Weaving a Web…March 24th

This Sunday morning, March 24th, we will have a special guest speaker at Waterview church of Christ. David Friesen is one of our missionary’s, and he works with the congregation of God’s people in Camrose, Alberta, Canada.

How many people would you say it takes to strengthen the work in the mission field? Will we ever understand the influence and impact our collective efforts have on evangelism? David will share with us some of the work God is doing in Canada. Join us as he shows us the web of people who are woven together, helping spread the word of God.

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

Sunday morning, March 24, 2013

You’ll notice the following songs come from the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.

“I Stand in Awe” – 96

We’ll open our worship this morning with what many consider a ‘contemporary’ hymn of praise to God. This beautiful song was written over 25 years ago and calls for us to recognize our God’s position as “too marvelous for words.” Standing as we sing let us lift our voices in awe to our God! “Holy God to whom all praise is due…”

“Doxology” – 66

A beautiful, traditional hymn (a song sung to HIM) that was penned in the early 1700’s. But the music (Genevan Psalter) is even more antiquated as it dates back to the mid-1550’s…over 450 years ago. Yet the value of this song is found in its simple, everlasting words; … “Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.”

“Hallelujah! What a Savior” – 337

“Man of Sorrows”, what a name to place on our Savior, and yet we find it in the scriptures (Isaiah 53:3); “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering…” As we turn our minds toward the Lord’s Supper this morning, don’t miss the message that rings throughout each verse. 1) He has come to reclaim ‘ruined sinners’…2) He took my place and ‘sealed my pardon’…3) We are guilty and vile (filthy), yet He was spotless…4) He was lifted up on a cross, but now He’s exalted on high…5) He’s coming back to take ‘His ransomed home’…No wonder we conclude this song with the title. Hallelujah! What a Savior.

“I Am a Stranger Here” – 658

Most likely new to many though this song dates back to the early 1900’s. But old or new, do we consider ourselves strangers in this land? If we truly are God’s people, we are foreigners who serve as ambassadors for our King. Our charge, to take His message throughout the land. And as each verse in this spiritual song reaches it’s conclusion we sing; “…I’m here on business for my King.”

“Send the Light” – 650

This maritime hymn will serve as our song before the lesson. It clearly reflects a Biblical reference of taking the message (the light) to those in need as it draws us to Acts, chapter 16, “During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’.” In verse 2 we sing, “We have heard the Macedonian call today: Send the light! Send the light! And a golden offering at the cross we lay: Send the light! Send the light!” But have you thought why the song writer would mention an offering in the second part of this verse? Perhaps it comes from Romans 15 when the scripture says, “…for Macedonia & Achaia were pleased to make a contribution to the poor…” A country calling for helping, then giving back to God’s people.

“Hark! The Gentle Voice” – 907

Hark, by definition is to say listen attentively. We might say, “Quiet everyone, listen!” In that contexts we sing, “Quiet, listen to the gentle voice of Jesus calling…” Notice the end of the first and second verses; “…turn and listen, stay and hear.” and “…He (the Master holy) will teach if you will learn.” This song of invitation is calling for us to answer the call of Christ and accept His rest.

“You Are My All in All” – 484

We would consider it foolish to give up on a vast treasure if it was right within our grasp. Jesus is that treasure and yet we live in a world that foolishly walks away from Him. How often do we take this precious treasure for granted…without thinking twice we tend to give up. You and I know what Jesus means, He is our strength and our treasure…He is our All in All.

1, March 1, 20131, February 28, 2013

GIGO…March 3rd

My prayer for those who are reading this to be drawn closer to understanding the purpose we share on Sunday morning. We come together and worship God, we come to offer a sacrifice of praise and to join together as we commemorate our Lord’s death, burial and resurrection. This coming Sunday morning (March 3rd) we’ll examine our hearts and see if what comes out of our heart is reflective of what is going into our mind. We’ll sing on Sunday morning, but will your words reflect your heart…or will you be singing from a routine practiced over the years?

