Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Misunderstanding" (Genesis)

Welcome to Tuesday!!!  It's the last Tuesday of August.  Typically, that means that cooler weather could be less than a month a way.  We had a taste of it a couple weeks back, and it really made the desire for the weather to "break" pretty intense.  College football (WPS!  Go Hogs!!!) starts this week and the NFL have been in exhibition mode for a couple of weeks now.  School has started and the refrains of regularity are beginning to return to folks' schedules.  

There are those people who are not fans of routine.  You know the types, perhaps you are one, that spontaneously combust upon getting settled into what could possibly be considered mundane and regular.  They opt for the surprises of life and the gusto of adventure.  Nothing normal about them or their life.  They rarely operate from a schedule and seem to be free spirits.  Impulse drives their days and the "new and improved" inspires their nights.  These are the "fun" folks in a group setting.  They are engaging and tell tales of how wonderful it is to be impropmtu.  Sometimes they are met with disdain as they push boundaries outside the norm.  Living their lives in this manner can lead to the occasional...

"Misunderstanding" by Genesis, from the 1980 album Duke

 

After the departure of lead singer Peter Gabriel and guitarist Steve Hackett from the band and the release of the remaining trio's "...and Then There Were Three", the band Genesis (Tuesday's Musical Notes - "No Reply At All") took a brief hiatus to allow now lead singer Phil Collins an attempt at saving his marriage as well as allowing time for Tony Banks, and Mike Rutherford to record relatively successful solo albums.  In 1980, after a two months of recording, they released Duke, the album that would bring Genesis to the forefront of popular music while maintaining some of their progrock followers.  Buoyed by the singles, "Turn It On Again" (peaked at #58 in the Hot 100), "Duchess" (peaked at  #46 in the UK), and "Misunderstanding" (peaking at #14 in the US), Duke would be the biggest commercial success for Genesis up to this point.

As one of Genesis' highest charting singles, "Misunderstanding" solidified the lead vocal position that Phil Collins began at the departure of Peter Gabriel.  It is a song about the confusion that a young man has after trying to connect with his love all day long. His frustration with not being able to communicate with her is compounded when he goes to her house only to find another man leaving.  Not wanting to confront the possiblities, he thinks that there is nothing wrong in their relationship and concludes..."there must be some misundertanding, there must be some kind of mistake..."

In our world there are many who are in denial about the extent of their relationships.  Their desire for everything to be ok overrides the reality that everything is not.  This is especially true in the most important relationship humans can have.

One of the most misunderstood and pervasive thought processes that exist in the world today is regarding heaven.  Here is a great article regarding a gallup poll conducted in 2004.  Eternal Destinations: Americans Believe in Heaven, Hell  One statement that sticks out in particular, "In 1988, Gallup asked Americans who said there is a heaven where people who had led good lives are eternally rewarded what their chances were of going there themselves. Seventy-seven percent rated their chances as "good" or "excellent," while 19% rated them as "only fair" or "poor." That same year, Americans who said there was a hell where people who led bad lives without being sorry are eternally damned were quite optimistic that they would not be going there themselves. Only 6% said their chances of going there were good or excellent, and 79% said their chances were poor." (emphasis mine).

Note that the poll itself has a bias that is incorrect in its assumption.  "People who had led good lives are eternally rewarded" is a statement that perpetuates a falsehood straight from the pit of hell.  While the poll identifies "Church goers" in some of its commentary breakdown, it stops short of the real reason folks are eternally rewarded, herein lies the misunderstanding by which far too many folks are staking their eternity.

Jesus said this about heaven: "Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.  If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.  And you know the way where I am going.”  Thomas *said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?”  Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me."  John 14:1-6 New American Standard Bible

 

Notice that Jesus never says anything about our "goodness" being the way anyone gets to heaven.  He says that HE is the way.  This means that no matter how good/bad you are, there is only one thing that you do that gets you into heaven.  It is very simple.  You must believe that the shed blood, the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ paid for the bad stuff you've done in your past, you are currently doing, and will do in the future.  That's right!  Jesus is The way, His shed blood is the ONLY way, that we can be clean in Creator God's eyes.  

