Sunday, September 1, 2013

#7 - why do we care what you think?

Ephesians: 5:18-21

18 And don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless actions, but be filled with the Spirit: 19 speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music from your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of the Christ.

“What are you thinking about right now?”  This is a question my husband and I often ask when either of us is deep in thought.  Sadly, most often my thoughts are filled with worries and distractions about myself and therefore what comes out of my mouth often sounds a whole lot like whining and complaining.

In this passage there are several by-products of the Holy Spirit’s influence in our lives.  A few are singing, making music, and giving thanks. That doesn’t mean that we all walk around with guitars strapped around our chests only discussing religious matters.  It means that our hearts and minds are filled with the knowledge that God has given us everything we need, His mercies never cease, and that He is in control.  When we focus on our Father, our attitude changes.  We become filled with joy. We’re thankful. We’re way more likely to encourage and build up others. 

The Bible says  “sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.”  When we love someone, we not only think about them, but we also want to express our love in words and actions.   One of the ways we express our love for God is to sing music for Him.   You can sing to Him anytime, anyplace and anywhere. It doesn’t matter what you sound like, He loves it!

Psalm 96: 1-3 says,

Sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Sing to Yahweh, praise His name,
Declare His glory among the nations,
His wonderful works among all peoples.

“And give thanks always for everything. “ As Christ followers we have a lot to be thankful for.  We need to zoom out of our own self-centered bubbles and take a look at the big picture.  We have been saved from eternal judgment and given an eternal hope in Heaven.  We are clothed, fed and at peace with God.  We are so blessed! That’s worth singing about!

Oh, may it be that Candeo Church is filled with thankful people who love to talk and sing about Jesus!  And that we’d all respond to the question, ” What are you thinking about right now?”, by saying (or singing), “ How awesome my God is!”

Dear Father, Thank You for Your incredible love for us.  Thank You for salvation through Your son, Jesus.  Thank You for providing everything we need.  May our hearts and minds be filled with Your Spirit so that we may “declare Your wonderful works among all peoples.” Amen.