A or B: Finding & Following God’s Will…Aug. 2nd
One of my favorite passages is found in Romans chapter 10 as Paul admonishes the church in Rome with a reminder from the book of Joel, “And it will come about that whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be delivered…” Paul wrote in verses 14 & 15… “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will 
they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!’ ” Did you notice the progression; to be delivered (saved), one must believe. In order to believe, you must hear. To hear, you need someone to preach and the ‘preacher’ must be ‘sent.’
For this Sunday’s sermon we know in order to find and follow God, you have to hear the message of salvation. But once you hear it…you have the choice to follow His lead or not? Our songs this coming Sunday will call us to follow. It’s as easy as selecting A or B…once you find God, will you follow Him?
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, August 2, 2017
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“He Leadeth Me” {to the tune of “Our God, He is Alive”} – N/B
Letting go is difficult. We often want to hold on to what we see and can feel and that gives us a sense of control. 
You’ve heard, “Let go and Let God,” but is much easier said than done. And as this song says, He leads us. He will lead us, and we must follow. The Lord is always there, standing at the ready, to guide our thoughts, our steps, our decisions and ultimately our actions…if only we let Him.
“Savior, Lead Me” – 409
When we ask God to lead us, is our intention is to be led down a desired path. But is that path His will, or our desires? Asking for His guidance should truly be a humbling experience that requires a genuine and contrite heart. He’ll lead us where He wants us to go, gently and safely at His side and when the storms come, we’ll feel safe and secure knowing that we are being steadied by the guiding love of our Savior.
“Follow Me” – 395
This world presents many ‘lonely roads.’ We complain and get frustrated at times, but in this song, we’re reminded that Christ, with all His suffering simply calls us to, “go and make disciples…” We’ll sing, in essence, the message He gave to Peter and Andrew (Matt. 4:18-19), “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Following Him down that ‘lonely road’ can be a daunting request. But He wouldn’t ask of us something He didn’t already do. (Thanks, Trey Morgan, for that illustration Wednesday evening.)
“Lead Me to Calvary” – 332
With so many things in our lives demanding our attention, we absentmindedly make the world a priority. It’s a sad thing to think that we so often allow the world to get in the way of focusing on Jesus Christ. Keep Him at the forefront of every thought…every minute of every hour of every day. The devil wants and tries to be ‘king of your life,’ don’t ‘accidentally’ let that happen.
“Jesus, Let Us Come to Know You” – 768
The simple idea of being able to make a petition to God, is altogether astounding and humbling. The thought of being able to see God face to face, the fact that He allows us an avenue of communication to Him, is something we take for granted. And the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Chris, should bring us to our knees. Consider this petition as we sing, “Jesus, let us come to know You, let us see You face to face…” A request that we all long for is perfectly stated in the end of this spiritual song, “Only let us, live in you.”
“Who Will Follow Jesus?” – N/B
A simple and yet to the point question, “who will follow Jesus?” Christ asks for our dedication to follow Him and to serve Him unfailingly. So what’s your answer…A or B? It takes more than just saying, “Yes, I will!” It takes follow through. With a decision to follow either path, we must realize that there WILL be eternal consequences, regardless which path we choose. So will you say, “I am on the Lord’s side.” and be ready to follow Isaiah’s lead as he said, “Here am I, send me.” (Isaiah 6:8)
“Where He Leads Me I Will Follow” – 876
Blindly leading someone is dangerous, so why would you follow someone to a place unknown? In following Christ, you’re not blindly wandering. You know where you are going, it’s just a matter of following where He leads. He has set out the path to follow, and though it may lead you to some unfamiliar and uncomfortable places, the comforting thing is knowing you are not walking it alone.
“Where He Leads I’ll Follow” – 417
“Sweet are the promises, kind is the word…Pure was the mind of Christ, He is the great example…” He is who we are called to follow. I will follow where He leads, because He will not falter, He will not lead me astray, and He will fulfill all of His promises. “Where He leads…I will follow.” Will you?
