Category: Family

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Vacation Bible School…Pt. 1

VBSFor many of us, summer time brings memories of Vacation Bible School. Whether you rode the Joy Bus, brought cookies or taught a class (or participated in any of the above), VBS was a highlight of the summer months.

So for the next few weeks I’d like to reminisce about the songs we used to sing during Vacation Bible School. Songs like “His Banner Over Us Is Love” or “If You’re Happy and You Know It.”  Perhaps my favorite was the closing song we sang before dismissing for the afternoon (back when VBS was Monday-Friday, 9:00 to noon); I  remember singing, or should I say shouting,“Booster, booster be a booster! Don’t be grouchy like a rooster. Booster, booster be a booster and boost our Bible School!”

This article will be the first in a series of three where we’ll look at some favorite songs from yesteryear and the Vacation Bible Schools we used to participate in. Today consider these two classics:

“I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart. (Where?)
Down in my heart…(where?) Down in my heart.
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart. (Where?)
Down in my heart to stay.

CHORUS: And I’m so happy, so very happy, I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heart, down in my heart.
And I’m so happy, so very happy, I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heart.

I’ve got the peace that passes understanding down in my heart. (Where?)
Down in my heart…(where?) Down in my heart.
I’ve got the peace that passes understanding down in my heart. (Where?)
Down in my heart to stay.

CHORUS:

And if the devil doesn’t like it he can sit on a tack. (Ouch!)
Sit on a tack…(ouch!) Sit on a tack.
And if the devil doesn’t like it he can sit on a tack. (Ouch!)
Sit on a tack to stay.

CHORUS:

I’ve got the wonderful love of the blessed Redeemer way down in the depths of my heart. (Where?)
Down in the depths of my heart…(where?) Down in the depths of my heart.
I’ve got the wonderful love of the blessed Redeemer way down in the depths of my heart. (Where?)
Down in the depths of my heart to stay.”

CHORUS:

And how about this one…?excited boy...not wv

(boys sing) “I want to be like Daniel.
(girls sing) I want to be like Ruth.

(boys sing) I want to be like Daniel.
(girls sing) I want to be like Ruth.

(girls) For Ruth was always good and kind,
(boys) and Daniel was a mighty man.

(boys sing) I want to be like Daniel.
(girls sing) I want to be like Ruth.”

To engage the kids even more in the singing of this song, we have the boys stand while singing their part and the girls stand while singing their part. The catch, you sit when you’re not singing. It’s an exciting way to get everyone involved, especially when you increase the tempo each time you repeat the song. Of course the older we got, the better we were!

Next time in “Vacation Bible School…Part 2,” we’ll look at “The Wise Man”, “The Gospel Chariot” and “The Lord’s Army.” When you consider your vacation plans this summer, look for a good Bible School and get ready to sing!

 

 

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A Letter to My Father…June 15th

What do you remember about your father? Is he still with you, or has he passed Royces Family 3away? There are some who will say, ‘I never knew him.’ Others will remember how he taught them to ride a bike or throw a ball. Still others will remember how he disciplined with hands of steel, but encouraged with hands of love. Perhaps you can remember your father teaching you to fold your hands in prayer.

All too often we reflect on our lives and realize how quickly life is passing us by. Whether we agree with the way our fathers raised us or not, many of us have memories about him. But if you were to pen him a letter, what would you say? Do you know what you’d thank him for or would you be at a loss for words? Sunday, June 15th will be Father’s Day. Enjoy time with your father, if he’s still with you, or give him a call. Better yet, pen him a letter and share some of your memories with him.

“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15

Sunday morning, June 15, 2014

The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.

“Hallelujah! Praise Jehovah” – 3

Taken from the 148th Psalm we see a list of those who are called upon to praise Jehovah. Angels, sun and moon, sea creatures, fire and hail, beast and cattle, kings, maidens, young men, aged men, children; all created things are to praise the Creator! The reason why is found in the 13th verse, “…for His name alone is exalted.” Do you praise God or, in your life, do you have other things that are exalted?

