Category: Joyful

Posted on

Do We Want More? (part 1)

molassesA 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.’

struggles3) 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’.

Posted on

God With Us…Part Two

word became flesh

Part 2 of 2…Immanuel; God with Us!

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was in the beginning with God…And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:1, 2, 14

Incarnation, by simple definition is, “God in the flesh!”  Let’s continue our thoughts about the Incarnation of Jesus the Christ…

It was foretold in Genesis 3:15 as God pronounces punishment on Adam and Eve and the serpent (Satan).  As the ‘serpent’ is given his consequence for deceiving/tempting Eve, God offers the hope of reconciliation to all mankind.  “…I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; He will crush your head, and you will strike His heel.”  With the fall of man comes the plan for salvation, the incarnation of Jesus Christ. 

In Matthew chapter 1, prior to the birth of Jesus, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and confirmed the incarnation.  “…take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”  Perhaps 700 years earlier, Isaiah confirms this with his prophecy in Isaiah 7:14, “…The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”  Immanuel, by definition, “God with us.”  We In the beginning was the Wordunderstand the incarnation was foretold and planned from the beginning of time.But perhaps the question we should be asking is, “Why would God become flesh?”  What would motivate a royal, divine, supreme being to descend to the ranks of mortal man?  Why?

Why did the Savior of mankind come to this earth in the first place?  Why would He come?  What determined his lowly state of birth and His humble circumstances?  God’s word, again, holds the key, but you have most likely sung the answer since you were a child.  John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  To know why incarnation was necessary is to know that, Jesus Loves Me.  “Why did my Savior come to earth and to the humble go?  Why did He choose a lowly birth?”  Why…Because He loved me so!

Posted on

God With Us…Part One

John 1...1Part 1 of 2…Immanuel; God with Us!

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was in the beginning with God…And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:1, 2, 14

Incarnation, by simple definition is, “God in the flesh!”  The scripture explains it, and for years we have sung about it.  Perhaps you’ll remember some of these old hymns:

  • Come Thou Almighty King (“Come, Thou incarnate Word…”)
  • Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (“…veiled in flesh the Godhead see;hail the incarnate Deity; pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus, our Immanuel…”)
  • One Day (“…one day when sin was a black as could be, Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin, dwelt among men, my example is He!”)
  • We Saw Thee Not (“We saw Thee not when Thou dids’t come to this poor world of sin and death, nor yet beheld Thy cottage home, in that despised Nazareth…”)we believe

So how do we explain such a miracle in time?  Certainly numerous questions come to mind when we consider incarnation.  “How can God become flesh?”  “What is the natural, logical property involved with incarnation?”  Read the words of God as we consider this holy phenomenon.  Paul writes in Colossians 3:9, “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form…”  Earlier in Colossians, Paul confirms the supremacy of Christ, “He is the image of the invisible God, the first born of all creation.” (Colossians 1:15)  Jesus the Christ was not 50% god and 50% man.  He came to earth 100% divine and 100% flesh.  Though the ‘logical properties’ may be unknown to us, for the believer we have blessed assurance that this mystery of Godliness is great.  We believe that He still came to earth, and everything we need to know about salvation and reconciliation with God is found in Christ Jesus.  We wasn’t born in palace as would be expected of royalty, his birth was in a lowly stable.  Royal recognition was gone and He came to experience royal rejection even by His kinsmen (Mark 3:21).  But still…He came.  The video below is a song from Donna Douglas and Pam Thumb that proclamations our faith. Listen to the message as you read the words.

Do we truly understand the sacrifice Jesus made in becoming our Immanuel?  “He left all heaven’s glory to fulfill the Father’s plan.”  A plan that was necessary for our salvation.  We might sing about it and we might know it’s ramifications, but do we truly appreciate it?  There was no out, no substitute as we read in Hebrews 9, “For this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. For where a covenant is, there must of necessity be the death of the one who made it.  For a covenant is valid only when men are dead…” (NAS)  But as the song continues, “…the hope of what He offered so out weighed what must be done.”  We have a means by which we are saved; through the incarnation of Jesus Christ.  His death, burial and resurrection.

