“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” (Psalms 19:14)

A book definition of Integrity would include honesty, morality, principles, and uprightness. Some of the synonyms; honor, good character, principles, ethics, righteousness, morality, virtue, decency, fairness, sincerity, truthfulness, trustworthiness. James would say be doers of the Word. It’s who you are when no one is around, and what you will stand for when everyone is around. It is not just saying the right things, but doing them.

When I think about the concept of integrity, my dear friend and brother in Christ, Dave Maxwell, was an example of integrity and his favorite verse, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

This level of integrity is impossible without the supernatural influence and the Psalmist and Dave knew this. They knew what they wanted, and he knew Whom to ask. They wanted lives that honored and pleased God. They desired a life that wasn’t consumed by sin or any other concerns of the World. Asking for an act of grace to reveal the wickedness in they’re hearts so that they could persevere with uprightness to our Lord.

Is this your prayer, is this your goal?

Written by Juan Mendez: Juan is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and full-time staff member at America’s Keswick.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 105-107| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Daily Quote: “Integrity is keeping a commitment even after circumstances have changed.” – David Jeremiah

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

“We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, The One who is and who was and who is to come, Because You have taken Your great power and reigned. Revelation 11:17

“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” – Colossians 3:2

I have been down a journey of different types of music through the years. I have always thought that my music preferences should be made up from a balance of genres that I like, and if I’m working with a worship team, Christian music must be a part of that balance. But now that I have been through some of that journey (and I’m sure there is still more to come), I can see for now where God wants me. I have determined that for me, that Christian music is where I want to listen. Here’s why:

I would say the biggest reason that Christian music fits me has two parts;  One – it keeps my affections on things above (Col, 3:2).  I always thought it said… “Keep your heart on things above.”  Eh, nope. It says ‘affections’ or ‘mind’, as other translations have it. You could say, “What I love is to be about things above.”  Also in Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” So in the Christian music world, it points to God or Jesus Christ, worship and surrender. As I listen, there are reminders and encouragements that are all uplifting to my spirit. There is a lot of ‘Transforming by the Renewing of Your Mind’ going on, so music becomes the vehicle of keeping my mind pointed towards my true love, Christ.

Secondly, all the other music is what I would call shallow or hollow. It’s just music that in most cases only appeals to feelings. It’s a very temporary satisfaction if it even satisfies at all. Even when I’m humming a tune later on, it feels shallow. However, throughout the day as I listen to Christian music, and I am humming a song of worship, it helps keep my spirit joyful and positive even when there is no music. As I have been growing in the Lord, I am seeing that my heart desires the worship that is in Christian music. Additionally, the ministry of music in my personal life leads my heart to desire things above. That’s powerful. Let’s face it, I can’t read scripture every waking moment of the day, but I can have music going while I work or when I’m home.

How else can Christian music have a positive effect in my life?  As time goes on, I have been listening to KLove at work. I listen for 4-6 hours a day. A lot of great music plays on that station, but one other thing that happens is that I periodically hear testimonies of how God has worked things out in the caller’s lives, and even in those times when I’m reaching out to God and trying to trust Him in personal things, there’s a caller who states their story and it’s an “Oh wow!” moment with me. It reminds me of the truth and power of God that’s right here with me. God’s not dead, He’s surely alive!

Written by Brian Rainey. Brian Rainey from Elmer Nj, has been reading freedom fighter since 2006, married to Sharon since 1992, they have 2 boys, Chris and Matthew, attend Christ Community Church in Newfield NJ, where Brian is actively involved with the worship team and audio/visual.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 45-47| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Daily Quote: “Beautiful music is the art of the prophets that can calm the agitations of the soul; it is one of the most magnificent and delightful presents God has given us.” – Martin Luther

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. – Romans 5:1-2