Category: Hope

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Convinced, Convicted, Converted…Feb. 22nd

It’s one thing to be convinced of something, but something totally different to be converted. Then again, how can I be converted without ever having  been convicted? When you consider the Christian walk, we understand this progression. But perhaps it was never more clearly established as it was on the Day of Pentecost as noted in Acts chapter 2.

After hearing Peter’s ‘sermon’ the crowd was convinced that, “…God (had) made Him both Lord and Christ (Messiah) – this repentanceJesus whom you (they) crucified.” Their response leads us to know that they were more than convinced, they were convicted; “Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Brethren, what shall we do?” Reading further we see how they are ‘converted.’ But maybe we need to dig deeper to see how convinced we are that Jesus is the Messiah. Looking at your life, ask the question; if I have been ‘converted,’ am I truly convicted? Does my behavior convince others that Jesus is Lord of my life?

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

Sunday morning, Feb. 22, 2014

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

“My Hope is Built on Nothing Less” – 538

Beginning our worship together, we’ll sing an old spiritual song to admonish each other and confirm our conviction. “My hope is built on Jesus blood and righteousness,”…and nothing less than that. What better way to communicate that hope than when we sing the third verse, “His oath, His covenant, His blood, support me in the whelming flood (trials of life). When all around (me) my soul gives way (I start to feel like I’m losing my hold on things), He then is all my hope and stay (security).” Are you convicted enough to say, “On Christ the Solid Rock I stand.”

“I Know Whom I Have Believed” – 524

Our contribution will come early this morning, and as we consider our ‘giving’ ask the simple question…why do I give? I don’t know why God’s wondrous grace was made know to me, and I don’t know how the Holy Spirit moves men to convict them of the sin in their life, and none of us have a clue when the Lord will return. But I do know the grace of Jesus is mine, the Holy Spirit lives in me and the Lord will return. We know and we give because He gave His Son to us. And convinced of this we give and we sing, “I know whom I have believed…”

Thomas said...“Thomas’ Song” – 269

When we lose a loved one, we often weep knowing we’ll never be able to walk with them, talk with them or hold their hand. We know the comfortable relationship we once shared is gone. We miss them and know things have changes. Maybe that’s what Thomas was thinking as we are singing, “If I could only hold your hand…” Though Christ died on the cross, we know, we are convinced, that He rose from the dead and lives today. We can walk with Him, talk with Him and hold His hand. And we can echo Thomas as he proclaimed, “You are my Lord and my God!”

“In His Presence” – 99

Following the Lord’s Supper we’ll sing, “In His presence, there is comfort. In His presence, there is peace…” Do you feel at peace with God? Are you convinced that He is everything He said He was? Do you have a conviction that moves you to self-sacrifice? Are you truly converted? Are you ‘covered’ with His presence?

“I Need Thee Every Hour” – 837

After the scripture reading, Acts 2:36, 37, we’ll sing an old hymn of comfort. Listen to the words from Acts 2, then sing the words of our hymn; “Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said…”what shall we do?” “I need Thee every hour, most Holy One…”

“O For a Faith that Will Not Shrink” – 540

With this song before our lesson, consider the flow of the songs; “O bless me now my Savior, I come to Thee…” “O for a faith that will not shrink, though pressed by every foe…” If you are convinced that Jesus is your source of salvation, and if you are convicted with a faith that ‘will not shrink,’ how well does your life demonstrate a converted heart?

“Nothing But the  Blood” – 902

“Oh precious is the flow…” but you might ask, ‘the flow of what?’ Our answer is found in scripture as we consider the words of the Hebrew writer. The blood of bulls and goats flowed from the altar as the priest offered sacrifices. But, “how much more will the blood of Christ…cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”

“Blessed Assurance” – 480

If we are convinced, convicted and converted then we can truly sing with blessed assurance…Jesus IS mine. And a converted soul pours forth the joy of living in Christ, “This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long!”

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December…1914

“By December 1914, the Great War had raged for almost five months and claimed nearly one million lives. Letters and diaries from the Western Front describe how the guns fell silent on Christmas Eve.”

There are moments in our life when we are impacted by a message spoken not by words, but by the actions of others. You’ve heard, a picture is worth a thousand words and the professional knows how to capture the message within the image. So it should not come as a surprise that in a commercialized society, we value times when the unspoken message is powerfully displayed with scenes of hope. A message that promotes not just a product, but an idea.

