Category: God

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How Can I Know There Is a God? … June 4th

There is a question that has been asked for generations, from young and old, ‘How do you know? You say this is the way it goes, but howquestion mark do you know?’ Some will tell you that the answer to the question is this…but how do they know? Even the jury needs to know for sure before coming down with a verdict. As a Christian, you have been told that there is a God. Still some may ask, “How do you know?”

The Christian stands tall on faith that what the Bible says is true. God is alive and Jesus loves me because…‘the Bible tells me so!’ But is there anything concrete I can share with my unbelieving friends? Can I give them something outside of God’s inspired word that confirms my belief that God is real? This coming Sunday morning at Faith Village church of Christ in Wichita Falls, come join us as we look at the question… “How Can I Know There Is a God?”

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

Sunday morning, June 4, 2017

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

“All the Way My Savior Leads Me” – no book

Where are you going in life? Is there an ‘end game’ to your daily activities? As God’s children we know that He directs our path (Proverbs 3:6) and we follow Him by faith. Thus we sing, “All the way my Savior leads me, O the fullness of His love. Perfect rest to me is promised in my Father’s house above.” Maybe we should all ask ourselves, who is leading me and were exactly am I going?

following Christ“Step By Step” – 15

Following our opening song, “Jesus lead me all the way,” we reaffirm that we will follow Him, step by step. But not just follow Him. We will seek Him in the morning and we will learn to walk in His ways…all the way He leads us.

“Redeemed” – 458

When you know that there is a God and you are His child, it’s easy, and sweet, to sing this next song. “I’m redeemed! By love divine, Glory, glory, Christ is mine, Christ is mine.” When we believe, obey and follow God we will have a ‘sweet song’ (verse 1) and experience great joy (verse 2)!

“O Listen to the Wondrous Story” – 496

Though perhaps not known as a ‘song before the Lord’s supper,’ the chorus supports our claim that we can have assurance and know there is a God. With a short Q&A, we ask, “Who saved us from eternal loss?” Answer, “Who (else) but God’s Son upon the cross?” Question, “Why, what did He do?” Answer, “He died for you!” Question, “Where is He now?” Answer, this is good… “Believe it thou (you), in heaven interceding!” (Read Romans 8:34, “Christ Jesus is He who died, yes rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.”)

“I Believe in the One They Call Jesus” – 356

How can we say we know for sure that God is real? Perhaps we follow the words from Romans 4:18 as Abraham’s faith was being discussed, “In hope against hope he believed…” That’s why, within this one song, we sing the word ‘believe’ eight times, in verse one alone. And before it’s all said and done, we’ll sing that we believe in Jesus, in His power, His authority, His life and His death a total of 22 times. So then you must decide if you’ll sing the last line of the chorus, “And I believe that He’s the answer for me.”

“Our God, He Is Alive” – 23

Written less than 50 years ago, this spiritual song has become one of the most popular hymns within churches of Christ. And perhaps there is no song more fitting as we consider our lesson today than the song with this title, Our God, He Is Alive! But look closely at verse three. Often skipped over and misunderstood by many, this verse reminds us that God is not only in control, He is in charge. He holds in His hand the secret of life, and though men may search for the answer, they will never find it. Why, because only God understands!

“I Know Whom I Have Believed” – 524

We have lots of questions in life. Even with this invitation song we find 5 questions we might ask. From God’s grace and His love, how the Holy Spirit ‘moves,’ what my future holds and when Christ will return. But even with these ‘queries,’ we sing with confidence…“I know whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed to Him (my life in Christ) against that day.” (See II Timothy 1:12, “…for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him UNTIL that day.”…I believe that!)

“Blue Skies and Rainbows” – no book

Some say this is a campfire song…maybe, but notice the last two verses and how they support our message today. “Green grass and flowers all blooming in spring time…are works of the Master I live for each day…” and, “Tall mountains, green valleys, the beauty that surrounds me, all of this makes me aware of the One who made it all.” Look around you and you’ll see God’s hand. Then you’ll sing, “I know that Jesus is well and alive today!”

