A Song Leader’s Guide…Pt. 1
Over the years some of my brothers and sisters in Christ have asked me, “How do you do it? How do you know what notes to sing, when you’re 
directing the songs, how do you know how to move your arms, how can you sing in front of so many people?” First of all, I’m no expert. As a matter of fact my 40 years of singing in the Lord’s church and leading singing is my only call to fame. So with this experience I want to share with you a few guidelines that will hopefully help you as you direct/lead singing in the Lord’s church. This is the first of a three part series that will look into ways we can better lead God’s family in worship and song.
Consider first of all…
It is a beautiful Sunday morning in the small, country church where our brothers and sisters in the Lord’s church have gathered for worship. The preacher has prepared a message from God’s word, and the song leader has selected the songs the congregation will be singing today. One is a ‘hired’ employee who has focused himself all week for this morning’s assembly. The other has spent only a few short minutes pulling together some of his favorites. If the truth be known, this scenario happens every Sunday morning somewhere within the brotherhood. Song leaders often find themselves sitting on the front row, searching through the song book for a good invitation song. This Sunday morning, somewhere a song leader will only take a few minutes to determine what songs will be sung in praise to God. The sermon might be focused on the ‘Man of Sorrows,’ (Isaiah 53:3), but the topic of the song service is ‘the Great Commission.’ (Matthew 28:19) Some points of emphasis within the sermon maybe lost to worth-while songs that fail to support the message of the morning. It is important to remember that coordinating the songs with the sermon will take some planning.
Isaac Watts wrote a familiar spiritual song more than 300 years ago that should be an 
inspiration to every song leader. When we realize that we are all “Marching to Zion,” the song leader can understand more clearly the first few words of this song. “Come, WE that love the Lord, and let OUR joys be known!” As the song leader, you are asking the congregation to join you in worship, “Come, we….” Know that you are not just leading the congregation; you are joining the congregation in praise to God. So what should the song leader do as he considers his task of leading the Lord’s church in singing? Many times we fail to put our best effort into song leading and a mediocre song service is produced. How much time is given to selecting your songs for Sunday? Are the songs selected appropriate in tempo and fit the message…or will this service be as predictable as ‘the last time he lead singing?’ Gentleman, we have to ask ourselves how much time and energy will we be giving to prepare ourselves for worshiping with the Lord’s church.
Consider this first of three points as you ready yourself for the next time you are asked to lead singing. Whether you are the only song leader within your congregation, or if you are in a rotation, the following bullet points will give you some guidance in preparing to lead the Lord’s church in song.
First of all, you must be prepared both mentally and physically for the task of song leading. It 
may take some work, but contact your preacher and get his sermon topic, scripture references and key ideas early in the week (maybe even on Monday morning.) Don’t be overly aggressive, but let him know you can’t put the time into the song selection until you know the basis of Sunday’s message. By this, he will know you care about the worship and it may help spur him on as well. In the meantime, review your song book and make a list of 1) the songs you know, 2) songs you want to teach the congregation and 3) songs you don’t know. Be familiar with your song book and enrich your repertoire of songs! This can’t be over emphasized. The more songs you know*, the more growth you can provide to the congregation in song. During the week prepare your voice for Sunday. Avoid stressing your vocal cords but sing songs of praise daily. Turn off the radio in the car and sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs as you drive down the road. Your preparation doesn’t start on Sunday morning, though you should be singing (and listening to) A Cappella songs as you’re getting ready for Sunday morning worship. Your first step in making worship the best it can be on Sunday is to start by preparing, and practicing, on Monday.
*To ‘know a song’ means you 1) have committed to memory the words, 2) can maintain the tempo, 3) recognized/read the notes and 4) understand the message. This will take practice!
