My first full time position upon graduating college and trade school for youth ministry was a few hours north of Nashville, Tennessee. Upon moving to Columbus, Indiana, I found myself living in the heart of country music. Nine out of ten homes that I visited had Country Music Television playing somewhere in the house. Subsequently, I was immersed in country music in 1993.
Now it is an extraordinary thing for one to give his life even for an upright man, though perhaps for a noble and lovable and generous benefactor someone might even dare to die. 8 But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us, Romans 5:7-8.
When I discovered the group Crossway in a local Christian Bookstore, my perspective of country music changed. Songs like Thank God I’m Not Jesus and 70 X 7 helped me discover where country music and Jesus meet. While I couldn’t find a You Tube of the entire A Beautiful Thing album by Crossway, I’ve attached the best songs and lyrics that will bring you closer to the Lord. Enjoy!
Jimmy Stewart plays George Bailey in the Christmas classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Every time George is about to leave Bedford Falls and Bailey’s Saving and Loans, something happens to keep him in town. When the stock market crashes on Black Friday, there’s a run-on money at Bailey’s Savings and Loans. George cancels his honeymoon and uses the money saved for his trip to prevent his father’s company from going out of business. George focused on needs, not wants.
When the seven years of plenty were ended in the land of Egypt, 54 The seven years of scarcity and famine began to come, as Joseph had said they would; the famine was in all [the surrounding] lands, but in all of Egypt there was food. 55 But when all the land of Egypt was weakened with hunger, the people [there] cried to Pharaoh for food; and Pharaoh said to [them] all, Go to Joseph; what he says to you, do, Genesis 41:53-55.
According to Moses, once the great famine reaches Egypt, Pharaoh placed Joseph in charge over all grain distribution. Whenever Egyptian citizens wanted food or any foreigners from outside this country, Joseph decided how much each individual could buy. Subsequently, as people wanted to purchase an excessive amount of grain, Joseph displayed George Bailey like wisdom to help customers see what they needed was more important in the long run.
When the famine was over all the land, Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold to the Egyptians; for the famine grew extremely distressing in the land of Egypt. 57 And all countries came to Egypt to Joseph to buy grain, because the famine was severe over all [the known] earth, Genesis 41:56-57.
Due to modern luxuries like credit cards, human beings can live outside their means. Whether it’s living in a larger house that’s unnecessary, paying off a sports car that is simply for show or blowing a large chunk of change monthly on cable, consider the costs. Films like the Pursuit of Happiness highlight the price individuals have to pay to acquire their lifelong dreams. In the end, may today’s blog inspire you to prepare for the future by leaning on the Lord to provide for your needs.
Shortly before I began serving as the Youth Director for First United Methodist Church in Columbus, Indiana, one of my future junior high students was accidentally run over by her father. Apparently, she was one of the top female tennis players in town and was stretching in her family driveway. In a rush to get to work, her father backed his car up running over her knee. This careless mistake caused her father to become extra cautious in the future, struggling to forgive himself.
Then they took Joseph’s [distinctive] long garment, killed a young goat, and dipped the garment in the blood; 32 And they sent the garment to their father, saying, We have found this! Examine and decide whether it is your son’s tunic or not. 33 He said, My son’s long garment! An evil [wild] beast has devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces. 34 And Jacob tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourned many days for his son. 35 And all his sons and daughters attempted to console him, but he refused to be comforted and said, I will go down to Sheol (the place of the dead) to my son mourning. And his father wept for him, Genesis 37:31-35.
According to Moses, Jacob experienced similar emotions after receiving the news that his favorite son Joseph had been mauled by an animal, ( fictional account). Subsequently, when ten of his sons tell Jacob that he must send his youngest son Benjamin to Egypt, he refuses to do so. Moses describes Jacob as a parent thinking about the worst-case scenarios if he were to allow Benjamin to travel to Egypt. Jacob became extremely protective of Benjamin, wanting to keep him safe from any harm.
Now when Jacob learned that there was grain in Egypt, he said to his sons, Why do you look at one another? 2 For, he said, I have heard that there is grain in Egypt; get down there and buy [grain] for us, that we may live and not die. 3 So ten of Joseph’s brethren went to buy grain in Egypt. 4 But Benjamin, Joseph’s [full] brother, Jacob did not send with his brothers; for he said, Lest perhaps some harm or injury should befall him, Genesis 42:1-4.