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A Song Leaders Guide…Pt. 2

As we continue to look at The Song Leader’s Guide, you’ll remember previously we talked about “Being Prepared.” Though we can never underestimate the importance of working with the preacher and coordinating the song service, the second point is of equal value. In today’s Humble leadershiparticle we’ll look at the next recommendation for song leaders. We must know and practice humility. Without a humble spirit, our song leading becomes nothing more than a stage for your assumed presentation. Not a good thing!

Not only should we be prepared…a good song leader will demonstrate humility before, during and after the worship services. Before worship services begin, walk down the aisle of the auditorium and visit with the members. Knowing them by name is an important connection you can make before you step up to lead. If you are too busy picking songs, or if you aren’t willing to visit with the members, you’ll never be able to properly lead them. A humble heart will see others as valuable, and be willing to invest time in them.

During the song service, demonstrate humility. Have a countenance of joy when the song calls for it, but avoid excessive facial expressions that draw undue attention to you. A smile will tell the congregation you believe in the message of the song. At all times, avoid a look of distress or frustration. If you mess up on a series of notes, or if you sing the wrong words, don’t let the congregation know it has ‘rattled you.’ Your brothers and sisters may not even know you made a mistake, but either way it won’t shake you because, “this is not about you.” When you lead a melancholy song, strive to focus the congregation on the seriousness of the song’s message. Remember, you can communicate the meaning of a song simply by the expression you have on your face.

And, humility must also be exhibited after the worship services. At times you may receive accolades regarding your ‘work’ following the worship. A common response by many song leaders is a simple ‘thank you.’ And to God be the glorythough there is nothing wrong with this reply, perhaps a better response would be ‘to God be the glory.’ However, if someone acknowledges my song leading, I prefer the phrase, ‘the congregation was in good voice.’ It is always best to turn the focus away from yourself, and towards our God and His church. Just remember that a humble heart cannot be seen in words, but in actions. Give praise to God and uplift His church or you run the risk of leaving the congregation feeling like spectators rather than participants.

Next month (April) we’ll conclude this three part series of a Song Leader’s Guide to Worship.
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Good Morning, Lord!

sun rise“Well I’m up in the morning and I’m feeling OK…Don’t want the devil to get in my way so I’m down on my knees and I’m starting to pray, ‘Good Morning, Lord!’ Good morning, Lord! Send a little sun(son)shine down my way. Good morning, Lord! I just want to live for you today.”

Earlier this month I was honored to worked with more than 20 young people (JH/HS & College) at the 1st Annual Ark/La/Tex Singing Camp  in central Louisiana. With the combined talents of Andy Singing CampBaker, Benjamin Bruce and our camp director Doyle Bruce the young men were taught more than just how to read shape notes and understand music theory. We imparted a working knowledge that embraced the responsibility of leading singing and bringing the congregation closer to honoring and glorifying God. The young ladies were directed by Katheryn Baker, Kristy Huntsman and Emili Bruce.

When we consider our opportunity and obligation to sing and teach singing, we come closer to knowing how GREAT our God really is. We come to appreciate the vast debt we owe for the hope we have in this life and in the life to come. But when it comes to trying to understand that debt and how I should live in response to God’s great gift, we start by looking at the first chapter in the book of Psalm. Thanks, Andy, for taking us through this psalm as we sang and learned how to live for our God!

“Blessed is the mantree by the river
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;

But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and in His law he meditates…day and night.

He shall be like a tree
Planted by rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.

Godly man…PARALLELED…with the Ungodly man

The ungodly are not so
But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.

Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,
Nor sinners in the congregation (family) of the righteous.

For the Lord knows the way of the righteous
but the way of the ungodly…shall perish (shall not last).”

Make plans to join us next summer, but in the mean time let me encourage you with these words from Andy Baker…

“Spend time in the Son (sun),
Spend time in the Scripture and
Spend time in Self-Refection.”

