LOVE LIFTED ME

Many of the old hymns used pictures of storms and seas to convey their messages of salvation, safety and protection provided by the Lord.  Sometimes the pictures are of lighthouses, lifelines, shelters, rocks, or sinking experiences.   One of my favorite is this week's hymn which shares of God's love to us when we were far from the peaceful shore and sinking.  It was then that His love lifted us.  We were so unworthy and not deserving of being rescued, but in His love He did rescue us and now we are safe.  But while the hymn talks about being saved while sinking in sin, it is also a reminder that when we face the storms of life and feel like we are sinking, in His love He rescues us again.  And we are safe.  And the hymn also reminds us that we need to live in His presence and sing His praises.  Are you doing that today?

(1)   I was sinking deep in sin,

Far from the peaceful shore,

Very deeply stained within,

Sinking to rise no more,

But the Master of the sea,

Heard my despairing cry,

From the waters lifted me,

Now safe am I.

Love lifted me! Love lifted me!

When nothing else could help Love lifted me!

Love lifted me! Love lifted me!

When nothing else could help Love lifted me!

(2)   All my heart to Him I give,

ever to Him I'll cling

In His blessed presence live,

ever His praises sing,

Love so mighty and so true,

merits my soul's best songs,

Faithful, loving service too,

to Him belongs.

Love lifted me! Love lifted me!

When nothing else could help Love lifted me!

Love lifted me! Love lifted me!

When nothing else could help Love lifted me!

(3)   Souls in danger look above,

Jesus completely saves,

He will lift you by His love,

out of the angry waves.

He's the Master of the sea,

billows His will obey,

He your Savior wants to be,

be saved today.

Love lifted me! Love lifted me!

When nothing else could help Love lifted me!

Love lifted me! Love lifted me!

When nothing else could help Love lifted me!

Listen to it here.    LISTEN

I SING THE MIGHTY POWER OF GOD

When we used to lead week-long rally Bible schools we always taught a hymn which coordinated with our theme for the week.  We thought then, as we still do, that there are many great hymns which can teach children (and adults, too) many great Biblical truths.  And kids do remember these hymns as they grow older.  This week's hymn was always one of my favorites of those that we taught.  I especially enjoyed it when we would teach this hymn to the children at Pinebrook, in the middle of the mountains.  Singing there about the power that made the mountains rise and the power that built the lofty skies was especially meaningful in that setting.  The visuals that we used ended with a picture of a satellite to illustrate the last phrase, "and everywhere that man can be Thou, God, art present there".  Each time that we looked at that visual and sang that phrase I would remember the Russian cosmonaut who, upon his return from space, said that he had looked everywhere in space and didn't see God.  Poor guy.  Someday he will see God and it most likely won't be an enjoyable experience for him. So worship our almighty God today by singing these great words penned by Isaac Watts.

(1) I sing the mighty power of God,

          that made the mountains rise,

       That spread the flowing seas abroad,

          and built the lofty skies.

       I sing the wisdom that ordained

          the sun to rule the day;

       The moon shines full at God's command,

          and all the stars obey.

    (2) I sing the goodness of the Lord,

          who filled the earth with food,

       Who formed the creatures through the Word,

          and then pronounced them good.

       Lord, how Thy wonders are displayed,

          wherever I turn my eye,

       If I survey the ground I tread,

          or gaze upon the sky.

    (3) There's not a plant or flower below,

          but makes Thy glories known,

       And clouds arise, and tempests blow,

          by order from Thy throne;

       While all that borrows life from Thee

          is ever in Thy care;

       And everywhere that man can be,

          Thou, God art present there.

