allan hubbard . scoundrel songwriter husband father worship pastor texan

a brief theological analysis of "Sympathy for the Devil" by the Rolling Stones

2012-02-15T14:18:00.000-06:00

Ever since the "great divide" of musical art into the sacred and the secular (sometime after the Reformation and before the 1960s) it's been interesting when a pop group with radio airplay has waded into issues about God, Jesus, the Bible and other theological angles.

I suppose when the Church world still held sway over what was put out to the masses as entertainment, songwriters were hesitant to offend if their views were different or if they had questions. That, or they still had fear of the Lord and didn't want to blaspheme.

As an amateur sociologist (my undergrad) I think it would be interesting to research, track and quantify the number of such songs recorded prior to, say, the 1970s and then again after. I'm sure we'd find a remarkable rise in those willing to take on religious/God issues since America got in the handbasket on the Highway to Hell.

There's nothing wrong with doubts, questions, searching, and all that ... even people with huge followings of fans making lots of money recording their songs, influencing generations of minds and touring to play before large audiences have the need for Jesus. If that searching and questioning comes out in their work, okay.

(Without going into an exhaustive list here:) Sometimes the results are tame or exemplify the person's faith ("Why Me, Lord" by Kris Kristofferson comes to mind). Sometimes they come from the atheistic view ("Dear God" by XTC).

"Sympathy for the Devil" from 1968 by the Rolling Stones stands out, to me, as one of the best examples of a secular songs treading into theological spaces. And to be clear: I think it's pretty airtight.

In a nutshell: I find nothing in the lyric that is incorrect. It's sung in the first-person (as if the enemy himself is speaking) and the admissions he makes (via Jagger's pen) are spot-on.

The devil was around when Jesus was crucified, has been at the core of all the bad that's happened throughout history, does spend all his time puzzling us. (Read the lyrics here and see for yourself.)

Can't you just imagine, too, in a conversation with satan himself that he would attempt such manipulation as to ask for sympathy? I mean, Jagger, Richards, and the rest are no proponents of Christianity for sure - but this song could be (perhaps should be) used as a teaching tool from pop culture on the nature and works of satan.

He is our enemy. He wants to see us harmed. He is the father of lies. He is the prince of this world and allowed to run rampant in some capacities (especially as it relates to our wanton sins and helping us think about them and experience the consequences).

It's far more important to know more about our Savior, Jesus Christ. But in addition, Sun Tzu was right when he said "know your enemy" (The Art of War, 6th century). For a great study on satan, read and/or download this.

Let us not forget that we followers of Christ are in a constant spiritual battle. Our enemy prowls around like a roaring lion waiting to devour (1 Peter 5:8).

The song is catchy - and while I don't let it play in the mental jukebox to use in praise of my Lord, it is an example to me that God's Truth can be seen in lots of unexpected (and unintended) places.

be careful who you listen to

2012-01-30T11:31:00.001-06:00

Believers: the subject of Biblical interpretations is a large and wide one.

Scripture sometimes means different things to different people because we allow our own selfish, sinful desires and motivations to color the Word of God and make it say what we wish it said or want it to say.

We should be leaning (indeed: fully relying) on the Holy Spirit to explain scripture to us.

The question I present to you (that you've hopefully pondered before): who else are you listening to?

There are many teachers, preachers, theologians and purveyors of "truth" out there. Have you checked out the basic belief systems and ideas of the men and women whose books you're reading?

For example: Did you know that, until recently, Bishop T.D. Jakes did not believe in the Trinity? (Read this).

Do you read, listen to podcasts, or watch videos of Joyce Meyer, Creflo Dollar, Joel Osteen? Are you closely, discriminately watching and paying attention that their doctrine matches to the truth of God's Word in all facets?

The advent of the printing press in the 1400s made it possible for everyone to have their own copy of the scriptures (thank the Lord). Prior to that, those in power told people what it said (and used that power to manipulate and coerce).

Are those "in power" in today's Christian world (speakers, preachers, TV talking heads) essentially leaving you wondering what God's Word really says - or are you studying it for yourself and asking the Holy Spirit to explain it to you?

If there be any person (theologian, celebrity preacher, author) from whom you take interpretation of scripture, you best know what they believe at their very core.

About this newfound revelation by Bishop Jakes: the dean of the school of theology at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kentucky (Russell D. Moore) says this: "A Christian pastor affirming least-common-denominator Christian doctrine should hardly be news, much less an elephant in the room. This can only happen in an American evangelicalism that values success, novelty and celebrity more than church accountability."

by what are you recognized?

2012-01-18T19:27:00.000-06:00

What are you “known” for? By what are you recognized? When people think about you, what's the first thing that pops into their mind?

“He can fix anything.” “She always has a smile on her face.” “He'll give you the shirt off his back.” “She's a great cook.” These are various examples in a positive light.

As followers of Christ, I certainly hope we are striving for at least one of the top 2 answers to be: “Jesus.”

If we have an outward manifestation of Christ in us – like a strong work ethic, being known for being helpful, joyfully and eagerly willing to feed people – then our “thing” is an act of worship, an attitude of praise, and will lead to others thinking of Christ.

Brother Alvin Siewert passed away in January. I got a chance to interact with him about a dozen times in the seven months I had the privilege of knowing him. Wonderful man. When I thought of him, I thought of humor, laughter, joy, and Jesus. He always made me smile.

My pastor, Jason, would add “gardening” to that list for Brother Alvin because his encounters centered on that when he first arrived. Alvin showed the love of Jesus by sharing his green thumb advice (and his fruitful results).

I think, for the most part, people think of me as playing the guitar and singing. As a highly untrained musician and songwriter who tries to be humble, it ain't pretty but at least it's something.

I haven't focused enough on making Jesus so known through me that people instantly think of Him when they think of me (for many it's quite the opposite). But hopefully once the initial thought of me and music enters the mind it quickly moves to music that glorifies God and exalts Christ.

For our church's Kingdom Kids program (Wed nights) the focus is scripture memory. I'm tasked with doing songs for the kids that help reinforce the memory verses. More often than not, a song I can easily put my hands on doesn't already exist (or, if it does, it doesn't suit my tastes).

So, I write most of the melodies and put some chords to verbatim verses from the NIV. I quickly record them in the office studio so I won't forget them. Then, I test them out on my kids at home.

“It sounds just like everything else you write,” they usually say. Initially, that drove me nuts. “No, it doesn't!” I'd protest. But on further listening, they were right. Which prompted me (and still does) to try to put more creativity and variation in each new song.

But the goal is that the help commit the verse to memory so I can't stray too far from simplicity. That being said, the flavor and style I bring to anything musical is going to seep through whatever I write and make it recognizable as coming from me (if you're unfortunate enough to be exposed to my work for any length of time).

While I'm nowhere near in the same category: you can always tell a Van Gogh painting, a John Williams soundtrack or a Steven Spielberg film from the familiar elements and style exhibited in their various pieces. Thus, in addition to the “thing” we're known for, usually our flare, fingerprints, or unique touches are also recognized in the results.

As long as credit is given where credit is due (to God for His inspiration and gift/talent-giving) then we can rest assured He is being praised through whatever we “produce” - whether that's a work of creativity, some vegetables from a garden, or a smile and joyful demeanor.

(You can hear the aforementioned scripture memory songs and download free MP3s in the listings to the right.)

worship music snob

2012-01-09T16:13:00.000-06:00

I'm Allan and I am a worship music snob.

(I feel better already.)

Praise songs/songs we sing at church/songs that I'm supposed to use in a worship gathering must speak to me from several angles or I won't use them.

The bad part is that I can only limitedly define some of those angles for you.

But you know how you hear a song on the radio, or Pandora (or wherever) and it just grabs you, repeats itself in your head later, and you just love it? That's the first angle.

It's kinda like the romantic notion of love & attraction. It strikes you, stays with you, makes you take notice. God taps you on the shoulder and says, "There she is" (as I'm fond of telling about the first time I saw my wife). It's as if God taps me on the shoulder about some songs and says, "Do this one."

Admittedly, some songs grow on you when given repeated opportunities. At first the song does nothing for you and you rule it out. But it appears again ... and maybe again ... and (now it's not a coincidence) OK, I think I like this tune now.

The biggest thing for me is the lyric: the words simply cannot say what has already been said a thousand times. As Christians, we can have the same sentiments (God is holy, we love Him) and the pervasive idea can be one that is inescapable and needs to be sung and reminded often (God is holy, we love Him). BUT!! Songwriters must find new ways to say it or it's meaningless repetition in a sea of repetitiveness.

(One caveat to that: if the song really grabs me, I'll bend a little on my snobbishness for the lyric. If the words really cut through in a new way that is fresh to the mind, I'll bend a little on the demand for initial attraction. As you see, being a snob about something rarely follows conventional wisdom or even its own rules.)

This can mean that being part of a praise team where I lead means you sing songs that other churches don't sing. Many aren't on the radio, never got mainstream. Some songs might be "adopted" into the rotation once they've stood the test of time and aren't just trendy/right now favorites.

Take this song, for instance: "Great I Am" by New Life Worship. My sister suggested it. This one almost makes the cut. Not too much of a pop hook (I don't like that most of the time). It's catchy and easy to play. The verses have language that is not just repeating what I've heard umpteen times before. But the chorus (the part the congregants will most remember): not fresh enough semantically. (This song may grow on me, but as of now it's not in my rotation.)

Who am I? Nobody. Just because I don't like a song doesn't mean diddly (other than I likely won't put it in the mix at my church). The more I listen to praise/Christian radio (not much) it continues to show me the formula so many songwriters (and artists and their publishers/distributors) are following. "Let's write a song that sounds like so-in-so, because their song 'Holy is He' (boring title) is popular."

