Thank You, Father, for pointing me to this new sermon series from the book of Joshua that I began this morning. The first sermon moved me and I pray is moving others. I am a vessel for You to use. Amen.
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Last night, Karen and I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a performance of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and I absolutely loved it! I have only seen live orchestral programs a handful of times in my lifetime. I was on the edge of my seat a good part of the time soaking it all in!
We have a friend who is a musician in the orchestra and we had the privilege of sitting with his wife for the concert. In our conversation prior to everything starting she made a reference to a friend of theirs who plays the pipe organ for a large church in Columbus. She quoted her as saying that when she plays for church that that is when she truly worships. In giving of her God-given talent back to God, she glorifies Him. And I would dare say that our friend in the orchestra feels the same way.
There was nothing particularly “spiritual” about any of the pieces played or sung but for me, I worshiped! I didn’t worship the people playing or the conductor guiding them through from beginning to end… but I worshiped my Creator God who gave each participant their ability. And each musician used their ability to its fullest, to communicate messages far beyond words.
One piece, composed by Edvard Grieg, entitled “Ase’s Death” from Peer Gynt (Suite No. 1, Op. 46 for you music aficionados) really touched me. I know a little bit about music and I was just astonished that the strings could play so softly and yet still be clearly heard – it was just beautiful!
Glorifying God may not have been the intent of those who gave their gift but that is truly how I received it!
Each of us, myself and every single one of you, we all have gifts, talents, and abilities. No matter what we do, be it teaching or performing surgery or scrubbing the toilets in a public facility or preparing a meal for our family or sitting in your cubical day after day and on and on and on, all of us can glorify our Creator by doing what we do to the very best of our ability – being perfect as He is perfect in giving of ourselves each and every day!
Lord Jesus, empower us in Your strength and with Your wisdom to use the gifts given us to bring glory to Your name. May we bring You praise if we are before a crowd or even if it is just You and me and no one else. Thank You for the diversity of Your creation. May we all cry out and glorify Your name. Amen!
Psalm 150 AMP
1 Praise the Lord!
Praise God in His sanctuary;
Praise Him in His mighty heavens.
2 Praise Him for His mighty acts;
Praise Him according to [the abundance of] His greatness.
3 Praise Him with trumpet sound;
Praise Him with harp and lyre.
4 Praise Him with tambourine and dancing;
Praise Him with stringed instruments and flute.
5 Praise Him with resounding cymbals;
Praise Him with loud cymbals.
6 Let everything that has breath and every breath of life praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!)
Apr 28th, 2019, Sun, 7:22 pm
