OneRepublic - Goodbye Apathy

Ephesians 5:16

New Living Translation (NLT)

 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.

I love this song from OneRepublic. Listening to it over and again reminds me of one of my constant thorns of the flesh...apathy. I don't know how the rotten thinking creeps into my mind but I have to be vigilant in keeping the "forget  it...who cares" out of my head. This kind of attitude is counter to Christ. I mean...where would we be if He had said, "forget it...this ain't worth it"? 

The song talks about apathy in a relationship. Without his soulmate beside him it seemed like everything was breaking ice. He can't even walk right..."whats your vice?...mine is illusion." 

In today's world APATHY is not an option for anyone especially the child of God. Why? Because we know how this all ends!!!

Without Christ, you don't stand a chance. He is our hope and the hope of all the world. 

So get up off your couch and do something about it. Share His love with someone or at lest share what Christ has done for you.

"Everybody is watching you...Everybody is watching me too." 

Check out this video

Goodbye Apathy

Coldplay - Yellow

Titus 2:11-14
¹¹ For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. ¹² It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,¹³ while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, ¹⁴ who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

You are extremely gifted. Your ability to show acts of kindness and good works are at your disposal...today.

I'm convinced that that these acts will win the lost and reach the unreached. Loving others to the point of radical measure is the heartbeat of God; going the extra mile; doing the extraordinary.

The image of the faithful has been tarnished by a gross misrepresentation.
The people of God are to be known for the fruits of the Holy Spirit; that is love, kindness, and good works.

Faithful...to the end.

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://youtu.be/1MwjX4dG72s

Us Against The World - Coldplay

1 Peter 5:8-11 Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You're not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It's the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won't last forever. It won't be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does. (MSG)

The devil will get his due. His future is doomed...but for the moment he continues to reek havoc in the world.
According to scripture he is the prince and power of this world...but he's not the prince and power of you.

Satan is a formidable adversary. Even Jesus, in the "Lords Prayer", instructed us to pray for deliverance from evil. John 10:10 says that the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. He is the enemy of all things good and righteous. As a child of God, that would mean he is YOUR enemy.

Following the Lord Jesus leads to victory over Satan, sin, and self. Even the demons of hell are subject to Christ.  He has defeated all that stands against us...and has authority over every power; those seen and unseen. Only Christ Jesus can deliver or rescue us from evil.

We are no match for Satan's weaponry...but Satan is no match for our Savior. Jesus defeated the devil and will soon crush him beneath his feet.

James 4:7-8
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.

Give it to your big brother...HE'S GOT YOUR BACK

Like a river to a raindrop,

I lost a friend.

My drunken has a Daniel in a lion's den.

And tonight I know it all has to begin again,

So whatever you do,

Don't let go.

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://youtu.be/rbu672bwBjo

Coldplay - A Message

 

Galatians 5:13-14

The Message (MSG)

^13-14 It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don't use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that's how freedom grows. 

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://youtu.be/fOZUKppndaE

John Mayer - Vultures (Live in L.A.)

Psalm 22
Many bulls surround me;
    strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.
¹³ Roaring lions that tear their prey
    open their mouths wide against me.
¹⁴ I am poured out like water,
    and all my bones are out of joint.
My heart has turned to wax;
    it has melted within me.
¹⁵ My mouth^[d] is dried up like a potsherd,
    and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth;
    you lay me in the dust of death.

Portions of this Psalm was quoted by the Lord Jesus during His crucifixion.

You and I can get the sense that evil has prevailed when we find ourselves set upon by vultures. However, to our heavenly Father, no weapon formed against Him will prosper; and...you belong to Him.

Their is a momentary frightening sense of abandonment when we find ourselves in the cross hairs of someone or something sinister. David apparently had these feelings.

Our human emotions cannot resist the recoil when you face the vultures; however...King David seemed to always find the strength and daily bread to withstand the enemies assault.

"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; my cup overflows."

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://youtu.be/Aaf3epvPRxw

Apologize Boyce Avenue - OneRepublic

Psalm 133:1

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!

Ephesians 4:3

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Never under estimate the power of an apology.
Bridges that you thought were burned; most relationships you thought were over can be revived and restored.

Its a mature thing to do; responsible; and even spiritual. To ere is human...to forgive is divine.

In the course of all your journey....we encounter others. Its impossible to survive without help, in all areas of our life. Due to our humanity, impulses, personalities, and issues....we can easily offend or corrupt our most meaningful relationships. Our sinful nature, and that of others can corrupt the best things.

Seek forgiveness; grant mercy; receive mercy!

This act can revive the most damaged course between two people and solidify a new direction; open up windows; breath in fresh air.

