HOW CAN I KEEP FROM SINGING?

HOW CAN I KEEP FROM SINGING?


Several days ago my status on FaceBook was “How can I keep from singing?” I appreciated the responses. Let me follow up. My question is the title of a song. It is a powerful song. If you are not acquainted with it, I want to introduce you to this great song.

I was first introduced to it by a friend. He had gone through a very difficult time in his life. His wife had been unfaithful and left him. Divorce followed. After much pain and suffering, he experienced a wonderful healing in his life. When he came to speak at our church, he had me play a CD with this song. It was a cut from an album by the singer, Enya. I list the text she sings, as well as a YouTube link.

My life goes on in endless song
Above earth's lamentations,
I hear the real, though far-off hymn
That hails a new creation.
Through all the tumult and the strife
I hear it's music ringing,
It sounds an echo in my soul.
How can I keep from singing?

While though the tempest loudly roars,
I hear the truth, it liveth.
And though the darkness 'round me close,
Songs in the night it giveth.
No storm can shake my inmost calm,
While to that rock I'm clinging.
Since love is lord of heaven and earth
How can I keep from singing?

When tyrants tremble in their fear
And hear their death knell ringing,
When friends rejoice both far and near
How can I keep from singing?
In prison cell and dungeon vile
Our thoughts to them are winging,
When friends by shame are undefiled
How can I keep from singing?

As sung by Enya
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RBjwQroGNE

“How Can I Keep From Singing?” had been sung and recorded by many people. The folk singer, Pete Seeger, helped to make this song fairly well-known in the Folk-revival. He learned it from Doris Plenn, who had it from her North Carolina family. It can be found in SING OUT, Vol 7, No 1, 1957, recorded by Ed Trickett on Turning Toward the Morning, FSI-56.More lyrics: http://www.lyricsty.com/lyrics/p/pete_seeger/#share

As sung by Peter Seeger http://s0.ilike.com/play#Pete+Seeger:How+Can+I+Keep+From+Singing:3664185:s45385060.11681925.18425695.0.2.129%2Cstd_45faa7cd4ae84271a2be34296079dafa

Where did the song originate? Although Wikipedia is not my favorite and most reliable source, I have taken the following from the page about this song.
“Apparently the first publication of the words was on August 7, 1868, in the New York Observer. Entitled "Always Rejoicing," and attributed to "Pauline T” the text reads:
My life flows on in endless song:
Above earth's lamentation,
I catch the sweet, tho' far-off hymn
That hails a new creation.
Through all the tumult and the strife
I hear the music ringing;
It finds an echo in my soul--
How can I keep from singing?

What tho' my joys and comfort die?
The Lord my Saviour liveth;
What tho' the darkness gather round?
Songs in the night he giveth.
No storm can shake my inmost calm,
While to that refuge clinging;
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth,
How can I keep from singing?
I lift my eyes; the cloud grows thin;
I see the blue above it;
And day by day this pathway smooths,
Since first I learned to love it.
The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart,
A fountain ever springing;
All things are mine since I am his--
How can I keep from singing?


These are the words as published by Robert Lowry in the 1869 song book, Bright Jewels for the Sunday School.  Here Lowry claims credit for the music, but gives no indication as to who wrote the words. These words were also published in a British periodical in 1869, The Christian Pioneer but no author is indicated. Ira D. Sankey published his own setting of the words in Gospel Hymns, No. 3 (1878), writing that the words were anonymous. In 1888, Henry S. Burrage listed this hymn as one of those for which Lowry had written the music, but not the lyrics.

Doris Plenn learned the original hymn from her grandmother, who reportedly believed that it dated from the early days of the Quaker movement. Plenn contributed the following verse around 1950, which was taken up by Pete Seeger and other folk revivalists. When tyrants tremble, sick with fear,

And hear their death-knell ringing,
When friends rejoice both far and near,
How can I keep from singing?
In prison cell and dungeon vile,
Our thoughts to them go winging;
When friends by shame are undefiled,
How can I keep from singing?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_Can_I_Keep_from_Singing%3F

So, after all of this history and hearing the song by two different artists, I ask myself again, “How Can I Keep From Singing?” Well, as a believer in Jesus, I can’t! Why? Well think of all He has done for you. Then remember we are commanded to “sing to the Lord” time and again in the Psalms and throughout the scriptures. So, I want to obey the Word! Then, on top of that, Psalm 118;:14 says “The Lord is my….Song!” I can’t keep from singing!

All of the verses are great, but I especially like the second verse that Lowry published:

What tho' my joys and comfort die?
The Lord my Saviour liveth;
What tho' the darkness gather round?
Songs in the night he giveth.
No storm can shake my inmost calm,
While to that refuge clinging;
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth,
How can I keep from singing?

We can't keep from singing "Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth!"

"He Took My Sins Away"

“Songs My Father Sang”

He Took My Sins Away
My brothers will remember this….Brockton Assembly of God Church on the corner of Forest and Bouve Avenues…an elderly gentleman would give a “testimony” in church – his account of what God had done in his life—and then he would always want to sing #101 in Assembly Songs, “He Took My Sins Away.” I believe he was Italian. Even though I can’t remember his name I remember how he would sing the chorus! “He tooka my sins away! He tooka my sins away!”

I remembered the “tooka!”

Well, however you say it, I trust that you can remember the day Jesus took your sins away! that is what the story of this song is. It was written by Mrs. M. J. Harris, the composer of “I Will Praise Him” in yesterday’s blog (June 29, 2010).

