Do you like things that are new? For me, it depends on what it is. Something new often means that something has changed, which could be good or bad. Getting a new car is great, but it could lack features that you enjoyed in your previous vehicle. A product being “new and improved” may mean that the manufacturer has changed something you really liked, and the new one might just not be as good. Often, something new happens because something old is no longer sufficient for its task.
Today’s psalm, Psalm 98, starts by saying, “Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things.” Interestingly, this is one of 6 psalms that talk about singing a new song to God (Psalms 33, 40, 96, 144, and 149 are the others in case you were curious). But what’s wrong with our old song that we need to sing a new one? Do we need to constantly be coming up with new songs to praise God appropriately?
Think about your favorite musical artist. Do you stop liking their previous music when they release a new album? Generally not; I’ve been a big fan of the band Need to Breathe for years, and I still enjoy listening to all their music, even songs I’ve listened to for over 10 years now. But there is something uplifting and exciting about finding a new song that you enjoy.
That’s how it is with our praise to God. We can sing the same songs over and over again and they are still great for praising Him. But sometimes it takes a new song to give us a new perspective, or a new song can help us remember what God has done for us at a particular time in our lives. For example, whenever I hear How Great Is Our God, it takes me back to the first time I heard it - at a church leadership convention I attended with a former pastor (and good friend) back in early 2006. That was a new song to me at the time, and it helps me remember what God was doing in my life at that time. Now it’s more of an old song to me, but it’s still a great way to praise God.
The other day I happened upon this video through a social media post, where a talented singer goes through popular hymns and songs used to praise God for the last 1500 years. I’m familiar with even the oldest songs he chose, and they still work well to help me connect to God and worship Him. All of the psalms are really old songs, though we no longer have their original tunes available (plus they would have been sung in the original Hebrew). It’s likely the psalms were written over a period of a few centuries then compiled sometime around 537 B.C., so at this point, all of the psalms are well over 2500 years old!
Psalm 98 is one of joyful celebration to God. Verses 1-3 talk about praising Him for ways He has delivered His people in the past, verses 4-6 are worship of God because of who He is as the great King, and verses 7-9 praise Him in anticipation of His coming to His people:
“Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. The Lord has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations. He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn — shout for joy before the Lord, the King.
Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy; let them sing before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity.”
While I’m guessing you won’t be picking up a ram’s horn to make music to the Lord anytime soon, the idea is that we should be praising God in whatever way we can do so best for all the things He has done for us and will do in the future, whether that’s an “old” song or a new one.
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Music is important in the lives of many people. I have talented musicians in my family, and while I am not one of them, I definitely enjoy good music and attending concerts, musicals, etc. Many people can make a living off their music, and for many others it’s a great hobby. Most churches use music in their worship services as another way to praise God. So, it’s no surprise that music is addressed in the Bible.
The very first musical reference in the Bible was of Jubal in Genesis 4:20-21: “Adah gave birth to Jabal; he was the father of those who live in tents and raise livestock. His brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all who play stringed instruments and pipes.”
The book of Psalms is full of songs, since “psalm” is another word for “song.” We no longer have the original tunes for these songs, just the lyrics, but many of today’s worship songs use lines from the psalms. The book of Psalms of the longest book in the Bible, actually making up 7% of the total Bible! King David wrote many of the psalms, and in 2 Samuel 23:1 he is called “the hero of Israel’s songs.”
The book of Song of Songs is naturally another musically-oriented book. There are also song lyrics recorded in Revelation 5:9-10, Revelation 7:9-12, and Revelation 15:1-4. Mary the mother of Jesus sang a song of praise in Luke 1:46-55 after finding out she would bear the Messiah. Moses and his sister Miriam sang a song recorded in Exodus 15 after God defeated the Egyptian army in the Red Sea. David’s victory over Goliath was celebrated with a song in 1 Samuel 18:6-7.
We see that Jesus and His disciples sang in Matthew 26:30, and Paul and Silas sang hymns in prison in Acts 16:25. Ephesians 5:18-20 encourages the church to “speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.” Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” James 5:13 also tells us to sing songs of praise when we’re happy: “Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.”
There are many times that music goes along with other activities told about in the Bible. For example, music was used at the coronation of King Solomon (1 Kings 1:39-40), and musicians were in the king’s court for his pleasure (Ecclesiastes 2:8). Music was used to bring down the walls of Jericho (Joshua 6), and David played his harp to calm down King Saul (1 Samuel 16:14-23).
