“The Mission” – Musical Musings in March

 

Thinking about this song brings back many memories. As I heard Steve Green’s voice again, my heart was stirred. I was reminded of the time period and the message his music brought to my young world.

 

???????????????????????????????Not only was this Steve Green’s message, it is also God’s message. It is what we as Christians are to be doing. We are called to follow Christ and then we are to share the message with others. As we travel on this journey we are to do a few things.

 

We must learn. We must live holy lives. We must be devoted. We must proclaim. We must serve. We must be diligent. We must be single-minded. We must share God’s message. We must make disciples.

 

It doesn’t matter where we are (across the street or around the world), this is how we are to live.

 

This particular song wasn’t radical for its day, but I recall the difference this song made in my life. It brought to my mind a responsibility on my part to my part for God’s Kingdom. And that is what so many songs have done through my life. Pointed me to God and helped me to see what I needed to do to make my relationship with Him a little sweeter.

 

So today, take a look at Steve Green’s song, “The Mission.” See if it might not make an impact on your life as it did mine.

 

There’s a call going out
Across the land in every nation
A call to those who swear allegiance to the cross of Christ
A call to true humility, to live our lives responsibly
To deepen our devotion to the cross at any price

 

Let us then be sober, moving only in the Spirit
As aliens and strangers in a hostile foreign land
The message we’re proclaiming is repentance and forgiveness
The offer of salvation to a dying race of man

 

Chorus:
To love the Lord our God
Is the heartbeat of our mission
The spring from which our service overflows
Across the street
Or around the world
The mission’s still the same
Proclaim and live the Truth
In Jesus’ name

 

As a candle is consumed by the passion of the flame
Spilling light unsparingly throughout a darkened room
Let us burn to know Him deeper
Then our service flaming bright
Will radiate his passions
And blaze with holy light

(Chorus)[i]

 

Click here to listen to Steve Green’s version of this beloved song.

 

We have a mission. How are you fulfilling this mission? What steps are you taking to prepare yourself for this mission? Do you understand the urgency of this mission? Does the heartbeat of this mission (to love the Lord our God) compel you to proclaim and live His truth?

 

Perhaps these are difficult questions for you today. But if they are, please understand that this is possible with God. When we allow Him to be the heartbeat, our desire grows and deepens and is fueled by His Spirit to lead us in fulfilling this mission.

 

You may be called to fulfill this mission within your home or your neighborhood or within your city or across the world. All that God asks of you is to have a willing heart and spirit and He will prepare the way.

 

I’m thankful for artists like Steve Green who have accepted God’s call to fulfill the mission. I pray that as you go throughout your day that you will find this passion to live the mission set before us.

 

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20 – NIV)

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “The Mission,” Words and music by Jon Mohr and Randall Dennis, Copyright 1989, Feed and Seed Music/J.R. Dennis Music.

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“Sing, Sing, Sing” – Musical Musings in March

 

I know many people who have pretty remarkable voices. I enjoy listening to someone who is able to sing beautifully and who are willing to use their voice to glorify God.

 

MusicBut I must admit, there is nothing more beautiful than hearing one of my grandchildren sing a little song for me. Or when I catch my husband (who doesn’t sing at all by the way) humming a few bars of a song.

 

In my earlier years, singing was the most important thing to me. My voice was an instrument that needed to be exercised, cared for and used daily for it to be at its best. I was committed to doing whatever needed to have a beautiful voice.

 

As the years have passed, singing is still important. But what has changed is that I don’t spend an hour a day working toward having a beautiful voice. I’d rather be studying God’s Word or writing a blog post. So this once beautiful, well-coiffed voice is now ordinary. I’m okay with that. And with this voice, I still sing, sing, sing praises to my God and King.

 

I imagine King David had a naturally beautiful voice. I imagine that his voice was one that others stopped to listen to. I imagine that his voice could be heard over the other voices singing. But I also imagine that King David’s voice was His gift from God in order to sing praises to God.

 

We see glimpses into this idea from Scripture. Psalm 104:33 (NIV) shares these words of David. “I will sing to the Lord all my life: I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.”

 

Psalm 96 is dedicated to singing. “Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.” (Psalm 96:1-2 – NIV)

 

And if this isn’t enough, there are plenty more. Take a look at Psalm 9:11, or Psalm 30:4, or Psalm 33:1-3, or Psalm 47:6, or Psalm 68:4, or Psalm 81:1-2, or Psalm 95:1, or Psalm 98:1, or Psalm 149:1.

