Skip to main content

Give Praise

Church vocal and bell choir in worship leads the assembled congregation to give God praise.
Throughout the Bible, God and humans have used music to communicate with each other and about God’s greatness.
Word
In the Old testament, King David instructed the worship leaders of Israel to praise God for the kind and powerful help they received: “Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds.” (2 Chronicles 16:7-9)
The songbook of the Bible encourages creativity and diversity for giving glory to God with a new song. In one of its poetic hymns we are told that it is not only fitting but pleasing to God to join all creation “... with trumpets and the sound of the ram’s horn. Make a joyful symphony before the Lord, the King!” (Psalm 98:6)
And the early church saw spiritual songs as an expression of their new life in Christ. The apostle Paul wrote to believers, encouraging them to use their hands and voices for showing their gratitude to God and all people: “Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.” (Colossians 3:16c)
Connection
So, make a joyful noise to the Lord. You don’t have to sing beautifully. You can sing off key, or hymn, or just clap your hands. Say thank you Jesus. Or be kind to others.
Message
The good news is: Music lifts up our human spirits. It’s also a gift from God for worship.
Jesus says to you: Give praise to God who loves you and loves to hear your thankfulness.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Renewing Confession

Procession of Clergy during an Ordination service. The church celebrates faith in Christ together. It is difficult for us to relate to biblical events like Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The words like Hosanna, and actions like riding on a donkey, are not exactly something we use or encounter today. Word If Jesus were to live today to tell us about God beginning to take charge of governing the world it would be all over Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. God’s representative might come riding on a bicycle instead in a limousine. And people would probably wave their cell phones to express their excitement. Followers of the new visionary leader would shout something like: ‘Hey, yo! Welcome the Boss from heaven! Get ready for some serious change!’ Connection So if it so happened that Jesus were to come through our town on the way to die and rise so we would be freed to live in God’s realm here on earth and forever in heaven, would you even notice, would you believe hi...

Everyday Gratitude

The altar at St. Paul's Lutheran Church with donations for local food pantries. This week we celebrate Thanksgiving. How do you celebrate the holiday? It’s well and good to be thankful for family and food on Thanksgiving Day. But as Christians we can show our genuine gratitude to a gracious God every day by 1. remembering to thank God for everything, 2. praying for those who are in positions of authority, and 3. sharing the gifts we have received with others in need. According to Matthew’s gospel, Jesus encourages us: “... do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ ... But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (vv. 31, 33) God blesses us all in abundance. Let’s not forget to be thankful. And remember those who lack basic needs.

Legacy of Love

What would you like your tomb stone to say about your life? I’ve been asking myself what I want my legacy to be. I want to make a difference, not for my own pride or benefit, but for God’s purposes and glory. Like bringing people to faith, or changing social problems. But that kind of legacy idea can become overwhelming and paralyzing. What if I fail? What if it becomes self serving? Word Perhaps that’s what Peter and the disciples felt too. But their perspective was changed on Easter. The risen Christ gave them a promise and challenge. Hear Jesus words to his followers then and now in John’s gospel from today’s reading: “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” (John 13:34) Jesus gave us a command. To love as he loved on the cross, to save all people and share life with everyone. That’s not easy. But comes from the gift of God’s love on the cross. Connection So, I don’t need an impressive ...