Category: Involvement

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Joy’s Toolbox…March 22nd

busninessman and his toolsDuring my career as an educator, a phrase became popular in K-12 schools across the country. Each teacher was encouraged to develop some ideas and ‘tricks of the trade’ that would help them in their day to day activities. Ideas that would help with classroom discipline, curriculum development, daily activities, and weekly assessments. Ideas and tips that could help a student find success. In a word, we were all encouraged to build a ‘teacher’s toolbox.’ Like the toolbox in your garage, the teacher’s toolbox was designed to accomplish a specific task.

Whatever the job, whether in the classroom or the garage, the proper tools are essential. But what if my task, my job, my hope, is to find happiness in this life? Are there ‘tools’ I should be using to have a life filled with joy? Sunday morning at Waterview we’ll consider the contents of… “Joy’s Toolbox.”

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

Sunday morning, March 22, 2015

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

faith

 

“Faith is the Victory” – 469

Are you ‘encamped’ on the hills of lights or in the valley of shadows? God’s children stay close to the Light, but know there’s a battle to be fought against the forces of darkness. Remembering our struggle is not against flesh and blood, we ‘press the battle’ against the spiritual forces of darkness.

“In Christ Alone” – no book

“In Christ alone my hope is found…” When you consider a ‘tool’ in joy’s toolbox you must start at the begin, with Christ! Without Him as our hope, we’ll never find joy.

“I’ll Live for Him” – 553

Between the Bread and the Fruit of the Vine we pause and sing the chorus…“I’ll live for Him, who died for me how happy then my life shall be. I’ll live for Him, who died for me…my Savior and my God.” Accepting this sacrifice of love is another essential tool in your toolbox of joy.

“Glory to His Name” – 475

We find glory in the name of Jesus, and we find Jesus ‘down at the cross.’ Let the Lord’s Supper serve as a reminder that we have salvation in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Truly in His death, we find joy in our salvation.toolbox 2

“Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee” – 202

“…God of glory, Lord of love! Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee opening to the sun above.” The words where written over 100 years ago to express the simple, common sentiments of the Christian. Perhaps the third verse gives us a basic tool for finding joy in this life. “Thou art Father, Christ, our Brother, all who live in love are Thine. Teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine.”  When was the last time you used this tool (loving one another) in joy’s toolbox?

“There is Sunshine in My Soul Today” – 549

With so much rain here in Texas these past few weeks, this song might seem a little untimely. But when we us the proper tools for living a life of joy, we can rest assured we’ll see the sun (Son) on even the cloudiest of days.

“Jesus Is Tenderly Calling” – 947

The title of our invitation song says it best…Jesus is calling us home. Not in a physical sense, just like the sunshine in my soul is anything but physical, so the call is for us to come home, to repentance, to heaven. In that sense…we find the ultimate joy!

“No Tears in Heaven” – 882

Can we have tears and still have joy? Certainly many have shed tears of joy and know that tears aren’t reserved for sorrow alone. But if there are tears in heaven, they won’t be tears of sorrow. Maybe the question we should ask what kind of tears can be found in the toolbox of joy?

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The Awesome Positive Power of Fellowship…Aug. 3rd

What’s the purpose of fellowship, and what does it offer me? I am very busy with my day to day activities, and there’s more to get done than I have time for. Perhaps the idea of fellowship is just another way of coercing people into ‘getting together.’ Some might say that fellowship is just an unnecessary, waste of my valuable time.welcome

Attitudes like this may not be verbally spoken, but the actions of some tend to reject the power of Christian fellowship. Paul referenced ‘the right hand of fellowship’ in writing about Peter, James (the brother of Jesus) and John in Galatians 2. To ‘extend’ the right hand meant to offer yourself as a friend. John adds to the idea of fellowship as he penned I John, chapter 1; “…if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another.” There is power, a positive power in Christian fellowship, and each of us have the choice of either being a friend or not. We can offer the right hand or keep it in our pocket. Do you want to know the awesome positive power of fellowship?

