Category: Joyful

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Joy’s Toolbox…March 22nd

busninessman and his toolsDuring my career as an educator, a phrase became popular in K-12 schools across the country. Each teacher was encouraged to develop some ideas and ‘tricks of the trade’ that would help them in their day to day activities. Ideas that would help with classroom discipline, curriculum development, daily activities, and weekly assessments. Ideas and tips that could help a student find success. In a word, we were all encouraged to build a ‘teacher’s toolbox.’ Like the toolbox in your garage, the teacher’s toolbox was designed to accomplish a specific task.

Whatever the job, whether in the classroom or the garage, the proper tools are essential. But what if my task, my job, my hope, is to find happiness in this life? Are there ‘tools’ I should be using to have a life filled with joy? Sunday morning at Waterview we’ll consider the contents of… “Joy’s Toolbox.”

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

Sunday morning, March 22, 2015

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

faith

 

“Faith is the Victory” – 469

Are you ‘encamped’ on the hills of lights or in the valley of shadows? God’s children stay close to the Light, but know there’s a battle to be fought against the forces of darkness. Remembering our struggle is not against flesh and blood, we ‘press the battle’ against the spiritual forces of darkness.

“In Christ Alone” – no book

“In Christ alone my hope is found…” When you consider a ‘tool’ in joy’s toolbox you must start at the begin, with Christ! Without Him as our hope, we’ll never find joy.

“I’ll Live for Him” – 553

Between the Bread and the Fruit of the Vine we pause and sing the chorus…“I’ll live for Him, who died for me how happy then my life shall be. I’ll live for Him, who died for me…my Savior and my God.” Accepting this sacrifice of love is another essential tool in your toolbox of joy.

“Glory to His Name” – 475

We find glory in the name of Jesus, and we find Jesus ‘down at the cross.’ Let the Lord’s Supper serve as a reminder that we have salvation in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Truly in His death, we find joy in our salvation.toolbox 2

“Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee” – 202

“…God of glory, Lord of love! Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee opening to the sun above.” The words where written over 100 years ago to express the simple, common sentiments of the Christian. Perhaps the third verse gives us a basic tool for finding joy in this life. “Thou art Father, Christ, our Brother, all who live in love are Thine. Teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine.”  When was the last time you used this tool (loving one another) in joy’s toolbox?

“There is Sunshine in My Soul Today” – 549

With so much rain here in Texas these past few weeks, this song might seem a little untimely. But when we us the proper tools for living a life of joy, we can rest assured we’ll see the sun (Son) on even the cloudiest of days.

“Jesus Is Tenderly Calling” – 947

The title of our invitation song says it best…Jesus is calling us home. Not in a physical sense, just like the sunshine in my soul is anything but physical, so the call is for us to come home, to repentance, to heaven. In that sense…we find the ultimate joy!

“No Tears in Heaven” – 882

Can we have tears and still have joy? Certainly many have shed tears of joy and know that tears aren’t reserved for sorrow alone. But if there are tears in heaven, they won’t be tears of sorrow. Maybe the question we should ask what kind of tears can be found in the toolbox of joy?

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O Come, All Ye Faithful

“For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross.” Colossians 1:19, 20

The hope of all humanity comes in the form of a newborn baby as Jesus was born into this world O Come..some 2000 years ago. Not knowing the date, we have settled on December for a number of reasons. But why focus on the birth when the death of Christ, the shedding of His blood, is what brings us salvation? Perhaps it’s the warmth and nostalgia of a newborn baby, instead of the cold-hearted, beating found in a crucifixion. Whatever the reason, it is the birth of Christ that draws this country closer together more than any other time.

And hymns like this one call each of us to Christ as we… behold Him, worship Him and adore Him. Sometimes called by its Latin name, Adeste Fideles, this song is credited to John Francis Wade in 1751. His song of praise invites all of heaven and earth to greet the newborn king. “O come all ye faithful,” is a call for those here on earth who believe and are faithful to God’s word to worship Him. “Sing choirs of angels,” is a call for the heavenly beings to join in the praise.

But will we adore Him and worship Him only for a season? Would that our lives reflect this worship all year long. “O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant. O come, ye, O come ye to Bethlehem. Come and behold Him, born the King of angels; O come let us adore Him…Christ the Lord!”

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Vacation Bible School…Part 3

How quickly the summer seems to fly by. And whether you’re feeling the heat of the summer months, or enjoying some unseasonably mild temperatures, at the Waterview church of Christ, we’re in high gear preparing for and planning our annual Vacation Bible School. This article concludes a three-part series looking at VBS songs that motivate and encourage the young and the young at heart.

