Rebel to Redeemed…Sharing HIS Kind of Love
Rescue the Perishing was written by Fanny Crosby in 1869. This hymn became the theme song for the home mission’s movement. Crosby was attending weekly meetings by the interdenominational New York City Mission in July 1869. A young man was converted through her testimony, which inspired Crosby to write the words to Rescue the Perishing. The title was based on […]
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Recently, I heard Dr. David Jeremiah discuss the origins and popularity of this song and it sparked my interest. So, I thought this would be a wonderful time to explore this beautiful hymn. Kurt Kaiser, born in 1934 Chicago, made a career in music as a composer and author with over 60 tunes to his credit, after attending The American […]
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All the Way the Savior Leads Me is one of the songs that runs through my mind at times. The hymn was written in 1875 by Fanny Crosby. “A frequently told story about this hymn relates that it came to Fanny as a result of a prayer. Struggling financially, she desperately needed some money. As her usual custom, Fanny began […]
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In honor of Epiphany, which we just celebrated, I thought We Three Kings would be a great song to take a closer look at. We Three Kings describes the journey of the Wise Men to see the baby Jesus. The names of the kings, passed down through tradition are Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar. The kings presented the Christ Child with […]
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As we wrap up our series on music next week,let’s discuss what does the Bible say about music? Ephesians 5:19 “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.” The book of Psalms is 150 songs of praise to God. Even when David starts out downtrodden, he turns to praising […]
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Sweet Little Jesus Boy finds it’s roots in the African-American spirituals. The song was written by Robert MacGimsey. According to legend, MacGimsey left the midnight Christmas Eve service he’d been attending that cold night in 1932’s New York City. Walking the final blocks to his one room apartment, he passed the open doors of a private club. Glancing inside he […]
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The words and music of “O Come O Come Emmanuel” developed separately. The original text, which was in Latin, was first documented in 1710 in Germany. The tune has it’s origins in 15th Century France. In the early church something called O Anitphons were used. An antiphon is a response by the choir or congregation and used in the form […]
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What Child is This? was written by William Chatterton Dix in 1865 in England. Dix worked as a manager for an insurance company before being afflicted with a severe illness that left him bedridden and severely depressed. This near death experience brought about a spiritual renewal in him while he was recovering. During his recovery he would read the Bible […]
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It Came Upon a Midnight Clear was a Christmas poem written by Edmund Sears. This is a Christmas Carol that doesn’t focus on the holy family, but the song of the angels. Luke 2:14 says the angels said “Peace on the Earth, good will to men.” Edmund Hamilton Sears was born in 1810. He earned a degree from Harvard Divinity […]
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When searching for a Thanksgiving hymn, I was surprised we have not discussed this hymn yet. Count Your Blessings is a hymn written in 1897 by Johnson Oatman, Jr. Oatman was born on April 21, 1856 in Lumberton, NJ to Johnson and Rachel Oatman. His merchant father was considered to be the “best singer in town” although the young […]
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Faith of Our Fathers was written in 1849 by Frederick William Faber. He began as a priest for the Church of England, but later seceded to the Catholic Church. He published a number of articles in defense of the Catholic Church, however his hymns were published only after becoming a Catholic priest. He is also reported to have a deep […]
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Since Jesus Came into my Heart was written by Rufus Henry McDaniel. McDaniel was born in 1850 in Ohio. By the age of nineteen he was already preaching and eventually became a minister of the Disciples of Christ Church in 1873. McDaniel wrote, “I feel in my soul that God has something for me to do in brightening the experience […]
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He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands is a traditional American spiritual. As a spiritual this song was probably around for a long time before it was recorded and written down. The song was first published in the 1927, paper bound hymnal Spirituals Triumphant, Old and New. In 1933, Frank Warner collected the song from Sue Thomas while she […]
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Zacchaeus was a Wee Little Man is another popular children’s song. It’s a great way for children to learn the story of Zacchaeus. After all a song stays in your memory much longer than a story. The story recounts the story of Zacchaeus which is found in Luke 19:1-10. The song recounts Zacchaeus desire to see Jesus, so he climbs […]
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I’ve Got Peace Like a River is an African-American spiritual. Spirituals began on the fields and the slaves would sing to pass the time of day. It was also a great way to pass messages along and share the gospel. This song uses water “as a simile” to describe peace, joy and love. I’ve got peace like a river… I’ve […]
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After Jesus Loves Me, Jesus Loves the Little Children is one of the first songs children learn in Sunday School. The song was written by Clarence Herbert Woolston. He was born in 1856 and died in 1927. The lyrics are inspired by Jesus words in Matthew 19:14, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for […]
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I’ll Be a Sunbeam is a popular children’s hymn often learned in Sunday School. The song is often referred to as Jesus wants me for a sunbeam, due to the opening lines of the hymn. The lyrics were written by Nellie Talbot. Virtually nothing is known about Nellie Talbot. Even efforts to find her in census records prove to be […]
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Lovest Thou Me? is another beautiful song by Bill and Gloria Gaither. This song is based on John 21. To provide a little background, Peter denied Jesus three times “before the rooster crows” on the night Jesus was crucified. Jesus had predicted this to Peter before he was arrested. {John 18: 13-27} After Jesus was crucified and rose from the […]
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Sheltered in the Arms of God is another one of those songs close to my heart that has helped me through so many difficult days and hours. This beautiful song was written by Dottie Rambo. According to a St. Augustine newspaper article about the song, Dottie had just gone through a difficult time with a friend who had disappointed her. […]
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There are times when it is so easy to worry about whatever concerns or issues are going on in our lives. However, true faith is turning it over to God and not worrying any longer about it. I have to admit that I’m guilty of worrying, although I continue to strive to turn it over to God. There are times […]
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