A Land that is Fairer Than Day

These past few days, several trips have been made back and forth between the hospital and the house for both my brother and me.

Not a quick drive across town, but a 50 mile drive (one way) across the Metroplex. Perhaps for many that’s not a big deal and they do it daily in their commute, but personally I like to stay close to home. My brother had it even tougher; his drive as 6 hours round trip and he made it several time too. But for me, big city driving has never been a favorite pastime. But we all know that ‘you do what have to do’…better yet, we do what needs to be done! And for me these past few days, making that jaunt needed to be done.

Daddy fell two weeks ago come Monday as he was walking down the hall way in his apartment. A walk he had taken hundreds of times in the last 7 years, but on March 11th this ‘last’ walk ended with him laying on the floor with a fractured hip. From there it was a hard road…surgery was 3 days later, and rehab was inevitable. He seemed to be coming along pretty well on Monday, four days after surgery, but this afternoon it all changed. Due to complications from his surgery (blood clot most likely), daddy passed away. From all accounts it happened pretty quickly and he didn’t suffer. The road ahead was looking to be a long one and the rehabilitation was certain to be difficult for daddy. But he’s free from that pain now. His body (more like his soul) is at rest and we will do our best to honor his memory.

As my brother and I stood in the emergency room this afternoon and said our final ‘Good-bye’, Doyle quietly said the following words; “There’s a land that is fairer than day…” I echoed, “…and by faith we can see it afar.” Daddy has gone home and this physical life is behind him now. We rest assured knowing that there is a sweet by and by, and that thought brings us comfort. Time changes everything and we all realize that death comes in time, but we hold fast to the hope we have in Christ. As I drove home from the hospital this evening I spent some time singing and talking to God. My prayer was simple; asking for comfort, safety on the road and understanding…but something more was added to my prayer list. I thanked God for giving me a daddy who taught me Jesus Christ. A father who raised me to honor God and always strive to serve Him. For that blessing I am most thankful!

There’s a land that is fairer than day,
And by faith we can see it afar;
For the Father waits over the way
To prepare us a dwelling place there.
- Chorus:
  In the sweet by and by,
  We shall meet on that beautiful shore;
  In the sweet by and by,
  We shall meet on that beautiful shore.
We shall sing on that beautiful shore
The melodious songs of the blessed;
And our spirits shall sorrow no more,
Not a sigh for the blessing of rest.
To our bountiful Father above,
We will offer our tribute of praise
For the glorious gift of His love
And the blessings that hallow our days.

As I conclude this memorial to my daddy, let me take a moment to share a passage from the book which bears his name. James chapter 5:13 “Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises.” After 83 years, James Bruce will be missed on this earth. His last surviving brother and two sisters (not to mention his widow and four sons and their families) will miss him dearly, but we hold to the hope that some day soon… “We shall meet on that beautiful shore.”

1, March 14, 20131, March 14, 2013

The Shakers…March 17th

In reading Matthew chapter 5 we see Jesus is giving us some very specific directions on how we are to live. This coming Sunday morning (3.17) we’ll look at the directive we are given in that we are ‘the salt of the earth.’ However, Jesus adds an interesting twist when he say, ‘…but if the salt becomes tasteless…”. Perhaps you’ll join us as we look at the line of thinking considering our responsibilities.

My prayer is that this ‘order of worship’ will help you focus on our songs as we come together to worship our God. Thinking about our songs we should say;

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

Sunday morning, March 17, 2013

The following songs come from the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.

“We Praise Thee O God” & “Restore My Soul” – 2 & no book

This medley combines the old with the new! We conclude the chorus of We Praise Thee, O God with “Hallelujah! Thine the glory; revive us, again.” and begin with “Restore my spirit, Lord, I need restored…” A marriage of two beautiful songs separated by more than 10 years, but blending the same thought of praise and restoration.

“Living for Jesus” – 676

We’ll begin with the chorus of this spiritual song by T. O. Chisholm, and then transition into the 2nd verse. Notice what we’ll be singing; “Living for Jesus who died in my stead (my place), bearing to Calvary MY sin and disgrace (not His); Such love (this kind of love) constrains me to answer His call (does it ‘compel’ you?), follow His leading and give Him my all…” Keep your heart on Him and give Him your life every day!

“Lord, Take Control” – 790

How much do you consider to be yours and how much do you consider to be God’s? When we sing this new song we’re asking God to take control of our lives. But how much of your life are you willing to let go of? Read the words we’ll be singing on Sunday; “My heart, my mind, my body, my soul…” How much do you have left if you give God your emotions, your thoughts, your physical being and your spiritual being?

