THE SPACIOUS FIRMAMENT ON HIGH

        "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands" Psalm 19:1.  As a mathematician I am continuously amazed at our universe which for centuries has continued to operate with precision on a perfect schedule.  Because of the order in which it moves it is possible to accurately predict where stars and planets will be at any time in the future.  Low and high tides can be perfectly predicted. Incredible!  The moon moves around the earth every 27.3 days,  The moon orbits quite fast, 0.5 degrees per hour in the sky. In 24 hours it moves 13 degrees. The average distance between earth and the sun is 149.60 million km (92.96 million mi), and one complete orbit takes 365.256 days during which time earth has traveled 940 million km (584 million mi). There are about 10 billion galaxies in the observable universe! The number of stars in a galaxy varies, but assuming an average of 100 billion stars per galaxy means that there are about 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 (that's 1 billion trillion) stars in the observable universe!  It is hard to even comprehend the size of the universe and how it moves.  But this we know - all of this spacious firmament was created and controlled by a God who also loves us and cares for us.  And that, too, is incredible.  A hymn which points out the need to be conscious of God as the one whose glory is declared by the heavens and the earth which He created is "The Spacious Firmament on High." The text was written by Joseph Addison (1672 - 1719). This great hymn, based on Ps. 19:1-6, appeared in The Spectator, a weekly paper edited by the author. It was appended to an article he wrote called "An Essay on the Proper Means of Strengthening and Confirming Faith in the Mind of Man." There, he said, "Faith and devotion naturally grow in the mind of every reasonable man, who sees the impression of divine power and wisdom in every object on which he casts his eye. The Supreme Being has made the best arguments for His own existence in the formation of the heavens and the earth. Appropriately, the tune used for the hymn, called Creation, is adapted from "The Heavens Are Telling," a chorus in the 1798 oratorio The Creation, by Franz Josef Haydn (1732 - 1809).  In Addison's hymn stanza 1 describes the day time sky.  Stanza 2 describes the night time sky and stanza 3 describes the silence of the celestial objects.  Let's make it a point this week to view and consider the spacious firmament created by our Father.  Then bow in worship and adoration to the Great Creator who also loved us enough to provide a way in which we can come into His presence.  May we never lose the awe of this truth.

1.     The spacious firmament on high,

With all the blue ethereal sky,

And spangled heavens, a shining frame

Their great Original proclaim.

Th'unwearied sun, from day to day,

Does his creator's powers display,

And publishes to every land

The work of an almighty hand.

2.     Soon as the evening shades prevail

The moon takes up the wondrous tale,

And nightly to the listening earth

Repeats the story of her birth;

While all the stars that round her burn

And all the planets in their turn,

Confirm the tidings as they roll,

And spread the truth from pole to pole.

3.     What though in solemn silence all

Move round the dark terrestrial ball?

What though no real voice nor sound

Amid the radiant orbs be found?

In reason's ear they all rejoice,

And utter forth a glorious voice,

Forever singing as they shine,

The hand that made us is divine.

Listen to it here  FIRMAMENT

Here you can also see and hear one of my favorite musicians, George Beverly Shea, sing this hymn.   SHEA

IS YOUR ALL ON THE ALTAR OF SACRIFICE LAID?

        "I appeal to you therefore, brothers,[ by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."  (Romans 12:1 ESV). Now the Bible makes it plain that no one will ever get to heaven by his or her own efforts. Salvation is by the grace of God - His unmerited favor - "not of works lest anyone should boast" (Eph. 2:8-9).  But what about our lives after salvation?  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit" (Gal. 3:3; 5:25).  The Word of God describes Christian  living as a walk of faith and a life of surrender to the will of God.  But sacrifice and surrender are terms that we seldom here about anymore in messages or church music.  But, as someone has said, He is either Lord of all, or not Lord at all. Full surrender affects all areas of one's life, including the checkbook, the calendar, entertainment choices, jobs and relationships. All of these need to be placed on the altar of sacrifice.  It is in full surrender to the will of God that we find true peace and joy, and fulfillment in life. That is the theme of this week's gospel song choice, written by American pastor Elisha Hoffman (1839-1929). Mr. Hoffman's first impressions of music came from hearing the voice of sacred song in his home. It was the custom of his parents in the hour of family worship, both morning and evening, to sing one or two hymns. At an early age, the children became familiar with these hymns and learned to love them and to feel their hallowing and refining power. Their lives were marvelously influenced by this little service of song in the home.  Hoffman wrote over two thousand songs, often writing both. the words and the music.   Among his most popular and useful songs are: "What a Wonderful Saviour!," "Enough for Me," "Are You Washed in the Blood?," "No Other Friend Like Jesus,"and  "I Must Tell Jesus".  In this particular song he reminds us that  "You can only be blest, and have peace and sweet rest as you yield Him your body and soul."  And so the question we need to ask daily is, have we placed our all on the altar of sacrifice.  Does He control both our body and soul?  Are we experiencing the real joy and peace that comes when we yield all to Him?

