ONLY BELIEVE

Paul Rader (1879 - 1938) was one of the most powerful evangelistic speakers of the early 20th Century.  He often described himself as an "ex-bellboy, ex-cowboy, ex-prospector, ex-football player and ex-pugilist."  He pastored Moody Church in Chicago (1915-1921) and founded the Chicago Gospel Tabernacle in 1922 where he pastored for 11 years.  He wrote many Gospel song lyrics and was instrumental in the founding of the Tabernacle Publishing Company. He was also a pioneer of Christian broadcasting. In the early 20's, during the beginning days of radio, WBBM in Chicago would close on Sundays and Rader got permission to use their studios.  For several years he ran a 14-hour Christian program every Sunday.  He called his station WJBT, "Where Jesus Blesses Thousands".  The General Council of the C&MA convened at Toccoa Falls in May 1919. The delegates were housed in army tents supplied by Fort McPherson in Atlanta, and the guests considered this "camping out" experience to be most meaningful. Rader, elected president of the C&MA at that Council, was greatly moved by stories of the hardships and difficulties that the Toccoa Falls family had faced since 1913, and others, that the school was still facing. In his room in Staley Cottage, Rader wrote this week's song choice and it has been widely used in evangelical Christian circles of succeeding generations.   His words remind us that during our journey on this earth we will face many trials and challenges.  However, God is in control and can do the impossible.  Our part is to believe what He says and then to trust Him.  But so often we don't put that into practice, even though we know better.  We worry and fret instead of believing and trusting.  But He never forsakes the flock of His love.  Maybe that is a truth that you need to believe and claim this week.  Only believe, all things are possible, only believe.

(1)   Fear not, little flock, from the cross to the throne,

From death into life He went for His own;

All power in earth, all power above,

Is given to Him for the flock of His love.

Only believe, only believe;

All things are possible, only believe,

Only believe, only believe;

All things are possible, only believe.

(2)   Fear not, little flock, He goeth ahead,

Your Shepherd selecteth the path you must tread;

The waters of Marah He'll sweeten for thee,

He drank all the bitter in Gethsemane.

Only believe, only believe;

All things are possible, only believe,

Only believe, only believe;

All things are possible, only believe.

(3)   Fear not, little flock, whatever your lot,

He enters all rooms, "the doors being shut,"

He never forsakes; He never is gone,

So count on His presence in darkness and dawn.

Only believe, only believe;

All things are possible, only believe,

Only believe, only believe;

All things are possible, only believe.

You can listen to it here.   LISTEN

MY FAITH LOOKS UP TO THEE

William Palmer (1805-1887) had an interesting heritage.  He was a descendent of William Palmer who came to Plymouth in the ship Fortune in 1621 and also John and Priscilla Alden through their daughter Elizabeth.  At the age of thirteen he was sent out on his own by his father Judge Palmer of Rhode Island.  Later, he was converted and then left his job in a dry goods store to get an education. He enrolled at Phillips Andover Academy and later at Yale University. As a child he learned to record the expression of what his heart felt,  often in verse form. While he was a tutor at a New York school, in 1830, his soul was filled with deep emotion as he thought about the riches of Christ's grace and love.  As a result of this experience, he composed six stanzas.  The words were written on a loose sheet and then accurately copied into a small book of verses which he often carried in his pocket. He never expected his verses to be seen by anybody else.   But two or three years later, on a street in Boston, he met Dr. Lowell Mason, a well known composer of hymn tunes.  When Mason invited Palmer to write something for a new hymnal, Palmer drew out his notebook and shared this poem.  The musician was attracted by it and requested a copy.  They stepped into a doorway and there made a copy.  Dr. Mason was so impressed with the poem that he composed an original tune to which the hymn is almost always sung.  Dr. Mason later told Palmer "You may live many years and do many good things, but I think you will be best known to posterity as the author of My Faith Looks Up to Thee."  Four of his stanzas are generally sung today. The words, penned in the quiet of his room, are profound and still applicable today.  Rejoice this week in this reminder of God's marvelous grace to you as you continue to place your faith in the One who will someday bear each of His family safe as a ransomed soul.