We’ve reminisced on the words of “Joy, Joy, Joy”, “Daniel and Ruth”, “The Wise Man”, “The Lord’s Army” and “Roll the Gospel Chariot.” Though so many more could be explored, we’ll  wrap up with these three oldies; “His Banner Over Us is Love”, “My God is So BIG” and “Wrapped Up, Tied Up, Tangled Up in God.” For many of us, we may not realize the scripture that serves as the foundation of this first ‘VBS’ song. Read Song of Solomon chapter 2 verse 4…then let’s sing!

Share these words and you will be a “Booster” for your Vacation Bible School…
Read the text and remember this classic:

“He invites us into to His banquet table…his banner over us
and His banner over us is love. (repeat 2 times)
His banner, over us, is love!”

“He is mine and I am His…
and His banner over us is love. (repeat 2 times)
His banner, over us, is love!”

“The one way to peace, is the power of the cross…
His banner over us is love. (repeat 2 times)
His banner, over us, is love!”

And this favorite among the little ones…

“My God is so BIG, so strong and so mighty
There’s nothing my God can not do! (repeat 1 time)

The mountains are His,
the valleys are His,
the trees are His handiwork too.

“My God is so BIG, so strong and so mighty
There’s nothing my God can not do!”

wrapped up tied up tangled upA warning to the adults…
don’t pull a muscle on these hand motions!

 

“I’m all wrapped up, I’m all tied up, I’m all tangled up in Jesus.
I’m all wrapped up, I’m all tied up, I’m all tangled up in God.
I’m all wrapped up, I’m all tied up, I’m all tangled up in Jesus.
I’m all wrapped up, tied up, tangled up in God…Oh Yeah.”

 

For centuries, songs have been used to pass down lessons from generation to generation. Think about when you first learned the books of the Bible (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Acts and the letters to the Romans…), or the names of the 12 apostles (Jesus called them one by one, Peter, Andrew James and John…). History is told in verse and many young minds have come to better understand the message by listening, memorizing and singing songs.

Next time you hear about Vacation Bible School being hosted by your congregation, or the next time a sister congregation announces plans for VBS, make every effort to join them. We do more than just ‘boost our Bible School’ when we attend these summer activities. We model an excitement to spreading the study of God’s word. You can show young children that God’s ‘banner over us is love,’ and that your ‘God is So Big’ when you make Him your priority at VBS. So this year get ‘all wrapped up, tied up, tangled up in God’ at Vacation Bible School!

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Without the Words…?

As a teenager I can remember each summer going to church camp in the New Mexico mountains at Camp Blue Haven. Just outside Las Vegas, New Mexico, wehiking to Hermit's Peak usually attended one of the two-week sessions which meant lots of daily Bible classes, nightly singing and devotionals and a day long hike up Hermit’s Peak on Saturday. But the extra week also gave us more opportunities for other daily activities; Sadie Hawkins Day, Hawaiian Day, Twins Day and in the middle of the summer, Christmas in July.

That last activity (Christmas in July) was the inspiration for me to share this YouTube link in the middle of our summer. Perhaps you have heard it before but I assure you, it’s worth listening to again…
The Christmas Scale

Considering the message from this short 3-minute video, most likely you will recognize the song by the fourth note. And to be honest you recognize it by the music itself. But what makes this scale ‘the best news’ will never be found in the music alone. What makes it the best (good) news in the world is found in the words SUNG by these eight, short notes.

Perhaps this is why when we sing to God, we sing A Capella (only our voices.) Rather than using the guitar, the drums, the piano or organ we sing with our voices to establish a message as well as an emotion. Paul understood that when he said, “…I will sing with the spirit (worship in spirit and in truth) and I will sing with the mind also (thinking, understanding what I sing).” The notes will certainly help us recognize a song and give emotion for our message, but playing music without the words leaves you lacking a message. Unfortunately it seems today we focus more on the emotion rather than the message.

The simple 8-note scale (which you no doubt recognize) does provide a wonderful message, but understand that without the words…it’s just a series of notes on a scale.
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The 10th Resurrection…April 20th

jairus daughterWhen the son of Zarephath and the daughter of Jarius died, they were brought back to life by the power of God. Lazurus, Dorcas and Eutychus each died, but were resurrected at the hand of Jesus, Peter and Paul. Take a quick review of the scriptures and you’ll find these five individuals were not the only ones who died…only to live again. The son of a Shunammite woman, the son of a widow from Nain, an unnamed man whose dead body ‘touched’ Elisha’s bones, and ‘many saints’ (Matt. 27) all experienced death, but found resurrection in this life.

