In your prayer life, what do you most ask of God? For good health, for comfort and success, for world peace? Jesus said in Mark chapter 11, verse 24, “…all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them…” So in our prayers we ask as we have been directed, “Ask, and it will be given to you…” (Matthew 7:7) and we offer thanks (I Thessalonians 5:18). But again, when you pray…what do you most ask for?
Baylus McKinney, a musician and song writer in the early 1900’s, penned the words to dozens of Christian hymns. But one particular song is a prayer seeking God’s blessing on the home. Though it encompasses only one request, “God give us Christian homes,” there are four different elements noted as we sing. What does it take to have a Christian home? What elements did McKinney see fit to ask of God as we seek this blessing?
First of all, we seek homes where the Bible is not only loved by the family, but taught to the children. Homes where God’s will is a priority and sought after on a daily basis. Another element of a ‘Christian home’ is one with a father who is truthful and strong. Strengthened to know the difference between right and wrong and leading his family heavenward. A father who teaches his family love, joy, and the importance of praising God in song. A third element of a Christian home comes by way of the mother who conducts herself with dignity, in ‘queenly quest.’ She lives so as to show all those who pass through her door that life is best lived following God’s word. A mother who brings glory and honor to the King of Kings. And finally, as we ask for a Christian home we must remember to pass on the legacy to the children. Children who know that Christ loves them and died for them. A Christian home where the children understand what it means to sacrifice. Not offering a lamb on a stone altar, but laying down our lives for the glory of our God.
For a Christian home, we need 1) God’s word, 2) a Godly father and 3) mother who will teach 4) their children God’s ways. We offer prayers daily; thanking our Father in heaven for His blessings and asking for His guidance. Today, when you bow your head in prayer, what will you ask for? Would that we individually and collectively pray for the fathers, mothers and children, that we strive to raise up Christian homes.
The starting pistol is aimed toward the sky and with a BANG the race is on! While some will run with earnest, there are others who will quit before they get out of the blocks. But if the truth be known, there are some who have been running their race for quite a while. It’s been difficult with hurdles at every turn, but they run on. And then there are some who began their race years ago and can clearly see the finish line up ahead. The Hebrew writer admonishes the reader to “…run with endurance the race that is set before us…” In this race for Christ, where are you?
Sunday morning at Waterview church of Christ we’ll have an opportunity to hear a message from David Friesen, one of our missionaries in Camrose, Alberta, Canada. Consider your race and reach deep for endurance as you strive for the finish line.
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, April 13, 2014
You’ll notice the following songs come from the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Praise the Lord” – 74
Taken from the 148th Psalm, this psalm is a hymn! From the heavens and it’s angels to the earth and all creation, we come together and sing “Praise the Lord!…” Let’s begin our worship time focused on God and His majesty.
“I Will Sing the Wondrous Story” – 509
A song with strength and energy as we open each verse, but softer and more melancholy as we draw the chorus to a close. But think about it…what is the wondrous story? Why do we sing about it, and how important is it? Maybe you should ask yourself, what it is? Simply stated, the wondrous story is THE HISTORY of the Christ who died for me. It’s the history of how He left heaven’s glory for the cross of Calvary. The wondrous story is the historical fact that I was lost in sin, but Jesus saves me. It’s about how he drew me back into His way. And I will sing this wondrous story until my life is over. Knowing that will you “sing the wondrous story?”
“How Beautiful” – 365
The first verse of this song mentions hands that served and the feet that walked. Reading (singing) you realize we’re remembering Christ. In the next verse we sing about His bride, the church, and how we are to give from a humble heart. But the last verse focuses on our reason for coming together, “How beautiful the feet that bring the sound of good news and the love of the King. How beautiful the hands that serve the wine and the bread and the sons of the earth…” We remember how He ‘laid down His life’ as we partake of the Lord’s Supper. Then notice the reference to Isaiah 52:7, “How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news…” We’ll also hear the word of God proclaimed. Listening and keeping our mind on the race.
