WOUNDED FOR ME

The Easter season should be the most important time of the year for all believers since it is a time when we remember and celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  It is a time when each believer should meditate upon the deep meaning of that profound event  when God's Son took upon Him all of our sins so that we could be forgiven and reconciled with God.  This week's hymn simply traces those events ... He was wounded, He died, He rose and now He lives ... for me!  And someday He will be coming ... for me!  And I love the final words of the hymn which proclaim, "Then with what joy His dear face I shall see, Oh, how I praise Him! He's coming for me."  W. G. Owens (1870-1945) is credited with writing the words and the music.  However Gladys Watkin Toberts is said to have actually written verses 2-5.  Little is known about either of them.  Owens was a minister who for over 30 years conducted seaside missions in Northern Ireland under the banner of the Children's Special Service Mission, later known as the Scripture Union.  It is said that the words of the first verse were inspired when, after World War I, Owens saw a wounded veteran limping past him on the street and he thought, "He was wounded for me."  This incident later reminded him of what Christ also had done for him.  Meditate upon the words of each verse as you celebrate Good Friday and then the joyous Resurrection Day!  He is risen!

(1)    Wounded for me, wounded for me,

There on the cross He was wounded for me;

Gone my transgressions, and now I am free,

All because Jesus was wounded for me.

(2)    Dying for me, dying for me,

There on the cross He was dying for me;

Now in His death my redemption I see,

All because Jesus was dying for me.

(3)    Risen for me, risen for me,

Up from the grave He has risen for me;

Now evermore from death's sting I am free,

All because Jesus has risen for me.

(4)   Living for me, living for me,

Up in the skies He is living for me;

Daily He's pleading and praying for me,

All because Jesus is living for me.

(5)   Coming for me, coming for me,

Soon in the air He is coming for me;

Then with what joy His dear face I shall see,

Oh, how I praise Him! He's coming for me.

You can listen to an old vocal rendition of this my the White Sisters here.   VOCAL

Here is an interesting piano rendition.  PIANO

JESUS WILL WALK WITH ME

If you have been a believer for many years you have no doubt faced times of great joy and times of great sorrow.  You've faced many storms as well as times of great sunshine.  And sometimes you have probably felt very lonely.  And yet the Lord has promised to never leave us nor forsake us.  As this week's hymn says, Jesus will walk with us through all of those times - the good and the bad.  What a comfort that should be to us.  I hope that you can testify that you, too, have experienced His presence, strength, guidance and peace throughout your life's walk.  The words and music to this hymn were written in 1922 by Haldor Lillenas. who immigrated here from Norway as a little boy. He was very lonely in this new country but an old lady befriended him, and taught him the English language. Most importantly, however, she taught him Bible passages and led him to Christ. In 1906, he felt that God wanted him to preach and write songs. He married a songwriter, Bertha Mae Wilson, and they worked together. He was a composer and choirmaster for revivals and crusades. It is said that eventually he became one of the best song leaders in the nation. His salary finally allowed Mr. and Mrs. Lillenas to buy a house of their own. They could not furnish their house very well, but He needed some kind of piano or organ so, he bought an organ from his neighbor for five dollars. He used this to compose many great hymns.  During his life he composed over four thousand hymn texts and tunes, and supplied songs for many evangelists. I don't know what caused him to write this particular hymn, but it probably came from his own experiences.  Personally, it has been many years since I've sung this week's hymn.  But recently I heard it on a radio station that was featuring old hymns.  And since then the music and words have filled my mind.  What a great reminder to us that Jesus will indeed walk with us through whatever comes our way.  Thank Him for that this week.

(1)    Jesus will walk with me down thru the valley,

Jesus will walk with me over the plain;

When in the shadow or when in the sunshine,

If He goes with me I shall not complain.

Jesus will walk with me,

He will talk with me;

He will walk with me;

In joy or in sorrow, today and tomorrow,

I know He will walk with me.

