Crossing the Finish Line…April 21st

Monday afternoon, April 15th, our country suffered yet another ‘terrorist’ attack. As the runners neared the finish line of the Boston Marathon, a bomb shattered the lives of hundreds and thousands of people. Even while we are ‘running the race’ and trying to finish strong, tragedy can strike at our hearts. But I encourage the reader to turn to God, and worship.

This Sunday morning, April 21st, we will talk about another finish line. The one that we all will cross as life comes to a close. Our lesson is designed to draw us closer to thinking about how we are running the race of life. No anticipation of explosions and surprises, but we are all running toward the finish line.

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

Sunday morning, April 21, 2013

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

“I Stand Amazed” – 147

This spiritual song is one that we could use to prepare our minds for the Lord’s Supper. With both the second and third verse referencing Christ crucifixion we are reminded of his ‘sweat drops of blood‘ and the burden He bore to Calvary. So it shouldn’t be a surprise for the redeemed to sing the refrain… “O how marvelous! O how wonderful! Is my Savior’s love for me.”

“I Sing Praises” – 97

Written almost 25 years ago, this contemporary song is basic in format. With the title being the first verse, the Christian offers a hymn to our Lord. “I sing praises to Your name, O Lord, praises to Your name…for Your name is great and greatly to be praised.” The Psalmist writes, “I will praise You among the nations.” (Psalm 18:49)

“In Christ Alone” – no book

Consider this song of admonition as we prepare our minds to commemorate our Lord’s death, burial and resurrection. As verse one consist of recognizing our Cornerstone, solid ground and Comforter, verse two takes us from His birth to His crucifixion. Those who know this song cherish the third verse. As we begin singing softly of His burial, our voices ‘burst forth’ as we sing of His resurrection. The final verse gives us the assurance of our security in Christ as we sing, ‘No power of hell, no scheme of man can ever pluck me from His hand…”

“Beneath the Cross of Jesus” – 314

For this morning’s worship service, we’ll sing only the 3rd and 4th verses of this spiritual song. As we pause between the bread and the fruit of the vine, together we’ll look ‘Upon that cross of Jesus…the very dying form of One who suffered there for me…” As we continue singing this verse ask yourself if your heart is indeed smitten with tears when you consider His glorious love and our (my own) worthlessness.

“Consider Him” – 593

Not necessarily a familiar psalm, but as we sing, we’ll be singing scripture. In Hebrews 12:1-3, we read of the encouragement we find in knowing that we’re surrounded by those who have gone before us. Do you get worn out in life as you ‘run the race?’ The Hebrew writer encourages us to “…consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners…” Why consider Him? “…so that you may not grow weary and lose heart.”

“Hilltops of Glory” – no book

“Onward rejoicing, I tread life’s way…” This song before our lesson dates back to the mid 1950’s and we sing about pressing on toward heaven. The chorus posses a great question, “O brother, won’t you come go with me?” How will you answer the chorus? Maybe you need to ask yourself, ‘Am I asking the question?’

“Only a Step” – 940

How far away from God do you think you are? What kind of step(s) do you need to take to get right with Christ? This invitation song begins with the call to ‘Hear the sweet voice of Jesus…’ In John 14:6, Jesus says, ‘I am the way…No one comes to the Father except through Me.” The writer of this song encourages us with the understanding that Jesus is only a step away. Those who have been baptized into Christ at one time stepped into the watery grave of baptism. If you are not a child of God and you wonder how far away is He? The answer is simple…He’s only a step away.

“Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand” – 613

What does it mean ‘time is filled with swift transition?’ Obviously swift is quick and transition is to change…so as we sing this song we’re saying, “time (life) changes fast”. How true…and this spiritual song encourages us to “hold to God’s hand” as time changes. It’s been said, “time changes everything”. There’s a lot of truth to that, but we can rest assured that when our journey is finished, and if we’ve been true to God, our joyful hearts will view glory. In the mean time, we’ve got to hold to God’s unchanging hand.