My faith looks up to Thee,

Thou Lamb of Calvary, Savior divine!

Now hear me while I pray, take all my guilt away,

O let me from this day be wholly Thine!

May Thy rich grace impart

Strength to my fainting heart, my zeal inspire!

As Thou hast died for me, O may my love to Thee,

Pure warm, and changeless be, a living fire!

While life's dark maze I tread,

And griefs around me spread, be Thou my Guide;

Bid darkness turn to day, wipe sorrow's tears away,

Nor let me ever stray from Thee aside.

When ends life's transient dream,

When death's cold sullen stream over me roll;

Blest Savior, then in love, fear and distrust remove;

O bear me safe above, a ransomed soul!

You can listen to this great hymn being sung here.   LISTEN

SING PRAISE TO GOD WHO REIGNS ABOVE

This old hymn of praise dates back to 1675, years after the Protestant Reformation.  During the time of Luther the early Lutherans were full of holy zeal.  But as often happens, a generation later the movement had slowed down and the church life tended to be formal and shallow.  Their doctrine was generally correct but their fire had cooled.  During that time Philip Spencer accepted a call to pastor the Lutheran Church in Frankfort am Main.  But instead of preaching the prescribed texts, he began to preach through the entire Bible.  He called for repentance and serious discipleship.  In 1669 he preached from the Sermon on the Mount and revival broke out in his church.  People were converted and lives and families were transformed.  Johann Schultz, a prominent city attorney who practiced both civil and church law was excited about the growing  revival and suggested that Spencer take some of the converts and disciple them in small home prayer and Bible study groups.  Spencer did this and the groups grew.  These people were called "Pietists", in derision, but the revival continued to spread throughout Germany.  It is now  known in history as the "Pietistic Movement".  And so it is said that out of his joy of what was happening, Johann Schutz wrote this great hymn.  It is sung to a traditional Bohemian melody named "kirchengesange"  As a result of the influence of Spencer, his own pietistic wife, and his belief in millennialism, Schutz eventually left the Lutheran Church in 1686 to become a Separatist and join the Moravians.  He died in Frankfort at the age of 49 in 1690.  Part of his legacy is this hymn of praise in which each verse ends with the proclamation "To God all praise and glory".  And this week may we be reminded that this should be our desire and goal each day of our lives.

(1)   Sing praise to God Who reigns above, the God of all creation,

The God of power, the God of love, the God of our salvation.

With healing balm my soul is filled and every faithless murmur stilled:

To God all praise and glory.

(2)   What God's almighty power hath made His gracious mercy keepeth,

By morning glow or evening shade His watchful eye ne'er sleepeth;

Within the kingdom of His might, Lo! all is just and all is right:

To God all praise and glory.

(3)   The Lord is never far away, but through all grief distressing,

An ever present help and stay, our peace and joy and blessing.

As with a mother's tender hand, God gently leads the chosen band:

To God all praise and glory.

(4)   Thus, all my toilsome way along, I sing aloud Thy praises,

That earth may hear the grateful song my voice unwearied raises.

Be joyful in the Lord, my heart, both soul and body bear your part:

To God all praise and glory.

(5)   Let all who name Christ's holy Name give God all praise and glory;

Let all who own His power proclaim aloud the wondrous story!

Cast each false idol from its throne, for Christ is Lord, and Christ alone:

To God all praise and glory.