When I was a young parent raising three kids with my wife Leanne, I was consumed with my new teaching position at Red Lion. However, after I became aware of an issue with one of James’ baseball coaches, I was prompted to become more active in my children’s lives. This one incident led me to become an extra cautious parent. The following year I became an assistant coach for James’ team and coached Daniel’s team four years in a row. While it’s natural to become an extra cautious parent, at some point you have to let go and allow the Lord to be in control, Proverbs 19:21.
My wife Leanne introduced me to the term hangry. Whenever a last second emergency occurred as she was about to walk out the door of work at the end of the day, dinner was delayed. The later dinner was pushed back, the hangrier my wife become. During the first year of the great famine in Egypt, Moses describes Jacob as a hangry old man, yelling at his kids to do something quick.
Now when Jacob learned that there was grain in Egypt, he said to his sons, Why do you look at one another? 2 For, he said, I have heard that there is grain in Egypt; get down there and buy [grain] for us, that we may live and not die, Genesis 42:1-2.
If you’re not familiar with the term hangry, just look at the words of the apostle Paul in Galatians 5:15-17. When the natural desire to be fed food isn’t met, individuals become easily agitated. This is why some Christians refuse to fast as it negatively impacts how they act and treat others. Whenever fleshly desires flare up, you become vulnerable to expressing hangry words.
So ten of Joseph’s brethren went to buy grain in Egypt. 4 But Benjamin, Joseph’s [full] brother, Jacob did not send with his brothers; for he said, Lest perhaps some harm or injury should befall him. 5 So the sons of Israel came to buy grain among those who came, for there was hunger and general lack of food in the land of Canaan, Genesis 42:3-5.
According to Moses, the first year of the great famine made Jacob irritable. Since none of Jacob’s sons were being proactive, he lashes out trying to instill a sense of urgency, “why aren’t you doing anything?” When word reached Jacob that food was available to be purchased in Egypt, this should have resulted in immediate action. According to Moses, it took a hangry old man, Jacob, to push ten of his sons into action.
One of the greatest life lessons the Bible teaches is You Reap What You Sow, 2 Corinthians 9:6. While life is filled with challenges, hardships, and trials, God allows these to occur so that human beings develop and mature, James 1:2-4. Yet, when distress and difficulty enter your life, 1 Peter 1:6-7, how will your faith endure and survive?
And they said one to another, We are truly guilty about our brother, for we saw the distress and anguish of his soul when he begged us [to let him go], and we would not hear. So this distress and difficulty has come upon us. 22 Reuben answered them, Did I not tell you, Do not sin against the boy, and you would not hear? Therefore, behold, his blood is required [of us], Genesis 42:21-22.
Whenever I did something wrong as a child, I could suddenly feel guilt begin to overwhelm my soul. Since the Catholic Church that I attended emphasized the wrath of God in the Old Testament, I saw the Lord as a disciplinarian. Apparently, Reuben has a similar perspective of God in the passage above. Reuben attributes his current distress due to his past transgression against Joseph.
And you shall not turn aside from any of the words which I command you this day, to the right hand or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them. 15 But if you will not obey the voice of the Lord your God, being watchful to do all His commandments and His statutes which I command you this day, then all these curses shall come upon you and overtake you: 16 Cursed shall you be in the city and cursed shall you be in the field. 17 Cursed shall be your basket and your kneading trough. 18 Cursed shall be the fruit of your body, of your land, of the increase of your cattle and the young of your sheep. 19 Cursed shall you be when you come in and cursed shall you be when you go out, Deuteronomy 28:14-19.
Moses provides another explanation on why distress and difficulty may come upon you. When individuals begin to go off on their own by doing what’s right in their own eyes, Judges 21:25, bad things may begin to happen in your life. These events may not be overly dramatic, but curses continue to occur in the United States and throughout the world. The best way to reverse these curses of distress and difficulty is by adhering to Moses’ advice in Deuteronomy 28:1-13.
