Turn in Your Hymnal to.....

By Rex Bridges

Presenting the backstories of the writing of Christian hymns, and pointing the Church and the nation to its true Source of Strength, Jesus Christ.

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I Am Thine, O Lord

Turn in Your Hymnal to.....Dec 06, 2021

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07:14

Amazing Grace

Have you thought of yourself as a wretch? I would say few of us take that personal perspective, but John Newton saw himself in that way and had lived a life that validated it. A brief look at his life gives us a glimpse at the saving grace, the Amazing Grace, that turns our lives around, transforms us, and directs us on the path to become more like Jesus. The dedication of a godly, devout mother was eventually answered when John entered the ministry and was a Christ-follower the rest of his days. It is a testimony to God's grace that He can reach us and redeem us no matter what we have done with our lives. Have you committed your life to Christ? Do you know His forgiveness and have peace with Him? If not, take a moment now, confess your sin to Him, and ask Him to take control of your life and give you the same amazing grace He gave John Newton.

If you would like to send a comment or have a question about the podcast, please send an email to turninyourhymnalto@frontier.com . I look forward to hearing from you. Article taken from Living Stories of Famous Hymns by Ernest K. Emurian. Copyright © 1955 by Baker Book House Company. Used by permission of Baker Book House Company.

May 02, 202311:06

Saved by Grace

How can Queen Liliuokalani of Hawaii, the hymn Pass Me Not O Gentle Saviour, and the Park Street Church in Boston all be included in the same story with Fanny Crosby? It isn't easy, but the podcast today will help tie in the connections. Of greater significance than these peripheral actions, however, is the incredible body of hymns and poems written by Fanny Crosby. To say she was prolific does not do justice to the thousands of hymns and poems she wrote. Further, it is hard to imagine she didn't write her first hymn until she was forty-four. Her love for Jesus caused her to overflow in song and poetry. This hymn, Saved by Grace, was one that came to her after she heard about the unexpected death of a minister she had heard earlier in the week. Fanny realized that in heaven she would be healed of her blindness and she would see her Saviour face to face. How great was the opening of her eyes, and may we desire to grasp what she anticipated.

For something new, I want to announce that an email address has been set up for comments and questions about the podcast. If you would like to send a comment, please send an email to turninyourhymnalto@frontier.com . I look forward to hearing from you.

Apr 13, 202310:09

Lead Kindly Light

Celestial navigation. Sailing and navigating by the position of the stars. And, during the day, the "star", our sun, can be used for navigation. Today, we have numerous sophisticated devices to give us our position on earth and show us what direction we should travel. With all of these devices, it is tempting to discard the old-fashioned ways of navigating but there is no guarantee the sophisticated devices will be available. There is the similar parallel in our spiritual lives. We want and hope to see the "blazing sun" guiding our direction but often we must carefully look for the quiet light of the twinkling star to mark our path. This was the lesson learned by John Henry Newman that caused him to pen Lead Kindly Light. In addition, his desire for direction is somewhat reminiscent of Elijah's "journey". God answered Elijah's prayer in front of Baal's prophets, sending the consuming fire on the sacrifice on Mount Carmel. Later, when God spoke to Elijah, it was in the still, small voice (I Kings 19:12). Let us maintain the strong, intimate relationship with Christ that allows us to see His twinkling star or His bright sun.

Mar 28, 202308:56

America the Beautiful

How do the structures men have built compare to the works of God? Such a question was on the minds of Katharine Lee Bates and other teachers and professors from Wellesley College. When she saw the grandeur of the handiwork of God from atop Pike's Peak, she was inspired to write America the Beautiful. More than that, she expressed her dream that, "We must match the greatness of our America with the goodness of personal godly living." We have heard John Adams' words expressed many times, "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people." Foundational to our country's strength and greatness is the personal godly living of which Miss Bates spoke. Our hearts and lives must be transformed, as St. Paul said in Romans 12:1, 2, and we must pursue godliness. Let us pray, and continue to pray, for a spiritual revival, for a New Awakening, "and every gain divine."

