Can We Still Worship God if We Aren’t Musical?..... By Jennifer Waddle

 Can We Still Worship God if We Aren’t Musical?

By Jennifer Waddle

But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. - John 4:23

A few years ago, my youngest son said one of the most impacting things I’ve ever heard.

We were talking about being musical, and he insisted he didn’t want to sing or play an instrument–-or take music lessons of any kind!

Reluctantly, I realized his interests and talents were different than mine, and in the end, I accepted his decision. But then, in the same conversation, he added something so profound, I still think about it all these years later.

He said, “Mom, I don’t like to sing or play an instrument, but I love worship.”

His statement took me by surprise and really challenged me. Can we really love worship without singing or playing an instrument? Perhaps, Jesus answered this question best the day He sat down by a well and began a conversation with a Samaritan woman.

The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship.”

Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:19-24 NKJV)

With or without music, it is God’s desire that we worship in spirit and in truth. Although singing songs of praise, to the King of Kings, is a beautiful act of worship, so is giving a cup of cold water to someone who is thirsty or choosing to forgive someone in Jesus’ name.

Worship is more than music.

Romans 12:1 reminds us, “I appeal to you, therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Our entire beings, from head to toe, are presented to God holy and acceptable through the blood of Jesus Christ. And because we are holy and acceptable through Him, we present ourselves back to Him as living sacrifices. Our spiritual acts of worship, which include prayer, Bible reading, and communion with the Lord, may or may not include singing or instruments.

I learned a valuable lesson that day, from a little boy who didn’t want to take music lessons of any kind, but who loved worship just the same! And, more importantly, I’ve learned beautiful lessons from Jesus, the Messiah, who revealed Himself to me, just as He revealed who He was to the woman at the well.

For the woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”

Being the Child of God..... Denison Ministries

 Being the Child of God

Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

This week we’ll spend time simply stirring up our affections for God. God has designed us to see him, to know his character and to let the truth of his goodness lead us into deeper relationship with him. Augustine wrote, “Thou hast formed us for Thyself, and our hearts are restless till they find rest in Thee.” In seeing God for who he is, our hearts are naturally stirred to find rest in his goodness. May your heart be stirred at the revelation of God’s wonderful character.

Scripture:“And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’ So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.” Galatians 4:6-7

Devotional:    

You are the child of God, brought into his family by the power and grace of Jesus’ sacrifice for you. As believers, we hear we are God’s children. But often we don’t live our lives in response to that truth and instead live out of the mindset of an orphan. Children don’t worry when they have a good father. They don’t wonder if they’ll be able to eat, if they’re loved or if they have a place in this world. The unconditional love of a parent lays a foundation for them to have secure peace and joy. Your God desires the same for you. God wants to lay an unshakable foundation for you based solely on his love for you as his child so that when the storms come and waves crash over you, you remain strong in your identity.

First, let’s look at what Scripture says about you, and then take some time to respond to God’s word in faith. John 1:12-13 says, “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” Galatians 4:6-7 says, “And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’ So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.” Finally, 2 Corinthians 6:18 says, “And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” Through adoption into God’s family you are now a co-heir with Christ. Romans 8:17 says that we are God’s children, “and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ.” You were born again into God’s family when you asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior.

So what does it mean to be God’s child? What does it mean to be a co-heir with Christ? It means that all that is God’s is yours. He shares with you his kingdom. You have a Father who gives you amazing gifts. You have a Father who absolutely loves spending time with you. Your heavenly Dad’s love for you knows no bounds. His love is pervasive, powerful, and freely given. You no longer need to worry about whether you have a place in this world. There’s no need to concern yourself with whether you will have clothes or food. You no longer have to live in pursuit of the opinions of those around you. God enjoys you. He has a plan for you. He doesn’t take being your Father lightly. He takes complete ownership of his responsibility. He will strengthen you, teach you, develop you, and give you a life of passion and meaning. To be the child of God is to be loved, liked, and completely cared for.

