Do We Want More? (part 1)

A young, southern boy was sitting down to the breakfast table with his older brothers and sisters, ready to feast on momma’s pancakes. As the youngest in this family finally gets his plate of hotcakes, his momma asked if he’s ready for some molasses. With all the southern slang the little boy had grown up with, he innocently replies; “How can I have mo’ lasses when I hasn’t had any yet?”

A comical story about a little boy’s understanding of ‘more,’ but an idea I’d like for us to follow for while. As we consider wanting/needing ‘more’ of something perhaps we should ask the obvious, more of what? On a tangible level, we might want more money, more help, or more vacation time. But in reality we might say we want more strength, more understanding, or more time. But either way we tend to want ‘more.’

The hymn we will be examining is focused on our lives and the holiness we aspire to. Written and composed by Philip Bliss in 1873, this song repeats the word ‘more’ twenty-four (24) times. With just three short verses what could we possible be praying for more of? Look deeper at how much ‘more’ we should be aspiring for.

In verse one alone we seek (sing); more holiness, more striving, more patience and more sorrow. More faith, more sense, more joy and more purpose. One by one let’s consider what are we asking God to give us ‘more’ of:
1) More holiness give me… Holiness, by definition, is the state of being set apart. We are asking to be set apart for God’s service. Read Titus 2:11-14, through Christ we are redeemed to God, “…a people for His own possession.” We are called to be holy. Deuteronomy 7:6, “For you are a holy people to the Lord your God…”

2) More striving within… why would we pray for striving? It indicates we are looking for an inter-struggle. A fight against our human nature of worldliness. Paul explained it when he wrote, “…I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. For that which I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate…” Romans 7:14-15. Consider how many times you’ve said, ‘I wish I hadn’t done that.’ In short, we need ‘more striving within.’

3) More patience in suffering. Again, read the text in James 1:1-2, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” Not something we want or look forward to, but something we know we need, patience.

4) More sorrow for sin. This alone should make us stop and think about our life. Do we feel regret, guilt or sorrow when we sin? Not when we’re CAUGHT in sin, but for our sinful acts. We sing (and pray) that we’d be more sorrowful for our sin. Philip Bliss would agree, more conscience of our sin.

5) More faith in my Savior. What does it take for us to strengthen our faith? Perhaps we find the same sentiments from the father of a young boy in Mark 9. You’ll remember the discussion Jesus had with the man until the boy’s father in desperation cried out, “I do believe, help my unbelief.” In other words, I need more faith in my Savior.

6) More sense of His care. How much does God care about you? Do you understand (can you sense) how much you matter to God? “For God so loved the world…” We do have some realization of His care. But do you care enough to concern yourself with Him? If we had the sense to realize His gift (Christ on the cross) we’d do all we can to give Him our all.

7) More joy in His service. Many of us equate serving to working. Who finds joy in their work? Paul states it best in Colossians 3:24, “…do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men…” When our heart is right with God, then we’ll service (work) with joy.

8) More purpose in prayer. Why do you pray? Do you have an objective when you bow in prayer or is it just a routine, something you’re supposed to do? What is your purpose? We pray for the sick, for those who are traveling, for those who are hurting…we have a purpose, don’t we? I Corinthians 14:14, 15 (one of my favorite passages), “For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. What is the outcome then? I shall pray with the spirit and I shall pray with the mind also…” In other words, be purposeful in prayer.

We’ll continue the study of this song in later weeks, but until that time take a look at the other two verses; there are still sixteen more ‘mores’.

1, May 31, 20131, May 30, 2013

Three Things God Wants From Us…June 2nd

We often ask God for safe travel and healing for the sick. Ever notice how our prayers are often saturated with what we want from God? But how much do we think about what God wants from us? Does He have any expectations of His children?

Sunday morning at Waterview church of Christ we’ll examine some things that God desires from His children. Consider how much you give to God when it comes to justice, kindness and humility. We often are prepared to travel to foreign mission fields and sign up for mission trips to comfort those who are suffering. But is our justice and kindness reserved only for those who are ‘afar off?’ How willing are we to be just, kind and humble to those we see every day, or maybe… every Sunday?

