I WOULD BE LIKE JESUS (TH)

TIMELESS HYMNS - A feature in which I choose a previous hymn blog, update and revise it and share it once again.  This hymn was first featured here on January 15, 2012.

          How many times this year have you made the mistake of writing 2022?   Some changes are hard to make.  Did you made any resolutions for the new year? If you have, did you break them yet? I have never been into the resolution game myself. But the start of a new year does give one a chance to evaluate where you have been in the past and where you are headed in the future. It is important to have goals, especially spiritual ones. 

          Recently I heard this week's hymn choice on the radio. It brought back memories of having sung it so often, many years ago, in Sunday night services. And I guess the memory of Sunday night services really dates me because today such services appear to be gone from the schedule of present day churches. 

          Now some critics may feel that this week's hymn emphasizes works too much, I disagree. Works should naturally follow our salvation which is a gift of God. And as a result we should desire to tell the story and serve Him. Our lives should continually show spiritual growth and good works as the Holy Spirit guides us in our Christian journey. 

          I chose this hymn specifically for today because I think it does serve as a good goal, a good desire, for the new year. It should be our prayer each day. As we respond to the leading and work of the Holy Spirit we should become more like Jesus - in the home, in the throng, and all day long.  Now that would be a good resolution not only for a new year but for a lifetime.

          Little is known about the writing of this hymn. James Rowe was the son of a copper miner. He worked for the Irish government for four years and then emigrated to America at the age of 24. He settled in Albany, New York, and worked in railroads in New York for about 10 years. He then became an inspector for the Hudson River Humane Society. Later he worked for music publishers in Texas and Tennessee. During his senior years he moved to Vermont and worked with his daughter, an artist, writing verses for greeting cards. 

           Rowe also teamed up with the composer of this tune, Howard E. Smith, a little man whose hands had become knotted with arthritis. But Smith could still play the piano. While Rowe was writing words, Smith would play some notes on the piano and then copy them down. This is how they teamed together to write numerous hymns. 

           Little else is known about the writing of this hymn. But, maybe we don't need to know more about its beginnings to make it our prayer, or our resolution, for the coming year. "Be like Jesus, all day long!  I would be like Jesus!"

1)    Earthly pleasures vainly call me;

I would be like Jesus;

Nothing worldly shall enthrall me;

I would be like Jesus.

Be like Jesus, this my song,

In the home and in the throng;

Be like Jesus, all day long!

I would be like Jesus.

(2)    He has broken every fetter,

I would be like Jesus;

That my soul may serve Him better,

I would be like Jesus.

Be like Jesus, this my song,

In the home and in the throng;

Be like Jesus, all day long!

I would be like Jesus.

(3)    All the way from earth to glory,

I would be like Jesus;

Telling o'er and o'er the story,

I would be like Jesus.

Be like Jesus, this my song,

In the home and in the throng;

Be like Jesus, all day long!

I would be like Jesus.

(4)    That in Heaven He may meet me,

I would be like Jesus;

That His words "Well done" may greet me,

I would be like Jesus.

Be like Jesus, this my song,

In the home and in the throng;

Be like Jesus, all day long!

I would be like Jesus.

You can listen to it here.    LISTEN

GLORIOUS THINGS OF THEE ARE SPOKEN

          This week's hymn, also called "Zion, or the City of God", is an 18th-century English hymn written by John Newton (1725-1807), who also wrote the hymn "Amazing Grace".
          "Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah."   Psalm 87:1
          The hymn was written by Newton after he had asked for assistance from his friend and neighbor, classical writer William Cowper, while he was the Church of England parish priest of Olney Church. With Cowper's assistance, Newton was able to publish the Olney Hymns Hymnal, which included "Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken", in 1779. The hymn is based upon Psalm 87:3 and Isaiah 33:20–21. Cowper is said to have written sixty-six, while Newton wrote the rest of the three hundred and forty-nine hymns.  But more of Cowper's hymns than of Newton's have become famous.
         Newton uses a great deal of scripture as influence for his writing and often focuses upon images that are not lofty, intended more "for public worship, and for the use of plain people," This reflects his history of service to the poor and the people of the parish.
          Zion, the city of God, is the center of this hymn. The site of the Jebusite fortress taken by King David in 2 Samuel 5, it has long been an important symbol of the strength and identity of Jerusalem. One of the richest images that comes from this location is the life-giving water from the Gihon Spring, an intermittent spring that promised fresh water for ancient settlers of Jerusalem. From the beginning of its history within Judeo-Christian traditions to the hope of the glory of the new Jerusalem, Zion has been a place of promise and has found its way into many songs and liturgical practices of the church,  thus it plays a very notable role as a dwelling place for God.
        The stanzas of this hymn focus on a different image of strength - rock of ages (2 Samuel 22), streams of living waters (Revelation 22), cloud and fire (Exodus 13 and Isaiah 4), and the "Redeemer's blood" (Revelation 1) - reflecting the different ways God's strength is displayed. God provides a firm foundation, a source of necessary means of survival, a source of protection and food, and love.
          The hymn was a favorite of Confederate General Stonewall Jackson. He is said to have once awakened his soldiers in 1862 while they were in the Shenandoah Valley by singing "Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken", out of tune.

