AS A DEER

          The sight of a deer wandering through the woods is a beautiful and amazing sight - as long as they don't run into your car.  David used the deer as an illustration in Psalm 42:1, 2 when he said, "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God."

          The deer probably  "pants" because he is about to die. The word in Hebrew for "pants" or "longs for" is a word which originally meant "to cry out." The crying out is the longing for water, but it also shows us that this is a desperate sort of longing. You might think of a deer who has been running and is at the point of exhaustion. He needs the water or else he will die. This is what David is writing about, and it is what he is going through in his life. He is on the run from enemies and even his own troubled heart, and so he turns to the waters of life which are found in God and divine worship.

         'As the Deer" is a well-known praise and worship hymn song written in 1984 by Martin J. Nystrom, a native of Seattle. Nystrom shared the following account about the writing of this song.

          "In 1984 I was a school teacher in Seattle, and since I had the summer off I decided to go back to Bible College ...  I headed for Dallas, Texas, and Christ For the Nations Institute. Little did I know what was about to happen to me, especially with all that I would be exposed to and the worship emphasis of the school."

          "I had a roommate at CFNI who was a very vibrant Christian. He challenged me to go on a fast - a period of time when a person refrains from eating solid food in order to give time to the reading of the Bible and to prayer. I took up the challenge, and on the 19th day of the fast I found myself sitting at a piano trying to write a song. I was simply playing chord progressions when I noticed a Bible on the music stand of the piano. It was open to Psalm 42. My eyes fell on the first verse of that chapter ... After reading the verse I began to sing its message, right off the page. I wrote the first verse and the chorus of a song, pretty much straight through. The whole of the adventure was completed in a matter of minutes. I then repeated the song I had just written. I wanted to seal it in my mind."

          "I had no intention of showing the song to anyone. It was to be for my own devotional time with the Lord. However, before leaving the school to go back to Seattle, I did share it with one person, Dave Butterbaugh. He introduced it to the students of the school and it became a favorite."

          I wonder if our souls really pant for the living God or are we so busy with the cares of this world that we only have our leftover time for Him.  Do we love Him more than gold or silver or do our possessions become more important to us?  Can we really say that we love Him more than anything?  Maybe we need to take some time this week to examine and renew our relationship with Him and worship Him.  He alone should be our heart's desire.

1.     As the deer panteth for the water

So my soul longs after You

You alone are my hearts desire

And I long to worship You

You alone are my strength, my shield

To You alone may my spirit yield

You alone are my hearts desire

And I long to worship You

2.     I want You more than gold or silver

Only You can satisfy

You alone are the real joy giver

And the apple of my eye

You alone are my strength, my shield

To You alone may my spirit yield

You alone are my hearts desire

And I long to worship You.

3.     You're my friend and You're my brother

Even though you are a King

I love You more than any other

So much more than anything

You alone are my strength, my shield

To You alone may my spirit yield

You alone are my hearts desire

And I long to worship You

You can listen to it here.    DEER

IN MY HEART THERE RINGS A MELODY (TH)

TIMELESS HYMN - A special feature where I highlight some of my favorite hymns that I have previously featured in this blog.  These entries are revised and expanded and shared again for your encouragement and challenge. This hymn was originally shared here on September 4, 2011.

           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 if you like congregational singing     LISTEN 1
Listen to it here to see children singing     LISTEN 2   

ON THE JERICHO ROAD

          The Jericho road, connecting Jerusalem and Jericho, is about 17 miles long and a notoriously dangerous road. In those 17 miles it drops 3,600 feet. It's steep and it descends sharply, with lots of rocky valleys and passes. Until the fifth century it was called the red or bloody way, and in the 19th century people still paid safety money to local sheiks before they traveled on it.

          In Jesus' time the Jericho-Jerusalem road was notorious for its danger and difficulty. The road is most renowned for its appearance in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).   It was there that thieves beat a traveler, stripped him of his garment, wounded him and left him half dead.  A priest and a Levite saw him there but passed by leaving him to suffer alone.  But a Samaritan came by, stopped and had compassion on him. He bound up his wounds, poured oil and wine on them and took him to an inn.  There he provided enough for his care and recovery.