 

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God Still Reigns…July 12th

An angry young man storms into the shop, slams his fist against the counter and shouts at the employee, ‘Who is in charge around here?’ With just a few words you know there is unrest and frustration. Someone has been offended and is looking for answers. To get ‘satisfaction,’ we need to know who is calling the shots. In 1952, while speaking to buck stops herethe National War College,  President Truman referenced a sign he had on his desk which read, ‘The buck stops here!’ A statement reassuring the nation, “I’m in charge.”

But when the ‘law of the land’ clashes with ‘God’s perfect law of liberty’ (James 2:25), we are left with angry men shouting, ‘Who is in charge?’ In 1974, Leonard Smith penned the words to a song that gives us the answer to our question. “How lovely on the mountains are the feet of Him who brings good news. Announcing peace, proclaiming news of happiness, Our God reigns, our God reigns!” If you are wondering who is in charge of this life, and if you want to know Who has the answer to your questions, join us Sunday morning as we remember…God Still Reigns!

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

Sunday morning, July 12, 2015

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

“Come Thou, Almighty King” – 19

“Come Thou, Almighty King, help us Thy name to sing, help us to praise! Father all glorious, over all victorious, come and REIGN over us, Ancient of Days!” Do you see God as the One who reigns in your life? Can you trust that, ‘the buck stops’ with Him? When you do, then you’ll understand why His children long to see His sovereign majesty in glory. Where we will, for eternity, love and adore Him. (Which musically leads us to our next song…)

God Reigns

“O Come Let Us Adore Him” – 264

Many recognize this as the chorus to one of our ‘Christmas’ hymns. But today let me encourage you to sing it with ‘more understanding.’ This is a simple repeat of the cause for which we live, “O come let us adore Him…Christ the Lord!” Sometimes we can find a hymn of praise in the most basic of places.

 

“By Christ Redeemed” – 366

Breaking this hymn into two parts, we’ll sing verses 1-2 before the Lord’s Supper, then following the fruit of the vine we’ll close with verse 3. And yet for years I have sung this 3rd verse without knowing what I was singing. The message…“And thus that dark betrayal night with the last advent we unite, by one bright chain of loving rite, until He come.” We recognize ‘until He come’ from the words of Paul in I Corinthians 11:26, but what is the ‘last advent’ or the ‘loving rite?’ Understanding that an ‘advent’ is defined as ‘a coming’ and a rite is an act done continually, let’s try it again…”And because of that dark, betrayal night we are united knowing that He will come again (with the last advent). And as we continually, ritually (rite), keep the Lord’s Supper (the one bright chain of love), we keep it…until He come.”

“Sweet Adoration” – 253

Sung during the passing of the collection plate, this contemporary song reminds us that God reigns in our hearts. How often, how clearly does our adoration flow to the throne of God? Are we, as His children, constantly giving Him our praise? We would do well to remember that He is the Divine One who still reigns!

“Surely the Presence of the Lord is in This Place” – 398

Following the prayer, we’ll transition to this reminder that God is with us. Our God STILL REIGNS is in this place!

“The Love of God” – 122

A 100 year old song that resonates in our hearts, especially as we consider the chorus; “…the soul will glow like Jesus in His tender mercy, if the heart is made His dwelling place.” God isn’t looking to sit on an earthly throne. He is not running for office or looking to hold a seat in the senate. Our God doesn’t make His dwelling place Washington, D.C. But never forget that God Still Reigns. He reigns in heaven, and wants us to let Him reign in our lives.kneel at the cross

“Kneel at the Cross” – 945

With God as our King, He welcomes all who will come to Him. But before be can bow before the throne of God, we must first kneel at the cross. Through an acceptance of His death, burial and resurrection, we too die to ourselves and give Him reign over our lives.

“This World is Not My Home” – 957

Many value this world as home, and for the one who has nothing but this world… that would be a sad state. Yet for the child of God, we will live eternally, not in this world, but ‘up in glory land.’ If this world is what you desire, you’ll never know the glory of Christ in your heart. But when you seek ‘heaven’s door,’ and Christ lives in your heart, then you’ll know…God still reigns!

