GOD BE WITH YOU

        Goodbyes can be difficult.  Leaving good friends and Christian brothers and sisters can sometimes be very hard emotionally, especially if you may not see them again for a long time.  I have an aunt and uncle who I love dearly but they live over 1,000 miles away.  They are both in their mid 90's and when we recently left them it was so hard knowing that it might be the last time we would be with them here on earth.  We just never know what a day may bring and whether or not we will meet again on this earth.  And as we separate from our friends, we do so with the desire that God will go with us and with our friends.  And He does.  He has promised never to leave us or forsake His children and He never has.  This week's hymn, a benediction hymn, was written and published in 1882, by the Reverend Jeremiah Eames Rankin, who was, at the time, pastor of the First Congregational Church of Washington D.C. The poem that Rankin originally wrote had eight stanzas, but today the first, second, fourth and seventh stanzas are all that are commonly sung. Mr. Rankin wrote the following account regarding his writing of  "God Be With You": "Written as a Christian good-bye, it was called forth by no person or occasion, but was deliberately composed as a Christian hymn on the basis of the etymology of "good-bye," which is "God be with you." I consulted the dictionary for the definition of the word 'good-bye', and found it to be a contraction of 'God be with ye'. Very soon the first verse was completed. The first stanza was written and sent to two composers, one of unusual note, the other wholly unknown and not thoroughly educated in music. I selected the composition of the latter, submitted it to J. W. Bischoff, the musical director of a little book we were preparing, who approved of it, but made some criticisms, which were adopted. It was sung for the first time one evening in the First Congregational Church in Washington, of which I was then the pastor and Mr. Bischoff the organist. I attributed its popularity in no little part to music to which it was set. It was a wedding of words and music, at which it was my function to preside; but Mr. Tomer should have his full share of the family honor."  William Gould Tomer severed in the Union Army during the Civil War and then became a public school teacher in New Jersey where he composed the music for this text upon Dr. Rankin's request.  "God Be With You" was widely used in the Moody and Sankey meetings throughout North America and England.  A few years before his death, when the late President Theodore Roosevelt was making a farewell visit in Memphis, Tenn., a great audience of three thousand people sang in his honor the well-loved strain, "God be with you till we meet again."  It is a wonderful prayer that has helped and encouraged multitudes over the years. In fact it is a great prayer and testimony for your friends anytime, not just when you are parting.  Maybe this week you could consider "praying" this for those whom you love. The chorus includes that powerful truth that those in God's family will be reunited again, if not here on earth, then definitely in heaven.  "Till we meet, till we meet, Till we meet at Jesus' feet. God be with you till we meet again."

  

1. God be with you till we meet again,

By His counsels guide, uphold you,

With His sheep securely fold you,

God be with you till we meet again.

Till we meet, till we meet,

Till we meet at Jesus' feet;

Till we meet, till we meet,

God be with you till we meet again.

2. God be with you till we meet again,

'Neath His wings securely hide you,

Daily manna still provide you,

God be with you till we meet again.

Till we meet, till we meet,

Till we meet at Jesus' feet;

Till we meet, till we meet,

God be with you till we meet again.

3. God be with you till we meet again,

When life's perils thick confound you,

Put His arms unfailing round you,

God be with you till we meet again.

Till we meet, till we meet,

Till we meet at Jesus' feet;

Till we meet, till we meet,

God be with you till we meet again.

4. God be with you till we meet again,

Keep love's banner floating o'er you,

Smite death's threat'ning wave before you,

God be with you till we meet again.

Till we meet, till we meet,

Till we meet at Jesus' feet;

Till we meet, till we meet,

God be with you till we meet again.