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

Sunday morning, June 2, 2013

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

“Let God Arise” – 471

Our call to worship is a contemporary song with roots from the 68th Psalm. A simple statement Christians should always remember, “May God arise, may His enemies be scattered…” How will it look when God’s enemies are scattered. Will you be standing with Him or His enemies?

“Higher Ground” – no book

An adaptation from the original by Johnson Oatman, this arrangement features the same music (for the most part) and the same words, yet with a slight twist. The above YouTube video follows the format that we’ll be singing this Sunday morning at Waterview. Enjoy the adjustment, but don’t miss the message; “I’m pressing on the upward way,”…stilling praying that the Lord will, “…plant my feet on higher ground.”

“In Memory of the Savior’s Love” – 335 & “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” – 315

These two songs will serve as a medley for the Lord’s supper. Verse one from the first song will proceed verse two from the second. Notice the flow; “…where every humble, contrite (penitent) heart is made a welcome guest.” “Forbid it Lord that I should boast, save in the death of Christ my Lord…” We’ll sing this will be before the bread, then before the fruit of the vine we’ll sing verses 2 & 3 from this medley. The songs will flow like this: “…The cup in token of His blood that was for sinner’s shed.” “See from His head, His hands, His feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down…” And as we close our time of remembrance we’ll switch the order of the songs and begin with verse 4 and close with verse 3. The message: “…Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.” “Beneath the banner thus we sing the wonders of His love…”

“Pierce My Ear” – no book

Taken from Exodus 21:1-6, and yet many tend to shy away from this song because of the misunderstanding of (or disagreement with) the title. But when we understand the Biblical reference behind this psalm (we are singing scripture) we can better understand that for a Hebrew slave to have his ear pierced was not a glamorous sign of independence. Instead, it meant a permanent, visual contract that displayed his prearranged bondage. To say you ‘wanted your ear pierced’ was a step toward giving up your every freedom to a life of slavery. Read the text, “If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years. But in the seventh year, he shall go free, without paying anything. If he comes alone, he is to go free alone; but if he has a wife when he comes, she is to go with him. If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the woman and her children shall belong to her master, and only the man shall go free.“But if the servant declares, ‘I love my master and my wife and children and do not want to go free,’then his master must take him before the judges. He shall take him to the door or the doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he will be his servant for life.” Now who is willing to sing?

“Where He Leads I’ll Follow” – 417

In keeping with our theme for this lesson we need to look no further than the last phrase from the first two verses of this song; “He the great example is the pattern for me…” When we truly Follow Jesus, we’ll be kind to the erring ones and faith like He is.

“‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” – 679

Our invitation song calls us to trust Him. Personally, the second verse means more as we understand we’re singing about baptism. Notice it again, “O how sweet to trust in Jesus, just to trust His cleansing blood, just in simple faith to plunge me ‘neath (beneath) the healing, cleansing flood.” Sometimes I wonder how many have sung this song over the years and missed that critical message of baptism.

“Oh, to Be Like Thee” – 429

As we draw this song service to a close, this hymn reminds us of what God wants from us; to be like Him. Again, see the second verse; “Oh, to be like Thee! Full of compassion, loving, forgiving, tender and kind, helping the helpless, cheering the fainting, seeking the wandering sinner to find…” Is Jesus stamped on your heart?

1, April 22, 20131, April 15, 2013

Ancient Songs from the Old Testament

For the next few months articles will be shared from the research of my uncle, Richard Dent. He and his wife live in Kansas where he has served in the educational system for more than 40 years. Yet more than educating young people, he serves as a part-time preacher for the Tyrone church of Christ in Tyrone, Oklahoma. This article is one he recently shared with me as we talked about hymn history.

In his book, Then Sings My Soul (book #3), Robert J. Morgan takes his readers back to the very beginnings of music from God’s people…the Israelite nation.

