Tag Archives: Christianity

Prayers of the Saints

Monthly Theme:

In the United States, families take a brief break from life each November to celebrate Thanksgiving. Based upon surviving a rough winter during the Colonization of America, the Plymouth Colony in 1621 joined 90 Wampanoag men in a harvest celebration. This special time of reflection would become a national holiday after the Revolutionary War. Subsequently, Americans continue this tradition today, thanking God, family and others for providing for their daily bread and needs in the form of a Thanksgiving meal.

Inspiration Behind Prayers of the Saints:

November first celebrates All Saints Day, remembering special people of faith from the past and present. Rick Elias’ version of Prayers of the Saints is a personal and spiritual reflection rooted in his lifelong faith. This journey began as a member of Rich Mullins’ group, A Ragamuffin Band, sharing his own experiences of gratitude and resilience. Rich Mullins died in a car crash in the prime of his music career, known as a worship leader who incorporated various instruments like a hammer dulcimer into his songs. Rick sets the tone for November’s season of Thankfulness.

Biblical Application:

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— ² for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. ³ This is good, and pleases God our Savior, ⁴ who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. ⁵ For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 1 Timothy 2:1-5.

Exegesis of Prayers of the Saints:

Oh, the prayers of the saints
Have kept me alive
Even when I could not find my way
Through the darkest night
Yes, the prayers of the saints
Have surely kept me alive

Spiritual mentors like Rich Mullins kept Rick alive spiritually during the tough times in life. Prayer warriors in his local church helped Rick survive the trials in life that he endured.

And so, late in the evening
When my soul lies down, riddled and torn
As the day’s defeats
Indignities and delights encircle my heart
Like a crown of thorns
Oh, yes, the night is a cold, cruel mistress
For whom many a better man
Has givеn his life
So tonight it’s your prayers, my friend
That keep mе alive

Possibly a reference to a childhood prayer “and so I lay my soul to speak.” A glimpse into how Rick ends his evening before going to sleep. Pouring out his heart and soul in prayer. Likely a reference to Rich Mullins spiritual impact on his life.

Oh, the prayers of the saints
Have kept me alive
Even when I could not find my way
Through the darkest night
Yes, the prayers of the saints
Have surely kept me alive

Prayers lifted up in silent strengthen others through the power of the Holy Spirit. In times of uncertainty, crossroads and indecision, prayers kept people pressing in life.

In this hour of forsaking and madness
Your voice is heard
You will lead me to Your promised land
I will cling to Your breast
And pray as this fever burns
You have been my journey and someday
You’ll be my journey’s end, my friend
But tonight it’s your prayers
That guide me around this road’s bend, yeah

Prayers do not fall upon deaf ears. Just like the Israelites in the Old Testament, God will lead you to the promise of eternal life. The power of prayers from modern-day saints that give doubting people of faith hope.

Oh, the prayers of the saints
Have kept me alive, yeah
Even when I could not find my way
Through the darkest night
Yes, the prayers of the saints
Have surely kept me alive

This is the impact of the Prayers of the Saints. Providing light and guidance during periods of darkness. This is the guiding force for people of faith.

Even now, I still crawl
Through these shadows and dreams
Jesus, I’m weary
From all these eyes have seen
But I can see, yeah

Rick pours out his heart to God in prayer. Afterward, Rick sees the progress of answered prayers.

The prayers of the saints
Have kept me alive
Even when I could not find my way
Through the darkest night
Yes, the prayers of the saints
Have surely kept me alive

The power of prayer continues today. While saints do backslide into sinners, praying keeps the lost and lonely on the straight and narrow, Matthew 7:13-14.

Final Thoughts:

I met Rick after a concert about a decade ago. There was a question-and-answer session at church as Rick shared his journey as a Christian Artist. Rick’s wife Linda is the Cindy Lauper of Christian music. Unfortunately, many aspiring artists often live paycheck to paycheck, driving all over the country to share their music ministry with others. This is why many popular Christian bands end up crossing over to a secular audience to make more money so that their ministry continues. However, the Prayers of the Saints are the wind beneath the wings of Christians.

by Jay Mankus

The Afters – I Will Fear No More (Official Music Video)

Inspiration Behind I Will Fear No More:

This song was conceived out of band members’ personal struggles with anxiety. I Will Fear No More also addresses a desire to create an anthem of trust in God. When things begin to fall apart in life, human nature want to try to stay in control. However, when your life starts to fall apart, placing your full trust in God is the solution for calming your fears.

