Worship You

No strings attached.  No agenda.  Nothing to gain.  All personal interests aside.  Stripped away.  Bare.  Pure.  Isn’t this really how we should worship?  We know God blesses us, and it’s easy to offer up praise when we have been “soaring on the mountain top,” but is that all we are made of… all we are made for?  Do I worship God because I will benefit from it or because He is simply worthy?  Hard question, right?  I know it is because God asked it to me.  What makes up the foundation of my own personal worship?  I would love to answer that it’s always grounded in pure motives, but that would be untrue.  God has revealed to me (through the development of this unassuming song) the necessity of simplifying my intentions… purifying them… worshiping Him out of passion and devotion… not gaining anything… not distracted… not complicated… singing “hallelujah” with purity.

 

Psalm 139:23  Search me O God and know my heart…

 

I Will Rejoice

Khalilah and I co-wrote this song.  We knew it would be different from all the other songs on this project.  We gave it a gospel flair- I think we did that subconsciously just so we could get Linda Martin to sing ad libs on it!!  This is a kick off your shoes- dance around your living room sort of song- just a celebration of praise.  Lifting your hands.  Lifting your voice.  A song of thanksgiving,

 

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice!

 

Face Down

God has taught me so much about humility.  He is my Friend.  He is my Father.  But He is always Holy.  I often lose focus on that.  The same Jesus who longs to sit with me and share my dreams and ambitions is also the Holy King of all creation.  I think it’s important to remember that- and to remember it often.  I desire to honor Him- not just with my thoughts and words- but with my actions.  Bowing down to the one who took my place… kneeling in His presence… physically surrendering all that I am to the pure, blameless Lamb who died for me… He is worthy of this.

 

Psalm 95:6  Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.

 

Seek Your Face

Lyn and I were leading worship at a Women’s Retreat about threes years ago.  After the powerful Saturday night message, she shared with me some specific words God had given her.  She explained that this journal entry was different.  God was inspiring her with thoughts and scripture to reflect upon at such a pace, she could hardly write quickly enough.  It was obvious she was touched by this moment, and I was honored that she was sharing it with me.

 

After hearing her heartfelt recollection of her sweet time with the Lord, and listening to the words He was giving her, it was obvious that a specific theme was at the root of all He was saying… “Seek Me.”

 

The following morning we finished up our last worship session.  At the close, every woman was to walk up to the front of the room and take home a small wrapped box.  Inside was a scripture… a different one for every box.  Providing music for this task meant Lyn and I would be among the last women to get a box.  As we watched the line slowly die down, I told Lyn I would go by and pick up a box for each of us.  As I made my way, I discovered there was only ONE box left.  I felt a strong “nudge” by the Holy Spirit to give this box to Lyn.

 

When she opened the box and read “her” scripture, tears welled up in her eyes.  She pulled me over to her and read the following verse…

 

Psalm 105:4

Look to the Lord and His strength.  Seek His face always.

 

What a sweet moment!  It was as if God was speaking the final sentence to all the He had inspired her to write the day before.  She read to me again the thoughts of her last journal entry, and an overwhelming sensation came over me.  “This should be a song, Lyn,” I said, a little amazed myself at those words.  She laughed a little, but with some encouraging, she agreed to let me borrow her journal for a couple of weeks.  We agreed to pray over these words, and I told her that I wouldn’t press the issue, but if God happened to give me a melody, we would know that it was His plan for these words.

 

The moment I sat down and prayerfully began to work out a melody, I was overwhelmed with how quickly the song came to life.  God’s hand was undoubtedly moving.  I called Lyn and sang a little bit of it to her, and she was in complete agreement.  Here we were, seeking God’s face in this moment, and He was giving us a song called “Seek His Face.”

 

We Are Your People

Juggling plates and wearing a dozen hats… I’ve been there too often.  I was contemplating all the titles I seem to collect- I’m a wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, friend… those are obvious.  Then there are my supporting roles to consider- I’m a pastor’s wife, chauffer, chef, housekeeper, ring leader, teacher, accountant.  And deep inside my soul, you discover the secret, ambitious roles- I’m a worshiper, writer, artist, encourager, dreamer. 

 

In an effort to balance the madness and the overwhelming responsibility, I simply remind myself that above all of this, I am simply His.  Before I take on any other title, I claim this first.  This revelation is what fuels my ability to be anything to anyone.  And at the end of a hectic day, as I discard all the expectations, there is refuge and comfort and more significance than I can imagine knowing that I am simply, first and foremost “His.”

 

I am His.  You are His.  We are His.  We are His people.  Before everything… in spite of everything… we are His people.  Here for His glory… for His pleasure… for His fellowship.  That should stir up passion in our tired hearts… passion that shouts from the rooftops. 

 

I don’t know why He chose us or why He loves us… I can’t comprehend it.  But with thanksgiving, I accept it and want a hurting to world to find the hope that comes from being His.

 

I Peter 2:9

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.

 

Sweet Jesus

This is the first song Khalilah and I wrote together.  It was a step of faith for both of us.  I trusted her to take the words God had given me, and she now trusted me with the melody He had given her.  We sat side by side on the piano bench in my home, a little unsure of where to begin,  we prayed together.  It was a tender, memorable moment.  We had no idea what would unfold… at this point, there was no talk of a CD project… we just knew that God had specifically brought us together to work on this song. 

 

We straightened our makeshift, hand-written scores on the stand and took a deep breath.  Khaililah began to sing, and hearing the words God wrote through me come to life in her beautiful voice struck me so deeply.  There was such a simple sweetness to that melody… we actually ended up changing the title to “Sweet Jesus” because of that. 