There are some underground/indie worship artists who are challenging the establishment's cookie-cutter songs. It's a true art form to write a congregationally singable song that is new and fresh enough without being weird. (For example: the folks at Indelible Grace have released some terrific recordings that take very old hymns and update them.)

I do my best not to be too disenfranchising and prejudicial about a song before it's heard. Give it a chance. Might get 20 seconds into it. Might hear the whole thing. Worship pastors screen a lot of tunes for consideration.

I'll stop just short of saying that my snobbishness is Holy Spirit-inspired. I won't exactly say that He makes me picky and choosey. And while the world does not need another music critic, the worship pastor must have a critical ear for the songs he/she chooses for their flock to sing or he/she risks perpetuating bland worship devoid of substance.

fear was the foundation

2012-01-03T13:08:00.002-06:00

Disclaimer: This is a rant full of holes. It's not revolutionary or some sort of theological or personal breakthrough. You've maybe had these same thoughts. This is the culmination of some stuff I've mulled and stewed over for the past couple of years.

Nutshell: fear was the foundation of my faith. I'll bet it was for lots of people.

I'll go out on a limb: the evangelical church in the south for the past 100 or more years (read: Southern Baptist, which I am) has missed the joy-filled target by primarily emphasizing the fear of hell as the reason to receive Christ.

I'm not saying hell isn't real. It is. What it's exactly like I have no idea (and don't plan or expect to find out).

But it has gone something like this: "Hell is hot, bad, it never ends and you don't want to go there. Here's the way to avoid it: Jesus died for your sins, and rose again, and if you put your trust in Him you won't go to hell. Want to do that?"

"Sure! Um, now what?"

"Oh, we just want to count you as having gotten saved. Go and be blessed." (Discipleship as a program was attempted, but less of a life-changing effort and more of another slot on the weekly calendar to be filled with church activities to justify facilities and giving volunteers something to do.)

The joy-filled life that Christ wants for us here on earth, as well as in the afterlife (which is a realm and dimension we really can't fathom as hard as we may try) gets almost completely bypassed by the "fire insurance" of salvation.

"Yea! I don't have to go to hell now. Whew! I'll just get on with my life having that assurance and do as I please."

Then as life unfolds and takes its twists and turns, questions arise and doubts and fears dismay (one of our great songs tells us). We wonder if what we experienced earlier in life was real - we may even spend some time checking our fire insurance and asking a salesman preacher if it was authentic and if the policy is still in effect.

It's all based on fear - and our enemy the devil loves that. He loves the religiousness of it all. He loves the chokehold of rules and regulations put in place by the Church for eons that has kept people "in check" and essentially turned many of us into scared followers who don't enjoy life or exhude the love of Christ.

Bluntly: if being a child of God is what most of us reveal to others, why bother? If this "life in Christ" leads to the kind of passing of time many of us are experiencing and revealing, you can't really blame many folks today who say, "No, thanks." The examples many of us are giving are not exactly attractive.

Eternal life doesn't start when we die. It starts from the moment we first understand that our soul (our very essence) does live forever. Some of it is here on the earth and is our only experiential source of understanding. Most of the forever is in the afterlife for which we have Scripture to give some clues.

In the meantime? There's supposed to be joy! There's should be enthusiasm for the fact that God took human form, came to earth, lived a sinless life but empathizes with our humanity fully, paid the penalty we deserve for the sins we commit, but came back to life and is now waiting to come fully redeem us and give us heaven (which is our free gift for simply believing the truth).

We know all that cognitively. We occasionally feel a tug in our hearts through a sentimental worship song that may cause a tear to well up. All this registers with us - but hasn't changed us.

Whether we sacrifice our lives and the time we spend giving to others through mission work, or just become overall more joyful people - whatever form it takes, it's supposed to take some kind of form beyond the sad-faced bumps on logs who piously go through the motions and quietly wonder if this is what it's all about.

Shouldn't we get past the theological arguments over Bible interpretation? Shouldn't we go beyond just playing church as it has been modeled for us? Shouldn't we be capitalizing and basing our life on joy and love and thankfulness and soaking up who Jesus really is than the fear of not following the rules or upholding the good Christian values of this set of beliefs as a religion?

(Thanks for reading.)

do you hear what i hear?

2011-12-24T21:18:00.000-06:00

Click to watch the Hubbards "Do You Hear What I Hear?"
at the Carols & Candles gathering at First Baptist Elgin
on Christmas Eve.

new year, new approach, new attitude?

2011-12-20T16:40:00.000-06:00

(Posting time is prior to Christmas 2011 ... but I'm already shifting into "new year mode" - sorry!)

Here we are again. Another new year has crept up on us.

Who among us can believe it's actually 2012? Have you stopped to think about that (especially those of you who've lived longer than the 40 years I'll acknowledge this month)? Not only are we significantly past the turn of the century, we're now firmly entrenched into the second decade of that century.

Goodness.

It's refreshing and hopeful this time of year as we think about what sorts of cool things God will show us, teach us, help us through in the coming year.

When you stop at the end of a year and think about all the changes that happened in the previous 12 months, then contemplate at the beginning of a new year the load of things that will come your way, it can be exciting, overwhelming – make you anxious, or giddy.

The title track from Stephen Curtis Chapman's 2004 album “All Things New” has some poignant lyrics in the chorus:

"You make all things new, You make all things new.

You redeem and You transform, You renew and You restore."

Don't you love to watch the seasons change – especially from the cold of winter (where we are now) into the spring … as things unfold and reawaken, we see God working in ways only He can.

While we're here in winter's hibernation thinking about the coming year: what sorts of change can you intentionally participate in this year? What things can you do on purpose that toss life up a bit and make it more interesting for you and those around you?

God has a plan (you know that) and it's so much more fun to be cooperative with His plan and see where it goes. Things drop in your lap or people fall in your pathway that are no coincidence.

Let me encourage you through prayer, scripture meditation and good old fashioned gut intuition to ask God to show you changes you should make this year – from little things like a new hobby, seeking out new international recipes or finally reading a spiritual classic book (I'm about to jump in to Philip Yancey's “The Jesus I Never Knew”). As opportunities come along, take advantage of them.

How about joining a small group at your church, or singing with the praise team a couple of times per month?

There are lots of things to immerse yourself in with gusto right in your church family – from a ministry team hanging out with teenagers, helping with children's programs mid-week, volunteering in some area that you see makes a difference (or needs some new blood) - what are you waiting for?

Someone once told me they didn't like change just for change's sake. I couldn't disagree more. Sure, not everything in life has to change (we like some traditions and ways of doing things) – but for those areas of your life where you need a makeover (attitude? overall approach with joy instead of gloom? losing the sarcasm?): take the bull by the horns this year.

my friend Paul

2011-12-06T15:20:00.000-06:00

There's a pastor friend from Paris, Texas, who is battling cancer. His name is Paul Dearinger. He shepherds & teaches the folks at Christian Fellowship Church.

The cancer has progressed to stage IV and Paul is in some heavy chemo treatments now with other surgeries in the future should these treatments do what is hoped.

But cancer is not what Paul is about.

Paul is about sharing the love of Jesus with others. He's about living to the fullest this life on earth that God has given him. I was in a couple of plays with Paul at the community theater in Paris (where he's still active) and served with him in the minister's association there for a couple of years.

A lengthy search would reveal very few in the same category of a stand-up guy full of compassion, common sense, and humor. That whole "share the love of Jesus and, when necessary, use words" thing is true of Paul. He lives it out and the true Source is unmistakable.

And I'm not saying nice things just because he has cancer.

At some point, as I've followed his trials and treatments on Facebook (thanks to his terrific wife, Susan - a saintly, honest & transparent superwife) I got a nudge from the Spirit to write a song about him. It crossed my mind a couple or three times per week for a month or so.

Then, over the Thanksgiving holiday, I was back in Paris to visit family and ran into Paul & Susan going into a restaurant. Lyrics had already been swimming in my head, but getting to hug the big guy reminded me how he's still walking tall in the midst of this cancer business. (Paul's a football-stature fella - would be menacing if I didn't know him better.)

The physical presence of him, feeling the strength still in his handshake and seeing no fear in his eyes, inspired me further to flesh out the song. (And let me say right now this tune has nothing to do with me - it's all about Paul.)

I believe fully the Holy Spirit gave me this song to, in some small way, encourage people to pray for Paul. I recorded it in an afternoon in the office studio and then tried my hand at highly amateur YouTube videomaking to perhaps give it a slightly wider audience.

After linking it on Facebook, I also submitted it to the Paris Christian radio station, Big Fish FM, and asked them to put it in rotation - all so people will pray for Paul. (Not sure if the radio folks will go for it, but ...).

Will you help spread the word, and the prayers?

Song: "My Friend Paul" (mp3)
Video: on YouTube

your temple now

2011-11-30T14:51:00.000-06:00

My Pastor this Sunday is continuing his expository walk through Acts and is smack in the middle of Stephen's speech to the Sanhedrin in chapter 7.

Jason is going to hone in on Moses, holy ground, the tabernacle, etc., from verses 20-53, with emphasis on wherever God is is holy ground and that through Jesus we are the temple and tabernacle.

It's also Christmas season and the primary praise sets are loaded with songs of the season for this Sunday morning. But the invitation/response spot was open for something to be tailored to the Pastor's message.

Immediately the song "Holy Ground" by Geron Davis came to mind (from the 80s, methinks). Jason also suggested this John Mark McMillan tune.

But as I pondered, read the passage, and hummed a bit this song came to me. Hopefully, it will be fitting punctuation.

another good king

2011-11-28T10:37:00.000-06:00

Sometimes Christmas music grates on my nerves. It's the bah-humbug in me that sneaks up when I don't pay attention and suppress it to let the joy of the season take over. (You know it happens to you, too, sometimes.)

