ENan and I both have birthdays in mid-summer, so to celebrate we headed to the Walnut Creek Music Park in Raleigh to hear Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago in concert! It was an incredible night of music. Earth, Wind & Fire opened the show by singing some of their hits such as, “Do you remember, the 21st night of September…?” After a brief intermission, Chicago took the stage, belting out “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” and “Saturday In the Park.” (Do I have you humming yet?) Then, the two bands played together and took the roof off – which is quite a feat at an outdoor amphitheater.
The thing that struck me during the night was the reality that both of these bands have playing for a loooong time. The band Chicago formed in 1967 under the name “Chicago Transit Authority.” They quickly shortened the name and Chicago has been performing ever since. Earth, Wind & Fire started playing together in 1969. Except for three-year hiatus in the 80s, they have kept the songs coming for 55 years! Several of the band members on the stage this week were part of the original groups. That is a lot of songs and a lot of concerts and a lot of faithfulness to the fans.
I see some Christians who are “on fire” for the Lord for a short period of time. Fairly quickly, however, the fire seems to have cooled and they can’t be found, especially if there is a task to be done. It is like the difference between throwing a pizza box on the campfire versus an oak log. The pizza box makes a flashy show for a short while. The oak log will keep you warm all night.
The Book of Revelation records God’s message to seven different churches, highlighting both words of affirmation and words of conviction. The letter to the church in Thyatira states, “I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.” (Revelation 2:19) Over the years of serving God and carrying the gospel message to the world, this church was doing MORE than they did when they first fell in love with Jesus, not less.
A heart warmed by love for Jesus keeps “Feeling Stronger Every Day.”
-Dr. Jim Baldwin
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