Soundtracking the Bible Part VIII: Zephaniah - Malachi

The last four books of the Old Testament are often over looked by the most popular four books of the entire bible, the Gospels.

Themes that close out minor prophets are just as important then as they are now.  Dealing with issues of injustice, corrupt leaders, and money.

The subjects addressed are layered in prophecy and judgement but God's truth and faithfulness still shine through. 

35. Zephaniah - Bulls on Parade: Rage Against the Machine

In the times when you lose trust in authority and become disenfranchised with people it is not uncommon to project those feelings on God.  Zephaniah words can be solace in time of cynicism.  King Josiah was trying to bring reform as Judah was heading for exile, but his leaders undercut his intentions with idolatry and corruption.

A similar theme in Zack de la Rocha's anthem Bulls of Parade which a is a direct response to his belief that America is becoming a nation built on war instead of peace. The line "Rally round your family with a pocket full of shells," is a response to how the political leaders and the media use fear as a vehicle for war.

Zephaniah balances that tension of war with words of peace..."Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility (Zeph 2.3)."



36. Haggai- Fell on Black Days: Soundgarden

The book of Haggai is a spiritual fork-in-the-road.  After being in Exile the Jews returned to Judah and began to rebuild the Temple but in the process they hit a wall.  It is not easy to return home and face your insecurities but God can rebuild what is broken.  

Chris Cornell, the cathartic voice behind Soundgarden, shares what causes those Black Days. " It is a feeling that everyone gets. You're happy with your life, everything's going well, things are exciting—when all of a sudden you realize you're unhappy in the extreme, to the point of being really, really scared."

Much like the rising chord structure in the song that shines thru there are verses of hope sprinkled throughout the book of Haggai. "The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,' says the LORD Almighty. 'And in this place I will grant peace,' declares the LORD Almighty (Haggai 2.9).



37. Zechariah- Given to Fly: Pearl Jam

The prophet and priest Zechariah grew up while God's people where in Exile under the Babylonians.  Struggling with a sense of significance can come out of a lack of identity. Zechariah offers hope and motivation for a nation trying to pick up the pieces as they return home, thru subtle predications and phrases paint a picture of the coming Messiah.

Given to Fly is a song that also uses obscure phrases and words to convey a message of hope.  Some say Eddie Vedder wrote this song about Jesus.  Some say it is about about Vedder quitting smoking or even surfing.  It is interesting to note that all of those ideas convey freedom, something that we all want for ourselves, especially for a man who grew up in Exile, encouraging a nation to find their identify in the Messiah.

"And he still gives his love, he just gives it away/ The love he receives is the love that is saved."




38. Malachi- No Excuses: Alice in Chains 

The message of Malachi reads as clear as our reflection in the mirror.  He gives his readers a choice to have a wholehearted love for God or a life lived halfhearted.  Malachi presents the question, will we be people who are indifferent or people who make a difference?

"Ever since the time of your forefathers you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord Almighty (Malachi 3.7)."

Alice in Chains was a band full of potential but also full of problems.  Jerry Cantrell brought a sense of depth to their music but it was Layne Stanley whose conviction and charisma drove the band in both good and band directions.  No Excuses was written by Cantrell in response to Stanley's pervading substance abuse.  The acclaimed MTV Unplugged performance captured this beautiful and heartbreaking irony as his drug addiction would soon after take Layne's life.

Soundtracking the Bible Part VII Obadiah- Habakkuk

The minor prophets can easily be over looked in the shadow bible legends like Isaiah and Jeremiah, but  the roots of these treasures go deep.  This collection of works also called "Book of the Twelve" or Hebrew Trai Asar (The Twelve) is often studied together. The first six books raise questions and the final six offer resolution.


The title 'minor' is given to these final books of the OT because of there length but their message is strong.


30. Obadiah- What's So Funny ('Bout Peace Love & Understanding): Elvis Costello


Obadiah may be one of the shortest books of the OT but it's backstory is deep. In the wake of being overtaking by Babylon a neighboring country takes particular delight in Israel's misfortune, Edom.  The interesting piece of history about Edom is that the country's roots date back to Esau.

Despite the peace that Jacob made with his older brother Esau it seems some hurts are hard to let go and surface in this book.

The short and potent pop song by Elvis Costello is an ironic backdrop to this bittersweet book, with lyrics like,

 "And as i walked on
Through troubled times
My spirit gets so downhearted sometimes
So where are the strong
And who are the trusted?
And where is the harmony?"

Edom may be laughing at Israel's misfortune but God is still faithful and does not turn a blind eye to Judah,

v.12 ""You should not look down on your brother in the day of his misfortune, nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boast so much in the day of their trouble."

Check out this all-star lineup with Costello featuring Jacob Dylan & Zooey Deschanel




 31.  Jonah- Bullet with Butterfly Wings: Smashing Pumpkins 

Jonah would have fit right in with the 90s Anit-Hero culture adorned with flannel shirts and ripped jeans.  The four chapters in the book of Jonah are full of angst and frustration.  Although he is not a "rat in a cage" he sure did find himself trapped in a big fish en route to evangelize Ninevah. 

The lyrics to Bullet with Butterfly Wings reflect this tension,

"Now I'm naked, nothing but an animal
But can you fake it, for just one more show?
And what do you want?
I want to change
And what have you got, when you feel the same?"


What made the phenomena of Grunge unique is that the music artists of the day never wanted to be famous and Jonah had the same mentality.  He is responsible for one the biggest revivals in the Old Testament and never enjoyed it.



32. Micah- Where Is The Love: Black Eye Peas  

It was troubled times for the Kingdom of Israel as they face social injustice, idolatry, and a corrupt leadership. The message of Micah is of judgement but also hope.  The Assyrians destroyed northern Israel and also routed the souther kingdom as well forcing Israel into exile but God saved a remnant.

Micah uses a mix poetry and narrative to showcase God's mercy and justice, much like what is found in the song by the Black Eye Peas, "Where Is the Love."

It was this single that propelled the Black Eye Peas career to another level.  The message of the song resinated with people of different backgrounds and cultures at it reached number one in Europe and Australia and was also a top ten hit in The States.

The verse found in Micah 6.8 is timeless reminder of how God wants people to live then as well as today...

"8But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do, 
   what God is looking for in men and women.
It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, 
   be compassionate and loyal in your love,
And don't take yourself too seriously— 
   take God seriously." -(The Message)




33. Nahum- Everybody Hurts: R.E.M.

In this life there is pain, there is hurt, everybody hurts. Sometimes everything is wrong, but there is hope there is comfort.

Nahum brings a remedy to a troubled nation; after all Nahum means comfort.

In this beautiful book balanced between hurt and healing is hope.

Hope that God understands when you angry.
Hope that God restores in the midst of abuse.
Hope that God encourages when the world tears you down.

God uses Nahum to remind us of that.

"The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. 
He cares for those who trust him... v.7"

The lyrics penned by REM in "Everybody Hurts" echoes a common theme...
"Sometimes everything is wrong
Now it's time to sing along
When your day is night alone (hold on, hold on)
If you feel like letting go...hold on."

The song is a departure from their typical abstract style of writing.  REM mentions in the liner notes of the Best of Album 1988-2003 the reason that the song was intentionally straight forward to be a message to teenagers.

It is not only a message to teenager it is a message for all of us to remember.

(Check out this rare Coldplay cover of Everybody Hurts)



34. Habakkuk- Lightning Crashes: LIVE

A prophet that is not afraid to ask difficult questions, Habakkuk perhaps asks the most difficult of all...
"God if you are in control why do bad things happen?"

Habakkuk means wrestler and for three chapters he wrestled with God.

Christians like to have answers not more questions, but the beauty of Habakkuk is his ability to be at peace with the tension with a just God in a world that is so unjust.

"Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds O Lord. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy. v.3.2

Ed Kowalczyk were not afraid to tackle the spiritual in the summer of 95' with their breakout album Throwing Copper.  One song in particular struck a chord in its message of loss and hope. Written in response to a childhood friend who was killed by a drunk driver, but who donated her organs one of which was her heart.

Often prophets speak on behalf of God, but Habakkuk is unique as he speaks to God on behalf of the people.

May we never stop asking questions.
May we never lose the wonder in the midst of the why.

(The video parallels that tension of life and death depicting a mother dying and a child being born.)

