Monday Morning Music Ministry

6-30-25

Frequently in these thoughts I share I ask readers to “stick with me” as I unpack a point. Here I will ask you to do the opposite, in a manner of speaking – to work backward from a valuable lesson to the germ, an essential message of Scripture. Many of the things that God wants us to know and apply in our situations actually grow from a single truth that we can call upon in multiple moments.

In devotions with my wife this morning she shared the (inevitable) wisdom of Oswald Chambers. He made the point that none of us really choose to be a worker for God: He chooses us. And He places the “call” on our lives, or for one episode or encounter. In my (inevitable) reference to Theodore Roosevelt, he observed that it matters less that we carry out a task at all, but only whether we do so well or badly.

Too many people – yes, including Christians – choose to reject the calls from God by simply ignoring them. This is not deflection rather an offense to the Holy Spirit, who was sent to be our consciences, to inspire us, to spur us forward.

Chambers makes the point that we must preach, not only share, the Gospel. What you are to preach is determined by God, not by your own natural leanings or desires. Sure, it sometimes seems uncomfortable… until you proceed to do it. Then Mickey and I shared how we would like to participate in a prison ministry some time, to be in a rubber-meets-the-road situation, praying with people whose souls need comfort, or whose lives need the Saving message of Jesus.

Well… (following a “reverse” thread of Gospel-logic) What’s keeping us? There are many prisons in this country, and many prison ministries. My son-in-law’s father in Northern Ireland worked for Chuck Colson’s Prison Fellowship and had mighty stories of his decades of service. He died within the past year, and I missed the opportunity to join him on a trip. But. I don’t need to cross the Atlantic Ocean to visit prisoners.

Stick with me! (following that “reverse” thread of Gospel-logic) Do we really need to visit a prison to interact with prisoners? Gospel-logic and Biblical-vocabulary tell us to recognize that we are all prisoners, in a way. Of sin… we know. Of addictions? …if you have battled, you have been in virtual prisons. Of financial distress, of relational challenges, of family crises? How often have you felt confined or hemmed in or not free to act as you wish?

Yes, we are all prisoners, and iron bars do not a prison make.

Which means (continuing to follow the “reverse” thread of Gospel-logic) that we already have a “call” from God. People are all around you – not only in county jails or foreign countries – people needing a Word from God… a word from you. Ah, you don’t know what to say? Oswald reminded us that God writes that script; the Holy Spirit will bring to your mind and the person’s ears what will bless them. Maybe it’s a Bible verse; maybe it’s a prayer; maybe it’s a smile. Mickey remembered that Disciples were sent out even when they had only partial knowledge of the Holy Spirit!

But “go.” Plant a seed. Be a Disciple – however you reach out, do it in Jesus’s name. “Be” Jesus to someone. More Oswald-type messages: You might be the only Jesus someone meets. And if you are uncomfortable “preaching” – Share the Gospel with someone. If necessary, use words.

Some time ago – or, maybe, some time in the near future – someone shared the love of Jesus with you. Maybe “professionally,” maybe as a nervous vessel heeding God’s call; in any event, the Holy Spirit speaking through someone.

I love the way that Norman McCorkell in Northern Ireland, when circumstances interfered with a prayer or preaching or a full chat, would simply say good-bye this way: “Can I just remind you that Jesus loves you?” Whoever hears such words, whether “hungering” or hostile to the Gospel… has had a seed planted. Maybe soon, or maybe in Heaven, we will see the amazing garden – or maybe a virtual redwood forest – of such seeds, sprouted and grown!

We will then Look Back and see what prayer can do.

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Somebody Prayed

6-23-25

The Bible is the Eternal Word of the Everlasting God, supremely relevant to all peoples in all places at all times. Yet as the last written words were recorded about 2000 years ago, there are a few perceived anomalies. 

I am talking about language, vocabulary, grammar, and syntax… not the Book’s theology. I was privileged to be part of the editorial team on the 1599 Geneva Bible project, the first updated-language printing of the Bible that the Pilgrims brought to the New World, and that the Founders read; not the King James Version. Even at that, virtually the only changes were Thees and Thous (and “breeches” for Adam’s fig leaf). That’s all.

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).

