Most of us are good when it comes to our prayer life and spending a few moments or maybe even twenty or thirty minutes in prayer is not a difficult thing to do. But do you think you could pray for a full hour, or two, or three? Personally, I struggle to stay focused on the task, and my attention tends to wander. If this is you too, could it be that we don’t have the patience or are we sincerely ‘just too busy?’
Yet, we read in the 6th chapter of Luke, beginning in verse 12 that Christ, ‘…went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God.’ Or we could consider Matthew 14:23 as it reads, “…He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone.” Though we don’t know how long He was on the mountain, ‘there alone’ we do know that during the 4th watch of that night He came to His disciplines as they were on the sea. The ‘4th watch’ would have been sometime between 3:00 AM and 6:00 AM. So we can assume that Jesus was praying for at least an hour or two or three, but more likely it was six or seven hours. Still, I ask myself (and you)…could I pray for a full hour?
On Monday evening, July 16, 2018 more than 70 brothers and sisters in Christ came together at the Faith Village church of Christ in Wichita Falls, Texas and together we spent 60 plus minutes in prayer. No preaching, no Bible class, just praying on behalf of our brethren. The young and old alike took time to bow their heads, focus on the family of God and raise our petitions before His throne. But before we took that hour to pray, we sang a song that calls us to consider our time in prayer. Notice the message of this hymn, the prayer, that was written in 1845 by W. W. Walford;
“Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer, that calls me from a world of care, and bids me at my Father’s throne make all my wants and wishes known. In seasons of distress and grief my soul has often found relief, and oft escaped the tempter’s snare by Thy return, sweet hour of prayer.”
Follow the four basic thoughts found in this verse. First, prayer is our opportunity to step away from the cares of this world. We must focus on God if we want a ‘sweet hour’ of prayer. Second, it’s a time we can take the ‘wants’ of our hearts and the ‘wishes’ we so desperately seek directly to the throne of God. And, true heart-felt prayer can be a relief for our souls during times (seasons) of trouble and sorrow. Don’t think you’re free from distress and grief. We live in a world of pain and sorrow, but God gives us peace in Christ. Fourth, consider how blessed you are that in prayer you can escape the clutches of Satan. Only in prayer and solely through the grace of God will we endure, but we must take time to pray.
Next week we’ll look at verse two and as we draw July, 2018 to a close we’ll consider the third verse in this beautiful hymn. So in the meantime find the peace and the ‘sweet’ blessing of taking time (maybe even an hour) to pray!
The sight of an animal being mistreated causes most of us to feel sorrow for the abused. But when you see a lost child waiting for someone to stop and help, it stirs the heart to action. Perhaps one of the most valuable traits we can possess in this life is compassion. To be able to not only see when someone is hurting, but to act upon that need…that is compassion.
Our Savior’s compassion was demonstrated over and over again…“Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes…” (Matt. 20), “Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out His hand and touched him..” (Mark 1), “When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her…” (Luke 7). No wonder Paul instructs the follower of Christ to “…put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Colossians 3:12) But how far does that compassion care us? Is there a limit to our compassion. Join us on Sunday morning (July 23rd) as we turn our hearts and listen to “A Cry of Compassion.”
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, July 23, 2017
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah” – 3
Beginning the worship together with a song from the scripture is a great way to praise our God and focus on His word. You may want to read over the 148th Psalm…or just sing it while you turn in your Bibles. You’ll notice the chorus (Psalm 148:13) is sung last. It’s a great account from the text to the sheet music.
“Lord, We Come Before Thee Now” – 797
A song, a prayer, setting for us an example of how we should/could come before God’s throne. With a petition (suit) we ask for His mercy, compassion and guidance. Notice verse 2, “Lord, on Thee our souls depend; in compassion now descend; fill our hearts with Thy rich grace, (and) tune our lips to sing Thy praise.”
“Hear Me When I Call” – no book
“Hear me when I call, O God my Righteousness…” Again, a song from God’s word (Psalm 4) as we come bowing in prayer before the throne. This hymn/psalm is a call for God’s compassion, and a stirring line from the 1st and 4th verse never ceases to move me, “…hold my trembling hand, lest helpless I should fall.”