Soundtracking the Bible Pt. VI Ezekiel - Amos

The genre transitions from wisdom literature to the writings of the major and minor prophets.

The prophetic writings fit together to connect the Old and New Testament like a Swiss watch who's value comes in the intricacy and complexity as numerous parts work together to create seamless movement.

These are books that can be easily passed over because of the cryptic writing and bizarre visions. However, underneath surface lies the inner workings of the gadgets and gears that keep the bible in time.


25. Ezekiel - Stairway to Heaven: Led Zeppelin 

One of the most controversial songs and yet popular of all time is Stairway to Heaven.  Surrounded in rumors of mysticism and backward masking,  the original message was about materialism and inspired themes by Tolken's Lord of the Rings.
Ezekiel is a prophetic book that a good portion of the theology of Lucifer is derived and end time prophecy.  The core of the book is God's faithfulness. How he would rather forgive than judge.

(Check out this amazing cover at LCBC a church Central PA)




26. Daniel - Ring of Fire: Johnny Cash

More than just a play on words as Daniel was thrown into a "Ring of Fire," he is a character that stands for integrity and truth.  Written during a time of the Israelites being in captivity, the main theme throughout is how God's love remains faithful even though His people may not. 
Ring of Fire echoes that same theme of faithfulness.  Written during a time of addiction for Johnny Cash, his wife June Carter wrote this song to her husband.   The title may seem ominous but it is actually a song about falling in love.

(The song takes a more tender tone performed by June Carter)




27.   Hosea - Pretty Woman: Roy Orbison 


The life of Hosea plays out like a modern love story as the song of the same name was featured in the movie "Pretty Woman" about a man who falls in love with a prostitute.  Hosea was also a man that fell in love with a prostitute despite her cheating ways.  The picture of being faithful to the unfaithful mirrors God's love that is the same for us.
The song Pretty Woman by Roy Orbison was about his wife Claudette and has a similar history to Hosea as well.  Written when Orbison and his wife had a falling out.  She cheated on him and filled for divorce but Roy's loved never failed and the couple remarried.



28. Joel- Is It Any Wonder? : Keane

Often thought as the "Prophet of Pentecost," because of the connection with v. 2.28 and Acts 2.16 and the outpouring at Pentecost in the New Testament.  Digging deeper into the book you find a people struggling under a corrupt young king Joash and manipulated by his father.   Joel had a mind like a chess player seeing a couple moves down the line and brought a message of judgment but also promise.
The UK band Keane pens a similar note in the song "Is It Any Wonder?" Tim Rice-Oxley, the main lyricist for the band, said in article for Q Magazine, "It articulates something that a lot of people have felt over the last few years: being powerless and totally misrepresented." The song is also said to have have another message of a trouble relationship between two people, much like God and his people in the book of Joel.



29. Amos - Get Up Stand Up : Bob Marley 

This book is a response to the social injustice of Amos' day.  Amos speaks of how God has a special interest for those who are poor and exploited, as the northern kingdom was oppressing the people of the southern kingdom.  The message of Amos is a timeless one as their are still volatile social issues today when it comes to racial minorities, social classes, single moms, and even the elderly. 
Bob Marley was voice much like Amos speaking to the injustices of his day.  "Get Up Stand Up" was a song about taking action against the oppression in his country of Jamaica and Marley transcended generations as a voice fighting for respect and acceptance.



Next week will close out the Old Testament and the remaining books of Minor Prophets. 

Pearl Jam Pastor

Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam

I loved the music of the 90's.

Bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Smashing Pumpkins changed music over night from hair-bands and ballads to crunchy guitars and flannel.

Interesting enough, most of those bands did not set out to be famous.

The "Grunge" movement was counter-cultural and these artists were in it for the music not the fame.

“We didn’t write to make hits. But those fragile songs get crushed by the business,” Eddie Vedder frontman for Pearl Jam told Carmon Crowe in an interview for Rolling Stone.

They just wanted to have integrity and make great music.

As a Pastor I struggle with the need to be famous.

I want to have a mega church.
I want to write books that sell millions of copies.
I want to speak at large ministry conferences.

It is frustrating that even myself and ministry can get sucked into the "Fame Machine."

The other side of the "I wants..." leads more out of my heart than my ego.

I want to be a good family man.
I want to have integrity in my craft.
I want to serve my church and community.

This is the place that I want be, but the culture of the day pushes me to not be happy, to want more.

Despite the pull to be bigger and have more it is the small that fuels America in business and in the church.

A recent study by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Office of Advocacy counted 26.8 million businesses in the United States.


Of those, 99.9% have fewer than 500 employees and as such are considered small businesses. This means that only one-tenth of one percent have more than 500 employees. Yet, more notable is the fact that according to the U.S. Census Bureau, 98.2% have fewer than 100 employees. And if you are impressed with that number, you may be amazed to learn that in the same report it states that 89.3% of the businesses in America have fewer than 20 employees! Bear with me for just a moment more as I drive this point home. Even more amazing is the fact that 78.6% have fewer than 10 employees and 60.8% have fewer than 5 employees.

A recent study by the Hartford Institute for Religion Research reported 300,000 Protestant and other Christian churches (excluding Catholic Churches) in America.

Of those, 94% have fewer than 500 worshipers and are considered a small church. And to break that number down even further 59% of churches have 99 or less worshipers on a given Sunday.  The Mega Church that is considered to have over 1000 worshipers makes up 2% of the churches in America. The Joel Osteen and the Craig Groschel churches of 10,000 worshipers or more make up .01% of the church population in America.

I may never get that book deal, because quite frankly I am not a good writer, or speak at an awesome church conferences like Catalyst...

but I love my family.
I love my church.
I love what I do
and that Rocks.

Soundtrack the Bible Pt. V: Ecclesiastes - Lamentations

One of the hardest things to do is understand tone from text.

How often do you misinterpret an email or a text message because you cannot hear the inflection in a persons voice?

The same can be said about certain books of the bible, especially Ecclesiastes and Songs of Solomon.  Two books that are definitely not on the Junior Bible Quiz reading list.  The content is deep, poetic, and mature;  and yet, insightful and true.

The songs that cover this collection of books play out like a 90's movie; complete with grunge and classic rock soundtrack.  It was music that was misunderstood, but music that gave a generation a voice.

20. Ecclesiastes- Loser: Beck

You cannot be more straightforward than, "Meaningless, meaningless everything is meaningless."(Ecc 1.2)

In relation to Beck's chorus, "I am a loser baby/ so why don't you kill me."  The voice of Ecclesiastes is a very wealthy man (almost beyond wealthy) at the twilight of his life in contrast to the voice of "Loser" who is young and very poor.  Ecclesiastes was a book Hebrews used for instruction; to find significance when the world can make you feel insignificant.  Beck's anthem did the same for Generation X. 

Both are often misinterpreted.

Both are speaking of time.

(It's interesting that song will find it's way to be a voice of another generation of "losers")

21. Song of Songs- Crash Into Me: Dave Mathews Band

I remember discovering this book of the bible as teenager and it was probably one of the first times I actually got excited to read the bible, and quote some scripture.  The picture of love and beauty is raw, graphic and yet also poetic and enchanting; without being pornographic  Dave Matthews Crash follows the same tension of desire and love.  Crash was the song that began the genesis of thought for this blog series.  When I hear this song or read this book, I see a love story.  

The meaning of Songs of Songs has been highly debated, but great art often does that very thing.

22. Isaiah- Dream On: Aerosmith

The first in the series of four books labeled Major Prophets, Isaiah is a haunting and prophetic book.  The two fold message of judgement but also promise of a Messiah.  The language is poetic but also has a bite, challenging the nation of Judah to live right. "Dream On" by Aerosmith originally released in 1973 was the blueprint for power balleds to come.  Is it a love song or is it something more? "Half my life

is in books' written pages/Lived and learned from fools and from sages/ You know it's true/All the things come back to you."  This song is as relevant today as it was almost 40 years ago.

23.  Jeremiah- All Apologies: Nirvana

Often called "the weeping prophet," because he is one of the most persecuted characters of the Old Testament.  Jeremiah's contemporaries cursed him, beat him and even threw him in prison (Jer 15, 20, 32, 37).  Kurt Cobain's troubled soul is similar to Jeremiah's struggles to know God's plan for his life.