“Remind Me, Dear Lord” – 606

Following the Lord’s Supper I like for the congregation to remember once more how lost we would be without our Savior’s sacrifice. There is nothing that we have done to deserve God’s own Son. If we can remember that we’re not worthy of the scares in His hands perhaps we understand better that the things we value in life are just borrowed. We all need to have the curtain of memory rolled back every now and then so we can see where Jesus has brought us from and where we could have been…

“Jesus is All the World to Me” & “I’m Not Ashamed to Own My Lord” – 590 & 609

Before the lesson we’ll sing this short medley as we recognize how important Jesus is to our lives, but also that we are not ashamed to tell the world. In the same key but with a bit more energy we’ll transition from “…He’s my friend.” to “I’m not ashamed to own my Lord nor to defend His cause…”

“Have Thine Own Way Lord” – 552

Though this might not appear to be a typical invitation song, we are called to give our lives over to God. Let Him has His way in our lives. Easy to say, not often done! Can you say that you want God to “…hold over your being absolute sway”? Do you know what that even means? By definition ‘sway’ can mean to control or rule over. Are you OK with God having absolute control of your life? But only by YOUR choice…

“Home of the Soul” -875

A song of Heaven…we’ve been singing this song since 1912. Some of our older members remember when this song was a new, ‘contemporary’ song. (Think about it…this is a hundred year old song. Those who are in their 70’s and 80’s sang this song when it was only 20 or 30 years old.) Perhaps they best understand how comforting it is to sing of the rest that… ‘will be given on the eternal shore.’

1, March 11, 20131, March 11, 2013

A Faithful Friend

The greatest compliment we might ever receive comes when someone calls us their friend. Perhaps we are all in search of a friend who is true and faithful!

How many friends would you say you have? How many faithful and true friends would answer your phone call in the early hours of the morning? A faithful friend is always there in the hard times. A faithful friend is consistent day in and day out. As a child of God, we can know our God is faithful…

Lamentations 3:22 reads, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassion never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” The following YouTube (sung by the Blue Rock Mennonite Youth) will provide a good A Cappella arrangement of T.O. Chisholm’s, Great Is Thy Faithfulness.

So often we are willing to help our friends when it’s convenient for our schedule. But if things are busy in our life or if we just ‘don’t feel like it’, our friendship might come into question. This hymn (a song that is sung to our God) states in the chorus, “Morning by morning new mercies I see…” But read about the surmounting evidence as referenced in the 2nd verse…“Summer and winter, springtime and harvest, sun, moon and stars in their courses above join with all nature in manifold (multiple) witness to Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.”

How faithful do you think God is to you? Would you consider Him your friend. As we draw this article to a close, read the words of Paul in I Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” When times are difficult and life is tough, is there a friend you can call on. My faith looks heavenward as I know He’s a faithful friend. Great is His faithfulness!

1, March 8, 20131, March 8, 2013

The Least…March 10th

Sunday morning, March 10th at Waterview church of Christ, our lesson will be presented by Robert Taylor as he provides a update from our mission work in Nicaragua.

When we pour out our coins for the ‘Breakfast Program’ in Nicaragua, we are doing much more than filling a small basket. We are providing more than just a warm meal. We are opening doors for the word to be spread in yet another mission field. This morning we’ll spend some time considering the words of our Lord in Matthew 25. Perhaps you will find the following ‘order of worship’ a means by which you can focus your mind on the songs we’ll sing this coming Lord’s day.

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

Sunday morning, March 10, 2013

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

“The Great Redeemer” – 250

It’s interesting to realize that this song is almost 100 years old. Written by Francis Foster in 1915, “The Great Redeemer” stirs the emotions as all four parts take an active lead in harmonizing the voice and praising our God. But ask yourself if you will honestly do what you say you will do in the chorus; “…I will never cease to raise a song of gladness in His praise.”

“I Will Sing the Wondrous Story” – 509

Another song with some beautiful harmony. This YouTube link is a good acappella arrangement that you can listen to and sing with… “Yes, I’ll sing the wondrous story.”

“How Beautiful” – 365

A contemporary song (1991) that speaks so clearly to the Lord’s Supper. Notice the bridge; “And as He laid down His life, we offer this sacrifice, that we may live just as He died, willing to pay the price…” The feet that bring the good news and the hands that serve are beautiful, but how beautiful is the body of Christ!

