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| American Idol vs. Worship A Blog For All Worshipers! |
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I know that worship includes a lot of areas in our walk with the Lord...but I would like to focus on singing in this blog.
You can learn a lot about singing by watching American Idol. There are also a few things that the Lord showed me as I have watched this show. There are many differences between entertainment and worship. Entertainment asks the question "How great is this singer/musician? Worship on the other hand, asks "How Great is Our God? We must never try to blend the two together. Lest we give glory to man and therefore take away from God.
Another point I would like to make is that entertainment is for man and worship is JUST for God!
The Lord showed me a picture of what I am trying to say at my daughter's piano recital. Both of my kids played a song on the piano. One is very talented and the other is just, well....cute! But after they each played their songs I was equally blessed and pleased that they had done their best and that they had the courage to get up there in the first place.
It wasn't long after that, the Lord spoke to my heart and showed me that this is how He feels when His people worship Him. He is not up in heaven like Simon Cowell saying "that was a dreadful performance!" He is always pleased when we do our best, and our best we should do :) He is our Heavenly Father looking down on us saying "that's my child!"
Worship really is when repented sinners worship Him in spirit and in truth for what He has done (period). When we do this, I don't think the Lord is knit-picking about our notes being sharp or flat. As His Word says...God judges the heart.
This web-site sure is a good place to put your thoughts down.
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| Yes it is! And I happen to like yours! -mike |
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Cathy |
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February 08, 2007 at 10:17pm |
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| Hi Sue, I do not sing well, but I hope the Lord knows I'm doing my best. |
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| Amen Sister, I do my best everyday at school in chorus and I play the piano knowing God is upon me. God Bless. I wish the best for you daughters and that they do well on the piano. I am preparing myself for school and hope to become a master musician. If your daughters wish to purse music beyond their lives they'll need lots of practice. I wish you and your daughters luck.
God Bless
Stephen |
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Sue |
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February 08, 2007 at 11:20pm |
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| Thanks for all of your comments and stars. Mike if you agreed with me, where is my star from you? Just kidding bro, I wouldn't be able to say that to too many people! |
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| As the person who introduced the Espeys to Mark Scott, you deserve a whole lot of stars! Seriously though, I love the message you convey, sorry I didn't star it sooner. Every now and then my eyes roam around the sanctuary on Sunday mornings, and I am so blessed to see how much you enjoy the Lord's presence! -mike |
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OBVIOUS |
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February 09, 2007 at 8:08am |
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| Hi Sue Im somewhere in the middle on this one entertainment vs worship.Worship is a sacrifice. Although I never sang on American Idol ,I have a band that I sing and play drums in, we play (entertain) in bars and night clubs ,drug rehab centers and detention centers to reach the lost in the dark places of this world .We are called to be a light and by us just playing christian venues we might as well hide our light under a bowl.Although we are reaching the lost with entertainment we are using the very words of GOD in worship to reach them.So in a way they are worshiping without even knowing it, singing along and enjoying the music is just part of the experience of getting to know Jesus Christ.That is how I actually came to christ being a musician and GOD tugging at my heart at the same time .We just pray before and after every show that in the quiet time before thier head hits the pillow GOD interviens and they just remember some of the words GOD has given us and reveals to them his will. We just plant the seed (questions) But only GOD has the answers. Please pray for us aswell to be strong and to resist sin while trying to witness some of these venues that except and exploit the sinner. Peace Rick of OB-VI-OUS |
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| Obvious,
I think skilled Christian musicians can play worship music in venues other than a church bldg and still be consistent with her point. Whether or not music is "entertainment" or "worship" is a matter of perspective. If I listen to you play worship music, it's possible that all it is to me is entertainment -- I'm not worshiping. It is also possible to listen to a secular song written about non-spiritual subject matter and find yourself worshiping God -- although this is likely rare.
