Category: Change

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Bondage…Part 2

Have you ever pondered why we stay? Stay where things are simply ‘satisfactory’. Stay in our failure, pride, arrogance, fear and unrest.

Does it bring us comfort?

Does it bring peace?

Does it bring satisfaction?

In the following 3 verses of the hymn ‘Out of My Bondage’, George Stebbins, in each verse, makes 3 statements of recognition and 3 affirmations of what he knows would happen if those recognition’s were overcome. Throughout the song, he transforms in his understanding that bondage to worldly things, only causes stumbling and strife.

It is something that the devil is wonderful at using against us. He uses the contentment we find in ‘satisfactory’. He uses our failures, pride, arrogance and fear to keep us EXACTLY where we are and THAT is what does it. That is what holds us hostage, or, in bondage. WE are the ones keeping ourselves enamored with temporary pleasures that will never satisfy nor soothe the enduring emptiness that we feel when the initial satisfaction wares off. How do we alleviate our desire for a satisfaction that we cannot seem to fill? It’s a simple answer, and one not many will choose to pursue. GOD.  In the beginning, Gen. 1:1, He was there. He’s seen it all and He’s given us a way to Him (John 3:16) and the ETERNAL satisfaction we desire and that is through His son. Through Him, we find protection and peace (2 Tim. 2:10; Phil. 4:7).

What holds you in bondage? Let go of it and run to the one who listens, gives protection, provides peace and can alleviate pain and sorrow. Lean on Him and He will bring you an everlasting joy that will fill your heart. Be brave enough to reach out of the comforts of your sin, whatever it may be, and find the eternal comforts of Christ as He stands waiting to welcome you Out of Your Bondage.

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So Glad…This World is NOT My Home!

Let me just say that buying and selling a house is a headache! What one headacheperson (the seller) values, another person (the buyer) seems not to…at least not yet. Either way, both want to ‘make a deal.’ Thus, the headache! Maybe it’s because of the inspector? He takes a snap shot in time (no pun intended) at the house searching every nook and cranny to see if there is any fault. And if he’s worth his salt, he’ll find a fault. Seriously, who doesn’t want to know what needs to be fixed? Truth be known, he is actually doing us both a favor. When we look at the brick and mortar from an inspector’s lens, it reveals things that the seller didn’t think was all that bad. Still, as the seller…this is my home and it’s always been good for me! Now someone comes along who wants to take this home as theirs and all those OK things are now not so “OK.”

373This home has been our investment. But not so much in the roof and walls, as in the memories found within each room. Because, to be honest, this is our “home.” We celebrated here together and we’ve wept here together, all within these walls. Memories don’t come cheap and we should never undervalue the time we spend with our family, from the earliest of years to the ’empty nest.’ And now these walls will see a new family making new memories and celebrating together. But our home HERE is not a forever home. The memories we made will not stay within these walls. Our hearts hold and cherish ‘the home.’ There will be a day when the walls of this old house crumble with age. But our memories will be passed on from generation to generation…as the Lord allows.

So let me be reminded that…”this world is not my home, I’m just passing through.” My treasures? They are not found in the price of a home, my treasures have been laid up in heaven, ‘beyond the blue.’ And the beckoning call I’m getting isn’t coming from a real estate agent. And so I ask the question, is all this really worth a headache? When we are ready to ‘move on,’ how can we ‘feel at home’ here anymore?

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A Time of Transitions

In the summer of 2002 more than 30 high school freshman and sophomores along with several adult sponsors from Texas came to Colorado to conduct a Vacation Bible School. Though we didn’t know it at the time, that was the beginning of a relationship that would last for the rest of our lives. When the group came back the following year, the summer of 2003, they helped our family pack and move from the Windsor church of Christ to work and worship with the Waterview church of Christ in Richardson, Texas. Thirteen years later we find ourselves, again, at a point of transition. Words fail me to express how much the brothers and sisters at Waterview have meant to my family and me. telephone

Few know that in the late spring of 2002, Jim Stigers called my father-in-law, Jim Knight for the sole purpose of finding a small congregation where the Waterview youth group might go to conduct a VBS. Their original plans had been to go to Nebraska, but due to some complications, the youth was without a mission point for the summer of 2002. My father-in-law, one of the leaders at the small, Colorado congregation, was glad to visit with his old high school friend and welcome the group to Colorado. Jim Stigers, one of the Waterview elders, read the following announcement, and perhaps there was no one was better suited to do so.

