The Celestial Piper

Certain scientists have helped us to understand God's mysterious power and creative nature.  Knowing that such learned people reverence God strengthens our own faith.

As scientists peer into their telescopes and microscopes, they see the mysterious and infinite nature of God.  On one hand, they see the galaxies composing mind-boggling reaches of outer space, while on the other hand, they search to describe atomic structure, and viruses within the cell.  In trying to explain the phenomena of science, they can only begin to perceive the organized thought and action of the Mastermind of Creation described in Scripture.  There one reads, "He made the earth by His power; He founded the world by His wisdom, and stretched out the heavens by His understanding." (Jeremiah 51:15)  Man has no excuse for not acknowledging God's creativity.  The Bible tells us, "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities -his eternal power and divine nature -have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. (Romans 1:20)

Dr. Albert Einstein, well-known for his theory of relativity said, "the most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious."  Blaise Pascal, a minister better known for his scientific work, spoke for all of us concerning the awesomeness of the great endlessness of celestial space, when he said, "the eternal silence of these infinite spaces frightens me."

Abraham Lincoln believed, "God created man, an intelligent race, for His own will and pleasure, to enjoy seeing him discover and comprehend scientific phenomena, and infinite spaces; even to provide for him a life of eternity."  With implicit faith in God and His creativity, Lincoln said, "Surely, God would not have created such a being as man, with an ability to grasp the infinite, to exist only a day.  No, no, man was made for immortality."   He could have been thinking of God's Word, where it says, "You crowned him with glory and honor, and set him over the works of Your hands." (Hebrews 2:7)

There tends to be a great deal of argument as to which is more reliable, Science or the Bible.  Depending  upon their sphere of learning, men and women have held tenaciously to their beliefs.  As their knowledge expanded and encompassed other disciplines, they integrated science and religion.  The more a person understands science and its mysteriousness, the greater must become his or her faith in God.  Conversely, there can be no great theologian who disregards science, because science is God's means through which all has been created.

Albert Einstein stated, "Science without religion is lame; religion without science is blind," which explains the relationship that should exist in the minds of thinking men.  He was asked if he believed in God.  He acknowledged that he did and added, "It seems to me that the attitude of even the most intelligent human beings toward God is that the universe is seen as marvelously arranged and obeying certain laws but these laws are only dimly understood."

The Psalmist too, was awed by nature and was inspired to write about the Designer behind the design, saying, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands." (Psalms 19:1)

As we behold our universe and all that is in it, our reaction is a feeling of wonderment.  The Creator's work is apparent.  Scripture tell us, "Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made." (John 1:3)  We need only to look up into the night sky to be amazed at the stars and planets, all of which point toward its design, and know that creation's design points to the Master Designer.  The same is true if we were to look into the depths of a powerful microscope and observe that microscopic world.

Albert Einstein compared the world made by God with the abundance of literary and scientific works to be found in a library.  The authors are represented by their unique knowledge.  Though they cannot be seen, their lives must be acknowledged by what they did.  Similarly, by His lovely handiwork round about us,
God is seen and recognized as the Creator of the world.

Things of nature are so well organized that there has to be a Designer and Creator, just as the watch on one's wrist implies a watchmaker.  By our own existence, our Creator is implied.  The organization of elements in the electrochemical series and of wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum, including light and radio waves, implies an Infinitely Intelligent Genius of Immense Originality and Creativity.  Once again, Albert Einstein intertwined science and theology when he said, "Everything is determined for the insect as well as for the star, human beings, vegetables or cosmic dust.  We all dance to a mysterious tune, intoned in the distance by an Invisible Piper."  By saying that God controls all nature with a systematic rhythm, he could not have stated it more succinctly, for he tended to reinforce the thought of  pipers in Paradise, with God being the "Invisible Piper."  Our whole world pulses to the rhythmic beat of the Celestial Piper!

We are grateful to our Lord, for men like Blaise Pascal and Albert Einstein, who have presented to us the infinite, as a scientist would see it.  They have related the things of science to the mysterious nature of God, to God the Maker of this Universe, the One who controls all nature with a systematic rhythm.

"Making Melody in Your Heart to the Lord"

There's power as well as something amazing in a hymn, which, when played on the pipes, stirs a person's heart to affect the innermost soul to a greater extent than would a preacher's message.

There's something much more compelling about a hymn tune than just its melody.  It has something to do with the words that the poet has rhymed, yet even more than that.  I expect it is God's Spirit that works in the tune, while the pipes are "singing."  The words given to the tune, the tune itself, and the Sublime Spirit...all three working together, really touch a person's heart.

