Leaving the Grandstand World: Recent Episodes
Vic Zarley
This podcast showcases the creative talents of Vic Zarley in which he shares original songs (many co-written with his wife, Eva), original poetry (suitably wrapped in selected instrumentals licensed Creative Commons with attribution) and prose from his many books published on Amazon (and as audio books on Audible.com).Leaving the Grandstand World is a choice to leave the stands where we're just observing and jumping onto the field where we can play and truly make a difference. This is his prayer for everyone who listens to this podcast!
I begin with the lyrics to one of my old songs narrated as a poem with a wonderful instrumental by Josh Woodward embedded with it. That lyric is entitled, "Spinning Spinning." Next I share two chapters from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge, entitled, "The Key" and "The Inner Thermostat." I finish with another Fanny Crosby lyric entitled, "Little Steps."
This is my last podcast (for now). All 230 episodes will, I pray, always be available to listen to. I will continue to pay $5 a month so that these remain archived here at Buzzsprout. There is an amazing amount of creativity in each of these episodes and my hope is that people grow closer to God as they listen to these.
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I begin with an old poem of mine entitled, "Summer Storm," then share two chapters from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge, entitled, "Irritation" and "Our Potent Minds." Finally I share another wonderful Fanny Crosby lyric entitled, "Jesus, Help Me."
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I begin today's short episode with my poem, "The Book That Really Matters" followed by a chapter from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge, entitled, "Play It Again, Sam," and finish with another Fanny Crosby lyric, "God Is Love."
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First, a little poem I wrote "To The Evolutionists," then I share a different perspective on the Genesis character, Joseph. Then I share another Fanny Crosby lyric entitled, "Glory Glory, All Is Glory."
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I start this episode with an old poem of mine written when I worked for Amazon in one of their warehouses. It is entitled, "Although a Cut Heals" and special music has been embedded with my narration. Then I share a chapter from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge entitled, "I Dream a Game of Wacamole." Then I share another lyric by Franny Crosby entitled, "Firm on the Rock I Stand."
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I start this episode off with an old poem of mine set to an instrumental by Alan J. Moore. The poem is entitled, "How Can You Tell a Babe in the Womb." Then I share a chapter from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge entitled, "The Tracy Miracle" and finally I share another Fanny Crosby lyric (coupled with an instrumental) entitled, "Calling for You."
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Today I share a version of Jesus Loves Me you've probably never heard before. I narrate the lyrics to some blues by Jason Shaw and the process works! Next I share the story of my song, "Jesus Be Within My Day," and then the song. I then share a chapter from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge entitled, "I Celebrate My Dysfunction," and conclude this episode with another Fanny Crosby lyric entitled, "Hand in Hand."
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I start off this episode with an original poem with music by Kevin Macleod. The poem is entitled, "Heaven Is My Real Home." Next I share a chapter from my spiritual autobiography, The Opening Window entitled, "Let's Prepare for Jesus' Return," and then I complete the episode with a lyric written by Fanny Crosby entitled, "Glory Ever Be to Jesus."
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Today's episode I share "A Call to Prayer," found in the public domain. Then I share a chapter from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge, "Has Someone Raised My Ire?" and finally I share a lyric by the prolific Fannie Crosby entitled, "Do All the Good You Can."
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Today I share a song of mine that I narrated as a poem with music by Kevin Macleod. The "poem" is "What You Do to the Least of These." Next I share two chapters from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge entitled, "Hi Ol' Silver" and "God Is Prose" then I complete this episode with a lyric by Fannie Crosby entitled, "Behold the Wonderful Love."
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I begin with a poem, "My Mind Is a Garden," then share two chapters from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge, "Free Will" and "Did God Create Disasters?" ending with a new production consisting of a lyric by Fannie Crosby, "Behold Me Standing at the Door."
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Enjoy this episode! I begin with "He Is Coming" (one of my songs transformed into a poem with an amazingly appropriate instrumental by Josh Woodward), then I share two, count 'em, two short chapters from my book A Holy Hodgepodge entitled, "A Very Important Truth" and "Arrogance." I complete this podcast with a lyric by the amazing Fannie Crosby entitled, "Blessed Are They That Believe."
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I begin this episode with a hymn/poem "Blessed Assurance" with lyrics written by Fannie Crosby. Next I share something from my "extinct" book, Extreme Christianity entitled, "Rebellion and Witchcraft," and finally I finish this episode with another poem, this time from the public domain, entitled, "Lord, Speak to Me."
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I begin with "There's a Ladder That's Reaching," followed by "Resting on Our Laurels" from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge then comes "Behold, the Dawn" (an obscure Fannie Crosby lyric).
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I first share a poem of mine entitled, "God's Whisper" then the chapter entitled, "Relinquishing Disputes to Christ" from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge and finally an obscure Fannie Crosby lyric entitled, "Adopted."
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Today, as I get near the end of my 3 hour allotment this month, I share, "There's a Voice in the Wilderness Crying," which I found in the public domain then I share three chapters from my book, A Course in Christianity, "To Have, Give It All Away," "The Nestling," and, "Conclusion." I finish with another obscure lyric by Fannie Crosby entitled, "I'll Bear It, Lord, for Thee."
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I begin with an old prose/poem entitled, "My Tool" then I share a chapter from my old, no longer published book, Extreme Christianity, entitled, "It's a Log Meet Log World." I complete this episode with some obscure Fannie Crosby lyrics entitled, "Able to Deliver."
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A long time ago (in a land far, far away :) I wrote a book since unpublished entitled, Extreme Christianity. From that book I share a chapter entitled, "If Your Eye Is Sound" but before that I share "Pilate Asked a Question" Spoiler Alert: It's What Is Truth? Then, at the end, I share, "Dwelling in Beulah Land."
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I begin with "Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Kingdom Come," (one of my earlier poems set to music by Kevin Macleod), then I share a chapter from my book, A Course in Christianity entitled, "The Bread of Life," and I complete this episode with lyrics by Fannie Crosby entitled, "Beautiful Vale of Rest."
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What happened in Peter's mind when he asked Jesus if he could walk on the water also (when he saw Jesus doing that)? The first poem is entitled, "Out of the Boat." Next you'll hear a chapter from my book, A Course in Christianity entitled, "A Misdirected Purpose." Then I conclude the episode with an obscure Fannie Crosby lyric entitled, "Beautiful Sunshine."
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I begin with a poetical musical treatment of one of my old poems entitled, "There Was a Teacher Long Ago" and then I share one of the chapters from my book, A Course in Christianity entitled, "A Call for Love." I complete this episode with what I believe is an obscure Fanny Crosby hymn which I embed with an instrumental. This episode should be a blessing for many.
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I begin with "Let the Captain Steer," a poem of mine set to an instrumental by Josh Woodward. Then I share a chapter from my book, A Course in Christianity entitled, "Only God Will Satisfy," and after that, "All for Jesus."
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I begin with "Summer Flowers," a poem by anonymous found in the public domain. Next I share a chapter from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge entitled, "Reel-to-Real" then end with a hymn-poem "Blessed Redeemer."
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I begin with "The Cross" (a poem of mine) then share a chapter from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge entitled, "God Is God" and finally share another hymn/poem entitled, "Close to Thee."
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Welcome to season 22 (22 months at this). I pray you find this spiritually enlightening. Okay, so today I share an old poem, "Vision" then share a chapter from my book, A Course in Christianity entitled, "Our Carnal Voice" and finish up with a new hymn/poem, "I Will Sing of My Redeemer." That's it!
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Here are three favorite song-poems of mine. Enjoy! They are "Thank you, Thank you, Jesus" Lyrics: Vic, Music: Kevin Macleod - "Carpe Diem" found at Incompetech.com. "Spinning Spinning" Lyrics: Vic, Music: Josh Woodward - "The Mission" found at JoshWoodward.com and "Let's Open Up the Flood Gates" Lyrics: Vic, Music: Josh Woodward, "Me and Billy Barnum" found at JoshWoodward.com.
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This is the final episode for the season (which is a month) so I'm trying to use up the allotted time I have left. Hence I am sharing three, count 'em, three chapters from my book, A Course in Christianity. But first I share a hymn/poem "To God Be the Glory" then I begin sharing the three chapters, "A Spiritual Law," "Stability Supersized," and "How I Wish God Was." I finish with my poem, "Help Me."
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I begin with "Praise the Lord His Glories Show," then share from A Course in Christianity, the chapter entitled, "Share the Kingdom," and end with "Jesus Loves Me" like you've never heard it before (unless you listened to episode 162).
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I begin with a hymn/poem "Praise My Soul the God of Heaven," then share a chapter from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge "Identity Theft," and finally share an old poem set to music entitled, "The Parking Lot."
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Today I begin with a new hymn/poem creation entitled, "I Need Thee Every Hour." Next I share a chapter from my book, A Course in Christianity entitled "Who Are We?" and I wrap up this episode with an older poem from episode 100 of this podcast entitled, "The Wise May Bring Their Learning."
What God creates must be incredible! Amazing. As we go through our life, do we recognize and feel a part of this amazingness? Or is life humdrum, boring? (I almost wrote "boing" leaving the r out of boring). Is life "boing" to you?
What God creates is real. We each have a permanent place in the Mind of God (through Jesus Christ). What are we doing with the Mind of God in which we live and move and have our being? Have we snuffed out our potential with our mundane life? Can we be a bright streak in the sky, exploding for God? Can we truly LIVE? Jesus said He came to give us abundant life. Have you seen your abundant life yet?
It is so easy for us to expand in our minds the Satanic operation here on earth. Make it appear bigger and seemingly more real than it is. Our focus gives it credence it doesn't deserve. We would be much better off utilizing the power God gives us through thought to recognize and be thankful to Him. Why would we choose to use this powerful instrument to make boogie men come alive? To fear? Why waste our God-given power of thought by giving it power and allowing it to poison the permanent place God gave us in His Mind. Are we wasting our amazing mental resources, our direct connection with God through His Son, by being in fear? We need to stop that now.
Jesus gives us peace of mind. There is nothing to fear with Him in our hearts and a focus on Him in our minds. Don't be double minded! If fear of the future haunts you, immediately turn it around and pull the rug out from under the devil. You are far too great to be a victim of Satan and his negative ways.
So just exactly who are we? Are we these bodies we have been inhabiting all these years? Do we "goo-goo" in our youth and dribble in our old age? Are we just these containers? Or are we something more than those?
If we think we are just these bodies, we will identify strongly with everything these bodies put us through. Is that a pragmatic way to go? Sure, they must be taken care of while we reside in this pre-heavenly realm, they must be fed, watered, and exercised but let's not make them gods. Let's not let them rule us. Step away from that type of identity and claim your shared Sonship with Jesus. He IS your way, your truth and, yes, even your life. Try not to forget that!
Does this chapter put a spring to your step? Are you "boinging" a bit now? Good!
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I begin today's episode with a hymn/poem entitled, "I Stand Amazed." Then I share a chapter from my book, A Course in Christianity entitled, "To All the Cringers." Next I finish with another hymn/poem, "Holy God We Praise Thy Name."
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Today I begin with a Hymn/Poem entitled, "How Beautiful Heaven Must Be" then share "The Battle Is Already Won" from my book, A Course in Christianity. Another book of mine, Advanced Christianity, has a chapter entitled, "The Battle Is Already Won" also. This is a completely different chapter from that book. Then I share another hymn/poem entitled, "Tell Me the Story of Jesus." You will be blessed.
The Battle Is Already Won!
Isn't that great! God is so beyond our squabbles that when we turn from our troubles and embrace Him, the troubles vanish (or become diminished in our hearts).
God blossoms, our small-self fades. God explores in mighty creative currents through our minds, our small-self withers and whimpers dejectedly. God glorifies His creation having established Himself in it, our small self cannot see God, cannot see glory, cannot see at all.
When I say, "The Battle is already won," I mean it. Are you still fighting for your life? The enemy has surrendered but you still lie in trenches, in the mud, facing death and sorrow. Get out of the trenches, rise up, the cross no longer holds our savior, the enemy is defeated.
How do you let go of the war? How do you recognize your victory? You must do something. You can't stay in the trenches and wait for God to rescue you. He already did that! Don't make Him climb back up on the cross to die again for you. If you didn't get it, get it! He did it. It is done. Claim your victory now. What is stopping you?
Yes, what is stopping you. Look at this. It's the enemy. It's Satan. Though defeated by Jesus’s sacrifice, he still roams the earth looking for the weak, uncertain Christians who failed to recognize Christ's victory. Are you one of those?
Satan must crawl out of a hole to tempt you who lie in the trenches. He's down there with you, urging you to be depressed about life and all that it offers you in those trenches. He agrees with your defeatedness, he confirms both your false reasoning and your bleak view. He denies the truth and does everything in his power to make you deny the truth that could set you free.
You can't wait. You must be vigilant for God. You must be excited to exit the trenches and the mud bath you were taking there. Rise up! Rise up! Rise up, once and for all. Do not stay where God does not exist. Repent of your trenchy thinking.
You see no hope? Quit looking where there is no hope. You see no victory? Raise your artillery and fire, now. You are not defeated. The enemy is defeated. Why are you still hanging out with him? Release him and let him slink back into his hole in the ground. You do not need him anymore. There is no justification in believing his armory of untruths. Break free from his weak clutches. Throw away your crutches. Walk holding onto God's Handrail, Jesus. Win in Him!
The kingdom is won by violence. Take authority NOW. Don't succumb to the violence Satan throws at we wishy-washy Christians. Use violence to toss those weak and unworthy thoughts from your powerful God-given mind. You can't be passive in this. The battle that was already won is in your mind, but you must TAKE AUTHORITY NOW!
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Today's episode begins with a Hymn/Poem entitled, "Down at the Cross" followed by a chapter from my book, A Course in Christianity entitled, "Did Your Kingdom Come Yet?" and I finish with another Hymn/Poem, "Count Your Blessings."
Did Your Kingdom Come Yet?
We in bodies, seem to think we dwell permanently in them. That is so obviously wrong, but we can't seem to pull ourselves out of this grave thinking.
If we teach eternal life and dwell on its aspects and characteristics, we will live in more peace and less fear. Upholding the truth in this world we've made is our job. We need to accept the truth for ourselves. No one will do that for us. We need to KNOW the truth to be set free from fear.
We made fear ourselves by trying to separate ourselves from God (an impossible endeavor). But we believe we've done that. Jesus came bringing the truth that, through Him, we haven't succeeded in blocking God out of our lives. That separation was a big deal and yet for those of us who have recognized what Jesus has done for us on the cross, that separation is healed, and we are back in the Garden again. The kingdom of God is within. The kingdom of God is the Garden, reincarnated.
Jesus said to seek first the kingdom of God and all these other things will be added unto us (all our needs will be met). He said, "Seek and ye shall find, knock and the door will be open unto you." This seeking is done optimistically, not cautiously, not reticently, not doubtfully but in a fully expectant attitude. We were made to find the kingdom. We were made to become the kingdom for people around us as we follow Jesus wholeheartedly.
The world is a mirror of our consistent thoughts. A mundane world consists of a mundane thought pattern we hold. The secular humanists have no trouble believing in a positive mind-set. If you think you can do it, you can do it! But (and Jesus tells a parable about this entitled the crooked servant) the children of God are reticent to take the kingdom into their hearts in the same way as the secular humanists firmly grasp the positive mind-set so important to what they deem success.
We can be successful also. We must choose not to be victims. We are not slaves to "fate" or "chance." We are spiritual beings temporarily in physical bodies, making decisions that affect us (and everyone around us.)
Fear denigrates our true position as amazing children of God. Fear wipes us out and swipes the rug out from under us. Fear squeezes our life-flow until it almost stops but because God ordained our life, it can never truly stop. Even if death comes to our bodies, our lives go on. (Where that life dwells after death, I don’t know but the saved children of God dwell with God).
Let's dwell with God now, what do you say? Why fall into some sort of apathetic attitude in which we "go" to heaven after death? Why not bring the kingdom of God to earth, as it is in heaven, as Jesus prayed would happen? Seriously, why not? Ask not what Jesus can do for you, ask what you can do for Jesus!
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I took an old Cat Stevens song, "Morning Is Broken," and poetically infused an instrumental by Alexander Nakarada. That's first. Then a short chapter from my book, A Course in Christianity entited, "We Are the Will of God." Finally I share another hymn/poem with an instrumental by Kevin Macleod. This one is entitled, "He Leadeth Me." Blessings abound!
Do you exist? Amazingly preposterous question that has been pondered by those unsure of anything. God willed us into being and it is God's will that we exist. If He didn't will us into existence, we wouldn't be here to wonder about it.
God loves what He willed. He loves us. He loves us enough to give us this earth, this playground, to figure things out. He loves us enough to send His Son down into our castles made of sand here and show us the Way, the Truth, and the Life. By ourselves we could never figure it out because our way, our truth and our lives do NOT show us a cohesive path toward God.
If God willed us into being, why is it possible to engage in carnality and sin here in this "playground"? God didn't will us into being so that He could pull our strings and make us love Him. He gave us free will. He willed us into being but did not force us to will as He willed. But we are made in the image and likeness of God so our very nature, the very essence of our being is like God. Because our will is free, we can choose what we are going to will. When we will outside of God's will, however, we misconstrue our being. We try to fit ourselves into a mold that we have carefully made, a mold of pain and suffering because it doesn't agree with what God willed us to be, children of Himself. He doesn't force us to will as He wills but, in creating us we became His children, and, as I said, made in His image and likeness. If we are willing ourselves to be different than that, we are engaging in fantasy and usurping God's will and what He made, us. That's what hurts. That's what causes all our pain. It is self-inflicted. We are doing this to ourselves. We must stop it!