The refrain "I wish I was like you/ Easily amused" echo's Jeremiah's anxiety.  Underneath the unwanted label of the leader of Grunge, Cobain often struggled with the artistic vision of Nirvana be misunderstood.  It is bittersweet to find that Jeremiah never got to see his prophesies come to fruition; and Cobain's life cut short before he could see the influence of his music on future generations.



24. Lamentations- Long December: Counting Crows

Jeremiah's writings are elegantly dramatic, much like Adam Duritz prose style of writing with Counting Crows.  They say misery loves company, and you can picture them both merry in their melancholy.  It is unfortunate that in the American translation loses the aesthetics of an acrostic poem covering his pain and sorrow "literally from A to Z" in the first four chapters. 

Long December was written during a time when Durtiz spent many nights in the hospital visiting a friend who was hit by a car.  This song came out of that experience. "The smell of hospitals in winter/ And the feeling that it's all a lot of oysters, but no pearls/ All at once you look across a crowded room/To see the way that light attaches to a girl."

There is comfort in knowing that someone understands your pain. That is the hope Lamentations and the hope in the music of Adam Duritz, "like a lot of songs on the end of an album it's not about everything turning out great, but it at least it is about hope... and the possibilities."

What are some songs that bring you comfort in the midst pain?

Soundtracking the Bible Part IV

The Old Testament was written in Hebrew.  In that culture collections of books were organized by theme not chronically as cultures in the West prefer.  The next five books in this post transition from the Historical books of Nehemiah and Esther to the Poetical books of Job to Proverbs.

The Poetical books of the bible are just that poetry, they are not commands.  They should be read with the filter as one listening to good advice or a beautiful song.  It gives wisdom.  It encourages.  However, people have a mind of their own and do not always listen, and what happens in love songs does not always happen in real life. 

It's refreshing to find the Bible not just about facts but also about emotion, passion, and love.  

If the historical books are the mind of the Bible the Poetical books are the heart.

15. Nehemiah- All Along the Watchtower: Jimi Hendrix 

Originally written by Bob Dylan All Along the Watchtower  was penned after his motorcycle accident.  The track was part of the album John Wesley Harding that featured a number of songs that had biblical allusions.  Inspired by the birth of Dylan's children and marking a new phase in his life this song mirrors the nation of Israel, as they were also turning the page and starting a new chapter.   Nehemiah focuses on one man's passion and drive to rebuild the wall surrounding Jerusalem.   The book is perfectly balanced between the spiritual and the practical with verses like "We prayed to our God and posted a guard (4.9)".  The Jimi Hendrix version is the most popular for his spirited guitar solos that echo the dramatic structure of the song written without choruses. 

16. Esther- Lady Gaga: The Edge of Glory

The book of Esther rewinds back to when the Jews where in Exile under the Persian Empire. Written in a short-story style similar to Ruth where the main protagonist is also a female. The word "God" is never mentioned in the book however His presence is felt throughout all the drama and intrigue as Esther risks her life to become Queen to Xerxes and save her people.  Lada Gaga's soulful anthem Edge of Glory was inspired by the death of her grandfather and the life of Rocky.  She says the song is about "looking at life directly, with the feeling that he or she is a champion," and that is exactly how Esther lived her life. 

17. Job - Comfortable Numb: Pink Floyd

The book of Job is one of the most well known stories of the Bible, and possibly on the oldest as well.  The story unfolds over 40 chapters filled with vivid imagery, poetic laments, and dynamic confrontations to address the question of suffering.  The Wall by Pink Floyd, which Comfortably Numb climaxes the double album, is also grand in scale.  Thought to believe that the song was about drug use, David Gilmour says, "this song can be divided into 2 sections, dark and light. The light are the parts that begin "When I was a child...," which Gilmour sings. The dark are the "Hello, is there anybody in there" parts, which are sung by Waters."  Job is a tale dispelling the fallacy of sin equaling suffering.  It is a story of Light overcoming Dark, it is story of God believing in us to prove the Devil wrong.  (The imagery during the live performance is breathtaking especially at the 6.30 minute mark when the Wall breaks to become a bridge.)

18. Psalms - Bohemian Rhapsody: Queen

The main author of Psalms is King David (total 73) writers also include Moses, Solomon, Asaph, and anonymous contributors as well.  The range of emotion is vast from sorrow and joy to anguish and peace.  It is comforting to the reader knowing these words come from the Saints of the Old Testament.  The rock-opera Bohemian Rhapsody is a complex pop song that matches the emotional range of Psalms as well as the variety in arrangement.  Freddie Mercury never said officially what the song was about, but guitarist Brian May shared some insight, "Freddie was a very complex person: flippant and funny on the surface, but he concealed insecurities and problems in squaring up his life with his childhood. He never explained the lyrics, but I think he put a lot of himself into that song." The 150 books that make up this musical and artistic work are more about expressing one's feelings than searching for doctoral meaning.





19. Proverbs- Blowing In the Wind: Bob Dylan


Proverbs is more than the fortune cookie of the bible filled with pithy sayings.  The wisdom is deep.  The topics are wide.  The advice is timeless.  Proverbs is a book of maxims written for a young Jewish audience, with truths compacted into a few lines scripted in an indelible fashion.  Bob Dylan's Blowin in the Wind is also a song that transcends generations with powerful truths layered upon verse and chorus.  Dylan played the song for Pope John Paul II in 1997, upon being greeted, the Pontiff said this,"You say the answer is blowing in the wind, my friend. So it is: but it is not the wind that blows things away. It is the wind that is the breath and life of the Holy Spirit, the voice that calls and says, 'Come!'"




The next part in Rock of Ages will focus on Ecclesiastes to Lamentations. 

Soundtracking the Bible Part III

What happens in the next five books of the Bible will send ripples through the pages of history. The nation of Israel reaches highs as King Solomon builds a vast kingdom only to find a nation torn in two and then sent to Exile.

It is a story of lost and found and how God can use ordinary people to do extraordinary things

The characters that take stage range from Kings and commoners to prophets and priests who all play a part in this story; God is an author who never wastes words or an opportunity.

10. 1 Kings - Kings & Queens: 30 Seconds to Mars

Written during the Babylonian exile of Jews, 1 Kings opens with King Solomon and his quest for wisdom. Author Jeremiah does not hold back tracking the positive and negative choices of the Kings of Israel. This historical book is grand in scale and mirrors the anthem of Jared Leto's Kings and Queens.   "We were the kings and queens of promise/ We were the victims of ourselves/ Maybe the children of a lesser God/ Between Heaven and Hell."  It is here that the split of Israel (North) and Judah (South) begins and sets the stage for the struggles of Israel to come.


S
11. 2 Kings - Viva La Vida : Coldplay

There is not a main character in the second book of Kings, however human nature is the major theme throughout.  Israel is a broken mosaic of choices made that set a nation of promise into a nation in captivity.  Chris Martin's bittersweet symphony matches the tone of nation searching to pick up the pieces, "One minute I held the key/ Next the walls were closed on me/ And I discovered that my castles stand/ Upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand."  If there was a bright spot in the dark cloud over Israel it would be Elisha and Elijah, a beautiful illustration of how God can use us despite our insecurities.



12. 1 Chronicles - Iris: Goo Goo Dolls

It is said that Ezra wrote these next two books of the bible, and at first glance could look like a retelling of OT texts, but there is more.  The audience of this book was written for a nation returning from Exile.  Like an artist putting together pieces of a mosaic, Ezra rebuilds the fractured history of Israel to show how they fit together into God's plan. "And I don't want the world to see me/ 'Cause I don't think that they'd understand/ When everything's meant to be broken / I just want you to know who I am," there is a common thread of wanting to belong that echoes thru Chronicles much like thru the song Iris; and that's something we all can relate to.



13.  2 Chronicles - Sigh No More: Mumford & Sons

The second part to Chronicles focuses on Judah.  The book is very historical, but there is a purpose to giving the past a second look.  It is amazing how seeing things from a different persecutive can make even the toughest parts of the past find meaning and purpose. "Love; it will not betray you/ Dismay or enslave you, it will set you free/ Be more like the man you were made to be." The lyrics from Mumford & Sons are a poignant epilogue to Chronicles that although a nation maybe in downfall, it is not the end.



