Music is like a space shuttle, a vehicle designed to transport one to the heavenly realm of connecting with God. It’s power breaks the bonds of gravity, snapping the chains which hold a man captive and unable to touch the face of God. It is, however, just the first part of the journey, for as the space shuttle ejects it’s solid rocket boosters when the force of gravity lessens it’s earthward tug, so should the worshipper allow the music to loosen it’s hold on him. Music is a means to an end, and as such, should never be esteemed more highly than it ought.

In space, there is freedom in weightlessness. Beyond the stratosphere, the highest level of worship if you will, there is also freedom. Beware the counterfeit that seeks to hijack worship, the wolf in sheep’s clothing, the emotional response that is elicited by good music. The devil would have us believe that this emotional response is connecting with God, however it is not. The litmus test is thus: When truly connecting with God, suddenly there is no burden so great that it can shackle a person to earth. There simply are no problems plaguing the mind in this very moment in time, albeit brief. Love for Jesus and His sacrifice becomes so overwhelming that the body can barely remain standing, the eyes too flooded with tears to focus, yet the spirit sees clearly. There are NO other thoughts in the mind but those which would please God. The music can stop but the connection remains as one becomes able to worship in spirit as God both desires and deserves. 

Sadly, just as the shuttle is forced to return to earth when its mission is complete, so does the worshipper return to the reality of a harsh life. But he returns rejuvenated and able to face another day, blessed by the knowledge that someday he will spend an eternity in the heavenlies with the Love of his life.....our Father, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

An excerpt from the book I am writing:

I suppose I might liken anger, fear and disappointment to the slag that must be skimmed from the top of the smelter’s pot. Composed of impurities that are useless, slag holds gold captive to it’s true nature, it’s earthly condition, preventing the beauty of it’s pure essence from shining through. Faith refined by the fire of adversity no longer is plagued by fear, anger, disappointment and many other lesser evils. Refined faith prompts a person to turn to God rather than to his own plans, to sing His praises rather than pour forth lamentations. Yes, that is the kind of faith I want to have…but I believe there may be only one way to get there…by way of trial and tribulation. For me, anyway. At least that is what I keep telling myself. Seems I really should be quite shiny by now!

WORSHIP....A LIFESTYLE NOT AN ACTIVITY

There are many diets advertised today, and to some extent all of them work. The problem is that when a diet is discontinued, weight usually returns, often resulting in a greater number of pounds than were lost. Science has shown that vegans are 30 percent less heavy and tend to be healthier than the general population. This is because vegan is a lifestyle rather than a diet, a way of eating that is not discontinued just because the desired weight has been lost. The notion of not eating any animal derived food is based upon a principle, a belief system, if you will and is not taken lightly by it’s followers.

Likewise, for the Christian, worship is not just singing in church on Sundays. I used to believe it was, but I have come to understand that worship is a lifestyle to be demonstrated in every thought, word and deed that happens 24/7/365 until I draw my final breath. When I think about how blessed I am, praise God with my lips by way of testimony, utter a kind word to one who is downcast or offer food to a person who lacks sustenance, I am in fact, worshipping God.

If on the other hand, complaints roll off my lips, I do not give much thought to the poor or needy, harbor evil thoughts, or otherwise do things which I know are displeasing to God…..well you see where I am going with thIs.

Can I possibly worship God every waking moment? Jesus did. The least I can do is make it my goal. Just as vegan is a lifestyle rather than a diet to be employed every time I need to lose a few pounds, so too is worship. I should approach the Throne of Grace, offer words of praise and deep gratitude, whether I have a need or not. 

Lord, please help me learn how to praise and worship You every waking moment, not just when I have a need. May my life be one which reflects Your glory as praise for You is continually on my lips. In Jesus’ precious name. AMEN!

What is Sin?

The Hebrew word for sin is hhatah which translated literally means “to miss the mark.”  Regardless of how modern society may describe sin, it seems to me the original intent of the word is the most reliable, as it has not been corrupted by layers of interpretations piled up throughout the years.  Further, it is a waste of intellectual energy to attempt to describe sin outside of the context of the Bible because it is the only book which mentions it.  Why describe an atom bomb as it relates to a book written about fishing when the atom bomb is neither mentioned nor relevant in such a book?

While it is true that we all fall short (miss the mark) of the glory of God, like arrows missing  their respective targets, some fall  shorter than others.   Therefore, sin is never a victimless crime, for in the end it is the sinner himself who suffers by his own hand simply because he does miss the mark, for the goal is to draw ever closer to God.  Simply put, sin is anything that separates us from God.

Regardless of what we choose to call it, sinful behavior leaves a trail behind, as it succeeds in drawing us away from fellowship with God.  The question each person must ask is “do I feel closer to God today than I did yesterday?” If the answer is yes, then I am still on task.  If not, then it is wise to ask what has altered my course.  In the end, it matters little how we describe sin.  It is how GOD describes it that counts.

Father, I have but one goal left in my life that matters and that is to draw ever closer in my walk with You.  Please help me to stay on target and guide me safely through the schemes of the enemy which would seek to throw me off course.  Please guard my heart and mind and shine Your light of discernment onto the lies of the enemy.  In Jesus’ precious name. AMEN!