Monday, August 14, 2006

Make a Joyful Noise Today!

Ephesians 5:15-20 (NIV)
15 Be careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise,
16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
17 Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.
18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit.
19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,
20 Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Good morning!

Do you like to sing? I love to sing praises to the Lord. I find myself singing praises all the way to work, from work, to sleep, and especially, when I get up in the morning. I love the morning time. If you asked, my children might tell you some of their recollections about the joy of early mornings in the Spaulding home. They, of course, wanted to sleep in, but their mother was singing with great joy in the kitchen, the bathroom, the laundry room, and therefore, no one slept! When they complained, I reminded them that when we all get to Heaven, we'll all have perfect pitch!

There's something about the rising of the sun in the morning that makes me want to leap out of bed and praise the one who created the splendor of the world I live in, the one who died and rose again and walks with me each and every day! I wake up knowing He never sleeps. He is watching over you and me 24-7. Doesn't that just want to make you jump to your feet and belt out a verse of "How Great Thou Art?"

I know, my children thought I was pretty strange too! As Paul suggests in Ephesians, singing and making melody to the Lord in my heart all day long keeps my mind focused on Him. He reveals His will for my life as I walk beside Him. No matter where I'm at, who I am with, or where I may be heading. I am not alone. Neither are you.

Some days can be overwhelming, balancing family, work, school, rest and recreation. All of us face daily pain and frustration, difficult situations and relationships that deserve our time and attention. How can we make the most of our day? I have found that when I invite the Lord into my life early each morning, my day is easier to manage, mostly because I've given the management over to the Lord. I just need to show up and live it. Some may think I'm just a bit goofy. I assure you, I'm not drunk with wine. I'm enjoying life in the Spirit!

This morning, I would encourage you to make a joyful noise to the Lord. Let Him be the center of your day today. Take Him with you to the garden, the park, the shopping mall, the grocery store, and to everyone you meet. Sing psalms and hymns and sing joyful praises to your Lord!

This is the day the Lord has made - let us be glad and rejoice in it!

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: People who praise the Lord with their lives

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