Category: Singing

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Mother Power…May 12th

dynamite

Power is described in many ways.  Often we think of power coming from the strong and stout.  But it can also be found in some unexpected areas.  Someone once said, “Dynamite comes in small packages…”  This Sunday morning, May 12th, we’ll consider the ‘power’ found in mothers.

 

In mid-May, each year we set aside time to honor our mothers, shower them with gifts and tell them we love them.  This year will be no different.  But as we worship this coming Sunday morning, we’ll explore motherhood in another light.  We’ll honor our mothers, but worship our God.

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

Sunday morning, May 12, 2013

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

“We Shall Assemble” – 718

This call to worship is a song inspired by the pen of Twila Paris.  We’ll add a second verse which calls for us to consider the journey’s end.  “And at the ending of our journey, we will bow down on bended knee.  And with the angels up in heaven, we’ll sing a song of victory…”  With confidence we know the redeemed will sing to the King; “Glory and honor and dominion…”

“We Have Come into His House” – 296

This spiritual song comes as a follow up (medley) with “We Shall Assemble”.  Though the words may seem repetitive, as we sing we hear a strong case for worship.  Verse 2… “Let’s forget about ourselves and magnify His name and worship Him!”  The original words were changed from ‘Let’s forget about ourselves, concentrated on Him and worship Him…”  Don’t think we can go wrong with either one, as long as we will worship Him!

“Tell Me the Story of Jesus” – 387

Most have sung this old spiritual song their whole life (considering it was written in 1880).  As we ‘forget about ourselves’ we hear the singer pleading for you to tell of the cross Christ was hung.  And to tell of the grave were Christ was ‘buried’.  But in the same line we hear of the promise of His resurrection, “…tell how He liveth again.”  (We’re singing the gospel, the death, burial and resurrection.)  We’ll conclude the third verse as we sing the emotional plea to let me stay, and weep as the story teller whispers, “Love paid the ransom for me.”  Ask yourself this question, ‘Do I weep when I hear the story of Jesus?’

“Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” – 226

“Here I raise my Ebeneezer, hither by Thy help I’ve come.”  Don’t be fooled, this isn’t a song about Ebeneezer Scrooge, this is a reference back to 1 Samuel when the sons of Israel defeated the Philistines.  This verse is almost a direct quote from 1 Samuel 7:12 (KJV) “…hither by Thy help I’ve come.”  But there’s more to this hymn, “O to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be.  Let Thy goodness like a fetter bind my wandering heart to Thee…”  Have you thought about chaining your heart to God?  Let God’s goodness chain your heart to Him.  Why?  The answer comes in the next verse, “prone to wander, Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love…”

“Hear Me When I Call” – no book

Though not at all new, this song of comfort is a call for us to seek God in times of struggle.  How often have we wished someone would hear our call for help.  To hear our cry, our voice, our prayer.  Does God hear us and know how we feel?  Certainly He does, but still we ask that He will “hold my trembling hand, lest helpless I should fall…” I’m so thankful God hears me when I call…

365050.TIF“Faithful Love” – no book

As we sing this song before the lesson, we’ll sing of the faithfulness of God.  Our understanding of how His love is flowing down to make us whole and to save our souls.  Look around this world and you see the love of God.  He is faithful to us and we can see Him all around, if we’ll only take the initiative.  Do we realize that it is He who holds our hands when we can’t stand on our own?  His love is faithful!

“Nearer, Still Nearer” – 478

Perhaps not designed to be an invitation song, this hymn is sung as we desire to stay ‘close to (His) Thy heart…’  But you’ll notice the realization that as we come nearer to God, by design, we draw further away from sin and its folly (foolishness).  Are you willing to resign all of life’s pleasures, pomp and pride?  The call is for us to draw nearer…still nearer.

“Stand Up and Bless the Lord” – {to the tune of: “This is My Father’s World”}

A familiar tune to a song perhaps not as familiar.  This is one of those examples of using the meter to form a new song.  This song (found on page 192) is a call to glorify God.  So whatever tune you choose to sing it, you have to ask yourself the question… Am I willing to stand up and bless the Lord?

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The Best Refuge…Ever!

children of the heavenly father

Though this spiritual song was new to me, it was born in the mind of Caroline Sandell Berg in 1858.  It’s origin comes from the ‘Song Book for Sunday School’, and as you listen to this choral arrangement, you’ll be able to hear the shades of a lullaby. The YouTube video is from Cal-State University Choir, choral archives, dating back to December, 1962.  

