Listen to this devotional: |
Listen while you read: "As With Gladness Men Of Old"1 (Lyrics) |
Ephesians 5:19-20 – Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (NIV)
My horse, Frank, and I were lining up once again for the Canada Day parade in our little town. When the director of the parade had asked us to participate, I agreed, but also requested that we be put behind a float that would be playing music, as Frank loves music and will quite willingly follow it.
Now, we were patiently, or should I say, impatiently, waiting in our designated spot for the parade to begin. I was sitting quite happily in the cart, enjoying the sights and sounds. The dogs were doing likewise as they lay beside the cart. Frank, however, was fidgeting and throwing his head and seeking to move around the float ahead of us instead of staying behind it.
Finally, however, the signal was given to move forward, and the music began. Frank perked up and stepped out smartly as the fiddlers commenced with a lively tune. Around the streets we travelled, Frank keeping his place and pace with the music from beginning to end.
Making music in our heart to the Lord can have a similar effect on the people that we deal with everyday. Frank followed the float ahead of us because the music compelled him to do so. When we, as God's people, are filled with the music of thanksgiving and praise to Him in our hearts, even when the going gets tough, it deeply affects our personalities and character, as well as our outlook on life. A thankful spirit transforms us into positive, joyful, pleasant, peace-filled, hopeful people, the kind of people that others feel compelled to be around, and yes, even follow.
So today, as it unfolds moment by moment, let us all seek, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to be aware of the music in our own hearts. Let us choose, by faith, to sing songs of praise and thanksgiving to Him who loves us, that we might not only make others aware of the One Whom we follow, but also perhaps provide the opportunity for them to do so, too.
Prayer: Father God and wonderful Lord, we give You praise and thanks for all that is going to happen to us this day, as we know, through the truth of Your Word, that the plans that You have for us are always for our good, to give us a hope and a future, and not for our woe. May the music of our hearts this day reveal this truth to others and be as a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.
Forward this devotional Share this devotional on Facebook Like PresbyCan on Facebook
So appreciated today.
Another good one Lynne.
Beautifully written as usual. Have a good week and our 4th of July parade is Friday night.
A great treatment on the gift and joy of music Lynne.
Thanks for today’s message.
AMEN to that, Lynne.
Happy Canada Day to you and yours.
God bless us, one and all.
How I love hearing about our animal friends! They not only delight us, but provide us with lessons in living, especially when we consider our witness for the Lord. Thank you for sharing. Blessings.
Happy Canada Day! Maybe you are in a parade today. I left our big Canada flag flying in the wind over our garage yesterday.
God’s Word is so encouraging.
Wow!! Another beautiful song came into my heart as I read your devotional, Lynne.
Thank you for this praise to our Heavenly Father whose music and lyrics are never out-of-tune.
Amen, Lynne. Music is a big part of my life. I sang in our church choir for over 20 years and have been part of a Praise Team for the past 14 years. My morning devotions always include songs, especially when I’m praising God.
Wonderful thoughts Lynne! Like Frank, I too enjoy a lively tune, especially when it fills my heart with praise to the Lord.
Happy Canada Day!
Blessings.
Thank you for your words of acceptance for those of us who hum or sing songs of praise all the time. When folks look at me in the market etc, I will continue to smile at them and continue humming. This is my praise to our Lord at all times.
(Texas)
Good Morning, Lynne: “Thank You” for this wonderful Devotional!!
You (through the Holy Spirit) have truly Blessed my soul today. I seem to always be amazed that God keeps giving me all these songs in my heart, and beautiful Hymns and Choruses many of which I hadn’t thought about in ages. Isn’t God WONDERFUL!!! God Bless you my precious Sister and thanks again.
(N.B.)
Dear Lynne,
I grew up on a farm too.
I loved your telling of the horse keeping time to the music.
And yes, “Making music in our heart to the Lord can have a similar effect on the people that we deal with everyday.”
And I am with you in:
May the music of our hearts this day reveal this truth to others and be as a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.