directing the songs, how do you know how to move your arms, how can you sing in front of so many people?” First of all, I’m no expert. As a matter of fact my 40 years of singing in the Lord’s church and leading singing is my only call to fame. So with this experience I want to share with you a few guidelines that will hopefully help you as you direct/lead singing in the Lord’s church. This is the first of a three part series that will look into ways we can better lead God’s family in worship and song.
inspiration to every song leader. When we realize that we are all “Marching to Zion,” the song leader can understand more clearly the first few words of this song. “Come, WE that love the Lord, and let OUR joys be known!” As the song leader, you are asking the congregation to join you in worship, “Come, we….” Know that you are not just leading the congregation; you are joining the congregation in praise to God. So what should the song leader do as he considers his task of leading the Lord’s church in singing? Many times we fail to put our best effort into song leading and a mediocre song service is produced. How much time is given to selecting your songs for Sunday? Are the songs selected appropriate in tempo and fit the message…or will this service be as predictable as ‘the last time he lead singing?’ Gentleman, we have to ask ourselves how much time and energy will we be giving to prepare ourselves for worshiping with the Lord’s church.
may take some work, but contact your preacher and get his sermon topic, scripture references and key ideas early in the week (maybe even on Monday morning.) Don’t be overly aggressive, but let him know you can’t put the time into the song selection until you know the basis of Sunday’s message. By this, he will know you care about the worship and it may help spur him on as well. In the meantime, review your song book and make a list of 1) the songs you know, 2) songs you want to teach the congregation and 3) songs you don’t know. Be familiar with your song book and enrich your repertoire of songs! This can’t be over emphasized. The more songs you know*, the more growth you can provide to the congregation in song. During the week prepare your voice for Sunday. Avoid stressing your vocal cords but sing songs of praise daily. Turn off the radio in the car and sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs as you drive down the road. Your preparation doesn’t start on Sunday morning, though you should be singing (and listening to) A Cappella songs as you’re getting ready for Sunday morning worship. Your first step in making worship the best it can be on Sunday is to start by preparing, and practicing, on Monday.The Incubator…March 1st
As a young boy growing up on a West Texas farm, I remember well the days we 
would raise little baby chicks. From hatchlings we would nurture them with heat lamps, clean water, the appropriate feed, warm straw and a secure chicken coop. Though I don’t recall if we ever ‘incubating’ the eggs, they were our responsibility from the very beginning.
But without the incubation process, the hatching of the baby chick will never happen. Of course, eggs aren’t the only things that need an incubator. The premature baby, the ‘new endeavor,’ even a virus may have an incubation period. And this morning as we recognize those babies born in 2014, Robert Taylor will share some ideas about how we can prepare our children for life in this world. Not just any life, but a life focused on God and His will. Parents, we have an obligation to care for our children, prepare our children, and ‘bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.’ (Ephesians 6:4) And if you think about it, it all begins in…”The Incubator.”
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, March 1, 2015
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Wonderful Words of Life” – 543
“Sing them over again to me, wonderful words of life…” what a joy to sing about our salvation! Consider your life in Christ, your salvation in His name…beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life. It’s encouraging to me to read/sing the words of the 2nd verse; these words are ‘all so freely given,’ and for the one who is listening and open to the message, these words are ‘wooing us to heaven.’ Wonderful words of life!
“How Beautiful” – 365
Preparing ourselves for the Lord’s Supper we’ll sing a spiritual song that was written less than 25 years ago. A song that speaks to the beautiful hands that serve, the 
beautiful, radiant bride (the church of Christ), and the beautiful feet that walk. This song, however, does more than just talk about Christ physical body, but alludes to the church as the body of Christ. Notice verse one as we sing about the hands of Christ as He served His disciples the ‘last supper.’ And visualize His feet as walked the dusty road to the cross. But then continue on to verse three as we transition to the feet that spread the good news (the gospel), and the hands that serve the Lord’s Supper today. How beautiful…in deed!
“Lord, We Come Before Thee Now” – 797
Following the Lord’s Supper many have a sense of quiet stillness. It’s fitting to come before our God with awe and reverence and so we sing, “Lord, we come before Thee now, at Thy feet we humbly bow…” setting the stage of a lowly servant approaching the king we see how we might say our souls depend on Thee. But the contrast comes in the third verse; our God, unlike an earthly king, allows us to come and stay with Him. To dwell with Him and seek His blessing.