“Children of the Heavenly Father
Safely in His bosom gather;
Nestling bird nor star in heaven
Such a refuge e’er was given.

Neither life nor death shall ever
From the Lord His children sever;
Unto them His grace He showeth,
And their sorrows all He knoweth.


Though He giveth or He taketh,
God His children ne’er forsaketh,
His the loving purpose solely
To preserve them pure and holy.

God His own doth tend and nourish;
In His holy courts they flourish,
From all evil  things He spares them;
In His mighty arms He bears them.”

Consider that third verse; what exactly IS God’s purpose with us?  Are we just an experiment that He started several, thousands of years ago?  Or is there something more than life and death we can be looking forward to?  Are we any better off than a bird that nestles in the trees or a star that flashes in the night sky?  As children of God, we believe that He is in control.  And we know that our life is under His rule.  He can take away, and He often generously gives, but why are we here, what is His purpose?

Wings of ProtectionWe take hope in knowing the God loves us and desires all to come to know Him.  We read this promise in 2nd Peter chapter 3, verse 8 and 9…“But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like one day.  The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.”

Remember verse three…His purpose, His loving purpose, His only loving purpose is for His children to come back to Him.  As Caroline penned over 150 years ago, ‘…to preserve them (us) pure and holy.’  Do we desire God as much as He desires us?  We flourish because of His grace.  We are spared from all evil because of His mighty arm.  We are children of the heavenly Father with the best ‘refuge’ ever!

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Jesus Loves Me…May 5th

With a lesson entitled “Jesus Loves Me”, you might think it’s too under-developed for a Sunday morning sermon in the presence of mature adults.  Then again, how much more basic is the message of God…John 3:16!

jesus loves meOften when life is filled with worry and doubt our hearts can become dispirited and distressed.  Anxiety and fear can cause not only emotional problems but physical struggles as well.   But you know someone cares about you!  When you’re happy or sad, there is someone who notices.  This morning our scripture reference is Matthew 9:35, 36.  Jesus felt compassion when He saw the people who were, “…like sheep without a shepherd.”  Singing Jesus Loves Me is more than just singing a child’s song; it’s an encouraging, God-given fact!

 

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

Sunday morning, May 5, 2013

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

“The Battle Belongs to the Lord” – 749

Written in the 1980’s, this song of victory is the modern version of “Soldier’s of Christ, Arise”.  We sing of heavenly armor and the power of darkness, and we know He’s raised up a standard.  We can take courage because the battle has already been won.  I John 5:4, “…And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith.”

“Holy, Holy, Holy” – 47

As this ‘hymn’ echoes from Isaiah 6, we will sing each verse adding separate parts.  The soprano voices will sing verse one then we’ll add the altos with verse two, tenors to verse three and finally the bass voice will join in verse four.  But apart from the musical emphasis listen to (and read) this message of praise to our God.

“Til My Faith Becomes Sight” – 836

As we read the scriptures we find numerous titles given to our Lord and Savior.  This hymn, to God, identifies four ‘titles’ for Jesus…1) Bread of Life, 2) Living Water, 3) Lamb of God and 4) Savior crucified.  As we honor our Lord and King we proclaim that we will keep our eyes on Him; though we live or though we die.

“My Jesus I Love Thee” – 701

Written in the late 1800’s by W. R. Featherston, this song (again…a hymn) speaks to Jesus saying, I love You and I know You are mine.  The song continues as we proclaim our decision to walk away from our sinful life (“…all the follies of sin I resign.”)  The refrain concludes with the simple statement, “If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis (it is) now.”

“Jesus Loves Me” – 1014

A child’s song of praise that has been sung for years by young and old, our sermon bears the title of this song.  Anna Warner is credited for penning these simple, yet profound words in 1860; ironically, the year before the start of our Civil War.  Perhaps we can understand the meaning behind such a simple tune when we consider the words of Jesus in Matthew 18, “…unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

“He Loves Me” – 386

This morning we’ll use this ‘communion’ song as the song before our lesson.  With an upbeat tempo and a message fit for our lesson we’ll turn from singing of Jesus love for us to our love for Him.  Why did Jesus leave Heaven and come to earth, where He knew men would reject Him?  Why would He endure the garden’s ‘dreadful dross’ and allow wicked men to sentence Him to death?  Why suffer death on a cross?  Though we sing with simplisty we sing with the scripture… “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son…” John 3:16 “…Because He loved Me so.”