Sunday morning, March 3, 2013

Our sermon topic on Sunday is entitled, “GIGO”, what does that mean? Join us Sunday morning or check out the lesson on Waterview’s website [LINK] Sunday afternoon. Those who are familiar with this website know the following is an account of our order of worship. All song numbers are from the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.

“Holy Ground Medley” – 99, 100 & 101

The editors of our hymnal (Faith & Praise) chose to place the songs In His Presence, Holy Ground (by Beatty) and Holy Ground (by Davis) as a predesigned medley. Many have sung this collection of songs and the message is a powerful reminder of the holiness of God. We begin by focusing on the environment we find when ‘in the presence of God’…comfort, peace and assurance. The medley continues as we recognize being in His presence. Remember Moses (Exodus 3) as he was standing ‘on holy ground.’ Ken Young added the second verse of Beatty’s song when he wrote; “You are holy, God, a perfect and holy God. We will come before You with hearts made clean by Jesus’ blood.” We come to worship our Father, and together we are standing on Holy Ground.

“Why Did My Savior Come to Earth” – 382

The question is asked with this spiritual song, why? Why did Jesus come to earth and choose the birth of a lowly peasant born in a stable? And why would our Savior choose to die such a cruel, painful death and be lifted up for all to see…and scorn? The answer is repeated three times in the chorus (7 times if you count the echo in the refrain) “He loves me so much that He gave His precious life for me…” Now transition to the next song.

“How Deep the Father’s Love” – no book

A contemporary song that isn’t asking the question “How deep is the Father’s love,” but one that is sung to confirm what we already realize. God’s love for us is so deep, and vast we can’t measure it. How great the pain must have been for both the Father and the Son. But the objective was clear, to ‘bring many sons to glory.’ We continue this song as we ‘behold the man upon the cross’ and clearly recognize our sins. Think in your mind back to the mocking voices (Luke 23:35-38) as they stood at the foot of the cross? In poetry we sing, “…ashamed I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers.”

Following the Lord’s Supper we’ll revisit the third verse from these two songs. We asked earlier, “Why did my Savior come to earth…” and then again “…Why should I gain from His reward?” Do you remember the next line, “I cannot give an answer, but this I know with all my heart, His wounds have paid my ransom.” Before we conclude this medley, let’s us sing…“Till Jesus comes I sing His praise, and then to glory go…”

“Wonderful Words of Life” – 543

Prior to today’s lesson we’ll stand and sing this familiar melody from the late 1800’s. Philip Bliss authored many songs (10 in the Faith and Praise hymnal), but this particular one captivates me as we sing verse 2, “Christ the blessed one gives to all, wonderful words of life. Sinner, list (listen) to the loving call, wonderful words of life. All so freely given (these wonderful words), wooing us to heaven…” What does it mean to woo something (someone)? One definition; “To entreat, solicit, request…” Notice; the ‘words of life’ are given as an attempt (if you will) to entreat us/call us to heaven. Wonderful Words!

“Is Thy Heart Right with God” – no book

How is your heart? Not physically speaking, but spiritually speaking? Is it right with God? Too often I fear we self-diagnose our life in Christ and come away with faulty information. If my affections (things I hold as most important) are not given up (sacrificed), or if I can’t ‘count all things…but loss’ (for Jesus), then will I ever be right with God? Ask yourself this question and then make a change. Perhaps you need to be washed in the crimson flood…

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

“From the dawn of the morning to close of day…” What do people see in you? How is your example, in both your actions and your words? This song reminds me that I must lay all my gifts at His feet and think carefully about how I act toward others. Can the beauty of Jesus be seen in me?

Join us each and every Sunday morning!

1, February 1, 20131, February 26, 2013

Basic Training for Parents…Feb. 3rd

Sunday, February 3rd at Waterview church of Christ, our sermon title is:

“Basic Training…For Parents”. The following ‘order of worship’ is designed to provide you a glimpse of our song selection (either early or after the fact). We have a great responsibility to train up our children, and mom and dad need to be prepared for that task. As always, let me encourage you to think about the songs you sing in praise to God. Remember I Corinthians…”I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.”

