New Songs

"Sing a new song to the LORD, for He has done wonderful deeds...Shout to the LORD, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy!...Make a joyful symphony before the LORD, the King!" Psalm 98:1a, 4, 6b

In the darkness we could hear the gentle turning of pages and then all was quiet for a brief moment. Suddenly the sound of an orchestra burst forth from the silence. As the lighting enhanced the music with its creative display of light, the overture the premier presentation of "It is Written" began.

This thrilling "modern oratorio" with eleven brand new songs and nine underscored narrations traces the story of salvation. Scripture is both narrated dramatically and presented musically through song. It is a large-scale work with all original songs and full orchestrations, complete with lyric videos. This musical depiction of God's rescue, redemption, recovery, ransom and return from Genesis to Revelation was presented for the first time at my home church this past Easter weekend.

The author and composer was doing exactly what Psalm 98 encourages. The instruction for "new songs" is found repeatedly through God's Word. Our worship needs to be fresh and energetic. We need to find innovative and effective ways to bring the gospel message, not only to others, but to our own hearts, keeping our passion for the Lord both exciting and inviting.

Back in Genesis 4 we are introduced to Jubal, described as the father of all who play stringed instruments and pipes. Some regard him as the "inventor of music", recognizing still that any ability is a gift from the Lord. From there we read of Psalms, hymns, prophetic songs, chants and dirges. Biblical heroes have a variety of themed songs in response to the activity of God. From Moses' first song of praise for deliverance in Exodus 15 to the final song of triumph in Revelation 15, there is a thread of music and celebration throughout God's written Word giving tribute to Him for who He is and all He does.

With victory songs, battle songs, prophetic songs, lamentations and worship, music and singing should be part of every Christ-followers life, yet, on any given Sunday there are those around me who I never see taking part in this thrilling opportunity to lift our voice in praise. Nowhere do I see God placing a condition of talent on our command to sing. The Lord loves our praise, whether it's pitch perfect or not. 

The melodies we sing to the Lord reflect our hearts. Music provides an intimate way for us to express our love and joy to God. He is so worthy of our praise. As Bob Kauflin, a songwriter and worship leader has said, "There's something about singing that both enables and encourages the rich indwelling of the word of Christ in our hearts. The 'word of Christ' is the gospel. It's who Jesus is, what He's done, and why it matters. The gospel is to dwell in us richly through singing. Singing is what helps us do that and express that."

Let's lift our voices today, joining with all creation as "the sea and everything in it shout His praise", "rivers clap their hands in glee" and "hills sing out their songs of joy before the LORD" (Ps 98:7-9a). 

* For more information regarding "It is Written", go to https://www.cb-press.com/it-is-written. The composer and arranger is my son.

No Editing!

"So be careful to obey all the commands I give you. You must not add anything to them or subtract anything from them." Deuteronomy 12:32

Years ago I received an email from a lady at my church requesting if I would consider editing a speech that she was preparing to share at a family gathering. I was blown away by the request. I'm not an editor. What did I know about revising anyone's writing? Did I even want the responsibility? What if I happened to offend her by correcting or changing her work? I'm not a genius in the literary field, although I do have a passion for words, and I certainly was willing to help. I agreed to read it over and gently "tweak" if necessary.

It's a daunting job to play editor, and I do mean "play", as I have absolutely no training. Working with another's words without inserting an opinion or disturbing the author's perspective and personality is challenging. It was tempting to add or subtract sentences based solely on my preference. English was not this woman's native tongue, so some phrases were backwards and some concepts a little confused. By the time I finished, I truly believe I kept her ideas intact. The message remained the same, just packaged with some new expression.