Mar 21, 202310:11

Peace Perfect Peace

The word "peace" is used constantly in our conversations, invoking the need or desire for the end of a war, or political harmony, or the end of emotional distress, and many more. We will comment about someone's recent death, "May he rest in peace" signaling the end of the struggles of life. There is only one place where we can find true peace, however, and that is in the Prince of Peace, Christ our Savior (see Isaiah 9:6). It was confirmation of this peace that a dying relative of Dr. Edward H. Bickersteth sought when Bickersteth visited him. When given an opportunity to put pen to paper, Bickersteth used the events of the day, and an urging to write, to create Peace Perfect Peace. How much do we need the Prince of Peace in our lives today? There is so much emptiness, meaninglessness, and turmoil in individuals' lives and the need for peace in the midst of chaos is great. Jesus told his disciples in John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you." The storm around us may not always be calmed but followers of Jesus can have the calm that the Prince of Peace gives.

Mar 15, 202307:43

God be with You Till We Meet Again

Does your church use a regular benediction hymn or closing hymn to close a service and send the people on their way with a blessing? Finding a good hymn to express a blessing can be a challenge and such was the case for Jeremiah Eames Rankin. What does a poet do who cannot find the hymn that says what he or she wants? They write their own. Rankin did just that and from his pen flowed God be with You Till We Meet Again. We abbreviate so many things in our lives and often rush to move on. Can we take the extra couple of seconds to not merely say, "Good-bye", but to bless our brothers and sisters with the phrase that it represents, "God be with you"? As one radio minister used to say to close his program, "Be a blessing today."

Mar 07, 202308:41

From Greenland's Icy Mountains

One of the characteristics of the Christian faith is that of mission work or evangelism or outreach. Jesus gave us the Great Commission in Matthew 28, telling us to go into all the world and make disciples. He showed us the expansion of the kingdom in Acts 1, starting in Jerusalem and going to the ends of the earth. In preparation for a sermon on the Great Commission to be given on Pentecost, and an offering for the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Countries (does that not totally sound like a British title from the early 1800s?), Reginald Heber was asked to create a poem or hymn for the occasion. In short order, the poem, From Greenland's Icy Mountains, flowed from his pen. It eventually became one of the greatest missionary hymns of the 19th century.

The spread of the Gospel has ebbed and flowed through different areas over the course of time. Jerusalem was the beginning and it moved through the Mediterranean. Eventually, the West became the dominant location for the Gospel and missionaries were sent throughout the world. Today, we see a different picture. The "Global South", Africa and Latin America specifically, have grown in the Spirit and in significance, and it is the West that is in need of having missionaries sent from it. This article is being written within 2-3 weeks of the revival meeting that broke out at Asbury University. Is this the start of a revival that we desperately need and many have prayed for? We will see, but most notably, when God is moving, we want to be in it!

Feb 27, 202308:35

The Ninety and Nine

Life experiences provide us with great stories that are uplifting or show overcoming obstacles and are very relatable when put into song. The parables of Jesus can also provide us with that musical and spiritual uplift as The Ninety and Nine by Elizabeth Cecelia Clephane (music by Ira D. Sankey) demonstrates. Have you felt like you have been left by yourself, away from the rest of the flock, at the mercy of the elements and enemies. Take heart. Jesus has not abandoned you but reaches out to you. He has left the rest of the flock in the protected place and is coming to find you and bring you back to a place of peace and safety. When you hear his voice, run to Him. Let Him bind up your wounds and bring you back into His fold. He is searching for you.

Feb 20, 202309:05

More Love to Thee, O Christ

Ever since the Fall, mankind has dealt with many tragedies, certainly a far cry from the original Creation that God put into place. Many of the hymns in this series came into being because of tragedy in the poet's life. In their despair and distress, they found they were not alone but they had a Savior who knew their pain, healed their wounds, and carried them through it. Elizabeth Prentiss was one who was impacted deeply by loss. In her time of trial, the words of her pastor husband helped her find that turning to God and loving Him more brought healing to her. Rather than letting her loss make her bitter, she let her love of God make her better. It is said crushing a rose petal releases its sweet fragrance. Her time of trial brought out the sweet fragrance of this great hymn, More Love to Thee, O Christ, which reminds us to direct our love to Christ whether times are good or bad.

