CONSIDER THE STARS

          What a fascinating experience it is to view the sky on a clear, cloudless evening.  You can see the stars, galaxies, planets, meteors and arrays such as the Big Dipper.  It is often overwhelming and hard to comprehend the vastness of the universe and the order in which things move.

          It is amazing to understand that all of this is part of God's spectacular creation.  He made it and He controls it. But it is even more amazing to realize that the Creator even cares for us and sent His Son to pay the debt that could make us His.

          "When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers - the moon and the stars you set in place - what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?"  Psalm 8: 3, 4.

          If we understand this, then why should we fear?  The Almighty Creator can and will take care of us no matter what challenge we may experience.

          Several weeks ago, while watching the Sunday morning streaming of Stonebriar Community Church in Texas, I heard a small ensemble of young folks sing a meaningful song which I had never heard before.  Then a few weeks later I heard it on the radio and I decided that I needed to find out more about this new song in hopes that I could share it with my readers on this blog.

          What I found was that this song was the work of Christian music artists Keith and Kristyn Getty. The Getty's have written and introduced many of the excellent new hymns, like this one, that are being used in churches today.  Written in 2020, it was the official music video for "Consider the Stars," the theme song for the documentary motion picture "Against the Tide: Finding God in an Age of Science". The film is an exploration into the evidence showing the complementary relationship between science and faith.

          In this song the Gettys encourage us to "consider the stars" and to not be afraid, as the Creator of the universe promises to care for each of us. This is also a call to be bold in our faith, knowing God will be with us as we stand strong against the tide of atheistic misinformation.

          Why not take some time this week to view the marvelous universe?  Not only will it help you relax, but it should be an important reminder of God's care for you.  "He who made all of this says, "You're worth more than this". Holds you in His hands.  Do not be afraid."

 

1.    Consider the stars in the sky

Look up and wonder, can you count their number?

Consider the stars in the sky

Umbrella to hide in, a dance floor of heaven

Do not be afraid

Do not be afraid

 

2.    Consider the stars in the sky

When it is darkest they shine out the brightest

Consider the stars in the sky

In every anguish, oh child take courage

Do not be afraid

Do not be afraid

He who made all of this

And who holds all of this

Holds you in His hands

 

Do not be afraid

Do not be afraid

 

3.   Consider the star in the sky

Diamond in a ring, over thе Child King

Consider the stars in the sky

Grace He had promised, coming to find us

Do not be afraid

Do not be afraid

He who made all of this

Says, "You're worth more than this"

Holds you in His hands

 

Do not be afraid

 

Listen to it here.   STARS

 

 

SWEETER AS THE YEARS GO BY (TH)

TIMELESS HYMNS - A feature in which I choose a previous post, revise it and edit it and post it once more.  This one was first posted on January 29, 2012

          Recently when my wife shared her age with a friend, the friend asked, "How did you get that old so fast?" Yes, time does fly, faster than we ever expected.

          On June 12 I celebrated my 77th anniversary of accepting Christ as my personal Savior.  Where did the years go? I'm not really sure but I do know that today that relationship is better and sweeter than it ever has been before.  And that is the testimony shared by this week's hymn, "Sweeter As The Years Go By". 

          Recently a local radio station was playing programs from the past and they played an old recording of "The Old Fashioned Revival Hour". After Rudy Atwood's traditional piano opening, the choir sang this week's hymn. I hadn't heard it in years but I sang along and thought how true the words really were, not only years ago, but even more so, today. 

         No matter how long you have served the Lord, I hope that this is also your testimony. I understand that the lyrics and music were written by Leila N. Morris (1862-1929). She became blind in her early fifties, but that didn't keep her from writing. I am told that she had a 28-foot long blackboard with large music staff lines. Using this special board she was able to see enough to help her write hymns. In all she wrote more than 1,000 hymn texts as well as many of the tunes. Her handicap didn't keep her from doing this and being productive for God. 

         This hymn was first copyrighted in 1912 and the stanzas were originally for soprano and alto duet. But arrangements for full four part harmony were made by the Lillenas Publishing Company. 

