Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Drive" (The Cars)

Good Tuesday to ya friend!  Welcome to the place where you know you always can find good music and occasionally thought provoking commentary.  Let's face it, we're not hard hitting news.  If you want that...well does that even exist anymore...sorry I digress.  Welcome to the place where melodious themes and Messianic thought collide.  Even if they're not supposed to.  Welcome to Tuesday and Tuesday's Musical Notes!!!  We're glad you're here!  Now lets put on our sweaters and sneakers and journey to a land that is one of our favorite neighborhoods that's really closer than you may think...the 80's!  Let's Go!!!

"Drive" by the Cars from the 1984 album Heartbeat City

In 1984, Ronald Reagan was elected President of the United States for a second term.  George Orwell's book did not seem quite as prophetic as it did when originally published in 1949.  Katy Perry, Scarlett Johansson, Ryan Lochte, and LeBron James were brought into this world.  William Powell, Meredith Wilson (Tuesday's Musical Notes - "It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas"), Marvin Gaye, Ethel Merman, and Count Basie all left this world.  Ghostbusters (Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Ghostbusters") is released at the theater and Born In The U.S.A. is released by Bruce Springsteen.  Also, the highest charting single from the band, The Cars (1976-1988, 2010-present) debuts from the album Heartbeat City.

Peaking at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 is a single that is not stylistically one that would be associated with the normal Rock for which the Cars had garnered their success.  "Drive" would lean heavily on the synth pop sound that was popular among New Wave, experiential bands of the 80's.  Bassist Benjamin Orr, who would die of pancreatic cancer in 2000, took the lead on this song as he had done with the Cars signature hits, "Just What I Needed" and "Let's Go".  The slower pace and beautiful melodies were quite the departure from the raucous sounds that the Cars had exhibited on previous singles.  

With a video directed by actor Timothy Hutton (TNT's Leverage,  TAPS, The Falcon and the Snowman), "Drive" quickly found its way into heavy rotation at MTV.  Lead guitarist/singer Rick Ocasek and his future wife actress/model Paulina Porizkova (Her Alibi) were featured in the video as a couple on the verge of a breakup seemingly because she was on the verge of a breakdown. 

"Drive" is a song literally filled with questions.  It asks so many questions that it almost becomes an interrogation.  Written by Ocasek, the song makes the supposition that the singer is the answer to all of those questions and the solution for the sadness through which the listener is going.  It makes a statement throughout the song by proclaiming, "You can't go on thinking, nothing's wrong"  begging the listener to own up to the situation they find themselves.

Often times we find ourselves in situations that are "interesting" if not seemingly hopeless.  Who drives you home at those times?  Your answer really does depend on one of two scenarios.

As we travel through our lives, our decisions, our goals, our dreams are all shaped by our world view.  The Notes has covered  the diametrically opposed world view positions in which you can choose on several occasions (Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Reach Out (I'll Be There), Tuesday's Musical Notes - "All I Wanna Do", Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Winter Wonderland").  We have challenged you to make a choice on what foundation you choose to base your life.  But one thing doesn't seem clear in previous notes.  Today's song, challenges the listener to identify what the truth in her life is.  Have we determined that in our own lives?

In the days of the internet, it is growing increasing difficult to determine what sources we should use when we wish to know truthful information.  Much is being said  in our current climate about "fake"news.  How can we determine what is really the truth as we navigate the nuances of our daily lives.  Is truth a relative thing or is it static.  Is truth something that is wishy washy or is it something we can depend on when the chips are down.  We must find the answer to the age old question "What is truth?"

In recent years especially, we have attempted to bend over backwards to make sure we are not offensive.  "Indians" are now "Native Americans".   Black folks are now "African Americans".  (Honestly, most of my black friends have NEVER traced their lineage back to Africa, they just want to be Americans)  "Short" people are height challenged.  Does this seem as ridiculous to you as it does to me?  In the words of the great McCartney..."Let It Be".  We have allowed ourselves to be desensitized against calling things what they are, or have always been called.  This smacks of a moral relativism that is pervasive in our culture.  But not just in our culture, it exists in the modern day church as well.

If you were to poll regular church goers under the age of 30 on topics such as abortion, gay marriage, drug and alcohol usage and other "hot button" political as well as moral issues,  I think you would get a wide array of responses that would average closer to the "its okay with me" and "I don't see what's wrong with it" type of answer.  In fact, the responses would trend towards what many "olders" would consider a very morally relativistic world view.  How has this happened?  Who's gonna pick you up when you break?