Sunday morning, February 3, 2013

You’ll notice the following songs come from the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.

“Let God Arise” and “Faith is the Victory” – 471 & 469

This medley, two spiritual songs, is intended to accomplish two basic objectives. First, we sing to motivate the Christian using the words of David in Psalm 68 (‘Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered’). But also to admonish the congregation to join in the spiritual battle against forces of darkness. Note verse 3 (missing from many of our hymnals)… “On every hand the foe we find drawn up in dread array. Let tents of ease be left behind and onward to the fray. Salvation’s helmet on each head with truth all girt about, the earth shall tremble neath our tread, and echo with our shout…”

“There is a Redeemer” – 287

How often do you say, “Thank You, Father, for giving us Your Son.”? The verses are sung in duet, sopranos and tenors, but the whole of the congregation should join in the chorus. We do have a Redeemer, and the cost for our salvation was high. Are you thankful?

“Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross” – 383

We’ll sing this song before the Lord’s Supper, holding the 3rd verse to be sung between the Bread and the Fruit of the Vine. Notice that 3rd verse; “Near the cross! O Lamb of God, bring it’s scene’s before me; help me walk from day to day with it’s (the cross) shadow over me…” We focus our hearts and minds as we remember our Savior’s sacrifice.

“How Shall the Young Secure Their Hearts” – 432

One of my favorites, and a spiritual song that really talks toward our families. Parents, as we consider ‘training’ our children for a life with God we have to follow the teaching from God’s word. The best (only) option for imparting wisdom and cleaning our hearts and minds. (Verse 1; “…Thy word, the choicest rules impart…”; defined, the word of God is the best set of directions we can pass on to our heirs.)

“Trust and Obey” – 915

How do we find true happiness in this life? What could I do to obtain peace and joy in a world of pain and sorrow? Reading God’s word (and singing this old spiritual song) you’ll come to see that we need to trust and obey. But there’s so much more to that simple statement. How will you trust in God? How do I intend to obey Him? A Christian life is more than just trusting in God, you must be willing to Obey His word!

“Our God, He is Alive” – 23

God is alive and well! This spiritual song sings to the splendor of His creation and the majesty of His name. Notice the 3rd (often ignored) verse from this song… “Secured is life from mortal mind, God holds the germ within His hand…” What’s the germ? By definition germ can simply be “something that may serve as the basis of further growth or development”. Or it could simply be “something microscopic”. Either way, God is in control. Our God holds the growth of life. And though men try to find it and understand God, He alone knows.
“…for God alone does understand.”

Parents…we have a great responsibility to teach our children to know God’s word. To strive and fulfill His will for our individual lives, and to always trust and obey Him.

1, January 26, 20131, January 26, 2013

I Don’t Want to Experience That Again…Jan. 27th

The sermon title on Sunday morning (Jan. 27th) at Waterview church of Christ is entitled…“I Don’t Want to Experience That Again”. Any thoughts on what Robert might have in mind? Take a minute and look through the songs selection and maybe you can pull together the theme. As the scripture says, “I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.”

Sunday morning, January 27, 2013

Robert Oglesby has been the pulpit preacher at Waterview church of Christ since February, 1963. You’re reading it correctly, Waterview is on the threshold of celebrating 50 years with him as our preacher. May this congregation of God’s people continue to be strong in the Kingdom of God. The following is a listing of our order of worship, and all song numbers are from the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.

“Awesome God” – 38

Our opening song on Sunday morning could be classified as a contemporary song (properly referred to as a ‘hymn’). Do we truly realize the fact our God is awesome? Not like your favorite movie or some famous person…only God should hold the title “Awesome”.

“We Praise Thee, O God” – 2

What reasons can you list as to why YOU praise God? This old hymn, written during the time of our countries Civil War, provides 4 strong examples of why we should be praising God. Look at the verses (all five)…is it really 4 reasons we praise God, or actually is there just one?

