Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Suspicious Minds" (Elvis Presley)

Welcome to Tuesday and Tuesday's Musical Notes!!!  We're so honored that you and folks all over the world have joined us today!  In fact, Tuesday's Musical Notes are read every week via email and on the world wide web in countries like Vietnam, Russia, United Arab Emirates, Argentina, and here in the United States of America.  We're glad you're here as a community of folks who love music!  We hope each week you learn about your favorite artists and perhaps a little bit about yourself in the process!!!  So let's let the music and musings begin with this week's entry into Tuesday's Musical Notes canon!!!  

Here we go!!!

It seems every day we are bombarded with a cacophony of sounds by talking heads who are having conversations regarding the latest trending topic.   Sometimes it is congenial, other times...not so much.  Why is that?  We are all a part of 1 race, the human race.  (Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Black and White") Yes, we come from different cultural backgrounds and different geographical areas but do our discussions have to predominantly be filled with criticism, vitriol, and disagreement?  I think that there is a reason behind all of this.  It boils down to one thing really.  Since the Garden of Eden incident, we as a race of human beings have been caught in a trap...


The song was originally written and recorded by Mark James whose single was a commercial failure.  It was then handed to Elvis Presley by producer Chip Moman who was attempting to get Elvis to record at American Sound Studio in Memphis.  The ploy was successful as Elvis recorded his From Elvis in Memphis album at the studio in January and February of 1969.  

Released in August of 1969, "Suspicious Minds"  would be Elvis Presley's 18th and last #1 song on US charts. Elvis' release also would be named #91 on Rolling Stone Magazine's Greatest Songs of All Times.  It would come at a time of reentry for Presley as he had stopped touring for seven years to devote time to his movie roles.  The song would come on the heels of NBC's December 1968's Singer Presents...ELVIS (later referred to as the '68 Comeback Special) and cement Presley with a rebirth in the music business.  

Subsequently, Elvis Presley was back in folks' minds with new music and a new tour as he set attendance records in Las Vegas for 4 weeks performing 2 times a day (except Monday).  For his Vegas show's Colonel Parker (Elvis' manager) put together a group that would later become known as the TCB band.  This band would feature some incredible players and backup singers which included The Imperials (later a top-selling Christian Contemporary group) and on bass guitar Jerry Scheff, father of Jason Scheff (bassist and vocalist for the band Chicago from 1985-2016...you had to know if there was a Chicago connection, I'd work it in...)  

"Suspicious Minds," tells the story of a couple who can't seem to get over mistrust in their relationship.  Past associations keep getting in the way of complete assurance in their current relations causing suspicion.  This makes for a disingenuous atmosphere any time they are attempting to be closer.  It escalates to the point that she doesn't believe a word he's sayin'.  

This relationship seems very sad in a myriad of ways.  Sad that because 2018 minds don't seem to be any different than 1969 minds which don't seem to be any different than minds in like...ever!!!  

Suspicion and cynicism run rampant through relationships daily.  This is exacerbated by a media that misses the mark almost as much as they report accurately.  Just about the time we think we have a reliable source for information, we have to slam on the brakes and cry out "Whoa Nelly!!!" and then analyze every jot and tittle of the information for the slightest ounce of impropriety.  The most notable of late is what we see almost daily in "news" outlets, "informational" conduits, and programming.  It has gotten to the point that if we haven't seen information with our own eyes or heard it with our own ears, we call it into question.  I suspect that we have finally seen the anarchy that is the natural result of asking the question "what is truth?"

The melee in which we find ourselves is nothing new.  As stated, suspicious minds started in the Garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve betrayed each other and the rest of the perfect world in which they were the guardians.  Never again, could a human trust another human to be fully dependable in their actions.  

One would expect believers in the perfect Jesus to be exempt from this uncertainty.  But a scanning of the scriptures in the New Testament shows just how quickly even the redeemed can have suspicious minds. 

