Traveler’s Tales

Hymn History: Sweet By And By

This is the only hymn ever written in a drugstore. For decades, millions of people have sung the lyrics to his famous hymn; yet, only a handful know the name of the one who co-wrote Sweet By and By – Sanford Fillmore Bennett
Read this true story HERE.
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Christians You Should Know: William Carey

William Carey was a pioneer in missions because he understood the great heart of God to save lost sinners. The salvation of the lost consumed William Carey, but it was his love for Christ that compelled him. God used the life and testimony of David Brainerd to encourage Carey into mission work, in which he accomplished much!
Many aspects of Carey’s life and ministry should be studied. His work to get the Scripture to the people of India must not go without recognition. Carey’s perseverance during violent illness, personal suffering, marital distress, persecution, and incomprehensible oppression serves to remind us that God’s work requires God’s strength.
Listen to his remarkable true story on today's Traveler's Tales.
Read this true story HERE.
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Christians You Should Know: John Wesley

The ministry of John Wesley has been researched and written about extensively. Apart from the many accounts of his life, volumes were written by Wesley himself.
He was a tireless worker. Wesley possessed a brilliant mind and gave all of it to the Lord. He would rise at four every morning and spend hours in prayer and the study of Scripture. John Wesley wrote books, preached forty thousand sermons, trained preachers, gave away millions of dollars (in today's money), cared for orphans, and traveled extensively on horseback. Wesley saw many thousands come to Christ - his ministry was remarkable and fruitful.
Listen to his remarkable true story on today's Traveler's Tales.
Read this true story HERE.
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Christians You Should Know: J.C. Ryle

"He that is forewarned is forearmed." J.C. Ryle sought to warn and challenge both his and the next generation - let us do likewise! 
Allow the life of J.C. Ryle to stir you forward in your walk with God. Allow his testimony to encourage you to be faithful. Never forget the tremendous responsibility of influence - wield it carefully. Let us warn those behind us of the dangers ahead.
Listen to this remarkable true story on today's Traveler's Tales.
Read this true story HERE.
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Hymn History: I Gave My Life for Thee

Hymn History: I Gave My Life for Thee
As Francis Ridley Havergal gazed thoughtfully at the painting (whose depiction was of Pilate presenting Christ to an angry mob), her eyes fell to an inscription below it. The inscription reads, “I have done this for you; what have you done for me?”
Seventeen-year-old Havergal was so profoundly moved that she went straight home and began writing a poem. She spent quite some time trying to write out her thoughts.
Eventually, Francis gave up and threw her paper into the fire…or so she thought...
Hear the story in today's Traveler's Tales. 
Read this true story HERE.
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Lyrics: I Gave My Life for Thee
1. I gave My life for thee,My precious blood I shed,That thou mightst ransomed be,And quickened from the dead;I gave, I gave My life for thee,What hast thou done for Me?I gave, I gave My life for thee,What hast thou done for Me?
2. My Father's house of light,My glory-circled throne I left for earthly night,For wanderings sad and lone;I left, I left it all for thee,Hast thou left aught for Me?I left, I left it all for thee,Hast thou left aught for Me?
3. I suffered much for thee,More than thy tongue can tell,Of bitterest agony,To rescue thee from hell;I've borne, I've borne it all for thee,What hast thou borne for Me?I've borne, I've borne it all for thee,What hast thou borne for Me?
4. And I have brought to thee,Down from My home above,Salvation full and free,My pardon and My love;I bring, I bring rich gifts to thee,What hast thou brought to Me?I bring, I bring rich gifts to thee,What hast thou brought to Me?

Hymn History: Near to the Heart of God

The wonderful hymn, Near to the Heart of God, was born during a time of tremendous human suffering and sadness. Cleland McAfee found that unexpected problems or crises may come into our lives.
Often, we cannot escape the pressures and shadows that accompany those problems. However, these can be faced with spiritual strength, which God faithfully provides. This is the message expressed in this song: There is a place of quiet rest...Near to the heart of God.
Hear the story in today's Traveler's Tales. 
Read this true story HERE.
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Lyrics: Near to the Heart of God
​​1. There is a place of quiet restNear to the heart of God,A place where sin cannot molest,Near to the heart of God.
Refrain: O Jesus, blest Redeemer,Sent from the heart of God,Hold us who wait before TheeNear to the heart of God.
2. There is a place of comfort sweetNear to the heart of God,A place where we our Savior meet,Near to the heart of God. (Refrain)
3. There is a place of full releaseNear to the heart of God,A place where all is joy and peace,Near to the heart of God. (Refrain)

