Worship and an African Village

The summer of 1986 was an exciting one for me.  I was on tour in South Africa with Carpenter’s Tools; a music ministry out of Youth for Christ that was made up of 10 high school students from all over East and West Central Minnesota.  Our performances were made up of Christian cover tunes, testimonies, and times of sharing one-on-one with students as we came to their schools, churches, parks, and even TV studios.  My experience in Carpenter’s Tools over the years, taught me how music is a universal language that can knock down barriers, connects people together, and provides a way to talk to others about God.  And on one particular night in a small African village, I also saw first-hand what true worship looked like.

We were a little over half-way on our tour when we ended up in a small village.  I can still feel the dust that was everywhere and smell the smoke from burning tires they used as fuel.  The air was so thick with these things that it was hard to breathe as we unloaded our instruments, equipment, and generator.  Because of the remote location and limited resources, we were unable to use all of our “techy” stuff.  It was very pared down and I wondered how it would go as a mostly acoustical set.  Could we pull it off?  Will we sound O.K?  These people were hoping to hear a professional group and we were limited in what we could do.  The pressure was on. 

As we prepared to perform, our contact for that church told us that the place was packed and that some had walked over 20 miles to be there.  O.K., now I was really nervous!  However, I was so excited to meet these people who would go to such great lengths to come and hear about God through music.  I hoped God would use me to draw them into worship of Him, but instead, when all was said and done, the African village people transported me.

As we sang our songs their hands were raised, voices lifted up, and on their faces radiated joy, contentment, and awe like nothing I had ever seen before.  It left me speechless at first and then I sang until I thought my heart would burst from being so caught up in the worship.  When we finished our performance, their musicians took the stage and we had another hour of music and fellowship together.

When I reflected on it later, I was still letting it all settle in my heart. Here was a group of people who had next to nothing in this world.  Their church consisted of dirt floors and benches.  No electricity for fancy instruments, lights, sound, and fog machines.  Just a building with a single podium and a people whose worship wasn’t dependent on what was happening on the outside or their talents and resources.  Their worship came from within and the knowledge of who their God was and a close relationship with Him.

Hebrews 12:28 says, “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,”.  The worship of those African village people was pure, holy, and so inspiring.  I realized then that sometimes I feel like our worship is dependent on ourselves and the environment or we worship because that is what the Bible says we are to do.  (The Lord says:) “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” (Isaiah 29:13) May our hearts be like those in that African village.  Close to God and the result of our knowledge and love for Him that cannot be contained.  

As you and I prepare for large group worship on Sunday.  I pray that we would come prepared to magnify God and not allow our “selves” to get in the way.  Many times, it’s easy to come to church hoping to hear our favorite songs sung, our favorite verses read, or favorite preaching style preached, and so on.  But I pray you come with anticipation of God’s presence, His Word made alive in you, His love showered upon your heart.  Expect to be moved by His Spirit and not necessarily by the elements that make up our time together.  God can use those things, yes, but He doesn’t need them to make an impression on a heart that is open to His still small voice.

Worshiping with you today,
Lisa

Apple Of My Eye

“Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings” 

Psalm 17:8

“Keep me as the apple of your eye”.  The original Hebrew for this idiom is 'iyshown 'ayin and can be literally translated as "Little Man of the Eye." This is a reference to the tiny reflection of yourself that you can see in other people's pupils. Figuratively it is something, or more usually someone, cherished above others.

In order for a reflection to be caught in someone’s eye and for you to be able to see that reflection they must have their gaze directed and fixed on you, and you must be standing near enough to them to see that reflection.  Oh, to be that close and intimate with our God and Creator! Just the mere thought of such intimacy inspires worship in my heart!

“I will proclaim your name O Lord and praise your greatness!  You are my Rock and your works are perfect and all your ways are just.  I lift you up because you are my faithful God who does no wrong; who is upright and just.  Show me the wonders of your great love and keep me as the apple of your eye; I praise you because you alone are the Most High over all the earth.”  

