I knew I'd get around to this subject sooner or later. Unless you're a "has been" like me, better buckle your seat belts, but tight.
Music has always been my passion. Noise, beat and rhythm, however, are an entirely different matter! They're not even worthy to be classified as "music"! Add the haunting wail and hopeless dismay of a minor key and you have nothing but the melancholy despondency of heathen nations. History states that one mark of heathen nations is the minor key of their music. Even today most Jewish music is in a minor key. Some may argue that modern-day music is closer to Old Testament music than our church hymns. Maybe so. But who wants to revert to the forlorn music of the staid Old Testament Covenant of rules and regulations when we live under the joyful New Testament Covenant of freedom and newness of life established by the resurrection of Christ? Hymns of the ages are so rich in doctrine which didn't even exist in the Old Testament age.
One of the popular modern-day choruses repeats and repeats and repeats, "Yes, Lord, yes, Lord, yes, yes, yes." I know we should always say "yes" to our precious Lord and Savior. But where is the praise and worship in the repetition? All I can think of when I hear that particular chorus is Matthew 6:7 which says, "But when ye pray" (and I'm sure this holds true for singing, too.) "use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do, for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking."
Another of my pet peeves re modern-day praise and worship music is the fact that we no longer use hymnals. The words are posted on a screen via an overhead projector. For many of us it's extremely difficult to learn a new song without seeing the notes. Not only that, but senior citizens often are unable to sing as high as they once did in their younger years. Therefore they must sing harmony. And some of us, (including me, a musician) are unable to sing harmony without notes to follow. So where does that leave us? Bored as all get out, never singing a note throughout the entire song service. Hardly the best way to set a proper mood for the sermon which follows!
I'll let you in on a secret: I remove my hearing aids during the so-called praise and worship! But it still leaves me so frustrated that I get very little to nothing out of the rest of the service. Just don't tell my pastor I'm sleeping when she sees my eyes closed during the sermon. Maybe she'll think I'm meditating or praying!
Preacher's Kid
P.S. Whew! At last I got that off my chest. Bet the scales show a weight loss of at least 25 pounds! And let the comments come, even if you don't agree. I'm ready for them.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
FAVORITE SONGS
I'm still thinking about the songs we sing -- religious songs, that is. I haven't gotten around to modern-day praise and worship music yet -- but don't worry, I will one of these days.
If you were asked to name your favorite hymn, what would it be? Or are you like me -- there are so many good ones I don't know which one to choose.
I'm sure that if you were a dentist, your favorite song would be "Crown Him With Many Crowns." That brings up pictures of silver and gold -- not in people's mouths but in the dentist's pocket.
My father-in-law operated a bakery when he was alive. I'm sure he'd be partial to "I Need Thee Every Hour" were he alive today. My husband still talks about kneading dough.
For the past few weeks our local weather forecaster has had but one song: "There Shall Be Showers of Blessing." Sure hope he comes up with a new one soon!
When I had my cataracts removed a year ago, my optometrist lulled me to sleep with "Open My Eyes That I May See." Bless his cotton-pickin' heart, I hardly ever use my glasses any more!
Of course it's that time of year we'll all be hearing from the IRS whose favorite song is "All to Thee."
The unprecedented snow and bad weather in northwest Washington took its toll on our church. Right now the contractors are making repairs due to melting snow on the roof. But generally the contractor's favorite song is "How Firm A Foundation."
When younger, I used to make most of my clothes. Then my favorite hymn was "Holy! Holy! Holy!"
And until our recent economic crisis struck, the favorite hymn of many shoppers was "By and By."
What did you say your favorite hymn was?
Preacher's Kid
P.S. You may think I'm crazy and have too much time on my hands, but I'm sure having fun!
If you were asked to name your favorite hymn, what would it be? Or are you like me -- there are so many good ones I don't know which one to choose.
I'm sure that if you were a dentist, your favorite song would be "Crown Him With Many Crowns." That brings up pictures of silver and gold -- not in people's mouths but in the dentist's pocket.
My father-in-law operated a bakery when he was alive. I'm sure he'd be partial to "I Need Thee Every Hour" were he alive today. My husband still talks about kneading dough.
For the past few weeks our local weather forecaster has had but one song: "There Shall Be Showers of Blessing." Sure hope he comes up with a new one soon!
When I had my cataracts removed a year ago, my optometrist lulled me to sleep with "Open My Eyes That I May See." Bless his cotton-pickin' heart, I hardly ever use my glasses any more!
Of course it's that time of year we'll all be hearing from the IRS whose favorite song is "All to Thee."
