"Just the time I need him, he's always near."

"Just the time I need him, he's always near."
Hymn: “He Lives” – Words & Music by Alfred H. Ackley (1887-1960)
Tune: ACKLEY

Although we attach this hymn to Easter, it truly is a “sing anytime you want to” kind of text because it highlights the truth that Christ is a living, active force in the world… even today. When I was growing up, this was one of our standard congregational songs throughout the year – whenever Carl Whaley got the urge to include it!

We have to admit that for the most part, we are ‘needy’ people. Hopefully, we are not the archetypical sad-eyed caricature of the one who always needs attention or one who considers himself/herself entitled. On the other hand, we do find ourselves lacking – some days more than others. We are, after all, “sinners, poor and needy, weak and wounded, sick and sore.”

A common theme in this kind of gospel song is the nearness of Christ anytime we call on him… whenever we find ourselves in need. Usually when we sing past a hymnline like this, we grin a little, and a light flickers in our eye because we believe this to be true.

Looking back over my prayer life, I have to admit that I turned to Christ for assistance in situations that seemed to be a need at the moment, but which later seemed pretty insignificant. However, I have the feeling he responded as if my need were as major as I thought it was at the time – and his response was lovingly kind. It is possible that his intervention may have been why that perceived-need didn’t turn into the kind of dilemma into which it might have evolved!

I hope this hymnline will remind us all of the Savior’s nearness: never far away, right at my elbow - ready to listen, show concern, and act according to my best interest. It’s one of the truths of my faith-walk I hold dear.

Hear Alan Jackson Sing This Hymn

"I'd rather have Jesus."

"I'd rather have Jesus."
Hymn: “I’d Rather Have Jesus” – Rhea F. Miller (1894-1966)
Tune: I’D RATHER HAVE JESUS

I’m using a hymnline that is also the hymn-title and the hymn-tune name!

Many of us grew up hearing George Beverly Shea (the tune’s composer) croon this song on the televised Billy Graham Crusades. No one has – or ever will – sing it quite like he did!

The upshot of this hymn is simple: I’d rather have Jesus than you name it.

There is not much else to be said about the hymnline – there is much to be said about our application of its truth to our actual hierarchy of priorities and how we in reality live those out in our daily lives. In other words, as I sing this hymn, am I being truthful? Or am I simply verbalizing someone else’s testimony? Worst of all, am I singing a lie?

This is often true of hymns we sing corporately: preferring Jesus over anything is a noble goal, perhaps not yet achieved in my own life.

It’s a question we all have to deal with on our own while not being judgmental of anyone else down the pew. It would be great if we could all sing the final line with all sincerity and commitment: “I’d rather have Jesus than anything this world affords (offers me) today.”

Hear George Beverly Shea Sing His Hymn

"Let the Amen sound from his people again, gladly..."

"Let the Amen sound from his people again, gladly..."
Hymn: “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” – Joachim Neander (1650-1680)
        Translated by Catherine Winkworth
Tune: LOBE DEN HERREN

First of all, let me say that I love this hymn all the way through.

This hymnline calls on the people of God to sound the truth again… it seems to imply that this should be done with fervor, maybe because of the way the melody rises at that point.

The very word “amen” has been curiously interpreted for us throughout history. Although it has come to mean “I agree with what you just said (or sang),” at its center is more of an agreement with the truth of faith; in Scripture, it is sometimes translated “verily, verily” or “I tell you the truth.”  It is a uniquely Judeo-Christian word – though in Islam a similar “Amin” is used.

My point here is simple: I think this hymn is calling the church to stand firmly for the truth, using a uniquely sacred word. We might even think of it as “Let God’s truth sound from his people again.” No more standing back and waffling on the issues; in agreement, speak the truth… and do so “gladly” – not coerced or because it is expected – but because you want to.

The next time this phrase comes across your lips in worship, let it stir up within you its intended call to speak the truth… stand for the truth… live the truth – individually and corporately because we are his glad people.

Hear Fernando Ortega Sing This Hymn

"Tell me thy secret, help me bear the strain of toil, the fret of care."

"Tell me thy secret, help me bear the strain of toil, the fret of care."
Hymn: “O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee” – Washington Gladden (1836-1918)
Tune: MARYTON

Have you ever turned to someone you admire for having come through a difficult time or whose life is just one trial after another and said to them “What’s your secret?” You don’t mean it is a secret as such; you mean “How do you do it?”

This hymn draws a picture of walking along a road… or through a meadow… or up a mountain trail with Jesus – just the two of us. As we walk, I have the wherewithal to turn to him and ask, “What’s your secret?” or “How do you do it?” Knowing that his humanity brought with it bearing up under the strain of difficult days and might have included fretting over the cares of this world… ultimately dying a cruel death at the hands of enemies. What IS his secret?

We figure that if we understood how HE did it, we could do better ourselves as we face rough spots, trying times.

Some of you will remember a song from the early 1950’s called “It Is No Secret.”  That song is all about how there is no secret to WHAT God can do in Christ; this hymnline asks HOW did the Son of God hold up under the human struggle that was his to bear.

This is somewhat of a mystery, but as we delve deeper into the life of Christ and look at how he reacted and what he said, we have a better understanding of the secret of his success. When we study his teachings and try to get at the crux of the matter, we are more likely to find a pattern for facing our own struggles in a Christ-like manner.

It may be that Christ will lean over and whisper hope to us. If and when he does, we welcome that voice that makes our heart in its sorrow rejoice.

Hear an A Cappella Singing of This Hymn
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=WXwXQnsaL3A

"Jesus is the song of life... joy... love."

“Jesus Is the Song”: Words & Music by David Danner – 1951-1993
Tune: SIMPSON

David Danner had the gift of writing singable melodies as evidenced in his ‘classic’ Easter musical “Joy Comes in the Morning.” This is one of his anthems that has been restructured and included in hymnals; it is an excellent example of his text-writing as well as his music composing.

Today’s hymnline comes from the refrain and reminds us that Jesus IS the song of life, the song of joy and the song of love. Not only do we sing songs about Jesus, this text tells us that he embodies the song… and that he gives his song to me.

The verses tell us that Jesus
- is Lord and King
- is in control of everything
- loves us
- bids us to sing
- calms our hurts
- dries our tears
- gives us fear-facing strength
- sends his grace
- restores our weary souls

The upshot of this hymn is that Jesus is not a hoarder. He is generous in giving away himself.

As a musician, I have always felt that any song that comes from me comes first from Jesus. David Danner was able to word that beautifully for me to communicate it to others.

Having heard… or experienced… his song, I sing it… tell it… to others!

Sung by Ensemble of Young Women