Day 1 - IN OR OUT OF GOD'S PRESENCE ?

Scripture Reading: Gen 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