Monthly Archives: October 2011

Priorities

  By Andy | October 31, 2011 - 10:35 pm |
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“Everything is permissible for me” — but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me” — but I will not be mastered by anything.” 1Co 6:12

“Everything is permissible” — but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible” — but not everything is constructive. 1Co 10:23

In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul says twice that he is allowed to do ‘everything’, but that not everything is permissible.

Why?

The first time Paul makes the statement, it’s because he declares that he won’t be mastered by anything, other than Christ.

The second time, Paul is clear that just because everything is allowable, not everything is constructive. In other words, it takes attention away from his primary motivation — that of living and communicating the Gospel.

I think there are a number of activities that most Christians would agree would constitute sin if indulged in, and I don’t truly believe that Paul meant that literally everything is permitted.

However, there are many areas for which there’s no clear guidance on whether Christians should be involved, and if so how much.

Think of all the trappings of our modern society and you begin to get the picture.

Is TV permissible? Certainly it is. Is it beneficial or constructive? Surely that depends on what programmes are watched, and for how long.

What about video games? Newspapers and magazines? Sports? Shopping? Hobbies? The list goes on.

What we need to bear in mind is that our priority list must be straightened out if we expect to develop our relationship with God, and in turn for our ministries to be effective.

God provided overarching rules and advice for how we should live our lives. The minutiae He has left to us to grapple with in relationship with Him.

It can seem like a cop-out to say that each individual Christian must work out his or her own priorities and boundaries, but that’s the truth.

Of course, we can (nearly) all agree that Christians shouldn’t murder, commit adultery, steal, and so on.

What about putting other ‘gods’ or ‘idols’ before God. I think we’re all prone to do that from time to time, to some measure.

God may be calling you to give up certain parts of your lifestyle, either for a season or permanently, because they are hindering your relationship with Him or are not particularly beneficial to you.

It can be hard to lay down things we’ve got used to having around, but in the long run a healthy and growing relationship with God is worth so much more than anything the world has to offer.

God also honours those who sacrifice things — time, money and energy — for Him. A life lived in closer harmony with God is so much better than one cluttered with stuff that drowns Him out.

Take time on a regular basis to examine and realign your priorities. It really will make a difference.

Keeping It Simple

  By Andy | October 30, 2011 - 9:30 pm |
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“Sing to him a new song; play skilfully, and shout for joy.” Psalm 33:3 (NIV)

It can be tempting to throw all of our musical skills into the mix when leading worship, but this isn’t necessarily the best we can do.

While the psalmist implores musicians to play skilfully, and by implication to be exuberant as they “shout for joy”, I don’t believe this gives us an invitation to over-indulge.

I believe the art of a good and skilful musician is knowing when to hold back, to play less, and to leave space.

What you also need to bear in mind is that, while you may think your guitar solo or keyboard riff is hot stuff, you may have exaggerated just how good it is.

Even if it is excellent, it’s not wise to use it at every given opportunity.

I’ve written about being at one with your instrument. Part of that means knowing what your current skill-set is.

Perhaps you’ve studied at music college, or you may have only been playing a musical instrument for a few months. Or you’re somewhere in-between. If character and calling are not in doubt (remembering that worship leading is not a hobby) then no-one is disqualified from leading.

What is important is that you know you current musical limitations. By all means use your own private and band practice times to develop your skills, but don’t use live worship to do so.

Similarly, you may just have bought a new effect pedal, keyboard, sound module, piece of percussion, or other wonderful gadget or gizmo. My advice would be to not unleash it on the congregation until you fully understand how it works — in its entirety.

As a worship leader, it’s far more important that you are focused on leading people into a place of worship, than it is on getting your new kit into the musical mix. If it’s appropriate, there’ll be time enough for that later on.

If you’re a musician in the band and the worship leader requests that you don’t use a certain instrument, sound or effect, then it would be best that you respect their decision.

There’s plenty of time in private, and when your band is playing together and working through songs and arrangements, for introducing funky new styles and instruments.

