FOR THE BEAUTY OF THE EARTH

          This is a beautiful hymn that draws us to the beauty the Lord provides for us on this earth.  it draws our attention to the many blessings that God has given us.           
          I especially love living in aa region where we experience the beauty of all four seasons and each is all beautiful in their own way. But I guess I  really like the Fall with the beautiful colored leaves, the harvested fields, the cool nights, and the pumpkins and apples. It is a special reminder of the Creator and His provisions for us. 
          And I love the way that this particular hymn points out so many of the blessings which we often take for granted and then sums these up with the words "Lord of all, to Thee we raise, this our hymn of grateful praise". And this should be our hymn of thanks not only at Thanksgiving time, but 365 days of each year. 
           Not much is known about Folliott Sandford Pierpoint (1835 - 1917), the author of this hymn. He was born in the town of Bath, England. The inspiration for this hymn text is said to have come to the young author as he was strolling about his native town one day, entranced by the beautiful countryside with the winding Avon River in the distance. So as you prepare your hearts for a great Thanksgiving week, meditate on these words and have a grateful heart to the one who has provided us with these special blessings.

For the beauty of the earth,

For the beauty of the skies,

For the love which from our birth

Over and around us lies,

Lord of all, to thee we raise

This our grateful hymn of praise.

For the beauty of each hour

Of the day and of the night,

Hill and vale, and tree and flower,

Sun and moon and stars of light,

Lord of all, to thee we raise

This our grateful hymn of praise.

 

For the joy of human love,

Brother, sister, parent, child,

Friends on earth, and friends above,

Pleasures pure and undefiled,

Lord of all, to thee we raise

This our grateful hymn of praise.

 

For each perfect gift of thine,

To our race so freely given,

Graces human and divine,

Flowers of earth and buds of heaven,

Lord of all, to thee we raise

This our grateful hymn of praise.

 

For thy Church which evermore

Lifteth holy hands above,

Offering up on every shore

Her pure sacrifice of love,

Lord of all, to thee we raise

This our grateful hymn of praise.

Listen here.  LISTEN

I'M GOING HIGHER. (TH)

     TIMELESS HYMNS - A regular feature in which I choose a previous hymn blog, revise it and post it again.  This one was first posted in 2014.

 

          You've probably had the same experience.  You are doing something and suddenly a melody invades your mind and it's a song which you haven't heard in years.  And as you sing it over and over in your mind it just doesn't go away.  And this can happen in the strangest situations.  

          A few weeks ago, I entered the elevator at our church and as I pushed the button to go up, I suddenly began to sing "I'm going higher, yes higher someday ... I'm going higher to stay."  And for the rest of the evening those words came ringing through my mind.  

          Now obviously the words had nothing to do with the elevator.  They talk about that time that we anticipate when we will be taken "higher" to be with the Lord.  A time when we will be where no one gets sick or dies.  A place where we will meet our loved ones who have gone on before.  Revelation 21:4 tells of that time and place. "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."  

          The original words and music of this song were written by Herbert Buffum (1879-1939) who was converted at the age of 18.  He earned credentials from the Church of the Nazarene and he was a Holiness/Pentecostal evangelist.  He was also a prolific song writer with 10,000 songs to his credit, 1000 of which were actually published. Ripley's "Believe It Or Not" claimed He once wrote 12 songs in an hour.  When he died, the Los Angeles Times called him "the king of Gospel song writers."  Apparently in 2001, the words were updated and performed by Bill and Gloria Gather and their Homecoming Friends.  

          This spirited, upbeat song shares the hope of all believers.  We don't know when it will happen, but the Lord Himself promised to make a place for us and then someday take us home to be with Him eternally.  Rejoice in this truth as you meditate upon these simple but profound words this week.  I'm going higher someday!  Are you?