Listen to it here.   LISTEN

STILL SWEETER EVERY DAY

As a youngster growing up I loved to sing the hymns that had a moving backtime part in the chorus.  This week's choice is one of those.  I really enjoyed joining the men and altos in belting out the backtime in this one.  It became one of my favorites to request and sing.  But I guess in those days I never really thought about the words.  I guess as you grow older your attention begins to focus on them and they become the important thing.  And how true the words of this hymn have become.  I have found that every day my heart is drawn closer to the Savior and He does become still sweeter to me than He was the day before.  He does fill and satisfy my longing spirit over and over.  And He has given sweet relief in times that my heart has been so heavy and burdened.  And yet, here on this earth, we really can't even imagine half of what heaven will be like and what our relationship with Him will be like then. But I am sure that it will be even more sweeter than it is here on earth. I imagine that this was the testimony of the hymn writer, William C. Martin, when he wrote the words about 1899.  The music was provided by C. Austin Miles.  Martin was pastor of the Noank Baptist Church in Noank, Connecticut (1894-1900). He later served at the East Albany First Baptist Church in Boston, Massachusetts and then at the First Baptist Church in Ft. Myers, Florida, from 1912 until his death. He was a prolific hymn writer, even though this and the hymn My Anchor Holds are really the only ones included in most hymnals. Miles had a career as a pharmacist but left that to write music for Gospel songs.  He served as editor and manager of the Hall-Mack publishers for 27 years.  According to Miles, "It is as a writer of gospel songs I am proud to be known, for in that way I may be of the most use to my Master, whom I serve willingly although not as efficiently as is my desire."   I hope this hymn by Martin and Miles is your testimony this week.

(1)   To Jesus every day I find my heart is closer drawn,

He's fairer than the glory of the gold and purple dawn;

He's all my fancy pictures in its fairest dreams, and more,

Each day He grows still sweeter than He was the day before.

The half cannot be fancied

This side the golden shore;

O there He'll be still sweeter

Than He ever was before.

(2)    His glory broke upon me when I saw Him from afar,

He's fairer than the lily, brighter than the morning star;

He fills and satisfies my longing spirit o'er and o'er,

Each day He grows still sweeter than He was the day before.

The half cannot be fancied

This side the golden shore;

O there He'll be still sweeter

Than He ever was before.

(3)   My heart is sometimes heavy, but He comes with sweet relief,

He folds me to His bosom when I droop with blighting grief;

I love the Christ Who all my burdens in His body bore,

Each day He grows still sweeter than He was the day before.

The half cannot be fancied

This side the golden shore;

O there He'll be still sweeter

Than He ever was before.

I had a difficult time finding a good rendition of this week's choice but here is one that is adequate.   LISTEN
Here is another one you can try.   LINK 2

THE LONGER I SERVE HIM

It is unusual to choose a Gospel song that might have been written in our lifetime since so many of those usually chosen were written over a century or more ago.  But this week's choice was made popular by Bill and Gloria Gather after they wrote it in 1965.  There are probably two reasons that this was selected this week.  First, my wife and I will again be leading a monthly hymn sing at Pinebrook Bible Conference later this week.  We have chosen the title "Serving Joyfully" and will sing hymns based on this theme.  There are many hymns to choose from on this theme but this one certainly came to mind very quickly.  The second reason is that my cousin just sent me a CD of a special program that honored by grandfather on his 65th year in the ministry.  The program included many godly saints who were key figures in my life over the years.  Most of them are now at home with the Lord.  But hearing their testimonies again impressed me with the fact that the longer we do serve the Lord the sweeter and closer He becomes to us.  My grandfather, Pastor Norman H. Wolf, was a special example of that.  Despite all the problems and heartaches he faced in 65 years of ministry, he developed such a positive spirit and it was obvious to all that he walked closer to the Lord each day. He had a tremendous influence on thousands of lives. Then one day, while he was resting in his chair, the Lord just came and quietly took him home to be with Him.  Unfortunately not all people mature and grow old like my grandfather.  Some folks become complainers and bitter and people hate to be around them. Sometimes that attitude may be caused by the physical problems of aging but sometimes it is probably the result of not walking closely each day with the Lord and not serving Him throughout their life. Retirement should not be in our vocabulary when it comes to walking with the Lord and serving Him.  When we draw closer to Him each day He does grow sweeter, we do experience more joy, and our heart can overflow despite the many growing challenges of life.  I don't know how long you have been walking with the Lord and serving Him, but may this week's choice remind you and challenge you to make that a priority so that this song will also be your testimony, as it is mine.

