HE LEADETH ME

It was 200 weeks ago that I began to write weekly blogs about hymns.  It started out as just a novel way to remind me of the many hymns which have helped me over the years.  Little did I know then how much interest there was in such a blog.  And what started just as a hobby has surprisingly grown to a ministry which about 750 of you are now visiting weekly.  I am amazed.  As I approached this "bicentennial" blog, I thought long and hard about which hymn I should choose for this week.  Then, on the radio, I heard somebody sing "He Leadeth Me" and I thought what an appropriate choice that would be for this week.  The writer, Joseph H. Gilmore, shared how he came to write the words. "As a young man who recently had been graduated from Brown University and Newton Theological Institution, I was supplying for a couple of Sundays the pulpit of the First Baptist Church in Philadelphia. At the midweek service, on the 26th of March, 1862, I set out to give the people an exposition of the Twenty-third Psalm, which I had given before on three or four occasions, but this time I did not get further than the words "He Leadeth Me." Those words took hold of me as they had never done before, and I saw them in a significance and wondrous beauty of which I had never dreamed.  It was the darkest hour of the Civil War. I did not refer to that fact — that is, I don't think I did — but it may subconsciously have led me to realize that God's leadership is the one significant fact in human experience, that it makes no difference how we are led, or whither we are led, so long as we are sure God is leading us. At the close of the meeting a few of us in the parlor of my host, good Deacon Wattson, kept on talking about the thought which I had emphasized; and then and there, on a blank page of the brief from which I had intended to speak, I penciled the hymn, talking and writing at the same time, then handed it to my wife and thought no more about it. She sent it to The Watchman and Reflector, a paper published in Boston, where it was first printed. I did not know until 1865 that my hymn had been set to music by William B. Bradbury. I went to Rochester [New York] to preach as a candidate before the Second Baptist Church. Going into their chapel on arrival in the city, I picked up a hymnal to see what they were singing, and opened it at my own hymn, "He Leadeth Me."  And for over 150 years this hymn has been the testimony of many believers.  And once again, notice the last verse.  Not only does He lead us through our life here on earth, but He will lead us as we make our journey to our heavenly home.  I pray that this hymn might also be your testimony and experience as it is mine.

(1)  He leadeth me, O blessèd thought!

O words with heav'nly comfort fraught!
Whate'er I do, where'er I be
Still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me.
He leadeth me, He leadeth me,
By His own hand He leadeth me;
His faithful follower I would be,
For by His hand He leadeth me.

(2)  Sometimes mid scenes of deepest gloom,

Sometimes where Eden's bowers bloom,

By waters still, over troubled sea,

Still 'tis His hand that leadeth me.

He leadeth me, He leadeth me,

By His own hand He leadeth me;

His faithful follower I would be,

For by His hand He leadeth me.

(3)   Lord, I would place my hand in Thine,

Nor ever murmur nor repine;

Content, whatever lot I see,

Since 'tis my God that leadeth me.

He leadeth me, He leadeth me,

By His own hand He leadeth me;

His faithful follower I would be,

For by His hand He leadeth me.

(4)   And when my task on earth is done,

When by Thy grace the vict'ry's won,

E'en death's cold wave I will not flee,

Since God through Jordan leadeth me.

He leadeth me, He leadeth me,

By His own hand He leadeth me;

His faithful follower I would be,

For by His hand He leadeth me.

