Jesus There's Something About That Name Song

Bill and Gloria Gaither are the authors and composers of this beautiful song, "Jesus, There's Something About That Name". They composed this song in 1970 when Bill was 34 years old and Gloria was 28 years old.

It was composed after loss of grandparents and onset of their own parenthood. We can only speculate as to what was going on in their minds at this difficult and challenging time.

Jesus is the name that billions of people in this world turn to when they face all sorts of challenges. Christians going through wars such as the war in the Middle East turn to this name for safety. Where else would they go when going through such crisises that they have no control over but to Master, Savior, Jesus.

When people are on their deathbeds they turn to this name. Jesus is the savior to them as they face their end.

Even those that have few problems can turn to him to praise Him for all the blessings that they are experiencing. There is indeed something about that name.

Kings and kingdoms shall pass away.
But there's something about that name.

Below is a video showing 3ABN campmeeting congregation singing, "Something About That Name" led by Dannyy Shelton.

Bill and Gloria Gaither

There is A Balm in Gilead Hymn and Lyrics

There is a Balm in Gilead is one of the most famous Black American negro spirituals. There have been various versions of this spiritual over the years and first appearance of this spiritual in its present form is uncertain. Washington Glass included it in his hymn "The Sinners Cure" in 1854 and attributed it to himself but it is definitely not his.

It appears to draw its inspiration from Jeremiah chapter 8 v. 22: "Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is there on healing for the wounds of my people?". In this spiritual the balm is spiritual medicine to deal with the sins of God's people.

Below are there is a balm in Gilead lyrics and video.

Chorus (in bold):

    There is a balm in Gilead
    To make the wounded whole;
    There is a balm in Gilead
    To heal the sin-sick soul.

    Some times I feel discouraged,
    And think my work’s in vain,
    But then the Holy Spirit
    Revives my soul again.

(Chorus)

    If you cannot sing like angels,
    If you can’t preach like Paul,
    You can tell the love of Jesus,
    And say He died for all.

(Chorus)

There is a balm in Gilead

Shall We Gather At the River Hymn, Lyrics and Video

The video below is a piano instrumental music rendition of one of the most popular Christian gospel songs popularly known to many people as, 'Shall We gather At the River'.

The author of this beautiful hymn is American poet and music composer Robert Lowry (1826-1899). This traditional Christian hymn was actually titled 'Hanson Place' but is now popularly named 'Shall We Gather at the River' or 'At the River'. Hanson Place Baptist Church in Brooklyn is the church where Robert Lowry served as a minister of the word of God.

Robert Lowry - Shall We Gather At The River Hymn

Shall We Gather At The River lyrics and hymn video.

1. Shall we gather at the river,

where bright angel feet have trod,

with its crystal tide forever

flowing by the throne of God?

Refrain:

Yes, we'll gather at the river,

the beautiful, the beautiful river;

gather with the saints at the river

that flows by the throne of God.

2. On the margin of the river,

washing up its silver spray,

we will walk and worship ever,

all the happy golden day.

(Refrain)

3. Ere we reach the shining river,

lay we every burden down;

grace our spirits will deliver,

and provide a robe and crown.

(Refrain)

4. Soon we'll reach the shining river,

soon our pilgrimage will cease;

soon our happy hearts will quiver

with the melody of peace.

(Refrain)

Higher Ground (Lord Plant My Feet on Higher Ground) by Christian Edition Male Chorus

In the video below Christian Edition a well known Adventist male chorus, sing a classic Christian gospel song, Higher Ground (Lord Plant My Feet On higher Ground).

Johnson Oatman Jr (1856-1922) is the author of this prayer gospel song.The music to the words of the song was added by Charles Hutchinson Gabriel. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

The author is reported to have written about 3,000 songs from 1892 to 1922 when he died.His songs were in demand by gospel musicians of his day including Charles Gabriel, William James Kirkpatrick and Edwin Excell.

Higher Ground is a prayer song that seems to have been inspired by Philippians 3:14 -"I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus." (NIV)

Johnson Oatman Jr - Higher Ground hymn

Below are the words or lyrics of Higher Ground (I am pressing on the upward way) hymn and a video of Christian Edition singing this hymn.

1.
I’m pressing on the upward way,
New heights I’m gaining every day;
Still praying as I onward bound,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”

Refrain: 
Lord, lift me up, and let me stand
By faith on Canaan’s tableland;
A higher plane than I have found,
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

2
My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Though some may dwell where these abound,
My prayer, my aim, is higher ground.
3
I want to live above the world,
Though Satan’s darts at me are hurled;
For faith has caught the joyful sound,
The song of saints on higher ground.
4
I want to scale the utmost height
And catch a gleam of glory bright;
But still I’ll pray till rest I’ve found,
“Lord, lead me on to higher ground.”

