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.”
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!”
Without an anchor, a boat will drift and the stability of it’s location is lost. We drop anchor to secure us and keep us from drifting away. Scripture is rich in comparing our souls to a vessel and our anchor to Christ. The Hebrew writer explains, ‘This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil…’ (6:19)
But what’s the ‘big deal’ with drifting and why should we be concerned about losing our position? Is there peril in falling away? Consider how helpless you feel when you sink beneath the waves, not able to touch bottom and realizing all hope is being covered in breathlessness. That happens the minute we start to drift.
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, July 21, 2013
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Oh, Praise the Lord” 282
From the pen of the Psalmist, this ‘hymn’ is a direct praise to our God (logically, it could call it a psalm as well). Can you see the passion in this song of praise! “O praise the Lord, all ye nations; praise Him all ye people, for His merciful kindness is great toward us; and the truth of the Lord endureth forever…praise ye the Lord!”
“Marvelous Things” – 209
A contemporary, spiritual song with a strong, 4-part harmony. The soprano’s open with eight, simple words; ‘He has done marvelous things. Praise the Lord.’ Each part joins in succession (alto, tenor, bass) with the same message; ‘marvelous things…’ Considering what God has done it makes sense we’d conclude with the acclamation, ‘Praise the Lord!’
“Christ We Do All Adore Thee” – 186
As we prepare our minds for the Lord’s supper, we’ll sing this hymn as we honor and praise our God. “Christ, we do all adore Thee, and we do praise Thee forever…” Some might wonder how we could sing this song in preparing our minds for this memorial supper, but notice the second line, “…for on the holy cross hast Thou the world from sin redeemed…” How much more do we need to remind ourselves of His sacrifice? Christ, we DO all adore Thee!
“Sun of My Soul” – 806 “Jesus, Lover of My Soul” – 807 “Abide with Me” – 808
This medley is prearranged in the hymnal Faith & Praise, edited by Alton Howard. Consider the message; in a lost (drifting) and dark world, where do you go to find light and stability? In this physical world we have a sun shining in our sky, but in the spiritual realm, what is our source illumination? The ‘sun for our soul’ is our Savior! And our Savior, as the storms of life threaten and the waters roll, He cares for us and loves us. So it only makes sense that we would cry out, “Abide with me, fast falls the eventide…(the end of life)” The message for the Christian is clear, without our God we have no hope. No comfort in this earth or even in earthly friends. Jesus Christ is our help when we are helpless, He is the ‘lover’ of our souls and He shines as the sun of our souls!
“My Hope is Built on Nothing Less” – 538
Do you have an opinion, what do you think? Where do you stand? Are you solid about your position or are you able to be swayed? Questions like these are used to establish one’s belief. Where is your ‘stand’ when it comes to the hope that is within you? (I Peter 3:15) As for me, my hope is built on the blood of Jesus Christ… and on nothing less! On Christ, the solid Rock I stand! How about you?
“We Have an Anchor” – 467
Before the lesson this morning the congregation will sing to one another with this old, post-Civil War, spiritual song from Priscilla Owens (1874). Take note of the question and answer we sing to one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs; Will your anchor hold in the storms of life? As the winds begin to howl and the waves behind to roll we ask the question, will your anchor drift or firm remain? Singing to one another we answer from scripture (Hebrews 6:19), “We have an anchor that keeps the soul steadfast and sure while the billows roll, fastened to the Rock (Jesus Christ) which cannot move, grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love.”
“Behold a Stranger at the Door” – 919
Our invitation song calls our attention to Jesus and how we treat Him. Jesus came to ‘seek and save that which was lost’ Luke 19:10, but how do we treat Him as He comes to the door of our heart? He gently knocks, and for some, this isn’t the first time. For many He still waits to enter into the heart, but how is He treated? Received or rejected? Accepted or ignored? Joseph Grigg’s wrote, “…you treat no other friend so ill.” Receive your friends with open arms, but consider how you’ll treat the Son of God on a daily basis.
“Heaven Came Down” – 517
As this morning’s worship service comes to a close we’ll sing this spiritual song about living a Christian life. A beautiful message but notice the second verse; “Born of the Spirit with life from above into God’s family divine. Justified fully through Calvary’s love, O what a standing is mine! (Where DO you stand?) And the transaction so quickly was made, when as a sinner I came. Took of the offer of grace He did proffer, He saved me! O praise His dear name…” To proffer is to give a gift expecting an answer, either accept it or not. He has given us hope for eternal life. What will you do with is offer? Just keep in mind, when we accept God’s gift of love, we have an anchor to keep our soul from drifting.
