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 … !