“In Christ Alone” – no book

Another contemporary song that has captured the hearts (and voices) of young and old alike. As the song is sung, a story is woven that draws the Christian heart closer to God. Where do you find your strength…your hope. We sing with a sincere heart, “In Christ Alone”. But don’t forget each verse and the power you’ll find as you sing the reassurance, “…til He returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.”

“In Memory of the Savior’s Love” – to the tune of “Majestic Sweetness”

Two songs with the same meter…8.6.8.6 (also referred to as Common Meter or CM). Read the words on page 335, but add the music from page 530. This is a great way to refresh the message of the song by adding the notes from another. Keep things fresh and avoid stagnation of the mind. Singing by rote is a good way to learn, but a poor way to worship (in my opinion).

“Freely, Freely” – 635

What do you think it means to ‘freely give?’ As Christians we have been give so much…more than we could ever repay. So with the gifts we so richly enjoy, do we think about how freely we are at giving back. With this song being sung before we pass of the collection plate one would certainly assume we’re talking in monetary terms. But what about your life? Do you give not only money, but your actions, and your thoughts, and your words to God?

“My Only Hope is You” – no book

Another contemporary song (hymn) speaking toward the only One who can give us hope in this dark world. Sin and despair are all around, and to many this life seems to be a hopeless journey. But God’s people know that from early in the morning and until late at night we have hope…in Jesus!

“A New Creature” – 619

Penned by T.O. Chisholm and musically supported by L.O. Sanderson (members of the Lord’s church) this song clearly explains the new life we can have in Christ. “Buried with Christ (baptism)…I am dead to the world.” So examine your life and see if indeed “…Christ lives in me.”

“God Is Calling the Prodigal” -no book

An old invitation song that we no longer find in the hymnal “Song of Faith & Praise”. But just because an editor doesn’t include a song that is Biblical and scriptural doesn’t mean we toss it out of our repertoire. We all have wandered away (some intentionally others haphazardly), and all the while God is calling us to return; “…weary prodigal come!”

“The Way of the Cross Leads Home” -616

As we close our worship service on Sunday morning we’ll sing to remind each other and encourage those who are lost to ‘bid farewell’ to the world and seek your home with God. The way home is easy; follow the cross.

So what’s uncomfortable about all this? What would you not want to ‘experience again?’ See you Sunday morning!

1, November 2, 20121, October 15, 2012

Using Your God-Given Talents…Part 3

As we conclude this three part series let’s discuss the use of our talents. Being involved is more than just doing a little here or there. It’s a life style of giving God my ALL. Jesus gave His life for me, should I give Him anything less than my life?

Christ tells the parable of the three men who were each given talents “according to his ability.” As we read Matthew 25 we see that two of the men labored in such a way as to double their talents, and in the end they were praised for their work. This serves as a clear example of what we should be doing with what God has entrusted to us. The third man, however, buried his head in the sand and did nothing with the talent his lord had given him. Consider the consequences for this action: “You wicked, lazy slave…Throw out the worthless slave into the outer darkness…” (Matthew 25:26, 30) Folks, we all have talents! God has blessed you with talents that He might not have blessed me with. Perhaps I have talents that you don’t have…how will we use what God has given us?

Recently, one of our senior members here at Waterview encouraged some of her friends to come together each week and take a hot meal to one of our elderly shut-ins. An elderly, aging senior is blessed by the compassion of her friends, and these friends in their golden years are still serving. It would be easy to sit back and say, “Somebody should do that,” but these senior sisters are serving the Lord’s church! Another member here serves the younger people with letters of encouragement, hugs of sincerity and has an attendance record that models faithfulness. Others within our Prime Timer’s Ministry meet monthly to encourage each other and reach out to those in declining health. Perhaps Mr. Spencer was right when he wrote, “There is much to do, there’s work on every hand. Hark! The cry for help comes ringing through the land; Jesus calls for reapers, I must active be. What wilt Thou (what do you want me to do), O Master? Here am I, send me.”

