Nehemiah 12:31-47
The leaders of Judah were sent to go to the top of the wall and there were two choirs prepared to give thanks. These two choirs were giving thanks in their assigned locations, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children were also rejoicing with the choir. It was so loud that the people far away from Jerusalem could even hear them. In the following days and years to come, there were directors for music and praise unto the Lord for the purpose of thanksgiving.
This was a natural response of the people to the Lord, giving thanks with great joy through singing and praise. It was not manipulated nor was it forced. People had a valid and beautiful reason to give joy through the choir. Do we do that? I think about an older missionary I used to receive mentoring by when he was still alive. One thing I remember was when we were in the car and it was silent, he would begin to hum a hymn. It was kind of cool to think that all the songs he was thinking about were songs of praise unto the Lord.
This year, we’re about to launch our New Years’ Eve Choir for the joint celebration service and we are excited about it. We remind ourselves that the choir is not to “show off” or to “bring a presentation” but it is about praising God and giving Him great joy through singing and praise. I am praying we could see more of our Canvas family join, not because of their talents but because they want to praise God for the wonderful year that God has provided. Praise God for all His goodness and mercy!
Proverbs 27
Let other people give you praise and compliment you, don’t let it come from your own mouth nor try to get attention for yourself. It says in verse 2, “Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips.”
When you see something that is dangerous or tempting to be dangerous, stop and stay away. Seek refuge. Only the simple-minded will keep going and get hurt from the consequences. It says in verse 12, “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.”
Find friends that sharpen you in the faith. It says in verse 17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Pastors and ministry leaders must know the condition of their flock aways. It says in verse 23 to the shepherds of sheep, “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds.”