October 2011 Archives
Trust and Surrender
I believe one of the greatest things God desires right now is that His children come to a place of total trust and surrender to Him. It’s easy to trust Him when things are going well but what about when your world begins to fall apart? Friends you love suddenly decide they can no longer walk with you or they just get too busy to listen to what’s on your heart. The child you had great plans for tells you he or she no longer believes in the God you do or at least wants nothing to do with Him. Many times our faith is put to the test but that’s not the time to give up. Instead, I would encourage you to look up. God’s plans for you are still good and not evil. He has not left you but will wrap His arms around you if you will but let Him.
Once we begin to truly trust and surrender, we will know what it means to “give thanks in everything” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). We will understand that joy is not affected by circumstances. Joy is what flows from the heart because we know the One who controls everything. We don’t have to worry because He holds the world in His hands and if He cares about the smallest sparrow, He cares about you and your family. You may be struggling to make ends meet but He’ll continue to meet your every need. Your health may be failing but He will continue to draw near to you as you draw near to Him. You may not have a job but God has a work for you to do.
“Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom” (Luke 12:32). And so we “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). Don’t despair. Ask God to bring you to that place of absolute trust and surrender. As He does so, you will feel your burden lifted and experience a freedom you’ve never known before.
CD Review: Songs You Know By Heart (Rejoice)
This hymns project by Rejoice begins with an acapella version of “I Sing the Mighty Power of God.”
“Wonderful Words of Life” features the newest vocalist to Rejoice, Sherri Vestal’s son Tyler.
“Heaven Medley” is a beautiful arrangement of “How Beautiful Heaven Must Be,” “What a Day That Will Be” and “Heaven Will Surely Be Worth it All.”
Tyler Vestal sings Rusty Goodman’s “The Greatest Love Story.”
Another Medley consists of “Fairest Lord Jesus” (sung acapella), “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us,” and “‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus.”
I’ve heard several groups sing “Wait Upon the Lord” but I love the song. Rejoice’s version is no exception.
They did a great job on “Where the Roses Never Sang.” I love listening to the guitar on this song.
Also included are: “What a Happy Time,” “Jesus, Hold My Hand,” “Keep on the Firing Line,” “When God Dips His Love in My Heart,” “Glory Be to the Father (Gloria Patri),” and “I Will Trade the Old Cross for a Crown.”
How Big is God
This past weekend, I had the blessing of being in northern Michigan about 1/2 hour south of the Mackinac Bridge. As I was praying in an upstairs room one morning, I was struck at the beauty outside my window: land for as far as I could see with colorful trees at the far end of my scope of sight. What a beautiful world we live in when we get outside of the man-made portions. No pollution. No crime scenes. Just nature pure and simple. No wonder Paul says, “For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20). How can anyone look outside and say, “There is no God”?
One of my favorite songs is “How Big is God” and I sing it a lot this time of year. In Michigan, a lot of the leaves are gone but when I see the color that remains or look up into a beautiful big sky, I instantly think, “Though man may try to go beyond the reach of space, to go beyond the distant glimmering stars, this world’s a room so small within my Master’s house, the open sky but a portion of His yard.”
Have you stopped to think today just how big our God is?
People Are Watching
This afternoon, I went to help my sisters, brother and his family move wood. Before we got in the swing of things, I was walking around the yard texting when I heard someone following me. I turned around to find my 5-year-old nephew. I instantly noticed his hands and face covered with blueberries, and I was wearing a white skirt! He laughed when he found I discovered him, and I quickly told him he was welcome to follow me but do NOT touch Aunt Sony. He agreed and I went back to pacing and texting while he continued to follow along behind.
Many times, we don’t know who’s watching us. It’s easy to feel invisible in a sea of people but I’ve been places where I’ve sensed people watching me. Although it can be unnerving, it’s a great reminder that, as Christians, we should stand out but we need to make sure we’re making a positive impression. The world is eager to find anything they can use against the God we claim to serve. Our job is to show the world that He is real. He still saves, heals, and fills us with joy, peace and love. He is still in control of a world that’s out of control. If we are living lives full of stress, tension and anger, we are in essence telling the world our lives are no better than theirs.
Instead, ask God to transform you from the inside out. He can calm your troubled storms and give you a life that will shine for Him. Then, when people ask why you’re different, you will be able to answer with assurance, “I serve a risen Savior! Let me tell you about Him!”