Feb 09, 202309:60

Safe in the Arms of Jesus

If you had to create a poem to fit someone else's music, and had about 30 minutes to do it, could you? Such was the capability of Fanny J. Crosby. Not only was she able to to write the poem, but Safe in the Arms of Jesus was one of her most popular hymns. Her blindness was not an obstacle to the use of her great talents. When she dedicated her life to God at the age of nine, she ultimately became one of the most prolific writers of hymns, songs, and poems in the Christian era. Although she died in 1915, current church hymnals still contain many of her hymns. And, her love of Jesus clearly comes through those hymns.

Jan 31, 202309:37

Nearer, My God, to Thee

Well before the Titanic struck the iceberg and the strains of Nearer, My God, to Thee could be heard from the orchestra as the ship slipped below the waves, this hymn was a great blessing to Christendom. It wasn't well-received at first, but Sarah Flower Adams' words were set to a new tune and its acceptance grew. The hymn tells the story of Jacob at Bethel. While few, if any, of us will have the kind of awe-inspiring dream of a stairway to heaven with the accompanying angels, we have the connection of our Lord Jesus. He came and lived with us and sent the Holy Spirit to be with us continuously. He, indeed, keeps us near.

Jan 19, 202308:55

Another Year is Dawning

The love that Frances Ridley Havergal had for Jesus is clear in her hymn, Another Year is Dawning. In looking forward to a New Year, she saw it as a time of continued relationship and service to God, and His mercies and faithfulness to us. A remarkably talented woman, she was proficient in multiple languages, had a beautiful singing voice, was an accomplished pianist, and poet. Her desire for a closer relationship with Jesus fueled her activities to tell others about Him and it is likely four million copies of her books were published between 1870 and 1910. In her life and relationship with Christ, Miss Havergal provided a special example to us of the desire to have her life "... Consecrated, Lord, to Thee."

Jan 09, 202306:08

Abide with Me

If you have seen the movie, A Bridge Too Far, you may recall that almost at the end of the movie, this hymn, Abide with Me by Henry Francis Lyte, was being sung. The British battalion under Lt. Col. Frost had been defeated by German forces and were regrouping themselves and tending the wounded while waiting to be moved elsewhere. Softly, the hymn was started and many of the soldiers joined in, giving themselves comfort in the dire circumstances. The setting is in stark contrast to the idyllic seaside setting in which Lyte had completed the hymn. However, Lyte had his own battle, that of tuberculosis. Despite his trial, he was able to write of eternal hope such as the verse that concludes, "Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still if Thou abide with me." Other verses are as powerful. Have you participated in the hope of which Lyte speaks? Have you asked Jesus to be your Savior? Have you asked Him to abide with you? Do so today and have the hope, peace, and comfort that comes from relationship with the Savior.

Dec 30, 202210:49

O Little Town of Bethlehem

Over 1800 years after the wondrous events in Bethlehem, the town was still providing inspiration to those who visited the area. Such was the case with Phillips Brooks. Thinking back on his trip to the Holy Land, he penned the lines to O Little Town of Bethlehem, having in mind the children he wanted to sing it. What a marvelous inspiration his trip must have been. To think of the night Jesus' birth, there was little fanfare to announce His coming. Of course, we know the sky was split and the lowly shepherds in the countryside received the good news of the birth but beyond that, there was no pomp, no announcements in the city or towns, simply the quiet of Bethlehem, unaware of the birth of baby Jesus and its significance. It changed the world and when we receive Him, there may not be great fanfare, but our lives will be changed.

Dec 19, 202208:45

Onward, Christian Soldiers

Was it a military march to stir the soul or a quickly composed song to help keep children together on an outing? Sabine Baring-Gould wanted a good marching hymn for children on a hike and Onward, Christian Soldiers came into existence. While we may not know the success of keeping the children together, we know that the hymn stirs us and should inspire us to carry the message of the Gospel to "all the world". Should we envision ourselves as "marching as to war?" Ephesians 6:11 tells us, "Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." Further, Paul tells us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil. We are given the description of the armor that equips us for spiritual warfare. Let us put on that armor daily.

