“It was a stylish congregation you could see they’d been around. And they had the biggest pipe organ of any church in town. But over in the Amen Corner of that church sat Brother Ayer, and he insisted every Sunday on singing in the choir.

His voice was cracked and broken age had touched his vocal chords. And nearly every Sunday he’d get behind, and miss the words. Well, the choir got so flustered the church was told in fine that Brother Ayer must stop his singing or the choir was going to resign.

So the pastor appointed a committee. I think it was three or four and they got in their big fine cars and drove up to Ayer’s door. They find the choir’s great trouble sitting there in an old arm chair. And the summer’s golden sunbeams lay upon his snow white hair.

Said York: ‘We’re here dear Brother with the vestries approbation to discuss a little matter that affects the congregation. Now it seems that your voice has interfered with the choir, so if you’ll just lay out. Are you listening Brother Ayer?’

The old man raised his head a sign that he had heard. And on his cheek the three men caught the glitter of a tear. His feeble hands pushed back the locks as white as silky snow.

And he answered the committee in a voice both soft and low.

‘I wonder if beyond the tide that’s breaking at my feet. In that far off heavenly temple where my Master and I shall meet. Yes, I wonder if when I try to sing the song of God up higher. I wonder if they’ll kick me out of there for singing in heaven’s choir.’

A silence filled the little room and the old man bowed his head. The committee went on back to town but Brother Ayer was dead. The choir missed him for awhile but he was soon forgotten. A few church goers watched the door but the old man entered not.

Far away his voice is sweet and he sings his heart desire, where there are no church committees and no fashionable choirs.

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‘Rock of Ages is cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee…'”

Message by Jim Reeves

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And Jesus said:

“This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. [9] But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Matthew 15:8-9 KJV 

“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. [24] God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-24 KJV 

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Beloved acceptable praise and worship is not in the sweetness of your voice. It is not exclusive to those with Masters/PhD in Music or ‘Voice training’

Acceptable praise and worship is heard from the heart of them that worship the Father in spirit and in truth.

It is not in entertaining the congregation. Rather it is in ushering the congregation into the presence of God singing from the depth of your heart.

Are you entertaining the congregation or edifying the congregation? 

Henceforth, see to this and strive to consciously praise & worship the Father in Spirit and in Truth.

Praise the LORD!