Most of these same folks would agree with the statement that the Bible is true, however, they have never really "rightly divided the Word of truth" on their own to determine what it says about above said topics.  This situation is compounded by the fact that for a decade or more, some churches avoided teaching the great stories of the Bible and how they apply to our lives.  "Who's gonna tell you when its too late"

For those with a world view that is Biblically based, faith is the main component.  Faith dictates that what the Bible says about itself being true, is true.  For example, Psalm 119:160 NKJV/CEV says that God's Word, the Bible is truth. As does, John 17:17 NKJV/CEV, and  James:1:17 NKJV/CEV  Jesus affirms truth when He makes this statement about Himself:  John 14:6 NKJV/CEV

For those who hold a world view not based in the Bible, faith is also the main influencer.  Whether they realize it or not, the "world" world view holder must have enough faith to believe the Bible is NOT the source for truth.  This allows for truth to be whatever it wants in an individuals life.  Truth becomes relative, as do convictions regarding some of the aforementioned "hot button" topics so easily debated on social media.

What does all this mean?  It means that if you proclaim the name of Jesus as the Savior of your life, the Bible should be the ONLY truth that you believe.  It is not relative or fluid when it comes to topics of the day.  It takes a solid stand on those issues which wind up being not very popular, perhaps even to the point of being offensive.  For example, The Bible says in regard to abortion:  Exodus 20:13 NKJV/CEV, Psalm 139:13-14 NKJV/CEV, in regard to recreational drug/alcohol use:  Ephesians 5:18-20 NKJV/CEV, Galatians 5 NKJV/CEV, Proverbs 25:28 NKJV/CEV, 1 Peter 1:13 NKJV/CEV and in regard to sexual sin (including homosexuality, pre marital sex, extramarital sex) I Corinthians 5 NKJV/CEV, 1 Corinthians 6 NKJV/CEV, Ephesians 5:3-4 The Message/ESV parallel

Find a topic that is viral on social media and the Bible has a statement of truth regarding it.  I challenge you today friend to search for yourself.  You may not like what the truth says about your specific sin. It does not make it true just because you don't like it. You may very well be offended.  GOOD, that means you have not hardened your heart to the sin that Holy Spirit is pointing out to you.  There is something you can do about it.  Repent, Believe, Receive.  

Repent. Turn away from what the Bible has revealed to you as sin in your life.  Repentance is an act that should happen DAILY for believers.  Believe that Jesus is THE way, THE truth, and The life and everything else He said He was.  Then receive Him into your heart as the Lord of your life.  Make Jesus the BOSS of your life as a pastor friend of mine was very fond of saying.  

Friend, you can't go on with a world view that says "nothing's wrong".  That is a lie from the pit of Hell (a topic of truth for another time).  Who's gonna come around when you break? So who's gonna drive you home?

"Me and Becky" by Chris Rice from the 2003 album Run the Earth, Watch the Sky

'Til Tuesday,

Serving HIM by serving you,

Randy

Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Voices Carry" (Til Tuesday)

Welcome to Tuesday!!!  My how the month has flown!  It certainly has been an eventful January!  The Falcons and the Patriots have punched their Super Bowl tickets in some pretty impressive displays over their opponents.  Many folks begin the process of preparing  what my Aunt Bea, her name was actually Vera (wouldn't you go by "Bea" as well?), used to call her "Infernal Revenue Service" papers together so she could be ready for tax season.

And then there was the Inauguration of a new President.  Welcome to Tuesday!!!

"Voices Carry" - title track to the 1985 album by 'Til Tuesday

You may have noticed when reading Tuesday's Musical Notes that the signature good bye is "'Til Tuesday".  I can't take the credit for any originality for that sign off as the fact is I took it from the name of the 80's band, 'Til Tuesday.  The band 'Til Tuesday was a simple New Wave combo that stayed on the charts for 21 weeks, peaking at #8, with today's feature song, "Voices Carry".  The band produced albums from 1985-1988 and then broke up as lead singer Aimee Mann developed her solo career.  "Voices Carry" would be their biggest hit and cause many to consider the band to be a one-hit wonder.  

The song speaks about the oppression felt in a one sided relationship.  With Mann's exquisite vocal chops as a backdrop, the lyric expresses the overwhelming desire to reveal the love she feels for her partner.  He wants to hear nothing of it and begins the process of trying to silence her.   "Keep it down now, voices carry."  This defines the relationship until, at least in the video, Mann's character gets discontented enough with her situation that at the most inopportune moment she reveals the domination by which she has been under.  

