A pattern is necessary if you want to duplicate the original.  If I want to ‘make it right,’ I have to follow the pattern.  But just because I have a pattern doesn’t mean I automatically have a duplicate.  Without following the directions, the pattern will be flawed and far from effective.

Any seamstress knows the importance of following the pattern.  And yet many who ‘fear God’ often fail to remember that basic principle when it comes to living Christian lives.  Many will say they want to follow God’s teaching (the Word), but don’t want to be ‘bound’ by a pattern.  Free will and exploring God on my own might be the ‘new way’, but even Moses was instructed, “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”  Hebrews 8:5 

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

Sunday morning, November 24, 2013

The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“In Moments Like These” 239

If we are honest with ourselves, there are times when we feel closer to God than other times.  What causes this feeling of joy and fulfillment?  What gives us that emotional lift as opposed to the times when we’re feeling down?  Circumstances can change in life, but our God never changes.  When you do find yourself feeling God’s love and strength, sing a song of praise.  But when you’re not…sing these words; “In moments like these, I lift up my voice; singing I love you, Lord.”

“Is It For Me?” – 483

An old hymn that asks a simple question, “Is it for me…?”  The peace and rest of heave, the welcome to ‘enter in’ heaven’s glory.  We sing this question, but let the message of the refrain echo in your heart as we praise the Father and the Son, “O Savior, my Redeemer, what can I but adore (what else is worthy of praise), and magnify (glorify) and praise Thee and love Thee…forever more?”  Never forget that the glory and rest of heaven is for all those who die to Christ…and yes, it is for me!

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

A contemporary song that isn’t really asking the question, ‘How deep is the Father’s love’, but one that is sung to confirm what we already believe and know.  God’s love for us is so deep and vast we can’t begin to 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 23:25-38) as they stood at the foot of the cross.  Why should I gain from His sacrifice?  I don’t know the answer to that question.  “But this I know with all my heart, His wounds have paid my ransom.’

“Abide with Me” – 808

A song that is popular during the closing hours of one’s life.  A hymn pleading for God to abide with us during these dark, lonely hours.  We’ll sing this song following the Lord’s Supper, but we’ll focus on the fourth verse as we sing; “Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes; shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies; heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee: in life and in death, O Lord, abide with me.”

“Restore My Soul” – no book

A strong, upbeat song that asked God to restore our spirit, revive the fire of our souls and renew our courage to live for the Savior.  “Renew my love, rebuild my faith and restore my soul.”  Perhaps some will find it repetitive, but what a message to ask for strength as we express our “desire to work in His fold…”

“Sing to Me of Heaven” – 716

Almost 100 years old, this spiritual song is sung encouraging the Christian to remember the joy of heaven.  The traps (toils) that bind us on this earth will be loosened as we encourage each other to keep looking to the pattern and the hope of eternal life with Christ!

“Softly and Tenderly” – 934

An ‘invitation song’ that has been around since the late-1800’s calls the wandering sinner to turn back to God. Visions of the stubborn child who has run away from home are seen as we plead for those who are weary to come back and rest.  To emphasize the message, there is a sense of urgency in the third verse; don’t you realize time is now fleeting and the moments are passing…? Come on, come home!

“True Hearted, Whole Hearted” – 629

“Peal out the watch word!”  Almost like the town crier who is standing on the street corner announcing the ‘good news’, so we too should be true to our devotion to God and share His message.  Or more likely, we should be shouting out the song of our spirits if we are truly rejoicing and free.  This is truly a song of victory if we are true to His Word and follow the pattern given to us in the scripture.