Category: calling

Posted on

The Opportunity of Weakness…September 29th

strength-in-weaknessThis Sunday, Robert Taylor will bring the morning lesson here at Waterview.  As we consider ‘The Opportunity of Weakness’ my first thought comes from the pen of Paul in II Corinthians.  Having an opportunity to be weak almost seems like a contradiction in terms.  But perhaps we need to look at the words of Christ as He says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.”
II Corinthians 12:9

In 1948 J.R. Baxter wrote the melancholy hymn, Just a Closer Walk with Thee.  The first verse seems to sum up Paul’s ‘thorn in the flesh’ issues from II Corinthians as we sing, “I am weak, but Thou art strong…”  Join us on Sunday morning as we take a look at the opportunity of weakness.

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

Sunday morning, September 29, 2013

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

“Let Every Heart Rejoice and Sing” 8

“Let every heart rejoice and sing!”  Our opening song this morning will focus us on the praise we should be giving to our God and Father.  Notice the chorus; “…while the rocks and the rills (streams), while the vales (valleys) and valleythe hills a glorious anthem raise…”  All creation speaks of His glory; so should we!

“As the Deer” – 71

A contemporary song taken from the 42nd chapter of the Psalms.  Have you ever been so thirst you felt you might ‘dry up and blow away?’  To have just a small drink of water on a hot, miserable day would be great.  But do we ‘pant’ (earnestly desire) our God as much as H2O.  Rest assured, we will ‘dry up’ in this life without Him.  Let’s live so we can say our hearts ‘long to worship’ Him.

“Lead Me to Calvary” – 332

Turning our minds to the cross we sing the following words (from the 2nd verse), ‘Show me the tomb where Thou wast (was) laid, tenderly mourned and wept; angels in robes of light arrayed guarded Thee whilest (while) Thou slept.’  A couple of things to notice; Jesus slept for 3 days (Matt. 16:21).  He wasn’t in the grave to ‘undergo decay,’ (Acts 13:37) because we know He lives.  But also, ‘…angels in robes of light ARRAYED…’.  Interesting to realize the definition for array (besides fine clothes/dress) is an ‘orderly, often imposing alignment.’  Maybe this line is referencing the angels as they ‘guarded the tomb’, and not so much their white, ‘light’, robes.

“Til My Faith Because Sight” – 836

A beautiful song of our faith!  See how we reference our Savior in the two verses; “Bread of Life, Living Water, Lover of my soul, Lamb of God, hope of glory, Savior…crucified”, certainly we are singing a hymn to Him…precious holy Lord and King!  But how about that line in the chorus, ‘though they slay me’, what if ‘I fall in darkness’…will I still remain faithful?  He is your light in this dark world.  But you must ask yourself, will I be faithful until He returns?

“Wonderful Love of Jesus” – 308

An older song of praise with a repetitive, catchy chorus, “Wonderful love, wonderful love, wonderful love of Jesus!”  But what does “In vain and high and holy lays…”, actually mean?  Consider our songs (our lays, ballads), do we offer them up (raise them on high) for nothing?  Obviously we want to sing from our hearts and offer a pleasing sacrifice of praise from our lips.  But the context of vain in this song is not ‘useless’, but rather far from worthy of our God and King.  Defined; vain is “lacking substance or worth.”  We should sing with all our heart, and strive to give Him our best in this sacrifice of praise.

“Father Hear the Prayer We Offer” – 777

“Father, hear the prayer we offer; nor for ease that prayer shall be, but for strength that we may ever live our lives old man prayingcourageously.”  I wonder if sometimes we pray for things to be good for us (easy), rather than asking for strength to stand firm in the fight against Satan.  And not just strength to ‘carry on’, but strength to be steadfast, faithful and loyal in the life we live for Christ and His church.

“Soldier’s of Christ, Arise” – 647

Before the lesson this morning we’ll sing a song that dates back to mid-1700’s.  Charles Wesley penned the words that echo Ephesians 6, the armor of God.  Notice the progression of the verses.  Verse 1‘…put your armor on…’ .  Verse 2, “…who in the strength of Jesus trusts, is more than conqueror.”  Verse 3, “…take to arm you (arm yourself) for the fight the panoply (the complete set of armor) of God.”  Verse 4, “Leave no unguarded place…fortify the whole.”  Verse 5, “That having all things done (when life is over)…you may o’ercome thru Christ alone…”  Soldiers, we fight various battles every day, but never forget, Christ has won the war!