1.  Glorious things of Thee are spoken

      Zion, city of our God!

He, whose Word cannot be broken,

Formed thee for His own abode;

On the Rock of Ages founded,

What can shake thy sure repose?

With salvation's walls surrounded,

Thou mayst smile at all thy foes.

2.    See, the streams of living waters,

Springing from eternal love,

Well supply thy sons and daughters,

And all fear of want remove:

Who can faint while such a river

Ever flows their thirst t' assuage?

Grace which, like the Lord, the giver,

Never fails from age to age.

3. Round each habitation hov'ring,
   See the cloud and fire appear,
   For a glory and a cov'ring,
   Showing that the Lord is near;
   Thus deriving from our banner
   Light by night and shade by day,
   Safe they feed upon the manna
   Which He gives them when they pray.
4. Blest inhabitants of Zion,
   Washed in the Redeemer's blood!
   Jesus, whom their souls rely on,
   Makes them kings and priests to God;
   'Tis His love His people raises
   Over self to reign as kings,
   And as priests, His solemn praises
   Each for a thank off'ring brings.
5. Savior, if of Zion's city,
   I through grace a member am,
   Let the world deride or pity,
   I will glory in Thy name;
   Fading is the worldling's pleasure,
   All his boasted pomp and show;
   Solid joys and lasting treasure
   None but Zion's children know.
   
   Listen to it here.  GLORIOUS

THERE IS NONE LIKE YOU

          "There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God." 1 Samuel 2:2

          One late night in 1981 Lenny LeBlanc received a phone call from a friend who he knew was a drug smuggler.  The friend said "Lenny, I got saved! Are you saved?"  
          Now Lenny had not been to church in 20 years and he had no idea what "saved" meant.After all, he had signed a big contract with Capitol Records. As a pop artist, he was enjoying one success after another. Pop music was his life
         His friend sent Lenny a Bible and asked him to read it.  Lenny did and two weeks later he said, "I started crying out to God for forgiveness, and I became born again right there in my house."
          For a while, Lenny was in no-man's land; he was still under contract to Capitol, but his heart wasn't into writing pop music anymore. Finally, Capitol released him from the contract, and Lenny was free to write praise and worship songs for Jesus Christ. One day, as a tune and lyrics came to him, he began to cry. That song was this song.
           He remembers that a few years later he went to Korea, at a concert where 60,000 young people had gathered. Lenny had planned to introduce this song to the Korean young people, but they already knew it! They sang this song in Korean, without his help. Afterwards, someone told him, "Didn't you know your song is one of the most po"There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God." 1 Samuel 2:2

pular Christian songs throughout all of Asia?
          For four or five years, Lenny wrestled with the dilemma. What am I? Am I an artist? Am I a worship leader? Although highly skilled and successful in both roles, Lenny ultimately felt the strongest calling in the area of worship.

           According to Lenny, "The second line of 'There Is None Like You' says, 'No one else can touch my heart like You do.' That's where God touches us—in our hearts, in our spirits, and nobody else can do that like He does. There's thousands of ways in which there's none like Him, but that's the one way I wanted to convey: 'No one else can touch my heart like You do. I could search for all eternity long and find there is none like You.'  "No person, no thing, no amount of money, no fame. I don't' care what you put up against it, it doesn't even hold up."
          Personally as the writer of this blog there are few praise and worship songs that have spoken to me as much as this one has.  So often, especially in times of doubt and fear, I sing this chorus to remind me that there is just One and only One who can meet my need.  He is the only one who is Omnipotent, Omniscient and Omnipresent.  And He can touch our heart.

There is none like You,

No one else can touch my heart like You do,

I can search for all eternity Lord

And find, there is none like You.

 

There is none like You.

No one else can touch my heart like You do,

I can search for all eternity Lord

And find, there is none like You.

 

Your mercy flows like a river wide,

And healing comes from Your hand.

Suffering children are safe in Your arms,

There is none like You.

 

There is none like You, ( There is none like You, Lord)

There is none like You.

 

I can search for all eternity Lord,

There is none like You.

I can search for all eternity Lord,

There is none, (there is none,)

There is none Lord,

There is none like You.