Listen to it being sung here.    LISTEN

STAND UP STAND UP FOR JESUS

Christians around the globe are locked in a rapidly expanding spiritual battle against evil.  Satan is pulling out all stops in his drive to destroy Christians.  In many countries today Christians are being severely persecuted and killed.  Many are fleeing for their lives.  Closer to home the battle takes on different forms as Christians are being slandered and mocked.  Our rights to express the truth and to share the Gospel are under attack.  But many Christians continue to live as though nothing is happening.  It is time for believers to wake up, step up and stand up for Jesus.  It is He who will be the final victor and we need to be his soldiers.  Episcopalian Reverend Dudley A. Tyng (1825-1858) was a dynamic preacher known for taking strong stands against evil, no matter what the cost. His sermon regarding the evils of slavery in America is still in print today. It resulted in him being removed from one of his pastorates.  In 1858, Tying preached a sermon on Exodus 10:11, "Go now ye that are men and serve the Lord" to 5,000. More than 1,000 of those men responded to the altar call, to receive Jesus as their Savior. Just over a week later, Tying lay dying as a result of a tragic accident and his final whispered statement was "Let us all stand up for Jesus." The following Sunday  Pastor George Duffield (1818-1888) preached a sermon on Ephesians 6:14, as a tribute to the final words of his friend Tying. He concluded his sermon with a six-stanza poem. Printed copies of the poem were distributed to all the congregation.  One of the pamphlets fell into the hands of the editor of a Baptist periodical. The editor was so impressed with the verses that he printed them in his widely read publication. The poem Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus, has since become one of the most recognized hymns in all English-speaking Christendom.  Are you ready to take your stand and join the battle?

(1)   Stand up, stand up for Jesus, ye soldiers of the cross;

Lift high His royal banner, it must not suffer loss.

From victory unto victory His army shall He lead,

Till every foe is vanquished, and Christ is Lord indeed.

(2)  Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the solemn watchword hear;

If while ye sleep He suffers, away with shame and fear;

Where'er ye meet with evil, within you or without,

Charge for the God of battles, and put the foe to rout.

(3)   Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the trumpet call obey;

Forth to the mighty conflict, in this His glorious day.

Ye that are brave now serve Him against unnumbered foes;

Let courage rise with danger, and strength to strength oppose.

(4)  Stand up, stand up for Jesus, stand in His strength alone;

The arm of flesh will fail you, ye dare not trust your own.

Put on the Gospel armor, each piece put on with prayer;

Where duty calls or danger, be never wanting there.

(5)  Stand up, stand up for Jesus, each soldier to his post,

Close up the broken column, and shout through all the host:

Make good the loss so heavy, in those that still remain,

And prove to all around you that death itself is gain.

(6)Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the strife will not be long;

This day the noise of battle, the next the victor's song.

To those who vanquish evil a crown of life shall be;

They with the King of Glory shall reign eternally.

Listen to it here.     LISTEN

IT TOOK A MIRACLE

Do you think miracles still happen today?  That's an interesting question.  But there is at least one miracle that still happens daily around the world.  That is the miracle of a transformed life when a person comes and accepts the free gift of salvation.  Old things are passed away and all things become new.  The person becomes a new creation - and that is a miracle that will continue to happen.  I don't know your story of how you met the Savior but I am sure that you will agree, it was a miracle.  John Peterson (1921-2006), one of the modern day writers, was known as Deacon during his military service because he read his New Testament every morning.  Those times with the Lord kept him in good stead when he flew the "China Hump". Peterson said, "During those long, lonely flights I had wonderful opportunity for meditation and prayer. It always seemed that the Lord was very near. Perhaps there is no greater display of God's power and handiwork than the Himalayan Mountains.  So often as I flew, while observing the rugged terrain below and the glories of the heavens above, I was overwhelmed by the power of our Creator and the glory of his creation in general. Then the thought gripped me that the same God who created this universe with its never-ending wonders was the God who loved me and sent his only begotten Son to take my place on the cross.  I was quite overwhelmed as I began to think of these two aspects of God's power and love; and suddenly, the words of a new song began to form in my heart. Within a very short time, I was sketching the words and melody of a new song."  In his lifetime, Peterson had composed over 1,000 songs.  So meditate on the message of this week's hymn as you sing it this week.

(1)    My Father is omnipotent

And that you can't deny;

A God of might and miracles;

'Tis written in the sky.

