"Let us find a good musician to play the harp for you whenever the tormenting spirit is bothering you. The harp music will quiet you, and you will soon be well again."

1 Samuel 16:16 (NLV)

And whenever the tormenting spirit from God troubled Saul, David would play the harp. Then Saul would feel better, and the tormenting spirit would go away.

1 Samuel 16:23 (NLV)

She’d Rather Sing

A brave little girl was taken to a doctor for a minor, but painful operation. When all was ready, the kindly doctor said, “This will hurt, but you may cry or scream as much as you please.” The little girl looked up at him, smiling, and said, “I would rather sing,” which she did with her sweet, childish voice and went through her brief ordeal without sigh, groan or tear.

—The Presbyterian

Daily Meditations by Pat Nordman Š

August 28

Christianity is not only believing the impossible but doing it as well. Philippians 4:13 tells us, "I can do ALL things through Him who strengthens me." That ALL covers it all. That means the entire, complete, whole of life. It is the "greatest possible," the "all kinds of," the "any whatever" of life.

It is the all of Romans 8:28, that glorious rod and staff of the grieving: "We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." I know (wisdom) I can (possibility) do (accomplishment) all (faith) things whatsoever He asks.

Pat Nordman Š

Excerpts from today's Spurgeon's Devotions With links to the entire devotion
Spurgeon's Morning for August 28	Spurgeon's Evening for August 28
"How long will it be ere they believe me?" – Numbers 14:11	"Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth." — Psalm 31:5
Strive with all diligence to keep out that monster unbelief. ... It is true it is a weed, the seeds of which we an never entirely extract from the soil, but we must aim at its root with zeal and perseverance.	What is this mortal state compared with the soul? The believer commits his soul to the hand of his God; it came from him, it is his own, he has aforetime sustained it, he is able to keep it, and it is most fit that he should receive it.

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August 28 Jer 49:1 - 50:46

365 days of Bible Readings Linked to Bible Gaitway TM

Current Bible Question

When the foundation for the second temple was laid, the priest played trumpets. What did the Levites play?

Previous question and Answer:

Who is mentioned as the father of those who play the harp and organ?

Jubal (Genesis 4:21)

Today's Devotion

But my mouth would encourage you;
comfort from my lips would bring you relief.
Job 16:5 (NIV)

What is the Father Doing?

by Cathy Vinson

"For this reason, SINCE THE DAY WE HEARD about you, we have not stopped praying for you"

(Col 1:9)

John Wimber, founder of the Vineyard movement, coined a phrase that cuts much useless activity to its roots: What is the Father doing?

There is much mystery to how the Father works, and why He works in a certain area at a certain time. Keeping in step requires a continual willingness to adjust. The things we expect to see Him doing seem to lie
dormant while pockets rise up at the periphery. What are we to do, press on with how we thought, or stop and adapt ourselves to how God is revealing His activity NOW?

Paul had heard that the Colossian church had "faith in Christ Jesus and love for all the saints" (Col 1:4). This redirected his focus. He knew these were signs at a church that only God could do. Love for ALL the saints...we can vouch that only God would place a church in this state!

Since Paul heard of their "love in the Spirit" he put himself on a course. He "would not stop." These people were going to get his attention. He would pray through all the will of God for these people! What God was doing only He could do. Paul would adjust and move with it.

"The Son can do nothing of Himself but what He sees the Father do...the Son does in like manner" (Jn 5:19-20). Henry Blackaby's timely-written book EXPERIENCING GOD is helping many to evaluate their energies with Biblical truth. In it he confirms repeatedly to watch what the Father is doing. "Your job as a servant is to follow Jesus' example: Do what God is already doing - WATCH TO SEE WHERE GOD IS AT WORK AND JOIN HIM!"

Cathy VinsonŠ

Send a note to Cathy Vinson , the writer of this devotion.

There is much mystery to how the Father works, and why He works in a certain area at a certain time. Keeping in step requires a continual willingness to adjust.

Other Whispers from the Wilderness Devotions are found HERE

Music in the Bible

Cymbals

Percussion instruments are those musical instruments that produce sound by a vibrating membrane or a metal shell. In Bible times the cymbal was the only percussion instrument in the temple orchestra.The cymbals were made of copper. They were used when the people were celebrating and praising GOd. They joined with trumpets and singers to express joy and thanks to the Lord (1 Chronicles 15:16). David's chief musician (1 Chronicles 16:5) was a cymbal player. When the people returned from captivity, Asaph's descendants were called to join singers and trumpets in praise to the Lord (Ezra 3:10)

Some versions of the Bible translate the Hebrew word as castanets (1 Chronicles 16:5), it is now believed that this is an inaccurate translation and should say cymbals.

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~ What Type of Dressing Do You Prefer? ~

"I was born in the 50's. I grew up on rock 'n roll. It's what I like. Since I happen to prefer that type of music and since I'm a dedicated Believer in Jesus Christ, I merge the two and use it to show the world the vitality of the Living Lord. It's like taking salid oil and vinegar (with a few spices, of course), and pouring it over my "salad of life." To many, it "tastes" good. To others, they'd prefer mayonnaise and ketchup mixed up. You see, music has to do with taste. Some like folk. Some like classical. Some like country and western. The list goes on and on. Why is it that when we walk into a majority of churches today, they only serve one type of dresssing?! We, who are called to be the "salt of the earth" are serving up a bland menu. We sit and wonder where all the youth and young adults are. We expect them to like the same kind of "dressing" with NO SUBSTITUTIONS thank you! I think the Master Chef grieves over our lack of creativity. It's time for God's people to open the doors of their hearts and serve a "variety" on the menu.

"I'm willing to taste something new. How 'bout you?"

-- Laurel Lear
Young Life Song book