Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Harden My Heart" (Quarterflash)

Welcome to Tuesday!  It's time for this week's edition of Tuesday's Musical Notes!!! This is the place you can go to find classic rock-n-roll songs utilized as a springboard for encouragement and enrichment for your faith...at least that is the goal each week.  

In your spare time perhaps you have wondered what the hardest element on earth might possibly be....you say you have never wondered this....ok, humor me and ask yourself that question.   Are you done?   The answer according to my high school science classes was....diamonds.  They are formed from carbon under pressure (I see a future Musical Note in the making).  While the diamond is the hardest naturally formed element on earth, it is very rare and costly, hence the ability to be the best friend of women all over the world.  However, titanium is considered the hardest element to most people as it is available in abundance and is significantly less expensive than diamonds...unless it is included in the shaft of your driver....The Notes would like to propose that there is another naturally occurring thing in the world that is equally as hard as diamonds and as readily available as titanium.....the human heart.  In 1980, a band called Seafood Mama released a regional single in the great northwestern part of the US....here they are in 1981 after they renamed their band and re-released the single on their debut album for Geffen Records....you might know them better as the husband and wife team that makes up the band....Quarterflash:

"Harden My Heart" - Quarterflash


As Seafood Mama, Rindy and Marv Ross had achieved enough success in Oregon to warrant an hour long television show on CBS affiliated KOIN in Portland.  They later reprise as Quarterflash on the same station with another hour long block of rock.  "Harden My Heart" would be the bands biggest hit.  Its peak position on Billboard was at #3 on the Hot 100 propelling their self titled debut album to #8 on Billboard's album chart.  The album would go platinum and place Quarterflash's music in heavy rotation on radio stations around the country in the early to mid '80s. 

"Harden My Heart" was a break up song that utilizes a phrase from the story of Exodus to explain the emotions of the offended party.  She would make her heart so hard that nothing could penetrate it and break it again.  Beginning in Exodus 7, the Bible explains how the ruler of Egypt, the Pharaoh, would be witness to some of the greatest signs from God ever recorded in scripture.  With each sign or plague, the Bible says that Pharaoh would "harden his heart" towards the Israelites and not rescind his decision to keep them in Egypt.  You can find the entire account here: 

New American Standard Bible Exodus 7-12

With his economy devastated and mourning the loss of his first born child, Pharaoh relented and released the Israelites from their bondage.  His stubbornness caused the destruction of his country and the death of many.  What is the cost for some of the decisions we make in our life?  What does it take for our hearts to be softened? 

In The Gospels, Jesus asked his disciples on 3 occasions (Mark 6:52, Mark 8:17, and John 12:40 NASB) if they had hard hearts.  These were men who were with him day and night for three years, yet Jesus had to ask them if they were being stubborn about acknowledging who He was.  In 2013, it is easy to judge the disciples for their disbelief.  Yet, every day we have things in our life that we are hardhearted about.  This headstrong selfishness to have our own way keeps us from serving those around us.  While we recognize Jesus as our Savior, we harden our hearts over our pet sins and do not yield to His sovereignty over our whole lives.  We harden our hearts to the freedom that Jesus is ready to impart to us if we will only surrender everything to Him.  This is a challenge for Christians every day.  Let's commit to each other that we will work daily to soften our hearts to the voice of Jesus and the service of others.  This softening process is made easier by reading scripture, encouraging and serving others in small groups, and worshiping together in community.  Will you partner in this with me?...... or will you turn and leave Him here.....

And now for a song from about the same time to start you on the heart softening process:

"Soften Your Heart" - Keith Green

'Til Tuesday,

Serving HIM by serving you,

Randy

Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Summer Of '69" (Bryan Adams)

Rules of Civility #24 - "Do not laugh too loud or too much at any public spectacle."

What is it about the summer and music?  For decades as the temperature increases so do the songs about the season of heat, humidity, and the heart.  It seems with each passing year, there is a new musical interlude that is repeated consistently on the radio about the summer.  Anyone remember 1976's Starland Vocal Band #1 hit "Afternoon Delight"?

As usual Billboard has complied a list of the top "summer" songs.  See if your favorite is on the list here:

Top 30 Summer Songs

Welcome to Tuesday and The Notes!!!  For the next few minutes let's take a break from the heat and dive into the coolness of rock and The Word.  So, slather on some sunscreen and get your Wayfarer's ready!!  Cue up your dial to flashback to some of the best days of your life.....the "Summer of '69":

"Summer Of '69" - BryanAdams

The 16 year olds of 1969 will turn 60 this year.  Those who turned 21....will be retiring.  Truth be told, Bryan Adams was only 10 during the "Summer of '69", the subject of his #5 hit from 1984's, 5 time platinum album, Reckless.  It is a song that suggests that reflection on our past is an avenue to evaluate our present and plan our future.  "And now the time's a-changin', look at everything that's come and gone."  It is a song that speaks about the joy of youth, and the stresses that change can bring as life passes by.  Blender magazine ranks "Summer of '69" at #70 on its 2005 "Top 500 Songs of the 80s-00s". 