I wonder if we sometimes take on the role of "Editor" when it comes to God's Word. Do I believe that every sentence in the Bible is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, training and correcting? (2 Timothy 3:16) Am I convinced that every sentence and every thought in the Bible is inspired by the Holy Spirit? Do I sometimes desire to add or delete certain phrases, words, and even complete passages based on my obedience quotient? If God's directives fit neatly into my life with relative ease, I'll embrace and follow, but those that require effort, surrender and change I'll exclude or re-write to suit my schedule and agenda. After all, God certainly didn't mean we had to obey ALL of His Word, did He? It's not really commandments, but simply suggestions...right?

WRONG! God doesn't want us to omit one "jot" or "tittle" (Matthew 5:18). We are called to carefully walk in obedience to every command, not exaggerating or eliminating anything. We must adhere to every requirement, dotting every "i" and crossing every "t" as the expression goes. Although I had the freedom to edit this friend's paper, I do not have permission to edit God's Word. We must read it with the intent to fulfill it completely.

The beautiful benefit the Israelites received was the blessings He showered upon them when they complied. Their choice to obey brought rewards. God promised to richly provide when they walked in His ways. In Christ, now we are not under the Old Covenant, but because of Jesus we are positionally blessed. There are still consequences for disobedience, but unlike the Israelites, under the New Covenant the curse is gone. Moses and the people of God faced a clear cause and effect relationship with God. We rejoice today in one of mercy and grace. Our followship is motivated by love.

God still sets the standard for our worship and obedience, not our human opinion. How I pray the Lord will keep me faithful in the reading and sharing of His Word. May I not look at Scripture to make editorial corrections, but instead, in my obedience, may I allow the Divine Editor to use His Word to refine my life and change my character to reflect Christ.

The Danger of Abundance

"When you have eaten your fill, be sure to praise the LORD your God for the good land He has given you. But that is the time to be careful! Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the LORD your God..." Deuteronomy 8:10-11a

I have friends who yearly have a one-word focus to mark the 365 days before them. I used to do it. I only recall two words the Lord ever seemed to impress. One was "Pride" (like that was a fun year), and the other "Remember". I haven't participated in this annual themed pursuit in years, but I have a friend whose current word is "Abundance".

I still remember the day she shared it with me. On the surface it seems like such a great word. Who doesn't want abundance? It's defined as possessing a very large quantity. It implies plentifulness and prosperity. To be in abundance means you actually have more than you need, an oversufficiency. The problem with this ample supply is that it can usher in feelings of self-sufficiency.

In fairness, I don't believe my friend was suggesting she wanted to accumulate more. She is a minimalist by nature. She loves the Lord with all her heart, soul and mind. As I've been praying for her abundance, I've been asking the Lord for bountiful, rich, spiritual growth as well as protection from self-reliance. Jesus promises believers an abundant life in John 10:10, and I know that experiencing the presence of His exceedingly more is her heart's desire. The abundance of experiencing God and knowing Him better may bring more pain than prosperity. God's definition of abundance will always result in Christlikeness. However, the truth remains that there are dangers that accompany the blessings of the Lord. 

God, through Moses, cautioned the Israelites that when the Lord brought them into the good land He was giving them, to be certain to remember the Source. He warned them against the pride that often accompanies achievement. "Remember the LORD your God. He is the One who gives you power to be successful". (Deut 8:18a) Anything we attain is always because the hand of the Lord is upon us.

You see, the danger of forgetting to recognize and praise God because of abundance is the temptation to attribute success solely to human effort or merit. There's nothing the enemy loves more than an "I did it" mentality. 

Ten years ago I noticed how often a seven-word slogan kept appearing on social media. It was on t-shirts, wall hangings, bracelets and mugs. "She believed she could so she did." Too many "she's" in there for me. Anything we are able to do is only through the grace and enabling of God in us. It's not about us. "I believe God can and He does!"

