THERE IS SUNSHINE IN MY SOUL

          If you've ever flown you may have experienced taking off in bad weather, then going through dark clouds,and then suddenly flying into the brilliance of the sun shining above the clouds.  There's a saying that behind the clouds the sun is always shining. And that is a picture of what should be true in the life of the believer.  Though we live in a world dark with sin and pain and trouble, it is possible to find sunshine in our lives, despite the circumstances, through the Lord Jesus Christ, who Malachi calls "the Sun of Righteousness" (Malachi 4:2). Jesus said, "I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness" (Jonn 12:46). Eliza Hewitt (1851 - 1920) was a school teacher in Philadelphia.  While trying to correct a rebellious student, she turned around and the student struck her across the back with a heavy slate.  This severely injured her spine and she was placed in a body cst for six months.  She never fully recovered and was often bedridden for long periods of time.  But her faith was in the Lord Jesus Christ and He sustained her through this ordeal. When she was released from her body cast it is said that she went for a walk in Philadelphia's Fairmont Park.  There she was overcome with the beauty and the sunshine.  The experience inspired her in 1887 to write this week's hymn choice.  In it she applies the exhilaration of stepping out into the sunshine to the joy she found in fellowship with Christ.  Light in Scripture depicts the abundant life the Lord can give to those who trust in Him. "God who commanded light to shine out of darkness … has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" (II Corinthians 4:6).   Hewitt enlisted the services of John R. Sweeney (1837-1899), composer of many songs, to compose a lively melody for this happy song.   She was also the good friend of another prolific hymn writer, Fanny Crosby, and, like her friend, she concentrated on that ministry. Though hindered from moving about, she began writing gospel songs, and eventually produced many hundreds of them. Some of these were written under the pen name Lidie H. Edmunds. Brightly joyous songs of faith and hope, they include: More About Jesus; My Faith Has Found a Resting Place; Since the Fullness of His Love Came In; Singing I Go; Sing the Wondrous Love of Jesus; and Stepping in the Light.  As you meditate upon the words and sing Hewitt's song this week, hopefully you will feel the joy she expressed in her salivation and in the work of Christ in her life through the illustration and picture of sunshine in her soul.  Hopefully this is also your experience and testimony.  "When Jesus shoes His smiling face, there is sunshine in my soul" ...  no matter what my circumstance may be.

1.   There is sunshine in my soul today,

More glorious and bright

Than glows in any earthly sky,

For Jesus is my light

Oh, there's sunshine, blessed sunshine

When the peaceful happy moments roll.

When Jesus shows his smiling face,

There is sunshine in the soul.

2.   There is music in my soul today,

A carol to my King,

And Jesus listening can hear

The songs I cannot sing.

Oh, there's sunshine, blessed sunshine

When the peaceful happy moments roll.

When Jesus shows his smiling face,

There is sunshine in the soul.

3.   There is springtime in my soul today,

For when the Lord is near,

The dove of peace sings in my heart,

The flow'rs of grace appear.

Oh, there's sunshine, blessed sunshine

When the peaceful happy moments roll.

When Jesus shows his smiling face,

There is sunshine in the soul.

4.   There is gladness in my soul today,

And hope and praise and love,

For blessings which he gives me now,

For joys "laid up" above.

Oh, there's sunshine, blessed sunshine

When the peaceful happy moments roll.

When Jesus shows his smiling face,

There is sunshine in the soul.

.

Listen to it here.   LISTEN

I KNOW A NAME

          While at times I still miss teaching, there are many changes which help make me glad that I'm retired.  And one of those changes is the fact that today most parents are looking for new and different names and spellings for their children.  I had enough trouble memorizing the names of my students when they were mostly John, Bob, Bill, Mary, Sue, etc.  I'd be challenged to learn them today.  I pity teachers today who must deal with this.  Of course, names are important and we love to hear our names called, especially if it is for something good.  But there is one name which is beyond all others.  It is a special name given by God to His Son, Jesus.  " Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,", Phillipians 2:9-10.  It is only through Him that we can be saved. "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12.  Unfortunately, today many people only know the name of Jesus as a swear word.  So often it is taken in vain.  And that should hurt us as believers who love that precious name and what He means to us. " But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name."  John 20:31.  Many beautiful songs have been written over the centuries about this name.  The one I've chosen to feature this week may not be as well known as many others, but it is a great reminder of what the Savior has done and can do for us.  The words were written by Haldor Lilenas (1885-1959).  Lilenas was given a Doctor of Music degree from Olivet Nazarene College.  He served as a pastor and evangelist for many years until he founded the Lilenas Music Company in 1924 where he worked as an editor until he retired in 1950.  It is said that he wrote some 4,000 hymns and supplied songs for many evangelists.  Now I have not found any details about the actual writing of this hymn, in 1928, but I assume that it must have been his testimony and experience.  Meditate about his profound words this week as you worship and praise the Savior.  Hopefully you too can say, "I know a name, a wonderful name, that wonderful name is Jesus."

