I'VE FOUND A FRIEND, OH, SUCH A FRIEND!

          If you have a good friend in this life, you are very fortunate.  Good friends are few and far between.  It is special to have one with whom you can safely share your joys, your sorrows and your prayer needs.  But if you don't have such a friend here, the scriptures remind us, in Proverbs 18:24, that "there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother", and that is the Lord Jesus Christ.  And this is the message of this week's hymn, "I've found a friend, oh such a friend, He loved me ere I knew Him." The writer, James Grindlay Small (1817-1888), was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, where he attended university, studying theology under a Dr. Thomas Chalmers. Small later served as pastor of a church, but it is said that certain peculiarities of speech and manner in the pulpit kept him from being a success there. However, he was a gentle and godly man. Other clergymen recognized his sincerity and ability and he was made clerk of the presbytery. He also published several volumes of poetry.  His first book was "Hymns for Youthful Voices", published in 1859. This hymn, originally called "Jesus the Friend", was probably published four years later in "The Revival Hymnbook", although some say it first  appeared in "Psalms and Sacred Songs" in 1866.  This hymn undoubtedly is the personal experience of its author.  Many a Christian could probably testify that this hymn has either been the means, through the Holy Spirit, of bringing them to Christ, or it has warmed and blessed them as he has journeyed through this cold and heartless world.  In his hymn Small shares how the Lord loves us as our friend.  I especially love the thoughts of the first verse were he reminds us of the important truth  that before we loved Christ, He loved us. Before we even knew Him, or knew about Him, He loved us.  Romans 5:8 reminds us "that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."  What great love.  And if we are joined to Him by a bond of eternal love, it stands to reason that the Lord will do everything necessary to guide and protect us, in order to deliver us safely into our eternal home.  Yes, we are His, forever.  I can't help but think of another great hymn, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus!".  What more could we want?  Rejoice in that truth this week.

1     I've found a Friend, oh, such a Friend!

  He loved me ere I knew Him;

He drew me with the cords of love,

  And thus He bound me to Him.

And round my heart still closely twine

  Those ties which naught can sever,

For I am His, and He is mine,

  Forever and forever.

2     I've found a Friend, oh, such a Friend!

  He bled, He died to save me;

And not alone the gift of life,

  But His own self He gave me.

Naught that I have my own I call,

  I hold it for the Giver;

My heart, my strength, my life, my all,

  Are His, and His forever.

3.     I've found a friend, O such a friend!

All power to Him is given,

To guard me on my onward course,

And bring me safe to Heaven.

The eternal glories gleam afar,

To nerve my faint endeavor;

So now to watch, to work, to war,

And then to rest forever.

4.     I've found a Friend, oh, such a Friend!

  So kind, and true, and tender,

So wise a Counselor and Guide,

  So mighty a Defender!

From Him who loves me now so well,

  What power my soul can sever?

Shall life or death, or earth or hell?

  No? I am His forever.

Listen to it sung here.    FRIEND

FAIREST LORD JESUS

        One of the oldest  and most beautiful hymns of the Christian faith is "Fairest Lord Jesus", also sometimes known as "Beautiful Savior".   It has been sung by children and worshippers for centuries and yet very little is known of its origin or history.  It is sometimes called "The Crusaders' Hymn" because of a legend that it was sung by twelfth century German crusaders as they made their journey to fight the Moslems in Palestine.  But many historians dismiss that and feel that any association with the Crusades is completely erroneous. The text is now considered by some to be an anonymous seventeenth century German folk hymn which first appeared in a manuscript dated 1662 from Muenster in Westphalia.  While we don't know who actually wrote the song or when it was written, many different opinions exist.  But, no matter, it remains a classic hymn of worship and praise of the Lord Jesus Christ.  The hymn is an acknowledgment that Jesus is more precious, more beautiful, more glorious than anything else in the world. It's an ascription of primacy to Jesus Christ above everything in terms of value. It's not unlike the text from Philippians 3:1-11, in which the Apostle Paul says that he counts everything else rubbish in comparison to the greatness of knowing the Lord Jesus Christ and the power of His resurrection. This devotional hymn is all focused on the glory of Jesus Christ. There's also an acknowledgment that He's the ruler of all nations, so it's an acknowledgment of His sovereign rule over the world, and that He is the Son of God and Son of man. This goes right back to the earliest confessions of the church that Jesus was fully human and fully divine.   it also expresses the love of the hymn singer to Christ, "Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honor, Thou my soul's glory, joy, and crown."  it's all about desiring Christ in all His glory, and valuing Christ more than anything else in the world.  Whenever we sing this song we should reflect on the virtues of our Savior Jesus Christ. He is worthy of our praise. In fact, as God, He is worthy of our worship. Therefore, may we ever be willing to confess Him before men as our "Fairest Lord Jesus."