“Love Lifted Me” – 453Peter walking on the water

Not a typical invitation song, but the words are indeed a call to repentance.  Notice verse 3, “Souls in danger, look above, Jesus completely saves…He your Savior wants to be (translated: He wants to be your Savior) Be saved today.”  With shades of Matthew 14 when Peter walked on the water, in this song we sing of the angry waves. Certainly we can understand how Peter might have felt; sinking to rise no more.  The question; are you crying for Him to lift you?  Remember, He’s the Master of the sea…

“I Love My Savior Too” – 610

Those familiar with this spiritual song will remember the refrain.  As the lead voices sing “I love my Savior; He loves me too…”  The supporting parts (alto, tenor and bass) echo, “Yes, I truly love my blessed Savior, blessed Savior; and He ever loves me, yes He loves me too…”  But as always, don’t get lost in the music…stay focused on the message.  Are you honestly trying to do His will always and never complain?  My prayer is that you will sincerely strive to, “…seek His grace and favor in everything I (you) do?“

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God With Us…Part One

John 1...1Part 1 of 2…Immanuel; God with Us!

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was in the beginning with God…And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:1, 2, 14

Incarnation, by simple definition is, “God in the flesh!”  The scripture explains it, and for years we have sung about it.  Perhaps you’ll remember some of these old hymns:

  • Come Thou Almighty King (“Come, Thou incarnate Word…”)
  • Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (“…veiled in flesh the Godhead see;hail the incarnate Deity; pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus, our Immanuel…”)
  • One Day (“…one day when sin was a black as could be, Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin, dwelt among men, my example is He!”)
  • We Saw Thee Not (“We saw Thee not when Thou dids’t come to this poor world of sin and death, nor yet beheld Thy cottage home, in that despised Nazareth…”)we believe

So how do we explain such a miracle in time?  Certainly numerous questions come to mind when we consider incarnation.  “How can God become flesh?”  “What is the natural, logical property involved with incarnation?”  Read the words of God as we consider this holy phenomenon.  Paul writes in Colossians 3:9, “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form…”  Earlier in Colossians, Paul confirms the supremacy of Christ, “He is the image of the invisible God, the first born of all creation.” (Colossians 1:15)  Jesus the Christ was not 50% god and 50% man.  He came to earth 100% divine and 100% flesh.  Though the ‘logical properties’ may be unknown to us, for the believer we have blessed assurance that this mystery of Godliness is great.  We believe that He still came to earth, and everything we need to know about salvation and reconciliation with God is found in Christ Jesus.  We wasn’t born in palace as would be expected of royalty, his birth was in a lowly stable.  Royal recognition was gone and He came to experience royal rejection even by His kinsmen (Mark 3:21).  But still…He came.  The video below is a song from Donna Douglas and Pam Thumb that proclamations our faith. Listen to the message as you read the words.

Do we truly understand the sacrifice Jesus made in becoming our Immanuel?  “He left all heaven’s glory to fulfill the Father’s plan.”  A plan that was necessary for our salvation.  We might sing about it and we might know it’s ramifications, but do we truly appreciate it?  There was no out, no substitute as we read in Hebrews 9, “For this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. For where a covenant is, there must of necessity be the death of the one who made it.  For a covenant is valid only when men are dead…” (NAS)  But as the song continues, “…the hope of what He offered so out weighed what must be done.”  We have a means by which we are saved; through the incarnation of Jesus Christ.  His death, burial and resurrection.

The follow up to this study (part 2) will explore the “WHY” behind the incarnation.
Look for part 2 in late May, 2013…

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Asking Directions on the Way to Canaan…April 28th

At Waterview church of Christ, we are dedicated to studying, learning and following God’s word.  Robert Oglesby will present a message this morning that is designed to help us focus on our ‘journey’ to heaven.

Branson Trip SunriseHow much thought do you give to your ultimate destination?  Is heaven just an assumed ‘next step’ or is it there something we should be preparing for?  Whether our skies are clear, or overcast, we know our goal. The children of God, struggled on their journey to the Promise Land (40 years worth of struggles), yet this morning, consider the questions we ask as we’re Bound for the Promised Land.

