sing Archives – Sonshine's Journal

December 30, 2013

Watch Night Service and Praising God

Does your church have a “watch night” service planned for the last night of the year? Many churches offer services held on this evening culminating with rejoicing and feasting after a service of singing, praying and testimonials? In growing up that was one of the highlights of Christmas vacation! I always loved going to be a part of the praise and worship and then after midnight someone would hug me and say “Happy Birthday!” That was a marvelous way to begin not only a new year but also to begin my celebration—even though it was always a bit embarrassing at the moment. Watch-night services are not a new idea; Charles Spurgeon held a “watch-night” service on Dec 31, 1855 and “hoped that the Lord would own the service and thus souls might be saved.” What better place to reflect on the end of one year and the beginning of a new year.

Today’s reading in Psalm 148 to 150 guides in what we could include on this “midnight-eve” time of reflection.

For what to praise: Ps 148: Praise God for his revealed attributes see through his creation: “For since the creation of the world his invisible attributes – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, because they are understood through what has been made. So people are without excuse.” [Rom]

With whom and how to praise: Ps 149: Praise Jehovah in the assembly of the godly. “With renewed zeal and fresh delight lift up your song unto Jehovah. Sing unto the LORD a new song. Sing, for it is the fittest method for expressing reverent praise. [C.H. Spurgeon]

Where to praise: Ps 150: Praise God in his sanctuary. Praise him when you view the sky; for his mighty acts, his surpassing greatness. Praise him with song and musical instruments. Let us all with one accord praise the Lord.

If your church has not planned such an event, you could invite others to join you in your own “watch-night” time of reflection and praise the Lord using these three psalms. I wish you all blessings from on high as you reflect and pause to praise the Lord for a new year to serve him.

September 20, 2013

What/Who is on your agenda today?

Do you have memory aids to help you recall things? Some of use that tool to recall different thoughts such as “G-God’s R-riches A-at C-Christ’s E-expense.” We look for these simple acronyms because we are a people who are busy about many things. Already as you are beginning to read, your mind is on two tracks, what you are reading and what you have to do “next.” The psalmist (105) is encouraging us to stop and reflect and to do so gives us several ways to step off the treadmill of life and to bring God into our moment by moment thinking. Step by step the psalmist gives us memory aids in the form of commands that our lives might be focused on Him. There is an easy way to remember this in the busyness of our lives: “T-T-S-S”

T = Thanks! Give thanks to the Lord! Today you will be given many opportunities to thank another. Boast about him and his holy name. May God be on our lips first rather than ourselves Plan to boast and thank God today.
T= Tell! Tell about what he has done in your life. Tell about his miraculous deeds. Recall the miraculous deeds he has performed. Keep a journal of what God has brought about. Think back and record how God has been at work. Plan and then share your testimony to the world.
S= Sing! Sing to him! Make music to him! What hymn or praise song can you share even right now?
S= Seek! Seek the Lord is given three times: those whose heart seek him rejoice, those who seek him will be given strength, those who seek him do it continually. Stop right now and seek His face that He may be first in your agenda for today.

As you look at your daily to do list, stop and do a “T-T-S-S” and see if God is on that agenda.

August 31, 2013

How Do You Worship?

One of the greatest compliments ever paid to Christianity in the first century is that believers’ lives were so changed from the inside out that they turned the world upside down. Is that what the world says about us or do we fade into the background? If ever there were two psalms that should ignite our passion it is Psalm 95 and 96 which mirror Romans 1:20. God’s very creation sings for joy and we should be as well.

As you read these two psalms note the imperative verbs: Come! Shout! Sing! Bow Down and Worship! Proclaim! Tell! Ascribe! Say! Kneel! Announce every day! How can a Christian be silent when we read words such as these? As you enter the sanctuary open your hearts to worship and let the Illuminating Holy Spirit enter and change you from the inside out. Go forth and proclaim to those about that you are a new creature in Christ…and do it TODAY for Psalm 95 implores that.

Who is the Lord Most High? He is majestic in His splendor, note that the psalmist used that word three times in vs. 6,7,8. What does that mean to you? Spend some time pondering that you are entering the Holy of Holies. Dress in holy attire for you come to stand in the presence of the King of Kings.