For a decade, I drove my children to school every day. When my older son James entered Junior High, I began to try to find Christian music to play on our ride to Red Lion. One of my high school Bible students led me toward Toby Mac. While I was never a fanatical fan of DC Talk, their former lead singer, Toby Mac’s Tonight album came at a perfect time. James connected with several of the songs on this album.
Be strong (confident) and of good courage, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only you be strong and very courageous, that you may do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you. Turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go, Joshua 1:6-7.
Today’s featured song Changed Forever was one of those tunes that was repeated at least once each day. When I drove my golf team to away matches, Toby Mac stayed in my CD player without any objections. The lyrics of Changed Forever reminds me of the words of Joshua as he was preparing Israel to enter into God’s Promised Land. When you make the decision to follow Jesus, the Bible is a valuable resource to make sure you continue to be changed forever.
Ten years ago, I was forced to reinvent myself after losing my teaching position at Red Lion Christian Academy in the middle of the school year. After a couple of stints on unemployment, I landed back on my feet at Amazon. This June will mark the beginning of my 10th year at this company. Yet, my only option for a promotion was switching to the graveyard shift. While the benefits and pay have been a blessing to my family, it has come at a cost. Working nights for the past 8 years has made me invisible to the outside world.
Therefore, my dear ones, as you have always obeyed [my suggestions], so now, not only [with the enthusiasm you would show] in my presence but much more because I am absent, work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling (self-distrust, [i]with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ). 13 [Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while [j]effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and[k]delight, Philippians 2:12-13.
There are many things in life that don’t show or reveal dividends right away. While I have always dabbled in creative writing, writing screen plays has coincided with the last decade. Despite countless hours crafting, planning and typing, all I have is 3 completed manuscripts. There is no book deal, notoriety or agents knocking down my door to produce one of my films. My efforts are invisible to Hollywood. Sure, I have ideas for a 10-episode sit-com and a drama based upon a grown-up Joan of Arcadia, but for now I feel invisible to the outside world.
Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining [[l]against God] and [m]questioning and doubting [among yourselves], 15 That you may show yourselves to be blameless and guileless, innocent and uncontaminated, children of God without blemish (faultless, unrebukable) in the midst of a crooked and wicked generation [spiritually perverted and perverse], among whom you are seen as bright lights (stars or beacons shining out clearly) in the [dark] world, 16 Holding out [to it] and offering [to all men] the Word of Life, so that in the day of Christ I may have something of which exultantly to rejoice and glory in that I did not run my race in vain or spend my labor to no purpose, Philippians 2:14-16.
The passage above provides advice for anyone who feels invisible. Whenever you set out to cultivate and fulfill a goal, this process can be exhausting. As I listen to weekly screenwriting podcasts to keep my dream alive, the Bible contains instructions for the here and now. Complaining and grumbling about a lack of success doesn’t solve any problems. Instead, the apostle Paul urges believers to rise above your circumstances in life. Hold out hope by presenting yourself like a bright star piercing the darkness of the unknown. Fan into the flame the gifts and talents that God has given you to see what happens. Do your best and let God do the rest until your hard work is rewarded.
I was first introduced to Britt Nicole by one of my former students at Red Lion Christian Academy. Since I often incorporated music into my lesson plans, Rachel realized that my Christian music was out of date. She gave me a couple of CD’s with single songs from multiple artists. After listening to the song Glow, I became a fan of Britt and have bought three different albums and counting.
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost, Luke 19:10.
There are a couple of different versions of today’s featured song The Lost Get Found. While I purchased both versions, the remix combines solid biblical lyrics with an upbeat dance/hip hop sound. When I listen to the chorus of the Lost Get Found, I am reminded of a conversation that took place nearly 2000 years ago. After inviting Jesus into his home, Zacchaeus vows to transform his life as a perfect example of how the lost get found by God.
No matter where you go or what you do, there will always be someone who rubs you the wrong way. Whether this is a clash in personalities, a power struggle or a pushy individual who annoys you, staying cool in the heat of the moment takes practice. In the first century, Jewish religious leaders became the itch in Jesus’ craw. One after another approached Him daily trying to catch, deceive and trick Jesus into saying something that he’d regret. The passage below serves as a lesson to ignore outside distractions.
This they said to try (test) Him, hoping they might find a charge on which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger. 7 However, when they persisted with their question, He raised Himself up and said, Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her. 8 Then He bent down and went on writing on the ground with His finger, John 8:6-8.
