Category: Promises

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Auld Lang Syne

“Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind.  Should old acquaintance be forgot, and days of auld lang syne.  For auld lang syne, my auld lang synedear…for auld lang syne.  We’ll drink a cup o’ kindness yet, for auld lang syne.” A haunting melody that is often heard during the early hours of the new year.  But what does it mean, is there an explanation to the mystery and intrigue that wafts on the poetic words of yesteryear?

Written more than 300 years ago, this Scottish folk song was, as it’s beginning, a love poems that reflected upon the ‘good old times’ we had.  Taken to represent the feeling of melancholy at the parting of ways, we hear it on the stroke of mid-night each year.  But Auld Lang Syne has also been sung at funerals, graduations and other occasions of farewell.  Even the international Boy Scouts youth movement has used it to bring closure to jamborees and other functions.

By translation, “Auld Lang Syne” is saying, ‘for times gone by’, or better yet, ‘for old times sake.’  Perhaps you’ve Grandma Grandpa Snyderused the phrase; “Let’s get together one more time…for old time’s sake.”  When friendships come to a close, and fond memories are just that, memories.  That severed sting can leave us with a tinge of nostalgia .  Perhaps that is why we reminisce when we hear Auld Lang Syne.

It’s true that people will come and go in our lives.  The influence of a number of individuals will ebb and flow as we walk this earth’s crust.  Some will be but a passing glance while others will change us and impact our perspective on life forever.  But when it comes to Christ and His church, I hope you will never hear yourself saying, “…thanks for the memories, I’m moving on.”  We are challenged every day with a bombardment from the world that question and test our faith in God.  Each of us at some point in our lives, maybe even now, have had our faith tested.  The world daily pushes you to forget God, and that He be ‘…never brought to mind.’  Times change and our priorities shift, but in all of the modifications of life ‘should old acquaintance be forgot,’ we must never forget the one who loved us and gave His life for us.  The Hebrew writer encourages us, “For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end.”  (Hebrews 3:14)  By faith, on Sunday morning we meet with our brothers and sisters in Christ to keep His memory fresh.  And as we remember our Savior’s sacrifice, as we keep Him in our memory, we will ‘drink a cup’ of His kindness yet, for auld lang syne.

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old lang syne (old times sake)?

CHORUS:

For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne (old time’s sake).

And surely you’ll buy your pint cup
and surely I’ll buy mine!
And we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne (old time’s sake).

CHORUS

We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne (old time’s sake).

CHORUS

We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne (old time’s sake).

CHORUS

And there’s a hand my trusty friend!
And give me a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne (old time’s sake).

CHORUS

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O Come, O Come Emmanuel

o come EmmanuelAs we consider this hymn many call a ‘Christmas song,’ we find it ancient in not only its text, but in the music as well.  The tune you most certainly know it by (made popular in the 1800’s) actually finds its origin from the medieval times.  The lack of strict rhythmic measures gives the tune a free-flowing style.  You can almost hear the simple intervals as they echo through an old, stone cathedral.

Like many hymns of worship, the text of this song provides a rich source for Christian meditation as we notice that each stanza concentrates on a specific Biblical name for Christ.  Jesus is God with us, “Emmanuel.”  He is the “Wisdom from on high” and the “the Lord of might.”  We read in the scripture He is called “the Rod of Jesse” (Isaiah 11:1) and the “Key of David” (Isaiah 22:22) “…and the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.”  Jesus is the ‘Dayspring’ (17: 76-79); “…And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; to give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”  Certainly, our Savior is the “Desire of Nations” (Haggai 2:7) “…and I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts.”  The prophets of old wrote and today we sing of our Savior, Emmanuel.

Consider this old, ‘Christmas Hymn’ as we take this month to look at and explore some familiar favorites.  The “Song of the Day”…O Come, O Come Emmanuel.