“O Sacred Head” – 318
Some will say this is a difficult song to sing as a congregation, and it does sound of Old English, with a composer from the 1700’s, but the message is unmistakable. Follow the 2nd verse, “What language shall I borrow to thank Thee, dearest friend, for this Thy dying sorrow, Thy pity without end.” Pity can mean ‘shame, or disappointment,’ but in the context of this hymn/spiritual song, pity means compassion. His compassion never ends. As we partake of the Lord’s Supper, and as we see His wounded, sacred head, remember His pity, His compassion, for us.
“If That Isn’t Love” – 379
“God demonstrated His love for us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us!” Romans 5:8 “If that isn’t love…” than we have no idea of compassion. And so we’ll sing in verse 2, “Even in death He remembered the thief hanging by His side; He spoke with love and compassion, then He took him to Paradise.” Thanks be to God for that kind of compassion…may we live like Christ died!
“O To Be Like Thee” – 429
Brother T.O. Chisholm penned a hymn in the late 1800’s that we’ll sing this morning to encourage us and remind us of the compassion Christ had for His church. Notice verse two…“O to be like Thee, full of compassion; loving forgiving, tender and kind…” But that’s not all that goes into compassion, let’s keep singing. “…Helping the helpless, cheering the fainting, seeking the wandering sinner to find.” Are we compassionate; are we helping those who can not help themselves? Do we encourage those who stumbling? Are we compassionate?
“Does Jesus Care” – 507
How do I know if Jesus cares about me? Is His compassion for everyone but me? If you are still wondering about that, you haven’t heard the message of His compassion. The soul needs only look to His cross to see HIS love and compassion. So what about you…Do you care, do you have a heart of compassion?
“Love Divine” – 140
This closing song seems to sum up our message from today, but look closely at the end of this verse, “Jesus, Thou art all compassion, pure unbounded love Thou art. Visit us with Thy salvation, enter every trembling heart.” Our Savior is all compassion, but will our hearts be ‘trembling’ enough to allow Him to enter in? Will we hear and be moved to action by “A Cry For Compassion?”
This article, in part, is borrowed from an anonymous source.
Proverbs 4:23 “Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.” Now compare this to the words of our Lord and Savior in Luke chapter 6, verse 45; “The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good…”
Consider the following:
If your heart is filled with love, joy, peace,patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Sound familiar? See Galatians 5:22 & 23), then your actions will prove it. People will say of such a person that they are ‘beautiful on the inside.’ This kind of ‘beauty’ becomes visible on your countenance. (In other words, “If you’re happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it.”)
Remember what Christ said in Luke chapter 6, verse 45; “The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good…” Now take a look at the rest of His sentence; “…and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart.”
Therefore the opposite must be true. If your heart is filled with jealousy, unhappiness, greed, hatred and anger, it will be heard in your voice (language), seen in your actions and ultimately expressed on your face. Even Disney knew how to show us the difference between ‘Happy’ and ‘Grumpy.’ The actions of the grouch (in December, the Grinch) will lead toward him to becoming a most unlikable person. (Side note: both Grumpy and the Grinch changed their hearts!)
Therefore…guard your heart! Focus on the things in life that are pure and good. Paul gives us a very clear picture of how we should be thinking as he wrote Philippians 4:8, “…whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely (lovable or gracious), whatever is of good repute (reputation), if there be any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell (think) on these things.”
My encouragement to you, make every effort in your day to see the good things in life. And if you’re battling to do that, “Ask the Savior to help you, comfort strengthen and keep you. He is willing to aid you. He will carry you through.” (Yield Not to Temptation; Horatio Palmer, 1868)
What does it mean to say that something is corrupt? A warning on your computer screen that reads, “Corrupted File” will no doubt put a damper on your day. If something has been corrupted, the original has been compromised, damaged or destroyed. By definition, to be corrupt, there has been a negative impact that causes someone, or something, to be ‘dishonest, immoral or impure.’