 

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

Sunday morning, August 3, 2014

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

“Awesome God” – 38

A strong, contemporary song of praise to God! We’ll sing it, but when we clearly understand it, our vocabulary might be changed. “Our God is an awesome God, He reigns from heaven above…” Then again, you might have said, ‘that was an awesome game last night.’ Is my definition of ‘awesome’ different in these two situations, or am I just using terminology without thinking about the meaning? What IS awesome to you?

“Leaning on the Everlasting Arm” – 589

“What a fellowship! What a joy divine, leaning on the everlasting arm.” My security in Christ is shared with all those who have obeyed His word. And still we lean on Christ for our strength and support. We share in fellowship with one another as we fellowship with Christ. Or as John said, “…if we walk in the Light…”

“Take My Life, and Let It Be” – 664

Several songs share this title, but within the arrangement we’ll sing this morning let’s focus our minds on giving. Notice the 4th verse;  “Take my silver and my gold: not a mite would I withhold…” By definition a mite is ‘any small amount.’ And likely you’re familiar with ‘the widow’s mite’ Jesus mentioned in Mark 12. So as we sing ‘not a mite would I withhold’ we are singing that we will give to God everything. Not ‘withholding’ even the smallest amount.

“More Precious Than Silver” – 273

If you had the choice of a vault full of silver, gold and diamonds, or an eternity in your Lord’s presence, which would you choose. The Christian says, ‘Sure, I would rather be with Jesus.’ But does your life reflect that statement? Is He more precious than silver to you? Do you Mary Gardenconsider Jesus to be more valuable (costly) than gold? Is He more beautiful in your eyes than diamonds?  If I prioritize my life so that I live for Him, then ‘…nothing I desire compares with You.’

“I Come to the Garden Alone” – 595

Singing this song we’re reminded of how Mary might have felt as she stood by the tomb on the first day of the week. “I come to the garden alone while the dew is still on the roses. And the voice I hear falling on my ear, the Son of God discloses…” In this scenario the voice she heard would have said, “Mary!” (John 20:16).

“We Saw Thee Not” – 342

We can read the impact of the scripture as we sing the 2nd and 3rd verse of this song; “We saw Thee not when lifted high…nor heard we that imploring cry, ‘Forgive, they know not what they do!'” and in verse 3, “We gazed not in the open tomb…but we believe that angels said, ‘Why seek the living with the dead?'” Luke 23:34, Luke 24:5 respectively.

“Fellowship Medley” – 703-705

A medley before our lesson of three songs that speak directly of our fellowship. “I love you with the love of the Lord.” Followed by “Bind us together, Lord with chains that cannot be broken.” And then concluding with “A common love for each other.” If we have fellowship with one another we will love one another. John continues in verse 10 of chapter 2, “The one who loves his brother abides in the Light…” and remember, if we walk in the Light we have fellowship with one another. Maybe this one is easier to read than to practice.

“How Sweet, How Heavenly” – 709

Words that were penned almost 225 years ago still remind us of the fellowship we share in Christ. When our brother is hurting, we hurt. But we find this unity, the awesome positive power of fellowship only after we are free from envy and pride. We’ll over look the failings of one another and share in ‘union sweet’ when we show a brother’s love.

“Blest Be the Tie that Binds” – 711

Our closing song is another one that dates back over 225 years. With a ‘fellowship of kindred minds’ we understand and feel the tie that binds. Would that we pour out prayers, express our fears and hopes to each other so we can better understand the power of fellowship.

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The Life of Moses…LTC Style

L.T.C. (Leadership Training for Christ) has been a focus for members of the Lord’s church for 25 years. A branch off the Lads to Leaders which began in 1968, L.T.C. has been preparing our young LTC 2014men to speak, lead singing and read scripture. Our young ladies learn how to lead women’s devotionals, sign for the hearing impaired and teach younger children. (Though the boys can do the signing and teaching challenge as well!) And this doesn’t even include chorus, drama, puppets, service challenge and a myriad of other areas for training.

