Category: Encouragment

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God Bless You, Go With God

“Better than I deserve…”, grew to be the expected response after a greeting to and from Dr. Stan Mitchell. It didn’t matter where you were or what you were doing, you were always greeted with an ear-to-ear smile from, in my opinion, the schools’ most ‘social butterfly’. He seemed to be just about everywhere you looked. Sometimes sitting with a group of students just talking and laughing in the library or student center, getting some coffee, walking to class with students, getting more coffee, in his office talking with his students, or walking alone to class…with a cup of coffee in hand. He was never without a compliment to give or a wise word to impart.

Upon hearing of his sudden hospitalization earlier this past weekend and of his passing early this morning, I could not help but think back on many of my “Stan” interactions. There were many times I would pass him in the student center while checking my mail or grabbing a quick lunch, and he’d be on his way through to a class or to check his faculty mail, and without fail, I was ALWAYS greeted with a, “Miss Emili!” and a HUGE smile. I remember specifically one time going to his office (unfortunately, one of the things I didn’t do as often as I wished I had) a short time before my, now, husband and I began dating. Stan had told me a few weeks before I went to see him, that I was welcome to his office, and his chocolate, anytime I liked. I confided in him about being lonely and how I just wasn’t feeling like I was good enough (in the regard of having never been dated or even asked out) and that I didn’t know what was wrong. I do not think I have ever been cut off so quickly and I don’t ever recall him being as stern, and as serious, with me as he was. I’ll never forget what he told me, “Miss Emili, you are wise beyond your years. There is nothing about you that is wrong or messed up (he did air quotes around “messed up”). You’re just further on than any man that’s had the pleasure of meeting you so far. Give him time, he’ll catch up to you.” He said a prayer with me after that and sent me off with a piece of his Ghirardelli chocolate. A few weeks after Thanksgiving he found out that I was dating and, in his words, said, “He must be a nice young fellow,” and told me he was happy that I had found a man who could “keep up with me.”!

Dr. Mitchell has played such an incredible role in the lives of all the students, past and present, and I honestly could not imagine my FHU experience without him in it. Several of my classes at FHU I had taken with Brother Mitchell. I was visiting with a friend of mine this morning, and we got to reminiscing about taking one of his classes that we took together our freshman or sophomore year. He always started out his classes with a song and he always remarked on the rather strong alto voices he could pick out (meaning my friend and me). Without fail, we could always count on him picking a song with a strong alto lead or supporting part.

He provided us with a TON of wonderful memories, as well as advice. I believe I can speak for most Freed-Hardeman students/alumni when I say that in some way shape or form, Dr. Stan Mitchell had an impact on us. If you never had the opportunity to meet Dr. Mitchell, I am so sorry for what you missed out on. He was a ‘modern day’ Barnabas. The kind of encourager that, as Christians, we aspire to be; but not just that, he was a spiritual GIANT with a heart so big there’s no possible way to measure it.

One of the last things he would say in his classes was, “God bless you, go with God,” and I don’t believe his departure from this world could be more fitly summed up.

Stan, I believe with all my heart that today you rest in paradise. I believe that all the people you had met and all those students who you blessed with your smile will carry on with the sweet, simple thought of being blessed more than they deserve just for simply having known you. I will thank the Lord every day for allowing me to be able to sit at your feet and learn from your wisdom and experience. You will be missed but not forgotten. For your family and those who are left to carry on in your absence, this is my daily prayer…God bless you, go with God.

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Bondage? Part 1

Have you ever had to write a compare and contrast essay? I’m sure we all, at some point in our educated lives, wrote or had to prepare to write a comparative essay. But stop and imagine what your write if you wrote a compare/contrast essay on your life? 

 

In 1887, George C. Stebbins penned words that distinctly reflect the appearance of a comparative and contrasted life. A life before, or without, Jesus and a life including Jesus. The differences could not be more stark. Verse 1 of this hymn goes as follows.

“Out of my bondage, sorrow and night, Jesus I come, Jesus I come; Into Thy freedom gladness and light, Jesus I come to Thee; Out of my sickness, into Thy health, out of my want and into Thy wealth, Out of my sin and into Thyself, Jesus I come to Thee.”

Stebbins does a beautiful job of capturing the sides of with and without Christ. Though, some may wonder ‘what bondage, sorrow and sickness is he talking about being caught up in?’, it’s just that. It’s the bondage of ignorance and the sorrow and sickness of a sin-infected world.