We need to allow Jesus to be the pilot and we, the co-pilots. We need to humble ourselves before the Captain. He came to give us life, a life more abundant than we can imagine, a life filled with love, given, shared, a life that far surpasses what we have made here in this playground.
Give your life to God, give it to Jesus and allow His Holy Spirit to enfold you and guide you to your true destiny in Him. No more sad endings, no more carnal commercials touting cures that do not cure, and fun that doesn't last, and tears that never end. Give your life to God...NOW! Don’t waste another minute.
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I begin with one of the old hymns with beautiful instrumental music embedded with it. This one is "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing." Next you'll hear a chapter from my book, A Course in Christianity entitled, "Why Not Now?". I believe you'll be blessed.
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Today you will hear two hymns narrated by me, embedded with emotionally satisfying instrumentals. I begin with, "Take the Name of Jesus with You," then share a chapter from my book, A Course in Christianity entitled, "We Define Ourselves by What We Share," then complete the episode with, "Softly and Tenderly". You will be blessed.
We either share love or we share fear. Love is part of the invisible nature of God. Fears are the stones that make this world. We are either enraptured by God's love or stoned by the world's fears.
What are you? A vehicle of God's healing love or a boulder rolling down a hill crushing everything in its path?
Sometimes we can't see ourselves. We're blind to our own faults. Our carnal self has a pretty clever way to deal with this. It builds a wall so that we can't see our fallibleness. It causes us to not see us as the cause of anything but only see others as the cause of everything. We are never at fault. Everyone else is. Then, to further propagate the lie, it attempts to correct everyone else. Depression, pain, further wall building, and very possibly a complete misconstrue of our fellow man results. Forgiveness erases distorted thinking. It puts us back on track to living a fruitful, faith-filled life. Remember, God forgives us when we forgive others. It is a cause and effect situation. Here is a summary: In order to have pain and discouragement (the effect) you need to be unforgiving and always correcting others (the cause). In order to be happy and genuinely loving (the effect) you need to be forgiving (the cause).
People with lots of money can hide behind their bodyguards. They can be so shielded that not one ray of sunlight can penetrate their fearful and dark selves that they refuse to acknowledge. This is exactly like living in a cave, forever "protected" by seclusion. Never having to interact with anyone, never having a chance to see the mirror that others are to us.
Come down from the cave and let the truth be revealed. Fire the bodyguards so you can see, at last, how the world has fooled you into believing a lie. Fire the bodyguards so, at last, you can interact with the people God places in your path, so that you can see the mirror they hold up to you and become humble and pliable and teachable.
How do you define yourself?
Another way to hide from who you are is to become very busy. Busyness keeps your mind occupied with trivial things that keep you from recognizing who you are. It is never the job that causes us to lose sight of ourselves, it is our failure to recognize our responsibility to choose wisely and honestly and not try to hide ourselves from ourselves.
Do not be afraid of the carnal self that is trying to define you. You can step back and observe its deceptive ways, inspired by Satan. The carnal self uses the mind God gave you to twist and distort reality. Withdraw your dependence on its dark view. It's actually very difficult to maintain a distorted view because, through Jesus’s example and His gift to us of the Holy Spirit, God's view is quite dominant. The truth always wins out against Satan's lies. Step back from your made-up self and let God's Son, Jesus, erase your delusions and set you on the right course.
You will soon know who you are, then. And soon after that you will take your place on the right side of Jesus, in Heaven and live eternally in glory.
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I begin with a hymn-poem entitled, "O Jesus I Have Promised," then share from my book A Holy Hodgepodge, a chapter entitled, "Irving the Candle." Finally I end episode with another hymn-poem, "My Jesus I Love Thee."
This is the story of Irving, the candle. Irving was unaware of what he was, but he knew he had a lot to do in this world. His defenses were always up because others were always trying to snuff out his light. Indeed, Irving spent his entire day just defending his wick from the snuffers he encountered. Though his light never went out, it did burn dim.
One day Irving Candle picked up a copy of the Bible and began reading Jesus' directions that if you are standing before the altar in the Temple, offering a sacrifice to God, and you suddenly remember that if someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there beside the altar--go and be reconciled to that person-- then come and offer your sacrifice to God.
Irving was a smart candle. He knew he had a lot of grievances against the snuffers in his life. But it seemed really important to him to fight against the oppression of light, these snuffers laid on him. He felt if he didn't fight them, his light would be snuffed out, permanently. He felt if he didn't defend himself, his light (and his life) would be over.
He put his Holy Bible down, thinking to himself that if he would just fight this battle against the current snuffer in his life, and win, he wouldn't need to fight anymore. "I'll just fight this one and then I'll try to let go of my grievances after that," he told himself. But a strange thing happened. Irving Candle never could fight that "last" battle because there were always other, more important battles that threatened his light. These battles took his attention away from his true purpose (which was to shine) and made him think his purpose was to defend his wick from the oppressors of light. There never was a last battle, only the next battle. There never was a time when he could realize his full potential of lightness because he was so into defending his wick.
As Irving Candle continued to defend his wick, his light grew dimmer and dimmer. It didn't go out (because God created Irving as light) but because Irving thought his purpose was to defend his wick, he found his goals shifted and changed hopelessly. His purpose was always outer directed. Though he felt justified in defending his wick, he was not really achieving his goal of being the light and he began to be depressed by that.
Suddenly it dawned on Irving Candle, as he thought about his light-snuffer landlord that had bilked him out of some money, that focusing on the light, (his faith in God's provision for him and his family) was more important than focusing on the dark (his resentment toward his landlord). Suddenly it occurred to Irving Candle that the best thing he could do for his family was teach them by his example and fully submit to Jesus' commands to love those who persecuted him and forgive those who do him wrong. He knew full submission to Jesus would invite His light to shine through him completely, healing him deeply. If Irving could learn to routinely give it all up to Jesus, rather than focus on defending his wick, his family would learn how to be better lights, in this world of snuffers.
It was at this point that Irving Candle dropped his previous unattainable goals of defending his wick. He did not want to be in a state of "wick"edness. The wick snuffers were too numerous, and they always found his blind spot when they came up behind him, as he walked life's path. He decided to look at the snuffers as opportunities to even grow closer to Jesus.
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I begin with a hymn made into a poem and narrated by me entitled, "Love Lifted Me." Next I share a chapter from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge, entitled, "An Eye for an Eye." Lastly I share another hymn as a poem, "I Love to Tell the Story."
Jesus said to go against the grain of humanity's obsession to return evil for evil. He didn't say to ignore those who do evil to us (which would be the next step down from an attitude of vengefulness), but He said to actually love them. Love them? How?
Being a Christian is not an easy task. It is not easy precisely because we aren't that much involved in the process. It is most difficult for us to ease off on our obsession to be in charge in all our affairs. All Christ asks of us is that we humbly submit our lives totally to Him, our Lord and Savior and allow Him to make the changes within us and in our lives. We are not expected to be wizards or magicians, able to make a potion to drink or shout "abracadabra" and, voila, instantly be able to love the unlovable. What is so difficult to remember is that we are not in charge of our "growth," we are only in charge of when we are going to allow Him to change us from the inside out. If we have a prideful heart, and insist on doing it ourselves, we are going to desecrate the process and feel a sense of failure brought on by our inability to reach our goal of loving those who don't appear to deserve our love. Our humble heart is the only way to be successful for it is the humble heart, in Christ, that, through Him, can accomplish the impossible.
We've got to let Christ take our burdens and trust Him to heal ANY circumstances we may find ourselves in. If we lack the understanding that with God all things are possible, we could easily detour onto a fruitless road of trying to handle everything ourselves. In addition, if we think that with God, all things are possible, but use this knowledge for self-gain, we will find ourselves caught up in worthless goals toward worldly gain which, though possible with God, they are far from satisfying. The key here is in focusing on God's goals, which are stated quite clearly in the Bible, and know, beyond a doubt that with God these goals can be accomplished. Then we unleash the almighty power of our living God toward His clearly stated goals.
Do not make the mistake in thinking God won't reward you for following Moses' upgraded precepts and laws (now stated by Jesus Christ.) He will reward you abundantly and He will give you signs NOW that you are a true lover of His Son, Jesus Christ, who said, "If you love me, follow my commands." No longer do we seek vengeance against those who have mistreated us, but, with complete submission to Christ, we now offer love. The "eye for an eye" mentality of old must be transformed into an outpouring of Christ's love, which we gladly give to this hurting world.
Take the first step, if you haven't already done so, and humbly pray for the Lord to take your sins away and allow Him residence in your heart. Realize that Jesus died on the cross for you and make Him your most valuable treasure here on earth, as you eagerly follow His commands to love those who are the hardest to love.
Lord, grant me vision beyond the ancient law of "eye for eye and tooth for tooth." Give me a heart like Jesus' who told us to love one another as ourselves and to even go so far as to love our enemies and pray for them. This seems impossible to me, Lord. But I know YOU can. Please, Lord, I submit my heart to You so that You may work Your blessings through me. I will step out in faith as You, dear Lord, make the impossible happen.
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I begin this episode with a hymn made into a poem, "It Is Well with My Soul." Next a chapter from my book, A Course in Christianity, entitled, "A Major Hang-up." I finish with another hymn presented poetically, "Be Thou My Vision."
Judgment is a rope around our collective necks, choking out our life. It really is. We judge, we condemn, we pull the rope tighter and tighter until we can't breathe. And then we cry out to God to save us. Save us? Yes, save us from ourselves.
Then God tells us that we must forgive. How often? 70 times 7. That does not mean just 490 times. It means forever, infinitely. Daniel 9:24-25 talks of the End Times and there is a reference to God’s ending all things in His timing cryptically indicated as 70 x 7. Hence Jesus’s alluding to the Old Testament reference of 70 x 7 at Peter’s question means we should forgive forever, until the end of time. So, if we still reside in carnal land, if we still think as the world thinks, we must take the forgiveness ball and run with it.
But, being worldly means we distort things. We do the opposite of what we are supposed to do. We forgive to destroy. We may say, “I forgive you, but I hope you spend eternity in hell!”
"I forgive you, but..." is not the right answer. When we do this, we are clutching the rope that I mentioned in the first paragraph of this chapter and pulling on it causes us to choke to death. Stop it! Forgiveness to destroy does nothing but destroy us. What we do to others (or even think about doing to others) we do to ourselves because God created us collectively, not individually. That is important to remember.
As a reminder, it is a scientific fact that we poison ourselves with negative emotions. In a strange twist of fate, when we despise others, they do not feel the poison released now coursing through our system. They do not feel our pain. There is a reason God has toxins swirling around OUR body when we hate and not our enemy's bodies. It means WE must stop judging and condemning, doesn't it?
Our purpose on this earth is to forgive to heal. We want to forgive in a way that the forgiveness counts instead of trying to fake it. That is the way we overcome this world as Jesus wants us to. He said, "I am the WAY." and from the cross he shouted sincerely, "Forgive them for they know not what they do." Then God raised Him from the dead after three days.
If we sincerely forgive from whatever cross we are bearing (all the way down to the depths of our God-created soul), then we, too, will be figuratively raised from the dead. We will have new life. Praise God for the simplicity of that practice and the effectiveness of it.
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This episode is a rerun of the 2nd episode of this series. It was first published back in April 24, 2021. Enjoy the nostalgia.
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Please enjoy a re-run of my very first episode which began April 24, 2021.
What a splendid prayer the title to this chapter is! I want FAITH. I'm rubbed until I'm raw with the sandpaper of this world. I'm rubbed until I'm bleeding all over my Bible. God's Word appears to have no power. But, with faith, I hear it has unlimited power. I WANT faith!
The world gives me bedsores from sleeping in its ways. Its ways inhibit, blindside, drown my spiritual sight. Is there no respite from this world's crushing blows? It constantly reminds me I'm powerless, I'm of no value; it says that Jesus’s "Bread of Life" is filled with toxic gluten when, by faith I know His bread is sweet and kind and sure and strong! I want Faith to the extent that I never forget that.
How am I supposed to see the reality of my spiritual journey with eyes so blinded by the world's dark view that embeds itself deeply into my life, my values, my beliefs! I do not want my beliefs to be so influenced by this world's strangling fingers. No, I say, No, I repeat, NO, I scream!
Let God's words be true and all from men, a lie! Take my trembling hand, oh God, and lift me out of this abyss of sorrow. I don't have to stay here, do I? I don't have to be a victim, do I? I'm free to fully embrace my personal savior, my heavenly Knight, my wonderful Jesus. I'm perfectly free to deny this world's "truth" and know only the heavenly "Truth" (with a capital T) that sets me free. Increase what little faith I have, Lord.
By His stripes I wasn't healed in the past. By His stripes I'm not healed in the future. By His stripes I'm healed NOW. It is done!! Praise God, it is complete. Oh, mind, I beseech you to engage in the truth as found in God's word--and know that what Christ did, is done. Praise God, it IS done! In perfect joy and amazing grace, I am able to see beyond appearances, see beyond desperate circumstances and look straight into the loving, light-filled eyes of our savior, Jesus Christ, who, while walking this earth 2000 years ago, healed most everyone who came into contact with Him.
I want faith! Oh, Lord, somehow, I need to erase what the world has told me is true. It lies. These are not white lies, but the blackest lies possible. Lies that mock any faith I'd extend to God. Lies that detest the supernatural, lies that cower at the light of God, lies that say, "There is no one to rely on but yourself. You are lower than a worm but you're all you've got. Don't fool yourself.”
“I want faith! Lord, take a shovel and dig deep as I am dwelling six feet under this earth, but my eyes are opening to Your majestic and holy presence. I, who am coffinized in this earth, can hear Your shovel digging deep, scraping away the pebbles and clods and mud that stands between where I am and You, Lord. Come, Lord Jesus. I'm told You are here and I'm told You are with me--but I'm buried in the muck and mire of this earth and, changing analogies, I'm stuck in thorny weeds that constantly prick me and make me bleed. Help me turn away from this nightmare, Lord. Save me from these thorns. I want faith in You! Now, Lord!”
The truth can make me free, but my mind has accepted too much earth--too much world. I've been in a News coma. I've listened to the world's news to the detriment of the "Good News" and the Good News, the Gospel, is sitting too far back in my bookshelf. I can't reach it. The only way I can get a grip on it is with faith. I want faith, Lord.
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I begin with "Wonderful Words of Life" rendered poetic with instrumental by Kevin Macleod. Next you'll hear a chapter from my book, A Course in Christianity entitled, "Don't be Messin' with Perception," and finally one more waxing poetic, "O Sons and Daughters, Let Us Sing" which is a poem I found in the public domain.
Don’t Be Messin’ with Perception
"The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!" Matthew 6:22
In the beginning God extended Himself into all of us. He created us in the image and likeness of Himself (found in Genesis). He gave us the same ability to create as He did with the exception that He did it all while we can only "create" our world(s). Remember this as I extend this idea.
You've seen examples of this perceptual extension all the time in this world. People either making their own circumstances (bad or good) or creating the Kingdom of God (bringing "Thy Kingdom Come, Thy will be done" on earth as it is in heaven). Mankind feels they can change God's reality by ignoring Him and proceeding on their own to fantasize whatever they desire on earth.
Misusing our extending ability (the eye is light, but it can see darkness indeed) is when we extend darkness by begging God to heal what He already healed from the cross, thereby making the appearance real. We don't want to do that. But on this earth, this is a mistake too easily made. We need to use our extension gift in a much better, practical and pragmatic way. We can, if we choose, extend darkness and make or believe in appearances so much that we see no way out of our "made" circumstances. This is very disturbing.
There is something different we could do. We could bring the Kingdom of heaven to earth by using our gift of extension properly. We should never ignore God or think God doesn't exist. By doing that we are making circumstances encircle us which we think is "truth" but is actually the manifestation of our beliefs. Does that make sense? Atheists who think there is no God have surrounded themselves with proof that what they believe is true. They cannot see miracles which are brought on when the child of God extends the Kingdom to earth as it is in heaven. They can only see things from within their atheistic wall they've built. By the way, it takes an amazing amount of energy to keep that wall upright because proof of God permeates this world.
Let's humble ourselves and not be "Messin' with Perception." It is easy to believe appearances in this world but rebuke that nasty habit in you and believe in the Kingdom of God instead. It will make a world of difference because your sight which is ruled by you within, manifests what you focus on. Our internal “focuser*” needs to be adjusted and the only one I trust to adjust my “focuser” is Jesus (and His Holy Spirit He shares with us). Don't let the world, or appearances, rule you. You rule the world by allowing Jesus Christ full access to your “focuser.” Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. (Have I stated that enough times?) He says, "Be of good cheer for I have overcome the world." If He is your way, you have overcome the world also. His Kingdom is much more satisfying than Satan's (or the world's) is. And trust me on this, if you don't bring Jesus into this world in a mighty way, you'll be allowing Satan to be your “focuser,” allowing him to do his work. There is no sitting on the fence. Go with God!
- A focuser is a device which allows one to adjust the focus of an
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I begin with a poetic rendering of "When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder," followed by a chapter from my book, A Course in Christianity entitled, "Active or Passive?" I finish with an original song by me but rendered poetically entitled, "Wherever You Go." I think you'll be blessed!
Active or Passive?
I LOVE a good spiritually enlightened book! It is wonderful to get into the stream of Godly thoughts flowing from its pages and immerse myself in its ideas when they stem from the Bible. It's like taking a shower after a hard and sweaty day's work. Refreshing indeed!
But it's passive.
There's a place in our lives for passive. We need to surround ourselves with the truth in this dark world. Otherwise the dark world will creep, slither, and drip into every exposed crevice of our lives and cause us undue pain and suffering by influencing our beliefs. The crevices of uncertainty need to be surrounded, immersed, and melded with the truth of God, not the deceptions of Satan.
