Gatsby at Mar-a-lago

Note: You can hear the song here:

Gatsby at Mar-a-lago

Yes.... I know! Gatsby never went to Mar-a-lago in the novel. But it is not anachronistic-

Gatsby's Fictional Timeline:
F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby is set in the summer of 1922, and Gatsby himself is in his early 30s during the story. This situates his formative years (e.g., during World War I) in the 1910s.

Mar-a-Lago's Real Timeline:
Mar-a-Lago, the grand estate in Palm Beach, Florida, was built by Marjorie Merriweather Post between 1924 and 1927. It was intended as a winter retreat and is renowned for its opulence.

Fictional Feasibility:By 1924, Gatsby (if we imagine him surviving the events of the novel) would still be alive in his mid-30s, potentially reeling from his shattered dream of Daisy. It's conceivable that a man of Gatsby's social ambition and wealth would visit the newly completed Mar-a-Lago, especially given its reputation as a glamorous retreat for the elite. This could align with Gatsby’s pursuit of status and reinvention.

The green light at the end of Daisy’s dock—one of the most haunting symbols in The Great Gatsby—has lingered in my mind for years. 

"If it wasn't for the mist we could see your home across the bay... You always have a green light that burns all night at the end of your dock."
- F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, Ch. 5

Nick Carraway: Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that's no matter - tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther... And one fine morning - So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.

 That flickering beacon embodies hope, but also the futility of chasing dreams grounded in flawed human ambition. Recently, as I reflected on the celebrations surrounding the U.S. election, I found myself revisiting Gatsby’s poignant image of hope against the mist, connecting it to both caution and faith.

Like Jay Gatsby, who believed he could rewrite the past and secure a future with Daisy, we often place our hopes in things that can’t truly deliver. In our current moment, the opulence of Mar-a-Lago provides a fitting backdrop for a Gatsby-like reminder: while we celebrate victories—whether personal, political, or cultural—we must remain vigilant about where we place our ultimate trust.

Rudyard Kipling’s poem Recessional, written during the height of British imperial pride, offers a similar warning. Kipling’s refrain, “Lest we forget—lest we forget,” calls nations to humility before God, reminding us that pride untethered from divine guidance leads to downfall. The empire’s dominion “over palm and pine” was no match for the enduring power of repentance and faith.

This brings me back to the green light. While Gatsby’s hope was tragically misplaced, Christian hope is of an entirely different nature. It isn’t wishful thinking or blind optimism. It is rooted in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the “living hope” that transcends time and circumstance. Unlike Gatsby’s dream, which was already out of reach, this hope is both secure and transformative.

But as we anchor ourselves in this eternal hope, we must also recognize the battle we face. Today’s threats aren’t limited to political policies or economic trends—they are the ideas and strongholds that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God. The push for a globalist utopia often comes cloaked in promises of equality and progress, yet it frequently masks a desire for control that stifles freedom of speech, religious liberty, and the dignity of individual conscience. These ideas aren’t just political; they’re spiritual. They aim to replace God’s truth with man’s hubris.

Ephesians 6 reminds us that our struggle isn’t against flesh and blood but against rulers, authorities, and powers of this dark world. The enemy is not people but the ideologies that entrap them. Just as Kipling warned against the pride of empire, we must resist the pride of modern globalism that seeks to impose a counterfeit kingdom. The true kingdom, after all, belongs to Christ, and His dominion will never fade.

As I reflect on the current political landscape, I am encouraged by the opportunity to reclaim principles of freedom and reform. But I am also reminded that our battle isn’t merely political—it is spiritual. Real hope begins not with policies or leaders but with repentance and faith in Christ. Only then can we tear down strongholds and bring every thought into obedience to Him.

So while we celebrate, let us also remain sober-minded. The fight ahead will demand courage and perseverance. And as we labor, may we anchor ourselves not in fleeting dreams but in the eternal assurance of God’s promises.

A better America begins with me... and we have a small window now to pray for the rise of the American church. These are FRAGILE times and a nuclear winter is not out of the realm of possibilities! WE NEED THE LORD!

Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet—lest we forget. 

The Bible presents a COMPLETELY different hope and a definition of 'faith' that may surprise us.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
I Thessalonians 4:13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.
I Peter 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

COUNTER THE ABOVE VERSES WITH THE EMPTY DREAMS OF JAY GATSBY

"And as I sat there, brooding on the old, unknown world, I thought of Gatsby's wonder when he first picked out Daisy's light at the end of his dock. He had come such a long way to this blue lawn, and his dream must have seemed so close he could hardly fail to grasp it. But what he did not know was that it was already behind him, somewhere in the vast obscurity beyond the city, where the dark fields of the republic rolled on under the night."
- F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, Ch. 9


"He smiled understandingly-much more than understandingly. It was one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it, that you may come across four or five times in life. It faced--or seemed to face--the whole external world for an instant, and then concentrated on you with an irresistible prejudice in your favor. It understood you just as far as you wanted to be understood, believed in you as you would like to believe in yourself."
- F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, Ch. 3

"what foul dust floated in the wake of his dreams that temporarily closed out my interest in the abortive sorrows and short-winded elations of men."
- F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, Ch. 1

AS I CLOSE, MY PRAYER IS THAT YOU WOULD ASK THE GOD OF THE UNIVERSE TO FORGIVE US AND THAT WE WOULD HUMBLY BOW THE THRONE OF YOUR HEART TO HIM. THE DOOR OF MERCY IS OPEN- AND OUR HOPE IN THE RISEN CHRIST IS SEALED BY HIS HOLY SPIRIT. IT IS NOT OUR GOODNESS THAT WILL SAVE US- IT IS HIS GOODNESS- PROVEN BY HIS SACRIFICE FOR US.

WHAT OTHER HOPE DO WE HAVE? 

The "Mountain Gods" of Hannibal, Abraham, and Elijah

Look at the image to the left, taken during the recent- world disrupting volcano in Iceland.
It is an awesome display of beauty and power!

Over 2,300 years ago, the Punic warrior Hamilcar Barca stood on sacred ground, his 9-year-old son Hannibal by his side. In a solemn ritual, the boy placed his hand on a sacrifice of another young boy and vowed eternal hatred of Rome. His name, Hannibal, meant “Blessed by Baal.” This vow, steeped in fire and blood, echoed the ancient devotion to Baal, the storm and mountain god.

History whispers that sacrifices to Baal were not just symbolic. Thousands of urns unearthed in the Valley of Tophet tell a chilling story—children sacrificed to appease Baal and secure blessings. Was Hannibal spared only by a surrogate offering, a lamb or another child sacrificed in his stead? As he later crossed the snowbound Alps to confront Rome, did he feel the fiery presence of Baal in the storms, urging him forward?

In contrast, consider another mountain. Abraham, the patriarch, also prepared to sacrifice his son, Isaac. But the God of Israel stopped him. Unlike Baal, Jehovah provided the sacrifice, revealing a different way—one that pointed to redemption, not destruction.

