Christian Reflection and Prayer

“On that day Deborah and Barak son of Abinoam
sang this song…” — Judges 5:1

Today, we tend to think of music as entertainment.
But the gift that we call song is so much more than
that. As the saying goes, “Music takes us where
words cannot go.” Music is not just entertaining and
enjoyable; it is transformational and transcendental.
Music is a vehicle through which we can reach God!

Throughout the Bible, specifically the books of the
prophets, we find that prophets’ words are often
accompanied by musical instruments. In the holy
Temples, music played an integral role in worship.
Certainly, music remains today a staple in both
synagogues and churches. The tradition of reaching
out to God in song lives on.

Make the most of the gift of music in your life. Use its
power to lift you up and bring you closer to God. Choose
your music wisely knowing that both the words and the
music impact your soul. Or try making your own music.
Scripture encourages us: “Sing to the LORD a new song”
(Isaiah 42:10). Jewish tradition teaches that each soul
has a unique song to sing. Find your song and share
your music with the world.

With prayers for shalom, peace,
Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein

Scripture:

 "For the word of God is living and active,
sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing
to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints
and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts
and intentions of the heart." - Hebrews 4:12

Never forget just how powerful the word of
God is. Sometimes we take it for granted
just how much it can do for us in our lives.
Read the Bible, meditate on Jesus's teachings
and keep God in the center of your life!

God is always willing to forgive us

How have you experienced God's forgiveness?

Scripture:

Come back to me, and I will heal your wayward
hearts.     1 Kings 19:3-4 NLT

Even if he wrongs you seven times a day and
each time turns again and asks forgiveness,
forgive him.   Luke 17:4 NLT

Reflection:

Since forgiveness is an expression of love, a
person whose life has an endless supply of love
should be demonstrating an endless supply of
forgiveness. We can experience unlimited love
in our relationship with God. It is this resource
that makes it possible for us to forgive others
again and again. First, we recognize that God
forgives us time and time again. Second, we
want to express God's love in a world that
needs desperately to witness it.

adapted from TouchPoint Bible with devotional
commentary by Ron Beers and Gilbert Beers,
Tyndale House Publishers (1996), p 904