Dreaming of Heaven
When was the last time you woke up and could remember your dream? Not the nightmare that shakes you awake or the dream that bring tears to your eyes. I’m talking about the dream that fills you peace and brings a smile to your face. Do you remember your dreams? Sometimes we wake up and can’t recall the events, but only a feeling or emotion from the nocturnal vision. Then there are other times when we wake and can recall every scene with vivid detail. Perhaps you’ve had this ‘dream’…or maybe you’ve sung about the vivid details of this vision of heaven!
From a distance I saw a huge crowd of people standing in Heaven around the throne of God. This vast assembly had been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, and they were singing to God with an incredibly beautiful melody! As I listened to them singing, I heard their song, and I so wanted to join them. You could say that I tried to sing, but I couldn’t.
This vast ‘singing’ assembly were saints who had died under persecution. Some were killed by the sword and others had been burned at the stake, but all of them stood on the mount because they had died for truth and in the name of Jesus. And as they stood shouting victory and giving praise to “the Lamb,” they were bowing before…the GREAT I AM!
These saints, in the presence of God, were feasting (rejoicing) in His love. But perhaps what intrigued me the most was that this vision, this dream, was perpetual…it never ended. Rising before these saints were images of joy and complete happiness. These ‘scenes’ were always new, no reruns, no repeats… always new rising, over and over and over again in their presence as they sang before the throne of God.
Then, as if given special permission, I joined in the song of praise. This is the song I was singing to God…
“Holy, Holy, Holy Lord! God of Host on high adore!”
And as I sang, I thought, “How can someone like me be able to sing to the Lord of Host, the Great I Am, the Almighty King?” Still I continued,
“Holy, Holy, Holy Lord! God of Host on high adore! Holy, Holy, Holy!”
This is just a story, maybe a dream, but you no doubt will recognize this ‘vision’ as one of our longtime favorite hymns, “On Zion’s Glorious Summit.” When we sing the songs from years gone by, we must stop and contemplate what we’re singing? We need to ‘see’ the songs we sing. Read the words to this song and come to appreciate the message, then you’ll be closer to understanding what you’re singing.
“I will sing with the spirit, I will sing with understanding…”
I Corinthian 14:15
9-1-1 or 4-1-1?
Almost 35 years ago, a comedy hit the silver screen with the tag line, “Who 
ya gonna call?” Most know the response as the title of the movie…”Ghostbusters!” If you have ghosts, call for help. But away from Hollywood, some 25 years earlier, the ‘Universal Emergency Number’ was established. You know that number as 9-1-1. A home invasion, a car accident, an injury or a threat on your life, any type of emergency would justify a call to 9-1-1. But when was the last time you picked up the phone and dialed 4-1-1? Do you know what you’d hear if you pushed those three numbers? This short, three digit number was established as directory assistance.
Whether you have ‘ghost,’ real-time emergencies or just need help finding some one’s number, we have an answer for that. But how often do we ignore the one who has all the answers and can assist us in any emergency. Do we take time to “call” the one who knows our needs even before we do? When life hits you with emergencies, and when you need ‘assistance,’ Who ya gonna call?’ Join us on Sunday morning as we ‘pick up the phone’ and make a call…though it might not be to 9-1-1 or 4-1-1.
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, August 20, 2017
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Come Thou Almighty King” – 19
One of my favorite ‘Call to Worship’ songs is this plea we offer for God to come; help us, reign over us, bless us and descend upon us. Before we sing this last verse, notice what we’re saying…our highest praise we offer is to God, not just now, but forever (“Hence ever more…”). And as this verse concludes we ask one more request, “may we see His majesty in glory (heaven), and love Him and adore Him throughout all eternity.” You know…we’re opening our song service with a prayer.
“I Will Pray” – 840
When do you pray; at supper, in the morning, before you go to bed? Though we don’t sing this one very often, it is all encompassing hymn we sing to our Father. “Father, in the morning, at the noon and in the evening…I will pray!” Interestingly, the last verse proclaims we the idea that will pray from the beginning (birth) to the end (death).
“My Eyes Are Dry” – 792
What does it mean to have ‘dry eyes?’ We’re not singing about a medical condition, unless you talk about a hard heart. “My eyes are dry, my faith is old, my heart is hard, my prayers are cold…” Those are symptoms of a life that has forgotten who God is. But we sing this as a reminder that we don’t have to live with ‘dry eyes.’
