You Can’t Fool Me…Dec. 7th
Perhaps you’ve heard the saying; “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.” Where it originated isn’t known, but the sentiment is clear, ‘I might be tricked once, but it won’t happen again.’ At the same time there are those who say, ‘You can’t fool me…I know better.’ But some believe a truth not knowing they’ve been fooled. What kind of scoundrel would play such a dirty trick? No wonder we say, “…shame on you.”
But could we be guilty of fooling others as well as fooling ourselves? We look in the mirror and 
see what we want to see, not what is really there. We talk ourselves into something that’s not. Could it be that we tell ourselves “I’m OK,” when deep down we know we’re not? Are we doing the very thing we consider a ‘dirty trick?’ This Sunday morning might be a good time to consider your stance if you’re one to say, “You Can’t Fool Me!”
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, December 7, 2014
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Living By Faith” – 560
Written almost 100 years ago, this spiritual song reiterates the message found in Hebrews chapter 11, “All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance…” (NIV) In our own Christian walk, how are we doing? Do we live by faith, or do we want substantiated confirmation? And yet that’s exactly how the Hebrew writer began this chapter, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Concerned about being fooled? God will never fail us, never deceive us and never fool us. Therefore we can say, “I care not today what the morrow may bring, if shadow or sunshine or rain. (why…because) The Lord I know ruleth over everything, and all of my worry is vain. I’m Living by faith in Jesus above…”
“Sweet Hour of Prayer” – 827
How do you deal with ‘seasons of distress and grief?’ Do you have a burning desire for Christ to return? Do you ‘hasten’ to God in prayer? W. W. Walford wrote about the power of prayer, and this morning we’ll sing about it. What a great escape from the ‘tempter’s snare,’ and those who believe in Him will ‘cast on Him their every care, and wait for Him…sweet hour of prayer.’ How foolish would we be to reject this hour of prayer.
“A Hill Called Mount Calvary” – 373
This song is new to some, but it has been around for almost 50 years. Made famous by the Gaither family, the message is one we should believe in. Some might say you are being fooled if you believe in a resurrection. And though I might be fooled by a lot of things, there is one thing I know and I believe with all my heart. “I believe in a hill called Mount Calvary. I’ll believe whatever the cost; and when time has surrender and earth is no more, I’ll still cling to the old rugged cross.” The video begins with the 3rd verse…you’ll want to listen to this one!
“Father, I Adore You” – 53
A simple hymn that is sung to our God and Father. As we sing, notice the unified message. “Father, we adore You, lay our lives before You, How we love You.” It’s easy to sing as a group, but will you, can you, sing it in the first person? “Father, I adore You, lay my life before You, How I love You!”
“Open Our Eyes, Lord” – 766
While the collection plate is being passed we’ll ask our Father for a blessing. In this simple hymn we sing, “Open our eyes, Lord we want to see Jesus, to reach out and touch Him, and say that we love Him. Open our ears, Lord and help us to listen…” Don’t be fooled into thinking God isn’t involved in your life. He’s alive and well and listening to your pleas!
“He Leadeth Me” – 410
If you’re concerned about being fooled, your best bet is to take a look at who is leading you. What are they telling you and where are they going? For that matter…what are you telling yourself? Before Sunday morning’s lesson we’ll sing about the One who leads us, it is ‘God’s hand that leadeth me.’ But before you think that’s all there is to it, finish the chorus. “His faithful follower I would be…” He’ll never fool you if you’ll follow Him.
“All to Jesus I Surrender” – 662
Question; how much is all? We sing a beautiful song of surrender, but will you give up everything for Him? Think about what you’ll be singing, “All to Jesus I surrender, all to Him I freely give. I will ever love and trust Him in His presence daily live…” If we sing all three verses and the chorus with each verse, you’ll be saying “ALL” seventeen times (23 if you count the echo). Will do, do you, surrender your all to Him…or are you just fooling yourself into thinking you do?
“A Common Love” – 705
This ‘youth song’ is taken from the book of John as Jesus spoke to His disciples, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another…” Take note of the emphasis in this spiritual song, “A common love…a common gift…a common bond…a common strength…a common hope…a common joy.” Don’t be deceived, without the truth of God’s Word, we’ll never begin to find strength or hope in this sinful world.
December…1914
“By December 1914, the Great War had raged for almost five months and claimed nearly one million lives. Letters and diaries from the Western Front describe how the guns fell silent on Christmas Eve.”
