Tag Archives: Christianity

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

Karla Devito – We Are Not Alone (The Breakfast Club) (1985)

Inspiration Behind We Are Not Alone:

Karla Devito is associated with many well-known musicians like Meat Loaf who she toured with. Karla has also worked with Bette Midler, Cyndi Lauper, and many other renowned artists. We Are Not Alone was commissioned for the 1985 film the Breakfast Club. The attached video was part of the soundtrack for this popular film.

Biblical Application:

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. ² He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes^[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. ³ You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. ⁴ Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me, John 15:1-4.

Exegesis of We Are Not Alone:

Things are clear in black and white
But living color tends to dull our sight, like dynamite
Just imagine my surprise
When I looked into your eyes and saw through your disguise

The 5 students, each from a different social class have spent enough time together now at this point of the Breakfast Club that they are beginning to realize what they all have in common.

If we dare expose our hearts
And just reveal the purest parts
That’s when strange sensations start to grow

Prior to this scene in the movie, each opened up about the dysfunctional families that each are living in. Each let their guard down just enough to reveal that their lives are far from perfect.

We are not alone
You’ll find out when your cover’s blown
There’ll be somebody there to break your fall
We are not alone
‘Cause when you cut down to the bone
We’re really not so different, after all, after all
Not alone

As each student began to dance, they began to realize that they do share things in common.

Flying high above the sky
The patterns down below look simplified
A good place to hide
But on inspection of the dust
I came upon this thing called trust, it helps us to adjust

When the barriers, preconceptions and stereotypes about each other were slowly removed, trust began to form between this motley crew of 5 teenagers.

Just imagine my surprise
When I looked into your eyes
I knew right then I’d never let you go

These 5 went from not wanting to talk to running around the halls together.

We are not alone
You’ll find out when your cover’s blown
There’ll be somebody there to break your fall
We are not alone
‘Cause when you cut down to the bone
We’re really not so different, after all, after all
We’re not alone, not alone
After all, not alone

When individuals are willing to go outside their comfort zone, reaching out beyond social classes, you’ll realize that you have more in common than you think.

If we dare expose our hearts
And just reveal the purest parts
That’s when strange sensations start to grow

When you become vulnerable, it opens the door for others to follow.

We are not alone
You’ll find out when your cover’s blown
There’ll be somebody there to break your fall
We are not alone
‘Cause when you cut down to the bone
We’re really not so different, after all

This song ends with back-to-back choruses. A call to come together rather than tear one another down.

We are not alone
You’ll find out when your cover’s blown
There’ll be somebody there to break your fall
We are not alone
‘Cause when you cut down to the bone
We’re really not so different, after all, after all

After all, after all, we are not alone

Don’t let peer pressure keep you isolated. Be real and true. Then you won’t be alone.

Final Thoughts:

I was a jock for most of high school until I began to apply the same energy I poured into sports in my classes. My final two years of high school were my best 2 years of grade point average. This coincided with my decision to invite Jesus into my life, Romans 10:9-10. While I was far from perfect, I wasn’t afraid to cross social boundaries. By the time I was a senior, I was friends with a vast amount of people from several social classes. Being part of Homecoming Weekend as a senior was one of my favorite weeks of high school. Spending several hours outside of class building a float enabled me to make friends with students I only knew by name prior to this week. This is when I discovered that I was not alone anymore.

by Jay Mankus

Against My Better Judgment

Inspiration Behind Against My Better Judgement:

This song blends personal introspection, relationship dynamics, and human nature within societal patterns. The lyrics of Against My Better Judgement explores self-sabotage and falling from grace. Like a child told not to eat the cookies in the cookie jar, human nature has a way of doing the opposite of what we are told. Since Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, temptation has a way of planting evil thoughts in minds that are eventually acted upon.

Biblical Application:

Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. ⁹ But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” ¹⁰ He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” ¹¹ And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?” ¹² The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.” ¹³ Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate,” Genesis 3:9-13.

Exegesis of Against My Better Judgement:

With starving appetites for arguments
you remind me of a secret
I was never supposed to tell.

