They'll Know We Are Christians

Words and music by Peter Scholtes, Based on John 13:35
Celebration Hymnal #429

Acts 2:1-4
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.  Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.  They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.  All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

We are one in the Spirit; We are one in the Lord.
We are one in the Spirit; we are one in the Lord.
And we pray that all unity may one day be restored.

And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love.
Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.

Dear Lord, help us, your children, to see that humanity come from you.  Help us, your children, to see the Holy Spirit within each other and ourselves.  Help us, your children, restore unity throughout your blessed creation.  Fill us with your love, peace, and mercy.

Luke 24: 13-15
Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem.  They were talking with each other about everything that had happened.  As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 

We will walk with each other; we will walk hand in hand.
We will walk with each other; we will walk hand in hand.
And together we’ll spread the new that God is in our land.

And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love.
Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.

Dear Lord, grant us, your children, courage to walk with each other through trials and tribulations.  Grant us, your children, humility to walk along side each other in times of victory and great joy.  Grant us, your children, wisdom to speak your truth to all, even those who would rather not hear it, that they may be welcomed into the family of God.

Matthew 4:18-22
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.  “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”  At once they left their nets and followed him.
Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John.  They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

We will work with each other; we will work side by side.
We will work with each other; we will work side by side.
And we’ll guard each one’s dignity and save each one’s pride.

And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love.
Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.

Dear Lord, the Kingdom of heaven is still under construction; there is much work to be done.  Grant us, your children, the strength, and endurance to work together, side by side, to build a glorious kingdom in your name. Help us, your children, to actively guard each one’s dignity, even those who don’t look like ourselves.  Help us, your children, to actively save each one’s pride, for when one of your children is shamed, we all are.  Help us, your children, see that when we live for other’s we live for You too.

Matthew 28:16-20
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.  And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.  And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

All praise to the Father, from whom all things come.
And all praise to Christ Jesus, His only Son,
And all praise to the Spirit, who makes us one.

And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love.
Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.

Dear Lord, help us, your children, to boldly proclaim Your praises.  Let us give thanks for all the blessings.Let our praises resound for the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Grant that the love You bestow upon us, Your children, flows out into the world for all to see.  So that the whole world will know we are Christians by the way we love one another.

Wade In the Water

African American Spiritual (John 5:2-9), Arranged By Carl Haywood, 1992
#2107 The Faith We Sing

Wade in the water,
wade in the water, children,
wade in the water,
God’s a-gonna trouble the water.

The history of African American Spirituals is tainted by the fact that most documents on the subject were written by white historians.  What is clear, however, is that music was important to the cultural identity of African Americans.  As enslaved people they adopted the religion of their owners.  Forbidden to learn to read and write the music served to teach the community of the new religion.

Water plays a major role throughout the Bible and holds significant meanings.  Water is a major character in the story of Noah and the ark.  Moses was found as an infant floating in a basket on the water.  Then there is the parting of the Red Sea, aiding Moses, and the Israelites, escape from Egypt. The waters of the Jordan river were also parted, allowing entrance into the “Promised Land.”  In John 5:2-9 the waters of the Sheep Gate pool were known to heal a person who bathed while the waters were “troubled.”  Jesus walked on water and was baptized in the Jordan river.  Water is a symbol of life, purification, and regeneration.

There are many different verses to this spiritual, the order in which they are sung is up to the Lead Singer. It has been suggested that the order in which the Lead Singer performed the verses was codified and communicated the location of secret meetings and plans for escaping bondage.  The chorus instructs the escaping slave to stick to the water which erases footprints and trackable scents.

(verse 1)
See that host all dressed in white
God’s a-gonna trouble the water
The leader looks like the Israelite,
God’s a-gonna trouble the water

Moses, born an Israelite, was raised as an Egyptian and chosen by God to lead his people out of bondage.

(verse 2)
See that band all dressed in red
God’s a-gonna trouble the water
Looks like the band that Moses led
God’s a-gonna trouble the water.

