Music ministry

Amazing Grace – Don’t Wait for God to Harpoon You!

/ pastorpete51 / 5 Comments

There are various stories about the early life of John Newton. While some of the details remain sketchy, the truth behind the details led him to write words that still resonate in hearts today. It is said that when John was a young man, he fell overboard and was brought back onto the ship only after being harpooned and dragged up on deck. I am not sure whether the harpoon was all they had to throw or how he was wounded, but the scar left behind was something he carried all his life. But we don’t have to wait for God to harpoon us to come back to Him. In fact, Jesus simply invites us to come. Our problem is sometimes we are so busy thrashing about in the waves that we can’t hear His voice. For some of us that may mean God has to allow us to be wounded to get our attention and to bring us safely into the ship. Here is His invitation – 

Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 NIV

If you would like to learn more about using nursing home ministry in nursing home ministry, I wrote a small book several years ago titled, “Music Matters in Nursing Home Ministry” which focuses on that subject. It is available both in regular print as well as e-book. There are also a few videos from a series of talks that I gave to our ministry team on my YouTube channel that are devoted to music ministry for those wanting an in-depth examination of the subject. Thanks for listening and reading. Have a blessed weekend!

Far Beyond and Infinitely More

/ pastorpete51 / 8 Comments

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:30 NLT

This morning I just wanted to express my overflowing gratitude for God and for you who have prayed for our nursing home outreach. Since reopening the three homes I visited pre-Covid only 2 of them have returned to somewhat normal attendance. One facility which is nice but understaffed has been so unresponsive that though I was earnestly praying for people to come I was ready to give up our meetings. Then two weeks ago God began His answer by having a sympathetic staff person get involved who brought in 8-10 people. At the time I posted here about my excitement at God’s answer but I was totally unprepared for yesterday’s amazing experience.

It began an hour before I was scheduled to come when one of the residents called my cellphone. This would normally have been my week to sing for the memory care unit but Lucy let me know they had me on the calendar for a different room. A bit confused I prepared some extra devotional newsletters to give out and loaded my things in the car.

On entering Watermark Assisted Living the lady at the desk directed me towards a meeting room on the first floor I had never seen before. In a bit of confusion I carried my guitar and music stand around a few corners till finally I walked into a room jammed with more than twenty residents and family members from every ward including my special memory care friends! So today I simply am posting to give God glory and say thank you to every one of you who have prayed, commented and encouraged me along the way. No matter how long I have been following Jesus, He never seems to run out of new ways to amaze me by his far beyond – overwhelming – and infinitely more way of answering prayer!

Music for Memory Care

/ pastorpete51 / 1 Comment

Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! Luke 12:24

In spite of my having memorized this verse; I confess I have been worrying. It’s as if that scripture has lived on the shelf for so long that it has passed its expiration date. Or maybe I worry because we have now passed the fifth week of complete shutdown from being able to sing for my friends in the nursing homes where I visited each week. I know that the staff is doing their best to care for them but I am especially concerned for those in memory care. I think about how they not only have not had a chance for my music but they also have lost contact with family, friends and not even a priest or pastor is allowed in to hold their hands if they pass away.

But in my quiet moments of private worship God reminds me that He would never leave them alone. There is no virus, no shutdown, no sickness or even death that can separate any of us from His love! He has promised to be with us and God’s promises are never go out of date!

If you know someone who is shut in during this time please consider sharing my simple videos. This one includes; Jesus Loves Me; Trust and Obey and Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus. Most of my people not only know these but they love to sing along! I have included captions so they can follow easily. God bless and have a blessed week-end everybody!