Not I, But Christ…His Favorite Song

I love praise and worship and, have several recording artists CD with many of my favorite songs. For example, songs by Christian recording artist such as, Don Moen “Shine Jesus Shine”, God Will Make A Way” and "Lord I Offer My Life To You" to name a few I'm speaking of pure songs that bring joy to the kingdom of heaven, and glory to the Lord. I am not speaking of songs which gratify the flesh (strange fire worship) by Mary Mary nor Kirk Franklin, or any of the secular, hidden behind a “Christian” recording label artists. But, Praise and Worship. We tend to think that praise means fast songs and worship means slow songs. However, praise and worship are not based on tempo: they are based on the words spoken and expression given. Therefore, it cannot be fleshly offering or anything that resembles the world. 1 John 2-15 “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him” We say that we love God, but if that is so, we cannot love the world and the things that are in the world.

Jesus said that we cannot serve both God and mammon. When God is truly first in our lives, there is a looseness with which we hold all other relationships, circumstances, and possessions.  I’ve grown to understand that with worship as a lifestyle, it is vitally essential to note the following statement:  As Praise and Worship Leaders, it is critical to get this deep down within the heart-- Regardless how one may FEEL, or what the favorite song maybe… IT IS NOT ABOUT US. It is not about what I think. It is not about what I thought in the past. It is not about my point of view, so to speak. It is not about me, period.  In fact, it is not “I” any longer. Galatians 2:20 (King James Version) “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me”.

That being said, there really is a greater cause! Really.  Sincere praise, and worship devoted totally to Jesus Christ will have one looking up. It will have one looking up to the desires of Jesus Christ, and how to please him. As a result, avenues will be created to solemnly lead others (the lost sheep) into his presence: Luke 15:7 (KJV) “Then drew near unto him all the tax collectors and sinners to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, this man receives sinners, and eats with them. And he spoke this parable unto them, saying, What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repents, more than over ninety and nine just persons, who need no repentance”. Pure praise and worship will not have one focusing around, or down… but, the focus will be UP. I worship today by declaring, heavens favorite song of all...it is the song of the redeemed.