But aren’t we as Christians called to be lights in darkness? How can I be a light in a dark place and not be subject to corruption? Wouldn’t it be best if I just kept to myself and left ‘well enough alone?’ The task is unmistakable. Christ called us to ‘go into all the world.’ Therefore we have an obligation to shine our light, but to keep ourselves ‘unstained by the world.’ (James 1:27) So how can a Christian keep from being corrupted? Join us on Sunday morning as we example our responsibility as Christians.
“…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.
“All Things Praise Thee” – 43
“All things praise Thee – Lord, may we!” Written not as a question, ‘May we praise you Lord?’, but as an exclamation, ‘May we praise God like the things that we sing about in this song. The earth, sea and sky. The silent night, the sun by day, those in ‘heaven’s high shrine,’ seraph and arch angel. We, too, are God’s creation…may we ever be praising Him!
“Doxology” – 6
Immediately after we sing, ‘Ever praising – Lord, may we!,’ our hearts continue the song of praise. “Praise God from Whom all blessings flow.” For more than 300 years these words have stood the test of time, and for more than 450 years this tune has been resonating in our ears. Careful not to just sing the tune, but speak the words with understanding.
“I Come to the Garden Alone” – 595
A quiet song of reflection as we consider our prayer to God. Consider this song as if written from the view point of Mary Magedalene during the early morning hours, John 20:1. Following Christ resurrection, she stands in the garden and we sing, “I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses…” Notice verse 3, ‘but He bids me go…His voice to me is calling.’ John 20:17 “Jesus said to her, ‘Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren…’“
“In Christ Alone” – no book
In order to keep ourselves free from corruption while living in this world, we must fully rely on Christ, and on Him alone. For it is in Christ alone, in Him, that we find our hope!
“I Am a Sheep” – 533
Perhaps one way we can stay free from corruption in this dark world of sin and death is to remember the words of this spiritual song. As we sing the chorus we’re reminded, “And when the wind blows He is my shelter! When I’m lost and alone He rescues me! And when the Lion comes (Christ’s return) He is my victory! Constantly watching over me.” That is how you keep from being corrupted by sin…stay in Christ!
“I Know that My Redeemer Lives” – 528
It’s one thing to say, “I know,” but what do you do when the world says, “no one can know”? As a believer we have faith, and in our faith…we know! So we sing a song of affirmation, echoing through the ages, “I know, I know that my Redeemer lives, I know, I know eternal life He gives. I know, I know that my Redeemer lives.’ How to keep yourself from a corrupt and perverse generation? Believe, obey, follow and KNOW the Redeemer.
“Purer in Heart, O God” – 671
This is the perfect invitation song as we consider how to keep ourselves from a corrupt society. We must have a purer heart! But will we ‘devote’ our lives completely to Him? Are we willing to confess our ‘secret sin,’ and ask Him to reign in our lives? When we do, if we will, then we’ll be avoiding the corruption of the world.
“How Shall the Young Secure Their Hearts” – 432
“How shall the young secure their hearts and guard their lives from sin?” We sing the question and we might as well read the title of today’s lesson, “How can I be a Christian in a corrupt society?” The answer is right in front of you, God’s word will guide our youth (all of us) and support us throughout our days. We can still be God’s children in this corrupt world, as long as we don’t let the world corrupt us.
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 the 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…)
“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” – 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!
It’s a reassuring thing when you hear someone apologize for doing wrong. We call that ‘repentance.’ But not everyone is sorry for sinning, some are just sorry for getting caught sinning. We used to say, “He was caught with his hand in the cookie jar.” And that usually meant punishment. But are we really sorry for committing acts of disobedience, or are we just embarrassed we were caught ‘red-handed?’
In the 7th chapter of 2nd Corinthians, Paul writes to the church and makes an interesting claim. He writes, “For though I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it…” If you think that’s a little harsh, you’re missing the message. You need to keep reading. Paul wrote to correct those whose hands were ‘caught in the cookie jar.’ And because he corrected them, they came to repentance. Notice the following verse; “I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, so that you might not suffer loss in anything through us.” Perhaps when we examine our life and acknowledge our sins, we’ll come to see our need for repentance. Otherwise we’re just red-faced because we were caught with our hand in the cookie jar.