(2)   Jesus will walk with me when I am tempted,

Giving me strength as my need may demand;

When in affliction His presence is near me,

I am upheld by His almighty hand.

Jesus will walk with me,

He will talk with me;

He will walk with me;

In joy or in sorrow, today and tomorrow,

I know He will walk with me.

(3)   Jesus will walk with me, guarding me ever,

Giving me victory thru storm and thru strife;

He is my Comforter, Counselor, Leader,

Over the uneven journey of life.

Jesus will walk with me,

He will talk with me;

He will walk with me;

In joy or in sorrow, today and tomorrow,

I know He will walk with me.

(4)    Jesus will walk with me in life's fair morning,

And when the shadows of evening must come;

Living or dying, He will not forsake me.

Jesus will walk with me all the way home.

Jesus will walk with me,

He will talk with me;

He will walk with me;

In joy or in sorrow, today and tomorrow,

I know He will walk with me.

One of the challenges of writing this blog is trying to find videos of the music.  Sometimes this has been impossible because they are no longer being sung.  This week's choice provided such a challenge.  But I finally found one.  The quality is not very great, but the music is still there.  LISTEN

ALMOST PERSUADED

Have you ever been sharing the good news of the Gospel with someone and they listened attentively and you were so sure that they were ready to accept God's gift of salvation.? But when they seemed almost convinced of their need for the Savior they backed off and didn't make a decision.  So often folks come to the point of making that life changing choice and then decide to wait expecting they might do it another time.  That is so hard and heart wrenching to see.  Especially when we know that they may never have another chance.  Life  is so unpredictable and can change so quickly.  But that is what happened more than 2,000 years ago when King Agrippa told the Apostle Paul "Almost, you persuade me to be a Christian." (Acts 26:28). In  1871 Reverend Brundage expounded upon this sad story in Acts, and then ended his Sunday morning sermon with the words "He who is almost persuaded is almost saved, and to be almost saved is to be entirely lost".   Philip Paui Bliss (1838-1876), composer of many hymns, was in the congregation listening to Reverend Brundage's sermon. The pastor's powerful closing words left such an impression upon Bliss that he set about composing a song with the same sentiment.  Almost Persuaded was published that same year in The Charm: A Collection of Sunday School Music, and quickly found its way into the majority of English Christian hymnals.  The compelling words have since been sung at many an altar call.  If you are one of those who have heard the Gospel and never responded, please don't wait another minute to accept God's free gift of eternal life.

(1)   "Almost persuaded" now to believe;

"Almost persuaded" Christ to receive;

Seems now some soul to say,

"Go, Spirit, go Thy way,

Some more convenient day

On Thee I'll call."

(2)   "Almost persuaded," come, come today;

"Almost persuaded," turn not away;

Jesus invites you here,

Angels are lingering near

Prayers rise from hearts so dear;

O wanderer, come!

(3)   "Almost persuaded," harvest is past!

"Almost persuaded," doom comes at last!

"Almost" cannot avail;

"Almost" is but to fail!

Sad, sad, that bitter wail—

"Almost," but lost!