The one thing I disagree with you on, and this may come down to our definition of worship. There is one line from your comment that I cannot necessarily agree with. You wrote: "So in a way they are worshiping without even knowing it." First, worship is a spiritual act, and if you are not born again (reborn, spiritually) you cannot authentically worship God. John 4:24 says we must worship in "spirit and in truth," and neither apply in the case of a non-Christian singing your songs. (I'm sorry, but I think that's just the way it is.) Second, worship can't be unintentional or else it is meaningless.
I admire your intentions, and pray God will bless your efforts. Also, since I saw that you started your own blog and copied your comment above, I'll post this response there too. ~mike |
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CJ |
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February 11, 2007 at 8:33am |
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| Sue,
This was a really nice Blog to read just before this morning's Church service. I am so sure I will be thinking of it as I worship today. Thanks for the blessing and the reminder. There is not one question needing answers. Great job Glorifying God, thanks again!
In Christ,
Carl |
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Sue |
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February 11, 2007 at 10:03pm |
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| Let me try and respond to these messages.
1) Mike, thanks for the comments and for sticking up for your younger sister (spiritually, that is :) I agree what you wrote about the secular songs. When I first got saved, when I was in the secular-Christian music transition, I used to love (and still do) that Gloria Estefan song "Coming Out of the Dark." It totally describes what the Lord had saved me from. I heard it was written as a result of a spiritual awakening Gloria had after a car accident. To this day that songs brings me into a place of worship.
Coming out of the dark, I finally see the light now and it's shining on me. Coming out of the dark, I know the love that saved me... Stand on the rock of your love is all it takes... (time for a tissue :)
Oh and I humbly accept your star!
2.) Cathy, I was hoping that musicians and non-musicians alike would see that this blog was for all worshipers. I remember you telling me the only thing you played was the radio! So Bless you and yes, He loves your voice!
3.) Stephen, may the Lord bless your endevours and lead you every step of the way. When you do your best you are the "Master's Musician."
4.) Obvious, You said you were in the middle, but I don't think I ever got a why from you, unless I missed something. I enjoyed hearing about what the Lord is doing in your life. Worship is a sacrifice and when we don't meet up to man's standards, the sacrifice of praise may be a little more difficult for some :)
5.) Joey you definately have a good point. I have seen this in scripture as well, so I would like to respond. I am not talking about someone who has no calling, no gifts, and no leading of the Lord just singing or playing an instrument because they want to. I am talking about someone who finds themself in a worship situation because His divine providence has put them there (I know you understand this kind of language my fellow reformed bro :) When God's favor is on someone this can easily happen.
6.) CJ, dude! Your message blessed me so much, I even had a more worshipful experience in church today! It is a huge passion of mine to cause people to draw closer to Him in worship. I definately felt led of the Lord to write this blog, and your message is proof it was of Him. Be Blessed!
7.) Alice, What a Kindred spirit you are! When I first typed up the blog, I thought it was so elementary, I thought I may be insulting peoples intelligence. I even ran it by my voice teacher. Her response was, "yes, this is a basic truth, but one most people just don't get, they see things from man's perspective instead of God's when it comes to worship." So the blog was posted. Thanks for your encouragement. |
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Sue |
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February 13, 2007 at 12:33am |
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| Joey, I felt my response to you was incomplete. So I decided to pray to be able to give an appropriate response, since your point was very good. I feel that the stories of David, Jeremiah, Isaiah and Gideon to name a few, are stories of people who God called out when man simply would have choosen someone else. Even they felt unqualified for the job at hand. David is a perfect example. Man went through every other brother, looking at the outward, and totally overlooked David. They wanted the biggest and strongest, God wanted a man after His own heart. I once heard it said that God does not call the qualified, but qualifies the called. I guess this sums up what I was trying to say. |
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| Joey,
If Sue was saying that God was calling her to do solos every Sunday despite her inability to sing (Sue, you CAN sing, I'm just makin the point!), I agree.
