois. Upon its completion, we had scarcely any money left to furnish the little home. Having no piano at the time, and needing an instrument of some kind, I managed to find, at one of the neighbor's home, a little wheezy organ which I purchased for $5.00. With the aid of this instrument a number of my songs were written which are now popular, including 'Wonderful Grace of Jesus.'" Incidentally, Wonderful Grace of Jesus was copyrighted in 1918, but not published until 1922 in the Tabernacle Choir Book. Lillenas was paid $5.00 for this song, just enough to pay for the little organ." As you read the words and hear it sung, your heart should be filled with thanks and praise for the wonderful grace of Jesus that reaches you.

(1) Wonderful grace of Jesus,

Greater than all my sin;

How shall my tongue describe it,

Where shall its praise begin?

Taking away my burden,

Setting my spirit free;

For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.

Refrain

Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus,

Deeper than the mighty rolling sea;

Wonderful grace, all sufficient for me, for even me.

Broader than the scope of my transgressions,

Greater far than all my sin and shame,

O magnify the precious Name of Jesus.

Praise His Name!

(2) Wonderful grace of Jesus,

Reaching to all the lost,

By it I have been pardoned,

Saved to the uttermost,

Chains have been torn asunder,

Giving me liberty;

For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.

Refrain

Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus,

Deeper than the mighty rolling sea;

Wonderful grace, all sufficient for me, for even me.

Broader than the scope of my transgressions,

Greater far than all my sin and shame,

O magnify the precious Name of Jesus.

Praise His Name!

(3) Wonderful grace of Jesus,

Reaching the most defiled,

By its transforming power,

Making him God's dear child,

Purchasing peace and heaven,

For all eternity;

And the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.

Refrain

Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus,

Deeper than the mighty rolling sea;

Wonderful grace, all sufficient for me, for even me.

Broader than the scope of my transgressions,

Greater far than all my sin and shame,

O magnify the precious Name of Jesus.

Praise His Name!

Listen to it here. LISTEN

GLORIFY THY NAME

2011-10-23T01:00:00.004-04:00

Over the past few years I have shared my thoughts and the history of many great hymns and Gospel songs that have ministered to me throughout my life. And since my weekly readership has grown to about 350, I am assuming that there are many, like me, who love these special pieces of music. But I also believe that there are many of the newer praise choruses which also minister to us. One of the first such choruses dates way back to 1976 when it was written by Donna Adkins. It is based on Psalm 86:12"I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart and I will glorify thy name for evermore." I must admit that it is my favorite praise chorus and it is a challenge to me every time I sing it as part of my worship. I only wish that it would still be included in worship services today. It should be our desire to glorify God in all that we do. That is our purpose in life. But if we are honest, we often fail to do this. What about our conversation and even our thoughts? Do they always glorify the Lord? What about the way we treat others, especially those who have hurt us or hold different opinions? Do we glorify the Lord.? What about our true motives for service? Is it to glorufy the Lord or to bring glory to ourselves? Think about that one carefully. What about our reactions to family members, to our bosses, to our teachers, to cashiers, to waiters, to neighbors, etc.? Do we always glorify the Lord? Our prayer should be what the words of this chorus say, we should do our part to glorify the name of the Lord, in our home, in our county, in our state, in our country and in the entire earth.

Father, we love You

We worship and adore You

Glorify Thy Name in all the earth

Glorify Thy Name

Glorify Thy Name in all the earth

Jesus, we love You

We worship and adore You

Glorify Thy Name in all the earth

Glorify Thy Name

Glorify Thy Name in all the earth

Spirit, we love You

We worship and adore You

Glorify Thy Name in all the earth

Glorify Thy Name

Glorify Thy Name in all the earth.

