Who told you you were naked?

What do we know about God? All we know is what He tells us, and what He shows us. But as a whole, we really don’t know very much at all. I’ve been a follower for 20 years, and I feel at times like I’ve been a follower for 20 seconds. I know what His word says. I know what I see Him doing. But I have no clue. He still blows me away, and He will keep on doing that forever I think. I’m okay with that. I have nothing better to do. Really, I don’t. And neither do you. We live, and move, and have our being, in Him. Without Him we die, we stagnate and merely exist. What does that have to do with what I said at first? To be without Him is as fearful thing. Lost, dead, dormant, meaningless. So fear Him, before you understand Him. And fear is the beginning of knowledge of Him. You can never know Him, unless you fear Him. Fear being apart from Him. Fear separation. Adam and Eve feared because they were naked. “Who told you you were naked? I certainly didn’t. And if that fear makes you hide from me, you really don’t know me very well. You really don’t fear me very well. ” We need to be more concerned with how God sees us, and so much less with our own view of ourselves. We look through damaged eyes and process with a damaged mind. Were they naked? Why yes, yes they were. God didn’t say they weren’t. He only said, “who told you?” Meaning, who or what are you listening to. We are all naked, no doubt. But don’t let your mind fear what may or may not be important. When we do, we’ll miss the really important things. Like a stroll in the cool of the day.

The problem of gravity

The Jetson prophesies I like to call them. Someone bunches of years ago created the cartoon, and sat around and wondered what life could be like in the future. And as time has gone on, we begin to see some of things actually occur. Of late, we have the video phones. You can see who you are talking to. We already have robots, though they don’t clean the house like Rosie. Give them time. But the ultimate of course; the flying car. I still think it can happen. The issue of course is a little thing called gravity. What goes up, must fall down. How do we get up, and then stay up. Once that is figured out, turning and moving are simple things. Someone a bunch of years ago said that everything that could be invented has already been invented. Then Steve Jobs was born. Blew that idea right out of the water. So someone has to tackle gravity. I know they already are working on this. Guys with more degrees than a thermometer are working formulas. But most of all, they are thinking. Dreaming. Just like the Jetson creator. Because it’s from those times when we dream, that we create. If you want to make something, you have to start by dreaming. Using your head. I have heard many comments about how wicked our thoughts can be. How we need to be careful with our imagination. It’s the devil’s playground. No, it’s our playground, and the devil has stolen it. We need to take it back. Our minds are part of who we are. Our created being. God intends for us to use them. Perhaps we have not, because we dream not. And in our dreams, we will learn how to defy the problem of gravity.

More than just one; A Tribute to Gloria

A wonderful person recently passed away, Gloria Horton. She was to many, a Sister, a Mom, a Grandma, a friend. She always had two things to give you; practical wisdom, and unconditional love. What a combination. But one thing I always noticed about Gloria, is that it was never just Gloria. It was always Sherm and Gloria. Sherm, her husband, was always there with her. I don’t recall a single time I saw one, without the other. They were a team. But more than that, they were a greater expression of God, being together. When you met them, you knew God loved you. All doubt was removed (more like obliterated). We also, alone, can do little. But joined in fellowship with our fellow believers, we are a force for good, empowered by the Spirit of Christ. Branches to bear much fruit, enlivened by the Vine. There is a beauty and strength in our personal, private worship. But as a host of people; as a gathering of believers, we bring a whole new dimension to worship and ministry. We are many. We are one. Sherm and Gloria, individually, beautiful people. But together, so much more. Should the church ever decide to not be so individualized, but united in worship, in service, in purpose. It’s the end of the world as we know it. Gloria, thanks for such an awesome example of what it means to be more than just one.

Less of me

I was at the Tim Horton’s drive thru today. Well, I’m there almost every day, but that’s beside the point. As I’m sitting in line in my car, I hear this rattle. Of course my first thought is, oh no, what’s going on with my car. But then as I focus, and move forward, I realize it isn’t my car. It’s the one behind me. What a relief. Oh really? So Ken, you would rather it be the other person who has the car trouble? Well, no, I’d rather it be neither of us. But to be honest, to be really honest, If I could decide who would not have the problem, I would pick me. And in so picking, I raise my need above another, and diminish the heart of Christ in me. Jesus would wish it on himself. I, in my weakness, would rather not. To want my car to be the troubled one….that’s hard to do. But just because it’s hard, doesn’t make it impossible. I had an opportunity to challenge my thought process. So in that at least, I succeeded. I must decrease, He must increase. And if He is to increase, and He is represented by “the least of these”, then they also must increase. More of them. Less of me.