If you can’t remember that time, let this be the moment He does. He says that if we confess our sins (tell them right to Jesus – no special “formula” or special “words” to say—just talk to Jesus like you talk to a friend), He is faithful, He is just and He will forgive you of your sin. Right now!

He Took My Sins Away

Text and Music: Mrs. M. J. Harris (1865-1919) Margaret Jenkins Harris

1. I came to Jesus, weary, worn, and sad.
He took my sins away, He took my sins away.
And now His love has made my heart so glad,
He took my sins away.


Chorus:


He took my sins away, He took my sins away,
And keeps me singing every day!
I’m so glad He took my sins away,
He took my sins away.


2. The load of sin was more than I could bear.
He took my sins away, He took my sins away.
And now on Him I roll my ev’ry care,
He took my sins away.


3. No condemnation have I in my heart,
He took my sins away, He took my sins away.
His perfect peace He did to me impart,
He took my sins away.


4. If you will come to Jesus Christ today,
He’ll take your sins away, He’ll take your sins away,
And keep you happy in His love each day,
He’ll take your sins away.

Scripture related to the text:

Romans 11:25-27  For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “ The Deliverer will come out of Zion, And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; For this is My covenant with them, when I take away their sins.”

"I Will Praise Him"

“Songs My Father Sang”

I Will Praise Him

One of the primary topics in music in the church today is “Praise” music. “Praise” choruses and songs abound. This is nothing new....people have been praising God in song since….well, whenever the first praise song was sung! I think that goes back to the creation. Whenever praise songs started does not really matter.

What matters is that I praise the Lord! One song that dad Thomassen often sang was “I Will Praise Him.” Sometimes we sang all the verses….actually you should to get the whole picture. Other times just the chorus; other times the 5th verse and chorus. This chorus would often be used in medley with other choruses.

I like the 5th verse because it addresses each member of the Trinity.

I think this chorus would work today in conjunction with other current choruses. Try it….you’ll introduce something “new” to many people!

Say: “I will praise Him!”

I Will Praise Him

Text and Music: Mrs. M. J. Harris (Margaret Jenkins Harris) (1865-1919)

1. When I saw the cleansing fountain
Open wide for all my sin,

I obeyed the Spirit’s wooing,

When He said, “Wilt thou be clean?”


Refrain

I will praise Him,
I will praise Him,
Praise Him,
Praise the Lamb for sinners slain;
Give Him glory, all ye people,
For His blood has washed away my stain


2. Though the way seemed straight and narrow,
All I claimed was swept away;
My ambition, plans and wishes,
At my feet in ashes lay.
3. Then God’s fire upon the altar
Of my heart was set aflame;
I shall never cease to praise Him,
Glory, glory to His Name!


4. Blessed be the Name of Jesus!
I’m so glad He took me in;
He has pardoned my transgressions,
He has cleansed my heart from sin.


5. Glory, glory to the Father!
Glory, glory to the Son!
Glory, glory to the Spirit!
Glory to the Three In One!

The composer:

Margaret Jenkins Harris composed both the words and music in 1898. Born on July 31st, 1865 in Rushville, Illinois, she died on January 13th, 1919 in Miami, Florida.With her husband, song-writer John Harris, she was active in holiness meetings, and they were song evangelists at the 1901 General Holiness Convention in Chicago. Margaret played the organ to accompany their duets. She was known as an effective preacher with strong messages.

Psalm 34:1 I will bless the LORD at all times;His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Psalm 86:12 I will give thanks to You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, And will glorify Your name forever.

Romans 11:36 For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.

"He The Pearly Gates Will Open"

“Songs My Father Sang”

He The Pearly Gates Will Open

(Photo: Swedes and Norwegians! Front left: Uncle Berner and his brother, my dad, Arne. Back left: Harriet, the Swede, married to Berner; Grandma Thomassen and Alice Thomassen, my mother)

The other day on Facebook I asked: “Norwegian or Swedish?” That was asked in fun because my dad was born in Norway and all of the Thomassen/Larsen side (my mother) is Norwegian. Dad’s brother, Berner, married Harriet, a Swede! Well, there were questions about that! A Swede in our family? Well, 55+ years later Uncle Berner and Aunt Harriet are going strong! And, besides that, my brothers and I love our half-Swedish, half-Norwegian cousins!                                              

He The Pearly Gates Will Open was one of Arne Thomassen’s favorite songs! And he sang it in Norwegian! I heard him sing it many times in both English and Norwegian. Now I wish I had learned it in his native language. He sang it in church, as well as in the nursing home where he was a chaplain for 17 years after he retired from pastoring.  Dad also made a tape of it and it was played at the funeral of his dear friend, Orville Carlson.

This song is often thought of as dealing with the Christian’s expectation of a home in heaven. That is true….but it is actually a song about God’s saving grace in the life of one who have gone away from God.

After you read the hymn story and study the text, you will see it is a story of God’s love, redemption and forgiveness. These things God does for us qualify us for that home in heaven.

He The Pearly Gates Will Open

Text: Fredrick A. Blom (1867-1927).
Translation from Swedish: Nathaniel Carlson (1879-1957), circa 1935.
Music: Alfred Dulin Olsen (1894-1960?); arranged by Elsie R. Ahlwen, (1905- 1986)

1. Love divine, so great and wondrous,
Deep and mighty, pure, sublime!
Coming from the heart of Jesus,
Just the same through tests of time.

Refrain

He the pearly gates will open,
So that I may enter in;
For He purchased my redemption
And forgave me all my sin.

