Back in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, there was a belief among conservative Christian churches that any form of Rock music was of the Devil. This ungodly belief was formed by preachers who didn’t understand the events of the sexual revolution of the late 1960’s. Never Felt Better by Barnabas touches on how this group was ostracized at the time this song was written, but the band members felt like they were following God’s will for their lives.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will, Romans 12:1-2.
The apostle Paul addresses how to discover God’s will in the passage above. As Christians begin to develop and share their earthly talents and spiritual gifts, the Holy Spirit often places burdens on your heart in the form of a calling from God, Galatians 5:25. Whenever individuals are able to keep in step with the Spirit, spiritual blessings tend to follow. While Barnabas never received the attention of groups like Petra or Stryper, the members was faithful to God’s calling.
Today’s song was introduced to me by my spiritual mentor in high school. When I first met Ken Horne, I was a dirtbag, drifter and a loner. Just like the girl in Petra’s song, I was suicidal and didn’t think anyone would miss me if I ended my life. Yet, Ken was my science teacher for two years in a row, a positive influence and consistent source of encouragement. Ken was also the Fellowship of Christian Athletes huddle leader at Concord High School, a group that changed my life.
Sing to God, sing praises to His name, cast up a highway for Him Who rides through the deserts—His name is the Lord—be in high spirits and glory before Him! – Psalm 68:4
Ken played For Annie on one of the first retreats I ever attended. Following the song, Ken spoke about the need for teenagers to reach out to friends struggling with depression. This message hit home when one of the swimmers on our swim team committed suicide. While you can’t save the people who have already taken their lives, you can become diligent to make sure no one’s pain goes unnoticed. Although some groups and music don’t age well, For Annie is a ballad that remains inspirational today.
Michael J. Fox starred in the 1987 film the Secret to My Success. Fox plays Brantley Foster, a college graduate who gets laid off shortly after moving to New York City. The premise of this movie is based upon the American Dream, starting from the very bottom and moving your way up through a company gradually to the top. Like most college grads today, Fox found himself overqualified for most positions, but underqualified for the high paying positions. While fictional in nature, Fox uses a worldly approach to get to the top.
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” – Matthew 18:1
During a long walk between towns, the disciples lagged well behind Jesus. At the back of a long caravan, the disciples began a heated debate on who was the greatest disciple. While the author fail to address the content of this argument, below are a few likely positions that were taken. Often brash, Peter begins by saying, “well Jesus did proclaim I am the petra, the rock upon which God will build his church on earth.” John interrupts, “wait a minute, Jesus also said I am the one whom he loves the most.” James, brother of John, jumps into the fray “that’s nice boys, but Jesus called me first.” When the disciples finally caught up, Jesus addresses this issue.
He called a little child and set him before them, 3 and said, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless you repent [that is, change your inner self—your old way of thinking, live changed lives] and become like children [trusting, humble, and forgiving], you will never enter the kingdom of heaven, Matthew 18:2-3.
The passage above is one of two main passages about the being the greatest in heaven. Mark 9:35-37 builds upon this concept, suggesting that whoever wants to be the greatest must be a servant to all. One thing you can say about Jesus is he practiced what he preached. Despite healing and performing miracles daily, Jesus encouraged these people keep quiet, remaining humble throughout his earthly life. If you combine these passages, there are two traits to consider. First, maintain the innocence of a child by emulating your heavenly father. Second, put the needs and wants of others before yourself. If you want to be great on earth, start today by serving those in your spheres of influence.
The concept of a superman was conceived into a fictional comic book character by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in 1938. Forty years later, Christopher Reeves starred in the movie, disguising himself as Clark Kent, a mild-mannered newspaper reporter at the Daily Planet. Unsure of how or when to reveal his super powers, Clark waits until his adult life to introduce himself to the world. Perhaps, Superman was afraid, not sure how he would be received. This fear, although subtle as it might have been, prevented miraculous acts from being demonstrated daily.
Now the Angel of the Lord came and sat under the terebinth tree at Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, and his son Gideon was beating wheat in the wine press [instead of the threshing floor] to [hide it and] save it from the Midianites. 12 And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, “The Lord is with you, O brave man,” Judges 6:11-12.
Human beings can have fragile psyches, especially when confidence is lacking. In the passage above, you find a mighty warrior working in a blue collar job. Before Gideon became a famous Old Testament leader, he lived in relative obscurity. Whether Gideon was hiding, waiting or uncertain about the next move to make in life, an angel of the Lord reminded him of his calling in life. Gideon wasn’t just a hard working man, he was brave commander who needed a slight nudge from God.
Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said, “And we are coming with you.” So they went out and got into the boat; and that night they caught nothing. 4 As morning was breaking, Jesus [came and] stood on the beach; however, the disciples did not know that it was Jesus, John 21:3-4.
After Jesus died on a cross, the disciples lost their leader. After a couple days of mourning, Peter appears to fall back on his former life as a fisherman. Peter convinces a couple of the disciples to go with him, staying out all night to fish. When this trips turns out to be a complete failure, Jesus arrives on the scene to save the day. Following what some refer to as the First Breakfast, Jesus gives Peter a pep talk. The subtitle of this conversation, John 21:15-17, in my Bible is love motivation. Jesus reminds Peter of his spiritual identity, petra, the rock upon which Jesus will build an earthly church.
The Lord is good to those who wait [confidently] for Him, To those who seek Him [on the authority of God’s word], Lamentations 3:25.
For the past six years, my life has been in a holding pattern. To a certain extent, I can relate to Gideon and Peter, stuck in a transitional period. Yet, at some point I have to come out of the doldrums. What am I hiding from? What am I waiting for before I act? Perhaps, I need to turn my attention to the Old Testament, putting into practice Lamentations 3:25. May this blog inspire you to get off the bench and get into the spiritual game called life. Trust in the Lord, lean on the Holy Spirit for understanding and God will straighten your path for the future.
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