Home Page Works Series 1-Quest To Be Whole Album 8-Compatriot
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Far from the madding crowd of reality–TV watchers, I have been blessed with friends of extraordinary character. And yes, they are extraordinary characters.

In contrast to prior concept albums, this unifying theme is songs related to my friends. Often in ways you would not guess. I will only explain the aspects that led to their inclusion on this album. These true friends, who stick closer than a brother, are also fellow countrymen of the Kingdom of Heaven. Hence the album title.

It is not enough to escape the pit and the wasteland. It is not even enough to face God. You cannot be whole alone. The society of the lost is the lemming herd. But God Himself said, "It is not good for man to be alone."

When transcendence is the common bond among friends, and that group rises high enough to no longer simply live in opposition to some aspect of society, then true transcendence can begin. This is the type of group that was just getting started at the conclusion of the Stranger album; in particular Pardon and Sinai's Mountain.

Only from the transcendent pinnacle can you see far enough to discern what is actually important. The sin that so easily besets us can drag you from that peak. But the certainty such a peak exists, for my group has stood thereon, keeps alive in my heart the flame to transcend life's daily trivia.

Once you outgrow the notion you should be king, you realize you need community. Not the community of Predator, which is a jungle, nor Epiphany, which drags you down with them. Not the community of Shards & Facets, where people use each other like tools. No, the vital community is that of friends, of fellow citizens.

Do not discard that ambition to be someone, to make a difference. Nor expect that difference to manifest without hard labor and sacrifice. You have an Enemy. How you choose to spend your time determines the scope of what you can achieve. Could watching TV make someone significant, there would be few trivial people.

Figure out how to get things moving.

From a somewhat different angle, this is part of a three album subset. Personal God is salvation, while Stranger is passing through the temptation to think God needs you rather than you needing God, to think of yourself as some kind of king christian.

Having left that madness behind, in Compatriot we finally begin the hard work, to read and study and communicate, to grow, so we can learn the lay of this new land we inhabit as new creations in Christ Jesus. We labor to be a workman who need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.

Compatriot is the communication album. It represents the legwork and learning required to accomplish the vision God placed in your heart. The ambition to do the work of the Kingdom is good. But babies in Christ must realize ours is the God of seedtime and harvest, the God Who said that to everything there is a season. Seek the wisdom to discern the season.

1 - Signal Flare
A call is going out to all who will serve God, the King of kings.

2 - Pearl Smoke
Just driving though life will not leave a mark.

3 - Noah & Daniel & Job
Much of the Church now accepts immorality. Have we no fear of God?

4 - Let It Go
Betrayals, the times you have been fooled, train you to doubt everything. The mindset of a beaten dog. Rather than discard your humanity, dare to trust, to believe.

5 - Plain In View
God's call on your life will only be shared after accomplishment. Until then, people will label you delusional. How could they otherwise? To accept your validity would highlight their own inaction, their own distrust, disbelief, and disobedience.

6 - Years
God's call rarely mandates quick and easy accomplishment. Typically, the opposite.

7 - Extend the Song
Friends united by transcendence. Art works form words in their private language.

8 - Gravity Well
The mechanics and result of art, words in particular.

9 - As I Look
The art of God, The Word, is the Gift of the True Friend, Who sticks closer than a brother.

 
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Home Page Works Series 1-Quest To Be Whole Album 8-Compatriot