Biblical Application:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

Exegesis of I Will Fear No More:

Every anxious thought that steals my breath
It’s a heavy weight upon my chest
As I lie awake and wonder what the future will hold
Help me to remember that You’re in control

The emotionAl state that several members of the Afters found themselves in. An oppressive spirit wore down these musicians. A prayer when you’re losing control.

You’re my courage when I worry in the dead of night
You’re my strength ’cause I’m not strong enough to win this fight
You are greater than the battle raging in my mind
I will trust You, Lord
I will fear no more

Reaching out to God for divine intervention. Leaning on Jesus in times of weakness. Taking your thoughts captive by trusting in the power of God to improve your situation.

I will lift my eyes
I will lift my cares
Lay them in Your hands
I’ll leave them there
When the wind and waves are coming
You shelter me
Even though I’m in the storm, the storm is not in me

Likely a reference of Jesus’ wprds in Matthew 11:28-30 by laying your burdens at the feet of Jesus.

You’re my courage when I worry in the dead of night
You’re my strength ’cause I’m not strong enough to win this fight
You are greater than the battle raging in my mind

Leaning on God in times of need. Jesus is the cure for battling anxiety.

I will trust You, Lord
I will fear no more
(Oh-oh-oh-ohh, oh-oh-oh-ohh) I will fear no more
(Oh-oh-oh-ohh, oh-oh-oh-ohh) I will fear no more

Learning to let go of control, trusting in God so that your fears will cease.

No power can come against me
‘Cause You have overcome
No darkness can overwhelm me
‘Cause You’ve already won
No power can come against me
‘Cause You have overcome
(Oh-oh-oh-ohh, oh-oh-oh-ohh)
No darkness can overwhelm me
‘Cause You’ve already won
(Oh-oh-oh-ohh, oh-oh-oh-ohh)

Appears to reference the apostle Paul’s words in Romans 8. This demonstrates the power and love of God.

You’re my courage when I worry in the dead of night
You’re my strength ’cause I’m not strong enough to win this fight
You are greater than the battle raging in my mind
I will trust You, Lord (Trust You, Lord)
I will fear no more (Fear no more)

You can go to God at anytime, especially at night. Trusting in God allows you to give the Lord the reigns so that your battle with anxiety becomes God’s battle. This process casts your concerns and fears at the feet of Jesus.

(Oh-oh-oh-ohh, oh-oh-oh-ohh)
I will fear no more (Fear no more)
(Oh-oh-oh-ohh, oh-oh-oh-ohh) I will fear no more
(Oh-oh-oh-ohh, oh-oh-oh-ohh) I will fear no more
(Oh-oh-oh-ohh, oh-oh-oh-ohh) I will fear no more

Repeating this 3 times as if to speak this into existence, no longer holding on to fear. Handing this over to God.

Final Thoughts:

I was afraid of numerous things when I was young. My coaches growing up would have considered me soft, an emotionally wreck and mentally weak. However, as I developed a will to succeed, I learned to persevere. While my biggest fear was failure, this is when Jesus entered my life, Romans 10:9-11. Although most of my fears have subsided, I press on to work out my salvation with fear and trembliong.

by Jay Mankus

Zach Williams – Fear Is a Liar (Official Lyric Video)

Inspiration Behind Fear is a Liar:

Futurist Jim Carroll uses the line “Fear is a liar“as a call to resilience: Carroll provided an alternative option, “Choose courage instead.” However, the song by Zach Williams’ was inspired by personal struggles with fear, anxiety, addiction, and self‑doubt. Zach’s faith journey led him to understand the power of Scripture to enable him to see God’s truth over the lies of fear.

Biblical Application:

I sought the Lord, and he answered me;  he delivered me from all my fears, Psalm 34:4.

Exegesis of Fear is a Liar:

When he told you you’re not good enough

When he told you you’re not right 

When he told you you’re not strong enough

To put up a good fight 

When he told you you’re not worthy 

When he told you you’re not loved

When he told you you’re not beautiful

That you’ll never be enough 

These are a list of thoughts planted inside your mind supernaturally from the Devil to hold you captive, paralyzed by fear.

