September 20:  Make a Joyful Noise.

The Battle for Victory.
Thus says the Lord:  "Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations; proclaim, give praise, and say, 'O Lord, save Your people, the remnant of Israel.' "--Jeremiah 31:7, NKJV

IN VISION I SAW TWO ARMIES in terrible conflict.  One army was led by banners bearing the world's insignia; the other was led by the bloodstained banner of Prince Immanuel.  Standard after standard was left to trail in the dust as company after company from the Lord's army joined the foe and tribe after tribe from the ranks of the enemy united with the commandment-keeping people of God....

The battle raged.  Victory alternated from side to side.  Now the soldiers of the cross gave way, "as when a standardbearer fainteth."  Isaiah 10:18.  But their apparent retreat was but to gain a more advantageous position.  Shouts of joy were heard.  A song of praise to God went up, and angel voices united in the song, as Christ's soldiers planted His banner on the walls of fortresses till then held by the enemy.  The Captain of our salvation was ordering the battle and sending support to His soldiers.  His power was mightily displayed, encouraging them to press the battle to the gates.  He taught them terrible things in righteousness as He led them on step by step, conquering and to conquer.--Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, 41.

                   "You must not fear them, for the Lord your God Himself fights for you."
                                                                                               --Deuteronomy 3:22, NKJV

September 19:  Make a Joyful Noise.

Rejoicing for the King's Arrival.
Rejoice, O people of Zion!  Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem!  Look, your King is coming to you.  He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey--riding on a donkey's colt,--Zechariah 9:9, NLT

WHEN JESUS RODE triumphantly into Jerusalem, His followers believed that He was about to ascend the throne of David and deliver Israel from her oppressors.  With high hopes and joyful anticipations they vied with one another in showing honor to their King.  Many spread their outer garments as a carpet in His path, or strewed before Him the leafy branches of the palm.  In their enthusiastic joy they united in the glad acclaim: "Hosanna to the Son of David!"--The Great Controversy, 404.

As they proceeded, the multitude was continually increased by those who had heard of the coming of Jesus and hastened to join the procession.  Spectators were constantly mingling with the throng, and asking, Who is this?  What does all this commotion signify?...

Their questionings are silenced by a shout of triumph.  Again and again it is repeated by the eager throng; it is taken up by the people afar off, and echoed from the surrounding hills and valleys.  And now the procession is joined by crowds from Jerusalem.  From the multitude gathered to attend the Passover, thousands go forth to welcome Jesus.  They greet Him with the waving of palm branches and a burst of sacred song.--The Desire of Ages, 570, 571.

                                       "Hosanna to the Son of David!
                           'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!
                                              Hosanna in the highest!' "
                                                                                   --Matthew 21:9, NKJV

September 18:  Make a Joyful Noise.

Christ, Our Leader.
And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord: "For He is good, for His mercy endures forever toward Israel."  Then all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid....The people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people, for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the sound was heard afar off.--Ezra 3:11, 13, NKJV

MINGLED WITH THE MUSIC and the shouts of praise that were heard on that glad day, was a discordant note.  "Many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice"  [Ezra 3:12]....

...But some failed of discerning God's opening providences.  Instead of rejoicing, they cherished thoughts of discontent and discouragement.  They had seen the glory of Solomon's temple, and they lamented because of the inferiority of the building now to be erected....

Could those who failed to rejoice at the laying of the foundation stone of the temple have foreseen the results of their lack of faith on that day, they would have been appalled.  Little did they realize the weight of their words of disapproval and disappointment; little did they know how much their expressed dissatisfaction would delay the completion of the Lord's house.

There were many in the congregation, however, whose larger faith and broader vision did not lead them to view this lesser glory with such dissatisfaction.  "Many shouted aloud for joy: so that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off"  [Ezra 3:12, 13].--Prophets and Kings, 563, 565, 564.

September 17:  Make a Joyful Noise.

His Mercy Endures Forever.
Many of the priests and Levites and heads of the father's houses, old men who had seen the first temple, wept with a loud voice when the foundation of this temple was laid before their eyes.  Yet many shouted aloud for joy.--Ezra 3:12, NKJV

THE SETTING UP OF THE ALTAR of daily burnt offerings greatly cheered the faithful remnant.  Heartily they entered into the preparations necessary for the rebuilding of the temple, gathering courage as these preparations advanced from month to month....

