I met today’s group while they were students at Liberty University. The concept of improv rap was new to me. To me this wasn’t music, but 40 years later DC Talk was on the cutting edge of music. While it’s been years since DC Talk toured together, choosing solo careers, the Supernatural album changed my perspective of Christian music. Prior to this release, most Christian music to me was blah. Yet, after listening to the entire album, something supernatural began inside of me.
For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the [g]breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart, Hebrews 4:12.
The song Red Letters points to the truth in the passage above. The Bible isn’t just a historical book on God’s relationship with mankind from the beginning of time. Rather, every time you open up the Bible to read, the Holy Spirit often points out things you never noticed in the past. As you begin a new year spiritually, I pray that the words of the Bible and lyrics to the songs on the attached You Tube will inspire you to reach new height in your faith in 2024.
Not many people have the gift of conversation. Some people can naturally turn a boring conversation into a vibrant discussion. Yet, for the shy, unimaginative and stutterers, saying a couple of words can be agonizing. Fortunately, there are people in life who are blunt, don’t like beating around the bush, eager for the other person to just spit it out.
The king of Egypt said to Moses and Aaron, Why do you take the people from their jobs? Get to your burdens! – Exodus 5:4
The Pharaoh reflects individuals with an old school mentality. Based upon the words Pharaoh, he doesn’t appear to be one for small talk. Apparently, idleness was frowned upon in Pharaoh’s Day, a sign of laziness and lack of productivity. Pharaoh’s grand designs for Egypt were being interrupted. Subsequently, Pharaoh wanted a quick interaction so he could get back to what he was working on.
Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working], James 5:16.
As a new year approaches, perhaps these passages will inspire you to take chances in 2024. Rather than being calculated and cautious, spitting out how your emotions might help you in the future. Whether you’re confronted with bossy individuals, or control freaks, lay out how you feel upfront so that any lingering concerns or frustrations are out in the open. If the timing isn’t right, wait for a more favorable moment so that relationships will be on firmer ground in 2024.
Before I got married, a Christian friend recommended that I read a book entitled the Blessing. Co-written by John Trent and Gary Smalley, this book touches on the need of a son to ask for his father’s blessing prior to starting a new life on your own. While it was awkward, my father blessed my decision to propose to Leanne in 1994. Yet, the more I study the Bible, I’ve discovered that its a father’s duty to bless their children as well.
When Israel [almost blind] saw Joseph’s sons, he said, Who are these? 9 And Joseph said to his father, They are my sons, whom God has given me in this place. And he said, Bring them to me, I pray you, that I may bless them. 10 Now Israel’s eyes were dim from age, so that he could not see. And Joseph brought them near to him, and he kissed and embraced them. 11 Israel said to Joseph, I had not thought that I would see your face, but see, God has shown me your offspring also. 12 Then Joseph took [the boys] from [his father’s embrace] and he bowed [before him] with his face to the earth, Genesis 48:8-12.
The book of Genesis is filled with examples of fathers blessing their children and grandchildren prior to their death. While some fathers may not feel comfortable placing their hand on a child or adult’s thigh, this is Israel’s blueprint. Although the elderly may not be able to see who they are blessing, Joseph places Jacob’s hand upon his children. From a traditional sense, the firstborn son receives the father’s blessing. Yet, Jacob broke this trend as a son and a father.
But his bow remained strong and steady and rested in the Strength that does not fail him, for the arms of his hands were made strong and active by the hands of the Mighty God of Jacob, by the name of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel, 25 By the God of your father, Who will help you, and by the Almighty, Who will bless you with blessings of the heavens above, blessings lying in the deep beneath, blessings of the breasts and of the womb. 26 The blessings of your father [on you] are greater than the blessings of my forefathers [Abraham and Isaac on me] and are as lasting as the bounties of the eternal hills; they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him who was the consecrated one and the one separated from his brethren and [the one who] is prince among them, Genesis 49:24-26.
Beside a biblical blessing found in Genesis, Moses suggests that fathers should also verbally affirm, bless, encourage, and praise their children. These kind words shouldn’t come in the form of exaggerations or lies, but an honest assessment of what your child’s full potential may look like. This doesn’t mean discipline shouldn’t be ruled out when necessary, Hebrews 12:5-7. Whatever you end up doing as a parent, remember to bless, inspire, and motivate your children in the Lord.