Fear he is a liar 

He will take your breath

Stop you in your steps 

Fear he is a liar

He will rob your rest

Steal your happiness 

Cast your fear in the fire 

Cause fear he is a liar

Zach quoting the words of Jesus in John 8:44 where the Devil is revealed as the father of all lies.

When he told you were troubled 

You’ll forever be alone

When he told you you should run away

You’ll never find a home

When he told you you were dirty

And you should be ashamed

When he told you you could be the one

That grace could never change

Zach again appears to be quoting Jesus. this time in John 10:10. This list of doubt is used by the Devil to kill, steal and destroy your joy for living.

Fear he is a liar

He will take your breath

Stop you in your steps 

Fear he is a liar

He will rob your rest

Steal your happiness 

Cast your fear in the fire 

Cause fear he is a liar

The spirit of fear is designed to inflict emotional anguish inside of human souls. Until you begin to overcome fear through the knowledge and insight of 1 John 4:18, your life will be robbed of all joy.

Let Your fire fall and cast out all my fears

Let Your fire fall Your love is all I feel

Fear he is a liar 

He will take your breath

Stop you in your steps 

Fear he is a liar

He will rob your rest

Steal your happiness 

Cast your fear in the fire 

Cause fear he is a liar

Zach does a deep dive on the source of fear, using his own personal experiences as a former addict to finally break free from this unhealthy spirit.

Final Thoughts:

I became afraid of snakes while living in Delaware. Living behind a stream that was a tributary fpr a large creek, I was surrounded by them. I mowed over snakes while cutting the grass, had snakes slither between my legs and once had a snake fall out of a tree right in front of me. While in college, I had a series of nightmares that intensified this fear until I began to use the Bible as the Sword of the Spirit. Being proactive like the words of Fear is a Liar is the best way that I know to stop fear in its tracks.

by Jay Mankus

Evanescence – My Immortal (Official HD Music Video)

Inspiration Behind My Immortal:

My Immortal was inspired by an emotional story of loss and memory. The fictional story guided two teenagers, Ben Moody to write the lyrics while Amy Lee composed the music. My Immortal was eventually updated for Evanescence, refined into a haunting power ballad about a lingering spirit. When you are young, teens think they are invincible until human tragedy opens your eyes to mortality.

Biblical Application:

I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. ⁵¹ Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— ⁵² in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. ⁵³ For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. ⁵⁴ When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory,” 1 Corinthians 15:50-54.

Exegesis of My Immortal:

[Verse 1]
I’m so tired of being here
Suppressed by all my childish fears
And if you have to leave
I wish that you would just leave
‘Cause your presence still lingers here
And it won’t leave me alone

A teenager who is worn down by anxiety, fear and worry. Losing the will to press on in life. Tormented by a demonic spirit overwhelming her soul, possibly the demon of depression.

[Pre-Chorus]
These wounds won’t seem to heal
This pain is just too real
There’s just too much that time cannot erase

The spirit is suffocating any joy left for living.

[Chorus]
When you cried, I’d wipe away all of your tears
When you’d scream, I’d fight away all of your fears
And I held your hand through all of these years
But you still have all of me

A reference to the fictional story that inspired this song. Two friends helping one another get through the pain of growing up.

[Verse 2]
You used to captivate me by your resonating light
Now I’m bound by the life you left behind
Your face, it haunts my once pleasant dreams
Your voice, it chased away all the sanity in me

A positive influence which uplifted this teenage soul. Reference to a death, possible suicide. Struggling to accept this reality, wondering why this had to happen.

[Pre-Chorus]
These wounds won’t seem to heal
This pain is just too real
There’s just too much that time cannot erase

Time still haven’t healed the pain deep inside their heart.

[Chorus]
When you cried, I’d wipe away all of your tears
When you’d scream, I’d fight away all of your fears
And I held your hand through all of these years
But you still have all of me

Recalling a caring friend who is no longer around. A best friend who either passed away or was forced to move.

[Bridge]
I’ve tried so hard to tell myself that you’re gone
But though you’re still with me
I’ve been alone all along

Their friend is alive but is not the same. Subsequently, this woman feels alone with no one to share her pain.

[Chorus]
When you cried, I’d wipe away all of your tears
When you’d scream, I’d fight away all of your fears
And I held your hand through all of these years
But you still have all of me, ah

I’m still here for you if you let me back in.

[Outro]
Me, ah
Me, ah

A loss for words or a call for help.