“When My Loves for Christ Grows Weak” – 350
Follow the progression through this song. We’ve discussed it before (DATE), but let’s review. When my love for Christ is suffer, remember the garden where Christ prayed before His arrest. And as you recall that night, figuratively, ‘walk amid the shades’ and you’ll see that ‘suffering, friendless One weeping (Hebrews 5:7) and praying alone.’ But, when you ‘see’ a man distraught, but it doesn’t faze you (“When my love for man grows weak…”), then go to the cross, the Hill of Calvary. There, you will see the agony of the cross and the faith and love of Christ.
“Before the Throne of God” – No Book
During the passing of the collection plate, we’ll come “Before the Throne of God above…” We’ll sing it, but we’ll also talk about during this morning lesson’s. I wonder, would this song be a 9-1-1 or a 4-1-1?
“I Will Call Upon the Lord” – 63
For the song before the lesson (9-1-1…), it’s fitting that we ‘call’ upon the Lord. Why? Because, “He is worthy to be praised…” Psalm 18:3
“Lord We Come Before Thee Now” – 797
Though not a typical ‘invitation song,’ we’ll follow the message of this morning as we sing/pray, “Lord, we come before Thee now…” We’ll sing verse 1, 3 & 4, but let’s save the second verse as the closing. Notice the wording, “Lord, on Thee our souls depend: in compassion now descend; fill our hearts with Thy rich grace and tune our lips to sing Thy praise.”
“Be With US, Lord” – 778
As we close this morning, we’ll sing a familiar ‘closing song’ but with a twist. Rather than singing in the singular (Be with ME, Lord) we’ll sing it in the plural. “Be with us, Lord we can not live without Thee, we dare not try to take one step alone. We can not bear the loads of life unaided. We need Thy strength to lead ourselves upon.”
The Third of Three Gifts
For the past 23 years, this home has been blessed by one, then two and eventually three gifts from God. They came in the form of Logan, Emili and Dillon! We have loved them, carried them, walked with them, and prayed with them. Having children is truly a blessing from God. But the childhood years don’t last long. In just a ‘blink of an eye,’ those little ones are asking for the keys to the car, and before you know it, they drive away from the house alone, for the last time. They have grown up, just like you had hoped 
and planned, but now what? With an “Empty Nest,” what comes next in this life? Some parents celebrate their long lost freedom. Others morn the change, and fall into a great depression. Still others fall apart and fall away. Things will be different for sure, but this article isn’t intended to address the ‘empty nest’ as much as it is to focus on the last one to leave home.
This coming August, after 27 years of marriage, Vicki and I will find ourselves in one of those ‘nests.’ We’ve known it was coming, and we’ve been preparing for it for quite some time. But if the truth be known, it got here a lot quicker than I was hoping for. When Logan & Emili graduated, we felt their absence to be sure. The home was different with only three when we had grown accustom to five of us loving and struggling together. But then, in a matter of months, our family of three became the ‘new norm.’ It was good and we’ve have enjoyed Dillon as an only child during his high school years. Still, we blinked and those years changed to months and the months changed to weeks. And as I pen this letter, the weeks are counting down to days.
Every parent asked the question; ‘Am I ready for them to leave home?’ But perhaps we should be asking; “Are THEY ready to leave home? Have I done the right things, have I given the proper advise and pointed them ‘in the way he should go’.” (Proverbs 22:6) We do what God calls us to do as parents, and then we pray for their safety and for the decisions they will make. As parents, there’s not much more we can do! God gave us those little ones to cherish, nurture and raise for the sole purpose of bringing them back before His throne.
My kids are growing up faster than I would have ever imagined. Our oldest son, Logan, has one more semester at Freed Hardeman University. He is planning to graduate in December. Emili, our second child, will be starting her fourth year there. Lord willing she will be graduating in May from Freed-Hardeman. And now this fall, our youngest son Dillon, will be driving down our street on his way to Tennessee as he prepares to stretch his wings and leave the nest. The Bruce home will return to the same condition it was 23 years ago, because life goes on and children grow up. We know that, and we all move across the time-line of life. And, like it or not, it’s the design and plan that our God has established.