“Hark the Gentle Voice of Jesus” – 907

Our invitation song is simple; are you weary, do you labor in this life, are you ‘heavy-laden?’  Come, and Christ will give you rest.  And that ‘yoke’ we sing about in verses 2 & 3…it’s a source of connection for us with Christ; we are yoked with Him in His suffering.  But the rest He offers makes the burden lighter.

“Hilltops of Glory” – no book

An older spiritual song that encourages us as we ‘tread life’s way.’  As we live for Christ and strive to serve Him we look homeward and catch a glimpse of the Hilltops of Glory.  Maybe we should be better about asking each other, “…brother won’t you come go with me?”

Posted on

A Golden Opportunity

Have you ever wished you had known about something that was coming up so you could have been a part of it?  A presentation or special program that you would have promoted, supported or at least attended if someone had ‘clued you in’ on the opportunity.  Sometimes we find out about things after the fact and, to be honest, at that time, it’s a little too late.  The chance to participate and grow would have been tantrum girla welcome part of your schedule, but instead…you missed a golden opportunity.

The young mother would have benefited from the seminar on parenting and child raising, but no invitation was offered to her.  The old coach would like to have seen and heard the athlete who was scheduled to speak at the fund raiser; but no one thought to send the old man an invitation.  Granted, they might not have gone to the event, but you’ll never know unless you invite them.  We miss some great opportunities to enrich the lives of others simply because we don’t say anything.  We know some great gem of interest, but hold it to ourselves and miss a golden opportunity.  Why do we pass up those moments to encourage and reach out?  Are we just too busy taking care of our wants that we don’t give thought to what someone else might enjoy, or need?

Maybe the answer lies in our attitude or perhaps in our lack of courage and conviction.  Either way, if you have some good news to share and an invitation to offer but instead hold it back you are, for all practical purposes, taking away an opportunity.

The same can be said about our faith in Christ.  Certainly you’ve read Matthew 28 as our Savior exhorts us to, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit…”  But how will ‘the nations’ become disciples (be baptized) if they have never hear about the Son?  Romans 10:14 states it best; “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?”  There must be someone who will teach (preach) about the Savior.  Someone must be ready to offer an invitation to ‘come’ and know about Jesus.  Who will tell your friends about heaven?  Will you share with them the golden opportunity for salvation?

In the early 1900’s, James Rowe penned a song that some classify as sad and ‘depressing.’  A song that reminds us of the responsibility we have to teach (even show) our faith in Christ to our friends.  Have you taken the time to tell someone about Jesus?  They can never believe unless they hear and they’ll never hear unless they are told.  Don’t wait for someone else to ‘offer the invitation’, that opportunity of a life time is yours and yours alone.

When in the better land, before the bar we stand
how deeply grieved our souls will be
If any lost one there should cry in deep despair;
‘You never mentioned Him to me.’

Refrain:confused man
You never mentioned Him to me.
Nor help me not the light to see,
You met me day by day and knew I was astray
Yet never mentioned Him to me.

O let us spread the word, where ‘er it may be heard
Help groping souls the light to see.
That yonder none may say, ‘You showed me not the way.’
You never mentioned Him to me.

Refrain:

A few sweet words may guide a lost one to His side
or turn sad eyes to Calvary.
So work as days go by, that yonder none may cry,
‘You never mentioned Him to me.’

Refrain:

The old athlete might enjoy hearing some motivational talk from his younger counterpart, and the young mother might need help raising her child in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).  But will anyone invite them to come, learn and grown.  Without an invitation or a word of encouragement we miss a golden opportunity to provide that support.  But more over, without sharing Jesus to our friends and family we miss an even greater opportunity to ‘turn sad eyes to Calvary.’

Posted on

The Silence of the Lambs…September 22nd

Fearful of their surroundings, an unlikely threesome walk down a brick road chanting the infamous, “Lions and Tigers and Bears, O my…” They feared what many consider vicious predators.  Animals whose character is powerful and lions-tigers-bearsruthless.  It’s true, some of God’s creatures are not to be trifled with; but on the other hand, some are extremely passive and best described as vulnerable.  So why would the Son of God be classified as one of these?  Isaiah will describe Him as, ‘a lamb led to slaughter.’  Non-aggressive and defenseless is a good description for a lamb.

A silent lamb led to its shearers is the way Isaiah describes Christ.  Not kicking back, roaring or ‘fighting to the end.’  Mark states clearly at Christ’s ‘trial’ that He, “…kept silent and did not answer.”  Join us this coming Sunday morning at Waterview church of Christ as we’ll be looking at the innocent and un-protesting Lamb of God.