There are moments in our life when we are impacted by a message spoken not by words, but by the actions of others. You’ve heard, a picture is worth a thousand words and the professional knows how to capture the message within the image. So it should not come as a surprise that in a commercialized society, we value times when the unspoken message is powerfully displayed with scenes of hope. A message that promotes not just a product, but an idea.
A company in the UK dedicated to selling grocery products is responsible for such an advertisement. For years, Sainsbury has produced professional quality commercials that not only ‘sell their products,’ but promote a message. Perhaps after seeing this commercial, you’ll be inspired to greater acts of compassion. How powerful would it be to hear ‘Silent Night’ being sung from a cold and dark fox hole. In a time of war would you have had the strength to step out and walk toward your enemy? There is power in song, and thanks to a grocery store for giving us a message from World War I…
The Christian’s Bumper Sticker…Nov. 30th
Have you ever driven up behind someone, noticed they have a bumper sticker only you’re not quite able to read it? We squint and strain to see if there is some nugget of value. Or maybe that car in front of you doesn’t have ‘a’ bumper sticker, they’ve got dozens. We get an idea of 
the person driving the car by the message or the image on the sticker. But if the Christian were to have a ‘bumper sticker,’ what would it look like, what would it say? Would those who come up to you have to squint to read it or would our non-verbals speak loud and clear? And then…what message would we be sending?
If we’re honest, we know there are some bumper stickers that can give us a laugh, but at the same time, there are some that are worthless. Their message is not worthy of repeating. But as children of God, what would our bumper sticker say? Would it bring a smile to the reader’s face or cause him to shake his head? Would anyone be able to read it? This Sunday morning we’re on the rebound from being stuffed from Thanksgiving. So as you get back into the regular routine, join us as we look at “the Christian’s Bumper Sticker.”
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, November 30, 2014
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Redeemed” – 458
This is one of our spiritual songs that carries a lot of energy. Each statement is repeated as we sing of our redemption. “Sweet is the song I’m singing today, I’m redeemed! I’m redeemed!” Not to be mistaken with the hymn by Fanny J. Crosby, this song was penned almost 100 years ago, almost 35 years after Crosby’s “Redeemed.” Maybe as Christians this could be one of our bumper stickers. Letting the world know we’re REDEEMED!
“Higher Ground” – no book
What a grand message we send when we sing, “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.’..” People will ‘read’ your life and know if you’re comfortable here in this life or if you’re looking for something better. Let your message (your bumper sticker) speak loud and clear,“My heart has no desire to stay…”
“Worthy is the Lamb” – no book
Taken from the book of Revelation and blended with the tune from “Just as I am,” we come away with a moving hymn we’ll sing before the Lord’s Supper. ‘You alone are worthy to open its seals, because You were slain and gave Your blood. You purchased every man for God. Oh, worthy is the Lamb, the Lamb…’ and then we read the text. “You are worthy to take the scroll and open its seals, because You were slain, and with Your blood You purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.” Revelation 5:9
“When Peace Like a River” – 490
The tragic drowning of Horatio Spafford’s daughters motivated him to write this spiritual song of encouragement and strength. Whether or not our life is peaceful like a calm river, or turbulent like the waves of the sea, God’s children can say with confidence, “it’s OK, I have peace in Christ.” But many have missed this verse that is omitted from so many hymnals. Notice the striking message which would make for a great Christian bumper sticker,“Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, let this blessed assurance control. That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate and has shed His own blood for my soul.” Maybe we should have bumper stickers that say, “It is well with my soul.”
“A Beautiful Life” – 570
What makes a life ‘beautiful?’ Is it the things we accomplish or the legacy we leave? Could it be the things we do or the things we say? Is a beautiful life “all of the above?” As we sing this song before our lesson, we’re singing about how we treat one another. How we act toward strangers and how, ultimately, we represent God. You might say a beautiful life is reflected in the entirety of our being. We sing about doing a golden deed, and striving to help some troubled soul. We’ll continue our song as we focus on a good and pure life that lends a helping hand. Does your life look beautiful to others or, more importantly, does your life honor God? Or do we just have good bumper stickers?
“I Know Whom I Have Believed” – 524
Not your typical invitation song, but notice the message we sing; “I know not how the Spirit moves, convincing men of sin, revealing Jesus thru the Word, creating faith in Him.” We sing it and we wear it…but do we truly believe it?
