Category: God

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The 10th Resurrection…April 20th

jairus daughterWhen the son of Zarephath and the daughter of Jarius died, they were brought back to life by the power of God. Lazurus, Dorcas and Eutychus each died, but were resurrected at the hand of Jesus, Peter and Paul. Take a quick review of the scriptures and you’ll find these five individuals were not the only ones who died…only to live again. The son of a Shunammite woman, the son of a widow from Nain, an unnamed man whose dead body ‘touched’ Elisha’s bones, and ‘many saints’ (Matt. 27) all experienced death, but found resurrection in this life.

It’s important to note that each of these men and women who died and then were raised to life, eventually faced death again. However, there is one who died, was raised to life and lives still. Never again would our Savior face death. His victory over death opens the way for each of us. Jesus Christ is the 10th Resurrection.

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

Sunday morning, April 20, 2014

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

“Holy, Holy, Holy!” – 47

A vision around the throne of God reveals the four living creatures saying, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God, the Almighty…” Revelation 4:8. In a similar vision Isaiah saw the Seraphim calling out, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of host…!” Isaiah 6:3. In like manner, this morning, we will join our voices and cry out, “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee…”

“In Christ Alone” – no book

“No power of hell, no scheme of man can ever pluck me from His hand…” This contemporary song has become a beloved favorite among our spiritual songs. We sing of our hope in Christ. We remember His birth and His death. But more importantly, we sing of His ‘bursting forth…from the grave.’ And as we face the fear of death and feel the guilt in life, as God’s children we know that ‘here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.’

“Low in the Grave He Lay” – 344

Few songs can boast a more melancholy message as we sing, ‘Low in the grave He lay Jesus my Savior…Vainly they seal the dead Jesus, my Lord!’ But the chorus is anything but melancholy. With a shout of joy we sing of Christ’s resurrection, “Up from the grave He arose with a mighty triumph over His foes; He arose a Victor from the dark domain and He lives forever with His saints to reign…He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!”

“Alleluia! Alleluia! Hearts to Heaven” – 146

For those who don’t recognize this title you’ll find the words are set to the tune of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy (better know as the tune to “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee”). Notice the second verse; “Christ is risen, Christ, the first fruits of the holy harvest field…” Paul, in talking about the dead in Christ make this statement, “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.” I Corinthians 15:20. God’s people can sing…Alleluia! Alleluia!

“Onward Christians Soldiers” – 646

Our scripture reading before this song is Matthew 10:5-8. We’ll stop our reading mid-verse, then pick up the song at the chorus.  It will go something like this; “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the leper, cast out demons…” “Onward Christian soldiers! Marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before. At the sign of triumph, Satan’s host doth flee; On, then, Christian soldiers, on to victory; Hell’s foundations quiver at the shout of praise; Brothers, lift your voices, loud your anthems raise!”

“There’s a Fountain Free” – 909

Christ offers us salvation through His blood. We can come before the throne of God because of the fountain that flows freely. The words are clear in the first verse, “…let us haste (hurry), O haste (hurry up) to it’s brink (to the edge of the fountain).” The beauty is that Jesus never MAKES people obey. We are all free to come to Him, or to walk away. So we singtrumpets, ‘Will you come?’ It’s a simple question, but your answer will bring about enormous ramifications.

“When the Roll is Called Up Yonder” – 852

What will happen when this life is over? When we die…what’s next? For God’s people there will be a resurrection to eternal life. To those who ‘will not come,’ the results, according to Christ, will be ‘…weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ Matthew 8:10-12. But for God’s people, ‘on that bright and cloudless morning when the dead in Christ shall rise, and the glory of His resurrection share,’ we’ll be called home. Following, if you will, the example of the 10th Resurrection.

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Tax Relief

What a great feeling we have when we finally fulfill our civic duty and tax formsfile our annual income taxes. Is this a great time of year or what? Maybe not so much, but don’t forget Romans 13:7; “Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.” Even God commanded His people to, “Levy a tax for the Lord from the men of war who went out to battle…” Numbers 31:28 (read that in it’s entirety, you’ll find it interesting.)

