Oh music!

I love music! There's no doubt about it! One of the best ways I express my joy to God is by singing. I know I'm not the only one who thoroughly enjoys music, but I'm going to share how it moves me anyway! :)

Music has always been a big part of my life. I've been singing since I can remember, and I even remember when I first got hooked. Yup, I was 5 and my sister and I decided (completely with the help of our mom) that we would buy my dad a video cassette of "The Judds Fairwell Concert."

Do you know how amazing the Judds are?!?!?

Let me tell you - they are AMAZING! I'm still in love with their music! I remember when we gave this to our dad, he thought we should watch it together. My sister and I were both captivated. However, for my sister it was enjoyment. For me it was life! Wynonna's voice just changed my mind in such unfathomable way! My memories of music up until that point were of my mom singing us the hymn "We Gather Together" as our lullaby (which is a fantastic hymn - you should definitely check it out! I'll even give you a link to a great rendition - http://youtu.be/Y0JVqR8KnF4).

When I heard Wynonna, my whole world changed and that's when music really made a new impact on my life.

Since then I've been obsessed. :)

Maybe not obsessed, but heavily involved. I sang in high school choir and loved it. I still sing and I still love music.

After I became a Christian in 2004, Christian music became a much bigger part of my life. I actually wanted to learn hymns and praise songs so I could do that - praise the wonderful God who saved me!

But I struggled to understand how I could enjoy other genres of music and still praise God. I like pop music, I like country music, I like rap music! But a lot of music does not honor God. How do I reconcile this?

God spoke to me the other night on this issue. My wife and I went on a double date with some friends to a concert by Gaelic Storm - check them out too! (http://www.gaelicstorm.com/) Gaelic Storm does not record Christian music. They're musicians who play Irish pub music - which is good! Don't y'all knock! And they're fun! I had not seen musicianship like this ever. It was fantastic, beautiful, and so moving!

But their songs did not honor God. At all. (They weren't vulgar - which I immensely appreciated!) And I was stuck in this katzenjammer.

So, what did I do?

I asked God. Specifically, I asked Him to show me how to honor Him while listening to this music. And funny thing, God answered. I love when He answers in simple ways because frankly, I can't always handle the deep about Him.

He told me to enjoy the music and to take joy in what I get to experience as they share their gifts. Wait!?! Just sit back, listen, and watch. Yup.

In that moment, I felt God approached me with an answer based on the state of my heart. I wanted to enjoy this music, but I wanted more to honor God. And in that, He responded because of my desire to honor Him more.

I was reminded by God's Spirit of Colossians 3:17:

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

In that moment, I chose to give thanks to God for allowing me to hear this extremely wonderful musicianship and to be able to experience it with such joy. And you know what? My heart was wrapped in worship of God for how richly He blesses us all. Some have musical gifts, some have other gifts. But this was His pouring out on His creation for the enjoyment of His people. And I enjoyed it!

I believe that's what God is calling us all to - we're to worship Him in everything. Whether that's listening to music by relaxing and enjoying the melodies, or eating a huge feast with family and friends and enjoying their company, we can worship God in every moment.

I want to worship God in all moments - and many of those moments will be filled with music! I actually can't wait until we get to heaven to sing His praise for eternity! Oh that will be magnificent!

Think about how you can worship God now in this moment. Turn your heart to Him and let Him work wonderfully in you! He'll turn you to Him because He greatly loves you. Enjoy your settings and what's displayed around you. God longs for you just to see Him and love Him more!

Love you all!

Brandon