The Psalmist describes basic sociology in Psalm 1:1-3. The choices that you make in life will influence the friends you choose. Whether you realize this or not, overtime you will begin to think like, participate and join in the acts of your peers. When push comes to shove, who do you turn to for advice? The Pharaoh’s initial response is to seek out magicians to solve the riddle in his dream.
But he slept and dreamed the second time; and behold, seven ears of grain came out on one stalk, plump and good. 6 And behold, after them seven ears [of grain] sprouted, thin and blighted by the east wind. 7 And the seven thin ears [of grain] devoured the seven plump and full ears. And Pharaoh awoke, and behold, it was a dream. 8 So when morning came his spirit was troubled, and he sent and called for all the magicians and all the wise men of Egypt. And Pharaoh told them his dreams, but not one could interpret them to [him]. 9 Then the chief butler said to Pharaoh, I remember my faults today, Genesis 41:5-9.
Today, the world is full of psychics who claim they can foretell your future by reading your palm, analyzing your Zodiac sign and or using Tarot Cards. If you’re an analytics type of person, some of these individuals may be right more than they are wrong. Nonetheless, when the magicians and wise men of Egypt failed Pharaoh, the Chief Butler turned to a higher power.
Moses and Aaron did as the Lord commanded; [Aaron] lifted up the rod and smote the waters in the river in the sight of Pharaoh and his servants, and all the waters in the river were turned to blood. 21 And the fish in the river died; and the river became foul smelling, and the Egyptians could not drink its water, and there was blood throughout all the land of Egypt. 22 But the magicians of Egypt did the same by their enchantments and secret arts; and Pharaoh’s heart was made hard and obstinate, and he did not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the Lord had said, Exodus 7:20-22.
After a brief conversation with Pharaoh, Joseph was called to his presence. Following a quick shave, haircare, and bath, Joseph stood before Pharaoh. Rather than steal credit from his Creator, Joseph gives God all the glory for his rare ability to interpret dreams. Unfortunately, there aren’t many Josephs that exist in our world today. Subsequently, finding a trustworthy pastor may be harder than you think. In the end, inquire of the Lord so you’re not deceived by false hope.
The official name on your birth certificate may not be the name your peers call you. Meanwhile, the name provided by your parents to the school you are/were enrolled in, will influence what others call you. When Pharaoh appointed Joseph as governor of Egypt, he is introduced to the nation as Zaphenath-paneah. Moses felt like this was an important detail to mention.
And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphenath-paneah and he gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, to be his wife. And Joseph made an [inspection] tour of all the land of Egypt. 46 Joseph [who had been in Egypt thirteen years] was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh and went [about his duties] through all the land of Egypt, Genesis 41:45-46.
From a political perspective, this was a savvy move made by Pharaoh. Rather than introduce his new governor as a Hebrew slave who served a 3-year sentence in prison, Pharaoh gives Joseph a new name: Zaphenath-paneah. Just as God give Jacob the name Israel following his wrestling match with an angel, Zaphenath-paneah provides Joseph with a fresh start in Egypt as governor.
A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold. 2 The rich and poor meet together; the Lord is the Maker of them all. 3 A prudent man sees the evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished [with suffering], Proverbs 22:1-3.
While some names are earned in life, others may be assigned based upon your appearance, distinct personality trait or word association based upon your birth name. If your name rhymes with multiple words, your nicknames may be limitless. However, from a Christian perspective, when you begin to take faith serious, “to live is Christ and to die is gain,” Galatians 2:20.
When I attended the University of Delaware in the late 1980’s, it was rated the #1 party school in the nation. After my first semester following in the footsteps of the prodigal son, Luke 15:11-32, a Christian retreat off campus altered the course of my life. Over the next 4 years, I began to meet people whose faith shined so bright in this dark place, it became clear to me that the spirit of God resided deep inside their hearts.
And the plan seemed good in the eyes of Pharaoh and in the eyes of all his servants. 38 And Pharaoh said to his servants, Can we find this man’s equal, a man in whom is the spirit of God? 39 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, Forasmuch as [your] God has shown you all this, there is nobody as intelligent and discreet and understanding and wise as you are. 40 You shall have charge over my house, and all my people shall be governed according to your word [with reverence, submission, and obedience]. Only in matters of the throne will I be greater than you are, Genesis 41:37-40.
