A Land that is Fairer Than Day

These past few days, several trips have been made back and forth between the hospital and the house for both my brother and me.

hospital

Not a quick drive across town, but a 50 mile drive (one way) across the Metroplex.  Perhaps for many that’s not a big deal and they do it daily in their commute, but personally I like to stay close to home.  My brother had it even tougher; his drive as 6 hours round trip and he made it several time too.  But for me, big city driving has never been a favorite pastime.  But we all know that ‘you do what have to do’…better yet, we do what needs to be done!  And for me these past few days, making that jaunt needed to be done.

Daddy fell two weeks ago come Monday as he was walking down the hall way in his apartment.  A walk he had taken hundreds of times in the last 7 years, but on March 11th this ‘last’ walk ended with him laying on the floor with a fractured hip.  From there it was a hard road…surgery was 3 days later, and rehab was inevitable.  He seemed to be coming along pretty well on Monday, four days after surgery, but this afternoon it all changed.  Due to complications from his surgery (blood clot most likely), daddy passed away.  From all accounts it happened pretty quickly and he didn’t suffer.  The road ahead was looking to be a long one and the rehabilitation was certain to be difficult for daddy.  But he’s free from that pain now.  His body (more like his soul) is at rest and we will do our best to honor his memory.

As my brother and I stood in the emergency room this afternoon and said our final ‘Good-bye’, Doyle quietly said the following words; “There’s a land that is fairer than day…”  I echoed, “…and by faith we can see it afar.”  Daddy has gone home and this physical life is behind him now.  We rest assured knowing that there is a sweet by and by, and that thought brings us comfort.  Time changes everything and we all realize that death comes in time, but we hold fast to the hope we have in Christ.  As I drove home from the hospital this evening I spent some time singing and talking to God.  My prayer was simple; asking for comfort, safety on the road and understanding…but something more was added to my prayer list.  I thanked God for giving me a daddy who taught me Jesus Christ.  A father who raised me to honor God and always strive to serve Him.  For that blessing I am most thankful!
  1. There’s a land that is fairer than day,
    And by faith we can see it afar;
    For the Father waits over the way
    To prepare us a dwelling place there.

    • Chorus:
      In the sweet by and by,
      We shall meet on that beautiful shore;
      In the sweet by and by,
      We shall meet on that beautiful shore.
  2. We shall sing on that beautiful shore
    The melodious songs of the blessed;
    And our spirits shall sorrow no more,
    Not a sigh for the blessing of rest.
  3. To our bountiful Father above,
    We will offer our tribute of praise
    For the glorious gift of His love
    And the blessings that hallow our days.


    As I conclude this memorial to my daddy, let me take a moment to share a passage from the book which bears his name.  James chapter 5:13 “Is anyone among you suffering?  Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises.”  After 83 years, James Bruce will be missed on this earth.  His last surviving brother and two sisters (not to mention his widow and four sons and their families) will miss him dearly, but we hold to the hope that some day soon… “We shall meet on that beautiful shore.” 

A Faithful Friend

The greatest compliment we might ever receive comes when someone calls us faithfultheir friend.  Perhaps we are all in search of a friend who is true and faithful!

How many friends would you say you have? How many faithful and true friends would answer your phone call in the early hours of the morning?  A faithful friend is always there in the hard times.  A faithful friend is consistent day in and day out.  As a child of God, we can know our God is faithful…

Lamentations 3:22 reads, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassion never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”  The following YouTube (sung by the Blue Rock Mennonite Youth) will provide a good A Cappella arrangement of T.O. Chisholm’s, Great Is Thy Faithfulness.

So often we are willing to help our friends when it’s convenient for our schedule.  But if things are busy in our life or if we just ‘don’t feel like it’, our friendship might come into question.  This hymn (a song that is sung to our God) states in the chorus, “Morning by morning new mercies I see…”  But read about the surmounting evidence as referenced in the 2nd verse…“Summer and winter, springtime and harvest, sun, moon and stars in their courses above join with all nature in manifold (multiple) witness to Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.”

How faithful do you think God is to you?  Would you consider Him your friend.  As we draw this article to a close, read the words of Paul in I Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.”  When times are difficult and life is tough, is there a friend you can call on.  My faith looks heavenward as I know He’s a faithful friend.  Great is His faithfulness!