It took a miracle to put the stars in place;

It took a miracle to hang the world in space.

But when He saved my soul,

Cleansed and made me whole,

It took a miracle of love and grace!

(2)   Though here His glory has been shown,

We still can't fully see

The wonders of His might, His throne;

'Till eternity.

It took a miracle to put the stars in place;

It took a miracle to hang the world in space.

But when He saved my soul,

Cleansed and made me whole,

It took a miracle of love and grace!

(3)   The Bible tells us of His power

And wisdom all way through;

And every little bird and flower

Are testimonies too.

It took a miracle to put the stars in place;

It took a miracle to hang the world in space.

But when He saved my soul,

Cleansed and made me whole,

It took a miracle of love and grace!

Listen to it being sung by George Beverly Shea.  LISTEN

NO ONE EVER CARED FOR ME LIKE JESUS

So often tragedy and despair have led to the writing of some of the most inspiring hymns.  This week's choice is such an example.  Charles Weigle was an Itinerant evangelist and song writer.  One day after preaching at a gospel crusade, he came home to find a note from his wife of many years.  The note said that she did not care for the life she led being an evangelist's wife and she was leaving him.  The next few years were a time of despair for Weigle. He later said that he became so despondent that there were even times when he contemplated suicide. He even wondered if anyone really cared for him.  After a time, his faith was again restored and he became active for the Lord again.  During this time he wanted to put to paper a song that would share the feelings he had experienced during his despondent days.  From a heart that was broken came the words and the tune for this week's hymn.  This great testimony hymn has always been one of my favorites since it shares so well the feelings of my heart.  There are days when we all feel that nobody really cares about us.  Just recently, while facing a major trial, I confidentially shared my challenge with a person who I thought would care.  I admit that at first I was hurt when this person never said he'd pray for me and never even came back to see how I was doing.  I really don't think he cares.  But then I remembered that this is just human nature and there is one who really knows and cares for me.  There are no other friends like Jesus.  I hope that you have found this true in your life.

(1)   I would love to tell you what I think of Jesus

Since I found in Him a friend so strong and true;

I would tell you how He changed my life completely -

He did something that no other friend could do.

No one ever cared for me like Jesus;

There's no other friend so kind as He;

No one else could take the sin and darkness from me -

O how much He cared for me!

(2)   All my life was full of sin when Jesus found me;

All my heart was full of misery and woe;

Jesus placed His strong and loving arms around me,

And He led me in the way I ought to go.

No one ever cared for me like Jesus;

There's no other friend so kind as He;

No one else could take the sin and darkness from me -

O how much He cared for me!

(3)   Every day He comes to me with new assurance,

More and more I understand His words of love;

But I'll never know just why He came to save me,

Till some day I see His blessed face above.

No one ever cared for me like Jesus;

There's no other friend so kind as He;

No one else could take the sin and darkness from me -

O how much He cared for me!

You can listen to it here.   LISTEN

IT IS WONDERFUL AND MARVELOUS

The regular readers of this blog will know that sometimes my choices are made because of the moving melody of the selection.  This is the case again this week since I love the chorus in particular, with its flowing, upbeat melody.  And the words also are special and a wonderful testimony..  In the first verse we are reminded of the peace which we experience when we yield to the Saviour's control.  The second verse reminds us of His presence during our daily walk through His marvelous grace.  As is very common in old hymns, the final verse speaks of the fellowship we will experience when we see our Lord face to face around His throne. Concluding hymns with a verse about the hope of heaven was important to the old hymn writers. And yes, what Jesus has done for our soul is marvelous and wonderful.  No words can adequately share this situation.  Once again, I could find nothing about the actual writing of this hymn except that it was penned by Mrs. Charles H. Morris (1862-1929).  I have referred to her in previous blogs noting that when her eyes began to fail in 1913, her son built a 28-foot blackboard with oversized staff lines so she could continue composing.  It is said that she authored more than 1,000 Gospel songs.  This one must have flowed from her closeness to the Lord.  Hopefully it will be a stirring reminder to you of the wonderful, marvelous experience of knowing and walking with the Lord.

