The original lyrics to this song (published in 1843) are credited to Christian Henry Bateman (1813-1889). Bateman ministered in England and Scotland for over fifty years and wrote a handful of hymns, this one being his best-known. I gather this Continue Reading →
Charlie Johnston likes to weave God into the conversation any time he can. In this song he uses a classic technique to start the visit — he leads with a question. “Do you know what God will do for you?” Continue Reading →
“Victors in Jesus, more than conquerors, bold, virtuous, wise, patient” — all these are among qualities Christians are able to have in their lives. Would you agree that exercising those qualities would make a person appreciate all the more two Continue Reading →
The best, most enduring hymns combine lots of good-news bible truth with beautiful lyrics and a compelling, singable melody. This song, lyrics written by one of the best known, most productive and influential hymn writers of English Christendom, displays those Continue Reading →
I think many of us grew up learning practically the same set of Christmas songs — some celebrating the birth of Jesus, others secular, happy just to embrace warmth, contentment, good cheer — and even humor — without reference to Continue Reading →
Here is another song by Charlie Johnston that stirs our thinking — this time to celebrate, among other things, that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was indeed born. Scholars disagree on exactly when Jesus was born, but wise men Continue Reading →
This song “Thankful” — by singer-songwriter-pastor Cliff Adelman — has meant much to me and many others for a lot of years. It’s a “thankful list” set to music. Please give it a sing-along listen, then come back for more Continue Reading →
“My Thankful Heart” is another song from the lovely collection of hymns Charlie P. Johnston published in 2009. (“My Cup Runneth Over” is also his.) This is a peaceful prayer song of thanks to the Lord. Not only does this Continue Reading →
The word “just” can be used to make something smaller or less valuable, as in, “Oh, it’s just an old shirt.” But the “just” in our song “Just Be Thankful” is not there to make “being thankful” smaller — rather Continue Reading →
Much of the familiar that is all around would be seen as miraculous — or at least astounding — if we would think about it. But many live life not astounded and see no miracles simply because what is all Continue Reading →