In My Heart There Rings A Melody Hymn History and Lyrics

In My Heart There Rings A Melody Hymn History

The words and tune of this hymn are from the pen of Elton M Roth (1891 - 1951).  He was born at Berne, Indiana and passed away at Glendale, California.

Roth was one of the most well known musician of his day and contributed over a hundred hymns to the church.

According to Mr Roth this hymn came suddenly to him while assisting with evangelism in Texas in 1923. He recalled, "That evening I introduced the song by having more than 200 boys and girls sing it at the open air meeting, after which the audience joined in the singing. I was thrilled as it seemed my whole being was transformed into song."

Elton Roth

In My Heart There Rings A Melody Lyrics

Verse 1

I have a song that Jesus gave me

It was sent from heav'n above

There never was a sweeter melody

'Tis a melody of love

Chorus:

In my heart there rings a melody

There rings a melody with heaven's harmony

In my heart there rings a melody

There rings a melody of love

Verse 2

I love the Christ who died on Calv'ry

For He washed my sins away

He put within my heart a melody

And I know it's there to stay Chorus

Verse 3

'Twill be my endless theme in glory

With the angels I will sing

'Twill be a song with glorious harmony

When the courts of heaven ring Chorus

For links to more lyrics and stories of hymns visit here.

In My Heart Rings A Melody Video.

In My Heart There Rings a Melody - Andy Harsant

I Gave My Life For Thee Hymn History and Lyrics

I Gave My Life For Thee Hymn History

This is another hymn from Frances Ridley Havergal who wrote many poems and hymns that have continued to bless millions of Christians all over the world.

Other hymns that she wrote include, "Golden harps are sounding,” “I gave my life for thee," “Jesus, Master, Whose I am,” “Lord, speak to me,” “O Master, at Thy feet,” “Take my life and let it be,” and “Tell it out among the heathen,"

Havergal was born on December 14, 1836 at Astley, Worcestershire, England. She is said to have been passionately fond of music from her babyhood. One of her godmother is reported to have said, "I believe Fanny will die singing." This was to come true on her passing.

Havergal passed away when she was only forty-two on June 3, 1879. When she was told that her inflammation was increasing she among other things asked for the hymn, "How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds".  

She also chose here own text, "The Blood of Jesus Christ His Son Cleanseth us from all sin" to be place on her coffin.

She died while singing her own hymn.

The inspiration for today's hymn came from the text on a picture of the crucified Savior she saw in German. The text (motto) was: "I did this for thee. What hast thou done for me?"  This was in 1858.

As she read these words the lines of this hymn started forming in her head. She wrote them in pencil on a scrap of paper. 

She however did not like the song and tossed the paper into a stove. Fortunately for us the words were not touched by the fire. A few months later she showed the song to her father who asked her to preserve them.

We thank God that she did preserve this as we would have missed out on this beautiful hymn.

Frances Havergal

I Gave My Life For Thee Hymn Lyrics

I gave My life for thee,

My precious blood I shed,

That thou might ransomed be,

And raised up from the dead;

I gave, I gave My life for thee,

What hast thou giv’n for Me?

I gave, I gave My life for thee,

What hast thou giv’n for Me?

My Father’s house of light,

My glory-circled throne

I left for earthly night,

For wand’rings sad and lone;

I left, I left it all for thee,

Hast thou left aught for Me?

I left, I left it all for thee,

Hast thou left aught for Me?

I suffered much for thee,

More than thy tongue can tell,

Of bitt’rest agony,

To rescue thee from hell;

I’ve borne, I’ve borne it all for thee,

What hast thou borne for Me?

I’ve borne, I’ve borne it all for thee,

What hast thou borne for Me?

And I have brought to thee,

Down from My home above,

Salvation full and free,

My pardon and My love;

I bring, I bring rich gifts to thee,

What hast thou brought to Me?

I bring, I bring rich gifts to thee,

What hast thou brought to Me?

For links to more lyrics and stories of popular hymns click here.

Below is a video featuring this hymn.

His Eye Is On The Sparrow Story and Lyrics

His Eye Is On The Sparrow Story

This song that has comforted millions of Christians all over the world was penned in 1904 by Civilla Martin.

Civilla Martin was born in 1866 in Nova Scotia, Canada. She married an evangelist and they together travelled all over the United States conducting evangelistic campaigns. She worked with him on music during those meetings.

This song was inspired by a visit that Civilla maded to an ill and bedridden friend. Her friend was discouraged by her illness but remembered of a God who watches over each little sparrow and she therefore believed that the same God would watch over her.

