C.S. Lewis said in his classic "The Screwtape Letters" book that there are two errors people fall into about the devils. One is to disbelieve in them and the other is to believe in them with an unhealthy interest and obsession. The devil and his demons are equally pleased with both errors. Thus, it's important to maintain the right balance in our view of the spiritual battle that we are all in as followers of Christ. As Ephesians 6:12 tells us, we wrestle not with flesh and blood but with spirits, forces and powers in the heavenly realms! We don't have to be scared of them though and we don't have to let them push us around. Jesus empowers us to resist the devil and his demons. Through the power of Jesus' Name, we can even command demons to obey in Christ's Name. We need to be aware of the battle going on around us and be brave and bold in standing strong with the full armour of God on us. We only need faith the size of a mustard seed in Jesus to tell a mountain to jump into the sea- and it will be done! Stand strong in faith in Jesus. Do your devo in 1 John 4:4 and you'll find that the One who is in us is greater than the one in the world. He has won the victory!
"All Through Jesus' Rule" (parody of "Through Being Cool" by Devo; copyright by Nathan Ludwick 7/15/2020)
(1 John 4:4, Revelation 20:10, 2 Corinthians 12:1-10, 2 Corinthians 10:1-6, Mark 16:14-20, Matthew 12:22-32, Matthew 12:43-45, Matthew 17:14-21, Luke 11:14-26, Luke 10:17-20, Romans 16:20, Ephesians 6:10-20, 2 Timothy 1:7)
We're through being cool
We're through playing cool
Eliminate the lily-livered bits
You wanna barge ahead?
We're gonna need Jesus!
Christ will show those evil spirits He's God
When one leaves from a fallen house
Returns, brings in seven more too
Want these parasites to be cast out?
Matt. 12- it declares- Look through 29
Luke too- 11 find
Plan strong man to bind first- by Jesus!
Time to clean some house!
Indeed plunder the house!
Waste then is laid to a divided house!
Even if you lack big faith
Only factor's in Whom it's found
Faith of mustard seed-sized grain
Throws mountains all around
Even if you lack big faith
Mighty plants form from seeds now
Faith of mustard seed-sized grain
Throws mountains all around
Corinthians, 2
Look to 12:10, dude
Depend of Grace- Power perfected in weakness
Lord, the demons obey!
We can tread on snakes!
Rejoice that Christ picked our souls to be saved
6 Ephesians- as Paul found,
The fight's unseen- in Heavenly realms
Like Alien, chests that burst out
They're there in the air
We're through being fooled
We're through being tools
2 (Two) Timothy 1:7 verse it says
We're not fear-imbued
Accrued Spirit's tools
Power, love, self-driving through Jesus
Trust Him!
Stand firm! Jesus rules!
We're fueled by Him too!
Showing posts with label fight. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fight. Show all posts
Saturday, October 3, 2020
All Through Jesus' Rule (song)
Vine Song (song)
Confrontations come so often in life and oftentimes they leave us responding in a totally unloving way. We hear someone challenge us on something and we just can't seem to control ourselves. "Them's fighting words!" the refrain goes. We try to flatten the curve of the vicious barbs we let loose, but it's too late after the words are spoken. In James 3, The Bible talks about the vast destruction a small part of the body can bring- the poisonous tongue that sets forests ablaze. Yet the same mouth is praising God one minute and then cursing brothers and sisters the next! That should not be so. What's the cure? Stay in the Vine. He who abides in Jesus and He in them will bear much fruit. Apart from Him, we can do nothing. We have to stay in Christ and lean on Him for strength to have the victory in the battle over not only controlling our tongue but the rest of our bodies as well, so that everything we say and do is for His glory.
"Vine Song" (parody of "Fight Song" by Rachel Platten; copyright by Nathan Ludwick 7/6/2020)
(James 3, John 15:1-17 [particularly verse 5], Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41, Luke 8:22-25, Philippians 4:13)
Like a small helm
On the ocean
Sending ships large
Into motion
Like with a single word
Of great things tongue's boasting
Just like (it) only takes one match
To set ablaze forest with poison
Wish all bad things I wouldn't say
Wrecking balls in life- 3 James
God will screen them out if I
Will adhere to His voice through Christ
(Chorus 1)
This is my Vine song
Make branch abide song
Through 15:5 John
Christ's power's turned on
Stay in Christ now 'cause He's strong
I'm weak; my Vine's strong
If He don't see fruit bear, it's to the fire-
(the) rest He leaves
'Cause it thrills God- shows Christ's disciples to be
Pruning buds- God is shaping me
I'm abiding and He abides in me
John 15
Says I'm fruit-bearing (all through Jesus)
There's nothing I do; Jesus my Lord
Does the entire working- I'm anchored
He's in me
Yeah, I'm in Jesus
And all good things I'll get in faith
Seventh verse- abide and pray
In all things, God's glorified
He will steer word choice this time
(Repeat Chorus 1)
And God through Christ strengthens me!
