Caroling. It’s one of those things that just might be fading away. I hope not. But it may be. I wonder why. Perhaps as towns turn into cities fewer people know their neighbours and therefore feel uncomfortable singing to them. Perhaps it's because as a society we tend to do less singing in general. Perhaps … Continue reading Through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit
music
Fighting pessimism with praise
King David was no stranger to danger. He faced threats (internal and external), sickness, and war. One of the reasons so many people love his psalms is because they are so honest. He demonstrates a wide range of emotions and thoughts while speaking to (or talking about) God, and while going through his various difficulties. … Continue reading Fighting pessimism with praise
Pay attention to the music
“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance” (Psalm 32:7). December can be a rush. Plus, our world is kind of insane right now. Have you noticed? That’s why we need to stay focused on what and who matters most: Jesus. Something that helps us … Continue reading Pay attention to the music
The One who makes our voices soar [and your musical favs]
Earlier this week, I invited you to submit your favourite praise songs or hymns. The full list is below. Thanks for sharing! Perhaps there is something in there to uplift you. God can use music to do just that! In The Shawshank Redemption, an inmate named Andy goes into the office of one of the guards … Continue reading The One who makes our voices soar [and your musical favs]
Music amplifies the goodness of God
In Philippi, Paul and Silas suffered accusations, injustice, a bloody throttling, imprisonment, and had their feet put in stocks. How did they respond? Acts 16:25 tells us: “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God...” Wow! Tertullian said: “The legs feel nothing in the stocks when the heart is in heaven.”* … Continue reading Music amplifies the goodness of God
Directing your happiness
In the Bible, James is so wise. He gives insight about how to respond to a variety of different situations. Here’s an example. In James 5:13 he writes: “Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.” Simple. Straightforward. But what difference does it make? Earlier he has said that “Every good and perfect gift is … Continue reading Directing your happiness
Peace through music
In these past few devotionals I’ve been talking about rooting yourself in the peace of Christ as discussed by Paul in Colossians 3:15. Peace. It’s a good idea, isn’t it? When we’re surrounded by so much change, challenge, stress, and strain, peace feels like water-in-the-dessert! Notice what Paul says in the next verse in Colossians 3:16: … Continue reading Peace through music
Time to juggle up the playlist?
If you’ve been following along with the Up! devotional this week you’ve probably caught on to the fact that I’m talking about how wildly impressionable we humans are. People say that children are sponges. But so are adults! (We’re just better at hiding it.) I read a study that said we’re more likely to trust … Continue reading Time to juggle up the playlist?
Sing the truth into your heart
The word “minister” isn’t just a noun—it’s a verb. To “minister” to someone is to serve someone, or to care for someone, especially in a spiritual context. In the past month I’ve heard people say that someone “ministered” to them through a friendly conversation. Another person felt that someone “ministered” to them when they prayed … Continue reading Sing the truth into your heart
Life’s golden sweet spot
In high school I loved to sit around and play guitar and sing with my friends. Sometimes the best part was coming up with harmonies. When we hit the right notes it was like sliding into a golden sweet spot. But since we were pretty new at it, our guitar chords would occasionally be out … Continue reading Life’s golden sweet spot
