There’s something about announcing a new song release. There’s excitement, joy, anxiety, release, and hope all mixed together.
Here pretty soon, you will be able to go to your favorite streaming service to listen to the full version of ‘Heaven’s Song.’
About the Song
This song comes from my quiet time with the Lord. While spending time in the Word of God, I found myself in Revelation 4-5 and Psalm 113. Both passages of Scripture illustrate for us the importance of having a high view of God. You can not worship Him unless you know who He is. He is Holy, and we are not. There’s no one like Him who deserves the glory, honor, and power.
When you consider the number of believers who worship the Lord on earth and those who worship Him in heaven, also include all the myriads of angels and creatures, the numbers are astronomical. Millions upon millions of worshippers bowing their hearts, lifting up their voices to the Lord, giving Him the glory at the same time.
How great and mighty is our God. There is none who deserves our praises and glory. He is one His throne and is worthy to receive honor, glory, and power.
Lyrics
Words and Music by Glenn Tatum (c.2024 Glenn Tatum Music)
VERSE 1 At the break of day I lift my voice With a song of praise You are my joy And you fill my heart For you alone are worthy Lord
PRE-CHORUS Each word I sing I sing it loud I raise it high This heaven's song
CHORUS This is heaven's song Of never-ending praise Singing loud and strong With billion voices raised Worthy are you Lord Holy is Your name The Lamb that was slain This is heaven's song
VERSE 2 At the end of day When the sun sets low Still I praise you Lord Blessed be your name Who is like you Lord Seated high above On heaven's throne
(PRE-CHORUS)
(CHORUS)
BRIDGE Holy holy holy is the Lord God Almighty, give Him glory
Blessing and honor, glory forever To receive power, Jesus our Savior
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.”
Psalm 91.1 (ESV)
It’s March, and spring is just around the corner. We’ve already experienced temperatures in the 90s where I live, but then in a couple of days, the highs are in the 40s. You never know what you are going to get here in North Texas at this time of year.
Life can be as unpredictable as the changing temperatures during transitional seasons. One day, you may be up, and the next day, you may find yourself down. It could be sunny with calm winds one day, and then it can turn stormy with wind, rain, and hail.
Whether it’s heat, rain, wind, or any other kind of weather, we seek shelter to stay warm, cool, and dry. We need a refuge to turn to.
My wife and I have recently taken up backpacking. One of the trails we plan to hike is the Ouachita Trail. Every 10-12 miles along this trail, there are three-sided shelters. You never know what the weather will be like in those hills. These shelters serve as a refuge from the elements, providing safety from all kinds of weather.
Click here to read Psalm 91 and to listen to the memory verse song.
Psalm 91 is an encouraging reminder of trusting in the Lord. It emphasizes that anyone who dwells in God’s shelter will abide in His shadow, for He is our refuge and fortress. This sentiment echoes what David wrote in Psalm 23, where he speaks of the Lord’s staff as protection against deadly creatures in the valley of the shadow of death.
Jesus tells us in John 8.31 that if we abide in His word, we are His disciples. We will know His truth, and His truth will set us free.
There is something profoundly peaceful about Psalm 91, inviting us to take refuge and shelter in the Lord. It’s not only peaceful but also liberating because when we place our full trust in the Lord, especially in Jesus Christ for salvation, we experience a peace that surpasses all understanding.
If you are in a season of transition and the weather of your life is unstable or turbulent, take time to meditate on Psalm 91. Let it remind you that God is still in control of all things, even the minor details of your life.
Today, instead of writing a long blog article, I am going to provide a vlog link on a modern hymn entitled, “I Set My Hope” (Hymn for a Deconstructing Friend). Here is a summary about the video below.
On this vlog, I talk about the hymn, “I Set My Hope: Hymn for a Deconstructing Friend” and how the Bible can be a source of encouragement for those struggling in their faith. I comment on two Psalms from the Old Testament. Psalm 1 is a song of orientation to God. Meaning, it directs us to the Lord. Psalm 73 is one of several Psalms that can be labeled as Psalms of disorientation. Meaning, describing people who have turned from God and the repercussions in doing so. You can click on the graphic or link below to go directly to the vlog on YouTube.
You can also read below information about the hymn and view the recorded live video of the hymn sung at the 2023 Sing Conference.
Every now and then during my quiet time in the mornings I search for an appropriate song on YouTube that goes along with the Scripture I am reading. This morning while I was glancing through some videos one stood out to me.
What caught my attention was the subtitle. “Hymn for a Deconstructing Friend.” If you are not familiar with the term “deconstructing,” it is a modern way of describing what the Bible calls “apostasy.”
Deconstructing one’s faith is simply that. It is when a person who once identified as a Christian rethinks their faith and jettisons previously held beliefs. Even to the point of no longer identifying as a Christian. Denying Christ. Essentially becoming agnostic or even an atheist. This may even lead to them to deconstruct other areas of their lives. Their moral beliefs, leave and forsake family, friends, and peers.
THE HYMN
The hymn, “I Set My Hope” was written for those who are on the precipice of leaving their faith behind. It is a song of encouragement and hope. To hopefully help them to re-orientate their hearts and minds back to Christ.
The hymn was written by Keith Getty, Matt Papa, and Matt Boswell. The video link for the hymn below is from the 2023 “Sing Conference” in Nashville put on by Keith and Kristyn Getty. It is my hope and prayer, as I am sure those who wrote this hymn, will minister encouragement and hope for those you know today.
