Exodus 13:17-15:18 + Matthew 21:23-46 + Psalm 26:1-12 + Proverbs 6:16-19
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Old Testament – Today in Exodus chapter 13 verse 17 we read what I found to be an intriguing verse: “When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them on the road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest way from Egypt to the Promised Land. God said, “If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” That last sentence really stood out to me. It makes sense. It was wise for God to do this. But… then I think about our lives today. What if we are faced with a challenging spiritual battle our lives? Will we change our minds about God and return to our “Egypts”? Our Egypts might be the places where we are / were comfortable – enslaved to a sin though we may have been. As I think more about this, I do believe that God is sensitive in our lives, just as he was in the Israelites lives in this verse, as to what we can handle. I do not think he will send us a temptation or a trial greater than we can bear. But I also know that trials do come. And I pray that as the trials come, that we don’t go back to our “Egypts”! but that we press on toward the “Promised Land”. Below are a couple of maps – both showing the “traditional” routes of the Exodus. There have been some other routes suggested in recent years – if anyone has thoughts/info on these alternate routes, please post up in the Comments below.
In verse 21 we read: “The LORD guided them by a pillar of cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night. That way they could travel whether it was day or night.” Do you sing in your church the Rich Mullins’ song, “Lord you’re leading me. With a cloud by day. And in the night. Glow of a burning flame. Everywhere I go I see you. Everywhere I go I see you.”? I LOVE this song – and today we read about where this song came from. (I think this song is on one of Michael W Smith’s Worship CD’s as well) God’s presence was made manifest among the Israelites in the cloud by day:
And in the pillar of fire by night:
Imagine seeing these pillars of cloud by day or fire by night and being led by God out of Egypt and in the desert! And then in Exodus chapter 14 we read about the parting of the Red Sea. Great commentary on Exodus chapter 14 and the Red Sea is at bible.org at this link.
In Exodus chapter 15 we read an amazing song that Moses and the Israelites sing to God after passing safely through the Red Sea! Some commentaries say that this is the oldest recorded song in the world! Music played an important part in Israel’s celebration and worship. Does music play an important part in your celebration and worship of God? (I know not everyone is musically inclined, so don’t feel bad if this is not a yes.) In what ways does worship music manifest itself in your life? In church, do you really sing the songs to God and God only? And not worry about what your voice sounds like to your neighbors? In your car, do you ever bust out with some loud and true worship singing to God? How do you typically “sing” your praise to the Lord? (couldn’t resist this photo below… 🙂
The other comment to make on the song in chapter 15 is that this song seems to be a very significant development in the relationship of the people of Israel and God. The people of Israel now seem to really embrace and worship God as their God as we see in verse 2: “The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my victory. He is my God, and I will praise him; he is my father’s God, and I will exalt him!” Wow… I love that language. Is God your strength? And your song? Commentary on The Song of the Sea and Exodus chapter 15 is at bible.org at this link.
New Testament – Jesus’ teaching in Matthew chapter 21 verses 31 & 32 is convicting: “I assure you, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do. For John the Baptist came and showed you the way to life, and you didn’t believe him, while tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even when you saw this happening, you refused to turn from your sins and believe him.” This last sentence is so important for our relationship with Jesus. Have we turned from our sins? Do we believe Jesus’ teachings are showing us the way to life? Do we believe that Jesus is who he said he was? Do we believe that Jesus can heal us now and free us now from what enslaves us today? And do we believe that Jesus literally gives us the gift of life everlasting? Below is an image of “The Parable of the Vineyard” by John S. C. Abbott and Jacob Abbott from the Illustrated New Testament (1878):
Verse 42 is so beautiful as Jesus quotes from Psalm 118:22-23: “Then Jesus asked them, “Didn’t you ever read this in the Scriptures? `The stone rejected by the builders has now become the cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous to see.'” And Jesus – like the son of the farmer in the parable just before this verse – was rejected and murdered. However, Jesus didn’t remain dead – he rose on the third day and today he is the cornerstone of Christianity. He is the cornerstone of our churches. And probably the biggest question each of us needs to ask ourselves – Is Jesus the cornerstone of our life? Is he the foundation in our life which anchors and directs everything else we do? If Jesus is the cornerstone of our lives, then indeed as this verse closes with, it is marvelous to see! Commentary on the Story of Two Sons in today’s Matthew readings is online at bible.org at this link.
Psalms – Today in Psalm 26 verse 2 we read: “Put me on trial, LORD, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and affections.” What a powerful reflection from David – God, test my motives and affections. What are your motives? Why do you do what you do in life? Whom are you doing it all for? What are your affections? Who do you pledge your loyalties to? Who do you give your heart to? Where are you investing your time, treasure and talents? Have you ever asked God to test your motives and affections?
Verse 8 of this Psalm reminds me of my church and I pray it reminds you of your church as well: “I love your sanctuary, LORD, the place where your glory shines.” Wow… the place where God’s glory shines! Yes, I do believe this happens in our churches – even if we maybe don’t notice it sometimes. When we come together as the body of Christ each week, God’s glory shines! Will you take a moment to really pay attention to God’s glory shining in your church as you attend a service this upcoming weekend?
Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 6 verses 16 and 19 stand out to me – “There are six things the LORD hates–no, seven things he detests…..a person who sows discord among brothers.” This last portion of the list reminds me that each day we can either spread courage/love/positivity or fear/hate/negativity in our lives to those around us. And I realize that we potentially do some/all of these things at various points in our day or lives. But, I do believe that as followers of Jesus we should be striving to only sow unity among brothers and sisters – and not discord. We should be sowing courage – love – positivity in Christ to others. Investing in others. Building others up. Being Jesus to others. And not sowing discord. What type of seeds are you sowing each day in your life to those around you?
Worship Video: Today’s readings in Exodus remind me of Rich Mullins’ song “I See You” sung here by Michael W. Smith:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-siEmwSB4sQ
Have you seen the Lord? Click here and see Him!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.” Exodus 15:2 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you would not want to return to your “Egypt” – whatever that might be. Pray that you would keep your eyes, mind and heart fully on Jesus and His Promised Land ahead.