 

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

Sunday morning, April 28, 2013

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

“The Steadfast Love of the Lord” – 123

This psalm is the text as we sing the praises found in Lamentations 3:22-24, “The Lord’s loving kindness indeed never ceases, for His compassion’s never fail.  They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘Therefore I will hope in Him.’ So what do you mean when you sing, ‘The Lord is my portion…’?  By definition, a portion can be an inheritance…

lost in thought

 

“Sing On, Ye Joyful Pilgrims” – 747

Have you ever been ‘lost in thought?’  Someone asks you a question, but your mind was somewhere else?  In the chorus of this ‘spiritual song’ we sing… “My heart is filled with rapture (extreme joy), my soul is lost in praise.”  Of all things we could be wrapped up in (lost in), how much more worthy to be lost in praise.  It makes sense that we would…sing on, ye joyful pilgrims!


“The Lord’s Supper” – no book

The title of this song lets the singer/listener know what we’re focused on.  Another title you might use to find this ‘psalm’ would be ‘When We Meet in Sweet Communion’.  We remember the Lord’s death as we communion together around the table and obey His words, “…do this in remembrance of Me.” (I Corinthians 11:24)

“By Christ Redeemed” – 366

We find the basis of this spiritual song in I Corinthians 11:26, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” We have an obligations, an honor, to partake in this memorial of our Savior for as long as we live…or until He comes!

“There is a Redeemer” – 287

We sing the affirmation of this contemporary hymn/spiritual song as we proclaim, “There is a Redeemer, Jesus, God’s own Son…”  Melody Green wrote, and we sing, a song of thanks to God.  “Thank You for giving us Your Son and leaving with us the gift of the Holy Spirit…until our work is done.”  How are you doing with YOUR work?

“Here We Are But Straying Pilgrims” – 537

I enjoy singing in unison the verses of this song, then blend our voices in the chorus with a full, 4-part harmony.  But don’t get caught up in the music and miss the message.  Does your path seem dim or are your feet weary?  Have you ever thought of the clouds of doubt and fear as a ‘lurking foe?’  Just remember that the Lord is our defender, and know that singing a song of heaven will cheer your way.  Why…because “Yonder over the rolling river…soon will be our home, forever!”

“We’re Marching to Zion” – 869

As a medley with the previous song, this ‘spiritual song’ call those that love the Lord to come, and let our joys been made known.  In other words, let’s sing so the world will know that we love God, and we’re living so we can go to heaven (we’re marching to Zion).

“I Am Bound for the Promised Land” – 889

The words of this song were written by Samuel Stennett in 1787, but don’t mistake it with “On Jordan’s Stormy Banks I Stand” (page 886).  Though the message is over 225 years old, it’s still true for us today… “I’m bound for the Promised Land…”

“When Upon Life’s Billows” – 742

Also known as “Count Your Many Blessings”, this song by Johnson Oatman in 1897 encourages us to recognize how God impacts our lives.  Whether we’re tossed on the sea of life, discouraged thinking ‘all is lost’ or feeling as though the cares and doubts of life burden us, do you see the blessings of God?  If you’ll count the blessings God has given you, it will surprise you to know what the Lord had done?

“God Bless You, Go with God” – 752

We’ll close our morning services as we sing to admonish one another, “God bless you, go with God.”   We understand this cruel world will test us and hurl lies at us, but the only hope we have is in Christ.  Let’s sing to encourage each other and always be praying for each other.  This is my daily prayer…that God will bless you and that you will go with God!

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Ancient Songs from the Old Testament

For the next few months articles will be shared from the research of my uncle, Richard Dent.  He and his wife live in Kansas where he has served in the educational system for more than 40 years.  Yet more than educating young people, he serves as a part-time preacher for the Tyrone church of Christ in Tyrone, Oklahoma.  This article is one he recently shared with me as we talked about hymn history.then sings my soul

In his book, Then Sings My Soul (book #3), Robert J. Morgan takes his readers back to the very beginnings of music from God’s people…the Israelite nation.

The first reference of music in the Bible is found in Genesis 4:21, when a man named Jubal is described as the ‘father’ of all who play the harp and flute.  The first recorded ‘hymn’ in the scriptures can be found in Exodus 15, after God’s people escape the Egyptian army through the parted waters of the Red Sea.  Moses and his people drew up the story in the form of a song that could be easily learned and spread among the people.  It began with the words, “I will sing to the Lord, for He is highly exalted. The horse and its rider He has hurled into the sea.” Exodus 15:21 describes the exuberance of the moment saying, “Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her, with tambourines and dancing.”  And Miriam answered them, “Sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed in gloriously; the horse and its rider He has thrown into the sea.”