O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel,
that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear.
Chorus: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel,
shall come to thee o Israel!
O come, Thou Wisdom, from on high, and order all things far and nigh;
to us the path of knowledge show, and teach us in her ways to go.
O come, o come, Thou Lord of might, who to thy tribes on Sinai’s height
in ancient times did give the law, in cloud, and majesty, and awe.
O come, Thou Rod of Jesse’s stem, from ev’ry foe deliver them
that trust Thy mighty power to save, and give them vict’ry o’er the grave.
O come, Thou Key of David, come, and open wide our heav’nly home,
make safe the way that leads on high, that we no more have cause to sigh.
O come, Thou Dayspring from on high, and cheer us by thy drawing nigh;
disperse the gloomy clouds of night and death’s dark shadow put to flight.
O come, Desire of the nations, bind in one the hearts of all mankind;
bid every strife and quarrel cease and fill the world with heaven’s peace.
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The Opportunity of a Life Time…September 1st

Some things only come around ‘once in a life time.’  We look forward to those opportunities when we can ‘make our mark’ or share some level of expertise that will effect that one-time, life-changing event.  So what would you do when that time comes?  Do you know when that moment will be?

marathon running training

Maybe we should ask, ‘can we prepare for that once in a life time event?’  How much training would it take to be ready?  Then again, you would need to know what to train for and how to prepare for that opportunity.  So consider this…what if someone asks you about Christ?  Could that be ‘the opportunity of a life time’ and would you be ready?

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

Sunday morning, September 1, 2013

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

doxology“Doxology” 66
“I Sing Praises” – 97

A simple medley that combines a traditional hymn (1709) with a contemporary hymn (1989).  The key signature is the same, but the message is what makes this a powerful duo.  As the congregation sings, “Praise God from whom all blessings flow…”, we continue with the assurance that we will “…sing praises to Thy name, O, Lord…”  A beautiful combination of praise to our God.

 

“Tell Me the Story of Jesus” – 387

Many have sung this old spiritual song their whole life (written in 1880), and we have heard the singer tell about Christ on the Cross.  But not just the cross, we also tell about the grave were Christ was ‘buried’.  Yet without the next line our song would come to a sad conclusion.  But then, as the Son rises, we sing, “tell that He lives again…”  (Notice, we are singing the gospel; the death, burial and resurrection.)  The third verse holds an emotional plea to, “…stay, let me weep while you whisper, ‘Love paid the ransom for me…”  Think for a minute, when was the last time you cried when you considered Christ’s sacrifice?

“My Eyes are Dry” – 792

Listen to the message from this rather recent spiritual song/hymn; “My eyes are dry, my faith is old, my heart is hard, my prayers are cold…”  A fearful situation to be sure, but how true is it for those who come together every Sunday morning?  How many just go through the motions of being a Christian and never take inventory of their spiritual well-being.  Without Jesus…we are lost.  We all need to be ‘softened up’ with the spirit of His love and ‘washed anew’ in His blood.  So…when was the last time you cried when you thought about His love?


“A Charge to Keep I Have” – 58
“People Need the Lord” – 660

Another medley we’ll sing before our lesson that combines the traditional (1832) with the contemporary (1983).  In a dangerously lost world, it doesn’t take much to see that people need Jesus.  And we, as children of God, have a charge, a responsibility to tell the world about Him.  We may realize, but do we care that, “people need the Lord?”

“I Love to Tell the Story” – 659

We talk about all the things we love in life, but before our lesson we’ll sing about ‘loving to tell’ the story of Jesus Christ.  You have certainly sung the song, but will you do what you sing?  Each of these verses are filled with the reason we should not only sing about our Savior, but look forward to telling others about Him too.  You can never tell when that ‘opportunity of a life time’ will come to you.words of life

“Wonderful Words of Life” – 543

Let’s stand and sing this familiar melody from the late 1800′s.  Not a typical invitation song, but the message couldn’t be clearer, “…sinner, list to the loving call,”  “Wonderful words of Life; offer pardon and peace to all…”  How eager are you to ‘Sweetly echo the gospel call…?”  You never know when someone might be ready to listen to those wonderful words of life.