You can listen to it here. LISTEN

HE LEADETH ME

2011-10-16T01:00:00.001-04:00

It is unusual when you have the words of the author of a hymn that gives the account of how he was led to write the words. Such is the case this week. Listen to story told by Joseph H. Gilmore (1834 - 1918). "As a young man who recently had been graduated from Brown University and Newton Theological Institution, I was supplying for a couple of Sundays the pulpit of the First Baptist Church in Philadelphia. At the midweek service, on the 26th of March, 1862, I set out to give the people an exposition of the Twenty-third Psalm, which I had given before on three or four occasions, but this time I did not get further than the words "He Leadeth Me." Those words took hold of me as they had never done before, and I saw them in a significance and wondrous beauty of which I had never dreamed. It was the darkest hour of the Civil War. I did not refer to that fact — that is, I don't think I did — but it may subconsciously have led me to realize that God's leadership is the one significant fact in human experience, that it makes no difference how we are led, or whither we are led, so long as we are sure God is leading us. At the close of the meeting a few of us in the parlor of my host, good Deacon Wattson, kept on talking about the thought which I had emphasized; and then and there, on a blank page of the brief from which I had intended to speak, I penciled the hymn, talking and writing at the same time, then handed it to my wife and thought no more about it. She sent it to The Watchman and Reflector, a paper published in Boston, where it was first printed. I did not know until 1865 that my hymn had been set to music by William B. Bradbury. I went to Rochester [New York] to preach as a candidate before the Second Baptist Church. Going into their chapel on arrival in the city, I picked up a hymnal to see what they were singing, and opened it at my own hymn, "He Leadeth Me."" What an interesting way to find that your writing had been published and was being used to encourage believers. I hope that you can relate to these words this week and testify that indeed He leads you.

(1) He leadeth me, O blessed thought!

O words with heav'nly comfort fraught!

Whate'er I do, where'er I be

Still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me.

He leadeth me, He leadeth me,

By His own hand He leadeth me;

His faithful follower I would be,

For by His hand He leadeth me.

(2) Sometimes mid scenes of deepest gloom,

Sometimes where Eden's bowers bloom,

By waters still, over troubled sea,

Still 'tis His hand that leadeth me.

He leadeth me, He leadeth me,

By His own hand He leadeth me;

His faithful follower I would be,

For by His hand He leadeth me.

(3) Lord, I would place my hand in Thine,

Nor ever murmur nor repine;

Content, whatever lot I see,

Since 'tis my God that leadeth me.

He leadeth me, He leadeth me,

By His own hand He leadeth me;

His faithful follower I would be,

For by His hand He leadeth me.

(4) And when my task on earth is done,

When by Thy grace the vict'ry's won,

E'en death's cold wave I will not flee,

Since God through Jordan leadeth me.

He leadeth me, He leadeth me,

By His own hand He leadeth me;

His faithful follower I would be,

For by His hand He leadeth me.

Listen to it here. LISTEN

ALL CREATURES OF OUR GOD AND KING

2011-10-09T01:00:00.002-04:00

This week we go way back in time to choose an inspiring expression of praise which was written in 1225 by Giovanni Bernardone who was later known as Saint Francis of Assisi. He was a medieval monk who spent his lifetime as an itinerant evangelist, preaching and helping the poor people of Italy. Saint Francis was known as a great lover of nature, seeing the hand of God in all creation. Somebody once wrote, "Saint Francis came to preach - with smiles he met the friendless, fed the poor, freed a trapped bird, led home a child; Although he spoke no word - his text, God's love, the town did not forget." This hymn is from one of his writings entitled "Canticles of the Sun" said to have been written one hot summer day, one year before his death, while he was very ill and suffering the loss of his eyesight. Throughout his life Saint Francis made use of singing and believed strongly in the importance of church music. In all he wrote more than sixty hymns for use in the monastery. This beautiful expression of praise is one that survived the passing of these several hundred years. The English translation of the text was made by William Draper who prepared this paraphrased version for a children's choir festival in England some time between 1899 - 1919. The tune first appeared in a Roman Catholic hymnal in Germany in 1623. Enjoy it this week as you worship our great God and King.

(1) All creatures of our God and King

Lift up your voice and with us sing,

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Thou burning sun with golden beam,

Thou silver moon with softer gleam!

O praise Him! O praise Him!

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

(2) Thou rushing wind that art so strong

Ye clouds that sail in Heaven along,

O praise Him! Alleluia!

Thou rising moon, in praise rejoice,

Ye lights of evening, find a voice!

O praise Him! O praise Him!

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

(3) Dear mother earth, who day by day

Unfoldest blessings on our way,

O praise Him! Alleluia!

The flowers and fruits that in thee grow,

Let them His glory also show.

O praise Him! O praise Him!

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

(4) And all ye men of tender heart,

Forgiving others, take your part,

O sing ye! Alleluia!

Ye who long pain and sorrow bear,

Praise God and on Him cast your care!

O praise Him! O praise Him!

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

(5) Let all things their Creator bless,

And worship Him in humbleness,

O praise Him! Alleluia!

Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,

And praise the Spirit, Three in One!

O praise Him! O praise Him!

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

You can listen to it here. LISTEN

DEEPER AND DEEPER

2011-10-02T01:00:00.001-04:00

This hymn is from the pen of a great evangelical preacher and missionary statesman, Oswald J. Smith (1889 - 1986). I have heard much about him, but I was surprised to learn that he actually composed more than 1200 hymns and religious verses. In his book The Story of My Hymns, he gives the following account of the writing of this week's hymn. "Arriving in Woodstock, Ontario, one day in the year 1911, I was invited to preach one Sunday morning in the largest Methodist Church in that city. As I walked along the street on my way to the church, the melody of this hymn sang itself into my heart and with it the words, 'Into the heart of Jesus, deeper and deeper I go.' I can still recall the joy and buoyancy of youth, the bright sunshine overhead, and the thrill with which I looked forward to my service that Sunday morning, as again and again I hummed over the words. I wondered if I could retain the music in my mind until the service was over, I was then just twenty-one years of age. After preaching, I returned to my rented room, and the first thing i did was write out the melody as God had given it to me. I had been able to remember it, and it has never changed form that day to this. The verses were much more difficult, I worked on them at Belwood, Ontario, but it was three years later, in the First Presbyterian Church of South Chicago, of which I was pastor, that I completed them. It was then 1914, and I was twenty-four years of age. The writing of the hymn afforded me much joy, nor has it ever grown old. I still love it and always will, for it was the child of my youth. It proves conclusively that God can impart His deepest truths to the heart of the young, for I doubt if i have ever written anything more profound since. There are five steps portrayed in 'Deeper and Deeper'- the heart, the will, the cross, joy and love. What an experience! But it is the note of triumph in the last verse that transports the soul to heights sublime." What more can I add to what the author has said about this hymn. Meditate on these words this week and ask the Lord to make this real in your life.

(1) Into the heart of Jesus, Deeper and deeper I go,

Seeking to know the reason, Why He should love me so,

Why He should stoop to lift me, Up from the miry clay,

Saving my soul, making me whole, Though I had wandered away.

(2) Into the will of Jesus, Deeper and deeper I go,

Praying for grace to follow, Seeking His way to know;

Bowing in full surrender, Low at His blessed feet,

Bidding Him take, break me and make, Till I am molded, complete.

(3) Into the cross of Jesus, Deeper and deeper I go,

Following through the garden, Facing the dreaded foe;

Drinking the cup of sorrow, Sobbing with broken heart,

"O Savior, help! Dear Savior, help! Grace for my weakness impart."

(4) Into the joy of Jesus, Deeper and deeper I go,

Rising, with soul enraptured, Far from the world below.

Joy in the place of sorrow, Peace in the midst of pain,

Jesus will give, Jesus will give; He will uphold and sustain.

(5) Into the love of Jesus, Deeper and deeper I go,

Praising the One Who brought me Out of my sin and woe;

And through eternal ages, Gratefully I shall sing,

"O how He loved! O how He loved! Jesus, my Lord and my King!"

Listen to it here. LISTEN

TELL ME THE OLD OLD STORY

2011-09-25T01:00:00.002-04:00

Last week we shared the story behind the writing of "I Love To Tell The Story" If you recall, Katherine Hankey wrote a lengthy poem on the life of Christ while she was recovering from a serious illness. It contained two main sections each containing fifty verses. The first part of the two sections was entitled "The Story Wanted". It was this part of the poem became the basis for this week's choice, "Tell Me the Old, Old Story". I hope that we never get tired of hearing and sharing this story, the greatest story ever. The old, old story of Jesus and His love. The story that Christ Jesus makes us whole.

1. Tell me the old, old story of unseen things above,

Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love.

Tell me the story simply, as to a little child,

For I am weak and weary, and helpless and defiled.

Refrain

Tell me the old, old story, tell me the old, old story,

Tell me the old, old story, of Jesus and His love.

2. Tell me the story slowly, that I may take it in,

That wonderful redemption, God's remedy for sin.

Tell me the story often, for I forget so soon;

The early dew of morning has passed away at noon.

Tell me the old, old story, tell me the old, old story,

Tell me the old, old story, of Jesus and His love.

3. Tell me the story softly, with earnest tones and grave;

Remember I'm the sinner whom Jesus came to save.