Jesus tells us also that there will be people who are under the misconception that the good they have done in their lives will guarantee their "room" in heaven.  In the seventh chapter of the Gospel according to Matthew the tax collector, Jesus says the following from The Message paraphrase of the Bible:  "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.  “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.  By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?  Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.  A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.  Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.  “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

Can you see the image?  Good people from all over the world are standing in front of God.  When God says, "I never knew you.  Away from me, you evildoers!", they reply, "but wait...there must be some misunderstanding, there must be some kind of mistake."  "We helped with the flood victims in Louisiana, and we flew to Italy with the Red Cross to provide support and relief after the earthquake."  "We worked in the soup kitchen at Christmas, and were in church every time the doors were open."  God still says, "depart from me..."  

You see, apart from Jesus, we have no hope of an eternity with God the Father, Jesus the Son, and Holy Spirit.  Without belief in the One Way, we do not have a "dwelling place" in the Father's house.  Without an agreement between mind and spirit, head and heart about who Jesus is and what He has done, there is only the misunderstanding that we could get to heaven on our own merit.  A pastor friend of mine has said, famously amongst his circle, "I wouldn't trust my best 5 minutes to get me into heaven."  

When a person truly believes that Jesus is who He said He was and did what the Bible says, they want to go about doing the things that He did.  Being a believer makes helping flood/earthquake victims, working in soup kitchens and having fellowship with other believers during church times much different experiences.  It takes belief to get to heaven.  Good things that we do are the outgrowth of that belief.  In the 1st chapter of James the nuances of this lifestyle are explained much better:  James 1 NASB/The Message parallel

 

Unfortunately,  far too many are trusting the "goodness" of their life to insure their eternity with God.  This my friend is far more than some misunderstanding...

"The Sheep and the Goats" by Keith Green from the 1981 album The Keith Green Collection

'Til Tuesday,

Serving HIM by serving you,
Randy

Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Right Down The Line" (Gerry Rafferty)

Welcome to Tuesday!!!  Today's Musical Notes will be a bit different.  Today is a celebration.  Sorry, no Kool and the Gang, but a celebration none the less.  If you've read The Notes before, you know of my love for American Top 40, specifically the Casey Kasem years.  I typically pattern our end of the year Notes countdown after his annual countdown of the top hits from the previous year.  Be looking for that at the end of December.  For todays Notes, the format will be similar to a segment of the countdown that was affectionately known as the "request and dedication"... and now on with the countdown.

At number 87 in our end of the year countdown for 1978 is Joe Walsh, explaining how...

"Life's Been Good" by Joe Walsh from the 1978 album But Seriously, Folks...

Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Life's Been Good"

Apparently, "Life's Been Good" to the writer of a letter that we feature as our next request and dedication.  He writes:  "Casey, I'd like to tell you a success story that has nothing to do with money or any other kind of asset.  Occasionally, you get the opportunity to enlarge your circle of friends through another person.  Such was the case one weekend, when I got the chance to meet a group of folks that were friends of my college roommate.  As a single college male, I was impressed that my friend had such a network of beautiful young ladies as a part of his social group from high school.  The prettiest one was also the one who said the least and the one in whom I interacted less.  But it was an introduction.  Our paths crossed a couple of times that year as she would be attending the University of Arkansas, where I was currently enrolled,  in the fall of the next year.   I was a member of the Marching Razorback Band as were many of her friends from high school and we began spending more and more time together in our group.  We started dating in October of that year.  The next August we were getting married.  11 months after she said "I will" to going out with me on a steady basis, she said "I do" to spending the rest of her life with me.  30 years, 3 beautiful daughters, 1 son (by marriage, becoming my son), and the miracle of twin grandsons later, she's still the prettiest one in the room.  She's taught me incredible things about life, love, and the proper use of the word "asinine".  Don't get me wrong, the 30 years have had their share of "interesting discussions" and "animated conversations", but each of those moments aid in  cementing what will continue to be a lifetime together.  Yesterday, we turned 30.  So, Casey, would you please play Gerry Rafferty's "Right Down The Line" for my Tammy, the quiet and reserved, blond haired, blue eyed beauty that said "I Do" 30 years ago yesterday.  Thanks!!!"

