And You, are more beautiful today

More beautiful to stay…

I was real encouraged (and ministered to) by the worship that went on at Chapel tonight on campus. For many years now I’ve really respected both the man and music of Robbie Seay, ever since he and my former youth pastor (Steven Smith of the Smith Band) would hang out, write songs (ex. all I want is you), and lead worship for us. Robbie is the kind of guy that you know isn’t just leading worship to lead, He really worships. You also get the feeling that if no one else was in the room, he’d still be singing those songs out passionately, with that great grimace on his face that assures you he’s genuine. I love the guy, his incredibly unique voice, and his great music.

He played some of his own stuff, which is all worship focused and Christ centered anyway, and then mixed in a few more well known songs, some to his own creative melody. The guy loves Jesus, and Jesus has created him to be a brilliant musicion. I praise God for real creativity in the body of Christ, it shows that the Holy Spirit it breathing fresh on people, inspiring them to think, act, play, and harmonize life in a way that promotes the person of Jesus and burns the heart inside. Ever since I heard that newsboys song on KSBJ - “you - still - captivate me, fascinate me” - I’ve been thinking, that that should be our ongoing testimony of our walk with Jesus. That no matter where we are in life, through the ups and downs and all arounds, He still genuinely captivates us, and makes us thankful to have the joy and oppurtunity to follow this man Jesus in the first place. In all the doings and strivings and figuring out, does our heart really “burn within us as we walk with Him on the road?” Is it possible for it not to if we are genuinely following Jesus? After its all said and done, its all about knowing and following Jesus anyway right? (John 17:3) The reality is,  God doesn’t require us to follow Jesus. He invites us, He calls us, He beckons us to. He romances us and invites us to leave the greatest bondage and know the greatest life and love history’s ever known. And the revelation of that great love should really do something within us to make us “throw our cloak aside and go to Jesus.”

I will arise and go to Jesus - He will embrace me in his arms - and in the arms of my dear saviour - there are - Ten Thousand Charms

Everyday I want to believe that. Everyday I need to believe that. Everyday the question of whether I will truly live “LIFE” depends on believing that. Those ten thousand charms may be entirely different than I expect, but the combination of the mystery of it all and the securtiy I have in knowing He loves me (and knows whats best) puts one foot in front of the other.

So yes, I think there’s a legitimate place for “Christian Music”. I think this is what “christian music” should do - draw out the great truths and revelation of the person and work of Christ - and strike your heart with them in such a way that your spirit climbs and your soul cries for and to your faithful God. Otherwise, the monotony of it all drowns you in your own religion of self and checklists. For this reason, I enjoy music that makes you think, ponder, consider, and run to know Christ more, and not just because its catchy. And not because you feel you have to, or even that you should. But because you want to. You really do.