GIGO…March 3rd

examine 1My prayer for those who are reading this to be drawn closer to understanding the purpose we share on Sunday morning.  We come together and worship God, we come to offer a sacrifice of praise and to join together as we commemorate our Lord’s death, burial and resurrection. This coming Sunday morning (March 3rd) we’ll examine our hearts and see if what comes out of our heart is reflective of what is going into our mind. We’ll sing on Sunday morning, but will your words reflect your heart…or will you be singing from a routine practiced over the years?

Sunday morning, March 3, 2013

Our sermon topic on Sunday is entitled, “GIGO”, what does that mean?  Join us Sunday morning or check out the lesson on Waterview’s website [LINK] Sunday afternoon.  Those who are familiar with this website know the following is an account of our order of worship.  All song numbers are from the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.

“Holy Ground Medley” – 99, 100 & 101

The editors of our hymnal (Faith & Praise) chose to place the songs In His Presence, Holy Ground (by Beatty) and Holy Ground (by Davis) as a predesigned medley. Many have sung this collection of songs and the message is a powerful reminder of the holiness of God.  We begin by focusing on the environment we find when ‘in the presence of God’…comfort, peace and assurance.  The medley continues as we recognize being in His presence. Remember Moses (Exodus 3) as he was standing ‘on holy ground.’  Ken Young added the second verse of Beatty’s song when he wrote; “You are holy, God, a perfect and holy God. We will come before You with hearts made clean by Jesus’ blood.” We come to worship our Father, and together we are standing on Holy Ground.

“Why Did My Savior Come to Earth” – 382

The question is asked with this spiritual song, why?  Why did Jesus come to earth and choose the birth of a lowly peasant born in a stable?   And why would our Savior choose to die such a cruel, painful death and be lifted up for all to see…and scorn?  The answer is repeated three times in the chorus (7 times if you count the echo in the refrain) “He loves me so much that He gave His precious life for me…”  Now transition to the next song.

“How Deep the Father’s Love” – no booksoldier at the cross

A contemporary song that isn’t asking the question “How deep is the Father’s love,” but one that is sung to confirm what we already realize.  God’s love for us is so deep, and vast we can’t measure it.  How great the pain must have been for both the Father and the Son.  But the objective was clear, to ‘bring many sons to glory.’  We continue this song as we ‘behold the man upon the cross’ and clearly recognize our sins.  Think in your mind back to the mocking voices (Luke 23:35-38) as they stood at the foot of the cross?  In poetry we sing, “…ashamed I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers.”

Following the Lord’s Supper we’ll revisit the third verse from these two songs.  We asked earlier, “Why did my Savior come to earth…” and then again “…Why should I gain from His reward?”  Do you remember the next line, “I cannot give an answer, but this I know with all my heart, His wounds have paid my ransom.”  Before we conclude this medley, let’s us sing…“Till Jesus comes I sing His praise, and then to glory go…”

“Wonderful Words of Life” – 543

Prior to today’s lesson we’ll stand and sing this familiar melody from the late 1800’s.  Philip Bliss authored many songs (10 in the Faith and Praise hymnal), but this particular one captivates me as we sing verse 2, “Christ the blessed one gives to all, wonderful words of life.  Sinner, list (listen) to the loving call, wonderful words of life. All so freely given (these wonderful words), wooing us to heaven…”  What does it mean to woo something (someone)?  One definition; “To entreat, solicit, request…”  Notice; the ‘words of life’ are given as an attempt (if you will) to entreat us/call us to heaven.  Wonderful Words!

Examine Heart

“Is Thy Heart Right with God” – no book

How is your heart?  Not physically speaking, but spiritually speaking?  Is it right with God?  Too often I fear we self-diagnose our life in Christ and come away with faulty information.  If my affections (things I hold as most important) are not given up (sacrificed), or if I can’t ‘count all things…but loss’ (for Jesus), then will I ever be right with God?  Ask yourself this question and then make a change.  Perhaps you need to be washed in the crimson flood…

“Let the Beauty of Jesus Be Seen in Me” – 722

“From the dawn of the morning to close of day…”  What do people see in you?  How is your example, in both your actions and your words?  This song reminds me that I must lay all my gifts at His feet and think carefully about how I act toward others.  Can the beauty of Jesus be seen in me?

Join us each and every Sunday morning!

