Building on the Rock

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
Matthew 7:24-27

I enjoy weather.com, and for more than just weather.  My job preparation as a mail carrier depends greatly on the weather, but many times I visit the site just to read interesting stories.  I find their stories and pictures fascinating (albeit non-weather related most times).

This past week, I read about "9 Desolate Ghost Towns."  It was interesting to see areas once full of prosperity brought down to earth for one reason or another.  One intriguing example was Holland Island, formerly found in the Chesapeake Bay.  That's right, in the bay.  I'm sure we have all thought about owning or own little island at some time or another (even if as a child, when our imagination runs wild.)  What I found interesting about this former community is that the residents built their houses on eroding sand.  There was no rock on this island on which to build foundations, so the community of fisherman made due with clay.  The article states, quoting the Washington Post ""like other Chesapeake islands, [Holland Island] was made of silt and clay, not rock, so its land eroded readily."  The last house, it states, collapsed in 2010, bringing to end a community which at one time housed more than 360 people in 1910.  (See http://www.weather.com/travel/desolate-ghost-towns-20130618?pageno=9 for the full story and pictures.)

Now this story is more than fascinating because it has a direct parallel to our spiritual lives.  When I find myself depressed, angry or sad, many times I can directly correlate this to trying to do things in my life through my own efforts, and not through God's strength and power.  It is difficult, as we Christians do experience the same heartaches that those who do not believe do, to show and live Christ's example even through our troubles.  I get discouraged sometimes at the simplest things.  It is in these times that I find myself building on this sand and silt.  And sometimes, God needs to send the storm to bring us back to the realization that He and He alone should be our foundation.
God never promised we would be given a trouble-free life.  But we can lean on Him in times of trouble; He is our Rock.

Thoughts on Matt Redmand and "Jesus, Only Jesus"

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we MUST be saved." Acts 4:12

As a prelude to this week's service, I chose the song "Jesus, Only Jesus" sung by Matt Redman as part of the Passion 2013 lineup.  A newer song of Matt's, 10,000 Reasons, I hope to sing at a future service.  One of my favorite worship songs, The Heart of Worship, is also a Matt Redman song.  I like his combination of powerful lyrics, simple tunes, and his easy-to-lead worship style.  Many worship leaders are great song writers, but I find their songs great for personal listening, but not ideal for congregational singing.  Matt Redman's songs are definitely a break from this mold.

I also like that the great worship songs nowadays have more than one contributor.  This song has 6 total contributors.  Many times, we cannot fully express our own Christian faith until we work with and fellowship with others.  Christian songwriting is no exception.

Here are the words to Jesus, Only Jesus:

Who has the power to raise the dead?
Who can save us from our sin?
He is our hope, our righteousness
Jesus, only Jesus

Who can make the blind to see?
Who holds the keys that set us free?
He paid it all to bring us peace
Jesus, only Jesus

Holy, King almighty Lord
Saints and angels all adore
I join with them and bow before
Jesus, only Jesus

Who can command the highest praise?
Who has the name above all names?
You stand alone, I stand amazed
Jesus, only Jesus

You will command the highest praise!
Yours is the name above all names!
You stand alone, I stand amazed
Jesus, only Jesus!
Jesus, only Jesus!

Copyright A Thousand Generations, worshiptogether.com songs

Sunday, June 16th Order of Worship at Zion Bible Church

This posting is a little late, but here was our order of worship from Father's Day Sunday, June 16th:

Opening Hymns:

Tis to Sweet to Trust in Jesus # 198

Leaning on the Everlasting Arms # 145

 

Worship Set:

Here I Am to Worship

Shout to the Lord

He Knows My Name

 

Closing Song:

How Deep the Father’s Love for Us

 

Our theme was based on I John 1:4 -

"I have no greater joy than to hear my children are walking in the truth."

 

As fathers, we should set the example of walking with the Lord and trusting him through faith.  And what better example we have to follow than that of God himself, who chose to give Jesus for us.  The song "He Knows My Name" lets us know that our Father in heaven was, is, and will continue to think of us, and hope we come to him through the knowledge of His saving grace, through His Son, Jesus, His gift to us.

 

I have a Maker
He formed my heart
Before even time began
My life was in his hands

I have a Father
He calls me His own
He'll never leave me
No matter where I go

He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And He hears me when I call

 

Copyright 1996 Tommy Walker