Swing Low

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My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.  John 14:2-3 NIV

Whatever the origins of Swing Low Sweet Chariot, the song has come to be a melody of hope to everyone who senses that they are waiting for Jesus to come. I especially enjoy singing it with my friends at long term care facilities. I believe that many in our little congregation understand better than I the nearness of Heaven and the promises of Jesus. Contrary to legend, neither Saint Peter, nor the Archangel Michael come to take us home. Our only method of transportation from earth to Heaven will be in the arms of the Good Shepherd who will one day come for us all. Are you ready to meet Him? Can He claim you as one of His flock. For Him to call us by name as members of His flock in glory, we must call on Him to be our Lord right here, before the chariot comes. I do hope you enjoy our impromptu version of this classic spiritual. Have a blessed day all!

Rejoice! Rejoice!

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Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice! Philippians 4:4 KJV

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord always,” and then he adds, “again I say rejoice.” Whenever the Bible repeats something it is because God knows that it is easy for us to forget. Notice that Paul is not just telling us to, ” Don’t worry. Be happy.” That is impossible! Some days, terrible, things happen. There are times in our lives when it seems that evil has gotten the upper hand. Paul certainly knew this, because he was writing these words from his prison cell in Rome. What he is telling us is that no matter what is going on around us, in Christ, we can find a joy greater than our problems and pains. Paul was able to face unimaginable hardships, because he had learned to remind himself of this again and again. Just as it was for Paul, the same is true for us: the joy of praise is the oxygen of our Christian faith. With every step we take, no matter how difficult the way, we must remember to breathe in God’s grace and then breathe out His praise! I hope you are blessed with this song from Evan Craft, Redimi2 & Danny Gokey, which is the official English version from “Todo va a estar bien”. This praise song reminds me of the way we worshiped in our Brazilian church and reflects the heart of worship in a very special way.

Is Your Name on the Roll?

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Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20 ESV

Yes, we will rejoice when we see our names written in the book of life, but an even greater joy it will be when we realize that there in Heaven, Jesus will be there with us! “When the trumpet of the Lord will sound and time will be no more.”, we will pass from the shadow lands of earth, into the presence of Jesus, where we will see Him face to face. It is impossible to imagine how amazing it will be, though the word of God leaves us hints. “In HIs presence is fullness of joy.” Psalms 16:11 ESV and “He will wipe away every tear.” Revelation 21:4 ESV

For me the closest thing to understanding the joys of that day, comes when I sing with my friends in long term care. Maybe it is because those who are believers know that they have one foot on the doorstep of the house where Jesus lives! I do hope you will enjoy our rather rousing rendition of, “When the Roll is called up Yonder. Have a blessed Lord’s Day!