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.
We “have tasted that the Lord is gracious” (I Peter 2:3) in many ways, including in the blessings of our nation. It is troubling that our flag and our freedoms are being openly attacked. I said last year that the only place I want to see a grown man kneeling is in an engagement video – and I wouldn’t even watch one of those. Still, we are not the only Americans who appreciate God’s grace. The familiar patriotic song “America, the Beautiful” recognizes and rejoices in the grace of God to the citizens of this land. My favorite version is by Ray Charles. His rousing rendition is personal and powerful.