Comments from You and Questions of the Day: Back to my reflections above on music from the song in Exodus 15 – One thing I personally struggle with is listening to worship / Christian music versus secular music. I grew up listening to all the 80’s / early 90’s bands you could think of. And I have come to realize that many of the lyrics from these bands are really full of hopelessness, existentialism, sexuality, addiction, narcissism, etc. And yet, for some reason I typically still like the tunes… I had one friend tell me that after he became a Christian he literally threw away most of his CD collection – which was all secular CD’s. I guess I still sometimes struggle with being in the world and not of the world. What do you think is the line of listening to / enjoying secular music, versus it literally being bad for you? Please let me know your thoughts on secular music – do you listen to it? Do you avoid it? Are you cautious about it in any way? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless,
Mike
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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
======= Ramona:
Exodus 13:17-15:18
I decided on the first of the year to make Ecclesiastes 7:13, as it read in the NLT be my focal point this year. It reads: Notice the way God does things; then fall into line. Don’t fight the ways of God, for who can straighten out what he has made crooked?
Because of that resolute, this year it seems that without even actively looking those key verses or ideas, finding out how God does things, I am drawn to His examples and so it is with the following verse,
When Pharaoh let the people go, God led them not by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was nearer; for God said, Lest the people change their purpose when they see war and return to Egypt. (Exodus 13:17 AMP)
So often, I fight against doing things God’s way because it doesn’t make sense, but God’s ways are not our ways. When it seems like that which I’m trying to escape from is breathing down my neck and I think I am about to fail because of some unknown sin or missed direction, and or even think God has left me, I am just being used as a set-up for God to defeat that which has threatened me and desires to take me back into captivity.
There are so many things in this reading that I’ve never really studied that can tell me, show me just how God does things so I can fall into line and I will try to study them throughout the day and post back tonight.
Thank you Anka for today’s comments they have given me a lot of food for thought. Roslyn it thrills me heart to have confirmed that Mike’s hard work in maintaining this Blog and the reason for its existence, folks just sharing the thoughts and ideas on what is read, is bring forth much fruit. Thank you Mike.
Grace and peace,
Ramona
======= Anka:
My thoughts on secular music..I used to listen to not just the tune but also the lyrics of the songs before I got saved.My favourite songs I realise now were such a good pointer to how I felt inside..hopeless,angry,lost…when I became saved I found some christian music that had nice tunes(some similar to what I liked)and healthy lyrics so the transition was easy for me.I’m not sure what God thinks about the tunes of secular songs…can’t do much harm can they?The lyrics however…can be terrible in some cases,in the case of love songs,if you sing the songs to God(and really mean it)don’t think he’d mind.
My thoughts on today’s reading.Exod 13:22 neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left it’s place in front of the people.
So even though they blew it by losing faith God was still there.It gives me a lot of encouragement to think that even though I blow it a couple of times God still guides me.The part in chapter 14 where God tells them to turn back,then camp in a place near the sea.I just love the commentary from the link Mike gave..it really blessed me because I’m at that point of my life where God guided me to a path that didn’t make sense to me at all and now I know now that he wants to wipe out what’s left of egypt in me.
I used to be quick to judge the israelites that after seeing what God had done in egypt they still didn’t trust him enough then I looked into my life then realised how i grumbled and fretted when God told me to leave my comfort zone..
Then I used to wonder just how silly the egyptians were to see the sea part,the israelities go through and they had the guts to follow.Didn’t they know God parted it for the Israelites and not for them?When i read that the cloud brought darkness to one side and light to one side,then read the commentary too…it may just be possible that egypt in the heat of the pursuit didn’t even know what they had walked into until it was too late.
I loved all the readings so far but today’s hit a strong cord because it’s like finally i understand why I am where I am.
God bless you all
Anka
======= Dan:
I gre up being very involved in music, both secular and sacred, (I sang in a chapel choir, but wasn’t a christian). When I became a Christian I still listened to a lot of secular music, the “worst” of it was depressing out of wedlock relationship songs, or as you said Mike, depressing self centred songs.
However, when I moved to Canada to marry my wife I was exposed to many great indie Christian artists and enjoyed a lot of CCM. We rarely listen to our old music, and don’t think to turn on the radio at all most days. (I find Christian Radio stations hard to take too!) We listen to a great variety of Christian music from praise and worsihp through to alt CCM and indie.
I like to think of it as music with a message.
It bothers me when young Christians cling to their pre-christian brands of music, I think for youth, music is more identifying than many other things in their lives, (after all, “what’s on your ipod?” would be a common question), and answering “50 cent” might compromise your credibility when sharing the gospel.
Ultimately though each to their own, I know that God likes it when our minds are on Him, and that’s more likely to happen (for me) when litening to Christian music rather than secular.
Dan
======= Roslyn:
” Hardening of the heart” made me wonder a number of times as I was going through the readings during these last couple of days. Thanks for the link in which Bob discusses this in-depth but I still continue to wonder…
God appears to continue to harden the hearts of those who are already predisposed to harden their hearts and so they continue to get locked into sin never having the chance to experience God’s grace? So if you are naturally predisposed to do evil as God has chosen you to be so, you are doomed forever.
Roslyn
======= Micah Girl:
I think that if non-Christian music is causing you to despair or lust or doubt God, then you should turn it off. I think there is lots of exploitative music (and tv and movies and magazines) that treat people like objects, glorify violence, etc. and those should make your heart sick and sad. I also think that there is lots of beautiful music in the world that doesn’t name the name of Jesus, and yet it glorifies him by being beautiful and truthful or simply fun. If it is true, noble or praiseworthy it doesn’t have to be CCM (although it can be)… “All truth is God’s truth.” (St. Augustine)
Micah Girl
======= Kitty:
I believe that if we are to be salt and light of the world, we need to understand the popular culture, and contemporary secular music is part of that culture. As long as we listen and understand it, and use it as a link to share God’s love, I think that is ok.
Kitty
======= Laura:
Mike that is a great question that you asked today about music……. I am a hugh fan of CCM music. I too used to liston to all the hard rock and attend many concerts in my day. Now I am quite content to liston to rock that has positive and encouraging words and messages. I am a big fan of KLove radio, which can be heard in almost every state in the US and online. I used to be a financial supporter as well because I believe that God uses Christian music and stations such as this to spread the gospel. I feel that there might be some folks out there who would not darken the doors of a church, but might attend a Christian concert or liston to a Christian radio station, sometimes unknowingly I might add. The music today in my opinion, is modern sounding and keeps up with the demands of the youth and culture (a remark made by Kitty when she justified that it was important for youth to idenfity with something) Why not listion to music they can identify with that has positive and encouraging words sung.
Have you ever had a silly tune that seemed to stick in your head before? I have, and I would rather have it be a tune about God.