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

Sunday morning, September 22, 2013

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

 “We Praise Thee, O God”

This is a wonderful, old hymn that dates back to the days before our country’s Civil War; a song that transcends time and brings ecstasy to the singer and listener alike.  Though penned more than 150 years ago, it still as a powerful message.  The first two verses begin, “We praise Thee, O God,”  while the next two verses begin, “All glory and praise…”  Beautiful words of exclamation, but least we lose sight of what we’re singing we conclude the chorus (and being the final verse) with the phrase, “Revive us again…”

“The Old Rugged Cross”

Some hymn writers have a wide collection of songs they’ve written over the years.  Authors and composers like Isaac Watts, Fanny J. Crosby, Albert Brumley, William Doane and Tillet S. Teddlie to name a few.  But for one man, George Bennard, his call to fame came in one song and one song alone, ‘The Old Rugged Cross.’  What a message of salvation from the pen of this man who turns our minds back in time to, ‘a hill far away’ as we remember the cross of Christ.

 “Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross”

The third verse of this song will be sung between the bread and the fruit of the vine as we consider coming near the cross.  The plea for us to visualize our Lord’s death on the cross comes as we sing, “Near the cross! O Lamb of God, bring its scenes before me…”  Maybe some would rather not focus on that scene.  It was a murder scene and one that was graphic as you think about his hands, feet and side.  Not to mention the crown of thorns.  We need to stay near the cross because all that pain and sorrow was on our account.  He died for you and me.

“Worthy is the Lamb”

We’ve sung this before as we take the tune from Just As I Am and put it to some words and thoughts found around the throne of God in the book of Revelation.  When we can sing the scripture (a psalm) it makes for stronger understand of the text.  But when the words we sing are noted as having been sung around the throne of God…now that’s powerful.  We’ll sing: “You alone are worthy to open its seals, because You were slain and gave Your blood.  You purchased every man for God O worthy is the Lamb.”  Revelation 5:9 reads: “Worthy are You to worthy-is-the-lambtake the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.”

“You Are My All in All”

“Jesus, Lamb of God, worthy is Your name!”  We’ll sing this contemporary song as we consider where our strength comes from, and what types of treasures we truly are seeking.  Interestingly enough how many people really believe what they say in that first verse; “Lord, to give up I’d be a fool…”  Defined:  ‘A person lacking judgment’…giving up on God is not only foolish, it’s life threatening.

 “Lamb of God”

The scripture reading just before this song is Isaiah 53:7, “…and like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, so He did not open His mouth.”  This inspired prophecy of Christ’s trial and crucifixion is captured by Isaiah the prophet, and we’ll follow it as we sing, “O Lamb of God, sweet Lamb of God…”

 “I Will Sing of My Redeemer”

This song has an interesting chorus, “Sing, O sing of my redeemer, Sing O sing of my Redeemer; with His blood He purchased me, with His blood He purchased me, on the cross He sealed my pardon, on the cross He sealed my pardon, paid the debt and made me free and made me free, and made me free.”  How often we sing, but fall short of listening to what we’re singing.  Why repeat these words?  Is it just for filler, or to enhance the harmony?  Maybe we just like the way we’re echoing the ladies part?  Or is there something more?  Maybe it’s important enough that it’s worth repeating…for emphasis.  Yes, I’ll sing!

 “Redeemed”

The song before our lesson, has a strong upbeat tempo.  But in case you haven’t noticed, this song uses the word ‘redeemed’ a total of 7 times…in the first verse alone.  How thankful are we for the redemption we have in Christ.  Because of the blood of the Lamb of God I can sing that I am, “…His child, and forever, I am.”

“Have You Been to Jesus?”       

An invitation, in its purest form, is a question.  Will you come to the party?  We send drop of bloodinvitations to ask for a response to our questions.  Each Sunday the preacher ‘offers the invitation’ for those who will respond to come to Christ.  How fitting, as we have sung and talked about the Lamb of God, that we would ask the question; “Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power; are you walking daily by the Savior’s side…are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?”  How will you answer (have you answered) the invitation?

 “We Will Glorify”

A contemporary song that proclaims what the people of God long to do…we want to (we will) glorify our God!  How often we sing with spirit and truth, but remember we must sing with understanding too.  This first verse alone gives glory to the King of Kings, the Lamb and the Lord of Lords.  But did you notice the last line of this verse (and the fourth)…?  Who is the Great I Am!  That’s not a question asking who the great I Am is, it’s a statement that the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords and the Lamb are all the great I Am…

Posted on

A Trip to the Beauty Salon…September 8th

hair cuts

As a young boy, I remember mother giving me the monthly haircut.  With tears in my eyes she would take the old Oster hair clippers, a pair of scissors and set out to ‘lower my ears.’  Today, things are different.  A trip to get a hair cut might leave me short $15-20.  The ladies, however, are going to spend a bit more.  As a matter of fact, one nation-wide report claims the annual cost for a woman to ‘have her hair done’ could cost between $1,000 – $4,000 dollars.  Personally, that’s enough to make me want to cry…

But what does the cost of hair styling have to do with a Sunday morning sermon?  Can application be made for living a godly life in comparison with the beautification process? Perhaps we need to consider how much time and money we give to preparing ourselves for godly service as opposed to physical beauty.  OR maybe we should look inward rather than outward as we consider how beautiful someone is.

