Today’s featured song comes from a band that formed during my senior year of high school. Mad at the World debuted in 1987 in Southern California behind the efforts of two brothers: Roger and Randy Rose. This group combines the in-your-face passion of punk rock with an alternative style of Christian music. That Lonesome Road serves as a warning for those who make bad choices in life.
Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [[f]in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour, 1 Peter 5:8.
The lyrics of That Lonesome Road is a modern-day prodigal son song of what happens to human beings who make bad decisions. Sin has a way of separating Christians from the people who love them. Yet, like Peter’s initial encounter with the White Witch in the Chronicles of Narnia, choosing temporary pleasures in life will lead to loneliness and disappointment. May That Lonesome Road inspire you to take the path less traveled, Matthew 7:13-14.
While growing up in New Jersey, my father took the entire month of August off of work. Since my father was in sales, he discovered a cabin for rent on a Thompson Lake in Maine. This experience opened my eyes to dirt roads and weekly trips to the dump. My father loaded up the back of our station wagon with trash bags and the kids were responsible for throwing them out the back. Little did I know that visiting these casting grounds 45 years ago prepared me for unloading my own burdens to the Lord in prayer.
Casting the [c]whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, [d]once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you [e]watchfully, 1 Peter 5:7.
Whether you’re young, old, or somewhere in between, life is filled with daily anxieties, concerns, and stress. If you don’t have someone to talk to on a weekly basis, these burdens will accumulate quickly. As a child, my only worries were making new friends and praying that one of my stuttering fits didn’t occur at school. Unfortunately, the older you get, life seems to become more complicated with overwhelming stress that can suck the life out of your soul. This is the context in which Jesus is referring to in the passage below.
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will [o]ease and relieve and [p]refresh [q]your souls.] 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest ([r]relief and ease and refreshment and [s]recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. 30 For My yoke is wholesome (useful, [t]good—not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne, Matthew 11:28-30.
One of roles of prayer is to provide a spiritual casting ground where troubled and worn-out Christians can unload their burdens. The key is you have to let go of each individual concern and let God cast it as far as the east is from the west, Psalm 103:10-12. Don’t take back these anxieties, concerns, and worries after you have said Amen. Rather, cast these burdens like I threw trash bags at the local dump in Maine. If you have to, use visualization to unload all of your troubles so that after praying you will find rest for your soul.
Today’s song comes from a group that formed in 1992 on the campus of Southwestern Bible College in Phoenix, Arizona. When two members of Everybody Duck received full time youth ministry positions, singer Darin McWatters and guitarist Tim Sovinec recruited bassist Mark Stafford and drummer Tim Brinkman. This core traveled throughout the southwest before finally receiving national recognition.
Let them praise His name in chorus and choir and with the [single or group] dance; let them sing praises to Him with the tambourine and lyre! – Psalm 149:3
Everybody Duck is an alternative group that has a wide range of style and sound. One song reminds me the Monkees and another of Weird Al Yankovic but the core of this band is acoustic with creative lyrics. Still Know How to Groove is a knee slapping, thumb snapping tune that makes me smile. I could have chosen a half dozen songs from a couple of albums, but Still Know How to Groove says it all. Enjoy!
As a former teacher, I understand why some people may opt for coercion over guidance. Whenever an adult loses control of a classroom, the practice of persuading children to do something by force or threats is used as an act of desperation. After taking a Classroom Management graduate level course, I learned that students need structure. When you clarify your expectations and demonstrate a gentle but firm spirit, coercion is not necessary.
Tend (nurture, guard, guide, and fold) the flock of God that is [your responsibility], not by coercion or constraint, but willingly; not dishonorably motivated by the advantages and profits [belonging to the office], but eagerly and cheerfully; 1 Peter 5:2.
When I read and study the Bible, I see a big contrast between Jesus and the religious leaders of the first century. Jesus lived his life like a shepherd tending a large flock of sheep. Rather than oversee his disciples like a control freak, Jesus demonstrated how he wanted his followers to live their lives. Meanwhile, the Pharisees used God’s commandments, decrees and principles to coerce sinners into following religious practices.