 

(1)    Often my soul has been lifted above

Lost in the ocean of God's mighty love

Higher and higher, but once still I say

I'm going higher someday

 

I'm going higher, yes higher someday

I'm going higher, yes higher to stay

Over the mountain, beyond the blue sky

Going where none ever sicken or die

Loved ones will meet in that sweet by and by

I'm going higher someday

 

(2)    Soon will the Savior appear, bless His name

And in a moment, we all will be changed

Then when he calls for his bright come away

We're going higher someday

 

I'm going higher, yes higher someday

I'm going higher, yes higher to stay

Over the mountain, beyond the blue sky

Going where none ever sicken or die

Loved ones will meet in that sweet by and by

I'm going higher and higher and higher

 

You can listen to it here.  Note that you can skip the ad after a few seconds.  LISTEN

A MIGHTY FORTRESS

 

          Many of us are very concerned about what appears to be a radically different direction for our country following this election.  We are concerned about our probable ultra-liberal future which will increase abortion, nontraditional marriages, a liberal justice system, and new limits on our freedom to worship and express Biblical morality.  
          Unfortunately, neither of the candidates for president appear to represent the values that are held as important by most conservative believers.  Dishonesty and division appear to be common. Change is the way we are headed 
          And as we face this uncertain future, I am reminded of the scripture that spoke so clearly to Martin Luther when he faced uncertain times and attempts to limit his freedom to speak the truth many centuries ago. "God is our Refuge and Strength, a very present Help in trouble." Psalm 46:1.  In 1529 he published his famous hymn which has encouraged saints throughout the centuries.  So, if you too are concerned today, meditate on these words.  Hopefully you will be reminded and encouraged that God is still in control and is our Refuge and Strength.
          Maranatha!

 

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;

Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:

For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;

His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate,

On earth is not his equal.

 

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;

Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God's own choosing:

Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;

Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,

And He must win the battle.

 

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,

We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:

The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;

His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,

One little word shall fell him.

 

That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;

The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth:

Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;

The body they may kill: God's truth abideth still,

His kingdom is forever.

 

Listen to it here.       LISTEN

 

HOW FIRM A FOUNDATION (TH)

        TIMELESS HYMNS - A regular feature in which I choose a previous hymn blog, revise it and post it again.  This one was first posted in 2014.

 

          In Matthew 7, Jesus gives the illustration of the wise man who built his house on the rock, a sure foundation, and when the storms came the house on the rock stood firm.  But the foolish man built his house upon the shifting sands and when the storm came it collapsed. 

          Today we live in a society where many deny that there are any absolutes in life.  People just do what they think is right in their own eyes and they build their lives on the shifting sand.  And when the storms arise, they have no hope for today or tomorrow. Too many reject the firm foundation of the absolutes and truth revealed to us in the Bible.  

          This week's hymn reminds us of the only true, solid foundation for our lives.  For over two centuries this hymn has been a favorite and solid reminder for many.  It was General Robert E. Lee's favorite hymn and was included in his funeral service as it was in the funerals of American presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson.  President Andrew Jackson called for it to be sung on his deathbed. 

          On Christmas Eve 1898, American units involved in the Spanish-American War joined together to sing the hymn. The units were from the North and the South.  But as popular as it has been, its authorship is unknown.  It was first published in 1787 in Dr. John Rippon's Selection of Hymns and for many years people thought he had written it.  But Rippon attributed the authorship simply to "K--."  Later some studies showed that this may have meant R. Keene who was once a song leader in Dr. Rippon's church.  But nobody knows for sure.  

          However, no matter who wrote it, the words have been an inspiration to many.  They remind us of the need to make the truth of the Scriptures our firm foundation of the Christian life.  The verses reflect the application of Scripture to our lives.  In verse two we are reminded of His presence and His promise to strengthen us and uphold us.  It echoes Isaiah 41:10. Verse three reminds us of His presence when we walk through the deep waters which will come our way.  Verse four reminds us of the fiery trials in which He will protect us and refine us.  These verses reflect Isaiah 43:2. The final verse is a commitment to rest upon the Lord despite all the critics who will try to convince us otherwise and take away our victory.  

          May the teachings and truth and absolutes of the Bible, God's guidebook to us, be the firm foundation that we built our lives upon.  Matthew 7:25, "And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon the house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock."

          Here are the five verses that are generally included in hymnbooks and sung today.

 

(1)    How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,

Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!

What more can He say than to you He hath said,

You, who unto Jesus for refuge have fled?

 

(2)   Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,

For I am thy God and will still give thee aid;

I'll strengthen and help thee, and cause thee to stand

Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.

 

(3)   When through the deep waters I call thee to go,

The rivers of woe shall not thee overflow;

For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,

And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

 

(4)    When through fiery trials thy pathways shall lie,

My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;

The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design

Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.

 

(5)   The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose,

I will not, I will not desert to its foes;

That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,

I'll never, no never, no never forsake.

