Once in a while, I like to sketch out a sermon or a bible passage. I liked how this Psalm 145 sketch turned out and posted it in 2006.
I like this passage because it is full of joy. After all, it is a song of praise. And it speaks about teaching good news from one generation to the next. That is a theme that has resonated with me over the years. It is why I still love to work in children’s ministry.
When my youngest sister was still a toddler, I could tell she inherited our mother’s musical talent and proclivity. As soon as the worship music began, she was up and ready to belt it out! This led to my idea for this making a joyful noise cartoon.
The phrase, “joyful noise,” comes from the King James version of Psalm 100:1. It’s a short chapter that packs a powerful message of why worship music is an important part of a church service.
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.
Psalm 100:1 (KJV)
Worship wars have been around for at least forty years. I take that back. According to this article, they may have been around at least 700 AD! My experience inspired me to draw this praise and worship cartoon.
I hear the term “blended worship” batted around a lot and I like that approach. While I love to hear a pianist play older hymns, I a modern band playing a current praise and worship tune. And I can even welcome the bare-footed, punk rock worshipper as well. I guess that’s how I roll… all over the place.
A heart of gratitude is the password to so many good things. It takes us from entitlement to contentment. It changes “why me?” to “why not me?” It turns the focus from what we do not have to what we do have.
On this Sunday morning, I am reminded this is the best way to approach prayer and worship. The Message version of Psalm 100 helped me see this in a new light this day.
Enter with the password: “Thank you!” Make yourselves at home, talking praise. Thank him. Worship him.
Psalm 100:4 (MSG)
“Thank you” is the password to so many good things. My coworkers probably think I say it too often. My emails and speech are filled with please and thank you. But I am fine with being known as the guy who is too polite. It’s much better than being known as the guy with the rude ‘tude!
Therefore, when we go to prayer with a thankful heart, it makes us reconsider how much I have already been blessed. Just the fact we woke up to a new day is reason enough for gratitude. It helps us reconsider the many things we take for granted.
Nobody likes to see someone coming every time with a list of grievances, least of all God. It’s true that we can be honest and take our requests, our problem, and yes, our tragedies to him. But if that is the only time we pray, that would get pretty old.
Thanksgiving is coming. Let’s remember to give thanks today and every day. It’s a password to greater things. It’s a reminder we already have so many great things right under our noses.
Often, churches and church people get a reputation for being resistant to change. “Worship Wars” continue as those who love traditional hymns duke it out with lovers of contemporary styles of worship. Changing an old chair in the lobby can be controversial if it was dedicated in memory of a dearly departed saint during the Eisenhower Administration. Adding a little fresh paint and new carpet to a classroom can cause consternation along with a little weeping and gnashing of teeth.