Listen to it here      LISTEN

BENEATH THE CROSS OF JESUS

Previously I mentioned that I had two favorite hymns concerning the Easter season.  This week's hymn is my other favorite.  One of the reasons that I love it is because it has great four part harmony with a beautiful tenor line.  Now today's choruses are written essentially for everyone to just sing the melody - harmonizing is often impossible or at best, very difficult.   But since I am officially "old", I still love good harmony and this hymn has it.   And I have enjoyed singing this hymn over the years in a number of trios and quartets as well as with the congregation.   But the main reason I like this hymn is not just the harmony, but the words.  They always challenge my Christian walk.   Do I really take my stand in life beneath His cross?  Do I constantly thank Him for his redeeming love, recognizing my unworthiness?  Do I really want nothing more than the sunshine of His face.   And am I really content to let the world go by, to know no gain or loss?   Is my glory really all the cross?  Wow, that's heavy stuff!   The words were written by Elizabeth C. Clephane in 1868 and published posthumously in 1872. The music was added by Frederick C. Maker in 1881.  So this great hymn has been sung for about 129 years and it continues to be a favorite of many - especially old-timers like me.   Meditate upon these words during this special season when we celebrate the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord.   And, rejoice today that He is Risen and because of His cross we can stand with Him now and eternally.

1.     Beneath the cross of Jesus

     I fain would take my stand,

     the shadow of a mighty rock

     within a weary land;

     a home within the wilderness,

     a rest upon the way,

     from the burning of the noontide heat,

     and the burden of the day.

2.     Upon that cross of Jesus

     mine eye at times can see

     the very dying form of One

     who suffered there for me;

     and from my stricken heart with tears

     two wonders I confess:

     the wonders of redeeming love

     and my unworthiness.

3.     I take, O cross, thy shadow

     for my abiding place;

     I ask no other sunshine than

     the sunshine of his face;

     content to let the world go by,

     to know no gain nor loss,

     my sinful self my only shame,

     my glory all the cross. 

Listen to this great hymn here.     LISTEN

CALVARY COVERS IT ALL

On Friday we led another hymn sing at Pinebrook Bible Conference.  Because of the season of the year I decided to feature hymns about the cross of Christ.  We entitled the program, "Hallelujah, What a Savior".   There are so many great hymns about the cross that we seldom sing anymore and this isn't often a message found in today's praise and worship choruses.   And the folks on Friday sang better than at any of the previous hymn sings that we have led.   I think it was because these old hymns about the cross are so meaningful.  They share about Christ's great sacrifice and what he went through to provide salvation for us.  And we are so unworthy. There are a couple of these hymns that have always ministered to me and one of these is "Calvary Covers It All".   Today so many folks carry heavy burdens over past sins and failures.  They think forgiveness is impossible.  They often live in despair and struggle over these memories.  But there is a cure - in fact, only one cure.  The only cure is Jesus Christ and wnat He did for mankind on Calvary.  For indeed, Calvary does cover it all.

(1)  Far dearer than all that the world can impart

Was the message came to my heart.

How that Jesus alone for my sin did atone,

And Calvary covers it all.

Chorus

Calvary covers it all,

My past with its sin and stain;

My guilt and despair

Jesus took on Him there,

And Calvary covers it all.

(2)  The stripes that He bore and the thorns that He wore

Told His mercy and lover evermore

And my heart bowed in shame as I called on His name,

And Calvary covers it all.

Chorus

Calvary covers it all,

My past with its sin and stain;

My guilt and despair

Jesus took on Him there,

And Calvary covers it all.

(3)  How matchless the grace, when I looked in the face

Of this Jesus, my crucified Lord;

My redemption complete I then found at His feet,

And Calvary covers it all.

Chorus

Calvary covers it all,

My past with its sin and stain;

My guilt and despair

Jesus took on Him there,

And Calvary covers it all.

(4)  How blessed the thought, that my soul by Him bought,

Shall be His in the glory on high;

Where with gladness and song, I'll be one of the throng

And Calvary covers it all.

Chorus

Calvary covers it all,

My past with its sin and stain;

My guilt and despair

Jesus took on Him there,

And Calvary covers it all.

