Tag Archives: Hymns

Birds in Hymns – Being His

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Bald Eagle flying by Dave's BirdingPix

Bald Eagle flying by Dave's BirdingPix

Based on:

Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: (Exodus 19:5 KJV)

Words by Neil Bar­ham, 2005. (1962-)

Music – Pro­tect­ion – from A Com­pil­a­tion of Gen­u­ine Church Mu­sic, by Jo­seph Funk (Win­ches­ter, Vir­gin­ia: J. W. Holl­is, 1832)

Alternate Tune – St. Den­io, by John Ro­berts, 1839

Being His

His oceans all rumble and batter His shore,
But He will be new when its waves are no more.
His mountains reach skyward to touch His sweet face;
His forests burst forth as He showers their place.

The mighty Leviathan leaps in His seas,
The eagle mounts up on the joy of His breeze.
The creatures of earth borrow life from His hand,
Their days are all numbered by His firm command.

Eternity springs from His Infinite Mind—
All time and all space from His fingers unwind,
His intricate, limitless, unbounded skill
Spins threads of His sovereign, inscrutable will.

The thunder of Sinai resounds in our ears,
The judgment of God stirs the deepest of fears!
But, awesome and wondrous—more staggering still—
The flashes of lightning from Calvary’s hill!

But O! How mighty, how perfect, how free,
How blessèd, how precious, how lovely is He!
And O! How grand, and how sweet to behold
The trophies of grace He has won from of old!

A radiant triumph illumines His face!
He strides to His throne, the Colossus of Grace!
He sits, and His Father proclaims Him True Son!
His strife is now over; His battle is done.

We bow, we adore, we fall down at His throne,
He gathers us into His arms as His own!
He seats us in glory beside Him above,
To crown His achievement with splendors of love!

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What a great old hymn that tells of the Lord’s grace to us and the Worship that is due Him.

Neil Barham grew up in Lou­i­si­a­na and has lived all over the south­ern Unit­ed States. He was trained as a Pres­by­ter­i­an pas­tor and served as a teach­er in Christ­ian schools in Georg­ia, Ten­nes­see, and Lou­i­si­a­na. As of 2005, he lived in Mi­a­mi, Flor­i­da, where he, his wife Ju­lie, and his child­ren Han­nah, Seth, and Le­ah are mem­bers of the Ken­dall Pres­by­ter­i­an Church.

Inspired by the ex­am­ple of Will­iam Cow­per, Neil be­gan writ­ing hymns to com­bat spir­it­u­al de­press­ion. He has 19 hymns on Cyber Hymnal.

For an article about Neil Barham – Click Here

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Birds in Hymns – Get Close To Jesus

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Sudan Golden Sparrow (Passer luteus) by Dan

Sudan Golden Sparrow (Passer luteus) by Dan

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:20 KJV)

Birds in Hymns – Get Close To Jesus

Words by Al­ice Larry Wood­cock

Music by Al­ice Larry Wood­cock

Get Close To Jesus

Whene’er your trials are too hard for you,
Burdens are heavy, and your friends seem few,
Go to your Savior, kneel to Him in prayer,
He’ll hear you, for He’s always there.

Refrain

Get close to Jesus, He’s your best friend;
Get close to Jesus, He’ll comfort send;
In times of trial, in times of fear,
Get close to Jesus, He’s always near.

He is the friend above all others rare;
Even the sparrow is within His care;
Much more to you will He His love bestow
If to Him you will only go.

Refrain

Get close to Jesus, He’s your best friend;
Get close to Jesus, He’ll comfort send;
In times of trial, in times of fear,
Get close to Jesus, He’s always near.

So for tomorrow and its needs ne’er fear;
Leave all to Him, have faith, be of good cheer;
Then go and help some others’ cross to bear,
And tell them of His wondrous care.

Refrain

Get close to Jesus, He’s your best friend;
Get close to Jesus, He’ll comfort send;
In times of trial, in times of fear,
Get close to Jesus, He’s always near.

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Birds In Hymns – More Than These

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House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) by Ray

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) by Ray

Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:31 KJV)

Birds In Hymns – More Than These

Words by Ina D. Og­don, 1914 (1872-1964)

Music – “Ka­ra­chi” by Bentley D. Ackley (1872-1958)

More Than These

I need not trouble for the morrow,
For I am in my Father’s care;
He will go with me as I journey,
For all my need He will prepare.