So what does your schedule look like today? What will you be doing when it comes to the kingdom? Christians young and old will be faced with new opportunities today. We must ask ourselves if we are willing to work and labor for our Lord only while it’s convenient, or if we’ll work till Jesus comes. Many of our older brothers and sisters are weary and have spent their lives working in the service of the King. THANK YOU for your example, but let me encourage you to keep on serving and remember your goal.

“O land of rest, for thee I sigh! When will the moment come, when I shall lay my armor by and dwell in peace at home? We’ll work till Jesus comes…and we’ll be gathered home.”

My life is much more than just getting up and going to work. The student studies hard to ‘make the grade’, but how much time do we give in preparing ourselves for the FINAL? Sitting back and expecting others to do the work God calls us to do is a dangerous option at best.
Would that each of us use our God-Given Talents…

1, October 26, 20121, October 15, 2012

Using Your God-Given Talents…Part 2

As we remember Isaiah’s vision before the throne of God, let’s continue our direction of ‘working in the kingdom’ and being involved in the church. Like Isaiah, we too can (should) answer, “Here am I, send me!”

There is an old hymn that was written and composed by M. W. Spencer. The words sound remarkably familiar to the words from Isaiah. The first verse makes a clear statement that, “There is much to do, there’s work on every hand…” As the song continues we see the call for each of us to be evangelistic, to reach out and carry the Bread of Life to “hungering souls.” But the chorus rings out the words from Isaiah as we sing, “Here am I, Lord, send me…ready at Thy bidding, Lord send me.” Christians, you know that we are called to be servants (I Timothy 4:6, “…you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus…”). We are called to work, to serve and give of our talents and time. But is there a statute of limitations? Can I call it quits after X number of years? Many will say, “I’ve done my share of the lifting, it’s time for someone else to carry the load.” And yes, we all need to be working, but nowhere in the scripture do we read of taking a sabbatical from our Christian walk. One of our more contemporary songs, “In Christ Alone,” ends with the line, “…till He returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.” We have an obligation; a job to do that never comes to an end. Young people, parents, grandparents…children of God: let’s be ready to work and work with our whole heart.

A story is told about working and who was doing the work. I’m sure you’ve read it before, but reading it again might be appropriate here: “There is a story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry, because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized Everybody wouldn’t do it. So Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.”
Anonymous (wouldn’t you know!)

It is a fact that in most organizations 20% of the members do most of the work and carry the load of the remaining 80%. Unfortunately our churches sometimes fall into this dilemma. Imagine what would happen if these figures were reversed and the majority of members came to find the excitement of who we are and Whom we are called to serve. From the young Christian to the senior saint, each of us has been called for “the work of service…” (Ephesians 4:11-13).

So how do I get involved in the work of the Lord’s church? I’m a babe in Christ; what is there for me to do? Or…I’m an older Christian; can’t I step back and let someone else take up the slack? It’s my belief that if you’ve stayed with me this far, you have the qualities it takes to be active in Lord’s church. Most likely you are part of the 20%, so please…don’t quit! My encouragement to you is simple: if you’ll answer these two questions you’ll know what and where to be involved. First, what do you enjoy doing? What do you find interesting and engaging? Then secondly, what are your talents? What are you (humbly) good at doing? When you answer these two basic questions you’ll begin to know where you might be of service in the church.

Next time we’ll look at Christ’s thought’s when it comes working or putting things off. There is work to be done and it will be done by someone…will it be you?

1, October 19, 20121, January 29, 2013

Using Your God-Given Talents…Part 1

What does your schedule look like today? Are you busy with your work or will you just be taking it easy? Each day we have the responsibility and opportunity to face new challenges. What work will you be doing?

In 1982 I worked in the local hardware store. My tasks were pretty basic as they included restocking shelves, loading lumber for a ‘do it yourself’ customer, or ringing up the sale on 2 lbs of 16 penny nails. Life was predictable in the hardware business, and this summer job was no exception. One memory from this summer was when I was told my job for the day was to drive the old company truck to Amarillo to pick up a shipment for a costumer. As a 17 year old driving from Dumas to Amarillo (100 miles round trip) in an old Ford pick-up, it not only rattled my nerves, but also add to the stress a load of glass windows. The event in and of itself was a great learning opportunity and for the most part was (thankfully) uneventful. But aside from this one unforgettable task, much of my work at the hardware store/lumber yard was basically day by day and task by task.

