A Faithful Father To Follow

Since Fathers Day brings a focus upon fatherhood, perhaps it would be good to ask ourselves how do we view fathers? Some of us must look back over many years in order to remember the father of our childhood. Some would perhaps view fathers as stern disciplinarians, standing with the rod of correction in their hands ready to pounce and punish the slightest step off the straight and narrow way. Others might view fathers as the number frequently missing from the family equation. The one who, because of the struggle to make ends meet for the family, seemed to rarely be with the family. Others may view fathers as the money milk cow. The one to whom one would go when finances run low. Much as the father who received an email from his son who was away at university. The message was short and simple: "No mon, no fun, your son." His reply was just as straight and succinct" "Too bad, so sad, your Dad." I had rather remember fathers like I remember my father. Faithfully leading his family to the house of God and showing his children the way of God and going on to be with God and await them there. This most important thing is to view fathers and fatherhood the way God shows us in His Word.

The Power And Influence Of Music

In the mid-sixties I read a truly disturbing book by Dr. David Noebel, a noted anti-communist author of the day. The title of the book, “Rhythm, Riots, and Revolution,” indicates its thesis and the evidence presented by the author to sustain his assertions.

During the sixties and seventies the author went on to write other books on this theme such as: “The Marxist Minstrels: A Handbook on Communist Subversion of Music,” An Analysis of the Communist Use of Music, The Communist Master Music Plan.” Evidence used to confirm his thesis included speeches and statements by well known Soviet leaders as well as international Communist and/or Marxist revolutionaries.

Having read his books all those years ago, I have lived to see many of Dr. Noebel’s predictions fulfilled. The master plan has been to undermine the Judeo-Christian moral foundations of Western Civilization through the use of music; rock (and rap) music in particular. Even today, when I hear the heavy jarring beat of rock music and the vulgar profanity of rap performers blaring from shops as I walk through large shopping malls, I am reminded of Dr. Noebel’s timely and timeless warning. When I consider the state of our Western cultures, the true evil nature of the master plan is clearly apparent.

Underlying all this is the Marxist/Socialist concept that in order to “build the revolution” the existing social, moral and political structures of a nation must first be torn down. Modern day communist revolutionary Saul Alinsky’s handbook, Rules for Radicals, which a former president of my native country has praised, makes this process absolutely clear. Is it not significant that the former communist nation of Russia has much stricter laws and attitudes relating to homosexuality and rock music than do Western nations today?

One of the saddest aspects of this is the infiltration of ungodly music into churches today. My heart has been broken to witness this infiltration into once sound Baptist Churches; even to the extent of having “concerts” with strobe lights and mosh pits etc.

There are those who sincerely feel that the CCM music is harmless as well as helpful. When I questioned someone recently who was “jiving” to a heavy beat so-called Christian rock song I was told, “But there is nothing wrong with the words!” Perhaps so, but I could hardly make a judgement since I could not understand much of the repetitive jibberish being spouted by the so-called performer.

A Life Of Praise

I sometimes ask myself if true praise should not be expressed more sincerely and frequently in our daily lives. In our cynical, cold, crass and critical word, could it be that we have lost the true art of praise and worship? So many times it seems so difficult for the people of God to come together and worship and praise Him just for worship's sake. For that matter, it seems nearly impossible to persuade His people not to forsake the assembling of themselves together in these last days.

Oh yes. We too can still mouth the proper words, but some attempts at true worship and praise seem to be increasingly elusive, empty and void. Other attempts seem to have become more crass entertainment than reverent and respectful worship. Could it be because we have forgotten our real purpose in life? The very essence and rationale for our continued existence? Have we forgotten and abandoned the principle voiced by the prophet Isaiah when he said, "Even everyone that is called by My name: for I have created him for My glory.” Have we forgotten that we are created for the praise and glory of God day by day? Some of our ancestors said it like this, "The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever."

If this is the case, then the Christian's life should be one long never ending song of praise to God. Whatever he does or wherever he goes and in whatever circumstance he finds himself, he is to praise God with his life and being. Just what part of our life should be praise? A small part? A significant part? A large part? No! Praise is to be our life. In the praise life, there is no room for carping, complaining or criticism. Any expressed dissatisfaction with the life God has given us is an indictment of God's provision for us. In whatever state we are in we are to be content. In everything we are to give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning us. An unknown author grandly caught the attitude and philosophy of the life of praise with the following versem:

The Divine Weaver

My life is but a weaving, Between my Lord and me;

I cannot choose the colors, He worketh steadily.

Oft times He weaveth sorrow, And I in foolish pride,

Forget that He seeth the upper, and I the under side.

Not till the loom is silent. And the shuttles cease to fly,

Shall God unroll the canvass, And explain the reason why.

The dark threads are as needful, In the Weaver's skilful hand,

As the threads of gold and silver, In the pattern He has planned.

- Author Unknown