Welcome back to the stage our friend Paul!

We find Paul in the town of Ephesus (yep, he writes a letter to the church in this town as well, you guessed it...Ephesians).  According to bible.org, he was ministering the Word to the folks in Ephesus when he got the news that there were suspicious minds in Corinth.  He pens a letter of rebuke and encouragement to this group of believers telling them... STOP!!!  


You see,  friend, we shouldn't be surprised when folks who haven't yet believed in Jesus fight among themselves in disrespectful and unkind ways.  Paul, however, was surprised to hear of believers acting in this manner.  While believers will never be perfect this side of heaven, they should be striving for unity among all people, especially those who claim Jesus as The Way, The Truth, and The Life.  Paul calls this "cultivating a life in common" (The Message paraphrase, v. 10)  The motivation for cultivating a life in common is realizing that " Everything that we have—right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start—comes from God by way of Jesus Christ" (The Message, v. 30)  

So how, as a believer, do we navigate conversations with folks who have a predisposition to having a suspicious mind?  How do we "cultivate a life in common" with those in which we have nothing in common? How can we be conduits of truthful information in a manner that is pleasing to God and is peculiar for our society?  Paul has some more encouragement as he writes to the Ephesian church:  Paul's Letter to the Ephesian Church, chapter 4, verses 30-32 NIV/The Message/ESV  

The Apostle Peter also has some advice:  1 Peter: 2 NIV/The Message/ESV

And in the event you encounter someone (believer or not) who wishes to engage you in an "excitable" debate, here's some counsel based on the experience of Job (In the Old Testament found usually after the story of Esther and before the Psalms):


Disagreement is one of the results of disobedience in the Garden.  There is a colloquialism that suggests that we should choose to "agree to disagree".  I'm not sure I'm down with that.  We should always find ourselves on the side of unity.  We've discussed this before.  Tuesday's Musical Notes - "We Just Disagree"  

The key is how we go about this disagreement and how we go about resolving conflict in a manner that provides for unification.  This can be done through mutual respect, kindness, and civility.  This shows the world WHOSE we are.  This shows the world HOW life can be.  This shows the world what UNITY truly means.  

In our conversations and discussions, we must put on the mind of Jesus, we must have an air of civility and love, and we must strive for unity and fight for relationships because... we can't go on together with suspicious minds and we can't build our dreams on suspicious minds...

Thank ya...thank ya very much!!!

'Til Tuesday,

Serving HIM by serving You,
randy









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Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Tuesday's Musical Notes - "I Can See Clearly Now" (Johnny Nash)

Welcome to Tuesday and Tuesday's Musical Notes!  Today we feature the final portion of "Blinded - a Tuesday's Musical Notes Trilogy".  Today...episode 6- "Gone are the Dark Clouds".  Through this trilogy, we hope you have enjoyed remembering some great music and getting to know a personality from history a little better in the process as well.  Let's get started because, as we look straight ahead, there's nothing but blue skies...


I have always loved this song!!!  I'm not sure if it is the beat or the incredible (and in my opinion) spiritual lyrics that  cause my ears to perk up every time I hear its opening chord patterns.  It is one of those songs that seems to only be played during the summer, which is a shame as it's inspirational message needs to be heard regardless of the season.

It stayed at #1 on the charts for 4 weeks and was certified "gold" the year of its release. It has such an air of infectious positivity about it that you can't help but get inspired by its lyrics and its cool reggae sounds.  The musical groove was so good that it has inspired over 50 artists to include it in their repertoire.   The most notable is the cover by reggae singer Jimmy Cliff who went as high as #18 with the song for the 1993 movie that chronicled the adventures of the first Jamaican Olympic bobsled team.


Singer/songwriter Johnny Nash had quite the career.  Not only did he have a successful solo career, but he was an actor and went on to create 2 record labels.  His first JODA, would sign the group The Cowsills to their first record contract.  The second would be JAD.  He created this label while in Jamaica with his girlfriend who had family in the area.  JAD  would be the first to sign Bob Marley and the Wailers.  Unfortunately, none of the JAD label Wailers' singles achieved success and the group that would bring Reggae to popularity would later sign with another label.  

