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Melody in the Heart, August 24
Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.
Ephesians 5:19
.
The melody of praise is the atmosphere of heaven; and when heaven
comes in touch with the earth, there is music and song....
Above the new-created earth, as it lay, fair and unblemished, under
the smile of God, “the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of
God shouted for joy.”
Job 38:7
. So human hearts, in sympathy with
heaven, have responded to God’s goodness in notes of praise.
Young men and women ... have a keen ear for music, and Satan
knows what organs to excite to animate, engross, and charm the mind so
that Christ is not desired.... Frivolous songs and the popular sheet music
of the day seem congenial to their taste. The instruments of music have
taken time which should have been devoted to prayer. Music, when not
abused, is a great blessing; but when put to a wrong use, it is a terrible
curse. It excites, but does not impart that strength and courage which
the Christian can find only at the throne of grace.... Satan is leading the
young captive.... He is a skillful charmer, luring them on to perdition.
Musical entertainments which, if conducted properly, will do no
harm, are often a source of evil.... Musical talent too often fosters
pride and ambition for display, and singers have but little thought of the
worship of God.
Let all take time to cultivate the voice so that God’s praise can be
sung in clear, soft tones.... The ability to sing is the gift of God; let it be
used to His glory.
Let us remember that our praises are supplemented by the choirs of
the angelic hosts above.
Those who in heaven join with the angelic choir in their anthem of
praise must learn on earth the song of heaven, the keynote of which is
thanksgiving.
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