There ya have it.  From a husband to his wife of 30 years, going as high as #12, , and just missing the year end countdown, here's, Gerry Rafferty with this week's request and dedication...

"Right Down The Line" by Gerry Rafferty from the 1978 album City to City

 

Gerry Rafferty is much more known by voice than name.  He was the lead on the 1973 hit "Stuck In The Middle With You",  as a part of the group Stealers Wheel.  He also put out 9 solo albums and is featured on 8 compilations of his hits.   1978's City To City,  featuring "Baker Street" and today's feature song, went to #1 on the album chart based on the popularity of these two singles ("Baker Street" peaking at #2, and #26 on the year end countdown, "Right Down The Line" peaked at #12). 

Longevity in any task takes patience, tenacity, and the willingness to be successful.  Relationships are a task, just one of a different nature, whereby the longevity usually depends on 2 people. The longer the relationship thrives and survives, the more likely that much gets accomplished.  In 30 years, for example, you would expect success on a myriad of levels.  

In our day and age, success, is a word that is bandied about as a connotation for wealth, the accumulation of assets, or power.  However, the Bible deems success, as the completing our race to win the ultimate prize.  An eternity in heaven with God, the Father, Jesus, the Son, and Holy Spirit.  All other "successes" pale in comparison to this.  The apostle Paul wrote to the Hebrew church about this very topic. 

Hebrews 12:1-3 - New International Version of the Bible/The Message Paraphrase of the Bible parallel

You see, each of us has a specific "race" to run.  We have folks that we can see, and a few that we can't see (we each have our own "cloud of witnesses"), that are here to encourage us.  The Bible also calls portions of our race good works.   

Ephesians 2:7-10 NIV/The Message 

Our success is measured in how we complete these good works...as a part of completing our overall race.  

Relationships are part of those good works.  The longer we are around folks, the more we get to know them, warts and all (as Abraham Lincoln might say),   it can sometimes become more challenging to run our race with them.  When we know one another's frailties and shortcomings, it is easy to become critical and insensitive.  But this is not the relationship image that Jesus modeled when He was on earth. 

His disciples didn't get who He was.  They traveled with Him 24/7 for 3 years and yet they still did not understand.  Jesus, as God, knew everything about them, and yet He still worked to build His relationship with them by teaching, training, and being patient with them.  Sure, He got frustrated, but He never gave up on them.  He ALWAYS forgave their mistakes and their lack of faith.  That is a model that I want in all of my relationships.  It is one I attempt to be worthy of as well.  

After 30 years, she still says "I do" to working on our relationship.  After 30 years, she continues to forgive my mistakes.  As a daughter of God, she HAS to.  As my beautiful wife, I'm glad she does,  and in my own way,

I just wanna say this is my way
Of tellin' you everything
I could never say before
Yeah this is my way of tellin' you
That every day I'm lovin' you so much more...

Happy Anniversary Tammy!!!

 

 

'Til Tuesday,

Serving HIM by serving you,

Randy

Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Things Can Only Get Better" (Howard Jones)

 

Welcome to Tuesday, the best day of the week!!!  You have clicked on the blog for the insight you seek!!!  With tunes from all times and truth from The Word, you're sure to go away with your feelings all stirred.  So read on, dive in, sing along now and don't linger.  There's ideas that will cause you to scratch your head with your finger.  Thoughts nostalgic and grand all gathered on line.  Lean back, settle in, you'll really be fine.  I hope that you find this welcome to Tuesday, is engaging and fun, a reason to stay.  So let's get started, we hope you will find, things can only get better with this song in mind.