However, if I read her right I believe Sue is talking about all of us who stand among the congregation singing our hearts out every Sunday. God does not care if we are out of tune, or can't carry a tune or whatever. It brings joyful tears to my eyes when I hear my dear little children singing songs to the Lord from their hearts, even though their singing voices leave a whole LOT to be desired. I DON'T CARE, my dear children, please keep singing!! ~mike |
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Sue |
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February 17, 2007 at 11:51pm |
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| Joey, Give me some time to research the scriptures on this one. I have a few verses that come to mind, but I will have to get the addresses. I feel that the question was fully answered in response to this blog. This question really sounds like another question for another blog. Let me do some research, and I will get back to you.
Mike, I was actually talking about anyone, anywhere that God has placed in a worship situation, whether on stage or not. I am not saying that any Moe, Dick, or Harry should be able to waltz into a church and say "the Lord told me to sing" and it be granted. I am talking about the Lord leading via the church leadership. (I know I probably opened up a can of worms with that comment on this website :) If someone is leading any kind of worship, via leadership approval, I don't think that anyone should be criticizing, but worshipping instead. Because worship is NOT American Idol, it is not a singers competion! Hence this blog :) |
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| Uh oh. Then I must say... Folks who don't have the necessary skills might not be advised to go up on that stage. Of course, I would never argue with the Lord's calling, but from a practical standpoint if the role of worship leaders is to facilitate worship among God's people, a certain level of skill is required lest the people actually be distracted from worship. We are all children in a way, and easily distracted. Sorry for the misunderstanding, Sue. ~mike |
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Sue |
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February 19, 2007 at 10:44am |
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| Mike, That is where the leadership approval comes in. I also think that once leadership DOES make that decision that the people should keep their focus on God and not man. If a person cannot keep their focus on God ie. get distracted, that is that persons problem and between them and God. We have all sat through some times as you have suggested, but that is when we may really need to break through and worship Him alone. It may be more of a "sacrifice" of praise than we would like :) My point: Always keep the worship and focus where it should be...on Him. If it were American Idol the question is always "who is the best?" or "how good is this or that person?" But with worship the statement is "How Great is Our God!" As the popular songs says. |
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| Sue,
Regarding your statement, "when we may really need to break through," I think most Christians are in agreement that skilled worship leaders facilitate worship, and in the ideal scenario the believer should not have to "break through." So we attempt to find worship leaders who possess certain skills, or gifts. God gives us specific gifts for the purpose of using them for His glory.
I think a bigger problem at most churches is that there are many who have these gifts, but keep them to themselves rather than sharing them with others! ~mike |
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Sue |
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February 20, 2007 at 4:22pm |
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| Hallelujah! We can agree that we disagree with the all caps off and remain in the love of Christ! A lesson to be learned for bloggers who can't seem to get this one down. Because of His Great Love, Sue
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Norm |
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April 30, 2007 at 11:57pm |
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I listen to a podcast of worship music where I feel the guy's voice is not necessarily the best, but it's obvious he's doing it out of love for the Lord. I walked away from a church where the minister was very polished but well the Word wasn't getting out. Guess which one was voted on? Just food for thought. |
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Sue |
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May 01, 2007 at 12:02am |
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| Norm, Always a pleasure to discuss this with someone who "gets" it. |
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| I love it when the oldies come back around for more stars and comments. Seems like it validates those original thoughts! ~mike |
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Sue |
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May 01, 2007 at 9:11pm |
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| Yippi!!! Two more stars! I am like a kid at Christmas :) Thank You!!! |
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| Hi Sue, I really like this. There is a great book by Marva Dawn called "A royal waste of time" that I think you'd enjoy. She is very interested in excellence in worship music, but makes the point that really, God's not impressed if we can hit high C, God loves us anyway. I also think you might enjoy Brian Wren's book "Praying Twice: the music and words of congregational song" - he talks a lot about how sometimes it's really good if someone who is pretty ordinary is the person leading the congregation in song, because no-one is too intimidated. There you go, I've grossly oversimplified two excellent and complex books - if this is something you want to explore more, I highly recommend both of them. |
