One of the features of every church where I have been the Pastor, is the piano. It may have been an upright, or a Baby Grand, but there was always a piano. From time-to-time, over the years I would hear a conversation between my Pianist and my Music Director that would go something like this, “The piano is out of tune. Certain notes are off”. [You will remember from a much earlier Newsletter that an Elementary school teacher labeled me as “Tone Deaf”. So, unless the piano was really, really out of tune, I never noticed.”] You have my permission to laugh!.

The piano could get out of tune for a number of reasons—age, how often it was played, how vigorously it was played, or conditions in the building [heat, cold, or dampness]. No matter the reason, there needed to be an adjustment if the piano was to play the beautiful music it was designed to produce. As a result of the problem, every few months a Piano Tuner, a professional tuner, would come to the church. He would meticulously adjust every note until every key played perfectly.

I believe that every truly born again child of God has a sincere desire to please their Lord. They desire that their life be “in tune” and producing beautiful music for the Lord. By “music” I mean that we want every moment, every day, every action, everything in our lifestyle to honor our Lord. However, sometimes we get “out of tune”. One or more of our daily practices no longer measure up to the wishes of the Lord. Many times it happens and we don’t even realize it. Perhaps we are busy caring for a new baby, or a sick loved one. Sometimes there is stress on the job. It could be friction with a family member. Health issues or financial difficulties are also possible causes.

If we notice that we are “out of tune” in some area of our life, or even if we are not aware of anything specific, it is wise to have a spiritual adjustment from time-to-time.  Take time to get alone with God. A quiet spot, your Bible, and the Holy Spirit are all you need. Allow the Lord to make any needed adjustment in thought, word, or deed. A good place to start is to pray the prayer the Psalmist prayed [139:23, 24] “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting”. David’s prayer in Psalm 51:10 is also relevant: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me”. Remember also the beautiful promise of Jesus, [John 16:13] “When He, the Spirit of Truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth….”.

I have been a follower of Jesus for over 70 years. Yet, I still need for the Lord to continually spiritually “adjust” my life and to keep me in tune with Him. Only then can I produce the harmonious spiritual “music” that pleases my Lord. Are you “in tune” today?

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School is at 9:00 am
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church is at 10:00 am. Also available in the parking lot at 10 on 99.1 FM and on the website after 12:30 pm
3. Prayer and Bible Study is Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. $ 615–latest total for our Annie Armstrong Home Missions Offering. Continue to give until Easter.
5. Saturday, April 5–10-12 am–EASTER EGG HUNT FOR THE CHILDREN
6. March 30—5:00-7:00 pm–Children and Youth meet
   5:00 pm–Adult Prayer Time
   5:30- Adult Church Training
7. Thursday, April 17–6;30 pm–Maundy  Thursday celebration of the Lord’s Supper
8. EASTER SCHEDULE
   6:40 am–Sunrise Service
   7:00 Breakfast for everyone
   8:00 Easter Service— Please invite others to attend

Let’s stay “in tune” with Jesus

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church