Face Time…Feb 10th

Sunday, February 10th at Waterview church of Christ, our sermon title is “Face Time”.

In today’s terminology, when you hear the term ‘face time’, you most likely think about talking on the phone or computer and seeing the face of the one you’ve called. But Sunday morning at Waterview, as we listen to Robert’s sermon, the meaning will be a bit different. Join us as we consider “Face Time”. The following ‘order of worship’ will serve as our song service for Sunday morning, February 10th. As always, let me encourage you to think about the songs you sing in praise to God.

Remember I Corinthians…”I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.”

Sunday morning, February 10, 2013

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

“O Worship the King” and “All Things Praise Thee” – 144 & 43

As we sing this medley let’s consider the message. We sing to bring glory to God as we worship the King. Notice the last line in our first song in conjunction with the first line of the next song; “…pavilion in splendor and girded with praise.” “All things praise Thee, Lord most high…” Though we see the connection with the words (and the key), what does it mean ‘pavilion in splendor’; how can something be ‘girded with praise’? The fact is, our God is our shield and defender. He is the ancient of days and He is our pavilion in splendor (which mean’s He is ‘covered with splendor’) and He is girded (surrounded) with praise!

“We’ll Work Till Jesus Comes” – 634

An old spiritual song that admonishes the singer to keep working. Have you ever sighed for something? We sing, “O land of rest…for thee I sigh, when will the moment come when I shall lay my armor by and dwell in peace at home?” You know, I think I can understand what Elizabeth Mills must have been thinking we she wrote this song; our life is full of work (at least it should be) and after a long day’s work our thoughts go to resting…”when will the moment come?”

“Come, Share the Lord” – 364

A contemporary song by Bryan Leech encourages us to come together as we remember the Lord’s Supper. Perhaps we should keep in mind the third verse as we draw this song to a close and sing, “…now we anticipate the feast for which we wait. Come take the bread, come drink the wine (drink from the cup) come share the Lord.”

“Gentle Shepherd” – 845

“Gentle Shepherd, come and lead us, for we need you to help us find our way…” As sheep we are often lost and in need of direction, protection and guidance from our Shepherd. The good news, our Shepherd not only guides us and leads us, He is also gentle. This beautiful hymn (because it is sung to HIM) reminds us that we are a blessed people…

“Face to Face” – no book

A song that speaks toward the end of life as we anticipate coming face to face with our God. As we pass the collection plate on Sunday morning we’ll sing this song. Let’s think about our life when we see Him “…by and by.” HINT: This is a good lead in for our lesson…

“I Am Resolved” – 948

This familiar hymn serves as our song before the lesson. Listen to what you say in the chorus, “I will hasten to Him, hasten so glad and free. Jesus, greatest, highest, I will come to Thee.” How about singing it this way… “I will hurry to Him…” Are we eager to see Jesus, eager enough to hurry?

“Only a Step” – 940

As we sing this song of encouragement on Sunday, take a look at the message found in the second verse, “Casting your heavy burden down, come to the cross, the world may frown: Yet you shall wear a glorious crown, when He makes up His own.” How often do we hold on to the things that hinder us and keep us back? We could better our health, but poor eating habits hold us back. We could grow in our education, but laziness has a tendency to hold us back. We struggle with our spiritual walk, but our sins hold us back. Today’s a good day to cast your heavy burden down and come to the cross. It’s only a step…

“Faithful Love” – no book

Faithful Love came to earth to show the Father’s love. And I never be the same…do you know why? Because I have seen Faithful Love (Jesus) all around me. Can you see the majesty, the love of Jesus in this world? Have you read the Word of God? Jesus came to this earth, lived as a man, died on the cross and reconciles us to God. When we are looking for Faithful Love, we need to look no further than our Bibles…then we’ll see Him face to face!

1, February 5, 20131, January 27, 2013

We’re Marching and Singing to Zion…Pt 1

“Come, we that love the Lord, and let our joys be known; Join in a song with sweet accord and thus surround the throne.…” This spiritual song, written by Isaac Watts, is more than 300 years old and yet it still admonishes the Christian to stay faithful as we’re ‘Marching to Zion.’ Singing we strive to praise God and encourage His people, but how do we do that effectively and in a pleasing manner?