Large funerals are usually associated with royalty, famous leaders, and star athletes. Yet, as I was reading Moses’ description of Israel’s burial, this may be the largest attended funeral in the Bible. Since Joseph, Jacob’s son was governor of Egypt at the time of Israel’s death, the only important Egyptian leader not present was Pharaoh. Those in attendance was like the whose who list in all of Egypt. Those outside of Israel’s family were there to support the man who saved Egypt from the Great Famine.
And Joseph ordered his servants the physicians to embalm his father. So the physicians embalmed Israel. 3 Then forty days were devoted [to this purpose] for him, for that is the customary number of days required for those who are embalmed. And the Egyptians wept and bemoaned him [as they would for royalty] for seventy days. 4 And when the days of his weeping and deep grief were past, Joseph said to [the nobles of] the house of Pharaoh, If now I have found grace in your eyes, speak, I pray you, to Pharaoh [for Joseph was dressed in mourning and could not do so himself], saying, 5 My father made me swear, saying, I am about to die; in my tomb which I hewed out for myself in the land of Canaan, there you shall bury me. So now let me go up, I pray you, and bury my father, and I will come again. 6 And Pharaoh said, Go up and bury your father, as he made you swear, Genesis 50:2-6.
A legacy is the long-lasting impact of particular events and actions that take place in the past and present of a person’s life. How you live each day either inspires others or touches the lives within your own spheres of influence. While serving as governor of Egypt, the citizens of this land grew to appreciate all that Jospeh had done. During the seven years of bountiful harvest, Egypt could have become complacent, wasting all the grain that was harvested. Yet, the vision and plan given to Joseph helped Egypt to prosper while other nations were starving to death.
And Joseph went up [to Canaan] to bury his father; and with him went all the officials of Pharaoh—the nobles of his court, and the elders of his house and all the nobles and elders of the land of Egypt— 8 And all the household of Joseph and his brethren and his father’s household. Only their little ones and their flocks and herds they left in the land of Goshen. 9 And there went with [Joseph] both chariots and horsemen; and it was a very great company, Genesis 50:7-9.
Another sign of a legacy is who shows up at your funeral. If you made the time to serve other individuals during your life, many will return the favor by showing up at your funeral. Apparently, the officials of Pharaoh, members of Pharaoh’s household, nobles of Egypt’s court, and elders in the land of Egypt were all touched in some way by the faith and life of Joseph. Subsequently, by honoring Joseph’s father, Israel’s funeral becomes a special event. May Moses’ description of Israel’s funeral inspire you to leave your own lasting legacy on earth.
Today’s featured band typically ranks as one of the top ten Christian bands of all time. Thanks to songs Dare You to Move, Meant to Live, and On Fire, Switchfoot has made a big impact on the Christian community. Yet, thanks to films like the Ultimate Gift featuring a montage scene with On Fire playing in the background, Switchfoot has crossed over to influence secular audiences as well.
Enter through the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and spacious and broad is the way that leads away to destruction, and many are those who are entering through it. 14 But the gate is narrow (contracted [k]by pressure) and the way is straitened and compressed that leads away to life, and few are those who find it, Matthew 7:13-14.
The attached You Tube above mixes powerful words of On Fire with an emotional scene in the Ultimate Gift. One of the last Christmas gifts I received as a teacher at Red Lion was the Ultimate Gift DVD. In this scene, the character Jason Stevens played by Drew Fuller is forced to make an important decision in his life. May the attached songs inspire you like they have motivated me.
As a child who struggled with stuttering, I decided to become a follower of others at an early age. Rather than show any initiative, I did whatever people told me to do, even if it was something questionable. Whenever you fail to lead or volunteer, most people simply sit back and wait for others to do something. As I stood on the sidelines of life until high school, I finally started to do something.
Now when Jacob learned that there was grain in Egypt, he said to his sons, Why do you look at one another? 2 For, he said, I have heard that there is grain in Egypt; get down there and buy [grain] for us, that we may live and not die. 3 So ten of Joseph’s brethren went to buy grain in Egypt, Genesis 42:1-3.