Now what about the other half of that verse? Freedom, Gladness, Wealth, Health…personally, I’d like to take all of the above! Do not be surprised that those things may not come in the form we would like them to or would even expect them to. Truly seeing and appreciating ‘freedom, gladness, wealth and health’ takes humility and a willingness to relinquish self-control. None of which will come easy because we are in bondage to the physical desires of this world.

 

Compare and Contrast Essays have always been fun for me. Picking a topic and writing about how, why and what makes it so individualistically different to something else is enlightening. If you were to do that with your life, what do you think you would see? The apostle Paul in his letter to the Romans talks about his, and, ultimately, our, struggle and fight with the sin that is constantly in our lives. He makes it clear in Romans 7:24 & 25 to whom we should be in bondage. He strongly reiterates this idea in Romans 8, saying, “Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin.” 

 

Bondage to sin is weighty, cumbersome and exhausting. Freedom in Christ is light, easy and full of relief. And each of us will choose between bondage and freedom. Compare and Contrast these two and make your choice…

 

Bondage or Freedom?

Written by Emili (Bruce) Todd
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The Battle Cry!

For generations, soldier’s have marched into battle motivated by a melody of courage, strength and victory. During the United States Civil War a song was written to inspire the northern army (the Union.) But due to the songs ‘sing-ability’ the southern army (the Confederates) adopted the tune and adjusted the words to fit their own rally. The words, for the North, were a simple cry to rally the troops;

“And we’ll rally ’round the flag boys, rally once again shouting the battle cry of freedom!”

 

But as a soldier of the cross, we have songs of our own to inspire and encourage each other in this ‘fight for the right.’ Consider songs like “Soldiers of Christ, Arise” or “Faith is the Victory” as just a couple of these motivating spiritual songs. But for the next few moments, allow me to direct your mind and consider how this old Civil War melody, “The Battle Cry of Freedom,” compares with one of the Christian’s battle songs as we prepare for conflict. First, from George Root in 1863, the Civil War song of motivation; “The Battle Cry of Freedom.”

“Oh we’ll rally round the flag, boys, we’ll rally once again, shouting the battle cry of freedom,
And we’ll rally from the hillside, we’ll gather from the plain,shouting the battle cry of freedom!”
(Chorus)
“The Union forever! Hurrah, boys, hurrah! Down with the traitors, and up with the star;
While we rally round the flag, boys, we rally once again, shouting the battle cry of freedom!”

From the same period of time, a short six years later in 1869, from the pen of William Sherwin, notice the similarity in reassurance and support that the Christian soldier sings as he calls us to…”Sound the Battle Cry.”

“Sound the battle cry! See, the foe is nigh; raise the standard high for the Lord;
Gird your armor on, stand firm, every one; Rest your cause upon His holy Word.”
(Chorus)
“Rouse, then, soldiers, rally round the banner, ready, steady, pass the word along;
Onward, forward, shout aloud, Hosanna! Christ is Captain of the mighty throng.”

We will continue to find motivation and inspiration in our hymns, but only as long as we’re looking for it (ie., singing with understanding). Don’t take for granted the songs, hymns and spiritual songs that we sing as we encourage one another day by day. God gave us the ability to sing for basically two reasons; so we can praise His name and so we can admonish (inspire) His people. He is deserving of all our praise, and we must never forget that we are in a battle against a wicked enemy. The key is to remember that we are called to victory, so let’s ‘rally round the banner.’

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Safe!

As a cloud of dust lingers over home plate, and with every eye on the umpire, there’s nothing more reassuring for the offensive player (disappointing for the defense) then to hear the word, “SAFE!” It was a ’round trip’ that ended with a successful completion summed up in that one syllable word. The confirmation that the greatest hope has been achieved and that the traveler had made it home…safe!

Even a child crying in the night is seeking comfort and a warm embrace to let him know he’s safe. We’ll even put our money in a safety deposit box to do what? To keep our treasures ‘safe.’ And if we’re honest with each other, even as adults, we would rather be safe (saved, rescued) than to be lost, insecure…not safe. Any one who has faced times of distress and fear know that there’s nothing more comforting that knowing, “I’m safe.”

The Christian realizes that there is nothing sweeter than to be ‘safe at home.’ And yes, it’s the “Umpire’s call!” Though the devil will do his best to put us out, I hope this song can be a source of encouragement to you. There is reassurance and hope for the end of this life when we’re “safe in the arms of Jesus.”

