A Perfect Heart

 

Dony McGuire and Reba Rambo are familiar to many of us in this present age. The 1980s is still very close in heart to many of us senior Christians.

Both Dony and Reba come from a rich musical family heritage. As a young boy, Dony toured with his four brothers and many popular Gospel singing groups before joining The Downings. At the age of 13, Reba began traveling with her parents, Buck and Dottie Rambo, in the legendary southern Gospel music group, The Rambos. They both launched solo careers in the late ‘70s becoming trendsetters in contemporary Christian music before joining forces as Rambo-McGuire.

Dony spent his early years performing in churches and concert halls with such popular Gospel groups as The Downings, The Galileans, and The Rebels Quartet. He is a well-known singer, pianist, arranger, and producer and is one of Christian music’s most beloved and sought after artists. Reba is a GRAMMY and Dove Award-winning singer, songwriter, author, minister and teacher. She’s the walking definition of a pioneering woman.

One of the major highlights of Dony’s career was receiving the 1980 GRAMMY Award for Best Contemporary Gospel Album for the musical he wrote with Reba, The Lord’s Prayer, and performed at the 1981 GRAMMY Awards show with other acclaimed artists. They also received a Dove Award that year for the same project. 

Dony continues to compose and write songs and produces projects for other artists. Two of his most recent productions are Mark Lowry’s, What’s Not To Love, and The Freemans, Tower of Song.

Dony and Reba taught creative writing workshops giving young and seasoned writers practical instruction in the craft of writing songs, stories, sermons, and speeches. “I wish someone had taught me these principles and secrets when I was young because it would have shaved years off my creative learning process,” says Reba.

Reba continues to write and teach creative writing. She has collaborated with her daughter, Destiny, in recording a new project which will be released as Rambo Women in the near future.

The story behind "A Perfect Heart" begins when friends invited the McGuires to vacation with them on their houseboat on a lake near Nashville. They had determined to work diligently on their songwriting during that time, and they did so. They prayed earnestly that the Lord would do something special through them that week. At the end of the week they had completed a number of songs and done some work on a musical. Reba tells the story.

"On the very last morning we were to be on the boat, Dony got up very early to try to catch a catfish for breakfast. He's an early riser. I was so full of faith in his fishing ability that I proceeded to the kitchen and started to cook bacon and eggs.

"The sun was peeking over the hills and a mist was rising from the water. It was a glorious morning. I looked out of a small porthole and caught a glimpse of Dony with a strange look on his face. Some people come down with a cold, while Dony comes down with a song! I couldn't explain it, but I knew something good was about to happen. I turned off the burners where I was cooking and removed the food. I gathered our songwriting materials and sat down to wait for him to come in.

"When he came in a few minutes later, he sat down before a small electric piano and began to play. As he played what the Lord was giving to him, I began to write lyrics as they were being given to me. That kind of inspiration had only occurred a few times in our short songwriting career together. It was as if God was saying, 'You've been faithful in your praying and studying for a week, now I'm going to give you something just because I have the power to do so.' I wrote as fast as I could write while Dony continued to play. We both completed the whole composition and have never changed a word or the musical setting.

"It became our 'little lake song.' We used it for a time around our offices as a devotional song and sang it at a few small churches. One day Bill Gaither came by our offices and heard us singing it during one of our devotional periods. He asked where we got it. We told him it was our 'lake song.' He expressed such a keen interest in it that Dony made a tape of it for him. That started it on its way."

Several years later, halfway around the world in Zimbabwe, the McGuires heard their "little lake song" being sung by the great host of Africans gathered there. They arrived at a large gathering in Zimbabwe, Africa, where thousands of happy Christians sang their beautiful song, first in their native language and then in charming, heavily accented English. Reba reports, "I was so moved that I was reduced to an emotional basket case for a few moments."

Verse
“Morning sun light of creation,
Grassy fields of velvet floor.
Silver clouds a shimmering curtain,
He's designed a perfect world.

I'm amazed at His talents,

I stand in awe of One so great,

Now my soul begins to sing out,

To the source from which it came.”

