HIDE THOU ME

          "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of mine, and does them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock."  (Matthew 7:24, 25)  

          Many of us probably remember as children, singing with motions, the chorus about the wise man who built upon the rock and the foolish man who built upon the sand. And we learned that we needed to build our lives on the rock, Jesus, and His teachings.

          For several months I have wanted to write a blog about a similar song, "O Rock of Ages Hide Thou Me".  But I have been frustrated as I've found several very similar songs with the same title and slightly different words.  One of the first of these was written by Theo Harris and L.R.. Tolbert and copyrighted in 1926.  Harris was one of the most prolific African-American hymn writers of the early 2oth century.  Since the 1930s his compositions have been consistently selected for publication in hymnals of various denominations.

          But there is another version of this song which was written by Doyle Lawson  in 1944.  This version was made popular by the Gather Vocal Band and might be the one that is best known to folks today.

          But no matter who actually wrote the song or which version you enjoy, both share that there are times when the burdens of life get so heavy, when the struggles get so hard, when no matter what, we still worry; and we need to cry out to Jesus, "Hide me!" Thankfully we have the divine resource available when we find ourselves in these lowly positions and in need.  Then we can flee to the Rock of Ages where there is security, peace, guidance  and protection.

           David experienced this, "Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance."  Psalm 32:7.

          Is He your Rock, your hiding place?  Have you learned to depend on Him, your Rock of Ages, your strong foundation, your ever present Friend?  No matter how strong the storms of life that we face, He is always there for us to protect us and hide us.

          Here is the version written by Harris and Tolbert.

 

1. Sometimes I feel discouraged, and think my life in vain.

I'm tempted then to murmur, and of my lot complain;

But when I think of Jesus, and all He's done for me,

Then I cry, O Rock of Ages, hide Thou me.

O Rock of Ages, hide Thou me,

No other refuge, have I but Thee.

When life's dark vale I wander, far, far from Thee;

Then, I cry, O Rock of Ages, hide Thou me.

2. Sometimes it seems I dare not go one step farther on,

And from my heart all courage has disappeared and gone;

But, I remember Jesus, and all His love for me,

Then, I cry, O Rock of Ages, hid Thou me.

O Rock of Ages, hide Thou me,

No other refuge, have I but Thee.

When life's dark vale I wander, far, far from Thee;

Then, I cry, O Rock of Ages, hide Thou me.

3. O what a friend is Jesus, sure Anchor for my soul,

So tender, true and gracious, I'm safe in His control;

My help in time of danger, my strong defense is He;

O Thou blessed Rock of Ages, hide Thou me

O Rock of Ages, hide Thou me,

No other refuge, have I but Thee.

When life's dark vale I wander, far, far from Thee;

Then, I cry, O Rock of Ages, hide Thou me.

.

Here is the similar version written by  Doyle Lawson.

Sometimes I feel discouraged….and I think my work in vain….

I'm tempted oft to murmur, to grumble, and complain….

But when I think of Jesus…and what He's done for me…..

Then I cry to the Rock of Ages…Hide Thou me

O Rock of Ages…Hide Thou me…..

There's no other refuge….none can save but Thee…..

Through life's dark vail I wander….so far, far from Thee….

Then I cry to the Rock Of Ages…Hide Thou me…..

I have a friend in Jesus….blest anchor of my soul….

I feel His presence ever….when stormy billows roll…..

And when I think of Jesus…and what He's done for me….

I cry to the Rock of Ages…..hide Thou me

O Rock of Ages…Hide Thou me…..

There's no other refuge….none can save but Thee…..

Through life's dark vail I wander….so far, far from Thee….

Then I cry to the Rock Of Ages…Hide Thou me…..

Sometimes I feel I cannot…go one step farther on…..

My body's growing older….and faltering steps begun….

But when I think of Jesus and what He's done for me….