Great reading today about the parting of the Red Sea and God’s protection of the Israelites. I have read those verses many times, but enjoyed reading the commentary of Bob D. along with the reading. I don’t often have time to go to the links that Mike gives us with our reading, but I am happy when I do. It often fills in the some of the blanks for me. Mike gave some good advice last week I think it was about reading only today’s reading if you happen to get behind. By following his advice, it will free up more of your time to go to those links. I am glad I did today.
Laura
======= Ramona:
Thoughts from the Train
The Egyptians pursued them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh and his horsemen and his army, and overtook them encamped at the [Red] Sea by Pi-hahiroth, in front of Baal-zephon. When Pharaoh drew near, the Israelites looked up, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them … Moses told the people, Fear not; stand still (firm, confident, undismayed) and see the salvation of the Lord which He will work for you today. For the Egyptians you have seen today you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace and remain at rest. (Exodus 14:9-14 AMP)
When the enemy is throwing everything at you along with the kitchen sink it doesn’t mean you are doomed. It could just be God setting a trap. When the trap is sprung all the enemies arsenal will be taken out in one fell swoop.
The Lord said to Moses, Why do you cry to Me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward! (Exodus 14:15 AMP)
When God has given you instructions, don’t stand around holding a prayer meeting you know what to do. Get to Moving! He is actually preparing a table for you in the presence of your enemy.
When I am finished with Pharaoh and his army, all Egypt will know that I am the LORD!” (Exodus 14:18 NLT)
Don’t’ wait until you get knocked upside the head to recognize that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is God, then it might be to late because you just might find yourself at the bottom of some river.
The cloud settled between the Israelite and Egyptian camps. As night came, the pillar of cloud turned into a pillar of fire, lighting the Israelite camp. But the cloud became darkness to the Egyptians, and they couldn’t find the Israelites. (Exodus 14:20 NLT)
The Presence of God in a place will calm, illuminate or protect the believer. However, that same Presence will vex, frustrate and blind the unbeliever all at the same time. So don’t be surprised when you receive differing reactions out of the same crowd. As long as you have not done anything that is immoral, illicit or illegal and you are not around someone who just has a negative reaction to you that reaction may indicate they are not saved, but not always. You just might have found someone who instead of clicking with you clucked.
Ramona
======= Abby:
This is a great blog. Old Testament is really inspirational and reveals God’s mighty works in people’s day to day struggles.
But as for the secualr music thing, yeah I can admit songs on narcissism, sex, drugs, promiscuity or even modern pop like Britney Spears etc… lands us into negativity and ungodliness. Well, I personally like romantic or soft listening which is mostly about commitment and love, so I dont have much problem. Also, I love Simon and Garfunkel, once again they dont conflict big deal with my Christian beliefs.
But people who listen to extreme stuff, your problems will start only when you start to relate to that stuff and it starts to become a part of you. And then the deception starts. Be careful.
But otherwise, I think it’s perfectly OK to listen to most music that is not typically CHRISTIAN. Hmmm.. by the way, Classical Music and Jazz and the likes are also great harmless listening. So, you see, throwing out all CDs except Christian CDs would be unwise and hysterical.
Abby
======= John:
Mike,
I think we need to keep our minds on GOD, and Contemporary Christian does it for me… Chris Tomlin… Rich Mullins… Third Day… Michael W. who incidentally did have the song, Lord your leading me on his second worship album does the trick for me…
Music is vitally important for us as Christians… So glad there is such a rich history and new fresh songs that are part of GODs repertoire right now…
John
======= Jackie:
I love music of all kinds, but, since I’ve started to listen to Christian stations, I find that I no longer want to listen to any of them anymore. I am happy with the Christian music. I have to admitt, that there are times I cannot understand all the words, and I tell myself that this particular song must be directed to the younger set! lolol They seem to understand it perfectly. My husband still likes his secular stations, and it never fails, if he hears the Christian station, it is playing one of the more upbeat tunes, with hard to hear lyrics. lolol I am winning him over, slow but sure. I liked todays readings. I am struggling everyday, to loose my “egypt” habits. But, I know I will, God has led me back at this time in my life, so, I don’t think he will leave me hanging, now. I know I have his love and understanding,and grace. What more do I need?
I love reading all the comments, thanks to you all!
Jackie
======= Stef:
i have found music to have the power to influence my mood and thoughts,beautiful music whether secular or Christian uplifts me and creates peace in my heart and a desire for purity and love( basically really good stuff).. but then when you add the lyrics you need huge doses of discernment as to whether the beautiful music is enough or are you wearing down your reactions to what isnt right?how long does it take for something to become so familiar to your ears that you dont hear it anymore?most of my friends that iv asked not to use Gods name in vain have said that it was a habit and they werent even aware that they were doing it?so sometimes you just have to protect your soul even if its hard..i find if i listen to a certain cd of don fransisco songs he has a way of making people from the Bible become real to me..his song about Peter after he has betrayed Jesus and is utterly wretched then the chorus of “he’s alive and im forgiven” is so full of joy and wonder i cant listen to it without feeling his joy personally.a lot of the old secular music i really loved is pretty harmless but my kids are faced with lyrics that makes your hair stand on end and it is “in” to listen to it,iv tried finding the coolest Christian cds i can to give them other choices but sometimes the world is just too enticing and i can see that its hard for them….and about the readings i also struggle so with the concept of God hardening ones heart i know that God cannot do anything that would be wrong or unfair so i feel so guilty each time i find myself questioning something.
Stef
======= Dan:
Good comments.. I use to hate the Christian radio stations (too much fake joy for the Lord I thought) but God has totally changed my heart on this. When I travel for business, where bad habits and a return to “Egypt” was a regular struggle early in my walk, I immediately log onto my computer and turn on our local Christian station and it helps remind me of home, my family, and my desire to follow Christ. It is one of the ways I have been able to change the environment of a hotel room and bring Christ into the room with me in a tangible way.
Dan
======= Birdie:
Contemporary music was one way that God used to lead me back to himself. A group of young people (high school and college age) were conducting a prayer meeting in a school basement/cafeteria. They had such joy and such zeal for the Lord and for his Word that I couldn’t help being drawn toward them, and Him, even if I was a bit older than they were. It was one person with guitar and a bunch of others that led the singing which was definitely inspiring, even when they went off and just sang praises, possibly with no understandable words. It really was heavenly.