Thanks Fanny J. Crosby for this reminder from Mark 10:16! “And He took them in His arms and began blessing them…”

1. Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe on His gentle breast;
There by His love o’ershaded, sweetly my soul shall rest.
Hark! ’tis the voice of angels borne in a song to me,
Over the fields of glory, over the jasper sea.
Refrain:
Safe in the arms of Jesus, Safe on His gentle breast;
There by His love o’ershaded, Sweetly my soul shall rest.
2. Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe from corroding care,
Safe from the world’s temptations; sin cannot harm me there.
Free from the blight of sorrow, free from my doubts and fears;
Only a few more trials, only a few more tears!
3. Jesus, my heart’s dear Refuge, Jesus has died for me;
Firm on the Rock of Ages ever my trust shall be.
Here let me wait with patience, wait till the night is o’er;
Wait till I see the morning break on the golden shore.

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Why Not…Admonish One Another? Part 3

As this series is coming to a close, my prayer is that you have come to appreciate and understand the importance of admonishing the lost. Encouragement is such a vital part of the Christian’s life that we must never take it for granted or abuse it’s potential. May our work be always towards the building up of one another…the day will be here before we know it.

As the third verse of this song admonishes the hearer, we reflect on a term from yester-year. The Old English word “aught” has been lost to our everyday vocabulary. But when we understand its meaning we can sing with the mind (I Cor. 14:15)…“In this world you’ve failed to find aught of (any form of) peace for (a) troubled mind.” We must urge all who will hear, that this world will disappoint. Hurricanes will ravage our coast taking property and lives. Those who anxiously search this world for peace will be left suffering with a ‘troubled mind.’ Therefore we must continue this research and examine the closing verse; “Come to Christ, confession make, come to Christ and pardon take. Trust in Him from day to day, He will keep you all the way.” Two issues arise from this final plea that keeps the lost…lost. First, we aren’t in the habit of confessing our sins, our mistakes, to anyone. Remember, “I’m OK, You’re OK!” If you know about my faults, my sins, then there is an indication that I am weak. And a sign of weakness is a sign of failure. Our society wants everyone to be a winner. No weaknesses, no failures, everyone gets a trophy! We are all winners, and as long as we hold on to that mind set, we won’t see a need to trust in anyone. And therein lays one more issue with this verse. Why should I ‘trust in Him from day to day,’ when I really only need to trust…in me? Never stop sharing Christ, and never forget to admonish (warn and/or encourage) those who are lost and struggling. One day, it may very well be you who is in need of admonition.

The chorus of this great, old spiritual song is a simple repeat of 6 short words. “Why not now…come to Jesus” In its entirety we sing, “Why not now? Why not now? Why not come to Jesus now?” The call is certain and the encouragement is clear; we all have a ‘deep need,’ we have all wandered from Christ, and we all need peace in this troubling world. The admonition and encouragement from this old invitation song echoes the Hebrew writer’s continued thoughts from chapter 10, verse 25 “…but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Why not come to Jesus now, the day is drawing near.

Thanks to those who have followed this series for the past three months. As God’s children we have a beautiful opportunity to share the joy of Christian living. There are SO MANY who don’t know that ‘salvation belongs to our God,’ and we have an obligation to share that good news. Would that we daily admonish, encourage and build up the body of Christ. And ask the question to those who know Him but have yet to accept Him, “Why not…why not come to Jesus now?”

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Why Not…Admonish One Another? Pt. 2

As we continue in this three part series, let’s work our way through the verses of this old invitation song. Remember, if we are to build one another up to good deeds, we need to consider how effective will we be at admonishing…

Many will remember this song of invitation and the plea that follows, ‘as we stand and as we sing.’ But what admonition (warning or encouragement) do we receive from this spiritual song written in the late 1800’s? “While we pray, and while we plead, while you see your soul’s deep need. While your Father calls you home, will you not, my brother come?” Do we prayer for the lost? Do we personally plead for them (urge them) to examine their life and turn to Christ? Unfortunately, too many think they are, ‘doing just fine, thank you very much.’ There is no ‘deep need’ because the world tells me that if I just love Jesus, I’m OK. Do not settle for “I’m OK! You’re OK!” Paul was very clear as he penned Romans chapter 3 expressing that, “…apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” He further admonished (warned) the church in Thessalonica, “If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him so that he will be put to shame. YET, do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.” (II Thess. 3:14, 15) In this latter passage the message is clear; don’t be pulled away into a false teaching. At the same time, we must be careful that we don’t hate the one who has. Rather, warn him, urge him and admonish him as a brother. This spiritual song is a call for the wandering one to come to Christ.

