I like music, almost all music. I grew up with a love for the Blues and Rock n Roll, then when I became a Christian I was introduced to Gospel and "Spirit in the Sky." 

I ran across an old Blues singer today named Memphis Minnie. She was born in '35 and on one of her songs the lyrics caught me. 

"These strings ain't made for lullabies

They sharp, they cut, they bite. 

Cut so true you can hear 'em moan, hear 'em cry; 

Every note I pick is thunder from the sky." 

I love a good 'turn of phrase,' and these lyrics cry out to be preached from the pulpit today. As God has seen fit, He's opened the pulpits at the jail and at the mission, where I preach to those in crisis. Hardened souls, hurting souls, angry souls, and souls in anguish. The stories of the men and women remind me of the lyrics from another song --

"Well, I looked my demons in the eyes

Lay bare my chest, said, "Do your best to destroy me"

See, I've been to hell and back so many times

I must admit you kinda bore me."

To reach a heart like that the Lord assists me by giving me words with barbs as well as balm. Lectures and lullabies won't reach a hardened heart, it takes the soul piercing power of the Holy Spirit: which is where the lyrics to Memphis Minnie come in - These sermons ain't made for lullabies, they sharp, they cut, they bits. They cut so true you can hear 'em moan, hear 'em cry. Every word I pick is thunder from the sky. 

Once the wound is lanced, then the precious balm of Gilead is applied in lavish measures and the goodness of God and the Blood's cleansing flow leads even the hardest heart to repentance.