Music Mondays - Synonymous Songs

So last week we featured this little mini-series. I'm not sure how long it will last, but I do keep coming up with more examples. 

To review, sometimes you hear a song, and it reminds you of another tune. Maybe it's the words, maybe it's the guitar riff or melody - but some element of it shakes the dust off some musical memory that's been tucked away in the attic of your mind. 

Other times, there's an obvious homage - an intentional sampling of a beat or phrase. Then there are the rare times in my experience where there's an unintentional direct parallel.

Today's set of songs include the first examples of this "phenomenon" that I remember noticing.

As a high schooler, I fully dove in to the new wave of CCM music that was coming out. Bands like Switchfoot, Third Day, Smalltown Poets, Newsboys, and of course dc Talk and Jars of Clay were emerging as credible artists that produced good music. 

Not fully able to differentiate every group, I confused these two artists due to their synonymous songs.

"Kindle" - Between Thieves

Around1997-98, I heard this song on the radio and I'd also been hearing from my friends and Christian magazines about a new group called "Third Day" who had a song called "Consuming Fire". So naturally I assumed this was Third Day. Eventually I realized it wasn't and liked the song enough to buy the album. 

This may be the most obscure CCM artist I've ever featured (which is saying something) but their first album was solid even if many of the songs sounded the same. All these years later, I had forgotten that this song wasn't titled "Consuming Fire" but "Kindle" instead.

"Consuming Fire" - Third Day

Whereas the Between Thieves song is descriptive of the Holy Spirit, this song includes those ideas but also connects to Hebrews 12:25-29. 

For me, this is quintessential Third Day. For all they became as a CCM supergroup, this style is what made them stand out.

Bonus Feature - "All Consuming Fire" - Jennifer Knapp

I had forgotten about this song until I went searching for these others. But I'm pretty sure I had this album at one point so I'm going to include it. It's musical style is far removed from the rock of the other two.

It seems as if there have been other more recent songs with this as a title or theme but I'm cutting this off at the three I'm most familiar with.

Music Mondays - Synonymous Songs

Sometimes you hear a song, and it reminds you of another tune. Maybe it's the words, maybe it's the guitar riff or melody - but some element of it shakes the dust off some musical memory that's been tucked away in the attic of your mind. 

Other times, there's an obvious homage - an intentional sampling of a beat or phrase. Then there are the rare times in my experience where there's an unintentional direct parallel.

This latter category came up recently with a newer song I was listening to. It called to mind two actual songs from two different eras of CCM. The connecting point that made these three songs synonymous, their title and key lyric. 

Let's start with the new and work our way back to the old. I'll offer brief comments on each song because I can't help myself.

"Who Am I" - Needtobreathe (2020)

In the Christian faith, there is false humility, shame-based humility, and appropriately honest humility. This song expresses the latter. I guess one could nitpick that it's ambiguous to be construed as human relationship-focused. But those nitpicks would be misguided. "You grow your roses on my barren soul" and "I don't understand where your love comes from" are amazing lyrics. I'd also offer my fanboy-biased opinion that this song offers the best introduction and sample of this bands style and Bear Rinehart's incredible vocal talent.

"Who Am I" - Casting Crowns (2004)

This song also expresses contrite humility in light of who God is. I always appreciated the clever lyrical turn of phrase "Not because of who I am, but because of what you've done. Not because of what I've done, but because of who you are." This band has never been a favorite but this is one in their catalogue I enjoy.

"Who I Am" - Third Day (1997)

Third Day would become CCM superstars in the early 2000's building off a solidly popular debut album. My favorite album of theirs is their second Pearl Jam influenced "Conspiracy No. 5". This particular single stood out to me. I realize the title is technically different but it's subject is much the same. It, like the others, focuses on our depravity and does offer hope: "And I know that you want to change me, want to rearrange the way I feel inside...and you take the broken hearts of lonely souls and you make all things right". But the way the song also lets us sit with our sinfulness was something I found helpful as a youth. Not in some dark, depressing way - but as a counter to a "quick-fix confession" that minimizes sin and the amazing grace God offers us by forgiving us even though he's aware of all we do.

