Tuesday, September 26, 2023

Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Your Life Is Now" (John Mellencamp)

Welcome to Tuesday and another edition of Tuesday's Musical Notes brought to you with no interruptions by the Cross & Kin Entertainment network!  Have you checked out the latest on the Cross & Kin YouTube channel?  The latest episode is a great mash-up of two iconic entertainment offerings that absolutely no one short of your family in the Cross & Kin garage would put together!  Go check it out on the "Cross & Kin" YouTube channel. 

And now, on with the blog!


Perhaps you have encountered the philosophical types who want to pose the following question to you:  What is truth?  It's a valid question.  There have been so many positions taken about what the answer might be.  Seemingly anyone who wishes to will provide an answer to this age-old question.  Some answers are profound, some are...well...just silly.  Today, Tuesday's Musical Notes attempts to provide some insight and maybe an answer that is palatable to you all wrapped up in a way that only The Notes can.  And it all starts with a song...just push play...


The 15th studio album by John Mellencamp (Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Pink Houses" (John Mellencamp), Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Crumblin' Down" (John Cougar Mellencamp)) actually had many first-time elements to it.  It was Mellencamp's first album recorded on Columbia Records (1 of 3) label and it was the first album named John Mellencamp. (Technically, his 2nd self-titled album if you count John Cougar and why wouldn't you?)  This record also continues a string of albums by the Americana Rock and Roller that received a RIAA designation by having Gold record sales.  Unique in the fact that it was a self-titled release so late in the artist's career, John Mellencamp would see 2 singles released from its track list (today's featured song and "I'm Not Running Anymore"), neither of which would break into the Billboard Hot 100. 

One of those singles, "Your Life Is Now", would break into the top 40 of some of Billboard's other charts, specifically, the Mainstream Rock Chart (peaked at #15), the Adult Contemporary Chart (peaked at #19), and the US Adult Pop Airplay Charts (peaked at #23) (just so you know that there really is a chart for everything).  The song's best performance was in Canada where it topped out at #3.  

With lyrical themes of raising kids to tell the truth, and the encouragement to make changes in your world  "Your Life Is Now" quickly becomes a bold anthem for having pride in who you are and what you believe.  It portends a life that always takes the high road and does the right thing and the circumstances that can be brought about by doing so.  Unlike some of Mellencamp's other more "gritty" songs about American life, it has a positive vibe that can easily resonate into action as we try to live lives worthy of the time we have.  This isn't a new theme, yet one that probably needed to be reiterated in '98 as much as it does now.


With Paul's first entry into the letter collection of the New Testament, we find the apostle instructing the church in Galatia on the true Gospel.  The overriding theme of the letter is that the righteousness that believers in the church have is through the shed blood of Jesus and not through anything that they have done.  It seems that some have come behind Paul preaching a different Gospel in the church that isn't reflective of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection being the ONLY way to restoration with God.  Paul quickly dismisses this "other Gospel" by reminding the Galatian believers of the ministry to the Gentiles that Paul has had.  He uses his experience and the results that came from it as proof that the Gospel in which he preached to them was the only one.  He further asserts that the Gospel to which he had presented was affirmed by the apostles in Jerusalem, including James, John, and Peter.   

Paul continues his validation by telling of calling Peter out in Antioch because of those with whom Peter chose to eat.  Because of this Paul launches into a treatise on justification, the ability to be made right with God by our faith in Jesus, not by the things that we do that are good or our keeping of the Old Testament Law. Paul goes so far as to call the Galatians "foolish" in that they are holding on to the works they are doing for their justification to God.  Our "rightness" with God comes about because of our faith, like that of Abraham who was credited with righteousness because of his faith, not the many acts of obedience he performed.  

Paul further demonstrates righteousness by comparing our faith to our adherence to the Law of Moses.  The Law was revered by the Jews, especially the devout Jews of the time.  (Remember Paul was once Saul who was one of those devout Jews and knew the Law in all the ways possible see Chapter 1)  Paul writes, 

"However, the Law is not of faith; on the contrary, “The person who performs them will live by them.” Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us—for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”—  in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham would come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith."  Galatians 3:12-14 NASB/AMP/ESV/KJV

Did you catch that?  We receive the promise of the Spirit by faith.  