Final Thoughts:

I lived in the same house for 16 years so when my father was forced to transfer to Ohio, this was tough. Although I was in college at the time, the friends that I grew close to were now hundreds of miles away. I did write letters for a couple of years until most of these relationships faded away. I was able to make new friends at work, but this close fellowship that I shared slowly grew cold. I pray that one day I’ll be reunited with many of these individuals in heaven. However, for now as a grapple with my own mortality, I’m taking one day at a time to see what God has in store for me.

by Jay Mankus

Casting Crowns – Waiting on the Night to Fall (Official Lyric Video)

Waiting on the Night to Fall was conceived from a real-life encounter that Mark Hall had with a former addict in his church. The lyrics address the concept that sin often occurs under the cover of darkness. Whether outside at night or in a secluded room, human begins think that no one is watching as they give into temptation. Unfortunately, the more you give into fleshly desires, the hardest it becomes to break this addiction.

Biblical Application:

What shall we say, then? Is the law sinful? Certainly not! Nevertheless, I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.”^{[b] 8} But sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, produced in me every kind of coveting. For apart from the law, sin was dead. ⁹ Once I was alive apart from the law; but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died. ¹⁰ I found that the very commandment that was intended to bring life actually brought death. ¹¹ For sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, deceived me, and through the commandment put me to death. ¹² So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good, Romans 7:7-12.

Exegesis of Waiting on the Night to Fall:

There’s an old man livin’ in the back of your woods tonight
You forgot he was even there, but you’ve never slipped his mind
He’s livin’ off of scraps of you, you never knew you left behind
And as the sun goes down, he rises with a smile

This is either referring to a man recovering from addiction or a source of temptation that you haven’t purged from your life. Stumbling blocks that were never removed. Illustrating the power of addiction, going back time after time.

He’s waiting on the night to fall
The old man’s comin’ to call
But you don’t see the writing on the wall
He’ll never step out in the light
No, he’s just biding time
And while you slumber, he’s gonna come and take it all
He’s waiting on the night to fall
He’s waiting on the night to fall

Symbolic of the demonic influences that exist in an addict’s life. They do fine most of the day, but when they are alone at night, temptation is too strong to resist, falling prey to this spiritual slumber.

He knows you have the answers, but truth lies dusty on your shelf
And the sword that you could slay him with has become an ornament and nothin’ else
You could put him back down in his hole in the ground, but he knows you never will
He’s been around so long, you got used to the smell

A Christian who has stopped reading the Bible, forgetting how God wants him to live. The Sword of the Spirit isn’t activated as this Christian merely plays defense with the Devil. Addiction and bad habits have been around so long that he doesn’t realize how bad his faith stinks.

He’s waiting on the night to fall
The old man’s comin’ to call
But you don’t see the writing on the wall

A wake-up call for this addict.

He’ll never step out in the light
No, he’s just biding his time
And as you slumber, he’s gonna come and take it all
He’s waiting on the night to fall
He’s waiting on the night to fall

This trend must be halted, or you’ll continue to fall prey to addiction.

He knows he’ll never have your soul
But he will gladly rob you blind
While you’re feasting at his table, he’ll tie your hands and numb your mind
He’ll take you farther than you wanna go
He’ll keep you longer than you wanna stay
And it will cost you more than you ever thought you’d pay

Images of the spiritual battle for this man’s soul. Once you indulge sin, it always sticks around much longer than expected. These poor decisions get costlier as this sinful pattern continues.

He’s waiting on the night to fall
The old man’s comin’ to call
But you don’t see the writing on the wall
He’ll never step out in the light
He’s just biding his time
And as you slumber, he’s gonna come and take it all
He’s waiting on the night to fall
He’s waiting on the night to fall

Another warning to this man repeating the same bad habits day after day. You have to wake up from this spiritual slumber so that you are set free from addiction.

He’s waiting on the night
He’s waiting on the night to fall
The old man’s comin’ to call
But you don’t see, you don’t see the writing on the wall
Oh, he’s waiting on the night
He’s waiting on the night to fall
He’s waiting on the night to fall

A last call, warning this man to get ready for the temptations that you’ll likely encounter tonight. Be alert, awake and sober so that this time you’ll refrain from backsliding.

