These last few days most of us have been focused on ‘Thanksgiving.’ And if we’re truthful with ourselves we have all received some form of a blessing. So how do I show someone I’m thankful? Is there a phrase or an action that will express my appreciation to them?
We can learn to be thankful and we can be taught how to show our gratitude. And yet at the same time being thankless can be taught as well. The gift is given and the recipient mouths the word ‘thanks’, but many times that’s as far as it goes. In a world filled with instant gratification and entitlement, being thankful is becoming harder and harder to find. Are you thankful for your home, or do you just expect it? Are you thankful for your family or are they supposed to be there for you? Are God’s blessings noticed by you on a daily basis, or is that just the way it’s supposed to be? You know how to be thankful, but do you know ‘how to be un-thankful?’
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, December 1, 2013
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Come Into His Presence” – 435
The fourth verse of the 100th Psalm calls the worshiper to, “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise…” Both in the musical arrangement as well as the message, our ‘psalm’ swells as we sing the final words; “…Give glory and honor and power unto Him, Jesus, the name above all names.” .
“Sing On, Ye Joyful Pilgrims” -747
A spiritual song that implores the singer/listener to keep on singing! Written in the late 1800’s we have to think about some of the wording (Old English) to understand the message. Verse 2 encourages us to ‘sing on’ while laboring here on earth. The admonition is to ‘…let songs of home (heaven) and Jesus beguile each fleeting day…’ Beguile, by definition is to trick or deceive. But it also can be defined, ‘to pass the time pleasantly.’ That is the intent Carrie Wilson had as she wrote this song to encourage us to think heavenward as we work here on earth.
“The Lord’s Supper” {When we meet in sweet communion…} – no book
Tillit S. Teddlie penned this song as he considered the words of Christ just hours before His death. In Luke chapter 22 Jesus broke bread with His disciples and said, “…do this in remembrance of Me.” Paul repeated those same words as he quoted Christ and wrote to the church in Corinth (I Cor. 11). This morning as we meet in sweet communion and while we ‘feast’ we’ll remember Christ saying, “Do this in my memory.”
“We Gather Together” – no book
A song rooted from Dutch origin that dates back to the early 1600’s, this spiritual song/hymn has traditionally been considered a song of thanksgiving. Perhaps the third verse is one that should constantly be on our lips, “We all do extol Thee, Thou Leader triumphant, and pray that Thou still our Defender will be. Let Thy congregation escape tribulation; Thy Name be every praised! O Lord, make us free!”
“Here We Are But Straying Pilgrims” – 537
Perhaps the signature piece of this song is found in the musical development. With everyone singing unison in the verses, we then open the refrain with a strong 4-part harmony. But don’t forget the message. We are straying and wandering (lost) ‘on the hills that throng (crowd) our way…’ but our joy (cheer) comes in singing songs all the way. Perhaps you should consider what ‘gladdens (y)our longing eyes.’ I hope it’s the smile of the blessed Giver.
“More Love to Thee, O Christ” – 700
Our invitation song is a hymn of devotion as we confess, “More love to Thee, O Christ…” Each verse builds upon the next until we conclude, “Then shall my latest breath whisper Thy praise; this be the parting cry my heart shall raise, this still it’s (my heart) prayer shall be, more love, O Christ, to Thee, more love to Thee! More love to Thee.'”
“My Only Hope is You” – no book
This is a contemporary hymn sung with four specific verses/parts; “My only hope is You, my only peace is You, my only joy is You and all that I need…is You!” We’ll sing this as the collection plate is passed. Though the words are repetitive and easy to sing, the message touches and convicts the heart.
“Worthy of Praise” – 230
Another Tillit S. Teddlie song that offers praise to our God. It’s interesting to see that the phrase “worthy” is sung in verse one…10 times! In the three verses combined we’ll offer this term of praise (worthy) almost 25 times. Perhaps the last line of the refrain is the catalysis, “Worthy of earth and heaven’s thanksgiving…” As all of earth and heaven praise God, it’s time for us to determine if we’ll be thankful to a great and glorious God…or if we’ll be un-thankful?