         Even with her blindness, Mrs. Morris found that her Lord did become sweeter to her as the years went by. Richer, fuller, deeper, Jesus' love is sweeter, sweeter as the years go by. 

          May this also be your experience and testimony..

1. Of Jesus' love that sought me, 

when I was lost in sin;

Of wondrous grace that brought me 

back to His fold again;

Of heights and depths of mercy, 

far deeper than the sea,

And higher than the heavens, 

my theme shall ever be.

Sweeter as the years go by, 

sweeter as the years go by,

Richer, fuller, deeper, 

Jesus' love is sweeter,

Sweeter as the years go by.

2. He trod in old Judea 

life's pathway long ago;

The people thronged about Him, 

His saving grace to know;

He healed the broken hearted, 

and caused the blind to see;

And still His great heart yearneth 

in love for even me.

Sweeter as the years go by, 

sweeter as the years go by,

Richer, fuller, deeper, 

Jesus' love is sweeter,

Sweeter as the years go by.

3. 'Twas wondrous love 

which led Him for us to suffer loss,

To bear without a murmur 

the anguish of the cross;

With saints redeemed in glory, 

let us our voices raise,

Till Heav'n and earth reecho 

with our Redeemer's praise.

Sweeter as the years go by, 

sweeter as the years go by,

Richer, fuller, deeper, 

Jesus' love is sweeter,

Sweeter as the years go by.

Listen to it here.    SWEETER

WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH JESUS?

          What will you do with Jesus?  This is a question that mankind has faced for centuries and it continues to challenge people today.

          Centuries ago Pilate and the Jews faced this question.  Pilate had a big problem.  He knew Jesus was not guilty of any crime, but the shouting mob wanted him dead. So, Pilate offered them a choice - Barabbas or Jesus. They chose Barabbas.

          And even followers of Jesus face this question.  Peter boasted that he would support Jesus with his life and never deny him.  But Jesus told him that he would deny Jesus three times before the rooster crowed.  And, as predicted, Peter did deny knowing the Lord three times when he was faced with this question.

          Today the unsaved face this question and those who do not accept who He is and His gift of salvation face eternal death and separation from God.  How have you answered this question?  Is He your Savior?

          But believers also face this question in their daily life.  On Sundays we worship and praise the Lord.  We recognize who He is and what He means to us.  But then comes Monday and we head out into the world.  There we face temptations and pressures from the unsaved.  At times it becomes easy to deny the Lord by our reactions or even by our silence. What have we done with Jesus?

          A. B. Simpson (1843-1919), was a Canadian preacher, theologian, author, and founder of the Christian Missionary and Alliance (C&MA), an evangelical denomination with an emphasis on global evangelism.  Plagued by illness for much of his life since childhood, Simpson believed he experienced divine healing after understanding it to be part of the blessing of abiding in Christ. Simpson composed the lyrics of over 120 hymns, including this one which he wrote in 1905.

          Take time this week to reflect upon this hymn and this question. There comes a time when we all have to "man up" and do the right thing. Rarely will it be easy or convenient or popular. But it is in those moments that we find out, and the world finds out, what we're made of and what we really believe.  

          So, what have you done with Jesus?  And what will He do with you?

 

1    Jesus is standing in Pilate's hall--

Friendless, forsaken, betrayed by all;

Hearken! what meaneth the sudden call!

What will you do with Jesus? 

Chorus:

What will you do with Jesus?

Neutral you cannot be;

Someday your heart will be asking,

"What will He do with me?" 

 

2    Jesus is standing on trial still,

You can be false to Him if you will,

You can be faithful thro' good or ill:

What will you do with Jesus? 

Chorus:

What will you do with Jesus?

Neutral you cannot be;

Someday your heart will be asking,

"What will He do with me?" 

 

3    Will you evade Him as Pilate tried?

Or will you choose Him, whate'er betide?

Vainly you struggle from Him to hide:

What will you do with Jesus? 

Chorus:

What will you do with Jesus?

Neutral you cannot be;

Someday your heart will be asking,

"What will He do with me?" 

 

4    Will you, like Peter, your Lord deny?

Or    will you scorn from His foes to fly,

Daring for Jesus to live or die?

What will you do with Jesus? 

Chorus:

What will you do with Jesus?