It’s finished, but it isn’t done.

Happy resurrection day. The time when we recognize the work of Christ, doing what only He could do. Reconciling all creation. All that was lost; now found. I think of Jesus speaking those awesome words, “It is finished.” And indeed it was. I think of John 17:4, when Jesus said to the Father, “I have accomplished the work which You have given me to do.” And indeed, He did. It is finished, but it isn’t done. Later in John 17 He said, “As You sent me into the world, I sent them into the world.” Meaning, of course, us. His work was done. The work of Jesus; His suffering and atoning death. But the work of Christ, carries on. But rather than in the body of one man, it is instead in the body of many. And in that many, One. We carry on His work on earth. And what was that work you ask? I’m so glad you posed the question. I think of John the Baptist, questioning whether Jesus is the Messiah. And Jesus in Luke 7:22 saying, “tell John what things you have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.” In other words, the needs of many are being addressed. The sick, the needy, the poor; all are being tended to. This is what Jesus used as proof that He was doing the work he was sent to do. And to me, this is our work as well, continued on His behalf. Doing unto the least of these. Our command to love. To Love our neighbor as ourselves. So, how do I tie this into music, which I always like to do. I Corinthians 13:1. “If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.” Sing all you want. Play music with stunning excellence. Amaze your family and friends. But neglect love, and you’re not worth horn spit. (About the most appropriate, yet I know gross, way to describe my thought). But, combine all the excellence in music, with a heart and active life of loving the poor and needy, and there is no better life spent. We literally walk in his sandals. So while it is finished, it isn’t done. We have work yet to do.

Asleep at the switch

I’ve read twice in the past few weeks about people falling asleep on the job. This wouldn’t typically make headlines, unless your job is in an air traffic control tower. These folks had some significant assignments, and they were asleep at the switch. It forced others to cover for them, to avert a disaster. Which thankfully, is what those other folks did. It all begs the question, are we asleep at our switch. Maybe not literally (or maybe so…) Are we alert and busy about our responsibilities, whatever they might be. Or do others have to cover for us. Ought not be so. Don’t let what God has given you to do, fall on the shoulders of another. Or if we do, we may find ourselves unreliable in the eyes of God. If that thought doesn’t bother you, perhaps you are already fast asleep…at your own switch.

Musical prayers

One of my favorite sayings….”There is nothing in the world that so resembles prayer, as music.” Since the beginning of the church, and even within the traditions of the Jewish faith, music has always been a part of “service”, a congregational gathering. When we get together to talk about and learn about God, music is part of what we do. There is a special connection when we sing about, and to, God. And our songs really are, and should be, our prayers. We have musical prayers (no attempt was made to play on the “musical chairs” rhyme. I’m not that clever. It Just came out that way). I am very particular when picking music for a Sunday service. They need to be songs that are basically prayers. Songs of intercession. Songs of repentance. Songs of declaration. Often people will say to me, “Hey I heard this song. It’s awesome. We should do it on Sunday morning.” I will listen to it and say, “Yup, great song. Nope, not for Sunday worship.” If it’s topical or reflecting on something that really would not be prayed, I won’t do it. It may be the musical mindset I have. I can’t imagine King David, musician as he was, considering a prayer, without humming a tune along with it. Likely why many of his psalms have a notation, “given to the chief musician”, with the intent on having music put to the words. Its just natural. So the point is I suppose, when you pray, sing. And when you sing, pray. If we think that way, I believe it will take our music, and our prayers , to a higher level, or a deeper depth.

Why wouldn’t you?

