Jesus tells the story of a man who was traveling on the road to Jericho only to be ‘mugged’ by highway robbers.  Being stripped of all he had and left for dead (literally) the man is at the mercy of those who pass by as they too travel the road.  You know how the parable goes and the cast of characters.  And most likely you’ve considered which one you would be.

Most would like to say that in the circumstances described in Christ’s parable we’d follow the lead of the man from Samaria.  But have you considered what it would take to truly help someone who is broken and bleeding?  Would you walk across the road for your neighbor or are you ‘too busy?’  Here in America we live a good life and pretty much ‘want for nothing.’  We know lots of good American’s, but it might take some uncomfortable steps if we are to act like the good Samaritan.

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

Sunday morning, July 14, 2013

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

“Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah” -3

Pick up your bible and turn to Psalm chapter 148.  This song we’ll be singing is indeed a ‘psalm’ and is almost a word-for-word account from the chapter.  From the hills and mountains to the beast and cattle, we sing this song of praise.  Whether you see yourself as young man or a maiden we must all be praising God.  Don’t let the birds that in the heavens fly out sing your praise!

“For the Beauty of the Earth” – 67

Consider this first verse, “For the beauty of the earth, for the beauty of the skies, for the love which from our birth over and around us lies: Lord of all to Thee we raise this our sacrifice of praise.”  Do you think this praise is for our physical birth or our spiritual birth?  The love that surrounds us (over and above) comes from God.  Makes you think doesn’t it?

“I Sing Praises” – 97

A ‘contemporary song’ that is simple in verse.  We’ll conclude this medley of ‘praise songs because our God’s name, ‘…is great and greatly to be praised.’  Hallelujah!  Praise Jehovah…

“How Deep the Father’s Love” – no book

We’ll turn our minds to the cross and Christ sacrifice using this contemporary song reminding us of the love of God.  The last verse is one of striking value to me…“I will not boast in anything; no gifts no power no wisdom.  But I will boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection…”  Quoting Paul in Galatians 6:14 “…may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ…”

“I’ll Live for Him” – 553

Between the bread and the fruit of the vine we’ll softly sing the third (often omitted) verse.  “O Thou who died on Calvary…”  Many have missed the point of emotion in our songs.  We don’t sing to serve ourselves or those who are listening, we sing to glorify and edify the family of God.  In my humble opinion, the heart is more important than the voice.

“Sweet Adoration” – 253

Where do you turn for comfort in times of trouble?  How do face the frustrations of this world and temptations that seem to be endless?  Try this…come to the Savior, give Him your heart-felt praise and adoration.  As you give your all to adoration, little is left for focusing on your trials.  Admiration and adoration are essential elements when we recognize our Savior.

“To Love Someone More Dearly” – 636

We all have a job to do in this life.  Some are willing to immerse themselves wholly into their work.  Others just ‘get the job done.’  But there is one task we need to make a priority in our life; to love someone more dearly!  To help a wandering child who’s lost or even just to ponder over something that is good and worthy of our time.  Our task might be as simple as praying or smiling.  The man from Samaria would have sung this song with full conviction.

“A Beautiful Life” – 570

This is a strong spiritual song with a full bass lead in the chorus.  But what do we mean, ‘…life’s evening sun is sinking low…’, are we really talking about death in this upbeat, ‘exciting to sing’ song?  Certainly, when life is over, we will meet our Creator and be held accountable for our deeds.  Are you one who is trying to lift a traveler’s load?  As you strive to be a child of God, remember, your ‘…life must shine along the way.’

“Wonderful Story of Love” – 286

Not a typical invitation song, but when you listen to what we’re saying I think you’ll agree.  “Sinner, O won’t you believe it (the wonderful story of love)?”  Through His love, the wonderful story of love, Jesus continues to call us to come to Him, since the dawn of creation even until today. 

“Let the Lower Lights Be Burning” – 642

I’ve always enjoyed this old spiritual song about shining our light to the lost world.  The imagine is clear as we consider the responsible we have in reaching out to those who are bruised and bleeding.  The traveler on the road or the sailor on the sea are bound to face difficult times.  How willing are we to shine our light, walk across the path and offer them a Savior!  The good Samaritan did!