Praise is the rehearsal of our eternal song. By grace we learn to sing, and in glory we continue to sing. (Charles Spurgeon)
May we praise God this morning with our minds, hearts, and souls fully engaged and turned toward Him, the source of life and hope!
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PRELUDE
Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Thy Word
Words by Martin Luther, translated by Catherine Winkworth. "Erhalt Uns Herr" hymn tune, Joseph Klug's Geistliche Lieder (Wittenberg, 1543). Solo piano arrangement by Zach Unke
Psalm 119:41-42
May your unfailing love come to me, Lord,
your salvation, according to your promise;
then I can answer anyone who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.
for I trust in your word.
John 8:31-32
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
This powerful hymn by Martin Luther (1483-1546) features 3 verses with a Trinitarian focus on God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It was created during a time of turmoil and ongoing political conflict between the Holy Roman Empire and the Turkish Ottoman Empire. Reformers like Luther were caught in the middle, and Luther penned this hymn for a prayer meeting in Wittenberg, Germany, to encourage believers to trust in the protection of God (who reveals Himself through His Word). The tune's author is anonymous, but it was published together with Luther's hymn in 1543 and may have been arranged by Luther himself. We know this hymn today thanks to the work of Catherine Winkworth (1827-1878), a British hymnwriter and educator who translated many important German hymns and chorales into English. According to the Harvard University Hymn Book, Winkworth "did more than any other single individual to make the rich heritage of German hymnody available to the English-speaking world."
You can read more about the history of this hymn here.
Lord, keep us steadfast in your Word;
curb those who by deceit or sword
would wrest the kingdom from your Son
and bring to naught all he has done.
Lord Jesus Christ, your pow'r make known,
for you are Lord of lords alone;
defend your holy church, that we
may sing your praise triumphantly.
O Comforter of priceless worth,
send peace and unity on earth;
support us in our final strife,
and lead us out of death to life.
HYMNS FOR YOU TO SING AT HOME
Words by William Williams, Translated by Peter Williams, Music by John Hughes
Exodus 13:21
By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night.
Guide me, O Thou Great Jehovah,
pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but you are mighty;
hold me with your powerful hand.
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,
feed me now and evermore,
feed me now and evermore.
Open now the crystal fountain,
where the healing waters flow.
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
lead me all my journey through.
Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer,
ever be my strength and shield,
ever be my strength and shield.
When I tread the verge of Jordan,
bid my anxious fears subside.
Death of death, and hell's Destruction,
land me safe on Canaan's side.
Songs of praises, songs of praises
I will ever sing to you,
I will ever sing to you.
Words by John H. Sammis, Music by Daniel Brink Towner
Psalm 13:5-6
But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing the Lord’s praise,
for he has been good to me
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Typically, hymn texts and the tunes associated with them were written many years apart, by different people, sometimes in different countries. In the case of "Trust and Obey," the writing of text and tune were a collaborative effort between two friends. Composer Daniel Brink Towner (1850-1919) was the first director of music for the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. Towner was leading music for evangelist Dwight Moody at an revival meeting at Brockton, Massachussetts when he heard an attendee declare, "I am not quite sure–but I am going to trust, and I am going to obey." Towner jotted down the statement, and sent it to his friend John Sammis (1846-1919), a Presbyterian minister, who was also based in the Midwest at the time (he later worked at the Los Angeles Bible Institute). Sammis wrote a hymn based on these words, sent it back to Towner, who wrote the music to match the lyrics, and the hymn was first published in Towner's 1887 collection Hymns Old and New.
Here's more information on this hymn and its history. If this hymn is new to you, here's a contemporary recording with singing so that you can get a feel for the melody. If you'd like to see the entire 1887 publication in which "Trust and Obey" first appeared, click here (you'll want to click on "complete score," then wait for the PDF to download).
When we walk with the Lord
in the light of his word,
what a glory he sheds on our way!
While we do his good will,
he abides with us still,
and with all who will trust and obey.
Refrain:
Trust and obey, for there's no other way
to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Not a burden we bear,
not a sorrow we share,
but our toil he doth richly repay;
not a grief or a loss,
not a frown or a cross,
but is blest if we trust and obey. [Refrain]
But we never can prove
the delights of his love
until all on the altar we lay;
for the favor he shows,
for the joy he bestows,
are for them who will trust and obey. [Refrain]
Then in fellowship sweet
we will sit at his feet,
or we'll walk by his side in the way;
what he says we will do,
where he sends we will go;
never fear, only trust and obey. [Refrain]
Words by Ira Bishop Wilson, Music by George S. Shuler
Matthew 5:14-26
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 25:35-40
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.