At this time in Jacob’s life, his old age limited his ability to go on long trips. Subsequently, as Jacob became frustrated with his own weaknesses, he was hoping that one of his sons would take charge. When this didn’t happen as his grown kids complained about being hungry, Jacob finally lost it exclaiming, don’t just sit there… Do something! While the attached translation is slightly different, do something is more of a modern expression.
He becomes poor who works with a slack and idle hand, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. 5 He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame, Proverbs 10:4-5.
King Solomon does a simply compare and contrast in the above passage. Human nature has a way of enticing individuals to eat, sleep, and be merry. However, Solomon doesn’t hold back, calling it as he sees it. The lazy breed idle hands which often leads to poverty. Meanwhile, the diligent possess a vision-oriented mentality, always looking to seize each day or opportunity. May today’s passage inspire you to stop observing by getting up and doing something to make a difference in life.
Jimmy Stewart plays George Bailey in the Christmas classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Every time George is about to leave Bedford Falls and Bailey’s Saving and Loans, something happens to keep him in town. When the stock market crashes on Black Friday, there’s a run-on money at Bailey’s Savings and Loans. George cancels his honeymoon and uses the money saved for his trip to prevent his father’s company from going out of business. George focused on needs, not wants.
When the seven years of plenty were ended in the land of Egypt, 54 The seven years of scarcity and famine began to come, as Joseph had said they would; the famine was in all [the surrounding] lands, but in all of Egypt there was food. 55 But when all the land of Egypt was weakened with hunger, the people [there] cried to Pharaoh for food; and Pharaoh said to [them] all, Go to Joseph; what he says to you, do, Genesis 41:53-55.
According to Moses, once the great famine reaches Egypt, Pharaoh placed Joseph in charge over all grain distribution. Whenever Egyptian citizens wanted food or any foreigners from outside this country, Joseph decided how much each individual could buy. Subsequently, as people wanted to purchase an excessive amount of grain, Joseph displayed George Bailey like wisdom to help customers see what they needed was more important in the long run.
When the famine was over all the land, Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold to the Egyptians; for the famine grew extremely distressing in the land of Egypt. 57 And all countries came to Egypt to Joseph to buy grain, because the famine was severe over all [the known] earth, Genesis 41:56-57.
Due to modern luxuries like credit cards, human beings can live outside their means. Whether it’s living in a larger house that’s unnecessary, paying off a sports car that is simply for show or blowing a large chunk of change monthly on cable, consider the costs. Films like the Pursuit of Happiness highlight the price individuals have to pay to acquire their lifelong dreams. In the end, may today’s blog inspire you to prepare for the future by leaning on the Lord to provide for your needs.
Foreshadowing is a term my high school English teacher ingrained within my head. Whether our class was reading Canterbury Tales or Romeo and Juliet, she would always urge students to think about the foreshadowing of a scene. In the passage below, Moses points to the foreshadowing of Jesus, initially mentioned in Genesis 3:15 following original sin, Adam and Eve’s fall from grace in the Garden of Eden.
Then Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and laid it on [the shoulders of] Isaac his son, and he took the fire (the firepot) in his own hand, and a knife; and the two of them went on together. 7 And Isaac said to Abraham, My father! And he said, Here I am, my son. [Isaac] said, See, here are the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt sacrifice? – Genesis 22:6-7
As God puts Abraham’s faith to an unbelievable test, Bible scholars believe that the concept of a resurrection was conceived within Abraham’s mind. This is one of the few explanations that makes sense for a guy who had a tendency to rely on his own instincts rather than fully trust God. If this is true, Isaac’s hypothetical resurrection is a foreshadowing of Jesus coming back to life on Easter Sunday.
[Urged on] by faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and went forth to a place which he was destined to receive as an inheritance; and he went, although he did not know or trouble his mind about where he was to go. 9 [Prompted] by faith he dwelt as a temporary resident in the land which was designated in the promise [of God, though he was like a stranger] in a strange country, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was [waiting expectantly and confidently] looking forward to the city which has fixed and firm foundations, whose Architect and Builder is God, Hebrews 11:8-10.
