Why Sing?

"Singing with the spirit of the New Testament sense is singing in concert with the Holy Spirit whose task is focusing on Christ. The deliberate purpose of Chrisitian singing is to exert all the dynamic of this powerful expression to glorify God. Surely the Church does not lack for spiritual, spirited music to sing; but all too often it lacks spirit motivated, spiritual singers to join in the song." From the book Worship - Rediscovering the Missing Jewel by Ronald Allen and Gordon Borror. My heart is not focused on being critical of God's Church. I'm called to the role of an enabler. I know, becoming aware and pursuing God's great benefits should be on the top of everyone's daily to do list. However, we all need coaxing in this pursuit from time to time. Having said that, there is also a wonderful dynamic when properly motivated individuals come together in congregational praise. Spiritually motivated congregations aware of God's powerful presence will see effectiveness in the kingdom of God. Congregational singing becomes a powerful weapon in pursuit of this effectiveness. Some choose to label the results of this pursuit as "overly emotional". But I think when our desire to be motivated in the awareness and pursuit of God's benefits becomes a reality, God's praise in the congregation will be the offspring. This praise will spill over into every part of our lives, including our emotions. And why shouldn't it? What results is a refreshing freedom as God's presence moves in.

-Tim Covert

Tags: Christian Music, Devotional, Worship

God's Help

In the last few months God has been challenging me and the local church I attend. This is happening as the doctrine of the Holy Spirit has been the main focus of our pulpit ministry. Many in our local church are evangelical in background. Some have sought a symbiotic relationship with this important distinctive of the church. However, there is a sense of God's special presence in our services - as hungry people seek God's direction for their lives. And the fullness of the Spirit is something that has become increasingly desired by many, regardless of background. God is moving, there is no question of that. This blog is about music ministry. Regarding this move of God, I'm all about how He intended music ministry to operate within the local church. I maintain a constant awareness that there is the possibility of getting things backwards. In other words, to suggest that the church should somehow be directed by music ministry is not healthy in my opinion. We are to provide an atmosphere for people to seek. Through song we proclaim a message of deliverance and hope. For music ministry, there's a time to proclaim, and a time to support in the same service. Both must occur. It's obvious, in American church culture, it's easy to become distracted - or lose focus. We can't afford this in music ministry. We understand that when we're distracted, things start to fall apart in our lives, in our families, and in the church. God's special presence seems to move on. This shouldn't come as a surprise, but it does for many. Or worse, as R.T Kendall suggests, we don't even realize God has moved on without us. The good news however, is that the still small voice of the Holy Spirit continues to speak today. However, seekers can run up against a backlash. For those realizing they need to cultivate a relationship with Jesus, the feeling is almost like God is setting us up. The noise of life (unfortunately) an accepted drone, coupled with the din of our own thoughts, makes it almost impossible to hear God unless we choose to intentionally focus on Him and His Word. Those who turn things around in a positive direction toward God, are people who have experienced enough pain and dissatisfaction to seek His help. Until we do, we'll be empty. There's no other remedy. Kenneth Hagin writes in his book "Following God's Plan For Your Life" (Faith Library Publications) "...if you know on the inside of you by the inward witness what God wants you to do, don't wait around for God to give you more spectacular guidance. Obey the inward witness." As a worship musician / leader I want to facilitate this process as much as possible. It all begins with an awareness of my function.

-Tim Covert

Tags: Christian Music, Devotional, Worship

The Test

"The test of observance of Christ's teachings is our consciousness of our failure to attain an ideal perfection. The degree to which we draw near this perfection cannot be seen; all we can see is the extent of our deviation."
-Leo Tolstoy

Tags: Christian Music, Devotional, Worship

Great Gain

The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance; the wise grows it under his feet. James Oppenheim (1882-1932) American poet. The Bible says, ..."godliness with contentment is great gain." 1Tim.6:6. Are you struggling with circumstances beyond your control? When was the last time you laughed? Sometimes we must force ourselves to forget about the mess to move into the realm of enjoying life. Yeah, I know. It's not that easy. But, I believe God rewards those who try. Contentment isn't just about acceptance. God's word talks about "great" gain. If He calls it great, then I certainly want it. There's a level of joy God wants to give His children. Joy that's unassociated with circumstances. Joy that He alone can bring. Sometimes it comes through others. Maybe today is the day. Trust God and give it a try!
- Tim Covert

Tags: Christian Music, Devotional, Worship