Some people don’t understand that there is a difference between performance and worship. The former appeals to man, the latter to God. I just read an article entitled,”The Best Choir in America”. It said, “Along with the title, the winning choir also snagged $30,000 in cash and prizes, adding to the three other awards it had picked up as it made its way through the ‘How Sweet the Sound’ competition, sponsored by Verizon Wireless”.

I wonder who would have won had God been the Judge? What does it take to truly be the best choir? By “best” I mean the most pleasing in God’s sight, not as judged by man. What God deems best and what man considers best are two different things. So what does it take for a choir to be considered best by God?

First of all, the choir would have to sing purely for the glory of God, not to please man. Motive matters to God. The only thing acceptable to Him is that which is done for His glory. Regardless of how talented a choir might be it doesn’t impress God unless it brings Him glory. The purpose of a choir is to worship God, not to please self or others. When you think of worship you should think of an audience of One. God is both the object and the audience of worship.

Second, the choir would have to do its best. God is never pleased with anything less. You don’t have to be better than someone else to please God, but you do have to give Him your best. Think about it. Are you giving God your your best when you’ve got a $500 suit at home (that you wear to weddings and funerals) and you wear a “Bass Pro Shop” tee shirt in the choir? Are you giving God your best when you yell like a commanche at ball games and then mumble through the words of a song, with a frown on your face, durning church? Are you giving God your best when you forget the words to a song and miss the notes all because you didn’t practice? The “best choir” would always do its best to be at its best for the glory of God. They might not win any awards here on earth, but they would gain God’s approval, and that’s what is important.

Thirdly, the choir members would be willing to do what is best for the choir to be at its best. Everyone can’t sing lead! You might be able to sing a certain part far better than someone else, but the choir might be best served by you singing a different part. If everyone sang the bass notes it would be a mess! Choir members who aren’t willing to do what is best for the choir ought to resign. If you do what you do just because you enjoy it or to get attention you are selfish–that’s the wrong motivation. You should have the best interest of the choir at heart.

Summed up–the best choir would be made up of members who are willing to do their best and to do what is best for the choir for the sole purpose of glorifying God. It might never win a competition, but it will please God and that’s all that matters. God deserves our best and demands out best. Give Him your best and you will be at your best. Think about it!

I just read the story regarding Kimberly Munley. Who? Most people don’t have a clue! But the folks at Fort Hood will never forget her. Kimberly is a “slightly built 34-year old civilian officer”, who was the first on the scene after Nidal Malik Hasan killed 13 and wounded 31 others. Kimberly “succeeded in bringing him down by shooting him four times, even after being hit by a bullet that passed through both her legs”!

The story of that gutsy woman, who prevented many more deaths, is amazing–God give us all such courage, but the most amazing part of the story involves “our president”. He actully urged Americans against “jumping to conclusions” about the killer’s motives. Say what? You’ve got to be kidding! Considering all we know about this nut-case, his motives are clear. The FBI had been warned about this man six months earlier, surely the president has that information. Given Hasan’s history and the earlier comments he made, we don’t have to wonder why he did what he did, yet “our president” warns us about “jumping to conclusions”. I find that amazing. Instead of recognizing this for what it is President Obama wants us to ignore the obvious–the killer is a hate-filled Muslim. I wonder why he would do that? Well. I think the answer is obvious, defending Muslims isn’t anything new for the President.(I wonder if the president’s new “Hate-crimes” law will be used against him–I bet you know the answer.) To see Hasan’s actions for what it is, and saying so, isn’t “jumping to conclusions”, it’s as clear as anything could be. It’s called facing the facts–something a lot of folks don’t want to do.

I don’t know about you, but I’m sick and tired of listening to people who try to excuse the sinful actions of wicked, hate-filled people who blame America for everything under the sun. We don’t need any warnings about “jumping to conclusions”, we just need leaders with the guts to call it what it is. We need to face the facts! Think about it.

We all need reminders.  Right?  Most of us tend to forget and/or neglect things that are crucial.  Sometimes a simple, or even a silly, word can be used to remind us of important things.

I love to write and I’m never without a pen.  Sometimes I think I can’t think without a pen and paper.  I probably jot down more notes than anyone you’ve ever seen.  Even after all these years, I still write out all my sermon notes in long hand.  I just can’t seem to break the habit.

The other day I was thinking about the importance of starting the day out right, so that we might walk with God.  In a few minutes I came up with an acrostic based on the word W A L K.  It serves to remind me of what I should do when I get out of bed in the morning.  Hopefully it will be of a benefit to you as well.

Worship – This is the way we should start every day, and every prayer.  We can’t expect anything to go right unless we put God first.  To walk with the Lord we must give God the first part of every day, the first day of the week, the first tenth of every dollar, and the first place in every decision.

The “Lord’s Prayer” begins with these words – “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name” (Matthew 6:19).  Our prayer and our life is out of order unless God is first.

Ask – Since we are to “Pray without ceasing” (I Thess.5:17) we should wake up praying.  We should go to sleep praying and get up praying.  We should start the day with praise and then move on to petition.  You never know what a day might hold – you better be prepared.  We aren’t ready to meet the demands of the day until we pause to pray.  Ask God for help!

Listen – It’s one thing for you to speak to God, it’s another thing for Him to speak to you.  I’m not talking about some eerie, unearthly voice, or a burning bush experience.  God speaks to us through His word and we aren’t prepared for the day until we’ve heard from our Lord.  Absolutely nothing can take the place of reading and studying the Bible.  We should have the attitude of Job, who said, “—I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.”  (Job 23:12).

Keep – The Bible uses the word “Keep” many times and in many ways.  Each new day brings us duties we are to perform.  It’s not enough to just hear from God, ask for help, and worship God.  We are to be “doers of the word.”  The word “keep” reminds us of our duties for the day, our responsibilities.

We should keep the commandments of God, the commission from the Lord, the chores we’ve been given, the commitments we’ve made, the connection with our loved ones, the convictions we’ve embraced, the confidence that comes from trusting God.

WALK in this manner and you will have a good day.  Think about it!