It is from this incident that Mrs Martin thought of writting a poem about this incident. She completed it the same day.

She later on sent the poem to Charles Gabriel, a well known composer of hymns in those days. Charles Gabriel added music to the song that has soothed and comforted millions all over the world. 

Charles Gabriel

His Eye Is On the Sparrow Meaning.

The sparrow is one of the smallest birds in the world and may be considered as of no consequence to many people and could sold cheaply. But Jesus says God does still does care and notices when one of them falls to the ground. 

This is as per Matthew 10:29-31, "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."

If God cares about the tiny sparrow, how much more will He care for your needs my brothers and sisters. That is the message and meaning of this phrase,"his eye is on the sparrow"

His Eye Is On The Sparrow lyrics

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,

Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,

When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

I sing because I'm happy,

I sing because I'm free,

For His eye is on the sparrow,

And I know He watches me.

"Let not your heart be troubled," His tender word I hear,

And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;

Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

I sing because I'm happy,

I sing because I'm free,

For His eye is on the sparrow,

And I know He watches me.

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,

When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,

I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

I sing because I'm happy,

I sing because I'm free,

For His eye is on the sparrow,

And I know He watches me.

For more stories and lyrics click here.

His Eye Is On The Sparrow Youtube Video

Lauryn Hill and Tanya Blount singing this beautiful song.

The Great Speckled Bird Song Story and Lyrics

The Story Behind, "The Great Speckled Bird"

This song was composed by Reverend Guy Smith, a minister of the gospel in Springfield Missouri. He was a travelling evangelist in that area.

This song's unusual title and lyrics were inspired by Jeremiah 12:9, "Mine heritage is unto me as a speckled bird, the birds round about are against her; come ye, assemble all the beasts of the field, come to devour."

The song was popularised by Roy Acuff (1903-1992) who had heard it from an obsecure group called The Black Shirts who used the same English folk tune as the Carter Family's 1929 Top Ten pop hit "I'm Thinking Tonight of My Blue Eyes".

Acuff is reported to have paid one of the group members fifty cents to have the song transcribed for him. It became the most requested number of his group Acuff and His Crazy Tennesseans and the rest is history.

Acuff and his group published this song in 1936.

Roy Acuff

The Great Speckled Bird Song Lyrics

What a beautiful thought I am thinking

Concerning a great speckled bird

Remember her name is recorded

On the pages of God's Holy Word.

All the other birds are flocking 'round her

And she is despised by the squad

But the great speckled bird in the Bible

Is one with the great church of God.

All the other churches are against her

They envy her glory and fame

They hate her because she is chosen

And has not denied Jesus' name.

Desiring to lower her standard

They watch every move that she makes

They long to find fault with her teachings

But really they find no mistake.

She is spreading her wings for a journey

She's going to leave by and by

When the trumpet shall sound in the morning

She'll rise and go up in the sky.

In the presence of all her despisers

With a song never uttered before

She will rise and be gone in a moment

Till the great tribulation is o'er.

I am glad I have learned of her meekness

I am proud that my name is on her book

For I want to be one never fearing

The face of my Savior to look.

When He cometh descending from heaven

On the cloud that He writes in His Word

I'll be joyfully carried to meet Him

On the wings of that great speckled bird.

For more links to more stories and lyrics visit here.

In the video below Roy Acuff sings this song.

Safe In The Arms of Jesus Hymn Story and Lyrics

Story Behind "Safe In The Arms of Jesus"

Safe In The Arms of Jesus is a hymn that took the author, Fanny Crosby, only a few minutes to compose. It was a collaboration between William Howard Doan and Fanny Crosby.

It is said that Doan a friend of Fanny Crosby had only 40 minutes before the train that was to take him to Cincinnati was to leave but wanted a hymn. He wanted to use this hymn the following month at a state wide Sunday School convention in Cincinnati.

Doan started playing the piano and Fanny Crosby felt the proper words for that music would be "Safe in the Arms of Jesus. She thought that that would be the appropriate hymn for boys and girls at the convention.

Then Fanny Crosby sat down and wrote the lyrics while Doane played through the tune as she continued to write. She says she was so caught up in the writing that nothing around her mattered.

At the end she folded the piece of paper bearing the song and gave it to Mr Doane. Doane had not read the words until he boarded the train.

Fanny Crosby

Safe In The Arms Of Jesus Hymn Lyrics

Safe in the arms of Jesus,

Safe on His gentle breast,

There by His love o’ershaded,

Sweetly my soul doth rest.