"Things Can Only Get Better" by Howard Jones from the 1985 album Dream Into Action

 

It is very difficult to find a Pop music personality like Howard Jones.  He turned 61 this year and continues to tour around the world on the popularity of his hits from the 80's.  He has been married to his wife Jan since the late 70's.  While he only had 1 top ten album in the United States, his music continues to be played at "Greatest Hits of the 80's" radio and satellite music stations.  He also has been the focus of 2 previous Tuesday's Musical Notes (Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Life In One Day" and Tuesday's Musical Notes - "No One Is To Blame").  From 1983 to 1992, Jones placed 9 singles in the top 40 and saw 3 of his albums achieve either Gold or multiplatinum sales status.  AND he did it all with some of the best hair in popular music...

"Things Can Only Get Better" is one of Jones most popular songs.  It was the first single from 1985's Dream Into Action album, which peaked on the domestic album charts at #10.  The single went to #5 on the Billboard's Hot 100 and even reached #54 on Billboard's R&B charts.  Buoyed by backup singers Afrodiziak, being on the R&B chart was astonishing as it was unheard of for a white artist in the 80's. 

"Things Can Only Get Better" is a song with an incredibly positive outlook.  Something that we needed in the 80's and could certainly use a dose of today..."and do you feel scared, I do, but I won't stop and falter"...It seems that every day we wake up to some new negative event.  Terrorism on the rise, Cultural unrest, and economic uncertainty seem to rule the headlines as we open our favorite news webpages.  Added to theses stresses there is the 2016 election for President of the United States.  Remember...we won't stop and falter.  Seems like the rest of that lyric is even more plausible...but if we throw it all away, things can only get better. 

Gone are the days of statesmen politicians who wish to serve their country and then retire to their "regular" job.  In the United States, we have developed a career class that was never intended by the founders or our constitution, the career politician.  Need proof:

Members Of The United States Congress By Longevity

This only accounts for Senators and Representatives.  If you were to look at the inner workings around Washington D.C., you would see a vast consortium of "career" folks whose role it is to support those who have been elected, or to lobby those who have been elected for the company/interest group they have been employed.  Unfortunately, this mentality of a career in politics, rather than serving our country, permeates all the way to the highest office in the land.

Never in modern history has an election for President ever been so..."interesting".  Our choice for the highest office in the land has been relegated to a businessman turned celebrity icon and a former first lady, turned career politician.    While on the face of it, these two choices have some redeeming aspects, however, given the two personalities filling these descriptions, it is incumbent upon EVERY American to do their homework as we prepare for what is undoubtedly a media circus over the next 84 days.  It is a time for each of us individually to decide the values and principles on which we are unwilling to compromise.  It is a time for us to evaluate ALL candidates, from President to dog catcher, on those values and principles.  It is a time for us to listen intensely to what is said, how it is said, and the actions that back up the comments that are said.  It is a time for us to dig into the incredible tool of the internet and decipher a candidates life philosophies.  Never before has it been SO important for Americans to know everything they can about the people running for office.  And never before has it been SO important for Americans to consider the wisdom found in the Bible regarding leaders and kings.

 

 

Proverbs 1:5 (New International Version of the Bible)- "...let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance..."

Proverbs 3:35 (NIV) - "The wise inherit honor, but fools get only 

shame."

Proverbs 9:12 (NIV) - "If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer."

Proverbs 16:12 (NIV) - "Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness."

 

Proverbs 28:2 (NIV)- "When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order."

Proverbs 28:16 (The Message Paraphrase) - "Among leaders who lack insight, abuse abounds, but for one who hates corruption, the future is bright."

 

The above passages of Scripture remind us of the wisdom and righteousness that benefits us.  Both wisdom and righteousness tend to go against our sinful nature and the natures of those we elect. Please understand that Tuesday's Musical Notes does not endorse ANY candidate.  We suggest you do your own research, then vote.  But whatever you do, do not vote blindly.  