I’ve spent the last 4 years working for Hospice, as the Spiritual Care Coordinator. Yesterday, reality struck me across the face, that I could not do it (well) anymore. These wonderful folks and their families need a lot more than I can give. So, I resigned. And then I cried. While Hospice care can be difficult, it is also an amazing blessing. What is it like to sit and hold the hand of someone who has weeks, or days to live. To experience those final moments with them, and their families. Let me tell you what….it will completely change your perspective on life, death, and everything in between. Back in 1995, my friend Tim Archer and I went to India. The plane landed in Bombay, which was just a stop over for us. Flying low as it approached the runway, Tim and I looked out at the hundreds (thousands?) of tin huts that people lived in. Little kids running around in poverty to the full extreme. And I recall Tim saying, “You know, if everybody in the church could just land in Bombay, it would change their whole perspective. They don’t even need to leave the plane.” Just land here, and they would all be changed forever. It did me. I never ever saw the world the same again. Our perspective. What we look at, and what we believe about what we see. But more than that, what is God showing us. When we look without considering Him, everything is meaningless. We can truly say, “vanity, vanity, all is vanity”. Everything we do, can be with, or without, God. We can pray without God. We can read God’s word, with no thought about Him. We can sing praise. We can lead praise, and our thoughts and concerns are on a million other things. We can go to work, go to school, go to the mall, and have no conscious thoughts, about God’s thoughts. But when we do…. when we do……when we consider God in everything. Our perspective about everything, changes. It has to. You cannot consider God in decisions, choices; and not have a whole new way of looking at those decisions, choices. You cannot look for God’s heart in situations and circumstances, and not powerfully impact everything. So, why wouldn’t you?…..I mean…., really? Why wouldn’t you?

It’s not about music

I like to read. But I do go in stages with it. There are times when I have a few books checked out from the library, and other times when I don’t. Usually the book will be something about history. In particular, stories about the 3 significant times in our country. The Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and WWII. No offense to the other times involving wars (Korean, Vietnam, WWI). But these 3 fascinate me. So I do a lot of reading. But my goal is not to read. It’s to learn. Reading is the vehicle that gets me there. I’ve tried listening to one of the book on tape recordings. It’s okay, but I’d rather set my own pace. I guess the point is, I’m not reading to read, but to learn. So, it really has nothing to do with reading. And I make the comparison to worship in song. It really has nothing to do with music. I don’t play to play. I play to worship. It helps that music in fun, and can be very soul soothing. But when I get too “musical”, I complicate it all way too much. That makes me lose interest. Which in turn makes me play less. I’ve had times when I’ve lost my passion for it. And I think the reason was I made it more than it was. Or better said, different that it was. But worship, in song, is a must for me. Part of my DNA.  I just have to be careful not to turn it into a pastime. Entertainment. I play and sing for a reason. And it’s not about music.

Jesus said…..

I’d like to quote a scripture. Matthew 22:37. “Jesus said…” That’s all I’d like to quote of it. Do we need the rest? Do we understand what we just read? I mean, really? We have the words spoken by Jesus, the Christ. The Holy One. I think  sometimes we read too fast. We see too fast. We hear too fast. We miss things. Important things. Like, “Jesus said”. We have the incredible privilege of the documented words of Jesus. I want to extend my deepest appreciation to everyone who made that possible. The Apostles. The scribes. Those who made copies. Those who made sure the words were not destroyed or lost over the last 2,000 years. Thank you. Thank you so very much. And now, another thought about those words. I think the reason we overlook the significance of them, is that God has lost His significance in our own lives. Oh He is there with us. We are aware of Him. We even pray, worship, think about and consider His teachings in our every day living. But God has gotten diminished, not in reality, but in our minds and hearts. We do not burn when He speaks. We do not melt when we sense His presence. We go about our business, as normal. But what we have is far beyond normal. The Living Risen Lord is among us. If that doesn’t distract you from laundry and what’s on TV for even a moment, why not? How can we possibly be nonchalant about that? Where is the fear? Where is the Awe? I can almost (almost) excuse it to our surroundings at work, school, the store, etc. But we have lost it as well gathered at church. Our buildings do not reflect the respect and glory He deserves. Our conversations generate much more small talk than deep thought. Our attention to the needs of those around us do not reflect the One who sacrificed all. He is Great and Mighty. But you wouldn’t always know it in the Altar we build or the Song we sing. If you know me, you know I am a huge promoter of simplicity. But when it comes to worship, it ought not be the case. And I’m not talking about great grand productions of worship. I’m talking about  great grand respect and reverence. I think the “modern church” has in a sense lost it’s way, and needs to learn a lesson from the church of old. Worship is not a casual encounter with a buddy. It’s reverent fear of the Creator. Worship is not about fanning a flame in our heart to keep us warm and comfortable. It’s about falling on our face,  in profound awe, before the Consuming Fire. I admit an honest frustration. I look for it in the church, and see much too much complacency. But when I look at those who we would consider “religious”. Those who sing sacred hymns with passion. Who in meditative silence reveal their respect. Who gather before elaborate altars, made not to be showy, but to demonstrate to all the AWE due Him who made all. I think the “modern church” needs a lesson in adoration. When we lose sight of who God truly is, we will treat His things with less than deserved honor. “Jesus said…” ….wow….I mean,…WOW…..need I say more?