Throughout life we move from one job to another, fulfilling the responsibilities that we face within that task. Some of us are energetic in our work, never content to wait for the next assignment, but constantly staying busy. With earnest ambition we do our work swiftly and then move on to the next chore. Workers like this never let the “grass grow under their feet.” Any void in their day is quickly filled with some sort of labor. We affectionately refer to this folks as “the movers and shakers” in our world, ever ready to keep on working.

On the other hand, there are some who, when faced with a task, do the work and get the job done in a satisfactory manner. The work completed may even be above reproach and admirably done. But the difference comes in the next step. Rather than searching out new opportunities, they tend to sit back with folded hands and say, “I’m done!” Or worse yet, they get the work done par-satisfactory and then slink away hoping not to be found when the next need arises. (By the way, workers like that usually find a pink slip at the close of the week…or at least they should.)

Workers in the Lord’s church might very well be classified as one of the two workers listed above. Some are go getters who see the job, roll up their sleeves and “Get ‘er done.” Others, however, will do the work when asked, but ‘What…you want me to do something else?’ We know there is work to do, and many of us will be the first to step up to get that work done. But the fact of the matter remains, with the work that needs to be done, who will do it? Unfortunately it’s usually left up to the 20%. Be careful that you don’t fall into the 80% who are work-less (no, I didn’t say worthless). Notice this passage from the book of Isaiah.

In Isaiah 6, we read the words of Isaiah as he recalls a vision from the throne room of God; “…I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple.” The song Isaiah hears echoes in our hearts, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of hosts…” But notice Isaiah’s response when he hears a call to action in verse 8; “Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” The Lord is calling for a worker and some undoubted would look around and say, ‘Are you talking to me?’ But Isaiah, having just received forgiveness by a burning coal placed on his lips (vs. 6, 7), speaks up and utters the words of a faithful servant: “Here am I. Send me!”

Come back and let’s continue this discussion again…

1, August 31, 20121, August 31, 2012

The Day After VBS…

Do you remember your days in Vacation Bible School?

In my youth, and for years, our congregation hosted a full week (Monday-Friday) of VBS beginning at 9:00 in the morning and wrapping up around noon. (Just after breakfast and before lunch…smart!) One of my favorite memories from VBS, a highlight, was the opening and closing service, when everyone came together to sing.

Perhaps you’ll remember, “Roll the Gospel Chariot”, “Deep and Wide”, or an all time favorite, “This Little Light of Mine”. Could you ever forget “Jesus Loves the Little Children”. Personally one of my favorites was “Booster, Booster” (more on that in a minute). What about this one; do you remember…

“Stand up and shout it if you love my Jesus!
Stand up and shout it if you love my Lord!
I want to know, Oh I want to know…Do you love my Lord?”

There’s more to the song and verses are included, but the general idea is for the singer, even the listener, to proclaim their love for Jesus Christ as Lord. This is certainly an exciting song and one that many song leaders encouraged us to STAND UP while we sang.

But you know we can’t stay in ‘VBS mode’ our entire lives. There’s a reason we call it Vacation Bible School; it’s held during the summer months while we’re on ‘vacation’. This wonderful time of our life will eventually come to an end, we’ll grow up and go to work. We love the ‘mountaintop’ experiences, but we have to come down off the mountain and get back to the grind. Jesus modeled that behavior to us over and over. Remember Luke 9:28 and 37, “…He took Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. … On the next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met Him.” In like manner, when our ‘vacation’ is over, we ‘grow up’ and go to work.

