Sometimes artists use a play on words to communicate a completely different message from what a title suggests. Such is the case of today’s song by Send the Beggar, an alternative rock group from Columbus, Ohio. While living in Cleveland I came across this band which is one of my favorites despite their limited number of albums, just two. Send the Beggar’s sound and lyrics struck a cord with my soul while in college.
Sing, O Daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice, be in high spirits and glory with all your heart, O Daughter of Jerusalem [in that day], Zephaniah 3:14.
Leaving Jesus refers to making a spiritual impact on your community. Rather than abandon Jesus while out in public, Send the Beggar wants their listeners to leave behind a legacy of faith. Apparently, parts of Columbus were run down and dangerous. As a former social worker for the Methodist Action Plan in inner city, Wilmington, cleaning up run down areas gives people hope of a brighter future by leaving Jesus everywhere you go in life.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, women should exclusively breastfeed infants for the first six months of life. The AAP also recommends breastfeeding be continued by mothers for at least the first year, with additional foods being added starting after six months of age. Breast-milk provides nearly a perfect mix of vitamins, protein and fat for newborn babies. The Bible refers to a different kind of milk filled with spiritual nutrients.
Like newborn babies you should crave (thirst for, earnestly desire) the pure (unadulterated) spiritual milk, that by it you may be nurtured and grow unto [completed] salvation, 3 Since you have [already] tasted the goodness and kindness of the Lord. 4 Come to Him [then, to that] Living Stone which men [a]tried and threw away, but which is chosen [and] precious in God’s sight, 1 Peter 2:2-4.
Unfortunately, not every mother of a newborn is able to nurse their baby. Whether it’s a medical condition or the inability of an infant to properly latch on, formula serves as a substitute. While this may not be an ideal scenario, mothers will make as many sacrifices as possible to ensure the health of their child. In the passage above, Peter uses an analogy so that new Christians begin to crave pure unadulterated spiritual milk.
For everyone who continues to feed on milk is obviously inexperienced and unskilled in the doctrine of righteousness (of conformity to the divine will in purpose, thought, and action), for he is a mere infant [not able to talk yet]! 14 But solid food is for full-grown men, for those whose senses and mental faculties are trained by practice to discriminate and distinguish between what is morally good and noble and what is evil and contrary either to divine or human law, Hebrews 5:13-14.
Rather than drinking from a bottle, new Christians develop and grow by feeding on the Word of God. Digesting and processing this information takes time for the Bible to naturally sink in. Apparently milk is symbolic of the basic principles of the gospel, Romans 6:23. True spiritual growth takes place when individuals begin to conform to the divine will that God has for you. Unfortunately, many Christians dabble here and there, but never fully mature. May you crave pure unadulterated spiritual milk so that whatever barriers stand in your way from reaching your full potential will finally be overcome in 2022.
As a youth pastor, I took teenagers on several trips to a variety of events. One of these was an outdoor Christian concert at a local venue in Columbus, Indiana. The featured group who closed out the night was David and the Giants. Prior to this concert, I probably owned one or two of their albums. Afterward, I purchased every album this group released.
Thus, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one [[c]especially] wicked person who repents ([d]changes his mind, abhorring his errors and misdeeds, and determines to enter upon a better course of life) than over ninety-nine righteous persons who have no need of repentance, Luke 15:7.
For today’s feature, I could have selected one of 20 different songs. David and the Giants have a good mix of classic rock and ballads on each album. Yet, I chose Stumbling Block to a Stepping Stone due to the lyrics and attached you tube video. Just like Jesus’ parable about a lost sheep, we all stumble and fall. Subsequently, it’s the failures in life that can turn into stepping stones as long as you can forgive yourself.
The public expression of opinions or sentiments intended to demonstrate one’s good character or social conscience is on display every day. Virtue signaling comes in the form of interviews, podcasts, and social media posts. Members of the media, politicians, the socially insecure express moral correctness of one’s position on a particular issue. This practice is what Rush Limbaugh deemed symbolism over substance.
Since by your obedience to the Truth through the [Holy] Spirit you have purified your hearts for the sincere affection of the brethren, [see that you] love one another fervently from a pure heart, 1 Peter 1:22.