 

Apparently, there were two other verses written and sometimes are included.  I especially like the second one since as I am getting older is a great reminder that God is still there as our foundation and that he will continue to care and protect us in the storms that seniors in particular face.

 

In every condition, in sickness, in health;

In poverty's vale, or abounding in wealth;

At home and abroad, on the land, on the sea,

As thy days may demand, shall thy strength ever be.

 

Even down to old age all My people shall prove

My sovereign, eternal, unchangeable love;

And when hoary hairs shall their temples adorn,

Like lambs they shall still in My bosom be borne.

 

Listen to it here.  LISTEN

I THEN SHALL LIVE

          Francis Schaeffer wrote a book in 1776 that posed the question "How Should We Then Live?"  It raised questions that had been considered and debated by many.
          One of those challenged by this book was Gloria Gaither.  Over the years the question presented itself to her as a serious Christian, as a young parent, as an American, and as a citizen of the world community.  How would Jesus ask us to live given the culture and circumstances – both personal and global – in which we were living out our lives?
          Having always loved the music "Finlandia" written by Jean Sibelius, she sat down one day in the 80's to listen to what she felt it was saying to her.  This is sometimes a difficult task when a piece of music has been the setting for other familiar texts, but as she listened it seemed the music was saying, "I then shall live as one who's been forgiven…"
          If she wrote that line, what would follow?  How does one live forgiven?  Certainly, gratitude would be the first response.  But what then?  What would be the "living out" part of being treated with grace?
          As the music played, she wrote quickly what she felt the Spirit was dictating to her soul.  When the words were on the page, she read them and had to admit that these were words easier to write than to faithfully live out in all areas of her life on a daily basis.  Again, Francis Schaeffer's questions had intersected with her life and she was held accountable to answer, not just with words, but with her days.
          The song found its way into choral arrangements and hymnals,  If we could all begin to believe that each of us is "where the buck stops" if the world is ever to be changed by the beautiful message of redemption – not just in what we say, but in who we truly are –something amazing could happen.
           According to Gloria, The problems of the world are huge: hunger, war, crime, betrayal, devastation.  The issues each of us deal with as individuals are huge:  inadequacies, past failures, wasted opportunities, physical limitations, financial reversals, broken relationships.  If we looked at the problems of the world and our own personal challenges as a whole, we would be paralyzed by the immensity of it all.  How could we possibly change anything? 
          But we can take on this day.  We can affect the lives around us where we are.  We can choose our attitudes toward those with which we interact.  We can forgive today's offenses, live gratefully today, rejoice in the progress we've made so far.  We can choose to live outward toward those who are in need in our neighborhood, extended family, pockets of poverty in our area.  And we can do what we do today as "unto the Lord" with no "keeping track" or ulterior motives.
          In time things will change – in ourselves and in our world.

I then shall live as one who's been forgiven.

I'll walk with joy to know my debts are paid.

I know my name is clear before my Father; 

I am His child and I am not afraid.

So, greatly pardoned, I'll forgive my brother;

The law of love I gladly will obey.

I then shall live as one who's learned compassion.

I've been so loved, that I'll risk loving too.

I know how fear builds walls instead of bridges;

I'll dare to see another's point of view.

And when relationships demand commitment,

Then I'll be there to care and follow through.

Your Kingdom come around and through and in me;

Your power and glory, let them shine through me.

Your Hallowed Name, O may I bear with honor,

And may Your living Kingdom come in me.

The Bread of Life, O may I share with honor,

And may You feed a hungry world through me.

Amen, Amen, Amen

 

Listen to it here.    SHALL LIVE

 

  

A SHELTER IN THE TIME OF STORM

          The past few weeks have been very difficult for many living in the United States.  Huge hurricanes, tornados and floods have devastated many areas, taking homes, roads, bridges and property.  Many have also lost their lives from these storms and have been forced to flee to find shelter.

          And there are many others today who don't make the headlines as they also struggle for shelter in the onslaught of their personal storms whether they be physical, financial, job related, family related or emotional battles.   For example, this week a good friend of mine was moved to hospice as his cancer got worse.  (NOTE - My friend, John, passed into eternity on Thursday.)

          These storms happen to all of us in varying degrees throughout our life and we need a rock, a shelter, a defense to depend upon in these weary, troubling times.  The Psalmist, like us, faced these storms himself and his writings have been a comfort to many of us over the years.  