1.     I know a name that can drive away all sorrow,

I know a name that is sweeter than them all;

I know a name from which comfort I may borrow,

When others fail and when tears of anguish fall.

I know a name, a wonderful name,

That wonderful name is Jesus.

2.     I know a name that can still the raging tempest,

I know a name that can calm the troubled sea.

I know a name with a tender touch of healing,

For every heart that by sin may troubled be.

I know a name, a wonderful name,

That wonderful name is Jesus.

3.     I know a name that dispels the powers of evil.

I know a name that can break the tempter's snare.

I know a name that unlocks the gate of heaven,

When through its merits I go to God in prayer.

I know a name, a wonderful name,

That wonderful name is Jesus.

4.     I know a name, wondrous name above all others,

O sacred name by angelic hosts adored.

I know a name that is altogether lovely.

O precious name of my living Christ and Lord

I know a name, a wonderful name,

That wonderful name is Jesus.

Listen to it here.   LISTEN  

THE NINETY AND NINE

          There are a few hymns written over the years that I feel could be termed "classic hymns" because of their message and tune.  One of those is the hymn I've chosen for this week.  Unfortunately, since it is seldom heard today, many younger believers have probably never even heard it.  The story of its writing is a very unique story.  Elizabeth C. Clephane (1830 - 1869) penned these words in 1868 with her brother in mind. Her brother's efforts at farming were not a success, a failure which led to indulgence in strong drink. The habit grew with his despondency, and during one of these bouts he died.  The words were first published in The Children's Hour and then copied in various magazines. Now let Ira Sankey pick up the story. "In the hope of finding news from America I began perusing my lately purchased newspaper. This hope, however, was doomed to disappointment, as the only thing in its columns to remind an American of home and native land was a sermon by Henry Ward Beecher.  I threw the paper down, but shortly before arriving in Edinburgh I picked it up again with a view to reading the advertisements. While thus engaged my eyes fell upon a little piece of poetry in a corner of the paper. I carefully read it over, and at once made up my mind that this would make a great hymn for evangelistic work - if it had a tune. So impressed was I that I called Mr. Moody's attention to it, and he asked me to read it to him. This I proceeded to do with all the vim and energy at my command. After I had finished I looked at my friend Moody to see what the effect had been, only to discover that he had not heard a word, so absorbed was he in a letter which he had received from Chicago. ... At the noon meeting on the second day, held at the Free Assembly Hall, the subject presented by Mr. Moody and other speakers was "The Good Shepherd." When Mr. Moody had finished speaking he called upon Dr. Bonar to say a few words. He spoke only a few minutes, but with great power, thrilling the immense audience by his fervid eloquence. At the conclusion of Dr. Bonar's words Mr. Moody turned to me with the question, "Have you a solo appropriate for this subject with which to close the service? "I had nothing suitable in mind, and was greatly troubled to know what to do. The Twenty-third Psalm occurred to me, but this had been sung several times in the meeting. I knew that every Scotchman in the audience would join me if I sang that, so I could not possibly render this favorite psalm as a solo. At this moment I seemed to hear a voice saying: "Sing the hymn you found on the train! " But I thought this impossible, as no music had ever been written for that hymn. Again the impression came strongly upon me that I must sing the beautiful and appropriate words I had found the day before, and placing the little newspaper slip on the organ in front of me, I lifted my heart in prayer, asking God to help me so to sing that the people might hear and understand. Laying my hands upon the organ I struck the key of A flat, and began to sing. Note by note the tune was given, which has not been changed from that day to this. As the singing ceased a great sigh seemed to go up from the meeting, and I knew that the song had reached the hearts of my Scotch audience. Mr. Moody was greatly moved. Leaving the pulpit, he came down to where I was seated. Leaning over the organ, he looked at the little newspaper slip from which the song had been sung, and with tears in his eyes said: "Sankey, where did you get that hymn? I never heard the like of it in my life. "I was also moved to tears and arose and replied: "Mr. Moody, that's the hymn I read to you yesterday on the train, which you did not hear. "Then Mr. Moody raised his hand and pronounced the benediction, and the meeting closed. Thus "The Ninety and Nine" was Born. A short time afterward I received, at Dundee, a letter from a lady who had been present at the meeting, thanking me for having sung her deceased sister's words."  Possibly the words will remind you of your personal experience with the Good Shepherd as He sought you and brought you to His fold.  If not, maybe He is seeking you today.  Come to Him.  Do not delay!