The first reference of music in the Bible is found in Genesis 4:21, when a man named Jubal is described as the ‘father’ of all who play the harp and flute. The first recorded ‘hymn’ in the scriptures can be found in Exodus 15, after God’s people escape the Egyptian army through the parted waters of the Red Sea. Moses and his people drew up the story in the form of a song that could be easily learned and spread among the people. It began with the words, “I will sing to the Lord, for He is highly exalted. The horse and its rider He has hurled into the sea.” Exodus 15:21 describes the exuberance of the moment saying, “Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her, with tambourines and dancing.” And Miriam answered them, “Sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed in gloriously; the horse and its rider He has thrown into the sea.”

Unfortunately, the next time we see the Israelite nation in song, it’s in a sensuous idolatry around a golden calf. While Moses was on Mt. Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments, Aaron was compelled by the people to craft an idol of gold. The idol was similar to that of the Egyptian worship and far from the expectation of Jehovah God. In their idolatry, the desert erupted with the sound of singing and revelry. Moses heard the strains of music from a distance and realized the sin of the people. The Israelite nation had broken the first commandment, “Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.”

By the time we get to the book of Deuteronomy, the old Law Giver (Moses) is again teaching God’s people the songs of Jehovah. We read in Deuteronomy 31:30 through 32:3, “And Moses recited the words of this song from beginning to end in the hearing of the whole assembly of Israel: ‘Listen, Oh heavens, and I will speak; hear, O earth, the words of my mouth. Let my teachings fall like rain, and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants. I will proclaim the name of the Lord. O praise the greatness of our God!’.”

Ending his song, Moses advised God’s people to take the words to heart. “They are not just idle words for you”, he said. “They are your life…” (Deut. 32:46-47) He was describing not only the nature of God’s Word, but the character of his hymn represented God’s Word as it was crafted for singing.

In the rest of the historical books of the Old Testament, we find a many poems, hymns and ballads sprinkled throughout the text. Examples include Deborah’s song in Judges 5, the worship in song at the restoration of the temple under King Hezekiah’s reign (2 Chronicles 29), as well as David and his illustrious, musical, life-story. David’s early life as a shepherd is where he likely wrote many of the Psalms. David was a valiant shepherd, a talented poet, a great musician and a noble king. He launched and formalized the ministry of music in or around the year 1000 B.C. He employed thousands of musicians and then personally wrote many of the hymns for them to sing and play. Scores of these are preserved in the book of Psalm – the Hebrew hymnal.

Thanks to Richard Dent for his summary of this interesting Old Testament Hymnology.

1, April 5, 20131, April 16, 2013

Does Anyone Know?…April 7th

Sunday morning, April 7th at Waterview church of Christ, we’ll be honored to hear a lesson from Kent Allen. Brother Allen is VP for Advancement for Oklahoma Christian University, and his message is sure to inspire us as we consider our outward display of faith.

Perhaps you’ve heard the comment; if you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? This morning we’ll consider just how much the world knows about OUR faith in God. We have the opportunity, better yet the obligation, to show Christ to a lost and dying world. The songs this morning are designed to make us think about our shining light.

“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.”

I Corinthians 14:15

Sunday morning, April 7, 2013

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

“Christ for the World We Sing” – 626

Have you looked closely at the first line in all three verses of this song? Notice: “Christ for the world!” That’s a statement we loudly proclaim and boldly sing. And we sing it with 1) loving zeal, 2) with fervent prayer and 3) in one accord. We sing this message to the world, but we also have a responsibility to bring the world to Christ.

“We Will Glorify” – 578

Written over 30 years ago, this song is still contemporary to many of us. Twila Paris made it popular, but our God is the reason we sing it. Perhaps the closing statement from the first and fourth verses needs more examination and great proclamation; “…the Lord of lords, Who is the great I AM.” John 8:58 “Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I Am.”