The following was announced on Sunday, July 24th:

“The future of Waterview church of Christ is bright! Jason Moon has just completed his first full year as the pulpit minister. Robert Oglesby, Robert Taylor, Warren Shepherd and Dustin Jones have forged a team that not only has welcomed Jason, but now Greg Parks into the ministerial service at Waterview. They work with the elders and deacons to set goals and objectives that reach heavenward…literally. Only the Lord knows how many families will continue to be blessed by Waterview church of Christ as they serve, grow and mature in Christ.

For the past 13 years, the Bruce family has been a part of the fabric of love and devotion, courage and faithfulness established by decades of faithful elders and solid preaching found here. In January 2015, Myron stepped away from full-time ministry but continued, on a part-time basis, striving to lead our hearts and minds toward a clearer, more focused worship to God. That has been and always will be his mission. But this morning, we need to inform you that the Bruce’s have announced that they will be moving from Plano and the Waterview church of Christ to live in Wichita Falls. He will continue to lead our Sunday morning song service until August 14th, but then will be making the transition to Faith Village in Wichita Falls where they will continue to work and worship.

16“In the spring of 2003, Vicki and I, with our three children (Logan…9, Emili…8 and Dillon…5) began a journey from the comfort of Colorado and the Windsor church of Christ, to the Dallas metro-plex joining Waterview as the Congregational Life Minister. We didn’t really know anyone, but over the years, have grown to love everyone. Now thirteen years later, we can’t begin to “Count Our Many Blessings.” The joy of raising our family to serve and worship God with this body of believers makes this day very difficult. To us, you are more than just a member at Waterview. You are, and forever will be, our brothers and sisters in Christ!  

These next few weeks we will be packing up boxes and take pictures off the walls. But more importantly, we’ll be storing up the memories and reflecting on the years God has given us with you. Raising our children in the shadow of this congregation is something we will never forget! With a common love, we have grown close to each of you!

The old hymn writer said it best, “When we asunder part, it gives us inward pain; but we shall still be joined in heart, and hope to meet again.” However, God’s word expresses our deepest emotions. In Numbers chapter 6, God spoke to Moses telling him to instruct his brother, Aaron, with the following: “Thus, you shall bless the sons of Israel. You shall say to them: ‘The Lord bless you, and keep you; The Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace!’.”

We love you and thank you for blessing our life!”

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Pumpkin Patch…

This time of year we not only feel the cool changes in the temperature, but we see the beautiful splash 125of autumn all around us. Perhaps nothing says ‘fall’ more than the collection taken from the pumpkin patch. Here’s an interesting connection a friend of mine shared that I couldn’t help but pass on to you. Enjoy the fall temperatures, the wonderful colors and the pumpkins from the pumpkin patch!

 

How is being a Christian like being a pumpkin?
Consider this idea for starters…

“God picks you up from the patch, (I Peter 2:9) brings you in and washes all the dirt off of you. (I Peter 3:21) Then He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff. smiling pumpkin(Matthew 23:27) He removes the seeds of doubt, (James 1:6) hate, (I John 2:11) greed, (Luke 11:39) etc…and then He carves you a new smiling face. Finally He put His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.” (II Corinthians 4:6-10)

 

Or it could read like this…

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light…” “Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you – not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience – through the resurrection of Jesus Christ…” At the same time, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.” But remember, “…the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.” and “the one who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in darkness…” So therefore, “…the Lord said to him, ‘Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish; because…inside you, you are full of greed and wickedness.’ ” And remember what God Himself said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” He is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.”send the light

Enjoy the fall temperatures, take in the beautiful colors, and remember The Light when you carve your pumpkins from the pumpkin patch!

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Add, Take Away & Turning…July 27th

speed limit signIn a society that depends upon rules and laws, how are we doing when it comes to obeying the ‘laws of the land?’ Most will say that’s not an issue, we obey and do what is expected. But consider our driving habits. We have a posted speed limit, but do we follow it or just consider it a recommendation? Some laws are steadfast and we obey without a second thought. But how often do we tend to add an opinion, take some liberties or simply turn away from the law?