Perhaps the primary focus for those who find L.T.C. (or Lads) a focal point in their year would be the preparation that goes into Bible Bowl. In this ‘event’ students from 3rd -12th grades study a pre-selected section of scripture, then take an oral test to determine their retention of the material covered. Some who dislike tests avoid this event, but to others it is a challenge to see if they can learn, remember and recall the scriptures.

Below are a few of the test questions from L.T.C. 2014, “Called Out”, as we studied the life of Moses (see Exodus, Numbers and Deuteronomy).

1. Where was the blood of the Passover lamb to be placed? (Ex. 12:22)
a. the door frame     b. the roof of the house     c. the ground     d. on the table

2. As long as Moses’ hands were held up, the Israelite army was _________ the battle. (Ex. 17:11)
a. escaping     b. losing     c. winning     d. surviving

3. How many days did the men, sent by Moses, explore Canaan? (Num. 13:25)
a. 4 days     b. 12 days     c. 40 days     d. 60 days

4. When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, he was not aware that his face was what? (Ex. 34:29)
a. darkened     b. radiant     c. pale     d. saddened

5. Who was asked to put a curse on Israel? (Num. 22:10-11)
a. Balak     b. Baal     c. Balaam     d. Bashan

6. How many men went to battle against the Midianites? (Num. 31:4)
a. all of them     b. 10,000 men of war     c. only the Levites     d. 1,000 from each tribe

7. What did God have Moses write down and teach to the Israelites? (Deut. 31:19)
a. their history     b. a song     c. the scroll of law     d. words from the stone tablet

8. What plague did Pharaoh’s magicians call ‘the finger of God?’ (Ex. 8:16-19)
a. the water to blood     b. the gnats     c. the frogs     d. the locust

9. Manna tasted like something made from _______  ______? (Num. 11:8)
a. unleavened yeast     b. wheat flour     c. raisins & figs     d. olive oil

10. In Moses’s final blessing, which tribe was referred to as a lion’s cub? (Deut. 33:22)
a. Reuben     b. Levi     c. Dan     d. BenjaminLTC 2014...Bible Bowl

This is just a sampling of the 100 questions the young men and women were given to answer this year at our local L.T.C. convention in Dallas, Texas. Several performed remarkably well and received high marks. And to be honest, others struggled. But knowing the answers to the questions is only half the battle. When we learn from God’s word that we have been ‘called out,’ we’ll know better how to serve our God and King. Leadership Training for Christ is a great experience, but applying the lessons learned from a study of God’s Word is worth it’s weight in gold, silver and bronze.

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Who’s In Control?…April 27th

arm wrestling...controlWhat does it mean to be ‘in control?’ Do you have to have authority and power to maintain control over someone or something? Many will assume you have to be stronger, more talented, or meaner, or smarter to be in control. And though those traits might prove beneficial, is that all it takes?

Perhaps it’s best summed up to say, ‘if someone is in the place of authority, they should be in control.’ A parent should be ‘in control’ of their child; a teacher should be ‘in control’ of her student and a general should be ‘in control’ of his troops. We can assign positions of ‘control’ based on what we assume and what we see. But when it comes to you, personally…who’s in control?

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

Sunday morning, April 27, 2014

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

“We Praise Thee, O God!” – 2

In the deep recesses of my mind I remember this old hymn being sung when I was just a child. The chorus is a resounding proclamation, “Hallelujah! Thine the glory…” A great way to start off our Sunday morning worship together. We’ll sing…“revive us again.” Are you personally ready for revival?

“Take My Life and Let It Be” – 664

This song before the contribution is a hymn (a prayer) asking God to take my life, take my moments, take my hands and take my feet. We’ll ask our Creator to take our voice and our lips, but we’ll also ask Him (as we prepare to give) to take our silver and our gold. Notice our next statement…‘not a mite would I (we) withhold.’ A mite, by definition, is a small amount. It could be money or time. We’re singing, ‘not a small amount would I withhold.’ So…who is in control of your silver and gold? Really, who is in control of you?

