By Janice Busboom
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Scripture
Zachariah 9:9 (ESV)- Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Devotional Thoughts I married into a family of great musical ability. My mother-in-law took voice lessons from an early age. Her love of music inspired her daughter to sing, play piano and the organ for many years. And her son, my husband, has played the guitar and some piano, but is best known for his deep, clear, bold voice. Myself, on the other hand was born with very little musical ability, taking up the clarinet in 5th grade, which was a failure after one year.
When it comes to singing though, I found it doesn't matter if you are in tune or off-key, singing has the ability to raise your spirit to a place that meets with God as you enter a holy place of worship to a most Holy God. Not only did Zachariah prophetically speak of Jesus' arrival into Jerusalem on what is known today as Palm Sunday, but he understood the importance of lifting our voices to God.
And worship is so much more than our voices.....
And worship is so much more than our voices; just as the crowd cut branches from the trees and spread their own cloaks on the road, we can physically worship God with our bodies and belongings. (Matt. 21:8) As we enter into Advent season, we have the opportunity to give praise to the One who gave everything for us, absolutely everything, so that we may have an abundant life! So let's lift our voices, express our actions, and give of our belongings to PRAISE the KING!
Question to Consider In this season of Advent, how might I worship more fully? Can I sing louder, can I reach my arms to God, can I give more of what I have?
Prayer Lord, I thank and praise you for giving everything to me. You are a righteous God and it is through you I receive salvation! Help me to enter into your presence more fully through worshipping you. If I need to sing louder, or be more expressive physically, or give of what I have more freely, help me to do so in abundance and generosity. In Jesus' name, Amen!
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