You can listen to it here.    LISTEN

I WILL SING THE WONDROUS STORY

The good old days probably weren't quite as good as we seem to think that they were.  However, one of the things that I miss are the Sunday evening services when we used to sing many uplifting and inspiring hymns.  One of those was "I Will Sing The Wondrous Story" with the back time in the chorus that I loved to sing, especially as a child.  And while I seldom hear this sung today, it still has a great message of what should be the excitement of singing, or at least sharing, the wondrous story of what Christ has done for us.  May we never tire or lose the enthusiasm of doing this.  F. H. Rowley was pastor of a Baptist church when he produced the words to the hymn in 1886.  He was assisted in his church by the song director Peter Philip Bilhorn.  One Sunday, following the service, Bilhorn asked Rowley to write a hymn for which he could provide the music. The following night, these stanzas came to him, and he gave them to Bilhorn who later composed the tune. Sometime afterwards, Bilhorn went to Brooklyn, NY, to meet with hymn-writer and music publisher George Coles Stebbins. Stebbins asked if Bilhorn had any songs which he had written, and he showed him the one that he and Rowley had produced. Since Bilhorn had not studied any harmony to that point, Stebbins harmonized the song for him and then took him to see another famous song-leader, hymn-writer, and music publisher, Ira David Sankey. They showed the song to Sankey, who was impressed with it and thought that it would be useful.   So Bilhorn, with Rowley's approval, presented it as a gift to Sankey. When it was published by Sankey it was changed to "I Will Sing the Wondrous Story." This and other alterations in the original text were made, apparently without the author's knowledge or consent, by Sankey.  Years later Rowley wrote of this song, "As I was going down a London street one night about eleven o'clock, I discovered ahead of me a group of Salvation Army people holding a service, and as I came nearer to them it occurred to me that the hymn they were singing was familiar. Then it dawned upon me that it was the one that I had written."  And so, through the years, believers have sung this song as a testimony to what Christ has done in their lives.  Meditate on the words, with a joyful heart, this week.

1. I will sing the wondrous story

Of the Christ Who died for me;

How He left His home in glory

For the cross of Calvary.

Yes, I'll sing the wondrous story

Of the Christ Who died for me,

Sing it with the saints in glory,

Gathered by the crystal sea.

2. I was lost, but Jesus found me,

Found the sheep that went astray,

Threw His loving arms around me,

Drew me back into His way.

Yes, I'll sing the wondrous story

Of the Christ Who died for me,

Sing it with the saints in glory,

Gathered by the crystal sea.

3. I was bruised, but Jesus healed me,

Faint was I from many a fall,

Sight was gone, and fears possessed me,

But He freed me from them all.

Yes, I'll sing the wondrous story

Of the Christ Who died for me,

Sing it with the saints in glory,

Gathered by the crystal sea.

4. Days of darkness still come o'er me,

Sorrow's path I often tread,

But His presence still is with me;

By His guiding hand I'm led.

Yes, I'll sing the wondrous story

Of the Christ Who died for me,

Sing it with the saints in glory,

Gathered by the crystal sea.

5. He will keep me till the river

Rolls its waters at my feet;

Then He'll bear me safely over,

Where the loved ones I shall meet.

Yes, I'll sing the wondrous story

Of the Christ Who died for me,

Sing it with the saints in glory,

Gathered by the crystal sea.

Listen to it being sung here.  LISTEN

O WORSHIP THE KING

There are several great hymns of worship that have not only survived but have withstood the test of time.  This week's choice is one of those.  In poetic form it describes God's impact upon the lives of His children over the years.  The Ancient of Days is our Shield and Defender from all the attacks of Satan.  He is our Maker who cares for us with His bountiful care.  He is our Redeemer whose mercies are tender.  And this great King is also our Friend.  And we, who are the frail children of dust, feeble and frail, can put our faith in Him for He will not fail.  And with this knowledge and experience we should daily sing gratefully of His power and His love.  Charles Grant (1778-1838) was born in India but  moved back to England when he was seven years old. He became a lawyer at age 29, a member of Parliament at 48 and was elected Judge Advocate General at 54. At age 56 he was knighted and then appointed Governor of Bombay, India, where he died at the age of 60.  He was also a devout evangelical christian who took every opportunity to share the Good News. He was a financial supporter of missionaries, and was loved by the people of India, who established a medical college in his honor. Several of Grant's writings, prose and poetry, were published during his lifetime. After his death, his brother gathered 12 of Grant's poems into a book titled Sacred Poems. One of those poems, O Worship the King, was set to music by Johann Michael Hadyn and has appeared in church hymnals ever since.  I hope that as you review and sing the words of this profound hymn this week that you will be filled with awe, praise and thanksgiving as you worship the King.

O worship the King, all glorious above,

O gratefully sing His power and His love;

Our Shield and Defender, the Ancient of Days,

Pavilioned in splendor, and girded with praise.

