Why Serve?

Celebrating the Freedom Once Again

During a twenty-two year military career, I was fortunate to never have to work during the Fourth of July holiday. In fact, during my various tours of duty, I celebrated the Fourth in some exotic locations like the United Kingdom, Germany, Alaska, Hawaii, and Japan. Each location had its own style and flair in its celebration. Oddly, some of the celebrations overseas were more eagerly anticipated and attended by the local nationals than the Americans. While overseas, however, I learned to appreciate the freedom that America has by experiencing cultures with a definite lack thereof.

While watching the fireworks display last Saturday, I wondered how many of the people around me realized just how free our nation is. I know that if I hadn’t spent nearly twenty-one years of my life overseas, I probably wouldn’t appreciate our nation’s freedom as I do now. In so many ways, my military experiences taught me the true value of that freedom.

As the fireworks display continued, each colorful explosion competed with oncoming lightening strikes in the distance. I pointed out to my son that God was putting on a brighter, more powerful show. I wondered how many of the people viewing would think the same thought. It appeared, based on overheard conversations, that at least some of the people around me did not have a relationship with Christ. I wondered how many enjoy their American freedom, but fail to experience the ultimate freedom we have in Christ.

Sunday mornings at Cornerstone, I find myself being brutally honest with the kids that I get to serve. I’m quick to point out that being a Christian does not guarantee that their lives will be filled with riches or even the freedom to enjoy them. It is entirely possible that we may, and probably will, experience a loss of freedom by taking a stand for Christ. The most important thing that we must know, however, is that we are free because Jesus set us free. That’s freedom worth celebrating.

Of music, hail and love

Of Music:
(Composed by me today)

Have you ever had times in your life that were both incredibly busy and incredibly wonderful? For me, this perfectly depicts the last two weeks.

From our phenomenal Father's Day concert with The Celebration Singers of Central Arkansas to, in my estimation, our very best Summer Music and Drama Camp ever, the beautiful sounds of musical offerings to God have surrounded and saturated my mind and my heart.

I wish I had words that could fully describe for you the immense joy that watching our young people create such God-honoring offerings of praise brings to my heart. It is undescribable in its depth and breadth and pushes my heart to a capacity that I never thought possible. I wish I could give you all just 10 seconds of that feeling, and I pray that you have something that even remotely compares to it in your own life.

Thank you, students and children, for pointing us to the Throne of God...and for turning mere carbon dioxide into memories that will last a lifetime.

"I will praise You, O LORD, with all of my heart" (Psalm 9:1)



Of Hail:
(Said by Cody van Scyoc yesterday)
"Golfball sized hail? ...REALLY? I mean, REALLY?"

Of Love:
(Written by Charles Wesley in 1747 about the greatest love of all)

Love divine, all loves excelling, joy of heav'n to earth come down.
Fix in us Thy humble dwelling; all Thy faithful mercies crown.
Jesus, Thou art all compassion; pure, unbounded love Thou art.
Visit us with Thy salvation; enter ev'ry trembling heart.

Breathe, O breathe Thy loving Spirit into ev'ry troubled breast!
Let us all in Thee inherit; let us find Thy promised rest.
Take away the love of sinning; Alpha and Omega be;
end of faith, as its beginning, set our hearts at liberty.

Come, Almighty, to deliver, let us all Thy life receive;
Suddenly return, and never, nevermore Thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing, serve Thee as Thy hosts above,
pray and praise Thee without ceasing,
glory in Thy perfect love.

Finish then Thy new creation; pure and spotless let us be;
let us see Thy great salvation perfectly restored in Thee.
(now here is my favorite part)
Changed from glory into glory 'til in heav'n we take our place,
'til we cast our crowns before Thee,
lost in wonder, love and praise.

Think about it...there will be a day when music will be perfect, like we cannot even imagine...and we, having been changed from glory to glory, will be enraptured in total wonder, total, love and total praise. What a day that will be!

Not too sure about the hail part. :-)