“Worthy Is the Lamb” – no book

Sung to the tune of Just As I Am we find the thoughts of this song coming from the book of Revelation. Chapter 5 verse Revelation 59 reads, “Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.” Then we sing, “You alone are worthy to open its seals, because you were slain and gave Your blood. You purchased every man for God, O worthy is the Lamb.”

“Remind Me, Dear Lord” – 315

We sing this song following the Lord’s Supper and during the contribution. Notice the 2nd verse, “Nothing good have I done to deserve God’s own Son; I’m not worthy of the scars in His hands yet He chose the road to Calvary to die in my stead; why He loved me, I can’t understand…” Sometimes we need to be reminded, even to write a letter.

“Amazing Grace” – 129 & “Holy Ground” – 101

A medley before our lesson that blends the traditional with the contemporary. We choose it for the words of the first verse in Amazing Grace and how appropriately they match with our scripture reading. Reading about the prodigal son’s return in Luke 15 the scripture says, “…for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.” The son returns to his father who has been waiting with open arms. Amazing grace…

“Softly and Tenderly” – 934

An invitation song that we’ve song for years (more than 130 to be exact) calls the wandering sinner to turn back to God. Visions of the stubborn child who has run away from home are seen as we plea for those who are weary to ‘come home.’ A Father with tender compassion is waiting to welcome you back; will you come home?

“The Christian’s Welcome Home” – no book

“How sweet will be the welcome home…” An older spiritual song that encourages the singer to look toward heaven. But don’t forget the admonishment in the 3rd verse; “If we are faithful we shall gain, the land of promised rest…” We have a Father who is waiting for us to come home.

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Praying for…

praying childIn your prayer life, what do you most ask of God? For good health, for comfort and success, for world peace? Jesus said in Mark chapter 11, verse 24, “…all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them…” So in our prayers we ask as we have been directed, “Ask, and it will be given to you…” (Matthew 7:7) and we offer thanks (I Thessalonians 5:18). But again, when you pray…what do you most ask for?

Baylus McKinney, a musician and song writer in the early 1900’s, penned the words to dozens of Christian hymns. But one particular song is a prayer seeking God’s blessing on the home. Though it encompasses only one request, “God give us Christian homes,” there are four different elements noted as we sing. What does it take to have a Christian home? What elements did McKinney see fit to ask of God as we seek this blessing?

First of all, we seek homes where the Bible is not only loved by the family, but taught to the children. Homes where christian homesGod’s will is a priority and sought after on a daily basis. Another element of a ‘Christian home’ is one with a father who is truthful and strong. Strengthened to know the difference between right and wrong and leading his family heavenward. A father who teaches his family love, joy, and the importance of praising God in song. A third element of a Christian home comes by way of the mother who conducts herself with dignity, in ‘queenly quest.’ She lives so as to show all those who pass through her door that life is best lived following God’s word. A mother who brings glory and honor to the King of Kings. And finally, as we ask for a Christian home we must remember to pass on the legacy to the children. Children who know that Christ loves them and died for them. A Christian home where the children understand what it means to sacrifice. Not offering a lamb on a stone altar, but laying down our lives for the glory of our God.

For a Christian home, we need 1) God’s word, 2) a Godly father and 3) mother who will teach 4) their children God’s ways. We offer prayers daily; thanking our Father in heaven for His blessings and asking for His guidance. Today, when you bow your head in prayer, what will you ask for? Would that we individually and collectively pray for the fathers, mothers and children, that we strive to raise up Christian homes.

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A Tattoo…Are You Kidding Me?

Below is a conversation, an electronic dialogue between a father and his daughter who was away at college. The girl was attending a Christian college as was her confused manbrother. The names have been changed to protect the innocent.