“Can You Count the Stars” – 992
A simple song that asks a simple question; “Can you count the stars of evening…can you count the clouds…can you count the birds or the fish…can you count the little children?” If God knows their number and shows them His care, surely we can rest assured knowing that, “He has not forgotten thee.” Maybe we could say, each day in we are in God’s care, we are growing in His incubator.
“I Love to Tell the Story” – 659
Before the lesson we’ll sing a spiritual song that provides us with a clear understanding of the incubator. We sing, “I love to tell the story, it is pleasant to repeat, what seems each time I tell it more wonderfully sweet; I love to tell the story (ready for this) for some have never heard…” For some have never heard…how important for us to share the message of salvation to a lost and dying world.
“Softly and Tenderly” – 934
One might wonder how ‘come home…’ could be attributed to the incubation process. Then again, when we consider this life as just the nurturing and preparation stage for a new life, we might just all being in the incubator. It would explain why Jesus is calling us ‘softly and tenderly.’
“Jesus Loves Me” – 1014
Even the littlest child is likely to know this simple song. What better way to bring our children through the incubation process then to train them up and remind them daily that Jesus loves them. Parents, this should resonate in our hearts…‘this I know, for the Bible tells me so!”
“There is a Habitation” – 860
The beauty of this song comes in knowing that heaven is a perfect place. It’s a place where there is no war, no sorrow, no death, and no tomorrow. A place with no desolation, no night and no decay, And though this song doesn’t say it, no incubator. For within the gates of heaven we’ll be singing eternal praises to our King. Would that we instill a desire within our children to say, “I am ready to go to heaven!” When this life is over, when we leave the incubator, let’s be ready for the city built by the living God.
Three Times a Year You Must Go to Church…Dec. 28th
As a child I remember hearing (probably asking), ‘Are we going to church today?’ A simple question from a simple mind. Each and every Sunday morning my family would get up and drive into town to meet with our church family for worship on the first day of the week. Notice, I said ‘every Sunday morning.’ This wasn’t something we did every now and again, or only on Christmas and Easter. And we didn’t go just to satisfy some check list. But isn’t that exactly what many tend to do today? Even if we go to worship God every week, many are just satisfying a need to ‘go to church.’
Maybe we should consider why we do what we do. Is there a reason we go each Sunday morning? Especially in the light of scripture when we read God’s command to the Israelite men in Deuteronomy 16:16, “Three times a year all your men must appear before the Lord your God at the place He will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Tabernacles.” So maybe there’s justification in just going to church to fulfill a check list and satisfy a need. After all, don’t some translate the text above to say, ‘Three times a year you must go to church…’?
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, December 28, 2014
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“We’re Marching to Zion” – 869
Notice the call that sounds forth in the first few lines of this spiritual song, “Come, we that love the Lord, and let our joys be known…” What joys are you singing about and why do you want them to be made known? We’ve sung this song for years, but read it again without the musical repetition; “…join in a song of sweet accord and thus surround the throne. Let those refuse to sing who never knew our God, but children of the heavenly King may speak their joys abroad. (Are you a child of the King…will you sing?) The hill of Zion yields a thousand sacred sweets, before we reach the heavenly fields or walk the golden streets. Then let our songs abound and every tear be dry, we’re marching through Emanuel’s ground to fairer worlds on high.” Another old song might say, “This world is not my home, I’m just a passin’ through.”
“More Precious Than Silver” – 273
What do you cherish? What do you value in this life? We invest in gold and silver because we find security in their worth. An old adage goes something like, ‘Diamonds are a girls best friend.’ Many of us put our hope and trust in what we can put our hands on (or what we can put on our hands). But the song we’ll sing before the contribution simply states that we will put our trust, hope and desires in our God. Not in silver, gold or diamonds .
“As the Deer” – 71
This song comes directly from the text as we read the words of the psalmist; “As the deer pants for the water so my soul longs after You…” But do we truly LONG for God? We have a good share of silver, gold and (for some) diamonds… we’re not longing, much less panting, for anything else. Yet many can’t see just how close to death they really are. This video is from a newer version of the same text, and although we’ll be singing the music by Martin Nystrom, Dennis Jernigan’s arrangement is one to be learned.