Tell me the story always, if you would really be,

In any time of trouble, a comforter to me.

Tell me the old, old story, tell me the old, old story,

Tell me the old, old story, of Jesus and His love.

4. Tell me the same old story when you have cause to fear

That this world's empty glory is costing me too dear.

Yes, and when that world's glory is dawning on my soul,

Tell me the old, old story: "Christ Jesus makes thee whole."

Tell me the old, old story, tell me the old, old story,

Tell me the old, old story, of Jesus and His love.

Listen to it here. LISTEN

I LOVE TO TELL THE STORY

2011-09-18T01:00:00.002-04:00

Katherine Hankey was born in 1834, the daughter of a wealthy English banker. Early in life Katherine caught the evangelical concern from her father and she began organizing Sunday School classes for rich and poor throughout London. All of the royalties received from these publications were always directed to a foreign mission project. When Katherine was only thirty years of age, she experienced a serious illness. During a long period of recovery she wrote a lengthy poem on the life of Christ. The poem consisted of two main sections, each containing fifty verses. The first section of the poem was entitled "The Story Wanted." and it was from this part of her poem that she later adapted the words for another of her familiar hymn texts, "Tell Me the Old, Old Story." Later that same year, while still recovering from her illness, she completed the second part of her poem on the life of Christ. This sequel to the first section was entitled "The Story Told." From these verses came the text for "I Love to Tell the Story," Being musically inclined, Kate also composed her own tunes for these two texts. Her hymns received little notice, however, when used with this music. The following year, 1867, a large international YMCA convention was held in Montreal, Canada. One of the speakers at the convention, Major General Russell from England, closed his emotionally charged message to the delegates by quoting the verses from Miss Hankey's two hymn texts. In the audience that day was a noted American gospel musician, William H. Doane, composer of more than 2,000 gospel songs. Mr. Doane was greatly moved by these lines an promptly composed musical settings for both texts. Later a new musical setting, which replaced Doane's music for "I Love to Tell the Story," was composed by William G. Fisher, a Philadelphia musician and piano dealer. Fischer also added the refrain for the hymn, "I Love to tell the story! 'Twill be mt theme in glory-to tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love." In 1875 the hymn appeared in its present from in Bliss and Sankey's collection, Gospel Hymns and Sacred Songs,which brought "I Love to Tell the Story" to the attention of evangelical congregations everywhere.

1. I love to tell the story of unseen things above,

Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love;

I love to tell the story, because I know 'tis true,

It satisfies my longings as nothing else would do.

Refrain:

I love to tell the story,

'Twill be my theme in glory,

To tell the old, old story

Of Jesus and His love.

2. I love to tell the story, more wonderful it seems

Than all the golden fancies of all our golden dreams;

I love to tell the story, it did so much for me,

And that is just the reason I tell it now to thee.

I love to tell the story,

'Twill be my theme in glory,

To tell the old, old story

Of Jesus and His love.

3. I love to tell the story, 'tis pleasant to repeat,

What seems each time I tell it more wonderfully sweet;

I love to tell the story, for some have never heard

The message of salvation from God's own holy Word.

I love to tell the story,

'Twill be my theme in glory,

To tell the old, old story

Of Jesus and His love.

4. I love to tell the story, for those who know it best

Seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest;

And when in scenes of glory I sing the new, new song,

'Twill be the old, old story that I have loved so long.

I love to tell the story,

'Twill be my theme in glory,

To tell the old, old story

Of Jesus and His love.

Listen to it here. LISTEN

SINCE JESUS CAME INTO MY HEART

2011-09-11T01:00:00.001-04:00

This week I've chosen a song which reminds us that when Jesus comes into our hearts we become new creatures, old things have become new. The text was written by Rufus Henry McDaniel who was born in1850 and started preaching at age nineteen. He then became a minister with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 1873. In 1914, following the untimely death of his son, Rufus penned these words as an expression of his faith and hope. The tune (McDaniel) was composed by Charles Hutchinson Gabriel who had it copyrighted. The song was introduced in pamphlet form at Billy Sunday campaigns at Philadelphia in 1915 and was first published later that year by Homer A. Rodeheaver. Despite the fact that the song is almost one hundred years old, its message is still relevant for today. If Jesus indeed has "come into our heart", there should be obvious changes. This song talks about some of these changes and as we sing it we should be reminded of these. And our hearts should be thankful to a great God who through the sacrifice of His Son has made all of this possible. And as is often the case in these older songs, there is a final verse which talks about heaven and that City where we shall one day dwell. And that indeed should fill us with hope, joy, and expectation as we "onward go". So, if you've experienced these changes, then join us in singing this song throughout this week.

