Preparing Our Hearts for Worship

“Near to the Heart of God,” is a simple hymn, expressing in a profound way the counsel of James 4:8, “ nigh unto God and He will draw nigh unto you.”

Our song today is “I'd Rather Have Jesus”."I'd Rather Have Jesus" is a song written by Rhea Miller with the tune written by George Beverly Shea. This poem, penned in 1922, was left on a piano in the Shea home by Shea's mother who wanted her son to find it and change the direction of his life. His mother often would leave poems and quotes around the house that she collected, in order to spiritually guide him.

One of my favorite hymns, "Jesus Paid it All". This hymn was written by Elvina Hall in 1865, and it expresses the wonderful truth that Jesus paid the full price for our sins on the cross, and that nothing we can do can add to or take away from his finished work.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the troubles of life? Have you ever faced a situation that seemed hopeless or unbearable? Have you ever wondered how you can cope with the pain, the loss, the fear, or the uncertainty that you are facing? If you have, you are not alone. Many people in the Bible and throughout history have experienced the same feelings. They have faced trials, tribulations, and temptations that tested their faith and their endurance. They have cried out to God for help, for relief, for deliverance, and for peace.

Our Song this week is one of my favorite hymns. The arrangement is beautifully moving and expresses the glory of the moment when we will see Jesus. Face to Face was written by Carrie E. Breck in 1898, and music composed by Grant Tullar and it expresses the longing of the Christian to see Jesus' face to face in heaven

“Great Is Thy Faithfulness” is a Christian hymn that originated in the United States. The lyrics were written by Thomas O. Chisholm, a Methodist minister from Kentucky. He wrote the poem in 1923 about God's faithfulness over his lifetime. The music was composed by William M. Runyan, a friend of Chisholm, specifically for the poem. The hymn was later popularized by the Moody Bible Institute and Billy Graham's crusades.

This week we are looking at a newly written song. And it's written by a guy born in Fresno California in July of 1943. . He began playing music in 1952 playing the flute-o-phone in the 3rd grade music at school. Next year he took up the clarinet, and He really took to it. His Dad had been a part of a family band and by this time it was in his blood.You might have guessed by now that the author of this week's song is none other than Glenn Dawson, cohost of Preparing our Hearts for Worship Podcast. Our podcast is about Music insturments in the early New testiment church.

Our Song today is “The Old Rugged Cross” written by George Bennard. We also have a guest on our Easter program. The latest member of Forgiven joins us, Vivian Bowman.

Born on January 21, 1849, in Ohio, Julia was 6 years old when her family moved to Peoria, Illinois. Her strong Christian upbringing set the stage for her life's work. Around 1910, Julia H. Johnston penned the words, "Grace Greater Than Our Sin.” . Born on March 5, 1850, Daniel Towner displayed a passion for music at a young age. His love for music led him towards serving God as well; he eventually became a music director at multiple churches and ultimately worked at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. Here he deeply influenced their music programs.

How beautiful heaven must be is a song was written by Mrs. Cordie Bridgewater. She was born in North Carolina and married Samuel Bridgewater from Tennessee. They lived near Hanceville, AL, from 1909 to 1917, where he farmed and that's where apparently she wrote the words of “How Beautiful Heaven Must Be." Married to Albert Samuel Bridgewater, Cordie and her husband lived in America's Deep South on either side of the start of the 20th century, when and where they had one daughter named Florence.

Samuel Stennett , an English Baptist, came from a long line of ministers. He was the son of a Seventh-Day Baptist pastor. In the 18th century, university education was not easily available to nonconformist families—those who refused to swear allegiance to the Church of England. Stennett did study at the academy at Miles End with distinction, however. In spite of his nonconformist religious stance, Stennett was a personal friend to the reigning monarch, King George III.

"In The Sweet By-and-By" stands as a Christian hymn crafted by S. Bennett with musical composition by Joseph Webster. Originating from a conversation between Samuel Bennett and his musical collaborator, Joseph Webster, in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, this hymn emerged as a quintessential expression of the Midwest United States.

Lydia Baxter lived her life in bed as an invalid for the majority of her adult life. However, she is said to have had a “cheerful and patient” manner. She was born on September 2, 1800 to Jonathan and Mary Odell. She found her faith through the preaching of Baptist missionary Eben Tucker. Lydia and her sister are said to have been responsible for establishing the Baptist church in Petersburg, New York, her hometown.

This week we are studding the word and worshiping in song wit “There is a Fountain.” As we study the Bible truth and worship God through Song, we know that God's unending fountain of Love, Power and all knowing attribute, we can rest assured of His trustworthiness and rest in Him.

