Worship Interludes - Piano Instrumentals for Prayer, Meditation, Soaking Worship, Relaxation, Study, and Rest

Today’s interlude was inspired by my devotional reading from the Bible.  [2 Chronicles, Chapter 25] I wrote some devotional thoughts which I will include below.  These are the thoughts that were on my mind as I recorded this interlude. As I finished and was exporting this in “real time” in the studio I just sat back, closed my eyes, and tried to enjoy this in the way I would like my listeners to do. It was soothing and refreshing to my soul.  I hope and pray the same for you.

Devotional Thought:

Have you ever invested in something with your time, money, energy, and emotions – only to see it not work out? And by “investment” – I’m not really talking so much about a financial investment to earn a return – I’m talking about decisions into ideas, plans, visions, dreams, or yes … it could definitely include financial investments you made for return.

Have you ever felt you missed it, and you know the investment was not panning out, but you somehow felt obligated to stay the course, even though you were on a losing path?

We’ve heard the term “cut your losses” … when we just cut our losses and move on.

In 2 Chronicles, Chapter 25 – this king, Amaziah did just that. He had the idea to go into battle so he mustered a bunch of warriors and even paid 100 talents of silver to hire some extra warriors. From what I’ve read, that’s as much as $1.5 million dollars in today’s currency. (Biblical scholars feel free to correct me on that).

Problem is, God had another plan. Amaziah “got the cart before the horse” in hiring the extra 100,000 soldiers for Israel. The prophet came and told him that it was a mistake and that he should NOT take the hired Israeli soldiers into battle, saying at that time that “the Lord is not with them”.

Amaziah had just dropped some serious coin. What a waste. I mean, he’s got to be thinking “I have to be a good steward of this money”. So he questions the prophet in verse 9 and I absolutely love the response:

“And Amaziah said to the man of God, “But what shall we do about the hundred talents that I have given to the army of Israel?” The man of God answered, “The Lord is able to give you much more than this.”

THE LORD IS ABLE TO GIVE YOU MUCH MORE THAN THIS!

Friends, let’s realize that even if we make a mistake, even if we take the wrong path, all is not lost. What matters is obedience. Forget the past. Forget the mistakes. TRUST the LORD and OBEY HIS WORD. In doing so, you put yourselves into a position where He can bless you.

I am still in “New Years” mode – looking into 2018 and looking back on 2017. I know many of you are looking in the rear view mirror at what didn’t work out … and you’re saying “what about all that “x” that I put into this” …. but if God is saying to do something different, it’s time to obey.

Hope this encourages you as much as it did me.

PS: This story was a huge encouragement, but it all ties into obedience. Amaziah’s story doesn’t end well – he obeys here, but then turns to other gods and winds up getting into trouble and losing all this. So in the end, he still screwed up but the prophet’s message is still the same.

Hello everyone and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

We’re down here in South Georgia where snow is typically non-existent.  Someone didn’t realize that because the south has been blanketed with snow and ice. We didn’t get snowfall here on St. Simons Island, GA but got lots of freezing rain and ice. I spent yesterday with my family without power but grateful for a gas fireplace and propane. It got pretty cold in our home last night without heat but we survived and I came to the studio this morning ready to record my first instrumental interlude of the year.

This is called “The First Snow” – inspired by all the pictures and videos I’ve seen of friends enjoying the snowfall we so rarely see in this area. I hope you enjoy the simple melody and can use today’s interlude in your personal time of prayer, meditation, or relaxation.

I pray your 2018 is blessed beyond measure!

Life has been super, super busy these last couple of months; hence, the lack of worship interludes. The very reason I created these was to have a discipline, in the midst of a busy life, to slow down.

I’m happy to release this newest episode entitled “Silent Night”. As we draw closer to Christmas I pray that this will bring peace and calm to your busy life.

Merry Christmas!

Hey Gang,

Life happened and I took a little break here in the studio.  Little did I realize that almost an entire month has passed since my last interlude.

Today’s interlude is called “First Snow”. It hasn’t snowed here in south Georgia (and likely won’t) but this was the peaceful, falling theme that I felt as I recorded today.

Hope you enjoy these quick reflective moments.  Use them to pray, rest, meditate, or even ponder on things you are thankful for.

Have you ever found yourself in the midst of a storm?  You want to run and find shelter.  Protection is your biggest objective. I loved this beautiful picture and I can imagine running into this barn for protection.

My piano interludes are meant to provide a musical background for prayer, meditation, reflection, and yes … even simple relaxation or entertainment. For me, coming from the Christian faith, I know that in my storms I have to run to my Protector, Jesus Christ. Sometimes He calms the storm and sometimes the storm rages and you find yourself waiting … and waiting … and waiting.

As one of my favorite songs says, “He’s in the waiting“. I hope that as you listen to this interlude today that you will find a sense of peace in the waiting and in the midst of the storms.

Some times we should stop and pray, meditate, or reflect on the simple things of life. Those small; yet faithful, simple things that bring us hope, pleasure, and joy. How often do we neglect to be grateful for the simple things of life. As you listen to this today, I hope you will take time to think of some of the simple things in your life and express your gratitude for them.

Video (more at my YouTube channel)

Serenity:  the state of being calm, serene, or tranquil.

In this busy world, I hope you can find a bit of serenity today. May this music help you find that place.

There are two things that I appreciate and both have similar meanings:

* sunrises

* Monday mornings

Yes, you read that correct – Monday mornings.  Most people absolutely hate the thought of Monday morning. But for me, much like the sunrise, it’s the signal of a new day, a new week, a new chance.

As I recorded this interlude this morning I took some time to journal, pray, and reflect on what I wanted a new week to look like.  I set some goals spiritually, physically, and practically.

As you start your new week, I hope you’ll take some time to consider these things and set some time to listen to this interlude and dream.

Have a great week!

Fred

Today’s interlude is a simple piano rendition of the classic hymn, “Take My Life and Let It Be”. As I spent time in prayer and meditation today it became my renewed prayer.

Take my life, and let it be

Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;

Take my moments and my days,

Let them flow in ceaseless praise,

Let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Take my hands, and let them move

At the impulse of Thy love;

Take my feet and let them be

Swift and beautiful for Thee,

Swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice, and let me sing

Always, only, for my King;

Take my lips, and let them be

Filled with messages from Thee,

Filled with messages from Thee.

Take my silver and my gold;

Not a mite would I withhold;

Take my intellect, and use

Every power as Thou shalt choose,

Every power as Thou shalt choose.

Take my will, and make it Thine;

It shall be no longer mine.

Take my heart; it is Thine own;

It shall be Thy royal throne,

It shall be Thy royal throne.

Take my love; my Lord, I pour

At Thy feet its treasure-store.

Take myself, and I will be

Ever, only, all for Thee,

Ever, only, all for Thee.

Hello dear friends,

I’ve been a bit out of my typical “2x per week” routine of recording and releasing these instrumental interludes. Lots of schedule changes in recovery from Hurricane Irma and then a trip out to LA have me way off schedule.

Today is Thursday – at the church where I work, we are off on Fridays so Thursday afternoon feels like a Friday for us. I almost slipped out but decided to just sit down and record something quick. It turned out to be pretty special.  I’m calling this interlude “Winding Down” because after a long week that’s exactly what I’m doing.

Enjoy!