Flash forward to 2017 and to the inauguration of President 45.

We live in a time where if you think something, it seems to wind up on Facebook, Instagram, twitter, etc.  Sometimes these social media outlets can be great tools, other times...not so much.  If you need evidence of this just take a look at ANY post having to do with the recent election and inauguration of Donald J. Trump as President of the United States.  

Tuesday's Musical Notes remains vigilant in being a voice for truth, justice, and the American way and will never endorse ANY candidate, that simply is not our purpose.  We however must call to attention the well intentioned among us who may find themselves regretting some of the rhetoric, ON BOTH SIDES OF THE DEBATE, regarding the recent election.  

"With great power comes great responsibility".  Never have more truer words been spoken (by Spider-man or during the French Revolution as some historians claim (quoteinvestigator.com)) than what we have evidenced recently.  Given the current context, the phrase might read, "With a great platform to speak, comes great responsibility"  In other words, watch what you say...Voices Carry.

It is troubling to hear the vitriol that fills most social media.  The election seems to have brought many things to a head that were boiling just underneath the surface.  Add to that the exposure that a viral video might have as a partner in the process and you have what could really amount to a full blown misunderstanding.  I seriously doubt that Madonna really has wanted to blow up the White House, however, SHE DID SAY IT.  Regardless of whether it was in the "heat of the moment" or taken out of context, someone with the platform like Madonna's should actually know better as should anyone who suggested or perpetrated violence during this or any inauguration day celebration.  On the flip side, if you follow President Trump's twitter account, (really how can you tell intent without facial expression, vocal inflection, and one on one conversation?)...well 'nuff said.  Be careful...Voices Carry.

Of course, the Bible says much about the personal responsibility we should take with our words.  One of the most outspoken is one particular Epistle, or letter, in the New Testament.  In light of recent events, we submit for your approval the brother of Jesus, James.

I confess that as a Christian, many times I have found the book of James to be one of the hardest books to read and study.  I say this not in the fact that the language is difficult or the symbolism is hard to understand.  This context of "hard" is a convicting emotion, a feeling that James is speaking directly to me instead of the Jewish Christians who were scattered outside of Palestine at the time of the letter's composition.  You see James, especially James 3, speaks about a struggle that is prevalent amongst pre-Christians and Christians alike. It teaches of the responsibility we have over our tongues.   Are you sure you're ready for this?  If so, click on!!!

James 3 - New King James Version of the Bible/The Message Paraphrase of the Bible parallel

This chapter causes a memory from the deep recesses of my brain.  I can see it through the fog...a building...a Sunday School teacher...Can you hear the children's chorus?  "Oh be careful little mouths what you say. Oh be careful little mouths what you say.  For the Father up above is looking down in love, oh be careful little mouths what you say."

"A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it!" (James 3:5 The Message paraphrase)

"This is scary: You can tame a tiger, but you can’t tame a tongue—it’s never been done. The tongue runs wild, a wanton killer. With our tongues we bless God our Father; with the same tongues we curse the very men and women he made in his image. Curses and blessings out of the same mouth!"  (James 3:7-10 The Message)

If you call yourself a Christian, beware.  You have a responsibility that you may not even realize.  James tells us in chapter 3 that we are not exempt from our words being problems.  What you say does make a difference.  What you say is heard by someone. How you speak, audibly or in 144 characters or less, gets listened to and read.  James is no respecter of persons.  Remember he is writing to Christians!!!

So the next time you decide to write, speak, tweet, etc., think about who might be on the receiving end of that diatribe or elucidation.  You have the power to tear down or build up, literally at the tips of your fingers or at the end of your tongue.  That is powerful...and with great power comes great responsibility...or perhaps in Madonna's case, a secret service investigation.

Yes, I get it.  I've taken the whole song out of context and placed it neatly into a form that fits my agenda. But that never, ever happens in the media you read...does it?   Hush, keep it down now, Voices Carry...

"Words" by Hawk Nelson from the 2013 album Made

'Til Tuesday,

Serving HIM by serving you,

Randy

  

Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Right Here, Right Now" (Jesus Jones)

Welcome to Tuesday and another edition of Tuesday's best blog.  Surgeon's General warning that reading Tuesday's Musical Notes my cause instantaneous bursts of laughter, immediate smiles on the face, and an innate desire to bring more joy into the world. Plus, reading The Notes each week can be habit forming.  No need to see your physician however, just keep hitting the archives.  You'll find them on the right side of the screen at tuesdaysmusicalnotes.blogspot.com.  And now on with the show!!!