So how can you live in response to God’s word? How can you get out of the mindset of an orphan? You must have faith that God is who he says he is and believe he will do what he’s promised to do. Romans 10:17 says that“faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” You have heard the word of the Lord today. You are his child. He promises to provide for you. So have faith! Faith isn’t something you just conjure up. It’s a response to God’s faithfulness. God has and will be faithful to you. Allow his word to stir up faith within you today. Live in response to his promises and allow the peace and joy of being God’s child to lay an unshakable foundation for you today.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on the truth of God’s word. You are his child. Let it sink deep into your heart.

“And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’ So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.” Galatians 4:6-7

2. Now ask the Spirit to show you any mindsets you have that don’t line up with his word. Where in your life do you feel stressed? What makes you feel like you don’t have what it takes? Where do you feel unloved or unliked?

3. Now ask God to speak to those places. What does it mean for you to be his child? What about your life should be different? Cast off those mindsets and realign your way of thinking with God’s.

“And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:18

God’s love for you is sure. There is nothing you could ever do to remove yourself from his family. Once you are his child, you are his forever. As a Christian you are living under God’s grace, not works. God loves you because he loves you—not because of what you think about yourself or what you do. Therefore, release any thoughts you have of yourself that don’t line up with God’s word. Let go of any burdens you’re carrying today in light of his love. And experience the transforming power of a life lived in response to the faithfulness of God.

Extended Reading: Galatians 4

The Missionary Call..... Dr. Charles Stanley

 The Missionary Call

Dr. Charles Stanley

Matthew 4:18-22

I've heard every reason you can imagine for avoiding missionary service: "I haven't been to seminary." "I can't preach." "I'm too old." "My family won't go for it." On and on the list goes. Let me tell you that there are thousands of active missionaries who once thought that God couldn't use them either. I often have the privilege of hearing their stories of how the Lord turned resistance into enthusiasm.

People can offer God plenty of reasons why He shouldn't call them to spread the gospel. But His call is not issued for our consideration; He expects a response of obedience and surrender.

A believer is accountable only to say yes to God's call. It is the Lord's responsibility to equip the chosen for the work He's assigned. A personal plan has been mapped for each believer's life, and God provides the personality and temperament that suits. Then He adds skills that can be developed and the spiritual gifts necessary to fulfill His mission.

God makes His call with wisdom and discernment. He knows why He created you and what you're capable of accomplishing in His strength (Eph. 2:10). Rejecting the invitation to serve Him is foolish. It would be like telling almighty God that He made a mistake. But surrender opens the door to a lifetime of service, blessing, and joy!

Mission work can occur near or far. You could serve: at home by writing to prisoners; down the street by dishing out meals at a shelter; across the nation by providing flood relief; or in a foreign land by translating the gospel. In short, a missionary calling is whatever God tells you to do.

Viewing Our Future Through the Right Filter..... MEREDITH HOUSTON CARR

 Viewing Our Future Through the Right Filter

MEREDITH HOUSTON CARR

Lee en español

“This is what the LORD says—he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters … ‘Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.’” Isaiah 43:16,18-19 (NIV)

“Mom, I don’t want to go to second grade,” my sweet son whispered to me one summer evening. I pulled him in close and asked why, hoping he would open up his tender heart.

“What if it’s too hard? What if I can’t do it? I’m afraid …” His voice trailed off, and I hugged him tightly. Pulling out my best “encouraging mom” speech, I assured him he’d have a great year and we would face any challenges together. Happily, his spirits lifted, and he headed outside to play.

As his mom, I knew he would be just fine — but his vulnerable honesty hit close to home. As though looking in a mirror, I saw my own tendencies to view the future through a filter of fear.

I wonder if you can relate. Those two words “what if” have a way of sending us spiraling down a black hole of anxiety.

What if the job doesn’t come through?
What if she gets sick?
What if he leaves?
What if …

Whether we’re sifting through the pieces of loss, facing uncertainty or experiencing the consequences of our own choices, looking forward can knock us down — and we struggle to see hope on the horizon.