“His Grace Reaches Me” – 113

This is an interesting spiritual song in that the alto, tenor and bass all sing an ‘AH’ during the verses before singing with the soprano in the chorus. But as always, don’t miss the forest for the trees…notice your words as you sing. The Savior’s grace is deeper than the ocean and higher than the mountains. Could you honestly say it ‘thrills’ your soul just knowing that His sacrifice, His blood, is your salvation? His grace does indeed reach us all, if we will only follow Him and be ‘under His control.’

“Master, the Tempest is Raging” – 189

Such a splendid account of Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee. But we miss the message of this psalm if we don’t hear the chorus. “The winds and the waves shall obey Thy will, ‘Peace be still!’ Whether the wrath of the storm tossed sea, or demons, or men, or whatever it be, No water can swallow the ship where lies the Master of ocean and earth and skies…” Understand the message! If the Master of the ocean, earth and skies is living in you, then you have nothing to fear. The ‘wrath’ of the storms of life, the haunting demons and the devises of men are nothing to fear. Why? Because nothing can ‘swallow’ your ship…if the Master is in you.Jesus triumphal entry

“Hosanna!” – 167

A song of praise that mirrors the words of the people as they welcomed Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem.
Mark 11:9, “And those who went before, and those who went after, were crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord…Hosanna in the highest!” Together we sing, “Lord we lift up Your name with hearts full of praise!”

“Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed” – 324

We’ll sing this song before and after the Lord’s Supper. Years ago we sang the first verse with the original words from Isaac Watts, “…would He devote that sacred head for such a worm as I?” Biblical when you consider King David’s words in Psalm 22:6, “But I am a worm, and not a man, a reproach of men, and despised by the people.”

“Standing on the Promises” – 452

Where are you standing in this life? Are you confident of God’s promises or do you fear the howling storms of doubt? Before our invitation song we’ll sing to admonish each other with assurance of where we stand. On the promises of Christ my King and Christ my Lord!

“Lord, Take Control” – 790

Perhaps a fitting invitation song as we consider “Who’s in Control!” You have a decision to make when it comes to places you’ll go and things you’ll see. You will answer for the choices you make. Are you prepared for that kind of control? “My heart, my mind, my body, my soul I give to Thee (God), take control.”

“Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” – 679

If God is given the controls of my life, does that mean I’m just a puppet? Of course not! We still have control over what we do and where we go. What we say and even what we think. That’s my responsibility and my opportunity for self-control. But if God doesn’t guide my decisions and my path, my tongue and my mind, then I’ve lost control. Notice verse three from this old song, “Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus, just from sin and self to cease, just from Jesus simply taking life and rest and joy and peace…” Maybe self-control is…Christ control.

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This Is Job For…?

With a meteorite heading to earth and no one to help, you might here the phrase, “This is a job for Superman!”  Then ‘faster than a speeding bullet’, and out from behind the clouds comes the DC comic hero to save the day.  But even supermanwithout an asteroid heading our way, we still have troubles to deal with and issues we must face.  Who comes to the rescue then?  Here ‘in the real world’ we have things that need to get done.  We say, this is a job for ____________.  When the job (big or small) needs to be done and the only ‘super man’ around isn’t able to ‘leap tall buildings’…what do you do?

Some might say, ‘Anybody can do that, it’s not too hard,’ but when it comes time to do the job we are often looking around for Superman.  Some have been heard to say, “I would but…”  The fact of the matter remains, there is work to be done and a worker needs to do it.  It’s almost as if folks are afraid they’ll be asked to save the planet.  In reality, we just need workers.  Letting the Bible speak (I Cor. 6;9), we can hear God calling us to work “…for we are God’s fellow workers…”.  Also Matthew and Mark both refer to labors in the kingdom (vineyard).  We have work to do, no doubt.  The question remains, who will do the work?