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, March 29, 2015
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“I Will Call Upon the Lord” – 63
Supporting our opening scripture reading we sing the words to Psalm 18:3, “I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, And I am saved from my enemies.” Notice, the second part of this verse is not a question, “who is worthy to be praised?” It’s a statement as if to say “He is worthy to be praised!” Singing with understanding…
“A Wonderful Savior” – 508
Serving as a medley with our opening song, we’ll segue into this older spiritual song from Fanny J. Crosby. The chorus swells as we sing how our wonderful Savior hides our soul, and our life in the depths of His love.
“I Stand Amazed” – 147
Taking the first four verses of this spiritual song I can “…sing of His love for me.” Read what you’ll be singing, “For me it was in the garden He prayed, ‘Not My will, but Thine;’ He had no tears for His own griefs, but sweat drops of blood for mine.” And the verse some of us might not have in our books, “In pity angels beheld Him, and came from the world of light to comfort Him in His sorrows He bore for my soul that night.” Did you see the scripture references? If not, read Luke 22:42-44
“Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God” – no book
A psalm (or maybe it’s a hymn) that we sing straight from the scripture. You’ve read the passage from Psalm 51:10-12; this is David’s prayer to God as he is comforted with his sin of adultery with Bathsheba. It’s clear that David was repentant of his sinful actions, and not just red-faced. True repentance will lead you to say things like, “Cast me not away from Your presence, O Lord, and take not Your holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation and renew a right spirit within me.”
“Victory in Jesus” – 470
Before our lesson this morning we’ll sing of the victory we have in Christ. We win the victory over sin when we cry out, “…come and heal my broken spirit” and when we repent of our sins, but only because of “His precious blood’s atoning.” That’s why we sing, “He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood.” Truly we can have Victory in Jesus!
“Lord, I’m Coming Home” – 936
Our invitation song has a specific verse we must recognize as we consider our lesson on repentance. Notice how the author, William Kirkpatrick, phrased the 2nd verse. “I’ve wasted many precious years, now I’m coming home; I now repent with bitter tears, Lord, I’m coming home.” How long has it been since you cried because of your sin-sick soul? Maybe the contemporary song is right, maybe ‘my eyes are dry.’
“I’m Not Ashamed to Own My Lord” – 609
No better way to finish this message of repentance and being more than just ‘red-faced’ than for us to sing; “I’m not ashamed to own my Lord, nor to defend His cause…” Face it, we will all sin. We will all, at one time or another, get caught with our hand in the cookie jar. And yet the question will remain, are you red-faced or repentant?
Weddings are wonderful occasions adorned with tears of joy, songs of emotion and words of commitment. But ask one of my boys what he likes the most about weddings (if he has to go) and he will tell you, the reception. Not for the greeting and visiting, but for the food. The mints are nice and the chocolate fountain is a highlight, but everyone steps forward when it’s time to cut the cake.
Still one might wonder why focus on the wedding cake for a Sunday morning sermon? What comes before and after the ‘cake’ that gives us pause to preach about? Join us Sunday while we learn more about the wedding as we look at the marriage. God gave us a pattern for marriage and the wedding day, but when the world distorts God’s perfect plan, chaos ensues. Perhaps it’s time we step back and take a look at what’s happening before and after the wedding cake.
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, Sept. 21, 2014
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Give Me the Bible” – 450
We look forward to things in this world that are temporary. A young person wants his freedom, an older person wants peace and quiet, and a child (the world) wants its toys. But what does the child of God want? This morning we’ll sing it, but do we really want it, “…the Bible…” Do you want it? Do you believe it will guide you in the narrow way? If we know what’s good for us we’ll do more than sing about it, we’ll read it!
“How Shall the Young Secure Their Hearts?” – 432
What a great song of dedication to encourage each other to hold on to God’s word. But not just holding on, passing the message on to our children. Sometimes I wonder if we’re really concerned about the souls of our youth, or if we just want them to have fun. Until we believe and understand that the Bible will guide our children and well support our age we will never be secure in this life or the life to come.
“How Beautiful” – 365
How beautiful are the hands of those who serve, and the feet that bring the good news of Christ. And how beautiful is the bride of Christ, His church, as she waits for His arrival (return.) But nothing compares to the beauty of Christ. We sing, “…and as He laid down His life, we offer this sacrifice, that we may live just as He died, willing to pay the price…” As we commemorate the Lord’s Supper consider just how beautiful…is the body of Christ.