As Jesus strolls into town, community leaders are in the process of following Deuteronomy 22:22. To set the stage, a woman caught in the act of adultery has been brought to the center of town. As citizens begin to gather stones to throw at this woman likely tied to a post, religious leaders ask Jesus for advice. Rather than fall for this trap, Jesus begins writing in the ground (a mix of dirt and sand). Following a series of questions, Jesus stops writing and addresses the crowd with a reflective statement.
They listened to Him, and then they began going out, conscience-stricken, one by one, from the oldest down to the last one of them, till Jesus was left alone, with the woman standing there before Him in the center of the court. 10 When Jesus raised Himself up, He said to her, Woman, where are your accusers? Has no man condemned you? 11 She answered, No one, Lord! And Jesus said, I do not condemn you either. Go on your way and from now on sin no more, John 8:9-11.
Jesus ignores all the outside distractions by continuing with his message, writing in the sand. What did Jesus write? Why did everyone in the neighborhood drop their rocks and quietly go home? When the sound of footsteps and closed doors disappear, Jesus looks up to an abandoned town square. Jesus doesn’t let her off easy, addressing this woman with a call to action. As you leave this place alive, escaping death, go now, turn away from lust and abandon your sinful lifestyle. Learning to ignore outside distractions will take practice, but Jesus has set the tone for how you should live your life.
The Newsboys was one of those groups that always had a distinct sound. This is due to Peter Furler and George Perdikis who are native Australians. The Newsboys began way back in 1985 in their hometown of Mooloolaba, Australia. Seventeen albums later, this Christian rock band still tours today with former DC Talk member Michael Tait. Tait’s addition as lead vocalist has helped the Newsboys evolve and remain popular today.
Martha replied, I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day. 25 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 11:24-25.
What first attracted me to the Newsboys was their drum set up. Once strapped in, the lead drummer would rotate 180 degrees like a looping roller coaster and still play the drums. When I taught at Red Lion Christian Academy a decade ago, the school would host one to two major concerts annually. During my final concert at Red Lion, I served on the stage crew and my job was to put together and take apart the drum set for the Newsboys. This tour just happened to feature today’s song God is Not Dead. Enjoy!
Shallow people often exhibit a superficial nature due to emptiness, ignorance, and or a tendency to be self-absorbed. Looking back at my adolescence, my bout with stuttering and stammering severely stunted my ability to communicate with my peers. Subsequently, I withdrew from society and hid my pain, so I didn’t embarrass myself in public. Meanwhile, I suppressed my feelings by focusing solely on sports which I began to excel at as I entered high school.
And as He was going into one village, He was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance. 13 And they raised up their voices and called, Jesus, Master, take pity and have mercy on us! – Luke 17:12-13
Following the decree in Leviticus 13:43-46, the ten lepers in today’s passage were forced into quarantine, banned from entering their village until their leprosy was healed. Whenever a healthy person approached, the Jewish law called for each man to proclaim, “I am unclean.” Jesus didn’t come to judge these lepers, but to free them from their contagious disease. Upon hearing the good news of being healed, perhaps the other 9 lepers were too shallow to thank Jesus for this new lease on life.
Then Jesus asked, Were not [all] ten cleansed? Where are the nine? 18 Was there no one found to return and to [d]recognize and give thanks and praise to God except this alien? 19 And He said to him, Get up and go on your way. Your faith (your trust and confidence that spring from your belief in God) has restored you to health, Luke 17:17-19
When I was in high school, I acted like the 9 lepers who failed to give thanks and praise to God. I was so consumed by what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go that I neglected the Lord. Rather than open my eyes to all the blessings in my life, my shallow nature prevented me from appreciating the obvious. Yet, when I made the decision to make Jesus my Lord and Savior in college, Romans 10:9-11, I was transformed from shallow to saved. A few years later, God completely healed me of my stuttering like the ten lepers who experienced their own miraculous healing.
Today’s song comes from the Cyndi Lauper of Christian music. Similar to Cyndi’s hit song Girls Just Want To Have Fun, Julie Miller has a joy for life that she places into each song. A former Rolling Stones article revealed Julie’s battle with fibromyalgia, a disorder that causes chronic pain in the muscles and bones as well as fatigue and mood issues. This is the context that sets the tone for What Would Jesus Do?
Therefore be imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]. 2 And walk in love, [esteeming and delighting in one another] as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a [a]slain offering and sacrifice to God [for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance, Ephesians 5:1-2.
Julie uses the opening of the Parable of the Lost Sheep in Luke 15 to ask the question: what would Jesus do? While Julie has a distinct voice that you won’t find in many grown-ups, the lyrics of What Would Jesus Do stirs my heart and brings a tear to my eyes each time I listen. Julie sings about the need for Christians to exercise a labor of love. May this song inspire you to be the hands and feet of Christ.