Keith Lancaster’s, Acappella made famous a song that epitomizes many in today’s society.  When a task is to be done you might hear someone say, ‘Anybody could do that…somebody should do that…will anybody do it?’  Unfortunately the response is usually, ‘I would but I’m too busy.’

‘Everybody Said (But Nobody Did)’

CHORUS:
Everybody said that anybody could do The important things somebody should do Everybody knows that anybody could do All the good things that nobody did

1) Well the preacher came to me and said what I ought to do If I wanted to make my religion true He’d do it himself but he really didn’t have the time He said that the duty was mine

 CHORUS:

2) Well the deacon came by and said give me a hand If you want to be going to the promised land Here is something that I don’t have time to do So I better give it to you
CHORUS:

Well I’m too busy so I tell everybody The work’s got to get done by somebody It could be done by anybody But nobody, nobody, nobody didBe Your Best

 

Earth hangs in the balance, between life and death.  There’s no rocket of destruction or asteroid headed our way, but we do hang in the balance between good and evil.  Imagine if Clark Kent had observed the threat and said, “That looks like trouble, maybe somebody should do something.”  You might not be a ‘super man’, but you are somebody who can make a difference.  Besides, it just might be that the next task is a job for you.

 

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Can We Improve the Service?

What makes service good and or bad?  Perhaps the best example of ‘service’ OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAcomes when you consider your waiter or waitress.  They offer a service for the customer that can either be useful or not.

Have you ever visited an elegant restaurant?  As you walked in you receive a gracious welcome from your host.  You are seated quickly, but then wait, and wait and wait for your menu.  Throughout the evening your glass goes unfilled, and your questions unanswered.  Most would consider this ‘poor’ service.  Some might even say this is rotten service.  Regardless, you are anticipating someone from this establishment to ‘serve’ you.

Another type of ‘service’ comes each Sunday morning many of us join together to worship our God.  We sing and pray, partake of the Lord’s Supper and listen to a message from God’s word.  We call this time together the “worship service.”  But who are we serving during this time?  Is this time of worship designed to serve men or God?  We certainly should be trying to ‘get something’ out of the sermon, and be admonished from the psalms, hymns and spiritual songs (Colossians 3), but is this ‘service’ more than just a personal exercise?  Ask yourself…am I looking to be served, or am I preparing myself to serve?

Before you come together with the saints for ‘services’, I encourage you to think about your attitude toward worship.  What draws you to join the congregation of God’s people on the first day of the week?  Would that our attitude reflect that of the Psalmist who wrote, “I was glad  when they said to me, ‘Let us enter into the house of the Lord’.” Psalm 122:1

Psalm 122

 

If we’re truthful about the matter, people view worship services in a various ways.  God meant this time to be an opportunity to grow closer to Him.  This is an opportunity to give our best to the Creator.  A chance to show Him how much we love Him by uniting in songs of praise and offering prayers in Jesus’ name.  We should respect our Heavenly Father, and the method in which we serve and worship Him.


Consider some ideas as to how we might ‘improve’ our service when we come together to worship:

1) Attend every time the doors are open.  Others will see that worship is a priority to you.  You’ll be demonstrating your desire to be with the family of God and not ‘forsaking’ the assembly (Hebrews 10:25).

2) Arrive early and when possible, stay late.  This will show your brothers and sisters in Christ that you really want to be there.  It also helps as we encourage others .  Much of what we do is really not for ourselves, but for others.  (Remember…we’ve come to serve!)  By coming early and staying late you might be the one who helps someone in need of encouragement.

3) Be positive with other Christians about the worship time and about one another.  No place is ever going to be perfect, and rarely do all worship services meet all of our expectations and desires.  But then again remember, we’ve come to serve…WHO?

4) Take more responsibility (and pride) as you participate.  Bringing excitement and enthusiasm to the service will strengthen everyone involved.  Consider this, do you like it when your waitress serves you with a smile?