14. Ezra - My Hero: Foo Fighters

After years of exile under the Babylonians the Israelites were allowed to return home and find second life.  Ezra is a reminder that even the ordinary can be a hero.  Ezra was a humble low-profile leader, that played key role in bringing together a community to rebuild a temple and also a nation.  "There goes my hero/ watch him as he goes /there goes my hero/ he's ordinary." Some thought that "My Hero" was written about Kurt Cobain, but Dave Grohl says the song is a "celebration of the common man." We all want to make a difference, but most of us lead ordinary lives, Ezra shows us that we can do both. (Check out the acoustic version of "My Hero" which brings out the heart and message of the song).



What songs today remind you of characters in the bible?

Soundtracking the Bible Pt. 2

The next set of books of Bible after the Pentateuch (the first five) play out like a great drama or a summer blockbuster.

It is amazing to see how God continues to use flawed characters to overcome challenges and accomplish great feats.  The people who take a major role are multidimensional.  They have have problems.  Doing the right thing is not always done, and there are consequences for decisions made; but Grace is the main dynamic throughout. 

The God of the Old Testament has a stereotype for being angry and judgmental but again and again he proves to be a God of second chances. 

God never gave up on Israel and he never gives up on us. 

5. Joshua - Wake Up : Arcade Fire

The book of Joshua opens in epic fashion as a new generation has a new leader; Joshua.  A nation that has been marked with 40 years of failure will now be a generation of promise.  The song Wake Up plays a dynamic backdrop as a Israel becomes a nation walking into the Promise Land and in an ironic way finally wakes up to be the people God called them to be. The reprise in Wake Up would also play well in contrast to the anticipation of the wall of Jericho falling... cue for the horns.

6. Judges - Heroes : David Bowie

People who say that the bible is a boring book haven't read Judges.  This book breaks all the rules.  The melodramas continues with graphic depictions of violence and sex, but also of redemption and hope.  Perceptions are turned on their head as the underdog becomes the hero and women become empowered.  The lyrics from Heroes by David Bowes are the cliff notes to this amazing book..."though nothing, nothing will keep us together/ We can beat them, for ever and ever/ We can be Heroes, just for one day." (I prefer the Wallflowers version because I love the 90s and this song was the only good thing from the movie Godzilla).

7. Ruth - I Was Meant For You : Jewel

The story of Ruth is a brilliant bookmark in between the larger than life stories of Judges and 1 Samuel.  It is a tender story of woman who in the eyes of society is a nobody only to find her true love to help her become somebody.  Ruth lost her husband and her country, and what happens next mirrors the words of Jewel, "Dreams last so long/ even after you're gone/ I know you love me/ And soon you will see/ You were meant for me/ And I was meant for you." Boaz would not only redeem Ruth but the nation of Israel (however the guy in this video is no Boaz).

8. 1 Samuel - Paranoid : Black Sabbath

King Saul on the surface had all the characteristics of a great king.  He was tall, charismatic, and intelligent.  However, underneath Saul was a tortured soul.  Ozzy Osbournes Paranoid, tells a story of a  protagonist who pushes people away but longs for support. "All day long I think of things but nothing seems to satisfy/ Think I'll lose my mind if I don't find something to pacify /Can you help me occupy my brain?" Enter David.  Who would come to pacify Saul's internal struggles but over time would intensify his insecurities. The lyrics and pace of Paranoid play an erie contrast to the conflicted character of Saul, "I need someone to show me the things in life that I can't find /I can't see the things that make true happiness, I must be blind."



 9.  2 Samuel - Mr. Brightside : The Killers

David was the bright side to Saul's dark side of the moon.  That being said, David was not without his faults. The second book of Samuel is split into two parts; David's triumphs and David's tragedies.  His downward spiral began with his failure to go off to war and instead decided to go off the the roof and give in to temptation.  Brandon Flowers lyrics paint a picture of a sinful tale with an upbeat melody, much like David's life. "Jealousy, turning saints into the sea/ Swimming through sick lullabies/ Choking on your alibis / But it's just the price I pay/ Destiny is calling me/ Open up my eager eyes /‘Cause I'm Mr Brightside." (I was torn to go with All These Things That I've Done because the message fits well too, but my wife liked Mr. Brightside better).

What songs make you think of stories and characters from the bible...?

Soundtracking the Bible Pt. 1

Last year I wrote a blog called The Top 50 Non-Worship-Worship Songs, listing Pop songs that could be Worship songs.  It started with 25 and turned in 50; honestly it was hard to stop there.  

It turned out to be my most popular post.

People love music.

This year I was inspired to write a similar blog when driving in the car with my wife.  I heard a Dave Matthews Band song and thought to myself, "that sounds like a book of the bible." 

After that moment my mind was racing thinking of songs and books of the Bible that could match in theme and style.  I mentioned this crazy blog idea to my wife and she loved it (always a good idea to listen to your wife) and on the car ride home from Philly to the Poconos all we talked about was books of the Bible and Rock songs.

Research for this musical series has brought a lot of excitement to my devotional life which at times can be pretty predicable and lacking inspiration.

We serve a creative God and creativity brings the Bible to life.

This look through the bible is an artistic approach and the ideas expressed are open to interpretation.  I understand that through the years Rock music has been seen as unbiblical, but hopefully you can see truth in the art and read in between the lines.

"Both read the Bible day and night, but thou read black when I read white." -William Blake

Rock of Ages: A Rock & Roll Look Thru the Bible: 

1. GENESIS  - Sympathy for the Devil : Rolling Stones

• Taking a page from C. S. Lewis's Screwtape Letters, Mick Jagger's role of the narrator is from the Devil's perspective.  Interesting thing is that the word Devil is not mentioned in the song and Devil is not mentioned in the book of Genesis but you know that his influence is felt. The line "What's puzzling you is the nature of my game," is a brilliant observation that is throughout the first book of the bible from Eve and the fruit to Abraham and his missteps with Hagar.  Sympathy... is probably one of the most accurate descriptions of the Devil and also the most controversial. 

2. EXODUS - People Get Ready : Curtis Mayfield

• Written at the height of the Civil Rights Movement in 1965.  Mayfield pens an anthem that parallels the plight of the African-American in 1960s America with Jews in Exodus from Egypt to the Promise Land, with lyrics like "People get ready for the train to Jordan/ It's picking up passengers from coast to coast/ Faith is the key, open the doors and board 'em." As Moses transcends culture and time as a symbol of hope for people under oppression so does this timeless soulful song. 

3.  LEVITICUS - I Fought the Law : The Clash

• Leviticus is a book that focus on the Law and at first glance, may be be a book that is tedious in detail but underneath reveals a dynamic relationship between God and man.  I Fought the Law was originally written by Sonny Curtis in 1958.  The Clash version is the most popular and plays nicely against the backdrop of Moses as a character that has a punk rock spirit; and he of all people knows that the Law wins. 

4. NUMBERS - We Didn't Start the Fire : Billy Joel

• It is no mistake that Billy Joel's refrain of "We didn't start the fire, it was always burning since the world's been turning" has biblical illusions to the Old Testament.  The book of Numbers and the lyrics of We Didn't Start the Fire read like a phone book and at first glance can be overlooked but behind the names are powerful stories.  We may connect with the names that Billy Joel mentions but both are significant to God.  Interestingly enough Numbers and We Didn't Start the Fire cover a span of 40 years in history mixed with both despair and also hope. 

5. DEUTERONOMY - Old Man : Neil Young   

• Old Man was inspired by a conversation a youthful Neil Young had with an old ranch owner in regards to purchasing land.  Deuteronomy also focus on a transaction of "land" from an old Moses to a younger Joshua.  The lyrics of this song are haunting as the dialogue conveys imagery of hardship and testing but also promise and trust much like Moses' life.  The book ends with the death of Moses but there is also a sense of hope much like the tone that is throughout this poignant song. 

Part 2 will focus on the next five books and songs covering Joshua to 2 Samuel. 

BTL Top 5 Albums of 2011

I love music, and this was a great year for music.

There is something about the second year of a decade that brings out the best in artists.

Going back to 1991 which was simply a turning point for music in a generation.
Nirvana's Nevermind, Pearl Jam's Ten, and even U2's Achtung Baby set the standard for music for years to come.

Even at turn of the new millennium music hit another benchmark.
The Strokes' This is It, The White Strips' White Blood Cells, and Ryan Adam's Gold influenced artists for the next ten years.

The music produced in 2011 found proven artists creating some of the best work of their career.  There were also some new artists making a splash like FosterThePeople and Washed Out that rounded out a special year for music.

