Note: With tomorrow being the 21st. anniversary of the school shooting at Columbine High School in Littleton, CO that took the lives of 15 people, I thought I would pull out of the archives this tribute I wrote some years ago for one of the victims. My original introduction and thoughts are below.
...................................
One other comment I wanted to make on spiritual matters here. This thought kinda came to me a while back and it just reminded me of 1 Corinthians 1:25. I LOVE this verse! I love how God’s kingdom is so backwards to this messed-up world. And I got to thinking- If beauty is all in the eye of the beholder, then so is ugliness. What God calls ugly, the world calls beautiful. What the world calls ugly, God calls beautiful.
I think one person who really exemplified this concept to me was someone who has recently been added to my pantheon of Christian heroes and heroines.
The first victim of the Columbine High School shootings on April 20, 1999- Rachel Joy Scott. I read a book recently called “Rachel’s Tears” that her parents wrote about her life and spiritual lessons we can take from her life and the Columbine tragedy. I love that not only was Rachel committed to Christ to the very end, she was just such a great example of His love to so many people throughout her high school years especially. She just had such a great perspective- that it’s not about us at all but it’s about Christ. This is why she consistently put others’ needs ahead of her own and talked about losing self-esteem to find Christ-esteem instead. I love some of her quotes- “I have this theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion, it will start a chain reaction.” And another great one- “I will not defend my faith to them. I will not apologize for speaking the name of Jesus and I will not hide the light God has put in me. If I have to sacrifice everything, I will.” Wow- may we all be willing to say that. Along with others like the people in The Bible of course and Jesus Himself- she’s among a group of people (Rich Mullins, Larry Norman, Keith Green, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Eric Liddle, Hudson Taylor, Lottie Moon, Dietrich Boenhoffer, Jim Elliot, Mister Rogers and others) I definitely can’t wait to meet in Heaven one day.
So this is my little tribute to Rachel and the Lord Jesus that she so well exemplified.
“Candle on a Stand” (parody of “Candle in the Wind” by Elton John and Bernie Taupin; copyright Nathan Ludwick 7/26/2009)
(John 11:25, John 16:22, Matthew 5:1-16, John 12:24, Hebrews 11:1 and 32-40, Revelation 6:9-11)
Goodbye Rachel Joy
Though I never knew you at all
You had the faith to hold your stead
While knowing you’d be mauled
You called out to do God’s work
And you filtered into their pain
They said you were an angel
And your faith lived out your name
(Chorus 1)
(And) it seems to me you lived your life
Like a candle on a stand
Ever glowing- 5 in Matthew
Then 15 says it
(And) I would have liked to have known you-
But I was just distant
Your candle burned out only for
Millions to begin
Loneliness was tough
The toughest role you ever played
Columbine greeted with a “New here?” smile
The pained saw The Christ you claimed
Even when you shined
Oh, your friends still turned on you
Oh, your faith just would not sway
‘Cause your Best Friend you’d found to be true
(Repeat Chorus 1)
Goodbye Rachel Joy
Though I never knew you at all
You had the faith to hold your stead
While knowing you’d be mauled
Goodbye Rachel Joy
Your compassion made a chain reaction and
Whose seeds you have sown like John 12:24 (two four)
Well done, good and faithful lamb
(Repeat Chorus 1)
(And) I would have liked to have known you-
But we’ll meet in Heaven
Your candle burned out only for
Millions to begin
……………………………………………………………..
Showing posts with label shine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shine. Show all posts
Sunday, April 19, 2020
Monday, May 4, 2015
Look at the stars- look how they shine for you
May the 4th. verses of Micah 5, 2 Corinthians 5 and 1 John 5 be with you.
"And He shall stand and shepherd His flock in the strength of The Lord, in the majesty of the Name of The Lord His God. And they shall dwell secure, for now He shall be great to the ends of the earth." (Micah 5:4)
"For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened- not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up ...by life." (2 Corinthians 5:4)
"For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world- our faith." (1 John 5:4)
The wars of the stars is over. ("From the heavens the stars fought, from their courses they fought against Sisera."- Judges 5:20)
And all the stars will praise The Victor- The Lord Jesus Christ who rules over all and binds the whole universe together. (Colossians 1:15-17)
"This is what the Lord says, he who appoints the sun to shine by day, who decrees the moon and stars to shine by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar— the Lord Almighty is his name:" (Jeremiah 31:35)
"Praise Him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars." (Psalms 148:3)
And though the dark side may feel like its won at times, that phantom menace will fall one day for good- it is under attack and though it may be allowed to have revenge for a brief while- there is a new hope. The dark and light have been battling since the one who tried to ascend above the stars had his fall. ("Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down,” declares the Lord." [Obadiah 1:4])
And that Babylonian empire struck back at Calvary, but the return of Jesus from the grave won the war for good. Sin and its penalty is defeated. And one day, He will come again and the dead in Christ will be awakened and those alive who have put faith in Him will be together with Him forever.