“A Common Love” – 705
We sing about loving one another and we talk about our Christian love for each other…but do we really have a common love? In 1974, Charles Brown wrote this song and punctuated the objective we should all have. Not just a common love, but a common gift and a common bond. We share a common strength and a common hope in Christ. What a joy we find in the truth of God’s word when we understand and appreciate that common love.
“Happy the Home When God is There” – no book
Though the title of this song might be new to you, perhaps you’ll recognize the tune. Written in 1846, Henry Ware penned this poem and 20 years later, John B. Dykes offered the musical accompaniment (St. Agnes). Many may remember the song, “Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee.” These two songs share the same tune, so if you don’t recognize the words to “Happy the Home When God is There,” perhaps you’ll recognize this tune.
“God Give Us Christian Homes” – 843
A beautiful song before our lesson that addresses all elements of the family; father, mother, children. However, we’ll miss the message if we don’t follow verse one, “God give us Christian home! Homes where the Bible is loved and taught, Homes where the Master’s will is sought, Home crowned with beauty Thy love hath wrought (provided, created); God give us Christian homes…!”
“I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” – 674
So what is your decision? How will your family be led? Has God been the same before and after the wedding cake? This lesson might cause some to stop and consider just how we’re handling the issues of marriage? The one who has decided to follow Jesus knows…do you?
“God of Our Fathers” – 1025
Not a hymn we typically sing in the congregational setting, but an exceptional message we must never forget. Perhaps it’s the ‘Old English’ that gives us hesitation, but if you’ll consider the words, you’ll see the wisdom. “God of our fathers, whose almighty hand leads forth in beauty all the starry band of shining worlds in splendor thru the skies, our grateful songs before Thy throne arise…” Would that we take God’s word as our law and our chosen way. Our nation was founded on Godly principles, but sometimes I wonder if something happened after the wedding cake?
In a world where we’re told right is wrong and wrong is right, how is one to know what to do? Maybe it doesn’t matter. We just do what we want, when we want, how we want. “To each his own.” Of course, when it comes time for an answer, and a decision is required, is there an ‘answer key’ to know if we’re right or wrong? The children of Israel made up their own answer key and it didn’t work out so well for them. Read the book of Judges, but notice chapter 21. What was right (truth) was ignored, and the writer sums it up best in the last verse. “In those days… everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”
If we take that approach, and everyone does what ‘seems right’ (or ‘feels right’), how can we possibly know what is truth? Take a child and give him run of the house. No bed time, no manners, no responsibilities, and what kind of child will you get? Eliminate anything that is true and right, drop the parameters of living and give him no guidelines and I promise you, he will fall apart. Without absolute truth, we have nothing! There is an answer key and we have truth, the question is…do you know where to find it?
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, August 31, 2014
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Our God He Is Alive” – 23
What a great reminder as we open our worship time together. Beyond the skies above, there is a God we can’t see. But He has made all we see and experience in this world; it’s His creation. “There is a God, He is alive. In Him we live and we survive. From dust, our God created man. He is our God…the great I AM!”
“Here I Am to Worship” – no book
A contemporary song that explains what we’re doing here today. Do you come to worship Him, or are you coming to get your spiritual ticket punched? Do you find fulfillment in honoring God with your voice and with your presence, or are you just going through the motions? This song begins with a simple statement we make to God, “Light of the world, You stepped down into darkness, open my eyes…let me see.” This could be considered a song of prayer as we sing to our God. But notice our transition as we go from “…let me see” to the third verse of our next song.
“Beneath the Cross of Jesus” – 314
As we stand beneath the cross of Jesus, what do we see? The third verse paints the picture of “…the very dying form of One Who suffered there for me.” How do you react to such a sight? We’ll sing, “…and from my smitten heart with tears, two wonders I confess: 1) the wonders of His glorious love, 2) and my own worthlessness.”