Gypsy Smith: I Have Never Lost the Wonder of It All

The Personal Testimony of Gypsy Smith: 
“I didn’t go to your colleges and seminaries. They wouldn’t have me….but I’ve been to the feet of Jesus, where the only true scholarship is learned. The way to Jesus is not by Cambridge and Oxford, Glasgow, Edinburgh, London, Princeton, Harvard, Yale, Socrates, Plato, Shakespeare, or the poets… It's over an old-fashioned hill called Calvary. I’m God’s messenger from the gypsy tent. It’s the message that’s important, not the messenger."
In the latter years of his life, Vance Havner said to him: "Gypsy, I heard you preach... over fifty years ago--my, how you blessed my heart then. I have never forgotten it - but again tonight, how my heart was warmed and thrilled! Gypsy, tell me - what's the secret?" Gypsy answered, "Sir, I have never lost the wonder of it all." It was this simple statement that gave birth to the wonderful hymn written by Al Smith. Listen to this true story of Gypsy Smith and the story behind "I Have Never Lost the Wonder of It All."
Read this true story HERE.
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Christians You Should Know: William Borden

"No Reserve! No Retreat! No Regrets!"
These words have been etched in the heart of millions of people through the years, but they are no mere words. They were penned by a young man whose life illustrated true consecration to the Lord Jesus - William Borden. Learn more on today's Traveler's Tales. 
Read this true story HERE.
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Christians You Should Know: C.T. Studd

C.T. Studd was a strong leader, gifted athlete, and bold missionary. While no man is perfect, God delights in using vessels that desire His blessing and power upon their lives. Studd was one such man. C.T. was born into considerable wealth, a household name in England, and one who enjoyed tremendous publicity and pleasure.
The Lord used the serious illness of his brother to awaken Studd to spiritual realities he had ignored. As he sat hour by hour with his sick brother, a strange thing happened. His dear brother (G.B.) began caring nothing for fame or fortune - he cared only for the things of God. C.T. recalled that time this way: "Now what is all the popularity of the world worth to George? What is all the fame and flattery worth? What is it worth to possess all the riches in the world, when a man comes to face Eternity?" And a voice seemed to answer, 'Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.'"
This was the beginning of Studd's surrender to God's will in his life.
Read this true story HERE.
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Christians You Should Know: Richard Wurmbrand

Richard Wurmbrand was imprisoned for 14 years in Communist Romania for his unwavering faith in Christ. In this episode of Traveler's Tales, discover the powerful story of a man who endured torture and solitary confinement yet never ceased preaching the gospel—even to his captors. His testimony (and that of his wife) challenges every believer to stand boldly for Christ, no matter the cost.Remarkably, God did not use the winsome arguments of a clever preacher to soften his hard, atheist heart; he used a faithful carpenter in the small mountain village.
Read this true story HERE.
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Encouragement, Books, and Suffering: The Ministry of Susannah Spurgeon

Susannah Spurgeon was a remarkable woman. A true servant of the Lord and helper to her husband - the Prince of Preachers. Susannah believed strongly in what God had called Charles Spurgeon to do. She wanted his preaching to be preserved and used for generations to come.
She accomplished this work through her famous Book Fund. Richard Day records that she "saved every five-shilling piece got." Upon the publishing of Lectures to My Students, Susannah had saved enough to purchase 100 copies of it and send them to various ministers at no charge - this was the start of the Book Fund. Ultimately, due to Mrs. Spurgeon's work, the Book Fund mailed over 250,000 volumes to thousands of ministers around the world. 
Read this true story HERE.
Read more about Charles Spurgeon HERE
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Hymn History: Count Your Blessings

