In both the music and the preaching this morning in our worship, we focused on the Sovereignty and Providence of God. Our Assistant Pastor, who happens to be from Great Britain, preached on the 2nd Chapter of Ruth and presented a great message on this subject. He focused on the fact that with God there are no coincidences, but that God is Sovereign and in total control, with our only responsibility being to trust Him.
I became personally amused at the irony, listening to our British Assistant Pastor speak on this subject as I am currently reading a book about George Washington (George Washington's Sacred Fire) where the Providence of God comes up over and over. With thorough documentation, this book shows that the Father of our Country put a very high emphasis on life in Christ, worship, prayer and the providence of God in the life of believers. Washington was adamant about the men under his command praying, acknowledging God's providence and worshipping on a regular basis. He wanted his men to be involved in both prayer and worship. He insisted on there being Chaplains assigned to every unit of men in the army so they would have direction in prayer and worship. Some have claimed that George Washington was a Deist and not a practicing Christian, but this book completely debunks such a notion.
In his speeches, letters, and writings, it's obvious that Washington was convinced of the Providence of God in the beginning of our nation and in his own life. "The connection between a righteous army and victory meant that worship became part of the arsenal of the army. Washington called on the men to 'religiously' observe a day of 'Fasting, Humiliation, and Prayer'. The Commander-in-Chief declared in his General Orders, 'The General hopes and trusts, that every officer and man, will endeavour so to live, and act, as becomes a Christian Soldier defending the dearest Rights and Liberties of his country.'"
In the Sovereignty and Providence of God, may we in music and worship ministry continue to emphasize prayer and worship in all we do. mjm