The follow up to this study (part 2) will explore the “WHY” behind the incarnation.
Look for part 2 in late May, 2013…

Posted on

Asking Directions on the Way to Canaan…April 28th

At Waterview church of Christ, we are dedicated to studying, learning and following God’s word.  Robert Oglesby will present a message this morning that is designed to help us focus on our ‘journey’ to heaven.

Branson Trip SunriseHow much thought do you give to your ultimate destination?  Is heaven just an assumed ‘next step’ or is it there something we should be preparing for?  Whether our skies are clear, or overcast, we know our goal. The children of God, struggled on their journey to the Promise Land (40 years worth of struggles), yet this morning, consider the questions we ask as we’re Bound for the Promised Land.

 

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

Sunday morning, April 28, 2013

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

“The Steadfast Love of the Lord” – 123

This psalm is the text as we sing the praises found in Lamentations 3:22-24, “The Lord’s loving kindness indeed never ceases, for His compassion’s never fail.  They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘Therefore I will hope in Him.’ So what do you mean when you sing, ‘The Lord is my portion…’?  By definition, a portion can be an inheritance…

lost in thought

 

“Sing On, Ye Joyful Pilgrims” – 747

Have you ever been ‘lost in thought?’  Someone asks you a question, but your mind was somewhere else?  In the chorus of this ‘spiritual song’ we sing… “My heart is filled with rapture (extreme joy), my soul is lost in praise.”  Of all things we could be wrapped up in (lost in), how much more worthy to be lost in praise.  It makes sense that we would…sing on, ye joyful pilgrims!


“The Lord’s Supper” – no book

The title of this song lets the singer/listener know what we’re focused on.  Another title you might use to find this ‘psalm’ would be ‘When We Meet in Sweet Communion’.  We remember the Lord’s death as we communion together around the table and obey His words, “…do this in remembrance of Me.” (I Corinthians 11:24)

“By Christ Redeemed” – 366

We find the basis of this spiritual song in I Corinthians 11:26, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” We have an obligations, an honor, to partake in this memorial of our Savior for as long as we live…or until He comes!

“There is a Redeemer” – 287

We sing the affirmation of this contemporary hymn/spiritual song as we proclaim, “There is a Redeemer, Jesus, God’s own Son…”  Melody Green wrote, and we sing, a song of thanks to God.  “Thank You for giving us Your Son and leaving with us the gift of the Holy Spirit…until our work is done.”  How are you doing with YOUR work?

“Here We Are But Straying Pilgrims” – 537

I enjoy singing in unison the verses of this song, then blend our voices in the chorus with a full, 4-part harmony.  But don’t get caught up in the music and miss the message.  Does your path seem dim or are your feet weary?  Have you ever thought of the clouds of doubt and fear as a ‘lurking foe?’  Just remember that the Lord is our defender, and know that singing a song of heaven will cheer your way.  Why…because “Yonder over the rolling river…soon will be our home, forever!”

“We’re Marching to Zion” – 869

As a medley with the previous song, this ‘spiritual song’ call those that love the Lord to come, and let our joys been made known.  In other words, let’s sing so the world will know that we love God, and we’re living so we can go to heaven (we’re marching to Zion).

“I Am Bound for the Promised Land” – 889

The words of this song were written by Samuel Stennett in 1787, but don’t mistake it with “On Jordan’s Stormy Banks I Stand” (page 886).  Though the message is over 225 years old, it’s still true for us today… “I’m bound for the Promised Land…”

“When Upon Life’s Billows” – 742

Also known as “Count Your Many Blessings”, this song by Johnson Oatman in 1897 encourages us to recognize how God impacts our lives.  Whether we’re tossed on the sea of life, discouraged thinking ‘all is lost’ or feeling as though the cares and doubts of life burden us, do you see the blessings of God?  If you’ll count the blessings God has given you, it will surprise you to know what the Lord had done?