The One who holds the seven stars in His hand also holds the keys of death and Hades and He is alive forevermore! He has won the cosmic battle of the ages and those of us on His side know that we will enjoy peace with Him, both now in our hearts and lives and throughout the galaxy forever in eternity.
Until that final day, Jesus is continuing to work in us "so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky" (Philippians 2:15)
"Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever." (Daniel 12:3)
"And He shall stand and shepherd His flock in the strength of The Lord, in the majesty of the Name of The Lord His God. And they shall dwell secure, for now He shall be great to the ends of the earth." (Micah 5:4)
"For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened- not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up ...by life." (2 Corinthians 5:4)
"For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world- our faith." (1 John 5:4)
The wars of the stars is over. ("From the heavens the stars fought, from their courses they fought against Sisera."- Judges 5:20)
And all the stars will praise The Victor- The Lord Jesus Christ who rules over all and binds the whole universe together. (Colossians 1:15-17)
"This is what the Lord says, he who appoints the sun to shine by day, who decrees the moon and stars to shine by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar— the Lord Almighty is his name:" (Jeremiah 31:35)
"Praise Him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars." (Psalms 148:3)
And though the dark side may feel like its won at times, that phantom menace will fall one day for good- it is under attack and though it may be allowed to have revenge for a brief while- there is a new hope. The dark and light have been battling since the one who tried to ascend above the stars had his fall. ("Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down,” declares the Lord." [Obadiah 1:4])
And that Babylonian empire struck back at Calvary, but the return of Jesus from the grave won the war for good. Sin and its penalty is defeated. And one day, He will come again and the dead in Christ will be awakened and those alive who have put faith in Him will be together with Him forever.
The One who holds the seven stars in His hand also holds the keys of death and Hades and He is alive forevermore! He has won the cosmic battle of the ages and those of us on His side know that we will enjoy peace with Him, both now in our hearts and lives and throughout the galaxy forever in eternity.
Until that final day, Jesus is continuing to work in us "so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky" (Philippians 2:15)
"Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever." (Daniel 12:3)
Sunday, April 13, 2014
We Are One (In Christ) (song)
This is one parody song I've been dying to post for a while now. I first heard the original song a few years back and was enamored with the tune as it reminds me of a 1980s-style power anthem. :-) It's a reminder and a charge to all Christians to keep high the standards that the world is constantly lowering. It's also specifically a tribute to the many young friends I have seen over the years make a bold, strong stand for Jesus Christ that has encouraged and inspired me. Don't let anyone look down on you because of your youth. Yes, we are young- but we're more than just fun-seekers. God uses anyone He chooses- anyone, regardless of who they are, can be used by Him, especially when they give their hearts to Jesus. Keep leading as you have been and fight the good fight of faith for Christ.
We Are One (In Christ)
(parody of "We Are Young" by Fun; copyright Nathan Ludwick 3/17/2014)
(Zechariah 4:6, 1 Corinthians 11:1, 2 Corinthians 4:7, 1 Corinthians 4:14-17, Philippians 1:21, Philippians 3, John 6, Romans 8, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Ephesians 5:8-16, Colossians 3:23-25, Philippians 1:6, Jeremiah 29:11, Psalms 138:8, Isaiah 11:6, 2 Timothy 4:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:14-17, 2 Timothy 1:5-7, 1 Timothy 6:11-16, Judges 6-8, Mark 10:31, 1 Corinthians 1, Jeremiah 1, Mark 9:38-50, Matthew 18:1-6, Luke 12:11-12, Luke 18:15-17, Mark 10:13-16, Luke 9:46-50, Titus 2:6-8, Luke 16:13-15, Luke 8:16-18, Genesis 48:8-22, Matthew 13:24-43, Galatians 3:26-29, Matthew 19:13-15, Matthew 19:30, Matthew 20:16, Luke 12:31-32, Acts 1:8, Matthew 3:1-12, Acts 2:1-21, Joel 2:28-32, Matthew 5:13-16, John 8:12, John 14:5-14, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, Luke 10:16-24, 1 Timothy 4:12, Acts 5:29, Acts 2:42-47, Acts 4:7-20, Acts 17:6, Luke 12:49-59, Matthew 28:18-20, 2 Kings 2:1-18)
Give me a second, I
I need to set the story straight
My generation's slackers, feel entitled- that's what they all say
The Boomers and Greatest Gen., they- they stood and fought the wars
We're seated playing video game systems asking where jobs are and
I know that may be what you thought, you know
I know sometimes it's legit
But 1 Timothy 4:12- it brings
Some holes in that ideology, you know
We're trying hard- so take it back
So in speech, in life- the bar, raise it
And you lead in love and faith- in purity, you own
That's right- we are young
And we've got Holy Ghost fire
We can burn bright, yeah- like the sun!
