INTERVIEW WITH MUSICIAN AUTUMN EVE

Autumn Eve; Ben Cooper on the left.

Did you ever guess I enjoy discovering new artists? 

Late last year, I discovered Autumn Eve. And I'll have the privilege of getting to hear her at Kingdom Come Festival this year!

But before the interview, let me give an update. I believe I was tested as I was getting this ready to post! Normally, when I post an interview, I put my questions in black and a color for the interviewee(s). Well, for some reason last night, I was unable to get Autumn's responses to show up in color! I was going to use a deeper indent, but that's not the same. Well, today, I figured out a way to get her comments in color, but that involved copying and pasting and using the notepad to keep the lettering and size and color. By the way, it's not unusual for Blogger to change some of my font from large (my personal default) to either small or extra large, and it did that on this as well!

JR: Welcome to my blog. How did you come to Christ, and what got you interested in music? 

AE: Hi there, Jeffrey! I came to Christ when I was about 4 years old. My mom shared the gospel with me in our living room when we were living in Atlanta, GA. That's where I was born. 

    Ever since I was young, I felt the pull towards music so strong. There are videos of me bouncing to the beat as a baby. I've always sang improv and wrote my own songs. I was extremely interested in rock music after hearing Creed for the first time and Flyleaf as a teenager. 

JR: I thoroughly enjoy your two singles, “Courageous” and “Blood, Sweat, and Tears.” Would you like to tell us about them? 

AE: Yes! Thank you. The lyrics for "Courageous" were inspired from my personal experience with PTSD and the encouragement from Joshua 1:9: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

    As a domestic violence survivor, sharing my experience through song is so empowering and validating. Being real about what it feels like to have PTSD, yet also living empowered as an overcomer is the balance I aim for and wanted to offer to listeners. 

    "Courageous" is also a very interesting song for me because it was written when I was single, recorded when I was married, and released after that relationship ended. I felt God giving me this impression about "Courageous" saying, "You have to walk through courage before you can sing about it." It's interesting how courage often doesn't feel courageous. True courage is being willing to go onwards and trust God even when you have walked through the darkest and most soul-crushing times in your life. 

    The story behind "Blood, Sweat and Tears" is almost like a sequel to "Courageous," but more personal and about waking up and recognizing abuse in a relationship. It is often very difficult to distinguish gaslighting and manipulation when you had a rough childhood. Survivors are so use to being mistreated that it's almost like our heart's radar is broken to it because we don't have many memories of healthy, safe relationships: like a broken compass.             "Blood, Sweat, and Tears" asks the questions of someone who is beginning to wake up, realize, and dare to challenge the mistreatment for the first time. This song is also about committing to reality, seeing the darkness for what it is, not covering up or downplaying your own personal experience, and not letting the abuser off the hook at your sake to keep the peace. I hope this song will help listeners realize that by staying with an emotionally unsafe manipulator they are allowing the suffering to continue and it is not their fault. They can get out. They can get their life back even if it takes blood, sweat, and tears to overcome and get out. 

    "I'm so happy with this song because in the bridge, the empowerment hits and the clarity comes. I hope this song will help listeners going through an abusive relationship to shift their mentality, choose to get out, choose to help themselves, and understand no amount of love they give to the other person can heal or fix their partner. Only leaving the situation and surrendering the person to God can help them reclaim their own life and personal sanity. 

    Some of the lyrics say:     

"Are your words the reason I am this way?

Who is safe to share the pain? 

Is it like this forever?"

    and becomes

"Now I see 

It's not me who needs to 

Heal your insecurities." 

JR: I know this is your first time you’re at Kingdom Come Festival. Is this your first summer traveling to festivals? What do you believe God is teaching you during this tour? 

AE: I am so excited to perform my songs this year at KCF! I got the honor of performing impromptu last year with my bro, David Bean, from Red Letter Rising on one of his songs. That was very special for me. But this will be my first time traveling out of Texas to perform my full set with my band. Please come say hi!