Unfortunately, many modern leaders practice the philosophy “do what I say, not as I do.” When the camera is off, the true you comes out. You may be able to fake people for a while, but sooner or later your hypocrisy will be exposed. Yet, for now, virtue signal appeases the Cancel Culture from coming after you. This sad state of reality is so shallow, but it serves as a sense of justification and rationalization for many.
We know [absolutely] that anyone born of God does not [deliberately and knowingly] practice committing sin, but the One Who was begotten of God carefully watches over and protects him [Christ’s divine presence within him preserves him against the evil], and the wicked one does not lay hold (get a grip) on him or touch [him]. 19 We know [positively] that we are of God, and the whole world [around us] is under the power of the evil one, 1 John 5:18-19.
While Peter is known for being the most vocal disciple, the one whom Jesus appears to be the most direct in his writing style. According to John, grey areas don’t exist. You’re either living in the light of Christ or residing in darkness. Virtue signaling isn’t an option for Christians. You’re either in or out, with or against Jesus. When you let your actions do your talking, there’s no need for virtue signaling.
Every once in a while, you will find an artist who sounds identical to another. Growing up in high school, I became a fan of REM. Although I never bought one of their albums, I liked most of their songs. Today’s song comes from the group Adam Again who in my opinion is the REM of Christian music. One of Adam Again’s famous songs is River on Fire based upon the real-life fire on the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland.
For You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings will I rejoice, Psalm 63:7.
The lyrics of Dig are symbolic of subtle compromises that people make in life. This often begins with a lazy lie until it escalates as you dig a hole of deception that you often fall into. Unfortunately, stubborn people tend to keep digging this hole until bad choices end up becoming a lifestyle. May the lyrics of Dig awaken your conscience so that any bad habits may be conquered by the power of the Holy Spirit.
I grew up watching the Six Million Dollar Man Starring Lee Majors. When Air Force Colonel Steve Austin crashes during a test flight, many of his damaged body parts are replaced by experimental bionic limbs. In this series’ theme song, the voice over explains that modern scientists have the technology to save his life at a cost of six million dollars. The Bible speaks of a different kind of regeneration. A spiritual one.
You have been regenerated (born again), not from a mortal [d]origin ([e]seed, sperm), but from one that is immortal by the ever living and lasting Word of God. 24 For all flesh (mankind) is like grass, and all its glory (honor) like [the] flower of grass. The grass withers and the flower drops off, 25 But the Word of the Lord ([f]divine instruction, the Gospel) endures forever. And this Word is the good news which was preached to you, 1 Peter 1:23-25.
There are plenty of mornings when I wake up that I feel dead tired, unable to function as I should or want. Like rebooting a computer, how you start your day can make a big difference. In the passage above, Peter refers to a supernatural presence that comes from the Bible. The author of Hebrews refers to this book as living and active with an ability to penetrate your soul, Hebrews 4:12.
For it is by free grace (God’s unmerited favor) that you are saved ([c]delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God; 9 Not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law’s demands], lest any man should boast. [It is not the result of what anyone can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to himself,] Ephesians 2:8-9.
The first discussion about regeneration leaves Nicodemus curious and confused, John 3:1-17. This first century Pharisee was thinking about being born again from a physical aspect. This is the reason for Nicodemus’ sarcasm. Yet, as the Paul apostle mentions in the passage above, spiritual regeneration is unmerited. This free gift is offered to you, Romans 6:23. However, regeneration doesn’t begin until you accept this as your own, Romans 10:9-11. The more you read and learn, the greater your faith grows,
My goal for Sunday posts of Sing A New Song is to highlight worship-oriented artists or songs with an inspirational message. One of my favorite song writers of all time is Bruce Carroll. Yet, the lyrics of Ron David Moore’s The Vision’s Clear album rivals any Christian album ever produced. I heard an interview talking about the success of this album, but Ron’s next album was a dud due to a lack of inspiration.
A time will come, however, indeed it is already here, when the true (genuine) worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth (reality); for the Father is seeking just such people as these as His worshipers. 24 God is a Spirit (a spiritual Being) and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth (reality), John 4:23-24.
When the Holy Spirit moves you to share or write something, it’s as if God is speaking directly through you. Yet, this is a force that you can’t manufacture. As for today’s song, Secret Scars is something everyone can relate to as all human beings have hidden at least one thing that they haven’t told a soul. The pain of this burden will continue to wear you down until you place it at the foot of the cross.
