Today is the last day of January, and you’ve done a great job so far! One month down, 11 to go!
I love when Christian music artists take time to share their thoughts on our Bible readings, and hip hop Bobby Bishop steps front and center.
I’ve met Bobby a few times, and if there’s one that’s undeniable: the man has a passion for Jesus and for youth.
In 1996, Bobby began serving teenagers as a youth minister in gritty Lynn, Massachusetts and has been there ever since, planting a church in 2001 with the vision of pursuing a neglected city.

Bobby’s song, “Amy’s Song,” the true story of a teenage rape victim, garnered a tremendous amount of attention and exposure upon its initial release in 2002. His next album, Government Name, grabbed the attention of MTV; the network placed nearly the entire project into rotation on some of the network’s most popular shows (“Pimp My Ride,” “Next,” “My Super Sweet Sixteen,” “Date My Mom,” and more).
Bobby’s latest project is Everyday Man; he’s been on tour with labelmates The Wrecking (one of my favorite bands!) for the One Shot Tour, a unique multimedia event that featuring an exclusive docudrama directed by Jeffrey Kubach that seamlessly intersperses live performances from The Wrecking and Bobby Bishop into what one spectator described as “MTV, with Jesus at the center.”
Today, hip hop artist Bobby Bishop shares some thoughts on our readings in Exodus, Matthew, Psalms and Proverbs:

Thoughts on readings for Januar 31, 2010

from Bobby Bishop
Exodus 11:1-12:51:
My initial conviction in reading this passage was how impatient and ungrateful I can be as a follower of Christ. It seems to me that my goals and aspirations are at the forefront of my thinking each day, and with that comes both gratitude and frustration. I’ve been an
artist for about fifteen years, and like many artists, I periodically believe in the ill-conceived vision of a “promised land” ahead of me somewhere in my career. Whether that means a more stages, more paychecks, more fame, more respect, and more fans; I don’t know. I only know it’s bad thinking. Patience and obedience are key in a relationship with God. The Israelites set this example for us, as they had been waiting for over four hundred years for the fulfillment of a promise for their own territory from God.
God is a thorough God. His instructions to the Israelites were so precise regarding the preparation for the Passover. Attentiveness to detail was crucial as they anticipated God’s passing over and their initial exodus out of Egypt. I’m sure there are many reasons as to why God insisted on precision. One thought is that He needed to ensure His people were ready and able for the journey ahead. He was serious about leading them out of Egypt, and he needed his ceremonial instructions followed. It’s amazing to see how the Israelites were now being favored by the Egyptians after so many years of oppression. The Israelites were well on there way, and God had given them all of
the tools they would need for success, as long as His instructions were obeyed.
Psalm 18:1-12:
God’s on our side, isn’t He? This scripture is a remarkable depiction of a protective, loving Creator. No matter the circumstances, He is available when we call to Him, and ready to shield as we embark. We have no need to fear any person or situation in our lives because God will and does protect us. Even as I write this I am attempting to distract myself from worry and bitterness at a late hour. This passage is clear that joy comes with trusting God.
Proverbs 6:1-5:
Pride is dangerous. If we find ourselves in a vulnerable situation due to broken promises or spontaneous decisions, God instructs us to do whatever we have to do to be freed of that burden. If we have entered into a partnership with the wrong person, we need to do
whatever it takes to leave that relationship. I’ve had to walk away from contract extensions and managers in the past due to these type of circumstances. On one occasion, I even agreed to pay off of a fabricated “debt” I knew I didn’t even justifiably owe for the sake of getting away from a poisonous partnership. We can easily be enticed by false promises of people that never had our best interest or God’s kingdom in mind at all. We need to use discernment to prevent such trouble, but if we feel it is too late, God is clear that it is never too late. If cutting our losses is an act of obedience to God, then that is what we need to do to ensure His will is our focus. If we’ve promised too much to another man, God is clear that he will provide a way for us to make a needed departure.
Matthew 20:17-34:
Christ defined greatness as the opposite of our worldly definition. There is admittedly something enticing about the attention that comes with performing on stage. Our world idolizes the “cream” that rises to the top of music and talent competitions. Christ explained greatness as service to others, just as He served and ultimately died for our sake. Putting others before ourselves is “stardom” in His Kingdom.
Jesus is merciful and He knows our needs. In this passage, two of society’s nuisances cried to HIm for his mercy, and He was not above reproach. He reached out to these blind men and healed them. Again, His example was one of service and compassion towards others. Self-service really gets us nowhere. Being a blessing is what He requires of us.

You can learn more about Bobby Bishop on his website.
You can find all of the passages at BibleGateway.com.
And if you’ve missed some readings, here is the list for January 2010.
Are you joining me in the challenge to read the Bible in a year? Let me know how you’re doing!
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