Some may ignore the posted law and risk the consequences. But when it comes to God’s word, His laws, are we guilty of adding our opinions, taking liberties or turning away? When we depart from what God expects of us, we will suffer the penalty. The consequences of adding to God’s word, ignoring His laws or turning away from Him will mean more than just paying a fine. Every day we should ask ourselves, am I guilty of violating God’s laws?

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

Sunday morning, July 27, 2014

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

“Surround Us, Lord” – no book

Though the city of Jerusalem is not encircled by a ring of peaks, the ancient writers considered this whole region to be ‘mountainous.’ And it would not be surprising to say, Jerusalem is in the midst of the mountains. So the Psalmist (Psalm 125:2) makes a point to say this great city is ‘surrounded’ by mountains, just like God’s people are surrounded by His presence.comforting those who grieve

“Tell Me the Story of Jesus” – 387

In three short verses this spiritual song covers Christ birth, ministry, death and resurrection. But perhaps the most telling portion of this song comes from the last part of the third verse, “Love in that story so tender, clearer than ever I see; stay, let me weep while you whisper, ‘Love paid the ransom for me.’…” Notice I’m speaking to the one who is telling me the story of Jesus. Saying to them; ‘don’t leave, stay here with me, and softly tell me how you were saved (ransomed) by the love of Jesus.’ The question for you and I…do we weep when we consider the story of Jesus?

“O Thou Fount of Every Blessing” – 226

Almost a direct quote from I Samuel, chapter 7 verse 12 (KJV), “Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpah and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Hitherto, hath the Lord helped us.’ “ We sing, ‘Here I raise my Ebenezer (my stone of help), hither by Thy help I’ve come…‘ And verse three reminds us that we are all prone to wander (turn away) from God. Would that chains (fetters) bind our heart to Him, but it comes down to this simple fact; we have the choice of obeying or not. Speeding or driving the speed limit; adding to, taking away, or turning…

“I’ll Never Forsake My Lord” – 688

Not an overly familiar song, but one that exemplifies our lesson today. What causes us to stumble on life’s highway; temptations, distractions, sin, sickness, weakness, overall difficulties in life? Most would say ‘yes’ to all of the above; but this song gives us encouragement that regardless of the onslaught of the world, I’ll never add to, take away or turn to the right or to the left. I’ll never forsake my Lord…

“A Charge to Keep I Have” – 58

We all have a responsibility in this life. Whether we want to admit it or not, from the day we are born we were given a charge and, according to this spiritual song, the responsibility Christians have is two-fold; to glorify God and bring the lost to Jesus. But I wonder if we really believe the third verse…“Help me to watch and pray, and on THYSELF (not myself) rely. Assured if I MY (not Thy) trust (charge/responsibility) betray, I shall forever die.” There is a consequence if we add to, take away or turn from our responsibility.

“I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” – 674no turning back

Perhaps not many song leaders would choose this song before the lesson, but I like the message sung at the close of each verse; “no turning back, no turning back.”

“In Heavenly Love Abiding” – 139

Again, perhaps not your most popular invitation song, but the message matches so well with the lesson. Consistency is God’s calling card, “…for nothing changes here.” We find support in staying true to God’s word as we sing the second verse; “Wherever He may guide me, no want shall turn me back; my Shepherd is beside me and nothing can I lack. His wisdom ever waketh (is made known to me), His sight is never dim; He knows the way He taketh, and I will walk with Him.” Will you?

“The Glory Land Way” – 535

Almost 100 years ago James Torbett wrote about heaven to encourage the singer to continue his walk ‘in the glory-land way.’ For those who have added to, taken away or turned aside from God’s Word, he encourages them, the wanderers, to ‘come home’ and ‘hasten to obey.’ Living a life that follows God’s commands WITHOUT EXCEPTION will be a life that is preparing for eternity with God. Never forsake His word, keep the charge you’ve been given and you’ll notice “…heaven is nearer and the way growth clearer…”

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The 10th Resurrection…April 20th

jairus daughterWhen the son of Zarephath and the daughter of Jarius died, they were brought back to life by the power of God. Lazurus, Dorcas and Eutychus each died, but were resurrected at the hand of Jesus, Peter and Paul. Take a quick review of the scriptures and you’ll find these five individuals were not the only ones who died…only to live again. The son of a Shunammite woman, the son of a widow from Nain, an unnamed man whose dead body ‘touched’ Elisha’s bones, and ‘many saints’ (Matt. 27) all experienced death, but found resurrection in this life.