5.  Mat Kearney - Young Love
A transplant artist from Nashville that uniquely blends spoken word and soaring choruses into a fresh and catchy sound.  The album is a brief 40 minutes but with each listen you find this beat-driven effort to be surprisingly deep and layered. Hey Mama and Count on Me may be the stand out summer tracks but it is the storytelling in Down and Ships in the Night that finds Mat Kearney being the Bruce Springsteen of this generation with a touch of style from Elvis Costello.

4.  The Civil Wars - Barton Hallow
As the name suggests this is an odd couple that seems to work that contradiction to perfection.  Joy Williams, an established CCM artist came together with the talented but obscure folk singer John Paul White in 2009 Eddie's Attic but it wasn't until four years later that this non-couple found success.  The harmonies are tender and well crafted.  The lyrics are far from cliche and sometimes can be downright heartbreaking in Falling and Poison and Wine, but their is subtle thread of hope throughout the album that comes thru Barton Hallow and especially in I've Got This Friend.

3. Coldplay - Mylo Xyloto
This is the album that everyone wanted Coldplay to make, which also is its greatest critique but also its greatest compliment. Mylo is full of energy and enthusiasm which makes it tasty ear candy, and Coldplay is hoping you have a sweet tooth especially on tracks like Hurts like Heaven, Charlie Brown, and Every Teardrop.  There are some tracks that bring the right amount of balance to cut the sweet especially on Paradise and Us Against the World.  The album is great, but you expect it to be, it's Coldplay.

2. Adele - 21
You had a glimpse of Adele's brilliance on 19 with Chasing Pavements and on 21 this British songbird really finds her voice.  The album opens with it's strongest track Rolling in the Deep with its driving beat and gospel influence.  However, the rest of the album takes a melancholy turn as the theme of heartbreak and loss is found throughout.  Despite its somber message Adele's angelic voice eclipses the album with passion and soul especially on Rumor Has It and Someone Like You.  In today's Pop music culture of body conscious females and superfluous music Adele redefines the industry with beauty and grace.

1. Gungor - Ghost Upon the Earth
Ghosts Upon the Earth transcends the worship genre into creating something that is truly magically that can be best described as an art-rock-opera.  A concept album that ebbs and flows with themes of creation, loss, and redemption inspired by C.S. Lewis' Great Divorce.  Ghosts is an album that is to be listened to in full which is rare, with a CCM trend to manufacture predicable singable songs for Sunday morning.  Much like The Beatles who found a new sound in Revolver and perfected it with Sgt. Pepper, that is what Gungor has accomplished starting with Beautiful Things last year and building brilliantly to Ghosts Upon the Earth.


What are your favorite albums of 2011?

BTL Top 5 Books of 2011

I wanted to do something for the Advent season, so I thought about writing a Top 5 Blog each week leading up to Christmas that will cover the top books, music, and movies of 2011.

This week's Top 5 will focus on my top the books of 2011. 

If only my English teacher, Mr. Doyle, could see me now.  I read a lot more now than I ever did in high school, minus the Cliff Notes, but I do not think they counted anyway.

It's an interesting thing to find myself reading more and playing video games less.  Welcome to life in the 30s, but I think it's going to be a good transition.

So here are some books that I found to be interesting, compelling, and worth checking out at your local library, or downloaded onto your latest tablet device; since Borders is now closed. 

5. Fall To Grace- Jay Bakker  

I enjoyed watching "One Punk Under God," a documentary on Sundance that tracked Televangelist Jimmie Bakker's son, Jay, in his ministry and struggles with God.  The book picks up were the show left off.  Dialoguing about his church plant, Revolution Church, his mother Tammy Faye, and wrestling with Grace in today's culture.  My family was affected greatly by PTL's rise and fall and to read Jay's words about his father's ministry and the aftermath hits pretty close to home.  There are some things that everyone may not agree with that Jay discusses but it is refreshing to see a Pastor's kid love God despite the trials of ministry.  

4. The Art of Fielding- Chad Harbach 

There is something about baseball that transcends life.  If football is the heartbeat of America, then baseball is the soul.  It is an underdog story about Henry Skrimshander, a brilliant fielder, that anyone who played baseball can relate to.  The characters are deep, layered and likable and remind me of friends that I used to play baseball with in college.  Whatever team you play for in the game of life, we all need a Henry on our team to remind us of "Sacrifice, passion, desire, attention to detail, and the need to strive like a champion everyday." 

3. Steve Jobs- Walter Isaacson 

Everyone loves Apple, not everyone loves Steve Jobs.  Maybe fascinated with Steve Jobs would be a better description.  Isaacson unfolds the layers of Jobs in an honest and compelling way.  What I like most about this book is that Walter makes you care about Steve maybe a little more than the Apple product in your hand or on your desk.  Isaacson writes, "Job's father had once taught him that a drive for perfection meant caring about the craftsmanship even of the parts unseen," and in an ironic way that is exactly what Walter does for Steve Jobs in this book. 

2. Start Something That Matters- Blake Mycoskie

You've seen the AT&T ad, and you might even own a pair of Tom's shoes, but it is the heart behind the shoe that makes you fall in love with this book.  Blake Mycoskie is the chief shoe giver for Toms and has started a movement with his "One for One" mission statement,  to give away a shoe for every shoe sold.  You learn about the humble, yet wise beginnings of a new type of business plan and along the way Blake inspires with tender true stories and great practical insights to get any small business off the ground.  You cannot read this book and not feel empowered to believe that if Blake Mycoskie can follow his dreams, you can too.

1. Love Wins- Rob Bell

As polarizing as Heaven and Hell can be that is exactly what this book did for many of it's readers.  People either criticized Bell for his generous view of the afterlife or they praised him for his generous view of the afterlife.  Whether you agree with Rob Bell's views or not you cannot argue that this book started a conversation that has not been had in a generation.  People would preach about Jesus not many would preach about Hell, let alone talk about it.  Love Wins was able to cross the pews and have cable news networks and blogs across the internet buzzing about what happens when we die, and that is a win. 

What are your favorite books of 2011?

Communicate Creative: The Bird Bird Effect

You can have brilliant ideas, but if you can't get them across, your ideas won't get you anywhere.  — Lee Iacocca


In school I was very scatter-shot in learning and getting good grades.  If I liked the class, I did well.  If I liked the class and the teacher, I would perform even better.  If the class or teacher could not keep my attention I struggled.

Mr. Adeleman was my computer teacher with straggly long hair, mustache, and a bow-tie; he looked like an extra on the set of a Shakespeare play.  He had my attention. Throughout the year I would have his attention as well.

I would act up intentionally in the class and when he would come over to my computer to verbally discipline me, I would record his voice, unbeknownst to him.

When he would discipline other students I would wait until the class grew quiet and play back Mr. Adelemen's austere voice thru my computer speakers

The class would erupt in laughter.

And that is when this nerdy high school student learned that technology could capture an audience.

Although the illustration may sound a little childish, there is a children's program that knows the power of technology to capture a child's attention; Sesame Street.  I have broken down a number of key principles of how Sesame Street uses technology that can be transferred to when you communicate (with or without puppet training).
,
Five Key Principles How Sesame Street Can Improve Your Communication.


1. Ernie's Elbows (Great Execution)


My son likes Ernie a lot, he calls him "E."  After watching Ernie, I became fascinated with how "E" would operate.  He seemed so real.  One person alone could not operate him.  After doing some research, I learned that it took two people to make Ernie come to life.   Whatever illustration medium you use make it look seamless, never show the "elbows." I have enjoyed using Powerpoint, and now Keynote to teach or preach.  It is a great visual aid but I needed someone to run the laptop when I was on stage.  The two person job did not always flow well.  Connecting the iPad to the Macbook thru a keynote remote app it can create a pretty cool teaching experience by allowing one person to control two objects.  You do not always need the latest techie device but whatever tool or illustration you use remember to hide "Ernie's elbows."