Finally, advice for where we are as a country.  The setting is Israel during King Solomon's time.  Solomon was the wisest man to ever live.  In 2 Chronicles we see the story of the completion of the temple.  Solomon's father, King David, made sure that Solomon had all that he needed to build the temple.  Upon completion of the temple, God shows up in a mighty way.  Ultimately, He has a conversation with Solomon about what His actions will be if Israel continues to worship Him, the One True God, as well as the consequences for not being obedient.  Please read this passage:  2 Chronicles 7:11-22 NIV/The Message parallel

Embedded in this passage is an all too familiar piece of Scripture that many folks quote:  "...if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."  This passage in its context details what can happen when a NATION turns from its wicked ways.  This can only happen when INDIVIDUALS turn from their wicked ways.  In other words, things can only get better if individually we REPENT.  Repent is a Biblical phrase that means to turn.  In this case it means to turn from sin, another Biblical turn that means "fall short", and turn to the righteous life that can only be found in a relationship with Jesus, the Son of God.  Things can only get better as we grow to maturity in Jesus.  This is a process that must occur daily.  But it is the only hope we have individually and collectively in the times in which we live.  "Do you feel scared, I do, but we won't stop and falter..."

As for politics..."if we throw it all away..."

"Extreme Days" from the 2008 album Alive And Transported by Toby Mac

'Til Tuesday,

Serving HIM by serving you,

Randy

Tuesday's Musical Notes -"Once In A Lifetime" (Talking Heads)

The day it is Tuesday.  The date it is the 9th of August, 2016  Welcome.  You have entered a portal of pondering and pizzicato, a dimension of deep thought and downbeats. It's Tuesday's Musical Notes!!!  If you've been here before...well...thanks for letting the days go by... with The Notes!!!

"Once In A Lifetime" by the Talking Heads from their 1980 album Remain In Light

 

There are many musical acts who wish that they could produce only 8 studio albums and have the impact that the New York City band The Talking Heads have had.  Aided by the birth of MTV (see previous notes for rant...), The Talking Heads leveraged their quirky stage presence and even quirkier music videos to bring their eclectic musical styles to the forefront of American music.  For 16 years, The Talking Heads defined "New Wave" as they pioneered their combination of sounds into Rock-N-Roll success.  

Inducted into the Rock-N-Roll Hall of Fame in 2002, The Talking Heads have been an everyband on "Greatest" lists.  Four of their albums appear on Rolling Stones' 500 Greatest Albums of all Time.  In the 2011 update of Rolling Stones' 100 Greatest Artists of All Time, The Talking Heads come in at 100.   3 of their songs are listed on the Rock-N-Roll Hall of Fame's The Songs That Shaped Rock-N-Roll list.  Today's feature song was one of those included.

"Once In A Lifetime" never made the top 40.  In fact, it took the live version of the song to break the top 100, peaking at #91 on Billboard's Hot 100.  It's legacy however is found in lead singer David Byrne's activities in the music video.  Dressed up as a circuit evangelist circa 1950, Byrne's choreography for the video was designed by Toni Basil (1982's #1 Hit "Mickey") and inspired after watching epilepsy victims.  Again, it WAS the early days of MTV...

Lyrically, "Once In A Lifetime" questions one's ability to get the things they have acquired over their lifetime and the struggle they may have gone through to collect those items.  The inquisition comes to a conclusion that we are not unlike anyone else in our asking ("same as it ever was") and find that perhaps it was not worth the angst it took to come into possession of our loot.  

The inherent desire of man to amass "stuff" , however, is a very strong impetus to overcome.  Reality shows like "Hoarders" and even "American Pickers" are replete with men and women who have too many things.  Many times their prized "collections" have come into ruin as they haven't had time, resources or desire to clean up the mess and organize the good stuff.  Take a look around your own domicile.  Do you have items that you once thought were the "must haves" of their time, only to see them collecting dust in a corner now?  I sure do.  This is an issue that has been around for millennia.  Even Jesus came across those who had too much stuff...