Daughter: “Morning dad, I just heard that Alex (the father’s son/the girl’s brother) is going to get a tattoo of a cross on his back…I don’t know if I should say anything to him or not… Father: “WHAT!!! YES, you should!” Daughter: “What should I say?” Father: “Tell him, ‘DON’T DO IT!!!!!’ Tell him he should call me, please! Daughter: “Hahahahahahaha APRIL FOOLS!” :D

A little levity and just some fun and games, but the truth is the heart might need to be shocked after that kind of news. For years stories have been told and tricks have been pulled on an unaware victim, only to hear the trickster say those two, annual words…’April Fools.’

We have all been subject to an April fool’s joke, especially if you have children or siblings. Of course if the truth be told, we all have undoubtedly played our share of jokes on someone we love. No harm in having a little fun, but when is too much, too much? Are we guilty of laughing at someone’s expense? Do we tease and cause harm for the sake of a laugh. If we aren’t careful with the way we treat one another, we may unwittingly hurt those we’d never want to hurt. What might be a harmless ruse can cause a loss of trust.

Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with teasing every now and again, and an annual April Fool’s joke might be just the thing to bring a smile to someone’s day. But we must be careful how much bantering we do to our friends and family. Perhaps the thing to keep in mind comes from the pen of Paul as he wrote to the church in Ephesus. Chapter 5; “…be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you…there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.”

We can and do have fun with each other. Good-natured fun (as my grandmother used to call it) can be refreshing, but be careful it doesn’t get out of hand. In other words, don’t be foolish in the manner in which you treat others. And as a side note; kids, if you want to play an April Fools joke on your dad, don’t do it via text…once they pick themselves off the floor, they’ll start noticing more gray hairs.

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Be Careful Who Your Friends Are…Mar. 23rd

Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth was, at times, very pointed. This church struggled with factions (chapter 1, verse 11), immorality (chapter 5), immaturity (chapter 3) and abuse of the Lord’s Supper (chapter 11). To be honest, certainly these are things we struggle with today. But one statement he makes in the 15th chapter can attribute to all these alignments. “Bad company corrupts good morals.” (I Corinthians 15:33)

As a young boy, my daddy kept a live trap line that would snare opossum, raccoons, Skunk in Grasssquirrels and other small ‘critters.’ Each morning before going to school he would check his traps, and on occasion he would find a skunk. When that skunk would ‘leave its mark,’ daddy would go to school without being able to remove the after effects of his morning’s work. (In the 1940’s you took a bath every Saturday night, not Tuesday morning before school.) Needless to say, when he arrived at the school house, everyone knew ‘who’ he had been with. In true fatherly form my daddy left me with this nugget of truth…”Know this, if you’re going to run with the skunks, you’re going to stink.”

“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15

Sunday morning, March 23, 2014

The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.

“Come, Thou Almighty King” – 19

A strong hymn of praise as we sing to our God. Asking Him to help us to sing and praise. Asking Him to come hear our prayer, and come and bless His people. These first two verses we’re asking for intersession and His marvels working in our lives. But the third verse is a focus of praise on His ‘sovereign majesty.’ Would that we daily…love and adore Him…

“O Come Let Us Adore Him” – 264

Picking up where the previous song leaves off we sing…“O come let us adore Him…we’ll praise His name forever…For He alone is worthy!” Lift your voice and join us in songs of praise!Jesus in the Garden1

“Night with Ebon Pinion” – no book

Night had fallen as Christ and His disciples went to the Garden of Gethsemane. In this song, notice the poetry as we sing of the dark wings of night (night with ebon pinon) settling over the valley (brooded o’er the vale). Each verse exhibits a scene in the garden where Jesus prayed. Especially we read verse 3, “Abba, Father, Father, if indeed it may, let this cup of anguish pass from Me I pray. Yet if it must be suffered, by Me, Thine only Son, Abba Father, Father, let Thy will be done.” Now read the scripture… “Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will.” Mark 14:36

“Ancient Words” – no book

“Holy words, ever true, changing me and changing you. We have come with open hearts, O let the ancient words impart.” How open are our hearts to God’s word? Do we just sing these words or do we truly understand and come ready to have God’s word imparted upon us?