Later on, in a letter possibly written by Paul, the letter writer states to Hebrew believers that faith is the substance, or the assurance, or the certainty of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.   Hebrews 11:1 NASB/AMP/ESV/KJV 

Paul begins in chapter 4 writing about our adoption into God's family upon our belief in Jesus.  He has a conversation regarding slaves (a different concept than what we think of) and sons and then positions each of these into a climactic statement that qualifies us through the Holy Spirit's enabling us to cry out "Abba, Father!"  "Because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba! Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God." Galatians 4:6-7 NASB/AMP/ESV/KJV  

Paul begins concluding his letter with exhortation and encouragement.  Just as he had begun, Paul exhorts the Galation believers to keep righteousness, justification, faith, and the law all in their proper places.  He encourages them to rely on the Holy Spirit's power to discern the true Gospel and to follow in the manner in which they had seen him walk.  Paul finishes his letter by contrasting "fruit" (the way you live your life) that comes from living in the flesh (sexual immorality, impurity, indecent behavior, idolatry, witchcraft, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing) versus "fruit" that comes by living in the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control).  Galatians 5:19-24 NASB/AMP/ESV/KJV 

Being supportive of brothers and sisters in Christ and how to go about doing that without succumbing to pride is the closing argument Paul makes as he finishes his letter to the Galatians.  "Restore an offending brother after they repent", "Bear one another's burdens", "You sow what you reap", and "Don't become discouraged in doing good", "Do good to all people, especially those in the body of Christ"  are all themes that Paul uses as he attempts to soften the tone of the letter from his earlier fierceness.  Galatians 6 NASB/AMP/ESV/KJV

Paul's letter to the church at Galatia reads like a primer on life.  He reminds them of the Gospel of Jesus that he preached and encourages them to avoid any other teaching that doesn't rely on Jesus as its foundation.  He reminds them "Your Life Is Now" and how living a life in Christ is impactful to all those you encounter, especially fellow believers.  Galatians provides things that we should avoid and things that we should embrace including instructions on what right living looks like and how to avoid the pitfalls of being enslaved by submitting to legalism.  It tells of the freedom from that law that we experience because of Jesus' salvific acts and how we live by faith in His actions while not relying on our own actions (even if they are good) for righteousness with God.  It is a great letter that has many aspects that apply to us congregationally as well as individually as believers. Reread Galatians and realize that all of its wisdom should inform you today, because "Your Life Is Now".   

"...Would you teach your children to tell the truth

This is your time here to do what you will do...


...We could shake this world
If you would only show us how
Your life is now..." 

"Til Tuesday,

Loving HIM by Loving You,
randy

 

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Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Tuesday's Musical Notes - "James" (Billy Joel)

It is without doubt that the relationships we have with folks, good, bad, or indifferent, shape us as we go through our lives.  As the old saying goes, "Variety is the spice of life."  This is equally true with regard to our interaction with people as they weave in and out of the short amount of time we have on this earth.  

It is a very blessed person who has a large group of folks that they consider to be their friends.  These people are more than just casual acquaintances whose names we always remember.  They are the ones who frame and shape us by their entrance into and sometimes exits out of our lives.  Even though the phrase "It takes a village" usually refers to raising children, we must always remember that those around us have nearly as much impact on us as adults as they do if we were children.  By our nature, we are pliable beings and wind up being an amalgamation of our experiences with others.    

Even folks we don't know very well can have an impact or make a change in how we behave.  I have college friends with whom I haven't connected in years continue to leave a mark on the way I behave.  It makes me wonder from time to time where they might be and how even the brief bonding we had may have changed them.  Mr. Joel also wondered about one of his friends and how they affect each other's lives too...