Sometimes the truth that a friend shares strikes a nerve. Such is the case of one Old Testament prophet who reveals a painful truth in Jeremiah 17:9. When your heart becomes open to the possibility that you’re not as nice as you should be, your soul becomes open to changing for the better. This is the message that Peter has for a teachable spirit: purify your heart with sincere affection.
Since by your obedience to the Truth through the [Holy] Spirit you have purified your hearts for the sincere affection of the brethren, [see that you] love one another fervently from a pure heart, 1 Peter 1:22.
Purification usually involves some sort of filtration process. Whether this is accomplished through cleansing, decontaminating or sterilizing the imperfections, purifying anything takes time. According to one of Jesus’ disciples, purifying your heart is based upon your degree of obedience to God’s commands. As the Holy Spirit convicts Christians for any wrongdoing, your heart begins the purification process.
So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God and He will come close to you. [Recognize that you are] sinners, get your soiled hands clean; [realize that you have been disloyal] wavering individuals with divided interests, and purify your hearts [of your spiritual adultery]. 9 [As you draw near to God] be deeply penitent and grieve, even weep [over your disloyalty]. Let your laughter be turned to grief and your mirth to dejection and heartfelt shame [for your sins], James 4:7-9.
Yet, to achieve sincere affection, Christians must seek the Theological Virtues of hope, faith, and love. According to C.S. Lewis, Cardinal Virtues are available to anyone, but Theological Virtues are only accessible through the power of the Holy Spirit, 1 Corinthians 13:13. Actions and faith must work hand and hand so that hearts will be purified as the fruits of this process develop into sincere affection.
Today’s artist got me through some tough times in college. I was first introduced to Linda Elias through her husband Rick who was a member of A Ragmuffin Band. When Rick started a solo career, Linda would also serve as a background vocalist on a number of his songs. The best way to describe Linda’s music is that she if the Belinda Carlisle of Christian music. Today’s song comes from the Meaning of Life album.
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, Ephesians 5:19.
When I first bought the Meaning of Life album, I shared it with as many college friends as possible. The person who appreciated Linda’s music the most was my friend Pam from Poughkeepsie, New York. The soothing sound of Linda’s voice and the powerful Bible based lyrics made me want to shout the chorus of Your’s and Mine every time I heard it. May this eternal message lift your spirits as you listen.
During my first year of college, I attended a “Why Knock Rock Seminar” at a local church. Why some of the theories that were espoused by the various speakers had a degree of merit, to demonize Christians who felt called to reach young people with rock music was moronic. One of these groups considered dangerous by the Puritans of the 1980’s was the Altar Boys. The Altar Boys’ punk rock sound was enhanced by Gut Level lyrics that spoke to my heart.
And her prophets have daubed them over with whitewash, seeing false visions and divining lies to them, saying, Thus says the Lord God—when the Lord has not spoken. 29 The people of the land have used oppression and extortion and have committed robbery; yes, they have wronged and vexed the poor and needy; yes, they have oppressed the stranger and temporary resident wrongfully, Ezekiel 22:28-29.
While doing some research for my new series Sing A New Song, I stumbled upon the song I Question It. Although the particular sound of this song hasn’t aged well, the lyrics were prophetic. When the church elite was busying condemning and judging those aspects of the youth culture that they didn’t like, the Altar Boys were trying to warn Christians through their Gut Level Music album in 1986. Instead of listening, complacency set in as liberals and progressives quietly worked behind the scenes to take over.
And I sought a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none. 31 Therefore have I poured out My indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of My wrath; their own way have I repaid [by bringing it] upon their own heads, says the Lord God, Ezekiel 22:30-31.
I guess it’s a little too late for the members of the Altar Boys to exclaim “I told you so!” Yet, the conditions of today remind me of the words of the prophet Ezekiel. God wanted someone to stand in the gap: a leader, a parent or students to defend that which is right and true. Unfortunately, no one rose to this occasion. Nonetheless, I sense a similar call to stand up for the Bill of Rights, the Constitution and for Religious liberties. Will the church sit back and watch from their pews or start reminding their neighbors of America’s heritage of faith? Time is of the essence so stand now or we too will be destroyed.
ExpressYourself4Him 