“Redeemed” – 514
Perhaps this is the best bumper sticker the Christian could boast “REDEEMED, how I love to proclaim it! Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, Redeemed thru His infinite mercy, His child and forever, I am!” Singing we announce that we love to proclaim our redemption. We sing about being ‘happy in Jesus’ and there’s no language to express our excitement. But ask yourself, when you’re alone at work with only your non-believing co-workers around…can they still read your bumper sticker?
Why Come Together?
We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing;
He chastens and hastens His will to make known.
The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing.
Sing praises to His Name; He forgets not His own.
Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining,
Ordaining, maintaining His kingdom divine;
So from the beginning the fight we were winning;
Thou, Lord, were at our side, all glory be Thine!
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 ever praised! O Lord, make us free!
This old hymn finds it’s beginning in the late 1500’s as the Dutch celebrated their victory in the war of liberation from the Spanish. It stands the test of time when we consider the message of deliverance. From the time it first came into print (1626) in a collection of patriotic hymns, to the early years of World War I, this song of prayer calls on Jehovah God to protect and defend His people.
Since the mid-1930’s, thousands across the country have sung this song of thanks in their worship services prior to Thanksgiving Day. Families gather together on this National Holiday to say thanks. But to WHOM and WHY have we done this year after year after year? Do we remember why ‘we gather together?’ As the Dutch sang years ago, ‘we gather together to ask the Lord’s blessings.’ Never forget that the blessings we enjoy come from the hand of God. It is from His compassion and grace that we enjoy what we have been given. And therefore…we gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing!
How Does This Manna Taste to You?…Nov. 23rd
Being a ‘picky eater’ is what we would call the child who sits and stares at his food. And those infamous words, “I 
don’t like this!” are usually preceded by 30 minutes of sitting alone at the table watching the plate grow cold. Are we mean parents for insisting our kids eat what has been placed before them? Some might say ‘yes,’ while some believe otherwise. Worthy parents would never give their child something that wasn’t good for them, or would cause them harm. We provided for our children food that is nourishing and for their benefit.
And you know that God does the same. He gives us every good thing and blesses us in ways we can’t see. Still there are days when we sit down and say, “…but I don’t like this.” Perhaps the Israelite nation had this down pat as they ‘grumbled against the Lord.’ Whether it was manna from heaven or fresh quail, we read how “the congregation of the sons of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron.” Exodus 16 Sunday mornings we look heavenward and count our blessings. But this week consider your meal and answer the question, “How does this manna taste to you?”
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, Nov. 23, 2014
You’ll notice the following songs come from the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“All Things Praise Thee” – 43
The hymn we’ll open with is a prayer that we might offer to God an acceptable, worthy praise. Each of the three verses begin with, ‘All things praise Thee…’ Praise flows to our God from the heavens and from the earth. From the silence of the night to the burning of the day God’s creation is constantly praising Him. The statement we make as we sing each of these verses is “Lord, may we!” It’s not a question, “may we worship God?” It’s an exclamation…May we Worship God as He deserves!
“Tis the Blessed Hour of Prayer” – 849
An hour of prayer…are you kidding me? If we spend more than a few minutes bowing our head and praying, our minds begin to wander. How could we spend an HOUR, a ‘blessed hour,’ in prayer? If we’re honest with ourselves it’s all a matter of the heart. When our hearts ‘lowly bend’ we come before God in a humble state of obedience. Who among us will sit for 3 hours watching a ball game? Or 2 hours in the theater? We do what we enjoy and we find blessing in that hour. You just have to decide if it will it be a blessed hour of prayer…or a blessed hour of play?
“In Christ Alone” – no book
As we prepare for the Lord’s Supper, this song of admonition serves as a memorial of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. While verse one consist of recognizing Him as 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 assurance in Christ as we sing, ‘No power of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from His hand…’ How could anyone complain about the blessings we find in Christ?
“I Am Mine No More” – 683
A simple, short, three verse song with a simple message, “It’s not about me.” Not only do I give up any false pretension of being in control, we continue in the second verse proclaiming Jesus as Lord. The concluding verse anticipates His return. If “I am mine no more,” and if “Jesus is my Lord” when “He will come again…He’ll take me home.” Simple, but still how many will still grumble and complain about one of these steps?