Birdie
======= Cheryl:
I love all kinds of music-that is music that I can understand the lyrics of- that lets out almost all hard rock and rap-I don’t listen to anything with obscene words or questionable lyrics and I encourage my teenagers not to listen to those songs. I love songs that tell a story like ballads or anything that has beautiful melodies. As a violinist I especially love classical music. In the car or at home while listening to the radio I always sing along, but when I sing on my own I always sing hymns. I don’t think God minds if we listen to secular music on occasion. God wants us to enjoy ourselves and have good times, after all, Jesus’ first miracle was at the wedding in Cana. I think the key is balance and awareness.
I also listened to secular music, but since there is such a variety of Christian music now, I do listen more to that. I don’t believe any music is bad for you, but you need to be leery of content, just like you need to be leery of TV show content ect.
Cheryl
======= Mae:
Music … well … last weekend I traded the Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, Madonna, Pharrel Williams cd’s for my ‘homemade worship’cd’s in my car. We don’t have K-love or other Christian radiostations here in Holland. So I downloaded ( I know … illegal, but we don’t have Natalie Grant, Rebecca St James, etc in the stores here) a couple of songs and made my own cd’s. Because some of the music I heard on the radio made me ill. Such as my own cd’s … I still like some of the ‘world’ music, but I know that all of them don’t have songs full of sexuality, addiction, narcissim. It’s funny how I all of a sudden irritated myself listerning to Sexyback by Justin Timberlake. But before my rebirth I danced around the house on that song. Not even realizing what the lyrics were. I’d sing along, but never really listerened. Even though it a song about sexuality, it’s quite empty, eh? I now realize that most of the songs of the world are quite sad … Mostly I just stop listerning to songs that are ‘sad’, they don’t really harm me, but it irritates me. The struggle I have with being in the world is television. I don’t watch a lot of tv anymore. It’s really weird, cause I do watch a couple of shows and there’s adultry, premarriage sex, and I get irritated when I watch it. How weird is that? Maybe it’s the beginning of the end of me watching tv? Well … of course there are plenty of tv-shows that aren’t of a bad influence. Anyway, I am cautious, I think that’s really important.
The verses that really stood out for me are:
Then Jesus asked them, “Didn’t you ever read this in the Scriptures?
‘The stone that the builders rejected
has now become the cornerstone.
This is the Lord’s doing,
and it is wonderful to see.’
Anyone who stumbles over that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone it falls on.
Mae
====== Sarah:
I think that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with listening to secualar music whatsoever, unless it’s inherantly evil, which mos of it isn’t. The only things I will ever turn off MTV are the Tatu song (few years ago now) and Beautiful by Christina Aguilara because they have homosexuality in the video which I don’t want to watch and more importantly don’t want my son to watch. Other than that it’s great.
I like music (got no musical talent but like it anyway) and you know you listen to a lot of secualr music and if you really listen to the lyrics a lot of it is actually worshipful we just don;t realise it, Nirvana, one of the most un-Christian bands you can think of did a rock version of Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam, and there’s another secualr song that springs to mind that I can;t remember the artist of called “One of us” and the chorus goes “yeah yeah God is great, yeah yeah God is Good” I think the whole concept of not listening to secular music smacks of being over-pious and seperating oneself from the world complaetely which is a poor witness for God. It’s much better to be in touch with the world, to admire the beauty of the art that man can create and still maintain a Godly morality and lifestyle.
Rant over ;o) PLease ignore all the typos.
On another note I loved the parable of the two sons because it reminded me of the way my friend at church presented it to the children in the family service, she used a digital camera and did slide show using two brothers and their dad from the church, she had funny photo’s of Mark (the dad) telling them each to go and work in ther garden, and the one who said he would but didn’t sleeping, playing on his computer etc and the other one out in the garden with a huge spade. She then asked the children “who was the good boy?” to which my own son (he’s only 3) shouted “ME!” until she gave him a sweetie for getting the right answer! What a great way to explain the parable to the children.
Sarah
======= Jenny:
Of course I love Exodus 14. amazing story. I like v 14 “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” …I know many times we have a tendancy to worry when God is telling us this very thing.
“The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” Love this (is also a great song by Jars of Clay on the City On a Hill cd!)
v 44 means so much to me. “He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed.” God spoke to me about it a couple years ago at a retreat and I’ll never forget it! it would be hard for me to explain, it just has sooo much meaning. A pastor spoke on it and it was like a life changing word.
Yes, I struggled with music for years too. In the early 90s pretty much music was my life and some of those musicians were my gods. I too have to be careful what I listen to. I went through a period where i wouldnt let myself listen to anything but Christian but then i started feeling restricted and wanted to listen to other stuff as well, well I know my relationship with the Lord is about freedom. So now I am free to lisen to what I want..the catch, I want Christian music. Occasionally i listen to some secular, but if the lyrics are sexual, referring to drinking, drugs I turn it off. The ones that got me were the narcissistic ones…(Bible dude, we probly had a lot of the same taste) but so many of those songs are on self-pity, self-loathing, you dont even realize they are harmful but I notice when I listen to it, the focus goes onto me! (ugh…then i sit there thinking of myself and of course i get depressed).
Bottom line…where does your mind’s eye focus on when listening to music. If its anythig other then God, be very careful. I do listen to some secular, but in moderation. Its a personal thing to each person…what is God saying to you? One thing we should never forget, music is a verrry powerful influence…its seeps in your brain and can sow bad fruit or good fruit.
Jenny
======= Bill:
QUESTIONS OF THE DAY:
“…What do you think is the line of listening to / enjoying secular music, versus it literally being bad for you? Please let me know your thoughts on secular music – do you listen to it? Do you avoid it? Are you cautious about it in any way?…”
Before I became a Christian in 1978 I was rock music fan. I must have attended more than 200 rock concerts in the late 1960s through the mid-1970s. Much of that music was obviously satanic if you listen to the lyrics. After I was saved I took my LP rock albums and smashed them all to bits with a hammer before I tossed them in the trash. One of the most immediate and dramatic changes that took place in me back then after my conversion was my taste in music. I admit that occasionally some of the secular music does appeal to me but I don’t seek it out . Often I was exposed to it at work and there was nothing I could do about it. When I now hear a rock song I used to love years ago it doesn’t appeal to me much if at all. Today I only listen to Christian music and that is all I will buy. If a secular song gets in my head all it takes to get it out of mind is to play my Christian CDs. I have more than 300 of them. I think it does matter what kind of music that Christians listen to because I believe it does have an effect on us spiritually. I believe that the original purpose of music was to glorify and praise God but that Satan after his fall perverted it.