          "To You I will cry, O LORD my Rock" (Ps. 28:1). "The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold" (Ps. 18:2). "He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved …. In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God" (Ps. 62:2, 7). "The LORD has been my defense, and my God the rock of my refuge" (Ps. 94:22).  

          Vernon J. Charlesworth (1838 - 1915) was a British pastor who later became administrator of Charles Spurgeon's orphanage.  He wrote the words to this week's hymn choice in 1880 based on Psalms 32:7, "Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance." Someone then set his words to music. 

         Ira D. Sankey later composed the familiar tune to the hymn. According to his account, "I found this hymn in a small paper published in London, called "The Postman." It was said to be a favorite song of the fishermen on the north coast of England, and they were often heard singing it as they approached their harbours in the time of storm. As the hymn was set to a weird minor tune, I decided to compose one that would be more practical, one that could be more easily sung by the people."  

          And so, thanks to Charlesworth and Sankey, we have this wonderful hymn which has been a favorite and a help to thousands over the past century.  Now I don't know what storm you might be going through today. It might seem hopeless and devastating. While I've shared this before in my blog, I feel it is appropriate to share it again with recent events.

          I would encourage you to put your trust and confidence in the Lord today.  He will be your strength, defense and shelter in the toughest of storms.  He will be a Rock in a truly weary land.  Our shelter in the time of storm.  Meditate on these words this week and claim them as your hope and confidence.

 

1      The Lord's our Rock; in Him we hide,

A Shelter in the time of storm;

Secure whatever ill betide,

A Shelter in the time of storm.

O Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,

A weary land, a weary land;

O Jesus is a Rock in a weary land -

A Shelter in the time of storm.

 

2     A Shade by day, Defense by night,

A Shelter in the time of storm;

No fears alarm, no foes affright,

A Shelter in the time of storm. 

O Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,

A weary land, a weary land;

O Jesus is a Rock in a weary land -

A Shelter in the time of storm.

 

3      The raging storms may round us beat,

A Shelter in the time of storm;

We'll never leave our safe retreat,

A Shelter in the time of storm. 

O Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,

A weary land, a weary land;

O Jesus is a Rock in a weary land -

A Shelter in the time of storm.

 

4      O Rock Divine, O Refuge dear,

A Shelter in the time of storm;

Be Thou our Helper ever near,

A Shelter in the time of storm.

O Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,

A weary land, a weary land;

O Jesus is a Rock in a weary land -

A Shelter in the time of storm.

 

Listen to this hymn here.   LISTEN

 

THE LONGER I SERVE HIM

This is a feature where once each month 

I share one of my personal favorite hymns.

 

          The older I grow the more I love to appreciate the hymns that talk about heaven and the hymns that talk about God's continued care for His children as they age.  He has promised never to leave us and He never has.  And each year He grows sweeter to those who trust Him.

          Recently a local radio station was playing programs from the past and they played an old recording of "The Old Fashioned Revival Hour". After Rudy Atwood's traditional piano opening, the choir sang this week's hymn. I hadn't heard it in years but I sang along and thought how true the words really were not only years ago, but even more so, today. 

          No matter how long you have served the Lord, I hope that this is also your testimony. If you have found this true you can understand why it is one of my favorites.  Unfortunately, it seems to have gotten lost with all the new music which have become favorites today. That is sad.  We need music with this message today.

          I understand that the lyrics and music were written by Leila N. Morris (1862-1929). She became blind in her early fifties, but that didn't keep her from writing. I am told that she had a 28-foot long blackboard with large music staff lines. Using this special board she was able to see enough to help her write hymns. In all she wrote more than 1,000 hymn texts as well as many of the tunes. Her handicap didn't keep her from doing this and being productive for God. 

          This hymn was first copyrighted in 1912 and the stanzas were originally for soprano and alto duet. But arrangements for full four part harmony were made by the Lillenas Publishing Company. Even with her blindness, Mrs. Morris found that her Lord did become sweeter to her as the years went by. 

          Richer, fuller, deeper, Jesus' love is sweeter, sweeter as the years go by. May this also be your experience.  May it always be true, no matter how many years go by.

 

1. Of Jesus' love that sought me, when I was lost in sin;

Of wondrous grace that brought me back to His fold again;

Of heights and depths of mercy, far deeper than the sea,

And higher than the heavens, my theme shall ever be.