“In My Life, Lord, Be Glorified” – 309

Before we bow in prayer, we’ll sing this hymn as we sing to Him! The first verse is very personal, “In my life, Lord, be glorified…” but in the second verse we’ll change it to the plural form, “In our songs, Lord, be glorified…” And finally we’ll close the song to include the Lord’s church; “In Your church, Lord, be glorified…”

“Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus” – 648

Brother Kent Allen has requested this song to serve as our ‘song before the lesson.’ What a great way to admonish each other to live a life that puts Christ first. Have you thought about this song lately? We are singing about the armor of God (Ephesians 6), and in the third verse we’re reminded of the weakness we have in the flesh; “…Stand in HIS strength alone; the arm of flesh will fail you, ye dare not trust your own” But what does the author mean when he writes, “…put on the gospel armor; and watching unto prayer…” Remember, ‘unto’ is a preposition that can mean ‘by’. So with that in mind; we have on the armor of God and we’re waiting (watching) by means of prayer. See Ephesians 6:18, “With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert…”

“In the Hour of Trial” – 767

Not a typical ‘invitation song’, but this will serve us well this morning. Take a close look at verse one; “…Jesus plead for me, lest by base denial I depart from Thee; When Thou seest me waiver, with a look recall…” Remember Luke 22 when Christ is on trial? Peter adamantly denies knowing Jesus (base denial, as an adjective, ‘base’ can mean ‘contemptible’) and then in Luke 22:61, “The Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord…”. With a look recall (help me to remember)…

“Lamb of God” – 176

We’ll remember the Lord’s supper this morning after our lesson as we sing this beautiful song, again written by Twila Paris. A song that we sing to our Father (a hymn). God’s gift of love (the Lamb of God) is crucified for our sins. He is scorned, mocked, defamed…and sacrificed. “Like a lamb that is led to slaughter” (Isaiah 53:7) “I love the holy Lamb of God.”

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

As we close the service this morning, remember our lesson; “Does Anyone Know (you’re a Christian)? The words of this song were written by W. H. Bathurst in 1831. Oh that we would all have a faith in God that doesn’t shrink away in difficult times. A faith that doesn’t complain or ‘whine’ when troubles come. A faith that shines more bright and clear. With this kind of faith, even while here on earth, we’ll ‘taste the bliss’ of heaven.

1, February 5, 20131, January 27, 2013

We’re Marching and Singing to Zion…Pt 1

“Come, we that love the Lord, and let our joys be known; Join in a song with sweet accord and thus surround the throne.…” This spiritual song, written by Isaac Watts, is more than 300 years old and yet it still admonishes the Christian to stay faithful as we’re ‘Marching to Zion.’ Singing we strive to praise God and encourage His people, but how do we do that effectively and in a pleasing manner?

As a child of God you know the importance of singing songs of praise and edification. Many who are reading this article identify with the song above and truly believe its message. Every Sunday morning world-wide, we come together and strive to fulfill Ephesians 5 & Colossians 3. But in a culture where singers are evaluated as ‘Idols,’ and singing is ‘best left to the professionals,’ we tend to listen and judge rather than praise and sing. We consider one voice better than another and place more value on the ‘talent’ of an individual while burying our own God-given talents. To be honest… that’s a mistake. It fails to follow the pattern set forth in Bible. Singing songs of praise and admonishing one another is the expectation we have in the Lord’s church.

In hopes of teaching valuable lessons of God’s love and stirring the hearts of those who hear, we sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. This commentary is written to help us look at the blessings we find in singing. Since the Lord commands us to worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24), we must ask ourselves this basic question: “As I’m marching to Zion, how do I sing and truly worship God in spirit and in truth?”