I Set My Hope On Jesus (Hymn For A Deconstructing Friend)
Verse 1 When this life of trials tests my faith I set my hope on Jesus When the questions come and doubts remain I set my hope on Jesus For the deepest wounds that time won’t heal There’s a joy that runs still deeper There’s a truth that’s more than all I feel I set my hope on Jesus
Chorus I set my hope on Jesus My rock my only trust Who set His heart upon me first I set my hope on Jesus
Verse 2 Though I falter in this war with sin I set my hope on Jesus When I fail the fight and sink within I set my hope on Jesus Though the shame would drown me in its sea And I dread the waves of justice I will cast my life on Calvary I set my hope on Jesus
Verse 3 Though the world calls me to leave my Lord I set my hope on Jesus Though it offers all its vain rewards I set my hope on Jesus Though this heart of mine is prone to stray Give me grace enough to finish Till I worship on that final day I set my hope on Jesus
The Bible tells us that the two greatest commandments are to love the Lord your God with all your heart and to love your neighbor as yourself. “On these two commandments” Jesus says, “depend all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22.36-40 ESV).
Everything in life hinges on our relationship with the Lord and one another. For if we are loving God with all our being, we are truly worshipping Him in all phases of our lives. When we are loving God, we are loving our neighbors because all our motives would be flowing from God’s love towards one another. We would essentially be taking on the mind of Christ which does “noting from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2.3 ESV).
Somehow the love for God and the love for others gets flipped. The love of self gets in the way of God and others. Engrossed by serving we become distracted about what is truly important. We miss the one thing that is truly necessary.
(You can read below what I talk about in the video or watch it on YouTube.)
Distracted Martha being counseled by Jesus about what really is important.
WE ARE A DISTRACTED CULTURE
According to the Microsoft Corporation, a typical goldfish has a longer attention span than most adults. The report goes on to say that from 2000 to 2015 the average human attention span decreased 25%. Needless to say, we live in a culture today that is increasingly becoming more distracted.
Distractions can be a habit that may be harmful in many ways. This effects our ability to sustain the focus required for creativity, in our responsibilities, for occasions, and for people. By constantly being distracted, we miss out on cultivating relationships, personal development, well-being, and spiritual growth.
A person who lives in the habit of being distracted is often described as impulsive. According to (Everyday Health) they may:
Lack of self-control
Lack of patience or waiting in turn
Frequently interrupts others
Overreacting to frustrations, disappointments, and criticism
Often daydream
Easily bored
Not following through on a task
Struggles with memory and focus
HOW DOES THIS RELATE TO CHRISTIANS SERVING AND WORSHIPPING IN CHURCHES?
This impulsive behavior can have a negative and lasting effect on our worship and service in the church. Some people in the church have a works rather than a grace mentality. Somehow, we have bought into a performance based ministry rather than an effectual mindset. In our minds we measure ourselves and others by what we do. We busy ourselves by what we believe to be the most important thing, rather than what is important to God. Performing or serving in a church ministry does not make you any better of a Christian. It might even distract you from the one thing that is necessary in our relationship with Christ.
PUTTING DISTRACTIONS TO THE TEST Let’s take the bullet points above and filter them through how they may have a negative effect on your relationship with Christ and others in the church.
Lack of self-control: This person has a hard time saying no. They are at every church meeting. They serve on multiple ministry teams or committees. Their volunteer time might challenge some full-time employees.
Lack of patience or waiting their turn: This person gets frustrated waiting on others in the church.
Frequently interrupts others: This person interrupts conversations or meetings because they feel what they have to say is more important.
Overreacting to frustration, disappointment, and criticism: This person lashes out to one of the members of the church because of something they did or did not do.
They often daydream and are easily bored: This person’s attention span is easily distracted. They daydream about what needs to be done instead of being in the moment. They tuned out conversations and important discussions in meetings and during the Sunday sermon.
Struggle with memory and focus, not follow through on task: This person has so much on their mind, and because of the multiple ministry tasks, it is hard for them to focus on just one and finish others. They forget to call on a person, to turn in reports, focus on instructions because their mind is crowded.
The examples above can fit any circumstance such as home life, workplace, and yes, the church. You may know someone like this. I may even be describing you. But instead of pointing fingers and calling out individuals here, let’s turn to the Bible for an example.
IT’S ALL ABOUT MARTHA
“Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village, And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary,” – Luke 10.38-39a ESV
I’m going to chat about Martha. Because I believe there is a little bit of Martha in all of us. Because it’s all about Martha, isn’t it?
Martha, her sister Mary, and her brother Lazarus were a Jewish family who were friends and followers of Jesus. Their devotion to Jesus is unquestionable. Even by Martha’s own confession, we know that she believed that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God (John 11.27). They lived in a small village called Bethany which was a little over a mile east of Jerusalem. Jesus often would rest there when He visited Jerusalem.
Martha was probably in charge of the household affairs and on this occasion invited Jesus into their house. As you can imagine, this must have put a lot of pressure on Martha. We get a sense that Martha was more likely a type-A person and had high expectations not only of herself but also of hosting Jesus as her guest. This is not a bad quality in a person, but it can be a distraction by majoring on minor things. In this case, the details.
THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS
As a host or hostess, you want everything to be perfect for your guests. In your quest to serve you focus on all the details. Everything has to be just right. This expectation is not usually placed on by the guest but is self-imposed. Because you believe it’s a reflection of you and your abilities. Most who feel this way are trying to please themselves rather than others. Therefore, details are important.
You have heard the idiomatic phrase: “The devil is in the details.” According to dictionary.com, this phrase means “even the grandest project depends on the success of the smallest components.” Thus, if you don’t pay enough attention, it could possibly ruin your efforts. Being, the devil in the details may ruin your feasibility.
OVERREACTION AND CRITICISM
A person like Martha tends to put more pressure on themselves. They become frustrated when others are not taking the task as seriously as you do. Distracted people believe that what they are doing is more important than the needs of others. This could describe a narcissistic person. A narcissistic person is one who is self-centered. They have an excessive preoccupation with themselves and their own needs, often at the expense of others. This is a hard observation, but I believe it describes Martha’s character flaw. In her effort to serve others and to be a good host, Martha perverts her gifted ability to be a hostess by allowing herself to be distracted from what is really important in life.
HARMFUL EFFECTS OF BEING DISTRACTED
“And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.’” – Luke 10.39-40
Martha’s reputation and relationships with others are about to be hindered by her own reaction. The Bible passage above describes Martha as being “distracted with much serving.” The word “distracted” here is made up of two words in the Greek language.
peri means “all over” or “around.”
spao means “draw out” or “to draw.”
Putting them both together we get, “perispao,” which means to distract or to be driven about mentally or overly preoccupied about a thing.
Martha was certainly preoccupied not only with wanting things to be just right but also with herself. Even to the point of interrupting Jesus’ teaching, accusing him of not caring, and demanding him to tell Mary to help her.
AWKWARD SITUATION
We are not told how many guests were present, but if you count the disciples, family members, and other followers in the village, there could have been at least 20 or more people attending this gathering. You can imagine how awkward this would have been for the guests to witness this interaction between Martha and Jesus.
The outburst of frustration by a distracted servant led to being reprimanded by the very person whom she wanted to serve and please. Jesus responds to Martha’s frustration by answering her,
“Martha, Martha…” I stop to emphasize that it’s one thing to have your named called out once, but twice indicates that the Lord wants us to pay special attention to what He has to say.
“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things,” – Luke 10.41
The Lord described Martha as being anxious and troubled. Jesus is telling Martha that she is so concerned for her own personal interest that she has become greatly disturbed and is missing out on what is really important.
ONLY ONE THING IS NECESSARY, IT IS A CHOICE
Martha was about to learn a valuable lesson. Martha chose to put this pressure on herself, but Mary chose something better.
“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10.41-42
Ok, is it me, or do Jesus’ words hit close to home? Jesus’ words go to the root of Martha’s problem. Jesus is telling Martha that there are a few things that are necessary, most of which can wait. Out of all those things, your sister Mary has chosen the most important one and it will not be taken from her. We have a choice to make. We can live in the constant flux of frustration and anxiety or choose to be at peace in the presence of the Lord.
WHEN SERVING DISTRACTS US FROM THE GOOD PORTION
Jesus tells Martha that, “Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10.42 ESV
I don’t know if the Lord was intentionally pointing to Psalm 16.5 or not, but it states:
“The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.”
What does this mean? It means that the Lord is my inheritance and my cup. The verse was written by King David. David is saying to the Lord that He is the portion of his inheritance. David is seeing beyond an earthly inheritance to the eternal inheritance he has with God.
In Ephesians we read this:
“In him (Christ) we have obtained an inheritance” which by the Holy Spirit guarantees our inheritance in Christ “until we acquire possession of it” (Ephesians 1.11, 14 ESV).
What is this portion or inheritance? Eternal life.
Do not allow the troubles of your world to distract you from that which is the most important gift in life. Eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
I say your world because our troubles mostly come from within rather than outside our lives. You can alleviate those troubles by laying them down before the Savior’s feet. There you will find peace and your portion that will never be taken away.
HOW DOES ONE CHOOSE THE GOOD PORTION OVER DISTRACTIONS?
Before I close, I want to offer a few ideas on how you can be more like Mary rather than Martha.
Take time to pray: It is no coincidence that the passage following Martha and Mary is on prayer (Luke 11.1-4). During your time of prayer ask the Lord to guard your heart from spiritual distractions.
Be in the Word of God: Psalm 1 tells us that the blessed person is one who takes delight in meditating on God’s Word day and night. Because of this, they flourish and thrive like a tree planted by waters.
Check yourself: Ask yourself tough questions.
Am I too busy for you God?
Am I too busy for others including my family and others.
Reevaluate ministry goals:
Am I doing too much?
What ministry can I hand off to someone us?
Learn to Delegate through Discipleship:
Christians are called to make disciples. Disciple others to do what you do. Work yourself out of a job.
Build Relationships. It has always been reported that 20% of the people in the church do most of the serving. Shake the tree. Build a relationship with someone. Express your need for assistance with a ministry.
These are just but a few things. I could list more. I believe the most important lesson today is choose to be in the moment with Christ. Knowing Christ and the inheritance we have in Him is our greatest joy. As David stated and as Mary chose, Christ is our necessary portion that will never be taken away.