“Bind Us Together” – 704

Sung since the mid-1970’s, this hymn has been asking God to keep us (His children) be more united. There is only one God, only one King (Jesus) and only one body (the church). Let’s focus on staying together and understand God is not divided…I Corinthians 1:10, “Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.”

“We Will Glorify” – 578

As a ramp up to our lesson this morning we sing…“we will glorify the King of Kings, we will glorify the Lamb.” Written by Twila Paris in the 1980’s, this spiritual song has been the inspiration to many as we sing about God’s glory and majesty. He is the great I AM!

“Take Time to be Holy” – 731

Perhaps not your typical ‘invitation song’, we do sing this song of encouragement to each other. Encouraging each another to pray often (speak oft with thy Lord), read the Bible (feed on His word), fellowship with other Christians (make friends of God’s children) and help those who are less fortunate (help those who are weak). We’ll sing all three verses this morning as we strive to prepare ourselves for our heavenly home (to be ‘fitted for service above.’)

“Blest Be the Tie that Binds” – 711

This spiritual song was written in 1782 by John Fawcett, a preacher who was leaving his church home. This closing song echoes of the love we have for each other. Would that we truly feel pain when we part ways, but it seems more likely we’ll just say, “see you next week.” As God’s family, His children, we share a bond that is deeper than anything on this earth. But if you’re not careful, your friendship with the world will cause your ties with Christian brothers to weaken and eventually break. It’s kind of like running with the skunks, people will know you by ‘how you smell.’ So you see it is true, you really should…Be Careful Who Your Friends Are!

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Faded Memories…but Eternal Fellowship!

College days in the small west-Texas town of Lubbock seem like a life time ago. But the memories created with that group of men and women on that small campus will be etched in my mind forever. The Acappella Chorus under the direction of Dr. Wayne Hinds was my main stay for four years. Studying in the Education Department with Dr. Joyce Hardin, and the Bible Department with Dr. Leon Crouch seem like a memory of days long ago at ‘good ole LCC.’ But there was another group that captured a good share of my time on this campus. A group of men who shared a unique fellowship together; a social club by the name of KOINONIA. We were proud of our club and the legacy we shared. On our jerseys and on our Koinonia...1985pledge badges we worn the Greek name for fellowship. We understood the definition to be simply, ‘Christian fellowship (sharing mutual interest) or communion with God.’ And that was our objective, our goal… communion with God and with one another.

But now those old shirts have faded, and the miles have come between many of us. And unfortunately, the fellowship for many of us has failed too. Some, have left the faith they once cherished while others, after re-examining their belief, lost the ‘shared mutual interest’ of other Christians. Yet for those of us who still hold fast to a true communion with God and His people, will forever trust Him and follow the pattern set forth in His Word. We have maintained a walk with Christ that doesn’t turn to the right or to the left (Deuteronomy 28:14); a narrow walk with Him (Matthew 7:14).

Unfortunately, some assume since this walk is narrow and there’s not much give (turning from side to side) that they’re alone and walking without support. A feeling even Elijah felt in I Kings 19, “I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of host; for the sons of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I alone am left…” With desperation staring him in the face, Elijah was certain his ‘fellowship’ was gone. But we must never forget that we have an enormous cloud of witnesses who have passed ahead of us. There is a fellowship of believers who walk daily in the truth of God’s word. But even if there were no other hand to hold, no other strong arm to lean on…we have fellowship with Christ. I John 1:3 provides the basis of our assurance; “…what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.”

“What a fellowship, what a joy divine, leaning on the everlasting arms;
What a blessedness, what a peace is mine, leaning on the everlasting arms.

Oh, how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way, leaning on the everlasting arms;
Oh, how bright the path grows from day to day, leaning on the everlasting arms.

