We’re Marching and Singing to Zion…Pt 2

As we continue looking at the New Testament examples of singing, notice what Paul says in Ephesians 5:17-21, “Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation (moral looseness); but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in fear of God.”

Have you ever wondered why Paul referenced being ‘drunk with wine’ only then to turn and write about singing? What comparisons can we make with worldly drunkenness and Godly singing? Perhaps the answer comes in looking at the effects of alcohol compared to the effects of God-centered singing. An early stage of drunkenness is referred to as euphoria. In this drunken state the effects that alcohol has on the body and mind might include an increase in self-confidence and sociability, as well as an overall improvement in one’s mood. In addition, the drunkard might temporarily experience a decrease in anxiety. At the surface we would properly conclude that these are positive attributes. But each of us know, and research shows that in this drunken, ‘euphoric’ state, the feelings are short lived and provide a false sense of what is real. Yet I believe we can find these same attributes and experience similar ‘feelings’ when we look at the scripture. Ephesians tells us how we can increase our self-confidence, how to enjoy sweet fellowship (increased sociability), and how to improve our mood. To escape worry and anxiety the Christian won’t look to the bottle…we look to the book. Read Ephesians 5:18, 19 “…but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs…” When my heart is right and my mind is focused on the words, the fellowship I have with the saints is stronger when I sing. My mood is focused and my worries are forgotten as I give my heart and voice to praising God. Not filled with ‘spirits,’ but filled with THE Spirit.

Soon we’ll look at one more portion in the series of ‘Marching to Zion’ (part 3). As children of God we must be conscientious of what we’re singing and why we sing. There is so much more to worshiping than just opening our mouths and raising our voices. We’ll discuss in more detail next time…

1, March 1, 20131, February 28, 2013

GIGO…March 3rd

My prayer for those who are reading this to be drawn closer to understanding the purpose we share on Sunday morning. We come together and worship God, we come to offer a sacrifice of praise and to join together as we commemorate our Lord’s death, burial and resurrection. This coming Sunday morning (March 3rd) we’ll examine our hearts and see if what comes out of our heart is reflective of what is going into our mind. We’ll sing on Sunday morning, but will your words reflect your heart…or will you be singing from a routine practiced over the years?

Sunday morning, March 3, 2013

Our sermon topic on Sunday is entitled, “GIGO”, what does that mean? Join us Sunday morning or check out the lesson on Waterview’s website [LINK] Sunday afternoon. Those who are familiar with this website know the following is an account of our order of worship. All song numbers are from the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.

“Holy Ground Medley” – 99, 100 & 101

The editors of our hymnal (Faith & Praise) chose to place the songs In His Presence, Holy Ground (by Beatty) and Holy Ground (by Davis) as a predesigned medley. Many have sung this collection of songs and the message is a powerful reminder of the holiness of God. We begin by focusing on the environment we find when ‘in the presence of God’…comfort, peace and assurance. The medley continues as we recognize being in His presence. Remember Moses (Exodus 3) as he was standing ‘on holy ground.’ Ken Young added the second verse of Beatty’s song when he wrote; “You are holy, God, a perfect and holy God. We will come before You with hearts made clean by Jesus’ blood.” We come to worship our Father, and together we are standing on Holy Ground.

“Why Did My Savior Come to Earth” – 382

The question is asked with this spiritual song, why? Why did Jesus come to earth and choose the birth of a lowly peasant born in a stable? And why would our Savior choose to die such a cruel, painful death and be lifted up for all to see…and scorn? The answer is repeated three times in the chorus (7 times if you count the echo in the refrain) “He loves me so much that He gave His precious life for me…” Now transition to the next song.

“How Deep the Father’s Love” – no book

A contemporary song that isn’t asking the question “How deep is the Father’s love,” but one that is sung to confirm what we already realize. God’s love for us is so deep, and vast we can’t measure it. How great the pain must have been for both the Father and the Son. But the objective was clear, to ‘bring many sons to glory.’ We continue this song as we ‘behold the man upon the cross’ and clearly recognize our sins. Think in your mind back to the mocking voices (Luke 23:35-38) as they stood at the foot of the cross? In poetry we sing, “…ashamed I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers.”

