GRACE GREATER THAN ALL OUR SIN

          "Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace, freely bestowed on all who believe,."  What a beautiful truth for each believer.  The words find a scriptural basis in Paul's teaching of justification by faith in Romans 5:1-2: "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."

          Julia Harriette Johnston (1849-1919) was the daughter of a Presbyterian minister and a mother who was a poet. She began writing when she was nine years old but really started writing verse in high school. Later she authored many books on Christian missions and missionaries, along with about 500 hymn texts,  many of which were published in her books. She was faithful to the ministries of the church, serving in Sunday school for 41 years and also as president, for two decades, of the Presbyterian Missionary Society, an organization founded by her mother. 

          In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the suffrage movement was intensifying in the United States. It was a time when women in many denominations were in the paradoxical position to spread the Good News, but had to be remain quiet while doing it. However, there were women hymn writers, such as Johnston, who decided to ignore this and wrote hymns as social, religious, and biblical commentary. This hymn is a commentary on Romans 5, particularly on Romans 5:20b, which says: "But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound." 

           In this great hymn Johnston contrasts the theme of God's abundant grace - manifest through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross - with "our sin and our guilt" (stanza one), our "sin and despair" (stanza two), and our "dark stain" (stanza three).  The words remind the sinner that despite what has happened in the person's life, God's grace has wiped away all sin through the death of Jesus.  In the second verse she uses the imagery of the "sea waves cold" to describe the effects of sin. While the sinner may indeed be drowning in the vast, bleak, cold ocean with no hope in sight, the grace that poured out on the sinner is greater and deeper than anything else and it leads the sinner "to the refuge, the mighty cross." It does not matter what has happened or what the sinner has done; God's love is greater and is graciously given to those who believe.

          Personally I love the words of the refrain which sum up the message and impact of grace.  It will pardon and cleanse and it is greater than all our sin.  Marvelous, infinite and matchless grace, freely bestowed on all who believe.  I pray that you have experienced this grace in your life and that your heart is overflowing with the wonder of God's great grace.  And  if you haven't, then the final verse is an invitation for you

1.     Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,

Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt,

Yonder on Calvary's mount outpoured,

There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt

Grace, grace, God's grace,

Grace that will pardon and cleanse within

Grace, grace, God's grace,

Grace that is greater than all our sin

2.     Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,

Threaten the soul with infinite loss;

Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,

Points to the refuge, the mighty cross.

Grace, grace, God's grace,

Grace that will pardon and cleanse within

Grace, grace, God's grace,

Grace that is greater than all our sin

3.     Dark is the stain that we cannot hide;

What can avail to wash it away?

Look! There is flowing a crimson tide;

Whiter than snow you may be today.

Grace, grace, God's grace,

Grace that will pardon and cleanse within

Grace, grace, God's grace,

Grace that is greater than all our sin

4.     Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,

Freely bestowed on all who believe,

All who are longing to see His face,

Will you this moment His grace receive?

Grace, grace, God's grace,

Grace that will pardon and cleanse within

Grace, grace, God's grace,

Grace that is greater than all our sin

Listen to it here.     GRACE

THE LOVE OF GOD (TH)

TIMELESS HYMNS - A special feature where every few weeks I choose a hymn that I have written about before, revise and update it, and share it once again because I think it has a powerful message that we need.  This one was shared previously on January 13, 2011. 

          There are some folks who think that this week's hymn is the greatest hymn ever written. I'm not sure how one would judge that, but it is exceptional with a powerful message. And while we think of love, there is no love that even comes close to God's love for us. 

          This hymn is actually of Jewish origin. The third verse dates back to the 11th Century, and was actually written first: Credit for the hymn itself goes to Frederick M. Lehman, though there are prior authors who contributed to it. The arrangement of Lehman's music was done by his daughter, Claudia L. Mays. 

          Though an author and composer of more than 100 published hymns, most of Lehman's songs are not that well-known. Lehman wrote a pamphlet, in 1948, entitled "History of the Song, The Love of God" which tells about the origin of this beloved hymn.  "While at camp-meeting in a midwestern state, some fifty years ago in our early ministry, an evangelist climaxed his message by quoting the last stanza of this song. The profound depths of the line moved us to preserve the words for future generations. Not until we had come to California did this urge find fulfillment, and that at a time when circumstances forced us to hard manual labor". 