A Song Leader’s Guide…Pt. 3
Since February we have been following a series of three lessons that focus on the responsibilities of the song leader, otherwise known as the Song Leader’s Guide. This last of three articles will be centered around the Three “P’s” of song leading; Proactive, Practice and Plan. Though this article may over lap with the first point (being prepared), I hope you’ll find the “Three P’s of song leading” to be more focused on how you approach and lead the Lord’s church in singing. Just remember we should work as though you’re working for God… Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.“
And finally, a basic guideline for all song leaders is to follow the “three P’s” of song leading. Be Proactive, be willing to Practice and be able to Plan. This approach will teach the congregation that singing is not just something we do, but rather the 
value in singing hymns. Being ‘Proactive’ means you work on getting to know the song book better. Whether you use a book or project songs, review them and determine which songs you personally know and which ones you don’t. Go over each song (in the book or on the screen) and know what you’re doing well before Sunday morning. If you project songs, do not to rely on the church secretary to build the slide deck for you. Take the time to learn this procedure and know what’s on the screen behind you.
Though we addressed ‘Practicing’ earlier, here we should be more focused on practicing with the congregation as a whole. This is best done in a class setting on Sunday evening before services or on Wednesday nights. Some might want to limit this class to one quarter per year, or once a month but you will be better served to keep this as an ongoing class. Make singing something that is more than just 8 songs on Sunday morning, 6 on Sunday night and 1 or 2 songs on Wednesday. Fifteen or sixteen songs of praise per week seem to limit the Hebrew writer’s thoughts. Hebrews 13:15, “Through Him then, let us CONTINUALLY (emphasis added) offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.” So let us use some class time to learn new songs (practice) as well as 
singing old familiar ones (praise). You can even shake it up on occasion by splitting the group up into four parts and learn/practice harmony. But remember to practice by yourself so you know how to better lead and teach the congregation.
And as you ‘Plan’ out an approach to teaching the congregation the value of psalms, hymns and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19), be sure you are familiar with and know the value of the songs we sing. Some of our songs date back hundreds of years and have a rich history we can learn from. Others are closely aligned with scripture and shed a new light on an old hymn. Some of our newer, ‘contemporary’ songs have a magnificent message that we’ll never know if we don’t broaden our repertoire. But as you plan, always check the integrity of the songs we sing (new or old) with scriptural accuracy. We strive to avoid heresy in our preaching, and so we must also be aware that it can creep into our singing as well. When we are attentive to planning out the song service, we are more apt to avoid any accidental error. Be proactive, practice and plan so that you can be the best song leader God is calling you to be.
We know that Sunday morning will come on the first day of each week and we might be the one called on to lead the congregation in song. When do we start selecting our songs? What songs will we select? Will we (Do we) prepare ourselves before we meet together for worship? These and many more questions are ours to 
answer long before Sunday morning comes around. Just remember that we are leading the family of God in praise to Him. For some, this will be the first and only time during the week that they bow before God’s throne to worship. Will they see Him or will they be distracted by us? My prayer is that as song leaders in the Lord’s church, we will take on the mantra of I Cor. 14:15, “Church, come join us…we’re marching to Zion!”
A Song Leaders Guide…Pt. 2
As we continue to look at The Song Leader’s Guide, you’ll remember previously we talked about “Being Prepared.” Though we can never underestimate the importance of working with the preacher and coordinating the song service, the second point is of equal value. In today’s 
article we’ll look at the next recommendation for song leaders. We must know and practice humility. Without a humble spirit, our song leading becomes nothing more than a stage for your assumed presentation. Not a good thing!
Not only should we be prepared…a good song leader will demonstrate humility before, during and after the worship services. Before worship services begin, walk down the aisle of the auditorium and visit with the members. Knowing them by name is an important connection you can make before you step up to lead. If you are too busy picking songs, or if you aren’t willing to visit with the members, you’ll never be able to properly lead them. A humble heart will see others as valuable, and be willing to invest time in them.
During the song service, demonstrate humility. Have a countenance of joy when the song calls for it, but avoid excessive facial expressions that draw undue attention to you. A smile will tell the congregation you believe in the message of the song. At all times, avoid a look of distress or frustration. If you mess up on a series of notes, or if you sing the wrong words, don’t let the congregation know it has ‘rattled you.’ Your brothers and sisters may not even know you made a mistake, but either way it won’t shake you because, “this is not about you.” When you lead a melancholy song, strive to focus the congregation on the seriousness of the song’s message. Remember, you can communicate the meaning of a song simply by the expression you have on your face.
