Rain, Pipes, and Unusual Music

A wonderful Summer Rain rolled through this afternoon around 4pm.  Lightning turned the world white and blue as thunder rolled almost continuously for about 30 min.  The house shook a few times as lightning struck perilously close.  It was an amazing storm... the kind I call an Oklahoma Thunderstorm.  There are very rare here, and I miss watching them roll through.  However, I am sure that my dogs are happy it is passed, as my 14yr old lab started worry chewing.  When this happens, anything can and will be eaten... not fun to clean up afterwords.

I stayed home from work today as I had a borderline migraine when I woke up. My neck has been super tense and I couldn't pop it. Thankfully, it finally popped this afternoon, and my headache has receded for the most part.

I lit up some 221b Baker Street Black Shag today in another of my Briar Spirit Pipes.  This is the brother to my BSP poker.  This one is a bit taller of a poker and has a wider base.  Very similar and an equally good smoker.  Both pokers are excellent smokers with no gurgle.  They are fairly light and stay cool.  I think I am going to set some Old Dark Fired out to air dry for a bit and smoke that in an Oom Paul.  I have been neglecting my full bent pipes for a while due to the wonderful smoking abilities of these two pokers.  It is time to let them rest for a day or so.  

So, I read a thread on the Spiritual Briar forums that got me thinking about music.  I am an eclectic when it comes to music.  I like a little of a lot of different genres.  One such genre (not necessarily thought of as a genre a country boy listens to) is Melodic Metal.  However, it is not conducive for a Christian to listen to as it tends to be very dark and he message is not glorifying to God at all. So, I decided to search for Christian Melodic Metal.  I was surprised.  There are quite a few groups in that genre out there.  So, I started listening to them and reading the lyrics.  Very good stuff, and beautiful melodies.  I know, shocking!  

There is a great schism in the church over music.  There is a big concern over whether genres that add the Christian name and Christian lyrics to the same melodies and rhythms as secular music are truly Christian music .  This is a huge can of worms to open, that I do not necessarily want to delve into.  However, I do have a couple provoking questions to ask without, hopefully, tipping the proverbial apple cart.

1) What is the heart attitude of the musicians?  Are they truly trying to serve God, or are they just trying to fit into a genre so that they can be popular and make some money?
2) Does the music glorify God and give him praise?  Is the message that is being shared Biblical?
3) Would you consider the hymn, Amazing Grace, to be Christian music?  Were you aware that the melody is an old bar song? It puts and interesting perspective on things, doesn't it?

My opinion on the matter is that the music is just a vessel for the message.  If the message is true, then even if the musician's hearts are not necessarily in the right place, the music can be glorifying to God.  Just because I don't care for contemporary praise music, doesn't mean that it isn't glorifying to God.  In the same way, Christian Melodic Metal may not fit your tastes, but it can be just as glorifying to God.

When I was reborn, you gave your sign to me. The cross was the way and it says you'll be with me... Day after day. I Heard you calling and felt that I had to seek you! And I finally realized. That your ways are so much higher than mine.

You know everything. Your wisdom and power exceeds all limits

God has all glory, power and honour! He came to save us. He give His life for us! God has all glory, power and honour! He concurred death and brought us salvation.

You forgave all the things that were sin against You. It was so outstanding - my dark heart is so clean - You love me so! Now I want to serve you. Whatever You want, I will do. You have all the power that's why I can trust in You. Jesus. My Lord!

My life belongs to you, you promised to lead me and never leave me.

The above lyrics are from a Christian Melodic Metal Band called HB. The actual song can be found HERE  I think those words are true and glorifying to God.  

Remember the following verse as you go about your day.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ... I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:35,38-39 (NIV)