their work, honor their contribution and receive edification from their message, we smile and applaud. In like manner a young person makes the great confession, is baptized into Christ and the first thing they hear coming up from the watery grave is the sound of clapping. What message are we hoping to give when we clap for their service? Are we saying, “good job,” or “congratulations,” or “we approve?”
young people to ‘…honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God and honor the king.’ I Peter 3:17. Honoring all people and the king doesn’t mean to applaud their service. Loving the brotherhood doesn’t refer to clapping at their new birth, but fearing God does mean…‘By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy, And before all the people I will be honored.’ Leviticus 3:10 Remember the preacher and the song leader are nothing more than servants, and each of us should concern ourselves with who we honor and how we honor them. Perhaps we should focus more of our ‘applause’ heavenward.Putting the ‘Stew’ back in Stewardship…July 20th
In the last book of the Old Testament, Malachi the prophet addresses sin in the priesthood. 
In their sacrifices, they were offering up ‘defiled food.’ By law, a pure animal was required, but instead they were giving God the blind, the sick and the lame. Their sacrifices were useless (vs 10). But what about us today? Are we acting as stewards who offer the best…or are we giving God what we reject?
A steward is one who is trusted to complete or over see a specific task. A good steward is one who works to the best of his or her ability. Good employees honor their employer. The life of a good steward is one that honors God. Sunday morning we’ll consider our stewardship and whether we’re honoring God or just offering up some ‘lame’ excuse for work.
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.”
I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, July 20, 2014
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“I Know That My Redeemer Lives” – 528
We’ve sung this spiritual song for years (over 100 years to be exact), but do you ‘know’ how many times you sing the words, ‘I know…?’ Singing all four verses and the chorus only once you’ll repeat this short, two-word phrase 11 times. If you consider the echo, 16 times. Is that important? Why the repetition? Who cares? Those who believe in Christ and have given their life in His service (stewards), won’t shy away from proclaiming their allegiance. With bold confidence they will repeat, “I know, I know that my Redeemer lives!”
“Higher Ground” – no book
Where are you heading and how eager are you to get there? This old song was rewritten by Ken Young in the late 80’s and inspires us as we press on to heaven. The men join in on the second verse with a thunderous echo; “Heart has no desire to stay where doubts arise and fears dismay. Tho some may dwell where these abound, my prayer, my aim is higher ground.”
“Night with Ebon Pinion” – no book
A haunting melody comes from this old spiritual psalm as we consider the night Jesus was betrayed. The beauty of the scripture is sung as we open up the 3rd verse. Notice the words of Christ in Mark 14:36, “Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will.” Now consider these words as we sing;“Abba, Father, Father, if indeed it may, let this cup of anguish pass from Me, I pray; but if it must be suffered, by Me, Thine only Son, Abba, Father, Father, let Thy will be done.”
“How Great Thou Art” – 76
The chorus of this great, classic hymn will follow the Lord’s Supper. Then, for emphasis, we’ll sing just the 3rd verse; “And when I think that God, His Son not sparing, sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in; that on the cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin…How great Thou art!”
“Soldier’s of Christ, Arise” – 647
A solider is a servant! He is called to be faithful in service to his country and his ‘King.’ But what kind of servant will he be? Will he be one who sits back and waits for battle, or one who is constantly preparing himself for war? As soldier’s (steward’s) of Christ, we must get up and get ready to defend our faith. Only then will we over come through Christ and stand entire (complete) at last.
“Trust and Obey” – 915
How do you know if you are truly being a good steward in the Kingdom? Malachi was chastising the priest in chapter 1 because they were offering defective sacrifices. They were giving God the rejected portions of their flock. When you give to God, what are you willing to sacrifice? Verse three of our invitation song challenges us; “But we never can prove (we will never be) the delights of His love until all on the altar we lay…” So what are you laying on the altar before God?
