Category: Memorial

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Remember the Soldiers

Waterview Veterans...2014This past Saturday morning we honored our veterans at Waterview church of Christ. More than 130 of us gathered for breakfast and fellowship as we recognized 40 veterans and their widows. We listened to a couple of patriotic songs and two inspirational readings. One of those poems was entitled “A Soldier Died Today.” Written by A. Lawrence Vaincourt, we came to better appreciate the sacrifice given by ‘a Common Soldier.’

A Soldier Died Today…

 

He was getting old and paunchy and his hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the Legion, telling stories of the past.

Of a war that he once fought in and the deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies; they were heroes, every one.

And ‘tho sometimes to his neighbors his tales became a joke,
All his buddies listened quietly for they knew where of he spoke.

But we’ll hear his tales no longer, for ol’ Joe has passed away,
And the world’s a little poorer for a Soldier died today.

He won’t be mourned by many, just his children and his wife.Soldiers funeral
For he lived an ordinary, very quiet sort of life.

He held a job and raised a family, going quietly on his way;
And the world won’t note his passing, ‘tho a Soldier died today.

When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing, and proclaim that they were great.

Papers tell of their life stories from the time that they were young
But the passing of a Soldier goes unnoticed, and unsung.

He’s just an ordinary fellow who in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his country and offer up his life.

A loyal, faithful Soldier, who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal and perhaps a pension, small.

It’s too easy to forget them, but our minds we must employ
If it were not for our soldiers would freedom our country enjoy?

Should you find yourself in danger, with your enemies at hand,
There’s only one good option…for the soldier takes a stand!

Consider that lone Soldier–loving country, home and kin,
Just a common Soldier, who would fight until the end.

He was just a common soldier, and his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us we may need his like again.

folded flagFor when countries are in conflict, we find the Soldier’s part
Is to clean up all the troubles with a faithful, caring heart.

If we cannot do him honor while he’s here to hear the praise,
Then at least let’s give him homage at the ending of his days.

Perhaps just a simply headline in the paper that might say:
“OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING, A SOLDIER DIED TODAY.”

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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 parents with childconcerned 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 The Shemathis 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.

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Boiling the Frog?…Aug. 10th

My wife loves to collect cookbooks. She would spend hours on end just reading the recipes, looking for something interesting and new. And though she has cookbooks lining the shelves in our kitchen, I have yet to find a recipe for ‘boiled frog.’ Some have told me fried frog legs are delicious, and I understand they are a delicacy in the south. But how about boiling a frogfrog?

If you know anything about our minister, Robert Oglesby, and the Waterview church of Christ, you know our Sunday morning sermon won’t be outlining a frog recipe. Instead, we’ll consider the similarities of being conformed to the world of sin (Romans 12:1, 2), much like a frog’s body is conformed to the temperature of the water. And yet slowly turning up the heat will boil that frog. As Christians we should ask ourselves if we’re feeling the heat or if we are just conforming to our surroundings. Perhaps the best way to ‘boil the frog’ is the same way the devil would boil a Christian.

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

Sunday morning, Aug 10, 2014

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

“We Shall Assemble” – 718

Time and again God’s people are called to assemble before Him. We come together each Sunday morning to fellowship with one another, study from His word and worship Him alone. The visualization of assembling on the mountain is the idea of coming up to God rather than having Him descend to us.

I love my Savior“I Love My Savior, Too” – 610

The final words of our previous song are, “…we’ll sing the song of the redeemed.” Then we’ll pick up with what I see as the ‘song of the redeemed,’ “Jesus, my heavenly King, loves me…” But the redeemed sing, “I love my Savior…” To keep from getting ‘boiled,’ and stay out of ‘hot water’ we need to constantly remind each other, and sing, of our Savior’s love.

“In Christ Alone” – no book

In this song of admonition we sing as we prepare our minds for the Lord’s supper.  A memorial of His death, burial and resurrection.  Verse one consist of recognizing our Cornerstone, solid ground and Comforter (‘In Christ alone’), verse two takes us from His birth (‘fullness of God in a helpless Babe’) to His crucifixion (’til on that cross as Jesus died’).  Those who know this song cherish the third verse. We begin softly of His burial (‘There in the ground His body lay’), until our voices ‘burst forth’ as we sing of His resurrection (‘up from the grave He rose again.’)  The final verse gives us assurance in Christ as we sing, ‘No power of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from His hand…’

“Purer, Yet and Purer” – 682

How can one be ‘purer?’ Since pure can be defined as absolute or innocent, how can I be ‘more absolute?’ Wouldn’t it stand to reason that I’m either innocent or guilty, but not more innocent than guilty? To call for our lives to be purer we need to consider another meaning for the word. To be pure can also mean to be clean. Certainly we can be ‘stained’ by the world, and therefore should desire to be cleaner than before we were in the world. Like a frog in lukewarm water, we might grow accustomed to our surroundings and fail to realize how much warmer (how impure) we’ve become.

