COUNT YOUR MANY BLESSINGS

Has this been a difficult week for you? Are you discouraged? Do you seem to be overloaded with problems? Are you facing financial needs? Does life seem to overwhelm you with constant conflicts? Then this week's choice might be what you need. Sometimes we get so down that we forget all that we do have. and we forget to thank the one who has blessed us. Rev. Johnson Oatman, Jr. was one of the important and prolific gospel song writers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As a child, Oatman Junior became acquainted with the hymns of the church through the singing talents of his father. At 19 he joined the Methodist Church and years later was granted a license to preach in local Methodist congregations. His mainstream career was in a mercantile business and later as administrator for a large insurance company in New Jersey. At the same time, he wrote over 5,000 hymn texts. "Count your Blessings" is generally considered to be Oatman's finest hymn. It first appeared in 1897 and it has been sung all over the world. One writer has stated, "Like a beam of sunlight it has brightened up the dark places of the earth." It was received most overwhelmingly in Great Britain. The London Daily, in giving an account of a meeting presided over by Gypsy Smith, reported, "Mr. Smith announced the hymn 'Count Your Blessings.' He said, "In South London the men sing it, the boys whistle it, and the women rock their babies to sleep on this hymn." During the revival in Wales it was one of the hymns sung at every service. So maybe this week, like those over a century ago, we need to be reminded to daily thank God for the many blessings that we have. It certainly is more profitable than counting sheep when sleep just doesn't seem to come.

(1) When upon life's billows you are tempest-tossed,

When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

Count your blessings, see what God hath done!

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.

(2) Are you ever burdened with a load of care?

Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?

Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,

And you will keep singing as the days go by.

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

Count your blessings, see what God hath done!

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.

(3) When you look at others with their lands and gold,

Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;

Count your many blessings—wealth can never buy

Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

Count your blessings, see what God hath done!

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.

(4) So, amid the conflict whether great or small,

Do not be discouraged, God is over all;

Count your many blessings, angels will attend,

Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

Count your blessings, see what God hath done!

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.

Listen to it here. LISTEN

TAKE MY LIFE AND LET IT BE

Francis Ridley Havergal is often referred to as "the consecration poet". It has been said that the beauty of a consecrated life has never been more perfectly reveled than in her daily living. Wherever she saw spiritual and physical needs, she was there with genuine concern. There is much that could be shared about her life, but I'll just focus on the writing of this great hymn. Here is what she wrote about the background of this hymn. "I went for a little visit of five days [to Areley House]. There were ten persons in the house, some unconverted and long prayed for, some converted, but not rejoicing Christians. He gave me the prayer 'Lord, give me all in this house!' And He just did! Before I left the house every one had got a blessing. The last night of my visit after I had retired, the governess asked me to go to the two daughters. They were crying, and then and there both of them trusted and rejoiced; it was nearly midnight. I was too happy to sleep, and passed most of the night in praise and renewal of my own consecration; and these little couplets formed themselves, and chimed in my heart one after another till they finished with 'ever only, ALL FOR THEE!'" Her prayer, "Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold," in the same hymn was not lightly stated. In August, 1878, Miss Havergal wrote to a friend,"The Lord has shown me another little step, and, of course, I have taken it with extreme delight. 'Take my silver and my gold' now means shipping off all my ornaments to the church Missionary House, including a jewel cabinet that is really fit for a countess, where all will be accepted and disposed of for me ... Nearly fifty articles are being packed up. I don't think I ever packed a box with such pleasure." As you consider the words of this hymn, ask the Lord to challenge you and reveal those areas that need to be turned over to Him. All are difficult but vital .... our life, our hands, our voice, our money, our will - yes, our will - our love. All for Thee!

(1) Take my life, and let it be

Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;

Take my moments and my days,

Let them flow in ceaseless praise,

Let them flow in ceaseless praise.

(2) Take my hands, and let them move

At the impulse of Thy love;

Take my feet and let them be

Swift and beautiful for Thee,

Swift and beautiful for Thee.

(3) Take my voice, and let me sing

Always, only, for my King;

Take my lips, and let them be

Filled with messages from Thee,

Filled with messages from Thee.