“We Give Thee But Thine Own” – 663
As the collection plate is being passed consider what you’re putting in. What are you ‘placing on the altar?’ You will hear the words, and hopefully you’ll sing the song, but will you give to God what belongs to Him; “…whatever the gift may be; all that we have is Thine (His) alone, a trust (responsibility) O Lord, from Thee. May we Thy bounties thus as stewards true receive (thankfully accept His blessings), and gladly, as Thou blessed us, to Thee our first fruits give.” Are we honoring God by giving Him our first fruits (best), or are we guilty of giving only what we don’t want?
“When We All Get to Heaven” – 853
Closing our service time together, we sing about heaven. But we must live a life that is ‘…true and faithful, trusting, serving EVERY DAY…’ Being a faithful servant, and demonstrating the traits of a good steward will lead us to the throne of God, where we can sing and shout the victory!
Is There Life After Life?…Mar. 16th
From generation to generation this question has been asked in some form or fashion, by young and old alike; what happens after this life? Will we live again? 
Even looking into the book of Job we read this question being asked by a man of God who suffered through the trials of life. In extreme pain he waits for death and is found wondering…what’s next?
In the 14th chapter of Job we read the words of a man who is in anguish. A man saddened by tragedy and tormented by the great deceiver himself (chapter 1). As Job wrestles with issues about life and death, and as he considers his pain and loss he looks toward life’s end and asks, “If a man dies, will he live again?” An honest question, but notice the next sentence to come from his mouth, “All the days of my struggle I will wait until my change comes.” There is a change coming, and as we hear the question echo through the ages we have confidence knowing…there will be life after life!
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, March 16, 2014
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“The Battle Belongs to the Lord” – 749
“In heavenly armor we’ll enter the land, the battle belongs to the Lord…” A rousing song of victory to start off our morning of worship and praise together. You have to put yourself into the mind of a soldier as we consider weapons, powers of darkness, standard (banners), an enemy and ultimately courage. So let’s sing, “…Glory, Honor, Power and Strength to the Lord!”
“It Is Well with My Soul” – 490
We’ll use the first three verses of this song to set the mind for partaking of the Lord’s Supper. Notice this ‘lost’ verse 2, “Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, let this blessed assurance control. That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate and hath shed His own blood for my soul…” Be ready, we’ll bring verse four in after we remember the Lord’s death. “And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight. The sky be rolled back as a scroll, the trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend, even so it is well with my soul.
“I Love the Lord” – 359
Not usually sung alone, we’ll take the chorus and sing immediately after the chorus of “It is Well With My Soul.” It should go something like this…“It is well, it is well with my soul.” “I love the Lord, He has been so good to me, He gave His life, from sin to set me free; No greater love than His could ever be, I love the Lord, because He first loved me.” But don’t miss the power of remembering Christ death that we find in the first verse. “I love the Lord, for He died my soul to save, on Calvary His dear life He freely gave…” Thanks be to God for the sacrifice of His Son and His great love for us!
“The Greatest Commands” – 448
Each verse adds another singing part in this contemporary song of praise. We’ll sing for harmony, but be careful not to miss the scripture that is woven throughout this psalm. Altos begin singing I John 4:7, 8, following in the second verse the bass echos I Corinthians 13:7. The tenor repeats “God is love” from I John 4, but the sopranos join in with the concluding verse as they reference Luke 10:27. Now, take your Bible and ‘sing’ for yourself.
“In Heavenly Love Abiding” – 139
Following the reading of Job 14, we’ll sing the first verse of this song. In scripture we’ll read, “…If a man dies, will he live again? All the days of my struggle I will wait until my change comes.” Follow the thought…“In Heavenly love abiding no change my heart shall fear; and safe is such confiding, for nothing changes here. The storm may roar without me, my heart may low be laid, but God is round about me, and can I be dismayed?”
“Hilltops of Glory” – no book
As if answering the question left by the previous song, “…can I be dismayed?”, we open up with the next song… “Onward rejoicing I tread life’s way, higher I’m climbing each passing day; Hilltops of glory now rise in view, where all shall be made new…”
“I Am Coming, Lord” – 923
The question is asked and an answer is requested. If you believe there is more to this life than just death, what will you 
do? What is the path you’ll take as you draw closer to the end of this life? This invitation song gives us the answer, our next step, throughout life, is to draw closer to God. Would that we say, “I am coming, Lord!” Because if the truth be known, when life is over…we’ll be going somewhere. I want to say, I’m going to be with God.