A 50 Year Journey…Feb. 24th

OGLESBY-ROBERT-414Sunday morning, February 24th, Waterview church of Christ celebrates 50 years with Robert & Willora Oglesby.  Since the spring of 1963, Robert has been the pulpit preacher for this congregation of God’s people.  For that longevity of faithfulness we give God the glory.  As we sing today, our songs are intended to admonish and encourage the family as we bring before God our sacrifice of praise, the fruit of our lips (Hebrews 13:15).  Thanks be to God for working through Robert these past 50 years!

The following ‘order of worship’ is designed to focus our mind toward our worship to Him.  Think about the songs you sing in praise to God…

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

Sunday morning, February 24, 2013

You’ll notice the following songs come from the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.

 

“Step By Step”, “Here We Are But Straying Pilgrims” & “He Has Made Me Glad” – 15, 537 & 103 respectively

This three song medley is a strong, upbeat blend using a hymn, spiritual song and psalm (can you tell which one is which…yes, I know there is some gray in the definition of each, but you get the idea).  We begin this morning proclaiming our faith in God and announcing that, ‘…I will follow You all of my days’.  Our second song in this medley encourages the saints to focus on heaven.  With the verses sung in unison, we sense the oneness of our journey home.  Finally, the last song in this medley is a quote from Psalm 100.  We come together with thanksgiving in our hearts…I’m glad to be worshiping with the saints!

“Til My Faith Becomes Sight” – 836

The second verse provides us the reminder of our reason for coming together this morning…“Lamb of God, dear hope of glory, Savior crucified, by Your blood I am redeemed my debt now satisfied…”  We must ‘keep our eyes’ on Jesus as we meet, communion and worship our King.

“‘Tis Set the Feast Divine” – no bookcross

Not in many of our hymnals, this song by L. O. Sanderson serves to prepare our minds (keep our minds) focused on the Savior and His death on the cross.  “May we the Lord discern…”  As we sing we’re asking that we all recognize and realize the death of Jesus is the only thing we need to concern ourselves with.  When we eat of the bread and drink of the cup…what are you thinking about?

“In Memory of the Savior’s Love” – 335

Following the passing of the fruit of the vine, we’ll sing this old hymn by Thomas Cotterill written in 1805.  Notice the call for us to remember His love, and come before Him with a contrite heart.  How contrite (full of remorse) is your heart when you take of the Lord’s Supper?  We take the bread of life and the token cup of blood as we anticipate the ‘heavenly feast above’.

“This World is Not My Home” – 957

Do you ‘feel right at home’ when it comes to this world?  If you do I would recommend you reconsider your comfort zone.  We’ll sing here about our treasures being stored in heaven (Matthew 6:19) and not feeling at home in this world anymore.  The chorus is so strong; “…if heaven’s not my home, then Lord, what will I do?”  Remember this, without the hope of heaven we’re lost in an unfriendly world.

“Higher Ground” (Ken Young version) – no book

This revised, old song has become a Waterview favorite during the last 8-10 years.  The words haven’t changed, but the music has.  Same tune, but the 2nd verse brings a solid foundation of male voices singing, “Heart has no desire to stay where doubts arise and fears dismay.  Some may dwell where these abound my prayer my aim is higher ground…”  Notice what you just read/sang; My heart doesn’t want to stay here (this world is not my home) where there are doubts and fears that destroy our courage (dismay).  But even though some people seem to dwell in this type of circumstance ( where doubts and fears abound), my prayer and my aim is HIGHER GROUND!

“Let Me Live Close to Thee” – 831

Not a typical invitation song, but since we’re talking and thinking about our journey, this seems to fit our call for repentance, change and renewing.  How willing are you to ‘work and never shirk’ for your God.  Let’s all say (sing) we want to live close to Him each day.

“The Battle Belongs to the Lord” – no book

A contemporary song that proclaims the victory belongs to God.  We’ll close this morning’s worship service with a song of victory.  Will you go out into the world and take on the full armor (panoply) of God?  In the chorus, as we sing, let’s give all our 1) glory, 2) honor, 3) power and 4) strength to the Lord.

It Is Finished!

Jesus came to redeem you and me from a lost and sinful life.  His death on the cross, and His final breath sealed our fate (if you will) as He raised His voice and shouted…”It is finished!”