    Wow, I like that question, "What is God teaching me during this tour?" I believe God is teaching me about surrender, and how he brings my chaos into order. There is this interesting balance I feel as a musician and traveling performer of upholding excellence without holding on too tightly to delivering my music with perfection.

    I think God is also stretching me in my personal life with this also because I have given up everything to do music this year. I got sick 3 times, lost my job, and God rerouted me to begin a wonderful and new dating relationship a month ago with one of my bandmates, Ben.

    All of my plans and living my situation have changed this year while pursuing music whole heartedly. All of my stuff is in storage. I'm on the road all of the time, which God did tell me about last summer. I don't have a solid concept of home at the moment, which is okay, just strange, but it is all so stretching. Even though I want control and to have predictable outcomes in my life and music, bending is the way. I feel like a free-spirit-nomad right now, which can be very beneficial and beautiful at times.

    All of this leads me to learn more about surrender, trust, and allowing God to move me and direct my steps to where he wants me to go, like Joseph in the Bible. He was constantly redirected for good, even when Joseph didn't understand and things looked so negative. God kept bringing him exactly where he needed to be, rerouting Joseph when he did not have control.

    I feel the invitation from the story of Joseph to keep having a confident, real faith in God for my life through the chaos and things outside of my control. All of the redirecting was an answered prayer for Joseph, his family, the nation of Egypt, and the entire ancient world at that time. God brings our chaos into order so beautifully when we keep trusting in him and do our part. 

JR: Allow me give an unusual question: Let’s say the people in the Bible (not counting Jesus) were all lead singers in bands. Who would you probably be touring with? 

AE: Haha, probably Deborah. She has an awesome death core and symphonic metal sound. We do prison ministry together and hang out. 

JR: Who would you say is your target audience, who you’re writing and singing for? In other words, what’s the message behind the music you’re trying to convey? 

AE: My target audience actually comes from Isaiah 61:1-3:

"The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,

    because the Lord has anointed me

    to proclaim good news to the poor.

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

    to proclaim freedom for the captives

    and release from darkness for the prisoners,[a]

to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor

    and the day of vengeance of our God,

to comfort all who mourn,

and provide for those who grieve in Zion—

to bestow on them a crown of beauty

    instead of ashes,

the oil of joy

    instead of mourning,

and a garment of praise

    instead of a spirit of despair." 

This is a big part of my message and my audience. 

JR: Thanks for your time. What is next on the horizon, and how can we keep up with you (e.g. websites, social media)? And do you have any concluding comments? 

AE: I am so glad to you asked me to share. My goal is to keep recording each song for my album, "Rival Dreams" so you get to hear more music! My new song, "Make You Mad" will be out this summer. This song is my absolute favorite out of all of them so far. Please follow me and shoot me a message anytime!

autumnevemusic | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree View autumnevemusic’s Linktree. Listen to their music on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music here. linktr.ee

 

MEMORIAL DAY, ALL SAINTS DAY, AND SOLEMN ASSEMBLIES - WHAT'S THE CONNECTION?

Soldiers/Sailors Monument, downtown Indianapolis

 

Happy Memorial Day! You know it's for the purpose of honoring those who died in military service, and probably that it was formerly termed as "Decoration Day," because of the graves being decorated then. 

You may or may not be aware that it started in 1868, following the Civil War. (I wasn't aware until I just looked it up, but I'm not surprised.) I also forgot that when I was in elementary school, it was celebrated on May 30th.

Growing up in Southern California, I heard of the Indianapolis 500, but I didn't pay much attention to it. (Even though I've lived in Indianapolis for over a quarter of a century, I still don't, but that's another story.) It originally was tied in to the holiday, and ran on May 30th each year, UNLESS it was on Sunday, when they ran it a different day of the week. 

Things changed in 1971 when Congress standardized Memorial Day being the last Monday in May. I believe that's when they stopped observing Lincoln's and Washington's birthdays (respectively February 12th and February 22nd) and replaced them with President's the Day, which is the third Monday in February. Notice how they liked creating three day weekends?