1.   You have longed for sweet peace,

And for faith to increase,

And have earnestly, fervently prayed;

But you cannot have rest,

Or be perfectly blest,

Until all on the altar is laid.

Refrain:

Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid?

Your heart does the Spirit control?

You can only be blest,

And have peace and sweet rest,

As you yield Him your body and soul.

2.   Would you walk with the Lord,

In the light of His word,

And have peace and contentment alway?

You must do His sweet will,

To be free from all ill,

On the altar your all you must lay.

Refrain

3.    Oh, we never can know

What the Lord will bestow

Of the blessings for which we have prayed,

Till our body and soul

He doth fully control,

And our all on the altar is laid.

Refrain

4.   Who can tell all the love

He will send from above,

And how happy our hearts will be made;

Of the fellowship sweet

We shall share at His feet,

When our all on the altar is laid

Refrain.

Here are two choices for you to listen to:

TRIO

DUET

JUST WHEN I NEED HIM MOST

        Often life comes at us fast and hard.  An accident, a telephone call, a medical test result, a large bill, a damaging storm, and many other unexpected things can suddenly strike us with bad news.  And so often when these things happen it is hard to get help or advice and your burden might seem too heavy to bear.  It might take a week or more to get an appointment with a doctor or specialist.  The repairman might be booked up for a couple of days.  Your best friend might be on vacation.  What do you do?  Where do you get help?  Well there is One who never goes on vacation, never is sleeping, never is too busy, has all the answers and wants to help and provide the wisdom and peace that you need.  No appointments are needed.  No busy signals.  No lengthy menus to sift through for help.  He is always there, just when you need him most - in the middle of the night, during a storm, when you are all alone, when sleep won't come, when you are fearful, when you are facing a decision or a confrontation. In fact, He urges us to cast all of our burdens on Him.  "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."  (1 Peter 5:7).  Jesus has promised never to leave us or forsake us.  He is always there, ready to help and ready to cheer.  Just when we need Him most.   This hymn of testimony was penned in 1907 by William C. Poole (1875-1949) who was raised on a farm in Maryland.  He is said to have written about five hundred hymns.  The writing was done as recreation and a diversion from his pastoral work. He said that his goal in writing, as well as in being a minister, was to help people.  And I am sure that he has helped many through this week's hymn choice.  Hopefully you have found the words of this hymn true in your life.  "Just when I need Him, He is my all, answering when upon Him I call; Tenderly watching lest I should fall, just when I need Him most."  What a marvelous truth!  

1.     Just when I need Him, Jesus is near,

Just when I falter, just when I fear;

Ready to help me, ready to cheer,

Just when I need Him most.

Refrain:

Just when I need Him most,

Just when I need Him most,

Jesus is near to comfort and cheer,

Just when I need Him most.

2.     Just when I need Him, Jesus is true,

Never forsaking, all the way through;

Giving for burdens pleasures anew,

Just when I need Him most

Refrain:

Just when I need Him most,

Just when I need Him most,

Jesus is near to comfort and cheer,

Just when I need Him most.

2.      Just when I need Him, Jesus is strong,

Bearing my burdens all the day long;

For all my sorrow giving a song,

Just when I need Him most.

Refrain:

Just when I need Him most,

Just when I need Him most,

Jesus is near to comfort and cheer,

Just when I need Him most.

4.     Just when I need Him, He is my all,

Answering when upon Him I call;

Tenderly watching lest I should fall,

Just when I need Him most.

Refrain:

Just when I need Him most,

Just when I need Him most,

Jesus is near to comfort and cheer,

Just when I need Him most.

Listen to it here.   NEED

LEAVE IT THERE (TH)

TIMELESS HYMN - Another revised and repeated blog of one of the great hymns of the faith originally shared on May 2, 2010.