The Gospel Of Jesus according to Luke:12:13-21 New International Version of the Bible/The Message Paraphrase of the Bible parallel

Recently, I have begun to notice across the landscape many new "barns" being constructed in our community.   Maybe you have as well.  They look like this:

There is no inherent issue with needing some extra space, especially if you are in a small apartment/condo, or if you have children.  This problem comes when you analyze why you need the extra space.  Is it out of necessity or out of an intense desire to not get rid of stuff you don't even use anymore? 

I've shared with you before of my love for vinyl records.  My music collection includes cds, cassettes, and my precious vinyl albums.  I have 33's, 45's, and 78's and players that will play each format.  What once was incredibly precious became a less valued commodity at the birth of our MOST precious children.  My media went the way of so many "treasures"...you guessed it, out to the garage.  At this point, we do not require an additional "barn" to store our garage stuff in, as we periodically do the time honored garage/yard sale as a sense of purging.  My wife and daughters are often perplexed as they assess the landscape of our yard sale and notice only their things have made it literally to the curb.     After all, my "stuff" has intrinsic value and is really more of an "investment"?  The stinging question comes when I'm asked if I plan to sell any of it...when the answer is "no" the intrinsic value of my stuff becomes zero, zilch, goose egg, absolutely nothing.  But I digress...alot.  Cue the redeeming Spiritual analogy...

As I pass the mini storage units that have become so prevalent in our community, I can't help but think of the rich young man in today's passage.  While his thoughts were that he would no longer have a need if he stored up his grain, his reality soon became that he had no need of ANY of his grain.  He went to the expense to build extra storage thinking he would be able to live high, wide and handsome.  The truth of the matter was that someone else was going to be the beneficiary of his extra barns. 

Don't think that the rich young man's problem was one just in Biblical times.  Look around.  "New barns" are being built all around to satisfy the desires of mankind.   These desires can spawn undesirable characteristics of selfishness and greed. Our self-centeredness can cause us to do the unthinkable.  We build extra "barns" to make sure we have enough when we could be sharing that "grain" with our community.  We don't share with others the blessings of our bounty.  We hold back from God what is His to begin with.  We lay claim to that which is not even ours.  The results...cultural unrest, hatred, jealousy, war, famine...you get the idea. 

This is not how the Creator, Who shares His entire world with us, intends for us to act as we let our days go by.  As the water is flowing underground, we are to be about caring for others.  By doing so, we stand the chance that our time will not be...same as it ever was.  The Apostle Paul had a reminder for the church at Corinth that rings extremely true in our world...  1 Corinthians 13 NIV/The Message parallel

...or, it can be same as it ever was...just building new barns that someone else gets to use.

'Til Tuesday,

Serving HIM by serving you,

Randy

Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Like A Rock" (Bob Seger)

Welcome to Tuesday!  It's your weekly dose of tunes, trivia, and the Trinity!  Thanks for being here!

It's the first of the month and that means a re-imagining of sorts from a Musical Note that only saw the emailosphere.  Welcome to the blogosphere, Tuesday's Musical Notes..."Like A Rock"!!!  

In previous Tuesday's Musical Notes, I told you about my love for Bob Seger's music.  He is absolutely in my top 5 artists to which I like to listen and collect.  He turned 71 this last May and continues to fill arenas with his hit fueled concerts.  One of the reasons Bob Seger remains popular is that stylistically and lyrically he's "Still The Same" since his original song "The Lonely One" was recorded as an acetate demo with his band The Decibels in 1961.  His 2014 release Ride Out is exactly what Bob Seger fans expect from this veteran rocker.  Seger has stated that Ride Out could possibly be his last album.  After 55 years of being the image of Detroit Rock who could blame him for wanting a slower pace. 


When you saw the title of this weeks "Notes" perhaps you thought of a Chevrolet pickup.  That's because GM used Bob Seger's song "Like a Rock" for over 10 years.  It became one of the most successful marketing campaigns in history.  The song also went to #1 on the Billboard charts in 1986.  It is a song that shows a more mature, reflective side of Bob Seger and expounds on the virtue of standing strong with what you believe. 