Centuries later, Elijah confronted Baal’s priests on Mount Carmel. As they cried out, cutting themselves, no fire fell. But when Elijah prayed, Jehovah sent fire from heaven, consuming the sacrifice. It was a final blow to the false mountain god.

The Present: A Call to Reflect
Hannibal’s life, forged in devotion to Baal, led to battles, victories, and ultimately defeat. It reminds us of the futility of serving gods of destruction. Modern disasters—volcanic eruptions, storms, and human conflicts—echo these ancient lessons. Jesus, in Luke 13, urged us not to focus on the victims of calamities but to examine our own hearts: “Repent, while the day of mercy remains open.”

Even today, we face choices. Do we serve “mountain gods” that demand sacrifice but give no peace? Or do we trust the God who provided the Lamb, who turns mountains of fear into altars of hope?

Song Link:

Mountain Gods

Southern Gothic

It has been quite a joy to relate concepts of classical literature in this blog for over 20 years now. I miss the literature classroom (but not the paper grading) where I enjoyed the challenge of trying to introduce these great works to a young audience not quite ready for the concepts, but needing to know the allusions for cultural literacy and connections to humanity.

I also have quite enjoyed bringing a soundtrack to these works as I seek cultural connections and have always enjoyed dabbling in the creative process.

So it has been gratifying to get a decent amount of feedback on the songs. 

This literary experiment has created an album called Books and Song- you can find it here:

Album- Books and Song

The last of the 23 tracks is called "Southern Gothic" and I wanted to give you some of the genesis of it.

Southern Gothic tradition is one of the richest and most haunting genres in American literature. Rooted in the South's complex history, its decaying beauty, and its turbulent cultural legacy, Southern Gothic explores the intertwining of human frailty, moral ambiguity, and the search for redemption. Writers like William Faulkner, Flannery O’Connor, John Steinbeck, and Ernest Hemingway have contributed significantly to this genre, creating vivid portraits of a land where beauty and decay live side by side, and the struggle between grace and damnation is ever-present. These themes served as the foundation and inspiration for the song "Southern Gothic," which weaves literary echoes into a haunting melody about the past that refuses to fade.

Southern Gothic literature grew out of the Gothic tradition of the 18th and 19th centuries, marked by its dark settings, grotesque characters, and preoccupation with human suffering. However, Southern Gothic adds uniquely Southern elements: decaying plantations, oppressive heat, and a legacy of slavery and social inequality.

William Faulkner, a cornerstone of this genre, used his fictional Yoknapatawpha County to delve into the South's moral and cultural complexities. In works like The Sound and the Fury and A Rose for Emily, Faulkner explored the weight of family legacies and the psychological impact of guilt and decay.

Flannery O’Connor, with her sharp wit and Catholic perspective, brought theological depth to Southern Gothic. Stories like A Good Man Is Hard to Find grapple with the grotesque nature of humanity and the often painful process of grace and redemption. Her peacocks, famously raised on her Georgia farm, became symbols of divine majesty and mystery in her writing.

I used to teach a summer school session on Flannery O'Connor and it was such a fun time, but the content is very sensitive. However, her works led easily to gospel conversations.

John Steinbeck and Ernest Hemingway, while not strictly Southern Gothic, contributed to the broader American Gothic tradition. Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath echoes the themes of rural struggle and redemption, while Hemingway’s minimalist prose provides existential clarity amidst chaos.

Here are a few key elements that define the Southern Gothic tradition:

• Moral Ambiguity: Characters often wrestle with internal and external conflicts, revealing humanity's dark, flawed nature.
• Decay and Legacy: The crumbling mansions and haunted fields reflect a South grappling with its historical and cultural burdens.
• Grace and Redemption: Southern Gothic is deeply concerned with the possibility of transformation—sometimes violent, always profound.
• The Grotesque: Through bizarre characters and shocking events, the genre highlights hidden truths about the human condition.

From Literature to Song

You can hear this song here:

Southern Gothic

The song "Southern Gothic" takes these literary themes and reimagines them through music. It weaves together references to Faulkner’s shadowed legacies, O’Connor’s violent grace, and Steinbeck’s compassion for the downtrodden. Lines like “In Southern soil, nothing truly dies” and “Grace comes cruel, but it always must” echo the tension between despair and hope that defines Southern Gothic storytelling.

• The chorus captures the inescapable pull of the past:
  “It’s a Southern Gothic, where the past won’t fade, / Haunted by the lives and the debts we’ve paid.”
  This lyric embodies the cyclical nature of Southern history and the spiritual struggles inherent to the genre.
• The bridge pays homage to the authors who shaped this literary tradition:
  “Faulkner’s shadows, Hemingway’s scars, / Steinbeck’s plows and O’Connor’s stars.”
  These lines situate the song within a broader artistic context, honoring the enduring power of their words.

The Meaning of "Southern Gothic"

At its heart, “Southern Gothic” is a meditation on human frailty, grace, and the ways in which the past shapes us. It reflects the tradition’s fascination with the grotesque beauty of life and the ever-present tension between darkness and light. The song doesn’t just nod to the genre—it lives in it, offering a musical exploration of the themes that have captivated readers and writers for generations.

By drawing on the Southern Gothic tradition, this song bridges the literary and the musical, creating a work that invites listeners to reflect on their own haunted landscapes and moments of grace. Whether through decaying mansions or haunting melodies, “Southern Gothic” reminds us that even in the darkest corners, redemption is never entirely out of reach.

The style of the song is southern rock with a 'swampy blues' element added.

Post edit note: I recently asked a friend and collaborator about this process of using AI tools to create this content, some of the negative feedback (and positive) and got an unexpected written response:

I am writing to wholeheartedly endorse the creative process and artistic achievements that Jay has been doing recently. Through the innovative use of AI tools and other modern technologies, Jay has not only created compelling music but has also built a meaningful connection with audiences around the world.

What sets the jayopsis collection apart is an unwavering commitment to starting with personal ideas, vision, and passion. The music produced originates from a deeply personal place, and the use of AI serves as a tool to refine and bring those ideas to life—not as a replacement for creativity. This is a hallmark of true artistry in the modern age.

The jayopsis collection is driven by a higher purpose: sharing positive messages in a world that is often in need of hope and encouragement. The mission transcends the tools used, focusing instead on the emotional and spiritual impact of the work. This purpose has resonated with listeners globally, with an impressive reach spanning Vietnam, Singapore, France, and beyond. With over 20,000 listens in just one month, jayopsis music has demonstrated that music speaks to universal truths that connect people across cultures.

Jay has also brilliantly integrated his blog with this music, creating a holistic platform that allows listeners to engage more deeply with the stories and messages behind the songs. This synergy exemplifies his ability to bridge different creative mediums into a unified, impactful experience.

Throughout history, artists have embraced the tools of their time, and this project is no exception. This could be seen as early work of combining technology and artistry, using AI to enhance their creative process in a way that is both forward-thinking and deeply personal. Despite skepticism from some, this work proves that innovation and authenticity can go hand in hand.