I cry to the Rock Of Ages….hide Thou me

O Rock of Ages…Hide Thou me…..

There's no other refuge….none can save but Thee…..

Through life's dark vail I wander….so far, far from Thee….

Then I cry to the Rock Of Ages…Hide Thou me…

You can listen to Lawson's version here.  ROCK

TIS SO SWEET TO TRUST IN JESUS (TH)

TIMELESS HYMNS - A special feature where every few weeks I choose a hymn that I have written about before, revise and update it, and share it once again because I think it has a powerful message that we need.  This one was first shared previously on May 29, 2011.. 

          While preparing a Power Point presentation of the words for my wife's offertory, I came across the background of the writing of the hymn that she had chosen to play.  I found that this very familiar hymn was written as a result of a personal tragedy. I really wasn't surprised because I have found that many of our favorite hymns have been penned in times of grief. 

          "'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus" was written by Louisa M. R. Stead in 1882, out of one of her darkest hours — the tragic drowning of her husband. Louisa Stead was born in England and later felt the call of God upon her life for missionary service. She arrived in America in 1871. Louisa married and the Steads had a daughter, Lily. When the child was four years of age, the family decided one day to enjoy the sunny beach at Long Island Sound, New York. While eating their picnic lunch, they suddenly heard cries of help and spotted a drowning boy in the sea. Mr. Stead charged into the water to try and save the boy. As sometimes happens, the struggling boy pulled his rescuer under the water with him, and both drowned before the terrified eyes of wife and daughter. 

          And out of her struggle with God during the ensuing days, flowed these meaningful words — "Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus." 

          As you meditate upon these words this week, be reminded that trusting in Jesus is the only sure way to face the difficulties of life. And as we do that we find that He is always there to provide the rest and peace that we need in every situation. And as her last verse says, He will never leave us - He'll be with us until the end.  Put your trust in Jesus today.

(1)    'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,

Just to take Him at His word,

Just to rest upon His promise;

Just to know, Thus saith the Lord.

Chorus:

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!

How I've proved Him o'er and o'er!

Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!

Oh, for grace to trust Him more!

(2)    How I love to trust in Jesus,

Just to trust His cleansing blood.

Just in simple faith to plunge me

'Neath the healing cleansing flood!

Chorus:

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!

How I've proved Him o'er and o'er!

Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!

Oh, for grace to trust Him more!

(3)    Yes, I've learned to trust in Jesus,

And from sin and self to cease,

Now from Jesus simply taking

Life and rest and joy and peace.

Chorus:

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!

How I've proved Him o'er and o'er!

Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!

Oh, for grace to trust Him more!

(4)    I'm so glad I learned to trust Him,

Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend,

And I know that He is with me,

He'll be with me to the end.

Chorus:

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!

How I've proved Him o'er and o'er!

Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!

Oh, for grace to trust Him more!

Listen to it here.   LISTEN

MORE LIKE THE MASTER

          Did you ever have a hero, someone that you admired and wanted to model?  When I was in elementary school my hero was Robin Roberts a great pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, the famous Whiz Kids.  He was a great pitcher but I  soon learned that I didn't have the natural ability to be a pitcher, and certainly not a Robin Roberts.

          As I grew up I had many friends, relatives and pastors that I admired and who were good role models for a young man like me.  But I soon learned that they were humans and had their own shortcomings.  Then as I matured spiritually I began to realize that the only perfect hero is Jesus Christ, the only perfect person ever and the one that I should desire to follow.  You see Jesus is my friend, my guide, my defender, my provider, my example, but even more than that, He is my Savior and I want to be more like Him every day.

          Years ago we used to sing a simple chorus written  in 1946 by Lillian Parkerhorn:

My desire, to be like Jesus;

My desire to be like Him.

His Spirit fill me, His love o'er whelm me;

In deed and word to be like Him.

