(Images above: Portraits of Christ by Rembrandt)
NOTE TO READERS:
Thank you for reading. I hope these daily readings are helping you “get to know Jesus” a little better.
I have been doing these daily meditations for a long time; every day for seven years while I was still working as a pastor, and now, every day for six months in my retirement. All daily meditations are immediately posted on my website, where they will remain until Jesus returns (well, maybe… maybe not; I don’t have a complete understanding of how the internet cloud works).
There are now over 2500 postings on my website—or the equivalent of twenty-four 200-page books. Unfortunately, all this previous content is not readily accessible. I am beginning to organize it in such a way that it will be more available by topic; for those who might have a specific question, or, who want to read more on a particular subject. It is a big job with so many previous posts to put in order, and it is taking me a while.
In the meantime, if you are interested in looking at what else is available, you may go to the website HERE. You may also access the website every day by clicking on the “Read on Blog” link in the upper right-hand corner of your daily email. THIS IS THE BEST FORMAT TO VIEW EACH DAY’S READING, AND IS USUALLY THE ONLY FORMAT THAT WILL DISPLAY ANY VIDEOS THAT MAY BE POSTED.
At the WEBSITE you may:
- Browse the 90 Tags and 16 Categories listed in the right-hand column for topics of interest.
- Enter words, names, or subjects in the “Search” box at the top of the right-hand column.
- Read the “Related Posts” at the bottom of each daily post (those appear only if you have clicked on the “Read on Blog” link).
- Go to the “A Bit More…” tab on the menu bar (or HERE) for more items from previous EmailMeditations, thematically organized with links to each post. As time goes on, several other sections on a variety of themes will be added.
- Sometimes, I will put a link at the bottom of the daily meditation to other meditations on that day’s topic.
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In today’s meditation, I am including an example of what else is available on the website, and how to access the links to reading more.
In three of the last four EmailMeditations, I have included a song to help illustrate the point. I have often done this over the years, and many folks have told me they like it when songs are included.
Several years ago, I taught a class in my church called “Rock (and Roll) of Ages.” I would play popular songs, and then use them as a springboard into a discussion of our Christian faith. Most of the initial songs were from the music of my youth— ‘Classic Rock’ from the 1960’s and 70’s (Later sessions got into other types of music). We would look at the lyrics in light of what we believe as Christians. It was a fun way to get creative insights into some old truths. Then in 2014, I started to rework some of the content of that class into my daily Emailmeditations, and I have been adding more ever since. You might enjoy the old songs posted there, and also, learn something from them. Those Emailmeditations may be found HERE.
Rock (and Roll) of Ages (introduction)
Are you feeling like you just “can’t get no satisfaction?” Does it seem sometimes that people are treating you like “nothin’ but a hound dog?” Does it look as if there might be a “bad moon rising” in your life? These Emailmeditations might be just what you need to “soothe your soul” so you can start “feelin’ groovy” again. Take some time to “reminisce about the days of old with some old-time rock and roll.” Each meditation includes a song from the 60’s or 70’s (and a few from later years). I then use the lyrics from that song to reflect on what the Bible says about the “Spirit in the sky” (our ‘Rock of Ages’); and why you “gotta have a friend in Jesus,” so that “when you die, and they lay you to rest, you can go to the place that’s the best.” In other words, the music will serve as a springboard into a somewhat off-the-wall look at what it means to believe in Jesus, both for now and forever. It will be a meandering guided tour, starting with your heart’s deepest longings, and then, perhaps finding your way to Jesus; all by way of Bob Seeger, Mick Jagger, John Fogerty, and a few more. (NOTE to youngsters: “words in quotation marks” are lyrics from old songs.)
The style of music will probably appeal more to Baby Boomers than to other age groups; but if you are younger, you can see what you missed. It is hoped that no matter how old you are or what music you like, you will get new insights into how the Gospel of Jesus Christ meets the needs and longings expressed in this music. There are great lines in some of these old songs, words you may have missed back then. Even if you aren’t into Classic Rock, this look at these old songs will illustrate a way of listening to and thinking about all kinds of music in light of our faith. Once again, the link to get started is HERE.
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To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. –Psalm 25:1
We would like to see Jesus. –John 12:21
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Thanks be to thee, my Lord Jesus Christ,
for all the benefits thou hast given me,
for all the pains and insults thou hast borne for me.
O most merciful redeemer, friend and brother,
may I know thee more clearly,
love thee more dearly,
and follow thee more nearly, day by day. Amen.
–St. Richard of Chichester (1197-1253)
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