HYMN - O HOW I LOVE JESUS.

MAR. 13TH. 
Memory Verse: We love because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19).
TEXT: John 14:23; Philippians 2:9-11; 1 Peter 1:8; 1 John 4:7-21; Jude 21
This simply stated, lilting musical testimony has been another of the Sunday school favorite since it was first published in leaflet form in 1855, it has since been translated into various languages and has been included in numerous evangelical hymnals.
The words express so well the response of believers of any age as we reflect on all that Christ has done and continues to do for us daily. Indirectly, the hymn also exalts the written word, for it is only through the study of the revealed written word that we gain a true knowledge of the living word.
The text originally included eight stanzas several interesting verse not found in present hymnals include these worlds:
It tells me of a father’s smile that beams upon His child.
It cheers me through this little while, through deserts waste and wild.
It bids my trembling soul rejoice, and dries each rising tear.
It tells me in a still small voice, to trust and not to fear.
The author, Frederick Whitfield, was in Anglican Church clergyman. He is credited with more than 30 books of religious verse. The anonymous tune is a typical 19th century American folk song used in the campground meetings of that time
Even a century after they were written, these ageless words are still appropriate for expressing our love and devotion for Christ:
There is a name I love to hear; I love to sing its worth; it sounds like music in mine ear, the sweetest name on earth.
It tells me of a saviour’s love, who died to set me free; it tells me of His precious blood, the sinner’s perfect plea.
It tells me what my father hath in store for ev’ry day, and tho I tread a darksome path, yields sunshine all the way. It tells of one whose living heart can feel my deepest woe, tho in each sorrow bears a part that none can bear below. Chorus: O how I love Jesus, O how I love Jesus, O how I love Jesus – because he first love me!
PRAYER POINT: Breathe a prayer expressing your love to Christ for all that He means to you. Thank Him for initiating His love on your behalf. Thank Him also for the daily sunshine He gives. “AMAZING GRACE; 366 INSPIRING HYMN STORIES FOR DAILY DEVOTION”