Rolling Stones

Perhaps the first thought that popped into your head when you read the title of
today's devotion was Mick Jagger, the lead singer for the band, the Rolling Stones.

Rolling Stones

"Jesus said, 'Take away the stone.'"

(John 11:39)

Perhaps the first thought that popped into your head when you read the title of today's devotion was Mick Jagger, the lead singer for the band, the Rolling Stones. Sorry, but the 76 year-old rock singer is not the focal point of my message today. I did learn a little about the English singer and founding member of the band, though. He had heart valve replacement surgery last year but has since gone back into the studio. He has had five relationships, out of which he had eight children, and he is number seven on the list of most wealthy rock singers, at a net worth of $360 million. If you are interested, the top three are Paul McCartney (net worth: $1.2 billion), Bono (net worth: $700 million), and Jimmy Buffett (net worth: $600 million). As best I can tell, Jagger still can't get no satisfaction, though he tries and he tries. Why is that? Only Jesus can truly satisfy the human soul! Jesus said in Mark 8:36, "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?

The rolling stones to which I am referring in my devotionals this week are the ones Lauren Daigle talks about in her hit song, "Still Rolling Stones", which she co-wrote and recorded.

Lauren Daigle - Still Rolling Stones (Social Distancing Version)

Her song reminds me of Jesus' raising His friend Lazarus from the dead in John 11. After He told them to remove the stone at the entrance to his tomb, He commanded Lazarus to come out... and come out he did! I have written about Daigle and this particular song in a previous devotion. Some might be offended that I would speak positively about Daigle since she didn't speak out against homosexuality when she was asked what she believed about it. I look at this similarly to speaking positively about songs by Bethel Music. I do not agree with everything they believe, but there are more things I agree with than disagree with; therefore, I will affirm what I can and respectfully disagree where I must. But I digress; back to "Still Rolling Stones".

This song has become one of my favorites for sure. Daigle says this about the song, "'Out of the shadows...' will be the first line you hear when you start to play [the album] Look Up Child. It's all about the things we think are dead, and a reminder that all losses can be revived. They can all come back."

I agree with her. God can restore, redeem, and bring about beauty when there were once only ashes. If you think you are so far gone that God would not have you back, please think again. God is like the father figure Jesus spoke about in Luke 15 in the parable of the prodigal son. He loves and stands ready to pardon and restore if we just come home.

May the words of the prophet Isaiah in chapter 61, verses 1-3 bless and encourage you today:

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,
Because the Lord has anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord,
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.

Help children build a lasting foundation.

Point the kids in your life to Jesus with a copy of the Bedtime Devotions with Jesus Bible.

Get your copy now ►

Podcast of the Week

The DEMIC in PANDEMIC

Pastor Danny wraps up his two-part series on how we as Christians should weather hard times, like the COVID-19 pandemic. He finishes out his PANDEMIC acronym, discussing the last four points--DEMIC.