As a child of God you know the importance of singing songs of praise and edification. Many who are reading this article identify with the song above and truly believe its message. Every Sunday morning world-wide, we come together and strive to fulfill Ephesians 5 & Colossians 3. But in a culture where singers are evaluated as ‘Idols,’ and singing is ‘best left to the professionals,’ we tend to listen and judge rather than praise and sing. We consider one voice better than another and place more value on the ‘talent’ of an individual while burying our own God-given talents. To be honest… that’s a mistake. It fails to follow the pattern set forth in Bible. Singing songs of praise and admonishing one another is the expectation we have in the Lord’s church.

In hopes of teaching valuable lessons of God’s love and stirring the hearts of those who hear, we sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. This commentary is written to help us look at the blessings we find in singing. Since the Lord commands us to worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24), we must ask ourselves this basic question: “As I’m marching to Zion, how do I sing and truly worship God in spirit and in truth?”

To learn the truth about Christian worship in song, we go to the New Testament. Consider for a moment I Corinthians 14:15 & 26: “I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also…What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.” Have you thought about your singing when it comes to your mind? Do you think about what you’re singing? Singing by rote (repetition) is singing by memory. We learn to drive, write, walk, and talk by rote. It is the same with singing. We memorize songs by singing them over and over and over again. But in so doing we often sing without thinking what we’re saying. Check yourself to see if you know what you’re singing by asking yourself these questions:

*How is God’s goodness ‘like a fetter’? (Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing)
*Is there Biblical support for referring to Jesus as a “rose of Sharon”? (Jesus, Rose of Sharon)
*Do you know how to arm yourself with “the panoply of God”? (Soldiers of Christ, Arise)
*And what is the ‘standard’ that He, Jesus, has raised? (The Battle Belongs to the Lord)

Brothers and sisters…I truly believe we need to investigate the meaning of our songs, ask ourselves what we’re singing, and teach our young people the meaning behind the songs we sing. “How shall the young secure their hearts and guard their lives from sin?” If we are to ‘sing with the mind also’ we must know what we’re singing. Too many times we just toss those old songs out, or sing the new ones without thinking, because we don’t truly know what they mean. Brethren, we can’t afford to make that kind of mistake, because there are dangers when we just ‘go through the motions’ in worship.

1, February 1, 20131, February 26, 2013

Basic Training for Parents…Feb. 3rd

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

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

Sunday morning, February 3, 2013

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

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

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

“There is a Redeemer” – 287

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

“Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross” – 383

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

“How Shall the Young Secure Their Hearts” – 432

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

“Trust and Obey” – 915

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

“Our God, He is Alive” – 23

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

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

1, January 29, 20131, January 31, 2013

Remembering Italy

This morning as I was catching up on some old friends (via Facebook), I notice there was a ‘friend request’ from an unfamiliar name.

The name of the lady was one I didn’t recognize and therefore didn’t know. Most of the time I’m happy to accept request from people I’ve met or acquaintances from my past, but when I don’t know someone who ‘whats to be my friend’, I don’t click ‘YES’. And as I stated, I didn’t recognize this lady. However, this one was different. Along with the request, she sent me a note explaining that she had been in Italy during the summer of 1983

(29 years ago) and stayed with my family for 2 weeks. I figured she had to be a Harding campaigner because my husband and I hosted the group several summers providing them housing in our small apartment. (I guess sleeping on the air mattresses and sharing ONE bathroom was memorable to her.) Our co-workers/fellow missionaries usually kept the girls since they had 2 bathrooms. But on this occasion we kept the girls. To make a long story short…I decided to accept her friend request. She said she’d like to catch up with us, so I sent her a reply email along with the friend acceptance.

As it turns out, she came two summers, then at the end of the second campaign she and another girl worked with us in Italy for 4 weeks, staying in our home half of the time. She and her husband now live in Memphis, Tennessee and have a 15 yr. old son. They enjoy the opportunities to attend Harding University Lectureship each fall. She told me that the months she spent working in Italy really strengthened her faith and that experience has meant a lot to her over the years.