Not domineering [as arrogant, dictatorial, and overbearing persons] over those in your charge, but being examples (patterns and models of Christian living) to the flock (the congregation), 1 Peter 5:3.
Despite being a vocal leader, Peter understood the importance of emulating the life and patterns of Jesus. When a leader is domineering or overbearing, fear and peer pressure is used to manipulate other people. This is all exercised and laid out to achieve a desired outcome. Yet, rarely do these leaders consider if this is what Lord wants. While the addressing the Church at Galatia, the apostle Paul compares this style of leadership with witchcraft, Galatians 3:1-2. In view of this, may the Holy Spirit convince you to focus on guidance and not coercion.
Today’s song comes from a group that I discovered in another bargain bin. Anytime you take a chance on an unknown artist, it’s either boom or bust. Yet, since it usually costs 99 cents to download a song onto your computer or phone, I don’t mind spending a dollar to see what I can uncover. Of the 14 songs on the This Too Shall Pass album by the Fold, I Believe You is my favorite.
Jesus said to him, Because you have seen Me, Thomas, do you now believe (trust, have faith)? Blessed and happy and[c]to be envied are those who have never seen Me and yet have believed and adhered to and trusted and relied on Me, John 20:29.
The Fold is an American indie rock band fromChicago, Illinois. While I lived in Chicago for a couple of years after getting married, the Fold didn’t form until 2002, long after Leanne and I moved to Delaware. I Believe You uses a similar style found in modern spontaneous worship montages. The initial pop rock melody transitions into a slower Spirit filled song before ending with the original beat. I hope you enjoy the Fold.
As a former coach for nearly two decades, there are numerous ways to motivate athletes. Some respond to food, others want to get their names in the newspaper, and a few do whatever it takes to win. Each of my three children possessed a little bit of these desires. My oldest son James wanted to know what place he needed to get to earn a medal. My middle child Daniel was the best all-around athlete in the family who is most passionate about winning. Meanwhile, my daughter Lydia is easily motivated by deals that I make with her based upon performances. Whatever it takes, set a goal and reward this once achieved.
And [then] when the Chief Shepherd is revealed, you will win the [a]conqueror’s crown of glory, 1 Peter 5:4.
As a former runner, Chariots of Fire was one of my favorite movies in high school. The inspiration behind this title comes from the William Blake poem adapted into the British hymn “Jerusalem.” Chariots of Fire follow two athletes who win gold medals for Great Britain at the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. While Harold Abrahams is the more gifted runner, Eric Liddell runs to glorify God through his faith. However, when his best chance to win gold is moved to Sunday, Liddell is able to convince his coach to switch races so that he doesn’t break his vow to keep God’s Sabbath holy, Exodus 20:8.
Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but [only] one receives the prize? So run [your race] that you may lay hold [of the prize] and make it yours. 25 Now every athlete who goes into training conducts himself temperately and restricts himself in all things. They do it to win a wreath that will soon wither, but we [do it to receive a crown of eternal blessedness] that cannot wither, 1 Corinthians 9:24-25.
In the passage above, the apostle Paul is referring to the Isthmian Games that were hosted by the city of Corinth. This ancient Track and Field Event took place in non-Olympic years. After archeologists uncovered remains of Corinthian pubs, it’s likely that many who attended the Isthmian Games would stop by, have a drink, and talk about this sporting event. Appealing to Corinth’s rich sports history, Paul wants to remind his readers of the Conqueror’s Crown of Glory. Since only three contestant’s win a medal, live your life in such a manner that you will receive an eternal crown that will last. This should be your ultimate goal in life, Romans 10:9-11.
When I first started teaching at Red Lion, Casting Crowns became extremely popular at this Christian Academy with hits like Who Am I? This popular style of music inspired a couple of student leaders to start a drama team that ministered to teenagers. Unfortunately, two of my former Bible students Kaylyn Warren and Joseph Feeley lost their lives to cancer. Yet, each of them fought their battle like a spiritual warrior, shining the light of Christ like a city on a hill in the darkness of this deadly disease.
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a peck measure, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men that they may see your [z]moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and [aa]recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven, Matthew 5:14-16.
