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Have you ever wondered what God thinks about the arts?  Today, we are going to get a glimpse into God's heart for the arts through looking at the creation of the Tabernacle (Exodus 31:1-11).  This is important to know because the devil has distorted the arts in many ways, but God is in the business of redemption.  Will you be faithful to the Lord as an artist in a very god-less field?  I know you will leave encouraged by today's episode!


Much of today's episode was inspired by the sermon, "Art For God's Sake," by Dr. Philip Ryken.  I would encourage you to listen to it.  You may also enjoy Dr. Ryken's book, "Art For God's Sake: A Call to Recover the Arts." 

Discussion Questions -- Try reflecting on your own or with a group:)

• What are some of your favorite things that God has created?  Thank Him for those things! 
• What do you think God believes about the arts? 
• What was God’s original intention for the arts?
• How have you seen the devil steal, kill, and destroy the arts?  
• God doesn't just have goodness, truth, and beauty in Him... He IS goodness, truth, and beauty.  How have you seen or experienced this? 
• Is it possible for goodness, truth, and beauty to all exist in art?  Do you think this is important? Why? 
• What did you learn about God through this podcast? 
• Can you think of a time you were encouraged by art that was for God’s sake? 
• Are there any Christian artists that you look up to who create excellent art for the glory of God?  
• Do you think there are any stigmas about Christian artists or Christian art? What are they?  Why do people believe them? 
• How can you stand up for Jesus in the arts?  How can you be a light in the arts which are right now very dark? 

To help engage our hearts in greater worship to Him, check out these songs that relate to this episode! 

So Will I (100 Billion X)
All Things Bright and Beautiful
For the Beauty of the Earth
The Goodness of God 

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When you play your instrument or perform, are you trying to be a servant or a star?  It's a convicting questions for any musician.  Today, we look at Jesus' example of servanthood as we break down how we might serve Him and others through our music.    

Discussion Questions -- Try reflecting on your own or with a group:)

• Have you ever thought about this world as a counterfeit kingdom?  Do you think this is an accurate description?  Explain. 
• What are some differences between the counterfeit kingdom and God’s Kingdom? 
• Do you seek to be a star or a servant through your music? 
• Have you ever thought of your music as a way of serving? 
• What might be getting in the way of you serving through your music?
• What is an aspect of Jesus’ servanthood that impacts you the most? 
• Do you believe that all you have you have only received based on 1 Corinthians 4:7?  Do you act like it? 
• What do you say when someone compliments you?  
• Has someone else’s music served you at any point in your life? Explain.
• What is a way you can serve others with your music?
• How does Jesus’ triumphant second coming widen or grow your perspective? 

To help engage our hearts in greater worship to Him, check out these songs that relate to this episode!  

• Because of Christ
• King Jesus 
• God So Loved
• To God Be the Glory
• In Christ Alone

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The Heart of Illinois Summer Music Clinic (HOISMC) is a Christian summer music camp in central Illinois that seeks to provide great music training while in a Christian context.  Today we get to talk with three of the founders: Laura Otto, Diane Wuthrich, and Jane Hoffmire.  You will love hearing how God has worked through these women and how He's used this camp to glorify His worthy name.  

To learn more about the Heart of Illinois Summer Music Clinic, clink this link! 

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Do you need encouragement from God's Word to remind you of the Lord's protection over you?  I hope today's episode will give you the encouragement you need to rest securely in the Lord as you live your life this week.

Discussion Questions -- Try reflecting on your own or with a group:)

• What did you learn about the character of God through Psalm 91?
• What is the most impactful description of God to you from Psalm 91? 
• Explain a time in your life when the Lord has given you the grace to walk through a trial?  What did you learn during that time?
• Explain a time in your life when the Lord has given you a hedge of protection and has protected you from going through something?  
• Does it give you more or less confidence that nothing will harm you unless the Lord permits? 
• Are you dwelling in the shelter of the Most High? Abiding in the shadow of the Almighty? Finding refuge under His wings?  Or are you wondering away from His care? 
• Are you overwhelmed or afraid of the evil in the world?  How can you fix your eyes on Jesus this week in the midst of it?
• What is your reaction to verses 11-12?  What comfort can you draw from it?
• How will Psalm 91 inform your worship of the Lord this week? 

To help engage our hearts in greater worship to Him, check out these songs that relate to this episode!

