Faith

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).

Doxology

/ Gail Johnson / 9 Comments

Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven (Psalm 148:13).

Who is the psalmist speaking to in the above verse? Let’s read Psalm 148 for the answer!

The Scriptures

Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the LORD from the heavens: praise him in the heights. 
Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts. 
Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light. 
Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens. 
Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created. 
He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass. 
Praise the LORD from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps: 
Fire, and hail; snow, and vapour; stormy wind fulfilling his word: 
Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars: 
Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl: 
Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth: 
Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children: 
Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven. 
He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the LORD.

I think that covers all creation!

The Author

Thomas Ken 1637-1711

Thomas Ken was a man of courage, standing up for what was right, no matter the consequences. Hymnary.org has an author page dedicated to him. It is well worth the read. Read the story here.

The Song

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Thomas Ken | Public Domain

Giving Thanks

This song has been on a loop inside my heart for the past week. I pray you will join me in giving thanks and praising “Him from whom ALL blessings flow” as we celebrate with our families and friends!

YOU are one of those blessings. You have encouraged me this year, and it is because of YOU and the Lord that I didn’t quit. Thank you for sticking with me during my crazy summer. I thank the Lord for YOU.

Happy Thanksgiving, my friend!

Gail