Yet, as I said, there are anomalies, or certain hurdles that might present themselves. None is major. Even if children never have met a lamb, they can understand what a shepherd’s job is, for instance. Men in Biblical times wore robes. Travel was by foot, or perhaps horses, donkeys, or camels. “Why did the Bible stop being written after Jesus?” Well, Jesus is the “revealed Word of God” – He came to fulfill Scriptures, and the Holy Spirit inspires, guides, and supplants what needed to be written in the earlier dispensation of God.

(In this regard, I laughed at a conversation this week between two of my wife’s sons. Talking about ghost-writing – which I am doing for a book “by” a former Trump adviser – they deconstructed the term and agreed that the Bible was written by many men but basically was ghost-written itself: Holy Ghost-Written. Can’t argue with Robbie. Or Marcus, for that matter.)

Some of the terms that still do make sense but whose use, today, are almost obsolete are the names of God. Ironic. But stick with me:

We still have kings these days. Some are august and serene, projecting a sort of authority. I am thinking of Abdulla of Jordan; and, maybe, King Mswati III of Eswatini. No offense to Mswati, if I may be familiar, but except for my friend Becky Spencer, who has established wonderful missions projects there, I would not be able to find that king or kingdom on a globe. Then there are monarchs we know better, like Charles of the “United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland” whose vast realm includes the commonwealth nations of St Vincent & the Grenadines, and some place called Tuvalu. 

Some monarchs are called “majesties” but they do not always reflect majesty or even “highness.” The aforementioned Charles, for instance, is an admitted adulterer, despite his job description as head of the Church of England.

Nevertheless, the Bible refers to kings – humans on thrones – but also Christ as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. God and Jesus are bestowed other descriptions and titles throughout Scripture: Potentate (I Timothy 6:15); Cornerstone; Deliverer; Elect; First Witness; Heir Of All Things; Alpha and Omega; Horn of Salvation; Lawgiver; Light Of the World; Mediator; Mighty One; Morningstar; Redeemer; Rose of Sharon; Shiloh; Great Witness; Truth; True Light…

Now, some of these terms and titles are Scriptural: theological descriptions of names that had been prophesied. Often they are for our edification in later church ages. If Jesus lived today and had a cell phone, I doubt He would have recorded a message, “Hi. This is the Light Of the World. I’m not in right now…”

There is a serious point in here, somewhere. Readers in the 21st century – let us say youngsters, or people around the world, encountering the Gospel for the first time – might not easily identify with “kings” and “majesties” since those professions are reaching their titles’ expiration-dates. But, would it do to substitute modern equivalencies? What would they be today? – Boss; Chief; General; CEO; Prime Minister; Prez; Chairman…? God sort of is our Boss. Jesus is a kind of Chairman. But…

These otherwise normal cultural evolutions add to the gaggle of factors that make faith difficult. No: these things do not make faith difficult to acquire or embrace or exercise; they only oblige us all (and those we nurture) to study more, understand better, and invite the entitety of God’s Word into our hearts. The Holy Spirit will help us “get it.”

Recently this became even more of a relevant question because of a brand-new protest meme, “No Kings.” (It can be called “Astroturf” and not a “Grass-Root” movement because it is artificial, managed, and PR-directed.) Our president is charged with harboring monarchical ambitions, while of course he is rather shrinking the size and influence of government. This illustrates, however, that kings – who they are; what they can do – are becoming abstract concepts. Trump’s predecessors acted far more arbitrarily than he has. MAGA, at its core, is about Restoration, not Revolution.

But in the meantime, let us keep in mind that God is on His throne. That is where kings sit. And you can address “King Jesus,” or call Him – oh, I don’t know – maybe “the Best Friend You’ll Ever Have.” Good title.

Is He “Lord” of your life, whatever that is? Claim it. And some day think about all the names and titles Heaven has for you: Beloved; Child; Disciple; Saint; Follower; Son; Daughter; Redeemed; Forgiven; Saved…

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A song whose message is as ancient as the kings of old; and as relevant as the awful events in today’s headlines:

Psalm 2 Song

6-16-25

I reluctantly admit that not all holidays, I mean all secular holidays and some hyped-up religious days, are conspiracies hatched by Hallmark Cards, used-car lots, and mattress stores. That paranoiac complaint is frequently aired here, and is partly justified. As I don’t really want to rob children of their belief, or reliance, on Santa Clauses and candy-bearing bunnies, neither can I condemn days that are earmarked to honor mothers and fathers.

