With a Song in My Heart

Isaiah 29:13 The Lord says:

“These people come near to me with their mouth
    and honor me with their lips,
    but their hearts are far from me.
Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught.

Some Sundays when I come to church, I must admit, my heart isn't in the right place. I am troubled, or irritable, and just plain unpleasant. Certainly not fit to be in the frame of mind to give God everything He is owed. My heart is far from focused on anything Spiritual. I'm a mess.

It is a good thing I am here though, because God has a plan to change me, to turn me around and get my feet headed in the right direction. And how does He do this? For me, all it takes is a song. A song that rattles my memory, that squeezes my heart and takes my focus off me and puts it right up there on the Cross.

There are times when I am in worship and singing and praising, I feel close to God. Things that happened in my life through the weeks and months before, come to the surface. I am filled up with joy and gratitude and as I am filled during these times, it is as if I am near over-flowing.

In fact, the feelings in my soul often pour out in the form of tears. It is like I need to release the pressure and tears are the result. Another release for me can be applause. When a song has ended and the music keeps playing in my head I need to thank God and put my hands together in appreciation and praise.

1 John 2:28-3:10

Children of God

The love of the Father is unfathomable for us, however attempting to view ourselves as children and thinking about the way we love and adore our own gives us a glimpse.

1 John 3:1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God!

In the song Children of God, Third Day sings:                                                          

“We are the saints, we are the children.                                             We’ve been redeemed, we’ve been forgiven.                   

We are the sons and the daughters of our God.”

All Christ followers have their own style of learning scripture and gaining knowledge and insight as to who Christ is. We approach the word of God uniquely. I personally, gain great knowledge of the scripture through music.

We are free to receive the gift of Christian music through the airways, computers, CD’s, MP3’s or I-Pods. If you don’t already, I urge you to turn your radio to a local Christian station in your vehicle, at home and at work if possible. The inspiration of the talented artists who write the lyrics comes directly from the Word.

1 John 3:7 Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray.

Mercy Me sings these words in the song Greater:     

“Greater is the one living inside of me, than he who is living in the world.”

       

We know the world is sinful and corrupt. Focusing on the word of God rather than the things of this world puts a barrier between us and sin. Our mission is to stay strong in Him and focus on what is good and right and true!

When we humble ourselves to the status of “children” and feel the Grace and Mercy of our God, we will sense the confidence and peace that comes with being a “good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)

1 John 2:28 And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.

Read/Listen to 1 John 2:28-3:10

1 Timothy 2:1-8

Pray

Do you want the dash on your tombstone to represent something significant? Pray, and pray like you mean it! Join the symphony!

1 Timothy 2: 1-2 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving be made for everyone-for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

We often criticize those in positions of authority as they act and react in ways that contradict our belief system. Perhaps they know things we do not. Just maybe they see the big picture we are not privileged to view.

We justify our disappointments by saying it is part of God’s plan that we do not understand because we are not entitled to knowing all the details. We settle into our circumstances because we know we are not in control. God is.

Paul urges us to do the same in regards to those in authority because God has placed them there for our good. He tells us not to criticize, but to pray for them, for more people in authority knowing Jesus means more Godly decisions will be made, leading to quiet and peaceful lives.

It is difficult to believe my little prayer will make a difference, but think about the power in numbers. Every quiet little prayer adds to the volume and effectiveness. Envision a musical performance as you sit back in your seat in a crowded theater.  The performance begins with a single, slow, sincere, a Capella voice. Then a duet ensues. Soon, the chorus fades in with gentle harmony, followed by glimpses of instrumental interludes. As the tempo gradually increases, the voices and instruments merge. The auditorium is saturated with a beautiful melody.  Together the individual tones, pitches and intervals create an intense symphony like crescendo that fills the music hall with spirit and power!

Prayer is like that. If we pray as God and Paul have instructed, we can be part of a breath taking symphony that creates passion and brings about love.  

Read/Listen to 1 Timothy 2:1-8