A few years ago, I was tired of listening to the same music at work. During a series of searches on You Tube, I came across three different electronic Christian music mixes. While I haven’t found any new ones since, I have come to embrace electronic techno and worship montages. Over the next few days, I will be sharing a couple of my favorites. It’s All About You by Marshall Marshall is one of the catchy tunes that I think you might enjoy.
Not that I have now attained [this ideal], or have already been made perfect, but I press on to lay hold of (grasp) and make my own, that for which Christ Jesus (the Messiah) has laid hold of me and made me His own, Philippians 3:12.
After listening to the lyrics of It’s All About You, I immediately thought of the words of the apostle Paul in the passage above. When a Christian comes to the conclusion that it’s all about the Lord, you are making a conscious decision to make Jesus the Lord of your life. Once you discover God’s will for your life, you can turn your attention to Paul’s call in this passage. Take hold of what God has called you to do by yielding your life over to Jesus.
A gaze is to look steadily and intently, especially in admiration, surprise, or thought. While it’s hard to remember my own childhood, I do recall faces my own children made when they were young. Certain things caused each of them to be in awe. As an adult, you can get caught up in the rat race called life. When you don’t take the time to have balance, all work and no fun, it’s easy to lose your excitement and joy for life.
For it is impossible [to restore and bring again to repentance] those who have been once for all enlightened, who have consciously tasted the heavenly gift and have become sharers of the Holy Spirit, 5 And have felt how good the Word of God is and the mighty powers of the age and world to come, Hebrews 6:4-5.
The author of Hebrews writes about a spiritual gaze. Whenever an individual enters into a personal relationship with Jesus, Romans 10:9-11, there is an enlightenment along with an internal peace within your heart. Unfortunately, just as a child can lose their gaze, any addiction, bad habit or habitual act will cheapen God’s grace. When temptation becomes too great, some Christians pray for God’s forgiveness before indulging in sin all over again. This appears to be the context of the passage above.
If they then deviate from the faith and turn away from their allegiance—[it is impossible] to bring them back to repentance, for (because, while, as long as) they nail upon the cross the Son of God afresh [as far as they are concerned] and are holding [Him] up to contempt and shame and public disgrace, Hebrews 6:6.
I was introduced to Lay Witness Misson Weekends in high school. A visiting team of adults and teenagers come Friday for dinner as a meet and great and leave Sunday afternoon following church. I didn’t know what a spiritual revival was until I attended one. Under the leadership of Ken Horne, building blocks were used to point toward a climax on Saturday night. Over a decade, I was fortunate to attend several of these weekends which helped me regain my childhood gaze. It’s never too late to retreat to a place where you can reconnect with Jesus.
Prior to the Carolina Panthers Atlanta Falcons Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime, I had never heard of Kane Brown. During a promo for the featured artist following the game, Two Chains spoke with Brown to share what to expect to hear during Amazon’s Thursday Night Concert series. Kane briefly shared one song entitled Thank God. Before the game ended, I went to You Tube to check out this country music’s new song.
The Lord is my Strength and my [impenetrable] Shield; my heart trusts in, relies on, and confidently leans on Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song will I praise Him, Psalm 28:7.
While the lyrics of Thank God speak about the physical aspects of love, Kane does go into his relationship with God. It’s a shame that more secular artists don’t openly speak about their faith in Jesus. Nonetheless, I’m thankful I was watching tonight’s TNF’s game so I could be introduced to Kane Brown and his music. May the lyrics of Thank God inspire you to be more thankful about life as Thanksgiving approaches.
At halftime and following the conclusion of any televised sporting event, commentators try to break down what actually happened. There are certain plays in a game that are highlighted to enhance their overall analysis. These replays may be paused or repeated a couple of times to show why this particular play was successful. Radio broadcasters often refer to this as the turning point of the game which shifted the momentum. The attached song provides one of the best breakdowns of a spiritual transformation.
But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God). 17 For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do, Galatians 5:16-17.