The unprecedented snow and bad weather in northwest Washington took its toll on our church. Right now the contractors are making repairs due to melting snow on the roof. But generally the contractor's favorite song is "How Firm A Foundation."
When younger, I used to make most of my clothes. Then my favorite hymn was "Holy! Holy! Holy!"
And until our recent economic crisis struck, the favorite hymn of many shoppers was "By and By."
What did you say your favorite hymn was?
Preacher's Kid
P.S. You may think I'm crazy and have too much time on my hands, but I'm sure having fun!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
SINGING LIES TO GOD
Sometmes Christians excuse what they call "White Lies." Not that there is such a thing. A lie is a lie. But singing lies to God? Whoever would think of doing such a detestable thing! Maybe we need to take a good hard look at the songs we sing. (Of course, with the modern-day praise and worship music...never mind. Don't get me started on that!)
We go to church and sing "I Surrender All." Yet when the offering plate is passed, we begrudgingly drop in a dollar, or, worse yet, a handful of change.
Or perhaps we sing, "Standing on the Promises," when, if the truth were really known, all we're doing is "Sitting on the Premises."
Other times we sing, "Oh, For A Thousand Tongues To Sing," yet don't use the one tongue we have to spread the Gospel message.
Have we ever sung "I Love to Tell the Story" but then refused to witness to our neighbors and friends about the love of God?
We sing "Have Thine Own Way, Lord," -- with the elders and deacons, but don't bother me.
"Sweet Hour of Prayer" is a wonderful song, but, really, Lord, I'm too busy for that.
"Take My Life and Let It Be" -- yes, Lord, let it be "Just As I Am." I don't like change.
You get the idea, I'm sure. Why not take an inventory of the songs you sing and be sure you're not singing lies to God.
Preacher's Kid
P.S. I was excited when the song leader told me he was going to sing "Showers of Blessing" last Sunday. I haven't sung that for a long time. And I was so disappointed not to be able to go to church. It was raining, you see!
We go to church and sing "I Surrender All." Yet when the offering plate is passed, we begrudgingly drop in a dollar, or, worse yet, a handful of change.
Or perhaps we sing, "Standing on the Promises," when, if the truth were really known, all we're doing is "Sitting on the Premises."
Other times we sing, "Oh, For A Thousand Tongues To Sing," yet don't use the one tongue we have to spread the Gospel message.
Have we ever sung "I Love to Tell the Story" but then refused to witness to our neighbors and friends about the love of God?
We sing "Have Thine Own Way, Lord," -- with the elders and deacons, but don't bother me.
"Sweet Hour of Prayer" is a wonderful song, but, really, Lord, I'm too busy for that.
"Take My Life and Let It Be" -- yes, Lord, let it be "Just As I Am." I don't like change.
You get the idea, I'm sure. Why not take an inventory of the songs you sing and be sure you're not singing lies to God.
Preacher's Kid
P.S. I was excited when the song leader told me he was going to sing "Showers of Blessing" last Sunday. I haven't sung that for a long time. And I was so disappointed not to be able to go to church. It was raining, you see!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
SINNER OR SAINT?
In the old-fashioned testimony meetings that went out of style long years ago, I recall some pickle-faced Christians testifying, "I'm just a sinner saved by grace." The rest of the pickle faces would nod their agreement. (Calling people "pickle faced" isn't very charitable of me, I guess, but then...)
Two "men of the cloth" were out fishing -- so goes the story. Fish weren't biting well that day; and one preacher, tired of waiting for a tug on his line, picked up his Bible and began to read. A mischievous prankster nearby who had been watching the scenario began to sing. His voice tauntingly drifted across the water, "You're a sinner, this I know, for the Bible tells me so." Undaunted, the clergyman responded with the song, "Only a sinner, saved by grace."
I will admit that as Christians, we are all sinners saved by grace. But why major on the past, on the negative? Some people, of course, seem to think that's a mark of humility. Humility disguised as spiritual pride, I'd say!
Let's rejoice, instead, in the far more attractive testimony and truth of, "I'm a child of God!"
Preacher's Kid
Two "men of the cloth" were out fishing -- so goes the story. Fish weren't biting well that day; and one preacher, tired of waiting for a tug on his line, picked up his Bible and began to read. A mischievous prankster nearby who had been watching the scenario began to sing. His voice tauntingly drifted across the water, "You're a sinner, this I know, for the Bible tells me so." Undaunted, the clergyman responded with the song, "Only a sinner, saved by grace."
I will admit that as Christians, we are all sinners saved by grace. But why major on the past, on the negative? Some people, of course, seem to think that's a mark of humility. Humility disguised as spiritual pride, I'd say!
