SUNDAY PSALMS PART 30 OF 48 - PSALM 119:25-32

Post Road, Indianapolis, across from Fort Ben State Park

 25   My soul clings to the dust;
      Revive me according to Your word.
26   I have declared my ways, and You answered me;
      Teach me Your statutes.
27   Make me understand the way of Your precepts;
      So shall I meditate on Your wondrous works.
28   My soul melts from heaviness;
      Strengthen me according to Your word.
29   Remove from me the way of lying,
      And grant me Your law graciously.
30   I have chosen the way of truth;
      Your judgments I have laid before me.
31   I cling to Your testimonies;
      O Lord, do not put me to shame!
32   I will run the course of Your commandments,
      For You shall enlarge my heart.
                    Psalm 119:25-32, New King James Version

Three points I want to make with this section.

1. First, a confession that I relate to the Psalmist's mindset in verses 25 and 28. How about you?
2. I love verse 26, and I find it an invitation, a promise, and a challenge. An invitation to tell God what's on our minds and our plans. A promise that He'll answer us. A challenge to ask God to show us His statutes. Do you think that prayer will be answered?
3. I love the two sides of the coin verses 29 and 30 show. The first could be said to be the Calvinist verse, asking God to remove the path of lying and to grant us His law graciously. The second is the Arminian counterpart, stating that we chose the way of truth and that we willingly are setting God's judgments before us.

What does this Psalm segment say to you?

 

ALBUM REVIEWS - CHAMPIONS, HERE & NOW, AND OUT OF THE BLUE BY TRACE BALIN

Trace Balin, photo courtesy of Discogs

 

I remember hearing Trace Balin on the radio in the late '80's, most notably "We Need Each Other" - a trio with Marty McCall (Fireworks, First Call) and Bob Carlisle (Allies, singer of "Butterfly Kisses"). However, I was blown away by her song "Never Let It Be Said," written by producer Jonathan David Brown, which is my all-time second favorite song (only to Steve Taylor's "I Just Wanna Know." 

For that reason, her second project "Here & Now" was added to my collection. I also had the honor of hearing her at a GMA Extravaganza Event and heard her do a four song set, including "We Need Each Other," with Marty and Bob joining her. However, I never broke down and got "Champions" or "Out Of The Blue." For the record, I'm not aware of any other projects. 

Three days before writing this, I turned off the shuffle feature and put on "Out Of The Blue." The next day, I finally listened to "Champions." And after listening, I asked myself, "Why did I wait so long?!"

So I'll review all three of her albums in one setting. 

Her first project was "Champions." I had forgotten the song "Only For You," let alone that Trace was the one who recorded it. I always loved that song. There are other great songs on this like "All I Wanna Do," "We Are An Army," "Rock' These Rafters," "Walk In The Spirit," "I Don't Deserve Your Love," and of course the title track and "We Need Each Other." 

As I mentioned earlier, "Here And Now" is the only album I've heard more than half a week ago. The title song is a great opening track, and has several songs I absolutely love on it: "If I Don't Have Love," "Eye Of the Hurricane," "When The Well Runs Dry," "Well Done," "Just Between You And Me," and her rendition of the classic hymn "All Hail The Power." And I dare not forget the haunting concluding number "Why Me?" and of course the above mentioned "Never Let It Be Said."

Last but not least is "Out Of The Blue." Three of the four songs I heard her do at the above mentioned concert were from this project. All her songs are great musically, but I found the words of this project to be challenging in a positive sense, right off with the opening track "Stranger." It contains another song I forgot about (and again that she did it): "Answer To Prayer." Other good songs include the title track, "Changes," "My Heart Is Set On You," "This Is Where," "Meet You In The Garden," "The Love We Know," "Walk It Out," and the final song "You Were My Last Hope."

If you never heard her, I recommend you check Trace Balin's albums out. You can find her projects on Discogs and on Spotify. You'll see why she's one of my favorite singers.
 

 

BOOK REVIEW - COLD PURSUIT (RYLAND & ST. CLAIR BOOK 1) BY NANCY MEHL

 

Does the imprisoned serial killer, who nearly killed former F.B.I. behavior analysts/current private investigators River Ryland and Tony St. Clair, have an accomplice on the loose to finish the job? And can these fledgling detectives discover what happened to a young man who vanished four years ago?

