THERE IS POWER IN THE BLOOD

One of the most vital and fundamental themes of Christianity that often seems to be missing in modern churches today is the blood of Jesus.  The blood is vital and necessary because the Scripture tells us that without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins.  It was Jesus who came to this earth and shed His blood at Calvary, making our salvation possible.  He willingly was the perfect Lamb, the sacrifice for our sins, and without that sacrifice we would be eternally lost.  But unfortunately it is often no longer consumer friendly to share a message that emphasizes blood.  The modern church attender gets turned off by that so sermons and music avoid that topic.  And yet, without the blood, the church has no relevant message to share to a lost world.  It is the power in the blood that frees us from the burden of sin and gives us victory and power for living.  There is wonder working power in the precious blood of the Lamb, Christ Jesus.  And the text of this week's choice clearly proclaims that message.  The text was written and the tune was composed both by Lewis Edgar Jones (1865-1936).  Graduating from Moody Bible Institute in the same class with well-known revival evangelist Billy Sunday, Jones became active in YMCA work which he did for the rest of his life.  Hymn writing was his hobby, and in his spare time he produced quite a few songs that were published.  His most famous song, "There Is Power in the Blood," was produced while Jones was attending a camp meeting at Mountain Lake Park, MD, in 1889.  I trust that you have been redeemed by the power of the blood of the Lamb.  May we never forget the importance of it and the sacrifice that was involved.  May we ever be thankful that Christ did this for us.  Be reminded of that power as you think upon these words this week.

(1)    Would you be free from the burden of sin?

There's pow'r in the blood, pow'r in the blood;

Would you o'er evil a victory win?

There's wonderful pow'r in the blood.

There is pow'r, pow'r, wonder-working pow'r

In the blood of the Lamb;

There is pow'r, pow'r, wonder-working pow'r

In the precious blood of the Lamb.

(2) Would you be free from your passion and pride?

There's pow'r in the blood, pow'r in the blood;

Come for a cleansing to Calvary's tide;

There's wonderful pow'r in the blood.

There is pow'r, pow'r, wonder-working pow'r

In the blood of the Lamb;

There is pow'r, pow'r, wonder-working pow'r

In the precious blood of the Lamb.

(3) Would you be whiter, much whiter than snow?

There's pow'r in the blood, pow'r in the blood;

Sin-stains are lost in its life-giving flow;

There's wonderful pow'r in the blood.

There is pow'r, pow'r, wonder-working pow'r

In the blood of the Lamb;

There is pow'r, pow'r, wonder-working pow'r

In the precious blood of the Lamb.

(4) Would you do service for Jesus your King?

There's pow'r in the blood, pow'r in the blood;

Would you live daily His praises to sing?

There's wonderful pow'r in the blood.

There is pow'r, pow'r, wonder-working pow'r

In the blood of the Lamb;

There is pow'r, pow'r, wonder-working pow'r

In the precious blood of the Lamb.

This week I am providing two links for this song.  Here is the first one, done in an upbeat manner.    LISTEN 1

This second one is done by the Gather group if you prefer their style.   LISTEN 2