O tell of His might, O sing of His grace,

Whose robe is the light, whose canopy space,

His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form,

And dark is His path on the wings of the storm.

Thy bountiful care, what tongue can recite?

It breathes in the air, it shines in the light;

It streams from the hills, it descends to the plain,

And sweetly distills in the dew and the rain.

Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail,

In Thee do we trust, nor find Thee to fail;

Thy mercies how tender, how firm to the end,

Our Maker, Defender, Redeemer, and Friend.

You can listen to it here.  LISTEN

HOME FREE

This week I have chosen to go a different direction with this blog by choosing a rather contemporary song and making some very personal comments.  I trust that you will bear with me and I will return to the hymns next Sunday.  On Saturday my late brother, Terry, was part of the first class to be inducted into the Lancaster Lebanon League Hall of Fame for officials and administrators.  I actually had nominated him and am thrilled that he was chosen as part of the very first class.  He was an outstanding athlete, wrestling official, coach and athletic director and certainly deserved this honor.  Unfortunately he didn't receive it before he was called home to heaven almost four years ago after a 15 year battle with prostate cancer.  On Friday I was reminded of the months before his death when I heard, on the radio, this week's song.  It was one of Terry's favorites, especially in his last days, and it was sung at his funeral.  The song was written by Wayne Watson and it won the Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year for 1992.  During Terry's final months of battle he regularly sent out emails to many of his friends and prayer partners.  His words and attitude challenged us and he seldom showed signs of discouragement.  He knew, without a doubt, where he would be after his death.  And while his death came rather unexpectedly for most of us, we think he sensed that he would soon be home free. And we did stand in the corridors of the hospital that day praying for more heartbeats for him. But his healing was to be in heaven.  During the past few years we have watched many of our close friends pass on to heaven.  In fact, all the men in our wedding party are now with the Lord.  And while we prayed for their healing here, they experienced the ultimate healing in glory.  I don't know why the Lord calls good people home so early in their earthly lives, but thankfully we do have the hope and assurance that they are now healed and rejoicing in a much better place.  I don't know what situation you are facing today, but I pray that if you are living underneath the sea of grief that you will be able to say and mean, as my brother did, "Thy will be done".  Over the years, by his life, Terry taught me much about how to live the Christian life.  But in his last days he taught me much about how to die with hope.  And that is a lesson we all need to learn since one day each of us who are believers in Christ will also be home free.

