A Mighty Fortress is Our God ~ Hymn Story ~ Lucy Neeley Adams

                               A MIGHTY FORTRESS                               

a Hymn Story by

Lucy Neely Adams

  There was no war, but it was definitely a conflict in Wittenburg, Germany on October 31, 1517.  A Catholic priest posted a list of complaints against his church and nailed them to the front door.  

   That expression of anguish in the heart of the priest–Martin Luther–brought about the greatest upheaval in the Christian faith since the beginnings of the Christian movement. Much conflict arose between those who wanted change and those who did not.  So, it was a blessing that a very sympathetic friend led him to hide in the safety of a castle.

     It was there that Luther reaffirmed the protection and comfort of a mighty God.  Within his temporary hiding place, the words of Psalm 46 came alive and were overwhelming.  We also feast on those words from our Bible:  "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in time of trouble." (Psalm 46:1)

     During those days of solitude, prayer and Bible study, Luther began to translate the Scripture into the German language.  He said, "All people must be able to read God's word for themselves."

     Likewise, he believed that church music was for all to sing.  He also believed that "the devil, who is the originator of sorrowful anxieties and restless troubles, flees before the sound of God's music almost as much as before the Word of God".

     With that inspiration, he composed the hymn,  A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD.  It begins with a bold affirmation of a powerful and loving God:   

  

  " A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing.    Our helper, He amid the flood, of mortal ills prevailing."

      When Luther returned to face his critics, he was armed with renewed determination.  He would not recant his protests against the Catholic church.  So, after a struggle for several years with officials in Rome, he was excommunicated in 1520.

     However, this great Christian leader did not lose heart.  He continued teaching and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ until his death in 1546 at the age of 63.  He lived in the town of his birth, Eisleben, Saxony, Germany.  His majestic hymn, A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD, was sung at his funeral and the first line is engraved on his tombstone.

     For more than 500 years it has been sung by millions of Christians around the world.  During these days of fall festivals and fun activities, we are also encouraged that our Christian faith is strong because our Lord is strong and a loving fortress.  Other words in the great hymn remind us that "we do not need to confide in our own strength but in Christ Jesus who is the same from age to age."  Also, we rejoice because "God's truth abideth still and His Kingdom is forever."  

Lucy Neeley Adams     

October 2019

More Love to Thee ~ Lucy Neeley Adams ~ Hymn Story

MORE LOVE TO THEE

a Hymn Story from

Lucy Neeley Adams

 

 Please re-welcome Lucy Neeley Adams ... one of my favorite people whom I've never met but still consider a good friend. Lucy researches into the background stories of old, beloved hymns and writes them up into articles for local newspapers in towns where she's lived.

She has also compiled 52 of these wonderful hymn stories into a little book called 52 Hymn Story Devotions. Lucy has graciously shared many of these--and others not in the book--with me for you to enjoy--over the past years since I've been blogging. If memory serves, that's about 12 years now

So without more jabbering from me, here's Lucy!

Stepping Heavenward 

A little faded green book with ragged edges has a prominent place on my bookshelf. STEPPING HEAVENWARD was published in 1899 and it sold thousands of copies.

The reason it is so special to me is that it was a gift to my father when he was young. He wrote his name on the inside cover in pencil: Wadsworth Neeley, 1909, Lexington, S.C. Long ago, when I was going through some treasures of the past at our home, he told me why it was special. The book had belonged to his mother, who gave it to him before she died.

The author, Elizabeth P Prentiss was born in Portland, Maine, on October 26, 1818. To study her life is to identify with regular day to day routines. Her loving family relationships were filled with joys and sorrows that expressed her growing Christian faith.

Elizabeth was described as a "very bright-eyed little woman with a keen sense of humor, who cared more to shine in her own happy household than in a wide circle of society."

One of the many ways she expressed her faith was in poetry. She often drew on Scripture as the basis for the words of her writings.

Her poem More Love to Thee is based on Philippians 1:9: "And this I pray, that your love may overflow more and more in knowledge and full insight." Therefore the first verse of Elizabeth Prentiss' poem is: "

More love to Thee, O Christ, more love to Thee. Hear now the prayer I make, on bended knee."