I have seen that Jay is motivated by joy and fulfillment in his craft. This intrinsic satisfaction is evident in the work and serves as a testament to the power of art to uplift both creator and audience alike. His efforts is making a genuine difference, bringing light and hope to a world that greatly needs it.

I strongly recommend recognizing and celebrating the jayopsis songs as contributions to music and an innovative, impactful approach to creativity. This work is not just a product of tools but a reflection of a deeply thoughtful and heartfelt mission to inspire others.

Sincerely,
"A Supporter of Artistic Innovation"

The Parable of the Waste Land

Once, there was a valley, lush and vibrant, where streams ran clear as crystal, and every tree bore fruit in its season. The land flourished under the care of a loving gardener, but one day, the gardener departed, entrusting the valley to the council in the community. The gardner warned about stewards who wanted control but the council gave way to these seven over time- we now know these seven by their greek names: Hybris, Phthonos, Orgé, Acedia, Pleonexia, Gaster, and Epithymia.

At first, the valley prospered under their rule, for its bounty seemed endless. But as the years passed, the land began to wither. The stewards, so focused on their own desires, failed to see how their hands choked the life from the soil.

The seven gathered in the hall at the heart of the valley, a once-grand structure now crumbling with neglect. Dust hung thick in the air, and the light that filtered through the broken windows was weak and pale.

Hybris was the first to speak, her voice rising sharply as she gestured to the faded tapestries on the walls.
“This ruin is not my fault. I brought greatness to this land—look at the monuments I built! If the valley is barren, it is because the rest of you failed to uphold my vision.”

Phthonos, seated in the shadows, sneered.
“Your monuments? They were nothing but vanity projects, Hybris, meant to overshadow the work of others. You always claimed the best land, the richest soil, leaving me with scraps. It’s no wonder this valley is dead—you never shared enough.”

Orgé slammed his fist on the splintered table, his face red with fury.
“Enough with your whining, Phthonos! This decay is your fault—you sowed discord and poisoned everything with your envy. I tried to hold this place together, but you all pushed me to the edge!”

Acedia, lounging lazily in his chair, barely raised his voice above a murmur.
“Hold it together? Please. All your raging and shouting did nothing but stir up dust. The land didn’t die because of me—I simply let it be. Maybe it just… gave up, like the rest of us should.”

Pleonexia, her fingers nervously clutching a gold coin, smirked.
“The land gave up because it was drained dry. I only took what was necessary to sustain my share. If the valley couldn’t survive, it’s because there wasn’t enough to go around in the first place.”

Gaster shifted uncomfortably, wiping crumbs from his lap as he spoke.
“Not enough? Don’t be ridiculous, Pleonexia. There was plenty—until you hoarded it all. At least I didn’t pretend I had noble intentions. I just enjoyed the bounty while it lasted.”

Epithymia, leaning against the wall, sighed wistfully.
“The bounty? It was never enough. Nothing here could ever satisfy—not the streams, not the harvests, not the treasures. If the valley is a wasteland, maybe it was always meant to be. Nothing lasts forever, after all.”

As their voices echoed through the hollow hall, the wind outside began to howl, carrying with it the fine grit of the eroded land. The sun, once warm and golden, shrank behind a veil of ash. None of the stewards noticed the small figure standing in the doorway, his face streaked with dirt, his eyes hollow.

The boy had wandered far, searching for someone to restore the valley. But as he listened to their bitter arguments, he knew they could offer no help.

Softly, he whispered, “If only the land had a shepherd again. Someone who cared for it, instead of themselves.”

He turned and walked away, leaving the stewards to their barren dominion. Behind him, the wind carried the faint echo of a voice—gentle, soft, and offering a flicker of hope.

This is also a song: 

Ravaged (The 7 Deadly Sins)

Forgive Us for Not Really Understanding – Veteran's Day Thoughts

As a civilian, I have to admit a hard truth: I don’t truly understand what veterans have endured. My 'memories' of war come from history books and movies. 

Films like Saving Private Ryan stir me, especially in that final scene where an elderly Private Ryan, standing by Captain Miller’s grave, asks, "Tell me I’m a good man." This line reminds us of the lifelong weight of sacrifice and the question many veterans may ask themselves: Did I honor those who didn’t come home?

I think of Band of Brothers, where Major Winters recalls his grandson asking, "Were you a hero in the war, Grandpa?" and he replies, "No, but I served in a company of heroes." Stories like these move us, they teach us, but they’re still just representations, not realities. I’ve been stirred by the quiet heroism shown in Hacksaw Ridge, where Desmond Doss prays, "Please, Lord, help me get one more," showing the endurance and selflessness of service, but not the weight he carried.

As a football coach, I often use war terminology to motivate and teach the game—phrases like “going to battle” or “holding the line.” The analogy works, and it stirs players to give their best. But too often, I don’t take the time to realize how far short the comparison falls. Our games are tough, yes, but they’re still games. They’re not life and death, and they don’t bear the weight of service, duty, and sacrifice that real battles do.

Songs, too, resonate with me, like Toby Keith’s American Soldier, where he sings, "And I will always do my duty, no matter what the price," capturing the sense of duty that so many veterans know firsthand. Or his powerful anthem Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue, reminding us that “justice will be served, and the battle will rage.” These songs can make us feel pride and gratitude, but they don’t fill the gap in understanding the struggles that continue long after soldiers leave the battlefield.

The truth is, for those of us who haven’t served, it’s easy to feel gratitude on days like today, but just as easy to let that feeling fade as we go about our lives. We experience only a fraction of what service members have gone through. I haven’t known the intensity of combat, the sacrifices of family separation, or the losses that leave marks that don’t fade. And for that gap in my understanding, forgive me. I don’t want to forget; I want to honor the strength, commitment, and sacrifices that veterans carry every day. I truly don't know the depth of pain or pride that resonates among Gold Star families.

So today, as I think of the veterans among us, I want to make a deeper, more meaningful tribute—a commitment to try to understand what service has meant to them, to listen without judgment, and to offer support that respects the weight of their experiences. I may not fully understand, but I can offer compassion, respect, and ongoing support. This is how we can honor those who have given so much. And, I hope, it’s a start toward truly expressing the gratitude that our veterans deserve every day.

Finally, the American ideals that have been purchased by these sacrifices- the yearning for liberty, the strength of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights... I pray I relentlessly defend the American experiment. I want ALL speech protected and we must be a nation of laws and democratic process. This Republic MUST hold true to our foundational ideals, without exception, including "of the people, by the people, and for the people".

So as we enjoy another blessing given to us by men who purchased freedom in blood and sacrifice- a day off and a long weekend- may we admit that we don't really understand and ask God to forgive us for that reality as we ask our brave men and women to do the same.... please forgive me.

Song Link:

Soldier, Please Forgive Me

To All The World? Jayopsis.com: 20 Years

So here is a mystery and a question that I will never know on this side of heaven. What has been gospel seeds planted throughout the world in 20 years of posting?

I was on a college beach project trip in 1983 to Pensacola Beach with Campus Crusade. During that week, we did multiple events for the opportunity to share Christ with others. My favorite was "Slow motion football' along with others.