But remember, there's a difference between passive and active. Let's keep in mind that prayer is active while having someone else pour truth into our ears, or eyes (if we're reading or watching something edifying on TV or the movies) is passive. It is important to know that ACTIVE prayer trumps passive truth by a long shot.
Do you want to be practical? Do you want to be healed? Or drawn into the purpose God has for you being here on planet earth? Then spend more time in active prayer. Don't let the passive things become dominant. Frankly, that's Satan's ploy. He would rather have you swim around in the wading pool of God's truth than press in and receive the waterfall of God's glory with His healing for us and our purpose revealed. If that were to happen, he’d be left standing at the gateway to hell all by himself.
Yes, one can read the truth and listen to the truth and watch the truth and have cycles of deep prayer mixed with passive intellectual involvement but remember to keep your priorities straight. When passively letting the truth wash over you via whatever media you are using, and suddenly you come to an inspiring place that triggers a spiritual response--a movement of God's Holy Spirit deep within you, don't skim over that. STOP, LOOK, and LISTEN as if a train is bearing down on you. You are on the right track! Prayerfully absorb the truth.
Stop! Ponder. Relax in God. Know the truth being revealed right then. Don't pass by this enlightened moment. Let it sink slowly and purposefully into your heart, mind and soul. This, my friends, this is a germ of "Active" found in the passive. This is a gem of truth. Allow it to shine actively in your mind.
Passive is when others supply the seed and your interest feeds on their fruit. Active is when it is just you and God. This is when God nourishes YOU, the seed He created, that you would produce the fruit and extend His Kingdom.
Satan says, "Always do the passive, read the truth, absorb the truth found in spiritually mature movies and TV or regular pastors/evangelists. Let the preacher’s heartfelt messages roll over you but," he continues, "don't connect directly with God through prayer. It will kill you." (That's what the Israelites felt when they told Moses, "YOU speak to God. We can't do it!")
When Satan gives you that lie, please put him in his place (under your heel) and declare "GLORY BE TO GOD. I WILL PRAY. I WILL PRAY MY HEART OUT. I WILL PRAY UNTIL THE COWS COME HOME. I WILL PRAY UNTIL I KNOW MY SHEPHERD'S HEART INSIDE AND OUT! I WILL PRAY AND PRAY AND PRAY AND TO HELL WITH SATAN AND HIS DISTRACTIVE WAYS!"
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I begin with a poem by a public domain poet entitled, "Take My Life and Let It Be" then slide into a chapter from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge entitled, "To Vent or Not to Vent," and I finish with one of our songs (poetically narrated), "The Happy Song," with lyrics by Eva Zarley. Happy New Year!
Anger is a powerful emotion. When Satan seizes his opportunity, because we've held some things back from the Lord, thinking we could handle things our way, he beckons it to come through us. Like a mammoth boulder crashing down a mountainside, it can crush everything in its path. When allowed to seethe, like the bubbling mud pots in Yellowstone National Park, small, seemingly harmless bursts of steam and gas permeate the days--discoloring the surroundings. Anger is of the flesh. Anger is the devil. But, upon closer analysis, anger is not really anything to get upset about. It is Satan causing us to misinterpret what is really happening. That's all.
Satan trips us up so that we misinterpret something, which then allows that mammoth boulder to crash down the mountainside, destroying everything below. It is merely a twisted view that causes the steam and gasses to burst through our muddy lives and discolor our world.
Mr. Spock, in the old Star Trek series, was always thought of as cold and maybe even heartless. That was the judgment of others in the plot. In his own way, I always felt there was a lot of love in him and his loyalty to the captain could not have been greater. Rarely, however, did you ever see Mr. Spock get angry. Why? Because of his strong sense of logic. He simply did not feel anger was a pragmatic approach to whatever problem was besetting him, in each episode. He would rather spend his energies finding a solution. He would rather spend his time solving the problem.
Is it possible we could receive a mind-meld by Mr. Spock, the next time we feel we are attacked and maybe his logical mind could help us "reason" our way through it? Just joking! We don't need to imagine a "mind meld" with Mr. Spock, when we can have the mind of Christ. Jesus is the ultimate picture of calm and cool collectedness in the face of impending doom. He slept in the sea-tossed boat during a raging storm. When the fearful disciples woke Him, He merely told the storm and seas, "Peace, be still." No crisis there!
Anger is often just a reaction to fear. We are not victims. Hard as it may seem, there is no time when anger comes upon us without our permission. Yes, anger is a choice. A choice we are making to focus on the deceiver instead of on the Lord. Once we realize we have chosen to become angry, it is easy to not choose that as an option the next time. The key, however, is not to try to suppress it once the choice was made. Suppressing anger merely puts us in denial and causes other problems later. Suppressing anger is like trying to put a cork in a volcano. For a while, things will appear to simmer down but then BAM! Our whole world blows up like Mt. Saint Helen all over again. It's best to never let anger kindle.
Here is some advice on how to keep anger from poisoning our mind, our environment, indeed, our whole world. We must recognize what is happening when there appears to be no other reaction we can have to a circumstance. Satan has restricted our mind, he has it in a headlock and won't let go. Our Lord, dwelling within, would ask us to take a deep breath and ask Him to show the situation to you. Tell Him you want to see things through His eyes, not your own. Jesus will tell you that it is not an attack against you that is taking place. It is, in fact, a call for love. Ask for the Holy Spirit's guidance instead of arrogantly thinking you can handle it.
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Today, as is usual at this time, I begin with a poem set to appropriate inspirational music (this time by Josh Woodward). The poem is entitled, "Standing on the Promises." Then I share a chapter from my book, A Course in Christianity entitled, "Which Teacher Are You Listening To?" then I share one more poem set to music and my narration, "Sweet Hour of Prayer."
Let me be blunt and up front with you. Here are the names of your teachers: Your carnal self and the Holy Spirit. Which one is your teacher?
You don't know? Hmmm. Do you indulge in carnal things like gluttony, addiction to entertainment, or wandering eyes (if you're married)? You know who teaches those fleshy things. Your carnal self.
Do you know the things of the spirit like joy and peace? Love, hope, compassion? Those are taught by the Holy Spirit. Honesty is too. We need to be honest with ourselves. We need to look at our lives objectively and ask, "Who is my teacher? Am I following my carnal self and listening to Satan a lot or am I forgiving others, exploring the spiritual things, and finding I am filled with the fruit of the spirit?"
Yes, we have two teachers in this world--but only one that will successfully lead us to God in the next world. Today we can choose which teacher we follow. Are we going to follow the one who said He was the way? Or the one who operates in this world and who leads us astray?
Two teachers, one student, you.
You've seen those cartoons with a small angel perched on the right shoulder and a small devil perched on the left shoulder of a confused person who needs to make a choice. Who will he listen to? It's like that with us. Who do we listen to?
Those two voices we listen to have within them two consequences: Defeat or victory. It really is a choice to either have failure or to be a conqueror through Jesus Christ. Jesus said, "Be of good cheer for I have overcome the world." Why should we be of good cheer because HE overcame the world? We should be of good cheer because He has chosen us to dwell in, and in Him, we live, and move, and have our being. His victory is ours. His joy is ours.
We are no longer fighting this world, no longer kicking off the dogs whose teeth are clamped to our trousers because now we embrace the strength of God through Jesus Christ. Now we are the victors, the winners. Now, we wonder, how many sad people who don't know this, can we nudge/urge into the Kingdom with us? Not by coercion but by our genuine heart-felt love?
We need God. God did not leave us alone in this world to fight its constant battles. We are not abandoned. But, if we look for another way out of this constant conflict, we will not find it. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes unto the Father but by Me." Don't listen to Satan who often manifests to our egos. Don't listen to the one who can't fulfill the promises he makes. They constantly fail. He promises that we will be happy if we eat that carton of ice cream, he promises that we will be happy if we have an affair, he promises we will be happy if we do hard drugs (or soft ones for that matter), he promises we will be happy if we watch all the episodes of Burning Lust, but his promises are disappointing and a lie. So, he promises if you do more carnal activity, that will make you happy. But it never does.
When will we realize happiness does not come from our carnal self? Listen to the One who is the only way out of this refugee camp world where the fallen and the lost dwell. Come home to Him. Come home! And take as many as will follow you, with you to the promised land. When? At death? No, now.
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I start with "Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us" narrated by me with a wonderful instrumental by Alexander Nakarada. Then I share a chapter from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge entitled, "Air Blockage or Prayer Blockage." I complete this episode with another poem, "Savior Lead Me Lest I Stray."
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I start off with a narrative rendering of Philippians 4 verses 4 through 9 then share from my book, A Course in Christianity, a chapter entitled, "Are people Lost?" then I conclude with another poem, "Open My Eyes That I May See." You should enjoy this episode a lot.
My dog escaped yesterday. I was watching a movie on our flat screen TV when a gust of wind outside blew the gate open. In my dog's mind this meant FREEDOM. He happily exited and began his dogventure. Our other dog, Molly, decided to stay home.
Eva, my wife, had been out shopping but upon hearing via my text message that our dog had escaped and was "lost," came home quickly.
I got into her van upon her arrival and we began the arduous task of circling the neighborhood in a systematic way, shouting out the window, "Charlie, oh, Charlie." We circled the neighborhood for about 45 minutes. In my mind, it was hopeless. I was not too optimistic that we would find this lost dog, but Eva wasn't giving up and she didn't know I was feeling so negative.
We came upon one street we hadn't searched yet and there, standing in a yard, was a lady who had Charlie on a leash. It was cold and cloudy with a biting wind blowing but at the exact moment that we arrived, she was out there with our dog. What a joyous and happy reunion we had. I wanted to kill a calf and celebrate the return of our prodigal dog. (Molly, our other dog, was feeling despondent that we gave so much attention to Charlie, but she understood and barked approvingly when I told her, "He was lost, but now he's found.")
Anyway, why tell you all of this? Because there may be people in your life who are lost and you may feel as I did when it seemed such a fruitless cause to continue searching, to continue reaching, to continue being optimistic and prayerful that the lost will be found. But I urge you to not lose faith, ever. They aren't lost. They're just not found yet.
By choosing hopefulness instead of hopelessness, we consciously contribute to their rescue. We have chosen to continue to have hope and it is in that hopeful light that God can work His miracles and bring your prodigals home...to Him.
So, are we hopeful or hopeless? Are we guided by circumstances and appearances and falling prey to a negative result or, with Jesus, are we knowing the truth and, through His strength, remaining positive?
Are we victims or victors? This world paints a picture of defeat and many moan helplessly and, with heads hanging down, walk the muddy streets of this world, depressed and forlorn. Is this you?
Don't be a victim when, through Christ, you can be a victor.
It was great to have Charlie home again. Molly panted with delight and was very glad to see him, too.
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I begin with a poem embedded with an instrumental by Alexander Nakarada entitled, "Living for Jesus." Alexander's tune is entitled, "Spring." Next I share a chapter from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge entitled "Who's Pulling Our Strings?" and I finish with an old hymn "Onward Christian Soldiers" again with an instrumental by Alexander Nakarada which he entitled, "Chase."
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I begin today's episode with a poetic rendering of a song entitled, "The Holy City," but I think of it as "Jerusalem Jerusalem." Then you'll hear a chapter from my book, A Course in Christianity entitled, "The Steeple in the People." I end with another poetic rendering. This time it is entitled, "Leave It There." God bless you!
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I begin today's episode with Eva's lyrics entitled, "Intimate Mystery." Then, from my book, A Course in Christianity, I share a chapter entitled, "Eye Hath Not Seen" and finally I share the lyrics to an old hymn entitled, "In the Garden."
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Continuing my new format of two poetic instrumentals and a teaching, today's episode consists of one of my songs that I have rendered poetic, "Cruise a While," then a teaching from my book, A Course in Christianity entitled, "Are We Victims of Sickness?" and finally another poem/instrumental "O Lord of Heaven and Earth and Sea." Be blessed!
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After taking two months off (because I had made and uploaded that many episodes ahead of this podcast) I am changing the format for now. Many people are being blessed by my poetic/musical narratives so I will do two of them per episode and one chapter from a remaining book I want you to hear, A Course in Christianity. Today the chapter is entitled, "Cast Fear Out of Your Life." Before that I share two poems/hymns that were embedded with powerful background music that enhances the words. The first one is "Come Unto Me" which is the lyrics to one of my songs and the second one is "Anywhere with Jesus." In both cases the music is by Alexander Nakarada.
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Today I have a theme to share with you on this episode of Leaving the Grandstand World. I guess the theme could be entitled, "Our Stubbornness." I begin with a revamping of an old hymn--making it a poem with appropriate music. It is entitled, "Almost Persuaded." Then I share our song, "Seems Nobody Wants to," and finally I share from my first book Extreme Christianity (no longer available) a chapter entitled, "Reluctance." It should give you food for thought. Be blessed!
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I begin with an old hymn re-tooled as a poem with music that helps embed the anointed words into your heart. That old hymn is entitled, "When We All Get to Heaven." Next I share a song I wrote in Idaho before moving to Indiana. It's entitled, "Jesus Please Adjust Me" and is prophetic for me as Jesus was surely going to adjust me after I moved to Indiana! I finish this episode of Leaving the Grandstand World with another chapter from a book I first wrote when I moved to Indiana: Extreme Christianity. The chapter I share is entitled, "Oh No, Defiled Again." All in all I believe you will be blessed once again.
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I begin this episode of Leaving the Grandstand World with a poetic interpretation of "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" with music that draws you in. Then you'll hear the last cut on Eva's album, Faith Expressed, entitled, "Tarry." Finally I share a teaching from the first book I wrote upon moving to Indiana and marrying Eva. It was entitled, Extreme Christianity and is no longer published. The teaching is entitled, "The Skeptical Intellectual" and I felt it worthwhile to share with you. It should be a blessing.
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Today's episode of Leaving the Grandstand World begins with an old hymn transformed into a poem with emotionally satisfying music. That hymn is, "Peace Peace Wonderful Peace." Then I share from Eva's album, Faith Expressed, a cut entitled, "Worship," and finally from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge, a chapter entitled, "Healing Power."
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Today I start with a poem entitled, "Lord Jesus Think on Me," then I share a cut from Eva's album, Faith Expressed entitled, "Praise and Thanksgiving," and conclude with a chapter from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge, entitled, "How the World Works." Be blessed!
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I start off this episode of Leaving the Grandstand World with a powerful rendition of the old hymn, "I Surrender All" as poetry. I sincerely believe you will be touched by the Holy Spirit. Next I continue sharing Eva's album, Faith Expressed, with the cut entitled, "Healing." I finish with an unbelievable tale (with added spiritual ramifications) entitled, "The Cat Came Back" which is a chapter from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge.
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I begin with another special old hymn, "I'm So Glad That Jesus Loves Me," transformed into a poem to allow the words to penetrate your soul. Then you'll hear another selection from Eva's album, Faith Expressed entitled, "Deliverance." I complete this episode with a true story in which an anointed preacher who had to make a choice. Go to lunch or stick around and let the Holy Spirit continue His amazing healing work. What are your priorities? That piece is from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge.
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I begin today with a poem, once again, from an old hymn, "Higher Ground." Then I share another of Eva's songs from Faith Expressed entitled, "Suffering." Finally I share a chapter from my book, A Course in Christianity, entitled, "Have We Created Ourselves?" Enjoyable and thought provoking all around.
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Welcome to episode 171 of Leaving the Grandstand World. I start off with an old hymn, "Heavenly Sunlight" transformed into poetry with appropriate music embedded into it. Then we hear another of Eva's songs from her album, Faith Expressed entitled, "Transformation" in which I am a guest artist. Finally I share a chapter from my book, A Course in Christianity entitled, "Does Jesus Remove Sin?"
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I don't believe you have heard anything like what I'm about to share with you. In my description of this product I've compared myself to Rod Mckuen (so I'm a Christian Rod McKuen). Never heard of him? Many years ago he produced songs with Anita Kerr (an orchestra leader) who wrote special music to help emotionally as he narrated his poetry. He was very popular in his time.
I have learned to find emotionally fulfilling music to embed my poetry or song lyrics to. I lovingly and carefully narrate the poems/lyrics to the instrumentals that often seem specifically written for the work. But the instrumentals weren't written for the poems. They are separate entities, shining like the stars in the heavens, when coupled with my narration. Where do I get the music?
Good question. Some creative composers license their music under Creative Commons which allows other artists to use their work for their projects IF, I say, IF they attribute their music to them. The four composers I have found on the Internet that allow this are Kevin Macleod (Incompetech.com), Josh Woodward (Joshwoodward.com), Jason Shaw (audionautix.com) and my latest discovery, Alexander Nakarada (Free-Stock-Music.com).
The first album I put together is entitled, "Sweet Hour of Prayer" and it is very close to an hour (58 minutes) of extremely moving and emotional cuts that take you deep into the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. You can't come away from this album unmoved. There are 18 cuts on this album. These cuts flow flawlessly from one heavenly experience to another. They mesh together into an experience of prayer that you can access time and time again, getting closer and closer to the gates of heaven. If I was successful, you will find yourself rising above the chaotic "nature" of the world and contributing your thought-light in a "supernatural" way to the darkness surrounding us. You won't need to fight to overcome the world. Jesus already did that on the cross. You'll simply KNOW the truth to be set free.
As I created this album, which had to be aimed at a prayerful goal, I passed up many other cuts that were outstanding uplifting cuts but were too upbeat or inappropriate for "Sweet Hour of Prayer." So I put together a second album entitled, "Sweet Hour of Joy" which consists of 22 cuts that you will find amazing, uplifting and divinely clever. It consists of a wide mix of Godly topics with music uncannily linked to the words (just as the first one was).