1     Fairest Lord Jesus, 

ruler of all nature, 

O thou of God and man the Son, 

Thee will I cherish, 

Thee will I honor, 

thou, my soul's glory, joy, and crown

.

2     Fair are the meadows, 

fairer still the woodlands, 

robed in the blooming garb of spring: 

Jesus is fairer, 

Jesus is purer 

who makes the woeful heart to sing.

3     Fair is the sunshine, 

fairer still the moonlight, 

and all the twinkling starry host: 

Jesus shines brighter, 

Jesus shines purer 

than all the angels heaven can boast.

4     Beautiful Savior! 

Lord of all the nations! 

Son of God and Son of Man! 

Glory and honor, 

praise, adoration, 

now and forevermore be thine.

Listen to it here.   FAIREST 1

FAIREST 2

WHAT WONDROUS LOVE IS THIS

          There have been so many great hymns written over the years about the love of God.  His love is so amazing and powerful that we should never tire of worshipping and thanking Him by singing these songs.  The one I've chosen this week is one without much written history.  The author is said to be unknown.  It is classified as a Christian folk hymn, sometimes described as a "white spiritual" because it is believed to have come from the American South.  The text was first published in 1811 in Lynchburg, Virginia in a camp meeting songbook. Its melody is derived from a popular English ballad.  In an 1848 hymnal the text is attributed to a Methodist pastor from Georgia named Alexander Means, but there is really no historical confirmation of this.  It is interesting to note that In 1952, American composer and musicologist Charles F. Bryan included "What Wondrous Love Is This" in his folk opera Singin' Billy. In 1966, the United Methodist Book of Hymns became the first standard hymnal to incorporate this hymn.  But no matter who wrote it, the words remind us of how wondrous is God's love to us.  The author wriote how the Lord came to bear the dreadful curse for our souls. He shares how Christ laid aside His crown for our souls when we were sinking down beneath God's righteous frown.  We were hopeless without this wondrous sacrifice from God's love.  He concludes by reminding us that we should sing and thank God and the Lamb, the great "I Am", and join the millions whose lives have been transformed by this wondrous love.  Whether we sing this powerful hymn or a simple chorus such as Jesus Loves Me, our praise and thanksgiving for the gift of His love and salvation should be on our lips every day.  "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."  John 3:15.  "God demonstrated His love in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."  Romans 5:8  What wondrous love is this!

1    What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!

What wondrous love is this, O my soul!

What wondrous love is this, that caused the Lord of bliss

to bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,

to bear the dreadful curse for my soul.

2    When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,

when I was sinking down, O my soul!

When I was sinking down beneath God's righteous frown,

Christ laid aside His crown for my soul, for my soul,

Christ laid aside His crown for my soul.

3    To God and to the Lamb, I will sing, I will sing;

to God and to the Lamb, I will sing.

To God and to the Lamb who is the great "I AM,"

while millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing,

while millions join the theme, I will sing.

You can listen to it here.   WHAT WONDROUS

LORD YOU'RE HOLY (TH)

TIMELESS HYMN  - Another revised and repeated blog of one of the great hymns of the faith - Lord You're Holy  - originally shared on January 3, 2016.

          This week I have chosen to feature a praise song that really speaks to my heart every time that I hear it.  I first heard this shared in a concert by a group called "Calling Levi" at a concert at the Pinebrook Bible Conference. It has been a favorite of mine ever since.  Maybe because it is relatively new, I have been unable to find any reliable information about its author or the story behind its writing.  I think it was probably written by Eddie James who accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior at the age of eight.  Just a year later he began to minister to others through music.  It is said that God placed a special burden on him to minister to those who are hurting and lost, with an extraordinary emphasis on youth and young adults.  Now this week's song is a tremendous song of worship and praise featuring the many names and attributes of our holy Lord.  And there is really nothing that I can add  in this blog since the words speak for themselves.  I just ask this that you listen to the link that I have provided.  And if you can listen to it, especially the parts about the attributes and names, without being stirred and touched, then there must be something missing in your relationship with  the Lord.  The truth and power of the message may cause you to raise your arms in praise and make tears of joy, praise and thanksgiving flow.  May this song be our daily prayer and testimony.  Lord you're holy!

As I look around and I see 

all the works, your hands have made, 

the awesomeness of you

and how your love will never fade. 

