“A Chosen Instrument”

April 16, 2024

April 16, 2024

Read Numbers 36, Psalm 120-121, Acts 9

When I was in the sixth grade I wanted to play a musical instrument. All the cool people played in the band so naturally the dork in myself went straight for the orchestra! In the initial meeting with the strings teacher she suggested I play the violin because of my hand size but I really wanted to play the cello after hearing and seeing it played in a demo. I picked the cello and started my career as an amateur musician.  I stuck with it, decided to major in music education on the cello and then I ended up following a call into ministry as a pastor! Did you ever play any instruments or pick something in school to do or be a part of?

In Acts 9 we have a little different version of a chosen instrument. God chose Saul or Paul to be his chosen instrument for a much more important task. God appeared to Paul on the road to Damascus, on his way to persecute more Christians. God had blinded him and asked another believer named Ananias to go speak to him and restore his sight. A Fearful Ananias objected, but God doubled down. “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name” vv. 15-16.

We might not be called to do and experience the things that the Apostle Paul did, but God has chosen each of us to serve Him in a particular way. It might be in a full-time ministry position or it might be as a faithful volunteer that serves in a ministry at church or for the Lord. What has God chosen you to do for Him? Are you fighting back against a call on your life or are you humbly agreeing with God and serving to the best of your ability.

What else do you see in these chapters? What words, phrases, or themes stand out to you most?
Add your thoughts below.

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Posted by John Weldon

“Music”

April 5, 2024

April 5, 2024

Read Numbers 25, Psalm 98-100

What’s your favorite genre of music? Do you have a favorite singer or band? Do you prefer the older music of your early years or the newer music of today? Maybe you love it all! Music has been around since the early chapters of Genesis. Genesis 4:21 mentions that sons of Jubal were the ones who played string instruments and pipes. The psalms are an expression of the hearts of Israel. They were put to music and sung in their native Hebrew language. Psalm 95 instructs us, “Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him” v. 1. There will always be new songs that come because God is doing new things. God is always working. Whether or not we see it or recognize it is another thing.

There are different types of music. Some are love songs, others are blues or dirges. Some songs are filled with fun and joy from life’s moments. The author of Psalm 95 is apparently filled with Joy when he says, “Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. 8 Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy;” vv. 7-8.

What is something you can “sing” about today? How would you express yourself through music today if you wrote a song? Would it be focused on joy or be more of a lament or a blues song? Maybe you would prefer to express yourself with a poem.

What else do you see in these chapters? What words, phrases, or themes stand out to you?
Add your thoughts below.

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Posted by John Weldon

Favorite Songs on 2009

February 4, 2010

I thought I would reflect on a few of my favorite songs from the past year  And a little about why  I like them.  I like a good variety of music and I get bored with the same stuff.  There is not a Top 10 type list, I just have the songs listed in the order I downloaded them.  

Fee - We Shine

Fee (Rock/Worship) – We Shine – I heard about this group early last year and found out they would be leading worship at Dare 2 Share a conference we attend in March.  I downloaded the CD a month before the conference to pick up the songs better at the conference.  Several of their songs were also used at Centrifuge(camp)  this summer also.   I have enjoyed the CD all year-long.  My 3 favorite songs from the We Shine Album are; “We Shine“, “Happy Day“, and “How Beautiful the Blood“.  I have made a point to learn these songs for worship on Wednesday nights with the students.  

Lacrae - Real Talk

LaCrae (Rap) – Real Talk – Of all the styles of music I think rap is my least favorite, but I still have a good collection of it.  I had been introduced to LaCrae several years back and I must say he is my favorite rap artist because his lyrics are “hard-core” for Jesus and he doesn’t back down, not to mention the music makes you want to dance.  The Real Talk album is an old one, but I wanted to complete my collection of his music and The guys I put up on the church bus every week like rap so I figured it would be a great investment.   My 2 favorite songs from the Real Talk album are; “Crossover” and “Represent“.  

Relient K - Forget and Not Slow Down

Relient K (Punk) – Forget and Not Slow Down – I’ve been a Relient K fan for years.  It’s been interesting to follow their musical progression from year to year.  They are a unique band that, for a lack of better words is just wierd, but I love wierd.  It’s amazing to me how the timing of this album being released and some circumstances in my life took place at the same time.  Several of the songs really ministered to me when I was a bit down and reminded me to keep going and not give up.   Last year was a tough year for so many people and I would recommend giving the CD a listen.  My favorite songs from the Forget and Not Slow Down album are; “Forget and Not Slow Down“, “Therapy“, and “Over It“.  

Chris Tomlin - Hello Love

Chris Tomlin (Worship) – Hello Love – It seems like every CD that Chris Tomlin comes up with are hits.  His lyrics in the music seem to help you express what’s on your heart, like he knows you, scary! Many of the lyrics come from scriptures also.  What a great way to hide the scriptures into your heart than through music.  My favorite song from the Hello Love album is “I will Rise“, it will remind you of the hope we all have Christ that one day we will leave the earth and spend eternity with Jesus in heaven.   

Family Force 5 - Christmas Padgent

Family Force 5 (Rock/Alternative/Electronic) – Christmas Padgent – FF5 has been another group I have enjoyed their wierdness.  They have a unique style all to their own and I must admit while their lyrics are not deep spiritually, they do put on a good show in concert and lift up Christ.  They toured with Toby Mac a for the last 2 years and came on scene.  I was looking for some different Christmas music, because I got tired of all the radio station music that is the same year after year.  They have put their own spin on some Christmas music that keeps you interested.  My favorite songs from The Family Force 5 Christmas Padgent album are “Little Drummer Boy” and “My Favorite Things“.

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Posted by John Weldon