09/03/2025
Greetings and Glad tidings good people. Please allow me a moment to share in this season of reflection. It is my hope that these words encourage you.
We should never forget the old church and the churches that are in existence today who still "line and raise hymns". The "call and the response" is a part of our heritage.
It took me a few seasons after I came to know Christ, why my mentors the church Deacons, Mothers, and the Deaconess encouraged me to have a song and a hymn in my soul.
One of the most awesome things that happened in my life was when Mother Rossie McGollie made me a cassette tape recording of multiple hymns from the National Baptist hymnal book. I am certain that she had many years to know these hymns. I am ever so grateful for her recording them and teaching me bia cassette tape on how to line them and raise them. "I will never forget New Salem Missionary Baptist Church and all the men and women of God who encouraged my faith, equipped me, and allowed me to grow and develop as a Christian".
When I joined the church. I didn't realize that I would be somewhat Calvinistic. The understanding there is that God's grace is irresistible, no doubt. And so, when I hear the hymns, there's a part of God in me, moving in a spiritual way; which is most compelling. Although my physical body is erect my soul is in a posture of dependency; not indifferent to my sin and shortcoming, but mourning my shortcoming. It is within this most sincere episode, I DRAW NEARER for His Grace and His Mercy.
If anyone has ever been truly touched by God. When the hymn is lined, raised or even sung. It moves the spirit within the worshipper to worship Him.
I do not despise making a joyful noise unto the Lord in any context. Even in the contemporary context. When there is sincere devotion to God present. There can also be a tendency to genuflect.
In any real realm of worship, whether it be hymns, praise, worship songs or devotion. "I simply need to say: I just love God." As children of God there are many moles of expression even the instruments of praise. It is a fact that we utilize all that's within us, all that's within our spiritual arsenal to express our devotion and commitment. I sincerely believe that all of this occurs to honor Him and to do just as He says. "Those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth."
At my exit to this reflection. I declare that the hymns have built me up throughout my journey as a Christian. As a man, both spiritually and physically. I have learned to give God all that I have in my mind, soul, and strength.
"As I bear witness at each occurrence. I love how a simple hymn moves the people of God with unfeigned compellation towards deep consecration."
That's it~