Soul music

I think if you had a microscope. A really really (really) big microscope. And were able to look at the very core of our human DNA, I think you might find a clef symbol. Okay, I’m kind of kidding, but the point is, I think music is that deep. It’s basically in our DNA. We were made to breathe, eat, sleep and experience music. So, where’s the evidence? Scientific evidence is sometimes experiential. So, do you know anyone, and I mean anyone, who does not like some form of music? Neither do I. I recall being in India in 1995. One night while sleeping, I could hear outside a drum and some kind of bell, dancing together in rhythm. It could have been worship to one of a million gods in India. It could have been that the person or persons playing, simply liked the sound. It reminded me that even here in India, pretty much another planet from Albion NY, there was still music. Different, but then, not so different. I think it’s part of our DNA. That deep. And I think it’s a human thing. Sure it’s said “music soothes the savage beast”. Maybe there’s evidence of animals reacting to music in some way. But as humans, we need to hear music. When we’re not around the man-made stuff, we listen for it in the wind, or the waves, or the trees. Or we start to hum and then bust out into song. We can’t help it. We can’t escape it, and we don’t want to. It’s part of who we are. We are distinct from animals, in that we are living souls. And so, yup you guessed it, we have soul music. It’s that deep. That connected to our core. And if this is true, what do we do with music as part of our worship to God? From the beginning, the church has used music as a significant method of worship. Why? Because God is worthy of our worship, and our hearts cry out for a means to worship, and so we express our praise with as intimate a form as we know. With song. As it was once said, there is nothing in this world as similar to prayer, as music.  Prayer is personal. So is music. Prayer is expressive communication of thoughts and emotions. So is music. Prayer is connecting to God. Do you feel connected to God when you worship in song? Me too. There is also the negative connection. Prayer can be a simple recitation; impersonal. Music can also be that. Prayer can be over-rehearsed; a show. We have all experienced music that has ceased to be worship in song, and become a concert. Not that there’s anything wrong with concerts. But there is a difference, and we can usually distinguish the two. Because we are experts at music. We all are. And Christians know (why, I don’t know, we just do) when they are at a concert or a worship service. Anyway, if music is part of our DNA, and if music is an important means of expressing our worship to God, than we can truly say…that we were made to worship with song. I really believe that. And it has nothing, absolutely nothing, (nothing) to do with skill or ability. It is to us as breathing. We don’t discuss how someone breathes better than another (okay, don’t get smart with the “what about asthmatics?”). And might I go one step further. We are made in the image of God. We are God-like. So, what is God–like? Of the many things, I think God is a musician. He just uses different instruments. So, music is part of our DNA. It’s in our soul. It’s part of how we were made. It can be as personal as prayer, and it can be just as misused. So if all of this is true, think of the implications when we gather together to worship in song. Connecting at a personal, and at the same time, corporate level. Expressing from our souls. Concurrently with the angels of heaven, letting God have it. This is what I was made for.  I’m trying to do what should come natural. I was wondering; Are you doing what you were made to do?

Are we living what we sing

“…the only music minister to whom the Lord will say, “Well done, thy good and faithful servant,” is the one whose life proves what their lyrics are saying”. Can you guess who said that? If you’ve been a Christian at least 25 years, and think “musician”, it wouldn’t take you long to figure out. Keith Green said that. That would be a typical comment of his. I have been reminiscing lately. Watching videos of Keith in concert. I never saw him play live, but boy, I wish I had. I remember in 1982, as a new Christian, hearing the grieving coming from others, at the news of Keith dying in the plane crash. I would say, “who’s Keith Green?”, and they would look at me like I  just arrived from Pluto. I would never say “Who’s Keith Green?” again. His life was an inspiration. Not just as a musician, but as a Christian. As a musician, wow. Have you ever really listened to him play the piano? I mean, his voice is so recognizable, and pitch perfect. But his piano…wow. So, he continues to inspire me, and I’m sure, others. If you know who he was, I encourage you to take some time to listen again. His music will push you; no, it will shove you. And for those who have no idea who I am talking about. Well, your life is incomplete if you haven’t taken a few minutes to find out. I’ve linked a video at the end of this message. Check it out. And if this doesn’t touch your heart in some way, the nurse in me wants to take your pulse. Thank you God for giving us the gift of Keith, for just a few short years. Give us others who will prove their lyrics, with their lives.