          "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you."  Psalm 55:22.  Charles A. Tindley is known as one of the "founding fathers of American Gospel music".  The son of slaves, he taught himself to read and write at age 17. He was a driven young man, working as a janitor while attending night school, and earning his divinity degree through a correspondence course. In 1902, he became pastor of the Calvary Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the church where he had earlier been the janitor. At the time of Tindley's death, his church had 12,500 members. The Tindley Temple United Methodist Church in Philadelphia was named after him. Tindley's "I'll Overcome Some Day" was the basis for the American civil rights anthem "We Shall Overcome," popularized in the 1960's.   But back in 1916 a fellow who was a constant worrier visited Tindley one day. After listening awhile, Tindley replied: "My advice to you is put all your troubles in a sack, take 'em to the Lord, and leave 'em there." I had forgotten about this old hymn until I recently heard it sung on a favorites program on our local Christian radio station. I then remembered how this used to be a favorite hymn which was often sung in church and prayer meetings when I was growing up. It is also an old male quartet favorite that I often sang in my days on the radio with the Gospel Four. It has so many great thoughts, especially for those facing trials and for those of us who are worriers. What is the best thing you can do with those trials and worries?  Take them to the Lord … and leave them there.  Are you carrying some burdens today that are too heavy for you to bear?  Then just take those burdens to the Lord and leave them there ... there is nothing too heavy for Him to bear. "Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens."  Psalm 68:19.

(1) If the world from you withhold of its silver and its gold,

And you have to get along with meager fare,

Just remember, in His Word, how He feeds the little bird;

Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

Leave it there, leave it there,

Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

If you trust and never doubt, He will surely bring you out.

Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

(2) If your body suffers pain and your health you can't regain,

And your soul is almost sinking in despair,

Jesus knows the pain you feel, He can save and He can heal;

Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

Leave it there, leave it there,

Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

If you trust and never doubt, He will surely bring you out.

Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

3) When your enemies assail and your heart begins to fail,

Don't forget that God in Heaven answers prayer;

He will make a way for you and will lead you safely through.

Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

Leave it there, leave it there,

Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

If you trust and never doubt, He will surely bring you out.

Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

(4) When your youthful days are gone and old age is stealing on,

And your body bends beneath the weight of care;

He will never leave you then, He'll go with you to the end.

Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there

Leave it there, leave it there,

Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

If you trust and never doubt, He will surely bring you out.

Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

Listen to it here.   BURDEN

IN TENDERNESS HE SOUGHT ME

          "Great are Thy tender mercies, O Lord." ( Psalm 119:156)  Praise God for His great tender mercies to His children - love that sought us when we strayed from Him, blood that bought us from the penalty of sin, and wondrous grace that brought us to His fold.    William Spencer Walton was born in London, saved when he was twenty-two, served the Lord first in evening evangelism, then served full time in the British Isles, and lastly in South Africa.  During his first trip to South Africa in 1888, hundreds were saved. Walton then returned to England where he established the Cape General Mission in 1889. While in England he married Kathleen Dixon, who also served in South Africa. Sadly, after only ten months together, Kathleen died in childbirth.   In 1893, Walton married Lena Gibson, and they continued giving the gospel of Christ in South Africa through war, famine, and plagues. In 1904, the mission sent the Waltons and their three children to North America and Britain. During their travels,Walton was taken ill and died at the age of fifty-six.   Walton's missionary work is known mainly through the books and pamphlets he wrote. He is also credited with one hymn, In Tenderness He Sought Me, published in 1894.  In this hymn he used references to  several Biblical examples to illustrate God's tender mercies.  He referred in the first verse to the parable (Luke 15:3-7) of the man who had a hundred sheep, lost one, and left the ninety-nine in the wilderness in order to seek after the one which was lost. This shows how God the Son went out of his way to find us and brings us home.  In the second verse he referred to the parable of the Good Samaritan found in Luke chapter 10.  "He washed the bleeding sin-wounds, and poured in oil and wine."  And then in the third verse there are references to the sacrifice of Christ for us at Calvary.  Oh what love was demonstrated there.   And then verses four and five share what should be the experience of each believer as we wait for that glorious day when we shall be called to His side to be with Him eternally.  What a glorious hope is ours.  How great are His tender mercies - love, blood and grace - to His children.

1.     In tenderness He sought me,

Weary and sick with sin,

And on His shoulders brought me

Into His flock again.

While angels in His presence sang

Until the courts of heaven rang.

Oh, the love that sought me!

Oh, the blood that bought me!