“How Shall the Young Secure Their Hearts” – 432

What shall we do to keep our young people from ‘boiling in the world’ (faithful to God)? A question that has been asked from generation to generation. And this spiritual song (hymn) asked this same question almost 300 years ago. In verse one Isaac Watts penned, “How shall the young secure their hearts and guard their lives from sin?” And then in the final verse he provides the answer; “Thy Word is everlasting truth; how pure is every page! That holy book shall guide our youth and well support our age.”

“Out of My Bondage” – 918

An invitation song that will hopefully emphasize the message from today’s sermon. If we are in the world, and the world is ‘heating up,’ how will we respond? Are we prepared to jump out of the situations that slowly consume our walk with Christ? To get out of our bondage, sorrow and night, we have to recognize the darkness. Notice our words in the final verse, “Out of the fear and dread of the tomb, Jesus I come, Jesus I come; into the joy and light of Thy home, Jesus I come to Thee. Out of the depths of ruin untold, into the peace of Thy sheltering fold, Ever Thy glorious face to behold, Jesus, I come to Thee.” Will you come to Him, or are you content to stay in the pot world pretending to be a frog Christian?

“Restore My Soul” – no book

Getting our lives focused on Christ and out of the world, we sing of restoration…renew my spirit, revive the fire and renew my courage. When we determine restoration is important, we’ll jump out of the pot. It’s time we wake up and smell what’s cookin’.

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Fixing the Pharisees…June 29th

Perhaps you’ve heard the phrase, “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.” But the reverse could be true; if it is broken, it needs to be fixed. Your car doesn’t start so you find out what’s wrong with it and fix it. Your computer is running slow, so do some checking and car repairthen get it fixed. Evaluate what you are having problems with, and then see what needs to be done to fix it.

The Pharisees in Jesus’ day had their idea of how best to ‘worship’ God. But a quick study of the text shows they were missing the mark. Their practices were selfish and based on political partiality. In short, the religious leaders during Christ’s time were broken and needed to be fixed. But how about you and your worship to God? Are you ‘doing it right?’ Join us on Sunday morning as we consider, ‘fixing the Pharisees.’

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

Sunday morning, June 29, 2014

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

“To God Be the Glory” – 2

“Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let the earth hear His voice…” What a great song of praise as we open our worship time together.

“God Has Smiled on Me” – 118

A song typically sung slowly to emphasize the blessings we have as God ‘smiles’ us. But this morning we’ll sing this song with a faster tempo to match the level of energy with the previous song. Notice the connection: “…O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son, and give Him the glory great things He hath done.” “God has smiled on me, He has set me free…” Praise the Lord!

“Great is Thy Faithfulness” – 57

Written in the early 1900’s, this hymn of praise echoes our thankfulness to God for His faithfulness. How do we know God is faithful; “…morning by morning new mercies I see…” Verse two gives even more for the Christian to hold on to; “Summer and winter and spring time 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.”

“Tis Set the Feast Divine” – no bookLord's Supper

“It is set, the feast divine..” We come together on the first day of the week to commemorate our Lord’s death, burial and resurrection. We do that when we partake of the Lord’s Supper, the ‘feast divine.’ But what is being served for this feast? We sing what we read from the scripture, “the bread and the fruit of the vine.”

“Til My Faith Becomes Sight” – 836

A song which I would call a contemporary hymn, written just 23 years ago, provides us with six names for our Lord, Jesus Christ; 1) Bread of Life (John 6:35), 2) Living Water (John 4:10), 3) Lover of my soul (Romans 8:39), 4) Lamb of God (John 1:36), 5) Hope of Glory (Colossians 1:27), 6) Savior crucified (Acts 2:36).