Many enslaved people cling to the hope of deliverance illustrated by such biblical stories as Moses.  This hope is reflected in the numerous spirituals that focus on water, Moses, and redemption.

(verse 3)
Look over yonder, what do I see?
God’s a-gonna trouble the water
The Holy Ghost acoming on me,
God’s a-gonna trouble the water.

This verse could be depicting the Pentecostal story, the story of baptism, or being anointed to preach God’s word to his people.

(verse 4)
If you don’t believe I’ve been redeemed,
God’s a-gonna trouble the water
Just follow me down to Jordan’s stream,
God’s a-gonna trouble the water.

The symbolism of the Jordan river is that of a dividing line between life and death; slavery and freedom; hardship and prosperity; injustice and justice.

Moses lead the Israelites to the banks of the Jordan river, but was forbidden to cross it.  When Moses died God parted the Jordan river and welcomed the Israelites into the Promised Land.

In today’s world “troubled waters” are everywhere.  Political turmoil, global pandemic, economical collapse, social unrest.  Society needs to wade in these troubled waters if we are to find healing, freedom, prosperity, and justice for all.  God has troubled the waters.  Will we be brave enough to “wade in the water?”

Falling on My Knees

Words and Music by Kathryn Scott
Copyright 1999 Vineyard Songs
Worship & Song #3099

Hungry, I come to you, for I know you satisfy.
I am empty, but I know your love does not run dry.
So, I wait for you.
So, I wait for you.
I’m falling on my knees, offering all of me.
Jesus, you’re all this heart is living for.

I have heard this hymn sung during communion rites and the opening lines does lead the listener to think the hunger is for food.  If you eat and are satisfied you will become hungry again.  It is an endless cycle, just ask any mother.  Now contemplate the opening line as referring to a spiritual hunger.  God will satisfy, and the hunger will not return.

There have been many times throughout my life when I have felt empty.  In those times God has filled me with his love.  He has lifted me, carried me, lead me, and I have gratefully received his mercy.

God’s mercy, however, arrives according to His time, not mine.  I must be patient and wait, so I do.  While I wait, I kneel and pray.  I offer myself as a servant to God, and to my brothers and sisters in Christ.  To serve one another in Christ is to serve Christ Himself.

Broken, I run to you, for your arms are open wide;
I am weary, but I know your touch restores my life.
So, I wait for you. So, I wait for you.
I’m falling on my knees, offering all of me.
Jesus, you’re all this heart is living for.

The evil in this world can break you if you try to stand alone.  So, choose to stand with God.  He will greet you with open arms for you are His beloved child.  The hectic schedules demanded of us by this world leave us tired.  When exhaustion sets in close your eyes and feel the restorative touch of God.  His touch not only restores your energy but your sense of purpose.  Patiently wait for God’s touch, and as you wait pray.  Fall on your knees, offer yourself to God, make Jesus a priority in your life.

May the love and peace of Christ be with you

Change My Heart, O God

Music and Words by Eddie Espinosa (1982)
Celebration Hymnal #654

Change my heart, O God,
Make it ever true.
Change my heart, O God,
May I be like You.

You are the Potter,
I am the Clay;
Mold me and make me
This is what I pray.

Change my heart, O God,
Make it ever true.
Change my heart, O God,
May I be like You.

Do you ever feel like a lump of clay waiting to be shaped into some beautiful piece of pottery?  I feel this way often.  There are times when I feel like a lump of clay on the potter’s wheel, being worked and shaped. Then something goes wrong.  The potter mashes the clay down into a ball again to start anew.

How I long to be a finished pot.  Fired, painted, and glazed.  How I long to be that rare, and priceless piece of fine china, admired by many.  Alas, that is not my lot in life.  That is not my potter’s need.  So, I find peace in doing the tasks asked of me, knowing that even these small deeds are important to the overall plan, known only to God.

Change my heart, O God.  Keep it humble and true.  Let me serve Your needs in this world without fanfare, but with abundant love.  This is what I pray.

Amen.