“God Bless You, Go with God” – 752

We’ll close our morning services as we sing to admonish one another, “God bless you, go with God.”   We understand this cruel world will test us and hurl lies at us, but the only hope we have is in Christ.  Let’s sing to encourage each other and always be praying for each other.  This is my daily prayer…that God will bless you and that you will go with God!

Posted on

SPRINGTIME!!!

Terry Harmon, my close friend and brother in Christ, once again provides us with one of his weekly bulletin articles.  We’re reminded that the seasons come and go, and this is the time of year we can relish the freshness of springtime.  Thanks Terry for this ‘seasonal’ reminder.

singing bird

Have you noticed how the birds are singing and the trees are beginning to bud?  With the recent, cooler weather and soaking rains the grass will be turning green in no time.  H.A. Jacob says that life comes and goes just like the seasons.  There are seasons of summer, when the sun reigns and the heat warms the earth’s crust.  As the days begin to shorter, the weather begins to cool and autumn seems to burst into color.  With the beauty of the red, gold and brown hues, we soon feel the promise of cooler nights.  In short order, winter comes with the crisp, cold air and an occasionally frosting of snow and ice.  But as the days begin to length, and the air begins to warm we realize the cycle of the seasons turns again to springtime.

Springtime is a beautiful picture of hope.  Spring seems to assure us that no matter how cold and desolate; how bitter or solemn the winter, it will come to an end bursting forth with new life.  Things will become green and tender again.  Fruitfulness will return and we will grow.  Springtime seems to say that we can be stronger than before.  We can over come the dead of winter and live again.

Jacob asks what we should learn from the seasons.  What can we take from the cycle of creation that will make us better, stronger and ultimately more Godly?  Consider the following three points of growth:

1)      The difficult seasons will come to an end.  Nothing last forever and by enduring it, we can begin a new.

2)      God is working in each season of our lives.  He is preparing us to bring forth fruit in due season.  Even though the pruning is painful, the results are worth it.

3)      Other people are in a ‘season’ just like you.  Some are in the season of winter and distress, needing the warmth of encouragement.  Whether by a touch, a kind word or a gift of charity, encouragement is a tangible commodity.  As Christians we need to be able to offer encouragement as we recognize the respective seasons of friends and family.red river 2 & 3 010

It is always ‘in season’ to speak words of encouragement.  God will give us the tongue of a disciple which will speak to the weary words of strength and resolve.  As we wake each day, and tune our ears to heaven, He will help us speak words of blessed assurance.  “Therefore, encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.” (I Thess. 5:11).  “A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!” (Proverbs 15:23).  And Paul reminds us in Colossians 4:6, “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned as it were with salt, so that you may know how you should respond to each person.”

May your spring this year bring you a new and refreshing time.  Even more so, may it be a budding time for each of us on a spiritual level.  Let us keep our minds open as to where others are ‘seasonally’ in order to offer a word of encouragement!

Posted on

A Roller Coaster Ride!

Personally, the best description for the last few days of March, 2013 would be a roller-coaster ride!roller coaster

Emotions were flowing as we learned of my daddy’s passing on Saturday afternoon, March 23rd.  Then within forty-eight hours, we spent sixteen hours traveling to Kansas and back for his graveside service.  Though visiting with family was a blessing, laying the patriarch of our family to rest was difficult at best.  The next forty-eight hours brought us to the annual LTC convention in Dallas (Leadership Training for Christ).  An exciting, busy but certainly focused weekend for more than 1,000 saints in down-town Dallas.  But the month of March was still not over; our youngest son decided he was ready to put Christ on in baptism…at 10:30 PM Saturday night, March 30th!  An exhilarating lift as we continued to ride ‘the roller coaster.’  Oh wait, the next afternoon following morning services, my oldest drove back to Tennessee to resume the last two months of his freshman year.  His first time to drive 9 hours…alone.  If you could see the calendar of events and feel the emotional twisting and turning, you’d know these past few weeks have been a roller coaster ride.

