Hymns With A Message: SWEET PEACE, THE GIFT OF GOD'S LOVE

Sunday, May 25, 2014

SWEET PEACE, THE GIFT OF GOD'S LOVE

There are times in our life when we all need peace. For some it comes when struggling with the burden and guilt of sin and there seems to be no hope. But when God's free gift of salvation is accepted, one also experiences the supernatural gift of God's peace, a peace beyond all understanding. Through Christ on the cross, real peace was made possible. And all believers need God's special gift of peace as we make our way through the difficult challenges and trials of life here on earth. I recently went through a series of difficult medical tests and then major surgery. I admit that I was very apprehensive. But, as He graciously does, God gave me a special peace that carried me through. And I am sure that if you are a believer that you can testify of many of the same experiences. Philip Bilhorn, a gospel musician, had an interesting background. His original name was Pulhorn but it was officially changed by a judge named Abraham Lincoln, before the judge became president. It is said that he had a marvelous singing voice, and entertained in the concert halls and beer gardens in the Chicago area. But when he came to Christ, he determined to use his gifts in the service of the Lord. Bilhorn became a much traveled evangelist, also serving as a song leader in the early ministry of Billy Sunday. At the World's Christian Endeavour Convention in London's Crystal Palace, he conducted a choir of 4,000 voices. On the invitation of Queen Victoria, he sang several of his own songs in the chapel at Buckingham Palace. Seeing the need for a small portable pump organ that could be used in street meetings and on the mission field, Peter Bilhorn designed and built one himself. The small but powerful organ folded down into a unit about the size of a large suitcase. The Bilhorn Brothers Organ Company grew from this, and they sold a variety of models worldwide. Peter Bilhorn wrote around 2,000 gospel songs and sometimes provided the tune for many others. One of them is this week's choice. Here is what Bilhorn wrote about the writing of this hymn: "I had been invited to sing one afternoon in the Ocean Grove, New Jersey camp meeting. I sang one of my early songs, "I Will Sing the Wondrous Story." At the close of the service a friend said, "Mr. Bilhorn, I wish you would write a song to suit my voice as well as 'I Will Sing the Wondrous Story' seems to suit your voice." I asked, "What shall it be?" She replied, "Oh, any sweet piece," which suggested the title and which I penciled in my notebook. In the twilight hour, at the home of S.T. Gordon, while seated at the piano, the music came to me, but I had no words except the title. The following winter, a call came from D. L. Moody, asking me to join Major Whittle in a meeting in Iowa. When nearing Wheaton, the engine gave a shrill whistle of warning. The train came to a sudden stop. We found, lying in a ditch, the mangled body of an old lady. They carried her across the street into a cottage, leaving a pool of blood where she had lain. Major Whittle, placing one hand on my shoulder said, "Do you know that is all Jesus Christ left on this earth? His body rose for our justification, but His blood was left to atone for our sin!" I replied, "Yes, Major, and that is what gives me sweet peace, just to know for certain that His blood atones for my sins." When we had returned to the train, the thought of the song came to me again ... and the words were written." Now maybe you have a need this week for God's sweet peace in your life. Take your anxiety to Him and ask him to replace it with His sweet peace. You will find that He will do that for you, no matter how difficult your challenge may be. Sweet peace, the gift of God's love.

(1) There comes to my heart one sweet strain,

A glad and a joyous refrain,

I sing it again and again,

Sweet peace, the gift of God's love.

Peace, peace, sweet peace,

Wonderful gift from above,

Oh, wonderful, wonderful peace,

Sweet peace, the gift of God's love.

(2) Through Christ on the cross peace was made,

My debt by His death was all paid,

No other foundation is laid.

For peace, the gift of God's love.