(Deuteronomy 32:3-4, Psalm 17:7-8, Psalm 83:18b)

Worshiping with you today,

Lisa

Rock Band

 “So let Heaven rejoice, let Earth be jubilant, and pass the word among the nations, ‘God reigns!’ Let Ocean, all teeming with life, bellow, let Field and all its creatures shake the rafters; Then the trees in the forest will add their applause…” 

(1 Chronicles 16:33 MSG)

Wow!  Have you heard a bellowing ocean as the whales and sea-life speak and waves crash to shore? Or how about a forest in full applause during a windy day?  It happens all around us.  God’s creation is praising and giving Him glory.  The very thought of all creation, not just people, praising God makes me want to join in even more. Jesus said to the Pharisees in Luke 19, that if the disciples didn’t give him praise the very rocks would. Stones crying out and praising God?  Fascinating!  Gives a whole new meaning to “rock band” doesn’t it? Hm…yes…well…let’s move on, shall we?

I read a book called, “The Great Animal Orchestra” by Bernie Krause.  Mr. Krause has spent most of his life recording the sounds of nature.  He is so attuned to its patterns and sounds that he could tell you the difference between the sound of waves washing up on Lake Michigan and the waves hitting a beach in Florida.  He would even be able to tell you exactly which beach, and probably the time of the day, so distinct is each pattern. This man has discovered creation sounds all around us that we are not even aware of.  Beautiful sounds that some of us may never hear ourselves that God has created for his praise and glory. 

Giving God praise is natural for his creation.  1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God”.  And Isaiah 43:7: “everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” We were created to praise and glorify God. The trees, oceans, and wildlife have it figured out.  Even the very rocks understand who is worthy of their praise.  I don’t know about you, but I really don’t want to be outdone by a rock!

So, join with me, “All together now—applause for God! Sing songs to the tune of his glory, set glory to the rhythms of his praise. Say of God, ‘We've never seen anything like him!’… The whole earth falls to its knees—it worships you, sings to you,”

(Psalm 66:4 MSG)

Praising our Lord today with you and all of creation!

Lisa

At a Loss for Words?

We know it’s important to talk to God, but sometimes, for me at least, the words just don’t come.  Either I’m so wound up that I can’t focus, or I’m so beaten down no words come close to how I’m feeling, or I’m so exhausted, I fall asleep.  It’s those times that when I can’t find the words, I go with the best; God’s Word.

As I find my favorite verses or discover new ones, I pray through them and find such a sweet time of conversation with Father.  Sometimes the conversation goes like, “Father!  Remember when I discovered this verse?  What a day that was and what encouragement your words brought to my heart.  I needed to see that again.  Thank you.”

Maybe today is one of those days where your words are locked up tight and the conversation seems to be lagging.  Find your favorite verses, remind yourself why they are your favorite.  Better yet, let Father know why they are your favorite.  Let His words to you be the start of a precious conversation that leads to a closer relationship and an out-pouring of worship to Him.

I lift you up, O Mighty One, for you are so powerful that the sun rises and sets at your command.  I am so thankful, God, for your sending us your son who is our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.  Everything we need!  I praise you, Magnificent God, for in your infinite mercy, you have called us to Yourself; drawn us in; wooed us with your love.  I am so thankful that none of that was dependent on me for I know I would not have sought you on my own.  Thankful, heartfelt praises to you my Glorious God!  
(Psalm 50:1, Isaiah 9:6, Romans 9:16)

Thankful today,
Lisa

Just Like Father

I loved, and still do, hanging out with my dad.  He’s my hero, my friend, and one of my most favorite people in the world.  If my dad was making cinnamon rolls, I had my four-year-old fingers in that dough. If he was chopping and splitting wood, I was hauling and stacking it. When he worked on the cars, I was out there carrying the drip pan of old oil or sitting in the car pressing the brakes to bleed them. Even better, was having my head under the hood of the car as he explained how important it was to check the fluids often.  (that conversation I recalled quite vividly when during college I blew my engine on the interstate. Yes. True story).  Sometimes, it was just a game of bumper pool or hanging out over a bowl of popcorn. It didn’t matter what he was doing, if he was doing it, I wanted to be there with him.  Even the way we walked became very similar. And though I didn’t always particularly like the task, I loved the man so I stuck close to his side and hung on every word.  I wanted to be just like him.