Cold Pursuit is the first of a new series by award winning novelist Nancy Mehl, introducing a pair of new protagonists. If you've read her latest series - Defenders of Justice, Kaely Quinn Profiler, and the Quantico Files - and enjoyed the edge of your seat suspense, then you'll enjoy this series as well.

Nancy Mehl is excellent in creating complex, struggling characters as well nail biting plots. Personally, the complexity and struggling of River Ryland made it hard for me to really like her at first. That changed as the story progressed. Now Tony St. Clair? I related to him basically from the start.

I'm looking forward to the next story. One unique thing about this novel: most of the time, Mehl wraps up the story, even though you know there's more development for her heroes and their relationships. This one has a bit of a cliff-hanger.

I highly recommend this novel, which I received from the publisher for my unbiased review.

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 29 OF 48 - PSALM 119:17-24

Log Church, Turkey Run State Park, Marshall, IN

 17     Deal bountifully with Your servant,
        That I may live and keep Your word.
18     Open my eyes, that I may see
        Wondrous things from Your law.
19     I am a stranger in the earth;
        Do not hide Your commandments from me.
20  My soul breaks with longing
        For Your judgments at all times.
21     You rebuke the proud--the cursed,
        Who stray from Your commandments.
22   Remove from me reproach and contempt,
        For I have kept Your testimonies.
23  Princes also sit and speak against me,
        But Your servant meditates on Your statutes.
24  Your testimonies also are my delight
       And my counselors.
                    Psalm 119:17-24, New King James Version

Isn't verse 18 a wonderful prayer to say before you do your Bible reading?

How about verse 19? Do you feel like a stranger on earth? If so, good for you, and you need to as a result grow more familiar with God's word. If you're a Christian who doesn't feel like a stranger on this depraved planet, then something's wrong!

You notice who's called "the cursed?" Yep, the proud. God doesn't think much of pride, does he? Pride is at the root of all rebellion against God, the source of all our disobedience.

Finally, is God's testimony our delight and our counselor? Or are we trusting in princes who sit and speak against God's people?

 

BOOK REVIEW - DEFENDING FROM DANGER (ROCKY MOUNTAIN K-9 UNIT BOOK 5) BY JODIE BAILEY

 

 I got hooked on Love Inspired Suspense by two novels back in 2019: Undercover Protector by Elizabeth Goddard, which was set in an animal rescue center (focusing on tigers) and Dead Run by Jodie Bailey. Well, the 5th installment of Love Inspired Suspense's Rocky Mountain K-9 Unit is Defending From Danger, which is set in an animal rescue center (focusing on wolf/dog hybrids) by Jodie Bailey. Kind of sounds like full circle doesn't it? (By the way, the next book in the series is written by Elizabeth Goodard!)

Those who read my reviews know I'm a Jodie Bailey fan. This story is no exception. The reveal of the villain surprised me. It, as usual for Jodie Bailey, has great characters and an exciting story. 

As usual, I recommend this story.

ALBUM REVIEW - "NOT THE END" BY EYE'S AFLAME

 

 I had the honor of hearing Eye's Aflame live in concert recently. Today, I was blessed on listening to their EP. I had listened to some of their songs isolated, but it was great to hear the whole project.

There are some albums that starts out with a song that grabs your attention. The single "Heartbreak Embrace" is that kind of song, between the great guitar of Jammin Shue and the vocals off Gary Rodd and Sarah Shue.  Other stand outs include the other two singles, "Unbreakable" (with Dvine Words) and "Not the End," as well as "Fight" and the concluding "King of Kings."

Eye's Aflame has become one of my favorite bands. I enjoyed this project and their concert, and am looking forward to hearing more of them.

Eye's Aflame's Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/EyesAflameband. You can also see videos of ""Fight," "Unbreakable," and other songs not on this EP on YouTube, Local Overdrive's Page. They also are streaming on Amazon and Spotify (and probably other steaming venues as well).

