HE TOUCHED ME

Bill Gather has had a profound impact on gospel music during the past 50+ years and many of us have grown up singing songs written by him.  He began writing in 1960 but it wasn't until his 54th song that his music made an impact on the national level.  It turned out that this week's choice is probably the most famous of those which he has written.  According to Gather, he wrote this song during a time when he was accompanying an old preacher friend of his, Dr Dale Oldham, on some evangelistic crusades. He recalled: "He was a very eloquent speaker. One night after one of those meetings, Dr. Oldham said to me, 'Bill, the word "touch" is a very popular word. It comes up so often in the New Testament stories about Jesus touching people's eyes and healing them, or touching people's lives and changing them. It's a special, spiritual word and you ought to write a song that praises His touch.' So I did."  Doug Oldham, Dr. Oldham's son, was the first to record the song in 1964 and later in the year Bill's own group recorded it. Bill recalled: "Doug sang it around in church circles, but I think it really started to get popular as people would take it back to their own congregations and sing it as a chorus. Its funny, you write 53 songs and then you write one little baby, and even though it comes out of the womb the same way they all did, this baby just all of a sudden goes BOOM!"   Many other artists have recorded this song, including most famously, Elvis, who made it the title track of his 1972 Grammy Winning gospel album. The King covered it after hearing an arrangement by his backing group, The Imperials.  While these famous musicians certainly helped make the song popular, I think much of its worldwide acceptance came because the words hit home.  When Christ touches a life he changes it completely and one is no longer the same.  The person is set free from the shackles and burden of their sin and now they are made whole.  If you have experienced this touch and change, then sing along with these words this week and praise God for the joy He has put within your life.

(1)     Shackled by a heavy burden

Neath a load of guilt and shame

Then the hand of jesus touched me

And now I am no longer the same

He touched me, oh he touched me

And oh the joy that floods my soul

Something happened and now I know

He touched me and made me whole

(2)     Since I met this blessed savior

Since he cleansed and made me whole

I will never cease to praise him

Ill shout it while eternity rolls

He touched me oh he touched me

And oh the joy that floods my soul

Something happened and now I know

He touched me and made me whole

Listen to it here.   LISTEN

HALLELUJAH TIS DONE

Over the centuries people have struggled with the belief that their good works would provide salvation for them.  Even today many people have the mistaken belief that being good, taking care of the poor, giving to the church, or even serving in ministry will be enough to earn them a place in heaven.  But the scripture is very clear that securing salvation has nothing to do with our good works, but it is a gift of God, provided to us by His mercy and grace, through the death of Christ at Calvary. There is nothing wrong with doing good deeds, but it won't get you to heaven.   The price for one's salvation has already been paid by the Crucified Son.  This week's old hymn, written by Philip P. Bliss. makes this point very clear, over and over in each verse.  Once again, I have found nothing about the actual writing of the hymn, but its truth has had an impact on many lives over the years.  Ira Sankey, the great hymn writer who accompanied Dwight Moody on his campaigns, shared this story. "A minister from England, in telling of a certain meeting, says: "Among the converts was a man somewhat advanced in years, who was very anxious about the salvation of his wife, and expressed a wish that I should visit her. I did so repeatedly, and explained to her in very simple words the plan of salvation, but she could not comprehend the meaning of my message. Every time I left, however, she would express a strong desire that I return. One day I went in just before dinner, and talked to her about Jesus, but no light seemed to dawn upon her mind. Then the thought struck me to sing something to her, and so I commenced, ''Tis the promise of God, full salvation to give.' When I was through the chorus, she exclaimed 'Sing it over again.' I did so, time after time, and when I asked her to assist me, she joined in very heartily. The light dawned on her dark mind while we were singing, the big burden of sin was removed from her heart, and her face was lighted up with holy joy as she exclaimed 'Hallelujah, 'tis done! I do believe in the Son; I am saved.' Just then her husband walked in for his dinner, and she shouted out to him, 'Ah lad! I've got it! Hallelujah! 'tis done!' Their hearts were full of joy over the wonderful discovery she had made, and I was grateful to God for a sinner brought to Christ by the ministry of holy song."  May your rejoice this week in the knowledge that it isn't by works of righteousness that you may have done, but by His mercy that we are saved.  (Titus 3:5)  Hallelujah, it is done!