Jesus tells the story of a man who was traveling on the road to Jericho only to be ‘mugged’ by highway robbers. Being stripped of all he had and left for dead (literally) the man is at the mercy of those who pass by as they too travel the road. You know how the parable goes and the cast of characters. And most likely you’ve considered which one you would be.
Most would like to say that in the circumstances described in Christ’s parable we’d follow the lead of the man from Samaria. But have you considered what it would take to truly help someone who is broken and bleeding? Would you walk across the road for your neighbor or are you ‘too busy?’ Here in America we live a good life and pretty much ‘want for nothing.’ We know lots of good American’s, but it might take some uncomfortable steps if we are to act like the good Samaritan.
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, July 14, 2013
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah” -3
Pick up your bible and turn to Psalm chapter 148. This song we’ll be singing is indeed a ‘psalm’ and is almost a word-for-word account from the chapter. From the hills and mountains to the beast and cattle, we sing this song of praise. Whether you see yourself as young man or a maiden we must all be praising God. Don’t let the birds that in the heavens fly out sing your praise!
“For the Beauty of the Earth” – 67
Consider this first verse, “For the beauty of the earth, for the beauty of the skies, for the love which from our birth over and around us lies: Lord of all to Thee we raise this our sacrifice of praise.” Do you think this praise is for our physical birth or our spiritual birth? The love that surrounds us (over and above) comes from God. Makes you think doesn’t it?
“I Sing Praises” – 97
A ‘contemporary song’ that is simple in verse. We’ll conclude this medley of ‘praise songs because our God’s name, ‘…is great and greatly to be praised.’ Hallelujah! Praise Jehovah…
“How Deep the Father’s Love” – no book
We’ll turn our minds to the cross and Christ sacrifice using this contemporary song reminding us of the love of God. The last verse is one of striking value to me…“I will not boast in anything; no gifts no power no wisdom. But I will boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection…” Quoting Paul in Galatians 6:14 “…may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ…”
“I’ll Live for Him” – 553
Between the bread and the fruit of the vine we’ll softly sing the third (often omitted) verse. “O Thou who died on Calvary…” Many have missed the point of emotion in our songs. We don’t sing to serve ourselves or those who are listening, we sing to glorify and edify the family of God. In my humble opinion, the heart is more important than the voice.
“Sweet Adoration” – 253
Where do you turn for comfort in times of trouble? How do face the frustrations of this world and temptations that seem to be endless? Try this…come to the Savior, give Him your heart-felt praise and adoration. As you give your all to adoration, little is left for focusing on your trials. Admiration and adoration are essential elements when we recognize our Savior.
“To Love Someone More Dearly” – 636
We all have a job to do in this life. Some are willing to immerse themselves wholly into their work. Others just ‘get the job done.’ But there is one task we need to make a priority in our life; to love someone more dearly! To help a wandering child who’s lost or even just to ponder over something that is good and worthy of our time. Our task might be as simple as praying or smiling. The man from Samaria would have sung this song with full conviction.
“A Beautiful Life” – 570
This is a strong spiritual song with a full bass lead in the chorus. But what do we mean, ‘…life’s evening sun is sinking low…’, are we really talking about death in this upbeat, ‘exciting to sing’ song? Certainly, when life is over, we will meet our Creator and be held accountable for our deeds. Are you one who is trying to lift a traveler’s load? As you strive to be a child of God, remember, your ‘…life must shine along the way.’
“Wonderful Story of Love” – 286
Not a typical invitation song, but when you listen to what we’re saying I think you’ll agree. “Sinner, O won’t you believe it (the wonderful story of love)?” Through His love, the wonderful story of love, Jesus continues to call us to come to Him, since the dawn of creation even until today.
“Let the Lower Lights Be Burning” – 642
I’ve always enjoyed this old spiritual song about shining our light to the lost world. The imagine is clear as we consider the responsible we have in reaching out to those who are bruised and bleeding. The traveler on the road or the sailor on the sea are bound to face difficult times. How willing are we to shine our light, walk across the path and offer them a Savior! The good Samaritan did!
Ask any grade school child and they can tell you all about ‘Show & Tell.’ This is the time to share with your friends something you cherish and hold as very dear. It’s an exciting time because it’s about something you know very well. Something that is close to you and personally dear.
