of His children and He will bless us as long as we honor, worship, follow and praise Him.Redeeming God’s Time…Jan. 18th
Redemption is an interesting word. By definition it means the “deliverance or rescue” of something. But what is worthy of redeeming? We sing ‘redeemed how I love to proclaim it,’ ‘let the redeemed of the Lord say so,’ and ‘…for on the holy cross hast Thou the world from sin redeemed.’ We know, in Christ, we have been redeemed, but what else can we redeem? Welcoming 
Chris McCurley to Waterview’s pulpit this coming Sunday morning we look forward to hearing his thoughts on redeeming time.
It makes me think about the old hymn ‘Softly and Tenderly’ as we sing the third verse (though we won’t be singing it this week), “Time is now fleeting the moments are passing…” With time ‘fleeting,’ lasting for a very short time, how can we redeem it. Perhaps, more importantly, we should ask ourselves, who owns our time? Join us as we consider redeeming GOD’S time.
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, January 18, 2015
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Holy Ground Medley” – 100 &101
A strong, spiritual medley that turns us toward the holiness of God. Be careful this Sunday morning as you come together to worship God as a collective body of believers. Two young men came to worship God (they were actually leading the worship) and give Him a sacrifice that wasn’t pleasing (acceptable) to God, and immediately suffered the consequences. To know why, one need only read the words of the boy’s uncle found in Leviticus 10:3, “It is what the Lord spoke, saying, ‘By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy…” As we come to worship this morning remember, we’ll be standing in His holy presence, on Holy Ground.
“Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed?” – 324
One of the most pointed lyrics from the pen of Isaac Watts, this spiritual song reminds us that we have a Savior who bled and died and devoted Himself, His ‘sacred head for such a worm as I.’ But is that the way we sing it? Do we call ourselves ‘worms?’ The Psalmist (David) once wrote in Psalm chapter 22, verse 6, “But I am a worm and not a man.” Job, in his despair, made the same acclamation (Job 25:6). Understanding the meaning of this humble statement, we see the reference to our feeble and despised condition. Without God, we are but worms. We’ve changed the wording to ease our minds and satisfy our self esteem. But I can’t miss the message…my Savior bled and died for me.
“Take Time to Be Holy” – 731
In a fast paced world we rarely slow down long enough to ‘smell the roses.’ Not to mention, taking time to be holy. But what does that mean? How can I ‘take time’ to be holy? Consider the words of the poet W.D. Longstaff; …1) speak often with your Lord, 2) abide in Him always and 3) feed on His word (read the Bible.) 4) Make friends of God’s people, 5) help those who are weak and 6) never forgetting to seek His blessings. In addition we should 7) be calm in our souls, 8) letting each thought and each motive be in His control. (That’s a hard one when you think about it!) But, when we do these things we’ll be led by His Spirit and better fitted for His service. Perhaps that’s how we ‘take time to be Holy.’
“Sing On, Ye Joyful Pilgrims” – 747
Fanny J. Crosby added a great thought in the chorus of this song, “…my heart is filled with rapture (joy), my soul is lost in praise.’ How often do we get ‘lost in thought’ during the course of the day? But what a concept that our souls would be ‘lost in praise.’ Translated, nothing else matters except praising our God.
“Higher Ground” – no book
A spiritual song we know well, but one we sing with a renewed twist. Men echo throughout the verses and chorus as we encourage each other to press on toward heaven.
“Savior Lead Me” – 409
A call to repentance as we sing this hymn for our Savior to lead us. But notice where we’re asking Him to lead us. Certainly heavenward and away from the stormy billows, but as I sing the chorus I’m asking for Him to lead me, “gently down the stream of time…” He is our refuge and we will be ‘safe when by His side,’ but as He leads us, will we follow Him? Are we willing, and honestly ready to obey Him and follow where my Savior leads me?