“O Thou Fount of Every Blessing” – 226
The words of this old hymn are dated back to the mid-1700’s. Taking a reference from I Samuel (Ebenezer) and sprinkling in some poetic terms, this song of admonition should get us all to thinking. If you take nothing else from this song, you must focus in on the third verse. “O to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be! Let Thy goodness like a fetter (chains) bind my wandering heart to Thee; (the original words continue) Prone to wander, Lord I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love. Here’s my heart, O take and seal it. Seal it for Thy courts above.” Do you realize what you’re saying? You said that you want God’s goodness to chain you up to Him. Funny, but isn’t that kind of what we want to do with our children when they reject the good things we give them?
“Kneel at the Cross” – 945
As our invitation we’ll kneel before the cross and sing of ‘giving our idols up.’ The things we value in this life are worthless when compared to living for Christ. We are a blessed people, but do we turn toward the world rather than looking toward Him?
“When Upon Life’s Billows” – 742
Can you count your blessings? When was the last time you even tried? Undoubtedly we would be lost in thought trying to make a list of how much our God has given us. This old hymn encourages us to remember how much God has blessed us. When the storm of life is threatening us, when we’re discouraged, when we’re burdened or when we’re ‘amid the conflict,’ we can still find blessings from our God. Unless we’re too distracted by the complaining. Maybe we really should answer the question…”How does this manna taste to you?”
Remember the Soldiers
This past Saturday morning we honored our veterans at Waterview church of Christ. More than 130 of us gathered for breakfast and fellowship as we recognized 40 veterans and their widows. We listened to a couple of patriotic songs and two inspirational readings. One of those poems was entitled “A Soldier Died Today.” Written by A. Lawrence Vaincourt, we came to better appreciate the sacrifice given by ‘a Common Soldier.’
A Soldier Died Today…
He was getting old and paunchy and his hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the Legion, telling stories of the past.
Of a war that he once fought in and the deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies; they were heroes, every one.
And ‘tho sometimes to his neighbors his tales became a joke,
All his buddies listened quietly for they knew where of he spoke.
But we’ll hear his tales no longer, for ol’ Joe has passed away,
And the world’s a little poorer for a Soldier died today.
He won’t be mourned by many, just his children and his wife.
For he lived an ordinary, very quiet sort of life.
He held a job and raised a family, going quietly on his way;
And the world won’t note his passing, ‘tho a Soldier died today.
When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing, and proclaim that they were great.
Papers tell of their life stories from the time that they were young
But the passing of a Soldier goes unnoticed, and unsung.
He’s just an ordinary fellow who in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his country and offer up his life.
A loyal, faithful Soldier, who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal and perhaps a pension, small.
It’s too easy to forget them, but our minds we must employ
If it were not for our soldiers would freedom our country enjoy?
Should you find yourself in danger, with your enemies at hand,
There’s only one good option…for the soldier takes a stand!
Consider that lone Soldier–loving country, home and kin,
Just a common Soldier, who would fight until the end.
He was just a common soldier, and his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us we may need his like again.
For when countries are in conflict, we find the Soldier’s part
Is to clean up all the troubles with a faithful, caring heart.
If we cannot do him honor while he’s here to hear the praise,
Then at least let’s give him homage at the ending of his days.
Perhaps just a simply headline in the paper that might say:
“OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING, A SOLDIER DIED TODAY.”
Inspired or Inspiring?…Nov. 16th
Each Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings I look forward to a text from my daughter. She is a sophomore at Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tennessee and her first 
class of the morning is at 7:30. Her ‘wake up’ call to me is a picture of the sunrise silhouetting the newly erected Bell Tower on campus. For me, those pictures are inspirational. And perhaps some architect was ‘inspired’ with this yet to be seen image. But regardless, we can find benefit in the final product.
Many in the world today find the words of God to be inspiring to them. They read (or hear) God’s word and it gives them a ‘good feeling.’ Perhaps they are even moved to be a better person, but is that the extent of God’s word? Is the inspiration good enough. Would it even be inspiring if it weren’t inspired? When we consider the inspiration of scripture we come face to face with a life altering decision. Sunday let’s consider the Word and ask the question…inspired or inspiring?
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, November 16, 2014
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Holy, Holy, Holy” – 47
“Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God almighty…early in the morning our songs shall rise to Thee.” The ladies start us off as they sing this old hymn, but with each verse we’ll add a different part. For those who might have missed it, this hymn comes from the inspired word found in Isaiah chapter 6 and verse 3 as well as Revelation chapter 4, verse 8 as the prophet and the apostle write, “And one (of the Seraphim, vs. 2) called out to another and said, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of host…” (Isaiah) and “And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings and full of eyes around and within; and day and night they do not cease to say, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God, the Almighty…” (Revelation).
