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Words of Worth

Jubalatte Bible Study 1

The Christian Performer

1.2 Diligence

Diligence: careful and persistent work or effort, from Old French for assiduous: showing great care and perseverence. ~ Oxford Dictionary

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"For I am the Lord you brought you up from the land of Egypt to be your God; Thus you shall be holy, for I am holy." Leviticus 11:45

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"Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest."  Hebrews 3:1

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How incredulous that the Lord Omnipotent imparts his holiness to us!

A thousand lifetimes of meditation could not comprehend what God has done for us.

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Have you ever thought about the holiness of God being present in scales and arpeggios? Or that his holiness is present in Czerny, Kreutzer, or Popper?

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If we think of diligence as holy, then how do we practice?

Ponder a moment

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  • Does your gift of holiness enter the practice room, rehearsal hall?

  • What is underlying your diligence?

  • Why are you working so hard, so many hours?

  • What or whom is driving you?

  • Is your practice time holy?


 

Diligence is essential in pursuing a musician's life. Musicians know they must be diligent and practice with blood, sweat, and tears.

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“Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17

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Scripture reading

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Read: I Samuel 17

 

Read this chapter twice. First, read as a historical narrative. Try to get into the scene. Second, read with an open heart to hear God speaking to you personally.

For discussion

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What can a musician learn from the story of David and Goliath?
 
What are David’s obstacles?
 

What are my obstacles?
 

What are David’s strengths?
 

What are my strengths?
 

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Have a mind-flash

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Scenario 1-Imagine a nightmare practice session, squeezed for time, then late for a rehearsal for which you feel unprepared, arriving without your bow or mouthpiece or with the wrong music.
 

Scenario 2-Imagine a super-focused productive practice session, a rehearsal where you are spot-on.
 

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Diligence Etudes

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  • Prepare in advance for a bad experience.
     

We all have disastrous hours and days, when plans go awry.


But Mousie, thou art no thy-lane,
In proving foresight may be vain;
The best laid schemes o' Mice an' Men
Gang aft agley,
An' lea'e us nought but grief an' pain,
For promis'd joy!


Verse 7 from To a Mouse by Robert Burns (1759-1796)

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Make a My a Personal Survival Manual, writing down scriptures and notes for such an untoward event. Note pieces of music to listen to or to play. Keep it current, adding more as you have more experiences. Keep your manual within grasp and turn to it when disaster calls.

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  • Prepare in advance for a beautiful experience.
     

Make a My Personal Encouragement and Praise Manual, writing down scriptures and notes to express your joy and thanksgiving to God. Note pieces of music to listen to or to play. Keep it current, adding more as you have more experiences.  Keep your manual within grasp and turn to it to celebrate.

 

  • Take note that Jesus Christ transforms our 2 manuals into one in our earth-bound lives.


"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
 

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Ponder a moment

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"I know perfectly well that no musician can make his thoughts or his talents different to what Heaven has made them; but I also know that if Heaven had given him good ones, he must also be able to develop them properly." Felix Mendelssohn

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you,for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

Remember: Through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, you are holy. He has gifted you and his grace to you is sufficient.

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Diligence Exercises

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  • Begin and end your practice with acknowledgment of the Presence of God

  • Plan your practice time before you start.

  • Keep it fresh, implement different strategies

  • Measure your progress, short-term and long-term

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