Welcome again!  You've made it passed the intro and now your into your second paragraph.  Quite honestly, there is no other place that I'd rather be...que the video...

"Right Here, Right Now" by Jesus Jones from the 1991 album Doubt

Band biography to hook you into reading more - Jesus Jones rode the waves of the second British Invasion as alternative acts from across the pond made a huge impact on American radio.  Jesus Jones joined bands like Pulp, Blur, Oasis, EMF, Pop Will Eat Itself, and Ned's Atomic Dustbin as the alternative and grunge sound enveloped the 90s.  All the while reimagining a sound that had its birth in 60's punk and garage bands.  

The 2nd of  11 albums (including eps (extended play singles) and compilation discs) our feature song comes from Jesus Jones most commercially successful album Doubt.  "Right Here, Right Now" was the  biggest single from the album, peaking at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in July of 1991, coming in just behind Tuesday's Musical Notes - "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You"  The album was put together in 7 days in May of 1990, but due to engineering and production, the album was delayed by Food Records, Jesus Jones label, until the beginning of 1991.  "Right Here, Right Now' was released as a single in September of 1990, propelling Doubt to #25 on the Billboard Hot 100 album chart.  The album was unique in that it came with its own warning label: 

 "Warning This album contains extreme sounds which could damage musical equipment when played at high volume

Thought to be a reference to track 11, "Stripped", the curiosity associated with this warning spurred sales on even more as folks were determined to discover why it needed such a cautioning.   The Notes suspects that damage to musical equipment DID occur when played at high volumes.  Even with this warning label, the band has thought of Doubt as being an album about hope, optimism and enjoying everything around you. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doubt_(album))

"Right Here, Right Now" exemplifies the optimism by which the rest of the album portends.  It speaks of being alive and waiting for this very moment.  It doesn't worry about the past, nor does it express concern over the future.  It expresses an ecstasy at being "right here, right now, there is no other place I'd rather be."

That phrase seems to declare a contentment that is beyond reasoning.  It just so happens that the Bible speaks to this in some detail. (Cue Bible content)

One of the most overused, out of context passages of all Scripture is Phillipians 4:13.  Say it with me, "I can do all thing through Christ who gives me strength."  It seems that everyone, Christian and preChristian alike have used this passage as a "go to" in times of stress.  Please don't get me wrong, I too have used this passage on countless occasions as a source of inspiration and encouragement when facing a seemingly insurmountable task.  However, when quoting this passage out of its context, we take away its full meaning.

First of all, we must realize a relationship with Jesus Christ is a must before asking Him to provide strength for any situation.  We must realize that all of us have sinned. Sin is the wrong things we have done in our lives.  It is an archery term that literally means "missing the target".  Yes all of us have targets that we have missed in our lives  "All" is a pretty inclusive word meaning...ALL.  That includes me AND it includes you.  Every thing has consequences.  The Bible says that the consequence for our missing the target is separation from God...forever.  Trust me, this is not what you want to have happen after your physical body ceases to exist.  

Because you see, there is an eternal component of man called a soul.  Your soul will live somewhere after your body dies.  There are only 2 choices to that somewhere.  Your soul will be where God is, or it will be where God is not.  This sounds like a very hopeless situation.  How can someone who has missed the target ever be with God forever.  Thank goodness our eternal destination is not dependent on ANY physical activity we can do.  

The victory over our deficiencies has already been won.  Jesus died as a consequence to our sin.  He paid the debt for our shortcomings.  He made a way for us to be with God forever when we die.  He did this in the most horrific manner of torturous death that has ever been invented in human history.  

He did not remain dead, however.  After 3 days in a tomb that was sealed by the government,  Jesus was restored to life.  He was seen by many folks.  They testified to who He was and the fact that He was alive.  After His resurrection, he continued to teach His disciples and then was seen being taken up into the heavens.  He promised His disciples that He would return for them and take them to heaven if they remained faithful.  THAT is where we come in.  

We MUST believe the narrative of Jesus.  We MUST believe the Bible is truth. Not one of many "truths", but THE truth.   We MUST believe that Jesus is preparing a place for those who believe in Him and follow His commands.  We MUST believe He is coming again to take His disciples to be with God forever.  This belief, this faith if you will, is all that is necessary for us to be with God for eternity.  Those that believe this will follow Jesus example and teachings as they live a life of loving God and loving others.  

