A "Be Attitude" - Meekness

 Meekness Isn’t Weakness

Everything around us—the world, the culture, the people—tends to applaud power and strength, independence and intelligence, boldness and superiority.

But in the third beatitude, a series of promises Jesus made about God’s Kingdom, Jesus highlighted something different, saying: 

"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”  Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭5‬ NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬

The English word "meek" comes from the Greek word "praeis." It means gentle, humble, or submissive; modest, mild, or unpretentious. In fact, when Paul describes the “fruits of the Spirit” (traits developed in His people by His Spirit), the words "meekness" and "gentleness" are often used interchangeably. 

But, let’s be clear: If such descriptions paint a frail and feeble picture in your mind, you can be certain that meekness isn’t weakness.

In today’s world, meekness isn’t exactly trending. We’re told to be bold, assertive, and never back down. Confidence is equated with volume. The idea of meekness can sound like weakness—being timid, passive, or easily walked over.

But biblical meekness is nothing like that. It’s strength under control. It’s the ability to assert power, but choosing restraint for the sake of others.

Meekness is the quality of being gentle, mild-tempered, and patient. Far from being a sign of weakness, true meekness represents strength under control. It is the deliberate choice to restrain one's power and temper to benefit others rather than reacting with anger, arrogance, or a desire for revenge

Meekness is strength under control. It's power submitted to God’s authority.

There are three key characteristics of meekness.

1. Self-Restraint: The ability to endure hardships, offenses, and injuries without retaliation or bitterness.
2. Humility: A willingness to put oneself in second place and submit to higher causes without boasting.
3. Empowerment: Using one's strength and influence to lift, serve, and protect others rather than dominating them.

While meekness and humility are often used interchangeably, they are slightly different. Humility is a state of being that defines your attitude toward yourself (knowing your own limitations and keeping a modest opinion of your abilities). Meekness is an active behavior that defines your treatment toward others (how you interact with people and respond to provocation).

A powerful example of meekness is found in the film 42, the story of baseball legend Jackie Robinson. When Brooklyn Dodgers owner Branch Rickey tells Robinson that he doesn’t want a player who fights back, Robinson replies, “You want a player who doesn’t have the guts to fight back?” Rickey responds, “No, I want a player who’s got the guts not to fight back.” Robinson endured verbal abuse, threats, and discrimination without retaliating—not because he was weak, but because his strength was channeled through meekness. He chose a higher road for the sake of a greater cause. That’s what meekness looks like.

Now, if “meek” isn’t a word that you’d use to currently describe yourself, that’s okay. Jesus wasn’t speaking to those who had it all together—and He isn’t expecting a perfect version of us, either. Instead, He’s extending a blessing on who His people were (and are) becoming. 

God is continually developing these beatitude traits inside of His followers. He's refining, sanctifying, and transforming us to be more and more like Him.

In Scripture, Jesus Himself is called “meek.” But as you probably know, He was far from passive, apathetic, or a pushover. Instead of relying on His own power—like summoning legions of angels to avoid hanging on that cross—He leaned into God’s strength and restrained His limitless power.

Jesus’ upside-down kingdom will be packed with those who harness their strength for God’s glory and who humble themselves at His feet. 

Meekness isn’t about being soft—it’s about being strong enough to stay soft when the world pushes you to harden. Colossians 3 doesn’t just suggest meekness—it commands it as part of our identity in Christ. And when we wear meekness, we look more like Jesus.

Music Spotlight: The Red Clay Strays

Today I'm featuring a band that you will probably never hear on Christian radio. They are not technically a CCM group. The Red Clay Strays are not an explicitly religious or Christian band, but they are a band composed of Christians. While they infuse their Southern rock and country sound with themes of faith, redemption, and gospel-inspired lyrics, they prefer to be seen as a band making honest, relatable music. 

Faith has been a driving force behind Alabama band the Red Clay Strays, both in their music and in their journey to stardom. The quintet leans into that foundation even further, giving listeners a look into their walk with God and road to redemption — all of which has helped them become one of country music's most exciting breakout acts.

Despite the divine influence, lead singer Brandon Coleman insists they're not a Christian band. And their music proves that: The Strays' sound delves as much into high-flying Southern rock and gritty delta blues as it does country, sounding like Waylon Jennings or Johnny Cash one minute, then Lynyrd Skynyrd or Elvis Presley the next. As Coleman insists, what's most important to the group is making music that resonates.

"Most of the time we're not setting out to write a worship song… or anything like that," he tells GRAMMY.com. "We don't want to be a Christian band or even a country band — we just want to make music, plain and simple."

As they explain in a recent interview:

You guys haven't shied away from making your faith a focal point of your music. Mind telling me about the roots of that influence? 

I mean, God's really the driving force in all of it. He's why we do this. Everyone's wondering why they were put here on Earth and what their purpose is. Once you're able to get an idea for what that is, that's often what you end up doing. Our music is about our lives and living on the road, and God is a big part of all of it.

When God gives you a gift you have to use it or it's wasted, right? The biblical things we talk about in our music are lessons that we've learned growing up. It's such complex and simple truths all wrapped into one, which makes it really easy to write about. There's victory and strife and everything else you go through in life. It leaves us thanking God at the end of each and every day for giving us another one.

The Red Clay Strays recently released new album, Grateful. Their 3rd album features some great songs like "Demons In Your Choir", "If I Didn't Know You", and the title track "Grateful"... 

 I think my favorite from the new album might be "Revival"...

BibleFix

Here is another Bible resource for you to consider... BibleFix is an  online resource out of the Philippines that claims to be a quick and simple guide to overcoming everyday Christian struggles through God’s Word.