“O Come Let Us Adore Him” – 264
Taken from the popular ‘Christmas’ song written in the mid-1700’s, the chorus is a constant reminder that we should not only adore our King, but give Him all the glory and all our praise forever. And if anyone asks why…“For He alone is worthy!”
“Surround Us, Lord” – no book
Nothing is more comforting than knowing we’re surrounded by friends and family. Perhaps that is why God has given us the church. Our church family is an extension of our being surrounded by Him, His love, in the absence of our earthly family. The psalmist wrote in the 106th Psalm, “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people.” There is comfort in knowing we’re not alone, unless of course you only meet with God’s family two or three times a year…
“Worthy Art Thou” – 230
Before our lesson this morning, we sing together as we praise our God singing, “Worthy of praise is Christ our Redeemer, worthy of glory, honor and power! Worthy of all our soul’s adoration (O come let us adore Him), worthy art Thou (worthy are You)!”
“There’s a Fountain Free” – 909
“Will you come?” Not necessarily to the meeting of church services, but to the Christ, to the fountain free. But then again, if you’re only ‘coming’ on Christmas and or Easter, if you only come to worship Him as the men of the Old Testament were commanded…then you’re missing the freedom found in the Fountain.
“All People That on Earth Do Dwell” – 532
We’ll close with what some consider a call to worship. Taken again from the 100th book of the Psalms, this ‘psalm’ will be followed by the chorus of our opening spiritual song. Consider the flow to be something like this… “All people that on earth do dwell, sing to the Lord with a cheerful voice; Him serve with fear, His praise forth tell; Come ye (you) before Him and rejoice…” “We’re marching to Zion, beautiful, beautiful Zion! We’re marching upward to Zion, the beautiful city of God.” If we wait to ‘worship’ Him using the example of the Old Law, we’ll miss the blessing of the Savior. The heart of a child of God calls for more than just, “Three times a year you must go to church.”
Passing the Baton…Mar. 30th
The year was 2008, and four men were running for their life. Their adversaries were all around, but they were prepared for this moment. They knew the routine and had visualized it (and done it) over and over and over. Then disaster struck. Two of the four men failed to complete their assigned duties. They failed to pass the baton. In a split second the aluminum cylinder skipped off the track 
and the hopes of a gold medal vanished. During the 2008 Summer Olympics, Tyson Gay and Darvis Patton failed to make the hand off in the 4×100 relay, but if the truth be told, an entire country felt the sting of disappointment when we failed to pass the baton.
But there are other areas in which failing to ‘pass the baton’ can crush hope. A teacher who fails to pass on valuable knowledge, drops the baton. A person of authority who knows truth and yet refuses to stand for what’s right, drops the baton. A father who fails to teach his child the truths of God’s word, drops the baton. As Christians, we have a unique responsibility when it comes to passing on the knowledge of salvation in Christ Jesus. The question is, how are we passing the baton?
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, March 30, 2014
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Surround Us, Lord” – no book
“As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people…” Taken from the 125th chapter of Psalms, this ‘psalm’ is a direct quote from the word of God. Would that we call upon our God to surround us with His love, mercy and protection…just as the mountains surrounded the city of Jerusalem.
“We’re Marching to Zion” – 869
A call for Christians to come, march (live a life) for Christ! Not in protest or defiance to the world, but to ‘let our joys be known.’ Please consider carefully the second verse and see where you are in this march. “Let those refuse to sing who never knew our God, but children of the heavenly King may speak their joys abroad (all around)…” How are you with your singing? Do you sing and speak of the joy you have in Christ? Remember, when you sing about the beautiful city of God, you’re helping pass the baton!
“Ten Thousand Angels” – 349
When we read the scripture, this song should have a different name. Matthew 26:53 states, He could have called 12 legions of angels. So perhaps a better title would be “Seventy-two Thousand Angels.” Never forget, Christ was (is) in control and we are all indebted to His sacrifice. They did bind the hands of Jesus and they did lead Him through the streets…but He allowed it. Take some time to remember that they did spit upon our Savior and He was pure and free from sin…think about Him as we remember the Lord’s Supper.