In a tweet from around 2010, Bryan Adams has said, "I was asked recently about my religion, I am quite simply an atheist."  This seems sad.  According to the world's standards, Bryan Adams is successful.  This is an artist who is renowned internationally and has won multiple awards for his efforts.  Yet, he is like so many people around the world who have fallen into the trap of prosperity without realizing where the source of their resources have originated.  Please partner with The Notes in praying for Bryan Adams salvation as well as the salvation of those who have become so successful, they do not feel a need of anything....especially a relationship with Jesus Christ.

In the New American Standard Bible, the word remember is used 227 times. 182 of those references are found in the Old Testament.  God felt it was important for Israel to remember their past.  The entire 8th chapter of Deuteronomy is a reminder and command to Israel that when they become prosperous that they are to remember all that God has done for them.  Open your Bibles to Deuteronomy 8 (or just click this link)

Deuteronomy 8 NASB/TheMessage

In the New Testament, Jesus commands us to remember Him by taking of the Eucharist,
or The Lord's Supper:

Luke 22:1-23 NASB

The passage from Deuteronomy should serve as a reminder and a warning as we reflect on the blessings of our lives.  The passage from Luke should serve a reminder of Jesus sacrifice and a herald of the future providential care that He has planned for us.  Both passages point us to the God of our salvation and the incredible life that He has provided and will provide.  His promises to the Israelites from the prophet Jeremiah hold true for each one of us who call on His Name:

 Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope."

As we go through the summer of '13, let's remember the summer of '69 (that is, if you were alive at that time) as well as all of the other times of our lives that God has provided from his storehouse of blessing. 

Here's a song to help us on our journey down remembrance road.  Written by Tommy Walker, performed by Bradley and Holly Knight, with an assist from Prestonwood Baptist Church's choir:

"We Will Remember"

'Til Tuesday,

Serving HIM by serving you,
Randy

Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Spinning Wheel" (Blood, Sweat, and Tears)

Rules of Civility #23 - "When you see a crime punished, you may be inwardly pleased, but always shew pity to the suffering offender."

Welcome to Tuesday!!!!  You have been sent, or perhaps you dropped in on, a email and blog about popular music.  If you are interested in rereading or catching up on a Musical Note that you missed, please go to tuesdaysmusicalnotes.blogspot.com and click on the archives.  Read them all or just your favorite songs!  While you are there you might even catch a painted pony!

What does a Jazz Rock band look like?  An even better question would be, what would a Jazz Rock band look like in 1967?  Would they hail from Chicago?  Would their sound be more elemental and make the best use of earth, wind And fire?  Would they still be on the spinning wheel of touring today? Would they make the musical world so very happy?  While not all of the answers to these questions are yes, there would certainly be a lot of blood, sweat, tears that would go into making such a band.

When you think of bands with horns, you immediately think of Chicago and Earth, Wind, and Fire.  Both bands are still touring to sell out crowds.  Tuesday's Musical Notes has chronicled songs by both of these phenomenal bands (blog and email, September 2012 "Alive Again" by Chicago and to email recipients, January 2012 "September" by Earth, Wind, and Fire).  These bands are noted for their horn sections, many of which have been the same for several years.  We would be remiss to have a Musical Note that focuses on bands with horn sections, without at least mentioning the bands Ides of March, Lighthouse, and Chase, all from the same time period and featuring similar musical styles of the psychedelic age.

Then there is Blood, Sweat, and Tears.  The group derived its name from Johnny Cash's 1963 album Blood, Sweat, and Tears.  The original inception of the band was considered very counter-cultural for its time.  With its intricate mix of Jazz and harder edged rock-n-roll, Blood, Sweat, and Tears would set a standard for bands with instruments that was different.  They were more jazz oriented than Chicago or the Ides of March, but not as R&B as Earth, Wind, And Fire.  Blood, Sweat, and Tears has recorded for 6 different record labels and over the course of their musical history, has had close to 150 different members tour and record as part of the band.  It seems that there was more of a spinning door with this band than a spinning wheel.  Perhaps that is why they haven't had the chart success of other '60s horn bands.

