IT WILL BE WORTH IT ALL

The Christian life should be one of joy and peace. And that is our Father's desire for us. However, as long as we are still on our journey through this foreign land of earth, we will continue to experience trials, heartaches, tears, separations, and disappointments. And at times these experiences will be so very hard to face and bear. And often we find ourselves complaining and asking "why?". I think that question is probably the one most often asked by believers. And yet we know that God is always with His children and He knows all of their cares. And we know that He has promised never to leave us or forsake us. And sometimes it takes us time to recognize and apply these truths and experience the supernatural peace that only He can give. Then the sun shines through the clouds once again. As my grandfather used to often say, we just need to "keep looking up!", For there will be a time, hopefully very soon, when we shall understand fully and then we will testify, as Esther Kerr Rusthoi, the writer of this week's hymn, has, "It will be worth it all when we see Jesus". So believer, if you find yourself today in one of those impossible situations of life, look to Jesus, knowing that He is with you and in control and one day soon your trials will seem so small when you are finally with Him.

(1) Oft times the day seems long, our trials hard to bear,

We're tempted to complain, to murmur and despair;

But Christ will soon appear to catch His Bride away,

All tears forever over in God's eternal day.

Refrain

It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,

Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ;

One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,

So bravely run the race till we see Christ.

(2) Sometimes the sky looks dark with not a ray of light,

We're tossed and driven on , no human help in sight;

But there is one in heav'n who knows our deepest care,

Let Jesus solve your problem - just go to Him in pray'r.

Refrain

It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,

Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ;

One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,

So bravely run the race till we see Christ.

(3) Life's day will soon be o'er, all storms forever past,

We'll cross the great divide, to glory, safe at last;

We'll share the joys of heav'n - a harp, a home, a crown,

The tempter will be banished, we'll lay our burden down.

Refrain

It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,

Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ;

One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,

So bravely run the race till we see Christ.

Listen to the words and music here. LISTEN

GOD LEADS HIS DEAR CHILDREN

Last night we celebrated the 50th reunion of my high school class. It was a fun time of sharing and renewing acquaintances. We had a small class - 85 graduates - but it was a good class with very nice people. And a number of the members are born again. It was interesting to hear so many stories of the events that have shaped our lives over these 50 years. Some were funny, some were very sad. Some shared how the Lord carried them through some very tragic events and those who knew the Lord were able to testify how the Lord worked through these events, giving them the wisdom, strength and peace that they needed. In reflecting upon the evening, my mind was drawn to this week's selection which reminds us of God's leading through all the events of our lives. I trust that this hymn is also your experience and testimony ... God leads His dear children along.

In shady, green pastures, so rich and so sweet,

God leads His dear children along;

Where the water's cool flow bathes the weary one's feet,

God leads His dear children along.

Refrain

Some through the waters, some through the flood,

Some through the fire, but all through the blood;

Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song,

In the night season and all the day long.

Sometimes on the mount where the sun shines so bright,

God leads His dear children along;

Sometimes in the valley, in darkest of night,

God leads His dear children along.

Refrain

Some through the waters, some through the flood,

Some through the fire, but all through the blood;

Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song,

In the night season and all the day long.

Though sorrows befall us and evils oppose,

God leads His dear children along;

Through grace we can conquer, defeat all our foes,

God leads His dear children along.

Refrain

Some through the waters, some through the flood,

Some through the fire, but all through the blood;

Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song,

In the night season and all the day long.

Away from the mire, and away from the clay,

God leads His dear children along;

Away up in glory, eternity's day,

God leads His dear children along.

Refrain

Some through the waters, some through the flood,

Some through the fire, but all through the blood;

Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song,

In the night season and all the day long.

Listen to it here. LISTEN

THROUGH IT ALL

Sometimes testimony hymns really speak to us because we can relate to the experiences that are described. I am sure that many of us can relate to the words and music written by Andrae Crouch. Incidentally, below you can hear Andrae actually sing this great number which he composed. Often we ask the question "why?" when we are going through tough times that are often marked by tears and sorrows. And there often seems to be no answer to our question. The storms and valleys often seem so very hard to endure. But as we've trusted God, we've experienced His provision and leading, no matter how difficult the events. And sometimes it is not until many years later that we can really look back and see how He carried us through those lonely hours. And then we can often testify how He used these difficult experiences in our lives to help us grow closer to Him and to teach us to how to depend upon Him even more. Reflect upon this thought as you meditate on these words.