She showed it to no one when it was finished for fear that it was too simple and not very important. But when her husband, Rev. George Prentiss found it years later, he arranged for it to be published as a leaflet. It was used very often in the church where he was pastor.

Soon it was discovered by a famous composer of the day, William H. Doane.  He wrote the music and included it in his hymnal SONGS OF DEVOTION. We are thankful that it continues to be a cherished part of most hymnals.

The beautiful melody of "More Love to Thee" makes this a heartfelt hymn of worship. And as we sing, we are also called to a deeper commitment to our Lord.

Lucy N. Adams

www.52hymns.com

 

 

Lucy Adams ~ His Name is Wonderful ~ Story Behind the Song

Hello, Whispers in Purple friends and readers. I have a special treat for you today, and I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did.

I coaxed Lucy Adams, a long-time online friend for, I think, over thirty years Does that sound about right, Lucy? Sadly, we've never met each other.  Here's what Lucy wrote when she sent this to me:

Dear, dear, Peg, what a wonderful request! I have sung the music and words of "His Name Is Wonderful” many times this Christmas, so I thought I’d share this song, and the story behind it.

   

     Also, I love it since it can go into the New Year with us … and we can shout out forever ---- His name IS definitely wonderful all year round!  Isaiah 9:6 is the basis.

     So thankful you asked.

Okay, here's Lucy's research story about this song.

                                   His Name Is Wonderful

     Gifts come to us for various reasons.  The composer of this song said it was a "gift from heaven."  And, I believe that gifts from God are given to bless us, so that we may bless others.  Audrey Mieir, composer of "His Name Is Wonderful", wrote a song that has blessed millions of people.

     However, she said she never intended to write a song on that special day.  She was focused on the children's nativity scene and the sermon of the morning. Mrs. Mieir said it all happened on Christmas day in 1955 as she sat quietly in church. At Bethel Union Church in Duarte, California where her husband's brother, Dr. Luther Mieir was the pastor, everyone was smiling at a joyful and typical scene.

     The children, who were shepherds, were dressed in oversized bathrobes.  The angels' halos were slightly crooked.  Carol singing and scripture reading was meaningful, as always. The familiar prophecy of Isaiah 9:6 went down deep into her soul as she cherished those old words: 

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given, and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father. The Prince of Peace."

     When the pastor finished reading the familiar scripture, he lifted his hands, closed his eyes and said, "His name is wonderful."  There must have been a holy hush in Mrs. Mier's soul.  She said, "I felt as if I heard the rustle of angel wings and a musical chorus came to my mind."

     Quickly she wrote in the flyleaf of her Bible the words that her brother-in-law had just proclaimed, "His name is wonderful." She wrote it three more times and added, "Jesus my Lord."

     In a few days, she completed the song with a fuller description of who Jesus is.  The last line is a personal response to the One whose name is wonderful.  We want to bow down, love and adore this wonderful Jesus.

     Before Audrey Mieir died in 1996 at the age of 80, some of her last words were:  "His Name Is Wonderful" and will outlive the chubby human hands chosen to write a few black notes on five lines and four spaces. But it will never outlive the Father who glories in His Son's name."

Peg here: As I usually try to do with Lucy's posts, I looked for a video of someone singing this beautiful song, so I've embedded it here. I hope you'll enjoy ... maybe even sing along.

Lucy N. Adams  

  52hymns.com

"Victory In Jesus" ~ Hymn Story ~ Lucy Neeley Adams

 Victory In Jesus

a hymn story by Lucy Neeley Adams
Material © by Lucy Neeley Adams

The Sunday night worship service at our church was not complete until we heard a familiar voice on the back row.  Our friend, Louis, always asked that we sing, "Victory In Jesus" as the closing hymn  And it was a joy to sing of hope and thankfulness to God, who will lead us to victory in Him. 

Another friend, Dan Pratt, author of TEARS ON THE CHURCH HOUSE FLOOR, writes about his son Bill, who is a non-reader.  But he can make a joyful noise with music that touches the heart.  "That is especially true if the song is, "Victory in Jesus". Many people have said that Bill's rendition brings tears to their eyes."