And, humility must also be exhibited after the worship services. At times you may receive accolades regarding your ‘work’ following the worship. A common response by many song leaders is a simple ‘thank you.’ And 
though there is nothing wrong with this reply, perhaps a better response would be ‘to God be the glory.’ However, if someone acknowledges my song leading, I prefer the phrase, ‘the congregation was in good voice.’ It is always best to turn the focus away from yourself, and towards our God and His church. Just remember that a humble heart cannot be seen in words, but in actions. Give praise to God and uplift His church or you run the risk of leaving the congregation feeling like spectators rather than participants.
Next month (April) we’ll conclude this three part series of a Song Leader’s Guide to Worship.
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…
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.
Parents and Children…Aug. 24th
The responsibilities of parenthood can be, at times, overwhelming. When our children are babies we worry about their health, strive to keep them clean and always well fed. As they grow we focus on keeping them ‘well balanced’ in life. Opportunities for sports, the arts and growing and maturing. But still we worry about their health, keeping them clean and well fed. As our children grow into young adults we determine to give them the best direction, guidance and support. All along 
concerned about their health, are they ‘keeping themselves clean’ and are they well fed.
Parents want what’s best for their children. Whether we’re talking about their health or their social well-being, we feel responsibility for our children. But with that responsibility we must ask ourselves; how are we doing when it comes to monitoring our children spiritually? Do we ignore the signs (Do we know the signs) of spiritual sickness in our children? Are we keeping them clean (from the world) or do we let them experience life? How cautious are we about the spiritual food our children are being fed? Do we care if they are getting filled up on spiritual ‘junk food?’ God’s commandments are to be taught to our children early and often. Deuteronomy 6:7 tells us how often; “…when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.” The Parent and Child relationship is all about teaching them the commands of God.
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, August 24, 2014
You’ll notice the following songs come from the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“O Worship the King” – 303
Singing the first verse of this classic hymn we set the stage for our praise to God. You’ve sung it for years but notice how this verse concludes; “…Our Shield and Defender the Ancient of Days, Pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise.” Obviously this is a description of God as our Shield, our Defender, One who has been with us for a long time ‘Ancient of Days.’ But what do those last words mean? A pavilion is something that offers cover or protection, and to gird something is to encircle it or wrap around it. Is this song saying God is my cover and protector? Without a doubt He is! But here we sing, ‘Our Shield and Defender is surrounded and covered over with heavenly praise!’
“We Praise Thee, O God” – 4
And so we continue our worship together offering our praise to God. “Hallelujah! Thine the glory, Hallelujah! Amen!” Would that we praise our God just as the heavenly host praise Him. “All glory and praise to the God of all grace, Who has bought us and sought us and guided our ways…”
“I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord” – no book
This older hymn is a strong example of ‘singing to Him.’ Perhaps the signature piece of this hymn comes in the second staff as only the ladies sing, “…I love Thy church, O God! Her walls before Thee stand…” How much do we love the commandments of our God? How much do we love the church Christ died for? Enough to tell our children about it? Enough to make it our top priority when we sit down, walk around, lie down or rise up? Honestly…how much?
“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” – 315
All five verses will be sung this morning, though we’ll sing the first 4 before the Lord’s Supper and the last verse after. Notice what we ‘survey’ in the third and fourth verses; “See from His head, His hands, His feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down…”, and “His dying crimson, like a robe, spreads over His body on the tree…” When we truly survey the cross of Christ we see His amazing love. Now are you prepared to sing the last seven words of 
this song? As you do, remember His love, “…demands my soul, my life, my all.”
“Hear, O Israel” – 446
Before our lesson we’ll sing the ‘Jewish confession of faith,’ the Shema. In Hebrew it is defined as ‘Hear.’ And though it is recorded here in Deuteronomy, Jesus repeats it in the gospels. “Hear, O Israel. The Lord thy God, is one God. And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all of thy heart…with all thy soul…with all thy mind (added by Jesus in Mark 12:30)…and with all thy strength.” We sing it and the Jews proclaimed it, but are we teaching it to our children? Maybe we should ask what it means to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. EVERYTHING in our life should be focused on loving, serving, and pleasing our God.
“On Bended Knee” – 791
A humble, penitent heart comes before God on bended knee. Perhaps the second verse helps me understand why I come before my God on ‘bended knee.’ With a broken heart I come… Asking for a change in life, and to be made fresh and new is only part of it. Being a holy sacrifice and teaching that sacrifice to our children is where we must start.
“Let Me Live Close to Thee” – 831
Living close to God in life is paramount. Serving Him with ‘sickles brave and true’ is essential, but are we working or shirking our responsibilities in teaching our children. The parent can best care for their child when they walk and talk each day with God.