          "One day, during short intervals of inattention to our work, we picked up a scrap of paper and, seated upon an empty lemon box pushed against the wall, with a stub pencil, added the (first) two stanzas and chorus of the song. Since the lines (3rd stanza from the Jewish poem) had been found penciled on the wall of a patient's room in an insane asylum, the general opinion was that this inmate had written the epic in moments of sanity. Actually, the key-stanza (third verse) under question as to its authorship was written nearly one thousand years ago by a Jewish songwriter."  In God's providence these words were brought together to form this wonderful hymn which has spoken to so many over the years.  

          Meditate upon them with a heart full of thanksgiving for God's wonderful love.

1.    The love of God is greater far

Than tongue or pen can ever tell.

It goes beyond the highest star

And reaches to the lowest hell.

The guilty pair, bowed down with care,

God gave His Son to win;

His erring child He reconciled

And pardoned from his sin.

O love of God, how rich and pure!

How measureless and strong!

It shall forevermore endure

The saints' and angels' song.

2.    When years of time shall pass away,

And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall,

When men, who here refuse to pray,

On rocks and hills and mountains call,

God's love so sure, shall still endure,

All measureless and strong;

Redeeming grace to Adam's race-

The saints' and angels' song.

O love of God, how rich and pure!

How measureless and strong!

It shall forevermore endure

The saints' and angels' song.

3.    Could we with ink the ocean fill,

And were the skies of parchment made;

Were every stalk on earth a quill,

And every man a scribe by trade;

To write the love of God above

Would drain the ocean dry;

Nor could the scroll contain the whole,

Though stretched from sky to sky.

O love of God, how rich and pure!

How measureless and strong!

It shall forevermore endure

The saints' and angels' song.

When I think of this hymn I think of hearing George Beverly Shea sing it. I have always loved his special voice and the way he ministered whenever he sang. You can listen to him sing it here. LISTEN

MY SINS ARE BLOTTED OUT

          Merrill Dunlop (1905-2002), the author and composer of this gospel song, gives this account of its origin:

          "It was written in a very few minutes, although only after much deliberation, while I was crossing the Atlantic in 1927 on a liner, The Leviathan, and meditating upon the verses in Micah 7:18, 19 and upon the great dimensions of the sea - the breadth and the depth and what the Bible says about our sins - buried in those depths - removed - blotted out! Then, making it personal, I said: "My sins are blotted out, I know!" The melody came almost simultaneously with the words. I jotted the chorus down aboard the ship, as I walked the deck. Later, in Ireland, I added the words and music to the stanzas. It took hold immediately and quickly spread across America and across the seas."

          Our sins are blotted out and buried.  "Blotted out." is a term that means wiped out, erased, or obliterated. Our sins are completely gone from the record that was against us. After his terrible sins of adultery and murder, David prayed, "Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions ... Hide Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities" (Ps. 51:1, 9).

          Unfortunately, many Christians have suffered great emotional, mental, and even physical disorders throughout life because they could never accept the fact that God has totally forgiven them. How important it is to realize that when God offers us His forgiveness, it is never a partial but always a total forgiveness - the slate is forever clean."  Psalm 103:12. "As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us." "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin" (I John. 1:7).

          Dunlop was educated at Central YMCA College in Chicago and at the Moody Bible Institute.  He played the piano and organ at Moody Church and served as the director of music at the Chicago Gospel Tabernacle.  He is said to have written 700 hymns and Gospel songs.

          This week rejoice in the fact that all of your sins have been blotted out and buried in the deepest sea.  Praise the Lord, you are forgiven!

1.     What a wondrous message in God's Word!

My sins are blotted out, I know!

If I trust in His redeeming blood,

My sins are blotted out, I know!

Chorus

My sins are blotted out, I know! (I know!)

My sins are blotted out, I know! (I know!)

They are buried in the depths of the deepest sea:

My sins are blotted out, I know! (I know!)

2.     Once my heart was sad, but now what joy.

My sins are blotted out, I know!

I have peace that nothing can destroy,

My sins are blotted out, I know!

Chorus

My sins are blotted out, I know! (I know!)

My sins are blotted out, I know! (I know!)