What have I to dread, what have I to fear, leaning on the everlasting arms;
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near, leaning on the everlasting arms.

Leaning on Jesus, leaning on Jesus, safe and secure from all alarms…
Leaning on the everlasting arms.”

FELLOWSHIPWhere is your fellowship? Who will you lean on during the dark days of dread? This world may offer you some fond memories and deep treasures, but never lose the ‘mutual interest’ of the One who can make your life worth living. Find KOINONIA with the Father and with Christ’s church. Look to Him, and never be alone.

 

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From New Life to Eternal Life…March 2nd

Once a year we take some time to recognize and encourage our families with Baby picturenew born babies. This Sunday we’ll honor six of our young families and their new additions. But what possibly could we gain from focusing on this ‘new life?’

As a child Timothy was raised by his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5). So strong was the influence of these women that Paul mentions Timothy’s ‘sincere faith’ which ‘first dwelt in his (your) grandmother Lois and his (your) mother Eunice.’ A parent who passes down the importance of godly living is worthy of honor. As we recognize ‘new life’ in these families we’ll be encouraging them to teach the importance of seeking ‘eternal life’ with God.

“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15

Sunday morning, March 2, 2014

The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.

“Blue Skies and Rainbows” -no book

To begin our worship time together we’ll sing a song that was popular around the campfire during the 1970’s. A ‘devo’ song that has all the elements of praise. From the sunbeams of heaven, to the green grass and flowers, to the tall mountains and green valleys, we sing each verse recognizing our creator and praising Him for His mighty works. ‘Jesus is well and alive today…’ Amen!Rainbow over Mt Alice

“You Are My All in All” -484

Though some may find repetition in this hymn, the message is worth repeating, “Jesus, Lamb of God, worthy is Your name!” But have you thought about the message in the second verse? Consider; “Seeking You as a precious jewel, Lord, to give up (seeking you) I’d be a fool…” How foolish we sometimes act as we turn to follow our own desires. Remember, worshiping God is not for the weak minded. Think about what you’re singing…

“I Will Sing of My Redeemer” -513

Before the Lord’s Supper we’ll sing this non-typical communion song. But notice the message; “I will sing of my Redeemer, and His wondrous love for me; on the cruel cross He suffered, from the curse to set me free. Sing, O sing of my Redeemer! With His blood He purchased me; on the cross He sealed my pardon, paid the debt and made me free.” Turn your heart and your mind to the cross, the cruel cross, and remember you’ve been pardoned.

“We Saw Thee Not” -342

Between the bread and the fruit of the vine we’ll sing the 2nd and 3rd verses, respectively. Having lived over 2,000 years ago we were never privileged to see our Savior face to face, so we sing; “We saw Thee not when lifted high…we gazed not in the open tomb and we never met Thee on the open road…But we believe!”

“On Bended Knee” -791

How do you approach God? What is your posture and your position when you come to worship Him? Though we might not physically be bowing to the ground, where is your heart in relationship to His power and authority? Would that we come to Him with humble hearts, with broken hearts, on bended knees…pledging our love a new.

“I Know That My Redeemer Lives” -528

Musically this is an energetic spiritual song. One that admonishes the hearer with a bombardment of confirmation…hear it again; “I know that my Redeemer lives…I know eternal life He gives…I know His saving grace is nigh (near)…I know that He will come again…I know that a home stands ‘over yonder’…I know, I know, I know, I know…that my Redeemer lives.”

“Kneel at the Cross” -945

If we are to give our life to Christ, to be baptized into His death, to ‘begin life anew,’ we must first come to the cross. Kneel at the cross, but be ready to give your idols up. Many will say they are ‘coming to Jesus,’ but they hold on to the world. We can ‘meet Jesus there’ but we must be ready to stay with Him. Don’t look back to the world, ‘to life’s sparkling cup’ but trust in Him!