“Savior, Thy Dying Love” – 667
“Savior, Thy dying love Thou gavest me…” Consider that alone, we have a gift from Christ so we must ask ourselves, is there some ‘offering’ we should/could give to Him? Is there a song or a prayer we could raise to His name? Perhaps there is some wanderer who is lost and looking for a Savior? Do you have something you will give to the Savior?
“Restore My Soul” – no book
A call from God’s people asking for His restoration, revival and renewal. If you’re feeling weak and need strength from God’s word, seek His restoring power. If your zeal has grown cold, seek to be revived by the fire of His desire. And if you long for faith that is bold, have the courage to seek His renewal. “Renew my love, rebuild my faith, oh restore my soul.”
“Each Step of the Way” – 572
Perhaps this song doesn’t come to mind as an invitation song we would sing, but considering our race and the second leg of that race we must take each step with the Savior. With perseverance and endurance ‘we shall enter the city up there…’ Do you struggle in this race (walk) with Christ? Does it seem like a long road ahead? Don’t dread tomorrow, face it with a trust that He will guide you ‘each step of the way.’
“A Beautiful Life” – 570
“Each day I’ll do a golden deed by helping those who are in need…” Though this song is familiar and easy to sing, don’t forget what you’re saying. Live a life that brings glory to God. A life that will endure through time. A life that includes taking a stand for God. That’s how we should be running the second leg of our race…living a beautiful life.
What comes to mind when you hear the word “Jonah?” A man who ran from God? Or perhaps you envision a giant fish (a whale) that swallowed and sustained him for 3 days and 3 nights (Jonah 1:17). Or maybe you’ll remember a city destined for destruction, only to be spared because of this reluctant preacher. Some may even conjure up the image of a wonderful vine that grew within a matter of hours and then withered just as quickly (Jonah 4:10). Whatever you think about when you hear about this reluctant, soaked to the bone, disgruntled (yet effective) preacher there is an image that we must consider and hold in our hearts.
In the 2nd chapter of the book of Jonah, as he sits in the clammy, dark stomach of this monstrous sea creature (without a match) Jonah does something we all seem to do when we’re in trouble. Verse one states, “Then Jonah prayed to the Lord…” This prophet of God prayed a prayer of repentance. In complete and utter darkness he saw the err of his ways and knew the only hope of salvation would come from the God he so desperately tried to hid from. We when are faced with death, we eagerly pray for God’s help. As terror strikes at the heart, we cry out for God’s comforting hand. Like Jonah, when the world swallows us, we turn to God and ask for His deliverance.
There will be times in life when you feel ‘tossed over-board’ and swallowed by the storms of life. Is that when you pray? I realize we need to bow before God’s throne when we make mistakes (miss the mark…SIN) and when life is crushing in, but don’t let that be the only time you pray. Jonah’s problem seemed to come in his failure to totally comprehend God’s providence and saving power. Look again at the book of Jonah and then ask yourself…”when DO I pray?”
Mary Kidder penned the words to an old spiritual song that, in essence, asks this same question; “Ere (Before) you left your room this morning, did you think to pray? In the name of Christ our Savior, did you sue (request/plea) for loving favor, as a shield today? O how praying rest the weary! Prayer will change the night to day; so when life seems dark and dreary, don’t forget to pray.”
Unless you simply refuse to accept it, our country was founded by God-fearing men. The first president of our United States understood the importance of honoring and fearing (respecting) our Heavenly Father. As George Washington penned this proclamation, notice how many times our president gives reference to God, our protector and ‘Author of all that’s good.’
“Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor– and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.”
Note: To 1) acknowledge the providence of God, 2) obey His will, 3) be grateful to Him and 4) humbly ask for His protection…is the duty of all nations!
“Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be– That we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks–for His kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation–for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of His Providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war (recognizing God’s role in the Revolutionary War)–for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed–for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted–for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.”
Again note: Our tranquility as a country, the unity we enjoy as a nation, and our extreme ‘plenty’ is surely a blessing from God! These truths are not from our own making, but from the hand of God. That was something our first President clearly understood and adamantly promoted.
“…and also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions– to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually–to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed–to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shown kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord–To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease (increase) of science among them and us–and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.”
