ALL THAT THRILLS MY SOUL IS JESUS

There are many things that can bring us thrills.  For younger folks it might be riding the new roller coasters and thrill rides at parks.  For students it might be getting an A in a tough final exam.   It might be watching Ryan Howard hit a gigantic grandslam.   Maybe it is winning a special award or a contest or earning some recognition.  It might be buying a new home or a new car or getting a promotion.  It might be watching your grandchildren grow up to be fine believers.   There are so many things that we get excited about in life.  But most of those things are very temporary.  When I won my presidential award in 1984, the large grocery store in town carried a sign that said "Congratulations Barry Kauffman, best math teacher in Pennsylvania!"   When I returned home from getting that award from the President I found that I was replaced on the sign by "Gigantic sale of bird food and hamburg!"   Fame is so fleeting. Possessions rust out or are ruined by moths and as the scripture says, thieves can break through and steal them.   The message is to lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven.  Those things are permanent and our relationship with Jesus should all that really thrills our souls  In 1931, Thoro Harris penned the words of a great hymn and proclaimed that Jesus is all that should thrill our heart.

(1)   Who can cheer the heart like Jesus,

By His presence all divine?

True and tender, pure and precious,

O how blest to call Him mine!

All that thrills my soul is Jesus,

He is more than life to me;

And the fairest of ten thousand

In my blessed Lord I see.

(2)   Love of Christ so freely given,

Grace of God beyond degree,

Mercy higher than the heaven,

Deeper than the deepest sea!

All that thrills my soul is Jesus,

He is more than life to me;

And the fairest of ten thousand

In my blessed Lord I see.

(3)   What a wonderful redemption!

Never can a mortal know

How my sin, tho red like crimson,

Can be whiter than the snow.

All that thrills my soul is Jesus,

He is more than life to me;

And the fairest of ten thousand

In my blessed Lord I see.

(4)   Every need His hand supplying,

Every good in Him I see;

On His strength divine relying,

He is all in all to me.

All that thrills my soul is Jesus,

He is more than life to me;

And the fairest of ten thousand

In my blessed Lord I see.

(5)   By the crystal flowing river

With the ransomed I will sing,

And forever and forever

Praise and glorify the King

All that thrills my soul is Jesus,

He is more than life to me;

And the fairest of ten thousand

In my blessed Lord I see.

Listen to it here.    LISTEN

A WOMAN'S TRUST

This week's choice is most likely one that you've never heard.  We originally thought that it dated back to the depression but it must be much older than that.  In fact, the words were found in an 1890's Good Housekeeping Magazine,  It appears that it was first published by the Baltimore Methodists, but we don't know when.  The personal significance is that it used to be sung by my grandparents.  My grandfather actually entered the ministry as a teenager and together my grandparents had very little financial resources and few material goods.  They really knew what it was like to trust the Lord for their daily bread.  My cousin had been searching for the words for quite awhile and finally found them through the internet.  We don't have any music written for it, but my Aunt Thelma can play it for you from memory.  Besides the personal significance, I think it might be very appropriate for the age in which we are living.  The economy and the recession have left many folks in increasingly desparate situations and many of us may get to the place where we also really pray for our daily bread.  So it is good to be reminded that God's people have always been provided for and they always will be.  While you can't sing along, at least read the following words and be encouraged.

(1)    "Good wife, what are you singing for?  You know we've lost the hay,

And what we'll do with horse and hay is more than I can say;

While like as not, with rain and storm,

we'll lose both corn and wheat!"

She looked up with her pleasant face, and answered low and sweet:

"There is a heart, there is a hand, we feel but cannot see;

We've always been provided for, and we shall always be."

(2)    He turned around with sudden gloom; she said, " Love, be at rest;

You cut the grass, worked soon and late, you did your very best.

That was your work ; you've naught at all to do with wind or rain,

And do not doubt but you will reap rich fields of golden grain;

There is a heart, there is a hand, we feel but cannot see;

We've always been provided for, and we shall always be."

(3)    "That's like a woman's reasoning—we must because we must."

She softly said: "Reason not, I only work and trust.

The harvest may redeem the day—keep heart what'er betide,

When one door shuts I've seen another open wide.

There is a heart, there is a hand, we feel but cannot see;

We've always been provided for, and we shall always be."

(4)    He kissed the calm and trustful face; gone was his restless pain,

She heard him with a cheerful step go whistling down the lane;

And went about her household tasks full of a glad content,

Singing to time her busy hands as to and fro she went:

"There is a heart, there is a hand, we feel but cannot see;

We've always been provided for, and we shall always be."

(5)    Days come and go—'twas Christmas tide, and the great fire burned clear.