The question for today in the worshipper’s corner is, “Why do we sing to God?”
I think this is a good and reasonable question to ask. Thousand of congregations around the globe sing to God. Why do we practice this form of activity in the church?
The people of God have made it a practice of singing to God long before the birth of the New Testament church. There are nearly 200 songs found in the Bible. The first recorded song that appears is in Exodus 15. That’s not to say that the people did not sing to God before then. It just happens to be the first song recorded.
The song is entitled “The Song of Moses.” This song was written and sung as a response to God for delivering the Israelites from slavery and the pursuit of the Egyptian army.
The song begins…You can read the full song here: Exodus 15
“I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.”
Exodus 15.1b (esv)
The song resumes as Moses describes:
Who God is
What God has done
Why they put their hope in God alone
This outline is still used by songwriters today. So, in response to our question for today, I believe this song can provide some answers for us.
WE SING TO GOD BECAUSE OF WHO HE IS
In the opening verse of his song, Moses testifies that the Lord is “my strength, my song, my salvation, and my God. In other places in Scripture, we read testimonies by other writers that the Lord is their rock, fortress, deliverer, shield, shepherd, stronghold, helper, keeper, etc…
So, we sing not only because of who God is but because God is these things in our lives. This is how we see Him. These descriptions of God give us a high view of God. They remind us of our dependency on God. They remind us of His sovereignty and His will to save His own.
Why do you sing to the Lord? How do you see Him? Who is God to you that would make you sing to Him?
This leads us to the second part of the outline:
WE SING TO GOD FOR WHAT HE HAS DONE
What did the Lord do for Moses and the people of Israel? He delivered them from the hand of the Egyptians. Notice how Moses describes the work of God’s salvation for the Israelites. In context, the people of Israel were pinned between the Red Sea and the Egyptian army. The Lord told Moses to raise his staff and they witnessed how the Lord parted the waters of the sea and the people of Israel were able to cross over on dry ground to the other side. When they all safely arrived then the Lord caused the sea to fall on the army as they were pursuing the Israelites (Exodus 14).
This is how Moses describes what the Lord did in Exodus 15:
He cast Pharaoh’s chariots and host into the sea. (v.4)
Your right hand, O Lord…shatters the enemy. (vs. 5-6)
In the greatness of your majesty, you overthrow your adversaries. (v.7)
You send out your fury; it consumes them like stubble. (v.7b)
You blew with your wind; the sea covered them; they sank like lead in the mighty waters. (v.10)
Then Moses goes into a time of contemplative praise by singing:
“Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders? You stretched out your right hand; the earth swallowed them.”
Exodus 15.11-12 Esv
What had the Lord done in your life that deserves praise? How did He save you from your sin? What did He give you in exchange? How is the Lord working in your life now?
We sing to the Lord, not only for who He is, but what He has done. Remember, we were once “dead in the trespasses and sins” (Eph. 2.1). Yet, “God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us…made us alive together with Christ – by grace you have been saved” (Eph. 2.4-5). If it were not for the Lord, we would all still be dead in our sins. As Paul stated, “carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind” (Eph. 2.3).
We sing to the Lord because He saved us from sin and death. Praise the Lord! Because of this, we sing of the hope we have in Him alone.
WE SING TO GOD BECAUSE WE HAVE PLACE OUR HOPE IN HIM ALONE
Now Moses sings about how the Lord has led them. The terror of Pharaoh’s army is behind them, they have before them the promise of hope. The promised land. Moses writes:
“You have led in your steadfast love the people whom you have redeemed; you have guided them by your strength to your holy abode…You will bring them in and plant them on your own mountain, the place, O Lord, which you have made for your abode, the sanctuary, O Lord, which your hands have established.”
Exodus 15.13,17 esv
Likewise, for those who have trusted in Christ Jesus alone for salvation, the Lord has promised to bring His own to His holy abode in heaven to be with Him for the ages to come. To His holy sanctuary which His very hands have built. Notice what the writers in the New Testament say:
Jesus stated:
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?… I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”
John 14.1-3 esv
In Revelation, John records what he sees by giving us this description:
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth… And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband…no longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads…and they will reign forever and ever.”
Revelation 21-22 esv
What are you putting your hope in? Is your focus on the prize before you, which is heaven? Or is your hope set on this world?
We sing to the Lord because we have the hope of eternal life and heaven. Just as Moses and the people of Israel experienced it, so too for those in the rest of Scripture who wrote songs about the greatness of God’s work of grace in their lives. We also sing about how the Lord brought us out of darkness and into his marvelous light (1 Peter 2.9).
We are chosen by God to be a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, so that we may praise Him for who He is, what He has done, and why we have placed our hope in Him alone (1 Peter 2.9a).
When you go to church or in your private time of worship, think about these things.
It is a sad testament when the people of God do not sing to Him. It says a lot about your relationship with the Lord.
Some have excuses, but none are valid. We are commanded to sing, and if we have breath, we are to praise the Lord! (Psalm 150)
It is my prayer that you will sing with others in the church this coming Sunday. There ought not to be one silent voice in the New Testament church today.
With 114 million active YouTube channels, do we need another one? Probably not. But I started one anyway.
I have been thinking a lot lately about starting a YouTube channel and what I would want this channel to be about. With so many active channels, why would I even consider starting one? It is a daunting challenge, but one I am willing to attempt and commit myself to.
