The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

I Chronicles 16:8-15, “Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples.

9 Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; Speak of all His wonders.

10 Glory in His holy name; Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.

11 Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually.

12 Remember His wonderful deeds which He has done, His marvels and the judgments from His mouth,

13 O seed of Israel His servant, Sons of Jacob, His chosen ones!

14 He is the LORD our God; His judgments are in all the earth.

15 Remember His covenant forever, The word which He commanded to a thousand generations…”

Singing was always foremost in Israel! The Israelites loved to sing! It was a joyous, melodious method of expressing love and devotion to the LORD. Ninety-nine verses in the Bible, stretching from the book of Exodus to the epistle of James, speak of singing.

I grew up in a church that loved to sing, and the churches I have known over the years that have greatly blessed of the LORD have been churches that emphasized Christ-exalting music! “For this is what the LORD says: ‘Sing aloud with joy for Jacob, and be joyful with the chief of the nations; Proclaim, give praise, and say ‘LORD, save Your people, the remnant of Israel!’” (Jer. 31:7). Hebrews 2:12 says, “I will proclaim Your Name to my brothers, in the midst of the assembly I will sing your praise.”

Spiritual music always has the LORD as its primary focus. It is intended to engender praise in the participants; still, the focus of the people is always to be on the LORD. He is the One we are adoring! He is the One who is worthy of our praise!

“Sing His praise from the end of the earth! You who go down to the sea…

Oh, you islands, and those who live on them. Let the wilderness and its cities raise their voices…Let them shout for joy from the tops of the mountains. Let them give glory to the LORD…” (Isa. 42:10-12).

Heartily in Christ,

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

United States of America

We will never know that Christ is all we need,

Until He becomes all that we have. – Corrie ten Boom