Instruments, or a capella?   
    

   Aren't you glad we can't sing these blogs to you? 
No more than we are happy with our routine 
keyboard (not a piano). 

   Growing up, we sang hymns in church while an organist played along. As an adult, we realized the music and God-glorifying words touched me like nothing else could. Around age 30, long a church attender without true faith, we began a journey toward faith. Credit the music within. 

   In this more "fundamental" church there was a piano, okay, and different hymns helped me grow in the Word. We sang bass in the choir; no one got up and left. 

   Fast forward another 20 years. Mrs. and I joined a large church with - ready? - a pipe organ. Was this heaven? At times we couldn't hold back the tears. And for an hour after service we remained "high," at no cost. The world wouldn't understand. 

   But music alone wasn't fellowship with the Lord. Outside the "temple" He expected my attention in other ways.

   Next, God provided employment in South Carolina. While Mrs. wrapped up affairs in Pittsburgh, we checked out churches in Dixie. One church used no instruments, and I thought that was strange.

   But, didn't God give us a voice to sing his praises? Do we have to surrender our voice to instruments every note, chord and stanza? 

   Now in Florida, our church has a piano, an electric keyboard and guitars. When sometimes the instruments go silent, and we just sing out, He touches me all over again.

         Jimmy