You can read below what I talk about in the video or watch it on YouTube.
So, what do I want this channel to be about or accomplish?
To bring glory to God in the ministry of music.
To encourage the worshipper and worship leader.
To offer wise counsel as it relates to life and ministry.
How do I plan to accomplish this?
To share from my four decades of experience.
To demonstrate the how-to’s in ministry.
To answer questions some may have about music in worship and ministry.
What topics do I plan to discuss?
Some topics may include things related to the worshipper and the worship leader. For instance, for the worship leader:
How do I know I am called to music ministry?
How do I find a church to serve?
How do I build a healthy relationship with my pastor, team, and congregation?
Where can I find music for my congregation to sing?
How do I find, recruit, and train new musicians and vocalists?
How do I teach the congregation new songs?
What should the personal walk of the church musician be like?
The list is endless. I would love to hear from you concerning some of the topics you want me to address. So, please leave comments. I will try to address those topics in future episodes.
LET’S TAKE THIS JOURNEY TOGETHER
You know, I have seen a lot of changes in music ministry. Some of it good, some not so good. But in the end, the goal for all of us is to glorify the Lord in word and deed. I pray that is your heart and goal. Let’s take this journey together.
Please subscribe to this blog and watch it develop and grow. You can also follow me at these sites:
Does the thought of memorizing Scripture overwhelm you? It shouldn’t. Many Christians have a mental block when it comes to memorizing verses from the Bible, yet we can quote the latest statistics from sports, memes, and lyrics to songs. None of those things bring eternal value to our soul. Read what the Apostle Paul has to say about internalizing the Word of God in our hearts as he writes to Timothy.
“and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”
2 Timothy 3.15 (ESV)
What is the Value of Scripture Memory?
The first value that comes to mind is that memorizing Scripture makes us wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus, just as Paul wrote above. Again, Paul writes in Romans 10…
“But what does it say? ‘The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart’ (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”
Romans 10.8-10 (ESV)
Do you see the action Paul writes out? – The Word is near you. Many of us have Bibles, if not, a Bible can easily be found on the internet. – When you practice memorizing Scripture, especially reciting it, it is in your mouth. – When you recite it, it begins to permeate the heart, especially the gospel of Christ Jesus. – When the Holy Spirit awakens your soul, then you are able with hope and confidence to confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, that from your heart you believe that God raised Him from the dead. – When you do this you are saved. Then, Paul summarizes by writing…“for it is with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”
The writer of the book of Hebrews affirms what Paul says about the Word of God when he writes…
“For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
Hebrews 4.12 (ESV)
The second value when memorizing Scripture is that it helps us not to sin against God.
“How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”
Psalm 119,9-11(ESV)
This will be another discussion for another blog post, but the question is…how does a person keep their way pure? The Psalm writer here says the Word of God guards him from sinning. When a person internalizes the Word of God in their heart or lives, it is like storing grain for food in a bin for times of trouble. When you and I memorize Scripture, it is stored away in our heart and when life’s temptations come calling, the Holy Spirit brings to mind the Word of God for guidance. To keep us pure. To keep us from sinning.
The third value in memorizing the Word of God is that it imparts wisdom. When a person memorizes God’s Word, the Lord in return will give them wisdom that will not only guard their paths, but will also shield their integrity and give them discretion.
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints.”
Proverbs 2.6-8 (ESV)
The fourth value of memorizing the Word of God is that it is greater than the provision of bread. As much as we value the sustenance of food, like bread and water, which our mortal bodies need to stay alive, the Word of God is greater because it is not only nourishment for your soul, but it leads to eternal life as I have stated above.
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Matthew 4.4 (ESV)
Food is temporary, but the Word of God is eternal. The Word of God teaches us about our total dependency on God, not only for this life, but the after-life. Many speculate about what happens after a person dies. But, the Word of God does not speculate. It tells us exactly what will happen when a person dies.
“And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgement,”
Hebrews 9.27 (ESV)
“Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.”
Revelation 20.13b-15 (ESV)
That’s pretty intense for an article about memorizing the Word of God. But, if you know what the Word of God is about, and what it says, you would also know that those who confess Jesus as Lord, and believe in their heart that he died and rose again, will be saved from the horror mentioned above. They would escape from what is known as the second death. Notice again what the last part of the passage above stated…
“And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life…”
Meaning this, there is a book of life that is being kept as a record for those who have trusted in Jesus as Lord and Savior. If your name is not found written in this book of life, your destiny will be the second death and the lake of fire. But, if you have confessed with your mouth and believe in your heart that Jesus died and rose again, you will be saved and your name written in the book of life.
This is why the Word of God is greater than bread, because material sustenance will not save you from the eternal judgement that awaits for many because their names are not written in the Lamb’ book of life.
My final testament to the value of memorizing the Word of God, it blesses the one who takes delight in it.
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.”
Psalm 1.1-2 (ESV)
You are truly blessed when you delight yourself and meditate on God’s Word daily. The Hebrew word for “blessed” describes one who is “happy.” They are not bogged down by those who give wicked counsel to sin or to be angry scoffers. I bet you know people like this. Charles Dickens wrote about one. His name was Scrooge. He was a mean old wretched human being. Their counsel is prideful, harmful, full of sin and shame and always tearing down others with their mouths.
