Sermons & Devotionals by Hymn Stories

Author --Clara Tear Williams, 1858-1937 Composer --Ralph E. Hudson, 1843-1901 "For He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness." Psalm 107:9 The author, Clara Tear Williams, has given the following description of the writing of this inspirational testimony hymn: "About ... Read More

Author --Joseph Mohr, 1792-1848 English Translation --John F. Young, 1820-1885 Composer --Franz Grüber, 1787-1863 Tune Name --"Stille Nacht" "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11 Joseph Mohr was born in the lovely city of Salzburg, Austria... Read More

Author --Johann J. Schütz, 1640-1690 English Translation --Frances E. Cox, 1812-1897 Music --From the Bohemian Brethren's Hymnal Kirchengesänge of 1566 Tune Name --"Mit Freuden Zart" ("With Great Personal Gladness") "The Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereo... Read More

James Montgomery, 1771-1854 "Stand up and praise the Lord your God, who is from everlasting to everlasting." (Nehemiah 9:5) Many excellent opportunities to witness for the Lord are lost each day simply because of our timidity. Or perhaps we are with a group of colleagues when the Lord's name is blas... Read More

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love." - 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 "Tell them to stand up for Jesus." These were the final words of a twenty-nine-year-old Episcopalian minister, Dudley Tyng, as he spoke from his deathbed to a group of sorrowing... Read More

"The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, 'The LORD is upright--he is my Rock, and there is ... Read More

Author --Edward Mote, 1797-1874 Composer --William B. Bradbury, 1816-1868 Tune Name --"Solid Rock" "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 3:11 Many of our gospel hymns are criticized by theologians as being too subjective and experiential, or fo... Read More

Author --Frederick W. Faber, 1814-1863 Composer --Lizzie S. Tourjee, 1858-1913 Tune Name -- "Wellesley" "But Thou, 0 Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth." Psalm 86:15 Frederick William Faber was born on June 28, 1814, in Calverley, Yorksh... Read More

Author --Maltbie D. Babcock, 1858-1901 Composer --Franklin L. Sheppard, 1852-1930 Tune Name --"Terra Beata" "He loveth righteousness and judgment: The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord." Psalm 33:5 This hymn is taken from a sixteen-verse poem written by the Rev. Maltbie D. Babcock and publis... Read More

Author and Composer --Helen H. Lemmel, 1864-1961 "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2 The Scriptures abound in teachings concerni... Read More

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" -Philippians 4:6 Perhaps no other hymn has ministered so much comfort and consolation as this simple but meaningful message of hope and cheer. As with many of our hymns, "Wh... Read More

"After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words." --1 Thessalonians 4:17-18 Learning to sing praise to God now is an excellent way... Read More

James Nicholson, c. 1828-1876 "Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow" (Psalm 51:7) God's people have been placed in their particular circle of influence so they can demonstrate purity and a concern for righteousness. If we do not fulfill this role, who ... Read More

"He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul." - Psalm 23:2-3 Becoming a Christian is a thrilling experience--that time when one initially trusts in the redemptive work of Christ and becomes aware of a personal relationship with his Creator. Then ther... Read More