The Three R's

Thank you to Bob Kauflin. Seriously. So grateful to the Lord for this man and his ministry. He has written a brief post on Desiring God called "The Three R's: Why Christians Sing." He explains these three R's so clearly and succinctly: Remember, Respond, and Reflect. It's a short but good read, so go check it out.

His post gets to the heart of why I'm writing on this blog. What a wonderful gift music and singing is, amen? Oh, and thanks for the link, Christine.

Why we sing of Christ

I think CJ sums it up much more eloquently than I ever could.

While I think it's good to sing songs of God's character (since it is from his character that he acts...and it is from his character of holiness, justice, mercy, compassion, grace and love that he sent Christ), we should never stray too far from the cross. Ever. I love what CJ says about how we are in constant need of the mediator, Jesus Christ. I think (A)as we grow in our understanding of our utter need for Christ, we'll (B)subsequently grow in our love for and gratefulness for Christ. This will (C)subsequently cause us to savor him all the more. It's your basic transitive property. If "A" then "B". And if "B" then "C". Therefore, if "A" then "C".

Anyways, if you were wondering why we sing of the "Glories of Calvary" or the "Wonderful Cross", or we "Glory in our Redeemer," it's because Christ is central to who we are is Christians. He is our identity. We exist by, through and for him. Echoing what CJ said about how heaven is fixated on Christ and the cross, we will be singing of how worthy and amazing Christ is for all eternity. So let's warm up those vocal cords, eh?

Interesting...

Skilled for sure, but a tad bit distracting for corporate worship...

Winner of the contest...

Congratulations to Caleb! Be sure to claim your prize at church tomorrow. Thanks for everyone's comments. I enjoyed seeing who people like to listen to. For those who didn't win, Lord willing, this will be a monthly thing, so check back again in the future.

Worship God Conference 2011

This is like the Shepherds' Conference, but for praise leaders. One day I would love to go. Maybe after Mateo is a litte older, then we can go as a family. This year's focus is on making sure the true gospel is clearly presented each time we gather to worship. A good thing to keep in mind, eh?

Win a free copy of John Macarthur's new book: Slave

I know this book doesn't deal specifically with praise music, but it deals with our Christian life, so it's obviously crucial.

Review from Amazon:

Throughout the Bible, followers of Jesus are commanded to submit to Him as their King. They are told to obey and follow, faithfully and without hesitation. Every time Christians utter the word Lord, they make a subtle yet profound declaration-that God is their Master and that they belong to Him. In fact, the Bible describes believers as His slaves. They have been bought with a price and now live for Christ as a people for His own possession.


But go into most churches today, even flip through most Bible translations, and you won't see or hear the word slave anywhere. That's because it has been lost in translation. In this gripping book, Dr. John MacArthur uses deep Bible teaching and historical evaluation to expertly uncover the one forgotten word that restores the Bible's definition of true Christian freedom.

What does it mean to be a Christian the way Jesus defined it? MacArthur says it all boils down to one word: Slave. "We have been bought with a price. We belong to Christ. We are His own possession."


Well, I wanted to add a random generator so that I could select the winner by random (like Tim Challies), but...umm...I didn't know how. So here's what I'll do. Just leave a comment with your favorite Christian music artist/group by Friday night, and I'll put those names on pieces of paper and select one from a hat. Or a bowl. Or something. So leave a comment and enter to win!

New Album Released by Sovereign Grace: Risen

Check out this link to read more about this new album. It's pretty straightforward: it's an album celebrating our risen Lord, Jesus Christ. I'm definitely going to get me a digital copy, which you can get for $5 through April 4th. I am thankful for such brethren who labor to glorify Christ, and we get to benefit from their work of love.