Expectations

I was driving to work one morning a couple of months back. It was a snow day for the school kids. Lots of schools were closed that day actually. Since I was working outside, I made sure I had all my gear. The boots. The hat. The layers. Funny though, as I drove. The roads were pretty good. In fact, they were totally clear. No snow. No real wind to speak of. The forecast was for nasty stuff;  and so, all the closings. But anyone riding around that morning, who didn’t know what was expected, would think the schools were nuts to close. Anyone who didn’t know what to expect, would not be prepared. They’d get caught in it. But I was expecting it, and I was ready, and so were all the schools. So…. what is the forecast…..when you approach worship. Can you be caught unprepared, because it didn’t seem like anything was going to happen. I think we need to approach every corporate gathering for worship, with the full expectation that it’s going to get nasty…in a good kind of way. Strap on your boots folks, it’s about to hit. I think our approach and preparation is important. In fact, I might even say that it plays a role in what does transpire. If God sees that we are not expecting anything, and not preparing, can you see how that might communicate to Him that we don’t look for Him to show up? And on the other hand, if we are strapping on our boots, even though the roads are clear, can you see how God might say, “Well then, this to me is a clear invitation”. So, quite simply put, ask and it will be given. Seek and you will find. Knock and it will be opened to you. Expect, and He will never disappoint.

Feelings

A song that was the epitome of the “bad song” the “drippy” song. “Feelings, whoa whoa whoa feelings…” You’ve heard it. But without comment on the lyrics, (amazing aren’t they?) how about just the thought, feelings, and how it relates to worship. How many times (hundreds of times), have you thought in your head on a Sunday, “I really don’t feel like it today.” To misquote Tina Turner, “whats feelings got to do with it.” My answer…a lot. We have been taught that feelings are irrelevant in worship. It doesn’t matter, just worship anyway. I have a problem with that. Of course, God is worthy of our worship at all times, in spite of how we are feeling. But feelings irrelevant? Hogwash. (is that a swear word somewhere? I hope not) We are humans. And as such we have emotions. We feel good. We feel bad. We are happy. We are sad. We are in the mood to sing. We would rather be silent. It is who we are at that moment, and it is not irelevant. We do not ignore how we feel. In fact, it is in that miserable state of mind that we bring a sincere heart before God in worship. When we say, in the midst of a worship service, “God, I’m really in a rotten mood right now, and I don’t seem to be able to muster a song of praise.” You know what I think? I think that statement is more sincere, more genuine, more worshipful…than to sing a song you don’t really mean. Now there are times we need to focus and breakthrough. Just because you didn’t get your coffee that morning is no reason to sit around and mope. But when you are overwhelmed. When you are heavy burdened. When you grieve. The best thing you can do is to be honest. We worship God from our heart first, no matter what state it is in.  And I’m just crazy enough to believe that when we come “just as I am”, God will meet us. For every act of true worship, there is a divine response. So let’s worship in Spirit AND in truth.

What were you thinking!?

Many years back, I recall being at a concert by Mickey and Becky Moore. If you remember them, I’m sorry to tell you, you’re old. Get over it. Anyway, they did a song, and I cannot remember the title or most of the lyrics. What I do remember, is that it had lyrics that basically said, “me me me me me….” Maybe the inspiration for Matt Redman’s “it’s all about you Jesus” in his song, Heart of Worship. Maybe not. The point…..when we have set aside that time for worship. When we have done all the preparation. Practiced to near perfection. Prayed and believed that we might offer sincere praise. In the end, it all comes down to, what are you thinking about. Our minds are wonderful depositories of so many things. That’s the good news. That’s also the bad news. It is hard to focus on Him, during worship. Admit it. There are so many distractions. Things that have happened earlier that day. We might even wander to an event from childhood. We might see a stain on our shirt or a friend who is biting his nails or an instrument that is juuuuust not quite in tune. Whatever it is, our minds will capture it, analyze it, and spend precious seconds somewhere other than the throne room. All while still standing at your seat. It takes effort to focus. And to stay focused. To make this time about him, and not about whether my kid needs new shoes because I just noticed how bad they look, will take everything you’ve got. That is the sacrifice of praise. Not much of a sacrifice. We’re not giving up much, really. But we are giving up really the only thing we truly own. Our devoted attention. So make it about Him. Fight that fight.

