TELL ME THE OLD OLD STORY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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