If you click on the link below, you'll have the opportunity to listen to portions of each song in the "Sweet Hour of Prayer" album. Scroll on down to the bottom and you'll see the next album which you can access also. To the left of each album, you will see other sites where you can access these amazing cuts. If you are subscribed to any of these sites, it is possible you can hear the entire cuts (for instance Amazon Music allows this). Below is the link to get to the music/narrations.
vic-at-zarley-dot-net.hearnow.com/sweet-hour-of-prayer
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Today, being close to Halloween, I share a repeat performance from last year's Halloween episode. Enjoy the poem, "We're Leaving Bodies Everywhere," the song, "Ghost Ships" and a teaching entitled "Alien Intrusion" which is my experience with UFO's and my realization of what those UFOs really are. That teaching is from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge. Next episode I will continue to share Eva's album, Faith Expressed.
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Today's episode of Leaving the Grandstand World encourages you to take authority of the mountains looming in your life today. Jesus said, "Speak to the mountain" and if you don't doubt in your heart, it will be moved! But I get ahead of myself. First I share a poem found in the public domain entitled, "Wonderful Savior," then, continuing showcasing Eva's album Faith Expressed, I share the cut entitled, "Forgiveness." Finally I share a short poem found in my book, A Course in Christianity entitled, "Move That Mountain." Be blessed!
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I start off with one of my songs which I narrate as a poem, "Forgiveness Is Not Seeing What Was Never Really There," then I share the 4th cut of Eva's album, Faith Expressed, entitled, "Sanctification," and finally I share a chapter from my book, A Course in Christianity, entitled, "The Fall Happens."
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I found the poem for today in the public domain. It is entitled, "Rejoice All Ye Believers." Next I share the 3rd cut of Eva's album, Faith Expressed entitled, "Baptism." Finally I share an "Introduction to My Book, A Course in Christianity."
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As I have been doing for a while, now, I took one of my songs and treated it as a poem, narrating it to appropriate music. Today I did that with, "And I Believe It." The music was by Dano and is entitled, "Everything Begins." It is found at Danosongs.com. Next I share from Eva's album, Faith Expressed, the second selection entitled, "Salvation," which also includes music by Josh Woodward (which he licensed Creative Commons with Attribution). His tune is entitled, "Go" and is found at JoshWoodward.com. Finally I share from my book, A Course in Christianity, a chapter entitled, "The Deep, Deep Love of Jesus."
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I know you are familiar with the old folk song, "He's Got the Whole World In His Hands." I share it as a poem with Kevin Macleod jazz music that seems to fit this poem like a glove. I have sped it up quite a bit. Next I share one of my wife's songs (her lyrics, Josh Woodward's music). Josh did not write this music for my wife but he allows us (anyone really) to use his music for their projects if it is licensed as Creative Commons. It is. The song is entitled, "Repentance." Josh's tune is entitled, "Gravity." The teaching is from my book A Course in Christianity entitled, "The Whole Picture." Blessings!
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Welcome to Leaving the Grandstand World, the world where excelling Christians choose to leave the pews, leave the bleachers, and decide instead to participate in transforming the world by transforming their minds. How exciting this is! I start off today's episode with a poetic rendition of the old hymn, "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms," then I share my song, "I'm Burning All My Bridges," and finally I share a teaching from my book, A Course in Christianity entitled, "Praying from the Truth." I am 99.9% sure you will be blessed.
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I start off with one of everyone's favorite old time hymns narrated as a poem. It is, "The Lily of the Valley." Next I share my song, "Freeway to Eternity" followed by a chapter from my book, A Course in Christianity entitled, "Why Do We Need to Forgive."
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I'm positive you've never heard the song "Jesus Loves Me" narrated as a poem to blues music. Well, you have now. Today I share, "Jesus Loves Me," as a poem, then my song, "The Sabbatical Song," and I complete today's episode with a teaching from my book, A Course in Christianity, "You Are As God Created You."
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We begin today's episode with a short selection from God's Word, Philippians chapter 2, verses 1 through 11. Next I share "Consider the Lilies," a song Eva and I wrote, and I conclude with a chapter from my book, A Course in Christianity entitled, "A Rolling Stone."
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"We'll Rarely Get the Victory on the Wings of Just One Prayer," is a song I wrote in which I took the lyrics and treated them as a poem with my narration and appropriate music. Next I share our song, "Worthy Worthy Is the Lamb of God," then I finish this episode with a teaching from my book, A Course in Christianity, entitled, "Just Because Everybody Does It."
Just because everybody does what, you ask? Death appears to be very popular. I would say 100% of the people on earth have successfully entered the "Death Zone" and are no
longer in their physical bodies. I would say that...but I'd be wrong.
In God's Word, there are a few instances where death did not seem to find these people at home when it came to call. Where were they?
Enoch "was no more". I Googled Enoch and found this:
It is only the Enoch mentioned in Genesis 5:18 that the Bible gives any significant information about. This Enoch was the great-great-great-great-grandson of Adam. Genesis 5:22–24 says, “After he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked faithfully with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether, Enoch lived a total of 365 years. Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.”
Hebrews 11:5 gives a little more detail: “By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: ‘He could not be found, because God had taken him away.’ For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.” This being “taken away” is what Enoch is most famous for. Only two people in the Bible are said to have been chosen by God to escape death, Enoch and Elijah. Enoch appears to have been given this privilege due to being a man who walked faithfully with God (Genesis 5:24) and pleased God (Hebrews 11:5).
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Enoch-in-the-Bible.html)
So, not 100% of the inhabitants on this earth have died. Insurance companies are set up on a statistical curve that takes the odds that something will happen and translates that information into how much your insurance will cost and how much they will pay out to the survivors. They assume that death is 100%. They would collectively shake their heads in confusion if someone failed to die (but "was no more").
So, only two people in the Bible did not leave earth in the usual manner. Jesus, however, left earth in the usual manner but three days later, He came back in his resurrected body, in an eternal state and ministered here on earth for 40 days before ascending into heaven.
In my book of stats, Jesus is the third person who did not die (the second time, anyway) and qualifies as Someone who can successfully leave insurance agents scratching their heads. What do they pay out to the ones holding the policy if the party in question simply "was no more" or, like Jesus, “ascended into heaven”?
I don't claim to hold the answer as to how Enoch and Elijah avoided one of the two only sure things on this earth—death. (The other being taxes.) But I sure don't want to die just because "everyone is doing it." That makes no sense to me. "Everyone" does a lot of things that I'd just as soon not participate in. So, I walk with God, too. And I try to forgive as Jesus did from the cross.
Jesus prayed, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do" and, though He passed away, three days later he was raised from the dead acquiring His eternal body and He did not pass away again. There seems to be a relationship to His final prayer of forgiveness toward His enemies and His return to life. I see that, anyway.
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We begin with an old song I wrote that I never put music to. It is now a poem with music by Kevin Macleod wrapped around it. It is entitled, "The Lake of Fire." Then I share our song, with a little background info, entitled, "When the Fire's Over," and I finish this episode with a teaching from my book, A Course in Christianity, entitled, "Is Sin a Virus?"
Is Sin a Virus?
Sin has all the characteristics of a virus. Has it gone viral in you? If you are Christian and have taken Jesus into your heart, accepted that He died to take your sins away, it would seem important to not dwell on our or other's sins, wouldn't it?
Let's put the puzzle pieces together. In the Old Testament we find, "What you think in your heart, you are" (As a man thinks in his heart, so is he). In the New Testament, Jesus said, "If you lust after a woman you have committed adultery in your heart." If you lust after judging others, if you feel self-righteous as a Christian, if you are into criticizing others, you have "fallen" again. Get up. Let me remind you of the truth. Since Jesus saved you by dying for your sins, why would you want to take sin up again?
If what you think in your heart, you are, what place in your heart has sin (either yours or others)? None. There is no place in your heart for either your sins, or others' sins. This is not an open door to sin, but a recognition that dwelling on our sins is not productive. Dwelling on sin does not lead us to all-truth. Jesus and His forgiveness do.
Again, if we judge others, we are disobeying Jesus’s directive to "judge not, lest you be judged." Why would we judge others? We would judge others because we detect sin. If we detect sin, we have taken sin into our hearts again. Sin and Jesus cannot both dwell in our hearts. They are incompatible. You can have either Jesus or sin, but not both.
What am I saying in this chapter? As Christians, we need to be acutely aware of how we see things. It is an important responsibility. If we condemn, we will be condemned. If we judge, we will be judged. If we witness sin, we will invite sin back into our hearts (which have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus).
If you want to get reinfected with the virus of sin, that is your choice, but you have been saved from sin by Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross and it seems very counterproductive to dwell on sin and enable it to get a hold on you once again.
Jesus wiped the slate clean by His death on the cross. In our "free choice," why would we want to smudge the slate up again? We need to pray for those who stab us with their hate, we need to love our enemies (no matter who they might be), we need to integrate the teachings of Jesus into our lives.
Jesus prayed, "Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven." Jesus is the way (to the Kingdom), He is the truth (of the Kingdom) and the life (the abundant life of the Kingdom). If we have Jesus in our hearts, we must radiate His Kingdom--we must BE His Kingdom.
So, we must be careful how we see. We must discipline ourselves in this dark world to BE God's light. If you didn't consider all these points mentioned in this chapter, you would be resting on your laurels claiming Jesus as your savior, yet not claiming His salvation by your constant reinfection of sin in your precious mind and heart.
Jesus even said, "If you love me, follow my commands," which infers that we CAN'T love Jesus if we aren't following His commands. He also said, "If you don't love me, don't follow my commands," which infers that we are crossing over the line and siding with the enemy if we don't follow Jesus’s commands.
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We begin with a poem that is a dialogue between God and someone who has been wronged in some way. Accused of doing something unjustly. It is called, "Forgive Them for They Know Not What They Do." Then I share my song, "All My Dreams" and finally I share a teaching from a chapter of my spiritual autobiography The Opening Window, entitled, "Dreams Are Made for People." Bonus: At the end of this episode I share a song with lyrics possibly by my first girlfriend, Merrilee Kramer. I wrote the music. It is entitled "Dreams Are Made for People". Enjoy!
Dreams Are Made for People
Dream: Little toy soldiers are marching through my kitchen. I wake up and write the dream down because I am enthusiastically looking for God’s answers and I believe that God speaks to us in dreams. After falling back asleep, I dream the same dream only this time the soldiers have a glow about them. The Holy Spirit reveals to me that God is giving my tiny “David” soldier thoughts the power they need to defeat my Goliath. I praise God now even as I think about it.
Dream: I’m running from wild dogs who want to tear me apart. My eyes are raised to the sky where I see, flying in wonderful patterns, flocks of birds. Deep within, I know those flocks of birds are thoughts of God, angelic in nature, high above the pain, the threat, the appearances. I’m still being chased but, somehow, I know I’m lifted as I dwell on those birds. Oh, how I long for the thoughts of God!
Dream: (Prelude to dream) Harry Chapin was a wordsmith, a poet, if you will, who had a few hits in the ‘70s (“Taxi” and “Cat’s in the Cradle”) but his album tracks like “A Better Place to Be” paint pictures of lives in the world that are often sad but, in his telling the stories and singing them, he was a master at his craft. Every emotion is touched. Incredibly well-done material. He really had no equal in being able to relate a story. My dream had Harry Chapin flying a plane and, using an atom bomb, bombing our Army base. My reaction to this dream, as I had it, was shock and dismay that Harry would do such a thing. When I awoke and thought about it, though, I burst into tears at God’s encouraging picture. At this time of my life, I was very distraught and discouraged and, frankly, depressed about my illness but had felt compelled to continue with affirmations about God’s love for me even though, I often felt, I was doing this in vain. I did find, though, that since I had myself on this word regimen, I, at least, felt I was doing something to help myself. I was not going to let the appearances take me down. If God loved me, (which the Bible says He does), then I needed to know it with all my heart. I knew that if I was brought down by the appearances of futility and hopelessness, I was definitely not being aware of the truth of God’s love. So, I used affirmations expounding on this truth, even though I did not believe it, yet. I was discouraged but kept it up because it was the only thing I knew to do. Then I received this dream in which Harry Chapin bombs our Army base. Oh, I cannot tell you how much that encouragement from God meant to me. God was telling me that my creative words were destroying the base of my conflict, my battle. God was telling me He had me in the palm of His hand and my battles would soon be over. I was still down, emotionally, but I could see the light at the end of the tunnel; I could sense its end; I could almost taste a victory in Him.
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I begin today with another original song that never got music put to it. It is entitled, "When I'm Backed Against the Wall." Next I share our song, "Praise Ditty," then I complete this episode with a teaching from my book, A Course in Christianity entitled, "Don't Ask the Perpetrator."
Don’t Ask the Perpetrator!!
It just doesn't make any sense to ask the part of you that has consumed your life with carnality to get you OUT of carnality, does it? It would be stupid to do that...but that is what we do. If someone harms us, Satan whispers in our ears that we should get even. That thought and act does not lead to healing and, therefore, is not the right answer to our problem.
What are our important parts? First and foremost, if we have accepted Jesus into our hearts and made Him Lord, we have the Holy Spirit. But, as stated, we also have our carnal self. This aspect of ourselves is very deceptive, conniving, and convincing. It is this aspect of our being that drives us in this world.
It's the Satanic influence (or carnal self) that tells us what we need to survive in this world. If we had a negative childhood in which we barely survived, we may be "influenced" to over-compensate for that lack. Keep in mind, unless we are paying attention to the Holy Spirit, we are being counseled by the wrong counselor.
So back to the first paragraph, does it make sense to listen to the voice that reasons by adding up all the appearances (that, by the way, Jesus told us not to judge by) and live our lives by them? Think about that.
Did you do that? Isn't it great that we can step back from our lives and reason objectively? That alone tells us that we are not solely the product of our environment...but that is another issue.
Who are we going to listen to? God or Satan? It gets down to that very decision. Satan thinks the world of materialism and "chance" is all there is and counsels us to do the same. God supernaturally guides (through His Holy Spirit) to help us unite with one another and love one another with an agape love, a brotherly love. He unites, Satan divides.
Follow God, through His Son Jesus, and choose to listen to the voice that calms the storms, soothes the hurting, heals the sick, loves the neighbor and guides us OUT of carnality. The battle between God and Satan is already won! God’s very existence is all that's needed. Light wipes out the dark instantly.
If we submit to the Light, we are welcomed into genuine love, peace, happiness, and joy no matter what the circumstances. If we submit to the dark, we trespass into realms of fear, loneliness, anger, sadness and strife. Which voice will you be following?
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I begin this episode with new material. A poem (that was initially written as a song but music was never put to it) entitled, "The Old Red Sea Was Parted." Next you'll hear "Lily of the Valley" then, from A Course in Christianity, a very important teaching that reminds us of Jesus's command entitled, "Don't Judge Others."
Don't Judge Others
This is an important message today and it dovetails with the previous chapter. This rotting world is peppered with judgments, piled on top of judgments. There seems to be no end to them.
Is it possible for us to balance the scales and divvy out completely appropriate judgment on people? I don't think so. We try but it is an impossible task. I guess we should leave it to God.
The Bible says, beginning at Matthew 7:1, that we are not to judge because we will be judged. I will take it a step further and say we cannot judge. Our attempts are foolish. We do not have an omniscient presence in this world and cannot know every aspect of what we see happening.
In this world we try to maximize "good" judgment and minimize "bad" judgment in ourselves. The more we are educated, we feel, the less likelihood are we to fall victim to poor judgment. But wait, this IS confusing. What is good judgment and bad judgment?
What is good judgment to one may be bad judgment to another. In addition, to further confuse things, a person could say that doing something at one time is "good" (killing our enemy in wartime, for instance) but doing it at another time is "bad" (killing our neighbor). Given this, it may not be possible to make any sense from a judgment.
I believe the Bible is infinitely clearer at what judgment is in the verse above. If we criticize or condemn someone we are "judging" them and will be judged likewise. This is a spiritual law. We will not necessarily be judged likewise by the ones we judged, but, in general, the scales will be balanced by the law that God put into place and we can know, with certainty, that someone will do unto us what we did unto someone else. This spiritual law is as valid as the law of gravity.
If we choose to follow the command given in Matthew 7:1, we will keep at arm's length any repercussions coming from God's law. If someone seriously wrongs us (or someone close to us), we would do better to pray for them than to fight them. Fighting them, arguing with them, holding a grudge against them all lead to additional weights on the scales God’s law is evaluating.
Can you imagine the immense task the law God has in place that keeps everything straight? Let's see, he did that, so he did this which caused Irving to smack Brock, who fell on Jeremy, so Jeremy kicked... You see? Let's get real here. We cannot accurately judge. But God has set a law in place that handles all breeches perfectly.
Now, with Christ's forgiveness, we unravel the threads of complexity, we stop the scourge of despair and guilt, we embrace the love of the Lord because God loves it when we follow His command to not judge. Attempting to judge adds another layer of greasy dirt onto the playing field but forgiveness clears the playing field of all the layers and makes it possible for a miracle to occur--the miracle of holiness, the miracle of a deep and genuine peace. And the weight that is lifted from our shoulders is such a relief.
"Vengeance is mine, sayeth the Lord." That's right. It's His, not ours. The law God set into place balances the scales. If someone treats us unkindly, we must release it to the Lord and pray for our hearts to be generous enough to forgive.
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Today we are exploring our thoughts in the teaching found at the end of this episode. The teaching is entitled, "Thoughts" and is from my book, A Course in Christianity. But before that short teaching, I share an old hymn narrated as a poem entitled, "When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder," and my song, "Come Unto Me." Enjoy!