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

Sunday morning, September 8, 2013

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

“O Worship the King” 303Jesus with children
“Jesus is All the World to Me” 590

A short medley that is focused on worshiping the King and acknowledging how valuable Jesus is in my life.  Have you ever looked at the last phrase of this song?  Each verse ends with the statement, ‘He’s my Friend.’  We worship the King because we know He is my life, my joy and my all.  As a matter of fact, the Christian understands there is no better friend than Jesus.  He gives me strength in a difficult world, and in Christ  we live a beautiful life that has no end.

“How Beautiful” – 365

This contemporary song serves to prepare our minds for the Lord’s supper.  We think of the beautiful hands of Christ as He served men during His life on earth.  We remember those ‘beautiful feet’ that walked the dusty road to the cross.  We remember that He laid down His life and we sing, “How beautiful is the body of Christ…”

“O Lord, You’re Beautiful” – 275

This hymn we’ll sing between the bread and the fruit of the vine; “O Lord, You’re beautiful, Your face is all I seek, and when Your eyes are on this child, Your grace abounds to me.”  His beauty, more than anything in this world, is want we seek in our life…or is it?  What do you seek?

“In His Time” – 839

Another contemporary song, but this one never seemed to ‘take hold’ with the masses; but what a message!  Do we have the patience to wait for God to act ‘in His time’ or are we too accustomed to a culture that ‘want’s it now?’  Read the words from this song; “Lord, please show me every day as You’re teaching me Your way, that You do just want You say in Your time.”

“Let the Beauty of Jesus Be Seen in Me” – 722fine jewelry

The message of this song fits perfectly with our lesson and the accompanying scripture; I Peter 3:3, 4 “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.  Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”  As we sing this song, take note of the third verse; “From the dawn of the morning to close of day, in example, in deeds and in all you say; lay your gifts at His feet, ever strive to keep sweet, let the beauty of Jesus be seen in you.”  Do you try to keep sweet throughout the day?  Am I laying my gifts at His feet (giving Him the credit for all I have) from the morning to the evening?  Can the world see the beauty of Jesus in me?

“Victory in Jesus” – 470

An upbeat song as we encourage each other toward Victory!  I’ve heard lots of stories and many are worthy hearing again and again.  We may even find some are valuable enough we’ll repeat them to others.  But what about the story of Jesus?  We sing that we’ve heard an old, old story; we’ve heard about His healing and we’ve heard about a mansion…but unless we repent and obey, we’ll never win or gain that victory in Jesus!

“Just As I Am” – 924

An ‘invitation song’ that has been around since the mid-1800’s, Charlotte Elliott touched the hearts of millions as they have responded to the invitation call.  Notice one of those ‘forgotten’ verses as we’ll be singing it on Sunday morning.  “Just as I am though tossed about, with many a conflict, many a doubt.  With fears within and foes without, O Lamb of God I come!  I come!”  Have our hearts grown so cold that we don’t fear being separated from God?  When will begin to understand the urgency of ‘waiting not’ to get rid of the dark blot that separates us from God?  Our cleansing comes only by the blood of the spotless Lamb of God.  Will you come?

“Let Me Live Close to Thee” – 831

As we consider our inward beauty we need to realize the closer we get to God and a godly life the more we’ll reflect Jesus.  Fitting that we sing a song of encouragement to work in the field and never ‘shirk’ our responsibilities for God.  Would that we remember the crown (hair styles?) and the renown (public recognition) matter little when it comes to letting Christ live in our life.

Posted on

Thoughts From the Cross

Christ on the crossHave you ever wondered what went through Jesus’ mind as He hung on the cross?  The gospel accounts tell us about the scorn of the soldiers, the hatred of the Jews, the fear of the apostles and the sorrow of Mary; but little is said of the mental state of Jesus Himself.

Fortunately, almost a full millennium before the death of Christ, David penned the soul stirring words of Psalm 22.  This powerful psalm eloquently relates Jesus’ perspective as He bled and died for humanity’s sin.  David writes, almost as if he were standing at the foot of the cross peering into the mind of the Savior.  His words give us a glimpse into Heaven’s point of view, and helps us to grasp the intense anguish of our Savior as He hung upon Calvary’s tree.