Mere words cannot express what I feel inside,

I can't even describe Your glory divine;

but as a token of my love, this is what I'll do,

I'll lift my hands and cry.

Lord, you're holy, Lord, you're holy

and we lift you up and magnify your name.

There's not enough words that I can say

to tell you how much I appreciate,

all of the wonderful things You've given me,

Your love, Your kindness, Your tender mercies

It's my desire to praise you

And tell you how much I love you

Your worthy of all the honor

And your worthy of all the praise

I don't know how you can love me

Why you give me so much mercy and 

How you would suffer and die for me 

way back on Calvary

But I thank you 

Your worthy of all the praise

Your Wonderful, glorious, holy and righteous,

victorious conqueror, triumphant and mighty,

healer, deliverer, shield and defense,

my strong tower and my best friend,

Omnipotent, Omnipresent, soon coming King,

Your Alpha, Omega, Lord of everything;

holy, holy, holy is Your name.

Your Omnipotent, Omnipresent, soon coming King,

Your Alpha, Omega, Lord of everything;

holy, holy, holy is Your name.

Holy is your name

We cry holy

You are Holy 

Holy is your name

Wonderful, glorious, holy and righteous,

victorious conqueror, triumphant and mighty,

healer, deliverer, shield and defense,

strong tower and my best friend,

Omnipotent, Omnipresent, soon coming King,

Alpha, Omega, Lord of everything;

holy, holy, holy is Your name.

Omnipotent, Omnipresent, soon coming King, 

You're Alpha, Omega, Lord of everything; 

holy, holy, holy is Your name.

Holy, You are holy 

Holy is your name

You are holy 

We cry holy

Holy is your name

Please take time to listen to this powerful rendition.  

YOU'RE HOLY

MY HOME SWEET HOME

          Many of us have wonderful memories of our home while we were growing up.  We remember the safety and warmth of those days and the love of our parents and family.  There was something special about home and I guess at times we may even wish that we could live those days once again.  But we can't.  My home where I lived while growing up has been sold.  Mother and dad and my brother are now in heaven.  All that I have now are the wonderful memories.  And if you don't have such memories, you probably at east have had experiences of vacations and trips and the joy of again coming home.  Home is where you belong.  Home is a special place.  But as we travel as pilgrims through our days here on earth, we should have a longing for our future home in heaven - a place that is being prepared for us where we will be with Jesus and where there will be no more pain or suffering.  It will be a place of eternal joy. "And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof." (Revelation 21:23).  Rev. N. B. Vandall (1896 - 1970)  recognized the longing for heaven when in 1926 he penned the words of "My Home Sweet Home".  He was an evangelist with the Church of the Nazarene and was converted to Christ at a camp meeting in Ohio in 1920.  He also wrote the song "After" ("After the toil and heat of the day".)  In his second stanza of this week's hymn choice, Rev. Vandall noted two of the joys that await us in the heavenly city. First, we will be reunited with loved ones who have gone before (I Thessalonians 4:17; 2:19). And, second, we will participate with them in a ceremony of worship and praise described in the book of Revelation (Rev. 4:10-11). The final stanza reflects upon the brevity of this human life. Our pilgrim journey will soon end and believers will move on to our new home.  That is certainly an important event for the unsaved to  consider. Will your future home be the sweet home of heaven?  That is a choice which you must make today while you still can.   Will we see you in that beautiful, beautiful home with Him who loved you so?  I certainly hope so.

1.     Walking along life's road one day,

I heard a voice so sweetly say,

"A place up in heav'n I am building thee,

A beautiful, beautiful home."

Home, sweet home, home, sweet home –

Where I'll never roam!

I see the light of that city so bright  –

My home, sweet home.

2.     Loved ones upon that shore I'll meet,

Casting their crowns at Jesus' feet;

I'll worship and praise Him for evermore

In my beautiful, beautiful home

Home, sweet home, home, sweet home –

Where I'll never roam!

I see the light of that city so bright –

My home, sweet home..

3.     Life's day is short – I soon shall go

To be with Him who loved me so;

I see in the distance that shining shore,

My beautiful, beautiful home.

Home, sweet home, home, sweet home –

Where I'll never roam!

I see the light of that city so bright –

My home, sweet home.