So we stand up and shout that we love Jesus, and yes, in our lives and in our hearts we should be telling the world (showing the world) that we love Jesus. But as we grow and mature into men, we need to do more than just stand up and shout it. Notice what Paul, through inspirations, tells the church in Corinth, “When I was a child, I talked like a child; I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.” I Corinthians 13:11

Perhaps William Merrill had the right idea when he encouraged the singer, the ‘men of God’, to rise up! In 1911 Mr. Merrill penned the words to a song that has been sung by godly men across the globe; a message that calls for men of God to do more than just stand up and shout. It’s a message to rise up and serve, to rise up and give your heart, soul and strength. It’s a message to rise up and serve the King of kings. We sing that men of God are to bring in the day of brotherhood and end what is wrong. As we sing this song we are reminded that the church Christ built is waiting for us to ‘come down off the mountain’ and go to work. As we sing we remember that we are called to follow Christ walking in His footsteps. Notice these verses…

Rise Up, O men of God! Have done with lesser things;
Give heart and mind and soul and strength to serve the King of kings.

Rise Up, O men of God! His kingdom tarries long;
Bring in the day of brotherhood and end the night of wrong.

Rise Up, O men of God! The church for you doth wait,
Her strength unequaled to her task. Rise up and make her great!

Lift up the cross of Christ! Tread where His feet have trod;
As brothers of the Son of Man, Rise up, O men of God!

In the days of my youth, during the closing session of VBS, we would sing, “Booster, Booster be a Booster! Don’t be grouchy like a rooster (growing up on a farm, take it from me, roosters can be grouchy). Booster, Booster be a Booster and Boost our Bible School!” We left excited and ready for the next day.

Gentlemen, dads, husbands; VBS is over and today is that NEXT DAY. It’s time we do more than just stand up and shout it; let’s rise up and be…Men of God!

1, August 10, 20121, August 16, 2012

What Do You See?

Fanny J. Crosby wrote more than eight thousand songs during her life time.

Born in 1820 and raised in southeastern New York state, she was never afforded the privilege of seeing the sunrise or watching a bird fly through the air. Before she had even seen 6 months of life, she was blinded by a ‘medical procedure gone wrong.’ And yet as we read any one of her many hymns, you’ll find that she was constantly referring to seeing and viewing all things godly. Notice just a few of the thousands of hymns…

“Lo! A spring of joy I see…” (All the Way My Savior Leads Me)

“We shall see the King of glory…” (Keep on Watching)

“Where our eyes shall see the beauty…” (At the Breaking of the Day)

“Visions of rapture now burst on my sight…” (Blessed Assurance)

“Let me now Thy glory see…” (Hear My Call)

“Ope thine eyes, behold and see…” (Church of Christ, O Sleep No More)

For someone who never saw the colors of life, she looked beyond this world and viewed things with her heart. What has happened to those of us with strong eyesight? The blessing of opening our eyes and viewing the sunrise; the pleasure we find in reading the printed word. We are blessed with something those who are blind live without. And yet some of us, with 20/20 vision, deliberately close our eyes to the promise of God. It’s almost as if we are wondering in the wilderness. Each of us have suffered from the bite of the serpent, and yet we dig in and refuse to ‘look upon’ the one who can heal and forgive. It’s not a new scenario, and you’d think we’d learn from history. Remember God’s words to Moses in Numbers 21:8, “…and it shall come about, that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, he will live.”

When I consider all the thousands of songs that our feature poet penned in her day, there is one particular Fanny J. Crosby song I want you to read, perhaps for the first time. It became known to me in the last seven or eight years and I was drawn to it by the title she had given it. Ms Crosby’s religious affiliations were varied throughout her life time. She worshiped with the Plymouth Church of the Pilgrims, the Fourth Avenue Presbyterian Church, the Trinity Episcopal church and even the Dutch Reform church. But with this smorgasbord of theology, she penned a most interesting hymn in 1905. Not only do the words reach and touch me, the message is so timely for us today. Follow along with the message and thought behind this 100 year old hymn.