A company in the UK dedicated to selling grocery products is responsible for such an advertisement. For years, Sainsbury has produced professional quality commercials that not only ‘sell their products,’ but promote a message. Perhaps after seeing this commercial, you’ll be inspired to greater acts of compassion. How powerful would it be to hear ‘Silent Night’ being sung from a cold and dark fox hole. In a time of war would you have had the strength to step out and walk toward your enemy? There is power in song, and thanks to a grocery store for giving us a message from World War I…

 

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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 creations touchJob, “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 before the crossthe 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!
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They Are New Every Morning…Part I

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning. Great is Thy faithfulness! The Lord is my portion, says my soul. Therefore I will hope in Him.”  Taken from the book of Lamentations, this passage has been sung for years and years. So during the next couple of weeks I hope you’ll enjoy a look at this passage from a different lens, and a special thanks to the Gospel Advocate for motivating my thoughts as we consider what’s ‘new every morning!’gloomy sky

“This morning we woke up to a dark and cloudy sky. The much anticipated warm sunshine was replaced by a cool, gray hue that reminds us of the changing seasons. The rain last night soaked our parched ground for which we are thankful. The storms have passed, but a cool darkness remains. Many would prefer sunshine to gloom, but it’s fine with me that fall has come and with it stormy weather. God’s creation is diverse and is cherished among His people. We take each new day for what it is, sunshine or rain, warm or cold, each new day is a gift from God. As Christians wake each morning, we experience a gift from God and the promise that comes with the new day. Each moment, as the sky brightens, we instinctively know the darkness will lose to a brighter sun. We will have a new day, a fresh start, another chance and a new beginning.

A Christian’s biggest worry is rarely the weather. Christians must be true to God’s Word, but that can be difficult when they feel caught up in an emotional or spiritual storm. Sometimes a season of dreariness can slowly weaken the Christian’s resolve, leaving him to wonder how he will make it through another day. Jeremiah is an excellent example of how a man who was strong in faith, yet who struggled with weakness. A prophet of God, Jeremiah prayed for the people of Judah (14:7), and yet lashed out against the sin of his countrymen (44:23). In the midst of his lamentation, Jeremiah recognized their need and came offering hope to a desperate nation. It was a period of storm and stress as the doom of entire nations, including Judah, was being sealed. In his sorrow Jeremiah laments, “My strength has perished, and so has my hope from the Lord.” (Lamentations 3:18) A man of God who has warned his people of the impending storm is now struggling with the darkness (3:6). Yet in his sorrow and weeping, Jeremiah turns his heart and mind back to God. The sun will shine again and the darkness of the storm will pass. Jeremiah reminds us of the mercy of the Lord, and admonishes God’s people to hold fast to this hope. As he encourages the Israelite nation, Jeremiah continues in the 22nd verse, “The Lord’s loving-kindness indeed never ceases, for His compassions never fail.” With that promise we take courage, fully understanding that regardless of the storms, we have hope. God is faithful to His people, to those who follow and obey His word. Jeremiah continued, “The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him.” (3:25) It may be hard to wait for and to seek God when the storm rages, but the promise of God’s goodness should always give us strength. Children of God must recognize, cherish and hold fast to God’s loving-kindness.
Since the 1970’s, young Christian people across this nation have sung the words of Jeremiah found in Lamentations chapter 3. Many know this passage by heart, but few know it in context. And so we sing…
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning. Great is Thy faithfulness! ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul. ‘Therefore I will hope in Him.’ ”
dawnBut how can we see God’s compassion when darkness veils our sight? Some believe His compassion has ceased when nothing but storm clouds cover their heads. How could a compassionate God allow destruction and sorrow? Does Jesus even care? There may be over-cast skies and stormy weather today, but remember there is always hope for tomorrow. And with that steadfast hope, there is a promise of sunshine. Jeremiah continues to speak about God’s never failing compassion, “…they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” With the passing of night, comes the dawning of a new day. The compassion of our God never fails His people. As the new day dawns upon this tired, old earth, so our God is faithful to rain down compassion upon His children.”