Worship at Home - January 10

Sermon

This week's message can be accessed on our FB page here: https://www.facebook.com/Milford-First-Brethren-Church-106750154192984/

Study Guide Questions

After - or even as - you listen to the sermon, try digging deeper into the text by working through these questions:

1. What are some personal situations where you've seen God's hand and deliverance?
2. For what reason does Paul quote Psalm 117 in Romans 15? What point is he making?
3. How does Jesus "fulfill" Psalm 118:22-23?  Bonus: When were Ps. 118:25-26 applied by others to Jesus?
4. What difference can these truths make in my outlook, my actions, my faith?

Worship Songs

Devotional Reading

- Monday: Psalm 113

- Tuesday: Psalm 114

- Wednesday: Psalm 115

- Thursday: Psalm 116

- Friday: Psalm 117

- Saturday: Psalm 118

Worship at Home - January 3rd

 Sermon

This week's message can be accessed on our FB page here: https://www.facebook.com/Milford-First-Brethren-Church-106750154192984/

Study Guide Questions

After - or even as - you listen to the sermon, try digging deeper into the text by working through these questions:

1. Psalm 113-118 is referred to as the "Egyptian Hallel". What is the significance of that? What does that name refer to?
2. Who does God look out for according to Ps. 113?
3. What major event in the Old Testament is Ps. 114 referring to? What greater New Testament event does that foreshadow?
4. What are false idols in our day that compete for our loyalty and allegiance (Ps.115)?
5. What difference can these truths make in my outlook, my actions, my faith?

Worship Songs

Devotional Reading

- Monday: Psalm 113

- Tuesday: Psalm 114

- Wednesday: Psalm 115

- Thursday: Psalm 116

- Friday: Psalm 117

- Saturday: Psalm 118

Music Mondays: DOWN WITH THESE CHRISTMAS HYMNS!

Last week, I shared some secular Christmas songs I can't help but like. 

This week, I'm going the opposite direction. Here are a few classic Christian Christmas hymns that I do not at all enjoy. I will say this at the outset, there are plenty of renditions I don't like of songs I actually enjoy. Christmas hymns seem to uniquely appeal to artists' desire to show off (cough, Pentatonix, cough). 

Please, by all means sing "O Holy Night" but I want to walk away from your performance worshiping the Lord rather than impressed by how great a voice you have. 

Anyway, this list is not about those kinds of songs. This list is comprised of Christmas hymns I consider inadequate that are probably considered classics by most.

3. "Mary Did You Know?" - Mark Lowry

First of all, it is kind of incredible that Lowry, who made his name by being a Christian version of Weird Al Yankovich, penned this song. My issue with this song is that it fails a basic theological review. I'll give Lowry benefit of the doubt, he seems to have written this out of a sense of wonder and curiosity about the Christmas story. Yet reading the early chapters of Luke, it is clear Mary could emphatically answer "yes" to a number of the questions he poses in the song. I remember preaching on this subject a few years ago, and after close study, my conclusion was Mary didn't know everything about how Jesus' life and mission would play out. But she knew plenty. 

2. "The Christmas Shoes" - NewSong

I liken this song to the movie, Schindler's List. Both are meaningful pieces of art. Both tell important stories. But I only needed to watch Schindler's List once and I was good. You listen to this song the first time, you let your heart feel things and you can move on. Since radio and movies are different mediums, you don't always have a choice about listening to this song. It's a morbid song that has been widely criticized for what it seems to imply and for the way it uses Christmas to make us sad. Shouldn't Christmas be about the joy of the birth of our Savior?

And no, I have exactly zero desire to watch the movie based on the song. I'd rather watch Schindler's List again.

1. "The Little Drummer Boy" - every artist known to man (orig. Katherine Davis)

If I were to believe the best about this song, as I did with Lowry above, I can see that this song tries to express humility and service to Jesus. But how often has that gotten lost within the many many covers of the song since it was written in 1941? And what to do we remember when we think of this song, the "pa-rum-pa-pa-pums", right? 

Even good versions like the one above can't quite do it for me. Btw, what's up with that video? Did the birth of Christ happen during the American Revolution? Did they go through a time-portal that I completely missed? 

