As I draw near the end of a yearlong project, this journey has led me in directions I didn’t think I would go. Of the first 50 groups recognized, the first 35 were inspired by a specific secular artists or genres. However, 15 came from a variety of top ten and top twenty lists of best Christian bands of all time. From a metal perspective, Stryper was one of the first to bring this genre to a Christian audience.
But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and made whole, Isaiah 53:5.
My brother-in-law brought me to a Stryper concert when I was in high school, “the Soldier’s Under God’s Command tour.” This one concert helped introduce me to the loyal followers of Stryper. The band put on a great show and gave the metal fans in the audience what they were longing. Before CD’s existed, I purchased several cassette tapes of Stryper’s newest albums. While some of their music hasn’t aged well, there are many classic songs attached in the above You Tube.
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast, 1 Peter 5:8-10.
Reflection:
As individuals seek a fresh start in 2024, a few days of eating healthy and working out builds positive momentum. However, as you seek to meet and uphold your New Year’s Resolutions, don’t let your guard down by allowing tempting thoughts to enter your mind. One of Jesus’ disciples compares the Devil to a roaring lion who seeks to prey upon weakened souls. As Christians become tired and weary, you’re at your most vulnerable condition. This is one of the main reasons for Peter’s warning to be alert and sober minded.
Prayerful Action:
Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, 2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. 3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers, Psalm 1:1-3.
Renewing Your Mind:
Great coaches, leaders, and teachers share similar personality traits. After being passed the torch by Moses to become the new leader of Israel, Joshua sets the spiritual tone in Joshua 1:7-9. Rather than taking a lazy faire approach, Joshua reminds Israel of the connection between obedience to God and success. When Christians let their guards down, a spirit of apathy tends to follow. As Christians proactively pray and prepare their minds against demonic attacks, the better your chances will be to hold firm to faith by withstanding temptation.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
If you start to expect the unexpected and pray for a hedge of protection, Job 1:10, you’ll spend 2024 alert and sober minded.
So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. 20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. 25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”[d]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold, Ephesians 4:17-27.
Reflection:
If you own a study Bible, the subtitle above this passage says something like “Instructions for Christian Living.” As a man, I tend to skip instructions unless I struggle to put something together. Perhaps, a similar method is used by new Christians who aren’t sure where to start reading or how to study the Bible. The call for spiritual mindful instructions by the apostle Paul is to avoid falling back into bad habits of your past. If you want to life for Christ, this requires putting to death former sinful practices and replacing these with the teachings of Jesus.
Prayerful Actions:
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me, Galatians 2:20.
Renewing Your Mind:
One of the mistakes new Christians often make is not knowing when to take the Bible figuratively or literally. When the apostle Paul uses expressions like crucified or put to death, he’s referring to instructions for your mind as a new follower of Christ. This mindset involves a renewing of your mind with words of the Bible so that spiritual conviction will result in cutting ties with your former way of life. This includes any actions, behaviors, choices or deed which go against biblical teaching.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
One of the choruses of the attached song talks about stop playing games with God. The Christian life is full of trial or error, trying to undo addictive habits and desires. Unfortunately, knowing the Bible doesn’t always result in change. Therefore, take baby steps if you need to until the mindful instructions of the Bible slowly transform you into the person that God desires.
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted[a] by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’[b]” 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’[c]” 7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’[d]” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” 10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’[e]” 11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him, Matthew 4:1-11.
Reflection:
Jesus’ earthly brother compares the Devil to a crafty fisherman, luring fish out of hiding with tempting bait, James 1:13-15. Perhaps, this knowledge was passed down to James by Jesus at some point following the events which transpired in the passage above. Overcoming temptation doesn’t just require discipline and a strong mind. Rather, you have to know Scripture and be able to discern the context in which the Bible takes place. This is part of putting on the mind of Christ.
Prayerful Action:
Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 1 Peter 1:13-15.
Renewing Your Mind:
I once looked at committed followers of Jesus as crazy and foolish for missing out on temporary pleasures that I indulged in as a teenager. Yet, looking back, I was the one who was clueless according to the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 2:14-16. Without access to the Holy Spirit, Ephesians 2:18, you are unable to comprehend or understand the things of God. However, as this spiritual transformation begins to occur, Romans 8:26-27, renewed minds are guided by the Holy Spirit.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
During the faith journey known as life, there will be many setbacks, some of these will be self-inflicted. Yet don’t let early failures in 2024 influence you to give up. Life is a marathon, Hebrews 12:1, which requires training; living and learning how to put on the mind of Christ.
It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control your own body[a] in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister.[b] The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. 7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8 Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8.
Reflection:
The choices that you make every day reflect your priorities in life. As a high school Bible teacher, I shared what I called the Seatbelt Story to illustrate this point. After taking a friend home from a function one night in college, this young woman pretended that her seatbelt was stuck so I could make a move on her. At this moment, I was so fixated on God that I was oblivious to her sinful intentions. This is what I mean by adopting a spiritual mindset.
Prayerful Action:
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded, James 4:7-8.
Renewing Your Mind:
One year later in college when this girl and I were reunited by chance like a scene from a movie, I was caught off guard. When advances were made the second time, I indulged my sinful nature. When you’re unable to stop yourself from sinning, sometimes you need to bring in an accountability partner to drag you out of a bad situation. Change isn’t easy, especially when it results in anguish and pain. However, this is one of the necessary sacrifices needed to adopt a spiritual mindset.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
After breaking an ankle playing sand volleyball, I spent my last summer as a college student lying in bed, contemplating the rest of my life. I had become lukewarm spiritually, going back and forth between the Holy Spirit and sinful nature. This is when I finally decided to follow Jesus with my whole heart by finally adopting a spiritual mindset, Colossians 3:1-4.
Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” 39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” 40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. 41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak,” Matthew 26:36-41.
Reflection:
If Jesus turns to prayer in times of trouble, we should emulate this spiritual discipline. As Jesus pours out his heart in prayer, God’s will is His main focus. However, from a human perspective, if you don’t watch and pray, thoughts about giving into temptation will swirl within your mind. Therefore, the next time losing and negative thoughts enter your mind, remember that God’s Spirit is willing. Tapping into this spiritual presence, 2 Peter 1:3-4, is the difference between winning and losing spiritually.
Prayerful Action:
But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses, 1 Timothy 6:11-12.
Renewing Your Mind:
Due to the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to forget the obligations that you have, Romans 8:12-13. The apostle Paul writes a letter to the Church at Rome, reminding Christians of their calling and duty to keep in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25. Unfortunately, many people give up on their New Year resolutions early on in 2024, influenced by a strong-willed sinful nature. If you truly want to develop a will to win, you have to fight for biblical beliefs and your convictions.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
If you have been recently beat down by life or endured years of losses in life, staying optimistic can be tough. However, if you are willing to patiently wrestle with God in prayer, you can develop a will to win spiritually in life by fleeing past sinful desires.
And Abel brought of the firstborn of his flock and of the fat portions. And the Lord had respect and regard for Abel and for his offering, 5 But for [a]Cain and his offering He had no respect or regard. So Cain was exceedingly angry and indignant, and he looked sad and depressed. 6 And the Lord said to Cain, Why are you angry? And why do you look sad and depressed and dejected? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin crouches at your door; its desire is for you, but you must master it, Genesis 4:4-7.
Reflection:
Whenever envy or jealousy is conceived inside your heart, it’s only a matter of time before actions, behaviors, and words will reflect this, Luke 6:43-45. After failing to intervene when Eve and the Serpent were speaking, God takes a proactive role to confront thoughts rushing through Cain’s mind. This is where the concept of mastering your mind is derived.
Prayerful Action:
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 6 And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete, 2 Corinthians 10:5-6.
Renewing Your Mind:
The apostle Paul reveals his own struggles with sin in Romans 7:15-20. Whenever human beings allow their minds to wander like Eve in Genesis 3:6, sin becomes conceived within your mind. The same spiritual leader who was unable to do the right thing in Romans 7:20 realized that the only way to escape sin is to start looking for the way out of temptation, 1 Corinthians 10:13. This is how Christians need to start learning how to master their minds in 2024.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
The former Ole Miss football player Chucky Mullins once said after losing his ability to walk, “don’t quit; don’t ever give up!” This is the mindset it takes to master your mind spiritually. Although you may fail by giving into sin in 2024, don’t ever give up your quest to master your mind!
How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. 10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. 11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. 12 Praise be to you, Lord; teach me your decrees. 13 With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. 14 I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. 15 I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. 16 I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word, Psalm 119:9-16.
Reflection:
There are moments in life where God has been front and center, always on my mind. Unfortunately, these moments are few and far between. Whether it’s projects around the house, writing or watching sports, my mind is easily distracted. Consumed by what I am doing, by the time I look at my phone, it’s too late to spend quality time with God in Bible Study or prayer. If I plan ahead in 2024, this bad habit can be altered to devote more time on my calendar for God.
Prayerful Action:
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” 11 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress, Psalm 46:10-11.
Renewing Your Mind:
If age is now just a number, time should be a portion of your day blocked out to meet with God. Whether this is an early morning walk, long commute to work or a quiet place, make room for God in your life in 2024. Don’t put this off for another day, week or month. Seize the day now!
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful, Joshua 1:8.
As I have done several searches on the internet over the years on the best Christian rock music of all time, Disciple has consistently come up as one of the top ten bands and sounds of all time. Songs like Dr. X ( You Don’t Own Me) reminds me of my days of roller skating to classic rock and roll of the 1980’s. In fact, I’ve heard Dr. X played as an intro on a secular radio sports talk show.
Go then and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them [b]into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 Teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you [c]all the days ([d]perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion), to the [very] close and consummation of the age. [e]Amen (so let it be), Matthew 28:19-20.
The classic rock of the 1980’s had some sort of an anthem or instrumental introduction before the singing began. Some of the songs on the attached You Tube remind me of this golden era of classic rock. While not every song may appeal to your musical taste, if you want to start 2024 with a blast of Christian rock, Disciple will provide what you’re thirsting for in this genre.
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces[a] of this world rather than on Christ, Colossians 2:8.
Reflection:
I spent ten years searching for realistic examples of God in Hollywood. My goal as a high school Bible teacher was to highlight God’s character and nature. While I was never fully satisfied, scenes and episodes from Joan of Arcadia scratched the surface. Pieces of Evan Almighty also detail the mystery of God. Yet, this research also revealed troubling facts like revisionist historians who seek to erase evidence of Jesus’ birth, life, death and resurrection from history. Watch out as end times begin, this will only intensify.
Prayerful Action:
Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil. 23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it, 1 Thessalonians 5:19-24.
Renewing Your Mind:
As Michael W. Smith sings about in his song Learn and Live, it’s important to avoid repeating the same mistakes over and over again. As Christians read and meditate upon the Bible, the better prepared they will be when similar situations occur in the future. During my first encounter with a practicing witch, I was left speechless. Yet, in the years that have followed, I pay close attention to any and all spiritual threats so that I’m not caught off guard, 1 Peter 5:8.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 1 Peter 3:15.
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