A Cry of Compassion…July 23rd

The sight of an animal being mistreated causes most of us to feel sorrow for the abused. But when you see a lost child waiting for someone to stop and help, it stirs the heart to action. Perhaps one of the most valuable traits we can possess in this life is compassion. To be able to not only see when someone is hurting, but to act upon that need…that is compassion.

Our Savior’s compassion was demonstrated over and over again…“Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes…” (Matt. 20), “Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out His hand and touched him..” (Mark 1), “When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her…” (Luke 7). No wonder Paul instructs the follower of Christ to “…put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Colossians 3:12) But how far does that compassion care us? Is there a limit to our compassion. Join us on Sunday morning (July 23rd) as we turn our hearts and listen to “A Cry of Compassion.”

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

Sunday morning, July 23, 2017

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

“Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah” – 3

Beginning the worship together with a song from the scripture is a great way to praise our God and focus on His word. You may want to read over the 148th Psalm…or just sing it while you turn in your Bibles. You’ll notice the chorus (Psalm 148:13) is sung last. It’s a great account from the text to the sheet music.

“Lord, We Come Before Thee Now” – 797

A song, a prayer, setting for us an example of how we should/could come before God’s throne. With a petition (suit) we ask for His mercy, compassion and guidance. Notice verse 2, “Lord, on Thee our souls depend; in compassion now descend; fill our hearts with Thy rich grace, (and) tune our lips to sing Thy praise.”

“Hear Me When I Call” – no book

“Hear me when I call, O God my Righteousness…” Again, a song from God’s word (Psalm 4) as we come bowing in prayer before the throne. This hymn/psalm is a call for God’s compassion, and a stirring line from the 1st and 4th verse never ceases to move me, “…hold my trembling hand, lest helpless I should fall.”

“O Sacred Head” – 318

Some will say this is a difficult song to sing as a congregation, and it does sound of Old English, with a composer from the 1700’s, but the message is unmistakable. Follow the 2nd verse, “What language shall I borrow to thank Thee, dearest friend, for this Thy dying sorrow, Thy pity without end.” Pity can mean ‘shame, or disappointment,’ but in the context of this hymn/spiritual song, pity means compassion. His compassion never ends. As we partake of the Lord’s Supper, and as we see His wounded, sacred head, remember His pity, His compassion, for us.

“If That Isn’t Love” – 379

“God demonstrated His love for us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us!” Romans 5:8 “If that isn’t love…” than we have no idea of compassion. And so we’ll sing in verse 2, “Even in death He remembered the thief hanging by His side; He spoke with love and compassion, then He took him to Paradise.” Thanks be to God for that kind of compassion…may we live like Christ died!

“O To Be Like Thee” – 429

Brother T.O. Chisholm penned a hymn in the late 1800’s that we’ll sing this morning to encourage us and remind us of the compassion Christ had for His church. Notice verse two…“O to be like Thee, full of compassion; loving forgiving, tender and kind…” But that’s not all that goes into compassion, let’s keep singing. “…Helping the helpless, cheering the fainting, seeking the wandering sinner to find.” Are we compassionate; are we helping those who can not help themselves? Do we encourage those who stumbling? Are we compassionate?

“Does Jesus Care” – 507

How do I know if Jesus cares about me? Is His compassion for everyone but me? If you are still wondering about that, you haven’t heard the message of His compassion. The soul needs only look to His cross to see HIS love and compassion. So what about you…Do you care, do you have a heart of compassion?

“Love Divine” – 140

This closing song seems to sum up our message from today, but look closely at the end of this verse, “Jesus, Thou art all compassion, pure unbounded love Thou art. Visit us with Thy salvation, enter every trembling heart.” Our Savior is all compassion, but will our hearts be ‘trembling’ enough to allow Him to enter in? Will we hear and be moved to action by “A Cry For Compassion?”