Following the Lord’s Supper we’ll revisit the third verse from these two songs. We asked earlier, “Why did my Savior come to earth…” and then again “…Why should I gain from His reward?” Do you remember the next line, “I cannot give an answer, but this I know with all my heart, His wounds have paid my ransom.” Before we conclude this medley, let’s us sing…“Till Jesus comes I sing His praise, and then to glory go…”

“Wonderful Words of Life” – 543

Prior to today’s lesson we’ll stand and sing this familiar melody from the late 1800’s. Philip Bliss authored many songs (10 in the Faith and Praise hymnal), but this particular one captivates me as we sing verse 2, “Christ the blessed one gives to all, wonderful words of life. Sinner, list (listen) to the loving call, wonderful words of life. All so freely given (these wonderful words), wooing us to heaven…” What does it mean to woo something (someone)? One definition; “To entreat, solicit, request…” Notice; the ‘words of life’ are given as an attempt (if you will) to entreat us/call us to heaven. Wonderful Words!

“Is Thy Heart Right with God” – no book

How is your heart? Not physically speaking, but spiritually speaking? Is it right with God? Too often I fear we self-diagnose our life in Christ and come away with faulty information. If my affections (things I hold as most important) are not given up (sacrificed), or if I can’t ‘count all things…but loss’ (for Jesus), then will I ever be right with God? Ask yourself this question and then make a change. Perhaps you need to be washed in the crimson flood…

“Let the Beauty of Jesus Be Seen in Me” – 722

“From the dawn of the morning to close of day…” What do people see in you? How is your example, in both your actions and your words? This song reminds me that I must lay all my gifts at His feet and think carefully about how I act toward others. Can the beauty of Jesus be seen in me?

Join us each and every Sunday morning!

1, February 22, 20131, February 23, 2013

A 50 Year Journey…Feb. 24th

Sunday morning, February 24th, Waterview church of Christ celebrates 50 years with Robert & Willora Oglesby. Since the spring of 1963, Robert has been the pulpit preacher for this congregation of God’s people. For that longevity of faithfulness we give God the glory. As we sing today, our songs are intended to admonish and encourage the family as we bring before God our sacrifice of praise, the fruit of our lips (Hebrews 13:15). Thanks be to God for working through Robert these past 50 years!

The following ‘order of worship’ is designed to focus our mind toward our worship to Him. Think about the songs you sing in praise to God…

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

Sunday morning, February 24, 2013

You’ll notice the following songs come from the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.

“Step By Step”, “Here We Are But Straying Pilgrims” & “He Has Made Me Glad” – 15, 537 & 103 respectively

This three song medley is a strong, upbeat blend using a hymn, spiritual song and psalm (can you tell which one is which…yes, I know there is some gray in the definition of each, but you get the idea). We begin this morning proclaiming our faith in God and announcing that, ‘…I will follow You all of my days’. Our second song in this medley encourages the saints to focus on heaven. With the verses sung in unison, we sense the oneness of our journey home. Finally, the last song in this medley is a quote from Psalm 100. We come together with thanksgiving in our hearts…I’m glad to be worshiping with the saints!

“Til My Faith Becomes Sight” – 836

The second verse provides us the reminder of our reason for coming together this morning…“Lamb of God, dear hope of glory, Savior crucified, by Your blood I am redeemed my debt now satisfied…” We must ‘keep our eyes’ on Jesus as we meet, communion and worship our King.

“‘Tis Set the Feast Divine” – no book

Not in many of our hymnals, this song by L. O. Sanderson serves to prepare our minds (keep our minds) focused on the Savior and His death on the cross. “May we the Lord discern…” As we sing we’re asking that we all recognize and realize the death of Jesus is the only thing we need to concern ourselves with. When we eat of the bread and drink of the cup…what are you thinking about?

“In Memory of the Savior’s Love” – 335

Following the passing of the fruit of the vine, we’ll sing this old hymn by Thomas Cotterill written in 1805. Notice the call for us to remember His love, and come before Him with a contrite heart. How contrite (full of remorse) is your heart when you take of the Lord’s Supper? We take the bread of life and the token cup of blood as we anticipate the ‘heavenly feast above’.

“This World is Not My Home” – 957

Do you ‘feel right at home’ when it comes to this world? If you do I would recommend you reconsider your comfort zone. We’ll sing here about our treasures being stored in heaven (Matthew 6:19) and not feeling at home in this world anymore. The chorus is so strong; “…if heaven’s not my home, then Lord, what will I do?” Remember this, without the hope of heaven we’re lost in an unfriendly world.