          So the hymn "On The Jericho Road" reminds us of the road we are traveling here on earth.  There are many dangers, challenges and difficulties we face on this road through life.  The world may be wrong and our burden heavy.  But the Lord wants to come beside us and bear each burden and share our sorrows, if we allow Him to do so.  He is the only companion who can do this and safely walk with us on our Jericho Road.  We face many distractions that try to accompany us and get us off the right path  - jobs, possessions, recreation, investments, friends, hobbies, etc.  But there is really only room for two - just Jesus and you!

          The words and music to this song were penned in 1928 by The Rev. Don McCrossan (1908-1989), an evangelist who in 1943 became director of the Victory Service Club, an outreach ministry to military personnel.   He was also a singer and a composer of gospel songs and held down a side job as radio announcer on station KGER in Long Beach, California. He secured the copyright to "On the Jericho Road" in 1928 when he was only 20.

          Over the years the song became popular with many gospel quartets and soloists.  Its backtime helps make it very interesting and popular.  One off the first musicians to make it popular was Elvis Pressley.

           Are you walking with Jesus on your Jericho Road.  Are the two of you experiencing the peace and comfort that only He can give along the way.  If not,  confess your sins to Him and sin's shackles will fall.  On the Jericho road, your heart He will bless.

1      As you travel along on the Jericho road,

Does the world seem all wrong and heavy your load?

Just bring it to Christ, your sins all confess,

On the Jericho road your heart He will bless.

Refrain:

On the Jericho road there's room for just two,

No more and no less, just Jesus and you;

Each burden He'll bear, each sorrow He'll share,

There's never a care for Jesus is there.

2      On the Jericho road blind Bartimaeus sat,

His life was a voice, so empty and flat;

But Jesus appeared, one word bro't him sight,

On the Jericho road Christ banished his night.

Refrain:

On the Jericho road there's room for just two,

No more and no less, just Jesus and you;

Each burden He'll bear, each sorrow He'll share,

There's never a care for Jesus is there.

3      O brother to you this message I bring,

Though hope may be gone, He'll cause you to sing;

At Jesus' command, sin's shackles must fall,

On the Jericho road will you answer His call?Refrain:

On the Jericho road there's room for just two,

No more and no less, just Jesus and you;

Each burden He'll bear, each sorrow He'll share,

There's never a care for Jesus is there.

Listen to it here.   JERICHO

JOY IS NOT CANCELED

          If you are a regular reader of my blog you know that each week I choose a hymn or a gospel song, share some comments about it and then try to post a video of it being sung.  The hymns are usually ones written many years ago, although once in awhile I do share a more contemporary one.

          The pandemic has changed many of the things that were previously part of our "normal" lives.  It has been a time of adjustment and often even disappointment.  But some good things have developed.

          One of the major changes for my wife and I is that we have not been able to attend church in over a year because of our age, physical conditions, and warnings about covid.  As a result, Sunday morning worship for us has been watching two streamed services, one from our church in Lancaster and one from Chuck Swindoll's service in Texas.  Then we watch some gospel videos which are also streamed.

          Our favorite music videos have been those of the Collingsworth Family.  We have enjoyed their voices, their harmony, their music and their presentations.  However we especially enjoy the piano stylings of Kim Collingsworth.  She is exceptional and her arrangements are amazing.  We are always touched by her playing.

          This past Sunday we viewed a video where Kim shared her reactions to the pandemic.  She shared the fact that joy has not been canceled.  God's plans have not been canceled.  He is still in control.  Then she sings a song which she wrote to share these truths.

           I believe that in these difficult times her message and song are something that all believers need to hear.  If you have been discouraged by cancelations and challenges, you need to listen to her and understand what she shares.  His power is still abundant and His mercies are still new.  God's goodness, kindness and grace are not running low. PTL, He has not changed!

          Here are the words written by Kim.

Joy is not canceled 

It still remains 

Gods' goodness, kindness 

His grace isn't running low 

And He has not changed" 

His power is still abundant 

His mercies are still new 

God's plans have not been canceled 

He's fully in control 

And everything that matter still remains. 

