Have you ever pondered why we stay? Stay where things are simply ‘satisfactory’. Stay in our failure, pride, arrogance, fear and unrest.
Does it bring us comfort?
Does it bring peace?
Does it bring satisfaction?
In the following 3 verses of the hymn ‘Out of My Bondage’, George Stebbins, in each verse, makes 3 statements of recognition and 3 affirmations of what he knows would happen if those recognition’s were overcome. Throughout the song, he transforms in his understanding that bondage to worldly things, only causes stumbling and strife.
It is something that the devil is wonderful at using against us. He uses the contentment we find in ‘satisfactory’. He uses our failures, pride, arrogance and fear to keep us EXACTLY where we are and THAT is what does it. That is what holds us hostage, or, in bondage. WE are the ones keeping ourselves enamored with temporary pleasures that will never satisfy nor soothe the enduring emptiness that we feel when the initial satisfaction wares off. How do we alleviate our desire for a satisfaction that we cannot seem to fill? It’s a simple answer, and one not many will choose to pursue. GOD. In the beginning, Gen. 1:1, He was there. He’s seen it all and He’s given us a way to Him (John 3:16) and the ETERNAL satisfaction we desire and that is through His son. Through Him, we find protection and peace (2 Tim. 2:10; Phil. 4:7).
What holds you in bondage? Let go
of it and run to the one who listens, gives protection, provides peace and can
alleviate pain and sorrow. Lean on Him and He will bring you an everlasting joy
that will fill your heart. Be brave enough to reach out of the comforts of your
sin, whatever it may be, and find the eternal comforts of Christ as He stands
waiting to welcome you Out of Your Bondage.
“Better than I deserve…”, grew to be the expected response after a greeting to and from Dr. Stan Mitchell. It didn’t matter where you were or what you were doing, you were always greeted with an ear-to-ear smile from, in my opinion, the schools’ most ‘social butterfly’. He seemed to be just about everywhere you looked. Sometimes sitting with a group of students just talking and laughing in the library or student center, getting some coffee, walking to class with students, getting more coffee, in his office talking with his students, or walking alone to class…with a cup of coffee in hand. He was never without a compliment to give or a wise word to impart.
Upon hearing of his sudden hospitalization earlier this past weekend and of his passing early this morning, I could not help but think back on many of my “Stan” interactions. There were many times I would pass him in the student center while checking my mail or grabbing a quick lunch, and he’d be on his way through to a class or to check his faculty mail, and without fail, I was ALWAYS greeted with a, “Miss Emili!” and a HUGE smile. I remember specifically one time going to his office (unfortunately, one of the things I didn’t do as often as I wished I had) a short time before my, now, husband and I began dating. Stan had told me a few weeks before I went to see him, that I was welcome to his office, and his chocolate, anytime I liked. I confided in him about being lonely and how I just wasn’t feeling like I was good enough (in the regard of having never been dated or even asked out) and that I didn’t know what was wrong. I do not think I have ever been cut off so quickly and I don’t ever recall him being as stern, and as serious, with me as he was. I’ll never forget what he told me, “Miss Emili, you are wise beyond your years. There is nothing about you that is wrong or messed up (he did air quotes around “messed up”). You’re just further on than any man that’s had the pleasure of meeting you so far. Give him time, he’ll catch up to you.” He said a prayer with me after that and sent me off with a piece of his Ghirardelli chocolate. A few weeks after Thanksgiving he found out that I was dating and, in his words, said, “He must be a nice young fellow,” and told me he was happy that I had found a man who could “keep up with me.”!
Dr. Mitchell has played such an incredible role in the lives of all the students, past and present, and I honestly could not imagine my FHU experience without him in it. Several of my classes at FHU I had taken with Brother Mitchell. I was visiting with a friend of mine this morning, and we got to reminiscing about taking one of his classes that we took together our freshman or sophomore year. He always started out his classes with a song and he always remarked on the rather strong alto voices he could pick out (meaning my friend and me). Without fail, we could always count on him picking a song with a strong alto lead or supporting part.