Here is a link to a post that links to most of the songs shared on this blog.

In The Garden / I Come To The Garden Alone Gospel Song Sung by Ladye Love Smith

Ladye Love Smith singing a well known great Christian gospel song, 'I come to the garden alone' or its real title 'In the garden'. Ladye Love Smith and her husband Reggie are  regular musicians on the Bill and Gloria Gaither Homecoming series.

I come to the garden alone was composed in 1912 by C Austin Miles(1868-1946), a pharmacist by profession.

This is a very popular song and was a favorite of Elvis Presley. It is in some respects one of Elvis Presley's gospel songs as he helped in exposing this song to the youth of his day. Elvis Presley included this song on his gospel album 'How Great Thou Art'.

Johny Cash also popularised it further when it was included posthumously in his 5 CD box set Cash Unearthed in November 2003

Reggie and Ladye Love Smith

Below is the video of the song.

Below are the lyrics of this gospel hymn, 'In the Garden' or 'I Come To The Garden alone.

I come to the garden alone,

While the dew is still on the roses,

And the voice I hear falling on my ear,

The Son of God discloses . . .

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,

And He tells me I am His own,

And the joy we share as we tarry there,

None other, has ever, known!

He speaks and the sound of His voice,

Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,

And the melody that he gave to me,

Within my heart is ringing . . .

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,

And He tells me I am His own,

And the joy we share as we tarry there,

None other, has ever, known!

And the joy we share as we tarry there,

None other, has ever, known!

Christian Music : Give Me The Bible Music Special by Kenneth Cox Ministries

The video below brings to us songs that were sung during a concert during the Give Me The Bible evengelistic seminar by veteran evangelist Kenneth Cox. The songs include, 'On One More Valley', 'The Man in the Sky', 'He Chose Me', 'Beautiful Life', 'In His Hands', His Eye is on The Sparrow' and 'When I Come To The End". The musicians appearing in this video are Joe Pearle and Donna Klein

Donna Klein - Kenneth Cox Ministries

Let Us Break Bread Together Lyrics and Story: Famous Negro Spirituals

'Let Us Break Bread Together' follows in the tradition of most negro spirituals in its simplicity in both words and tune. Negro spirituals were mostly composed by black American slaves with no western training in music. Some scholars believe that the slaves simply added words to African traditional folk tunes they had left behind in  Africa.

This hymn or spiritual has found use among young people as it is easy to accompany it with acoustic guitars and therefore lends itself to a freer form of worship. It has also gradually found acceptance among the older Christians as well. This is clearly shown by its inclusion in many hymn books and albums such as the late 1970s album The Old Rugged cross by long-standing and revered gospel singer George Beverly Shea.

This song is mainly used during communion services. It reminds us of our spiritual food and drink presented through the bread and wine during holy communion.

Let Us Break Bread Together On Our Knees negro spiritual

All Glory, Laud and Honor hymn Story and Lyrics

All Glory, Laud and Honor hymn was written by St Theodulf of Orleans while imprisoned in the cloisters of Angers, France in 820. It was originally written in Latin under the title, 'Gloria, laus et honor'. The English version is a translation by John Mason Neale.

Although sung at other times this hymn is usually sung as a Palm Sunday hymn. It beautifully captures the spontaneous joy which greeted the King of Kings as he triumphantly rode into Jerusalem

It is based on Matthew 21:1-11 although reference to 'palm' follows the Biblical version of John's Gospel since both in the gospels of Matthew and Mark the crowd use branches from the trees.

 All Glory, Laud and Honor hymn lyrics:-

Refrain:
All glory, laud, and honor
to thee, Redeemer, King!
to whom the lips of children
made sweet hosannas ring.

Thou art the King of Israel,
thou David's royal Son,
who in the Lord's Name comest,
the King and Blessed One. Refrain

The company of angels
are praising thee on high;
and mortal men and all things
created make reply. Refrain

The people of the Hebrews
with palms before thee went;
our praise and prayer and anthems
before thee we present. Refrain

To thee before thy passion
they sang their hymns of praise;
to thee, now high exalted,
our melody we raise. Refrain

Thou didst accept their praises;
accept the prayers we bring,
who in all good delightest
thou good and gracious King. Refrain

All Glory, Laud and Honor Hymn

Below is the King's College cambridge singing,  All Glory, Laud and Honor hymn

All Hail The Power of Jesus Name hymn

Folks, 'All Hail The Power of Jesus Name' hymn is one of the most well known hymns in Christianity. It is sung in almost all the major Christian denominations and found in most hymns.

