“ I will sing and make music with all my soul. Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;I will sing of you among the peoples…” – Psalm 108:1-3.
If you would produce a documentary on Northstar, it would include some ups and some downs, but mostly it would be a story of how God was incredibly faithful to a group of people who had no idea what they were doing, except that they were committed to the gospel of Jesus Christ and to serving His church. God is still at work in our church as Jesus told us in John 5:17: “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.”
Every Sunday morning is game day for us. Opening the scriptures and teaching God’s word in a way that will impact those who attend Northstar is by far the most important responsibility I have. So, I’m little nervous (more or less) every Sunday, anxious to do a good job of it, and concerned that God’s voice be heard in the hearts of everyone He brings that day. Fortunately for me, we have a team of people that are working behind the scenes to make each Sunday an exciting worship experience. One of those groups is the Worship Arts team that loves writing songs, loves playing music while always keeping in mind the bigger picture – serving God through the medium of music.
I have a hard time overstating how much I appreciate the enormous effort and the talent that goes into the music at Northstar. We have an incredible team of musicians and singers who serve selflessly week after week, year after year. They are an incredible blessing to me and to this church. I want to thank everyone on our Worship Arts team for all you do in pointing people to Jesus.
I don’t know about you, but the Lord moves me through music. I am always amazed at how God can move when we humbly gather to sing praise to His name.
Music has the ability to engage our hearts and soul. It is an amazing tool for communication. And I’ve seen it through experience too – music has such a powerful way of carrying truth, hope or encouragements into someone’s life. And each song can be a powerful message if we are open to hear it.
One of my favorite songs is Oceans, Where Feet May Fail by Hillsong United. It’s an incredible song. The whole idea of the song is about stepping out in faith and and trusting and depending on God more than ever. The song is based on the story of Peter being called out on the water by Jesus in Matthew 14. It contains a powerful message for each of us.
One Thing Remains by the Jesus Culture is a song that represents the current times we’re in. We are living in a world that isn’t stable. A lot of people are hurting – physically, financially, spiritually, etc. Yet, this song tells us that no matter what else happens in this life, there is one thing that remains, the love of a Holy God. Another powerful message presented in a wonderful worship song.
Our God by Chris Tomlin reminds us that ‘if our God is for us,’ who can be against us. It’s amazing to see what happens, when people rise up in that statement. If you really believe in God, you know that everything is possible. No matter what you’re going through, no matter what you’re facing, no matter what is coming against you, Romans 8:31 tells us that “If God is for us, who can be against us?” There is no more comforting idea then that God is for me today.
Music is an opportunity for us to add something to the worship experience. We are all here to offer up something to God, even if it is a joyful noise. Colossians 3:16 is a fairly straightforward directive: “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”
Music can paint a picture of God in ways the spoken word cannot. I encourage you to listen to the music, hear the lyrics, ask God to teach you something through a particular song. Look for it and use it as another means of receiving God’s word.