‘Show and Tell,’ however is not just a child’s activity. The child of God is also called to participate in this activity. What will you show and how much are you willing to tell about your Savior? Is your life as a Christian something you cherish and hold dear? If we’re truly excited about our walk with Christ we will ‘love to tell story’, and we’ll show Him to the world.
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, June 23, 2013
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Blessed Be the Lord God Almighty” – 72
A beautiful hymn that is clearly directed to our God. We begin with the phrase, “Father in Heaven, how we love You…” Almost as if we’re saying a prayer this song begins our worship as we SING a prayer. Consider how we sing scripture in the last part of this song, “…the Lord God almighty, who was and is and is to come…” the words of our Lord and Savior from Revelation chapter 1, verse 8.
“We Praise Thee, O God” – 2
“Hallelujah” is derived from the Hebrew as two words; “halla”, praise and “Yah”, God. We know that but it’s good to revisit what we’re singing. Translated the chorus would read like this…”Praise God! The glory belongs to Him, Praise God! Amen…”
“There is a Sea” – 556
If you’ve never followed the message of this song read on. There is poetry within these three short verses and with a rather difficult harmony, we often skip over this old, spiritual song. In the first verse we sing about a sea that is surrounded with an abundance of natural resources and coastal nourishment; the Sea of Galilee. From it flows the Jordan river down toward the Dead Sea where the second verse of our song continues. Unlike the Galilean sea, the Dead Sea is filled with salt and, ‘lies heavy as molten lead.’ Singing the third verse we can see the application and the question is asked, “What will it be for you and me…?” Will we be like the Sea of Galilee and give out the good we have been given, or will we remain stagnate in our life and refuse to share the God-given gifts we have in life?
“Holy Bible, Book Divine” – no book
This is an old spiritual songs with the tune (meter) of another, more familiar song. We’ll replace the music William B. Bradbury gave this song in 1858 to a musical arrangement provided by J. H. Fillmore in 1877. You’ll recognize “Savior, Grant Me Rest and Peace”, but you’ll be singing, “Holy Bible, Book Divine.” This is a great opportunity to learn a new song with an old melody!
“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. Do you enjoy (love) to tell about Jesus? 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. Why sing about the story, because “I know ’tis (it is) true”, and because “…it means so much to me.” How can we sing this song without putting a smile on our faces?
“Lord Speak to Me” – 771
Not a typical invitation song, but when we consider showing and telling this world about Jesus Christ I couldn’t help but think of this last verse; “O fill me with Thy fulness, Lord. Until my very heart o’re (over) flow; In kindling tho’t (as an ember begins to burn and glow in our thoughts) and glowing word, Thy love to TELL, Thy praise to SHOW.” People need a Savior, let’s take Jesus for OUR show and tell!
“Thomas’ Song” – 269
An adaptation of Thomas and how he might have reacted in John 20. Notice especially verse 3 of this song. Perhaps in the upper room, when Thomas see’s Jesus for the first time since His resurrection, the poet Ken Young, writes; “Holy presence, holy face; a vision filling time and space. Your nearness makes my spirit race, could this be part of the plan?” When we are moved and emotional invested in something we have the sensation that our heart is racing. Maybe, just maybe, Thomas’ spirit was racing when he saw Jesus. Does Jesus cause your heart (spirit) to race? Though this song is man’s idea of what John might have said, felt or even thought, the text is clear as we read his final admonition, “You are my Lord and my God.” John 20:28
“Lead Me To Calvary” – 332
Between the Bread and the Fruit of the Vine we’ll sing verse 2 of this solemn reminder of Christ crucifixion. “Show me the tomb where Thou wast (was) laid…” , where angels robed in light guarded Christ ‘while He slept.’ In our minds eye we should use this time to reflect on Calvary…lest we forget.
“Ring Out the Message” – 622
“Tell the world of saving grace, make it known in every place…” The local ‘town crier’ was responsible to getting the message out to the community. They had the job to ‘ring the message out.’ Today, all Christians have the task to take the message to a lost community. We believe there is a message that’s true and makes the weary glad, but more importantly…it’s a message for the sinful and for the sad. We don’t have to stand on a street corner and cry out the message, but we need to be ready when it’s time for “Show & Tell”.
How dark does the night have to be…
before you realize you can’t see where you’re going?
We wander through the darkness hoping that eventually we’ll find our way. But add to the black of the night some wind and rain. Feel the sting from the rain and the power of the storm…all in total darkness. Now the dynamics are more intense. Not only am I blinded by the night, whatever sense of ‘stability’ I once had is now in question. We need someone to ‘shed some light’ on the subject. A flashlight would be helpful, but a flood lamp would be great. Better yet, if only the sun would shine and drive away the storm and night.
