Many parents cherish the time when they watch their child take those first steps.  The thrill of knowing their baby is becoming more independent is both a joy as well as an eye-opener. Physical families and church families alike are excited as the ‘babes’ learn to walk.  With the awareness of this new found skill comes the understand that they will eventually be taking on more responsibilities.

For the past two years, Patrick & Brandon’a Garcia have been working as Waterview’s missionaries in Cuernavaca, Mexico.  Charged with the task of spreading the gospel in Mexico, this young couple has worked hard to reach, teach and baptize almost 30 souls in the last 24 months.  Sunday morning Patrick will present his ‘report’ and share with us a message of how this young congregation is…’learning how to walk.’

“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15

Sunday morning, November 17, 2013

The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.

“Blessed Be the Lord God Almighty” – 72

Our opening song is a ‘hymn’ as we sing these words to God; it’s as if we’re singing a prayer.  Notice the words, “Father in heaven, how we love you.  We lift Your name in all the earth.  May your kingdom be established in our praises as Your people declare Your mighty works.  Blessed be the Lord, God almighty!  Who was, and is, and is to come.”  Reading Revelation 4:8, we hear the praise being offered around the throne of God; ‘Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty,’ who was, and is, and is to come.”

“Walk with Me” – 394

As we consider ‘walking’ it only seems appropriate to note the words of this hymn (again, sung to HIM).  The prayer is for God to walk with us through this life.  The author offers a two step progression; 1) walk with me, and 2) talk with me.  But we would lose the message if we fail to notice the last line in the chorus.  “Let me follow in Your footsteps that trod the shore of Galilee, let me learn to pray like He did in the Garden of Gethsemane; Take my hand, take my hand, teach me Lord to understand, all my duty, all the beauty of Your love.”

“I Come to the Garden Alone” – 595

A song written by Austin Mile 100 years ago (1912) that recalls Christ in the garden.  But what garden and who is source of these words.  For years we have sung, “I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses; and the voice I hear, falling on my ear, the Son of God discloses…”  But who is speaking?  Austin Miles wrote this song as if Mary Magdalene were speaking.  As you sing consider the 20th chapter of John while Mary stood outside the tomb weeping.  And remember the chorus as you daily walk with Christ.

“Here I Am to Worship” – no book

A contemporary hymn (song sung to God) that proclaims the reason for our coming together to worship.  Jesus told us that He is the Light of the World (John 8:12).  Knowing who He is and what Has done for us should cause all Christians to humbly bow, and gratefully say, “Here I am to worship…here I am to bow down…here I am to say that You’re my God.  You’re all together lovely, all together worthy, all together wonderful to me!” 

“Where He Leads I’ll Follow” – 417

This old spiritual song (1885) announces our resolve to “…follow Jesus every day.”  If He is my example, and if I listen to His loving words, ‘Coming follow Me…’, you should ask yourself, how will I follow Him?  The only obvious answer is to get up and walk.  We can never follow someone as long as we sit on the sidelines and watch.  Learning how to walk implies that I’m going to be using that skill to go somewhere.  Jesus is leading…are you willing to follow.

“Trust and Obey” – 915

Our invitation song is best summed up in the last line of the chorus, ‘…for there’s no other way…’  Where are you walking today?  How will you face the shadows and burdens of this life?  Whether we’re sitting at His feet listening and learning, or working in His kingdom (walking beside Him), we must remember to take each step trusting and obeying.

“Just a Closer Walk with Thee” – 406

“I am weak, but Thou art strong.  Jesus, keep me from all wrong.  I’ll be satisfied as long as I walk, dear Lord, close to Thee.”  There are times when we just want to be alone.  No one to hurry us, no one to push us, no one to ‘hold us accountable.’  But as we consider our life in Christ, realize distance from Him makes us weak.  Learning to walk is exciting, but I can’t make it alone.  Reach out and hold His hand.  He will steady you as you’re learning how to walk.