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Sue |
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May 01, 2007 at 11:57pm |
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Thanks for taking the time to write and star Natalie. I will have to look up these books. God Bless you! |
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Hi Sue! Sorry I havent been on in about a week and a half or I wouldve responded sooner. Being a musician I love any topics on singing, praise and worship, music, etc.. The main purpose of singing is to exalt the Name of Jesus and to make his name known. Sometimes in the Old Testament GOD would send singers out into the battle first before he sent his army. Isnt that like GOD doing things contrary to what we think? The battle is not ours, all we have to do is lift up the Name of Jesus and then he will fight our battle! Becoming a singing soldier as it were. | 2Ch 20:21 | | And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy [endureth] for ever. |
And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten. Singing is very powerful! Take for instance Paul and Silas. At midnight, in the darkest part of the day, when everyone else is asleep. And you gotta understand here were two Christians and they were in prison, shakled and beaten. Sometimes situations come our way and we get beaten down. Our understanding is darkened. If were not careful we will eventually fall asleep. But Paul and Silas, in the midst of thier situation began to sing praises! Because they sang praises they were set free, not only them but the whole entire prison was set free. You have someone youve been praying for that seems shakled by the World, the flesh and the devil? Just start singing praises in the midst of your situations and watch God began to Shake and stir things up! Watch people get set free from bondage! GOD Bless you Sue! I Love this Blog! |
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All I can say is that if the Lord wanted us to all sing perfectly to Him, He would not have told us in His Word (7 spearate times, no less!) to
66:1 Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: 81:1 Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob. 95:1 O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. 95:2 Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms. 98:4 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. 98:6 With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King. Maybe some of you sing real well. I've been told by many a deaf person that I sing exquisitely :) ... but truly, the Lord looks on what's going on behind that noise coming out of your mouth. It's just personal opinion, but I'm almost convinced that we're instructed to make a joyful noise to the Lord specifically so that we wouldn't be caught up in whether we bridged properly or if we sound a little flat/sharp... Keep up the noise, brothers and sisters. :) -pj |
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Sue |
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May 02, 2007 at 10:57am |
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Good point! What is "joyful" to the Lord and what is joyful to us, is entirely different :) Joyful, meaning "full of happiness." Perfect, meaning "without mistakes." Two totally different meanings. I misunderstood what you were trying to say when I first read your comment. I missed the "if" in the beginning of your statement and it changed the whole meaning of what I read :) Sorry :) We ARE on the same page! |
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Cindy |
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May 11, 2007 at 12:55am |
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| Funny you should mention that. I am embarrassed that the people standing in front of me are horrified and distracted by my singing voice and I feel shy sometimes to sing, but I want the Lord to hear me. So, I go ahead and just let it out. So far no one has asked me to move to the back, so i guess I'm not that bad. Good subject, thanks. |
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| If I were heard singing - the common ear would say - "Could you please refrain from doing that???" BUT, there are two places that I sing as though I have the voice of Sandy Patty and that is at church and when I am alone in my car - both to worship music ... I have an over abundance of confidence when singing to the Lord. I know it is beautiful to Him ... so I sing without inhibition! And yes, I love to watch American Idol, but am so very thankful that Simon Cowell is not my judge! |
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Nancy |
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May 18, 2007 at 9:34am |
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| Sue...loved your story about your children & how it was equally beautiful to you. How awesome that the God of the whole universe created us to worship Him and that we are made for His pleasure...doesn't it cause a new song to spring forth? He takes pleasure in our worship (lifestyle & song) Can't touch it "Simon" haha |
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| Wow! That was really good. I struggle with my desires to sing for God. I know He wants me to sing for Him and that is what I want to do above all else. But sometimes I think about going on American Idol or something like that. But really, I think I would be heart-broken by the way people are in that "business". Your story helped encourage me to hold out for God's best and not to compromise. Thanks for the uplifting blog! |
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