“Hold To God’s Unchanging Hand” – 613
“Time is filled with swift transition, naught of earth unmoved can stand…” But what does that mean, “naught of earth unmoved can stand.”? Naught means nothing, so we build upon this principle as we consider the poetry. Nothing on earth will continue without being changed/moved. In short, everything is changing here on earth. However, as we hold to God, His unchanging hand (referencing Jesus in Hebrews 13:8), we know we can build upon Him. Building our hopes on things eternal and looking to redeem God’s time as we hold to His hand.
They Are New Every Morning…Part II
Continuing the thought from Lamentations, we’ll look again at Jeremiah the prophet as he spoke about God’s mercies, “…they are new every morning.” When times are difficult and we can’t seem to see any hope, what is our response? Do we fall into despair or do we reach for higher, brighter days?
We have a tendency to question God’s rule. We, like Job, have questions and seek to understand God’s providence. If we were to stand before God, can we truly expect anything less than what He said to Job? As God spoke, He asked 
Job, “Have you ever in your life commanded the morning, and caused the dawn to know its place…?” The obvious answer is ‘no,’ we have no control over this world, the sunrise, the sunset, the sunshine or the rain. God is the Creator, and this is His world. So rather than question His work, we should take comfort in knowing He rules this earth and guards His people. The Creator of the universe, the One who ‘commands the morning’ is also our refuge and strength (Psalm 46). And even though ‘the earth should change, and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea’ children of God have no reason to fear. We know, as His creation, that we have a promise, “God is in the midst of her (His people), she will not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns…” Psalm 46:5. The psalmist is literally telling us that God will help His people at the turning of the morning. Could there be any greater comfort in knowing that the Maker of heaven and earth watches over His people at the dawning of each day? Though we might not have blue skies every morning, we know Who controls those skies. With that knowledge we have to reflect upon our attitude. What will we do when dark clouds gather? How will we deal with the devastating storms that strike our land? Will we take them in stride anticipating a new tomorrow, or will we look to place blame, bemoaning our current state of affairs? Ken Young once penned the words to a contemporary song entitled, Richly Blest. Within that message there is a thought that all Christians should champion. Throughout our days, regardless of our circumstances, whether things are good or bad, my God blesses me!
“Bluest skies, cloudy day, whether it’s good or bad that tends to come my way. From the highest hill or deepest valley I will claim His rest, for the One who loves me makes me richly blest.”
And just in case we come away thinking we have no responsibility in these ‘turning days,’ we must never forget God’s word as He spoke to His people in Deuteronomy 23. “Since the Lord your God walks in the midst of your camp to deliver you and to defeat your enemies before you, therefore your camp must be holy; and He must not see anything indecent among you or He will turn away from you.” When God looks into our lives, what does He see? Is our camp filled with things of this world or are we striving to keep our lives holy, as He is holy? God is with His people at the turning of the day, but only we will determine if we are among His people, walking as children of Light. Consider all the more 
the words of Paul as he wrote to the church in Ephesus, “…there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or course jesting, which are not fitting…Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience…walk as children of Light.” Ephesians 5:4-8. How can we expect to be richly blest if we harbor worldly behaviors? If our words and actions resemble the world, we will continue to live in darkness.
Though we may not know what tomorrow holds, we know who holds tomorrow. We have hope in what we cannot see; “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1. We can find assurance in a brighter tomorrow even when today looks awfully dark. On this earth we’re never guaranteed another dawn, nor do we have assurance tomorrow will be sunny. But by maintaining our faith in Him and following His word, we have confidence in knowing…The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. As a matter of fact…they are new every morning!
Bible Study Flashbacks…July 13th
“A memory revisited” is one of the definitions given for a flashback. And most likely you’ve experienced such an event. Remembering something back in time, a flashback to the past. But what kinds of ‘flashbacks’ do I have with Bible study? Are there examples of such things found within scripture?