Centuries ago, the people of Judah grappled with a similar challenge. God had set them apart as a nation, rescued them from Egyptian slavery and given them a spacious land of their own. Yet tragically, generation after generation sinned and rejected God. Consequently, they found themselves enslaved again, this time as exiles in Babylon.

Looking ahead, God’s people saw darkness instead of hope. How could God possibly redeem and rescue them from their captivity and sin?

Yet into this dismal place, God sent the prophet Isaiah to speak the comforting words of truth we read in today’s key verse:

“This is what the Lord says—he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters … ‘Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland’” (Isaiah 43:16, 18-19).

These beautifully poetic words supplied the courage the exiles desperately needed, reminding them of several essential truths about God. Likewise, as adopted and dearly loved children of God, we, too, can draw courage by applying these truths to our lives.

So when we’re battling fear over the days to come, let’s filter our fearful thoughts through these realities:

God is capable. Isaiah reminded the people about God’s incredible deliverance in the past. The Lord made a way when there was no way — literally opening up the sea! (Exodus 14) We, too, can spend time recalling God’s faithfulness to us. Looking back, we’ll see God has never once failed, and He never will. Our strong God is capable of bringing us through anything.

God is creative. After recalling the past, Isaiah tells the people to forget it — because God is doing something new! Isaiah’s words remind us the God who created everything is constrained by nothing. Nothing is impossible in Him! We serve a creative God who loves us and loves to surprise us in imaginative ways.

God is carving a new way for us. Where we see only grief, confusion and fear, God sees endless potential for redemption. Our dependable, loving God works tirelessly on our behalf, drying up seas and turning deserts into gardens. We need not fear the future, for where we see no way, God sees the best way.

Dear one, our capable and creative God is carving a way for us through every uncertainty and unknown. May we filter our future through this truth and face the days ahead with a hope that settles our souls.

Dear Lord, thank You for holding our future in Your capable, creative hands. When we face the temptation to fear, remind us of Your faithfulness and steadfast love. We entrust all our days to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

A Prayer to Remember Where Our Help Comes From..... By: Maggie Meadows Cooper

 A Prayer to Remember Where Our Help Comes From

By: Maggie Meadows Cooper

I look up to the mountains- does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! - Psalm 121:1

Over the years there have been many people and places that we turn to when we need help: Facebook friends, Dear Abby, Google, our moms. But so often, in spite of good intentions, their advice leaves us longing for more. Many times the advice hurts more than helps, and sometimes they are simply dead wrong. So why do we choose them? Convenience, proximity, or maybe a secret hope that they will tell us what we want to hear? All possible reasons that each of us can identify with, I think. But when Mary was faced with a problem and needed help in John 2:3, she turned to the only One who could be her Helper that day. The only One who is the Helper we all need: Jesus.

Mary, Jesus, and the disciples were attending a wedding in Cana, and the hosts ran out of wine. According to their culture and that time in history, they risked great humiliation. Mary called Jesus for help and told the servants to “do whatever He tells you.” So they did. And Jesus performed his first public miracle, turning water into wine. If only our problems were that simple to solve, right? But maybe they are. The truth is that their problem was resolved because of two simple choices, the same choices we all have to make:

First - Who will we ask for help?

“I look up to the mountains- does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!” -Psalm 121:1

Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life.” - John 6:68

Our problems do not always have simple solutions, but the decision of who to ask for help should be the simplest of all. David, Peter, and many others knew Who to go to. It didn’t mean they didn’t fear or fret or doubt at times. But they made a choice to trust, to hope, to turn their hearts and minds and souls and spirits to the One who is able to do so much more than we could ever ask or imagine (Eph.3:20). And sometimes the help that the Lord offers may come in the form of Godly counsel from other Believers or counselors. It may mean waiting and doing nothing. But seek His will and wisdom and guidance first, and the rest will fall into place.

Second - Will we do whatever Jesus tells us to do?