Listen to it here.   LISTEN

IN TIMES LIKE THESE

         We live in very troubling times.  Terrorism is increasing worldwide.   Wars and threats of wars abound.  A deadly disease is spreading and killing thousands.  Christians are being killed, persecuted, and forced to flee their homes.  Fires, floods and earthquakes are devastating large areas.  Judges are overturning Biblical standards.  It is easy to become discouraged, worried and fearful.  But in a society which no longer has absolutes, believers do have absolutes upon which they can rest.  In times like these we need the Bible.  In times like these we need a Savior.  In times like these we need a solid Rock and an Anchor.  And thankfully we do have those to build our lives on and depend upon.  In 1944, a housewife named Ruth Caye Jones was concerned about the state of the world.  The country was in the middle of World War II.  Hitler, the Nazi army and the Japanese military were waging war around the globe.  Mrs. Jones was at home completing her daily household tasks.  She was burdened and stressed by the turmoil and evil in the world.  She was moved by reading the words of 2 Timothy 3:1: "This know also that in the last days perilous times will come." As she read those words, inspiration for the song came, and she jotted lyrics on a small notepad she had in her apron pocket.  Since that day the hymn has been a blessing to countless Christians at special times of need. It has brought comfort and has encouraged and challenged Christian workers, and has drawn many to salvation.  Mrs. Jones herself experienced the consolation of these words as she spent time recovering from serious surgery a few years after she wrote it. When Jones watched George Beverly Shea sing her song on a Billy Graham telecast, tears came to her eyes and she said, "I can't believe I had any part in writing this song. I just feel that God gave it to me, and I gave it to the world."  She had written 15 other songs, but "In Times Like These" became her best known.  Today, we still live in perilous times. And unlike in the 1940s, we as a society have grown further and further from God. The Solid Rock is still there and always has been, but too many people have chosen to throw their anchor on sinking sand.  So the words written 60 years ago ring more true today than they ever have. In our lives we will encounter storms of life, some which threaten to tear our whole ships apart. But if your anchor grips onto the solid rock, there is no storm that can destroy you.  Rest from the turmoil of these times and claim these truths this week.

(1)   In times like these you need a Savior

In times like these you need an anchor;

Be very sure, be very sure

Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock! 

This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He's the One;

This Rock is Jesus, the only One!

Be very sure, be very sure

Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock! 

(2)    In times like these you need the Bible,

In times like these O be not idle;

Be very sure, be very sure 

Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock! 

This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He's the One;

This Rock is Jesus, the only One!

Be very sure, be very sure

Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!

This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He's the One;

This Rock is Jesus, the only One!

Be very sure, be very sure

Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock! 

(3)    In times like these I have a Savior,

In times like these I have an anchor;

I'm very sure, I'm very sure

My anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock! 

This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He's the One;

This Rock is Jesus, the only One!

Be very sure, be very sure

Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock! 

I am providing two chances to listen to this hymn this week.  The first is a trio (you can skip the ad in a five seconds).    TRIO

The second is by a chamber choir   CHOIR

I WILL NOT FORGET THEE

          As I am writing this I am waiting for a friend who had told us that he would visit with us this morning.  But it is now two hours past the time when he said he would stop by. I assume that he must have forgot.  It happens.  Several months ago a friend promised to take care of making arrangements and securing something that I really needed for a program I had agreed to lead.  Despite several reminders, he forgot to follow through until the last minute.  And then, when he finally remembered to fulfill his promise to me, it was too late and he wasn't able to do it.  That left me stuck at the last minute and forced me to change my plans.  Even our best friends can forget their promises to us. It happens.  The older I get the more I am learning to write everything down.  I need a calendar and I need "to do" lists, otherwise it is easy for me to forget.  Sometimes forgetting can be caused by serious physical problems.  I think dementia is a frightful thing and we have no control over it.  It is heartbreaking to see loved ones no longer recognize their mates because of devastating mental changes.  But forgetting isn't just limited to older people.   As a teacher for 39 years I often had students who forgot assignments or materials they needed for class.  A college friend of mine forgot and left his mother several times when they went to church gatherings.  It happens.  It can be bad and embarrassing when you forget something. And it can really hurt when somebody forgets you or forgets to do something they had promised to do for you.  But this week's hymn choice reminds us of One who never forgets us - the Lord Jesus Christ.  He has promised never to leave us or forsake us. And He never has.  He continues to guide us and strengthen us and provide the wisdom that we need.  And He has gone to prepare a special home for us and has promised to come back for us.  He hasn't forgotten us.  I don't know what event may have stirred Charles H. Gabriel (1856 - 1932) to pen these words in 1889, but he was right on. The chorus reminds us "I will not forget thee or leave thee; In My hands I'll hold thee, in My arms I'll fold thee; I will not forget thee or leave thee; I am thy Redeemer, I will care for thee."  What a tremendous reminder that we can depend upon our Redeemer who loves us and protects us and will never leave us or forget us.  Maybe you are lonely or discouraged right now.  Meditate upon these words and realize that you are not forgotten.  You may feel very insignificant, but you are loved and are valued by the Father.  Reflect upon this truth and be encouraged this week

(1) Sweet is the promise "I will not forget thee,"

Nothing can molest or turn my soul away;

E'en though the night be dark within the valley,

Just beyond is shining an eternal day.