• Psalm 91 – On Eagles’ Wings – Shane and Shane
• A Mighty Fortress Is Our God (LIVE) - Tommy Bailey, Keith & Kristyn Getty
• Rock of Ages (Hymn) – Norton Hall Band 
• Shadow of Shaddai (Psalm 91)
• Psalm 91 – Renew Collective

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Have you ever been scared walking into an orchestra rehearsal or lesson?  Sometimes we come across very intense people in authority over us in the music world.  How is it then that we answer the Romans 12:18 call, "...as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone?"  In today's episode we will be equipped with both practical and Biblical truth that can build us up to navigate these situations and relationships with a heart of worship. 

Discussion Questions -- Try reflecting on your own or with a group:)

• Why am I fearful of this person? Is it because I’m afraid of failure and embarrassment? 
• How in this situation will seeing God as bigger and greater make this situation feel less scary?
• Is it possible there are ways my playing could benefit from their instruction? 
• Am I coming to lessons and rehearsals as prepared as I can?
• Are there ways I need to adjust my schedule to or make better use of my time to be more prepared for lessons or rehearsals? 
• Is it possible that I am the person people fear or dread seeing? What does Jesus teach me about being an authority figure, but never sinning in it? 
• How can I honor or love this person even if I disagree with their life choices?
• What am I going to do when people around me start to grumble and complain about them?  Will I participate?  
• What scripture am I going to memorize and meditate on to inform my heart with Truth through it all? 

To help engage our hearts in greater worship to Him, check out these songs that relate to this episode!

• Honey in the Rock
• Our God Will Go Before Us
• Fear of God
• Egypt 
• Never Walk Alone 
• Great Is Thy Faithfulness
• Because of Christ
• More Like Jesus

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Have you ever thought of why God created music or how we can worship Him while we play classical music?  Gary Rhodes covers all of these philosophical questions and more from a retired worship minister's point of view.  Gary has had feet in both the classical and sacred music worlds for much of his life, so you will not want to miss my engaging conversation with him! 

Discussion Questions -- Try reflecting on your own or with a group:)

- Why did God create music?

- What does it say about the character of God that He chose to gift us with music?

- Why is it important to seek excellence in our playing, but dangerous to pursue perfectionism?  What is the difference between the two? 

- How can I greater engage my heart in worship while I play?  How can I greater engage my heart in worship as I live life this week?

- Am I a part of a Biblically sound church family?  If not, what steps might I take to invest in a local church?

- May God desire me to use my musical gifts to worship Him at church? 

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Today we have the special privilege of talking to conductor, music educator, composer, and author, Dave Getz.  We discuss everything from ministering to students in a public school setting, the blessing of creative work, fostering a fearless and fun learning environment for students, Dave's journey in composition, and so much more!  You will not want to miss it!  

Links to learn more about Dave Getz...

- His website - davidgetzcreative.com

- His webinar - "Keep Stats, Not Grades! LIVE Webinar"

- His book - "Unlocking Student Creativity Through Composition"

- His musical - "Ruth: The Musical"

- The Morton Orchestra Website 

Here is the link to the book Dave mentioned, "Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art" by Madeleine L'Engle.

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In today’s episode, I am going to introduce you to Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco!  He was an amazing composer who was bold in his faith and has an incredible life story.  Like the Church in Smyrna, he faced persecution for his faith, but his story points us to greater boldness in proclaiming Jesus Christ as Lord!  

Enjoy listening to Mario's Violin Concerto No. 2, "I Propheti." 

https://youtu.be/OxCzevnm1v4?si=YccPeYzqciort0Fv

https://youtu.be/6GQOfCBfrS4?si=QOZW7yAnCdk62VpV

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It’s no secret that classical musicians have many, many different plates to spin simultaneously.  Life can be hectic and stressful at times, but King David (Psalm 27:4) and the story of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42) will remind us that only ONE thing is necessary.  They will show us how we can lay all our burdens and busyness at the feet of Jesus and instead worship and adore Him.

To help engage our hearts in greater worship to Him, check out these songs that relate to this episode!
 
- Psalm 27 (One Thing)
- Nothing Else
- King of My Heart
- QUIET
- I Love You, Lord
- You Are My All In All
- Give Me Jesus 
- Be Thou My Vision (Lord You Are)
- Come Thou Fount (Above All Else)

Three resources to help you go deeper...

Worship: The Reason We Were Created - Collected Insights from A.W. Tozer

Martha and Mary - Charles Spurgeon

How to Worship Jesus Christ: Experiencing His Manifest Presence Daily - Joseph S. Carroll

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No matter how good of a player you are, we will all most likely have to teach at some point in our music careers.  So, how can we make the most of it as Christians?  Today, Casey is joined by her mom, Jane Hoffmire.  They discuss how Jane came to the Lord, her journey in the classical music world, and her missional approach to teaching.  

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