BibleFix makes spiritual growth, time management, confidence, and faith-building simple — with easy, biblical steps you can apply today.

New videos weekly to help you stay rooted in Christ and live with purpose.

Have you ever read your Bible and felt like you didn’t really get it? You’re not alone. In this video, we’ll walk step-by-step through the Inductive Bible Study Method — a simple, powerful way to read Scripture so you can actually understand what God is saying.

Whether you’re new to faith or have been studying for years, this guide will help you:
✅ Read the Bible with purpose and clarity
✅ Understand Scripture in its original context
✅ Apply God’s Word to your daily life
✅ Deepen your relationship with God through His truth

You’ll learn the 3 essential steps:
1️⃣ Observation – What does the text say?
2️⃣ Interpretation – What does it mean?
3️⃣ Application – How does it change my life?

Check out the BibleFix YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/@biblefix. 

Some of the videos are pretty simplistic, but they are meant to be that way. Check out some of the videos and courses and let me know what you think?

Friday Fun - Jonnie W

This Friday we are featuring another of my favorite comedians, Jonnie W. Jonnie is a nationally touring comedian whose hilarious blend of storytelling,  offbeat stand-up, and even music has made him a favorite in comedy clubs, churches, and conferences across the country.

His bio reads:  

Once in a generation, someone comes along with the power and eloquence to inspire us all. Jonnie W will entertain us while we wait for that person. ​ Combining music, off-beat standup, and a skewed view of the world, Jonnie crafts a comedy experience that you and your family will be quoting in the car on the way home.  He’s brought the funny to stages in 48 states - from comedy clubs to Fortune 500 companies, churches and leadership conferences.  Jonnie's award-winning comedy is played daily on Sirius XM Satellite Radio, and his latest Drybar Comedy special is a viral hit, garnering over 5 million views.

Jonnie lives with his lovely wife Curry in Nashville, because that's where all their stuff is.

Jonnie W. shares humorous observations on personal experiences, including challenging dietary shifts, parenting, and navigating life in the South. This stand-up routine blends relatable anecdotes about travel, church life, and daily annoyances into a witty performance that highlights the lighter side of navigating modern adulthood.

 Jonnie has done a lot of touring with funny man Tim Hawkins. One of my favorite bits from Jonnie is a collaboration with Tim called the "Tweet Song"...

Music Spotlight - The Petersens

Most people that know me, know that I am a huge fan of the Petersens, a wholesome American family band from Branson, Missouri. Whenever I go to Branson I have to take in a couple of their shows.

The Petersens are an American roots music band known for taking the music of the Ozarks to the world and bringing the world to visit them in the Ozarks. They perform bluegrass, country, and Christian music, along with mainstream musical covers. They have toured throughout Ireland, Finland, Canada, The Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States, entertaining audiences with their tight harmonies and warm sibling humor.

The Petersens went viral online in 2019 when their YouTube videos gained international attention and have now reached more than 300 million views. The band consists of four siblings, Katie, Ellen, Matt, and Julianne, their mom, Karen, and honorary Petersen and dear friend, Emmett Franz.

The Petersens perform full-time in Branson, Missouri at the Little Opry Theater in the Branson and are the #1 show in Branson. They have released twelve music projects, including their newest gospel album, Father, A Moment With You, a collection of original songs and beloved hymns that encourages listeners to draw closer to God through faith, hope, and trust in every season of life. The week before the album was released, they invited a small group of friends and family to celebrate and wanted to share this special evening with everyone, so they recorded it!  

Some great Christian songs in bluegrass, gospel style. Watch them share the stories behind the songs and perform the album live.

 

Thred

 Form Lutheran Hour Ministries...

Staying connected is what Thred, LHM’s digital resource for life and faith at thred.org, is all about. And that’s the idea behind its recently launched weekly e-newsletter: a thought-provoking, easy-to-read message that wants to know what your take is on living as a Christian in an ever-changing, ever-challenging world.

“We want to deepen our relationship with Thred followers,” says Rachel Tichich, manager of digital strategy and development. “We’re using this email platform as a means of reaching our 22,000- plus (and growing!) subscriber base with content that’s Gospel rich, that nurtures a relationship with them, and that equips them for sharing their faith in this day and age.”

The latest e-news topics have addressed joy, sharing our faith, our connection to the “stuff” we own, being in charge, owning versus giving, and feeling sufficient. Tracking prior Thred email responses has shown that people are interested in faith empowerment; in establishing and maintaining trust with others; in getting to that elusive—but attainable—place where faith conversations aren’t so strange and difficult; and in better understanding how a Christian’s worth is tied completely to Christ.

In each e-news, there’s a feedback mechanism built in where users can answer a multiple-choice question, or they can add their own comments in an open-text format. This has led to some healthy exchanges.

“It’s been encouraging to read the thoughtful and heartfelt responses we’ve received from members of the Thred community. We’re honored to continue offering content that resonates with them and equips them to live out their faith, including online,” says Andréa Vasilo, content writer for LHM.

These contacts lead to Thred sharing LHM resources, too. “Recently, we had someone chatting with Thred specifically about the topic of how to love your neighbors online in the midst of some pretty volatile digital conversations in our society. We learned that he’s a Christian and not only open to more resources on the topic but actively seeking them. We’re currently in communication with him, providing him with links to relevant Project Connect booklets and other LHM courses,” says Tichich.

Thred’s new e-newsletter is just one of the many ways it makes online connections with its audience. At thred.org you’ll find dozens of Christ-centered, faith-enriching blogs in six different categories. FREE, downloadable resources like Thred courses, in-depth PDFs, and a sermon kit for pastors are available. And of course, you can follow Thred on social media.

