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

I AM THINE O LORD

On this blog we have often shared the story and hymns of Fanny Crosby, one of the most prolific writers of Gospel hymns in history.  Many of her numbers were collaborations between Crosby (1820-1915) and composer William Doane (1832-1915).  In 1874 Crosby was a visitor in Doane's home in Cincinnati.  That evening they talked about the nearness of God in their lives, as the sun was setting and darkness was approaching.  When Crosby went to her room her mind and heart were filled with the ideas that they had discussed.  Before the blind writer went to sleep, she quickly formed the words of this great hymn, "I Am Thine, O Lord."   The next morning she shared the words with Doan who wrote down the stanzas and composed the tune. It is said that Hebrews 10:22 was actually the source of Crosby's inspiration.   "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water." (KJV)   The hymn is written in the first person and is a testimony of her relationship with Christ.  The first stanza begins with a total surrender to Christ.  The second draws upon this surrender as an impetus of service.  The third shows this relationship developed through prayer and the final stanza shares that this close relationship will not be complete until reaching heaven.  Is this hymn your testimony?  It should be, and our daily prayer should also be to be drawn nearer to the One who died for us.  So many things draw our attention and time throughout the day and these things can pull us away from prayer and our relationship with Christ.  Maybe this week it would be a good thing to begin each morning, when we roll out of bed, with the singing and praying of Fanny Crosby's words.  That could change our day.

(1) I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,

And it told Thy love to me;

But I long to rise in the arms of faith

And be closer drawn to Thee.

Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord,

To the cross where Thou hast died;

Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer blessed Lord,

To Thy precious, bleeding side.

(2) Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord,

By the pow'r of grace divine;

Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope,

And my will be lost in Thine.

Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord,

To the cross where Thou hast died;

Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer blessed Lord,

To Thy precious, bleeding side.

(3) Oh, the pure delight of a single hour

That before Thy throne I spend,

When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God

I commune as friend with friend!

Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord,

To the cross where Thou hast died;

Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer blessed Lord,

To Thy precious, bleeding side.

(4) There are depths of love that I cannot know

Till I cross the narrow sea;

There are heights of joy that I may not reach

Till I rest in peace with Thee.

Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord,

To the cross where Thou hast died;

Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer blessed Lord,

To Thy precious, bleeding side.

I am giving you two choices to listen to this week.  The first is a beautiful arrangement by a trio.  But there is some static in the video that might be distracting.     LISTEN 1

The second is a typical arrangement by a small congregation.   LISTEN 2

ONCE FOR ALL or FREE FROM THE FALL

Back in the days when D.L Moody and Ira D. Sankey came to Scotland for an evangelistic campaign, the Presbyterians had long insisted that only the psalms should be sung in church and these without accompaniment. Once a woman had even stormed out of the service protesting that 'The devil was in his kist (chest) o' whistles," that is Sankey's little pedal organ. You can imagine the fear Sankey had when he got up to sing his gospel solos.  His concern was heightened one night when he observed that the great Scottish preacher and hymn-writer Horatius Bonar was in the audience. This is how Sankey recounted the story in his book. "My Life And The Story of the Gospel Hymns:"  "Of all men in Scotland he was the one concerning whose decision I was most solicitous. He was, indeed, my ideal hymn writer, the prince among hymnists of his day and generation. And yet he would not sing one of his beautiful hymns in his own congregation ... because he ministered to a church that believed in the use of the Psalms only.  With fear and trembling I announced as a solo the song, 'Free From The Law, Oh, Happy Condition.' ... Feeling that the singing might prove only an entertainment and not a spiritual blessing, I requested the whole congregation to join me in a word of prayer, asking God to bless the truth about to be sung. In the prayer my anxiety was relieved. Believing and rejoicing in the glorious truth contained in the song, I sang it through to the end. At the close of Mr. Moody's address, Dr. Bonar turned to me with a smile on his venerable face, and reaching out his hand he said: 'Well, Mr. Sankey, you sang the gospel tonight.'  And thus the way was opened for the mission of sacred song in Scotland."  This hymn, written by Philip Bliss, is a wonderful statement of faith and contains the basis of our Christian theology, from the fall of man to a final redemption in heaven.  The words were penned by Bliss under unusual circumstances. It is said that his wife, as a birthday present, gave him a bound copy of "Things New and Old", edited by "C. H. M." From an article in this book on the believer's deliverance by the death of Christ from the curse of the law, and his own death with Christ setting him free entirely from the law's dominion, he saw the blessed truth of the Christian position in relation with God; and to give expression to the joy of his heart at this deliverance, he sat down and wrote the hymn.  It is an old hymn that is seldom sung anymore.  But it is rich in theology and should remind us this week of what Jesus has provided for us through His death on Calvary.  Meditate on this truth this week and rejoice that you as a believer have been redeemed.  And there is nothing more than you can or must do to gain this standing.  Christ has done it all for us.

(1)   Free from the law, O happy condition,

Jesus has bled and there is remission,

Cursed by the law and bruised by the fall,

Grace hath redeemed us once for all.

Once for all, O sinner, receive it,

Once for all, O brother, believe it;

Cling to the cross, the burden will fall,

Christ hath redeemed us once for all.

(2)   There on the cross your burden upbearing,

Thorns on His brow your Savior is wearing;

Never again your sin need appall,

You have been pardoned once for all.

Once for all, O sinner, receive it,

Once for all, O brother, believe it;

Cling to the cross, the burden will fall,

Christ hath redeemed us once for all.

(3)   Now we are free, there's no condemnation,

Jesus provides a perfect salvation.

"Come unto Me," O hear His sweet call,

Come, and He saves us once for all.

Once for all, O sinner, receive it,

Once for all, O brother, believe it;

Cling to the cross, the burden will fall,

Christ hath redeemed us once for all.

(4)    "Children of God," O glorious calling,

Surely His grace will keep us from falling;

Passing from death to life at His call;

Blessèd salvation once for all.

Once for all, O sinner, receive it,

Once for all, O brother, believe it;

Cling to the cross, the burden will fall,

Christ hath redeemed us once for all.

It was very difficult finding a video for this old hymn.  But I did locate one and while it isn't too great musically, it does provide you with an opportunity to hear it being sung.    LISTEN