Recently, when I heard a young woman's testimony, based on this old favorite, it inspired me to dig deeper into its meaning.  The message came from the Prison Fellowship ministry (www.prisonfellowship.org) and a former inmate, Deborah, shared it to bring hope and healing in the midst of suffering.  Her first sentence to prison, initially scared her, so she reached out for God after her release.  But she soon returned to her previous rebellion and was arrested again. 

"I was angry and felt isolated", Deborah [the woman mentioned above] says, "like God had deserted me and this was my fate in life.  But then one day in 1995, I heard that a group of people from Prison Fellowship were coming to sing. One particular old hymn caught my attention ..." 

 'I heard an old, old story, how a Savior came from glory.  How he gave his life on Calvary to save a wretch like me.  I heard about his groaning, of his precious blood atoning.  Then I repented of my sin and won the victory.'

"Everything seemed to come together about my pitiful past life and that I had been a wretch.  So I asked Jesus to be my Lord and Savior.  Even though I had to remain in prison to complete my sentence, I was free in the Lord.  Deborah Daniels, is now a staff member with Prison Fellowship, and is an inspiration to many people." 

The musical talents and Christian faith of composer, Eugene M. Bartlett, spread throughout the south and in 1918, he established the Hartford Music Company of Hartford, Arkansas.  He published a monthly music magazine, Herald of Song, which promoted local musical groups.  After he composed, "Victory In Jesus", he spoke of the joy of his  salvation in this personal testimony.  It was first published by Vaughn Publishing in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. 

Eugene Bartlett died in 1941 at the age of 56, only two years after he had written this powerful hymn of confession and praise.  At the gravesite, there is a beautiful inscription on the headstone.  The first six musical notes are inscribed and underneath each note are the words, "I heard an old, old story."   

In 1973, Bartlett was posthumously inducted into the Gospel Music Associations Hall of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee. Praise the Lord, that this hymn continues to grow in its ministry to lift up God's glory!

We are blessed and will always praise God for this beautiful story and pray will continue to bring victory with these words of faith. 

Lucy Neeley Adams

Peg Here: As usually happens whenever I get to post one of Lucy's wonderful Hymn Stories. I'm inspired to looking for a video to go along with it. So, here's the one I found. Enjoy! 

Video from one of the Bill and Gloria Gaither Homecoming gatherings.

-- they presented to Him gifts; gold, frankincense and myrrh."

“-- they presented to Him gifts; gold, frankincense and myrrh." (Matt.2:11)

A Christmas Hymn Story by Lucy Neeley Adams

The bathrobes were too big but the three little boys were "kings" tonight, so it was fine to wear robes that dragged the floor.  Their crowns were not exactly a perfect fit either.  But what did that matter:  It was the Christmas pageant at their church - a night to remember!

Thousands of children have portrayed the wise men who brought gifts to the Christ-child at his birth.  The story is derived from Matthew 2:1-12, which is the only biblical reference to this event.  It is beautifully captured in the majestic hymn, "We Three Kings."  Although there is no specific number of men mentioned, it is assumed that each gift was carried by one man.  Many years ago artists began to portray this great experience as they drew three camels and three wise men.

The number involved is not essential for this beautiful Christmas message.  The gifts are only symbols that explain the purpose of Jesus' coming.  In stanza two "the gold I bring to crown Him again" signifies that Jesus is the King.

Stanza three speaks of the gift of frankincense, which is the incense that denotes prayer and praise in Jesus' priestly ministry.

In stanza four, the gift of myrrh and "its bitter perfume breathes a life of gathering gloom," points to Jesus' suffering in death.

John Henry Hopkins composed words and music to this message in 1857.  His intent to lift up the great event of praise and worship was eagerly received by his congregation and continues to add beauty to our Christmas season.

Hopkins was born in Pennsylvania in 1820.  As a minister, who was ordained into the Episcopal church, he was also a leader in the development of hymnody in that denomination.  He was the first instructor in church music at General Theological Seminary in New Your City.  His popular publication, CAROLS, HYMNS AND SONGS was reprinted four times.  "We Three Kings" is the best known song from that collection.

After the first stanza, the words move from the activity of the "three kings" to a personal involvement.  The personal pronoun "I" is used in the remainder of the carol.  Do I bring Him gold, frankincense or myrrh"  Do I offer Him "prayer and praise, voices raising, worshipping God on high?"