Who Gave Jeff Allen A Podcast?

 We love him as a comedian... but a podcast? Real conversations, Real stories, and Real laughs. Join comedian Jeff Allen as he sits down with the people who inspire, challenge, and crack him up along the way.

“Who Gave Jeff Allen a Podcast?” is where legendary comedian Jeff Allen talks with guests who bring humor, heart, and honesty to every episode. From comedians, musicians, and pastors to authors, recovery leaders, and everyday folks with extraordinary stories, this show blends laughter with real-life depth. If you love clean humor, faith-filled conversations, and the kind of perspective that only comes from decades on the road, you’re in the right place.

This is a fun podcast with some interesting guests like Guy Penrod, Ben Fuller, Rebecca St. James, and more.

Here is the most recent podcast with Jeff   joined by Andy Bannister this episode! Andy talks and teaches all across the UK, Canada, and America, and is the Director of Solas.. an evangelism and training organization based in Scotland. Andy is an author, he has produced curious religious books and also stays up on his blog. He holds a PhD in Islam and teaches at many universities about the religion and philosophy. Andy loves discussing faith, philosophy, culture and just general life questions.. Jeff and he discuss being able to ask God questions and not being scared to seek more knowledge. 

Jesus at the World Cup

Are you a soccer (football to most of the world) fan? Have you been following the FIFA World Cup? If so, you may see the "Jesus commercial".

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the current and 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international men's soccer championship contested by the national teams of the member associations of FIFA. The tournament began on June 11 and is scheduled to conclude on July 19, 2026. It is jointly hosted by sixteen cities: eleven in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Canada. The tournament is the first FIFA World Cup to be hosted by three nations and the first to include 48 teams, an expansion from the previous 32-team format. It has been projected that the 2026 World Cup global audience numbers will reach 5 to 6 billion total viewers with the final match surpassing 1.5 billion viewers worldwide.

The "Jesus commercial" for the FIFA World Cup is a grassroots, faith-based advertising campaign created by the Christian athletic movement Faithful Champions (in collaboration with 6:11 Armor) to share the gospel during the tournament.

The commercial focuses on how soccer/football brings people together, but highlights that the sport and its championships cannot ultimately satisfy the soul. It transitions to a message about identity, pointing viewers to Jesus as the ultimate source of salvation and peace.

"What you are searching for has a name. Will you choose to follow Jesus? 

Here is the commercial...

The first ever Jesus Commercial aired for the first time last Friday on the USA vs Australia game.

Happy Father's Day!

 

After more than 35 years, still my all-time favorite song about fathers...

Friday Fun - Don McMillan

What do you get when you cross an Engineer with a stand-up comedian? You get Don McMillan. This former chip designer has been doing his one-of-a-kind, PowerPoint-Driven comedy show for audiences for over 20 years. In his show packed with graphs & charts, Don will show you the funny side of your world that has been sitting right in front of you - you are just too busy working to notice. 

Don graduated from Stanford University with a Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering. He then went to work at AT&T Bell Labs where he was part of the team that designed the world's first 32-bit microprocessor. He then moved to Silicon Valley where he helped launch the start-up company, VLSI Technology. Then after 15 years in the tech world, Don quit his job to become a stand-up comedian. That year he won $100,000 as the Comedy Grand Champion on "Star Search". Don's been seen on "The Tonight Show", "HBO", and the "Comedy Central". These days, Don spends most of his time writing and performing customized corporate comedy shows for companies like Google, Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, Ford Motors, and Exxon/Mobil. Don has performed more than 800 corporate shows in the last 20 years and he was named the #1 Corporate Comedian by the CBS Business Network. 

In this special Don explains that the difference between a dork and a nerd is harder to spot than you might think. Whether you're someone who is a geek, or you're someone who is a nerd, or maybe you're even someone who is a dork this Dry Bar Comedy special is filled with hilarious power point comedy that is sure to have you laughing from start to finish.

Music Spotlight - Carly Ann Taylor

Carly Ann Taylor is an emerging Christian soul-pop artist and songwriter based in Southern California. She is a talented, petite, soft spoken young lady with a big voice and a bigger faith. Carly has quickly made a name for herself in the contemporary Christian music scene with her breakthrough, anxiety-soothing single "Why Should I Worry?" 

Known for her soulful, soaring vocals and raw vulnerability, she weaves themes of mental health, redemption, and trusting in God's faithfulness into her work. She actively serves as a youth worship leader at her home church in Encinitas, California. 

Her breakout single 'Why Should I Worry,' was not just another debut release, it is the soundtrack to a life-changing moment. Written in the middle of post-college anxiety and a season of depression, the song was born after her mum reminded her of Matthew 6 and God’s promise to provide. What followed felt, in Carly’s words, like a “download from the Lord” at her piano. 

Taylor’s music is heavily rooted in her own life story. Here is her story as she tells it:

My name is Carly Ann Taylor and I am from San Diego, California. I was born on the Big Island of Hawai’i, but was adopted by my brother and his wife at 15 years old. My biological parents struggled with drug addiction, as did my older sister. The instability that came with the drug abuse made my life very a chaotic place. I was taken away by Child Protective Services when I was 7 years old and lived in complete dysfunction until I was brought out of that by my new family.

Music has always been a big deal in my family line with very big shoes to fill. Growing up, music was always first before anything else and that created a very toxic environment. There was a time in my life where I refused to pursue music because it became a nuisance. I was only treated kindly by my biological parents when they wanted me to sing and entertain their friends at parties. I was not raised in the church or had any association with church or religion of any kind. I was also never exposed to Christian music growing up. 