Let's rejoice, instead, in the far more attractive testimony and truth of, "I'm a child of God!"
Preacher's Kid
Thursday, January 22, 2009
HOW LOUD IS LOUD?
"The Lord wants you to be loud," Melanie admonished me. "Shout, sing and pray as loud as you can," she urged.
Melanie's never heard me scream when a spider unexpectedly appears in my vicinity or she wouldn't have included 'shout' in her admonition! Of course, it goes without saying that a shout is loud -- otherwise it wouldn't be a shout!
But 'sing' loudly? I'm no metropolitan opera star, and I wouldn't want to subject the neighbors to a rousing rendition of my annual birthday complaint, "The old gray mare, she ain't what she used to be." The Psalmist David does exhort us to "make a joyful noise" unto the Lord. I guess my birthday song would qualify as "noise" but certainly not as "joyful!"
And why pray loudly? Isaiah 59:1 states, "Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear" (KJV).
I learned my lesson about loud praying in a rather unique way. I lived in the second story of a somewhat congested neighborhood. Each night before retiring, I voiced my petitions to the Heavenly Father in the quietness and solitude of my living room, unmindful of the open window nearby. One evening my throat must have been bothering me as I prayed, and I kept clearing it periodically while voicing my personal and private prayers, not loudly, but in a normal tone. Imagine my surprise when, after a few minutes, a male voice from the adjoining apartment building boomed out, "Lady, are you having trouble with your throat?"
That's when I learned the value of Matthew 6:6; "But when you pray, go away by yourself, all alone, and shut the door behind you and pray to your Father secretly, and your Father, who knows your secrets, will reward you" (Living Bible Paraphrase).
Prayer doesn't have to be loud to reach the throne of God.
Preacher's Kid
P.S. During the past five years that I've been married, I've also learned that loud praying is not wise during the night when my spouse is asleep beside me sawing logs for all he's worth.
Melanie's never heard me scream when a spider unexpectedly appears in my vicinity or she wouldn't have included 'shout' in her admonition! Of course, it goes without saying that a shout is loud -- otherwise it wouldn't be a shout!
But 'sing' loudly? I'm no metropolitan opera star, and I wouldn't want to subject the neighbors to a rousing rendition of my annual birthday complaint, "The old gray mare, she ain't what she used to be." The Psalmist David does exhort us to "make a joyful noise" unto the Lord. I guess my birthday song would qualify as "noise" but certainly not as "joyful!"
And why pray loudly? Isaiah 59:1 states, "Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear" (KJV).
I learned my lesson about loud praying in a rather unique way. I lived in the second story of a somewhat congested neighborhood. Each night before retiring, I voiced my petitions to the Heavenly Father in the quietness and solitude of my living room, unmindful of the open window nearby. One evening my throat must have been bothering me as I prayed, and I kept clearing it periodically while voicing my personal and private prayers, not loudly, but in a normal tone. Imagine my surprise when, after a few minutes, a male voice from the adjoining apartment building boomed out, "Lady, are you having trouble with your throat?"
That's when I learned the value of Matthew 6:6; "But when you pray, go away by yourself, all alone, and shut the door behind you and pray to your Father secretly, and your Father, who knows your secrets, will reward you" (Living Bible Paraphrase).
Prayer doesn't have to be loud to reach the throne of God.
Preacher's Kid
P.S. During the past five years that I've been married, I've also learned that loud praying is not wise during the night when my spouse is asleep beside me sawing logs for all he's worth.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
DUTY OR PRIVILEGE
DUTY OR PRIVILEGE
What an historical Inauguration Day this is regardless of how you may feel about our new President and his religious and political affiliations.
As real, genuine Christians, our duty now is to pray for him.
"What? Me pray for Barack Obama?"
Yep, you -- that's capital Y-O-U!
"But I didn't vote for him."
So?
"He's not of my political persuasion."
So?
"And I just don't agree with his policies."
So?
You know, I can't find the Scripture that says, "Pray for those for whom you voted." Nor can I find where the Bible says, "Pray for those of your political party." I can't even find anything that says, "Pray for those with whom you agree."
But I do find, "I exhort, therefore, that first of all..." -- did you note that 'first of all'? -- "...supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men. For kings, and for all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty." I Timothy 2:1,2 (KJV)
The Living Bible paraphrase is even more explicit. "Here are my directions: Pray much..." -- we need to emphasize the word 'much' -- yes, pray MUCH "for others; plead for God's mercy upon them..." -- how about 'PLEAD for God's mercy upon Obama?' -- ... "Pray in this way for kings and all others who are in authority over us, or are in places of high responsibility..." -- Why? "...so that we can live in peace and quietness, spending our time in godly living and thinking much about the Lord."