(1)   Since I started for the kingdom since my life he controls 

Since I gave my heart to Jesus 

The longer I serve him the sweeter he grows  

The Longer I serve the sweeter he grows 

The more I love him more joy he bestows 

Each day is like is like Heaven my heart overflows 

The longer I serve him the sweeter he grows 

(2)   Every need he is supplying plenteous grace he bestows 

Everyday my way gets brighter 

The longer I serve him the sweeter he grows 

The Longer I serve the sweeter he grows 

The more I love him more joy he bestows 

Each day is like is like Heaven my heart overflows 

The longer I serve him the sweeter he grows 

Listen to it here.   LISTEN

IT IS NO SECRET

Sometimes it is hard to find anything about the writing of a Gospel song.  This time I found plenty and much of what I found ended up being parts of those eRumors that folks like to spread. Apparently over the years folks have added all sorts of incorrect details to embelish the story.  But after reading what some members of Billy Graham’s team had to say, here is what I think is the correct story.  Stuart Hamblen was a popular singer, songwriter, actor, poet, and radio personality from the 1930s through the 1950s.  Some have called him radio's first singing cowboy.  Billy Graham came to Los Angeles in 1949 for what became an historic evangelistic crusade.  Graham was asked to appear on Hamblen’s radio show to promote the crusade  Although Hamblen was known for his hard living and drinking, he had been reared as the son of a Methodist minister and he warmly welcomed Graham as a guest.  It was at that interview that Graham extended an invitation to Hamblen to attend the crusade and he accepted. Hamblen later contacted Graham at his hotel and asked to talk. The result was that he "surrendered his life to Christ.”  Hamblen's became the first publicized conversion from the 1949 crusade and contributed to the decision to extend the event, which lasted for 8 weeks and put Billy Graham on the map. On a street in Hollywood Hamblen later ran into John Wayne who asked him about the rumor around town that he'd changed his ways.  Hamblen told Wayne that it was no secret what God had done for him and that he could do it for Wayne too.  Wayne said it sounded like a song and suggested that he write one.  The result was one of Hamblen's best known tunes, It is No Secret What God Can Do.  It was a crossover song that is regarded as the first to have been #1 in the gospel, country, and pop categories.  The original manuscript of It is No Secret is buried in the cornerstone of one of the Copyright Buildings of the Library of Congress in Washington D.C.  After his conversion Hamblen announced that he was going to devote his time to "serving Christ" and he started a new radio program titled The Cowboy Church of the Air which became nationally syndicated.  A confrontation developed with his sponsors, however, when he told them that he would refuse to advertise alcohol.  His much publicized departure from the program resulted in his being asked to run for President of the United States in 1952 under the banner of the Prohibition party.  He accepted and ran fourth to Republican Dwight Eisenhower who was elected president.  So to the best of my knowledge that is the story behind Hamblen and the writing of this week’s choice.  And his claim is still true today, God is still in the business of saving and changing people.  And it is no secret what He can do.

(1)    The chimes of time ring out the news

Another day is through

Someone slipped and fell

Was that someone you?

