Through the Hymns


Hello friends!

Long time no post. 

And for good reason. 

Well, maybe no the best reason. I have wanted to sit down and write oh so badly. Yet, every time I attempted to do so, there would either be some type of distraction or, the brilliant ideas that were filling my mind just minutes prior were suddenly gone. 

Why? 

I'm not entirely sure but there is a part of me that believes it was a mix of the enemy interrupting something the Holy Spirit wanted me to record, as well as God just simply needing me to wait. 

I still have plenty of content to write about but I need it to be Biblically grounded and not something rooted in emotions. That is so difficult to separate sometimes especially when the Word of God causes some of those emotions to bubble up. 

One thing that has been on my mind quite a bit is worship. Specifically musical worship. And when I say musical worship, I'm talking about those good, old-fashioned, Biblically sound, rooted in the Gospel hymns. I remember, when growing up in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, opening up my hymnal and singing these classics. Hymns vary in some with close to 20 stanzas to some with very complicated melodies. 

At my current church, I adore how we intertwine modern and classic hymns during our musical worship time. Back in the day, the hymns were just words on a page but now that I am forever changed by Jesus, the words have so much more meaning. 

I'd love to explore them with you! 

One thing I've noticed, over the years of leading worship, is that many of us (and I'm definitely including myself here) have fallen into a rut when singing these songs. They are songs that we know very well and will just sing the words because we do. We forget the context of what we are singing. We forget to focus and truly ponder the words that are coming out of our mouths. 

Do we believe them? 

Do we mean them? 

This is just one of the reasons I want to explore these ancient and modern hymns. And I would love your help! There are many hymns on my radar that I know and love and I would love to hear about the ones you love as well. Would you take just a couple of minutes to fill out this anonymous survey? 


Thank you so much! I can't wait to see your responses and begin this new blog series. 

The Great Cultivation


It all began with a conversation in the green room at church.

At this point in time, I had been deeply involved with the church I had been attending since 1997. Over the years, I had chosen to give my life to Jesus, was baptized by immersion, interned with an amazing woman of God and continued to grow in my faith. Many friendships were formed and it was an incredible time as I was driven by purpose and believed God had defined that purpose for me.

I also came with the belief that if someone professed to be a believer and served at the same church I did, we all held the same Biblical views. It was never a question. My pastor had preached on topics that I appreciated and I just loved how our focus was outward. 

It's important to know these things because on this beautiful Spring day in 2008, in the green room, my world would be rocked a bit. 

California had just legalized same-sex marriage and boy was it a hot topic. So far, conversations I had had with fellow God-fearing friends was mutual. We were both saddened, somewhat in shock and also not entirely surprised by the decision that was made in that state. While there are many sins, this one was popular on the quickly growing social media site that rhymes with bakefook. 

There was a very interesting emotional and mental convergence happening my mind - disbelief that society was normalizing homosexuality and also understanding that it shouldn't be all too surprising as prophecy tells us that the world was going to get worse before Jesus came back.

So, when someone brought it up in the green room - which, by the way, is what we called the room the worship team used in between services - I was ready for a like minded and somber conversation. When the leader brought it up, I was bout to share my thoughts when someone else would say some words that would leave me tense. They were words in support of this topic and hoped that our state would soon follow. This was then followed by the leader, and several other team members, agreeing and stating how much they support their homosexual brothers and sisters with their choice.

Disappointment. Shock. Confusion. Three words that easily described my state of mind in that moment. Questions began to bubble up like - "How can they believe this is a good thing?" "Doesn't the Bible say homosexuality is a sin?" "Maybe I read it wrong! Who can I go ask?" The following weeks and months would show me that these were not the only people in my church that felt this way. And it wasn't just regular attenders - these were people who were leading, serving and had influence in others spiritual walks. I would spend hours in my Bible reading what it says about homosexuality. I would also be searching online to see what other Biblical scholars and churches said about it. What I found was more confusion because the churches that welcomed homosexuality had, what appeared to be, a decent argument according to scripture. However, this never settled well with me.