They are buried in the depths of the deepest sea:

My sins are blotted out, I know! (I know!)

3.     I shall stand some day before my King,

My sins are blotted out, I know!

With the ransomed host I then shall sing:

My sins are blotted out, I know!

Chorus

My sins are blotted out, I know! (I know!)

My sins are blotted out, I know! (I know!)

They are buried in the depths of the deepest sea:

My sins are blotted out, I know! (I know!)

Listen to it here.   BLOTTED OUT

I BELONG TO THE KING

          I am often told that I look and act like my father.  And that is a special complement because my father was a special godly man who I really miss.  I would be thrilled to be half the man that he was.  

         But as honored as I am with those comparisons, nothing can match the knowledge that I belong to the king and I'm a child of His love.  I know that because in 1 John 3:1 we read  "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God."

          Ida Lillard Reed/Smith (1865-1951) had a life of burdensome trials and afflictions but despite that she was able to write "I Belong to the King".  Born and reared in the mountains of West Virginia, her life was one long, continuous burden-bearing journey. For many years she was compelled to do heavy and arduous work on their farm.  This she did in support of an invalid and widowed mother.  

          Broken at last by the strenuous toil and challenges, she was sorely afflicted and bedridden for years.  Even then, in her hours of pain, she wrote poems for publishers to eke out a meager living.  She was removed to a hospital as a last resort, in the hope of prolonging her pain-wracked, yet beautiful life.  From her hospital bed of pain, she wrote the words of this poem.  "I Belong to the King" is a golden nugget from the mine of character of one of God's most humble children.   During these years she penned more than 2,000 hymns. 

           When the attention of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers was called to a financial state that was short of life's bare necessities, they voted her a pension with a monthly allowance that banished anxiety, and assured comfort for the rest of her life.

          What at thrill to know that you can be a child of the King of the universe, a King who never forsaketh His own.  He is our refuge no matter what we may face in life, including pandemics.  And His promise is sure that someday we will be called to His palace above and will dwell by His glorified throne.

1      I belong to the King, I'm a child of His love,

I shall dwell in His palace so fair;

For He tells of its bliss in yon heaven above,

And His children in splendor shall share.

Chorus:

I belong to the King, I'm a child of His love,

And he never forsaketh His own;

He will call me some day to His palace above,

I shall dwell by His glorified throne.

2      I belong to the King, and He loves me I know,

For His mercy and kindness, so free,

Are unceasingly mine wheresoever I go,

And my refuge unfailing is He. 

I belong to the King, I'm a child of His love,

And he never forsaketh His own;

He will call me some day to His palace above,

I shall dwell by His glorified throne.

3      I belong to the King, and His promise is sure,

That we all shall be gathered at last

In His kingdom above, by life's waters so pure,

When this life with its trials is past.

I belong to the King, I'm a child of His love,

And he never forsaketh His own;

He will call me some day to His palace above,

I shall dwell by His glorified throne.

Listen to it here.   KING

THE NAME OF JESUS

          As I prepare these hymn blogs it becomes very frustrating when I can find little or nothing about the history of a hymn, especially when it is one of my favorite hymns.  And that is the case again this week.  This is a hymn which was sung very often in my church when I was growing up.  The chorus in particular was often sung acapella in our prayer meeting.  At times I can still hear the saints joyfully proclaiming the name of Jesus.. 

          I did find that the hymn was written by William C. Martin (1864-1914) and first published in 1902.  Martin was pastor of the Noank Baptist Church in Noank, Connecticut .. 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. 

         Martin was a prolific hymn writer,  writing hymns such as My Anchor Holds, He Arose, My Father Watches Over Me, Tell Jesus and Still Sweeter Everyday.   Now while I don't know the circumstances behind the writing of this hymn, the name of Jesus is so important because salvation is found in no other name.  Acts 4:12 tells us "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."  Believers should love to hear the name of Jesus because at the name of Jesus every knee should bow and every tongue should confess.  (Philippians 2:9-10)

           Martin's hymn reminds us of how worthy of praise the name of Jesus really is.  In verse one he reminds us that the name of Jesus brings joy.  In verse two, the name of Jesus brings comfort.  The third verse shares that His name brings cheer and verse four tells that it brings sweetness.