So surely each of us have taken care of this little chore and have not put it off until the last minute (which, by the way, is tomorrow, April 15th).  But to be honest, this is a tough reality to face. Even as we understand the expectation from God’s word, and even if we anticipate a return, we still have to go through the process of filing our taxes.  In the last several years different sources (software) have helped us step through each question. Still we have to pull together the information, log in the data and keep accurate records.  Let’s face it; tax season can bring about stress. It would be so much easier to turn that burden over to someone else who has the expertise to answer each question. Someone to worry about the details, the stress of “getting it right.” Just to have someone take the ‘stress’ and sort it all out. What a relief to have that burden, that time intensive focus, taken off our shoulders. To give the trouble of filing taxes to an expert who is qualified and capable of taking care of the future.

The parallel for Christians is obvious. What would you do to have someone carry the burden of life and sort out all your ‘messy details.’ We all have lives that are fraught (filled) with questions like, “Am I doing it right?” “Did I leave something out?” “I know there are mistakes, but how do I figure this out?” For the child of God we have someone who is capable and qualified to handle our needs. He answers our questions and (if you will) files our taxes. Paying our debts and giving us an tax article...price is paidunparalleled return. Jesus is our ‘accountant’ who can take the details of life and sort them out. Though we don’t know in life when ‘taxes are due,’ our April 15th will be when Christ returns…judgment day. It can’t be found on any calendar but we know it is near. James 5:8 states, “You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.”We focus our life on being ready to “file,” but it’s refreshing to know that we have someone who can take care of all the paper work. We don’t live under stress or frustration. We follow God’s word and let Christ rule in our hearts. God has given us His only Son to take the burden, and to pay the price. But to understand this, we must live as children of God. Rest assured, He is keeping accurate records of our life and knows what is due. But He also has given us hope so that when “Tax Day” comes, we will be ready to file.

 

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A Tattoo…Are You Kidding Me?

Below is a conversation, an electronic dialogue between a father and his daughter who was away at college. The girl was attending a Christian college as was her confused manbrother. The names have been changed to protect the innocent.

Daughter: “Morning dad, I just heard that Alex (the father’s son/the girl’s brother) is going to get a tattoo of a cross on his back…I don’t know if I should say anything to him or not… Father: “WHAT!!! YES, you should!” Daughter: “What should I say?” Father: “Tell him, ‘DON’T DO IT!!!!!’ Tell him he should call me, please! Daughter: “Hahahahahahaha APRIL FOOLS!” :D

A little levity and just some fun and games, but the truth is the heart might need to be shocked after that kind of news. For years stories have been told and tricks have been pulled on an unaware victim, only to hear the trickster say those two, annual words…’April Fools.’

We have all been subject to an April fool’s joke, especially if you have children or siblings. Of course if the truth be told, we all have undoubtedly played our share of jokes on someone we love. No harm in having a little fun, but when is too much, too much? Are we guilty of laughing at someone’s expense? Do we tease and cause harm for the sake of a laugh. If we aren’t careful with the way we treat one another, we may unwittingly hurt those we’d never want to hurt. What might be a harmless ruse can cause a loss of trust.

Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with teasing every now and again, and an annual April Fool’s joke might be just the thing to bring a smile to someone’s day. But we must be careful how much bantering we do to our friends and family. Perhaps the thing to keep in mind comes from the pen of Paul as he wrote to the church in Ephesus. Chapter 5; “…be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you…there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.”

We can and do have fun with each other. Good-natured fun (as my grandmother used to call it) can be refreshing, but be careful it doesn’t get out of hand. In other words, don’t be foolish in the manner in which you treat others. And as a side note; kids, if you want to play an April Fools joke on your dad, don’t do it via text…once they pick themselves off the floor, they’ll start noticing more gray hairs.

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Is There Life After Life?…Mar. 16th

From generation to generation this question has been asked in some form or fashion, by young and old alike; what happens after this life? Will we live again? cemetery at nightEven looking into the book of Job we read this question being asked by a man of God who suffered through the trials of life. In extreme pain he waits for death and is found wondering…what’s next?

In the 14th chapter of Job we read the words of a man who is in anguish. A man saddened by tragedy and tormented by the great deceiver himself (chapter 1). As Job wrestles with issues about life and death, and as he considers his pain and loss he looks toward life’s end and asks, “If a man dies, will he live again?” An honest question, but notice the next sentence to come from his mouth, “All the days of my struggle I will wait until my change comes.” There is a change coming, and as we hear the question echo through the ages we have confidence knowing…there will be life after life!