5) Believe that spending time in worship is worthwhile.  Sing and pray with all your heart.  It is not how well we sing that matters to God, it’s our attitude about singing that counts.  I truly believe that while we listen to the voice of the singer, God listens to the singer’s heart.

giving receivingPerhaps these five points will help us as we consider our worship service next Sunday.  Remember, often what we receive depends on how much we are willing to give.  Most would agree it comes down to answering the following question,

“What can we do to improve the service?”

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The Least…March 10th

Sunday morning, March 10th at Waterview church of Christ, our lesson will be presented by Robert Taylor as he provides a update from our mission work in Nicaragua.

When we pour out our coins for the ‘Breakfast Program’ in Nicaragua, we are doing much coins for couponsmore than filling a small basket.  We are providing more than just a warm meal.  We are opening doors for the word to be spread in yet another mission field.  This morning we’ll spend some time considering the words of our Lord in Matthew 25.  Perhaps you will find the following ‘order of worship’ a means by which you can focus your mind on the songs we’ll sing this coming Lord’s day.

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

Sunday morning, March 10, 2013

You’ll notice the following songs come from the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.

“The Great Redeemer” – 250

It’s interesting to realize that this song is almost 100 years old.  Written by Francis Foster in 1915, “The Great Redeemer” stirs the emotions as all four parts take an active lead in harmonizing the voice and praising our God.  But ask yourself if  you will honestly do what you say you will do in the chorus; “…I will never cease to raise a song of gladness in His praise.”

“I Will Sing the Wondrous Story” – 509

Another song with some beautiful harmony.  This YouTube link is a good acappella arrangement that you can listen to and sing with… “Yes, I’ll sing the wondrous story.”

“How Beautiful” – 365

A contemporary song (1991) that speaks so clearly to the Lord’s Supper.  Notice the bridge; “And as He laid down His life, we offer this sacrifice, that we may live just as He died, willing to pay the price…”  The feet that bring the good news and the hands that serve are beautiful, but how beautiful is the body of Christ!

“I Am Mine No More” – 683

Though the author and composer of this song are unknown, the message is very clear.  Would that we do more than just say, “I am mine no more…”, but that our lives would reflect a change in our priority.  When you say something is more important than something else, it’s only proven by your next step.  If you are truly no longer concerned about self, have you changed anything specific?

“Savior, Thy Dying Love” – 667

Following the Lord’s Supper and during the passing of the collection plate we’ll sing this hymn from the 1860’s.  It serves as a good reminder of the sacrifice (our Savior’s dying love).  Notice the last line from the first three verses; “…some offering bring Thee now, something for Thee.”, “…some song to raise or prayer, something for Thee.” “…some wanderer sought and won, something for Thee.”  But now read the last line of the fourth verse.  “And when Thy face I see, my ransomed soul will be, through all eternity, something for Thee.”  You give a few dollars when the collection plate comes around, but what will you give when Monday morning comes around?

“A Beautiful Life” – 570

Before our lesson, join in the spiritual song that boasts a strong tenor/bass echo.  As we move into the chorus, the men take the lead, but with all the ‘musical’ excitement we must never miss the message.  Can you say you are helping those who are in need?  Are you letting your light shine along the way?  When was the last time you were willing to lend a helping hand?  A good reminder from this song…

yoke is easy“Burdens Are Lifted at Calvary” – 912

This old ‘invitation song’ is replete as the title is sung over and over again.  Include the chorus after each verse and the phrase “Burdens are lifted at Calvary” is repeated nine times.  So when we sing this song on Sunday we’ll hold the chorus to the end, following all three verses.  Just don’t forget that Jesus IS very near.

“His Yoke is Easy” – 612

We’ll close our service with this 1893 spiritual song, admonishing the congregation with the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:29, 30.  “Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”  When you sing this closing song I hope you believe, “…His service is my sweetest delight, His blessings ever flow.”

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Using Your God-Given Talents…Part 3

As we conclude this three part series let’s discuss the use of our talents.  Being involved is more than just doing a little here or there.  It’s a life style of giving God my ALL.  Jesus gave His life for me, should I give Him anything less than my life?