“Will You Not Tell It Today” – 628

As we leave the auditorium Sunday morning we’ll sing the question that has be asked for generations, “If the name of the Savior is precious to you…will you tell it (the good news) today?”  But notice the ending to each of the three verses; “…will you not tell of your gladness today?”, “…will you not, my brother, the story repeat (the story of salvation)?” “…will you not tell them (the lost) the cheer-bringing word?”  If you’re honest with yourself, every day you have the opportunity of a life-time.

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The Hypocritic Oath…August 18th

doctor making house callsPhysicians, 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” – 797bowing before a king

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” – 642lower lights 2

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!”

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A Theology Written in Blood…August 4th

drop of bloodChristian’s understand and believe that faith is based on an eternal promise, an everlasting covenant.  And as we consider a covenant, it’s logical to conclude that it should be confirmed in writing.  But one written, confirmed, with blood?  Obviously a holy promise, a divine theology, that is written in blood must be of the highest importance.  Since blood is essential to life, it’s no surprise that this covenant is indispensable for our eternal survival as well.  Simply stated, without blood…we die!

Remember Romans 3; “…all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood – to be received by faith.” Thanks be to God for this theology, written in blood!

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

Sunday morning, August 4, 2013

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

“Nothing But the Blood” -902baptism2

‘What can wash away my sins?’  A question many have sung for years, and we know the answer, ‘…nothing, but the blood of Jesus.’  When we sing the third verse take note of the second line in the verse, ‘naught of good that I have done…’  Translated; of all the good things I have done in this life, ZERO of that can atone for my sin.  Nothing can bring us to God except the blood of Jesus.

“There is Power in the Blood” – 903

As part of this short medley we’ll continue our thought about the blood of Jesus and His saving power.  We continue with another question.  Not what can wash away my sin, but a question of do you want your sins to be washed away?  ‘Would you be free from the burden of sin?’  Is so, the blood of Jesus can cleanse you.

“In Christ Alone” – no book

A song of admonition that we’ll sing as we prepare our minds to partake of the Lord’s supper.  A memorial of His death, burial and resurrection.  As verse one consist of recognizing our Cornerstone, solid ground and Comforter, verse two takes us from His birth to His crucifixion.  Those who know this song cherish the third verse.  As we begin singing softly of His burial, our voices ‘burst forth’ as we sing of His resurrection.  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…’  This video features one man’s voice, harmonizing together to the glory of God.

“Nearer Still Nearer” – 478

Following the Lord’s supper we’ll sing this hymn expressing a strong desire to stay ‘close to (His) Thy heart…’  Listen to the words you’re singing and you’ll notice that the nearer we draw to God, the further we draw away from sin and its folly (foolishness).  Would that we willingly resign, give up, all of life’s pleasures, pomp and pride so that we draw nearer…still nearer to our God.

“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, O my Father, for giving us Your Son and leaving with us the gift of Your Holy Spirit…until (the work) our work on earth is done.”  Maybe we should be asking ourselves, ‘How am I doing with my work?’

“There’s a Royal Banner” – 627

Before we listen to the lesson Robert has prepared for us, we’ll sing about our mission as Christians.  The purpose of this ‘song before the lesson’ is found in the second verse.  ‘Over land and sea, wherever man may dwell, make the glorious tidings known; of the CRIMSON BANNER now the story tell, while the Lord shall claim His own…’  In Exodus 17, after the Amalekites are defeated, we read, “Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner…” The banner is a symbol from the battlefield.  As soldier’s of Christ we too have a symbolic banner; one that’s crimson, blood red.  Do you fly this banner in your life?

