Bible Verse Of The Day

Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love.

Micah 7:18 (NLT)
verse-a-day.com

February 22, 2025

Echoes of Faith: The Music Still Plays On| Short Fiction

Prefer to listen? đźŽ§ The Music Stills Plays On is now available as an audio story on YouTube â€” click here to listen for FREE!

The Music Still Plays On


In The Music Still Plays On, a retired music teacher helps an elderly pianist rediscover her forgotten gift. A touching story of faith, second chances, and the healing power of music. Let the story speak to your heart—scroll down to begin.


Agatha Simmons sat at the bus stop, her gloved hands folded neatly in her lap. The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of autumn leaves and the faint aroma of fresh bread from the bakery down the street. At sixty-two, she had grown accustomed to these quiet moments, waiting for the number thirteen bus to take her to the senior center where she volunteered.

She could have spent her retirement traveling or tending to a quiet life at home, but that was never her calling. Music had always been more than just a career—it was her ministry. For over thirty years, she had taught high school choir and piano, helping students find their voices and discover the beauty of song.

Even after retirement, she couldn’t put music aside. Every Sunday, she played the piano for her church choir, her fingers dancing over the keys in worship. And during the week, she poured her love for music into the senior center, knowing that even in life’s later chapters, music had the power to heal, to comfort, and to bring people together.

She had always imagined she would share her love for music with children of her own. But marriage had never come, and the years had passed more quickly than she expected. Instead, her students had become her legacy, and now, the seniors at the center were her family.

She glanced up as two teenage girls stood near the bench, their laughter light and uninhibited.

“I can’t wait for the talent show,” one girl said excitedly, bouncing on her heels. “I’m gonna play the violin just like my grandpa!”

Her friend grinned. “My mom says music brings people together. I have no musical talent at all.”

A warm smile crept onto Agatha’s lips. Yes, child, it does.

The distant hum of an engine drew her attention. The bus rolled into view, its tires hissing as it came to a stop. Agatha stood, adjusted her red scarf, and stepped inside.

As she took her usual seat by the window, the bus rumbled forward. Sunlight streamed through the glass, painting golden patches across her hands. She closed her eyes for a moment, whispering a silent prayer. "Lord, let me be useful today."

The senior center bustled with quiet activity. A few residents sat near the windows, basking in the sun’s warmth. Others played chess or knitted in hushed companionship. But in the corner of the room, apart from the rest, sat a woman Agatha had seen before—but never spoken to.

Viola Stefanik.

Agatha had noticed her in passing over the last few months, always sitting alone, always quiet. Today was no different.

Even in a room filled with casual sweaters and comfortable shoes, Viola Stefanik stood out. She carried herself with an elegance that time had not diminished. Her silver hair was swept into a flawless twist, not a strand out of place. A string of pearls rested at the base of her neck, and her navy dress—simple yet refined—was pressed to perfection. She was the kind of woman who, even in her later years, took care to present herself with grace.

Yet today, something was different.

Her posture, usually poised, slumped slightly, as if burdened by an invisible weight. She stared at her hands, her fingers moving with a rhythmic flow—like a pianist playing a song only she could hear.

Agatha noticed something else—a silver bracelet resting against Viola’s wrist, the charm on it a tiny, delicate treble clef. It was worn, the edges smooth from years of touch, as if it had once been held often, turned over in quiet moments.

Agatha hesitated for only a moment before stepping forward.

"Hello, I’m Agatha," she said, offering a warm smile. "Would you like to join us for some music today?"

The piano stood in the corner, its polished surface gleaming in the afternoon light. Agatha ran her fingers gently over the keys, pressing down on a single note. It rang out, rich and full.
She turned to Viola. “Would you like to play?”

Viola shook her head, pressing her hands against her lap as if to still their trembling. “It’s been too long.”

“Music doesn’t forget us,” Agatha said softly. “Even if we’ve forgotten it.”

Viola inhaled sharply, her gaze fixed on the piano. Slowly, she reached out, her fingers grazing the keys. A single note, then another. A broken melody emerged—hesitant, uncertain—until her hands stilled.

Tears pricked at Viola’s eyes. “I wasn’t just a dreamer,” she murmured. “I played. I trained for years, studied under the best teachers. I once performed under the glow of chandeliers, in halls where every note echoed like magic.”

Agatha remained quiet, letting the weight of Viola’s words settle between them.

Viola exhaled, shaking her head. “But life had other plans. My father passed away. My mother fell ill. I had to choose—my music or my family. And so, I closed the piano lid and never lifted it again.”

A long pause stretched between them.

Then, Agatha placed her hands on the keys beside Viola’s. “That was a long time ago,” she said gently. “But music is still here, waiting for you.”

Viola hesitated, then nodded. Agatha began to play—a simple tune, soft and familiar. And, slowly, Viola joined in.

Their hands moved together, bringing forth a melody that filled the room, wrapping around them like an old embrace.

Heads turned. A few seniors shuffled closer, drawn to the sound. Someone clapped along softly. Viola’s face lifted, her eyes shining with something Agatha recognized: rediscovery.

When the song ended, silence hung in the air. Then, applause—gentle, genuine, filled with warmth.

Viola pressed a hand to her chest. “I never thought I’d feel this again.”

Agatha reached over, squeezing her hand. “God isn’t done with you yet.”

As the day wound down, Agatha sat near the window, watching the golden hues of evening settle over the horizon. Viola lingered nearby, hands folded but relaxed now, her posture lighter than before.

The Director approached with a smile. “That was wonderful. I’ve never seen Viola smile before.”

Agatha returned the smile, but her gaze drifted upward, beyond the window, beyond the sky.
"Thank You, Lord," she thought.

For the gift of this moment.
For the music that never fades.
For the reminder that no one is ever truly forgotten.