Look no further than Luke chapter 1, as ‘the angel’ spoke to Zacharias about his soon to be born son; “…you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth….and he will turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God. It is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers back to the children,’ (Malachi 4:6) and the disobedient to the attitude of righteousness, so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” A flashback in Bible study to be sure, but join us Sunday as we consider more…
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, July 13, 2014
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“O Worship the King” – 144
Joining together we’ll sing; “O worship the King, all glorious above, and gratefully sing His wonderful love…” But take a moment to consider the words of the second verse; “Thy bountiful care, what tongue can recite? It (His bountiful care) breathes in the air, it shines in the light; It (His care) streams from the hills, it descends to the plain, and sweetly distills in the dew and the rain.” God’s abundant care is every where! It’s in the air we breath and the sun that shines, the rain that falls and even in the early morning dew. Before you sing this song, remember He is your King; but He is also your Maker, Defender, Redeemer and Friend.
“Worthy Art Thou” – 230
Another hymn we sing to Him as we lift up the voice in praise and devotion… “Worthy art Thou!” Will you come before Him with singing?
“O Sacred Head” – 318
The words and music of this classic old hymn date back to the mid-1600’s. But for a moment, look at these words from a different angle; “…Now scornfully surrounded with thorns, Thine only crown; How art Thou pale with anguish, with sore abuse and scorn…” The word ‘pale’ can mean ‘light in color,’ and may very well mean that here. But perhaps the author chose an alternate meaning to the word pale, ‘to be enclosed or surrounded.’ Like the crown of thorns on His head, isn’t it clear that He was encircled by anguish, abuse and scorn?
“The Lord is in His Holy Temple” – 108
A simple message and a song you’ve sung countless times before, and we find it’s basis in the book of Habakkuk. The context of the passage enlightens us to understand that man-made gods, idols of wood and stone, are unable to rise up, speak out or communicate with people. They are silent. But people of the world are to be silent before the Living God. Read Habakkuk 2:18-20 and see the inspiration for this old ‘psalm.’
“He Paid a Debt” – 376
A contemporary song, written in the mid-1970’s, serves us well as we conclude the Lord’s Supper…‘He paid that debt at Calvary (Latin for ‘the Skull’), He cleansed my soul and set me free…!’ This picture, taken in the mid-1930’s, shows a hill outside Jerusalem that may very well have been ‘the Skull.’
“Faith of Our Fathers” – 754
Singing this spiritual song isn’t a praise to our heritage. We don’t sing to honor our forefathers, but we sing of the living faith of those who have gone before. Faithful men who stood for Christ and His church. Men who were thrown in dungeons, suffered death by the sword, and died in the flame. Men chained in prisons, but free in Christ. In the chorus we sing, “…we will be true to Thee (God) till death!” But will we, in spite of our trials, still remain faithful? “How sweet would be their children’s fate, if they (us), like them (our fore fathers), could die for Thee (our God)!”
“Ancient Words” – no book
‘Ancient words, ever true, changing me and changing you!’ Perhaps the next line of this contemporary song is the challenge for you and I today. Can we honestly sing what comes next? Have you come with an open heart? Are you ready for the word of God to be imparted to you? If so, when this lesson is concluded and ‘He gently knocks,’ will you be ready to keep the door open for Him. What a blessing that these “Holy words” have been long preserved so we can see and experience first hand…a Bible Study Flashback.
“Behold a Stranger at the Door” – 919
Considering your response to the lesson, does Jesus live in you or is He still outside your heart (your life)? Christ’s own words in Revelation 3:20 serve as the foundation for this invitation song, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.” We sing knowing that He doesn’t demand that we open the door, nor does He beg for our affection. Jesus ‘gently knocks and has waited long’ for those who hear the gospel to open the door of their heart and let Him in!
“A Mansion, Robe and Crown” – no book
“I’m gonna trade my earthly home for a better one bright and fair. Christ left to prepare a mansion for His children in the air…” One of our contemporary songs that references the promise made by Jesus in John chapter 14. Don’t let the newness of this hymn discourage you from finding the joy in a promise of eternal life with our Heavenly Father.