We’ll continue this thought in a week or two…but until then, listen to this arrangement by an acapella group known as Blacappella. They combine the text of Lamentations 3 with the sentiments of Paul in Philippians 2. “We place You on the highest place…”

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Spiritual Understanding in a Material World

faithA recent email from one of our ministers at Waterview church of Christ caught my eye and I felt it appropriate to share it with you. Consider your ‘faith in Christ,’ what exactly does that mean? Is your faith something you can hold on to? By definition, the word faith means; “Belief that does not rest on logical truth or material evidence.”  But look at Paul’s words to the church in Corinth as he talked about living a temporal (tangible) life in anticipation of an eternal (intangible) life; “…be always of good courage, and know that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord-for we walk by faith, not by sight…” Remember, our faith is essential to our salvation, Ephesians 2:8 “…you have been saved by grace through faith…” “Even so faith, if it (faith) has no works, is dead, being by itself.” James 2:17

So what about ‘my faith’ in Christ Jesus?
How do I better understand it’s implications for my daily walk of faith?

Ephesians 6:16 “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;”

The shield of faith extinguishes not some of the darts, but ALL of them! So, take up your shield faith shieldof faith today, and don’t give the evil one an opportunity to burn you with one of his darts.

1 John 5:4-5 “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”

Through faith, we have victory! It is our greatest defense and our greatest offense simultaneously! Faith will extinguish the enemy’s weapons and, at the same time, it will conquer our enemy. Take courage and have faith in Jesus, the Son of God.

Dustin Jones
Minister of Family Development
Waterview church of Christ

P.S. Now, please turn in your song books to “Faith is the Victory” while we stand and sing…

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Why Have Graduations?…June 8th

Many students will ‘walk the stage’ sometime in the next few days and graduating kidsweeks. Whether they are moving from preschool to elementary, high school to college, or college to ‘the real world,’ we see graduations all around.

We understand the importance of milestones in life, and the excitement we feel upon reaching them. Even the ‘celebration’ of graduating from one stage in life to another can be monumental. But do we ‘have’ to have a graduation? Could there be more than just recognizing the individual accomplishment? And who is to say one is more important than another? Actually, how many ‘graduations’ do we have? Join us Sunday morning as we ask the question; “Why Have Graduations?”

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

Sunday morning, June 8, 2014

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

“Blessed Be the Lord God Almighty” – 72

We sing this ‘hymn’ as we sing to our God; “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.”

“The Lord’s My Shepherd” – 134jesus shepherd

One of the greatest ‘psalms’ that we can sing (almost verbatim) is found in the 23rd Psalm.  You’ll notice the first verse of this hymn recites the 1st & 2nd verses of the Psalm David penned centuries ago.  Open your Old Testament to the book of Psalms, turn to chapter 23 and then sing a ‘psalm’ of praise. “The Lord’s my Shepherd I’ll not want…”

 “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 verses referencing Christ’s 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; “How marvelous! How wonderful…is my Savior’s love for me!”

 “Jesus, Let Us Come to Know You” – 768

A basic tune and a simple message…but how much do you WANT to know Him? The progression in the first verse tells us there is an order to coming to know Him. We have to let Him first; “Touch us…” then “hold us…” followed by ‘using us…” and finally “molding us…” into the vessel He wants us to be. Could that be part of the ‘graduation’ process?

“When I’ve Gone the Last Mile of the Way” – no book

End of the RoadCompleting the task is reward in and of itself. But how much more is the reward when the task has been a difficult one? Perhaps the runner of a marathon understands that better than most. The last mile of the race can be the most straining, and yet the most rewarding at the same time. Perhaps it’s a bit like graduation…‘for I know there are joys that await me!’

“I’ll Live for Him” – 553

After the Lord’s Supper we’ll softly sing the refrain of this old hymn; “I’ll live for Him who died for me: How happy then my life shall be!…”  Perhaps it’s because of the musical tempo of this song, but many seem to miss the message; if I’m living for Christ each milestone (graduation) in my life should be happy, but is it?

“Living By Faith” – 560

“I care not today what the morrow (tomorrow) may bring, if shadow or sunshine or rain. (why?) The Lord I know rules over everything and all of my worry is vain. (therefore…) I’m living by faith and feel no alarm.” Do you have a heart of patience and contentment that you can say, I don’t care what happens good or bad in my life? We’ll contemplate this as we prepare for the lesson this morning. What a great song of encouragement as we proclaim that we are living by faith!