We pipers must thank God for all the fine old hymns; the beautiful new ones as well, and for all the opportunities given to pipe with such an effect upon the hearts of our fellow men and women, that their very souls are touched, ultimately saving them from hopeless graves.  The following poem explains this, in that the Holy Spirit leads a person to extend God's message of salvation, once he or she has accepted Christ as Lord of his or her life.  Clair Hess, Senior Editor of Our Daily Bread tells us there is a compulsion to tell others.

When I gave my life to Jesus,

He became my Lord and Friend;

Now His power is flowing through me,

As His message I extend.

                                                                                    
The Spirit dwelling within the Church Piper gives him or her joy when helping others praise Christ.  The Spirit provides melody in the piper's heart causing a love for the hymns he or she plays.  Consequently, the piper will perform better and will bring joy and blessing to those receiving the Bible's message in music.

We must think of music as God's gift to mankind, and that in piping one is saying, "Thank you God for music, and thank you for how it provides a way for all to recognize your great love for us.  With it, we must also tell others about God's love."

The next time you are practicing to play the pipes at a service in which God is to be praised, and you are choosing your medley of hymns, take a few extra minutes for your personal spiritual enrichment to read very thoughtfully, the words of the hymns you are about to play.  Make an effort to learn the words as well as the tune, for God has given you a talent enabling you to express Spiritual feelings and Biblical truths with both music and words.  You are sincerely encouraged to use this gift and develop it.

Church pipers know the thrilling satisfaction of "speaking" by way of their pipes, to tell the age-old Biblical truths that are practical today.  We have a wonderful opportunity to revive them in the hearts and minds of those who appreciate good piping, piping that sings with power and distinctness in a heart-toned manner of speaking, that reaches hearts directly, where mere words might lose their way.

The inspiration for these paragraphs was Ephesians 5:19 which says, "Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord."

The Masons - Why I Joined; Why I Left

My dad was a mason and spoke highly of it.  He said it was a beautiful system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols.  He admired his fellow members and said they would help one another and their families in a predicament.  They wouldn't be found where they would not take their wife, daughter or lady friend.

After graduation from university, I joined the Masons.  I was asked, "If you were in trouble, in whom would you place your trust?"  My answer was "In God."  Afterwards, I asked the Master of the lodge if that was the only acceptable answer.  His response was that any god would suffice.  The Bible, which was opened on the central table, did not have to be the Holy Bible, or to be opened at any specific Scriptural reading.  As long as it was a book signifying a higher authority, it was acceptable.  Around the table, three men came to "arrange the great lights," which was to arrange certain letters that would spell the name of their god.   Because his name was so profound, one person could not sound it.   The sound was Jah Bal On, a name composed of three gods; Jehovah, Baal and Osiris.  Sons and daughters have been sacrificed to Baal, and Osiris is the one-eyed god.  It wasn't reasonable to reverence this god by a person who knows Jesus as the One to whom all praise is given.

In a final degree, the crucified figure of Jesus was on the cross.  The Presiding Preceptor stated, "We have come here today, to remember the death of Jesus of Nazareth.  Some say He was the the Creator of the universe and some say He was the Saviour of mankind, but we have not come to decide that."  Apparently, it did not matter because the special name to remember now, was Abaddon, the keeper of the gates of Hell. (Abaddon, refers to the angel of the bottomless pit, in Revelation 9:11.)

Almost any Mason will tell you that the G in the Masonic emblem stands for God. Some will say it means Geometrician of the Universe.  However, the significance of the emblem is that the sun shines from the compass' articulation, and its rays warm mother earth, (the square), making her fertile.  The G is the key to the whole explanation, and it signifies the generating organ.  Women cannot belong to the Masons and the emblem is a subtle reminder of that.

Often, reference is made to the number of Presidents of the United States who have been Masons; Robbie Burns, the Scottish poet too, was a Mason.  Evidently, these important people overlooked the fact that the beliefs of the Masons are not those of Christians.  They belonged because of the brotherhood of men, rather than because of a binding faith in the only true God.  Because of my faith in Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour, I cannot subscribe to any another god.

Simon Fraser University Pipe Band

Here is a clip of one of my favourite pipe bands.  I marvel at their fine execution and perfect tuning.

Alive Again! Our Personal Friend

This posting is in response to a comment I received earlier this week.  The comment was that, "If Jesus died over 2000 years ago, how could he become one's personal friend today?"  Overlooked, is that three days after His crucifixion, Jesus rose again, having conquered death.  Though He was a man and died, as God, He had power over death and lives.  Can you imagine the thrill His two disciples on the Ammaus road felt, as they realized He was walking beside them, conversing along the way?  They did not expect to see Him alive again, after having seen Him die on Calvary's cross.  The Bible says, "their hearts burned within them."

Jesus is a Friend who cares, for the Bible tells us that "greater love hath no man than this, than to lay down one's life for His friends."  That is what Jesus did.  He gave His life in payment to God for the sake of forgiving His friends of their sinful acts, which are an affront to God.  It is when, as an individual, one honestly asks for forgiveness that Jesus lovingly responds.  That is to know Jesus personally.  Who could want a Friend so faithful?