Each November our nation is united around ‘Thanksgiving,’ but how many of us will truly humble ourselves and pray? Do we see this time as an opportunity to perform our ‘several and relative duties (for each other) properly,’ or are we too busy ‘shopping for the holidays?’ God has so generously blessed us!
“Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.
Many parents cherish the time when they watch their child take those first steps. The thrill of knowing their baby is becoming more independent is both a joy as well as an eye-opener. Physical families and church families alike are excited as the ‘babes’ learn to walk. With the awareness of this new found skill comes the understand that they will eventually be taking on more responsibilities.
For the past two years, Patrick & Brandon’a Garcia have been working as Waterview’s missionaries in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Charged with the task of spreading the gospel in Mexico, this young couple has worked hard to reach, teach and baptize almost 30 souls in the last 24 months. Sunday morning Patrick will present his ‘report’ and share with us a message of how this young congregation is…’learning how to walk.’
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, November 17, 2013
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Blessed Be the Lord God Almighty” – 72
Our opening song is a ‘hymn’ as we sing these words to God; it’s as if we’re singing a prayer. Notice the words, “Father in heaven, how we love you. We lift Your name in all the earth. May your kingdom be established in our praises as Your people declare Your mighty works. Blessed be the Lord, God almighty! Who was, and is, and is to come.” Reading Revelation 4:8, we hear the praise being offered around the throne of God; ‘Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty,’ who was, and is, and is to come.”
“Walk with Me” – 394
As we consider ‘walking’ it only seems appropriate to note the words of this hymn (again, sung to HIM). The prayer is for God to walk with us through this life. The author offers a two step progression; 1) walk with me, and 2) talk with me. But we would lose the message if we fail to notice the last line in the chorus. “Let me follow in Your footsteps that trod the shore of Galilee, let me learn to pray like He did in the Garden of Gethsemane; Take my hand, take my hand, teach me Lord to understand, all my duty, all the beauty of Your love.”
“I Come to the Garden Alone” – 595
A song written by Austin Mile 100 years ago (1912) that recalls Christ in the garden. But what garden and who is source of these words. For years we have sung, “I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses; and the voice I hear, falling on my ear, the Son of God discloses…” But who is speaking? Austin Miles wrote this song as if Mary Magdalene were speaking. As you sing consider the 20th chapter of John while Mary stood outside the tomb weeping. And remember the chorus as you daily walk with Christ.
“Here I Am to Worship” – no book
A contemporary hymn (song sung to God) that proclaims the reason for our coming together to worship. Jesus told us that He is the Light of the World (John 8:12). Knowing who He is and what Has done for us should cause all Christians to humbly bow, and gratefully say, “Here I am to worship…here I am to bow down…here I am to say that You’re my God. You’re all together lovely, all together worthy, all together wonderful to me!”
“Where He Leads I’ll Follow” – 417
This old spiritual song (1885) announces our resolve to “…follow Jesus every day.” If He is my example, and if I listen to His loving words, ‘Coming follow Me…’, you should ask yourself, how will I follow Him? The only obvious answer is to get up and walk. We can never follow someone as long as we sit on the sidelines and watch. Learning how to walk implies that I’m going to be using that skill to go somewhere. Jesus is leading…are you willing to follow.
“Trust and Obey” – 915
Our invitation song is best summed up in the last line of the chorus, ‘…for there’s no other way…’ Where are you walking today? How will you face the shadows and burdens of this life? Whether we’re sitting at His feet listening and learning, or working in His kingdom (walking beside Him), we must remember to take each step trusting and obeying.
“Just a Closer Walk with Thee” – 406
“I am weak, but Thou art strong. Jesus, keep me from all wrong. I’ll be satisfied as long as I walk, dear Lord, close to Thee.” There are times when we just want to be alone. No one to hurry us, no one to push us, no one to ‘hold us accountable.’ But as we consider our life in Christ, realize distance from Him makes us weak. Learning to walk is exciting, but I can’t make it alone. Reach out and hold His hand. He will steady you as you’re learning how to walk.