(1)   The Saviour has come in His mighty Power 

And spoken peace to my soul 

And all of my life from that very hour 

I've yielded to his control {x2} 

Wonderful oh it is wonderful 

It is marvelous and wonderful 

What Jesus has done for this soul of mine 

The half has never been told 

(2)   From Glory to Glory he leads me on 

From Grace to Grace every day 

And brighter and brighter the Glory dawns 

While pressing my home ward way {x2} 

Wonderful oh it is wonderful 

It is marvelous and wonderful 

What Jesus has done for this soul of mine 

The half has never been told 

(3)    If fellowship here with my Lord can be 

So inexpressibly sweet 

Oh what will it be when his face we see 

When round the bright throne we meet (x2) 

Wonderful oh it is wonderful 

It is marvelous and wonderful 

What Jesus has done for this soul of mine 

The half has never been told  

It has been difficult to find a good video of this hymn, but here are two choices for you to try.

VIDEO 1       VIDEO 2

WHO IS A PARDONING GOD LIKE THEE?

When I was growing up hymns were an integral part of my life.  As we traveled our family would sing for long periods of time.  Those experiences, plus attending many church services, usually at least four times per week, gave me many opportunities to sing and learn the words to many great hymns.  But I must admit that during the early years it usually wasn't the words that drew me to a hymn.  More often it was the upbeat melody or some special musical feature that captured my attention.  That was brought back to me a few weeks ago when I heard this hymn which I had  not heard in many years.  But immediately I remembered the moving men's part in the chorus.  I can still hear the men singing "Who is a pardoning God like Thee? Or who has grace so rich and free? Or who has grace so rich and free?"  But now that I am older I also appreciate the great words that center around our great God and His pardon and grace.  The words were written by Samuel Davies (1723-1761).  I can't find much about the actual writing, but he was an evangelist and Presbyterian minister.. He also served a term as the fourth President of Princeton University, then known as the College of New Jersey, from 1759 to 1761. One of the first non-Anglican preachers in Virginia, he was a strong advocate for religious freedom, and helped to institute significant religious reforms in the colony. Davies was also a prolific writer, authoring several hymns and publishing a book of poetry. Musicologists credit Davies with being the first American-born hymn writer. Davies followed the lines of Isaac Watts although his verses are considered "solid, but somewhat dry and heavy".  In doing some research I found something about him that surprised me personally.  Davies was born in New Castle County, Delaware. His parents could not afford to send him to college but were determined that he should be trained for the ministry. He studied in Samuel Blair's famous school at Fagg's Manor, Chester County, Pennsylvania, and was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of New Castle when he was twenty-two,  For over 25 years our family had a family ministry and several times we did family programs in the Presbyterian Church in Faggs Manor. I remember the old sanctuary, especially since we had to carry all of our heavy equipment up the stairs to get  to the sanctuary.  But little did I know then, until I recently found this information, that Faggs Manor had such a rich tradition dating back over two centuries ago.  Anyway, I hope that you are challenged by the words of this week's hymn choice.

(1)     Great God of wonders! All Thy ways

Are matchless, Godlike and divine;

But the fair glories of Thy grace

More Godlike and unrivaled shine,

More Godlike and unrivaled shine.

Who is a pardoning God like Thee?

Or who has grace so rich and free?

Or who has grace so rich and free?

(2)     Crimes of such horror to forgive,

Such guilty, daring worms to spare;

This is Thy grand prerogative,

And none shall in the honor share,

And none shall in the honor share

Who is a pardoning God like Thee?

Or who has grace so rich and free?

Or who has grace so rich and free?

(3)     Angels and men, resign your claim

To pity, mercy, love and grace:

These glories crown Jehovah's Name

With an incomparable glaze

With an incomparable glaze.

