Pastor Ng Wah Lok’s worship devotions are written specially for those in the music and worship
ministry. They should be used daily and read prayerfully. They are designed to make
a person think and draw him/her closer to God. Please visit
http://www.tabernaclemusic.net
and click on “Wah Lok’s Worship Devotions” for more of these
devotional thoughts. Below is a sample.
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In or out of God’s presence?
By Ng Wah Lok
Scripture Reading: Genesis 4:16-21
Gen 4:16-21. 16Then Cain went out from the presence of the LORD and dwelt in the land of Nod on the east
of Eden. 17And Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch. And he built a city,
and called the name of the city after the name of his son – Enoch. 18To Enoch was born
Irad; and Irad begot Mehujael, and Mehujael begot Methushael, and Methushael begot Lamech.
19Then Lamech took for himself two wives: the name of one was Adah, and the name of the second
was Zillah. 20And Adah bore Jabal. He was the father of those who dwell in tents and have
livestock. 21His brother’s name was Jubal. He was the father of all those who play the harp
and flute.
Discussion
Cain committed murder. As a result of this sin, he was driven out of God’s presence.
Interestingly, the first mention of music in the Bible comes from the descendants of Cain.
Jubal in Gen 4:21 is said to be the father of all those who play the harp and flute.
We do not need God’s presence to develop good music. No wonder there are so many excellent
secular musicians.
But think again. If you are in the worship ministry, what would happen if
you kept focussing on good music instead of God’s presence? You could be developing good
music outside of God’s presence. So all you have will be good music and not God’s presence.
Unfortunately, this trend has crept into the church. People are running to churches with
the best music regardless whether the presence of God is there.
Examine your life again. Have you been praying and asking God to anoint you as you play your
instruments or write your songs? Music developed in God’s presence will touch and change
lives. Music developed outside God’s presence is only good for entertainment.
Prayer
Father, I dedicate my life and music afresh to You. Help me to spend time in Your
presence and develop music from within Your presence. I pray for Your fresh anointing on my
life and music.
Copyright © Ng Wah Lok 2002.
Reproduced with the kind permission of the author.
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All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof,
for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete,
thoroughly equipped for every good work.