“I Am Mine No More” – 683

Though the author and composer of this song are unknown, the message is very clear. Would that we do more than just say, “I am mine no more…”, but that our lives would reflect a change in our priority. When you say something is more important than something else, it’s only proven by your next step. If you are truly no longer concerned about self, have you changed anything specific?

“Savior, Thy Dying Love” – 667

Following the Lord’s Supper and during the passing of the collection plate we’ll sing this hymn from the 1860’s. It serves as a good reminder of the sacrifice (our Savior’s dying love). Notice the last line from the first three verses; “…some offering bring Thee now, something for Thee.”, “…some song to raise or prayer, something for Thee.” “…some wanderer sought and won, something for Thee.” But now read the last line of the fourth verse. “And when Thy face I see, my ransomed soul will be, through all eternity, something for Thee.” You give a few dollars when the collection plate comes around, but what will you give when Monday morning comes around?

“A Beautiful Life” – 570

Before our lesson, join in the spiritual song that boasts a strong tenor/bass echo. As we move into the chorus, the men take the lead, but with all the ‘musical’ excitement we must never miss the message. Can you say you are helping those who are in need? Are you letting your light shine along the way? When was the last time you were willing to lend a helping hand? A good reminder from this song…

“Burdens Are Lifted at Calvary” – 912

This old ‘invitation song’ is replete as the title is sung over and over again. Include the chorus after each verse and the phrase “Burdens are lifted at Calvary” is repeated nine times. So when we sing this song on Sunday we’ll hold the chorus to the end, following all three verses. Just don’t forget that Jesus IS very near.

“His Yoke is Easy” – 612

We’ll close our service with this 1893 spiritual song, admonishing the congregation with the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:29, 30. “Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” When you sing this closing song I hope you believe, “…His service is my sweetest delight, His blessings ever flow.”

1, March 4, 20131, March 4, 2013

We’re Marching and Singing to Zion…Pt 2

As we continue looking at the New Testament examples of singing, notice what Paul says in Ephesians 5:17-21, “Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation (moral looseness); but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in fear of God.”

Have you ever wondered why Paul referenced being ‘drunk with wine’ only then to turn and write about singing? What comparisons can we make with worldly drunkenness and Godly singing? Perhaps the answer comes in looking at the effects of alcohol compared to the effects of God-centered singing. An early stage of drunkenness is referred to as euphoria. In this drunken state the effects that alcohol has on the body and mind might include an increase in self-confidence and sociability, as well as an overall improvement in one’s mood. In addition, the drunkard might temporarily experience a decrease in anxiety. At the surface we would properly conclude that these are positive attributes. But each of us know, and research shows that in this drunken, ‘euphoric’ state, the feelings are short lived and provide a false sense of what is real. Yet I believe we can find these same attributes and experience similar ‘feelings’ when we look at the scripture. Ephesians tells us how we can increase our self-confidence, how to enjoy sweet fellowship (increased sociability), and how to improve our mood. To escape worry and anxiety the Christian won’t look to the bottle…we look to the book. Read Ephesians 5:18, 19 “…but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs…” When my heart is right and my mind is focused on the words, the fellowship I have with the saints is stronger when I sing. My mood is focused and my worries are forgotten as I give my heart and voice to praising God. Not filled with ‘spirits,’ but filled with THE Spirit.

Soon we’ll look at one more portion in the series of ‘Marching to Zion’ (part 3). As children of God we must be conscientious of what we’re singing and why we sing. There is so much more to worshiping than just opening our mouths and raising our voices. We’ll discuss in more detail next time…

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 26, 20131, March 4, 2013

Growing Up…in the Lord!

Perhaps you’ve been asked the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Little children are often asked this question and the response can be interesting…if not a little comical.

Some little boys might reply with, “When I grow up I want to be a fireman.” In the 70’s it was not uncommon to hear younger boys say they wanted to be an astronaut or a policeman or maybe even president. Actually, growing up in my ‘neck of the woods’, we all wanted to be cowboys when we grew up. If you were to ask the ladies, their response might not be much different. They too have dream of tomorrow with aspirations of what their life will be like. One little girl once told her parents, “When I grow up I want to be a mommy.” We consider our future and wonder what we’ll do tomorrow. As we plan for the unknown, most truly wonder what they will do as they reach that level of accountability. Where will I work, where will I live, what will I become when… ‘I grow up.’

