tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063427490779668421.post2226337756089793179..comments2023-03-24T01:57:40.264-06:00Comments on doxologies: with my hands lifted high?David Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16104555763324197239noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063427490779668421.post-13442201604507943672013-03-28T10:23:15.199-06:002013-03-28T10:23:15.199-06:00Bartman, I think style of music DOES make a differ...Bartman, I think style of music DOES make a difference in worship. God designed us as "sensual" creatures--experiencing and expressing ourselves through the senses. And, since we are all unique, it's understandable that I would love one kind of music and you might love another. The fact that you have been at PBC for a long time--though you prefer a pipe organ--is a testament to your willingness to get to the "heart" of worship instead of allowing the music to disctate it.<br /><br />To your question: I don't think it's wrong to desire certain styles of music to assist us in our worship. I think it's normal and fine to have songs we enjoy (our "favorites"). David Danielshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16104555763324197239noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063427490779668421.post-37394926721340728262013-03-28T10:19:10.157-06:002013-03-28T10:19:10.157-06:00Josh and Dawn, both of your posts deal with the &q...Josh and Dawn, both of your posts deal with the "motive" aspect. I definitely believe that some people are just not "hand-raisers" and I also believe that hand-raising isn't the defining characteristic of a true worshipper. I suppose we all could learn to kneel more, close our eyes, open our eyes, sing louder, etc. The point is not to do what we don't want to do...but 1) to explore what me may not have explored before and 2) do what we feel truly expresses out heart, irregardless of what others feel. <br /><br />And, on the topic of motive: You and I will never be 100% sure our motives are pure. If you're ever more than 50% sure your motives are honorable, go for it. David Danielshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16104555763324197239noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063427490779668421.post-75133031489264874782013-03-25T14:58:04.249-06:002013-03-25T14:58:04.249-06:00I must say, you were above-and-beyond passionate a...I must say, you were above-and-beyond passionate at times in your message yesterday. It definitely left an impression. I clearly have a LONG way to go in my worship. But, at least, I am on the journey.<br /><br />Can I say, though, that I'm just not a "hand raiser?" I don't disagree with anything you said in your blog, but worship doesn't generate that kind of response in me. It's more internal, often more of the mind. I do move to the music, so that's something.<br /><br />I do have a big question. What does one do when the style of worship music truly is not conducive to one having a worship experience? If I walked into PBC one Sunday and saw a robed choir, hymnals and a pipe organ, I'd be in heaven. (You're probably thinking I'd also be in the wrong place!) I'm seriously Old School. PBC is my church, but songs that sound indistinguishable from the pop tunes on the radio usually don't aid my worship. There are churches that use C&W or heavy metal worship music, and I know some people who would be completely put off by that and some who would feel right at home. It's often looked at as a lame excuse, but what do you do when the style of music is an impediment? Maybe that's why I tend to worship with my mind more than my heart?The Batmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11074593918904145000noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063427490779668421.post-27591688575880579812013-03-25T14:34:57.629-06:002013-03-25T14:34:57.629-06:00I relate to the 'rebellious' side not want...I relate to the 'rebellious' side not wanting to lift hands. That has been my immediate response on occasion. <br />I find that I often weigh my motives first, in light of the story of the Pharisee(I believe?) reported in scripture to raise his hands in prayer, to be seen as more religious than others. Not in true worship from the heart.<br />If I can check my motive against what I know to be right, heartfelt worship(or head worship with heart worship to follow, as you described), and know that I have reverence, longing, humility, any of those in mind (or heart) then I can raise my hands, knowing why I want to do it with a clear conscience and without feeling like I am just following everyone else...or a directive in a song.<br />And there have been those times that I did not raise them, because I could not say for certain it was out of the proper attitude. I am reminded of the verse: God is spirit and [we] must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24)DM McElroyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08714729953051255716noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063427490779668421.post-34195363353784653922013-03-25T14:24:09.138-06:002013-03-25T14:24:09.138-06:00Great Post! I've been wrestling with this myse...Great Post! I've been wrestling with this myself recently. I sit on the front row, and I am usually the last to raise my hands (if I even do raise them).<br /><br />Is your last paragraph saying that I should raise my hands in order to let my heart catch up with the focus/physical act of surrender? Sometimes I just get caught up in the prayer or singing that raising my hands would just distract me. I'm probably missing the point, or I am missing out on a wonderful state of worship. I'm moved and convicted by your post! <br />~josh 'espn2' fortneyJosh and Melissahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00853527719998699985noreply@blogger.com