“Humble Yourself” – 745
Taken from James chapter 4, verse 10, “Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.” Understand what it means to humble yourself. By definition, “showing submissive respect.” As we come together to worship God we are in His presence. Are you submissive and respectful of Him…or is your mind somewhere else?
“Lord, Speak to Me” – 771
As we consider this morning’s lesson, notice verse three of this hymn; “O teach me Lord, that I may teach the precious things Thou dost impart…” Understand that what we’re singing this morning is a prayer. We’re asking for God’s help as we run the race, teach others about Him, and pass the baton.
“Pass It On” – no book
An old youth song from Camp Blue Haven that reminds me of my youth. “It only takes a spark to get a fire going…I wish for you my friend this happiness that I’ve found…I’ll shout it from the mountain tops, I want the world to know, the Lord of love has come to me, I want to pass it on.” Do we really want to pass it on, or are we waiting for someone to come and take it?
“Wonderful Words of Life” – 543
Before our lesson we’ll sing a ‘spiritual song’ that resounds with the idea of passing the baton. “Sweetly echo the gospel call…offer pardon and peace to all…Jesus, only Savior, sanctified forever!” We have wonderful words that give life, beautiful words of life, are we passing this message on?
“To Christ Be True” – 736
As the Olympic runner wins the race and crosses the finish line he runs another lap with the banner of his country 
flowing above him in proud display. If we are to be loyal and true we’ll pass on the message of Jesus Christ. We’ll be brave in His service of taking the message of salvation to a lost and dying world. We’ll ‘pass the baton’ being careful not to drop it. Then, as we sing, “…His banner be unfurled, and borne aloft till is secured the conquest of the world.”
“Heavenly Sunlight” – 611
Completing this service we’ll remind each other of our walk on this journey, that we’re pressing our way to mansion’s above. And though this journey may lead us over the mountains or through the deep valley, our Savior will never forsake us. We rejoice with that assurance…“Hallelujah!”, but we must always be ready to pass the baton!
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.
Hobson’s Choice?…August 25th
How much do you really want what’s being offered? Are there times when you feel the ‘gift’ just isn’t worth it? A father offers his son an old, beat up car as a graduation gift; but the boy was wanting something newer and with more appeal. Dad’s response; ‘Well son, this is what you’ve got. You can take it or leave it.’
But is it really a choice? If you reject what’s offered you’re left with nothing, but if you take what you don’t really want, how can that be ‘my choice?’ Thomas Hobson lived in
the late 1500’s and he owned a horse-rental business in England. This idea provides the back drop for Sunday morning’s lesson. Can a Christian find Biblical application in “Hobson’s Choice?”
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, August 25, 2013
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“The Steadfast Love of the Lord” -123
Taken from Lamentation 3:22-24, our opening song this morning is a Psalm since we will be singing scripture. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.” Of course! If His love is steadfast…it never would cease. We believe and know that His mercies never come to an end either. But the question today, do you hope in Him?
“Lord, Take Control” – 790
We’ve set the contribution early this morning, and as we prepare to give back a portion which is rightful His. We’ll sing about giving our hearts, minds, bodies and souls to God. But most are more comfortable with just giving to God our financial means, our money. But are you really prepared to say, “Lord, take control” of my life? It’s more than just a song, it’s a commitment.
“We Bow Down” – 577
A contemporary song with a basic message, “You are Lord of creation and Lord of my life, Lord of the land and the sea. You were Lord of the heavens before there was time, and Lord of all lord’s You will be.” Some will, in their hearts and lives, bow down and worship while others will just sit by and sing. What are you willing to do?
“The Lord’s Supper” – no book
Tillit S. Teddlie wrote a vast number of songs to focus the Christian and glorify God. This spiritual song is used primarily around the Lord’s table as we remember Christ death. Notice the scripture reference as we conclude each verse; “While we feast Christ gentle whispers, ‘Do this in My memory.’” At Waterview this Sunday morning we’ll read I Corinthians 11:23, 24 then sing this song to focus more on His memorial.
