A Godly Life

Not long after we were married, the church we attended at that time was privileged to have George Beverly Shea in concert for a Sunday night service. He was in his early 80's at the time. (He will celebrate his 100th birthday on February 1, 2009!)

I've always loved to hear him sing. One of my favorite memories of childhood is playing his Christmas album -- a 33 1/3 rpm record! (which you young gals have only seen in the antique stores, I'm sure!) But aside from enjoying his music, one thing stands out crystal clear in my mind from that Sunday night 18 or so years ago.

His face.

He absolutely glowed with kindness, peace, love--and yes, beauty--that reflected a lifetime of walking with God. It was so striking that my husband mentioned it as well, and I remember it to this day. Whether on the platform or one-on-one afterwards, he radiated and reflected Christ. I think he's probably the godliest man I have ever met.

There are several songs that many consider his "trademark" songs, some of which he wrote. One such song is "I'd Rather Have Jesus." He actually composed the music for that song, and talked about it in an interview here at the age of 92:

You composed "I'd Rather Have Jesus" when you were 23. How did that happen? My mother had been to a meeting in New York City and brought me a poem written by Rhea F. Miller, "I’d Rather Have Jesus." On a Sunday morning, with the poem in front of me, I sat down at the piano, and the melody came to my heart and mind. When I finished that first verse and chorus, Mother, with tears in her eyes, came from an adjoining room, and put her arms around me. She had wanted that poem to have an effect on my life, and it seemed that after that morning better things happened all along the way.

Here is a video from 1987 of him singing this song. (This was probably 2-4 years before he was at my church.) The lyrics are listed below. He does not sing the final verse on this occasion, but I have included it for your reflection. It's obvious that these are not just empty words to him, but the heartfelt testimony of his life.

I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands,
I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand.

I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause;
I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I’d rather have Jesus than world-wide fame,
I’d rather be true to His holy name.

Chorus:
Than to be the king of a vast domain
Or be held in sin’s dread sway,
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.

He’s fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;
He’s sweeter than honey from out of the comb;
He’s all that my hungering spirit needs,
I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead.
For more songs for your Saturday, head on over to Signs, Miracles, and Wonders.