I'm sure you're aware that pro-and con- are prefixes that mean the opposite? Likewise, my hunch is you know an excellent example is progress and Congress. Is the date changing example? Let me tell you why I think it is.

For me, Memorial Day is not a day I think much of, because I do not personally know anyone who died defending our country. But to me, it should be a solemn day, not a day to party and have fun. By the way, speaking of fun, I'm sure you're aware that after Memorial Day changed to a set day of the year, the 500 went from being run on Memorial Day but never on Sunday to being run the day before Memorial Day, that is, always on Sunday (unless God tells them by rain to wait a day).

You know what I'd like to see, though? A Christian version of Memorial Day where we remember our fellow brothers and sisters who died for their faith in spiritual warfare. Actually, we have two days that fulfill that role, and they happen to be close to each other.

On November first, we have... Come on! You should be aware of this! I have been trying to promote All Saints Day  for years, not just as a Catholic Day to honor the canonized saints (for example, including church fathers St. Irenaeus and St. Athanasius, but not two other church fathers, Tertullian and Origen, who never were canonized), but to honor all saints - that is, all believers.

 Then, on the first Sunday of November, there is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. After all, Christians are suffering and many paying the ultimate price for their faith in many countries around the world.

Back to Memorial Day. As I stated, I don't know of anybody who died for our country. Becky's father and uncle served in the Korean War; I don't know anybody in my family who served. But those who died for their country deserve to be honored. So should Christians who deny self, take up their cross daily, and follow Christ.

BOOK REVIEW - "TODAY'S SCRIPTURE DEVOTIONAL" BY REESE KAUFFMAN

 

This devotional is written by Reese Kauffman, President Emeritus of Child Evangelism Fellowship. Designed to be an annual devotional, it has 52 devotions - one for each week of the year. Personally, I wonder why. These devotions are short enough to be read daily.

I enjoyed Reese's writing voice in these short 2-4 page devotions, filled with plenty of practical ways to live out the passage, as well as it being understandable.

This is a good devotional, and I recommend it.

INTERVIEW WITH KENZIE COYNE, LEAD VOCALIST OF HELLO LUNA

Hello Luna, l-r: Danny Rodgers (keyboards), Mitch Horn (bass), Kenzie Coyne (vocals/guitar), Michael Neumaier (drums), and Eric Morgan (lead guitar)

 

Today, I'm honored to interview Kenzie Coyne of Hello Luna, a band that is new to me.

JR: Welcome to the blog. How did the band get started? Who's all in the band? And I'm especially curious about how you developed the band's name.

KC: I had been playing as a solo artist and in a couple of bands writing music for a few of years before I started Hello Luna. I started connecting with other musicians and held auditions because I wanted to lean more into rock. My previous projects were folk/ singer songwriter and I was ready to move on to something different. I built up my band after a couple months and we started practicing and playing shows not long after. I came up with the name Hello Luna after spending so many nights staring at the night sky… I realize it sounds cheesy, but as a kid I was desperately searching for answers in the sky. I can recall my mind filled with questions about my faith, God, what I’m going to do with my life as I would stare at the night sky. I had so many questions and I was searching for God. The name Hello Luna means “light in the darkness”. I want my band to be a light for those who are in those dark spaces, questioning like I used to staring up at the sky. 

JR: Since you're from Columbus, I'm going to ask a non-typical-band question: Have you been to the Columbus Zoo? If so, is it your favorite zoo, or are there others you like better? (My wife and I have been to over 40 different zoos including two visits to Columbus; Cincy, Fort Wayne, Chattanooga, and Henson Robinson (Springfield, IL) are our favorites, more so than our hometown Indy Zoo.)

