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~* MAKE ME A BLESSING *~
Ira B. Wilson, 1880-1950
By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
Proverbs 11:11
Nothing is lost that is done for the Lord,
Let it be ever so small;
The smile of the Saviour approves of the deed
As though it were greatest of all.
~Unknown~
We are of little value to our Lord if we do not produce fruit
for Him. In fact, the command of Scripture is to bear "much
fruit". Regardless of the task to which God calls us, whether
it be great or small, it will receive His promised blessing
when we do it faithfully and with sincere motives. The
Scriptures also teach that our deeds of compassion and mercy
must be done with cheerfulness, never simply out of duty
(Romans 12:8). It has been said, "It is not fitting when one
is in God's service to have a gloomy face or a chilling look."
Representing Christ and serving others must become a normal,
happy lifestyle as we "carry the sunshine where darkness is
rife".
The text of this hymn was written in 1909 by Ira Wilson, a
musician associated for many years with the Lorenz Publishing
Company, serving as editor of the popular periodicals from
church choirs, The Choir Leader and The Choir
Herald. The music for the hymn was added 15 years later by
George Schuler, who served for more than 40 years in the music
department of the Moody Bible Institute. Throughout his
lifetime Mr. Schuler contributed much fine music for both vocal
and keyboard use. "Make Me a Blessing" was first introduced in
1924 at a Sunday School convention in Cleveland, Ohio, where
Schuler had 1,000 copies of the song printed for the occasion.
It was received with much enthusiasm, and these words have
since been widely used to challenge believers to make their
lives useful to God.
[Note from Jennifer: This hymn has meant much to me over the
years, being a favorite of my mother's. Joan B. Monck was a
church organist for decades, but this particular hymn I can
still hear her playing. I myself was privileged to play this
on our church organ with my dear friend and sister Debbie
playing on the piano, and that meant more to me that anyone
could possibly understand. Thank You, LORD, for giving me a
Momma who wanted to be a blessing, and for giving me a heart to
serve You by blessing others as well.]
Out in the highways and byways of life,
many are weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
making the sorrowing glad.
Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love;
Tell of His pow'r to forgive:
Others will trust Him if only you prove
true ev'ry moment you live.
Give as 'twas given to you in your need;
Love as the Master loved you;
Be to the helpless a helper indeed;
Unto your mission be true.
CHORUS:
Make me a blessing, make me a blessing,
Out of my life (out of my life) May Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray,
Make me a blessing to someone today.
*For Today*: Isaiah 6:8; Matthew 5:13-16; Acts 20:24; II Corinthians 1:4; II Timothy 2:21
Simply breathe this musical prayer as you go forth to represent
Christ to your part of the world today.
Music url: Make Me A Blessing
Midi file created using NoteWorthy Composer
Taken from Amazing Grace -- 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for
Daily Devotions © Copyright 1990 by Kenneth W. Osbeck. Published by Kregel Publications, Grand Rapids, MI. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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