Unfortunately, the next time we see the Israelite nation in song, it’s in a sensuous idolatry around a golden calf.  While Moses was on Mt. Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments, Aaron was compelled by the people to craft an idol of gold.  The idol was similar to that of the Egyptian worship and far from the expectation of Jehovah God.  In their idolatry, the desert erupted with the sound of singing and revelry.  Moses heard the strains of music from a distance and realized the sin of the people.  The Israelite nation had broken the first commandment, “Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.”

By the time we get to the book of Deuteronomy, the old Law Giver (Moses) is again teaching God’s people the songs of Jehovah.  We read in Deuteronomy 31:30 through 32:3, “And Moses recited the words of this song from beginning to end in the hearing of the whole assembly of Israel: ‘Listen, Oh heavens, and I will speak; hear, O earth, the words of my mouth. Let my teachings fall like rain, and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants. I will proclaim the name of the Lord. O praise the greatness of our God!’.”

Ending his song, Moses advised God’s people to take the words to heart.  “They are not just idle words for you”, he said.  “They are your life…” (Deut. 32:46-47)  He was describing not only the nature of God’s Word, but the character of his hymn represented God’s Word as it was crafted for singing.

King David playing the harpIn the rest of the historical books of the Old Testament, we find a many poems, hymns and ballads sprinkled throughout the text.  Examples include Deborah’s song in Judges 5, the worship in song at the restoration of the temple under King Hezekiah’s reign (2 Chronicles 29), as well as David and his illustrious, musical, life-story.  David’s early life as a shepherd is where he likely wrote many of the Psalms.  David was a valiant shepherd, a talented poet, a great musician and a noble king.  He launched and formalized the ministry of music in or around the year 1000 B.C.  He employed thousands of musicians and then personally wrote many of the hymns for them to sing and play.  Scores of these are preserved in the book of Psalm – the Hebrew hymnal.

 

Thanks to Richard Dent for his summary of this interesting Old Testament Hymnology.

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Crossing the Finish Line…April 21st

Boston Marathon finish lineMonday afternoon, April 15th, our country suffered yet another ‘terrorist’ attack.  As the runners neared the finish line of the Boston Marathon, a bomb shattered the lives of hundreds and thousands of people.  Even while we are ‘running the race’ and trying to finish strong, tragedy can strike at our hearts.  But I encourage the reader to turn to God, and worship.

This Sunday morning, April 21st, we will talk about another finish line.  The one that we all will cross as life comes to a close.  Our lesson is designed to draw us closer to thinking about how we are running the race of life.  No anticipation of explosions and surprises, but we are all running toward the finish line.

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

Sunday morning, April 21, 2013

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

“I Stand Amazed” – 147

This spiritual song is one that we could use to prepare our minds for the Lord’s Supper.  With both the second and third verse referencing Christ crucifixion we are reminded of his ‘sweat drops of blood‘ and the burden He bore to Calvary.  So it shouldn’t be a surprise for the redeemed to sing the refrain… “O how marvelous! O how wonderful! Is my Savior’s love for me.”

“I Sing Praises” – 97

Written almost 25 years ago, this contemporary song is basic in format.  With the title being the first verse, the Christian offers a hymn to our Lord. “I sing praises to Your name, O Lord, praises to Your name…for Your name is great and greatly to be praised.” The Psalmist writes, “I will praise You among the nations.” (Psalm 18:49)

“In Christ Alone” – no book

Consider this song of admonition as we prepare our minds to commemorate our Lord’s death, burial and resurrection.  As verse one consist of recognizing our Cornerstone, solid ground and Comforter, verse two takes us from His birth to His crucifixion.  Those who know this song cherish the third verse.  As we begin singing softly of His burial, our voices ‘burst forth’ as we sing of His resurrection.  The final verse gives us the assurance of our security in Christ as we sing, ‘No power of hell, no scheme of man can ever pluck me from His hand…”

“Beneath the Cross of Jesus” – 314

For this morning’s worship service, we’ll sing only the 3rd and 4th verses of this spiritual song.  As we pause between the bread and the fruit of the vine, together we’ll look ‘Upon that cross of Jesus…the very dying form of One who suffered there for me…”  As we continue singing this verse ask yourself if your heart is indeed smitten with tears when you consider His glorious love and our (my own) worthlessness.