With the configuration of the group who sold the most singles, here is Blood, Sweat, and Tears, from their eponymous 1968 album, with "Spinning Wheel":

Blood, Sweat, and Tears - "Spinning Wheel"

Christian author John MacArthur wrote a book a few years back that detailed the lives of the disciples of Jesus.  It was called 12 Ordinary Men.  I highly recommend this book and its follow up, 12 Extraordinary Women.  These books chronicle the lives of Biblical characters who while proving their humanity, served as the ultimate examples to us as we live our lives in the 21st century.  As I read 12 Ordinary Men, I found characteristics with each of the disciples that resonated in my life.  But one disciple stood out more than the others...Peter.  I confess that in my daily walk in The Way, that I am more like Peter before he became the great leader of the church of Jerusalem. A very familiar example of his emotional impulsiveness is when he got a little in over his head.  You can read the full story here: 

Matthew 14:22-33 HCSB

Peter wasted no time and certainly did not think his decision through when asking Jesus if he could join him on the water.  So many times when we hear this story it is in the context of Peter's not keeping his eyes on Jesus and allowing the distractions around him to lessen his faith.  What an incredible lesson for us!!!  But there is another lesson here...where were the other disciples?  The were cowering in the boat with extreme fear.  I'm told the storms that gather on the Sea of Galilee can be quite strong.  The disciples would have had great reason to be afraid.  Notice however, when Peter spotted Jesus...he got out of the boat...he left the merry-go-round...he departed the spinning wheel...  At this moment Peter began a journey of faith in Jesus that would cause him to leave his routine and begin the extraordinary. 

It is so easy for Christians to get in the routine of doing church.  We attend, tithe, worship, and pray and when Sunday morning is over we might occasionally do it again Sunday night and Wednesday night.  It becomes what we do regularly.  Sometimes there is little difference between what we do as Christians and what we do at our jobs as employees.  But we are called to so much more.  Jesus also instructs in Matthew:

Matthew 5:15-17

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

¹⁵ No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

Jesus is telling us here to be different, to be that peculiar person that draws attention to yourself so you can draw attention to HIM.  It is easy to get on the carousel of our lives and get into the routine of doing the same thing over again....repeat and rinse so to speak. Albert Einstein is attributed with the saying that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.   Peter is an example of how to grab that brass ring and get off the spinning wheel of life. It takes great steps of faith and courage to do the miraculous.  What miraculous things are waiting to be done through you?  What would happen if "routine" church members would quit telling themselves that they didn't have time to lead a Sunday School group. What would happen if we quit believing the lie from the enemy that you weren't talented enough to assume leadership roles in your church?  What would happen if church folks started engaging in their church instead of just going to their church. What would happen if church "members" stop going through the motions??.....

"Going Through The Motions" - Matthew West
Talkin' 'bout your troubles and you, you never learn, Ride a painted pony, let the spinnin' wheel turn....

'Til Tuesday,

Serving HIM by serving you,
Randy

Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Pretzel Logic" (Steely Dan)

Welcome to Tuesday and this week's Musical Notes!!!


Rules of Civility #22 - "Shew not yourself glad at the misfortune of another though he were your enemy."
I didn't remember a dance called "The Pretzel"..........

It's the best day of the week, because most new "stuff" in the entertainment world is released on Tuesdays!!!!  What a great day....I wish we had a Pretzelmaker around these parts.....but I digress...


Today's edition of Tuesday's Musical Note's features a song with one of popular music's most interesting titles..."Pretzel Logic" the title track from the 1974 album by the band Steely Dan.  The single would peak at #57, while the album would go as high as #8 on the strength of the #4 hit "Rikki Don't Lose That Number".    "Pretzel Logic" featured studio musicians who would later be parts of 2 iconic rock-n-roll bands from the 70's and 80's (Jeff "Skunk" Baxter and Michael McDonald from The Doobie Brothers, Jeff Porcaro and David Paich from Toto, ). On February 20, 2014, "Pretzel Logic" will celebrate the 40th anniversary of its release.  Here is Steely Dan:

Steely Dan - "Pretzel Logic"

The album would also include a "session" piano player, Michael Omartian, who would subsequentially become the only record producer to score #1 records in 3 decades ('70s, '80s, '90s).  Omartian, who is a devout Christian, would record and produce his own successful albums as well as partner with his wife, author of over 50 Christian themed books Stormie Omartian, in many Christian recording and publishing projects.