It’s important to note that each of these men and women who died and then were raised to life, eventually faced death again. However, there is one who died, was raised to life and lives still. Never again would our Savior face death. His victory over death opens the way for each of us. Jesus Christ is the 10th Resurrection.

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

Sunday morning, April 20, 2014

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

“Holy, Holy, Holy!” – 47

A vision around the throne of God reveals the four living creatures saying, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God, the Almighty…” Revelation 4:8. In a similar vision Isaiah saw the Seraphim calling out, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of host…!” Isaiah 6:3. In like manner, this morning, we will join our voices and cry out, “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee…”

“In Christ Alone” – no book

“No power of hell, no scheme of man can ever pluck me from His hand…” This contemporary song has become a beloved favorite among our spiritual songs. We sing of our hope in Christ. We remember His birth and His death. But more importantly, we sing of His ‘bursting forth…from the grave.’ And as we face the fear of death and feel the guilt in life, as God’s children we know that ‘here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.’

“Low in the Grave He Lay” – 344

Few songs can boast a more melancholy message as we sing, ‘Low in the grave He lay Jesus my Savior…Vainly they seal the dead Jesus, my Lord!’ But the chorus is anything but melancholy. With a shout of joy we sing of Christ’s resurrection, “Up from the grave He arose with a mighty triumph over His foes; He arose a Victor from the dark domain and He lives forever with His saints to reign…He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!”

“Alleluia! Alleluia! Hearts to Heaven” – 146

For those who don’t recognize this title you’ll find the words are set to the tune of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy (better know as the tune to “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee”). Notice the second verse; “Christ is risen, Christ, the first fruits of the holy harvest field…” Paul, in talking about the dead in Christ make this statement, “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.” I Corinthians 15:20. God’s people can sing…Alleluia! Alleluia!

“Onward Christians Soldiers” – 646

Our scripture reading before this song is Matthew 10:5-8. We’ll stop our reading mid-verse, then pick up the song at the chorus.  It will go something like this; “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the leper, cast out demons…” “Onward Christian soldiers! Marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before. At the sign of triumph, Satan’s host doth flee; On, then, Christian soldiers, on to victory; Hell’s foundations quiver at the shout of praise; Brothers, lift your voices, loud your anthems raise!”

“There’s a Fountain Free” – 909

Christ offers us salvation through His blood. We can come before the throne of God because of the fountain that flows freely. The words are clear in the first verse, “…let us haste (hurry), O haste (hurry up) to it’s brink (to the edge of the fountain).” The beauty is that Jesus never MAKES people obey. We are all free to come to Him, or to walk away. So we singtrumpets, ‘Will you come?’ It’s a simple question, but your answer will bring about enormous ramifications.

“When the Roll is Called Up Yonder” – 852

What will happen when this life is over? When we die…what’s next? For God’s people there will be a resurrection to eternal life. To those who ‘will not come,’ the results, according to Christ, will be ‘…weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ Matthew 8:10-12. But for God’s people, ‘on that bright and cloudless morning when the dead in Christ shall rise, and the glory of His resurrection share,’ we’ll be called home. Following, if you will, the example of the 10th Resurrection.

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Convicted

“…know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ-this Jesus whom you crucified.” Acts 2:36 Arguably one of the strongest invitations ever given, but notice the reaction by the men and women who heard Peter’s message on the Day of Pentecost. “Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart…” Pierced to the heart would mean they were touched to the core. They felt grief and strong emotion. Read again the message in Acts 2:14-42 concerning Christ’s death, burial and resurrection (the good news). The gospel message so impacted the listener that they were pierced, cut, pricked, stung in their hearts to make a change. However you translate it, in the early hours of the morning on this day of Pentecost, the people in Jerusalem were convicted in their hearts.