Christ has calmed boats
And His bros, son
When He bid waves,
wind- "Cease motion"
Right now my sinful words
Just break His heart- so then
My might's always badly outmatched
But Christ can make right words flow then
(Chorus 2)
This is Christ's fight, son
Make branch abide, God
Through 15:5 John
Christ's power's turned on
Stay in Christ now 'cause He's strong
I'm weak; my Vine's strong
If He don't see fruit bear, it's to the fire-
(the) rest He leaves
'Cause it thrills God- shows Christ's disciples to be
4:13 Phil.- Go through all when Christ strengthens me.
Friday, June 5, 2020
We Just Disagree
(Note: This was written as a response to some heated comments I saw online over something that should not have been controversial for Christ followers, but sometimes that happens anyway when emotions get revved up. The exact nature of that is not my main focus here; this is more just on how we talk yo one another and treat each other. Let God's Love and mercy lead always.)
It is always interesting reading responses to Scriptures posted online and to ideas in general. There can be a lot of good ideas expressed here. There are usually some I would not agree with but even if I don't, I want to listen and try to understand and learn from them. As I noted with my nephews the other day, I am incredibly stupid quite often so I need to grab whatever learning I can. ;-)
Much of what I would say in response might be said already, though clearly I would likely have befuddled people with esoteric '80s references for no reason and made more poop jokes and such. (Remember that I have already established my capacity for depths of incredible stupidity. ;-) By the way, speaking of befuddlement, if Bugs Bunny's oft hunter became a supervillain, I would definitely want to call Elmer Fudd the Fuddler and write statements like, "The Fuddler finally utterly befuddled that wascally wabbit!")
If I seem to be going out of my way to make dumb jokes, that's because I'm goofy! (Not Goofy- that's trademarked.) And it's also because I wanted to highlight a point made earlier here. We need to slow down, stop, pause and pray before we jump into everything with guns blazing. Sometimes lightening the mood a little can dissipate some tension and defuse some anger. And here we can make sure our anger is directed where it should be in a righteous way.
Let me be very clear that while I don't take myself very seriously, I take Jesus and The Bible extremely seriously. As Bob Pierce, founder of World Vision desired, I want my heart to be broken by the things that break the heart of God.
God's heart is certainly shattered over the injustice and murder and racial hatred that has gone on in our world. He's equally shattered over retaliatory acts that also disregard His commands in the form of vandalism and further violence.
I in no way would ever make light of either.
I think my brothers and sisters in Christ have already said some great statements on a Christian response to all this and I echo their comments. Out of the park six runs! :-) (Now those comments will get a cricket response instead of a crickets response.)
Here is the main observation I want to make about the way we often respond to each other, both in person but especially on social media behind the safe reach of keyboards. If you feel that what someone is saying is dotishness (to use a Trini term- i.e. stupidness), then that's something you can address. In addressing it though, let's remember to make sure our words are comporting to Ephesians 4:29 and that we are only saying what's useful to lifting folks up. We already have the world there to beat us down- we don't need more of the same from those who are our friends and especially those who claim the Name of Christ. We must speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).
And please remember that behind every statement is a real life person- a human being made in the image of Almighty God, infinitely important, eternally valuable and loved and worthy of love and respect. Remember that what you say to them is akin to saying it to Jesus. (Matthew 25:40) And we will give an account for every single word we say and thought we think to Jesus. (Matthew 12:36) And Jesus says the world will know we are Christians by our love for one another. (John 13:35) Philippians 2 says I am to think of others as better than myself. That is the attitude of humility I should be bringing, taking my example from Jesus Himself.
With that in mind, here are a few things I would plead. Make sure what you're saying is true, kind and helpful and loving. There is a place for bringing rebuke in love- and believe me, I need to hear it. But let's always be gracious in those rebukes as well.
And when we see other's posts that we disagree with, let's always give them the benefit of the doubt. Before lashing out on gut emotion, let's pause to think and catch our mind's breath and and consider who we are dealing with here. Let's make every effort to read those statements in the absolute best light possible, rather than the absolute worst light possible as we often tend to do. Let's assume the best about others rather than assume the worst.
Then in giving our reply, I would encourage leading off with the good stuff. Accentuate the positive first. What are the points of agreement where I can say, "Whoa! You totally rock, dude! (Or dudette, as the case may be.) Thanks for being way awesome and saying that. I LOVE how said that part that is absolutely spot on!"? After saying that, then I'll gently and gingerly get into the points where I have to respectfully disagree.
