HEAVENLY SUNLIGHT

          The long days and nights of winter can sometimes be very tough to bear, especially the dreary dark days without sunlight.  Cabin fever can set in and such days without sunlight  can actually bring on seasonal depression and other health problems.  But then imagine living in a place like Tromso, Norway where the sun never even rises there between November and January.  This town sits on an island about the size of Manhattan and every fall irs 70,000 residents face the prospect of spending winter in perpetual polar night.  I would find it very hard to live there and, yet, in a spiritual sense, that's where we are living now.  This world is spiritually dark and folks are blinded to the truth.  And yet God pours His heavenly sunlight into the lives of believers every day. James said in James 1:17, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation of shadow of turning." And 1 John 1:5 reminds us that "God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all."  This gospel song on this theme of sunlight was written in 1899 by Henry Jeffreys Zelley (1859-1942), a Methodist minister.  Noted for his evangelistic fervor, Zelley produced over 1500 poems, hymns, and gospel songs. On one occasion in 1899 a man named George Harrison Cook brought the pastor a tune, asking if Pastor Zelley could write some appropriate words for it. The result of his work was this hymn that has been sung now for over a century.  It was first published in 1903.  In 1942 Charles E. Fuller, who founded the Old Fashioned Revival Hour radio broadcast in 1925, adapted the song's refrain for use on its own.  As a child growing up I can clearly remember many nights of listening to this radio program and hearing this special chorus. Rudy Atwood's beautiful piano rendition of this each week was something special and helped make this chorus so popular all across the country.  I'm sure that was the experience of many believers in my generation.  "Heavenly Sunshine" became a widely popular little chorus decades after the hymn was written. The simple truth of Henry Zelley's hymn is within the grasp of all.  We have what the world needs today - the light of the world, Jesus Christ.  Our thankful heart should rejoice in God's gifts, including the blessing of eternal life which comes down from above.  This week be sure to thank God for the sunlight of His blessings. Let's sing His praises as we walk daily all of our journey  in sunlight, sunlight of His love.

(1)    Walking in sunlight all of my journey;

Over the mountains, through the deep vale;

Jesus has said, "I'll never forsake thee,"

Promise divine that never can fail.

Heavenly sunlight, heavenly sunlight,

Flooding my soul with glory divine:

Hallelujah, I am rejoicing,

Singing His praises, Jesus is mine.

(2)    Shadows around me, shadows above me,

Never conceal my Savior and Guide;

He is the Light, in Him is no darkness;

Ever I'm walking close to His side.

Heavenly sunlight, heavenly sunlight,

Flooding my soul with glory divine:

Hallelujah, I am rejoicing,

Singing His praises, Jesus is mine.

(3)    In the bright sunlight, ever rejoicing,

Pressing my way to mansions above;

Singing His praises gladly I'm walking,

Walking in sunlight, sunlight of love.

Heavenly sunlight, heavenly sunlight,

Flooding my soul with glory divine:

Hallelujah, I am rejoicing,

Singing His praises, Jesus is mine.

Listen to it here after a brief ad.     LISTEN

SAVED BY GRACE

          "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God,  Not of works, lest any man should boast."  (Ephesians 2:8,9).  These powerful verses were the inspiration for Fanny Crosby, the author of this week's hymn choice.   L. H. Biglow, after attending a prayer-meeting conducted by Dr. Howard Crosby, asked Fanny Crosby to write a hymn on the subject of grace. She immediately retired to an adjoining room, and in the course of an hour returned with the words, "Some day the silver cord will break, and I no more as now shall sing."  Mr. Biglow secured the words from her, and put them in the safe among other hymns which she had written.  But the song was evidently forgotten.  It eventually came to public notice by accident, during a conference Fanny attended at Northfield, Massachusetts. During the meeting, the great evangelist, Dwight Moody, asked if Fanny would give a personal testimony to the audience. Not wanting to draw attention to herself, she almost declined, but finally got up to speak, and said, "There is one hymn I have written which has never been published. I call it my soul's poem. Sometimes when I am troubled, I repeat it to myself, for it brings comfort to my heart."  And she then closed her remarks by reciting the hymn which had never been heard before in public, "Saved By Grace".  A reporter of a London paper who was present at Northfield took her address, and also the hymn, and carried them back to England where he published the words in his paper. Four or five weeks later the words were handed to George C. Stebbins who set Fanny's words to music. During the following years the song became one of Mr. Moody's favorites, and since then has been sung by hundreds of thousands of people throughout the world. Some hymnals show the author as Ida Scott Taylor, one of Fanny's pseudonyms.  The hymn expresses the hope that all believers have because of God's great grace shown to us.  One day, hopefully soon, we will see our Lord, face to face.  I can't help but imagine that this was a special desire of Fanny, the blind hymn writer, to finally see, with her own eyes, the One who provided her salvation.  Someday that will be our joy and honor.