1, April 12, 20131, April 12, 2013

Parents Need Only Two Prayers…April 14th

A representative from a lesser known media outlet made the following statement earlier this week; “…we’ve always had kind of a private notion of children: Your kid is yours and totally your responsibility. We haven’t had a very collective notion of, ‘these are our children.’ So part of it is we have to break through our kind of private idea that kids belong to their parents, or kids belong to their families, and recognize that kids belong to whole communities…”

For years we have embraced the notion, “It takes a whole village to raise a child.” We must never forget God’s instruction is for parents to bring their children up in the Lord, Ephesians 6:1-4. Mothers and fathers (Families, not communities) are responsible for raising children. Proverbs 6:20, “My son, observe the commandment of your father and do not forsake the teaching of your mother.” There are some who would like the passage to read…My son, observe the commandment of your community leader and do not forsake the teaching of your neighbor.

This coming Sunday morning our lesson will be focused on how parents prepare for children, and how parents come to understand the obligation of bringing their children to God. As always, I hope you’ll remember the inspired words of Paul from the 14th chapter of I Corinthians; “…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.”

Sunday morning, April 14, 2013

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

“I Will Call Upon the Lord” – 63

Our opening song, the ‘call to worship’, comes from the book of Psalms, chapter 18:3…almost word for word. Penned in 1981, this contemporary psalm provides the singer a strong opportunity to express our deepest desire to ‘call upon the Lord.’

“Father, Hear the Prayer We Offer” – 777

Written over 150 years ago, this song is filled with poetry that stirs the heart…if you’ll take the time to examine the message. Notice the reference to Old Testament scripture in verse 2, “Not forever by still waters would we idly, quiet stay; but would smite the living fountains from the rocks along our way.” (Read Exodus 17: 5, 6)

“When My Love for Christ Grows Weak” – 350

Before we partake of the Lord’s Supper, we’ll sing this old spiritual song that reminds us to stay close to Christ. As we sing the first two verses we are reminded of Christ in the garden. The 3rd and 4th verses take us to Calvary as we sing, “There behold His agony, suffered on the bitter tree; see His anguish, see His faith…” But the final verse encourages us to learn from Christ, and to become self-sacrificing.

“More Precious than Silver” – 273

One of my favorite hymns (we are singing this song to our God) starts with the words, “Lord, You are more precious than silver…”. A song, as you look more closely at it, professing our desire for God and for God alone. We sing that He is more precious than silver…more costly than gold…more beautiful than diamonds. So I ask you, do I really believe that, or are you just singing it? Remember I Corinthian 14:15…

“When He Cometh” – 714

Known in some circles as a ‘child’s hymn’, this spiritual song reminds us that God will come back and take (collect) his children home. The chorus is an interesting analogy; “Like the stars of the morning, His bright crown adorning, they shall shine in their beauty, bright gems for His crown.” Who will shine in their beauty? Take a look at verse 3…“Little children, little children who love their Redeemer are the jewels, precious jewels, His loved and His own.”

“I Will Pray” – 840

“Father, in the morning…At the noontide…in the evening shadows…I will pray…Morning, noon and evening unto Thee I’ll pray.” How often do we pray? When times are tough and the going get’s rough? Perhaps when we’re happy and content. But read I Thessalonians 5:17, Paul tells us in to, “Pray without ceasing…” That would be morning, noon and evening!

“Hark! ‘Tis the Shepherd’s Voice” – 880

Another ‘children’s hymn’, this song calls for us to take on the responsibility of bringing our children (the lost) back to the fold of Christ. The words of Jesus from Matthew 18 sum it up pretty well; “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go the mountains to seek the one that is straying?” Let’s sing and then let’s ‘bring them in!’

“God’s Family” – 744

As we close the service this morning, we’ll sing about the family of God. Do we really see each other as brothers and sisters? Can we say we laugh together? How often have you cried with a brother or sister in Christ? Do we share with each other our heartaches and sighs? When was the last time you shared your dreams with the family of God? On Sunday morning we should do more than just say “Hi…how are you doing?” as we hurry away to lunch. Remember, we are part of the family…that’s been born again!

1, April 10, 20131, April 5, 2013

SPRINGTIME!!!

Terry Harmon, my close friend and brother in Christ, once again provides us with one of his weekly bulletin articles. We’re reminded that the seasons come and go, and this is the time of year we can relish the freshness of springtime. Thanks Terry for this ‘seasonal’ reminder.

