hymns are timeless..

I recently bought a Shelly Moore Band CD; by the way, they are amazing! She did a really neat rendition of Jesus Paid It All that sounds like a completely different song. But the words are exactly the same as the original Hymn. In hearing the same powerful words sung in a different tune, I was reminded of the strength of Hymns to this day. Even though the tune and rhythm may change, the words always remain the same. There have been countless artists that have changed the rhythm and/or tune of a hymn. But the importance of the message behind the song, both spirtual and historical, lingers behind. This lead me to the realization that while Shelly Moore is an amazing singer/artist, the words she sings are not hers. They are the Lord's, and will forever be the Lord's. As a singer/artist myself, I tend to lose this train of thought easily. Instead of thinking "what can I write?", I should be thinking "what will you have me write tonight, Lord?" This is a challenge.... just something to think about.

I hear the Savior say

Thy strength indeed is small
Child of weakness watch and pray
Find in me thine all in all

Lord, now indeed I find
Thy power and thine alone
Can change the leper's spots
And melt the heart of stone

Jesus paid it all
All to Him I owe
Sin had left a crimson stain
But He washed it white as snow

For nothing good have I
Whereby thy grace to claim
I'll wash my garments white
In the blood of Calvary's Lamb

And when, before the throne
I stand in Him complete
Jesus died to save my soul
My lips shall still repeat

Jesus paid it all
All to Him I owe
Sin had left a crimson stain
But He washed it white as snow