As we continue with verse two we aren’t singing, ‘IF you have wandered far away…’, rather, this is a declarative statement, “YOU HAVE wandered far away, do not risk another day.” No stronger urge can be made than to declare the obvious. The absolute truth is clear, either you are or you are not following God! And we know who has wandered far away because Christ provides the insight. “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit.” (Matthew 7:15-18) Many will turn their face away from God and run the risk of eternal condemnation. Why not accept His grace? The answer to this (for some) is simply a stubborn pride. Regardless of the age, many across our globe have bought into the belief that…“I’m OK.”

Next month we’ll conclude this series and bring to close the message behind this song of admonishment and encouragement. Not that we will ever get to the end of our responsibility to seek and save the lost, but Lord willing, that we will be better suited to encourage…

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Why Not…Admonish One Another? Pt. 1

For the next three months we’ll look into how we can better admonish one another. There’s more to admonishing than ‘giving them what for.’ But does this include more than just encouragement? Join us as we spend some time asking the question, “Why not admonish one another?”

Consider for a moment what it means to ‘admonish?’ Is that the same as encouraging someone? If I’m correcting someone, am I admonishing them? When we try to restore a brother who has turned from following God’s Word, do we encourage him to come back or correct him for his error? It’s important that we understand the word “admonish” if we ever hope to fulfill God’s directive “…restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness,” (Galatians 6:1). To admonish someone is to warn them, and yet at the same time it can also mean to advice, encourage or earnestly urge them. And since there is more than one meaning, we are compelled to consider the context for each use. Some may come away thinking, “He needs a good, strong reprimand, so I’ll ‘admonish’ him.” When in actuality what that individual may need is a spirit of gentleness and encouragement. As Paul was saying his final farewell to the saints he loved in Ephesus (Acts 20), he reminded them of his constant admonition that they stay faithful. For three years was Paul warning them to watch out for savage wolves? Yes! (Acts 20:29) Was he encouraging them with humility and tears? Yes! (Acts 20:19) Therefore, it behooves us to consider this word “admonish” and how we might better know what we should do as we serve in the Kingdom.
With the singer’s voice and with Paul’s pen let’s consider how we might be better at ‘teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, SINGING with thankfulness in your hearts to God…’ (Col. 3:16). In this way, we’ll examine the practice of encouraging/warning and look closely at what we are singing. Within the Lord’s church we have sung songs that admonish and urge the listener (and the singer) to examine the life they live. Songs like, “Oh do not let the word depart, and close thine eyes against the light. Poor sinner, harden not thy heart, be saved, O tonight.” Or perhaps you’ll remember, “Will you come to the fountain free? Will you come? ‘Tis (It is) for you and me. Thirsty soul, hear the welcome call, ‘tis a fountain open for all.” These two spiritual songs are not alone as they encourage the singer and the listener. But for this discussion, we’ll focus on one of our spiritual songs that ask a simple question, “Why not now, why not come to Jesus now?” Let’s analysis the request in this song, evaluate the complete message and strive to fulfill the Hebrew writer’s call to, ‘spur one another on toward love and good deeds…’ (Hebrews 10:24)

Next month we’ll dig deeper into the idea of building one another up, spurring each other on, “while we pray and while we plead…”

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Come Share the Lord

Reflecting on and remembering the death of the Lord Jesus is perhaps the best and most humbling thing one can do with their time. There are many ways we can reflect upon His death; however, there is one way we are commanded to. Each week the faithful children of God meet and reflect on the sacrifice and purpose of Christ’s death. We call this The Lord’s Supper or The Communion. To outsiders, it might seem strange that we take part in what we do. To Christians, we should fully understand the act of worship. The Lord’s Supper is not just a time where we reflect on the death and sacrifice of Christ, but a time where we think about the opportunity of a new life that we have been given through His resurrection, because “The Lord who pours the cup is risen from the dead.”!

In First Corinthians 11, we read of Paul reflecting on the Lord’s death. In the context, Paul has to remind the Corinthian church of why it is important to do so. “For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’ In the same manner He also took the cup after supper saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.” (I Cor.‬ ‭11:23-26‬ ‭NKJV‬‬).

One of my favorite songs about the Lord’s Supper is Come Share the Lord. Not only is it a beautifully written song with each verse seamlessly leading into a chorus that evokes great emotion and expresses the great love that we have burning within our hearts “like living flame(s)”; it is a song that causes one to emotionally think of the death of our Savior and the holy communion with Christ that all Christians should continue to remember and praise God for.