“Higher Ground” (Ken Young version) – no book

This revised, old song has become a Waterview favorite during the last 8-10 years. The words haven’t changed, but the music has. Same tune, but the 2nd verse brings a solid foundation of male voices singing, “Heart has no desire to stay where doubts arise and fears dismay. Some may dwell where these abound my prayer my aim is higher ground…” Notice what you just read/sang; My heart doesn’t want to stay here (this world is not my home) where there are doubts and fears that destroy our courage (dismay). But even though some people seem to dwell in this type of circumstance ( where doubts and fears abound), my prayer and my aim is HIGHER GROUND!

“Let Me Live Close to Thee” – 831

Not a typical invitation song, but since we’re talking and thinking about our journey, this seems to fit our call for repentance, change and renewing. How willing are you to ‘work and never shirk’ for your God. Let’s all say (sing) we want to live close to Him each day.

“The Battle Belongs to the Lord” – no book

A contemporary song that proclaims the victory belongs to God. We’ll close this morning’s worship service with a song of victory. Will you go out into the world and take on the full armor (panoply) of God? In the chorus, as we sing, let’s give all our 1) glory, 2) honor, 3) power and 4) strength to the Lord.

1, February 18, 20131, March 6, 2013

A Problem on the Way to the Promise Land…Feb. 17th

Sunday morning, February 17th at Waterview church of Christ, our lesson was aimed some of our trials/problems on our way to heaven. To be specific…complaining!

As we examined the Israelite nation (post Egyptian captivity), Robert opened the word and we looked at how often the people of God complained about; the water and food (or lack there of) and the leadership coupled with an ‘I can do better’ attitude. The following ‘order of worship’ was designed to focus our minds on this Lord’s day. Will you think about the songs you sing in praise to God?

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

Sunday morning, February 17, 2013

You’ll notice the following songs come from the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.

“Praise the Lord” and “Great Are You, Lord” – 74 & no book

Four songs in this hymnal begin with these three, power words; “Praise the Lord”, but our song this morning was written by J. Kempthorne in 1796. The words are taken from the 148th Psalm and the chorus resounds with “Hallelujah! Amen” repeated twice for emphasis. “Holy Lord” (or better known as “Great Are You, Lord”) came on the scene almost 200 years later. Written by a husband and wife team, Steve & Vikki Cook, this hymn again sings praises to our God. A wonderful introduction to coming together, with my heart and sing…Great are You Lord!

“Beneath the Cross of Jesus” – 314

We set our minds on the Lord’s Supper as we sang the 1st and 3rd verses of this song. As we set our minds and hearts at the foot of the cross, in our mind’s eye we can see, “the very dying form of One who suffered there for me.” But we’ll keep our eyes on the cross as we continue to focus during the Lord’s Supper this morning.

“The Old Rugged Cross” – 313

Perhaps a bit of controversy surrounds this old hymn as some feel we shouldn’t ‘cherish’ the old rugged cross. But to others, this is metaphorically cherishing the death of my Savior, for without that cross, I’m lost. This morning however, we specifically sang only the 3rd verse following the bread and before the fruit of the vine. Continuing to keep our eyes on Jesus we sang, “In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine, a wondrous beauty I see; for ’twas (it was) on that old cross Jesus suffered and died, to pardon and sanctify me…”

“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” – 315

Though a very popular ‘communion’ song, again we only sang the third verse of ‘When I Survey.’ My reasoning was simple…keep your eyes on the cross of Jesus. “See from His head, His hands, His feet, sorrow and love flowed mingled down…” Keeping the volume soft and thoughtful we maintained a solemn focus on the death of our Savior as we partook of the Lord’s Supper.

“Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” – 276

The title of this song comes from the chorus which was made famous by Helen Lemmel in 1922 (how many thought this to be a contemporary song). Though we rarely sing the first three verses of this song, (verse 1) “O soul are you weary and troubled?” the power of the chorus helps us keep our eyes on Jesus. As we conclude the Memorial of our Lord’s death, we continually strive to stay focused on Him. Would that our mind be so strongly tied to our God that, “…the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”

“To Canaan’s Land I’m On My Way” – 867

With the title of our lesson on ‘the promise land’, I thought it appropriate our song before the lesson singing us toward Canaan’s Land (heaven). Interestedly enough we have lots of sorrows, struggles, tears and pain here on earth, but in heaven…“Dear friends they’ll be no sad farewells. They’ll be no tear dimmed eyes.” Why you might ask? Simply, in Heaven (Canaan’s Land) the soul never dies.

“Bring Christ Your Broken Life” – 911

Though specific for the hymnal Faith and Praise, I think it’s interesting that this invitation song, this call for sinners to ‘bring Christ your broken life’ is found on page 9-1-1. Notice these words: “Bring Christ your broken life, so marred by sin, He will create a new, make whole again; your empty wasted years He will restore, and your iniquities (sin) remember no more.” (Emphasis added) “Bring Him your every care if great or small – whatever troubles you, O bring it all! Bring Him the haunting fears, the nameless dread, Thy heart He will relieve, and lift up thy head.”

“A Mansion, Robe and Crown” – no book

Another contemporary song, this one again focuses on heaven. The third verse grabs my attention when I sing about difficult times; “My head is bowed and bloody now from the work I’ve tried to do…” Maybe not physically for most of us, for some in the mission field I’m certain this is true. Needless to say we are all looking forward to a mansion, robe and crown!

1, February 14, 20131, April 5, 2013

Awesome Power

The following is from my friend from Flagler, Colorado. Terry Harmon is not only a good friend, he’s a great servant in the kingdom. He has worked as a missionary in Poland, Russia, and most recently the Ukraine. Currently he serves as the pulpit minister for the Lord’s church in Colorado…

There is something about lightning that can attract my attention for long periods of time. The other day we were sitting at the Food Panty (Benevolence House) and a pretty good storm moved in, lightning included. While we didn’t take too many chances, it was interesting as always, standing out watching the great strokes of lightning flash across the sky. Last year about this time (summer, 2011), Timothy and I recorded one of the most awesome lightning storms I have ever seen. It literally raged on for a couple of hours.

Lightning is a force that is so interesting to watch, yet it is so powerful…even deadly. Currently (summer, 2012) there is a massive fire going in the Colorado mountains called, High Park. It has destroyed some 60,000 acres of forest. What caused this fire? Fire fighters have pinpointed the very tree that a lightning strike hit, sparking this fire. We feel sympathetic toward those who have lost their homes and hope that this can be contained soon. Standing out in a rain storm can also prove deadly, as lightning hits a few individuals each year, taking lives. {The High Park fire, a forest fire in the mountains west of Fort Collins in Larimer County, was caused by a lightning strike and was first detected on the morning of June 9, 2012. A 62-year-old woman was killed in the fire. This fire burned over 87,250 acres (136 square miles), making it the second-largest fire in recorded Colorado history by area burned. It destroyed at least 259 homes. The High Park fire was declared 100 percent contained on June 30, 2012, and all related evacuation orders were ended.}

Daniel was a man who saw things that most on this earth will never see. And in the book of Daniel, chapter 10, verses 5 and 6 we read, “I lifted up my eyes and looked and behold there was a certain man dressed in linen, whose waist was girded with a belt of pure gold of Uphaz. His body was like beryl, His face had the appearance of lightning, His eyes were like flaming torches, His arms and feet like the gleam of polished bronze, and the sound of His words like the sound of a tumult.” This is a description of Jesus in the Old Testament and what a sight it must have been to Daniel. In Revelation 1:13-16, we encounter Jesus again in a similar description, but this time written by the Apostle John. The text reads, “…and in the middle of the lampstands I saw one like a Son of Man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet and girded across His chest with a golden sash. His head and His hair were white like white wool, like snow and His eyes were like a flame of fire. His feet were like burnished bronze, when it has been made to glow in a furnace and His voice was like the sound of many waters. In His right hand He held seven stars and out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword; and His face was like the sun shining in it’s strength.”

Think about the words and the description of Jesus in both places. It is incredible and Jesus is seen as AWESOME! Both descriptions paint a vivid picture that Jesus is so powerful when one looks upon Him, which should cause us to understand (and appreciate) our Lord who we serve even better. It is mind boggling to think about this…Jesus has the power to change a person’s life unto salvation, but also has the power to send one to hell for eternity. Despite all of His power, He doesn’t want to lose one person, which is the reason our Savior came to earth to suffer and die for mankind. Still, each individual must come to the recognition that Jesus is Lord and must give himself to Him before our time on earth runs out.