“The Lord is in His Holy Temple” – 108
As a segue from our song of praise, we’ll remember the words of Habakkuk in the 2nd chapter and 20th verse, “But the Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth be silent before Him.” (Read the whole chapter to get a better feel of this statement.) But where is His temple? Is it found in the heavenly realm? Read the words of Paul as he wrote to the church in Corinth, “Do you not know that you are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” And so now we sing, “The Lord is in His holy temple…” Humble yourself, be quiet and realize, the Lord is in YOU!
“The Lord’s Supper” – no book
Simply entitled, “The Lord’s Supper,” this spiritual song brings to mind the reason we gather together each first day of the week. “When we meet in sweet communion where the feast divine is spread. Hearts are brought in closer union while partaking of the bread. Precious feast, all else surpassing, wondrous love for you and me. While we feast Christ gently whispers, ‘Do this in My memory.” Luke chapter 22, verse 19 provides us with the basis; “And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”
“Take My Life and Let it Be” – 669
Several arrangements of this poem can be found in a number of hymnals, yet lest we miss the message for the tune, notice the words. “Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee; Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of Thy love. Take my will, and make it Thine, it shall be no longer mine; take my heart, it is Thine own, it shall be Thy royal throne.” Within these two short verses we proclaim our life, our hands, our will and our heart belong to God. And in case we miss something, the chorus continues, “Lord I give my LIFE to Thee…”
“Rescue the Perishing” – 639
A familiar song, but Sunday we’ll sing the often, over looked 3rd verse. Notice the condition of the lost; “Down in the human heart, crushed by the tempter, feelings lie buried that grace can restore; touched by a loving hand, wakened by kindness, chords that were broken will vibrate once more…” Let’s rescue the perishing and care for the dying. Because we know that Jesus is merciful and He will save!
“Faithful Love” – no book
Our song before the lesson speaks of the love God has for His children. A faithful love that is manifested in His Son. “Faithful love from above came to earth to show the Father’s love. And I’ll never be the same, for I’ve seen faithful love face to face and Jesus is His name.” No man alive today can say he has seen Jesus. So how could I say I’ve seen Jesus face to face? However, as a child of God, I have seen (poetically) His faithfulness in that, “…God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were (I was) yet sinners, Christ died for us (me).” Romans 5:8 Have I seen Jesus face to face? Not yet! Have I ‘come to know’ (seen) His faithful love? Every Christian would say, Praise be to God…Yes, when I was buried with Him in baptism!
“Thou Art the Way” – 280
Inspiration in life is knowing the inspired Word. The inspired word is the Way, the Truth and the Life. We must never forget that God’s word is more than just inspirational…it’s inspired.
“Where Could I Go?” – no book
Our closing song is a question even the disciples once asked. John records the situation in the 6th chapter as Jesus asks, “You do not want to go away also, do you?” Simon Peter replies, “…to whom shall we go?” And so we sing, “Where could I go but to the Lord?” Inspired words of God directing us in this life just as Peter said, “You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:67, 68)
A Reunion of Veterans…Nov. 9th
We are blessed to live in a country that honors those who served to protect and defend our nation’s freedom. Regardless of the branch of service, men and women have been fighting for American’s interest for decades, laying down their life if necessary believing in the cause! And every year on the 11th hour of the 11th day in the 11th month we stand tall to honor our veterans. Many of us, whether we have served or not, come together as a sort of reunion to thank these veterans and remember their service.
But consider for a moment the soldiers who stand and defend (or have stood and defended) the cause of Christ? They lived and died serving the King of Kings. Hebrews chapter 11 gives us a brief list of those ‘heroes’ of old, the veterans who faithfully served in the Lord’s Army. Today, you and I are still fighting the battle between good and evil (Ephesians 6:10-20). As we strive to be faithful soldier’s of the cross let’s look forward to our reunion. Next time one of our soldiers comes home, welcome them with open arms, and in the same way we anticipate ‘A Reunion of Veterans.’