Not so for the one who takes delight in God’s Word. As you read further in Psalm 1, you will find that this individual becomes like a tree planted by streams of water. It yields its fruit in its season. When it is suppose to. He does not faint and whatever he does it produces good fruit.
These are just a few thoughts about the value of memorizing Scripture. But, how does one go about memorizing Scripture? It is actually not as difficult and overwhelming as you might think. It is actually a delightful and rewarding experience. Here are a few suggestions below.
How to Memorize Scripture
Context: Read the whole entire passage around the verse. What was said before and after the verse? What is going on? Who is speaking? and Why?
Recite: Recite the verse five times when you first read the verse.
Write it out: I find it helpful to write the verse on a card, in a journal, or type it on your phone or computer.
Repeat: Take one section or verse of the Scripture, especially if there are multiple verses. Recite it a few times. Then the next day, begin adding more to it.
Share it: Once you think you have mastered the verse(s), recite it to a friend or family member to gain confidence.
These are just a few suggestions on how to memorize the Word of God. I am sure there are plenty of other resources you can find to help you with this. There are also smart phone apps. The apps below are just a few of helpful resources to help you memorize God’s Word as you go. The great things about these apps is that they are always with you.
Smart Phone Apps for Scripture Memory:
You Verse Bible
Fighter Verses
the Bible Memory App
Versify App
Scripture Memory Bible
Or, you could go old school and use note cards and sticky notes. I use to keep these in my Bible, post them on the fridge, or even stick them to the bathroom mirror. At the end of the day, do what works for you. Just do it and you will be blessed.
Using Song to Memorize Scripture:
Another useful tool to memorize Scripture is the use of Scripture memory songs. I have been using this resource for decades. For the past 20 years I have been writing my own songs. Each year I come up with a theme or focus on a chapter in the Bible. Then, I put them to music to help me internalize God’s Word. Below is an example for this year. My theme for the year is “Trusting God.” below are the months and verses. As time goes on I will be adding songs to the list. You can click on the blue hyper-link on the Scripture reference to listen and/or download for free.
Have you ever felt distracted during your personal devotion and worship to the Lord? In today’s post I share some helpful ways to identify distractions and how to remove them.
“Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.'”
Matthew 4.10 (ESV)
Distractions are defined by Oxford Languages as “a thing that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else.”
THINGS THAT EASILY DISTRACT ME
I must confess, that I am easily and often distracted. At the moment of writing this article, I am distracted by our guineas here on the farm. They have come up to the window where I am typing and are squawking loudly. It is not the squawking that distracts me, it’s how they entertain me. They are cute, yet so ugly and weird-looking. I get distracted by thoughts like…what was God thinking when He created these creatures?
Other ways I am distracted. I have an eye for gadgets. For most of us, it’s our phones. When I am trying to write and need uninterrupted time, it is crucial that I either set my phone to silence and turn it over, or put it in another room. It’s next to me and I see a notification flash up…I’m sorry, I must confess, I must pick it up. It is as if I will miss the latest sports or news reports if I don’t. I know that sounds weird coming from a guy who is about to turn 60 years old.
As an avid cyclist, I have an eye for bicycles. Road, mountain bikes, and others. When I am driving down the road and see someone on a bike, my attention is drawn to the bike, not the rider. I want to know the type, the brand, the specs, the color, etc. I have to work hard to keep my attention and focus on the road ahead of me.
People distract me. I love community. I love having conversations with people. I love being around people. I am a people lover. When I was in full-time ministry, my office door was always open. Even if I was neck deep in studying or working on a piece of music, and someone came to my door, I was always glad to welcome them in. It was a rarity that I would shut my door or put a sign on it that said, “DO NOT DISTURB!” I think again, like the phone…what am I missing?
These are just a few things that distract me. I have this sensory radar that’s super activated and picks up everything around me. That’s why when I need time with the Lord, I have to go into my closet, not out of humility, but out of necessity. I need uninterrupted time of worship with the Lord.
SPIRITUALLY DISTRACTED
I am also distracted by things spiritually. My flesh is always warring inside me. Always wanting. Never satisfied. I have to tell you, it is a constant battle that wages inside me. My flesh is lustful and prideful. I truly understand what Paul is communicating when he writes:
“But I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!”
ROmans 7.23-25 (ESV)
We are all susceptible to temptation and sin. We all battle with this constantly. So, my attempt in this article is to share ways we can remove distractions that disrupt our devotion to God in personal worship.
THREE AREAS OF DISTRACTIONS WE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
I could provide a long list of things that distract our attention from God, but simply all things could be broken down into three main areas. These are areas that every human struggles with, areas that the devil uses against us, and areas that Jesus was victorious over. Let’s take a look by observing the temptation of Jesus.
After His baptism, the gospel of Matthew tells us that “Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil” (Matthew 4.1). Let’s be clear about something here in this verse…temptation is not sin. Just because someone is tempted, does not mean they are sinning or have fallen into sin.
encyclopedia.com defines temptation in the Biblical sense as a situation in which one experiences a challenge to choose between fidelity and infidelity to one’s obligations toward God. I think that is a great description of temptation. In Matthew 4, the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness so that the devil may challenge Jesus. You and I are challenged every day with temptation. Each temptation challenges our devotion to God.