He provided us with a TON of wonderful memories, as well as advice. I believe I can speak for most Freed-Hardeman students/alumni when I say that in some way shape or form, Dr. Stan Mitchell had an impact on us. If you never had the opportunity to meet Dr. Mitchell, I am so sorry for what you missed out on. He was a ‘modern day’ Barnabas. The kind of encourager that, as Christians, we aspire to be; but not just that, he was a spiritual GIANT with a heart so big there’s no possible way to measure it.
One of the last things he would say in his classes was, “God bless you, go with God,” and I don’t believe his departure from this world could be more fitly summed up.
Stan, I believe with all my heart that today you rest in paradise. I believe that all the people you had met and all those students who you blessed with your smile will carry on with the sweet, simple thought of being blessed more than they deserve just for simply having known you. I will thank the Lord every day for allowing me to be able to sit at your feet and learn from your wisdom and experience. You will be missed but not forgotten. For your family and those who are left to carry on in your absence, this is my daily prayer…God bless you, go with God.
The sight of an animal being mistreated causes most of us to feel sorrow for the abused. But when you see a lost child waiting for someone to stop and help, it stirs the heart to action. Perhaps one of the most valuable traits we can possess in this life is compassion. To be able to not only see when someone is hurting, but to act upon that need…that is compassion.
Our Savior’s compassion was demonstrated over and over again…“Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes…” (Matt. 20), “Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out His hand and touched him..” (Mark 1), “When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her…” (Luke 7). No wonder Paul instructs the follower of Christ to “…put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Colossians 3:12) But how far does that compassion care us? Is there a limit to our compassion. Join us on Sunday morning (July 23rd) as we turn our hearts and listen to “A Cry of Compassion.”
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, July 23, 2017
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah” – 3
Beginning the worship together with a song from the scripture is a great way to praise our God and focus on His word. You may want to read over the 148th Psalm…or just sing it while you turn in your Bibles. You’ll notice the chorus (Psalm 148:13) is sung last. It’s a great account from the text to the sheet music.
“Lord, We Come Before Thee Now” – 797
A song, a prayer, setting for us an example of how we should/could come before God’s throne. With a petition (suit) we ask for His mercy, compassion and guidance. Notice verse 2, “Lord, on Thee our souls depend; in compassion now descend; fill our hearts with Thy rich grace, (and) tune our lips to sing Thy praise.”
“Hear Me When I Call” – no book
“Hear me when I call, O God my Righteousness…” Again, a song from God’s word (Psalm 4) as we come bowing in prayer before the throne. This hymn/psalm is a call for God’s compassion, and a stirring line from the 1st and 4th verse never ceases to move me, “…hold my trembling hand, lest helpless I should fall.”
“O Sacred Head” – 318
Some will say this is a difficult song to sing as a congregation, and it does sound of Old English, with a composer from the 1700’s, but the message is unmistakable. Follow the 2nd verse, “What language shall I borrow to thank Thee, dearest friend, for this Thy dying sorrow, Thy pity without end.” Pity can mean ‘shame, or disappointment,’ but in the context of this hymn/spiritual song, pity means compassion. His compassion never ends. As we partake of the Lord’s Supper, and as we see His wounded, sacred head, remember His pity, His compassion, for us.
“If That Isn’t Love” – 379
“God demonstrated His love for us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us!” Romans 5:8 “If that isn’t love…” than we have no idea of compassion. And so we’ll sing in verse 2, “Even in death He remembered the thief hanging by His side; He spoke with love and compassion, then He took him to Paradise.” Thanks be to God for that kind of compassion…may we live like Christ died!