I'm trying hard not to think You unkind

But Heavenly Father

If You know my heart

Surely You can read my mind

Good people underneath the sea of grief

Some get up and walk away

Some will find ultimate relief

Home free, eventually

At the ultimate healing

We will be home free

Home free, oh I've got a feeling

At the ultimate healing

We will be home free

Out in the corridors, we pray for life

A mother for her baby

A husband for his wife

Sometimes the good die young

It's sad but true

And while we pray for one more heartbeat

The real comfort is with You

You know pain has little mercy

And suffering's no respecter of age

Of race or position

I know every prayer gets answered

But the hardest one to pray is slow to come

Oh Lord, not mine, but Thy will be done

Let it be

Home free, eventually

At the ultimate healing

We will be home free

Home free, oh I've got a feeling

At the ultimate healing

We will be home free

Home free, eventually

At the ultimate healing

Gonna be home free

Home free, oh its more than a feeling

At the ultimate healing

Gonna be home free

Listen to the music here.    LISTEN

BEYOND THE SUNSET

I think all of us have had the thrill of watching a magnificent sunset and watching the beautiful colors change as the minutes passed by. Sunsets are one of God's most spectacular displays.  And as they signal the end of the day they should remind us of our lives.  For as we reach the sunset of our days here there is a more spectacular day coming when we will be at home with our Savior.  This week's hymn should remind us of that truth.  It was in the summer of 1936 that Horace Rodeheaver invited the faculty of the Rodeheaver School of Music to his home at Rainbow Point, Indiana. As the evening progressed, the sunset over the nearby Winona Lake was so incredible and it is said that the guests began to talk about its beauty. Eventually the talk died down and the group sat for a long time, silently soaking in the wonder. Horace Burr, who had been blind from birth, suddenly spoke out with excitement, saying that he had never seen such a beautiful sunset. One of the other guests asked how it was possible for him to see events of the sky.  Horace's answered " I see through other people's eyes, and I think I often see more. I see beyond the sunset." Among those attending were lyricist Virgil Brock and his wife, composer Blanch Brock. Upon returning home, Virgil was inspired to write a hymn based upon the events of the evening. His wife joined him from the piano and  Horace was there as well. When he heard the first three verses Horace reminded them of the storm clouds that had been hovering just above that evening's sunset, and suggested that be the theme of a fourth verse. Before the evening was over, Beyond the Sunset was ready for publication.  As you reflect upon the words this week, be reminded of that day which is approaching, a day of gladness, a day unending, a day when toiling is ended and we are home with our blessed Savior.  What a glorious hope.  May each spectacular sunset that you view remind you of this truth.

(1)   Beyond the sunset, O blissful morning,

When with our Savior heav'n is begun;

Earth's toiling ended, O glorious dawning -

Beyond the sunset when day is done.

(2)   Beyond the sunset no clouds will gather,

No storms will threaten, no fears annoy;

O day of gladness, O day unending -

Beyond the sunset, eternal joy!

(3)   Beyond the sunset a hand will guide me

To God the Father, whom I adore;

His glorious presence, His words of welcome,

Will be my portion on that fair shore.

(4)   Beyond the sunset, O glad reunion

With our dear loved ones who've gone before;

In that fair homeland we'll know no parting -

Beyond the sunset forevermore!

You can listen to this week's hymn here.   LISTEN

PRECIOUS LORD TAKE MY HAND

The song writer Thomas Dorsey (1899-1993) has an honored title of 'The Father of Gospel Music'.  At a very early age, long before his music education at the Chicago College of Composition and Arranging, he was playing piano in a Vaudeville act.  After college, he frequented the jazz clubs, gaining quite a reputation as the very talented 'Georgia Tom'.  In 1921, at the age of 22, he gave his life to Jesus and left the jazz clubs and began writing Gospel music. Little by little his reputation grew, not only as a songwriter but as a church music director.   In 1932 while the now Reverend Dorsey was leading a church service, a man came on to the platform to hand him a telegram which said that his wife had just died in childbirth. Within 24 hours his newborn baby also died. Dorsey fell into deep despair, doubting the goodness of God and determining never to write another hymn.  A week later, sitting alone at a piano he suddenly felt a special peace such as he had never known before. He suddenly felt the urge to play the piano. His fingers found a familiar melody and the words to Precious Lord, Take My Hand began to well up from his heart.  God had given him a song that would not only lift him from despair, but would also change the course of his music career.  This hymn has been translated into more than 40 languages, has been sung by some of the biggest names in Gospel music, including Mahalia Jackson and Elvis Presley, and it was Dr. Martin Luther King's favorite hymn.  As I traced the story of Dorsey and this hymn, I was reminded of one of my favorite verses.  "I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, 'Fear not; I will help thee." (Isaiah 41:13).  I don't know what your situation or circumstances may be this week, but the Lord is there to take your hand and lead you through the dark valley and the storm.  As you recognize your weakness, may you experience the strength and great peace which He alone can give you.

Precious Lord, take my hand

Lead me on, Let me stand

I'm tired, I am weak I am worn

Through the storm, through the night

Lead me on to the light

Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

When my way grows drear 

precious Lord linger near

When my life is almost gone

Hear my cry, Hear my call

Hold my hand lest I fall

Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

When the darkness appears 

and the night draws near

And the day is past and gone

At the river I stand

Guide my feet,Hold my hand

Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

Precious Lord, take my hand

Lead me on, Let me stand

I am tired, I am weak, I am worn

Through the storm, through the night

Lead me on to the light

Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home 

Listen to it here.    LISTEN