“There is a Habitation” – 860
Where is home? Not your physical address, but your ‘life after life’ home? We take comfort in knowing ‘there is a habitation’ for those who trust the Lord, obey His word and live for Him. This home we look forward to is a city with foundations that will never be shaken by wars or desolation. There is no trace of sorrow, death or decay in this home. We call this home Zion, the city of God. This is the place we should all prepare for…in life after life.
A Servant is Not Above His Master…Dec. 15th
Every respectful employee understands the expectations of working for his employer. My boss tells me what do to, and I do it (as the scripture says without grumbling 
or complaining, Phil. 2:14). Yet in a culture that questions authority, this concept is becoming a rare commodity. How do we revive the principle of respect and honor when it comes to the master/servant relationship?
Reading Matthew chapter 10, you’ll see Jesus sending his disciples to ‘…go to the lost sheep of Israel.’ Through His various instructions we read the proclamation, “A servant is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.” (verse 24) Is this a difficult statement? Do we value ourselves above others to the point that we refuse to serve one another? A child of God never forgets who he serves and he understand why the servant is never above his Master.
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, December 15, 2013
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Come, Let Us All Unite to Sing” -121
As our country struggled in the early years before the Civil War, a song of unification was penned. That same spiritual song will serve as our opening song of encouragement this Sunday morning. “Come, let us all unite to sing…God is love!” The call is for every soul to wake up from the sleep of death (sin), and make sweet music in his heart…for Jesus’ sake. Why? Simply because God is love!
“Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee” -202
Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” serves as the musical foundation for this hymn of praise. Each verse calls the singer, and the whole of God’s creation, to worship Him. Note verse two; “All Thy works with joy surround Thee, earth and heav’n reflect Thy rays, stars and angels sing around Thee, center of unbroken praise; Field and forest, vale (valley) and mountain, flowery meadow, flashing (surprising) sea, chanting birds and flowing fountain call us to rejoice in Thee.” All of God’s creation praises Him. Will we?
“I Am Thine, O Lord” -666
Before the Lord’s Supper we’ll sing about our devotion to God. The servant-Master relationship is implied as we seek to be ‘consecrated’ (set apart as holy) in His service. The chorus echoes with the desire we have to be drawn nearer to His side. May we turn our hearts and minds back ‘to the cross where Thou hast died.’ Truly, God’s children understand that He is the Master and we say, “I am Yours, O Lord.”
“He Paid a Debt” -376
‘He paid a debt He did not owe…’ On the face of it we sing this song from rote and can sing it with our eyes closed. We know the words, but do we listen to the message. As a servant to his Master we must never forget who paid the debt for us. It’s not about what I have done, but what Jesus did! He paid that debt on Calvary… Amazing Grace!
“On Bended Knee“ -791
A beautiful song of prayer where we come ‘bowing down’ to our King. Understanding this to be a figure of speech, it still behooves us to ask the question, ‘are we willing to bend our knee before the throne?’ Without a humble or broken heart we’ll never truly bow to Him…figuratively. However, remember the scripture is clear, “…that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth…” Philippians 2:10. So literally we will all one day be ‘on bended knee.’
“More About Jesus” -678
Some people think they can never have enough. Never satisfied with what they have, but always looking for more. As servants of the King, we should be looking for more too. We should be striving to know more about Jesus, to learn more about Him and His saving fullness. This old spiritual song uses the word ‘more’ ten times in the first verse alone. As you strive for ‘more’, make Jesus your first and only objective.
“Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” -679
Serving as our invitation song this morning, we sing a strong affirmation of our trust in Jesus. He is our Master and we trust His judgement. But notice the third verse, ‘…Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus, just from sin and self to cease…” As we follow the Master we cease living in sin, we start serving the Master and stop serving ourselves. We come to better understand that the servant is not above his Master.
