Hearts And Banjos

Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You? - Psalm 85:6

While working my way through graduate school, I taught five-string banjo in a music store. The job provided me with the opportunity to buy a brand-new, professional-quality instrument for nearly half-price.

That was over 30 years ago, and that banjo has accompanied me in ministry efforts around the world. But despite its excellent craftsmanship, eventually it needed to be refurbished. A master repairman pointed out how imperfections had worn into the banjo. He was confident that his repairs would result in the instrument sounding better than new.

I wasn't disappointed. The action on the strings and the clarity of the sound are astonishingly superior to its original condition when I purchased the instrument.

In a way, our lives are like musical instruments intended for "the praise of the glory of [God's] grace" (Eph. 1:6). But over time, life wears us down. Our hearts cry out for renewal. The psalmist prayed: "Will You not revive us again?" (Ps. 85:6). The Hebrew word for revive means not only "to restore and refresh" but also "to repair."

It's vital that we submit our sould to the Master's restorative touch. Why not set aside some time for spiritual retreat, and ask the Lord to repair your heart? - Dennis Fisher

Revive us again -

Fill each heart with Thy love;

May each soul be rekindled

With fire from above. - Mackay

Time in Christ's service requires time out for renewal.

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Recently, I had improve my piano skill... I can play it better than last time... but, I lose something...

I used to be knowing nothing at all about piano, but now I can play some songs and not bad heard... at least people can enjoy the melody... however, I lost the 'first touch'...

Before this, I play piano is just for fun... simply playing it when I was bored... but now I learn some skills and I can play with both hands and queit smooth when I play... the problem is, I am playing praise songs... I prayed for playing better in order to worship Him... but I realize I am now focus on the skills but not the 'feeling'...

No use to play the praise song full with perect skills but no 'feel' at all... I just don't want playing a song without 'feelings'... Same goes to my spiritual life...

I can read Bible, have my 'daily bread' everyday... going to church every sunday and also for youth cell gathering... but, if I am just being there due to commands... I don't think that is what Father Lord wants...

I hope I can get a feeling that I must be there... I can't miss any of them.... and etc... but I felt nothing... how to get the feeling?... anyone can answer me?...

I had get to know Jesus Christ, getting closer to Him, accepted Him, admited Him... but, why am I still feeling something is missing...