Holly Starr is one of those artists who I would have known about by now if Christian Bookstores still existed. Unfortunately, I had to do a search on You Tube to find out what I’ve been missing all these years. Raised in a Christian home, Holly began singing at an early age. This hard work and dedication to her craft has resulted in four albums. My favorite song so far is Through My Father’s Eyes.
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight, 1 Peter 3:3-4.
The lyrics of Through My Father’s Eyes is for any girl struggling with confidence and self-esteem. Holly talks about what led to her own spiritual transformation into a woman of God. When God changed Holly’s mind, likely from the promises of God in the Bible, she began to see herself through her heavenly father’s eyes. Please share this with any girl or woman who is struggling with their self-esteem.
Going to church following the Coronavirus should have given birth to a revived appreciation for worshipping the Lord. Unfortunately, this quickly faded for me. Rather than savor each moment in God’s house, my mind seemed to wander about what I was going to do after the service ended. While riding home from work tonight, the song Thank God for Sunday Morning uplifted my spirit and lite a fire for future Sunday mornings.
Speak out to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, offering praise with voices [[e]and instruments] and making melody with all your heart to the Lord, 20 At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father, Ephesians 5:19-20.
Every Christian has a weakness, and the Devil knows what this is, using this knowledge like a skillful fisherman selecting the perfect bait and tackle, James 1:13-15. My current weakness is attending church regularly due to working night shift the past 8 years. While praying and Studying the Bible has kept me on the straight on narrow, Matthew 7:13-14, I continue to put myself into positions where attending church is like doing a chore that I don’t like.
Be happy [in your faith] and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always); 17 Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly]; 18 Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will], 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.
The lyrics to Cochren and Company’s Thank God for Sunday Morning reminds me of an old radio broadcast by Dr. Tony Evans. Tony was one of several guest preachers at a National Christian Conference. This one particular event pastor Evans followed a man who got the crowd fired up with “Jesus died Friday night, but Sunday’s a coming.” This is the mindset that all Christians should develop to keep the Sabbath holy and Thank God for Sunday Morning.
Sometimes you have to search across the globe to find good Christian music. Today’s group is from Scandinavia. HB is a Christian symphonic metal band that formed in Forssa, Finland in 2002. While this sound may not be your cup of tea, the lyrics point listeners in the right direction with God Has All Glory just as John the Baptist guided his followers toward Jesus as the One to follow.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.,”) John 1:14-15.
The gospel of John begins with Creation and introduces readers to the Holy Trinity in chapter one. This quick summary highlights the fact that God has all glory, honor, and is worthy to be praised. HB’s song does this in an unique manner, but in the body of Christ, we are all one in Jesus, Colossians 3:11. Therefore, may you celebrate the diversity in Christ Jesus as you glorify God.
Hell, fire and brimstone sermons were a common occurrence within churches in Europe and the United States during the 18th and 19th centuries. Some of these messages are in connection with the first and second great awakenings. When I grew up in the 1970’s, the church didn’t know how to handle the drugs, sex and rock and roll of the 1960’s. Subsequently, pastors began to respond to this moral decay in 1975 through their own verson of hell, fire and brimstone messages. However, one of the regular expressions I remember as a child was “turn or burn.”
For if we go on deliberately and willingly sinning after once acquiring the knowledge of the Truth, there is no longer any sacrifice left to atone for [our] sins [no further offering to which to look forward]. 27 [There is nothing left for us then] but a kind of awful and fearful prospect and expectation of divine judgment and the fury of burning wrath and indignation which will consume those who put themselves in opposition [to God], Hebrews 10:26-27.
This is the origin of turn or burn, scaring the hell out of anyone with a conscience. From my earliest recollections as a child, preachers would give altar calls nearly every week, with frightful teenagers running up front Sunday after Sunday. Fortunately for me, our Catholic Church started holding a special mass for young children in the basement which sheltered me Turn or Burn sermons. When pulpits forget how to share the gospel in a graceful and loving manner, people begin to leave the church which is what started happened in the United States at this time.