 

As she continued on, I joined in with harmonies and echoes.  We sang and played as if we had known this song for years.  It was endearing.  Worship.  Friendship.  Tears.  Humility.  Passion.  Tenderness.  How blessed we were to share this sweet moment side by side on a cozy piano bench.

 

His presence did invade us.  He was all we wanted and all we needed.  Our hearts were surrendered.  Our song was surrendered.  All to our sweet Savior.

 

 

Psalm 119:103

How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth.

 

Shout To Your Name

The matchless name.  The name above all names.  The name that will cause every knee to bow.  The name that every tongue will confess.

 

Jesus.

 

I remember a time when I felt hopeless and alone- one of those days you knew couldn’t possibly get worse, but then of course, it did.  I sat at my kitchen table… tear-stained face hidden in my hands… and all I could do was whisper out loud, “Jesus.” 

 

It was faint and desperate, but softly uttering that name gave me hope.  I spoke it again… more strength surfaced.  Over the course of several minutes, I spoke His name again and again.  What started out as a cry of desperation turned into a victorious shout.  My Savior, Jesus was my shield and strength.  He was my Refuge.  He was my Deliverer.  He was my Victory!  I was flooded with such expectancy, just by saying and believing in the power of His name.

 

Jacob’s Song (Bring Him Glory)

On June 30, 2004 at 3:56 pm, 19 ½ inches and 7 pounds/ 7 ounces of bubbly sunshine came into our lives.  As we gazed into his captivating blue eyes and nuzzled close to his peach-fuzz head, we were changed at the core of our souls.  Jacob Brian Dishongh… our son… our legacy… our undeserved gift from God Almighty.  As we anticipated all the things we would show him throughout his sweet, little life. We knew nothing was of more value than the gentle whisper of our Father’s instructions to our hearts- “Teach him to bring Me glory.”

 

So little man, as you grow… as you succeed… as you fail… as you walk each road, hum this simple tune in your heart, and with all our love and all God’s unfailing grace, “bring Him glory”… always!

 

Psalm 139:13-14 

For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  Your works are wonderful. I know that full well.

 

Cover Me

There are constant distractions fighting for my attention…my energy… my emotions… my peace.  What will I believe?  What will I depend on?

 

I must resolve to hold to the promise of Your Word, Lord God… Your Truth… regardless of sentiment and circumstances.  It is unwavering.  It is boundless.  It is life.

 

You are my only Truth.  You are my only peace.  When I doubt, I will trust in Your promises.  When I am fearful, I will recall Your words.  Jesus, let Your constant truth cover every uncertainty I hold.  Cover me now.

 

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you (Isaiah 26:3)

 

Give me the kind of faith that reflects Your Truth.

 

That’s What It’s All About

(Feel free to sing along…) “You put your right hand in.  You put your right hand out.  You put your right hand in, and you shake it all about.  You do the Hokey Pokey, and you turn yourself around.  THAT’S WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT!!!!”

I have finally answered the most controversial, challenged, and discussed question of all time!  “What is the meaning of life?  What is it all about?”  It’s all about the Hokey Pokey!  I must be a genius!  Who knew that the profound revelation would be found in the lyrics of a toddler’s classic tune! Woo-hoo for me!  Pat me on the back and show me where to pick up my Nobel Prize.

Okay… so the entire population of the planet may not be so quick to agree, but I think that I actually have stumbled upon a simple, significant truth in that song.  It’s an action song.  It requires participation from the whole body.  You can’t participate fully in the song without smiling… even giggling at times.  It forces you out of your comfort zone and when you “turn yourself around” you have a clear, panoramic view of all that surrounds you.

As Christians, this may really be “what it’s all about.”  We are the body of Christ ( 1 Corinthians 12: 12-27 )… the hands, the feet, the eyes, etc.  Living the life of building God’s Kingdom is a full-body effort.  The song wouldn’t be the same if you left out putting your right leg in and out… each part has a part.  That’s how it is in the body of Christ.  We have all been called, equipped, and purposed to work in a unique way… to work alongside and with each other… all for God’s glory.  We have to actively participate.

We have to reach others (as a body) with contagious joy… smiling and giggling are required.  Our joy in Christ in not determined by our circumstances.  It is a constant that is lived out in spite of them… an unshakeable hope.

Nehemiah 8:10 “…Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

John 16:33 (Jesus is speaking) “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

As we are reaching out to others, we should display a lifestyle of worship.  The song of our heart should be so sincere… so elated that we can’t help but attract others with an invitation to join in the fun.

I remember as a kid doing this song most often at the skating rink… talk about leaving your comfort zone.  It’s a bit of a balancing act on your feet; magnify that a thousand times on skates.  As we reach the world for Christ, we will find ourselves doing so in places we never expected… in situations of challenge and testing… but we are never alone.  Just keep reminding each other, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13).

At the close of each verse, we get to “turn ourselves around.”  I think this has many meanings for us as the body of Christ.  We can recognize the miraculous full-circle change he has made in our personal lives… how He makes all things new (2 Corinthians 5:17).  As His workers, when we turn around we also see a world that is in dying need of a Savior.  We stop focusing on all the issues that are hitting us personally and look out and focus on the needs of others, and we are overcome with a desire to share His unfailing love with them.

Okay… maybe I’m stretching this analogy a little too far.  But maybe I’m not.  Maybe it’s this simple.  Perhaps this is what “it” (life) is all about: a song of joy and love to our Creator that encompasses our entire being… an attempt to share that hope and love with those around us.  

Matthew 22: 37-39 “Jesus replied: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Hmm…  that’s what it’s all about.  Enjoy the dance J