If you’re at all in doubt about a particular element, it’s definitely best to leave it out.

Remember, worship is not a performance. Playing skilfully and excellently are things that we should seek, but they are not our primary motivation.

A simply arranged set that enables many people to worship God is far better than a complicated one that may prove to be a distraction or hindrance.

Never Be Shaken

  By Andy | October 29, 2011 - 9:30 pm |
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“My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I shall never be shaken.” Psalm 62:1-2 (NIV)

It can be hard to stand firm in the faith when you’re being bombarded by less-than-perfect life events.

Depending on the sort of character you are, even seemingly small problems can cause your faith in God to be tested. If they seem to come one after the other, you may really feel under attack.

Now, you may or may not be under spiritual attack. It’s a fact that all Christians are part of a battle, whether they acknowledge, understand and actively engage in that or not.

I’ve already written that worship leading is not a hobby. If you’re a Christian actively involved in any kind of ministry, you’re a big target for the devil to take aim at.

The fact is, Satan knows exactly what your weaknesses are and will pick away at those, trying to get a foothold and drive a big wedge in between you and God.

Don’t let him.

Trials come to everyone. Matthew 5:45 says “[God] causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”

Rain isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but in the context it’s easy to see that both sun and rain (possibly representing good and bad, or ‘peace’ and ‘trials’) are given in some measure to everyone.

I’ve been in some low places. When physical problems surrounded me, my emotional state was weakened and this seriously affected my relationship with God.

Each problem on its own was relatively small. Even put together, they were far from the issues some people face every day. Yet, as a person with a natural inclination to worry, they bound me up.

Today, I’m more likely to go straight to the source of my salvation. Difficult though it may be when you’re facing a situation where you feel helpless, victimised, oppressed or targeted, the real answer is to take your concerns to God and let Him bring healing, restoration, peace, and a perfect solution.

Maybe you’re thinking it’s very easy for me to sit here, typing these words. I don’t know the situations you’re facing, but I do know that God is the same. God is Creator. God has every situation you face under control, even if you don’t understand why you’re going through pain or turmoil.

James 1:2-4 says “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

That can be a hard verse to read. Humans don’t like to go through trials. I’ve said to God in the past “my faith is already developed. I don’t need any more testing”. Well, perhaps I do. Perseverance, by nature, is tough, but don’t you want to become “mature and complete, not lacking anything”? It may be painful but the end reward is worth so much more.

Hebrews 12:1-3 says “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Look, there’s that ‘perseverance’ word again! Get yourself together with other Christians who are pushing on in their faith, running the race with their eyes fixed on Jesus. Encourage, pray for and strengthen one another so that no-one falls by the wayside.

Our confidence is in the Lord,
the source of our salvation.
Rest is found in Him alone,
The author of salvation.
We will not fear the evil day,
because we have a refuge.
In every circumstance we say
our hope is built on Jesus.

He is our fortress we will never be shaken.
He is our fortress we will never be shaken.
He is our fortress we will never be shaken.
He is our fortress we will never be shaken.
We will put our trust in God.
We will put our trust in God.

Noel & Tricia Richards

Is Your Heart Whole Or Half?

  By Andy | October 28, 2011 - 9:30 pm |
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I love this spoof worship band video that’s doing the rounds at the moment:

In case you can’t play it, it shows the “Don’t Worship This Way Band” singing a variety of songs. You think you’ve heard those melodies before but the words are just a little different:

  • I Will Sing Of Your Love On Sundays
  • I Surrender Some
  • I Stand Amazed At My Hairdo
  • How Great Is This Song
  • Saviour, I Don’t Need A Saviour
  • Go Through The Motions
  • I Exalt Me

It’s funny, partly because it rings true in all of us.

Perhaps you’re not consciously half-hearted in your worship, but I’m certain we can all give more of ourselves to God.

As worship leaders and musicians, we need to be aware of two factors.

Firstly, we’re also prone to not giving our all. Yes, we’re human but we can call on the Holy Spirit to empower our leading and be the best that we can be.