Concerning a particular situation or a specific set of circumstances some might said, ‘What a coincidence!’ But how do we know if something is coincidental (lucky) or if it’s more likely providential? Often we look at life and see it as lucky or unlucky, black or white and yet all the while we might be missing the point. Perhaps we come up short of giving God the credit He deserves for working in our lives. Perhaps we need to be better about recognizing and seeing that God’s hands are working in ways we can not see. (Remember the song “God Will Make a Way.”) After all, don’t we pray for Him to be with us?
Consider two Christian song writers from this century; Chisholm and Sanderson. T.O. Chisholm was a well renowned American song writer during the early 1900’s. Many of his 1,200 works of Christian poetry have found their way into some of our hymnals. In 1960, at the age of 94, Chisholm passed from this life. His works are well documented but we’ll consider one that was born on a lonely, dark night.
Another well noted writer and composer from the same era was L.O. Sanderson. Sanderson was a preacher of the gospel as well a noted musician. He is recognized as one who wrote the words and music to many of our gospel songs. He was born in 1901 and passed away in 1992, at the age of 91. Like Chisholm, Sanderson penned the music to one particular song in the dark hours of the night. Perhaps it’s not surprising that these two men combined their talents to produce some ‘greats songs of the church.’
It was recorded that one night around midnight, Sanderson was working alone in his office. He had been preparing his sermon for the coming Sunday morning, but a new, specific tune kept running through his mind. To satisfy his musical creativity, he stopped his study and jotted down the musical notes. In a few short weeks he sent the music to his friend, T.O. Chisholm, and inquired of him if had any poetry to fit the scales. As Chisholm reviewed the work of his friend, he found the musical bars (the meter, 11.10.11.10) were a perfect fit for the poetry he penned, “Be with me, Lord – I can not live without Thee, I dare not try to take one step alone, I cannot bear the loads of life, unaided, I need Thy strength to lean myself upon…”
As the two friends compared notes and asked each other questions about this specific work, they found that they both had similar circumstances surrounding their endeavors. Both were working late one night (after midnight to be precise), and both were preoccupied with some specific words, a specific tune, floating within their mind. They were struggling to accomplish one task while trying to embrace this new song. And yet both were unable to be resolution to their struggle until they put their music, poetry, to paper. The extraordinary piece of this puzzle was that both men were creating this song of praise and affirmation some 1000’s of miles apart. Could it have been a coincidence or just plain lucky? Was this just a great accident of hymnology or was our God, the Great Composer, at work in creating a hymn for His people to sing for the ages?
Two men of God, in two separate towns divided by hundreds of miles sitting in their respective offices churning out their own contribution to this hymn of prayer. Perhaps Chisholm’s inspiration in the third verse explains this more clearly; “…a constant sense of Thy abiding presence, where ‘er I am, to feel that Thou art near.”
This Sunday, Robert Taylor will bring the morning lesson here at Waterview. As we consider ‘The Opportunity of Weakness’ my first thought comes from the pen of Paul in II Corinthians. Having an opportunity to be weak almost seems like a contradiction in terms. But perhaps we need to look at the words of Christ as He says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.”
II Corinthians 12:9
In 1948 J.R. Baxter wrote the melancholy hymn, Just a Closer Walk with Thee. The first verse seems to sum up Paul’s ‘thorn in the flesh’ issues from II Corinthians as we sing, “I am weak, but Thou art strong…” Join us on Sunday morning as we take a look at the opportunity of weakness.
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, September 29, 2013
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Let Every Heart Rejoice and Sing” 8
“Let every heart rejoice and sing!” Our opening song this morning will focus us on the praise we should be giving to our God and Father. Notice the chorus; “…while the rocks and the rills (streams), while the vales (valleys) and the hills a glorious anthem raise…” All creation speaks of His glory; so should we!
“As the Deer” – 71
A contemporary song taken from the 42nd chapter of the Psalms. Have you ever been so thirst you felt you might ‘dry up and blow away?’ To have just a small drink of water on a hot, miserable day would be great. But do we ‘pant’ (earnestly desire) our God as much as H2O. Rest assured, we will ‘dry up’ in this life without Him. Let’s live so we can say our hearts ‘long to worship’ Him.