The Road To…? Feb. 2nd
If there’s one thing you can be sure of, when you’re traveling down a road, 
you’ll always get to the end. Though the road may not end where you want it to, it will eventually stop. While we’re traveling on the road (and we are all traveling), the question we must answer is simple; “Where are you going?”
Ira Stanphill once penned these words, “I travel down a lonely road…”. The road of life, at times, can seem pretty lonely. But if the truth be known, many are walking down a road that is anything but lonely. With numberless travelers and wide lanes it doesn’t seem logical anyone could be lonely. However, there is another road which is narrow and supports only a few. Which road are you traveling on? Is it congested and bustling, or is it somewhat lonely. If you can answer that question, you might know where your road is headed. You might be on, The Road To …
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, February 2, 2014
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Praise Him! Praise Him!” – 300
With energy and a lift in your voice, this song of praise provides the singer an opportunity to ‘…tell of His excellent greatness.’ Join in the welcome Sunday morning as we sing of our Blessed Redeemer!
“Holy Ground” – 100 & 101
This contemporary medley is about 35 years old ( written in 1982 to be exact) and yet reflects the words found in Exodus and Joshua. In both accounts the ‘angel of the Lord’ (Exodus) and ‘the captain of the Lord’s host’ (Joshua) appeared to Moses and Joshua respectfully, and gave the command, “…the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” Moses explained this idea more clearly as he spoke to his brother Aaron, “It is what the Lord spoke, saying, ‘By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy, and before all the people I will be honored.’” Leviticus 10:3. This morning, as we come before Him, notice…we are standing on holy ground.
“O Listen to the Wondrous Story” – 496
Taking the refrain of this song we’ll use it to prepare ourselves for the Lord’s Supper. Notice what the ladies will be singing; “Who saved us from eternal loss! What did He do? Where is He now?” The beauty of this chorus comes as the men respond to each question; (Ladies) “Who saved us (not a question, but an exclamation)…(Men) Who (else) but God’s Son upon the cross? (Ladies) What did He do? (Men) He died for you? (Ladies) Where is He now? (Men) Believe it thou (translated; you’d better believe it) (all voices) In heaven interceding.’
“Be Still and Know” – 31
As we wait for the contribution plates to pass around the auditorium, we’ll fill our thoughts with scripture as we sing Psalm 46:10 “Cease striving (be still) and know that I am God.”
“Follow Me” – 395
As noted in the opening paragraph, this spiritual song reminds us of the road we’re called to walk, a ‘lonely road.’ But it will take some interruption on your part as you sing. Notice verse three; “O Jesus if I die upon a foreign field some day, ‘twould be (it would be) no more than love demands, no less could I repay, ‘no greater love hath mortal man than for a friend to die,’ (John 15:13) These are the words He gently spoke to me, ‘if just a cup of water I place within your hand then just a cup of water is all that I demand,’ (what ever I can give is all I’m asking for in return) But if by death to living they can Thy glory see (would that some live for Christ in my physical death…per the first line), I’ll take my cross (my mission to serve) and follow close to Thee.”
“Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus” – 648
Before our lesson we’ll sing this stirring song of encouragement from the pre-Civil War era. Interestingly enough, this song of soldier’s was penned just three years before our country’s deadliest war. But the call is clear, not for Union soldiers or soldiers from the Confederate ranks. Instead, soldier’s of the cross… stand up for Jesus!
“What Will You Do with Jesus?” – 926
Our invitation song is a reflection of the last hours of Christ as He stood on trial before Pilate. Pilate asked the question to the Jewish leaders 2000 years ago, and yet it still echoes in our minds. “Then what shall I do with Him…?” (Mark 15:12). How you answer the question will determine where your road is taking you…
“Jesus Paid It All” – 316
The child of God understands this song and can sing with full voice; “Gone is all my debt of sin, a great change is brought within, and to live I now begin, risen from the fall…” But notice the last part of the second verse, our focus for the morning. “Making His the debt I owed, Freedom true He has bestowed; so I’m singing on the road to my home above…” Take a minute to consider your traveling and look at your path, The Road To … !