The Cry of the Savior (Psalm 22:1-5)

“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”  What a cry was made by our Lord and Savior.  One can only imagine the loneliness that Christ felt on Execution Hill.  The Lord made Him a sin offering, placing the whole of man’s sin upon His shoulders.  The weight of that sin must have been unbearable as Jesus knows that He had been ‘made to be sin’ for us (2 Corinthians 5:21) and that the eyes of God Almighty were too pure to even look upon Him (Habakkuk 1:13).  Yet despite His solitude, Jesus still gave reverence to His Father, “Yet, You are holy, O You are enthroned upon the praises of Israel.”  Psalm 22:3

The Rejection of the Savior (Psalm 22:6-13)

Can you imagine One who left behind the splendor of Heaven for our benefit, being treated with less respect than a worm?  Jesus, “…came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him.”  John 1:22.  The Jews desecrated his dignity and sentenced Him to a death normally reserved for the lowest of the low.  David records, “But I am a worm and not a man; reproach of men and despised by the people…” (Psalm 22:6).  Jesus truly was ‘a man of sorrows’ (Isaiah 53:3)  He was hated, scorned, mocked, spat upon, beaten, rejected and ultimately crucified on behalf of the very men and women who despised Him…and some still do today.

The Crucifixion of the Savior (Psalm 22:14-18)

It is difficult to surmise a form of punishment more cruel and humiliating than crucifixion.  Though undeserving, our Savior suffered this torturous death at the hands of Roman soldiers.  As His body hung there, weakened from the beating just hours earlier, those who hated Jesus looked upon Him with a sadistic satisfaction.  They are described as dogs that enclosed Him and pierced Him; “For dogs have surrounded Me; a band of evildoers has encompassed me; they pierced my hands and my feet.” (vs. 16)  They laughed and mocked at Him, inflicting pain to the best of their limited abilities.  The spotless Lamb of God endured this for you and me.

The Deliverance of the Savior (Psalm 22:19-21)

In His hour of darkness, the Messiah found consolation and hope in His Father, our Lord. “But You, O Lord, be not far off, O Lord my help, hasten to my assistance.”  Psalm 22:19.  The Hebrew writer reveals that Christ offered up both prayers and supplications to the Lord (Hebrews 5:7).  Truly, to whom may we turn in times of extreme need?  Christ did not forsake His Father, neither did He despise Him during His hour of trail.  Rather, Christ called out to Him and placed His confidence in Him.  We, too, find our deliverance through Christ in God the Father.

Thanks to Terry Harmon (the former minister of the Flagler church of Christ in Flagler, Colorado) for once again sharing some thoughts about our Savior and His death on the cross.  Would that we come to better understand the cry of the Savior, His rejection and crucifixion on the cross so we can learn of the deliverance we have in Him.

Posted on

The Opportunity of a Life Time…September 1st

Some things only come around ‘once in a life time.’  We look forward to those opportunities when we can ‘make our mark’ or share some level of expertise that will effect that one-time, life-changing event.  So what would you do when that time comes?  Do you know when that moment will be?

marathon running training

Maybe we should ask, ‘can we prepare for that once in a life time event?’  How much training would it take to be ready?  Then again, you would need to know what to train for and how to prepare for that opportunity.  So consider this…what if someone asks you about Christ?  Could that be ‘the opportunity of a life time’ and would you be ready?

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

Sunday morning, September 1, 2013

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

doxology“Doxology” 66
“I Sing Praises” – 97

A simple medley that combines a traditional hymn (1709) with a contemporary hymn (1989).  The key signature is the same, but the message is what makes this a powerful duo.  As the congregation sings, “Praise God from whom all blessings flow…”, we continue with the assurance that we will “…sing praises to Thy name, O, Lord…”  A beautiful combination of praise to our God.

 

“Tell Me the Story of Jesus” – 387

Many have sung this old spiritual song their whole life (written in 1880), and we have heard the singer tell about Christ on the Cross.  But not just the cross, we also tell about the grave were Christ was ‘buried’.  Yet without the next line our song would come to a sad conclusion.  But then, as the Son rises, we sing, “tell that He lives again…”  (Notice, we are singing the gospel; the death, burial and resurrection.)  The third verse holds an emotional plea to, “…stay, let me weep while you whisper, ‘Love paid the ransom for me…”  Think for a minute, when was the last time you cried when you considered Christ’s sacrifice?

