2 Kings 3:15 "But get me a musician." And then, while the musician was playing, the power of the LORD came on him.

Music is an important part of our life. Yesterday was the day of commemoration for three important musicians in the life of the Church. While we did not commemorate them here at Springs of Grace, I know of several other churches who did. Johann Sebastian Bach, Heinrich Schutz, and George Frederick Handel all contributed greatly to the liturgical aspect of worship through their works, chorals, anthems, musicals, and compositions. Bach contributed the most to the Lutheran worship service, writing over 200 cantatas, including at least two for each Sunday and festival day for the Lutheran Calendar of his time. Most of you know at least one piece from Handel's "Messiah". Their works are continually played, sung, and heard in thousands of churches every week.

Music has always been important, and we know that it has always been an important part of worship. The word "music" appears 23 times in the Bible, the word "musical" 11, "musician" 2, and "musicians" appears 5 times. Now I know that none of us at Springs of Grace claim to be Bach, Schutz, or Handel. Some of us probably don't even claim that we can sing. However, music is an important part of our lives and our worship, whether we think we are musical or not. Next time you are riding around in your car, or are sitting at home listening to the radio, think about how music has influenced your life.

Here are some starter questions for you:

• What kind of music do you like?
• Do you listen to the same types of music that your friends or family does?
• How does God work through music in your life?

Psalm 66:1-2 "Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth; sing the glory of His name, give to him glorious praise."

In our prayers this week: Maggie (home from hospital), Doris (home from hospital), Lee and Fairy, Buddy, Richard Saville (home from hospital)

God's Peace, Pastor Judson