September 18, 2021 – 1 Kings 2:12–3:28                

“When David’s time to die approached, he charged his son Solomon, saying, “I’m about to go the way of all the earth, but you—be strong; show what you’re made of! Do what God tells you. Walk in the paths he shows you: Follow the life-map absolutely, keep an eye out for the signposts, his course for life set out in the revelation to Moses; then you’ll get on well in whatever you do and wherever you go. Then God will confirm what he promised me when he said, ‘If your sons watch their step, staying true to me heart and soul, you’ll always have a successor on Israel’s throne.’” 1 Kings 2:1-4 (The Message)

Words from Max Lucado: “There is a window in your heart through which you can see God. Once upon a time that window was clear. Your view of God was crisp. You could see God as vividly as you could see a gentle valley or hillside. Then, suddenly, the window cracked. A pebble broke the window. A pebble of pain. And suddenly God was not so easy to see. The view that had been so crisp had changed. You were puzzled. God wouldn’t allow something like this to happen, would he? When you can’t see him, trust him…Jesus is closer than you’ve ever dreamed.”

As David gives advice to his son Solomon, we hear the words that many a father has said to his son: “Stay on the straight and narrow path, listen to what G-d is telling you, and most of the time things will be good for your journey”. Getting on well in whatever you do and wherever you go does not mean that there will not be the occasional trip, stumble, or even crash. David is not telling Solomon that life is guaranteed to be rosy and full of sunshine – none of us are promised that.

What we are promised is a relationship with G-d through Jesus that cannot be taken from us. This is exactly what Max Lucado was saying. We might turn our backs on G-d once in a while – but Jesus is always there to welcome us home.

Let Us Pray,

Lord Jesus, you did not promise me a rose garden, but you did promise me that you would be with your followers forever (Matthew 28:20). Help me live into that promise every day and continue to do your will. Amen.

Pastor Dave

September 17, 2021 – Psalm 147:1–150:6    

Praise the Lord!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
    praise him in his mighty firmament!
² Praise him for his mighty deeds;
    praise him according to his surpassing greatness!

³ Praise him with trumpet sound;
    praise him with lute and harp!
⁴ Praise him with tambourine and dance;
    praise him with strings and pipe!
⁵ Praise him with clanging cymbals;
    praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
⁶ Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord!” Psalm 150

For those of us who are instrumentalists, Psalm 150 reinforces the idea that the praises of G-d’s people are meant to be sung to the accompaniment of musical instruments. Our liturgical tradition continues this practice. We try to encourage as many instrumentalists as possible to participate in the liturgical life of the church. In fact we now have a brass ensemble participating in the life and the liturgy of our congregation. Yes we hire professional musicians to be leaders of worship and developers of musical gifts and talents, but the more people who are willing to offer their musical gifts, the better the praises we lift up to G-d (at least that is what this pastor thinks).

We are reminded of the dance by Miriam with tambourines once the Israelites had passed through the Red Sea – worship accompanied with instruments of various kinds has a long tradition in our worship life. As Psalm 100 reminds us: Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

Let Us Pray,

Lord Jesus, you implore us to make a joyful noise to you. Help us to sing your praises daily, and to dance to the music of instrumentalists as often as we can. Amen.

Pastor Dave