Billy Joel's 4th studio album was the 1976 release, Turnstiles.   The album peaked at #122 on the Billboard 200 album chart.  It only had 1 single, the pseudo-semiautobiographical "Say Goodbye to Hollywood". (Peaked at #17 on the Billboard Hot 100)   It was originally recorded at Caribou Ranch in Colorado and produced by Chicago's (Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Chicago" search) long-time producer  James William Guercio.  Dissatisfied with the recording, Joel moved the entire production back to New York and used his own musicians.  Turnstiles would mark the first time that Billy Joel's band played the entirety of an actual studio recording.

"James" is a reflective song that Joel has said is a "composite" of folks he had known over the course of his life.  ("Countdown Interview with Billy Joel" (1976)) The song was released as a single in Australia but never domestically.  It tells the story of one who wonders how a friend's life had turned out.  Did they embark on and achieve their dreams?  Would they consider their life a success? "James" is a song to which I think many can relate I know I can.  We sometimes wonder about those friends we have encountered and wonder if they lived up to the aspirations they had for themselves, causing us to reflect on our own ambitions and how we consider that our life has turned out.  There is much nostalgia surrounding the memories of that friend as you contemplate what their life has meant to your own.  

But have you ever had that friend who was brutally honest with you?  You know the type.  They are the most blunt of the people you encounter.  Even though their opinions can be rougher than most in their interaction with you, they are the ones on which you rely to provide counsel and wisdom at times of turmoil.  They don't hold back.  They tell it like it is even when the "it" can be painful.  Everyone needs at least one friend like that.  


As we mentioned last week, we have hit upon a time of our traversing the pages of Scripture chronologically that we encounter the letters of the New Testament.  James is quite possibly the first letter that was circulated throughout the early church. It occurred around the time that the actions of Acts 13-14 happened.   It is a letter that features the bluntness, sometimes brutal, honesty about the goings on in the lives of new believers, all the while encouraging them to embrace Godly wisdom and seek to be steadfast as their faith is tested.

James was the half-brother of Jesus and one of the early leaders in the church in Jerusalem.  For the most part, the apostles had gone out on mission to do the Great Commission (The Gospel of Jesus according to Matthew, a tax collector, chapter 28, verses 16-20 NASB/AMP/ESV/KJV) while James remained to lead the church in Jerusalem and serve as the coordinator of resources for those mission efforts. 

We see in his letter some very specific instructions and commentary about how to grow and mature as a believer.  James is very blunt in his admonitions of how some believers are not Christlike in their actions.  We suggest the easiest way to understand James is to use the biblegateway.com designators for each section.  

James begins by addressing the testing of one's faith.  This is not the second-guessing type of testing that many modern believers go through, but it is an encouragement to persevere in the face of adversity and allow that adversity to mature you even going so far as to "count it all joy" when you face difficulties because of what you believe.  James even instructs us to seek wisdom on how to face the uncertainties that are perplexing us so we know exactly how to take action to go through tough times.  There is much more in the first verses, we highly encourage you to read the entire chapter in one sitting.  It takes less than twenty minutes depending on how quickly you read.

Next comes a section on showing partiality.  Favoritism is something to which many succumb.  It can be overcome as James tells us to basically treat everyone the same.  James seems to pull much of his advice from Jesus' teachings in Matthew.  In this case specifically, Matthew 22:37-40 NASB/AMP/ESV/KJV.  Let's face it, if you are doing this commandment, it is very difficult to be partial to one person over someone else.

There is a continuing debate in modern Christianity regarding faith and works when there shouldn't be.  James tells us in James 2:14-26 NASB/AMP/ESV/KJV that our faith is what causes us to do the good works we do and that without faith, those good works, while by definition good, really don't mean a whole lot in the scope of eternity.  With faith, our good works are empowered by the Holy Spirit to draw others to Himself and show love, in an impartial manner, to others. 

"O be careful little mouth what you say..."  This is like the second or third verse to a children's song that could easily be seen as rooted in James 3:1-12 NASB/AMP/ESV/KJV.  Do an internet search on Scripture that references what we say and how we speak.  I think you will be surprised at how much the Bible teaches that the things that come out of our mouths show directly what we believe.  James continues this thought process, many of which are found in Psalms, by addressing how we interact with our mouths.  I find it interesting that the subtitle to this section is "The Mouth Is A Fire".  Remember, God gave us 2 ears and 1 mouth because it is twice as important for us to listen as it is for us to speak.  Do the words that we say reflect our belief in Jesus?  Are they encouraging? Do they show the joy that we have for being children of God? 