"I can see clearly now, the rain is gone.  I can see all obstacles in my way.  Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind.  It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright) sunshiny day..."

Imagine what would happen if you suddenly witnessed the presence of Jesus, Son of God.  For a Pharisee named Saul, blindness ensued.  For three days he had to be led by companions anywhere he would go and he did not eat or drink anything.  For three days Saul heard voices, was shown visions of his future and had an extreme focus on the task that he was called to do.  For three days, Saul was being prepared.  Then the dark clouds disappeared.  You can read more about Saul's early adventures in episodes 4 & 5 of "Blinded - a Tuesday's Musical Notes Trilogy:


The Bible says that once Saul was baptized and his sight was restored he ate and was strengthened. I would imagine he could now see better than he had ever before.  His renewed vision gave him a laser beam focus for telling other's about restoration to God through Jesus.   Saul's energy and fervor for the Gospel message was so powerful in Damascus that his life was being threatened.  To escape, he was lowered in a basket through a window of the city wall by his new believing family and friends.  Saul then went to Jerusalem and similar events occurred.  Saul would preach the Gospel of Jesus, some would believe and follow, others were angered and out for Saul's blood.  His life was in such peril that he was led to leave Jerusalem and begin what would become one of the most evangelistic crusades in history. 
 

Acts of the Apostles chapter 13 NIV/The Message/ESV - Barnabus and Saul commissioned for missionary journey, "Saul (filled with Holy Spirit) aka Paul v. 9)

The remainder of the book of Acts details some of the remaining events of Paul's life and journeys.  He would be stoned, shipwrecked, bitten by snakes, and continually persecuted for his beliefs and preaching about those beliefs, yet his passion for the Gospel in which he encountered on the road to Damascus never wavered or waned.  The visions he saw while spending three days in blindness continued to prepare him for the struggles he would have as he preached about Jesus.  His attitude regarding it all could very possibly be summed up this way, "Oh, yes I can make it now the pain is gone. All of the bad feelings have disappeared.  Here is that rainbow I've been praying for. It's gonna be a bright sunshiny day..."    

In fact, in a letter, he wrote as an encouragement to the Philippian church, Paul says about their kindness in providing resources and relieving some of his burdens..."I’m glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess—happy that you’re again showing such strong concern for me. Not that you ever quit praying and thinking about me. You just had no chance to show it. Actually, I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. I don’t mean that your help didn’t mean a lot to me—it did. It was a beautiful thing that you came alongside me in my troubles."  (Phillippians 4:10-13 The Message) Paul's letter to the Phillippians chapter 4, verses 10-13

Notice that Paul says that he can be happy with much or little, he can be happy whether full or hungry, he can be happy with full or empty hands, not by his own strength, but by the strength of the One who provides all happiness in the first place, the One who spoke the original rainbow into existence.  

Paul is eventually beheaded in Rome at the hands of Nero as a part of Nero's persecution of Believers.  It is believed that Paul was on his 5th missionary journey when he was detained.  The latter part of his life has been depicted in a recent movie.  For context, I would recommend this movie which stars Jim Caviezel and is available now on DVD.  


So yes, we can make it now the rain is gone, but you know what?  Paul says we can make it even in the rain because we serve the One who sees all the obstacles in our way.  The clouds that blinded us have broken to reveal the strength by which we are able to be happy, content, and even the strongest emotion of being joyful, no matter what pain we may endure.  

So dear friend, is it raining where you are?  Do dark clouds shroud your ability to see. Are you in pain and feel bad?  Are their obstacles that seem to be unmovable?  Are you begging for a way to escape it all?  Perhaps you like Saul need to be blinded by the light.  