Next month (March) we’ll look at the second point toward the song leader’s guide to worship…
Do You Believe in the Church?…April 26th
Have you heard the phrase, ‘Talk is cheap?’ Simply translated, ‘actions speak louder than words.’ On a personal level, if I tell you to call whenever you need something, but refuse to answer your call when it’s not convenient (like say around 3:00 in the morning) isn’t that just cheap talk? In the same manner, if we proudly claim our church family on Sunday morning, but don’t associate with our brothers and sisters on Friday night, our actions are speaking loud and clear? Or, do we believe enough in the church that we’ll sacrifice our time for them? We might say (and sing) all the right words, but how would our life look if we really ‘believed’ in the church Christ died for?
The true test of how much you believe in something can’t be found in your words alone. What we believe in (value) can be seen in how much time, energy and interest we give to its success. In short, how much you trust in something is determined by how much you are willing to sacrifice for it. How much did God ‘believe’ in the church? Enough to have His Son die for her! Each of us would do well to take a look at how much time and energy (yes, even money) we are willing to give to this same church. Then ask the question, ‘How much do I believe in the church?’
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, April 26, 2015
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“For the Beauty of the Earth” – 67
What a great opening for Sunday morning’s service. As you consider the glory of God, what reasons can you find to praise Him? In 1864, Folliot Pierpoint offered these ideas. For the beauty of the earth, the sky, and each hour of the day or night; for the church that continually ‘lifteth holy hands.’ (See I Timothy 2:8) If for no 
other reason, these things call on us to say, “Lord of all, to Thee we raise this our sacrifice of praise.”
“Doxology” – 66
“Praise God from Whom all blessing flow!” The Old Hundreth dates back to the mid 1500’s with words that were penned in the early 1700’s. How could something so ancient still be sung and recognized here in the 21st Century? Possibly because some things never change. Things like…God will always be praised!
“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” – 315
Let’s sing this song before the Lord’s Supper and break it up into three different sections. Verse 1 & 3, verse 2 & 4 and conclude with verse 5. Notice the power of the message. “When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of glory died, my riches gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride. See, from His head, His hands, His feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down. Did e’er (ever) such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown?” Then verses 2 and 4, “Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, save in the death of Christ, my Lord. All the vain things that charm me most I sacrifice them to His blood. His dying crimson, like a robe, spreads o’er (over) His body on the tree. Then am I dead to all the globe, and all the globe is dead to me.” Thanks to Isaac Watts we can survey the cross of Christ more vividly as we consider our Savior’s sacrifice for the church.
“I Believe in Jesus” – 356
Do you believe in the church Jesus died for? If you don’t believe His word, you’ll never be able to believe in Him. This spiritual song has one scriptural reference after another. From the day He stilled the storm on the Sea of Galilee to the morning He woke Lazarus from His deathly slumber. Do you believe the blind could see and the deaf could hear? Do you believe He died on Mount Calvary only to leave behind an empty tomb? Do you believe He’s the answer…do you believe in His church?
“The Church’s One Foundation” – no book
Blending the words from Samuel Stone in 1886 with the musically arrangement of George Webb in 1837, we have an all-time favorite when it comes to describing the Bride of Christ, the Lord’s church. “The church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord. She (the church) is His new creation, by water (baptism) and the word (the gospel of salvation). From heaven He came and sought her to be His holy bride, with His own blood He bought her and for her life He died.”
“Live for Jesus” – 594
Perhaps this isn’t your typical invitation song, but what a great call for the church to live a life for Christ. To be His disciple and stop wandering in sin. Living for Jesus means following His example and giving Him all you have.
“How Firm a Foundation” – 457
It’s been said if you really mean it, repeat it. And if you really want to get your point across, say it a third time. I’ve heard it said if you want to have someone over for supper and they turn you down, ask them again. If they still say no, ask them a third time. Perhaps three is a charm. Whether or not that was on the mind of the one who penned this hymn, repetition is utilized in the last verse of this song. But have you noticed Who is speaking? “The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose (rest), I will not, I will not desert to his foes. That soul, tho all hell should endeavor (try) to shake, I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.” God believes in the church and He will not turn us out. But what about you, do you believe in the church?