James circles back around to the topic of wisdom in James 3:13-18 NASB/AMP/ESV/KJV.  This treatment of wisdom involves those who have taken too much pride in being wise.  James warns them to guard themselves against the vanity that can come with wisdom.  Do not think too highly of yourself is an admonition to those who seek to be leaders because of their intelligence.  I think it would be wise to keep this warning regardless of how smart you may be.

In James 4 NASB/AMP/ESV/KJV James takes to addressing dissension in the ranks.  He asks why is there trouble among you?  James then proceeds through a laundry list of sins that are being committed by these believers.  We would be well to heed the bluntness of Chapter 4 in our own lives as it doesn't take too much to see that we are no different than those early believers.  We are sinful men, redeemed by a perfect Savior, and we must live worthy of the One who has saved us.  Read through this chapter again and repent of the offenses you have committed.  Have faith that God, who promises to forgive, will do just that.  AND THEN DON'T DO IT AGAIN...

I don't know about you, but every time I read the book of James I feel kind of beaten up.  I guess that is what conviction of sin will do for you.  Our role when convicted of your sin?  REPENT.  James 5 NASB/AMP/ESV/KJV finishes the chapter with a topic that is always popular among Jesus' followers, money.  James addresses the abuse of riches by those in his time who are wealthy.  He warns about the misuse of money and the poor management of assets as he attempts to convey no encouragement whatsoever for those with wealth.  I suspect that James knows wealthy people who are wonderful God-loving folks, but these are not the people he speaks of in this portion of chapter 5.  These folks seem to be caught up in the wealth that they have.  Money is their idol and everyone in their circle of influence knows it.  James doesn't even offer in advice on how to repent for these people.  But encouragement is coming.

If you are older, there is a chance that you still write letters.  We were taught in elementary school that there was a good form to a letter.  The letters of the Bible tend to follow this form in general and James is not exempt.  He finishes chapter 5 (James 5:7-20 NASB/AMP/ESV/KJV) with encouragement and what is subtitled "exhortation".  ("an utterance, discourse, or address conveying urgent advice or recommendations. - dictionary.com) James mixes his advice with just enough positives that it seems to back off of some of the negative tone from the previous portion of the chapter.  And like any good letter he uses this portion of his instructions to come to a conclusion, of sorts, on how to treat people.  

James is always a tough book of the Bible for me to read.  I confess I don't like it very much because I see myself in it far more than many of the other books we've encountered.   Does anyone need Ezra NASB/AMP/ESV/KJV right about now?  I do!  But as one of the first circulated letters it serves as a template for Paul, Peter, and John as they attempt to encourage and hold accountable those who have surrendered their hearts, minds, and souls to Jesus.  I don't think they liked it all the time either...

'Til Tuesday

Loving HIM by Loving You,
randy
<><

 

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Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Letter To You" (Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band)

Welcome to Tuesday and another edition of your favorite blog about music and musings, Tuesday's Musical Notes.  We hope this post finds you relaxing in the break from the heat and looking forward to the "ahhs" of the approaching Fall season.  While it isn't quite here yet, and we don't want to rush the calendar (it already goes by too fast), we can hardly wait for cheaper electric bills and that morning cup of coffee warming our bodies.  Afternoon and evening walks will eventually have to be earlier in the day and even earlier once the insanity of Daylight Savings time ending affects all of our body clocks.  

Don't get me wrong, this really is my favorite time of the year.  Many years ago when in college, I absolutely loved getting the opportunity to get back to friends whom I hadn't seen all summer and regale in the delights of our college lives.  One of those special moments, which seems dated now, was getting the occasional letter from someone from my hometown.  They were sometimes thankfully accompanied by some extra funds, however most of the time they were filled with events from the family, well wishes, and the usually strong encouragement to study hard.  