My point with all of this is simple, even when we aren’t intentionally trying to influence or help someone, we are! What is important is to realize that our influence might be for the good or it might be for the bad. People come in and out our lives every day. We have the opportunity to either show them God’s love and grow closer to Him…or not. I see a great lesson in this. Living our everyday lives we need to be careful that we are living for God so that we are a good influence for Him, even when we aren’t aware of others. Truthfully, I do not remember those months almost 30 years ago. But obviously she did. This Facebook request serves as a strong reminder of how important it is to live our lives thinking about our actions, our words and our example.

Donna

Thanks again to Donna for sharing another insightful lesson on how impacting (and important) our Christian example should be. This incident reminds me of a song from years ago. The words go as follows, “It is in giving that we receive. It is in pardoning that we are pardoned. And it is in dying that we are born, to eternal life. Make me an instrument of your peace. I want to know what it’s like to follow you…” If you’re remembering this song you’ll surely recall the next line…“When men look at me, I want them to see, the Light of the World inside.” I wonder how many of us would have someone from 30 years ago remember our example (our light) and send us a ‘friend request?’ Can you remember someone who impacted your life!

1, January 26, 20131, January 26, 2013

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

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

Sunday morning, January 27, 2013

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

“Awesome God” – 38

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

“We Praise Thee, O God” – 2

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

“In Christ Alone” – no book

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

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

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

“Freely, Freely” – 635

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

“My Only Hope is You” – no book

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

“A New Creature” – 619

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

“God Is Calling the Prodigal” -no book

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

“The Way of the Cross Leads Home” -616

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

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

1, January 21, 20131, February 27, 2013

That’s All I Want…Jan 20th

A friend of mine shared a GREAT idea about posting the order of worship for members of the congregation and prospective worship leaders. This simple use of the world wide web will allow those interested to get a glimpse of what’s coming up for Sunday morning. Nice idea, and one I think will benefit those who what to learn about the songs we’ll be singing on Sunday. This post will reflect this past Sunday morning (January 20th). Be looking for the next few weeks as we’ll be posting the order of worship by Friday or Saturday before Sunday…

Sunday morning, January 20, 2013

Robert Oglesby has been the pulpit preacher at Waterview church of Christ since February, 1963. Yes, in a few short days he and his family will be celebrating 50 years as the preacher for this solid congregation in the Kingdom of God. Our sermon topic on Sunday was titled, “That’s All I Want”. Our scripture basis was the 23rd Psalm, so our hymn selection was almost a given. The following is an account of our order of worship and all song numbers are from the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.

“We Will Glorify” – 578

A great song that praises our God and King; beautiful way to set our minds on worship.

“The Lord’s My Shepherd” – 134

The music for this popular arrangement dates back to 1854. All six verse of the 23rd Psalm can be sung in this song. This is a perfect example of Ephesians 5:19 “…speaking to one another in PSALMS and hymns and spiritual songs”

“Hear Me When I Call” – no book

This has become perhaps my favorite of all Tillit S. Teddlie songs. Certainly one that asks for our God to hear our call and ‘attend unto my prayer.’ What better way to describe my weakness than to request that our Lord, ‘…hold my trembling hand, lest helpless I should fall.”

“We Have an Anchor” – 467

The question is asked by those who sing, “Will your anchor hold in the storms of life?” In other words, how are you doing in your relationship with God? We echo in response…”We HAVE AN ANCHOR!”

“I Need Thee Every Hour” – 837

This song of prayer serves as our invitation on Sunday morning. Would that we all come to understand and truly say, “I need Thee, O I need Thee…”

“I’d Rather Have Jesus” – 581

Singing the first verse this song you are stating that you prefer (would rather have) Jesus over the riches of this world. More than houses or lands…do you really? Would your wallet agree? Take a look at your bank statement if you want to see if you really believe this song.