To learn the truth about Christian worship in song, we go to the New Testament. Consider for a moment I Corinthians 14:15 & 26: “I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also…What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.” Have you thought about your singing when it comes to your mind? Do you think about what you’re singing? Singing by rote (repetition) is singing by memory. We learn to drive, write, walk, and talk by rote. It is the same with singing. We memorize songs by singing them over and over and over again. But in so doing we often sing without thinking what we’re saying. Check yourself to see if you know what you’re singing by asking yourself these questions:

*How is God’s goodness ‘like a fetter’? (Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing)
*Is there Biblical support for referring to Jesus as a “rose of Sharon”? (Jesus, Rose of Sharon)
*Do you know how to arm yourself with “the panoply of God”? (Soldiers of Christ, Arise)
*And what is the ‘standard’ that He, Jesus, has raised? (The Battle Belongs to the Lord)

Brothers and sisters…I truly believe we need to investigate the meaning of our songs, ask ourselves what we’re singing, and teach our young people the meaning behind the songs we sing. “How shall the young secure their hearts and guard their lives from sin?” If we are to ‘sing with the mind also’ we must know what we’re singing. Too many times we just toss those old songs out, or sing the new ones without thinking, because we don’t truly know what they mean. Brethren, we can’t afford to make that kind of mistake, because there are dangers when we just ‘go through the motions’ in worship.

1, August 15, 20121, August 14, 2012

What Does ‘A Capella’ Mean?

“Suppose they asked you if you could sing A Capella, would you know what to do?”

Barney Fife tries to explain to Rafe Hollister what it means to ‘sing A Capella’ and though he doesn’t get the definition right, he says what many may be thinking. [LINK] To defend his thoughts about A Capella singing, Barney comes up with a song that he sings about ‘A Capella’. Watch the short video, enjoy a laugh and then we’ll talk about ‘A Capella’…

By definition, a cap·pel·la means:

1. without instrumental accompaniment…or

2. in the style of church or chapel music.

Notice the FIRST definition; when we sing A Capella, we’re singing with our voices…only. Read Ephesians 5: 19 “…speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord…” Speak to one another…sing and make music in your heart… God’s word explains (better yet) commands, that we are to sing. And if you look closely, this singing is done with our voices and not with an instrument. Therefore we are to sing A Capella. Our culture doesn’t know much about this type of singing. Listening to music on the radio is almost exclusively with instrumental accompaniment. That would mean we aren’t much of an A Capella culture. But is it easy to sing ‘without instrumental accompaniment’? It takes work and that work takes practice. We need to be more focused on singing without instrumental assistance. Turn the radio off and start singing A Capella.

But you might be wondering, where do I start? Begin with a search for A Capella singing groups. Consider these as a few: His Harmony, Legacy, The McCoy Family Singers, Hallal, Acappella, Zoe, GLAD and many more. [LINK] But let me encourage you to consider this…why would we try to sing A Capella songs and still make ‘instrumental’ noises with our voices? Doesn’t make sense to me…but that’s just me. in my opinion, let’s support all of the true A Capella Groups (songs) who sing without any ‘instrupella’ or vocal band (using your voice to sound like a snare drum). Singing without any instruments or trying to act like an instrument is true A Capella.

The SECOND definition for A Capella states; “…in the style of church or chapel music.” A Capella singing, choral singing performed without instruments is done in the manner in which the early church, or chapel did their singing. The expression means “in chapel style” in Italian. Hundreds of years ago, religious music was composed for use in the chapels, which, unlike large churches today, had no bands, organs or instruments. Singing and music in the early church, via historical documentation was exclusively designed to be sung using the human voice only! A Capella singing is described in God’s word and was practiced in the early church. Even early on within the denominational world, instruments were universally rejected.

So…”Suppose they asked you if you could sing A Capella, would you know what to do?”

1, July 6, 20121, July 16, 2012

The Value of Fine Gold and the Honeycomb!

“More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold!”

Psalm 19:10 is the beginning for the ‘chorus’ of a song I recall singing during my youth. A psalm that is not found in many (if any) of our hymnals. To be quite honest, it was only a few years ago that I actually found the sheet music. In my early years we would sing this psalm around the campfire (youth camp) or in the living room of one our friend’s homes (devotionals). There is not much repetition with the words in this song, so our ‘song book’ was our Bible. The words are almost a direct quote from the book of Psalms (19:7-10), but the musical arrangement was put together by Gary L. Mabry. Of the 3 verses and chorus, you’ll notice that all four stanzas are taken straight from scripture. (Remember, a ‘psalm’ is a song that is sung with the Bible as it’s text.)

