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.
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...
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/
"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
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