You may have longed for added strength

Your courage to renew

Do not be disheartened

For I have news for you

It is no secret what God can do

What He's done for others, He'll do for you

With arms wide open, He'll pardon you

It is no secret what God can do

(2)   There is no night for in His light

You never walk alone

Always feel at home

Wherever you may go

There is no power can conquer you

While God is on your side

Take Him at His promise

Don't run away and hide

It is no secret what God can do

What He's done for others, He'll do for you

With arms wide open, He'll pardon you

It is no secret what God can do

Listen to it being sung here.    LISTEN

IN THE SWEET BY AND BY

It might be my age, but the older I get, the more I enjoy and miss singing the great old hymns of the church that talked about heaven.  i guess as more and more loved ones and friends make the move to their heavenly home one develops a keener hope for heaven and meeting the Lord there.  Over the years this move has been described many ways by hymn writers.  S. Filmore Bennett (1836-1898) described it as meeting on that beautiful shore sometime in the sweet by and by.  He talks about the Father who prepares the place for us and waits for our coming.  He tells us that we will be singing there.  I often wonder what language and style of singing there will be since we come from so many different races and traditions.  But I know that God will work all of that out, in His time.  And no more sorrow there.  But most importantly, we will be with our Father and will have all eternity to sing His praises.  The writer, Bennett, talked about the writing of this hymn and the composer of the music, Joseph P. Wedster.  "Mr. Webster, like many musicians, was of an exceedingly nervous and sensitive nature, and subject to periods of depression, in which he looked upon the dark side of all things in life. I had learned his peculiarities so well that on meeting him I could tell at a glance if he was melancholy, and had found that I could rouse him up by giving him a new song to work on. He came into my place of business, in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, walked down to the stove, and turned his back on me without speaking. I was at my desk. Turning to him, I said, 'Webster, what is the matter now?' 'It's no matter,' he replied, 'it will be all right by and by.' The idea of the hymn came me like a flash of sunlight, and I replied, 'The Sweet By and By! Why would not that make a good hymn?' 'Maybe it would,' he said indifferently. Turning to my desk I penned the words of the hymn as fast as I could write. I handed the words to Webster. As he read his eyes kindled, and stepping to the desk he began writing the notes. Taking his violin, he played the melody and then jotted down the notes of the chorus. It was not over thirty minutes from the time I took my pen to write the words before two friends with Webster and myself were singing the hymn."   So if you have the assurance of a home in heaven, sing along with this great song this week.

1.    There's a land that is fairer than day,

And by faith we can see it afar;

For the Father waits over the way

To prepare us a dwelling place there.

In the sweet by and by,

We shall meet on that beautiful shore;

In the sweet by and by,

We shall meet on that beautiful shore.

2.   We shall sing on that beautiful shore

The melodious songs of the blessed;

And our spirits shall sorrow no more,

Not a sigh for the blessing of rest.

In the sweet by and by,

We shall meet on that beautiful shore;

In the sweet by and by,

We shall meet on that beautiful shore.

3.    To our bountiful Father above,

We will offer our tribute of praise

For the glorious gift of His love

And the blessings that hallow our days.

In the sweet by and by,

We shall meet on that beautiful shore;

In the sweet by and by,

We shall meet on that beautiful shore.

Listen to this week's selection here.    LISTEN

JOYFUL, JOYFUL WE ADORE THEE

There have been many great Gospel songs written that call us to worship and adore our great God, the Creator of the universe. And some, like this week's choice, also remind us that we are to do that joyfully with thanksgiving. In Psalm 100 the Psalmist exclaims "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with Gladness.  Come before His presence with singing.  Know ye that the Lord, He is God!" The great words of this hymn are a poem written by Henry van Dyke in 1907 with the intention of musically setting it to the famous "Ode to Joy" melody of the final movement of Ludwig van Beethoven's final symphony, Symphony No. 9.  Van Dyke wrote this poem while in Williams College, Massachusetts, while staying at the home of Harry Augustus Garfield. One morning at the breakfast table, Van Dyke handed the manuscript to Mr. Garfield, the Williams college president, saying, "Here is a hymn for you. Your mountains [the Berkshires] were my inspiration. It must be sung to the music of Beethovan's 'Hymn to Joy.'" It was first published in 1911 by The Presbyterian Hymnal.  Van Dyke wrote of this hymn: "These verses are simple expressions of common Christian feelings and desires in this present time - hymns of today that may be sung together by people who know the thought of the age, and are not afraid that any truth of science will destroy religion, or any revolution on earth overthrow the kingdom of heaven. Therefore this is a hymn of trust and joy and hope."  In the first verse Van Dyke shares that the God who is manifest outwardly in creation is also the Lord who must be manifest inwardly in human life   In verse 2 we are reminded that God's physical creation speaks of His glory and so directs our worship to the Creator Himself.  In the third verse emphasis is now placed on the spiritual blessings that this same creative God provides for the inner needs of man.  Finally, in the last verse, the ultimate effect of our relationship with this God is victory over the ills of life and eternal triumph as we march onward to be with God.  We also need to remember that every good gift comes from God. Therefore, may we ever express our praise to Him as we sing, "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee."

