Issue 12
I
Thessalonians 5:16-18
"Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens, always
be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus".
As we go about the business of making
music, it is not always easy to be joyful and thankful. It is so easy
to get caught up in WHAT we are doing that we forget WHY we are doing
it. Planning, choosing, learning and teaching the music becomes so
all-consuming that we may forget who the music is for.
First, we should be thankful that
God loved us so much that he sent his Son to die for us! Second, we
should be joyful that God has chosen us to be musicians, whether leader
or participant. It is a very special calling, one that often requires
hard work and much time. Last, we should always pray about what we
are doing, how we are doing it and seek God's guidance every step
of the way. Personal prayer and devotions before and/or after rehearsal
can do much to open us up to the leading of the Holy Spirit. We should
be thankful for the blessing of music, the blessing of willing participants,
the blessing of congregations that love and support us and the blessings
from a God who delights in us! Wow!!
No long faces around here! We will
praise the Lord and be joyful with our music no matter what happens
- even when the organ makes funny noises, or the piano is out of tune
or the choir forgets a few words. (Yes, even when we play a few wrong
notes!)
Ephesians 6:18 says "Keep on
praying in the Spirit, at all times with all kinds of prayer".
Let your music be your prayer of joy and thankfulness.
Music Alert:
"If
You Search With All Your Heart" by Craig Courtner
(Beckenhorst Press). The message of this song is captured in a beautifully
haunting melody that is really quite simple. The harmonies are lush
and accessible for most choirs. The accompaniment is quiet and supportive
of the singers. What is the message? If you seek the Lord, you will
find Him!
Book Alert:
"Crossings:
Meditations for Worship" by Susan Palo Cherwien
(Morningstar) This is a compilation of meditations that are suitable
for worship, devotions or personal time. Cherwien is one of the most
thoughtful poets I have read in a long time. This book also includes
plans for a hymn festival that can incorporate some of the meditations.
I found mine on the sale table for $1.00!!
Upcoming events:
Choirfest - expected date is the first Sunday in May. More information
to follow…
If you have an event that you would
like publicized, let me know. Comments and questions to fbwamusic@aol.com
Mary