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

Sunday morning, March 16, 2014

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

“The Battle Belongs to the Lord” – 749david and goliath

“In heavenly armor we’ll enter the land, the battle belongs to the Lord…”  A rousing song of victory to start off our morning of worship and praise together. You have to put yourself into the mind of a soldier as we consider weapons, powers of darkness, standard (banners), an enemy and ultimately courage. So let’s sing, “…Glory, Honor, Power and Strength to the Lord!”

“It Is Well with My Soul” – 490

We’ll use the first three verses of this song to set the mind for partaking of the Lord’s Supper. Notice this ‘lost’ verse 2, “Though 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…” Be ready, we’ll bring verse four in after we remember the Lord’s death. “And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight. The sky be rolled back as a scroll, the trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend, even so it is well with my soul.

“I Love the Lord” – 359

Not usually sung alone, we’ll take the chorus and sing immediately after the chorus of “It is Well With My Soul.” It should go something like this…“It is well, it is well with my soul.” “I love the Lord, He has been so good to me, He gave His life, from sin to set me free; No greater love than His could ever be, I love the Lord, because He first loved me.” But don’t miss the power of remembering Christ death that we find in the first verse. “I love the Lord, for He died my soul to save, on Calvary His dear life He freely gave…” Thanks be to God for the sacrifice of His Son and His great love for us!

“The Greatest Commands” – 448

Each verse adds another singing part in this contemporary song of praise. We’ll sing for harmony, but be careful not to miss the scripture that is woven throughout this psalm. Altos begin singing I John 4:7, 8, following in the second verse the bass echos I Corinthians 13:7. The tenor repeats “God is love” from I John 4, but the sopranos join in with the concluding verse as they reference Luke 10:27. Now, take your Bible and ‘sing’ for yourself.

“In Heavenly Love Abiding” – 139

Following the reading of Job 14, we’ll sing the first verse of this song. In scripture we’ll read, “…If a man dies, will he live again? All the days of my struggle I will wait until my change comes.” Follow the thought…“In Heavenly love abiding no change my heart shall fear; and safe is such confiding, for nothing changes here. The storm may roar without me, my heart may low be laid, but God is round about me, and can I be dismayed?”

“Hilltops of Glory” – no book

As if answering the question left by the previous song, “…can I be dismayed?”, we open up with the next song… “Onward rejoicing I tread life’s way, higher I’m climbing each passing day; Hilltops of glory now rise in view, where all shall be made new…”

“I Am Coming, Lord” – 923

The question is asked and an answer is requested. If you believe there is more to this life than just death, what will you crossroadsdo? What is the path you’ll take as you draw closer to the end of this life? This invitation song gives us the answer, our next step, throughout life, is to draw closer to God. Would that we say, “I am coming, Lord!” Because if the truth be known, when life is over…we’ll be going somewhere. I want to say, I’m going to be with God. 

“There is a Habitation” – 860

Where is home? Not your physical address, but your ‘life after life’ home? We take comfort in knowing ‘there is a habitation’ for those who trust the Lord, obey His word and live for Him. This home we look forward to is a city with foundations that will never be shaken by wars or desolation. There is no trace of sorrow, death or decay in this home. We call this home Zion, the city of God. This is the place we should all prepare for…in life after life.

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From New Life to Eternal Life…March 2nd

Once a year we take some time to recognize and encourage our families with Baby picturenew born babies. This Sunday we’ll honor six of our young families and their new additions. But what possibly could we gain from focusing on this ‘new life?’

As a child Timothy was raised by his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5). So strong was the influence of these women that Paul mentions Timothy’s ‘sincere faith’ which ‘first dwelt in his (your) grandmother Lois and his (your) mother Eunice.’ A parent who passes down the importance of godly living is worthy of honor. As we recognize ‘new life’ in these families we’ll be encouraging them to teach the importance of seeking ‘eternal life’ with God.

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

Sunday morning, March 2, 2014

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

“Blue Skies and Rainbows” -no book

To begin our worship time together we’ll sing a song that was popular around the campfire during the 1970’s. A ‘devo’ song that has all the elements of praise. From the sunbeams of heaven, to the green grass and flowers, to the tall mountains and green valleys, we sing each verse recognizing our creator and praising Him for His mighty works. ‘Jesus is well and alive today…’ Amen!Rainbow over Mt Alice

“You Are My All in All” -484

Though some may find repetition in this hymn, the message is worth repeating, “Jesus, Lamb of God, worthy is Your name!” But have you thought about the message in the second verse? Consider; “Seeking You as a precious jewel, Lord, to give up (seeking you) I’d be a fool…” How foolish we sometimes act as we turn to follow our own desires. Remember, worshiping God is not for the weak minded. Think about what you’re singing…

“I Will Sing of My Redeemer” -513

Before the Lord’s Supper we’ll sing this non-typical communion song. But notice the message; “I will sing of my Redeemer, and His wondrous love for me; on the cruel cross He suffered, from the curse to set me free. Sing, O sing of my Redeemer! With His blood He purchased me; on the cross He sealed my pardon, paid the debt and made me free.” Turn your heart and your mind to the cross, the cruel cross, and remember you’ve been pardoned.