Checking out a (somewhat) new site

So a friend of mine introduced me to this site because he knew that I like finding songs that correspond to Scripture. It's called Blue Letter Bible and it's really cool. Aside from it's searching capabilities, original languages, devotionals, and commentaries, the thing that really sets this site apart is the corresponding hymns. So it will take a verse, then search through Cyber Hymnal, and list out any songs that are related to the passage. It will (through Cyber Hymnal) show the artists' information, lyrics and a Midi recording. I like to open the Midi in a separate tab so I can hear the song while I look at the lyrics. Anyways, I just rediscovered this site (my friend told me about this last year) and I look forward to using it some more. If I find some good songs, perhaps we will sing them at church.

10 Questions With Singer and Songwriter, Joseph Lee

Writing good praise songs is difficult.  You need to marry God-honoring lyrics with sweet music, which, from my own experience, is a very rare feat (all of my songs end up sounding pretty much the same).  I recently learned that Fannie Mae Crosby, one of the most prolific song writers in Christian history, wrote over 8000 hymns, and yet, I can only name two songs that we sing which she wrote (Blessed Assurance and To God Be the Glory).  This is nothing against Ms.Crosby.  It simply reflects that in corporate worship, for a song to endure the test of time, it really has to be something special.

Well, I'm sure my first interviewee would agree, he won't be as prolific as Ms. Crosby.  But he has written one of my favorite songs.  It is called "O For My Heart To Sing of Grace."

Anywho, I wrote out a few questions for Joe, and he has graciously taken the time to answer them.  Here is the interview.

Richard Lee: Hey Joe, thanks so much for taking some time out to answer a few questions.


RL: First off, how did you first get interested in writing songs?

I used to love writing poetry in English class in middle school - I had a knack for putting conceptual words together, but it'd take a minute to string whole ideas together.

RL: Who are your musical influences?

Richard Lee. nuff said. jk

Here's a few names: Shane and Shane, Brooke Frasier, Marty Sampson, Matt Redman, DCB, Chris Tomlin, Hillsong, Lecrae, Shai Linne, Trip Lee, Flame, Sho Baraka, da T.R.U.T.H., delirious?, Keith and Kristyn Getty, Stuart Townsend, Fernando Ortega, and many many more.

RL: In your opinion, what makes a good corporate praise song?

A song that has lyrics that are not centered on us, but a song that allows collective God centered worship

RL: Any new songs in the works?

I did - tossed it like the other 80% of the songs I start.  I am looking to start again :) stay tuned. 

RL: Who would you consider to be really good modern songwriters?

Shai Linne, Lecrae, Trip Lee, Tedashii, Sho Baraka, Da T.R.U.T.H., Flame, Keith and Kristyn Getty, Stuart Townsend, Shane and Shane

RL: Why, in your opinion, is it hard to find really good praise songs these days?

1.) There is a lot of songs out there that are ambiguous in theology, and I think it's because a lot of songwriters are having the aim of "if the lyrics feel right to write, it must be of God because He makes good things".  When we base songs on our feelings, we forget that our feelings deceive us (The heart is deceitful, who can know it?).  Songs easily turn into "what i'm going to do" rather than "what He has done and what I should do in response"

One of my favorite examples is a song that I used to like a lot because it gave me a drive to do good work, but the drive was in the wrong direction.  The song is "History Maker" by Delirious?.  The Chorus goes:

"I'm gonna be a history maker in this land.  I'm gonna be a speaker of truth to all mankind.  I'm gonna stand, I'm gonna run into Your arms, into Your arms again"

There are a few things that itch me with further knowledge of scripture.  Now I have to critique this song keeping that it's hard to be critical on theses lyricists because it's not easy to put theology to words and poetry - on top of that, Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.  For the sake of those reading this, it may be helpful to understand why we sing the songs we do.

The first thing - I'm gonna be a history maker: When we look at scripture, God used nobodies.  We see John the Baptist who was a man from the wilderness with a modified Tarzan suit from camel hair eating locusts and honey - he desired to decrease so that He might increase.  So the term history maker really can be dangerous for those who sing this song not knowing to depend on the Lord to complete His good work and let Him be the history maker while we are His slaves.  We don't live to make history, but we live our lives and hope and pray His kingdom come.