Listen to it here.     HOME

I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL

        Those of us who are believers and have lived our lives in the United States have seldom faced any real opposition or persecution for our faith.  Over the years Christianity has generally been accepted or at least tolerated here.  But in recent years things have begun to change as the culture has begun to adopt and support numerous non-Biblical principles.  And Christians who object to these are called intolerant, bigoted and divisive.  Sometimes it is now very hard to take a stand. for the truth of the Bible.  But we shouldn't be surprised for Paul talked about this many years ago in 1 Corinthians 1:18- 24. "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.  For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart." Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God."  This week's song reminds us of the world that we live in but also of God's great faithfulness and love for us.  He bore pain, ridicule and persecution for us as He went to Calvary to provide our redemption and our eternal life with Him.  How then can we not boldly stand for and with Him and not be ashamed?   "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. "  Romans1:16.  Is that verse your testimony and experience?

1.     We're an anchor for those who are hurting

Seems we're a harbor for those who are lost

And sometimes its not always easy bearing Calvary's cross

We've been ridiculed by those who don't know Him

Sometimes we're mocked by those who don't believe

Still I love standing up for my Jesus

'Cause of all that He's done for me

(Chorus]

That's why I am not ashamed of the gospel

The gospel of Jesus Christ

No, I am not afraid to be counted

But I'm willing to give my life

See I'm ready to be

All He wants me to be

Give up the wrong for the right

No, I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ

No, I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ

2.     For every moment His hand has held mercy

And for all the love that He's shown all my life

A simple thanks doesn't say how I'm feeling

I get tears in my eyes

So as for me, I've made up my mind to keep on believing

In the One who's been so faithful

I'm not out to please this whole world around me

I've got my mind on eternity

(Chorus]

That's why I am not ashamed of the gospel

The gospel of Jesus Christ

No, I am not afraid to be counted

But I'm willing to give my life

See I'm ready to be

All He wants me to be

Give up the wrong for the right

No, I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ

No, I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ

I've got too much behind me

To let this world blind me

To some He's just a name

But to me, He's my everything

I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ

No, I am not ashamed of the gospel

Oh, I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ

Listen to it here     NOT ASHAMED

HE'S BEEN FAITHFUL

          While there is always a danger of living in the past, sometimes it is important to look back and remember how God was always there when you needed Him.  He is a faithful God and being reminded of how He has been faithful to you can be an encouragement as you face the challenges of tomorrow.  He has promised never to leave us or forsake us and He never has.  He has promised to lead us and provide all that we need, and He always has. This was the experience of Carol Cymbal, especially as she and her husband Jim established a ministry in a tough inner-city neighborhood in New York City.  Despite being shy and never learning to read music, she wrote many great Gospel songs while leading the famous Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir.  But life was filled with many difficult challenges for them. The Cymbalas prayed and praised and preached their way through a personal two-year nightmare. Their teenage daughter Chrissy had turned her back on the God they loved and served so faithfully. And before her daughter's dramatic return to the Lord, Carol wrote "He's Been Faithful".  Carol refers to it as "a song of hope born in the midst of my pain".   While hurting deeply, Carol said that her song "became like a balm to my heart, strengthening me once again." The words she wrote during that time helped her to move forward. Although her daughter had not yet come back to the Lord, Carol could praise Him for His loving faithfulness in her own life.   Later, when Chrissy showed up at home and fell to her knees begging forgiveness, the truth of Psalm 119:90 ("Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast.") became real to Carol. God is faithful not just to our generation, but to all generations! Carol also experienced in a new way a line of her own song that has blessed so many: "What I thought was impossible, I've seen my God do!"  Are you facing some impossible situations?  Then remember how God has worked in your life over the years and how, as a loving Father, He will continue to be faithful to you as you trust Him.  Meditate on these powerful words of Carol's testimony and remember that this should also be your testimony.

In my own suffering

Through every pain every tear

There's a God who's been faithful to me

When my strength was all gone

When my heart had no song

Still in love He's proved faithful to me

Every word He's promised is true

What I thought was impossible

I've seen my God do

He's been faithful

Faithful to me

Looking back He's love and mercy I see

Though in my heart I have questioned

And failed to believe

He's been faithful, faithful to me

When my heart looked away

The many times I could not pray

Still my God was faithful to me

The days are spent so selfishly

Reaching out for what pleased me

Even then God was faithful to me

Every time I come back to Him

He is waiting for open arms

And I see once again

He's been faithful

Faithful to me

Looking back He's love and mercy I see

Though in my heart I have questioned

Even failed to believe

Yet He's been faithful, faithful to me

Listen to it here.    LISTEN

BE THOU MY VISION (TH#26)

 TIMELESS HYMN #26 - Another revised and repeated blog of one of the great hymns of the faith originally shared on January 6, 2013..

