O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In His hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is His also. The sea is His, and He made it: and His hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our Maker. Psalm 95:1-6

Normally, the Bible verse selected for the Daily Devotions is a short one. This one is long because once I got started reading . . . I just couldn't stop.

Apparently, the same thing is happening in the Nigerian state of Lagos. There, a number of churches have asked the government to modify its noise pollution laws. It appears a number of churches have been shut down and fined 10,000 naira for noise pollution.

It appears the Christians were making too joyful a noise for their neighbors.

The congregations have all promised they will try to watch their "joyful noise." But they are also petitioning the government to relax the rules.

These folks want to make a joyful noise.

And I say, good for them.

Indeed, how can anyone not make a joyful noise to the Lord? Look at what Jesus has done. Go to the Bethlehem manger, walk with the Savior on His lifetime mission of saving us, stand before the cross of Calvary, and run to gaze into His open and empty tomb.

If there ever was a reason to make a joyful noise, this has to be it. Those events are the fulfillment of God's promise to save us. They are God's sacrifice which has bought us back from our ancient enemies.

So, next Sunday when the congregation is singing, don't just sit there and imagine the joyful noise is for your entertainment. We are there to give thanks to the Lord who is a great God, and a great King above all gods.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, sometimes my worship is less than enthusiastic. Help me understand You deserve all the glory I can give. Help me realize that others around me can be moved by the witness of Christians who are real in their thanksgiving to God. In Your Name I ask it. Amen.

NOTE: The theme for today's Daily Devotion was shared by Ian Adnams, director of Communication for Lutheran Church-Canada.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 96-98    Acts 17:1-15

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