“Morning sun light of creation”

Genesis 1:5

“God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.”

Biblehub.com, Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary: God said, Let there be light; He willed it, and at once there was light. Oh, the power of the Word of God! And in the new creation, the first thing that is wrought in the soul is light: the blessed Spirit works upon the will and affections by enlightening the understanding.

“Grassy fields of velvet floor.”

Genesis 1:10

“God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters he called “seas.” And God saw that it was good.”

Scripturesavvy.com: It is essential for us to understand that God’s Word holds immense power. When He speaks, things happen. This is a foundational truth in how we view the narrative of creation. The act of God saying, “Let the dry land appear” demonstrates His authority. From nothing, God made something substantial and beautiful. He created the Earth, which would eventually bear life. We can draw parallels to our lives today. Just as God spoke the world into existence with His Words, He can impact our lives through his promises and commands.

“Silver clouds a shimmering curtain”

Genesis 1:8

“God called the vault 'sky.' And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day.”

Studylight.org, Gill’s Exposition of the Whole Bible: Including the starry and airy heavens: it has its name from its height in the Arabic language, it being above the earth, and reaching to the third heaven.

“He's designed a perfect world.”

Genesis 1:1

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

Christianitypath.com: Genesis 1:1 is a profound verse that sets the stage for the entire Bible. It tells us that at the very beginning of everything, there was God. The verse does not start with a description or explanation of God; instead, it simply states God’s action – creation. This is significant because it emphasizes the sovereignty and authority of God, highlighting the fact that all creation originates from Him. The phrase “In the beginning” indicates a point in time when the universe was created, which is crucial for understanding the biblical narrative.

“I'm amazed at His talents, I stand in awe of One so great”

Proverbs 30:18

"There are three things that are too amazing for me, four that I do not understand.”

Godsbless.ing, Reverend Michael Johnson: The powerful message in this verse is clear: God’s might is beyond comprehension, deserving our highest reverence and admiration. The use of the word “awesome” emphasizes the magnitude of God’s power and the awe-inspiring nature of His actions. By acknowledging and praising His power, we remind ourselves of our humble position in the presence of such greatness . . . Think about the wonders of the universe, the beauty of nature, and the countless blessings in your life. All of these incredible things are a testament to God’s power and presence. When we acknowledge and honor His greatness, we are filled with a sense of gratitude and humility. This verse serves as a powerful reminder to reflect on God’s majesty and offer Him the praise and honor He deserves.

Scripturesavvy.com: Proverbs 30:18 invites us to embrace the wonders and mysteries of life with open hearts and minds. As we journey through learning and discovery, we find beauty in the things we do not fully understand. Humility, curiosity, and trust in God all play vital roles in shaping our perspective as we navigate the uncertainties of life.

As we apply these teachings into our daily lives, we get the opportunity to delve deeper into our relationships with others and God. It is through embracing the unknown that we nurture faith, empathy, and gratitude. The next time we find ourselves in awe of an experience or a question we cannot answer, let us celebrate that moment—knowing it draws us closer to wisdom and to God every step of the way.

This chapter also emphasizes a strong connection to the natural world and God’s creation, reinforcing how our experiences are influenced by the environment around us. As we read through this chapter, we may discover admiration for how God shaped the world and the incredible balance maintained within it. The speaker aims to open our eyes and hearts to these treasures of knowledge and wisdom, urging us to value the journey of discovery.

“Now my soul begins to sing out, To the source from which it came.”

Psalm 68:32

“Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth, sing praise to the Lord.”

Godsbless.ing: The directive to “Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth” extends a universal call to worship, emphasizing God’s dominion over all nations and peoples. It invites individuals to celebrate and honor God’s greatness collectively. The imagery of God riding across the heavens underscores His majestic and active involvement in the world, highlighting His omnipotence and creative power.

Refrain

“Bless the Lord Who reigns with beauty.
Bless the Lord Who reigns with wisdom and with power.
Bless the Lord Who reigns my life with so much love,
He can make a perfect heart.
Praise the Lord Who reigns in beauty.
Praise the Lord Who reigns with wisdom and with power.
Praise the Lord Who reigns my life with so much love,
He can make a perfect heart.”