 

Listen to it here.   NONE

LEAD ME GENTLY HOME

 "For Thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore ... lead me and guide me."  (Psalm 31:3)

           Sadly, over the years too many Christians have yielded to a variety of temptations as they grew older and they ruined their testimony and legacy.  These include many who were leaders in Christian ministries.  They stumbled on their journey home.
          But then there are many others who have struggled on their final journey because of unexpected challenges they have faced.  Physical problems in particular can make the journey tough.
          So there is good reason for the prayer to lead me gently home.  Believers have a Father who can keep us from temptation and give us wisdom and strength to face the unexpected challenges of our senior years.
          I assume this truth must have been the motivation that led Will Thompson to pen these words.
          All of Will's family were lovers of music. While just a boy, Will took a great interest in piano. Born with a natural musical talent, he was given piano lessons and at an early age became a great pianist. He was in great demand as a pianist in local concerts. He continued studying piano and organ throughout his high school years. Will wrote two secular songs which were published when he was 16, but his real love in music was for sacred hymns.  He also wrote "Jesus Is All The World To Me" and "Softly And Tenderly Jesus Is Calling".
           After high school, Will was educated at Mount Union College in Alliance, Ohio, where he continued his music studies. After finishing school, he attended the Boston Conservatory of Music, one of the best music schools in America, and upon graduation, traveled to Leipzig, Germany, to further his studies in music.
          Will once said, "No matter where I am, at home, in a hotel, at a music store, or traveling, if an idea or theme comes to me, that I deem worthy of a song, I jot it down in verse. In this way, I never lose it."
          Will tried to get several commercial publishers to publish some of his hymns, but was turned down by everyone. He felt led to start his own publishing company, a move that changed the direction of his life. After the success of his publishing company, he opened a music store to sell pianos, organs and other musical instruments. He also sold sheet music, hymnbooks and religious tracts.
          In 1909, Will decided to take his family on a vacation to Europe. While touring there, he became very ill, its cause unknown. The family cut short their travels and returned home to get medical attention. Unfortunately, Will did not recover and died a few weeks later.
          May we keep this hymn in mind as we age and begin our journey home.  May the Lord keep us from roaming and forgetting His many years of blessing to us.  May He be our strength in the darkest hours.  May He lead us gently home.

1    Lead me gently home, Father,

Lead me gently home,

When life's toils are ended,

And parting days have come,

Sin no more shall tempt me,

Ne'er from Thee I'll roam,

If Thou'lt only lead me, Father,

Lead me gently home.

Lead me gently home, Father,

Lead me gently home,

Lest I fall upon the wayside,

Lead me gently home.

2    Lead me gently home, Father,

Lead me gently home,

In life's darkest hours, Father,

When life's troubles come,

Keep my feet from wandering,

Lest from Thee I roam,

Lest I fall upon the wayside,

Lead me gently home. 

Lead me gently home, Father,

Lead me gently home,

Lest I fall upon the wayside,

Lead me gently home.

Listen to it here.  HOME

New Year

Favorite - I MUST TELL JESUS

For 15 years I have written weekly hymn blogs, over 650 of them.  But while I have shared information about them, I have never listed which were my personal favorites.  So I am beginning a new feature in which once a month I will share one of my favorites and why it has had an impact on my life.

I MUST TELL JESUS    Listen

          I had a father who was a wise godly man.  Throughout my life I could share my concerns and questions with him and he would always take time to try and help and comfort me.  After he passed away I missed those special opportunities. I miss both of my parents and I often wish I could just pick up the phone and share with them once again.

          But while those times were special, I have an all powerful, all knowing Father who is always there to listen, guide and comfort.  And He is always just a prayer away - throughout the day and especially throughout the night when problems often seem worse.

          Elisha Hoffman was a pastor who served not far from where I live, in Lebanon PA.  He related  that there was a woman to whom God had permitted many visitations of sorrow and affliction. Coming to her home one day, he found her very much discouraged. She unburdened her heart, concluding with the question, "Brother Hoffman, what shall I do?" 

          Accoding to Hoffman, "I quoted from the Word and then added, You cannot do better than to take all of your sorrows to Jesus. You must tell Jesus." For a moment she seemed lost in meditation. Then her eyes lighted as she exclaimed, "Yes, I must tell Jesus." 

          As Hoffman left her home he had a vision of that joy-illuminated face … and he heard all along his pathway the echo, "I must tell Jesus. I must tell Jesus." After reaching home, Hoffman wrote both the words and the music to this comforting hymn.

           It always amazes me how so many of the great hymns were written so quickly and often resulted from experiences of sorrow and pain. Maybe today your burdens are very heavy and you don't know what to do. Let the words of this hymn tell you what you should do.

(1) I must tell Jesus all of my trials,

I cannot bear these burdens alone;

In my distress He kindly will help me,

He ever loves and cares for His own.

Refrain:

I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!

I cannot bear my burdens alone;

I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!

Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.

(2) I must tell Jesus all of my troubles,

He is a kind, compassionate Friend;

If I but ask Him He will deliver,

Make of my troubles quickly an end.

Refrain:

I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!

I cannot bear my burdens alone;

I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!

Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.

(3) Tempted and tried I need a great Savior,

One who can help my burdens to bear;

I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus:

He all my cares and sorrows will share.

Refrain:

I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!

I cannot bear my burdens alone;

I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!

Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.

(4) What must I do when worldliness calls me?

What must I do when tempted to sin?

I must tell Jesus, and He will help me

Over the world the vict'ry to win.

Refrain:

I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!

I cannot bear my burdens alone;

I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!

Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.