Faith

Jesus Loves Me

/ Gail Johnson / 5 Comments

As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love (John 15:9 KJV).

When I was growing up, I often heard the phrase ‘simple is best’ more times than I can count. It is still true today. Why create a masterpiece only to hide the truth amid clutter?

The classic hymn “Jesus Loves Me” is one of those songs with simple words and simple notes revealing profound truth to the reader, singer, and musician. Discovering how this treasure came to be was a thrilling journey.

I first read about the Warners in Robert J. Morgan’s Then Sings My Soul Book 3. If you haven’t read his books. Go purchase them. They will feed your heart, soul, and mind. I use them for devotions, private worship, and references. The background stories have lifted my flagging spirit many times.

Let’s get started.

Author

Henry Warner was a New York lawyer. He purchased land on the east side of the Hudson River called Constitution Island. He and his brother planned to build a resort hotel. When Henry lost his money in a financial disaster, he moved his family there instead. When he couldn’t pay his bills, the sheriff confiscated most of their personal belongings. His wife and several children passed, leaving two teenage daughters. His sister became a surrogate mom for Susan and Anna.

The girls spent their time learning as much as they could about nature, life, and the Bible. Both became prolific writers. Susan’s first book, The Wide, Wide World, was published by George Putnam and sold in bookstores. Anna’s first book, Dollars and Cents, was published under a pseudonym. Later they coauthored a Victorian Christian romance novel published in 1860. Anna wrote the first verse of Jesus Loves Me for a scene in that book. People loved it. When William B. Bradbury read the novel, he created a tune and added a chorus. The song became what we sing today.

That should inspire all writers!

Anyway, back to the story. Their ancestors fought in the American Revolution alongside George Washington. Susan and Anna taught Bible classes to West Point cadets. Both women were buried at West Point.

There is so much more about these ladies. I would love to see a historical novel based on their lives!

Song

Jesus Loves me! this I know,
For the Bible tells me so;
Little ones to Him belong,
They are weak but He is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.

Jesus loves me! He who died
Heaven’s gate to open wide;
He will wash away my sin,
Let His little child come in.

Jesus loves me! He will stay
Close beside me all the way;
Thou has bled and died for me,
I will henceforth live for Thee.

Anna B. Warner | William B. Bradbury | Public Domain | 1859

Note

My hymnals listed different verses. I included the ones that were in more than one book.

I hope you enjoyed finding out more about this beloved hymn. Do you still sing this song? Share in the comments.

Love Lifted Me

/ Gail Johnson / 2 Comments

He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters

(Psalm 18:16 KJV).

The hymn “Love Lifted Me” is a picture of someone drowning in sin. But rather than sinking into death, Christ lifts them from their trespasses and gives them a new life in Him.

Salvation is certainly a reason to break out in song!

The Author

“Love Lifted Me” was written in 1912 by James Rowe and Howard Smith. Rowe wrote the lyrics. Smith provided the music. Other familiar hymns written by James Rowe can be found in hymnals across the land. Hymns such as…

If I Could Hear My Mother Pray Again | You Never Mentioned Him to Me | I Would Be Like Jesus | Sweeter As The Years Go By | Redeemed (This is not the hymn “Redeemed” by Fanny Crosby.)

If you research James Rowe, you will find recurring themes throughout his hymns. For instance, the Savior’s love for His children is portrayed in this hymn. Rescued from sin is another theme I found. Service and devotion are also mentioned. All encourage the singer and reader to draw closer to God and live a devoted life.

The Song

I was sinking deep in sin, Far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within, Sinking to rise no more;
But the Master of the sea Heard my despairing cry,
From the water lifted me—Now safe am I.

Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help, Love lifted me!

All my heart to Him I give, Ever to Him I’ll cling,
In His blessed presence live, Ever His praises sing;
Love so mighty and so true Merits my soul’s best songs,
Faithful, loving, service too, To Him belongs.

Souls in danger, look above; Jesus completely saves;
He will lift you by His love Out of the angry waves.
He’s the Master of the sea, Billows His will obey;
He your Savior wants to be—Be saved today.

Text by James Rowe. Music by Howard E. Smith
Public Domain

When the Home Gates Swing Open

/ Gail Johnson / 10 Comments

The race for 2026 has begun, and I’m still at the gate. How are you doing?

Whether you are ahead, stuck in the middle, or lagging behind, take heart. The year is still young. Extend yourself some grace. Make a plan. Keep your eyes on the finish line. God is with us.

This month’s hymn is an encouraging word about winning the race and receiving the prize. Let’s take a look.

Author

Oren Adolphus Parris (1897-1966), a native of Jefferson County, Alabama, served as a bugler in World War I. A prolific songwriter, he became a key figure in the publishing business. In 1997, he was inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

Song

I am on the upward road, leading to that bright abode,
Where forever my soul shall be free;
Won’t that be a happy time, heaven’s bells will sweetly chime,
When the home gates swing open for me.

But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city (Hebrews 11:16).

And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever (Revelation 22:5).

That will be a happy day,
When the clouds have passed away
From my cares I shall be free,
When the home gates swing open for me.

Tho’ sometime the path may lead thru the vale of sin and greed,
Jesus ever my refuge will be;
Soon at home my trials o’er, I shall praise Him evermore,
When the home gates swing open for me.

There hath no temptation taken you but such as man can bear: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make also the way of escape, that ye may be able to endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13).

But let all those that take refuge in thee rejoice, Let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: Let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee (Psalm 5:11).

I’ll keep walking in His light, till my faith shall end in sight,
He will lead me till safe o’er the sea;
I shall find a welcome there, and a crown of glory wear,
When the home gates swing open for me.

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him (1 Corinthians 2:9).

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Romans 8:18).

When the Home Gates Swing Open (1927) | Oren Adolphus Parris | Public Domain

Be strong. Take courage. The Lord is on our side.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen (Revelation 22:21).