Midweek Check-in (Aug. 20, 2025)

Good evening, church family!

It’s time to take a moment on this beautiful Wednesday for a midweek check-in. Have you ever wondered why we people write new songs?

The old hymnal on my bookshelf has almost 800 hymns. I’ll confess: I don’t know all of them. But some of them I will never forget, and I’ll sing them for the rest of my days. The ancient hymns of old, we believe, still have a place in our worship of Jesus.

But do new songs have a place as well? The Bible has something to say about this.

When we encounter songs throughout scripture, they are typically written and sung to proclaim what God has done.

·      When God rescues the Israelites from Pharaoh’s chariots by parting the waters of the Red Sea in Exodus 14, Moses sings a victory song in Exodus 15 (followed by another song from Aaron’s sister, Miriam).

·      When God provided water in the wilderness, the Israelites sang about it in Numbers 21:17-18.

·      When God allowed the Israelites victory in battle in Judges 4, Deborah sang a song of praise in Judges 5.

The largest collection of worship music in the Bible is the Psalms. There are 150 of them – most of them attributed to David. That’s a lengthy playlist. The music and melody put to these Psalms were lost long ago, but we still have the lyrics. Here's one from Psalm 144:9-10…

“I will sing a new song to you, God.

I will sing praises to you

on a ten-stringed harp,

to you – the one who gives saving help to rulers,

and who rescues his servant David

from the evil sword.”

A new song? Wait. Why would David sing a new song? He’s already got 143 of them, not to mention all the songs written before he even came along! What’s wrong with what he already had? David had already written some of the greatest lines in worship!

“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” -Psalm 23:1

“You changed my mourning into dancing.” -Psalm 30:11

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” -Psalm 51:10

Why did David need a new song, when he already had such beautiful old ones?

Here’s how I think David would answer: He couldn’t stop writing new songs of praise because God hadn’t stopped doing new things worthy of praise!

Church family, God is still at work. And as He continues to do His work, we should never stop praising with all we have – as Jesus advised – with things both old and new.

"Then he said to them, 'Therefore, every legal expert who has been trained as a disciple for the kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings old and new things out of their treasure chest.'”

-Matthew 13:52

So ask the Lord to put a new song in your heart today!

Your pastor,

Billy Byler

CONNECTION: This past Sunday we launched two new ways to connect. If you’re thinking about taking the next step in your faith, fill out the Next Step card located in the pocket on the back of each chair or just fill out the online form. Similarly, if you have a prayer request, a simple and secure way to share is to fill out a prayer card.

LOVING ONE ANOTHER: Out next ladies’ event is Saturday, Sept. 13 from 1-2:30 p.m. in the church foyer. If you’d like to bring something, there is a sign up sheet in the foyer.

LAY MINISTER’S ACADEMY: Save the date for the next Lay Minister’s Academy Oct. 25, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Pratt, KS. This event is designed to encourage, equip, resource, and network volunteers who serve in our local churches. Lunch is included! Register here.

JUST FOR FUN

Hey, you read Pastor Billy's midweek check-in all the way to the end! As a reward, check out these crazy stories I came across recently:

·      The world’s oldest living chicken is named Pearl, recently turned 14-years-old and lives in a laundry room in Texas.

·      Good news: scientists have developed a special toothpaste that will repair tooth enamel! Bad news: it’s made from human hair.

·      Adults in China are purchasing a new product that they say helps reduce anxiety and stress and leads to improved sleep: adult pacifiers.