Dec 12, 202207:42

I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say

Many songs written for children resonate with adults, especially when they have melodies that stick with and uplift us. Horatius Bonar connected with children, enjoying a great ministry with them while he filled the pulpit. I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say was one of the songs he wrote for children that also ministers to adults. He brings out the promises of Matthew 11:28, John 4:14, and John 8:12, showing us the blessing we receive when we respond to Jesus’ promises.

Dec 12, 202205:42

Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus

A tragic farm accident cut short the life of Dudley Atkins Tyng. The bold, outspoken young priest served the Lord wholeheartedly. Among his last words were those he spoke to his father to tell others to stand up for Jesus. When hearing that account during Tyng's memorial service, the Rev. George Duffield, Jr. was inspired to write the poem, Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus. Tyng's words have long outlived him and provide inspiration to us today to serve Jesus to our fullest. In these tumultuous times, the world attempts to subdue and crush our witness for the Lord but it is that message that is the hope of the world. It is the peace that passes understanding and the cleansing that washes away our sins and it is what the world needs now. Lord, give us a burden for souls and boldness to speak your Gospel.

Dec 05, 202209:02

Silent Night, Holy Night

The broken pipe organ did not have a chance of functioning for the Christmas Eve service. Yet, the inspiration of a new-born baby was what Father Joseph Mohr needed to pen one of the most-loved Christmas carols in all of Christendom, Silent Night, Holy Night. The number of musicians and artists who have performed or recorded or painted, etc, a rendition of this carol is legion. Often, we in the northern hemisphere envision a snow-covered setting along the lines of a Currier and Ives scene. Regardless if it's a nostalgic setting, the final song of our own church's Christmas Eve service, or being played at home, it is something that inspires worship as we contemplate the King of Kings and Lord of Lords coming humbly to the Earth, to live among us, show us the Father, and give Himself for us so our sins can be forgiven. How great the love the Father has bestowed on us.... I John 3:1

Oct 26, 202207:57

O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go

Although he lost his eyesight, George Matheson pressed on with his plans for Christian ministry. A poetic and eloquent preacher, his life had its share of heartache as many/most of us do. From his heartache, he recognized the unchanging love of God that is always with us and holding us up, and penned this hymn, O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go. Have you found this to be true in your own life? Have you found that regardless the setbacks of the day or time, or misguided direction you have gone that God's love is there whenever we call out to Him? He demonstrated His love for the world through Jesus' death on the cross. No matter how far down we get nor how far we think we have run, God's love is there when we turn to Him.

Oct 17, 202208:06

Hark! the Herald Angels Sing

What do the poem of an Anglican-turned-Methodist clergyman and a song celebrating the commemoration of the anniversary of the discovery of printing have in common? When combined (following some editing of the poem over time), it resulted in a world-famous Christmas carol. The clergyman/poet was of course, Charles Wesley and the composer Felix Mendelssohn. When their work was ultimately combined, it gave us the Christmas carol, Hark! the Herald Angels Sing. Whether you sing along with the townsfolk in the movie, It's a Wonderful Life, or are swept away by a full choir and orchestra in a majestic cathedral, or enjoy it with the simple singing in your home with family and friends, it lifts us as we glorify God and celebrate the birth of Jesus. The angels proclaimed His birth and we can know the blessing of our sins being forgiven. Glory to the newborn King!

Oct 10, 202207:30

Rock of Ages

Due to the great revival led by Charles and John Wesley, it is perhaps a little difficult for us to imagine a theological holy war of sorts between John Wesley and Augustus Toplady. However, that was the case as each made his arguments for his theological views. From their exchanges, the hymn for which Toplady is best known, Rock of Ages, was printed, a poem that recounted his experience in the cleft of the rock.