"Make Me a Blessing" was written by George Stark Shuler (1882-1973) and Ira Wilson (1880-1950). Both studied at the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago: Shuler went on to serve on its faculty for four decades. Ira Wilson settled in Dayton, Ohio where he prolifically wrote songs and hymn arrangements for Lorenz Publishing Co. The two collaborated on "Make Me a Blessing," with Wilson creating the lyrics and Shuler later composing the music. Schuler unsuccessfully attempted to get publishers interested in the song, but it finally "struck a chord" when it was featured at the 1924 International Sunday School Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, and has been a beloved gospel favorite ever since.
Out in the highways and byways of life,
Many are weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.
Chorus:
Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing,
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray.
Make me a blessing to someone today.
Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love,
Tell of His power to forgive;
Others will trust Him if only you prove
True, ev'ry moment you live.
[Chorus]
Give as 'twas given to you in your need,
Love as the Master loved you;
Be to the helpless a helper indeed,
Unto your mission be true.
POSTLUDE
Benediction Medley:
Blest Be the Tie that Binds
with God Be With You 'Til We Meet Again
Music by Hans G. Nägeli and William G. Tomer, arranged for solo piano by Mark Hayes
Here is a medley of two beautiful hymns that express the hearts of so many of us as we long to worship alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ once more. We pray for God's blessings and protection for one another, "'til we meet again."
Blest Be the Tie that Binds
The touching story behind this hymn can be found here.
Related Scripture
Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
This powerful hymn by Martin Luther (1483-1546) features 3 verses with a Trinitarian focus on God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It was created during a time of turmoil and ongoing political conflict between the Holy Roman Empire and the Turkish Ottoman Empire. Reformers like Luther were caught in the middle, and Luther penned this hymn for a prayer meeting in Wittenberg, Germany, to encourage believers to trust in the protection of God (who reveals Himself through His Word). The tune's author is anonymous, but it was published together with Luther's hymn in 1543 and may have been arranged by Luther himself. We know this hymn today thanks to the work of Catherine Winkworth (1827-1878), a British hymnwriter and educator who translated many important German hymns and chorales into English. According to the Harvard University Hymn Book, Winkworth "did more than any other single individual to make the rich heritage of German hymnody available to the English-speaking world."
You can read more about the history of this hymn here.
Lord, keep us steadfast in your Word;
curb those who by deceit or sword
would wrest the kingdom from your Son
and bring to naught all he has done.
Lord Jesus Christ, your pow'r make known,
for you are Lord of lords alone;
defend your holy church, that we
may sing your praise triumphantly.
O Comforter of priceless worth,
send peace and unity on earth;
support us in our final strife,
and lead us out of death to life.
HYMNS FOR YOU TO SING AT HOME
Words by William Williams, Translated by Peter Williams, Music by John Hughes
Exodus 13:21
By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night.
Exodus 17:6
I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel.
Joshua 4:19-24
On the tenth day of the first month the people went up from the Jordan and camped at Gilgal on the eastern border of Jericho. And Joshua set up at Gilgal the twelve stones they had taken out of the Jordan. He said to the Israelites, “In the future when your descendants ask their parents, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ For the Lord your God dried up the Jordan before you until you had crossed over. The Lord your God did to the Jordan what he had done to the Red Sea when he dried it up before us until we had crossed over. He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God.”
Rich in Old Testament imagery,"Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah" was written in 1745 by William Williams (1717-1791), considered to be not only one of Wales' finest hymn writers (often referred to as "The Sweet Songster"), but also one of the nation's prominent historical literary figures. "Guide Me" was originally published in Willams' 1762 hymn collection, Songs of those upon the Sea of Glass. In 1771, it was translated into English by Peter Williams (no relation). The hymn is most commonly matched with a tune by Welsh composer John Hughes (1873-1932) titled "Rhondda" which was arranged in its present form for the 1907 dedication of a church organ at Capel Rhondda in Hopkinstown, Wales. (Hughes himself played the organ on that occasion, and the English translation of "Guide Me" was sung because there was a large population of English-speaking immigrant workers in the area at the time).