         Charles H. Gabriel (1856-1932) knew the importance of this desire when he penned the words to this week's hymn choice.  It is an ardent prayer that the likeness of Christ be reproduced in us by the Holy Spirit.   Gabriel is said to have written an estimated seven thousand gospel songs. This gospel song was first published in 1906, and has been included in many hymn books since.

          Another gospel song writer, George Stebbins, called Gabriel "the most outstanding and brilliant Christian musician of his time." A man with a genial and kindly personality, Gabriel had many friends among the writers of sacred song.  

           Gabriel knew that we are to be "be transformed by the renewing of [our] mind, that [we] may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Rom. 12:2). As we walk in faith and obedience toward God, He produces, more and more, the spiritual fruit of Christian character in us (Gal. 5:22-23) .

            Are you a portrait of His meekness and humility or are you rude and arrogant? Is your conversation marked by words of kindness and encouragement or is it marred by negativity and grouchiness? Live your life for what you really are: "His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works (Ephesians 2:10)." When you do this people will begin to notice that you are more like the Master.         

1.     More like the Master I would ever be,

More of His meekness, more humility;

More zeal to labor, more courage to be true,

More consecration for work He bids me do.

Refrain:

Take Thou my heart, I would be Thine alone;

Take Thou my heart, and make it all Thine own;

Purge me from sin, O Lord, I now implore,

Wash me and keep me Thine forevermore.

2.     More like the Master is my daily prayer;

More strength to carry crosses I must bear;

More earnest effort to bring His kingdom in;

More of His Spirit, the wanderer to win.

Refrain:

Take Thou my heart, I would be Thine alone;

Take Thou my heart, and make it all Thine own;

Purge me from sin, O Lord, I now implore,

Wash me and keep me Thine forevermore.

3.      More like the Master I would live and grow;

More of His love to others I would show;

More self-denial, like His in Galilee,

More like the Master I long to ever be

Refrain:

Take Thou my heart, I would be Thine alone;

Take Thou my heart, and make it all Thine own;

Purge me from sin, O Lord, I now implore,

Wash me and keep me Thine forevermore.

You can listen to it here.   MORE LIKE

.

HAPPY THE HOME

          Today our homes are under attack like never before and, unfortunately, many are in danger and crumbling.  Many things put stress on our families today.  Often marriages are hit with separation and divorce.  Often finances and jobs create divisions and many of these come as a result of pride and selfishness.  Often it is children who create problems as they become disobedient and lack respect for others.  And usually there is little or no time for the Lord in homes.  Many homes today are not happy places and that is so sad.

          There aren't too many songs or hymns written about homes that are happy and where the Lord has first place.  This week's song choice shares that in happy homes God's love is a motivating factor.  In these homes Jesus's name is its authority and the children and their parents speak of Him and hold Him dear.  Such homes are full of prayer, praise and the study of the Word.  And there is peace and unity.  Does this describe your home?

          I don't know what kind of home Henry Ware (1794-1843) came from, but I am guessing that it was a home where the Lord was loved and served.  At last he knew the characteristics of a happy home.  His father was a Unitarian minister and later a professor at Harvard.  Ware graduated at Harvard, studied theology, and became minister of the Second Unitarian Society, in Boston, in 1817. After a ministry of twelve years, he made a foreign tour, and on his return was elected "Parkman Professor of Pulpit Eloquence and Pastoral Theology" in Harvard College.  When Ware's health began to fail in 1829, Ralph Waldo Emerson became his assistant. Ware also served as professor of pulpit eloquence and pastoral care at Harvard Divinity School from 1829 to 1842. Upon his retirement in 1842, he moved to Framingham, MA, and died there a year later.  His collected works in four volumes, were edited after his death, by the Rev. Chandler Robbins.

          While times and our culture change, we need to claim the words that Joshua claimed centuries ago.  "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. " (Joshua 24:15)  That proclamation sums up the way to have a happy home.  Maybe we need to be reminded of that.  And maybe we need to make some changes in our homes. "Happy the home where God is there!"