KC: I was actually at the zoo last week. I’m a huge animal lover and I’ve spent a lot of time at the zoo haha. I love the Columbus zoo. The Toledo and Cincinnati zoo are awesome. I enjoyed my time at the Central Park zoo. I’m a huge fan of being able to interact with the animals, so my favorite zoo is probably Indian Creek Zoo in MI. They give you a bucket of food to feed the animals. It’s a tiny zoo, but definitely the closest interactions I’ve had with some animals. 

JR: Okay, back to music. What's your latest release? Also, I love the song "Buried On The Inside;" could you tell us about it?

KC: “Buried On The Inside” was actually a rush job. I was in the studio with my producer writing our EP. The song actually started with that guitar line that goes through the entire song. It’s probably the simplest song I’ve ever wrote and I really pushed myself to not overthink anything about that song. The lyrics are really about my cynical mind. I had the lyric “why does everything happy make me mad” and went on from there. I’ve lived through some long periods of darkness and depression in my life and at that point things were looking up and I was in a good space, but I couldn’t shake the negative outlook I had on life. The song is really about feeling like I’m stuck in a bad dream and not living in the reality that my life had actually gotten better. I never realized how much faith it takes to actually enjoy the good seasons God puts us in when you’ve been living in darkness for so long.  

JR: I'm looking forward to hearing you at the Kingdom Come Festival: you're on the agenda for the SubCulture Stage at Kingdom Come Festival (is it sponsored by Subway? Just kidding). What should we expect from this particular stage?

KC: This is my first year playing KCF, so I’m not sure how much I can speak to the stage overall, but we plan to bring it all and really make a mark with our performance this year. 

JR: I believe Christian rock artists often find themselves in intense spiritual warfare, probably because they're entering the enemy's territory at full volume. What struggles do you face, and what sources do you have for encouragement and support during the times the battle's the fiercest?

KC: I’ve definitely experienced spiritual warfare on my music journey. Most of the time it’s actually hard to recognize. A lot of the torment actually comes from unchecked negative thought patterns or lies the enemy is trying to feed me about feeling not good enough or like I’m going to fail. I noticed the most resistance when I became really transparent about speaking about my past abuse and how my faith got me through that season. I would find myself so low and worn out. I remember going on podcasts and talking about it all and then just feeling like all the energy had been taken out of me. It was so much harder emotionally than I could have imagined. I’m lucky to have an awesome community of other believers around me. I’m part of a small group or (Bible study) at my church Vineyard and they’ve come alongside me through this journey praying and encouraging me in so many ways.  I also have incredible support from other Christian bands that can relate and encourage me when I feel like giving up. 

JR: Thank you for your time. Any webpages or the like that we can keep up with you on? And do you have any closing comments?

KC: Our website is Helloluna.band; you can find our tour dates and merch there. I’m most active on TikTok, but also frequently post on Instagram and our handle is @hellolunaband . We’ll see ya at KCF Subculture Stage Friday at 4:20pm. 

"PENTECOST AND OTHER FORGOTTEN HOLIDAYS," OR "ANOTHER BLOG ON THE FESTIVAL OBSERVING DEBATE"

"Pentecost" by Emil Nolde

 

My goal is to have blogs prepared in advance so they can be automatically be posted at 6am ET  on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday. For about a month, any blog was few and far between. The last week, including today, I am writing the blog on the scheduled days and immediately posting it. (Tuesday, I'll have a blog prepared to post; let's see how long I can keep that going!)

Actually, I did plan on writing it yesterday, but I couldn't think what I wanted to write about! After all, I set aside Sundays usually for something more theological, and my mind went blank. But then I woke up this morning, and realized: IT'S PENTECOST SUNDAY! And I forgot all about it! 😭

Not making excuses, but I have a lot of help in not remembering. It's not on calendars. There's no Pentecost sales. Nobody mentioned it at church. Once, I commented that the church I attended never celebrates Pentecost, and I was answered, "We celebrate Pentecost every Sunday. Uh, sorry, but if you celebrate somehing every week, you're not really celebrating it any week. I can also make the same case for Reformation Day or All Saints Day. 

