I'm glad that you've taken the time to read the sermon that I've posted this week. I really do appreciate all of you. I thank the Lord for this opportunity.
Last week, we started a brief series on the Bible and music. We saw that the Bible tells us to bring praise to the Lord through song. We do this through singing and through the use of a variety of musical instruments that are mentioned in the Bible. Music is a tremendous way to praise the Lord. The Lord has also given us music to bring joy and happiness to our lives. One of the great characters of the Bible was a musician. King David wrote many Psalms which are to be sung in praise to the Lord.
In today's message, I want us to look at how we can use music in our lives to enhance our spirit and our relationship with the Lord. There are three passages that I want us to look at. First of all, Paul tells us in Ephesians 5:19 that we need to, "Speak to one another in Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord." What this passage tells me is that music is to be used among believers to praise God and to encourage one another. One of the best times that I have is when I sing songs of praise to the Lord. These can be the old hymns out of the hymn book or Psalms that we find in the Bible. We can sing more modern songs, or we can make up songs of praise to the Lord. We can use these in our private devotions, or we can share them with others at our place of worship. God wants to hear our songs, and music can lift our hearts and put us in touch with the power of the Holy Spirit working in our lives.
Music played an important role in the ministry of the Apostle Paul. In Acts chapter 16, we find that Paul and Silas were preaching and ministering to people. They were arrested, beaten and thrown into prison. While in prison, they still sang praises to God. This impressed those who were around them including the jailer. Before the night was through, he and his whole family became believers in the Lord Jesus.
I know from personal experience that music, and especially music that brings praise to the Lord, is helpful for our mental lives. I know that when I am feeling depressed or anxious, it often helps to listen to praise music or sing songs of praise to the Lord. Praising the Lord in song can help to lift our spirit. It helps us focus on the Lord who is the one who can deliver us from all of our troubles and trials.
Finally, James tells us in James 5:13 that if we are happy, we can sing to the Lord. When something good has happened in our lives, that is a great time to sing songs of thanksgiving to the Lord for all of the good things that He has done for us. We can praise Him in song for all that He has done and for who He is. He is the great God over all the universe who is worthy of all manner of praise. Amen.
Prayer Request
Please continue to pray that I will feel better. I am having a lot of health issues right now, and I really need your prayers.
Continue to pray for those in Tonga and Madagascar who are dealing with natural disasters. Pray that they will receive the aid that they need.
Pray for peace in this world. Keep praying about the situation in Ukraine. Pray for peace in Syria, Yemen and Ethiopia.
Pray that the coronavirus will come to an end. Pray that the sick will recover.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray for those living in Malaysia and Turkey. Pray that many will come to know Jesus.
Next week, I will post a sermon about something important to me. In a couple of weeks, we will be starting a new series, Lord willing. On Monday I will post the verses. I do hope to get the dog book review up midweek. May God bless you all.
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