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Archive for the ‘Songs’ Category

Lust and Its Role in Conflict According to the Bible

Where does war come from? The answer is in the Bible. Look at what James 4:1-2 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?  Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.

Galatians 5:19-21 lists the fruit of the flesh. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. War comes from lust and leads to killing, wrath, and strife. It produces hate.

Jesus has commanded us to love one another. Look at what Jesus says in John 13:34-35. A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. This means that the world will recognize us (Christians) by our love for others. Matthew 5:43-48 says, “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Remember 1 Peter 4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity (love) shall cover the multitude of sins.

If people could stop lusting and learn to love one another, war would become a thing of the past. I am fully aware that is not possible on this side of heaven in mankind’s fallen state. However, I also know that Christians are called to be salt and light to a lost world. We are called to show the world the love of God. The world is supposed to notice that there is a major difference in how we treat each other and the rest of the world.

There is an old song that ask the question “War: What is it good for?” The answer is “Absolutely Nothing”. I have attached the song in case you want to hear it.

Songs That Teach: Reflections on Life and Faith

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Songs, Stories and more, Thoughts

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Faith and Perseverance: Running Life’s Race

Can’t never could because Can’t won’t try. This is something I heard my mom frequently say.

It means that unless you try for sure you will never do something because you didn’t even try.

Remember the story of the Little Engine that Could? “The Little Engine That Could” is a beloved children’s book that teaches the values of optimism and perseverance through the story of a small blue engine that triumphs against the odds. A few other engines that were bigger and better suited for the task refused to even try to help the toys get over the mountain. This story should remind us that perseverance and hope is sometimes the most important things that we could have. Because the little engine tried, the little engine was able to bring joy to the children.

Remember The Hare and the Tortoise? The tortoise won because he kept going. The hare was so puffed up with pride that he didn’t really try to win the race. He took a nap in the middle to the race, but the tortoise kept going.

In Paul’s writings, he compares the life of a Christian to running in the Olympic games. He says that many start, but the prize only goes to the one who finishes the race. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Many people hear the word of God, but not all will start following God. Just like in the story the Pilgram’s Progress, there will be people who start and then turn back because of difficulty. There are some like in the story of the Little Engine that never try because it is inconvenient. There are some people like in the story of the Hare and the Tortoise that think that they have no need of trying because they are just that good. Unfortunately, just like in the case of the hare, they are wrong. The tortoise knew that he was slow, but he also need that he could eventually reach his destination simply by trying.

There’s a country song that talks about how you will never reach your destination if you never try. It is called “The River” by Garth Brooks. In the song it talks about how some people are content to sit on the shoreline. It also explains that they will never reach their dreams or full potential because they do not try. Yes, sometimes there will be rough waters, trouble, but the prize is for the one who does not give up.

Songs That Teach: Reflections on Life and Faith

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Understanding Divine Love through “Love Without End, Amen”

There is an older country music song that says, “Daddy’s don’t just love their children every now and then, it’s a love without end amen.”

I was thinking about this song, “Love Without End, Amen”, the other day. It reminds me of my Heavenly Father’s love for me. He doesn’t just love me when I am good. He also loves me when I mess up. He loved me so much that He sent his only begotten son, Jesus, to die on the cross so that I could be reconciled to Him.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

In this song it talks about how a young boy has gotten in trouble yet again. He is waiting for his father’s punishment. What he gets instead is a life lesson. His dad explains that Father’s love their children through it all. This is explained as a secret. Later in the song this same boy has grown up and became a father. He is certain that this boy is just like him. When he thinks that he can’t take any more he passes this secrete to his son. The third verse:

“Last night I dreamed I died and stood outside those pearly gates.
When suddenly I realized there must be some mistake.
If they know half the things I’ve done, they’ll never let me in.
And then somewhere from the other side I heard these words again.”

This brings home the message that this song is comparing the love of a real Father to that of God Almighty.

Below is the song in case you want to hear it.

Songs That Teach: Reflections on Life and Faith

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Songs, Thoughts

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Songs That Teach: Reflections on Life and Faith

Songs have the power to make us reflect on various things, some positive and some not so much. They can teach us valuable lessons, and it’s often easier to remember a song than random facts. Below are a few articles I’ve written that feature a song, sharing some of my personal thoughts. More will be added as time goes by.

Inspiring Tales of Faith and Divine Protection

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Songs, Thoughts

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The Power of Hearing: Shaping Faith and Life Choices

There is an old song that many of you will remember. 

Be Careful Little Eyes What You See

Oh, be careful little eyes, what you see.
Oh, be careful little eyes, what you see.
There’s a Father up above, looking down in love,
So be careful little eyes, what you see.