“There’s a line that’s been drawn through the ages, on that line stands the old rugged cross;

line in the sand...1

On that cross a battle is raging, for the gain of man’s soul or his loss.
On one side march the forces of evil, all the demons and devils of hell:
On the other the angels of glory, and they meet on Golgotha’s hill.
The earth shakes with the force of the conflict, and the sun refuses to shine;
For there hangs God’s Son in the balance, and then through the darkness He cries:

‘It is finished!’ The battle is over, it is finished, there’ll be no more war;
It is finished, the end of the conflict, it is finished and Jesus is Lord.

In my heart the battle was raging, not all prisoner’s of war have come home:
They were battle fields of my own making, didn’t know that the war had been won.
Then I heard that the King of the Ages had fought all the battle for me:
And the victory was mine for the claiming, and now, praise His name I am free!

“It is finished!”

This spiritual song was written less than 50 years ago (in 1976) and speaks toward our struggle in this life.  We struggle (battle) against the rulers, the powers and the forces of darkness.  See Ephesians 6:12…Our fight is not against each other.  We don’t compete man to man.  We are not in a ‘hand-to-hand’ combat zone.  Ladies and gentlemen,our adversary is unseen and he (Satan) is behind our struggles.

We sing the song, “Lord, make us instruments of Your peace…” and rightly so.  Our desire is to spread the gospel of peace to a lost and dying world.  Wouldn’t it make sense that Satan is doing the same?  You don’t need to look past the 6:00 o’clock news to see that his minions are carrying out the work of evil.  Sadly, they often do this work unknowingly serving the prince of this world (John 12:31).

Armor Of GodSo how do I ‘fight’ and unseen foe?  With what shall I arm myself before I step onto the battle field against the ‘prince of this world?’  A soldier would be soundly defeated if he walked into battle with only a single-shot, short range pistol. (unless his name was David and his opponent was 9 foot tall.)  Any warrior knows that he must be properly prepared to face his enemy (and David WAS well prepared).  Without the proper tools he’d surely fail.  So what do I ‘put on?’  Stay with Ephesians 6 and you’ll read the answer; the complete armor of God.  Know in your heart the victory has been won and fight with faith (there’s a song about that too).  As our lead song states in its final verse, ‘…and the victory was mine for the claiming…’.  By faith I hope you will claim the victory, because Jesus said it loud and clear, “It is finished!”

Taking a Look at Sunday Morning

I am thankful for my church family…

Having just returned from a trip the evening before, we were late getting to church service and decided not to interrupt class 20 minutes late. After getting some work done in the office, we sat down early in the auditorium.

Though we left on vacation following the morning services last week, it seemed like a long time since we’d been with our church family.

At first, it was dark in the auditorium, then a few people started to arrive.  One sweet lady, dressed in high heels and using a walking cane, was escorted to her seat by her grown son who then returned pushing her husband in a wheelchair.  They sat on the second seat from the front, settled in their pew while the son figured out where to store the folded wheel chair. He sat with them.

A few others, mostly folks walking slowly due to age, came in the auditorium finding their pews and settling in for worship before class was dismissed and the masses arrived.

One man came walking down our aisle and suddenly the lights came on.  Smiling he told us they automatically come on when he enters!  We shared small talk and he settled in his pew awaiting the rest of his family.

For 15 minutes people strolled in the auditorium, some stopped to chat before sitting down, others hurriedly walked past looking towards ‘their’ pew.  Some, knowing we’d been out of town, asked about our trip.  Another was excited to show me she too had recently gotten an iPhone, she asked if I would like to go to classes with her. Another brother shared with me a picture of a fancy faucet he had just installed in their renovated bathroom.  And yet another dear brother, short on time, asked me a question about his LOA group (our church’s small group).  One of our young men, on his first visit home from college, stopped to give me a hug and chat briefly before others wanted his attention too. A sweet lady in the pew in front of me wanted to chat about her LOA plans that were scheduled for the evening.

I glanced around the auditorium and saw a sister across the way that hadn’t been to worship in quite some time…I said a prayer of thanksgiving.  Families are all in place now, some with guests from out of town.  The college students came in close to the starting time and sat in a row together in their normal spot.