My freshman year of high-school, my life started going downhill. I was hanging with the wrong crowd, getting into partying, ditching class, and my grades were tanking. I hit rock bottom. I contemplated suicide many times and lived miserably. My housing conditions were just as bad. I moved schools every single year of my life all around the island and never had any stability. The last place I lived was a broken down shack outside of my biological mother’s house. Whenever it rained, I got poured on, and there was no lock to my door, which in fact did not fit to the door frame. I was exposed to the elements and to danger. I had been living in disgusting conditions and had no idea it was not normal.

The summer after my freshman year of high school, in 2017, I got a random call from an older brother who I didn’t grow up with. I didn’t even have his number saved as a contact. We share only a biological father and are 16 years apart in age so naturally we were in different stages of life and never really connected much. That day he called me saying, “Hey Carly! It’s your brother Randy. You’ve been on my heart and I want you to come to California to visit.” Little did I know that conversation would be the beginning of my life completely changing forever. Randy flew me out to California almost immediately. They had a room and a clean bed for me in a house I thought, at the time, was a mansion. I felt like I was in a movie!

As time had gone on during that trip, I began telling Randy and his wife little pieces of things that were happening to me back in Hawai’i. I told them why my clothes smelled like mold and how I had never had a room and bed all to myself, along with other things that I now know made for dangerous living conditions. My life was in danger and I didn’t even realize it. I begged them to stay, and they knew they couldn’t send me back.

That was the trip that changed my life forever because they ended up taking me in as their own child, bringing me to church and I immediately accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Randy and his wife are now who I confidently and joyfully call MY MOM AND MY DAD! Throughout the years of lots of heartache, trials, healing, and recovery, I have been restored and have seen the Lord redeem my story! Immediately after accepting Jesus in 2017, I knew I was created solely to use my voice for Him! To lead others into a meaningful and deep relationship with the Father.

On top of all the blessings I’ve already received from the Lord, I got a scholarship and graduated from college in May 2024 with a degree in Commercial Music Production, with an emphasis in Vocal Performance. I released my first single called “Saved My Soul” in 2023 and have been on an amazing journey as a Worship Artist. I believe God wants me to share my story with others through song and I know He allowed me to go through all these things for a reason. I have only just scratched the surface of what God is going to do in my life.

Want to know more about Carly? Here is a great interview from a couple weeks ago:

Carly has a new song "Heavenly Father" just released this month. I predict that you are going to be hearing a lot more from Carly Ann Taylor in the future.

1 Degree of Andy Podcast

If you are a Contemporary Christian Music fan, here is a great podcast for you... 1 Degree of Andy Podcast with Andy Chrisman features conversations and behind-the-scenes stories from your favorite classic Christian artists. 

From touring in the legendary group 4Him, to working as a Worship Pastor, to leading a radio show, Andy has been a leader and influencer in the Christian Music industry for the last four decades. Does anyone remember 4Him? They were one of my favorite groups when I first started listening to Contemporary Christian Music.

On this podcast, Andy sits down with the singers, songwriters, producers, managers, and leaders behind the music you love. Through candid conversations, you’ll hear untold stories, personal trials, faith journeys, and the heart behind the songs that have impacted the genre forever.

I think this is one of my favorite podcasts. It is very interesting to hear stories about the beginnings of Contemporary Christian Music from the 80's and 90's and how the genre has changed to what it is today.

Lots of great interviews, especially with some of the early CCM artists. Here is a recent one with Matthew West:

Check out all the podcasts on Andy's YouTube site at https://www.youtube.com/@1DegreeOfAndy

Country Star Ella Langley

If you are a country music fan you know about Ella Langley. Ella is an American singer-songwriter from Alabama who blends outlaw country, modern rock, and traditional storytelling. Her music is known for its gritty Southern rock influences, emotionally charged lyrics, and honeyed vocals. Langley first gained attention through viral social media performances and songwriting collaborations and has become one of the biggest superstars in country music.

At a concert about a month ago Ella stopped her concert cold to deliver a powerful message about Jesus — and the moment left fans in tears. The rising country star paused mid-show to speak openly about her faith, telling the crowd exactly what Jesus means to her and why she refuses to stay quiet about it. Langley has been outspoken about being a Christian and her journey with mental health struggles, including depression.

It is always inspiring to see famous people use their forum to share the message of God.

Here is the song "Loving Life Again" that was discussed in the video.

Museum of the Bible...

 Are you familiar with the Museum of the Bible?  Museum of the Bible is a global, innovative, educational institution whose purpose is to invite all people to engage with the transformative power of the Bible. Through interactive exhibits and cutting-edge technology, we bring guests an immersive, personal experience with the impact, narrative, and history of the Bible. Whether you want to explore the Bible more deeply or are discovering it for the first time, Museum of the Bible has something for you. If I ever visit Washington DC this will be on my list of must-see sites.

The Museum of the Bible has some great programing and videos. They even have online exhibits. Check our their website to get an idea of everything available. You can even get a quick tour of the museum online.

I would like to feature Unscrolled, the Museum of the Bible’s podcast dedicated to exploring the most impactful book in history—the Bible. Their mission is to invite all people to engage with its transformative power.

The name reflects both the ancient practice of unrolling scripture and the goal of stopping the endless scroll to dive deeper into meaningful conversations. Hosted by Matthias Walther, chief marketing officer at the museum, Unscrolled explores a range of topics with experts who have spent years studying the Bible, making it accessible and engaging for everyone. 

You can watch the podcasts on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvA8nKIkZy59MvS0y2KKHX2aC-KKXIUsN

The Parable of the Prodigal Son

 We’ve all heard the Parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15. The boy cashes in early on his inheritance only to squander it all away. Eventually he comes to his senses and returns home. And yet, what we read is the shocking celebration of grace personified through the father’s response. This parable contains hope and a warning. The Gospel and the Law.