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Hands Full of Clay…May 3rd

Have you ever watched a child with a fresh ball of Play-Doh? They’ll squish it in their fingers, roll it into logs and pat it into pancakes. For hours they’ll create shapes and mold images from play-doh 2their imagination. Perhaps it’s no wonder that we are creative from such an early age since we’ve been molded by our Creator. Shaped and made in His image (Genesis 1:26).

And for the believer, it’s not hard to see that we are nothing more than clay. Isaiah helps us see that clearly as we read from the 64th chapter; “But now, O Lord, You are our Father, we are the clay, and You are our potter; and all of us are the work of Your hand.” Still, we must realize the difference between a child and our God. Our heavenly Father isn’t just playing with Play-Doh! Though He has molded His creation in His own image, we will ultimately choose our own shape. God is the Potter, but we are the ones who have “hands full of clay.”

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

Sunday morning, May 3, 2015

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

“Higher Ground” – no book

We recognize this old favorite, but there’s another way of singing the same words and the same notes. If you’ve never heard Ken Young’s version of this old time favorite, I hope you’ll enjoy it. Waterview, let’s begin our worship service with this hymn, singing with full volume! Together, we sing (and pray), “Lord lift me up and let me stand, by faith, on heaven’s tableland.”

“Have Thine Own Way Lord” – 552

An old spiritual song that speaks the message of this morning’s lesson…“Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way! Thou art (YOU are) the Potter, I am the clay…” But how receptive will we be to the molding process? We might continue to sing, but will we continue to do? “Mold me and make me after Thy will, while I am waiting, yielded and still.” We must be willing and we must be still if we are to be molded like the Lord desires.

how deep the father's love

 

“How Deep the Father’s Love” – no book

A contemporary song that poetically walks us through the hours of Christ crucifixion. From the time ‘the Father turns His face away’ (Matt. 27:46), to the final words of Jesus, ‘I know that it is finished.’ (John 19:30)  Would that we find the power of the message as we sing the truth…‘His wounds have paid my ransom.’

“Nearer My God to Thee” – 684

Just singing the first verse after the Lord’s Supper we remember ‘His will’ is found in Him. “Nearer my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee! E’en tho it be a cross (trials) that raiseth me…(Translated: Even though I will go through difficult times…) Still all my song shall be, Nearer my God to Thee. Nearer my God to Thee, nearer to Thee.” (…I still want to be near God) And the nearer we are to God, the easier it’ll be to mold the clay.

 

“Let Him Have His Way with Thee” – no book

You and I have a choice as to how we’ll live this life. We can follow God or we can follow the world. So how can we sing this old spiritual song about ‘letting Him have His way?’ If it’s ‘my way or the highway’ what role does God have to play? To start, notice the message of the song is a question, “Would you live for Jesus…would you walk with Him…would you let Him bear your burden…” There are actually 9 questions asked in this short, three verse song. If you answer ‘yes,’ then…”Let Him have His way with Thee.” But why? Because, “His power can make you what you ought (if you’ve been purchased by the blood of Christ, you ought is translated ‘you are obligated’) to be. His blood can cleanse your heart and make you free. His love can fill your soul, and you will see (that) it was best to let Him has His way with thee.”

“Take My Life” – 664

As our invitation song, you’ll find the sacrifice we make hits all levels.  Verse one begins with 1) my life and 2) my days (even moments). Verse two includes 3) my hands and 4) my feet. Verse three adds 5) my voice and 6) my lips. If it wasn’t already personal enough, verse four adds 7) my money (silver and my gold) and 8) my intelligence. And to top off this list of what is included from our life…9) my love and 10) myself. Giving those things to God is placing ourselves in the Potter’s hand!Potters hands

 

“Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” – 679

Fully trusting in God is sweet! Not like sugar, or the acceptable ‘sweet!’ The proper definition for this is cherished…What a cherished life we live when we trust in Jesus. But to have that ‘sweetness,’ we need to follow verse three; “Yes, it is sweet (cherished) to trust in Jesus, just from sin and self to cease…” That is how we truly give over to the Potter, molding our lives with hands full of clay.

