Submitted by Kerry Patton
By the rivers of Babylon, There we sat down and wept, when we remembered Zion. 2 Upon the willows in the midst of it we hung our harps. 3 For there our captors demanded of us songs, And our tormentors mirth, saying, "Sing us one of the songs of Zion." 4 How can we sing the LORD'S song in a foreign land? 5 If I forget you, O Jerusalem, May my right hand forget her skill. 6 May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, if I do not exalt Jerusalem above my chief joy. Psalm 137:1-6
Good old music…Good old days
As I sit here at my laptop writing devotions for this week, I have the music of The Imperials playing. You may recall that we had the Imperials in our sanctuary only a few years ago.
Do you remember the Imperials from back in the mid to late 70’s? They were on the cutting edge of Christian music. Russ Taff, Dave Will, Jim Murray, and Armond Morales were a writing, singing, and performing combination that garnered multiple Grammy and Dove awards. In my opinion, that line up was the best the group has ever had.
More than that however, those years were very formative for me spiritually, and the music of bands like the Imperials was a potent source of inspiration and passion for the Lord Jesus in my life. Looking back, so much of life seemed clearer. The voice of the Lord seemed so much louder. Sitting here now thirty years later listening to that music, I’m taken back to those times. Where did that guy go?
He’s still here. However, so much has changed through the years. I have changed. The times have changed. Music has changed. Thankfully, God is a constant! But it does present an opportunity for me to conduct a checkup. Have I lost some of that fire I had back in the early days of my faith? Has my zeal, my passion for the cross been taken captive by life? Maybe... What if it has? What do I do to recapture my ‘first love’ passion of my faith walk?
Go back to the beginning
Revelation Chapter 2:1-7 illuminates the reality of losing our spiritual fire. The instruction the writer gives to correct the situation is simple: Go back and do those things you did in the beginning! Today, renew your prayer life. Today, take a moment from your busy schedule to be nourished from the Holy word…read your Bible. Today, make a conscious effort to be mindful of the presence of Christ and his Holy Spirit in you, and working around you. Are times good? Give thanks! Are you going through rough waters right now? Make your faith your refuge again. Cry out to the Lord and he will hear your cry!
Here at the beginning of the week, sing unto the Lord a new song of faith. Stir up your faith. Your best days of faith are not gone by. Indeed, they are ahead!
Scripture to claim:
“For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” 2 Timothy 1:6