Sep 20, 202208:02

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Jesus will meet us where we are. Joseph Scriven found this insight when he poured out his heart in prayer in the depths of loneliness and despondency. His relief was such that he penned the poem, Pray without Ceasing, reminiscent of I Thessalonians 5:17. We know it as the hymn, What a Friend We Have in Jesus. Do we have tragedies and difficulties in our lives that try to steal our happiness or even the joy of the Lord? We do not have to face those difficulties alone but we can have the peace of God that passes all understanding. Christ will carry us through those times. It is like the story of the footprints in the sand. We see two sets of footprints in the sand as we walk with Jesus. At a difficult time, one set of footprints disappears. We question Jesus why he abandoned us as evidenced by the single set of footprints. He replies that He didn't abandon us in the difficult time but rather, there is only one set of footprints because He carried us through it. "Take it to the Lord in prayer."

Sep 12, 202208:55

Let the Lower Lights be Burning

Philip P. Bliss met an untimely death but made a profound and lasting impact on American Christian music. This hymn, Let the Lower Lights be Burning, is emblematic of his ability to turn a story into a moving hymn. The lower lights: those lights that are not the primary navigational lighthouse but are those aids to navigation mariners need to negotiate difficult waters to find the channel and come into port. Do we not see ourselves in a similar role as lights to those who are searching for the channel, the channel of life? If we see Christ as that "Light of the World" that shines out to all, are we not His "hands and feet" and in this case, His light that shines through us so that our family, friends, and neighbors will be brought safely into the harbor of God's grace.

Sep 06, 202208:51

Into the Woods My Master Went

In Scripture, we see numerous references to Jesus going off by Himself to pray. We specifically see references to times of prayer on the Mount of Olives, most notably during His Passion. In His times of prayer, He gained strength for ministry and especially gained strength for the ordeal leading up to and including the Crucifixion. As the great Southern poet Sidney Lanier's life was declining, he gave thought to Jesus' time on the Mount of Olives and similarly, spent many hours in the woods to regain composure and inner peace. From his reflections came the short but powerful hymn, Into the Woods My Master Went. It is refreshing to spend such time in a wooded peaceful setting and meet with Christ in His creation. He gives us the strength we cannot find on our own and that peace that passes understanding.

Aug 29, 202207:50

The Sweet By and By

"The druggist and a violinist were in the drugstore" may sound like the attempt to start a joke or funny story, but it was the setting that brought about the hymn The Sweet By and By. The druggist, Samuel Bennett, was listening to his friend, Joseph Webster, the violinist, pour out his troubles. Was it simply a passing comment by Webster that things would be all right in the by and by? Regardless, it inspired Bennett's thoughts. And, such a hope as this can inspire us that regardless our disappointments, setbacks, and frustrations, things will be all right. Will Jesus resolve our problems in the here and now, or will we have to wait until we meet Him face to face? Either way, we have His assurance He is with us, He will bring us through our difficulties, and He will wipe every tear away. We give praise to Him and glorify our wonderful Savior.

Aug 22, 202208:60

O Jesus, Thou Art Standing

A painting and a poem sparked a hymn. William How studied Holman Hunt's painting The Light of the World, and later read from Jean Ingelow's poem Brothers and a Sermon. These so moved him that he was able to pen O Jesus, Thou Art Standing. We often use Revelation 3:20 as an evangelistic or witnessing tool when speaking to someone about committing their life to Christ. That verse is contained in the admonition to the church at Laodicea concerning their lukewarm commitment to Jesus. While being an excellent evangelistic verse, do we see the context of Jesus standing at the door of our church, looking for us to let Him into our church? Let us be praying for revival in our churches, moving to advance the kingdom, and be fully committed to Christ. In that vein, I encourage you to do a search for Hunt's painting and study it in light of this hymn.

Aug 14, 202209:25

Break Thou the Bread of Life

When we think of breaking the bread of life, do we think of focusing on Jesus or opening our Bible or the physical bread Jesus gave the crowds? Such were the choices that Mary A. Lathbury had when she began to contemplate the thoughts that eventually became Break Thou the Bread of Life. How often do we go to the Bible as our source of sustenance or uplifting or inspiration? Jeremiah 15:16 tells us, "When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight...." (NIV) And Deuteronomy 8:3 shows us, "He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord." (NIV) The Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle was blessed when this hymn was written for their morning sessions, and we are blessed today when this hymn reminds us what is available to us when we break the bread/word of Life.