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Mary’s Song…Luke 1

Do we realize how powerful our words can be? We hear the saying a lot, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me…” But in all honesty, that is not true, and I speak from experience. The words that we speak on a daily basis can either bring someone’s spirit up or down. Even the experiences that we have and participate in can have a positive or negative effect on our attitudes and actions. In Luke 1, we read the account of when the angel of God came to Mary and told her that she would bear God’s Son. Most of the time we focus on her final reply, “Behold, I am a bond slave of the Lord; may it be done to me Mary's songaccording to your word.” If we put ourselves in that situation, in Mary’s position, would we respond the same? As we read the chapter, we see that Mary goes to visit her cousin Elizabeth who was six months pregnant at the time. Shortly after arriving and receiving blessings from her cousin, she begins to pour out her heart to the Lord about her situation. What she says, or sings, in this passage is known to many as Mary’s song or in some circles today it is known as Magnificat.

When I was asked to write my thoughts about this song, I had no idea how I was going to begin. To start, I talked with my roommate about the different aspects and approaches that I could use. As a student at Freed-Hardeman University, and a member of the Chorale, I decided to ask some of my peers their perspective of this hymn. Breaking it down verse by verse, I asked them about a few questions;
1) what thoughts ‘spoke’ to them in the verses,
2) on a personal level, how are they affected by the song, and
3) how could this hymn affect them in their own spiritual life.
Here are a few of their responses…

Soprano: “My soul magnifies the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, my soul magnifies the Lord, my soul rejoices in God!”
– “This part makes me feel like it is my soul magnifying. It feels like there is a deeper part of my being that is being pulled out of me…It’s almost like it is out of my conscience self.” -Leila M.
– “It’s VERY powerful, and it is a simple message that our souls cannot help but rejoice for God being just what he is…” Caleb. H

Bass: “Glory be to God the Father, and Glory be to God the Son, Glory be to God the Spirit, Glory be to God.”
– “My dad sings this part, the bass, of the song so I hear him sing it a lot in church… It is the simple glorification that sets the basic tone for the song as a whole. The other themes in the song are based off this verse… “Glory be to God…” Unfortunately, we don’t have Mary’s perspective, but we can take it as surrendering our all to God on a daily basis…” – David. C

Alto: “He has been mindful of his servant, He has been mindful of me, I will be blessed forever, forever, I will be blessed by the Lord.”
– “No matter how much we sin, the Godhead (The Father the Son and the Holy Spirit), will still receive us (bless us) forever…FOREVER!” -Michal V.
– “This verse I think represents her praises to the Lord for finding favor in her and for giving her the great gift of bearing the Son of God. I personally feel most connected to this verse because Mary is rejoicing in the great news of the Son and now we can too. God really was watching out for us when He gave us Jesus, knowing that we would all die in our sin without Him. It is because we have Jesus we will be blessed forever and ever by our Lord. This is a song of praise, it is a song we use to show God how we feel about His glory, might, and his indescribable gift.” (2 Cor. 9:15) -Zack G.

Tenor: “God alone is mighty, mighty, our God alone has done great things, God alone is worthy, worthy, Holy is His name!”
– “When I think of these phrases, I see/think of God looking down from Heaven and the clouds rolling… And I think, ‘He has the power to do whatever He wants, and He can do, He has done, such wonderful things. He deserves to be praised and worshiped.’” -Mikayla T.
– “It is a description of His power, and He doesn’t need anyone with Him to help Him to be able to display it. I imagine that I will not have the same emotion as Mary, but when I have children I consider that a blessing. When we aren’t planning on it, God will allow something extraordinary and impossible to happen in our lives and we need to not just be prepared for that time. We need to be watching for it as well, just like Mary.” -June W.
– “‘God alone is mighty,’ this really speaks to me because He is the only one who is mighty… He created the world and we cannot really compare anything to Him. I think that we as Christians could be less prideful because we are not as good as we think we are, and God is and always will be better than we are or ever will be.” -Kyllian M.