You can read more about the story behind this hymn here. Here's a video showing the choir and congregation of Tabernacle Welsh Baptist Church in Cardiff (Wales) singing "Guide Me" in both English and Welsh.
Rich in Old Testament imagery,"Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah" was written in 1745 by William Williams (1717-1791), considered to be not only one of Wales' finest hymn writers (often referred to as "The Sweet Songster"), but also one of the nation's prominent historical literary figures. "Guide Me" was originally published in Willams' 1762 hymn collection, Songs of those upon the Sea of Glass. In 1771, it was translated into English by Peter Williams (no relation). The hymn is most commonly matched with a tune by Welsh composer John Hughes (1873-1932) titled "Rhondda" which was arranged in its present form for the 1907 dedication of a church organ at Capel Rhondda in Hopkinstown, Wales. (Hughes himself played the organ on that occasion, and the English translation of "Guide Me" was sung because there was a large population of English-speaking immigrant workers in the area at the time).
You can read more about the story behind this hymn here. Here's a video showing the choir and congregation of Tabernacle Welsh Baptist Church in Cardiff (Wales) singing "Guide Me" in both English and Welsh.
 |
| Public domain. Courtesy of PDHymns.com |
Guide me, O Thou Great Jehovah,
pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but you are mighty;
hold me with your powerful hand.
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,
feed me now and evermore,
feed me now and evermore.
Open now the crystal fountain,
where the healing waters flow.
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
lead me all my journey through.
Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer,
ever be my strength and shield,
ever be my strength and shield.
When I tread the verge of Jordan,
bid my anxious fears subside.
Death of death, and hell's Destruction,
land me safe on Canaan's side.
Songs of praises, songs of praises
I will ever sing to you,
I will ever sing to you.
Words by John H. Sammis, Music by Daniel Brink Towner
Psalm 13:5-6
But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing the Lord’s praise,
for he has been good to me
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Matthew 7:24
Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
John 14:23
Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. |
| Public Domain. Courtesy of Hymnary.org. |
Typically, hymn texts and the tunes associated with them were written many years apart, by different people, sometimes in different countries. In the case of "Trust and Obey," the writing of text and tune were a collaborative effort between two friends. Composer Daniel Brink Towner (1850-1919) was the first director of music for the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. Towner was leading music for evangelist Dwight Moody at an revival meeting at Brockton, Massachussetts when he heard an attendee declare, "I am not quite sure–but I am going to trust, and I am going to obey." Towner jotted down the statement, and sent it to his friend John Sammis (1846-1919), a Presbyterian minister, who was also based in the Midwest at the time (he later worked at the Los Angeles Bible Institute). Sammis wrote a hymn based on these words, sent it back to Towner, who wrote the music to match the lyrics, and the hymn was first published in Towner's 1887 collection Hymns Old and New.
Here's more information on this hymn and its history. If this hymn is new to you, here's a contemporary recording with singing so that you can get a feel for the melody. If you'd like to see the entire 1887 publication in which "Trust and Obey" first appeared, click here (you'll want to click on "complete score," then wait for the PDF to download).
When we walk with the Lord
in the light of his word,
what a glory he sheds on our way!
While we do his good will,
he abides with us still,
and with all who will trust and obey.
Refrain:
Trust and obey, for there's no other way
to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Not a burden we bear,
not a sorrow we share,
but our toil he doth richly repay;
not a grief or a loss,
not a frown or a cross,
but is blest if we trust and obey. [Refrain]
But we never can prove
the delights of his love
until all on the altar we lay;
for the favor he shows,
for the joy he bestows,
are for them who will trust and obey. [Refrain]
Then in fellowship sweet
we will sit at his feet,
or we'll walk by his side in the way;
what he says we will do,
where he sends we will go;
never fear, only trust and obey. [Refrain]
Words by Ira Bishop Wilson, Music by George S. Shuler
Matthew 5:14-26
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 25:35-40
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.
"Make Me a Blessing" was written by George Stark Shuler (1882-1973) and Ira Wilson (1880-1950). Both studied at the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago: Shuler went on to serve on its faculty for four decades. Ira Wilson settled in Dayton, Ohio where he prolifically wrote songs and hymn arrangements for Lorenz Publishing Co. The two collaborated on "Make Me a Blessing," with Wilson creating the lyrics and Shuler later composing the music. Schuler unsuccessfully attempted to get publishers interested in the song, but it finally "struck a chord" when it was featured at the 1924 International Sunday School Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, and has been a beloved gospel favorite ever since.