1.     Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love;

Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, opening to the sun above.

Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away;

Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day!

2.    All Thy works with joy surround Thee, earth and heaven reflect Thy rays,

Stars and angels sing around Thee, center of unbroken praise.

Field and forest, vale and mountain, flowery meadow, flashing sea,

Singing bird and flowing fountain call us to rejoice in Thee.

3.   Thou art giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blessed,

Wellspring of the joy of living, ocean depth of happy rest!

Thou our Father, Christ our Brother, all who live in love are Thine;

Teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine.

4.     Mortals, join the happy chorus, which the morning stars began;

Father love is reigning o'er us, brother love binds man to man.

Ever singing, march we onward, victors in the midst of strife,

Joyful music leads us Sunward in the triumph song of life.

Listen to this great hymn here.    LISTEN

WILL JESUS FIND US WATCHING?

"Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.' 'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.' But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. Later the others also came. 'Sir! Sir!' they said, 'Open the door for us!' But he replied, 'I tell you the truth I don't know you.' Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour" (Matt 25:7-13, NIV).  It was probably this Bible story that motivated the famous blind hymn writer, Fanny Crosby, to pen the words of this hymn in 1875.  From reading about her life one can quickly understand that she looked forward to the Lord's return and probably looked for it each day.  Today it is very easy for us to say that we also are looking for the return of the Lord.  But are we really?   We often look forward to a day when our pain and sicknesses will be gone, a day when we can live in peace,  a day when all problems will disappear.  But we probably also hope that His return doesn't come today because we have so much here in this life that we still want to accomplish.  And our goals and daily activities probably reflect that.  So are we really ready if He should return today?  Or are we like the foolish virgins in the text?  Maybe our lives would be different and more meaningful and even more powerful if we would begin each day saying "Maybe this is the day that the Lord will return" or "Lord, come quickly" and then living the next 24 hours in real anticipation of His coming.  So the question is will we be ready when He does return?  "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back  - whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!' " (Mark 13:32-33, 35-37).

1    When Jesus comes to reward His servants,

Whether it be noon or night,

Faithful to Him will He find us watching,

With our lamps all trimmed and bright?

Oh, can we say we are ready, brother?

Ready for the soul's bright home?

Say, will He find you and me still watching,

Waiting, waiting when the Lord shall come?

2    If, at the dawn of the early morning,

He shall call us one by one,

When to the Lord we restore our talents,

Will He answer thee--"Well done"? 

Oh, can we say we are ready, brother?

Ready for the soul's bright home?

Say, will He find you and me still watching,

Waiting, waiting when the Lord shall come?

3    Have we been true to the trust He left us?

Do we seek to do our best?

If in our hearts there is naught condemns us,

We shall have a glorious rest.

Oh, can we say we are ready, brother?

Ready for the soul's bright home?

Say, will He find you and me still watching,

Waiting, waiting when the Lord shall come?

4    Blessed are those whom the Lord finds watching,

In His glory they shall share;

If He shall come at the dawn or midnight,

Will He find us watching there? 

Oh, can we say we are ready, brother?

Ready for the soul's bright home?

Say, will He find you and me still watching,

Waiting, waiting when the Lord shall come?

Listen to it being sung here.   LISTEN