Have you ever thought about how large a roll singing plays in the world? We sing when we mourn, and we sing when we worship but most of all we sing when we are happy. God intended it to be that way and shows us by example how to rejoice and share our happiness.
Can you imagine the first morning Adam awoke in the Garden of Eden and heard the birds singing? Can you imagine God walking through the garden and humming to himself as he enjoys his creation? I must admit that it is somewhat of a stretch of even my active imagination, but do you think HE just might have?
God tells us through Isaiah 49:13: "Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the Lord has comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted."
Our son Kirk shared this little incident that happened with our granddaughter Allison last week: "So I have picked up my 7 year old daughter Allison and we are driving home. She is singing happily to herself when she suddenly decides to talk about her future employment and career options. She says to me, "I do like singing. But I also really like science! I guess I could sing to the creatures I create." Apparently I am the proud father of a budding mad scientist! "
If the mind of a child can imagine that, why not the mind of God? There is a scripture we primarily read at Christmas time, but I want you to think of it in a different way. What's the scripture? Luke 2:1-14: "And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
I believe God was happy and rejoicing as the heavenly host sang to His creation sharing his Joy. That's why the angels sang.
So how often do you sing, maybe not to "your creation," but sing because you rejoice or are just happy? James counsels us: "Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise." (James 5:13) Maybe a better question might be, are you happy in your life or with your relationship to your creator? If you are, then sing, it's what God intended.
--Russ Lawson
Saturday, February 21, 2015
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness
How Is Your Vision?
How is your vision? Jesus observed that . . .
§ Some have envious eyes, longing for the material advantages they see others have (Matthew 20:15).
§ Some have sensual eyes, looking to lust, thereby committing adultery in their hearts (Matthew 5:28-29).
§ Some have critical eyes, looking for specks in others while ignoring obvious problems in themselves (Matthew 7:3-5).
§ Some have closed eyes, not wanting to see the truth (Matthew 13:15).
How important is all this? The Lord put it this way:
“The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!” (Matthew 5:22-23).
- by Frank Himmel
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Sober Minded in Every Sense of the Term
Researchers at the University of California San Diego reviewed 14 years of accident data and found that “A blood alcohol concentration of just 0.01 percent was associated with risky behaviors such as speeding.” Lead researcher, David P. Phillips, Ph.D. says, “For a 180 pound person, that translates to one glass of wine or a bottle of beer.”
Even some people of the world are beginning to admit that for the person who doesn’t want to make bad decisions that lead to “risky behaviors,” even one drink is too much. As Christians, we have been taught by God’s grace that, “denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age” (Titus 1:11-12). We are committed to making decisions that are pleasing to God in all things and we therefore reject anything that clouds thinking or encourages risky behavior.
The world wants us to be wise drivers. After even one drink we are not fit to drive home. Impaired thinking will not get us to an eternal home of glory either. Be wise. “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise” (Proverbs 20:1).
- by David Diestelkamp
Better Be Careful
When you are feeling too strong, better be careful.
Paul said, "Wherefore, let him that thinketh he standeth take heed, lest he fall" (1 Cor. 10:12).
And when you think everyone loves and respects you, better be careful.
The Lord said, "Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets" (Lk , 6: 26).
When you think you are better than someone else because you are faithfully discharging your duties, better be careful.
The Lord said, "So likewise, when ye have done all those things ... say, We are unprofitable servants; we have done that which was our duty to do" (Lk , 17:10).
- by Dee Bowman
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