Neutral you cannot be;

Someday your heart will be asking,

"What will He do with me?" 

 

5 .  "Jesus, I give Thee my heart today!

Jesus, I'll follow Thee all the way,

Gladly obeying Thee!" will you say:

"This I will do with Jesus!" 

Chorus:

What will you do with Jesus?

Neutral you cannot be;

Someday your heart will be asking,

"What will He do with me?" 

 

Listen to it here.  QUESTION

 

 

HOW MAJESTIC IS YOUR NAME

         1  LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens. 2 Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. 3   When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, 4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings   that you care for them? 5   You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. 6   You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet: 7   all flocks and herds, and the animals of the wild, 8   the birds in the sky, and the fish in the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. 9   LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!  Psalm 8

 

         The Psalms have always been a source of inspiration for musicians. From monastic psalm chants and the metrical versions of the psalms by John Calvin's followers, to the more liberal paraphrases of Isaac Watts, singing the psalms in some form has been important throughout Christianity.  So it's no surprise that contemporary musicians such as Michael W. Smith would use the psalms for musical inspiration.

          Smith had a difficult time when he graduated from high school in the mid-1970's.  Nothing seemed to work for him and college didn't seem to fit him.  He made a journey to Nashville, where he thought he had discovered a calling in the music industry.  But instead he became hooked on drugs. 

          He was just 22 years old in 1979, and sinking fast when he finally prayed for a change in his life. From that low point, perhaps, to where he began to grow in confidence and productivity, sprang this song that he wrote. Some feel it was an echo of a song written centuries earlier by David, another songwriter who knew what it was like to struggle, but who also knew what it was like to feel God's saving hand.

          "How Majestic Is Your Name" draws heavily from Psalm 8:1a, 9 as translated in the Revised Standard Version. The syncopated rhythms and abbreviated singing range draw congregational singers into the energy of the text. Allusions to Isaiah 9:6 in the second half of the song — "Prince of Peace, mighty God" — fill out the song.  The song achieved hit status when Sandi Patty recorded it.

           In 1981, Smith began working with the Christian band "Higher Ground" and writing songs for Meadowgreen Music, a leading publisher of contemporary Christian music. "

          May the words of this song be your testimony this week.  May we magnify His name and give praise to Him for He alone is worthy.

O Lord, our Lord,

 how majestic is your name in all the earth.

O Lord, our Lord, 

how majestic is your name in all the earth.

O Lord, we praise your name.

O Lord, we magnify your name:

Prince of Peace, mighty God;

O Lord God Almighty.

O Lord, our Lord, 

how majestic is your name in all the earth.

O Lord, our Lord, 

how majestic is your name in all the earth.

O Lord, we praise your name.

O Lord, we magnify your name:

Prince of Peace, mighty God;

O Lord God Almighty.

Listen to it here.  MAJESTIC

BLESSED CALVARY

          I have never had the thrill of visiting Israel and walking where Jesus walked.  I am told it can be a life changing experience.

          If I could visit the Holy Land, the one place I'd love to visit is Calvary.  It was there that my Savior suffered and was crucified for me.  There He bore my sins and the sins of the entire world.  What a blessed truth and place for all believers.

          We are reminded of this in the words written in 1921 by Avis Christiansen (1895 – 1985). She began writing poems in childhood, and before her death had written thousands of them.  Ranked as one of the important hymn writers of the twentieth century, her poems produced hundreds of gospel song texts over a period of fifty years, beginning in 1916. Her works were not usually based on any unusual experiences but came out of her daily life as she went about fulfilling the many duties of a busy homemaker.  Several well-known gospel musicians have been her collaborators in her hymns.   

          The words of this hymn are Avis's but the tune was supplied by Lance Brenton Latham, an accomplished concert pianist.  But, Latham's most recognized accomplishment was his part in the founding of a children's club that eventually became the worldwide Awana Youth Association. 

          Christiansen's hymn reminds us, in the first verse, that in and through Christ, "the riches of heaven are mine". "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8:32). We are able to enjoy many of these blessings now, but many more are reserved for our enjoyment in heaven (I Peter. 1:3-4).