“ The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul. If heed is not paid to this, it is not true music but a diabolical bawling and twanging.”
– Johann Sebastian Bach ( 1685-1750 )
EXODUS 13:17-15:18
As for the route that the Israelites took from Egypt to the Promised Land I believe that the traditional route, as shown on the maps, is accurate based on what I have read in the Old Testament. I have traced it before.
Note how useless Pharaoh’s horses and chariots were in trying to destroy Israel ( 14:23 -28 ). That is because God supernaturally protected them. Military might is nothing to God. Reading of how God drowned Pharaoh’s armies in the sea eerily reminds me of the the enemies of Israel today who have threatened to “drive the Jews into the sea.” Well, that was Pharaoh’s mistake too and they would do well to consider it.
“ The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.”
– Proverbs 21:31 ( KJV )
Yes, I think music is an important part of worship as apparently Moses and the children of Israel did as well in singing the Song of Moses ( 15:1-19 ). I once attended a church where the song leader couldn’t sing well at all but he was enthusiastic and it was contagious to the rest of congregation. I can’t sing either but watching Him helped me overcome my own fears about singing out loud in church. At first, yes, I was self-conscious about it. I know that God isn’t concerned about what we sound like but rather about whether our hearts are filled with praise and worship.
The Song of Moses will one day again be sung in Heaven along with the Song of the Lamb by the saints of God ( Revelation 15:3 ).
MATTHEW 21:23-46
Another great worship song I love to sing and hear sung by choirs and choruses is ‘Cornerstone.’ Here are the lyrics ( by Lary Goss ):
“Jesus is the Cornerstone, came for sinners to atone
Though rejected by His own, He became the Cornerstone
Jesus is the Cornerstone
When I am by sin oppressed, on the Stone I am at rest
Where the seeds of truth are sown, he remains the Cornerstone
Jesus is my Cornerstone
Rock of Ages, so secure, For all time it shall endure
‘Til His children reach their home, He remains the Cornerstone
Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me find my rest in Thee
‘Til the breaking of the dawn, ’til all footsteps reach His throne
Ever let this truth be known, Jesus is the Cornerstone.”
Amen. Yes, Jesus is the cornerstone. When I read this passage I always think about how ungodly men since the dawn of civilization down through the ages, from Babel to the New World Order, have attempted to build their own utopian kingdoms on earth excluding the Lord from their plans. All have failed. Only the kingdom that God builds, with Christ as the cornerstone, will stand for eternity.
Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
– Psalm 127:1 ( KJV )
PSALM 26:1-12
Much is said here that can be applied to local churches. I like to attend churches where people will stand up and give personal testimonies ( v.7 ) of what God has been doing in their lives, where people are clearly happy to be there ( v.8 ) and where they praise the Lord ( v. 12 ). I see two different types of congregations here: one where the people walk in truth ( v.3 ) and another of evil doers ( v.5 ) which would also, as I see it, apply to apostate Christianity which denys the truths of God‘s Word. The apostates tend to blame those who walk in truth and who adhere to sound doctrine for divisions in the Church but the truth is that it is the heretics which cause division. In such a case then, division is a good thing. It is the petty disputes that are a bad thing. Granted there is no joy in attending a church where there is strife and division and where that is present it will make it very difficult to worship.
“ Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse. For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be DIVISIONS among you; and I partly believe it. For there must be also HERESIES among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.”
– 1 Corinthians 11:17-19 ( KJV ).
PROVERBS 6:16-19
The sowing of discord among brethren ( v.19 ) ties in with what I was talking about in my comments on Psalm 26 concerning heresy and disunity. Those who do this are sowing seeds of lies rather than the good seed of God’s Word and they are bearing “false witness “ ( v.19 ) rather than being true witnesses of Jesus Christ.
Bill
======= Julie:
I love to listen to music. Some is secular and it is just fun but some of the secular music stirs up anger or lust or selfishness and that is when the Holy Spirit convicts me to not listen to it. THere is some Christian music that makes me uncomfortable as well and I can’t listen to that. Perhaps some of the Christian music that I don’t want to listen to is too emotional for me or some of it is just too electric guitar (and hey I did High School in 68-71) and it just doesn’t make good listening. I myself couldn’t throw out music only because it is secular. But I did throw out all the heavy metal garbage. There is the devil’s music and there is God’s music and then there is man’s music. Holy Spirit please help us be discerning!
Thank you for this one year Bible blog, I love it!
Julie
======= Pat:
My comment on music:
Let me share something personal with all of you this morning. I was born a hearing person. I had cancer in 1970 when no one beat the stinking disease. At that time there was not the chemo or type of radiation treatments used today. They inserted pellets of radioactive cobalt and then removed them after a certain number of days. You were literally cooked from the inside out. Well, the Lord answered my prayers and cured my cancer. He allowed me to raise my son and enjoy my beautiful granddaughter. Cobalt had many long-term side effects for those that were lucky to live long enough to experience them. One of the side effects is deafness. I went deaf at the age of 50 and each day I wake up in the silent world I praise the Lord for allowing me to live to experience the silence. Music was always such an important part of my hearing world. Even though I cannot hear worldly music, the Lord has given me what I call an internal iPod. I, of course, am not familiar with the new Christian music that everyone so enjoys today but the old hymns play on my internal iPod so beautifully that they sound like Heavenly choirs produce them. I praise the Lord for allowing me to mentally hear all the old hymns. You know, he even implanted the words of the hymns so that now when the Heavenly music starts I know each word of the song. I’m 67 now and the Lord has blessed with the gift of internal Heavenly music now for 17 years. How loving and precious our Lord is!!!!!!!
God Bless!
Pat
======= Elizabeth:
Hello,
Regarding secular music, I was also raised upon the songs of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. Although I was raised in the church, I did not know the Lord and my parents did not model active faith or dialogue with me about the culture at all. I was left to form a world view from friends and the music of the culture. Looking back, I think I pieced together my own beliefs and philosophy through the lyrics of these songs. This to me, is the biggest danger for impressionable youth–that they would listen to these songs and latch onto a distorted view of the world.
As a teenager, I listened to these songs over and over again, essentially meditating upon them in my spirit. I internalized their teachings and had to “undo” a lot of the “stinking thinking” once I became a Christian. As an aside, my experiences in secular universities did the same thing–lots of junk packaged as “wisdom” is lurking in secular universities.
However, I don’t believe that all secular music is “bad” nor that all secular universities are “dangerous places”…that seems to be a simplistic view of a complex problem.
