Satan’s Thinking Traps for Relationships…Feb. 15th

Waterview church of Christ is excited to host the 2nd Annual Marriage Enrichment Seminar; One Man, One Woman, For Life. This year we are proud to welcome one of the outstanding professors from Harding University, Dr. Joe Brumfield. His topic Sunday morning will examine some of the ‘thinking traps’ Satan has set in an attempt to derail our marriages.

And since we are daily bombarded by a culture that embraces anything but “One Man, One Woman, For Life,” we must be all the more diligent to hold fast to God’s plan for marriage. We say we value strong marriages, but are we preparing for Satan’s attacks on our relationships. Are we on the alert for the snares the devil has laid out? Sunday morning we’ll examine some of “Satan’s Thinking Traps for Relationships.”

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

Sunday morning, February 15, 2015

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

“The Lilly of the Valley” – 548

A spiritual song that has been in our hymnals since the late 1800’s. Perhaps we sing these old songs without much thought, but notice what we’ll say in the second verse; “…in temptation He’s my strong and might tower (Proverbs 18:10); I have all for Him forsaken and all my idols tore from my heart, and now He keeps me by His power. (Now notice this…) Tho’ all the world forsake me, and Satan tempt me sore, through Jesus I shall safely reach the goal…” When we realize our strength comes from God, and when we rip the ‘idols’ from our life, we are heaven bound regardless of the traps Satan sets for us. But we’ll only make it ‘through the blood of Jesus Christ!’

“Great Are You Lord” – no book

A simple but clear proclamation we sing in this contemporary hymn,“Holy Lord, Most Holy Lord. You alone are worthy of my praise! Holy and true…Great are You, Lord!”

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

Remembering our Savior’s sacrifice we also remember His commandment; “This is My body, which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” I Corinthians 11:24 and “This is cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” I Corinthians 11:25. So we sing together…“In memory of the Savior’s love we keep the sacred feast…”

“Lead Me Gently Home, Father” – 823

While the collection plate is being passed we’re reminded that this world is temporary. As a matter of fact, as we face ‘life’s toils,’ ‘life’s darkest hours,’ and ‘sore trials’ we have hope in knowing that our Father is leading us gently home. Only never forget; “Be Thou near to keep me, take me as Thine own, for I cannot live without Thee…Lead me gently home.”

“None of Self, And All of Thee” – 695

Before our lesson this morning, and as we consider the traps Satan has laid out, we must never forget his attempt to distract us with our greatest struggle…self. This spiritual song takes us from self worship to Godly worship. Sadly, too many of us would stop after verse 2 or 3. But without completing this song with verse four…we rest comfortably in Satan’s snare.

“Purer in Heart” – 671

Perhaps this wouldn’t classify as your typical invitation song, but notice the message; “Purer in heart, O God, help me to be…” That’s the opening line, the initial statement from each of the verses we’ll sing this morning. And the the message contained in the last verse is clear; “Keep me from secret sin, reign Thou my soul within…” Will we admit, do we truly believe, that there is secret sin in our life? When we do, we’re on our way to recognizing and overcoming, through Christ, Satan’s traps.

“When Morning Comes” – 985

I like how this closing song starts off; “Trials dark on every hand and we cannot understand all the ways that God will lead us to His blessed promised land…” But perhaps more fitting is the reminder that we will understand it better soon (by and by). And just to get one more push for our message this morning, we’ll sing the 3rd verse too; “Temptations, hidden snares, often take us unawares…” Husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, be prepared for Satan’s Thinking Traps for your Relationship. With Christ to guide us, with our Christian brothers and sisters to encourage us and with God to lead us…we will understand it better by and by!

1, January 30, 2015

The Waterview Legacy…Feb. 1st

This coming Sunday morning, Waterview church of Christ will walk with Robert Oglesby as he comes to the end of a fifty-two year journey. Every Sunday, Robert has stepped into the Waterview pulpit to break the bread of life to the congregation. He and his wife, Willora, have walked this path with love, loyalty and faithfulness. An example of a Christian life that has set a legacy for the Waterview family.

This Sunday as we recognize Robert for his years of service, we’ll be reminded of our responsibility in our Christian walk. Just as the Israelite nation was admonished to, ‘Take this book of the law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, that it may remain there as a witness against you.’ (Deut. 31:26) And though a new minister has yet to step forward, we have assurance of the future of Waterview church of Christ. We will continue to teach Jesus Christ and Him crucified. He will be the focus of our lives and we will daily honor our God! We will never forget the Waterview Legacy!