2. Like a dove when hunted, frightened,
As a wounded fawn was I;
Brokenhearted, yet He healed me,
He will heed the sinner’s cry.


3. Love divine, so great and wondrous,
All my sins He then forgave!
I will sing His praise forever,
For His blood, His power to save.


4. In life’s eventide, at twilight,
At His door I’ll knock and wait;
By the precious love of Jesus
I shall enter Heaven’s gate.

Text: written by Fredrick A. Blom (1867-1927). Born in Sweden, he came to the United States in the 1890’s and joined the Salvation Army in Chicago. he attended North Park College and Seminary, then served as a minister in the Evangelical Covenant Church until 1915. “Through various circumstances, Mr. Blom fell into deep sin and eventually spent time in prison. He explained, ‘I drifted from God…and became embittered with myself and the world, and not the least with ministers who looked on me with suspicion because I was a member of the Socialist Party.’” Sometime later he was restored in his fellowship with God at a Salvation Army meeting and once again resumes a pastorate in Pennsylvania before returning to Sweden.

“It is generally believed that Blom wrote the text for these verses either in prison or shortly after his spiritual restoration. The words no doubt reflect his backslidden condition, especially verses two and three, as well as the joy of his renewed fellowship with the Lord.”  (Kenneth W. Osbeck. 101 More Hymn Stories. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1985, 118-119.)

Translation: The text was translated from Swedish to English by Nathaniel Carlson (1879-1957), circa 1935. Carlson was a pastor in the Evangelical Free Church and the author of many hymns and translations.

Music: Alfred Dulin Olsen (1894-1960?); arranged by Elsie R. Ahlwen, (1905- 1986) Elsie was also born in Sweden, came to the United States as a young woman, studied at Moody Bible Institute and became a full-time evangelist in reaching the Swedish immigrant population in the Chicago area. “The Swedish words for the refrain, “Han skall oppna parleporten,” ("He the pearly gates will open”) had been known by Miss Ashlwen for some time, and she often sang them to her own melody in the evangelistic ministry. The music for the refrain was written by Alfred Dulin Olsen.

One day while conducting a service in Chicago, Miss Ahlwen was approached by an elderly man who presenter her with the words for the four stanzas, which had previously been written by Fredrick Blom following his backslidden and spiritual renewal experience. Upon completion of the music for the entire text, the hymn came to be the popular theme song of Elsie Ahlwen’s ministry.” (Osbeck, 119)

A number of years later, she married Daniel A. Sundeen a businessman. Upon the sudden death of her husband, she penned these words, “It is difficult to see beyond the bend of the road where your loved one disappeared. But how good it is to know that, when My Lord calls me, the Pearly Gates will open—not because of my worthiness, but because He purchased my salvation.” (Osbeck, 119)

Text study:

Verse two could easily be Blom’s own story: “Like a dove when hunted, frightened, As a wounded fawn was I.” When he cried out to God, “love divine so great and wondrous” filled his life. Blom also says that he was “brokenhearted, yet He healed me.”

We know that Blom’s alienated relationship with God was restored because in verse three he proclaims that “All my sins He then forgave! I will sing His praise forever, For His blood, His power to save.”

Related scriptures texts:

2 Corinthians 5:1-2 Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling,

2 Corinthians 5:17-19 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them.

I John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Revelation 21:21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent glass.

Revelation 22:14 "Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.

Give Of Your Best to the Master

“Songs My Father Sang”

Give Of Your Best to the Master

I sat thumbing through an old hymnal entitled Assembly Songs published by The Gospel Publishing House. There is no publishing date but we used this when I was growing up…..so it is kind of old! You could purchase a single cloth bound copy (my copy is blue) for 85 cents. 25 or more for 75 cents. This was “Printed in Round Notes Only.” That is, as opposed to “shaped notes.”

On page 197 you will find the song Give Of Your Best to the Master.  This was one song I remember dad using in services on a number of occasions.

This was a fascinating song to me. Well, I liked the words….and you repeated the chorus using the melody as the first two lines of the verse. But, then when we got to the third line, the whole feel of the music changes. What I didn’t know in my earlier years was that it moved to the relative minor. Then on the last phrase of the verse it modulated back to the Eb major.

The words at that point really caught my attention. I think it was partly due to the change in mode. “Jesus has set the example; dauntless was He, young and brave; give Him your loyal devotion, give Him the best that you have.”

I identified with the “young” part. I knew I was not dauntless or brave!

This is a great text.  Perhaps someone can write a more comtemporary melody to the song.  It has a message for today. 

For a great devotional or study, take each line and find scriptures that exemplify the lines. Below the text I have done a couple:

Give Of Your Best to the Master

Text: Howard B. Grose (1851-1939) Published in The Endeavor Hymnal, 1902.

Music: Charlotte A. Barnard (1830-1869) 1864, to accompoany the secular lyrics: “Take Back the Heart That Thou Gavest”

Give of your best to the Master;
Give of the strength of your youth.
Throw your soul’s fresh, glowing ardor
Into the battle for truth.
Jesus has set the example,
Dauntless was He, young and brave.
Give Him your loyal devotion;
Give Him the best that you have.

Refrain

Give of your best to the Master;
Give of the strength of your youth.
Clad in salvation’s full armor,
Join in the battle for truth.

Give of your best to the Master;
Give Him first place in your heart.
Give Him first place in your service;
Consecrate every part.
Give, and to you will be given;
God His beloved Son gave.
Gratefully seeking to serve Him,
Give Him the best that you have.