As the years went by, I found myself just sweeping this under the rug. After all, did it really matter? I believe it as a sin but, wasn't sharing the gospel more important than arguing over what is sin and what isn't? Oh how naive I was in my faith!

What happened in the green room would set me up for learning that just because someone professes to be a Christian, serves in a church or even pastors a church, that doesn't mean they hold the Bible in the same light as I do. I didn't know what to label this kind of thought towards scripture at the time but, I have learned since that this is a form of progressive christianity - one that embraces social norms and acceptance versus what the Holy Word of God says. 

Let's be clear - the word of God does give direction on homosexuality being a sin. 

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolators, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10

For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women are were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. Romans 1:26-27

You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination... Leviticus 18:22

I won't get too deep into the theology of this topic as it would warrant an entire blogging series. The arguments to this understanding that homosexuality is included in the list of sin, is that some people are born homosexual and have no control over it. Others have justified the relationships being okay as long as they are in a committed relationship. The problem with these ideologies is that we are, in fact, all born sinners. We all have desires that are contrary to the Bible. However, that doesn't mean we enable the behavior. Human nature is to sin and that is why Jesus died on the cross for us - to save us from God's wrath because of our sinful nature. 

As I fast forward to 2021 and ponder the experiences I have had in previous churches - there is an urgent thought -

We cannot compromise what scripture says with what the world says.

It is so clear how the enemy has infiltrated our churches and Christian communities because of the deceit and lies that have spread throughout; causing confusion, misinterpretation and acceptance of sin. This is dangerous church! 

The year 2020 has certainly been a time of revealing and refinement in the church. There will come a day when we stand before God and give an account for our life on earth. What will yours be? What will the church's be?  

The Great Cultivation


We are in a time when people have closed their ears, eyes and hearts to the truth of the Word of God. They would rather listen to "feel good" messages, read "self-care" books and teach on topics that do not offend. Fear and virtue signaling rules in the decision making when it comes to sharing the gospel. A darkness has slowly crept it's way into many churches and we have allowed the enemy to have free reign. Instead of armoring up, running towards the Word of God and trusting His call to be light bearers, we have succumbed to tolerance and wishy washy Christianity. This approach has leaders seeing God through the lens of social justice and cultural norms, instead of through His Holy, historically accurate, Word - also known as the Bible. 

This is progressive Christianity and it is filled with evil. I also like to refer to it as "selective christianity" as, when the Bible is actually used, only certain parts of scripture are pulled to help support ideologies, opinions, etc. Scripture is taken out of context to support these ideals instead of ideals being formed by scripture. Of course, the enemy is convincing enough to have many think this is the gospel filled with love. "Selective christianity" is exactly as it applies - it means that leaders, learners and the like are selective of what parts of scripture they choose to focus on. The parts that don't feel good, or could turn people away or offend are avoided. Because, heaven forbid we preach truth and risk people denying God.  

While we definitely do want to share the Good News, we also need to share all that scripture states and some of it is harsh, uncomfortable and, while I choose to disagree with this description, some may even say it's offensive.. When we have shared truth, the Living Word, and the foundation of how to live life as written by God, we have done our part. Sometimes it's not going to be "popular" or "cool" or "trendy". We continue to go out into the world doing what Jesus commanded us to do through the Great Commission but, we do so with faith and assurance that, as we share TRUTH, He will do the rest
A watered down gospel only benefits the sharer. And, truthfully, the benefits are about as beneficial as a bubble floating through the air. It looks cool for a minute but it eventually pops. 
I spent several months wondering how in the world we got here. How is it that a church I was part of for years fell victim to this progressive christianity? Well, here is a thought for you - do you believe that the enemy can be so very convincing that one doesn't even know they are falling into this trap until it is too late? I sure do. We see it all over scripture, including at the very beginning. Remember Eve? All the serpent had to do was twist some words around to have her questioning what God actually said to her. That's all it took to have her take the first bite. 