“Lead Me to Calvary” – 332
Turning our minds to the cross we sing the following words (from the 2nd verse), ‘Show me the tomb where Thou wast (was) laid, tenderly mourned and wept; angels in robes of light arrayed guarded Thee whilest (while) Thou slept.’ A couple of things to notice; Jesus slept for 3 days (Matt. 16:21). He wasn’t in the grave to ‘undergo decay,’ (Acts 13:37) because we know He lives. But also, ‘…angels in robes of light ARRAYED…’. Interesting to realize the definition for array (besides fine clothes/dress) is an ‘orderly, often imposing alignment.’ Maybe this line is referencing the angels as they ‘guarded the tomb’, and not so much their white, ‘light’, robes.
“Til My Faith Because Sight” – 836
A beautiful song of our faith! See how we reference our Savior in the two verses; “Bread of Life, Living Water, Lover of my soul, Lamb of God, hope of glory, Savior…crucified”, certainly we are singing a hymn to Him…precious holy Lord and King! But how about that line in the chorus, ‘though they slay me’, what if ‘I fall in darkness’…will I still remain faithful? He is your light in this dark world. But you must ask yourself, will I be faithful until He returns?
“Wonderful Love of Jesus” – 308
An older song of praise with a repetitive, catchy chorus, “Wonderful love, wonderful love, wonderful love of Jesus!” But what does “In vain and high and holy lays…”, actually mean? Consider our songs (our lays, ballads), do we offer them up (raise them on high) for nothing? Obviously we want to sing from our hearts and offer a pleasing sacrifice of praise from our lips. But the context of vain in this song is not ‘useless’, but rather far from worthy of our God and King. Defined; vain is “lacking substance or worth.” We should sing with all our heart, and strive to give Him our best in this sacrifice of praise.
“Father Hear the Prayer We Offer” – 777
“Father, hear the prayer we offer; nor for ease that prayer shall be, but for strength that we may ever live our lives courageously.” I wonder if sometimes we pray for things to be good for us (easy), rather than asking for strength to stand firm in the fight against Satan. And not just strength to ‘carry on’, but strength to be steadfast, faithful and loyal in the life we live for Christ and His church.
“Soldier’s of Christ, Arise” – 647
Before the lesson this morning we’ll sing a song that dates back to mid-1700’s. Charles Wesley penned the words that echo Ephesians 6, the armor of God. Notice the progression of the verses. Verse 1‘…put your armor on…’ . Verse 2, “…who in the strength of Jesus trusts, is more than conqueror.” Verse 3, “…take to arm you (arm yourself) for the fight the panoply (the complete set of armor) of God.” Verse 4, “Leave no unguarded place…fortify the whole.” Verse 5, “That having all things done (when life is over)…you may o’ercome thru Christ alone…” Soldiers, we fight various battles every day, but never forget, Christ has won the war!
“Hark the Gentle Voice of Jesus” – 907
Our invitation song is simple; are you weary, do you labor in this life, are you ‘heavy-laden?’ Come, and Christ will give you rest. And that ‘yoke’ we sing about in verses 2 & 3…it’s a source of connection for us with Christ; we are yoked with Him in His suffering. But the rest He offers makes the burden lighter.
“Hilltops of Glory” – no book
An older spiritual song that encourages us as we ‘tread life’s way.’ As we live for Christ and strive to serve Him we look homeward and catch a glimpse of the Hilltops of Glory. Maybe we should be better about asking each other, “…brother won’t you come go with me?”
Physicians, historically, work under a Hippocratic oath. It means they promise to ‘practice medicine honestly.’ Part of the oath includes the following: “I will prescribe regimens for the good of my patients…and never do harm to anyone… I will give no deadly medicine to any one…nor suggest any such counsel…I will preserve the purity of my life and my arts…In every house where I come I will enter only for the good of my patients…All that may come to my knowledge in the exercise of my profession, I will keep secret and will never reveal…If I keep this oath faithfully, may I enjoy my life and practice my art, respected by all humanity and in all times; but if I swerve from it or violate it, may the reverse be my life.”