“Each Step I Take” – 415

Our invitation song is not a typical song sung calling for a response. But as we sing we confirm that we want Christ to lead us. And that we will walk with Him and turn to our Savior throughout this life. “Until some day the last step will be taken (graduation?); each step I take just leads me closer home.”

“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 we’re forsaken,’ we find comfort in the consistency of God’s strong hands.  Serving as a theme throughout the song, we encourage each other to Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand.  It seems that we ‘graduate’ from one event to another almost daily, but never lose hold of the Master’s hands.

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Jesus Only…May 25th

Some say you do it this way; others say, no, do it like this. How is one to Only Jesusknow what is right and what’s wrong? Could it be both are OK? Perhaps in some situations it doesn’t matter how the job gets done as long as it gets done. However, can the same be said about my understanding of the Bible? Does it matter how I live or what I believe when it comes to eternity in heaven?

Many have said it doesn’t matter how you come to God, just as long as you come. Is that true? Perhaps we should look at the words of God’s Son as Jesus very clearly said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6. Join us Sunday morning when we’ll look at this idea and consider, Only Jesus!

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

Sunday morning, May 25, 2014

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

“The Steadfast Love of the Lord” – 123

Taken from Lamentations chapter 3 we read, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.” Truly we sing a Psalm as we begin this morning!

“My Hope is Built on Nothing Less” – 538

What do you hope in? Is it the world? Do you find comfort in this life? The Christian knows that hope comes in Jesus Christ and Him alone. ‘On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand…”

“Lamb of God” – 176

“My Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.” The sacrifice for my sin washes away all my iniquities so that I can come into His presence. We’ll remember this sacrifice as we remember His death, burial and resurrection.

“There is a Redeemer” – 287

God’s people singing…”Thank You, O my Father, for giving us Your Son…” We sing of the Redeemer this morning, but don’t let the world persuade you to ‘put Him out of your mind’ the other 6 days of the week. Because one day we will all, ‘stand in glory…?’ Let’s be ready and serve our King forever.

“Only in Thee” – 492

How do you handle troubles when they ‘molest?’ When temptations oppress you and your life seems to be ‘tossed on the sea,’ do you have a guide? Some trust in their power or position or just hope to make it through. We will sing about and look toward that “…sweet pavilion of rest, only, dear Lord, in Thee.”

“Wonderful Words of Life” – 543mount of transfiguration

As Peter, James and John stood with Jesus and saw Him with Moses and Elijah, they were amazed. Wanting to recognize all three, they were corrected when God said this about Jesus, “…listen to Him!” Notice verse 8 and the words we’ll sing following the reading; “And lifting up their eyes, they (the disciples) saw no one, except Jesus Himself alone.” Verse 2: “Christ, the blessed One gives to all, wonderful words of Life; sinner, list (listen) to the loving call, wonderful words of Life. Verse 3: Jesus, only Savior, sanctify forever…beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of Life.”

“No Not One” – 396

No one can compare to Jesus Christ. In His own words He said, “Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart and you shall find rest unto your souls.” Can any compare with Christ? “No, Not One!”

“Thou Art the Way” – 280

How do I come to God? Understand Christ’s words in John 14, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life…” So we sing, “Thou are the Way: to Thee Alone we must flee from sin…Thou Art the Truth: Thy Word alone imparts true wisdom… Thou art the Life: the open tomb proclaims You the Victor!” Read the song, sing the words with understanding!

“Have Thine Own Way” – 552

This song finds us calling for Christ to mold me into His will! Knowing that only Jesus is the Way; are you yielding to Him, will you be whiter than snow and give Him “absolute sway?” (complete rule of your life) We’ll sing and He’ll wait for your answer.

“Where the Gates Swing Outward Never” – 864

Just a few more days…a few more years and then we’ll ‘wake to see Him!’ Are you ready? Does your heart burn to be with Him in heaven? Is there a yearning for that day when we’ll never more sigh (or die)? We sing, “I’ll exchange my cross for a starry crown where the gates swing outward never; at His feet I’ll lay every burden down and with Jesus reign forever.” But only if we follow Jesus…Only!