“We Saw Thee Not” -342

Between the bread and the fruit of the vine we’ll sing the 2nd and 3rd verses, respectively. Having lived over 2,000 years ago we were never privileged to see our Savior face to face, so we sing; “We saw Thee not when lifted high…we gazed not in the open tomb and we never met Thee on the open road…But we believe!”

“On Bended Knee” -791

How do you approach God? What is your posture and your position when you come to worship Him? Though we might not physically be bowing to the ground, where is your heart in relationship to His power and authority? Would that we come to Him with humble hearts, with broken hearts, on bended knees…pledging our love a new.

“I Know That My Redeemer Lives” -528

Musically this is an energetic spiritual song. One that admonishes the hearer with a bombardment of confirmation…hear it again; “I know that my Redeemer lives…I know eternal life He gives…I know His saving grace is nigh (near)…I know that He will come again…I know that a home stands ‘over yonder’…I know, I know, I know, I know…that my Redeemer lives.”

“Kneel at the Cross” -945

If we are to give our life to Christ, to be baptized into His death, to ‘begin life anew,’ we must first come to the cross. Kneel at the cross, but be ready to give your idols up. Many will say they are ‘coming to Jesus,’ but they hold on to the world. We can ‘meet Jesus there’ but we must be ready to stay with Him. Don’t look back to the world, ‘to life’s sparkling cup’ but trust in Him!

“How Beautiful Heaven Must Be” -885

As we close on Sunday morning we’ll sing of heaven, and how appropriate that we do. With ‘new life’ we anticipate our eternal life in heaven. Though we might not be able to fathom the beauty of heaven, we can know from His word that it will be for the ‘pure and the free.’ We trust that there will be ‘no drooping or pining’ (no feeling of despair or grief), and that God’s light will be our illumination. “How beautiful heaven must be…”       

“Beyond This Land of Parting” -870

To provide a little more time for the families with ‘new babies’ to get to the church-wide potluck, we’ll add one more closing song. It will segue nicely with the previous song as we go from “how beautiful heaven must be…” to “Beyond this land of parting losing and leaving…” Summer land…a new life, an eternal life, a place of bliss. We’re thankful that God has given this congregation several loving families with new life. But families must bring these babies to God and prepare them for eternal life.

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Marrying a Stranger…Feb. 16th

The formal wedding ceremony is one we are all familiar with. But this morning we’ll look at a very different ‘wedding’ found within the pages of God’s word. Bridal VeilConsider this thought; would you marry someone you’ve never met? It’s one thing to have an arranged marriage, but what if the first look you have at your wife is her coming to you behind a veil? (Maybe this is where we get the idea of the wedding veil.)

In Genesis 24, following the death of his wife Sarah, Abraham gives directions to his ‘oldest’ servant to go back to his homeland (Ur of the Chaldeans) and look for a wife for his son, Issac. The instructions are clear and God’s providential work is amazing to read. But the faith of these men is something to consider. To make a long story short; a girl is found, Rebecca, and she goes along with a stranger, Abraham’s servant, to meet a stranger, Issac, whom she will marry on sight, no pun intended. Reading the whole account in Genesis 24:1-67 gives new meaning to…’marrying a stranger.’

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

Sunday morning, February 16, 2014

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

“All Things Praise Thee” – 43

“All things praise Thee, Lord most high, heaven and earth and sea and sky…All things praise Thee night to night…and day by day…All things praise Thee, heaven’s high shrine (seraph & archangels)…”  This song identifies those who praise God from within His creation. Each verse, therefore, concludes with the saints singing, “…All things praise Thee – Lord, my we!”

“O Worship the King” – 144

As a continuation of this medley we go from singing, “…This their (heaven’s high shrine’s) highest bliss (greatest joy is) to be, ever praising – Lord may we!” to “O worship the King…”! Humbling yourself to worship God allows you to see how ‘feeble’ you (we) really are. We are children of dust, but we know Who we trust!