“Dear Lord and Father of Mankind” – 770
A very old ‘hymn’ that is our prayer following the reading of Isaiah 5:20-23. Would that we realize how foolish we are in our own eyes. When we call evil good and good evil. Let’s sing and pray that God will “re-clothe us in our rightful minds,” and that we will serve Him with pure lives and praise Him with more reverence. But first remember that our God is truth…absolute truth!
“I Gave My Life for Thee” – 354
Why do we give? What motivates you to write a $100 check and put it in the collection plate each week? Do you have to? Obviously we give because He has given to us. He gave His life for me, but as we sing this song we’ll sing it from Jesus’ perspective. Notice the words we sing, that Jesus says…”I gave My life for you, I shed my blood on the cross that you might be ransomed, saved, redeemed, and quickened from the dead (brought to life.) I gave My life for you, what have you given to Me?” And your answer is…
“Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts” – 200 (tune from Doxology)
We’ll take the words from this hymn and sing it with the music from Doxology. But we must never forget the message of this old song. Verse two helps us focus on truth as we sing, “Thy truth unchanged hath ever stood; Thou savest those that on Thee call; To them that seek Thee, Thou art good; To them that find Thee, all in all.” And then we sing our next song of praise…“You are my strength when I am weak, You are the Treasure that I seek, You are my all in all…”
“You Are My All in All” – 484
‘Jesus, Lamb of God, worthy is Your name!’ Our God is Truth, His word is truth, His ways are true and His judgements are true and righteous. (Psalm 19)
“Thou Art the Way” – 280
To make it in life, we need to answer the questions of life correctly. To answer the questions of life, we need the answer key. The One who writes the test has given us the Key. He is the Way, He is the Truth, He is the Life! In what classroom does the teacher give you the answer key before giving the test? Fortunately for us, our Teacher is our Father. We have no excuse if we fail this test…
“We Have an Anchor” – 467
How well will you do taking the daily test in life? Will you be tossed on the sea, unsure how to answer the problems, or are you secure and confident. Know that we have an anchor that keeps us steadfast while we’re being tested. In God’s word we find the answers, we find Absolute Truth!
Why is it some marriages last for decades while others wither months after the honeymoon? Is there a secret formula that provides longevity to the marriage covenant? Maybe there’s a mysterious formula only the ‘lucky’ have discovered? We can better understand how marriages find success when we understand the phrase “I DO”…
The man and woman face each other and the preacher asks the long awaited question, “Do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?” Without hesitation the bride’s response is clear, “I do!” At the same time the penitent one stands before the Lord and is asked a similar question, “Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God?” That response echoes the bride…”I DO!” A wedding and a baptism, is there a connection? Join us as we look at the mystery of marriage.
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, January 19, 2014
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“You Are the Song that I Sing” – 238
What do we sing on Sunday morning? Is it a song to praise and glorify God? The Psalmist gives us a good starting point when it comes to singing, look to God first and foremost. “You (God) are the words and the music. You (God) are the song that I sing. You (God) are the harmony, You (God) are the melody, praise to Your name (God) I will sing…”
“Let Me Live Close to Thee” – 831
This chorus has a strong alto lead and an incredible message. Giving this hymn it’s title we sing together the chorus; “Let me live close to Thee, take my hand, dear Lord, and guide me all along the rugged way; O let me live close to Thee, let me walk and talk with Thee, dear Lord, each day.” Do you want to live close to Him? Does a husband want to be with his wife or a wife with her husband? They should, and so should the Christian long to be with his Savior.
“In Memory of the Savior’s Love” – 335
Our reading before the Lord’s Supper is I Corinthians 11:23, 24 when Paul reminds us of Christ’s sacrifice and His words. “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” We’ll sing together, and remember our Savior’s love. Let’s ‘keep the sacred feast’ and be sure we come with humble, contrite (repenting) hearts.
“By Christ Redeemed” – 366
Notice the last three words in each verse of this song conclude with the same words Paul wrote in I Corinthians 11:26. Remembering Christ’s death, burial and resurrection we partake of the Lord’s Supper; “…proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.”
“Sweet Adoration“– 253
A beautiful contemporary song we’ll sing following the Lord’s Supper expressing our ‘adoration’ to God. But ask yourself, will I honor Him with my words (my lips) and yet keep my heart far from Him (Matthew 15:8)? Understand we should give God, “…glory and honor and praise…a part of our constant devotion.” Husbands and wives, loving your spouse goes beyond just saying “I love you.”