Give of your best to the Master;
Naught else is worthy His love.
He gave Himself for your ransom,
Gave up His glory above.
Laid down His life without murmur,
You from sin’s ruin to save.
Give Him your heart’s adoration;
Give Him the best that you have.



Do a scripture study of the text:

For example, from the Refrain:

Give of your best to the Master;

• When we bring something to God, it must be our best! Study Malachi 4:6-14 in which the people are told to bring” unblemished” sacrifices.
•  Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,”

Give of the strength of your youth.

• Ecclesiastes 12: Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, "I find no pleasure in them"-

From Verse 1: Jesus has set the example,

• Luke 2:49 “Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?"

• I Peter 2:21 “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps”

• 1 Timothy 4:21 “Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”

Information about Howard B. Grose (1851-1939)

He was ordained a Baptist minister in 1883, and served Poughkeepsie, New York (1883-1887) and the  Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (1888-1890). He also served as president of the University of South Dakota(1890-92), taught history at the University of Chicago (1892-96), was assistant editor of The Watchman in Boston (1896-1900), and editorial secretary for the American Baptist Home Mission Society (1904-1910), and edited the Missions journal for 23 years.(http://www.cyberhymnal.org/bio/g/r/o/grose_hb.htm)

The following is from the December 29, 1906 edition of the The New York Times which reviewed two of Grose’s books on the studies of immigration. “Aliens or Americans?” “The Incoming Millions:"

“Mr. Grose’s two volumes may properly be grouped together, as they both deal with the same general subject, and are both designed to be textbooks for the benefit of home mission workers. To that end they are supplied with questions for review, and with useful statistical charts illustrating the more important facts about immigration.”

He edited and compiled along with George B. Graff “The Praise Book for Young People’s Societies, Church Prayer Meetings, Sunday Schools” published the United Society of Christian Endeavor in 1906. He had also edited The Endeavor Hymn¬al (New York: 1902), as well as writing several other books.

"‘Tis So Sweet To Trust in Jesus"

“Songs My Father Sang”

‘Tis So Sweet To Trust in Jesus

Do you ever get tired of “talk, talk, talk and more talk” from “talk radio” or the t.v. “talking heads” or politicians and their “empty promises?” Like Eliza Doolittle in “My Fair Lady,” we often feel like complaining about “words, words, words.” Everywhere you go we are bombarded with words.

Sometimes we may even glibly quote scripture or sing about “Trusting Jesus.” Many times we don’t even think about what we are reciting or singing. It only comes from our lips.

Louisa Stead and her husband took their four year old daughter to a beach on Long Island one day. Suddenly they heard a child desperately crying. Mr. Stead responded to the cry and went into the water to rescue a drowning boy. Unfortunately, the boy took him under the water and both drowned. Louisa and her daughter watched helplessly.

As a result, Louis was left with no means of support. One day when they had no money or food, she opened her front door and there on the porch was food and money. That morning she wrote words that were neither shallow nor glib. She had experienced what came from her pen:

’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
Just to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”


Refrain:
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!


Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
And in simple faith to plunge me
’Neath the healing, cleansing flood!


Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.


I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.

‘Tis So Sweet To Trust in Jesus

Words: Louisa M. R. Stead, 1882
Music: William J. Kirkpatrick, 1882

Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

Savior, Like A Shepherd Lead Us

“Songs My Father Sang”


Savior, Like A Shepherd Lead Us

I guess all of our family loved this song. I know my brothers did because, as it ended up, we all had this sung at our weddings! This is a very meaningful prayer and I know that Karen and I really meant it when we were married. We still pray for the Lord’s leading every day in our lives.

The last stanza begins: “Early let us seek Thy favor, early let us do Thy will.” I interpret this as “early in the day,” as well as “early in the process” must we seek the Lord’s will.

Savior, Like A Shepherd Lead Us

Text: Attr. to Dorothy A. Thrupp, 1779-1847
Music: William B. Bradbury, 1816-1868

Savior, like a shepherd lead us,
much we need thy tender care;
in thy pleasant pastures feed us,
for our use thy folds prepare.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
Thou hast bought us, thine we are.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
Thou hast bought us, thine we are.


We are thine, thou dost befriend us,
be the guardian of our way;
keep thy flock, from sin defend us,
seek us when we go astray.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
Hear, O hear us when we pray.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
Hear, O hear us when we pray.

Thou hast promised to receive us,
poor and sinful though we be;
thou hast mercy to relieve us,
grace to cleanse and power to free.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
We will early turn to thee.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
We will early turn to thee.
Early let us seek thy favor,
early let us do thy will;
blessed Lord and only Savior,
with thy love our bosoms fill.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
Thou hast loved us, love us still.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
Thou hast loved us, love us still.

"He Giveth More Grace"

“Songs My Father Sang”

He Giveth More Grace

This song was written by Annie Johnson Flint who has written some of the most inspiring poems dealing with faith and triumph in times of trial and suffering.

Born in Vineland, NJ, Anne had lost both parents before she was six years old. Before his death, her father left Anne and her baby sister with a childless Christian couple, the Flints, who adopted them.

She wanted to become a teacher, but in her second year of teaching she was afflicted with arthritis and soon after became unable to walk. The death of both of her adoptive parents left Anne and her sister alone again.

Anne aspired to be a composer and concert pianist but when illness deprived her of her ability to play the piano she resorted to writing poetry. Some of her poetry she set to music.

Her writing came from experience. “Her fingers were bent, her joints were swollen, and often she could write only a few lines at a time.” She wrote many of her poems on the typewriter, using but her knuckles.