Perhaps it's the repetition of endlessly hearing the same Christmas songs over and over everywhere you go. There's pretty much always a song going in my head (mental D.J.) and Christmas songs begin to all blend together in a mix-mash where I have trouble distinguishing one from another.

I also have a relatively stone-written policy as a worship pastor: do not repeat a Christmas song within the same season (if at all possible). From “Christmas Sundays” (which do not begin before December) to special events and Christmas Eve carols and candles: sing every song once.

Lest you think I'm a scrooge about holiday music … I do have a favorite. “Good King Wenceslas.”

Surely you've heard this one.

It's based on a legendary 10th century Duke in Bohemia. In 1853, English hymnwriter John Mason Neale took a 13th century Finnish tune and wrote the lyrics to match and tell the story.

Here's a cool Celtic-infused version to listen to.

Good King Wenceslas looked out  on the feast of Stephen 
When the snow lay round about  deep and crisp and even
Brightly shone the moon that night  though the frost was cruel
When a poor man came in sight  gath'ring winter fuel

"Hither, page, and stand by me.  If thou know'st it, telling:
Yonder peasant, who is he?  Where and what his dwelling?"
"Sire, he lives a good league hence  underneath the mountain
Right against the forest fence  by Saint Agnes' fountain."

"Bring me flesh and bring me wine.  Bring me pine logs hither.
You and I will see him dine  when we bear him thither."
Page and monarch forth they went, forth they went together 
Through the rude wind's wild lament  and the bitter weather.

"Sire, the night is darker now  and the wind blows stronger. 
Fails my heart, I know not how,  I can go no longer." 
"Mark my footsteps, my good page,  tread thou in them boldly.
Thou shalt find the winter's rage  freeze thy blood less coldly."

In his master's steps he trod  where the snow lay dinted. 
Heat was in the very sod  which the Saint had printed. 
Therefore, Christian men, be sure: wealth or rank possessing.
Ye who now will bless the poor  shall yourselves find blessing.

Worship of our Lord and Savior, Jesus, includes following His example. This song tells a great story of a person who did that – living out his faith in a chance encounter with a poor person. Even though Wenceslas is a king, he exemplifies the real King through his actions.

Acts of service, sacrifice and giving to others – all simultaneously acts of worship.

Merry Christmas!

always writing, always creating

2011-11-15T15:15:00.002-06:00

What did you write today?

Created in the image of the God who loves us, He has given us the ability to be creative. That comes in many forms.

And depending on your role using your creativity, there are times when the function and needs of a worship gathering dictate what you create. The creativity can extend to start-from-scratch or just modifying something that already exists to better tag or tie-in to another important element.

Example: my pastor on a recent Sunday taught on the opening verses of Acts chapter 5. Suffice it to say, there are no songs that directly speak of the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira.

I found a couple of songs that somewhat deal with the angle he was going to take on these verses. But a somewhat close theme in the lyric of the familiar hymn "I Surrender All" (Judson W. Van DeVenter, Winfield S. Weeden) brought that song to mind.

I re-wrote the words to tailor more to where the pastor was headed and used this as the song of response/invitation sung to the same melody:

verse 1:

Lord, You give me all I need and / sometimes I don't give to You

I compare my gift to others / that's not what You ask me to

chorus:

All I have is Yours - All I have is Yours

Money, talents, health and service – all I have is Yours

verse 2:

I don't want to hold it back, so / Lord, I bring my best today

Sacrifice must cost me something / Lord, there's nothing else to say

(repeat chorus)

I also was recently inspired to pen a bluesy little call-and-response number to be our team's offering at the community Thanksgiving worship service coming up Sunday, Nov. 20. We have a team with some soul (believe it, or not, for a big old mostly white semi-traditional Baptist church) and this little number will (hopefully) be fun. (Update: Video here)

It's called "Gonna Raise My Hands." Our congregation this coming Sunday morning will hear it as the offertory special.

The words are nothing to write home about (as most bluesy gospel numbers usually re-hash familiar sentiments) and putting them here out of context will possibly even cheapen the whole mood of the song. I recorded a little scratch track of it in the office studio so I don't forget how it goes (had to hit some falsetto notes the ladies will reach for in the verses).

We can be our own best - and worst - editors, as we simultaneously let creativity flow we should be critiquing for excellence, accuracy, polishing and honing in on the best parts, letting go of the stuff that emerges as junk - purifying, refining - just as Christ purifies and refines us, His created objects of love.

maniac worship

2011-11-03T09:26:00.000-05:00

Driving to the church this morning, quickly tiring of switching the radio through the 2 Christian stations broadcasting in the area which seemingly play the same formulaic, swallowable songs over-and-over again, I flipped to KGSR.

Just cranking up was Natalie Merchant (former lead singer for the 10,000 Maniacs) doing one of her solo tunes "Kind and Generous."

I've never been necessarily a 10,000 Maniacs fan, but they were the kind of band that wouldn't make me surf the airwaves for something else when they came on. It's one of those take-them-or-leave-them sounds: one you wouldn't seek out, per se, but were OK if they were on. Ya feel me?

Anyway ... I have probably heard this song a couple dozen times in my life. The chorus with the hook was the most memorable portion: "Na na na, na na na na" - typing it doesn't do it justice, but as a background-type tune that was the part you take away. Had never, until this morning, paid attention to the lyrics in the verse.

I have a point (so stay with me) - but I must tell you that I was struck early on as a new father to teach my kids to look for God, Jesus, and the Message in all forms of art (film, music, etc.) that might fall in their path.

We don't, as followers of Christ, have to be sheltered from or avoid those neutral items that don't intentionally glorify God. We can enjoy almost anything creative filtered through the Truth of the Word and what we know of God's handiwork (i.e. learning to see God in everything).

So, here are the words to the song at issue:

You've been so kind and generous
I don't know how you keep on giving
For your kindness I'm in debt to you
For your selflessness, my admiration
And for everything you've done

You know I'm bound...
I'm bound to thank you for it

You've been so kind and generous
I don't know how you keep on giving
For your kindness I'm in debt to you
And I never could have come this far without you
So for everything you've done

You know I'm bound...
I'm bound to thank you for it

I want to thank you
For so many gifts
You gave with love and tenderness
I want to thank you

I want to thank you
For your generosity
The love and the honesty
That you gave me

I want to thank you
Show my gratitude
My love and my respect for you
I want to thank you

I want to...

Thank you
Thank you

* *

I don't know Natalie Merchant's faith or whether this was inspired by a friend or the deity she worships, but for me - right there in the pickup - it was worship.

Her lyrics, no matter where they came from, helped me turn my focus for the morning to praise and thanks to my Creator and His Son, Jesus, and the sentiments she portrayed in her song were wellsprung in my heart and mind.

In what similar type creative forms do you find inspiration for praise where it may not have been intended?

why I don't like halloween

2011-10-27T07:11:00.002-05:00

Fuddy-Duddy alert: if you're all about the holiday known as Halloween and don't want to get a furrow in your brow, stop reading and move on.

Furthermore: I'm primarily addressing believers and followers of Christ here. (Those who are not of the faith cannot be expected to act upon matters of faith.)

Here's why I don't like Halloween:

It has become, in my short lifetime, far more involved in glorifying fear and evil than in the past. And as entertainment, no less! There is nothing wrong with dressing up as someone or something you're not, having a night of pretend, and making revelry/eating/being around others who are doing the same, being thankful for cooler autumn weather, giving thanks for the harvest and whatnot.

But what exactly are we now celebrating? After all, that is what a holiday is supposed to be: a time of celebration.

I'm not trying to be some kind of holiday purist. The origin of this holiday has dubious lineage just as Christmas does (pagans and all that). But its primary claim to fame roots as the night before All Saints Day (November 1) which honors those followers of Christ who've passed on. I rather prefer to call it "All Hallows Eve" - eve (the night before), hallow (to be honored).

It's not the holiday itself that I'm taking issue with. It's the direction, flavor or theme American society has increasingly given to it.

I'm not advocating costume police or calling for congressional involvement as to who should decide what's appropriate to wear or be disguised in. (Remember: I'm mainly talking to professing, church-going believers in Jesus here.) But why let your kids (or you, for that matter) pretend to be something dead, evil, ghoulish, etc.?

To pretend to be something brings identity with it. To dress up/act like a vampire ingrains at least a little bit of "I'd like to be a vampire" - and all that goes with that mythicalness weaves its way into the psyche (even if just as a memory). Of course, you can't become a vampire. (Or can you?)

Why not pretend to be a hero, someone who exhibits noble character traits, or is at least neutral? I won't go so far as to make specific suggestions, but have you given enough thought to what you're letting your kids pretend to be this year?

(Don't get me started on this whole recent phenomenon with zombies. What the heck? It's like for a few years there's this evil creature that's popular, then something else. Now zombies. Whole cities and chambers of commerce are glorifying the walking dead with fundraisers and such. Boggles the mind.)

The enemy of souls is standing back laughing as we honor/celebrate whole notions involved in his very business: fear and evil. "But it's harmless fun!" Nonsense. A frog dropped into a pot of boiling water will instantly jump out. But a frog put in room temperature or tepid water, and put over a low flame, will slowly allow itself to be cooked.

Churches are annually in a conundrum. How do you have a fall festival or provide an "alternative" to what Halloween has become without being self-righteous and judgmental by inferring or outright telling people not to wear offensive/evil/scary costumes? Awkward moments are sure to happen.

To me, having a church member or regular attender who is seeking more of a relationship with Christ show up at a church-sanctioned event dressed as an albeit fictional character aligned with the enemy is bordering on heresy. Just sayin'.