“Rock of Ages” was written by Augustus M. Toplady, with music by Thomas Hastings. Legend says that Toplady wrote the hymn during a stormy incident in England. While traveling along the gorge in Burrington Combe, Caught in a fierce storm he took shelter in a gap in the gorge, where he wrote the original lyrics. The rock is now marked with a plaque that reads: “Rock of Ages:

Russell Carter was a man of varied passions and abilities. Carter had a variety of jobs from sheep herding to professor of Natural Science, Civil Engineering, Chemistry and Mathematics. While sheep herding, he developed a heart condition and began to feel he was near death. Praying for healing he drew closer to God. After his healing he vowed to be used for God and this became the principle of his life “to stand on God's promises”.

This week we did something we have done something we've never done before. We took and old song I sang in Bible School Days that has an unknown author called Sweeter than the day Before. Several versions have been written over the years by a several unknown people. “Sweeter than the Day Before” was most likely written many years before that probably by many people over the years. Vivian and I sat down this week and put our own words to some new verses and a sax instrumental part to our song and I hope it blesses you.

This week we are looking at a song that proclaims the Joy and excitement that is present in our experience of the salvation of our eternal souls from a damnation we deserved in punishment for our sin. Our Song this week is Saved, Saved, Saved.

These words are life reflections of John Newton, a slave trader who nearly died in a shipwreck, and who eventually became a minister. He penned the famous words of "Amazing Grace" for a sermon for his 1773 New Year's service at the Church of St. Peter, in the small British town of Olney. Much later, in 1835, the American Baptist song leader, William Walker, paired the lyrics with the traditional tune, "New Britain," creating the version familiar to audiences today.

Our song "Draw Me Nearer Precious Lord" is a prayer, celebrating the joy of faith—and the desire for an even deeper faith. Blind at six weeks of age, Crosby began composing texts at age 6. At 12 she began her study at the New York School for the Blind, a school she later served as a teacher and an advocate for the blind cause.

Preparing Our Hearts For Worship - Blessed Redeemer by Glenn Dawson

of "Angels We Have Heard on High" are inspired by, but not an exact translation of, the traditional French carol known as "Les Anges dans nos campagnes" ("the angels in our countryside"), whose first known publication was in 1842

Away In a Manger Although we may never know who wrote the song we can still find inspiration in the story of the song itself. It tells us of the incredible humble birth of the greatest man who ever lived and the more I think of it the deeper in awe I feel. This song for children also reminds me of Jesus' words teaching us that to such belong the kingdom of heaven. We must learn to become like children in order to commune with God.

"All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name" is a popular hymn sung by many Christian denominations. This hymn is often referred to as the "National Anthem of Christendom". The lyrics were written by Edward Perronet while he served as a missionary in India.

“Since I Have Been Redeemed” is a hymn that was composed by Edwin Excell. The tune of this song is called “Othello.” This song is a celebration of the salvation we have in Christ. Since we have been redeemed, we are now programmed to do his will as our primary wish and desire.

The text was written by Fanny J. Crosby and music by Dr. Robert Lowry, the famous preacher. The hymn says that our savior, Jesus, provides us with guidance and strength all the way through life. Crosby goes through many examples of places and feelings in which her savior led her gracefully through and the song is an expression of our faith in Christ to lead us.

Robert Raikes is known as the “founder of the modern Sunday School”. He had a driving desire for the spiritual and social conditions of the poor illiterate children in 18th Century England.

“Softly and Tenderly,” which was originally known as “Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling,” is a classic invitation hymn from the 19th century. The text was written, and the tune was composed by Will Thompson who was a composer of gospel, secular, and patriotic songs. This is a song which reminds us that we are saved by responding to the call of Jesus in the gospel to repent.

"Come and Dine" was written by Charles Widmeyer who was born in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, in 1884 and died in California on December 14, 1974. It was written following the reading of John 21 and his meditation on the similarity between the tired, hungry disciples and people of his day who were both spiritually and physically hungry.

Today's song is “Jesus Is the Sweetest Name I Know” It's A hymn which praises the name of Jesus as the one which is far above every name. The text was written and the tune (Sweetest Name or Lovely Name) were composed both by Lela Long. Practically nothing is known about this person, other than that she lived in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

"Have Thine Own Way" was written by Adelaide Pollard, who was born Nov. 27, 1862, into the Presbyterian family of James and Rebecca Pollard. She had a gift for writing prose, poetry, hymns and even articles. Adelaide spent her life in ministry, teaching at schools, working with evangelist and serving in missions overseas. She had a strong interest in foreign missions. George Stebbins composed a melody which he named “Adelaide.” That tune was used to accompany the text written by Pollard

Jesus, I Come is a song written by William T. Sleeper (Lyrics) and George C. Stebbins (Music) and is a beautiful song, sung at invitation times in church services when they have a call for decisions to follow Christ.

