Hymns

We Gather Together

/ pastorpete51 / 4 Comments 
 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name! Psalm 100:4 KJV

Thanksgiving is one of the few days of the year when we in the United States gather with our family members, some of whom we may not have seen since the previous year. In our case we are heading to our son’s place in Texas soon, with another son coming with a grandson down from PA to join in. Our thankfulness may not resemble much the original feast held by the Pilgrims in Massachusetts in 1621, nevertheless we are genuinely grateful to have an opportunity to break from our busy schedules and recall God’s goodness through both our hardships as well as victories. God has been gracious, patient and kind, even when we were not. He has taught us more of forgiveness and continues to work in our hearts as we seek His will. A few weeks ago, during a senior’s luncheon, the pastor asked what everyone’s favorite Thanksgiving hymn was. Many replied, “Great is Thy Faithfulness”, while I like some of the more modern songs on Thankfulness, but my wife surprised us all when she brought up, “We Gather Together.” Now, I actually always loved that older hymn, but had nearly forgotten its words as we probably had not sung it in church in nearly forty years. So, I opened up my old hymn book, and began practicing it, and introduced it into our song selection last week at the Life Care Center, Friday service. I do hope you will enjoy our simple rendition. Here on my third attempt, I actually made it all the way through without missing any of the lyrics! Have a blessed week everyone and think of ways you may gather to give thanks to the Lord. He always welcomes those who come into His gates with Thanksgiving!

Let’s Get With It!

/ pastorpete51 / 12 Comments

When we hear the name, “Isaac Watts” we think of some of the most biblically based, if slightly stodgy hymns. But I laughed when I read the background of how Isaac got started. It all began one day when as a teenager he complained to his father about the terribly boring music at church. His father wanting to challenge rather than correct Isaac, replied, “Give us something better young man!” Isaac’s attitude reminds me of some of the worship leaders we had in churches we attended early in our faith journey. On Sundays when our singing bordered on being lackadaisical, they would stop us mid-song and say something along the lines of, “God deserves better! Let’s get with it and really start praising Him!”

We sang this song in our Sunday afternoon meeting at Discovery Villages and though few of the folks were familiar with the hymn, they really enjoyed singing it. Maybe from where they sit, they have a clearer vision of the Zion which we are marching towards and sense the joy of the worship there as something far more real than anything here on earth. So, however you praise God, whether with contemporary worship or with the hymns, let’s get with it! Give Him your best and praise Him with a joyful heart, because after all, “We’re marching upward to Zion, the beautiful City of God!”

Lifted by Love

/ pastorpete51 / 6 Comments 
"Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:31 ESV

I find it interesting that this hymn was written by two friends, James Rowe and Howard Smith working together. While Rowe was composing the lyrics, and coming up with a few notes, Smith would play them on the piano, connecting the words to the wonderfully flowing melody that we are given today. It is said that Howard Smith suffered from such severe arthritis that his hands were twisted and it was painful for him to play, and yet, the joy that exuded from the music reflected the joy of his faith rather than the difficulty of his daily life. What a lesson these friends leave for us today, of working together in the cause of Christ. When one wearily stumbles, the other comes and lifts him up, so that together we can say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith!” 2 Timothy 4:7

Each of us comes to a place in our lives, more than once when it is hard to go on. Just as Peter who boldly stepped out of the boat and at first began walking on the water towards Jesus, we have times when we feel strong. Our faith seems to be hitting on all cylinders; we are confident and going full steam ahead. But, just as often, all of us come to moments when, like Peter, we start to sink under the waves of hardships, difficulties or opposition. Then, we cry out in desperation, and just as He did for Peter, Jesus reaches His hand, lifts us up, and leads us back to the boat. Oh yes, Jesus will correct us, and challenge us to greater faith, but He will never abandon us. No matter what you are going through Jesus will never abandon you. He has no problem with wind and waves. Stormy sea walking is His specialty! He has come out on these dangerous waters just for you and me. But we have to choose to take HIs hand and let Him lift us up. This past Sunday, when we sang, Love Lifted Me there was such joy in our people’s response, that I had to share it with you. There are very few who know so well the saving, helping, and strengthening power of Jesus than those in long-term care facilities, and I hope you will be blessed and maybe even sing along! If you are in trouble, facing a crisis or are just plain discouraged and don’t know where to turn, I recommend that you at least join us on the chorus.

"Love lifted me! Love Lifted me!
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me!"