June 2011 Archives
CD Review: Painting Pictures (Providence Quartet)
I met Rob Shelton several years ago when he was singing with The Dixie Melody Boys. When he left, I lost track of him so I was surprised at a showcase at NQC last year when I went to a showcase of the Providence Quartet and he was introduced. As I listen to this project, it sounds similar to something I would expect from a DMB alumni.
It starts with an uptempo song Bill Shivers wrote called “I’m Going There.” Then goes into “Every Step I Take.” “Hell Won’t Give an Altar Call” is quite thought provoking, talking about how, once you’re in hell, it will be too late to call on Jesus. You need to do so today.
I love the uptempo “God Told Me to Walk a Little Farther”–a great song of encouragement. Keep walking! Canaanland is just in sight!
Also included on this project is Larry Hinson’s song, “Joy Comes in the Morning.” Then they slow the tempo way down to sing “Jesus Had Mercy on Me.” “Lord Give Me a Field to Plow” is a fast bluegrassy song.
I love the line, “You can’t kill what God’s given life.” You’ll find this line in “When Jesus Speaks Life.”
Other songs include: “My Ship Can’t Go Down,” “You’re Just a Step From Calvary,” and “Painting Pictures,” all written by Newt Kelly.
Thankful for Brothers and Sisters
As expected, God brought several neat Brothers and Sisters by the booth today. I love it when you’re talking and all of a sudden, without effort, you find that connection in the Spirit and can say “Thank You, Lord, for allowing me to meet another Sibling.” Heaven is truly going to be a wonderful place. After we see Jesus and talk with Him a while, we’ll be able to fellowship with Brothers and Sisters we knew on earth as well as those we never knew at all or only met briefly. I wonder what our conversations will be about. I suspect it won’t be all the sports games we watched or the concerts we attended. The weather will be inconsequential and our trials long forgotten. Scripture says we’ll spend time praising God and I bet intermittently we’ll stop to share with others how faithful God was to us on earth and what a blessing it is to spend eternity with others who equally love this Savior I worship.
I’m so thankful God gives me a glimpse of what it’s like now but I know I ain’t seen nothing yet. And to those of you I haven’t yet met, I still hope to meet you on this earth but if God doesn’t bring us together here, make sure you look for me at Jesus’ feet. I’ll be waiting for you with a big hug.
Trusting God’s Covering
A busy weekend is just around the corner but, before I turn out the light, I have to testify of God’s goodness. We arrived safely in Indianapolis and I am thanking God once again for His hand of protection. On the way we passed a couple accidents, a van which had a flat tire, numerous construction sites but God covered us the whole way.
I think it was David Livingstone who said that he wasn’t afraid because he knew nothing could kill him until it was God’s time to take him Home. When I become fearful, I remind myself of that truth. I also know nothing can harm me unless God allows it and He won’t allow harm unless it’s for my good or His glory. If my life is truly in God’s hands, I have nothing to fear. This doesn’t mean I never succumb to such a needless trait but I don’t want to live in fear and God helps me daily to lean on Him and trust Him, and He always covers me.
“Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for Thou art with me” (Psalm 23:4). Do I hear some Amens?!
Glad to be a Part of the Family of God
I’m preparing for a conference this weekend and continuing to thank God for the doors He opens. One of my greatest blessings is getting out and meeting Brothers and Sisters and receiving sweet Christian fellowship. It’s one thing I don’t seem to get enough of.
There’s a difference between fellowship and socialization. Socializing is exhausting while fellowship is rejuvenating. At least that’s how it is for me. I enjoy being around people but I hit a time where I’m ready for people to go home … unless it’s that bond of the Spirit which brings people together to the point where spirits soar and you want the time together to never end. I’m so thankful for the people God’s put in my life who are just that for me.
Take time to think of the people God’s put in your life. Do you take the time to reach out and receive the fellowship which provides the encouragement needed in this dark, lonely world? If not, you really should. Maybe you can encourage someone else who needs to hear from you. It’s true that every member of the Body fulfills a special purpose. Don’t neglect to fulfill yours.
Thoughts of Harold Lane
I was sad this week to hear that Harold Lane has joined those who have gone before us to Heaven. I didn’t realize he was sick so this was unexpected for me.
I’ve known about Harold for as long as I can remember but the first time I remember seeing him was on the Gaither Homecoming Video, Reunion. A while later, I got a copy of the Speer’s 70th Anniversary video and I loved to watch Harold harmonize with Ben Speer on the second verse of “I’m Standing on the Solid Rock.” I never had the opportunity to meet him but he seemed like a sweet, humble man. Our loss is Heaven’s gain but I’m thankful that I’ll have a chance to meet him in a place where we’ll never have to say goodbye again.