Read these words as penned by King David in Psalm 19:7-10,

“The law of the Lord is perfect restoring the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure making wise the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
the judgements of the Lord are true; they are righteous all together.
They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.”

If you remembered singing this song (or if this is a first) you were able to ‘sing along’ as you read the text. But let’s dig deeper into the words of the Psalmist. David refers to the “law of the Lord”, the “testimony of the Lord”, the “precepts of the Lord”, the “commandments of the Lord”, the “fear of the Lord” and the “judgments of the Lord”. In turn, each one fulfills a need we have to follow ‘the Lord’. Let’s break this song down (verse by verse) and examine the specific elements of God’s law in relationship to mankind.

First, as we look at Psalm 19:7, we understand that God’s law is perfect. When we follow His law, it restores our soul to Him. In addition, the testimony (the evidence and overwhelming proof) of God is sure, and those who believe in Him are wise. Even, as this text explains, the ‘simple’ can gain wisdom and have confidence in the assurance of our Heavenly Father.

Psalm 19:8 continues with the precepts and the commandments of the Lord. A precept, by definition, is ‘a principle intended as a general rule of action’ and a commandment is simply, ‘to direct authoritatively’. Both precepts and commands are directives, given by and with authority. But you’ll notice these ‘directives’ are right and pure. They come from our Lord and give us true hope. When we follow them, our hearts will rejoice and our eyes will be enlighten.

The final verse of this song (Psalm 19:9) includes the fear and the judgment of the Lord. The fear of the Lord is clean, defined as thorough or complete, and last forever. Will we fear God throughout eternity? Undoubtedly YES! As we come to understand that fearing the Lord is respecting Him and honoring His name we’ll know that is our reason for living. As for the Lord’s judgments, they are true and righteous. Know this; God will treat mankind with fairness. He created us. He calls us. He longs for us. However, if we don’t follow His law, believe His testimony, obey His precepts, follow His commandments or fear (honor) His name; He will have no other option but to judge us in all righteousness (fairly).

As we wrap up this ‘psalm’ let us consider what we notice to be the chorus of the song. In the scripture we read verse 10 and understand from David that these God-given principles are of extreme value. From the gold-miner’s prospective, God’s word is more desirable than gold. And not just the raw gold from the bottom of the riverbed that is still unrefined. The value of God’s gifts are like that of pure and unblemished gold. To him who is hungry, God’s word is sweeter than honey, even the honey that drips directly from the honeycomb.

Sadly there are many who don’t believe any of these instructions. They’ll read them, perhaps even try and follow some of the teachings from God’s word. But in the end, they give up on His law. Determine His ways are too hard to follow. Remember that God will judge us all based on how much we value His commandments. As you go through this day I encourage you to honor (fear) God, and savor His precepts (rules). What we have in Christ is better than fine gold or the honeycomb.

1, July 3, 20121, July 2, 2012

Are We Still a Great Country?

This week the United States of America will celebrate Independence Day on Wednesday, July 4th. A time in our country’s history that commemorates the independence of our nation. This year the USA celebrates 226 years of freedom. Personally, it wasn’t that long ago that I can remember celebrating the 200th Anniversary during the summer of 1976. But if you look back even further in our country’s history, when our nation celebrated during its 100th Anniversary, Daniel Roberts wrote a poem to honor our country and it soon was given a tune with the title “National Hymn”. It’s better known today as “God of Our Fathers”.

