OUR GREAT SAVIOR (JESUS WHAT A FRIEND TO SINNERS)

          "Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable " (Psalm 145:3).  Unsearchable - beyond our ability to fully comprehend. And because of His greatness, He is surely deserving of great praise, thanksgiving, and worship.   This week's  hymn of adoration reminds us that He is a great and true friend to sinners. It also reminds us that He is our strength in our weakness.  "Tempted, tried, and sometimes failing, He, my strength, my vict'ry wins."  And He is our guide and keeper no matter how bad our storms of life may be. "Storms about me, night o'ertakes me, He, my pilot, hears my cry."  How precious is the truth that "I am His, and He is mine."  "Saving, helping, keeping, loving, He is with me to the end."  Hallelujah, what a Savior!   These words were penned in 1910 by J. Wilbur Chapman (1859 - 1918), a Presbyterian evangelist in the late 19th century.  Chapman took on several pastorates before shifting to the evangelistic circuit. He began preaching with D. L. Moody in 1893, as well as leading many evangelistic events of his own. Among Chapman's disciples on the evangelistic circuit was Billy Sunday.  In late 1895, he was appointed Corresponding Secretary of the Presbyterian General Assembly's Committee on Evangelism, overseeing the activities of 51 evangelists in 470 cities. In 1904, Chapman began work on an evangelistic campaign to maximize the efforts of his field evangelists and result in more converts. The testing ground for his theories was Pittsburgh, which he divided into nine zones in which simultaneous tent meetings would be occurring. Syracuse, New York was the second city in the campaign, meeting with a satisfactory level of success.  in 1907, he joined forces with popular gospel singer Charles McCallon Alexander to launch the "Chapman-Alexander Simultaneous Campaign."  The duo assembled an impressive team of evangelists and song leaders and took to the streets. Their first joint campaign was held in Philadelphia from March 12 to April 19, 1908. They partitioned the city into 42 sections covered by 21 evangelist-musicians teams. They spent three weeks on each half of the city, resulting in approximately 8,000 conversions. Chapman was also heavily involved in the promoting of religious summer conferences. He was at one point the director of the Winona Lake Bible Conference in Indiana and also helped to establish Bible conferences in Montreat, North Carolina and the Stony Brook Assembly summer conferences on Long Island.  It is said that he never spared himself, and he suffered at least thirteen serious breakdowns in his health from 1902 on. These sick spells and surgical operations laid him aside for extended periods during the latter years of his life. He died a few days after a gallstone operation, his third operation in the last two years of his life.  While I have been able to find considerable information about his life as a pastor and evangelist, I have found very little about his work writing hymns. In addition to this hymn he is also credited with writing "One Day" and "Tis Jesus".  But I have found nothing about what led him to write this hymn.  We can only assume that the words came from his personal experience and walk with the Lord. From this he could write that the Savior is our Friend who loves us, who provides His child with strength, protection, and comfort when we need it. He is also our Guide and Keeper in the storms of life.  Hopefully this, too, has been your experience.  If it isn't, then receive Jesus as your Savior today and you will find "more than all in Him".  And if He is your Savior. then rejoice and thank Him for "saving, helping, keeping, loving" and being with you to the end.  Hallelujah, what a Savior!

1    Jesus! what a friend for sinners!

Jesus! lover of my soul;

Friends may fail me, foes assail me,

He, my Savior, makes me whole.

Hallelujah! what a Savior!

Hallelujah! what a friend!

Saving, helping, keeping, loving,

He is with me to the end.

2    Jesus! what a strength in weakness!

Let me hide myself in Him;

Tempted, tried, and sometimes failing,

He, my strength, my vict'ry wins. 

Hallelujah! what a Savior!

Hallelujah! what a friend!

Saving, helping, keeping, loving,

He is with me to the end

3    Jesus! what a help in sorrow!

While the billows o'er me roll,

Even when my heart is breaking,

He, my comfort, helps my soul. 

Hallelujah! what a Savior!

Hallelujah! what a friend!

Saving, helping, keeping, loving,

He is with me to the end

4    Jesus! what a guide and keeper!

While the tempest still is high,

Storms about me, night o'ertakes me,

He, my pilot, hears my cry. 

Hallelujah! what a Savior!

Hallelujah! what a friend!

