Thursday, October 24 – Sending

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. ¹⁷ When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. ¹⁸ And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."      –Matthew 28:16-20 (NRSV)

Jesus has been raised from the dead and he now commissions his followers to carry on his mission to all peoples around the world.  In Acts they begin on their home turf, Jerusalem, and work their way out from the center.

When we gather on Sunday morning, the final movement (and goal) of our worship is to be blessed and sent out into our ‘mission field’ to continue the mission Jesus commanded us all to take part in.

Talk to God about what part you are asked to play in God’s mission.

Wednesday, October 23 – Musical Praise

Then on that day David first appointed the singing of praises to the LORD by Asaph and his kindred.

O give thanks to the LORD, call on his name,

         make known his deeds among the peoples.

Sing to him, sing praises to him,

         tell of all his wonderful works. ...

Sing to the LORD, all the earth.

         Tell of his salvation from day to day.

Declare his glory among the nations,

         his marvelous works among all the peoples.

For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised;

         he is to be revered above all gods. ...

Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;

         let the field exult, and everything in it.

Then shall the trees of the forest sing for joy before the LORD,

         for he comes to judge the earth.

O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;

         for his steadfast love endures forever.

                                    –1 Chronicles 16:7-9, 23-25, 32-34 (NRSV) 

      Praise the LORD!

Praise God in his sanctuary;

      praise him in his mighty firmament!

Praise him for his mighty deeds;

      praise him according to his surpassing greatness!

Praise him with trumpet sound;

      praise him with lute and harp!

Praise him with tambourine and dance;

      praise him with strings and pipe!

Praise him with clanging cymbals;

      praise him with loud clashing cymbals!

Let everything that breathes praise the LORD!

            Praise the LORD!       –Psalm 150:1-6 (NRSV)
 

Everything gets into the praise of God...Enjoy!

Tuesday, October 22 – Musical Presence

Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, ¹⁹  as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, ²⁰  giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.                                                                                    –Ephesians 5:18-20 (NRSV)

Where, when, how, why is music present in your life?

Think about the presence of music in your life.  Do you listen to  music on the radio or an ipod or your phone throughout the day?

Where do you hear music?  In a store...in a professional’s office ...in a restaurant or fast food place...in your car...in __________?

Because music has the power to shape your mood many businesses use music to influence you to stay, buy, or relax.

God of music, use its power to draw my heart to you...and to build fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Monday, October 21 – Musical Power

Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him. –1 Samuel 16:23 (NIV2011)

Music...is a series of sound vibrations put together to form particular patterns.  These sounds can move us to...tears, smiles, peaceful contemplations, awe, clapping, dancing, jumping up and down.  It can stir up joy, sadness, anger, action, or reflection.

Music is a gift from God.  What are some of the powerful pieces of music that stir up emotions in your life?

Play or listen to one of your favorite pieces.  What does it stir up in you?  Why do you think these sounds have such power?

Thank God for music and how it affects your life.