The United States of America celebrated its 100th Anniversary in 1876. Any monumental occasion deserves a memorable celebration and Roberts was determined to provide that memory. But to truly see the fullness of this ‘hymn’, you need to read the lines, word by word. Notice the scripture reference and Biblical emphasis that our country was founded on and still strove to uphold 100 years later. (What about today? Do we still maintain this diligence? If you live in America today, you might take pause and remember when…)

“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.
Thy love divine hath led us in the past; in this free land by Thee our lot is cast; be Thou our ruler, guardian, guide and stay, Thy Word our law, Thy path our chosen way.
From war’s alarms, from deadly pestilence, (the Civil War was a recent memory) be Thy strong arm our ever sure defense; Thy true religion in our hearts increase, Thy bounteous goodness nourish us in peace.
Refresh Thy people on their toilsome way; lead us from night to never-ending day; fill all our lives with love and grace divine, and glory, laud and praise be thine. AMEN”

Can we still have this devotion to God, calling on Him to be our “ruler, guardian, guide and stay”? Why would we feel so self-reliant that we would believe our way is better than HIS path? To be honest, we’re not much different than the Israelite nation as we read Judges 21:25. “…everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”

Is there no standard of right and wrong? Have we determined that morality is subject and best left to individual choice. How do we know if there is a right or wrong…unless we follow a standard provided by one with absolute truth. Our society and culture try to answer that too by saying, ‘there is no absolute truth’. (Which by the very nature of the statement is an absolute!)

Our forefathers, with our new found independence, could have established any standard of governmental rule. They could have ‘remade’ a system of government that mirrored the tyranny the fled (and bled) to escape. They could have re-traced the steps of Roman rule (very powerful in the world during its day), but instead they sought a society that was governed by the people. And if the people were to ‘rule’ the land, our founding fathers knew they would need a ‘guide’; an example to an new nation showing peace and providing ‘bounteous goodness’. So you can see why it was important to hold up songs like this.

But what has happened to our country? Did God abandon us like an unwanted puppy on the side of the road? If you know anything about God and His nature, you know He would never abandon His children. But as in life (and as some of you may have already experienced) the child can leave the teachings of the parent. We, as a nation, have turned away from God’s Word, God’s Guidance and God’s Love. How can we expect God to “Bless America” when America has denounced its God? My objective, my aim, is to once again let His path be my chosen way. To let His ‘true religion in my (our) heart increase’. To seek His strong arm as my ‘ever sure defense’, and to constantly raise before His throne a ‘grateful song’.

If I can encourage my country men to do the same; if we will turn our hearts and minds back to God, then perhaps we can see fulfillment when God speaks to Solomon in 2 Chronicles 7:13, 14. “…if I send pestilence among My people, and My people who call by My name HUMBLE THEMSELVES and PRAY and SEEK MY FACE and TURN FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” Can you be humble, pray, seek God, and turn from a life of sin? When we do that we’ll be returning to the roots that made this country great!

1, June 20, 20121, June 21, 2012

What’s in a Word?

Do you take the time to think about words? In my speech I typically use words to which I know the meaning. But how very often do we find ourselves singing songs, and saying words we don’t know? This can happen when you consider the poetry of our hymns. The rhyme and meter of a song might call for a word that is uncommon in our every day vernacular. So we are faced with one of three options. Not that these are our only choices, but most likely this is what it will come down to.

Option #1: We can throw the song out. That is a common response because some will say, “I don’t know what I’m saying anyway.” Personally, I believe this is an easy way out and one that will ultimately cheat you of spiritual growth and knowledge. (Hosea 4:6, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…)

Option #2: We keep on singing the song even though we don’t understanding what we’re singing. This is where most of us are today. A song so familiar I know it by heart. Actually, for many, we don’t even need the book. Memorization and having a ‘ready recollection’ is a good thing, but this can be a danger if you’re not aware of the trap. In regards to our faith, Paul admonishes us to ‘examine (y)ourselves‘, I Corinthians 13:5. The same holds true to our singing of songs.

Option #3: (In my opinion this is the ONLY option for Christians…) We must learn what the words mean that we are singing. In must be reiterated over and over again…if you don’t know what a word or phrase means, look it up. Christ says it perfectly in Matthew 6:33, “Seek first (or continually seek) His kingdom and His righteousness…”. It might take some time but don’t be afraid to ask someone for understanding. You will be doing yourself a favor. In a word, be diligent and search for understanding.