 

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 28 OF 48 - PSALAM 119:9-16

Living Word Bible Church, Indianapolis, IN

9  How can a young man cleanse his way?
   By taking heed according to Your word.
10 With my whole heart I have sought You;
   Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!
11 Your word I have hidden in my heart,
  That I might not sin against You!
12 Blessed are You, O LORD!
  Teach me Your statutes!
13 With my lips I have declared
  All the judgments of Your mouth.
14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies,
  As much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate on Your precepts,
  And contemplate Your ways.
16 I will delight myself in Your statutes;
  I will not forget Your word.
            Psalm 119:9-16, New King James Version

Protestants rightly stand for Sola Scriptura. After all, the alternative to basing everything on God's word is trusting the word of man instead. However, we often forget why we stand for Scripture, which is because it transforms lives. This segment gives several examples of this. Verse 9 says its how a young man can cleanse his way. The well-known 11th verse points out it keeps us from sin. And the next verse talks about the joy it provides.

Verse 10 is an excellent prayer. It suggests that we seek him with our whole heart, and ask Him to keep us from wandering from His commandments. I find it easy to wander. We don't often take a running leap away from the truth, but rather wander a step or two away at a time before we're way off.

Verse 13 mentions meditating on God's Word. When you read the word "meditation," don't think of the Eastern mystical approach of emptying one's mind. On the contrary, Biblical meditation involves filling your mind with Scripture. 

I've done a lot of Scripture memorization. When my mind tends to drift, I start reviewing Bible passages I've memorized. That definitely makes a better day.

 

BOOK REVIEW - UNDERCOVER ASSIGNMENT (ROCKY MOUNTAIN K-9 UNIT BOOK 4) BY DANA MENTINK

 

Which of the guests at Sam Kavanaugh's hotel is responsible for threatening his son and tearing apart his business? And why is the pretty nanny accompanied by a threatening looking Belgian Malinois?

Undercover Assignment by Dana Mentink, the fourth novel of Love Inspired Suspense's Rocky Mountain K-9 Unit, is an exciting tale of suspense and mystery. This is the fourth novel I've read by her, and in the first three, I knew who the bad guy was by the time I finished the first chapter. This one has a mystery that is as good as Dame Agatha. 

I absolutely loved the characters, and I enjoyed a mystery of being in a hotel knowing there's at least one dangerous individual lurking. Also, the New Mexico setting made this Arizona boy feel at home.

I highly recommend both this book and the series.

2023 KINGDOM COME FESTIVAL - A VERY BLESSED DAY!!!

Welcome to Kingdom Come Festival.

 

Note: I will identify the below photos at the bottom of this blog, all of which were either taken by or include yours truly (I have yet to master the selfie yet). 

You may remember my interviews with Always One Ministries co-founder Angie Leyda in '21 and photographer Jeanette Yoder last year dealing with Kingdom Come Festival (and if you don't I'm sure you noticed their names in blue, indicating a link to said interviews). Those were among my favorite interviews, but still those two years had me desiring to attend but not making the trip.

Well, I finally made it!

For those unaware, the past couple of years the festival was at Howard County Vietnam Veteran's Healing Fields in Greentown, IN (a little east of Kokomo, an hour's drive from Indianapolis). It starts on one stage on Thursday night, and continues on two stages both Friday and Saturday. 

Maybe when I retire, I might buy or borrow a camper and spend the whole weekend there. But since I am not yet retired and not committed enough to take more than one two-hour round trips per festival, I only went on Saturday this year. Praise the Lord, I was interested in hearing 9 of 10 groups scheduled to perform at the Redemption Stage. (Before I attended, I didn't know what to expect, and wondered if I had a half mile walk between the two stages. I know better now.) 

Allow me to give some observations about the day (July 17th, 2023). 

1. One thing I hoped for was to get to meet or get to re-meet several of my favorite musicians. Big check mark there. I had the honor of meeting Always One Ministries co-founders Chris Bousum and Angie Leyda (had a nice conversation with Chris), and photographer Jeanette Yoder (I spent the day in Redemption Stage with Concert Foto's Chad Fenner, and didn't have the manners to introduce myself! 😭)
   
   I wanted to meet Undefeated for over a year, and missed hearing them perform (they took the stage Friday while I worked), but got to meet them in the Merchandise. I had the honor of meeting Jerrod Cunningham (I Am The Pendragon), Nicolle Drennan (BRVVE), Sarah Shue (Eye's AFlame), Kamber Kigin (Raviner), Russ T. Shipp (Rusty Shipp), and an Upstanding Gent. I also got reacquainted with Scott Shireman (Hush Harbor), Miranda Brown, and 3/4 of Divine Martyr and 3/4 of Reclaim The Day (I don't believe I had the honor of meeting either DM vocalist Olivia Guetle or RTD bassist Logan Morehouse yet). 
   