If Jesus were standing near your mind, watching your thoughts as they marched by, what would He think? Let me answer. He would be in a constant state of forgiveness saying, "Forgive him, God, he has no idea what he is doing." Of course, this is what He said on the cross as He was dying for our sins. Jesus forgives sin. That is what He does. He did not come to condemn the world, but to save it. He asks us to "follow Him" and therefore we, too, are to forgive the carnal activities of the world. And we are to watch our thoughts as if Jesus, Himself, were standing at our mind's gateway, observing them with us.
Imagine a volcano. It doesn't just immediately spew volcanic ash and lava. It had to build up first then it began spewing forth those things. So, too, does our mind work that way. As a man thinks in his heart, so is he. Our thoughts build up, one on top of the other, building the mountain until a steady stream of carnal world thoughts shower the land. Why are we surprised that our thoughts are so unruly? So carnal? Why is a part of us ashamed to think that Jesus may be standing at the edge of our mind, observing the passing of these thoughts? Do we need to be a victim of our thoughts?
No. We need to recognize the whole picture. The thoughts that flow from our minds and ultimately our mouths, stem from the accumulation of thoughts we have allowed to build up (like a volcano builds up). What can we do about thoughts that escape from our mind if we have decided we don't want to be ashamed of them any longer? How can we make Jesus say, "Well done, faithful servant"?
Take control of your thinking now. Do not allow the worldly, carnal activity all around you to influence your thinking any longer. Take control as Paul commanded. Begin to build a new source of your thoughts.
Let your thoughts become like a geyser, like Old Faithful in Yellowstone Park. Let cleansing and purifying water gush from your mind and therefore, your mouth.
Cleansing thoughts that come from layer upon layer of cleansing thoughts, gushing from your mind and heart, cleansing and purifying the world.
Jesus would smile if He noticed those thoughts influencing your world. You would feel better, too. As I stated earlier, God created all of us to be unified as one family. Any decision any of us makes, influences others in ways we can't even imagine. God created us as one family. We followers of Christ have been adopted by Jesus and share His Godly nature with Him. Changing your thinking, one thought at a time, is a worthy endeavor. Hop to it.
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This is the last episode of what I call "Season 17." (Each of my seasons are 1 month so there are approximately 8 episodes per "season.") I want to invite you to go to the beginning of the podcast and listen to all the episodes you've missed. There's a generous array of creativity that will inspire you to grow closer to our Creator, closer to Jesus. This episode begins with the poetic rendition of one of my songs, entitled, "Spinning Spinning." Many months ago I produced and recorded around 10 old hymns that inspired the residents of many nursing homes we used to visit and sing at. I'm sharing, "Shall We Gather By the River." Finally I share a chapter from my book, A Course in Christianity, entitled, "The Eye Is the Lamp of the Body."
The Eye Is the Lamp of the Body
Matthew 6:22-23 reads “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, c your whole body will be full of light. 23But if your eyes are unhealthy, d your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!”
All of us see through our chosen lens. One person can look at an event and see nothing but evil while another person sees God's light shining all through it. Over time, we make our lens through which we see the world. The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eye has been trained properly over time, its lens will sort out what is good so you can dwell on that.
Jesus gave us wonderful insight in the above verse. Do we want to shine "the dark" or shine "the light"? We don't have to be victims of our senses. We should not jump to conclusions based on appearances. There is always something greater going on, no matter what the event. Can we train our mind to, as Paul says, “Think on these things”?
It isn't what we see, it is the way we see that counts. Are your eyes healthy? Do they ferret out the good, dwelling only on that? Or do they look for evil and if they can't find any, make it up?
Our eyes can deceive us. We see the world through the lens of our hearts. If our hearts have been deceived for years, we will detect that deception (thinking it is true) and base our lives on the falsehoods that we swear ARE true because we see examples constantly BUT it is a circle game. Round and round it goes, heart deceived, eyes declare the deception which reinforces the deception, giving further examples of its "truth" (which isn't truth at all) which reinforces the deception--on and on it goes.
Before God even saw the need for our redemption at the Fall, He began planning for the coming of His Son, Jesus, to redeem us by His sacrifice on the cross. The plan of salvation was prophesied by God to Eve and Christ is foreshadowed throughout the Old Testament by many prophets before bursting onto the scene in the New Testament and fulfilling His purpose. We still must understand and trust what He did for us and not act like the Israelites did so often when they worshipped false gods. The gods we’ve made up today and, in the past, have not treated us well at all. What we worship manifests as pain, sadness, fear, and discontent. Only God is God. Only His Son, Jesus Christ, has shown us the way, the truth and the life (real life). As we willingly take His hand and follow His example, He leads us out of our self-made prisons.
If that isn't the deep, deep love Jesus is showing all of us, I don't know what is. We simply MUST heed His wisdom. We simply MUST let go of this world and embrace the next, let go of time and embrace eternity. God knows we can make that choice. He bet His Son on that.
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I begin today's episode of Leaving the Grandstand World with a joyous old "Folk song" entitled "Do Lord" which I made into a poem with peppy music in the background. It should make you smile. Next I share our song, "The Happy Song," and I finish with a teaching from my book, A Course in Christianity entitled, "The Body as an Attack Instrument." Question: Did God make hands to caress or slug with?
The body doesn't have to be an attack instrument that we use while residing on this planet--but think about it. How often IS it used as such?
God gave us hands with fingers attached so that we could pick things up or pet a dog or cat, or gently caress the face of a friend. We decided that a hand could be used as a fist to smash into an enemy's face, or, if we've been offended by someone, we could slap them there with an open palm. An instrument of attack, an instrument of pain.
As spiritual beings, living beyond the body and its various methods of attack, we can choose to live by communicating only love--despite what others may do to us. From our vantage point, this could lead to death by someone who is NOT a fan of communicating love and we'd be a martyr. But, from God's vantage point, Who, through Jesus Christ, does not recognize the human body as a means to an aggressive attacking end, He is glorified in the sacrifice of our bodies as we choose love instead of show vengeance.
I know that is controversial but how else will the world learn that the true desire of a purified heart (through Jesus Christ) is to see love advanced and multiplied, not hate? How else can the world see a completely different picture than the one it has been enjoying for so many years? How else, but through advanced demonstrations of love in the most extreme situations?
And, wasn't the One who placed Himself in a most extreme situation of death on a cross, demonstrating love to the nth degree? Not only did He die FOR us, but He demonstrated a completely new way to deal with the enemies He told us about: Turn the other cheek, give them the clothes on your back, let them do what they will with the shell of a body you have and show them the spirit of love, show them The Way, The Truth, and The Life.
And what a mark on the history of humanity Jesus made! His life is a most revered life and a most discussed life and a most impactful life one could ever imagine. We would emulate Him, we say, but to what degree? When would our gentle and creative "hands" turn from expressing love in so many ways to becoming fists of anger and rage? How much do we want to emulate the Master, Jesus Christ, and become like Him?
Go to God, know Him, love Him with all your heart and let Him lead you. Make a difference in this world. God will remove all fear from your heart as you embrace Him with all your being, thereby doing His will.
There is no life but His and our lives are meaningless without Him so why not rise above the ways of the world and go with the ways of God? Relax your fists of anger and let them become hands of healing and love.
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This episode of Leaving the Grandstand World explores the world of the church. We know that the body of believers ARE the church, not the building, not the administration, not the entertainment, not the services, only the people carry Christ within them (if they choose to acknowledge that). Of course, it is Biblical and necessary to gather as believers in order to corporately support the widows and orphans, and to gather for prayer and testimonies and maybe a sermon or two. The poem for today I found in the public domain and it pays homage to this special weekly gathering at a place we call "church." It is entitled, "Unto Your Temple Lord We Come" written by Robert Collyer. Next you'll hear our song, "There's Gotta Be Fruit," and finally a short treatise entitled, "The Happiest People on the Planet," which, of course, the Christians should be. It is from my book, A Course in Christianity.
The Happiest People on the Planet?
Mar 9:23 Jesus said to him, If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes. MKJV
Mat 19:26 But Jesus looked on them and said to them, With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. MKJV
In the above biblical quotes, Jesus said a few things that will help even the intellectuals see the truth of the Bible and prove God's existence more clearly (if they will open-mindedly look around and observe). Though we are to believe on Him for our salvation, Jesus did NOT say that if you can believe in Me, all things would be possible. Nor did He say that if you believe only Christian doctrine, all things would be possible. He said that if you can believe, ALL things are possible. Does this put some light on the way the world works?
Those in the New Age (or self-sufficiency belief systems) utilize this truth and find that they are able to focus their minds intently, believing they can receive the material goods, achieve their goals, and attain any other desires they may have. Like magic, often those very things materialize in their lives. All the positive thinking books carry the message that what you believe will manifest in your life. Jesus pointed this truth out for us, but why? Did He want us to manifest lots of things in our lives so we could be happy? No, that wasn't His goal. He does want us happy, but not in mere worldly acquisitions. Christ's goal was much deeper than temporal satisfaction. Have you noticed that worldly acquisitions never ultimately satisfy? We tend to always want more. But that is a whole other topic. Are Christians happy?
The Christians should be the happiest people on the planet. Why? Because they should know beyond a shadow of doubt that God has prepared a place for them in Heaven where they will reside for eternity. But, according to Jesus’s prayer, He would like to see Heaven brought to earth. This is done when Christians live the Christian life.
Some must think that God is going to zap them sometime and make them love others the way God loves them. In His word, God says even the heathen love their family and friends. God wants us to love our enemies. And who, pray tell, is our enemy?
You've seen him crouching behind a rock, ready to pounce on you. You've seen him urging you to go with him to a violent secular movie. You've seen him asking you to have a drink with him. You've felt bad because he disappointed you, betrayed you, hated you, or envied you. Yes, this is your enemy. Enemy, I'd like you to meet the reader of this chapter, reader, meet your enemy whom God asks you to love.
How do you do that? He hurt your feelings. Love doesn't depend on our feelings. It is a choice we make. If God asks us to love our enemies, then we can do it--in the name of Jesus Christ, we can do it.
Can you say in your heart, "I love you," to your enemy? Can you say in your heart, "In Jesus’s holy nam
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The poem today is from the King James Version of the Bible, Psalm 23, "The Lord Is My Shephard." The music accompanying it is by Kevin Macleod entitled, Nomadic Sunset MMXIX and is found at Incompetech.com. This can be, if you'll allow it, an emotional production that will touch your heart. The song is "And I Believe It" followed by the teaching from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge, entitled, "Confessions."
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Today's episode of Leaving the Grandstand World is especially important. The poem, song and teaching all have necessary elements that help you pack your suitcase for your journey OUT of the grandstand world. The poem is a song I wrote that I've made into a poem entitled "Thank you, Thank you, Jesus." Jesus has made a way for all of us that we might be comforted on our journey. We have much to be grateful for. The song is entitled, "Redeemable Me," and it emphasizes major appreciation that God has made it even possible for us to be redeemed through Jesus. Finally I share a teaching from my book, A Course in Christianity entitled, "God Trumps the World."
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This episode of Leaving the Grandstand World consists of a poem I found in the public domain entitled "A Beautiful Life," then you'll hear my song, "I Want to See This World.' The teaching I share with you is from my book, A Course in Christianity and is entitled, "An Important Christian Riddle."
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I am happy to say that one of my short writings entitled "The Pedestrian Overpass" is featured in the latest Chicken Soup for the Soul book which is being published on Tuesday, August 16, 2022. I shared that piece in episode 2 of this podcast.
Today's episode begins with a short teaching from my book, A Course in Christianity, entitled, "Opposites," and from there I share a poem entitled, "The Mouse." I finish this episode with my song, "Inflatable Dragon."
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I begin this episode with a song, "There's Gotta Be Fruit," with the lyrics narrated as a poem. Then I share my song, "Spinning Spinning" and I complete this episode with a teaching from my book, A Course in Christianity, entitled, "God Will Not Think For Us."
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Today we explore the Kingdom of Heaven. I begin with a song which I transformed into a poem, entitled, "We Are Free" then I share a beautiful song Eva and I wrote entitled, "Intimate Mystery," followed by a teaching from my book, A Course in Christianity, entitled, "The Kingdom of Heaven."
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We begin with a short poem found in the public domain entitled, "A Little Song for Jesus," then I share our song, "Oh, I Love You, Lord, I Do." The teaching is from my book, A Course in Christianity and is entitled, "God, the World, and Our Carnal Selves."
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We start off with a poem I found in the public domain entitled "Oh, Worship the King." The song for today is "How Great the Love I Have for You." The teaching is from my book, A Course in Christianity entitled, "What Is Your Power Source?"
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I begin this episode with a poem made from the lyrics of one of my songs, "Oh, Have You Heard." I think it works beautifully with one of Kevin Macleod's musical elements entitled, "Perspective," which is licensed Creative Commons with attribution found at Incompetech.com. Then I share one of Eva and my songs, "My Faith Is in You, Lord" finishing up with the teaching for today from my book, A Course in Christianity entitled "The Prodigal Son."
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Welcome to Episode 142 of Leaving the Grandstand World. If you haven't enjoyed ALL of these episodes, I encourage you to start at the beginning and work your way through them as all the episodes have great discussion possibilities for a Bible class. They are also thought provoking enough to enjoy on your own. I start today's episode with a song of mine that was reinterpreted as a poem with music by Kevin Macleod. That poem is entitled, "Let's Change What We Are Thinking." The song for today is, "The Call for Love," and the teaching is from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge entitled, "Inventions, Gadgets and Gizmos."
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Welcome to Episode 141 of Leaving the Grandstand World. This is the beginning of season 17 (each season is one month long). I believe you will be blessed by the lyrics of "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" which I narrated with appropriate music by Josh Woodward. Next I share our song, "Shine Your Light on Me, Oh Jesus" and I complete this episode with a teaching from my book, Advanced Christianity entitled, "Effective Prayer - Part 3." Be blessed.
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Enjoy a bonus episode as administration said I have 3 minutes left to use this month. Enjoy "Super Jesus" found in my book, A Course in Christianity.
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The old hymns, rarely sung these days in churches, are inspiring with lyrics that take you deeper into faith in God. I particularly enjoy producing these hymns sans the original music, as narration, putting my voice in gear to elevate their meaning and emotion. Today I share a hymn I used to sing at the nursing homes I visited, "Power in the Blood," but I used Jason Shaw's tune, "Think Tank" found at Audionautix.com (licensed as Creative Commons). Then I share our song, "He Is Coming," and I complete this episode with two chapters from my book, A Course in Christianity. They are, "What Is a Transformed Mind?" and "Thoughts While Listening to 'The Messiah.'" I pray you are blessed many times over!
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I start today's episode with a poem from the public domain by Frances Ridley Havergal entitled, "Take My Life and Let It Be." Then I share one of my songs, "God Will Do to You..." The teaching consists of three chapters from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge, which I combined into one teaching. It is entitled, "Leviticus 19."
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I enjoy taking lyrics I've written for a song and making the lyrics into a poem. I did that with my song, "Freeway to Eternity" which you'll hear first. Then I share an old hymn now in the public domain entitled, "Sweet Hour of Prayer" and I conclude this episode with a teaching from my book, Advanced Christianity entitled, "Effective Prayer - Part 2."
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Today's episode of Leaving the Grandstand World is a little different. First, I share the lyrics to my song, "Let's Open Up the Floodgates - version 1" as a poem and then I share the song itself. The teaching today comes from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge. I've combined three chapters into one teaching so it is rather long. It is about as long as a regular sermon a preacher might give from a pulpit. So, sit back and relax and, above all, be blessed!
PS: I inadvertently made 2 poetic versions of this song. My favorite version is THIS one (I entitled version 1). The other one is found in episode 131 (Satan's Plan of Salvation).
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I start off with a poem just produced entitled, "Heaven Is My Real Home," then I share a song, "I'm Laughing Now," which was produced by Dean Kaelin. Then, so appropriately today (July 4) I share from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge, "Independence Day."
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I begin today's episode with a poem found in the public domain entitled, "Let All Creation Praise the Lord." Next I share a song I wrote after carefully looking at a Rubik's Cube in a store I was in. It came to me later that night. It's called, "Rubik's Cube." The teaching is from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge and is entitled, "Bursting the Balloon of Fear with the Pin of Christ."
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I was looking through my stash of songs and found the lyrics to "Break Me." I had never put music to it. So I narrated it as a poem and included it in this episode of Leaving the Grandstand World. Next I share my song, "Jesus, Be Within My Day." I love the harmonies and additional instruments Dean Kaelin added to this song. I complete this episode with a teaching from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge entitled, "My Name Is Balaam." In this piece I share Balaam's story from first person perspective.
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Today I begin with a short poem entitled, "April Showers." I culled this one from a batch of Christian poetry in the public domain that have no authors. They are orphan poems presented to the world anonymously. Then I present you with a song in which I wrote the lyrics but Ben Ledbetter supplied the music for. It is entitled, "Reaching, Reaching, Reaching for the Son." The teaching for today is from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge. It is a little lengthy but is quite a challenge to the serious Christian. "Why We Should Trust Each Other Completely." Do you think that is even possible, or practical? This isn't the way the world does things but, ultimately, do we want to do things the way the world does things?
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I begin this episode with a poem I found in the public domain by an anonymous author entitled, "The Friendly Beasts." Next you'll hear our song, "Thank You, Thank You, Jesus," and then I share a chapter from my book A Course in Christianity entitled, "Faster with Jesus." It all should be a blessing.
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This episode of Leaving the Grandstand World, I took a song I had written (Let's Open Up the Floodgates) and treated the lyrics as a poem, adding interesting and catchy music. I think you'll enjoy it this new version of "Let's Open Up the Floodgates," then I share one of the first songs I wrote upon moving to Indiana and marrying Eva. It is entitled, "What You Do to the Least of These," and I complete this episode by sharing a chapter from my spiritual autobiographical book, The Opening Window. It is entitled, "Satan's Plan of Salvation."