Compellingtruth.org: To bless God simply means to praise Him or to honor His name. The Hebrew word translated "bless" in the Old Testament literally means to kneel, indicating the idea of honoring the Lord. We do not add anything to Him when we bless Him, yet we worship Him as our appropriate response to His greatness and His love for us.

Psalm 103 is a good psalm to read to bless the Lord. On Enduringword.com: David did not mean this in the sense that a greater person bestows a blessing on a lesser person. God is infinitely greater than man, and man could never give a blessing to God. David meant this in the sense that it blesses and honors God when His creatures praise Him and thank Him appropriately . . . David called upon his soul to bless Yahweh. It was as if David looked at his soul and understood that it was not praising God enough. He called upon his soul to do more . . . David understood that true worship was something deeply inward, of the soul. It is not just about outward forms or expressions, but also about something real from the soul.

 

I am indebted to the website of rambomcguire.com

By His Grace . . . 

In Times Like These

Stress and strain was part of daily living during the height of World War II.  Many did not know what to expect or what was coming next. Many families experienced personal “sorrows or tragedies.” Ruth Caye Jones was one of these women.

In the year 1943, Ruth Caye Jones, a pastor’s wife in Pennsylvania and the mother of five, was distressed by the headlines of her Pittsburgh newspaper. She saw the World War II causality lists and she knew the Allies were making slow progress through the boot of Italy. Supplies were rationed at home, and everyone was living under incredible strain.

Opening her Bible to 2 Timothy, Ruth studied the page and pondered the opening words. A song began composing itself in her mind. She jotted some lyrics on a small pad in her apron pocket. A series of musical notes also played in her mind. Only later did she realize they came from the old clock on the mantle with its iconic Westminster Chimes. Soon the notes and music congealed to become one of the most beloved Gospel songs of the 1940s and 1950s, “In Times Like These.”

Several years later, the words provided comfort to the writer as she recovered from a serious surgery. She is said to have tears come to her eyes when she watched George Beverly Shea sing her song on a Billy Graham telecast. She said “I can’t believe I had any part in writing this song. I just feel that God gave it to me, and I gave it to the world.”

In 1948, the Jones’ founded a radio ministry in Erie, PA, broadcasting a weekly family devotional program from their home called “A Visit with the Jones.”

Mrs. Jones wrote fifteen other hymns, but “In Times Like These” remains her best known. Ruth Caye Jones died on August 18, 1972 in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Barry Kauffman, a Millersville PA resident, shared these words on his blog (barryshymns.blogspot.com):

 “We live in very troubling times.  Terrorism is increasing worldwide.   Wars and threats of wars abound. Christians are being killed, persecuted, and forced to flee their homes.  Fires, floods and earthquakes are devastating large areas.  Judges are overturning Biblical standards.  It is easy to become discouraged, worried and fearful.  But in a society which no longer has absolutes, believers do have absolutes upon which they can rest.  In times like these we need the Bible.  In times like these we need a Savior.  In times like these we need a solid Rock and an Anchor.  And thankfully we do have those to build our lives on and depend upon.“

We are certainly living in times like this. None of us are free from the worries of life. On andalusiastarnews.com these words were shared: “Another song gives similar assurance. A couple, known for their prolific and popular songwriting, penned the words and music during troubling times. They were expecting their third child. The husband was recovering from a serious illness. The world was in turmoil around them – the Vietnam War, racial tension with violence in the streets, and increasing drug abuse. They worried about the kind of world their children would face growing up.  Gloria Gaither recalls being filled with fear that New Year’s Eve. But, then she felt a calming peace within. After her son was born, she and her husband, Bill, wrote, ‘God sent His son, they called Him, Jesus; He came to love, heal and forgive; He lived and died to buy my pardon. An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!’”

The daughter of Ruth Caye Jones wrote these words in 2021: “Mrs. Ruth Caye Jones was my mother, and I was there the day she wrote the song. That is 78 years ago, but the words are truer today than ever before. It is the message this old, troubled world needs to hear!”

