Sunday School Hour (at the nursing home!)

… “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3 NKJV

We had an awesome time at Life Care Center on Friday, and I wanted to share some of the best parts. Now, nursing home ministry is serious stuff, but no one says that we can’t have the joy of little children as we worship together. The contemporary worship songs we sing at church sound great but often miss some of the solidly Biblical lessons we learned in Sunday school. I also hope that you will not only smile and listen to this week’s song session, but that you will sing along, tap your feet or even clap! Have a blessed weekend everyone!

The Table of the Lord – Part Two

He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love. Song 4:2 NKJV

Though no one seems to know who wrote the chorus, “His banner over me is love!”, based on this verse, it became one of our favorites worship songs back in the early 1980’s. As a young person back then, I didn’t understand what the words meant, nor did I even realize it was from the Bible, but it was lots of fun to sing! On this second day of looking at the Lord’s Table this song reminds me that, God not only prepares a table for us, but He also has spread a banner over that table. His banner shields us spiritually, in the same way that shelters which people set up on the beach in the Summer protect them from the sun. This banner also designates us as His people, like a team flag tells you which university your players represent. Anyone seeing us under its shadow, will know that we belong to God. Then last, but certainly not least, God’s banner of love, like a privacy lattice we put on our back porch, gives us an intimate place where we can share a meal together. So, when God invites us to His banqueting table, remember that He doesn’t just shout “Come and get it!” Instead, He sets up His banner of love over His table, and then gently and lovingly beckons us to come and sit with Him, hear His voice and delight in His presence. If your Christian life seems to resemble more of an assembly line of activities, demands and expectations, maybe it is time to step back, take a deep breath and begin singing again. “He brought me to His banqueting table. His banner over me is love!” P. S. I hope you will enjoy listening to the Cedarmont Kids show us how it is supposed to be sung!

What a Day!

He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Revelation 21:4 NLT

Most Christians and even many non-believers are familiar with and take some comfort with this verse. But knowing and truly standing on this precious promise in the face of difficulty is sometimes a different thing. The reality that one day there will be no more sickness no pain, no sorrow or tears can feel far away. But on that morning when we walk that distant shore with Jesus, it will be worth it all! I have discovered that our residents at the nursing home understand this better than most. One dear lady wiped the tears from her eyes after we sang it yesterday. Close your eyes and try to imagine that you can hear her voice in the background and allow the Lord to touch your own heart today!