Not only that, but we can show some respect to God, and the ministry we are in, by being as prepared as we can each and every time we lead or play in the band.

That may mean getting an early night before the morning service, ensuring the band has rehearsed and knows the songs well, maintaining instruments to tip-top condition, and having all words, chord sheets, music and other resources ready for the set.

Secondly, we need to be aware that people may not be fully ready and engaged in worship as soon as the first chord is played.

You and your band may be ready but you need to be careful not to speed along at one-hundred miles per hour when the congregation — some still worrying about their kids, some waiting for the caffeine to kick in, some having had a stressful journey to the meeting — is still walking along at two.

You can’t make people worship, and you should never be tempted to try to “hype” or “stir up” people. However, you can lead sensitively in such a way that you draw people in and take them on a journey to the throne room of God.

Pray that you may be able to invest more of your heart in worship, and through that your worship leading is inviting, effective and Spirit-filled.

Worship Leading Is Not A Hobby

  By Andy | October 27, 2011 - 9:30 pm |
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Make no mistake. When you start leading worship you instantly make yourself a bigger target for the enemy.

If you agree to “just play a few songs on the guitar to help the church out” you could be letting yourself in for a mighty shock if you don’t take things seriously.

When you get involved in any form of leadership, however formal the arrangement is, you take on a new stature in the Kingdom of God.

What to you might seem like “playing a few songs” or “helping out because no-one else can do it” is in fact a battle cry.

I don’t write this to shock you out of using your musical gifts and talents, but to make you aware that any form of worship leading — whether it’s in front of ten people or ten thousand — is a serious business.

We are all called to worship God. Anyone who helps people come into God’s presence is both privileged and targeted.

If you are not prepared to examine your life and motives, to constantly lay yourself open before God, to worship Him exuberantly and consistently, and to ensure you are fully armoured, covered and protected by Him, then you should really lay down your instrument now and not put yourself at heightened risk.

I’m all for people serving where there is need, but you had better be sure of your calling to serve as a worship leader. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself under increased attack as you step out into worship ministry.

Lay down pride, ambition and a desire to be noticed. That’s not why you’re a worship leader. Your role is to point others to God, not to you or your band.

If you don’t take this awesome privilege and honour seriously, someone is going to get hurt. You’ll be taken out of action because you didn’t commit yourself to God. Or you’ll be a distraction and hindrance to other people as they seek to worship.

Be a worshipper first, and let your worship leading flow from that. Don’t try to do this in your own strength.

In case you’re feeling a little deflated after reading this, let me finish by saying that it’s OK to enjoy worship ministry. God loves His children to worship creatively and spontaneously. Always remember who you’re doing this for and you won’t go wrong.

Get Up Quickly!

  By Andy | October 26, 2011 - 9:30 pm |
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As we drive forward, aspiring that our lives be more Christlike, we are bound to face obstacles and give in to temptations.

The closer we come to God, the more obedient we are, the more we seek His presence and strive to do His will, the more we see our own inadequacies.

At times when we were far from God — or at least, we felt far from God — it seemed that only the ‘big’ sins caused us to repent. (I know that all sin is the same in God’s eyes, but as humans we do tend to grade it according to how bad we think it must look to God and to others.)

Yet as we draw closer to God, we become aware of how certain issues which once seemed OK are now under the microscope. As we think we have conquered the “big” sins (or at least, they’re mostly under control), along come a whole bunch of “little” sins to take their place.

The more we seek to please God and to live the way He intended, the more issues we see in our lives.

When that “big” sin was prevalent in our lives, the “little” sins continued but didn’t seem to be an issue.

Now, every harsh word or thought or deed comes to bite us. At least, we see how far short of God’s standard we fall.

The solution? Repent, worship, move on!

When (not if) we sin, don’t wallow in guilt. Come to God, say sorry, pray that you’ll be stronger the next time temptation comes along, and worship Him.

Immerse yourself in his presence.