Letter writing seems to have lost some of its luster in our digital age.  It seems that a handwritten letter in the mailbox any more would mean a nostalgic trip to a simpler, and cheaper stamp moment in our lives.  But one that we hold with great fondness.  So, if you'd like, pretend that today's blog is penned in my C+ - B penmanship, and enjoy this Letter to You.


Before we get too far into today's Notes, we would be remiss if we did not take a moment of remembrance for a few things.

1) Yesterday, was 9/11.  Tuesday's Musical Notes is grateful for those who gave the "final full measure of devotion" in a myriad of ways on this tragic day.  It has been 22 years since the terrorist attack on the United States and this blog for one will never forget, and always remember, not with nationalism which trends towards the extreme on both sides of the aisle, but with patriotism which speaks to the heart of those who gave so much on this day.  

2) Two Rock and Roll legends passed in the last couple of weeks.  Both have been contributors to Tuesday's Musical Notes and we would like to take just a moment to reflect on the lasting impact on popular music that both of these artists have had.
     a) Gary Wright (Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Dream Weaver" (Gary Wright)) - One of the first pop songs I ever encountered was the #2 smash hit "Dream Weaver" by Gary Wright.  He released 18 albums (solo and as a contributor), 18 singles, and was a part of the band Spooky Tooth.  He also played keyboards on George Harrison's 1970 triple album All Things Must Pass.  His contributions to pop music are astounding, yet rarely ones in which you would hear.  
     b) Jimmy Buffett - Believe it or not, we have never used a Jimmy Buffett song at Tuesday's Musical Notes.  There really aren't a lot of Caribbean, piraty, Marguerita-type passages found in the Bible.  But his contribution to the entertainment industry via music, restaurants, and film credits is the trifecta that many careers in the industry wish they could have.  

And now back to the regularly scheduled blog, um, letter already in progress...


Letter To You, the album, was met with critical acclaim and peaked at #2 on the Billboard 200 album charts.  The album featured 4 singles.  The title track, "The Power of Prayer", "Ghosts", and "I'll See You in My Dreams".  None of the 4 reached the Billboard Hot 100, yet they charted in several of Billboard's variety of alternate charts.  

"Letter to You", the single is an eloquent song written by Bruce Springsteen and performed by Springsteen and the E Street Band.  It reflected the thoughts of the aging songwriter and his band as they dealt with the topics of getting older and death.  (Original E-Streeter and saxophonist Clarence Clemmons died in 2011).  It charted on 3 different Billboard rankings and peaked at #1 on the Adult Alternative Songs list.  

It is a poignant song that shows that Bruce and band are fast approaching a time whereby they may not be able to ply their craft, and the song expresses thoughts that he wants to get down while still having the time.  The song serves as a passing of wisdom to the next generation as it endearingly promotes reflection into our own thoughts and actions.

"Letter to You" is that nostalgic throwback to a time when writing letters was commonplace and the thoughts of the older generation were revered and respected.  Perhaps it's a practice that needs to be revived...


Around the time the disciple and physician Luke penned the 14th chapter of Acts, we see letters from church leaders begin being distributed to the new churches in the region.  James, Peter, John, and especially Paul began writing to these bodies of disciples of Jesus for encouragement, instruction, and many times admonition.  These are letters that should be read and read often in modern-day churches as each of them has times when they need the encouragement, instruction, and yes the admonitions found in the words between "Greetings" and "May the grace of our Lord be with You"

As we have been chronologically traveling through the Bible, this is the time that some of those letters will come to the forefront.  James is the first of the letters to be written and based on the activity we have seen from him recently regarding conversations about Gentile believers, it is appropriate to begin the book of the Bible that bears his name over the next few weeks.  We will continue to intersperse the letters at the approximate time they occurred as we continue to explore the remainder of the New Testament.  There is much to learn here and we hope that you will continue to come back each week!!!