Perhaps you need to have friends guide you in the right direction and pray for and with you. Perhaps you need to have your blinders fall away through Holy Spirit's power.  Do you desire to proclaim, "Praise the Lord, I saw the Light"?  

Perhaps you need to surrender to the drawing of Holy Spirit as He is wanting to make the rainbow you've been praying for in your life.  Do you desire a bright, bright sunshiny day?

All of this is possible through the power of the Gospel of Jesus.  He is the Rainbow you've been praying for.  He is the One who creates the sky.  He is the One who gives us the strength to be content and joyful in all circumstances.  He is the One who wants to restore His relationship with you.  All you need to do is listen closely, surrender your life to Him, and look straight ahead 'cause there's nothing but blue skies...

'Til Tuesday,


Serving HIM by serving You, 
randy 

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Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Tuesday's Musical Notes - "I Saw the Light" (Hank Williams/Hank Williams Jr. and Friends/David Crowder)

Welcome to Tuesday and Tuesday's Musical Notes!  It's our favorite day of the week and you've just clicked on the blog that answers the question..." what can I do for the next few minutes?"  

 You've chosen to visit at just the right time as Tuesday's Musical Notes is in the midst of its first three-parter!  Welcome to "Blinded" a Tuesday's Musical Notes Trilogy.  Last week in Episode 4 "Blinded - Another Runner in the Night" we explored the early life of a fellow named Saul and how he was blinded by The Light.  In case you missed it, here's the link:  Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Blinded by the Light".  

 Today we welcome you to Episode 5 - "A Stranger in the Night"!  What awaits Saul as he contemplates his life without sight?  What are these strange visions he is seeing in his head?   Who is the Voice he keeps hearing? One thing you can be assured of...Saul is definitely telling folks..."I Saw the Light"

 "I Saw the Light" - Hank Williams 1948

 flash forward a few years...

 "I Saw the Light" - Hank Williams Jr. and friends from the DVD In the Hank Williams Tradition

 and just a few more years...

 "I Saw the Light/I'll Fly Away" - David Crowder Hoedown - 2013 Passion Conference

 Yes, I realize this is a bit of a departure from the popular musical fare to which readers of Tuesday's Musical Notes are accustomed as it is the very first time we feature a song that is a Gospel/Christian song instead of our usual fare of pop music's iconic songs and hits.  However, one must consider that "I Saw the Light" was one of the first crossover hits ever. 

 Released in 1948 as the "A" side of a single, (a 78 single not a 45) "I Saw the Light" was the second song that Hank Williams Sr. would record for record label MGM. His wife Audrey recorded a duet version of the song with Williams, but it was never released because according to Hank, Audrey's musical skills were not very good.  Recognizing this, Williams wrote a corresponding letter to MGM requesting the song to be held until he could get a solo recording completed.  In the interim, RCA released a version of the song with vocalist Clyde Grubbs in 1947 exposing the song to listeners.  Williams solo record would be released in September of 1948.   Even though neither of the releases was commercially successful for MGM or Williams, the song's popularity with the concert-going public setting, caused Williams to use it as a closing song at most of his live performances.  

 The song has been recorded by a myriad of artists, used in television shows and performed live as recently as the 2013 Passion Conference. (seen in the last video by Crowder). 

 Hank Williams life story is one of tragedy and has been chronicled in books as well as movies.  In fact, "I Saw the Light' was used as the title of the most recent movie about William's life with stars Tom Hiddleston (Loki from the Avengers/Thor movies by Marvel) and Elizabeth Olsen (Scarlet Witch from the Avengers movies).  

 "I Saw the Light" - Motion Picture Trailer - 2015 - Sony Pictures Classics 

 While "I Saw the Light"  has become iconic in its usage, it is very difficult to avoid its overt messaging or the fact that it was written over 70 years ago and continues to purport musical significance.   And...one would imagine that it could easily have been said by a certain Pharisee who was at a crossroads in his life...

