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A Hymn for Everyone

Music Humor Worship

Source: Unknown

Contributed By: Brenton Pears | Date Posted: 2023-03-17

Scripture: Ephesians 5:19 ; Psalms 104:33

Author: Unknown
4

ILLUSTRATION

The Weatherman’s Hymn—There Shall Be Showers of Blessings

The Contractor’s Hymn—The Church’s One Foundation

The Tailor’s Hymn—Holy, Holy, Holy

The Politician’s Hymn—Standing on the Promises

The Optometrist’s Hymn—Open My Eyes That I May See

The IRS Agent’s Hymn—I Surrender All

The Electrician’s Hymn—I Saw the Light

The Shopper’s Hymn—Sweet Bye and Bye

The Realtor’s Hymn—I’ve Got a Mansion, Just Over the Hilltop

The Doctor’s Hymn—The Great Physician

APPLICATION

While this list is humorously tongue-in-cheek, the reality is that the music of the faith has been more than just a vehicle of worship and adoration; it has been a great source of instruction, encouragement, comfort, and hope from the beginning, first to the Jews and then to the church. From the songs of Moses, to the Psalms, to the Magnificat, to the traditional hymns, to modern praise choruses, they all speak timeless truths, and there is literally something that speaks to everyone.

"Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart ..." (Ephesians 5:19, ESV).

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God" (Colossians 3:16, ESV).

"I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being" (Psalm 104:33, ESV).

The Final Resolution

Hope Music Resolutions

Contributed By: Stephen Kingsley | Date Posted: 2014-08-12

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:12

Author: Stephen Kingsley
5

ILLUSTRATION

Music adds so much to life, and it's all built upon just seven notes (A, B, C, D, E, F, G).

We often think a music scale has eight notes (the number of notes in an octave), but the eighth is only a repeat of the first. For example, in the common scale of C-major, the scale begins with C (or Doh) and ascends to D, E, F, G, A, B, and then, once again, to C. Having heard the scale so often beginning with C and ending with C, it makes us very uncomfortable to hear it with just seven notes. Listen ...

(Now demonstrate by singing the scale without the final Doh: "Doh, Ray, Mi, Fa, So, La, Ti …" If you're not comfortable singing, have your pianist play the seven notes in the scale, leaving the last C, or Doh, unplayed.)

Can you feel the tension hanging in the air?

(If you want to create more tension, do it again. But it is important to leave it unresolved as you continue. Make them wait for the resolution, but not for too long.)

Life is full of tension, uncomfortable moments, unanswered questions, and unresolved conflicts. We are living our lives very much in need of that eighth note.

(Now sing the scale including that eighth note, Doh, or have the pianist play it: "Doh, Ray, Mi, Fa, So, La, Ti, Doh." )

Doesn't that feel better? Ahhhh!

APPLICATION

God has given us a means of resolution to all the stresses of life through our Lord Jesus Christ. He doesn't promise to solve all problems, answer all questions, or resolve all conflicts in this life. Yet, if we will listen in the Spirit, we can always turn to Him and hear that eighth note, knowing that a day is coming when we shall know fully as we are fully known. Every incomplete thing will be fulfilled; all things will be resolved.

"For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known" (1 Corinthians 13:12).

Singing Mice

Music Unity Worship

Source: "Study says mice can sing" by Claudine Zap, Yahoo News, 10/11/12

Link to Source: Click here to view source

Contributed By: Jim Beck | Date Posted: 2013-03-09

Scripture: Colossians 3:16 ; Ephesians 4:3

Author: Claudine Zap
4

ILLUSTRATION

News Flash: Mice can sing!

Not just the ultrasonic serenade that the rodents use to attract a mate. They can actually sing together in a group:

Scientists at Tulane University in New Orleans have discovered that when two male mice were housed together, they tune their pitch. Yes, like a choir. A teeny choir of mice.

The study is surprising, notes the Telegraph, because singing in pitch is a trait thought to be found only in the Beach Boys, rather, "humans, bats and a handful of bird and large-mammal species." Yes, we're picturing a Disney movie, too.

Dr. Erich Jarvis, a neurobiologist who oversaw the study, told the Telegraph, "We are claiming that mice have limited versions of the brain and behavior traits for vocal learning that are found in humans for learning speech and in birds for learning song." He added that ability in mice to sing was not as advanced as in humans. (Alas, no mouse version of Justin Bieber just yet.)

 

APPLICATION

God's creation is musical. Job 38:7 speaks of the morning stars singing together at creation. The birds have a song, as do the whales.  And just as the mice tune up with one another, so members of the church are to live and to sing in unity.

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God" (Colossians 3:16).

We could learn a lot from the singing mice.

Thou Shalt Not Have American Idols?

Witness Music Fame

Contributed By: Illustration Exchange | Date Posted: 2012-07-06

Scripture: Psalms 149:3 ; Joshua 24:25

Author: Illustration Exchange
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Soli Deo Gloria

Devotion Goal Setting Music

Contributed By: Illustration Exchange | Date Posted: 2011-04-09

Scripture: Colossians 3:17 ; Colossians 3:23

Author: unknown
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Thank God For Spiritual Spring!

Poetry Renewal

Contributed By: Neal Pollard | Date Posted: 2023-05-11

Scripture: Lamentations 3:22 ; 2 Corinthians 4:16

Author: Neal Pollard
0

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Have You Had Your Water Quota Today?

Renewal Salvation Sanctification

Contributed By: Marcelle Smith | Date Posted: 2023-03-04

Scripture: John 4:14 ; John 4:10

Author: Marcelle Smith
3

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All Murder and Violence and No Donuts

Good Friday Easter Joy

Contributed By: Vince Putnam | Date Posted: 2023-01-22

Scripture: Mark 15: ; Matthew 27:

Author: Vince Putnam
2

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Looking at the Issue from All Angles

Cultural Trends Divisiveness Gospel

Contributed By: Illustration Exchange | Date Posted: 2022-06-13

Scripture: Ephesians 4:2 ; Ephesians 4:3

Author: Nicole C. Mullen
1

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A Slap In the Face of Morality

Morality Marriage Cultural Trends

Contributed By: Illustration Exchange | Date Posted: 2022-04-07

Scripture: Proverbs 6:27 ; Hebrews 13:4

Author: Illustration Exchange and Daniel Payne, writer for
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