When you are tired or hungry, you become vulnerable to making irrational decisions. This moment of weakness led to loose lips, revealing something that was supposed to be a secret.

The time is over, the verdicts in: Everybody’s right, everybody wins
The time is over, the verdicts in: Everybody’s right, everybody wins

Suggests that there is justification, cause and reason for any wrong act that you do.

Didn’t you know you were a saint, what a shameful fall from grace
But I’ll catch you, I’ll catch you
Everybody’s waiting for that something they can hold onto
while tripping over our own words to self-dug graves for an excuse to fall
Becuase every failure’s just as sweet as the last

Appears to address a hypocrite or someone addicted to a specific drug. They are unable to stop themselves from a bad habit and or unwholesome craving. This could also refer to a backslidden Christian who knows God is going to forgive them so that they keep indulging their fleshly desires over and over again.

The time is over, the verdicts in: Everybody’s right, everybody wins
The tims is over, the verdicts in: Everybody’s right, everybody wins

This is what happens when there are no absolute truths and when opinions are elevated to fact status.

Didn’t you know you were a saint, what a shameful fall from grace
But I’ll catch you, I’ll catch you
Everybody’s waiting for that something they can hold onto
while tripping over our own words to self-dug graves for an excuse to fall
Becuase every failure’s just as sweet as the last

Not sure if God will catch wayward souls or that a friend when helping this person get back on the right track. Everyone wants to find and hold on to what is true, but human nature causes must individuals to self-destruct.

As a dream comes
when there are many cares
so the speech of a fool
when there are many words
the sun it misses summer in winter.
Didn’t you know we wear
the same pretentious name
lets trade for awhile
i’m so curious

Members of Further Seems Forever is struggling to do the right thing. Perhaps a Christian wants to trade with an atheist so they don’t have to worry about trying to please God.

Everybody’s waiting for that something they can hold onto
while tripping over our own words to self-dug graves for an excuse to fall
Becuase every failure’s just as sweet as the last

Everyone is trying to find something that is real and true to hold on to. Yet human nature continues to lead individuals to do things against their better judgement.

Final Thoughts:

One thing that I have learned in life, once you master one bad habit, there is always another one that arises. Discipline and self-control is a daily struggle for most human beings. While government on the local and national level try to establish rules to quell bad behavior, these regulations are not addressing the core issue: human nature. The apostle Paul reveals his own shortcomings in Romans 7. Only Jesus come help those who continue to do things against their better judgement.

by Jay Mankus

[HQ] Lifehouse – Everything Skit Remastered High Quality

Inspiration Behind Everything:

Jason Wade, the frontman for Lifehouse, wrote Everything during a period of personal struggle and crisis of faith. Drama teams have taken the lyrics to Everything and have created their own spin of this internal war that takes place in the spiritual dimension every day. Everything serves as a transformative phase in Wade’s life, shaped by his strong Christian background and the guiding role faith has played in his spiritual journey on earth.

Biblical Application:

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸ Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. ⁹ Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. ¹⁰ Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up, James 4:7-10.

Exegesis of Everything:

[Instrumental Intro]

[Verse 1]
Find me here and speak to me
I want to feel you, I need to hear you
You are the light that’s leading me
To the place where I find peace again

A cry for help after feeling lost. Desperately wanting to find peace.

[Verse 2]
You are the strength that keeps me walking
You are the hope that keeps me trusting
You are the light to my soul
You are my purpose, you’re everything

Acknowledging a source of strength, where hope and trust resides. Suggesting that their current life is slipping out of control. Wanting to be led back in the right direction, toward the light of truth’ Searching for purpose.

[Refrain]
How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me, how could it be any better than this? Yeah

Jason is referring to his relationship with God that has become stale, unmoved by God’s presence and power.

[Verse 3]
You calm the storms and you give me rest
You hold me in your hands, you won’t let me fall
You still my heart and you take my breath away
Would you take me in? Take me deeper now

Jsaon looks back at his life, remembering how God has calmed past storms in his life. Suggests an Old Testament view of God, a hiding place where protection and security can be found. In Jason’s current crisis of faith, he is doing some soul searching, wanting a greater understanding for the current spiritual storm he is enduring.