...Soon the work was advanced to the point where the foundation stone must be laid.  This was done in the presence of many thousands who had assembled to witness the progress of the work and to give expression to their joy in having a part in it.  While the cornerstone was being set in position, the people, accompanied by the trumpet of the priests and the cymbals of the sons of Asaph, "sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord; because He is good, for His mercy endureth forever toward Israel"  {Ezra 3:11}.--Prophet and Kings, 560, 563.

            All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations
                  of our sinful nature.  By our very nature we were subject to God's anger,
                                                     just like everyone else.
                             But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much,
                                that even though we were dead because of our sins,
                                he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead.
                                (It is only by God's grace that you have been saved!)
                                                                                    --Ephesians 2:3-5, NLT

September 16:  Make a Joyful Noise.

We Are God's Special Treasure.
Sing to the Lord, for He has done excellent things; this is known in all the earth.  Cry out and shout, O inhabitant of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel in your midst!--Isaiah 12:5, 6, NKJV

WHEN THE LIGHT OF CHRIST is shining in the soul, the lips will be filled with praise and thanksgiving to God.--Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 80.

The gifts which the gospel offers are not to be secured by stealth or enjoyed in secret.

"Ye are My witnesses,saith the Lord,
That I am God."  Isaiah 43:12

Our confession of His faithfulness is Heaven's chosen agency for revealing Christ to the world.--The Ministry of Healing, 100.

The daily blessings that we receive from the hand of God, and above all else the death of Jesus to bring happiness and heaven within our reach, should be a theme for constant gratitude.  What compassion, what matchless love, has God shown to us, lost sinners, in connecting us with Himself, to be to Him a peculiar treasure!  What a sacrifice has been made by our Redeemer, that we may be called children of God!  We should praise God for the blessed hope held out before us in the great plan of redemption, we should praise Him for the heavenly inheritance and for His rich promises; praise Him that Jesus lives to intercede for us.--Patriarchs and Prophets, 289.

With such a...glorious hope, such a redemption that Christ has purchased for us by His own blood, shall we hold our peace?  Shall we not praise God even with a loud voice, as did the disciples when Jesus rode into Jerusalem?  Is not our prospect far more glorious than was theirs?  Who dare them forbid us glorifying God, even with a loud voice, when we have such a hope, big with immortality, and full of glory?--Early Writings, 110.

               "Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant,
      then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine."
                                                                                       --Exodus 19:5, NKJV

                        "They will be my people," says the Lord of Heaven's Armies.
                   On the day when I act in judgment, they will be my own special treasure.
                               I will spare them as a father spares an obedient child."
                                                                                       --Malachi 3:17, NLT

September 15:  Make a Joyful Noise.

Songs of Celebration.
You crown the year with Your goodness, and Your paths drip with abundance.  They drop on the pastures of the wilderness, and the little hills rejoice on every side.  The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered with grain; they shout for joy, they also sing.--Psalm 65:11-13, NKJV

UNDER THE RULERSHIP OF KING DAVID, Israel had joyfully united in chanting hymns of praise to the Most High, in recognition of their entire dependence on Him for daily mercies.  Listen to their words of adoration as then they sang:

        "O God of our salvation....

Thou makest the outgoings of the morning
        and evening to rejoice
Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it:
Thou greatly enrighest it with the river
      of God, which is full of water:
Thou preparest them corn,
      when Thou hast so provided for it....
      The little hills rejoice on every side.
The pastures are clothed with flocks;
The valleys also are covered over with corn;
They shout for joy, they also sing
      (Psalm 65:8, 9, 12, 13).--Prophet and Kings, 133.

                                      Blessed is the man You choose,
                                        And cause to approach You,
                                  That he may dwell in Your courts.
                         We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house,
                                                Of Your holy temple.
                              
                                                         --Psalm 65:4, NKJV

September 14:  Make a Joyful Noise.

The Heavens Marveled and Rejoiced at God's Creation.
"To what were its foundations fastened?  Or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?"--Job 38:6, 7, NKJV

WHEN "THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH WERE FINISHED, and all the host of them" (Genesis 2:1), the Creator and all heavenly beings rejoiced in contemplation of the glorious scene.  "The morning stars sang together, and all the songs of God shouted for joy."  Job 38:7.--The Desire of Ages, 769.

As the earth came forth from the hand of its Maker, it was exceedingly beautiful.  Its surface was diversified with mountains, hills, and plains, interspersed with noble rivers and lovely lakes; but the hills and mountains were not abrupt and rugged, abounding in terrific steeps and frightful chasms, as they now do; the sharp, ragged edges of earth's rocky framework were buried beneath the fruitful soil, which everywhere produced a luxuriant growth of verdure.  There were no loathsome swamps or barren deserts.  Graceful shrubs and delicate flowers greeted the eye at every turn.  The heights were crowned with trees more majestic than any that now exist.  The air, untainted by foul miasma, was clear and healthful.  The entire landscape outvied in beauty the decorated grounds of the proudest palace.  The angelic host viewed the scene with delight, and rejoiced at the wonderful works of God.--Patriarchs and Prophets, 44.