1. What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought

Since Jesus came into my heart;

I have light in my soul for which long I have sought,

Since Jesus came into my heart.

Refrain:

Since Jesus came into my heart,

Since Jesus came into my heart;

Floods of joy o'er my soul like the sea billows roll,

Since Jesus came into my heart.

2. I have ceased from my wand'ring and going astray,

Since Jesus came into my heart;

And my sins which were many are all washed away,

Since Jesus came into my heart.

Refrain:

Since Jesus came into my heart,

Since Jesus came into my heart;

Floods of joy o'er my soul like the sea billows roll,

Since Jesus came into my heart.

3. I'm possessed of a hope that is steadfast and sure,

Since Jesus came into my heart; And no dark clouds of doubt now my pathway obscure,

Since Jesus came into my heart.

Refrain:

Since Jesus came into my heart,

Since Jesus came into my heart;

Floods of joy o'er my soul like the sea billows roll,

Since Jesus came into my heart.

4. There's a light in the valley of death now for me,

Since Jesus came into my heart;

And the gates of the City beyond I can see,

Since Jesus came into my heart.

Refrain:

Since Jesus came into my heart,

Since Jesus came into my heart;

Floods of joy o'er my soul like the sea billows roll,

Since Jesus came into my heart.

5. I shall go there to dwell in that City I know,

Since Jesus came into my heart;

And I'm happy, so happy as onward I go,

Since Jesus came into my heart.

Refrain:

Since Jesus came into my heart,

Since Jesus came into my heart;

Floods of joy o'er my soul like the sea billows roll,

Since Jesus came into my heart.

Listen to it here. LISTEN

IN MY HEART THERE RINGS A MELODY

2011-09-04T01:00:00.001-04:00

As I reflect upon church music as I was growing up, there were some hymns that I loved to sing not only because of their message but because they were peppy and fun to sing. That was a sharp contrast to many of the hymns that were sung then. One of those is this week's choice, "In My Heart There Rings A Melody". Some song leaders loved to hold the first four notes/words of the chorus and then sing the remainder at an upbeat tempo. It would stick in your mind for days after having been sung on a Sunday evening. And why shouldn't that happen? However, I never could understand how some folks could sing it without a smile on their face. What a joy to know that Christ can put a melody of love in your heart and that the words can ring there despite what is happening around you. And as is so common in these older hymns, the last verse talks about heaven where the courts of glory will ring with glorious harmony. I love that thought and look forward to that day. The text and tune were written by Elton M. Roth (1891-1951). Roth was a well known musician in his day who wrote and published many anthems and over 100 hymns. It was while assisting with evangelistic meetings in Texas on a hot summer day in 1923 that the words and music for this hymn suddenly came to him. Mr. Roth recalled, "That evening I introduced the song by having more than 200 boys and girls sing it at the open air meeting, after which the audience joined in the singing. I was thrilled as it seemed my whole being was transformed into song." And ever since then, thousands of believers have joined in joyfully singing about the melody that rings in your heart because of what Christ has done for each of us. Despite your circumstances today, I hope this melody is ringing within your heart.

(1) I have a song that Jesus gave me,

It was sent from heaven above;

There never was a sweeter melody,

'Tis a melody of love.

Chorus

In my heart there rings a melody,

There rings a melody with heaven's harmony;

In my heart there rings a melody;

There rings a melody of love!

(2) I love the Christ who died on Calv'ry,

For He washed my sins away;

He put within my heart a melody,

And I know it's there to stay.

Chorus

In my heart there rings a melody,

There rings a melody with heaven's harmony;

In my heart there rings a melody;

There rings a melody of love!

(3) 'Twill be my endless theme in glory,

With the angels I will sing;

'Twill be a song with glorious harmony,

When the courts of heaven ring.

Chorus

In my heart there rings a melody,

There rings a melody with heaven's harmony;

In my heart there rings a melody;

There rings a melody of love!