Saving, helping, keeping, loving,

He is with me to the end

5    Jesus! I do now receive Him,

More than all in Him I find,

He hath granted me forgiveness,

I am His, and He is mine. 

Hallelujah! what a Savior!

Hallelujah! what a friend!

Saving, helping, keeping, loving,

He is with me to the end

You can listen to it here.   LISTEN1

If you enjoy male groups, here is a great rendition by a high school male ensemble.   LISTEN2

WHEN HE COMETH (JEWELS)

         William Orcutt Cushing (1823-1902), who signed his name to his hymns simply "W. O. Cushing," wrote a large number of songs that especially found wide popularity in Sunday schools. Born in Massachusetts, at the age of eighteen years he decided to prepare for the ministry, feeling that he had a call from God to that work.  For many years he did serve as a pastor in various churches.  But, after the death of his wife, creeping paralysis attacked him, and he was compelled to retire from the ministry.   After being incapacitated for active ministerial work, his prayer was, "Lord, still give me something to do for Thee!" In answer to this prayer he was permitted to write many of the world's best known gospel poems such as "Ring the Bells of Heaven", "Follow On," and "Hiding in Thee." These were set to music by some of the most distinguished composers of this country.  One of these poems was this week's hymn choice, often called the "Jewel Song".  It was written in 1856 and put to music by George F. Root in 1866. It was written by Pastor Cushing specifically for the children in his church's Sunday School. However, other than the first line of verse three, there's no particular focus on children. It's a hymn we all can sing and apply. The Lord Jesus called His disciples "little children" (John. 13:33).  The text is based on a couple of Old Testament passages. One is Malachi 3:16-17, which says, "Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD listened and heard them; so a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who meditate on His name. 'They shall be Mine,' says the LORD of hosts, on the day that I make them My jewels. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.'"  An interesting story is told about the spread of this hymn.  A minister, once returning from Europe on a British steamer, visited the steerage and proposed a song service there. The steerage was the lower deck of a ship, where the cargo was stored above the closed hold. In the late 19th and early 20th century, steamship steerage decks were used to provide the lowest cost and lowest class of travel. The minister started the song service with this "jewel song." There were hundreds  there from all parts of Europe.  Mr. Root's melody was at once caught up by the immigrants, and they soon learned the hymn, which was sung by these men and women of all nations during the rest of the voyage. When at Quebec they took their trains for their journeys to their new homes, the song burst from every car.  And as a result, Cushing's hymn was carried to and sung in locations far and near.  My experiences with this hymn have generally been in situations involving children, such as the dedication service of a child.  But if we are true believers, redeemed by the Savior, we are His precious jewels, no matter how young or old we may be.  We are His loved and His own.  And someday He will come back to gather us, His gems, for His kingdom.  What a precious hope.  Are you ready should that gathering be today?

1.     When He cometh, when He cometh

To make up His jewels,

All His jewels, precious jewels,

His loved and His own.

Like the stars of the morning,

His brightness adorning,

They shall shine in their beauty,

Bright gems for His crown.

2.    He will gather, He will gather

The gems for His kingdom;

All the pure ones, all the bright ones,

His loved and His own.

Like the stars of the morning,

His brightness adorning,

They shall shine in their beauty,

Bright gems for His crown.

3.     Little children, little children,

Who love their Redeemer,

Are the jewels, precious jewels,

His loved and His own.

Like the stars of the morning,

His brightness adorning,

They shall shine in their beauty,

Bright gems for His crown.