Final Thoughts:

One of my spiritual mentors in college shared a similar message as Waiting on the Night to Fall. Tommy shared that sin is like an unwelcomed friend who stays around much longer than expected. Sin then becomes an accepted part of your life where you feel like you can’t live without. Finally, the cost of sinful endeavors can have lasting consequences. This includes losing your family, friends, fortune and your dignity. This is what Jesus meant by John 10:10 where the thief, the Devil, seeks to steal your joy, kill all your dreams and destroy your life.

by Jay Mankus

Silverline ** “Voices in the Night” **Official Music Video**

Inspiration Behind Voices in the Night:

Voices in the Night addresses everyday struggles encountered by being “in the world, not of the world.” Outside of church doors, there are various voices in the form of conforming to societal norms, peer pressure, and temptation. Silverline uses their second album to highlight the distractions that Christians will encounter in life. How you respond to these voices will ultimately dictate your eternal future.

Biblical Application:

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. ¹⁵ The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.^[f] And by him we cry, “Abba,^[g] Father.” ¹⁶ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. ¹⁷ Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory, Romans 8:14-17.

Exegesis of Voices in the Night:

In a world created
Dreams are replaced with fear
Truth gone up in flames
Smells like death in thee air
Forsake it all for nothing
He carried his cross and rein

The voices in your head and from this world can replace dreams with nightmares. Truth can be watered down or destroyed. This is why God sent Jesus to die on a cross.

We are the chosen few
Rise it up to say
We are the voices in the night
We will not be silent
We won’t back down
We’ll stand and fight

A call to stand up to these evil, negative and supernatural voices. Stand up to become the light of the world.

We are the voices in the night
All the fields are for harvest
All day and they waste away
You hear the voice of God
But still you’re unchanged
Forsake what you created
Why are you running away
The daylights fading fast now
Rise up and say

Quoting the words of Jesus that there is a spiritual harvest ready but the servants are few. When God speaks to you through the power of the Holy Spirit, how are you not transformed. Instead you are abandoning God like the prodigal.

We are the voices in the night
We will not be silent
We won’t back down
We’ll stand and fight

A call to Christians to become positive voices in the night to guide people toward Jesus.

We are the voices in the night
Truth is not created
Its all around
Seek the Lord
Why he may be found
We will not be silent
We won’t back down
We’ll stand and fight
We are the voices in the night

Truth comes from God’s Word, the Bible. Christians should be voices for God, no longer sitting quietly or standing on the sidelines of life. This is the call.

Final Thoughts:

In this world of political correctness and the fear of being cancelled, churches and Christians have decided to be silent on controversial issues. Rather than risking offending others, Christians have fled to secure places. When you know something is wrong and you don’t speak up, you’ll failing to obey your calling as a concerned citizen. Christians need to become beacons of light to guide the lost toward Jesus, Matthew 5:14-16.

by Jay Mankus

Cliff Richard – Devil Woman (Official Video)

Inspiration Behind Devil Woman:

Devil Woman was conceived from a dark, narrative concept about a curse and temptation, written by Terry Britten and Christine Authors. The “curse” mentioned in the lyrics is left ambiguous, allowing the song to carry a sense of mystery. This song was a departure from Richard’s pop roots, crafting Devil Woman as if he was telling a story.

Biblical Application:

All these curses will come on you. They will pursue you and overtake you until you are destroyed, because you did not obey the Lord your God and observe the commands and decrees he gave you. ⁴⁶ They will be a sign and a wonder to you and your descendants forever. ⁴⁷ Because you did not serve the Lord your God joyfully and gladly in the time of prosperity, Deuteronomy 28:45-47.

Exegesis of Devil Woman:

I’ve had nothing, but bad luck
Since the day I saw the cat at my door
So I came into you sweet lady
Answering your mystical call

Cliff uses superstition to tie his bad luck to a black cat and mystical encounter with a woman.

Crystal ball on the table
Showing the future, the past
Same cat with them evil eyes
And I knew it was a spell she cast

The details of this woman describe a fortune teller or a witch.

She’s just a devil woman
With evil on her mind
Beware the devil woman
She’s gonna get you

The longer this encounter lasts, the more cliff recognizes her evil intent.

She’s just a devil woman
With evil on her mind
Beware the devil woman
She’s gonna get you from behind

Repeating the chorus as if to warn other people.

Give me the ring on your finger
Let me see the lines on your hand

This woman is now identified as a psychic.