But consider another sermon from the book of Acts that was convicting to the listeners. Peter and the apostles were before the Council and giving their ‘defense’ when they stated, “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross. He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins…” Acts 5:30, 31 In similar wording, Peter offers yet another stirring ‘invitation’ and again the listeners are ‘convicted’ in their hearts. In scripture we read that, “…when they heard this, they were cut to the quick…” No emotional pull from the listener here. There is no grief for a wrong done, but instead, there is an anger swelling up in these ‘convicted hearts.’

In Acts 2:37, when the people in Jerusalem heard Peter’s message and were ‘pierced to the heart’, they came back with the question, “Brethren, what shall we do?” In Acts 5:33 when the Council heard these similar words, “…they repentintended to kill them (the apostles).”  How can two sets of people hear the same message of salvation, feel a strong conviction and yet respond with entirely opposite views? Clearly one was convicted to accept a change while the other was convicted to reject change. For those who know a wrong exists in their lives, God provides an avenue. Peter’s response,“Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins…” (vs. 38). However, as he stood before the Council, when their hearts were ‘cut’, they sought to eliminate the source of their conviction.

Perhaps Paul’s first letter to the church in Corinth helps us understand how some might be convicted to change while others are convicted to rebel against God’s message. I Corinthians 1:23 read, “…but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block, and to Gentiles foolishness, but to those who are called (to those who are asking ‘what must I do to be saved’), both Jews and Greeks, Christ (is) the power of God and the wisdom of God.”  So perhaps the question for you and me is simply, when we are convicted of a wrong, when our heart is pierced or pricked, how will we respond?

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Auld Lang Syne

“Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind.  Should old acquaintance be forgot, and days of auld lang syne.  For auld lang syne, my auld lang synedear…for auld lang syne.  We’ll drink a cup o’ kindness yet, for auld lang syne.” A haunting melody that is often heard during the early hours of the new year.  But what does it mean, is there an explanation to the mystery and intrigue that wafts on the poetic words of yesteryear?

Written more than 300 years ago, this Scottish folk song was, as it’s beginning, a love poems that reflected upon the ‘good old times’ we had.  Taken to represent the feeling of melancholy at the parting of ways, we hear it on the stroke of mid-night each year.  But Auld Lang Syne has also been sung at funerals, graduations and other occasions of farewell.  Even the international Boy Scouts youth movement has used it to bring closure to jamborees and other functions.

By translation, “Auld Lang Syne” is saying, ‘for times gone by’, or better yet, ‘for old times sake.’  Perhaps you’ve Grandma Grandpa Snyderused the phrase; “Let’s get together one more time…for old time’s sake.”  When friendships come to a close, and fond memories are just that, memories.  That severed sting can leave us with a tinge of nostalgia .  Perhaps that is why we reminisce when we hear Auld Lang Syne.

It’s true that people will come and go in our lives.  The influence of a number of individuals will ebb and flow as we walk this earth’s crust.  Some will be but a passing glance while others will change us and impact our perspective on life forever.  But when it comes to Christ and His church, I hope you will never hear yourself saying, “…thanks for the memories, I’m moving on.”  We are challenged every day with a bombardment from the world that question and test our faith in God.  Each of us at some point in our lives, maybe even now, have had our faith tested.  The world daily pushes you to forget God, and that He be ‘…never brought to mind.’  Times change and our priorities shift, but in all of the modifications of life ‘should old acquaintance be forgot,’ we must never forget the one who loved us and gave His life for us.  The Hebrew writer encourages us, “For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end.”  (Hebrews 3:14)  By faith, on Sunday morning we meet with our brothers and sisters in Christ to keep His memory fresh.  And as we remember our Savior’s sacrifice, as we keep Him in our memory, we will ‘drink a cup’ of His kindness yet, for auld lang syne.

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old lang syne (old times sake)?

CHORUS:

For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne (old time’s sake).

And surely you’ll buy your pint cup
and surely I’ll buy mine!
And we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne (old time’s sake).

CHORUS

We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne (old time’s sake).

CHORUS

We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne (old time’s sake).

CHORUS

And there’s a hand my trusty friend!
And give me a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne (old time’s sake).