The Gift of Love

Words and music by Hal Hopson, 1972 (Melody adapted from a Traditional English melody)
Based on 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

Though I may speak with bravest fire,
And have the gift to all inspire,
And have not love, my words are vain,
As sounding brass, and hopeless gain.

I have had the opportunity to listen to many speakers throughout my life.  Most have adequately held my attention and imparted useful knowledge.  Several have been painfully inadequate, difficult to sit through and imparted little if any useful knowledge.  Then there are the extremely rare, dynamic speakers.  They grab and hold your attention.  You find yourself hanging on their every word.  They inspire you to act, to change your life and the lives of those around you.

Musicians have the same affect, some are adequate, some are not, and a few are dynamic and inspirational.  No matter how inspirational the music or the words, if the performance is not backed-up with love it is all in vain.

There is quite a bit of rhetoric going on around the world these days.  It is often difficult to discern truth from deception.  A good barometer though is how much love is embedded in the message.

Though I may give all I possess,
And striving so my love profess,
But not be given by love within,
The profit soon turns strangely thin.

Is your Facebook news feed as full of requests for charitable donations as mine is?  Even birthday reminders come with an option for charitable donations.  If I were to donate $5 to every worthy charity, I would spend my entire retirement savings.  Then there are the political ads all asking for donations to fund this or that campaign.

Giving away all our possessions is not equal to professing one’s love.  To give out of obligation brings no joy and even less profit.  A gift, no matter how small, carries great worth when given from the heart.

Come, Spirit, come, our hearts control,
Our spirits long to be made whole.
Let inward love guide every deed;
By this we worship and are freed.

God wants to give you the gift of Love; will you accept it?  Will you turn your heart over to God and give him complete control of it?  Will you allow him to make your spirit whole and to fill your heart with love?  Only then can love guide your every action and free you from the bondage of hatred.

Amen.

This Is My Father’s World

Words by Maltbie D. Babcock 1901; Music: Traditional English melody;
Adapted by Franklin L. Sheppard, 1915

This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears all nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.  This is my Father’s world: I rest me in the thought of rocks and trees, of skies and seas; his hand the wonders wrought.

Now that summer is here (Saturday, June 20) it is time to get outside and enjoy our Father’s world.  We have made it through the tumultuous Spring, when Mother Nature gives birth to a new crop of flowers, leaves, bugs, and animals.  Her labor was long and difficult but now it is time to marvel at the miracles of life.

This is my Father’s world, the birds their carols raise, the morning light, the lily white, declare their maker’s praise.  This is my Father’s world: he shines in all that’s fair; in the rustling grass I hear him pass; He speaks to me everywhere.

I am always amazed at how noisy summer is.  At dawn there are bird songs of all kind, at twilight the peepers and frog raise their voices.  Throughout the day there is the constant buzz of bees and mosquitoes.  Add on top of that the noises humanity makes with lawn mowers, motorcycles, construction crews, the constant hum of the fans and air conditioners, etc.  It is a wonder that we hear God’s voice at all.  This summer try to pause a moment and listen, not to the noise but for the faint familiar voice of God calling to you.

This is my Father’s world.  O let me never forget that though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.  This is my Father’s world: why should my heart be sad?  The Lord is King; let the heavens ring! God reigns; let the earth be glad!

The wrong seems oh so strong right now, but rest assured God is still the ruler.  Surrounded by corruption, disease, and death my heart grows weary and sad.  Then I witness a kind act, learn of a cure discovered, and I remember that the Lord is King, that God reigns, and I raise my voice with all the earth and praise his Holy name.

Happy Father’s Day!

You Are Mine

Words and music by David Haas

Do not be afraid, I am with you. I have called you each by name. Come and follow me, I will bring you home; I love you and you are mine.

There is much in the present world to fear, you probably have a list of fears, yet repeatedly the Bible instructs us not to fear.  When we put our faith fully in God, when we trust him to lead and obediently follow, we should be able to let go of fear.  Yet, how often do we cling to our fears, rational or not?