Aug 09, 202207:18

The Old Rugged Cross

We see so often that difficulties in life lead Christ's followers to more closely depend on Jesus in their situation and in their life. This was the case with Reverend George Bennard and the penning of The Old Rugged Cross. Although he received inspiration for the hymn, he waited and later, difficult circumstances caused him to focus on Christ and the hymn flowed. We may be going through difficult times in our lives but we know that we have a Savior who will bring us through. In addition, we have many brothers and sisters, whether in our immediate circle or someone like a hymnwriter, who will be able to share how they came through their trials with the Lord's help and comfort. We are never alone.

Aug 01, 202210:49

The Church in the Wildwood

Inspiration is found in many ways. While a beautiful scene or magnificent church may inspire a song, a song can inspire an idea or move people to action. The Church in the Wildwood, also commonly known as The Little Brown Church in the Vale, by William S. Pitts was such a song. Through a series of events, his song was used to popularize the building of The Little Brown Church in the Vale, which was dedicated in 1864 and is still active today. Where do we get our inspiration? Does that inspiration come from God or lead us to worship and glorify God? How uplifting, encouraging, and heartening it is when those times and events occur and bring us closer to Christ. Let us look to Him for our inspiration.

Jul 26, 202208:00

God Moves in a Mysterious Way

William Cowper (pronounced Cooper), the English poet and lawyer, did not have an easy life. He fought bouts of insanity most of his life, including a stay in an asylum. His brother was instrumental in his conversion to following Christ. The friendship of the Reverend John Newton (Amazing Grace), and their collaborative effort on the hymnal Olney Hymns buoyed him.

Often, questions are asked as to why God acts in certain ways or allows certain events/catastrophes to occur in our lives. Such would be the case when one looks at Cowper's life. From his trials, however, sprang worship to God and hymns such as this one, God Moves in a Mysterious Way. We see a similar thought when we read of the prophet Jeremiah at the potter's house in Jeremiah 18. The potter makes the pot as he wishes. We may not understand what God as the potter of our lives is doing in our lives, but "...God is his own interpreter,/and he will make it plain."

Jul 19, 202207:34

My Faith Looks Up to Thee

Don't you love it when you do something and your first try is outstanding? Such was the case with Ray Palmer when he wrote My Faith Looks Up to Thee. Palmer, however, wasn't trying to create a great hymn, or necessarily pen a hymn at all. He was so taken with Christ's grace and love that he was filled with deepest emotion and the words flowed. You can feel the deep sense of worship as you read or sing the words and can have assurance that Christ will be beside you regardless the ebb and flow of your life.

Jul 11, 202207:34

I Need Thee Every Hour

We generally think of the hymn I Need Thee Every Hour as something to help us in time of need or distress. And, rightfully, it does provide comfort as we call on the Jesus. Have you thought of it as simply of time of worship and sensing God's nearness and presence? It was in this manner that Annie Sherwood Hawks felt consumed by the presence of the Lord and penned this hymn. Whether we use it as worship of Jesus or call on Him in times of trouble, it blesses us and He is with us.

Jul 04, 202207:39

Father, Whate're of Earthly Bliss

We often desire that our lives be lived without pain or discomfort. When it comes to us, is our reaction to rail against and question God for those trials? Anne Steele’s life was one that had significant pain and loss. She poured out her grief in her hymns and poems and remained steadfast in her faith in her heavenly Father. One such hymn that can buoy us up in time of trial is this one, Father, Whate’er of Earthly Bliss, even expressing to the point of being free of murmuring. Paul encourages us in II Corinthians 1:3,4 that we are able to comfort one another with the comfort our God and Father gives us. Anne Steele saw that and lived it and passed it along in her hymnody.

Jun 27, 202207:41

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing

The wild and antagonistic actions of young men are nothing new. When the reckless, young Robert Robinson heard the "prediction" of a drunken gypsy, it haunted him and eventually led him to commit himself to Jesus Christ. Later, he penned this spiritual autobiography, Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing, his most popular hymn. Even today, this hymn enjoys a great popularity. Many arrangements of it can be found, including those of well-known artists. It is soul-stirring and many versions cause our hearts to soar as we sing praise and worship to God for the blessing of salvation He has brought to our lives.