Verse One

“In times like these we need a Savior;

In times like these we need an anchor.

Be very sure, be very sure,

Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!”

Hebrews 6:19

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.”

Studylight.com, Barnes’ Notes on the Whole Bible: Hope accomplishes for the soul the same thing which an anchor does for a ship. It makes it fast and secure. An anchor preserves a ship when the waves beat and the wind blows, and as long as the anchor holds, so long the ship is safe, and the mariner apprehends no danger. So with the soul of the Christian. In the tempests and trials of life, his mind is calm as long as his hope of heaven is firm

Studylight.com, Contending for the Faith: An "anchor" (agkura) in ancient times, as well as in modern times, is used as a symbol of hope. In this passage it is used figuratively signifying a "safeguard" (Thayer 7). The Christian’s anchor is his "hope" of salvation in Jesus Christ

Truthaccordingtoscripture.com, Spurgeon’s verse expositions of the Bible: Sailors throw their anchors downwards; we throw ours upwards. Their anchor goes within the veil of the waters into the depths of the sea; ours goes within the veil of glory, into the heights of heaven, where Jesus sits at the right hand of God: “within the veil.”

Verse Two

“In times like these we need the Bible.

In times like these O be not idle.

Be very sure, be very sure,

Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!”

2 Timothy 3:16-17

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Crossway.org: The testimony of God’s Holy Word is that it is His breath and that it is everything to believers. The book of Deuteronomy records that when Moses had finished writing the words of the law and had given it to the Levites to place beside the ark and had sung his song, the song of Moses, he said, “Take heart all the words by which I am warning you today, that you may command them to your children, that they may be careful to do all the words of this law. For it is no empty word for you, but your very life”

Godsbless.ing: This powerful verse highlights the divine inspiration of all Scripture, emphasizing that every word is from God and carries a purpose. It serves as a guide for believers, providing them with valuable lessons and teachings for their spiritual journey. Just imagine the impact of knowing that every word in the Bible is divinely inspired, offering wisdom and guidance for navigating life’s challenges and victories. The verse underscores the practical application of Scripture in our lives. It reminds us that the Bible is not merely a historical document but a living and active tool for growth and development. It can correct our mistakes, rebuke us when we stray from God’s path, and train us to live a righteous and holy life. How amazing is it to have a resource that not only teaches us about God’s love but also guides us in our day-to-day decisions and actions? This verse ultimately encourages us to cherish and study the Scriptures, understanding their profound value in shaping our character and deepening our faith. Approach God’s Word with reverence and eagerness, ready to be transformed and equipped for every good work through its divine wisdom and guidance . . . To live in accordance with God’s Word is to accept its authority in our lives and allow it to transform us from the inside out. This involves not only reading the Scriptures but also meditating on them, studying them, and applying their teachings to our daily lives. We can mature in our faith, deepen our relationship with God, and walk in obedience to His commands by doing so. A heart that is willing to submit to His truth and align our beliefs and actions with the principles and teachings found in Scripture is ultimately required to live in accordance with God’s Word. It is a continual process of seeking God’s will, allowing His Word to convict and mold us, and striving to live a life that reflects His love, grace, and righteousness to the world around us.

Verse Three

“In times like these I have a Savior,

In times like these I have an anchor;

I’m very sure, I’m very sure,

My anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!”

Titus 2:13

“While we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

Biblehub.com, Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary: I know what a faithful, promise-keeping God He is. It is not, I know how I have believed, but, I know WHOM I have believed; a feeble faith may clasp a strong Saviour.

2 Timothy 1:12

“That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.”

Biblehub.com, Barnes’ Notes on the Bible: The idea is, that he understood the character of that Redeemer to whom he had committed his eternal interests and knew that he had no reason to be ashamed of confiding in Him. He was able to keep all that he had entrusted to His care and would not suffer Him to be lost.

Refrain

“This Rock is Jesus, es He's the One.

This Rock is Jesus, The only One!

Be very sure, be very sure,

Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!”