Secondly, read the ENTIRE chapter ofhttps://Phillipians Chaper 4 New International Version of the Bible/The Message Paraphrase of the Bible parallel  Go ahead, click the link.  We'll be waiting for you.

Did you read it?  So...what did you think about the 2 verses BEFORE Phillipians 4:13.  That's right.  Verse 11-12.  It says, "11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." (emphasis mine)  Did you get that?  Verse 11 is speaking of being content, right here and right now, no matter the circumstances that verse 12 is about to detail.  I don't know about you, but I find it difficult to be contented when there is more month than money or when, to borrow a phrase from Phil Collins, the roof is leaking and the wind is howling.  Christ gives us strength to be content, even in the face of insurmountable situations to which we have usually placed ourselves.  Paul is saying that the strength to be content regardless of our situation is what Christ can provide.  Please don't get me wrong.  Jesus provides strength, wisdom, and courage for other parts of our life, but I don't think this is what the apostle was addressing to the Philippian church.  He was encouraging them to find contentment "right here, right now" and he was letting them know that the only way to do this was through the strength of Jesus.  

This kind of contentment can only be achieved by a DAILY walk with Jesus.  Read His Word.  Converse with Him through prayer.  Listen for His voice.  There is no other place I'd rather be...

"Til Tuesday

Serving HIM by serving you,

Randy

Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Walking In Memphis" (Marc Cohn)

Hi there!!!  Welcome to Tuesday!  Time to get back into a normal routine after the holidays!  Thanks for making Tuesday's Musical Notes a part of that routine.  We look forward to your visit each week and hope you find it engaging, enlightening, and encouraging!!  Let's get started, shall we?

Full disclosure:  Today's Musical Notes are a reprint from our email archive.  Some of Tuesday's Musical Notes best moments are found in the early emails that were sent to friends and family.  Today is one of those Notes.  The feature song is near to our heart as well as near to our location.  It documents a journey by writer Marc Cohn when he was struggling to gain success as a musician.

Marc Cohn's  pilgrimage to Memphis to discover musical roots became the autobiographical song that we highlight today.  Unlike many "story" songs, none of the characters or places in this song are fictional.  W.C. Handy was a composer and musician known as "The Father Of The Blues".  Next, there was Elvis...need we say more?   Reverend Green is Al Green, soul artist turn Gospel artist/pastor at the Full Gospel Tabernacle Church in Memphis.  And there was a Muriel, who played piano at the Hollywood.  Her name was Muriel Wilkins and she played at the Hollywood Cafe, in Robinsonville, Mississippi.  Marc Cohn did perform with her one evening during his trip to the south, ending the set with "Amazing Grace" one of the few songs in the set with which Cohn had a vague familiarity. Due to his Jewish background, Cohn's "gospel" experience had been extremely limited.    Unfortunately, Muriel passed away 5 months before she would see the song about her spend 23 weeks in Billboard's Hot 100, peaking at #13. 

 The focus/inspiration of Marc Cohn's signature song is this visit to Memphis.  He strolled the streets and after his "gospel in the air" experiences with Al Green and Muriel Wilkins Cohn found himself so energized and awakened that it felt as if his feet weren't touching the ground as he walked, figuratively walking with his feet ten feet off of Beale street.  

 "Walking In Memphis" by Marc Cohn from his eponymous 1991 album

I actually got to see Marc Cohn perform "Walking In Memphis" in 1992.  I was at a sales convention and it was just after he won the Grammy for Best New Artist that year.  It was a simple show,  just him and a piano and it was very good.  He has added 7 (including live and compilations)  albums since his self titled debut, but none of his songs have ever caught the commercial acclaim that "Walking In Memphis" did.  

He has however, had a very interesting "walk".  He married ABC news journalist Elizabeth Vargas in 1999  and in 2005 was shot in the head during a carjacking incident in Denver after a concert.  He survived the carjacking and after a period of convalescence continues to tour.  He and Vargas divorced in 2016.  He has seen "Walking In Memphis", successfully covered by Cher and the country group Lonestar while his version of the song continues to be popular on many radio stations nationwide.

Walk is a verb that can be used with or without an object.  It can be used as a part of a verb phrase such as "walk off", or "walk out".  It can be used as a noun to describe a person's character or life standards, their "walk" .  "Walk through" or "take a walk" are both examples of how the word can be used as an idiom. You have probably heard that the ultimate test of multitasking has been the ability to chew gum and walk at the same time.  Most movies about pirates include at least one scene of "walking the plank".  As you can see this particular four letter word has many applications. One of which we would like to explore in a bit more detail.  

