In a loud voice they sang: “Worthy is the Lamb”. Revelation 5:12
When it comes to salvation, there is only one way. Jesus said, “I am the way” (John 14:6). But when it comes to worship, there are many ways. Each generation discovers the same thing: The music that turns grandchildren on, turns grandparents off. So let us stop arguing over personal preferences when it comes to the worship style we enjoy. “They all sang a new song to the Lamb … “every tribe, language, people and nation”’ (Revelation 5:9). We all worship the same Lord, and the only thing He asks is a sincere heart. That is the case whether it is country, rap, calypso, or high church organ music. God does not require us to express our love for Him in identical ways, but He does require us not to pass judgement on how others do it. When the Bible says, ‘They all sang a new song to the Lamb,’ do you seriously think they all had the same music style? The great spiritual awakening that took place under the Wesley brothers and gave birth to the Methodist Church featured soul-stirring hymns like ‘O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing’. Yet many sincere Christians of the day condemned the melody because it was similar to barroom music. One of the dangers in growing older lies in wanting to keep things the way they are, insisting others agree with us, and judging them as ‘unspiritual’ when they do not agree with us. Paul wrote, “I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22). Note the words ‘all means’. As long as someone’s song is ‘to the Lamb’, God accepts it – and we must too!

God has not given us a spirit of … timidity. 2 Timothy 1:7
One of the most famous intimidators in the Bible was Goliath. He boasted, “Come… and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!” (1 Samuel 17:44). But David did not have ‘a spirit of … timidity,’ so he replied, “This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head” (v. 46). Intimidators count on you to wilt in the face of verbal attack. That is why you must let them know you refuse to give in, and that you have the God-given strength to resist their tactics. God never intended anyone to oppress or dominate another person. So stand up for yourself today in His strength! And if you are the intimidator, ask yourself why you feel the need to gain power and control over others. Indeed, you may need the help of a seasoned counsellor to help you work through it. Intimidators often grow up in a chaotic or negative environment in which they feel powerless to change their circumstances. As a result, they vow never to allow their lives to be out of control again, so they seek control instead. But their so-called strength just masks their insecurities and fears. Whatever the cause, intimidators can never hope to have a meaningful relationship with anyone they force into submission. And since the spirit of intimidation does not come from God, there is only one other source – satan. Understand this: God is in control of every aspect of your life, so you have no need to control, or be controlled by the behavior of others.