There were ninety and nine that safely lay

In the shelter of the fold;

But one was out on the hills away,

Far off from the gates of gold.

Away on the mountains wild and bare;

Away from the tender Shepherd's care.

Away from the tender Shepherd's care.

"Lord, Thou hast here Thy ninety and nine;

Are they not enough for Thee?"

But the Shepherd made answer: "This of Mine

Has wandered away from Me.

And although the road be rough and steep,

I go to the desert to find My sheep."

I go to the desert to find My sheep."

But none of the ransomed ever knew

How deep were the waters crossed;

Nor how dark was the night the Lord passed through

Ere He found His sheep that was lost.

Out in the desert He heard its cry;

'Twas sick and helpless and ready to die.

'Twas sick and helpless and ready to die.

"Lord, whence are those blood-drops all the way,

That mark out the mountain's track?"

"They were shed for one who had gone astray

Ere the Shepherd could bring him back."

"Lord, whence are Thy hands so rent and torn?"

"They're pierced tonight by many a thorn."

"They're pierced tonight by many a thorn."

And all through the mountains, thunder-riv'n,

And up from the rocky steep,

There arose a glad cry to the gate of heav'n,

"Rejoice! I have found My sheep!"

And the angels echoed around the throne,

"Rejoice, for the Lord brings back His own!"

"Rejoice, for the Lord brings back His own!"

You can listen to an excellent presentation of this classic hymn here.   LISTEN

Now my favorite soloist is George Beverly Shea, so I couldn't skip sharing his singing of this hymn.      SHEA

TO THE WORK

           Recently in a prayer letter a regional Awana missionary asked us to pray for several churches suffering from the lack of leadership in their Awana programs.  In his request  he noted that these difficulties came because veteran leaders were dropping out with the excuse that they had put in their time and now it was time for younger folks to step up and take over.  Then a few weeks ago we had a conversation with a couple who had also dropped out of not only their leadership roles, but also their participation for the same reason.  Now sometimes there are some valid reasons to drop out, if that is the Lord's direction.  Sometimes health keeps us from serving as we had done before. But there are still things one can do to serve. Sometimes, if we've mentored our replacements, it is good to allow others who are trained and ready to lead, with our full support.  But we need to remember that there is never an end to the need to be about the Master's work here on earth. There are always ministry needs to be filled. Circumstances may change the way we can use our gifts, but the need for willing servants is great in today's culture.  And we might at times get weary, yet the Lord has promised to renew our strength and give us the wisdom and courage we need to serve.  Now I should clarify that it is not by works that we are saved, it is only by God's grace.  But, in turn, we are called to work for Him.  Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."   The problems of health and age did not deter the blind hymn writer, Fanny Crosby, from using all of her gifts to work for the Lord.  It is she who penned the words of this week's hymn.  She challenged those who would sing this hymn to "follow the path that our Master has trod."  And she reminded us to "labor till the Master comes."  We are to herald the tidings "salvation is free!" as we exalt and share the love of our Father.  And then she reminds us that when our work here on earth is ended, our home in eternity will be our reward.   This weekend, in the United States, we are celebrating Labor Day.  And while for most folks this federal holiday is just a time for celebrating the end of the summer, it was created to honor the American labor movement.  And so I believe it is also an appropriate time for us to reevaluate our labor and work for the Lord.  Indeed we are servants of God and let us "do with our might what our hands find to do" for the Lord.  Be refreshed and encouraged to toil on for Him in the months ahead.  1 Corinthians 15:58,  "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord".  What a blessed honor and responsibility we have to work for Him.

1.     To the work! To the work! We are servants of God;

Let us follow the path that our Master has trod;

With the balm of His counsel our strength to renew,

Let us do with our might what our hands find to do.

Toiling on, toiling on,

Toiling on, toiling on;

Let us hope, let us watch,

And labor till the Master comes.

2.     To the work! To the work! Let the hungry be fed;

To the fountain of life let the weary be led;

In the cross and its banner our glory shall be,

While we herald the tidings, "Salvation is free!"

Toiling on, toiling on,

Toiling on, toiling on;

Let us hope, let us watch,

And labor till the Master comes.

3.     To the work! To the work! There is labor for all;

For the kingdom of darkness and error shall fall;

And the love of our Father exalted shall be,

In the loud swelling chorus, "Salvation is free!"

Toiling on, toiling on,

Toiling on, toiling on;

Let us hope, let us watch,

And labor till the Master comes.

4.     To the work! To the work! In the strength of the Lord,

And a robe and a crown shall our labor reward,

When the home of the faithful our dwelling shall be,

And we shout with the ransomed, "Salvation is free!"

Toiling on, toiling on,

Toiling on, toiling on;

Let us hope, let us watch,

And labor till the Master comes.

Listen to it here.   LISTEN