2. One singer I wanted to hear was Zahna. She had an acoustic set on Friday evening (I was working) and a midnight set Saturday night (past my bedtime), plus an appearance with Reclaim The Day on Friday (again, was working). But Saturday morning started with her singing the National Anthem. Still want to hear her live. By the way, I didn't stay to hear Samuel Day or TheoTerran, though I wanted to hear both -
   
   I happened to be both teaching Sunday School and working in the video booth the next morning). I did get to hear a couple of songs by Jesus Music legend Nancy Honeytree, which I didn't expect to, since she was scheduled the same time as Divine Martyr, but the singer before her didn't come, so she performed when I took a lunch break.
   
   
   
3. I was thankful I still have my hearing. The Redemption Stage was a metal barn. The first act, BRVVE, wasn't a problem, but they consisted of two ladies taking turns playing an acoustic guitar and a conga player. The rest of the bands: I couldn't understand any female vocalists and struggled with the male singers.
   
   
   
4. Did the above mean I didn't enjoy it? NO WAY! I got to hear many of the songs that have become recent favorites: "Truth" and "Fear" by Divine Martyr; "Heartbreak Embrace," "Fight," and "Not The End" by Eye's Aflame; "Your Love" by BRVVE; "Boots On The Ground," "Copper Miner's Son," and "World Gone Mad"
   
   by Upstanding Gents, "What's Kraken?" by Rusty Shipp, and "Drown" by Raviner.  I also got introduced to a song that will rapidly become a favorite: "Atonement" by I Am The Pendragon.

Of course, there are things I didn't get to hear. I missed hearing Hush Harbor, Undefeated, Zahna, and Reclaim The Day, because of my work schecule. Other favorite artists - Jodi Essex,

Worhol, and True Revival - weren't there (though, after Honeytree, I might get to hear older groups I haven't heard in concert after decades, such as Steve Camp, Malcolm Wild [with either Alwyn or the Mirrors], Daniel Band, Idle Cure, and Selah). But the day was a big blessing.

Photos (from top): 

• Me and Jerrod Cunningham of I Am The Pendragon
• Me and Always One Co-founder Chris Bousum
• Me with Undefeated
• Zahna singing national anthem
• Concert Fotos' Chad Fenner photographing Jammin Shue of Eye's Aflame
• Me with Samuel Day
• BRVVE
• I Am The Pendragon
• Me with Rusty Shipp
• Upstanding Gents
• Divine Martyr
  
• Me with Tristan Harris and Marcus Sugg of Reclaim The Day
• Eye's Aflame
• Raviner
• Me with part of TheoTerran (don't know his name. 😢)
  

  

  
  
  
  
  

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 27 OF 48 - PSALM 119:1-8

Castleton United Methodist Church, Indianapolis

1     Blessed are the undefiled in the way,
      Who walk in the law of the Lord!
2    Blessed are those who keep His testimonies,
      Who seek Him with the whole heart!
3    They also do no iniquity;
      They walk in His ways.
4    You have commanded us
      To keep Your precepts diligently.
5    Oh, that my ways were directed
      To keep Your statutes!
6    Then I would not be ashamed,
      When I look into all Your commandments.
7    I will praise You with uprightness of heart,
     When I learn Your righteous judgments.
8   I will keep Your statutes;
    Oh, do not forsake me utterly!
                    Psalm 119:1-8, New King James Version
 

Yes, we've made it to Psalm 119! You're probably aware that it consists of 176 verses and is divided into 22 sections of 8 verses each. I wouldn't be surprised if you also know that in the Hebrew, each verse of each section starts with the same Hebrew letter. For example, this is the first segment, and the verses all start with aleph, the first letter in the Hebrew alphabet. Finally, you are likely to be aware that almost every verse is talking about the Word of God, the Scripture, what would be called The Holy Bible.