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

Sunday morning, Feb. 1, 2015

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

“I Know that My Redeemer Lives” – 528

We sing with confidence this 98 year old spiritual song. If we know that our Redeemer lives, how proud are we of that fact? Do we share His love with others or do we just keep it to ourselves. If we truly ‘know’ that He lives and gives eternal life, let us show it through our lives, through our legacy.

“It Is Well with My Soul” – 490

Before we pass the ‘collection plate’ we sing this familiar spiritual song to set our minds on His sacrifice. Notice the 2nd verse which in some of our hymnals has been edited out; “Tho Satan should buffet, though trials should come, let this blessed assurance control. That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate and hath shed His own blood for my soul.” Indeed, God’s people should say, “It is well with my soul!”

“I Gave My Life for Thee” – 354

Before the Lord’s supper we will sing a reminder of His sacrifice as we sing what Christ would say, “I gave My life for thee, My precious blood I shed, that thou might’st ransomed be, and quickened (make alive) from the dead.” We sing what Jesus might be saying to us, but don’t forget, each verse ends with a question we must all answer. What have you given, have you left all, what have you borne (endured) and what have you brought? Honestly, do you have an answer for those questions?

“Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” – 276

A simple chorus to a beautiful song. People will look at our legacy when this life is over, what will they see? Perhaps when they look at us, they’ll be turning their eyes upon Jesus.

“Remind Me, Dear Lord” – 606

Everything we have is a gift from God. Do you hold this life so dear that you’re missing the big picture? Our legacy is to honor God and show others His mercy. We can do that when we remember…“Nothing good have I done to deserve God’s own Son, I’m not worthy of the scars in His hands. Yet He chose the road to Calvary to die in my stead; Why He loved me, I can’t understand. Roll back the curtain of memory now and then; show me where You brought me from and where I should have been. Remember, I’m human, and humans forget. So remind me, remind me, dear Lord.”

“Ancient Words” – no book

As Moses encouraged God’s people to remember the law, we sing about those ancient words. Are we heeding the ancient words of life? These holy words have been long preserved, let’s follow them, share them and live our lives by them.

“Jesus Calls Us” – 399

Our invitation song this Sunday morning is a reminder that Jesus is calling for us to follow Him and love Him more than the world. You’ll notice the poetry of the last verse as we ask Him to “make us hear” His call. We know we’re free agents, but what a thought that we would ask for God to make us do something. But that control only comes when we “give our hearts” to His obedience. Then, we’ll serve and love Him more, ‘best,’ of all.

“Footsteps of Jesus” – 416

We just sang an invitation that says, “Jesus calls us…,” then transition to “Sweetly, Lord, have we heard Thee calling, ‘Come follow Me!’.” He calls us, but we still must determine whether or not we’ll answer. But more importantly…will we follow? Singing from our hearts we’ll close this song with the affirmation, “we will follow the steps of Jesus, where ‘er they go.”

“God Bless You, Go with God” – 752

To provide the Oglesby family time to go to our congregation-wide luncheon, we’ll sing one more spiritual song that calls for us to hold fast to our legacy. May we always hold on to the fact that, ‘Christ is the only hope for all the world.’ As we go through this world let’s continually pray that we will ‘go with God’ and follow the Waterview legacy.

1, January 16, 20151, January 17, 2015

Redeeming God’s Time…Jan. 18th

Redemption is an interesting word. By definition it means the “deliverance or rescue” of something. But what is worthy of redeeming? We sing ‘redeemed how I love to proclaim it,’ ‘let the redeemed of the Lord say so,’ and ‘…for on the holy cross hast Thou the world from sin redeemed.’ We know, in Christ, we have been redeemed, but what else can we redeem? Welcoming Chris McCurley to Waterview’s pulpit this coming Sunday morning we look forward to hearing his thoughts on redeeming time.

It makes me think about the old hymn ‘Softly and Tenderly’ as we sing the third verse (though we won’t be singing it this week), “Time is now fleeting the moments are passing…” With time ‘fleeting,’ lasting for a very short time, how can we redeem it. Perhaps, more importantly, we should ask ourselves, who owns our time? Join us as we consider redeeming GOD’S time.

