Uplook - February 24, 2024
Happy Saturday,
Several weeks ago in a sermon, I casually made a comment about writing a song sometime ago. Later in the week, one of my grandsons came to me with a quizzical look and the comment, “Papa I didn’t know you wrote songs.” I smiled and told him that there had been a season in my life some years ago when I was inspired and had the time to sit at the piano from time to time. I also told him not to worry as I had published nothing nor was famous.
As you might suppose…the words came easier for me than the melodies and chords but I have a notebook in which several of those compositions are stored. Looking through it recently brought to mind some of the circumstances which brought inspiration. Some were joyful times, like the building of a small church in a foreign country or inspiring sermons by fellow preachers in the church where I was pastoring at the time. Some, however were not as joyous. These included the deaths of Lori’s grandfather and her mother as well as some challenging times as we adapted to a new location. There were several which flowed from our love for our children and a couple more out of the challenges and burdens we felt for them as they were growing up. A couple were inspired by camp meeting sermons.
I only share all of that to remind us all that God is willing to use whatever season of life we may find ourselves for His glory. While we would love joyful times to be plentiful, it may not be where we are at the moment and the Holy Spirit is just as present in the quiet dark times as in the bright and cheerful times. Some great prayer meetings are less about joy and more about desperation depending upon the circumstances. The winter season seems to be breathing it’s last breath with flowers beginning to poke through and I find myself looking back at what inspiration God may have given in the short dark days. I do not want to take even those times for granted as they are times for learning, growing, stretching, blessing, and inspiration. May you also glance around and back at the places God has been faithful to you and find fresh inspiration and a melody in your heart. God is here and He will be all you need him to be. Maybe these words from something I wrote back in 1994 will inspire you. God bless.
I AM, I WILL
When you are weary, lonely and sad.
I will stand beside you, take and hold your hand.
I am here. I am God. You need no one else but me.
I will be, all that you need. I AM, I WILL, be all you need me to be.
When all your joy leaves, love is all gone.
You are not alone then, I am here – still strong.
I am here. I am God. You need no one else but me.
I will be, all that you need. I AM, I WILL, be all you need me to be. c. WEM 1994
Housekeeping Items
Choir – There are choir sectionals (men/women) tomorrow at 3:30 pm.
Food Drive – Tomorrow is the final day for contributions for our Local Church Food drive. Please bring your contributions and place them on the table in the Narthex.
Youth Summit – The Youth Summit is scheduled for Friday, April 19 – Sunday, April 21. Eligible ages are 8th grade through 24 years. Cost is $140 per person. Registration must be completed online by March 18 and payment made to the Seattle church before attending. Please see Bro. Alex for details.
Bible Study - There will be no Seattle Bible Study this week because of our Portland Headquarters Tabernacle meetings. Please feel free to tune in to those services next week. (Tuesday - Friday nights)
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
Several weeks ago in a sermon, I casually made a comment about writing a song sometime ago. Later in the week, one of my grandsons came to me with a quizzical look and the comment, “Papa I didn’t know you wrote songs.” I smiled and told him that there had been a season in my life some years ago when I was inspired and had the time to sit at the piano from time to time. I also told him not to worry as I had published nothing nor was famous.
As you might suppose…the words came easier for me than the melodies and chords but I have a notebook in which several of those compositions are stored. Looking through it recently brought to mind some of the circumstances which brought inspiration. Some were joyful times, like the building of a small church in a foreign country or inspiring sermons by fellow preachers in the church where I was pastoring at the time. Some, however were not as joyous. These included the deaths of Lori’s grandfather and her mother as well as some challenging times as we adapted to a new location. There were several which flowed from our love for our children and a couple more out of the challenges and burdens we felt for them as they were growing up. A couple were inspired by camp meeting sermons.
I only share all of that to remind us all that God is willing to use whatever season of life we may find ourselves for His glory. While we would love joyful times to be plentiful, it may not be where we are at the moment and the Holy Spirit is just as present in the quiet dark times as in the bright and cheerful times. Some great prayer meetings are less about joy and more about desperation depending upon the circumstances. The winter season seems to be breathing it’s last breath with flowers beginning to poke through and I find myself looking back at what inspiration God may have given in the short dark days. I do not want to take even those times for granted as they are times for learning, growing, stretching, blessing, and inspiration. May you also glance around and back at the places God has been faithful to you and find fresh inspiration and a melody in your heart. God is here and He will be all you need him to be. Maybe these words from something I wrote back in 1994 will inspire you. God bless.
I AM, I WILL
When you are weary, lonely and sad.
I will stand beside you, take and hold your hand.
I am here. I am God. You need no one else but me.
I will be, all that you need. I AM, I WILL, be all you need me to be.
When all your joy leaves, love is all gone.
You are not alone then, I am here – still strong.
I am here. I am God. You need no one else but me.
I will be, all that you need. I AM, I WILL, be all you need me to be. c. WEM 1994
Housekeeping Items
Choir – There are choir sectionals (men/women) tomorrow at 3:30 pm.
Food Drive – Tomorrow is the final day for contributions for our Local Church Food drive. Please bring your contributions and place them on the table in the Narthex.
Youth Summit – The Youth Summit is scheduled for Friday, April 19 – Sunday, April 21. Eligible ages are 8th grade through 24 years. Cost is $140 per person. Registration must be completed online by March 18 and payment made to the Seattle church before attending. Please see Bro. Alex for details.
Bible Study - There will be no Seattle Bible Study this week because of our Portland Headquarters Tabernacle meetings. Please feel free to tune in to those services next week. (Tuesday - Friday nights)
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
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