I picture the same thing with our Heavenly Father.  John 2:6 says, ”the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.”  And then in Colossians 2:6 “Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,” Abiding and walking.  It implies a close, intimate relationship; mirroring characteristics and “mannerisms”.  Just as I love being with my earthly dad, I long to do what Father does and be with Him.  I want to watch Him closely, listening and studying His words, paying attention to how he does things.  With great expectation I want to participate in all He does and keep His commands because that helps me stay close to Him while enjoying His closeness and love that pours out as we walk and abide together.  I want to be just like Him.

How about you?  You may not have had a good earthly father in your life, but you can have a strong, close relationship with the one true heavenly Father. Building a relationship with Him doesn’t have to be super complicated and difficult.  Some days it may be more involved with Scripture study and long times spent in prayer; working out deep truths.  While other days, it can be as simple as sitting at His feet, holding a drip pan of oil while He speaks love to your heart.

Abiding and walking,

Lisa

Where Does Your Compass Point?

I love to watch the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies.  I have even (dare I say it?) found myself pondering spiritual matters and seeing connections and analogies in the stories. For example:

Matthew 6:21 says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” brought to mind Captain Jack Sparrow’s compass.  Yes.  It’s true.  I cannot explain my brain; just go with it for now.  Jack’s compass is not an ordinary compass because it does not point North.  It points to Jack’s deepest desires.  Whatever Jack desires most the compass will point the way so he can obtain it.  So, Jack gets a ship, a crew, and the necessary supplies, heads out into open waters, and does  what a respectable pirate will do while keeping his eyes on his compass. Aargh and Yo Ho Ho! (Sorry.  I was thinking it and so, well, I just had to.)

What does your heart desire?  If you were holding Jack’s compass, where would it point? Jeremiah 29:13 says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” When our heart desires God, He has promised to be found. When we focus our heart and mind on our love for Him, Psalm 91:14-15 says that God will, “deliver him. I will protect him because he knows my name. When he calls out to me, I will answer him. I will be with him in his distress. I will deliver him, and I will honor him.” 

Captain Jack sought earthly treasure that would eventually be destroyed by moths, rust, or stolen by other pirates.  We sometimes do the same.  We settle for costume jewelry when we are promised heavenly treasure that will last forever. (Matthew 6:19-20)

My prayer for us as we enter into a new year is that we will keep our hearts with all vigilance on God, for from it flows the springs of life. (Proverbs 4:23)  Yes! Springs of life and treasure that lasts forever!  Now that is treasure worth seeking!  Ahoy, ye mateys and freebooters!  Let’s go!

Setting my “heart compass” on Him, 

Lisa (aka Peg-leg Sue)

When All Is Gone, God Is Not

“Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places.” Habakkuk 3:17-19

This is one of my favorite passages in the Bible. It’s a relationship goal I long for with Father.  What rock-steady, absolute faith Habakkuk shows. I imagine a man standing in the midst of desolation, stripped bare, with no life around him with arms raised high, voice shouting and heart rejoicing to the God of his salvation. It’s as if he is oblivious to the emptiness around him; not a care in the world.  Completely secure, completely confident in God. Matthew Henry’s commentary says, that Habakkuk resolves to delight and triumph in God even if all the above happens because when all is gone God is not.

God is our salvation and so our soul is secure.  Our joy and security doesn’t come from our circumstances but in the knowledge that God has saved us and we are His forever. And even if all is stripped away, God is still present.

Psalm 46:1-3,7 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling...The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”

May we have this unswerving faith and confidence in God.  To know Him so well, that we stand strong and not fear during those times when “the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines,” or “though the earth gives way” because He is our strength, our salvation, and is very present in our lives.

Rejoicing in the Lord with you today,

Lisa