Each year as Logan and Emili have moved out on their own taking on the challenge of college, I selected a song with a specific message I wanted them to remember. For Logan, it was “God Bless You, Go with God.” For Emili, “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow.” Dillon, the inspiration for the song that I believe most aptly expresses my hope and prayer for you could have been written about you. In you I see a young man who understands what it means to be humble and kind. Read these two scriptures first before reading the message of the song. You have blessed your mother and me when you shared it with us!
From God’s Word…Humble: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4)
Kind: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” (Matthew 7:12)
1) You know there’s a light that glows by the front door, don’t forget the key’s under the mat. Childhood stars shine, always stay humble and kind. Go to church ’cause your momma says to, visit grandpa every chance that you can, it won’t be wasted time. Always stay humble and kind.
Chorus:
Hold the door, say please, say thank you. Don’t steal, don’t cheat, and don’t lie. I know you got mountains to climb but, always stay humble and kind.
When the dreams you’re dreamin’ come to you, when the work you put in is realized,
let yourself feel the pride but always stay humble and kind.
2) Don’t expect a free ride from no one, don’t hold a grudge or a chip and here’s why, bitterness keeps you from flyin’. Always stay humble and kind.
Know the difference between sleeping with someone, and sleeping with someone you love.“I love you” ain’t no pick up line so, always stay humble and kind
Chorus:
3) When it’s hot, eat a root beer popsicle. Shut off the AC and roll the windows down. Let that summer sun shine. Always stay humble and kind.
Don’t take for granted the love this life gives you. When you get where you’re goin,’ don’t forget turn back around and help the next one in line.
Always stay humble and kind.
Dillon, as you face new challenges in this life you must remember to accept them with God’s guidance. Open doors will appear before you, but the threshold of those doors can only be successfully crossed if you go with God. If you will continue to live by the motto and “Always stay humble and kind,” I can only imagine where and what you will do! It has been an honor watching you grown into the strong young man you are today.
.
Inspired or Inspiring?…Nov. 16th
Each Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings I look forward to a text from my daughter. She is a sophomore at Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tennessee and her first 
class of the morning is at 7:30. Her ‘wake up’ call to me is a picture of the sunrise silhouetting the newly erected Bell Tower on campus. For me, those pictures are inspirational. And perhaps some architect was ‘inspired’ with this yet to be seen image. But regardless, we can find benefit in the final product.
Many in the world today find the words of God to be inspiring to them. They read (or hear) God’s word and it gives them a ‘good feeling.’ Perhaps they are even moved to be a better person, but is that the extent of God’s word? Is the inspiration good enough. Would it even be inspiring if it weren’t inspired? When we consider the inspiration of scripture we come face to face with a life altering decision. Sunday let’s consider the Word and ask the question…inspired or inspiring?
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, November 16, 2014
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Holy, Holy, Holy” – 47
“Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God almighty…early in the morning our songs shall rise to Thee.” The ladies start us off as they sing this old hymn, but with each verse we’ll add a different part. For those who might have missed it, this hymn comes from the inspired word found in Isaiah chapter 6 and verse 3 as well as Revelation chapter 4, verse 8 as the prophet and the apostle write, “And one (of the Seraphim, vs. 2) called out to another and said, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of host…” (Isaiah) and “And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings and full of eyes around and within; and day and night they do not cease to say, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God, the Almighty…” (Revelation).
“The Lord is in His Holy Temple” – 108
As a segue from our song of praise, we’ll remember the words of Habakkuk in the 2nd chapter and 20th verse, “But the Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth be silent before Him.” (Read the whole chapter to get a better feel of this statement.) But where is His temple? Is it found in the heavenly realm? Read the words of Paul as he wrote to the church in Corinth, “Do you not know that you are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” And so now we sing, “The Lord is in His holy temple…” Humble yourself, be quiet and realize, the Lord is in YOU!
