UPDYKE books
Miley Cyrus
“Inspired”
Miley Cyrus has written a poignant song that poses some soul searching questions. It is titled, “Inspired.”
She expresses concern for the bees, noting: “or else they’re gonna die.” Yes, they are crucial to nature and the environment that sustains all of humanity.
The world is fragile by design. All of creation is groaning under the corruption of its neglect and abuse.
So how do we respond? Many are concerned, but don’t believe we can change destiny. They are living unto the end; however that may come, without any hope of redemption for nature or humanity, or themselves.
“Inspired” tells us that we can, “pull the handle on the door that opens up to change. I know it sounds so strange. We are meant for more.” That is the inspiring message of her song.
But, she also raises a disturbing thought and question.
The doom we face causes others to feel more than hopeless, they become depressed and often their anger turns to rage. Miley Cyrus asks in her song “Inspired,” the following question: “How can we escape all the fear and all the hate?”
She speaks wisely, “Loss is life, it’s not a curse. Reminds us of time, and what it’s worth, to make the most out of it while we’re here.”
“We are meant for more,” she concludes.
Yes, we can each do better and do more to preserve our planet and help the environment, and we should do so. But Miley puts a greater burden upon us. How are we to feel when the problem of humanity is so great that we cannot change the inevitable? The songwriter realizes the greater problem and poses the most haunting of all questions, “Is anyone watching us down here?”
The answer is a resounding “YES!”
There is a Sovereign God who created the wondrous and delicate processes of nature that sustain our beautiful place of habitation, the planet we call earth. God also created us, with our bodies, intensely complex and vulnerable, our minds, vastly powerful, and our spirits, possessing untapped potential. He gave us this life to prepare for the next – death unto eternal life. He is watching and He does care, more than we can know.
In fact, He does more than observe. He intervened to save us. God incarnate, God in the flesh, came to experience and redeem humanity. He paid the penalty for the corruption of His creation and conquered death. His name is Jesus Christ.
And His Holy Spirit will come now to cohabitate with your spirit, upon this earth, to empower you for victorious living, a life that will affect change and demonstrate true hope to others. This is how we become truly “inspired.”
Yes, we absolutely are meant for more. And although this world will not be saved, God has promised the creation of a new earth, perfect and without decay. This is the completion of His plan for the redemption of his creation. And the new earth will be eternal.
So what is the door that opens up to change? I am reminded of something Jesus said, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” John 10:9
Also, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” Rev 3:20
And, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” Mat 7:7-8
Have you sensed in these verses His provision for this present life? The Savior of the world is standing at the door of your heart. He is knocking on it now. As Miley Cyrus says, “You’re the handle on the door that opens up to change… Pull the handle on the door… There’s a lock upon the door, but we hold the key to change.” The key is choice.
Inspired? Open the door to Jesus and you surely will be!
These topics are explored in more depth in my recent novels. “Their After Life,” teaches by the life experience of twins, Darren and Deidra Daniels, what will happen, possibly soon. God has a sovereign plan and timetable for this earth. It will happen according to His providence. Read this compelling novel for insight. Revelation!
“Alive Again” shares the life and times of James Wallas, a millennial who faces great tragedy. His experience is relevant for what many are now contending with in the context of their loss and suffering. How does he overcome? How can he save his sister who has fallen into despair? The power for life is demonstrated here. Resurrection!
If you feel bitterness, consider the fictional account of Robert Love as he makes the accusation against God in “Love Endures Hope Abounds,” and “Wonder and Fear.” Salvation and Wisdom!
The contemporary Christian uses inspired writing and music to grow in truth. Stay connected with UpdykeBooks.com and TheContemporaryChristian.us. True inspiration is sought in the process of life discovered in the four steps offered here.
For her lyrics: http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/mileycyrus/inspired.html
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The Cross
Necklace
for the Sake of Sam
PURCHASE REVIEW
Here is a story of mercy and grace. It is among those that urge us to believe in truths higher than our preferred opinions, to act in ways that honor the image of God. “THE CROSS NECKLACE – For the Sake of Sam” promises these elements with a beautiful theme and intent. We all enjoy stories that spark the imagination in the way the Advocate does - that perhaps someone wiser and more knowing looks out for us and, if we are paying attention, guides us toward best outcomes.
In the small town of Walthem, Samuel Urban is known as the people’s judge. Once shown mercy, this magistrate feels obligated to grant unto those brought before him a second chance. Sam’s journey, one of pitfalls and recovery, is something people still talk about.
It was the intervention of his predecessor that saved Sam from a penalty that loomed like a noose, determined to claim his young life. But his acquittal stirred resentment in one who, unknowingly to Sam, became his archenemy. His nemesis seethed with anger at the news of Sam’s release from prison and the thought of him going unpunished.
The mysterious alliance that now desires to lynch Sam is not only reclusive, but very powerful and influential, and from them there will be no reprieve, because they lack understanding. But will he win in the end?
This is the story about a young couple, Sam and his girlfriend Jodi, but more importantly, it documents the influence of an Advocate, established in truth, for setting them free from their deepest despair.
The disgrace of Sam being charged a second time is more than they can bear. They are without hope until they discover a force at work in their lives which is greater than the reckless power possessed by their enemies.
Battle lines are drawn. The game of war is about to commence. But in truth, life is surely much more than a game. (Based on a true story.)
The Secrets of Sweetened Vales
Blessings All Mine
PURCHASE REVIEW
She was his first crush. When Julianne suddenly disappeared, he demanded answers, but those who knew what happened to her refused to tell him. Vincent’s heart was broken, but time didn’t wait for the truth to be revealed. He eventually moved on. Then one day a friend request came like a ghost from his past to resurrect the secrets of Sweetened Vales. And his haunts returned. Something strange had happened in that small town where its residents were healed, the source of it remaining a mystery.
Today it all seems like a dream as the world is consumed with the information age, yet the meaning of Vincent’s past is not explained by a search of the web. His personal experience, meaningful history, is soon to be forgotten. And still, he carries the scars of Sweetened Vales; his heart remains broken. Medication numbs the enduring pain.
The mystique of the strawberry fields known in his youth no longer entices a grower. Gone is the hopeful expectation Vincent once felt there. Wearing a cyber mask, he pretends to be someone he isn’t, in danger of losing his true self. He wonders if hope can be recovered like buried treasure, to heal the hurting once again.
Nowadays fresh strawberries are prominently displayed by the grocer year around, but this genetically altered fruit isn’t gratifying, not like the savory harvest from the fields of Sweetened Vales. Looking back, it's easy to see how the age inherited is altering us too.
What secrets does his past hold? Vincent intends to find out, to be free of the disappointing repetition that defines him. There was something very special about that strawberry farm and it is still intended for us today.
Thereafter
The earth shakes violently and the struggle of their after lives becomes the ultimate test.
PURCHASE REVIEW
Historical, end times fiction, “Thereafter”
is a book with insight for coming days, based on historical facts and an interpretation of prophetic writings.
The evidence we can glean from history is most convincing. Current events need to be understood within the context of lessons learned from our past. This book presents a fictional scenario of future events.
It’s a difficult and controversial topic, but one which we should not completely ignore. This writing is based two strong convictions. First, a time of great persecution is coming. Hatred is very strong.
Jesus said that nations will be offended, betray one another, and hate one another.
Secondly, we should not be surprised when it happens. He also told us to study for understanding, pray for refuge, recognize and understand the signs that foretell what is to come, and be ready.
Yes, we should be prepared! Are you?
“Thereafter” is insightful and thought provoking. Don’t just watch current events, interpret them!
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