“My Eyes are Dry” – 792

Listen to the message from this rather recent spiritual song/hymn; “My eyes are dry, my faith is old, my heart is hard, my prayers are cold…”  A fearful situation to be sure, but how true is it for those who come together every Sunday morning?  How many just go through the motions of being a Christian and never take inventory of their spiritual well-being.  Without Jesus…we are lost.  We all need to be ‘softened up’ with the spirit of His love and ‘washed anew’ in His blood.  So…when was the last time you cried when you thought about His love?


“A Charge to Keep I Have” – 58
“People Need the Lord” – 660

Another medley we’ll sing before our lesson that combines the traditional (1832) with the contemporary (1983).  In a dangerously lost world, it doesn’t take much to see that people need Jesus.  And we, as children of God, have a charge, a responsibility to tell the world about Him.  We may realize, but do we care that, “people need the Lord?”

“I Love to Tell the Story” – 659

We talk about all the things we love in life, but before our lesson we’ll sing about ‘loving to tell’ the story of Jesus Christ.  You have certainly sung the song, but will you do what you sing?  Each of these verses are filled with the reason we should not only sing about our Savior, but look forward to telling others about Him too.  You can never tell when that ‘opportunity of a life time’ will come to you.words of life

“Wonderful Words of Life” – 543

Let’s stand and sing this familiar melody from the late 1800′s.  Not a typical invitation song, but the message couldn’t be clearer, “…sinner, list to the loving call,”  “Wonderful words of Life; offer pardon and peace to all…”  How eager are you to ‘Sweetly echo the gospel call…?”  You never know when someone might be ready to listen to those wonderful words of life.

“Will You Not Tell It Today” – 628

As we leave the auditorium Sunday morning we’ll sing the question that has be asked for generations, “If the name of the Savior is precious to you…will you tell it (the good news) today?”  But notice the ending to each of the three verses; “…will you not tell of your gladness today?”, “…will you not, my brother, the story repeat (the story of salvation)?” “…will you not tell them (the lost) the cheer-bringing word?”  If you’re honest with yourself, every day you have the opportunity of a life-time.

Posted on

A Light in the Darkness

walking in darknessWhen the night is dark and the moon is black (a new moon), the absence of light makes it hard to get around.  Objects are only shadows and often hard to distinguish. The simplest of forms are distorted and the ability to make things out is complicated.  It’s a feeling of being blind without the permanence of the disability.  But consider those who are blind; unable to see shades of color not to mention shapes or forms.  Blind and unable to maneuver easily or without assistance.  Light is too often an under appreciated element.  Could you be comfortable if you were always in the dark?

In the last few verses of the 10th chapter of Mark, Jesus and His disciples are leaving Jericho with a large crowd of people.  As they are walking, a man by the name of Bartimaeus was begging and calling out for Jesus.  An important note here, this beggar is blind.  He’s not with the crowd, as a matter of fact, as he calls out for Jesus the crowd is ‘hushing’ him into silence.  But Bartimaeus is so determined to ‘see’ the son of David and calls out even louder.  Remember, he can’t see, he’s blind, and he’s calling for the Savior.

Perhaps it’s not surprising that Jesus calls the man to Him, but what I find to be interesting is what I read next, Mark 10:49, 50…“So they called to the blind man, ‘Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.’  Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.”  He was called and he came; he was blind, but he came.  Many call on the name of Jesus, but few are willing to ‘throw’ this world aside, ‘jump to their feet’ and come to Him.  Blind BartimaeusRemember, he’s blind.  He can’t see…but he goes to the Messiah.  Did some one lead him?  Did he follow the sound of Christ’s voice, or did he just know where Jesus was.  Regardless of how he got there, his focus was getting to Jesus even though he was blind.  And then Jesus asked the obvious question; perhaps because He wanted to hear it from the man himself.  Verse 51 records Jesus saying, “What do you want me to do for you?”  Without hesitation the blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”  Completing this chapter you’ll read that Jesus says to Bartimaeus, “Go, your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.”  (NIV84)  Bartimaeus was ‘in the dark’ so he called to Jesus, and the “Light of the world” opened his eyes.

John records in his 8th chapter of the gospel of John, that Jesus said to the people, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  Bartimaeus was walking in the darkness until he called to Jesus, came to Jesus and then followed Jesus.  But what does that mean to me?  There are no shadows in my life; my eyes are open and I can see just fine…or can I?  When we admit that we’re ‘in the dark’ and we can’t see, then we’ll understand how much we need the light.  Jesus knew that the world would reject Him.  He knew the nations would be comfortable in their blindness and refuse to call out for help. 