Have you noticed how the birds are singing and the trees are beginning to bud? With the recent, cooler weather and soaking rains the grass will be turning green in no time. H.A. Jacob says that life comes and goes just like the seasons. There are seasons of summer, when the sun reigns and the heat warms the earth’s crust. As the days begin to shorter, the weather begins to cool and autumn seems to burst into color. With the beauty of the red, gold and brown hues, we soon feel the promise of cooler nights. In short order, winter comes with the crisp, cold air and an occasionally frosting of snow and ice. But as the days begin to length, and the air begins to warm we realize the cycle of the seasons turns again to springtime.

Springtime is a beautiful picture of hope. Spring seems to assure us that no matter how cold and desolate; how bitter or solemn the winter, it will come to an end bursting forth with new life. Things will become green and tender again. Fruitfulness will return and we will grow. Springtime seems to say that we can be stronger than before. We can over come the dead of winter and live again.

Jacob asks what we should learn from the seasons. What can we take from the cycle of creation that will make us better, stronger and ultimately more Godly? Consider the following three points of growth:

1) The difficult seasons will come to an end. Nothing last forever and by enduring it, we can begin a new.

2) God is working in each season of our lives. He is preparing us to bring forth fruit in due season. Even though the pruning is painful, the results are worth it.

3) Other people are in a ‘season’ just like you. Some are in the season of winter and distress, needing the warmth of encouragement. Whether by a touch, a kind word or a gift of charity, encouragement is a tangible commodity. As Christians we need to be able to offer encouragement as we recognize the respective seasons of friends and family.

It is always ‘in season’ to speak words of encouragement. God will give us the tongue of a disciple which will speak to the weary words of strength and resolve. As we wake each day, and tune our ears to heaven, He will help us speak words of blessed assurance. “Therefore, encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.” (I Thess. 5:11). “A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!” (Proverbs 15:23). And Paul reminds us in Colossians 4:6, “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned as it were with salt, so that you may know how you should respond to each person.”

May your spring this year bring you a new and refreshing time. Even more so, may it be a budding time for each of us on a spiritual level. Let us keep our minds open as to where others are ‘seasonally’ in order to offer a word of encouragement!

1, April 8, 20131, April 7, 2013

A Roller Coaster Ride!

Personally, the best description for the last few days of March, 2013 would be a roller-coaster ride!

Emotions were flowing as we learned of my daddy’s passing on Saturday afternoon, March 23rd. Then within forty-eight hours, we spent sixteen hours traveling to Kansas and back for his graveside service. Though visiting with family was a blessing, laying the patriarch of our family to rest was difficult at best. The next forty-eight hours brought us to the annual LTC convention in Dallas (Leadership Training for Christ). An exciting, busy but certainly focused weekend for more than 1,000 saints in down-town Dallas. But the month of March was still not over; our youngest son decided he was ready to put Christ on in baptism…at 10:30 PM Saturday night, March 30th! An exhilarating lift as we continued to ride ‘the roller coaster.’ Oh wait, the next afternoon following morning services, my oldest drove back to Tennessee to resume the last two months of his freshman year. His first time to drive 9 hours…alone. If you could see the calendar of events and feel the emotional twisting and turning, you’d know these past few weeks have been a roller coaster ride.

So how does one put this in to prospective? Any time we lose a family member, we hurt; and anytime a lost sheep is found, we rejoice. When you feel those two strong emotions within a matter of days you realize priorities have to be set. What is most important and where do I put my focus?

One of the blessings we experienced at the memorial of my daddy was the assurance of his faith, and gentle hand of sympathy from brothers and sisters in Christ. Four of his grandson’s lead the singing and read scripture, while several others shared thoughts of encouragement. But as we closed the service we all joined in singing some songs of praise and inspiration. We closed the service with the song, “Softly and Tenderly”. The message was perfect as we sang about ‘coming home’ and in respect to my dad’s passing…I believe he was on his way home. But then as I considered my son’s baptism I realized that he too began his journey as he decided he was ready to ‘come home’. Each of these events, though separated by two different extremes, bring my mind toward what’s most important. Do we listen as Jesus is calling us home?

“Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling,
Calling for you and for me;
See, on the portals He’s waiting and watching,
Watching for you and for me.”

Refrain:
“Come home, come home,
Ye who are weary, come home;
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
Calling, O sinner, come home!”