           This week let's reflect upon the name of Jesus and what it means to us.  Let's share in Martin's request, "Jesus, let all saints proclaim its worthy praise forever."  Praise His wonderful name!

1.     The name of Jesus is so sweet,

I love its music to repeat;

It makes my joys full and complete,

The precious name of Jesus!

Refrain:

"Jesus," oh, how sweet the name!

"Jesus," every day the same;

"Jesus," let all saints proclaim

Its worthy praise forever!

2.     I love the name of Him whose heart

Knows all my griefs and bears a part;

Who bids all anxious fears depart,

I love the name of Jesus!

Refrain:

"Jesus," oh, how sweet the name!

"Jesus," every day the same;

"Jesus," let all saints proclaim

Its worthy praise forever!

3.     That name I fondly love to hear,

It never fails my heart to cheer;

Its music dries the falling tear,

Exalt the name of Jesus!

Refrain:

"Jesus," oh, how sweet the name!

"Jesus," every day the same;

"Jesus," let all saints proclaim

Its worthy praise forever!

4.     No word of man can ever tell

How sweet the name I love so well;

Oh, let its praises ever swell,

Oh, praise the name of Jesus!

Refrain:

"Jesus," oh, how sweet the name!

"Jesus," every day the same;

"Jesus," let all saints proclaim

Its worthy praise forever!

You can listen to it here.   NAME

O LOVE THAT WILT NOT LET ME GO (TH)

TIMELESS HYMNS - A special feature where I choose a hymn that I have written about before. I revise and update it, and share it once again because I think it has a powerful message that we need.  This one was shared previously on February 6, 2011. 

          As we come to February, thoughts often turn to Valentines Day and the subject of love. So I began to look for some hymns which talk about God's love. 

          This week's choice has an interesting story behind its writing. It was written by George Matteson on the evening of his sister's marriage. His whole family had gone to the wedding and had left him alone. Years before, he had been engaged until his fiance learned that he was going blind, and there was nothing the doctors could do. She told him that she could not go through life with a blind man. 

          He went blind while studying for the ministry and his sister had been the one who had taken care of him all these years. But now she was married and gone. He had been a brilliant student. Some said that if he hadn't gone blind he could have been the leader of the Church of Scotland in his day. He turned to the pastoral ministry and the Lord richly blessed him, finally bringing him to a church where he regularly preached to over 1500 people each week. 

          But he was only able to do this because of the care of his sister and now she was married and gone. Who would care for him now, a blind man? Not only that, but his sister's marriage brought a fresh reminder of his own heartbreak over his fiance's refusal to "go through life with a blind man". 

          It was in the midst of this circumstance and intense sadness that the Lord gave him this hymn – written, he says, in just 5 minutes! You can almost feel his pain at his human loss, but you can also sense his hope as he realizes that rest for his weary soul would only come from his Lord and that love would never let him go. 

          Are you discouraged and looking for such a love?  God loves you and will not leave you alone if you place your trust in Him.  Meditate on the truth of this hymn this week and be thankful for God's love that never lets us go.

1.  O Love that wilt not let me go,

I rest my weary soul in thee;

I give thee back the life I owe,

That in thine ocean depths its flow

May richer, fuller be.

    2.  O light that foll'west all my way,

I yield my flick'ring torch to thee;

My heart restores its borrowed ray,

That in thy sunshine's blaze its day

May brighter, fairer be.

    3.  O Joy that seekest me through pain,

I cannot close my heart to thee;

I trace the rainbow through the rain,

And feel the promise is not vain,

That morn shall tearless be.

    4.  O Cross that liftest up my head,

I dare not ask to fly from thee;

I lay in dust life's glory dead,

And from the ground there blossoms red

Life that shall endless be.

You can listen to this hymn here.   LISTEN

IS IT THE CROWNING DAY?