“O To Be Like Thee” – 429
Brother T.O. Chisholm penned a hymn in the late 1800’s that we’ll sing this morning to encourage us and remind us of the compassion Christ had for His church. Notice verse two…“O to be like Thee, full of compassion; loving forgiving, tender and kind…” But that’s not all that goes into compassion, let’s keep singing. “…Helping the helpless, cheering the fainting, seeking the wandering sinner to find.” Are we compassionate; are we helping those who can not help themselves? Do we encourage those who stumbling? Are we compassionate?
“Does Jesus Care” – 507
How do I know if Jesus cares about me? Is His compassion for everyone but me? If you are still wondering about that, you haven’t heard the message of His compassion. The soul needs only look to His cross to see HIS love and compassion. So what about you…Do you care, do you have a heart of compassion?
“Love Divine” – 140
This closing song seems to sum up our message from today, but look closely at the end of this verse, “Jesus, Thou art all compassion, pure unbounded love Thou art. Visit us with Thy salvation, enter every trembling heart.” Our Savior is all compassion, but will our hearts be ‘trembling’ enough to allow Him to enter in? Will we hear and be moved to action by “A Cry For Compassion?”
We all have dilemmas in life, and yet we’re unique in every aspect. A struggle or temptation for one might not be a struggle for another. Even as we experience similar difficulties, we often respond differently. Our comfort is knowing that in God’s word each of us can find the answers we need. Perhaps we could say that there are three dilemmas we all face in life. Three struggles that are common to many Christians today. Through inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Luke records three quotes that when heeded, will help provide us with the answers to these dilemmas.
1) When you get discouraged, remember Luke 1:37 – nothing is impossible with God.
2) When you don’t know who to listen to, remember Luke 9:35 – listen to Jesus…and
3) When materialism grabs you, remember Acts 20:35 – it is better to give than receive.
Sunday morning we’ll welcome the president of Oklahoma Christian University, Dr. John deStiguer to Waterview church of Christ as he shares some thoughts from God’s word. Do you struggle with discouragement? Is it difficult at times to know ‘who’ to listen to? Have you ever fought the spiritual vs. material battle? Join us on Sunday as we consider three “Quotes For Life.”
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, April 12, 2015
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Come Thou Almighty King” – 19
Written over 250 years ago, this hymn of praise is a call for the Almighty to ‘come’ and help us sing. To come and help us praise the Father, ‘all glorious.’ A call for ‘Thou Incarnate Word’ (Jesus) to attend to our prayer. May we focus our songs of praise to our Father, through His Son.
“Ten Thousand Angels” – 349
If we were to read the scripture and literally apply the word, this song would have a different name. Matthew 26:53 states, He could have called 12 legions of angels. So perhaps a better title would be “Seventy-two Thousand Angels.” Never forget, Christ was (is) in control and we are all indebted to His sacrifice. They did bind the hands of Jesus and they did lead Him through the streets…but He allowed it. Take some time to remember how they treated the ‘suffering’ Savior…think about Him as you partake of the Lord’s Supper.
“Worthy is the Lamb” – no book
Taken from the musical work of William Bradbury’s “Just As I Am,” this song takes the words of Revelation 5:9…“Worthy are You to take the book and break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.” And a fitting conclusion to this song, “May Your kingdom reign on earth with praise. Oh worthy are You Lord, my Lord.”
“Freely, Freely” – 635
While we open our wallets, let’s open our voices and sing about giving freely. Not only do we share our money, we need to be sharing His love with those we meet. And Jesus Himself told the disciples, “Freely you received, freely give.”Matthew 10:8
“He Is Able to Deliver Thee” – no book
It is the best theme (story or topic) ever told…how proud are you to proclaim this story? Three men were not only unashamed of serving their God, they faced certain death by doing so. Knowing they would be ‘tossed in a blazing fire,’ they responded; “…our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king.” Daniel 3:17 How willing are you to take such a stand for your faith in God?