Listen to this version of a familiar, contemporary song that tells us how the light of the world came to a dark and dying world, and then hear what the Christian’s response will be:

“Light of the world you stepped down into darkness, Opened my eyes, let me see
Beauty that made this heart adore You Hope of my life spent with You

And here I am to worship, Here I am to bow down, Here I am to say that You’re my God
You’re altogether lovely, altogether worthy, altogether wonderful to me

King of all days Oh, so highly exalted glorious in heaven above.
Humbly You came to the earth You created all for love’s sake became poor

And here I am to worship, Here I am to bow down, Here I am to say that You’re my God
You’re altogether lovely, altogether worthy, altogether wonderful to me

I’ll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross…”

We are called to the Light and we see because Christ was willing to ‘step down’ to us.  He humbled Himself and paid the cost for our salvation.  We might think we can see clearly in this world, but without ‘the Light’ we’re walking around in the shadows.  The darkness of this life is more crippling then many realize, but how many will call to Him, come to Him and ultimately follow Him?

Posted on

The Hypocritic Oath…August 18th

doctor making house callsPhysicians, historically, work under a Hippocratic oath.  It means they promise to ‘practice medicine honestly.’  Part of the oath includes the following: “I will prescribe regimens for the good of my patients…and never do harm to anyone… I will give no deadly medicine to any one…nor suggest any such counsel…I will preserve the purity of my life and my arts…In every house where I come I will enter only for the good of my patients…All that may come to my knowledge in the exercise of my profession, I will keep secret and will never reveal…If I keep this oath faithfully, may I enjoy my life and practice my art, respected by all humanity and in all times; but if I swerve from it or violate it, may the reverse be my life.”

OK, but what is a Hypocritic Oath?  Not hard to recognize a hypocrite (one who pretends to be what he’s not), but how could that be placed in the same title as ‘oath?’  Could we be ‘promising’ something we’re not willing to do?  Join us Sunday morning as Robert Taylor takes us closer to understanding this mystery.

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

Sunday morning, August 18, 2013

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

“Hosanna” -167

Praise to God!  That’s the definition of the word “Hosanna”…Praise to God in the highest.  Gentlemen, lead the congregation as you open the chorus; “Lord, we lift up Your name, with hearts filled with praise; So be exalted, O Lord my God, Hosanna, in the highest!”

“Lord, We Come Before Thee Now” – 797bowing before a king

A song of prayer, a hymn we sing to our God proclaiming our desire to approach His throne.  But what could we mean by ‘…O do not our suit disdain…”; what’s a ‘suit’ and how can it be disdained?  The suit is the plea, the appeal we make before God.  Our request is that He will not reject or turn away our plea.  Notice the words; “Lord, we come before Thee now; at Thy feet we humbly bow.  O do not our suit (plea) disdain (reject), shall we seek Thee, Lord, in vain?”  Find the message in the next line…“Lord, on Thee our souls depend…”.  If we are rejected by God what hope do we have?

“When My Love to Christ Grows Weak” – 350

Do you ever find your ‘love for Christ’ growing weak?  How about your love for mankind?  This song gives you the remedy for those times of ‘weakness’.  We do have a place we can turn…This morning we’ll sing all five verses of this song as we remember the Lord’s Supper. 

“I’m Not Ashamed to Own My Lord” – 609

Often when ‘put on the spot’ we have a tendency to deny what’s truly important, what we hold dear.  A child is questioned about following his parents rules and he might say, “I don’t have to do what they say…”  So it is with many in their relationship with God.  I don’t have to do EVERYTHING the Bible says.  When you are questioned about your faith do you deny Him?  Are you ashamed of Him?  Let’s live so we ‘maintain the honor of His word…” 

“The Greatest Commands” – 448

A great contemporary song that provides each of the four basic parts an opportunity to sing their individual lines, yet all in harmony.  Notice each of these verses come from the scripture; I John 4:7, 8, I Corinthians 13:7 and Christ’s words in Luke as He says, “Love the Lord, thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, all thy strength all thy mind…”; a beautiful soprano line.  But do you know which part (bass, tenor or alto) sings I Corinthians 13:7?

“All to Jesus I Surrender” – 662

What does it mean ‘surrender all?’  When a wrestler throws in the towel, is he giving up for just a few minutes or is he giving up the whole match?  When we give our lives over to God, we must leave the world behind…entirely!  Unfortunately, many are willing to just give up enough to feel comfortable with their Christianity.  Maybe what we should be asking is, ‘what part of ALL do you not understand?’

“Let the Lower Lights Be Burning” – 642lower lights 2

The lower lights…how important are the lower lights when the tall, majestic light house is perched on the hill?  Maybe you should ask a sailor who is tossed by the stormy waves on the dark sea.  A faithful row of lights illuminating the darkness can mean life and death to some who are close to the reef.  My job is to keep my lamps trimmed (burning), regardless of how ‘feeble’ I may think my lamps to be.