         When you get awake in the morning do you think about the things that are ahead of you for the day?  Do you think about things you must do, places you must go, people you must contact, messages you hope to receive or send or how you are feeling?  So many everyday items usually flood our minds.  
          But how often do we think that today could be the day that Christ appears to take his children home?  The rapture is the next major event that scripture tells us will happen.  "We who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord" (I Thess. 4:17).  Now we don't know when the rapture will happen even though many have tried and failed to set dates over the years.   The Word of God states no one but God the Father knows the time of Christ's return (Matt. 24:30, 36).  "It is not for [us] to know the times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority" (Acts 1:7).  But the rapture could happen today and we are to look for His appearing.  "Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:13).  
         Henry Ostrom (1862-1941) asked if this could be the crowning day when he penned the words of this hymn. A humble man, Dr. Ostrom used the pen name George Walker Whitcomb. It enabled him to ask for the singing of a hymn he had written without calling undue attention to himself. When he preached, he often reminded his listeners of the need to get the gospel out, because of the soon return of Christ. Most who heard him say, "This may be the crowning day," were unaware that he had written the stirring gospel song on that theme.  
          The question for us is are we really hoping that the rapture could happen today?  Or are there other things that we want to do first?  May our realization be that "Our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Phil. 3:20).  As Whitcomb's song says,   "Faithful I'll be today, Glad day! Glad day! And I will freely tell why I should love Him so well, for He is my all today." And because of His promises we need not be anxious or fearful. He will come to take His children out of this world which is filled with sin.  
          Of course sometime after the rapture there will be a spectacular crowning day, the Second Coming, when the Lord returns to earth for a second time, this time as King.  What a spectacular crowning time that too will be. Great days are ahead for all true believers.  Let it be our goal to be faithful and look for His return.  Maybe we should start each morning by saying, "Lord come quickly, may this be the crowning day".  And one of these days, possibly soon, it will be.  Are you ready?

1    Jesus may come today,

Glad day! Glad day! 

And I would see my Friend;

Dangers and troubles would end

If Jesus should come today.

Refrain:

Glad day! Glad day!

Is it the crowning day?

I'll live for today, nor anxious be,

Jesus my Lord I soon shall see;

Glad day! Glad day!

Is it the crowning day?

2    I may go home today,

Glad day! Glad day!

Seemeth I hear their song;

Hail to the radiant throng!

If I should go home today.

Refrain:

Glad day! Glad day!

Is it the crowning day?

I'll live for today, nor anxious be,

Jesus my Lord I soon shall see;

Glad day! Glad day!

Is it the crowning day?

3    Why should I anxious be?

Glad day! Glad day!

Lights appear on the shore,

Storms will affright nevermore,

For He is "at hand" today.

Refrain:

Glad day! Glad day!

Is it the crowning day?

I'll live for today, nor anxious be,

Jesus my Lord I soon shall see;

Glad day! Glad day!

Is it the crowning day?

4    Faithful I'll be today,

Glad day! Glad day!

And I will freely tell

Why I should love Him so well,

For He is my all today. 

Refrain:

Glad day! Glad day!

Is it the crowning day?

I'll live for today, nor anxious be,

Jesus my Lord I soon shall see;

Glad day! Glad day!

Is it the crowning day?

Listen to it here.   CROWNING

GOODBYE WORLD GOODBYE

           2020 was a very challenging year for all of us.  It seems that almost daily we would face new problems ... Covid19, natural disasters, racial problems, protests, violence, elections, international conflicts, unemployment, hits to retirement funds, personal problems, rises in the cost of living, isolation and loneliness, and much more.  

           It has been so easy to get discouraged and even lose hope.  But for the child of God there is hope and the promise of an exciting future.  One day, hopefully soon, the Lord will take us out of this mess here on earth and we will be with Him eternally. He has promised to do that and He has never failed to do what He has promised.  And so then we will be able to shout "Goodbye world, goodbye!"  And what a thrill that will be!  

          That was the hope of writer Mosie Lister (1921-2015) when in 1952 he shared that hope when he composed this week's song choice.  Mr. Lister's main message in this piece reflects confidence in knowing that life is eternal and does not end with physical death.  Not only are the words true and encouraging, they are set in a lively upbeat jazzy-ragtime quality that is just fun to sing and play.  You can't hear or sing this piece without getting excited knowing that you are bound for that land in the sky. Just think of the glories of heaven.  