Hark! ’tis a song of heaven

Borne in the sweetest voice,

Echoed by saints in spirit,

Making my heart rejoice.

 

Safe in the arms of Jesus,

Safe on His gentle breast,

There by His love o’ershaded,

Sweetly my soul doth rest.

Safe in the arms of Jesus,

Safe from corroding care,

Safe from the world’s temptations,

Sin cannot harm me there.

Free from the blight of sorrow,

Free from my doubts and fears;

Only a few more trials,

Only a few more tears.

Jesus, my heart’s dear Refuge,

Jesus has died for me;

Firm on the Rock of Ages

Ever my trust shall be.

Here let me wait with patience,

Wait till the night is o’er,

Wait till I see the morning

Break on the golden shore.

For more links to more hymn stories and lyrics visit here.

Safe In The Arms of Jesus Video

A choirs singing this beautiful hymn.

Rescue The Perishing Hymn Story and Lyrics - Fanny Crosby, 1869

Rescue The Perising History.

This hymn is another hymn from the prolific hymn writer, Fanny Crosby. She wrote this hymn in 1869. 

Fanny Crosby was born on March 24, 1820. She grew up as a member of the Presbyterian church but later in life became a member of the Methodist church..

She lost her vision when she was just six weeks old. It was the result of an improper treatment of an eye infection.

She wrote this hymn following the experience she had with men who were being housed at New York City Mission. Being concerned about their spiritual wellbeing she pleaded with them telling them that if anyone had wandered away from his mother's teaching he should meet her at the end of the meeting.

One of the men responded and told her that he wanted to see his mother in heaven but was concerned that his life would prevent that from happening. Fanny Crosby prayed with him fervently and he gave his life to the Lord. 

It is this experience that led her to compose this hymn.

This song is almost a command for Christians to concern themselves with saving and helping the perishing physically and spiritually.

This should be our prayer and duty too to help the people suffering from sin and earthly problems. Jesus is merciful and Jesus saves.

May this be the prayer and concern of us all!

Fanny Crosby

Rescue The Perishing Hymn Lyrics

1 Rescue the perishing, care for the dying,

snatch them in pity from sin and the grave;

weep o'er the erring one, lift up the fallen,

tell them of Jesus, the mighty to save.

Refrain:

Rescue the perishing,

care for the dying;

Jesus is merciful,

Jesus will save.

2 Though they are slighting Him, still He is waiting,

waiting the penitent child to receive;

plead with them earnestly, plead with them gently.

He will forgive if they only believe. [Refrain]

3 Down in the human heart, crushed by the tempter,

feelings lie buried that grace can restore;

touched by a loving heart, wakened by kindness,

chords that are broken will vibrate once more. [Refrain]

4 Rescue the perishing, duty demands it.

Strength for thy labor the Lord will provide;

back to the narrow way patiently win them,

tell the poor wanderer a Savior has died. [Refrain]

For more links to more stories and lyrics visit here.

Rescue The Perishing Hymn Video

Find below a video of a choir singing this song.

Turn Your Radio On Song Lyrics and Story

Who Wrote Turn Your Radio On?

This song, Turn Your Radio On is the composition of Albert Edward Brumley. It was first published in 1939.

Brumley was born in 1905 near Spiro, Oklahoma, United States. He passed away in 1977.

Oklahoma then was mainly an agricultural state and he spent his early life farming cotton on his family's farm.

He learnt music at the Hartford Musical Institute of Hartford, Arkansas from 1926 to 1931. It is here where he met his wife, nee Goldie Edith Schell in 1931. They had six children.

Brumley wrote over 800 songs, including, I'll Fly Away, I'll Meet You In The Morning and He Set Me Free.

Albert E Brumley

What Was The Inspiration Behind Turn Your Radio On?

Below is a quote from the author himself, Albert E Brumley:

"I wrote 'Turn Your Radio On' in 1937, and it was published in 1938. At this time radio was relatively new to the rural people, especially gospel music programs. I had become alert to the necessity of creating song titles, themes, and plots, and frequently people would call me and say, 'Turn your radio on, Albert, they're singing one of your songs on such-and-such a station.' It finally dawned on me to use their quote, 'Turn your radio on,' as a theme for a religious originated song, and this was the beginning of 'Turn Your Radio On' as we know it."