I don’t know that it’s the most efficient use of our energy to throw darts at the world…the world is just acting like the world…how else would we expect them to act?
Instead, I think we’ve got to be proactive about forming a clear Biblical worldview and making a point to teach it (and MODEL IT!) to our children. When we can articulate, defend and walk out (not perfection but “walk”) what we believe our children will be more apt to do the same. Then they can approach the culture (whether CDs, movies, politics, university professors, friends, TV shows, or whatever the world will throw their way,) without being tossed about recklessly on its waves.
They need a sound ship and a firm foundation. If we don’t give them this, then there is a big gaping void in their lives that they will be tempted to fill with the “junk of the world.”
I also think of Philippians 4:8 with regard to “negative” media:
“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”
We need to be careful what we dwell upon…and this includes music, movies, literature, ALL media, our conversations, our internal thought patterns, on and on….
Just thinking,
Elizabeth
======= Barb:
I could write pages regarding whether or not we should listen to secular music as Christians. First of all, to answer one of Mike’s questions…no, I don’t avoid it, and I absolutely can’t fathom Jesus wanting us to do so either. I understand that as Phillippians 4:8 instructs, we should keep our minds on whatever is true, honorable, pure, lovely, etc., but we should also remember we are instructed to not be “too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people” (Rom. 12:16). I think as Christians, if part of our servanthood to God is to deliver the news of the Gospels, we need to first and foremost be able to relate to people who are far from Him. And let’s face it–the angst of many secular songwriters reveals the emptiness of one’s soul. IMO, the hopelessness, sexuality, addiction, and narcissistic themes are all indicative of the absence of, and searching for (even if they don’t know it), a Saviour, and these songwriters are the very types of people Jesus would have reached out to when he walked here on our earth, as well as the people who are drawn to that type of music.
Now on the other hand, we Christians are still human and are in need of daily cleansing of sins, so if secular music draws you in and tempts you to sin after listening to it, then by all means, stay away from it. But if you are strong in your faith and secure enough in your walk, I see no reason why you can’t listen to a tune of someone who’s far from God. Just like you can be friends with someone who is far from God. And truth be told, I’m not 100% Good Christian 100% of the time. I screw up; I sin. And sometimes, because of that sin I have really related to a song’s lyrics. The knowledge of this keeps me humble. When I get myself right with God, I can then re-listen to that song with a new and improved heart. And who knows, maybe someday one of these secular songs might draw my daughter in and if it did, I would want to allow her the chance to tell me why she relates to it, rather than just banning it from her ears and giving her the feeling that I’m better than her, or worse yet, that I can’t even relate to her.
Further more, there are many songs I love strictly for the melody, or the way the electric guitar, or bass, or piano… (you get the picture…) sounds. I’ve often found that when I really listen to the lyrics, I’m shocked at what the songwriter is singing about. LOL However, at that point, the music might have already pulled me in.
The bottom line I look for is whether or not a song is gratuitous in sexuality, controversy, etc. And I believe the Holy Spirit prompts me to be disgusted enough to turn it off when that is the case. So when I come across an old ’80’s hairband whose primary interest is kick-starting their hearts… I’ll throw up a prayer to God that they will come to know His goodness and love, and then I’ll crank up my radio and enjoy the rockin’ guitar riffs!
Barb
======== Janice:
Thank you so much for your blog it has really transformed the way I read and worship on my own.
We had a member of our church who had been in a rock band before becoming a christian and I always remember him answering your question about secular music. He asked if we would be able to stop in the middle of the song and worship God. If you can’t (and if you think of some secular songs it would be hard) you shouldn’t be listening to it, but as long as you could (and some songs might actually go along with your worship) he felt it was o.k.
I really agreed with that and try to follow that. Some songs I can actually take as worship songs and I don’t think God would have a problem with that. Others I know I just need to change the station.
Janice
======== Jen:
Gosh that’s a great question. For me personally, I avoid it. I have realized that music is very powerful and that no matter what it feeds into your spirit. For me it is just another opportunity for my flesh to be indulged and my mind not to be renewed. “Do not be conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Rom. 12:2 1Jn: 2:15
I appreciate this blog very much. Thank you
Jen
========= Christine:
Hi Mike, I stopped listening to secular music back in the early 80’s. What stands out in my mind is a quote from Intgrity Music, “And who do you sing to?” Sometimes I’ll catch a secular song in the store,etc. and can’t get it out of my head. That really disturbs me. They are everything you said they are. I was a teen in the 70’s and now find out that most of the music I so loved was demonically based. I only listen to worship music now. I know Who I want to sing to!
Christine
======= Dave:
Listening now, to the secular music I used to listen to, brings back a flood of memories. Just like the Psalms, secular artists write songs filled with anger, fear, joy and hope. Every song has its time and place. I suppose I stopped listening to most secular music when I found much more meaning and strength in worship music. Although, I have to admit, there’s a lot of worship music out there that feels just as “empty” as secular music. Those songs focus more on the sound than the meaning.
Dave
======== Wendy:
Hi Mike
You asked about secular music.
It is the words that you need to check. What are they sowing into my spirit? Music can be a powerful tool for the enemy. When I was a teenager there was a song that said something like “I can do what I want to do” I went through a rebellious stage. Words like these can sow seeds or water them.
Wendy
======= Jay:
Dear Mike,
Thank you for asking about music. I have been so blessed by the music you post in your blog. I love it, and I thank you. I have developed a playlist in You Tube. When I am particularly moved by a song you select, I post it to my You Tube playlist. Music moves me and you show me the way to inspired music to assist me in my daily prayers and meditations. It’s a great addition to your blog. Can’t thank you enough.
Jay
======== Sherri:
When I first began to listen to Christian music, we didn’t have much variety. Yet I still felt drawn to it and gradually began to desire it over the secular. Today I choose only to listen to Christian radio because it reminds me to keep Christ the center of my focus, not my problems, or my selfish desires.
As a parent I choose to set the example and to show my kids that there is some really great and “cool” Christian music available to them. Although not all secular artist are bad, I still find that the songs are about self, and I already struggle with that.
Sherri
======== Jennifer:
What hit me from the reading of Exodus was the amazing light of God always before Isreal and yet they got used to it after a while and decided that God was not faithful and so ended up wondering the desert. God was a Cloud and light before them day and night. He parted the Red Sea and overcame Pharaoh’s army. Yet, in a little while these people will not trust God to deliver them.