"Reject every kind of evil." (1 Thessalonians 5:22, NIV) "Abstain from every form of evil." (NKJV) "Stay away from every kind of evil." (NLT) This doesn't leave much room for interpretation, fellow followers of Christ.

(For more reading on the scriptural aspect of this subject, go here.)

Friends: we have hard enough time struggling with our own sins which are many times unconscious and unintentional. Why dabble with such notions of evil and fear on purpose?

Our enemy wants to deceive us, as he has from the beginning. He's good it. He does it all the time. Whether the rest of the world mistakenly allows "entertainment" to lure them in to his web should not give us justification to do the same.

In the end, this is a matter of Christian maturity and pursuit of righteousness. Any matter of faith with which you are confronted must be dealt with in study and certainly in prayer. Ask God, through the Holy Spirit, to explain how He wants you to be involved in Halloween. It is your relationship with God, and the growth He wants for you, at issue here - not the world's.

Those we are responsible for can be helped or harmed in how we handle Halloween. I'm not advocating for its demise or laying a good old-fashioned Baptist foundation for why we should get rid of something. But prudently approaching our involvement - especially as parents - can have positive, lasting consequences on how we are in the world, but not of it.

paid back for your raising

2011-10-24T15:16:00.000-05:00

There's an old saying I learned growing up in Texas: "Getting paid back for your raising."

It refers to receiving difficulties while raising children that you may have dished out to your parents when you were young (particularly teen years).

Let me tell you: I don't remember giving my parents the kinds of troubles I seem to receive. I'm sure there are plenty of things I've chosen to forget (and hope my folks have, too) and the whitewashing of troublesome memories can be a blessing.

I've always been told that the worst parts of our personalities will manifest themselves in our children. Even the smallest of things you think surely can't be coming across as influential end up rearing their heads in your kids.

It's tough. I ain't gonna lie.

Literally, the hardest thing to do is be a good parent. And it's only slightly harder than working on being the best husband I can be.

I'm not a good parent. But I try to be honest in my failures, admit mistakes, ask forgiveness, be transparent. I'm not consistent enough. I have high standards and a small window for learning curves.

Finishing the book "On Being a Pastor" by Derek Prime and Alistair Begg. On page 265, I am reminded: "God often uses our families to keep us humble and aware of our daily need of His grace, and that is no bad thing."

Eeyore or Pooh?

2011-10-17T12:08:00.000-05:00

What is your countenance?

When you close your eyes and think of your overall demeanor (or, better yet, if others were asked to 'classify' your overall attitude) ... what do you show?

Are you happy, or sad? Are you sunshine, or cloudy? Glass half-full, or half-empty?

I don't mean literally all-the-time, non-stop. But for the most part, overall ... into which category do you primarily fall?

Are you Eeyore or Pooh? Doom-and-gloom (mostly), or positive and cheerful (mostly)?

For the sake of discussion, let's refer to the two possibilities as light or dark. Again, not saying this is an all-the-time temperament but what mainly characterizes you.

I fall into the dark category.

I could try and "justify" my dark-ness and chalk it up to any number of things via pop-psychology. My biological father died when I was 4-years-old, for one.

Other people who are dark point to traumatic events like death of a parent or childhood molestation or physical abuse, etc. These are clear 2+2=4 type explanations for many people.

But we don't get to hang our hats on that and get off with a pass.

I was thinking about music and how the gloomy sorts are so creative. I find myself to be most creative when skies are cloudy and the weather is ominous.

Listening on KGSR the other day I heard a Kings of Leon song. My oldest son loves them. I took him to see them in Dallas this summer for his 16th birthday present.

Their lead singer, Caleb Followill, was having a now semi-infamous meltdown at the show we attended. He's a gloomy/dark type from what I gather. Drugs and/or alcohol are a problem. But man, the music and lyrics he writes are pretty good.

There's a sweet, sweet lady in our church named Debbie. She is an absolute ray of light, a joy to be around. Her smile and sweet disposition are infectious. She radiates joy and the love of Jesus to all she comes in contact with. Even when I've seen her (rarely) in a semi-state of frustration or nose-to-the-grind on a difficult task, she is 20 times more pleasant to be around than I am.

I want that kind of joy to emanate from me. I want that disposition. I want my countenance to be lifted up and when others close their eyes, or remember me when I'm gone, that my attitude was that of a cheerful, positive outlook.

It could be argued that such a deeply ingrained trait is difficult to change. Perhaps it is hardest among all things to literally reverse your overall outlook on life.

As Christians, we are to be full of joy because of the love of Christ in us. We are to be the light to all we encounter.

So, is this a sinful disposition I have? Are we who are more like Eeyore in the wrong with our "natural" approach to things?

memory verse songs

2011-10-12T15:52:00.001-05:00

(Update: click here for all the mp3 scripture memory songs I wrote for Fall 2011, plus lead sheets with lyrics and chords.)

We have a terrific kids program on Wednesday nights that focuses on scripture memory through recreation & games, lessons, and music. Lots of churches have such special focuses (such as Awana).

Ours is called Kingdom Kids. It is mostly our own creation (Pastor Jason Huddleston's brainchild) and we can tailor it each week as we see fit. No royalties to pay.

A super-cool foam board castle was designed and built in a big upstairs classroom (with a screen for lyrics, flickering light medieval-looking candle fixtures, and a 3 1/2 foot suit of armor we found for $20 on Craigslist).

Kingdom Kids incorporates Lifeway's Bible Skills, Drills & Thrills as the core curriculum and guide for which verses to focus on for memory. (Some kids are even preparing for competition.)

Not all of the verses, however, come with a song already written as a memory aid. There are a few on CD that comes with the curriculum ... but, what do you do when you've got a memory verse (or a sermon point) that you want to emphasize through song and one doesn't already exist (or you don't have time for an exhaustive search)?

You write it.

Now, to be honest, I'm not proclaiming such a thing to be some amazing gift that I have. These songs aren't great works of composition. They are children-oriented, children-targeted and easy to sing, easy to remember. That's the point.

Not saying it's "easy" to write a song for kids or that just anybody can do it. Not saying that such songs aren't as important to the overall scheme of Christian music as some sanctuary anthem, either. If the point is to help kids hide God's Word in their hearts, then that's worth striving for.

I've penned simple melodies and chord structures for a couple dozen of these tunes through the years as needed. Below are the 3 most recent, recorded as a scratch track with a two-mic setup in the office studio. I share these just as examples (not intended to be templates for you to follow). Two of my semi-sarcastic children love to point out how "cheesy" and similar my tunes like this sound. Apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Share with me something you've done in a similar vein.

(Update: click here for all the mp3 scripture memory songs I wrote for Fall 2011, plus lead sheets with lyrics and chords.)

just down the street

2011-09-30T07:32:00.000-05:00

Moving the family. Again. Second time in 6 months. Packing, loading and such are no fun. We're a big family of 7 and there's a lot of stuff.

We're not leaving our current post at FBC Elgin ... just into a different house. A variety of reasons mostly due to the horrible housing market and the fail of a sale of our house back in Paris.

The neighborhood where we're going is not my first choice. I'm not used to being so close to other people in living arrangements. Lots of movement among the neighbors. They're not shy. Perhaps there's a mission field for us to shine light into ... but for now, I've shifted into "alert" mode.

It made me reflect on the book I finished recently about shepherds. I came up with this:

The shepherd must occasionally move the flock somewhere else for other scenery, other feeding opportunities. Sometimes it's near, sometimes a little further. Sometimes the surroundings require more vigilance for protection. Setting up camp and erecting the tent requires many details and logistics be seen to. Not easy, but worth it. Provide, protect, guide. Onward through the fog!

the dangers of humanism

2011-09-22T17:06:00.000-05:00

My two oldest sons (homeschooled sophomores in high school) spend two afternoons per week studying things I determine to be important to their understanding of theology and a practical relationship with Jesus. Right now they’re reading “Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ” by John Piper and watching a video series by Francis Schaeffer called “How Should We Then Live?”

Schaeffer spent a great deal of time and energy analyzing and warning us (prior to his death in 1984) of the dangers of humanism. Humanism can be considered a process by which truth and morality is sought through human investigation. According to humanism, our views on morals can change when new knowledge and information is discovered. It focuses on the capacity for self-determination, rejects dependence on faith or the supernatural, as well the notion that religious texts have divine origin.

Schaeffer often referred to humanism as proposing that man is the measure of all things. “Man has only knowledge from himself. That he, being finite, limited, very faulty in his observation of many things, yet nevertheless, has no possible source of knowledge except what man, beginning from himself, can find out from his own observation. Specifically, in this view, there is no place for any knowledge from God.”

During the Dark Ages, or the Medieval period of history (400-1100), there was little emphasis put on learning or understanding. People were told to just believe what authority or the church told them instead of trying to figure things out for themselves.

After those Dark Ages years came the Renaissance (1200-1600), the Reformation (1485-1700) and the Age of Enlightenment (beginning 1765 or so). Humanism was born out of these years where people were encouraged to figure things out, think for themselves, read and learn on their own, discover.

The good things from these years of encouraging people to learn and think for themselves went too far. Man began to think he didn’t need God – he could know it all himself, and even define it all himself. That’s where humanism began.

One of my favorite singer/songwriters is Slaid Cleaves. Like many American songwriters such as Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen (who I also love), Slaid Cleaves draws inspiration from Woody Guthrie. Guthrie was an early-to-mid 20^th Century folk singer who was described by some as a neo-socialist. He was, like many of our most creative types, anti-establishment. But some of his songs were really good (if you can get past some of his politics). He wrote “This Land is Your Land” which children across this nation learn to sing at a young age (or did when I was in school).

