March 2021

Music To God’s Ears  

by David Wagner

Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship.  – Romans 12:1 AMP

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As someone who ministers in hundreds of services every year, I have become very appreciative of the sound and tech teams who serve tirelessly behind the scenes in the local church. I am well aware that when things are working perfectly with the sound and presentations in a service, the tech team doesn’t get any of the credit but when things aren’t working well they are prone to get most or all of the blame. So, before I go any further in this devotional, I want to pause and say: “Thank You! I see you! I notice your heart and passion for Jesus just as much as I see it on the worship leader and the preacher.

Long before I was ordained into ministry, I had the great honor of serving in our local church as the “Facilities Manager” which was the fancy name for Janitor. I’d arrive at the church hours before anyone else and stayed hours after the final person walked out the door. To be honest, it was a thankless job. No one ever testified of how blessed they were by the clean toilets and sinks or celebrated the fact that the paper towels and toilet paper were always fully stocked. However, The Lord always notices how we serve Him and His house. One Monday night after a prayer meeting, I had one of the sweetest encounters with God’s presence while cleaning the third stall of the woman’s bathroom. I know it sounds kind of unusual and humorous but as I was cleaning one of the toilets, I was praying and quoted a scripture: “Moreover, because I have set my affection on the house of my God, I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house, my own special treasure of gold and silver:” (I Chronicles 29:3 NKJV)

I no sooner finished quoting this scripture when The Lord spoke to my heart and said: “Thank You, I receive your work as worship.” I know that it sounds simple but as The Lord spoke those words to me, I began to weep. I wasn’t just cleaning toilets, vacuuming carpets, washing windows, and locking doors. I was worshipping The Lord!

Even though I’m not musical, my scrubbing of toilets and wiping of sinks was music to God’s ears. Likewise, that’s how it is with you as well. Every time you adjust the soundboard and with every stroke of the keyboard as you put the words to the songs and scriptures on the screen. It’s worship. You aren’t just working through a service, you are becoming a part of the song that is music to God’s ears.

Prayer:  Father, today I choose to pour out all that I am and all that I do as worship to You. Let my life, work, and service to You and Your house be a pleasing offering of love to you. In Jesus Name!

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About the author:

David Wagner is known for his passion for Jesus Christ and his love for people. He founded Fathers Heart Ministries in 2001 and has ministered in 68 countries. David and his wife Molly live in Franklin, TN with their five children. www.fathersheartministries.org