Hymn History: Count Your Blessings
Greg Dowdy gives us the amazing true story behind the famous hymn, Count Your Blessings.
Johnson Oatman: A Preacher In Song
It is estimated that Oatman wrote around 200 hymns a year throughout his ministry. In all, he penned a staggering 5,000 hymns of the faith. 
In 1897, Oatman’s most influential hymn, Count Your Blessings, was published in the hymnal Songs for Young People. It became an immediate sensation. For this hymn served as a mighty reminder to think about all God has done. The impact of this hymn cannot be overstated. 
Its words, sung by a sick young person made a lasting impact on the great preacher, Gypsy Smith. Hear the story in today's Traveler's Tales. 
Read this true story HERE.
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Lyrics: Count Your Blessings
1. When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,Count your many blessings, name them one by one,And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Refrain: Count your blessings, name them one by one;Count your blessings, see what God hath done;Count your blessings, name them one by one;Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
2. Are you ever burdened with a load of care?Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?Count your many blessings, ev'ry doubt will fly,And you will be singing as the days go by. (Refrain)
3. When you look at others with their lands and gold,Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;Count your many blessings, money cannot buyYour reward in heaven, nor your home on high. (Refrain)
4. So, amid the conflict, whether great or small,Do not be discouraged, God is over all;Count your many blessings, angels will attend,Help and comfort give you to your journey's end. (Refrain)
 

Hymn History: Guide Me, Oh Thou Great Jehovah

Hymn History: Guide Me, Oh Thou Great Jehovah
Behind today’s hymn is a fascinating tale of how our God is always at work among His people. Wales in the early to mid-18th century was a very dark place. But God was at work, stirring His people. 
William Williams traversed over 100,000 miles in his ministry. We can easily imagine the many times he had to stop to ask for guidance and direction from others.
As he traveled on horseback for 43 years, he surely experienced many difficulties and hardships. Thankfully, his deep faith in God is what brought him to write the mighty prayer/hymn that we know and love today. Based heavily upon God’s guidance to the children of Israel, William’s words capture the cry of a searching heart.
“Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses. And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation. Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” – Psalm 107:6-8
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Read this true story HERE.
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Lyrics: Guide Me, Oh Thou Great Jehovah
1. Guide me, O thou great Jehovah,pilgrim through this barren land.I am weak, but thou art mighty;hold me with thy pow’rful hand.Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,feed me till I want no more,feed me till I want no more.
 
2. Open now the crystal fountain
whence the healing stream doth flow;
let the fiery, cloudy pillar
lead me all my journey through.
Strong deliv’rer, strong deliv’rer,
be thou still my strength and shield,
be thou still my strength and shield.
 
3. When I tread the verge of Jordan,bid my anxious fears subside;death of death and hell’s destruction,land me safe on Canaan’s side.Songs of praises, songs of praisesI will ever give to thee,I will ever give to thee.
 

Hymn History: Jesus is the Sweetest Name I Know

A gifted musician, an elderly patient in the heart of China, a pastor, and a missionary were the instruments that brought us the treasured hymn, Jesus is the Sweetest Name I Know. Join Greg Dowdy for the remarkable true story behind this famous hymn. 
Read this true story HERE.
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Lyrics: Jesus Is the Sweetest Name I Know
1. There have been names that I have loved to hear,But never has there been a name so dearTo this heart of mine, as the name divine,The precious, precious name of Jesus.
Refrain: Jesus is the sweetest name I know,And He’s just the same as His lovely name,And that’s the reason why I love Him so;Oh, Jesus is the sweetest name I know.
2. There is no name in earth or heav’n above,That we should give such honor and such loveAs the blessed name, let us all acclaim,That wondrous, glorious name of Jesus. (Refrain)
3. And some day I shall see Him face to faceTo thank and praise Him for His wondrous grace,Which He gave to me, when He made me free,The blessed Son of God called Jesus. (Refrain)

Hymn History: Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus | A Missionary and A Blind Woman
Greg Dowdy gives us the lesser-known story behind the famous hymn, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus. This hymn holds a tender place in the hearts of many believers. The gentle appeal and tender rebuke urge you to look away from all else and simply “Turn your eyes upon Jesus.”
However, few know that this call to fix our eyes on Christ was written by a blind woman, Helen Lemmel. 
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Read this true story HERE.
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Lyrics: Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
1. O soul, are you weary and troubled?No light in the darkness you see?There’s light for a look at the Savior,And life more abundant and free! (Refrain)
(Refrain) Turn your eyes upon Jesus,Look full in His wonderful face,And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,In the light of His glory and grace.
2. Thro' death into life everlasting,He passed, and we follow Him there;O’er us sin no more hath dominion--For more than conqu’rors we are! (Refrain)
3. His Word shall not fail you--He promised;Believe Him, and all will be well:Then go to a world that is dying,His perfect salvation to tell! (Refrain)