“There’s a Fountain Free” – 909
“There’s a fountain free, it is for you and me. Let us haste (hurry), O haste to it’s brink. It is the fount(ain) of love from the Source above, and He bids (calls) us all freely drink.” So…how thirsty are you? If indeed you are thirsty, ‘will you come?’
“I’ll Be Listening” – 988
Where will you be when the Savior calls? Will you have a heart that is right? Let’s keep our ears open to His calling. Keep His will ever in our hearts so when He returns…we’ll be listening for the calling of our name.
With so much activity in our lives, it’s rare that at this time of the year, we would take time to stop and look up into the night sky. Our commercialized life style is too focused on office parties, secret Santa’s, last-minute shopping and the ‘hustle and bustle’ of this wonderful season. Nothing wrong with any of these activities, there is a lot of excitement around gifts and decorations. But are we missing the point when our life becomes so focused on things that we fail to look heavenward? It’s true, in America, Christmas time is an intense and busy time of year. And our economy seems to depend upon the retail sales from all the shopping. Toys for children as well as adults are displayed and marketed as ‘must have items’ for Christmas morning.
But if you’re ever alone, all alone at this time of year, you may be able to hear some simple questions of the season. Questions like, “Do you see what I see?” Not the lights on the tree or the decorations on the mantle, but the beauty of the stars in the night sky. Or perhaps the question will be, “Do you hear what I hear?” Not the merriment of a Christmas party or the crunching of snow under foot, but the carols of praise and adoration that wafts on the airwaves. The scriptures tell us the magi saw a star in the east (Matthew 2:2), and yet the leaders of Israel and the king of Judea apparently didn’t see it. (At least they didn’t recognize it’s importance.) And certainly the shepherds heard the proclamation of Christ’s birth (Luke 2:14) as the heavenly choir echoed across the fields, “Glory to God in the highest…” Perhaps those shepherds asked their friends, “Did you hear the singing last night?” And reading the scripture we know that Mary took in all that was being said and done around her newborn baby (Luke 2:19), “…Mary treasured all these things, (what the shepherds had said) pondering them in her heart.” She might have asked another question for those who would stop long enough to listen. “Do you know what I know?”
I remember a cold, Christmas Eve in 1975. It was a Wednesday night as my family drove back to the farm house from our mid-week Bible study. We had gone into town that evening, and as we drove home I recall the crystal, clear sky. The stars were shining in the night sky, and as I stood in the drive way looking up I thought of the words to a classic Christmas carol. “Do you see what I see, way up in the sky little lamb? A star, a star, high above the trees with a tail as big as a kite.”
Though it was almost 30 years ago, I still remember the stillness and solitude of the moment. Recalling the words of the song is one thing, but the memories from that night on Christmas Eve in 1975 continually echo through my mind.
Said the night wind to the little lamb, “Do you see what I see? Way up in the sky, little lamb, do you see what I see? A star, a star, dancing in the night with a tail as big as a kite. With a tail as big as a kite.”
Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy, “Do you hear what I hear? Ringing through the sky, shepherd boy, do you hear what I hear? A song, a song, high above the trees with a voice as big as the sea. With a voice as big as the sea.”
Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king, “Do you know what I know? In your palace warm, mighty king, do you know what I know? A Child, a Child shivers in the cold let us bring Him silver and gold Let us bring Him silver and gold
Said the king to the people everywhere, “Listen to what I say, Pray for peace, people everywhere! Listen to what I say, The Child, the Child, sleeping in the night, He will bring us goodness and light! He will bring us goodness and light!
Have you ever stopped to consider how words, though spelled alike, have a different meaning? It’s easy to see how words like post can mean something you write or something you dig a hole for. Or how stalk, can be a part of a plant or it could mean to follow someone. How about the word yard, or jam, or left, or right, or match, or crane…you see the list goes on and on. These words are commonly referred to as homonyms; words that are both spelled and pronounced the same, but have different means.