I've had many tears and sorrows,

I've had questions for tomorrow,

There've been times I didn't know right from wrong:

But in every situation God gave blessed consolation

That my trials come to only make me strong.

Through it all, through it all,

I've learned to trust in Jesus,

I've learned to trust in God;

Through it all, through it all,

I've learned to depend upon His Word.

I've been to lots of places,

And I've seen a lot of faces,

There've been times I felt so all alone;

But in my lonely hours,

Yes, those precious lonely hours,

Jesus let me know that I was His own.

Through it all, through it all,

I've learned to trust in Jesus,

I've learned to trust in God;

Through it all, through it all,

I've learned to depend upon His Word.

I thank God for the mountains,

And I thank Him for the valleys,

I thank Him for the storms

He brought me through;

For if I'd never had a problem

I wouldn't know that He could solve them,

I'd never know what faith in God could do.

Through it all, through it all,

I've learned to trust in Jesus,

I've learned to trust in God;

Through it all, through it all,

I've learned to depend upon His Word

Listen to it here. LISTEN.

HE BROUGHT ME OUT OF THE MIRY CLAY

On Saturday morning we left very early in the morning to travel to State College for the Penn State football game. On the way we tuned in a Christian radio station and I recognized a hymn that I haven't heard in decades. While I seldom remember singing the verses of this hymn, I do recall that the refrain was sung regularly in our prayer meetings. Despite the decades that had passed, I was amazed that I readily remembered the words and the melody. My wife remarked that she doesn't ever remember hearing this hymn or even its refrain. I replied that I was surprised by this because I often remember her father quoting the verse that this is based on when he gave his personal testimony. Psalm 40:2, "He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings". It is interesting that modern philosophy and even some theology says that we are basically good and that all we have to do is pull ourselves up and reach our potential. But those who have been saved by God's grace realize that without Him and His work on the cross, we are hopeless. We are low in a pit in the miry clay of sin that continues to pull us down. But when we experience the gift of His salvation, our feet are placed on a solid rock, a solid foundation. My father-in-law, even untill the time of his death, recognized this truth in his life, and he testified of it often. Have you experienced this transformation of being lifted out of the sinking pit of sin and hopelessness and being placed on a permanent foundation? Only Jesus can do that. The words of this old and probably forgotten hymn were written in the late 1800's by Henry J. Zelley and the music was added by Henry L. Gilmour.

My heart was distressed 'neath Jehovah's dread frown,

And low in the pit where my sins dragged me down;

I cried to the Lord from the deep miry clay,

Who tenderly brought me out to golden day.

Refrain:

He brought me out of the miry clay,

He set my feet on the Rock to stay;

He puts a song in my soul today,

A song of praise, hallelujah!

He placed me upon the strong Rock by His side,

My steps were established and here I'll abide;

No danger of falling while here I remain,

But stand by His grace until the crown I gain.

He brought me out of the miry clay,

He set my feet on the Rock to stay;

He puts a song in my soul today,

A song of praise, hallelujah!

He gave me a song, 'twas a new song of praise;

By day and by night its sweet notes I will raise;

My heart's overflowing, I'm happy and free.

I'll praise my Redeemer, who has rescued me.

He brought me out of the miry clay,

He set my feet on the Rock to stay;

He puts a song in my soul today,

A song of praise, hallelujah!

I'll sing of His wonderful mercy to me,

I'll praise Him till all men His goodness shall see;

I'll sing of salvation at home and abroad,

Till many shall hear the truth and trust in God.

He brought me out of the miry clay,

He set my feet on the Rock to stay;

He puts a song in my soul today,

A song of praise, hallelujah!

Listen to the music here. LISTEN

GOD WILL MAKE A WAY

Now wait you say. Are you getting senile? Didn't you use this hymn as last week's choice? Good questions. I'm not sure how to answer the senile question, but this is a different choice. Yes, it does have the same name and the same theme but it is written by Janet Paschal. Last week's was written by Don Moen. In fact, last week I was really looking for this one but couldn't find the words in time for my weekly post. As writer and soloist, Janet has had much personal experience with this message since she has battled with cancer. Maybe the Lord thought that some of us needed a double reminder of His care for us. While last week I remarked about Red Sea situations, Janet's words really center on that theme - stranded before an army and the sea. And if nobody else felt that way this week, I certainly have. We have worked hard to get my dad's house on the market today and just ran out of time and energy to get everything done. We also had to move furniture Friday night ... in driving rain - we had almost 3 inches of rain while two of my boys did that. And then we had, and still have, some problems at our house which must be dealt with soon. Then there is the start of Awana and numerous other responsibilities and situations which we must deal with. Now I am not complaining, just stating that we all have times when we feel trapped and don't know where to turn. But we've learned, God is always faithful and He will make a way, even when there seems to be no way. So maybe this double emphasis is only for me, but just in case you need it to, meditate on these words and the truth that is shared.