Music, like any form of entertainment, can be used for God’s glory or against Him. Our motivation and the choices we make regarding music are key to determining which side of this we’re on. How are you using music to glorify God in your life?
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by Charlie Wolcott A few weeks ago in my daily Bible reading, I came across something very interesting that I wanted to explore. Many of us know about David, the shepherd boy who slew a giant and became one of the greatest figures in the Old Testament. In 1 Samuel 16:14-23 the ruling king, Saul, had disobeyed God twice, been rejected by God to be a rightful king, and was being plagued by a distressing spirit. Saul’s servants discussed what to do about it and one of them knew about David. Most of us when hearing this passage tend to think of David’s skill with a harp, however, this servant pointed out six unique aspects about him. I would like to explore these six aspects as seen in 1 Samuel 16:18. The servant described David as: 1) a man who plays the harp well, 2) a man of valor, 3) a man of war, 4) one who speaks wisely, 5) is good looking, and 6) the Spirit of the Lord is upon him. I plan to break this up into two posts hitting three each. Let’s dig in. 1) David was a gifted musician. David had an extraordinary talent as a musician. Playing the harp and singing was something David constantly carried throughout his life. He wrote 73 of the 150 Psalms and he was so passionate that when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem, David danced and sang with such fervor he ended up stripping off his clothes and humiliating his wife. David’s harp and worship was the only thing that could give Saul peace, but even then Saul tried to kill him at least twice while playing. It was David’s musical skills that are often cited at the key reason why David was initially brought in to serve Saul and was part of what helped put David into position to take the throne when Saul died. Now since this post is about characteristic of a leader, what if I don’t have any musical talent? I completely understand that notion because I myself have NO musical talent. People learned long ago to keep any microphones away from me when I sing because not only am I completely tone deaf but I project, which means if I am behind a microphone, my bad voice is ALL you will hear. Does that disqualify me as a leader because I don’t have musical talent? Actually no. Here is the principle. David had a gift and he used it. He did not do it for show or to look for attention. He just used it. He played and sang while watching sheep. All David did was do his duty and let his gifts be put on display with no one watching but God himself. What talents do you have? What skills has God given you to put into practice? In the Parable of the Talents, Jesus made an interesting comment. Each servant was given according to his ability. One got five, one got two, and one got one. God will not give us a talent without also giving us the root skills and abilities to use them properly. That being said, many of us abuse the gifts we have been given by using them on ourselves or allowing the world to use it for their ends. I keep thinking of the musicians, artists, and athletes out there that do have some sufficient talent, but they use it to make themselves famous or they have allowed the influence of the world to direct and dictate their skills. The greater the talent, the more responsible we are for how we use it. The other issue with the talents is if we use them at all. The third servant got only one talent and never used it. The master cast him out for letting the talent go to waste. There are many reasons why we don’t use our talents but I want to highlight one: many of our young leaders are scared to death of their talents. They know what that kind of gift could mean and they are scared of misusing it. Those of you in the older generation reading this: we need to strengthen and encourage the next generation to use their gifts properly. Do not give them leadership positions until they show they are ready; it is unwise to give those jobs to novices. But give them an environment to grow and learn and develop those skills. 2) David was a man of valor. Now, this one and the next one I am very curious how the servant would know this about David. We know in David’s defense of not being a novice to slay Goliath, he had defeated both a lion and a bear, however, we know nothing in Scripture of anyone knowing that up to this point. Whether the servant knew this about David or not, David was a man of courage. Challenges did not bother him. He embraced them and sprinted after them. He ran after the lion and the bear. By all means he should have run away. Pit a lion or a bear against a teenager, most would put their money on the lion or the bear. Most adults would run away from these. But not David. David was not just a mere fearless boy. Had a confidence in the Lord his God to get him where he needed to be. He knew and understood that no one could touch him as long as he was obedient to God. He had some king of swagger that was not arrogance, but rather total confidence of God’s protection. As leaders, we will be buffeted from all angles to test us if we are worthy of the title. To be a leader, we must be men and women of valor with the reckless courage and confidence that will send us to slay lions and bears who mess with our sheep. 3) David was a man of war. This, too, is interesting to how the servant would know this about David. When David prepared to face Goliath, he tried walking in Saul’s armor (which was too big for him anyway because Saul was head and shoulders above everyone else) and could not use them because he had not tested them. He had not put that armor to use or to practice. But somehow, David knew something about battles and battle tactics. His three oldest brothers were soldiers in Saul’s army. David had to understand how to engage in war to be the king of Israel. Exactly what David knew and how he knew it is unclear in Scripture. But we do know that right after slaying Goliath, David was sent to numerous other battles and kept winning. This was before his time of hiding in caves while running from Saul. Do we know how to engage our spiritual enemies in battle? Are we in position where we could just be sent to go do that task and we would know what to do? These are three of the six characteristics of David that one of Saul’s servants noticed about him. Next week, we will look at the other three.