“When This Passing World is Done” – 259

Do you understand all that Jesus has done for you? Can you comprehend the vastness of His compassion on His people? This hymn (prayer) sung to God has been around for more than 150 years, and yet it still holds a true message for us today. When this life is over, when I stand before judgment, when I hear the thunderous praise of heaven…then I’ll know how much I owe for the gift of my salvation. But notice the scripture reference in verse 4; “…for now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face, for I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” (I Cor. 13:12). So we sing, “E’en on earth as through a glass, darkly let Thy glory pass.” Don’t wait until you stand before the throne of God, consider all that God has done for you, even while you are here on earth…

“More About Jesus” – 678

Before our lesson we sing this spiritual song about desiring to know ‘more about Jesus.’ If we think we have it ‘all figured out,’ and if we think we’re NOT broken, we run the risk of being Pharisaical…never thinking we need to be fixed.

“Purer in Heart, O God” – 671

Oh to be like Christ (that’s what Christian means), “…we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. And hearts on fireeveryone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” We sing this song as our invitation song, calling for us to have pure hearts. How can that be? We sing, “May I devote my life wholly to Thee…”

“Light the Fire” – no book

A contemporary song that calls us to be ‘on fire’ for God. We are all broken and need to be fixed, and one way we can do that is to stand and praise our God. Understanding my position, I should fall to my knees in humility. And so we sing, “…Lord, You know where I’ve been (I’m broken), so light the fire in my heart again (fix me).” Jesus tried to ‘fix’ the Pharisees in their stubborn, broken state, but they resisted. So what about you, will you let Him fix you?

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Will You Join Me for Supper?…Jan. 26th

collection plateEvery Sunday morning we meet together to worship God, sing songs of praise and edification and study from His holy word.  But above all, we come as a collected body of His people to commemorate our Lord’s death, burial and resurrection.  And we do so, as He commanded, by taking the bread, His body, and the cup, His blood in remembrance of Him.

This Sunday morning we’ll focus our time together, in the corporate worship, solely around the Lord’s Supper.  Our songs will be interspersed with the message of Christ’s sacrifice.  Often we come together, and often we sing and prayer, but our prayer is that we will keep in memory all the things Jesus said.  Sunday morning would be a good time to, “join me for supper.”

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

Sunday morning, January 26, 2014

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

“Come, Let Us All Unite to Sing” -121

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

“He Has Made Me Glad” -103

Taken from the Psalms (100th chapter) this contemporary ‘psalm’ expresses our wish to come before the Lord with singing.  We sing about thankfully entering through His gates and praising Him in His courts.  Today is the day the Lord has made…how will you react to it?  If He has made you glad, REJOICE!

Rose of Sharon“Jesus, Rose of Sharon” -568

A song from years gone by and one that is not often sung amidst all our contemporary options.  But what a power message that references the Old Testament.  The Rose of Sharon (Song of Solomon) is used poetically and expresses the beauty of the one who is loved.  Do you see Jesus as beautiful in His sacrifice and love for you?  There is so much more to this rose which grew in Sharon’s plain (Isaiah 35) besides it’s beauty.  It possessed qualities for healing and health as noted in the third verse; “Jesus, Rose of Sharon, balm for every ill, may Thy tender mercy’s healing power distil for afflicted souls of weary burdened men, giving needy mortals health and hope again…”

“Oft We Come Together” -no book

Written and composed by Tillit S. Teddlie, this song focuses on the Lord’s Supper and fits well with our message this morning.  Would that we truly worship as we eat the bread and drink the cup.  But not only should we have a worshipful heart, we should be together as one (in one accord) without decisions or division.  “Help us Lord, Thy love to see…”

“Til My Faith Becomes Sight“ -836

A beautiful song of prayer as we identify six specific names for Jesus, the Christ.  1) Bread of Life 2) pure Living Water 3) Lover of my soul 4) Lamb of God 5) Savior 6) Lord & King…Don’t fear the world, it may ‘slay’ you, but He is the light darkness.  Keep your eyes on Him til your faith becomes sight.

“When I See the Blood” -no book

Perhaps not familiar to most, this song was written in 1892 and uses the exact wording found in Exodus 12:13, “And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.”  As the children of Israel prepared to leave Egypt by the delivering hand of God, they are given some specific instructions.  We too are delivered (blessed) by ‘the blood.’  But for us it’s not lamb’s blood, but the blood of THE LAMB.

“There is Power in the Blood” -903

Question…‘would you be whiter, much whiter than snow?  There’s power in the blood.”  Focusing on the Supper we have taken the bread and now we’ll take of the cup.  The cup that represents His blood.  The power of life eternal comes from the blood of the Savior.  There is power!