(1)     'Tis the promise of God, full salvation to give

Unto him who on Jesus, His Son, will believe.

Hallelujah, 'tis done! I believe on the Son;

I am saved by the blood of the crucified One;

Hallelujah, 'tis done! I believe on the Son;

I am saved by the blood of the crucified One.

(2)     Though the pathway be lonely, and dangerous, too,

Surely Jesus is able to carry me through.

Hallelujah, 'tis done! I believe on the Son;

I am saved by the blood of the crucified One;

Hallelujah, 'tis done! I believe on the Son;

I am saved by the blood of the crucified One.

(3)     Many loved ones have I in yon heavenly throng,

They are safe now in glory, and this is their song:

Hallelujah, 'tis done! I believe on the Son;

I am saved by the blood of the crucified One;

Hallelujah, 'tis done! I believe on the Son;

I am saved by the blood of the crucified One.

(4)     Little children I see standing close by their King,

And He smiles as their song of salvation they sing:

Hallelujah, 'tis done! I believe on the Son;

I am saved by the blood of the crucified One;

Hallelujah, 'tis done! I believe on the Son;

I am saved by the blood of the crucified One.

(5)     There are prophets and kings in that throng I behold,

And they sing as they march through the streets of pure gold:

Hallelujah, 'tis done! I believe on the Son;

I am saved by the blood of the crucified One;

Hallelujah, 'tis done! I believe on the Son;

I am saved by the blood of the crucified One.

(6)     There's a part in that chorus for you and for me,

And the theme of our praises forever will be:

Hallelujah, 'tis done! I believe on the Son;

I am saved by the blood of the crucified One;

Hallelujah, 'tis done! I believe on the Son;

I am saved by the blood of the crucified One.

Listen to it being sung here.   LISTEN

LIVING FOR JESUS

What are you really living for?  What would your calendar indicate?  How about your checkbook?  What about your work schedule?  What would your family say?  Maybe some of these would be better indicators of the truth of our answer to the original question.  After all, it is easy to fool people by what we do and say on Sunday morning.  Today many people claim to be Christians and believers in Jesus.  But too many don't really understand what it means to really live for Jesus.  This week's hymn choice makes it very clear what that commitment really means.  In this modern world, with all of its attractions, or should I say distractions, can we really say, as the composer said, "I own no other master, my heart shall be Thy throne"?  This week please read all of the words of each verse of this hymn very carefully and determine if these words of consecration are really yours.  Jesus willingly gave Himself for us.  What have we yielded to Him in return for this great sacrifice?  The composer of this consecration hymn, C. Harold Lowden, tells about the origin of the hymn. "In 1915, I wrote a gospel song entitled The Sunshine Song for children's services. It became quite popular, and many pastors wrote to me that the music should be saved, and a more general setting of words wedded to it. The rhythm and tempo suggested the words Living for Jesus. The idea came to me that a deep consecration setting of words would be most appropriate. After much thought and prayer I decided to ask T.O. Chisholm to write the words. I mailed him a copy of the music and suggested the title and the type of refrain which I felt it deserved. In a day or so, Mr. Chisholm returned it to me, saying he didn't have the slightest idea as to the method used in writing words to music.  Immediately, I sent the material back to him, telling him I believed God had led me to select him, and suggesting that he permit God to write the poem. Within a couple of weeks he had completed the writing of the words, just as they appear in the song today".   Since then the hymn has been translated into at least 15 different languages.

(1)   Living for Jesus, a life that is true,

Striving to please Him in all that I do;

Yielding allegiance, glad hearted and free,

This is the pathway of blessing for me.

O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,

For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me.

I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne.

My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.

(2)   Living for Jesus Who died in my place,

Bearing on Calvary my sin and disgrace;

Such love constrains me to answer His call,

Follow His leading and give Him my all.