Turn Your Radio Song Lyrics

Well come and listen in

To a radio station

Where the mighty hosts

Of heaven sing

Turn your radio on

(Turn your radio)

Turn your radio on

(Turn your radio on)

If you want to feel

Those good vibrations

Comin' from the joy

That His love can bring

Turn your radio on

(Turn your radio on)

Turn your radio on

Turn your radio on

(Oh yes turn your radio on)

And listen to the music in the air

Turn your radio on

(Oh yes turn your radio on)

And glory share

(Glory glory share)

Turn your lights down low

(Oh yes turn your lights down low)

And listen to the Master's radio

Get in touch with God

(Get in touch with God)

Turn your radio on

(Turn your radio on)

Don'tcha know that everybody

Is a radio receiver

All you gotta do

Is listen for the call

Turn your radio on

(Turn your radio)

Turn your radio on

(Turn your radio on)

If you listen in

You will be a believer

Leanin' on the truth

That will never fall

Get in touch with God

(Get in touch with God)

Turn your radio on

Turn your radio on

(Oh yes turn your radio on)

And listen to the music in the air

Turn your radio on

(Oh yes turn your radio on)

And glory share

(Glory glory share)

Turn your lights down low

(Oh yes turn your lights down low)

And listen to the Master's radio-o-o-o-o

(Turn your lights down low

And listen to the Master's radio)

Get in touch with God

(Get in touch with God)

Turn your radio on

(Turn your radio on)

Songwriters: BRUMLEY SR., ALBERT E.

For more song lyrics and stories visit here.

Turn Your Radio On Video

Ben Speer - Official Video for 'Turn Your Radio On [Live]'

At the Cross (Alas, and Did My Savior Bleed)

At The Cross Hymn Story

At the Cross is one of the most popular hymns that I heard when growing up. I remember hearing this song almost every Sabbath. It was the faovourite of most of the people in my congreagation. 

The author of this song is none other than the famous hymn writer, Isaac Watts (1674 - 1748). Isaac Watts was a minister of the word of God and wrote poems and hymns to go with his sermons. 

He grow up as a member of a group of Christians who were called non conformist or Dissenters. They were called that way because they believed that the Church of England did not break away enough from the teachings of the catholic church. His father was sent to jail twice for his convinctions.

Isaac Watts grew up at a time when people believed that all songs should be directly taken from the scriptures. Isaac Watts disagreed saying that if we can pray to God using our own words (sentences) then surely using our own words (sentences) in songs should also be acceptable.

His songs were criticized heavily by the Church of England and the Catholic church. They said his songs were "uninspired" as they were not direct quotations from the bible.

The history of Christian music has not been a smooth one. The music that we accept today was considered anathema a long time ago. Change is slow in religion.

It is said that he wrote over 600 hymns and is sometimes referred to as the father of english hymns. Another hymn that is still famous even among non church goers is the Christmas carol, Joy to The World.

The original title for this song was, "Godly Sorrow Arising From the Sufferings of Christ" and it did not have a refrain and the tune is now lost. It was only later on 1885 that Ralph F Hudson added the refrain and that tune that we use now.

Another interesting thing that I have just discovered that is that this song played a big role in the conversation of another famous prolific hymn writer, Fanny Crosby (1820 -1915). Crosby is the author of so many hymns that are still popular a 100 years later after her death. Some of her best known hymns include, Safe in the Arms of Jesus, Rescue the Perishing, Blessed Assurance and Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior. She collaborated with famous musicians of her day such as Ira D Sankey.

Fanny Crosby records the following concerning her conversion: 

"..After a prayer was offered, they began to sing the grand old consecration hymn, “Alas, and did my Saviour bleed, And did my Sovereign die?” And when they reached the third line of the fourth stanza, “Here Lord, I give my self away,” my very soul was flooded with a celestial light. I sprang to my feet, shouting “Hallelu­jah,” and then for the first time I realized that I had been trying to hold the world in one hand and the Lord in the other."

Isaac Watts

At The Cross Hymn Lyrics

Alas, and did my Savior bleed?

And did my Sovereign die?

Would He devote that sacred head

For such a worm as I?

 

At the cross, at the cross where

I first saw the light,

And the burden of my heart rolled away,

It was there by faith I received my sight,

And now I am happy all the day!

Was it for sins that I had done

He groaned upon the tree?

Amazing pity! grace unknown!

And love beyond degree!

Well might the sun in darkness hide,

 And shut His glories in,

When Christ, the mighty Maker, died

For man, His creature’s sin.

Thus might I hide my blushing face

While His dear cross appears.

Dissolve my heart in thankfulness,

And melt mine eyes to tears.

But drops of grief can ne’er repay

The debt of love I owe;

Here, Lord, I give myself away,

’Tis all that I can do.