As a junior in college (many years ago), I had my mind set on teaching. I loved every aspect of working with younger minds and imparting some obscure nugget of reason. The responsibility of molding and directing the hearts and minds of children was a challenge I eagerly embraced. However, almost 30 years later, time and circumstances have had a way of altering my path. Though I’m no longer an ‘educator’ by trade, my profession remains the same. I love working with people as they mature and grow stronger. Only today, it’s more of a spiritual growth that I seek to inspire in those who come into my ‘classroom’ of life.

But what about you? As you read this you may be a long time business man (or woman) who has been in the work force for years. Or you might be a young college student still trying to settle your mind on a degree. Some reading this might be retired and still wondering, “What will I be when I grow up?” What ever your station in life, however far you have gone or still have to go, think about making your life more than just a career, a ‘job’, that you do. The apostle Paul wrote an admonition to the young preacher Timothy, “…be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” II Tim. 4:5 Could you really be an evangelist? Is ministry really your calling? Let me encourage you to do more than just consider it…make that your priority. Know that I am not promoting that you quit your job or drop out of school, but I do think we all need to change our thinking when it comes to what is most important in life. You work to make a living, so you can pay the bills, so you can live your life. But life won’t be worth the living if you don’t live it for God. Where does He fit into your career and your future plans? Does God figure into life at all?

Regardless your degree (college students) or your career I hope we will all realize that in the Lord’s church, we are all called to ‘minister’ to a lost and dying world (Matthew 28). Everything else is temporary. Classes, projects, responsibilities to your employer are important, but God’s desire for you to work in the fold should supersede all that. Work hard and fulfill your obligations for the task at hand, but ask yourself…what will I really be when I grow up?

A Cappella, directed by Keith Lancaster, sings a song about this every issue. Would that we make God our number one objective and teach that to our children. Does the world know who you are or are they still waiting to see what you’ll be ‘when you grow up.’

“Growing up in the Lord” [LINK]

Chorus:
I’m growin’ up in the Lord.
Oh I’m gettin’ stronger; turnin’ back no longer:
I’m growin’ up in the Lord…I’m growin’ up in the Lord.

I make mistakes but that’s part of growin’ up.
Part of growin’ up in the Lord.
His understanding is what I need the most,
I am staying close to His word.

Sheltered from harm when I am safe in his arms
And I am learning to do His will.
Hearing his call although I stumble and fall. I can get up and keep growing still.

Repeat Chorus

Now as I’m growin’ I’m learning what to say, Learning how to walk in the light.
I’m made aware of the devil every day Learning how to handle the fight.

Tempted by wrong, He keeps me ready and strong So I can handle the Tempter’s snare.
Jesus is mine and since he’s there all the time I am protected within His care

Repeat Chorus

1, February 22, 20131, February 23, 2013

A 50 Year Journey…Feb. 24th

Sunday morning, February 24th, Waterview church of Christ celebrates 50 years with Robert & Willora Oglesby. Since the spring of 1963, Robert has been the pulpit preacher for this congregation of God’s people. For that longevity of faithfulness we give God the glory. As we sing today, our songs are intended to admonish and encourage the family as we bring before God our sacrifice of praise, the fruit of our lips (Hebrews 13:15). Thanks be to God for working through Robert these past 50 years!

The following ‘order of worship’ is designed to focus our mind toward our worship to Him. Think about the songs you sing in praise to God…

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

Sunday morning, February 24, 2013

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

“Step By Step”, “Here We Are But Straying Pilgrims” & “He Has Made Me Glad” – 15, 537 & 103 respectively

This three song medley is a strong, upbeat blend using a hymn, spiritual song and psalm (can you tell which one is which…yes, I know there is some gray in the definition of each, but you get the idea). We begin this morning proclaiming our faith in God and announcing that, ‘…I will follow You all of my days’. Our second song in this medley encourages the saints to focus on heaven. With the verses sung in unison, we sense the oneness of our journey home. Finally, the last song in this medley is a quote from Psalm 100. We come together with thanksgiving in our hearts…I’m glad to be worshiping with the saints!

“Til My Faith Becomes Sight” – 836

The second verse provides us the reminder of our reason for coming together this morning…“Lamb of God, dear hope of glory, Savior crucified, by Your blood I am redeemed my debt now satisfied…” We must ‘keep our eyes’ on Jesus as we meet, communion and worship our King.