Shall we dance?

The time we spend in worship is undoubtedly an opportunity for us to express our love for God. But it is also a time when God expresses His love for us. Not that He needs to. How much more love do we need God to express, than through the sacrifice of Christ? Do we really need Him to say it again, show it again, some other way?  No, but He likes to.  And so He does, and often, when we are expressing ourselves to Him. And something very powerful happens in this. God’s expressed love for us, and our expressed love for Him, are placed side by side. And our love is revealed, even exposed, for it’s sincerity, or lack thereof. This is good. This is helpful. This is tough. God’s love for us  is unquestioned. Ours is always boiled for impurities. God loves us, faithfully. He has proven Himself. But we have proven ourselves often susceptible. There are false lovers who entice us, even in the midst of a worship service. While we are raising our hands. While we are singing grand lyrics out loud. Maybe we are dancing in the aisle, or crying out on our face at the altar. A false lover will be there, even then, to entice us.  They dance before us like the daughter of Herodias. Distracted thoughts. How we look and sound to others. How we feel about that person we just saw, or thought of.  “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he. ” You are what you are thinking. You are, where your thoughts are. So, where are you? Even in the midst of an intense, powerful, passionate worship time, you can be lured away. In fact, it really isn’t that hard to do. We are, at times, pathetic (no offense). But God will watch, and wait, to see what we will do. He would like, actually, to dance with us. But the false lovers dance around us, examining us. Will we be faithful. Will we fight the good fight, in our minds. Will we be overcomers, of our human nature. Will our spirit bear witness with His Spirit. Make the connection. Turn away from the dancers. This is good. This is helpful. This is tough. But if we are to worship in spirit and in truth, this is a must. Honestly, I think we have the “spirit” part. It’s the “truth” part that we get hung up on. We give in too easy. We wander. We dabble. We linger. And then the time, the moment, is no more. We can have another moment, but we will never get that one back again. It’s gone, forever. So, God has proven His love for us. How can we prove ours? By fighting. By choosing to master our thoughts. By giving as a gift, not just once, but again and again, our attention.  This time of worship, when we commune with God, is a holy time. But it is also, if I can borrow a thought from Ted Dekker, a time of romance. The bride and her bridegroom, sharing a dance. Shall we?

Press 1

Try to call the State or the Federal Government. Go ahead, try. You know what you’ll get? The “press 1″ system. You know it well. A recorded voice for the first 10 minutes of your call. “Press 1 if you’d like this. Press 2 if you’d like that”. I had to call recently, and it went all the way to “Press 8″.  I used to pretend I was a rotary phone, to get a real person quicker. They figured me out. Now its, “Press or SAY 1 now”. Rats. So, I wait, and when I finally get deep enough to be connected to a real live person, I get “Your call is important to us. All of our customer service representatives ae currently helping other customers. Please hold and your call will be answered by the next available representative, in the order it was received.” In other words, get in line pal. So, after another 10 minutes holding at this level, I finally got someone. My whole conversation with her took about 15 seconds. Really, it did. A 20 minute 15 second phone call. So Ken, what’s the connection here.  Real simple. Aren’t you so very glad of the fact, that when we stop at any moment, to pray, or worship, we have an immediate connection to God. There is no “Press 3 for wisdom”. He is there. If that doesn’t wag your tail, I don’t know what will. If you feel like you have to go through the “Press 1″ process to get connected to God, you need to know, it isn’t a disconnect on His end. You might very well be just making it a whole lot more complicated than it really is.

Take a number

Did you ever think about how many numbers are assigned to us. I thought about that as I looked down at a drivers license. When we are born, I’m sure the hospital gives us a patient number, and it goes with us the rest of our life. Credit cards, library cards, store cards, social security, loan applications, email addresses, user ID’s, passwords, employee ID’s, passport ID’s, phone numbers, house numbers, PO box numbers. They give you a number when you are in line. You have a number if you get arrested {so I’m told }. You have a number for your birthday, anniversary, age.  Census numbers, bank account numbers. Serial numbers for your stuff. You have been assigned a number. We are surrounded by an identification that supposedly makes some kind of statement about who we are. And then, we stand before God, in a time of worship. And like a vapor,  that cold impersonal ID system vanishes. He knows our name. And He assigns us His, not another number, but His own name. A family name. Like a child given the last name of his parents. Like a bride who takes the name of her husband. We’re not a number. We are not identified as such. We are a living soul, embraced by God, and loved. I can’t always wrap my brain around that. But I’d like to. I’m trying to, more and more.