“By Christ Redeemed” – 366
Similar to Teddlie’s song which sites I Corinthians 11: 24, this song by George Rawson also alludes to Paul’s words in I Corinthians. Notice the words from this old song; “By Christ redeemed, in Christ restored, we keep the Supper of the Word, and show the death of our dear Lord, until He come.” Each line of this song ends the same way, ‘…until He come.’ Paul wrote in vs 26, “…for as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.”
“O Happy Day” – 494
I remember very well the night my grandparents were baptized. The congregation that gathered together sang this song after their baptism. We’ll sing it again Sunday morning as we conclude the Lord’s Supper and remember the hope we have because of the sacrifice He gave. Christians appreciate the last verse, “Tis done; the great transaction’s done; I am my Lord’s and He is mine! He drew me, and I followed on, charmed to confess the voice divine…” Each time we take of the Lord’s Supper, we confess His matchless love.
“We’re Marching to Zion” – 869
A great song before our lesson…Christians are marching to Zion (heaven) and we should be proudly proclaiming that fact. Or are you more like verse 2, refusing to sing? Maybe for those who have never heard would refuse to open their voices and hearts, but how can a child of God keep quiet when we join together to praise Him? You might stop and think about that next time you don’t want to sing…
“I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say” – 389
Perhaps not a typical invitation song, but the message here is clear. Each line begins with “I heard the voice of Jesus say…” Reading your Bible and you’ll hear Him say ‘Come unto me…I am the living water…I am the light of the world’. Jesus calls us to come follow Him. Reading your Bible you can hear the voice of Jesus. Maybe this is more of an invitation song they we’ve previously thought?
“Home of the Soul” – 875
By request we’ll sing this old spiritual song of heaven. Christians strive for that home above, we hope for a ‘sweet rest’ and we look forward to the bright homeland, but we first need to endure the storms of life. Maybe we should ask ourselves how much we long for Him? Are the storms worth fighting? Are we laboring for the Master and leaning on Him, or are we just biding our time here on earth? If you are one of the ‘ransomed’ you’re looking forward to that beautiful home of the soul…And, if the truth be known, you have a “Hobson’s Choice”.
Asking Directions on the Way to Canaan…April 28th
At Waterview church of Christ, we are dedicated to studying, learning and following God’s word. Robert Oglesby will present a message this morning that is designed to help us focus on our ‘journey’ to heaven.
How much thought do you give to your ultimate destination? Is heaven just an assumed ‘next step’ or is it there something we should be preparing for? Whether our skies are clear, or overcast, we know our goal. The children of God, struggled on their journey to the Promise Land (40 years worth of struggles), yet this morning, consider the questions we ask as we’re Bound for the Promised Land.
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, April 28, 2013
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“The Steadfast Love of the Lord” – 123
This psalm is the text as we sing the praises found in Lamentations 3:22-24, “The Lord’s loving kindness indeed never ceases, for His compassion’s never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘Therefore I will hope in Him.’ So what do you mean when you sing, ‘The Lord is my portion…’? By definition, a portion can be an inheritance…
“Sing On, Ye Joyful Pilgrims” – 747
Have you ever been ‘lost in thought?’ Someone asks you a question, but your mind was somewhere else? In the chorus of this ‘spiritual song’ we sing… “My heart is filled with rapture (extreme joy), my soul is lost in praise.” Of all things we could be wrapped up in (lost in), how much more worthy to be lost in praise. It makes sense that we would…sing on, ye joyful pilgrims!
“The Lord’s Supper” – no book
The title of this song lets the singer/listener know what we’re focused on. Another title you might use to find this ‘psalm’ would be ‘When We Meet in Sweet Communion’. We remember the Lord’s death as we communion together around the table and obey His words, “…do this in remembrance of Me.” (I Corinthians 11:24)
“By Christ Redeemed” – 366
We find the basis of this spiritual song in I Corinthians 11:26, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” We have an obligations, an honor, to partake in this memorial of our Savior for as long as we live…or until He comes!
“There is a Redeemer” – 287
We sing the affirmation of this contemporary hymn/spiritual song as we proclaim, “There is a Redeemer, Jesus, God’s own Son…” Melody Green wrote, and we sing, a song of thanks to God. “Thank You for giving us Your Son and leaving with us the gift of the Holy Spirit…until our work is done.” How are you doing with YOUR work?