If this song is new to you and you'd like to hear a recording of it with singing, here's an inspiring, upbeat version from Luther Barnes and the Red Budd Gospel Choir.
 |
| Public domain. Courtesy of Cyber Hymnal. |
Out in the highways and byways of life,
Many are weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.
Chorus:
Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing,
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray.
Make me a blessing to someone today.
Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love,
Tell of His power to forgive;
Others will trust Him if only you prove
True, ev'ry moment you live.
[Chorus]
Give as 'twas given to you in your need,
Love as the Master loved you;
Be to the helpless a helper indeed,
Unto your mission be true.
POSTLUDE
Benediction Medley:
Blest Be the Tie that Binds
with God Be With You 'Til We Meet Again
Music by Hans G. Nägeli and William G. Tomer, arranged for solo piano by Mark Hayes
Here is a medley of two beautiful hymns that express the hearts of so many of us as we long to worship alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ once more. We pray for God's blessings and protection for one another, "'til we meet again."
Blest Be the Tie that Binds
The touching story behind this hymn can be found here.
Related Scripture
Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 6:2
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
1 John 4:11
Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
Lyrics
Blest be the tie that binds
Lyrics
Blest be the tie that binds
our hearts in Christian love;
the fellowship of kindred minds
is like to that above.
Before our Father's throne
we pour our ardent prayers;
our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,
our comforts and our cares.
We share our mutual woes,
our mutual burdens bear,
and often for each other flows
the sympathizing tear.
When we are called to part,
it gives us inward pain;
but we shall still be joined in heart
and hope to meet again.
This glorious hope revives
our courage by the way,
while each in expectation lives
and waits to see that day.
From sorrow, toil, and pain
and sin, we shall be free;
and perfect love and friendship reign
through all eternity.
God Be with You 'Til We Meet Again
The story behind this beautiful sung benediction can be found here.
Related Scripture
Numbers 6:24-26
"The Lord bless you
and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace."
2 Thessalonians 3:16
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
Acts 20:32
Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
the fellowship of kindred minds
is like to that above.
Before our Father's throne
we pour our ardent prayers;
our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,
our comforts and our cares.
We share our mutual woes,
our mutual burdens bear,
and often for each other flows
the sympathizing tear.
When we are called to part,
it gives us inward pain;
but we shall still be joined in heart
and hope to meet again.
This glorious hope revives
our courage by the way,
while each in expectation lives
and waits to see that day.
From sorrow, toil, and pain
and sin, we shall be free;
and perfect love and friendship reign
through all eternity.
God Be with You 'Til We Meet Again
The story behind this beautiful sung benediction can be found here.
Related Scripture
Numbers 6:24-26
"The Lord bless you
and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace."
2 Thessalonians 3:16
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
Acts 20:32
Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
Deuteronomy 33:27
The eternal God is your refuge,
and underneath are the everlasting arms.
He will drive out your enemies before you,
saying, ‘Destroy them!’
and underneath are the everlasting arms.
He will drive out your enemies before you,
saying, ‘Destroy them!’
Song of Songs 2:4
Let him lead me to the banquet hall,
and let his banner over me be love.
Lyrics
God be with you till we meet again;
loving counsels guide, uphold you,
with a shepherd's care enfold you:
God be with you till we meet again.
God be with you till we meet again;
unseen wings protecting hide you,
daily manna still provide you:
God be with you till we meet again.
God be with you till we meet again;
when life's perils thick confound you,
put unfailing arms around you:
God be with you till we meet again.
God be with you till we meet again;
keep love's banner floating o'er you;
smite death's threatening wave before you:
God be with you till we meet again.
and let his banner over me be love.
Lyrics
God be with you till we meet again;
loving counsels guide, uphold you,
with a shepherd's care enfold you:
God be with you till we meet again.
God be with you till we meet again;
unseen wings protecting hide you,
daily manna still provide you:
God be with you till we meet again.
God be with you till we meet again;
when life's perils thick confound you,
put unfailing arms around you:
God be with you till we meet again.
God be with you till we meet again;
keep love's banner floating o'er you;
smite death's threatening wave before you:
God be with you till we meet again.
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