You can listen to it here.   LISTEN

THE GOD OF ABRAHAM PRAISE

        When you think of Biblical examples of faith and obedience to the will of God, you have to think of Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation of Israel, the "father of a multitude".  Many examples of His faith are recorded for us in the Bible, especially in Hebrews 11:8 - 12.  The faith of Abraham pleased God.  And yet Abraham was human.  The Bible also shares his impatience, fear, and a tendency to lie and deceive under pressure.  And yet the God of Abraham, the very same God who is ours centuries later, used Abraham despite his failures and weaknesses. God can and will also use us in spite of our weaknesses and failures. The Lord is greatly pleased by our faith and willingness to obey him.  The God of Abraham is the same yesterday, today and forever and should be the object of our praise.  The hymn "The God of Abraham Praise" is a Christian adaptation of the Jewish hymn "Yigdal", loosely translated and Christianized by the evangelist Thomas Olivers (1725-1799) after a visit to the Great Synagogue of London in 1770.    Olivers was one of the many people from the middle and lower classes that were converted through the evangelical ministry of George Whitfield. He was orphaned at only four years of age and became an apprentice to a shoemaker. Young Olivers was known for his truly appalling behavior.  One day Olivers heard Whitfield preach on the text, "Is this not a brand plucked out of the fire?" from Zechariah 3:2. He was converted and his life changed dramatically. John Wesley recognized Olivers' talents and persuaded him to become one of his evangelists.  His hymn  was first published in 1772. and the title of the hymn was based on a verse in the Book of Exodus: "I am the God of thy Father, the God of Abraham". (Exodus 3:6)   The hymn was originally composed with thirteen verses although later reprints of the hymn omit a number of them with the majority of hymn books using just four verses.  As you review the words of this old hymn, use them to join in the praise of Abraham's God, the ancient days, who is the same God who deals with us today.  He is infinite, without beginning or ending in time.  He is omnipresent, always present in every place. He is holy, without a trace of evil or deception about Him.  He is a loving God.  He is powerful.  What a mighty God we serve!  Hail, Abraham's God and mine!  All might and majesty are Thine and endless praise!  Here are the verses normally found in hymn books today.

1.     The God of Abraham praise, who reigns enthroned above;

Ancient of everlasting days, and God of Love;

Jehovah, great I AM! by earth and Heav'n confessed;

I bow and bless the sacred Name forever blessed.

2.    The God of Abraham praise, at Whose supreme command

From earth I rise — and seek the joys at His right hand;

I all on earth forsake, its wisdom, fame, and power;

And Him my only Portion make, my Shield and Tower.

3.     He by Himself has sworn; I on His oath depend,

I shall, on eagle wings upborne, to Heav'n ascend.

I shall behold His face; I shall His power adore,

And sing the wonders of His grace forevermore.

4.     The whole triumphant host give thanks to God on high;

"Hail, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost," they ever cry.

Hail, Abraham's God, and mine! (I join the heav'nly lays,)

All might and majesty are Thine, and endless praise.

Here are other verses that were originally part of this hymn.

The God of Abraham praise, whose all sufficient grace

Shall guide me all my happy days, in all my ways.

He calls a worm His friend, He calls Himself my God!

And He shall save me to the end, thro' Jesus' blood.

Tho' nature's strength decay, and earth and hell withstand,

To Canaan's bounds I urge my way, at His command.

The wat'ry deep I pass, with Jesus in my view;

And thro' the howling wilderness my way pursue.

The goodly land I see, with peace and plenty bless'd;

A land of sacred liberty, and endless rest.

There milk and honey flow, and oil and wine abound,

And trees of life forever grow with mercy crowned.

There dwells the Lord our King, the Lord our righteousness,

Triumphant o'er the world and sin, the Prince of peace;

On Sion's sacred height His kingdom still maintains,

And glorious with His saints in light forever reigns.

He keeps His own secure, He guards them by His side,

Arrays in garments, white and pure, His spotless bride:

With streams of sacred bliss, with groves of living joys—

With all the fruits of Paradise, He still supplies.

Before the great Three-One they all exulting stand;

And tell the wonders He hath done, through all their land:

The list'ning spheres attend, and swell the growing fame;

And sing, in songs which never end, the wondrous Name.

The God Who reigns on high the great archangels sing,

And "Holy, holy, holy!" cry, "Almighty King!

Who was, and is, the same, and evermore shall be:

Jehovah - Father - great I AM, we worship Thee!"

Before the Savior's face the ransomed nations bow;

O'erwhelmed at His almighty grace, forever new:

He shows His prints of love - they kindle to a flame!

And sound thro' all the worlds above the slaughtered Lamb.