When faced with my own fears I retreat into prayer.  Not so much to ask that God remove me from whatever situation I find myself in, but more for guidance, courage, wisdom, and companionship to face the situation.

I will come to you in the silence, I will lift you from all your fear.  You will hear my voice, I claim you as my choice, be still and know I am here.

How I treasure God’s companionship.  His presence is always a comfort.  I close my eyes and imagine God’s arms holding me in a holy hug.  I can feel a gentle kiss upon my forehead.  I can hear God’s gentle voice as he whispers these words and all my fears melt to a manageable size.

I am hope for all who are hopeless, I am eyes for all who long to see. In the shadows of the night, I will be your light, come and rest in me.

God has been around since the beginning of time, witnessed many victories and many failings, and still brings hope to the hopeless.  People who have long suffered oppression, injustice, and poverty find hope in God and revolt against the oppressor.  Individuals blinded by the cares of the world cry out and God opens their eyes. During history’s darkest moments one can find God’s light shining through those willing to do his work.

In times of despair, look to God he will give you strength.  In times of sickness or great shame, look to God he will comfort and heal you.  God is calling each of us by name, God loves you and you are God’s.

You are a child of God.  Please phone home.

(a poster from my childhood)

Guide My Feet

The Faith We Sing #2208

Words and music African American spiritual; harmonized by Wendell Whalum

Guide my feet while I run this race, for I don’t want to run this race in vain!

Dear Lord, I pray that you will guide my feet in the direction of Your will.  I pray that with every step I take Your will be done for I desire to praise and honor You.  Let not a single step be wasted.  Let not a single step be tentative, rather, let every step be full of confidence in Your Glory.

Hold my hand while I run this race, for I don’t want to run this race in vain!

Dear Lord, How I treasure holding the hand of my husband, my child, my grandchild, a friend.  Holding hands creates a bond and signifies unity.  Today Lord, all of humanity needs to hold the hands of our neighbors, joining in unity to overcome the evil division wreaking havoc on Your creation.  Creating bonds of love and understanding that will withstand the attacks of hatred and distrust.

How I wish I could hold Your hand, but I know You hold mine.  You take me by the hand and lead me in Your paths of righteousness and one day You will lead me home.

Stand by me while I run this race, for I don’t want to run this race in vain!

Dear Lord, I pray you do more than just stand by me.  I pray you will walk with me.  I long to hear Your soft voice and words of encouragement “Together we can” for I know all things are possible if I keep my eye on You.

I’m your child while I run this race, for I don’t want to run this race in vain!

Heavenly Father, I believe that we are all Your children, members of one family.  Like all families there are members who rebel and do harm: we are called to love them anyway.  They create dysfunctional relationships and threaten the stability of the family unit: we are called to love them anyway.  I pray that all Your children learn to accept Your unconditional love and learn to form supportive relationships built on trust.

Search my heart while I run this race, for I don’t want to run this race in vain!

Search me and know my heart, Lord.  Cleanse it of all imperfections.  Let all my praise come from a heart full of love for You.  Let me do good for the sake of doing good, not for self-glorification.  Let love of neighbor replace love of self and let love of God be above all else.

Guide my feet while I run this race, for I don’t want to run this race in vain!

Lord, You have set the course.  You know the way.  You are my guide I rely wholly on you.  I will not run this race in vain.  Amen.

Come, Holy Spirit

Come, Holy Spirit
Worship and Song #3092
Words and music by Israel Houghton

I Need Thee Every Hour
Celebration Hymnal #638
Words by Annie S. Hawks; refrain by Robert Lowry; music by Robert Lowry

Praise the Name of Jesus
Celebration Hymnal #22
Words and music by Roy Hicks, Jr.

How Great is Our God
Worship and Song #3003
Words and music by Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, and Ed Cash

The performance in this link is by the Our Lady of Good Counsel High School Gospel Choir of 2018. It begins with “Come, Holy Spirit” and incorporates “I Need Thee Every Hour,” “Praise the Name of Jesus,” and “How Great is Our God.”  The video lasts 14 minutes and 14 seconds, but I encourage you to watch it to the end.  There are several good soloists.  Kudos to their director for drawing out such beautiful tones and emotions.