For links to more stories and lyrics click here.

At the Cross Video

Gaither Vocal Band - Official Video for “At the Cross (Live)"

I'll Fly Away Hymn Story and Lyrics

I'll Fly Away Hymn Story

This song is a composition by Albert E Brumley. It was written in 1929 and published by the Hartford Music company.

I have always associated this song with late Jim Reeves as I first heard it while listening to one of his albums. It has stuck with me all these years with its inspiring and positive message.

It is now found in most evangelical churches' hymnals.

Albert E Brumley is one of the most prolific gospel songwriters of the 20th century and is reported to have published over 600 songs.

It is said that he came up with the idea for this song while picking cotton on his father's farm in Rock Island, Oklahoma. He was humming an old balland called, The Prisoner's Song when he thought of compising a gospel song based on this balad.

The Prisoner's Song has a line which goes, "If I had the wings of an angel, over these prison walls I would fly." It is this line that inspired Brumley the most to compose I'll Fly Away.

It took Brumley at least three years to finally come up with the final version of this song.

Albert Brumley

I'll Fly Away Hymn Lyrics

Some glad morning when this life is o'er,
I'll fly away;
To a home on God's celestial shore,
I'll fly away (I'll fly away).

Chorus
I'll fly away, Oh Glory
I'll fly away; (in the morning)
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by,
I'll fly away (I'll fly away).

When the shadows of this life have gone,
I'll fly away;
Like a bird from prison bars has flown,
I'll fly away (I'll fly away)

Chorus

Just a few more weary days and then,
I'll fly away;
To a land where joy shall never end,
I'll fly away (I'll fly away)

For more hymn stories and lyrics visit here.

I'll Fly Away Video

Gaither Music : Joey + Rory - Official Video for “I'll Fly Away (Live)

Where We'll Never Grow Old Hymn Story and Lyrics

Never Grow Old Story

This song, Where We'll Never Grow Old is from the pen of James Cleveland Moore. He authored this song in 1914.

James Cleveland Moore was the son of Charles Robert and Mary Ellen Hesterley Moore. He was born in Draketown, Georgia on May 2, 1888.

The inspiration for this song is based on an experience James C Moore had hearing his fathers failing voice due to his advanced age. He knew that due to his fathers age he knew that soon he would not be able to hear his father sing.

James C Moore was 26 when he experienced this and was a seminary student at Mercer University in Macron, Georgia.

When he returned to school, James C Moore immediately wrote this hymn as a dedication to his father and mother.

It is based on Revelation 21:4 "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."

This song also known as just, "Never Grow Old" has been sung by famous musicians such Jim Reeves, Johnny Cash, Aretha Franklin etc.

James C Moore

Where We'll Never Grow Old Lyrics

I have heard of a land on the faraway strand,
’Tis a beautiful home of the soul;
Built by Jesus on high, where we never shall die,
’Tis a land where we never grow old.

Refrain:

Never grow old, never grow old,
In a land where we’ll never grow old;
Never grow old, never grow old,
In a land where we’ll never grow old.

In that beautiful home where we’ll never more roam,
We shall be in the sweet by and by;
Happy praise to the King through eternity sing,
’Tis a land where we never shall die.

When our work here is done and the life-crown is won,
And our troubles and trials are o’er;
All our sorrow will end, and our voices will blend,
With the loved ones who’ve gone on before.

For more hymn stories and lyrics visit here.

Where We'll Never Grow Old Video

Bill & Gloria Gaither - Official Video for 'Where We'll Never Grow Old (Live)

We'll Soon Be Done With Troubles and Trials Hymn Story and Lyrics

We'll Soon Be Done With Troubles and Trials Story

We'll Soon Be Done With Troubles and Trials is a hymn that was written by Cleavant Derricks. It was first published in 1934 in "Pearls of Paradise."

Cleavant Derricks was born on May, 13 1909 in Chattanooga, Tennessee and passed away in 1977. He served as a pastor and choir director in the Baptist church. He worked in places such as Washington DC, Tennessee and Wisconsin

He is reported to have written more than 300 songs and several song books. Some of his most famous songs include, "Just a Little Talk With Jesus", "When God Dipped His Love In My Heart and When He Blessed My Soul.

He left behind twin sons, Cleavant Derricks and Clinton Derricks-Carroll. His twin sons are now involved in acting besides their singing career.

Cleavant Derricks Jr., worked with his father on the gospel album, Satisfaction Guaranteed.