Who is a pardoning God like Thee?

Or who has grace so rich and free?

Or who has grace so rich and free?

(4)     In wonder lost, with trembling joy,

We take the pardon of our God:

Pardon for crimes of deepest dye,

A pardon bought with Jesus' blood,

A pardon bought with Jesus' blood.

Who is a pardoning God like Thee?

Or who has grace so rich and free?

Or who has grace so rich and free?

(5)     O may this strange, this matchless grace,

This Godlike miracle of love,

Fill the whole earth with grateful praise,

And all th'angelic choirs above,

And all th'angelic choirs above.

Who is a pardoning God like Thee?

Or who has grace so rich and free?

Or who has grace so rich and free?

Listen to it here.   LISTEN

THE OLD ACCOUNT WAS SETTLED LONG AGO

If you have been a regular reader of this blog you probably know how much I enjoy old quartet music.  As a young adult I loved to sing in quartets and to go to concerts given by the Blackwoods, the Imperials, the Cathedrals, the Couriers and many more.  Recently I heard this week's hymn choice on the radio and it brought back a flood of memories.  Fortunately I was able to find numerous videos of groups singing it but as is often the case, I was able to find little about its origin.  It was written by Frank M. Graham, an ordained minister in the Wesleyan Church.  He served as District Superintendent in northern Georgia around 1895 to about 1915.  He was also the founder of Southern Wesleyan University in South Carolina.  But that is about all I could find.  Personally I have been able to avoid much financial debt in my lifetime but I do remember the burden of paying off my college loans and our home mortgage.  I can recall the sense of freedom and relief when these accounts were finally settled and I was debt free.  The same can be said about our spiritual life.  I hope that you have experienced a time when your debt of sin was taken away and your account with God was settled.  But this was even different than my financial debts because with those I just had to work to earn the money to pay them off.  But with salvation the price, a very heavy price, was paid by Jesus Christ at Calvary.  And all that we had to do to settle this account was to accept his gift, his payment for our debt.  Now if your account was not settled long ago, today it can be.  He died, was buried, and rose again for you.  Now all you must do is to believe that He did this for you and accept that free gift.  It is His mercy that doesn't make us try to pay for our sins and it is His grace that gives us His riches at His expense.  Account settled - no more debt!

(1)  There was a time on earth, 
when in the book of Heav'
An old account was standing for sins yet unforgiv'n;
My name was at the top, and many things below,
I went unto the Keeper, and settled long ago.
Long ago (down on my knees), long ago (I settled it all),

Yes, the old account was settled long ago (Hallelujah!);

And the record's clear today, 
for He washed my sins away,

When the old account was settled long ago.

(2)  The old account was large, and growing every day,

For I was always sinning, and never tried to pay;

But when I looked ahead, and saw such pain and woe,

I said that I would settle, I settled long ago.

Long ago (down on my knees), long ago (I settled it all),

Yes, the old account was settled long ago (Hallelujah!);

And the record's clear today, 
for He washed my sins away,

When the old account was settled long ago.

(3)   When in that happy home, my Savior's home above,

I'll sing redemption's story, and praise Him for His love;

I'll not forget that book, with pages white as snow,

Because I came and settled, and settled long ago.

Long ago (down on my knees), long ago (I settled it all),

Yes, the old account was settled long ago (Hallelujah!);

And the record's clear today, 
for He washed my sins away,

When the old account was settled long ago.

(4)   O sinner, trust the Lord, be cleansed of all your sin,

For thus He hath provided for you to enter in;

And then if you should live a hundred years below,

Up there you'll not regret it, you settled long ago.

Long ago (down on my knees), long ago (I settled it all),

Yes, the old account was settled long ago (Hallelujah!);

And the record's clear today, 
for He washed my sins away,

When the old account was settled long ago.

Listen to it here.   LISTEN