Paul wrote in Philippians 2: 9-11, “God highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under earth and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” There is still time if you are not a Christian, will you consider how awesome Jesus is and then repent, confess Him as Lord, and be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins today?

This spring as the thunder storms form, and the next time you see lightning flash across the sky, perhaps you’ll remember the incredible and awesome power of Jesus. “Awesome power, boundless grace. None can fathom all Your ways. Truth and love are found in Your heart alone, righteousness surrounds Your throne. Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, most high. Holy, Holy, Holy Lord most high!” Words by John G. Elliott (1990)

Thanks Terry for the reminder of our awesome Lord and Savior!

1, February 9, 20131, February 18, 2013

Face Time…Feb 10th

Sunday, February 10th at Waterview church of Christ, our sermon title is “Face Time”.

In today’s terminology, when you hear the term ‘face time’, you most likely think about talking on the phone or computer and seeing the face of the one you’ve called. But Sunday morning at Waterview, as we listen to Robert’s sermon, the meaning will be a bit different. Join us as we consider “Face Time”. The following ‘order of worship’ will serve as our song service for Sunday morning, February 10th. As always, let me encourage you to think about the songs you sing in praise to God.

Remember I Corinthians…”I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.”

Sunday morning, February 10, 2013

You’ll notice the following songs come from the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.

“O Worship the King” and “All Things Praise Thee” – 144 & 43

As we sing this medley let’s consider the message. We sing to bring glory to God as we worship the King. Notice the last line in our first song in conjunction with the first line of the next song; “…pavilion in splendor and girded with praise.” “All things praise Thee, Lord most high…” Though we see the connection with the words (and the key), what does it mean ‘pavilion in splendor’; how can something be ‘girded with praise’? The fact is, our God is our shield and defender. He is the ancient of days and He is our pavilion in splendor (which mean’s He is ‘covered with splendor’) and He is girded (surrounded) with praise!

“We’ll Work Till Jesus Comes” – 634

An old spiritual song that admonishes the singer to keep working. Have you ever sighed for something? We sing, “O land of rest…for thee I sigh, when will the moment come when I shall lay my armor by and dwell in peace at home?” You know, I think I can understand what Elizabeth Mills must have been thinking we she wrote this song; our life is full of work (at least it should be) and after a long day’s work our thoughts go to resting…”when will the moment come?”

“Come, Share the Lord” – 364

A contemporary song by Bryan Leech encourages us to come together as we remember the Lord’s Supper. Perhaps we should keep in mind the third verse as we draw this song to a close and sing, “…now we anticipate the feast for which we wait. Come take the bread, come drink the wine (drink from the cup) come share the Lord.”

“Gentle Shepherd” – 845

“Gentle Shepherd, come and lead us, for we need you to help us find our way…” As sheep we are often lost and in need of direction, protection and guidance from our Shepherd. The good news, our Shepherd not only guides us and leads us, He is also gentle. This beautiful hymn (because it is sung to HIM) reminds us that we are a blessed people…

“Face to Face” – no book

A song that speaks toward the end of life as we anticipate coming face to face with our God. As we pass the collection plate on Sunday morning we’ll sing this song. Let’s think about our life when we see Him “…by and by.” HINT: This is a good lead in for our lesson…

“I Am Resolved” – 948

This familiar hymn serves as our song before the lesson. Listen to what you say in the chorus, “I will hasten to Him, hasten so glad and free. Jesus, greatest, highest, I will come to Thee.” How about singing it this way… “I will hurry to Him…” Are we eager to see Jesus, eager enough to hurry?