“The Lord’s Supper” – no book
Simply entitled, “The Lord’s Supper,” this spiritual song brings to mind the reason we gather together each first day of the week. “When we meet in sweet communion where the feast divine is spread. Hearts are brought in closer union while partaking of the bread. Precious feast, all else surpassing, wondrous love for you and me. While we feast Christ gently whispers, ‘Do this in My memory.” Luke chapter 22, verse 19 provides us with the basis; “And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”
“Take My Life and Let it Be” – 669
Several arrangements of this poem can be found in a number of hymnals, yet lest we miss the message for the tune, notice the words. “Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee; Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of Thy love. Take my will, and make it Thine, it shall be no longer mine; take my heart, it is Thine own, it shall be Thy royal throne.” Within these two short verses we proclaim our life, our hands, our will and our heart belong to God. And in case we miss something, the chorus continues, “Lord I give my LIFE to Thee…”
“Rescue the Perishing” – 639
A familiar song, but Sunday we’ll sing the often, over looked 3rd verse. Notice the condition of the lost; “Down in the human heart, crushed by the tempter, feelings lie buried that grace can restore; touched by a loving hand, wakened by kindness, chords that were broken will vibrate once more…” Let’s rescue the perishing and care for the dying. Because we know that Jesus is merciful and He will save!
“Faithful Love” – no book
Our song before the lesson speaks of the love God has for His children. A faithful love that is manifested in His Son. “Faithful love from above came to earth to show the Father’s love. And I’ll never be the same, for I’ve seen faithful love face to face and Jesus is His name.” No man alive today can say he has seen Jesus. So how could I say I’ve seen Jesus face to face? However, as a child of God, I have seen (poetically) His faithfulness in that, “…God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were (I was) yet sinners, Christ died for us (me).” Romans 5:8 Have I seen Jesus face to face? Not yet! Have I ‘come to know’ (seen) His faithful love? Every Christian would say, Praise be to God…Yes, when I was buried with Him in baptism!
“Thou Art the Way” – 280
Inspiration in life is knowing the inspired Word. The inspired word is the Way, the Truth and the Life. We must never forget that God’s word is more than just inspirational…it’s inspired.
“Where Could I Go?” – no book
Our closing song is a question even the disciples once asked. John records the situation in the 6th chapter as Jesus asks, “You do not want to go away also, do you?” Simon Peter replies, “…to whom shall we go?” And so we sing, “Where could I go but to the Lord?” Inspired words of God directing us in this life just as Peter said, “You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:67, 68)
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!
Fixing the Pharisees…June 29th
Perhaps you’ve heard the phrase, “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.” But the reverse could be true; if it is broken, it needs to be fixed. Your car doesn’t start so you find out what’s wrong with it and fix it. Your computer is running slow, so do some checking and 
then get it fixed. Evaluate what you are having problems with, and then see what needs to be done to fix it.
The Pharisees in Jesus’ day had their idea of how best to ‘worship’ God. But a quick study of the text shows they were missing the mark. Their practices were selfish and based on political partiality. In short, the religious leaders during Christ’s time were broken and needed to be fixed. But how about you and your worship to God? Are you ‘doing it right?’ Join us on Sunday morning as we consider, ‘fixing the Pharisees.’
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, June 29, 2014
You’ll notice the following songs come from the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“To God Be the Glory” – 2
“Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let the earth hear His voice…” What a great song of praise as we open our worship time together.
“God Has Smiled on Me” – 118
A song typically sung slowly to emphasize the blessings we have as God ‘smiles’ us. But this morning we’ll sing this song with a faster tempo to match the level of energy with the previous song. Notice the connection: “…O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son, and give Him the glory great things He hath done.” “God has smiled on me, He has set me free…” Praise the Lord!
“Great is Thy Faithfulness” – 57
Written in the early 1900’s, this hymn of praise echoes our thankfulness to God for His faithfulness. How do we know God is faithful; “…morning by morning new mercies I see…” Verse two gives even more for the Christian to hold on to; “Summer and winter and spring time and harvest, sun, moon and stars in their courses above join with all nature in manifold (multiple) witness to Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.”
“Tis Set the Feast Divine” – no book
“It is set, the feast divine..” We come together on the first day of the week to commemorate our Lord’s death, burial and resurrection. We do that when we partake of the Lord’s Supper, the ‘feast divine.’ But what is being served for this feast? We sing what we read from the scripture, “the bread and the fruit of the vine.”
“Til My Faith Becomes Sight” – 836
A song which I would call a contemporary hymn, written just 23 years ago, provides us with six names for our Lord, Jesus Christ; 1) Bread of Life (John 6:35), 2) Living Water (John 4:10), 3) Lover of my soul (Romans 8:39), 4) Lamb of God (John 1:36), 5) Hope of Glory (Colossians 1:27), 6) Savior crucified (Acts 2:36).