There is debate on whether Christians should celebrate any days, quoting Galatians 4:10-11 in light of turning back to the bondage of the law: "You observe days and months and seasons and years. I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain." (All Scriptures are NKJV) One big difference: Paul is warning against Gentiles feeling obligated to celebrate Jewish holidays. Is there anything condemning Christians choosing to celebrate a holiday to remember something like Pentecost or Reformation Day, or Easter or Lent or Advent or Christmas for that matter? Allow me to give you a pair of Scripture passages, and decide if us having freedom in that area is consistent with the teachings of the New Testament: 

1. "To the pure all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure, but even their mind and conscience are defiled." Titus 1:15
2. "Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand. One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lorde he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks." Romans 14:4-6

In case you haven't figured it out, the best way to remember something is to do it. In his book "24/6: A Prescription for a Healthier, Happier Life," he mentions that the fourth commandment starts with the word "Remember." We're commanded to observe a weekly Sabbath, and Sleeth points out that we forgot. Now, he's not focused on whether we observe it on the first or seventh day, but rather that we set apart (i.e. sanctify) one day to rest. 

So if somebody wants to help me remember Pentecost or Reformation Day or All Saints Day (and for me, I'd interpret All Saints to include all Christians, not just the ones canonized by the Catholic Church), please do! I'd like company.

And happy Pentecost!

BOOK REVIEW - "OLYMPIC MOUNTAIN PURSUIT" (PACIFIC NORTHWEST K-9 UNIT BOOK 4) BY JODIE BAILEY

When her identity is blown after 4 years in the Witness Protection Program, will single mother Everly Lopez and her daughter Amelia have to undergo the trauma of starting a new life with new names, etc.? Or will the drug matriarch who murdered Everly's husband before her eyes permanently end that "inconvenience"? Can former U.S. Marshall and Pacific Northwest K-9 Unit officer Jackson Dean, assisted by his Dobie partner Rex,  protect them from seemingly innumerable assassins, or will he fail like he did for another witness he was supposed to protect? Is Jackson able to focus on his role of law enforcement, or will his feelings for Everly which kindled 4 years earlier become ... oh, you know the answer to that question?

This is the 11th novel of Jodie Bailey that I've read, several of which deal with the Witness Protection Program. As usual, she has an exciting plot that will keep you on the edge of your seats with protagonists you care about and adversaries that give you the willies, mixed with a definite but not preachy faith element.

"Olympic Mountain Pursuit" is the fourth of the nine part, multi-author Pacific Northwest K-9 Unit series. Like most of these series, there are continuing Love Inspired Suspense sagas that started in the first book - in this case, concerning a member of the team in hiding, suspected in a double-murder, the search for three stolen bloodhound puppies, and which of four candidates can fill the two vacant spots of the team - so on one hand, it makes sense to start with book one and read them in order. On the other hand, as usual, the books are written that should you read them out of order, you are able to follow the long stories I mentioned and enjoy the main story of each book.

I highly recommend this book, this series, and any book by Jodie 
Bailey.

BOOK REVIEW - "NOW AND NOT YET: THEOLOGY AND MISSION IN EZRA-NEHEMIAH" (NEW STUDIES IN BIBLICAL THEOLOGY) BY DEAN ULRICH

 

Is God's Kingdom on earth a reality of the present or a promise of the future? Yes.

Dean Ulrich looks into Ezra-Nehemiah and gives an excellent commentary on that book (or is it two? We normally divide it into two books, but it is just one book in the Jewish OT). His focus is that the post-exilic period shows both the Promise of the restored kingdom and the fact that things still aren't perfect. For example, Nehemiah 12 deals with the victorious celebration of the completion of the wall. However, it is followed by chapter 13, which deals with the various problems Nehemiah was dealing with.

I highly recommend this book.

HOW DOES PSALM 149 RELATE TO CHRISTIAN LIFE? OR DOES IT?

"The Company of captain Frans Banning Cocq and lieutenant Willem van Ruytenburch preparing to march out", better known as "The Night Watch," by Rembrandt.