 

David loved to sing praises to God. And so should we! It doesn’t matter if you have a good voice or not, God delights in hearing us sing to Him. So today, let’s sing to the maker of heavens and earth. Let’s make music to glorify the Name of Jesus. Let’s sing, sing, sing!

 

“Sing, Sing, Sing”

 

Chorus:

We will sing, sing, sing
And make music with the heavens
We will sing, sing, sing
Grateful that You hear us
When we shout your praise
Lift high the name of Jesus

 

What’s not to love about You?
Heaven and earth adore You
Kings and kingdoms bow down
Son of God, You are the One
You are the One we’re living for

 

You are the love that frees us
You are the light that leads us
Like a fire burning
Son of God, You are the one
You are the one we’re living for

(Chorus)[i]

 

If you’d like to listen to Sing, Sing, Sing, click here.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

[i] “Sing, Sing, Sing,” Words and Music by Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, Matt Gilder and Daniel Carson, WorshipTogether.com, Six Steps Music, Vamos Publishing, Shadow Rock Music, 2008.

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“Hide Thou Me” – Musical Musings in March

 

If you were to turn on my car, you may or may not be surprised. The radio will more than likely be off. Why? Because I find my drive time to be a good way to reflect upon my personal relationships. With my family and with God.

 

IMAG1492If you were to turn on my car stereo, again, you may or may not be surprised. In my CD player, I have a CD that is an audio portion of the Bible. Why? Because I love hearing God’s Word spoken aloud. This CD overlaps 1st and 2nd Peter. I’ve been listening to these two books of the Bible for a while now…someday I will write a Bible study.

 

And finally, there is a memory stick with music on it. It’s all of my favorite Christmas songs in one place. As you may or may not know, I listen to Christmas music all year long. Why? Because I find great joy, comfort and peace as I listen to melodies about the birth of God’s Son.

 

Oh, on occasion I’ll listen to a message by one of my favorite radio preachers, but mostly, I stick to quiet, Scripture or Christmas music.

 

Today’s song talks about discouragement, complaining and temptation. The author of this song knew of the divine resource available when we find ourselves in these lowly positions. He knew the Rock of Ages was the One we could cry out to.

 

Like me, you may cry out by listening to Scripture. Like me, you may cry out by listening to Christmas music (or music of your choosing). Like me, you may cry out in the quietness. However you or I cry out, we must know that the Rock of Ages is the One to whom we must cry out.

 

So today, if you are discouraged, lonely or in despair, cry out to the Rock of Ages. He is the only One who is able to deliver. I am so thankful for this Rock!

 

“Hide Thou Me”

 

Sometimes I feel discouraged
And I think my works in vain
I’m tempted oft to murmur
To grumble and complain

 

But then I think of Jesus
And all he’s done for me

Then I cry, oh Rock of Ages

Hide thou me

 

Oh Rock of Ages

Hide thou me

There is no other refuge

Can save, oh but thee

Through this old world

I’ve wandered so far, far from thee

 

Then I cry

Oh Rock of Ages

Hide thou me[i]

 

Click here to listen to the Gaither’s version of this beautiful hymn.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “Hide Thou Me,” Words by L. R. Tolbert, Music by Thoro Harris, Singspiration Music, 1926.

 

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“Take My Life” – Musical Musings in March

 

Hymns have held a special place in the hearts of believers through the years. Many for good reason. Praises being sung to our God and King are worthy of singing. And then there are those whose lyrics ask us to surrender something to God. Today’s hymn does that.

 

cool-sheet-music-background-pq3wplniWhen my children were younger, they learned “Take My Life and Let it Be” in youth group. I was surprised. Of course they sang all of the usual youth group songs. The silly ones along with the serious songs. But this one meant something to me. It meant something to the youth leaders too. I was thankful for Brian and Suzanne’s willingness to teach my children a hymn that pointed them to being devoted to God.

 

I wonder if we overlook the importance when we sing these lyrics during a worship service. Am I willing to live up to the words in this hymn? Is my life completely, totally, 100% dedicated to God? Have I consecrated (to make or declare something sacred) every portion of my being to Him? Am I withholding anything from God? Does praise constantly flow from my lips? And what about my will? Does it really belong to Him?

 

These are tough questions that require thought and decision-making on my part. You see, it’s not the hymn that asks, it’s God. He wants every portion of our life so that He can use us for His purposes and work.

 

Do you recall Jesus’ words in Mark 12:30 (NIV)? “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” That’s all of us isn’t it?

 

God asks. What are you willing to give Him? Maybe today’s hymn is not one to take lightly. As you read through these words, take the time to concentrate on each phrase. Search your heart to find those areas that you haven’t given to God. And then, maybe today, give God every little bit of you.