It’s important to note that each of these men and women who died and then were raised to life, eventually faced death again. However, there is one who died, was raised to life and lives still. Never again would our Savior face death. His victory over death opens the way for each of us. Jesus Christ is the 10th Resurrection.

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

Sunday morning, April 20, 2014

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

“Holy, Holy, Holy!” – 47

A vision around the throne of God reveals the four living creatures saying, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God, the Almighty…” Revelation 4:8. In a similar vision Isaiah saw the Seraphim calling out, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of host…!” Isaiah 6:3. In like manner, this morning, we will join our voices and cry out, “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee…”

“In Christ Alone” – no book

“No power of hell, no scheme of man can ever pluck me from His hand…” This contemporary song has become a beloved favorite among our spiritual songs. We sing of our hope in Christ. We remember His birth and His death. But more importantly, we sing of His ‘bursting forth…from the grave.’ And as we face the fear of death and feel the guilt in life, as God’s children we know that ‘here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.’

“Low in the Grave He Lay” – 344

Few songs can boast a more melancholy message as we sing, ‘Low in the grave He lay Jesus my Savior…Vainly they seal the dead Jesus, my Lord!’ But the chorus is anything but melancholy. With a shout of joy we sing of Christ’s resurrection, “Up from the grave He arose with a mighty triumph over His foes; He arose a Victor from the dark domain and He lives forever with His saints to reign…He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!”

“Alleluia! Alleluia! Hearts to Heaven” – 146

For those who don’t recognize this title you’ll find the words are set to the tune of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy (better know as the tune to “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee”). Notice the second verse; “Christ is risen, Christ, the first fruits of the holy harvest field…” Paul, in talking about the dead in Christ make this statement, “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.” I Corinthians 15:20. God’s people can sing…Alleluia! Alleluia!

“Onward Christians Soldiers” – 646

Our scripture reading before this song is Matthew 10:5-8. We’ll stop our reading mid-verse, then pick up the song at the chorus.  It will go something like this; “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the leper, cast out demons…” “Onward Christian soldiers! Marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before. At the sign of triumph, Satan’s host doth flee; On, then, Christian soldiers, on to victory; Hell’s foundations quiver at the shout of praise; Brothers, lift your voices, loud your anthems raise!”

“There’s a Fountain Free” – 909

Christ offers us salvation through His blood. We can come before the throne of God because of the fountain that flows freely. The words are clear in the first verse, “…let us haste (hurry), O haste (hurry up) to it’s brink (to the edge of the fountain).” The beauty is that Jesus never MAKES people obey. We are all free to come to Him, or to walk away. So we singtrumpets, ‘Will you come?’ It’s a simple question, but your answer will bring about enormous ramifications.

“When the Roll is Called Up Yonder” – 852

What will happen when this life is over? When we die…what’s next? For God’s people there will be a resurrection to eternal life. To those who ‘will not come,’ the results, according to Christ, will be ‘…weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ Matthew 8:10-12. But for God’s people, ‘on that bright and cloudless morning when the dead in Christ shall rise, and the glory of His resurrection share,’ we’ll be called home. Following, if you will, the example of the 10th Resurrection.

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Rejoice in the Lord…Always?

FHU 14

This week is the Freed-Hardeman’s Lectureship in Henderson, Tennessee. For seventy-eight years this noble institution has invited strong, Bible-based speakers across the nation to share their thoughts and understanding from God’s word. This year’s lectureship has been focused on I & II Thessalonians and men like David Shannon, Ralph Gilmore, Bruce McLarty and Bill Watkins have taken the pulpit and presented the truth.

Perhaps one of the most encouraging messages I’ve heard at this point in the week came on Monday morning in chapel. Craig Evans, from Spring Hill, Tennessee, brought the lesson focusing on I Thess. 5:16. “Rejoice always…” The message was simple as we considered when and why we rejoice. Often we find it easy to ‘be happy’ and understand the times of rejoicing, but Paul tells the church in Thessalonica to rejoice ALL the time (always).  How do I do that?  How can I ‘be happy’ when times are sad and dreary?  Is there reason to rejoice in the face of disaster, misery and death? It’s easy to show excitement when you’re feeling well, and any of us can be happy when we’re celebrating. But how can we keep the command of I Thess. 5:16? How can I possibly, rejoice ALWAYS? 