“But she continued writing, praying that others might be helped through her experience. Her poems were published in magazines across the country. Sometimes the publisher would mention Anne’s physical condition, and readers would donate funds to help her.” (William J. and Ardythe Petersen. “The Complete Book of Hymns.” Carol Stream: Tyndale House, 2006, 176)

  "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak."  Isaiah 40:29


He Giveth More Grace

Text: Annie Johnson Flint (188-1932)
Music:  Hubert Mitchell

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;
To added affliction He addeth His mercy;
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.

Refrain:


His love has no limit; His grace has no measure.
His pow'r has no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again!

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,
Our Father's full giving is only begun.

      This verse is not usually included in hymnals:

Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,
Our God ever yearns His resources to share;
Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;
The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.

Biblical promises on which the song is based:
     "He gives more grace" (James 4:6)
     "He increases strength" (Isaiah 40:29)
     "Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied" (Jude 2).

2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Also, see: Romans 5:1-6 "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly."

I Corinthians 10:13  "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”

James 1:2-5 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” 

Here is another insightful poem by Anne Flint:

What God Hath Promised

Anne Johnson Flint, 1919

God hath not promised skies always blue,
Flower strewn pathways all our lives through;
God hath not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.

Refrain

But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.

God hath not promised we shall not know
Toil and temptation, trouble and woe;
He hath not told us we shall not bear
Many a burden, many a care.

God hath not promised smooth roads and wide,
Swift, easy travel, needing no guide;
Never a mountain rocky and steep,
Never a river turbid and deep.

All Your Anxiety

“Songs My Father Sang”

All Your Anxiety

What do you do with worry? Confront it? Cover it up? Complain about it?

Or we can do what the Bible instructs us to do:

Psalmist David: “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you” (Ps. 55:22).
     Psalm 37:5 “Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it."

Apostle Peter: “Cast…all your cares [distracting anxieties] upon Him, for He cares for [a different Greek word, meaning the Lord is concerned about] you” (I Pet. 5:7). (NIV)

     “Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” (New American Standard)

Matthew 6:27 "And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?

Philippians 4:6-7 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Jesus: “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

The hymn:  All Your Anxiety

A wonderful hymn on this theme was written in 1920 by Edward Henry Joy (1871-1949), an officer and musician in the Salvation Army in England, later serving in Winnipeg, Canada.

All Your Anxiety uses the symbol of the mercy seat, which was located above the Ark of the Covenant in the Old Testament Tabernacle and Temple. The mercy seat was the place where God met with His people. Exodus 25:21-22, God’s instructions to Moses: “You shall put the mercy seat on top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the Testimony that I will give you. And there I will meet with you, and I will speak with you from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are on the ark of the Testimony, about everything which I will give you in commandment to the children of Israel.”

All Your Anxiety

Text and Music: Edward Henry Joy, 1920

Is there a heart o'er bound by sorrow?
Is there a life weighed down by care?
Come to the cross each burden bearing.
All our anxiety leave it there.


Refrain:


All your anxiety, all your care,
Bring to the mercy seat leave it there;
Never a burden He cannot bear,
Never a friend like Jesus.

No other friend so keen to help you,
No other friend so quick to hear.
No other place to leave your burden;
No other one to hear your prayer.


Come then at once; delay no longer!
Heed His entreaty kind and sweet.
You need not fear a disappointment;
You shall find peace at the mercy seat.

“What A Friend We Have In Jesus”

  “Songs My Father Sang”

What A Friend We Have In Jesus

“What A Friend We Have In Jesus” has been a staple in Christian churches for many decades. It is a song beloved by many people. My father was no exception. I remember singing this while we were growing up.

Somewhere dad came up with a new arrangement of this hymn. He “married” the text of “What A Friend We Have In Jesus” with the tune of “Let The Lower Lights Be Burning” (Music written by Philip P. Bliss). In the last years of his life we would often break into this song during a family gathering. And, we would sing it a cappella, that is, without instrumental accompaniment. The “new tune” made the song alive and fresh. I always looked forward to the family singing this together at Christmas time. When dad passed away we had the whole family, cousins and all, sing this song during dad’s “Celebration of Life” service.

Text: Joseph M. Scriven (1820-1886)
Music: Charles C. Converse (1832-1918)

What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer.
 Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge;  
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he'll take and shield thee;
Thou wilt find a solace there.

The Story behind the song and the song writer:

Originally this poem, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" was never intended for publication. Upon learning of his mother's serious illness and not being able to be with her Dublin, Joseph Scriven wrote a letter of comfort enclosing the words of this text. “Sometime later when he himself was ill, a friend who came to see him chanced to see the poem scribbled on a piece of paper near his bed. The friend read it with interest and asked if he had written the words. With typical modesty, Scriven replied, "The Lord and I did it between us." In 1869 a small collection of his poems was published. Simply, it was entitled Hymns and Other Verses.

Joseph Scriven was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1819, and came from a prosperous family. He graduated from Trinity College, Dublin. At the age of twenty-five he decided to leave his native country and migrated to Canada. His reasons for leaving seemed influenced by his religious beliefs and personal tragedy: the religious effect of the Plymouth Brethren upon his life that estranged him from his family, and the accidental drowning of his fiancée the night before their scheduled wedding. He fell in love again but tragedy came the second time when his bride to be contracted tuberculosis and died before their wedding could take place.

From that time Scriven developed a totally different life pattern. He took the Sermon on the Mount by Jesus literally. He gave freely of his limited possessions, even sharing the clothing from his own body, if necessary, and never once refused to help anyone in need. Because of this manner of life, Scriven was respected, at the same time, he was considered to be eccentric by those who knew him.