TELL ME THE STORY OF JESUS

Sometimes when things are repeated to us so often they begin to lose their impact.  For example, as seniors mature they often tell the same stories to us, over and over again. And, while we continue to politely listen to them, our minds wander and the details become less interesting to us.  For those of us who have grown up in a Christian environment, could the same thing happen to us with the Gospel?  We have just concluded the Christmas story and most of us have heard this story over and over again, throughout our lives.  Does it still excite us and stir us like it did when we first heard it?  Does the Gospel message grip us as it used to?  Truly, as believers, we should never tire of the stories of Jesus.  We should long to hear them over and over and be continually thrilled by who He was, what He did and His love for each of us.  I imagine that was the desire of Fanny Crosby who penned the words in 1880. The music was added by John R. Sweney.  There really isn't a particular event that seems to have motivated the blind hymn writer to write these words.  It is known that she learned to play multiple musical instruments, write poetry, speak publicly, and organize missionary works in poverty-stricken urban areas in the U.S. We know that even among all the positives in her life, there were also many disappointments, including, in 1880, when Crosby had apparently separated from her husband, Alexander Van Alstyne.  That year she chose to live in a slum in Manhattan, apparently choosing this path as part of a recommitment to better serve the poor in domestic missionary work.   Living in a slum, helping the poor, she focused attention not on herself and what she could do, but instead on Him.  The words of this hymn sound like someone sharing the Gospel with the needy, despised and afflicted, who were without hope.  There's a chance that some of these poor folks were among the first to hear and appreciate her poem put to music. What's a group that's struggling to survive day-to-day looking for?  Someone who shares their pain, who also overcame, someone they could understand.  Now I have no idea if this is really what motivated the writing of this hymn, but we, too, need to have this story written on our hearts.  Maybe we need a new vision of who Jesus is.  As you review these words this week, ask the Lord to stir you, to renew you and to create a passion for sharing His story and His love to others.  May the sweetest story ever told impact your life daily.

(1)     Tell me the story of Jesus,

Write on my heart every word.

Tell me the story most precious,

Sweetest that ever was heard.

Tell how the angels in chorus,

Sang as they welcomed His birth.

"Glory to God in the highest!

Peace and good tidings to earth."

Tell me the story of Jesus,

Write on my heart every word.

Tell me the story most precious,

Sweetest that ever was heard.

(2)    Fasting alone in the desert,

Tell of the days that are past.

How for our sins He was tempted,

Yet was triumphant at last.

Tell of the years of His labor,

Tell of the sorrow He bore.

He was despised and afflicted,

Tell me the story of Jesus,

Write on my heart every word.

Tell me the story most precious,

Sweetest that ever was heard.

(3)    Tell of the cross where they nailed Him,

Writhing in anguish and pain.

Tell of the grave where they laid Him,

Tell how He liveth again.

Love in that story so tender,

Clearer than ever I see.

Stay, let me weep while you whisper,

Love paid the ransom for me.

Tell me the story of Jesus,

Write on my heart every word.

Tell me the story most precious,

Sweetest that ever was heard.

You can listen to this hymn here.    LISTEN

AS WITH GLADNESS MEN OF OLD

Last week many churches around the world celebrated Epiphany, a Christian festival held on January 6 in commemoration of the coming of the Magi, the first manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles. In the Eastern Church it is the  commemoration of the baptism of Christ. This festival day falls on the twelfth day after Christmas, and for some denominations it signals the conclusion of the twelve days of the Christmas season.  While the wise men are often pictured in the traditional nativity scenes, they probably actually arrived long after the birth of Christ.  It is interesting that this week's hymn choice is a traditional Christmas carol that shares the journey of the wise men. The words were actually written by William Chatterton Dix, on January 6, 1859, while he was ill in bed. Most British hymn writers in the nineteenth century were clergymen, but Dix (1837-1898) was a notable exception.  Born in Bristol, England, the son of a doctor,  his career was spent mostly in insurance. But he had a life long passion for writing lyrics for hymns and carols. The music was composed by the German musician Conrad Kocher (1786-1872). The same melody is used in the hymn "For the Beauty of the Earth."  Using Matthew 1: 1-11 as his theme, Dix likens the journey of the wise men who came to worship the Christ to our own Christian pilgrimage. He emphasizes this by using the pattern  "as they - so may we." Stanzas 4 and 5 are a prayer that our journey on the "narrow way" may bring us finally to heaven where Christ is the light (Rev. 21:23) and where we may perfectly sing his praise. What a challenge for us in our daily walk and what a glorious hope that we have of a final destination where all is perfect.  I am always sad when Christmas is over and the beautiful traditional carols are put away for another year.  So here is one more chance to meditate on a meaningful carol and hopefully apply it to our lives.  May we be led to the Savior, may we daily seek His mercy seat, and may we give Him our costliest treasures - all that we are and have.