“There’s a Fountain Free” – 909

Perhaps one of my favorite invitation songs has the chorus ask the question, “Will you come to the fountain fountainfree?”  When we consider the words of Jeremiah the prophet we better understand the fountain; “O Lord, the hope of Israel, All who forsake You will be put to shame. Those who turn away on earth will be written down, Because they have forsaken the fountain of living water, even the Lord.” (Jeremiah 17:13)  It’s interesting to me that 3 times the author writes ‘hasten’ (come quickly) to the fountain.  Yet sadly, in this ‘fast-paced world’, the ‘living stream’ is the one place many are slow to approach.

“There is a Habitation” – 860

Leaving this morning we’ll encourage each other with these simple words; ‘…I long to see heaven!’  How ready are you for the Lord’s return?  Is the abode you seek eternal?  The heavenly city we seek has a foundation that’s firm and eternal.  One we can anticipate because of the atonement we have through the blood of Christ.

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I Knew You’d Come…May 26th

Moore tornadoMonday afternoon, May 20th, a tornado of unprecedented strength, swept through an urban neighborhood of Moore, Oklahoma.  With a mere 16-min. warning, businesses, schools and families desperately fled for shelter.

This month alone, we have seen devastation from storms in the Texas towns of Granbury and Cleburne, as well as in the community in Shawnee, Oklahoma.

How do we hold up in the face of such destruction and death?  What sense can we make in this manifested display of God’s power?  This morning Robert Oglesby will direct our hearts and minds as we come to better understand the comfort offered in Christ during these difficult times.  Just as the rescue workers came into Moore, Oklahoma to add those in despair, Jesus also comes to our rescue as we face the storms of life.  The following song selection is designed to focus our minds on Christ’s comfort in times of trials.

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

All Things Praise Thee – 43

Coming off the reading of Psalm 84:4, “How blessed are those who dwell in Your house! They are ever praising You.” we sing the verse verse of this old hymn; “All things praise Thee, Lord most high…”  What a beautiful message as we sing this hymn of praise.  Concluding each verse we echo the plea, “…all things praise Thee – Lord, may we!”  Notice, this isn’t a question but an acclamation.  Would that we all give God our praise!

Great Are You, Lord – no book

As we sing this contemporary song of praise we’ll begin with just the men sing, “Holy Lord, most holy Lord.  You alone are worthy of our praise…”  The chorus breaks forth with every voice giving glory to God.  JESUS CAMEUnderstanding this hymn to our Father we sing, “Great are You, Lord!”

In Loving-Kindness Jesus Came – 504

Though not found in the ‘Savior’s Sacrifice’ section, this spiritual song reminds us of the death Christ suffered on the cross.  Understanding the grace of God we sing, “In loving-kindness Jesus came…” to reclaim my sinful soul.  Notice verse 3, “His brow was pierced with many a thorn, His hands by cruel nails were torn…”  Thus we find the focus for the Lord’s Supper.  But read verse 3 with a clearer understanding; “Now on a higher plane I dwell, and with my soul I know ’tis (it is) well; Yet how or why, I cannot tell, He should have lifted me…”  Don’t misunderstand the message here.  We are not singing “He should have lifted me”; we’re singing “I don’t know why He lifted me…but He did!”

I Gave My Life for Thee – 354

We sing as if we’re saying the words of Christ.  Poetically Jesus reminds us; 1) I gave My life for you, 2) I left it all for you, 3) I’ve borne it all for you, and 4) I bring rich gifts (salvation, love and pardon) to you.  Then we’re left with the question…What have you given, left, borne and brought to Jesus?

Whispering Hope – 497

“Soft as the voice of an angel…”  The author of this old spiritual song encourages us to hold fast to the hope which we find in Christ, even as the ‘night is upon us.’  Consider the third verse and the poetry found in this line, “Hope, as an anchor so steadfast rends (completely shreds) the dark veil for the soul whither (Where) the Master has entered, robbing the grave of its goal.  Come then, O come, glad fruition (realization), come to my sad weary heart. Come, O Thou blest hope of glory never, O never depart…”  Where is YOUR hope in stormy weather?