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I begin with a poem, which is the norm for this podcast. This poem was originally found in the public domain and is by Christopher Wordsworth (but was modified by me). Next I share our song, "Love Each Other," and I complete this episode with a chapter from my book, A Course in Christianity entitled, "Denying His Kingdom."
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Sometimes I like to take a song I wrote and make it into a poem. I did this with "Birds of a Feather," then I shared our song, "Kingdom Child," and finally I shared a chapter from my book, Advanced Christianityentitled, "The Holy Spirit and Correction."
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I felt like I had a lot to say this episode. I begin with a prose piece I wrote that has so many poetic elements to it, I decided to treat it like a poem and produced it with music. It is entitled, "Stop It! Stop It Now!" then I share a song, "Consider the Lilies," and I follow that with a chapter from my book, A Course in Christianity entitled, "Is It a Lie to Tell the Truth?"
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The poem today I found in the public domain by Robert Walmsley entitled "Come Let Us Sing." The original song, with a little about how it came to be written, is entitled, "Intimate Mystery." The teaching today is from some current writing that is not published in any other books entitled, "The Redemptive Lie." I believe you will be blessed!
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I begin this episode with a free-verse poem entitled, "More Than a Sip and a Morsel," then I share a popular old hymn that is in the public domain entitled, "Holy Holy Holy." Finally the teaching comes from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge and is entitled, "Be Merciful."
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I begin today's episode with a newly written and newly produced poem entitled, "Today I Want to Know the Truth" then I share my song, "It's You, O Lord, It's You" and I complete this episode by sharing a chapter from my book, A Course in Christianity, entitled, "Ideas Don't Leave their Source."
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I begin today's episode with my poem, "The Earth." Next I share an original song, "I'm Burning All My Bridges," then I complete today's episode with a teaching from my book, The Opening Window entitled, "Only the Nose Knows."
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The poem today is entitled, "In Our Hearts He Reigns." Next I share the entire theme song for this podcast, "Grandstand World." I complete this episode with a teaching from my book, A Course in Christianity entitled, "God So Loved the World."
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I begin this episode with a poem, "Drifting on the Water" then share our song, The Invitation Song that includes how it came to be written and finally I share, from my book, A Course in Christianity, "Does God Do to Us What We Do to Others?"
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Today's poem is a song, "The Light Beyond." I took the lyrics and narrated it as a poem using music available to use because it is licensed as Creative Commons with attribution. Then I share a song, "He Has Died for You." I finish this episode off with some new writing, "Another Look at the Cross." Be blessed
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Another new poem hits the air waves. "There's a Ton of Power in a Poem." The song is "God Reached Down." Lyrics by Joan Woodard music by Vic Zarley. The teaching is from my book, A Course in Christianity and is entitled, "Don't Judge Others."
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Another original poem for you today, written and produced on the day I uploaded this episode. It is entitled "A Cleansing Rain Swept Over Us." That's first, then you'll hear a song entitled, "Oh, Have You Heard," and finally you'll hear a teaching from my book, Advanced Christianity entitled, "Repetitive and Excessive Judgement - Nagging."
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I begin today's episode of Leaving the Grandstand World with one of my songs, "Buckle Up with Prayer" which, with the lyrics, I made it into a poem with music by Jason Shaw of Audionautix.com. Then I share our song, "Seems Nobody Wants to" and complete this episode with a chapter from my book, Advanced Christianity, entitled, "Evicted." I know you will be blessed.
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I begin with a new poem, "It's Tragic How We Only See a Little of the Truth." The song was written by Eva, sung by us, "Give Praise to God." From my book, Advanced Christianity, comes a chapter entitled, "Resist Not Evil."
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Once again, a new poem and production entitled, "Let Jesus Save the World Through You." Then I share a song Eva and I wrote entitled, "Savior Master Jesus." Finally I share a teaching from my book, Advanced Christianity entitled, "Is Jesus Christ in Us a Wimp?" Should be enjoyable.
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The poem entitled "Out of the Boat" was written and produced on the day I uploaded this episode (March 25, 2022). I am happy to ask God to give me poems so I have fresh ones from now on. The song is "Jesus Please Adjust Me," and the teaching is from A Course in Christianity entitled, "Jesus Is Above It All."
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Another brand new poem graces this episode. We begin with it. It is entitled, "I Know These Poems." Then you'll hear my song, my longest song, "Forgive Them for They Know Not What They Do." And finally from my book, A Course in Christianity, "I Love This Bible Verse."
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Today, on Good Friday, I am sharing three original Easter Songs and one special Easter poem that I pray are a blessing to you. The songs are, "Could This Be the Chosen One," "Let's Ring the Bells for Jesus Christ," and "On the Third Day." The poem is "He Is Risen." ("Could This Be the Chosen One" and "On the Third Day" were written by Eva and myself. "Let's Ring the Bells for Jesus Christ" and the poem, "He Is Risen," were written by me.)
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I feel inspired to write a NEW poem every episode. Will I be able to keep up that pace? I think it will be challenging but possible. Today my new poem is entitled "My Mind Is a Garden." The original song today is "We Are Free" and the teaching is from my book, Advanced Christianity entitled, "This Is a World of Intrusion."
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Today in our episode of Leaving the Grandstand World I begin with a poem entitled, "Beyond the Pages" then share a secular song I wrote entitled "Grandma's Rockin' Chair." I finish off this episode with a teaching from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge entitled, "Lose Our lives and Win."
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Today's episode of Leaving the Grandstand World begins with a poem entitled "A Call to Prayer" which was found in the public domain. The last two verses I wrote. Then we enjoy an old song I wrote entitled, "Love, Love." Although this is a love song, there is something about it that transcends human love. What do you think? I end the episode today with a selection from my book, Advanced Christianity entitled, "Effective Prayer - The Lord's Prayer."
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Many years ago (I've lost count how many), I was sitting in my car one afternoon in between my sales calls when suddenly God downloaded a song to me which was entitled, "Jump Right In." "And we'll thank God for every rising sun" was originally in the song but I changed it for a secular contest of some sort. In your mind, put that line back in. I start out with a poem which is "I Can Hear the Harmony," then move into that song and finish with a teaching from my book, Advanced Christianity entitled, "Shake, Rattle and Roll." This episode is around 27 minutes long but, hopefully, you find the time spent listening to it fruitful.
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Welcome to another episode of Leaving the Grandstand World. Today I share a short poem entitled, "Give Your Art to Jesus." A little play on words there. Everyone says, "Give Your Heart to Jesus" but we should also give Him our art. The song, which comes next was written a million years ago (well, a long time ago) when I was but a youth. It speaks of love between a man and a woman but has elements of eternity as well. I finish with something from my book, Advanced Christianity entitled, "A Double Praise to God."
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The poem for today is entitled, "A Prayer Can Change the World," the song is "Jesus Came to the County Fair," and the teaching is from my out of print book Extreme Christianity and is entitled, "Memo from God."
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I start off with a rather interesting poem I wrote (inspired by a dream) entitled, "The Organ Grinder and Me" and then I share another song from "The Ohio Session" entitled, "Dreams Are Made for People." The teaching is from my book, A Course in Christianity and is entitled, "Let's Free Ourselves from Our Entanglements."
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An anonymous benefactor bought studio time at a local university in Akron Ohio for my brother and me to record some of my original songs. We brought along a talented guitarist whom I only remember as Jose'. For this episode, I start with a poem entitled, "The Golden Ring" then share one of the songs we recorded that night in that studio, "Life Is a Moment." After that I share a teaching from an earlier out of print book, Extreme Christianity. The teaching is entitled, "Where Is Our Treasure?"
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First I share a poem entitled "What Worth a Grain of Sand." Then an original song. Many years ago Mitch Townley and I were in a songwriting club online. He emailed me some lyrics and asked Eva and I to put music to them. We did and later on he and his band produced a really nice version of the song. The song was entitled, "Last Baptist Church" and I have included it (and a small portion of the original "demo" which we made showing Mitch what we came up with.) Finally I share some teaching from my book, Advanced Christianity entitled, "True Freedom."
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Welcome to Leaving the Grandstand World!! Today's poem is a play on a baseball game entitled, "A Softball Rain." The song is "The Angels Have Come Down." This song has never been produced and is just my guitar and me sharing this song on an old tape. The teaching today is "A Spiritual Gauge" from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge.
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For this last episode of season 12, the poem is entitled, "The Mouse," the song is an old hymn arranged and performed by Vic and Eva, entitled, "Shall We Gather by the River," and the teaching is from my book, Advanced Christianity entitled, "In God We Trust." See you next time with season 13.
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I call a season, 1 month. I have today's episode and one more to finish off 12 months of Leaving the Grandstand World. How about that? Although I have few listeners, the quality and variety of each episode is excellent and my hope and prayer is that more people discover these episodes and choose to go back to the first one and listen to them all.
The poem for today is entitled, "The Surfer" and the song is "I'll Sing a Baby's Laugh" (just my guitar and me) and the teaching is from Advanced Christianity entitled, "Casting Spells." Be blessed!
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March has already arrived. Today's poem is entitled, "My Tool" while the song is "We Fall Into Traditions." Today's teaching is from my book, Advanced Christianity and is entitled, "God Rules, the World Drools." It should be interesting.
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This is my 100th episode of Leaving the Grandstand World. I start off with a poem I found in the public domain entitled, "The Wise Shall Bring Their Learning" then I present an old hymn, "The Old Rugged Cross." Doing individual notes in a song is quite a challenge to me as I don't read music. This song is literally filled with individual notes which I did with the help of God. Finally the teaching is from an out of print book of mine (Extreme Christianity) and is entitled, "Suffering in Compliance or Suffering in Defiance."
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Here we are already in the second month of the new year. Are you still trying to Leave the Grandstand World? Elizabeth Wheeler Wilcox wrote the poem I produced many, many years ago. It is in the public domain and entitled, "Was, Is and Yet to Be." The song I share today is old also. It is entitled, "Cruise a While" and is virtually unproduced. Just me and a guitar on an old tape player--but I feel the lyrics are worthwhile to share with you. Finally, today, I share two selections from A Holy Hodgepodge, "Pawing at the Rug," and "All Wrapped Up." These are life lessons I was inspired to write down. I was inspired by my dogs, many years ago.
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We continue to make an effort to leave the Grandstand World with the episode today. I begin with a poem, "The Map" then I share a song, "The Bottom Line," and, as usual, end with a teaching. This time it is from Extreme Christianity (which is no longer in print). This teaching is almost poetic in nature and is entitled, "Stop It! Stop It Now!"
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The song I share today wasn't produced professionally (or even amateurishly). Just me and my guitar. I start with a poem, "I'm More Than I Am" then that song, "I'm Comin' Home to God, That's Right" and finally, from A Course in Christianity, "Holiness."
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The poem today is "Rain Child," the song is "We'll Rarely Get the Victory" (on the wings of just one prayer). The teaching is from Advanced Christianity and is entitled, "The Battle Is Already Won."
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Do we have anchors dragging the carnal murky bottomland, stirring up the issues which detract from our spiritual journey as we sail toward the Kingdom of God? The teaching today is from A Holy Hodgepodge and is entitled, "Anchors Away." The poem, heard first, is "Sprinkle Forth" and the song is "When the Fire's Over." You will probably enjoy them all.
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Today we explore flowers in the poem and music I share. The poem is entitled, "Summer Flowers" and I found it in the public domain. I then narrated it using music by Kevin Macleod (which he allows by licensing it as Creative Commons with Attribution). The song Eva and I sang in today's episode is also public domain and is entitled, "The Lily of the Valley." See the flower theme for today? Finally the teaching is from my book, The Opening Window, and is from that very Lily of the Valley, Jesus Christ, when He teaches us to Judge Not.
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Today we explore the system God has created to help us all burn all the excess that impedes our individual holiness walk with and through Jesus Christ. There is a lot of meat here to digest. I begin with the poem for today which is entitled, "Potty Training," and then you'll hear our song, "The Happy Song." After that you'll hear a lengthy chapter from my book, Advanced Christianity entitled, "The Burning of the Dross."
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Some of my songs are so poetic that I actually treated the lyrics to carefully selected background music and narrated them. "Jesus Please Adjust Me" which was sung in an earlier episode of Leaving the Grandstand World, is, in this one, treated poetically. That is first, then comes today's original song, "Thank you, Thank you, Jesus" and I end with a teaching from Advanced Christianity entitled, "Witnessing the Truth." Should be enjoyable!
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Our emphasis is on children in today's episode. We begin with my poem, "Blackboard Desert" which is about school children then I share a song that both children and adults like entitled "Duck Song" and finally the teaching is a true story entitled, "Lost in Love."
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I begin this episode with an original song that was made into a poem because it was...poetic. It is "What You Do to the Least of These." Next you'll hear an original song written by Eva Zarley entitled, "Lord, I Repent" and I conclude with a teaching from A Course in Christianity entitled, "We Rule Our Minds." It should be an interesting episode today with much food for thought.
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This episode is dedicated to the Jewish community. I start off with an upbeat oral interpretation of Psalm 23 then share an original song entitled, "Could This Be the Chosen One?" and complete this episode with a teaching from A Holy Hodgepodge entitled, "Bind This on Your Forehead." Should be interesting even to the Gentiles.
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Sometimes a repeat of either a poem previously shared or a song previously presented is appropriate to go with the teaching. This happens with both the song and the poem today. Back in episode 5 I shared, "To the Evolutionists" as well as the song, "Spinning Spinning" but they both line up perfectly with the teaching today from my book, The Atheist Delusion. The chapter is entitled, "A Beaker of Goo" and I believe this entire podcast will be eye-opening for unbelievers and enjoyable to believers.
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Today's episode features a poem, "God's Whisper," one of the special old hymns with a Calypso beat, "It Is Well with My Soul" and finally a teaching that I recorded many years ago entitled, "Following God's Plans" but it is not in any of my published books. I pray these selections are a blessing to you.
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We begin with "The Earth" an original poem then I share a song Andy Sandoval and I wrote when we worked at Alta Distributing in Salt Lake City many years ago. I wrote the lyrics, Andy, the music. He performs "Sustaining Love" for us (piano and vocal only). I finish the episode with a teaching from my book, The Opening Window entitled, "Apathy." My prayer is that ALL these episodes bless you immensely.
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Today's episode features one of the longest poems I have ever written entitled, "The Mind Cries Out." The original song is "We Are Free" and the teaching is from A Course in Christianity entitled, "Our World Creating Words." Do enjoy it!
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For this first episode of the new year (happy 2022), I share an original song, "Oh, Very Still" and instead of poems today, I share two short pieces that were inspired by television: "Our Father Knows Best" which starred Robert Anderson and "Live Long and Prosper" which was inspired by an episode from the original Star Trek show. For the teaching, I share part of Chapter 6 from my book, Shall I Pray or Watch TV? Be blessed!
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This episode is the beginning of a new season, or new month, with Buzzsprout.com. I am grateful for their hosting of my podcast. Today in the poem, I ask, "How Can You Tell a Babe in the Womb...". The song is entitled, "Sabbatical Song" and the teaching from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge is entitled, "What Is the Meaning of LIfe?" As always, be blessed!
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We are getting near the end of the year and what a year it has been. We want to leave this Grandstand World more than ever. We can only do that through Jesus Christ. He is the way, the truth and the life.
Today I present the story of Charlie "Bulldog" Wireman which is from my book, The Atheist Delusion. It is chapter 28. I found this true story in out of print books published during the Holiness Era (late 1800s through early 1900s). It is an amazing redemption story you will enjoy.
I also share (before the Charlie story), an original poem entitled, "Summer Storm" and an original song, "Oh, Have You Heard." This episode should be a blessing to you but, if it isn't, remember it is guaranteed. You can always get your money back.
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Today is Christmas, 2021, and I present to you a bonus episode. The teaching is a long one from my book, Advanced Christianity, entitled "Only the Truth Is True." But, before that I share this final Christmas song of the series I've shared that I have written entitled, "Wherever We Go." I pray you are blessed!
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Today is the second to the last episode with an original Christmas song on it. This episode starts off with a poem, "Can Love Be on a Merry Go Round," then segues into the original Christmas song, "It's You Can't Put the Keys in Your Pocket with Your Gloves on Time." Finally, the teaching is from my book, A Course in Christianity entitled, "The Doorway Jesus Holds Open for us." Be blessed.
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Today I share two original Christmas creations: A poem entitled, "Through the Eye of a Camel" and a song entitled, "The Animals Are Celebrating." The background music for the poem was by Dean Kaelin. The teaching is from my book, Calling God and Casting Lots and is entitled, "Another Angel Shove." For around a year, Eva and I regularly cast lots (flipped a coin) reverently asking God questions knowing His hand was on the coin toss. The stories that this process generated are intriguing.
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We've reached the middle of December. Here, in this episode, another original Christmas song is premiered today. We begin with a poem, "Simple Play," then proceed to the song, "It's Christmas in Our House Again," and finishing with a teaching from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge entitled, "The Good Samaritan."
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The next original Christmas song is entitled, "Christmas Is a Dream We Have" but before you hear that, enjoy the Christian poem found in the public domain entitled, "Forty Days and Forty Nights." The teaching today is from my book, A Course in Christianity and is entitled, "How to Get What You Don't Want." You may be intrigued.
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Beginning with this episode, I will share an original Christmas song with each episode up until Christmas. I also have one Christmas poem that I will share in that same time period. Today I will share, "Why Does Everybody Have to Get Sauced on Christmas?" but before that I'll share a poem, "Lord, Speak to Me" which I found in the public domain and produced utilizing one of Josh Woodward's tunes from his site, JoshWoodward.com. After the song, I will share a teaching from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge, entitled, "How to Remove a Light Stain." Be blessed.