I will not forget thee or leave thee;

In My hands I'll hold thee, in My arms I'll fold thee;

I will not forget thee or leave thee;

I am thy Redeemer, I will care for thee.

(2)     Trusting the promise "I will not forget thee,"

Onward I will go with songs of joy and love,

Though earth despise me, though my friends forsake me,

I shall be remembered in my home above.

I will not forget thee or leave thee;

In My hands I'll hold thee, in My arms I'll fold thee;

I will not forget thee or leave thee;

I am thy Redeemer, I will care for thee.

.(3)     When at the golden portals I am standing,

All my tribulations, all my sorrows past;

How sweet to hear the blessed proclamation,

"Enter, faithful servant, welcome home at last."

I will not forget thee or leave thee;

In My hands I'll hold thee, in My arms I'll fold thee;

I will not forget thee or leave thee;

I am thy Redeemer, I will care for thee.

Listen to it being sung here.     LISTEN

SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER

        Recently I was reading this familiar story from John  4. Jesus was tired and sat at a well while His disciples went into town to buy food. A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus asked her for a drink. The Samaritan woman was quite shocked because Jesus was a Jew, and Jews simply hated the Samaritans. Of course, she had no idea who Jesus was and asked Him how He could ask her for water since He was a Jew.  Jesus ignored the question and went right to the point, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water"  Jesus continued, "Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life." The woman said to Him, "Sir, give me this water, so I will not be thirsty nor come all the way here to draw."  As I thought about this story several things came to my mind.  First was an old Sunday School chorus that I haven't sung in years, "Jesus gave her water that was not from the well, Jesus gave her water and sent her forth to tell.  She went away singing and came back bringing, others for the water that was not from the well."  My second thought was of the song written by John Peterson in 1950 that talks of the living water that Jesus shares.  Usually this song is thought to speak of the wondrous gift of salvation that comes through Jesus.  And certainly it does. "O sinner ... The Savior now invites you to the water free, where thirsting spirits can be satisfied."   But I think it also speaks of our everyday need to grow spiritually by drinking in what the Savior teaches us.  After all, in Matthew 5:6 he taught, "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." If we are saved, we don't ever need to return to Him for salvation.  That is assured.  But as growing plants need water to grow and produce, we do need Him to be the source of our daily  strength and spiritual growth. And when the chorus talks about "happy now am I", it isn't talking about outward passing fun, but of the eternal satisfaction and joy which one experiences when one daily grows closer to the Lord.  Now I am aware that there are some critics of this song because it speaks about "springs" rather than "spring". But, I am sure that the writer would agree that there is only one source of this salvation and satisfaction and that is the Lord Jesus Christ.  In this age when many claim different ways to salvation, it is essential to understand that Jesus is the only way.  He himself said that.  So this week drink fully of what the Lord has provided for those who put their trust in Him.  Then your thirst will be completely satisfied.

(1)     I thirsted in the barren land of sin and shame, 

And nothing satisfying there I found; 

But to the blessed cross of Christ one day I came, 

Where springs of living water did abound. 

Drinking at the springs of living water, 

Happy now am I, my soul they satisfy; 

Drinking at the springs of living water, 

O wonderful and bountiful supply. 

(2)     How sweet the living water from the hills of God, 

It makes me glad and happy all the way; 

Now glory, grace and blessing mark the path I've trod, 

I'm shouting Hallelujah every day. 

Drinking at the springs of living water, 

Happy now am I, my soul they satisfy; 

Drinking at the springs of living water, 

O wonderful and bountiful supply. 

(3)    O sinner, won't you come today to Calvary? 

A fountain there is flowing deep and wide; 

The Savior now invites you to the water free, 

Where thirsting spirits can be satisfied.

Drinking at the springs of living water, 

Happy now am I, my soul they satisfy; 

Drinking at the springs of living water, 

O wonderful and bountiful supply. 