You know the story… When the younger son came walking back toward the village, broke and broken, having rehearsed a speech about being made a hired servant because he know he had forfeited every right to be called a son. His father saw him while he was still a great way off. And he ran.

Most Christians read that and fee something warm. The loving father. The joyful reunion. The beautiful picture of forgiveness. This is our encouragement. This is also a moment in the story where most of us don’t recognize the impact and it changes everything about who God is.

Here is what most of us don’t understand:  Grown men did not run in that culture. It was considered deeply undignified. A man of standing, a landowner, a patriarch, did not hike up his robes and sprint through the village like a boy. It simply was not done.

But there was a second reason that the father ran. The village knew what that son had done and when a Jewish son lost his inheritance to Gentiles, there was a tradition called the Kezazah ceremony. Kezazah is from the Hebrew word for “cutting off”.  A historical Jewish community ritual used to publicly shame and sever ties with a family member who committed an act that brought intense dishonor to the family or village. The village had the right to meet him at the edge of town, break a pot in front of him, and declare him cut off completely. Shunned. Cast out. Finished.

That son would have known exactly what was waiting for him when he walked back into the village. But the father ran to reach his son before the village could. He threw his arms around him in front of everyone before anyone else could touch him. He put his own robe on him. His ring. His sandals.

Each of these items was a specific public declaration that every person watching would understand. The robe covered his shameful clothes before the village could see them. The ring was a signet ring. An authority ring. It restored him to full sonship in front of witnesses. And servants did not wear sandals in that culture.

The father was not just welcoming him home. He was taking the shame his son deserved onto himself. Running through the village in a way that cost him his dignity. Covering his son before anyone could condemn him. Declaring publicly and loudly in front of everyone who had watched to son walk away that this is my son. Not a servant. Not a hired hand. My son.

Every single person listening to Jesus tell this story would have understood exactly what the father had done. And every one of them would have understood exactly who Jesus meant. 

This is not a story about a wayward son. This is a story about a God who has been watching the road every single day. Who runs before you finish your rehearsed speech. Who puts His robe on you before you explain everything you did wrong. Who absorbs the shame Himself so the village cannot reach you first. That is who God is.

Most Christians have been reading this story their entire lives without fully understanding it. Not because they do not love God. Not because they are not trying. But because nobody ever taught them about the world that story came from. And without knowing that world, you feel the warmth, but never really feel the full weight of what happens.

Yes, he loved his son. Yes, he was excited to see him. Good answers, true answers. But not the whole story. This is the “feel good” part of the parable that gives us hope.

The warning in this parable comes from the older son. It teaches the value of unconditional forgiveness, repentance, and grace and warns against jealousy and self-righteousness.

The older son’s words and actions reveal several things about him: His relationship with his father was based on works and merit. He points out to his father that he has always been obedient as he’s been “slaving away”; thus, he deserves a party—he has earned it. He despises his younger brother as undeserving of the father’s favor. He does not understand grace and has no room for forgiveness. In fact, the demonstration of grace toward his brother makes him angry. He has disowned the prodigal as a brother, referring to him as “this son of yours”. He thinks his father is stingy and unfair: “You never gave me even a young goat” 

The father’s words are corrective in several ways:  His older son should know that their relationship is not based on performance: “My son, . . . you are always with me, and everything I have is yours”. His older son should accept his brother as part of the family. The father refers to the prodigal as “this brother of yours”. His older son could have enjoyed a party any time he wanted, but he never utilized the blessings at his disposal. Grace is necessary and appropriate: “We had to celebrate” 

The Pharisees and the teachers of the law are portrayed as the older brother in the parable. Outwardly, they lived blameless lives, but inwardly their attitudes were abominable. They saw their relationship with God as based on their performance, and they considered themselves deserving of God’s favor—unlike the undeserving sinners around them. They did not understand grace and were, in fact, angered by it. They had no room for forgiveness. They saw no kinship between sinners and themselves. They viewed God as rather stingy in His blessings. And they considered that, if God were to accept tax collectors and sinners into His family, then God would be unfair.

The older brother—and the religious leaders of Jesus’ day—failed to realize that “anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him” (1 John 2:9–11).

The Parable of the Prodigal Son is one of Scripture’s most beautiful pictures of God’s grace. It highlights the reckless, unconditional grace of the "Prodigal Father" who forgives both his wayward younger son and his self-righteous older son. 

We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). We are all prodigals in that we have run from God, selfishly squandered our resources, and, to some degree, wallowed in sin. But God is ready to forgive. He will save the contrite, not by works but by His grace, through faith. That is the message of the Parable of the Prodigal Son.

Friday Fun - Fred Klett

Fred Klett from Beloit, Wisconsin has built a career out of being a clean comedian, a style that is his trademark. His comedy is G-rated and focused to appeal to families with members of all ages since much of his material is taken from his experiences growing up in a large Christian family.

I hope you enjoy this hilarious show...

Word for Today - Protoevangelium

Are you familiar with the term "protoevangelium"? 

The message of the gospel of Jesus Christ is woven throughout the Scripture, not just the New Testament. Protoevangelium is where the gospel first appears in the Bible. That is in Genesis 3:15. It shows that God always had the plan of salvation in mind and informed us of His plan as soon as sin entered the world. Here is a recent Bible study on this verse.

The very first prophecy in the entire Bible was spoken in a garden, minutes after the world broke. Most Christians have read it dozens of times. Almost none of them know it is there.

Every Christian knows the story of Genesis 3.

The serpent. The fruit. The fall. God discovers what has happened. He confronts Adam and Eve. And then He curses the serpent.

