Monday Motivation: His Glory

Friends

Life is full of sad things. We often wonder why it has to be this way. Even still, God is sovereign and He knows our pain. He weeps with us and calls us to place our trust in Him. He will see us through.

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Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God!…

Psalm 42:5-6 – NLT

Last week, our beloved Pastor Kevin Baker said something that really challenged me. He asserted that we should pay far less attention to the accomplishments that build our resumes, and far more attention to the words that will be spoken at our eulogies. When it’s all said and done, what will others remember about the life we have lived?

The question resonated with me, but its significance hit me full force the next day. That’s when I learned that my good friend Reggie Jeffries was the victim of a senseless car collision that claimed his life. One minute, he was strolling down the sidewalk, probably humming a tune, and the next minute, he was gone.

Just 58 years old, he was so vibrant, so full of energy and enthusiasm. He had so many dreams, so much good work left to do, so much music left to write and play. Just like that, in the blink of an eye, he was gone. That beautiful voice was silenced.

I sit here, shaking my head, daring to ask, “How can that be?” How can it be that I won’t see his bright eyes and smiling face anymore? How can it be that I won’t hear the jingle of his merry greeting? How can it be that I won’t see his face light up when I just happen to run into him at the Soda Shop? There will be no more hugs, no more laughter, no more music. How can that be?

We don’t get to know the answer to that question. But we do get to tell the world what kind of life Reggie lived. We get to remember.

I met Reggie several years ago when he came to be the worship leader for a new contemporary worship service we started at our church. From the moment I met him, I knew this man loved The Lord. It was obvious. It was obvious in the sparkle of his smile. Joy just flowed out of Reggie. You couldn’t be around him without feeling that joy.

But it was his music that touched your soul. When Reggie played his keyboard and lifted up his voice in praise, the Spirit of The Lord was in the room.

Whenever I arrived early for praise team practice, I would find Reggie on his keyboard. I often paused outside his office door just to listen. He would be there alone in the room, no audience to impress or congregation to lead. It was just him playing and singing, but it was so much more. For Reggie was praising His Lord, and it was a glorious thing to witness.

Like King David, Reggie worshipped God with his music and song. He knew what it was to worship, to praise, to bring glory to The Lord. When we sang together on Sunday mornings, I could just feel my heart soar to the clouds. Reggie taught me to open my heart to the music and experience worship in a brand new way.

The Bible describes King David as a man after God’s own heart. Perhaps that’s a good way to describe my friend Reggie for he surely gave his gifts and talents for the glory of God. No, he wasn’t perfect. None of us are. Yet, through his music and good works, Reggie lived for God’s glory. Although we will not hear his beautiful music again in this earthly life, I know full well that the music in heaven got more lively this week.

I don’t know about you, but I want to live for God’s glory. I want to claim His joy and let it overflow to those around me. I want my smile to open the door of a heart filled with love. I want to be an instrument of His peace in a world that aches for harmony. I want to be a beacon of light that shines with hope and spreads encouragement. When it’s all said and done and my time has come, I want the words spoken about me to reflect an attitude of praise and thanksgiving. I want to live for His Glory.

I seldom reach such lofty heights. My faults and failures are many. Yet, I am reassured by this powerful Truth. God loves me and He loves you too. He designed us as His masterpieces, His handiwork to reflect His glory. We may fall short, but He doesn’t give up on us. He continues to mold and shape us into the people He created us to be.

So today, while there is still breath in our lungs and a beat in our hearts, may we begin anew. Like Reggie, may we lift up our voices in praise and do the good work God has ordained us to do. Let’s make today count. From this moment forward, let us live for His Glory.

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Sing to the Lord, all you godly ones! Praise his holy name.

Psalm 30:4 – NLT

PRAYER

O Lord, today, it seems fitting to pray the words of a song that Reggie loved to praise You with:

“Holy, Holy, Holy,

Holy, Holy, Holy,

Holy is The Lord God Almighty.

Worthy to receive honor,

Worthy to receive Glory,

Worthy to receive all our praise today.

Praise Him, Praise Him and lift Him up,

Praise Him, Exalt His Name forever.”

In the Holy Name of Jesus, we lift our hearts in praise and worship,

Amen

Blessings,

Anita

-APS 6/24/2019

Footnote: Song: “Holy, Holy, Holy”- Music and Words by Gary Oliver