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 JEHOVA [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.
Sometimes I think about what my life would be like if I were not a Christian. I don’t really have to speculate, for I can look at the lives of others who have no faith and can quickly see elements of what would comprise my non-Christian life. I can also read Ephesians 2:1-3. An old Gospel song, written by the Louvin Brothers, that deals with this subject is “The Christian Life.” I also like the version by the Byrds. The lead singer (and famous twelve-string guitarist) Roger McGuinn admits that when he recorded this rendition he was not a Christian and, in fact, was disdainful of the message of the song. Later, though, he was saved through a personal faith in Jesus Christ. Certainly Gospel music was integral in drawing this man into the family of God. Another version by the Byrds with Gram Parsons on lead vocals was unreleased for a number of years but is, in my opinion, superior.