(1)   As with gladness, men of old

Did the guiding star behold

As with joy they hailed its light

Leading onward, beaming bright

So, most glorious Lord, may we

Evermore be led to Thee.

(2)   As with joyful steps they sped

To that lowly manger bed

There to bend the knee before

Him Whom Heaven and earth adore;

So may we with willing feet

Ever seek Thy mercy seat.

(3)   As they offered gifts most rare

At that manger rude and bare;

So may we with holy joy,

Pure and free from sin's alloy,

All our costliest treasures bring,

Christ, to Thee, our heavenly King.

(4)   Holy Jesus, every day

Keep us in the narrow way;

And, when earthly things are past,

Bring our ransomed souls at last

Where they need no star to guide,

Where no clouds Thy glory hide.

(5)   In the heavenly country bright,

Need they no created light;

Thou its Light, its Joy, its Crown,

Thou its Sun which goes not down;

There forever may we sing

Alleluias to our King!

Listen to and sing along with this presentation of this hymn.  LISTEN

Here is a special presentation of the hymn by a group of children.  CHILDREN

THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE

I have been looking for a special choice to start out the new year and I have finally decided to go a slightly different direction and feature a very familiar chorus instead of the usual hymn.  This chorus has been sung, usually with hand motions, by children for many years.  And while we usually associate it with children, I think it has a profound message for each of us, especially as we start 2014.   "This Little Light of Mine" was written by composer and teacher Harry Dixon Loes (1895–1965). Loes, studied at the Moody Bible Institute and the American Conservatory of Music and was a musical composer and teacher who wrote, and co-wrote, several other gospel songs. The song has entered the folk tradition, first being collected by John Lomax in 1939. Often thought of as a Negro spiritual, it does not, however, appear in any collection of jubilee or plantation songs from the nineteenth century.  The song may take its theme from Matthew 5:16, "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your fine works and give glory to your Father who is in the heaven." Or, it may refer to the words of Jesus in Luke 11:33, where he said, "No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light." Or, it may be based on Matthew 5:14–15, where Jesus said, "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house."  Light is a powerful force that can penetrate the darkness.  One of our neighbors, a block away from our house, often leaves a light at the rear of his property on all night.  Even from that distance, that small light shines through our front windows and lights up our front room and hallway.  In the darkest night this small light, a block away, provides enough light in our house that we can navigate around our house without turning on any of our lights.  One small light can penetrate the darkness.  And so in this chorus we are challenged, as the scripture tells us, to let our light shine and penetrate the darkness of this sinful world that we live in.  May our desire during the coming year be to let our light, as little as it may seem, shine for Jesus.  Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!

(1)     This little light of mine

I'm gonna let it shine

This little light of mine

I'm gonna let it shine

This little light of mine

I'm gonna let it shine

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine

(2)     Hide it under a bushel, No!

I'm gonna let it shine

Hide it under a bushel, No!

I'm gonna let it shine

Hide it under a bushel, No!

I'm gonna let it shine

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine

(3)     Don't let Satan blow it out

I'm gonna let it shine

Don't let Satan whoosh it out

I'm gonna let it shine

Don't let Satan whoosh it out

I'm gonna let it shine

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine

(4)     Shine all over my hometown

I'm going to let it shine.

