The Singing Religion

07/06/2012

As I make my way through my mid 40s, I’m starting to come to terms with the things I just can’t seem to do well.

For instance: I can’t make a good campfire that lasts after the newspaper goes up in flames.

I can’t make a tasty pancake that doesn’t resemble a hockey puck.

And I definitely can’t sing.

Now I’m not bashing myself, I know that there are certain talents and gifts that God has given me that I can do well. I’m just being honest here, and if I could change one thing -- I’d like to make beautiful melody with my voice.

But you know, even though singing isn’t one of my talents, I do enjoy listening to it and participating in it (to the best of my ability) in and outside of church.

I particularly love Christian contemporary music, and I listen almost exclusively to it. I love that the words in a song can take my spirit to new heights with God.

Maybe that’s why my ears perked up last Sunday when I found out that our pastor was going to speak on music in worship.

And it was interesting when our pastor called Christianity a “singing religion.”

Click here to read more of this Christian Blog ...

Comments

lori

07/07/2012 12:54am

Debra, gotta tell u...this weeks blog spoke volumes! I can relate totally! Music has always been special to me. And thinking bout it...during some of the darkest times since becoming a christian it has often been music that God used to lift the darkness and shine His light into my very innermost parts. I love to sing! Can't say I'm very talented at it, but when I'm alone I can belt out the notes. Maybe not totally on key...but hey, aren't we supposed to "make a joyful noise"?:-)

Debra Torres link

07/07/2012 2:52pm

Lori,
You are right -- we can never stop singing. There's too much joy to be had in it. I just know that when I get to heaven, one of the first things I'm going to try out - is my voice!
Thanks for the comment!

C Allen Meeker

07/09/2012 10:56pm

In my heart there rings a melody... I remember when I tore up my recording contract with RCA in 1969. I had been in a group of young people singing all over the west coast at the time. But when I surrendered my life fully to Christ I didn't know muc about 'Christian' music. Then my pastor at the time asked me to sing a solo in church. Solo? Really? The only song I knew was 'The Old Rugged Cross', my stepdads favorite & the rest as they say is history. I have been blest to sing all over the country. I never again made recordings, but who knows. Even if I never do, I am good with that. You see I have never sang for anyones pleasure but HIS anyway. HIS melody is always there for me, sunshine or rain, HE's in my heart allowing me to fly like an eagle, soaring to a place of refuge where HIS music surrounds me with loving peace.

Debra Torres link

07/10/2012 11:23am

Allen, thanks so much for reading my post and commenting! So wonderful to have the perspective from someone who uses his voice publicly in Christian worship. You've given us a beautiful testimony here. Thank you.

Jan link

07/10/2012 11:54pm

Music has always been an important part of my life. I grew up listing to my father sing constantly. Seemed like no matter what word you said, he could sing a song that contained it. Ours was not a Christian home, but still, music seemed to make things brighter. After i came to Christ, music took on a richer tone than I could ever imagine. Music can usher me into the presence of God, sooth my troubled soul or make me laugh and shout with joy. I'm so glad there's going to be music in heaven and that God loves a joyful "noise" overflowing from a joyful heart.

Great post, Debra!

June

07/15/2012 4:58pm

I am in the Christian music business in a small way. I write, setting scripture to music. And I teach children to sing and play Orff instruments. I do this because I want all of us to have, in our hearts, ready to use, Scripture that instructs and encourages us and others. Who knows when this might be a life-giving gift in an emergency situation?

It's a good memory aid, too, and I find I have cross-references in my head. Who knows when a Bible might not be available?

Needless to say, I really liked this post.

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.

Get Free Email
Updates to My Christian Devotional Blog!