“Only a Step” – 940

As we sing this song of encouragement on Sunday, take a look at the message found in the second verse, “Casting your heavy burden down, come to the cross, the world may frown: Yet you shall wear a glorious crown, when He makes up His own.” How often do we hold on to the things that hinder us and keep us back? We could better our health, but poor eating habits hold us back. We could grow in our education, but laziness has a tendency to hold us back. We struggle with our spiritual walk, but our sins hold us back. Today’s a good day to cast your heavy burden down and come to the cross. It’s only a step…

“Faithful Love” – no book

Faithful Love came to earth to show the Father’s love. And I never be the same…do you know why? Because I have seen Faithful Love (Jesus) all around me. Can you see the majesty, the love of Jesus in this world? Have you read the Word of God? Jesus came to this earth, lived as a man, died on the cross and reconciles us to God. When we are looking for Faithful Love, we need to look no further than our Bibles…then we’ll see Him face to face!

1, February 5, 20131, January 27, 2013

We’re Marching and Singing to Zion…Pt 1

“Come, we that love the Lord, and let our joys be known; Join in a song with sweet accord and thus surround the throne.…” This spiritual song, written by Isaac Watts, is more than 300 years old and yet it still admonishes the Christian to stay faithful as we’re ‘Marching to Zion.’ Singing we strive to praise God and encourage His people, but how do we do that effectively and in a pleasing manner?

As a child of God you know the importance of singing songs of praise and edification. Many who are reading this article identify with the song above and truly believe its message. Every Sunday morning world-wide, we come together and strive to fulfill Ephesians 5 & Colossians 3. But in a culture where singers are evaluated as ‘Idols,’ and singing is ‘best left to the professionals,’ we tend to listen and judge rather than praise and sing. We consider one voice better than another and place more value on the ‘talent’ of an individual while burying our own God-given talents. To be honest… that’s a mistake. It fails to follow the pattern set forth in Bible. Singing songs of praise and admonishing one another is the expectation we have in the Lord’s church.

In hopes of teaching valuable lessons of God’s love and stirring the hearts of those who hear, we sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. This commentary is written to help us look at the blessings we find in singing. Since the Lord commands us to worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24), we must ask ourselves this basic question: “As I’m marching to Zion, how do I sing and truly worship God in spirit and in truth?”

To learn the truth about Christian worship in song, we go to the New Testament. Consider for a moment I Corinthians 14:15 & 26: “I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also…What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.” Have you thought about your singing when it comes to your mind? Do you think about what you’re singing? Singing by rote (repetition) is singing by memory. We learn to drive, write, walk, and talk by rote. It is the same with singing. We memorize songs by singing them over and over and over again. But in so doing we often sing without thinking what we’re saying. Check yourself to see if you know what you’re singing by asking yourself these questions:

*How is God’s goodness ‘like a fetter’? (Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing)
*Is there Biblical support for referring to Jesus as a “rose of Sharon”? (Jesus, Rose of Sharon)
*Do you know how to arm yourself with “the panoply of God”? (Soldiers of Christ, Arise)
*And what is the ‘standard’ that He, Jesus, has raised? (The Battle Belongs to the Lord)

Brothers and sisters…I truly believe we need to investigate the meaning of our songs, ask ourselves what we’re singing, and teach our young people the meaning behind the songs we sing. “How shall the young secure their hearts and guard their lives from sin?” If we are to ‘sing with the mind also’ we must know what we’re singing. Too many times we just toss those old songs out, or sing the new ones without thinking, because we don’t truly know what they mean. Brethren, we can’t afford to make that kind of mistake, because there are dangers when we just ‘go through the motions’ in worship.

1, February 1, 20131, February 26, 2013

Basic Training for Parents…Feb. 3rd

Sunday, February 3rd at Waterview church of Christ, our sermon title is:

“Basic Training…For Parents”. The following ‘order of worship’ is designed to provide you a glimpse of our song selection (either early or after the fact). We have a great responsibility to train up our children, and mom and dad need to be prepared for that task. As always, let me encourage you to think about the songs you sing in praise to God. Remember I Corinthians…”I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.”

Sunday morning, February 3, 2013

You’ll notice the following songs come from the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.

“Let God Arise” and “Faith is the Victory” – 471 & 469

This medley, two spiritual songs, is intended to accomplish two basic objectives. First, we sing to motivate the Christian using the words of David in Psalm 68 (‘Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered’). But also to admonish the congregation to join in the spiritual battle against forces of darkness. Note verse 3 (missing from many of our hymnals)… “On every hand the foe we find drawn up in dread array. Let tents of ease be left behind and onward to the fray. Salvation’s helmet on each head with truth all girt about, the earth shall tremble neath our tread, and echo with our shout…”

“There is a Redeemer” – 287

How often do you say, “Thank You, Father, for giving us Your Son.”? The verses are sung in duet, sopranos and tenors, but the whole of the congregation should join in the chorus. We do have a Redeemer, and the cost for our salvation was high. Are you thankful?

“Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross” – 383

We’ll sing this song before the Lord’s Supper, holding the 3rd verse to be sung between the Bread and the Fruit of the Vine. Notice that 3rd verse; “Near the cross! O Lamb of God, bring it’s scene’s before me; help me walk from day to day with it’s (the cross) shadow over me…” We focus our hearts and minds as we remember our Savior’s sacrifice.

“How Shall the Young Secure Their Hearts” – 432

One of my favorites, and a spiritual song that really talks toward our families. Parents, as we consider ‘training’ our children for a life with God we have to follow the teaching from God’s word. The best (only) option for imparting wisdom and cleaning our hearts and minds. (Verse 1; “…Thy word, the choicest rules impart…”; defined, the word of God is the best set of directions we can pass on to our heirs.)

“Trust and Obey” – 915

How do we find true happiness in this life? What could I do to obtain peace and joy in a world of pain and sorrow? Reading God’s word (and singing this old spiritual song) you’ll come to see that we need to trust and obey. But there’s so much more to that simple statement. How will you trust in God? How do I intend to obey Him? A Christian life is more than just trusting in God, you must be willing to Obey His word!

“Our God, He is Alive” – 23

God is alive and well! This spiritual song sings to the splendor of His creation and the majesty of His name. Notice the 3rd (often ignored) verse from this song… “Secured is life from mortal mind, God holds the germ within His hand…” What’s the germ? By definition germ can simply be “something that may serve as the basis of further growth or development”. Or it could simply be “something microscopic”. Either way, God is in control. Our God holds the growth of life. And though men try to find it and understand God, He alone knows.
“…for God alone does understand.”

Parents…we have a great responsibility to teach our children to know God’s word. To strive and fulfill His will for our individual lives, and to always trust and obey Him.

1, January 21, 20131, February 27, 2013

That’s All I Want…Jan 20th

A friend of mine shared a GREAT idea about posting the order of worship for members of the congregation and prospective worship leaders. This simple use of the world wide web will allow those interested to get a glimpse of what’s coming up for Sunday morning. Nice idea, and one I think will benefit those who what to learn about the songs we’ll be singing on Sunday. This post will reflect this past Sunday morning (January 20th). Be looking for the next few weeks as we’ll be posting the order of worship by Friday or Saturday before Sunday…

Sunday morning, January 20, 2013

Robert Oglesby has been the pulpit preacher at Waterview church of Christ since February, 1963. Yes, in a few short days he and his family will be celebrating 50 years as the preacher for this solid congregation in the Kingdom of God. Our sermon topic on Sunday was titled, “That’s All I Want”. Our scripture basis was the 23rd Psalm, so our hymn selection was almost a given. The following is an account of our order of worship and all song numbers are from the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.

“We Will Glorify” – 578

A great song that praises our God and King; beautiful way to set our minds on worship.

“The Lord’s My Shepherd” – 134

The music for this popular arrangement dates back to 1854. All six verse of the 23rd Psalm can be sung in this song. This is a perfect example of Ephesians 5:19 “…speaking to one another in PSALMS and hymns and spiritual songs”

“Hear Me When I Call” – no book

This has become perhaps my favorite of all Tillit S. Teddlie songs. Certainly one that asks for our God to hear our call and ‘attend unto my prayer.’ What better way to describe my weakness than to request that our Lord, ‘…hold my trembling hand, lest helpless I should fall.”

“We Have an Anchor” – 467

The question is asked by those who sing, “Will your anchor hold in the storms of life?” In other words, how are you doing in your relationship with God? We echo in response…”We HAVE AN ANCHOR!”

“I Need Thee Every Hour” – 837

This song of prayer serves as our invitation on Sunday morning. Would that we all come to understand and truly say, “I need Thee, O I need Thee…”

“I’d Rather Have Jesus” – 581

Singing the first verse this song you are stating that you prefer (would rather have) Jesus over the riches of this world. More than houses or lands…do you really? Would your wallet agree? Take a look at your bank statement if you want to see if you really believe this song.