Now let’s put it to work! Find a song that has a word (or words) you don’t recognize and then search out the meaning. To get you started let’s look at song from the mid-1700’s penned by the renowned hymn writer, Charles Wesley.

“Soldier’s of Christ, Arise and put your armor on;
Strong in the strength which God supplies…Thru His beloved Son.”

“Strong in the Lord of hosts and in His mighty power;
Who in the strength of Jesus trust…is more than conqueror.”

“Stand then, in His great might, with all His strength endued;
But take, to arm you for the fight, the panoply of God.”

Two words might have caught your eye here, endued and panoply. By definition endue means to provide or be endowed with something. A panoply is “A complete or impressive collection of things” or “a splendid display.” Now sing this verse again;

“Stand then, in His great might, with all His strength endued (provided); but take, to arm you for the fight, the panoply (complete, impressive collection of His armor {see verse 1}) of God.” Let’s keep ‘singing’!

“Leave no unguarded place, no weakness of the soul;
Take every virtue, every grace, and fortify the whole.”

Again, two words might have caught your eye here, virtue and fortify. For clarification, virtue is ‘moral excellence’ and with it you can ‘strengthen or make strong’ the soul. To interpret this verse… “Don’t leave any weak point in your spiritual life. Take every morally excellent thing along with God’s grace and use it to strengthen your soul.”

“That having all things done, and all your conflicts past,
You may overcome through Christ alone, and stand entire at last.”

Translated; “When this life is over and all our struggles are complete, if you have held on to the armor of God and lived a life worthy of His calling…you will be prepared to stand before God at judgment.” Notice Romans 4:10, “For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.” and again in II Corinthians 5:10, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ…” Sing from your heart (spirit) and you’ll be singing with understanding (your mind). I Corinthians 14:15

1, June 12, 20121, June 11, 2012

Why Not…Tonight?

“O do not let the Word depart, and close thine eyes against the light; Poor sinner, harden not thy heart: be saved, O tonight. Tomorrow’s sun may never rise to bless my long deluded sight. This is the time, O then be wise: be saved, O tonight. Our God in pity lingers still, and wilt thou thus His love requite? Renounce at once thy stubborn will: be saved O tonight. Our blessed Lord refuses none who would to Him their souls unite; Believe, obey, the work is done: be saved O tonight.”

You can’t sing this old hymn without hearing the urgency in the words to turn your life around and giving your life over to God. But if you read these words closely you might be uncertain as to what you’re actually saying. For example; what does it mean when you sing verse 3… “and wilt thou thus His love requite?” The Old English in this verse is rich, so let’s break it down word by word. ‘Wilt’ is the same as saying will, ‘thou’ is ‘you’ and thus is the same as therefore. But what does the word ‘requite’ even mean? In Webster’s dictionary the word requite means to “repay or return”. Now notice this verse again; “Our God in pity lingers still (translated: God is waiting with compassion for us to come to Him), and wilt thou thus His love requite? (translated: and will you therefore return His love?) Renounce at once thy stubborn will (translated: declare now that you will stop being so stubborn and…) be saved, O tonight.

Elizabeth Reed penned this old spiritual song in 1842. Her message of urgency is clear within the chorus as we repeat the pressing question; “O why not tonight? O why not tonight? Wilt (will) thou (you) be saved? (Do you want to go to heaven?) Then why not tonight? Written more than 150 years ago and the plea is strong and true today. But is there still any urgency in this busy life to change our life styles? Fast cars, tight schedules and misplaced priorities equal a life that is too busy (too stubborn) to slow down and requite anything. However, if we are really wise we’ll come to realize that this is the time, be saved tonight!

If you have never opened God’s word to see what He calls you to do, do that today! Start in the book of Acts and read how God’s church started. This a good day to start and remember, Elizabeth Reed was right when she wrote, “tomorrow’s sun may never rise”. We’re never guaranteed another day, but unless you realize why you have the day you have you will never come to see the urgency of ‘being saved’.