Maybe I'm just channeling my inner Scrooge with this and these other songs. But they always pull me away from truly "getting in the Christmas spirit."

Music Mondays: DOWN WITH SECULAR CHRISTMAS SONGS...EXCEPT THESE ONES

I was listening to one of my favorite podcasts - the Various and Sundry Pod from Dec. 1 to be specific - and Doc Harmon said something towards the end that really resonated with me, two things actually.

First, he described how he insisted on not allowing Christmas music to be played in his home until after Thanksgiving. I am all for this rule! We don't play much music in our house to be honest. But if I'm in the car and a station starts playing Christmas music before I've eaten my turkey and stuffing, the channel is getting changed for sure.

Second, he expressed his overall disdain for secular Christmas songs that have no connection to the birth of Jesus. I can get behind this too. Most of the time. It got me thinking how there are a few exceptions to this rule in my mind. 

So here's a Music Monday feature on three songs I can't help but like despite having no spiritual Christmas message.

3. "Rockin Around the Christmas Tree" - Brenda Lee

This Oldie Classic was recorded when Lee was only 13 years old (!) and didn't become a hit until she later became a pop star later on. Why do I like this particular song? Maybe it's the lyrical focus on the family and friends time we spend during the holiday. I think it's always stuck with me though because of it's inclusion in the original Home Alone movie. 

2. Underneath the Tree - Kelly Clarkson

My wife owns this album and a few years ago I stumbled upon this song - probably on a trip to her parents for Christmas. This peppy tune reminds me of my number one song (below). Between her vocals and the catchy beat, it just sticks in your head in a sort of happy, good way.

1. "All I Want For Christmas Is You" - Mariah Carey

Try as you might, I don't think you can hate this song. It's just too good. Too catchy, too sappy, too fun, too happy. Did you know last year, it hit #1 on Billboard, 25 years after it's release? Widely recognized as the best selling Christmas single of modern times, I for one can't not like it. 

Music Mondays : The three songs you're guaranteed to hear at Martin's Deli

Of course I realize this is a Tuesday, but who really can keep track of time during this pandemic. Anyway, I'm committing to the "Music Mondays" bit even though it's been months since I did one of these entries.

Martin's Deli has been my back-up office pretty much since I became a pastor. The supermarket opened maybe 9 years ago and it's deli food was instantly a hit with me and my peer group at the time. When the Lord called me to Milford in 2013 - but didn't call us to move out of Winona Lake - Martin's proved to be a good alternative if weather or lunch meetings or other things made it inconvenient to drive 25 minutes to the office. Between the salad bar, grill, donuts, coffee, and ample seating Martin's is perfect for someone like me. I'm definitely not the only one of course, as more often than not I'll run into other pastors or friends who use this place to study or meet with people.

So all that said, I feel like I have built up enough experience in the deli to write this post. Unless you have your own earbuds to cue up your own music, you will eventually notice that the store plays satellite radio tuned to pop music hits.

Here are the three songs you're bound to hear if you stay for any extended amount of time.

Taylor Swift "Blank Space" 

There's a bunch of Ms. Swift's hits that get played. For some reason, this one feels like it's on the very-regular rotation. It's distinctive beat always seems to break my concentration and grab my attention too.

OneRepublic - "Counting Stars"

This group also has several hits that get featured on whatever channel Martin's is playing. I'm not complaining, I have a couple of their singles on my iPod (yes those still exist). This is not one of them. And it always makes me want to finish what I'm doing quickly. Maybe Martin's should reconsider letting this play to keep their customers in their facility for longer...ok I'm way overanalyzing this.

Katy Perry -"Unconditionally"

Can I tell you a secret? I look forward to hearing this one. It is a banger as they say (or used to say). Great vocals and lyrical content that I can actually line up with Scriptural principles about love. And I'm not too proud to admit I've looked up the song on YouTube after hearing it as I worked in my booth or at my table.

And irony of ironies, as I began to write this, I realized this exact song was playing. That's just too weird.

There would be some honorable mentions like Maroon 5, Christina Perri, and Ed Sheeran. But these three for sure will get some play if you ever spend a couple hours reading, hanging out with friends, or eating lunch at our fine Martin's Deli establishment.