The message is clear: We are responsible for our gifts to Jesus as we choose to give our hearts.  Each day our prayer must be that we continue to give our all to our Lord.

Lucy Neeley Adams

www.52hymns.com

"Because He Lives" ♦ Hymn Story Devotion ♦ Lucy Neeley Adams

                                                       

Because He Lives

a Hymn Story Devotional from Lucy Neeley Adams

   As we gather together for Thanksgiving feasts and joyful family times, we also remember some heartbreaks of recent times. There has been gun violence and flooding events.  There have also been tensions with leading officials. We can remember these sad experiences in prayers for healing.

   We can also sing this lovely song with the assurance that God is with us so we can face all of our tomorrows.  When it was written in the 1960's the fears of turbulent events involved extreme drug traffic, the Vietnam war and riots that led to feelings of insecurity.  

   The composers, Bill and Gloria Gaither were expecting the birth of their first son and they were concerned about his future.  In praying about these fears and asking God for protection, they experienced a peaceful reassurance.

   So there was much rejoicing when baby Benji was born.  He was welcomed by his sisters, and all friends.  No one knew that a song would soon be written in response to this great event and it would eventually  travel around the world.

   The words flowed from the Gaithers' thankful hearts as they wrote: "How sweet to hold a newborn baby, and feel the pride and joy he gives.  But greater still the calm assurance, this child can face uncertain days because Christ lives."

   When Bill and Gloria met, they were high school English teachers in Alexandria, Ind.  As they worked together, they discovered their musical interests and Gloria joined the family trio.  They were married in 1962 and one of the greatest musical teams of contemporary Christian music was formed. 

   The many requests for their songs was surprising.  Gloria says", We had copies stuffed in boxes under the bed and in drawers all over the house.  Our parents helped us fill orders and we knew, very soon, that we were to open our own printing place and devote full time to our music."

   Gaither Music Co. is now a large industry in Alexandria as recording studios and distribution centers have been added.  The couple have composed hundreds of songs and have won many awards. In 1974, "Because He Lives" was selected by the Gospel Music Association as the "Gospel Song of the Year." 

    Of this song they say, "The routine of each day can reflect resurrection hope, and new life.  Before the crucifixion, Jesus said, "In a little while, the world will see me no more. But you will see me, because I live, you shall live also. (John 14:19).

   During this blessed time of Thanksgiving, let us sing joyfully and with blessed assurance:

"Because He lives, I can face tomorrow:

Because He lives, all fear is gone.

Because I know He holds the future.

And life is worth the living, just because He lives."

Footnote: The soloists are...in order of appearance...Bill Gaither, Mark Lowry, and Guy Penrod.

Lucy Neeley Adams     

SONG STORIES

 www.52hymns.com

A Tatterd Testament ♦ Lucy Neeley Adams

     I am pleased to once again bring you a devotional from Lucy Neeley Adams. This first appeared in The Upper Room Daily Devotional in August, 1977. Thank you, dear Lucy, for sharing it here with us.

From Google Images

A Tattered Testament      (Read Psalm 46)

         

"Thy word is to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart, for I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts.  (Jeremiah 15:16)

 My tattered little paperback New Testament sits on my bookshelf, held together by a rubber band.  I still find great meaning in reading it, but I must handle it more carefully than when it was new.  Its messages are still like water when I am thirsty, or food when I am hungry.  

On several occasions it has renewed my shaking spirit when I saw no way to get through the moment.

In the last four years there have been four deaths among my close friends.  They were so sudden that it took all the faith I had to persevere.  From my daily Bible study, God gave me strength to be helpful to the grieving families.  And this little paperback Testament was my constant companion at the funeral services.  

On its inside front cover, I have written: "Holding onto this at the funeral of: _____."  I filled in each name at the beginning of their funeral. 

I know there is no magic in holding the Bible.  But I do know there is a miracle of peace and comfort that comes from being assured of its inner message.

PRAYER:  O God, how wonderful it is to have Your Word!  Thank You for the people who were inspired to write for You.  Loving my Bible is an outgrowth of loving You.  I do love You and thank You.      Amen

   THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

My Bible is like a rudder that guides me through each day.

Lucy Neeley Adams     Winchester, Tn.   (August 6, 1977)    The Upper Room  Daily Devotional  - Nashville, Tn.