Have you ever sat and listened to music and for whatever reason it sounded so good to you that it left you sitting on a cloud all day? I know I have─but then music has always been a favorite in my life from playing instruments to singing (I digress though as I age). I never learned to play the oboe, but I have loved it ever since I was a very small boy when I first heard it the “Nutcracker Suite.” It was always the learned critics that would say, “The oboe is kept as an understated piece within the ‘Nutcracker Suite’ against such sweeping lilts of the flutes.”

For me, that’s rubbish. The oboe sets the stage, preps the flutes and holds a solid ground with the likes of trumpets! That is my opinion, though. Surely, you can see my point here about being able to hear various instruments in any particular musical format and I am sure that you have your favorite. In other types of music, I have always loved the Beach Boys and their unique harmonies, also the country duets and harmonies of Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton and today Clint Black and Wynona Judd or Shenandoah. There are many others but these folks come to mind first.

I believe you understand what I am talking about and the thrill when you hear the music that you love. It simply makes your heart sing. There are several points I am endeavoring to make here. Music is so loved by people because it speaks to the heart of the listener, therefore we may assume that music is an emotional “exercise.” It thrills the heart and moves the soul even to the point of controversy at some times.

I remember watching Elvis on the “Ed Sullivan Show” and my Mom and Dad told my sister and me that this would never be allowed in our home! Ye Gods and little fishes! The very idea (shaking his hips so much)! Please understand that was how the late 50’s were. We don’t even want to explore the statements by my parents about the hippies of the late 60’s or free love! Suffice it to say, their responses were uber-emotional (German for over emotional)!

The next point is pretty universal: Which generation was never emotional or at the very least outspoken to the detriment of their parents’ wishes? Lately though, the last few generations have been remarkably even more outspoken or emotionally centered than their predecessors. And now, it is literally more so in every other instance than just music. It has literally become a significant wall of emotion concerning everything from school attire or attitude to Social Security. It has been stated many times by all sorts of psychology experts, that humans are “social beings,” therefore they look for ways to congregate with others of like ideas.

The once bastion of difference to that statement has always been the church, simply because people knew back then that humans are diametrically opposed to God because of our sin. Going to church was always a time when we were reminded that we must reach for Jesus Christ as our Savior, back then the churches were rife with talk of sin, hell fire and damnation! All of which, mind you, was explosive in an emotionally charged manner.

The churches of today are far different than yesteryear! They are more of a social event than what they used to be. The sermons of the majority have evolved as well, but NOT for the better! The sermons have evolved to a point, maybe because of the economy that they speak more about the value and need for money than anything else. Suddenly, we see a sharp incline for “mammon” than any fair share of awareness of sin.

Today we have seen the evolution of the simple basic church to the mega-church and the expounding of the “prosperity gospel.” I doubt seriously we will hear again of the tent revivals, the likes of which were witnessed through the 50’s and 60’s. And this is a sad situation to see taking place! And the reason for this change is emotions─simple but true. Too much attention is being paid to any one person’s emotions or emotional state. The “greatest generation” was always concerned with the welfare of all people in the USA as a collective, it would have been a disgrace to be concerned with any one persons situation.

Hence the “scammers” of today have been able to steal millions upon millions from that trusting generation of people! This is the idea that there is a line drawn in the proverbial sand concerning decency and fair play amongst this older generation, as compared to the generation today. This generation is NO longer espoused to being concerned with what is right or wrong but rather to the “haves and “have nots.” The end result for this generation, are those like Joel Osteen or maybe those of the Crystal Cathedral where “prosperity” is paramount.

The last point is concerning, the lack of Scripture or maybe better still, the blatant bastardization of the Holy Scriptures! However blasphemous this last part is to the true Bible student, it is the personification of Satan in the churches today. Comparatively speaking, it is to the point that many are unable to find a Bible believing, Scripture teaching God-fearing church any more and are sequestered to ones home! Lets remember a few things here:

Matthew 7.21-23:

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

This changes the perspective of what should be coming from the pulpit, concerning “false prophets” and “false profits” (pun intended).

2 Timothy 3.1-7:

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

And this of course, is to name only a few by God, but you definitely get the point! Somewhere along the way, I have this picture in my head, about the word “pundits” and it comes across my mind as someone “kicking a field goal.” Why? I have no idea, but think on this: Pundits in the pulpit! I see a picture of God, field kicking a few “pundits” into hell, the pundit holding his butt in pain as he flies to the depths of hell. WOW!

2 Timothy 3.12-14:

“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them.”

We already know what this passage says is taking place at every turn of our lives and it is so, because God said so; that should be sufficient for us. It is truly Scriptural.

Proverbs 14.12: “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”

Enough said there!

1 Corinthians 6.4-17:

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols?

For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.”

Matthew 11:28-30: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

James 5:7-8:

“Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.”

And last, but never the only verse:

John 14.5-9:

“Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.

Jesus saith unto him, have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? He that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?”

Joshua 24:14:

“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Marantha, Lord!

I speak with a number of people everyday, not all are “Born-Again”. Not all have a genuine “Relationship” with the Lord of all, Jesus Christ. Believe it or not, not every one KNOWS how to Pray and most never Pray to begin with, they just figure it will come about for them. Few understand, they are in the midst of the God that created everything. And surprisingly enough, the vast majority of people, figure they are worth, the God of the Universe, supplying their every want and desire, simply because. How utterly arrogant of them! The ones that really rankle me, are the ones that say, “IF you do this for me, I’ll do that for you”. Huh?! The God of everything, of this universe and beyond, does NOT need you to do anything for HIM! And I am saying this with all the emphasis I can muster on paper! God, actually, does NOT need YOU for anything! God “Chooses” to Bless whom HE will, because HE is a Just and Loving God.