1      Some day the silver cord will break,

And I no more as now shall sing;

But oh, the joy when I shall wake

Within the palace of the King! 

And I shall see Him face to face,

And tell the story, Saved by grace; 

And I shall see Him face to face,

And tell the story, Saved by grace. 

2      Some day my earthly house will fall,

I cannot tell how soon 'twill be;

But this I know, my All in All

Has now a place in heav'n for me. 

And I shall see Him face to face,

And tell the story, Saved by grace; 

And I shall see Him face to face,

And tell the story, Saved by grace. 

3      Some day, when fades the golden sun

Beneath the rosy tinted west,

My blessed Lord will say, "Well done!"

And I shall enter into rest. 

And I shall see Him face to face,

And tell the story, Saved by grace; 

And I shall see Him face to face,

And tell the story, Saved by grace. 

4      Some day: till then I'll watch and wait,

My lamp all trimmed and burning bright,

That when my Savior opes the gate,

My soul to Him may take its flight. 

And I shall see Him face to face,

And tell the story, Saved by grace; 

And I shall see Him face to face,

And tell the story, Saved by grace. 

Listen to it here.   LISTEN

VICTORY THROUGH GRACE

          Today many Christians are living as though they are on the losing side.  In recent years many events, often promoted by the liberal media, make it appear that the end of Christianity is approaching.  Believers are often pictured as intolerant, bigoted, ignorant and old fashioned.  But as somebody has said, I know this isn't true because I've read the end of the book (Bible) and I know how it all ends.  Yes, God is still on the throne and His promises are secure.  Even though the battle may be getting tougher, we are on the victory side.  "'For Your sake we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us" (Rom. 8:36-37). "Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (I Cor. 15:57). "Thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ" (II Cor. 2:14).  The reality of being more than conquerors was part of what stirred Fanny Crosby to pen the words of this hymn in 1890.  According to her own words, "Mr. Sweney (John R. Sweney) sent me the title and asked me to write a sort of battle piece. A day or two later he came to see me.  I told him that I had already begun the hymn and repeated as much as I had finished.  "Go on" he said, "that is right; we'll have our battle song."  The remainder of the hymn was written while he was at my house."  Some hymnals show the author as Sallie Martin, one of Fanny's pseudonyms.  I think there are various parts to the conquest which Crosby wrote about.  The "still to come" probably refers to the final victory over Satan and his forces (Rev. 19:11).  Then there is the triumph of Christ at the cross and the spiritual victories because of it.  And the "conquering now" may describe what happens daily as believers serve the Lord.  It is also important to note that spiritual victories are not to the swift or the strong.  Victories are promised to the true and the faithful, through grace.  So be encouraged, the battle is not lost and we can't fight it in our own strength.  But victory is promised to those who are true and faithful to the conquering King.

1. Conquering now and still to conquer,

rideth a King in His might;

Leading the host of all the faithful 
into the midst of the fight;

See them with courage advancing, 
clad in their brilliant array,

Shouting the Name of their Leader, 
hear them exultingly say:

Not to the strong is the battle, 
not to the swift is the race,

Yet to the true and the faithful 
vict'ry is promised through grace.

2. Conquering now and still to conquer, 
who is this wonderful King?

Whence are the armies which He leadeth, 
while of His glory they sing?

He is our Lord and Redeemer, 

Savior and Monarch divine;

They are the stars that forever bright 

in His kingdom shall shine.

Not to the strong is the battle, 
not to the swift is the race,

Yet to the true and the faithful vict'ry 
is promised through grace.

3. Conquering now and still to conquer, 
Jesus, Thou Ruler of all,

Thrones and their scepters all shall perish, crowns 
and their splendor shall fall,

Yet shall the armies Thou leadest, 
faithful and true to the last,

Find in Thy mansions eternal rest, 
when their warfare is past.

Not to the strong is the battle, 
not to the swift is the race,

Yet to the true and the faithful vict'ry 
is promised through grace.

Listen to it being sung here.    LISTEN

JESUS LED ME ALL THE WAY

          For many folks the new year is a time to make goals or resolutions for the coming year.  And many times these are quickly forgotten and not met.  I've never been one to do that, but I often do take the time to reflect upon the past year and recall how the Lord has directed my paths, often in so many unexpected ways.  In this week's hymn choice, the hymn writer, John Peterson, talks about these as "the winding paths of earth".  In my life I think about the winding paths that took me to college, that led me to my wonderful wife, that brought me into contact with so many godly friends, that took me to excellent jobs, that provided so many ministry opportunities, that led me to doctors that solved perplexing physical problems and even saved my son's life, and provided me with a special family and heritage.  As I recall my life, I can join John Peterson by testifying that Jesus did lead me all the way. Psalm 73:24 "Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory."  And taking time to remember God's leading in the past, gives me the courage and confidence to face the unknown challenges of tomorrow that always come with advancing age and living in a world that appears to be falling apart.  Is this your testimony as well?  Has Jesus led you all the way?  Or are you struggling on your own?  Honestly, I don't know how people without the Lord face tomorrow with all that is happening in the world today.  It seems to me that one must be fearful and without hope if one doesn't know the Lord and have His leading in life. As you begin a new year, why not let the Lord lead you daily as you depend upon Him?  What a day it will be when I can tell the saints and angels, as I lay my burden down, that Jesus led me all the way.  Think about these words during the coming week and year.

