by Pastor Dee
After prayer and time in the Word this morning, the Lord put this on my heart. I’m sharing it simply as a new member of the Singing Women of Texas, West Chapter who loves Jesus with all my heart and wants to be faithful to Jesus.
I’m realizing that practice is my “Martha” offering.
I show up, mark my music, blend, breathe, and listen — because I want to make room for others to meet Jesus (Luke 10:38–40). That preparation is hospitality. It is love in the details. It’s my way of saying,
“Lord, You are worthy of my best.” (Psalm 33:3)
But when the service begins, my heart shifts.
It’s time to be “Mary.”
It’s time to lay the work down and sit at His feet (Luke 10:41–42).
One thing is needed: His presence.
This is not performance.
This is worship.
I set my eyes on Jesus (Heb. 12:2).
I quiet my soul — “Be still and know that I am God” (Ps. 46:10).
I remember that “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5).
Jesus is the Light of the world, and when we sing His Word, light breaks in (John 8:12; Ps. 119:130).
Singing together helps me experience the Body of Christ as one body with one voice — many hearts, one prayer (Rom. 15:5–6; Eph. 5:19).
If my faith feels dim, your voice helps me see again.
If someone in the room is weary, our shared song can lift their eyes to the Lord (Matt. 5:14–16).
In His light we see light (Ps. 36:9).
His Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Ps. 119:105).
And I believe the Lord truly is enthroned on the praises of His people (Ps. 22:3). When we adore Him, He gathers our scattered thoughts and brings holy order to our hearts.
This is the rhythm He’s teaching me:
Prepare like Martha.
Worship like Mary.
Then rise and go with His presence into the world He loves (Matt. 28:19–20).
My rehearsal is service.
My worship is encounter.
My sending is mission.
All of it for His glory, all by His grace (Rom. 11:36).
This is what I carry in my heart when I take my place in the choir loft:
I’m here for Jesus.
I offer Him my voice, my breath, my attention, my love.
And then I rest in Him, trusting that He will make of it a song someone needs to hear today (Ps. 40:3).
Short Blessing Prayer
Lord Jesus, tune my heart to Yours.
Let Your Word light my way, and let Your presence be the song I sing.
Use our choir’s offering to draw many to Your feet.
Pour peace and joy over Joanna today.
Amen.