Listen to it here. LISTEN

TO GOD BE THE GLORY

2011-08-28T01:00:00.003-04:00

What more can I say about the blind hymn writer Fanny Crosby? We have shared many of her great hymns on this site and have marveled at how the Lord has used her hymns over the years to influence the lives of so many. Some times there have been interesting stories about how she was led to write them. Other times we know very little about them. This week's choice is like that. However this great hymn has an interesting history in that it was almost forgotten until it was discovered and suddenly became very popular. Originally composed in America sometime before 1875, it was almost immediately forgotten in its native land. In 1954, however, "To God Be The Glory" was rediscovered and claimed as a new favorite. Cliff Barrows, Billy Graham's song leader explains: 'It was suggested that we include "To God Be The Glory" in a songbook we were compiling for the London crusade of 1954. Because of its strong text of praise and its attractive melody, I agreed. We introduced the hymn during the early days of those meetings in Harringay Arena. As a result, Billy Graham asked that we repeat it often because he was impressed with the enthusiastic participation of the audience. In the closing weeks of the crusade it became our theme hymn, repeated almost every night. The words well expressed our praise to God, who was doing wondrous things in Britain. Returning to America, we brought the hymn with us and used it first in Nashville, Tennessee crusade of August, 1954." It was quickly adopted by many church groups and found its rightful place in the singing of our congregations. Today it is well-recognized as a wonderful hymn of praise and adoration of God. The hymn should be the daily testimony of every believer for He has truly done great things for us. To God be the glory!

(1) To God be the glory, great things He has done;

So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,

Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,

And opened the life gate that all may go in.

Refrain

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,

Let the earth hear His voice!

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,

Let the people rejoice!

O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,

And give Him the glory, great things He has done.

(2) O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,

To every believer the promise of God;

The vilest offender who truly believes,

That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.

Refrain

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,

Let the earth hear His voice!

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,

Let the people rejoice!

O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,

And give Him the glory, great things He has done.

(3) Great things He has taught us, great things He has done,

And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;

But purer, and higher, and greater will be

Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.

Refrain

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,

Let the earth hear His voice!

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,

Let the people rejoice!

O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,

And give Him the glory, great things He has done.

Listen to it here. LISTEN

NOTHING BETWEEN

2011-08-21T01:00:00.003-04:00

Today there are so many things which grab our time and attention today - bills, children, sports, the internet, the stock market, vacations, houses, automobiles, technology, politics, hobbies, education, church activities, investments, housework, appointments, television shows - and so many more. Our schedules quickly get filled, our dailyu pace is hectic, and often we just get worn out trying to get through the day. And, unfortunately, what often gets neglected is our time alone with God. "Things" just get between us and Him. But that problem appears to have been the same for believers through the ages. Such was the experience of Charles A. Tindley, in 1906, when he penned the words of this week's hymn. Tindley's father was a slave, but his mother was free. Tindley himself was thus considered to be free, but even so he grew up among slaves. After the Civil War, he moved to Philadelphia. He continued his education while working as a church janitor, teaching himself Hebrew and Greek and eventually earning a doctorate. After 25 years he became the pastor of the same church at which he had been a janitor. Under his leadership, the church grew from 130 to a multiracial congregation with a membership of 12,000. Tindley inherited an overcrowded church that continued to grow quickly under his leadership. This hymn was written during a difficult time in Tindley's life, when the congregation was negotiating to purchase a larger facility. One day Tindley was in his study working on a sermon when a gust of wind blew some papers over top of his work. "Now, now," he thought to himself, "let nothing between." And the theme of this hymn suggested itself. The hymn text states that a full life in Christ would require sacrifice of "worldly pleasure" (stanza two) and that we should not be led astray by "this world's delusive dream" (stanza one). We should not let "pride or station... intervene" (stanza three) between "my soul and the Savior" (refrain). The fourth stanza affirms that "with prayer and much self-denial, I'll triumph at last." One can hear Tindley interpolating this hymn into his sermons, a common practice, as he pleaded for the sacrifice that it would take to purchase the property and build a new church building. The neighboring church was purchased, and Tindley called the new building "God's Cathedral." In 1924 the name was changed to Tindley Temple. So maybe this week we all need the reminder to "keep the way clear" and let nothing come between us and the Lord in our daily lives. Meditate on these words this week.

(1) Nothing between my soul and my Savior,

Naught of this world's delusive dream;

I have renounced all sinful pleasure;

Jesus is mine, there's nothing between.

Nothing between my soul and my Savior,

So that His blessed face may be seen;

Nothing preventing the least of His favor;

Keep the way clear! Let nothing between.