“Here We Are But Straying Pilgrims” – 537
I enjoy singing in unison the verses of this song, then blend our voices in the chorus with a full, 4-part harmony. But don’t get caught up in the music and miss the message. Does your path seem dim or are your feet weary? Have you ever thought of the clouds of doubt and fear as a ‘lurking foe?’ Just remember that the Lord is our defender, and know that singing a song of heaven will cheer your way. Why…because “Yonder over the rolling river…soon will be our home, forever!”
“We’re Marching to Zion” – 869
As a medley with the previous song, this ‘spiritual song’ call those that love the Lord to come, and let our joys been made known. In other words, let’s sing so the world will know that we love God, and we’re living so we can go to heaven (we’re marching to Zion).
“I Am Bound for the Promised Land” – 889
The words of this song were written by Samuel Stennett in 1787, but don’t mistake it with “On Jordan’s Stormy Banks I Stand” (page 886). Though the message is over 225 years old, it’s still true for us today… “I’m bound for the Promised Land…”
“When Upon Life’s Billows” – 742
Also known as “Count Your Many Blessings”, this song by Johnson Oatman in 1897 encourages us to recognize how God impacts our lives. Whether we’re tossed on the sea of life, discouraged thinking ‘all is lost’ or feeling as though the cares and doubts of life burden us, do you see the blessings of God? If you’ll count the blessings God has given you, it will surprise you to know what the Lord had done?
“God Bless You, Go with God” – 752
We’ll close our morning services as we sing to admonish one another, “God bless you, go with God.” We understand this cruel world will test us and hurl lies at us, but the only hope we have is in Christ. Let’s sing to encourage each other and always be praying for each other. This is my daily prayer…that God will bless you and that you will go with God!
We’re Marching and Singing to Zion…Pt 3
As this three part study comes to a close, perhaps the strongest reminder of how we are to sing comes when we consider the words of the author of Hebrews.
When we sing songs of praise we are offering a sacrifice to God. Hebrews 13:15, ‘…let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.’ Singing songs of praise, ‘the fruit of lips’ is our giving to God a sacrifice of praise. (Hebrews 2:12) What kind of a sacrifice are you offering? Before you answer, let me remind you of Leviticus 10:1-3. During the offering of sacrifices in the Old Testament, Nadab and Abihu offered ‘strange fire’ before the Lord. These two men, sons of Aaron, violated God’s command for sacrifices and were subsequently struck down. Notice how Moses responded to this tragedy… “It is what the Lord spoke, saying, ‘By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy, and before all the people I will be honored.” We must ask ourselves, ‘When I’m singing on Sunday morning, what kind of sacrifice am I offering God?’ Do I sing and listen for my own satisfaction? Am I honestly thinking about what I’m singing? My prayer is for God’s people everywhere to stop and think about our singing in worship. Let’s sing with the Spirit!
Standing with our brothers and sisters in Christ and opening our minds and hearts (not to mention our voices), we might sing another hymn penned more than 300 years ago; “Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above, ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost!” Doxology is a simple song of praise to our God and Father and echoes our soul’s unquestionable need to praise our Creator. As Christ entered Jerusalem in Luke 19, just days before His arrest, the crowds praised Him saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord; Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Hearing this praise, some of the Pharisees, approached Jesus and told Him to reprimand and silence His followers. But notice His response; “I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!” In short…we were made to give praise to God. If we refuse to, His creation will sing it out. If you’re not sure about that, read Psalm 148 (or sing “Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah”). Though many might ignore our God-given need to praise Him, and while many more may offer excuses as to why they’re not singing praises to God, remember Romans 14:11, “…Every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall give praise to God.”
As brothers and sisters in Christ we remember that we’re singing and ‘marching to Zion’. Consider the second verse of this spiritual song; “Let those refuse to sing who never knew our God; but children of the heavenly King may speak their joys abroad.” Some don’t know the joy that comes in being a child of God. Their refusal to sing is out of ignorance. But those of us who are ‘children of the heavenly King’ must be ready and willing to speak (to sing) our joys abroad. You and I know as we are marching, we’re also singing along the way to Zion.
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…
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.