                                                   Before the mountains were born,
                                        before you gave birth to the earth and the world,
                                                   from beginning to end, you are God.
                                                                                           --Psalm 90:2, NLT

September 13:  Make a Joyful Noise.

Singing Brings Joy, Faith, and Hope.
Is anyone among you suffering?  Let him pray.  Is anyone cheerful?  Let him sing psalms.--James 5:13, NKJV

GREAT HAVE BEEN the blessings received by men in response to songs of praise....How often in spiritual experience is this history repeated! how often by words of holy song are unsealed in the soul the springs of penitence and faith, of hope and love and joy!--Education, 162.

Jesus is our example....He was never so full of worldly care as to have no time or thought for heavenly things.  Often He expressed the gladness of His heart by singing psalms and heavenly songs.  Often the dwellers in Nazareth heard His voice raised in praise and thanksgiving to God.  He held communion with heaven in song; and as His companions complained of weariness from labor, they were cheered by the sweet melody from His lips.  His praise seemed to banish the evil angels, and, like incense, fill the place with fragrance.  The minds of His hearers were carried away from their earthly exile, to the heavenly home.--The Desire of Ages, 74, 73.

                                     Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth;
                                   Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises.
                                             Sing to the Lord with the harp,
                                        With the harp and the sound of a psalm,
                                        With trumpets and the sound of a horn;
                                         Shout joyfully before the Lord, the King.
                              
                                                               --Psalm 98:4-6, NKJV

September 12:  Make a Joyful Noise.

Nature Sings His Praise.
Break forth into joy, sing together, you waste places of Jerusalem!  For the Lord has comforted His people, He has redeemed Jerusalem.--Isaiah 52:9, NKJV

IT WAS CHRIST THAT SPREAD the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth.  It was His hand that hung the worlds in space, and fashioned the flowers of the field.  "His strength setteth fast the mountains."  "The sea is His, and He made it."  Psalm 65:6; 95:5.  It was He that filled the earth with beauty, and the air with song.--The Desire of Ages, 20.

From the solemn roll of the deep-toned thunder and old ocean's ceaseless roar, to the glad songs that make the forests vocal with melody, nature's ten thousand voices speak His praise.--The Ministry of Healing, 411.

The birds are teachers of the sweet lesson of trust.  Our heavenly Father provides for them; but they must gather the food, they must build their nests and rear their young.  Every moment they are exposed to enemies that seek to destroy them.  Yet how cheerily they go about their word! how full of joy are their little songs!--Education, 117.

                         They also who dwell in the farthest parts are afraid of Your signs;
                          You make the outgoings of the morning and evening rejoice....
                                   ...They drop on the pastures of the wilderness,
                                      And the little hills rejoice on every side.
                              
                                                      --Psalm 65:8, 12, NKJV

September 11:  Make a Joyful Noise.

Singing Brings Joy and Cheer.
My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing to You, and my soul, which You have redeemed.--Psalm 71:23, NKJV

THE HISTORY OF THE SONGS of the Bible is full of suggestions as to the uses and benefits of music and song.--Education, 167.

It was with songs of praise that the armies of Israel went forth to the great deliverance under Jehoshaphat....

...Before the army went singers, lifting their voices in praise to God--praising Him for the victory promised.

On the fourth day thereafter, the army returned to Jerusalem, laden with the spoil of their enemies, singing praise for the victory won.--Education, 163.

With a song, Jesus in His earthly life met temptation.  Often when sharp, stinging words were spoken, often when the atmosphere about Him was heavy with gloom, with dissatisfaction, distrust, or oppressive fear, was heard His song of faith and holy cheer.--Education, 166.

Then let us educate our hearts and lips to speak the praise of God for His matchless love.  Let us educate our souls to be hopeful and to abide in the light shining from the cross of Calvary.  Never should we forget that we are children of the heavenly King, sons and daughters of the Lord of hosts.--The Ministry of Healing, 253.

                                    Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound!
                                They walk, O Lord, in the light of Your countenance.
                                              In Your name they rejoice all day long,
                                            And in Your righteousness they are exalted.
                                                For You are the glory of their strength,
                                                And in Your favor our horn is exalted.
                                                                                             --Psalm 89:15-17, NKJV