Jun 21, 202209:26

Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine

The daughter of evangelist Dr. Walter Palmer, Phoebe Knapp showed unusual musical talent early in her life. When she composed the tune that became Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine, Fanny Crosby gladly provided the lyrics that made this uplifting song one of hope and blessing to Christians all over. It is not only her songwriting that blessed so many, Phoebe was generous of heart and contributed much to charity and philanthropic work. Her life was a blessing to many in many ways.

Jun 13, 202207:12

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

If you were to open a hymnal and not find multiple hymns by Isaac Watts, you might question if you were actually holding a hymnal. His desire to worship God and put it in a form that not only glorified God but was pleasing to the ear and soul, resulted in a tremendous number of hymns that bless us to this day. His work is said to have “almost single-handedly changed the congregational singing habits of English-speaking Christendom.” Merely hearing the titles of so many of his hymns will start the music playing in our minds. This particular hymn, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, “is generally regarded as the most perfect ever written in our tongue.”

Jun 06, 202208:31

Just as I Am

If you have attended or seen a Billy Graham crusade meeting, you have heard this hymn, Just as I Am. It significantly predates anything Billy Graham did and has blessed people since Charlotte Elliott penned the poem. More than a blessing, it is something of an autobiography for her. Angry at God, she lashed out at those around her, spouting her bitterness on them. When talking with Dr. Cesar Malan, she found she needed to come to Jesus just as she was at that moment. It changed her life and outlook and has impacted untold numbers through this poem and hymn.

May 17, 202208:14

Jesus Calls Us O'er the Tumult

Pastor's wives do a tremendous number of things to support their husband's ministry. Imagine being asked to write a poem related to Sunday's upcoming sermon. This is what was asked of Cecil Frances Alexander, already a notable poet, and from her pen we have Jesus Calls Us O'er the Tumult. While this poem was written in 1852, its words beckon us today in the midst of the cacophony of cultural upheaval, social strife, wars, political turmoil, entertainment and social media distraction, and the list goes on. When we fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, that cacophony subsides and we have the peace that can only come from the Prince of Peace.

May 11, 202207:53

Rescue the Perishing

The number of poems, hymns, and gospel songs Fanny J. Crosby wrote is breathtaking. This hymn, Rescue the Perishing, is one of her finest. From her work with those who were down and out in the Bowery of New York City, came the inspiration for this hymn. Lives were changed when they were committed to Christ through the work of the rescue missions. And, though blind, Fanny was able to "see" many lives rescued by Jesus.

May 02, 202209:09

Master the Tempest is Raging

When there is tempest in our lives, how do we respond and react to it? Are we like Mary Ann Baker and question what a "God of love" is doing in our lives? How often do the tragedies of life toss us around like the small fishing boats in the storm on the Sea of Galilee? And worse still, do we think that Jesus is asleep and unaware of what is happening? Such was the case with Mary Ann after the loss of her brother. The love of God through Jesus eventually calmed the storm in her life. She found that God is always a loving Father and transforms us as we continue to put our faith and trust in Him. Her transformation later brought us this hymn, Master the Tempest is Raging, expressing that Christ calms our troubled hearts as well as the tempest on the sea.

Apr 25, 202211:15

In the Cross of Christ I Glory

How could such a brilliant man as Sir John Bowring (fluent in 22 languages and conversant in many more) pen the beautiful hymn In the Cross of Christ I Glory and still be known as the most unpopular governor Hong Kong ever had? Bowring's accomplishments were many and in his younger days, this follower of Christ gave us many wonderful hymns. Sadly, as too often happens in positions of political power, he took his eyes off Christ and was corrupted by that power. Nonetheless, we are blessed by the things he did for Christ.

Apr 15, 202207:21

It Is Well With My Soul

"I am glad to trust the Lord when it will cost me something." These are the words of Horatio G. Spafford, author of It Is Well With My Soul. There was indeed a cost to him, particularly in the loss of his children to a tragedy at sea. Despite his difficulties and setbacks, he removed steadfast in his faith. His trust in the Lord is inspirational to us and produced this moving and comforting hymn. "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." II Cor. 1:3,4 (NIV).