You can listen to a beautiful version here.  LISTEN1

And here is a more formal congregational version for you.  LISTEN2

TRUSTING JESUS (TH#8)

TIMELESS HYMN #8 - Another one of the series of revised blogs of the great timeless hymns of the faith that I previously shared. This one was shared previously on February 22, 2009

          Sometimes a thought can jog a memory.  And when that memory happens to be a hymn, sometimes it is hard to get it out of your mind.  That is the case for me with this week's hymn.  This is one that we frequently sang in worship services as I was growing up.  I can picture great saints that I have known singing this with gusto because they had experienced the reality of the message in their daily living.  And, the older I get, the more the truth of this great hymn speaks to me.  How else can one face the  challenges of everyday living but by trusting Jesus for each moment?  What a thrill to realize that He knows our today and our future and we are safe in His care - even when our faith is small.  Trusting Jesus, that is all.  This is a hymn that is completely American in background.  Edgar Stites, author of the words, was a direct descendant of John Howland, one of the Mayflower's passengers.  Active in the Civil War, he was later a riverboat pilot and then a missionary to the frontier churches in South Dakota.  His hymn poem first appeared in a newspaper and was handed to the American evangelist D. L. Moody.  In turn, Moody gave it to his soloist and song leader, Ira D. Sankey, asking him to set it to music. In his book, Sankey's Story of the Gospel Hymns, the singer says, "I assented, on condition that he should vouch for the doctrine taught in the verses, and he said he would".  And with that a great hymn was written that has encouraged believers for many decades.  Hopefully this is your testimony.  So are you facing some challenges or some stormy ways today?  If not now, possibly you will tomorrow.  We all experience them at times in our life.  Then rest in the knowledge and experience that He does know all about it and He will guide you and comfort you as you trust Him. Who better to trust.  But we also need to trust Him and acknowledge Him in the good days, "singing if my path is clear". As the writer concludes, "Trusting Him while life shall last, Trusting Him till earth be past; Till within the jasper wall, Trusting Jesus, that is all."  What a wonderful privilege it is to walk with Him and trust Him each moment of our lives.

1.     Simply trusting every day,

Trusting through a stormy way;

Even when my faith is small,

Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Trusting as the moments fly,

Trusting as the days go by;

Trusting Him whate'er befall,

Trusting Jesus, that is all.

    

 2.     Brightly doth His Spirit shine

Into this poor heart of mine;

While He leads I cannot fall;

Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Trusting as the moments fly,

Trusting as the days go by;

Trusting Him whate'er befall,

Trusting Jesus, that is all.

  3.     Singing if my way is clear,

Praying if the path be drear;

If in danger for Him call;

Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Trusting as the moments fly,

Trusting as the days go by;

Trusting Him whate'er befall,

Trusting Jesus, that is all.

   

  4.     Trusting Him while life shall last,

Trusting Him till earth be past;

Till within the jasper wall,

Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Trusting as the moments fly,

Trusting as the days go by;

Trusting Him whate'er befall,

Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Listen to it here.    LISTEN

I'LL FLY AWAY

          One of the things that I have always appreciated about the older hymns is that very often the final verse was devoted to the topic of our future home in heaven. Personally, I wish more of today's Christian music would be devoted to that theme.  I guess heaven is a theme that we appreciate more the older we become.  For the believer it is our final destination and hope and the closer we come to experiencing it, the more meaningful it becomes.  This week's choice, written by Albert Brumley (1905-1977), shares the believers hope and future experience, using an upbeat melody. Brumley was born into a family of impoverished tenant farmers, and spent his early years picking cotton. He quit school after the tenth grade, envisioning little future beyond being a sharecropper like his father. Then, when he was sixteen, Brumley attended a singing class and discovered he had a gift for making music. Soon he was composing songs. A few years later, he briefly enrolled in a music school, but dropped out and returned to picking cotton. Brumley says that one day as he worked he was "humming the old ballad that went like this: 'If I had the wings of an angel, over these prison walls I would fly,' and suddenly it dawned on me that I could use this plot for a gospel-type song." The song Brumley was humming appears to be "The Prisoner's Song". But it was an additional three years later until Brumley worked out the rest of the song, paraphrasing one line from the secular ballad to read, "Like a bird from prison bars has flown", using prison as an analogy for earthly life.  Brumley has stated, "When I wrote it, I had no idea that it would become so universally popular." It was written in 1929 and published in 1932 by the Hartford Music company in a collection titled Wonderful Message.  And it did become an instant favorite across depression-ravaged America. It is still a standard song at bluegrass jam sessions and is often performed at funerals. Brumley wrote over 600 published songs, including "Turn Your Radio On", "I'll Meet You in the Morning", and "This World Is Not My Home". Brumley's song not only has a message of hope for the believer, but it is fun to sing because of its rousing melody that is easily harmonized. What a day that will be, when Christians take flight into the presence of the glorified Christ, and "we shall always be with the Lord" (I Thess. 4:17)..  What a blessed hope we have as we continue to live in this world which is  filled with despair and evil.  We are just pilgrims here knowing that a perfect home is being prepared for us.  And one day, possibly soon, we'll fly away to God's celestial shore.  Hallelujah!  Rejoice in this truth this week.