Shine all over my hometown

I'm going to let it shine,

Shine all over my hometown

I'm going to let it shine,

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

(5)     Let it shine till Jesus comes

I'm gonna let it shine

Let it shine till Jesus comes

I'm gonna let it shine

Let it shine till Jesus comes

I'm gonna let it shine

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine

Here's a chance to sing along with the music and if you aren't too embarrassed, do the motions as you sing.      LISTEN

HAVE YOU ANY ROOM FOR JESUS

Christmas is now over for another year.  Once again we have heard and marveled at the wonderful Christmas story.  We have sung the carols and worshipped our Savior.  we have rejoiced that the Creator of this world would willingly give up the glorious beauty of heaven to come to this earth to be born here, as a baby, in a lonely stable.  We have sung of the angels, the shepherds and the wise men and their part in this great event.  And we have probably scorned or maybe even felt sorry for the inn keeper who had nothing available the night of this greatest birth except for a manger in a stable.  How sad that he had no room for the most important baby ever born.  He missed it all.  And then we are drawn to today's society where millions have no room for the Savior and they too are missing out on the most important gift ever given.  But let's not be too hasty.  Maybe we, as believers, are also guilty of having little room or, even worse, no room, for Him.  What was your life like this past month?  Have you been so busy with buying gifts, hanging decorations, planning parties and dinners, visiting friends, and attending programs that you had little or no time to spend with the Lord?  It is so easy at times to crowd Him out of our daily lives.  There is so much going on to attract our attention and our time.  Our jobs, our home, our things, our vacations, and maybe at times, even our family, take away our time with the Lord.  And we, too, can become guilty of having no, or little time, for Him.  Maybe the question should be asked of us, do we have any room and time for Jesus.  The words of this week's hymn were written by that famous author "anonymous", but they were adapted by Major Daniel W. Whittle (1840-1901) in 1878 and the music was added by C. C. Williams.  Major Whittle was a veteran of the American Civil War, who later became an evangelist. Though intended as an invitation to salvation, this hymn asks a question of every child of God.  Not that our activities are necessarily wrong or sinful, but often it is a case of the good crowding out the best. Maybe this week we need to  evaluate our priorities.  Think about that this week.

(1)     Have you any room for Jesus,

He who bore your load of sin?

As He knocks and asks admission,

Sinners, will you let Him in?

Room for Jesus, King of Glory!

Hasten now His Word obey;

Swing the heart's door widely open,

Bid Him enter while you may.

(2)    Room for pleasure, room for business,

But for Christ the Crucified,

Not a place that He can enter,

In the heart for which He died?

Room for Jesus, King of Glory!

Hasten now His Word obey;

Swing the heart's door widely open,

Bid Him enter while you may.

(3)     Have you any room for Jesus,

As in grace He calls again?

O today is time accepted,

Tomorrow you may call in vain.

Room for Jesus, King of Glory!

Hasten now His Word obey;

Swing the heart's door widely open,

Bid Him enter while you may.

(4)     Room and time now give to Jesus,

Soon will pass God's day of grace;

Soon thy heart left cold and silent,

And thy Savior's pleading cease.

Room for Jesus, King of Glory!

Hasten now His Word obey;

Swing the heart's door widely open,

Bid Him enter while you may.

You can listen to it being sung here.   LISTEN

You can also listen to a piano version here.  PIANO

O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL

I love the traditional Christmas carols and this one is probably my favorite.  It was used in Catholic churches long before it became known to Protestants.  Today it has been translated from its original Latin, "Adeste Fidelis," into more than 100 languages and it is sung around third world at the Christmas season. The original Latin text included four stanzas, as listed below.  However, today usually just three are found in hymnbooks.  The first stanza calls us to see the infant Jesus in Bethlehem's stable.  The second verse reminds us that the Child is really God himself. In the third we are reminded of the angelic choir which appeared to the shepherds when Jesus was born.  In the fourth we are called to give glory to the One who was with the Father from the beginning of time.  There has been some uncertainty about the authorship of the words.  Originally it was listed as being written by an anonymous Latin writer, but later manuscripts seem to indicate that it was written and set to music by an English layman named John Wade.  The hymn first appeared in his collection of music that was published in England in 1751.  One hundred years later, it was translated into its present English form by an Anglican minster, Frederick Oakely, who wished to use it in his congregation.  But no matter what the true authorship may be, it is a great carol that has survived the centuries, around the world.  And it repeats the true message of Christmas, "Oh come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!"  May this be your desire and purpose this Christmas season.