I can see me a tall dark stranger
Giving you what you hadn’t planned

A concerning fortune revealed or a fake response to illicit fear.

I drank the potion she offered me
I found myself on the floor
Then I looked in those big green eyes
And I wondered what I’d came there for

This woman tricked him. Deceived and now vulnerable.

She’s just a devil woman
With evil on her mind
Beware the devil woman
She’s gonna get you

There is nothing good in this woman.

She’s just a devil woman
With evil on her mind
Beware the devil woman
She’s gonna get you from behind

Another warning to those who see this woman coming their way.

Stay away, look out

Run in the opposite direction.

If you’re out on a moonlit night
Be careful of them neighborhood strays
Of a lady with long black hair
Tryin’ to win you with her feminine ways

A warning to those who go out at night. What to watch out for.

Crystal ball on the table
Showing the future, the past
Same cat with them evil eyes
You’d better get out of there fast

Flee from any signs of darkness or evil.

She’s just a devil woman
With evil on her mind
Beware the devil woman
She’s gonna get you

Look out or else.

She’s just a devil woman
With evil on her mind
Beware the devil woman
She’s gonna get you
She’s just a devil woman
With evil on her mind
Beware the devil woman
She’s gonna get you
She’s just a devil woman
With evil on her mind
Beware the devil woman
She’s gonna get you

Those who practice evil are servants of the Devil. Evil is their mindset.

Final Thoughts:

I was walking back from class at the University of Delaware. While stopped at a crosswalk, I noticed a gal carrying a Bible in public. I made a comment about not being afraid to carry a Bible with all to see. Her response still gives me a chill today. “I read it every day, praying against every word in this book.” This woman was a witch, attending a coven just off campus. She was more committed about her beliefs than most Christians that I knew. This was the most dangerous woman that I ever met as she blended in like every other student on campus.

by Jay Mankus

Thousand Foot Krutch: Be Somebody (Official Audio)

Inspiration Behind Be Somebody:

 Trevor McNevan wrote Be Somebody from a deeply personal and spiritual place, exploring the longing to be seen, understood, and accepted for who you truly are in life. Trevor was having an identity crisis, using the line “boy inside the man” struggling to reconcile his true self with how others perceive him. Be Somebody reflects a journey of self-discovery.

Biblical Application:

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. ⁸ We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; ⁹ persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. ¹⁰ We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. ¹¹ For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. ¹² So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you, 2 Corinthians 4:7-12.

Exegesis of Be Somebody:

I’m just the boy inside the man, not exactly who you think I am
Trying to trace my steps back here again, so many times
I’m just a speck inside your head, you came and made me who I am

Trevor is trying to figure out his place in this world. Trevor is struggling to grasp who he is. A reference to God.

I remember where it all began, so clearly

When and where Trevor first met God.

I feel a million miles away, still you connect me in your way
And you create in me, something I would’ve never seen
When I can only see the floor, you made my window a door
So when they say they don’t believe, I hope that they see you and me
After all the lights go down, I’m just the words you are the sound
A strange type of chemistry, how you’ve become a part of me
And when I sit alone at night, your thoughts burn through me like a fire
You’re the only one who knows, who I really am

Trevor feels so far away from God. The Lord started something special inside of Trevor, but he never saw this potential. Line 3 may be a reference to how the Lord provides for you. As skeptics question God’s existence, Trevor hopes this doubter will see his relationship with God. A metaphor where you are the student and God is the instructor. Trevor is trying to explain how you can have a relationship with an invisible God. The power of the Holy Spirit to ignite conviction and passion. Jesus is the only one in the world who truly knows Trevor.

We all wanna be somebody, we just need a taste of who we are
We all wanna be somebody, we’re willing to go but not that far

This opening chorus serves as a prayer to be successful in life. How far are you willing to go to become great.

And we’re all see through, just like glass
And we can shatter just as fast
That light’s been burned out for a while, I still see it every time I pass
It was lost in the coldness of my mind, behind a box of reasons why
I never doubted it was there, just took a little time to find

While human beings try to hide their pain, souls are fragile like glass. Perhaps a reference to faith that burns inside of your heart. An example of when faith grows cold and the journey to rediscover it.

And even when

Trying to recover.