Wow! That says it all! It's a direct command, too!
It's a duty AND a privilege to pray for Obama. Let's not fail him. Above all, let's not fail the Lord!
Preacher's Kid
P.S. I Timothy 2:1,2 also covers State, County and local officials!
What an historical Inauguration Day this is regardless of how you may feel about our new President and his religious and political affiliations.
As real, genuine Christians, our duty now is to pray for him.
"What? Me pray for Barack Obama?"
Yep, you -- that's capital Y-O-U!
"But I didn't vote for him."
So?
"He's not of my political persuasion."
So?
"And I just don't agree with his policies."
So?
You know, I can't find the Scripture that says, "Pray for those for whom you voted." Nor can I find where the Bible says, "Pray for those of your political party." I can't even find anything that says, "Pray for those with whom you agree."
But I do find, "I exhort, therefore, that first of all..." -- did you note that 'first of all'? -- "...supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men. For kings, and for all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty." I Timothy 2:1,2 (KJV)
The Living Bible paraphrase is even more explicit. "Here are my directions: Pray much..." -- we need to emphasize the word 'much' -- yes, pray MUCH "for others; plead for God's mercy upon them..." -- how about 'PLEAD for God's mercy upon Obama?' -- ... "Pray in this way for kings and all others who are in authority over us, or are in places of high responsibility..." -- Why? "...so that we can live in peace and quietness, spending our time in godly living and thinking much about the Lord."
Wow! That says it all! It's a direct command, too!
It's a duty AND a privilege to pray for Obama. Let's not fail him. Above all, let's not fail the Lord!
Preacher's Kid
P.S. I Timothy 2:1,2 also covers State, County and local officials!
Monday, January 19, 2009
ELECTION SOAPBOX
A couple of days after the Nov. 4 national election, a long-faced Christian sister --or is there such a thing as a "long-faced" Christian? (That's "fodder" for another blog!!!)
Anyhow, this Christian sister shook her head and moaned in a dismal voice of despair, "Looks like this is the end for America."
A Christian brother standing nearby reminded me of a thunder cloud as he dourly commiserated, "I'm not sure what happened with the election. After all, we DID pray."
I've wanted to get on my soapbox ever since, and here I finally am, one day before inauguration, standing tall and straight, feet firmly planted on my beloved soapbox!
Yes, we prayed. Christians from North to South, from East to West, prayed for the outcome of the election. Many, no doubt, prayed that the candidates from their political party would win. But how many, I wonder, prayed as Christ did, "Not my will, but Thine be done?"
As my husband often says, "God sees the whole picture, while we see only a small part."
Did God know what He was doing?
Things will either work out for the good of our Nation or help prepare the way for the soon return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Either way, we're winners!
Do we dare trust Him?
Preacher's Kid
Anyhow, this Christian sister shook her head and moaned in a dismal voice of despair, "Looks like this is the end for America."
A Christian brother standing nearby reminded me of a thunder cloud as he dourly commiserated, "I'm not sure what happened with the election. After all, we DID pray."
I've wanted to get on my soapbox ever since, and here I finally am, one day before inauguration, standing tall and straight, feet firmly planted on my beloved soapbox!
Yes, we prayed. Christians from North to South, from East to West, prayed for the outcome of the election. Many, no doubt, prayed that the candidates from their political party would win. But how many, I wonder, prayed as Christ did, "Not my will, but Thine be done?"
As my husband often says, "God sees the whole picture, while we see only a small part."
Did God know what He was doing?
Things will either work out for the good of our Nation or help prepare the way for the soon return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Either way, we're winners!
Do we dare trust Him?
Preacher's Kid
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
CLEANING FISH
All Rodney wanted when he entered the supermarket was a watermelon. But what he saw and heard at the produce counter was a lady shaking her finger in another woman's face as she chastised her for not wearing more clothes.
"You need to get saved," she admonished her bewildered listener, "and clean up your act."
Harsh words spewed forth from the speaker's mouth like hot lava pouring out of a volcano's mouth as she accused her dumbfounded listener of inappropriate behavior and made numerous demands she must meet in order to be saved.
Rodney could stand it no longer. "Ma'am." he quietly interrupted. "It's so simple to become a Christian. You don't have to do all those things she's telling you in order to get saved."
"But what do I have to give up?" queried the puzzled woman.
"Nothing," responded Rodney.