The apostle Paul addresses the internal tug of war which goes on when someone places their trust in Jesus for the first time, Romans 10:9-11. In a letter to the Church at Rome, Paul confesses his own struggles to deny his own former way of life. Despite being told by Barnabas and other disciples of Jesus on how to live out his faith daily, it was much harder than Paul thought, Romans 7:15-17. In the passage below, Paul provides a solution by setting his heart and mind on things above.
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, Colossians 3:1-4.
The lyrics of Love Break Me by Oceans Above serves as a prayer as well as a spiritual breakdown of transformation. Rain is used to suggest that like erosion washes away loose soil, the Holy Spirit needs to erode what remains of your old self. Colossians 3 makes a transition in verse 5 with a call to put to death your old self. If you allow this nature to stick around, Romans 8:5-8 speaks of the hostility that exists toward God. As you listen to Love Break Me, may the love of Jesus in your heart result in a spiritual transformation.
Despite my passion for Christian rock music, I find myself more and more attractive by spontaneous worship mixes. While my favorite is a 19-minute montage of three songs by Kari Jobe, there are several other artists who have recently gotten my attention. David and Nicole Binion are a couple who I stumbled upon with the attached song I Delight. Yet, this couple has several others moving worship songs on You Tube as well.
But the meek [in the end] shall inherit the earth and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace, Psalm 37:11.
As a recovering perfectionist, allowing myself to find something to delight in is difficult. Rather than take time to reflect upon what the Lord has allowed me to accomplish, I often move on to my next goal and project. After listening to I Delight, I feel prompted to slow down and begin to appreciate the little things in life. As you listen to the lyrics of David and Nicole’ song, may you be moved to delight in the Lord.
This year will be the first Thanksgiving for my wife Leanne without a living parent. Meanwhile, this will be the first Thanksgiving for me without my sister Kathie who is battling blood clots and cancer. While my parents are still living, each have been hindered by a slew of health-related issues in 2022. Subsequently, when there’s not much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, you have to find a siler lining.
Speak out to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, offering praise with voices [[e]and instruments] and making melody with all your heart to the Lord, 20 At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father, Ephesians 5:20.
One of the ways the apostle Paul remained thankful in the midst of trials was through music. Rather than click on a car stereo or You-Tube, Paul writes about singing his favorite songs from church. Whether you’re humming a chorus in your head, playing an instrument or raising your voice in song, singing has a way of taking a mental break from any pain you’re currently experiencing. Anyone who dwells upon biblically based lyrics will be elevated toward a more thankful spirit.
Be happy [in your faith] and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always); 17 Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly]; 18 Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will]. 19 Do not quench (suppress or subdue) the [Holy] Spirit, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19.
If this doesn’t work, Paul urges Christians to turn to prayer. This shouldn’t be haphazard. Instead, prayer should become a state of mind, unceasing throughout your day. Paul suggests that praying is a means to will yourself toward a thankful heart. Unfortunately, the root of bitterness has a way of ruining the mood to pray. Once prayer ceases minds turn their attention away from the Lord and race to anxiety, doubt and worry. If you’re struggling this Thanksgiving to be thankful, may the advice in the passages above turn your week around.
The word tend refers to regularly or frequently behavior in a particular way or have a certain characteristic. Every individual has certain habits and rituals that become part of a daily routine. Unfortunately, no matter how consistent you may be, everyone breaks from these patterns. For a Christian, there are spiritual disciplines that should become part of your daily schedule. While sometimes you may skip Bible Study or prayer, hopefully this trend is few and far between.
I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing. 6 If a person does not dwell in Me, he is thrown out like a [broken-off] branch, and withers; such branches are gathered up and thrown into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you live in Me [abide vitally united to Me] and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you, John 15:5-7.
The lyrics of Emily Rose’ song Tend are based upon Jesus’ words in the passage above. Jesus uses an analogy where God is a gardener and Jesus is the vine, the source of all life on earth. God prunes areas of our lives that are dormant or death. Pruning is designed to stimulate growth. Perhaps, Tend is all about staying connected with Jesus. Any other decision will result in curses in the form of hardship and pain. Enjoy today’s song.