Christ tells the parable of the three men who were each given talents “according to his ability.”  As we read Matthew 25 we see that two of the men labored in such a way as to double their talents, and in the end they were praised for their work.  This serves as a clear example of what we should be doing with what God has entrusted to us.  The third man, however, buried his head in the sand and did nothing with the talent his lord had given him.  Consider the consequences for this action: “You wicked, lazy slave…Throw out the worthless slave into the outer darkness…”  (Matthew 25:26, 30)  Folks, we all have talents!  God has blessed you with talents that He might not have blessed me with.  Perhaps I have talents that you don’t have…how will we use what God has given us?

Recently, one of our senior members here at Waterview encouraged some of her friends to come together each week and take a hot meal to one of our elderly shut-ins.  An elderly, aging senior is blessed by the compassion of her friends, and these friends in their golden years are still serving.  It would be easy to sit back and say, “Somebody should do that,” but these senior sisters are serving the Lord’s church!  Another member here serves the younger people with letters of encouragement, hugs of sincerity and has an attendance record that models faithfulness.  Others within our Prime Timer’s Ministry meet monthly to encourage each other and reach out to those in declining health.  Perhaps Mr. Spencer was right when he wrote, “There is much to do, there’s work on every hand.  Hark!  The cry for help comes ringing through the land; Jesus calls for reapers, I must active be.  What wilt Thou (what do you want me to do), O Master?  Here am I, send me.”

So what does your schedule look like today?  What will you be doing when it comes to the kingdom?  Christians young and old will be faced with new opportunities today.  We must ask ourselves if we are willing to work and labor for our Lord only while it’s convenient, or if we’ll work till Jesus comes.  Many of our older brothers and sisters are weary and have spent their lives working in the service of the King.  THANK YOU for your example, but let me encourage you to keep on serving and remember your goal.

“O land of rest, for thee I sigh!  When will the moment come, when I shall lay my armor by and dwell in peace at home?  We’ll work till Jesus comes…and we’ll be gathered home.”

My life is much more than just getting up and going to work.  The student studies hard to ‘make the grade’, but how much time do we give in preparing ourselves for the FINAL?  Sitting back and expecting others to do the work God calls us to do is a dangerous option at best.
Would that each of us use our God-Given Talents…

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Using Your God-Given Talents…Part 2

As we remember Isaiah’s vision before the throne of God, let’s continue our direction of ‘working in the kingdom’ and being involved in the church.  Like Isaiah, we too can (should) answer, “Here am I, send me!”

There is an old hymn that was written and composed by M. W. Spencer.  The words sound remarkably familiar to the words from Isaiah.  The first verse makes a clear statement that, “There is much to do, there’s work on every hand…” As the song continues we see the call for each of us to be evangelistic, to reach out and carry the Bread of Life to “hungering souls.”  But the chorus rings out the words from Isaiah as we sing, “Here am I, Lord, send me…ready at Thy bidding, Lord send me.” Christians, you know that we are called to be servants (I Timothy 4:6, “…you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus…”).  We are called to work, to serve and give of our talents and time.  But is there a statute of limitations?  Can I call it quits after X number of years?  Many will say, “I’ve done my share of the lifting, it’s time for someone else to carry the load.”  And yes, we all need to be working, but nowhere in the scripture do we read of taking a sabbatical from our Christian walk.  One of our more contemporary songs, “In Christ Alone,” ends with the line, “…till He returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.”  We have an obligation; a job to do that never comes to an end.  Young people, parents, grandparents…children of God: let’s be ready to work and work with our whole heart.

A story is told about working and who was doing the work. I’m sure you’ve read it before, but reading it again might be appropriate here: “There is a story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry, because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized Everybody wouldn’t do it. So Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.”
Anonymous (wouldn’t you know!)