The author of the Gospel of Luke writes with a Greek style. Based upon first century historians, Luke was a physician who accompanied the apostle Paul on several missionary trips. It’s unclear if Luke served as Paul’s personal doctor like a modern-day nurse, but he does notice and reflect upon Jesus’ unusual healing methods. On two different occasions, a step of faith results in miraculous healings.
And they raised up their voices and called, Jesus, Master, take pity and have mercy on us! 14 And when He saw them, He said to them, Go [at once] and show yourselves to the priests. And as they went, they were cured and made clean, Luke 17:13-14.
Modern self-help gurus often refer to the power of human minds. This is where you can go down a slippery slope theologically where some use faith as a force to bring about healing. This is not what Luke is referring to based upon the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 21:20-22. When people in desperate need of a miracle exchange their doubts with belief in the God of miracles, a step of faith can result in healing.
And Jesus went with them. But when He was not far from the house, the centurion sent [some] friends to Him, saying, Lord, do not trouble [Yourself], for I am not [a]sufficiently worthy to have You come under my roof; 7 Neither did I consider myself worthy to come to You. But [just] speak a word, and my servant boy will be healed. 8 For I also am a man [daily] subject to authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, Go, and he goes; and to another, Come, and he comes; and to my bond servant, Do this, and he does it. 9 Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled at him, and He turned and said to the crowd that followed Him, I tell you, not even in [all] Israel have I found such great faith [as this], Luke 7:6-9.
An event that takes place earlier in the gospel of Luke proves this point. The centurion in biblical times is a non-com officer in the Roman Army who oversaw 100 men. Using his experience with the chain of command, the centurion didn’t want to waste Jesus’ precious time. All this man needed was for Jesus to give a command, to say the word. When belief replaces doubt, a step of faith results in healing.
Today’s featured song comes from the group Common Children. Perhaps using a play on words, children make plenty of mistakes, especially early in life. Subsequently, the lyrics of Delicate Fade refer to the stains of time. From a spiritual perspective, stains come from sin, producing dirty laundry that darkens human souls. The first step toward maturity is recognizing that you can’t live life on your own.
For I do not understand my own actions [I am baffled, bewildered]. I do not practice or accomplish what I wish, but I do the very thing that I loathe [[b]which my moral instinct condemns]. 16 Now if I do [habitually] what is contrary to my desire, [that means that] I acknowledge and agree that the Law is good (morally excellent) and that I take sides with it. 17 However, it is no longer I who do the deed, but the sin [principle] which is at home in me and has possession of me, Romans 7:15-17.
Of all the Christian groups that I listen to, Common Children has one of the best classic rock sounds. While the lyrics on their albums aren’t that inspirational, the musicians and singing keep me coming back for more. As for Delicate Fade, the lyrics talks about the scars that occur throughout life. Some of these scars are external while others remain inside our hearts. As you deal with these scars, may you turn to Jesus to find comfort for your soul.
Between telling stories of parables, teaching at local synagogues and preaching to the masses, Jesus visually connected with his audience. While Jesus never told anyone the answers outside of his disciples, illustrations were shared in public to make people think. This style of teaching created a spiritual hunger deep inside of many of Jesus’ followers. During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus made it clear that you can only serve one master faithfully. Depending upon what you treasure dictates your final decision.
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 22 The eye is the lamp of the body. So if your eye is sound, your entire body will be full of light, Matthew 6:21-22.
Unfortunately, theology (the science of God) is used by some modern-day preachers to speak down to members of their congregation. This is not consistent with Jesus’ first century teachings. Your eyes are designed by God to be the lamp of your body. However, if your eyes start to deteriorate, darkness will enter your life. If this darkness is not addressed, you might find yourself trying to serve God and money.
But if your eye is unsound, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the very light in you [your [r]conscience] is darkened, how dense is that darkness! No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stand by and be devoted to the one and despise and be [s]against the other. You cannot serve God and mammon ([t]deceitful riches, money, possessions, or [u]whatever is trusted in), Matthew 6:23-24.
At some point over the past 50 years, the fire and brimstone preaching of the 1970’s has become water downed with positive and politically correct sermons. Instead of focusing on hard-hitting messages that confront darkness living inside of Christians, mainline churches prefer themes that promote increased giving. While the apostle Paul is clear that no one is perfect, Romans 3:9-12, your priorities and time dictate who you’re serving, Matthew 6:33-34. Who and what you seek first will determine who you will serve in the future.
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