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| Musical Worship |
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I learned something new and interesting in my quiet time reading today. Back in the 17th and
18th centuries, church members were feuding over whether or not it was okay to sing the newly written hymns or if only Psalms should be sung. There were those who believed that anything other than the Psalms was sinful whereas others recognized the God-given talent of those writing the hymns as a source of worship and praise. (hmmm...wasn't it Solomon who said there's nothing new under the sun?? Sounds like our churches today, huh??)
As I read these words, I couldn't help but thank God that the hymn writers prevailed allowing us to have a full library of rich and powerful hymns! Don't get me wrong, I love singing Scripture! You can't top the words written and ordained by God! But, oh my, how I love the hymns of the past as well as the newer worship songs of our day!
Listen to these words written over a hundred years ago:
"O Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder consider all the worlds Thy hands have made; I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed. Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee; how great Thou art...how great Thou art! Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee, how great Thou art! How great Thou art!!
When through the woods and forest glades I wander and hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees; When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur (AMEN!) and hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze...
And when I think that God, His Son not sparing, sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in; that on the cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin...
When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart! Then I shall bow in humble adoration and there proclaim: my God, how great Thou art! Then sings my soul,my Savior God, to Thee; how great Thou art...how great Thou art! Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee; how great Thou art! How great Thou art!
Now you can't tell me that your heart isn't just pumping with worship and praise and adoration and gratefulness after reading, maybe singing along, with that great hymn!! And if it isn't, as they say, your blesser is busted!! How I love that old hymn and hundreds of others just like it!
At the same time, I find myself blessed and convicted singing songs written in the past few decades like "Change my heart, O God...make it ever true; change my heart O God, may I be like You." or "As the deer panteth for the water so my soul longeth after You. You alone are my heart's desire, and I long to worship You."
And how can our hearts not be moved with overwhelmingly gratefulness at the mercy and grace of God when we hear Casting Crowns singing about how God has removed our sins as far as the east is from the west...and how far is that exactly? "One nail scarred hand to the other!" And I don't ever make it through Chris Tomlin's "Amazing Grace" without tears flowing as I bask in the reality that the chains of sin that held me in bondage have been broken! "My chains are gone, I've been set free; my God, my Savior, has ransomed me!! And like a flood, His mercy reigns. Unending love! Amazing grace!" That's enough to make a good Baptist girl raise her hands toward heaven! (*_*)
So as you turn on your radio or the next time you sit in a worship service, be sure to thank God for the rich heritage we have in music handed down throughout the ages! Thank Him for those who have been given the gift of composing music and for their obedience in writing it and sharing it with us. And then SING! Lift your voice in praise and worship! Let the tears of conviction fall. Let the joy of sins forgiven and forgotten flood through your heart and soul and out of your mouth! And if you can't sing, whistle!! Make a joyful noise unto the Lord! |
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| March 27, 2008 |
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I can't sing.... can't carry a tune no matter how much I love music but that's okay. I still sing out praises to my Lord through the music ministry at Chruch, at home and in the car. God gave us such beautiful songs to praise Him and minister to others and for this I am so thankful.
Thanks for your beautiful blog. |
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| March 27, 2008 |
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I'm right there with ya sister! When I was going through a rough time, I typed words from the old hymns and taped them on my refrigerator and bathroom mirror, so I would see them every day. Like...Great is they faithfulness, O God my Father, there is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, They compassions they fail not; As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be...Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow; blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside. OR What a fellowship, what a joy divine, leaning on the everlasting arms! What a blessedness, what a peace is mine, leaning on the everlasting arms! What have I to dread, what have I to fear, leaning on the everlasting arms? I have blessed peace with my Lord so near, leaning on the everlasting arms. OR My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness, I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus name.When darkness seems to hide His face, I rest on His unchanging grace...OR When peace like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows, like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, It is well, it is well, with my soul.
These words lifted me up out of the mirey clay pit...Praise God for putting these words into the songwriters spirit!!!
Kris |
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| March 27, 2008 |
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| I love to sing praises to my Lord. It is one of the best ways to worship Him! |
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