“How Beautiful Heaven Must Be” -885

As we close on Sunday morning we’ll sing of heaven, and how appropriate that we do. With ‘new life’ we anticipate our eternal life in heaven. Though we might not be able to fathom the beauty of heaven, we can know from His word that it will be for the ‘pure and the free.’ We trust that there will be ‘no drooping or pining’ (no feeling of despair or grief), and that God’s light will be our illumination. “How beautiful heaven must be…”       

“Beyond This Land of Parting” -870

To provide a little more time for the families with ‘new babies’ to get to the church-wide potluck, we’ll add one more closing song. It will segue nicely with the previous song as we go from “how beautiful heaven must be…” to “Beyond this land of parting losing and leaving…” Summer land…a new life, an eternal life, a place of bliss. We’re thankful that God has given this congregation several loving families with new life. But families must bring these babies to God and prepare them for eternal life.

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What Will You Will?…Jan 12th

grandma and grandsonAs a young boy I was blessed with a grandmother who showered me with gifts, money and meals. Two hundred pounds later I can say it was much more than I ever needed or deserved. She didn’t do it out of compulsion or guilt, she gave because she wanted to. She ‘willed’ that I would be comfortable with earthly gifts, but she (and my parents) knew life was more than things.

Parents and grandparents give to their children much more than meets the eye. But all too often we focus on the tangible, the here and now. What did you get me for Christmas? How long until I get to trade in for a new phone? How much allowance will I get this year? Is this the extent of what we will leave for our children?  Is our ‘will’ of monetary value only, or is there something more we’ll give them. Christ left for us an inheritance far more valuable then silver or gold. Join us Sunday morning when we’ll hear a stirring lesson about…our wills.


“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15

Sunday morning, January 12, 2014

The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.

“Higher Ground” no book

A great traditional hymn with a newer twist.  We’ve sung this great song for years, but in recent years we’ve learned a new version (listen to it below).  But as always, don’t miss the message.  We have trials in this life that get us down and depress our spirits.  This morning we’ll open this time of worship with a hymn of encouragement.  “I’m pressing on the upward way, new heights I’m gaining every day; still praying as I onward bound, ‘Lord plant my feet on higher ground…”

“Breathe on Me, Breath of God” – 418

This hymn has a contemporary feel, but it was penned more than 130 years ago.  A call for God to ‘breathe’ upon His children with a blessing!  Notice the second verse, “Breathe on me, breath of God, until my heart is pure, until my will is one with Thine, to do and to endure.”  

“The Old Rugged Cross” – 313Old rugged cross

We’ll take this old spiritual song and break it up into three parts.  Verse one will be sung before the bread, verse two before the fruit of the vine and the third verse after the cup.  You’ll want to remember this second verse,  “O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world, has a wondrous attraction for me; For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above to bear it to dark Calvary…’  How much do you cherish the cross of Christ?  Where would we be without it?

“God Give Us Christian Homes” – 843

As we think about new resolutions for the year how many of us will make a priority of making our “…homes where the Bible is loved and taught?”  Let this song be a reminder that everyone has a responsibility in a Christian home.  Fathers are to be true and strong, mothers strive to show others God’s way is best and children are led.  Are our children willing to be led?  We need to make sure that in our homes ‘the Master’s will is sought.’  Parents, we need to be sure we prepare to leave a heavenly legacy for our families.

“My Hope is Built on Nothing Less” – 538

Where is your hope?  In what do you trust?  David wrote in Psalm 20:7, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”  This song before our lesson is a great reminder of what is most important.  What should we pass on to our children?  Nothing less than a hope that is built on Jesus’ blood.  We shouldn’t trust in the ‘sweetest frame’ (our physical well-being), but in the name above all other names…Jesus!  

“My Jesus As Thou Wilt” – 698

Words that date back 310 years (1704) but resonate with Christ’s own words in the garden, “Not My will but Thine.”  Considering what we ‘will’, it only makes sense that this song serve as our invitation song.  “O may Thy will be mine.”

