Mansion Over the Hilltop
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Written: 06/01/2007 
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Behind the Songs
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Scripture: Luke 12:27-34
Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
A young businessman stood one evening in 1945 in a revival meeting in Dallas, Texas, to give his testimony concerning God’s blessings in his life. The evangelist was Gene Martin, and in the audience was a famous songwriter, Ira Stanphill.
The businessman stated that his business had been in dire straits; it looked as if he would go completely under. Things were on the decline and had been for some time. Since the situation was completely beyond his ability to understand it or to do anything about, it had been thrusting him more and more into the depths of despair.
This man shared that he was a Christian and knew that the Lord had saved him, yet he did not understand why the Lord would allow these things to happen in his life. He was not accustomed to such financial reverses, but they could not be denied.
Then he told of how one day, for a period of diversion or relaxation, he decided to get into his car and drive out into the country. He drove for miles, out beyond the busy streets and residential areas, into the country, where he stopped his car on a lonely road and continued on foot. Soon he found himself on a deserted, out-of-the-way trail and eventually came upon a dilapidated cottage. It was in great disrepair, with half the windows broken. Out front was a small girl, who played with a broken doll. Although the stuffing in the doll was protruding in several places, the child seemed to be content and happy.
He eased up to the front yard and called the little girl over and said to her, “Little girl, would you tell me how you can be happy living in such a house as that. It is broken down, the windows are out in many places, and that doll that you have in your hand is broken and the stuffing is coming out. How can you be happy?” The little girl looked up with her big, bright eyes and said, “Mister, you see, my daddy just came into a lot of money and he is building us a brand new mansion over that hilltop.”
The young businessman testified that those words pierced his heart. He realized for the first time that though his earthly business was shattered and in shambles, the heavenly Father had much greater things in store for him. It was as though he heard God himself saying, “Son, don’t you know that I have a mansion prepared for you just beyond those clouds?” The young man concluded his story by telling how he went back home with a new determination to live for God, let God take care of his business, and to look toward eternal things.
After hearing that young man speak, Ira Stanphill went home and to bed that night, but rose early the next morning and went to his piano. With that story from the night before still fresh in his mind, he wrote the song “Mansion Over the Hilltop.” It has gone all across the country, into all of our churches, and into our homes, and has been recorded by scores of recording artists.
The Bible says that it has not even entered the heart of man, nor can we even conceive, all of the things that God has prepared for those that love him (1 Cor. 2:9). You may live in a humble home or even a small shack or cottage, but God has prepared greater and more beautiful things. We know that He has, because He says so in his Word. So don’t be discouraged.
Many of us would be hard pressed to sing Stanphil's song with sincerity, especially the part of the lyric that says, "I'm satisfied with just a cottage," or a "little silver," or a "little gold."
The stanza that states that we are often "tormented and tested," or have no permanent dwelling here on earth, is more realistic for most of us.
Reflection:
Nothing is judged superior except by comparison, and we will only be able to fully realize the excellence of all that God has prepared for us when we are able to compare it with all that we have on the earth now.
Reader Comments
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I have always admired Ira Stanphil and got the chance to meet and talk with him many years ago when he pastored in Lancaster, PA. But, I never knew the origin of that song. Thanks for sharing it.
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I have enjoyed & been blessed by Ira's writing over the years. I love hearing the story behind the songs I love. Thanks.God is good all the time & all the time God is good.
Elaine Harcourt
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For the last few weeks and especially the last few days I have been so down. I lost my job to downsizing and this area is so depressed I can't find anything that is anything in comparison. Fear has set into my spirit and depression. I didn't know why I came to this site today. I have never visited it before. Now, I believe that the Holy Spirit brought me here. As I read the story, God allowed me to see that there is something in heaven awaiting me and that no matter what happens while I'm here on earth, I'm in His hands and He will provide. It may not come till He comes but I can't allow fear to control me. I HAVE A MANION JUST OVER THE HILL SIDE.
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i can remember the monday nite sings in pasadena,ca with phil kerr, audrey meier
and songs by ira stanphill....this was in the early and mid 50's...i saw ira stanphill on the gaither homecoming series in his last years....what a great talent....his songs will be his legacy until Jesus comes,,,he has reached his mansion over the hilltop -
Hey Bro Lindsey! Hollis and I are doing a program for LDBC TBY Club and I needed to know the story behind Mansion Over the hilltop - and there you were to help (as always!)
Did you know Josh is back in Dallas? Sure is great to have all our little chicks close!
Hope you guys are doing well. Give Marilyn our love -
I grew up in the los angeles area in the 1950's....audrey meier and ira stanphill sponsored a monday nite musical once a month in pasadena, ca... we used to go with our church youth group to attend the program...what a blessing.. i watched ira stanphill on the gaither homecoming series and it also was a real thrill to see and hear him and his music.... God has blessed him as he has blessed us all
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