 When we last left Saul, the Pharisee (religious rulers of the Jewish folks of the time) had just been blinded by The Light.  He could see nothing and had to be led to his destination of Damascus by his traveling companions.  The believers in Damascus had heard of this persecutor of the church's impending arrival and were afraid and very unsure of what to do.  During his 3 days of blindness, however, Saul began having visions about someone who would show him what to do next.  Through those 3 days of blindness, his life was changed forever.  This poses the question, "If God made Saul blind to change his life, What will He have to do to get our attention and change our lives forever?"  

 We pick up our story in the book of the Bible called The Acts of the Apostles.  This book records the early interactions of Christians as they told the good news about Jesus redemption of mankind.  (The Gospel) It focuses on the disciples (Jesus inner circle of students) who were telling everyone they encountered to repent (turn away) from their sin and turn toward Jesus and his salvation.  Let's let Dr. Luke, the writer of The Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts continue the story...

 Acts of the Apostles 9:9-18 New International Version of the Bible/The Message Paraphrase of the Bible/English Standard Version of the Bible parallel

 So a stranger, named Ananias cautiously came to Saul in his "night".  Saul had been listening to The Voice about what would be happening during this "night".  Saul humbly accepted his plight and awaited the time when Ananias would arrive.  Saul found humbleness and patience was a difficult thing for one who had trained as a Pharisee of Pharisees.  Imagine the things that were racing through Saul's mind.  Imagine the pride that had to be stripped away for his heart to get to a humble enough condition to accept the help that he needed in his blindness, both physical and spiritual.  Imagine the thoughts of his companions as they see the changes taking place in Saul's life right before their eyes.  Imagine the anticipation that Saul had for Ananias' arrival.  

 God had told Saul that his sight would be restored.  God told Saul that he would be used to take the Gospel message of Jesus' redemption to the non-Jewish (Gentile) world.  In a matter of 3 days, Saul was prepared to do just that.    The Bible says that upon Ananias' arrival, consequent laying on hands, and proclamation of Jesus, Saul's sight was restored and he immediately went to be baptized, following the example that Jesus had set.  (The Gospel of Jesus according to the disciple Matthew, Chapter 3, verses 13-17 NIV/The Message/ESV, The Gospel of Jesus according to Mark, Chapter 1, Verses 9-11 NIV/The Message/ESV, The Gospel of Jesus according to Dr. Luke, Chapter 3, Verses 21-22 NIV/The Message/ESV, The Gospel of Jesus according to the disciple John, Chapter 1, Verses 29-33 NIV/The Message/ESV) What a miraculous transformation.  Saul the persecutor to Saul the proclaimer!!! I can just imagine Saul leaping up out of the water and exclaiming...."Praise the Lord, I saw the Light"... And like every good church service I've ever attended, after they had the baptism, they celebrated with a fellowship meal.  "No more in darkness, no more in night!"...

 Dear friend.  Are you in a darkness that keeps you from seeing?  Perhaps you desire to have no more darkness, no more night.  Just like Saul, God may be using this season to get your attention and draw you to Him.  Just like Saul, your "night" can be stripped away if you humble yourself and wait to see what God has for you to do!  Just like Saul, you can praise the Lord, because you saw the Light!!!

 What?  Are you leaving Saul in Damascus?  What happens next?  How do the Christians in Damascus treat their former enemy?  How does Paul navigate his new life?  Does he go to Seminary?  For the answers to these and other eye-opening questions, you'll have to come back next week when "Blinded" a Tuesday's Musical Notes Trilogy continues with Episode 6 - "Gone are the Dark Clouds"!!!

 'Til Tuesday,

 Serving HIM by serving You,
randy




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Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Blinded by the Light" (Manfred Mann's Earth Band)

Welcome to Tuesday and "Blinded" the first ever Tuesday's Musical Notes Trilogy!!!  Hi there!  I'm Randy and you are in for a treat as today we launch  "Blinded Episode 4 - Another Runner in the Night"!!!  (Oh yeah, totally stole that from Star Wars!!!)