‘Til the Storm Passes By – 546

Have you ever felt struggles to the point of despair?  Does it seem Satan is tearing you down?  “Many times Satan whispers, ‘There is no need to try.  For there’s no end to sorrow, there’s no hope by and by…”  Really?  Don’t forget those are the words of the great deceiver.  Jesus is the hope of all the world, Matthew 12:21.

Standing on the Promises – 452

Where are you standing, “when the howling storms of doubt and fear assail…?”  Before our lesson we’ll repeat this confirmation, ‘we are standing on the promises of God’, sixteen times.  It’s common for people to call on God during the storms, but as we sing, ‘through eternal ages let His praises ring…’ and continue to stand on the promises God has given you.

I Need Thee Every Hour – 837

Written by Annie Hawks in 1837, a Brooklyn housewife wrote this poem in a hour of joy, not pain.  However, God is our helpduring the next several years many found comfort from these words.  We’ll sing this as our invitation song, and as the call goes forth let us realize just how much we need Him…every hour!

O God, Our Help in Ages Past – 522

God has been our help in ages past, and as we consider the message from this lesson, He will be our hope for years to come!  We know God has sent His Son to rescue us, and my prayer is that we will all be eager to retreat to His shelter during the storm.  Though the world stands in fear of the stormy blast, God reaches down and we say…I knew He’d come!

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The Best Refuge…Ever!

children of the heavenly father

Though this spiritual song was new to me, it was born in the mind of Caroline Sandell Berg in 1858.  It’s origin comes from the ‘Song Book for Sunday School’, and as you listen to this choral arrangement, you’ll be able to hear the shades of a lullaby. The YouTube video is from Cal-State University Choir, choral archives, dating back to December, 1962.  

“Children of the Heavenly Father
Safely in His bosom gather;
Nestling bird nor star in heaven
Such a refuge e’er was given.

Neither life nor death shall ever
From the Lord His children sever;
Unto them His grace He showeth,
And their sorrows all He knoweth.


Though He giveth or He taketh,
God His children ne’er forsaketh,
His the loving purpose solely
To preserve them pure and holy.

God His own doth tend and nourish;
In His holy courts they flourish,
From all evil  things He spares them;
In His mighty arms He bears them.”

Consider that third verse; what exactly IS God’s purpose with us?  Are we just an experiment that He started several, thousands of years ago?  Or is there something more than life and death we can be looking forward to?  Are we any better off than a bird that nestles in the trees or a star that flashes in the night sky?  As children of God, we believe that He is in control.  And we know that our life is under His rule.  He can take away, and He often generously gives, but why are we here, what is His purpose?

Wings of ProtectionWe take hope in knowing the God loves us and desires all to come to know Him.  We read this promise in 2nd Peter chapter 3, verse 8 and 9…“But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like one day.  The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.”

Remember verse three…His purpose, His loving purpose, His only loving purpose is for His children to come back to Him.  As Caroline penned over 150 years ago, ‘…to preserve them (us) pure and holy.’  Do we desire God as much as He desires us?  We flourish because of His grace.  We are spared from all evil because of His mighty arm.  We are children of the heavenly Father with the best ‘refuge’ ever!

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The Extra ‘Last’ Mile

In Matthew 5, Jesus tells us how far we should be willing to go.  Not only for those who are kind and deserving, but also for those who you are not deserving.
Read the following scripture:

selfishness“…if anyone wants to sue you, and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. (not exactly a friendly encounter) And whoever shall force (not ask) you to go one mile, go with him two.”  How could our Lord and Savior expect us to do kind things to someone who is attacking and forcing us with a selfish attitude?  Does it make sense that we should just ‘roll over’ and give in to the demands of a cruel, somewhat childish, but most certainly domineering personality?  In this same passage Jesus says in verse 39…“But I tell you, do not resist and evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”  How does God expect us to just stand around and be a punching bag to a violent, egocentrically strong-arm?  Will your conscience let you do that?