Pentecost Sunday is celebrated on the fiftieth day after Easter.  It commemorates the Holy Spirit descending upon the disciples of Jesus and is considered the birthday of the Christian church.  The story can be found in Acts 2 where the description of roaring winds and tongues of fire reveal the presence of the Spirit of God.

Israel Houghton’s opening phrase, “Come, Holy Spirit” suggests an invitation, a willingness to accept the Holy Spirit into our lives, into our being.  This is followed by “O how we need you” in recognition of our dependence on the grace and mercy of God.

Has society become too self-sufficient?  Have we set aside our need for God?  This pandemic should serve as a reminder that we, the human race, are vulnerable.  We need God in our lives every day, every hour, every minute.  Furthermore, God stands ready, but waits for the invitation, so invite God in now.  With these simple, yet powerful words.  With this simple, but powerful melody.  

As you invite God to enter your life Praise the name of Jesus.  Allow Jesus to be your Rock, your Fortress, your deliverer.  Put your trust in Jesus, for he has promised to be our refuge during life and at the hour of our death.  When God is fully embraced, singing his praise comes naturally.  All the world will see, the trees will clap, the oceans will roar, the birds will sing, the wind will dance, and the rocks will praise his glory.

May your hearts be set on fire with the love of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The Trees of the Field

Celebration Hymnal #764

Words: Steffi Geiser Rubin; Music: Stuart Dauermann

Based on Isaiah 55:12

You shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace;

The mountains and the hills will break forth before you.

There’ll be shouts of joy and all the trees of the field will clap, will clap their hands.

And all the trees of the field will clap their hands.

The trees of the field will clap their hands.

The trees of the field will clap their hands.

While you go out with joy.

Wow! I am always amazed by the transformation of nature at this time of year.  It seems as though only a week, or two, ago we were looking at bare branches, dormant grass, and mud. Oh, and a light May snow. Now, there are leaves on most trees, some of the early spring flowers have gone by and new summer flowers are appearing in abundance. The grass is greening up nicely and growing thicker with each passing day.  You really should go out with joy and praise the resurrection of Mother Earth in all her glory.

We are fortunate to live in New Hampshire where mountains are part of the landscape; their majesty, a constant reminder of the creative power of God. Their lofty peaks a visual reminder of Christ’s ascension to heaven.

During the current COVID-19 pandemic many people have taken to walking, biking, and hiking as ways to escape the confinement of home. Communing with nature has always been medicine for the soul. As you walk listen for the wind rustling through the leaves, hear the shouts of joy as the trees all clap their hands. Listen to the birds singing God’s praise.

Take a walk along a picturesque lake that reflects the shoreline vegetation and mountain peaks. The cool water teaming with life in a constant cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth. Allow nature to fill you with the joy and peace of Christ, then with all creatures on earth and all the company of heaven join the unending hymn of praise.

Covenant Prayer

Worship & Song Hymnal #3115

Words by John Wesley; Music by Jay D. Locklear and Adam Seate - Copyright 2008

Even though this hymn was written twelve years ago, it was not until about four years ago that I was introduced to it. The church had just purchased the Worship & Song hymnal as a way of bringing more contemporary music into our worship. Pastor Pat selected this hymn as a “HYMN OF THE MONTH” using it every week, in some capacity, so that the congregation could become familiar with it.

Pastor Cheryl also used this hymn several times throughout her time at our church. As a result, I have grown to treasure this hymn, not so much for the music, but for the words. Taken from John Wesley’s Covenant Prayer, Jay Locklear and Adam Seate contemporized the words while retaining its potent message.

Lord, I am not mine, but yours alone,

Let your will be done and not my own.

Put me where you will, and let me serve;

In everything I do, let me endure.

That last phrase resonates with me these days. “In everything I do, let me endure.” Perseverance is so important. The ability to push forward and not look back. To maintain faith when hopelessness beckons. And too, trusting that God has put me where I can serve best; to fulfill God’s will and not my own.