[Refrain]
And how can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me, how could it be any better than this?
And how can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me, how could it be any better than this?

Jason is questioning his current relationship with God, becoming lukewarm and uninspired. Perhaps Jason is beginning to turn toward worldly insights instead of fully trusting in God Not realizing how good his life is.

[Chorus]
‘Cause you’re all I want, you’re all I need
You’re everything, everything
You’re all I want, you’re all I need
You’re everything, everything
You’re all I want, you’re all I need
You’re everything, everything
You’re all I want, you’re all I need
Everything, everything

An admission that Jesus is the Lord of his life, his purpose and reason for living. Yet like any friendship, if you don’t spend time with one another, the bind which ties you together slowly loosens.

[Refrain]
And how can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me, how could it be any better than this?
And how can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me, how could it be any better, any better than this?
And how can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me, how could it be any better than this?

Jason comes to his senses like the prodigal son in Luke 15. Despite any previous deviations in his faith, Jason realized that God is everything to him. Since God has provided in the past, Jason should no longer doubt God’s power in the future.. This reality should elicit a vast appreciation, moving his soul. As Lecrae once sang. This is Living.

[Outro]
Would you tell me, how could it be any better than this?

Perhaps a reference to Jesus’ promise of an abundant life in John 10:10.

Final Thoughts:

When I was in youth ministry, a drama team performed for my youth group. While this group used a different song than Everything, the lyrics involved a similar message of a teenager losing hope. Subsequently, when I stumbled upon this dramatization of Everything a few years ago, I was moved to tears. Adults have a habit of trying to hide their pain where teens tend to be much more vulnerable. The lyrics of Everything provide hope to anyone considering suicide with a spiritual alternative. Whenever God saves a lost and lonely heart, He becomes Everything to them.

by Jay Mankus

Always On My Mind – David And The Giants

Inspiration Behind Always on My Mind:

Always on My Mind was written by David Huff and Lloyd Bustard. The lyrics refer to God as a constant companion. This mindset comes from growing up in a Christian home where David was encouraged to share the Gospel, good news about Jesus through music. In an age where human beings are abandoning God, Always on My Mind conveys an unwavering faith as a core theme.

Biblical Application:

n your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: ⁶ Who, being in very nature^[a] God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; ⁷ rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature^[b] of a servant, being made in human likeness. ⁸ And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! – Philippians 2:5-8.

Exegesis of Always on My Mind:

In every moment, I know You are there
Caring and sharing Your love
A constant companion, You’re like no one else
That ever has entered my life

Starting to grasp God’s omnipresence on earth. This sense of God being present conceived the mindset of a spiritual constant companion. God has been faithful.

And I wanna tell You, Lord
You’re always, always on my mind
I could never forget You
Always, always in my heart
And that’s the place that I need You
Forever and ever You will stay
Always on my mind

A chorus that serves as a way to thank God for being there in times of trouble throughout life. God has become David’s top priority in life. This heart of gratitude spawned a mindset of thankfulness.

When I first met You, You made me a promise
That You would be with me till the end
Mountains or valleys, stormy or sunshine
Truly I can say that I’m blessed

Likely referring to David’s first encounter with God, likely at a church, spiritual retreat or summer camp. David began reading the Bible to understand who he was praying to. As David began to grasp God’s nature, he felt blessed.

And I wanna tell You, Lord
You’re always, always on my mind
I could never forget You
Always, always in my heart
And that’s the place that I need You
Forever and ever You will stay, always

The chorus is repeated. David was overwhelmed by how much that God has transformed his life.

Life is a song that’s filled with Your love
And it stays with me through all the day long
When the sun’s going down, I know in the night
You’ll be there if anything should go wrong

David developed a solid foundation of faith. Reaching a point where darkness and doubt would not waver his belief.

