While living in Delaware, one of my former responsibilities was working with customers and vendors to confirm if certain products were truly defective or not. One of the last videos I tested was the Tom Petty Documentary. As I listened and watched for specific issues, I was able to learn the history of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers in Runnin’ Down a Dream.
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. 26 Therefore I do not run uncertainly (without definite aim). I do not box like one beating the air and striking without an adversary, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.
As I’m trying to narrow down my final 12 Christian artists that I want to feature in 2023, Lifehouse came to my mind. After spending 30 minutes listening to one of their Greatest Hits compilations, several of the songs struck me as a mellow version of Tom Petty. While their isn’t a Free Fallin’ like Petty, Lifehouse does offer Everything, Hanging by a Moment and Somewhere in Between. I hope you enjoy listening to Lifehouse songs this week.
Large funerals are usually associated with royalty, famous leaders, and star athletes. Yet, as I was reading Moses’ description of Israel’s burial, this may be the largest attended funeral in the Bible. Since Joseph, Jacob’s son was governor of Egypt at the time of Israel’s death, the only important Egyptian leader not present was Pharaoh. Those in attendance was like the whose who list in all of Egypt. Those outside of Israel’s family were there to support the man who saved Egypt from the Great Famine.
And Joseph ordered his servants the physicians to embalm his father. So the physicians embalmed Israel. 3 Then forty days were devoted [to this purpose] for him, for that is the customary number of days required for those who are embalmed. And the Egyptians wept and bemoaned him [as they would for royalty] for seventy days. 4 And when the days of his weeping and deep grief were past, Joseph said to [the nobles of] the house of Pharaoh, If now I have found grace in your eyes, speak, I pray you, to Pharaoh [for Joseph was dressed in mourning and could not do so himself], saying, 5 My father made me swear, saying, I am about to die; in my tomb which I hewed out for myself in the land of Canaan, there you shall bury me. So now let me go up, I pray you, and bury my father, and I will come again. 6 And Pharaoh said, Go up and bury your father, as he made you swear, Genesis 50:2-6.
A legacy is the long-lasting impact of particular events and actions that take place in the past and present of a person’s life. How you live each day either inspires others or touches the lives within your own spheres of influence. While serving as governor of Egypt, the citizens of this land grew to appreciate all that Jospeh had done. During the seven years of bountiful harvest, Egypt could have become complacent, wasting all the grain that was harvested. Yet, the vision and plan given to Joseph helped Egypt to prosper while other nations were starving to death.
And Joseph went up [to Canaan] to bury his father; and with him went all the officials of Pharaoh—the nobles of his court, and the elders of his house and all the nobles and elders of the land of Egypt— 8 And all the household of Joseph and his brethren and his father’s household. Only their little ones and their flocks and herds they left in the land of Goshen. 9 And there went with [Joseph] both chariots and horsemen; and it was a very great company, Genesis 50:7-9.
Another sign of a legacy is who shows up at your funeral. If you made the time to serve other individuals during your life, many will return the favor by showing up at your funeral. Apparently, the officials of Pharaoh, members of Pharaoh’s household, nobles of Egypt’s court, and elders in the land of Egypt were all touched in some way by the faith and life of Joseph. Subsequently, by honoring Joseph’s father, Israel’s funeral becomes a special event. May Moses’ description of Israel’s funeral inspire you to leave your own lasting legacy on earth.
The two most educational classes that I took in seminary was Church History 1 and 2. The first class focused on the first three centuries of the Christian Church. The second spanned nearly 1,000 years, highlighting the most influential theologians and spiritual leaders of their generation. The one that made the greatest impact on my life was Augustine, the Bishop of Hippo.
And they all drank the same spiritual (supernaturally given) drink. For they drank from a spiritual Rock which followed them [produced by the sole power of God Himself without natural instrumentality], and the Rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, God was not pleased with the great majority of them, for they were overthrown and strewn down along [the ground] in the wilderness. 6 Now these things are examples (warnings and admonitions) for us not to desire or crave or covet or lust after evil and carnal things as they did, 1 Corinthians 10:4-6.
