Old Time Religion

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.

A Little Old Time Religion

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say rejoice. Philippians 4:4 KJV

If you are considering getting involved in Nursing Home ministry, but are afraid it will be dull and boring, then think again. Just because folks have a pretty good variety of aches and pains doesn’t mean they can’t rejoice. Remember where Paul was sitting when he wrote these words, and it wasn’t from a fancy air conditioned worship center. Nope! He was chained to a guard as a political prisoner in a Roman jail. I’m pretty sure his daily life and prospects for the future on the surface looked grim. But Paul had an eternal connection to  a God in whose presence is fullness of joy. I am so glad that he left behind a testimony of how no matter our situation, that in the presence of Jesus is where joy and  the real old-time religion can be found!