1, February 2, 20171, February 2, 2017

Living So that God Will…Abide With Me

Written in 1847, Henry Lyte wrote the words to the hymn, Abide with Me as a prayer seeking God’s presence in life and death. Some contend that this hymn isn’t Biblical considering God is ‘with us always,’ Matthew 28:20. But I would encourage the reader to remember the words of Christ in John 15:5-6…“I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.“ As we sing this song, let me encourage you to recognize the ‘prayer’ that is being offer within these words. The first verse is an understanding of how soon until this life is over (fast falls the even tide). But I’ve always been moved by the second verse which says Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day (the days of our life are flowing away quickly and); Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away (all the wonder and glory of life will fade and pass away). Still we know and realize that…Change and decay in all around I see (everything I see around me is dying, it’s a fact of life.) And yet, Thou who changest not… abide with me! That is my plea, and that is what I long for. “In life and death, O Lord, abide with me!”

The above video doesn’t includes all five of the verses, but listen and notice the words of each verse as you seek the Father and strive to live so that He will… Abide with Me.

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide;
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.
Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see—
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.
I need Thy presence every passing hour;
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s pow’r?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.
I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness;
Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.
Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies;
Heav’n’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

1, July 17, 20151, July 19, 2015

How Can I Be a Christian in a Corrupt Society…July 19th

What does it mean to say that something is corrupt? A warning on your computer screen that reads, “Corrupted File” will no doubt put a damper on your day. If something has been corrupted, the original has been compromised, damaged or destroyed. By definition, to be corrupt, there has been a negative impact that causes someone, or something, to be ‘dishonest, immoral or impure.’

But aren’t we as Christians called to be lights in darkness? How can I be a light in a dark place and not be subject to corruption? Wouldn’t it be best if I just kept to myself and left ‘well enough alone?’ The task is unmistakable. Christ called us to ‘go into all the world.’ Therefore we have an obligation to shine our light, but to keep ourselves ‘unstained by the world.’ (James 1:27) So how can a Christian keep from being corrupted? Join us on Sunday morning as we example our responsibility as Christians.

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

Sunday morning, July 12, 2015

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

“All Things Praise Thee” – 43

“All things praise Thee – Lord, may we!” Written not as a question, ‘May we praise you Lord?’, but as an exclamation, ‘May we praise God like the things that we sing about in this song. The earth, sea and sky. The silent night, the sun by day, those in ‘heaven’s high shrine,’ seraph and arch angel. We, too, are God’s creation…may we ever be praising Him!

“Doxology” – 6

Immediately after we sing, ‘Ever praising – Lord, may we!,’ our hearts continue the song of praise. “Praise God from Whom all blessings flow.” For more than 300 years these words have stood the test of time, and for more than 450 years this tune has been resonating in our ears. Careful not to just sing the tune, but speak the words with understanding.

“I Come to the Garden Alone” – 595

A quiet song of reflection as we consider our prayer to God. Consider this song as if written from the view point of Mary Magedalene during the early morning hours, John 20:1. Following Christ resurrection, she stands in the garden and we sing, “I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses…” Notice verse 3, ‘but He bids me go…His voice to me is calling.’ John 20:17 “Jesus said to her, ‘Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren…’“

“In Christ Alone” – no book

In order to keep ourselves free from corruption while living in this world, we must fully rely on Christ, and on Him alone. For it is in Christ alone, in Him, that we find our hope!

“I Am a Sheep” – 533

Perhaps one way we can stay free from corruption in this dark world of sin and death is to remember the words of this spiritual song. As we sing the chorus we’re reminded, “And when the wind blows He is my shelter! When I’m lost and alone He rescues me! And when the Lion comes (Christ’s return) He is my victory! Constantly watching over me.” That is how you keep from being corrupted by sin…stay in Christ!

“I Know that My Redeemer Lives” – 528

It’s one thing to say, “I know,” but what do you do when the world says, “no one can know”? As a believer we have faith, and in our faith…we know! So we sing a song of affirmation, echoing through the ages, “I know, I know that my Redeemer lives, I know, I know eternal life He gives. I know, I know that my Redeemer lives.’ How to keep yourself from a corrupt and perverse generation? Believe, obey, follow and KNOW the Redeemer.