Stille Nacht (Silent Night)
The following account is one man’s record of how we came to know and love “Silent Night.” The accompanying video (YouTube) is sung acapella by St. Thomas Boy’s Choir. They’re singing this song in its original language, German. The story is told…
In 1818, a roving band of actors was performing in towns throughout the Austrian Alps. On December 23rd they arrived in a village near Salzburg, Germany, where they were to re-enact the story of Christ’s birth at a small church. Instead, the actors presented their Christmas drama in a private home. That Christmas presentation of the events in the first chapters of Matthew and Luke placed Josef Mohr, one of the ministers, in a meditative mood. As he left that evening, instead of walking straight home, Mohr took a longer more scenic route. This path took him up over a hill overlooking the small village. From that hilltop, Mohr looked down on the peaceful snow-covered hamlet. Reveling in majestic silence of the wintry night, Mohr gazed down at the glowing scene. His thoughts about the recent Christmas play reminded him of a poem he had written a couple of years before. That poem was about the night when angels announced the birth of the long-awaited Messiah to shepherds on a hillside. Mohr decided those words might make a good ‘carol’ for his congregation the following evening at their Christmas Eve service. The one problem was that he didn’t have any musical composition to which that poem could be sung. The next day Mohr took his poem to Franz Xaver Gruber, a musically talented member of the congregation. Gruber only had a few hours to come up with a melody which could be sung. However, by that evening, Gruber had managed to compose a musical setting for the poem. They now had a Christmas carol ready to be sung by/for the congregation. On Christmas Eve, the little congregation in the village of Oberndorf heard the first singing of the now favorite, “Silent Night.” Weeks later this Christmas poem made its way down the mountainside and into the hearts of hundreds of thousands of God-fearing men and women.
Yet a Biblical message so beautifully compiled couldn’t be contained to the Austrian Alps. In less than 15 years “Silent Night” was sung all across Europe. Then, in 1838 at the Alexander Hamilton Monument, located outside New York City, this melancholy Christmas hymn was sung in the United States, in its original, German language. Then, nearly fifty years after being first sung in the mountains of Austria, “Silent Night” was translated into English. By 1876, eight years later, that English version made its way into print in Charles Hutchins’ Sunday School Hymnal. Today the words of “Silent Night” are sung in more than 300 different languages all around the world.
As the month of December draws to a close, consider this old, ‘Christmas Hymn’ again sung in German. May this old favorites ring through the years and cheer our hearts. The “Christmas Song of the Day”…Silent Night.
Silent night! holy night! All is calm, all is bright,
‘Round yon virgin mother and Child!
Holy Infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born. Christ, the Saviour is born
Silent night, holy night Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth. Jesus Lord, at Thy birth.
Mary Did You Know?
Few Christmas songs have been written in the last decade that compare with this stirring, poetic masterpiece from the pen of Mark Lowry. Written as though interviewing Mary, the mother of Jesus, Mark took a very unique perspective in creating this popular Christmas song. As if he were the reporter writing a story on Jesus, our author explores a new direction to a timeless question. What do you think your son will be when he grows up? A unique perspective of a reporter looking at the Savior and seeking to know more about the Messiah from his mother’s viewpoint.
The birth of a baby is miraculous in and of itself. The struggle and pain that accompanies the delivery makes one understand and appreciate the mother. But Mark Lowry provides a glimpse into the salvation of all mankind as he interviews Mary and reminds her that ‘this child that you delivered will soon deliver you.’ Lowry went on to explain, “When I wrote this thing about Mary, I began thinking I was interviewing her on her thoughts of being a mother to Jesus. A couple of the lines I wrote really stood out, like ‘when you kiss your little baby, you’ve kissed the face of God.’ I just thought this needed to be in a song.”