Guthrie claimed to be a Christian at some points in his career but he also wrote songs that embodied humanism. One was “This Morning I Am Born Again” and it borrows imagery of the life of Christ. The aforementioned Slaid Cleaves recorded the song on his album “Broke Down” in 2000.

“This morning I was born again and a light shines on my land. I no longer look for heaven in your deathly distant land. I do not want your pearly gates don’t want your streets of gold. This morning I was born again and a light shines on my soul.

“This morning I was born again, I was born again complete. I stood up above my troubles and I stand on my two feet. My hand it feels unlimited, my body feels like the sky. I feel at home in the universe where yonder planets fly.

“This I was born again, my past is dead and gone. This great eternal moment is my great eternal dawn. Each drop of blood within me, each breath of life I breathe is united with these mountains and the mountains with the seas.

“I feel the sun upon me, it’s rays crawl through my skin. I breathe the life of Jesus and old John Henry in. I give myself, my heart, my soul to give some friend a hand. This morning I was born again, I am in the promised land.

“This morning I was born again and a light shines on my land. I no longer look for heaven in your deathly distant land. I do not want your pearly gates don’t want your streets of gold. And I do not want your mansion for my heart is never cold.”

No matter what kind of music you listen to, you must examine the lyrics. If they are saying something that goes against the truth of scripture, you have the responsibility to at least know that – acknowledge it – and take that into consideration as to whether you should listen to it, or not.

It’s a matter of faith between you and God.

That’s not to say that everything you listen to must proclaim the name of Jesus or glorify God. I’m not a legalist when it comes to music. But when something directly holds up another belief system (especially one that proclaims man as able to decide for himself what is right and wrong) then you should at least be aware.

The things we listen to, watch, read, and subject ourselves to become part of who we are. The old adage “oh, be careful little eyes what you see” doesn’t stop when you become an adult. You are influenced – even if in subtle ways.

Ultimately, whether you consciously make decisions lifting yourself up as the authority on right/wrong, or if you simply avoid God or His direction in your life, you elevate yourself – a human – higher than Him.

That is humanism. It’s also pride.

character should be more important than money

2011-09-22T07:58:00.000-05:00

WHO YOU ARE, not what you do or what you have, should be the focus of every human - especially followers of Jesus.

The press (and some sociologists) are now trying to label a "lost generation" suffering from the "atrocities" of our currently poor economy.

Go read this article.

We experience things as a society and, when uncontrollables like the economy change those past experiences, it's a bad thing and leads to a "lost generation?"

Priorities and expectations are so far off the map it's creating more doldrum and "depression" than it needs to. Even many economic indicators are based on expectations - "we thought we'd see this kind of growth, but we saw less growth" so it's considered a loss.

So what if you have to live with your parents when the world says you "should" own your own home and live far away from them. So what if you're not upwardly mobile and gaining financial security as fast as you think you should.

People who lived through worse poverty and lack of opportunities than this (Great Depression) had much better *character* than we see in leaders (and even regular folks) today.

Unless Jesus comes back, this "lost generation" might turn things around from materialism and focus on money driving the world.

will i live to be 93?

2011-09-12T21:13:00.003-05:00

This isn't going to be tied up in a neat little package or have much of a pointed lesson. It just is what it is.

Since moving to Elgin, Texas, earlier this year I've gotten to know (gradually) a wonderful man full of stories and humor named Alvin. Being the good Baptists that we are, we show him proper respect with the title Brother Alvin.

Alvin is 93 years young and spent life up until 2002 in Kentucky.

Today, I spent the better part of the morning visiting Alvin with my deacon friend Paul Peterson. When we got out to his place, he was resting a bit having worked awhile repairing an old, rusty hay rake implement. His hands were red from spray painting it to spruce it up.

I asked Bro. Alvin if I could take his picture. He never really answered me so in the middle of one of his great, true-life stories I just opened my bag and brought out the camera.

Paul and I sat on Alvin's porch and he told us about opening his own auto garage at the age of 21 (that would be 72 years ago, in 1930) and the men that worked for him, how he told a big oil company "no" to buying him out in the early 1970s so the loyal men who worked for him could keep their jobs.

He told us about the time a bull plowed him over and broke 14 of his ribs and put him in the hospital for a month. He was 79 at the time.

He swears the Lord spoke to him through an apparition that came down from the corner of his hospital room not long before they "cut him loose." Bro. Alvin went 26 years without missing a single Sunday school class. He showed me a photo of a barn he built with his own two hands out of scrap lumber.

There's a fire station named after him somewhere in Kentucky. He spent 20+ years as a volunteer fireman and was driving the truck at the age of 75 when he finally told the fire chief that even if some drunk caused a crash with the firetruck, they'd all be in trouble because it would be blamed on Alvin's age. So they accepted his resignation.

Bro. Alvin can't hear very well, so Paul and I mainly listened. It was nice to spend more time concerned with what someone with such experience had to say rather than chiming in with my own two cents. Paul and I learned early in the conversation that was how it was gonna be - so we followed suit.

As we were leaving, Bro. Alvin mentioned how I played guitar and that he had built an instrument to play. He sent Paul in to retrieve it. He calls it his panjo. It's a bed pan that he outfittted with a guitar neck. He said if Willie Nelson could write a song then he could, too.

"People tell me my music stinks, and ... (sniffing the bed pan) by God, they're right," Alvin chuckled.

I hope I make it to 93. I hope I have some great stories to tell.

it's not complaining, right?

2011-09-08T07:02:00.001-05:00

"How are you?"

"Fine."

How many times in your week does this exchange happen?

Often you are the one asking - just for small talk or to satisfy that awkwardness of silence in an encounter, or maybe you really mean it and care about the other person's current disposition.

Just as often, you are the one being asked. You can go into lots of things that illustrate and describe how you really are - but you just answer "fine."

It is in those moments when you're on the receiving end of the question where you choose whether to be honest or just give a pat response. Lately, for me, I've been opening up and being honest.

And it can come across as complaining. Because we all have those weeks where everything collides, we are overburdened and weighed down with busy-ness as well as important things that we cannot "get out of" or choose to say "no" to. Those things begin to knock us in the gut and, well, briefly talking about it can be cathartic and helpful in a counseling sort-of way.

"How are you?"

Discerning when someone really wants to know (the look in their eyes, the history and depth of the relationship you have with them) can tell you when it's OK to open up. The nature of the situation at hand can tell you whether you should be brief or go into everything that's hitting you.

But it can come across as complaining. Did I say that already?

Indeed, we should count our blessings. We should focus on the positive and not let the negative overtake us. There are light and momentary troubles and there are unexpected interruptions in everyone's life.

I think it was my former pastor, Tim Reger, who taught and showed me that ministry is never convenient. The needs of others will often come at the worst possible time and collide with other parts of life you already scheduled. It's just part of the deal of being a shepherd.

Flexibility is important. It's also the thing I struggle with most. I'm highly planned, time-management oriented, efficient (aka cramming lots in, or double booking things). I'm constantly adapting and figuring out how to balance it all with others getting the best of me and the little things getting the rest of me.

But then someone will throw that question at me. "How are you?"

One of my answers is, "I've been better, and I've been worse, so I'm OK." It sorta wraps it all up in a little catchphrase. It's honest - and if the person cares to dig further, I'm ready to spill it out. But it's not the old standby of "fine."

Periodically, though, I grab one example of a stressor that I'm in the middle of and let 'em have it. It helps me open up a bit. I'm being real, honest, and transparent. We all deal with difficulties and, well, I personally think keeping it all in is damaging. Even the little things. Even as the words leave my mouth, I qualify them with "I know people have it worse" or I use some comparative analysis ... but it's still what I'm in the middle of, and you asked, so ...

Even pastors, leaders, and shepherds (in various forms) need to vent sometimes. I really do try to gauge the amount and frequency of the venting so I don't come across as someone who's always complaining. But I'm sure there are those who happen to be within earshot more often than others and hear more than they care to of me whining.

This week, in particular, has been challenging: the launch of some huge ministry-based things at church, coupled with a short holiday week (Mondays off are, really, not good for me) to cram 5 days of needs into 4 (I worked Labor Day, thanks), the normal routine of duties that must be done in preparation for various meetings and gatherings (like Sunday morning worship) then throw in a nearby natural disaster, dealing with the paperwork and logistics of another big life change, staying on top of two teenage boys' homeschool lessons and, well ... you get the idea.

Thanks for listening. I feel better.

How are you?

i shot these today 9.5.11

2011-09-05T21:52:00.000-05:00

The view at 5:15 a.m. No sleep on Labor Day.

A little afternoon trip to SoCo and the Capitol building with the kids.

i will not be a pawn

2011-09-02T11:06:00.000-05:00

Basic undeniables of life. Right and wrong. True and false. Then and now. Sweet and salty. Win and lose. Light and dark.

In many ways, these primary concepts define each other. Some have said you can't have one without the other, you can't know what one is without knowing what the other is.

I'm still working my way through a terrific 40-day devotional book "While Shepherds Watch Their Flocks" by Timothy Laniak. If you must know, I'm on day 28 (primarily M-F study). Day 25 this week was about shepherds dealing with the darkness, the predators that capitalize on it, and the occasional shadows we all pass into.

On page 170: "Darkness is the choice setting for the work of God's enemies. ... The devil's realm is the kingdom of darkness, and utter darkness is another name for hell."

It is a basic undeniable of life that we who seek to walk in the light of Christ have an enemy in satan who wants to thwart us at all costs. He is the father of lies and in him there is no truth.

The longer we walk with the Lord and perhaps experience prosperity, health, and a life characterized by everything being OK, the more apt we are to forget the enemy is there, prowling around like a lion ready to devour.

"The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist." So says Kevin Spacey's character in the film "The Usual Suspects" (speaking of an evil criminal and the ways he has avoided capture). We who follow Christ would do well to remember that our enemy still tries this trick and supplements it with slipping in and out of our lives oftentimes undetected so as to help us forget he's there.