CHORUS

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How Can We Redeem a Moment of Time?…Jan. 5th

With the beginning of a new year you might find yourself asking the question, “Where did the time go?”  Each day we spend on this earth is a gift.  Each minute we live out is a reflection of our heart at that moment in time.  But what if we say something or do something but we ‘didn’t mean it.’  We know that our behavior/words at that moment don’t reflect who we really are or what we want to be.  How do I get that ‘minute’ back?

moving time backNew Year’s resolutions are a common practice during the next few weeks.  We ‘resolve’ to do better, make some changes and demonstrate a new practice for this new year.  And each day we’ll make decisions (just like last year) to eat better and work-out more.  But when the day is over and our resolve has ‘dissolved,’ how do you get it back?  Can you get it back?  Is there any hope we might be able to ‘redeem a moment of time?’  Join us Sunday morning as we welcome in a new year and consider how we spend our time… 

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

Sunday morning, January 5, 2014

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

“We Praise Thee, O God” – 2

This song is filled to the brim with thankfulness and praise coming from our hearts as we sing to our Father. The first four verses echo with our gratefulness and thankfulness to Him and in verse five, the writer, William MacKay helps us to turn our attitude in a way of humbly asking God for His favor. In verse five we sing, asking our Father to “revive us again” and to let each of our souls be,“rekindled with fire from above.” How powerful the words that we sing. It only begins to help us to recognize how small and powerless we are compared to the, “God of all grace”.  Let us allow Him to ‘rekindle our spirits’ this morning as we begin our time of praise and adoration.

“In Christ Alone” -no book

This song is not in most hymn books, but what a powerful message it has we sing.  With each verse of this song we hear, “In Christ Alone”, and it helps us to realize that we can only do our best things through Christ alone. He is our “cornerstone” and our “solid ground” and as we prepare our minds for the Lord’s supper let us reflect on how we should rely on him more. 

“Fairest Lord Jesus” – 288

After the Lords supper we will sing of our beautiful Savior.  We will sing a verse that is not in the book but is still as powerful reminder of our Savior’s love.  “Beautiful Savior, Lord of all nations! Son of God and Son of Man. Glory and honor, praise, adoration, Now and forever more be thine!” What a beautiful verse as we praise Him in saying, “Fairest Lord Jesus!”

“Remind Me, Dear Lord” – 606 We recognize in singing this song that the earthly things that we have are “just borrowed, they’re aren’t mine at all.” curtainIn the chorus of this song we ask our Father to open our minds, help us search our memories and to remember where we have come from. What a touching scene this would be, if humbly we come to him and ask for His patience with us.  We, as His children plead with him and I can imagine myself in a small and quiet voice saying, “Roll back the curtain of memory now and then.  Show me where You brought me from and where I could have been….”

“Take Time to Be Holy” – 731

As your new year is underway, consider how often you will take time to stop and strive to be holy?  Honestly, I’m afraid we make time for Him and therefore fail to get the nourishment that we need to grow as Christians. This song is merely encouraging us to as the “world rushes on” to seek Him in His guidance and council.  And as we do let us consider each of our thoughts, deeds and motives and be sure they are, “beneath His control”.

“A New Creature” – 619

This song is a song that is meant to be sung to one another as encouragement. In the third verse T. O. Chisholm pinned some very inspiring words, “Sin hath no more its cruel dominion, walking ‘in newness of life’ I am free, glorious life of Christ, my Redeemer, which He so richly shareth with me.” As we walk in our “newness of life” with Christ let us be reminded of what He sacrificed so we could share heaven with Him.

“Why Do You Wait?” – no book Serving as our invitation song this morning, we sing/ask the simple question of; “Why do you wait, dear brother?” Very simple and yet very to the point. Many times in life we may reach the time when we’re asked this question. “Why are you delaying?  What do you hope to gain by stalling?” The questions that we are asking are so simplistic, and yet many times the answer escapes us.  I don’t have a good reason for putting off what needs to be done.  When it comes to accepting Christ as your Savior just remember…“There is no one to save you but Jesus, there is no other way but His way.”

