"Singing and making melody in your heart to the LORD." Eph. 5:19      

As I look through the Bible I find bells mentioned only in Exodus 28 and 39 and in Zechariah 14.

In both cases they were small ornamental bells, which were worn by priests and horses.     The larger cast bell so familiar today did not come into general use until centuries after Christ.    

But bells are popular with Christians today. Although sometimes heard in warning, in tolling for the dead and for other somber purposes, the ringing of bells is usually associated with happiness and joy. I remember at grandfathers church, the rope was pulled and church bell rang to call all to worship and at the start and end of the LORD'S Prayer.    

We need their reminder. Merry peals brighten a sad world. Christians are happy people, because God sent His Son into the world as a Savior from sin and through Him took away the despair of sin and the fear of death. Because of Jesus Christ, should not gladness fill our hearts? "A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance." Solomon wrote. "Is any merry? Let him sing psalms," St. James adds. By face and voice we express the joy in our hearts.     

Christian friends, "Rejoice in the LORD always, and again I say, rejoice." St. Paul would have made a good bell ringer. We have just as much reason for joy as he had.  

You are the chosen of the LORD                                                                                        To sing His highest praise,                                                                                                 And through the melody of song                                                                                      To show His wondrous ways.  

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - To sing God's praise, keeps your heart in tune with Him.