Jim Henson + Puppetier = Ernie's Elbows 

2. True Mud, Mad Men, I'm Yours (Culturally Relevant)

Sesame Street has always been able to get major celebrity appearances from Paul Simon and Billy Joel back in the day to more current artists like Usher and Jason Mraz.  TV shows have also gone under a muppet-makeover, like True Blood and Mad Men.  Although most young children may not recognize the pop references, their parents do.  It is a way to draw in the casual viewer.  Being culturally relevant allows the person on the fringe to connect and be drawn into the lesson. "Unlike a certain purple dinosaur we could name, Sesame Street is something even grown-ups like to watch. It's the show's prolific use of satire that keeps big people glued to the set."-ew.com  Sesame Street has been on the air for more than 40 years, Barney and Friends has been on hiatus since 2009.  Being culturally relevant is not everything, but it does help to engage your audience and keep things fresh.



3. ABC is Key (Content is King)

Sesame Street would not have the reputation of a great children's program if it didn't actually teach the children to learn.  Content is the foundation for the illustrations to built on, not the other way around. Lisa Guernsey of Newsweek had this to say about Sesame Street, "Sesame Street is no ordinary nonprofit. It is, arguably, the most important children's program in the history of television. No show has affected the way we think about education, parenting, childhood development and cultural diversity, both in the United States and abroad, more than Big Bird and friends." My son has learned to recognize the letters of the alphabet and Sesame Street is big reason for that.  Especially from watching catchy and educational videos like this one, "Here we go..."



4. The Big Bird Effect (Visually Sticky)


Sesame Street has been on the air for over 4 decades but it almost did not make it past the first 4 episodes.  In the beginning stages of the program, the fantasy moments were separated from the real life street segments, (think Mr. Rogers Neighborhood). When the show transitioned to only the adults, the children watching would instantly tune out.  The production team had to find a way to make the message stick and keep the kids engaged for the full hour or Sesame Street would never be aired.  Enter Jim Henson and say hello to Big Bird. "What we now think of as the essence of Sesame Street--the artful blend of fluffy monsters and earnest adults--grew out of a desperate desire to be sticky," says Malcolm Gladwell in his book The Tipping Point.  Whether it be thru a creative stage design, engaging keynote presentation, or even a physical illustration, do not just talk about story, show the story.  "The medium is the message," is a phrase coined by Marshall McLuhan.  The medium creates a symbolic connection with the audience.  Big Bird is Sesame Street and Sesame Street is Big Bird.

Big Bird says H is for...?

5. Elmo Loves You (Heart)

My son likes Ernie, but he love Elmo.  I believe one of the reasons he loves Elmo is because Elmo represents love.  Elmo has heart.  Elmo is always expressing his love whether it be to a toddler visiting Elmo's World or an object like his tricycle.  In the midst of all media and technical elements you can add to a lesson it is ultimately you that your audience will connect with. If you genuinely love your topic and genuinely love your audience that will be far more effective than latest trend or crafty illustration.  When I was going thru my training to become a substitute teacher, I asked a teacher at a local school, what is the main thing you look for in a great substitute?  He responded, "I just want my sub to love the students."  How you love is the filter thru how you communicate.



About that computer class...

If you were wondering about my high school exploits in computer class.  Mr. Adeleman did take a special interest in me.  Although I would get sent to the principle office at times, he collaborated with me on my final presentation. This time he gave me permission to record his voice on the computer, and I got an A for the class.  I am thankful for teachers like Mr. Adeleman who saw thru my quirks to help me realize my potential, and there is no App for that.

Top 10 Influential Worship Albums

Coming off the heels of my previous blog post about the Top 50 Non-Worship-Worship Songs, I felt compelled to share the Top 10 Worship Albums that changed my life (because some people think I still need to be saved). Another reason for this post was because of a ministry friend, David Santistevan (awesome worship leader & legit blogger), wrote a similar post on his blog; it really got me thinking.

I am not a worship leader, but I have been playing drums for over 15 years in church, and in Youth Ministry we had one kicking worship band.

I love music.

I love worship music.

If it wasn't for my home church (Evangel AG in Philly, Stand Up!) and Pastor Mike Poppa giving me a chance to rock the skins (and I do mean rock, I was hitting those things pretty hard) I don't think I would be involved in ministry today.

Pastor Mike really changed my life...worship music changed my life.

So here are the Top 10 Worship Albums that influenced my life greatly.

10. The Rock Cries Out: Petra This was worship music in the 80s turned up to eleven. Before Hillsong had soaring guitars or David Crowder had computer loops, this was worship unlike anything in its day. I grew up buying Petra albums and this one still stands up today, or as much as a hair band can stand the test of time.

9. GLO: Delirious? We didn't know what their name meant and we didn't care. They were British and were the closest thing to sounded like U2 in the Christian Bookstore. Although this was not their most influential work as Cutting Edge to the worship industry, Glo was on heavy rotation in CD player. My Glorious was as epic (for this song it applies) as it was powerful. Seriously guys, what's up with the ? at the end of the name...?

8. Let The River Flow: Darrel Evans His most famous work effort is Trading My Sorrows, and although that song has one sick bass line, this album was a real jewel. I love his voice because unlike many contemporaries of his day who sound like boys who have not hit puberty, Evans voice had grace and conviction.

7. Offerings: Third Day When these southern boys came out in the 90s I thought they were a Christian version of Hootie and the Blow Fish and didn't want to hold their hand. A friend of mine gave me a copy of this album and I feel in love with this album, maybe more than the band. It was more than just a collection of live tracks, it was a brilliant blend of worship, hymns, and some Bob Dylan thrown in too. Thief is one of the best written worship songs I ever heard.

6. Nu Nation Project: Kirk Franklin Its hard to find a gospel album quite like this one. Only Kirk Franklin could get R. Kelly and Bono in the same room, let alone, on the same track. It was worship for both sides of the radio dial FM and AM; Secular and Christian. There is no Israel Houghton, and The Power of One, if you do not have Kirk Franklin and the NU Nation.

5. Hymns Ancient & Modern: Passion I found this album by accident in the Christian bookstore, or should I say, this album found me. A great concept of taking hymns and making them modern, fresh, and relevant. Hymns... gave me a new love for this classic musical art-form, that sometimes is left in the pew and not in our hearts.

4. Illuminate: David Crowder Band There is something about that skinny Texan with think frames and a fat goatee and even bigger hair, because hey, everything is bigger in Texas. This album is no exception. Its technical, it's passionate, and funky-fresh. Honestly I do not think DCB has been able to match it's brilliance since.

3. The Medicine: John Mark McMillan The timing of this album is essential. Today worship is getting bigger and bigger and more produced than maybe what it is good for. I love doing things with excellence and I love big songs, but this album is raw, introspective, and takes you to a secret place rather singing about it 10x and never doing it. John Mark may have been made famous for How He Loves, but this album couldn't be farther from that style, and maybe that's the point. Check out this live version of 10 Thousand, this song stirs me.

2. Shout To the Lord: Hillsong Live This album, this title track never gets old, period. That is probably why it was on American Idol in 08. What makes Hillsong great is not only are their arrangements always current and brilliant, their lyrics are some of the finest written songs in the industry. I grew up on this album. Pastor Mike really gave me a love for worship music. He would get so excited every time a new Hillsong album came out and we always were learning new songs. Which is probably why I was the same way with my youth group.

1. Look To You: Hillsong United In the mid 2000s worship music was becoming more popular than CCM and it started to become as generic. Until this album came on the scene. I remember being at a youth retreat and the band did their set pretty much all from this album. I was inspired. I never heard worship music like this before. It was ultra current, well written, and it got me excited about worship music again. We immediately started to learn the songs and take them back to our youth group. It was if the light switch was turned on. I think there is something to Psalm 40; to singing a new song.

Although, the following album United We Stand, put Hillsong United on the map, it was Look To You that changed my life and helped me inspire a whole new generation of worshipers.

What worship albums have inspired you?

Top 50 Non-Worship-Worship Songs

I grew up listening to music.

Driving in the car with my parents listening to songs from The Beatles to Dylan and even some Motown thrown in because my Mom liked to dance.

I grew up listening to Christian music.

Driving in the car with my parents listening to songs from Michael W. Smith to Petra and even some Amy Grant thrown in too, because even her "crossover stuff" sounded pretty Christian.

Thus lies the frustration of many Christians growing up in the 80s and 90s.

Music was not based on style, it was based on what radio station it was played on.

If you were like me, maybe you have thrown out some CDs and probably bought back a couple of the same CDs, or downloaded them. (I seriously think that is how record companies made there money in the 90s from Christian kids buying back albums).

If you are Christian it didn't matter if it was good music or bad music. Christian music was the only thing you could play on your Walkman (ask your Dad what that is).

