"Empty hands held high—such small sacrifice.
If not joined with my life, I sing in vain ... "
~ Mark Hall *
If not joined with my life, I sing in vain ... "
~ Mark Hall *
Fool on the Hill
For we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake ...
~ 1 Corinthians 4:9-10 (NKJV)
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
~ 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NKJV)
I remember the first time I experienced the urge to lift my hands in praise while singing. But nobody in our church did that, so I resisted being a rebel. But during a later conversation, a respected gentleman admonished me to not resist such an urge from the Holy Spirit.
At our present church I often lift my hands while singing praise. I sit in the back to avoid being distracting, because few (if any) of the other 400-500 people do likewise. Yet the shape of our sloped auditorium doesn't obscure me at its top, and I occasionally wonder if anyone thinks me foolish.
My God was once thought a Fool on the hill as He hung upon a cross for six hours, with hands uplifted by nails. He did it for my sake. He did it for love's sake.
If I'm ever thought a fool for uplifted hands, it's far too little to suffer for Christ's sake. I gladly lift my hands for love's sake.
Lord Jesus, thank You that You put Your Holy Spirit inside of us to empower whatever we do for You. Thank You for allowing us the privilege of offering You praise. May each word of our gift of praise be beautiful to You—as much as the sum total of all beauty in the creation You gifted to us.
Your feedback is appreciated. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
For we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake ...
~ 1 Corinthians 4:9-10 (NKJV)
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
~ 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NKJV)
I remember the first time I experienced the urge to lift my hands in praise while singing. But nobody in our church did that, so I resisted being a rebel. But during a later conversation, a respected gentleman admonished me to not resist such an urge from the Holy Spirit.
At our present church I often lift my hands while singing praise. I sit in the back to avoid being distracting, because few (if any) of the other 400-500 people do likewise. Yet the shape of our sloped auditorium doesn't obscure me at its top, and I occasionally wonder if anyone thinks me foolish.
My God was once thought a Fool on the hill as He hung upon a cross for six hours, with hands uplifted by nails. He did it for my sake. He did it for love's sake.
If I'm ever thought a fool for uplifted hands, it's far too little to suffer for Christ's sake. I gladly lift my hands for love's sake.
Lord Jesus, thank You that You put Your Holy Spirit inside of us to empower whatever we do for You. Thank You for allowing us the privilege of offering You praise. May each word of our gift of praise be beautiful to You—as much as the sum total of all beauty in the creation You gifted to us.
Your feedback is appreciated. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
* Lyrics of "Lifesong" by Mark Hall, © 2005 Club Zoo Music
I had just finished praying, asking forgiveness because I am in the least a partial fool and lo and behold saw your post. (and my foolishness was quite more literal) Of course I quickly asked the Lord for wisdom and for Him to hide me Christ's blood. I'll think of you tomorrow at church Anne, as I too am one of few who holds her hands up in worship. I feel like I am literally holding down a magnificent force if i do not lift at least one hand. Who am I to hold down the Holy Spirit? It's not his fault I've asked him to fill me more and more to the point I can hardly contain him. ;)
ReplyDeleteI remember the first time I felt that urge and compensated by clapping (quietly) to the music. Music is such a powerful force in and of itself and then you add the joy of worship! I love to sing and dance His praises!
ReplyDeleteI love to lift my hands, and sway in tune with my Saviors song. I love to praise Him with my song and dance. I love you, keep raising those precious arms of yours to Jesus.
ReplyDeleteAnd when hands are upraised, I give my woefully inadequate heart to the Lord and He renews me with strength. The connection is powerful and true.
ReplyDeleteI've been thought foolish more than once for Christ, and will many times again. Like you, Anne, I consider it far too little to suffer. The time may come when we are required to suffer more--perhaps in our lifetime, perhaps not--but like you and many others, I consider everything a loss anyway except for Christ Jesus.
To Him be the glory forever and ever!
Exodus 17:11
ReplyDeleteAs long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning.
1 Timothy 2:8
I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer...
I love lifting my hands and praising God. Folks ask me about these things and I say when your team wins a victory your hands shoot in the air in praise how much more should they in praise of the One Who Won The Greatest Victory of All.
Thank you for you posts and prayers. "as much as the sum total of all beauty iin the creation You gifted to us." That was just beautiful. A sweet aroma to our Lord.
T. Anne, true enough, I want to be a fool for the right reasons. And I do want to be filled more, even when it hurts.
ReplyDeleteComfortWriter, I've felt like dancing on occasion, too. I still restrain that, though. *sigh* (Well, I restrain the full dance I feel inside. There is a little foot tapping and swaying that escapes.)
Denise, I love you, too. Remember, we'll be partners on heaven's dance team--right?
Gwen, I think something in me is off a bit, but I actually hope I get to suffer more. I guess I'm greedy for heavenly treasure.
Doug, I wasn't even thinking of the verses you quoted. They're a gift! Thank you. I've wished more than once that church looked the way our sporting events do. Maybe in heaven?
Let me rephrase that last remark. I wish church contained the same enthusiasm as a sporting event. Wouldn't it be cool to do the wave for Jesus? (Maybe there's a limit on being a fool! ;D)
ReplyDeleteI have been at many a college football game and thought the same thing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful message.
ReplyDeleteTo deny the move of the Spirit in our lives is to deny his existance and the very reason it's here. If he urges us to lift our hands, we should. I raise my hands all the time during Praise and Worship it's as much about love and adoration as it is obediance.
Stefne, you're right that the Spirit's urgings being about obedience. I'm so glad for all the times it feels only like love and adoration.
ReplyDeleteI am sure I have my share of "looking" foolish during praise and worship...hands waving, singing off key and throwing in some dance moves...
ReplyDeleteBut I don't have a care in the world...I am in the presence of Jesus and I know he knows my heart (and hopefully is wearing earplugs! LOL)
Great post!
ps thanks for the beautiful comment over at SharkBaits place in regards to my blog post. It made me smile today. :)
Michelle, Jesus is certainly NOT wearing earplugs! Your music sung with love is far more beautiful in His ears than that of a professional choir if it lacks such love.
ReplyDeleteI'm smiling that I made you smile! :D