“Make Me a Servant” -694
How appropriate we conclude this morning’s song service with this simple contemporary hymn to God. As you think about what you’re singing you will better understand what you are asking for. “Make me a servant…do what You must do to make me a servant…” Are you really ready for that, for God to do what He must do? If you are truly ready for God to work in you, then you know that a servant can never be above his Master.
This Is Job For…?
With a meteorite heading to earth and no one to help, you might here the phrase, “This is a job for Superman!” Then ‘faster than a speeding bullet’, and out from behind the clouds comes the DC comic hero to save the day. But even 
without an asteroid heading our way, we still have troubles to deal with and issues we must face. Who comes to the rescue then? Here ‘in the real world’ we have things that need to get done. We say, this is a job for ____________. When the job (big or small) needs to be done and the only ‘super man’ around isn’t able to ‘leap tall buildings’…what do you do?
Some might say, ‘Anybody can do that, it’s not too hard,’ but when it comes time to do the job we are often looking around for Superman. Some have been heard to say, “I would but…” The fact of the matter remains, there is work to be done and a worker needs to do it. It’s almost as if folks are afraid they’ll be asked to save the planet. In reality, we just need workers. Letting the Bible speak (I Cor. 6;9), we can hear God calling us to work “…for we are God’s fellow workers…”. Also Matthew and Mark both refer to labors in the kingdom (vineyard). We have work to do, no doubt. The question remains, who will do the work?
Keith Lancaster’s, Acappella made famous a song that epitomizes many in today’s society. When a task is to be done you might hear someone say, ‘Anybody could do that…somebody should do that…will anybody do it?’ Unfortunately the response is usually, ‘I would but I’m too busy.’
‘Everybody Said (But Nobody Did)’
CHORUS:
Everybody said that anybody could do The important things somebody should do Everybody knows that anybody could do All the good things that nobody did
1) Well the preacher came to me and said what I ought to do If I wanted to make my religion true He’d do it himself but he really didn’t have the time He said that the duty was mine
CHORUS:
2) Well the deacon came by and said give me a hand If you want to be going to the promised land Here is something that I don’t have time to do So I better give it to you
CHORUS:
Well I’m too busy so I tell everybody The work’s got to get done by somebody It could be done by anybody But nobody, nobody, nobody did
Earth hangs in the balance, between life and death. There’s no rocket of destruction or asteroid headed our way, but we do hang in the balance between good and evil. Imagine if Clark Kent had observed the threat and said, “That looks like trouble, maybe somebody should do something.” You might not be a ‘super man’, but you are somebody who can make a difference. Besides, it just might be that the next task is a job for you.
Shaky Hands
Donna Holloway has penned a few articles for this website. Late last year (December, 2012) she shared this experience with me as she joined her aging parents for Sunday worship. The names of the men serving are her relatives and immediate family members. Thanks for the reminder of how fragile life can be.
This past Sunday afternoon I was touched by several things I observed while attending the worship service my Dad holds at Sand Plum Assisted Living Center in Bixby, Oklahoma. The services are held in a small room off to the side of the common living area. My dad reserves this room from 4:00 – 5:00 on Sunday 
afternoons so the residents can attend worship services. Generally one of the men from the Bixby congregation comes to help him oversee the service; but this past Sunday he called on Richard for the lesson, Phillip to lead the singing, Paul & Brent to coordinate Lord’s Supper and then my Dad led a prayer.
First off, Mom & Dad set up the room and prepared the bread and the fruit of the vine into the trays. Mom seemed to remember what to do and enjoyed helping Dad set up. She even went to get me a cup of water on her own, and didn’t seem confused about where to go. Several residents, mostly ladies along with one tall gentleman came for the service. Some left their walkers in the hall; others needed them to get to their seat or to sit upon. The lady that sat by me was pleasant and participated in every way; she turned to the scripture readings, sang from her hymnal and partook of the Lord’s Supper. Although Dad and Mom still have a car and go to worship in Bixby, many of these folks aren’t able to get out.