The second thing - I'm gonna be a speaker of truth to all mankind - that's a noble desire, but when we sing worship, our aim should be on God, not on what we're gonna do or be.  A better response should be "Who am I in Christ and what kind of response should that bring out of me?"  In comparison, maybe we can say, "Your truth leads me to testify to a lost world".

The last thing - What does it mean to run into His arms in this context?  This line can mean anything from running into His arms for comfort, running the race of the believer, or end time knowledge leading to comfort in present time.  I'm not sure what the author's purpose was with this line, but when multiple meanings can come, it may not be a good worship song in a congregational context where we are seeking unity in mind and voice speaking truth to one another through music.

2.) Desiring Christ:  A lot of songs lack a desire for Christ - a lot of songs include the benefits of knowing Christ but not Christ Himself.  It's almost as if we are singing boasting about the gifts rather than the gift giver. How does that make us different than the world?  Lecrae describes the world saying "It's not Christ, it's heaven they want".

We as believers desire heaven BECAUSE we desire Christ!  Not because of harps, clouds, and halos.  Not because the end of hard times.  Let me repeat myself - We as believers desire heaven BECAUSE we desire Christ!

I believe that if believers songwrite, they should write on Christology.  There is a huge void in songs on Christ Himself.  Repetition of songs that declare the glories of Christ - I may get tired of repetitive music structures, but I am always thinking about the lyrics and it brings me closer to the knowledge of God.  Songs TEACH no matter how redundant or plain the music to it can be.

The more we know about Christ - His work, His plan, His Holiness, His character, and so on - we can't help but sing!

RL: What song are you looking forward to singing in heaven?

Stankin Richard :(  Making me pick.

If we have cars and my glorified body can rap, I'd love to be singing Jesus Muzik.  HAHA.

All jokes aside, I'd love to be singing a new song that the Lord will drive us to sing together (as if we wrote another verse to More Love O Christ To Thee)

As for a song we know now, I'd like to sing And Can It Be (with the little edit on the lyric "emptied Himself of all but love" I like "Humbled Himelf - How great His love!")

RL: How do you go about writing a song? 

Songs sometimes just come out after knowing more about the truths of God.  I write songs best when I'm with my guitar and just thinking and providentially there is a notepad or computer right next to me.

A question I get is "How do you get the words to the idea without sounding cliche?"

Answer: My first draft sounds super cliche.  Just keep cooking the song until it's done.  When you find that the changes that you put it don't work, toss the song and start over.  Even Picasso started with basic shapes before creating masterpieces.

There's no cookie cutter way of writing a song, but this is how I do it.  I usually start with the lyrics, and music that follows the lyrics soon come out while I'm writing.  Sometimes, I hear the melody of the song while I'm writing the lyrics.

So I start on a song's theme - then different words come out almost like an essay.  Then the chorus (or main thesis) of the song usually comes first.  The verses are then written to supplement the direction of the chorus.  If the song begs a bridge, gotta do it.

RL: What aspects of God's character are not sung about enough? 

We need to sing less about what we do or what we want - We need to sing more about Christ, theology, and other areas that believers need to be instructed in.  Songs teach!

RL: How has praise music grown your love for God?

The kindness of the Lord leads me to repentance - I've learned so much of His character and how kind He is to a lowly dude like myself.  When you know the Lord more, the more you love Him and know How His love for us is soooo immense.  Praise music has allowed me to express that in ways it might be weird in normal conversation without busting out in song.

Thanks for taking the time to really think these questions out and give us some thoughts. Appreciate you bro!

Be Thou My Vision

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

This is our favorite hymn.  We sing it to baby Mateo every night.  A rustic-looking version of it hangs up in our dining room.  The lyrics describe the cry of our heart.  They are also our desire for baby Mateo.

