Скачать или смотреть June 29, 2025 Gary Coburn's Devotional thoughts Area Wide Singing: Do You Have a Song in Your Heart?

🎶 Devotional Outline
Title (Inferred): Do You Have a Song in Your Heart?
Speaker: Gary Coburn
Date: June 29, 2025 (Evening Devotional)
Occasion: Area-Wide Singing
Theme: The power of singing in worship, memory, encouragement, and evangelism
Key Scripture References:

Psalm 96:1–4

Ephesians 5:19

Acts 16:25–34

1. Opening Remarks
Humorous nod to being “not here to lead a song” and affection for the beautiful congregational singing

Lighthearted reference to song number “728B” (“Our God, He Is Alive”)—a cultural Church of Christ anthem

Anecdote about Air Force chaplain identifying fellow member by quoting “728B”

2. Why Singing Matters
Singing lifts the heart during trials and brings joy during peace

Referenced chorus from Psalm 96: “Sing to the Lord a new song... for God is great and greatly to be praised”

Singing is more than music—it’s an emotional, spiritual declaration of truth

3. Songs Have Meaning and Memory
Reflections on personal music history:

Some songs bring joy, others pain, depending on associations

Memories of childhood, granny’s voice in worship, and lifelong familiarity with hymns

Quotation: “The question is not: do you have a voice? The question is: do you have a song?”

Some don’t sing not because they can’t, but because they lack something worth singing about

4. Biblical Purpose of Singing
Psalm 96:3–4 – Sing to declare God’s glory and His marvelous works

Ephesians 5:19 – Singing is speaking to one another, possibly even preaching to one another

In worship, singing builds up the church, teaches, encourages, and testifies

5. Evangelism Through Song: The Story of Acts 16
Paul and Silas imprisoned for preaching Jesus

At midnight, they were “praying and singing hymns to God”—and the other prisoners listened

Earthquake shook the prison, chains fell off, doors opened

Jailer prepared to kill himself, but Paul stopped him

Result: jailer and his entire household were baptized

Main point: It may have been the songs, not the sermon, that convinced the jailer

6. Personal Reflections and Encouragement
Singing tonight brought back tender memories of singing beside his grandmother

Declares that “there’s nothing better than being a Christian” and following Jesus wherever He leads

Emphasis on giving one’s all when singing—full heart, full voice, full faith

7. Invitation and Closing
Invitation song: #76

Encouragement to respond to the Lord’s invitation:

For baptism

For prayers

For spiritual renewal

Offers private prayer or conversation if someone doesn’t want to walk the aisle

Final reminder: “Whatever it takes”—Jesus is worth it