Scripture Reading For Today: Philippians 3:1-16
I love to listen to the old time bebop jazz classics once in a while.
I developed a liking for this genre of music about 1988, fresh out of University when I worked at a Real Estate partnership where my two bosses who were
Jazz aficionados, would always have jazz music playing in the background throughout the day in the office and in their cars as we travelled from place
to place.
Jazz aficionados, would always have jazz music playing in the background throughout the day in the office and in their cars as we travelled from place
to place.
The classic, Easy Living, was one of the early songs that I listened to, that really made an impression on me; probably because
it was one of the first ones that I heard that wasn’t just instrumental, but also had lyrics to go with the music.
it was one of the first ones that I heard that wasn’t just instrumental, but also had lyrics to go with the music.
Ralph Rainger and Leo Robin composed the song “Easy Living” for the comedy film of the same title in 1939, and it has since become a jazz classic, made
famous by Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and many other jazz singers through the years.
famous by Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and many other jazz singers through the years.
Just recently, driving back home from dropping off the kids on one of my morning school runs, I found myself humming the song and the Holy Spirit began
to use the words of the song to speak to me.
to use the words of the song to speak to me.
As I hummed those lines, I immediately began to think about how it somewhat parodies the truth of how our love relationship with Jesus ought to be.
Here are the lyrics of the song; Can you see the connection too?
Easy Living Lyrics
Living for you, is easy living.
It’s easy to live when you’re in love.
And, I’m so in love,
There’s nothing in life, but you.
I’ll never regret the years I’m giving.
They’re easy to give when you’re in love.
I’m happy to do whatever I do, for you.
For you…maybe I’m a fool, but it’s fun.
People say you rule me with one wave of your hand.
Darling, it’s grand.
They just don’t understand.
Living for you is easy living.
It’s easy to live when you’re in love.
And, I’m so in love,
There’s nothing in life, but you.
Apostle Paul writing to the Galatians (Gal 2:20-21) said:
“I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So the life I now live in the body, I live because of the faithfulness of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21I do not set aside God’s grace, because if righteousness could come through the law, then Christ died for nothing!”
Paul was responding to the love of Christ for him, by living his life for the One that gave His life for him.
That’s why he and some other apostles were able to boldy and unashamedly refer to themselves as Bondservants of Jesus.
Reflection:
Is your life in Christ really “Easy Living”?
Can you truly say that you have no regrets about the years you have given, and the things that you are giving up for Him?
Can you honestly declare that there’s nothing in life that means more to you than Jesus? Selah…
We will continue with this theme in tomorrow’s blog.
THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE: 2 Corinthians 5:17
LIFE APPLICATION:
1. What is God saying to me in today’s message?
2. What was ministered to me in the bible verses that I read today?
3. What are the changes or adjustments I need to make in my life to align with the word of God?
4. What is my commitment to the word for today?
5. What practical steps can I take to benefit from the word I have read today?
PRAYER FOCUS:
Phil 3:10 – Lord, I want to know You more; to experience the power of Your resurrection.
Give me the grace to live my life for You today and everyday of my life.
Let my life bring glory and praise to Your Name.
Have a great week,
Pastor Wale Ola
Today’s Song is The More I Seek You – Kari Jobe