"Like A Rock" - title track from the 1986 album by Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band

 


Awww, the good 'ol days of rock-n-roll video.  Did you know that MTV celebrated it's 35th year as a network on August 1st?  See the launch of an icon here:  

MTV rebroadcasts launch as it transitions VH1 Classic to MTV Classic 


 

MTV really didn't make a big deal about their 35th anniversary other than to transition VH1 Classic to MTV Classic.  To be  honest I don't blame them.  They are the perfect example of a company that had a really unique concept that was successful and then abandoned their "first love" so to speak.  While I totally understand the attempt to remain relevant to the culture, today MTV is a collection of reality tv shows and has less and less to do with music each passing year.  They are now transitioning the one property that still consistently showed music videos to the 90s concepts of music TV shows.  If I may insert an editorial comment...THIS STINKS!!!  Thank you, we now return to our regularly scheduled blog.  While still having some modicum of success, MTV did not remain rock solid with their core product line and have seen the decline in market share that many times comes from such straying.   

To be completely honest, I am afraid that I do the same thing with my walk with Christ.  I try to manipulate or stray from the plan for any number of reasons and wind up not having the success that He has planned for me.  I need to be more..... like a rock. 

Deuteronomy 32:4

He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is He.

2 Samuel 22:2-4

2 He said:
   “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
 3 my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, 
   my shield and the horn of my salvation.

He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—
   from violent people you save me.
 4 “I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise,
   and have been saved from my enemies. 

2 Samuel 22:32

For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God?

Psalm 31:2-4

² Turn your ear to me

   come  , quickly to my rescue;
be my rock of refuge,
   a strong fortress to save me.
³ Since you are my rock and my fortress,
   for the sake of your name lead and guide me. ⁴ Keep me free from the trap that is set for me,
   for you are my refuge.   

            

Isaiah 26:3-5

³ You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
⁴ Trust in the LORD forever,
   for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal.





  My entire life has been surrounded by music.  Mom and Dad always had a radio playing.  I can remember coming home from friends homes late at night and having the radio on WSM out of Nashville.  We sang at church as a family.  I was involved in band and choir at Bald Knob High (Go Bulldogs!!) and in band and choir at THE University of Arkansas (Go Hogs!!!)  Music remained a part of my life as I worked in retail.  I always seemed to be in charge of the parts of the stores that sold music.  I firmly believe that God created music for man to enjoy and use as a tool of worship. Across the globe, millions utilize this precious gift to bring honor to God as they enhance their worship with music

Part of God's blessing to man is that He creates each of us different.  We all have our areas that we are passionate about.  Mine happens to be music.  It may or may not be yours, but if you are a believer, then you have specific gifts and talents that you should hone and become very strong in so that you may complete the good works that God has already planned to be done.  Our diversity of gifts is what completes us as a the body of Christ.



Romans 12:4-8 (NIV)
⁴ For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, ⁵ so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. ⁶ We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; ⁷ if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; ⁸ if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.


1 Corinthians 12:12-31 NIV/The Message parallel



You may have noticed a recurring theme in the Bible passages at the middle of today's blog.  Each speaks of our relationship with God as one in which we can depend.    He never changes.  He is the One we can stand upon or lean upon and know with confidence we will not falter as long as we are relying on Him.  He is something solid.....like a rock.


The new school year begins for many within the next couple of weeks.  Will you join me in praying that our students will be firm in their convictions for Christ?  Will you partner with me in praying for our administrators, school employees,  and teachers who claim Christ as Savior?  Will you stand beside me as we pray that Christ will be lifted up in the lives of our friends and relatives who will be attempting to be lighthouses in their respective educational environments?  



Help me pray for them to stand strong as they can be...like a rock.

'Til Tuesday,

Serving Him by serving you,
Randy