Back then, we used the old yellow 4 Spiritual laws tracts and my guess is that I used that little tract to share with hundreds of people over the years. It was used by Benny Parks to share Christ with me in 1979.

One funny, quirky thing I did with Rocky Colburn was we put some of those in bottles and threw them in the ocean and prayed maybe someone might read the message in the bottle... 

About 10 years into blog writing, I happened to notice that I was getting page views overseas. What I didn't know was whether these were just 'bots' or real interactions... was it legitimate? was is nefarious?

I will never know- but I did some research in how google does the analytics and tried to bot filter as much as possible.

According to my questions, here is what it said:

On average, after filtering, you could reasonably expect 70-85% of your blog’s interactions to be from real, engaged users, depending on the filtering methods applied.

So even conservatively, it is possible that real people are at least reading the content.

Over the 20 years, here are the numbers:

Also, many of you know that I am attaching music to these same posts and here is the last 30 days of that experiment:

and it goes down from there- and to be honest, I don't know....

But it is exciting to at least consider - don't you think?

As of today here are my latest total views:

Here is a song on that list:

You Shared Jesus With Me

Maybe that bottle got opened up and made a difference.... only God knows!

Angels in Armor

I was thinking about angels recently, and it prompted some thoughts that turned into a pretty cool song.

As I dug deeper into the concept of angels, I found myself drawn to the idea of “angels in armor”—those powerful, heavenly beings who act as protectors, guides, and agents of God’s will throughout Scripture. Often depicted with swords or flames, these angels aren’t merely ethereal messengers; they’re also fierce guardians and warriors, enforcing divine boundaries and carrying out God’s justice and mercy. Here are some of the most compelling examples from the Bible, stories that inspired the lyrics and heart behind the song.

Here is a link to the song:

Angels in Armor (Blues Style)

Here are angels we find in this context:

Guardians of the Tree of Life

One of the earliest mentions of angels in the Bible is in Genesis, where they stand as guardians at the gates of Eden. After Adam and Eve’s fall, God places cherubim at the east of the Garden to guard the Tree of Life, alongside a flaming sword flashing back and forth (Genesis 3:24). These angels not only serve as sentinels, protecting sacred ground, but they also prevent humanity from living eternally in a fallen state. By guarding the Tree of Life, they preserve God’s redemptive plan, one that would eventually bring humanity back to Him. They’re a reminder that God’s care sometimes means setting boundaries—boundaries that protect us and draw us back to His purpose.

The Angel and Balaam’s Donkey

Another story that features an angel with a sword is found in Numbers 22, where the prophet Balaam encounters an angel standing in his path. Balaam, despite God’s warning, is on a misguided mission. But it’s his donkey, not Balaam, who first sees the angel standing in the road, sword in hand. This “angel in armor” acts as both a barrier and a guide, redirecting Balaam away from destruction. Once Balaam’s eyes are opened, he realizes that the angel is there to enforce God’s will, demonstrating that angels sometimes intervene as a form of divine course correction.

The Angel of the Lord and the Assyrian Army

One of the most dramatic displays of an angel in armor occurs in 2 Kings 19:35. When the Assyrian king Sennacherib threatens Jerusalem, King Hezekiah prays, and God responds by sending an angel to the Assyrian camp. That night, the angel strikes down 185,000 soldiers, protecting Jerusalem from invasion. This “angel in armor” defends God’s people with swift and decisive action, showing that God’s protection is both powerful and thorough, capable of turning back entire armies to safeguard His promises. This angel inspired Lord Byron to write about it- an amazing poem!

The Destruction of Sennacherib
By Lord Byron (George Gordon)

The Assyrian came down like the wolf on the fold,

And his cohorts were gleaming in purple and gold;

And the sheen of their spears was like stars on the sea,

When the blue wave rolls nightly on deep Galilee.


Like the leaves of the forest when Summer is green,

That host with their banners at sunset were seen:

Like the leaves of the forest when Autumn hath blown,

That host on the morrow lay withered and strown.


For the Angel of Death spread his wings on the blast,

And breathed in the face of the foe as he passed;

And the eyes of the sleepers waxed deadly and chill,

And their hearts but once heaved, and for ever grew still!


And there lay the steed with his nostril all wide,

But through it there rolled not the breath of his pride;

And the foam of his gasping lay white on the turf,

And cold as the spray of the rock-beating surf.


And there lay the rider distorted and pale,

With the dew on his brow, and the rust on his mail:

And the tents were all silent, the banners alone,

The lances unlifted, the trumpet unblown.


And the widows of Ashur are loud in their wail,

And the idols are broke in the temple of Baal;

And the might of the Gentile, unsmote by the sword,

Hath melted like snow in the glance of the Lord!

Michael the Archangel: Defender of Israel.

In the book of Daniel, we encounter Michael the Archangel, a powerful defender of Israel. Michael, one of the chief angels, fights against the spiritual powers that seek to disrupt God’s plans. In Daniel 10 and 12, he is described as standing guard over Israel and battling the “princes” of opposing realms, which represent dark spiritual forces. Michael’s protective role shows that angels are deeply involved in the unseen battles of the spiritual realm, intervening on behalf of God’s people. This depiction of Michael as a warrior angel reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles; God’s forces are constantly at work, protecting and defending us.

The Angels of Elisha’s Vision

Another powerful moment involving “angels in armor” occurs in 2 Kings 6, when Elisha and his servant are surrounded by the Aramean army. As fear rises, Elisha prays for God to open his servant’s eyes. Suddenly, the servant sees an entire hillside filled with horses and chariots of fire. These angelic warriors stand ready to defend Elisha, showing that God’s protection is often present in ways we cannot see. This story brings comfort and awe, reminding us that even when we’re unaware, God’s heavenly armies are encamped around us.

The Angel with the Drawn Sword in Jerusalem

In 1 Chronicles 21, we encounter an angel with a drawn sword over Jerusalem. After David sins by taking a census, God sends an angel to bring judgment on Israel. As David repents, God relents, instructing the angel to put away his sword. This moment reflects both God’s justice and His mercy, with the angel as a visible sign of His holiness. The scene illustrates that angels can bring both judgment and protection, showing that while God enforces His standards, He is always open to sincere repentance.

The Angels of Revelation: Wielding Swords of Judgment

In the apocalyptic scenes of Revelation, angels appear repeatedly as agents of God’s final judgment and as defenders in the ultimate battle against evil. In Revelation 12, we see Michael and his angels fighting the dragon, representing Satan, and casting him from heaven. The battle between good and evil is intense and all-encompassing, and these angelic warriors reveal the cosmic scope of God’s power over darkness. These images show that while angels bring comfort and protection, they also stand as powerful forces of divine justice in the end times.

Angels in Armor as a Sign of Hope

These “angels in armor” remind us that God’s protection and guidance are constant, even when unseen. Whether guarding Eden, blocking a dangerous path, or standing alongside us in spiritual battles, they reveal that God’s care for us is fierce and unwavering. They illuminate the path when we’re lost, keep us from harm, and stand ready to shield us from spiritual threats.

