Marie’s Healing Testimony and Strong Tower

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. Proverbs 18:10 ESV

The Saturday before Hurricane Ian came to call, we had a wonderful time praising God at our monthly Sunshine Village meeting. I had just finished an opening praise song when I was unexpectedly interrupted by Marie. It was a song she vividly remembered because more than twenty years back she had received a miraculous healing from Asthma, while singing it in church. I love her statement, “Don’t be shy to give God the glory!” We are not shy about yelling for our football team or against candidate X – Y or Z in an election. Why should we miss out on giving God all the credit He deserves when He gives us an opportunity? Have a blessed day all and pray for us as our outreach grows a little each month as we share the love and hope we have found in Jesus Christ!

Words of Faith

Sing to the Lord a new song, And His praise in the assembly of saints. Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.  Psalm 149:1-2

 

Singing is in fact an act of faith. When we open our mouth to sing we both connect back to our first childlike step of faith and strain forward towards our heavenly goal. We cannot see yet what heaven will be but the accompaniment of heaven’s songs can draw us forward. I am reminded of one dear elderly saint who was found passed out on the floor by her sister. The ambulance was called and Florence was taken to the hospital where after several days she regained her strength and returned home. Florence told us that while she was unconscious she began to hear the angels singing and felt them coming closer. She said that the song grew louder and louder but then suddenly it faded and then she opened her eyes and woke up. Since she had grown up in the Polish church I was interested to know if God would have His angels singing in her childhood language or in English. But Florence said it was in neither language rather in some heavenly tongue which was completely different from anything she knew! 

I have never forgotten Florence’s angels and their heavenly song. As you lead worship whether in your nursing home ministry or church remember that you are giving people an opportunity to put words to their faith.  God has given us songs for an encouragement and a help to our faith. Just as faith without works is dead, faith without words is unborn. What greater catalyst to our confession of faith is there than the words of our worship?

Relationship Matters in Music

How do our relationships within the church affect our worship? Why can’t we worship the same way in the congregation as we do when we are alone? Relationship matters in music ministry is the most important and potentially most life changing of this series. In the last session we reexamined the importance of presentation (performance) because it has been so downgraded in recent years. That being said however; the concept of being in  a living relationship with those to whom we minister still reigns as the single most important aspect of worship ministry in the world. Whether or not you are a worship leader getting a hold of this approach will revolutionize your worship and change your outlook on life!

 

If you have interest in learning more about music ministry in the nursing home you can get the e-format at smashwords or on amazon where you will also find a small softcover edition. Be blessed today as you stretch to grow in your ministry to God’s precious people at nursing homes.

Music Matters in Nursing Home Ministry e-book

 

Music Matters in Nursing Home 2

This second section of our seminar includes helps on how to present your music in the best way possible for the nursing home setting. We have found our youth group to be the most motivated volunteers in our church. Listen in or add your own suggestions. This ministry exists as an encouragement to anyone wishing to volunteer at your local nursing home. Be blessed!