As I was listening to my friends’ responses, I couldn’t help but be impressed with the thoughts and ideas they were sharing. Listening to this song I typically follow the alto line, but as I sat and listened to it recently, it made me realize something. Through every trial, tribulation, grief or joy our God blesses ME! That hit me like lightening. It dawned on me that no matter what I do or how far I stray, as a baptized believer in God’s church I will always be on my Father’s mind and He will always care for me. Not only does He care for me He cares about all Emili...sophomore yearof His children and He will bless us as long as we honor, worship, follow and praise Him.

Thanks to my daughter Emili for her time and energy in pulling these thoughts together. May our soul indeed, “Magnify the Lord!”

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The Incubator…March 1st

As a young boy growing up on a West Texas farm, I remember well the days we Chickswould raise little baby chicks. From hatchlings we would nurture them with heat lamps, clean water, the appropriate feed, warm straw and a secure chicken coop. Though I don’t recall if we ever ‘incubating’ the eggs, they were our responsibility from the very beginning.

But without the incubation process, the hatching of the baby chick will never happen. Of course, eggs aren’t the only things that need an incubator. The premature baby, the ‘new endeavor,’ even a virus may have an incubation period. And this morning as we recognize those babies born in 2014, Robert Taylor will share some ideas about how we can prepare our children for life in this world. Not just any life, but a life focused on God and His will. Parents, we have an obligation to care for our children, prepare our children, and ‘bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.’ (Ephesians 6:4) And if you think about it, it all begins in…”The Incubator.”

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

Sunday morning, March 1, 2015

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

“Wonderful Words of Life” – 543

“Sing them over again to me, wonderful words of life…” what a joy to sing about our salvation! Consider your life in Christ, your salvation in His name…beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life. It’s encouraging to me to read/sing the words of the 2nd verse; these words are ‘all so freely given,’ and for the one who is listening and open to the message, these words are ‘wooing us to heaven.’ Wonderful words of life!

“How Beautiful” – 365

Preparing ourselves for the Lord’s Supper we’ll sing a spiritual song that was written less than 25 years ago. A song that speaks to the beautiful hands that serve, the washing feetbeautiful, radiant bride (the church of Christ), and the beautiful feet that walk. This song, however, does more than just talk about Christ physical body, but alludes to the church as the body of Christ. Notice verse one as we sing about the hands of Christ as He served His disciples the ‘last supper.’ And visualize His feet as walked the dusty road to the cross. But then continue on to verse three as we transition to the feet that spread the good news (the gospel), and the hands that serve the Lord’s Supper today. How beautiful…in deed!

 

“Lord, We Come Before Thee Now” – 797

Following the Lord’s Supper many have a sense of quiet stillness. It’s fitting to come before our God with awe and reverence and so we sing, “Lord, we come before Thee now, at Thy feet we humbly bow…” setting the stage of a lowly servant approaching the king we see how we might say our souls depend on Thee. But the contrast comes in the third verse; our God, unlike an earthly king, allows us to come and stay with Him. To dwell with Him and seek His blessing.

“Can You Count the Stars” – 992

A simple song that asks a simple question; “Can you count the stars of evening…can you count the clouds…can you count the birds or the fish…can you count the little children?” If God knows their number and shows them His care, surely we can rest assured knowing that, “He has not forgotten thee.” Maybe we could say, each day in we are in God’s care, we are growing in His incubator.

“I Love to Tell the Story” – 659

Before the lesson we’ll sing a spiritual song that provides us with a clear understanding of the incubator. We sing, “I love to tell the story, it is pleasant to repeat, what seems each time I tell it more wonderfully sweet; I love to tell the story (ready for this) for some have never heard…” For some have never heard…how important for us to share the message of salvation to a lost and dying world.

“Softly and Tenderly” – 934E08M74_PosterJesusLovesMe.qxd

One might wonder how ‘come home…’ could be attributed to the incubation process. Then again, when we consider this life as just the nurturing and preparation stage for a new life, we might just all being in the incubator. It would explain why Jesus is calling us ‘softly and tenderly.’

“Jesus Loves Me” – 1014

Even the littlest child is likely to know this simple song. What better way to bring our children through the incubation process then to train them up and remind them daily that Jesus loves them. Parents, this should resonate in our hearts…‘this I know, for the Bible tells me so!”