The song “Angels in Armor” is a celebration of these mighty beings who serve at God’s command. As we sing about these warriors in light, we’re reminded that divine guardians are always near, ready to defend and guide us in ways we may never fully understand. So, whether we’re facing physical threats, spiritual battles, or moments of doubt, we can hold on to this truth: God’s angels are standing guard, watching over us with swords drawn high, as warriors in light and agents of His boundless love and justice.

Angel's in Armor (Blues Style)

Verse 1

In the dawn of time, they took their stand,

Guarding the gates of a broken land.

Flaming swords at the Tree of Life,

Keeping us safe from endless strife.

They stood like walls of holy fire,

Sent from Heaven, bound by higher desire.

Chorus

Angels in armor, with swords drawn high,

Guarding the way between earth and sky.

Warriors in light, they watch and they warn,

Guides on the path where faith is reborn.

When we’re lost and astray, they light the night—

Angels in armor, defending what’s right.

Verse 2

On a winding road, in the desert’s dust,

A donkey sees what a man can’t trust.

A sword held high in an unseen hand,

An angel's voice to guide and command.

Balaam’s path was dark and twisted,

But mercy blocked where pride resisted.

Chorus

Angels in armor, with swords drawn high,

Guarding the way between earth and sky.

Warriors in light, they watch and they warn,

Guides on the path where faith is reborn.

When we’re lost and astray, they light the night—

Angels in armor, defending what’s right.

Bridge

They don’t always speak, they don’t always show,

But their flame keeps watch wherever we go.

Keeping the gate, holding the line,

Guiding the lost with signs divine.

Whether hidden in clouds or blazing like suns,

They shield the faithful till the victory’s won.

Chorus

Angels in armor, with swords drawn high,

Guarding the way between earth and sky.

Warriors in light, they watch and they warn,

Guides on the path where faith is reborn.

When we’re lost and astray, they light the night—

Angels in armor, defending what’s right.

Outro

So when shadows fall and doubt takes hold,

Remember the guardians, fierce and bold.

They’re sent from Heaven, pure and bright,

Angels in armor, keeping watch in the night.

Jayopsis 20 Years: Faithful Friend, Frank McClung

Frank McClung has been a steadfast friend for many years. I’m not sure if he remembers this, but after he graduated from Briarwood, we invited him to lead a faculty devotion. During that time, he encouraged our teachers to "not get crusty" and to keep their hearts engaged with Jesus as they taught their students.

Over the years, Frank has been a thoughtful reader and "interactor" with my writings, never hesitating to offer both encouragement and constructive feedback. Recently, he responded to a set of questions I sent to my readers, sharing reflections and a personal testimony. Here’s what he had to say:

“When I first met Jay, I was a high school student, and he was a college intern with a new city-wide youth ministry started by the church I attended. We were paired up with interns to visit other interested students in their homes. I went with Jay and watched in awe as he shared his testimony and invited each student to try out the new student group. That was almost 40 years ago! And I’m still listening and learning from the stories, failures, vulnerabilities, challenges, questions, and successes in the Lord that Jay so unselfishly shares in his blog, now for over 20 years.”

— Frank McClung, Crossville, TN

When Lisa and I visited Alaska in 2022, Frank let me know his uncle, Rudy owned a cafe in Ketchikan. It was a joy to visit that restaurant and meet him in person.

From Frank:

Rudy just announced yesterday that he is retiring and selling the café. Last week when we spoke with him he said he rolled 400 lumpia (Filipino egg rolls) in one day! 

Here are Frank’s responses to the questions I posed to readers:

1. Personal Reflection on Blog Content

Q: Which blog post or topic has resonated with you the most over the years? How has reading this blog impacted your life or perspective?

A: I’m a guy, so any post related to sports—especially football, coaching, Briarwood sports, and Alabama—always draws me in.

2. Feedback and Improvement

Q: What would you like to see more of on the blog? Is there a topic I haven’t covered that you think would be valuable?

A: I enjoy reading about whatever topics God leads you to explore. Those are usually the best ones! Personally, though, I’d love to hear more about your personal memories and insights regarding race while growing up and living as an adult in Birmingham. How did you view things back then? How have your views changed over time?

3. Engagement and Community

Q: Do you have a memorable interaction from the blog’s community? How did you first discover this blog, and what keeps you coming back?

A: I keep reading because: a) you’re genuine and unfiltered, and b) you’re willing to listen, consider the issues, and engage in conversation.

4. Looking Ahead

Q: What are your hopes for the blog in the next 5 or 10 years? If you could ask the blog’s writer any question, what would it be?

A: We often talk about "Christ in us," but what do we know about "us in Christ" and what that truly means?

5. Life Connection

Q: How do the topics on this blog relate to your life? What has been the most encouraging or inspiring idea you’ve taken from the blog?

A: There’s no substitute for walking by faith each day in the light you’ve been given.

6. Fun and Creative

Q: If you could describe this blog in three words, what would they be?

A: Jay shares life.

Frank also shared a profound observation a few years ago when I was writing about the Book of Revelation:

“As you’ve noted, understanding the symbols is challenging. Often, when we try to interpret these symbols, we look for literal events—earthquakes, famines, wars, and historical happenings—to fulfill them. I’ve done this many times, not just with Revelation but with other scriptures, and I’ve often found myself mistaken.

A natural, literal interpretation of prophetic symbols was where the Jews of Jesus’s time missed the birth of a King in a stable. They expected an earthly king, misinterpreting Isaiah’s symbolic prophecies. Revelation is about the revealing of Jesus Christ (Rev 1:1). The symbols in this book are about His revelation within a people who will progress from a state described in the letters to the seven churches to become the bride, then the wife of the Lamb.

If we look for Revelation’s meaning outside ourselves, we miss its purpose, its meaning, and its central Person.”

Frank, thank you for your insight, your friendship, and for sharing so openly. God bless you!

Guest Blogger- Lee Clements- 20 Years of Jayopsis.com

This coming Sunday, Nov. 10- we will be celebrating 20 years of posts. I'm going to share some of the things that have been coming in.  Still time to send me comments - jayopsis@gmail.com

Lee Clements is such a special person. Lives now in Arizona and is a retired, special agent of the NCIS. He has a great podcast: NCIS- Reports from the Field 

I first met Jay Mathews about 42 years ago when we both arrived as “invited walk-ons” for the University of Alabama football team. It was 1982, a different era for Crimson Tide football. I can’t say how today’s walk-ons are treated, but I suspect they have it a lot better than we did back then. My reason for walking on was clear: Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. I imagine Jay felt the same, but we really had no idea what we were in for.

After introductions, Jay and I quickly became friends. We both hailed from rival high schools in Birmingham—Jay from Banks High School and I from Erwin High School. This rivalry brought a sense of pride and respect for each other, especially when we saw familiar faces like Darrick Slaughter, one of Jay’s high school teammates and now a scholarship player on our team. Darrick and I had known each other since elementary school in Center Point, Alabama, which made our small world feel a bit closer.