(4) Take my silver and my gold;

Not a mite would I withhold;

Take my intellect, and use

Every power as Thou shalt choose,

Every power as Thou shalt choose.

(5) Take my will, and make it Thine;

It shall be no longer mine.

Take my heart; it is Thine own;

It shall be Thy royal throne,

It shall be Thy royal throne.

(6) Take my love; my Lord, I pour

At Thy feet its treasure-store.

Take myself, and I will be

Ever, only, all for Thee,

Ever, only, all for Thee.

Listen to this powerful challenge here. LISTEN

JESUS LOVER OF MY SOUL

Charles Wesley is said to have written 6,500 hymns and many consider this one to be his firnest. It is interesting, however, that when Charles first presented it to his brother, John, for approval, it was rejected as being too sentimental. It wasn't until after the author's death that this song came into general use. There are various stories concerning the experience that prompted Charles to pen these words, although none has ever been authenticated. It is generally believed that in the fall of 1736 Wesley was caught in a frightening storm at sea and it appeared that all would be lost. Finally the ship safely reached land. Wesley wrote in his journal for that experience "I knelt down and blessed the Hand that had conducted me through such inextricable mazes." Some writers state that during the storm a frightened bird flew into Wesley's cabin and sheltered himself in his bosom for comfort and safety. Another account says that Wesley wrote this text while lying under a hedge, having been beaten up by an angry mob opposing his ministry. Still others see this text as a picture of Wesley's own life as a young man as he struggled to find peace with God before his conversion experience. It is interesting to note that 156 simple one-syllable words appear among the 188 words of the text. The hymn also presents Christ as a "lover", "healer", "refuge", "fountain", "wing", and "pilot" - the all-sufficient One. Many different tunes have been used for this text and if you search on YouTube, you will hear several of them - from classical to contemporary. But no matter how it was written, or how simple it is, or what tune is used, this hymn speaks to the basic need of every human heart, a personal dependence upon the infinite God.

(1) Jesus, lover of my soul,

Let me to Thy bosom fly,

While the nearer waters roll,

While the tempest still is high.

Hide me, O my Savior, hide,

Till the storm of life is past;

Safe into the haven guide;

Oh, receive my soul at last.

(2) Other refuge have I none,

Hangs my helpless soul on Thee;

Leave, ah! leave me not alone,

Still support and comfort me.

All my trust on Thee is stayed,

All my help from Thee I bring;

Cover my defenseless head

With the shadow of Thy wing.

(3) Wilt Thou not regard my call?

Wilt Thou not accept my prayer?

Lo! I sink, I faint, I fall—

Lo! on Thee I cast my care.

Reach me out Thy gracious hand!

While I of Thy strength receive,

Hoping against hope I stand,

Dying, and behold, I live.

(4) Thou, O Christ, art all I want,

More than all in Thee I find;

Raise the fallen, cheer the faint,

Heal the sick, and lead the blind.

Just and holy is Thy Name,

Source of all true righteousness;

Thou art evermore the same,

Thou art full of truth and grace.

(5) Plenteous grace with Thee is found,

Grace to cover all my sin;

Let the healing streams abound;

Make and keep me pure within.

Thou of life the fountain art,

Freely let me take of Thee;

Spring Thou up within my heart;

Rise to all eternity.