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://youtu.be/7DOasai3_Vo


iPhone

Hillsong - You Hold Me Now

Psalm 61:1-3

New International Version (NIV)

Hear my cry, O God;
    listen to my prayer.

From the ends of the earth I call to you,
    I call as my heart grows faint;
    

lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
 For you have been my refuge,
    a strong tower against the foe.

Sometimes...all you need is to be held. The ground upon which we stand is ever shifting and unstable. To anchor our lives upon anything other than the solid rock...becomes sinking sand.

Our Lord is that rock...that is so much higher than anyone; anything; any philosophy.

His rescue is like an embrace; just like Peter when lifted from the raging sea.
Christ rescues...comforts....love...forgives.

To be held by the higher rock is equal to no other comfort.

Check out this video on YouTube:
http://youtu.be/qmrXdjilmaY

Take Heart - Hillsong United

Psalm 40:1-3

New International Version (NIV)

I waited patiently for the Lord;
    he turned to me and heard my cry.
 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
    out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
    and gave me a firm place to stand.
 He put a new song in my mouth,
    a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear the Lord
    and put their trust in him.

The silver wings of His love and the yellow gold of His forgiveness surround us daily. You and I have much to be thankful for. The riches of His grace is their for us; to sustain and motivate us to grow in the affirmation as children of the living God.

He heals, He lifts our burdens, He renews our hope, He wipes our tears...all our failures are beneath the blood of our savior and Lord.

Walk today in the grace, love, and forgiveness of our God.


Check out this video on YouTube:

http://youtu.be/8MfBQ30Ta9w

Coldplay - Violet Hill

2 Timothy 3:1-4

But know this: Difficult times will come in the last days. ² For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, proud,blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, ³ unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, without love for what is good, ⁴ traitors, reckless,conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, ⁵ having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

When the future's architectured

By a carnival of idiots on show

You'd better lie low

[Chorus]

If you love me

Won't you let me know?

Was a long and dark December

When the banks became cathedrals

And the fox

Became God

You can see a resemblance of the last days here in the present.
Their has always been an element of godlessness in the world

The great hindrance to the spirit of the Antichrist is the church. The faithful and redeemed muzzle the efforts of the adversary.

However...its impossible to thwart the end times and the apostasy that comes with it. This is all playing out according to scripture and Gods ultimate conclusion.

What you and I can do....is decide each day that we are not going to participate in the chaos and godlessness of the last day. Redeeming the time...we must continue to shine His light in this dark world in which we live.

Be on the way...not in the way.

Check out this video:

http://youtu.be/IakDItZ7f7Q

Coldplay - God Put A Smile Upon Your Face

Ecclesiastes 3 
¹¹ He has made everything appropriate^[b] in its time.He has also put eternity in their hearts,^[c] but man cannot discover the work God has done from beginning to end. ¹² I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and enjoy the^[d] good life.¹³ It is also the gift of God whenever anyone eats, drinks, and enjoys all his efforts

God is the giver of good things. His blessing can even be in disguise. Have you ever noticed that when one door closes another opens? You may have all your hopes set on a particular thing to happen. When your expectation is let down...you may feel like you've been denied.

God knows what is best for us. He provides for us in a way that surpasses our expectations.
As you wait upon the Lord, it's important for you to be grateful for all that He has done for you.

Faith is trusting in Him...to provide, protect, and preserve.

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://youtu.be/e9Kcg_8gK30

Coldplay - Prospekt's March

Luke 15:16-18

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁶ He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
¹⁷ “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! ¹⁸ I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.

Christ in crisis...

From the beginning of time, struggle and hardship opens up the spiritual senses. In times of war, flood, disaster, sickness and pain, people have turned to God and seen their mourning turned into laughter; sadness into the oil of gladness.

The struggles of life appear to be no respecter of persons; however, our heavenly Father can change our perspective. When sorrow is turned to joy through the touch of the masters hand, it comes through knowledge of Christ as our future; our hope; our joy.

Luke 13:4
...those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? ⁵ I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

Jesus responded to His disciples when asked about the reason for the loss of life in a natural disaster. Instead of answering the why's of the disaster...He stated..."unless you repent, you too will perish."

If crisis has brought you to Christ...you are blessed.
What is worse than disaster or death? It is to die without Christ as your Lord and Savior.

Check out this video
Prospekt's March

Rainy Day - Coldplay

Genesis 6 & 7
¹² God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways. ¹³ So God said to Noah, “I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth. ¹⁴ So make yourself an ark of cypress^[c] wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out.