Scriven also died by accidental drowning. He became critically ill in October 1896. Delirious, he rose from his bed, went outdoors where he fell into a small creek. The citizens of Port Hope, Ontario, erected a monument on the Port Hope-Peterborough Highway, as a tribute to this simple and humble man.”
(http://christianmusic.suite101.com/article.cfm/what_a_friend_we_have_in_jesus#ixzz0rdWd8e00)

This song has found its way into most hymnals because of the comfort and encouragement it gives. The song focuses particularly Jesus as our Friend.

This hymn is not a prayer, but an encouragement to pray. Why? Because we are weak and needy, even the strongest among us. Everyone has needs. Scriven reminds us that “Jesus knows our every weakness.” Jesus wants you to “Cast your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.” (Psalm 55:22)

Some related scriptures:

Proverbs 18:14 “A man's spirit sustains him in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?”

John 15:13-16 “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.”

Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

"All The Way My Savior Leads Me"

“Songs My Father Sang”

All The Way My Savior Leads Me

In dad’s later years he often referred to the song All The Way My Savior Leads Me. I believe it was the text that was his life’s story. He had seen the amazing way in which “Jesus lead me (him) all the way.” This is a wonderful text. Take each verse one at a time. Read it aloud. Not only reflect on the text, but reflect on the events of your life. Remember how God has lead you. Remember what Romans 8:28 says: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

William J. Reynolds shares the sty behind the song: “Fanny Crosby and her husband, Alexander Van Alstyne, lives in small, meager apartments, called ‘flats” in tenement houses on the east side and west side of Lower Manhattan. Their many wealthy friends would have gladly provided better accommodations, but they declined their help. Bernard Ruffin, in his excellent biography Fanny Crosby, points out that Fanny gave away all she received above her basic needs. To live with the poor and be one of them was her desire, and ministering to the poor was part of her mission in life. Dressmakers, hackmen, grocery clerks, carpenters, shoemakers, and porters--even some free slaves—were her neighbors. Frequently she invited neighbors into her flat and entertained them by playing the guitar and singing.

One day in the fall of 1874, Fanny did no have enough money to pay the rent. She prayed earnestly that the Lord would provide her need. Not long after, there was a knock at the door. When Fanny opened the door, someone pressed a folded paper in to her hand and left without speaking a word. It was the ten dollars she needed for the rent. Later that day, out of gratitude for this blessing from the Lord, she wrote the hymn “All The Way My Savior Leads Me.” What a blessing it isfr us to read the words and sing the hymn knowing the event that prompted it.” (p. 21 Songs of Glory. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1990)

All The Way My Savior Leads Me

Text: Fanny J. Crosby, published 1875
Music: Robert Lowry

All the way my Savior leads me,
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who through life has been my Guide?
Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well;
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well.

All the way my Savior leads me,
Cheers each winding path I tread,
Gives me grace for every trial,
Feeds me with the living Bread.
Though my weary steps may falter
And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! A spring of joy I see;
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! A spring of joy I see.

All the way my Savior leads me,
Oh, the fullness of His love!
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father’s house above.
When my spirit, clothed immortal,
Wings its flight to realms of day
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way;
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way.

Meditate on these scriptures that are alluded to in the song text.

Psalm 48:14 “For this God is our God for ever and ever; He will be our guide even to the end.”

Psalm 78:13-16 “He (God) divided the sea and led them (Israel) through; He made the water stand firm like a wall. He guided them with the cloud by day and with light from the fire all night. He split the rocks in the desert and gave them water as abundant as the seas; He brought streams out of a rocky crag and made water flow down like rivers.

Isaiah 49:10 “They will neither hunger nor thirst, nor will the desert heat or the sun beat upon them. He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water.

Revelation 7:17 "For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes."

"My Savior’s Love "

“Songs My Father Sang”


Father’s Day 2010

My Savior’s Love has to be one of my father’s favorite hymns. I remember him singing this often. He would use the verse in his sermons, often quoting verse one: “I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene, and wonder how He could love me, a sinner, condemned, unclean.”

He was grateful for the cleansing of the blood of Jesus that changed him from a sinner, condemned, unclean, to a child of God. This text takes one on a journey through the garden of Gethsemane to the Cross. The songwriter can only exclaim, as he thinks of what Jesus did for us, “How marvelous! How wonderful!” There is no other explanation for the love He showed to us on the cross.

Then, one of these days, verse five declares, we will have the joy of singing about His love for eternity with all the others who also have experienced Jesus’ love in their lives.

My Savior’s Love

Text and Music by Charles H. Gabriel (1856-1932)
This song first appeared in 1905.

1. I stand amazed in the presence
Of Jesus the Nazarene,
And wonder how He could love me,
A sinner, condemned, unclean.


Refrain


O how marvelous! O how wonderful!
And my song shall ever be:
O how marvelous! O how wonderful!
Is my Savior’s love for me!


2. For me it was in the garden
He prayed: “Not My will, but Thine.”
He had no tears for His own griefs,
But sweat drops of blood for mine.


3. In pity angels beheld Him,
And came from the world of light
To comfort Him in the sorrows
He bore for my soul that night.


4. He took my sins and my sorrows,
He made them His very own;
He bore the burden to Calvary,
And suffered and died alone.


5. When with the ransomed in glory
His face I at last shall see,
’Twill be my joy through the ages
To sing of His love for me. 

Related Scriptures:

Matthew 26:39-44  Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter.  "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."

