AWAKENING: Invitation to Sing - A message that encouraged people to connect with Him through the words in a song

Blessed Be Your Name is one of my favorite worship songs. Here are the lyrics to the song. I think that each time I hear/sing this song I am moved closer to God. It causes me to connect to God and appreciate Him so much. I have several songs which I like and draw me closer to Him. You may have a number of songs that move you closer to God. If you are like me, it is fun to hear the songs that you really like and has a deep meaning.

We have the privilege to be able to connect with Him on a regular basis. It doesn't have to be limited to times you are in your church building. It also doesn't have to be limited to songs, but in this lesson we will focus on the medium of song.

Sunday, we looked at Psalm 147 as we began our "Awakening" series. This was fun to reflect on as we think about how we can become closer to God through song and other means. Here are some applications to choose from to use this week...

• Focus ~ It can be easy to not have focus. We tend to focus on what our eyes see and when we are seeing something else we can lose focus. When it comes to connecting and worshiping God, may we take time to focus beforehand. Focus allows you to concentrate a bit more. If distractions come your way then you may need to consciously put more into the effort of trying to focus. So start to focus and plan where you're going as you seek to connect.
• Find a Good Song ~ Singing and/or songs seems to help us resonate with our worship to God. You see it used in the Bible as a method of worshiping God after a victory or during a life situation. Through songs there are multiple senses used and that seems to make a difference in our emotional connection. Find a great song or multiple songs and use them to connect with Him.
• Praise Him ~ Think of all the great things to praise Him for in your life. There are many wonderful things when you think about it. From the minute to the grand. From the forgotten to the just received. May we take time to praise Him for the glorious things He's done in our lives!

I hope you can have some time in the next week to take time to find a way to connect to God. I am not simply talking about finding time to pray or finding time to listen to a song. I am talking about finding time to connect with Him. I hope you have a chance to worship Him on an individual basis. That time may be during a scheduled assembly time at a church, but I hope you have a chance to worship.

If you cannot accomplish it in the next week, keep it on your priority list and try to accomplish this connection at the first chance you get.

I love the opportunity to sing and connect to Him through song and meditation. May you be awakened when given the opportunity!

Now it's your turn...what song(s) do you like that draws you closer to God?

Shower Ideas

The shower…a place to bathe, but for some, it is also a place to sort out thoughts, come up with new ideas, sing, or pray.  One spends anywhere from around 5-15 minutes in the shower.  You have a lot of time to be engaged in one of those activities.

What goes on with you while you’re in the shower?  That brings us to this week’s quote…

Everyone who has ever taken a shower has had an idea.  It's the person who gets out of the shower, dries off, and does something about it that makes a difference.  ~ Nolan Bushnell

I know that I have been in the shower and have come up with several thoughts/ideas.  Sometimes those ideas definitely have disappeared, along with the water droplets.  (Maybe someone needs to invent “waterproof post-it notes” so that all the ideas one comes up with can be put down)

When it comes to ideas I have a tendency to forget them unless I write them down.  My mind seems to go continually, therefore I need to be reminded.  That has been one of the great things of the computer and it sends you a reminder if you set it up on your calendar.

Life is too short to not attempt the ideas that come to our minds.  Don’t let your ideas evaporate with the water…make sure those ideas are stick around longer to see if they could be the next “big” idea!

Let Your Heart Dance

The week is over half way through. The weekend is just another day away. Look forward to the weekend, even if you have to work, it is still the end to the week.

When I was in high school track I learned one important fact, if you want your legs to move faster, pump your arms faster. Try it some time. I've tried it, I know it works, especially when you are getting fatigued. It is ironic how the arms and feet coincide during those moments, but they do. Sometimes certain things just follow, that brings us to this week's quote...

Today, let your heart dance.
You will find no shortage of dance partners, as your feet join in.
And your eyes.
And your smile.
And every part of your body and your feelings.
Let your heart dance all day long. ~ Unknown

My soon-to-be 20 month old son enjoys moving his body when music/songs are heard. All kids his age dance cute and without rhythm. His innocence is so freeing to watch. Hear some music...let me just move a bit to it. Who cares who's watching, he's going to move.

Use today to 'dance'. When your heart starts to dance you will find others to join in...feet tapping on the floor, eyes attentive, smile broadening, and soul shaking. Let the fluttering begin as you look at the highlights of life. If you don't see them...look for them, then let your heart dance!

Don't end your dance after a song or two, keep your heart dancing all day long. Just like your arms and legs coinciding together when you run, the longer your heart dances, the more partners that will be working together and you soul will be more jovial!

As you let your heart dance, share what it is dancing to...what is causing your spirits to lift.

Letting my heart dance!

E-mail Encouragement - Monotonous Singing

One more week is almost history! The summer seems to be going by way too quickly. However, it is a lot more fun to be moving than to stay still.

This weekend plans to be a fun one for the 7-8 guys that are going to the Blue Cats game. I am looking forward to going and spending the afternoon and evening with a great bunch of guys!

Sharing Jesus sometimes seems so dutiful. I think it is how you look at it as to how you view the concept. Basically, it comes down to sharing a bit of yourself, since you are "clothed with Christ" anyway (Galatians 3:26-27). When you share yourself, you are bringing them one step closer to Christ...think about how you can share Christ with others...through serving, kindness, grace giving, listening, _______, etc. This week's quote inspired the concept of sharing Jesus...

How monotonous the sounds of the forest would be if the music came only from the Top Ten birds. ~ Dan Bennett

I think of this as "how monotonous the sounds of" the gospel would be if it came from only "top ten people". My aim is to get as many people holding on to the net to get that many more fish. To accomplish this, we work together toward the same goal. By all aiming to share Jesus with our circle of influence, we are teammates with God. Going back to the quote, it doesn't matter how well you "sing" as long as you are "singing". So, it doesn't matter how well you share, as long as you are sharing!

Have a great end of the week!

Sharing Jesus...