Obviously, we find homonyms in some of the songs we sing as well. You might remember singing the word ‘beguile’ in a song or two. This is a word we must know what it means if we’re going to sing it. Notice the second verse of the song, Let the Beauty of Jesus Be Seen:
“When somebody has been so unkind to you, some word spoken that pierces you through and through. Think how He was beguiled, spat upon and reviled, let the beauty of Jesus be seen in you.” The word beguiled means to trick, deceive or cheat. Could it be said that when Jesus was on trial he was cheated? Certainly; taken by night, accused by false witnesses, lied about. We can see how ‘he was beguiled’ but what about another song with the same word, could we possibly be using the same meaning?
“Sing on, ye joyful pilgrims, while here on earth we stay; let songs of home and Jesus beguile each fleeting day…” The word beguile means to trick or deceive or cheat. Would that mean songs about home and Jesus are nothing more than a deception? You know that using that definition would be a misrepresentation of Jesus’ love. Instead, this is where the ‘other’ definition comes in. Beguile can also mean, ‘to pass time pleasantly.’ We sing about our home in heaven and remember our Savior; and those thoughts alone can help us pass the time pleasantly in our life.
But let’s consider another song with a more obscure homonym, The Lily of the Valley…(verse 2) “Oh, He all my griefs have taken and all my sorrows borne; in temptation He’s my strong and might tower. I have all for Him forsaken and all my idols torn from my heart and now He keeps me by His power. Though all the world forsake me, and Satan tempt me sore, thru Jesus I shall safely reach the goal…” Though you might have noticed more than one homonym, let’s see what Satan is doing to us directly. We sang, “…though Satan tempt me sore…” What kind of sore could that mean? Is it referencing what most would consider ‘causing sorrow or misery?’ Though Satan does cause me sorrow and pain in temptations, perhaps there is another meaning to this ‘sore.’
Written in 1881, Charles W. Fry was in his mid-forties and only months away from death. As he would have been familiar with a more rustic and rural life style, Fry may have also seen a different meaning to the word sore. Truly he would have known this to be a word depicting pain, but perhaps he also knew this word had another connotation. He may very well have known that sore(d) meant to, ‘mutilate the legs or feet of (a horse) in order to induce a particular gait in the animal.’ With this added definition let’s consider the message of the song; “…though all the world forsake me and Satan tempt me (so as to make me walk the way he wants me to), thru Jesus I shall safely reach the goal…” Satan does ‘tempt me sore’ that’s true. But we should never let him change from our walk with Christ!
And it’s true, we do hurt when we face trials and temptations, but know that Satan wants to do more damage to you other than just ‘making you hurt.’ He is trying to change your gait (a person’s particular manner of walking). His evil desire is to ‘mutilate’ your legs (your heart) so badly that you will eventually change your way of walking. But that’s when we remember the next line of this hymn, “….thru (with) Jesus I shall safely reach the goal.” There are more to our psalms, hymns and spiritual songs than we sometimes realize. Spend time reading, learning and understanding the words you sing as you praise God and edify one another.
“Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind. Should old acquaintance be forgot, and days of auld lang syne. For auld lang syne, my dear…for auld lang syne. We’ll drink a cup o’ kindness yet, for auld lang syne.” A haunting melody that is often heard during the early hours of the new year. But what does it mean, is there an explanation to the mystery and intrigue that wafts on the poetic words of yesteryear?
Written more than 300 years ago, this Scottish folk song was, as it’s beginning, a love poems that reflected upon the ‘good old times’ we had. Taken to represent the feeling of melancholy at the parting of ways, we hear it on the stroke of mid-night each year. But Auld Lang Syne has also been sung at funerals, graduations and other occasions of farewell. Even the international Boy Scouts youth movement has used it to bring closure to jamborees and other functions.
By translation, “Auld Lang Syne” is saying, ‘for times gone by’, or better yet, ‘for old times sake.’ Perhaps you’ve used the phrase; “Let’s get together one more time…for old time’s sake.” When friendships come to a close, and fond memories are just that, memories. That severed sting can leave us with a tinge of nostalgia . Perhaps that is why we reminisce when we hear Auld Lang Syne.