Listen to it here      LISTEN

WHAT GOD HATH PROMISED

Maybe it is my age, but it seems that everywhere I look good people are going through tough times ... illness, cancer, death, accidents, family problems, financial problems, employment problems, loneliness ... and the list could go on and on.  For centuries people have asked why these problems and trials come to good people.  And while we may never know the answer here on earth, we do know that good people are not immune to trials.  But what we do know is that God does give us the strength that we need to face them.  he gives us rest, light  and grace as we encounter them.   And He provides us with this hymn in my dad's study.  The words used to hang in his parent's parsonage back in the 1920's.  So, apparently, even back then good folks faced a multitude of trials and they, too, found their strength in the Lord and His perfect ways.  So maybe the words of this hymn written by Annie Johnson Flint will encourage you today as you face your trials.   The author knew what trials were all about.  She not only lost her parents, but also her adopted parents.  She developed severe arthritis and had to live out her years in a sanitarium.  And in these times of great trial in her life she penned many poems including this hymn and also "He Giveth More Grace".

(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.

Chorus:  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.

Chorus:  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 roads and wide,

Swift, easy travel, needing no guide;

Never a mountain, rocky and steep,

Never a river, turbid and deep.

Chorus:  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.

BE STILL MY SOUL

Have your days been stressful?  Do your days seem filled with pressures and obligations?  Mine have been.  Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the urgent issues of life that we get overwhelmed and fail to sense or acknowledge the presence of God's Spirit in our lives.  But He is always there to give us the guidance, strength, and peace that we need.  This hymn, one of my favorites, often reminds me that He is faithful and always there - I just need to be still and let Him handle the stress and pressures in my life. "Be Still My Soul" is a popular revival hymn written by Katharine von Schlegel (1697-c.1768) and translated into English by Jane L. Borthwick (1813-1897). The music was composed by Jean Sibelius, from his music 'Finlandia.'   It was a favorite of Eric Liddell, the athlete who became famous for refusing to run on the Sabbath.  He later became a missionary in China and was imprisoned during World War II.  He is said to have taught this hymn to others in prison camp where he eventually died of a brain tumor.  The scripture reference of this hymn is found in Psalm 46:10: "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."  So if you are stressed out, take time to sing this hymn and recognize that God is closer than you think and ready to handle your stress.  Just be still and let Him do so.

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.

Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.

Leave to thy God to order and provide;

In every change, He faithful will remain.

Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend

Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake

To guide the future, as He has the past.

Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;

All now mysterious shall be bright at last.

Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know

His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,

And all is darkened in the vale of tears,

Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,

Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.

Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay

From His own fullness all He takes away.

Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on

When we shall be forever with the Lord.

When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,

Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.

Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past

All safe and blessèd we shall meet at last.

Listen to it here.     LISTEN

NO ONE UNDERSTANDS LIKE JESUS

All of us go through periods when we feel all alone and nobody seems to care.  The problems seem so heavy and we wish that we just had somebody who could help us through the fog that we face.  The difficult times that we are now living in have brought new, heavy tensions.  Unemployment, bills, mortgages, illnesses, family struggles, fears, terrorism, loss of freedoms, uncertainty - heavy burdens to bear.  Unfortunately, during the past year three acquaintances of mine have committed suicide to escape their troubles.  A hymn by John Peterson has often been a comfort to me when I have faced these seemingly "impossible" pressures.  Incidentally, back when I used to sing solos this was the first hymn that I sang with a taped background - in fact it was the first time any musician used a background tape in our church.  Mr. Peterson wrote this hymn in the early years of his ministry.  Here is his account of how it was written. "At one time I had a fairly responsible position with a well-known gospel ministry. One day a supervisory position opened up in my department. I was led to believe that I was to be promoted to this position. I was thrilled and challenged by the prospect of a new joy. But I was by-passed, and a man from the outside was brought in to fill the position.  There followed days of agonizing heart searching. It was all I could do to keep from becoming bitter. One night I had occasion to spend an evening with the man who was brought in for "my" position. For some reason or other, though otherwise a very pleasant fellow, that night he became quite caustic in some of his remarks to me; and I was deeply hurt.   Later that evening, after returning home, I was sitting in our living room thinking about the events of the past days and about the bitter experiences of that evening. I began to feel very alone and forsaken. Suddenly, I sensed the presence of the Lord in an unusual way and my mind was diverted from my difficulties to His faithfulness and sufficiency. Soon the thought occurred to me that He fully understood and sympathized with my situation--in fact, no one could ever completely understand or care as did He. Before long, the idea for the song came and I began to write."

No one understands like Jesus.