For years... make that for decades, I've wondered about how to apply Psalm 149 to my life. 

The first half is pretty straight forward: it talks about singing to the Lord a new song, rejoicing in our Maker and King, praising Him with dance and harp, and that He takes pleasure in His people and will beautify the humble with salvation. But buckle up your seat belts: The latter part takes a surprising twist. Starting with verse 5 and continuing to the end of the Psalm:

"Let the saints be joyful in glory; Let them sing aloud on their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, And a two-edged sword in their hand, To execute vengeance on the nations, And punishments on the peoples; To bind their kings with chains, And their nobles with fetters of iron; To execute on them the written judgment-- This honor have all His saints.  Praise the Lord!"

                Psalm 149:5-9, NKJV

Are you stumped as well? Then I'm not alone. How does this apply to your lives?

Often when I have a question, I try to get feedback, so I asked the question in a Facebook group I trust - Calvinst Dispensationalists Unite. I did get two primary themes in the responses:

"No, we're not supposed to get swords out and start chaining people up." Really? Shucks! I had my fetters all ready to go! Yes, I realized that we Christians aren't to literally apply it. But if not, then how? After all, isn't all Scripture inspired by God and profitable for teaching, rebuke, correction, and instruction in righteousness? 

"We need to look at the original audience and the message to them. And in this case, it looks to the Millennial Kingdom." This response is right on the money, and is a key part in interpreting Scripture. However, it is silent on the part I was seeking help on: Application. After all, the passage says this honor have all the saints - aren't Christians part of "all the saints?"

So, unfortunately, I resigned to still having that question unanswered. But that was not permanent.

A few weeks later, I was sitting in a D-Group meeting in class. No, we weren't looking at Psalm 149. But all of a sudden, a thought went through my head... or was it leading of the Holy Spirit?...

"Your answer is in 2 Corinthians 10:3-6."

As I was saying, the discussion at the moment was unrelated. No, nobody mentioned 2 Corinthians. I had memorized that passage in the past year, but I hadn't reviewed it for a week or two. 

Unfamiliar with that passage? Here it is:

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled." 

                            2 Corinthians 10:3-6, NKJV

Am I the only one noticing similarities? Both deal with weapons. Both mention taking captives and punishing disobedience.

Now, how do we apply Corinthians? That's another blog.

By the way, next time I have a question? I'll go back to Calvinist Dispensationalists Unite. They have proven to be a great source for sound Biblical teaching and discussion.

 

INTERVIEW WITH DAVE HARVEY OF MILLENNIAL REIGN

 

Millennial Reign, l-r: Pedro Cortes (drums), Dave Harvey (guitars, BGVs), Tiffany Galchutt (vocals), and Neil Bertrand (bass, BGVs)

Allow me to admit: I was probably born a symphonic metal fan, long before the genre existed. One, I love symphonic music period - when I got familiar with classical music, I was hooked. But also, even my taste in music as a teen-ager - Kansas, Styx, Yes, ELO, and the later Beatles - showed that leaning. So I'm excited to get to interview another Christian symphonic metal, along with my interview two years ago with my buddies Divine Martyr. I have the honor of interviewing guitarist Dave Harvey.

JR: Welcome to my blog! I'll start with my typical first question for bands: How did you get started, and what inspired the group's name?

DH: Millennial Reign actually started as a recording project. I had already released one album in an 80s genre but was wanting more of a powermetal direction with the second. I had the right vocalist lined up and we signed with Ulterium Records during the recording process. Once we did that it was decided to create a full band. As for the name, it literally came from a church service one morning. The pastor mentioned the thousand year millennial reign of Christ and I remember thinking, that’s a good name for a band.

JR: Usually at this point, I ask about the most recent project. However, I hear you've got a new project due out this summer! I'm excited and can't wait to hear it. Would you like to tell me and the readers what to expect about it? 

