From an Overflowing Love

I distinctly remember the smell of old wood worn smooth by the countless people who touched the old pews week after week. The rings in the concrete out front which were once used to tie up the horses were still there. The beautiful stained glass windows were a source of entertainment during the long sermons preached at the old church I grew up in. One window was of Jesus, in full color, holding a little lamb. He seemed to gaze down on me each week with love in His eyes and I remember loving to look at his feet and the lamb he held so tenderly.

When it was hot outside, the ushers would take long wooden poles with a hook on one end and insert the hook into the grooves on the sliding stain glassed window and raise them up to create a flow of air. We spent many hours there singing and listening to sermons which for the most part bypassed my little ears. One pastor who filled the pulpit was the hell/fire/brimstone kind of preacher. I don't remember being moved by him either, but the songs touched me.

Even as an adult when my husband and I "moved" into the charismatic movement with a whole new style of music, God seemed to take me back from time to time to the hymns I heard growing up in that old church. Even this morning as I was reminded of the scripture from the Book of James about mixing faith with action, this song was dropped into my heart as yet another gentle reminder from the Holy Spirit.

The joy William Featherston expressed is mine this morning as well. I rejoice for the long awaited rain we had last night. "Thank you Lord! I rejoice in your amazing love. We decree your kingdom come in our hearts, the lover of my soul."

I Love Thee

Lyrics: William Featherston, 1864

Composer: Adoniram Gordon, 1876

I love Thee, I love Thee, I love Thee, my Lord;

I love Thee, my Savior, I love Thee, my God;

I love Thee, I love Thee, and that Thou dost know;

But how much I love Thee my actions will show.

I’m happy, I’m happy, oh, wondrous account!

My joys are immortal, I stand on the mount;

I gaze on my treasure and long to be there,

With Jesus and angels and kindred so dear.

O Jesus, my Savior, with Thee I am blessed.

My life and salvation, my joy and my rest.

Thy Name be my theme, and Thy love be my song;

Thy grace shall inspire both my heart and my tongue.

Oh, who’s like my Savior? He’s Salem’s bright King;

He smiles and He loves me and helps me to sing:

I’ll praise him, I’ll praise Him with notes loud and clear,

While rivers of pleasure my spirit shall cheer.

(Note:  William Featherston wrote this when he was 16 years old.  He died shortly before his 27th birthday.)