NeedtoBreathe "Brother" a needed word for today!

Those who truly know me understand that I love music. I love all genres. Yet I am picky about one aspect of music - the message! I engulf my life in music that reinforces quality traits that are Godly and uplifting. I do the same with movies. I want to be challenged to stand strong and stay the course no matter what.

In today's world it is difficult to find this type of reinforcement.  So difficult that if you were to look at my playlists on my phone, or see the movies and shows I DVR, you might think that I am lost in the oldies.  I am actually just that selective. I know the power of influence. I know that anyone of us can get tripped up in life if we are not careful with what we allow to influence our lives.  So whether it is music from the Southern Gospel world, Praise music, real oldies, Country, or Disco from the 70's, you will find my song selection to be such that encourages me to stand and keep moving forward!

The group NeedtoBreathe just released a new song that I immediately downloaded and have been listening to all day while working. It is playing now as I type this.  The song is named "Brother".  The words of the chorus speak to my thoughts today about so many things:

Brother let me be your shelter
I'll never leave you all alone
I can be the one you call
When you're low
Brother let me be your fortress
When the night winds are driving on
Be the one to light the way
Bring you home

The activity of today in all circles of life is attack and attack some more. Whether you are a Christian or not (and I would love to share with you about the love of Jesus if you do not know Him), you know what I mean. We see people hurting and we kick and hurt them more. Have we forgotten that the essence of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is forgiveness. Are we so caught up in our agendas and ruthless narcissism that we are too prideful to admit that we trample on the Gospel when we fail to live it out?

I tell our people every week that as Christians we MUST be the people who embrace the hurting regardless of their failures, faults, weaknesses etc, and nurture them back to health. That is exactly what God called us to be and do. I am the first to admit that very few in my own life have done this. Most people are left to suffer and scrap their way around the ugly of this world by themselves. And some today love the ease of joining the rock throwing. And often, we may join when our intention is something else. We live in a messed up world where the mess grows by the day. But the failures of others should not stop us from our calling!

The guys of NeedtoBreathe have highlighted one of the greatest needs of our day. I could post hundreds of verses where the Bible teaches this clearly. But I will highlight this with the following passage:

1 Pet 4:8-11
8    And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins."
9    Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.
10    As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
11    If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
(NKJ)

And so I will keep praying as I sing:  "Lord, let me be the love of Christ to all I come in contact with, standing for your truth which means I must hate sin but love the sinner. Let me be a true brother in my actions and words. Thank you Lord for showing me the way! May many more "brothers" rise up in this wicked and perverse day!"

And thank you Bo, Bear and the whole NeedtoBreathe gang for writing this song to remind me of this daily! I needed it today!