Matthew 6:5-6 “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” This is the preamble to the “Lord’s Prayer” or the Prayer the Lord taught to HIS disciples, to show them HOW to Pray. Matthew 6:14-15 “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” In this instance the Lord is using “IF”, because it is for YOU to choose, it is an “open invitation” to forgive another, rather than a Command. Still the emphasis is there to call you to DO a particular thing, in a certain manner, and also notice, this has to do with someone else. It is something you are doing or asking for someone else and still as yet, the Lord says HE will bless you for doing so. Just so you clearly understand, using “IF” is not a solid or completely stable situation, except when it comes to what the Lord God will do. This is definitely a situation to be absolutely sure of, your clear understanding is Critical.

I truly believe, it is the “Mis-Information” of people that end with them NOT being Blessed as they had originally hoped they would. Jesus Christ was and is very adamant concerning HIS usage of words. One must keep in mind that GOD knows everything and everything HE does is absolutely Perfect, each and every time, HE Never makes a mistake. That being the case, WHEN you read the Word of God, KNOW there are no mistakes, no errors anywhere. There are a great many people that scoff at the Holy Word of God and suggest that because over time THEY make mistakes, that is also a possibility for God to make a few as well. They are unequivocally WRONG! As a writer, I am suppose to be up-to-date on the current verbiage and able to explain, what I am writing, with complete accuracy. I am as you are, filled with mistakes and error, therefore, that will never be the case with me. I am as fallen as you are. The difference is, I am “Forgiven” and believe it or not, for God, that is enough. It IS God’s loving nature to forgive me, because I have given myself to HIM, physically, soulfully and Spiritually. This is NOT because of anything I have done, but because HE went to the Cross, in order to save me, it is what HE has done for me and here the relationship, is just about God and I. It is the exact same type of situation for each and every person that comes to Jesus Christ and begins a NEW life with HIM as Lord and Master.

The emphasis must always be, from me to HIM, one of adoration which comes from Love from me to HIM. It is the State of my heart when I come to HIM, that I be humbled, because it is a profound knowledge that HE is GOD, HE Created me, HE died for me on that Cross, therefore I am to be profoundly humbled by HIS Love and Sacrifice to SAVE me, NOT the other way around. You and I are simply HIS Creation and we MUST be totally aware of this perspective. There is absolutely nothing I have ever done, that makes me worthy of HIS Love and Blessings, so the emphasis must always be on HIM. What is so unique, is that when this occurs in a genuine manner in you or I, HE then makes our lives HIS emphasis. People of faith, are always talking about a “Revival” and yet I wonder IF they ever come to the understanding, the Revival must start with our heart about Jesus Christ. It must be the Revival of our Love and Honor to HIM…FIRST! And this is because HE Loved US, and proved HIS Love for us on the Cross…FIRST!

When we clearly understand the a fore mentioned paragraph, we can understand how HE loved us first, before the creation of the Universe. Ephesians 1:4 “According as he hath chosen us, in him, before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.” (Paraphrasing mine) That verse says everything we need, to stand on, before a God so Just, we should be dead already before we were ever born. It emphasizes just how vile and wicked we actually are before HIM, that without HIM, we would no longer exist, for any reason. And yet, how many of us think to “Thank HIM” for the very next breath we inhale. The scoffers love to malign our Lord and God at every turn and yet, even they receive the Blessing of the next breath, because our Lord and Savior Loves them! Absolutely Incredible! This, in and of itself, simply blows my mind! Many times it shocks me to my core, to think, of anyone loving me this much, despite my own filth and degradation. And then, when I think about HIS humiliation and suffering, bearing a Cross, the magnitude of weight (Sin of the world) I could never imagine and then dying such a horrible death, for what…me?! I am over come with guilt and shame and the tears will stain my face forever! I am fully aware, that I do NOT deserve that kind of Love!

This world, wants me to kneel before them, because of their position or rank or because they are so gorgeous or handsome? Because they have this amount of money or possessions? Even satan wants me to kneel before him, when he is the most vile and despicable being ever created? My Lord and Savior would even accept satan IF he returned to HIM as Lord and Savior, can you imagine that level of Love and Forgiveness?! IF you can, then you know a lot more than I ever will.

My Wife is German and they have a saying, “IF the word “IF” weren’t there, I’d be a millionaire”. That’s a mouthful to say the least. That one little word “IF” has cause the majority of sadness and harm there ever has been in this “Imperfect” world filled with filthy and dirty and despicable people such as we. Yet the Lord loves each and every one of us, HE created us and blesses us in more ways than we could ever count. HE asks us to love HIM as HE loves us, how is that so difficult? We can’t seem to fix the stupid problems we create for ourselves and yet, HE does every time we turn around. HE asks us to thank HIM for these blessings and yet how many of do so everyday? HE has promised to come for us and “Rapture us to Heaven with HIM”, how many will HE take away that day? And how many Pray for HIS soon return, How many are too caught up in their own wants and pleasures to take the time to Thank HIM for all HE does for us?

When Jesus Christ was being beaten and humiliated, when HE was carrying that Cross, are you able to imagine how heavy it was? HE was carrying the weight of the world, the SIN of this world on HIS shoulders, how many volunteered to carry that Cross for HIM? Where was I at that time, why didn’t I volunteer to carry it? No Where!! That was a job…only…God could do! Now…how about a little Praise, How about a hearty “Thank You Lord”! Ya still think that is too much for you to do?

Marantha Lord!