“Wonderful Words of Life” – 543
How many times have you heard the message of salvation? For some it would be many, many times. But still our hearts would say, “Tell me the story of Christ’s love…again.” Sunday morning, before our lesson, we’ll ask each other to “Sing it over again to me, wonderful words of Life…words of Life and beauty (that) teach me faith and duty…”
“Trust and Obey” – 915
Marriages succeed when the husband and wife trust each other. As their marriage grows with the years, so their relationship becomes stronger and happier. If they walk with each other, share each others burdens and trust and obey God’s word they find comfort. In like manner, when we trust in God’s guiding hand, what should be our concern? When we obey His holy word, what is there for us to fear? We sing, “never fear, only trust and obey!”
“Light the Fire” – no book
The contribution plate will be passed after the lesson this morning, but as we give back what already belongs to God, we’ll sing a song of restoration. Asking, as it is, for God to light the fire in our hearts that we would serve and honor Him more.
“How Sweet, How Heavenly” – 709
Closing our worship time together we’ll sing this traditional spiritual song (220 years old) encouraging each other to ‘feel each others sigh’, to cry with each other (‘sorrow flows from eye to eye’) and to overlook each others faults (‘each can his brother’s failings hide’). As a husband and wife do we feel each others sigh? Husband’s, do you cry with your wife? Wives, are you able to over look your husband’s faults? There are some clear similarities with the marriage relationship and the Christian walk. The mystery to marriage might well be found in the walk with Christ.
With the beginning of a new year you might find yourself asking the question, “Where did the time go?” Each day we spend on this earth is a gift. Each minute we live out is a reflection of our heart at that moment in time. But what if we say something or do something but we ‘didn’t mean it.’ We know that our behavior/words at that moment don’t reflect who we really are or what we want to be. How do I get that ‘minute’ back?
New Year’s resolutions are a common practice during the next few weeks. We ‘resolve’ to do better, make some changes and demonstrate a new practice for this new year. And each day we’ll make decisions (just like last year) to eat better and work-out more. But when the day is over and our resolve has ‘dissolved,’ how do you get it back? Can you get it back? Is there any hope we might be able to ‘redeem a moment of time?’ Join us Sunday morning as we welcome in a new year and consider how we spend our time…
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also. I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, January 5, 2014
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“We Praise Thee, O God” – 2
This song is filled to the brim with thankfulness and praise coming from our hearts as we sing to our Father. The first four verses echo with our gratefulness and thankfulness to Him and in verse five, the writer, William MacKay helps us to turn our attitude in a way of humbly asking God for His favor. In verse five we sing, asking our Father to “revive us again” and to let each of our souls be,“rekindled with fire from above.” How powerful the words that we sing. It only begins to help us to recognize how small and powerless we are compared to the, “God of all grace”. Let us allow Him to ‘rekindle our spirits’ this morning as we begin our time of praise and adoration.
“In Christ Alone” -no book
This song is not in most hymn books, but what a powerful message it has we sing. With each verse of this song we hear, “In Christ Alone”, and it helps us to realize that we can only do our best things through Christ alone. He is our “cornerstone” and our “solid ground” and as we prepare our minds for the Lord’s supper let us reflect on how we should rely on him more.
“Fairest Lord Jesus” – 288
After the Lords supper we will sing of our beautiful Savior. We will sing a verse that is not in the book but is still as powerful reminder of our Savior’s love. “Beautiful Savior, Lord of all nations! Son of God and Son of Man. Glory and honor, praise, adoration, Now and forever more be thine!” What a beautiful verse as we praise Him in saying, “Fairest Lord Jesus!”
“Remind Me, Dear Lord” – 606 We recognize in singing this song that the earthly things that we have are “just borrowed, they’re aren’t mine at all.”In the chorus of this song we ask our Father to open our minds, help us search our memories and to remember where we have come from. What a touching scene this would be, if humbly we come to him and ask for His patience with us. We, as His children plead with him and I can imagine myself in a small and quiet voice saying, “Roll back the curtain of memory now and then. Show me where You brought me from and where I could have been….”