But for now, we'll echo the words of The Boss and hope you find encouragement in this Letter to You,

In my letter to you
I took all my fears and doubts
In my letter to you
All the hard things I found out
In my letter to you
All that I've found true
And I sent it in my letter to you

'Til Tuesday

Loving HIM by Loving You,
randy
<><

 

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Tuesday, September 5, 2023

Tuesday's Musical Notes - "The Show Must Go On" (Queen)

Welcome to Tuesday!  You've encountered The Notes.  Of all the blogs out there, we think it's the G.O.A.T.!!  It's filled with fun music and things you should know.  And even a few things that could cause you to grow!  

It's a blog found on Tuesday that reflects on the past. But helps you think thoughts that we sure hope will last.  Thoughts provoking and deep, while some quite alarming.  All wrapped in a manner we hope you find charming. 
  
We all need a break, a breath from our cause.  One way is a thought that may bring about pause.   A delay in our life to ponder and roam.  Until such a time that we find ourselves home.  And then we're back at it, it's time for the dawn.  Embrace what's before us, the show must go on!!!


"The Show Must Go On" is a phrase coined by 1950s theater veteran Noel Coward as he posited the question in song form, "Why Must The Show Go On?"  It has since been used as a rallying cry for those who wish for a performance or movement to continue despite extreme adversity or mistakes.  Mostly proffered in the entertainment business, it is easily used and understood regardless of its context.

There is a touch of poignancy with this phrase in the life of the band Queen (Tuesday's Musical Notes - Queen posts).  It was the last song recorded, the last track on the album, Innuendo, and the last single released before the untimely death of lead singer Freddy Mercury.  Written by songwriter/lead guitarist Brian May, the song encapsulates the life and career of Mercury and his battle with AIDS.  "The Show Must Go On" was released as a single in support of the band's Greatest Hits II album.  It came out 6 weeks prior to Mercury's passing.  

"The Show Must Go On" was performed live for the first time at the Freddy Mercury Tribute Concert with lead vocals provided by Elton John and guitar support from Black Sabbath's Tommy Iommi.  It has also become a staple in its use in television and movies as well as support for 2014's Stanley Cup (Hockey's Super Bowl or World Series) celebration.  

The MTV offering of the song serves as a videologue for a decade of music as it features snippets of previous video releases by Queen from 1981-1991, again supporting the Greatest Hits II package.    This was due to the fact that no new footage was shot of Freddy Mercury as the decline of his health was prohibitive.  

Lyrically, "The Show Must Go On" describes the intense desire to persevere in the face of overwhelming difficulty.  It is an emotion to which many can relate and find encouragement as we go through each day with challenges known, and sometimes unknown.  It begs the question, "Does anybody know what we are looking for?" as it describes the fortitude taken to live a life filled with purpose. It is in fact a question faced by every person who has taken a breath.  The answers to that query determine how exactly we go about making sure that..."The Show Must Go On".


It is one of the most well-known Sunday School stories told to young people.  The miraculous means by which the Phillipian jailer is saved is celebrated as the great story from the Bible it is.  But first some context.

Paul, Silas, Luke, and possibly Timothy were in the city of Phillipi.  They had just encountered the seller of purple fabrics, Lydia, and saw the salvation of her and her household.  As they continued teaching and preaching in the city, they were soon followed by a young girl.  This girl was a slave and the Bible says she had a "spirit of divination".  This means she was able to tell things about folks that were not readily known or discernable.  As she followed the entourage, she shouted, "These men are bond-servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you a way of salvation." (v. 17)  

The slave girl's proclamation regarding the believers went on for days and became an annoyance to Paul.  When he had enough, Paul turned to the girl and commanded the spirit to come out of her.  Which of course it did as Paul's command was wrapped in the authority of the name of Jesus.  

As a slave, this girl was the property of owners who had profited, probably quite well, from her possession.  You can imagine that they were upset as they just saw their margins eliminated.  They were so disturbed by these events that they brought charges against Paul and his companions.  This eventually led to our band of missionaries being placed in the deepest recesses of the prison.  