To survive in the spiritual realm, you have to be alert, discerning, and proactive. Based upon the words of the apostle Paul in Ephesians 6:10-12, the Devil is always scheming something to take down Christians daily. One of Jesus’ disciples reveals this plot in 1 Peter 5:8. As someone who wasn’t prepared for Jesus’ arrest, Peter learned the hard way after publicly denying Jesus three times. Staying spiritually active and moving prevents you from becoming separated from God’s flock, other believers.
The earth was without form and an empty waste, and darkness was upon the face of the very great deep. The Spirit of God was moving (hovering, brooding) over the face of the waters, Genesis 1:2.
During an interaction at work last month, one of my managers noticed that I was always diligent and working hard when he sees me. My quick response naturally flowed out of me, “I only have one speed.” Either I’m still a hyperactive child in my fifties or I possess an old school mentality: “work is work and play comes after hours.” Like the Spirit of God hovering and moving over the earth prior to creation, I get antsy when I remain stagnant. Active and moving is more of my natural pace in life.
For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the [g]breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart, Hebrews 4:12.
According to one biblical author, the Holy Spirit isn’t the only thing moving and active. While the Bible has been translated into 724 languages as of 2022, the words inside this book are supernatural. The passage above highlights how a verse or an entire passage can emotionally move you. Whether it’s your conscience, heart or soul, conviction has a way of moving through our bodies. The next time you read the Bible, may you experience an active and moving God who resides in your heart via Jesus.
I recently moved from one of the flattest states in the country, Delaware, to the Midlands of western South Carolina. My commute to work is up and down steep hills, over and over again for an hour. When I first heard the lyrics of today’s song, God Who Moves the Mountains, I’m reminded of why many prayers lifted up by Christians that go unanswered. Mountains serve as a mental block, causing doubt to replace faith as described by Jesus in the passage below.
And Jesus answered them, Truly I say to you, if you have faith (a [n]firm relying trust) and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, Be taken up and cast into the sea, it will be done. 22 And whatever you ask for in prayer, having faith and [really] believing, you will receive, Matthew 21:21-22.
Despite the unknown of the future, Jesus taught his disciples to trust in the One who can move mountains. This in the inspiration behind Corey Voss’ song God Who Moves the Mountains. Jesus presents twelve men with the ideal scenario: the could be/should be result for any prayer spoken as long as you believe in the God who moves mountains. As you listen to the lyrics, may you be inspired to intensify your prayer life with a faith that moves mountains.
Danny Glover and Steve Martin starred in the 1991 film Grand Canyon. While the script was filled with New Age propaganda, the point of this movie is that seeing the Grand Canyon can change your life. After a few years of planning and saving funds, I spent an entire month in 2007 traveling across the country. The center piece of this summer vacation was an entire day at the Grand Canyon. While the views were breath taking, my family and I experienced several delightful places.
And the Lord God planted a garden toward the east, in Eden [delight]; and there He put the man whom He had formed (framed, constituted), Genesis 2:8.
Day 1 was a visit to Skyline Caverns in Virginia followed by the scenic Skyline Drive in the Blue Ridge Mountains. From the Smoky Mountains to Native Indian Caves to the Ozark Mountains, Bandera Volcano & Ice Cave, the Painted Desert, Pagosa Springs and Mount Rushmore, these are days that I will always treasure. Although it’s been 15 years since this trip, I have images forever sketched within my mind of these places of delight. The only repeat visit was Slide Rock State Park’s natural waterslide.
Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart, Psalm 37:4.
God’s original intent of Creation was to design a place of delight when Adam and Eve could live forever. Unfortunately, when you don’t follow God’s rules, you miss out on all the blessings that God wants to shower your life with on earth. Based upon the words of Moses in Genesis 3:16-19, partaking in temporary pleasures exchanges blessings with curses. Adam and Eve were banished from the Place of Delight, never to see it again. May we learn from their mistake by choosing life over death, Deuteronomy 30:15.
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