Cleavant Derricks Jnr also won a Tony Award for creating the role of James "Thunder" Early in Dreamgirls.

Cleavant Derricks

We'll Soon Be Done With Troubles and Trials Lyrics

Some of these days I'm going home

Where no sorrows ever come,

(We'll soon be done)

We'll soon be done with troubles and trials;

(Troubles and trials)

Safe from Heartaches, pain and care,

We shall all that glory share,

(And I'm gonna)

Sit down beside my Jesus,

(Lord, I'm gonna)

Sit down and rest a little while.

Chorus:

(We'll soon be done)

We'll soon be done with troubles and trials,

(Troubles and trials. In that home)

Yes, in that home on the other side,

(On the other side, and I'm gonna)

Shake glad hands with the elders,

(Lord, and)

Tell my kindred good morning,

(Then I'm gonna)

Sit down beside my Jesus,

(Lord, I'm)

Gonna sit down and rest a li'l while.

2. Kindred and friends now wait for me,

Soon their faces I shall see,

(We'll soon be done)

We'll soon be done with troubles and trials;

(Troubles and trials)

'Tis a home of Life so fair

And we'll all be gathered there,

(And I'm gonna)

Sit down beside my Jesus,

(Lord, I'm gonna)

Sit down and rest a little while.

Chorus:

3. I shall behold his blessed face,

I shall feel his matchless grace,

(We'll soon be done)

We'll soon be done with troubles and trials;

(Troubles and trials)

O what peace and joy sublime

In that home of love divine,

(And I'm gonna)

Sit down beside my Jesus,

(Lord, I'm gonna)

Sit down and rest a little while.

Chorus:

End:

Gonna sit down and rest a li'l while,

(Gonna sit down and rest a li'l while.)

We'll Soon Be Done With Troubles and Trials Video

Woody Wright, Jeanne Johnson, Ben Speer, Mike Allen - Official Video for “We'll Soon Be Done With Troubles and Trials (Live)

Heaven Came Down and Glory Filled My Soul Hymn

Story Behind Heaven Came Down 

Heaven Came Down is a hymn that is of recent origin as it was written in 1961 by John W Peterson.

It draws its inspiration from a testimony delivered by an old man named Jim at Montrose Bible Conference Grounds, Pennsylvania. During the testimony talked of his conversion experience. In the testimony he used the phrase, "It seemed like Heaven came down and glory filled my soul."

It is this phrase that inspired John W Pearson to write a song using this phrase later that week. 

John W Peterson wrote over a thousand hymns but it is this song that has touched and continues touch millions of Christians all over the world.

He died on September 20, 2006 at the age of 84 after suffering from prostate cancer.

It is so sweet to entrust and surrender our lives to our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. Heaven does literally come down into our hearts when we do that.

John W Peterson

Heaven Came Down and Glory Filled My Soul Hymn Lyrics

O what a wonderful, wonderful day-

Day I will never forget;

After I'd wandered in darkness away,

Jesus my Savior I met.

O what a tender, compassionate friend-

He met the need of my heart;

Shadows dispelling, With joy I am telling,

He made all the darkness depart!

Heaven came down

and glory filled my soul,

When at the cross

the Savior made me whole;

My sins were washed away

And my night was turned to day-

Heaven came down

and glory filled my soul!

     

Born of the Spirit with life from above

Into God's family divine,

Justified fully through Calvary's love,

O what a standing is mine!

And the transaction so quickly was made

When as a sinner I came,

Took of the offer Of grace He did proffer-

He saved me, O praise His dear name!

Heaven came down

and glory filled my soul,

When at the cross

the Savior made me whole;

My sins were washed away

And my night was turned to day-

Heaven came down

and glory filled my soul!

     

Now I've a hope that will surely endure

After the passing of time;

I have a future in heaven for sure.

There in those mansions sublime.

And its because of that wonderful day

What at the cross I believed;

Riches eternal And blessings supernal

From His precious hand I received.

Heaven came down

and glory filled my soul,

When at the cross

the Savior made me whole;

My sins were washed away

And my night was turned to day-

Heaven came down

and glory filled my soul!

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Heaven Came Down and Glory Filled My Soul Video

Gaither Vocal Band - Official Video for 'Heaven Came Down (Live)

I Stand Amazed Hymn History and Lyrics

I Stand Amazed Hymn Story

I Stand Amazed is a hymn from the pen of Charles Gabriel (1856-1932) who is credite with between 7000 and 8000 songs.

Charles Gabriel was a self trained musician who learned music while still a teenager. He later taught music in singing schools common in the 19th an early 20th century.

