Guest Devotional - Alexis Albright

When we sing to God, we sing songs that lift-up, praise, and edify His name.  We often use the term “worship” to describe this time of singing.  We can also say that we are, through music, honoring God, adoring Him, showing reverence, or glorifying Him.

The words in the songs that we sing at Church at the Bay most often come from Scripture—straight out of God's word, the Bible.  After singing at church on Sunday, I regularly have those songs “stuck” in my head.  I will find myself doing errands or household chores and singing those tunes.  And as I’m singing them, I think about the words and my worship continues!  I love that worship is not confined to our Sunday service or my quiet time… Worship can happen anywhere at any time.  God wants us to worship Him all day long—for who He is and for the works of His hands.

My favorite lyrics of late are, “Our God is greater. Our God is stronger. God, You are higher than any other. Our God is healer, awesome in power. Our God, Our God.”  Aren’t these words so powerful?!  I will pray these words, acknowledging Him and praising Him through prayer.  Whether I am singing or praying, I know I am deepening my relationship with God because I am doing what He created me to do: worship Him!

Psalm 150 says, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.”  

Music helps me connect to God in an intimate way.  What does that for you?  You don’t have to be a good singer, an eloquent prayer, or a detailed observer to be a good worshiper.  If you’re driving with the windows down, you can thank Him and praise Him for the weather. Worship Him for giving you another day of life.  Adore His creations (people, trees, sunshine, etc).   God wants our worship.  He wants to hear from us.  And He wants us to hear from Him!

Guest Devotional - Blaine Albright

As a college student, I had the opportunity to lead worship in a variety of settings.  As a freshman, I led our FCA campus ministry in worship with an acoustic guitar and an overhead projector (campfire style).  On Wednesday evenings, I would lead a generationally diverse crowd at my church, singing some old hymns and choruses.  During the school week, I was involved in multiple choirs and many of our “concerts” were actually leading worship services at liturgical churches, often singing the Latin text.  And my weekends were filled participating in 4 high energy services, much like what we do at Church at the Bay.

If you wanted me to rank all of those leading experiences according to my taste, it would be easy.  And because of my bias, I would often approach the settings differently—preparing myself for “worship” in some cases, and maybe just preparing vocally for others.  Here was the big problem:  God was waiting for me every time.  Often, despite my lack of spiritual preparation, the Holy Spirit would move in people’s hearts and bless them.  When those people would find me and thank me for my ministry, it would hit me like a ton of bricks.

I “knew” that God wasn’t worshipped because of a style.  But I didn’t always live like it.  While God blessed people around me, my eyes were closed to experiencing Him because I wasn’t trying.  I wasn’t thinking.  I wasn’t seeking.  And that is where I hope you and I can relate.  This idea of worship transcending styles is actually a microcosm of the real issue: worship transcends music altogether. 

Romans 12:1 declares our spiritual act of worship to be offering our lives as living sacrifices.  If we take that verse to heart, the compartmentalizing of our faith that so often happens should seem silly.  Our worship cannot be bound to a few minutes during church services or our personal quiet times.  Our lives of worship must color every moment, where we literally live to bring glory to God—in the sanctuary, the boardroom, and the living room.

How often do we “miss God” because we aren’t approaching every moment as a chance to experience His strength or His grace or His leading?  Meditate on Romans 12:1 and think about what your life looks like as “a living sacrifice”.

New Guest Series!

Then I will hold my head high, above my enemies who surround me. At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy, singing and praising the Lord with music. Psalm 27:6

If you were to do a quick “topical” search of the Bible for the words “singing” or “music” you might be amazed at the amount of times they are specifically mentioned as vital elements of worshiping God. Singing praises to God isn’t something that churches do because it’s “tradition.” Rather, it’s a way for us to communicate with God, much like prayer.

Each week at church we get the privilege of worshipping with incredible music led by a talented ensemble of musicians and singers. This group of people doesn’t just get together on Sunday morning and pick a group of random songs for the week. There is so much that goes into the Worship Team including hours of research to figure out which songs will be added to the current song list, lengthy rehearsals during the week for both the band and the singers, an entire team of technical people who run the lights, sound, web cameras, lyrics on the screens, and so much more. It truly takes a team to make the worship experience come alive on the weekends. So, why would these people put so much time and energy into making music for us? That’s what we’re going to find out. What makes these people “tick?” What are they passionate about? What is so important about the connection between music and our relationship with God? 

In the next couple weeks, we’re going to hear from four members of the CATB Worship Arts Team. We hope that it will give you a greater insight into the musical experience at CATB as well as your own relationship with musical worship. In the meantime, find a Christian radio station, turn up the volume and sing your heart out to God!

When will it end? By Connie Smith

These last few weeks it seems as if Satan is definitely out to get the people I know and love. A friend’s brother is in a coma from a car accident, my sister-in-law had a stroke, another friend’s mother had a second stroke, people are getting laid off from work, a friend may lose his home ...where and when will it end?  I am saddened and my heart goes out to my family and friends as they go through these life events.  But there is also a sense of peace that comes over me when I can feel God’s grace being poured out.  I have read chapter 4 of Philippians over and over.  There are many verses that stand out and touch my heart.  Phil 4: 6 – 7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Families and friends are coming together to pray and support one another.  You can feel the strength that God gives those who have faith as people struggle with these life moments.  Philippians 4: 13 “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” 

There is NO greater comfort than knowing that God will take care of us and the people we love.  He will give us the grace to get through all that life throws at us.  

Lord, for everyone who is going through a difficult time in their life right now, please let them feel the power of your grace.  Give them the strength to handle whatever lies ahead of them as they experience these life moments.   We thank you for your mercy and give you all our praise.  In Jesus name we pray,  Amen.