YOU NAME IT
When I was a child and even to this day, my mother
regimentally held, “remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.” Any day that ended in Y belonged to Jesus but
Sundays were especially holy. As a child, we went to church on Sunday, wore
church clothes on Sunday, watched religious TV on Sunday, and only listened to
gospel music on Sunday. I think we could only talk about Jesus on Sundays too!
There was a particular story/song I confidently remember
hearing nearly every Sunday as we drove to church. Sung by Pastor Shirley
Ceasar and colorfully detailing the story of Shouting John, “Hold my Mule – I
Feel Like Praising Him” was easily one of my favorites. I really enjoyed
hearing how he boldly and unashamedly worshipped God.
In Exodus chapter eighteen, the Bible communicates the juxtaposition
of a passionate leader (Moses) and a caring father-in-law (Jethro). As dedicated and committed as Moses was, Moses' efforts were over extending him. His father-in-law simply
tells the proud leader, LOOK - “This is not good!” (v.17)
Although Moses had been successful in his work, there
was a more efficient way. Moses would have never
seen it had Jethro not given him a FRESH perspective.
I challenge you to be receptive to FRESH perspectives. I'm not saying you're wrong but there could be a more beneficial way of getting to your goals...
I challenge you to be receptive to FRESH perspectives. I'm not saying you're wrong but there could be a more beneficial way of getting to your goals...
Back to the story of Shouting John…
Recently, a creative music producer took the classic song
and remixed a small portion of it to a new beat. The story is the same but the
rhythm changed. Because
of the FRESH remix, new generations of listeners are learning. Pastor Shirley’s
message is the same then as it is now - the blessings of God are bountiful and
He deserves praise!
Here is my point.
“The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our
God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8 NLT).
What is being served hasn’t changed. However, a change in
delivery has pushed a classic story/song to a whole new generation of hungry
people.
The Apostle Paul put it this way, “…I try to find common
ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22
NLT).
I have been a personal trainer for a little over a year and
because of that, I have had to revise my dieting to support my efforts in the
gym. There are meals that I still enjoy but because I am in a new stage of my
life, I have to revise the way those meals are prepared. A little change in preparation can go a long way! God’s WORD is CONSISTENT TRUTH; I am grateful for the creativity He gives us to take His truth
and package it in a way that relates to those in need.
My Co-Pastor, Mia Wright, helped me see this simple truth
and I’m excited about the #UNameItChallenge. Although the song’s delivery is
different, I appreciate the new group of listeners who are learning an
unchangeable truth –Jesus Lives, Jesus Saves, and His mercy endures forever.
God is blessing us everyday. How has He blessed you today?
#UNameIt