There is a
story about four clergymen who were discussing the merits of the various
translations of the Bible. One liked the King James Version best because of its
beautiful English. Another liked the American Revised Version best because it
is more literal and comes nearer to the original Hebrew and Greek. Still
another liked Mofatt's translation best because of its up-to-date vocabulary.
The fourth minister was silent. When asked to express his opinion, he replied,
“I like my mother's translation best.” The other three expressed surprise. They
did not know his mother had translated the Bible. “Yes, she did,” he replied.
“She translated it into life, and it was the most convincing translation I ever
saw.”
Friday, July 24, 2015
Sunday, July 19, 2015
Reflections on Music
Between
teaching twelve music students, practicing for orchestra camp at the beginning
of September, practicing to fiddle at the farmer’s market, and taking an online
course on string quartets, I practically live music these days. I wouldn’t have
it any other way. Music is a gift! That reminds me of a quote that I really
like:
Bach gave us God's Word.
Mozart gave us God's laughter.
Beethoven gave us God's fire.
God gave us Music that we might pray
without words.
As I
ponder the beautiful gift of music, I often marvel. God created music in all of
its perfection and grandeur, and He chose to share it with us. Can you imagine
how it will be to sing in heaven with the angels? I don’t think that the most
beautiful music here on earth even begins to compare!
Yet
I also marvel at how, like with many other things, man has corrupted this
God-created, God-given gift. Music influences people in profound ways, either
for good or bad, like little else does. Be vigilant in your music selection—it can
be a tool of God or a tool of the enemy of your soul!
“I waited patiently for the Lord; And
He inclined to me and heard my cry. He brought me up out of the pit of destruction,
out of the miry clay, And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise
to our God; Many will see and fear And will trust in the Lord.” ~ Psalm 40:1-3
“Therefore be careful how you walk, not
as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.
So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do
not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,
speaking to one another in psalms and hymns
and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;
always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God,
even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.” ~ Ephesians 5:15-21
“O come, let us sing for joy to the Lord, Let us
shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation.” ~ Psalm 95:1
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)