the message that never changes

Among the many changes that have occurred in the music scene and the changes in the worship scene, The one thing that remains the same throughout and holds true is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Every week our theme might take a new shape or form to a different mold, yet the underloying truth still remains and never waivers! How can we make this message more clear and more tangible for people who have never heard it before? How can we show them a side of Jesus that they have never seen before? One of love and redemption. Well part of that has to do with the worship we lead them in every week. if we commit ourselves to God's work in our lives and allow Him to mold us and shape us as people and as musicians then we can more effectively serve Him. Because when all is said and done, Worship is not about us at all, it's about the one we worship.. In order to reach people's hearts, we need to allow God to take center stage and we must play the background (Lecrea reference anyone?) Anyway, I digress. The point is, even if we don't tangibly see people's worshipping outwardly on Sunday morning, that doesn't mean that God isn't impacting, speaking to and convicting them through the message of the Gospel. The Lord works in mysterious ways and He does it in ways we cannot understand. What we need to do as his servants is be ready and willing to do His work, no matter what!
Sean

Am I the only person who likes this song?

Nearly every week, sometimes every day, I hear someone say something that references the words to the songs we sang on Sunday.  “I remember the words so well and catch myself singing them later in the week,” they’ll say.  Others have said how on Sunday they’re distracted and although they may not even be fully engaged in worship, the lyrics they remember draw them closer to God the other days of the week.


We did a newer song this Sunday that I absolutely love, but I wonder if others share my enthusiasm.  As I looked out on Sunday I got mixed facial expressions to the point that I questioned if I may have been the only person who liked the song!  It starts with  "Create in me a clean heart O God" (from Psalm 51:10) and in a Tuesday conversation I heard, "I've really been praying this week that God would create a clean heart in me."  This is SO VERY encouraging to me!


So often I feel like the church could be worshipping more, singing louder, and more joyful in praise.  Is God really doing a work in our hearts or are we just going through the motions?  Have we been truly transformed by the power of the cross and the redemption we have through Christ?  Sometimes it’s so hard to tell.  I question if I'm picking the right  songs, or if I’m singing in tune.  Do I look scary?  Is my fly down?


But when I hear how the truth of scripture has taken root, that people have remembered the truth and are applying it to their lives it makes it all worth it for me!  But even more than blessing my heart, I know this blesses the heart of God.  This is what He wants, not for us to attain a higher level of spirituality but to be on the journey.  To be growing.  He doesn't want us to get stuck.  Never stay the same!  He is doing a new work, constantly recreating us.


Keep on asking, and you will receive.  Keep on seeking, and you will find.  Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened for you.  (Luke 11:9)


The better we know His word, the deeper our understanding is of God's ways.  Our thinking changes, our faith grows and it dictates our feelings & actions in a way that more obviously proclaims His truth.  And a life that obviously proclaims God's  truth in word and deed is the best way to live.  This is true worship.


- Rich