We have what Eve didn't have back then - the Bible. Although, let's remember that while she didn't have the Bible, she had a personal relationship with God that we don't have - and she still fell into temptation. The Holy Bible does not contain any errors. It gives us truth, wisdom, direction and a glimpse into the mystery of our sovereign God. What an incredible gift He has given us! And, yet, even with the Bible in our hands, the enemy still attempts to twist things around. He takes things out of context and relates them to current societal norms and culture. 

Timothy warned us about what was coming... 2 Timothy 4:3 says For a time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.

Sometimes hearing the truth is hard. It hurts. It forces us to give up habits we don't want to give up. And so, many of us have made the decision to only pay attention to the things that don't bring that discomfort. We want to believe in God, and that He sent Jesus to die for us and that His love covers all sin - which is very true - but it ends there. Because we don't want to change our ideology, opinions, lifestyles, etc. 

Some of us want to stay in our bubble and ignore the reality of this world. We mask it by saying, "I just want to keep my eyes on Jesus and trust He has it all under control." 

Let me pause for a moment - keeping our eyes on Jesus and trusting He has it all under control is a good thing. But when we use that as our reason to not be obedient to His beckoning us to speak truth when necessary, it becomes sin. There is a time for absolutely sit back and watch Jesus work and then there is a time when He is calling us to the front lines. Many will choose to say that this time is one where we be patient and these same many will mistakenly label the action of taking risks and speaking out as someone taking control of the situation and not "letting Jesus". 

I am excited to continue in this topic of all God has been overturning and exposing in His church - His people, etc. There is so much to navigate through, learn, cultivate and grow. Scripture is rich with any insight we could ever want when it comes to God's people, His church and the life we should be living for Him and Him alone.


Curveball

 Well, I had every intention of finishing up some writing by now but, a curveball will be prolonging my sabbatical. I am typing with one hand thanks to breaking my right wrist. Ouch! So, I have no idea when I will be back. Praying it is sooner than later! Thanks for being patient.

- Melissa

A Sabbatical

 


Sabbatical: A period of rest.

And on the seventh day God finished His work that He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work that He had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all His work that He had done in creation. - Genesis 2:2-3 ESV
From the beginning of time God instituted and ordained rest. 

Even as God, our Creator and sustainer, the One who never tires or grows weary, He took a day of rest. This tells us that rest is important! 

Over the years, writing has become so important to me. It has been clear that this is where God wants me - in the writing world. He has given me words and thoughts to express not just on this blog but also in books and other venues where the written word is shared. It is humbling and has often had me in a place feeling extremely unqualified. However, I would like to think I am obedient, with a sprinkle of stubborn added in. 

I know God is not finished speaking through me. There are so many thoughts, ideas and things I want to express! But, I'll be honest with you - I have not been very disciplined with my time. In September, I began online university classes full time, in addition to working full time. Yowza! This was right on the cusp of God calling me to write about some topics that are typically avoided for fear of offending others. We also are in the midst of an odd season where many cities and states are locked down still and, the motivation to write comes and goes. 

My usual environment to write in is the local coffee shop and, I haven't been able to do that for months. Honestly, this is a silly excuse because I could write from my own home but, what about the laundry or the dishes or... hey... what's on the TV tonight? 

What I'm realizing is, I haven't truly taken time to rest. The pressure I put on myself to push out content is overwhelming in a season that has already weighed heavy on my soul. 

The wise thing to do is rest. 

So, I will be taking a sabbatical from posting to this blog for the next month, until the end of February. That doesn't mean I won't be writing though. I have a feeling there will be LOTS of writing! I look forward to the words the Holy Spirit will bring me and I also look forward to sharing them come the 1st of March. 

Rest and sabbatical is healthy. God told us to do it. If He needed it, we certainly do! And that could be literally taking the 7th day to rest in addition to, taking some extended, intentional time to step out of the grind and give God all your attention so He can speak to you. 

I will "see" you March 1st!