But let's remember that the likelihood of my stupidity seeping through is high so I may be wrong in my opinion too. But I want you to know I respect your right to your opinion and whether we agree or not- I totally respect you! I always love regardless of where we stand on issues. I don't care what you say that I disagree with- you're still awesome and you're still my friend and brother and sister in The Lord!
Those are the things I often see lacking and I am grieved to see how we tear each other down so much. This is not to say I'm not all jacked up too- I've got plenty of failings too! (Me and Paul keep have WCW/WWF wrestling matches over the "chief of sinners" title weight belt. :-( )
We can all stand to do better.
May our love and righteous anger be like those of Jesus and may He heal us and use us to bring His love to others. And may He bless you all.
It is always interesting reading responses to Scriptures posted online and to ideas in general. There can be a lot of good ideas expressed here. There are usually some I would not agree with but even if I don't, I want to listen and try to understand and learn from them. As I noted with my nephews the other day, I am incredibly stupid quite often so I need to grab whatever learning I can. ;-)
Much of what I would say in response might be said already, though clearly I would likely have befuddled people with esoteric '80s references for no reason and made more poop jokes and such. (Remember that I have already established my capacity for depths of incredible stupidity. ;-) By the way, speaking of befuddlement, if Bugs Bunny's oft hunter became a supervillain, I would definitely want to call Elmer Fudd the Fuddler and write statements like, "The Fuddler finally utterly befuddled that wascally wabbit!")
If I seem to be going out of my way to make dumb jokes, that's because I'm goofy! (Not Goofy- that's trademarked.) And it's also because I wanted to highlight a point made earlier here. We need to slow down, stop, pause and pray before we jump into everything with guns blazing. Sometimes lightening the mood a little can dissipate some tension and defuse some anger. And here we can make sure our anger is directed where it should be in a righteous way.
Let me be very clear that while I don't take myself very seriously, I take Jesus and The Bible extremely seriously. As Bob Pierce, founder of World Vision desired, I want my heart to be broken by the things that break the heart of God.
God's heart is certainly shattered over the injustice and murder and racial hatred that has gone on in our world. He's equally shattered over retaliatory acts that also disregard His commands in the form of vandalism and further violence.
I in no way would ever make light of either.
I think my brothers and sisters in Christ have already said some great statements on a Christian response to all this and I echo their comments. Out of the park six runs! :-) (Now those comments will get a cricket response instead of a crickets response.)
Here is the main observation I want to make about the way we often respond to each other, both in person but especially on social media behind the safe reach of keyboards. If you feel that what someone is saying is dotishness (to use a Trini term- i.e. stupidness), then that's something you can address. In addressing it though, let's remember to make sure our words are comporting to Ephesians 4:29 and that we are only saying what's useful to lifting folks up. We already have the world there to beat us down- we don't need more of the same from those who are our friends and especially those who claim the Name of Christ. We must speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).
And please remember that behind every statement is a real life person- a human being made in the image of Almighty God, infinitely important, eternally valuable and loved and worthy of love and respect. Remember that what you say to them is akin to saying it to Jesus. (Matthew 25:40) And we will give an account for every single word we say and thought we think to Jesus. (Matthew 12:36) And Jesus says the world will know we are Christians by our love for one another. (John 13:35) Philippians 2 says I am to think of others as better than myself. That is the attitude of humility I should be bringing, taking my example from Jesus Himself.
With that in mind, here are a few things I would plead. Make sure what you're saying is true, kind and helpful and loving. There is a place for bringing rebuke in love- and believe me, I need to hear it. But let's always be gracious in those rebukes as well.
And when we see other's posts that we disagree with, let's always give them the benefit of the doubt. Before lashing out on gut emotion, let's pause to think and catch our mind's breath and and consider who we are dealing with here. Let's make every effort to read those statements in the absolute best light possible, rather than the absolute worst light possible as we often tend to do. Let's assume the best about others rather than assume the worst.
Then in giving our reply, I would encourage leading off with the good stuff. Accentuate the positive first. What are the points of agreement where I can say, "Whoa! You totally rock, dude! (Or dudette, as the case may be.) Thanks for being way awesome and saying that. I LOVE how said that part that is absolutely spot on!"? After saying that, then I'll gently and gingerly get into the points where I have to respectfully disagree.
But let's remember that the likelihood of my stupidity seeping through is high so I may be wrong in my opinion too. But I want you to know I respect your right to your opinion and whether we agree or not- I totally respect you! I always love regardless of where we stand on issues. I don't care what you say that I disagree with- you're still awesome and you're still my friend and brother and sister in The Lord!
Those are the things I often see lacking and I am grieved to see how we tear each other down so much. This is not to say I'm not all jacked up too- I've got plenty of failings too! (Me and Paul keep have WCW/WWF wrestling matches over the "chief of sinners" title weight belt. :-( )
We can all stand to do better.