“There is a Habitation” – 860

The beauty of this song comes in knowing that heaven is a perfect place. It’s a place where there is no war, no sorrow, no death, and no tomorrow. A place with no desolation, no night and no decay, And though this song doesn’t say it, no incubator. For within the gates of heaven we’ll be singing eternal praises to our King. Would that we instill a desire within our children to say, “I am ready to go to heaven!” When this life is over, when we leave the incubator, let’s be ready for the city built by the living God.

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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 Waiting Roomexpecting 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, 2014joy to the world

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!Blessed Assurance

“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!

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Can a Christian Be a Thinking Person?…Oct. 19th

It was written in 1929 by Ernest Hemingway in the novel, A Farewell to Arms. A simple sentence that haunts mankind, “All thinking men are atheists.” The secular world would have you believe that faith in God is weakness and scientific ignorance.  Thinking mind

In a world that speaks with disdain toward God and elation toward self, what is a Christian to do? What can we say that will convince the ‘un-churched’ to reconsider their path of ungodliness? When we profess our belief in “…God created…”, the world dismisses this as ancient myth. But we believe in an intellectually superior God who shaped and formed the earth. Remember what Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus, “They (unbelievers) are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of the hearts.”

Waterview welcomes Dr. Phil Thompson of Harding University on Sunday, October 19th. He will be presenting two classes and two lessons designed to answer the question, “Can thinking people believe?”

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

Sunday morning, Oct. 19, 2014

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

“All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” – 162psalm 148

Built into a medley with “Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah,” we’ll begin our worship together with these songs of praise. “All hail the power of Jesus’ name let angels prostrate fall! Bring forth the royal diadem and crown Him Lord of all…” Is Christ the Lord of your life? You make that decision, though your decision has no bearing on His royalty. He reigns! We will either follow Him or we will not. A foolish, deceived world will not, but rest assured, He is Lord of All!

“Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah” – 3

Taken from the 148th Psalm we’ll sing the scripture in this ‘psalm.’ Have you read it lately? If not, after we sing it you really should read it! His divine power is reinforced in His creation, everything praises Him. The question is…will you?

“We Saw Thee Not” – 342

Before the Lord’s Supper we’ll sing the first three verses remembering Christ’s death. Perhaps the power comes in the conclusion of each of these verses as we sing (twice for emphasis), “But we believe…”

“My Faith Has Found a Resting Place” – 582

Not an overly familiar song, but one which we need to understand and daily echo the chorus, “I need no other argument, I need no other plea, it is enough that Jesus died and rose again for me.” Do you have the faith to be able to not only sing these word, but believe them and live your life accordingly?

“O Listen to the Wondrous Story” – 496

Before our lesson we’ll sing this popular spiritual song written more than 100 years ago. The third verse is a great question to the listener as we sing, “Will you surrender to this Savior? To His scepter humbly bow? You, too, shall come to know His favor, He will save you, save you now.” Then the chorus resounds with a question and answer, “Who saved us from eternal loss! Who but God’s Son upon the cross? What did He do? He died for you! Where is He now? Believe it thou, In heaven interceding!”

“Trust and Obey” – 915

“When we walk with the Lord in the light of His world, what a glory He sheds on our way…” You most likely know this song by heart having sung it for years. But often we are familiar with the first, second and last verses and have never fully learned the third verse. But this morning consider a line from this song which has implications on today’s lesson. “But we never can prove the delights of His love until all on the altar we lay; for the favor He shows, and the joy He bestows, are for those who will trust and obey.” So where are you in regard to laying your all on the altar. Or are you still trying to see if you can prove the delights of His love?

“Love Lifted Me” – 453

A rousing song as we part this morning. We will sing over and over the message of the chorus, “Love lifted me…” Do you find that living for Christ lifts your spirits? The child of God understands this ‘lift’ and finds comfort in his belief in a Savior. Though the world may think us to be ignorant or backward, we know where to look when we’re ‘sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore…’ Let’s not keep this story of salvation to ourselves. There is a dying world out there who desperately needs a Savior.