“Consider Him” – 593

Not necessarily a familiar psalm, but as we sing, we’ll be singing scripture.  In Hebrews 12:1-3, we read of the encouragement we find in knowing that we’re surrounded by those who have gone before us.  Do you get worn out in life as you ‘run the race?’  The Hebrew writer encourages us to “…consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners…” Why consider Him?  “…so that you may not grow weary and lose heart.”

“Hilltops of Glory” – no book

“Onward rejoicing, I tread life’s way…”  This song before our lesson dates back to the mid 1950’s and we sing about pressing on toward heaven.  The chorus posses a great question, “O brother, won’t you come go with me?”   How will you answer the chorus?  Maybe you need to ask yourself, ‘Am I asking the question?’

“Only a Step” – 940

How far away from God do you think you are?  What kind of step(s) do you need to take to get right with Christ?  This invitation song begins with the call to ‘Hear the sweet voice of Jesus…’  In John 14:6, Jesus says, ‘I am the way…No one comes to the Father except through Me.”  The writer of this song encourages us with the understanding that Jesus is only a step away.  Those who have been baptized into Christ at one time stepped into the watery grave of baptism.  If you are not a child of God and you wonder how far away is He?  The answer is simple…He’s only a step away.

pocket watch

“Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand” – 613

What does it mean ‘time is filled with swift transition?’  Obviously swift is quick and transition is to change…so as we sing this song we’re saying, “time (life) changes fast”.  How true…and this spiritual song encourages us to “hold to God’s hand” as time changes.  It’s been said, “time changes everything”.  There’s a lot of truth to that, but we can rest assured that when our journey is finished, and if we’ve been true to God, our joyful hearts will view glory.  In the mean time, we’ve got to hold to God’s unchanging hand.

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Following the Shepherd…

shepherds staffFinding wisdom in a young heart is a cherished thing.  Often we anticipate , even expect, wise thoughts to come from our elders (elderly), but when a young person shares some solid, Biblical insights I personally find it refreshing.  Such an opportunity came to me several weeks ago.  Read the words and thoughts of a young lady who worships at Southwest church of Christ in Austin, Texas.

The Psalm, “The Lord’s my Shepherd” by Jessie Seymour Irvine (#292 in Hymns for Worship) is based off of the verse found in John 10:14-15, “I am the good shepherd, I lay down my life for the sheep.”, but it quotes the entirety of the 23rd Psalm.

This psalm is often titled “the Crook.” The psalm is a section dedicated to Christ Jesus’ identity, specifically, a psalm contributing to Jesus’ identity as a shepherd. But it also identifies us as the sheep. Let us consider three key points that are taught in this psalm.  Perhaps we’ll be able to draw a deeper, fuller understanding of this psalm (song) when we sing it in praise to our God.

Jesus the ShepherdFirst, let us notice that through His death he leads us. In Genesis 3:15 we see the first prophecy of the coming Messiah; His death and His conquering of the world of sin. Jesus came into the world with many purposes: teaching a new law, bringing equality between the nations, and giving us an example. But his overlying purpose in coming to earth was to die. He came to bring salvation through His death and set Himself up as the head of the church, and as the head of His church, to lead us. He was the perfect, spotless and innocent lamb that went to the slaughter on account of the sins of the world.

Secondly, we know that He is our shepherd because he bought us. A shepherd doesn’t just watch sheep for free. He is either paid to watch other people’s sheep as in a job, or he buys his own sheep and watches them himself. Jesus has bought us with His blood so He is the shepherd. As the shepherd He is our guide, the supplier of our needs, our protector from troubles and one of the most constant figures in our lives.

 

And finally, we are the sheep who need a shepherd.  As sheep our lives are dependent on the shepherd. As noted previously, he provides for all our needs. And yet, it is our choice as to whether or not we will have him as a constant figure in our lives. We can be the sheep that stays with the flock, the one that enjoys the comfort of lord through all the struggles. Staying with the Shepherd, we’re restored when we are sick.  When we slip on the road, our Lord brings us back to righteousness of God.  Or we can be the sheep that wanders off by himself. The sheep that may be happy for a time, but eventually realizes that being alone in life is filled with dangers and trials.  Leaving the fold, we face those trials without our shepherd’s guidance.