Refrain

I know that He provides the lilies,
His eye each falling sparrow sees;
And so my soul will fear no evil,
For I am more to Him than these.

White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) by Ray

White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) by Ray

I need not either thirst or hunger;
His grace will never be denied;
He leads me to the living waters;
His daily manna is supplied.

Refrain

I know that He provides the lilies,
His eye each falling sparrow sees;
And so my soul will fear no evil,
For I am more to Him than these.

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) Albino ©©LuSerra

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) Albino ©©LuSerra

I need not an abiding city,
For I can tarry but a night;
My heart, my treasure, are in Heaven,
My raiment is a robe of white.

Refrain

I know that He provides the lilies,
His eye each falling sparrow sees;
And so my soul will fear no evil,
For I am more to Him than these.

Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) by Ray

Grasshopper Sparrow

O may my faith increase before Him,
My service here His blessing gain;
Let me seek first my Father’s kingdom,
For all beside must be in vain!

Refrain

I know that He provides the lilies,
His eye each falling sparrow sees;
And so my soul will fear no evil,
For I am more to Him than these.

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Birds in Hymns – God Sees The Little Sparrow Fall

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American Tree Sparrow (Spizella arborea) w chicks©USFWS

American Tree Sparrow (Spizella arborea) w chicks©USFWS

Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. (Luke 12:6-7 KJV)

Birds in Hymns – God Sees The Little Sparrow Fall

Words by  Ma­ria Straub, 1874 (1838-1898)

Music – Pro­vi­dence, by Sol­o­mon W. Straub

God Sees The Little Sparrow Fall

God sees the little sparrow fall,
It meets His tender view;
If God so loves the little birds,
I know He loves me, too.

Refrain

He loves me, too, He loves me, too,
I know He loves me, too;
Because He loves the little things,
I know He loves me, too.

 

Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) by Ray

Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) by Ray

He paints the lily of the field,
Perfumes each lily bell;
If He so loves the little flow’rs,
I know He loves me well.

Refrain

He loves me, too, He loves me, too,
I know He loves me, too;
Because He loves the little things,
I know He loves me, too.

 

Song Sparrow in white flowers by Daves BirdingPix

Song Sparrow in white flowers by Daves BirdingPix

God made the little birds and flow’rs,
And all things large and small;
He’ll not forget his little ones,
I know He loves them all.

Refrain

He loves me, too, He loves me, too,
I know He loves me, too;
Because He loves the little things,
I know He loves me, too.

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What a great promise!

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Birds in Hymns – The Garden of My Heart

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Superb Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus superbus) by Ian

Superb Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus superbus) by Ian

Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the LORD, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all. (Jeremiah 31:12 KJV)

Words & Music: Hal­dor Lil­le­nas, 1919

The Garden of My Heart


There’s a sacred and hallowed retreat,
Where my soul finds a fellowship sweet,
Where the Lord of my life I may meet,
In the garden of my heart.

Refrain

In the cool of the day He walks with me,
In the rose bordered way He talks with me;
In love’s holy union,
And sacred communion,
In the garden of my heart.

There is naught can disturb or molest,
There my spirit finds comfort and rest,
And my soul is no longer distressed
In the garden of my heart.

Refrain

Shut away from earth’s strife and its din,
And protected from soul staining sin,
For my Savior is dwelling within,
In the garden of my heart.

Refrain

There the dove of sweet peace always sings,
And my faith ever trustingly clings;
And the chime of sweet happiness rings
In the garden of my heart.

Refrain

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Birds in Hymns – The Fish in Wave, The Bird on Wing

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Common Gull (Larus canus) by Robert Scanlon

Common Gull (Larus canus) by Robert Scanlon

And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven. (Genesis 1:20 KJV)

Words: Charles Cof­fin, Par­is Bre­vi­a­ry, 1736 (Iis­dem cre­a­ti fluc­ti­bus); trans­lat­ed from La­tin to Eng­lish by John Chand­ler and the com­pil­ers of Hymns An­cient and Mo­dern.

Music: St. Fla­vi­an, Day’s Psal­ter, 1563

The Fish in Wave, The Bird on Wing


The fish in wave, the bird on wing,
God bade the waters bear;
Each for our mortal body’s food
His gracious hands prepare.

But other food, of richer cost,
The immortal spirit needs;
By faith it lives on every word
That from His mouth proceeds.

Faith springing from the blood of Christ,
Has flowed o’er every land;
And sinners through the vanquished world
Bow down to its command.