Perhaps James offers a bit of understanding as we read the second verse of the first chapter of James, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials…”  When you despair and see nothing but cloudy skies, rejoice.  When heartaches fill your days, rejoice.  When dangers threaten your very existence, rejoice. But still the question haunts me…how do I do that?  How can I rejoice in time of dire distress? The answer may be best found in God’s Word. Do we spend time in His word letting Him ‘teach me’ the joy of His salvation? King David understood that joy as he wrote Psalm 51.  Perhaps this hymn from the early 1900’s will help us understand and appreciate the joy that comes through God’s holy word. We can know HOW to rejoice when we learn and follow His way.

“Teach me Thy way, O Lord, teach me Thy way! Thy guiding grace afford, teach me Thy way! Help me to walk aright, more by faith, less by sight; Lead me with heav’nly light, teach me Thy way!

When I am sad at heart, teach me Thy way! When earthly joys depart, teach me Thy way! In hours of loneliness, in times of dire distress, In failure or success, teach me Thy way!

When doubts and fears arise, teach me Thy way! When storms o’erspread the skies, teach me Thy way! Shine through the cloud and rain, through sorrow, toil and pain; Make Thou my pathway plain, teach me Thy way!

Long as my life shall last, teach me Thy way! Where’er my lot be cast, teach me Thy way! Until the race is run, until the journey’s done, Until the crown is won, teach me Thy way!”

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Angels We Have Heard on High

In 1855 the French carol, Les Anges dan Nos Campagnes, was first published.  The tune, which tells of the angelic announcement of Christ’s birth, was later translated gloria in excelsis deoand published into English.  This refrain of the classic song takes the text from Luke 2:14 and provides the message the shepherds heard more than 2000 years ago; “Glory to God in the highest…”  Singing in Latin, we hear the angel’s song translated, “Gloria, in excelsis Deo!”

Each of the four verses build upon the shepherds experience and what they might have said following the angelic appearance.  “We have heard angels on high sweetly singing across the plain…” Perhaps as they ‘went back glorifying and praising God…’ they were asked “Shepherds, why are you so excited (jubilant)?  What good news (glad tidings) do you have?”  Perhaps they would have responded (and we sing), ‘Come to Bethlehem and see…’

But perhaps the most interesting part of this carol is to WHOM the angels first appeared.  Not the priest in shepherds-watched-their-flocksJerusalem, nor the scribes and scholars.  They didn’t even appear before the high ranking Jew’s leaders, the ones who were studied and anticipating the Messiah.  Instead, the angels appeared to the lowly shepherds.  Some have even concluded that perhaps these men tending their flocks were the same men who annually supplied lambs for the Passover sacrifices.  Just think, they left the lambs for God to meet the Lamb of God.

If we can better understand some of these songs of the season I believe we’ll be better equipped to not only sing them, but appreciate them.  Our “Christmas Song of the Day”…
.Angels We Have Heard on High.

 

Angels we have heard on high Sweetly singing o’er the plains
And the mountains in reply Echoing their joyous strains

CHORUS:

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be Which inspire your heavenly song?
Come to Bethlehem and see Him Whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee, Christ the Lord, the newborn King.
See Him in a manger laid Jesus Lord of heaven and earth;
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid, While our hearts in love we raise.
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O Holy Night

Each of us enjoy hobbies that help to pass the time.  Some sew, some read and some would rather ‘play.’  Some like to walk and talk while others like to sing.  But for some, writing is their favorite.  Self publishers and bloggers are evidence of the fact.  But this isn’t a new found favorite.  In 1847, the mayor of Roquemaure, France enjoyed writing poetry, and from his pen he wrote a gentle song inspired by the gospel of John in the 3rd chapter.  His poem, O HolyAngel Shepherds Night has come to be recognized as a song of inspiration and love during the Christmas season.  Why…
“for God so loved the world that He gave His only Son!”

The song captures the essence of ‘the night’ as we read Luke 2:8, ‘In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.’  Reading the message that was sung by the angels we envision Placide Clappeau, our author, calling the listener to “Fall on your knees, and to (O) hear the angel voices!”  The scripture never alludes to the shepherds taking this humble position (bowing their knees), but knowing they “…came in a hurry…’ to see the new baby and ‘went back glorifying and praising God…” would make it safe to conclude they might have surely fallen to their knees.

December is almost half gone, but we continue to look at the rich meaning surrounding these favorite songs of the season.  This “Christmas Song of the Day”…O Holy Night.