(2) Nothing between, like worldly pleasure;

Habits of life, though harmless they seem,

Must not my heart from Him ever sever;

He is my all, there's nothing between.

Nothing between my soul and my Savior,

So that His blessed face may be seen;

Nothing preventing the least of His favor;

Keep the way clear! Let nothing between.

(3) Nothing between, like pride or station;

Self or friends shall not intervene;

Though it may cost me much tribulation,

I am resolved, there's nothing between.

Nothing between my soul and my Savior,

So that His blessed face may be seen;

Nothing preventing the least of His favor;

Keep the way clear! Let nothing between.

(4) Nothing between, e'en many hard trials,

Though the whole world against me convene;

Watching with prayer and much self-denial,

I'll triumph at last, there's nothing between.

Nothing between my soul and my Savior,

So that His blessed face may be seen;

Nothing preventing the least of His favor;

Keep the way clear! Let nothing between.

You can listen to this hymn here. LISTEN

SAVIOUR, LIKE A SHEPHERD LEAD US

2011-08-14T01:00:00.002-04:00

We do not know for sure who wrote "Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us." It was unsigned when it first appeared in Dorothy Ann Thrupp's (1779-1847) collection, Hymns for the Young, in 1836. It was the custom of Miss Thrupp to not sign her hymns or poems, usually initialing them "D.A.T". or using a pseudonym, "Iota". However, this one had neither. She may have forgotten to initial it, or else it came from a different source. The tune we sing today was written by William Bradbury expressly for this text and appeared in his Sunday School collection, Oriola, 1859. Like many classic hymns this one was originally intended for children. And that is easy to understand because the message is so simple - we are like helpless sheep in need of a shepherd. Our dependence upon the Good Shepherd is what enables us to get through life every day. He loves us, He receives us, He cares for us, He leads us, and He prepares us. How favored we are as sheep to have Him as our Shepherd. And that is why we can say with the hymn writer, Blessed Jesus!

1 Saviour, like a shepherd lead us,

Much we need Thy tender care;

In Thy pleasant pastures feed us;

For our use Thy folds prepare:

Blessèd Jesus! Blessèd Jesus!

Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.

Blessèd Jesus! Blessèd Jesus!

Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.

2 Thou hast promised to receive us,

Poor and sinful though we be;

Thou hast mercy to relieve us,

Grace to cleanse, and power to free:

Blessèd Jesus! Blessèd Jesus!

Let us early turn to Thee.

Blessèd Jesus! Blessèd Jesus!

Let us early turn to Thee.

3 Early let us seek Thy favour,

Early let us learn Thy will;

Do Thou, Lord, our only Saviour,

With Thy love our bosoms fill:

Blessèd Jesus! Blessèd Jesus!

Thou hast loved us, -- love us still.

Blessèd Jesus! Blessèd Jesus!

Thou hast loved us, -- love us still.

Listen to this beautiful hymn here. LISTEN

THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

2011-08-07T01:00:00.002-04:00

As one views society and the world today it is easy to see the darkness of sin all around us. More and more Christianity is under attack and Christians are seen as the intolerant people who need to be stopped. And for those of us who know the Lord as our Savior, we realize that Jesus is the only hope, the only light in this dark world. And that is the message of this week's hymn which was written by Philip Bliss many years ago. The popular "singing Pilgrim," as Philip Bliss was called, was well known on both sides of the Atlantic, for Ira D. Sankey sang his appealing songs into the hearts of the people. The great revival held in England and Scotland by Moody and Sankey in 1873 owed much of its success to the pleasing hymns and tunes introduced there for the first time. Many of these were composed by Bliss, and somehow, people who heard them could not shake them off. Bliss was only 38 years old when he lost his life in a train accident while on his way to join Sankey in Chicago. He died trying to save his wife from a burning railway car. Bliss wrote this hymn one year before he died. This hymn was written in Bliss' home. According to Major D. W. Whittle, "It came to him together, words and music, one morning while passing through the hall to his room, and was at once written out". I always find it amazing to hear of great hymns that are quickly written and then survive through the decades. "The Light of the World is Jesus" was written for a revival meeting and was sung by Ira D. Sankey. It proved to be a favorite and still is. Jesus is the Light of the World! (Jn 8:12). Meditate on these words this week and if you know the "Light of the World" personally, then thank him for revealing himself to you in this dark world.

(1) The whole world was lost

In the darkness of sin,