Apr 04, 202211:03

God of Our Fathers, Known of Old

Nations founded on or embracing Christian values will likely stray from those values as time goes on. This is particularly true when one of the seven deadly sins, pride, creeps into the national consciousness. Such was the case in 1897, the year of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, when the great poet, Rudyard Kipling, wrote God of Our Fathers, Known of Old. Though not a particularly religious man, Kipling called on his countrymen to remember Who it was that made England great; "Lest we forget, lest we forget." Is this where we find ourselves today?

Mar 07, 202210:46

Blest Be the Tie That Binds

We are saddened when we must leave family or friends and be geographically distant from them. This is particularly true of our Christian family, especially when a pastor in good standing is called elsewhere. Such was the case with John Fawcett who believed he was called to leave Wainsgate, England, and take a different pastorate in London. The congregation was loath to see him go and when he changed his mind, one of the benefits was Fawcett’s penning of this hymn, Blest Be the Tie That Binds. Whether near or far, our Christian family has a bond in Christ and we have a firm hope, not a wish, that we will see one another again.

Feb 28, 202206:36

O to Be Like Thee

Thomas O. Chisholm's yearning for more Christlikeness gave us the words of this hymn, O to Be Like Thee. It was composer William J. Kirkpatrick who set the words to music to complete a hymn of longing and commitment. Kirkpatrick published more than one hundred collections of hymns and his love for Christ resulted in composing many popular hymns. Between Chisholm and Kirkpatrick, many beautiful hymns resonate in our hearts.

Feb 14, 202206:20

Swing Low, Sweet Chariot

Timeless, authorless songs that are soulful and full of yearning is an apt description of the Negro spirituals that were born of slavery. The Jubilee Singers of Fisk University, named for the biblical year of Jubilee when slaves were liberated as found in Leviticus 25, helped bring these spirituals to America and the world. One of the favorites they brought out is this song, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.

Feb 07, 202206:13

Living for Jesus

If you had to create a poem and turn it into lyrics but didn't know how to make that transition, could you do it? Thomas O. Chisholm was able to adapt by having his daughter hum the melody over and over, turning a children's song into a hymn of redemption and dedication, Living for Jesus. Chisholm had poor health and limited formal education, but his poetry was notable and many poems were turned into hymns that still bless us today.

Jan 18, 202206:07

We Gather Together

The holiday season that encompasses Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year is a time where many of us hold or attend family events, special activities, and parties, or in other words, we gather. This hymn, We Gather Together, is often thought of and sung at Thanksgiving services. It originated, however, from circumstances that did not create thanksgiving but were embroiled in strife, and sadly, that being religious strife. It is a Dutch song that celebrates freedom from Spain and the freedom to worship as they chose. We are blessed that despite having its origin in specific events, all Christians can join in singing this hymn to the praise of God.

Dec 30, 202105:60

O Holy Night

What do a French wine merchant, a penniless Parisian, and a liberal clergyman have in common? One of Christianity's holiest hymns about the birth of Jesus. O Holy Night came to us from the French wine merchant, Placide Clappeau, who wrote poetry as a hobby. Adolphe Charles Adam provided the music to "Christian Midnight" and when it was eventually translated into English, we are lifted in praise and worship to O Holy Night. It seems that almost every artist who does a Christmas album includes O Holy Night. It is powerful and declares the glory of God in Christ's birth.

Dec 22, 202108:00

The Church's One Foundation

Attacks from without, attacks from within. The Church throughout history has suffered persecution and/or controversial or heretical views. Such was the case in the mid-1800s when liberal views of German theologians severely impacted the Church of England. As a result of the conflict, Samuel Stone, who was on the side of evangelical, historical truth, wrote twelve hymns based on the twelve articles of the Apostles' Creed. One of the hymns was The Church's One Foundation, which was the processional hymn of the first Lambeth Conference. The music was composed by Samuel Wesley, the grandson of Charles Wesley. It became one of the church's best-loved hymns.

Dec 13, 202106:37