Preaching-Before, During and After…Jan. 25th
The scripture, through Paul’s inspired pen, gives this firm proclamation, “I solemnly charge you in the 
presence of God and Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with great patience and instruction.” (II Timothy 4: 1, 2) Preach the word! We’ve known this command and for years many of us have listened to the preacher ‘preach the word.’ But from the audience’s point of view, as ‘spectators,’ what goes into ‘preaching?’
This coming Sunday morning Christians across our nation (the globe actually) will attend worship services to hear the gospel preached. They will walk into the auditorium, find their seat, and worship together. But what will happen after the preaching? How will each member sitting in the crowd react to the message? Some, undoubtedly will listen intently, then walk out unaffected by the message. Others, content with their presence, will sit quietly, and not listen to the message at all. And still others will hear the message and be moved to respond. But what about those who listen to the message, are moved to respond, but never do. Their hearts have been pricked, like those in Acts 2, but the step forward never comes. They have done everything necessary before and during the preaching but the final step. What comes after the preaching is left in the pew. Join us Sunday morning as we consider preaching…before, during and after!
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, January 25, 2015
You’ll notice the following songs come from the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Our God, He Is Alive” – 23
Remember when this was found on page 728B? Few may still have this song book, but most of us will never forget this ‘church of Christ Anthem.’ The men lead the chorus as we proclaim, “There is a God, He is alive, in Him we live and we survive…”
“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” – 315
Taking this old spiritual song/hymn from Isaac Watts, we sing the poetry of Christ’s death. When I survey the cross, I see His head, His hands and His feet. One of the ‘lost’ verses we’ll be singing on Sunday includes these words; “His dying crimson, like a robe, spreads o’er His body on the tree. Then am I dead to all the globe, and all the globe is dead to me.” This morning we’ll sing verse 1-3 before the bread, verse 4 before the fruit of the vine and verse 5 before the contribution. Notice the message with each verse and you’ll see how well they fit together.
“Christ Above Me” – no book
During the passing of the collection plate we’ll sing this new, contemporary song about the all encompassing role Christ plays in our life. “Christ above me, Christ beside me, Christ within me, ever guiding. Christ behind me (not subordinate but rather supportive), Christ before, Christ my love, my life, my Lord.”
“Sing to Me of Heaven” – 716
Our song before the lesson is one that dates back 100 years. But the timeless message of this spiritual song calls us to encourage one another
with songs of heaven. Notice each verse is a reminder of how and when we sing of heaven. How, “…tenderly and low, till the shadows over me rise and swiftly go…” And when, “…as I walk alone, dreaming of the comrades (a fellow soldier of Christ who has gone on to his reward) that so long have gone.” These songs of heaven are ‘songs of peace’ that will release us from the toils (a net to trap something) that bind us. Let’s sing of heaven!
“Almost Persuaded” – no book
Our invitation song is one we don’t sing often, but some find it’s basis in Acts 26 when Paul asked, “King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do.” Reading verse 28 in the King James Version we find our theme for this morning’s lesson, “Almost persuaded, now to believe. Almost persuaded, Christ to receive…” . Robert’s ‘preaching’ this morning will include a before, during and after. What are you doing before he preaches, while (during) he’s preaching and after he preaches? When the invitation is offered, will you almost be persuaded?
“Let Me Live Close to Thee” – 831
This is one of my favorite proclamations of how I want to live my life! Perhaps it’s the second verse that strikes me so clearly as we consider it’s correlation to Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men…” Notice the words from verse 2; “Not the crown nor renown that the world might see, I would work, never shirk, blessed Lord, for Thee. But to know where I go that my soul is free, let me live close to Thee each day.”
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.
In the Waiting Room…Dec. 21st
For many of us, the image is clear in our minds. Daddy is nervously pacing (or sitting) in the waiting room while the doctor and nurses tend to the 
expecting mother. At the same time, others can be found in this same room waiting ‘on pins and needles’ for the news that their loved one made it through. Most of us have been in the waiting room anticipating the ‘good news.’ But as we look deeper into our own lives, we find we are spending our life waiting for more than just the doctor.
