Daily Reading
Daily Thought
Amos has a knack for straightforward simplicity. He is clear and to the point. “Seek good, and not evil” (Amos 5:14), Amos demands of Israel, “Hate evil, and love good” (Amos 5:15). It is a two-pronged approach, with gusto. Good health is not merely the absence of illness, but the presence of wellness. The bad must be expunged and the body must be strengthened. Israel needed a radical remedy.
“Take away from me the noise of your songs;
to the melody of your harps I will not listen.” ~Amos 5:23
Mike Pilavachi, pastor of Soul Survivor Church in London, England, realized his church had lost focus, “We seemed to be going through the motions. Our hearts were far from Him. We needed to take drastic action.” So he fired the band and the band leader, Matt Redman.
When the music fades,
All is stripped away, and I simply come.
Out of this time of silence arose a beautiful song of praise, “The Heart of Worship.”
I’m coming back to the heart of worship
And it’s all about you, all about you Jesus.
~Matt Redman, fired (then rehired) band leader, Soul Survivor Church, London, England
It is not music that praises, but the heart, and a dark heart cannot illuminate God’s glory.
“But let justice roll down like waters,
and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” ~Amos 5:24
Then you can sing.
Daily Prayer
My Lord and My God, if my words mean anything, it will be because they are a reflection of my actions. May my life display your lordship. With gusto.
I know what that looks like, it looks like the cross. Jesus showed me the heart of worship when he said, “Not my will, but yours be done.” It is such a better way to live.
Amen
Daily Question
What is the purpose of singing songs of worship when Christians gather together?