Chris Tomlin – Whispers of Worship

But what got my attention most was when he said the music wasn’t very good in his church gatherings.  Through his translator, he stated, “If we sing loud, they’ll hear us and arrest us.  So we just gather up close and whisper the songs to God.  We have to be quiet.”   It was an awakening moment for me.   Again, I saw another picture of true worship living itself out.  I thought of all my efforts to sing and play loud for God, and never had I been a part of a chorus as loud as their whispers.   In our culture today, if our music is a bit lacking, then so goes our “worship.”  But I was awakened again that worship has little to do with style or volume.  It is about spirit.   It is about being on a mission to live and die for the name and renown of Jesus.  My humble friend from China was a representation of what it looks like to present your body as a living sacrifice to God.

How often do we forget what true worship should be?

ht to Royal York Baptist Church

Rejoice? or REJOICE!

Philippians 4:4-7

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything,by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

I am in love with Philippians right now.

Is there any better text that points us in the direction of Christ? I look at the whole book and revel in the challenge of living everyday in Christ, or as Amy and I shared with the community at North York Chinese Baptist the other weekend: “Imitate Christ, Now!”

I will admit, I failed where Philipians 4:4 challenges us. This is one of my struggles.

How do I turn and rejoice even in the challenging, frustrating, emotionally-draining times?

As Francis Chan says, even the lost can praise God in the good times, but why can’t we, the faithful, praise in the bad times? I need to be able to do this. Praise God everyday. If I am going to be living out my theology, this is a concern.

How does being able to see God in the bad times become an unconscious action, and when does it become more than a habit?