For hundreds of years the Jewish nation was waiting and longing for the coming of the Messiah. And now, some two thousand years later, we find ourselves waiting and longing for His return! During the Christmas season, our world remembers Christ’s arrival on this earth, and welcomes the newborn baby…the Messiah. But after the tree is taken down and the Christmas music stops, will this world anticipate His return? David wrote in the 25th Psalm, “…You are the God of my salvation; For You I will wait all the day.” Yet today many of us don’t want to wait. We fail to see that, like it or not, we are still waiting. Not for the newborn baby, but for our Savior’s return. Perhaps you could say we’re still…”In the Waiting Room.”
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, Dec. 21, 2014
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Joy to the World” – 1018
Not to be reserved for December alone … this song of ‘welcome’ is one we’ll sing to open our assembly this morning. Written in the late 1700’s, this spiritual song was not intended as a Christmas hymn. Instead, Isaac Watts penned these words as a reminder of Christ’s birth. Look back at last December to read more about the joy that came into this world. (click on…December, 2013)
“Savior, Thy Dying Love” – 667
Before we open our wallets and give back as God has given to us, consider the three lines of each verse in this song, “…Something for Thee.” And each of these verses reflect on what we will give to Him; some offering…some song…some wanderer won…my soul in eternity. When we reflect on His giving to us, His dying love, what is it that we are willing to give back to Him? While you’re waiting, consider what you’re giving.
“Restore My Soul” – no book
And now consider the state of your soul; how are you doing spiritually? This song calls for God to restore my spirit, revive the fire in my soul, and renew my courage. At times we all become weary and feel ‘burned out,’ but this is when we need God’s guiding hand all the more to have the courage to stand up and replace our doubts with a stronger, bolder faith in His return. Renew your love for Him, rebuild your faith in Him and seek to have Him restore your soul!
“One Day!” – 353
Before we partake in the Lord’s supper we’ll sing only the first two verses of this hundred year old spiritual song. One day the angels sang of Christ’s birth as Jesus was born into this world. But just as we are born and die, so Christ was born and died. One day they led Him up Calvary’s mountain to nail Him on the tree, bearing our sins. And yet we find hope in knowing He didn’t stay in the tomb. Unlike this earthly body, Jesus was raised from the dead. So we sing, “Rising, He justified (freed us from sin) freely forever…” And then, wait for it, we sing “…One day He’s coming! Oh glorious day!”
“Bethlehem…Galilee…Gethsemane” – 357
“Bethlehem, Christ was born there. I believe, I believe! Galilee, He walked there. I believe, I believe! Gethsemane, my Savior prayed there. On Calvary, He died alone. But the tomb, He left there. I believe, I believe!” Believing is important and obeying is vital, but how many of us are willing to go each day, faithfully waiting for our Savior? We do when we confess that, “…Now He lives and reigns forever. I believe, I believe!”
“Blessed Assurance” – 480
What’s your story? Do you tell a story of assurance in Christ through the life you live? Will your song declare that you are an heir of salvation, and that you’ve been purchased by God? If so, and if you’ve read this far I believe you are, then you can’t help but sing praises to our Savior in song…all day long! What better thing to do while you’re waiting then to sing praises!
“When Jesus Comes” – no book
Our invitation song is one from years gone by. As a matter of fact it’s no longer in the book, Faith & Praise. But it’s message is one confirming our resolve as we wait for Christ’s return. Perhaps the chorus says it best, “O can we say we are ready, brother? Ready for the soul’s bright home? Say, will He find you and me still watching, waiting, waiting when the Lord shall come?“
“When He Comes in Glory By and By” – 854
As we are waiting, we are longing for His return. And you and I know, “How sweet it will be…when He comes in the sky!” So be patient, don’t loss faith and always remember the goal is heaven. “When He comes in glory by and by…” it will be sweet, for those who are in the waiting room!