“Hallelujah!  What a Savior” -337

Isaiah prophesied of a Messiah who would be a ‘man of sorrows’ (Isaiah 53:3).  We’ll sing of the Son of God who came for the sinner.  A Savior who bore our shame and was condemned for our pardon.  We are guilty and vile (full of wickedness) and He is a spotless Lamb of God.  He was lifted up to die, but now exalted on high…how can we not sing, “Hallelujah! What a Savior.”       

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After God’s Own Heart…September 15th

In an age when we see microscopic details, it’s important to remember that microscope God sees more clearly than we ever can; He sees into our hearts.  Consider these passages;
I Samuel 16:7 ‘…man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’
Psalm 26:2 ‘Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind.’ and
Romans 8:27 ‘…and He who searches our heart knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.’

Luke records in Acts 13:22 that God said, ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart…’  Perhaps we should be seeking to know more about why David received such accolades.  What could we be doing in this life to receive this kind of recognition?  Join us Sunday morning as we consider how we can become closer to living ‘after God’s own heart.’

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

Sunday morning, September 15, 2013

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

“Living By Faith” 560

“I care not today what the morrow may bring, if shadow or sunshine or rain…I’m living by faith and feel no alarm.”  Do you have a heart of patience and contentment that you can say, I don’t care what happens in this life.  We’ll open our worship time together with this song of encouragement as we proclaim that we’re living by faith.

“In His Presence” – 99

A simple contemporary song that claims comfort, peace and blessed assurance are found in the presence of the Lord.  What a blessed station in life to be covered in His presence.  This song is basic in musical arrangement and basic in message.  But still  you have to ask yourself, “Do I come to seek His presence?”  You will, you have, if you seek the Father’s heart?

“The Lord’s My Shepherd” – 134

One of the greatest ‘psalms’ that we can sing (almost verbatim) is found in the 23rd Psalm.  You’ll notice the first verse of this hymn recites the 1st & 2nd verses of the Psalm David penned centuries ago.  Open your Old Testament to the book of Psalms, turn to chapter 23 and then sing a song of praise with the saints of old.

“There is a Place of Quiet Rest” – 477

Do you try, in your daily life, to be near to God?  Would that we understand the quiet rest, sweet comfort and full release (complete release) from our bondage of sin comes as we draw near to the heart of God!  The refrain is so powerful as we sing, “O Jesus, blessed Redeemer, sent from the heart of God, Hold us who wait before Thee, near to the heart of God.”  Notice where we must be if we hope to be near God?  We can only come to God the Father through His Son, and our Savior, Jesus Christ!beneath the cross

“Beneath the Cross of Jesus” – 314

Before we commemorate the Lord’s death, burial and resurrection, we meet together ‘beneath the cross of Jesus’.  Focus for a moment on the 3rd verse of this spiritual song; “Upon that cross of Jesus, mine eye at times can see the very dying form of One who suffered there for me; And from my smitten (laid low) heart with tears two wonders I confess: The wonder of (1) His glorious love, (2) my own worthlessness.”  Come to the cross, remember His sacrifice, and consider what you have done to deserve this measure of unconditional love.

“Oh, To Be Like Thee” – 429

“Stamp Thine Own Image, deep on my heart.”  Who do you want to be like?  Growing up, you no doubt said, ‘when I grow up I want to be like…’  Have we instilled a desire in our children that they would sing (say), “I want to be like Jesus!”  We might not say it, but the Christian believes it.  But again…is that our ‘constant longing and prayer?’  Would that we wear His perfect likeness and have Him stamped on our heart, in our lives.  O to be like Thee!

“Jesus is Tenderly Calling” – 947

The ‘invitation’ is a simple call, not so much from man, but from the Savior.  “Jesus is tenderly calling…”  If your phone rang wouldn’t you pick it up and answer the call; especially if it was the Messiah?  Unfortunately, all too many would check the caller ID first and the determine if they had the time to take His call.  You know there’s another song that goes…“Today is the day of salvation, tomorrow may be too late!”  Answer the call today!

“The Love of God” – 122

A great, upbeat song of encouragement as we close our services this Sunday morning.  Men, we’ll echo the ladies in the chorus as we sing about the love of God.  But let me direct you first to the words of the 2nd verse; “Since the love of God came down with His love our lives to crown, He with us would remain; greater love there could not be, Jesus died for you and me, in our hearts, He would reign…”   So maybe, if we truly want to be a man ‘after God’s own heart’, we ought to live with Jesus in our hearts.