Some songs are sung as direct praise unto God.  These are songs that proclaim God's character, what he has done, what he is doing, what he will do, etc.  But there are other songs that, while still praising God, are more reflective, like a prayer unto God.  "Be Thou My Vision" falls into that category.  Each verse ministers to me in a different way, with different aspects of my life.  Overall, the song is a constant reminder of keeping my heart, mind, eyes, etc., etc. on the Lord. 

Here are few of my favorite lines:
- "Thou my best thought by day or by night" - I could try to think of something, but I'll fail every time.  There is absolutely nothing greater than my God.  I was reflecting the other day about how cool technology is (I'm a gadget geek, for sure), and how far it has come...but then I reflected on how amazing our senses are.  How we can hear sounds, feel the warmth of the sun, taste delicious foods...and our minds can comprehend these things.  And this is just one aspect of the awesomeness and creativity of our God.  No technology can ever compare to the wonders of God.
- "Thou my great Father, I Thy true son" - My goodness.  I am adopted into God's family.  God, the Maker of all the universe, God, the Giver of life, God the source of absolute truth, perfect righteousness, joy, love and satisfaction, is my Father.  He calls me his own.  Wow.  Can you say amazing?  Can you say totally and completely undeserved?
- "Thou mine inheritance, now and always" - What a great reminder.  God is my treasure.  Not the blessings he bestows.  Not the riches of this world.  Not even the family and friends he has given me.  These things are wonderful gifts that I am forever grateful for.  But the ultimate gift, the one I will enjoy for all eternity, the very source of it all, the Giver of the gifts.  As Piper says, God is the gospel.  Without God there is nothing.  Nothing. 
- The last verse.  What a great way to end the song.  Doesn't this just ignite a flame under you to persevere and press on towards the upward call of Christ, to long for heaven, to yearn for Christ's return? 

For these reasons and more, we love this song.  But I think when we're in heaven, we'll probably sing something more along the lines of this.  Regardless, it's going to be awesome.

On a side (but sort of related) note, I'm getting the wonderful opportunity to go to Shepherds' Conference.  It is a tremendous blessing to be able to learn more of God's truth, fellowship with many like-minded brethren...and my favorite part...the singing.  What a thrill it is to be singing along thousands of other men.  I can't even imagine what millions of voices, praising our Savior, for all eternity, will be like.  O what a foretaste of glory divine!

GLAD - Gotta watch this...very creative

http://www.worshipmatters.com/2011/03/01/variations-on-a-hymn-that-hymn-thing/

1 John 2:3-4 and Before the Throne of God Above

1 John 2:3-4 essentially tells us that if we say that we know God, we obey his commandments.  And if we say we know him, and we don't, then we're liars and the truth is not in us.  What a scary thought.  Especially for a wretched sinner like me.  When I read that verse, I have to ask myself, "am I obedient to God's word?"  And the honest answer is, "no."  So then...does that mean I'm no longer saved?  Not necessarily.  None of us are perfect, before or after justification.  I know that my sins have all been forgiven in Christ.  And while God's word should be our final source of authority and comfort and joy, sometimes we can recall songs more readily because the tune helps us remember them.  That is why it's important we sing biblical songs.

This passage, and my subsequent reflection, caused me to burst out in praise, singing the second verse to Before the Throne of God Above (parenthetical remarks are my own):

When Satan tempts me to despair (because of my sinfulness)
And tells me of the guilt within, ("You sinner, how can you be saved?  How could God save a wretch like you?) 
Upward I look and see Him (Christ) there,(He died on the cross and rose from the dead) 
Who made an end of all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free (Praise the Lord!!!!)
For God the (perfectly) Just is satisfied
To look on Him (Christ) and pardon me (the wretched sinner)
To look on Him and pardon me.

I am so thankful for good songs that put God's word into music to help us remember his truth.  By no means am I saying not to practice the discipline of memorizing Scripture.  I think that is of the utmost importance.  But using biblical songs can definitely be a great tool to take advantage of.