So how does one put this in to prospective?  Any time we lose a family member, we hurt; and anytime a lost sheep is found, we rejoice.  When you feel those two strong emotions within a matter of days you realize priorities have to be set.  What is most important and where do I put my focus?

One of the blessings we experienced at the memorial of my daddy was the assurance of his faith, and gentle hand of sympathy from brothers and sisters in Christ.  Four of his grandson’s lead the singing and read scripture, while several others shared thoughts of encouragement.  But as we closed the service we all joined in singing some songs of praise and inspiration.  We closed the service with the song, “Softly and Tenderly”.  The message was perfect as we sang about ‘coming home’ and in respect to my dad’s passing…I believe he was on his way home.  But then as I considered my son’s baptism I realized that he too began his journey as he decided he was ready to ‘come home’.  Each of these events, though separated by two different extremes, bring my mind toward what’s most important.  Do we listen as Jesus is calling us home?

“Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling,
Calling for you and for me;
See, on the portals He’s waiting and watching,
Watching for you and for me.”

Refrain:
“Come home, come home,
Ye who are weary, come home;
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
Calling, O sinner, come home!”

This song is a wonderful call for the sinner, the lost lamb, to come back to the fold of God.  And I certainly saw the implications as I realized my son was indeed turning his mind to follow Jesus and come home.  But as we remembered the passing of our daddy, the third verse of this song rings true.  Grim as it may be…it is so true…

“Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing,
Passing for you and for me;
Shadows are gathering, deathbeds are coming,
Coming for you and for me.”Dillons baptism...3.30.13

Roller coasters are certain to come into our lives…whether we want them to or not.  The question we must ask is how will we ride?  Many enjoy the thrill of the lift while others hold on tight.  We know there will be times when we cry out and wish the track would level off.  But the best advise is to find the excitement at every turn and hold on tight!  Know the ride will soon be over and the ups and downs will eventually level off.  Take comfort in remembering Christ is at the controls of life.  He knows your fears and He sees your tears.  And when we come to give Him our lives, even the angels rejoice.  Our Savior is pleading for us all to come home…softly and tenderly.

Posted on

He Is Risen…March 31st

Morning Sunshine

Sunday morning, March 31st, is known in some ‘religious circles’ as Easter Sunday.  Many god-fearing people select this Sunday as a time to commemorate our Lord’s resurrection…

However, at Waterview church of Christ, every Sunday we remember (memorialize) our Lord’s death, burial and resurrection. Together, we share in the Lord’s Supper.  This week, March 31st, will be no different.  When you read Matthew 28: 1-7, you’ll read of the miracle surrounding Christ’s resurrection, and in that we find the title of our lesson.  The following ‘order of worship’ is designed to focus on minds on our Savior’s resurrection; today and every Sunday!

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

Hallelujah! Praise Jehovah – 3

This hymn of praise (which could also be considered a psalm since it parallels Psalm 148) admonishes the singer to recognize and glorify our Father.  You’ll notice the word ‘praise’ is mentioned 10 times in this hymn…5 times in verse 1 alone.

You Are the Song that I Sing – 238

“You are the words and the music, You are the song that I sing…”  Without a notation of authorship or composer this ‘contemporary’ hymn is an excellent example of a song sung to our God.  When you sing this song ask yourself if you will truly do as this song states in its closing line?  “…so now I give back to You the song that You gave to me…”

Thomas’ Song – 269

One of my favorite ‘communion’ songs, Thomas’ Song, is a possible (yet not recorded) narrative from the apostle Thomas as he He Livesconsiders the resurrection of Christ.  John 20:25 reads, “Unless I see the nail marks in His hands, and put my finger where the nails where, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe it.”  While the chorus sings, “If I could only hold Your hand, and touch the scars where nails were driven; I would need to feel Your side where holy flesh by spear was riven.  Then I’d believe…”  But listen to Thomas’ closing statement as he stands before Christ and proclaims, “You are my Lord and my God!”

Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed – 324

An interesting song that was written in two time periods.  The verses were written by Isaac Watts in 1707, while the refrain (by Ralph E. Hudson) came almost 180 years later.  On a personal note, I prefer the verse separate from the upbeat tempo of the chorus.  But more importantly let me direct you to the closing line from the first verse, “…would He devote that sacred head for such a worm as I?”   Over the years this verse was edited to read, “…would He devote that sacred head for such a ONE as I?”  Ask yourself, which version do you prefer…and why?

Low in the Grave He Lay – 344

When we sing this song following the Lord’s Supper Sunday morning, we’ll sing all three verses before we sing the chorus.  My personal preference since the verses are designed to be melancholy and thoughtful, while the chorus changes tempo to excitement and jubilation.  And certainly it should be as we proclaim; “Hallelujah! Christ arose.”

Surround Us, Lord – no book

Taken from Psalm 125:2, this ‘psalm’ serves as a great ‘spiritual song’, encouraging the singer and the listener to understand that, “…we need to be in Your (God’s) presence.”  Listen to the YouTube link below if you are interested in learning it, or just want to sing it again!

He Lives! – 346

“…You ask me how I know he lives? He lives within my heart.”  These words serve as the conclusion to a wonderful song of joy and adoration.  This song, before our lesson, resounds with the declaration, the title:
“HE LIVES!”

Have You Been to Jesus – 904

These next two songs, our invitation and closing song, call for us to be ‘washed in the blood of the Lamb’ and to find our assurance in Him.  But before we close the invitation we’ll repeat the chorus with one more call to respond.  But then we’ll close with the following:

Blessed Assurance – 480

As we close this time of worship would that all Christians sing the chorus of this song with a stronger conviction and a clearer understanding. “This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long…”  Let that soak in for a minute, praising God all day long?  Would you, can you, will you praise God 24-7?  You can and you will if you truly believe that…He Is Risen!

Posted on

He’s Awesome!

What does it mean to say that something is ‘awesome’?  In the excitement of the moment, or with the thrill of an event it’s not uncommon to hear someone say, “That movie was awesome!”.  But how much attention or thought do we give to how and when we use this awe inspiring word.

By definition, we consider something to be awesome when that ‘something’ is inspiring awe or showing characteristic of awe.  OK…then what is ‘awe’?  Again, by definition, awe is ‘an overwhelming feeling of reverence, admiration, fear, etc., produced by that which is grand, sublime, extremely powerful, or the like.’  For emphasis, I want to say that again; awe is ‘an overwhelming feeling of reverence, admiration, fear, etc., produced by that which is grand, sublime, extremely powerful, or the like.’  If we say, ‘That car is awesome!’ are we truly saying that it evokes feels of reverence, admiration and fear?  It might be that we ‘just loved’ that movie (admiration), but do we really have reverence for a form of entertainment or fear for an inanimate object?  We toss “awesome” around almost like we abuse the term “love”.  (The Greek language could help us here; Eros, Philoe, Storgy and Agape)  But what really makes you awestruck?  What is it in your life that makes you sit back and say, ‘That’s awesome…”?

The word “awesome” is not used in the King James version, but it can be found several times in the NKJV as well as other translations.  Interestingly enough, all but one come from within the Old Testament.