“I Love the Lord” – 359

Penned in my life time (1970), this song by Tommy Wheeler makes the statement that proclaims our love for God. We sing “I love the Lord”, but why? You know and you sing, “…on Calvary His dear life He freely gave…that I might live some day with Him on high.”

“The Lord My Shepherd Is” -126

Like song #134, the music for this arrangement was in the mid 1800’s, but when Isaac Watt’s penned this psalm, he followed the poetry in the message from the shepherd/king David. An affirmation of who my Shepherd is…the Lord. And knowing that…what else could I want?

At Waterview church of Christ we use a screen to project all our songs. This allows faces to be up (out of the book) and voices to be projected forward. All songs on the screen are accompanied with the sheet music for those who will sing 4-part harmony. In a world that seems to be getting faster and faster, and schedules that we tend to pack to over flow, let me admonish you to be careful and not push Jesus out of your life. You and I both know that with Him in our life and when Christ is first, we can honestly say…That’s all I need!

1, November 2, 20121, October 15, 2012

Using Your God-Given Talents…Part 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

1, October 26, 20121, October 15, 2012

Using Your God-Given Talents…Part 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

1, October 19, 20121, January 29, 2013

Using Your God-Given Talents…Part 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

Come back and let’s continue this discussion again…

1, August 24, 20121, August 23, 2012

Everything Changes, Except…

Change isn’t easy! As a matter of fact, Sydney Harris, an American journalist for the Chicago Daily News once said, “Our dilemma is that we hate change and love it at the same time; what we really want is for things to remain the same but get better.”

Change can be hard to face at times and yet if we want to grow, we have to change. For things to sincerely ‘get better’, they can’t stay the same. This week my daughter (a senior in HS) went with me to the office. As we talked about the changes in our family, big brother is now in college, I reminder her that we ALL change. She wasn’t going to always be my little blonde, curly haired 5 year old. She was growing into adulthood and, if the Lord wills, would one day have a family of her own. If we remain the same, that would be nice, but how could things hope to improve. As a matter of fact, in our spiritual lives we sing the song, “Change My Heart of God”. If we want our lives to ‘get better’, we have to go through a metamorphosis (a change). But why do we ‘hate change?’ Perhaps it’s because of the uncertainty that lies ahead.

How often I would like for things to ‘just stay the same’. Actually some folks take great strides to make sure things never change. We are comfortable with the tried and true. Not needing to ‘wonder what will happen next’ is a good thing…isn’t it? Let me direct you to another hymn that actually talks about the changes in our lives. The transitions that we face in life.

Over 100 years ago Jennie Wilson penned a song that tells me what to do when uncertainty comes into my life. I need to remember the words…

Time is filled with swift transition – naught of earth unmoved can stand (Nothing on earth can change this fact)
Build your hopes on things eternal, hold to God’s unchanging hand. (The earth changes…God, eternal, does not)

Trust in Him who will not leave you, whatsoever years may bring, (God is constant, even with the changes in life)
If by earthly friends forsaken, still more closely to Him cling. (People let us down, God won’t)

When your journey is completed, if to God you have been true (When life is over, and if you have been faithful)
Fair and bright the home in glory your enraptured soul (delight without measure) will view (Heaven’s really good!)

Hold to His hand…to God’s unchanging hand!
Hold to His hand…to God’s unchanging hand!
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.

We will face changes in life and some of them will make us ‘wish for the good ole days’. But change will come and often it will come swiftly. In a world that is created to ‘change’, hold fast to Him who created this world…He does NOT change. James 1:17 “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom THERE IS NO VARIATION or shifting shadow.” To put it simply…God doesn’t change.

Children hold the hands of their parents because there is comfort in knowing someone is beside them. We hold hands as couples to show our spouse (and others who might be watching) that we find comfort and security in our loved ones presence. In a world that is ‘swiftly transitioning’, perhaps we should be looking to reach out and take hold of our Father’s hand. Changes will come into your life, but with God we will always find consistency. Perhaps Mr. Harris was right, we do have a dilemma when it comes to change, but remember what he said, want we really want is for things ‘to get better.’