1.     Some bright morning when this life is over, I'll fly away

To a land on God's celestial shore, I'll fly away

I'll fly away, oh glory, I'll fly away

When I die, hallelujah by and by, I'll fly away

2.    When the shadows of this life have gone, I'll fly away

Like a bird from these prison walls I'll fly, I'll fly away

I'll fly away, oh glory, I'll fly away

When I die, hallelujah by and by, I'll fly away

3.    Oh how glad and happy when we meet, I'll fly away

No more cold iron shackles on my feet, I'll fly away

I'll fly away, oh glory, I'll fly away

When I die, hallelujah by and by, I'll fly away

4.     Just a few more weary days and then, I'll fly away

To a land where joy will never end, I'll fly away

I'll fly away, oh glory, I'll fly away

When I die, hallelujah by and by, I'll fly away

You can listen to it here.    LISTEN

STILL, STILL WITH THEE

          Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811-1896) is primarily known for her novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin, which she wrote and first appeared in The National Era in 1852.  She was intensely interested in the abolition of slavery and this led her to write this well known book which brought her national attention. It is considered by many to be one of the factors that ultimately led to the Civil War.  The Stowe's home in Cincinnati was a station on the Underground Railroad.  However, it wasn't her novel that is the reason that we feature her this week, but what happened as a result of one of her daily habits.  Every morning she would rise at 4:30 am and take a walk in the silence before the rush of the day.  During that time she would enjoy hearing the birds sing and seeing the dawn break.  But more importantly, she would commune with Jesus.  If you are a morning person you may be able to relate yo the beauty of such moments.  Personally, I used to walk early every morning and spend time with the Lord in those quiet moments. It was a very special time. Unfortunately, I had several unexpected close encounters with skunks in the dark - none of which sprayed me - but that was enough to make me change my habit. In the summer of 1853, when Stowe was visiting at the home of a friend, the results of her experiences of meditation while walking in the early morning hours led her to pen the words of this week's featured song, "Still, Still With Thee".  This is the only hymn by Harriet Beecher Stowe to survive in common use. However, many hymnologists believe that for sheer poetic beauty, there is probably not a single American hymn that can excel it. As we are drawn into the silence of the dawn where we can be alone with the Lord, it is as if we are telling Him that there is no greater blessing in this life than being "Still, Still With Thee." "How precious also are Thy thoughts unto me, O God!….When I awake, I am still with Thee"  (Ps. 139.17-18).  The words of her poem were put to music by Felix Mendelssohn, but many different tunes have since been used by various musicians.  Now maybe you aren't a morning person and haven't experienced this morning, quiet meeting with the Lord.  But, hopefully, you regularly share another intimate time with him throughout your day.  If you do, then you should be able to appreciate and relate to the sweetness of this meeting which Stowe describes. What a thrill to know that we can meet with Him at anytime and in any place.  And even more amazing is the fact that He is always there and ready to meet with us.

1.     Still, still with Thee, when purple morning breaketh,

When the bird waketh, and the shadows flee;

Fairer than morning, lovelier than daylight,

Dawns the sweet consciousness, I am with Thee.

2.     Alone with Thee, amid the mystic shadows,

The solemn hush of nature newly born;

Alone with Thee in breathless adoration,

In the calm dew and freshness of the morn.

3.     As in the dawning o'er the waveless ocean

The image of the morning star doth rest,

So in the stillness Thou beholdest only

Thine image in the waters of my breast.

4.     Still, still with Thee, as to each newborn morning,

A fresh and solemn splendor still is given,

So does this blessèd consciousness, awaking,

Breathe each day nearness unto Thee and Heaven.