Some day life's journey will be o'er

And I shall reach that distant shore,

I'll sing while ent'ring Heaven's door

"Jesus led me all the way."

Jesus led me all the way,

Led me step by step each day;

I will tell the saints and angels

As I lay my burden down

"Jesus led me all the way.

If God should let me there review

The winding paths of earth I knew,

It would be proven clear and true

Jesus led me all the way.

Jesus led me all the way,

Led me step by step each day;

I will tell the saints and angels

As I lay my burden down

"Jesus led me all the way.

And hitherto my Lord has led,

Today He guides each step I tread,

And soon in Heav'n it will be said

Jesus led me all the way.

Jesus led me all the way,

Led me step by step each day;

I will tell the saints and angels

As I lay my burden down

"Jesus led me all the way.

You can listen to it here.  LISTEN1

Here is a choir singing this song.   LISTEN2

LORD YOU'RE HOLY

         I guess that when you are the sole writer and publisher of a blog you can choose to do something different once in awhile.  And, for my first hymn blog of 2016 I have chosen to do just that.  I have decided not to feature a hymn this week as I have done now since 2008.  And rather than share a hymn written many decades or centuries ago, my blog this week will share a praise chorus that is relatively new.  I first heard this chorus in a concert by a group called Calling Levi at a concert at Pinebrook Bible Conference.  It quickly became one of my two favorite praise and worship songs, even though I seldom hear it sung.  Now even though it must be relatively new, I have been unable to find any reliable information about its author or the story behind its writing.  I think it was probably written by Eddie James who accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior at the age of eight.  And, just a year later, he began to minister to others through music.  It is said that God placed a burden inside of Eddie James to minister to those who are hurting and lost, with an extraordinary emphasis on youth and young adults.  Now this week's song is a tremendous song of worship featuring the many names given to our Lord.  Now I grew up in a very conservative church where the only signs of emotion might be an occasional "Amen". Nobody would think of raising their hands in worship. And as a result I still find it difficult to raise my hands in public worship. I often play this song, sometimes over and over, while I am doing my morning walk. It is a time of worship for me. And often, when I am alone, I do raise my hands and often even tears of joy flow from my eyes when I consider the holiness and grace of the Lord.  What a wonderful, holy God that we serve and "mere words cannot express what I feel inside". Hopefully this is also your testimony - "As I look around and I see all the works, your hands have made, the awesomeness of you and how your love will never fade".  May this song be your daily testimony as you begin a new year.

          

As I look around and I see 

all the works, your hands have made, 

the awesomeness of you

and how your love will never fade. 

Mere words cannot express what I feel inside,

I can't even describe Your glory divine;

but as a token of my love, this is what I'll do,

I'll lift my hands and cry.

Lord, you're holy, Lord, you're holy

and we lift you up and magnify your name.

There's not enough words that I can say

to tell you how much I appreciate,

all of the wonderful things You've given me,

Your love, Your kindness, Your tender mercies

It's my desire to praise you

And tell you how much I love you

Your worthy of all the honor

And your worthy of all the praise

I don't know how you can love me

Why you give me so much mercy and 

How you would suffer and die for me 

way back on Calvary

But I thank you 

Your worthy of all the praise

Your Wonderful, glorious, holy and righteous,

victorious conqueror, triumphant and mighty,

healer, deliverer, shield and defense,

my strong tower and my best friend,

Omnipotent, Omnipresent, soon coming King,

Your Alpha, Omega, Lord of everything;

holy, holy, holy is Your name.

Your Omnipotent, Omnipresent, soon coming King,

Your Alpha, Omega, Lord of everything;

holy, holy, holy is Your name.

Holy is your name

We cry holy

You are Holy 

Holy is your name

Wonderful, glorious, holy and righteous,

victorious conqueror, triumphant and mighty,

healer, deliverer, shield and defense,

strong tower and my best friend,

Omnipotent, Omnipresent, soon coming King,

Alpha, Omega, Lord of everything;

holy, holy, holy is Your name.

Omnipotent, Omnipresent, soon coming King, 

You're Alpha, Omega, Lord of everything; 

holy, holy, holy is Your name.

Holy, You are holy 

Holy is your name

You are holy 

We cry holy

Holy is your name

This is one time that you should listen to the video that is attached.  Be patient, the ad only lasts a few seconds and you will be blest to wait and listen to this rendition to this meaningful song.     LISTEN