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

Sunday morning, January 18, 2015

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

“Holy Ground Medley” – 100 &101

A strong, spiritual medley that turns us toward the holiness of God. Be careful this Sunday morning as you come together to worship God as a collective body of believers. Two young men came to worship God (they were actually leading the worship) and give Him a sacrifice that wasn’t pleasing (acceptable) to God, and immediately suffered the consequences. To know why, one need only read the words of the boy’s uncle found in Leviticus 10:3, “It is what the Lord spoke, saying, ‘By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy…” As we come to worship this morning remember, we’ll be standing in His holy presence, on Holy Ground.

“Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed?” – 324

One of the most pointed lyrics from the pen of Isaac Watts, this spiritual song reminds us that we have a Savior who bled and died and devoted Himself, His ‘sacred head for such a worm as I.’ But is that the way we sing it? Do we call ourselves ‘worms?’ The Psalmist (David) once wrote in Psalm chapter 22, verse 6, “But I am a worm and not a man.” Job, in his despair, made the same acclamation (Job 25:6). Understanding the meaning of this humble statement, we see the reference to our feeble and despised condition. Without God, we are but worms. We’ve changed the wording to ease our minds and satisfy our self esteem. But I can’t miss the message…my Savior bled and died for me.

“Take Time to Be Holy” – 731

In a fast paced world we rarely slow down long enough to ‘smell the roses.’ Not to mention, taking time to be holy. But what does that mean? How can I ‘take time’ to be holy? Consider the words of the poet W.D. Longstaff; …1) speak often with your Lord, 2) abide in Him always and 3) feed on His word (read the Bible.) 4) Make friends of God’s people, 5) help those who are weak and 6) never forgetting to seek His blessings. In addition we should 7) be calm in our souls, 8) letting each thought and each motive be in His control. (That’s a hard one when you think about it!) But, when we do these things we’ll be led by His Spirit and better fitted for His service. Perhaps that’s how we ‘take time to be Holy.’

“Sing On, Ye Joyful Pilgrims” – 747

Fanny J. Crosby added a great thought in the chorus of this song, “…my heart is filled with rapture (joy), my soul is lost in praise.’ How often do we get ‘lost in thought’ during the course of the day? But what a concept that our souls would be ‘lost in praise.’ Translated, nothing else matters except praising our God.

“Higher Ground” – no book

A spiritual song we know well, but one we sing with a renewed twist. Men echo throughout the verses and chorus as we encourage each other to press on toward heaven.

“Savior Lead Me” – 409

A call to repentance as we sing this hymn for our Savior to lead us. But notice where we’re asking Him to lead us. Certainly heavenward and away from the stormy billows, but as I sing the chorus I’m asking for Him to lead me, “gently down the stream of time…” He is our refuge and we will be ‘safe when by His side,’ but as He leads us, will we follow Him? Are we willing, and honestly ready to obey Him and follow where my Savior leads me?

“Hold To God’s Unchanging Hand” – 613

“Time is filled with swift transition, naught of earth unmoved can stand…” But what does that mean, “naught of earth unmoved can stand.”? Naught means nothing, so we build upon this principle as we consider the poetry. Nothing on earth will continue without being changed/moved. In short, everything is changing here on earth. However, as we hold to God, His unchanging hand (referencing Jesus in Hebrews 13:8), we know we can build upon Him. Building our hopes on things eternal and looking to redeem God’s time as we hold to His hand.

1, December 26, 20141, December 26, 2014

Three Times a Year You Must Go to Church…Dec. 28th

As a child I remember hearing (probably asking), ‘Are we going to church today?’ A simple question from a simple mind. Each and every Sunday morning my family would get up and drive into town to meet with our church family for worship on the first day of the week. Notice, I said ‘every Sunday morning.’ This wasn’t something we did every now and again, or only on Christmas and Easter. And we didn’t go just to satisfy some check list. But isn’t that exactly what many tend to do today? Even if we go to worship God every week, many are just satisfying a need to ‘go to church.’

Maybe we should consider why we do what we do. Is there a reason we go each Sunday morning? Especially in the light of scripture when we read God’s command to the Israelite men in Deuteronomy 16:16, “Three times a year all your men must appear before the Lord your God at the place He will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Tabernacles.” So maybe there’s justification in just going to church to fulfill a check list and satisfy a need. After all, don’t some translate the text above to say, ‘Three times a year you must go to church…’?