Edward Perronet, a Frenchman who settled in England in 1680, is the author of this hymn. His father was vicar of Shoreham parish church from 1728 to 1785 and was known as trusted adviser to the Wesleys. Edward followed John Wesley on his journey and eventually he became Minister of the Countess of Huntingdon's Chapel, Canterbury.

All the Power of Jesus Name is often called the 'Coronation Hymn'. The basic, constant, proclamation is 'Crown Him Lord of All'. It is simply among the finest in English hymnody.

It made it first appearance in the November, 1779 issue of the Gospel Magazine. Augustus Montague Toplady, author of "Rock of Ages" was the editor of this magazine at that time.

All Hail the Power  of Jesus Name Hymn

All Hail The Power of Jesus Name lyrics.

    All hail the pow’r of Jesus’ Name!
    Let angels prostrate fall;
    Bring forth the royal diadem,
    And crown Him Lord of all!
   
    Ye chosen seed of Israel’s race,
    Ye ransomed from the fall,
    Hail Him Who saves you by His grace,
    And crown Him Lord of all!
   
    Let every kindred, every tribe,
    On this terrestrial ball,
    To Him all majesty ascribe,
    And crown Him Lord of all!
   
    Oh, that with yonder sacred throng
    We at His feet may fall!
    We’ll join the everlasting song,
    And crown Him Lord of all!

At The Name of Jesus Hymn - Caroline Maria Noel (1817-77)

Caroline Maria Noel (1817-77) is the composer of this popular hymn, 'At the Name of Jesus'. It was originally designated as a processional for Ascension Day and appeared in Mrs Noel's The Name of Jesus and Other Poems of 1870.

This hymn is based on Philippians 2,9. Here is Philippians 2:8-10, 'He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him a name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow.'

The author was the daughter of an Anglican clergyman. She spent the last 25 years of her life bedridden by a painful and crippling illness and much of her time was spent composing hymns for fellow sufferers.

Before this illness Caroline Maria Noel had tried her hand at composing poems but gave it up. This however changed when she became an invalid as she took advantage of her situation to compose a lot of poems and hymns.

At the Name of Jesus hymn

Below are the lyrics of 'At the Name of Jesus' hymn.

 1) At the Name of Jesus, every knee shall bow,

Every tongue confess Him King of glory now;

'Tis the Father's pleasure we should call Him Lord,

Who from the beginning was the mighty Word.

2) Mighty and mysterious in the highest height,

God from everlasting, very light of light:

In the Father's bosom with the spirit blest,

Love, in love eternal, rest, in perfect rest.

3) At His voice creation sprang at once to sight,

All the angel faces, all the hosts of light,

Thrones and dominations, stars upon their way,

All the heavenly orders, in their great array.

4) Humbled for a season, to receive a name

From the lips of sinners unto whom He came,

Faithfully He bore it, spotless to the last,

Brought it back victorious when from death He passed.

5) Bore it up triumphant with its human light,

Through all ranks of creatures, to the central height,

To the throne of Godhead, to the Father's breast;

Filled it with the glory of that perfect rest.

6) Name Him, brothers, name Him, with love strong as death

But with awe and wonder, and with bated breath!

He is God the Savior, He is Christ the Lord,

Ever to be worshipped, trusted and adored.

Below is a video of this song.

There Is A Green Hill Far Away: Story Behind Hymn and Lyrics

Cecil Frances Alexander (1818-95) is the composer of this extremely popular hymn, There Is A Green Hill Far Away. It draws its inspiration from the Apostles Creed especially the line that goes, 'Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried.'

It is generally believed to have been written at the bedside of a sick young person. The writer gives substance and answer to those who inquire why Jesus died. She talks of God's forgiveness. 

She speaks of how man can reclaim his original close relationship with God, and suggests the only possible response is the total giving of loving self. The event was for us.

Cecil Frances Alexander, besides being hymn writer was also a poet, and was born in Dublin to Major John Humphreys and his wife Elizabeth (nee Reed).

Below are There is a green hill far away hymn lyrics: -

There is a green hill far away,
outside a city wall,
where our dear Lord was crucified
who died to save us all.

We may not know, we cannot tell,
what pains he had to bear,
but we believe it was for us
he hung and suffered there.

He died that we might be forgiven,
he died to make us good,
that we might go at last to heaven,
saved by his precious blood.

There was no other good enough
to pay the price of sin,
he only could unlock the gate
of heaven and let us in.

O dearly, dearly has he loved!
And we must love him too,
and trust in his redeeming blood,
and try his works to do.