^7:17 For forty days the flood kept coming on the earth, and as the waters increased they lifted the ark high above the earth. ¹⁸ The waters rose and increased greatly on the earth, and the ark floated on the surface of the water. ¹⁹ They rose greatly on the earth, and all the high mountains under the entire heavens were covered.

You wont find lawn maintenance crews complaining about rainy days. On the "down" days they take advantage to sharpen, clean, and repair all their tools needed to do their work.

They know that a brighter day is coming and their best option is to work on the equipment that makes the work better, easier, and more efficient.

The metaphor is about learning how to use "down" time to your advantage.

You can never go wrong in planning for your work. Thinking, studying, and meditating on Gods word and plan for you will be to your advantage.

Where would Noah be if he hadn't prepared?

Coldplay - Trouble

Psalm 46

New International Version (NIV)

 God is our refuge and strength,
    an ever-present help in trouble.
 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
    and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
 though its waters roar and foam
    and the mountains quake with their surging.^[c]

"Ever present" means He's always ready. Our Lord is waiting for an opportunity for you to call for His aide.

His response to you will be unique; relevant to your need and equal to your faith. 
He can be your refuge; a place to hide from the raging sea. 
He can also be your strength; just enough power to make it...today. 
Tomorrow will be a new day to trust in His daily bread.

If you don't call upon His name for help...you'll never know what He can do.
Reach out to your heavenly Father.

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://youtu.be/kHg-PhseKOQ

Spies - Coldplay

Matthew 7:2-4

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

For with the judgment you use,^[a] you will be judged, and with the measure you use,^[b] it will be measured to you. ³ Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye but don’t notice the log in your own eye? ⁴ Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and look, there’s a log in your eye?

Mote hunters...! Some consider themselves an expert at discovering and pointing out the faults of others; spying and snooping about.

Isn't it interesting how we are quick to point out the mistakes of others but we expect others to tolerate our own?

Its unlikely that you can alter the unhealthy habits of another but you do have control of your own actions.

Practice seeing the good and positive attributes of others instead of picking out their faults. Failing to see any person as a candidate for Gods grace is egregious in itself and the culprit of pride.

See them as....Christ sees them

Look with eyes of grace as you would expect for yourself.

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://youtu.be/9QzDHPcNfrw

Major Minus - Coldplay

2 Corinthians 9:12-14

New International Version (NIV)

¹² This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. ¹³ Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. ¹⁴ And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.

This is where Christianity meets the road. Many who were lost and without hope in the world were drawn to faith by the spirit through the generosity and kindness of a Christ follower.

Through inquiry and thought; a discovery was made; the difference is a personal relationship with Christ.

Christ is revealed to a lost world through other believers. Generosity and kindness starts the process of: what is different about that person? I don't know what it is...but I want it.

The most hardened of soil can be penetrated by the kindness and tenderness of one persistent seed...!!!

One eye on the road and one on you

Check out this video

Major Minus

COLDPLAY - GRAVITY

Psalm 73:1-4; 12-13; 16-17

New International Version (NIV) 

Surely God is good to Israel,
    to those who are pure in heart.

 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;
    I had nearly lost my foothold.
 For I envied the arrogant
    when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

 They have no struggles;
    their bodies are healthy and strong.^[a]

 This is what the wicked are like—
    always free of care, they go on amassing wealth.

 Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure
    and have washed my hands in innocence.

 When I tried to understand all this,
    it troubled me deeply
 till I entered the sanctuary of God;
    then I understood their final destiny.

Perspective.....
For the child of God...your perspective must be seen through the prism of Gods love.
Fellowship with our heavenly Father keeps us from the adverse affects of the worlds "gravity". Without the Lords help we can sink to the troubled thoughts just as King David; the wicked have it made; why am I doing all this; is their any benefit to walking with God???

Its a very common thought process that plaques us all from time to time.

The key to overcoming negative...stinkin' thinkin', is worship.. Seeing, sensing, experiencing.... the Lord in an atmosphere of worship draws the joy and purpose of our lives into perspective.

Know the right medicine for spiritual illnesses.

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://youtu.be/VLLNttSV53Q

Coldplay - Twisted Logic

Luke 18

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.² He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought.³ And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’

⁴ “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, ⁵ yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’”

Following the media can often provide a glimpse into the warped thinking and twisted logic of the world.

Jesus spoke of the immoral judge that rendered frivolous judgments. This parable is a picture of you. Your LIFE; view of others; decisions; are determined by the moral and spiritual compass that directs you internally .
The steps of a righteous man are ordered by The Lord.

Don't get caught up in the twisted logic of the world. You'll go forward and backwards; going nowhere.

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://youtu.be/wa7kOlRvUPA