And I wanna tell You, Lord
You’re always, always on my mind
I could never forget You
Always, always in my heart
And that’s the place that I need You
Forever and ever You will stay
Always on my mind

This chorus serves as a vow. Marking David’s decision to follow Jesus. Turning back isn’t an option.

Final Thoughts:

I saw David and the Giants in concert back in 1994. This was one of the first Christian bands I heard which had a cool, hip sound, but didn’t compromise or water down their lyrics. When I had a vision to start a radio station back in the early 1990’s, David and the Giants was one of the groups on my initial play list of 2700 minutes of music. While I kept this large notebook over the years, this project was too expensive to compete within this new era of digital music. Although my taste of music has changed over the years, David and the Giants holds a special place in my heart as their song Perfect Love was sung at my wedding.

by Jay Mankus

I Found Jesus in All the Wrong Places | Powerful Christian Country Song of Redemption | Lyric Video

Inspiration Behind I Found Jesus in All the Wrong Places:

I found Jesus in All the Wrong Places was written by Katy Nichole. The lyrics combine biblical themes with a real-life testimony to tell the story of finding faith in the most unexpected places. Like a modern-day prodigal parable, I Found Jesus in All the Wrong Places addresses specific encounters in life that result in personal redemption. Don’t be surprised by when God appears and who the Lord speaks to in life.

Biblical Application:

I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. ¹² I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ ¹³ For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. ¹⁴ I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. ¹⁵ But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased ¹⁶ to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being. ¹⁷ I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus. ¹⁸ Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas^[b] and stayed with him fifteen days. ¹⁹ I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother. ²⁰ I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie. ²¹ Then I went to Syria and Cilicia. ²² I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. ²³ They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” ²⁴ And they praised God because of me, Galatians 1:11-24.

Exegesis of I Found Jesus in All the Wrong Places:

I can’t say how and I don’t know why
But God has saved me ’bout a million times
From ruining me, myself, and I
Told me the truth when all I knew was lies
Everybody wants to find their peace
And I found mine down on my knees
Praying and laying at Jesus’ feet
Bringing me strength when I was weak

The mystery of how God works in life. Saved time after time from self-destruction. Even when you are faithless and undeserving, peace is found by crying out in prayer, providing strength in times of weakness.

Every time I thought my world had reached an end
He picked me up and we started all over again
Second chances turned into hundreds
‘Cause He never gave up on me
I thought that I would never be worth the fight
But He showed up and loved me time after time
I thought that I didn’t want to be alive
But I found my reason to breathe
When I found Jesus

When you think your life is over, God picks you up to help you begin again. These second chances are too numerous to remember, but God never gave up on me. Despite being worthless, God’s love is extended time after time. When I was about to quit on life, Jesus gave me a reason to breathe.

I found joy in the midst of pain
A rainbow shinin’ through a sky of rain
I see color instead of gray

I found healin’ in my heartbreak

Finding joy in the middle of turmoil like a rainbow after a storm. My perspective is no longer gray, able to see colors. This mindset brought healing to my broken heart.

Every time I thought my world had reached an end
He picked me up and we started all over again
Second chances turned into hundreds
‘Cause He never gave up on me
I thought that I would never be worth the fight
But He showed up and loved me time after time
I thought that I didn’t want to be alive
But I found my reason to breathe
When I found Jesus
When I found Jesus

The chorus is repeated with a different ending. Encountering a God of second chances. On the verge of giving up on life, Jesus gave Katy a reason to live.

After all the hurt that I’ve been through
And everything I’ve lost
I am grateful for it all somehow
‘Cause it led me to the cross

Through the pain and suffering, God provided a spirit of thanksgiving. These life experiences led to being introduced to a Savior who laid down his life, Romans 5:7-8.

I can’t say how and I don’t know why
But God has saved me ’bout a million times
Buried the past and let my old ways die
Opened the grave and brought me back to life

Everyone else would have given up on me, but God helped me find Jesus in the least likely place. The final 2 lines seem to highlight Colossians 3:1-4.