I find this introductory stanza interesting. The first three verses are talking about the righteous and their relationship with God and His word. Verse four focuses on God and His expectation from us. From verse 5, the Psalmist then moves into the first person and deals with his experiences and his interaction with Scripture and their Originator.

The beginning of this Psalm sounds like it's talking about not merely the righteous but the perfect, that they commit no iniquity. Again, the fourth verse mentions God commands us to keep His precepts diligently. 

Does that sound like your experience? What? You mean I'm not the only one who would answer "Nowhere close?" That it, you're saying we relate more to verse 5, where the Psalmist says, "Oh, that my ways were directed to keep your statutes?"

By the way, did you notice how often the word "keep" is used in this stanza? If you didn't, the answer is four: in verses 2, 4, 5, and 8. 

Final two things to remember. One is that if we do keep God's word, we'll be unashamed (verse 6). The other is that there will be joy in keeping His Word (verse 7).
 

 

ALBUM REVIEW - "ON THE RIGHT ROAD" BY THE RIGHT ROAD QUARTET

 

 In the fall of 2021, I had the privilege of attending an Indiana Gospel Music Festival event at my home church, Northside Baptist Church. One of the three performers was then IGMF President, Devin Cunningham. (By the way, it was hosted by Indiana Gospel Music Association President and good friend Eric Shaw.) A large part included Cunningham leading in impromptu singings mixing him and Eric with the members of the other groups (the Victorious Trio and the Divinity Trio). Cunningham made an impression on me and I've added him to my regular prayer list and keep up with him on Facebook.(You can click on this link to see my interview with Devin from Nov. '21.)

Devin Cunningham is currently tenor for the Right Road Quartet, and I'm honored to review their project "On The Right Road." If you like good quartet singing, you'll enjoy this. It starts with the Michael Card song "I Have Decided" (maybe better known for Amy Grant covering it on "Age to Age"), and goes through with a few jazzy songs and some country sounding songs, closing with a delightful aca pella "Jesus Name Medley."

My favorite songs on the project are "Sing A Little Bit More," "Step Out Of The Boat" (both co-written by Cunningham) and the needs-to-be-listened-to "Pray For Revival."

I highly recommend this album.

By the way, I recently met Jerrod Cunningham of the Christian rock band I Am The Pendragon. Are Devin and Jerrod related? Maybe not, but I'd love to hear a collaboration of the two.

PATRIOTISM: CHRISTIAN LOVE? THANKFULNESS TO GOD? IDOLATRY TO CAESAR? SOME OF EACH?

 

At Kingdom Come Festival, June 17, Howard County Vietnam Veterans Healing Fields, Greentown, IN

Is it appropriate for a Christian event to start with a pledge to the American flag?

This was the question raised by a commenter to a post on the Kingdom Come Festival's FB page, which I read a day or two before going to this year's Festival. 

The point was echoed from a blog shared by the Libertarian Christian Institute, "Should Christians Cite The Pledge of Allegiance?" by Laurence Vance. Vance points out how we lead the world in many dubious categories including incarcaration, illegal and legal drug use, and rapes. (At least in abortions we're in second place to Russia.) He concludes that this reality makes it a lie for Christians to say the pledge.

Of course, there are those who say that a Christian should be patriotic. Allow me to add wrinkles to that theory. Should a Christian in Nazi Germany or in Communist China or in Islamic Iran be patriotic to their countries as we are encouraged to be here? For those here, should we be equally supportive to both former President Trump and current President Biden? Could it be that we're inconsistent on what patriotism looks like based on our biases?

Statism is a real problem. I recommend these two books on the subject (I'm including links to my reviews on those books): Caesar and the Church: A Biblical Study of Government and Church by Anthony Forsyth and the Libertarian Christian Institute's Faith Seeking Freedom: Libertarian Answers to Tough Questions. I've seen church services where all the songs sung were patriotic, and special music consisting of a singing (or playing) of the themes for the different branches of the military, and heard a Memorial Day sermon which attempted to justify our American Holiday from Scripture. Could Statism be leavening our church services?

However, are these examples of statism? Is there a positive reason for Christians to say the pledge in a church service or have an American flag on the platform? 