Being a Doorkeeper
“I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.” (Psalm 84:10b)
I was at a conference this past weekend and, as each session let out, there was a boy, probably around 9 or 10, who would rush to the back and open the door that led from the sanctuary to the foyer. He would stand there, holding the door open as he patiently waited for everyone to file out. I don’t know his reason for wanting to be the one to get the door. Maybe he wanted to feel important. Maybe even as young as he is, he understood the blessing that could be. I didn’t ask him his reason for doing it but I did think of the above verse from Psalms.
Unfortunately, I don’t think most people could quote that verse honestly. A doorkeeper seems insignificant. If it’s your job, people may overlook you, not stopping to thank you for a job well done. There may be people who would complain if you didn’t do your job but they don’t commend you when you do. This can be true in any job, however. The important thing is that you know you’re doing what God has called you to do and that He is pleased with you. If you are, your reward will be greater than anything you will receive on earth anyway.
If you are discontent with your life, take time to seek God, asking Him to show you if you are in His will or if He has another plan. If you are truly doing what He has called you to, trust Him for your reward. It’s nice to receive approval on earth but if you never do, know that you will receive it in Heaven.
Update on Jack Laws
The latest update on Jack Laws is that he is home but still needs 3 bypasses, 2 valves replaced, his teeth pulled, his sugar regulated and his blood pressure regulated. Please continue to keep him in your prayers. Troy Burns is keeping people updated on his family’s Facebook page.
CD Review: Summer Rains Have Gone (Channing Eleton)
Up until a few months ago, I always thought of Channing Eleton as one of the best piano players in the business. However, when I heard he released a CD where he not only played but also sang and wrote or co-wrote 6 of the 10 songs, I knew this would be a top notch project. I was not disappointed.
The CD starts with the uptempo “Days,” discussing the importance of prioritizing and focusing on the things that matter. “Starting now, I plan to make the most of every one of those days” pretty much sums it up.
“The Harvest” talks about the seasons of life and how quickly they change. However, no season is unimportant.
Next is Channing’s great new single “Up on This Ridge.” (See video below.)
My favorite is probably still “Is Not This the Land of Beulah?” I love the message of that song but Channing’s arrangement is superb. It starts out pretty typical, a moderate tempo and by the third verse, picks up the tempo, afterward going to an instrumental break where you can especially hear the keyboard.
“Song and Dance” is a song about David, creatively written by Gabe Scott and Andrew Peterson.
“Looking to Jesus” is a Teddy Huffam song I hadn’t heard before but I love it. A soulful toe tapper with a great message.
“Creation Song (Glory to the Lamb)” is a song of praise, which brings you into the presence of God as if you were reading the Psalms or Revelation where the saints are worshiping around the throne.
“As We Wait” is a great follow-up to “Creation Song.” Written by Channing Eleton and Buddy Mullins, this song is about waiting on God and inviting His presence “as we wait.”
“Just This Song” has a 2-minute prelude and is probably my second favorite song on this CD, maybe mostly because it says how I feel much of the time. Nothing I do or say comes close to being enough to thanking God for everything He’s done for me.
Channing recently released his first concept music video. Since it’s also his single off this recording, I thought I’d share it with you. I hope you enjoy it.
The Cure for Loneliness
Loneliness. In a world full of people, no one should be lonely but unfortunately the world is full of lonely people. No matter how they surround themselves with things or people, they don’t find fulfillment so they keep searching. I wonder if part of the reason is that, although people may be around sometimes, many people don’t take time to build relationships or get to know people. The obvious answer for a lonely, hurting world is Christ but I wonder if it’s futile to tell them that if we are not willing to be the tangible hands, feet and voice of Jesus. For people desiring to know Him, they need to see people who are walking the walk, reflecting His love, exhibiting His smile and extending His embrace. As the song said, “What the world needs now is love.” Jesus taught that principle too.
Maybe you’re one of those lonely people. Don’t turn inward and focus on the emptiness you feel. Look for others who feel as you do and extend the hand of friendship. Find people who radiate the joy of Jesus and don’t be afraid to ask them questions or invite them over so you can spend time with them and receive the encouragement that they may not be aware that you need.
Regardless what you’re going through, do draw near to Jesus. Let Him hold you. Know that He loves you. You may feel lonely but you are not alone. Let Jesus fill the empty places of your heart. I know He’ll do just that for you.