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Tax Relief

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

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

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

 

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Is There Life After Life?…Mar. 16th

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

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

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

Sunday morning, March 16, 2014

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

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

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

“It Is Well with My Soul” – 490

We’ll use the first three verses of this song to set the mind for partaking of the Lord’s Supper. Notice this ‘lost’ verse 2, “Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, let this blessed assurance control. That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate and hath shed His own blood for my soul…” Be ready, we’ll bring verse four in after we remember the Lord’s death. “And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight. The sky be rolled back as a scroll, the trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend, even so it is well with my soul.

“I Love the Lord” – 359

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

“The Greatest Commands” – 448

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

“In Heavenly Love Abiding” – 139

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

“Hilltops of Glory” – no book

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

“I Am Coming, Lord” – 923

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

“There is a Habitation” – 860

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

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What Will You Will?…Jan 12th

grandma and grandsonAs a young boy I was blessed with a grandmother who showered me with gifts, money and meals. Two hundred pounds later I can say it was much more than I ever needed or deserved. She didn’t do it out of compulsion or guilt, she gave because she wanted to. She ‘willed’ that I would be comfortable with earthly gifts, but she (and my parents) knew life was more than things.

Parents and grandparents give to their children much more than meets the eye. But all too often we focus on the tangible, the here and now. What did you get me for Christmas? How long until I get to trade in for a new phone? How much allowance will I get this year? Is this the extent of what we will leave for our children?  Is our ‘will’ of monetary value only, or is there something more we’ll give them. Christ left for us an inheritance far more valuable then silver or gold. Join us Sunday morning when we’ll hear a stirring lesson about…our wills.


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

Sunday morning, January 12, 2014

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

“Higher Ground” no book

A great traditional hymn with a newer twist.  We’ve sung this great song for years, but in recent years we’ve learned a new version (listen to it below).  But as always, don’t miss the message.  We have trials in this life that get us down and depress our spirits.  This morning we’ll open this time of worship with a hymn of encouragement.  “I’m pressing on the upward way, new heights I’m gaining every day; still praying as I onward bound, ‘Lord plant my feet on higher ground…”

“Breathe on Me, Breath of God” – 418

This hymn has a contemporary feel, but it was penned more than 130 years ago.  A call for God to ‘breathe’ upon His children with a blessing!  Notice the second verse, “Breathe on me, breath of God, until my heart is pure, until my will is one with Thine, to do and to endure.”  

“The Old Rugged Cross” – 313Old rugged cross

We’ll take this old spiritual song and break it up into three parts.  Verse one will be sung before the bread, verse two before the fruit of the vine and the third verse after the cup.  You’ll want to remember this second verse,  “O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world, has a wondrous attraction for me; For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above to bear it to dark Calvary…’  How much do you cherish the cross of Christ?  Where would we be without it?

“God Give Us Christian Homes” – 843

As we think about new resolutions for the year how many of us will make a priority of making our “…homes where the Bible is loved and taught?”  Let this song be a reminder that everyone has a responsibility in a Christian home.  Fathers are to be true and strong, mothers strive to show others God’s way is best and children are led.  Are our children willing to be led?  We need to make sure that in our homes ‘the Master’s will is sought.’  Parents, we need to be sure we prepare to leave a heavenly legacy for our families.

“My Hope is Built on Nothing Less” – 538

Where is your hope?  In what do you trust?  David wrote in Psalm 20:7, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”  This song before our lesson is a great reminder of what is most important.  What should we pass on to our children?  Nothing less than a hope that is built on Jesus’ blood.  We shouldn’t trust in the ‘sweetest frame’ (our physical well-being), but in the name above all other names…Jesus!  

“My Jesus As Thou Wilt” – 698

Words that date back 310 years (1704) but resonate with Christ’s own words in the garden, “Not My will but Thine.”  Considering what we ‘will’, it only makes sense that this song serve as our invitation song.  “O may Thy will be mine.”

“A Wonderful Savior” – 503

What a song of rejoicing as we sing to encourage each other that God is in control.  He takes care of us, comforts us and hides us.  Interesting to think that God hides us in His hand, but considering the trials of this world we do fine peace in knowing that God covers His people.  This old spiritual song reflects Exodus 33:22 as God spoke to Moses. “and it will come about, while My glory is passing by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock and cover you with My hand…”  Indeed, a wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord.