The Friday Five

This week's Friday Five features leads off with a nod to one of my musical heroes & includes an important read & resource for Christians all over our nation. I hope you enjoy this week's Friday Five.

1. Music: "Hey Jude" by Wilson Pickett. I'm still shocked at how many people don't know about this song. Yes, they know the song; after all, it is a Beatles classic. However, not too long after the Fab Four released it, the legendary soul singer took it on after being encouraged by a long haired hippie guitar player to record it. That long haired hippie was Duane Allman, one of the all time great guitar players. At this time the Allman Brothers Band had not been formed, & Duane was in Muscle Shoals, AL trying to get session work at the legendary Fame Studios. Pickett & Allman's partnership on "Hey Jude" made the song a hit again, & most people recognize Duane's closing guitar solo & the corresponding riff beginning at 2:44 as the beginning of southern rock. 
2. Quote: "We want just enough Jesus to make us acceptable but not enough Jesus to make us fanatical." Bryan Loritts
3. Article/Post: Living On Mission To Reach The Lost. This is a great little article from the North American Mission Board that reminds church members that ALL Christians have a missionary call on their life. In fact, we live in on of the most unreached nations on earth. We just assume otherwise because there are so many church buildings. If we're going to reach our nation, we will have to reach our cities, & if we're going to reach our cities, then we'll have to reach our neighborhoods & workplaces. That means WE are going to have to see ourselves as Great Commission agents & embrace that role so that others see the hope & power of the Gospel in our lives.
4. Podcast: Rainer On Leadership. Them Rainer is the president & CEO of Lifeway Christian Resources. Each week Dr. Rainer provides excellent content not just for pastors but for church members as well. Dr. Rainer often provides great insights for both ministry leaders and church members to consider & gets discussion started through his podcast & blog. It's definitely worth your time.
   
5. Nerd Corner: My friends & family know I'm a guitar junkie. If money were no object, I'd blow a lot of it on guitars. I'm the classic guitar guy who always has one more to add to the collection & "it's the last one I'll ever need..." until of course I see another cool one. With all that said, if you're a guitar junkie too or if you just appreciate fine craftsmanship, follow Gibson Guitars on Instagram. Sure, it may make you wrestle with the temptation to covet, but the price tag on those beauties will usually cure the need pretty quickly.