If you search the works and writings of Augustine, you’ll find numerous pages of his beliefs on a variety of topics. Augustine’s Call for Unity within the church is one of many influential pieces that are referenced today. Despite any theological differences dominations may have, Augustine called leaders to come together in agreement by uniting under the essentials of the Christian faith.
Therefore let anyone who thinks he stands [who feels sure that he has a steadfast mind and is standing firm], take heed lest he fall [into sin]. 13 For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not [b]adjusted and [c]adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear]. But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to [d]a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently, 1 Corinthians 10:12-13.
The apostle Paul uses past mistakes made by the nation of Israel to warn first century Christians from repeating history. In another letter to the Church of Corinth, Paul reminds this congregation to walk by faith, not by sight, 2 Corinthians 5:17. Remember, insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results, Albert Einstein. May the words of the Bible provide for you the wisdom that you need so that you can enjoy a prosperous future.
As a former seminary student, I’m turned off by individuals who like to brag and show off. As a young college student just starting my faith journey with God, there was always at least one person who tried to impress my Sunday School teacher. While some of the information shared was beneficial for the topic at hand, this world doesn’t need another Pharisee.
Now listen and give heed, O Israel, to the statutes and ordinances which I teach you, and do them, that you may live and go in and possess the land which the Lord, the God of your fathers, gives you. 2 You shall not add to the word which I command you, neither shall you diminish it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you, Deuteronomy 4:2.
Unfortunately, human nature causes many people in life to fall back on humanism, Judges 21:25. Rather than honoring and holding fast to the Bible, doing what’s right in your own eyes is the easy thing to do. When you add pride to this equation, no one wants another leader to live by the motto, “do what I say, not as I do.” These are the kind of people Jesus confronted in His day.
Now when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced ([d]muzzled) the Sadducees, they gathered together. 35 And one of their number, a lawyer, asked Him a question to test Him. 36 Teacher, which [e]kind of commandment is great and important (the principal kind) in the Law? [Some commandments are light—which are heavy?] 37 And He replied to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (intellect). 38 This is the great (most important, principal) and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as [you do] yourself. 40 These two commandments [f]sum up and upon them depend all the Law and the Prophets, Matthew 22:34-40.
Another subtitle for Matthew 22 could be,” I’m smarter than you” as a number of Pharisees tried to trick Jesus. One by one came and each left disappointed as Jesus was unwilling to over emphasize or minimize commands in the Bible. Matthew points out that Jesus muzzled the Pharisees by shutting down their attempts to add and subtract to the Bible. Rather than correct everyone, avoid the urge to be a modern-day Pharisee by demonstrating God’s grace and love daily.
As the calendar turns another page toward the end of 2024, Thanksgiving and Christmas have come to the forefront. While Black Friday shopping and Cyber Monday serve as a materialism distraction, family gatherings make each holiday special. While the breakdown of American families is on display for all to see, this is the season for family recipes to be exchanged, with hopes of preparing a special dish for your family members.
You whom I [the Lord] have taken from the ends of the earth and have called from the corners of it, and said to you, You are My servant—I have chosen you and not cast you off [even though you are exiled]. 10 Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice, Isaiah 41:9-10.
During a recent message on competitiveness, Pastor Wes spoke about people who create their own homemade chili recipe. This isn’t thrown together quickly but takes time to perfect by adding ingredients that give you the flavor that you’re looking for. This context inspired Wes to develop a recipe for fearless faith. If God tells readers of the Bible 365 times not to fear, these passages provide the DNA to form a fearless faith.