Now it’s time for the welcome and announcements and our weekly ‘meet and greet’.  Then worship begins.  It’s a joy to begin worship in prayer and then song.  A brother in front of us realizes contribution is early in the service so he pulls out a couple bills from his wallet and tries to throw them down the row for his daughter & friend to put in the plate…except neither girl saw the money and his wife sat on one of the bills.  Oh well, at least, he tried.

Before I know it, worship is over and it’s time to visit on our way out the door.  As I walk through the north end a new grandma is busy visiting with her LOA friends about her wonderful new grandson!  I lose track of time visiting and can’t find my husband; I’m assuming he went to the van to wait for me…not so this time.  In the van I do some more waiting and observe several families leaving from the parking lot.  One couple has a wedding gift and they see the person in the parking lot they need to give it to!  A college student and his younger brother come out and drive the suburban closer to the exit waiting for the rest of the family – I’m guessing it felt good to him to be back in that role, and the family certainly loved the familiarity of it too.

The sun was shining but there’s coolness in the air.  Today is our LOA Sunday and there is of buzz in the family as many have plans with their small group.

It’s such a blessing to be a part of God’s family, sharing and caring for each other in every way!  I look forward to any opportunity I have to be with my family, but it seemed especially sweet yesterday after being gone for a week.

I thank God that he gives us everything we need, each other, our church family.

Donna

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.  The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” I John 4:8

In the family of God we are a blessed people! 

Thanks Donna for reminding us of the joy we have in the Kingdom of God.

 

 

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 9:32all 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!

Doing Chores…Part Two

What kind of chores do you have?  You know that we all have work to do, and in an earlier article we discussed a two-fold idea of ‘doing chores’.

The idea of working on the farm (doing chores) and how we, through God’s Word, are referred to as sheep.  Understand this clearly, we are sheep, and at the same time we have an obligation to tend sheep.  How can we be expected to do both?  Can we be sheep and at the same time be ‘shepherd’ sheep?

Perhaps the following song, written in the 1960s by Robert Arnold and Clyde Williams, gives the details of our task, our chore, when it comes to working with sheep.  Though not often sung in our congregations today, this song speaks to us about doing our chores.  The basis for this song is found in John 21:15-17; “So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?’  He said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord: You know that I love You.’  He said to him, ‘Tend My lambs.’  He said to him again a second time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love Me?’  He said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.’  He said to him, ‘Shepherd My sheep.’  He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love Me?’  Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, ‘Do you love Me?’  And he said to Him, ‘Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.’  Jesus said to him, ‘Tend My sheep.’ ”  Referencing Christ’s discussion with Peter by the Sea of Galilee, you’ll notice this song of encouragement is really Christ telling Peter (and us) to bring those who are lost back to Him.  If we love Him, we will be doing our chores and tending His sheep.  Perhaps we need to examine ourselves and see who we really love.

“In the good Book we’re told how to the saints of old, Jesus said, ‘Go feed My sheep;’
As He commanded then, we’ll be commanded when Jesus says children feed My sheep.

Chorus:
Lovest thou Me, My child, more than these? (repeat)
These are the words Peter of old, by our Lord then was told,
And today, Jesus says, these are My sheep.
Lovest thou Me, My child, more than these? (repeat)
As of old, so today, Hear the Lord, He will say,
Lovest thou Me, more than these?
Feed My sheep!

“Jesus commanded those, who would obey His call, ‘Go the lost and bring them in.’
Bring ye the wanderers home, wherever they may roam, Help them eternal life to win.

Chorus:
Lovest thou Me, My child, more than these? (repeat)
These are the words Peter of old, by our Lord then was told,
And today, Jesus says, these are My sheep.
Lovest thou Me, My child, more than these? (repeat)
As of old, so today, Hear the Lord, He will say,
Lovest thou Me, more than these?
Feed My sheep!

There are chores to be done no doubt.  And like those years of my youth on a small, rural farm in the 70’s, you too have a chore.  But unlike those early years, you have a choice.  You don’t have to do your chores.  You can skip out on ‘tending the sheep’ and just play around in the garden.  If that’s the road you take you need to remember this; one day you’ll be ask how you did with your chores?  Did you love your Father and obey His directive?  Did you (do you) really love Him?  We can answer like Peter did, “Yes, Lord!  I love You…”  But the results of your labor will be the real answer to the question, “Lovest Thou Me?”  When we love our God, we’ll be doing our chores!