Let's guard ourselves from crediting our own resources and ability for abundance. Remember God and His faithfulness. Pray for your heart to remain humble and don't forget to praise Him. May we pray with the Psalmist, "You LORD are all I have, and You give me all I need; my future is in Your hands." (Psalm 16:5)

Cathedral Building

"...The LORD is God, the LORD alone. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the door posts of your house and on your gates." Deuteronomy 6:4-9

My son and his family visited a couple of days ago for Easter dinner. As conversation around the supper table flowed, I asked my three-year-old grandson Matthew, "Sweetheart, what did you do today? What did you play with mommy and daddy?" I received a one-word response that sounded somewhat like "tomb". I replied, "You made up some tunes?" With his musical father and a home studio this was quite possible, but I was met with a "no". Again he repeated, "tomb". Daddy intervened at this point and confirmed they were playing "tomb". They were reenacting the resurrection of Christ. They had built a tomb out of cushions where Matthew would hide, and then, "after three days", burst out declaring, "Jesus lives!" 

How we must diligently find ways to share Biblical truths with our children in age-appropriate ways. The scripture from Deuteronomy has always been one of my favourite. As parents, we are the primary teachers of portraying and conveying God's word to the next generation. We have to be creative and engaging, bringing Jesus into all our conversations. We cannot leave this training to Sunday School teachers one day a week. They reinforce what is being taught and lived out at home.

Why should so much effort be devoted to wholeheartedly bringing God and His word intentionally before the next generation? I personally long for those who come after me to know the Lord, and one day be in heaven with me. I can't stand the thought of being separated from family and friends for all eternity. My heart is heavy with knowing that hell is real and any who don't respond to Christ's invitation of salvation will never experience heaven. I often pray, that should the Lord tarry, each generation that continues in our family will love the Lord more than the one that came before.

My son became a believer at the age of 3, and to the best of his understanding, began following Jesus. His children, my grandchildren, are that next generation who need to see and hear about Christ. My husband and I have been blessed with weekly opportunities to engage with our grandchildren. We bring the Lord into all our play, finding ways to direct every aspect of all we do to point to Jesus. We talk about our own love for Christ. We praise Him with excitement! We make His name glorious as we live to shine the light of Christ's life before them, letting them see that faith works! We cannot allow anything to distract us from influencing our children to Jesus. When our children and grandchildren run into us, they need to be running into God. 

Don't waste story time! Share your God stories! Talk of His faithfulness. Willful remembrance fuels spiritual vitality.  And don't neglect to speak of your failures. We are not a portrait of perfection, but of God's mercy. Share how God has met you in times of loss and disappointment. Talk about God's provision and the hope you have in Him. 

"The health of the next generation depends on the holiness of the now generation. Our generations courage will determine the next generations conviction. Our generations complacency will result in the next generations captivity. When the now generation encounters the authoritative word of God, the next will encounter the will of God." Samuel Rodriguez

This scripture text reminds me today that we really can't do too much! The culture is bombarding the younger generation constantly, so we too must go overboard by sharing the greatest story ever told to the youngest and cutest mission field we will be blessed to disciple. I've heard it said that building into our children and grandchildren, we are building a great cathedral for God's glory. 

Safe All Along

"The LORD your God is going ahead of you. He will fight for you, just as you saw Him do in Egypt. And you saw how the LORD your God cared for you all along the way as you traveled through the wilderness, just as a father cares for his child. Now He has brought you to this place." Deuteronomy 1:30-31

Reading those verses, immediately an illustration in a book came to mind. "Safe All Along" by Katie Davis Majors begins with a story of being caught in dangerous rapids. Feeling at the mercy of the river, panic arose. Care and concern for herself and her daughter escalated as they navigated the twists and turns, being carried further and further away by the current. What they couldn't see, around the bend the water slowed and became shallow. The entire episode was only minutes, but I'm sure it felt like hours. The unknown always slows the hands of the clock, but oh how often in the middle of the twists and turns of life we forget the hands of God.

The Israelites were finally closing in on their destination, having taken 40 years longer than they should have, but they were on the fringe of crossing over into the promised land. They had seen God and guide and provide, and scripture tells us that they lacked nothing. Yet here they are standing on the border of possessing all that God has for them, and again they hesitate. Fear grips their hearts and stops their progress.