 

Oh holy night! The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till he appear’d and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!
Fall on your knees Oh hear the angel voices
Oh night divine Oh night when Christ was born
Oh night divine Oh night divine Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming
Here come the wise men from Orient land
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger (NOTE: Matthew 2, “…coming into the house they saw the Child…”)
In all our trials born to be our friend (and.. Luke 19, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”)

Truly He taught us to love one another
His law is love and His gospel is peace
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His name all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name

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Joy to the World

joy to the worldTwo 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.’

Isaac WattsPsalm 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.’

lowell mason

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

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A Servant is Not Above His Master…Dec. 15th

Every respectful employee understands the expectations of working for his employer.  My boss tells me what do to, and I do it (as the scripture says without grumbling honoror complaining, Phil. 2:14).  Yet in a culture that questions authority, this concept is becoming a rare commodity.  How do we revive the principle of respect and honor when it comes to the master/servant relationship?

Reading Matthew chapter 10, you’ll see Jesus sending his disciples to ‘…go to the lost sheep of Israel.’  Through His various instructions we read the proclamation, “A servant is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.” (verse 24)  Is this a difficult statement?  Do we value ourselves above others to the point that we refuse to serve one another?  A child of God never forgets who he serves and he understand why the servant is never above his Master.

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

Sunday morning, December 15, 2013

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

“Come, Let Us All Unite to Sing” -121

As our country struggled in the early years before the Civil War, a song of unification was penned.  That same spiritual song will serve as our opening song of encouragement this Sunday morning.  “Come, let us all unite to sing…God is love!”  The call is for every soul to wake up from the sleep of death (sin), and make sweet music in his heart…for Jesus’ sake.  Why?  Simply because God is love!

“Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee” -202meadow and mountains

Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” serves as the musical foundation for this hymn of praise.  Each verse calls the singer, and the whole of God’s creation, to worship Him.  Note verse two; “All Thy works with joy surround Thee, earth and heav’n reflect Thy rays, stars and angels sing around Thee, center of unbroken praise; Field and forest, vale (valley) and mountain, flowery meadow, flashing (surprising) sea, chanting birds and flowing fountain call us to rejoice in Thee.”  All of God’s creation praises Him.  Will we?

“I Am Thine, O Lord” -666

Before the Lord’s Supper we’ll sing about our devotion to God.  The servant-Master relationship is implied as we seek to be ‘consecrated’ (set apart as holy) in His service.  The chorus echoes with the desire we have to be drawn nearer to His side.  May we turn our hearts and minds back ‘to the cross where Thou hast died.’ Truly, God’s children understand that He is the Master and we say, “I am Yours, O Lord.”

“He Paid a Debt” -376

‘He paid a debt He did not owe…’  On the face of it we sing this song from rote and can sing it with our eyes closed.  We know the words, but do we listen to the message.  As a servant to his Master we must never forget who paid the debt for us.  It’s not about what I have done, but what Jesus did!  He paid that debt on Calvary… Amazing Grace!

“On Bended Knee“ -791

A beautiful song of prayer where we come ‘bowing down’ to our King.  Understanding this to be a figure of speech, it still behooves us to ask the question, ‘are we willing to bend our knee before the throne?’  Without a humble or broken heart we’ll never truly bow to Him…figuratively.  However, remember the scripture is clear, “…that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth…” Philippians 2:10.  So literally we will all one day be ‘on bended knee.’

“More About Jesus” -678

Some people think they can never have enough.  Never satisfied with what they have, but always looking for more.  As servants of the King, we should be looking for more too.  We should be striving to know more about Jesus, to learn more about Him and His saving fullness.  This old spiritual song uses the word ‘more’ ten times in the first verse alone.  As you strive for ‘more’, make Jesus your first and only objective.

“Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” -679

Serving as our invitation song this morning, we sing a strong affirmation of our trust in Jesus.  He is our Master and we trust His judgement.  But notice the third verse, ‘…Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus, just from sin and self to cease…”  As we follow the Master we cease living in sin, we start serving the Master and stop serving ourselves.  We come to better understand that the servant is not above his Master.

“Make Me a Servant” -694

How appropriate we conclude this morning’s song service with this simple contemporary hymn to God.  As you think about what you’re singing you will better understand what you are asking for.  “Make me a servant…do what You must do to make me a servant…”  Are you really ready for that, for God to do what He must do?  If you are truly ready for God to work in you, then you know that a servant can never be above his Master.