I started this blog with a question about the Kingdom Come Festival's starting with a pledge. But how was that question answered? The person representing the festival, among other things, pointed out that it was being held at the Howard County Vietnam Veterans Grounds. In other words, the Festival organizers wanted to honor their hosts. Could our patriotism be out of love for those around us who love our country? Furthermore, may it reflect a heart of Thanksgiving for us being in a nation where we have freedom to call out our country when it sins? Some Patriotism may have a statist mindset, but not all; quite possibly, not most.

Also, it is true that every nation fits into one of two categories: 1) An enemy of the faith and the Gospel and 2) A potential enemy of the faith and the Gospel. Ours included. We may think the other side of the aisle is antagonistic to Christianity, but is our side of the aisle completely in line? Do we tolerate either racism or abortion? Are both oppression of the poor and the LGBTQ+ lifestyle correctly seen as condemned by God? We need to remember we're Christians first, and our allegiance is to Christ, not our nation; that our kinsmen are not the unbeliever in our nation but the believers in all nations.

Yet God commanded us to honor all men and to honor the King (1 Pet. 2:17). The Bible states that to resist the authority God appointed is to resist His ordinances and to bring judgment on us. When we are questioning whether a Christian should say the pledge in church or have a flag on the platform, is it because we rightly see Christ as our sovereign, or is it a rebellious heart that does not want to submit to others? One is good, the other no where close.

Let me close by reminding us we need to be loving to those around us. That love may be in saying the pledge with the rest of the congregation with a thankful heart, and it may be in listening to those who have problems with our nation.

Okay, one final paragraph. I'm grateful to be here, and show it by praying for those God appointed over me, regardless of party. And wishing you all a Happy Independence Day.

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 26 OF 48 - PSALM 116

Cool Creek Park, Westfield, Indiana

 

1    I love the LORD, because He has heard
     My voice and my supplications.
2   Because He has inclined His ear to me,
     Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live.
3   The pains of death surrounded me,
     And the pangs of Sheol laid hold of me;
     I found trouble and sorrow.
4   Then I called upon the name of the LORD:
     "O Lord, I implore You, deliver my soul!"

5   Gracious is the LORD, and righteous;
     Yes, our God is merciful.
6   The LORD preserves the simple;
     I was brought low, and He saved me.
7   Return to your rest, O my soul,
     For the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.

8   For You have delivered my soul from death,
     My eyes from tears,
     And my feet from falling.
9   I will walk before the LORD
     In the land of the living.
10 I believed, therefore I spoke,
    "I am greatly afflicted."
11  I said in my haste,
    "All men are liars."

12 What shall I render to the LORD
     For all His benefits toward me?
13  I will take up the cup of salvation,
     And call upon the name of the LORD.
14  I will pay my vows to the LORD
     Now in the presence of all His people.
15  Precious in the sight of the LORD
     Is the death of His saints.

16  O LORD, truly I am Your servant;
     I am Your servant, the son of Your maidservant;
     You have loosed my bonds.
17  I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving,
     And will call upon the name of the LORD.
18  I will pay my vows to the LORD
     Now in the presence of all His people,
19  In the courts of the LORD's house,
     In the midst of you, O Jerusalem. 

     Praise the Lord!
                        Psalm 116:1-19, New King James Version

 

Two of my favorite singers, both of whom I know personally, have written and recorded songs based on this Psalm (Barry Kay, "I Love The Lord," from his "Beyond The Song" project, and Amy Shreve, "Psalm 116," which leads off her "Whisper" CD and is also on her compilation "The God of All Hope.")

This is an uplifting Psalm, but verse 15 is the one that stands out: "Precious in the sight of Yahweh is the death of His saints." I especially think of this verse in connection with ministries to the Persecuted Church like Voice of the Martyrs, Spirit of Martyrdom, and Vision Beyond Borders.

One thing I noticed is the repetition of the phrase "call on the LORD" or more frequently "call on the Name of the LORD." I read an excellent book on the Biblical Theology of Prayer titled Calling On The Name of the Lord by J. Gary Millar. He focuses on how men started calling on the name of the Lord after the birth of Adam's grandson Enosh (Gen. 4:26), and defines how this is throughout Scripture asking God to do what He promised.