 

“Take My Life”

 

Take my life and let it be consecrated Lord to Thee
Take my moments and my days, let them flow in ceaseless praise

 

Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of Thy love
Take my feet and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee

 

Take my voice and let me sing always, only for my King
Take my lips and let them be filled with messages from Thee

 

Take my silver and my gold, not a mite would I withhold
Take my intellect and use every power as You choose

 

Here am I, all of me, take my life, it’s all for Thee

Take my will and make it Thine, it shall be no longer mine

 

Take my heart, it is Thine own, it shall be Thy royal throne
Take my love, my Lord I pour at Your feet, it’s treasure store

 

Take myself and I will be ever, only, all for Thee

Here am I, all of me, take my life, it’s all for Thee[i]

 

Click here to listen to this beautiful hymn.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “Take My Life,” Words by Frances R. Havergal, Music by   Henry A. Malan, Additional chorus by Chris Tomlin and Louie Giglio, Worship Together Music, 2004.

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Reunited

 

I will admit, I enjoyed worship with my family last Sunday in Ohio. But I also must admit, I missed being with my home church here in Colorado. This morning I will be blessed by being with the folks at Rocky. I can’t wait!

 

Today’s repeat blog post is one of my all-time favorite songs.

 

“Bread Upon the Water” – Musical Musings in March

 

My husband loves music and he enjoys listening to music. He has upgraded the speakers and stereo in every vehicle he’s owned. Some of the music he likes surprises me and some just warm my heart. One of his favorite groups to listen to are the Imperials.

 

0005030206R-849x565A particular song that the Imperials sang reminds me of my freshman year at Cincinnati Bible College (they’ve changed the name of this school, but I have such difficultly calling it by its new name…sorry Cincinnati Christian University). I joined a group of people who performed with puppets and muppets. We traveled around the area, set up our big stage and equipment, and then proceeded to share God’s message through these inanimate objects.

 

The music we used was always fun and lively, had a great message to tell, but it also needed to have some different parts going on so that each muppet could do something different. You know, like backup singers.

 

The song that brings back these memories is “Bread Upon the Water.” The lyrics are taken from Ecclesiastes 11:1 and Luke 6:38.

 

Ecclesiastes 11:1 (NIV) says, “Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again.”

 

But another section of the song quotes Jesus from Luke 6:38 (NIV). Jesus said, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

 

Oh how I wish I had been sitting at Jesus’ feet to hear these words. He wanted this crowd to get the message…give! We know Jesus shared this message on multiple occasions, but not like this. The results of our giving are immeasurable. The blessings we receive when we give go beyond anything we could ever imagine. So much so that we are unable to keep them confined. And then we need to give yet again.

 

There are many ways to give. We can give of our time, our talents, our money, ourselves. Maybe you can only give in one of these areas. Maybe you’re able to give in all of these areas. Whatever the case, Jesus tells us to give.

 

So how are you giving? Do you volunteer in your local church? If not, you need to. Your church needs you. And regardless of your talents, if your heart is in it, God will bless it. If you don’t know where to start, start by asking around and see where there is a need. I’m certain you’ll receive plenty of ideas and invitations.

 

I used to work with a team of ladies to plan women’s events for our church and the minister’s wife heads up this team. She closes each email to us with these words. “It’s a pleasure serving Jesus with you.” Yes, it is a pleasure to serve Jesus. It’s my pleasure.

 

God wants us, urges us to give. As Christ-followers, giving is part of our spiritual DNA. We cannot deny it. We must embrace and develop this area of our lives. And then we simply need to wait.

 

So as you listen to this song today, think of ways you can be serving Jesus!

 

“Bread Upon the Water”

 

Well there are people who think they’re not receiving

Anything from God at all

Oh they are shaken from their believin’

When they don’t see results they quickly fall

 

But don’t you waiver keep on living

In the way God wants you to

Don’t get discouraged keep on giving

Soon it will come back to you

 

Oh keep on working seeking the kingdom

Instead of working for your needs

Just keep on sharing the love of Jesus

You know growing comes from planting seeds

 

Keep on casting your bread upon the water

Soon it’s going to come back home on every wave

Keep on casting your bread upon the water

Soon it’s going to come back home on every wave[i]

 

To listen to this song as recorded by the Gaither Vocal Band, click here!

 

Keep on casting…

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] © Universal Music Publishing Group, Bread Upon The Water Lyrics by Gaither Vocal Band, music composed by Grein

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