Listen to a beautiful rendition of this hymn. LISTEN

BLEST BE THE TIE THAT BINDS

John Fawcett (1740-1817) was born of poor parents in Lidget Green, Yorkshire, England. He was converted to Christ at the age of sixteen through the ministry of George Whitefield. At twenty-six, he was ordained as a Baptist minister and accepted a call to pastor a small and impoverished congregation at Wainsgate in Northern England. After spending several years at Wainsgate where his salary was meager and his family growing, he received a call to succeed the well-known Dr. Gill to minister in a large and influential Cater's Lane Baptist Church in London. During the day of departure, with the saddened parishioners gathered around the wagons, Mrs. Fawcett finally broke down and said, "John, I cannot bear to leave. I know not how to go!" "Nor can I either," said the saddened pastor. The order was soon given to unpack the bags and they stayed at Wainsgate. During one of his ensuing sermons, the pastor shared this hymn text with his congregation. It was printed in 1782 in a collection of 166 of Fawcett's poems and was titled "Brotherly Love". Fawcett continued to minister at Wainsgate for fifty years never receiving a salary of more than $200 per year. However, he became a scholar and an author and in 1811, Brown University conferred upon him the Doctor of Divinity Degree. A paralytic stroke caused his death in 1817. This is another hymn that continues to be sung almost two centuries after its writings. It has often been sung at the close of services or camp meetings or at other times of departures. But it is always a sound reminder of the deep bond that should be shared by brothers and sisters in Christ, especially as we share our burdens, our fears and our hopes. Most hymnals include just the first four verses, but I am sharing all six that Fawcett actually wrote.

(1) Blest be the tie that binds

Our hearts in Christian love;

The fellowship of kindred minds

Is like to that above.

(2) Before our Father's throne

We pour our ardent prayers;

Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one

Our comforts and our cares.

(3) We share each other's woes,

Our mutual burdens bear;

And often for each other flows

The sympathizing tear.

(4) When we asunder part,

It gives us inward pain;

But we shall still be joined in heart,

And hope to meet again.

(5) This glorious hope revives

Our courage by the way;

While each in expectation lives,

And longs to see the day.

(6) From sorrow, toil and pain,

And sin, we shall be free,

And perfect love and friendship reign

Through all eternity.

Listen to it here. LISTEN

ALL THE WAY MY SAVIOR LEADS ME

Over the years thousands have been touched by the music of the blind hymn writer, Fanny Crosby. We could spend several years just blogging about her many writings. Actually, her early writings were secular, but through the influence of a well-known church musician, W. B. Bradbury, she began, in her early forties, to write gospel song lyrics in earnest and she became the "happiest creature in all the land." It is said that she never wrote a hymn text without first kneeling in prayer and asking for divine guidance. It is reported that one day she desperately needed five dollars and did not know where the money would come from. As was her custom, she began to pray about the matter. Within a few minutes a stranger appeared at her door with just the right amount. "I have no way of accounting for this," she wrote, "except to believe that God, in answer to my prayer, put it in the heart of this good man to bring the money. My first thought was, it is so wonderful the way the Lord leads me." She immediately wrote the words for this week's hymn. Her friend, Dr. Robert Lowry then put it to music and for years it has been the wonderful testimony of many believers. Is this your testimony? What a joy to know that the creator of the universe cares enough for each believer to provide daily guidance and direction. I wonder, after having experienced His provision, why we still worry and fret about tomorrow.

(1) All the way my Savior leads me;

What have I to ask beside?

Can I doubt His tender mercy,

Who through life has been my Guide?

Heav'nly peace, divinest comfort,

Here by faith in Him to dwell!

For I know, whate'er befall me,

Jesus doeth all things well;

For I know, whate'er befall me,

Jesus doeth all things well.

(2) All the way my Savior leads me,

Cheers each winding path I tread;

Gives me grace for every trial,

Feeds me with the living Bread.

Though my weary steps may falter,

And my soul athirst may be,

Gushing from the Rock before me,

Lo! A spring of joy I see;

Gushing from the Rock before me,

Lo! A spring of joy I see.

(3) All the way my Savior leads me

O the fullness of His love!

Perfect rest to me is promised

In my Father's house above.

When my spirit, clothed immortal,

Wings its flight to realms of day

This my song through endless ages—

Jesus led me all the way;

This my song through endless ages—

Jesus led me all the way.