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Hobson’s Choice?…August 25th

How much do you really want what’s being offered?  Are there times when you feel the ‘gift’ just isn’t worth it?  A father offers his son an old, beat up car as a graduation gift; but the boy was wanting something newer and with more appeal.  Dad’s response; ‘Well son, this is what you’ve got.  You can take it or leave it.’

But is it really a choice?  If you reject what’s offered you’re left with nothing, but if you take what you don’t really want, how can that be ‘my choice?’  Thomas Hobson lived inhorse stable the late 1500’s and he owned a horse-rental business in England.  This idea provides the back drop for Sunday morning’s lesson.  Can a Christian find Biblical application in “Hobson’s Choice?”

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

Sunday morning, August 25, 2013

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

“The Steadfast Love of the Lord” -123

Taken from Lamentation 3:22-24, our opening song this morning is a Psalm since we will be singing scripture.  “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.”  Of course!  If His love is steadfast…it never would cease.  We believe and know that His mercies never come to an end either.  But the question today, do you hope in Him?

“Lord, Take Control” – 790

We’ve set the contribution early this morning, and as we prepare to give back a portion which is rightful His.  We’ll sing about giving our hearts, minds, bodies and souls to God.  But most are more comfortable with just giving to God our financial means, our money.  But are you really prepared to say, “Lord, take control” of my life?  It’s more than just a song, it’s a commitment.

“We Bow Down” – 577

A contemporary song with a basic message, “You are Lord of creation and Lord of my life, Lord of the land and the sea.  You were Lord of the heavens before there was time, and Lord of all lord’s You will be.”  Some will, in their hearts and lives, bow down and worship while others will just sit by and sing.  What are you willing to do?

“The Lord’s Supper” – no book

Tillit S. Teddlie wrote a vast number of songs to focus the Christian and glorify God.  This spiritual song is used primarily around the Lord’s table as we remember Christ death.  Notice the scripture reference as we conclude each verse; “While we feast Christ gentle whispers, ‘Do this in My memory.’”  At Waterview this Sunday morning we’ll read I Corinthians 11:23, 24 then sing this song to focus more on His memorial.

“By Christ Redeemed” – 366Lord's Supper2

Similar to Teddlie’s song which sites I Corinthians 11: 24, this song by George Rawson also alludes to Paul’s words in I Corinthians.  Notice the words from this old song; “By Christ redeemed, in Christ restored, we keep the Supper of the Word, and show the death of our dear Lord, until He come.”  Each line of this song ends the same way, ‘…until He come.’  Paul wrote in vs 26, “…for as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.”

“O Happy Day” – 494

I remember very well the night my grandparents were baptized.  The congregation that gathered together sang this song after their baptism.  We’ll sing it again Sunday morning as we conclude the Lord’s Supper and remember the hope we have because of the sacrifice He gave.  Christians appreciate the last verse, “Tis done; the great transaction’s done; I am my Lord’s and He is mine!  He drew me, and I followed on, charmed to confess the voice divine…”  Each time we take of the Lord’s Supper, we confess His matchless love.

“We’re Marching to Zion” – 869

A great song before our lesson…Christians are marching to Zion (heaven) and we should be proudly proclaiming that fact.  Or are you more like verse 2, refusing to sing?  Maybe for those who have never heard would refuse to open their voices and hearts, but how can a child of God keep quiet when we join together to praise Him?  You might stop and think about that next time you don’t want to sing…

light of the world“I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say” – 389

Perhaps not a typical invitation song, but the message here is clear.  Each line begins with “I heard the voice of Jesus say…”  Reading your Bible and you’ll hear Him say ‘Come unto me…I am the living water…I am the light of the world’.  Jesus calls us to come follow Him.  Reading your Bible you can hear the voice of Jesus.  Maybe this is more of an invitation song they we’ve previously thought?

“Home of the Soul” – 875

By request we’ll sing this old spiritual song of heaven.  Christians strive for that home above, we hope for a ‘sweet rest’ and we look forward to the bright homeland, but we first need to endure the storms of life.  Maybe we should ask ourselves how much we long for Him?  Are the storms worth fighting?  Are we laboring for the Master and leaning on Him, or are we just biding our time here on earth?  If you are one of the ‘ransomed’ you’re looking forward to that beautiful home of the soul…And, if the truth be known, you have a “Hobson’s Choice”.

