singing

Old Time Religion

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Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 ESV

Though we sometimes see Him coming as Lion and sometimes as Lamb, sometimes Lord and sometimes Servant, Jesus in all HIs mercy, justice, holiness and power has never changed. When we sang Old Time Religion at Life Care Center last Friday, the response of our precious residents, was with the enthusiasm of children. As a senior myself, I have come to understand along with my friends, that before the Ancient of Days, we are still HIs Little Ones. I am reminded that after the flood when Noah first opened the ark to the dove and not the lion. He knew that God’s message of peace would never come with fierceness and power, but with the humility of that dove returning with a single olive branch to His hand. And at the resurrection, when Jesus first appeared He came as a simple gardener, to reveal Himself to Mary. Though all the power of the stars is in HIs hands, He longs most of all to hold our hearts and to rule as a loving Lord, warrior defending His own and a creator coming to restore what has been destroyed by the power of sin. That is the true religion of Jesus and the Old Time Religion that is still good enough for me! I pray you will be blessed, maybe tap your feet and sing along with us this morning.

Sunday School Hour (at the nursing home!)

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… “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

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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!