We have, in essence, two choices…1) we can be a active, though submissive, participant of the system that has been set up by our Lord, reap the benefits of that system and ultimately receive the reward. Or…2) we can choose not to live within the boundaries of the system He offers and chance life on our own, knowing as we do that we’ll take the punches of the world as they come. Ultimately it’s our choice.

 

                This song lets us see the results and benefits of the first option, and tells us that even if we have chosen option two, we can still come back to the fold. Jesus came and died on the cross for you and me. He bought us with his blood and now serves as the rightful leader of the flock of His sheep.  Praise be to God that he has redeemed His church.

Shelby GrayShelby Gray

The Lord’s my shepherd, I’ll not want;
He makes me down to lie
In pastures green; He leadeth me
The quiet waters by.

My soul He doth restore again,
And me to walk doth make
Within the paths of righteousness,
E’en for His own name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk in death’s dark vale,
Yet will I fear no ill:
For Thou art with me, and Thy rod
And staff me comfort still.

My table Thou hast furnished In presence of my foes;
My head Thou dost with oil anoint And my cup overflows.

Goodness and mercy all my life Shall surely follow me;
And in God’s house for evermore My dwelling-place shall be.

 

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Parents Need Only Two Prayers…April 14th

A representative from a lesser known media outlet made the following statement earlier this family pictureweek; “…we’ve always had kind of a private notion of children: Your kid is yours and totally your responsibility. We haven’t had a very collective notion of, ‘these are our children.’ So part of it is we have to break through our kind of private idea that kids belong to their parents, or kids belong to their families, and recognize that kids belong to whole communities…”

For years we have embraced the notion, “It takes a whole village to raise a child.”  We must never forget God’s instruction is for parents to bring their children up in the Lord, Ephesians 6:1-4.  Mothers and fathers (Families, not communities) are responsible for raising children.  Proverbs 6:20, “My son, observe the commandment of your father and do not forsake the teaching of your mother.” There are some who would like the passage to read…My son, observe the commandment of your community leader and do not forsake the teaching of your neighbor.

This coming Sunday morning our lesson will be focused on how parents prepare for children, and how parents come to understand the obligation of bringing their children to God.  As always, I hope you’ll remember the inspired words of Paul from the 14th chapter of I Corinthians; “…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.”

Sunday morning, April 14, 2013

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

“I Will Call Upon the Lord” – 63

Our opening song,  the ‘call to worship’, comes from the book of Psalms, chapter 18:3…almost word for word.  Penned in 1981, this contemporary psalm provides the singer a strong opportunity to express our deepest desire to ‘call upon the Lord.’

“Father, Hear the Prayer We Offer” – 777

Written over 150 years ago, this song is filled with poetry that stirs the heart…if you’ll take the time to examine the message.  Notice the reference to Old Testament scripture in verse 2, “Not forever by still waters would we idly, quiet stay; but would smite the living fountains from the rocks along our way.” (Read Exodus 17: 5, 6)

“When My Love for Christ Grows Weak” – 350

Before we partake of the Lord’s Supper, we’ll sing this old spiritual song that reminds us to stay close to Christ.  As we sing the first two verses we are reminded of Christ in the garden.  The 3rd and 4th verses take us to Calvary as we sing, “There behold His agony, suffered on the bitter tree; see His anguish, see His faith…”  But the final verse encourages us to learn from Christ, and to become self-sacrificing.

diamonds

“More Precious than Silver” – 273

One of my favorite hymns (we are singing this song to our God) starts with the words, “Lord, You are more precious than silver…”.  A song, as you look more closely at it, professing our desire for God and for God alone.  We sing that He is more precious than silver…more costly than gold…more beautiful than diamonds.  So I ask you, do I really believe that, or are you just singing it?  Remember I Corinthian 14:15…

 

“When He Cometh” – 714

Known in some circles as a ‘child’s hymn’, this spiritual song reminds us that God will come back and take (collect) his children home.  The chorus is an interesting analogy; “Like the stars of the morning, His bright crown adorning, they shall shine in their beauty, bright gems for His crown.”  Who will shine in their beauty?  Take a look at verse 3…“Little children, little children who love their Redeemer are the jewels, precious jewels, His loved and His own.”

