Tag Archives: Clap

Singing with the King (70) – What Do You See?

Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. (Psalm 27:13)

FRANCE-RELIGION-ARCHITECTURE-LIGHTSo we’re driving on our way home after spending the afternoon walking around a modern art gallery, and now we’re talking about buildings. And my daughter says to me that buildings that have no windows have something to hide. (We happened to have been driving by a “business establishment” notorious for that sort of thing.) Then I responded that there are some churches in town that don’t have windows. And she says, “Hmm.” Now I know a couple of churches that fit that description, no windows, because they do lots of productions—you know, “Lights , cameras, action!”

But my Church—I love my Church—we have these huge windows in the front of the Church which look out onto some beautiful mountains. Many visiting pastors have expressed their concerns, that the congregation may be looking at the scenery rather than listening to the message. Then they say, they better bring their “A” game.

Now I understand that having windows or not having windows is probably not a theological issue. It may have to do with heating or cooling; ministry needs; the neighborhood, and the geography. But let me tell you what open windows can accomplish:

The Church was called The Pentecostal Bride Groom, and during the summers they left their windows wide open, because they had no air conditioning. But what they did have was an awesome choir and amazing worship; and during the warm times, I’d have my apartment windows open, and I would listen to their passionate and joyous worship. I don’t know what the neighborhood felt about this Church, but it had been around for decades, and their worship of Jesus Christ was certainly a blessing to me.

So that’s one thing windows can do—people on the outside may be able to hear what’s Thru a Windowgoing on the inside. The other thing windows do is let in light, reminding us how important light is to us. And one more thing, they keep us from getting absorbed in our little (or big) box, because we can see what’s going on around us: people passing by who need Jesus; or seeing the trees, or the river, or the mountains clap for joy.

Seeing the Lord’s goodness can happen in Church (even one with no windows). It can happen at home, or work, or going traveling from here to there. But be looking for it, because you will find it.

Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. (Psalm 103:2)

All he does is just and good, and all his commandments are trustworthy. (Psalm 111:7)

Singing with the King (31) – River Song

Let the sea roar and all it contains, the world and those who dwell in it. Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy. (Psalm 98:7-8)

KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA

What Kind of River Are You?

The word river is also translated a few times as flood; but there is an interesting thing found in its root word and is not only translated as stream, but also shine, beam, and radiant. Think about when Scripture intersects with river, light and life.

How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house; and You give them to drink of the river of Your delights. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light. (Psalm 36:7-9)

Do you know how a river moves—especially a rushing river? Waves and spray are tossed up and sparkle in the light. This is the sort of river which would clap it’s hands. It is not a lazy river, but a turbulent river.

What kind of River are you? Do you clap for joy that people may hear the you love Jesus? Do you let His light shine on and through you maybe even sparkle the people may see you love Jesus? Or do you allow them a cooling touch or a cooling drink to bring comfort and healing in Jesus name?

That’s what hands do; they clap for joy to the Lord, and they bring healing and comfort. What other ways can you use your hands for the Lord and His People?