In Christ, we are one!
So let's set the world on fire
We'll do works greater than The Son's
Now I know that I'm not
All that You want- My past is what I- I forgot
But I'm reaching toward (the) prize (that) awaits me at the mark
But you're bringing Pharisee back
So let's read about
How in 6 John someone is sharing his lunch
That's right- he was young
But he helped The Lord Messiah
Jesus turned one meal (to) 5000!
And Christ- He was young!
He came to set the world on fire
Luke 12's where Christ wished it had begun!
Not by power or might (Na na na na na na) [continues in background x10]
Just go read Zechariah
4:6 hits home tonight
Just carried out by Spirit
The Lord is on my side!
I have my reason to run
So He'll someday come and carry me Home on high
There's angels at His side
And we'll praise as a choir
And He'll say, "Well done" and there I'll be Home ["Na na na na na na" ceases after this line]
Jeremiah- he was young!
But God put His words inside- yeah!
We can learn right there how to trust
Tonight- we are young
So let's set the world on fire
We can shine bright through God's own Son
So in speech and life, love and faith, yes
Purity- lead younger now
And carry on Home in Christ
........................................................................................
We Are One (In Christ)
(parody of "We Are Young" by Fun; copyright Nathan Ludwick 3/17/2014)
(Zechariah 4:6, 1 Corinthians 11:1, 2 Corinthians 4:7, 1 Corinthians 4:14-17, Philippians 1:21, Philippians 3, John 6, Romans 8, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Ephesians 5:8-16, Colossians 3:23-25, Philippians 1:6, Jeremiah 29:11, Psalms 138:8, Isaiah 11:6, 2 Timothy 4:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:14-17, 2 Timothy 1:5-7, 1 Timothy 6:11-16, Judges 6-8, Mark 10:31, 1 Corinthians 1, Jeremiah 1, Mark 9:38-50, Matthew 18:1-6, Luke 12:11-12, Luke 18:15-17, Mark 10:13-16, Luke 9:46-50, Titus 2:6-8, Luke 16:13-15, Luke 8:16-18, Genesis 48:8-22, Matthew 13:24-43, Galatians 3:26-29, Matthew 19:13-15, Matthew 19:30, Matthew 20:16, Luke 12:31-32, Acts 1:8, Matthew 3:1-12, Acts 2:1-21, Joel 2:28-32, Matthew 5:13-16, John 8:12, John 14:5-14, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, Luke 10:16-24, 1 Timothy 4:12, Acts 5:29, Acts 2:42-47, Acts 4:7-20, Acts 17:6, Luke 12:49-59, Matthew 28:18-20, 2 Kings 2:1-18)
Give me a second, I
I need to set the story straight
My generation's slackers, feel entitled- that's what they all say
The Boomers and Greatest Gen., they- they stood and fought the wars
We're seated playing video game systems asking where jobs are and
I know that may be what you thought, you know
I know sometimes it's legit
But 1 Timothy 4:12- it brings
Some holes in that ideology, you know
We're trying hard- so take it back
So in speech, in life- the bar, raise it
And you lead in love and faith- in purity, you own
That's right- we are young
And we've got Holy Ghost fire
We can burn bright, yeah- like the sun!
In Christ, we are one!
So let's set the world on fire
We'll do works greater than The Son's
Now I know that I'm not
All that You want- My past is what I- I forgot
But I'm reaching toward (the) prize (that) awaits me at the mark
But you're bringing Pharisee back
So let's read about
How in 6 John someone is sharing his lunch
That's right- he was young
But he helped The Lord Messiah
Jesus turned one meal (to) 5000!
And Christ- He was young!
He came to set the world on fire
Luke 12's where Christ wished it had begun!
Not by power or might (Na na na na na na) [continues in background x10]
Just go read Zechariah
4:6 hits home tonight
Just carried out by Spirit
The Lord is on my side!
I have my reason to run
So He'll someday come and carry me Home on high
There's angels at His side
And we'll praise as a choir
And He'll say, "Well done" and there I'll be Home ["Na na na na na na" ceases after this line]
Jeremiah- he was young!
But God put His words inside- yeah!
We can learn right there how to trust
Tonight- we are young
So let's set the world on fire
We can shine bright through God's own Son
So in speech and life, love and faith, yes
Purity- lead younger now
And carry on Home in Christ
........................................................................................
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