Are You Okay? Do You Know That You Matter?

My younger brother is one of those people who has no problem bringing up his faith with strangers. He will be having one of those brief interactions with someone in a grocery store and somehow manage to bring up why he puts his trust in Jesus. I've tried to emulate his methods and end up working myself into a state of anxiety about it.

I have found one way to spread the gospel - in a very passive way. I bought a large blackboard to hang outside my apartment door. Every few days I will write out a Bible passage for people to see as they pass by. For the first several weeks I wondered if anyone took time to notice, then neighbors started to comment (positively) about it. One day, I stepped out and caught the building's cleaning lady taking a snapshot of the board. She explained that since she didn't have time to write down the messages, she always took a snap. (By the way, I have since learned that some neighbors do take time to write down the chapter and verse to read later!)

So, while I have found a way to share some of the Bible with a limited amount of people, I do want to start being more Christlike in my interactions with more people. I have found one way to do this - even though I get some anxiety about it! 

The idea came to me after I recently attended a family wedding. One of my young relatives seemed to be struggling with thoughts of his life mistakes as he watched the new couple celebrate. To strangers, he looked like any other guest at the event - happy and enjoying the festivities. I felt that he seemed to be a little melancholy, and I know that he has separated from his own wife after just a few years. I've been there: having to watch other couples so happy when your own relationship has faltered.

I didn't get a chance to say anything about all this at the time but, when I got home, I did send this person a message. I simply let him know that I saw his pain and that I could relate. I let him know I'm here if he needs me. He sent me a heart and kiss back. At least he knows now that his pain is recognized.

Not sure where I am going with all this. I guess I just wanted to encourage everyone to be Christlike in their interactions. Not all of us are as bold as my brother, but we can all be loving and kind in other ways.

If you see someone who needs to be checked on, check on them. It doesn't take a lot to let someone feel "seen". Everyone wants to matter. 

Peace

--Free

Music - Listening or Hearing

When I was growing up and listening to a lot of music, my friends would tease me because I always misheard lyrics. There is a name for that now: mondegreens. Huh.

I looked up and found a list of common examples of misheard lyrics:

"I Can See Clearly Now"

by Johnny Nash: Some listeners hear "I can see clearly now Lorraine is gone" instead of the correct lyric "I can see clearly now the rain is gone". 

"I'm a Believer"

by The Monkees: The lyric "Then I saw her face, now I'm a believer" is sometimes misheard as "Then I saw her face, now I'm gonna leave her". 

"Losing My Religion"

by R.E.M.: The line "That's me in the corner, that's me in the spotlight" is often misheard as "Let's pee in the corner, let's pee in the spotlight". 

"Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)"

by Eurythmics: The title lyric is sometimes misheard as "Sweet dreams are made of cheese". 

"Blowin' in the Wind"

by Bob Dylan: The lyric "The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind" is sometimes misheard as "These ants are my friends, they're blowin' in the wind".

 

"Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap"

by AC/DC: The title is often misheard as "Dirty deeds and the thunder chief" or "Dirty deeds and they're done with sheep". 

Kind of silly, right? But I'm sure we can all relate. Misheard lyrics are one thing. At least we are paying attention to what we think is being said. What bothers me is when we don't apply discernment to what we hear.

I think it was the pastors Joe Schimmel and G. Craige Lewis that first prompted me to pay attention to lyrics and meanings.  One song we've probably all heard at least once is "I Write the Songs" sung by Barry Manilow, but written by Beach Boy Bruce Johnston.

On the surface of my mind, I always heard the song as a lovely melodious tribute to the creativity. Then, as I said, I was prompted to get out of my social emotions and pay attention to what was being conveyed. 

Here are the lyrics and, as you read them, think about who is speaking and what the message is. I boldfaced some of the words:

I've been alive forever

And I wrote the very first song

I put the words and the melodies together

I am music, and I write the songs

I write the songs that make the whole world sing

I write the songs of love and special things

I write the songs that make the young girls cry

I write the songs, I write the songs

My home lies deep within you

And I've got my own place in your soul

Now when I look out through your eyes

I'm young again, even though I'm very old

I write the songs that make the whole world sing

I write the songs of love and special things

I write the songs that make the young girls cry

I write the songs, I write the songs

Oh, my music makes you dance

And gives your spirit to take a chance

And I wrote some rock 'n' roll, so you can move

Music fills your heart, well, that's a real fine place to start

It's from me, it's for you

It's from you, it's from me

It's a worldwide symphony

I write the songs that make the whole world sing

I write the songs of love and special things

I write the songs that make the young girls cry

I write the songs, I write the songs

I write the songs that make the whole world sing

I write the songs of love and special things

I write the songs that make the young girls cry

I write the songs, I write the songs

I am music (music), and I write the songs. 

