Clear Vision musings

“Here’s one: According to estimates, never have so many Bibles been published and distributed, yet never has biblical literacy been so low. (Americans know the names of the four Beatles better than the four Gospels.)” from news article on sermonaudio.com

I’m on a roll so why not?

Just a few more thoughts about "worship". While you’re listening to some of the contemporary pop "praise and worship" songs, notice who many of them are talking all about.

We may sing "It’s all about you, Jesus. It’s not about me." but from a lot of our contemporary "Christian" songs you’d never know it.

SDG,
Lisa @ Me and My House

We all can and should pour our hearts out to God. Many times this is done is by "the Spirit itself [making] intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." (Romans 8:26)

We can and should praise and worship Him, out of our own individuality. No eloquence is required to speak to or praise our Father. He is pleased with our offerings that come from a humble heart in spirit and truth.

God is seeking true worshippers, ones that worship in both spirit and truth. Not cold heartless bare facts - and not just "free-spirit", any ol’ thing my heart feels. Worship requires spirit and truth. Our praise should overflow from our heart’s love, in knowing Him as He truly is - as His Word declares Him to be.

When we praise Him in the congregation, when we publicize His praise, proclaim it in the sanctuary or to the world, the greatest praise and the greatest worship come from the heart that is overflowing with His greatness - and that knows how to express it beautifully and truthfully.

Back to our quote:  "A good hymn is the best use to which poetry can be devoted," John Greenleaf Whittier.

It can be easy to get caught up in a new catchy tune and lyrics - but are they spirit (life) and truth? Read the words of the hymn I just posted before this. Compare that with some of the latest, contemporary pop praise & worship songs. Compare how long a "new" song is usually sung before it becomes old and boring - and you’re listening for the next "latest greatest". Catchy little ditties usually become meaningless cliches in short order. (Don’t read this that ALL new praise or worship songs are such. Just do some comparisons.)

It takes substance to hold our thoughts very long. A babe may thrive on milk for a while, but he grows quickly and needs bread - food to chew on, and in time is even able to handle the  richness of meat. Yet, no one can thrive on syrupy, kool-aid or soda pop.

It takes substance, beauty and truth to make worship music that endures throughout many ages. That connects the saints with our brothers that have gone before us and who are yet to come. That joins us together to worship our God in spirit and truth.

SDG,
Lisa @ Me and My House

“A good hymn is the best use to which poetry can be devoted.”
John Greenleaf Whittier.

Lord, with glowing heart I’d praise Thee,
For the bliss Thy love bestows,
For the pardoning grace that saves me,
And the peace that from it flows:
Help, O God, my weak endeavor;
This dull soul to rapture raise:
Thou must light the flame, or never
Can my love be warmed to praise.

Praise, my soul, the God that sought thee,
Wretched wanderer, far astray;
Found thee lost, and kindly brought thee
From the paths of death away;
Praise, with love’s devoutest feeling,
Him Who saw thy guilt-born fear,
And the light of hope revealing,
Bade the blood-stained cross appear.

Praise thy Savior God that drew thee
To that cross, new life to give,
Held a blood sealed pardon to thee,
Bade thee look to Him and live.
Praise the grace whose threats alarmed thee,
Roused thee from thy fatal ease;
Praise the grace whose promise warmed thee,
Praise the grace that whispered peace.

Lord, this bosom’s ardent feeling
Vainly would my lips express.
Low before Thy footstool kneeling,
Deign Thy suppliant’s prayer to bless:
Let Thy grace, my soul’s chief treasure,
Love’s pure flame within me raise;
And, since words can never measure,
Let my life show forth Thy praise.

To read our story of learning this hymn - and its author, click here.

Read the words through first then, click here, to hear the tune. We learned it to the one by Ripley - but the default one is good too. These are MIDI files, so not the most beautiful music, but they give you an idea of the tune.

SDG,
Lisa @ Me and My House

The Life of David Brainerd by Jonathan Edwards is the free audio book this month over at christianaudio. It’s another one of those stories I’ve always wanted to read, but never got around to it. Great timing, as I’ve been wanting something new to listen to, after finishing our Henty audios a couple weeks ago.

SDG,
Lisa

Is Jesus sweet to you? Do you awake musing on the sweetness of Jesus? Do you grab His Word thirsty for it’s life giving water to quench your dry soul?

Or do you crawl out of bed thinking of all the things you need to do today? Or the exciting plans you have for the day? And as almost an afterthought, "Oh yeah, I better read a bit in my Bible."

Where our treasure is, there our hearts will be also.

Lord, by your grace, give us hearts that revel in your sweetness and souls that long for your Living Water.

SDG,
Lisa

What do you see when you look around you?

Click here for vision.