A Greater Song - Part Four

In our series of living out a Greater Song I wrote how difficult it could be to hear the primary melody in our lives. The primary melody is God’s voice, His word and direction. This is drowned out by the noise of this world. If we could control the noise of this world to where we only hear the melody our God is playing then our lives can be a tune that others will want to hear.

I’m encouraging our Worship Arts Ministry to go on a media fast. Fasting is a Biblical act of abstaining from food to deny self and focus on the will of God. I’m asking us to abstain from types of media in order to deny self and hear the voice of God. Media could include the following: TV shows / Radio / Talk Radio / The News / iPod / CDs.

During this fast you decide what media to fast and how long the fast will last. The time that you normally spend listening to your usual media I encourage you to focus on the voice of God. Instead of listening to an iPod during your work out listen to the voice of God. Instead of tuning into talk radio listen to the voice of God. Instead of watching that favorite show go outside and listen to the voice of God.

His voice is the primary melody. Our Greater Song life must be in tune with His voice. These articles are posted on our blog at www.cfbcworship.blogspot.com. Feel free to make comments from your media fast experience.

A Greater Song - Part Three

In our series of living out a Greater Song I wrote last week about the difference between the primary melody (God’s voice and Word) and the countermelody (our lives). Our countermelody needs to be heard above the underscore (the noise of this world) but yet support the primary melody.

A few months ago I was traveling down the road with Logan in the backseat. The radio was singing some loud ‘80s tune. About the middle of the second chorus I heard another song. I turned off the radio to hear Logan singing a simple song called Treasure of My Heart. Needless to say the radio remained silent while I enjoyed my personal concert from my son. I listened because it was a greater song than what I was hearing.

Sometime we don’t know how to live our lives in harmony to God and His Word because we don’t hear from Him. He is there. We just block Him out at times. If we could control the noise of this world to we only hear the melody our God is playing then our lives can be a tune that others will want to hear.

My challenge to our ministry is to block out the noise of this world for a period of time while you listen to what God is telling us. As part of our Greater Song emphasis I want us to go on a media fast. Pray and think this week about what you can and are willing to cut out in order to hear from God. We will discuss more in detail next week.

A Greater Song - Part Two

Last week I introduced the thought of living out a Greater Song. We work to make our songs sound greater every week. The symbol for greater-than is the same musical symbol for accent. Its definition is a detail that is emphasized by contrasting with its surroundings. That is a perfect description for living out a Greater Song. For our songs on Sunday to have a greater impact our lives are to be lived in contrast with its surroundings. If we are living, speaking and thinking like the world during the week then our songs on Sunday will have little to no impact. So what does a contrasting life look like?

While studying music at LSU (Go Tigers!) I took a class on counterpoint. Counterpoint is composing with two or more melodies to be played simultaneously. It’s the art of combining melodies. In order to compose great counterpoint the musical piece must have a melody and countermelody.

To live a Greater Song life we need to be the countermelody: an accompanying melody that is played simultaneously with the primary melody. A great countermelody can be heard above the other melodic notes and underscore. Our message and life must be heard above the underscore of others. However it must support the primary melody of our Lord and Savior.

A Greater Song - Introduction

Most every Sunday we come to church to sing songs. As a member of the worship team you and I are challenged to deliver great songs that our church family can sing and enjoy. So we have rehearsals to make those songs ready for presentation. The next week we do the same thing and then again the next. I have to admit it makes me question, “Is there something greater than preparing these notes and rhythms? Is there something greater than the presentation of these songs?” Well the answer is obviously “yes”. But how do we make those songs presented in way that is spiritually powerful.

As worship leaders we deliver the message of adoration, thanksgiving and confession to God’s Church. I believe the power of that message relies not on the songs we sing, but the greater song. The greater song is how we live our lives. Our Sunday morning songs will only be as good as the greater song we sing (or live) everyday.

The symbol for the word greater is > (greater than). Notice this symbol is the same musical symbol as accent >. The definition of ac·cent [n. ak-sent] - a detail that is emphasized by contrasting with its surroundings. This could easily be the definition for the word greater.

For our songs on Sunday to have a greater impact our lives are to be lived in contrast with its surroundings. If we are living, speaking and thinking like the world during the week then our songs on Sunday will have little to no impact.

Next week we will visit what a contrasting life (accented life…greater life) looks like.

One Word Bible Study Method

A couple years ago I read a book by Louie Giglio entitled, “I Am Not, But I Know I AM”. I highly recommend this easy yet inspiring read. It basically talks about how we are very small and not the one to receive the glory for accomplishments. We should know the I AM who is to receive the glory. Within this book is a Bible study method I would like to share with you. It’s called the One Word Bible Study Method.

The method is to take a passage of scripture and meditate on each word for a full day or until you feel ready to move to the next word. You surround it with a prayer of understanding and with as much quiet and solitude as possible. For example, Louie took the scripture “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” from John 1:14a. Yes, he did take a full day on the word “and”. He described how that little word was powerful because it connects everything in the Old Testament to the story and life of Jesus. Take the word “the”. It becomes important because it’s not just “a” word or “some” word or “really cool” word, but “the” Word. The one and only.

Here is where this hits home. I’m asking our ministry to do a One Word Bible Study Method together. Here is our assignment. We are going to take 27 days starting this Sunday to meditate on Psalm 23:1-3a.

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.

² He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside still waters,

³ he restores my soul.

I have created a Cartersville First Baptist Worship Arts Ministry blog. I will post each day’s word on the blog. I encourage you to share your comments about what God has shown you. You can find the blog at www.cfbcworship.blogspot.com.

This is not to replace your current Bible study method. This will not take much of your time. It will however take your focus as you meditate and pray about the word of the day. I pray the Holy Spirit reveals Himself to you in a profound way.

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