O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,

For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me.

I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne.

My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.

(3)   Living for Jesus, wherever I am,

Doing each duty in His holy Name;

Willing to suffer affliction and loss,

Deeming each trial a part of my cross.

O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,

For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me.

I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne.

My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.

(4)   Living for Jesus through earth's little while,

My dearest treasure, the light of His smile;

Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,

Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.

O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,

For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me.

I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne.

My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.

Listen to it being sung here by a men's choral group.   LISTEN

TAKE THE NAME OF JESUS WITH YOU

So many of the great hymns were written by folks who lived with serious physical challenges.  Lydia Baxter (1809 - 1874) was a bedridden invalid for much of her life, but that didn't keep her from leading a life full of service and encouragement.  It is said that she and her sister were once responsible for establishing a Baptist Church in Petersburg, New York.  After her marriage, she and her husband moved to New York City where her home became known as a gathering place for preachers, evangelists, and Christian workers who would come to her for inspiration and advice.  It is said that a visit to her sickroom was not so much to comfort her as to receive encouragement for their own lives and spirits.  Whenever she was questioned about her cheery disposition, despite her physical limitations, she would reply, "I have a very special armor.  I have the name of Jesus. When the tempter tries to make be blue or despondent, I mention the name of Jesus, and he can't get through to me anymore."  This week's hymn is said to have been written by her on her sickbed, four years before her death in 1874. William H. Doane composed the music for this text shortly after Mrs. Baxter wrote it, and the hymn was first published in the hymnal, Pure Gold, edited by Doane and Robert Lowry, in 1871. This hymn was widely used during the Moody-Sankey evangelistic campaigns, in the latter quarter of the nineteenth century.  Although she wrote a number of other gospel hymns, this is the only one that remains in common use today. It is has often been used in church services as a closing hymn since it provides an important reminder to go forth each day, taking His name with us, while sharing with others what He has done in our lives. In one sense the hymn is really the personal testimony of Lydia Baxter's experiences with the name of Jesus throughout her life.   His name is indeed precious and sweet and the only real hope of earth and joy of heaven.  May we fall prostate before the King of Kings and claim victory through His precious name!

(1)    Take the name of Jesus with you,

Child of sorrow and of woe;

It will joy and comfort give you,

Take it then where'er you go.

Precious name! Oh, how sweet!

Hope of earth and joy of heav'n;

Precious name! Oh, how sweet!

Hope of earth and joy of heaven.

(2)   Take the name of Jesus ever,

As a shield from every snare.

If temptations round you gather,

Breathe that holy name in prayer.

Precious name! Oh, how sweet!

Hope of earth and joy of heav'n;

Precious name! Oh, how sweet!

Hope of earth and joy of heaven.

(3)   Oh, the precious name of Jesus,

How it thrills our souls with joy;

When His loving arms receive us,

And His songs our tongues employ.

Precious name! Oh, how sweet!

Hope of earth and joy of heav'n;

Precious name! Oh, how sweet!

Hope of earth and joy of heaven.

(4)    At the name of Jesus bowing,

Falling prostrate at His feet,

King of kings in heaven we'll crown Him,

When our journey is complete.

Precious name! Oh, how sweet!

Hope of earth and joy of heav'n;

Precious name! Oh, how sweet!

Hope of earth and joy of heaven.

