Tag Archives: Bryan Adams

God is with You in Everything you Do

I was a big fan of Bryan Adams growing up. When you consider that I was born in August of 1969, Adams song the Summer of 69 cemented my appreciation for this Canadian born artist. Adam’s most famous piece, the theme song for the new Robinhood movie at the time, Everything I Do (I Do For You) is a moving ballad. However, when I sing the lyrics, I replace a temporary relationship on earth with God.

At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, God is with you in everything you do. 23 So now, swear to me here by God that you will not deal falsely with me or with my son or with my posterity; but as I have dealt with you kindly, you will do the same with me and with the land in which you have sojourned, Genesis 21:22-23.

If you’re a critical person like me, it’s hard to believe that God is with me in everything I do. However, I have met individuals in college and beyond who were truly blessed by God. This is the observation that King Abimelech makes about Abraham based upon his initial interactions. While Abraham definitely wasn’t perfect with his tendency to lie, he must have matured and grown closer to the Lord at this point in his life.

I know how to be abased and live humbly in straitened circumstances, and I know also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and enough to spare or going without and being in want. 13 I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who [g]infuses inner strength into me; I am [h]self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency], Philippians 4:12-13.

While writing a letter to the Church at Philippi, the apostle Paul explains the secret to having God with you in everything you do. Paul provides a similar illustration in 2 Corinthians 12:7-12 as the weaker human beings become, it opens the door for God to become strong. From a New Testament perspective, the deeper your faith and trust in God become, the better your chances are for God to be with you in everything you do.

by Jay Mankus

S.A.N.S. Episode 15: When You Die

As I begin the third week of this new feature, these next 7 days may be the greatest selection of inspirational songs to date. Today’s song comes from the Bryan Adams of Christian music, a group called the Kry. Before I talk about the lyrics of When You Die, I am issuing a disclaimer for the You Tube video as it’s extremely graphic in nature. I’m assuming the purpose is to prepare Christians for death.

Come now, you who say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a city and spend a year there and carry on our business and make money. 14 Yet you do not know [the least thing] about what may happen tomorrow. What is the nature of your life? You are [really] but a wisp of vapor (a puff of smoke, a mist) that is visible for a little while and then disappears [into thin air], James 4:13-15.

You might need a tissue or two before you click the play button. Anyway, on the What About Now album, When You Die is immediately followed by What About Now, serving as a montage to consider your eternal destiny, 1 John 5:13. This is why I selected a version where both songs are played. While I haven’t thought much about my own funeral, this would definitely be a song to play on a video screen.

by Jay Mankus

A Prayer for the Verbally Assaulted

Canadian born Rock Star Bryan Adams was right when he sang “love cuts like a knife.”  Lesser known contemporary singer Wes King added to this concept, focusing on Sticks and Stones which wound human souls.  Whether you hear it through the grapevine, feel it through dirty looks or experience harsh words first hand, no one likes to be verbally assaulted.

Save me, LORD, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues, Psalm 120:2.

When gossip spreads, innuendos fly and rumors begin to sway people against you, helplessness can consume your heart.  Thus, if no one has your back to set the record straight, a supernaturally intervention is often necessary.  Although the context may be different, desperate individuals cry out to the heavens asking for a shell of protection against the flaming arrows of evil spewed from the mouths of bitter people.

Too long have I lived among those who hate peace.  I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war. – Psalm 120:6-7

Although verbal attacks will continue throughout your lifetime, make sure you don’t lower yourself to others’ standards or begin to stoop to a level of pettiness.  Rather, as the curses come forth, place your trust in God above, leaning on the Lord in times of distress, Psalm 120:1.  The moment you sense an urge to retaliate, make sure you choose your words wisely.  As difficult as it may be, follow the Golden Rule, doing unto others as you want others to do unto you.  If successful, your act of kindness will fulfill the words of Proverbs 25:22, heaping coals on the heads of those you verbally assault you.

by Jay Mankus