“If you love me, obey my commandments.” John 14:15

I sure wish this was easier to carry out. I know from experience that my heart wants to obey. I want to speak and act and love like Jesus would have me do. But carrying those things out with my earthly flesh that wants what I want when I want, that gets offended and hurt and embarrassed, that, truth be told, wants to rebel many times because of my feelings and judgments, is much easier said than done. And I find myself half-obeying many times. I may feel His nudge to forgive and actively serve the person who hurt me. So I agree to forgive…but don’t carry out that action of love and service. The “whatever” He tells me may seem unreasonable at times. Too odd or unjust. And I don’t know what people will think…so I choose to blend in with the crowd rather than risk looking foolish.

“Whatever He tells you…” Those servants risked looking foolish that day as they filled jars used to cleanse others with water, expecting it to somehow become wine. Noah, Moses, Esther, John the Baptist and so many others risked looking foolish because they agreed to do what the Lord told them to do. His directions take faith, y’all. They take extreme courage and a longing to please God rather than men. And in this world, that is so very hard. But the choice is ours to make.

Pray. Pray hard and seek the Lord and His will above all else. Avoid the temptation to seek earthly wisdom first. Then wait. And see how the Lord will help you when you choose to seek His approval above all else.

Dear Jesus, 

Forgive me for running to the people and things of this world for help before coming to you. Thank you for being my Helper and loving me in spite of my shortcomings. Help me remember Who you are and where my help comes from. Give me strength, courage, and a boldness to seek you and your approval above all else.

In Your Mighty Name,

Amen

Starved for Faith and Vision..... by John UpChurch

 Starved for Faith and Vision

by John UpChurch

"Son of man, what is this proverb you have in the land of Israel: 'The days go by and every vision comes to nothing'? Say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am going to put an end to this proverb, and they will no longer quote it in Israel.' Say to them, 'The days are near when every vision will be fulfilled.” Ezekiel 12:22-23

For me, Dave was that boss. The guy could make every triumph into misery, every completed project into a diatribe for what didn’t go right. Not chewing you out was his way of complimenting a job well done. And, no, I’m not joking. The guy would fire someone I worked with and then come to me the next day to say, “I fired your little friend.”

And yet, for some reason I never understood, Dave liked me from the beginning. He would never have said that, of course, never admitted to not hating someone. But he did. Even as a lackey intern, he put me in charge of projects way above my pay grade. Even as the newbie, he’d let me in on the big stuff we’d be working on in a few months. My position was only supposed to last 30 days, but Dave kept me there for months by making excuses to his bosses about why I should stay.

To be honest, I hated the work. Here I was an English major who was supposed to be editing and writing and changing the world through prose. But I was afraid of trying for that world-changing job. Instead, I got pushed into IT project management for hospitals, which is really just a nice way of saying that I moved computers and loaded software. Over and over.

But it’s funny what happens between a boss and a peon when you’re wearing scrubs and snatching computers from the ICU. For Dave, those moments brought clarity. In a place where alarms signal dying, he’d tell me about his one-time plans to be an architect and the reasons why it couldn’t happen. His rage would disappear with the code blues and rushing nurses. He dreamed for just a moment.

And then we’d be pushing our carts of equipment to a new wing of the hospital, and the sarcasm flooded in to cover the regret. He’d snap back to the snappiness as if the ICU never happened.

Maybe that’s why Dave liked me. He knew I didn’t want to be in those sterile halls either. He knew this detour felt more like a dead end. I was his earlier self.

When I finally quit, Dave didn’t say goodbye. In fact, he avoided me for much of my two-week notice period. His only words about me were to berate the rest of the team with how the “only competent worker” was leaving.

With him, that meant he approved.

Intersecting Faith and Life: Dave was that boss—a curmudgeon God used to show me how important vision is, how necessary risk can be to following where God leads. He’d stayed in the safety of a career he despised because excuses were easier than fear and faith.

Part of what it means for Christians to let our lights shine is for us to live by faith. We know God can build bridges over chasms—even if we have no idea how. (Sometimes it’s as if He purposefully waits until we’re right on the edge.)