Most people are familiar with the snack food, the pretzel. Believe it or not, legend has it that the pretzel was invented by monks.  That's right!  The pretzel has a Christian origin story!!!  Some of these stories tell of monks using the baked flour and water combination as treats to encourage children to memorize scripture, others have the pretzel as a substitute for communion bread. An alternate story details that early Catholics used the pretzel as a bread substitute during the observance of Lent, the season around Easter when Catholics are restricted from eating eggs, lard and dairy products.  Regardless of its origins, the pretzel is now a favorite snack food around the world. 

Dictionary.com defines logic as "a particular method of reasoning or argumentation".  For a word on logic, let's check in with an authority: 

 It Is Logical

The song "Pretzel Logic" brings together two words in an ironic way.  They infer a reasoning that is twisted, not straightforward.  It is a perfect analogy for the culture of the United States in 2013.  The recent Supreme Court decision regarding the Defense Of Marriage Act, was a slap in the face of culture warriors.  It paved the way for a change to our culture that is dramatic.  History has shown when a culture makes normal those things that God detests that it is the swan's song for the culture's existence.  The Bible says of the culture during the time of Noah: 

⁵ And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
⁶ And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.

You may remember how that turned out....if not,You can read about it here:

 
 Noah and the great flood
 
 We live in a similar time.  While I am saddened by this for the United States, it has caused me to pause and think about what exactly I am supposed to be doing as a Christian.  Am I to be spending resources (time, money, and energy) on fighting against the evil in the land or am I to be doing everything I can to make disciples and love others before I love myself.  Please DO NOT misunderstand what I am saying.  I do not support the sin that causes a judiciary to go against the laws of God's nature or the majority of Americans.  I do not, however find scripture to support our Master wasting time on fighting sin.  He served sinners.  He healed sinners.  He spent time with sinners.  He LOVED sinners.  He allowed the politics of the time to take care of itself while he focused on the truly important.....people who were going to hell unless He began a relationship with them.  One perfect example is the disciple Matthew.  Read the story of his call and relationship with Jesus here: 

Matthew, the tax collector

Matthew worked for the IRS of his time...(let that sink in for a minute). The story of Matthew reminds me of the culture in which we live.  There are those who are "politically" minded, who wish to see their ideology (religious and nonreligious) propagate the laws of the land.  Jesus did not come for a political revolution.  He came so that He could restore the relationship between the creation and the creator.  Did Jesus hang out with good people as well?  Yep, the disciples were with Him in a very intense "disciple making boot camp" for 3 years.  He poured Himself into them for that period of time and expected them to do the same with others after He was gone.  From The Message paraphrase: 

"Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age." - Matthew 28: 18-20.

So you see friend, today, this very hour, God is in control of everything.  He has made a way to restore His relationship with us through Jesus, His Son.  He promises us victory:

 

Romans 8:37-39

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

³⁷ No, in all these things we are more than victorious
through Him who loved us.
³⁸ For I am persuaded that not even death or life,
angels or rulers,
things present or things to come, hostile powers,
³⁹ height or depth, or any other created thing
will have the power to separate us
from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord!

He wants us to be about training everyone we meet in this way of life.  Let us be the generation who gets past politics and religion and gets to relationships and righteousness....Let's not be Christians who employ a Pretzel Logic when it comes to our relationship with God and others...If we love people and make disciples we won't be the generation who mourns....

"Those days are gone forever, over a long time ago....."

'Til Tuesday,

Serving HIM by serving you,
Randy

Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Baba O'Riley" (The Who)

Rules of Civility #21 - "Reproach none for the infirmities of nature, nor delight to put them that have in mind thereof."

Welcome to Independence Week and Tuesday's Musical Notes!!!  Two days from now our country will celebrate its birth.  That's 237 years old if you are keeping track.  It seems like only yesterday that we were celebrating 195 years of the most prosperous republic ever seen on the earth.

That is correct, despite what many in the United States of America believe, America is not a true democracy.  As a nation, we are better defined as a constitutional republic.

There is a huge difference in those terms.  You see, a democracy is dependent on its people being their own governing agents.  They can change the laws that they don't like and maintain order in a manner they deem appropriate.  Some democracies deteriorate into a form of mob rule, where very little is fair and laws are tossed aside when they are no longer considered relevant.  A constitutional republic is government that is organized by a set of principles and laws whereby the people elect representatives to insure those principles are upheld.  By these definitions and taking current events into consideration, perhaps we are a democracy after all...  It seems the teenage wasteland of 1971 has become the government of 2013...