That is where most people stop paying attention.

Because what God says next is the most important sentence in the entire Old Testament. And it is hiding inside what looks like a curse on a snake.

"I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers. He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel."

That is Genesis 3:15.

Theologians call it the Protoevangelium. The first gospel. The first announcement of Jesus in all of Scripture.

Spoken in a garden. Before Abraham. Before Moses. Before David. Before any prophet ever lived. Before the first consequence of the fall had even landed.

And most Christians have read it their entire lives without ever being told what it actually says.

Look at the details.

"Her offspring."

In ancient Hebrew, lineage was always traced through the father. Always. Every genealogy in the Old Testament runs through the male line. The son of Abraham. The son of Isaac. The son of Jacob. The son of David.

But Genesis 3:15 says "her offspring." The woman's seed.

That is the only place in the entire Old Testament where offspring is traced through a woman instead of a man.

Scholars have debated this grammatical anomaly for three thousand years. It breaks every convention of ancient Hebrew lineage tracking.

Unless the child has no human father.

The virgin birth. Predicted in the third chapter of the first book. Hidden inside a single pronoun.

Now look at the injuries.

"He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel."

Two injuries. Two different severities.

The serpent strikes the heel. Painful. Bloody. But survivable. A wound that hurts but does not kill.

The seed crushes the head. Fatal. Permanent. Total destruction.

The cross was the heel strike. Painful beyond comprehension. Bloody. Brutal. But not permanent. Three days later Jesus walked out of the tomb.

The resurrection was the head crush. Fatal to death itself. Permanent. Irreversible.

The entire gospel — suffering followed by victory, death followed by resurrection — encoded in a single sentence. Spoken in a garden before human history had barely begun.

But here is the part that rewires the entire Bible.

Once you see Genesis 3:15, every story that follows becomes an episode in the same war.

• The offspring of the woman must survive for the prophecy to be fulfilled. Which means every villain in the Bible is trying to destroy that lineage. And every hero is unknowingly carrying it forward.
• Pharaoh orders every Hebrew baby boy drowned in the Nile. An attempt to destroy the seed.
• Haman plots to exterminate the entire Jewish nation. An attempt to destroy the seed.
• Herod slaughters every baby boy in Bethlehem under the age of two. An attempt to destroy the seed.
• And on the other side of the war — Sarah's impossible pregnancy at ninety. Moses surviving the basket in the river. David surviving Goliath. Esther saving her people from annihilation. Mary saying yes to the angel.

Every single one of them is part of the same story. The same war. The same thread running from the garden to the manger.

And most Christians have read every one of those stories individually without ever being told they are all chapters in a single battle that was announced in Genesis 3:15.

But the most staggering detail is not the prophecy itself.

It is the timing.

God speaks Genesis 3:15 before Adam and Eve leave the garden. Before they feel the first consequence of what they have done. Before the thorns. Before the pain. Before death enters the world.

The very first thing God does after everything falls apart is announce the rescue. Not punishment first. Not anger first. Not abandonment.

"He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel."

The very first thing God did after everything fell apart was tell the enemy how it would end. Before the first tear was shed. Before the first funeral. Before the first broken marriage or the first sleepless night or the first season of feeling nothing at all.

God had already announced the rescue.

The Bible does not begin with punishment. It begins with a promise.

God did not speak Genesis 3:15 by accident. He never does anything by accident.

It is the first verse in a whole line of biblical revelation that points us to Christ and the way in which He saves us not only from sin but also from Satan.

 

Expedition Unknown

This is a fun show. Keep in mind that it is from the Discovery Channel so the main goal here is entertainment, not necessarily historical accuracy. This episode discusses some of the Bible's greatest mysteries, but additional shows also discuss UFO's, aliens, bigfoot, and the lost City of Atlantis. Even so, how can you not like a show featuring a motorcycle club called the Holy Land Bikers? 😉 

These could be some of the greatest unsolved mysteries of the Bible, however please remember that real archaeology is not a treasure hunt, and the Bible does not need recovered artifacts to be proven accurate. Regardless, it is interesting to see some of the sights and locations often talked about in the Bible.

From Chapel to Brewery

An official church brewery... Is this a new outreach opportunity or a bad idea? What do you think about these plans from a Minnesota Lutheran Church?

For more than a century, Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church has worked to serve its community – South Minneapolis and beyond. ‘It’s kind of an ecosystem’, says Senior Pastor David Lose. The church has a number of affiliated ministries – but its latest venture could break boundaries. Lose and his team want to turn a shuttered church property, which once served as the original chapel, into a coffee shop and brewery combo – aimed to serve what Lose says is an increasingly lonely, isolated population. On this episode of Bigger Than Belief last week, he shares his heart for the project, and what could be next after gaining the support of Minneapolis City Council.

I do think this is an interesting outreach concept. I remember visiting the LCMS seminary in St. Louis years ago and know that they referred to to nearby Budweiser brewery as providing "Lutheran lemonade". 😊

2026 K-Love Fan Awards

Experience the biggest night in Christian fan-voted entertainment with the 13th Annual K-LOVE Fan Awards are hosted by Lauren Daigle and Sadie Robertson Huff at The Grand Ole Opry House premiered on May 30th. Featuring performances from Chandler Moore, Chris Tomlin, Leanna Crawford, Anne Wilson, Cain, Elevation Worship and more.

I highly recommend watching. This was a great show with lots of great performances, but unless you had a TBN subscription you probably missed it. The entire show is now available on YouTube...

A couple of highlights include a tremendously emotional performance of "Black Sheep" by Ben Fuller towards the end of the show and Brandon Lake won Artist of the Year for the 4th year in a row. If nothing else, you should listen to his impassioned acceptance speech.