Listen to this great hymn here. LISTEN

Here is another rendition, a beautiful piano solo. PIANO

JESUS THE VERY THOUGHT OF THEE

Down through the ages many great hymns have been written. Many of them have survived the centuries and decades and still minister to people today. This week's choice comes from the height of the Middle Ages, the period of history often called "The Dark Ages." The spiritual and moral darkness of the church had reached a new blackness. The institution founded by Christ some 1,000 years prior was mainly degenerate and corrupt. The moral standards of many of its prominent leaders were characterized by disgrace and shame. Yet within this system of religious confusion, God laid it upon the heart of a dedicated monk, Bernard of Clairvaux (1091- 1153) to write a devotional poem about his Lord. At an early age Bernard was known for his piety and scholarship. With his natural charms and talents, he had many opportunities open to him for a successful secular life. While still in his early 20s, however, he chose the life of a monk at the monastery of Citeaux, France. Within three years Bernard's forceful personality, talents, and leadership qualities were recognized, and he was asked to form other branches of this order throughout Europe. Within Bernard's lifetime, 162 other such orders were founded. One of these new monasteries was at Clairvaux, France, where Bernard was made its abbot. He remained there until his death in 1153. The English Translation of this hymn is attributed to Edward Caswall, (1814–1876). Meditate upon these great words this week which call us to love and worship Jesus, our hope and our only joy. Does the very thought of Him fill you with sweetness?

1. Jesus, the very thought of Thee

With sweetness fills my breast;

But sweeter far Thy face to see

And in Thy presence rest.

2. No voice can sing, no heart can frame,

Nor can the memory find

A sweeter sound than Thy blest name,

O Savior of mankind.

3. O hope of every contrite heart,

O joy of all the meek,

To those who fall, how kind Thou art!

How good to those who seek!

4. But what to those who find? Ah, this

Nor tongue or pen can show;

The love of Jesus, what it is

None but His loved ones know.

5. Jesus, our only joy be Thou,

As Thou our prize wilt be;

Jesus, be Thou our glory now

And thru eternity.

Listen to this hymn here. LISTEN

GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU

We all face times of diffculty and concern. There are times that we fret about our circumstances our future and we feel all alone. Nobody seems to care. It's at times like this that we need to be reminded that somebody does care and that God will take care of us, no matter what may be the test or challenge. He is the only one who knows our present and our tomorrows. He will never leave us even when those closest to us do so. This week's popular hymn of spiritual encouragement was written, in 1904, by Mr. and Mrs. Stillman Martin. It was composed while the Martins were spending several weeks as guests at the Practical Bible Training School at Lestershire, New York, where Mr. Martin was involved in helping the president of the school, John A. Davis, prepare a songbook. The Reverend W. Stillman Martin, a well-known Baptist evangelist, was invited to preach at a church some distance from the Bible school. That Sunday morning, Mrs. Martin became suddenly ill, making it impossible for her to accompany her husband to his preaching engagement. Mr. Martin seriously considered cancelling his speaking assignment, since it would be needful for him to be gone from her for a considerable time. Just then, however, their young son spoke up and said, "Father, don't you think that if God wants you to preach today, He will take care of Mother while you are away?" Agreeing, Mr. Martin kept his preaching appointment, and the service proved to be unusually blessed of God, with several people professing Christ as Savior as a result of the sermon. Returning later that evening, Mr. Martin found his wife greatly improved in health, and, while he was gone, she had been busily engaged in preparing a new hymn text, inspired by the chance remark of their young son earlier that day. That same evening, Stillman Martin composed the music for his wife's words just as they are still sung today. The next year, this hymn appeared in a collection, Songs of Redemption and Praise, compiled for the school by W. S. Martin and President John Davis. "God Will Take Care of You" soon became a favorite hymn of Christian people everywhere. May this great hymn encourage you this week.

(1) Be not dismayed whate'er betide,

God will take care of you;

beneath His wings of love abide,

God will take care of you.

God will take care of you,

through every day, o'er all the way;

He will take care of you,

God will take care of you.

(2) Through days of toil when heart doth fail,

God will take care of you;

when dangers fierce your path assail,

God will take care of you.

God will take care of you,

through every day, o'er all the way;

He will take care of you,

God will take care of you.

(3) All you may need He will provide,

God will take care of you;

nothing you ask will be denied,

God will take care of you.

God will take care of you,

through every day, o'er all the way;

He will take care of you,

God will take care of you.

(4) No matter what may be the test,

God will take care of you;

lean, weary one, upon his breast,

God will take care of you.

God will take care of you,

through every day, o'er all the way;

He will take care of you,

God will take care of you.

Listen to this hymn here. LISTEN