Boiling the Frog?…Aug. 10th
My wife loves to collect cookbooks. She would spend hours on end just reading the recipes, looking for something interesting and new. And though she has cookbooks lining the shelves in our kitchen, I have yet to find a recipe for ‘boiled frog.’ Some have told me fried frog legs are delicious, and I understand they are a delicacy in the south. But how about boiling a 
frog?
If you know anything about our minister, Robert Oglesby, and the Waterview church of Christ, you know our Sunday morning sermon won’t be outlining a frog recipe. Instead, we’ll consider the similarities of being conformed to the world of sin (Romans 12:1, 2), much like a frog’s body is conformed to the temperature of the water. And yet slowly turning up the heat will boil that frog. As Christians we should ask ourselves if we’re feeling the heat or if we are just conforming to our surroundings. Perhaps the best way to ‘boil the frog’ is the same way the devil would boil a Christian.
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, Aug 10, 2014
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“We Shall Assemble” – 718
Time and again God’s people are called to assemble before Him. We come together each Sunday morning to fellowship with one another, study from His word and worship Him alone. The visualization of assembling on the mountain is the idea of coming up to God rather than having Him descend to us.
“I Love My Savior, Too” – 610
The final words of our previous song are, “…we’ll sing the song of the redeemed.” Then we’ll pick up with what I see as the ‘song of the redeemed,’ “Jesus, my heavenly King, loves me…” But the redeemed sing, “I love my Savior…” To keep from getting ‘boiled,’ and stay out of ‘hot water’ we need to constantly remind each other, and sing, of our Savior’s love.
“In Christ Alone” – no book
In this song of admonition we sing as we prepare our minds for the Lord’s supper. A memorial of His death, burial and resurrection. Verse one consist of recognizing our Cornerstone, solid ground and Comforter (‘In Christ alone’), verse two takes us from His birth (‘fullness of God in a helpless Babe’) to His crucifixion (’til on that cross as Jesus died’). Those who know this song cherish the third verse. We begin softly of His burial (‘There in the ground His body lay’), until our voices ‘burst forth’ as we sing of His resurrection (‘up from the grave He rose again.’) The final verse gives us assurance in Christ as we sing, ‘No power of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from His hand…’
“Purer, Yet and Purer” – 682
How can one be ‘purer?’ Since pure can be defined as absolute or innocent, how can I be ‘more absolute?’ Wouldn’t it stand to reason that I’m either innocent or guilty, but not more innocent than guilty? To call for our lives to be purer we need to consider another meaning for the word. To be pure can also mean to be clean. Certainly we can be ‘stained’ by the world, and therefore should desire to be cleaner than before we were in the world. Like a frog in lukewarm water, we might grow accustomed to our surroundings and fail to realize how much warmer (how impure) we’ve become.
“How Shall the Young Secure Their Hearts” – 432
What shall we do to keep our young people from ‘boiling in the world’ (faithful to God)? A question that has been asked from generation to generation. And this spiritual song (hymn) asked this same question almost 300 years ago. In verse one Isaac Watts penned, “How shall the young secure their hearts and guard their lives from sin?” And then in the final verse he provides the answer; “Thy Word is everlasting truth; how pure is every page! That holy book shall guide our youth and well support our age.”
“Out of My Bondage” – 918
An invitation song that will hopefully emphasize the message from today’s sermon. If we are in the world, and the world is ‘heating up,’ how will we respond? Are we prepared to jump out of the situations that slowly consume our walk with Christ? To get out of our bondage, sorrow and night, we have to recognize the darkness. Notice our words in the final verse, “Out of the fear and dread of the tomb, Jesus I come, Jesus I come; into the joy and light of Thy home, Jesus I come to Thee. Out of the depths of ruin untold, into the peace of Thy sheltering fold, Ever Thy glorious face to behold, Jesus, I come to Thee.” Will you come to Him, or are you content to stay in the pot world pretending to be a frog Christian?