"Then what must I do?" she pondered.
"Acts 16:31 says, 'Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved'," quoted Rodney.
By this time a crowd had gathered, but all heads were bowed as Rodney led the woman to a knowledge of saving faith in what Christ had already done on Calvary as her only foundation for salvation.
As Rodney exited the supermarket with his watermelon, the erstwhile accuser, who had earlier stomped out of the store, hissed, "Did you see how she was dressed?"
"Before you can clean a fish," smiled Rodney, "you must first get him into the boat."
Preacher's Kid
"You need to get saved," she admonished her bewildered listener, "and clean up your act."
Harsh words spewed forth from the speaker's mouth like hot lava pouring out of a volcano's mouth as she accused her dumbfounded listener of inappropriate behavior and made numerous demands she must meet in order to be saved.
Rodney could stand it no longer. "Ma'am." he quietly interrupted. "It's so simple to become a Christian. You don't have to do all those things she's telling you in order to get saved."
"But what do I have to give up?" queried the puzzled woman.
"Nothing," responded Rodney.
"Then what must I do?" she pondered.
"Acts 16:31 says, 'Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved'," quoted Rodney.
By this time a crowd had gathered, but all heads were bowed as Rodney led the woman to a knowledge of saving faith in what Christ had already done on Calvary as her only foundation for salvation.
As Rodney exited the supermarket with his watermelon, the erstwhile accuser, who had earlier stomped out of the store, hissed, "Did you see how she was dressed?"
"Before you can clean a fish," smiled Rodney, "you must first get him into the boat."
Preacher's Kid
Sunday, January 11, 2009
WEATHER REPORT
Here in the great Northwest lately we have been subjected to snow storms (and we hardly know what snow looks like!), ice storms and devastating floods.
A couple of my Christian friends have remarked, "I don't understand the severity of the weather, but I will accept whatever weather the Lord sends."
Whoa, Baby, Whoa!
Did you ever stop and think, Who really does send the weather?
Ephesians 2:2, in speaking of Satan, refers to him as the "prince of the power of the air." He's been the prince of the power of the air ever since Adam committed high treason and turned this world over to his control. Yes, God is still in control; He knows what is transpiring; and He has set boundaries that Satan cannot cross (as in the case of Job). But God doesn't send all these destructive storms even though He permits them. James 1:17a proclaims, Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above. Somehow I can't reconcile floods, earthquakes, snow and ice storms as "good and perfect gifts."
Let's not blame our Heavenly Father for Satan's works.
Preacher's Kid
P.S. Insurance companies refer to such incidents as "acts of God," -- but they don't indicate whether they're referring to our Father/God or to "the god of this world'.
Just thinking out loud, as usual!
A couple of my Christian friends have remarked, "I don't understand the severity of the weather, but I will accept whatever weather the Lord sends."
Whoa, Baby, Whoa!
Did you ever stop and think, Who really does send the weather?
Ephesians 2:2, in speaking of Satan, refers to him as the "prince of the power of the air." He's been the prince of the power of the air ever since Adam committed high treason and turned this world over to his control. Yes, God is still in control; He knows what is transpiring; and He has set boundaries that Satan cannot cross (as in the case of Job). But God doesn't send all these destructive storms even though He permits them. James 1:17a proclaims, Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above. Somehow I can't reconcile floods, earthquakes, snow and ice storms as "good and perfect gifts."
Let's not blame our Heavenly Father for Satan's works.
Preacher's Kid
P.S. Insurance companies refer to such incidents as "acts of God," -- but they don't indicate whether they're referring to our Father/God or to "the god of this world'.
Just thinking out loud, as usual!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
TEARS IN HEAVEN
How many times have you heard someone say, "There are no tears in Heaven"? I can't help but wonder if that is Scriptural. I just read Isaiah 25:8 which says, in part, God will wipe tears away from all faces. If there are no tears in Heaven, how can God wipe them away?
Just something to think about.
Preacher's Kid
P.S. Something else to ponder. What causes those tears in the first place? Do people in Heaven have regrets for things that happened during their life time on earth? Are they thinking about friends and loved ones still on earth who are not ready to meet the Savior? Could they be aware of earthly sin and devastation, etc., etc?
Just thinking out loud, as usual!
Just something to think about.
Preacher's Kid
P.S. Something else to ponder. What causes those tears in the first place? Do people in Heaven have regrets for things that happened during their life time on earth? Are they thinking about friends and loved ones still on earth who are not ready to meet the Savior? Could they be aware of earthly sin and devastation, etc., etc?
Just thinking out loud, as usual!
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