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

Sunday morning, December 28, 2014

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

“We’re Marching to Zion” – 869

Notice the call that sounds forth in the first few lines of this spiritual song, “Come, we that love the Lord, and let our joys be known…” What joys are you singing about and why do you want them to be made known? We’ve sung this song for years, but read it again without the musical repetition; “…join in a song of sweet accord and thus surround the throne. Let those refuse to sing who never knew our God, but children of the heavenly King may speak their joys abroad. (Are you a child of the King…will you sing?) The hill of Zion yields a thousand sacred sweets, before we reach the heavenly fields or walk the golden streets. Then let our songs abound and every tear be dry, we’re marching through Emanuel’s ground to fairer worlds on high.” Another old song might say, “This world is not my home, I’m just a passin’ through.”

“More Precious Than Silver” – 273

What do you cherish? What do you value in this life? We invest in gold and silver because we find security in their worth. An old adage goes something like, ‘Diamonds are a girls best friend.’ Many of us put our hope and trust in what we can put our hands on (or what we can put on our hands). But the song we’ll sing before the contribution simply states that we will put our trust, hope and desires in our God. Not in silver, gold or diamonds .

“As the Deer” – 71

This song comes directly from the text as we read the words of the psalmist; “As the deer pants for the water so my soul longs after You…” But do we truly LONG for God? We have a good share of silver, gold and (for some) diamonds… we’re not longing, much less panting, for anything else. Yet many can’t see just how close to death they really are. This video is from a newer version of the same text, and although we’ll be singing the music by Martin Nystrom, Dennis Jernigan’s arrangement is one to be learned.

“O Come Let Us Adore Him” – 264

Taken from the popular ‘Christmas’ song written in the mid-1700’s, the chorus is a constant reminder that we should not only adore our King, but give Him all the glory and all our praise forever. And if anyone asks why…“For He alone is worthy!”

“Surround Us, Lord” – no book

Nothing is more comforting than knowing we’re surrounded by friends and family. Perhaps that is why God has given us the church. Our church family is an extension of our being surrounded by Him, His love, in the absence of our earthly family. The psalmist wrote in the 106th Psalm, “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people.” There is comfort in knowing we’re not alone, unless of course you only meet with God’s family two or three times a year…

“Worthy Art Thou” – 230

Before our lesson this morning, we sing together as we praise our God singing, “Worthy of praise is Christ our Redeemer, worthy of glory, honor and power! Worthy of all our soul’s adoration (O come let us adore Him), worthy art Thou (worthy are You)!”

“There’s a Fountain Free” – 909

“Will you come?” Not necessarily to the meeting of church services, but to the Christ, to the fountain free. But then again, if you’re only ‘coming’ on Christmas and or Easter, if you only come to worship Him as the men of the Old Testament were commanded…then you’re missing the freedom found in the Fountain.

“All People That on Earth Do Dwell” – 532

We’ll close with what some consider a call to worship. Taken again from the 100th book of the Psalms, this ‘psalm’ will be followed by the chorus of our opening spiritual song. Consider the flow to be something like this… “All people that on earth do dwell, sing to the Lord with a cheerful voice; Him serve with fear, His praise forth tell; Come ye (you) before Him and rejoice…” “We’re marching to Zion, beautiful, beautiful Zion! We’re marching upward to Zion, the beautiful city of God.” If we wait to ‘worship’ Him using the example of the Old Law, we’ll miss the blessing of the Savior. The heart of a child of God calls for more than just, “Three times a year you must go to church.”

1, December 19, 20141, December 19, 2014

In the Waiting Room…Dec. 21st

For many of us, the image is clear in our minds. Daddy is nervously pacing (or sitting) in the waiting room while the doctor and nurses tend to the expecting mother. At the same time, others can be found in this same room waiting ‘on pins and needles’ for the news that their loved one made it through. Most of us have been in the waiting room anticipating the ‘good news.’ But as we look deeper into our own lives, we find we are spending our life waiting for more than just the doctor.

For hundreds of years the Jewish nation was waiting and longing for the coming of the Messiah. And now, some two thousand years later, we find ourselves waiting and longing for His return! During the Christmas season, our world remembers Christ’s arrival on this earth, and welcomes the newborn baby…the Messiah. But after the tree is taken down and the Christmas music stops, will this world anticipate His return? David wrote in the 25th Psalm, “…You are the God of my salvation; For You I will wait all the day.” Yet today many of us don’t want to wait. We fail to see that, like it or not, we are still waiting. Not for the newborn baby, but for our Savior’s return. Perhaps you could say we’re still…”In the Waiting Room.”