Here, in Matthew 4, the devil challenges Jesus in three areas that are common to every one of us. They are:
Provision. This challenges our trust in God for daily provisions. This activates our lust for want.
Identity. This challenges our identity and relationship with Christ. This activates our emotions for significance.
Authority. This challenges the sovereign authority of God in our lives. This activates our pride in the natural heart.
If this is something that would be helpful to you today, you can either, read the article below or watch this video to learn more.
TEMPTATION 1: PROVISION (Matthew 4.3-4)
Jesus had already been in the wilderness fasting for 40 days and nights. Most people today are not conditioned to fast beyond 12 hours, nevertheless, 40 days. Notice that Matthew writes that Jesus was “hungry” (v.2). Remember, Jesus was not only fully God, He was also fully human. He experienced all the human pains and suffering we all do, that is why Jesus can so easily relate to us and we to Him. Therefore, the devil tempted Jesus to cause the stone to become loaves of bread. Jesus could have easily caused the stone to become bread. Even John the Baptist testified earlier in Matthew 3 saying,
“God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham.” (Matthew 3.9) ESV
The challenge was not in Jesus’ ability, the challenge was in activating Jesus’ lust of want. Was Jesus hungry? Yes, Matthew confirms that. Did Jesus need to eat? Yes, because later Matthew confirms that the angels came and ministered to Jesus following the completion of the temptations (Matthew 4.11). So, how did Jesus overcome this temptation? By trusting in the Word of God. Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 8.3. The verse Jesus quoted comes from a time in Israel’s history while traveling through the wilderness God humbled them and let them experience hunger, and then fed them with manna so that they would know that man does not live by bread alone, “but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”
While they journeyed their clothing did not wear out and their feet did not swell for 40 years. This is about trusting and keeping God’s commandments and His ability to provide for your needs.
I am reminded of various other passages in the Bible that speak to this theme.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want ( or be in want). He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul…Psalm 23 (ESV)
When we are taught to pray by Jesus we read in Matthew 6.11 “Give us this day our daily bread…”
What about the command about being anxious?
“Therefore, I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
MATTHEW 6.25 (ESV)
I dare to say that we fail in this challenge of provision because we live as if we do not need God. Most in the Western world have plenty and when we can not afford it, we charge it so we can have more. Most do not acknowledge the Lord by giving Him thanks for the food we have. This is an act of worship and devotion to God by giving thanks to Him. To be grateful for what we have.
Thus, what distracts us from being devoted to God in worship? The lust of want in provisions. Our hunger for more distracts us from our dependency on God. Our self-sufficient lifestyle feeds our lust while distracting our devotion to God.
TEMPTATION 2: IDENTITY (Matthew 4.5-7)
The next challenge the devil tempts Jesus with has to do with His identity as the Son of God. The devil takes Jesus to the pinnacle of the temple and tells Him that if you are truly the Son of God, jump off this building, and let’s see if the angels will keep you from falling to your death.
One of the strategies the devil employs is twisting the Word of God out of context. Here the devil quotes Psalm 91.11-12.
“He will command his angels concerning you,’ and ‘On their hands, they will bear you up lest you strike your foot against a stone.”
First of all, did the devil quote the verse correctly? Yes. Was it in context? No.
The context of Psalm 91 is this. It celebrates the Lord’s ability to protect His people. It was never meant to be used as in this case to put God to the test. There may be times when God will protect you according to His will, but this verse does not guarantee the health and welfare of anyone who demands it. The devil was challenging Jesus’ identity by getting Him to demand protection anytime He needed it.
Jesus responded to this challenge also with the Word of God by quoting Deuteronomy 6.16, “Again, it is written, You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.”
Concerning His identity, Jesus did not need to prove who He was and thus did not need to put God’s word to the test by demanding protection from the angels. Jesus remained focused and His devotion to the Father remained undistracted. The Bible tells us to test everything. For instance, we read:
“But test everything; hold fast to what is good” – 1 Thessalonians 5.21
“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” – John 8.31
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,” – 2 Timothy 3.16
Today, we are not without the abundant Word of God. It is on us to test and reproof all things under the examination of the Word of God to make sure it is in the proper context.
Now, going back to the challenge of Jesus’ identity. This is a challenge for us. Jesus knew who He was, the Son of God. Many who call themselves Christians do not know who they are in Christ. Sometimes Christians are distracted by the seeds of doubt that the devil will test them with. He might say, “If you are a Christian, you would or wouldn’t do this.” This can be a great distraction for many believers and if they are not solid in God’s Word and their identity in Christ, they could find themselves shipwrecking their faith. Deconstructing not only the faith they held dear but the truth of God’s Word as well.
Here is what the Bible says about your identity in Christ in Ephesians 1.4-14: “Even as he (God) chose us in him (Christ) before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love, he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will… In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses… In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will… In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” – Ephesians 1.4-14 (ESV)
Most Christians do not realize their glorious position in Christ. Notice again what 1 Peter 2.9 says about you:
“But you are a chosen race, A royal priesthood, A holy nation, A people for his own possession, That you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
How glorious is that? We are not only a part of his creation, we are also His chosen and adopted child in the kingdom of heaven, predestined for great things. In Christ, we not only have redemption through His blood and the forgiveness of sins, but we also have an inheritance in Him. We are His. We are His people because out of the goodness of His kind and merciful will, He chose us, even while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Ok..I could go on about this forever. I think you get the picture. Even though we were dead in the trespasses of our sins, Christ died for us and redeemed us by purchasing us through His blood. You are a child of God. A new creation. Born not by man, but by God.