Worship in the worldwide Church is not immune - organized, conducted, implemented and led by faulty humans preyed upon by the enemy who can be effected by him in unbeknownst ways. C.S. Lewis in his great book on exploring the nature of our enemy, "The Screwtape Letters," has the mentor demon proclaiming "one of our great allies at present is the Church itself."

It behooves us to be reminded to intentionally seek the Light which casts no shadow, to purposefully dwell in His joy and truth. On a daily basis it can creep in: that subtly growing nag to complain or camp on troubles instead of counting blessings.

Indigo Girls have a great song about the mindset we need adopt, the analysis of our surroundings and what actions we must take when it comes to our attention: "Prince of Darkness." Listen here. The lyrics are as follows:

My place is of the sun and this place is of the dark
I do not feel the romance I do not catch the spark

I don't know when I noticed life was life at my expense
The words of my heart lined up like prisoners on a fence
The dreams came in like needy children tugging at my sleeve
I said I have no way of feeding you, so leave

But there was a time I asked my father for a dollar
And he gave it a ten dollar raise
When I needed my mother and I called her
She stayed with me for days

And now someone's on the telephone, desperate in his pain
Someone's on the bathroom floor doing her cocaine
Someone's got his finger on the button in some room
No one can convince me we aren't gluttons for our doom

But I tried to make this place my place
I asked for Providence to smile upon me with his sweet face
But I'll tell you

Chorus
My place is of the sun and this place is of the dark
I do not feel the romance I do not catch the spark
My place is of the sun and this place is of the dark
(By grace, my sight grows stronger and I will not
be a pawn for the Prince of Darkness any longer)

Maybe there's no haven in this world for tender age
My heart beat like the wings of wild birds in a cage
My greatest hope my greatest cause to grieve
And my heart flew from its cage and it bled upon my sleeve

The cries of passion were like wounds that needed healing
I couldn't hear them for the thunder
I was half the naked distance between hell and heaven's ceiling
And he almost pulled me under

Now someone's on the telephone desperate in his pain
Someone's on the bathroom floor doing her cocaine
Someone's got his finger on the button in some room
No one can convince me we aren't gluttons for our doom

I tried to make this place my place
I asked for Providence to smile upon me with his sweet face
But I'll tell you

My place is of the sun and this place is of the dark
I do not feel the romance I do not catch of spark
My place is of the sun and this place is of the dark
(By grace my sight grows stronger, grows stronger)
I do not feel the romance I do not catch the spark
(And I will not be a pawn for the Prince of Darkness any longer)

songwriting scripture

2011-08-30T11:22:00.000-05:00

Worship songs should, of course, be doctrinally sound and as supportive and parallel to scripture as possible.

Whether you're choosing songs for your church that others have written, or you're writing them yourself, God's Word is the obvious foundation for the lyrics whether we poetically rephrase or paraphrase, or quote directly.

I love tailor-making a song to tie directly to where a preached or taught message will focus. Often, there's at least a hymn or two addressing a particular notion or principle of faith. But what if while mining the canon of songs you come up with nothing that directly integrates a certain passage?

Write it!

Easy to say, maybe hard to do? Not really ... honestly, ask the Holy Spirit to empower and inspire you. As you read and study the passage (in asbsolute quiet, I've found) allow a prayerful attitude to be a channel for God to speak to you. A particular turn of phrase or catchy line of a chorus may be your jumping off point.

I don't claim to be some expert on this, but have frequently been on the receiving end of God's musical message where scripture is directly quoted. It's most often when there's a pending/pressing message upcoming and, voila!

I once read an interview with Merle Haggard and he said something to the effect that songwriting was like being a radio receiving a signal - that he didn't necessarily think of himself as deserving any credit as much as listening when something was given to him and just being there to catch it and write it down.

The hymnwriter seeking to honor God and give Jesus praise in songs for congregations can adopt a similar attitude, albeit giving credit to the sender of said message.

This week, my pastor (Jason Huddleston) is beginning a new series on Acts titled "To the End of the Earth." He's going to expositorily walk us through the book for however many months it takes. The first 11 verses are his first message.

In preparing for the upcoming Sunday, I read through and studied those verses. I've been wanting to have a song or two from time to time whose style is akin to the traditional "black church" gospel/bluesy sound. I helped recently with a sweet lady's funeral with a predominantly African-American congregation and it reminded me how free, southern, and uniquely expressive the soulful sounds are.

Along came this song on Monday afternoon. I quickly recorded it as a scratch-track in my office studio with just an acoustic guitar so our praise team could have a heads-up listen before rehearsal this week. It's not an earth-shattering, world-changing song ... but it's a small-town Texas white boy's attempt and will hopefully be a good companion piece to the pastor's message.

To the Ends of the Earth

verse 1

Lord, when will you restore Israel?

Tell me, when is Your kingdom come?

“It's not for you to know the time or day.

“The Father's gonna do it His own way.”

chorus:

Go – and be My witness

You'll receive the Spirit – tell so all can hear it

Tell it – to the ends of the earth

verse 2

Taken up before their very eyes

Through the clouds into the lofty skies

Jesus' gonna come back the same way

Until then, oh can't you hear Him say?

(repeat chorus)

change is always coming

2011-08-25T08:51:00.000-05:00

In the first 18 verses of Acts chapter 11, Peter recounts something that had recently taken place in an effort to show some traditioned-steeped Jews that change had come and it was time to do some things a little differently.

Chapter 10 records what happened between Peter and the centurion Cornelius, how God spoke to them and connected them to each other. When some of Peter's fellow Jews hear about it, they criticize him due to prior cultural prejudices and religiosity.

We all have these types of things - we call them personal preferences, or "how it's always been done," or we develop them for ourselves in our own way of doing things. I caught myself the other day telling one of my sons to (literally, with these words) "implement personal procedures that will help you avoid losing things that are important to you." When such personal procedures become imperatives, rules that can't be broken which began with good intentions, we sometimes resist changing them even if a better or more effective way comes to our attention.

Of course we do it in our churches. I don't think I have to go into how religion, "doing church" and the myriad of traditions from one congregation and one denomination to the other has best exemplified this.

What's cool in Acts 11 is that by the 18th verse, those people who at first criticized Peter had their minds changed (and perhaps their hearts). They listened to Peter's story (we Baptists call it testimony) and the truth of the situation changed their perspective. They had "no further objections."

But look what it says next: they praised God upon realizing that even the Gentiles will repent and have eternal life through Jesus Christ. They were happy about this change. They could not deny the truth and how it had made a difference in Cornelius and his household - and this difference was a great thing leading to others receiving a glorious gift.

When change, which is always coming, appears to you and challenges your ways of thinking about a certain subject, it's natural and even a little bit OK to doubt/criticize/resist the idea, kick the tires. But we must all do like these associates of Peter did: LISTEN to the rationale, the story, the reasoning behind the proposed difference.

Prayer, discernment, weighing this change against what we know of God's plans and His Word should many times come next. But Luke doesn't tell us in Acts 11 that these Jerusalem Jews took a while and prayed about it - they didn't necessarily need to. When we always are seeking His route, humble, prepared for His revelations to us, moldable and ready, daily praying and asking His direction - then when it comes, we'll know it when we see it (expecting it) and can readily make necessary adjustments to our attitude in light of the new information.

In our churches, there needs to be refreshing styles/formats of worship and programs to administer that bring such good news in fashions to which we're unaccustomed. It keeps us on our toes. The core truths don't change, but the methods and manner in which that truth is presented should tickle the ears, stir the mind from its complacency, wake the soul to its formerly earnest pursuit. "With the competence of a professional but with the eagerness and hunger of an amateur" I read it put recently.

It may come in the form of a new instrument added to the mix, or rearranging the order of the worship gathering by moving the offertory to an earlier spot, or adding motion backgrounds to the projected lyrics. Or, for churches already utilizing the "newest" of technologies, providing and using hymnals held in the hands to make a physical connection to the rich history of songs of praise written long ago. I could go on and on.

Those experiencing the change(s) should listen and be convinced by the justification (sometimes explained, sometimes realized). Those making the change(s) should be sure they are fully in line and do not diminish from God's Truth but are creatively and prudently implemented so as to bring refreshing.

my favorite hymn

2011-08-23T16:25:00.000-05:00

In the current hymnal which adorns the pews in the sanctuary where I lead, it is number eight.

Where I spent almost nine years as worship pastor until earlier this year, it is number 151.

It was written almost 500 years ago and is my favorite of all hymns. "A Mighty Fortress is Our God" by Martin Luther. (Read about it here.)

It was the instrumental theme song for a children's TV show I watched growing up about a boy and his dog, Davey and Goliath. Perhaps this and occasionally singing it in the Baptist church of my raising, Immanuel in Paris, Texas, it made its way into my psyche.

Its theme of God as our shield, defender, a fortress to protect us from the plans of our ancient foe - they are comforting. The fact that it is a song about God, and not sung to Him, is so needed in today's world of touchy-feely worship songs. It has depth of doctrine and is full of truth to stand on.

And we are singing it - acapella - this coming Sunday at FBC Elgin. It will conclude our primary set of praise hymns (remember: any song written to be sung in praise of God or Jesus Christ is a hymn, whether it was written 500 years ago or 5 minutes ago).

As our Pastor, Jason Huddleston, wraps up his summer-long series on being a servant and serving others, I find it fitting that the lyrics to this timeless song embody a reminder that the Spirit and the gifts with which to serve others are ours and, even though our enemy will attempt to thwart us, we can stand knowing his doom is sure.

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe
His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Did we, in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God's own choosing
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He!
Lord Sabaoth, His name, from age to age the same
And He must win the battle.