42 He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done."

43 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. 44 So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.

Luke 22:41-44  He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

Romans 5:6-8 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7ery rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.  But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Ephesians 3:14-19  For this reason I kneel before the Father,  from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,  so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

“All my theology is reduced to this narrow compass—Christ Jesus came into this world to save sinners!” Archibald Alexander

He is So Precious To Me

“Songs My Father Sang”


He is So Precious To Me

Text: Charles H. Gabriel (1856-1932)
Music: Charles H. Gabriel (1856-1932)

1. So precious is Jesus, my Savior, my King;
His praise all the day long with rapture I sing;
To Him in my weakness for strength I can cling,
For He is so precious to me.


Refrain:


For He is so precious to me,
For He is so precious to me;
’Tis heaven below, my Redeemer to know,
For He is so precious to me.


2. He stood at my heart’s door ’mid sunshine and rain,
And patiently waited an entrance to gain;
What shame that so long He entreated in vain,
For He is so precious to me.


3. I stand on the mountain of blessing at last,
No cloud in the heavens a shadow to cast,
His smile is upon me; the valley is past,
For He is so precious to me.


4. I praise Him because He appointed a place
Where someday, through faith in His wonderful grace,
I know I shall see Him, shall look on His face,
For He is so precious to me.

Philippians 3:8 What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.
 
Verse 2 reminds me of the picture in Revelation 3:20 of Jesus standing at the door of our heart: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.”

Other things about God that are precious:

Psalm 36:7 How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God!Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.

Psalm 139:16 “Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them. (17) How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! (18) If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You.

I Peter 1:18-20 “knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you.”

2 Peter 1:3-4: as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Day by Day

“Songs My Father Sang”

Day by Day

Text: Carolina Sandell Berg (1832-1903)
Music: Osscar Ahnfelt

1. Day by day, and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment,
I've no cause for worry or for fear.

He, whose heart is kind beyond all measure,

Gives unto each day what He deems best,

Lovingly its part of pain and pleasure,

Mingling toil with peace and rest.

2. Every day the Lord Himself is near me,

With a special mercy for each hour;

All my cares He fain would bear and cheer me,

He whose name is Counsellor and Pow'r.

The protection of His child and treasure

Is a charge that on Himself He laid;

"As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,"

This the pledge to me He made.

3. Help me then, in every tribulation,

So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,

That I lose not faith's sweet consolation,

Offered me within Thy holy Word.

Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,

E'er to take, as from a father's hand,

One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,

Till with Christ the Lord I stand.

2 Corinthians 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

Carolina, known as Lina to her friends, was one of Scandinavia’s best-know hymn writers, has been called the “Fanny Crosby of Sweden.”

This song first published in 1886 in her Korsblomman, which in English means “Bible Calendar.”

“Naturally, a calendar speaks of the passing of time. In this Bible Calendar, Lina included an allegory, a story about an old wall clock that had suddenly stopped working. In the story, the clock's dial decided to investigate why the mechanism had failed. Soon it was clear that the pendulum was at fault. In fact, the pendulum had gone on strike!

A discussion ensued between the dial and the pendulum. “How would you feel if you had to swing back and forth 86,400 times a day?” the pendulum complained.

“Try swinging only six times,” the dial said. The pendulum agreed, and admitted that six swings were not burdensome. But then he said, “It's not the six times or sixty, it's the thought of six million swings that disturbs me!”

The dial responded, “My dear pendulum, please bear this in mind. While in a single moment you can think of the millions of swings you must make in a lifetime, only one at a time will ever be required of you. And no matter how often you must make that movement, you will always be given a moment for each one.”

The pendulum then agreed that he had been foolish in going on strike. He resumed his work, and the clock once again could tell the time.

In her calendar, Lina Sandell commented this way. She said that it’s foolish to put future burdens upon the present moment. God's people are given only one day at a time, and for each day they receive new grace, new strength, and new help. She quoted Deuteronomy 33:25: “As thy days, so shall thy strength be.” The text of this song of comfort and assurance followed. (http://www.moodychurch.org/radio/transcripts/storiesofbelovedhymns.html)

Several other verses to consider:

Deuteronomy 33:25 “…as thy days, so shall thy strength be.”

Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Psalm 55:22 Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.

Hebrews 4:16 “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

"Hiding In Thee"

“Songs My Father Sang”

Hiding In Thee

William O. Cushing (1823-1902)
Ira D. Sankey (1840-1908)

1. O safe to the Rock that is higher than I,
My soul in its conflicts and sorrows would fly;
Alone I would perish, undone would I be;
Thou blest “Rock of Ages,” I’m hiding in Thee.


Refrain:


Hiding in Thee, hiding in Thee,
Thou blest “Rock of Ages,”
I’m hiding in Thee.

2. In the calm of the noontide, in sorrow’s lone hour,
In times when temptation casts o’er me its pow’r;
In the tempests of life, on its wide, heaving sea,
Thou blest “Rock of Ages,” I’m hiding in Thee.


3. How oft in the conflict, when pressed by the foe,
I have fled to my Refuge and breathed out my woe;
How often, when trials like sea billows roll,
Have I hidden in Thee, O Thou Rock of my soul.

W. O. Cushing was an American minister and hymn writer. After the death of his wife in 1870 and with declining health, he retired from the ministry and began writing hymns. He wrote over 300 hymns, including "Under His Wings."

Cushing had suffered a lot, yet he knew the care and comfort God gave to him. He truly understood that he could “hide” (find security) in the Lord.

Study these verses as you read through the hymn text.

Psalm 143:9 Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me.