 

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The Sign of the Covenant…Sept. 28th

A verbal commitment is binding, and yet an agreement that is documented (written) is stronger still. But what about an agreement between two individuals that has physical implications? A physical sign of what we have agreed upon. A handshake is physical, but is Covenant...1there more to it when it comes to our agreement, our covenant, with God?

In the Old Testament we read of the ‘physical’ covenant between God and man in Genesis chapter 17 when God said to Abraham…“Now as for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations. This is My covenant, which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: every male among you shall be circumcised. And you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin, and it shall be the sign of the covenant between Me and you…” A very physical sign to be sure, but what about us today? If we have a covenant with God, is it more than just verbal and written? What is our “Sign of the Covenant?”

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

Sunday morning, September 28, 2014

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

“I’m Not Ashamed to Own My Lord” – 609

Just looking at the title of this familiar song, you should ask yourself, ‘what does it mean to “own” Him?’ Perhaps in easier terms we might say, do you openly profess your obedience to God? If I’m loyal to God, and if I publicly proclaim Him then how often do I defend His cause? Do you know, His cause? Children of the covenant know, and we must never be ashamed to own our Lord.

“He’s My King” – 166

Immediately following after “I’m Not Ashamed to Own My Lord,” we’ll sing this spiritual song of confirmation. Not only am I willing to proclaim my loyal covenant to Him…I sing with conviction that He is my King! Let’s sing of our love for Him, and be sure…‘none other is above Him.’

“Hallelujah! What a Savior” – 337

Before the Lord’s Supper we’ll sing the first two verses of this song written by Philip Bliss in the late 1800’s. Remember that Jesus was scoffed and shamed as He stood condemned in our spot. But why? To reclaim us, the ‘ruined sinner,’ and to pardon us with His blood. What a Savior!

“Why Did My Savior Come to Earth” – 382

Taking just the first verse we’ll sing before the bread. Then, between the bread and the fruit of the vine, we’ll sing verse two. When was the last time you really focused on these words: “Why did my Savior come to earth, and go to the humble (insignificant, inferior)? Why did He chose to be born in a barn (a lowly birth)? And why did He drink the bitter cup of sorrow, pain and woe (trouble)? Why did He allow mankind to lift Him up on the cross? Do you know the answer to these questions? They can be found in this children’s song; “Jesus loves me, this I know!”

“I Come to the Garden Alone” – 595

As we conclude our time around the Lord’s Supper we’ll reflect on a song we’ve song for years. Though it’s poetic, it could have been the thoughts of Mary Magdalene as she came to the tomb of Jesus on the first day of the week. Maybe…maybe not, but she would have been one to say, “I come to the garden alone while the dew is still on the roses; and the voice I hear, falling on my ear, the Son of God discloses.” Read through John 20 and see for yourself if these could have been Mary’s words.

“O Jesus, I Have Promised” – 554

Also referred to as “The Angel’s Song” we can sing of our covenant relationship with God. Do you promise to serve Him to the end?

“Ancient Words” – no book

‘Ancient words, ever true, changing me and changing you!’ Perhaps the next line of this contemporary song is the challenge for you and I today. Can we honestly sing what comes next? Have you come with an open heart? Are you ready for the word of covenantGod to be imparted to you? If so, when this lesson is concluded what will your reply be? What a blessing that these “Holy words” have been long preserved so we can see…a sign of the covenant.

“O Master Let Me Walk with Thee” – 763

An invitation song to consider our covenant with our King. Will you walk with Him? Will you serve Him? Will you claim Him publicly? Why is it we so often consider our promise with God, our covenant with our Savior, as something we can pick up and put down at will? Perhaps the sign of our covenant with Christ must be more than just words if we are to be pleasing to God.

“Live for Jesus” – 594

How will you live this week? Who will you serve? Notice our second verse as we close the worship time together; “Live for Jesus, wandering sinner, under Satan serve no more; of the promised prize a winner thou may’st be when life is o’er…” If you are living in sin, you’re living for Satan. Convert (turn around) and live for Jesus. The sign of your covenant with God is your life and when it’s over, if you’ve been loyal, you’ll win the prize of heaven.