July 21, 2010

The trumpeters and singers performed together in unison to praise and give thanks to the Lord. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and other instruments, they raised their voices and praised the Lord with these words: “He is so good! His faithful love endures forever!” At that moment a cloud filled the Temple of the Lord.

-2 Chronicles 5:13

In music, sounds that blend together are called harmony, or symphony. If individual tones and instruments do not blend, they clash, producing cacophony. Imagine the awful noise if all the instruments in an orchestra played their own notes in completely different keys! But when all the instruments work together, the result is a beautiful piece of music that uplifts the human soul.

God has called each of us, with our individual tones and ministries, to blend into one body. The result will be as it was at the dedication of Solomon’s temple: a beautiful display of unity-not one individual note or instrument that clashes with others, but a conscious blending of our gifts and callings with that of others.

Psalm 133:3 expresses it perfectly: “Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And the Lord has pronounced his blessing, even life forevermore” (Psalm 133:3). Whatever calling, church, or ministry we are involved in, we must walk in unity with everyone else. Then we can watch the effectiveness of our ministry multiply and see the glory of God displayed for a listening world.

Daily Readings: 2 Chronicles 4:1-6:11 • Romans 7:1-13
• Psalm 17:1-15 • Proverbs 19:22-23

The One Year Devotional used by permission from Bethany World Prayer Center and Pastor Larry Stockstill . For more information, please see www.bethany.com or www.bccn.com.