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As I take a few minutes away from the busyness of life, I reflect upon someone who had a major influence on my life. Let me share the story with you.
As a young teenager, I discovered a passion that would impact the rest of my life — thanks to the encouragement and persistence of Renee King, my middle and high school music teacher. In seventh grade, there were too many boys who sang tenor in our choir. So some of us were asked if we might want to do something else for that period. Some of my friends at the time said, “Sure, we’ll do something else” and quickly signed up to leave the class. I was a little hesitant but wanted to be with my friends, so I said I would go too. Mrs. King said, “Jason, are you sure you want to do this? You are a good singer. How about staying with us?” I said, “No, That’s okay, I’ll go with my friends.” She persisted though, “Just stay with us through this quarter and see how it goes.” So I relented and decided to try it out.
At the time, I didn’t realize how that one decision would change my life. She must have seen some potential in me as a singer because once I went down that road of music, I have been consumed with it ever since. At the age of 16, I became the lead singer in a band with my best friend and two guys I hardly knew. We did pretty well too.
After graduation I headed out to Seattle to try to become a rockstar. Literally. I did that for almost 6 years.
Once back in Minnesota, I still worked with bands and even started a small little festival called “Jammin’ for Jesus.” We just trusted God. He brought the right people into our paths, and the events came together.
Music has been a huge part of my life and now because of Renee King’s loving persistence so many years ago, I am now trying to encourage and affirm others in their gifting. She saw potential in me and was an amazing encourager in my life. Without her loving guidance and care, I definitely would not be where I am today. I can even say this, “The ministry of Worldview Warriors, more than likely, would not exist without the encouragement and affirmation from Mrs. Renee King.”
So Renee (I can call her that now), thank you! Thank you for taking a chance on a young whipper-snapper and encouraging him to do something he was afraid to do. Without your encouragement, I don’t know if I ever would have known how much I really love music. What a great gift from God.
Here’s my challenge: Is there someone you need to thank? That person may not even know that something seemingly insignificant to him/her had an impact on your life. If there is someone like that in your life, write that person a note today. It is a blessing to receive such a letter, for one can revisit it again and again to be encouraged. God Bless.
For Further Reading: 1 John 4:7-21
The following lyrics are from one of my favorite bands on the planet, Project 86. Some of you might think this is too radical, but is it?
I think not.
As Christians our old person is dead and the flesh is dying anyway. As the song states, "I’ve erased all of my fear of the grave." Thanks to the Holy Spirit and His power we can live fearless in this world.
It is time to stand up for our Savior. We need to have the following attitude in all we do for Christ as the song states, "You’ll never kill Him (Holy Spirit) that lives inside of me." I am so glad for the life that our Lord and Savior has given to me.
Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy the following song and lyrics.
You can hear the song at the following link. Follow along below. It is a very powerful message to read the lyrics while listening to the song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KM21wwYOSM
Project 86 - The Butcher
This man came to me he was looking for action
Pulling a blade to my neck
He said, "Call me the butcher cause that's my trade
And you know that I’ve come to collect."
I said, "Hit me now
And we’ll see where it leads
Cut me out if you think I will bleed
Strike me down if you think you’re a man
Cause I know that you don't understand"
Because there is no weapon
There is no blade
You wonder why I’m not afraid?
There is no weapon
There is no blade
You’ll never kill Him that lives inside of me.
He looked into my eyes. All he saw was conviction.
Dropping the blade to the earth
I said, "How could you think that I’d ever retreat?
You know that I’m already dead."
I said, "Hit me now and we’ll see where it leads
Cut me out if you think I will bleed
Strike me down if you think you’re a man
Cause I know that you don't understand"
Because there is no weapon
There is no blade
You wonder why I’m not afraid?
There is no weapon
There is no blade
I’ve erased all of my fear of the grave.