Enjoy this acapella version of a most popular Christmas song. As the days roll through December remember to come back and learn something more about our songs of the season. This “Christmas Song of the Day”…Mary Did You Know?.
Mary, did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know, that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you’ve delivered, will soon deliver you.
Mary, did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know, that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby, you’ve kissed the face of God.
The blind will see
The deaf will hear
The dead will live again.
The lame will leap
The dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb.
Mary, did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know, that your baby boy is heaven’s perfect lamb?
This sleeping child you’re holding, is the great I AM.
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 Holy
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.”)
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
Breath of Heaven
God’s word is complete and gives us all we need for salvation in Christ Jesus. We know the scripture is ‘God breathed’ and we are secure in following His word. Still there are some things within its pages that we don’t know. Questions like, what was Jesus like as a child? And, 
whatever happened to Joseph (Jesus’ earthly father)? Or, how did Mary cope with the news of her first pregnancy? We only know what we read in the scripture, but many have tried to fill in the blanks to these questions.
In 1993 Ken Young penned the words to a song we have sung hundreds of times before the Lord’s Supper, Thomas’ Song. Written from the view point of the apostle Thomas (doubting Thomas) we get a man’s interpretation as to what Thomas may have been feeling after learning of Christ’s resurrection. John 20:25-28 gives us the exact account, but we often like to imagine what Thomas might have said, “Jesus, You were all to me, why did You die on Calvary? O Lamb of God I fail to see how this could be part of the plan. If I could only hold your hand…”
In similar fashion, Amy Grant and Chris Eaton teamed up produce a song mirroring the possible thoughts and 
feelings of Mary, the mother of Jesus. How did she feel carrying the Son of God? Was she confused and scared, or was she excited and confident? We only know what we read in the scriptures (Luke 1:26-38). There we read, “Mary was greatly troubled…” (vs. 29) and her questioning, “How will this be…?” (vs. 34) as well as her humble acknowledgment, “I am the Lord’s servant…”. And yet, as we continue in this passage, we read she had more to say. She said,“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is His name.” (vs. 46-49)
Was she uncertain? Perhaps. Was she grateful? Certainly. But would that we all draw some encouragement as Mary might well have silently prayed that God would be with her. This ‘Christmas hymn’ recognizes that God’s breath gives life (Genesis 1) and as the resurrected Messiah ‘breathed on His disciples’ (John 20:22), so Mary may have longed for God to give her the breath of heaven.
Enjoy this acapella version of a relatively new, popular Christmas song. Remember to check back later this month as we explore more ‘seasonal’ favorites. This “Christmas Song of the Day”…Mary’s Song (Breath of Heaven).
I have traveled many moonless nights Cold and weary with a babe inside
And I wonder what I’ve done Holy Father you have come
And chosen me now To carry your son
I am waiting in a silent prayer I am frightened by the load I bear
In a world as cold as stone Must I walk this path alone
Be with me now Be with me now[Chorus:]
Breath of heaven Hold me together
Be forever near me Breath of heaven
Breath of heaven Lighten my darkness
Pour over me your holiness For you are holy Breath of heaven Do you wonder as you watch my face If a wiser one should have had my place
But I offer all I am For the mercy of your plan
Help me be strong Help me be Help me
Breath of heaven Hold me together
Be forever near me Breath of heaven
Breath of heaven Lighten my darkness
Pour over me your holiness For you are holy Breath of heaven Do you wonder as you watch my face If a wiser one should have had my place
But I offer all I am For the mercy of your plan
Help me be strong Help me be Help me
[Chorus:]
Breath of heaven Hold me together
Be forever near me Breath of heaven
Breath of heaven Lighten my darkness
Pour over me your holiness For you are holy Breath of heaven
Breath of heaven Hold me together
Be forever near me Breath of heaven
Breath of heaven Lighten my darkness
Pour over me your holiness For you are holy Breath of heaven
Learning How to Walk…Nov. 17th
Many parents cherish the time when they watch their child take those first steps. The thrill of knowing their baby is becoming more independent is both a joy as well as an eye-opener. Physical families and church families alike are excited as the ‘babes’ learn to walk. With the awareness of this new found skill comes the understand that they will eventually be taking on more responsibilities.