Ready Steve?  Andy? Mick? Alright fellas, let's go!!!

Hi there!  It's Tuesday!  Let's see if you've got what it takes!  You've hit the blog where tunes hit the truth and rhythm hits reason, all wrapped up in a funky break!  What will you find, as we go by in a curly-wurly?  You may find a few things that will make you feel safe outside.  You are sure to find a few things that will turn you sonny into something strong.  And I guarantee no calliopes will crash to the ground...at least none that we are on...


As they embarked on listening to the album, Greetings from Asbury Park,  N.J.,  executives at Columbia records suggested to the artist that there should be at least 2 more songs added that could be made into singles.  That artist was Bruce Springsteen.  

As this was his debut album,  Springsteen needed the support of the label so he wrote: "Spirit in the Night" and today's feature song "Blinded by the Light" as a result of that request by then label owner Clive Davis.  Neither of the singles amounted to much on the charts upon release.

But as happens so often in Rock-N-Roll, those same songs were covered by another band.   3 years after their initial release, the English Rock Band that was fronted by South African Manfred Mann would cover the 2 singles, one of which would become their trademark song and provide Bruce Springsteen his only #1 Billboard hit to date.  The cover of that song tripped the merry-go-round.

Part of "Blinded by the Light's" popularity comes from the fact that the Manfred Mann version of the lyrics has for years been misunderstood.   Some have intimated that there are overtones of the song that support LSD usage.  But the most egregious misunderstanding of the lyrical content had nothing at all to do with drugs.  

What was a lyric highlighting the fascination with hot rods, "revved up like a deuce..." (a 1964 Ford deuce coupe) (originally "cut loose like a deuce") became quite controversial when heard through the vocals of Manfred Man.  His pronunciation on the record has prompted many to think the lyric is promoting a certain feminine hygiene product.  The question of the lyric only propels the song to continual success as each time it is heard the conversation about the lyric continues.  Springsteen has also intimated that the song wouldn't have become so famous if it weren't for this misrepresentation. ( "Bruce Springsteen". VH1 Storytellers. Episode 62. April 23, 2005. VH1.)

One thing that is not a misrepresentation is the use in the Bible of blindness as an illustration, a punishment, a reason for miracles, and ultimately salvation.  There were even times in the Gospels (Good News of Jesus redemption/restoration of man to God (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John)), where folks were born blind or made blind for the sole purpose of healing by Jesus.  One such time is found in The Gospel of Jesus according to the disciple John, Chapter 9 New International Version of the Bible/The Message Paraphrase of the Bible/English Standard Version of the Bible parallel  Jesus uses the blind man's healing as an illustration of the world's blindness towards Him.  

Our focus today, however, is how Saul, a Pharisee (religious rulers at the time of Jesus)  was made blind and for what purpose. 

But first... the rest of the story.

Paul's story comes during the period shortly after Jesus' time on earth.  Jesus' disciples had seen Him ascend into heaven.  They were filled with Holy Spirit as Jesus had promised and had begun preaching the Gospel to everyone who would listen.  This angered the religious leaders of the day as it threatened their ability to rule over the Jews and their political standing with Rome.  

Just like the church of today, the early church had its share of "conversations" which resulted in hurt feelings and disruption in the preaching of the Gospel.  (The lesson in this is that if you get really involved in a church, there will be times when it is difficult.  But persevere.  Keep focused on Jesus and His message.  Stay with that church family. Love them as we are commanded to love each other.   And now, back to our story, already in progress...)   The disciples had to make some decisions pretty quickly to quiet the distractions that were keeping them from their primary goal of preaching and teaching about Jesus.  They determined they needed some help.  They appointed trusted men of the community to dissolve any of the complaints.  One of these trustworthy individuals was a man named Stephen.