Sweeter as the years go by, sweeter as the years go by,

Richer, fuller, deeper, Jesus' love is sweeter,

Sweeter as the years go by.

 

2. He trod in old Judea life's pathway long ago;

The people thronged about Him, His saving grace to know;

He healed the broken hearted, and caused the blind to see;

And still His great heart yearneth in love for even me.

Sweeter as the years go by, sweeter as the years go by,

Richer, fuller, deeper, Jesus' love is sweeter,

Sweeter as the years go by.

 

3. 'Twas wondrous love which led Him for us to suffer loss,

To bear without a murmur the anguish of the cross;

With saints redeemed in glory, let us our voices raise,

Till Heav'n and earth reecho with our Redeemer's praise.

Sweeter as the years go by, sweeter as the years go by,

Richer, fuller, deeper, Jesus' love is sweeter,

Sweeter as the years go by.

 

I often have difficulty finding videos of many of these old hymns. I finally found a video for this hymn, but it is just an instrumental rendition accompanied by the words. So sing along as you recall this hymn.

  LISTEN

 

IF WE COULD SEE BEYOND TODAY. (TH)

        TIMELESS HYMNS - A regular feature in which I choose a previous hymn blog, revise it and post it again.  This one was first posted in 2014.

 

          The older that I become the more that I have learned to thank the Lord daily for another day and ask for His strength and guidance for the new day.  I've also learned to thank Him that He knows my tomorrows and will provide the strength and grace for all that might happen then.  For we never know what a day may bring.  But He does.  

          I've often wondered if I would really want to know what lies ahead.  It might be good if it were something like a promotion, a special healing, a victory of some type or something good like that. It might even help explain to us our present trials, especially if they had a good outcome.  

          But what if it were the knowledge of an unexpected sudden death of a family member or friend ... or an announcement of cancer ... or the loss of a job, income or savings ... or a rejection of some type ... or an accident?  Then we would worry and fret and probably fail to trust God fully for tomorrow. We would miss the blessings of today. 

          This hymn reminds us "But God in love a veil doth throw across our way. We cannot see what lies before, And, so we cling to Him the more."  And we do have God's promises that He will never leave us or forsake us and that He works all things together for good for those in His family.  And He has promised to prepare a place for us in heaven where there will be no more tears or sufferings and we will be with Him there eternally.  

          These truths are shared in Norman Clayton's (1902 - 1992) beautiful hymn.  A church organist for five decades, Clayton played the organ for Jack Wyrtzen's Word of Life rallies in New York City, and worked as a writer-editor for the Rodeheaver Company.  Clayton said that his usual practice was to write the music first before the words. He felt that it was vitally important that every song he wrote be biblically based.  He actually produced some 30 books of gospel songs and wrote many of the familiar songs and choruses that were sung in the last part of the last century. 

          There is also some difference of opinion on whether Clayton wrote both the text and music for this hymn.  Some sources say that the words were written by an anonymous author and others, including hymnbooks say Clayton wrote both.  Now if he wrote the words to this song, I do not know what led him to write them. But, I can only imagine that he, like most of us, experienced events that just seemed to have no purpose.  And when that happens, we can't help but wonder why.  Why would God allow our friend to be taken home so early in life?  Why would we be overtaken by such a dreaded disease at this point in our life?   Why would a loving God allow these worldwide events to happen?   

          And on and on we go with our questions.  And there are often no answers now.  But we know that God is in control and until that day when we understand His actions, we cling to Him the more and we trust and obey.  

          Maybe today you are perplexed and questioning God about events.  Be encouraged by the truth of this gospel song and rest in His grace and goodness this week.

 

(1)     If we could see beyond today

As God can see,

If all the clouds should roll away,

The shadows flee;

O'er present griefs we would not fret, 

Each sorrow we would soon forget,

For many joys are waiting yet

For you and me.

 

(2)     If we could know beyond today

As God doth know,

Why dearest treasures pass away,

And tears must flow;

And why the darkness leads to light,

Why dreary days will soon grow bright, 

Some day life's wrong will be made right,

Faith tells us so.

 

(3)    If we could see, if we could know

We often say,

But God in love a veil doth throw

Across our way.

We cannot see what lies before,

And so we cling to Him the more,

He leads us till this life is o'er,

Trust and obey.

 

Listen to it being sung here.    LISTEN