According to Biblegateway.com, the word "walk", or one of it's derivatives, is used 390 times in the King James Version of the Bible.  Its first use is found in Genesis 3:8  where God is portrayed as "walking" through the Garden of Eden.  The final time it is found is in Revelation 21:24 KJV where the nations of the saved "shall walk" in the light of God's glory.  I think it is exquisite that this word is found at the beginning of time and all throughout scripture to the ending of time.  The Beginning, walking in the Garden, to the end, walking in Heaven.  

Every person has a life path, a walk if you will, that they travel.  While sometimes it may be easy to think of your own walk as lacking adventure, others may very well envy you for the life you have.  Many of the 390 times God uses the word "walk" in His Word, He uses it in conjunction with persons of great faith, describing them as having "walked" with Him.  Enoch's walk with God was so faithful, that God took him to heaven without experiencing death (Genesis 5:24 KJV).  Noah's walk with God was so devoted, that he spent over 100 years of his life (Noah lived to be 950) to build a structure that would withstand a world wide flood.  (Genesis 5-7 KJV) 

As we continue through the Bible, we see time and again, men and women who show their faith in God by the way they live their lives.  The ultimate example was Jesus, who was God in human form.  ( Isaiah 9:6 KJV "a child is born, a son is given" the duality of Jesus' personhood (emphasis mine)) The patriarchs pointed towards Him, the apostles learned from Him, and eternity is being prepared by Him.   He lived out the good works that God called Him to do because He was obedient to the Father's will.   As Christians we are in Christ as God calls us to serve our fellow man.  Our nature is such that we would not serve anyone, were it not for the strength and power we get from being in Jesus.    This service is not just towards our Christian brothers and sisters.  We are called to serve everyone.  Sometimes this may mean a sacrifice that we don't understand.  Is that faith?  If you would like to know more about how to be "in Christ", start by reading the New Testament in the Bible.  Find a version that you find easy to understand, (the New International Version (NIV), New American Standard Bible (NASB), and Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) are all good translations for you to discover what we are talking about)

Ephesians 2:10 KJV speaks about the walk we should have in Christ.  The NIV translation puts it this way:  

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Notice Paul relates that God has prepared works for us to do.  He has done the prep work for us, now we have to go out in our "walk" and perform the work.  As His handiwork you were created for specific things.  Nothing is random in God's universe.  He has prepared the resources, the situation, and YOU for specific activities.  No one can do it like you can.  

My dad and I once had a conversation about our chosen professions. (He was a barber, I was a retail store manager) I had come to the realization that God had called me to serve others through what my job was.  At that time it wasn't a vocational ministry, but, as I shared with dad, I felt called to it as strongly as if I had been called to the vocational setting of a church.  I continued to share that I thought God called each of us to our jobs to which he replied, "Son, I don't think God called me to be behind this barber chair my whole life."  I was a little shocked by this statement from my father as this was the first time I had ever heard him speak negatively about his job and I replied, "Dad, do you realize the lives that you have touched in this barber shop?"  (To this day, I still have people  tell me the impact that my father had on them.)  After he reflected on what I had to say, he replied, "I really had never thought of it that way".  My father was the smartest man I think I will ever have the privilege to know.  What may have seemed to be a "got one up on the old man" moment, wound up being a precious memory and learning experience for the both of us.   

God prepares the timing, the situation, the people around us, and even prepares us to go about and impact the lives of others.  Our responsibility in this is to be faithful to go about our walk, regardless of where it takes us.  Our walk could take us to fairgrounds to prepare a meal and share a message, it could cause us to briefly pray for that cashier who seems to be having a rough day.  As a worship leader, I would be remiss if I did not mention that our walk could take us into the choir loft or the worship band at a local church.   It could also take us to the apartments across the street to make new friends and build relationships or to a feeding unit on the other side of the world to impact hunger for the day and impact the world for a lifetime.  And it could very well lead to the vocation that impacts lives unbeknownst to us.   Our response to all of this preparation?  YES!!!  I'll do it! 

So friend, what is your background?  What has God allowed you to do in your life that has prepared you for a moment such as this?  Do you consider your skills and talents gifts for you to use in service of others?  

You never know, God may be preparing you to take His message and do a little "Walking In Memphis" of your own.

"Walk And Talk" by Keith Green from the 1987 album, The Ministry Years: 1977-1979

'Til Tuesday

Serving HIM by serving you,

Randy