Let me be employed for you, laid aside for you,

Lifted high for you or brought low.

Let me be full, let me be empty.

Let me have all things or nothing.

During this time of pandemic millions of people are unemployed. It is tempting to feel useless, tossed aside, labeled non-essential, but hold tight to the faith that God has a purpose for you even if at this moment you are “laid aside”. 

The image of a baseball dugout pops into mind. Only one player can be at bat at any given time. Only one player can be on a single base at a given time. Only one player can cross home plate and score at a given time. Each player must wait their turn.

Even in the field each player is assigned a specific position. Some positions see more action than others. What is important is that when the player is needed, they are ready. In the end, all players of the winning team celebrate the victory, even those who waiting in the dugout, never taking the field or a turn at bat. They are part of the team, part of the victory.

This is my prayer, Lord, to you.

My promise and my vow, strong and true.

And the covenant I make on earth,

Let it be fulfilled in heaven.

Amen.

Hymn of Promise

United Methodist Hymnal #707

Music and Words by Natalie Sleeth; Copyright 1986

Growing up in the 70’s and singing in the children’s choirs at church, I became extremely familiar with the songs of Natalie Sleeth.  By the time “Hymn of Promise” was published in 1986 I was already a young adult preparing to face a new season of uncertainty and promise, a future that God alone could see.

The hymn begins with the line “In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree.”  Both the bulb and the seed are identifiable objects.  Neither is the end product but a piece of the cyclical flow of life. Neither resembles the thing that they will become, and yet they contain all the necessary DNA to grow into the next phase of the life cycle.

Some days I still feel like the seed, waiting to reveal what I am to become.  Other days I feel like the apple tree in full bloom of spring, filled with potential and life abundant.  Still other days I feel like the apple tree in the fall, dropping my fruit and preparing to go dormant for the winter.

The second line of the hymn “in cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free!” illustrates that change requires sacrifice.  That caterpillar must relinquish its form, enter a “tomb” if you will, in order to emerge a butterfly.  It reminds us that we cannot cling to what we have if we want to fulfill the promise of what we can become.

Then the hymn reminds us that even “In the cold and snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be.”   In a scientific article I recently read, I learned that winter is a remarkably busy time for plants.  Even though we cannot see much happening above ground, the roots of plants are busy growing and gathering nutrients that the plant will need come spring.

During difficult times, the winters of our lives, we too need to grow our roots and gather spiritual nutrients.  This will prepare us to spring forth with renewed energy and zeal for life.  It will also foster a deeper grounding in our relationship with God.

The last verse of this hymn is what prompts its use at many funerals: “In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity; in our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity.  In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.”

The current Covid-19 pandemic is forcing us to face our own mortality.  It would be a disservice to God if we view death as an end instead of a beginning.  Our time here on earth is limited but time itself is infinite.  We may doubt what we cannot see but we must believe what God has promised.  We accept that our life, like a good story, must have a beginning, a middle, and an end, but that story is only a chapter in God’s eternal story.  Our death here on earth is our birth into a heavenly life; a resurrection that will overcome death just as Jesus did.

With these thoughts I find hope.  In that hope, I find peace.  In that peace, I find love, and in that love, I find great joy.  I wish the same for you. Amen.

Where the Spirit of the Lord Is

Where the Spirit of the Lord Is (The Faith We Sing #2119)

Music and Words by Stephen R. Adams (2Cor. 3:17): Copyright 1973

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is peace;

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is love.

There is comfort in life’s darkest hour;

There is light and life,

There is help and power in the Spirit,

In the spirit of the Lord.

We are in a very dark hour. Maybe not the “darkest hour” but a dark hour nonetheless. Are you afraid of the dark? Are you “alone” in the darkness? Are you anxious because in the darkness you cannot see; you cannot understand?

People of Jesus’ time also lived in darkness. The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-23) speaks of a people that saw but did not perceive, heard but did not understand. Maybe they just did not trust what they saw and heard?