OK, but what is a Hypocritic Oath? Not hard to recognize a hypocrite (one who pretends to be what he’s not), but how could that be placed in the same title as ‘oath?’ Could we be ‘promising’ something we’re not willing to do? Join us Sunday morning as Robert Taylor takes us closer to understanding this mystery.
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, August 18, 2013
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Hosanna” -167
Praise to God! That’s the definition of the word “Hosanna”…Praise to God in the highest. Gentlemen, lead the congregation as you open the chorus; “Lord, we lift up Your name, with hearts filled with praise; So be exalted, O Lord my God, Hosanna, in the highest!”
“Lord, We Come Before Thee Now” – 797
A song of prayer, a hymn we sing to our God proclaiming our desire to approach His throne. But what could we mean by ‘…O do not our suit disdain…”; what’s a ‘suit’ and how can it be disdained? The suit is the plea, the appeal we make before God. Our request is that He will not reject or turn away our plea. Notice the words; “Lord, we come before Thee now; at Thy feet we humbly bow. O do not our suit (plea) disdain (reject), shall we seek Thee, Lord, in vain?” Find the message in the next line…“Lord, on Thee our souls depend…”. If we are rejected by God what hope do we have?
“When My Love to Christ Grows Weak” – 350
Do you ever find your ‘love for Christ’ growing weak? How about your love for mankind? This song gives you the remedy for those times of ‘weakness’. We do have a place we can turn…This morning we’ll sing all five verses of this song as we remember the Lord’s Supper.
“I’m Not Ashamed to Own My Lord” – 609
Often when ‘put on the spot’ we have a tendency to deny what’s truly important, what we hold dear. A child is questioned about following his parents rules and he might say, “I don’t have to do what they say…” So it is with many in their relationship with God. I don’t have to do EVERYTHING the Bible says. When you are questioned about your faith do you deny Him? Are you ashamed of Him? Let’s live so we ‘maintain the honor of His word…”
“The Greatest Commands” – 448
A great contemporary song that provides each of the four basic parts an opportunity to sing their individual lines, yet all in harmony. Notice each of these verses come from the scripture; I John 4:7, 8, I Corinthians 13:7 and Christ’s words in Luke as He says, “Love the Lord, thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, all thy strength all thy mind…”; a beautiful soprano line. But do you know which part (bass, tenor or alto) sings I Corinthians 13:7?
“All to Jesus I Surrender” – 662
What does it mean ‘surrender all?’ When a wrestler throws in the towel, is he giving up for just a few minutes or is he giving up the whole match? When we give our lives over to God, we must leave the world behind…entirely! Unfortunately, many are willing to just give up enough to feel comfortable with their Christianity. Maybe what we should be asking is, ‘what part of ALL do you not understand?’
“Let the Lower Lights Be Burning” – 642
The lower lights…how important are the lower lights when the tall, majestic light house is perched on the hill? Maybe you should ask a sailor who is tossed by the stormy waves on the dark sea. A faithful row of lights illuminating the darkness can mean life and death to some who are close to the reef. My job is to keep my lamps trimmed (burning), regardless of how ‘feeble’ I may think my lamps to be.
“Ring Out the Message” – 622
One of the most stirring, spiritual songs is found in this call to evangelize. Again, the male voices lead the chorus as we sing “Ring out the news that makes men free…to all the lost of every nation, ring the message out!”
Oliver is a young, orphan boy who, at the tender age of nine, lives each day with other orphans at the ‘workhouse.’ His daily routine is much like every boy in the orphanage. He isn’t a trouble maker, but he does something no one else is willing to do. After finishing his bowl of gruel (porridge), with a trembling hand, he returns to food line and utters the famous line, “Please Sir, I want some more…”
Charles Dickens authors this literally piece and many have adapted Oliver Twist to their own version of orphans and the homeless. The story is an interesting one, but our focus is centered on the words of this fictitious nine-year old, “…I want some more.” If we’re truthful with ourselves we would admit that each of us, in some form or fashion want more. But as we’ve studied previous, what more do we want?
