Melodic Mondays
Those of you who know me know that I love music even though I am not musical myself. I listen to good music as often as I can. It is beneficial to the brain, valuable to the vocabulary, and strengthening to the soul. Isaiah 12:2-3 is a lovely passage that includes this soaring statement of surety: “The Lord JEHOVAH [YAHWEH] is my strength and my song.” This could be translated, “God is my mountaintop and my music.” Yes, He is! Each Monday, I want to study this subject and suggest a song to listen to. Anyone reading this devotional has easy access to any song. (I am an exception because I do not go on a computer or other information device.) If you do not like my suggestion (and we all have different tastes), you can think of or search for one that speaks to you. Then, it can become a source of encouragement throughout the week.
Many good old Gospel songs speak about the important spiritual influence of a godly mother. Often, these songs lament the sad results of not following her example. Sometimes it is only after her death that the adult child (like the Prodigal Son – Luke 15:11-32), comes to his senses, repents, and returns to the well-trod path of blessing upon which she spent her entire life. The Bible is full of examples of good mothers (some of whom had rebellious children), and we are all commanded, “Honour thy father and mother” (Ephesians 6:2a). A song that does so is “A Vision of Mother,” written and performed by the Stanley Brothers. A newer version (1979) that I also like is by Ricky Skaggs, backed by Dolly Parton.