Every time I thought my world had reached an end
He picked me up and we started all over again
Second chances turned into hundreds
‘Cause He never gave up on me
I thought that I would never be worth the fight
But He showed up and loved me time after time
I thought that I didn’t want to be alive
But I found my reason to breathe
When I found Jesus
When I found Jesus

This final stanza provides a glimpse of God’s agape love. From a human standpoint, this doesn’t make sense. Yet God showed up when everyone else gave up on me. This is when Katy found Jesus.

Final Thoughts:

This song highlights the saying “God works in mysterious ways.” Like a runaway train destined for destruction, God stepped in at the last second to save me when I gave up on life early in high school. A classmate’s suicide provided a spiritual wakeup call which made me open to the supernatural. I began searching for answers to life on earth like “why are we here?” I few months after this search began, I found Jesus at an event in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Since this moment, I’ve ridden the roller coaster of life. When I was thinking about quitting once again, I found Jesus in the least likely places like Katy.

by Jay Mankus

Larry Fleet – Where I Find God (Official Music Video)

Inspiration Behind Where I Find God:

Larry Fleet began a social media series entitled Gospel Song Sunday. Larry’s personal posts touched Nashville songwriter Connie Harrington. After setting up a meeting, this initial conversation conceived Where I Find God. The lyrics refer to various places in life where people have encounters with God. Some individuals search all over the world until realizing that God is omnipresent, waiting for an invitation.

Biblical Application:

Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. ²⁰ Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. ²¹ To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. ²² Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches,” Revelation 3:19-22.

Exegesis of Where I Find God:

The night I hit rock bottom, sittin’ on an old bar stool
He paid my tab and put me in a cab, he didn’t have to
But he could see I was hurtin’, oh I wish I’d got his name
‘Cause I didn’t feel worth savin’, but he saved me just the same

Larry was drowning his sorrows, numbing his pain with alcohol one evening. A good Samaritan saw that Larry needed help, making sure that he got home that evening alive.

That day out on the water when the fish just wouldn’t bite
I put my pole down, floated around, it was just so quiet
And I could hear my old man sayin’, “Son, just be still
‘Cause you can’t find peace like this in a bottle or a pill”

During an unsuccessful fishing trip, Larry stopped for a moment, listening to nature. This time of reflection triggered a memory of advice given to him by his dad.

From a bar stool to that Evinrude
Sunday mornin’ in a church pew
In a deer stand or a hay field
An interstate back to Nashville
In a Chevrolet with the windows down
Me and Him just ridin’ around
Sometimes, whether I’m lookin’ for Him or not
That’s where I find God

Connie and Larry create a list of where God speaks to them in a still small voice.

Sometimes late at night, I lie there and listen
To the sound of her heart beatin’ and that song the crickets are singin’
And I don’t know what they’re sayin’

Larry is either referring to his wife or daughter. Being outside on a summer night, listening to the sounds of nature.

But it sounds like a hymn to me
No, I ain’t too good at prayin’
But thanks for everything

Another time of reflection reminded Larry of an old church hymn. While he may not be religious, he sure is thankful.

From a bar stool to that Evinrude
Sunday mornin’ in a church pew
In a deer stand or a hay field
An interstate back to Nashville
In a Chevrolet with the windows down
Me and Him just ridin’ around
Sometimes, whether I’m lookin’ for Him or not
That’s where I find God

The chorus repeats with places where you may have an encounter with God.

From a bar stool to that Evinrude
Sunday mornin’ in a church pew
In a deer stand or a hay field
An interstate back to Nashville
In a Chevrolet with the windows down
Me and Him just ridin’ around talkin’

Places where you may find God.

Well, I do that a lot
Well, I do that a lot
That’s where I find God

Larry enjoys riding around, talking to God with his eyes open.

Final Thoughts:

Most of the retreats that I have attended have either been in the mountains, on a lake or river and in a tranquil setting. During a late-night walk-in Johnson City, Tennessee with two friends, each of us revealed a dark secret from our past. This hour-long conversation set the tone for an amazing mission trip. When you become vulnerable like Larry, God has a way of moving others to pour out their hearts and souls as well. This is where I find God.

by Jay Mankus

Murray Head – One Night In Bangkok “From CHESS”

Inspiration Behind One Night in Bangkok:

One Night in Bangkok was created as Musical Chess, co-written by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. This song was a metaphor for Cold War tensions as if the United States and the USSR were playing a game of chess. The city of Bangkok was chosen to embody the contrasts of Eastern spirituality, tradition, and nightlife with Western materialism.