As walk-ons, Jay and I soon realized we were not treated like the scholarship players. Jay has a great story that captures this. When we were in line to receive our equipment, Jay initially received brand-new gear, while the rest of us were given old, reconditioned items—sometimes even gear dating back to the 1970s. Excited, Jay reached the end of the line and proudly told Coach Willie Meadows his name. But Coach Meadows checked his list and looked up, confused. “Jay Mathews… you’re not on this list. Are you one of the scholarship players?” Jay replied, “No, sir. I’m a walk-on.” Coach Meadows’ face turned bright red as he ordered Jay to hand over the new equipment and go to the end of the line. He then received the same outdated gear as the rest of us, equipment that felt like a hall of fame tribute, with names like “Namath” written on thigh pads and a helmet from 1975. After that first day, we knew exactly where we stood. But at 18, we were ready to take on the challenge.

This memory resurfaced for me while reading Jay’s blog, Jayopsis, which I’ve followed since 2010. One of my favorite stories he shared is about “the Shark,” one of our legendary walk-on teammates. Our squad was a hodgepodge of players unlikely to play varsity games, yet we had our own victories and camaraderie. We finished the season 2-2, with wins against Marion Military Institute and the army team at Fort Benning, Georgia, and losses to Marion and Livingston University (now the University of West Alabama). LU even dressed varsity players to face us, including an All-Gulf South Conference running back who gave us a run for our money. Jay became something of a legend that day after landing a forearm strike that left him with a proud scar—a story he recounts in his blog, which I highly recommend.

Beyond the laughs, Jay’s blog has given me deep reflections on life and faith. I was not the strongest Christian back then, but Jay’s influence helped me rediscover my relationship with God. During our sophomore year, we became roommates at Crimson Tower Apartments, where my wall sported beer posters while Jay’s had posters of Jesus. Though he never pushed his beliefs, I watched his daily example and found myself reading an old Bible. Noticing this, Jay later gifted me a Bible, which I still have and have carried with me around the world during my career as a Special Agent with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS).

I believe God places people in our lives to teach us valuable lessons, and looking back, I see that the ones who shaped me most deeply—my father, Jay, and coaches like Gary White, Coach Bryant, and Ray Perkins—were all Godly men. I didn’t always walk closely with God, especially during my years with NCIS, but He never left me. In 2006, while deployed to Baghdad for counterinsurgency operations against Al Qaeda, God reached out to me again through a Catholic priest who ventured out of the Green Zone daily to serve destitute Christians, often risking his life. Though we never spoke, his bravery touched my heart as if God Himself were speaking to me. I’ll never forget a photo of him in Stars and Stripes, showing local Muslims helping him return the cross atop his restored church in the Karada section of Baghdad—a church that Al Qaeda had destroyed years earlier.

I want to thank Jay for his continued friendship and spiritual encouragement, both in person and through his blog. Jay, you may not always get the recognition you deserve, but your dedication and wisdom mean the world to many of us. Keep up the good work with Lisa, your daughters, and their families, and please keep those wonderful photos of your grandchildren coming. God bless.

Hope in Living Water

 

This past week in SS and our series on Hope, I used the analogy from C.S. Lewis and it really resonated with the class, so I decided to re-edit a post from 2016.

"For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water." (Jeremiah 2:13 ESV)

Anyone who has trained for any sport or physical discipline knows how essential water is. If you're not staying hydrated, no amount of hard work will bring results. Has your weight loss plateaued? Are you struggling with sleep? In many cases, the answer is simple: drink more water.

In Jeremiah 2, God speaks of a tragic choice made by His people. They turned away from Him—the fountain of living water (sin #1)—and instead dug their own cisterns (wells or containers). But these cisterns are broken and leak water; they’re dry and useless (sin #2).

Are you thirsty? Deep down, we all are. We all have deep desires—for love, security, purpose, and peace. And there’s only one true source to quench this thirst. Yet we often reject the One who can truly satisfy and turn to anything and everything else, thinking these things will fill us up. But each one fails us in the end.

We chase fortune, fame, pleasure, the perfect job, the ideal vacation, or even the “next big thing”—thinking it will be enough. But as we’ve heard from countless voices: Mick Jagger sang, “I can’t get no satisfaction.” U2 still haven’t found what they’re looking for. And Frank Sinatra knew all too well about being “riding high in April, shot down in May.”

C.S. Lewis wrote about these deep desires and the ways people try to handle them in Mere Christianity. He described three common approaches:

1. The Fool’s Way: This is the person who thinks, “If I could just have this one more thing, then I’d be happy.” They run after a series of temporary thrills, always thinking satisfaction is just around the corner, but they’re left empty every time.

2. The Disillusioned ‘Sensible’ Way: This person realizes that nothing satisfies them for long, so they try to lower their expectations. They tell themselves it’s wiser not to dream, that the best they can do is to be “realistic” and give up the pursuit of true fulfillment. They become cynical, thinking happiness and fulfillment were just childish ideas.

3. The Christian Way: This approach acknowledges that our longings aren’t the problem; they’re signposts. They point us to something beyond this world. We weren’t wrong to want something more; we were just looking in the wrong place. As Lewis famously wrote, “If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world.”

I wrote a song about this- you can listen to it here- click on the title just below:

Another World (Mere Christianity)

Are you thirsty, my friend? Just because this world has let you down, time and time again, doesn’t mean that God is absent. Jesus Himself offers “living water”—an endless, ever-fresh supply that truly satisfies.

Consider the story of the Samaritan woman in John 4. She came to a well for water, but Jesus spoke to her about a different kind of water. He told her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water I will give will never thirst again. The water that I will give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:13-14 ESV).

This woman had tried and failed repeatedly to find satisfaction and peace. Her life was marked by loneliness and rejection. Yet Jesus met her with love, hope, and forgiveness. And she was ready—she humbled herself, acknowledged her thirst, and received His offer of grace. By the end of their encounter, she ran to tell her whole village about the One who offered her living water.

If you’ve tried to quench your thirst in broken cisterns and found them dry, there’s good news: the fountain of living water is still available to you. Jesus promises that His living water won’t just refresh us; it will overflow through us, bringing life to others.

So, let’s remember: true training, true growth—even in our faith—requires not just discipline but also sustenance. Just as the body needs water to grow and heal, our souls need living water to thrive. Ask yourself—are you thirsty? Then come to the One who can truly satisfy, and let His water pour over you today for cleansing, life, and unending peace.

Praying with Columbia

We all know the iconic image of "Columbia"- branded for the movie company Columbia Pictures began in 1919 under the less-than-catchy name Cohn-Brandt-Cohn Film Sales.

But she has a history that pre-dates "Lady Liberty"

As we approach Election Day, I’ve been reflecting on the poet Phyllis Wheatley (1753–1784) and her vision of America. 

Wheatley, the first African American woman to publish a book of poetry in 1773, wrote “To His Excellency, General Washington” during the Revolutionary War. In it, she paints an image of Columbia, an idealized personification of America, with “fair freedom,” “graceful ease,” and a “heaven-defended race.” Wheatley saw beauty and potential in America—a young nation striving to embody the ideals of liberty and justice.