          In verse two she reminds us that God's saving work was motivated by His deep love for us (John 3:16), and it was all of grace, His undeserved, unmerited favor (Ephesians 2:8-9).  The song reminds us that we have, in Christ, present victory. There is "blessed victory, and grace for each step of the way" 
         In verse three she shares "No merit have I of my own" Instead, "the shed blood of Christ [is] my only plea" "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified [declared righteous] freely by His grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" (Romans. 3:23-24). Finally, "The cross is my hope for eternity" as well.  What a blessed hope!

          This hymn is a simple but blessed reminder of all that we have because of Calvary.  Blessed Calvary!  Precious Calvary!  Think about these truths this week.

 

1.   I look at the cross upon Calvary,

And oh, what a wonder divine,

To think of the wealth it holds for me—

The riches of Heaven are mine

Refrain

Blessèd Calvary! Precious Calvary!

'Neath thy shadow I'll ever abide.

Blessèd Calvary! Precious Calvary!

'Twas there Jesus suffered and died.

 

2.    I find at the cross blessèd victory,

And grace for each step of my way.

The fount of God's love is flowing free,

And sweeter it grows day by day. 

Refrain

Blessèd Calvary! Precious Calvary!

'Neath thy shadow I'll ever abide.

Blessèd Calvary! Precious Calvary!

'Twas there Jesus suffered and died 

 

3. The cross is my hope for eternity,

No merit have I of my own;

The shed blood of Christ my only plea—

My trust is in Jesus alone. 

Refrain

Blessèd Calvary! Precious Calvary!

'Neath thy shadow I'll ever abide.

Blessèd Calvary! Precious Calvary!

'Twas there Jesus suffered and died

 

Listen to it here.    CALVARY

  

WHEN THE ROLL IS CALLED UP YONDER (TH)

TIMELESS HYMNS - A feature in which I choose a previous post, revise it and edit it and post it once more.  This one was first posted on March 11, 2012.

          The exact details of the writing of this hymn are not known, but from a number of different sources we find that the writer, James Black, was a Sunday School teacher in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. In 1893 he supposedly befriended a poorly dressed girl who lived "down on Front Street, along the river". He invited her to attend Sunday School but she hesitated because of her shabby clothes. 

          Black apparently saw to it that she had something decent to wear and she began to attend. One day when he called the roll she failed to answer. Upon checking on her he found that she was very sick with typhoid fever and had little hope of recovery. Death came quickly. It is said that when Black realized that she would never again be there when the roll was called, he made the comment that he trusted that when the roll is called up yonder that she'll be there.

         It is said that he couldn't find an appropriate song to respond to this sad situation and that this was a big disappointment to him. The thought came to him that he should try to write one. It is said that tears filled his eyes and when he got home he sat at his piano and the words and music to this hymn just flowed from his heart. And neither the words or the music have ever been changed. 

          And so for many years this up tempo song has been sung by thousands as a reminder of the day when an important roll will be called. And those of us whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life will be there to respond and enter the joys of that heavenly realm. 

         What a day that will be! Is your name written there? Will you be there to respond when that roll is called up yonder? If your answer is yes then you can joyfully sing along with this old time favorite this week. 

          If not, then place your trust in what Christ has done for you at Calvary. Then when the roll is called up yonder you too will be there.

1.    When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound, 

and time shall be no more,

And the morning breaks, eternal, bright and fair;

When the saved of earth shall gather 

over on the other shore,

And the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there.

When the roll is called up yonder,

When the roll is called up yonder,

When the roll is called up yonder,

When the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there.

2.    On that bright and cloudless morning 

when the dead in Christ shall rise,

And the glory of His resurrection share;

When His chosen ones shall gather to their

 home beyond the skies,

And the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there.

When the roll is called up yonder,

When the roll is called up yonder,

When the roll is called up yonder,

When the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there.

3.    Let us labor for the Master 

from the dawn till setting sun,

Let us talk of all His wondrous love and care;

Then when all of life is over, 

and our work on earth is done,

And the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there.

When the roll is called up yonder,

When the roll is called up yonder,

When the roll is called up yonder,

When the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there.