5.     When sinks the soul, subdued by toil, to slumber,

Its closing eye looks up to Thee in prayer;

Sweet the repose beneath the wings o'ershading,

But sweeter still to wake and find Thee there.

6.     So shall it be at last, in that bright morning,

When the soul waketh and life's shadows flee;

O in that hour, fairer than daylight dawning,

Shall rise the glorious thought, I am with Thee.

Listen to it here.  LISTEN1

IN HIS TIME

          I admit it.  I get upset when I must wait.  I am bothered when folks are late for a meeting and we must wait for them.  I get upset when a doctor's office asks me to arrive at least 15 minutes before my appointment and then I must wait an additional 30 minutes to  actually be seen.  I don't like waiting in lines when I am driving.  In fact, I have been known to go many miles out of my way just to avoid waiting in a slow line.  I don't like to wait for the bill in a restaurant.  So you see, I have a problem with waiting. When I was a youngster in CEF camp I can recall being taught that God answers our prayers in three ways ... yes, no, or ...wait.  The yes is wonderful.  The no can be disappointing, but He is always right.  But the wait ... well it can be difficult, unless we put our entire faith in the Lord.  He will always answer ... in His time, not necessarily our time.  There is something in particular that I have been praying for now for a few years and the answer still appears to be ... wait.  But along the way I have seen evidences that the Lord has not forgotten my prayer and He will answer, in His time.  Many Bible characters have waited for God's answer.  Abraham waited a quarter of a century before God allowed he and Sarah to conceive, keeping His promise. Genesis 21:1-2, "The Lord kept His word and did for Sarah exactly what he had promised.  She became pregnant and she gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age.  This happened at just the time God had said it would." It was Diane Ball, a camp director of a conference center in California and a mother of four children, who penned the words of this song.  It is said that she was on her way to speak at a meeting and was running late.  While driving many miles she heard not only the melody but also the words to this week's choice.  And while it is very short, it is a great reminder of our need to trust God and His timing.  For us waiting can often seem like an eternity.  But we grow deeper in our relationship with the Lord as we learn to wait with anticipation rather than worry.  We know that God keeps His promises so we shouldn't get concerned when He requires us to wait.  So if today you are waiting for an answer, as I am, be assured that He hasn't forgotten you and that He makes all things beautiful  ... in His time.

1.     In His time, In His time,

He makes all things beautiful in His time.

Lord please show me every day

As You're teaching me Your way

That You do just what You say 

In Your time.

2.   In Your time, in Your time,

You make all things beautiful in Your time.

Lord my life to You I bring 

May each song I have to sing

Be to you a lovely thing 

In Your time.

You can listen to it here.   LISTEN

Here is another rendition, a longer but beautiful one.   LISTEN2

WHATEVER IT TAKES

          What would you be willing to do to draw closer to God? Would you be willing to go through the darkest valley you have ever faced in order to know Him more than you do today? Would you be willing to give up your most prized possession in efforts to have a closer walk with God? What about "giving up" your dreams?  Are you really willing to do whatever it takes to become more like Him?  If you are like me, so often we sings songs without really thinking about the words we are singing.  This is especially true of songs of consecration, such as this week's choice by Lanny Wolfe.  But it is a very serious thing to tell the Lord, even through our singing, that we are willing to bear whatever He feels we need to draw closer to Him and to be like Him.  Years ago I had a good friend who battled the habit of smoking.  He tried everything he could to break the habit but he wasn't able to do so.  Then one day after much frustration he told the Lord that he couldn't do it himself and that the Lord should  do whatever He needed to do to take this habit from him.  He desparately desired to be free from this habit which was hindering his walk with the Lord.  A few hours later he had a major heart attack.  The Lord spared his life and he never smoked again.  I believe Gid heard his cry and answered.  I've often heard about fox-hole conversions during war and I've often wondered what happened to these promises after the war was over.  We all should have the desire to draw closer to the Lord and to walk with Him.  But sometimes that means enduring persecution and sickness and a variety of challenges.  In 2 Timothy we are told that we are soldiers in the middle of a spiritual battle.  And what do good soldiers do?  They endure hardness for a specific purpose and they trust and follow their leader.  The beauty of this is that our leader, the Lord Jesus Christ, will never leave us in the fiercest of battles. He will be there with us. We can trust Him fully for He knows all of our ways.  And we can safely say "whatever it takes to draw closer, Lord, that's what I'll be willing to do."  May that be our desire.  Lord, change us, mould us and make us into the image of the Lord Jesus Christ.  May we lose all desire for our will, but give us your desires and your will.  We place our whole life in your hands.