Listen to it being sung here.   LISTEN

Here is a beautiful piano duet of this weeks song.   DUET

I WON'T HAVE TO CROSS JORDAN ALONE

Few things are certain in this life.  But one thing that is 100% certain is that, unless the Lord returns first, 100% of us will eventually die.  For some that is a frightening thought, especially if they aren't prepared for what will happen after their physical death.  But all believers have the assurance that they will go to be with the Lord, eternally.  Jesus Himself promised that to us.  He said that He was going to prepare a place for us and that He would someday take His children to that special place.  The Apostle Paul said, "for me to live is Christ, but to die is gain".   And all believers should feel the same.  The problem isn't death itself, it is the concern about what the process may be to get to that point.  And for many that journey is different, even though the final destination is the same.  In recent years many of my friends and family members have made that journey.   Some were sudden - a heart attack, a pulmonary embolism, a car crash.  For some the journey was a little longer with things like diabetes or cancer.  For some the journey was very long and difficult, often in a nursing home.  In the Old Testament we read of the Israelites making the journey to the Promised Land. To get there they had to eventually cross the Jordan River.  God safely led them across this river to the Promised Land.  The Jordan has thus become a symbol of our  final earthly journey, with death marking our crossing over the river to our promised land.  Many hymns have used this crossing as a theme.  I could not find any biographical information about the author of this week's hymn choice, Thomas Ramsey.  Nor could I find anything about the circumstances which inspired him to pen these words.  I can only assume that it may have happened after watching friends and family members make this final journey.  And his words remind us that when we reach that river we won't need to cross it alone.  Jesus will be there to comfort us and welcome us to our Promised Land.  In the darkness of that hour He will be there, waiting for us, and showing us the way.  You, too, may have heard stories about the unusual experiences that many believers have had as they passed away. God loves and cares for all of His children in special ways.  Be assured that not only will He be our comfort and guide as we begin the journey, but He will be with us when we cross the Jordan.  What a tremendous comfort that should be for all believers.

(1)     When I come to the river at the ending of day

When the last winds of sorrow have blown

There'll be somebody waiting to show me the way

I won't have to cross Jordan alone

I won't have to cross Jordan alone

Jesus died all my sins to atone

In the darkness I see

He'll be waiting for me

I won't have to cross Jordan alone

(2)     Often times I'm weary and troubled and sad

When it seems that my friends have all flown

There is one thought that cheers me and makes my heart glad

I won't have to cross Jordan alone

I won't have to cross Jordan alone

Jesus died all my sins to atone

In the darkness I see

He'll be waiting for me

I won't have to cross Jordan alone

(3)     Though the billows of trouble and sorrow may sweep

Christ the Saviour will care for his own

Till the end of my journey my soul he will keep

And I won't have to cross Jordan alone

I won't have to cross Jordan alone

Jesus died all my sins to atone

In the darkness I see

He'll be waiting for me

I won't have to cross Jordan alone

Listen to it being sung here.   LISTEN

NOW I BELONG TO JESUS

Some of my best memories growing up were the weeknight prayer meetings which used to be well attended by believers.  My favorite part of those gatherings was the testimony time when most of those attending would share and thank the Lord for what He had done for them.   These were often times of encouragement for many of us, especially as we heard how God was answering prayer.  But in between those testimonies folks would, as the Lord led them, start choruses and we would all join in singing them.  One chorus that I remember that was a favorite was "Now I Belong To Jesus".  It was a reminder that because of His great sacrifice for us, and His grace and mercy, that we indeed were His and in turn He was ours - an amazing personal relationship.  And that relationship is eternal.  But seldom did we sing the verses that also share a powerful message.  His love is eternal and nothing can sever it.  Once we were lost without any hope but He left heaven and came to earth to provide our salvation.  And joy should flood our souls since Jesus has saved us.  And we belong to Him.  The words were penned by Norman Clayton whose hymns we have featured in this blog before.  The ninth of ten children, Clayton  was converted at the age of six.  He became church organist at 12 and kept the role of church organist the rest of his life.  Clayton's profession was in the building industry, but he also created his own publishing house, Gospel Songs, which was later absorbed into the Rodeheaver Company.  In 1942 he was working with Jack Wyrtzen's Word of Life organization, providing music for both the radio broadcasts and crusade meetings.  He composed the tune Ellsworth that year, and wrote the words for this fine gospel song about a year later.  He had the habit of writing the music before the words. He made it a lifelong practice to memorize Scripture and tried, each time he wrote the words of a song, to be sure that its message was clearly biblical. Clayton wrote hundreds of hymns and they were singable, musically sweet and tender of sentiment.  They reflected his evangelical emphasis, focused on the saving work of Christ and the relationship with God through Him.  This emphasis is certainly emphasized in this week's hymn choice.  Hopefully, as you read the words of Clayton's hymn this week, you will be reminded of the special personal  relationship that believers have with the Lord Jesus.  Nothing can compare with that.  May joy flood your soul as you thank Him for making this a reality ... not just for the years of time alone, but for eternity!