Whether it was the music they sold in Christian bookstores or the music they played in church that was it. If you didn't like it, you were to watch "Hells Bells" (yes this is for real) and forced to sit in the back of the youth van with the smelly kid.

There was Secular Music and there was Christian Music and there was no debate.

I think Rob Bell is on to something when he said "Christian' makes a poor adjective."

Why can't music be just music.

Based on truth and excellence.

One of my favorite quotes is by Author Holmes who said, "All truth is God's truth."

So couldn't music if it had truth, honesty, brokenness, redemption, love, (sounds like Psalms of David to me) and rising guitar solos and soaring vocals be Worship.

Could Non-Worship (secular) Songs be Worship?

It makes me think of the movie Sister-Act because the whole movie was based on this concept of taking "Secular Songs" and making them "Worship Songs."

Whoopie took a dead empty church into a lively packed church because of music being a bridge. (check out the clip from movie here)

Maybe Whoopie was on to something... (kind of scary to think, I know).

So Here are 50 Songs (because it started with 10 and turned in 50) that I could hear being played in church or on an iPod.

Songs 50 - 25 (Some songs could be open to debate but you got to start somewhere)

50. Arms Wide Open: Creed: One of the best New Years I ever had was when my brother and I saw creed (yeah I don't know if that says much of my New Years experiences). It was one of their last live shows. And we truely felt like we were in a worship service. And don't hate you know have a Creed song or two on your iPod (commence Christ pose now).

49. Landslide: Smashing Pumpkins: Fleetwood Mac originally did this song, but this version has special meaning for me. Check out a previous blog of mine for the story behind the song.

48. Come As You Are: Nirvana: Simple and complex would describe Curt's lyrics but this idea of coming as you are would be welcomed idea in many churches for sure.

47. Pocket Full of Sunshine: Natasha Bedingfield: She originally got her start with Hillsong London church; those roots go down deep. I saw Natasha perform this song on American Idol one year and it was pretty moving, so we did it in our youth group and students loved it.

46. Dead and Gone: T.I. & Justin Timberlake: T.I. wrote this song after he got out prison and if this is not a song about repentance and redemption I don't know what it is. This song is honest and stirs me. "So I turn my head to the north, swallow that pill that they call pride, That old me's dead and gone but the new me will be alright."

45. Him: Lily Allen: This is actually a song about God. I love to hear songs from people who are wrestling with what they believe. She asks alot of interesting questions in the song, but this is my favorite line, "I don't imagine he's ever been suicidal His favorite band is Creedence Clearwater Revival."

44. 3am: MatchboxTwenty: I listened to this song a lot in high school. I don't know if it was the opening acoustic guitar lick or the fact that it played on the radio all time. I later found out the song was about his mom who had cancer. I think some of the most spiritual moments come from the most broken moments.

43. Better Life: Keith Urban: I am not a fan of country music, but I like Keith Urban. Hey he is an Aussie, so he gets a pass. He has written much more spiritual stuff than this, but I love this song because it reminds me of my first year of marriage. It gave me faith during the tough trials my wife and I faced.

42. Snowed Under: Keane: This band means so much to my wife and I. You can read the blog why. The lyrics speak of hopes and fears and looking at things from a positive perspective and getting over your hurts. That can preach.

41. Under the Bridge: Red Hot Chili Peppers: Is this a song about drugs? Yes. Is there something more to this song than drugs? Yes. Anthony Kiedis has always wrestled with his demons but also had a soul that was searching, I'd love to have coffee and conversation with a guy like this. "It's hard to believe that there is nobody out there, it's hard to believe that I'm all alone."

40. Porcelain: Moby: This song has few lyrics, but my soul is lifted by the beautiful arrangement. It is sad and and uplifting at the same time. I like that delicate balance, maybe that's why it's entitled Porcelain.

39. What I've Done: Linkin Park: I guess you could call this Linkin Park's "U2 phase." They had the same producer on this song, and in the video Chester was doing his best Bono impression. That being said, this is a great song about confession and repentance. We also did this song in our youth group, and it always made an impact, plus the drum lick is sick. Love the line, "Let mercy come and wash away what I've done."

38. Are You Gonna Go My Way: Lenny Kravitz: The opening guitar pulls you in and never lets go and would definitely get Sister Christian to dance in her pew. Heavily influence by the sounds of the 70s and it comes thru strong here. It is clear that Lenny loves Hendrix and both of them love women...and Jesus. "We must engage and rearrange/ And turn this planet back to one."

37. Fake Plastic Trees: Radiohead: Let's be honest this song can be about the gloss and legalism that can bind the church juxtapose with the fake and gloss of the world and relationships. This song reminds me of the importance of being real.

36. Kings and Queens: 30 Seconds to Mars: Jared Letto and boys did something really interesting with this song and the album This Is War (didn't Petra have album with that title). They recorded the voices of their fans to sing over parts of the songs throughout the album. What you got was a album that sounded very much like a Hillsong worship album. Move Along by All American Rejects has a similar approach as well and could easily be in this slot too.

35. I'll Stand By You: The Pretenders: Chrissie Hynde wrote a moving love song that is full of emotion and has lyrics that anyone in love could relate. The line, "nothing you confess can make me love you less." To me that is what the cross is all about.

34. The Cave: Mumford & Sons: These lads from across the pond wrote an album in Sigh No More that is full of hope and religious imagery, with lyrics like "I will find strength in pain, and I will hold on hope/ You can understand dependence when you see the Makers hand."

33. Time of Your Life: Green Day: This song was everywhere in 1998. It was the swan song for Seinfield and it was a breakup song that wasn't a breakup song. It is simple with strings and acoustic guitar, "it's something unpredictable but in the end is right." I think that is a pretty good way to look this Christian life.

32. Chasing Cars: Snow Patrol: I don't know what it is about Brit-Pop that makes for such moving music, but here is another song from the UK. The soaring chorus into the build at the bridge would be the template for many Worship songs of the decade. "Those three words I said to much but not enough," I think is the lyrical equivalent of what Paul said in Romans 8.

31. Omaha: Counting Crows: This band is known as much for Adam Duritz voice as for his dreads (whether they are real or fake remains to be seen). However, this album, especially this song, is loaded with spiritual imagery in a melancholy-hopeful kind of way, and I kind of like that.

30. Who Will Save Your Soul: Jewel: The title says it all, but Jewel said this song was crafted over years on the road from traveling and sleeping in a van. Her voice is perfect and broken as she strums her guitar and asks a question that many pastors seem to leave out of their sermons.

29. Message in a Bottle: The Police: A three piece band that was full of drama, but also full of great pop songs. There are a number of songs that Sting wrote that could fit into this category especially "Every Breath You Take," but I like the simple, hopeful, almost evangelistic tone to the song. It also rocks on Guitar Hero!

28. Time After Time: Cindy Loper: An 80s wild child of sorts (think Katy Perry minus the um, whip cream), but it was her softer side that came through in this song. Later it would be modernized by a one hit wonder band of the new millennium, Quietdrive. The words to this song are full of grace and redemption, "If you're lost, you can look and you will find me, Time after time If you fall I will catch you, I'll be waiting, Time after time." This is a song that stands outside of time and is always relevant to our lives.

27. Love Story: Taylor Swift: Yes, I know this probably where the list hits zenith for the ultimate cheese factor. That being said, this is a brilliant pop song about love, so brilliant, it can have a Song of Solomn aspect to it. It could be a song about a Romeo it can be a song about a Romeo named Jesus. "Romeo save me, they're trying to tell me how to feel/This love is difficult, but it's real."

26. Starlight: Muse: If there is one word to describe Muse's music it would be glorious. The arrangements, the mix of classical, and vocal harmonies, takes you places without ever leaving your living room. Also their music is a bit apocalyptic and Christians always dig the apocalypse.

Songs 25-1 (Some of these songs are open to no debate)

25. Changes: 2Pac: With a sampling from Bruce Hornsbey's That's Just the Way It Is, 2Pac lyrics are like that of an urban poet, and sometimes prophet. It's erie to hear the foreshadowing in this song from his death to a Black President. His words are spiritual, raw, and honest. "We gotta make a change...It's time for us as a people to start makin' some changes.Let's change the way we eat, let's change the way we live and let's change the way we treat each other."