This song is a wonderful call for the sinner, the lost lamb, to come back to the fold of God. And I certainly saw the implications as I realized my son was indeed turning his mind to follow Jesus and come home. But as we remembered the passing of our daddy, the third verse of this song rings true. Grim as it may be…it is so true…

“Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing,
Passing for you and for me;
Shadows are gathering, deathbeds are coming,
Coming for you and for me.”

Roller coasters are certain to come into our lives…whether we want them to or not. The question we must ask is how will we ride? Many enjoy the thrill of the lift while others hold on tight. We know there will be times when we cry out and wish the track would level off. But the best advise is to find the excitement at every turn and hold on tight! Know the ride will soon be over and the ups and downs will eventually level off. Take comfort in remembering Christ is at the controls of life. He knows your fears and He sees your tears. And when we come to give Him our lives, even the angels rejoice. Our Savior is pleading for us all to come home…softly and tenderly.

1, March 18, 20131, March 16, 2013

The Extra ‘Last’ Mile

In Matthew 5, Jesus tells us how far we should be willing to go. Not only for those who are kind and deserving, but also for those who you are not deserving.
Read the following scripture:

“…if anyone wants to sue you, and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. (not exactly a friendly encounter) And whoever shall force (not ask) you to go one mile, go with him two.” How could our Lord and Savior expect us to do kind things to someone who is attacking and forcing us with a selfish attitude? Does it make sense that we should just ‘roll over’ and give in to the demands of a cruel, somewhat childish, but most certainly domineering personality? In this same passage Jesus says in verse 39…“But I tell you, do not resist and evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” How does God expect us to just stand around and be a punching bag to a violent, egocentrically strong-arm? Will your conscience let you do that?

Remember I Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not let you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” This should give us confidence to know that even when things are hard to understand, God will help us overcome difficult circumstances. When we are ‘forced’ to go the extra mile, we do it because of Christ’s example.

In 1908, Johnson Oatman wrote a song that reminds me of going the extra mile. The chorus resounds with the title, “When I’ve gone the last mile of the way, I will rest at the close of the day, and I know there are joys that await me when I’ve gone the last mile of the way.” Notice each verse as the song builds; we consider working daily (vs.1), to seeking the lost (vs 2), all the way to the end of this physical life (vs 3) and final till we reach the hope of eternal life (vs. 4).

“If I walk in the pathway of duty,
if I work till the close of the day,
I shall see the great King in His beauty
when I’ve gone the last mile of the way.

If for Christ I proclaim the glad story,
if I seek for His sheep gone astray,
I am sure He will show me His glory
when I’ve gone the last mile of the way.

Here the dearest of ties we must sever,
tears of sorrow are seen every day;
but no sickness, no sighing forever
when I’ve gone the last mile of the way.

And if here I have earnestly striven
and have tried all His will to obey,
’twill (it will) enhance all the rapture (joy) of heaven
when I’ve gone the last mile of the way.”

In a life that is filled with difficulties and hardships, all the while laced with seemingly unfair circumstances, we often wonder why we must go any further. Why shouldn’t we stand up and say enough is enough. Perhaps our answer comes in the 12th chapter of Hebrews, “…consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Do you feel like the extra mile is too much for you? So how far are you willing to go? What is your breaking point? Will you truly go the extra mile? If you will honestly walk in the pathway of duty, and if you will truly work till the close of the day you can rest assured there are joys that await you when you’ve gone the last mile of the way!

1, March 11, 20131, March 11, 2013

A Faithful Friend

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

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

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

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

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

1, March 8, 20131, March 8, 2013

The Least…March 10th

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

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

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

Sunday morning, March 10, 2013

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

“The Great Redeemer” – 250

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

“I Will Sing the Wondrous Story” – 509

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

“How Beautiful” – 365

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

“I Am Mine No More” – 683

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

“Savior, Thy Dying Love” – 667

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

“A Beautiful Life” – 570

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

“Burdens Are Lifted at Calvary” – 912

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

“His Yoke is Easy” – 612

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

1, March 1, 20131, February 28, 2013

GIGO…March 3rd

My prayer for those who are reading this to be drawn closer to understanding the purpose we share on Sunday morning. We come together and worship God, we come to offer a sacrifice of praise and to join together as we commemorate our Lord’s death, burial and resurrection. This coming Sunday morning (March 3rd) we’ll examine our hearts and see if what comes out of our heart is reflective of what is going into our mind. We’ll sing on Sunday morning, but will your words reflect your heart…or will you be singing from a routine practiced over the years?