Must have felt strange to end up stranded between an army and the sea

They must have felt forsaken wondering why God wasn't all He said He'd be

When your back's against the wall

It's the hardest place of all

But somewhere between provisions and impossibility

God will make a way

When there seems to be no way

Forever He is faithful

He will make a road

When you bear a heavy load

I know, God will make a way

When a wall of circumstances leaves you crying in the night

And you struggle til your strength is almost gone

God will gently hold you in the shelter of His heart

And carve a road for you to carry on.

So carry on

God will make a way

When there seems to be no way

Forever He is faithful

He will make a road

When you bear a heavy load

I know, God will make a way

Listen to this beautiful song here. LISTEN

GOD WILL MAKE A WAY

Are there times in your life that you just don't know which way to turn, times when you need guidance, times when life just seems impossible? In times like that we often go to our family or our friends, but often they can't really help and we feel so alone and even scared. I sometimes think of the Israelites as they fled from Egypt. They had the advantage of actually seeing God guide them with a visible sign, day and night. But then they came to the Red Sea. The sea was in front of them and the Egyptian army was closing in from behind. The situation seemed impossible. But the God of the impossible didn't forget His children and in His time He made a way for them - right through the sea. And He still does the same thing for His children today. Like the Israelites we have the knowledge of His guidance in the past, but then we hit the Red Sea and we face the impossible. We often fret and worry and panic (at least I do) and yet God is there to make a way for us. So if today you are facing a Red Sea situation, please remember that God is there and He will make a way through the sea, in His time. Doe Moen must have experienced this and he was led to write the words and music for this week's selection.

God will make a way

Where there seems to be no way

He works in ways we cannot see

He will make a way for me

He will be my guide

Hold me closely to His side

With love and strength for each new day

He will make a way, He will make a way

By a roadway in the wilderness, He'll lead me

And rivers in the desert will I see

Heaven and Earth will fade but His Word will still remain

And He will do something new today

Oh, God will make a way

Where there seems to be no way

He works in ways we cannot see

He will make a way for me

He will be my guide

Hold me closely to His side

With love and strength for each new day

He will make a way, He will make a way

Listen to it here. LISTEN

GUIDE ME, O THOU GREAT JEHOVAH

William Williams, the "Sweet Singer of Wales" produced about 800 hymns. "Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah" was his first in 1745. This very personal hymn seeks the same care that God gave the Israelites in the wilderness: "Bread of heaven", the manna in the wilderness, "Open now the crystal fountain", water from the rock, "Let the fire and cloudy pillar", the pillar God used to guide them and protect them in the wilderness. This hymn has been translated into seventy-five languages. It is so loved in Wales that it is considered an unofficial national anthem. Williams, a converted doctor who became a preacher, lived as a pilgrim, pressing through the snow of winter, the rains of springtime, and the heat of summer. He once was beaten by mobs and cheered by crowds, but in all his travels he sought only to do the will of God until his death at 74. He is said to have traveled over 95,000 miles, drawing crowds of 10,000 or more. Many are the stories of this beautiful anthem giving people strength in time of adversity. Three women missionaries in China, with bandits outside their door, sang this as though nothing was wrong, receiving comfort and courage from their "Strong Deliverer". In the trenches of Flanders during World War I, it was sung so melodiously by the Welch soldiers that the German soldiers also took it up. Miners sang it on their way to the mines. It could be spontaneously sung at Welsh sporting events, and was sung at Princess Diana's funeral. The wife of President James Garfield is said to have sung this hymn to her husband as he was dying of an assassin's bullet. Consider the words as you ask Jehovah to guide your every step.