Genesis 28:17…Jacob after his dream of the ladder going up into heaven, called the place awesome
Exodus 34:10…God telling about the covenant He was going to make with His people would be awesome
Deuteronomy 7:21 and 10:17…awesome God; & 21…awesome things God has done; 28:58…the name of God
Judges 13:6…angel of God, very awesome
2 Samuel 7:23…what God did for His people and the land
1 Chronicles 17:21…what God did for His people
Nehemiah 1:5, 4:14 and 9:32…all refer to the great and awesome God
Job 10:16…show His power (awesome); 37:22…around God is awesome majesty
Psalm 45:4…teach You awesome things; 47:2…Lord is feared (awesome); 65:5…You answer us in awesome deeds; 66:3 & 5…His works and deeds are awesome; 68:35…Awesome God; 76:12…kings of the earth fear Him (have awe); 99:3…praise His great and awesome name; 106:22…God did awesome things; 111:9…Holy and awesome; 145:6…God’s awesome acts
Song of Solomon 6:4 & 10…awesome as an army with banners
Isaiah 28:21…extra ordinary work; 64:3…You did awesome things
Jeremiah 20:11…the Lord is like an (awesome) champion
Ezekiel 1:18 & 22…vision of the wheel of fire;
Daniel 2:31…image of the statue was awesome; 9:4…great and (awesome) God
Joel 2:31…great and (awesome) day of the Lord
Zephaniah 2:11…the Lord will be (awesome) to them
Acts 2:20…the great and (awesome) day of the Lord

Each of the proclamations noted above are directed to God or something God has done.  Our God IS an awesome God and He is deserving of all praise.  Daniel 9:4, “I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed: ‘Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments…’. “

Next time, before you hand out that compliment of awe, remember there is only one deserving of our ‘overwhelming admiration’.  Each of us will take a stand for what we believe.  It might be openly standing for what’s right or quietly standing in reverence and awe.  This song should serve as a prayer we offer to God.  Nothing else is His equal; I stand in admiration, fear and reverence to Him.

You’ll go to the movies and enjoy the show, and yes, that brand new car is pretty impressive, but what do you really admire?  Is this world what you hold in reverence?  Do we bow in fear of how ‘awesome’ our life is?  My prayer is that we all come to see our God, and Him only, as AWESOME.

I Stand in Awe [LINK]

You are beautiful beyond description
Too marvelous for words
Too wonderful for comprehension
Like nothing ever seen or heard
Who can grasp Your infinite wisdom
Who can fathom the depths of Your love
You are beautiful beyond description
Majesty, enthroned above

And I stand, I stand in awe of You
I stand, I stand in awe of You
Holy God to whom all praise is due
I stand in awe of You!

Posted on

A World Without Joy!

“Joy to the World, the Lord has come!”  WAIT!  It’s early June, what in the world are we doing talking about (not to mentioning singing about) a Christmas Carol?  Save this song for December, along with “O Little Town of Bethlehem” “Away in a Manger” or “Silent Night”.  But think about it; when was the last time you sang this song outside of the winter months?  On a beautiful Sunday morning in early June, we sang this song as we opened our worship service.  Some might do a double take and ask the question, ‘Is that appropriate; shouldn’t this song be reserved for another time and day?’

Before you answer that question read again the words from this Issac Watt’s classic:

“Joy to the world, the Lord is come!  Let earth receive her king.  Let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing.  Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!  Let men their songs employ, while fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains 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 cruse is found.  He rules the world with truth and grace and makes the nations prove; the glory of His righteousness and wonder of His love.”

Did you see the reference to the birth of Christ?  “…the Lord is come…”  This is why we have labeled this a Christmas song to be sung in December.  But does December have a Biblical lock on the birth of Christ?  Traditionally we see December as the time of year when Christ was born, but where is there evidence in scriptures to support this claim?  If the truth be known it was more likely to have been in the spring or early summer that Mary gave birth to Christ; but that’s another study.  We have to ask ourselves what the message is from the songs we sing, even the “Christmas songs”.  The message from this old spiritual song is obvious; we hear it resounding throughout the Psalms; “But let all who take refuge in You be glad, let them ever sing for joy…” (5:11)  “The meadows are clothed with flocks and the valleys are covered with grain; they shout for joy, yes, they sing.” (65:13) “Praise the Lord from the earth… all mountains and all hills” (Psalm 148: 7, 9)

If you desire to praise God, and if you intend to bring glory to Him through your songs, I encourage you to think about what you are singing and be sure you don’t just sing from traditional expectation.  We should sing because of the joy we have in Christ.  Praise be to God that He sent His Son…for without Him, we would be without Joy.