Oh, the grace that brought me to the fold,

Wondrous grace that brought me to the fold!

2.     He washed the bleeding sin-wounds,

And poured in oil and wine;

He whispered to assure me,

"I've found thee, thou art Mine:"

I never heard a sweeter voice,

It made my aching heart rejoice.

Oh, the love that sought me!

Oh, the blood that bought me!

Oh, the grace that brought me to the fold,

Wondrous grace that brought me to the fold!

3.     He pointed to the nail-prints,

For me His blood was shed;

A mocking crown so thorny,

Was placed upon His head:

Oh, the love that sought me!

Oh, the blood that bought me!

Oh, the grace that brought me to the fold,

Wondrous grace that brought me to the fold!

4.     I'm sitting in His presence,

The sunshine of His face,

While with adoring wonder

His blessings I retrace.

It seems as if eternal days

Are far too short to sound His praise.

Oh, the love that sought me!

Oh, the blood that bought me!

Oh, the grace that brought me to the fold,

Wondrous grace that brought me to the fold!

5.     So while the hours are passing,

All now is perfect rest,

I'm waiting for the morning,

The brightest and the best,

When He will call us to His side,

To be with Him, His spotless bride.

Oh, the love that sought me!

Oh, the blood that bought me!

Oh, the grace that brought me to the fold,

Wondrous grace that brought me to the fold!

Listen to it here.   LOVE

A CHARGE TO KEEP I HAVE

         In Mark 16:15 the Lord gives an important charge to his disciples. "And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."   But that charge is also given to all believers.  We are called to share the Gospel with others.  It is a charge for us to keep.  And that is the message of a hymn written by Charles Wesley (1707-1788) in 1762.  It is one of about 6,500 hymns he is said to have written. This hymn is an unequivocal call to commitment to follow the Master and to fulfill our vocation through service. The language is unambiguous. Our calling is to save a "never dying soul" and "fit it for the sky" - that is for eternal life with Christ. This eschatological goal is central to Charles Wesley's hymns: Our goal is heaven.  In the second stanza, we find that we fulfill this calling by our service to "the present age." Fulfilling this calling requires us to engage "all our powers." The third stanza is a petition that God should "arm us with jealous care" as we live in God's sight. Wesley is not afraid to offer a stern admonition that we will one day be required to give "a strict account" of our activities in pursuit of our calling. Stanza 4 tells us that in order to keep our charge we must watch and pray.  Watching and praying teaches us to rely on God, and this is a necessity for us to keep our charge (1 Timothy 6.20}.  This is a relatively short song, but  it  impresses us with the fact that true Christianity is more than just "going to church" on Sunday, or even profiting from the worship, as important as that may be. It is a total commitment demonstrated in complete obedience to God's will.  Hymnology scholar Fred D. Gealy notes that there have been several attempts to alter the final lines in order to soften the ominous judgment that is implied. The Historical Companion to the influential Hymns Ancient and Modern concludes the hymn with these two lines:  "And let me ne'er my trust betray, But press to realms on high."    The British Methodist hymnal, Hymns and Psalms (1983) altered the final two lines as follows: "So shall I not my trust betray, nor love within me die."  I  am told that in George W. Bush's presidential library, behind his desk there is a small, simply framed copy of A Charge To Keep I Have.  The first two stanzas apparently spoke to President Bush. Not only is it one of the themes of his library, but  it is also the title of his book released in 1999. As believers we do have the Lord's charge to keep.  We can only do it with His power, guidance, and presence.  And He has promised and provided all of that for His children.  Are we keeping His charge?

A charge to keep I have,
A God to glorify,
A never-dying soul to save,
And fit it for the sky.

To serve the present age,

My calling to fulfill:

Oh, may it all my pow'rs engage

To do my Master's will!

Arm me with jealous care,

As in Thy sight to live;

And O Thy servant, Lord, prepare

A strict account to give!

Help me to watch and pray,

And on Thyself rely,

Assured, if I my trust betray,

I shall forever die.