Here’s a taste of her powerful poem:

Celestial choir! enthron'd in realms of light,
Columbia's scenes of glorious toils I write.
While freedom's cause her anxious breast alarms,
She flashes dreadful in refulgent arms.
See mother earth her offspring's fate bemoan,
And nations gaze at scenes before unknown!
See the bright beams of heaven's revolving light
Involved in sorrows and the veil of night!
The Goddess comes, she moves divinely fair,
Olive and laurel binds Her golden hair:
Wherever shines this native of the skies,
Unnumber'd charms and recent graces rise.

In Wheatley’s time, Columbia became a beloved symbol, representing the young nation’s ideals, aspirations, and—importantly—its beauty and resilience. Named after Christopher Columbus, she embodied the spirit of discovery and the “new world.” Columbia appeared often in art, poetry, and political imagery of the 18th century, depicted as a graceful figure in classical attire, embodying both strength and moral virtue. As America struggled for independence, Columbia symbolized freedom, bravery, and the pursuit of democratic ideals, holding symbols of liberty like the laurel wreath and standing alongside eagles or ships.

Wheatley’s portrayal of Columbia, one of her earliest literary depictions, shows her “divinely fair,” a beautiful yet strong leader guiding her people with grace and facing the intense anxieties of war and a nation’s birth. Her Columbia embodies the hopes, sacrifices, and moral aspirations that would come to define America’s character.

Throughout the 19th century, Columbia remained a familiar figure in patriotic art and literature. Though her role as a national symbol gradually shifted to Lady Liberty by the early 20th century, Columbia still evokes the early spirit of America—a reminder of its founding vision and the pursuit of liberty and justice. Wheatley’s Columbia captures the nation’s hope and the solemn duty to uphold its ideals—a sentiment that resonates strongly as we face the decisions of each election.

But Wheatley’s Columbia, though moving “divinely fair,” also felt the weight of her mission, with anxiety over the dangers surrounding her. Wheatley’s poem captured that mix of hope and uncertainty—a feeling all too familiar today.

This Election Day feels momentous, as though Columbia herself, once radiant with new hope, now kneels with us in urgent prayer, burdened by the choices before us. Her beauty remains, but it’s mingled with a solemn plea for the future.

Did you know the very first post on this blog, written 20 years ago, was a prayer for America?

So, as we go to vote, let’s remember the vision of Columbia that Wheatley gave us. She is more than a symbol; she embodies the courage, freedom, and promise our nation holds. Let’s join her in prayer, in hope, and in action. Our votes are the voice we lend her, and our prayers are the strength we give her, seeking a future that honors her ideals.

I turned this into a song- you can hear it here- click on the title just below:

Praying with Columbia (Election Day)

(Verse 1)

In the heart of this land, where freedom grows,

There’s a lady of beauty, in soft repose,

She moves through the ages, a vision so fair,

With laurel and olive bound in her hair.

She’s America’s grace, her strength, her pride,

But today she kneels with us, by our side.

(Chorus)

We’re praying with Columbia, for the heart of the land,

With hope for tomorrow and faith in our hands.

She’s radiant with beauty, yet heavy with care,

For the promise of freedom, we all breathe a prayer.

(Verse 2)

Phyllis saw her standing, strong in the fight,

With “fair freedom” shining, a “heavenly light.”

Though danger and darkness might come her way,

She lifts her gaze to a brighter day.

Now we stand with her, her hopes and her fears,

Her voice through the ages calls out in our ears.

(Chorus)

We’re praying with Columbia, for the heart of the land,

With hope for tomorrow and faith in our hands.

She’s radiant with beauty, yet heavy with care,

For the promise of freedom, we all breathe a prayer.

(Bridge)

The weight of a nation rests on her soul,

She fights for our future, to keep us whole.

In fields of freedom, in skies so blue,

She stands in our shadows, she stands with you.

(Chorus)

We’re praying with Columbia, for the heart of the land,

With hope for tomorrow and faith in our hands.

She’s radiant with beauty, yet heavy with care,

For the promise of freedom, we all breathe a prayer.

(Outro)

So we lend her our voices, we lend her our song,

In the hope of a future where freedom is strong.

She’s America’s dream, her sorrow, her grace—

Together, we pray in this hallowed place.

Is True Truth Out There?

 

Truth is not easy to come by. In our current political silly season- the barbs and half cocked charges are enough to melt my brain!

I have seen more pitiful posts this season than ever before. Part of it is a media that has no boundaries of journalism and rabid partisans who throw out raw meat without any rational evaluation of source or evidence.

But..hey.. that's politics. And if you think our mess is going to be solved by political persuasion......

So let's take a truth test this morning...shall we?

It isn't hard... but it is also impossible! Take it as a dare... as a challenge... as a quest for hope!

Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!  (2 Cor. 13:5)

Here is a starter question. 

How do I know I have saving faith? 

And the answer is strange. Part of the initial evidence is that you and I even dare to  ask the question!  I believe a big key in sorting out true faith is that a true believer wrestles with whether or not he has it in the first place. If you aren't willing to put it on the table for inspection, you might be face to face with reality of knowing it is not there.

So ask God to give you  (and I) Holy Spirit eyes and place what faith you think you have, as weak and small as you think it may be- and do some comparison and investigation.

PRE-ANALYSIS AGREEMENT:

Before you enter this exercise- you need to make a declaration: "I am going to use God's Inspired Word as my only rule of faith." If any part of this analysis is conjecture based on my feelings or flawed logic, I pray that may be put away. This is not what I think, or how I feel- what does God's Word say? I will not be quoting exhaustive Scripture in this blog post (but I should)- but my hope is that it reflects the entire scope of Biblical counsel.

ANALYSIS A: COMPARISON TO FALSE FAITH

I need to run through my list of faiths that are not true, Biblical saving faith. I need to be willing to look at my heart/mind/will/emotions/experience/memory/word/deed and see if I fall into some of these categories.

1) COMPARTMENTALIZED FAITH: 

This is a big one. We live in a highly post everything culture where we shish-kabob our lives according to our fancies and whims. We have to understand that a multi-cultural, relativistic American society corrupts our understanding of 'saving faith'. Add to that American roots of rugged individualism and powerful autonomy and we have a recipe for what the Bible labels "holding to a form of godliness, but denying the power within (2 Timothy 3:5)".

No- we have to fight this one. Saving faith is taken as a whole. As Paul Helseth powerfully defended  in his book,Right Reason and the Princeton Mind:

 "They (Princeton Reformers) recognized that the operation of the intellect involves the 'whole soul'- mind,will, and emotions-rather than the rational faculty alone, and as a consequence they insisted the ability to reason 'rightly' i.e., the ability to see revealed truth more or less for what it objectively is, namely glorious- presupposes the regenerating activity of the Holy Spirit on the 'whole soul' of a moral agent."