And tho' this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph thro' us
The prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure
One little word shall fell him

That word above all earthly pow'rs, no thanks to them abideth
The Spirit and the gifts are ours thro' Him who with us sideth
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also
The body they may kill, God's truth abideth still
His kingdom is forever.

look at what she made

2011-08-17T10:09:00.000-05:00

Read Acts 9:32-43

One of the things I see really cool in this passage is how the ladies were standing around her prepared and cleaned body in the upstairs room, mourning and remembering her, and when Peter comes along they all want to show him (a stranger who didn't know her) the things Tabitha/Dorcas had made. These were the acts of worship for which she was known - and her handiwork had been shared with the poor.

THAT'S worship.

When you're dead and folks are remembering you, wouldn't it be great if they want to tell all about the things you did that were acts of worship - sacrifice, commitment, helping the downtrodden or needy in whatever way, or actual products resulting from your work?

What kinds of choices do we need to make now that will result in such kind and truthful words being said about us when we're gone (to the glory of God, of course)?

Further into this great story, after sharing about what Dorcas had done and in the midst of her apparent death, the ladies and other townspeople get to experience a resurrection. She comes back to life by God's grace, the Holy Spirit's power, and Peter's obedience. It became known all over the area and brought many people to belief in Jesus Christ.

Dorcas/Tabitha is not mentioned any further in scripture. But can't you just imagine that, given additional time on earth, she was even more inspired, productive, and worshipful with her faithful service and creation of the robes and other clothing the women raved about when they thought she was dead? It may have even been a local phenomenon to admire one of her robes and the topic of conversation turn to: "Was that one of her pre-death, or post-death creations?"

During my time at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Reno/Paris, Texas, from 2002-early 2011, I had the fortunate (but all too short) privilege of interacting with the only woman I've ever met named Dorcas. What a very poignant and prophetic name she was given!

Dorcas McGee sat in her wheelchair at the very front of the congregation and was quite the worshiper. She loved to sing and was so very sweet and friendly.

She passed to her eternal life not long into my tenure at Mt. Olive ... but one of the key things I remember was that she and her husband had been the donors of the projection system installed in the sanctuary (years prior to my arrival). The leadership of the church had seen it as a need and Mr. and Mrs. McGee had given the money to buy what was then a very expensive, heavy and needed projector, screen, cables, and the installation.

The Dorcas I knew may not have made robes and clothing, but she paved a way at that wonderful church for musical worship and other presentations to be enhanced through multimedia projection. A commemorative plaque hangs in a hallway acknowledging and thanking them.

For what acts of worship will we be remembered for?

personal preference

2011-08-15T16:11:00.000-05:00

"There is much for which to thank God in the Church's renewed appreciation of worship, although discernment is needed here as elsewhere. It is not always easy to recognize what is merely a matter of personal taste - and capable, therefore, of being changed - and what is fundamental to worship and should, therefore, be unaltered.

"We should encourage people to test every contribution by its God-centeredness and its ability to edify, and for all to learn to see debatable issues from other people's point of view.

"In our own conduct of worship, we may engage in an educative process by explaining sometimes the reasons for our choice of hymns and songs, and by indicating the principles the Scriptures establish about spiritual worship. The most vital truth we must convey is that what is important is not how acceptable our worship is to ourselves or to others, but how acceptable it is to God - a priority sometimes forgotten."

- Derek Prime and Alistair Begg
"On Being a Pastor" (c) 2004
p. 226

visual worship

2011-08-12T20:31:00.000-05:00

An act of worship can be anything we do with a conscious and intentional appreciation for the Almighty.

One of my favorite lines in any film is from 1981's "Chariots of Fire." The father of Eric Liddell, a Reverend, says in regard to his son's running: "You can praise God by peeling a spud if you peel it to perfection. Don't compromise. Compromise is a language of the devil. Run in God's name and let the world stand back and in wonder."

So, since worship is not just singing with a bunch of other people on a Sunday morning, what shapes and forms can that take?

Worship should come from us even in the mundane chores of life (and that could be harder than any other form).

Certainly there are artistic mediums that provide ample opportunities for expression, such as painting/drawing, photography. There is dance, sculpture, architecture. Indeed, we must remember (especially here in the highly efficient, cost-conscious America where aesthetics often take a back seat to function) that the church was the primary patron, encourager and purveyor of great art and beauty for I don't know how long. Just look at European cathedrals, murals in centuries-old sanctuaries.

I would love to see an exhibit in my church of worship efforts that are visual - a gallery for perusing and spending more than a few seconds studying the work and soaking in the inspiration, hopefully leading to a closerness to God and an outpouring of thanks and appreciation.

This weekend, my parents came for a visit ... and I broke out the camera (first time in a while) to grab a few subjects that inspire me to worship: those I love in natural surroundings. Just doing life.

QUESTIONS on being satisfied, being restored

2011-08-09T10:42:00.000-05:00

Two somewhat contrasting thoughts to ponder:

"Worship rises freely from the satisfied hearts of those whose needs are tended to." - Timothy Laniak, p. 93 of While Shepherds Watch Their Flocks.

"Don't you know that only fools are satisfied?" - Billy Joel, from the song "Vienna" on the album "The Stranger" from 1977.

So often we find God's wisdom and the world's wisdom lining up quite on the opposite sides of the road.

There is imagery throughout scripture of the Good Shepherd leading His flocks to lie down in green pastures, be filled and satisfied, the longing (primarily of the Israelites, but very often true of us) for rest and fulfilled satisfaction.

Laniak also states: "Satisfaction involves having genuine needs met and depleted resources replenished." This kind of satisfaction should lead to rejuvenation.

In your worship, both private and corporate, is this one of the results or benefits? Are you rejuvenated, fulfilled, satisfied - not necessarily from what you received, but from having given the sacrifice of praise?

While we should not worship and praise our God in order to get a sense of calm reassurance, or be constantly seeking a spiritual "high" of emotions and feelings from various elements that can be produced/orchestrated in a group setting, we cannot deny that honestly praising God in spirit and in truth is fulfilling. In His amazing power, and by His grace, when we come to Him with our gifts of praise and adoration He makes us feel good (when it's honest and with right motives, not contrived or synthetic).

Does satisfied rejuvenation come to us mainly in a sense of accomplishment from our works (thanks to the Western emphasis on our industriousness and work ethic)? Or should Christians shift their thinking to seeking such satisfaction in only what the Good Shepherd can provide (spiritually, mentally, and physically)?

Don't you love all the questions?

In the Billy Joel song (above), maybe he is trying to make a point that when you stop pursuing your dreams and become satisfied with the status quo or what is "good enough" that you've become a fool. I'll take that possibility.

(As an aside: this particular Billy Joel album is one of my absolute favorites of any artist. Not trying to knock him.)

But maybe slightly out of context we can reflect on this one statement that "only fools are satisfied" as also indicating that taking time to rest, survey and appreciate blessings, rejuvenate and be refreshed is a bad thing. As Christians, we shouldn't ever (this side of heaven) be content with where we are in our pursuit of righteousness, so I am not advocating resting on that.

Certainly chasing the American dream of constantly amassing material possessions in their various forms, and all that it takes to achieve that, can lead to no time to rest as the sheep do when tummies are filled and no danger is sensed.

It is disheartening, to say the least, watching families absolutely in shambles as they constantly go-go-go, work-work-work, even killing themselves with distracted hobbies, trips, and activities that appear worthy and fulfilling but lead to a continual desire for more (a dynamic imperative of one thing having to be topped by the next - think extreme sports).

Where are your deepest needs met? Sincerely - not in something or someone when you've felt they were almost met, or "close enough" - but truly, deeply satisfied? If that hasn't been a calm sigh of relief you've experienced on a regular basis, perhaps (even as a worshiping Christian) you are seeking fulfillment from the wrong source(s).

Laniak tells us that in Hebrew culture the idea of being restored is to be returned to a former state of goodness (lost or absent for whatever reason). Think prodigal son. "This might involve the restoration of marriage - a return to its former state. ... a restoration to God's ideal. Many have never experienced a healthy marriage or family life. Some have only known dysfunction."

Desert experiences are teaching times. I'm beginning to think, after four months now of a changed and upheaved life that I was in a desert experience (without knowing or acknowledging it) for the past four or five years. Much of it was my own creation (in no way am I blaming anyone, so take no offense if you know me and/or were part of that). It is only now, in an admittedly greener pasture, that I can see the recent past more clearly.

For at least two years, I had an intense yearning for, and desired a time, of rest and respite from weariness. I'm experiencing some of that now with an actual two days off each week. But just as sheep can enjoy a day, or a few hours, of rest and satisfaction, there is still work to be done.

Laniak encourages the promotion of a rhythm of restoration and rejuvenation for ourselves and those we lead. Constantly filling any little time we have with more and more can eliminate that possibility.

One final question, perhaps the primary one, for us to ask ourselves: in what or whom am I seeking deep, fulfilling satisfaction? The "church" or "Sunday school" answer for most Christians is God. But it takes an honest assessment of our day, our week, our big picture.

Is the source going to provide sustaining fulfillment, or leave me desperate and searching aimlessly again?

Most times, others say it best

2011-08-03T11:02:00.001-05:00

From page 205 of "On Being a Pastor" by Derek Prime and Alistair Begg:

"Whatever traditions we belong to, and whatever convictions [and preferences (my words)] we have, the crucial issue is that our worship, in all its parts, should be acceptable to God rather than to us, and therefore in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24)."

Oh, how often the encouragement of others' input, the solicitation of opinions and involvement, and our own wishes and preferences, get in the way of the carrying out of corporate worship. It can so easily spiral into a people-pleasing approach rather than a God-pleasing one.