When life is put on hold  

All our plans have canceled  

Things have changed  

Nothing feels the same  

Disappointments fear and doubt  

Go hand in hand  

and waves of worry threaten me 

Everywhere uncertainty  

But in the midst of chaos  

In the midst of fear  

There is something to remember  

There is something we all need to hear  

Joy is not canceled  

Peace still remains  

God's goodness kindness  

His grace isn't running low  

And He has not changed  

His power is still abundant  

His mercies are still new 

God's plans have not been canceled  

He's still in control   

And everything that matters still remains 

So when the trials and tests they come 

Darkness only hides the sun  

And You can't seem to find Your way  

No light of day 

There are some things we know for sure  

They never change they will endure  

No matter what things look like  

All around us  

So in the midst of chaos  

In the midst of all the fear  

There is something you should remember  

Yes there is something we all need to hear  

Joy is not canceled  

He still remains  

God's goodness and kindness  

His grace isn't running low  

And He, He has not changed  

His power is still abundant  

His promises they're all still true  

God's plans have not been canceled  

He's fully in control   

And everything that matters still remains  

Yes everything that matters still remains 

This week's video is clip where Kim reviews the circumstances behind this song and then sings the song which she wrote.      JOY

HIDE THOU ME

          "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of mine, and does them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock."  (Matthew 7:24, 25)  

          Many of us probably remember as children, singing with motions, the chorus about the wise man who built upon the rock and the foolish man who built upon the sand. And we learned that we needed to build our lives on the rock, Jesus, and His teachings.

          For several months I have wanted to write a blog about a similar song, "O Rock of Ages Hide Thou Me".  But I have been frustrated as I've found several very similar songs with the same title and slightly different words.  One of the first of these was written by Theo Harris and L.R.. Tolbert and copyrighted in 1926.  Harris was one of the most prolific African-American hymn writers of the early 2oth century.  Since the 1930s his compositions have been consistently selected for publication in hymnals of various denominations.

          But there is another version of this song which was written by Doyle Lawson  in 1944.  This version was made popular by the Gather Vocal Band and might be the one that is best known to folks today.

          But no matter who actually wrote the song or which version you enjoy, both share that there are times when the burdens of life get so heavy, when the struggles get so hard, when no matter what, we still worry; and we need to cry out to Jesus, "Hide me!" Thankfully we have the divine resource available when we find ourselves in these lowly positions and in need.  Then we can flee to the Rock of Ages where there is security, peace, guidance  and protection.

           David experienced this, "Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance."  Psalm 32:7.

          Is He your Rock, your hiding place?  Have you learned to depend on Him, your Rock of Ages, your strong foundation, your ever present Friend?  No matter how strong the storms of life that we face, He is always there for us to protect us and hide us.

          Here is the version written by Harris and Tolbert.

 

1. Sometimes I feel discouraged, and think my life in vain.

I'm tempted then to murmur, and of my lot complain;

But when I think of Jesus, and all He's done for me,

Then I cry, O Rock of Ages, hide Thou me.

O Rock of Ages, hide Thou me,

No other refuge, have I but Thee.

When life's dark vale I wander, far, far from Thee;

Then, I cry, O Rock of Ages, hide Thou me.

2. Sometimes it seems I dare not go one step farther on,

And from my heart all courage has disappeared and gone;

But, I remember Jesus, and all His love for me,

Then, I cry, O Rock of Ages, hid Thou me.

O Rock of Ages, hide Thou me,

No other refuge, have I but Thee.

When life's dark vale I wander, far, far from Thee;

Then, I cry, O Rock of Ages, hide Thou me.

3. O what a friend is Jesus, sure Anchor for my soul,

So tender, true and gracious, I'm safe in His control;

My help in time of danger, my strong defense is He;

O Thou blessed Rock of Ages, hide Thou me

O Rock of Ages, hide Thou me,

No other refuge, have I but Thee.

When life's dark vale I wander, far, far from Thee;

Then, I cry, O Rock of Ages, hide Thou me.

.

Here is the similar version written by  Doyle Lawson.

Sometimes I feel discouraged….and I think my work in vain….

I'm tempted oft to murmur, to grumble, and complain….