He composed songs, anthems, cantantas and also edited collection of songs. He was associated with the major music publishers of his day.

This song is a song of gratitude for the atoning death of Jesus Christ and is based on Luke's account of Jesus sweating blood in the Garden of Gethsemane. This story is only found in Luke's gospel and not in the other gospels.

Luke 22:41-44 reads, "And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground" (KJV).

Charles H Gabriel

I Stand Amazed Hymn Lyrics

I stand amazed in the presence
Of Jesus the Nazarene,
And wonder how he could love me,
A sinner, condemned, unclean.

How marvelous! How wonderful!
And my song shall ever be:
How marvelous! How wonderful
Is my Savior’s love for me.

He took my sins and my sorrows,
He made them his very own;
He bore the burden to Calvary,
And suffered and died alone.

How marvelous! How wonderful!
And my song shall ever be:
How marvelous! How wonderful
Is my Savior’s love for me.

Oh, what kind of love is this?
You would die so I would live?
I stand amazed.
I stand amazed.

Bore the curse of all my sin —
Made your enemy your friend.
I stand amazed.
I stand amazed.

Oh, what kind of love is this?
You would die so I would live?
I stand amazed.
I stand amazed.

Bore the curse of all my sin —
Made your enemy your friend.
I stand amazed.
I stand amazed.

When with the ransomed in glory
His face I at last shall see,
’Twill be my joy through the ages
To sing of his love for me.

How marvelous! How wonderful!
And my song shall ever be:
How marvelous! How wonderful
Is my Savior’s love for me.

For more links to famous hymn stories and lyrics click here.

I Stand Amazed Hymn Video

Amber Thompson, TaRanda Greene, David Phelps - Official Video for “I Stand Amazed (Live)"

Will The Circle Be Unbroken? Hymn Lyrics and History

Will The Circle Be Unbroken Story

Ada R Habershon is the author of "Will the Circle Be Unbroken written in 1907. The music was provided by Charles H Gabriel.

This song has gone through many variations and is sometimes unattributed. However it is now commonly accepted that it was first written by Ada R Habershon with music by Charles H Gabriel.

I was later reworked by AP Carter for the Carter family as "Can the circle be Unbroken".

Gabriel also associated with the songs "Send the Light," "Higher Ground," "Since Jesus Came Into My Heart," "My Saviour's Love," and "His Eye Is on the Sparrow."

This song is mostly attributed to A P Carter of the Carter Family who changed some words of the original.

Ada R Habershon

Will The Circle Be Unbroken Lyrics (original)

There are loved ones in the glory

Whose dear forms you often miss.

When you close your earthly story,

Will you join them in their bliss?

CHORUS:

Will the circle be unbroken

By and by, by and by?

Is a better home awaiting

In the sky, in the sky?

In the joyous days of childhood

Oft they told of wondrous love

Pointed to the dying Saviour;

Now they dwell with Him above.

(Chorus)

You remember songs of heaven

Which you sang with childish voice.

Do you love the hymns they taught you,

Or are songs of earth your choice?

(Chorus)

You can picture happy gath'rings

Round the fireside long ago,

And you think of tearful partings

When they left you here below.

(Chorus)

One by one their seats were emptied.

One by one they went away.

Now the family is parted.

Will it be complete one day?

(Chorus)

AP Carter Version of Will The Circle Be Unbroken

I was standing by the window

On one cold and cloudy day

And I saw the hearse come rolling

For to carry my mother away

Can the circle be unbroken

Bye and bye, Lord, bye and bye

There's a better home a-waiting

In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Lord, I told the undertaker

Undertaker, please drive slow

For this body you are hauling Lord

I hate to see her go

Can the circle be unbroken

Bye and bye, Lord, bye and bye

There's a better home a-waiting

In the sky, Lord, in the sky

I followed close behind her

Tried to hold up and be brave

But I could not hide my sorrow

When they laid her in the grave

Can the circle be unbroken

Bye and bye, Lord, bye and bye

There's a better home a-waiting

In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Went back home

Lord, my home was lonesome

Miss my mother she was gone

All my brothers, sisters crying

What a home so sad and lone

Can the circle be unbroken

Bye and bye, Lord, bye and bye

There's a better home a-waiting

In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Below is the 1908 hymnal version with musical chords.

Will The Circle Be Unbroken Hymn Video

Below is Johnny Cash & Family singing AP Carter version of Will The Circle Be Unbroken.

Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee Hymn Story and Lyrics

Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee Hymn Story

This hymn is from a poem by Henry Van Dyke. He wrote it in 1907 while ministering at Williams College as a guest speaker.

It was intended to be a musical setting to the famous "Ode to Joy" melody of the final movement of Ludwig van Beethoven's final symphony, Symphony no. 9.

Van Dyke told his host at Williams College, college president Harry Augustus Garfield that he was inspired by the local Berkshire Mountains in writing this song.

He said that this hymn was an expression of Christian feeling and desires that the thought of the age and truth of science will never destroy the kingdom of heaven.

Henry Van Dyke was born on November, 11,1852 in Pennsylvania in the US. He taught English literature at Princeton between 1899 and 1923.

His other works in the form of stories and novels include:

The Other Wise Man (1896)

The First Christmas Tree (1897)

Little Rivers (1895)

Fisherman’s Luck (1899)

The Blue Flower (1902)

The Whole Family (1908 -Collaborator)

His famous quote is, "Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love — time is eternity"

Henry Van Dyke

Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee Lyrics

Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee,

God of glory, Lord of love;

Hearts unfold like flow’rs before Thee,

Op’ning to the sun above.

Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;

Drive the dark of doubt away;

Giver of immortal gladness,

Fill us with the light of day!

All Thy works with joy surround Thee,

Earth and heav’n reflect Thy rays,

Stars and angels sing around Thee,

Center of unbroken praise.

Field and forest, vale and mountain,

Flow’ry meadow, flashing sea,

Singing bird and flowing fountain

Call us to rejoice in Thee.

Thou art giving and forgiving,

Ever blessing, ever blest,

Wellspring of the joy of living,

Ocean depth of happy rest!

Thou our Father, Christ our Brother,

All who live in love are Thine;

Teach us how to love each other,

Lift us to the joy divine.

Mortals, join the happy chorus,

Which the morning stars began;

Father love is reigning o’er us,

Brother love binds man to man.

Ever singing, march we onward,

Victors in the midst of strife,

Joyful music leads us Sunward

In the triumph song of life.

For more links to hymn stories and lyrics visit here.

Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee Hymn Video

Michael W Smith singing his version of this song.

The Unclouded Day Hymn

The Unclouded Day Hymn Story

This song is from the pen of Josiah Kelley Alwood who wrote it in 1879.

I will let him share the story behind this beautiful hymn that has been the love of literally millions of Christians all over the world. The below account is from A Rain­bow at Mid­night and a Song with Morn­ing in the Chris­tian Con­ser­va­tor, Feb­ru­ary 26, 1896:

“It was a balmy night in August 1879, when returning from a debate in Spring Hill, Ohio, to my home in Morenci, Michigan, about 1:00 a.m. I saw a beautiful rainbow north by northwest against a dense black nimbus cloud. The sky was all perfectly clear except this dark cloud which covered about forty degrees of the horizon and extended about halfway to the zenith. The phenomenon was entirely new to me and my nerves refreshed by the balmy air and the lovely sight. Old Morpheus was playing his sweetest lullaby. Another mile of travel, a few moments of time, a fellow of my size was ensconced in sweet home and wrapped in sweet sleep. A first class know-nothing till rosy-sweet morning was wide over the fields.

To awake and look abroad and remember the night was to be filled with sweet melody. A while at the organ brought forth a piece of music now known as “The Unclouded Day.” A Day and a half was bestowed on the four stanzas.”

Josiah K Alwood

The Unclouded Day Hymn Lyrics

Oh, they tell me of a home far beyond the skies,

Oh, they tell me of a home far away;

Oh, they tell me of a home where no storm clouds rise,

Oh, they tell me of an unclouded day.

Refrain:

Oh, the land of cloudless day,

Oh, the land of an unclouded sky,

Oh, they tell me of a home where no storm clouds rise,

Oh, they tell me of an unclouded day.

Oh, they tell me of a home where my friends have gone,

Oh, they tell me of that land far away,

Where the tree of life in eternal bloom

Sheds its fragrance through the unclouded day.

Oh, they tell me of a King in His beauty there,

And they tell me that mine eyes shall behold

Where He sits on the throne that is whiter than snow,

In the city that is made of gold.

Oh, they tell me that He smiles on His children there,

And His smile drives their sorrows all away;

And they tell me that no tears ever come again

In that lovely land of unclouded day.

For more hymn stories click here.

The Unclouded Day Hymn Video

Howard Goodman with the Gaither Homecoming singing group - Official Video for 'The Unclouded Day' [Live].