Psalm 32:7 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah

Psalm 78:35 They remembered that God was their Rock, that God Most High was their Redeemer.

Psalm 94:22 But the LORD has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.

Psalm 61:1-3 Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. 

What other verses are you reminded of as you study the text of “Hiding In Thee?”

Now, make the song personal.  Sing it, "I'm hiding in Thee, I'm hiding in Thee. Thou blest “Rock of Ages,”
I’m hiding in Thee."

"Take the Name of Jesus With You"

“Songs My Father Sang”

Has life been tough for you? Things not going the way you wanted them to go? Had some disappointments? Ever been discouraged? Felt like saying “Why?” a lot?


If you can answer “yes” to any of these, well, I guess you are human!

Some people really do have it tougher than others. Take Lydia Baxter for example. She was a bedridden invalid for most of her adult life. Yet, her home was a meeting place for preachers, evangelists, and Christian workers who came to seek her advice and counsel. In spite of lacking physical strength and having to spend much time in bed, she was a radiant person and a source of inspiration and encouragement to all who knew her. (William J. Reynolds, “Songs of Glory.” Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1990, 268.)

Her conversations with friends frequently involved studying Scripture. One conversation centered around the name of Jesus and someone mentioned Colossians 3:17: “Whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Such a discussion gave her the inspiration for the hymn, “Take The Name of Jesus With You,” which she wrote in 1870 at the age of sixty-one.

When she was asked why she could remain so cheerful, Lydia Baxter responded, “I have a very special armor. I have the name of Jesus. When the tempter tries to make me blue or despondent, I mention the name of Jesus, and he can’t get through to me anymore. When I feel badly and wonder if I will ever enjoy a good night’s sleep again, I take the name of Jesus and ask Him to give me a soothing balm of His presence. He does, and soon I drop off to sleep.” (William J. and Ardythe Petersen. “The Complete Book of Hymns.” Carol Stream: Tyndale House, 2006, 78.)

Verse 1 of “Take The Name of Jesus With You” deals with Jesus’ name bringing joy and comfort.

Verse 2 stated that Jesus’ name is a protecting shield from danger and gives the Christian strength in the middle of temptation.

In verse 3 we see how His loving arms receive us. These are days in which so many people are alienated from family, friends, homelands, etc. There is a desperate desire to have close relationships. We can have one with Jesus. He will draw you to Himself if you let Him.

Verse 4 relates that at the name of Jesus, we will bow before Him. Philippians 2:9-10 express that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord. We will do that “when our journey is complete,” but let us do that now.

Study the text of this hymn. Meditate on the various themes in the song: The Name of Jesus, hope, joy, comfort.

Also, study some of the Scripture verses related to the text: Proverbs 18:10; Philippians 2:9-10; Colossians 3:17

My wife and I had a “spiritual mother” (spiritual mentor) who was in a similar situation as Lydia Baxter. She was an invalid who needed assistance getting from one place to another, yet countless hundreds of people over the years sought her out for prayer and spiritual encouragement. She spent many days in hospitals. Nurses, doctors and other hospital employees filled her room, just to be with her, as the love and beauty of Jesus radiated from her life. As a result, many lives were changed as they came to know the Jesus Who resided in our wonderful friend.

So, if you are facing discouragement or you have been “put on the shelf,” read the text of this hymn and think of the lady who wrote them. You, too, can be filled with the joy of Jesus. Your life can be useful and productive as you allow Jesus to work through you. Others will see that and be drawn to Him.

Take the Name of Jesus With You

Text: Lydia Baxter (1809-1874
Music: William Howard Doane (1832-1915)

1.  Take the Name of Jesus with you,
Child of sorrow and of woe,
It will joy and comfort give you;
Take it then, where’er you go.


Refrain


Precious Name, O how sweet!
Hope of earth and joy of Heav’n.
Precious Name, O how sweet!
Hope of earth and joy of Heav’n.


2.  Take the Name of Jesus ever,
As a shield from every snare;
If temptations round you gather,
Breathe that holy Name in prayer.


3.  O the precious Name of Jesus!
How it thrills our souls with joy,
When His loving arms receive us,
And His songs our tongues employ!


4.  At the Name of Jesus bowing,
Falling prostrate at His feet,
King of kings in Heav’n we’ll crown Him,
When our journey is complete.

"Blessed Assurance"

“Songs My Father Sang”

"Blessed Assurance" was composed by two of the most prolific Christian hymn writers in history. The text was written by a lady with over 8000 hymns to her credit and the music comes from a lady with over 500 hymns to her credit. One day, Fanny Crosby was visiting her dear friend, Phoebe Knapp. She played a tune for Fanny and asked her afterwards, "What does it say to you, Fanny?" Her reply was simple: "Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine. Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine.” Fanny then proceeded to dictate the verses to her friend.

This text is filled with many benefits of knowing that “Jesus is mine!”

For example, take the last four phrases of verse one and make a study of each:

Heir of salvation,

Hebrews 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? (KJV) or “those who inherit salvation?” (NIV)

Titus 3:7 “So that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”

purchase of God,

Acts 20:28 "Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.”

Revelation 5:9 “And they sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.

Born of His Spirit,

Gal 4:29 “But as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so it is now also.”

John 3:4-8 “Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born, can he?" Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. "Do not be amazed that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit."

washed in His blood.

Hebrews 9:22 And according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

Blessed Assurance
Text: Fanny J. Crosby (1873)
Music: Phoebe P. Knapp (1873)

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.


Refrain:


This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.


Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels, descending, bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.