But when I think of Jesus…and what He's done for me…..

Then I cry to the Rock of Ages…Hide Thou me

O Rock of Ages…Hide Thou me…..

There's no other refuge….none can save but Thee…..

Through life's dark vail I wander….so far, far from Thee….

Then I cry to the Rock Of Ages…Hide Thou me…..

I have a friend in Jesus….blest anchor of my soul….

I feel His presence ever….when stormy billows roll…..

And when I think of Jesus…and what He's done for me….

I cry to the Rock of Ages…..hide Thou me

O Rock of Ages…Hide Thou me…..

There's no other refuge….none can save but Thee…..

Through life's dark vail I wander….so far, far from Thee….

Then I cry to the Rock Of Ages…Hide Thou me…..

Sometimes I feel I cannot…go one step farther on…..

My body's growing older….and faltering steps begun….

But when I think of Jesus and what He's done for me….

I cry to the Rock Of Ages….hide Thou me

O Rock of Ages…Hide Thou me…..

There's no other refuge….none can save but Thee…..

Through life's dark vail I wander….so far, far from Thee….

Then I cry to the Rock Of Ages…Hide Thou me…

You can listen to Lawson's version here.  ROCK

TIS SO SWEET TO TRUST IN JESUS (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 first shared previously on May 29, 2011.. 

          While preparing a Power Point presentation of the words for my wife's offertory, I came across the background of the writing of the hymn that she had chosen to play.  I found that this very familiar hymn was written as a result of a personal tragedy. I really wasn't surprised because I have found that many of our favorite hymns have been penned in times of grief. 

          "'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus" was written by Louisa M. R. Stead in 1882, out of one of her darkest hours — the tragic drowning of her husband. Louisa Stead was born in England and later felt the call of God upon her life for missionary service. She arrived in America in 1871. Louisa married and the Steads had a daughter, Lily. When the child was four years of age, the family decided one day to enjoy the sunny beach at Long Island Sound, New York. While eating their picnic lunch, they suddenly heard cries of help and spotted a drowning boy in the sea. Mr. Stead charged into the water to try and save the boy. As sometimes happens, the struggling boy pulled his rescuer under the water with him, and both drowned before the terrified eyes of wife and daughter. 

          And out of her struggle with God during the ensuing days, flowed these meaningful words — "Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus." 

          As you meditate upon these words this week, be reminded that trusting in Jesus is the only sure way to face the difficulties of life. And as we do that we find that He is always there to provide the rest and peace that we need in every situation. And as her last verse says, He will never leave us - He'll be with us until the end.  Put your trust in Jesus today.

(1)    'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,

Just to take Him at His word,

Just to rest upon His promise;

Just to know, Thus saith the Lord.

Chorus:

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!

How I've proved Him o'er and o'er!

Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!

Oh, for grace to trust Him more!

(2)    How I love to trust in Jesus,

Just to trust His cleansing blood.

Just in simple faith to plunge me

'Neath the healing cleansing flood!

Chorus:

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!

How I've proved Him o'er and o'er!

Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!

Oh, for grace to trust Him more!

(3)    Yes, I've learned to trust in Jesus,

And from sin and self to cease,

Now from Jesus simply taking

Life and rest and joy and peace.

Chorus:

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!

How I've proved Him o'er and o'er!

Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!

Oh, for grace to trust Him more!

(4)    I'm so glad I learned to trust Him,

Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend,

And I know that He is with me,

He'll be with me to the end.

Chorus:

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!

How I've proved Him o'er and o'er!

Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!

Oh, for grace to trust Him more!

Listen to it here.   LISTEN

MORE LIKE THE MASTER

          Did you ever have a hero, someone that you admired and wanted to model?  When I was in elementary school my hero was Robin Roberts a great pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, the famous Whiz Kids.  He was a great pitcher but I  soon learned that I didn't have the natural ability to be a pitcher, and certainly not a Robin Roberts.

          As I grew up I had many friends, relatives and pastors that I admired and who were good role models for a young man like me.  But I soon learned that they were humans and had their own shortcomings.  Then as I matured spiritually I began to realize that the only perfect hero is Jesus Christ, the only perfect person ever and the one that I should desire to follow.  You see Jesus is my friend, my guide, my defender, my provider, my example, but even more than that, He is my Savior and I want to be more like Him every day.