We'll Understand it Better By and By was written by Charles Albert Tindley who was born the son of a slave, Albert Tindley, near Berlin, Maryland in July 1851. His mother passed away when Charles was only 4 years old, a year later he was separated from his father.

More About Jesus” is a Christian hymn written by Eliza Hewitt in 1887. The hymn is a prayer for a deeper understanding of Jesus and His teachings. It has been included in hundreds of different hymnals since its completion and continues to inspire many Christians today. The hymn has four verses, each expressing a desire to know more about Jesus and His love.

"O Happy Day" is a hymn that celebrates the covenant with God and salvation in Jesus of the Non-Conformists in 18th Century England. It includes vivid imagery of the rejoicing its author, Philip Doddridge, felt for his savior and God. Popularized by a recording from the Edwin Hawkins Singers, this hymn has become a gospel music standard in the modern day.

This hymn, like many others of this era, owes it recognition and appearance in current hymnals to the revivals of Dwight L. Moody and Ira D. Sankey. Stirring invitation hymns were an essential part of the revival experience. Our Hymn is Only Trust Him.

“I Will Sing the Wondrous Story” was written by Francis Rowley in 1886 during a series of revival services at FBC in North Adams, Mass. where Rowley was pastoring. He wrote the song at the suggestion of Peter Bilhorn, music leader for the revival. He asked Rowley to write a hymn that he would set to music.

We are so glad to share the release of our version of the old hymn “Little is Much When God is In It”. It has an old Southern Gospel sound, and raise your voice in worship with us. It's time to dust off your hymnals and experience the timeless message of the lyrics in a whole new way as I sing this song with Vivian.

"America the Beautiful" is a patriotic American song. Its lyrics were written by Katharine Bates and its music was composed by church organist and choirmaster Samuel Ward at Grace Episcopal Church in Newark, New Jersey.

This week our song, "Moment by Moment", compels us to examine what is salvation, What is faith, What is belief, What happens when salvation comes into our lives.

Today's song encourages us to be vessels of honor, fit for the Master and prepared for every good work is "Make Me A Channel Of Blessing". The text was written and the tune was composed both by Harper Smyth.

Today we are looking at a song that looks at the calling of Christ on our lives and eternity. It's wonderful to know that our God who knew is in eternity past has placed a call to us that is so wonderfully magnificent

Today we finish a series of 3 discussions about why we seem to have so many people professing to be Christians in our congregations that don't really act like it. Our song today is a lament to the tragedy of those who have good intentions and yet miss the mark and are "Almost Persuaded". Walking the church isle at an invitation and saying repeated words that are rote, redundant and not from the heart does nothing for anyone.

Last week we started examining the subject of “Why are there so many people in our congregation that have little or no evidence in their lives of being a Christian.” This is something we will continue to look at this week and perhaps next week too.

Perhaps “Let Others See Jesus In You” was a lesson instilled in the upbringing of B. B. McKinney. The song serves as a wonderful reminder to live and mean the words we sing to keep telling the story, to be faithful and true; to let others see Jesus in You.

“A New Name in Glory” is an overview of what has taken place in the life of the Christian to bring Him from sin to glory. Then our names are entered in His Book of Life and someday we will enter into His home because we have accepted what He did for us on the cross - Saved by grace!

Music is so rooted in our lives and so much of who we are and is a great expression of our hearts. It's no wonder it is so deeply ingrained in our worship experience. This week's song is "I Stand Amazed".

This week we are looking at a very old Quartet song that has no known author. The song is They're Under the Blood. Jesus, God's son, was crucified on a cross, even though He had the power to avoid it. When you hear that you're covered by the blood, it means that your debt of sin has been paid and you're forgiven. The physical act of Him bleeding on the cross (followed by His death and resurrection) washes away our human sins.

Today's song was written and the tune was composed both by John Willard Peterson, who was born at Lindsborg, KS, on Nov. 1, 1921, into a musical family of Swedish descent where he was the youngest child. They were members of the Mission Covenant Church. John became a songwriter who had a major influence on evangelical Christian music in the 1950s through the 1970s

In 1910 Julia Johnston wrote “Marvelous Grace of Our Loving Lord” or “Grace Greater Than Our Sin.” The lyrics express the unending grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This hymn is a commentary on Romans 5, particularly in Romans 5:20b, which says: “But where sin abounded, grace did much more bound.” The lyrics express the dark, despairing world we live in until we accept the grace “There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.”

This week we're looking at a song about the light of salvation. Our version of the song is set to a southern gospel music style. “Send the Light” is a song which uses the call of Paul's vision in which a Macedonian asked him to come over and help them in order to encourage us to sound forth God's message of salvation. The text was written and the tune was composed both by Charles Gabriel.