Weekly Devotion - #50

Read: Psalm 40

When Ira Sankey Got a New Song

by Ronnie Rice, Deaf Missionary

"And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God. . . . " - - Psalm 40:3.

God likes to hear a song from you. When you are excited and have accepted Christ as your Saviour, you can have a new song for God. Thank Jesus for forgiving your sin. Remember always to sing with joy and praise to our God. God is pleased to hear the song from á Christian (even if it is only a "joyful noise"). Deaf people may not be able to sing with their voices but they can sing with their hands and their hearts. Sign language is beautiful and God understands our music. When you are sad, sing. When you are happy, give praises. A happy song will also give you a happy face.

During the Civil War, Ira Sankey was a soldier. Part of his duty was to walk guard at night. As he walked, he used his voice in singing praise to God. As he walked he would sing. Years later he became a singer and choir leader for the famous evangelist D. L. Moody.

During one of the revival meetings, a soldier heard Ira Sankey singing a certain song. He listened and remembered where he had heard that song and voice. The soldier told Ira Sankey, "That song saved your life. During the war, I saw you on guard one night. I was your enemy and as I aimed my gun to kill you, you began singing that song. Because of the song, I could not pull the trigger. Now tonight I want to trust the Christ you serve who gives you the song."

Has Jesus set the joy bells ringing in your heart? My Saviour's love to me is great. I cannot keep from singing. To have a saved soul is to have a singing heart. God puts a song in our hearts, so sing it. One day it may save your life.

THOT: Your song is beautiful to God, no matter what other people say.

TODAY: Sing one of the "great hymns" to God today. Learn more hymns, too.

This lesson is from  30 Heart Touching Devotions available from SWM.

You have permission to copy for personal and church use.