Text: Romans 5:12-21, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Hebrews 7:23-25
Newly married and setting up house with his young bride, Haldor Lillenas wondered how he was going to provide for his family after barely pulling together enough money to finish building their home. Music composition was his passion, but he didn’t have a piano in his tiny new abode.
When a neighbor offered a dusty organ with cracked leather and stiffened stops for the price of five dollars, Haldor eagerly bought the wheezy organ and set about composing. As he settled into family life, he wrote many songs on that first, imperfect instrument.
One of the early compositions Haldor wrote on that five-dollar organ was “Wonderful Grace of Jesus,” which he, in turn, sold for five dollars (Brown 117). This small investment helped him write more songs, better songs—over 4,000 hymns in his lifetime—and he went on to found his own music publishing company.
“Wonderful Grace of Jesus” is a triumphant song about the abundant grace of Christ (1 Timothy 1:14), one that is deeper than the sea and higher than the mountains. It is a beautiful picture of God’s mighty grace in our times of want and His generous mercy in seasons of blessing.
Wonderful Grace of Jesus
Haldor Lillenas
Wonderful grace of Jesus,
Greater than all my sin;
How shall my tongue describe it,
Where shall its praise begin?
Taking away my burden,
Setting my spirit free;
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.
Refrain:
Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus,
Deeper than the mighty rolling sea;
Higher than the mountain, sparkling like a fountain,
All-sufficient grace for even me!
Broader than the scope of my transgressions,
Greater far than all my sin and shame;
Oh, magnify the precious Name of Jesus,
Praise His Name!
Wonderful grace of Jesus,
Reaching to all the lost,
By it I have been pardoned,
Saved to the uttermost;
Chains have been torn asunder,
Giving me liberty;
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.
Wonderful grace of Jesus,
Reaching the most defiled,
By its transforming power,
Making him God’s dear child,
Purchasing peace and heaven
For all eternity—
And the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.
Brown, Robert, and Mark R. Norton. The One Year Great Songs of Faith. Tyndale House Publishers, 2005.
Good morning she’s, today I am reminded by the Holy Scriptures that there are many manners of work, that are built layers and layers upon the work of our Lord Jesus and His ultimate sacrifice. But there needs to be more of our work upon His work. And there is the type of work that might burn up, and that the worker might suffer loss, and also there are many variations of good quality types that are compared to precious metals silver & gold and precious gemstone. I listened to a podcast on business strategies recently and the importance of focus and single mindedness (for focus sake) was greatly emphasized for success. It suggested that you choose one thing to focus and perfect that, until then, do not branch out trying different implementations. It is an overload. Just focus on one thing. You can’t be everything to everyone. Multitasking will decrease efficiency by 40%. That reminds me of the body of Christ, we are made for specific functions, the eyes, the hand, the feet, and we are not to compare our gifts and talents. As the fire will one day reveal, may it hay, wood, straw,.., those won’t survive the burn and the revelation. May we put quality work (which usually takes time) into the lives, the ministries God has gifted to each of us and our different realms of influence.
This Friday I will have an interview with a potential offer, I am in the dark of what will unfold. But I have joy and some odd sparks of excitement. There is thrill in the unknown and I thank God that I could put on such outlook- which is totally different from whom I used to be (a worry wart lol). I would appreciate your prayers for God’s grace and mercy for more clarity, successful interview and any appropriate upcoming decisions. Thank you dear she’s.
@MOLLY: prayers for healing. We all got stomach bugs once and it was awful.
@LYNN FROM AL: thank you for your encouragement. Prayers for you and Jack for good medical results.
@GRAMSIESUE: for 14 month old Brooks and his many health issues, and continued prayers for Nahla as her body is recovering from liver transplant.
@TERESA DONLEY: prayers for healing and supernatural grace for a supernatural testimony. By His stripes we are healed. Thinking of you. Hugs.
@LAURA: prayers for your children, especially your dear daughter. I believe she will return, wholeheartedly I do, your sweet daughter as you once remembered her before the world took her. God will win her back from the wrestle against the dark force.
@TRICIA: prayers against the bullies and their threats, for God’s protection over Robby (his safety, his emotion and his peace), and to cleanse the whole school environment of any demonic influence. Geez. The devil got to leave our kids alone, in Jesus’ Name.
@ALEIDA: touched by your prayers for Victor, joining you for complete freedom and soon victory over him and your whole family. Rejoice. Like Paul said, rejoice since it’s the promised work, the domain of the cross that He comes to set all the captives free from chains of evil.
Be blessed dear sisters.
Praying for the requests I see here ❤️
I love this song so much. I grew up in a tiny, tiny house church of about 10 people, but this song sounded big and magnificent when everyone took parts. I love reading the story of its composition.
Teresa Donley- praying that you will be seen quickly and that proper care and treatment will be given. Praying for wisdom for the medical team as they care for you.
ADRIENNE – Thank you for sharing about Caring Bridge. It is wonderful to see Leo’s picture! Big prayers continue for healing for him, housing for his family,and wisdom for those in charge of his care.