I know this is our way. I wonder if I know that God is still guide shining bright in front of me and if I trust I will be delivered.
Regarding music. I too used to listen to secular music and still have old bands that I like, but I don’t have the same taste and desire to hear secular music, today. It sounds discordant and not what I am looking for. I really love Christian music and don’t know that there is anything inherently wrong with listening to secular music, but I think that as a Christian it does not fit me anymore.
There are examples of music that can plant seeds of sin and that you will just not want to listen to especially if you have children. However, for me I don’t think about listening to secular music or not, I just love Christian music.
Jennifer
======= Steve:
Exodus 13:21 By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night.
As we leave Egypt (metaphorically speaking) we exit straining against the gravitational pull of the comforts of this world. We leave because our God is calling us to the promise land, a journey that goes first through the desert, that place of transformation where we learn to let go and trust Him. God leads us with the pillar of cloud keeping us cool in the extreme heat of the desert and the pillar of fire keeps us warm during the freezing night, He provides and protects us on this journey. The amount of time we wander in the desert searching for the promise land is up to us. We can spend our entire life in the desert or we can lay down our desire to lead and follow Him in the express lane of humility.
Steve
======= Sara:
I, too, am so glad you post the music from various Christian artists on this site. This song, in particular, came to mind when I was reading about how the Isrealites wanted to return to Egypt. So I was really moved to watch and listen to it here.
As for the secular music vs. Christian, I grew up on 70’s & 80’s rock and listened to it all the time, but after I dedicated my life to Christ, I really heard the words of these songs through a different filter. The Holy Spirit’s conviction caused me to want to get rid of most of my CDs, mainly the ones with questionable lyrics. And now as a parent, I wouldn’t want my young children to hear and learn the words of those songs either. I am so thankful that we have a great contemporary Christian radio station to listen to and have not even wanted to listen to the others any more.
Sara
======= Cheryl:
The song you quoted today: “Lord you’re leading me. With a cloud by day. And in the night. Glow of a burning flame. Everywhere I go I see you. Everywhere I go I see you.” is a Rich Mullins song. Rich is my all time favorite Christian artist. I love love love his music and many times it has centered me back on Christ. Rich passed away several years ago in a car accident. I just know Christ couldn’t wait and wanted him home.
Music is a huge part of my life. I listen to all kinds of music. Christian music is a poweful way to move our hearts and minds back to Christ. I think it’s okay to listen to some kinds of secular music but to always be aware of the power of the lyrics and music to distract us and move us away from God as well.
Cheryl
======= Tammy:
I prefer to listen to christian/worship music and most of the time a CD stays in my car for me to listen to. I too was/am a fan of the 80’s music and once in a while will throw that in the mix too. I think you just have to be careful of what you listen too. I also have the priviledge of having a 12 year old daughter who loves music too. Thankfully she is just as happy listening to my worship music and she has some of own favorite christian bands…even some christian rock bands. At first the christian rock wasn’t my favorite but as I listened and heard their message I was o.k. with it. Just wanted to know the message was o.k. So now my daughter and I go to chrisitan concerts which I enjoy as much as she does. I feel this encourages her to make the right decisions about music. Yes she still listens to Justin Bieber, Adele and others but her primary focus is still christian music. Hope it stays that way. Thanks for the blog….still keeping in there.
Tammy
======= Ginny:
I do a lot of Karaoke at local restaurants and clubs. The interesting thing is that when I sing a song like “I Believe” is when I get the biggest,positive reaction from the crowd. A friend of mine has been practicing “Amazing Grace” as done by Chris Tomlin. We like to inject some spiritual music into the mix. I love that Jeff posted he thinks of Jesus when he hears,”your love is lifing me higher”. Music is a strong part of our worship service at Radiant Church. The music is sometimes too loud and some folks complain but for the most part its an intrical part of the worshiping service. David for all his war-like traits was also a poet. I think that God likes it that we make a joyful sound to honor Him!
Ginny
======= Tammy:
Mike, I work with young people who listen to some very explicit lyrics in today’s music. I tell them this true story:
Years ago, my grandmother was in a nursing home with some form of extreme dementia. My grandmother was a devout Christian and had been very involved in her church. She loved to sing and had a beautiful soprano voice. She had 5 children, including my father. My dad also has a wonderful singing voice and as a boy would sing duets with my grandmother in church. One song they sang as a duet was, “In the Garden.” When my grandmother was old and her mind was diseased, as I remember, she rarely even opened her eyes. She lived in Wisconsin and we live in GA, so we didn’t get to go up to visit very often. On one of the last visits my father was able to make with her, she didn’t speak, didn’t seem to be aware of her surroundings, and he said to feed her you would have to hold the spoon to her lips and she would then open her mouth. Her mind appeared to be completely “gone.” So Dad sat with her and held her hand and prayed over her. Then he decided to use his beautiful voice to sing to her, as a loving act to his mother. He started singing, “I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses…” And ever so softly, my grandmother, who hadn’t spoken in weeks and whose conscious mind appeared completely non-functional, started singing along. Her eyes were still closed, but she sang along to every word of that song.
Music is a powerful tool. The messages that are set to rhythm and melody get planted deep into our minds and spirits in a way ordinary spoken messages can’t. I believe we need to be very careful what we listen to. I know for myself, I can’t remember what I did an hour ago, but I can remember song lyrics from 30+ years ago. And how many of us learned the alphabet and so many other lessons because they were set to music? My heart breaks for this generation because the music seems to be more powerful and intoxicating, and it is certainly more readily available, but the message in the music is more destructive. If these young people make it to my grandmother’s age, what memories will they be able to call up? What message will be on their tongues? Taylor Swift’s? Lil Wayne’s? Rihanna’s? Think about that as you enjoy whatever music you listen to. One day, that message might be all that you remember.
Tammy
===== Kathy:
Over the last few years I have listened to Christian Music in my car…I call it “worship on wheels”!! These song have lots of scripture in them and I recognize that now and smile, for thru these songs the Word of God is being planted in my mind. Sometimes when I have a hard time sleeping one of these songs will be in my mind and it is usually right on target for what is bothering me…God truly is my salvation and song….and He makes me smile in the many ways He is present in our lives.
Kathy
======= Sharon:
Ah, the battle of music. I’ve struggled with that for years. What opened my eyes was becoming a mother, and finally listening to the words that I was singing along with in front of my children. Over the years I’ve tried to find Christian artists whose style I enjoyed as much as my secular interests. It is hard sometimes. I still listen to “oldies” (70s, 80s, etc. lol! ) but I try to avoid any songs that have indecent lyrics or that try to remind me of “my Egypt” past.