“A Wonderful Savior” – 503

What a song of rejoicing as we sing to encourage each other that God is in control.  He takes care of us, comforts us and hides us.  Interesting to think that God hides us in His hand, but considering the trials of this world we do fine peace in knowing that God covers His people.  This old spiritual song reflects Exodus 33:22 as God spoke to Moses. “and it will come about, while My glory is passing by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock and cover you with My hand…”  Indeed, a wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord.

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A Terrifying Thing!

Some sights and sounds can be frightening when you first see or hear them.  048Perhaps it’s the unknown that gives us a chill, but the cry of a stray cat in the dark of the night, or the wind blowing through the branches of tree on a dark street can be a little spooky this time of year.  The dark, majestic home with turn-of-the-century architecture can be a beautiful sight, but why do we feel anxiety when that same house is shrouded in darkness?  It must be the unseen and lack of knowing that makes things ‘scary.’  But not all terrifying things come from what we can’t see or hear.

Situations like these, the spooky house and cries in the night, pale in comparison to how fearful we should be when we step head long into sin and reject the Word of God.  In the 10th chapter of the book of Hebrews, the Hebrew writer speaks about judgement and says, “It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”  Many will live their life unconcerned about eternity.  Though some my think about it, many give no mind to life after death.

Once there were two very affluent men who were challenged with living a righteous life, exercising self-control and accepting the judgement to come.  One man ‘even believed…’, but both were reluctant to accept Christ.  The first man was afraid and told the messenger to, “Go away…” His counterpart, in turn, replied, “Almost you persuade…”  These two Roman leaders (Felix and Agrippa) heard what needed to be done to turn from their lives of sin, but wouldn’t move themselves to action.

How many thousands of people today, hear the word of God, believe the message, and yet fail to do what needs to be done to be right with God?  Situations abound where someone knows what to do, but refuses to take the necessary steps.  ‘It’s not convenient for me…’, ‘I’m comfortable where I am…’ or ‘Just go away…maybe some other time…’  Every excuse is a step farther away from the living God.  Each element within the rejection can mean terrifying results for the one who, ‘falls into the hand of the living God.’  Philip Bliss understood that terror and wrote what might have been Governor Felix’s, or King Agrippa’s response to Paul in Acts chapter 24 and 26.  For years Christian’s have sung this old spiritual song as an invitation to come to God.

 


“Almost persuaded” now to believe; “Almost persuaded” Christ to receive;
Seems now some soul to say, “Go, Spirit, go Thy way,
Some more convenient day On Thee I’ll call.”
“Almost persuaded,” come, come today; “Almost persuaded,” turn not away;
Jesus invites you here, Angels are lingering near
Prayers rise from hearts so dear; O wanderer, come!
“Almost persuaded,” harvest is past! “Almost persuaded,” doom comes at last!
“Almost” cannot avail; “Almost” is but to fail!

034Sad, sad, that bitter wail – “Almost,” but lost!
Spooky old houses and howls in the night may send a chill down your spine.  Scary thoughts waft through the night air as we walk dark lonely streets.  But nothing is as fearful as ‘almost’ confessing Christ; ‘almost’ being baptized into His name and ‘almost’ giving your life over to Him.  Some will say, ‘almost’, while others say ‘go away.’  But what a terrifying thing to reject Him and fall into the hands of the living God!

 

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Whose Hand are You Holding?

Men Shaking HandsAs the congregation spilled out into the foyer, brothers and sisters in Christ were visiting as they slowly headed toward the exits.  There was no sense of urgency, but rather the sound of hope wafted through the air as adults and children alike laughed and visited with the early Sunday morning crowd.