Psalm 18:2

“The Lord is my Rock, my Fortress and my Deliverer; my God is my Rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."

Scripturesavvy.com: This verse beautifully captures the essence of God as a protector and a safe haven. When we think of a rock, we picture something strong and unyielding. That’s how God’s presence in our  lives is described—we can lean on Him for support during difficult times . . . As we reflect on the phrase “my God is my Rock,” it suggests a personal connection. It’s not just about God being a generalized rock of salvation; it’s about each of us recognizing Him as our own. It’s about knowing that God offers us a shelter against the storms of life, whether they be physical, emotional, or spiritual. It’s an invitation for us to approach Him for refuge. God invites us into an intimate relationship where we can find solace., strength, and assurance . . . It reminds us that God is unchanging amidst the shifting sands of life’s circumstances. He remains a firm foundation for us to stand upon.

Today, we still live in perilous times. And unlike in the 1940s, we as a society have grown further and further from God. The solid Rock is still there and always has been, but too many people have chosen to throw their anchor on sinking sand.  The words written 60 years ago ring more true today than they ever have. In our lives we will encounter storms of life, some which threaten to tear our whole ships apart. But if your anchor grips onto the solid Rock, there is no storm that can destroy you.  Rest from the turmoil of these times and claim these truths this week.

  

I am indebted to the following resources:

DianaLeaghMatthews.com

Robertjmorgan.com

Barryshymns.blogspot.com

101 More Hymn Stories, Kenneth W. Osbeck

By His Grace . . . 

 

I SurrenderAll

Songs of personal commitment to Christ often stem from a particular experience in the life of the author. This hymn is no different. And you can probably write your own story of that once in a lifetime moment when you surrendered all to Christ.

Billy Graham, evangelist of our century, wrote this tribute to Judson Van DeVenter: “One of the evangelists who influenced my early preaching was also a hymnist who wrote ‘I Surrender All.’ He was a regular visitor at the Florida Bible Institute (now Trinity Bible College) in the late 1930’s. We students loved this deeply spiritual gentleman and often gathered in his winter home at Tampa, Florida, for an evening of fellowship and singing.”

Judson Van DeVenter was born on a farm in Michigan in 1855 to a farmer, John Wesley and his wife, Eliza Ann. Judson had an older brother, Virgil and at least two younger siblings, Nelson and Fanny.

At the age of 17 he accepted Jesus into his heart. However, he struggled with surrendering it all. Following graduation from Hillsdale College, he married Malissa Miller, in 1880. Van DeVenter lived with his in-laws and worked as a painter, before teaching art in the public schools of Sharon, PA. He was, in addition, an accomplished musician, singer, and composer. Van DeVenter was also an active layman in the Methodist Episcopal Church, involved in the church's evangelistic meetings.

Over the years Van DeVenter mastered thirteen different musical instruments, along with singing and composing music, and he became very involved in the music ministry at his church.

Van DeVenter began to struggle with the call upon his life.  He was torn between continuing his teaching career or leaving and entering evangelistic ministry.  His friends greatly encouraged him to enter evangelism, because of his fervent faith. 

Van DeVenter describes the day he surrendered. “The song was written while I was conducting a meeting at East Palestine, Ohio, and in the home of George Sebring (founder of Sebring Camp Meeting Bible Conference) . . . For some time, I had struggled between developing my talents in the field of art and going into full-time evangelistic work.

"At last the pivotal hour of my life came, and I surrendered all. A new day was ushered into my life. I became an evangelist and discovered down deep in my soul a talent hitherto unknown to me. God had hidden a song in my heart, and touching a tender chord, he caused me to sing.”

Following his decision to surrender his life to Christ, he traveled extensively throughout the United States, England, and Scotland in evangelistic work. Van DeVenter had a radio program, “The Gospel in Song and Story.” 

He retired to Tampa, Florida and was a regular professor of hymnology at Florida Bible Institute in the 1920s.  After his retirement, he was a regular visitor to the Bible Institute.  He remained active with speaking and ministry engagements even after he retired.