“Restore My Soul” – no book
Getting our lives focused on Christ and out of the world, we sing of restoration…renew my spirit, revive the fire and renew my courage. When we determine restoration is important, we’ll jump out of the pot. It’s time we wake up and smell what’s cookin’.
Who’s In Control?…April 27th
What does it mean to be ‘in control?’ Do you have to have authority and power to maintain control over someone or something? Many will assume you have to be stronger, more talented, or meaner, or smarter to be in control. And though those traits might prove beneficial, is that all it takes?
Perhaps it’s best summed up to say, ‘if someone is in the place of authority, they should be in control.’ A parent should be ‘in control’ of their child; a teacher should be ‘in control’ of her student and a general should be ‘in control’ of his troops. We can assign positions of ‘control’ based on what we assume and what we see. But when it comes to you, personally…who’s in control?
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, April 27, 2014
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“We Praise Thee, O God!” – 2
In the deep recesses of my mind I remember this old hymn being sung when I was just a child. The chorus is a resounding proclamation, “Hallelujah! Thine the glory…” A great way to start off our Sunday morning worship together. We’ll sing…“revive us again.” Are you personally ready for revival?
“Take My Life and Let It Be” – 664
This song before the contribution is a hymn (a prayer) asking God to take my life, take my moments, take my hands and take my feet. We’ll ask our Creator to take our voice and our lips, but we’ll also ask Him (as we prepare to give) to take our silver and our gold. Notice our next statement…‘not a mite would I (we) withhold.’ A mite, by definition, is a small amount. It could be money or time. We’re singing, ‘not a small amount would I withhold.’ So…who is in control of your silver and gold? Really, who is in control of you?
“His Grace Reaches Me” – 113
This is an interesting spiritual song in that the alto, tenor and bass all sing an ‘AH’ during the verses before singing with the soprano in the chorus. But as always, don’t miss the forest for the trees…notice your words as you sing. The Savior’s grace is deeper than the ocean and higher than the mountains. Could you honestly say it ‘thrills’ your soul just knowing that His sacrifice, His blood, is your salvation? His grace does indeed reach us all, if we will only follow Him and be ‘under His control.’
“Master, the Tempest is Raging” – 189
Such a splendid account of Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee. But we miss the message of this psalm if we don’t hear the chorus. “The winds and the waves shall obey Thy will, ‘Peace be still!’ Whether the wrath of the storm tossed sea, or demons, or men, or whatever it be, No water can swallow the ship where lies the Master of ocean and earth and skies…” Understand the message! If the Master of the ocean, earth and skies is living in you, then you have nothing to fear. The ‘wrath’ of the storms of life, the haunting demons and the devises of men are nothing to fear. Why? Because nothing can ‘swallow’ your ship…if the Master is in you.
“Hosanna!” – 167
A song of praise that mirrors the words of the people as they welcomed Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem.
Mark 11:9, “And those who went before, and those who went after, were crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord…Hosanna in the highest!” Together we sing, “Lord we lift up Your name with hearts full of praise!”
“Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed” – 324
We’ll sing this song before and after the Lord’s Supper. Years ago we sang the first verse with the original words from Isaac Watts, “…would He devote that sacred head for such a worm as I?” Biblical when you consider King David’s words in Psalm 22:6, “But I am a worm, and not a man, a reproach of men, and despised by the people.”
“Standing on the Promises” – 452
Where are you standing in this life? Are you confident of God’s promises or do you fear the howling storms of doubt? Before our invitation song we’ll sing to admonish each other with assurance of where we stand. On the promises of Christ my King and Christ my Lord!
“Lord, Take Control” – 790
Perhaps a fitting invitation song as we consider “Who’s in Control!” You have a decision to make when it comes to places you’ll go and things you’ll see. You will answer for the choices you make. Are you prepared for that kind of control? “My heart, my mind, my body, my soul I give to Thee (God), take control.”
“Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” – 679
If God is given the controls of my life, does that mean I’m just a puppet? Of course not! We still have control over what we do and where we go. What we say and even what we think. That’s my responsibility and my opportunity for self-control. But if God doesn’t guide my decisions and my path, my tongue and my mind, then I’ve lost control. Notice verse three from this old song, “Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus, just from sin and self to cease, just from Jesus simply taking life and rest and joy and peace…” Maybe self-control is…Christ control.
Joy to the World
Two brilliant song writers, separated by almost a century of time and half a world apart, created of one of the most recognizable ‘Christmas hymns’ ever sung. Issac Watts and Lowell Mason were musical icons who blazed new trails for spiritual renewal. Their work has touched the hearts of God-fearing men, women and children for generations. Yet as they penned the words and drafted the scales of this classic favorite, they never realized how much they were blessing the world with this cherished ‘Christmas anthem.’
Psalm 98 provides the message that Issac Watts needed for the hymn we know as ‘Joy to the World.’ Reading the words penned by the Psalmist in verses 4, 7 & 8 we see the inspiration; “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song…let the sea resound…the world, and all who live in it…let the mountains sing together for joy; let them sing before the Lord…” The strength of this song comes was we consider the words of the angel in Luke chapter 2, “…I bring you great joy which will be for all people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord…’ (Additionally, this work from Issac Watts was set in common meter, and ‘Joy to the World’ was originally sung to the tune of ‘Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.’
Born in 1792, Lowell Mason grew up in the early years of American history. A native of New Jersey, he was raised with a love for spiritual hymns. His ability to compose music for worship was highlighted in the early 1800’s as he taught Sunday school in Georgia. His musical popularity escalated in the late 1820’s when 50,000 copies of his self-published song book were ordered by Handel & Haydn Society of Massachusetts. But one of his great accomplishments came in 1836 when Mason composed a new melody inspired by Handel’s Messiah. The completed melody was an exuberant ode called ‘Antioch.’ It’s name inspired by the Syrian city were followers of Christ were first called ‘Christians.’ But this new master piece lacked the proper message to fit the melody…until he found Watt’s ‘Joy to the World.’
As December continues to roll along we’ll continue to explore and learn more about some of the songs of the season. This “Christmas Song of the Day”…Joy to the World.
Joy to the world! The Lord is come let earth receive her King!
Let every heart prepare Him room and heaven and nature sing
And heaven and nature sing and heaven, and heaven and nature sing
Joy to the world! the Savior reigns let men their songs employ
While fields and floods rocks, hills and plains repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy repeat, repeat the sounding joy
No more let sin and sorrow grow nor thorns infest the ground
He comes to make His blessings flow far as the curse is found
Far as the curse is found far as, far as the curse is found
He rules the world with truth and grace and makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness and wonders of his love
And wonders of his love and wonders and wonders of his love
The Silence of the Lambs…September 22nd
Fearful of their surroundings, an unlikely threesome walk down a brick road chanting the infamous, “Lions and Tigers and Bears, O my…” They feared what many consider vicious predators. Animals whose character is powerful and 
ruthless. It’s true, some of God’s creatures are not to be trifled with; but on the other hand, some are extremely passive and best described as vulnerable. So why would the Son of God be classified as one of these? Isaiah will describe Him as, ‘a lamb led to slaughter.’ Non-aggressive and defenseless is a good description for a lamb.
A silent lamb led to its shearers is the way Isaiah describes Christ. Not kicking back, roaring or ‘fighting to the end.’ Mark states clearly at Christ’s ‘trial’ that He, “…kept silent and did not answer.” Join us this coming Sunday morning at Waterview church of Christ as we’ll be looking at the innocent and un-protesting Lamb of God.