He's a friend beyond compare;

Meet Him at the throne of mercy;

He is waiting for you there.

No one understands like Jesus;

Ev'ry woe He sees and feels;

Tenderly He whispers comfort,

And the broken heart He heals.

No one understands like Jesus

When the foes of life assail;

You should never be discouraged;

Jesus cares and will not fail!

No one understands like Jesus

When you falter on the way;

Tho' you fail Him, sadly fail Him,

He will pardon you today.

CHORUS:

No one understands like Jesus

When the days are dark and grim;

No one is so near, so dear as Jesus--

Cast your ev'ry care on Him!

Listen to this beautiful hymn sung here.    LISTEN

WONDERFUL MERCIFUL SAVIOR

If you are a regular to this hymn blog you probably think that I only appreciate the old hymns of the church ... you know, those hymns written several hundred years ago.  Now I admit that there are many of the old ones that still speak to my heart and I do miss hearing and singing them.  But there are some recently written ones that also have a great message.  This week's choice is one of those.  It was written in 2001 and it won a Dove Award in 2002.  It shares the many ways God is with His children and how he deals with them.  And as it says, He gives the healing and grace our hearts always hunger for.  You can listen to Selah sing it at this site.   LISTEN

Wonderful mericiful Savior,

Precious redeemer and friend.

Who would have thought that a lamb could

Rescue the souls of men, Oh You rescue the souls of men.

You are the One that we praise.

You are the One we adore.

You give the healing and grace our

Hearts always hunger for, Oh our hearts always hunger for

Counselor, comforter, keeper.

Spirit we long to embrace.

You offer hope when our hearts have

Hopelessly lost the way, Oh we hopelessly lost the way.

You are the One that we praise.

You are the One we adore.

You give the healing and grace our

Hearts always hunger for, Oh our hearts always hunger for.

Almighty infinite father,

Faithfully loving Your own.

Here in our weakness You find us

Falling before Your throne, Oh we're falling before Your throne.

You are the One that we praise.

You are the One we adore.

You give the healing and grace our

Hearts always hunger for, Oh our hearts always hunger for.

O THAT WILL BE GLORY FOR ME

When my father recently passed away some of the grandchildren told us that Grandpa wanted to have this song sung at his funeral.  So we honored his request by having the family sing it at his Memorial Service.  We had never sung together before in public as a family and it went well considering that we didn't have time to practice as a group and many of the grandchildren and great grandchildren had never heard the song before.  The words certainly reflect dad's desire and hope and most likely his present experience.   The song itself has an interesting history.   When it first appeared in 1900, a musical expert predicted, "It will never go; it has too many quarter notes."  In other words, 'the rhythm is too monotonous." But in a few years, it was the most popular hymn Homer Rodeheaver led in the Billy Sunday campaigns.  It was affectionately called the "glory Song." It was inspired, not by an experience, but by a personality!  The author, C. H. Gabriel, was perhaps the best known and most prolific gospel song writer of the early twentieth century.  One of his good friends was Ed Card, superintendent of the Sunshine Rescue Mission of St. Louis, Missouri.  Ed was a radiant believer who always seemed to be "bubbling over" with Christian joy. During a sermon or a prayer he would often explode with "Glory" just like some people say "Amen!" or "Hallelujah!"  His beaming smile earned him the nickname "old glory face."  It was his custom to close his fervent prayers with a reference to heaven, usually ending with the phrase "and that will be glory for me"   What a fitting song for the believer who has the assurance that he will someday be reunited with loved ones, and with the Lord, in heaven.

When all my labors and trials are over,

And I am safe on that beautiful shore,

Just to be near the dear Lord I adore,

Will through the ages be glory for me.

Refrain:

O that will be glory for me,

Glory for me, glory for me,

When by His grace I shall look on His face,

That will be glory, be glory for me.

When, by the gift of His infinite grace,

I am accorded in heaven a place,

Just to be there and to look on His face,

Will through the ages be glory for me.

Refrain

Friends will be there I have loved long ago;

Joy like a river around me will flow;

Yet just a smile from my Savior, I know,

Will through the ages be glory for me.

Refrain

Hear the music here.     LISTEN