My friend, Adam Jones, reminded me of the need for an end to corporate-driven worship. Palatable, easy-to-swallow, formulaic songs have only a bit to contribute to the big picture. Sadly, they have become the model to follow - and many are feeling-oriented (how God makes me feel, emphasis on I instead of on truth). Let us not trek down the postmodern discussion trail of experiential truth equaling absolute truth.

I love that there is Christian music on the radio. I don't like it that a program director's formula for radio-friendly, sellable Christian music can be expected to be replicated on Sunday mornings in our churches. Sure, there are terrific songs that make it onto the airwaves that are worthy of our corporate gatherings - but not as many as you might think.

Most all the songs I hear on Christian radio include lyrics that are poignant, uplifting, helpful in various life circumstances - but don't necessarily rise to the level of "good enough" or appropriate for Sunday morning.

Those whose duty is the decision making as to elements of a worship gathering are entrusted to seek God's will in all the songs chosen, certainly that which is to be taught from Scripture, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide prayers, etc. I take that responsibility very seriously and intentionally ask God to lay songs on my heart (through various channels of introduction, including radio and my own writing) that He wants sung in the specific congregation where I serve.

I will stop just shy of saying that if we sing a song in the church where I serve, God directed it be done.

On the topic of said song selection, Robert E. Webber championed a mini-crusade (prior to his death in 2007) on God as subject vs. object in our worship, the "I/me" songs, etc. Following the idea that most times others say it best, it would benefit you to read this.

Really? We're still arguing (& disagreeing) about worship style?

2011-08-01T15:42:00.000-05:00

Few things get my gizzard more than arguments and disagreements about worship style within a specific church body - the people we are in fellowship with, stand alongside, serve alongside, being petty about "I like this" or "I wish we'd do that."

Let me say up front that everyone's opinion matters because everyone is a worshiper. But the number one thing is to come expecting to be in the presence of God (where 2 or more are gathered ...). Beyond that, remove your expectations, wishes, demands, and trust the leaders God has placed to serve you that they're pursuing what His will is for every element of the worship gathering!

Having additional instruments does not make musical worship better. Having only a piano and voices does not make musical, corporate worship better. Any number of configurations of how many people sing in the choir, or not having a choir, acoustic guitar or no guitar at all - percussion? Full drumset or just congas or a djembe? Is it really THIS BIG of an ISSUE to get all huffy, pout and leave your fellowship?

The devil is having a field day, folks. Still. It's 2011 and he's still causing people to get their feathers ruffled because "we only sang 2 hymns yesterday" or "we had to sing out of the hymnal yesterday." You do realize that every single thing that's done in a corporate worship gathering, every single song, every instrument, the smallest of inflections of a singer's voice, the decision of what background to put with the lyrics, can all be debated, analyzed, and picked apart ad infinitum and it will not matter one iota to God.

God looks at our heart. We should bring our best to Him in all ways, every day, in everything we do. We are to do it all to the glory of God. We don't have to hash out and define elementarily what worship is here. It's been done. I'm just flabbergasted that people still let themselves get all worked up about style of music. Only arguing about the color of the carpet is more juvenile.

In most American cities and towns there is a plethora (ha! I got to use that word) of churches. The Holy Spirit calls individuals together based on the various human nature and life issues, socio-economic backgrounds, preferences, even interpretations of scripture, into congregations that "fit" with each other.

If you sense you may fit better somewhere else, pray about it and see what God thinks (perhaps He wants you to bend your preferences and stay put). If He says go be part of another fellowship that better suits what He wants for you in the given season of life, do it.

Don't neglect your skills, talents, and the requirement that you pursue Christ and His holiness in your life just because they're not singing your favorite kind of music anymore where you used to go.

I'll be 40 in 6 months

2011-07-25T11:41:00.001-05:00

Forgive me the stereotypical "I'm approaching 40 and what does life have for me next" introspection ... but, I really think this pseudo-rite of passage is sneaking up with potentially unforeseen and unexpected twists.

In January 2012, about 6 months from today, I will turn 40 (assuming I make it 'til then). Perhaps its premature of me to begin contemplating this, but I could write lots of observations, thoughts, and feelings from what I've learned so far. I would most likely be the only person who would find it even remotely interesting or worthy of the time to read it.

Instead, I've a bubbling sense of anticipation brewing - like something new, or maybe just a refreshed way of viewing the norm, is just beyond the horizon. It's almost like maybe these first 40 years have been preparing me for what I'm really here for.

And I mean that in the context of God's will. As He continues to illuminate the next step, answer prayers, challenge the comfort zone, and create the desire to pursue His holiness more, whatever "it" is - even if it's little more than renewed joy, a daily smile on my face and a couple of new songs to write - the discovery and experience of it will be cool.

I plan to try and relish whatever "it" is. Even though this world is not my home (John 17:14, 1 Peter 2:11-12, Philippians 3:20) I find myself enjoying life a little more each day (especially now that God has blessed me with less daily stress).

Started reading this book today along with Pastors Jason and Travis. It was suggested to us by fellow Pastor John Patterson.

In the introduction, author Timothy Laniak writes: "Forty is a significant number in the Bible, especially in desert settings. Moses spent forty days fasting on top of Mt. Sinai ... Israel spent forty years in a desolate wilderness, deprived of life's basics so that they might learn dependence on God and His Word. Forty years in an environment intentionally chosen by God to reveal His will and character - and to shape human will and character."

I already know of the pending arrival of our sixth child in 2012 (springtime) so that will surely be part of the newness of being 40. My creativity is, lately, blooming again, as well (writing both words and songs).

In the past, the phrase, "Life's a journey, not a destination," was foreign to me, with quite the opposite understanding to my mind. But perhaps my perspective is changing.

dangerous worship criticism

2011-07-20T14:11:00.001-05:00

What I'm about to do might strike you wrong. It might even be dangerous. I haven't completely thought this through. I am processing. These are free-flowing thoughts.

Flashy, showy, emotionally manipulative worship is beginning to turn my stomach. I have long disliked it but now it's got me clutching my gut.

Like this video. Love the song, love its message, the primary singer has an incredible voice. But ...

A bunch of singers scattered about a stage with handheld wireless mics, eyes closed, hands raised and pointing, alongside instrumentalists dressed more hip than I'll bet they do on a daily basis, and rock-concert lights ... I'm sorry. It's just all too much. It may be realistic for some churches (and even authentic) but not many.

I'm a conservative worship leader from a more traditional Protestant upbringing (Southern Baptist). I am not charismatic though I don't claim God can't or chooses not to move in ways that perhaps my denomination doesn't understand or hasn't experienced. I love a band leading worship. I love a small choir or ensemble of singers.

I think all songs written for the church to use in worship of God and Jesus Christ are hymns (songs of praise). It doesn't matter whether they were written in the 1700s or last week. If they are doctrinally sound, support and proclaim scripture, and have a memorable melody that helps people lay a sacrifice of praise at the feet of God (whether in private or in corporate worship) then they should be sung in rotation in our churches. Songs in a hymnal are no more, and no less, distinguished and worthy for our congregations to sing and our praise teams to play.

What I'm bothered by is not so much the songs - though I do think way too many Christian songwriters seeking to honor God and praise Him with their talents have fallen victim to releasing radio-friendly, safe and formula-following sets of chord progressions, crescendo dynamics and emotional ballad string arrangements. We can argue style all day and none of us be right. If the lyrics draw us closer to the Savior, then I say amen.

I'm bothered by the visuals (as far as video) and "capturing" the carrying out of worship in a live setting. There is a consciousness to such a gathering that the cameras are rolling and those leading, playing and singing cannot deny they do a little better since lots of people outside the room are going to see it an it will be preserved and shared via video.

Performance is one thing. I'm obviously not against singing songs that glorify Jesus in a concert/performance setting. An intentional, participatory corporate worship gathering is completely different.

Let me also say that I feel bad for criticizing this (as if the church and what it does needs more criticism) - but what I see as the "model" so many people want for their church doesn't seem or feel honest to me. It seems put-upon and fake. "Let's close our eyes, raise our hands, tug the heartstrings and see how more worshipful we can appear."

I am not attempting disunity. I just can't keep silent about it anymore because it bothers me. Please remember I am processing this as I type.

This example being set makes me worry there are countless thousands of churches and millions of individuals attempting to recreate what they see in these types of worship gatherings and thinking they are not really giving God praise unless it imitates same. It could be becoming like those who espouse that you're not really saved unless you speak in tongues. It borders on religiosity.

If it seems like I'm questioning these worshipers' faith, I don't mean to. I don't wish to imply they aren't truly praising God. Perhaps most of these feelings come from my personal experience, or lack thereof, or a difference in background and, thus, the style I prefer.

All worship leaders/pastors, singers and praise bands MUST resist mimicking some standard they've seen in other churches or on videos. Honesty must be at the core of what we do leading worship. If your church is different than what has become the norm, you're not has "hip" or prefer a blend of songs more familiar or even more lyrically challenging than the cookie-cutter stuff on the radio, then pursue that.

I believe the Holy Spirit has gathered every individual congregation in all corners of His global Church to have a style that those gathered in that specific family prefer to hear and sing to ... and the leaders should follow suit.

Set me straight if you have perspectives on this I have not dwelt on yet.

New cuts from the office studio

2011-07-16T08:15:00.000-05:00

Been in our new church home since the first week of May and the personal studio in my office is up and running.

Mastering some songs now that were written over the past 3 years, mostly praise songs used at Mt. Olive Baptist Church (which we'll slowly implement at First Elgin). There are also smatterings of instrumentals and Americana-type songs with vocals recorded back in the home studio in Paris.

For now, won't you please give a listen to these songs (mp3) and let me know what you think? Feel free to download and share. Thanks.