The farmer said "Dear wife, it's been a good and happy year;

The fruit was gain, the surplus corn has bought the hay, you know."

She lifted then a smiling face and said : " I told you so!

There is a heart, there is a hand, we feel but cannot see;

We've always been provided for, and we shall always be! "

—Baltimore Methodist.
1890s's Good Housekeeping

WHEN WE ALL GET TO HEAVEN

This week's hymn has always been one of my favorites.  I love the words, I enjoy the harmony, and I love to be with a group that sings it enthusiastically, believing the truths it shares.  I always choose to sing it when I am worship leader for a week at Pinebrook or at the Senior Saints Retreat.  We also sang it at the close of my father's memorial service in February.  It is such a song of hope.   Well, it now has a vivid new meaning for me.  Now whenever I sing it I will recall and picture a very special moment.  Last Sunday afternoon, as my brother was close to breathing his last breath, we sang hymns around his bed.  We had just concluded "Great Is Thy Faithfulness", and had begun "When We All Get To Heaven" when Terry took his last breath here on earth and was escorted into the presence of Jesus.  The words of this hymn were never as appropriate and meaningful as they were at that moment.  Terry is now there and we who are the Lord's will soon join Him and then together we will "sing and shout the victory!".   What a day of rejoicing that will be.   How do I know this?   Because Jesus has promised it to His children.  And that is enough for me.   So sing along with enthusiasm and hope!

(1)    Sing the wondrous love of Jesus,

Sing His mercy and His grace.

In the mansions bright and blessèd

He'll prepare for us a place.

When we all get to Heaven,

What a day of rejoicing that will be!

When we all see Jesus,

We'll sing and shout the victory!

(2)    While we walk the pilgrim pathway,

Clouds will overspread the sky;

But when traveling days are over,

Not a shadow, not a sigh.

When we all get to Heaven,

What a day of rejoicing that will be!

When we all see Jesus,

We'll sing and shout the victory!

(3)    Let us then be true and faithful,

Trusting, serving every day;

Just one glimpse of Him in glory

Will the toils of life repay.

When we all get to Heaven,

What a day of rejoicing that will be!

When we all see Jesus,

We'll sing and shout the victory!

(4)    Onward to the prize before us!

Soon His beauty we'll behold;

Soon the pearly gates will open;

We shall tread the streets of gold.

When we all get to Heaven,

What a day of rejoicing that will be!

When we all see Jesus,

We'll sing and shout the victory!

Listen to the music here.   LISTEN

YOU'RE STILL LORD

Today is a very special day - Mother's Day.  I hope that you have a chance to honor your mother and treat her to a very special day.  You might want to go to my other blog and read my entry for May 9 to get a sense of my feelings about this special day.  In my blog I mention that I am now realizing that I am an orphan and I don't really appreciate that reality.  The last few months have been times of real challenge for me and often I wish that I could call mother or dad for their advice. Or I wish that I could share with them my worries and concerns knowing that they would encourage me and faithfully pray for me.  It is so hard not to be able to do that anymore.  And now being the elder of the family, I guess the buck really stops with me.  At least there are times that I feel that this is the case.  But then I am reminded that I still have a Father and that He really cares for me.  I can share my stresses with Him and He will answer, comfort, and provide wisdom and peace.  And slowly I am realizing that He is the One who really cares and the only One who can really help.   Recently I heard this week's song and the words of the chorus just challenged and encouraged my heart.  "You're still Lord, You're still my Father!"   And that is the reminder I need on  Mother's Day, Father's Day and everyday!

(1)   When I was just a child I heard a beautiful story

How You loved me so You died on Calvary

And though I claimed You way back then as Lord Almighty

Things haven't changed

My love is still the same

You're still Lord to me

CHORUS

You're still Lord, You're still my Father

In little or much, I feel Your touch

You're still Lord

You're still Lord, You're still my Father

You'll always be mine for all time

You're still Lord

(2)   Some have called you Lord but now they serve another

To worldly things their heart has pledged it's loyalty

But as for me when I made my choice it was forever

And now as before but now even more

You're still Lord

CHORUS

You're still Lord, You're still my Father

In little or much, I feel Your touch

You're still Lord

You're still Lord, You're still my Father

You'll always be mine for all time

You're still Lord

You'll always be mine for all time

You're still Lord to me

Listen to it here.       LISTEN

SAFE IN THE ARMS OF JESUS

Several times this week I have heard this hymn either mentioned or sung.  It is a tremendous encouragement to God's children who are going through times of stress, or persecution, or illness, or bereavement.  No matter what our cicrumstances may be, God's children are safe in the arms of Jesus.  Nothing can tear us away from that position of safety and comfort. This is one of the thousands of hymns written by Fanny Crosby, the blind hymn writer.  I imagine that in her blindness that she understood fully the truth of this great hymn.  I often marvel at how some of these hymns have been written.  On April 30, 1868, Dr. W. H. Doane came to Fanny and said "I have exactly forty minutes before my train leaves for Cincinnati.  Here is a melody.  Can you write words for it?"  Twenty minutes later she recited the words.  Mr. Doane copied them and had time to catch his train.  What a gift God gave her and oh how it has blessed millions over the years.  Today if you are facing times of fear or stress, rest safely in the arms of Jesus, the One who loves you and cares for you.

