Perhaps you’ve heard the saying; “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.” Where it originated isn’t known, but the sentiment is clear, ‘I might be tricked once, but it won’t happen again.’ At the same time there are those who say, ‘You can’t fool me…I know better.’ But some believe a truth not knowing they’ve been fooled. What kind of scoundrel would play such a dirty trick? No wonder we say, “…shame on you.”
But could we be guilty of fooling others as well as fooling ourselves? We look in the mirror and 
see what we want to see, not what is really there. We talk ourselves into something that’s not. Could it be that we tell ourselves “I’m OK,” when deep down we know we’re not? Are we doing the very thing we consider a ‘dirty trick?’ This Sunday morning might be a good time to consider your stance if you’re one to say, “You Can’t Fool Me!”
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, December 7, 2014
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Living By Faith” – 560
Written almost 100 years ago, this spiritual song reiterates the message found in Hebrews chapter 11, “All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance…” (NIV) In our own Christian walk, how are we doing? Do we live by faith, or do we want substantiated confirmation? And yet that’s exactly how the Hebrew writer began this chapter, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Concerned about being fooled? God will never fail us, never deceive us and never fool us. Therefore we can say, “I care not today what the morrow may bring, if shadow or sunshine or rain. (why…because) The Lord I know ruleth over everything, and all of my worry is vain. I’m Living by faith in Jesus above…”
“Sweet Hour of Prayer” – 827
How do you deal with ‘seasons of distress and grief?’ Do you have a burning desire for Christ to return? Do you ‘hasten’ to God in prayer? W. W. Walford wrote about the power of prayer, and this morning we’ll sing about it. What a great escape from the ‘tempter’s snare,’ and those who believe in Him will ‘cast on Him their every care, and wait for Him…sweet hour of prayer.’ How foolish would we be to reject this hour of prayer.
“A Hill Called Mount Calvary” – 373
This song is new to some, but it has been around for almost 50 years. Made famous by the Gaither family, the message is one we should believe in. Some might say you are being fooled if you believe in a resurrection. And though I might be fooled by a lot of things, there is one thing I know and I believe with all my heart. “I believe in a hill called Mount Calvary. I’ll believe whatever the cost; and when time has surrender and earth is no more, I’ll still cling to the old rugged cross.” The video begins with the 3rd verse…you’ll want to listen to this one!
“Father, I Adore You” – 53
A simple hymn that is sung to our God and Father. As we sing, notice the unified message. “Father, we adore You, lay our lives before You, How we love You.” It’s easy to sing as a group, but will you, can you, sing it in the first person? “Father, I adore You, lay my life before You, How I love You!”
“Open Our Eyes, Lord” – 766
While the collection plate is being passed we’ll ask our Father for a blessing. In this simple hymn we sing, “Open our eyes, Lord we want to see Jesus, to reach out and touch Him, and say that we love Him. Open our ears, Lord and help us to listen…” Don’t be fooled into thinking God isn’t involved in your life. He’s alive and well and listening to your pleas!
“He Leadeth Me” – 410
If you’re concerned about being fooled, your best bet is to take a look at who is leading you. What are they telling you and where are they going? For that matter…what are you telling yourself? Before Sunday morning’s lesson we’ll sing about the One who leads us, it is ‘God’s hand that leadeth me.’ But before you think that’s all there is to it, finish the chorus. “His faithful follower I would be…” He’ll never fool you if you’ll follow Him.
“All to Jesus I Surrender” – 662
Question; how much is all? We sing a beautiful song of surrender, but will you give up everything for Him? Think about what you’ll be singing, “All to Jesus I surrender, all to Him I freely give. I will ever love and trust Him in His presence daily live…” If we sing all three verses and the chorus with each verse, you’ll be saying “ALL” seventeen times (23 if you count the echo). Will do, do you, surrender your all to Him…or are you just fooling yourself into thinking you do?
“A Common Love” – 705
This ‘youth song’ is taken from the book of John as Jesus spoke to His disciples, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another…” Take note of the emphasis in this spiritual song, “A common love…a common gift…a common bond…a common strength…a common hope…a common joy.” Don’t be deceived, without the truth of God’s Word, we’ll never begin to find strength or hope in this sinful world.