Sharon
======= Jill:
Every day I start the day with “God what for want from me? How can I serve you!” The song ” have thine own way Lord comes to me” Then at night I pray the song ” Thankyou Lord for saving my soul, Thankyou Lord for making me whole..” I love worshipping at church with other believers and love worship songs but I still enjoy music from the past. I find some of that has less crude words than of today’s pop music.
I really want to put him first. I feel the spiritual battle within me daily. It’s hard to be at peace. Maybe as grow closer to God the devil works harder at trying to pull us away. Someone told me they were mature in their faith in later years but I feel I was mature in younger years but my experiences as I get older shaped me and changed my life for today. I believe we my tight the spiritual battle till we get to heaven.
May our life line up with God. May our lives reflect him. May we keep parting waters as we plug ahead.
Jill
======= Joyce:
Mike and everyone,
Very grateful for this community!
Very grateful to be able to follow this blog daily!
What Jill said in particular strikes a chord in me: “I believe we may fight the spiritual battle till we get to heaven.”
It’s a comfort and an encouragement to hear another believer states that!
Today have been thinking on this verse:
Exodus 13:17 NASB
17 Now when Pharaoh had let the people go, God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, even though it was near; for God said, “The people might change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.”
God’s way is not our way; His way may even seem illogical for us.
And yet, we can trust that, when He chooses/paves a certain way for us, He has considered our weaknesses (and our strengths), what we can and cannot handle.
May He bless this blog;
May He bless many believers with the habit of reading His Word daily through this blog;
May He bless many who do not yet know Him with the beauty and truth in His Word through this blog;
Mike, may He continue to encourage you and give you spiritual insights as you write this blog!
Blessings to all of you!
Joyce
======= Joyce:
Concerning music, I would not go so far as to advise someone to get rid of their entire music collection, unless God tells them to do that. However, listening mostly to Christian music stations like K-Love or TheLightFM, can make a huge difference in your mood and attitude. Years ago, I listened to a local rock station on my way to work, a 45 minute commute. I liked the music, but I arrived at work in a foul mood. I switched to a Christian station. The station was not very contemporary at the time, and I hadn’t been raised on that type of music, so I did a lot of eye rolling at the songs! But, I arrived at work in a much better mood! It has been 34 years now, and that station has been a great force for inspiration and godly teaching in my life. ( And, TheLightFM is much more contemporary now.) All because I was willing to be musically uncomfortable in order to have positive Christian input.
Joyce
======== Liz:
I am obviously older than you as the music of my childhood is late 60’s and 70’s rock music. We had very little modern Christian music and none on the radio. At our first church, in our 20’s in 1979, us and other staff couples, decided to burn all of our secular record albums. We concluded, at the time, that if it was not about God or Jesus It was detrimental.
As time went on, and we had children, did that apply to Ring Around the Rosy? Did it apply to poetry? The Land of Counterpane? Mother Goose?How far do we go with this? Do we only watch Christian movies? They were sparse and pretty bad back then. Do we not shop at the Hardware store that the owner or an employee are not Christian? Do you quit a job that the boss is not Christian? How far does this go? Is music special? With all of the Christian artists that are turning from God, recently, maybe there shouldn’t be those kinds of distinctions. We have hymns that the music was originally bar room music and rowdy “modern” music in it’s day.
I know that I am using human reasoning here, but am I? Music is not just (1) honoring God and (2) dishonoring God. There is a third category that does not dishonor God. There is a lot of music that gives me a happy heart that is not Christian per se. some motivates me to get busy and clean my house, some spurs me to sing at the top of my lungs. Some reminds me of good times and certain people. If “Happy Birthday” is okay, there is a place for neutral songs in a Christian’s life.
Liz
======== Mitch:
Music: Child of the 60’s-70’s : Beatles, The Who, zeppelin, etc. atheist until 48, and always enjoyed listening to oldie stations. But was not obsessed by them. Could not tell you more than two lines from any song. So it was music (instruments) that I enjoyed. Now, while I might occasionally go old school on SiriusXM, most days I listen to “the Message” on Sirius, and Contemporary Christian music channel on Cox. Transformation at salvation is interesting and the process of sanctification varies with individuals. God does not use a cookie cutter on His children.
Moses to people – “Stand firm”. Yes, we are to flee temptation, but spiritual battles we are to stand firm (don the armory of God(Ephesians)) in our faith. I have run or avoided in the past at times, but our command is to stand firm.
Matt: two sons parable is exactly what happened to me. I prayed for the truth to be revealed. God did so, and I said “no thank you”. But three weeks later in a fetal position bawling mess I begged him to take charge of my life and bent my knee to Christ. So I get, what Jesus is saying here in this parable.
Proverbs: ?: notice no sexual sins are mentioned on seven detestable things (although some of the elements can lead to sexual sins). Any thoughts?
Mitch
======= Dee:
Such good readings in Exodus today! What I noticed is, first of all, the first of the grumblings occur from the Israelites about them going to do, and muttering to Moses. They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? I thought that was amazing! and not much different than us I guess when we are not as grounded on God as Moses was and trying to listen solely to one being and one person listening to the most High for our counsel. The Israelites went on the journey with Moses, but not out of faith, rather out of pressure, or as “followers” there was no real integrity or grit in this group. Right now they are just going throught the motions until better shows up. They never knew real happiness or peace. They didn’t really know how
to have real joy, joy that only God can give us! Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. 14 The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” So true words that Moses said and deep down I wonder if Moses really was sure himself about the Egyptians never seeing again.
15 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me?
The Lord was basically quoting what Jesus told his deciples in our Matthew readings this week, if you have faith as that of a mustard see and you say unto that mountain be thou removed and cast into the sea and not doubt in your heart, then that which you speak will come true. Moses had to believe that he was already equipped for the job.
I also like the part about: Then the angel of God, who had been traveling in front of Israel’s army, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from in front and stood behind them, 20 coming between the armies of Egypt and Israel. Throughout the night the cloud brought darkness to the one side and light to the other side; so neither went near the other all night long.
We don’t fight against flesh and blood but against the principalities of good and evil. It wasn’t necesarily the Israelites fighting against the Egyptians that day. It was God’s goodness overcoming and empowering Satans darkness. That was the real issue and one that the Israelites and us today have to realize and allow the battles to belong to the Lord! For He is Good, His Mercy endureth Forever!!!
Dee
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