Ecclesiastes 12:10

  In a contest for the toughest president of the United States, it would be hard to go against Theodore Roosevelt.  He was known for his “manly” pursuits hunting big game, climbing the Matterhorn, participating in boxing match while president. (These weren’t play fights, he lost the vision on one eye because of them!)  Once before he was about to give a speech an assassin shot him in the chest.  Roosevelt refused to go to a hospital and insisted on giving his speech, still wearing his blood-soaked shirt!   Teddy might have become tough but he wasn’t born that way.  He was a sickly child that suffered from severe asthma that almost proved fatal.  As was a young boy, doctors discovered that he had a weak heart, and advised him to get a desk job and not strain himself.  He was homeschooled because of his many illnesses and spent most of his time indoors.   But then as a teen his father, whom Teddy Roosevelt revered, told his son, “ ...

   Over the years I will often times have song leaders that will ask me the topic of my lessons so that they can pick song that will fit, especially the invitation song.  I glad they do but I’ll admit that I don’t make it easy with on title alone [1] .  The invitation song can be that tipping point that might make someone respond. A song that flows along with the message can be very effective in that process.    However, I noticed that many times people already have their own invitation song.   Not that we have everyone signing their own tune but rather the song of their heart and mind that is influencing their response.   Your see some are singing, “ I Shall Not Be Moved ”.  No matter what the lesson was about, no matter how important it is that they make a change, they are firmly planted where they are, refusing to budge.   For some their invitation song is “ Farther Along ”. The message may have hit hom...