Friday Fun - John Branyan

 Today we feature another great comedian that has been performing for a while. John Branyan is an American comedian and writer. He is known for his clean stand-up comedy.

Branyan has been a professional comedian since prior to 1997. Although best known for performing stand-up comedy, he also performs improv comedy with the troupe Think Tank. He has written for the American Comedy Network. He co-wrote and performed in the theatrical presentation, Crazy Love, which was on a national tour for three years.

He has participated in Jay Leno's National Comedy Competition and has been featured on nine recorded comedy projects with people like Ken Davis, David Jeremiah, Ted Cunningham and Tim Hawkins.

Here is a performance that was featured on Focus on the Family...

John's most famous bit is the retelling of the Three Pigs...

Another favorite is Goldilocks Like You've Never Heard Before...

Associates for Biblical Truth

Have you heard about the Associates for Biblical Truth?

For over 200 years, the Bible has faced growing attacks in the western world, especially from academic fields such as philosophy, science, textual criticism, and now archaeology. Once filled with Bible-believing scholars, archaeology is increasingly dominated by skeptics who dismiss Scripture as reliable history. In this challenging environment, God has called ABR to stand in the gap by contending for truth and supporting the church. As a non-profit ministry, ABR demonstrates the Bible’s historical reliability through original archaeological fieldwork, research, and apologetic studies. Since the rise of modern archaeology in the mid-1800s, many discoveries have confirmed or illuminated biblical narratives, helping Scripture come alive in new and meaningful ways.

Every year, hundreds of archaeological excavations are carried out in the lands of the Bible. The vast majority of these are led by archaeologists who do not accept the historicity and accuracy of the Bible.

Associates for Biblical Research is the only evangelical apologetics ministry leading a licensed excavation in Israel. Our staff of professional archaeologists are engaged in the latest research related to biblical history. In addition, we stay in communication with other scholars active in the field and get the inside story on recent developments.

ABR is unique in its mission as an evangelical organization founded for the purpose of research and fieldwork in Biblical archaeology, in order to demonstrate the historical reliability and accuracy of the Scriptures and to propagate the Christian faith. Its mission is based on the conviction that the Bible is the Word of God and, therefore, infallible, inerrant and authoritative in its original writings.

That’s why the ministry of Associates for Biblical Research is so important and valuable.

Associates for Biblical Research keeps you informed on the latest discoveries. Furthermore, we also provide a Biblical perspective for the significance of each discovery. Check out some of their articles, videos, and podcasts.

• Their website:  https://biblearchaeology.org/breaking-news/
• YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@DiggingForTruth

Here is their latest podcast:

Artificial Intelligence and Christian Music

I search and listen to a lot of Contemporary Christian music online. Recently I have been noticing more and more of this music is AI generated. Artificial intelligence has already disrupted writing, art, and customer service. Music is next. Recent studies have shown that AI can now generate songs convincing enough that 97% of listeners cannot consistently distinguish them from human-made content.

AI-generated music is a polarizing topic; depending on who you ask, it’s either the next big innovation or a cultural catastrophe waiting to happen.

There’s no doubt that artificial intelligence is changing the music industry, but the question remains: is it a tool to unlock new creative frontiers, or is it a threat to the authenticity and soul of music as we know it?

These technologically capable algorithms compose everything from background music to full-fledged songs. Some argue it’s an incredible tool for musicians and producers, offering new ways to experiment with sound, composition, and genre — even overcoming writer’s block.  

AI can generate infinite variations of a melody, compose background scores for films, or even write lyrics based on given parameters. Platforms like AIVA and Amper Music allow artists to collaborate with AI, helping speed up production while offering fresh perspectives on composition. 

AI is more than just a tool for those pushing boundaries—it’s a creative partner. It allows artists to break away from traditional musical structures and unlocks a world of possibilities. 

But here’s the flip side: AI doesn’t understand human emotion. It doesn’t have the lived experiences that often give music its soul. While an AI can generate a technically proficient melody, can it truly capture the emotional depth of a musician pouring their heart into a track?

Critics argue that AI-generated music can feel hollow, lacking the emotion and intention that comes from a human touch. Sure, AI can replicate patterns, styles, and formulas, but does it truly understand why certain notes make us feel a certain way? Many fear that relying too heavily on AI will lead to a flood of cookie-cutter music devoid of real emotion or authenticity.

Others argue that AI music will eventually settle into the broader landscape as just another category, the way electronic music or hip hop did before it. AI-generated music will not destroy the industry, but will instead create a new market segment, particularly in functional music-background tracks, study playlists, meditation soundtracks and stock music for video content.

This perspective treats AI music as an addition to the industry. Listeners who want human-made music will seek it out, and listeners who simply want a pleasant sound to fill the silence may not care who, or what, made it.

Some people opine that music is about how it makes you feel, and it’s about evoking emotion in the listener.  So, regardless of who made the music, if AI music ends up having that effect on somebody, I think that that makes it equally as valid as music that was made by, like, entirely by a human artist.

This prediction depends largely on transparency. If AI music is clearly labeled, listeners can choose. If it is not, the choice is taken from them. 

But there’s also a massive ethical question around ownership.

If an AI generates a song, who owns it? The programmer? The artist who guided the AI? This murky area of copyright law has raised concerns, particularly when AI-generated songs sound eerily similar to existing tracks.

AI isn’t creating the same way humans do—it’s mimicking patterns learned from analyzing thousands of songs. While this can lead to some seriously innovative results, it also raises the risk of accidental plagiarism or replication without intent.

