Hebrews 12:1  “..throw off everything that hinders, sin that so easily entangles..:    (Message) “…strip down, start running – and never quit!

This is a scripture that reminds me to surrender; everything I am, everything I have, everything I desire and dream of – to His will.  I can either do this voluntarily, knowing that things in this life can so easily hinder and consume me; or, my Father (as he know the course of my race) will assist.  This process is never easy and can actually be very painful, but at the same time can be freeing and give life to my little seed faith.  

In my world, it seems like many of us are going through this process of “stripping down” to only what is necessary to run the race.  In the original Greek Olympics, runners sometimes literally ran naked so they would have no restistance, even though this was very humbling.  

If things, resources, relationships are being stripped away, willingly surrender them into God’s hands. He is at work! 

Hebrews 12:7  (Message)  “God is educating you; that’s why you must never drop out.”

I recently came across an article written by a friend from my Bible College days. He articulates what should be at the heart of worship and brings focus to the purpose of praise.

“Thoughts on Worship” by Gaylan Grant
Pastor of Bethel Temple Assembly of God, Killeen, Texas

Some friends and I pursued a lively discussion the other day about what is or what is not worship and praise. We could agree on some basic truths, such as not all contemporary Christian music is worship and praise and anything done in a spirit of arrogance is not worship and praise. As I listened and participated, I noted that for the most part, the discussion breaks into two camps; older and younger. This would probably be better stated if I said, Hymnody vs. Contemporary Music. Even that however, misses the mark. It was really about attitude.

I think for it to be real, worship must be contemporary, regardless of the age of the worshipper or how traditional the worship tool. Worship is something that rises out of your personal relationship with God in the moment. It is not a remembrance of His past presence, but a moment by moment extension of your love for His grace, His mercy, His love and His majesty.

So, if the point of discussion is worship music, is there any difference between the songs I might choose? I can sing an old hymn and give it as little meaning as my peers might find in a current Christian rap. If it does not emerge from my soul, both the time-tested and latest worship expressions are equally empty. But when it emerges from my soul it creates a touch point, and encounter with the living Christ. It does not matter when the song was written, who wrote it, its musical style or how well it is played. It is worship of the highest order. If it is worship, there will be no arrogance, but it will be sung with simultaneous humility and awe. Only God can stir the soul and lift it to embrace eternal life.

I believe many hymn singing congregations miss the mark when it comes to worship. Their songs remind them of a time and a place when their experience was indeed contemporary. Alas, it has become a memory and worship is far removed, save for the words of the hymn or the stately music it supported.

I believe, as well, that many great worship bands and praise teams are missing the mark by a wide margin. They become too focused on the rhythms and the progressions, the lights and the ambiance, the magnificent power of their amplified voices, it’s all a part of the worship experience.

I have observed that people who are contemporary in their experience with Christ, (those living and walking and moving and having their being in the spirit of Christ), don’t really care so much about where the song came from, how old it is, the ambiance, the voices, or any of the trappings. They just want an opportunity to sing from the depths of their soul and embrace the living Lord! Songs, hymns, spiritual songs- it makes no difference. Piano and organ or guitars and drums – it makes no difference. Arrogance? No, just worship. Sometimes these are the ones who make a joyful noise much to the chagrin of the arrogant or musical stylist. To God, he sees their noise as priceless. After all, it really is all about Him.

So, embrace your heavenly Father today. He is as contemporary os He is old. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. The only thing that has changed is music. Oh, and He did say, “sing a new song.”

Your thoughts??

I’m in the process of writing my first post. In the meantime, if you would like to contact me, send an e-mail.