As a pastor and as a musician, one of the things I miss in our new (and temporary) “normal” of worship in COVID-tide is the sound of our musical ensembles. Once, our worship was filled with their musical offerings of praise! One day, it will be again.
In the meantime, our music ensemble directors and members have been hard at work. They have found new and creative ways of rehearsing, and have embraced online platforms to share their gifts. Throughout the season of Lent, we will be sharing some of their musical offerings with you as part of our daily devotionals.
It’s my hope that these musical gifts will nourish your souls as they bring glory to God!
Today’s musical offering features our contemporary ensemble’s rendition of the praise song “Beauty for Ashes.” Ensemble director Becky Graybeal writes:
Just two short weeks ago we heard the words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. Repent and believe in the gospel.” We were encouraged to remember the three parts of that statement: to recognize our mortality, to acknowledge our sins, and to believe the words in scripture that offer us the promise of God’s forgiveness and life that give us hope.
In Isaiah 61:3 (NIV) we read such words reminding us that God desires “to bestow [on them] a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” We take time during Lent to journey with Christ and to draw closer to him as we seek to live according to his example. We pause, giving thanks that our ashes are turned into beauty by God’s grace and mercy, and to seek to follow in his ways. Let our praises rise and our joy overflow for the renewing beauty that God creates.
Access the recording by clicking here:
As you experience this musical gift and God’s transforming grace, may you remember:
Our God is bigger than coronavirus.
Our vision is bigger than coronavirus, too.
We are people blessing people.
We are Wesley Church.
Want to know more?
- Learn about our church and its ministries: https://wesleychurch.com/
- Make a gift to support our mission: https://wesleychurch.com/giving-2/
- View our recent messages: https://wesleychurch.com/sermon-message-on-video/
- View previous devotionals: https://wesleychurch.com/pastor-candys-devotionals-2/