          When beginning a new year, many folks like to make resolutions for the year ahead.  They vow to lose weight, to exercise more, to follow a budget, to get out of debt, to spend more time with loved ones, and a variety of other interesting goals.  Unfortunately, many of these resolutions are quickly broken or forgotten as the weeks pass.  But for those who do have the discipline to follow through, their lives can be enriched and improved.  Whether you make resolutions or not, let me suggest that this week's hymn choice might be an appropriate prayer or goal for your spiritual life during 2019.   St. Patrick (385-461 AD) as a missionary was a man zealous for the things of God.  Among other things, he chose to defy a king's edict that restricted the lighting of candles on Easter Eve. The king had decreed that no one was allowed to light any fires until a pagan spring festival was started by the lighting of a fire on Slane Hill. But Patrick decided to honor God in spite of  the threat of death. It is said that the king was so impressed with Patrick's brave devotion that he let him continue his missionary work unhindered.   An 8th century monk, Dallan Forgaill, penned the words to Be Thou My Vision, as a tribute to St. Patrick's loyalty to God. The hymn was translated from Irish to English in 1905 by Mary E. Byrne. In 1912, Eleanor H. Hull arranged the song into the verses most commonly found in English hymnals today. The music to accompany the lyrics is an ancient Irish folk tune called Slane.  The words of each verse are powerful reminders of what our desires as Christians should be each day of our lives. They would make good goals for each of us. Meditate carefully on each verse this week and make them your prayer today and throughout 2019.  May He indeed be your Vision.

(1)   Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;

Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.

Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,

Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

(2)   Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;

I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;

Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;

Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

(3)   Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;

Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;

Thou my soul's Shelter, Thou my high Tower:

Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

(4)   Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,

Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:

Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,

High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

(5)   High King of Heaven, my victory won,

May I reach Heaven's joys, O bright Heaven's Sun!

Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,

Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

Listen to it being sung here.   BE THOU

WHAT A WONDERFUL SAVIOR

          As we come to the end of another year, many of us will take time to review the past year and make plans or resolutions for the coming year.  Much of that review will probably involve looking at our finances, especially as we begin to prepare for completing our annual income tax forms. Often we will then make adjustments in our investments, our budget, and our plans to pay off bills.  But sometimes reviews will include other things such as our health, our relationships, our work and our dreams.  And out of these reviews will often come resolutions for the following year. Annual reviews can be very helpful.  But, unfortunately these annual reviews often miss an evaluation of our spiritual growth and of our many spiritual blessings.   Let me encourage you to include a spiritual evaluation of your life this year.  And maybe Elisha Hoffman's (1939-1929) great hymn, "What a Wonderful Savior", might provide a good starting point.  Hoffman was a pastor and a prolific hymn writer with more than 2,000 hymns credited to him.  Some of his more familiar hymns include,  "I Must Tell Jesus," "Is Thy Heart Right With God?", "Are You Washed in the Blood of the Lamb?", "Glory To His Name," and "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms."  In this week's hymn choice, written in 1891, he highlights several of the spiritual blessings that we have through Christ, our wonderful Savior.  Stanza 1 refers to His redemption, stanza 2 to His cleansing blood, stanza 3 to His reign, stanza 4 to His guidance, stanza 5 to His power and stanza 6 to His influence.  What a great beginning outline this could be in our review of what He has done for us, not only in the past, but also what He has promised to do for us in our present and future.  And as we begin a new year let's remember to thank our wonderful Savior and praise Him daily.  Remember that "He walks beside me in the way" and "keeps me faithful day by day." "He gives me overcoming power", and "triumph in each trying hour."  May our testimony be, "To Him I've given all my heart ... the world shall never share a part". Let's resolve in the coming year to daily live more thankful lives as we recall all that He has done for us.  "What a wonderful Savior is Jesus, my Jesus!  What a wonderful Savior is Jesus, my Lord!"

1     Christ has for sin atonement made -

What a wonderful Savior!

We are redeemed, the price is paid -

What a wonderful Savior!

Refrain

What a wonderful Savior is Jesus, my Jesus!

What a wonderful Savior is Jesus, my Lord!

2     I praise Him for the cleansing blood -

What a wonderful Savior!

That reconciled my soul to God -

What a wonderful Savior! [Refrain]

3     He cleansed my heart from all its sin -

What a wonderful Savior!

And now He reigns and rules therein -

What a wonderful Savior! [Refrain]

4     He walks beside me in the way:

What a wonderful Savior!

And keeps me faithful day by day;

What a wonderful Savior!

5     He gives me overcoming pow'r -

What a wonderful Savior!

And triumph in each trying hour -

What a wonderful Savior! [Refrain]

6.     To Him I've given all my heart:

What a wonderful Savior!

The world shall never share a part:

What a wonderful Savior!

Listen to it here.  WONDERFUL