Church of Christ, O Sleep No More

Church of Christ, thy Lord is calling;
Ope thine eyes, behold and see,
Precious souls, in chains of bondage,
Pleading now for aid from thee.
Up and work for those that perish,
Haste, the time will soon be o’er;
Fold thy arms of love around them,
Church of Christ, O sleep no more.

Lo, again thy Lord is calling;
Preach the Word, its truth proclaim;
Lift thy voice and, like a trumpet,
Sound aloud Jehovah’s Name.
Boding clouds are in the distance,
Billows foam, and surges roar,
Dark and wild the night is coming,
Church of Christ, O sleep no more.

Still again thy Lord is calling;
Take the lamp that once He gave;
Let its beams of peerless glory
Shine afar the lost to save.
Do His will and do it quickly,
For the time will soon be o’er;
He may come when least expected,
Church of Christ, O sleep no more.

Are we guilt of falling asleep on the job? This life is long and weary, and often times our pathway is a hard road and quite honestly…we’re tired. But this is no time to sleep! Church of Christ, we are called to bring the lost to Christ. We have an obligation to do more than just see those who in need; we must be ready to ‘fold our arms of love around them.’ Too often, I’m afraid, we revert back and say, ‘I’m just too busy’, or ‘My schedule is already so full.’ If you hold to that philosophy, I’m sorry to say, but you’re blind! Shine your light in a dark and dying world. Look up and see those who are in need. There are ‘boding clouds’ in the distance, and believe me, the ‘surges roar.’ But it ultimately comes down to you and how you view your life with Christ…”When you look around, what do YOU see?”

1, July 26, 20121, July 23, 2012

Doing Chores…Part Two

What kind of chores do you have? You know that we all have work to do, and in an earlier article we discussed a two-fold idea of ‘doing chores’.

The idea of working on the farm (doing chores) and how we, through God’s Word, are referred to as sheep. Understand this clearly, we are sheep, and at the same time we have an obligation to tend sheep. How can we be expected to do both? Can we be sheep and at the same time be ‘shepherd’ sheep?

Perhaps the following song, written in the 1960s by Robert Arnold and Clyde Williams, gives the details of our task, our chore, when it comes to working with sheep. Though not often sung in our congregations today, this song speaks to us about doing our chores. The basis for this song is found in John 21:15-17; “So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?’ He said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord: You know that I love You.’ He said to him, ‘Tend My lambs.’ He said to him again a second time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love Me?’ He said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.’ He said to him, ‘Shepherd My sheep.’ He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love Me?’ Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, ‘Do you love Me?’ And he said to Him, ‘Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Tend My sheep.’ ” Referencing Christ’s discussion with Peter by the Sea of Galilee, you’ll notice this song of encouragement is really Christ telling Peter (and us) to bring those who are lost back to Him. If we love Him, we will be doing our chores and tending His sheep. Perhaps we need to examine ourselves and see who we really love.

“In the good Book we’re told how to the saints of old, Jesus said, ‘Go feed My sheep;’
As He commanded then, we’ll be commanded when Jesus says children feed My sheep.

Chorus:
Lovest thou Me, My child, more than these? (repeat)
These are the words Peter of old, by our Lord then was told,
And today, Jesus says, these are My sheep.
Lovest thou Me, My child, more than these? (repeat)
As of old, so today, Hear the Lord, He will say,
Lovest thou Me, more than these?
Feed My sheep!

“Jesus commanded those, who would obey His call, ‘Go the lost and bring them in.’
Bring ye the wanderers home, wherever they may roam, Help them eternal life to win.

There are chores to be done no doubt. And like those years of my youth on a small, rural farm in the 70’s, you too have a chore. But unlike those early years, you have a choice. You don’t have to do your chores. You can skip out on ‘tending the sheep’ and just play around in the garden. If that’s the road you take you need to remember this; one day you’ll be ask how you did with your chores? Did you love your Father and obey His directive? Did you (do you) really love Him? We can answer like Peter did, “Yes, Lord! I love You…” But the results of your labor will be the real answer to the question, “Lovest Thou Me?” When we love our God, we’ll be doing our chores!