LOVING GOD CENTER: Psalms 102-104

Sunday's Bible Reading: Psalms 102-104

The smell from last night lingers, though significantly diminished. It's still very strong in the garage. Jay opened the garage doors, moved out the cars, and opened the car windows to air things out. Who knows what we will smell like by the time we get to church.

. . .

If we smelled bad, no one told us. And worship this morning made us forget last night's stench. We were led by Keith and Kristyn Getty. (Click here to hear clips of their music.) Their "style" of worship provides ample evidence that the debate between contemporary and traditional worship is bogus. As I've been saying for years, the issue is not contemporary vs. traditional; it's excellence vs. sloppiness. (See "Giving God Our Best.") True worship is not generational. It doesn't exclude people of certain ages; it includes people of all ages. It transcends style preferences because it includes three essential elements: truth, beauty, love. Truth for the mind, beauty for the heart and soul, and love for God and others. Love binds us all together in unity because everyone feels valued, respected, and cared for. Scripture is clear that we are not to be "respecters of persons." We are not to prefer the rich over the poor; nor are we to prefer one generation over another. Each is just as important as the other. I wish everyone could have heard our "traditional" church singing with great gusto the Gettys' "contemporary" hymns yesterday.

I will sing to the LORD all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
May my meditation be pleasing to him,
as I rejoice in the LORD. —Psalm 104:33-34

Worship is a dialogue, not a monologue. As the preacher brings God's Words of instruction and edification down to the people, the worship leader ushers the people's words of praise up to God. To neglect or undervalue either is to compromise the well being of the church.

At our service yesterday, both happened. Praise God.

Jim's sermon title was "Life in Christ: Working for God." Click here to listen. The Scripture text was Colossians 3:22–4:1:

Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.
Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

In Scripture, the word translated "heart" (above in bold), is more often translated "soul," including the words of Jesus in the Greatest Commandment:

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. —Mark 12:30

The Greek word is psuche, and it means "breath," or "vital force which animates the body."

We ended our day in Grand Haven, where Peder Eide was performing at Worship on the Waterfront. On the sidelines we witnessed a wonderful illustration of worshiping with all your soul. See for yourself . . .