(1)    Jesus, my Lord will love me forever,

From Him no pow'r of evil can sever,

He gave His life to ransom my soul;

Now I belong to Him; 

Now I belong to Jesus,

Jesus belongs to me,

Not for the years of time alone,

But for eternity.

(2)    Once I was lost in sin's degradation,

Jesus came down to bring me salvation,

Lifted me up from sorrow and shame,

Now I belong to Him; 

Now I belong to Jesus,

Jesus belongs to me,

Not for the years of time alone,

But for eternity.

(3)    Joy floods my soul for Jesus has saved me,

Freed me from sin that long had enslaved me

His precious blood, He came to redeem,

Now I belong to Him; 

Now I belong to Jesus,

Jesus belongs to me,

Not for the years of time alone,

But for eternity. 

You have two choices to listen to this hymn.

CHOICE 1

Here is a men's trio singing it.

CHOICE 2

FAITH IS THE VICTORY

Unfortunately we have all grown up knowing and experiencing the tragedy of war .  If you are old enough you will recall Afghanistan, Iraq, Vietnam, Korea and maybe even World War II.  And around the world we see new nuclear threats like North Korea and Iran and terrorism which threatens to engulf all of us.  But sometimes we fail to recognize that we are in a more serious war - a spiritual war that has been going on even before Creation.  We have an enemy, Satan, who the Bible says is like a lion seeking whom he may devour.  And we see the results of his attack as Christians are murdered, persecuted, and forced to flee their homes as they are attacked by militant Islam around the world.  But even more dangerous to us are the Satanic attacks on things like marriage, the family, God's Word and our personal lives.  And, unfortunately, Christians often live without even being aware of these attacks.   But God inspired Paul to warn us about them and to share in Ephesians 6 the spiritual armor that we are given to face, in God's strength, our spiritual foe.  And chief among these items is the "shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one".  I John 5:4 informs us that "whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." By this means, believers are protected and equipped to face Satan, the enemy of our souls. It was John Henry Yates (1837-1900) who picked up this theme and wrote the words to this week's hymn choice.  Ira D. Sankey (1840-1908) composed the melody. At about the age of twenty, Yates began writing poetry at the solicitation of his mother, and very soon his ballads and hymns were printed and sung all over the land. Yates was also a shoe salesman, a newspaper editor, and hardware store manager, until becoming a pastor in 1886. It was after this that he met Ira Sankey, D. L. Moody's song leader.  Sankey urged Yates to spend more time writing gospel hymns.  Yates later sent the musician several song-poems he'd written, and this week's hymn was one of them. Sankey, a Civil War veteran, captured the mood of the song well with a tune that seems to mimic the galloping hooves of a troop of soldiers.  So, dear friend, as you review the words of this hymn may you be reminded of the spiritual battle in which we are fully engaged.  But let us be confident that our faith and trust in the Lord, equipped with the spiritual armor, will carry us on to victory.  Faith is the victory which overcomes the world.

(1)     Encamped along the hills of light,

Ye Christian soldiers, rise.

And press the battle ere the night

Shall veil the glowing skies.

Against the foe in vales below

Let all our strength be hurled.

Faith is the victory, we know,

That overcomes the world

Faith is the victory! Faith is the victory!

O glorious victory, that overcomes the world.

(2)    His banner over us is love,

Our sword the Word of God.

We tread the road the saints above

With shouts of triumph trod.

By faith, they like a whirlwind's breath,

Swept on o'er every field.

The faith by which they conquered death

Is still our shining shield.

Faith is the victory! Faith is the victory!

O glorious victory, that overcomes the world.

(3)    On every hand the foe we find

Drawn up in dread array.

Let tents of ease be left behind,

And onward to the fray.

Salvation's helmet on each head,

With truth all girt about,

The earth shall tremble 'neath our tread,

And echo with our shout.

Faith is the victory! Faith is the victory!

O glorious victory, that overcomes the world.

(4)    To him that overcomes the foe,

White raiment shall be giv'n.

Before the angels he shall know

His name confessed in Heav'n.

Then onward from the hill of light,

Our hearts with love aflame,

We'll vanquish all the hosts of night,

In Jesus' conqu'ring Name.

Faith is the victory! Faith is the victory!

O glorious victory, that overcomes the world.

Listen to it being sung here.   LISTEN