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

Sunday morning, Dec. 21, 2014

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

“Joy to the World” – 1018

Not to be reserved for December alone … this song of ‘welcome’ is one we’ll sing to open our assembly this morning. Written in the late 1700’s, this spiritual song was not intended as a Christmas hymn. Instead, Isaac Watts penned these words as a reminder of Christ’s birth. Look back at last December to read more about the joy that came into this world. (click on…December, 2013)

“Savior, Thy Dying Love” – 667

Before we open our wallets and give back as God has given to us, consider the three lines of each verse in this song, “…Something for Thee.” And each of these verses reflect on what we will give to Him; some offering…some song…some wanderer won…my soul in eternity. When we reflect on His giving to us, His dying love, what is it that we are willing to give back to Him? While you’re waiting, consider what you’re giving.

“Restore My Soul” – no book

And now consider the state of your soul; how are you doing spiritually? This song calls for God to restore my spirit, revive the fire in my soul, and renew my courage. At times we all become weary and feel ‘burned out,’ but this is when we need God’s guiding hand all the more to have the courage to stand up and replace our doubts with a stronger, bolder faith in His return. Renew your love for Him, rebuild your faith in Him and seek to have Him restore your soul!

“One Day!” – 353

Before we partake in the Lord’s supper we’ll sing only the first two verses of this hundred year old spiritual song. One day the angels sang of Christ’s birth as Jesus was born into this world. But just as we are born and die, so Christ was born and died. One day they led Him up Calvary’s mountain to nail Him on the tree, bearing our sins. And yet we find hope in knowing He didn’t stay in the tomb. Unlike this earthly body, Jesus was raised from the dead. So we sing, “Rising, He justified (freed us from sin) freely forever…” And then, wait for it, we sing “…One day He’s coming! Oh glorious day!”

“Bethlehem…Galilee…Gethsemane” – 357

“Bethlehem, Christ was born there. I believe, I believe! Galilee, He walked there. I believe, I believe! Gethsemane, my Savior prayed there. On Calvary, He died alone. But the tomb, He left there. I believe, I believe!” Believing is important and obeying is vital, but how many of us are willing to go each day, faithfully waiting for our Savior? We do when we confess that, “…Now He lives and reigns forever. I believe, I believe!”

“Blessed Assurance” – 480

What’s your story? Do you tell a story of assurance in Christ through the life you live? Will your song declare that you are an heir of salvation, and that you’ve been purchased by God? If so, and if you’ve read this far I believe you are, then you can’t help but sing praises to our Savior in song…all day long! What better thing to do while you’re waiting then to sing praises!

“When Jesus Comes” – no book

Our invitation song is one from years gone by. As a matter of fact it’s no longer in the book, Faith & Praise. But it’s message is one confirming our resolve as we wait for Christ’s return. Perhaps the chorus says it best, “O can we say we are ready, brother? Ready for the soul’s bright home? Say, will He find you and me still watching, waiting, waiting when the Lord shall come?“

“When He Comes in Glory By and By” – 854

As we are waiting, we are longing for His return. And you and I know, “How sweet it will be…when He comes in the sky!” So be patient, don’t loss faith and always remember the goal is heaven. “When He comes in glory by and by…” it will be sweet, for those who are in the waiting room!

1, December 11, 20141, December 11, 2014

O Come, All Ye Faithful

“For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross.” Colossians 1:19, 20

The hope of all humanity comes in the form of a newborn baby as Jesus was born into this world some 2000 years ago. Not knowing the date, we have settled on December for a number of reasons. But why focus on the birth when the death of Christ, the shedding of His blood, is what brings us salvation? Perhaps it’s the warmth and nostalgia of a newborn baby, instead of the cold-hearted, beating found in a crucifixion. Whatever the reason, it is the birth of Christ that draws this country closer together more than any other time.

And hymns like this one call each of us to Christ as we… behold Him, worship Him and adore Him. Sometimes called by its Latin name, Adeste Fideles, this song is credited to John Francis Wade in 1751. His song of praise invites all of heaven and earth to greet the newborn king. “O come all ye faithful,” is a call for those here on earth who believe and are faithful to God’s word to worship Him. “Sing choirs of angels,” is a call for the heavenly beings to join in the praise.

But will we adore Him and worship Him only for a season? Would that our lives reflect this worship all year long. “O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant. O come, ye, O come ye to Bethlehem. Come and behold Him, born the King of angels; O come let us adore Him…Christ the Lord!”

1, December 5, 20141, December 5, 2014

You Can’t Fool Me…Dec. 7th

Perhaps you’ve heard the saying; “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.” Where it originated isn’t known, but the sentiment is clear, ‘I might be tricked once, but it won’t happen again.’ At the same time there are those who say, ‘You can’t fool me…I know better.’ But some believe a truth not knowing they’ve been fooled. What kind of scoundrel would play such a dirty trick? No wonder we say, “…shame on you.”