There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love [g]turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear [h]brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love’s complete perfection]. 19 We love Him, because He first loved us. 20 If anyone says, I love God, and hates (detests, abominates) his brother [[i]in Christ], he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, Whom he has not seen. 21 And this command (charge, order, injunction) we have from Him: that he who loves God shall love his brother [[j]believer] also, 1 John 4:18-21.
A Recipe for Developing a Fearless Faith:
Fear God above all else, Matthew 22:36-38.
Follow the Golden Rule by Loving Others as Yourself, Matthew 22:39-40.
Connect Daily with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25.
Gather with Fellow Believers Daily, Hebrews 10:25.
Go tell Everyone What God has Done for You, Mark 5:19-20.
Give Your Time, Talents, and Treasures by Serving Church Generously, 2 Corinthians 9:7.
Hate Sin and Repent When Necessary, James 5:16.
Fearlessly Honor God by Living with Purpose by Following God’s Will, Romans 12:1-2.
The textbook definition of redeem is to compensate for the faults or bad aspects of (something). From a spiritual perspective, human beings are fallen creatures, falling short of being able to earn or meet God’s glory, Romans 3:9-12. If no one is righteous, mankind is in desperate need of a redeeming angel. Moses refers to God as this spiritual being, the One who makes our sins as white as snow, Isaiah 1:16-18.
Then [Jacob] blessed Joseph and said, God [Himself], before Whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac lived and walked habitually, God [Himself], Who has [been my Shepherd and has led and] fed me from the time I came into being until this day, 16 The [b]redeeming Angel [that is, the Angel the Redeemer—not a created being but the Lord Himself] Who has redeemed me continually from every evil, bless the lads! And let my name be perpetuated in them [may they be worthy of having their names coupled with mine], and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them become a multitude in the midst of the earth, Genesis 48:15-16.
Perhaps, Moses’ description of God as a redeeming angel comes from his own personal experience in Exodus 4:10-14. When asked by God to be the voice of Israel, Moses rejects God’s call due to some sort of speech impediment. While God initially sends Moses’ brother Aaron to speak to Pharaoh on Israel’s behalf, the redeeming angel at some point heals Moses’ stuttering. Once Moses gains confidence to talk, Aaron is no longer necessary to speak on his behalf.
Because you have made the Lord your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place, 10 There shall no evil befall you, nor any plague or calamity come near your tent. 11 For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service], Psalm 91:9-11.
Depending upon your current situation, you may need redemption or saved from a debilitating condition. According to the Psalmist, those who take refuge in the Lord will have angels sent to accompany, defend, and preserve your life. Yet, just as Jesus told his disciples, those who lack belief and faith will not be able to overcome life’s obstacles, Matthew 21:18-22. May today’s blog motivate you to trust in the Redeeming Angel of God.
For the first 21 years of my life, I was afraid to speak, not knowing if I would suffer another stuttering fit when I opened my mouth. I knew what I wanted to say in my heart, but rarely could I verbalize what I wanted to express. After numerous embarrassing moments, I could have let fear overwhelm my soul, but my competitive nature refused to let me to give up trying.
I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you], Romans 12:1-2.
Jesus compared the Devil to the father of all lies, John 8:44. One of Jesus’ disciples viewed this spiritual predator as an animal on the top of the food chain, ready to pounce at a moment’s notice, 1 Peter 5:8. Meanwhile, the apostle Paul points to the angelic powers of this invisible creature, Ephesians 2:2. Since the Devil isn’t going anywhere, the next option is to begin by removing spiritual obstacles by facing your fears.
If then you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth. 3 For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, Who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in [the splendor of His] glory. 5 So kill (deaden, [a]deprive of power) the evil desire lurking in your members [those animal impulses and all that is earthly in you that is employed in sin]: sexual vice, impurity, sensual appetites, unholy desires, and all greed and covetousness, for that is idolatry (the deifying of self and other created things instead of God), Colossians 3:1-5.