          Years ago we used to sing a simple chorus written  in 1946 by Lillian Parkerhorn:

My desire, to be like Jesus;

My desire to be like Him.

His Spirit fill me, His love o'er whelm me;

In deed and word to be like Him.

         Charles H. Gabriel (1856-1932) knew the importance of this desire when he penned the words to this week's hymn choice.  It is an ardent prayer that the likeness of Christ be reproduced in us by the Holy Spirit.   Gabriel is said to have written an estimated seven thousand gospel songs. This gospel song was first published in 1906, and has been included in many hymn books since.

          Another gospel song writer, George Stebbins, called Gabriel "the most outstanding and brilliant Christian musician of his time." A man with a genial and kindly personality, Gabriel had many friends among the writers of sacred song.  

           Gabriel knew that we are to be "be transformed by the renewing of [our] mind, that [we] may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Rom. 12:2). As we walk in faith and obedience toward God, He produces, more and more, the spiritual fruit of Christian character in us (Gal. 5:22-23) .

            Are you a portrait of His meekness and humility or are you rude and arrogant? Is your conversation marked by words of kindness and encouragement or is it marred by negativity and grouchiness? Live your life for what you really are: "His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works (Ephesians 2:10)." When you do this people will begin to notice that you are more like the Master.         

1.     More like the Master I would ever be,

More of His meekness, more humility;

More zeal to labor, more courage to be true,

More consecration for work He bids me do.

Refrain:

Take Thou my heart, I would be Thine alone;

Take Thou my heart, and make it all Thine own;

Purge me from sin, O Lord, I now implore,

Wash me and keep me Thine forevermore.

2.     More like the Master is my daily prayer;

More strength to carry crosses I must bear;

More earnest effort to bring His kingdom in;

More of His Spirit, the wanderer to win.

Refrain:

Take Thou my heart, I would be Thine alone;

Take Thou my heart, and make it all Thine own;

Purge me from sin, O Lord, I now implore,

Wash me and keep me Thine forevermore.

3.      More like the Master I would live and grow;

More of His love to others I would show;

More self-denial, like His in Galilee,

More like the Master I long to ever be

Refrain:

Take Thou my heart, I would be Thine alone;

Take Thou my heart, and make it all Thine own;

Purge me from sin, O Lord, I now implore,

Wash me and keep me Thine forevermore.

You can listen to it here.   MORE LIKE

.

HAPPY THE HOME

          Today our homes are under attack like never before and, unfortunately, many are in danger and crumbling.  Many things put stress on our families today.  Often marriages are hit with separation and divorce.  Often finances and jobs create divisions and many of these come as a result of pride and selfishness.  Often it is children who create problems as they become disobedient and lack respect for others.  And usually there is little or no time for the Lord in homes.  Many homes today are not happy places and that is so sad.

          There aren't too many songs or hymns written about homes that are happy and where the Lord has first place.  This week's song choice shares that in happy homes God's love is a motivating factor.  In these homes Jesus's name is its authority and the children and their parents speak of Him and hold Him dear.  Such homes are full of prayer, praise and the study of the Word.  And there is peace and unity.  Does this describe your home?

          I don't know what kind of home Henry Ware (1794-1843) came from, but I am guessing that it was a home where the Lord was loved and served.  At last he knew the characteristics of a happy home.  His father was a Unitarian minister and later a professor at Harvard.  Ware graduated at Harvard, studied theology, and became minister of the Second Unitarian Society, in Boston, in 1817. After a ministry of twelve years, he made a foreign tour, and on his return was elected "Parkman Professor of Pulpit Eloquence and Pastoral Theology" in Harvard College.  When Ware's health began to fail in 1829, Ralph Waldo Emerson became his assistant. Ware also served as professor of pulpit eloquence and pastoral care at Harvard Divinity School from 1829 to 1842. Upon his retirement in 1842, he moved to Framingham, MA, and died there a year later.  His collected works in four volumes, were edited after his death, by the Rev. Chandler Robbins.

