Crystal Blue Persuasion

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There is a song from 1969 by Tommy James and the Shondells called Crystal Blue Persuasion. It emphasizes love is the answer to the problems in our lives and the world. Few know the story behind it… James realized afterwards that the title fit with his budding interest in religion, with the words sourced from the Biblical Book of Revelation. “I was also going through a change in my life,” James says. “I was becoming a Christian at that moment. So this all seemed to fit together. We took it back to the hotel room and wrote it. We didn’t really use the poem, just the title. To make the rhyming scheme work, I needed one more syllable, and ‘blue’ sounded like the right word and it became ‘Crystal Blue Persuasion.’ Eddie Gray played guitar for me then, and he came up with that little riff. Mike Vale and I wrote the lyrics and it just came together, just kind of fell out of our face right there in the hotel room.”

Every Sunday morning at 8AM I have the privilege of proclaiming what God promised us through the Prophets. Its an opportunity to build people up in the knowledge and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. We have people from all kinds of backgrounds and places in the world. There are those from Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, and other experiences who have come to know the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. I try to be as instructive and persuasive as I can, knowing that God desires a close intimate relationship with each of us who will repent and come to Christ. No one has ever attempted to arrest me for sharing my testimony or the teachings of the Bible. In the first century, Paul didn’t receive such a warm welcome. But, it didn’t stop him. He was persuasive!

But Paul said, “I am not insane, most excellent Festus; on the contrary, I am speaking out with truthful and rational words. For the king knows about these matters, and I also speak to him with confidence, since I am persuaded that none of these things escape his notice; for this has not been done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the Prophets? I know that you believe.” Agrippa replied to Paul, “In a short time you are going to persuade me to make a Christian of myself.” And Paul said, “I would wish to God that even in a short or long time not only you, but also all who hear me this day would become such as I myself am, except for these chains.” Acts 26:25-29 NASB

How am I using my influence for the spreading of the gospel and love of my fellow man? Do I believe in Him so much that my zeal is persuasive?

God, as this day begins- there is much ahead (as most days). May the celebration of life for my friend Edward be pleasing to heaven, nurturing to the family and a blessing to all who attend. Then later as we celebrate my wife’s birthday together, that each in our family can express their love for Maureen and appreciation for the blessing she is to all of us. Thank you for this life and the love that accompanies it. Help my life be the persuasion others need to put their trust in You.

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