As I watched and participated in this afternoon service, I was particular fascinated as these older folks took the Lord’s Supper. Their devotion to this memorial touched me deeply. With confident, yet shaky hands, they reached in with some difficulty to pick up a small piece of the bread. As the men began to serve the juice Dad quietly told them to please hand each one a cup, and so they did. With outstretched hands, still shaking, each resident was able to drink from their cup and then place it back into the tray. I guess the shaking hands are what made me realize how important this worship is to these aging Christians. It means a great deal to them as I imagine it will to me one day when I’m in a similar situation.
I’m not surprised my Dad has taken this on and I’m so proud he’s doing it. He has always been one to quietly notice what needs to be done and doesn’t shy away from serving.
It was good to see Mom helping him set up and feeling confident in what she was doing. Being in the early stages of dementia, she stays confused most any other time.
At the end of the service, one 98 year old lady, quickly left saying the service ran a little long this week. Others were friendly to visit and showed their thankfulness to the men who led the service.
Until we had participated with the singing at Dayspring Assisted Living Center in Plano, Texas I had very little experience around older people. I am thankful for the opportunity Waterview church of Christ provided during those few precious years for us to sing for the residents at Dayspring. It was good for me to learn how to be around the sweet, aging folks.
Perhaps you’ve been encouraged and have enjoyed reading about my experience in Bixby. Due to my Dad’s job of moving every few years and living so much of my childhood overseas, I had only a few years to spend time with grandparents, and most of those visits were short in time. Perhaps you’d say I have been a ‘late’ learner about the blessing of older people. So if you have a love the older, aging folks, I encourage you to demonstrate your love and compassion to them by giving of your most cherished possession…your time. Just remember…each day God gives us on this earth we ourselves are growing closer to having ‘shaky hands!’
This world is not my home, but while I’m here it makes sense to be a support and encouragement to God’s family. Thanks Donna for your encouragement.
The Good Samerican…July 14th
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!
Do We Want More? (part 1)
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 striving within… 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’.
Can We Improve the Service?
What makes service good and or bad? Perhaps the best example of ‘service’ 
comes when you consider your waiter or waitress. They offer a service for the customer that can either be useful or not.
Have you ever visited an elegant restaurant? As you walked in you receive a gracious welcome from your host. You are seated quickly, but then wait, and wait and wait for your menu. Throughout the evening your glass goes unfilled, and your questions unanswered. Most would consider this ‘poor’ service. Some might even say this is rotten service. Regardless, you are anticipating someone from this establishment to ‘serve’ you.
Another type of ‘service’ comes each Sunday morning many of us join together to worship our God. We sing and pray, partake of the Lord’s Supper and listen to a message from God’s word. We call this time together the “worship service.” But who are we serving during this time? Is this time of worship designed to serve men or God? We certainly should be trying to ‘get something’ out of the sermon, and be admonished from the psalms, hymns and spiritual songs (Colossians 3), but is this ‘service’ more than just a personal exercise? Ask yourself…am I looking to be served, or am I preparing myself to serve?
Before you come together with the saints for ‘services’, I encourage you to think about your attitude toward worship. What draws you to join the congregation of God’s people on the first day of the week? Would that our attitude reflect that of the Psalmist who wrote, “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us enter into the house of the Lord’.” Psalm 122:1
If we’re truthful about the matter, people view worship services in a various ways. God meant this time to be an opportunity to grow closer to Him. This is an opportunity to give our best to the Creator. A chance to show Him how much we love Him by uniting in songs of praise and offering prayers in Jesus’ name. We should respect our Heavenly Father, and the method in which we serve and worship Him.
Consider some ideas as to how we might ‘improve’ our service when we come together to worship:
1) Attend every time the doors are open. Others will see that worship is a priority to you. You’ll be demonstrating your desire to be with the family of God and not ‘forsaking’ the assembly (Hebrews 10:25).
2) Arrive early and when possible, stay late. This will show your brothers and sisters in Christ that you really want to be there. It also helps as we encourage others . Much of what we do is really not for ourselves, but for others. (Remember…we’ve come to serve!) By coming early and staying late you might be the one who helps someone in need of encouragement.