But could we be guilty of fooling others as well as fooling ourselves? We look in the mirror and see what we want to see, not what is really there. We talk ourselves into something that’s not. Could it be that we tell ourselves “I’m OK,” when deep down we know we’re not? Are we doing the very thing we consider a ‘dirty trick?’ This Sunday morning might be a good time to consider your stance if you’re one to say, “You Can’t Fool Me!”

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

Sunday morning, December 7, 2014

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

“Living By Faith” – 560

Written almost 100 years ago, this spiritual song reiterates the message found in Hebrews chapter 11, “All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance…” (NIV) In our own Christian walk, how are we doing? Do we live by faith, or do we want substantiated confirmation? And yet that’s exactly how the Hebrew writer began this chapter, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Concerned about being fooled? God will never fail us, never deceive us and never fool us. Therefore we can say, “I care not today what the morrow may bring, if shadow or sunshine or rain. (why…because) The Lord I know ruleth over everything, and all of my worry is vain. I’m Living by faith in Jesus above…”

“Sweet Hour of Prayer” – 827

How do you deal with ‘seasons of distress and grief?’ Do you have a burning desire for Christ to return? Do you ‘hasten’ to God in prayer? W. W. Walford wrote about the power of prayer, and this morning we’ll sing about it. What a great escape from the ‘tempter’s snare,’ and those who believe in Him will ‘cast on Him their every care, and wait for Him…sweet hour of prayer.’ How foolish would we be to reject this hour of prayer.

“A Hill Called Mount Calvary” – 373

This song is new to some, but it has been around for almost 50 years. Made famous by the Gaither family, the message is one we should believe in. Some might say you are being fooled if you believe in a resurrection. And though I might be fooled by a lot of things, there is one thing I know and I believe with all my heart. “I believe in a hill called Mount Calvary. I’ll believe whatever the cost; and when time has surrender and earth is no more, I’ll still cling to the old rugged cross.” The video begins with the 3rd verse…you’ll want to listen to this one!

“Father, I Adore You” – 53

A simple hymn that is sung to our God and Father. As we sing, notice the unified message. “Father, we adore You, lay our lives before You, How we love You.” It’s easy to sing as a group, but will you, can you, sing it in the first person? “Father, I adore You, lay my life before You, How I love You!”

“Open Our Eyes, Lord” – 766

While the collection plate is being passed we’ll ask our Father for a blessing. In this simple hymn we sing, “Open our eyes, Lord we want to see Jesus, to reach out and touch Him, and say that we love Him. Open our ears, Lord and help us to listen…” Don’t be fooled into thinking God isn’t involved in your life. He’s alive and well and listening to your pleas!

“He Leadeth Me” – 410

If you’re concerned about being fooled, your best bet is to take a look at who is leading you. What are they telling you and where are they going? For that matter…what are you telling yourself? Before Sunday morning’s lesson we’ll sing about the One who leads us, it is ‘God’s hand that leadeth me.’ But before you think that’s all there is to it, finish the chorus. “His faithful follower I would be…” He’ll never fool you if you’ll follow Him. Unconditional-Surrender-Maxwell-JM
“All to Jesus I Surrender” – 662

Question; how much is all? We sing a beautiful song of surrender, but will you give up everything for Him? Think about what you’ll be singing, “All to Jesus I surrender, all to Him I freely give. I will ever love and trust Him in His presence daily live…” If we sing all three verses and the chorus with each verse, you’ll be saying “ALL” seventeen times (23 if you count the echo). Will do, do you, surrender your all to Him…or are you just fooling yourself into thinking you do?

“A Common Love” – 705

This ‘youth song’ is taken from the book of John as Jesus spoke to His disciples, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another…” Take note of the emphasis in this spiritual song, “A common love…a common gift…a common bond…a common strength…a common hope…a common joy.” Don’t be deceived, without the truth of God’s Word, we’ll never begin to find strength or hope in this sinful world.

1, November 18, 20141, November 17, 2014

Remember the Soldiers

This past Saturday morning we honored our veterans at Waterview church of Christ. More than 130 of us gathered for breakfast and fellowship as we recognized 40 veterans and their widows. We listened to a couple of patriotic songs and two inspirational readings. One of those poems was entitled “A Soldier Died Today.” Written by A. Lawrence Vaincourt, we came to better appreciate the sacrifice given by ‘a Common Soldier.’