Listen to it here.   LISTEN

THROW OUT THE LIFELINE

While I write this week's blog we are taking a few days of vacation at the shore.  I have enjoyed sitting on our balcony watching the waves roll in.  It has made me recall the many hymns that have been written using the sea as a theme.  It is so relaxing to watch the waves, but I wouldn't want to be caught in one of the big ones as the tide comes in.  It is off season and swimming is not permitted.  There are no life guards and no life saving equipment at this time of year.  And yet, there are a few people here who are breaking the rules and are out in the heavy surf, despite the risk.  At the end of the boardwalk there is a museum devoted to life saving equipment and experiences.  There have been many successful rescues here, but also some sad failures.  The heavy waves can be very dangerous. In 1888, Reverend Edward S. Ufford, a Baptist minister, was visiting Point Alverton, near Boston. While there, he visited a lifesaving station on the coast and watched men practicing rescue procedures that they would use in the event of shipwreck. One of the drills they practiced involved throwing a lifeline to those struggling in the water. As he watched, it occurred to him how saving those in danger had parallels in the Christian's life. He went home and in just fifteen minutes he wrote the lyrics and melody to this week's hymn choice. Two years later, the song was purchased by Ira Sankey who had George C. Stebbins harmonize it. It was published in 1890 and again in 1891 in Sankey's hymnals.  As Ufford realized, there are many parallels to life around us.  For all around us folks are struggling with the waves of life.  Some are weighted down with obvious sins, others are sinking with their liberal anti-Christian views, others are just everyday folks living without hope and facing daily trials and despair.  And we sit there with the answer, the lifeline - the Gospel of Christ.  And often as they are sinking, we just sit and watch as they drown.  We need to throw out the lifetime so that they can be saved from certain death.  The song may be old and the theme may sound old fashioned in today's modern world.  But, the need is greater than ever.  And as the lifeguards are ready to save those in trouble at the shore or at sea, may we ever be ready to help the many around us who are eternally in trouble.  May it be our challenge this week to throw out the lifeline to them.

(1)   Throw out the life line across the dark wave;

There is a brother whom someone should save;

Somebody's brother! O who then will dare

To throw out the life line, his peril to share?

Throw out the life line! Throw out the life line!

Someone is drifting away;

Throw out the life line! Throw out the life line!

Someone is sinking today.

(2)   Throw out the life line with hand quick and strong:

Why do you tarry, why linger so long?

See! he is sinking; oh, hasten today

And out with the life boat! away, then away!

Throw out the life line! Throw out the life line!

Someone is drifting away;

Throw out the life line! Throw out the life line!

Someone is sinking today.

(3)   Throw out the life line to danger fraught men,

Sinking in anguish where you've never been;

Winds of temptation and billows of woe

Will soon hurl them out where the dark waters flow.

Throw out the life line! Throw out the life line!

Someone is drifting away;

Throw out the life line! Throw out the life line!

Someone is sinking today.

(4)   Soon will the season of rescue be o'er,

Soon will they drift to eternity's shore;

Haste, then, my brother, no time for delay,

But throw out the life line and save them today.

Throw out the life line! Throw out the life line!

Someone is drifting away;

Throw out the life line! Throw out the life line!

Someone is sinking today.

(5)   This is the life line, oh, tempest tossed men;

Baffled by waves of temptation and sin;

Wild winds of passion, your strength cannot brave,

But Jesus is mighty, and Jesus can save.

Throw out the life line! Throw out the life line!

Someone is drifting away;

Throw out the life line! Throw out the life line!

Someone is sinking today.

(6)   Jesus is able! To you who are driv'n,

Farther and farther from God and from Heav'n;

Helpless and hopeless, o'erwhelmed by the wave;

We throw out the life line, 'tis "Jesus can save."

Throw out the life line! Throw out the life line!

Someone is drifting away;

Throw out the life line! Throw out the life line!

Someone is sinking today.

(7)   This is the life line, oh, grasp it today!

See, you are recklessly drifting away;

Voices in warning, shout over the wave,

O grasp the strong life line, for Jesus can save.

Throw out the life line! Throw out the life line!

Someone is drifting away;

Throw out the life line! Throw out the life line!

Someone is sinking today.