Throughout the book of Genesis, Moses highlights places where the Spirit of God fell upon and or visited Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. These locations were dedicated with an altar, monument and or stone pillar to let others know of God’s presence. After reading Genesis 41, the Spirit of God gives Joseph the interpretation of Pharaoh’s two dreams and apparently provides a clear plan of action to overcome what lies in the future.
But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, 23 Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [[f]that can bring a charge]. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus (the Messiah) have crucified the flesh (the godless human nature) with its passions and appetites and desires. 25 If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [If by the Holy Spirit [g]we have our life in God, let us go forward [h]walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit,] Galatians 5:22-25.
During a first century letter to the Church at Rome, the apostle Paul confesses in Romans 7:14-18 that a spiritual force inside of his body is causing him to do the opposite of what God desires. This period in Paul’s life likely inspires the words in the above passage. While human bodies are weak, Matthew 26:41, the Spirit of God is willing to show you how to prevail, 1 Corinthians 10:13. Subsequently, whenever you find yourself slowing slipping away from the Lord, pray for the fruits of the Holy Spirit so that God will help you crucify your fleshly desires by keeping in step with the Holy Ghost.
After being born in New Jersey, my parents took me to the Jersey Shore each summer as a child. Before Atlantic City, New Jersey was known as a casino destination, this is where I fell in love with searching for shells on the seashore. On the ride there and back, the radio was tuned into soft rock where I was first introduced to Christopher Cross.
Be alert and on your guard; stand firm in your faith ([b]your conviction respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, keeping the trust and holy fervor born of faith and a part of it). Act like men and be courageous; grow in strength! 14 Let everything you do be done in love (true love to God and man as inspired by God’s love for us), 1 Corinthians 16:13-14.
Songs like Sailing by Cross set the mood and tone for my visits to the beach. When I first purchased the Maldwyn Pope album Love Will Find a Way years ago, I was brought back to my youth listening to Christopher Cross. While Mal has evolved over the years to more of a crossover artist, if you want to listen to soft rock to conclude the official summer of 2023, Mal Pope is your artist to listen to. Since I couldn’t find a full album, I included a mix of Mal’s music. I hope you enjoy this sound.
Dreams are something that people who have been talking about from the beginning of time. Modern dreams are often inspired by horror movies and or shows individuals have watched prior to going to sleep. Yet, according to Moses, dreams can be signs from God that can reveal a glimpse of the future. When a butler and baker each have a dream one night in prison, they both seem depressed as there wasn’t a dream interpreter present. However, Joseph reminds these 2 men that interpretation comes from the Lord.
And Pharaoh was angry with his officers, the chief of the butlers and the chief of the bakers. 3 He put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, in the prison where Joseph was confined. 4 And the captain of the guard put them in Joseph’s charge, and he served them; and they continued in custody for some time. 5 And they both dreamed a dream in the same night, each man according to [the personal significance of] the interpretation of his dream—the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were confined in the prison, Genesis 40:2-5.
Whenever anyone is desperate, people may turn to a complete stranger for help. As Pharaoh’s Chief Butler and Baker scan this dungeon for a reliable source, Joseph is the only logical choice to consult. However, before giving any kind of advice, Joseph is clear about where his wisdom comes from. Joseph isn’t making this information up to impress Pharaoh’s servants. Rather, Joseph clarifies that interpretation comes from the Lord.
When Joseph came to them in the morning and looked at them, he saw that they were sad and depressed. 7 So he asked Pharaoh’s officers who were in custody with him in his master’s house, Why do you look so dejected and sad today? 8 And they said to him, We have dreamed dreams, and there is no one to interpret them. And Joseph said to them, Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me [your dreams], I pray you, Genesis 40:6-8.
When Joseph provides a happy ending to the butler’s dream, the baker is eager to hear a similar fate for his dream. Unfortunately, the baker only has a few days to live, prior to being publicly hung. According to Moses, everything happened exactly like Joseph said it would. This wasn’t a lucky shot in the dark prediction from Joseph like unsuccessful professional gamblers. Rather, Joseph placed his full trust in the Lord as interpretations belong to God.
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