christianity

STEP 1: Sing

/ Gail Johnson / 16 Comments

Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy. 

Psalm 59:17 (KJV)

Not every plan we implement this year will bring the success we crave. The first step to a successful year is to realize a one-size-fits-all plan is not the answer. Just as our dreams and journeys are personal, our plans should be designed for us, too.

Another reason our strategy should be personalized is that complicated plans are abandoned, while easy plans often leave out crucial elements for the sake of reaching the goal. Discovering the perfect steps to help us obtain our objectives may take a while. Still, we shouldn’t give up. Meanwhile, we succeed anytime we obey the Word of God. Guaranteed.

5 STEPS for Success in 2025 is a simple way to reach daily goals. I want to share Step 1 today.

Sing for Spiritual Renewal

Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.

Psalm 30:4 (KJV)

If remembering God’s holiness is the only reason we sing, then let us sing for that reason alone. Of course, there are other reasons for an aria.

Something happens when we sing.

If you think the commandment to sing is for God’s benefit alone, you’re mistaken. A physical, mental, and spiritual shift occurs when we lift our voices in song. For instance, our physical bodies are changed. We move beyond the pain and heartache. We break spiritual chains and win wars. We walk in victory.

When Paul and Silas were in Philippi, they were beaten with many stripes and thrown in prison. But they didn’t quit.

And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.

Acts 16:25-26 (KJV)

Another example is Jehoshaphat, king of Judah. When he faced three armies, he cried unto the Lord for a plan. The Lord answered his prayer.

Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you. 

2 Chronicles 20:17 (KJV)

Jehoshaphat appointed singers to go before the army. (How would you feel about that plan? 😊)

And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.

2 Chronicles 20:22 (KJV)

Sing for Physical Renewal

Did you know that something happens in, and to, your body when you sing?

For instance, the left side of the brain is responsible for speech. With it, we construct sentences. However, the right side is responsible for creativity, which involves rhythm and melody. When we sing, both sides of our brains light up! That’s why people who stutter can sing their words without any difficulty.

Singing also strengthens the lungs. A great exercise is to sing or hum while walking or running. And that’s not all! Belting out our favorite tune improves memory because we focus on several things, like music, rhythm, and words.  

Singing can also reduce anxiety and stress, thereby reducing cortisol. Can anyone say belly fat?

Another reason to sing is that singing releases endorphins. Endorphins are the body’s painkillers.  

Serotonin improves sleep, boosts moods, and helps control appetites.

Dopamine helps a person feel pleasure and motivation. It plays a key role in learning, memory, mood, and sleep.

Oxytocin is released in different ways. A few are laughter, exercise, music, and ultraviolet light. A reason we need to spend time in the sun. It relieves stress and anxiety, builds trust, and affects our moods.

As you can see, there are many different reasons to sing. So grab your favorite playlists, radio, or CD, and sing your favorite song while walking in the sunshine!

Your Turn

Share your favorite worship songs and hymns in the comments. Have a wonderful week!

Articles to Read

Endorphins: The brain’s natural pain reliever – Harvard Health Publishing

The Science Behind Singing: What Happens When We Sing? – London Singing Institute

The World’s Most Accessible Stress Reliever – bbc.com

What to Know About Oxytocin Hormone – WebMD

Choosing the Good Part

/ Gail Johnson / 4 Comments

I sat on my six-year-old daughter’s bed and clasped her tiny hand. In her sing-song voice, she began her nightly prayers.

“Lord, bless my mama. Lord, bless my daddy. Lord, bless my bubba. Mama, you’re sitting on my leg.”

I apologized and scooted over. “Is that better?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Okay. Let’s start again.”

Head bowed once more, I waited.

“One plus one is two. One plus two is three. One plus three is four…”

A smile spread across my face. I peeked out of one eye and waited for her to realize what she was saying.

“One plus five is six. One plus six is…,” she began giggling. “I was saying my addition facts.”

“Yes. You’ve been busy today. You have a lot on your mind, don’t you?”

“I want to start over.”

She started once more and finished her prayer. I kissed her good-night, tucked her in, and switched off the light.

Twelve years have passed since that night. But the memory is still as fresh as if it were yesterday. Not only does it hold precious memories, but spiritual truths.

Work-Work-Work

During the years, when my children were small, my husband worked crazy hours. At one point in our lives, he worked three different shifts in three weeks. No full days off. So, I was alone with the kids most of the time.

elephant-830782_1280

Pixabay

Both refused to sleep once they arrived. My son was colicky and cried for hours. My daughter, the same. As babies, I rocked them while crying and praying for their relief. I did everything I could to ease their pain while ignoring my own needs.

Not bragging. That’s what mothers do.

Hair? Forget styling. Pull it up in a ponytail. No one is coming. Teeth. Don’t worry, you can brush, later. Eat? You have three meals. You’re bound to eat one. Never mind going to the bathroom.

When it came time for school, my husband and I agreed to homeschool so that our weekends coincided with his.

During those early years, I grew tired. I loved being a wife and mother more than anything! But, I missed my alone time with God. At times, I felt guilty for not spending time with Him like I did before motherhood.

Ever been there?

As was His loving way, He led me to His Word.

