The Associational Advisor

  (Sam Stack) In 1885 a Swedish minister by the name of Carl Boberg, wrote a poem entitled “O Store Gud.” In English the translation is O Mighty God. The original first verse translated to English: When I the world consider Which Thou has made by Thine almighty Word And how the webb of life Thou wisdom guideth And all creation feedeth at Thy board Then doth my soul burst forth in song of praise Oh, great God, Oh, great God! It is said that Boberg’s inspiration for the poem came about after he was caught outdoors during a summer thunderstorm. This hymn has a very interesting history. Several years after he wrote the poem, Boberg was surprised to find it being sung to an old Swedish folk tune. In 1925, the poem was translated into German. In 1927, it was again translated into Russian. H. K. Hine and his wife were missionaries to the Ukraine in the early 1920’s. It was there they learned the Russian version of the song. They began writing a new English version of the song during their...

(Sam Stack) This hymn was written by William Cowper. He was born in 1731 in England. His father was a minister. Cowper had a difficult childhood, his mother died in childbirth when he was only 6. Sent to a boarding school, he was bullied because of his nervous demeanor. His father wanted him to become a lawyer, but while preparing for the bar exam, his anxiety took over and he ran away and attempted suicide. He was committed to an asylum run by a devout Christian Doctor. As he began the healing process, he found faith and began writing poetry. Several years after his release from the asylum, he joined John Newton (author of Amazing Grace) in Olney, England, where Newton was pastor of the parish church. In 1799, Newton and Cowper produced the Olney Hymnal one of the most significant Hymnbooks of the early Evangelical movement in England. This hymnal contained 349 hymns, sixty seven of them were written by Cowper. There is a Fountain is based on Zechariah 13:1 “In that day a fountain sh...

  (Sam Stack) Holy, Holy, Holy was written by Reginald Heber, an Anglican pastor and missionary. He was born in Cheshire, England in 1783.He was able to receive an exceptional education and was a top notch student. Soon after completing his education, he was ordained into the Anglican Church and became a minister. Instead of seeking appointment to a large church, he chose to serve in a small church in Hodnet, England. While there he began introducing new hymns, including some of his own. During that time, the church of England (Anglican church) encouraged the singing of only metrical Psalms. Heber was one of pioneers that helped expand the body of songs for the church. In 1823, Reginald left England for India, where he became the Bishop of Calcutta. His responsibility included all of the mission work in India, Celon, and Australia. During his time in Calcutta, he founded a Seminary for training leaders and preached the gospel across India. He gave tirelessly to his ministry travel...

(Sam Stack) We never know how deeply our actions affect the lives of others. Isaac Watts’ great hymn – “Alas and Did My Savior Bleed,” has certainly touched the lives of many throughout the centuries. Isaac Watts first wrote the hymn in 1707. The original last line of the first verse was “for such a worm as I.” Many newer hymnals have changed the line to “For sinners such as I.” The original Verses 2 and 4 have also been omitted from most hymnals. I have included them in the text. In this hymn, Watts draws the stark contrast between the sacrificial death of the mighty Maker and the unworthiness of sinful man. The final words of the text “Here Lord, I give myself away—tis all that I can do.” This hymn appears in two forms in most hymnals. The older version usually is included with verses 1, 3, 5 and 6 using the tune AVON by Hugh Wilson. It also appears in a newer version usually found with the title “At the Cross.” This version has music written in the 1800’s, by Ralph E. Hudson, who al...

  I have often been advised and have given the age old advice to take things “One step at a time”. Perhaps you’ve heard the old saying on how to eat an elephant…by taking one bite at a time! When faced with a difficult situation or trial in your life, whether it be spiritual trial, or just the everyday stresses of life, we too should remind ourselves that we need to take our walk with Jesus one day, one step, or even one bite at a time. This month’s hymn article is titled “Day By Day”. It was written by Caroline Sandell-Berg in Sweden. This is a hymn of peace and assurance of God’s watch, care, and provision for His children as we walk this earth each day. Let’s read the words of hymn together. Verse1:  Day by day and with each passing moment, Strength I find to meet my trials here; Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment, I've no cause for worry or for fear. He whose heart is kind beyond all measure Gives unto each day what He deems best-- Lovingly, its part of pain...

   You won’t find this hymn in the hymnal at your church because it is a newer song. I am excited to find that there is a renewed emphasis in hymn-style writing that has been blessing the church music for some time now. This modern hymn was written by Matt Boswell and Matt Papa, and Michael Bleecker. If you are not familiar with their works, do yourself a favor and look them up. They, along with the Getty’s have produced many wonderful modern hymns. Let’s look at the lyrics. Verse 1: Come behold the wondrous mystery In the dawning of the King He the theme of heaven's praises Robed in frail humanity In our longing in our darkness Now the light of life has come Look to Christ who condescended Took on flesh to ransom us Verse 2: Come behold the wondrous mystery He the perfect Son of Man In His living in His suffering Never trace nor stain of sin See the true and better Adam Come to save the hell-bound man Christ the great and sure fulfillment Of the law in Him w...

  He is So Precious to Me first appeared in the collection Joyful Praise, in 1902.   It was written by the prolific hymn writer Charles H. Gabriel. It is set to the tune PRECIOUS TO ME, written for the text by the author. Originally the first stanza was as follows: I’m happy in Jesus, my Savior, my King, And all the day long of His goodness I sing To Him in my weakness I lovingly cling For He is so precious to me. In 1907, E. O. Excell, purchased the rights to the song from Gabriel.   It was at this time that the alterations to the stanzas were made. Charles H. Gabriel was born in 1856, in Iowa, and spent the first seventeen years of his life on the family farm. His parents were able to purchase a home reed organ(pump organ) and Gabriel soon taught himself to play. By the age of sixteen, he was teaching singing schools.   He soon became widely known as a teacher and composer.   After spending some years in California, he moved to Chicago, where he beca...