Listen to it being sung right here.     LISTEN

I AM SO GLAD THAT JESUS LOVES ME

One of our basic needs is to be loved and accepted and today people are searching for that love in so many different places and ways.  But true love can only be found in the love of God for us.  In fact we are reminded in John 3:16 that God loved the world so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus, to pay the penalty for our sins so that we could have eternal life with Him.  And in Romans 5:8 we are told that He showed His love for us while we were deep in sin.  Now that is real love and we can experience it by accepting what He has done for us.  Many great hymns have been written about this subject and if you've experienced this love than this week's hymn choice should be your testimony.  We should be so very glad that Jesus loves us.  It was written by P. P. Bliss, one of the great hymn writers of the 1800's.  Of this hymn Major Daniel Webster Whittle, in his life of Mr. Bliss, writes as follows:  "I think it was in June, 1870, that 'Jesus loves [even] me ' was written. Mr. and Mrs. Bliss were at the time visitors of my family ... One morning Mrs. Bliss came down to breakfast, and said, as she entered the room: 'Last evening Mr. Bliss had a tune given him that I think is going to live and be one of the most used that he has written. I have been singing it all the morning to myself, and cannot get it out of my mind.' She then sang over to us the notes of 'Jesus loves [even] me.' The idea of Mr. Bliss in writing it was that the peace and comfort of a Christian were not founded upon his loving Christ, but upon Christ's love to him, and that to occupy the mind with Christ's love would produce love and consecration in keeping with Romans 5:5: "... the love of God [to us] is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." How much God has used this little song to lead sinners and fearful, timid Christians to 'look away to Jesus' eternity alone can tell."  So this week rejoice, along with us, knowing that we are loved and oh what a wonder that really is.  The hymn originally had six verses but only the three listed below are commonly sung today.

(1)    I am so glad that our Father in Heav'n

Tells of His love in the Book He has giv'n;

Wonderful things in the Bible I see,

This is the dearest, that Jesus loves me.

I am so glad that Jesus loves me,

Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me.

I am so glad that Jesus loves me,

Jesus loves even me.

(2)   Though I forget Him, and wander away,

Still He doth love me wherever I stray;

Back to His dear loving arms I do flee,

When I remember that Jesus loves me.

I am so glad that Jesus loves me,

Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me.

I am so glad that Jesus loves me,

Jesus loves even me.

(3)   Oh, if there's only one song I can sing,

When in His beauty I see the great King,

This shall my song through eternity be,

"Oh, what a wonder that Jesus loves me!"

I am so glad that Jesus loves me,

Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me.

I am so glad that Jesus loves me,

Jesus loves even me.

Sing along with this great hymn this week.   SING

JESUS WHISPERS PEACE

On Friday we led a hymn sing at Pinebrook Bible Conference which we titled "Hymns of Peace".  I chose that title for two reasons.  First, I chose it because there are so many good hymns that talk about God's peace, and second, because so many folks today are searching for peace, not only in the world, but, more importantly, in their own lives.  I don't remember a time when so many folks that I know are facing such very difficult problems - financial, physical, employment, family, emotional.  And as I pray for them I pray specifically for wisdom to make the right decisions, for strength to face the problems, and especially for peace in their situation - the perfect peace which only God can provide.  This world is desperately seeking peace to the world's turmoil by way of man's own intellect. Many believe that negotiation or more legislation will end the world's problems. However, this is not the solution. Man can't bring real peace.  The only REAL peace comes from the Lord through His marvelous salvation and His presence in our lives. Jesus Christ is the source of TRUE happiness, hope, and peace.  While searching for hymns about peace for the hymn sing, I came upon a short song written by the late great soloist, George Beverly Shea.  I don't know of any specific events behind the writing of this song, but I can imagine that while traveling with Evangelist Billy Graham, Shea's heart had to be touched by the thousands of troubled people that they ministered to.  And most likely from his own personal experiences the words of this simple song were born.  It's a message of the peace that only Jesus can give to a broken and wounded life and to a sin-sick world. "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7 .  Maybe this week you need this reminder of God's presence and peace as you encounter the turmoil in your life.  In that case, may you experience Jesus whispering peace to your heart and life.

There is a name to me so dear,

Like sweetest music to my ear,

For when my heart is troubled, filled with fear,

Jesus whispers peace

When grief seems more than I can bear

My soul weighed down with heavy care

And I am sorely tempted to despair

Jesus whispers peace

O that the world might hear Him speak

The word of comfort that men seek

To all the lowly and to the meek

Jesus whispers peace.

Listen hear to this song being sung by George Beverly Shea and Graham Crusade Music Director, Cliff Barrows.      LISTEN