You can listen to it here.   CHARGE

I NEED JESUS

          If you are a parent you will no doubt remember how when your children were growing up they needed you whenever they got hurt or had a problem, no matter how minor it may have been.  There was something healing about a hug or a kiss from mother or dad.  And even as they grew up there was always something special about advice and help from parents.  Often you needed them.  And we likewise need help as we face the challenges of life - we need someone - we need Jesus.  And He is always there to comfort and guide His children. Personally, the older I get it seems the more my prayers contain the plea, Lord I need you.  For there is no other way to get the help I need. George Orlia Webster (1866 - 1942)  was the son of a Baptist minister who later became a pastor himself.  He is said to have written several hundred hymns and other songs, but few of them survive today.  This particular one grew out of his conviction that Christians needed to get together more instead of remaining hostile to one another, crouched behind denominational walls. He said he was sitting on the porch of his cottage one afternoon thinking how foolish it was for Christians to be unhappily divided. "After all," he said to himself, "we all need Jesus." And looking into his own heart he confessed, "I need Jesus." It was then that this week's song was born.  Jesus alone is the answer to our soul's deepest needs. As Webster's hymn says, " I need Jesus ... every day ... in the sunshine hour ...when the storm clouds lower ... every day, along my way.... yes, I need Jesus!"   If you are fortunate you may have a few close friends here on earth.  Many don't.  But even the best of friends don't have the wisdom or the ability to help you solve earth's pressing problems.  And no friend here on earth can provide eternal salvation.  Do you recognize the need for Jesus in your life?  He has promised never to leave or forsake His children and He never has and never will.  Yes, we need Jesus!

1.     I need Jesus, my need I now confess;

No friend like Him in times of deep distress;

I need Jesus, the need I gladly own;

Though some may bear their load alone,

  Yet I need Jesus.

  I need Jesus, I need Jesus,

  I need Jesus every day;

Need Him in the sunshine hour,

Need Him when the storm-clouds low'r;

Every day along my way,

    Yes, I need Jesus.

2     I need Jesus, I need a friend like Him,

A friend to guide when paths of life are dim;

I need Jesus, when foes my soul assail;

Alone I know I can but fail,

  So I need Jesus.

I need Jesus, I need Jesus,

  I need Jesus every day;

Need Him in the sunshine hour,

Need Him when the storm-clouds low'r;

Every day along my way,

    Yes, I need Jesus.

3     I need Jesus, I need Him to the end;

No one like Him, He is the sinner's friend;

I need Jesus, no other friend will do;

So constant, kind, so strong and true,

  Yes, I need Jesus.

I need Jesus, I need Jesus,

  I need Jesus every day;

Need Him in the sunshine hour,

Need Him when the storm-clouds low'r;

Every day along my way,

    Yes, I need Jesus.

Because this song is old and seldom sung anymore it was very  hard to find a video to share with you.  But here is one for you to listen to.  I am sorry that it isn't a very good one.     NEED.

JESUS TOOK MY BURDEN

         I recall my grandfather sharing this illustration in one of his sermons.  There was an elderly man walking slowly along a country road, carrying a very heavy package.  He was struggling from the weight of his burden. A man passing by in a horse drawn cart stopped and invited him to relieve himself of the burden by riding in his cart.  The old man accepted the invitation but continued to hold his package rather than placing it on the cart.  His reaction was the same as the way so many folks respond today with their burdens.  We all face the heavy burden of sin.  "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God."  Romans 3:23. But today many try to deny that burden or try unsuccessful ways to deal with it. "For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me."  Psalm 38:4.  This week's hymn shares the only way for mankind to get rid of this burden, " When I, a poor, lost sinner, before the Lord did fall, and in the name of Jesus for pardon loud did call; He heard my supplication, and soon the weak was strong, for Jesus took my burden and left me with a song."  But after we are relieved of the burden of sin through his love and grace, we continue to face various different burdens during our walk on this earth.  "Ofttimes the way is dreary,and rugged seems the road, Ofttimes i'm weak and weary, when bent beneath some load." "When I was crushed with sorrow I bowed in deep despair. My load of grief and heartache seemed more than I could bear."  Have you faced times like these?  I imagine that you have. I know that I have - it's part of  living in this world.  But I hope that your experience with these burdens was, "'Twas when I heard a whisper, "You to the lord belong." Then Jesus took my burden, and left me with a song."  These words were probably the experience of the one who wrote them, Johnson Oatman Jr. (1856 - 1922).  He served as a visiting preacher in many churches. He also worked in the mercantile trade, and then the insurance business. But the man is remembered today mainly for the many gospel songs he wrote, about five thousand of them. These include No Not One, Under His Wings, Higher Ground, and Count Your Blessings.  Oatman concludes this hymn with the testimony,  "I'll trust Him for the future, He knoweth all the way. For with His eye He'll guide me, along life's pilgrim way."  Psalm 55:22 also challenges us to " Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."  Are you carrying a heavy burden today?  Don't be like the elderly man who held on to his package rather than letting the wagon carry the load.  Cast your heavy burden upon the Lord who cares for you.  He'll take your burden and leave you with a song.  