Let’s continue the study of the hymn written and composed by Philip Bliss in 1873. Interestingly enough, this song was penned less than 35 years after Dickens wrote Oliver Twist. As you might remember, we sing the word ‘more’ twenty-four (24) times during the course of song “More Holiness Give Me”. Let’s continue our deeper examination of what more we could possibly be aspiring toward.
In verse two we sing (and seek); more gratitude, more trust, more pride and more hope . More tears, more pain, more meekness and more praise. One by one we consider what are we asking God to give us ‘more’ of:
1) More gratitude give me… Our prayers are often laced with thankfulness. We’re thankful for the day, the food, the good night’s rest so why ask for more thankfulness? Gratitude is synonymous with thankfulness but often we ramble out our prayer of thanks without processing why we have what we have. God has given us EVERYTHING! For that alone we should have gratitude. Personally, I don’t get tired of hearing thank you from my children. Do you suppose God is the same?
2) More trust in the Lord… David wrote in Psalm 20:7, “Some boast (trust) in chariots and some in horses, But we will boast (trust) in the name of the Lord, our God.” With some much self-proclaimed wisdom, our culture and this present generation has come to trust in self. So much has been accomplished and achieved during the last 50 years we have become masters in our own right. What do we trust? Who do we trust? Would that we prayer for more trust in the Lord. “…the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”
3) More pride in His glory. Each of us knows the swell of pride we feel when our team is victorious. We take pride in knowing we have succeeded in this task or that accomplishment. But more pride in HIS glory means I take pride in giving God glory. We humble ourselves and take pride in knowing our God, He is Alive.
4) More hope in His word. The word “hope” can mean to long for something, wish for it; or it can mean trust or confidence. Our hope in God’s word is not to wish for it to be what it claims to be, but to put our trust and our confidence in His word. You’ll remember we sang that we pray for more trust in the Lord (previous line), and now we turn our prayer to be confident (hope) in His word!
5) More tears for His sorrows. Each week we gather and remember the Lord’s death, burial and resurrection. With the Lord’s Supper we keep Jesus’ sacrifice every in our minds and hearts. But be careful that this time doesn’t become routine. Remember the words of Isaiah (chapter 53) when he prophesy’s about the Messiah saying, “…He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief…” (KJV) Do we weep when we consider His death? We need more tears for His sorrows.
6) More pain at His grief. Again, looking to Isaiah 53 we are reminded of His grief. As we sing this hymn we are asking that we feel the pain, as we shed the tears, for our Savior’s grief. Undoubtedly you’ve said something like, “That breaks my heart!” Simply an expression of pain for someone’s grief. Does Jesus’ suffering (grief) break your heart?
7) More meekness in trial. My mind immediately goes to the book of Matthew and the words of Jesus in the 5th chapter, “…whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.” (vs. 39) But we shouldn’t be surprised when we consider what Jesus said just a few sentences earlier (vs. 5), “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.”When someone slaps you down (trials), are you fighting mad…or meekly enduring?
8) More praise for relief. In baseball there is a position known as the ‘relief pitcher.’ The man who take over for the ‘starting’ pitcher. He may be there because the starter was injured or perhaps just exhausted. Either way, there is a relief for the starter. In the sport of baseball the relief pitcher isn’t always praised. He may fail to ‘provide’ the relief he was called to deliver. But in the case of Jesus, He is our answer to the injury and exhaustion we feel on a daily basis. He is our relief, our salvation, and He never fails. When we understand and accept Him in that way, we’ll know that we need to give Him more praise for our salvation…He is our relief…
We’ll continue this song in later weeks, but until that time take a look at the last verse of this song; there are still eight more…’mores’.
A young, southern boy was sitting down to the breakfast table with his older brothers and sisters, ready to feast on momma’s pancakes. As the youngest in this family finally gets his plate of hotcakes, his momma asked if he’s ready for some molasses. With all the southern slang the little boy had grown up with, he innocently replies; “How can I have mo’ lasses when I hasn’t had any yet?”