Looking out for tomorrow, what does AI mean for the future of creativity? Are we moving toward a world where algorithms outpace human artists, churning out music by the minute? This raises concerns for musicians, producers, and even DJs, who worry about their roles being replaced by technology, much like other industries where automation has taken over.

I think that AI-generated music is neither inherently good nor bad—it’s what we do with it that matters. For some, AI is a groundbreaking tool that opens doors to new creative possibilities. It can help musicians overcome writer’s block, streamline the composition process, or push musical boundaries. For others, it threatens music’s authenticity, potentially leading to a future where emotionless, algorithm-driven songs dominate the charts.

As AI continues to evolve, the music industry will need to strike a balance. Artists and creators will need to find ways to use AI as a tool while ensuring that the heart of music—its ability to move, inspire, and connect—remains in human hands.

Ultimately, AI-generated music can be a powerful partner, but without careful consideration, it risks turning the art of music into just another algorithmic output.

I'm not sure how this will all turn out, but I must admit to enjoying some of the AI offerings. At times it does feel like some of the emotion is missing and emotion is an important part of Christian music. I just believe that all AI music should be clearly listed as such and that is currently often not the case.

What are your thoughts? Here are some good examples of AI generated music videos...

 

Becoming Fearless

Seems that there are lots of fears in society today. Everything from economic instability to climate change and natural disasters, to wars and conflicts, to technology like AI. 

Everyone worries. Everyone has a problem with anxiety. Despite the fact that we generally think God is against our fear, worry, and anxiety, we don’t ever seem to completely overcome its harsh grip. 

God created us as emotional people. Our emotions are given by God to put us “into motion.” For instance, anger is driven by a sense of injustice and a desire to oppose something that we feel isn’t fair or right. In the same way, fear is a God-given emotion when our mind alerts us to danger, real or perceived. Anxiety is what we feel when our body is responding to the emotion of fear. Worry is the thought process that mulls over and gives power to the object of our fear.

Fear, worry, and anxiety show up together and feed into each other in the various situations where danger lurks. Even at times when we don’t know why we feel anxious, our brains have previously learned to fear in a similar situation that we simply can’t recall at that moment. Our anxiety is tied to our life experiences and thought patterns, not some random biological defect.

Overcoming fear and anxiety as a Christian involves anchoring your heart in God's promises, shifting your focus through prayer and gratitude, and taking practical steps to manage your mental health. It is about replacing the "what-ifs" of worry with the truth of God's steadfast presence and sovereignty. Here is a good devotion about the fear of others (often called the "fear of man") from a Christian perspective involving shifting your focus from human approval to God's unconditional acceptance.

 From Fearful to Fearless

Think of a time when you were fearful of others. For some, this might look like fearing harm or violence from a specific person or group. But for many of us, we can get sidelined by a different kind of fear...

Maybe you're worried that someone won't like you—your personality, your looks, your opinions, or your work.

Maybe you're afraid that speaking up for what's right could cost you—your job, your reputation, your comfort.

Maybe you've felt misunderstood, and the narrative has gotten twisted—with a little bit of truth and a whole lot of exaggeration. There's more to the story, but it's challenging to explain.

Maybe you’re so busy and preoccupied, making sure everyone around you is happy, that you're neglecting your own life and calling in the process. 

Maybe you say “yes” to any and every opportunity or event—because you don't want to let anyone down, or get left out.

There are many ways in which we might live in fear of others. But the result is always the same: striving for man's approval leaves us anxious, exhausted, distracted, and disappointed. When we fail to trust God, it shows.

"Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe." Proverbs 29:25

We cannot trust God if we’re living in a constant state of fear, because fear is the opposite of a faith-fueled trust. God’s approval, after all, is the only approval that matters.

Pleasing God matters more than pleasing people. Being accepted by God matters more than being accepted by people.

The great news is, we don’t have to earn His acceptance! We don’t have to prove that we are worthy of His time, attention, or love. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection did this for us. We are now considered worthy because He is already worthy! When we belong to Jesus, the Holy Spirit helps us to become more like Him.

Acceptance and inclusion from others will never give us the true safety and security we desire. But God’s acceptance of us is unconditional, and it transforms us from the inside out. We simply need to receive Him—allowing His love to change the way we think and act.

As the knowledge of God's love increases in our lives, the fear of people decreases.

When we trust in God, we can rest in the assurance that we are secure for eternity. We are loved by our gracious Savior. He alone has the power to change the course of our lives.

Take some time to survey your own heart. Are your thoughts, words, and actions a result of fearing man—or trusting God? Consider a few small ways you can begin to place your trust in God rather than living in fear of what others might think. 

Remember Psalm 34:4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.

Music Spotlight - The Band Reeves...

The Band Reeves, two brothers (Jeramy and Cody Reeves) from east Texas, are a relatively new band, but they are quickly becoming one of my favorite CCM artists. Raised as pastor's kids and shaped by church life and outdoor adventures. They still do construction work full time and balance time with playing music. Currently on the Black Sheep Tour with Ben Fuller. You may have heard a few of their songs like "Outrun You" and "Front Porch Church", but they recently released my favorite new song of May... "Don't Let That Devil Drive."

I especially like the subtle reference to Carrie Underwoods "Jesus Take The Wheel".

The phrase "don't let that devil drive" stems from a classic African American spiritual and gospel proverb: "Don't let the devil ride, because if you let him ride, he'll want to drive." Originally popularized by traditional church "mothers," the metaphorical saying is a warning against making small compromises with sin. It suggests that if you allow a negative influence (the devil) a small opening in your life (a ride), it will soon overpower your willpower and take full control (the drive)

If you would like to learn a little more about the Band Reeves, here is an interview from several months ago...