How often do we stand at that same border? God invites us into a new initiative and we begin with excitement, but hard knocks along the way make us forgetful of the divine call. Suddenly all His previous care is forgotten as we focus on a new challenge that has risen before us. We desperately need to continually recall all the Lord has done for us. The Israelites had witnessed God's faithfulness with their own eyes, but a new trial blinded their memory of His goodness.

Not only do we struggle to remember His past provision, but His present proximity. The Lord is with us. His word promises that He will never leave us or forsake us. We never face a moment alone. He fights for us in our "Egypts" and cares for us all along the way of the wilderness as a father cares for his child. He remains close to us guiding each step of the way. When He brings us to a new place, He doesn't abandon us, but assures us, going ahead and providing footsteps for us to follow.

Starting on any journey is often exciting, but finishing well is the real triumph. We must understand that God goes ahead, charting our course, and the battle is His. If we remain on His side, victory is guaranteed. We must trust in His sovereign authority and walk by faith in obedience. Sometimes the biggest roadblock in moving forward is not necessarily who or what is in front of us, but the fear that is within us. God will empower us to overcome our fears and move forward.

The Lord's steps may pace differently than ours. Rushing ahead or resting too long will influence when we arrive at our God-given destiny. Often we are challenged by our loss of control and God's vastly different timing. When His stride and speed contrasts with ours, His is right. Believe me on this. Better yet, believe Him on this. He is going ahead and knows the perfect timing, caring for each of us personally in order to bring us to the place He has promised. "We are stronger than we think because God is holding us more securely than we know." We really are safe all along.

Quote from "Safe All Along", Katie Davis Majors, Multnomah Publishers, Copyright 2023

One Word

"'Mary!' Jesus said." John 20:16a

When was the last time something completely unexpected overwhelmed you? For me it was just a couple of days ago. While making dessert for a family gathering a knock came to the door. The one person I longed to see more than anyone else at that moment was standing on my porch. Not anticipating their arrival, I collapsed in their arms, sobbing, overwhelmed by their presence. Tears of joy and love that they had come.

I can't get past Christ's one word today. Actually, any and every word from Jesus should always grab our attention with the same force, but just think about it. In the middle of grieving with unimaginable loss and agony, Jesus speaks her name.

Seconds prior to Mary's encounter with Christ her emotions must have been overwhelming. Death brings such heartache. I know that as believers we do not grieve as those without hope, but that doesn't deny the pain of temporary separation. Jesus was crucified. Mary watched him die. We cannot live in a broken world and not feel grief, and yet we are prone to fight this emotion, often identifying it as a weakness instead of recognizing it as honest sorrow.

We don't do death a favour with attempts to minimize its impact. In fact, so fearful of it, we rephrase its finality with words like "passing" or "moving on". We want to soften its blow in a ridiculous effort to pretend its collision with our every breath isn't as tragic. We publicly portray that we have accepted the loss, and as believers, we chorus declarations of being reunited one day. Truthful words, but at that moment they are betraying a soul in need.

Being at the foot of the cross days before, watching Jesus excruciating execution would stir in her heart the worst pain imaginable. As a mother of a son, I can't write these words without tears flowing. I feel the depth of this so deeply. Although Mary Magdalene's life testified of her obedience and trust in God, she was human. The Friend she treasured was gone.

Coming to the tomb that day, the unwanted companion of grief accompanied her. She just wanted, no needed, to be near the last place where Jesus had been alive. She was compelled to be close. Love cleaves. Her deep, deep sorrow speaks of a great, great affection. Mary's heartache didn't mean she was hopeless, it simply meant she was hurting. "Lament is how we worship when we're asking why." (Steve Smith, Highpoint Church)

Attempts to numb the pain of grief are fruitless. We may have temporary success as we hide in activity, work, busyness and a variety of other futile substitutions, but at some point we have to acknowledge the loss and come face to face with our feelings.