3) Be positive with other Christians about the worship time and about one another. No place is ever going to be perfect, and rarely do all worship services meet all of our expectations and desires. But then again remember, we’ve come to serve…WHO?
4) Take more responsibility (and pride) as you participate. Bringing excitement and enthusiasm to the service will strengthen everyone involved. Consider this, do you like it when your waitress serves you with a smile?
5) Believe that spending time in worship is worthwhile. Sing and pray with all your heart. It is not how well we sing that matters to God, it’s our attitude about singing that counts. I truly believe that while we listen to the voice of the singer, God listens to the singer’s heart.
Perhaps these five points will help us as we consider our worship service next Sunday. Remember, often what we receive depends on how much we are willing to give. Most would agree it comes down to answering the following question,
“What can we do to improve the service?”
The Shakers…March 17th
In reading Matthew chapter 5 we see Jesus is giving us some very specific directions
on how we are to live. This coming Sunday morning (3.17) we’ll look at the directive we are given in that we are ‘the salt of the earth.’ However, Jesus adds an interesting twist when he say, ‘…but if the salt becomes tasteless…”. Perhaps you’ll join us as we look at the line of thinking considering our responsibilities.
My prayer is that this ‘order of worship’ will help you focus on our songs as we come together to worship our God. Thinking about our songs we should say;
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, March 17, 2013
The following songs come from the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“We Praise Thee O God” & “Restore My Soul” – 2 & no book
This medley combines the old with the new! We conclude the chorus of We Praise Thee, O God with “Hallelujah! Thine the glory; revive us, again.” and begin with “Restore my spirit, Lord, I need restored…” A marriage of two beautiful songs separated by more than 10 years, but blending the same thought of praise and restoration.
“Living for Jesus” – 676
We’ll begin with the chorus of this spiritual song by T. O. Chisholm, and then transition into the 2nd verse. Notice what we’ll be singing; “Living for Jesus who died in my stead (my place), bearing to Calvary MY sin and disgrace (not His); Such love (this kind of love) constrains me to answer His call (does it ‘compel’ you?), follow His leading and give Him my all…” Keep your heart on Him and give Him your life every day!
“Lord, Take Control” – 790
How much do you consider to be yours and how much do you consider to be God’s? When we sing this new song we’re asking God to take control of our lives. But how much of your life are you willing to let go of? Read the words we’ll be singing on Sunday; “My heart, my mind, my body, my soul…” How much do you have left if you give God your emotions, your thoughts, your physical being and your spiritual being?
“Remind Me, Dear Lord” – 606
Following the Lord’s Supper I like for the congregation to remember once more how lost we would be without our Savior’s sacrifice. There is nothing that we have done to deserve God’s own Son. If we can remember that we’re not worthy of the scares in His hands perhaps we understand better that the things we value in life are just borrowed. We all need to have the curtain of memory rolled back every now and then so we can see where Jesus has brought us from and where we could have been…
“Jesus is All the World to Me” & “I’m Not Ashamed to Own My Lord” – 590 & 609
Before the lesson we’ll sing this short medley as we recognize how important Jesus is to our lives, but also that we are not ashamed to tell the world. In the same key but with a bit more energy we’ll transition from “…He’s my friend.” to “I’m not ashamed to own my Lord nor to defend His cause…”
“Have Thine Own Way Lord” – 552
Though this might not appear to be a typical invitation song, we are called to give our lives over to God. Let Him 
has His way in our lives. Easy to say, not often done! Can you say that you want God to “…hold over your being absolute sway”? Do you know what that even means? By definition ‘sway’ can mean to control or rule over. Are you OK with God having absolute control of your life? But only by YOUR choice…
“Home of the Soul” -875
A song of Heaven…we’ve been singing this song since 1912. Some of our older members remember when this song was a new, ‘contemporary’ song. (Think about it…this is a hundred year old song. Those who are in their 70’s and 80’s sang this song when it was only 20 or 30 years old.) Perhaps they best understand how comforting it is to sing of the rest that… ‘will be given on the eternal shore.’