Verse One

“All to Jesus I surrender,

All to Him I freely give;

I will ever love and trust Him,

In His presence daily live.”

 

1 Timothy 1:12

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that He considered me trustworthy, appointing me to His service.”

Scripturesavvy.com: The conclusion of Paul’s testimony is a beautiful affirmation of God’s eternal Kingship, His immortality, and His invisibility. It is a declaration of praise and honor to the only God, highlighting His eternal nature and ultimate authority. It reminds us that no matter what challenges we may face in this life, our hope and focus should always be on God and giving Him the glory He deserves.

Psalm 35:18

“I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among the throngs I will praise you.”

Studylight.org, Gill’s Exposition of the Whole Bible: This is the resolution the psalmist came unto; the promise he made, that should he be delivered from his enemies, he would give God thanks in the most public manner; that is, he would acknowledge God to be the Author of the mercy, and himself unworthy of it; and would ascribe glory, honor, blessing, and thanksgiving to Him, in the midst of the church and people of God.

Verse Two

“All to Jesus I surrender,

Humbly at his feet I bow,

Worldly pleasures all forsaken,

Take me, Jesus, take me now.”

Titus 2:12

“It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”

Biblehub.com, Barnes’ Note on the Whole Bible: That denying ungodliness and worldly lusts – ‘That by denying ourselves of these, or refusing to practice them, we should lead a holy life.’ The word ungodliness here means all that would be included under the word impiety; that is, all failure in the performance of our proper duties towards God. The phrase ‘worldly lusts’ refers to all improper desires pertaining to this life - the desire of wealth, pleasure, honor, sensual indulgence. It refers to such passions as the people of this world are prone to and would include all those things which cannot be indulged in with a proper reference to the world to come. The gross passions would be of course included, and all those more refined pleasures also which constitute the characteristic and special enjoyments of those who do not live unto God.

Verse Three

“All to Jesus I surrender;

Make me, Savior, wholly thine;

Let me feel the Holy Spirit,

Truly know that thou art mine.”

Psalm 51:11

“Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.”

Scripturesavvy.com: This plea for the presence of the Holy Spirit is a reminder of empowerment. We can’t do anything worthwhile in our own strength. This realization can be a freeing, albeit humbling, acknowledgment. As followers of Christ, we need to lean into His strength, drawing on His wisdom, and allow the Holy Spirit to guide our paths every day. When we seek God’s presence, we are ensured of His provision for our lives, just like David was when he continually sought the Lord during his reign as king.

Verse Four

“All to Jesus I surrender,

Lord, I give myself to thee,

Fill me with thy love and power,

Let thy blessing fall on me.”

Ephesians 3:19

“And to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

Scripturesavvy.com: The verse Ephesians 3:19 speaks to a profound experience that we, as believers in Christ, can have. It highlights the love of Christ, an unconditional and everlasting love that goes beyond our human understanding. This love is not just for intellectual knowledge but is meant to be experienced and felt deeply in our hearts. The phrase “that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” suggests that when we grasp the depth of Christ’s love, it leads us toward a richer and more complete life filled with God’s presence . . . Knowing the love of Christ is transformational . . . It’s about a personal relationship with Him, where we can feel His love, mercy, and grace in our lives. This love not only shapes who we are but also helps us understand how we interact with others. By understanding Christ’s love, we can also love others deeply and selflessly. This verse encourages us to seek a deeper relationship with God, embracing His love that is both vast and profound.

“That you may be filled with all the fullness of God” summarizes the outcome of knowing Christ’s love. This fullness represents all that God is—the wisdom, love, joy, and peace that come from Him. It assures us that God desires for us to be complete and fulfilled. When we embrace Christ’s love, God fills us with the essence of Himself, allowing us to represent His character in our everyday lives.

Refrain

“I surrender all,

I surrender all,

All to thee, my blessed Savior,

I surrender all”

Surrender is a powerful word. To give oneself up into the power of another. That is what we do. We give all of us into Jesus.