1.    Happy the home when God is there,

And love fills every breast;

When one their wish, and one their prayer,

And one their heav'nly rest.

2.    Happy the home where Jesus' name

Is sweet to every ear;

Where children early speak His fame,

And parents hold Him dear.

3.    Happy the home where prayer is heard,

And praise is wont to rise;

Where parents love the sacred Word

And all its wisdom prize.

4.    Lord, let us in our homes agree

This blessed peace to gain;

Unite our hearts in love to Thee,

And love to all will reign.

You can listen to it here.   HAPPY

SOMETHING FOR THEE

       Recently I have faced numerous physical challenges which have limited my ability to do many daily tasks that I have done most of my life.  I've learned to depend upon the help of others, especially my wife. It has been very difficult for me to accept this situation and hard for me accept her sacrifice of her time and energy to help me.  What can I ever do to repay her for her love and support?   There seems to be little that I can do but to offer my love and kindly accept her help with thanks and appreciation

          As I've thought about this it has made me think about the greater love shown to me by the Lord.  "God demonstrates His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8.   But there is more to contemplate than even His "dying love." He is presently our great High Priest, in heaven, seated at the right hand of the Father. There, "He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them" (Heb. 7:25). Since He fully understands and sympathizes with us in our struggles, we are invited to "come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Heb. 4:15-16).  He is always there to provide guidance, strength and all that we need.

       Now what good gift can we give in return to the great God of all the universe that He does not already have or cannot simply create, any time He wants it?  What gift is worthy of His love?

          This essentially is the question raised in this week's hymn written in 1862 by Sylvanus D. Phelps, (1816-1895).  A graduate of Brown University and Yale Divinity School, he served as a pastor for many years and then became the editor of The Christian Secretary, a Baptist newspaper.  Phelps was also coeditor of The Baptist Praise Book for congregational singing.

          His hymn is about doing things for the Lord, in the light of all He's done for us. But we must remember that we can never repay the Lord for His grace, or it would not be grace (Romans 4:4-5). But we should be motivated by the love of the Lord to serve Him, with all we have. The remembrance of Calvary ought to prompt us to live for Him, and seek to please Him.   In a sense, as  expressed it the final stanza, we ourselves are the greatest gift of all that we can give to God. As Paul says of the Macedonian Christians, "They first gave themselves to the Lord" (II Cor. 8:5). We are to present ourselves as "living sacrifices" to Him (Rom. 12:1), and the Bible speaks of "the glory of His inheritance [i.e. His glorious inheritance] in the saints" (Eph. 1:18). "The Lord's portion is His people" (Deut. 32:9)

          Recently I heard a chorus Betsy Dasvand wrote which we used to sing in prayer meetings.  I think it sums up the answer to the question of what we can do for the Lord.

After all He's done for me

After all He's done for me

How can I do less than give Him my best

And live for Him completely

After all He's done for me

          So how are our lives demonstrating our thanks to the Lord for all that he has done and is still doing for us?

1.    Savior, Thy dying love

Thou gavest me,

Nor should I aught withhold,

Dear Lord, from Thee;

In love my soul would bow,

My heart fulfill its vow,

Some offering bring Thee now,

Something for Thee.

2.     O'er the blest mercy seat,

Pleading for me,

My feeble faith looks up,

Jesus, to Thee:

Help me the cross to bear,

Thy wondrous love declare,

Some song to raise, or prayer,

Something for Thee.

3.     Give me a faithful heart—

Likeness to Thee,

That each departing day

Henceforth may see

Some work of love begun,

Some deed of kindness done,

Some wanderer sought and won,

Something for Thee.

4.     All that I am and have—

Thy gifts so free—

In joy, in grief, through life,

O Lord, for Thee!

And when Thy face I see,

My ransomed soul shall be

Through all eternity,

Something for Thee.

Listen to it here.    SOMETHING