He too shall [have to] drink of the wine of God’s indignation and wrath, poured undiluted into the cup of His anger; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no respite (no pause, no intermission, no rest, no peace) day or night—these who pay homage to the beast and to his image and whoever receives the stamp of his name upon him, Revelation 14:10-11.
Last week, I was reminded of this Turn or Burn history within the church after reading the above passage. The context of this verse occurs in the end of days when the Anti-Christ is ushered into power and persuades the world to turn their worship away from God and toward him. Anyone who receives the stamp of the beast (666) on their hand or forehead will be banished to hell for eternity. This is a topic that most churches skip today to keep members of their congregation happy. Yet may today’s blog urge you to repent and make a U-turn back to God so your future fate is secure.
Some artists pour their hearts into music videos just as much as the initial inspiration behind a song. Such is the case for Eowyn video Beautiful Ashes. The video begins with the suggestion that someone’s house has just burned down, and they are rummaging through what’s left to see if anything is worth saving. However, domestic violence is brought up to add a layer of turmoil for this woman on stage.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed, 1 Peter 1:3-7.
Without knowing for sure, it appears Beautiful Ashes is based upon the passage above. As individuals endure trials in life, faith is tested like an internal fire. While you may have to endure suffering from an extended period of time, the beauty of faith is found in the refining process. Like the imagery of Jesus in John 15:1-5, God will cut off and remove everything that is weighing you down. This makes ashes beautiful.
As America celebrated the 21st anniversary of September 11th, 2001 last Sunday, a thought popped into my head. When forgiveness is painful, who has the hardest time forgiving someone? Is it the children of parents who never met their mom or dad due to the hijackers on that fateful day? Or parents who outlived their child due to a drunk driver? They are many other scenarios I thought of that makes forgiveness a painful proposition.
And lead (bring) us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.14 For if you forgive people their trespasses [their [g]reckless and willful sins, [h]leaving them, letting them go, and [i]giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their trespasses [their [j]reckless and willful sins, [k]leaving them, letting them go, and [l]giving up resentment], neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses, Matthew 6:13-15.
Nonetheless, Jesus makes it clear in what many churches refer to as the Lord’s Prayer. According to Matthew, forgiveness is conditional. As long as you forgive others, God will forgive you. Unfortunately, if you can’t for some reason extend the same courtesy that God offers to you, you won’t be forgiven for your own transgressions. Yet, some will cry out, “you don’t understand how badly this person hurt and wounded my soul.”
As for the man who is a weak believer, welcome him [into your fellowship], but not to criticize his opinions or pass judgment on his scruples or perplex him with discussions. 2 One [man’s faith permits him to] believe he may eat anything, while a weaker one [limits his] eating to vegetables. 3 Let not him who eats look down on or despise him who abstains, and let not him who abstains criticize and pass judgment on him who eats; for God has accepted and welcomed him, Romans 14:1-3.
Perhaps, this may explain why the apostle Paul adds the passage above for individuals who require extra grace to forgive. The song that changed my perspective on forgiveness is Feel the Nails by Ray Boltz. Despite Ray’s own struggles with homosexuality, the lyrics to Feel the Nails struck me to the core. While the lyrics are inspirational, I still find it hard to forgive certain people in my life. May this blog help you through the process when forgiveness is painful.
I’m usually not a fan of thrash metal, but Glimmer of Hope by Ordained Fate brings up a topic that people even today have the guts to address. This mainly female band from Zion, IL use a series of sound bites from horror and western movies to ask the question, “who is to blame for all the violence in the world?” Is is television, social media or video games which make billions annually selling violence?
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit, Romans 15:13.
The Glimmer of Hope lyrics by Ordained Fate’s song is in a God who has a history of performing miracles. Parting the Red Sea to deliver the Israelites out of the hands of Egypt. Jesus rising from the dead three days after being crucified on a cross. While the media tries to hide it, miracles continue today without much fanfare. Noththeless, Jesus provides hope for those who lean on the Lord, Philippians 4:13.