“When This Passing World is Done” – 259
Do you understand all that Jesus has done for you? Can you comprehend the vastness of His compassion on His people? This hymn (prayer) sung to God has been around for more than 150 years, and yet it still holds a true message for us today. When this life is over, when I stand before judgment, when I hear the thunderous praise of heaven…then I’ll know how much I owe for the gift of my salvation. But notice the scripture reference in verse 4; “…for now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face, for I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” (I Cor. 13:12). So we sing, “E’en on earth as through a glass, darkly let Thy glory pass.” Don’t wait until you stand before the throne of God, consider all that God has done for you, even while you are here on earth…
“More About Jesus” – 678
Before our lesson we sing this spiritual song about desiring to know ‘more about Jesus.’ If we think we have it ‘all figured out,’ and if we think we’re NOT broken, we run the risk of being Pharisaical…never thinking we need to be fixed.
“Purer in Heart, O God” – 671
Oh to be like Christ (that’s what Christian means), “…we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. And 
everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” We sing this song as our invitation song, calling for us to have pure hearts. How can that be? We sing, “May I devote my life wholly to Thee…”
“Light the Fire” – no book
A contemporary song that calls us to be ‘on fire’ for God. We are all broken and need to be fixed, and one way we can do that is to stand and praise our God. Understanding my position, I should fall to my knees in humility. And so we sing, “…Lord, You know where I’ve been (I’m broken), so light the fire in my heart again (fix me).” Jesus tried to ‘fix’ the Pharisees in their stubborn, broken state, but they resisted. So what about you, will you let Him fix you?
The Adopted…June 22nd
During the early 70’s, my mom and dad served the West Texas region as ‘foster parents’ for children who were waiting adoption. In some situations we received new born babies so early, we were given the responsibility of 
giving them their name. A huge obligation, but though we ‘fostered’ these young children for months, we never took the step to adopt them.
Perhaps it was because my folks were already feeding 4 boys, and they weren’t sure about feeding five? But the adoption process is more than just signing some papers and putting food on the table. The responsibilities and obligations of adopting a child includes offering security, ensuring stability and providing an inheritance in the family’s estate. As a ‘child of God,’ we go through an adoption process to be in God’s family. Christians understand there is security and stability in Christ, but more importantly the adoption process ensures that we are heirs in our Father’s kingdom. Ask yourself, have I been adopted? Join us Sunday morning as we consider adoption and…”The Adopted.”
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, June 22, 2014
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Praise Him! Praise Him!” – 300
What a beautiful call to worship as we join our voices in praise to our Father; “Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus our blessed Redeemer…” If the truth be known we’re actually sing as edification to one another at the same time we’re singing praise to our God. Are you praising Him today? On Sunday morning will you lift your voice and ‘tell of His excellent greatness?’
“May I Call You Father” – 769
This song fits perfectly with the message of today’s lesson; as adopted children into the family of God we come before Him seeking to call Him our Father. But notice the words we sing; “…I’ve hurt You, Jesus, I’ve hurt You with my sin.” So the question is sincere, with the pain I have caused I humbly ask, can I call God my Father? Within the adoption process the answer is clear…YES!
“Come Share the Lord” – 364
Another great support to this lesson as we sing to remember the Lord’s death, burial and resurrection. “We are now a family of which the Lord is head. Though unseen He meets us here in the breaking of the bread.” Though the blood of Jesus, and because of God’s redeeming grace, we are a family. Come share the Lord and recognize the Father of our heavenly family.
“The Love of God” – 133
Written almost 100 years ago, this spiritual song shares a great message of God’s love. Singing we try to put into perspective the vastness of His love. “Could we with ink the ocean fill, and were the skies of parchment made; Were every stalk on earth a quill and every man a scribe by trade; To write the love of God above would drain the ocean dry, nor could the scroll contain the whole though stretched from sky to sky…” Now consider the words of John; “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written.” John 21:25
“Redeemed” – 514
How many of us love to proclaim our salvation? Do we show just how happy we are in Jesus? Some would rather not repeat a phrase over and over again while singing, but perhaps this time it’s justified. “Redeemed, redeemed, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. Redeemed, redeemed, redeemed, redeemed…His child (through adoption) and forever I am!” Don’t be afraid to proclaim your membership in the family of God.