Then the sound of His voice. One word. "Mary". A moment forever remembered in her heart. Instead of identifying Himself, He revealed who she was to Him. She knew without any doubt who spoke her name. Who her eyes failed to see, her ears perceived. As Spurgeon writes, "Mary" became a one-word sermon, confirming death to life of her Saviour, and also resurrection of her own heart. In that instant everything changed. He called out her name. 

I wonder how His voice sounded as he spoke life back into her loss. What tone did He use? There's nothing like hearing a friend speak your name. With tenderness and devotion He calls her by name. Nothing more. It's just a name, but it's her name.

Christ still makes Himself known by His word. Continuing to see our sorrow, He will unexpectedly enter our day calling out our names. Listen. His sheep hear His voice.

Aging With Enthusiasm!

"...the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted to the LORD's own house. They flourish in the courts of our God. Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. They will declare, 'The LORD is just! He is my rock! There is no evil in Him!'" Psalm 92:12 - 15

I found these verses the year I turned 60 years old. I had probably read them multiple times before, but as I entered into a new decade this passage of scripture came alive with deeper meaning.

Many speak of retirement. There are those who convince themselves that they have earned a new season of relaxation and it's time to reward themselves for years of work. Some move to warmer climates, in gated communities, indulging in recreation that fills their days with pleasure. I'm not against a little fun, but it's the mentality that says, "I paid the price, now it's all about me", that seems to be in direct contrast to what God speaks about our later years.

Scripture compares the godly to flourishing palm trees. I read that date palm trees actually bear hundreds of pounds of fruit well past 150 years of age. God uses these plants to describe our lives as we age. God expects continued fruitfulness as we declare the truth of who He is to others. As Josh Mulvihill, Executive Director of Church and Family Ministry at Renewanation writes, "Age does not impair fruit-bearing capabilities. It enhances them." I love that! 

When you think of it, our latter years can be more productive than our former, as we now have time to engage in intentional disciple-making. Yes, retirement can usher in some enjoyment, but old age is not for the purpose of leisure and self-indulgence. Growing older is a gift from God. Psalm 90:12 instructs us to "number our days", being strategic in how we utilize every minute of life. We should continually ask ourselves, "How can I live out the remaining years of my life in a way that glorifies God?"

Aging is not a problem to avoid, but a blessing to embrace. In his book, "Full of Years: Aging and the Elderly in the Bible and Today", Stephen Sapp states that in the Old Testament, old age was not something to dread as an intrusion into God's intended purpose for human existence, rather it was something one accepted, if not welcomed, as a sign of God's favour and a reward for righteousness. As Proverbs 16:31 reminds us, gray hair is "a crown of glory".

One of the sweetest seasons most encounter with aging is grandparenting. We can't echo the world's philosophy of "I've raised my children and I'm done", but recognize how the Lord instituted family and all the generations to continue to support, encourage, guide and teach. The opportunity we have as Christ-followers to invest in the lives of our grandchildren yields great impact. To reject and neglect this role is in direct opposition to all that God has designed. God is calling us to be flourishing, fruitful, necessary and lively!

About 20 years ago my sister, Japhia, wrote a poem entitled, "Living in A.W.E. - Aging With Enthusiasm". This is both the mentality and heart that God longs for us to adopt as He graciously extends our years. Breath in our lungs gives evidence His purposes for us aren't complete. If this is how you're filling your days, keep it up! But maybe some need to confess a self-focused pattern that has taken over. Leaves can begin to bud today as God plants you in His purposes for His glory. Let's grow green!

Some thoughts from "Biblical Grandparenting - Exploring God's Design for Disciple-Making and Passing Faith to Future Generations" by Dr. Josh Mulvihill.

Additional biblical grandparenting resources can be found through the Legacy Coalition.