We have no need to fear giving God our all. He loves us deeply and knows what is truly best for us. On whatever path He takes us, we can be sure that the result will be a happier and more fruitful life than the one we would have planned for ourselves. May we sing with wholehearted confidence:

“All to Jesus I surrender, All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him, In His presence daily live.”

 

 I am indebted to the following Resources:

101 More Hymn Stories, Kenneth W. Osbeck

Umcdiscipleship.org

Godtube.com

Dianaleaghmatthews.com

Iblp.org

 By His Grace . . .

When Morning Gilds the Skies

I’ve always loved the title and first line of this hymn: “When morning gilds the skies my heart awakening cries: May Jesus Christ be praised!” I loved singing it as I drove to work and the sun broke through the darkness. My heart sang out: “May Jesus Christ be praised!” These five words form a brief refrain that encapsulates the intent of the entire hymn.

The hymn we sing today has 19th-century German roots, with a translation by Edward Caswall (1814-1878), a Roman Catholic and one of the foremost translators of hymns of his era; adapted by Robert Bridges (1844-1930), a British poet, and set to music by English choirmaster, Joseph Barnby (1838-1896).

We don’t always know the writer of a hymn, the story of a hymn writer’s life or how a hymn came to be. Yet hymns are not anonymous. Somebody wrote the text. Somebody was influenced by life’s circumstances, and somebody felt the touch of God.

The hymn first appeared in a Roman Catholic hymnal, Catholisches Gesangbuch in 1828. That hymnal originated in Wurzburg, on the Main River near Frankfurt.  That is a lovely country, with hills and streams.  It’s no wonder that a poet, seeing that beauty, would be inspired to write a hymn praising God for natural wonders.

The hymn celebrates more than natural wonders.  It calls us to praise God whether we are at work or at prayer––whether in the night or the day–– even when faced with the powers of darkness, which lose their power when subjected to praise to God.  It calls us to praise God “thro’ all the ages long.”

To praise God morning, noon and night, and by everyone, everywhere, is exactly what the author of “When Morning Gilds the Skies” had in mind.  

The hymn was translated from German into English by Edward Caswell, born in 1814. Caswell was the son of an Anglican clergyman and was ordained as an Anglican. He studied at Brasenose College, Oxford. He converted to Catholicism in 1847, prior to translating this hymn in 1854.

He was known for his interest in helping the poor, the sick and little children. He translated many Latin hymns into English. In addition to this hymn, Caswell translated the well-known, “Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee.”

Distinguished English poet and translator, Robert Bridges, tried his hand at improving the text, noting in 1899 that, “It is of great merit, and I have tried to give a better version of it than the current one, keeping the original metre, preserving the first lines of the old translation, since it is by them that the hymn is known.”

Robert Seymour Bridges was a British poet who was Poet Laureate 1913 to 1930. A doctor by training, he achieved literary fame only late in life. His poems reflect a deep Christian faith, and he is the author of many well-known hymns.

Bridges was born in England, the son of John Thomas Bridges and Harriett Elizabeth. He was the fourth son and eighth child. Bridges was educated at Eton College in Oxford. He went on to study medicine in London at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital intending to practice until the age of forty and then retire to write poetry.

Lung disease forced Bridges to retire from his post as physician in 1885, and from that point on he devoted himself to writing and literary research. However, Bridges's literary work started long before his retirement, spending the rest of his life in rural seclusion.

He was elected to the Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians of London in 1900. He was appointed Poet Laureate in 1913, the only medical graduate to have held the office.

Verse One

“When morning gilds the skies,

my heart awakening cries:

May Jesus Christ be praised!

Alike at work and prayer,

to Jesus I repair:

May Jesus Christ be praised!”

Psalm 59:16

“But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.”

Studylight.org, Gill’s Exposition of the Whole Bible: Of providential mercies, which are new every morning; and of special mercy in the heart of God, in the covenant of His grace, in redemption, in regeneration, in the pardon of sin, and in eternal life and salvation.

Scripturesavvy.com: Mornings often symbolize fresh starts, new hope, and an opportunity to renew our spirits. When we begin our day by reflecting on God’s love, we set a positive tone for everything that follows. It reminds us that God is with us in every moment, no matter the struggles we face. Each day offers a chance to approach life with renewed grace, allowing God’s love to saturate our hearts.