The Who - "Baba O'Riley" This song comes from the combination of the names of the metaphysical religious author Meher Baba and minimalist musician Terry Riley.  Originally written as the opening song for their follow-up to rock opera Tommy (for a conversation on rock opera, just click on this link: Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Mr. Roboto" ), The Who would reduce the song by over 25 minutes to include it in their 1971 release, Who's Next.  It was written as an observation of the cultural phenomenon of Woodstock with its excesses.  Looking out over that muddy field, a teenage wasteland would be easy to conclude. This observation seems strange coming from a band that is noted for destroying more guitars on stage than any other band in history.

Pete Townsend wrote the song for The Who.  Despite the song never being released as a single in the United States "Baba O'Riley" became an instant international hit.  With its familiar electronic opening, it has been used in everything from commercials (Mazda 6) to the Olympics (London Olympics 2012).  It is listed at #349 on Rolling Stone's list of "The 500 Greatest Rock Songs of All Time".  It has also been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for being one of the 500 songs that shaped Rock and Roll.  With all of this success, The Notes wonders what the formative teenage years of Pete Townsend, Roger Daltrey, John Entwistle, and Keith Moon would have been like.

King Solomon is attributed to many of the chapters of the book of Proverbs in the Bible.  The story regarding his wisdom is well known.  It seems however that Solomon did not always heed his own sayings or pay attention to his God-given knowledge.  The dysfunction of our modern family would pale in comparison to what Solomon had experienced with his father King David and his brothers.  Solomon propagated this broken family model due to the large number of women he "loved".  It seems that he did not read some of his own writings when it came to his family.

Proverbs 22:6 stands out to many people as one of Solomon's greatest observations.  It simply says, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."  We must remember that our definition of children and Solomon's would have been significantly different.  In Solomon's day and culture, boys and girls that were older than 11 were already beginning to take increasing responsibility for themselves and their families.  Solomon's father, King David, was the youngest of his clan when he was selected by God to become the king of Israel.  Jesus was trained as a carpenter, the trade of his earthly father Joseph, at an early age.  With that context in mind, how should we be training our children today?

Many of you were probably like me.  I was part of the drug culture of the '60s and '70s.....we were drug to church every Sunday.  (choose your own rimshot)  It didn't matter what Disney might be showing on Sunday night, we were going to church.  It was what you were supposed to do.  The Notes does not wish to judge our parents as to their motivational techniques, yet going to church was not an option for many children and teens during this time.  I am told that the decade or two before were even more stringent.  Did Proverbs 22:6 have anything to do with this?  We now live in a generation where there really is a choice among children and teenagers about attending church.  The result has been the aging of the church, a reduction in overall church attendance, and we would say a contributing factor to the decline of our great country. 

Perhaps you have heard it said often that "our children and youth are the church of tomorrow".  While this is a statement that can cause great hope, the diminishing number of students involved with the ministries of the church is a cause for alarm.  The reality of many churches is that the children and youth are the church today... I was at a camp for 3rd-6th graders recently.  The declining number of campers is cause for alarm.    I was speaking to one of the leaders of the camp who informed me that as little as 20 years ago, there would have been 600 children at that camp.  This year the number was 103.  "Don't cry....don't raise your eye...it's only teenage wasteland"  In that 20 years, the enemy has used some "really good things" to compete against the best things of God.  In eternity, what of these "really good things" will we use to glorify Jesus?  As Christ- followers and parents, it is our responsibility to determine the difference between these things for ourselves as well as our children.  Granted, the church has made mistakes.  It is made up of flawed people.  But it is still the best vehicle whereby boys and girls can come to a saving heart knowledge and God-motivated desire to serve.  Please encourage your children to participate in the activities of your local church.  Encourage and pray for the children's ministry leaders at your church.  Be involved in the children and youth ministries of your church.  Encourage your children to lead in the church now, so they are better equipped to lead in the church in the future. 

We make choices daily that impact our children.  Our children will one day be the decision-makers in our churches and our country...Training up your child in the way he should go is the greatest thing you can do to celebrate our wonderful country on this Independence Day.

A poem for your consideration:

Only One Life

Two little lines I heard one day, Traveling along life's busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart, And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last. Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in 'that day' my Lord to meet, And stand before His Judgement seat;
Only one life, twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
Only one life, the still small voice, Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave, And to God's holy will to cleave;
Only one life, twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill, living for self or in His will;
Only one life, twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
When this bright world would tempt me sore, When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way, Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
Give me Father, a purpose deep, In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e'er the strife, Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
Oh let my love with fervor burn, And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone, Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say,"Thy will be done";
And when at last I'll hear the call, I know I'll say twas worth it all";
Only one life, twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last. 


'Til Tuesday,

Serving HIM by serving you,

Randy