There are many who pray daily for peace; are they willing to walk that path when they come to it? There are many who pray for love; can they accept it when love surrounds them? There are many who pray for comfort; will they take solace in it? There are many who pray for light, life, help, power; will they recognize it when it stands before them? Will their eyes be opened to see, their ears opened to hear, their minds opened to understand?

The second verse of Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart (UMH #500) reads:

I ask no dream, no prophet ecstasies,

No sudden rending of the veil of clay,

No angel visitant, no opening skies;

But take the dimness of my soul away.

When in a dark hour, look for the light, it is where the spirit of the Lord is. When forced to be still, listen for the comforting voice of our heavenly Shepherd, He is calling. When we are isolated, remember we are never alone, the Spirit of the Lord is there with you.

The fourth verse of Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart reads:

Teach me to feel that thou art always nigh;

Teach me the struggles of the soul to bear.

To check the rising doubt, the rebel sigh,

Teach me the patience of unanswered prayer.

There is peace, there is love, there is comfort, there is light, there is life, there is help, there is power, we find it in the spirit of the Lord.

Trust and Obey

Trust and Obey United Methodist Hymnal #467

Words: John H. Sammis, 1887; Music: Daniel B. Towner 1887

Though written in 1887, it was not until 1897 that “Trust and Obey” first appeared in a Methodist Hymnal. It has been a staple of worship ever since. The refrain is catchy and can get stuck in one’s head if not careful.

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

In this time of pandemic, it can be difficult to trust let alone obey. The social media sources are full of inaccuracies, if not out right lies. Who do you trust? I trust God.

When we walk with the Lord

In the light of his word,

What a glory he sheds on our way!

While we do his good will,

He abides with us still,

And with all who will trust and obey.

Whether you are on the front lines of this battle or waiting it out at home know that God is with you and He will reward your trust and obedience.

Not a burden we bear,

Not a sorrow we share,

But our toil he doth richly repay.

Not a grief or a loss,

Not a frown or a cross,

But is blest if we trust and obey.

As the burdens mount: doctors fight to save lives, the scientist struggle to find a cure and a vaccine, the teachers invent new approaches to learning, and partnering with parents. As the sorrows overwhelm: death tolls climb, solitude turns to isolation. Trust that God will reward our toils, all this will be blest if we trust and obey.

But we never can prove,

The delights of his love,

Until all on the altar we lay.

For the favor he shows,

For the joy he bestows,

Are for them who will trust and obey.

Are we prepared to lay all that we have on the altar? To surrender all our worldly treasures for a deeper faith and union with God? Abraham prepared to sacrifice his own son, not because he was willing, but because he was obedient to God. Abraham’s obedience was rewarded when God provided a ram for sacrifice in place of Abraham’s son.

Then in fellowship sweet,

We will sit at his feet,

Or we’ll walk by his side in the way.

What he says we will do,

Where he sends, we will go.

Never fear, only trust, and obey.

So, I will trust God has a plan. I will obey his command. I will go where he sends me, knowing he is there beside me to guide me.

His Eye Is on the Sparrow

His Eye Is on the Sparrow #624 the Celebration Hymnal

Text by Civilla D. Martin

Music by Charles H. Gabriel

Based on Luke 12:6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.

It is easy to allow ourselves to become discouraged, shuttered up in our homes, distanced from our friends and family, unable to go to work, unable to help others in the ways we were accustomed to. In my own low times, the first verse of this beautiful hymn plays on a loop in my head.

Why should I feel discouraged?

Why should the shadows come?

Why should my heart be lonely,

And long for heaven and home,

When Jesus is my portion?

My constant Friend is He:

His eye is on the sparrow,

And I know He watches me.

I cling to these words for comfort, for courage, for peace of mind. I find myself singing them throughout the day and guiding my prayers. In doing so a wave of peace comes over me. In closing I share the words of the refrain:

I sing because I’m happy.

I sing because I’m free;

For His eye is on the sparrow,

And I know He watches me.