“Purer in Heart, O God” – 671

This is the perfect invitation song as we consider how to keep ourselves from a corrupt society. We must have a purer heart! But will we ‘devote’ our lives completely to Him? Are we willing to confess our ‘secret sin,’ and ask Him to reign in our lives? When we do, if we will, then we’ll be avoiding the corruption of the world.

“How Shall the Young Secure Their Hearts” – 432

“How shall the young secure their hearts and guard their lives from sin?” We sing the question and we might as well read the title of today’s lesson, “How can I be a Christian in a corrupt society?” The answer is right in front of you, God’s word will guide our youth (all of us) and support us throughout our days. We can still be God’s children in this corrupt world, as long as we don’t let the world corrupt us.

1, October 7, 20141, October 7, 2014

When the Vacation’s Over

Remember the holiday season when family would come to visit? Our homes would be open to aunts and uncles, grandmas and grandpas, cousins and nephews, relatives who traveled days to stay with us during the holidays. I can still hear the ringing laughter and recall the days packed with meals together, games, stories and memories. We stayed up late talking and spent each day building stronger bonds with those we love.

But inevitably, the vacation comes to an end. The car’s packed and the family is on their way back home. My strongest memories of those days are not the awkward early hours when ‘family comes to town,’ or even the activities that filled those days. The clearest memories I have of those family holidays are centered on the departure of our loved ones. Standing at the door step and watching them back out of the driveway. As a matter of fact, there were times I cried as my grandparents drove off into the distance. And if we’re honest with ourselves, the ‘loss’ is more strongly felt by those left behind than those who ‘travel on.’ When we leave to go home we have the road ahead of us. The terrain changes with every mile and our eyes focus and refocus on the panoramic scenes around us. Travelers stay busy anticipating what’s around the next corner. But those left behind experience a house of quiet solitude where once the walls echoed with laughter. Yesterday was filled with rambunctious excitement, but today we return to the quiet routine.

Perhaps, in similar fashion, losing a family member to death can leave that same emptiness that we feel when the vacation is over. We’ve enjoyed the time together, growing closer, but then the day is over and we’re left alone in a quiet house. The proverbial bags have been packed and the family has ‘gone home.’ And as we stand at the threshold waving goodbye, we feel the emptiness of being left behind.

Caroline Sprague Smith wrote a hymn that echoes the heart of those who have stood alone, facing the end of life. Of course, it could very well match the thoughts of those watching their loved ones ‘drive off’ into the sunset. As she penned this prayer for Christ to ‘tarry with me,’ we see the emotion of being left alone and the emptiness we face…when the vacation is over.

1 Tarry with me, O my Savior! For the day is passing by;
See! the shades of evening gather, And the night is drawing nigh.

Chorus: Tarry with me, blessed Savior; Leave me not till morning light;
For I’m lonely here without Thee; Tarry with me thro’ the night.

2 Deeper, deeper grow the shadows, Paler now the glowing west,
Swift the night of death advances; Shall it be the night of rest?

Chorus:

3 Lonely seems the vale of shadow; Sinks my heart with troubled fear;
Give me faith for clearer vision, Speak Thou, Lord, in words of cheer.

Chorus:

4 Let me hear Thy voice behind me, Calming all these wild alarms;
Let me, underneath my weakness, Feel the everlasting arms.

Chorus:

5 Feeble, trembling, fainting, dying, Lord, I cast myself on Thee;
Tarry with me through the darkness; While I sleep, still watch by me.

Chorus:

6 Tarry with me, O my Savior! Lay my head upon Thy breast
Till the morning; then awake me! Morning of eternal rest.

Chorus: Tarry with me, blessed Savior; Leave me not till morning light;
For I’m lonely here without Thee; Tarry with me thro’ the night.