The storm may be ravaging your world today, and the darkness of sin may have blinded your sight. Do you need someone to shine the light into your day? You can rest assured, the Son is shining! Even after our physical sun has set and the day is done, God’s Light shines on. He illuminates our lives and gives us hope in a dark and stormy world. But are we willing to look for the light, be receptive to this glow and follow the light to the safety of the shore. Robbie Hinson wrote the following country gospel song that stands to remind us that there is a lighthouse on the hillside. [LINK]
There’s a lighthouse on the hillside that overlooks life’s sea. When I’m tossed it sends out a light, a light that I might see. And the light that shines in darkness now will safely lead me home, If it wasn’t for the lighthouse, my ship would be no more.
Chorus And I thank God for The Lighthouse, I owe my life to Him. For Jesus is The Lighthouse and from the rocks of sin, He has shown the light around me, so that I might clearly see. If it wasn’t for The Lighthouse, Where would this ship be?
Everyone that lives around us, they say ‘Tear that lighthouse down; You know the big ships don’t sail this way anymore, there’s no use in it standing round.’ Then my mind goes back to that stormy night, when just in time I saw the light Yes, the light from that old lighthouse, that stands up there on the hill.
Chorus And I thank God for The Lighthouse, I owe my life to Him. For Jesus is The Lighthouse and from the rocks of sin, He has shown the light around me, so that I might clearly see. If it wasn’t for The Lighthouse, Where would this ship be?
“I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore. Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more. But the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry, From the water lifted me now safe am I.”
Have you ever been in a situation when you were really feeling troubled? Some have even referred to it as a “sinking feeling”. Troubles can come upon us and cause stress, discomfort and an overall sense of discouragement. There have been times when we have referred to difficulties in our lives as a storm or tribulation. So what do we do when the storms begin to rage? If you live on the beach or near the ocean you know the precautions that must be taken when the forecast call for hurricane type winds. But the basis for this hymn comes from the text when Peter tries to walk on water. Notice the text from Matthew 14, beginning at verse 27; “But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.’ Peter said to Him, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’ And He said, ‘Come!’ And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ When they got into the boat, the winds stopped. And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, ‘You are certainly God’s Son!’.”
From this passage we read that Peter, actually walked on the water with Jesus. But like many of us, he was distracted by the concerns around him and eventually lost his focus. The ‘stormy winds’ (vs.25) were real and the waves were a strong reminder to Peter that he was away from the security of the boat. Do you feel the same when faced with stressful situations? God calls us to come to Him just as Jesus called Peter to join Him on the surface of the Sea of Galilee. But we know there will be storms and stressful situations. When we start to struggle (sink), remember the words from this old hymn written in 1912 by James Rowe.
“Love lifted me! When nothing else could help, love lifted me.” Find the encouragement from the 2nd and 3rd verses of this old hymn. “All my heart to Him I give, ever to Him I’ll cling. In His blessed presence live, ever His praises sing. Love so mighty and so true merits (spiritual credit) my soul’s best songs; Faithful loving service, too, to Him belongs. Souls in danger, look above, Jesus completely saves; He will lift you by His love out of the angry ways. He’s the Master of the sea, billows His will obey; He your Savior wants to be, be saved today.”
We know the storms of life will come, though we don’t know when. Forecasting a storm allows those in it’s path to prepare themselves and ‘batten down the hatches’, but how many of us today are preparing for the storms of life? Some are walking with Christ, but are still struggling as the winds and the waves slap us in the face. Losing our focus on God and turning to the storm, we’re sinking. Christ is waiting for you to reach out to Him and cry with a sincere heart, “Lord, save me!” Unfortunately today, too many refuse to acknowledge the hand of Christ as He reaches out to lift us. Not only do we exemplify ‘little faith’, our stubborn hearts doom us as we slowly sink in sin.
Would that we realize our plight and understand the stain of our sin. When we come to realize how much trouble we have without Christ, we’ll reach out and let Him bring us safely back into His care. Or do we bother; are we really concerned about that ‘sinking feeling’? The world tells us to just bear down, endure, and get over it. But you and I know that we can’t go along in this life and without doubt, we’ll drown if someone doesn’t rescue us. Jesus cares and He will deliver you because He loves you. His dedication to you and your relationship with Him is more than you might understand. But I know and I’m convenience of this…His Love Lifted Me!
preacher there is an image that we must consider and hold in our hearts.