Verse Two

“To God, the Word on high,

the hosts of angels cry:

May Jesus Christ be praised!

Let mortals too upraise,

their voices in hymns of praise:

May Jesus Christ be praised!”

Psalm 148:2

“Praise Him, all His angels; praise Him, all His heavenly hosts.”

Enduringword.com The psalmist called upon all angelic beings to give God praise. This is the constant occupation of the living creatures surrounding God’s throne. The company of faithful angels is like a great army (all His hosts).

Studylight.org, Smith’s Bible Commentary: The calling forth for praise unto God by all of His created hosts: the angels, the hosts, the stars, and planets, and the universe.

Scripturesavvy.com: This verse speaks to our responsibility as humanity to recognize the power and majesty of God. Just as angels and celestial beings are called to praise, we too should join in. It serves as a reminder that every creation, from the stars to the trees and the animals we see, has a role in glorifying God. This brings a sense of purpose not only to us as individuals but also to the entire universe. God desires for all to worship Him, encompassing both the seen and the unseen realms.

Verse Three

“Let earth’s wide circle round,

in joyful notes resound:

May Jesus Christ be praised!

Let air and sea and sky,

from depth to height reply:

May Jesus Christ be praised!”

Psalm 96:11

“Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it.”

Barnes’ Notes on the Whole Bible: Let all worlds be full of joy, as they are all interested in the fact here stated. The universe is one. It has been made by the same hand; it is under the control of the same mind; it is governed by the same laws. The God who reigns on earth reigns in heaven; and what affects one part of the universe affects all. Hence, in all the manifestation of the character of God, whether made in heaven or in the earth, it is proper to call on all the universe to partake in the general joy . . . In praise to God, it is not uncommon in the Scriptures to call on inanimate things to praise God . . . His reign is an occasion for universal gladness. All in the inanimate world; all among the irrational tribes of being; all in the air, in the waters, or on the earth, have occasion for praise, and would render praise if they could appreciate the wisdom and goodness evinced in their creation.

Verse Four

“Be this, when day is past,

of all our thoughts the last:

May Jesus Christ be praised!

The night becomes as day,

when from the heart we say:

May Jesus Christ be praised!”

Revelation 22:5

“There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.”

Studylight.org, Coffman’s Commentaries on the Bible: All of the dread and fear of the darkness which have dogged the steps of humanity through the ages shall disappear in the light and bliss of heaven. "The saved will need no sun nor lamp, because of the light of the divine glory with them." Isbon T. Beckwith, op. cit., p. 767.

Studylight.org, Gill’s Exposition of the Whole Bible: The Lord God giveth them light; immediately from Himself, without the use of means and ordinances; and in His light the saints will see all things clearly; who will be always communicating it to them, and will be their everlasting light; and they shall reign for ever and ever.

Verse Five

“Be this, while life is mine,

My canticle divine,

May Jesus Christ be praised!

Be this th' eternal song

Through all the ages long,

Colossians 3:16 

“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”

Bibleref.com: Paul encourages the singing of various types of spiritual songs. Paul never gives preference to one type of music over another. His purpose here is simply to state that all types of music were to be used to let the word of Christ dwell richly within us. This singing was to be done with an attitude of thanksgiving. Singing praise to God is largely associated with showing our gratitude to Him, rather than focusing on ourselves or our own desires.

Biblehub.com: A canticle is a hymn or song of praise drawn directly from Scripture (outside the Book of Psalms) or composed in a manner intentionally reflective of scriptural praise

Jesus Christ deserves our praise. Day or night must not pass without words and songs of praise to our Lord. Whether our day is hard or our night lonely, the praise we bring forth for our Savior must come from a steadfast spirit and firm faith.

 

I am indebted to the following resources:

Sermonwriter.com

Umcdiscipleship.org

En.wikipedia.org

The Complete Book of Hymns, William J. Petersen and Ardythe Petersen

By His Grace . . .