“When My Love to Christ Grows Weak” – 350

All five verses of this song build in progression as we remember the Lord’s Supper. 1) When I start to lose my love for Christ, I need to look no further than His last few hours in the Garden of Gethsemane. 2) Then, in thought, I walk through that garden, to see Him weeping and praying alone. 3) This scene helps me stop and think about those times when my love for my fellowman is weak (which is more often than I’d like to admit). How can I love my brother better? Looking to the cross on Golgotha (Calvary) I find strength for my faith. 4) Reflectively, in this fourth verse, I stand at the cross and see “…His agony…His anguish…His faith.” 5) And finally we turn from death, to life with a new lesson learned. We are Jesus knockingstronger after we suffer, and there is a power sacrifice.  Thanks be to God for His self-sacrifice!  May we learn from Him.

“Behold a Stranger” – 919

An invitation song we may recognize, but this morning we’ll sing it after the Lord’s Supper.  Our reason is found in the second verse.  But notice how verse one builds upon verse two; “Behold a Stranger at the door! He gently knocks, has knocked before, has waited long, is waiting still; you treat no other friend so ill (unkindly). But will He prove a Friend indeed? He will! The very Friend you need! The Man of Nazareth, it is He, with garments dyed (stained) at Calvary.”

“In His Presence” – 99

A beautiful contemporary song that is simple in word as well as musical structure. “In His presence there is comfort, in His presence there is peace. When we seek the Father’s heart we find such blessed assurance…”


“O Thou Fount of Every Blessing” – 226

Perhaps one of my favorite hymns (we’re singing to Him) as we consider the Old English wording. Notice especially verse two; “Here I raise my Ebenezer…” my stone of help, my reminder because, ‘thus far the Lord has helped me.’  Or as the KJV reads, ‘Hither by Thy help I’ve come.’ A clear reference from I Samuel 7:12. Yet verse three also is one to note; “O to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be! Let Thy goodness like a fetter bind my wandering heart to Thee…” Translated, “Every day I’m in debt to God for the grace He has given me. Lord, let Your goodness chain my wandering heart to You.”  But here’s why, “(I am) Prone to wander, Lord I feel it. (I am) Prone to leave the God I love.” We have wandering hearts and wandering eyes. Would that God chain us up with His goodness.

“There’s a Stranger at the Door” – 908

With our lesson being about ‘marrying a stranger’, I thought we’d sing again about the Stranger at the door.  But this time we will be offering an invitation to those who might ‘let the Savior in.’ Again, a reference from the scriptures as we read the words of Christ in Revelation 3:19, 20; ‘Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock.’ Will you, have you, let Him into your heart? 

Wait for a few seconds before this song begins…

“Faithful Love” – no book

Marriage is all about love. As Christ loves His bride, so we ought to love our spouse. The scripture states plainly, Issac loved Rebecca (Genesis 24:67). He married a stranger, but he loved and cherished her. Our Savior is faithful and His love is unequaled. In faithful love He came to earth to show the Father’s love to us. And in so doing, thanks be to God, the groom and the bride will never be strangers.

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When Do You Pray?

What comes to mind when you hear the word “Jonah?”  A man who ran from God?  Or perhaps you envision a giant fish (a whale) that swallowed and sustained him for 3 days and 3 nights (Jonah 1:17).  Or maybe you’ll remember a city destined for destruction, only to be spared because of this reluctant preacher.  Some may even conjure up the image of a wonderful vine that grew within a matter of hours and then withered just as quickly (Jonah 4:10).  Whatever you think about when you hear about this reluctant, soaked to the bone, disgruntled (yet effective) praying inside a fishpreacher there is an image that we must consider and hold in our hearts.

In the 2nd chapter of the book of Jonah, as he sits in the clammy, dark stomach of this monstrous sea creature (without a match) Jonah does something we all seem to do when we’re in trouble.  Verse one states, “Then Jonah prayed to the Lord…”  This prophet of God prayed a prayer of repentance.  In complete and utter darkness he saw the err of his ways and knew the only hope of salvation would come from the God he so desperately tried to hid from.  We when are faced with death, we eagerly pray for God’s help.  As terror strikes at the heart, we cry out for God’s comforting hand.  Like Jonah, when the world swallows us, we turn to God and ask for His deliverance.