Remember I Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not let 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.”  This should give us confidence to know that even when things are hard to understand, God will help us overcome difficult circumstances.  When we are ‘forced’ to go the extra mile, we do it because of Christ’s example.

In 1908, Johnson Oatman wrote a song that reminds me of going the extra mile.  The chorus resounds with the title, “When I’ve gone the last mile of the way, I will rest at the close of the day, and I know there are joys that await me when I’ve gone the last mile of the way.”  Notice each verse as the song builds; we consider working daily (vs.1), to seeking the lost (vs 2), all the way to the end of this physical life (vs 3) and final till we reach the hope of eternal life (vs. 4).

“If I walk in the pathway of duty, red river day 5 (part 2) 005
if I work till the close of the day,
I shall see the great King in His beauty
when I’ve gone the last mile of the way.


If for Christ I proclaim the glad story,
if I seek for His sheep gone astray,
I am sure He will show me His glory
when I’ve gone the last mile of the way.


Here the dearest of ties we must sever,
tears of sorrow are seen every day;
but no sickness, no sighing forever
when I’ve gone the last mile of the way.


And if here I have earnestly striven
and have tried all His will to obey,
’twill (it will) enhance all the rapture (joy) of heaven
when I’ve gone the last mile of the way.”

In a life that is filled with difficulties and hardships, all the while laced with seemingly unfair circumstances, we often wonder why we must go any further.  Why shouldn’t we stand up and say enough is enough.  Perhaps our answer comes in the 12th chapter of Hebrews, “…consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”  Do you feel like the extra mile is too much for you?  So how far are you willing to go?  What is your breaking point?  Will you truly go the extra mile?  If you will honestly walk in the pathway of duty, and if you will truly work till the close of the day you can rest assured there are joys that await you when you’ve gone the last mile of the way!

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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!

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Do YOU Know?

“Be curious always!  For knowledge will not acquire you: you must acquire it.”

And it’s true, we all have questions.  From the earliest years of life we have asked questions like…”How do birds fly?”  “How many stars are in the sky?”  “Do the ocean waves ever stop?”

Not only do little children ask questions, even the honest (mature) adults realize there are things in life for which we don’t have the answer.  The real question comes in understanding that though we might not know everything, there is one thing we can be sure of.  There is One who knows the answer to all of life’s queries.  But if we lack patience and humility, we’ll be inclined to reject anything with which we don’t agree.  The truth: God is the creator of all we see and all we have!  If we, as His creation, seek to know the answers we would be wise to go to the One who owns the ‘answer key’.  Otherwise we are left trying to guess at the answers to life’s questions.

Aileen Nicole Coleman-Mullen, professionally known as Nicole C. Mullen, was born in 1967.  She is an award-winning singer and songwriter.  I have recently come across one of her more captivating songs.  It’s known as “Redeemer”.  Read the words and feel the comfort in knowing…HE LIVES!

I KNOW MY REDEEMER LIVES!

Who taught the sun where to stand in the morning?
And who told the ocean, “You can only come this far?”
And who showed the moon where to hide ’till evening,
whose words alone can catch a falling star.

Well, I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives.
All of creation testifies.
This life within me cries.
I know my Redeemer lives!

The very same God that spins things in orbit,
runs to the weary, worn and the weak.
And the same gentle hands that hold me when I’m broken,
They conquered death to bring me victory!

Well, I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives.
All of creation testifies.
This life within me cries.
I know my Redeemer lives!

With all the questions we have in this life, and with many seeking answers to life’s questions, you can know that God is the Key!  He created our world and He brings us victory.  I know my Redeemer lives.

Do YOU know…He Lives!