“‘Tis Set the Feast Divine” – no book

Not in many of our hymnals, this song by L. O. Sanderson serves to prepare our minds (keep our minds) focused on the Savior and His death on the cross. “May we the Lord discern…” As we sing we’re asking that we all recognize and realize the death of Jesus is the only thing we need to concern ourselves with. When we eat of the bread and drink of the cup…what are you thinking about?

“In Memory of the Savior’s Love” – 335

Following the passing of the fruit of the vine, we’ll sing this old hymn by Thomas Cotterill written in 1805. Notice the call for us to remember His love, and come before Him with a contrite heart. How contrite (full of remorse) is your heart when you take of the Lord’s Supper? We take the bread of life and the token cup of blood as we anticipate the ‘heavenly feast above’.

“This World is Not My Home” – 957

Do you ‘feel right at home’ when it comes to this world? If you do I would recommend you reconsider your comfort zone. We’ll sing here about our treasures being stored in heaven (Matthew 6:19) and not feeling at home in this world anymore. The chorus is so strong; “…if heaven’s not my home, then Lord, what will I do?” Remember this, without the hope of heaven we’re lost in an unfriendly world.

“Higher Ground” (Ken Young version) – no book

This revised, old song has become a Waterview favorite during the last 8-10 years. The words haven’t changed, but the music has. Same tune, but the 2nd verse brings a solid foundation of male voices singing, “Heart has no desire to stay where doubts arise and fears dismay. Some may dwell where these abound my prayer my aim is higher ground…” Notice what you just read/sang; My heart doesn’t want to stay here (this world is not my home) where there are doubts and fears that destroy our courage (dismay). But even though some people seem to dwell in this type of circumstance ( where doubts and fears abound), my prayer and my aim is HIGHER GROUND!

“Let Me Live Close to Thee” – 831

Not a typical invitation song, but since we’re talking and thinking about our journey, this seems to fit our call for repentance, change and renewing. How willing are you to ‘work and never shirk’ for your God. Let’s all say (sing) we want to live close to Him each day.

“The Battle Belongs to the Lord” – no book

A contemporary song that proclaims the victory belongs to God. We’ll close this morning’s worship service with a song of victory. Will you go out into the world and take on the full armor (panoply) of God? In the chorus, as we sing, let’s give all our 1) glory, 2) honor, 3) power and 4) strength to the Lord.

1, February 20, 20131, February 20, 2013

It Is Finished!

Jesus came to redeem you and me from a lost and sinful life. His death on the cross, and His final breath sealed our fate (if you will) as He raised His voice and shouted…”It is finished!”

“There’s a line that’s been drawn through the ages, on that line stands the old rugged cross;

On that cross a battle is raging, for the gain of man’s soul or his loss.
On one side march the forces of evil, all the demons and devils of hell:
On the other the angels of glory, and they meet on Golgotha’s hill.
The earth shakes with the force of the conflict, and the sun refuses to shine;
For there hangs God’s Son in the balance, and then through the darkness He cries:

‘It is finished!’ The battle is over, it is finished, there’ll be no more war;
It is finished, the end of the conflict, it is finished and Jesus is Lord.

In my heart the battle was raging, not all prisoner’s of war have come home:
They were battle fields of my own making, didn’t know that the war had been won.
Then I heard that the King of the Ages had fought all the battle for me:
And the victory was mine for the claiming, and now, praise His name I am free!

“It is finished!”

This spiritual song was written less than 50 years ago (in 1976) and speaks toward our struggle in this life. We struggle (battle) against the rulers, the powers and the forces of darkness. See Ephesians 6:12…Our fight is not against each other. We don’t compete man to man. We are not in a ‘hand-to-hand’ combat zone. Ladies and gentlemen,our adversary is unseen and he (Satan) is behind our struggles.

We sing the song, “Lord, make us instruments of Your peace…” and rightly so. Our desire is to spread the gospel of peace to a lost and dying world. Wouldn’t it make sense that Satan is doing the same? You don’t need to look past the 6:00 o’clock news to see that his minions are carrying out the work of evil. Sadly, they often do this work unknowingly serving the prince of this world (John 12:31).

So how do I ‘fight’ and unseen foe? With what shall I arm myself before I step onto the battle field against the ‘prince of this world?’ A soldier would be soundly defeated if he walked into battle with only a single-shot, short range pistol. (unless his name was David and his opponent was 9 foot tall.) Any warrior knows that he must be properly prepared to face his enemy (and David WAS well prepared). Without the proper tools he’d surely fail. So what do I ‘put on?’ Stay with Ephesians 6 and you’ll read the answer; the complete armor of God. Know in your heart the victory has been won and fight with faith (there’s a song about that too). As our lead song states in its final verse, ‘…and the victory was mine for the claiming…’. By faith I hope you will claim the victory, because Jesus said it loud and clear, “It is finished!”

