fbpx

Fourthstream

King, Kingdom & Community

SINGING YOUR OWN NEW SONG

Written By:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Did you know that you are a work of art created for God’s stage? To be known by God is the greatest honor for all “new song” singers and players!

The new song originates in the heart. It can be inspired by many things. But it is OUR OWN new song. The Psalms try to help us understand our connection to God’s music – His creation symphony.

The word new means to “renew” or “repair.” The usage in Revelation (Greek) adds the nuance of a song which is “fresh.” What are the ways music renews you? Repairs you? Gives you a fresh outlook? Lifts your spirit?

When we sing our own new songs they emulate the God-relationship people experienced in the God Story.

The concept of a “new song” is presented clearly in the Psalms (33:3; 40:3; 96:1; 98:1; 144:9; 149:1) – a great study!
It also occurs in Isaiah 42:10; Revelation 5:9; and 14:3. – great as well!

Sing it out my friend. Sing it from your heart!

Engage Page
Song: Psalm 84
Psalms in the Big Picture

GOD 360: A Kingdom Worshipper

Written By:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Last time we talked about God 360 – how do we open every part of our life to an already present Father.

Today we consider the ways we can engage God 360 by experiencing Kingdom community. Ephesians 5 gets to the core of what defines Kingdom gathering. It is not so much about place as it is about what happens AS we gather. It defines the outcomes of true community rather than merely prescribing the “how to’s.” And it feeds imagination as we process our God encounters and share them as gifts for and with one another.

“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.”    – Ephesians 5.15-21

It is important to translate these principles and actions into our own century and culture. We like to think we are becoming so much more sophisticated, but an honest look at history and humanity make it pretty clear that there is “nothing new under the sun.” What does each underlined phrase above look like in your world?

Let Me Count the Ways
A Good God 360 Song

PSALM 133-134/Shine!

Written By:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

For centuries the Jewish people’s lives revolved around their yearly feasts and celebrations. Jerusalem is built around a couple of hills, and the Temple Mount (where there is now a mosque where the Temple used to be), and people would come from all over the world to honor and express devotion and gratefulness to the Living God. As they would stream in and out of the city, they would sing songs in these processions. These are called the songs of “ascents” and added to the communal worship experience as the people would once again focus on God.

These ascent Psalms 120-134 are completed by these two Psalms, where both the communal unity and connection with God the Father were exemplified, teach us to love unity with one another and to value our connection with God. Selah!

The God Story talks about singing our own “new” songs. It is not that God wishes us all to be composers – He just wants us to sing our own experiences of encountering His goodness in our lives. It is that simple. 🙂

Shine Worksheet
A Song to sing
Another great Shine Song

Psalm 63: Under Your Wings

Written By:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

This Psalm is SO reflective of David’s personal experience with God. He is being brutally chased by his son, mocked by his subjects, and watched carefully by his under-leaders regarding any real or perceived weakness.

This is what makes this Psalm so raw and beautiful. If David could turn to God even in his darkest hour, why not me?

2 Samuel 13-19 tells much of Absalom’s story.

Here’s more development of the idea of a shelter life. Shelter Life

I wrote this song a few years ago to celebrate the Shelter we can enjoy under God’s wings. Check it out – and enjoy Psalm 63!

PS  Burnadette is a little bit Message, I’m a little bit NASB. Learn to Be Hungry

 

PSALM 84: My Sun & My Shield

Written By:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

One of the purposes of Psalms is to lift us up to the greater picture. This is so true with Psalm 84 – the sons of Korah are celebrating the Home Israel has found in Yahweh – the great Lord of Hosts! The Message translates this Name as “the God of the Angel Armies.” Wow.

In what ways have your found a “home” in God? How does Hebrews 11:13-16 resonate with your God experience? 

“All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.”

Pretty cool my traveling friend.

A Deeper Look
A Psalm 84 Song