While I’ve never been to a Casting Crowns concert, I’ve purchased several of their albums. Today’s song is from the Come to the Well album. As a writer, City on a Hill immediately touched my soul the first time I heard this song. The stanza with “Each one thought that they knew better; But they were different by design; Instead of standing strong together they let their differences divide” spoke to my heart. When you reach the chorus, you realize that every Christian has a role to play. When the body of Christ puts their differences aside, congregations become a city on a hill like Jesus designed in the passage above.
When I was in high school, one of my teammates committed suicide. Of all the funerals I’ve ever attended, this particular one was the most depressing. I don’t recall the denomination, but I remember the minister asking “if there is a heaven and if there is a God, we hope that Kevin is there?” On this day 35 years ago, I began to realize going to heaven isn’t that easy.
For the time [has arrived] for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will [be] the end of those who do not respect or believe or obey the good news (the Gospel) of God? 18 And if the righteous are barely saved, what will become of the godless and wicked? – 1 Peter 4:17-18
Before Ponzi schemes are revealed, the individual or people behind this scam lived like they could get away from the justice system. If you read the Bible enough and look in the right places, you’ll find out that Bette Midler was correct in her assumption while singing From A Distance. God is watching human beings daily. Based upon those who have had near death experiences, your entire life is replayed on the largest television you’ve ever seen. This nightmare unveils every act you’ve ever committed.
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.
With this in mind, the passage above provides more facts to be weary of. When you add this to the apostle Paul’s words in Romans 1:18-20, God gives signs every day of the pending judgment that awaits those who pass away. If you have been introduced to Jesus by a friend, family member, or neighbor, don’t turn a deaf ear. Like the adulterous woman in John 8:10-11, leave your life of sin. While some people just barely get into heaven, don’t waste this opportunity before it’s too late, Luke 16:23-25.
Evanescence is one of those groups that isn’t Christian but has songs with lyrics that parallel biblical themes. Evanescence is a rock band that began in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1995. Singer, pianist, and keyboardist Amy Lee joined forces with guitarist Ben Moody to form Evanescence. Today’s song reminds me of a mix of the Back Street Boys, Heart, and Run DMC.
Jesus said to her, I am [Myself] the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on) Me, although he may die, yet he shall live; John 11:25.
What attracted me to today’s song is that human beings all reach a point in life where we feel dead inside. Sometimes this is due to being tired or worn out emotionally. Regardless of why we feel this way, finding motivation or strength just to get out of bed can be a chore. Whenever you find yourself in this helpless state, call out to Jesus in prayer so that the Holy Spirit will breathe new life into you.
My parents took me to see Rocky I in the theaters in 1976. When Rocky III debuted 6 years later, this coincided with an inner desire to become a great athlete. The theme song Eye of the Tiger was a daily goal, striving to possess the same intensity of a prized fighter in each of my sports competitions. Two years later, I became a running machine while training for cross country just like Sylvester Stallone in Rocky IV. Unfortunately, my high school years were full of intensity but lacked love and understanding.
Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and [e]disregards the offenses of others], 1 Peter 4:8.
Intense refers to an extreme degree, force, or strength in which you pursue something. While intense is often associated with competitions, Peter urges first century Christians to pursue their spiritual lives with the same passion. In the passage above, Peter appears to reference Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 6:14-15. At the end of the Lord’s Prayer, forgiving and loving others is essential for being forgiven by God. This is the purpose and reason for pursuing intense and unfailing love.
You have granted me life and favor, and Your providence has preserved my spirit. 13 Yet these [the present evils] have You hid in Your heart [for me since my creation]; I know that this was with You [in Your purpose and thought], Job 10:12-13.
Whether I like it or not, I have become more like my father as I grow older. My passion for sports has faded, put on hold to become a better father and spiritual life coach for my children. While I am far from the earthly father that God wants me to be, the missing ingredient is an unfailing love like Jesus. Regardless of what has happened in life, all bitterness, grudges, and pain must be released and let go of for good. If I can exchange my intensity for sports and replace it with God’s unfailing love, forgiveness and reconciliation will become a reality on earth.
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