All Christian’s hope that their life will leave behind some sort of legacy, to inspire others to elevate and take their own faith to new heights. The author of Hebrews nominates Abraham for the Bible’s Hall of Faith in the passage above. God’s initial promise to Abraham while residing in the land of Uz is a foreshadowing of the birth of a great nation, Israel. However, even Abraham struggled to believe in this promise until Isaac was finally born. As you read and study the Bible, may the Holy Spirit open your eyes to other foreshadowing’s found in this book.
Non-religious individuals tend to turn to prayer during a life altering event. This could be just before a car accident, on a plane enduring extreme turbulence or some other unexpected dire medical diagnosis where even atheists cry out to God. As a child with a severe speech impediment, all I ever wanted was to verbally express what was on my heart and the words on my mind. Yet, my prayer life is usually only effective when desperation and prayer unite on my knees.
And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, Protect and defend and give me justice against my adversary. 4 And for a time he would not; but later he said to himself, Though I have neither reverence or fear for God nor respect or consideration for man, 5 Yet because this widow continues to bother me, I will defend and protect and avenge her, lest she give me [b]intolerable annoyance and wear me out by her continual coming or[c]at the last she come and rail on me or[d]assault me or[e]strangle me. 6 Then the Lord said, Listen to what the unjust judge says! 7 And will not [our just] God defend and protect and avenge His elect (His chosen ones), who cry to Him day and night? Will He [f]defer them and[g]delay help on their behalf? – Luke 18:3-7
I was introduced to the Parable of the Persistent Widow in college. While Jesus’ words in Matthew 21:19-22 are often quoted by pastors during sermons on prayer, the persistent widow applies Jesus’ advice. Although desperation may lead you to pray for a miracle, doubt will stop any prayer from being answered. This widow was so persistent in her desperation, she kept on knocking like Jesus’ analogy in his Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 7:7-8.
When Mary came to the place where Jesus was and saw Him, she dropped down at His feet, saying to Him, Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. 33 When Jesus saw her sobbing, and the Jews who came with her [also] sobbing, He was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. [He chafed in spirit and sighed and was disturbed.] 34 And He said, Where have you laid him? They said to Him, Lord, come and see. 35 Jesus wept. 36 The Jews said, See how [tenderly] He loved him! 37 But some of them said, Could not He Who opened a blind man’s eyes have prevented this man from dying? 38 Now Jesus, again sighing repeatedly and deeply disquieted, approached the tomb. It was a cave (a hole in the rock), and a boulder lay against [the entrance to close] it, John 11:32-38.
The shortest verse in the Bible,” Jesus wept,” is written by the disciple whom Jesus loved. Yet, the context of Jesus’ tears occurs following the death of Lazarus. When Mary blames Jesus’ absence for her brother’s death, desperation and prayer unite. This combination moves Jesus to raise Lazarus from the dead. Of all the miracles Jesus performs, this one should inspire anyone wanting to see a miracle come to a point in your life where desperation and prayer unite.
After scanning all of my Sing A New Song posts over the past year, I realized that I repeated one artist and song, God Who Moves Mountains by Corey Voss. Due to this oversight, I am adding a pre-Leap Year edition, one more song before concluding this year long journey. The final song selection is Only You Can Save by Chris Sligh. This biblical truth is what one woman from Samaria discovered during a brief conversation at a well in the middle of a hot summer day.
Now numerous Samaritans from that town believed in and trusted in Him because of what the woman said when she declared and testified, He told me everything that I ever did. 40 So when the Samaritans arrived, they asked Him to remain with them, and He did stay there two days. 41 Then many more believed in and adhered to and relied on Him because of His personal message [what He Himself said], John 4:39-41.
The lyrics of Only You Can Save speak to the power of evangelize, sharing your faith with other people, regardless of how little time you have together on earth, 1 Peter 3:15-16. Chris begins this song reflecting upon a time when he forgot to share the love of Jesus while next to a man at a red light. Chris points to the words of the apostle Paul in Galatians 6:9-10, seizing every opportunity that God gives you to tell the world about Jesus. May the last song in this series inspire you to share your testimony with others in 2023.
ExpressYourself4Him 