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Beginning this Thursday, I will begin sharing original Christmas songs that I believe you'll get a kick out of. Today I want to share a poem, "Sometimes I Feel So Fragile," and a song, "Oh, I Love You Lord, I Do," and the teaching. It is from my book, "Advanced Christianity" and is entitled, "If the Shoe Fits." Do be blessed today.
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Today we begin the Holy month of December. I will shortly be sharing a batch of original Christmas songs that you will find inspiring and entertaining. Meanwhile, today I share a poem, "The Book That Really Matters," a song, "Jesus Be Within My Day," and a teaching from my book, The Opening Window entitled, "Let's Prepare for Jesus' Return." Do be blessed!
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A bit of a theme today in our Leaving the Grandstand Episode. First I produced the famous poem, "Trees" by Joyce Kilmer with incredible music by Josh Woodward, then I share my song, "The Garden," and finally a teaching entitled, "In the Image and Likeness of God." We are exploring God's amazing creation in nature AND in Mankind. Watch what you sprout.
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My book, The Traveler, is about a mysterious Christian mentor who comes to aid the protagonist, Rich, by teaching important spiritual lessons. This mysterious mentor uses graphic imagery as he shares his lessons FROM Rich's computer. I share Chapter 2 of this book in today's podcast of Leaving the Grandstand World. Also I share a poem, "Are We Merely Pop-ups" and a song, "Reaching Reaching Reaching for the Son." Ben Ledbetter wrote the music to my lyrics on this one. God bless you!
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Today's episode explores anger (in the teaching). The poem is entitled "Veering" and the song is entitled, "The End of Judgement." The teaching is from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge and is entitled, "The Mechanism of Carnal Anger." You might hear some interesting things that you haven't thought of before.
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Welcome once again to my podcast, Leaving the Grandstand World. Today's poem is entitled, "The Dark - Part 2." Go to episode 47 to hear "The Dark - Parts 1 and 3." The original song today is "The Invitation Song." The teaching is from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge, and is entitled, How NOT to See. Hope you enjoy these creative efforts.
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Today's episode of Leaving the Grandstand World explores a little bit of my book, The Opening Window which is a sort of spiritual autobiography I wrote when I first moved to Indiana and married Eva. The poem is entitled, "The Opening Window," the song is "Hidden from the Eyes," and the teaching, from the aforementioned book, is entitled, "Hatching Baby Spiders." If I'm not mistaken, you should be blessed with all of this.
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Welcome to another episode of Leaving the Grandstand World. The song is written by Eva and myself, entitled "We Will Not Fear." The poem is entitled, "Abate" and the teaching is entitled, "Move That Mountain." Blessings!
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With a little stretch of the imagination, we have a food theme today for Leaving the Grandstand World. The poem is from the public domain written by someone who would rather not receive any glory (anonymous) and is entitled, "Your Heavenly Father Feeds Them" then the song, today was NOT written by Eva or myself. It is an old hymn, "In the Garden." The teaching today is from my new batch entitled, "I Want to Be Fed." It should bless you today. If it doesn't, these podcasts do come with a guarantee.
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I forgot to wish you a happy November! Today the teaching from my New Batch is entitled, "A Time to Contemplate" but before that I share a Christian poem I found in the public domain (written long ago). It is produced and read by me entitled, "There's a Voice in the Wilderness Crying." Listen to this poem end exactly when Josh Woodward's instrumental does. It is AMAZING when that happens. Next I share our song inspired by one of my cousin's books, "The Third Day Bible Code." It is entitled, "On the Third Day." God bless you!
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Today I present to you a poem found in the public domain entitled, "I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say." After that comes an original song, "Let's Change What We Are Thinking" followed by a teaching from new material entitled, "The Biggest Gift We can Give the World."
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Halloween will be here in a few days. Today I mix Halloween imagery with God's truth. I start off with a poem I shared when I first got started with this podcast in episode 13 entitled, "We're Leaving Bodies Everywhere." I wrote a song with my friend Andy Sandoval entitled "Ghost Ships" and then I complete this episode with a teaching from my book, "A Holy Hodgepodge" entitled "Alien Intrusion." Enjoy the episode today!
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The song is "I'm Bearin' Too Many Crosses". The poem is "The Cross" which I felt was appropriate in this episode even though it was mentioned earlier in episode 24. The teaching is from the New Batch and is entitled, "Will This Year Be Built on the Solid Rock of Truth?" Much to think about, much to meditate on.
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This is a bonus episode with a teaching only from A Holy Hodgepodge entitled, "True Authority." Be blessed!
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Today's episode features both a song and poem that are in the public domain (and not written by myself). They are "Jesus the Very Thought of Thee" (poem) and "Holy Holy Holy" (song). The teaching, however, is from "The New Batch" of writings by me and is entitled, "Jesus and His Gain of Function." Enjoy blessings!
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This completes Season 7. I've made it so that each season is a whole month of episodes. All of them are focused on helping us all leave the Grandstand World and enter onto the playing field where the focus of Christ in our hearts can shed the true light into the world. Today's episode starts with a teaching from my book "A Course in Christianity" with a short chapter entitled "Sweep It All Away, Lord" then I share an old song I wrote entitled, "Forgive Me, Please" (this is a story song you may enjoy) and I end today's episode with a poem, "After the Heady Journey Just Taken." Dig around. Somewhere in here there lurks a blessing for you. I hope you find it.
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Welcome, once again, to my podcast, Leaving the Grandstand World. The original poem shared today is "Stuck to Me" followed by Eva Zarley's song, "A Bruised Reed." But first, she shares how the song was birthed. Finally, the teaching today is from my first book once I moved to Indiana and married Eva. That book is no longer in print but it was called, "Extreme Christianity." From it I pulled a chapter entitled, "The Pill." All of the chapters of Extreme Christianity have been distributed to two of my other books, "Advanced Christianity" and "A Holy Hodgepodge."
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Today I speak a little of Brant Hansen's enlightening book, "Unoffendable." That teaching is at the end. The poem for today is entitled, "I've Heard the World Crying" while the song is "What You Do to the Least of These." You will come away from this podcast with much to ponder.
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The poem for today is "There's a Ladder That's Reaching" followed by the song, "Birds of a Feather" and ending with the teaching from my new batch of writing, "Perfect Love Casts Out Fear." Be blessed!
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We begin today's Leaving the Grandstand episode with a poem written in the ancient of days (?) entitled, "Saturday Morning Spirit Rise" then I share a song Eva and I wrote entitled, "Shine Your Light Through Me, O Jesus" and complete the episode with a teaching from some new writing I've done entitled, "Sound the Trumpet." Be blessed!
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This is a special episode for the times we are in. Please enjoy the poem "Although a Cut Heals," the song, "There Is a Perfect Story," and a special teaching, "The Jesus Jab." We must love the truth MORE than we hate the lies.
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My teaching, which is entitled "Scarcity" and comes from recent writing, ends with a reference to Jesus making a whip of cords and driving out the money-changers so, though I previously shared the song, "Jesus Made a Whip of Cords" I'm sharing it again today. The poem for today is entitled, "The Dam." Be blessed!
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Today we explore what our carnal selves are vs what our spiritual selves are. You have quite a variety of creativity today. The poem, "I Am Born" focuses on my journey from birth until I learn to pray, the song, "The Cracker Barrel Wall" written by Eva and myself and produced by Mike Headrick, sung by Jackie Harling, examines the sad photos scattered on all the Cracker Barrel Restaurant's walls throughout the land. Who are those faces, so anonymously placed so as to somehow intrude upon our meal? And finally the teaching, from my book, Advanced Christianity entitled, "And Who Do We Have the Pleasure of Seeing Today?" (This teaching is an accidental repeat from episode 38. Sorry.)
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Today's episode of Leaving the Grandstand World showcases a poem entitled, "You Are the Formless and the Form," a song, "Forgiveness Is Not Seeing What Was Never Really There," and a teaching from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge entitled, "Christ's Party Platform." It should be an interesting and thought provoking episode.
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"I'm Going to Sit Right Down and Have a Little Talk with Myself" is the chapter I share from my book, Advanced Christianity. I hope you find it challenging. But before that I share a traditional old Christian hymn, "Sweet Hour of Prayer" and then a poem entitled, "The Parking Lot."
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Today's episode of Leaving the Grandstand World explores creativity. First I present three original songs of mine that deal with the art of songwriting. They are secular but you'll enjoy them. The first one is "I Think I'll Write a Song That Doesn't Rhyme." Number two is, "I Found One." Number three is, "I Can Write a Song."
Next I share a poem entitled, "Give Your Art to Jesus." I finish up with a teaching from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge entitled, "My Creations" which explores what creativity is REALLY.
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I am sharing a lengthy episode today but one that will lead automatically to an exit from this Grandstand World. We ALL must die to self. It is not taught seriously in many churches but it is clear what we must do according to Scripture. This 23 minute teaching is entitled "The DTS Society" (DTS stands for Die to Self). It comes at the end. Before that, I share a poem, "There Was a Teacher Long Ago" and a song, "A Perpetual Jubilee." This song was shared as a poem in episode 41 but was originally written as a song. Much to think about this episode. Do be blessed!
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Today's episode of Leaving the Grandstand World features a poem, If at This Moment, a song, Give Praise to God written by Eva (the lyrics will also be featured in a poem in a future episode). The teaching is from my book, A Course in Christianity, and is entitled, "Are You Playing Your Faith Piano?"
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The poem today is entitled, The Dark - Parts 1 and 3 then, uncharacteristically I transition into the teaching for today which is from The New Batch. It is entitled The Flesh and the Spirit - A Dialogue. I wrap this episode of Leaving the Grandstand World up with a song, He Is Coming. I'm sure you will be blessed.
Please enjoy seeing the lyrics to the song and the words to the poetry here at the Show Notes.
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A little bit of a dream theme going on today. We start off with a poem "I Feel I'm at a Waking Stage" then march into an original song entitled "All My Dreams" and finish with a teaching from "The New Batch" of my as yet unpublished writings, entitled "The Meek Will Inherit the Earth."
View the Show Notes.
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In our continuing desire to leave the world of fate, of chance, today I want to share something I wrote recently while waiting for orders to come from Doordash. I visit a local town and Doordash sends me orders for dinners that people order on line and I get the food from the participating restaurant and deliver it to the home or business. While I was waiting for orders (which come frequently) I was studying Luke 8:35 about the demon possessed man. I'll share with you my writing inspired by that passage. It is entitled "A Legion of Demons." But before that I share a song, "It's You, O Lord, It's You," and a poem, "Jesus." God bless!!
Please enjoy the Show Notes!
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The thread of truth running through all the creative sharings today seem VERY appropriate for the times we are in. The thread might be described as exploring the laws of God and man and extracting from that exploration the fact that mankind more often desires the laws of man and its associated carnality over the laws of God and our potential spirituality. See what you think.
We start off with a poem entitled, "Let's Break Some Laws," then you'll hear a brief explanation of how the song, "Seems Nobody Wants to" was written (then the song) and finally I want to share with you a teaching from "The New Batch" (as yet unpublished writings of mine except for this podcast). The teaching title is, "Victors in Christ."
Enjoy the Show Notes.
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My desire is to bless you with inspiring works of songs, poetry and teachings that help you in your goal to leave the Grandstand World and enter the world where your choices make a difference in both your life and the lives of those around you. Today I share a song Eva and I wrote while waiting to see the total eclipse of the sun last year. "Oh Ah" is a little rocky but there are good lyrics here. The poem is a short one entitled, "Truthing." When a baby is toothing, they are often in pain. So, too, do we often hurt when we are truthing - going through the trials of life. I complete this episode with two chapters from my yet unpublished book I am calling "The New Batch." The first one is "Love One Another" and the second one is "Let's Drain the Swamp."
Enjoy the Show Notes.
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Today we celebrate Leaving the Grandstand World with a poem entitled, "In Our Hearts He Reigns," then a song, "I'm Burning All My Bridges" and ending with a chapter from my book, A Course in Christianity entitled, "The Paradigm Shift."
Visit the Show Notes.
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Today's episode has a few special effects. It starts with an inspiring poem entitled "More Than a Sip and a Morsel" then jumps into my song, "Come Unto Me" and finally finishes with three short pieces from my New Batch of material (as yet unpublished except for here), Was There Enough Blood, Prayer-Trigger, and Johnny Jesus Seed. Enjoy this episode lots!
Enjoy the Show Notes.
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Today I want to share some of my longer work. The poem is a song that I felt deserved poetry status entitled, "A Perpetual Jubilee." We need to give as God gives, uninterruptedly forever. The lyrics to this song/poem came quickly and I believe provides a message for today. The song is "Forgive Them for They Know Not What They Do." A 6 minute+ song about the importance of forgiveness then comes the teaching from a new batch of writing not yet in a book entitled, "The Opposite of the Golden Rule." This should be a thought provoking session today and an important one as we leave the grandstand world.
Please enjoy the Show Notes.
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The song, today, is I Found I'm Just in Love. The lyrics literally poured through to me and I could barely write them down because they were coming so fast. I had just forgiven my roommate his debt to me for that month's rent when I left to go to work. On the way, the lyrics began coming and I had to pull over to write them down.
The poem is entitled, "The Instrument" and the teaching is entitled, "Our Bodies, Ourselves."
Enjoy the Show Notes.
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Today I took one of my long songs that worked well as a poem and made it one (with appropriate background music from Josh Woodward). It is entitled "Redeemable Me." The song for today is entitled "Kingdom Child." It was written at Otter Creek in Indiana I believe. The teaching today is from my current writing and is entitled, "A Worldly Bypass."
Enjoy the Show Notes!
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Today's episode features my song, "How Great the Love I Have for You." The poem is the title of this episode, "I Put God's Prism to My Eye." The teaching is from my book, Advanced Christianity and is chapter 8 which is entitled "And Who Do We Have the Pleasure of Seeing Today?"
Enjoy the Show Notes here.
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Truly realizing through Jesus Christ, "The Strife is Over (O'er)" (the poem for today), is a key to leaving the Grandstand World. Why? Because seeing is NOT believing. Believing is seeing. As children of God, He has given us portions of His power and His power is unleashed via belief. So it makes all the sense in the world (and heaven) that in our sight lies power. The bodies are vehicles for communication, that is all. They do not hold power over us unless we believe they do.
Wise Christians do not judge by appearances. They judge righteous judgment.
When something goes wrong in an appliance, we troubleshoot it to discover what's wrong. The teaching today is entitled, "Troubleshooting the World." You may find it an enjoyable exploration.
"Freeway to Eternity" is our song for today.
Visit the Show Notes
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Back during Obama's presidency, he introduced what he initially called, "Obama-Care." It made me think about Jesus and how much He cares. The poem is entitled "Does Obama Care Like Jesus Cares?"
Next I share a teaching from my new batch of unpublished writing entitled, "Holy Dust" and I complete the episode with our song, "Worthy Worthy Is the Lamb of God." I pray this episode of Leaving the Grandstand World is a blessing to all of you listening around the world!
This poem was written during Barack Obama’s presidency. Much of Mankind believes that if there is a God, He set us down here on earth and abandoned us thereby leaving us to fend for ourselves. Our bodies appear to give us plenty to worry about. Does Jesus still heal today? If you look for the evidence, I believe you’ll see He does. Forcing your mind to be ignorant is self-defeating. Be open-minded to the fact that God does heal, then strive to learn how He does this.
To read the words to the poem and song, visit the Show Notes.
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On the continuing journey we are on in leaving the grandstand world, today's episode's poem is "Drifting on the Water," and the song is "Did You Know?" while the teaching explores, "Do I Have Too Much Security?"
Enjoy the Show Notes
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Today's teaching is entitled, "I Am as God Created Me." For those of us devoted to Christ, how could it be any other way? We have allowed the Holy Spirit to erase the goop and the gunk we have used to try and correct God. We, instead, have allowed Him to correct us, from the inside out. We are no longer victims of the world, but victors in Christ. No longer bowing to false gods (idols), but humbly worshipping the one, true God through Jesus Christ. Remember always, if you've accepted Jesus, you are as God created you, not as you have created yourself!
The song, today, was written when I visited Montana many years ago. "Let's Open Up the Floodgates," is a prayer that we focus on the Lord and His attributes, and allow His mighty power and glory flow into this world so filled with doubt and darkness.
Finally, the poem is "Let the Captain Steer." An obviously appropriate ending to this episode today.
Enjoy the Show Notes
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Today's poem is "Horizontal River Rush" which was written when I was a student at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. I went there for a few years and stayed in a dormitory on the first floor that had a sealed window that looked onto the center of the campus where people would walk by. Once when it was raining, and the drops were scurrying down the glass of that window and the people were hurrying by with their umbrellas nearly lifting them off the ground, I wrote this poem. The alliteration makes the poem fun to read.
In addition, I have included a song I wrote when I was going to Miami-Dade Jr. College in 1967 or 68. "I Used to Think All Light Came from the Sun," was commercially viable (to me). It never had a national exposure but I always felt it had what it takes. Enjoy it!
The teaching is entitled, "Enjoy God's Son Rays."
Take a look at the Show Notes
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As we continue to explore ways to leave the grandstand world, today you'll hear a poem entitled, "Of What Shall I Build My Mind?" and a song, "For What Is Bound on Earth." The teaching is from my new batch of writing, unpublished as yet, entitled, "How Do We Overcome This World."
Enjoy the Show Notes.