It’s true that people will come and go in our lives. The influence of a number of individuals will ebb and flow as we walk this earth’s crust. Some will be but a passing glance while others will change us and impact our perspective on life forever. But when it comes to Christ and His church, I hope you will never hear yourself saying, “…thanks for the memories, I’m moving on.” We are challenged every day with a bombardment from the world that question and test our faith in God. Each of us at some point in our lives, maybe even now, have had our faith tested. The world daily pushes you to forget God, and that He be ‘…never brought to mind.’ Times change and our priorities shift, but in all of the modifications of life ‘should old acquaintance be forgot,’ we must never forget the one who loved us and gave His life for us. The Hebrew writer encourages us, “For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end.” (Hebrews 3:14) By faith, on Sunday morning we meet with our brothers and sisters in Christ to keep His memory fresh. And as we remember our Savior’s sacrifice, as we keep Him in our memory, we will ‘drink a cup’ of His kindness yet, for auld lang syne.
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old lang syne (old times sake)?
CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne (old time’s sake).
And surely you’ll buy your pint cup
and surely I’ll buy mine!
And we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne (old time’s sake).
CHORUS
We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne (old time’s sake).
CHORUS
We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne (old time’s sake).
CHORUS
And there’s a hand my trusty friend!
And give me a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne (old time’s sake).
In January, 1940, Irving Berlin penned the words to a song we have heard and sung during Christmas for years. The words are simple and the message couldn’t be clearer; “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, just like the ones I used to know. Where the tree tops glisten and children listen to hear sleigh bells in the snow…” The song was recorded and topped the charts in the winter of 1942 (the year following the attack on Pearl Harbor). In a few short years, 1954, Bing Crosby made this a classic, all-time favorite in the movie “White Christmas.” Perhaps the mix of melancholy – “just like the ones I used to know” – with comforting images of home – “where the treetops glisten” – gives an understanding of missing home. It’s easy to see how this song could resonated so strongly with listeners during World War II. You understand when you remember that during this time thousands of young men were scattered across the world, far from home, fighting for our freedom. The sentiment expressed in the song propelled it’s success.
For all practical purposes, the words are saying, “I’m dreaming of being home.” Ask most any college student and he or she will tell you how good it is to be home after months away. Even when we grow older and have families of our own, there is something about ‘going home’ that swells within our hearts. But what about that feeling of longing to be ‘home’ with Christ? Do we think about/Do we long to be home with Him? Paul sums it up best in the first chapter in the book of Philippians; “…I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better;” (NAS) Paul is talking about dying (though not suicidal) and going ‘home’ to heaven, as opposed to living on in this life and serving in the kingdom of God. He understood that when this life is over (when the battle is won), God has reserved a place for His children.
As we enjoy this Christmas season and sing songs of peace and home, remember the home that is waiting for the children of God. Would that we all be dreaming of that home! Enjoy this song of the season and let it warm your heart. Our “Christmas Song of the Day”…I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas.
Have you ever considered the difference between hearing and listening? We hear the sound of the traffic on the highway, but we listen when the driver behind us honks. In frustration some may say, “Yeah, I hear you!” But though their ears have heard the voice, the mind hasn’t processed (or even rejects) the message. Many today would say, “I hear you, but I’m not listening to you.” This can be a dangerous mistake for sure.
This Sunday morning we’re blessed to ‘listen’ to another lesson presented by one of our own ministers, Robert Taylor. Come join us for worship and do more than just hear a good sermon, open your ears and listen to the message from God’s holy word? Join us as we explore God’s Word and consider how we’ll use our ears!