A comical story about a little boy’s understanding of ‘more,’ but an idea I’d like for us to follow for while. As we consider wanting/needing ‘more’ of something perhaps we should ask the obvious, more of what? On a tangible level, we might want more money, more help, or more vacation time. But in reality we might say we want more strength, more understanding, or more time. But either way we tend to want ‘more.’
The hymn we will be examining is focused on our lives and the holiness we aspire to. Written and composed by Philip Bliss in 1873, this song repeats the word ‘more’ twenty-four (24) times. With just three short verses what could we possible be praying for more of? Look deeper at how much ‘more’ we should be aspiring for.
In verse one alone we seek (sing); more holiness, more striving, more patience and more sorrow. More faith, more sense, more joy and more purpose. One by one let’s consider what are we asking God to give us ‘more’ of:
1) More holiness give me… Holiness, by definition, is the state of being set apart. We are asking to be set apart for God’s service. Read Titus 2:11-14, through Christ we are redeemed to God, “…a people for His own possession.” We are called to be holy. Deuteronomy 7:6, “For you are a holy people to the Lord your God…”
2) More strivingwithin… why would we pray for striving? It indicates we are looking for an inter-struggle. A fight against our human nature of worldliness. Paul explained it when he wrote, “…I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. For that which I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate…” Romans 7:14-15. Consider how many times you’ve said, ‘I wish I hadn’t done that.’ In short, we need ‘more striving within.’
3) More patience in suffering. Again, read the text in James 1:1-2, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” Not something we want or look forward to, but something we know we need, patience.
4) More sorrow for sin. This alone should make us stop and think about our life. Do we feel regret, guilt or sorrow when we sin? Not when we’re CAUGHT in sin, but for our sinful acts. We sing (and pray) that we’d be more sorrowful for our sin. Philip Bliss would agree, more conscience of our sin.
5) More faith in my Savior. What does it take for us to strengthen our faith? Perhaps we find the same sentiments from the father of a young boy in Mark 9. You’ll remember the discussion Jesus had with the man until the boy’s father in desperation cried out, “I do believe, help my unbelief.” In other words, I need more faith in my Savior.
6) More sense of His care. How much does God care about you? Do you understand (can you sense) how much you matter to God? “For God so loved the world…” We do have some realization of His care. But do you care enough to concern yourself with Him? If we had the sense to realize His gift (Christ on the cross) we’d do all we can to give Him our all.
7) More joy in His service. Many of us equate serving to working. Who finds joy in their work? Paul states it best in Colossians 3:24, “…do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men…” When our heart is right with God, then we’ll service (work) with joy.
8) More purpose in prayer. Why do you pray? Do you have an objective when you bow in prayer or is it just a routine, something you’re supposed to do? What is your purpose? We pray for the sick, for those who are traveling, for those who are hurting…we have a purpose, don’t we? I Corinthians 14:14, 15 (one of my favorite passages), “For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. What is the outcome then? I shall pray with the spirit and I shall pray with the mind also…” In other words, be purposeful in prayer.
We’ll continue the study of this song in later weeks, but until that time take a look at the other two verses; there are still sixteen more ‘mores’.
In your prayer life, what do you most ask of God? For good health, for comfort and success, for world peace? Jesus said in Mark chapter 11, verse 24, “…all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them…” So in our prayers we ask as we have been directed, “Ask, and it will be given to you…” (Matthew 7:7) and we offer thanks (I Thessalonians 5:18). But again, when you pray…what do you most ask for?
God’s will is a priority and sought after on a daily basis. Another element of a ‘Christian home’ is one with a father who is truthful and strong. Strengthened to know the difference between right and wrong and leading his family heavenward. A father who teaches his family love, joy, and the importance of praising God in song. A third element of a Christian home comes by way of the mother who conducts herself with dignity, in ‘queenly quest.’ She lives so as to show all those who pass through her door that life is best lived following God’s word. A mother who brings glory and honor to the King of Kings. And finally, as we ask for a Christian home we must remember to pass on the legacy to the children. Children who know that Christ loves them and died for them. A Christian home where the children understand what it means to sacrifice. Not offering a lamb on a stone altar, but laying down our lives for the glory of our God.