Ephesians 4 is a great chapter to read if you want a snapshot of all the things you should and shouldn’t be doing. Yet it’s not a set of rules for their own sake, but rather the best way of living for God and in harmony with others.

As verse 27 says, it’s important that we “do not give the devil a foothold”. There is nothing the enemy would like more than to derail believers, particularly those who are on fire for the kingdom and in positions of leadership and influence.

We all sin and fall short of God’s glory. His desire is that we keep short accounts with Him and continue to dwell in His presence.

When you’re knocked down, get up quickly!

At One With Your Instrument

  By Andy | October 25, 2011 - 9:30 pm |
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“Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skilfully, and shout for joy.” Psalm 33:1-3 (NIV)

The psalmist makes it clear that, as we worship God, we should be playing our instruments skilfully.

I believe God is pleased when He sees his children honing their skills on at least one instrument so as to be able to more freely and expressively worship Him.

My hope is that worship leaders and musicians are so overwhelmed by the awesome privilege it is to lead God’s people into worship that they’ll regularly spend significant amounts of time learning more about their instruments and how to get the best from them.

While we mustn’t fall into the trap of trying to perform or perfect a time of corporate worship, there’s nothing at all wrong in approaching a place where a musical instrument almost becomes a part of you.

Though I wouldn’t be so bold as to suggest that I’ve reached a point where I don’t have to think about the technicalities of playing music, I do believe I’ve come to a place where I can freely worship God using a keyboard or piano without having to worry about how to play it, when to move from chord to chord, how the sustain pedal works, and so on.

That’s not to say that I no longer work hard at my art. If anything, my desire is to work harder so I don’t fall into the trap of thinking “Oh, I can play keys, I don’t need to practice any more”.

It’s also important not to take God’s gifts for granted. I don’t take lightly the musical abilities God has given me. If anything I’m so extremely thankful that I have another outlet in which to worship God in private.

What I hope is that those with a calling and passion to lead others into worship will eagerly seek to improve their musicianship, to a point that they can almost forget about the mechanics of playing an instrument and are then more able to move with the directing of the Holy Spirit.

It takes time, practice and dedication to continually improve our musical skills, but the rewards for both personal and group worship can be immense.

Alone With God

  By Andy | October 24, 2011 - 9:23 pm |
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“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” Mark 1:35 (NIV)

There’s something special about getting up early and spending time alone with God in a place where no-one else is.

I wish I could do it more often, because when I do I feel more able to engage with God, to worship, praise and pray.

I don’t think the morning is any more spiritual than any other time, but being up and in communion with our creator God before most of the surrounding world is awake and starting to bustle certainly has its advantages.

Let’s face it: if Jesus did it then it’s certainly something we should consider doing too.

I love being able to retreat from the noise and hubbub of humanity at least once a day, yet in our increasingly 24/7 existence that can be difficult to achieve.

Even if people aren’t making noise, their creations are — cars, trains and planes rumble; radios, TVs and web sites chatter away; electrical installations hum and burble.

Having the opportunity to escape somewhere where human noises decrease and nature’s sounds increase is a wonderful privilege, and one I never tire of.

Even in the deepest urban jungle, it’s possible (albeit with some sacrifice) to find a time and place where a portion of the natural world can break through.

The hymn “How Great Thou Art” expresses the wonders of God’s creation and how it inspires us to worship.

The stars, the mighty thunder, the woods and forest glades, the singing birds, the mountains, the brooks and the gentle breeze… all these natural wonders causes the believer’s soul to sing.

Having recently moved to Wales, I’m so fortunate that I can find a quiet place in the hills within ten minutes’ walk of my home.

Where can you go to engage with God without the distractions of everyday life?

You might be fortunate enough to have a place in your own home where you can retreat to and not be disturbed. Perhaps your garden is a sanctuary. How about a local park, the beach, a hill or a river?

While we can remain in relationship with God throughout the day, and communicate with Him in so many different ways and even amid busyness, there’s something precious about dedicating a portion of time to retreating from the world and being alone with God.