Its light the joy of Heav’n reveals
To hearts made pure within;
And bids them seek by worthy deeds
Eternal crowns to win.

By faith the saints of old were strong
The lion’s wrath to tame;
By faith they spurned the tyrant’s threats,
And scorned the raging flame.

Lord, grant that we the path may tread
Whereon its light doth shine;
And gather, as we onward go,
The fruits of love divine.

O praise the Father; praise the Son,
On Whose most precious blood
Rests all our faith; and praise to Him
Who with Them both is God.

Most information from The Cyber Hymnal

Another great hymn from the past.

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Blessed Assurance by Ron Tolson

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YouTube from “Hymns – Timeless”. American Songbird Showcase

Blessed Assurance written by Fanny Crosby and sung by Ron Tolson.

Thought you might enjoy this video with all the birds showcased. No birds mentioned in the song, but it still is a “Birds in Hymn” candidate. Our Savior created all these beautiful birds.

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Birds in Hymns – O Maker of the Sea and Sky

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Common Gull (Larus canus) by Robert Scanlon

Common Gull (Larus canus) by Robert Scanlon

Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God: Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever: (Psalms 146:5-6 KJV)

Words by Hen­ry Bur­ton, 1905. (1840-1930)
Music – Santa Trin­i­ta by E. V. Pier­ac­ci­ni (1828-1902)

O Maker of the Sea and Sky


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O Maker of the sea and sky,
Whose word the stormy winds fulfill,
On the wide ocean Thou art nigh,
Bidding these hearts of ours be still.

What if Thy footsteps are not known?
We know Thy way is in the sea;
We trace the shadow of Thy throne,
Constant amid inconstancy.

Shy Albatross (Thalassarche cauta) by Ian

Shy Albatross (Thalassarche cauta) by Ian

Thou bidd’st the north or south wind blow;
The lonely sea bird is Thy care;
And in the clouds which come and go,
We see Thy chariots everywhere.

The sun that lights the homeland dear
Spreads the new morning o’er the deep;
And in the dark Thy stars appear,
Keeping their watches while we sleep.

And so, secure from all alarms,
Thy seas beneath, Thy skies above,
Clasped in the everlasting arms,
We rest in Thine unslumbering love.

My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. (Psalms 121:2-3 KJV)

Most information from The Cyber Hymnal

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Birds In Hymns – There Seems A Voice In Every Gale

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…The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. (Psalms 19:1-3 KJV)

Words by Amel­ia A. Opie (1769-1853)
Music: Ar­ling­ton – by Thom­as A. Arne, 1762; ar­ranged by Ralph Har­ris­on, 1784
Thomas A. Arne (1710-1778)

Red-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon rubricauda) by Bob-Nan

Red-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon rubricauda) by Bob-Nan

There Seems A Voice In Every Gale


There seems a voice in every gale,
A tongue in every flower,
Which tells, O Lord, the wondrous tale
Of Thy almighty power.

The birds, that rise on quivering wing,
Proclaim their Maker’s praise,
And all the mingling sounds of spring
To Thee an anthem raise.

Shall I be mute, great God, alone
’Midst nature’s loud acclaim?
Shall not my heart, with answering tone,
Breathe forth Thy holy Name?

All nature’s debt is small to mine;
Nature shall cease to be;
Thou gavest proof of love divine,
Immortal life to me.

Another great hymn from the past. We just returned from the second funeral of the week. For some, the death of a loved one may seem like a gale. The Lord speaks to us through our trials and gives us a comfort and peace as we go through them. That is, considering the person is in fellowship with the Savior. Both of these dear saints of the Lord, one here and one 200 miles away, were believers in the Lord Jesus Christ and their families also. They have comfort in knowing their loved ones are in the “presence of the Lord,” but they will have grief and sorrow, but the Lord will speak to them and they will come through the “Gale” they are going through. Our hearts and prayers are with both families.

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Birds In Hymns – With Songs and Honors Sounding Loud

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Birds In Hymns – With Songs and Honors Sounding Loud – Isaac Watts

Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God; For it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful. (Psalms 147:1 NKJV)

Words – By Isaac Watts, The Psalms of David, 1719
Music – By Bedford, William Wheale, 1729
Alternate Tune Belfield by William Gilchrist, 1895

With Songs and Honors Sounding Loud


With songs and honors sounding loud,
Address the Lord on high;
Over the heav’ns He spreads His cloud,
And waters veil the sky.

