The Blogger Herself

The Blogger Herself

Saturday, July 11, 2009

I'd Rather Have Jesus!

Hi Blogging friends,

Thank you so much for your kindness and compassionate response to me regarding my last post. I have saved your comments, and will read and reread these. Glenda, Thank you so for the verses. Beth, I feel your prayers. Val, Thank you for such love and grace. I feel so loved! Dee, you are amazing! It seems like you have a window to my soul! Thank you All! I have however decided to delete my former post, so it will not have any way of causing visitors to stumble, as we never know how what we write might cause others to give into some form of temptation.

I thank you for your prayers. I am doing better today. I would love to have some wisdom to share, but I'm in a learning process myself at the moment. Mom is in good spirits as always, we will know more on Tues. Jenn will be home Wed, can't wait! I will ask though, do you find that God sometimes uses music to minster to you when other means don't seem to get your attention? I was listening to the Hymn I'd Rather Have Jesus, and it isn't like I hadn't heard it, but somehow it seemed to reach me today. So I did some research. www.allaboutGod.com


I’d Rather Have Jesus – The History
I’d Rather Have Jesus is a song written by Rhea F. Miller with the tune written by George Beverly Shea. This poem, written in 1922, was left on a piano in the Shea home by Bev Shea who wanted her son to find it and change the course of his life.

The words, I’d rather have Jesus, moved George so much and spoke to him about his own aims and ambitions in life. He sat down at the piano and began singing them with a tune that seemed to fit the words. Shea’s mom heard him singing it and asked him to sing it at church the next day.

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I’d Rather Have Jesus – The Lyrics
I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands,
I’d rather be led by His nail pierced hand.

Than to be a king of a vast domain
Or be held in sin’s dread sway,
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.


I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause;
I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I’d rather have Jesus than world-wide fame,
I’d rather be true to His holy name.

He’s fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;
He’s sweeter than honey from out of the comb;
He’s all that my hungering spirit needs,
I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead.

I’d Rather Have Jesus – The Bible’s Support
This hymn is about dedication and commitment. To follow after Jesus is costly. Matthew 16:24-26 says: “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?’” I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold. . .

Philippians 1:21 reminds us: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead. . .

Philippians 3:8 says, “What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.” I’d rather have Jesus than world-wide fame, I’d rather be true to His holy name. . .

Praise God for the words of Rhea Miller and the caring of Bev Shea. Because of them, George followed after Jesus and we are blessed with the fruit.

Hope this blesses you all, as it did me.


6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey T.J.,

That song is one of my very favorite hymns. It just seems to bring the One thing that is important into focus. And yes, music does speak to me when nothing else seems to reach all the way through to my heart. I thank God so often for the ability He has given song writers and musicians who use their gifts to lead others into the presence of God.

I'm trusting and praying that you are feeling surrounded by His presence and His love. If I could surround you with a big heartfelt hug right now, I certainly would. Since I can't, I'm praying that Jesus will.

Love you bunches,
Sandra

Dee said...

It does bless me!!!I so enjoy seing the words to songs written out. I saw a blog once that played the music and had the words. Some how i lost the site and have not been able to find it again. The picture on my post is not me...it is Sue. I am camera shy. :)

Glenda, saved by grace said...

well there you have it...This post, the words to that song. blessed me , so YES.

praying with you little sister!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing this beautiful song!

Dee said...

Just dropping by this beautiful Sunday morning to say Hi. I was just wondering did you ever get your room redecorated? I am still praying for your mom. Dee

Molly Page said...

true confession... sure wish the words of this hymn were more true for me. Seems like I REGULARLY pick substitutes that pale in comparison.