Category: Devotional


For the Joy

Filed Under: Devotional, Life and Living by benwardmusic — 8 Comments
July 17, 2011

Hebrews 12

The Race of Faith

1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

I think we have to have a reward in front of us. Something that makes the battle, the suffering, the pain, the annoying inconvenience worth it. Something that makes us go, “Yes-for THAT!”

When I was missing Olivia like crazy while she was on the Ranch, I could keep looking forward to the amazing day when she came home and we could celebrate the beginning of a new life. When I was in the middle of yet another run on the treadmill because it was so cold and snowy, I could imagine being healthy, fit and not fat anymore. When I’m training for this year’s NYC Marathon (my first:) and I can’t imagine waking up early to run some crazy distance I just think about being able to finish; I think about the kids in Africa that I’m raising money for….the JOY set before me.

Look at the verse–even Jesus, the very Son of God, needed a joy to look forward to so He could endure…

Don’t you? Don’t I?

What’s the JOY that is set before you? Maybe you need to find it so you can get going…

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Makes Our Hearts Sing

Filed Under: Devotional by benwardmusic — 1 Comment
March 3, 2011

“It’s in Apple’s DNA that technology alone is not enough.  That it’s technology married with liberal arts, married with the humanities, that yields us the result that makes our hearts sing.” – Steve Jobs at the iPad 2 event 3-2-11

It struck me that he used the phrase “makes our hearts sing.”  This is such spiritual language.  This is, I believe, the cry of the human heart.  That there would be a song in our heart.  It’s even interesting that so many other bloggers, etc. have picked this up and stated using it.

I love that the Scripture speaks about this:

…speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord… -Ephesians 5:19

He has put a new song in my mouth—
Praise to our God;
Many will see it and fear,
And will trust in the LORD. -Psalm 40:3

The Lord is the one who gives us the song in our heart…the more I seek Him the more melody I get.

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No Agenda

Filed Under: Devotional, Worship by benwardmusic — 4 Comments
November 29, 2010

Recently I was worshipping and felt that all I was doing was “dumping” my stuff on the Lord.  I think He’s okay with that.  He says, “Come to Me all who are weary…Cast your cares upon Me…”  So “dumping” is often a good thing.  But on this occasion I felt He wanted me to worship Him with no agenda.

Just because He’s great.  Just because of who He is.

As a matter of fact, one way He wins my battles is for me to sit before Him and enjoy Him. Psalm 23:5 says, “You prepare a table before me  in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” An amazing picture of enemies and battle all around me but sitting and feasting on God’s presence.

As I minister to Him, He ministers to me and fights for me.

So as You spend time with Him today, come with no agenda.  Save the prayer list for later (it’s important, too!) and just sit before Him.

You’ll be astounded at what gets accomplished.

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Just Ask

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December 22, 2009

So these first few weeks at the Church have been a whirlwind. So much to learn about where we’ve been so we can see clearly where to go. The hard part is that there’s a service that happens every week. It doesn’t wait for me to get “up to speed.”

The Lord reminded me a couple of times today that it all does not depend on me. Sure, I’m the one responsible for all the positions being filled and music beieng chosen, etc., etc. But in the end God has called me to this place at this time and the most effective thing I can do with all these needs is ask Him.

Just ask.

He wants to meet my needs. He wants to meet the needs of His Church – the “thing belonging to the Lord.”

The Church is His. I am His. And all I have to do is call upon His name and He will answer.

Everytime…just ask.

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Oh the Wisdom

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November 10, 2009

It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. 1 Kings 3:10

I want what I ask of God to please Him.  I just want to please Him.

I started reading 1 Samuel a couple of weeks ago and have just kept going because the stories are so good.  I’ve made it to Solomon (1 Kings) now and I know there are some major failings coming up, but the beginning of his reign over Israel is unparalleled.  Such promise.  Such presence of the living God. 

Oh to have a desire for wisdom that pleases God.

Oh that my desires please Him.

Oh that the ultimate yearning in my heart is for Him.  I believe this pleases Him the most.

And now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?”

 

It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you.  I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.” 1 Kings 3:7-14

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Beloved

Filed Under: Devotional by benwardmusic — 1 Comment
November 5, 2009

Olivia and I have been reading through Daniel the last couple of weeks and have been moved by his life and what God did through him and for him.  One thing that struck me was when the angels of the Lord came to him, they called him “greatly beloved” or “highly esteemed (NIV).”

To have Gabriel or Michael say this about you, to you, is mind and spirit blowing.

To hear that this is common knowledge in the heavenlies is beyond anything I could even write.

Daniel 9:23
“At the beginning of your supplications the command went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are greatly beloved; therefore consider the matter, and understand the vision…”
Daniel 10:11
And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.” While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling.
Daniel 10:19
And he said, “O man greatly beloved, fear not! Peace be to you; be strong, yes, be strong!” So when he spoke to me I was strengthened, and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”

This word “beloved” has begun to really impact me.  I was listening to a teaching yesterday and the speaker called the listeners “beloved” several times.  How amazing it is that the Church is Jesus’ beloved (Ephesians 5:25).  His desire and whole heart of love is for the Church.  For the Church of which I am a part.

I am His beloved.

Song of Solomon 2:16
My beloved is mine, and I am his.

You and I are the beloved of God…this is so undeserved, so extravagant, that all we can do is turn to Him and praise Him, fall on our faces and worship Him.

Play, sing, worship like someone who is the beloved of the Creator of the Universe!!

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