This particular Sunday was no different than the hundreds that had taken place before and many more that were to come.  Each one played out on a weekly basis and sharing a similar feeling of family unity.  The busyness of the day wasn’t lost in a frenzied stampede to the doors.  People, young and old, lingered as they enjoyed the company of fellow Christians.  And to a small, 4 year old boy, this weekly forest of legs was nothing for me to shy away from.  We were a family, a comfortable environment centered around our Heavenly Father.  My parents had taught me this concrete principle from the day I could understand their words of instruction.  Following our Father’s example, we will always be a family of love.

On this particular Sunday morning as I dodged ‘tree trunks’ of corduroy and zipping passed the ladies swaying skirts, I was looking for a familiar hand.  One that perfectly held my small, child-like grip; and my granddad’s hand was unmistakable.  Years of hard labor had left his hands rugged and strong, yet also offered to me a stabilizing and comforting grasp.

In short order I saw his large, unmistakable hand at his side, and without hesitation I reached up and took a firm grip.  We walked for a while, taking in the excitement of the morning.  There was no hurry.  Slowly we made our way across the carpeted hallway.  As we walked I waited.  Surely my granddad would pick me up to save my steps.  Surely he would lift me up and provide that assurance a child needs.  But we walked on.  As we walked I lifted my gaze and peered into the face of a man who wasn’t my granddad.  All along I thought I knew who was holding my hand.  From the moment we grasped hands, I was sure I was holding the steadfast, safe hand of my granddad.  Though I was safe in the hands of this older Christian I wasn’t aware of whose hand I held.Emili...early years

My kids are growing up faster than I would have ever imagined.  Our oldest son, Logan, is prepared to start his 2nd year at Freed Hardeman University.  Before this month is over our second child, Emili ,will be starting her first year there.  Dillon, our youngest, will be an only child in the Bruce household this fall.  Last year as we prepared to leave Logan in Tennessee, I struggled with that transition.  My oldest was growing up and moving on.  Life was changing.  Now my little girl is doing the same.  She has grown up from that sweet, curly haired angel to a strong, mature young Christian lady.  Life keeps moving on…

Last year as our oldest moved out on his own, I came to focus on the message of the song by Warren Roberts, “God Bless You, Go with God”.  And Emili, that prayer is still my prayer for you as well.  But in addition, I want you encourage you to think about the words written by Ira Stanpill in the late 1950’s.  She penned the following:

1…I don’t know about tomorrow; I just live from day to day.
I don’t borrow from its sunshine for its skies may turn to gray.
I don’t worry o’er the future, for I know what Jesus said.
And today I’ll walk beside Him, for He knows what lies ahead.
clouds

Chorus: Many things about tomorrow I don’t seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow and I know who holds my hand.

 

2…Every step is getting brighter as the golden stairs I climb;
Every burden’s getting lighter, every cloud is silver-lined.
There the sun is always shining, there no tear will dim the eye;
At the ending of the rainbow where the mountains touch the sky.

 

Chorus:

3…I don’t know about tomorrow; it may bring me poverty.
But the one who feeds the sparrow, is the one who stands by me.
And the path that is my portion may be through the flame or flood;
But His presence goes before me and I’m covered with His blood.

Chorus: graduation picture

Emili, please remember that as you walk through this life you will have lots of questions.  Questions like; ‘Why are they treating me like this?  How can he do that to me?  Why would she say something like that?’  There are times when people will disappoint you.  At the same time, there will be days when you feel like you’re on ‘Cloud 9.’  Nothing could go wrong and everything is going right.  Either way, during either day, consider who’s hand you are holding.  Sometimes the hand you hold will appear to be the right one.  It will look good, feel right and treat you just like you expect it to.  But there is one hand (besides mine) that you need to reach out to take hold of and never let go.  His hand will protect you and shield you in these tender moments when you’re learning to make it on your own.  You know who I’m talking about, and even though you don’t know what your tomorrow holds, rest assured in knowing that He holds your tomorrow.  As you hold your Savior’s hand remember this.  Your mother and I are not far away, because…we’re holding His hand too.