1.     There's a voice calling me 

from an old rugged tree,

And it whispers "Draw closer to Me.

Leave your world far behind

There are new heights to climb,

And a new life in Me you will find.

For whatever it takes to draw closer to You, Lord

That's what I'll be willing to do.

And whatever it takes to be more like You,

That's what I'll be willing to do.

2.     Take the dearest things to me

If that's how it must be

To draw me closer to thee

Let the disappointments come

Lonely days without the sun

If through sorrow more like you I become

For whatever it takes to draw closer to You, Lord

That's what I'll be willing to do

And whatever it takes to be more like You

That's what I'll be willing to do

3.     Take my houses and lands,

Take my dreams and my plans.

I place my whole life in Your hands.

And if You call me someday,

To a land far away,

Lord, I'll go and Your will obey

For whatever it takes to draw closer to You, Lord

That's what I'll be willing to do

And whatever it takes to be more like You

That's what I'll be willing to do

bridge

I'll trade sunshine for rain, comfort for pain

That's what I'll be willing to do

For whatever it takes for my will to break

That's what I'll be willing to do

And whatever it takes to be more like You

That's what I'll be willing to do

Listen to it here, sung by a girl's trio.  LISTEN

TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS (TH#7)

TIMELESS HYMN #7 - Another revised and repeated blog of one of the great hymns of the faith - TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS - originally shared on November 9, 2008

          Terrorism, political upheaval, the cost of living, higher taxes, political correctness, fake news, attacks on Biblical values, cancer, weather and fears of all types are problems which we face today.  It is easy to get discouraged and overwhelmed by the problems of life which we encounter.  How easy it becomes, even for those of us who profess to be faithful followers of Christ, to get caught up in the "things of earth," so that our heavenly vision and values become blurred and dull. This can even happen when we are active in our Christian ministries.  We can become so involved in merely doing things for God that we miss the real blessing of enjoying the personal fellowship of Christ Himself in our daily lives. My grandfather who was a pastor for many years used to encourage his congregation with the admonition, "Keep Looking Up".   And that is such good advice because that is where our relief and help comes from, today, day by day, and then one of these days when Christ comes back to take us away from the problems of this world.  We need to turn our eyes upon Jesus and keep our focus on Him, with eternity's values in view.  The author and composer of this hymn, Helen H. Lemmel (1863-1961), relates that one day in 1918, a missionary friend gave her a tract entitled "Focused." The pamphlet contained these words: "So then, turn your eyes upon Him, look full into His face and you will find that the things of earth will acquire a strange new dimness."  These words made a deep impression upon Mrs. Lemmel. She could not dismiss them from her mind. She recalls this experience following the reading of that tract:  "Suddenly, as if commanded to stop and listen, I stood still, and singing in my soul and spirit was the chorus, with not one conscious moment of putting word to word to make rhyme, or note to note to make melody. The verses were written the same week, after the usual manner of composition, but none the less dictated by the Holy Spirit." The hymn was first published in 1918 in the form of a pamphlet in London, England. Four years later, it was included in a collection titled, "Glad Songs", a book containing sixty-seven songs by Mrs. Lemmel. This hymn became especially popular that same year at the Keswick Bible Conference in northern England, where it was first introduced.  Have you lost your focus?  Has your spiritual vision become blurred?  "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus." Hebrews 12:2.  "Turn your eyes upon Jesus and look full in His wonderful face.  And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace."

(1)    O soul, are you weary and troubled?

No light in the darkness you see?

There's a light for a look at the Savior,

And life more abundant and free!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

In the light of His glory and grace.

(2)    Through death into life everlasting

He passed, and we follow Him there;

Over us sin no more hath dominion—

For more than conquerors we are!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

In the light of His glory and grace

(3)    His Word shall not fail you — He promised;

Believe Him, and all will be well:

Then go to a world that is dying,

His perfect salvation to tell!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

In the light of His glory and grace

Listen to it here.   LISTEN