People might say that the song is from the viewpoint of God - I read that's what Johnston claimed. But would God want to make anyone cry? Would God want your spirit to take a chance?

G. Craige Lewis once pointed out that Lucifer was created with "tabrets" and "pipes," built into him. Some people think of Lucifer as having been a chief musician in Heaven. That's debatable,  but it's how many people think of him.

My point is that we (okay, me) often hear without listening. Even I have thought a lot of innocent-sounding songs have deeper and darker meanings buried in them.  Mainly, I chose these because something in them just felt wrong in my spirit. You might some debatable but here is a list:

• "Stairway to Heaven" Led Zeppelin
• "Sympathy for the Devil" The Rolling Stones
• "Hotel California" The Eagles
• "Riders on the Storm" The Doors

Actually, I didn't like anything by The Doors because the lead singer creeped my out for some reason...

Here are a couple of videos showing more songs. I noticed I already had some on my list.

And don't think that so-called "gospel" and "Christian worship" songs are any better. So many people striving to be "stars" are doing anything to get there. Anyway, people, be more discerning in your every day life, as I will be.

Peace

--Free

Watching Signs Unfold

 Jesus warned that we are not to date-set. He taught that the timing of the end times is known only to God the Father, not even the Son Himself or the angels know the exact day or hour. 

He said that we could watch for signs of the end being near.  In Matthew 24 and Luke 21, Jesus described various events that would precede his return, including:

• wars,
• rumors of wars,
• famines, 
• earthquakes, 
• and increased wickedness. 

These were not to be confused with false signs and wonders. 

Lately, it seems the signs are unfolding all around the world. In Matthew 24:32, Jesus warns his followers to observe signs in the sky, specifically related to the time of his return. He says, 

"When the fig tree's branches become tender and bear leaves, you know that summer is near. So, when you see these signs in the sky, you know that the Son of Man is near, at the very door." 

I was reading the news this morning and could only shake my head because so much is happening every day that reads like it came right out of the pages of the Bible.

"And there will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars, and upon the earth distress of nations in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves."

"Men fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken." 

"So also, when you see these things taking place, know that the kingdom of God is near."

"You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times."

Jesus gave us a heads-up. Let me ask you if any of these sound like every day things:

• He described a time when people would love themselves and their money, be boastful and proud, and disobedient to God. 
• Jesus spoke of a time when love would wane, with people prioritizing pleasure over God. 
• He foretold a period of intense suffering, such as the world had never seen before, and would not see again. 

Now, those are things that anyone, regardless of their faith (or lack of) can relate to. Christians, can see these things happening.

•  2 Timothy 3:5 condemns having "a form of godliness but denying its power".  I can't count how many people that I hear talking about "higher powers" and being "spiritual". And so many people within the Christian churches look no different from people in covens and cults and Atheistic gatherings. 
• False teachers are more prominent it seems that true carriers of the Gospel. I see people putting the word "Pastor" before their names as if they bought the letters off a shady website. They are living for wealth and beauty and fashion and fame harder than any Hollywood hustler. Most of them look like they belong on reality shows.
• People compromising their faith to please human sensitivities. I don't deny anyone the choice to be or believe whatever they want. However, I will not be bullied into being okay with sinful choices and/or lifestyles.
• People even in the USA can be forced to act against their Christian beliefs under the threat of losing a job. Not so much is anyone forcing people to suppress their sinful behavior to fit in. I don't mind not wearing a cross to a job. Why should someone else mind not using odd pronouns or wearing certain attire to a job?
• What was once considered wrong is now considered right and vice versa. In no many situations.

So, as I go through the days, I can almost feel the time of the Lord coming.

Please, get past you stubbornness or willfulness and just consider the fact that the Bible is true. Ask yourself what you are betting your eternity on. 

Peace

--Free