Stephen was having such an impact for the kingdom that jealousy arose from other individuals.  They devised a trap against Stephen that would set him at odds with the Pharisees.  (Remember these guys?  That's right!  The religious rulers of the day.)  The High Council, which consisted of the High Priests, former High Priests, Elders, and Scribes, ruled that Stephen had committed blasphemy, an act of cursing or reviling the One True God.  They sentenced Stephen to be stoned to death.  

The process of stoning Stephen required full mobility for the greatest effect.  To accomplish this those who carried out this act of capital punishment had to remove their outer clothing called cloaks.  They asked a young Pharisee named Saul to watch their cloaks as they carried out the sentence on Stephen.  

This event apparently made quite the impact on Saul as the next time we hear of him in the Bible, he has become fully indoctrinated in the way of the Pharisees and has made it his life mission to rid the countryside of Christians.  Acts of the Apostles, Chapters 6 & 7 NIV/The Message/ESV   

Interestingly, the more Saul persecuted the Christians the more the Gospel of Jesus spread as those who fled the persecution went into the rest of the world.  At the time, Saul didn't realize that in his effort to supplant Christians, he was actually promoting Christianity to the world.  

At his zenith of persecution, Saul had a change of heart.  (Well actually it started with his eyes and then went to his heart)  As Saul was on his way to Damascus where there was a high concentration of those who believed in The Way, he was intercepted by their Leader.  Jesus met Saul on the way to Damascus.  The result, Saul was literally blinded by The Light.  Saul found himself looking directly into the eyes of the Son.  He immediately had no idea where to go.  He was more directionless than he had ever been.  At the height of his career, God used Saul's ability to physically see to redirect the attention of this persecutor of the Gospel and the early church.  Saul, however, recognized that what was happening to him was not happenstance.  God had immediately gained Saul's attention.  Higher Power's were at play here to the point the Saul recognized the Voice that he heard as being The Master. Saul's calliope had crashed to the ground... Acts 9:1-9 NIV/The Message/ESV  

Saul's recognition of Jesus' voice was the beginning of his ability to really be able to see.  The folks that were accompanying Saul also heard The Voice and were astonished at the goings-on.  When they realized that Saul had lost all vision, they assisted him in getting to his destination of Damascus.  For three days Saul was incapacitated as he awaited what was next.  (hmmm... that number seems magically familiar! Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Three is a Magic Number") 

Right now, God is trying to get your attention.  Right now, He is drawing you to Himself.  Right now, you have a decision to make, pay attention to His call or deny Him once again.  What will it take for God to finally get you to the point you truly see how much He loves you?  Will you need to be blinded by the light? 

What happened to Saul?  Did his vision get restored?  How did his encounter with Jesus change him?  For the answer to these and many other light sensitive questions tune in next week where we explore the continuing saga of "Blinded", a Tuesday's Musical Notes Trilogy!   Tune in next week for  - Episode 5 - "A Stranger in the Night"!!!  (cue incredible fanfare...)

'Til Tuesday

Serving HIM by serving You,
randy

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Tuesday, July 3, 2018

Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Drift Away" (Dobie Gray)

Oh! Hi there!  Have you seen my dog Blue?  Sorry...my grandson's influence.  We love the Steve Burns episodes of Blue's Clues and have rediscovered them since becoming grandparents.  We now return you to your regularly scheduled blog.

Well, that was certainly random.  But we like random a lot around these parts.  Welcome to Tuesday's Musical Notes, the blog that takes your favorite songs and turns them inside out, upside down, and spins you right ‘round baby, right ‘round, like a record baby, right ‘round, ‘round ‘round!  New to The Notes? Do we have a show for you!!!   Check out the archives where we have over 300 of our favorite songs that get The Notes treatment!!!  

We double check how often those blogs get read at the end of the year just to see if they make their way into our end of the year countdown.  I really think I listened to too much American Top 40 with Casey Kasem in the 80's.  I love countdowns!!!  Anyway, check out the archives or search by your favorite song or artist at the top right of the blog page.  And now on with our show!!!  