“We gather…” as a family and “He joins us…”, and soon we’ll all be together where “…angels sing.”. He desires us all to be together when we “come take the bread…”. The next time you sing this song, don’t just sing it as an encouragement to those around you, reflect inwardly.

Will YOU come and share the Lord?

 

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A Cry of Compassion…July 23rd

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

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

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

Sunday morning, July 23, 2017

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

“Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah” – 3

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

“Lord, We Come Before Thee Now” – 797

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

hear my prayer“Hear Me When I Call” – no book

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

“O Sacred Head” – 318

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

“If That Isn’t Love” – 379

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

“O To Be Like Thee” – 429

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

“Does Jesus Care” – 507

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

“Love Divine” – 140

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

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Dealing with Rejection…July 2nd

“To dismiss or refuse a proposal; to shun or cast out.” At one time or another each of has experienced REJECTION. Have you ever said, ‘That was a good idea, how could they just shoot it down?’ When you believe in a project, and have taken a strong stance, only to be soundly rejected…how do you handle it? To be honest, we all know that rejection hurts.Rejection

But when we consider the level of rejection the Messiah experienced, our ‘broken heart’ is minor at best. And He knew His disciples would be faced with times of rejection as well. Therefore He tried to prepare them (and us) for being told ‘NO…’ Read Mark chapter 6… “Any place that does not receive you or listen to you…shake the dust off the soles of your feet.” Join us on Sunday (July 2nd) as we consider the idea of ‘Dealing with Rejection.’

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

Sunday morning, July 2, 2017

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

“Holy, Holy, Holy” – 47

Beginning with the soprano voices and adding each subsequent part, we sing the words of Revelation 4; “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty (vs. 8)…all the saints adore Thee, casting down their golden crowns around the crystal sea (vs. 6)…Only Thou art holy! There is none beside Thee (vs. 2-9)…Who wast, and art, and ever more shall be!” (vs. 8)

“Create in Me a Clean Heart” – no book

Taken almost verbatim for Psalm 51, we’ll sing the words of King David, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast (right) spirit within me. Do not cast me away (Cast me not away) from Your presence (O Lord). And (take not) do not take Your Holy Spirit from Me. Restore (un)to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit (renew a right spirit within me).”

“We Saw Thee Not” – 342

The next two songs will be in a medley using verse one from “We Saw Thee Not” followed immediately with verse 1 & 2 of “Ten-Thousand Angels.” Notice the connection… “We Saw Thee Not when Thou dids’t come to this poor world of sin and death; Nor yet beheld Thy cottage home in that despised Nazareth…But we believe Thy footsteps trod it’s streets and plains, Thou Son of God…” “They bound the hands of Jesus in the garden where He prayed, they lead Him through the streets in shame. They spat upon the Savior, so pure and free from sin, they said ‘Crucify Him! He’s to blame.”

twelve legions of angels“Ten-Thousand Angels” – 349

As we continue this medley before the Lord’s Supper, the pattern will continue; back to verse 2 of our previous song, “We saw Thee not when lifted high…” transition to verse 3 & 4 of Ten-Thousand Angels; “When they nailed Him to the cross…” and “To the howling mob He yielded…” Be sure to focus on the words and the message these two spirit songs provide as you prepare for the partaking of the Lord’s Supper.

“We Saw Thee Not” – 342

Coming back to where we started before the Lord’s Supper, we’ll remember that even though we never gazed in the open tomb nor walked with those who saw Him “from the earth ascend…” we still believe in His death, burial and resurrection. We may not have seen, but we believe!

“Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us” – 391

Not if, but when we face rejection that causes our hearts to melt, we look to our Savior for strength and leadership. He love us and He will lead us. He is the one who will defend us, receive us and free us! Perhaps we should be more earnest in our following of Him, and as we sing in the third verse…“Early let us turn to Thee.”

“Jesus Is Tenderly Calling” – 947

Being rejected can cause us to feel weary and entice us to sink into despair. But that’s not where we stay. We must never give up as that causes us to drift, “…farther and farther away.” So you have to ask yourself, when rejection comes and depression covers our hearts (dust covers our feet), will we sink away or shake the dust off and answer His call? He is calling today…what’s your answer?

“Hand in Hand with Jesus” – no book

A great message that focuses us through the days of rejection. Notice verse 2… “In my night of dark despair, Jesus heard and answered prayer. Now I’m walking free as air, hand in hand with Jesus.” But we must remember that we can only ‘handle the rejection’ when we stay close to Him overcomes. “Hand in hand we walk each day. Hand in hand alone the way. Walking thus we will not stray… hand in hand with Jesus.”