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, November 9, 2014
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus” – 648
Are you willing to take a stand for what you believe in? When someone comes asking if you believe in the Bible, are you taking a stand for truth or are you not too sure? Some might think this song is intended to be sung standing up, a little like ‘on your feet soldier.’ But whether you’re sitting or standing, you 
sing about your decision. Will you stand up for what is right, or are you content to sit back and see what happens. We begin this morning singing, “…Ye soldiers of the cross; lift high His royal banner, it must not suffer loss.” Before we end this service we’ll sing again of the royal banner and our responsibility to ‘march on.’
“Am I a Soldier of the Cross” – no book
This old spiritual song asks a basic question. It’s a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ question that only you can answer. Are you a soldier of the cross, a follower of the Lamb? The one who says “YES” knows the answer to this question as we sing; “Is this vile (wicked) world a friend to grace to help you on to God?” The world is no friend to God, but soldiers of the cross know this … where are our friendships? Are we friends with the world, or are we soldier’s of the cross?
“Freely, Freely” – 635
We read in Matthew chapter 10 the words of Jesus as He commissioned His followers, “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give.” God forgave us of our sins and adopted us as His children. Our cost for this adoption was nothing. From His own hand we have freely received the hope of eternal life. Will we give that same hope away to a lost and dying world? Soldiers often do more than fight, we also free the oppressed. “Freely you have received, freely, freely give!”
“The Battle Belongs to the Lord” – 749
What a great thought of assurance for any soldier to know the battle is over. To hear the news…we’ve won! In Christ we know that to be true and so together we sing this song before our lesson; “In heavenly armor we’ll enter the land, the battle belongs to the Lord! No weapon that’s fashioned against us will stand, the battle belongs to the Lord. And we sing…Glory, Honor, Power and Strength to the Lord…”
“I Am Coming, Lord” – 923
As we offer the invitation, thinking about the reunion of God’s veterans, we offer a plea to those who have not yet joined the fight. Standing on the outside looking in, never knowing the joy of serving in the Kingdom, many will leave this life unaware of a reunion of God’s veterans. Or perhaps a soldier has gone AWOL and deserted his post, it’s never too late to come back. It is Jesus who ‘calls me on to perfect faith and love, to perfect hope and peace and trust, for earth and heaven above.’ This may be the time for you to say, “I am coming, Lord!”
“Lamb of God” – 176
One of the last things we’ll do this morning is offer the Lord’s Supper. Whether it’s early in the worship service or held back to the end, we’ll remember our Lord’s death burial and resurrection this morning as we sing about the Lamb of God. Follow the thought found in the second verse of this song, ‘Your gift of love they crucified, they laughed and scorned Him as He died, the humble King they named a fraud and sacrificed the Lamb of God.’ Turn your mind to Lamb and remember His sacrifice.
“There’s a Royal Banner” – 627
Just as we began our worship time together singing about His banner, we’ll close lifting high the royal banner. Perhaps the thing we should come away with as we sing this closing song is the fact that God’s soldiers are ‘marching on!’ Soldiers of the cross eagerly anticipate the resurrection day, and in so doing we count everything but loss. Live your life looking forward to a Reunion of Veterans.
Job, “Have you ever in your life commanded the morning, and caused the dawn to know its place…?” The obvious answer is ‘no,’ we have no control over this world, the sunrise, the sunset, the sunshine or the rain. God is the Creator, and this is His world. So rather than question His work, we should take comfort in knowing He rules this earth and guards His people. The Creator of the universe, the One who ‘commands the morning’ is also our refuge and strength (Psalm 46). And even though ‘the earth should change, and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea’ children of God have no reason to fear. We know, as His creation, that we have a promise, “God is in the midst of her (His people), she will not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns…” Psalm 46:5. The psalmist is literally telling us that God will help His people at the turning of the morning. Could there be any greater comfort in knowing that the Maker of heaven and earth watches over His people at the dawning of each day? Though we might not have blue skies every morning, we know Who controls those skies. With that knowledge we have to reflect upon our attitude. What will we do when dark clouds gather? How will we deal with the devastating storms that strike our land? Will we take them in stride anticipating a new tomorrow, or will we look to place blame, bemoaning our current state of affairs? Ken Young once penned the words to a contemporary song entitled, Richly Blest. Within that message there is a thought that all Christians should champion. Throughout our days, regardless of our circumstances, whether things are good or bad, my God blesses me!
the words of Paul as he wrote to the church in Ephesus, “…there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or course jesting, which are not fitting…Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience…walk as children of Light.” Ephesians 5:4-8. How can we expect to be richly blest if we harbor worldly behaviors? If our words and actions resemble the world, we will continue to live in darkness.