Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Wednesday’s Devotion: Marching with John


2 Chronicles 5:13  The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: “He is good; his love endures forever.” Then the temple of the LORD was filled with the cloud,

Yesterday was the birthday of John Philip Sousa (1854).  Sousa wrote some of our most beloved marches including The Stars and Stripes Forever, Semper Fidelis, and the Washington Post March. He enjoyed great popularity during his lifetime for his bands, his marches and his operettas, yet I wonder if he could know how many feet would eventually march to his music; how many fireworks would spangle the sky and how many flags would be waved to the sound of his compositions. Music is inspiring and uplifting although people have different ideas as to what type music does that. There are many scriptures about the role of music among God’s people from those marching around Jericho sounding trumpets, to David playing music for Saul to calm Saul’s soul. Psalms entreat us to sing and to make music to the Lord.

Ephesians instructs us to replace drinks of spirits with spiritual songs.  5:18-20  “Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit,  singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.  And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The next time you listen to music that lifts your spirits, stop and give thanks to the Lord for his great gift to us.

Thank you Lord for putting a song in our heart and for the gift of music. Thank you for those who write and perform inspiring music.  We praise you in word and song. Alleluia, amen.

God Bless,
Paige

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