As a former member of the Roman Catholic Church, I understand the wrath of God. This concept was so ingrained into me as a child that I thought lightning and thunder was sent as a wakeup call for anyone who was slipping away from God. Perhaps, growing up in a military family where my father would occasionally turn into his old Army drill sergeant to scare me straight attributed to my fear of God. Now as an adult, I’m fully aware of God’s judgment as I read the Bible.
But I tell you, on the day of judgment men will have to give account for every [s]idle (inoperative, nonworking) word they speak. 37 For by your words you will be justified and acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned and sentenced, Matthew 12:36-37.
The best way I know to explain God’s hour of judgment is through one of Jesus’ parables. Matthew 25:31-46 details the difference between goats and sheep. Speaking to a Jewish audience, Matthew uses the Book of Leviticus to remind readers of God’s definition for clean and unclean animals. Anyone who lives their life on earth without acknowledging God by not entering into a personal relationship with Jesus, Romans 10:9-11 will be separated from God’s flock of sheep.
And he cried with a mighty voice, Revere God and give Him glory (honor and praise in worship), for the hour of His judgment has arrived. Fall down before Him; pay Him homage and adoration and worship Him Who created heaven and earth, the sea and the springs (fountains) of water, Revelation 14:7.
One of Jesus’ former disciples has a vision of the hour of judgment arriving. Anyone who is competitor in diving or gymnastics relies on a panel of judges to distinguish who is the best. The individual who makes the least mistakes while attempting more difficult feats receives the highest score. Yet, heaven has one standard: did you accept God’s free gift and receive this as your own, Romans 6:23. The attached song uses a similar analogy of what the hour of judgment will resemble. May the song Knot inspire you to make your reservations for heaven today if you haven’t already, 1 John 5:13.
Back in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, there was a belief among conservative Christian churches that any form of Rock music was of the Devil. This ungodly belief was formed by preachers who didn’t understand the events of the sexual revolution of the late 1960’s. Never Felt Better by Barnabas touches on how this group was ostracized at the time this song was written, but the band members felt like they were following God’s will for their lives.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will, Romans 12:1-2.
The apostle Paul addresses how to discover God’s will in the passage above. As Christians begin to develop and share their earthly talents and spiritual gifts, the Holy Spirit often places burdens on your heart in the form of a calling from God, Galatians 5:25. Whenever individuals are able to keep in step with the Spirit, spiritual blessings tend to follow. While Barnabas never received the attention of groups like Petra or Stryper, the members was faithful to God’s calling.
If you ask a random crowd of American citizens a question about rock in the form of a man on the street interviews often used by late night comedians, someone will answer Dwayne Douglas. This professional wrestler has become simply identified as “the Rock.” Anyone who has witnessed the Rock’s chiseled body in a movie or in person may come to the conclusion that Dwayne Douglas can’t be shaken.
He reached from on high, He took me; He drew me out of many waters. 17 He delivered me from my strong enemy and from those who hated and abhorred me, for they were too strong for me. 18 They confronted and came upon me in the day of my calamity, but the Lord was my stay and support, Psalm 18:16-18.
Yet, the Bible speaks of a supernatural rock. Before he was a king, David was a lowly shepherd boy. While moving his herd along hilly terrain, David would occasionally slip, fall or twist his ankle. David writes about a heavenly shepherd in Psalm 23. When you’re living out in the country as a nomad, you have plenty of time to reflect and think about life. This led David to stumble upon a rock that can’t be shaken.
And I tell you, you are [e]Peter [Greek, Petros—a large piece of rock], and on this rock [Greek, petra—a [f]huge rock like Gibraltar] I will build My church, and the gates of Hades (the powers of the [g]infernal region) shall [h]not overpower it [or be strong to its detriment or hold out against it], Matthew 16:18.
Following his correct answer to Jesus’ question to his disciples, Peter receives a compliment in the passage above. Jesus compares Peter to petros, a physical featured designed to point to his leadership in the first century church. As you walk through life, dodging falling rocks that come in the form of shifting circumstances and trials, may you come to know the Rock of the Bible that can’t be shaken, Ephesians 2:20.
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