We all have fathers and mothers, so there is no danger of exclusions, nor ought there be. Properly observed, I have always thought – at least since I became a father myself – we should pause and meditate on sons and daughters too: we are fathers, after all.

Father’s Day should not just honor somebody who is listed on a time-chart or family tree. There is a temptation to dip into the Well of Sentiment, and remember Dad for this event or that act. For faithfulness and, perhaps, a life of sacrifice to be that responsible Head of Household. For his devotion, example, and his love. Fathers are the recipients of uncountable fathers before them: values, standards, and traditions. And they are the architects of your life, and what you pass on… to the future fathers and mothers they will be.

We need to remind ourselves and be reminded – what better day than Father’s Day? – that God Almighty ordained marriage. That the institution of fatherhood is sacred. That by His design, the father is head of the family, that wives “submit” in the degree that husbands love and honor their wives “as Christ loved the Church.” Fathers and mothers are charged and commended in Scripture, but, significantly, the institutions of fatherhood and motherhood clearly are too. 

A big difference, no? It is the difference between saying some man is generally a good leader, and some man being a good general. Solomon, or Lincoln, would have said that better, but you will get my point.

Points can get muddied. There are examples, especially and unfortunately in these days, of fathers who are bad examples. Is the point weakened by multiple marriages, illegitimacy, abandonment, step-children, foster parents? Not really. Everyone still has a father (or father-figures) and the institution remains. With the responsibilities and legacies.

I used to tell my kids that I prayed they would follow my example and learn from lessons I shared… but occasionally I wanted to admit things, to see in me things, they should not do. Examples are examples.

And love is love.

“Honor thy father and thy mother” is a command, not a suggestion, of God. In the same way God loves His children. What is the holiday for that? Easter? Yes… Oh. Good Friday too. Um, don’t forget Christmas. Actually, every day of the year is a proper time to remember how God loved us. Every hour, really. …every moment, waking or sleeping.

My earthly father has been dead for almost 30 years. But I still think of him every day. When I finish writing an article or a chapter of a book, I wonder how he would react to it. When I discover some new piece of classical music, I imagine our discussion. When news breaks, I anticipate our debate over it. The same, to be sure, about my mother, but over other triggers. This is well and good. We are all parts of continuums, and should be. “No man is an island,” said John Donne.

Resorting to another cliché (which device would not exist if not basically true!) I maintain that Every Day is Father’s Day.

This blog’s Webmaster, Norm Carlevato, is scurrying to Nevada to meet his new Great-Grandson… on Father’s Day! How appropriate. I visited my own son Ted in Washington DC last weekend, jumping the gun a bit. My friend Gordon Pennington just visited his father in Miami for his 100th birthday, wow. On the day I write this, my wife Mickey received the news that her son has proposed to his girlfriend; another father-in-waiting! Things like jobs and homes and projects come and go – certainly important in the moments. But, writing today as a son and as a father, I can testify that nothing is as important in this life as the bond of father and son.

Our Father, who art in Heaven, said so…

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Today’s music vid is not a Gospel song per se but a tender love-note in the form of a song by the great Steve Goodman about his “Old Man.”

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My Old Man

6-9-25

Think back to when you were a child. It’s Christmas morning. You know there are presents waiting for you. They were hinted at, and promised, and your loving parents have always come through. What anticipation!

You come downstairs, and – yes! – there are many waiting for you. All wrapped, different sizes and shapes, colorful paper, all with your name on the tags. Your parents set them before you and invite you to open them. You do! What joy!

But the big one in the corner you choose not to open. The long box with the colorful ribbon you tell your parents you’ll skip. “Till later?” “No, it just doesn’t interest me.” The square box in the colorful paper sounds intriguing when you shake it, but… you reject that too. And so on.

How often did that happen with you on Christmas or your birthday? Never? Probably never.

Presents from strangers are exciting enough, but gifts from your loving parents are bound to be special… chosen for you… pleasing to you… designed to meet your needs and desires and expectations. Why would you say No?

OK, you know this is an analogy. In the Christian world, where we are the children and our loving father is… our loving Father, we have been given lessons and tasks and rules and advice and love, lots of love, we have also been showered with gifts. Lots of gifts. Forgiveness, salvation, mercy, peace, wisdom… lots of gifts. Why would we turn any of them down?

