"Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. The best invitation we ever received!" 2 Peter 1:3 The Message

What a great reminder today that it's not what we "do" that pleases God, but that we know and love His son Jesus. That's good news!

Interestingly enough, as I write this, I just received a visit at my door by a Jehovah's witness. They handed me a booklet on what the Bible really teaches. It's a list of extra things we must do to please God. How sad.

I'm so glad that my hope is in Christ alone and not in my ability to please God. Let's pass this invitation along to those who are not already at the party.

Recently I received an interesting question for an upcoming panel discussion:

What is and is not the "new song" referred to in Isaiah 42:10 and Psalm 96:1?

Interesting question. I've heard many worship leaders quoting these Scriptures, mostly before they introduce a new song to the congregation. However, digging a little deeper into these verses reveals that there's something deeper being said.

What is the "new song"?
-Both of these verses in context are talking about the coming Messiah, so the "new song" should be a song centered on Christ.
-Under the law (old song) believers were justified by the sacrifice of animals, but our "new song" should be about grace through faith in Christ.
-2 Cor 5:17 says we believers are a "new creation", so our "new song" should be sung from a redeemed position and not people still awaiting rescue.
-The "new song" is both historical and prophetic regarding Christ. He has come and he is coming back!
-The "new song" is meant for every believer regardless of age, ethnicity, language etc.
-The Scripture encourages us to join together as a church to sing.

What is not a "new song"
-This is tricky, but we know based upon the Scriptures that it is not referring to a newly created musical work. We can sing "Amazing Grace" as our "new song".
-It's also not a style of music. I recently about a church that only allows hymns and southern gospel songs to be sung in their church. This is wrong on several fronts.
-I believe the "new song" is to be centered on the completed work of Christ. Songs that are purely historical, while having a purpose, would not be considered a "new song".
-I believe the "new song" must have lyrical content. A symphony is beautiful, but the purpose of the "new song" is to tell the Gospel and shine a light on Christ.
-It's the song of the redeemed. Only we believers can sing a "new song" to the Lord.

I know I've missed many things here. Feel free to add your thoughts.

Be blessed and sing a new song to the Lord today!

I recently came across this powerful Scripture in Psalm 50:

 ⁷ "Hear, O my people, and I will speak,
       O Israel, and I will testify against you:
       I am God, your God.

 ⁸ I do not rebuke you for your sacrifices
       or your burnt offerings, which are ever before me.

 ⁹ I have no need of a bull from your stall
       or of goats from your pens,

 ¹⁰ for every animal of the forest is mine,
       and the cattle on a thousand hills.

 ¹¹ I know every bird in the mountains,
       and the creatures of the field are mine.

 ¹² If I were hungry I would not tell you,
       for the world is mine, and all that is in it.

 ¹³ Do I eat the flesh of bulls
       or drink the blood of goats?

 ¹⁴ Sacrifice thank offerings to God,
       fulfill your vows to the Most High,

In verses 9-12 God says, "I appreciate your effort, but I really don't need your singing (sacrifice)." 

Creation composes a much better song than we ever could and I doubt any of us singers could compare with a choir of angels. But the one thing we can give God that nothing else can is a thankful and fully committed heart.

We should spend as much time "heart planning" this week as we do worship planning.

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