For those who have been emailing and calling to wish me well with the Brachytherapy, I wanted to let you know it has been rescheduled for Monday, November 5. Should have gotten this word out sooner, but with all the other things going on I forgot! Seems strange to say it, I suppose, but I don't think much about the cancer. Its not that I'm not duly concerned; its just that I'm not worried!
Yesterday a man (who himself faces a quite serious malady) commented to me that he was amazed that I seemed to have such peace. Yet it isn't amazing to me--it is exactly what I expected! Romans 15:13 has proven itself over and over in the past; it still says the same thing in the face of cancer:
"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost."
The key is "in believing"--not so much in my believing, but in believing truth. If I were trusting error, it would never bring the joy and peace that truth brings. That's why understanding God's Word rightly divided is such a critical and practical matter.
The response to the messages God's Word In the Face of Cancer and Don't Waste Your Cancer! has been heartwarming. They are still available on the ShorewoodBibleChurch.org site. DVD's can also be ordered through GraceImpact.org or by calling (888)535-2300. I have already received several touching letters from folks who are being encouraged by the message of grace as they too face cancer. PTL!
Ok, enough of that: today I am finishing up the last few edits on the next Grace Journal. Should have it to the printer by Wednesday. I've also written over a dozen letters as well as answered 53 emails.
We had an outstanding day yesterday at Shorewood. I am amazed at the steady stream of new folks who are coming out--and the number who are staying with us! As our culture progresses into what is termed its "post-Christian" era (!!!) there is a genuine hunger for truth. A wonderful day to be doing the work of the ministry!
By the way, as we are going through Colossians 3 on Sunday mornings we are currently dealing with "Measuring Family Life Today" (Co. 3:18-4:1). I had a good opportunity to really "lay it on" the husbands yesterday from Col. 3:19. That particular verse contains instruction about the most dangerous element a husband faces in marriage: check it out!
Maranatha!
Monday, October 29, 2007
Friday, October 12, 2007
Psalm 30:12
“To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.”
This is an excellent verse for all musicians, whether they are church pianists, organists, choir directors, song leaders, orchestra or band members, part of special singing groups, school music students, etc.; whether they participate in the “specials” within their own church or wherever they are given an opportunity to serve. Anywhere you play or sing, you should remember that when you receive glory for your talents and abilities, you must direct those praises to God Himself! “To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee.”
Well meaning people will tell you that you did a good job; they will say that they were blessed by your music. This is fine if you make sure that your glory sings praises to the Lord your God. It doesn’t take long for musicians to develop a pride in their performances. People who really mean well can accidentally turn a humble musician into a prideful artist. It is truly up to the musician, however, to make sure their glory sings praise to the Lord, not to themselves.
This difficulty for a musician is very understandable. Musicians dedicate themselves to countless hours and years practicing, practicing and more practicing. They learn to live in a little musical bubble while working hard to get to whatever level of musicianship they attain. The flesh is just itching to let pride flow. It doesn’t take much for a musician to be pumped up and exalted! They work hard to “be a blessing” to others, they cannot forget that their glory is to sing praises to Him!
Note that the remainder of this verse says, “O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.” It is truly a high honor and privilege to be able to give God the glory for your musical talent. Your playing and/or singing can easily be your worship to God!
Count it a blessing: not many folks have musical talent; not many ever took lessons and stayed with it; not many can sing or play an instrument; not many can read and understand the language of music. Just be sure to use whatever you have to His glory, not your own!
This is an excellent verse for all musicians, whether they are church pianists, organists, choir directors, song leaders, orchestra or band members, part of special singing groups, school music students, etc.; whether they participate in the “specials” within their own church or wherever they are given an opportunity to serve. Anywhere you play or sing, you should remember that when you receive glory for your talents and abilities, you must direct those praises to God Himself! “To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee.”
Well meaning people will tell you that you did a good job; they will say that they were blessed by your music. This is fine if you make sure that your glory sings praises to the Lord your God. It doesn’t take long for musicians to develop a pride in their performances. People who really mean well can accidentally turn a humble musician into a prideful artist. It is truly up to the musician, however, to make sure their glory sings praise to the Lord, not to themselves.
This difficulty for a musician is very understandable. Musicians dedicate themselves to countless hours and years practicing, practicing and more practicing. They learn to live in a little musical bubble while working hard to get to whatever level of musicianship they attain. The flesh is just itching to let pride flow. It doesn’t take much for a musician to be pumped up and exalted! They work hard to “be a blessing” to others, they cannot forget that their glory is to sing praises to Him!
Note that the remainder of this verse says, “O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.” It is truly a high honor and privilege to be able to give God the glory for your musical talent. Your playing and/or singing can easily be your worship to God!
Count it a blessing: not many folks have musical talent; not many ever took lessons and stayed with it; not many can sing or play an instrument; not many can read and understand the language of music. Just be sure to use whatever you have to His glory, not your own!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