Biblical Application:

We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. ²⁰ Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. ²¹ For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit, 2 Peter 1:19-21.

Exegesis of One Night in Bangkok:

Bangkok, Oriental setting
And the city don’t know what the city is getting
The creme de la creme of the chess world
In a show with everything but Yul Brynner

General statement about Bangkok. An unusual setting for the World Chess Championship. Noting one of the top Chess players in the world at the time this song was written.

Time flies, doesn’t seem a minute
Since the Tirolean Spa had the chess boys in it
All change, don’t you know that when you
Play at this level, there’s no ordinary venue

A game of Chess can last for hours. A reference to Russian Grandmaster Mark Taimanov who displayed talent for Chess and music. This is not your typical game of Chess in the park.

It’s Iceland or the Philippines
Or Hastings or, or this place

Former hosts of notable Chess Matches.

One night in Bangkok and the world’s your oyster
The bars are temples but the pearls ain’t free
You’ll find a God in every golden cloister
And if you’re lucky then the God’s a she
I can feel an angel sliding up to me

The first chorus. A place where the locals hang out in temples, searching for enlightenment. Meeting an attractive woman who looks like an angel.

One town’s very like another
When your head’s down over your pieces, brother

Possibly a reference to cities in the US and USSR.

It’s a drag, it’s a bore, it’s really such a pity
To be looking at the board, not looking at the city

Die heart Chess players are so focused on their matches that they don’t take the time to enjoy the cities hosting competitions.

Whaddya mean?
Ya seen one crowded, polluted, stinking town

An excuse for players not to do any sightseeing.

Tea girls, warm and sweet, warm, sweet
Some are set up in the Somerset Maugham Suite

Places you can visit for adult entertainment.

“Get Thai’d”, you’re talking to a tourist
Whose every move’s among the purest
I get my kicks above the waistline, sunshine

Locals trying to sell their town to visiting tourists.

One night in Bangkok makes a hard man humble
Not much between despair and ecstasy
One night in Bangkok and the tough guys tumble
Can’t be too careful with your company
I can feel the Devil walking next to me

The second chorus with different lines below. Either a metaphor for how close victory is from defeat or how human nature can easily drag you into temptation by making poor choices.

Siam’s gonna be the witness
To the ultimate test of cerebral fitness
This grips me more than would
A muddy old river or Reclining Buddha
But thank God, I’m only watching the game, controlling it
I don’t see you guys rating
The kind of mate I’m contemplating
I’d let you watch, I would invite you
But the queens we use would not excite you
So you better go back to your bars, your temples
Your massage parlors

A reference to political Chess. Using each move as an defensive response or acts of aggression.

One night in Bangkok and the world’s your oyster
The bars are temples but the pearls ain’t free
You’ll find a God in every golden cloister
A little flesh, a little history
I can feel an angel slidin’ up to me

Ending with back-to-back choruses. The first referring to the night life and temptation.

One night in Bangkok makes a hard man humble
Not much between despair and ecstasy
One night in Bangkok and the tough guys tumble
Can’t be too careful with your company
I can feel the Devil walking next to me

Either a reference that only one goes home a winner or that the nightlife isn’t what you think it is with demonic influences all around you.

Final Thoughts:

Beside playing Chess on a computer, I have never developed a fondness for this game. Yet, in life, mind games are a way of life as you mature into an adult. Some people like to mess with your mind while others simply lash out at others due to the pain deep inside their heart and soul. This is where discipline, self-control and playing the long game are essential in life. The cream of competitors rise to the top by sticking around, hanging in a game until their opponent makes a mistake. This is the game of life which is attainable when you live life to its fullest, John 10:10.

by Jay Mankus