Ascending

Usually it helps to know how something was used originally as we look at scriptures. But it may not be quite as important with the Psalms of Ascent.

The Psalms of Ascent are 15 Psalms (Psalms 120-134) which progressively draw us into worship. Some call them the Psalms of Degrees and suspect that they signify 15 steps in the temple going up from the court of women to the court of men. In that scenario, with musical accompaniment, a priest standing on each step would recite a Psalm in ascending order.

Others suggest that pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem for one of the three Great Festivals of the year would sing these Psalms in order as preparation for the Festival.

However they were originally used, we can see the principle: these Psalms lead into worship.

Starting with a cry for protection from enemies in Psalm 120, the Psalms of Ascent examine different aspects of our relationship with God.

If you’ve never read these Psalms with that idea in mind, make a plan to do that. It will be a rich experience.

Come, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord,
who stand by night in the house of the Lord! Lift up your hands to the holy place, and bless the Lord. May the Lord, maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion.

Psalms 134:1-3

Together in Juarez

The day’s work was done and the cool of the summer evening beckoned my name. We were in the city of Juarez, Mexico, painting and building in an orphanage there. After a scorching day, our team had eaten a simple supper and cleared away the dishes.

I called to my teenage daughter. “Melissa, let’s go practice outside.”

She brought her flute and I carried my guitar to the deserted street outside. We were planning to play for a worship service later in the week.

Only a few of our notes floated through the air before the children began to gather. By the end of the first song, the sidewalk had disappeared under the growing knot children crowded closely from all sides.

We continued on: we needed the practice. I sang a chorus in English, children clinging to every word but understanding none.

I thought they’d get bored quickly. But more children glommed onto the back of the crowd. By now, our fan club overflowed the sidewalk and children stood on the rutted dirt street. We sang song after song, knowing these youth couldn’t understand a word.

As we began another song, the children began to sing. Their sweet young voices began softly but, as their confidence grew, others joined in. The music swelled. The flute took the melody and guitar the chords, but the children seized the song and sang sweetly in Spanish. They knew this song.

That’s how, on a dusty Mexican street, children of Mexico and children of America joined voices and hearts to sing “Amazing Grace.”

Learning from trees and straw

There was nothing spectacular about the tree but that's why it held his attention. In the midst of winter, the tree was stripped of life. Yet Herman knew that when April rolled around, there would be green buds on the tree. The tree was waiting out the winter.

He hadn't taken time before but this day he knew he was that tree, dead and dry. And in an instant he grasped that God held the same hope for him. He was in the winter of his life but spring was ahead, because of God's grace. What was dead could come back to life.

That realization changed Herman's life. And ours as well.

We know Herman as Brother Lawrence, who provided the wisdom that we find in Practicing the Presence of God.

You can read his story here. Better yet, read his book here.

From the winter tree, Brother Lawrence grasped a love for God that governed his life. The key for Brother Lawrence was serving God in the common business of each day. Whether he was washing dishes or cooking the evening meal, he found God in his duties.

Don't we sometimes assume that God has a splendid task for us and we're disappointed that we haven't uncovered it yet? Brother Lawrence would tell us to look for God, not for the splendid task. And God can be found in our common business.

For Brother Lawrence, a lifetime of serving his fellow monks through kitchen duty was not a waste of time, but a wonderful opportunity to worship. "It is enough for me to pick up but a straw from the ground for the love of God," he said.

Think what we can learn from a man passionate about his Redeemer.

Celebrate!

Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth
and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!

Rev 5:12

Music in the walk

This whole plan began as an effort to eliminate family piracy. When my youngest children discovered contemporary Christian music, their spiritual barometer moved skyward. They were encouraged by the new music and challenged by thoughtful lyrics.

Then I discovered they were borrowing CDs from friends and family, burning them onto our computer, and listening through Windows Media Player. They had no money for tunes and thought they’d found the perfect solution.

After our discussion about piracy and digital theft, we had a brainstorm. I agreed to buy a CD a month with three of us choosing the CD on a rotating basis. They were free to buy their own or beg for gifts but they could count on the CD of their choice every third month.

It works pretty well. But here’s the deal. I need ideas!

Here’s what we’ve bought since January:

Go by Newsboys

Scars Remain by Disciple

Awaken by Natalie Grant

The Yearbook by KJ52

Hearts of the Innocent by Kutless

Open Wide this Window by GlassByrd

Chaotic Resolve by Plumb

Sing Alleluia by City on a Hill

Comatose by Skillet

Bigger Than My Imagination by Michael Gungor

Thrive by Newsboys

Can we say eclectic?

Do you have any recommendations? Does music help your worship? Or contemplation? What songs or artists or albums do you love?

Broken joy

Her face was aglow, raised to the sky, her arms embracing the joy of the moment. She was Lisa Smith, providing inspired signing at a Women of Faith conference.

Maybe you’ve seen her.

Joy is personified in Lisa. She blazes with devotion and adoration for Jesus. I have never seen such focused worship, the freedom of passion and commitment.

By the way, did I mention that Lisa has Down’s Syndrome?

Maybe you thought, O-o-o-oh, poor girl.

Don’t say that’s too bad for Lisa. She has what I wish I had. She radiates love and delight. With her arms outstretched, her body glows with zeal and commitment.

God has blessed Lisa with an incredible gift. He has taken a young woman with a condition that we pity and revealed an incredible truth. Who among us is more worthy to worship him than Lisa? We all come broken and humble before the magnificent throne of God but some embrace their worship and some embrace their condition.

Remember John’s description of the throne room? Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." (Rev 4:8)

And this is an incredible picture of worship:

Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. (Rev 4:9-10)

Remember Isaiah’s vision? He saw God on his throne, surrounded by worshipping seraphs:

And they were calling to one another:
"Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty;
the whole earth is full of his glory." (Isaiah 6:3)

I can imagine Lisa someday joining those seraphs and elders in worship. She’ll be an awesome sight because she’s been practicing a long time. She doesn't let brokenness keep her away from the throne.

I think I want to get some practice in, too.

You are worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they were created
and have their being.

Rev 4:11