“Hold To God’s Unchanging Hand” – 613hold to His hand

A song of encouragement that is meant to be sung as reassurance.  Even though our lives are “filled with swift transition…” (lots of changes) and even, “if by earthly friends forsaken” we find comfort in the consistency of God’s strong hands.  Serving as a constant theme throughout the song, we encourage each other to hold to Gods Unchanging Hand.  It’s hard to redeem time once it’s passed, but holding tight to the Father’s hand will be a decision you’ll never regret.

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Do We Want More? (part 3)

handsWhether it’s Oliver Twist asking for more gruel in the orphanage, or a young boy asking about ‘mo’ -lasses for his hotcakes; we all are looking for more of something.  As we conclude this three part study asking if ‘we want more’, we will examine the last verse of Phillip Bliss’ old hymn, “More Holiness Give Me.”

 

As you may recall, this hymn contains the word more a surprising twenty-four (24) times in only three short verses.  Let’s conclude our study as we dive into verse three to examine Phillip Bliss’ inspiration of wanting more.

In verse three we sing about wanting (needing); more purity, more strength, more freedom and more longing.  A desire to be more fit, more useful, more blessed & holy and more like the Savior.  In the third part of this three part study we’ll consider one by one the ‘mores’ we’re seeking:

1) More purity give me…Purity is an interesting word.  To be pure, by definition, is to be ‘unmixed.’  When we strive to have more purity, we are asking (praying) for God to keep us clean.  Romans 3:23 reminds us that we “…all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…”, we’re all dirty.  Its our decision is to seek salvation or remain in sin.  God’s children belong to Him, therefore we shouldn’t be mixed with the world.  Living in a sinful world, we need more purity.

2) More strength to o’er come (overcome)…When faced with an obstacle we’ll either walk away from it, or work to ‘over-come it.’  But what does that mean?  Bliss states it clearly, if we are to over come our struggles (obstacles), we need strength.  Strength that we currently do not have.  We might consider ourselves strong and capable to ‘overcome’, but that’s exactly where the devil wants us.  Comfortable and over confident.  To stand for Christ we need His strength if we are to ever overcome. earth stains

3) More freedom from earth-stains…Remember the need for purity?  When we’re ‘mixed up’ in the world we become stained, soiled, dirty.  To be free from stains we need a cleansing agent.  Tide* might get the stain out of our clothes, but only Christ can remove ‘earth-stains’.  Do you want more freedom?

4) More longings for home.  Perhaps we have to be away from home for a while to realize how much we long for home.  But then again you have to ask yourself…where is home?  You’ve heard the saying, “Home is where is your heart is.”  OK, then where is your heart?  If our heart belongs to God, then heaven is our home.  Are you longing to go home or have you given your heart to someone else?square peg...round hole

5) More fit for His kingdom.  Take a square peg and try to ‘fit’ it into a round hole; you know it doesn’t belong there.  It doesn’t fit.  To make that square peg do it’s job, you’ll need to shave off the corners.  Round the peg off and smooth it to the same size as the hole.  Then it will fit and be ready to use…you could say it will be ‘more fit’ than it was previously.

6) More useful…The idea of being useful and fit go hand in hand.  Once the corners of the peg are carved off, smoothed down and shaped to fill the hole, it will be useful.  But how can it be ‘more’ useful?  We all have a responsibility in some form or fashion.  Consider how well do you do your job?  We work for a reason, to get the job done.  We want to be useful in our daily task.  But you need to ask yourself; “In God’s kingdom, am I being as ‘useful’ as I could be?”

7) More blessed and holy…8) More, Savior, like Thee.  These last two are joined together for a reason.  As we strive to be more like Christ in our life, we will be focused on living a holy life.  In turn, we’ll be more blessed and ultimately we’ll be more like our Savior.  Make no mistake, this song is a prayer.  And in our prayers we ask God to give us good health, peace of mind, and patience.  But be honest, do you want to be more holy and more like Jesus?  That’s a prayer we should all be praying

This 140 year old hymn serves as a full, 24-point sermon on seeking more, but not what the world seeks.  The world is focused on self, and it wrestles for more status and position.  The child of God is focused on heaven and their desires more Christ centered.  We have sung about being more godly…now we need to live ‘more, Savior, like Thee!