          The Bible speaks of its mansions, streets of gold, foundations of jewels, its river of life, the endless fellowship without sorrow, death, pain or tears. There will be blessed reunions with our loved ones.  But most of all - Jesus will be there.  As Billy Graham once said - "the most thrilling thing about heaven is that Jesus Christ will be there.  I will see Him face to face."  And our eternity in heaven is secure through Christ.  So don't be discouraged by all the cares and fears of this world, for one day soon your feet won't  stay on the ground and you will shout goodbye world goodbye!

I told all my troubles "Goodbye"

Goodbye to each tear and each sigh

This world where I roam cannot be my home

I'm bound for that land in the sky

I walk and I talk with my Lord

I feast every day on His Word

Heaven is near and I can't stay here

Goodbye World Goodbye

Now don't you weep for me when I'm gone

'Cause I won't have to leave here alone

And when I hear that last trumpet sound

My feet won't stay on the ground

Goin' rise with a shout, goin' fly

Ride with my Lord through the sky

Heaven is near and I can't stay here

Goodbye World Goodbye

Well I won't have the blues anymore

When I step across to that shore

And I'll never pine for I'll leave behind

My heartaches and tears evermore

A day maybe two then Goodbye

Tomorrow I'll rise up and fly

Heaven is near and I can't stay here

Goodbye World Goodbye

Now don't you weep for me when I'm gone

'Cause I won't have to leave here alone

And when I hear that last trumpet sound

My feet won't stay on the ground

Goin' rise with a shout, goin' fly

Goin' rise with my Lord through the sky

Heaven is near and I can't stay here

Goodbye World Goodbye 

Listen to it here.   GOODBYE

I AM SO GLAD THAT JESUS LOVES ME

        What a wonderful thing it is to know that somebody really loves you.  And the Bible makes it so clear that God loves us.  As we know from John 3:16, "He so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."  And Romans 5:8 shares " But God demonstrates his own love for us in this, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."  It certainly is amazing to realize that God does love us. 

          There have been many hymns written attempting to describe this special relationship.  One of these, written by Philip P. Bliss (1838-1876) in 1870, has always been a favorite of mine because it conveys this truth in such an upbeat method. Bliss left his home in Clearfield County, PA, as a young boy to make a living by working on farms and in lumber camps, all while trying to continue his schooling. He was converted at a revival meeting at age twelve. He became an itinerant music teacher, making house calls on horseback during the winter.  During the summer he attended the Normal Academy of Music in Genesco, New York. His first song was published in 1864, and in 1868 Dwight L. Moody advised him to become a singing evangelist. For the last two years of his life Bliss traveled with Major D. W. Whittle and led the music at revival meetings. Bliss's tragic death at the age of thirty-eight happened in 1876. when he and his wife were traveling to Chicago to sing for evangelistic services led by Whittle at Dwight L. Moody's Tabernacle. But a train wreck and fire en route claimed their lives.

          In June, 1870 Mrs. Bliss came down for breakfast and said that her husband had been singing a tune that had come to him overnight.  They couldn't get it out of their minds and she predicted that it would live and be one of the most used that he had ever written.  His ideas 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.  And over the years God has used this song to lead many sinners and doubting Christians to look away to Jesus who loved them.  Bliss said the song was suggested to him by hearing the chorus of the hymn "Oh How I  Love Jesus" repeated very frequently in a meeting he had attended.  After joining in the chorus a number of times the thought came to him, "have I not been singing enough about my poor love for Jesus and shall I not rather sing of His great love for me?"

          As we sing this song this week, may we be reminded of God's great love for us.  And may our song throughout our loves and all eternity be, "Oh, what a wonder that Jesus loves me!". 

 

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.     If I forget Him and wander away,

Still He doth love me wherever I stray;

Back to His dear loving arms would I flee,

When I remember that Jesus loves me

 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!"

 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.

4.     Jesus loves me, and I know I love Him;

Love brought Him down my poor soul to redeem;

Yes, it was love made Him die on the tree;

Oh, I am certain that Jesus loves me!

 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.

5.     If one should ask of me, how can I tell?

Glory to Jesus, I know very well!

God's Holy Spirit with mine doth agree,

Constantly witnessing Jesus loves me.

 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.

6.     In this assurance I find sweetest rest,

Trusting in Jesus, I know I am blest;

Satan, dismayed, from my soul now doth flee,

When I just tell him that Jesus loves me

 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.

.

You can listen to it here.    LOVE