Daily Devotions: Folk Music Faith

Romans 15: 5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus

Yesterday, we held an Appalachian/folk music service at the church. Because the songs were so well known to the congregation, the singing was absolutely amazing. Our praise band became a bluegrass band for the day, complete with a mandolin and banjo. The whole worship experience was so uplifting that many people want us to do it again. Perhaps we may follow up on that request once per quarter.

I think the whole Scots-Irish and mountain music connections unified the entire congregation in a novel and encouraging way. It also allowed me to begin casting a vision for the whole church to be thinking about how we express our faith and extend our influence in the surrounding community. If we can connect with one another joyfully through worship, then we can present a united witness to our neighborhood. I hope that yesterday was rebirth of who we are and a recommitment to the Christ we serve.

When Paul is signing off his letter to the Romans, he wants to leave them with an uplifting prayer. He knows that the Christian Church in Rome is most vulnerable to persecution by the Emperor. So Paul bids farewell to them with a blessing of endurance and encouragement. He wants them to know how important they are to him; he wants them also to feel blessed and supported by God.

With a spirit of unity, any Christian church can endure and find encouragement in their faith. Those who follow Jesus are given the task of presenting His message to the community. Whether it’s through music or ministry, worship or witness, or service and support, the effectiveness of the Gospel being positively received in a community is in direct proportion to the unity of any Christian church in that area. Without a unified vision, the people scatter and perish. With a unified commitment to Christ, a church becomes more than just another social club in the community; it becomes a relevant part of God’s Kingdom.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we pray for the gift of unity to be given to our congregations. We ask that You allow Your Spirit to strengthen us in commitment, to encourage us in worship, and to unite us in serving Your Kingdom in our communities. Grant us the blessings of endurance and encouragement so that we may attract others to follow You. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an mail to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Transforming Worship Ideas

Daily Devotions: Godspell Goodies

Erin Presbyterian Church at Bearden Knoxville is putting on the musical "Godspell" this weekend.

Psalm 5:11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

I went to our Youth Players opening night of Godspell last evening and I was amazed at the energy, joy, and enthusiasm of all of the young people involved. Godspell has some great songs and is a perfect vehicle to relate the scriptures to a modern audience, but the way our kids have updated the material is fantastic.

Creative Expressions and theater ministry have become important hallmarks of our church and more families are becoming involved in the life, work, and ministry of our congregation. As I watched the young people on stage, as well as those working the sound system and the spotlights, I was just blown away by their creativity and commitment to one another. Sometimes I worry about the future of the church and our faith; and then when I see these youngsters perform, all my anxieties melt away.

I think I understand what the psalmist meant when he wrote that those who take refuge in God will ever sing for joy. At last night’s Godspell performance, I experienced that same joyful feeling.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for our young people and for the new ways, works, and words that they will express and use to carry faith to the world. They are a wonderful blessing to our churches and we pray that You will continue to inspire and excite them through the creative presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

4 Minute Devotions: Celestial Song

Last night, I watched a movie that dealt with separation issues in a beautiful way – through the gift of music. It was called “August Rush.”

Podcast version here

Genesis 1:4 God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness.

I watched a great movie last night and it has become one of my top ten. I had been meaning to watch it for a while because my daughters told me it was terrific. I’ve also used some clips from the movie in the Sunday School class that I teach each week. So, at 11.15 PM last night, I began to watch “August Rush.”

It’s really an updated version of Oliver Twist (“Oliver!” is also in my top ten). The plot is about a young boy called Evan, who grows up in an orphanage, who has some amazing hearing and musical skills. As he listens to the world around him, he can hear all sorts of music and rhythms. He also believes that his parents, who unknowingly abandoned him, can hear that music too. Evan thinks that if he can write and play the music he hears in his head and heart, he will be reunited with his parents.

The music in the movie is beautiful and most of it is set in New York. Evan’s adventure is as delightful as Oliver Twist’s in London Town. The whole story is a musical journey and the characters, who lead separate lives, are wonderfully drawn together. The crescendo of the movie builds until it reaches both a musical and dramatical climax that had me in tears. It’s a great family movie, and I would recommend it to anyone. The separation issues in “August Rush” are beautifully overcome.

When God separated the light from the darkness in the creation of the universe, I wonder if He did it musically, as well as dramatically. I wonder if all the angels, who watched the universe being born, sang gloriously as God spun the galaxies, stars, and planets together. I would love to have been there, watching God as a Master Craftsman building the physical structure of the cosmos. And as He wove our planet into being, I wonder if God was whistling, humming, or singing.

Today, as I look at the world around me, I’m going to try to listen as well. I want to be keyed into the voice of God and hear what He is saying through all the interaction of life that is buzzing around me. I want to feel that I am ready to hear what He says and no longer be separated from His universal song. I want to listen to God singing; I want to join in the cosmic chorus.

Prayer: Lord God, life is truly amazing and this planet is a wonderful world. Help us to listen to Your voice and realize that there is music in all that You do and accomplish. Allow us to accompany You in the celestial song of Creation. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.