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, October 27, 2013
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“What a Mighty God We Serve” -993
Technically, this isn’t a difficult song. The words are repetitive and the message is a basic reminder; “What a mighty God we serve! What a mighty God we serve! Angels bow before Him, heaven and earth adore Him. What a mighty God we serve!” You hear the message, but are you listening to what you’re saying? He IS mighty and He is worthy to be served…but HOW are you serving Him?
“O Thou Fount of Every Blessing” – 226
This author has talked in depth of the interpretation of this hymn written in old English Robert Robinson in the mid-1700’s. Words like “Ebenezer”, “fetter” and “interpose” have left many to discard this song as antiquated. But we must do more than just sing (hear) this message from yesteryear. Listen to the meaning when you sing verse three; “O to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be! {I know, and can never forget, the grace God gives me every day will never be repaid} Let Thy goodness like a fetter bind my wandering heart to Thee; {Father, please keep your loving kindness tied around my heart} Prone to wander, Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love. {I am all to liable to wander away from you, like a little child, please keep close to You}. Here’s my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for Thy courts above.” {As a matter of fact, take my heart and keep it in Your care until you call me home.}
“In Christ Alone” – no book
Consider this song of encouragement as we prepare our minds to commemorate our Lord’s death, burial and resurrection. We begin this song recognizing our Cornerstone, solid ground and Comforter as Christ…alone. Verse two takes us from His birth to His crucifixion and for those who know this song ‘listen’ to the emotion found in the third verse. And though we begin softly singing of His burial, our voices ‘burst forth’ as we proclaim His resurrection. The final verse gives us the assurance of our security in Christ. Children of God understand that, “…no power of hell, no scheme of man can ever pluck me from His hand…”
“I Am Mine No More” – 683
Though the author and composer of this song are unknown, the message is very clear. Would that we do more than just say, “I am mine no more…”, but that our lives would reflect a change in our priority. When you say something is more important than something else, it’s only proven by your next step. The difference between hearing and listening…
“Open Our Eyes Lord” – 766
Written in 1976, this song calls us to open our eyes and see how Jesus is alive in our world. But Robert Cull goes a step further as he penned the next verse; “Open our eyes, Lord and help us to listen…” My daddy would tell us boys, ‘You have one mouth and two ears…you should listen twice as much as you talk’ We might not be bigger talkers, but how are we with looking for God and listening to His words?
“Heaven Came Down” – 517
As we prepare for this morning’s lesson, let’s sing this spiritual song about living a Christian life. A beautiful message but notice the second verse; “Born of the Spirit with life from above into God’s family divine. Justified fully through Calvary’s love, O what a standing is mine! And the transaction so quickly was made, when as a sinner I came. Took of the offer of grace He did proffer, He saved me! O praise His dear name…” To proffer is to give a gift expecting an answer, either accept it or not. He has given us salvation. What will you do with His offer? Everyone in the auditorium will hear the offer, but will you listen to the message?
“Only a Step” – 940
How far away from God do you think you are? What kind of step(s) do you need to take to get right with Christ? Our invitation song begins with the call to “Hear the sweet voice of Jesus…” It all starts with hearing the message, but how many will listen to the ‘call?’ In John 14:6, Jesus says, “I am the way…No one comes to the Father except through Me.” The writer of this song encourages us with the understanding that Jesus is only a step away. Those who have been baptized into Christ at one time stepped into the watery grave of baptism. If you are not a child of God and you wonder how far away is He? The answer is simple…He’s only a step away.
“I’ll Be Listening” – 988
As a young boy, when my mother called…I had better answer. If I heard her and choose not to respond (refuse to listen), the consequences might include holding my dad’s hand. All the while he held a switch with his other. We hear God’s call and many have listened to His message of salvation. He will call again at the end of time, but though ‘every knee will bow’ (everyone will listen then), only those who have been faithful will be received. “When the Savior calls, I will answer…I’ll be somewhere listening for my name!”
We often ask God for safe travel and healing for the sick. Ever notice how our prayers are often saturated with what we want from God? But how much do we think about what God wants from us? Does He have any expectations of His children?