Millions of Christians do.

When Jesus faced crucifixion – He knew what was coming – He told His disciples that One would come to them when He would ascend to Heaven. The Holy spirit, of course was active throughout the Old Testament, as God’s agent of sorts, just as Scripture tells us that through Jesus the Universe was created; and He was the Man in the fiery furnace when Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego were miraculously spared. When Jesus was incarnate – the Messiah; Emmanuel; “God-With-Us” – it was God dwelling among us. Totally God and Totally man? Well, the Lord is a miracle-working God at whose ways we marvel.

But when the disciples were troubled that Jesus announced His imminent departure from this earth, He reassured them and promised: “I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you (John 16:7).”

The Helper, the Advocate, the Comforter – the Holy Spirit has many names, as He has many roles. But. As Christ left this earth physically, the Spirit came to dwell in the hearts, minds, and spirits of Believers. Many Christians treat the Holy Ghost as some sort of cartoony-angel sitting on our shoulders, or a go-between to Heaven when we pray, or… not at all. Yet the Spirit of God is the Spirit of God. He is as much God as Jesus was when walking on earth. He is as much God as, well, God Himself. 

Jesus was sent to “be” God among us, to serve His mission and be sacrifice for our sins. The Spirit was sent to “be” God in every Christian’s heart. 

Yet many treat Him as an option, an afterthought, almost apart from the Father and the Son – as if the Godhead is a “diune,” not a Triune, God who has revealed Himself in three manifestations.

This is Pentecost Sunday, named for the Hebrew feast that coincided with 50 days after Passover / Easter. It was the day, described in Scripture, after Jesus bodily ascended into Heaven to rejoin the Father. It was the day when “a mighty rushing wind” blew through the assembled believers in an Upper Room. Strange things happened: All began speaking in unknown languages. They marveled, and observers wondered if they spontaneously were drunk. They appeared to have supernatural flames on their heads.

Those who had been cowering fear for days became bold. The confused became wise, for the rest of their lives. Followers became leaders. The impulsive Peter became head of the church, logical and firm. 

It was the Day of Pentecost, and the followers of Jesus, the nascent church, indeed the entire world, has never been the same. Because the Holy Spirit was sent by the Father to indwell believers.

I will return to the Christmas-Day analogy. The Holy Spirit also came with Gifts. As recorded in Scripture – examples cited in the Book of Acts; in numerous references in Paul’s Epistles – He shared spiritual gifts. There are nine specifically referred to but, as with Fruits of the Spirit, we may experience more. But:

The Word of wisdom; the Word of knowledge; Gifts of faith;

The Gift of healing; Working of miracles; the Gift of prophecy;

Discerning between spirits; the Gift of speaking in tongues; the Gift of interpreting tongues.

The First-century Church grew exponentially and despite persecution partly because new Believers were wise, brave, equipped, and blessed by these gifts. Eventually broad swaths of the Church disdained these Gifts as… weird, supernatural, often misapplied. Yes, they were; but they are still God’s gifts, God’s will. Pastors have sniffed to me, “So, have you experienced these manifestations?” That’s no challenge: Yes, I have. Have I witnessed miracles? Yes, I have. Do I believe the “Baptism in the Holy Ghost” is for today? Um, should I call God a liar?

It is strange, but the Gifts are widely disdained as “not for today,” meant for people 2000 years ago, just “odd” for modern folks. Yes; there are strange things happenin’ every day. Thank God.  

The Gifts of the Spirit are for today. These can be explained more, and I invite readers to write if I can share and explain. The Holy Ghost is on the move in this world – Pentecostals, for instance, outnumber Catholics today in the country of Brazil. We have adherents in every denomination, but also separate church bodies like the Assemblies of and the Church of God and Church of God in Christ. 

Faithful believers who seek the Baptism, and the Gifts, should be assured that God honors the desire… and grants the Gifts as He wills. Don’t get caught up in Tongues, for instance, when you might have been ministering to many through Wisdom and Faith and Discernment. 

But If people fear God and love His Son… why would they disregard the Spirit Who yearns to dwell within us all? And why would people ignore all those Gifts prepared for them?!?!

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Sweetest Name I Know