The hymn, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," by Joseph M. Scriven, states, "What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins to Him we bear!  What a privilege to carry everything to Him in prayer!"  We could not ask for a better Friend.  The same hymn asks us, "Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?  Take it to the Lord in prayer.  In His arms He'll take and shield thee.  Thou wilt find a solace there."

Having professed to live a renewed life, one receives the precepts from Jesus, who said, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."  He went about doing good, and as our personal Friend today, He is just as ready to assist us in doing the same.

A Piper's Role and Responsibility

A piper will be asked to play for a special occasion at church.  It is best to have the right music.  It might be for a wedding or a funeral, for Christmas, Thanksgving, Easter or Remembrance Day.  It may be for a  regular Sunday morning worship service.  On Memorial Day, a congregation remembers our soldiers who fought and gave their lives for their country, contrasted with Jesus, who gave His life for us as individuals.

After having prepared and played for these various occasions, my purpose was decided, and it was to share my music with the world of pipers.  Over time, a number of  books would be published by The Church Piper on numerous themes.  No longer would pipers have just a few hymns at their fingertips, but a sufficient number to arrange medleys.  In each book, encouraging articles would be written to say how important it is to be well-practiced and to play one's best.  A piper's purpose would be to lead congregations in praise of God; a task possible only when a piper is in tune with God, with faith that his "workmanship" is for God, and not only for the satisfaction of man.

Punctuality and Professionalism

A piper's part in a celebration may be at the first, last or middle.  Regardless of his or her placement, it is imperative to be there about an hour early.  Directions can be received and last minute tuning can be done.

At one funeral service, I arrived in my suit because I was a mourner at a friend's funeral.  The mortician asked, "Where are your pipes and your kilt?"  I replied that I had not been invited to play.   He asked me to go home and get my pipes because the piper had not yet arrived and it was close to starting time.

I lived rather close to the church and was soon back, having tuned up at home.  The piper had just arrived late, and was in the basement tuning.  The mortician thanked me, but waited for the piper to be ready.  After the service, he returned to the sanctuary to play music of his own choosing.  Obviously, this piper was not considerate of those who were bereaved.  Since that time, I proposed to explain to all pipers to be well practiced, punctual and considerate.  It is of extreme importance as a professional.

Do Miracles Happen Today?

Flying from Winnipeg to Palm Springs, I found myself next to a passenger who had the same first and second names as mine.  It had to be miraculous.  What was the likelihood of this to happen, with so many passengers and flights?  I think God was telling me, "I am with you always, even to the end of the world."  One has to be constantly aware of God's presence.

Indeed, miracles do happen today, and when you yourself become part of the miracle, it is a real honor.  In Grenada one winter, I was called from where I was swimming, to a man who was standing along the shore some distance away.  I was told he had lost his wedding ring while swimming quite far out.  Without hesitation, I swam out to where the depth was about twenty feet.  On the fifth time up from the bottom, I had retrieved the ring.  It helped that I wore goggles.  Once my feet touched the bottom near shore and I could stand, I held the ring up and asked, "Is this yours, or should I throw it back and find another one?"  His response was, "O my God," to which I answered, "You are absolutely right, and here you are."

To this man, finding his ring was a miracle.  I hope it affected his life favorably.  Undoubtedly he had prayed and God answered.  There are just too many variables to think this "just happened."

Learning Not To Make Assumptions

Walking back to the funeral home after piping at a graveside ceremony, I asked the minister if she knew Jesus Christ personally, expecting an inspiring response.  Immediately, she stopped and replied, "Well, I know all the stories, if that's what you mean."  Then, she bustled off, not desiring to add another word.

I thought she might have responded by saying something like, "I really do try to walk in His steps every day. He guides me in all my decisions."  To my astonishment, she simply walked on, alone.

I realized that she professed to lead congregations in worship of God, and yet, did not know Him.  How then, could she tell people about Him so they'd understand?  It was like trying to explain the music of jazz without being able to play it.  I decided then, that my purpose as a Christian piper, was to tell other pipers how Jesus can be a personal friend, so they too, could live by the ideals He taught and still teaches today.  They could exemplify Him.  Besides, their music would be much more meaningful, played with their whole heart and soul.

Welcome

Welcome to my new blog, "Piping With A Purpose".

While writing volumes for the Church Piper Publications, my hope was to reach out to pipers around the world, share my enthusiasm for the Christian faith, and provide them with appropriate music for church related occasions. Because I no longer manage the Church Piper Publications (my publishing business is now managed by Henderson Imports Ltd.),  this blog will be the means through which I will continue to share newly arranged bagpipe music, along with my thoughts and insights into the scriptures.  I hope that you will come back and visit often.