Sunday morning at Waterview church of Christ we’ll examine some things that God desires from His children. Consider how much you give to God when it comes to justice, kindness and humility. We often are prepared to travel to foreign mission fields and sign up for mission trips to comfort those who are suffering. But is our justice and kindness reserved only for those who are ‘afar off?’ How willing are we to be just, kind and humble to those we see every day, or maybe… every Sunday?
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, June 2, 2013
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Let God Arise” – 471
Our call to worship is a contemporary song with roots from the 68th Psalm. A simple statement Christians should always remember, “May God arise, may His enemies be scattered…” How will it look when God’s enemies are scattered. Will you be standing with Him or His enemies?
“Higher Ground” – no book
An adaptation from the original by Johnson Oatman, this arrangement features the same music (for the most part) and the same words, yet with a slight twist. The above YouTube video follows the format that we’ll be singing this Sunday morning at Waterview. Enjoy the adjustment, but don’t miss the message; “I’m pressing on the upward way,”…stilling praying that the Lord will, “…plant my feet on higher ground.”
“In Memory of the Savior’s Love” – 335 & “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” – 315
These two songs will serve as a medley for the Lord’s supper. Verse one from the first song will proceed verse two from the second. Notice the flow; “…where every humble, contrite (penitent) heart is made a welcome guest.” “Forbid it Lord that I should boast, save in the death of Christ my Lord…” We’ll sing this will be before the bread, then before the fruit of the vine we’ll sing verses 2 & 3 from this medley. The songs will flow like this: “…The cup in token of His blood that was for sinner’s shed.” “See from His head, His hands, His feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down…” And as we close our time of remembrance we’ll switch the order of the songs and begin with verse 4 and close with verse 3. The message: “…Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.” “Beneath the banner thus we sing the wonders of His love…”
“Pierce My Ear” – no book
Taken from Exodus 21:1-6, and yet many tend to shy away from this song because of the misunderstanding of (or disagreement with) the title. But when we understand the Biblical reference behind this psalm (we are singing scripture) we can better understand that for a Hebrew slave to have his ear pierced was not a glamorous sign of independence. Instead, it meant a permanent, visual contract that displayed his prearranged bondage. To say you ‘wanted your ear pierced’ was a step toward giving up your every freedom to a life of slavery. Read the text, “If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years. But in the seventh year, he shall go free, without paying anything.If he comes alone, he is to go free alone; but if he has a wife when he comes, she is to go with him.If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the woman and her children shall belong to her master, and only the man shall go free.“But if the servant declares, ‘I love my master and my wife and children and do not want to go free,’then his master must take him before the judges. He shall take him to the door or the doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he will be his servant for life.” Now who is willing to sing?
“Where He Leads I’ll Follow” – 417
In keeping with our theme for this lesson we need to look no further than the last phrase from the first two verses of this song; “He the great example is the pattern for me…” When we truly Follow Jesus, we’ll be kind to the erring ones and faith like He is.
“‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” – 679
Our invitation song calls us to trust Him. Personally, the second verse means more as we understand we’re singing about baptism. Notice it again, “O how sweet to trust in Jesus, just to trust His cleansing blood, just in simple faith to plunge me ‘neath (beneath) the healing, cleansing flood.” Sometimes I wonder how many have sung this song over the years and missed that critical message of baptism.
“Oh, to Be Like Thee” – 429
As we draw this song service to a close, this hymn reminds us of what God wants from us; to be like Him. Again, see the second verse; “Oh, to be like Thee! Full of compassion, loving, forgiving, tender and kind, helping the helpless, cheering the fainting, seeking the wandering sinner to find…” Is Jesus stamped on your heart?
the heart to action. Perhaps one of the most valuable traits we can possess in this life is compassion. To be able to not only see when someone is hurting, but to act upon that need…that is compassion.
“Hear Me When I Call” – no book