Be careful little ears what you hear
Oh, be careful little ears, what you hear.
There’s a Father up above, looking down in Love,
So be careful little ears, what you hear.

Be careful little mouth what you say
Oh, be careful little mouth, what you say.
There’s a Father up above, looking down in tender love,
So be careful little mouth, what you say.

Be careful little hands, what you touch
Oh, be careful little hands, what you touch.
There’s a Father up above, looking down in tender love,
So be careful little hands, what you touch.

Be careful little feet, where you go
Oh, be careful little feet, what you go.
There’s a Father up above, looking down in tender love,
So be careful little feet, what you go.

This song talks about your eyes, ears, mouth, hands, and feet. I have seen a picture going around lately that made me think of this song. Here is the picture.

An artistic illustration showing an ear with a fetus inside, accompanied by text that emphasizes the idea that what we listen to influences our outcomes, urging careful selection of audio input.

This post is explaining how what we listen to gives birth to what we will have in the future. Look at Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Note that the faith needed to please God originates from hearing the Word of God. Faith is conceived when we use our ears to hear the Word of God.
Similarly, doubt is conceived when we use our ears to listen to negative things.
So be careful little ears and big ears what you hear. Don’t listen to the wrong people speaking negativity into your life. Instead listen to the Word of God. The Word of God is life to those who hold fast to it. 

Philippians 2:10-18

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.

Overcoming Challenges: Faith in Modern Society

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Scriptural Articles, Songs, Thoughts

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Spiritual Warfare: Obeying God for Victory

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Stand for Your Beliefs: Lessons from the 90’s Song

You’ve got to stand for something, or you’ll fall for anything is a line from a song from the early 90’s. This song makes a very good point. You will either stand up for your beliefs or you will fall for every thought that passes by.  The Bible says in Ephesians 4:14, “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;”. 

Basically, the scripture is saying grow up, know what you believe, and stick with it. Similarly, the song says, “You’ve got to stand for something, or you’ll fall for anything”. As Christians, we need to stand for Christ, or you will fall into the trap of the devil. We need to stop being tossed about like a ship without a rudder and stand firm on the Word of God. 

For those that your like to know the rest of the song, here it is. Aaron Tippin – You’ve Got to Stand for Something Lyrics | Lyrics.com

Now Daddy didn't like trouble, but if it came along 
Everyone that knew him knew which side that he'd be on 
He never was a hero, or this county's shinin' light 
But you could always find him standing up 
For what he thought was right 
He'd say you've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything 
You've got to be your own man not a puppet on a string 
Never compromise what's right and uphold your family name 
You've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything 

Now we might have been better off or owned a bigger house 
If Daddy had done more givin' in or a little more backing down 
But we always had plenty just living his advice 
Whatever you do today you'll have to sleep with tonight 

He'd say you've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything 
You've got to be your own man not a puppet on a string 
Never compromise what's right and uphold your family name 
You've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything 

Now I know that things are different than they were in Daddy's days 
But I still believe what makes a man really hasn't changed 

You've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything 
You've got to be your own man not a puppet on a string 
Never compromise what's right and uphold your family name 
You've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything 

You've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything.
 

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Remembering the Importance of Prayer in Busy Lives

 
Songs tell stories about the way that we feel. In the 1950’s – 1960’s the people came to church early. Also, many people went to the backside of the field to pray.  Often, they sung the song “Sweet Hour of Prayer”. They prayed an hour of more each and every day. During this time, people saw God work in mighty ways and people frequently came into the church and gave their lives to Jesus.Now we sang “Just a Little talk with Jesus”. Most people are too busy to pray an hour a day. It is funny that now we are too busy when we have modern technology that is supposed to make our lives easier and save time. Examples are wash machines, dryers, and microwaves. How is it possible that we are too busy and the people back then had time?

I sometimes wonder if you think to pray. Now a few people sang “Do You Think to Pray?”. Most people now days only call on God when trouble comes. They never think to pray. They seem to forget God and his blessings.

One day your life will end. Did you think to pray, or will it be too late to pray? “Too late to Pray” is the title to another song that some people sang. It explains how that when your life is over it will be too late to pray. Some people live like they are indestructible. They seem to not realize that God does not promise them a tomorrow. Babies, children, teenagers, young adults, and senior citizens die. This is evident by the fact that there are small, short and long graves. God sets your time here on earth. It is only too late to pray after you are dead. While you are alive think about your blessings and who gave them to you.

“Sweet Hour of Prayer” is better than an hour or so praying after something has gone wrong. Many times, God allows bad things to happen so that we will remember him. If you are one that prays only after trouble comes, then God will allow you to experience more problems.

Please pray or talk to God each and every day. Then when problems come, God will know you and you will know your Heavenly Father. You will be able to “…come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16).

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