(1)    O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant!

O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;

Come and behold him

Born the King of Angels:

O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him,

O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

(2)    God of God, light of light,

Lo, he abhors not the Virgin's womb;

Very God, begotten, not created:

O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him,

O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

(3)    Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation,

Sing, all ye citizens of Heaven above!

Glory to God in the highest:

O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him,

O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

(4)    Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning;

Jesus, to thee be glory given!

Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing!

O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him,

O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

Christ the Lord.

Listen to it and sing along here.   LISTEN

NO NEVER ALONE

The Christmas season is a very special time, especially for families.  It is a time when many travel great distances to be with loved ones, even if only for a day or two.  It is a time of sharing and giving and loving.  But for others it is a time of great loneliness.  That is especially true for those who have lost loved ones or are too far away to travel home.  For them it can be a time of great despair.  And even if it isn't the holiday season, many folks around us face loneliness every day, for a person who does not have a close friend can be lonely, even in a crowd.  And sometimes we all need the reminder found in Hebrews 13:5, "... for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."  There is one who is closer than even a brother.  I don't know if it was a period of loneliness that led Ludie D. Pickett in 1897 to pen the words of this week's choice. I could find no information about her writing this, her only hymn.  But her writing does deal with the presence and help of God in both temptation and in times of suffering.  Mrs. Pickett and her husband were active in the Methodist church, and in the founding of Asbury College, in Kentucky, where Ludie Pickett apparently taught for awhile. Their son went on to become bishop of the Methodist Church in India. During the days of Prohibition, Ludie Pickett also served as president of the Women's Christian Temperance Union in Kentucky. She was outspoken in her condemnation of the use of alcohol.   Possibly her experiences of seeing many who tried to cure their loneliness through the use of alcohol stirred her to pen these words.  But no matter what the inspiration may have been, the words are powerful and true.  He has promised never to leave His children alone.  He has claimed us as His own.  Meditate and rejoice in this powerful truth this week.  You are not alone.

(1)     I've seen the lightning flashing, 
I've heard the thunder roll.

I've felt sin's breakers dashing, 
which almost conquered my soul.

I've heard the voice of my Savior, 
bidding me still to fight on.

He promised never to leave me, 
never to leave me alone!

No, never alone, no never alone,

He promised never to leave me,

He'll claim me for His own;

No, never alone, no never alone.

He promised never to leave me,

Never to leave me alone.

(2)    The world's fierce winds are blowing, 
temptation sharp and keen.

I have a peace in knowing 
my Savior stands between—

He stands to shield me from danger 
when my friends are all gone.

He promised never to leave me, 
never to leave me alone!

No, never alone, no never alone,

He promised never to leave me,

He'll claim me for His own;

No, never alone, no never alone.

He promised never to leave me,

Never to leave me alone.

(3)     When in affliction's valley 
I tread the road of care,

My Savior helps me carry 
the cross so heavy to bear;

Though all around me is darkness, 
earthly joys all flown;

My Savior whispers His promise, 
never to leave me alone!

No, never alone, no never alone,

He promised never to leave me,

He'll claim me for His own;

No, never alone, no never alone.

He promised never to leave me,

Never to leave me alone.

(4)     He died on Calvary's mountain, 
for me they pierced His side.

For me He opened that fountain, 
the crimson, cleansing tide.

For me He waiteth in glory, 
seated upon His throne.

He promised never to leave me, 
never to leave me alone!

No, never alone, no never alone,

He promised never to leave me,

He'll claim me for His own;

No, never alone, no never alone.

He promised never to leave me,

Never to leave me alone.

Since this hymn is so old it has been very hard to find a good video of it.  But I did fine one and while it isn't too great, at least the words and the melody are sung,  You can listen to it here.   LISTEN