“He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.” Isaiah 40:11 KJV

Funny how you never see a scripture until the Lord opens your eyes to it.

I knew the time would come when my children were older, and I could once again have my time.

But, during those years I became accustomed to the busyness of life. I quickly learned to adapt. I ate on the run, wrote on the run, prayed and studied on the run. That was life.

I quickly realized I had a problem when the Lord called me to Him. I no longer hungered for the alone time. I was satisfied with what I viewed as normal.

My prayer routine usually started with me kneeling on the floor, my head on my Bible. The days I didn’t fall asleep, I fished forgotten Lego blocks and sippy cups from underneath the furniture.

It’s not easy breaking a habit. But break it we must if we are to see what’s before us.

A Needful Rest

The Bible tells us when Jesus entered a certain village, Martha invited Him to her house. Can you imagine the hoopla that took place? Everything had to be perfect.

One problem.

Mary, Martha’s sister, wasn’t helping. She had chosen to sit at the feet of Jesus. Mary’s action—or inaction irritated the industrious Martha to the point she complained to the Master.

I don’t know about you, but I can see both sides here. 🙂

But, on the other hand…  Imagine Martha’s story.

“Oh, honey, let me tell you. I had to set up two extra tables. I didn’t think I would ever fit everyone inside. But you know me. I can do anything I set my mind to. For the main course, I served roasted lamb. And if I have to say so myself, it was delicious. In fact, the disciples said they had never tasted anything like it.”

Exaggerated? Sure. But, my point is, if we listen carefully, it’s what we sound like when touting the accomplishment deemed necessary in this life.

Yes. Things must be done. But, there’s a “good part” that we are missing.

Now let’s listen to Mary’s story.

“Oh, my dearest friend, I could never explain to you what I felt while seated at His feet. When He looked at me, nothing else mattered. Everything vanished. Every trouble, every care. And then, His love washed over me like warm oil and filled every part of my being. As I listened to the sound of His voice, my strength was renewed. I found new hope.”

Seasons change and so must we. In the busy times of life, we do what we must do. And when the time comes, we change. Whether we are running, walking, or sitting at this time, let us be mindful that we always have a guest. May we cast aside our cares of the day, sit at His feet and focus only on Him.

Blessings

Gail

 

 

WDYB~What Do You Believe?

/ Gail Johnson / 2 Comments

Imagine Jerusalem filled with today’s technology…

This is Mark Jacobs with a special report from downtown Jerusalem in the WDYB studio.

Good evening. With what started as a typical day has rekindled the past firestorm of controversy surrounding the man known as Jesus Christ of Nazareth. For those just now joining us, we’ll start with the story of his birth.

His mother Mary told me the Holy Spirit overshadowed her and she conceived, making His birth a scientific wonder. She also said, after losing Him one day, she found Him teaching in the temple.

Nothing miraculous there, until she told me He was twelve-years-old at the time.

After that, I didn’t uncover much about his early life, but I did learn that He left His carpentry job and began ministering to the poor and needy.

Now, this is where it gets interesting, folks.

He was hauled before the leaders accused and crucified. But He didn’t remain in the tomb. People are claiming He is alive. And so, this reporter followed his nose and boy, did I find a story!

I spent days speaking with eyewitnesses as they recounted their experiences with this quiet, unassuming man. I have to caution you, I have never heard anything like it before. I daresay, it will challenge your way of thinking.

One such witness, named Jairus, declared this Jesus raised his twelve-year-old daughter from the dead.

And that’s not all. Two sisters, Mary and Martha, claimed He raised their decaying, stinking brother, Lazarus from the dead, also.

Another witness by the name of Bartimaeus said Jesus, who he called the Son of David, restored his sight.

I continued my research and found another man who told me of a banquet for 5000 in the middle of nowhere. One woman with an issue of blood for twelve years was healed when she touched the hem of His garment. Can you believe it?

I’m sorry, folks, but I have to smile when I think of the physician’s reaction. Incredible!

Here at WDYB, we are fair and balanced, so, I went to the other side of town and spoke with those who are adamant in their unbelief.

Included in that crowd, were those who called Him a fraud, and a blasphemer. They claimed He didn’t rise from the dead, but His followers stole his body away in the middle of the night.

I returned to my hotel only to meet with two who claimed to have talked with Him while traveling to Emmaus. They reported while they conversed with Him their hearts burned within them.

And that brings us to the story of the hour. When asking where I could find this Jesus, they told me, He had gone away but promised to return soon.

In preparation for His return, certain followers are waiting in an upper room. When I asked what they were waiting for, Simon Peter, apparently the spokesman for the group, said, “ We were commanded to tarry until we receive power from on high. Afterward, we are to carry the Gospel to the far corners of the world.”

Then he shared the Gospel with me. What an amazing story!

So there, you have it, folks. Whether you believe or not, one thing is undeniable. This man called Jesus has turned the world, as we know it, upside down. And I expect years from now, there will still be debates about Him.

But as for me, I began this journey for answers. And I have concluded, I cannot deny the testimony of those who experienced first hand this man called Jesus of Nazareth. Truly, He is the Son of God.

So I will leave it with you.

This is Mark Jacobs in Jerusalem, signing off for WDYB. What do you believe?

Good night.