It is a fact that in most organizations 20% of the members do most of the work and carry the load of the remaining 80%. Unfortunately our churches sometimes fall into this dilemma.  Imagine what would happen if these figures were reversed and the majority of members came to find the excitement of who we are and Whom we are called to serve.  From the young Christian to the senior saint, each of us has been called for “the work of service…”  (Ephesians 4:11-13).

So how do I get involved in the work of the Lord’s church?  I’m a babe in Christ; what is there for me to do?  Or…I’m an older Christian; can’t I step back and let someone else take up the slack?  It’s my belief that if you’ve stayed with me this far, you have the qualities it takes to be active in Lord’s church.  Most likely you are part of the 20%, so please…don’t quit!  My encouragement to you is simple: if you’ll answer these two questions you’ll know what and where to be involved.  First, what do you enjoy doing?  What do you find interesting and engaging?  Then secondly, what are your talents?  What are you (humbly) good at doing?  When you answer these two basic questions you’ll begin to know where you might be of service in the church.

Next time we’ll look at Christ’s thought’s when it comes working or putting things off.  There is work to be done and it will be done by someone…will it be you?

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Using Your God-Given Talents…Part 1

What does your schedule look like today?  Are you busy with your work or will you just be taking it easy?  Each day we have the responsibility and opportunity to face new challenges.  What work will you be doing?

In 1982 I worked in the local hardware store.  My tasks were pretty basic as they included restocking shelves, loading lumber for a ‘do it yourself’ customer, or ringing up the sale on 2 lbs of 16 penny nails.  Life was predictable in the hardware business, and this summer job was no exception.  One memory from this summer was when I was told my job for the day was to drive the old company truck to Amarillo to pick up a shipment for a costumer.  As a 17 year old driving from Dumas to Amarillo (100 miles round trip) in an old Ford pick-up, it not only rattled my nerves, but also add to the stress a load of glass windows.  The event in and of itself was a great learning opportunity and for the most part was (thankfully) uneventful.  But aside from this one unforgettable task, much of my work at the hardware store/lumber yard was basically day by day and task by task.

Throughout life we move from one job to another, fulfilling the responsibilities that we face within that task.  Some of us are energetic in our work, never content to wait for the next assignment, but constantly staying busy.  With earnest ambition we do our work swiftly and then move on to the next chore.  Workers like this never let the “grass grow under their feet.”  Any void in their day is quickly filled with some sort of labor.  We affectionately refer to this folks as “the movers and shakers” in our world, ever ready to keep on working.

 

On the other hand, there are some who, when faced with a task, do the work and get the job done in a satisfactory manner.  The work completed may even be above reproach and admirably done.  But the difference comes in the next step.  Rather than searching out new opportunities, they tend to sit back with folded hands and say, “I’m done!”  Or worse yet, they get the work done par-satisfactory and then slink away hoping not to be found when the next need arises.  (By the way, workers like that usually find a pink slip at the close of the week…or at least they should.)

Workers in the Lord’s church might very well be classified as one of the two workers listed above.  Some are go getters who see the job, roll up their sleeves and “Get ‘er done.”  Others, however, will do the work when asked, but ‘What…you want me to do something else?’  We know there is work to do, and many of us will be the first to step up to get that work done.  But the fact of the matter remains, with the work that needs to be done, who will do it?  Unfortunately it’s usually left up to the 20%.  Be careful that you don’t fall into the 80% who are work-less (no, I didn’t say worthless).  Notice this passage from the book of Isaiah.

In Isaiah 6, we read the words of Isaiah as he recalls a vision from the throne room of God; “…I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple.”  The song Isaiah hears echoes in our hearts, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of hosts…” But notice Isaiah’s response when he hears a call to action in verse 8; “Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?”  The Lord is calling for a worker and some undoubted would look around and say, ‘Are you talking to me?’  But Isaiah, having just received forgiveness by a burning coal placed on his lips (vs. 6, 7), speaks up and utters the words of a faithful servant: “Here am I.  Send me!”

Come back and let’s continue this discussion again…