(1)  Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe on His gentle breast,

There by His love o'ershaded, sweetly my soul shall rest.

Hark! 'tis the voice of angels, borne in a song to me.

Over the fields of glory, over the jasper sea.

Refrain

Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe on His gentle breast

There by His love o'ershaded, sweetly my soul shall rest.

(2)   Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe from corroding care,

Safe from the world's temptations, sin cannot harm me there.

Free from the blight of sorrow, free from my doubts and fears;

Only a few more trials, only a few more tears!

Refrain

Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe on His gentle breast

There by His love o'ershaded, sweetly my soul shall rest

(3)   Jesus, my heart's dear Refuge, Jesus has died for me;

Firm on the Rock of Ages, ever my trust shall be.

Here let me wait with patience, wait till the night is over;

Wait till I see the morning break on the golden shore.

Refrain

Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe on His gentle breast

There by His love o'ershaded, sweetly my soul shall rest

Listen to the music here.     LISTEN

LOVE LIFTED ME

Many of the old hymns used pictures of storms and seas to convey their messages of salvation, safety and protection provided by the Lord.  Sometimes the pictures are of lighthouses, lifelines, shelters, rocks, or sinking experiences.   One of my favorite is this week's hymn which shares of God's love to us when we were far from the peaceful shore and sinking.  It was then that His love lifted us.  We were so unworthy and not deserving of being rescued, but in His love He did rescue us and now we are safe.  But while the hymn talks about being saved while sinking in sin, it is also a reminder that when we face the storms of life and feel like we are sinking, in His love He rescues us again.  And we are safe.  And the hymn also reminds us that we need to live in His presence and sing His praises.  Are you doing that today?

(1)   I was sinking deep in sin,

Far from the peaceful shore,

Very deeply stained within,

Sinking to rise no more,

But the Master of the sea,

Heard my despairing cry,

From the waters lifted me,

Now safe am I.

Love lifted me! Love lifted me!

When nothing else could help Love lifted me!

Love lifted me! Love lifted me!

When nothing else could help Love lifted me!

(2)   All my heart to Him I give,

ever to Him I'll cling

In His blessed presence live,

ever His praises sing,

Love so mighty and so true,

merits my soul's best songs,

Faithful, loving service too,

to Him belongs.

Love lifted me! Love lifted me!

When nothing else could help Love lifted me!

Love lifted me! Love lifted me!

When nothing else could help Love lifted me!

(3)   Souls in danger look above,

Jesus completely saves,

He will lift you by His love,

out of the angry waves.

He's the Master of the sea,

billows His will obey,

He your Savior wants to be,

be saved today.

Love lifted me! Love lifted me!

When nothing else could help Love lifted me!

Love lifted me! Love lifted me!

When nothing else could help Love lifted me!

Listen to it here.    LISTEN

I SING THE MIGHTY POWER OF GOD

When we used to lead week-long rally Bible schools we always taught a hymn which coordinated with our theme for the week.  We thought then, as we still do, that there are many great hymns which can teach children (and adults, too) many great Biblical truths.  And kids do remember these hymns as they grow older.  This week's hymn was always one of my favorites of those that we taught.  I especially enjoyed it when we would teach this hymn to the children at Pinebrook, in the middle of the mountains.  Singing there about the power that made the mountains rise and the power that built the lofty skies was especially meaningful in that setting.  The visuals that we used ended with a picture of a satellite to illustrate the last phrase, "and everywhere that man can be Thou, God, art present there".  Each time that we looked at that visual and sang that phrase I would remember the Russian cosmonaut who, upon his return from space, said that he had looked everywhere in space and didn't see God.  Poor guy.  Someday he will see God and it most likely won't be an enjoyable experience for him. So worship our almighty God today by singing these great words penned by Isaac Watts.

(1) I sing the mighty power of God,

          that made the mountains rise,

       That spread the flowing seas abroad,

          and built the lofty skies.

       I sing the wisdom that ordained

          the sun to rule the day;

       The moon shines full at God's command,

          and all the stars obey.

