Jesus I My Cross Have Taken
I was taken a back by how many people at the evening service last Sunday requested more information about this song… it happens to by my favorite hymn, but every time I’ve played it for corporate worship it has been met with discouraging results, which is entirely understandable. (probably because it’s not very familiar and it’s pretty long 
The song basically unpacks what will happen to you if you ‘take up your cross and die’ to follow Jesus. Then, proceeds to unpack why this is a small price to pay for the benefits of sharing Christ’s afflictions… namely that we gain Christ. I don’t know about you guys, but I have to be reminded of this often because there are so many false comforts in my world that make me forget about my real home and what house I really live in.
Anyways… I’ll stop rambling and give you guys what you really wanted to know 
where to get the song…
Unfortunately, the arrangement that we sing at dbc isn’t available to download on iTunes (or any other place). I’ve spoken with Kevin Twit (who produced the album where I got the arrangement) about putting his music on iTunes… he says he intends to do it soon… but that conversation happened in June… hmmmmm. Maybe some of you guys should email him with the same request?
You can also buy the album from Amazon.
Here’s a link to the Indelible Grace hymn resource website… a must have for all worship leaders
Just email me if you are interested in any of the other songs we do on Sunday evenings… I always love to hear what you guys think about the music we do… even if you don’t like it
Kevin Twit posted another hymn today by the same hymnwriter:
“The Pilgrim’s Song” by Henry Lyte (author of Jesus I My Cross Have Taken)
My rest is in heaven; my rest is not here
Then why should I murmer when trials are near?
Be hushed my dark spirit! The worst that can come
But shortens my journey, and hastens thee home
It is not for me to be seeking my bliss
And building my hopes in a region like this
I look for a city which hands have not piled
I pant for a country by sin undefiled
The thorn and the thistle around me may grow
I would not lie down upon roses below
I ask not my portion, I seek not a rest
Till I find them, O Lord, in Thy sheltering breast
Afflictions may damp me, they cannot destroy
One glimpse of Thy love turns them all into joy
And the bitterest tears, if Thou smile but on them
Like dew in the sunshine, grow diamond and gem
Let doubt then, and danger, my progress oppose
They only make Heaven more sweet at the close
Come joy, or come sorrow, whate’er may befall
And hour with my God will make up for it all
A scrip on my back, and a staff in my hand
I march on in haste through an enemy’s land
The road may be rough, but it cannot be long
And I’ll smooth it with hope, and I’ll cheer it with song!
It looks like they do have a demo mp3 of a few verses of the song here at the link you provided above: http://www.igracemusic.com/hymnbook/hymns/j03.html
Glad to hear folks are finally digging this great song! It only took 6 years huh 
Thankfully it’s in our hymnal here at BCBC, so I’ve been getting away with singing it for a while, though to a tune that was arranged back in 1872. Great stuff.