There will be times in life when you feel ‘tossed over-board’ and swallowed by the storms of life.  Is that when you pray?  I realize we need to bow before God’s throne when we make mistakes (miss the mark…SIN) and when life is crushing in, but don’t let that be the only time you pray.  Jonah’s problem seemed to come in his failure to totally comprehend God’s providence and saving power.  Look again at the book of Jonah and then ask yourself…”when DO I pray?”

 

Mary Kidder penned the words to an old spiritual song that, in essence, asks this same question; “Ere (Before) you left your room this morning, did you think to pray?  In the name of Christ our Savior, did you sue (request/plea) for loving favor, as a shield today?  O how praying rest the weary!  Prayer will change the night to day; so when life seems dark and dreary, don’t forget to pray.”

 

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A Compelled or Committed Disciple?…Dec. 29th

mowing the lawnAs a young boy I remember my parents telling me, “You don’t have to do the chores, you get to.”  My opinion was not that I was being honored by the work, but I was being compelled to do it.  My dad’s opinion was just the opposite.  If I wanted the benefits of eating mom’s cooking and the privilege of sleeping in a warm bed, then I would show my commitment to the family.  I would get to do my chores.  We often see what lies before us as a ‘have to’ task.  But is that our focus in the church? 

Matthew, Mark and Luke all record a certain man who helped Jesus carry His cross, Simon of Cyrene.  But as you read the passage, he wasn’t a ‘put me in coach, I’m ready to play’ type of guy.  He was “…pressed into service to bear the cross.”  (Matthew 27:32)  Though we don’t know his heart, Simon was compelled to serve.  As a disciple of Christ, are you pressed into service or are you doing your task because you’re committed to the family? 

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

Sunday morning, December 29, 2013

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

“I Stand in Awe” 96

A song to open our worship to God which calls upon us to proclaim our adoration to Him.  To not only say “Holy God”, but to stand in awe of Him.  We’ll stand physically, but how is your posture spiritual?  When the world sees you outside of Sunday morning, do you stand in awe of Him? 

“Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” – 589

This old song will transition us from standing in awe of our Father to the realization that I can’t stand without Him.  And I’m not alone.  Each of us, when we’re truthful, know we must lean on His arms.  When we understand that (when we sing it), we’re in fellowship. holy holy holy

“Holy, Holy, Holy” – 47

This old hymn, sung to Him, echoes the scene from Revelation 4 as we sing around the throne of God.  ‘Holy, Holy, Holy!”  For our edification we’ll have the soprano sing the first verse and add each part as we sing each verse.  not to miss the message notice the third verse, “…tho (even though) the darkness hide Thee, Tho the eye of sinful man Thy glory can not see (even though sinful man can not see Your glory…only You are Holy).  Only Thou art holy, there is none beside Thee, perfect in power, in love and purity.”

“Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone” – 319

As we consider the topic for this morning, and as we prepare our minds and hearts for the Lord’s Supper, we sing this about service.  Written over 300 years ago, this message calls believers to ‘take up the cross’ (Matt. 16) and serve!  Jesus carried the cross so we could see resurrection day.  Are we willing to “deny himself (ourselves), take up his (our) cross and follow Me” (Jesus)?

“Beneath the Cross” – 314

“Beneath the Cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand…”  Do you know what you’re singing?  What did you mean when you said I would “fain” take my stand beneath Jesus’ cross?  The poetry is saying, ‘I’m glad to stand up for the death of Jesus.’  What about, “O safe and happy shelter, O refuge tried and sweet, O trysting place where heaven’s love and heaven’s justice meet.”  Trysting place…what is that mean?  By definition; an agreed upon place where two come together.  In this song, heaven’s love and heaven’s justice met at Calvary.

“I Want to Be a Worker” – no book

Before our lesson this morning it seems only fitting to sing about being a worker.  How we will work is our own, individual decision.  The verses give us some suggestions; “I want to be a worker (who will) love and trust His holy word…I want to be a worker every day…I want to be a worker strong and brave.”  The chorus is our proclamation, “I will work, I will pray in the vineyard of the Lord!”

“Where He Leads Me I Will Follow” – 876

Not under compulsion, but willingly do we sing this song, “Where He leads me I will follow…”  A simple song that indicates my life in Christ, my work in His kingdom, is not compelled but committed.