“Ring Out the Message” – 622

One of the most stirring, spiritual songs is found in this call to evangelize.  Again, the male voices lead the chorus as we sing “Ring out the news that makes men free…to all the lost of every nation, ring the message out!”

Posted on

Jesus’ Plan For Drawing Us to God…June 9th

bronze serpentThe scripture reading on Sunday morning at Waterview will be coming from John chapter 3, verses 9-15.  Notice the words of Jesus as He says, “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up…”  The text of this reading is the basis for our lesson.

In Numbers 21 we read of the rebellion among the people against God.  He sends ‘fiery serpents’ that plague the people, and many died because of their rebellion.  The Lord’s instruction however was clear, “Make a fiery (bronze) serpent, and set it on a standard; and it shall come about that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, he will live.”  The Jews were told if they wanted healing, they simply needed to come to ‘the standard’ that was raised in the wilderness.  The songs this morning are designed to focus us on the saving power of Christ and His plan to draw us toward God.

 

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

Sunday morning, June 9, 2013

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

“To God Be the Glory” – 4

One of several great songs of praise, this hymn was written by Fanny J. Crosby in 1875.  It always amazes me when I read the words of this woman who was blind from birth.  In this hymn she writes, ‘…let the earth hear His voice…’ and obvious statement coming from someone whose sense of hearing was likely well developed.  But I’m more intrigued by her words in the last verse.  Never having seen the light of day, Fanny Crosby writes, “…But purer and higher, and greater will be our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we SEE.”   Praise the Lord!

“My Only Hope is You” – no book

The beauty of this song comes as it builds upon each verse.  Some may consider this a ‘7-11 song’ (7 words sung 11 times), yet the repetition and development of the thought should take precedence.  From early in the morning, until late at night, Jesus is my only HOPE, PEACE, and JOY.  The fourth verse sums it up best… “All that I need is You, Jesus, all that I need is You…”  Listen to the song below, but Sunday we’ll sing it without the soloist.

“More Precious Than Silver” – 273

A simple hymn that implores us to consider how we view (yes, spend) our wealth.  To what, in this life, do you  dedicate your prosperity?  Another song that’s easy to sing…but perhaps not so easy to fulfill.  Really, what is it that you desire?

“I Come to the Garden Alone” – 595

Written from the perspective of Mary as she comes to the garden after Christ burial, you can see her emotional pull to be with Jesus, the soothing comfort of His voice and the longing to stay with Him.  C. Austin Miles captures the feeling Mary may have felt as we read John chapter 20.  Perhaps with that understand we can sing this song differently; “…and He walks with me and He talks with me and He tells me I am His own, and the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has every know.”  From Mary’s eyes, truer than we may have previously thought.

“We Saw Thee Not” – 342

An older hymn (again this is sung to our God) that brings the saints to a clearer understanding of Jesus life here on earth.  None of us ever saw Christ or His ‘cottage home.’  We didn’t stand on Golgotha’s hill and see the soldiers ‘lift Him up’ on the cross, and none of us stooped down to look into the empty tomb.  But together we’ll sing, “But we believe the deed was done, that shook the earth and veiled the sun.” 

“Lift Him Up” – 631

How do we reach the masses?  What can we do to show Jesus to a lost and dying world?  Jesus told us that He would be lifted up so all men could come to Him. “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.” John 12:32  How do we reach men with Christ?  Perhaps we start by lifting Him up in our own lives.

“I Am Thine, O Lord” – 666looking up

Our song before the lesson implores us to draw nearer to God.  Do we really long to rise in our faith, and truly seek to be closer drawn to Jesus?  In the second verse we’ll sing that our souls look up with a steadfast faith, and our will be lost in Jesus.  He was lifted up to draw us to Him…now will you look up to Him as you draw nearer in faith?

“Come to Jesus” – no book

In the chorus of this invitation song we’ll sing,“Come to Jesus!”   Repeated more than 6 times, this old spiritual song implores the lost to seek His salvation.  And like the Jews who were rebellious and bitten by the fiery serpents, we need to look up to the cross.  But notice the admonition, “…Oh delay not till the morrow, lest thy coming be too late.”

“The Greatest Command” – 448

Though we sing with simplicity we sing with the scripture… “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.  The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” I John 4:7, 8 It’s easy to love the loveable, but what about those who persecute you and refuse to love you back?  We can better understand how to love when we draw near to the One who was lifted up.

Posted on

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!