Below is also a video  showing the King's College singing this beautiful hymn, there is a green hill far away.

Cecil Frances Alexander - There Is A Green Hill Far Away hymn

Dear Lord and Father of Mankind Hymn Lyrics and History

The author of this beautiful and well loved hymn, "Dear Lord and Father of Mankind", is John Greenleaf Whittier (1807-92). He was from Massachussetts and wrote poetry and found early inspiration from Robert Burns.

He spent time as journalist and editor and became Secretary of the American Anti-Slavery Society. This hymn was written against the background of boisterous revival meetings of the time.

He was a quaker who believed in worshiping God in silent meditation and deplore the histrionics associated with the Evangelical movement. 

He originally wrote this poem as a meditation poem and did not expect this hymn to be sung. It should however be pointed out that he did allow the verses to be used in a hymn book published in 1884.

This hymn has long been regarded as an excellent statement that Christians should learn the virtue of silence and humility before God. From this they will learn what is the will of God.

John Greenleaf Whittier - Dear Lord and Father of Mankind Hymn

Below are the lyrics of this hymn, "Dear Lord and Father of Mankind."

1. Dear Lord and Father of mankind,
forgive our foolish ways;
reclothe us in our rightful mind,
in purer lives thy service find,
in deeper reverence, praise.

2. In simple trust like theirs who heard,
beside the Syrian sea,
the gracious calling of the Lord,
let us, like them, without a word,
rise up and follow thee.

3. O sabbath rest by Galilee,
O calm of hills above,
where Jesus knelt to share with thee
the silence of eternity,
interpreted by love!

4. Drop thy still dews of quietness,
till all our strivings cease;
take from our souls the strain and stress,
and let our ordered lives confess
the beauty of thy peace.

5. Breathe through the heats of our desire
thy coolness and thy balm;
let sense be dumb, let flesh retire;
speak through the earthquake, wind, and fire,
O still, small voice of calm.

When We Walk With The Lord Hymn (Trust And Obey) - History of hymn

This hymn came about from an incident at one of Dwight L Moody's revival meetings in 1887. A young man who had just given his life to the Lord Jesus Christ was reportedly heard saying, 'I am not quite sure - I am going to trust and obey.' 

The music director of the Moody Bible Institute, Professor Towner, was present at the meeting when these words were uttered. Based on these words, Professor Towner with help of John Sammis, who developed the lyrics , composed the music to this hymn Trust and Obey or When we walk with the Lord.

The words seem so simple but they express the feelings of many Christians. It is not easy to trust and obey but that is what we are all called to do if we are to be happy in Jesus.

This song has remained popular with many Christian singers to this day and it is my hope that you too will be blessed by this simple but powerful Christian song.

Daniel B Towner- Trust and Obey

Below are the lyrics of this well known hymn, "

Refrain:

Trust and obey, for there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.

Refrain

Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.

Refrain

Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.

Refrain

But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.

Refrain

Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet.
Or we'll walk by His side in the way.
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.

Refrain

Will Your Anchor Hold?- Story Behind This Classic Hymn

The author of this hymn, "Will Your Anchor Hold", is Priscilla Owens. She was born in Baltimore , USA in 1829 of Scottish and Welsh blood. For over 50 years Priscilla Owens was actively involved in work for Christian youths and most of her songs were therefore composed for children. 

Besides this hymn she is also well known as the composer of another beloved christian hymn, "We have heard a joyful sound". She also composed several other hymns during her fruitful life on earth.

"Will Your Anchor Hold" was sung outside the door of the dying hymn writer Mary Fawler Maude (Thine For Ever! God of love). She sent her singers the message, "Tell them that it does not fail - it holds."

The hymn suggests that personal stability can only come from the right foundations. It employs a sea faring analogy in making its point.

Will Your Anchor Hold In The Storms of Life? (hymn)

Below are the lyrics of this Christian hymn classic:-

Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,

When the clouds unfold their wings of strife?

When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain,

Will your anchor drift or firm remain?

  We have an anchor that keeps the soul

         Stedfast and sure while the billows roll,

         Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,

         Grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love.

It is safely moored, ’twill the storm withstand,

For ’tis well secured by the Savior’s hand;

And the cables passed from His heart to mine,

Can defy the blast, through strength divine.

It will firmly hold in the straits of fear,

When the breakers have told the reef is near;

Though the tempest rave and the wild winds blow,

Not an angry wave shall our bark o’erflow.

It will surely hold in the floods of death,

When the waters cold chill our latest breath;

On the rising tide it can never fail,

While our hopes abide within the veil.