“To the Work, To the Work” – no book

We’ll conclude our together with a song that encourages us to get out there and get to work.  We’re not made to bear His cross and we don’t have to ‘do our chores’, but as ‘servants of God’, disciples of Christ, we must be committed!  The chorus is a beautiful echo of unity, “Toiling on, toiling on…let us hope, trust, watch, pray and labor till the Master comes.” Christ will return and we’ll either be serving because we had to, or because we wanted to.

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O Holy Night

Each of us enjoy hobbies that help to pass the time.  Some sew, some read and some would rather ‘play.’  Some like to walk and talk while others like to sing.  But for some, writing is their favorite.  Self publishers and bloggers are evidence of the fact.  But this isn’t a new found favorite.  In 1847, the mayor of Roquemaure, France enjoyed writing poetry, and from his pen he wrote a gentle song inspired by the gospel of John in the 3rd chapter.  His poem, O HolyAngel Shepherds Night has come to be recognized as a song of inspiration and love during the Christmas season.  Why…
“for God so loved the world that He gave His only Son!”

The song captures the essence of ‘the night’ as we read Luke 2:8, ‘In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.’  Reading the message that was sung by the angels we envision Placide Clappeau, our author, calling the listener to “Fall on your knees, and to (O) hear the angel voices!”  The scripture never alludes to the shepherds taking this humble position (bowing their knees), but knowing they “…came in a hurry…’ to see the new baby and ‘went back glorifying and praising God…” would make it safe to conclude they might have surely fallen to their knees.

December is almost half gone, but we continue to look at the rich meaning surrounding these favorite songs of the season.  This “Christmas Song of the Day”…O Holy Night.

 

Oh holy night! The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till he appear’d and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!
Fall on your knees Oh hear the angel voices
Oh night divine Oh night when Christ was born
Oh night divine Oh night divine Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming
Here come the wise men from Orient land
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger (NOTE: Matthew 2, “…coming into the house they saw the Child…”)
In all our trials born to be our friend (and.. Luke 19, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”)

Truly He taught us to love one another
His law is love and His gospel is peace
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His name all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name

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Joy to the World

joy to the worldTwo brilliant song writers, separated by almost a century of time and half a world apart, created of one of the most recognizable ‘Christmas hymns’ ever sung.  Issac Watts and Lowell Mason were musical icons who blazed new trails for spiritual renewal.  Their work has touched the hearts of God-fearing men, women and children for generations.  Yet as they penned the words and drafted the scales of this classic favorite, they never realized how much they were blessing the world with this cherished ‘Christmas anthem.’

Isaac WattsPsalm 98 provides the message that Issac Watts needed for the hymn we know as ‘Joy to the World.’  Reading the words penned by the Psalmist in verses 4, 7 & 8 we see the inspiration; “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song…let the sea resound…the world, and all who live in it…let the mountains sing together for joy; let them sing before the Lord…”  The strength of this song comes was we consider the words of the angel in Luke chapter 2, “…I bring you great joy which will be for all people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord…’ (Additionally, this work from Issac Watts was set in common meter, and ‘Joy to the World’ was originally sung to the tune of ‘Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.’

lowell mason

Born in 1792, Lowell Mason grew up in the early years of American history.  A native of New Jersey, he was raised with a love for spiritual hymns.  His ability to compose music for worship was highlighted in the early 1800’s as he taught Sunday school in Georgia.  His musical popularity escalated in the late 1820’s when 50,000 copies of his self-published song book were ordered by Handel & Haydn Society of Massachusetts.  But one of his great accomplishments came in 1836 when Mason composed a new melody inspired by Handel’s Messiah.  The completed melody was an exuberant ode called ‘Antioch.’  It’s name inspired by the Syrian city were followers of Christ were first called ‘Christians.’  But this new master piece lacked the proper message to fit the melody…until he found Watt’s ‘Joy to the World.’

As December continues to roll along we’ll continue to explore and learn more about some of the songs of the season.  This “Christmas Song of the Day”…Joy to the World.

 

Joy to the world! The Lord is come let earth receive her King!
Let every heart prepare Him room and heaven and nature sing
And heaven and nature sing and heaven, and heaven and nature sing

Joy to the world! the Savior reigns let men their songs employ
While fields and floods rocks, hills and plains repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy repeat, repeat the sounding joy

No more let sin and sorrow grow nor thorns infest the ground
He comes to make His blessings flow far as the curse is found
Far as the curse is found far as, far as the curse is found

He rules the world with truth and grace and makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness and wonders of his love
And wonders of his love and wonders and wonders of his love