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, September 22, 2013
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“We Praise Thee, O God”
This is a wonderful, old hymn that dates back to the days before our country’s Civil War; a song that transcends time and brings ecstasy to the singer and listener alike. Though penned more than 150 years ago, it still as a powerful message. The first two verses begin, “We praise Thee, O God,” while the next two verses begin, “All glory and praise…” Beautiful words of exclamation, but least we lose sight of what we’re singing we conclude the chorus (and being the final verse) with the phrase, “Revive us again…”
“The Old Rugged Cross”
Some hymn writers have a wide collection of songs they’ve written over the years. Authors and composers like Isaac Watts, Fanny J. Crosby, Albert Brumley, William Doane and Tillet S. Teddlie to name a few. But for one man, George Bennard, his call to fame came in one song and one song alone, ‘The Old Rugged Cross.’ What a message of salvation from the pen of this man who turns our minds back in time to, ‘a hill far away’ as we remember the cross of Christ.
“Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross”
The third verse of this song will be sung between the bread and the fruit of the vine as we consider coming near the cross. The plea for us to visualize our Lord’s death on the cross comes as we sing, “Near the cross! O Lamb of God, bring its scenes before me…” Maybe some would rather not focus on that scene. It was a murder scene and one that was graphic as you think about his hands, feet and side. Not to mention the crown of thorns. We need to stay near the cross because all that pain and sorrow was on our account. He died for you and me.
“Worthy is the Lamb”
We’ve sung this before as we take the tune from Just As I Am and put it to some words and thoughts found around the throne of God in the book of Revelation. When we can sing the scripture (a psalm) it makes for stronger understand of the text. But when the words we sing are noted as having been sung around the throne of God…now that’s powerful. We’ll sing: “You alone are worthy to open its seals, because You were slain and gave Your blood. You purchased every man for God O worthy is the Lamb.” Revelation 5:9 reads: “Worthy are You to 
take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.”
“You Are My All in All”
“Jesus, Lamb of God, worthy is Your name!” We’ll sing this contemporary song as we consider where our strength comes from, and what types of treasures we truly are seeking. Interestingly enough how many people really believe what they say in that first verse; “Lord, to give up I’d be a fool…” Defined: ‘A person lacking judgment’…giving up on God is not only foolish, it’s life threatening.
“Lamb of God”
The scripture reading just before this song is Isaiah 53:7, “…and like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, so He did not open His mouth.” This inspired prophecy of Christ’s trial and crucifixion is captured by Isaiah the prophet, and we’ll follow it as we sing, “O Lamb of God, sweet Lamb of God…”
“I Will Sing of My Redeemer”
This song has an interesting chorus, “Sing, O sing of my redeemer, Sing O sing of my Redeemer; with His blood He purchased me, with His blood He purchased me, on the cross He sealed my pardon, on the cross He sealed my pardon, paid the debt and made me free and made me free, and made me free.” How often we sing, but fall short of listening to what we’re singing. Why repeat these words? Is it just for filler, or to enhance the harmony? Maybe we just like the way we’re echoing the ladies part? Or is there something more? Maybe it’s important enough that it’s worth repeating…for emphasis. Yes, I’ll sing!
“Redeemed”
The song before our lesson, has a strong upbeat tempo. But in case you haven’t noticed, this song uses the word ‘redeemed’ a total of 7 times…in the first verse alone. How thankful are we for the redemption we have in Christ. Because of the blood of the Lamb of God I can sing that I am, “…His child, and forever, I am.”
“Have You Been to Jesus?”
An invitation, in its purest form, is a question. Will you come to the party? We send 
invitations to ask for a response to our questions. Each Sunday the preacher ‘offers the invitation’ for those who will respond to come to Christ. How fitting, as we have sung and talked about the Lamb of God, that we would ask the question; “Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power; are you walking daily by the Savior’s side…are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?” How will you answer (have you answered) the invitation?
“We Will Glorify”
A contemporary song that proclaims what the people of God long to do…we want to (we will) glorify our God! How often we sing with spirit and truth, but remember we must sing with understanding too. This first verse alone gives glory to the King of Kings, the Lamb and the Lord of Lords. But did you notice the last line of this verse (and the fourth)…? Who is the Great I Am! That’s not a question asking who the great I Am is, it’s a statement that the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords and the Lamb are all the great I Am…