Guide me, O thou great Jehovah,

pilgrim though this barren land;

I am weak, but thou art mighty;

hold me with thy powerful hand;

Bread of heaven, Bread of heaven,

feed me till I want no more,

feed me till I want no more.

Open now the crystal fountain,

whence the healing stream doth flow;

let the fire and cloudy pillar

lead me all my journey through;

strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer.

be thou still my Strength and Shield,

be thou still my Strength and Shield.

When I tread the verge of Jordan,

bid my anxious fears subside;

bear me through the swelling current,

land me safe on Canaan's side;

songs of praises, songs of praises,

I will ever give to thee,

I will ever give to thee.

Listen to this hymn here. LISTEN

MY HOPE IS IN THE LORD

Sometimes there are great hymns for which you can't find any historical background. Such is the case with this week's hymn. All I can find is that the words and music were written by Norman Clayton, a recent hymn writer, who lived from 1903 to 1992. If you know something about the background, please leave a comment which we all can read and share. The hymn could be based on Psalm 71:5, "For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth". But even if we don't know the story of its writing, the words speak for themselves. We all need hope and what better hope can there be than that based on the One who gave himself for us, who paid the price of all our sin, who represents us before God the Father, and gives us everlasting life. And as the final verse says, there is nothing we have done to receive this hope and life, it is through His grace. All we can do is believe and receive this gift and hope. Concentrate on these words as you sing them in humility and thankfulness.

My hope is in the Lord Who gave Himself for me,

And paid the price of all my sin at Calvary.

For me He died, For me He lives,

And everlasting life and light He freely gives.

No merit of my own His anger to suppress.

My only hope is found in Jesus' righteousness.

For me He died, For me He lives,

And everlasting life and light He freely gives.

And now for me He stands Before the Father's throne.

He shows His wounded hands and names me as His own.

For me He died, For me He lives,

And everlasting life and light He freely gives.

His grace has planned it all, 'Tis mine but to believe,

And recognize His work of love and Christ receive.

For me He died, For me He lives,

And everlasting life and light He freely gives.

MORE, MORE ABOUT JESUS

Do you ever tire of hearing the stories about Jesus and learning more about him? Unfortunately, for those who are believers for a long time, there is the temptation to take Him and His work for lighty. But if our desire is to grow more like Him, there should be a daily freshness in our relationship, no matter how long we've walked with him. The author of this week's hymn, Eliza E. Hewitt, captured that in her writing. Her desire was to see more of his grace, his salvation and His love. She wanted His Spirit to be her teacher daily showing her more about Jesus. Eliza was an invalid for an extended period of her life. Out of this experience she developed an intimate relationship with God and the Scriptures and a desire to share her feelings with others through writing. She became a prolific author of children's poetry and Sunday School literature. Various gospel musicians became aware of her many fine poems and set them to suitable music. John Sweeney was one of these and he composed the hymn tune for this text. This was one of over 1000 that he composed. It is said that Eliza was a close friend of Fanny Crosby and often met her for fellowship and discussion of new hymns they had written. Eliza was also a prolific writer of hymn tests including some very familiar ones such as "Victory in Jesus", "When We All Get to Heaven", "Stepping in the Light", "Will Their Be Any Stars", and "My Faith Has Found a Resting Place". But I especially like this one because of its meaningful words (and also because of its rich harmony). So this week why not sing and pray the words of Eliza's great hymn, "More, More About Jesus" and allow His Spirit to be your teacher.

1. More about Jesus I would know,

More of His grace to others show;

More of His saving fulness see,

More of His love who died for me.

Refrain:

More, more about Jesus,

More, more about Jesus;

More of His saving fulness see,

More of His love who died for me.

2. More about Jesus let me learn,

More of His holy will discern;

Spirit of God, my teacher be,

Showing the things of Christ to me.

Refrain:

More, more about Jesus,

More, more about Jesus;

More of His saving fulness see,

More of His love who died for me.

3. More about Jesus, in His Word,

Holding communion with my Lord;

Hearing His voice in every line,

Making each faithful saying mine.

Refrain:

More, more about Jesus,

More, more about Jesus;

More of His saving fulness see,

More of His love who died for me.

4. More about Jesus on His throne,

Riches in glory all His own;

More of His kingdom's sure increase;

More of His coming, Prince of Peace.

Refrain:

More, more about Jesus,

More, more about Jesus;

More of His saving fulness see,

More of His love who died for me.

Listen to the music here. LISTEN