I’m not child number 36, 998, 345, 347.  I’m more than that. He knows my name. After all, He named me.

Push

Many of us have gone through a tunnel. I don’t mean one of those tunnels that goes under a bridge. I mean the ones that are dug into a mountain. You are driving along, and around a bend you see it. An archway, leading you directly into the gut of the mountain you have been driving around. Some big person in charge decided when they were making this road, that it would be better to go right through the mountain, rather than around it. Save a few bucks in gas mileage maybe. Think  about the enormity of that project. The danger for the diggers. We enter it, trusting completely that those workers knew what they were doing. I’ve been in the tunnel that goes under the Hudson river in New York City. I have to admit, anytime I do, I look for leaks along the wall. Case I have to drive really really fast. Tunnels under rivers; freaks me out. But mountain tunnels; fascinating. So, (here comes the analogy), ever come around a bend in the road in your life, and instead of an archway leading tunnel, all you see is mountain? Maybe you are standing with the congregation in corporate worship, and no one else can see what you see. Your nose, pressed against the wall of a mountain. That has a way of downcasting your soul. So you do what you think you are supposed to do.  You close your eyes and say, “I just won’t think about it, and it will go away.”  You open your eyes after worship. Nope, still there. So you begin to do what seems to be normal. You start digging. Moving the rubble. Tossing it to the side. Grabbing some more. You measure your success and the work ahead of you, and start thinking about dynamite. Go back to that moment in the church worship time. Nose pressed against the mountain. Scripturally, God doesn’t speak of digging ourselves out, or through, our difficulties or challenges. In fact, when it came to mountains, He said to “move them” And I don’t think he meant one shovelful at a time. He tells us to resist. To press on. To set our face like a flint. I think there are times, when we stand there, nose to the mountain wall, that He doesn’t want us to dig. He wants us to push. Put your hands on that enormous challenge, and push. Crazy, you say. Nuts, you are thinking.  Consider the woman who needed healing, finding it when she grasped the hem of his garment. She faced a large crowd, surrounding Jesus. All vying for His attention. That was her mountain. But she got to Him, by pushing. Pressing through. I can see her nudging person after person. Desperate for Him. Her hands on one persons back, then another, and another. Not shoving. Not tearing. Just pushing forward. And as she did, her mountain moved. It parted, as a sea. Just as Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, so we also need to stretch out our hand over our mountain. The effort on the part of Moses was quite small. He stuck out his hand. It doesn’t take much. Jesus taught us that if we have faith the size of a mustard seed, we could speak to a mountain, and it would move. The reason is that it puts the emphasis on faith, not our abilities. God told Moses, “the Lord shall fight for you, and you shall hold your peace. ” When we place our hand on our mountain, instead of a shovel, it clearly is impossible. Exactly.

No applause, please

I’ve been to concerts. So have you. Various kinds. Some many years ago, that I still recall. Some I would rather forget. Not mentioning any names here. I have, over the years, wrestled over the issue of performing, as a lead worshipper/musician. You really cannot eliminate the fact that, when you are playing music on a stage, in front of other people, you are in fact performing. Reality. But I have always felt that in worship, the “performance” is a snare to our human nature. Recognition, appreciation, positive feedback. Those things fuel a performance. But worship; that’s a different focus. At least it should be. I wrestle with my focus every time I play, because worship is not about me. If it is, I am disqualified to lead. How can we walk the edge of that blade, without getting cut. First and foremost, as has been said many many times, we play for an audience of One.  There is only One we hope to please. One ear we hope to capture. One name we hope to honor and appreciate. This does not  mean that we ignore the people who are there.  It simply means the only recognition I am looking for is from God. And if people don’t appreciate the music, well, I am not bothered by that (no offense). I know also that as a lead worshipper, there is an element of responsibility to the audience/congregation. I am there to help them draw near to God. But that is really all I am there for.  I am not there to have them love my songs. I am not there to have them buy my CD’s. I am not there to have them appreciate good music. That’s what a concert is for. Which is fine, if you are at a concert. But if you are at a worship gathering, I would much rather lead a concert of worship,  than a worship concert. In fact, that’s my aim. I don’t always hit that target. But I try. And I will keep trying. There have been a few times when I have played at a gathering, and after my song ended, silence. No applause. Quiet. Those are moments when the music brought people to recognize God’s presence to such an extent, that applause seemed almost inappropriate. Sweet silence. I can walk away saying, I did my job. That’s what I was there for. That’s what I was made for. No applause, please.