Listen to it being sung here.    ROLL

BRING THEM IN

          Years ago most churches emphasized evangelism and bringing sinners to the Lord.  They used special programs such as revival services, evangelistic campaigns, rally days, camp meetings and even contests to encourage members to share the gospel and especially to bring the unsaved to these services where they could be saved.

          During those times church music often emphasized the need of a Savior.  Hymns of invitation were usually a major part of most services. Altar calls were common. It was in times like that when this hymn was written.

          "Bring Them In" is a hymn that originally had three stanzas and a refrain. This work was from the mind of Alexcenah Thomas (19th century) and complimented by William A Ogden's (1841-1897) music. The context of this hymn is about recruiting people to become believers in Christ. This imagery also includes believers who are going astray and need the guidance and help of the Lord to bring them back to the fold.

          Little is known about this author. Based on records, this hymn is his only work. But It is different for William Augustine Ogden, who was an American composer and a native of Ohio. He was very young when he had musical training in his community's singing schools. Ogden was a member of the Indiana Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. After his service, he resumed his musical training under Lowell Mason and Thomas Hastings. His career included being a music teacher, a conductor of music conventions, and publisher of Sunday school hymn collections. Later on, he became the supervisor of music for the public schools of Toledo, Ohio.

          The song was originally written, probably about 1885, for Sunday schools.  However I can remember while growing up hearing adults singing this song with enthusiasm and conviction in worship services.  It was a theme that all could relate to.

          This  song points to Jesus as the Shepherd who seeks the sheep who are going astray in hopes that they might return to Him. "Hark! 'Tis the Shepherd's voice I hear, Out in the desert dark and drear, Calling the sheep who've gone astray, Far from the Shepherd's fold away."  The Shepherd is Jesus Christ: John. 10.11-14

          In stanza 2 we sing about the Shepherd's call for assistance.  "Who'll go and help this Shepherd kind, Help Him the little lambs to find? Who'll bring the lost ones to the fold, Where they'll be sheltered from the fold?"

          In stanza 3 we sing about the Shepherd's command. "Out in the desert hear their cry, Out on the mountains wild and high; Hark! 'Tis the Master speaks to thee, 'Go find My lambs where'er they be.'"

          The chorus continues to urge us:  "Bring them in, bring them in, Bring them in from the fields of sin!  Bring them in, bring them in, Bring the wandering ones to Jesus."

          "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.   Matthew 18:19-20.

          And nothing has changed over the years.  People are still lost and need the Lord.  And the command to go is still the same.  Maybe we need to recommit to sharing the good news to the many who need to hear it.

1     Hark! 'Tis the Shepherd's voice I hear,

Out in the desert dark and drear,

Calling the sheep who've gone astray,

Far from the Shepherd's fold away.

Refrain:

Bring them in, bring them in,

Bring them in from the fields of sin;

Bring them in, bring them in,

Bring the wandering ones to Jesus.

2     Who'll go and help this Shepherd kind,

Help Him the wandering ones to find?

Who'll bring the lost ones to the fold,

Where they'll be sheltered from the cold? 

Bring them in, bring them in,

Bring them in from the fields of sin;

Bring them in, bring them in,

Bring the wandering ones to Jesus.

3     Out in the desert hear their cry,

Out on the mountains wild and high;

Hark! 'Tis the Master speaks to thee,

"Go find My sheep where'er they be." 

Bring them in, bring them in,

Bring them in from the fields of sin;

Bring them in, bring them in,

Bring the wandering ones to Jesus.

Listen to it here    BRING 

HE OWNS THE CATTLE

          Do you remember growing up in Sunday School singing the chorus "He Owns The Cattle On a Thousand Hills"?  Or maybe you joined in singing this chorus in a prayer meeting.

          This chorus, written by John Peterson, is based on Psalm 50: 10,11, "For all the animals of the forest are mine, and I own the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird on the mountains, and all the animals of the field are mine."

         And most of us grew up thinking that these verses meant that God could and would provide everything we needed, even though I personally never needed any of God's cattle.  Just recently I had a friend contact me to tell me of some recent needs that they had.  Her concluding statement was "Oh well, God owns the cattle on a thousand hills, so He can take care of my needs."