A Soldier Died Today…

He was getting old and paunchy and his hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the Legion, telling stories of the past.

Of a war that he once fought in and the deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies; they were heroes, every one.

And ‘tho sometimes to his neighbors his tales became a joke,
All his buddies listened quietly for they knew where of he spoke.

But we’ll hear his tales no longer, for ol’ Joe has passed away,
And the world’s a little poorer for a Soldier died today.

He won’t be mourned by many, just his children and his wife. Soldiers funeral
For he lived an ordinary, very quiet sort of life.

He held a job and raised a family, going quietly on his way;
And the world won’t note his passing, ‘tho a Soldier died today.

When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing, and proclaim that they were great.

Papers tell of their life stories from the time that they were young
But the passing of a Soldier goes unnoticed, and unsung.

He’s just an ordinary fellow who in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his country and offer up his life.

A loyal, faithful Soldier, who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal and perhaps a pension, small.

It’s too easy to forget them, but our minds we must employ
If it were not for our soldiers would freedom our country enjoy?

Should you find yourself in danger, with your enemies at hand,
There’s only one good option…for the soldier takes a stand!

Consider that lone Soldier–loving country, home and kin,
Just a common Soldier, who would fight until the end.

He was just a common soldier, and his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us we may need his like again.

For when countries are in conflict, we find the Soldier’s part
Is to clean up all the troubles with a faithful, caring heart.

If we cannot do him honor while he’s here to hear the praise,
Then at least let’s give him homage at the ending of his days.

Perhaps just a simply headline in the paper that might say:
“OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING, A SOLDIER DIED TODAY.”

1, November 7, 20141, November 7, 2014

A Reunion of Veterans…Nov. 9th

We are blessed to live in a country that honors those who served to protect and defend our nation’s freedom. Regardless of the branch of service, men and women have been fighting for American’s interest for decades, laying down their life if necessary believing in the cause! And every year on the 11th hour of the 11th day in the 11th month we stand tall to honor our veterans. Many of us, whether we have served or not, come together as a sort of reunion to thank these veterans and remember their service.

But consider for a moment the soldiers who stand and defend (or have stood and defended) the cause of Christ? They lived and died serving the King of Kings. Hebrews chapter 11 gives us a brief list of those ‘heroes’ of old, the veterans who faithfully served in the Lord’s Army. Today, you and I are still fighting the battle between good and evil (Ephesians 6:10-20). As we strive to be faithful soldier’s of the cross let’s look forward to our reunion. Next time one of our soldiers comes home, welcome them with open arms, and in the same way we anticipate ‘A Reunion of Veterans.’

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

Sunday morning, November 9, 2014

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

“Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus” – 648

Are you willing to take a stand for what you believe in? When someone comes asking if you believe in the Bible, are you taking a stand for truth or are you not too sure? Some might think this song is intended to be sung standing up, a little like ‘on your feet soldier.’ But whether you’re sitting or standing, you sing about your decision. Will you stand up for what is right, or are you content to sit back and see what happens. We begin this morning singing, “…Ye soldiers of the cross; lift high His royal banner, it must not suffer loss.” Before we end this service we’ll sing again of the royal banner and our responsibility to ‘march on.’

“Am I a Soldier of the Cross” – no book

This old spiritual song asks a basic question. It’s a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ question that only you can answer. Are you a soldier of the cross, a follower of the Lamb? The one who says “YES” knows the answer to this question as we sing; “Is this vile (wicked) world a friend to grace to help you on to God?” The world is no friend to God, but soldiers of the cross know this … where are our friendships? Are we friends with the world, or are we soldier’s of the cross?

“Freely, Freely” – 635

We read in Matthew chapter 10 the words of Jesus as He commissioned His followers, “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give.” God forgave us of our sins and adopted us as His children. Our cost for this adoption was nothing. From His own hand we have freely received the hope of eternal life. Will we give that same hope away to a lost and dying world? Soldiers often do more than fight, we also free the oppressed. “Freely you have received, freely, freely give!”