Does that change your attention? Does that deepen your devotion to the Lord? Listen, when the world, the devil, or whoever begins to cause you to doubt who you are in Christ, just remember the truths above. Remember you are in Christ a redeemed child of God.
TEMPTATION 3: AUTHORITY (Matthew 4.8-10)
The final challenge the devil presents to Jesus take a direct aim at the supremacy and sovereignty of God’s authority and rule.
Again, the devil takes Jesus to a high place. This time on a very high mountain. From there, the devil shows him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. Then, the devil makes this pitch. “All these I will give you if you will fall down and worship me” (Matthew 4.9)
I call this fool’s gold. Because you are a fool if you submit and take the bait that the devil is dangling in front of you. The devil is attempting to get Jesus to sell His soul in a manner of speaking.
What was Jesus’ response? He simply doesn’t waste His time with the devil here. He just says with authority to the devil, “Be gone, Satan!” Then Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 6.13 –
“You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.”
Then we are told that the devil left him and angels came to minister to Jesus.
Christians are distracted by all kinds of winds of doctrine. Some preachers and evangelists are pitching the get rich quick message. Teaching a doctrine that says if you have enough faith, God will give you what you desire. This is a false teaching today that is polluting the universal church. The world has a lot of wealth to offer, but it comes with attachments and distractions that disrupt our devotion to God alone. Most of it false, like fools gold.
I am reminded by what Jesus says of this distraction: “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? – Mark 8.36-37 (ESV)
Now, understand, I am not saying that wealth is sinful. God may want you to be wealthy if He so desires, but only to fulfill His purpose and the greater good. God may also want you to be poor, that too is according to His purpose and will. It is not in being rich or poor that makes you a greater Christian or a lesser Christian in this world. It is in our worship and devotion to Him alone. The only person who matters most to us is God alone. He alone is to be honored and worshiped because He is the one true living God.
The lottery system in our country is a good example of what distracts our attention and devotion to God as Christians. I know of many Christians who buy hundreds of dollars worth of lottery tickets in the hopes that they may purchase a winning ticket and receive the reward of millions of dollars. Do you know that nearly one-third of lottery winners eventually go bankrupt within three to five years (USA Today – 07/19/2023).
Many NFL players face serious financial hardships. After landing tens of million-dollar contracts, it is reported that 16% of retired NFL players go bankrupt. 78% of NFL players face financial hardships after they retire (American Bankruptcy Institute).
I use these as examples to point out that you do not need the world as promised by the devil or anyone else to make you feel like you have significance. As we learned from the previous temptation, you are in Christ. You already have an inheritance. You do not need because the Lord is your shepherd and you shall not be in want of anything. You already have all that you need in this life and life to come with Him in heaven for all eternity.
FOCUSING IN ON OUR DEVOTION TO GOD
Let us recap: This post began to deal with the issue of how to remove distractions from our personal worship and devotion to God. How do we do this?
Trust God for provisions. Do not allow your lust or want to distract your devotion to God in worship.
Remember who you are in Christ. Your cry for significance is born out of emotion and a lack of understanding of who you are in Christ. Once you understand your position and relationship in and to Christ, the distraction of significance goes away.
Submit to the authority and sovereignty of God. Do not allow your pride to be a distraction to your devotion to God. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4.7).
ONE MORE EXAMPLE AND WE ARE DONE
Distractions can be costly. Sometimes, deadly. We have laws concerning texting and driving. In 2023, 3,522 deaths and 362,415 people injuries were due to distracted driving. 410 deaths were caused by the use of cell phones (ValuePenquin Auto Insurance, 09/22/2023). There is no need for this. This can easily be corrected by simply putting down your phone. Turning it off. Put it in your glove box. Simply, do not drive and text. Keep your eyes on the road.
There is a proverb in the Bible that states this:
“Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.”
Proverbs 4.25-27 (ESV)
If you want to know how to keep focused on your devotion to the Lord. Keep your focus on Him and you will not get distracted by anything.
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
Isaiah 43.18-19 (ESV)
Everyone at some time in life needs to take a break, refresh, and restart. I decided to do this after 35 years of full-time vocational ministry, most of it through music. It’s been five years now since I retired from full-time ministry, except that for the past year I have been serving part-time in a local church as their minister of music.
This site, blog, or social media venture is the result of off and on again experimentation. During the past five years I have attempted to write devotional blogs, begin a podcast, and try out other media ventures, only failed to sustain the commitment, energy, and creative upkeep to keep them going.
What makes this attempt different? Purpose. Without purpose there is no impetus for your passion. So then, what is my purpose and passion? My purpose is to glorify God through music. My passion is to glorify God through music by writing Psalm, hymns, and spiritual songs. This is simply what this site is about. To provide the church with music that brings glory to God while at the same time edifying the body of Christ.
It is my prayer then, that this blog will serve as a source of encouragement to those who worship the Lord. Just as Isaiah wrote above…
“…now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
Isaiah 43.19 (ESV)
Therefore, may this blog site become a place for you where the springs burst forth and flow like rivers in the desert wilderness. – Selah!
Glenn Tatum Music 