“I Will Pray” – 840

“Father, in the morning…At the noontide…in the evening shadows…I will pray…Morning, noon and evening unto Thee I’ll pray.”  How often do we pray?  When times are tough and the going get’s rough?  Perhaps when we’re happy and content.  But read I Thessalonians 5:17, Paul tells us in to, “Pray without ceasing…” That would be morning, noon and evening!

“Hark! ‘Tis the Shepherd’s Voice” – 880

Another ‘children’s hymn’, this song calls for us to take on the responsibility of bringing our children (the lost) back to the fold of Christ.  The words of Jesus from Matthew 18 sum it up pretty well; “What do you think?  If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go the mountains to seek the one that is straying?” Let’s sing and then let’s ‘bring them in!’

“God’s Family” – 744crying

As we close the service this morning, we’ll sing about the family of God.  Do we really see each other as brothers and sisters?  Can we say we laugh together?  How often have you cried with a brother or sister in Christ?  Do we share with each other our heartaches and sighs?  When was the last time you shared your dreams with the family of God?  On Sunday morning we should do more than just say “Hi…how are you doing?” as we hurry away to lunch.  Remember, we are part of the family…that’s been born again!

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A Roller Coaster Ride!

Personally, the best description for the last few days of March, 2013 would be a roller-coaster ride!roller coaster

Emotions were flowing as we learned of my daddy’s passing on Saturday afternoon, March 23rd.  Then within forty-eight hours, we spent sixteen hours traveling to Kansas and back for his graveside service.  Though visiting with family was a blessing, laying the patriarch of our family to rest was difficult at best.  The next forty-eight hours brought us to the annual LTC convention in Dallas (Leadership Training for Christ).  An exciting, busy but certainly focused weekend for more than 1,000 saints in down-town Dallas.  But the month of March was still not over; our youngest son decided he was ready to put Christ on in baptism…at 10:30 PM Saturday night, March 30th!  An exhilarating lift as we continued to ride ‘the roller coaster.’  Oh wait, the next afternoon following morning services, my oldest drove back to Tennessee to resume the last two months of his freshman year.  His first time to drive 9 hours…alone.  If you could see the calendar of events and feel the emotional twisting and turning, you’d know these past few weeks have been a roller coaster ride.

So how does one put this in to prospective?  Any time we lose a family member, we hurt; and anytime a lost sheep is found, we rejoice.  When you feel those two strong emotions within a matter of days you realize priorities have to be set.  What is most important and where do I put my focus?

One of the blessings we experienced at the memorial of my daddy was the assurance of his faith, and gentle hand of sympathy from brothers and sisters in Christ.  Four of his grandson’s lead the singing and read scripture, while several others shared thoughts of encouragement.  But as we closed the service we all joined in singing some songs of praise and inspiration.  We closed the service with the song, “Softly and Tenderly”.  The message was perfect as we sang about ‘coming home’ and in respect to my dad’s passing…I believe he was on his way home.  But then as I considered my son’s baptism I realized that he too began his journey as he decided he was ready to ‘come home’.  Each of these events, though separated by two different extremes, bring my mind toward what’s most important.  Do we listen as Jesus is calling us home?

“Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling,
Calling for you and for me;
See, on the portals He’s waiting and watching,
Watching for you and for me.”

Refrain:
“Come home, come home,
Ye who are weary, come home;
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
Calling, O sinner, come home!”

This song is a wonderful call for the sinner, the lost lamb, to come back to the fold of God.  And I certainly saw the implications as I realized my son was indeed turning his mind to follow Jesus and come home.  But as we remembered the passing of our daddy, the third verse of this song rings true.  Grim as it may be…it is so true…

“Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing,
Passing for you and for me;
Shadows are gathering, deathbeds are coming,
Coming for you and for me.”Dillons baptism...3.30.13

Roller coasters are certain to come into our lives…whether we want them to or not.  The question we must ask is how will we ride?  Many enjoy the thrill of the lift while others hold on tight.  We know there will be times when we cry out and wish the track would level off.  But the best advise is to find the excitement at every turn and hold on tight!  Know the ride will soon be over and the ups and downs will eventually level off.  Take comfort in remembering Christ is at the controls of life.  He knows your fears and He sees your tears.  And when we come to give Him our lives, even the angels rejoice.  Our Savior is pleading for us all to come home…softly and tenderly.