If you have read my blog over the past almost year, you have learned I love our old hymns and gospel songs. These songs brighten my day, bring back memories and simply they have added much to my life. I remember as a kid, listening to the radio in my bedroom. I loved playing albums on the stereo in the family room. I remember when I installed an 8-track player in my first car. And finally we had cassette players and then CD players, satellite radios to play as we traveled. And now, we can put our "playlist" on a memory stick and play our favorites on our devices at home or in the car. I loved my portable Walkman and now I play my music on my cell phone. Who would have thought it?
Over the years, I have gone from having to find a radio station to play in the car, to being at home so I could play the stereo, to today, when I can play my music anytime I wish. Sitting in my chair, out in the yard, driving in the car, to even working out, I can listen to "my" music. I was asked the other day, was gospel music the only kind of music I have ever listened too? My answer was, "pretty much". Now I have listened to other types but gospel music and hymns have always been my favorite.
I wonder sometimes if I enjoy them so much I may take them for granted. I think sometimes, I listen or sing without thinking, someone was inspired to write the words that give me the enjoyment of the song. I think that's why I enjoy trying to know about the writer of the song and the history behind how the writer may have been inspired to pen the words. Over the past few days, we have lost 3 songwriters who gave us some great songs. Elmo Mercer, Aaron Wilburn and Jerry Thompson. Over the past several years we have lost several others. I'm thankful today, there are several "younger" songwriters God is inspiring to write new songs for us to enjoy today and into the future.
Elmo Mercer was truly one of our great songwriters. In his life he is credited for writing over 1600 songs with the first being when he was 14. "Each Step I Take" was written at age 19 and may be the one he is best known for. Many will remember it being sung by George Beverly Shae during the Billy Graham crusades. Here are a couple of my other favorite Elmo Mercer songs, "Do You Know My Jesus" and "What A Glad Reunion Day".
"Each step I take my Savior goes before me, And with his loving hand he leads the way. And with each breath I whisper, “I adore thee!” Oh, what joy to walk with Him each day.
Chorus: Each step I take I know that He will guide me; To higher ground He ever leads me on. Until some day the last step will be taken, Each step I take just leads me closer home.
At times I feel my faith begin to waver When up ahead I see a chasm wide. It’s then I turn and look unto my Savior. I am strong when He is by my side.
I trust in God no matter come what may, For life eternal is in his hand. He holds the key that opens up the way That will lead me to the Promised Land."
I pray you will be blessed to hearing "Each Step I Take" today!
I hope you will have a great Saturday!
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