I feel a million miles away, still you connect me in your way
And you create in me, something I would’ve never seen
When I can only see the floor, you made my window a door
So when they say they don’t believe I hope that they see you and me
After all the lights go down, I’m just the words you are the sound
A strange type of chemistry, and you’ve become a part of me
And when I sit alone at night, your thoughts burn through me like a fire
You’re the only one who knows, who I really am

God is omnipresent despite the distance. God has a plan for each believer. The Bible is the instruction manual. Unfortunately, this may take years or a lifetime to realize your full potential. This is why the apostle Paul wrote about keeping in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25. The more this occurs, the better your chemistry with God. This takes time to meditate, ponder and reflect about who you are and how God can use you.

We all wanna be somebody, we just need a taste of who we are
We all wanna be somebody, we’re willing to go but not that far
We all wanna be somebody, (be somebody) we just need a taste of who we are
We all wanna be somebody, (be somebody) we’re willing to go but not that far
I’m just the boy inside the man, not exactly who you think I am
Trying to trace my steps back here again, so many times
When I can only see the floor, you made my window a door
So when they say they don’t believe, I hope that they see you and me

A simple desire to make a difference in life based upon the gifts God has given you. To what extent, how far will you go to fulfill this goal in life. Discovering your gifts and talents is like tasting success. Some do just enough to get by while others are much more committed. Maturity takes time, especially when you wander away from God. As you retrace your steps, God can provide the vision necessary so that when others doubt, they will see the faith inside of you.

Final Thoughts:

This is one of the songs that I have listened to hundreds of times, but never really thought about the lyrics. Be Somebody is like a modern-day Finding Your Place in this World song. However, Be Somebody challenges individuals to dig deep inside your heart, soul and mind. This spiritual journey will take time, but if you persevere, other people will begin to see the love of Jesus inside your heart. This is the goal as Be Somebody ends.

by Jay Mankus

Core Of My Addiction

Inspiration Behind Core of My Addiction:

This song was conceived from emotional dependency, surrender, and devotion to a higher power. Using addiction in a positive manner, where the narrator feels incomplete without their romantic partner, spiritual influence. Subsequently, this could be referring to Christian fellowship and or an intimate relationship with God. This special connection provides a source of purpose, healing, and freedom.

Biblical Application:

After this the Lord appointed seventy-two^[a] others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. ² He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. ³ Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves, Luke 10:1-3.

Exegesis of Core of My Addiction:

I’m aching, transparent
Your eyes see right through me
I’m dependent and shacking
I’m falling to my knees

A confession of faith. Wanting Jesus like acts to shine through her. Relying on prayer for this transformation.

And I can’t contain this
You’re the only one I need
I’m hooked and I cannot hide it
Your love’s controlling me

This stanza suggests that this woman is taking her faith serious, making Jesus the Lord of her life, Romans 10:9-11. Wanting the love of God to shine through her as she interacts with people on a daily basis.

[Chorus]
You’re the core of my addiction
I wanna live, want to loose myself in you
You’re the heart of my obsession
I want to live, but I would die for you
I’m addicted

Jesus is her passion and vision every morning when she wakes up. She wants to become less, deny her selfish desires so that the love of God will increase. She is learning to love God with all of her heart, soul and mind. This explains her obsession, willing to die for her faith.

Impulsive, enraptured
This yearning’s captured me
I’m determined, I’m not pretending
You are my destiny

This is her vision. Resulting in a clear calling and focus each day.

I can feel the freedom
You’re the only one I need
I’m alive and finally breathing
You’re my recovery

This stanza contains biblical reference to freedom in Christ from Galatians 5, living an abundant life, John 10:10 as well as Jehovah Rapha – God is my healer.

[Chorus]

God I’ve waited for this day
I’ll never run away
You won’t have to chase me

This woman’s commitment to faith is similar to the other 72 disciples that Jesus sends out ahead of the 12 disciples to prepare for Jesus’ future visits.

[Chorus]

I’m addicted! I’m addicted!
I’m addicted to you!

This woman is on fire for Jesus, all in.

Final Thoughts:

One of the main reasons local churches aren’t impacting the spiritual growth of their communities is due to a lack of spiritual commitment. Instead of promoting the Lordship of Christ, God is being used as a crutch in times of need. Subsequently, the faith of many Christians is limited to Sunday morning. The other 6 days of the week faith has become lukewarm. The Core of My Addiction serves as a spiritual wake-up call to make Jesus your top priority for living.

by Jay Mankus