Since God made every human being unique, fears vary from person to person. After being teased relentlessly as a child due to stuttering, I learned to stop caring about what other people think. The only person you can control is yourself and that’s hard enough as it is. Yet, if you don’t confront what you’re fearful of, your anxieties will only intensify. Therefore, arm yourself with the power of the Holy Spirit, 2 Timothy 1:7, so that fear will be conquered, and obstacles vanquished.
One of the cliches in churches today that seems to be overused occurs when a leader refers to “a come to Jesus moment.” A first century history uses the expression “coming to your senses” while recalling Jesus’ Parable of the Prodigal Son, Luke 15:16-18. Both of these terms each highlight spiritual turning points that occur in a human being’s life.
When they had finished talking, James replied, Brethren, listen to me. 14 Simeon [Peter] has rehearsed how God first visited the Gentiles, to take out of them a people [to bear and honor] His name. 15 And with this the predictions of the prophets agree, as it is written, Acts 15:13-15.
During a church council meeting in Jerusalem, Jesus’ earthly brother received a rhema, a word from the Lord. Like a human mind which puts two and two together to click, James recalled a prophecy in the Old Testament which Amos wrote about. Luke quotes Amos in the passage below as James declared this is what the prophets agreed upon, Gentiles coming to faith in God.
After this I will come back, and will rebuild the house of David, which has fallen; I will rebuild its [very] ruins, and I will set it up again, 17 So that the rest of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles upon whom My name has been invoked, 18 Says the Lord, Who has been making these things known from the beginning of the world. 19 Therefore it is my opinion that we should not put obstacles in the way of and annoy and disturb those of the Gentiles who turn to God, Acts 15:16-19.
Sometimes spiritual turning points could be attending a specific church for the first time. A month ago, my first visit to Fearless Church, the pastor’s message seemed to be written for me. In the weeks that followed, Leanne and I joined a home group, and both feel we’ve found our new church home. The next time you find yourself at a crossroads in life, be open and prepared for your next spiritual turning point to arrive.
When I was in high school, Quiet Riot and Twisted Sister were the first two metal bands that opened my mind to this genre of music. As my commitment to Christ deepened in college, I decided to stop listening to secular music and find Christian groups with a similar sound. This search took 4 years, but by 1991 White Cross released In the Kingdom, just in time to quench my desire for metal.
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth and sing for joy, yes, sing praises! 5 Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the voice of melody. 6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord! 7 Let the sea roar, and all that fills it, the world, and those who dwell in it! – Psalm 98:4-7
The best part of In the Kingdom is the range White Cross displays throughout this album. The song In the Kingdom serves as a We Are the World anthem for Christians. Meanwhile, the classic song Holy War blends metal with rap ending this album on a high note. If you like White Cross’ music, they have 10 other albums to choose from. May you enjoy listening to Christian metal this week.
King Solomon writes the book of Proverbs for one of his sons with a sense of urgency to make good decisions in life. Perhaps, Solomon wanted his children to avoid making some of the bad choices that he made when he was young. Meanwhile, as an adult, Solomon thought that 700 wives wasn’t enough, so he added an additional 300 concubines to his harem.
Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. 6 In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths, Proverbs 3:5-6.
The apostle Paul reminded the Church at Rome of a similar fate due to human nature, Romans 3:9-12. A warning to members of Galatia in Galatians 5:16-17 help explain what influences poor decision making. This internal tug of war can lead to indecision as a major deadline approaches. When you’re unsure of what to do, lean on the Lord for understanding.
Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition ([b]definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. 7 And God’s peace [shall be yours, that [c]tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall [d]garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, Philippians 4:6-7.
Unfortunately, indecision often breeds anxiety. Whenever you weigh the pros and cons of any decision, you have to pull the trigger eventually. Yet, if you find yourself consumed by uncertainty, seek godly counsel to pull your mind in the right direction. Whatever you end up deciding, life is all about living and learning so that you can move on from past failures and mistakes.
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