Heavenward ‘Applause’
For a moment, think about how we train our young people. Those in our children’s Bible classes and up through the teen years.
So often we talk about teaching our young men to lead, but stop short of providing them with the opportunity. We provide summer trips, monthly activities and weekly Bible studies, we even practice song leading and preaching (with Leadership Training for Christ, Lads to Leaders, Timothy classes, etc.) But how much of the teaching and training of our young people is focused on actually leading as opposed to entertaining. Young men prepare talks, practice singing and then stand up before the congregation to lead. But rather than accept 
their work, honor their contribution and receive edification from their message, we smile and applaud. In like manner a young person makes the great confession, is baptized into Christ and the first thing they hear coming up from the watery grave is the sound of clapping. What message are we hoping to give when we clap for their service? Are we saying, “good job,” or “congratulations,” or “we approve?”
In a society that is devoid of hard work, the sound of applause is heard at the accomplishment of a task. A beautiful, musical score played or sung by a talented musician is means for applause. The athlete hitting a deep drive into the gap, or making a catch or scoring the winning run is honored with a standing ovation. But when he’s training and practicing for the performance, where is the clapping? Yes, we want to recognize the accomplishment, but why clap for one who is training to lead and teach? Too often we honor the servant when we should be glorifying the Master. In John chapter 13, verse 16, just hours before His arrest and crucifixion he said, “…truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him.”
A congregation in Nashville, Tennessee (Woodson Chapel church of Christ) participates in the Lads to Leaders program. During an extended training opportunity for their boys who have been trained, one young, 3 year old boy asks if he can lead a song. Not being old enough to participant in the ‘official training,’ this little man stepped up to lead the congregation. Listen and watch him as he ‘directs’ the saints in the song, “Blue Skies and Rainbows.” But more importantly listen to the lesson this body of believers teaches him AFTER the song has been sung.
You’ve heard it said, “Actions speak louder than words.” Our children will learn from what we do as well as what we say. If we truly want to glorify God, we’ll consider carefully how much ‘glory’ we give each other. We must train our 
young people to ‘…honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God and honor the king.’ I Peter 3:17. Honoring all people and the king doesn’t mean to applaud their service. Loving the brotherhood doesn’t refer to clapping at their new birth, but fearing God does mean…‘By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy, And before all the people I will be honored.’ Leviticus 3:10 Remember the preacher and the song leader are nothing more than servants, and each of us should concern ourselves with who we honor and how we honor them. Perhaps we should focus more of our ‘applause’ heavenward.
Praying for…
In your prayer life, what do you most ask of God? For good health, for comfort and success, for world peace? Jesus said in Mark chapter 11, verse 24, “…all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them…” So in our prayers we ask as we have been directed, “Ask, and it will be given to you…” (Matthew 7:7) and we offer thanks (I Thessalonians 5:18). But again, when you pray…what do you most ask for?
Baylus McKinney, a musician and song writer in the early 1900’s, penned the words to dozens of Christian hymns. But one particular song is a prayer seeking God’s blessing on the home. Though it encompasses only one request, “God give us Christian homes,” there are four different elements noted as we sing. What does it take to have a Christian home? What elements did McKinney see fit to ask of God as we seek this blessing?
First of all, we seek homes where the Bible is not only loved by the family, but taught to the children. Homes where 
God’s will is a priority and sought after on a daily basis. Another element of a ‘Christian home’ is one with a father who is truthful and strong. Strengthened to know the difference between right and wrong and leading his family heavenward. A father who teaches his family love, joy, and the importance of praising God in song. A third element of a Christian home comes by way of the mother who conducts herself with dignity, in ‘queenly quest.’ She lives so as to show all those who pass through her door that life is best lived following God’s word. A mother who brings glory and honor to the King of Kings. And finally, as we ask for a Christian home we must remember to pass on the legacy to the children. Children who know that Christ loves them and died for them. A Christian home where the children understand what it means to sacrifice. Not offering a lamb on a stone altar, but laying down our lives for the glory of our God.
For a Christian home, we need 1) God’s word, 2) a Godly father and 3) mother who will teach 4) their children God’s ways. We offer prayers daily; thanking our Father in heaven for His blessings and asking for His guidance. Today, when you bow your head in prayer, what will you ask for? Would that we individually and collectively pray for the fathers, mothers and children, that we strive to raise up Christian homes.
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.