24. Bridge Over Troubled Water: Simon & Garfunkel: The picture that the song paints is one that I like to think my savior, Jesus, is like. I remember facing some difficult circumstances in college and this song came on the radio and I literally just sobbed; it was as if their words were Jesus' words. "When you're weary, feeling small,When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all;I'm on your side. When times get rough And friends just can't be found, Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down."

23. Don't Look Back in Anger: Oasis: They were not The Beatles although on this song, they sound pretty close to it. This song is all about forgiveness and moving on; about not looking back. Something Lot's wife should've done. When I think about the people who maybe got one over on me, I just play this song.

22. Shine: Collective Soul: Lost in the shuffle during the 90s and falling in between the cracks of Nirvana and Pearl Jam you had this jewel of a band from Atlanta (or Hotlanta as the kids say). Their music was always catchy, well crafted, and full of spiritual imagery. If This Little Light of Mine, was for sunday school, Shine was a song begging to be played across youth groups in the 90s (Yeah!).

21. The Adventure: Angels & Airwaves: This is Blink-182 (minus Travis and the other dude) all grown up and wanting to be taking seriously, or as seriously as U2. The guitar in this song is pure joy, and the lyrics are meaningful and empowering. "Any type of love - it will be shown, like every single tree reach for the sky. If you're gonna fall, I'll let you know, that I will pick you up."

20. Jesus Walks: Kanye West: I will never forget working at the mall during my college days (for one reason or another) my boss was atheist but he loved this song. He was so excited to play this for me because he knew I was Christian and thought I would like it. Only music can do that. "I'm just trying to say the way school need teachers, The way Kathie Lee needed Regis that's the way I need Jesus." Best rap line ever.

19. Lightening Crashes: Live: Can a song that mentions the placenta be meaningful? Yes. Everyone had this album and played it the summer of 1995. The song is about how death and life can come at the same time. We didn't always know what Ed Kowalczyk was talking about but we knew it was something spiritual.

18. Alive: Pearl Jam: Sometimes I think just the way a song is arranged can have just as much spiritual impact. The quiet-soft verses opening into anthemic soaring chorus would be the template for worship in the years to come. The lyrics could be about a broken family life or a broken love life, but the chorus is says it all, "I'm Still Alive, OH I'm still alive..." The lyrical equivalent of Jesus words "In this world you will have trouble but take heart I have overcome the world."

17. Use Somebody: Kings of Leon: It is no accident that sons of a preacher would have a song like this. The album Only By Night would be a welcomed departure for new fans with arena rock melodies, but for the hard-core fans of KOL this was a sudden change. I actually heard this song played in a church recently, and it seemed to fit into the worship flow seamlessly.

16. You Raise Me Up: Josh Groban: I don't know if it is the subtle use of bag-pipes throughout the song that reminds me of Braveheart (thus having youth pastors across the country raise their William Wallace sword in their office like warrior poets). The song does just as the title suggests raise you up. Plus it played at my wedding during the ceremony and I almost yelled "FREEEEDOM!" at the close.

15. Bittersweet Symphony: The Verve: It is not an accident that the title to the album on which this song made a hit was titled Urban Hymns. The song talks about the evils of money, and the brevity of life. The lyric, "Well I never pray But tonight I'm on my knees yeah

I need to hear some sounds that recognize the pain in me" reminds me of C.S. Lewis' words "God whispers in our pleasures but shouts in our pains."

14. God Only Knows: The Beach Boys: Songs by this ultimate American band would be characterized by summer, cars, and girls. However, on Pet Sounds, they boys of summer take a turn from the outside to look on the inside. This song and album was ahead of its time of how arrangement, production, and introspective lyrics could affect one's soul and 3 minute pop song.

13. I Walk the Line: Johnny Cash: The man in black was as much as a rebel as he was a man of spiritual integrity. He was always honest about his struggles and was good friends with Bill Graham, so that definitely assures entry pass St. Peter and the pearly gates. This song was written about his love for his wife on the road, but also can translate toward our love for Christ on our own road. Also check out Johnny Cash's cover of Nine Inch Nails Hurt it is haunting and moving.

12. Rebellion Lies: Arcade Fire: If you could put a beat to the book of Lamentations this is what you would get. The bands style and approach is almost too important for the label of Indie-Rock. The songs unfold on this album like curtain being drawn on a stage of love and loss; faith and despair. If I could I would put the whole album on the list, but Rebellion... is the climax to the the album Funeral, plus it makes my wife cry.

11. One Love: Bob Marley: When you think of Reggae you think of one name, Bob Marley. Who was a voice of hope and inspiration for his homeland Jamaica. There is a beautiful balance of love and judgement that comes thru in this song as he talks about "a Holy Armageddon" but in the same breathe shares about "giving thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel alright."

10. Hallelujah: Jeff Buckley: Originally written by Leonard Cohen, however, it is this version that leaves me speechless. Buckley's voice is unmatched and his tenderness and tone to which he croons thru the song tells a story as much as the lyrics. There is biblical imagery throughout the song of King David and Sampson of mercy and grace as well as failure and faith. Sometimes the only thing we can say is Hallelujah.

9. In Your Eyes: Peter Gabriel: Raise your hands or raise your stereos it a powerful moment. This song made Say Anything, more than chick that John Cusack was pining for. The chorus could be played in almost any church, and the old timers would still get goose bumps.

8. Don't Stop Believing: Journey: This song can go hand and hand with More Than A Feeling, by Boston, but Glee's revival of the song took it over the top. There is something magical about Steve Perry's voice (as well as those awesome four chords that find their way into many pop songs) that would make any worship pastor jealous. No matter what kind of day you have, as soon as you hear the chorus you will be singing and believing.

7. Living On a Prayer: Bon Jovi: How can you not like Bon Jovi. He has an awesome voice, awesome hair, and he is pretty awesome guy (even if is from New Jersey). The message in this song is universal, we all can relate to Tommy and Gina. It's hard to have faith at times, even harder to hit some of the high notes that Bon Jovi hits. Sometimes it really is all about a well timed key change.

6. Fix You: Coldplay: The lyrics may be a bit predictable and cliche, but its ok, because its Coldplay and we love Coldplay. We all want our lives to be fixed. We all want that sense that in the end its going to be ok. That there is a moral to the story and a lesson to be learned, even if we don't hear a driving guitar solo in the background, everybody wants hope. Chris Martin sends this message in spades.

5. What's Going On: Marvin Gaye: It possibly one of the most important pop songs ever written and recorded, and it almost did not make it onto Marvin Gaye's 1970 album of the same name. Berry Gordy (the producer of Motown) felt it was uncommercial. You can almost hear Jesus saying these words, "For only love can conquer hate," He was always asking the Pharisees "What's Goin On?"

4. Where the Streets Have No Name: U2: This song is heaven in 4 minutes. The opening of a soft organ to The Edge's iconic guitar echo, into Bono's crooning vibrato. This was the I Am Free of the 80s. It was never played under a steeple. but at every concert these four Irishmen had church. This is the band/song that will be the model for what worship will become over the next twenty years.

3. The Times They Are A Changing: Bob Dylan: Where would this country be if it wasn't for Bob. He was the voice of a generation and for many to come. "The line it is drawn/The curse it is cast/ The slow one now/Will later be fast." Dylan had many songs with biblical imagery even before his time in the 70s that produced three albums influenced by his faith in Jesus. I love the simplicity and truth of this song. It is a proverb. It is prophetic. It is timeless.

2. You Can't Get What You Want: The Rolling Stones: There is better theology in this song than in many sermons I've heard over the years. This song was definitely had a gospel influence in the production. An original approach for the Stones although, released after Hey Jude. Jagger and Richards always seem to follow Lennon and McCartney's heals, and they do on this list as well.

1. Let It Be: The Beatles: The song is a prayer. The song is a confession. This is how The Beatles do gospel. Some of the best lyrics McCartney ever composed with an epic chord structure that rises and soars giving the listener hope and peace albeit whatever circumstance. This song has special significance for me, my Aunt passed away because of breast cancer my freshman year of college. One night my brother, her son, and myself were playing pool and this song came on the radio. Let it Be gave me peace, because truth is truth, and in these whispered words of wisdom, there is worship.

You may agree with some of the songs on this list.

You may disagree with some of the songs on this list.

I hope you may have thought some of the same things I shared on in this list. That even in cars, subways, or even pool-halls there was worship.

Keep the conversation going, let me know what songs you think should be on the list that I left out.