May our love and righteous anger be like those of Jesus and may He heal us and use us to bring His love to others. And may He bless you all.
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
Don't Let The Sun Go Down Angry (Song)
Note: This is an entry from the archives that I started thinking on again recently after hearing the original song again. Since the singer, Sir Elton John, recently had a successful biographical movie ("Rocketman") come to theatres, it seemed like a good time to bring this one to the light of day again. Of course, it's all about dealing with things in the light of day- and not letting anger linger into the night but instead dealing with it while it's still called today. Don't let the sun go down angry- but let The Son shine on you and cleanse you of unrighteousness.
.....................................
Okay! And now for a serious one and one of my favourite ones! This one was actually largely inspired from a Sunday sermon that I heard when I wrote this. The title was just there and just perfect for one of the Bible verses I heard almost verbatim! And it’s from yet another favorite ‘70s song- though the pianist continues to make hits today of course.
But this song is all about ending each day on the right note and not letting the sun go down angry- but rather, making peace.
(Note: In an effort to be poetic and because it just seemed to fit the rhyme scheme of the song best, this song is actually sung from the point of view of anger personified.)
“Don’t Let the Sun Go Down Angry”
Copyright by Nathan Ludwick 8/4/2011
(parody of “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” by Elton John)
(Ephesians 4:26-32, Ephesians 5:8, Proverbs 19:11, Proverbs 29:11, Ecclesiastes 7:8-9, Romans 12:19, James 1:19-21, Colossians 3:7-9, 1 Corinthians 13, Hebrews 3:13)
I can’t light no more of your darkness
Read the Scriptures- Ephesians 5:8- stay in the light
You’re growing tired and time instills abhorring
Satan’s there on the ladder of your life
Your hate enslaves yourself to falling
You seek vengeance- it changed your peace to strife
If you’d just read Ephesians 26 verse (in)
Chapter 4 and left me binded by The Christ
Chorus:
Don’t let the sun go down angry (Don’t let the sun)
You only hurt yourself and all while someone else is free
Christ disallows a fragment of your life to writhe and seethe
But choosing your sulking is like the sun going down on me
Eleventh line- oh, it’s right- Proverbs 29 [two nine]
Fools seethe full brunt but see the wise conceal
Go on, discard me hon’ because it grieves Spirit of God
Now these cuts you have- they need God’s Love (to) help them heal
(Repeat Chorus twice)
……………………………………………………………………………..
For now, keep redeeming the time for the days are evil- but don’t get angry and complain and don’t curse out your brothers while blessing Christ’s name. Rather, keep showing the love of Christ to everyone each day and make the most of every day that God has given us for His glory.
May His face shine upon you and give you peace. God bless. :-)
.....................................
Okay! And now for a serious one and one of my favourite ones! This one was actually largely inspired from a Sunday sermon that I heard when I wrote this. The title was just there and just perfect for one of the Bible verses I heard almost verbatim! And it’s from yet another favorite ‘70s song- though the pianist continues to make hits today of course.
But this song is all about ending each day on the right note and not letting the sun go down angry- but rather, making peace.
(Note: In an effort to be poetic and because it just seemed to fit the rhyme scheme of the song best, this song is actually sung from the point of view of anger personified.)
“Don’t Let the Sun Go Down Angry”
Copyright by Nathan Ludwick 8/4/2011
(parody of “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” by Elton John)
(Ephesians 4:26-32, Ephesians 5:8, Proverbs 19:11, Proverbs 29:11, Ecclesiastes 7:8-9, Romans 12:19, James 1:19-21, Colossians 3:7-9, 1 Corinthians 13, Hebrews 3:13)
I can’t light no more of your darkness
Read the Scriptures- Ephesians 5:8- stay in the light
You’re growing tired and time instills abhorring
Satan’s there on the ladder of your life
Your hate enslaves yourself to falling
You seek vengeance- it changed your peace to strife
If you’d just read Ephesians 26 verse (in)
Chapter 4 and left me binded by The Christ
Chorus:
Don’t let the sun go down angry (Don’t let the sun)
You only hurt yourself and all while someone else is free
Christ disallows a fragment of your life to writhe and seethe
But choosing your sulking is like the sun going down on me
Eleventh line- oh, it’s right- Proverbs 29 [two nine]
Fools seethe full brunt but see the wise conceal
Go on, discard me hon’ because it grieves Spirit of God
Now these cuts you have- they need God’s Love (to) help them heal
(Repeat Chorus twice)
……………………………………………………………………………..
For now, keep redeeming the time for the days are evil- but don’t get angry and complain and don’t curse out your brothers while blessing Christ’s name. Rather, keep showing the love of Christ to everyone each day and make the most of every day that God has given us for His glory.
May His face shine upon you and give you peace. God bless. :-)
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