And in the quiet of her heart, she felt the answer—soft, steady, like the echo of an old familiar song.

"Well done, my good and faithful servant."

February 20, 2025

Servants of God: Paul (Saul of Tarsus)| A True Servant of God and His Powerful Transformation

Saul|Paul: A True Servant of God

The story of Saul of Tarsus, later known as the Apostle Paul, is one of the most compelling transformations in the Bible. His life exemplifies God's grace, mercy, and power to redeem even the most zealous persecutor of the faith and transform him into one of Christianity's most devoted servants. Paul's journey from a man of rigid legalism and persecution to a passionate apostle of Christ reflects what it means to be a true servant of God.


Saul's Early Life and Zeal:

Saul was born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a significant cultural and educational hub of the Roman Empire. As a Roman citizen and a Jew from the tribe of Benjamin, Saul enjoyed a privileged upbringing. He was educated under the renowned teacher Gamaliel, where he developed a deep understanding of Jewish law and traditions (Acts 22:3). Saul's zeal for Judaism was unmatched. He saw the growing Christian movement as a direct threat to his faith and took it upon himself to persecute believers with fervor.

The book of Acts introduces Saul as an accomplice in the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr (Acts 7:58). This event marked the beginning of Saul's active persecution of Christians. He sought to arrest and imprison followers of Jesus, hoping to extinguish the growing movement. His actions, however, set the stage for one of the most remarkable conversions in history.

The Damascus Road Encounter:

Saul's encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus is one of the most dramatic conversion stories in Scripture (Acts 9:1-19). As Saul traveled with the intent to persecute Christians, a blinding light from heaven suddenly surrounded him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" Saul responded, "Who are you, Lord?" and the voice replied, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting."

This divine encounter left Saul blinded and bewildered. For three days, he neither ate nor drank, grappling with the profound reality of what had just occurred. God then sent Ananias, a disciple in Damascus, to lay hands on Saul. Ananias, initially hesitant due to Saul's reputation, obeyed God's command. When he prayed for Saul, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he regained his sight. Saul was baptized immediately, marking the beginning of his new life in Christ.

A Radical Transformation:

The transformation of Saul into Paul was immediate and radical. The man who once persecuted Christians now preached the gospel with the same zeal he once reserved for opposing it. Paul's conversion serves as a testament to God's ability to transform anyone, regardless of their past.

Paul's new mission was clear: to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. He began preaching in Damascus, proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God. His boldness and insight confounded the Jews, who plotted to kill him. Paul escaped Damascus by being lowered in a basket through a city wall, a humble beginning to his missionary journeys.

Paul's Missionary Journeys:

Paul embarked on several missionary journeys, traveling across Asia Minor, Greece, and beyond. His travels were fraught with challenges: shipwrecks, beatings, imprisonment, and constant danger. Yet, Paul's commitment to his calling never wavered. He established churches, mentored young leaders like Timothy and Titus, and wrote letters that would become foundational texts of the New Testament.

Paul's letters, or epistles, to the churches in Rome, Corinth, Galatia, Ephesus, Philippi, Colossae, and Thessalonica, as well as his personal letters to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon, reveal the heart of a true servant of God. He consistently emphasized grace, faith, and the transformative power of the gospel.

Characteristics of Paul's Servanthood:
  1. Humility: Paul, despite his immense contributions to the early Church, referred to himself as the "least of the apostles" (1 Corinthians 15:9) and a "servant of Christ Jesus" (Romans 1:1). He recognized that his strength came from God's grace, not his own achievements.
  2. Faithfulness: Paul remained steadfast in his mission, regardless of the challenges he faced. Imprisoned, beaten, and shipwrecked, he continued to preach the gospel. His letter to the Philippians, written from prison, radiates joy and trust in God's purposes.
  3. Love for the Church: Paul deeply loved the communities he served. He wrote letters to encourage, correct, and build up the believers. His famous passage on love in 1 Corinthians 13 reflects his understanding of the centrality of love in the Christian life.
  4. Boldness and Courage: Paul fearlessly proclaimed the gospel in synagogues, marketplaces, and before rulers. He stood trial before Roman officials and boldly testified about Jesus, even when it meant facing death.
  5. Self-Sacrifice: Paul endured immense suffering for the sake of the gospel. He was beaten, stoned, imprisoned, and ultimately martyred. His willingness to suffer for Christ demonstrates his complete surrender to God's will.
Paul's Legacy and Relevance Today:

Paul's life and teachings continue to resonate with believers today. His letters address timeless themes of faith, grace, redemption, and the believer's relationship with God and others. Paul's unwavering commitment to his mission reminds us of the importance of living with purpose and conviction.

In his letter to Timothy, Paul wrote, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7). These words encapsulate Paul's life—a life poured out in service to God and others.

As we reflect on Paul's journey, we see the incredible power of God's grace to transform lives. Paul's story encourages us to trust in God's ability to work through us, regardless of our past. Like Paul, we are called to be faithful, humble, and bold in our witness.

Saul of Tarsus, transformed into Paul the Apostle, stands as a shining example of what it means to be a true servant of God. His life reminds us that God's grace knows no bounds, and His power to redeem and use us for His purposes is limitless. May Paul's legacy inspire us to live with the same passion and dedication to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Questions for Reflection:
  • How does Paul's transformation encourage you in your own faith journey?

  • In what ways can you remain steadfast in your faith despite hardships?

  • How can Paul's example of humility and boldness inspire you to share the gospel?

  • What lessons from Paul's life can you apply in your daily walk with Christ?

Feel free to share your thoughts and reflections in the comments!

Explore Servants of God:

Read inspiring accounts of prophets, disciples, and faithful leaders on our Servants of God page.