1     When I, a poor, lost sinner,

Before the Lord did fall,

And in the name of Jesus

For pardon loud did call;

He heard my supplication,

And soon the weak was strong,

For Jesus took my burden,

And left me with a song.

Chorus:

Yes, Jesus took my burden

I could no longer bear,

Yes, Jesus took my burden

In answer to my prayer;

My anxious fears subsided

My spirit was made strong,

For Jesus took my burden,

And let me with a song.

2      Ofttimes the way is dreary,

And rugged seems the road,

Ofttimes i'm weak and weary,

When bent beneath some load;

But when I cry in weakness, 

"How long, O Lord, how long?"

Then Jesus takes the burden,

And leaves we with a song.

Chorus:

Yes, Jesus took my burden

I could no longer bear,

Yes, Jesus took my burden

In answer to my prayer;

My anxious fears subsided

My spirit was made strong,

For Jesus took my burden,

And let me with a song.

3      When I was crushed with sorrow

I bowed in deep despair,

My load of grief and heartache

Seemed more than I could bear;

'Twas when I heard a whisper,

"You to the lord belong,"

Then Jesus took my burden,

And left me with a song. 

Chorus:

Yes, Jesus took my burden

I could no longer bear,

Yes, Jesus took my burden

In answer to my prayer;

My anxious fears subsided

My spirit was made strong,

For Jesus took my burden,

And let me with a song.

4      I'll trust Him for the future,

He knoweth all the way,

For with His eye He'll guide me

Along life's pilgrim way;

And I will tell in heaven,

While ages roll along, 

How Jesus took my burden,

And left me with a song. [

Chorus:

Yes, Jesus took my burden

I could no longer bear,

Yes, Jesus took my burden

In answer to my prayer;

My anxious fears subsided

My spirit was made strong,

For Jesus took my burden,

And let me with a song.

Listen to it here.   LISTEN

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY (TH)

TIMELESS HYMN  - A special feature where I highlight some of my favorite hymns that I have featured previously in this blog.  These entries are revised and expanded and shared again for your encouragement and challenge. This hymn was originally shared here on March 21, 2010.

          Isaiah 6: 1 – 3 "In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." This hymn, one of the greatest worship hymns ever penned, was written by Reginald Heber (1783-1826).  Reginald become Bishop of Calcutta in 1823 and served his people for three years before dying of a stroke. Among her dead husband's papers his wife found the words of one of the most powerful and beautiful hymns ever written. "Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty," read Reginald Heber's widow. But years would pass before the lines took their place in worship services around the world. In 1861, a publisher rediscovered the words. He asked John Bacchus Dykes to furnish him with a tune. John accepted the words and within thirty minutes he wrote the tune "Nicea," which carried the praise of the Trinity. It is one of those hymns that continues to be sung even when contemporary praise songs replace traditional hymns in today's church services. While I remember singing this as a youngster, the words of the third verse became very meaningful to me several years ago when I went to Washington D.C. to join with a million men gathered there to worship God Almighty. I remember singing this and other great hymns as we would be waiting for transportation. We would join with men from all over the world and our voices would radiate, often through subway tunnels. It sent chills through my body. It had to be a small glimpse of what heaven will be like. But then, as we headed into the mall, we walked through a group of misguided women from NOW who were protesting our right to gather and misjudging our purpose for being there. Seldom have I felt evil, all around me, as I felt at that time. Then these words came to me, "though the eye of sinful men thy glory may not see." It hit home to me. These poor women were blinded to the Almighty God and they could not see or experience His glory. How sad and how common this is today. But God is holy and someday "all Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth and sky and sea!" Sing along with these truths today as you worship Him.

(1) Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!

Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee.

Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty,

God in three Persons, blessed Trinity.

(2) Holy, holy, holy! All saints adore thee,

casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;

cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee,

which wert, and art, and evermore shalt be.

(3) Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee,

though the sinful human eye thy glory may not see,

only thou art holy; there is none beside thee,

perfect in power, in love, and purity.

(4) Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!

All thy works shall praise thy Name, in earth, and sky, and sea;

Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty,

God in three Persons, blessed Trinity.

You can listen to it here.   HOLY