There is no weapon
There is no blade
You wonder why I’m not afraid?
There is no weapon
There is no blade
You’ll never kill Him that lives inside of me.
2 Corinthians 5:1–10&17
Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"
I also want us to remember Philippians 1:21: "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."
Serve Jesus in all you do. So what do you think?
While on the “Be Prepared” tour on the west coast, Silverline and I were able to stay with a wonderful couple in Phoenix, AZ. Silverline took two days to record a few songs with their new label, VSR, while I took a few days to write, pray, and seek the Lord. I was a little skeptical of being able to do much ministry while we stayed there, but God reminded me that if we are willing to do His will, He will work through circumstances for His greater glory.
Many people came over to the house on a Sunday evening to celebrate a birthday in the family. Little did we know how God had prepared to use that time for ministry! Around 8:00 that evening, we began a praise and worship time for anyone who wanted to join us. Soon we were praising our Lord and Savior by singing as the Holy Spirit led, with each person singing whatever he or she felt led to sing. Sometimes we all sang the same song, but other times we all sang something different. It was an incredible time of worship.
After worshipping, we prayed for about an hour for our friend, Adam, to be healed from his enlarged spleen. Please pray for his healing. Then our hostess asked us to pray for a young man who was there worshipping with us, whom I will call Tim. She did not tell us what to pray for, in order to allow the Spirit to lead. As we began to pray, some of us laid hands on Tim. As we prayed, a recurring theme began to emerge from each person praying — fear and confusion. I was a little confused myself because I supposed that Tim needed physical healing.
As we continued praying for this young man, we became more certain that we were hearing the Spirit correctly. As we prayed, Tim began to cry, with head hung low and shoulders hunched over. After about 20–30 minutes of prayer time, we all felt that we could do no more, that the prayer time was finished. Tim just stood there with his eyes closed, weeping. We all sat down quietly to allow Tim to do business with God. After about 15 minutes of silence, Steve, Silverline’s guitarist, told him, “Tim, there’s nothing more we can do right now. You need to just give it over to God. Only you know what to do now.” Tim remained in his hunched position for another 5 minutes, and then. .. it happened. Tim fell to his knees and began to cry profusely. He decided to trust God and not himself anymore. Something broke in the spiritual realm and we were now able to pray over Tim again. This went on for the next 40 minutes. I didn’t get to bed until 3:00 the next morning.
How about you? Are you dealing with fear and confusion? Is there something you need to surrender to the Lord? Is there an area in your life that you have not submitted to God? Are you dealing with pride or selfishness? Then give it over to God. Pray right now. Ask God to help you submit to His will and fulfill His calling for your life.
God continues to move greatly on this tour. Lives are being changed! People are being freed from personal junk and are becoming free to live out their relationship with Jesus Christ. Many people are also beginning to recognize that they are stuck in religious, ritualistic institutions that had good beginnings but have somehow developed into institutions of men. Praise the Lord that people are becoming free in Christ! Yes, people are being saved. But many are also realizing that beyond salvation, they need to be discipled in order to grow. Both students and adults are stepping up! Praise God!
Doing Things Our Own Way:
I am blessed to be able to travel and speak to youth leaders and students all over the country. Thus, I have had a variety of traveling experiences, both positive and negative. Once when I was on a tour with the band Silverline, we had a little trouble. We were headed to a state college in Pennsylvania for one of our evening events with Worldview Warriors and were driving Silverline’s bus with a trailer in tow through a very hilly, tortuous, windy part of the state. As I was lying down in the back of the bus, I noticed I was beginning to move side to side vigorously, and it continued to get worse. I was seriously beginning to wonder if we were going to make it out of this apparent accident, for we were currently passing a semi-truck and trailer.
Ryan, Silverline’s vocalist was speaking loudly to Isaac, the driver, “Let off the gas! Quit trying to correct it; just let it correct itself.” Although I don’t drive the bus too often, I knew this situation couldn’t be good, for Isaac was calmly but sternly saying, “I am!” Praise the Lord that Isaac finally corrected our potential detour route over an embankment, and we were on our way again.
This experience reminded me of how often we over-correct when trying to fix our predicaments. We know the Bible’s model for a strong marriage and that a good name is more important than riches, but we still try to do things our own way rather than simply apologizing and seeking forgiveness when needed. Boy, do we mess things up from time to time. However, the good news is that God is right there to take over and guide us, if we will allow Him to do so.