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Today I am sharing "The Inflatable Dragon" again only this time, instead of a song (as you heard in episode 19) you'll hear it as a poem. The song today was recorded in Salt Lake City in the Dean Kaelin Studios but the master tape was destroyed (because I left it in a closet unprotected for a long period of time). However, I had one cassette tape that had all the work we did on that album on it. The quality is poor but the inspiration of the song comes through. It is entitled, "I Think I Hear a Symphony." The teaching is from a new batch of writings that have not been published in a book yet. It is entitled, "A Science Fiction Story."
Please enjoy the Show Notes.
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First, in today's episode, you will hear a poem entitled "A Call to Prayer." I added two verses to this poem which I found in the public domain. Next my song, "Buckle Up with Prayer," then to cap off today's episode, a teaching from my unpublished stash entitled, "Appearances." Enjoy all these creative efforts and be blessed!
Enjoy the Show Notes.
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This is an appropriately long episode dealing with a very important subject. Matthew 7:2 says in the Contemporary English Edition, "God will do to us what we do to others." All of my creative efforts today embrace the ramifications of that verse. We often ignore tough biblical commands because they appear to be ideals we can't live up to. This one, however, is much more important than we give it credit to be. This biblical admonition goes hand in hand with the Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
If we choose to ignore the Golden Rule, we will be subject to Matthew 7:2 which will, by its very nature, give us cause to reconsider our position, and really do to others what we, ourselves, would like done to us. God's not trying to force His will on us, making us be nice. He created us a certain way and, with free will, if we choose to redefine ourselves as "something else" other than how God created us, WE are the ones choosing to try to fit ourselves into shoes that are too tight, shoes that pinch our toes, shoes that make us wonder what's going on and why God can be so cruel. Stop. Step back. Take another look. There is a God who created us. We would do well to humbly get to know Him and learn to know ourselves and God through His Son, Jesus Christ.
He's not making you be a certain way. You are merely veering from how He created you. Stop veering, stop making waves, stop trying to redefine yourself, and get to know your creator through Jesus. It will make your life much more satisfying.
The poem is, "Don't Go to Hell on My Account." The song is "God Will Do to You," and the teaching is from my book, Advanced Christianity, "God Will Do to Us What We Do to Others." My prayer is that you get MUCH out of this episode.
Enjoy the Show Notes.
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This episode is scheduled to be aired July 5th, 2021 but it may actually air July 4th (Independence Day in the US). So today we are exploring what it means to be Independent. We ARE NOT independent unless we are dependent on God. That is the Bottom Line!
The song for today is "He Has Died for You." The poem is "Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Kingdom Come" and a wonderful teaching today (even if I do say so myself) is from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge, "Independence Day." Be blessed!
Look at the Show Notes.
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Have you packed your baggage yet and put it in the dumpster? Are you ready to leave the grandstand world and leave your worldly baggage behind? Good! Today I want to share a song that focuses on the worldly fact that, due to our determination to "Do it Ourselves," we have what could be called, Malfunction Junctions just about everywhere. These are junctions (where one road meets another) that are hazardous to our health. Just about every place you step on this earth, is filled with confusion and sometimes it even makes us think (erroneously of course) that there is no God. The song is "Malfunction Junction."
The poem was written on the library lawn in Miami, Florida one sunny afternoon. The words poured out so fast, I almost couldn't keep up with them. Enjoy "Evening Twinkling Bareback Skies."
The teaching is "The Shovel and the Pick" from my book, The Traveler.
Enjoy the Show Notes!
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Today's episode deals with one of the main deterrents toward our ability to Leave the Grandstand World. Our own living rooms and bedrooms supply us with tons of worldly news and entertainment. We don't have to go anywhere! The Grandstand World has been given a choice spot in our own homes.
I don't want to be legalistic and say, "absolutely NO television for you," but it is important to be aware of what we are doing. Today's episode is from my book, Shall I Pray or Watch TV? It is extracted from chapter 5, "Worshipping TV." The poem is entitled "Another Place and Time," and it actually summarizes the excitement that movies give us as we dive into them emotionally. The song is "I Want to See This World," which is a prayer that we be able to see the world through the eyes of Christ. It is the final sharing of this episode and the thought that I would ask you to take with you. Movies and TV DO affect us on this temporary journey we are in on earth.
Enjoy the Show Notes!
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Although God is completely in authority and certain of all things, we struggle with reality. Often we bounce back and forth between realizing the truth and authority of God and the fickleness and confusion of this world. God simply does not vacillate like that, but we do. To align ourselves with God and His train of thought, it often seems a battle ensues. This battle is NOT God's battle. He never wonders about things, He KNOWS all that is going on. The battle is ours. And there really doesn't have to be one because we can join God in His certainness. And, in fact His Holy Spirit is leading us to that conclusion but, for now, we have battles.
From my book, The Opening Window, comes some insight in this battle. The chapter's subtitle is "Waging War in the Flesh." Next comes the poem entitled, "Until No One Remains in Hell" followed by our song, "Love Each Other."
Enjoy the show notes.
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Today we are taking a close look at THE main pivot point, the main icon, the primary reason for the development of Christianity ie: the cross. The Bible is a living book, its many stories are diamonds sending its sparkling waves across the field of humanity as individual shafts of light applicable to everyone personally. In other words each story can be applied to each individual life uniquely and make sense when the Holy Spirit is summoned and allowed access to those minds for His interpretation.
The cross is the most dynamic of symbols in Christiandom with people from all walks of life sporting jewelry with it on their bracelets, necklaces and ear rings. It symbolizes the manner of death our Savior endured for each of us, saving us for eternity. The cross, therefore, is revered, loved and even idolized. But, the Bible being a living book, carries many lessons for each story and the story of Jesus' desperate and horrifying journey to Golgotha is no less endowed with much to reflect upon.
Today you will hear a teaching that along with sacrificing His life for us, Jesus demonstrated what happens when we judge. There is no doubt that Jesus taught us not to judge and that if we did, we would be judged. There is no doubt He judged the Pharisees (who, by the way, were guilty of every condemnation he accused them of), but the contradiction in His teaching versus His actions is apparent. However, it is also apparent that the result of His judgement was His death on the cross. And, when He forgave them "for they knew not what they were doing," He was raised from death back to His abundant life. The teaching you will hear is entitled, "Another Look at the Cross."
Then you will hear a poem entitled, "The Cross" and finally a song that I put music to written by Joan Steward entitled, "God Reached Down." God did, indeed, reach down to each of us through His Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem us from sin by His death and blood shed. And He showed us what happens when we judge and how important it is to forgive in order to be raised back to life.
Look at the show notes here.
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The Leaving the Grandstand World podcast sometimes has some very short episodes (like this one) but don't let that make you think there is no substance here. There is plenty to ponder over. The poem is entitled, "Mind of God, Mind of Mine" and everyone needs to understand that God has enabled us to share His mind but, due to the Fall, we have blind-sided ourselves to His knowledge and find ourselves in a conundrum where we put on blinders to God's freely given truth then wander around in a daze asking ourselves, "What's going on here?" Do you see that?
The song is "And I Believe It" and I hope it helps you understand the power given to us in our beliefs. You might as well believe the truth (as it is) rather than believe the world's lies (as things aren't).
And finally, "The Puzzle" is from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge. If our minds are gifts from God, they have inherent power. If we hold resentments, we are making puzzle pieces that occlude the truth of our and others' beings. Resentment blocks the light of God, hiding both God and truth from ourselves. What a shame when that happens.
Enjoy the show notes. I've added some commentary you might enjoy.
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Today I start with the teaching which is entitled, "The Importance of the Sneeze," then transition into the poem, "Help Me," and conclude with our song, "There's Gotta Be Fruit." Although this episode is just under 10 minutes, it wouldn't hurt to listen to it a few times because it is saturated with inspiration, packed with peace and purpose, a pantry full of tasty morsels to satisfy the deepest part of your soul. What do you think of that?
Please enjoy the Show Notes for the words to the poem and the lyrics to the song. Plus more if I think of anything.
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Today we are looking at laughter. The poem is, "To the Inner Jester," the song is, "I'm Laughing Now," and the teaching is from my book, The Atheist Delusion. It is entitled, "Fertile Ground Toward Love."
Please enjoy the Show Notes for today's episode. Lots of extra info there.
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The teaching today is "The Redemptive Lie," while the poem is "Pilate Asked a Question." The song today is entitled, "Rubik's Cube." Don't forget to enjoy the Show Notes as I clarify and give additional information.
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Dragons generally symbolize Satan, or demons, or even demonic activity. Today we somewhat lightly explore these symbols in all three of my creative works. The song was inspired by a dream I had and is entitled, "The Inflatable Dragon," the poem is "The Dragon," and, once again, from my book, 444 - Holiness Revisited, we visit "The Wall of Flesh." Blessings to all.
Please be sure to go to my show notes HERE and enjoy extra information as well as the lyrics to the song and the words to the poem. God bless you!
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This episode of Leaving the Grandstand World speaks a little of the Holiness Movement that piqued in the early 20th century. Just before I found a wonderful batch of literature from that era, God inspired me with a song which I share with you today. That song is entitled, "Let My Glory Pass By," and because the lyrics are a little hard to understand, I share the lyrics with you now:
Moses said "Oh, I beseech You, God, a glimpse of You, please give"
God said "You can't see My face, son, no one sees my face and lives
But My glory shall pass by you, you may have a partial view
Stand upon this rock, so holy, let My glory make things new"
Chorus:
Let My glory pass by you
Let My glory pass by
Open up your eyes and then
Watch My glory pass by (twice)
(at end only) There is no need to fear now
There is no need to fear
Open up your eyes and then
Watch My glory come near
Gideon was quite alarmed by fire coming from the staff
Of Jehovah God directly, but Jehovah God just laughed
"Your offering of cake and meat has been accepted, that's for sure"
Gideon just bowed before Him and knew His glory, oh so pure (chorus)
"I'm a man of unclean lips" says the prophet, if truth be told
All of us have unclean thoughts and unclean lives, in a world so cold
God had mercy on we sinners, from the altar, a seraph flew
Giving us a live, hot coal that made our lives as good as new (chorus)
God's great Hand snatched from that altar, His live coal, His son, for us
He sent Him forth to share His ember so we'd know, in God we trust
God's Son gave His life to save you, in your heart, He'll reign supreme
All God's glory passed before you. This is all that God's asking…(chorus twice)
I also share a song which I narrated as a poem called, "He Is Coming" and finally, I share the preface from my book, 444 - Holiness Revisited.
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Our journey to Heaven is interrupted often as we attempt to fulfill Jesus's prayer that "God's Kingdom Come, His will be done ON EARTH as it is in Heaven." As we look around we notice that peace on earth just doesn't seem possible. Today we explore peace. Peace within, however, does seem obtainable if we focus properly on the Lord and submit to His will. The song today was written in the late 60s back in the days when it was fashionable to "wave your first two fingers toward the sky" (which was the peace sign). A fun song but not too deep. Then I explore the agape love, God's love, one of my songs which I narrated as a poem with a jazz piece. The song/poem is entitled, "I Guess I'll Have to Hug You in My Mind." Finally, the teaching is from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge. I share, "Mother," and "A Crack in the Mirror." Be blessed!
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The poem for today is entitled, "Vision," the song is, "I've Got the Smog in the Eye, Overcast Sky, Pollution Blues, Baby," and the teaching is from my book, Advanced Christianity from a chapter entitled, "How Satan Chides us to Make Wrong Choices."
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A short bonus episode for your edification. The Highway to Heaven is the narrow road. More traffic is needed in order to Leave the Grandstand World. Food for thought!
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This episode of Leaving the Grandstand World features a poem, "I Can Hear the Harmony," a song, "Intimate Mystery." I include a short explanation from my wife, Eva, on the special Holy Spirit inspired way this song was birthed then I conclude with a teaching from my book, A Course in Christianity "Notifications." My new cycle of podcasts renews on the 24th so I am looking forward to continuing to share two episodes per week (each one probably a little longer than these last few have been). God bless you!
Please enjoy my video of this episode featured on YouTube.
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Today's episode of Leaving the Grandstand World deals with fear. My song today features "Monarch Butterfly," a whimsical look at what happens when a gigantic butterfly invades the area. The poem is entitled, "Fear" and the teaching for today is, "Be Not Afraid," from my book, A Course in Christianity.
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This was the 13th episode that I've prepared today so I thought I'd share some creativity that involved carnality and its place in this world. The poem is entitled, "We're Leaving Bodies Everywhere;" the song is entitled, "Who Would Think," and the teaching is from my book, The Traveler. It is chapter 17, Halloween and Jesus.
I hope you'll take a look at the video of this podcast on Youtube so you can follow along with the lyrics to the song and the words to the poem.
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We are all rivers either flowing downstream filled with the muck and mire of the world or, going against the world's ways and supernaturally flowing upstream casting worldly cares aside, sharing Godly traits of love, peace, and forgiveness. Flowing upstream is hard because we're going against the status quo but, remember, with God all things are possible so it really isn't difficult, is it?
Today I share my joy through a poem, "I Could Be a River," a song, "My Faith Is in You, Lord," and a short selection from my book, The Traveler, which is about a man who encounters a supernatural Christian mentor whom he communicates with through his computer. It is chapter 29, "The Wishing Well."
Enjoy the Show Notes! This is where I can display the lyrics to the songs and the words to the poetry. From that page you can also play the episode and follow along.
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Do you believe in Newspaper Dragons? I don't either but I used to deliver them when I was a kid and I see them on the bottom of parakeet cages and blowing in the wind sometimes. They are words we use to describe our fragmented worlds. Fragmented sentences depicting a fragmented world. We can do better than that. Our words can give us life or death. Let's not believe and make true all this fragmentation. Let's believe and make true God's word--His words of life. Good idea, huh?
This episode has a poem, "I Am a Dragon," a song, "I Found That I Know Nothing," and a teaching from one of my books, A Course in Christianity from a chapter entitled, "My String Theory."
Do visit this episode on YouTube.
Enjoy the Show Notes as well. Be blessed!
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I'm happy to introduce to you in this episode, the very first song Eva and I wrote together. It is entitled, "Praise Ditty" and I believe it will uplift your spirits. The poem (which was initially created as a song) is entitled, "Give Praise to God." It was written by Eva and you will eventually hear these words in a song sometime in the future. The teaching is from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge. The chapter is entitled, "Flashlight Eyes."
Please visit the Show Notes for the lyrics and words to the poem.
Visit this episode on Youtube.
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In this episode I share a song that came in a rather supernatural way. "Jesus Made a Whip of Cords" then another Biblically based creative effort comes your way. The poem is entitled, "Jonah" and I wrap it up with some teaching from my book, A Course in Christianity. The chapter is entitled, "Exploring the Truth on the Internet."
Enjoy the Show Notes.
Stop by and see this episode on YouTube.
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We are leaving the Grandstand World, the world of spectatorship, the world of victimhood, the world of fear and doubt. Next stop? The playing field!
The poetry begins with my poem, "The Dream." Next you'll hear our song, "Eternity." Then the teaching is from my spiritual autobiography, The Opening Window. The chapter is entitled, "Pedaling Backward."
I hope you are enjoying taking a look at my Show Notes for each episode. I've tried to make them entertaining.
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In our continuing desire to leave the grandstand world and become a player on the field, I present more poetry, songs and teachings. Today your original song is "The Light Beyond." The poetry is "God Is a Poem" The teaching is from my book, A Course in Christianity and is the chapter entitled, "Could This Be Your Preview of Coming Attractions?"
Please enjoy the Show Notes.
Also visit this episode on YouTube.
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This episode of Leaving the Grandstand World looks into love. God's pure love is often superseded by mankind's convoluted twisted love. The song is, "The Call for Love." The poetry today is entitled, "Sustaining Love" and the talk which is a chapter in "A Holy Hodgepodge," is "The Mechanism of Carnal Love."
Please visit the Show Notes for this podcast to read the lyrics to the song and the words to the poem.
Do visit the YouTube video for this episode.
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Today's episode deals with those who have found belief in God not intellectually satisfying. The song is entitled, "Spinning Spinning." Next I present a poem entitled, "To the Evolutionists" I conclude the podcast with a selection from my book, The Atheist Delusion.
Enjoy the Show Notes for this podcast. Lots of good stuff including the words to the song and poem.
Please stop by my YouTube video of this episode. I think you'll like it.
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I start this podcast off with an original song, "Consider the Lilies." I then share my poem, "Beyond the Pages." I complete this podcast with a short piece entitled, "What About the Bible?"
Visit this episode's Show Notes to see the lyrics and words to the song and poem and other interesting things. See this episode on YouTube.
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This podcast includes only a song, a poem and a chapter from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge. The song is "Jesus Please Adjust Me", the poem is "I Wear My Sin" and the chapter from the book is "Our Desires."
Please visit my Show Notes for this episode to read additional information and follow along with the words to the poem and the lyrics to the song.
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The song in this episode is, "Let's Ring the Bells for Jesus Christ" followed by a poem entitled, "He is Risen." I conclude the episode with two chapters from my book, A Holy Hodgepodge. These chapters are, "The Pedestrian Overpass," and "Was It Just a Fluke?"
If you'd like to see both the lyrics to the song and the words to the poem, visit the Show Notes for this episode. In addition, I will share any insight I may have regarding these works (including their origin).
I want to invite you to see this episode at YouTube. It is kind of fun making these episodes into videos. They aren't just a stagnant pictures through the whole episodes. I put some effort into making them interesting.
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This episode includes the song, "Jesus Please Take Us from This Grandstand World" and poetry entitled, "A Prayer Can Change the World." Also included from my book, A Course in Christianity, are two chapters. They are "Jesus Removes the Blocks" and "I Want Faith."
I will soon have a separate web page available for ALL of my podcasts. For now, please take a look at the Show Notes for this first podcast. You will be able to follow along with the lyrics to the songs and the words to the poetry. Plus I will insert anything I remember about the creation efforts.
Enjoy this episode on YouTube.
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