1, February 18, 20131, March 6, 2013

A Problem on the Way to the Promise Land…Feb. 17th

Sunday morning, February 17th at Waterview church of Christ, our lesson was aimed some of our trials/problems on our way to heaven. To be specific…complaining!

As we examined the Israelite nation (post Egyptian captivity), Robert opened the word and we looked at how often the people of God complained about; the water and food (or lack there of) and the leadership coupled with an ‘I can do better’ attitude. The following ‘order of worship’ was designed to focus our minds on this Lord’s day. Will you think about the songs you sing in praise to God?

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

Sunday morning, February 17, 2013

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

“Praise the Lord” and “Great Are You, Lord” – 74 & no book

Four songs in this hymnal begin with these three, power words; “Praise the Lord”, but our song this morning was written by J. Kempthorne in 1796. The words are taken from the 148th Psalm and the chorus resounds with “Hallelujah! Amen” repeated twice for emphasis. “Holy Lord” (or better known as “Great Are You, Lord”) came on the scene almost 200 years later. Written by a husband and wife team, Steve & Vikki Cook, this hymn again sings praises to our God. A wonderful introduction to coming together, with my heart and sing…Great are You Lord!

“Beneath the Cross of Jesus” – 314

We set our minds on the Lord’s Supper as we sang the 1st and 3rd verses of this song. As we set our minds and hearts at the foot of the cross, in our mind’s eye we can see, “the very dying form of One who suffered there for me.” But we’ll keep our eyes on the cross as we continue to focus during the Lord’s Supper this morning.

“The Old Rugged Cross” – 313

Perhaps a bit of controversy surrounds this old hymn as some feel we shouldn’t ‘cherish’ the old rugged cross. But to others, this is metaphorically cherishing the death of my Savior, for without that cross, I’m lost. This morning however, we specifically sang only the 3rd verse following the bread and before the fruit of the vine. Continuing to keep our eyes on Jesus we sang, “In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine, a wondrous beauty I see; for ’twas (it was) on that old cross Jesus suffered and died, to pardon and sanctify me…”

“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” – 315

Though a very popular ‘communion’ song, again we only sang the third verse of ‘When I Survey.’ My reasoning was simple…keep your eyes on the cross of Jesus. “See from His head, His hands, His feet, sorrow and love flowed mingled down…” Keeping the volume soft and thoughtful we maintained a solemn focus on the death of our Savior as we partook of the Lord’s Supper.

“Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” – 276

The title of this song comes from the chorus which was made famous by Helen Lemmel in 1922 (how many thought this to be a contemporary song). Though we rarely sing the first three verses of this song, (verse 1) “O soul are you weary and troubled?” the power of the chorus helps us keep our eyes on Jesus. As we conclude the Memorial of our Lord’s death, we continually strive to stay focused on Him. Would that our mind be so strongly tied to our God that, “…the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”

“To Canaan’s Land I’m On My Way” – 867

With the title of our lesson on ‘the promise land’, I thought it appropriate our song before the lesson singing us toward Canaan’s Land (heaven). Interestedly enough we have lots of sorrows, struggles, tears and pain here on earth, but in heaven…“Dear friends they’ll be no sad farewells. They’ll be no tear dimmed eyes.” Why you might ask? Simply, in Heaven (Canaan’s Land) the soul never dies.

“Bring Christ Your Broken Life” – 911

Though specific for the hymnal Faith and Praise, I think it’s interesting that this invitation song, this call for sinners to ‘bring Christ your broken life’ is found on page 9-1-1. Notice these words: “Bring Christ your broken life, so marred by sin, He will create a new, make whole again; your empty wasted years He will restore, and your iniquities (sin) remember no more.” (Emphasis added) “Bring Him your every care if great or small – whatever troubles you, O bring it all! Bring Him the haunting fears, the nameless dread, Thy heart He will relieve, and lift up thy head.”

“A Mansion, Robe and Crown” – no book

Another contemporary song, this one again focuses on heaven. The third verse grabs my attention when I sing about difficult times; “My head is bowed and bloody now from the work I’ve tried to do…” Maybe not physically for most of us, for some in the mission field I’m certain this is true. Needless to say we are all looking forward to a mansion, robe and crown!