          And certainly He can and He will provide all that we need.  And He has done that over and over and over again.  He wants us to bring our needs to Him, although He really knows what we need even before we ask.  He is all knowing.  Philippians 4:19 "God will meet all your needs according to his glorious needs in Christ Jesus." The song is a great reminder that God can and will take care of us.  

          While the song focuses on God's wealth, that is not the primary focus of Psalm 50 which shares that praise and godly giving are more important to God than external religious activity.   God's complaint against the Israelites is not that they had failed to offer sacrifices and offerings. Indeed, they had offered them continually. Instead of offering their sacrifices in a spirit of humble worship, the people were offering them as if they were doing God a favor for which he should be thankful. They offered their sacrifices as if they were giving God something he needed. But God needs nothing. He already owns everything – the cattle on a thousand hills and the wealth in every mine.

           The offerings that he accepts are those based on thanksgiving, obedience and complete trust.

 

He owns the cattle on a thousand hills

The wealth in every mine,

He owns the rivers and the rocks and rills,

The sun and stars that shine,

Wonderful riches more than tongue can tell

He is my Father so they're mine as well

He owns the cattle on a thousand hills

I know that He will care for me

Listen to it here.   PSALM 50

 

I SEE A CRIMSON STREAM

         Over the years many hymns have been written about the blood of Jesus.  And the blood is mentioned 427 times in the Bible from Genesis to Revelation.  

         Why is the blood of Christ important?  "For without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness."  Hebrews 9:22.

          His blood redeems us. There was a price against us that we could not pay, but the blood of Jesus redeemed us. 1 Peter 1:18-19 says, "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things .... But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot."

          His blood brings us into fellowship with God. According to Ephesians 2:13, "But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ." Without the blood of Christ, man is a long way from God.

          His blood makes peace with God. Man, by nature, is at war with God and we can only come to God on His peace terms - the blood atonement. The Bible says in Colossians 1:20, "And, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself...."

          His blood cleanses. Not only does it remove the punishment of sin, it removes the pollution. It doesn't matter what sin you've committed; "the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin (1 John 1:7).

          His blood gives power over the devil. It's the blood that Satan fears. Revelation 12:11 says, "And they overcame him [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb...." The devil doesn't want you to learn about the blood. He hates it!

          The blood of Christ is the subject of this week's hymn which was written in 1920 by G. T. Haywood (1880-1931).  Haywood was an African-American pastor and song writer who served as Presiding Bishop of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World from 1925 to 1931.  In 1909, Haywood founded Christ Temple church in Indianapolis. Haywood's influence crossed ethnic boundaries, and by 1913, Christ Temple had a biracial congregation of 400 to 500 which later grew to 1500.  His songs are known for Oneness Pentecostal themes.

          Haywood pictures the blood flowing as a stream from Calvary, flowing over us, to the throne of God.   And because of it we have no condemnation and nothing can take away our salvation.  And he pictures the day when the ransomed will sing the great refrain in eternity.

          Today I believe many churches are failing to share the necessity and power of the blood of Christ. For many it is not a popular topic. May we never take it for granted because everything about our relationship with God is wrapped up in the precious blood of Jesus.

1.     On Cal'vry's hill of sorrow

Where sin's demands were paid,

And rays of hope for tomorrow

Across our path were laid.

Refrain

I see a crimson stream of blood,

It flows from Calvary,

Its waves which reach the throne of God,

Are sweeping over me.

2.     Today no condemnation

Abides to turn away

My soul from His salvation,

He's in my heart to stay.

Refrain

I see a crimson stream of blood,

It flows from Calvary,

Its waves which reach the throne of God,

Are sweeping over me.

3.     When gloom and sadness whisper,

"You've sinned -no use to pray,"

I look away to Jesus,

And He tells me to say:

Refrain

I see a crimson stream of blood,

It flows from Calvary,

Its waves which reach the throne of God,

Are sweeping over me.

4.     And when we reach the portal

Where life forever reigns,

The ransomed hosts' grand final

Will be this glad refrain.

Refrain

I see a crimson stream of blood,

It flows from Calvary,

Its waves which reach the throne of God,

Are sweeping over me.

Listen to it here.    BLOOD