Warren Shiver LIVING FOR JESUS

Author: Thomas O. Chisholm

(1866-1960) Composer: C. Harold Lowden

(1883-1963)

Thomas Chisholm was born in a small log cabin in Franklin, KY in 1866. At the time of his birth no one would have thought that this baby boy would set the Christian world to singing and leave behind such a great legacy of song. He is best remembered for giving us that great hymn, "Great is Thy Faithfulness", written after his study of Lamentations 3: 22-23, and the compelling truth of God's mercy and faithfulness. Before this hymns was written in 1923, Thomas wrote a song that expressed so well the life of a man surrendered to God.

Thomas described the day his mother died as, "the darkest day of his life", and caused him to realize his own mortality, and needy condition. Two years later at a revival meeting in his hometown, he was born again under the convicting power of the Holy Spirit and God's word.

At the age of sixteen, Thomas began teaching at the one room schoolhouse where he had attended. Five years later at the age of twenty-one, he began work as an editor of the local newspaper, "The Franklin Favorite." Soon his talent of writing would advance his career to a larger publication, "The Pentecostal Herald" in Louisville, KY. He received the invitation for the job from the evangelist, Rev. H. C. Morrison who had led him to the Lord. Ten years later he was ordained as a Methodist minister, he served a congregation for one year, but health problems forced him to resign. Thomas moved his family to Winona Lake, Indiana where he sold life insurance. In 1916, they moved to Vineland, NJ, where he continued to sell insurance.

In 1915, Harold Lowden a preacher who had also been a life insurance salesman wrote a gospel song to be sung by children. The song became popular because of the music, but many felt the text needed improvement. It was at this time that Pastor Lowden sent the music to Thomas Chisholm with a suggested title, "Living for Jesus", and asked him to provide the rest of the lyrics. Thomas returned the music to Rev. Lowder saying that he didn't have the slightest idea as to the methods used in writing words for existing music. Rev. Lowder immediately sent the material back to Thomas telling him that God had led him to select him to furnish the text for this hymn.

Since Thomas could not read music. (He was a newspaper publisher,

not a musician.). He had his

daughter hum the melody over and over until he was able to write the text for this hymn that reminds us how we should live our lives surrendered to God. This is probably the second most popular hymn written by Thomas Chisholm.

Stories Behind The Hymns is written by Warren Shiver of Biscoe,NC. Shiver has been fascinated with the true stories behind the hymns since he was a 12-year old attending East Gaffney Baptist Church in Gaffney, S.C. He began studying the stories behind the hymns in 1957. If you have questions or comments, he can be reached by email at wshiver99@ embarqmail.com or by mail at PO BOX 775,Biscoe,NC 27209.

Warren has written two books, the first is a 300-page soft back, 104 Of My Favorite Hymn Stories Vol. 1 costs $14.95, the second book, 340- page soft back, 104 Of My Favorite Hymn Stories Vol. 2 costs $16.95. You may buy both books for $25.00. You may pick up your copies of both books at The Gaffney Ledger office on Floyd Baker Boulevard. Warren may be reached by email at wshiver99@embarqmail.com, or by mail at PO Box 775, Biscoe, NC.27209, you may also purchase the books on his website www.myfavoritehymnstories.com. Shipping for both books is $4.00, for one book $3.00. If you would like for Warren to come speak at your church, Sunday school class or any meeting you may contract him at 910-428-9911 or 910-428-4078.

Living for Jesus

Verse 1
Living for Jesus, a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do,
Yielding allegiance, glad hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me
.Chorus
O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to thee,
For Thou in Thine atonement Didst give Thyself
for me,
I own no other master, My heart shall be Thy
throne,
My life I give henceforth to live, O Christ for
Thee alone.
Verse 2
Living for Jesus who died in my place,
Bearing on Calvary my sin and disgrace,
Such love constrains me to answer His call,
Follow His leading and give Him my all.
Chorus
Verse 3
Living for Jesus through earth's little while,
My dearest treasure, the light of His smile;
Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,
Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.
Chorus
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