Bible Verse: Psalms 96:1~13
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Sing to the Lord! (96:1-9)
When the groom sings for the first time to his bridge, it’s a heartfelt singing, full of love and happiness, and sometimes even tears of joy! When a new mother first sings to her child, there’s tenderness, hope and an outpouring of love. What is it like for us when we sing to God? Many of us meet weekly in churches with the musical instruments and sometimes even state of the art sound systems, but all that “stuff” doesn’t make up for the sincere heart, singing to God with an outpouring of love and joy. It’s not about the music or the show. It’s about the object of our worship. It’s great to have talent and technology to make the music perfect, but if it becomes more about the music, then we’ve lost ourselves. We don’t worship God to showcase our talents. We use our talents to showcase God.
One with Creation (96:10-13)
There will be a time when all of creation will be redeemed, and together we will worship God. This Psalm tells us that the skies, the seas, the trees and the fields rejoice in the presence of God! It’s a song of hope for the future coming Kingdom but also a song that reflects the glory of God evident in our world. God’s fingerprint is on everything—His artistic touch. All things beautiful, all things good—every good and perfect gift comes from God. As broken as this world is and as difficult as life can get, there are moments when we are able to see God and the evidence of His care and glory. God is here. He has saved you. Your life is a blessing and God will continue to bless you to bless others. Claim that blessing, and then declare it to all nations!
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- We are musical beings. Sad music moves us, fast music pumps us up. Romantic music creates an ambience. Worshipful music connects us with God. The next time you worship, let the music fill you, actively focus on God.
- Life can get overwhelming in which case, it might be time to get away for a little bit. Take a long walk, rent a cabin, or go fishing. Let His creation encourage you and remind you of His providence.cr: Duranno Living Life
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I decided to post my reflections here too. This is actually one of the lessons I teach to my Korean students.
Like the reflection on living life said, "We don’t worship God to showcase our talents. We use our talents to showcase God."
There are times that we sing hymns and songs of praise just for the sake of singing. We sing because we can sing well or have a beautiful and angel-like voice. We forget the very essence of songs of praise and worship. It should not be about feeling great because you sang a particular song well or the fact that you have really great music ministry and talents in your church.
"We don’t worship God to showcase our talents." - We use our talents to lift God's name and to give him His due praise! So, therefore, "We use our talents to showcase God."
So let's praise him with all our hearts and continue to be a blessing to other people in His name!
