Living in the Spirit
August 14, 2015
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 5:15-20
18 Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, 20 giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. –Ephesians 5:18-20
With a voice of singing declare ye this and let it be heard, Alleluia*. My dad loved music, country blues mostly, and we, his children, were thus blessed with his gift of loving music, one of our greatest sources of joy and solace. I read somewhere recently that singing just 10 minutes a day was good for one’s health; it certainly is good for one’s soul. Group singing has been scientifically proven to lower stress, relieve anxiety, and elevate endorphins. **
While my dad did not like opera, I think he enjoyed most popular music along with the country. I like opera but am not too into heavy metal. We all have different taste and music changes over time but music as a universal language continues. The Mission is probably my favorite all time move. It theme music featuring “Gabriel’s Oboe” by Roland Joffé*** could heal the sin sick soul. In the movie Gabriel’s Oboe opened the door to the oneness that grew between the indigent peoples and the priest who came to share the love of God with them. What struck me most about the story is that God was already at work among these natives although they did not know God by the same name the young priest did. This young priest did recognize God in his new friends.
We need to sing and play music as we work toward wholeness and oneness with all of God’s people for it opens our eyes to seeing God in each of us.
With a voice of singing declare ye this, and let it be heard, Alleluia.
Utter it even unto the ends of the earth.
The Lord hath delivered his people, Alleluia.
O be joyful in God, all ye lands,
O sing praises to the honor of his name, make his praise to be glorious*.
Prayer: Help us Lord sing the old songs and sing a new song too. Amen.
*With a Voice of Singing by Martin Shaw see at http://worship-organizer.awtrey.com/library/index.php?id=000318
**Singing Changes Your Brain by Stacy Horn. Time Aug. 16, 2013. http://ideas.time.com/2013/08/16/singing-changes-your-brain/
***Hear at https://search.yahoo.com/search?fr=mcafee&type=A211US636&p=Gaberllia+OBoe
All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights reserved