“The Battle Belongs to the Lord” – 749

What a great thought of assurance for any soldier to know the battle is over. To hear the news…we’ve won! In Christ we know that to be true and so together we sing this song before our lesson; “In heavenly armor we’ll enter the land, the battle belongs to the Lord! No weapon that’s fashioned against us will stand, the battle belongs to the Lord. And we sing…Glory, Honor, Power and Strength to the Lord…”

“I Am Coming, Lord” – 923

As we offer the invitation, thinking about the reunion of God’s veterans, we offer a plea to those who have not yet joined the fight. Standing on the outside looking in, never knowing the joy of serving in the Kingdom, many will leave this life unaware of a reunion of God’s veterans. Or perhaps a soldier has gone AWOL and deserted his post, it’s never too late to come back. It is Jesus who ‘calls me on to perfect faith and love, to perfect hope and peace and trust, for earth and heaven above.’ This may be the time for you to say, “I am coming, Lord!”

“Lamb of God” – 176

One of the last things we’ll do this morning is offer the Lord’s Supper. Whether it’s early in the worship service or held back to the end, we’ll remember our Lord’s death burial and resurrection this morning as we sing about the Lamb of God. Follow the thought found in the second verse of this song, ‘Your gift of love they crucified, they laughed and scorned Him as He died, the humble King they named a fraud and sacrificed the Lamb of God.’ Turn your mind to Lamb and remember His sacrifice.

“There’s a Royal Banner” – 627

Just as we began our worship time together singing about His banner, we’ll close lifting high the royal banner. Perhaps the thing we should come away with as we sing this closing song is the fact that God’s soldiers are ‘marching on!’ Soldiers of the cross eagerly anticipate the resurrection day, and in so doing we count everything but loss. Live your life looking forward to a Reunion of Veterans.

1, November 3, 20141, October 22, 2014

They Are New Every Morning…Part II

Continuing the thought from Lamentations, we’ll look again at Jeremiah the prophet as he spoke about God’s mercies, “…they are new every morning.” When times are difficult and we can’t seem to see any hope, what is our response? Do we fall into despair or do we reach for higher, brighter days?

We have a tendency to question God’s rule. We, like Job, have questions and seek to understand God’s providence. If we were to stand before God, can we truly expect anything less than what He said to Job? As God spoke, He asked Job, “Have you ever in your life commanded the morning, and caused the dawn to know its place…?” The obvious answer is ‘no,’ we have no control over this world, the sunrise, the sunset, the sunshine or the rain. God is the Creator, and this is His world. So rather than question His work, we should take comfort in knowing He rules this earth and guards His people. The Creator of the universe, the One who ‘commands the morning’ is also our refuge and strength (Psalm 46). And even though ‘the earth should change, and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea’ children of God have no reason to fear. We know, as His creation, that we have a promise, “God is in the midst of her (His people), she will not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns…” Psalm 46:5. The psalmist is literally telling us that God will help His people at the turning of the morning. Could there be any greater comfort in knowing that the Maker of heaven and earth watches over His people at the dawning of each day? Though we might not have blue skies every morning, we know Who controls those skies. With that knowledge we have to reflect upon our attitude. What will we do when dark clouds gather? How will we deal with the devastating storms that strike our land? Will we take them in stride anticipating a new tomorrow, or will we look to place blame, bemoaning our current state of affairs? Ken Young once penned the words to a contemporary song entitled, Richly Blest. Within that message there is a thought that all Christians should champion. Throughout our days, regardless of our circumstances, whether things are good or bad, my God blesses me!

“Bluest skies, cloudy day, whether it’s good or bad that tends to come my way. From the highest hill or deepest valley I will claim His rest, for the One who loves me makes me richly blest.”

And just in case we come away thinking we have no responsibility in these ‘turning days,’ we must never forget God’s word as He spoke to His people in Deuteronomy 23. “Since the Lord your God walks in the midst of your camp to deliver you and to defeat your enemies before you, therefore your camp must be holy; and He must not see anything indecent among you or He will turn away from you.” When God looks into our lives, what does He see? Is our camp filled with things of this world or are we striving to keep our lives holy, as He is holy? God is with His people at the turning of the day, but only we will determine if we are among His people, walking as children of Light. Consider all the more the words of Paul as he wrote to the church in Ephesus, “…there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or course jesting, which are not fitting…Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience…walk as children of Light.” Ephesians 5:4-8. How can we expect to be richly blest if we harbor worldly behaviors? If our words and actions resemble the world, we will continue to live in darkness.

Though we may not know what tomorrow holds, we know who holds tomorrow. We have hope in what we cannot see; “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1. We can find assurance in a brighter tomorrow even when today looks awfully dark. On this earth we’re never guaranteed another dawn, nor do we have assurance tomorrow will be sunny. But by maintaining our faith in Him and following His word, we have confidence in knowing…The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. As a matter of fact…they are new every morning!