“Take Time to Be Holy” – 731
As your new year is underway, consider how often you will take time to stop and strive to be holy? Honestly, I’m afraid we make time for Him and therefore fail to get the nourishment that we need to grow as Christians. This song is merely encouraging us to as the “world rushes on” to seek Him in His guidance and council. And as we do let us consider each of our thoughts, deeds and motives and be sure they are, “beneath His control”.
“A New Creature” – 619
This song is a song that is meant to be sung to one another as encouragement. In the third verse T. O. Chisholm pinned some very inspiring words, “Sin hath no more its cruel dominion, walking ‘in newness of life’ I am free, glorious life of Christ, my Redeemer, which He so richly shareth with me.” As we walk in our “newness of life” with Christ let us be reminded of what He sacrificed so we could share heaven with Him.
“Why Do You Wait?” – no book Serving as our invitation song this morning, we sing/ask the simple question of; “Why do you wait, dear brother?” Very simple and yet very to the point. Many times in life we may reach the time when we’re asked this question. “Why are you delaying? What do you hope to gain by stalling?” The questions that we are asking are so simplistic, and yet many times the answer escapes us. I don’t have a good reason for putting off what needs to be done. When it comes to accepting Christ as your Savior just remember…“There is no one to save you but Jesus, there is no other way but His way.”
“Hold To God’s Unchanging Hand” – 613
A song of encouragement that is meant to be sung as reassurance. Even though our lives are “filled with swift transition…” (lots of changes) and even, “if by earthly friends forsaken” we find comfort in the consistency of God’s strong hands. Serving as a constant theme throughout the song, we encourage each other to hold to Gods Unchanging Hand. It’s hard to redeem time once it’s passed, but holding tight to the Father’s hand will be a decision you’ll never regret.
Most of us are good when it comes to our prayer life and spending a few moments or maybe even twenty or thirty minutes in prayer is not a difficult thing to do. But do you think you could pray for a full hour, or two, or three? Personally, I struggle to stay focused on the task, and my attention tends to wander. If this is you too, could it be that we don’t have the patience or are we sincerely ‘just too busy?’
Follow the four basic thoughts found in this verse. First, prayer is our opportunity to step away from the cares of this world. We must focus on God if we want a ‘sweet hour’ of prayer. Second, it’s a time we can take the ‘wants’ of our hearts and the ‘wishes’ we so desperately seek directly to the throne of God. And, true heart-felt prayer can be a relief for our souls during times (seasons) of trouble and sorrow. Don’t think you’re free from distress and grief. We live in a world of pain and sorrow, but God gives us peace in Christ. Fourth, consider how blessed you are that in prayer you can escape the clutches of Satan. Only in prayer and solely through the grace of God will we endure, but we must take time to pray.
the heart to action. Perhaps one of the most valuable traits we can possess in this life is compassion. To be able to not only see when someone is hurting, but to act upon that need…that is compassion.
“Hear Me When I Call” – no book
Proverbs 4:23 “Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.” Now compare this to the words of our Lord and Savior in Luke chapter 6, verse 45; 
unhappiness, greed, hatred and anger, it will be heard in your voice (language), seen in your actions and ultimately expressed on your face. Even Disney knew how to show us the difference between ‘Happy’ and ‘Grumpy.’ The actions of the grouch (in December, the Grinch) will lead toward him to becoming a most unlikable person. (Side note: both Grumpy and the Grinch changed their hearts!)
corrupted, the original has been compromised, damaged or destroyed. By definition, to be corrupt, there has been a negative impact that causes someone, or something, to be ‘dishonest, immoral or impure.’
of commitment. But ask one of my boys what he likes the most about weddings (if he has to go) and he will tell you, the reception. Not for the greeting and visiting, but for the food. The mints are nice and the chocolate fountain is a highlight, but everyone steps forward when it’s time to cut the cake. 
in beauty all the starry band of shining worlds in splendor thru the skies, our grateful songs before Thy throne arise…” Would that we take God’s word as our law and our chosen way. Our nation was founded on Godly principles, but sometimes I wonder if something happened after the wedding cake?