DH: In my opinion it’s the best album we’ve released to date. The current lineup of the band is by far the best since its creation, everyone is on board and fully committed to the vision. One video “Bring Me To Life” has been released and a second is coming in May.

JR: "World on Fire" is your first full project since 2018's "The Great Divide." What has the Lord been teaching you during that period of time?

DH: For me personally I’ve been much more focused on the Word and the ministry. On this album I wanted to be much more direct with what we had to say. These are perilous times we are living in and it’s no longer optional to be vague in the message. A strong word is what everyone needs.

JR: I'm sure you're familiar with the old adage "You can't judge a book by its cover," but in your case, your projects have great artwork (see bottom of interview). Could you tell us about it?

DH: Our record label takes care of hiring the artists to do all of their covers. Jan Yrlund did the last two album covers for us. He does a lot of very well known bands in Europe. 

JR: One hunch I have is that Christian rock bands endure a lot of spiritual warfare, especially those who break into a new genre where the world formerly had a monopoly. What warfare have you seen, and how has God helped strengthen and encourage you during the heat of battle, either through the Word, prayer, or fellow believers?

DH: The only quote, unquote “warfare” that really comes to mind would be that Christian bands aren’t taken seriously by some of the metal world. I see this a lot with Stryper by a few of the bigger zines using headlines that mock rather than actually promote the story. Jesus himself said that we’d be hated by the world so personally this doesn’t get to me. I know exactly who I am in Christ, what I can do in Christ and the final outcome of the mockers.

JR: Thank you for your time. How can we keep up with what's going with you all? And is there any closing remarks you'd like to make?

DH: All our info is posted on our webpage at https://millennialreign.com or https://facebook.com/millennialreign

We are having an album release show June 22nd at Platinum Music Complex in North Richland Hills, Texas. Greg X Volz of Petra and CPR will be speaking and performing at the event. See our pages for ticket links.

IT'S THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER! AND THIS COUNTRY (AND THE REST OF THE WORLD) NEEDS PRAYER!!!

At Arlington Avenue Baptist Church, Indianapolis. On the left of the bouquet on the Communion Table is the American flag, and the Christian flag on the right.

First blog in over two weeks, and I get inspiration on the National Day of Prayer!

I'm sure you've been reminded how divided our country is. Are you, like me, sick of all the negative political ads going on, making you wish the election is over? Not unusual for me to feel that way early November, but early May? After the primaries?

For those who aren't in the area, we have an open Governor's race (like many states, we have a term limit on governors, and the current one is finishing his second term), and an open U.S. Senate seat (the incumbent announced two years ago he would be leaving the Senate to run for Governor), as well as all the congressional seats.

Now, I find the Senate race peaceful. Basically because all the Republican candidates except one dropped out, and the two Democrats have been very quiet.  In fact, I haven't heard or seen any ads by Democrats. 

Unfortunately, the Republicans aren't so quiet. There are six candidates for Governor, and some of them have hit the airwaves on how bad the other candidates OF THEIR OWN PARTY are. The one that grieves me is the current Senator is paying for attack ads on a challenger, though he also is running positive ads promoting himself. One of the U.S. Congressional races is no better.

Of course, I'm chuckling. A couple of candidates are using the support of Former President Trump as a reason to elect them. Five months from now, the Democrats may quote those ads as a reason to oppose the same candidate.

I used to like primary elections, though I felt the purpose was to weed out the good candidates. I had seen some Primary fighting - years ago the Marion County GOP leader would send out flyers tearing apart one Republican candidate, but this takes the cake. 

Yes, I'm discouraged. No, I don't think the country's going in the right direction, and the in-fighting of the Republicans is, I believe, hurting their chances of having an influence.

But the solution is to pray! I'm weekly praying for the people currently in office, whether Democrat (which most of them currently are) or Republican. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 encourages us to pray for our kings and those in authority, and to give thanks for all people. 1 Peter 2:17 tells us to honor all people and to honor the King. (You want to hear a bad joke? It's those who say that we have a President, not a King, so we're not obligated to honor and pray for them.)