“Jesus Paid It All” – 922
How much would an adopted child owe for his membership into someone’s family? On the contrary, the adopting parents must ‘pay the price’ for their child. The child isn’t free and yet that little one isn’t charged membership into the family. The same is true in God’s Family; Jesus paid the cost for our adoption process. Who do you owe to be able to ‘stand before the throne of God?’ Jesus paid it ALL…all to Him I owe!
“God’s Family” – 744
In a family there are times when we laugh together, and there are times when we cry together (either out of frustration or sadness). The same is said for the family of God! We sing this song realizing we are adopted into God’s family when we are baptized into His death. Accept His salvation (the adoption) and be part of the family…‘that’s been born again.’
The 10th Resurrection…April 20th
When the son of Zarephath and the daughter of Jarius died, they were brought back to life by the power of God. Lazurus, Dorcas and Eutychus each died, but were resurrected at the hand of Jesus, Peter and Paul. Take a quick review of the scriptures and you’ll find these five individuals were not the only ones who died…only to live again. The son of a Shunammite woman, the son of a widow from Nain, an unnamed man whose dead body ‘touched’ Elisha’s bones, and ‘many saints’ (Matt. 27) all experienced death, but found resurrection in this life.
It’s important to note that each of these men and women who died and then were raised to life, eventually faced death again. However, there is one who died, was raised to life and lives still. Never again would our Savior face death. His victory over death opens the way for each of us. Jesus Christ is the 10th Resurrection.
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, April 20, 2014
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Holy, Holy, Holy!” – 47
A vision around the throne of God reveals the four living creatures saying, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God, the Almighty…” Revelation 4:8. In a similar vision Isaiah saw the Seraphim calling out, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of host…!” Isaiah 6:3. In like manner, this morning, we will join our voices and cry out, “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee…”
“In Christ Alone” – no book
“No power of hell, no scheme of man can ever pluck me from His hand…” This contemporary song has become a beloved favorite among our spiritual songs. We sing of our hope in Christ. We remember His birth and His death. But more importantly, we sing of His ‘bursting forth…from the grave.’ And as we face the fear of death and feel the guilt in life, as God’s children we know that ‘here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.’
“Low in the Grave He Lay” – 344
Few songs can boast a more melancholy message as we sing, ‘Low in the grave He lay Jesus my Savior…Vainly they seal the dead Jesus, my Lord!’ But the chorus is anything but melancholy. With a shout of joy we sing of Christ’s resurrection, “Up from the grave He arose with a mighty triumph over His foes; He arose a Victor from the dark domain and He lives forever with His saints to reign…He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!”
“Alleluia! Alleluia! Hearts to Heaven” – 146
For those who don’t recognize this title you’ll find the words are set to the tune of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy (better know as the tune to “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee”). Notice the second verse; “Christ is risen, Christ, the first fruits of the holy harvest field…” Paul, in talking about the dead in Christ make this statement, “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.” I Corinthians 15:20. God’s people can sing…Alleluia! Alleluia!
“Onward Christians Soldiers” – 646
Our scripture reading before this song is Matthew 10:5-8. We’ll stop our reading mid-verse, then pick up the song at the chorus. It will go something like this; “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the leper, cast out demons…” “Onward Christian soldiers! Marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before. At the sign of triumph, Satan’s host doth flee; On, then, Christian soldiers, on to victory; Hell’s foundations quiver at the shout of praise; Brothers, lift your voices, loud your anthems raise!”
“There’s a Fountain Free” – 909
Christ offers us salvation through His blood. We can come before the throne of God because of the fountain that flows freely. The words are clear in the first verse, “…let us haste (hurry), O haste (hurry up) to it’s brink (to the edge of the fountain).” The beauty is that Jesus never MAKES people obey. We are all free to come to Him, or to walk away. So we sing
, ‘Will you come?’ It’s a simple question, but your answer will bring about enormous ramifications.
“When the Roll is Called Up Yonder” – 852
What will happen when this life is over? When we die…what’s next? For God’s people there will be a resurrection to eternal life. To those who ‘will not come,’ the results, according to Christ, will be ‘…weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ Matthew 8:10-12. But for God’s people, ‘on that bright and cloudless morning when the dead in Christ shall rise, and the glory of His resurrection share,’ we’ll be called home. Following, if you will, the example of the 10th Resurrection.
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.