“I Love the Lord” – 359

Penned in my life time (1970), this song by Tommy Wheeler makes the statement that proclaims our love for God. We sing “I love the Lord”, but why? You know and you sing, “…on Calvary His dear life He freely gave…that I might live some day with Him on high.”

“The Lord My Shepherd Is” -126

Like song #134, the music for this arrangement was in the mid 1800’s, but when Isaac Watt’s penned this psalm, he followed the poetry in the message from the shepherd/king David. An affirmation of who my Shepherd is…the Lord. And knowing that…what else could I want?

At Waterview church of Christ we use a screen to project all our songs. This allows faces to be up (out of the book) and voices to be projected forward. All songs on the screen are accompanied with the sheet music for those who will sing 4-part harmony. In a world that seems to be getting faster and faster, and schedules that we tend to pack to over flow, let me admonish you to be careful and not push Jesus out of your life. You and I both know that with Him in our life and when Christ is first, we can honestly say…That’s all I need!

1, October 15, 20121, July 21, 2014

Taking a Look at Sunday Morning

I am thankful for my church family…

Having just returned from a trip the evening before, we were late getting to church service and decided not to interrupt class 20 minutes late. After getting some work done in the office, we sat down early in the auditorium.

Though we left on vacation following the morning services last week, it seemed like a long time since we’d been with our church family.

At first, it was dark in the auditorium, then a few people started to arrive. One sweet lady, dressed in high heels and using a walking cane, was escorted to her seat by her grown son who then returned pushing her husband in a wheelchair. They sat on the second seat from the front, settled in their pew while the son figured out where to store the folded wheel chair. He sat with them.

A few others, mostly folks walking slowly due to age, came in the auditorium finding their pews and settling in for worship before class was dismissed and the masses arrived.

One man came walking down our aisle and suddenly the lights came on. Smiling he told us they automatically come on when he enters! We shared small talk and he settled in his pew awaiting the rest of his family.

For 15 minutes people strolled in the auditorium, some stopped to chat before sitting down, others hurriedly walked past looking towards ‘their’ pew. Some, knowing we’d been out of town, asked about our trip. Another was excited to show me she too had recently gotten an iPhone, she asked if I would like to go to classes with her. Another brother shared with me a picture of a fancy faucet he had just installed in their renovated bathroom. And yet another dear brother, short on time, asked me a question about his LOA group (our church’s small group). One of our young men, on his first visit home from college, stopped to give me a hug and chat briefly before others wanted his attention too. A sweet lady in the pew in front of me wanted to chat about her LOA plans that were scheduled for the evening.

I glanced around the auditorium and saw a sister across the way that hadn’t been to worship in quite some time…I said a prayer of thanksgiving. Families are all in place now, some with guests from out of town. The college students came in close to the starting time and sat in a row together in their normal spot.

Now it’s time for the welcome and announcements and our weekly ‘meet and greet’. Then worship begins. It’s a joy to begin worship in prayer and then song. A brother in front of us realizes contribution is early in the service so he pulls out a couple bills from his wallet and tries to throw them down the row for his daughter & friend to put in the plate…except neither girl saw the money and his wife sat on one of the bills. Oh well, at least, he tried.

Before I know it, worship is over and it’s time to visit on our way out the door. As I walk through the north end a new grandma is busy visiting with her LOA friends about her wonderful new grandson! I lose track of time visiting and can’t find my husband; I’m assuming he went to the van to wait for me…not so this time. In the van I do some more waiting and observe several families leaving from the parking lot. One couple has a wedding gift and they see the person in the parking lot they need to give it to! A college student and his younger brother come out and drive the suburban closer to the exit waiting for the rest of the family – I’m guessing it felt good to him to be back in that role, and the family certainly loved the familiarity of it too.

The sun was shining but there’s coolness in the air. Today is our LOA Sunday and there is of buzz in the family as many have plans with their small group.

It’s such a blessing to be a part of God’s family, sharing and caring for each other in every way! I look forward to any opportunity I have to be with my family, but it seemed especially sweet yesterday after being gone for a week.

I thank God that he gives us everything we need, each other, our church family.

Donna

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” I John 4:8

In the family of God we are a blessed people!

Thanks Donna for reminding us of the joy we have in the Kingdom of God.