The surroundings were imaginably miserable and they had been beaten, yet the Bible said these faithful witnesses were praying, praising God, and singing.  Did you get that...THEY...WERE...SINGING...  Don't let this fact slide by.  In our darkest times, one of the ways we are equipped for the show to continue is through the gift of music.  Chances are this hallelujah band, were singing Psalms in Hebrew, but they were singing nonetheless.  Notice that the Bible records that the "prisoners were listening to them."  (v. 25) The point?  Music can be that great gift at just the right time to encourage us with the fortitude to continue in our endeavors no matter the circumstances around us. AND, we never can tell who may be watching and listening to us as we go through our trials.  So sing loud enough that folks can hear, even when you are hurting, and don't know what to do next.  Be prepared to persevere and let the music of The Word provide the soundtrack in which to do so.  

And now back to our show...

All of this Psalm singing was going on around midnight and the team's diligence in seeking God had results.  An earthquake occurred.  It was of such magnitude that the doors of the prison opened and the shackles fell off the feet of the prisoners.  In verse 26, the Bible says that the same results happened for all of the prisoners, not just for Paul and his partners.  "All" and "everyone" are beautiful pronouns in this passage that show the benefit to everyone around us if we are faithful to seek God with all of our heart, soul, and mind... and in this case, our voice!

The jailer awoke and saw the incredible episode unfolding before his eyes.  The prison doors were all open and it seemed that the prisoners had escaped.  Since these prisoners were his responsibility, he would be held accountable for this mass exodus.  The reality that he was doomed to be executed hit him pretty hard and he proceeded to take matters into his own hands.  

Paul was able to sense what was going on and he quickly cried out to the jailer that all of the prisoners were present and accounted for.  The jailer called for light and was astounded at what he saw.  One can imagine that he too had heard the praying, praising, and singing, and given these results he wanted to know what he must do to be saved.  

Paul's answer is one that rings true today as well.  Believe in Jesus.  Believe that He was who he said He was and that He did what He came to do, providing a means of restoration to God for everyone.  The Gospel is that simple and it is something you can do right now.  Is the Holy Spirit drawing you to Himself and your own personal restoration to the God who created you?  Believe, friend, just believe and your show will go on.

The Bible records that the Phillipian jailer and his household believed and were baptized.  Yup, baptized, just like John the Baptist performed in the desert, and just like Jesus Himself was.  Immersed as a sign of the change in their lives.  He tended to Paul and the missionaries's wounds and gave them a meal at his home.  It was a home now filled with joy (v.34)

"...I'll soon be turning, 'round the corner now."

But wait there's more!

Even with the rapturous salvation of the jailer and his family, the story continues as we soon find a dose of reality coming to those who had accused Paul's group, at least politically.  The chief magistrates of the region went to have Paul and his team released.  Paul was having none of it.  They were legally Roman citizens even though they were Jews and Paul realized their imprisonment was not as lawful as it may have appeared on the surface. "...Hold the line.  Does anybody want to take it anymore?..."

 "...I'll face it with a grin, I'm never giving in..."

Paul enthusiastically denied the team's prison release in secret.  They weren't arrested in secret, so why should they be released in secret, especially as Roman citizens?  Those who had accused them could come and release the prisoners themselves.  At the mention of their citizenship, the magistrates were filled with fear as the reality of what they had done set in.  They immediately went to the prison and begged for Paul's team to come out and leave the city.  The Bible records that the mission team went to Lydia's home and was encouraged by the believers who were there.    

Believers in Jesus may or may not have literal earthquakes that occur as the result of their praying, praising, and singing.  Yet, the effects of those efforts can equally be earth-shattering.  We may not know this side of heaven what those results may be or who our efforts may affect, yet we must be faithful, even in the hard times to seek God through the Holy Spirit's power and in the name of Jesus to see us through difficulties.  You see friend, our part in the miracles that occur in this life is to remain faithful and see to the very end that, "The Show Must Go On".

"...I guess I'm learning
I must be warmer now
I'll soon be turning
'Round the corner now
Outside the dawn is breaking
But inside in the dark, I'm aching to be free
The show must go on
The show must go on, yeah, yeah
Ooh, inside my heart is breaking
My make-up may be flaking
But my smile, still, stays on..."

'Til Tuesday,

Loving HIM by Loving You,
randy
<><

 

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