He sends His showers of blessing down
To cheer the plains below;
He makes the grass the mountains crown,
And corn in valleys grow.

Northern Raven (Corvus corax) by Ray

Northern Raven (Corvus corax) by Ray

He gives the grazing ox his meat,
He hears the raven’s cry;
But man, who tastes His finest wheat,
Should raise His honors high.

His steady counsels change the face
Of the declining year;
He bids the sun cut short his race,
And wintry days appear.

His hoary frost, His fleecy snow,
Descend and clothe the ground;
The liquid streams forbear to flow,
In icy fetters bound.

When from the dreadful stores on high
He pours the rattling hail,
The wretch that dares this God defy
Shall find his courage fail.

He sends His Word, and melts the snow,
The fields no longer mourn;
He calls the warmer gales to blow,
And bids the spring return.

The changing wind, the flying cloud,
Obey His mighty Word:
With songs and honors sounding loud,
Praise ye the sovereign Lord.

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… a Psalm of David. I will praise You, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High. (Psalms 9:1-2 NKJV)

Be exalted, O LORD, in Your own strength! We will sing and praise Your power. (Psalms 21:13 NKJV)

Be exalted, O LORD, in Your own strength! We will sing and praise Your power. (Psalms 21:13 NKJV)

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Birds in Hymns – Joy To The World

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American Yellow Warbler (Dendroica aestiva) singing by J Fenton

American Yellow Warbler (Dendroica aestiva) singing by J Fenton

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. (Luke 2:10 KJV)

Joy To The World

Words by Isaac Watts, The Psalms of Da­vid, 1719.

Music: An­ti­och, ar­ranged by Low­ell Ma­son, 1792-1872 – The ci­ty of An­ti­och, Syr­ia, is where be­liev­ers were first called “Christ­ians” (Acts 11:26). Al­ter­nate tune:

Northern Parula (Parula americana) Reinier Munguia

Northern Parula (Parula americana) Reinier Munguia

“Joy to the World” is a popular Christmas carol.

The words are by English hymn writer Isaac Watts, based on Psalm 98 in the Bible. The song was first published in 1719 in Watts’ collection; The Psalms of David: Imitated in the language of the New Testament, and applied to the Christian state and worship. Watts wrote the words of “Joy to the World” as a hymn glorifying Christ’s triumphant return at the end of the age, rather than a Christmas song celebrating his first coming as a babe born in a stable. Only the second half of Watts’ lyrics are still used today.

The music was adapted and arranged to Watts’ lyrics by Lowell Mason in 1839 from an older melody which was then believed to have originated from Handel, not least because the theme of the refrain (And heaven and nature sing…) appears in the orchestra opening and accompaniment of the recitative Comfort Ye from Handel’s Messiah, and the first four notes match the beginning of the choruses Lift up your heads and Glory to God from the same oratorio. However, Handel did not compose the entire tune.”

As of the late 20th century, “Joy to the World” was the most-published Christmas hymn in North America.” (From Wikipedia)

Joy To The World

Savannah Sparrow singing by Ray

Savannah Sparrow singing by Ray

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.

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Birds In Hymns – Whence Comes This Rush Of Wings?

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White-tailed Tropicbird by Ian

White-tailed Tropicbird by Ian

Whence Comes This Rush Of Wings?

We…are come to worship Him. (Matthew 2:2)

Words: French car­ol from Bas-Quer­cy; trans­lat­or un­known. Ap­peared in Car­ols Old and Car­ols New, by Charles Lewis Hutch­ins (Bos­ton, Mass­a­chu­setts: Par­ish Choir, 1916), num­ber 460.

Music: Bas-Quercy

Whence Comes This Rush Of Wings?

Whence comes this rush of wings afar,
Following straight the Noël star?
Birds from the woods in wondrous flight,
Bethlehem seek this holy night.

European Greenfinch (Carduelis chloris) by Ian

European Greenfinch (Carduelis chloris) by Ian

“Tell us, ye birds, why come ye here,
Into this stable, poor and drear?”
“Hast’ning we seek the newborn King,
And all our sweetest music bring.”

Hark how the greenfinch bears his part,
Philomel, too, with tender heart,
Chants from her leafy dark retreat,
Re, mi, fa, sol, in accents sweet.

Angels and shepherds, birds of the sky,
Come where the Son of God doth lie;
Christ on the earth with man doth dwell,
Join in the shout, “Noël, Noël!”

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