          While times and our culture change, we need to claim the words that Joshua claimed centuries ago.  "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. " (Joshua 24:15)  That proclamation sums up the way to have a happy home.  Maybe we need to be reminded of that.  And maybe we need to make some changes in our homes. "Happy the home where God is there!"

1.    Happy the home when God is there,

And love fills every breast;

When one their wish, and one their prayer,

And one their heav'nly rest.

2.    Happy the home where Jesus' name

Is sweet to every ear;

Where children early speak His fame,

And parents hold Him dear.

3.    Happy the home where prayer is heard,

And praise is wont to rise;

Where parents love the sacred Word

And all its wisdom prize.

4.    Lord, let us in our homes agree

This blessed peace to gain;

Unite our hearts in love to Thee,

And love to all will reign.

You can listen to it here.   HAPPY

SOMETHING FOR THEE

       Recently I have faced numerous physical challenges which have limited my ability to do many daily tasks that I have done most of my life.  I've learned to depend upon the help of others, especially my wife. It has been very difficult for me to accept this situation and hard for me accept her sacrifice of her time and energy to help me.  What can I ever do to repay her for her love and support?   There seems to be little that I can do but to offer my love and kindly accept her help with thanks and appreciation

          As I've thought about this it has made me think about the greater love shown to me by the Lord.  "God demonstrates His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8.   But there is more to contemplate than even His "dying love." He is presently our great High Priest, in heaven, seated at the right hand of the Father. There, "He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them" (Heb. 7:25). Since He fully understands and sympathizes with us in our struggles, we are invited to "come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Heb. 4:15-16).  He is always there to provide guidance, strength and all that we need.

       Now what good gift can we give in return to the great God of all the universe that He does not already have or cannot simply create, any time He wants it?  What gift is worthy of His love?

          This essentially is the question raised in this week's hymn written in 1862 by Sylvanus D. Phelps, (1816-1895).  A graduate of Brown University and Yale Divinity School, he served as a pastor for many years and then became the editor of The Christian Secretary, a Baptist newspaper.  Phelps was also coeditor of The Baptist Praise Book for congregational singing.

          His hymn is about doing things for the Lord, in the light of all He's done for us. But we must remember that we can never repay the Lord for His grace, or it would not be grace (Romans 4:4-5). But we should be motivated by the love of the Lord to serve Him, with all we have. The remembrance of Calvary ought to prompt us to live for Him, and seek to please Him.   In a sense, as  expressed it the final stanza, we ourselves are the greatest gift of all that we can give to God. As Paul says of the Macedonian Christians, "They first gave themselves to the Lord" (II Cor. 8:5). We are to present ourselves as "living sacrifices" to Him (Rom. 12:1), and the Bible speaks of "the glory of His inheritance [i.e. His glorious inheritance] in the saints" (Eph. 1:18). "The Lord's portion is His people" (Deut. 32:9)

          Recently I heard a chorus Betsy Dasvand wrote which we used to sing in prayer meetings.  I think it sums up the answer to the question of what we can do for the Lord.

After all He's done for me

After all He's done for me

How can I do less than give Him my best

And live for Him completely

After all He's done for me

          So how are our lives demonstrating our thanks to the Lord for all that he has done and is still doing for us?

1.    Savior, Thy dying love

Thou gavest me,

Nor should I aught withhold,

Dear Lord, from Thee;

In love my soul would bow,

My heart fulfill its vow,

Some offering bring Thee now,

Something for Thee.

2.     O'er the blest mercy seat,

Pleading for me,

My feeble faith looks up,

Jesus, to Thee:

Help me the cross to bear,

Thy wondrous love declare,

Some song to raise, or prayer,

Something for Thee.

3.     Give me a faithful heart—

Likeness to Thee,

That each departing day

Henceforth may see

Some work of love begun,

Some deed of kindness done,

Some wanderer sought and won,

Something for Thee.

4.     All that I am and have—

Thy gifts so free—

In joy, in grief, through life,

O Lord, for Thee!

And when Thy face I see,

My ransomed soul shall be

Through all eternity,

Something for Thee.

Listen to it here.    SOMETHING