Popular music is by far one of the most fickle industries in our world.  One minute your song is in the top ten, the next week you are replaced by the next flavor of the month.  However, there are some songs that stand the test of time.  Perhaps some of your favorites just came to mind.  For me, anything by Chicago, Genesis, Yes, and Lynyrd Skynyrd are songs just like that. But the websitethetoptens.com, as usual, has a great list of songs just like we are talking about.  


While this listing changes daily based on folks votes, perhaps you noticed a couple that had been featured on Tuesday's Musical Notes?  Here are the links for the ones I found today in case you wish to review:







While that list certainly includes songs that will stick with us in perpetuity,  most songs soon find themselves falling down the charts if they chart, they just don’t give ya the beat boys and free your soul, they just drift away.  W



Everyone that I know needs some of those times where you find that one thing that helps you relax.  The times in which we live are stressful and everyone needs an outlet for the relief of that stress.  Music tends to be that for many people.

Released amidst the tumult that our nation faced in the early 70's from the Vietnam War and its subsequent protests, "Drift Away" was a breath of fresh air from Dobie Gray.  The #5 single was a cover of the song originally recorded in 1972 by John Henry Kurtz (nope, I don't know who he is either!).  It was written by Mentor Williams the brother to award-winning songwriter Paul Williams (Tuesday's Musical Notes - "We've Only Just Begun") 

"Drift Away" speaks specifically to utilizing music as a stress reliever during times of trial.  The songwriter is thanking those who participate in the creative process of the music industry for recording melodies that move him and for the joy he receives from listening and believing in the song.  

I think we all have that song.  It doesn't matter the tempo, the melody, or even the genre.  It is a song in which we can not only relate but speaks to us in a way that nothing else can.   Perhaps it isn't just one song that moves you in this way.  I have found such songs in every genre, most of which I have been blessed to feature here at The Notes.  Here's an example: 



Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Let My Love Open the Door"   (Most often read Musical Note)

These songs and others have been a source of comfort, relaxation, and sometimes escape.  What we must realize is that the music that brings those feelings of relief to us are only a tool from the One who provides the ultimate Comforter.  

"Give me the beat boys and free my soul..."


In this passage, Jesus tells His disciples about how they will be able to survive and thrive after He has gone back to heaven.  He starts the chapter by giving them confidence by reaffirming who He is.  He then later assures them that they will not be alone in the process of spreading the Gospel.  They will be imbued by Holy Spirit.  The will receive power to do the things they have been called upon to do.  For all of the disciples except John, this would mean being martyred for following their calling to go and make more disciples.  



Jesus assures the disciple that if they only had faith, they would find themselves being able to do the miraculous.

I don't know about you, but that is a type of power I would like to have at my disposal.  The power that Holy Spirit provides is exactly what Paul was referring to in Philippians 4.  Paul's letter to the Philippian church, chapter 4, verses 10-14 NIV/The Message/ESV  Remember, Paul is saying that he has been able to overcome the laundry list that he just elaborated upon by the power of Holy Spirit. 


Have you ever felt like this?

"Beginning to think that I'm wasting time and I don't understand the things I do
The world outside looks so unkind..."

Jesus says that you can drift away into Him.  He can be the One in which you can count on to get you through.  From The Message paraphrase of Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus says, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (emphasis mine)

So you see friend, Jesus has provided.  He has provided The Comforter and the ability to live freely and lightly.  If we seem to be bogged down in life, it isn't the fault of Jesus'.  It may very well be a situation of our own doing.  Even in those times, Jesus is there waiting with open arms to help us drift away...

"Thanks for the joy that you've given me, I want you to know I believe in the song
And rhythm and rhyme and harmony, You helped me along, You're making me strong..

"Give me the beat boys and free my soul...."

'Til Tuesday,


Serving HIM by serving You,
randy

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