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Asking Directions on the Way to Canaan…April 28th

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

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

 

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

Sunday morning, April 28, 2013

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

“The Steadfast Love of the Lord” – 123

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

lost in thought

 

“Sing On, Ye Joyful Pilgrims” – 747

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


“The Lord’s Supper” – no book

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

“By Christ Redeemed” – 366

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

“There is a Redeemer” – 287

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

“Here We Are But Straying Pilgrims” – 537

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

“We’re Marching to Zion” – 869

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

“I Am Bound for the Promised Land” – 889

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

“When Upon Life’s Billows” – 742

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

“God Bless You, Go with God” – 752

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

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A Roller Coaster Ride!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Does Anyone Know?…April 7th

Sunday morning, April 7th at Waterview church of Christ, we’ll be honored to hear a lesson from Kent Allen.  Brother Allen is VP for Advancement for Oklahoma Christian University, and his message is sure to inspire us as we consider our outward display of faith.

make a defense

Perhaps you’ve heard the comment; if you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?  This morning we’ll consider just how much the world knows about OUR faith in God.  We have the opportunity, better yet the obligation, to show Christ to a lost and dying world.  The songs this morning are designed to make us think about our shining light.

 

“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.”

I Corinthians 14:15

Sunday morning, April 7, 2013

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

“Christ for the World We Sing” – 626

Have you looked closely at the first line in all three verses of this song?  Notice: “Christ for the world!”  That’s a statement we loudly proclaim and boldly sing.  And we sing it with 1) loving zeal, 2) with fervent prayer and 3) in one accord.  We sing this message to the world, but we also have a responsibility to bring the world to Christ.

“We Will Glorify” – 578

Written over 30 years ago, this song is still contemporary to many of us. Twila Paris made it popular, but our God is the reason we sing it.  Perhaps the closing statement from the first and fourth verses needs more examination and great proclamation; “…the Lord of lords, Who is the great I AM.”  John 8:58 “Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I Am.”

“In My Life, Lord, Be Glorified” – 309

Before we bow in prayer, we’ll sing this hymn as we sing to Him!  The first verse is very personal, “In my life, Lord, be glorified…” but in the second verse we’ll change it to the plural form, “In our songs, Lord, be glorified…”  And finally we’ll close the song to include the Lord’s church; “In Your church, Lord, be glorified…”

“Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus” – 648

Brother Kent Allen has requested this song to serve as our ‘song before the lesson.’  What a great way to admonish each other to live a life that puts Christ first.  Have you thought about this song lately?  We are singing about the armor of God (Ephesians 6), and in the third verse we’re reminded of the weakness we have in the flesh; “…Stand in HIS strength alone; the arm of flesh will fail you, ye dare not trust your own”  But what does the author mean when he writes, “…put on the gospel armor; and watching unto prayer…”  Remember, ‘unto’ is a preposition that can mean ‘by’.  So with that in mind; we have on the armor of God and we’re waiting (watching) by means of prayer.  See Ephesians 6:18, “With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert…”

“In the Hour of Trial” – 767

Not a typical ‘invitation song’, but this will serve us well this morning.  Take a close look at verse one; “…Jesus plead for me, lest by base denial I depart from Thee; When Thou seest me waiver, with a look recall…”  Remember Luke 22 when Christ is on trial?  Peter adamantly denies knowing Jesus (base denial, as an adjective, ‘base’ can mean ‘contemptible’) and then in Luke 22:61, “The Lord turned and looked at Peter.  And Peter remembered the word of the Lord…”.  With a look recall (help me to remember)…

“Lamb of God” – 176lamb for the slaughter

We’ll remember the Lord’s supper this morning after our lesson as we sing this beautiful song, again written by Twila Paris.  A song that we sing to our Father (a hymn).  God’s gift of love (the Lamb of God) is crucified for our sins.  He is scorned, mocked, defamed…and sacrificed.  “Like a lamb that is led to slaughter” (Isaiah 53:7) “I love the holy Lamb of God.”

“O For a Faith That Will Not Shrink” – 540

As we close the service this morning, remember our lesson; “Does Anyone Know (you’re a Christian)?  The words of this song were written by W. H. Bathurst in 1831.  Oh that we would all have a faith in God that doesn’t shrink away in difficult times.  A faith that doesn’t complain or ‘whine’ when troubles come.  A faith that shines more bright and clear.  With this kind of faith, even while here on earth, we’ll ‘taste the bliss’ of heaven.