For the past two years, Patrick & Brandon’a Garcia have been working as Waterview’s missionaries in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Charged with the task of spreading the gospel in Mexico, this young couple has worked hard to reach, teach and baptize almost 30 souls in the last 24 months. Sunday morning Patrick will present his ‘report’ and share with us a message of how this young congregation is…’learning how to walk.’
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, November 17, 2013
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Blessed Be the Lord God Almighty” – 72
Our opening song is a ‘hymn’ as we sing these words to God; it’s as if we’re singing a prayer. Notice the words, “Father in heaven, how we love you. We lift Your name in all the earth. May your kingdom be established in our praises as Your people declare Your mighty works. Blessed be the Lord, God almighty! Who was, and is, and is to come.” Reading Revelation 4:8, we hear the praise being offered around the throne of God; ‘Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty,’ who was, and is, and is to come.”
“Walk with Me” – 394
As we consider ‘walking’ it only seems appropriate to note the words of this hymn (again, sung to HIM). The prayer is for God to walk with us through this life. The author offers a two step progression; 1) walk with me, and 2) talk with me. But we would lose the message if we fail to notice the last line in the chorus. “Let me follow in Your footsteps that trod the shore of Galilee, let me learn to pray like He did in the Garden of Gethsemane; Take my hand, take my hand, teach me Lord to understand, all my duty, all the beauty of Your love.”
“I Come to the Garden Alone” – 595
A song written by Austin Mile 100 years ago (1912) that recalls Christ in the garden. But what garden and who is source of these words. For years we have sung, “I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses; and the voice I hear, falling on my ear, the Son of God discloses…” But who is speaking? Austin Miles wrote this song as if Mary Magdalene were speaking. As you sing consider the 20th chapter of John while Mary stood outside the tomb weeping. And remember the chorus as you daily walk with Christ.
“Here I Am to Worship” – no book
A contemporary hymn (song sung to God) that proclaims the reason for our coming together to worship. Jesus told us that He is the Light of the World (John 8:12). Knowing who He is and what Has done for us should cause all Christians to humbly bow, and gratefully say, “Here I am to worship…here I am to bow down…here I am to say that You’re my God. You’re all together lovely, all together worthy, all together wonderful to me!”
“Where He Leads I’ll Follow” – 417
This old spiritual song (1885) announces our resolve to “…follow Jesus every day.” If He is my example, and if I listen to His loving words, ‘Coming follow Me…’, you should ask yourself, how will I follow Him? The only obvious answer is to get up and walk. We can never follow someone as long as we sit on the sidelines and watch. Learning how to walk implies that I’m going to be using that skill to go somewhere. Jesus is leading…are you willing to follow.
“Trust and Obey” – 915
Our invitation song is best summed up in the last line of the chorus, ‘…for there’s no other way…’ Where are you walking today? How will you face the shadows and burdens of this life? Whether we’re sitting at His feet listening 
and learning, or working in His kingdom (walking beside Him), we must remember to take each step trusting and obeying.
“Just a Closer Walk with Thee” – 406
“I am weak, but Thou art strong. Jesus, keep me from all wrong. I’ll be satisfied as long as I walk, dear Lord, close to Thee.” There are times when we just want to be alone. No one to hurry us, no one to push us, no one to ‘hold us accountable.’ But as we consider our life in Christ, realize distance from Him makes us weak. Learning to walk is exciting, but I can’t make it alone. Reach out and hold His hand. He will steady you as you’re learning how to walk.