Judging has no place here

This won’t be a long post (I think). I really don’t plan what I write, case you were wondering. Just one thought to start, and it just falls out. Anyway, I was thinking about Matthew 7. “Judge not, lest you be judged.” God promises that we will be judged in the same manner, with the same measure, that we judge others. Scary. Should make you think twice. But, alas, we don’t think enough. We see someone, we hear someone, we hear about someone. Kablam, we form an opinion. We cast on them rules that we would not want for ourselves. And we do this, often, in the midst of the communion of the saints. What’s up with that? I just posted on facebook something from Spurgeon. “None are more unjust in their judgments of others than those who have a high opinion of themselves.” If I have learned anything in my near 30 years as a Christian, it’s that I am a sinner. Chief of sinners, actually. God has broken me of thinking I am better, stronger, more faithful, more anything…than any one else. I’m boasting you say….in my humility. No, I don’t think I’m poor and wretched. I know I am. Nothing false here. When we approach God in prayer and praise as a congregation, how much more true fellowship there would be, if we would esteem others more highly than ourselves. Now that’s a gift of worship God would gladly accept.

Fun Fun Fun til my Daddy takes my T-bird away

Music is fun. It is. To listen to. To play. To write. It can be a chore to practice. Maybe at times tough when trying to write and getting nowhere (cue Chicago’s “25 or 6 to 4″ right here). But, all said and done, music is fun. And that’s an easy carry over, when music is a vehicle for worship. It is fun. At least it ought to be fun. And when I say fun, I mean fun. “Joyous”…..not sure what that means exactly. I confess, I like the word fun. And there’s nothing inappropriate about it. In fact, when the music becomes too rehearsed; too stoic; too shaped and predictable, it loses it’s funness (if that’s a word. Spell checker didn’t like it at all). I like fun. Who doesn’t. And when I play, in worship, I go for fun every time. Daddy playing with his kids kind of fun. And, we get to do it together, often. Bonus. This gift of life is to be enjoyed. Whether we are out on a boat with the family, hiking in the country, laughing with friends, …or….worshipping on Sunday. It ought to be fun. My plan each time is to be like a kid in a candy store. Now I know worship is an important time. But I would rather use the term significant, rather than serious. I don’t believe we show disrespect when we “play” as we “play”. (Did you like that little “play” on words?). In fact, I think it’s disrespectful to be so aloof and disinterested that we might as well not even be there. Give me the leaper and dancer, over the guy who is checking his email during service, every time. So, when you get together on Sunday (or whenever you do). Hey! Go have some fun.

QUIET!

There are times when sounds bother me. Not too much sound; just certain sounds. As much as I love the bass guitar in a band that I’m playing in, the thump thump thump from a car stereo drives me up a wall. I don’t know why, it just does. I’m a big fan of drums, but when my neighbor “shares with the neighborhood” every Wednesday night for a few hours, I can only take so much. Quiet is something you have to seek out. It doesn’t typically just happen. Sometimes you have to move from where you are to another location. Maybe the quiet is over there. It’s obviously not here (thump thump thump). Our world has too much noise. Too many voices. Too many machines.  Too many vibrations. It can be overwhelming. Finding quiet takes effort. I can’t always get away though. Picking up and leaving; not always an option. Can I somehow find the quiet, without going anywhere. I think of Jesus, asleep on a pillow on the boat, while a storm raged. He didn’t have to go anywhere. I think of Brother Andrew, from his book, “Practicing the presence of God”, where he described being in His presence “in the midst of the clanging of pots and pans”. Wish I could do that. To disappear into “that space”. Noise of the world drowned out by a superior mindset. Occasionally I’ve done it. Not often enough. I can disappear into “that space” sometimes even in the midst of worship leading. I’m singing, playing and have a band playing behind me; and I’m gone. Not really there. I enjoy that very much. Now, if I can only figure out how to do that on Wednesday nights….