    (2) I sing the goodness of the Lord,

          who filled the earth with food,

       Who formed the creatures through the Word,

          and then pronounced them good.

       Lord, how Thy wonders are displayed,

          wherever I turn my eye,

       If I survey the ground I tread,

          or gaze upon the sky.

    (3) There's not a plant or flower below,

          but makes Thy glories known,

       And clouds arise, and tempests blow,

          by order from Thy throne;

       While all that borrows life from Thee

          is ever in Thy care;

       And everywhere that man can be,

          Thou, God art present there.

Listen to it here      LISTEN

BENEATH THE CROSS OF JESUS

Previously I mentioned that I had two favorite hymns concerning the Easter season.  This week's hymn is my other favorite.  One of the reasons that I love it is because it has great four part harmony with a beautiful tenor line.  Now today's choruses are written essentially for everyone to just sing the melody - harmonizing is often impossible or at best, very difficult.   But since I am officially "old", I still love good harmony and this hymn has it.   And I have enjoyed singing this hymn over the years in a number of trios and quartets as well as with the congregation.   But the main reason I like this hymn is not just the harmony, but the words.  They always challenge my Christian walk.   Do I really take my stand in life beneath His cross?  Do I constantly thank Him for his redeeming love, recognizing my unworthiness?  Do I really want nothing more than the sunshine of His face.   And am I really content to let the world go by, to know no gain or loss?   Is my glory really all the cross?  Wow, that's heavy stuff!   The words were written by Elizabeth C. Clephane in 1868 and published posthumously in 1872. The music was added by Frederick C. Maker in 1881.  So this great hymn has been sung for about 129 years and it continues to be a favorite of many - especially old-timers like me.   Meditate upon these words during this special season when we celebrate the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord.   And, rejoice today that He is Risen and because of His cross we can stand with Him now and eternally.

1.     Beneath the cross of Jesus

     I fain would take my stand,

     the shadow of a mighty rock

     within a weary land;

     a home within the wilderness,

     a rest upon the way,

     from the burning of the noontide heat,

     and the burden of the day.

2.     Upon that cross of Jesus

     mine eye at times can see

     the very dying form of One

     who suffered there for me;

     and from my stricken heart with tears

     two wonders I confess:

     the wonders of redeeming love

     and my unworthiness.

3.     I take, O cross, thy shadow

     for my abiding place;

     I ask no other sunshine than

     the sunshine of his face;

     content to let the world go by,

     to know no gain nor loss,

     my sinful self my only shame,

     my glory all the cross. 

Listen to this great hymn here.     LISTEN

CALVARY COVERS IT ALL

On Friday we led another hymn sing at Pinebrook Bible Conference.  Because of the season of the year I decided to feature hymns about the cross of Christ.  We entitled the program, "Hallelujah, What a Savior".   There are so many great hymns about the cross that we seldom sing anymore and this isn't often a message found in today's praise and worship choruses.   And the folks on Friday sang better than at any of the previous hymn sings that we have led.   I think it was because these old hymns about the cross are so meaningful.  They share about Christ's great sacrifice and what he went through to provide salvation for us.  And we are so unworthy. There are a couple of these hymns that have always ministered to me and one of these is "Calvary Covers It All".   Today so many folks carry heavy burdens over past sins and failures.  They think forgiveness is impossible.  They often live in despair and struggle over these memories.  But there is a cure - in fact, only one cure.  The only cure is Jesus Christ and wnat He did for mankind on Calvary.  For indeed, Calvary does cover it all.

(1)  Far dearer than all that the world can impart

Was the message came to my heart.

How that Jesus alone for my sin did atone,

And Calvary covers it all.

Chorus

Calvary covers it all,

My past with its sin and stain;

My guilt and despair

Jesus took on Him there,

And Calvary covers it all.

(2)  The stripes that He bore and the thorns that He wore

Told His mercy and lover evermore

And my heart bowed in shame as I called on His name,

And Calvary covers it all.

Chorus

Calvary covers it all,

My past with its sin and stain;

My guilt and despair

Jesus took on Him there,

And Calvary covers it all.

(3)  How matchless the grace, when I looked in the face

Of this Jesus, my crucified Lord;

My redemption complete I then found at His feet,

And Calvary covers it all.

Chorus

Calvary covers it all,

My past with its sin and stain;

My guilt and despair

Jesus took on Him there,

And Calvary covers it all.

(4)  How blessed the thought, that my soul by Him bought,

Shall be His in the glory on high;

Where with gladness and song, I'll be one of the throng

And Calvary covers it all.

Chorus

Calvary covers it all,

My past with its sin and stain;

My guilt and despair

Jesus took on Him there,

And Calvary covers it all.

Listen to it here      LISTEN