How we compartmentalize faith:  I tend to do it by making it merely a mental exercise. I can get fooled into believing if I learn more facts, I am increasing in saving faith. So my personal  compartment is AN EDUCATIONAL FAITH- but others can trend into non-attached FORMS as well. I believe other 'compartments' include:  'EMOTIONAL FAITH', getting revved up for Jesus and worked into a frenzy. There is a 'DO GOOD' faith- where maybe the service or mission trip is the feel good event of the summer.

No- we need to guard ourselves from staying detached in these things. Saving faith connects ALL of the areas. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength (Shema, Deut. 6:5)".

2) LOGO FAITH:

Amusement Park Theology Song

 One of the icons of our 'post-everything' culture is the sloganeering of causes. Sometimes called the "Disneyfication of America" sociologists have written in mass about how mass communication technology has created a 'world of simulation' where high culture and low culture are combined and any sort of grand narrative is lost. I have always thought that Grant Lyon's book, Jesus in Disneyland: Religion in Postmodern Times, captured this idea very poignantly.

The overarching image that Lyon's attaches to is a Harvest Day Crusade day that was hosted by Disneyland in Anaheim, CA in 2000. This Christian festival seemed innocuous enough. One of the event organizers had a great quote: "We saw Disneyland as an opportunity to bring God's kingdom to the Magic Kingdom. We felt that, as they opened the door to us to share Christ, we wouldn't turn down the opportunity just because other things take place there. Jesus is the example for this."

I am not being critical of this at all. Christ needs to be going EVERYWHERE. But the symbolic image of Christian marketing in the Mecca of consumer marketing could not be ignored by Lyons.

"A bizarre sounding collaboration...an ancient, premodern religion is found... interacting with the epitome of post modern culture- the artificial, simulated, virtual, fantasy world of Disney."

I need to be careful here- there were huge parts of Lyon's book that were instructive and thought provoking. I do think the biggest flaw of Lyon's approach is confusing the visible and invisible Church.

The bigger point here is what the Disney culture influence has done to 'virtualize and simulate' faith by transforming it into slogans and fancy logos. Spy magazine defined it this way: "Disneyfication is the act of assuming, through the process of assimilation, the traits and characteristics more familiarly associated with a theme park....than with real life." 
So what does this mean? Here is how Disney has impacted church ministry and caused some to hold to a faith more characterized with logos and slogans than saving faith.

Theming: Everything relates to an overall 'theme'. The problem is that the theme is always a sanitized  and organized abstraction and not reality. In themes, everything fits. But we all know that real life carries conundrums and problems.

Merchandizing and Consumption: It doesn't take long to realize that the theme can sell. I still get shudders sometimes when I walk through Christian bookstores. What are we selling? Why are we selling? I am not against selling books and books have ministered to me in so many amazing ways- but the packaging and theming should make us wary of what is missing.

Prescriptive Empathy: This is a tough one to define. Disney employees are taught to smile and interact in such a way that park attendees think they are having fun and not working. A logo faith teaches us all the proper terms of endearment- but it is an act. I say, "I will pray for you"... do I actually do it?

Self-adulation: The toughest consequence of a logo faith is that I buy into the ultimate consumer mindset- all of this is for ME and my pleasure.

So here are my questions about LOGO faith. Do I just recite the Jesus answers? Have I learned all the themes, present a clean put together life of faith, but in the end.... there is little or no connection to the Holy God of the Universe. Do I measure my growth in how I feel? Do I evaluate worship based on what I get?

3) INSTITUTIONAL FAITH: 

It is hard to separate a LOGO faith from an INSTITUTIONAL faith because they are bred in the same petri-dish. An institutional faith is where I have allowed my daily work in a Christian environment to substitute for personal, saving faith. Do I read my Bible? Yes, in faculty devotions, writing blogs, teaching Sunday School, preparing lessons. Do I pray? Yes, weekly prayer meetings. Staff meetings. Opening and closing events. Do I worship? Yes. We have a chapel every week.

This is one I have to fight. And when I leave the institution for vacation or the weekend. Does my faith follow me? Do I have a personal pryer life, Bible study, or worship? Do I share my faith?

4) BIBLE BELT FAITH:

 Oh boy! Another tough impostor!  This is one where we are all good people and acknowledge the good Lord. We attend church and don't rob banks. We give money and sing Amazing grace. But there is no real spiritual recognition of our depravity. There is no real hatred of sin. There is no felt desperation of the reality of hell. God is warm and furry, a cosmic Santa Claus ready to dish out good gifts but absent in times of distress. It will all just work out, let it be.

There are other types of false faiths: religion, liberalism, status, in fact all idols are held to by a type of 'faith'.

ANALYSIS B: PRACTICES TO EXPLORE SAVING FAITH:

A SIMPLE GOSPEL:

I JOHN 5:11And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

13I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.

1) SIMPLE TRUST: It is so important to remember that faith has an object- faith is not a work. The power of our faith is not faith- the power of our faith is the power in what our faith is in. In Matthew 17 Jesus says:

Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

I have always applied this as it is not the amount of faith applied- but the source. A great comfort in your fight of faith is a quiet voice that says, 'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus- just to take Him at His word."

2) A FAITHFUL FIGHT OF PURPOSE: Jacob wrestled with God until daybreak. We must be willing to engage Him the same way. God, I will not let you go until you show me. I think He enjoys that. A willingness to wrestle with God is actually evidence of the Spirit.

3) DEEP ROOTED DOCTRINE: If you want to dissect whether you have a saving faith versus a merely speculative one- you have to be willing to dive into the roots of God's Word. If you haven't done so in a while- you may need to freshen up on Romans or find balance in I John. You may need to let Jesus's commands in the gospels hurt and heal.

Again, I turn to Helseth here:

The Princeton theologians approached the task of theology not as arrogant rationalists would have done, but as Biblically faithful Christians have always done. Indeed, they sought to discern the difference between truth and error not by appealing to magisterial conclusions of the rational faculty alone, but by hearing the text with 'right reason', which for them was a biblically informed kind of theological aesthetic that presupposes the work of the Spirit on the whole soul of the believing theologian.

Finally, saving faith is a gift that we receive by a miracle... saving faith is a gracious gift!

Heb 12:12 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.

Want to be blessed?

Here you are, presented once again with the Christ.. Even as other opportunities past have slipped by..... here is that offer once again.

You and I have messed it up again and again- over and over- falling short of all that God intends us to be. 

Even as you feel your pride wanting to justify and excuse away- even as you feel the deadness of rejecting it- please review these beautiful doctrines of salvation by God's grace.

Reach out to Him right now- Your sins have been cancelled and removed. Do you trust that?

Simply trust. "God I cannot do this. You have to do this. I am a rebel and you have not been my King. Is it too late to come home?" You know the answer.

Fight for it. There are those who will tell you you are too bad. You think in your heart you are too good. Don't let it go. Capture the childlike magic of new birth! Don't let Him go!

Dig Deep. Spend time this weekend searching the Scriptures.

Thank God for the gift of saving faith.

Tell someone else what you have done.

It will be the best gift they get this year as well!

John 5:39 You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about Me,

I originally wrote about this in 2012 after some intensive reading from the Old Princetonians.