Sunday morning, March 3, 2013

Our sermon topic on Sunday is entitled, “GIGO”, what does that mean? Join us Sunday morning or check out the lesson on Waterview’s website [LINK] Sunday afternoon. Those who are familiar with this website know the following is an account of our order of worship. All song numbers are from the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.

“Holy Ground Medley” – 99, 100 & 101

The editors of our hymnal (Faith & Praise) chose to place the songs In His Presence, Holy Ground (by Beatty) and Holy Ground (by Davis) as a predesigned medley. Many have sung this collection of songs and the message is a powerful reminder of the holiness of God. We begin by focusing on the environment we find when ‘in the presence of God’…comfort, peace and assurance. The medley continues as we recognize being in His presence. Remember Moses (Exodus 3) as he was standing ‘on holy ground.’ Ken Young added the second verse of Beatty’s song when he wrote; “You are holy, God, a perfect and holy God. We will come before You with hearts made clean by Jesus’ blood.” We come to worship our Father, and together we are standing on Holy Ground.

“Why Did My Savior Come to Earth” – 382

The question is asked with this spiritual song, why? Why did Jesus come to earth and choose the birth of a lowly peasant born in a stable? And why would our Savior choose to die such a cruel, painful death and be lifted up for all to see…and scorn? The answer is repeated three times in the chorus (7 times if you count the echo in the refrain) “He loves me so much that He gave His precious life for me…” Now transition to the next song.

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

A contemporary song that isn’t asking the question “How deep is the Father’s love,” but one that is sung to confirm what we already realize. God’s love for us is so deep, and vast we can’t measure it. How great the pain must have been for both the Father and the Son. But the objective was clear, to ‘bring many sons to glory.’ We continue this song as we ‘behold the man upon the cross’ and clearly recognize our sins. Think in your mind back to the mocking voices (Luke 23:35-38) as they stood at the foot of the cross? In poetry we sing, “…ashamed I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers.”

Following the Lord’s Supper we’ll revisit the third verse from these two songs. We asked earlier, “Why did my Savior come to earth…” and then again “…Why should I gain from His reward?” Do you remember the next line, “I cannot give an answer, but this I know with all my heart, His wounds have paid my ransom.” Before we conclude this medley, let’s us sing…“Till Jesus comes I sing His praise, and then to glory go…”

“Wonderful Words of Life” – 543

Prior to today’s lesson we’ll stand and sing this familiar melody from the late 1800’s. Philip Bliss authored many songs (10 in the Faith and Praise hymnal), but this particular one captivates me as we sing verse 2, “Christ the blessed one gives to all, wonderful words of life. Sinner, list (listen) to the loving call, wonderful words of life. All so freely given (these wonderful words), wooing us to heaven…” What does it mean to woo something (someone)? One definition; “To entreat, solicit, request…” Notice; the ‘words of life’ are given as an attempt (if you will) to entreat us/call us to heaven. Wonderful Words!

“Is Thy Heart Right with God” – no book

How is your heart? Not physically speaking, but spiritually speaking? Is it right with God? Too often I fear we self-diagnose our life in Christ and come away with faulty information. If my affections (things I hold as most important) are not given up (sacrificed), or if I can’t ‘count all things…but loss’ (for Jesus), then will I ever be right with God? Ask yourself this question and then make a change. Perhaps you need to be washed in the crimson flood…

“Let the Beauty of Jesus Be Seen in Me” – 722

“From the dawn of the morning to close of day…” What do people see in you? How is your example, in both your actions and your words? This song reminds me that I must lay all my gifts at His feet and think carefully about how I act toward others. Can the beauty of Jesus be seen in me?

Join us each and every Sunday morning!

1, February 26, 20131, March 4, 2013

Growing Up…in the Lord!

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Growing up in the Lord” [LINK]

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

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

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

Repeat Chorus

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

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

Repeat Chorus

1, February 22, 20131, February 23, 2013

A 50 Year Journey…Feb. 24th

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

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

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

Sunday morning, February 24, 2013

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

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

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

“Til My Faith Becomes Sight” – 836

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

“‘Tis Set the Feast Divine” – no book

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

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

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

“This World is Not My Home” – 957

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

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

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

“Let Me Live Close to Thee” – 831

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

“The Battle Belongs to the Lord” – no book

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