There are lots of things not to like about YouTube, Facebook, MySpace, and the Internet in general, but I have to confess that there are many benefits to the Internet that daily enrich my life. For instance, as I am writing this post, I’m in my office in the RBC building–in my “Dilbert” cubicle. Not having total privacy and control of all noise factors, I have my headset on and am listening to Pandora Radio–to my self-designated “radio station” that plays Mozart and similar composers. So I get the double benefit of noise blocking and the Mozart Effect.
Isaac Watts
Without the Internet, how would I have ever heard the heartwarming story of Susan Boyle. And without it, how could you follow all the links that I’ve placed in this post!
For me, though, it is the research and historical aspects that I most appreciate. For instance, since—sad to say—the old hymns are not sung much in the churches we’ve attended for the past decade, I can find them in all their splendor on the Internet. One of my favorites is the great hymn by Isaac Watts, “I Sing the Mighty Power of God.” For a spiritual spring tonic to make your heart glory in the wonder of God’s creation, listen to this YouTube clip featuring the Ball Brothers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7nTnY61Sdo
I sing the mighty power of God that made the mountains rise,
That spread the flowing seas abroad and built the lofty skies.
I sing the wisdom that ordained the sun to rule the day;
The moon shines full at His command and all the stars obey.
I sing the goodness of the Lord that filled the earth with food;
He formed the creatures with His word and then pronounced them good.
Lord, how Thy wonders are displayed where’er I turn my eye:
If I survey the ground I tread or gaze upon the sky!
There’s not a plant or flower below but makes Thy glories known;
And clouds arise and tempests blow by order from Thy throne;
While all that borrows life from Thee is ever in Thy care,
And everywhere that man can be, thou, God, art present there.
Here are a couple more that will stir your heart and motivate you to revel in the glories of spring:
All Creatures of Our God and King
See you outdoors!
April 30th, 2009 at 7:44 am
Boy oh boy, I love that video of the Ball Brothers singing “I Sing The Mighty Power of God”. If (as RC Sproul has said) that doesn’t push your buttons, you don’t have any buttons!! Family harmony at its best.
I too have to say the internet is my friend. It has taken me to this blog site, because I’ve appreciated the RBC ministry since back in the days when Richard DeHaan was at the helm. And now, a lot of very helpful information is instantly available to help us in our walk with the Lord Jesus in the form of on-line booklets, audio resources, devotionals and this superb blog.
My grown children have even convinced me to use Facebook, so there are many advantages to the internet. We must be disciplined to avoid those sites which would pull us down because much unwholesome material is available with the click of a mouse, and when we encounter some of that by accident, must quickly “x” off and go to a safe haven again.
So good browsing, fellow bloggers, and thanks, Dean, for all you are doing.
Bob
May 5th, 2009 at 5:36 am
Wonderful, wonderful! I love those hymns. And the Mozart effect as well! Yes, the Internet can be as big a blessing as it is a curse to many. Much good to find on it, which can help us.