January 2012 Archives
CD Review: Family Ties (Wilburn & Wilburn)
One of the most talked about new groups in southern gospel music last year was Wilburn & Wilburn. Most southern gospel fans will remember Jonathan Wilburn from his days with the Wilburns and Gold City but he is now singing with his son, Jordan to produce one of the greatest sounding duos I’ve heard in a long time.
“It’s a Shore Thing” is a well-written song using sailing terms to talk about the surety of our arrival on Heaven’s shore.
Jordan sings “Jesus Will,” reminding us of all the things Jesus will do for us if we will look to Him. “When nobody else understands how you feel, Jesus will.” Isn’t that wonderful?
“Devil Be Gone” reminds the devil that we serve a God who’s greater and we’ve got no time for the devil’s tactics. An uptempo song which puts satan in his place.
Jonathan Wilburn sings a song of thanks to his “Mama.”
“You’ll Still Be There” has a bluegrass feel which showcases the talent these men have. With the variety of songs, there should be something to please everyone on this recording.
“A Cross Became My Saving Grace” needs no description but would be a great single.
“I John” is a fun song with Jordan singing the lead in the beginning. Then Jordan and Jonathan take turns toward the end. They added some vocalists to this one including a bass singer. I bet this is fun in concert.
“Things I’ve Never Done” is an uptempo song featuring Jonathan.
Next is the title song, “Family Ties.”
“Let’s All Go Down to the River” starts out slow and then speeds up. I first heard John Starnes sing this song in the ’80s so I was thrilled to hear someone re-release it.
The CD ends with the first single from the CD, “I Ain’t Giving Up On Jesus” which is #18 on the Singing News Chart for February.
There is a God
I’ve been pondering the weather lately. It seems like everywhere, temperature patterns are unpredictable. States that are usually warm are cooler while areas that typically would be buried in snow are experiencing 40-60 degree days. I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s a perfect way for God to show man that He is God and we are not.
As I was pondering this, I found the following verse: “The pride of your heart has deceived you, you that dwell in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that said in his heart, ‘Who shall bring me down to the ground?’Though you exalt yourself as the eagle, and though you set your nest among the stars, there will I bring you down, said the LORD” (Obadiah 1:3-4).
Man likes to know things. People go to college to acquire knowledge. They read and study to become as smart as they can but no one will ever outsmart God. The way He designed everything is incredible. “For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see His invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God” (Romans 1:20).
Yes, there is a God–One who is all-powerful and all-knowing, yet One who is full of love and mercy toward those who call on His name. I’m so thankful that the One who controls the wind, rain, and snow also takes the time to supply my every need. He truly is a good God. May I never cease to praise Him.
Refueling
I was just listening to Dottie Rambo. She was such a talented singer and songwriter, and I’m glad God gave her a gift that will benefit us long after she’s gone. When I listen to many of the lyrics she penned, it’s obvious they were written during the various trials of her life but maybe that’s why they continue to minister to so many. I’ve learned that, although I may not see the roses that grow out of the thorns of life, they are often the most beautiful.
This evening, though, it wasn’t encouragement I needed as much as a need to be ushered into the presence of the Lord. At the end of the week, I find myself feeling drained and I desperately needed refueled. As always, God came through. I thank God for creating music which lifts the spirit and helps to draw us closer to Him. I hope you were able to refuel this weekend too.
With Monday starts another day of work for most of us. I pray God will be glorified in everything we do, say and think. Don’t forget to praise Him for every answered prayer–and those He’s not answered yet.
Christians Can’t Afford to Relax
“But I dare not relax until I’ve done all He’s asked lest I should leave behind an unfinished task.”
Maybe the reason the line of this old Hemphill song jumped out at me this morning is due to the fact that I’m physically tired but I’ve been pondering it all day. Humanly, I get tired but, when it comes to spiritual things and service for God, I can’t afford to relax. Life may seem to go on and on but, in the scheme of things, our time here is short and, as the saying goes, “you may be the only Jesus some folks ever see.”
There’s a reason God told us that in our weakness, He’s strong. God is all powerful, and He never sleeps or slumbers. He created us for a purpose, and He empowers us to fulfill that purpose if we rely on His strength. So I’m focusing on resting in Him knowing that He has everything under control and He will continue to use me for His glory if I refuse to faint.
Higher Ground
Several months ago, a friend sent me a devotional titled God Calling by A.J. Russell. Today’s portion talked about the importance of staying calm and resting in Jesus regardless of everyone else who is fretting and stressed. It’s not an easy thing to do but it is how Scripture tells us to live. We’re not to be consumed by the world. We will have tribulation but we know the One who has overcome the world, and we should be able to rest in that fact. I know it will continue to be a battle for me but “I long to live above the world though satan’s darts at me are hurled for faith has caught the joyful sound, the song of saints on Higher Ground” (from the hymn, “Higher Ground”).
Lord, help me to have joy in my heart and a spring in my step, knowing You are with me. Don’t let me be stressed but help me to find rest. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Two Years and Counting
It hit me sometime yesterday that Monday marked two years since I made my first post on Southern Gospel World. I don’t know where that time has gone but I praise God that I’m still able to write and that you all still take time to read what I write. My life is probably no different than yours: a constant journey of ups and downs, joys and sorrows but, along with each situation is the reality that God is faithful. He never fails. His ways are not our ways but nothing takes Him by surprise.
I don’t know what this year will hold but I know God never changes, and He will walk with us every moment. Let’s continue to press on and trust Him to guide us every step of the way.
CD Review: The Good Old Days (Joel Lance)
A couple years ago, I came across a website for a man by the name of Joel Lance. There was something about the look and the “feel” of his website that I was curious and requested one of his CDs. I was impressed. For someone who’s not well-known, Mr. Lance has released a quality recording.
Joel has a pure country voice with pure country music accompanying him. I’m not a fan of background vocalists but the one on this recording adds to the sound instead of detracting.
The CD begins with the title song, “The Good Old Days.” The title is self-explanatory and is one those my age and older will appreciate reminiscing with. It also points out that these are no longer “the good old days.”
“Jesus Picked Me Up” is Joel’s testimony of the day Jesus found him.
“Mama Go Home” is a song from Jesus’ perspective talking to his mama from the cross.
“The Potter’s Wheel” is about a homeless man who finds Jesus.
“Don’t Give Up on Me” is the one song on this recording not written by Joel. It talks about how often we fail God but asks God not to “give up on me.”
Next is the uptempo song, “Dead Raising, Life Changing Savior.” The first verse talks about the demons Jesus cast into the swine. The second verse tells the story of Lazarus. We still serve a Savior who sets people free.
“My Name is Mercy” is a ballad talking about how hopeless we were until God’s mercy rescued us.
“I’ll Keep the Key” talks about Jesus’ crucifixion and how, although satan thought he won the battle, Jesus kept the key!
“Holiness for Me” talks about the importance of living a holy life.
“Reap What You Sowed” is a thought-provoking song, challenging us to be careful how we live for we will reap what we sow.
God is Faithful
I thank God often for His faithfulness but I try to follow my thanksgiving with a prayer that God will help me to be faithful in return. His faithfulness is an example and a reminder of what He desires of me and what He deserves. I can go through life haphazardly, taking each moment as it comes, or I can approach each day purposefully, asking God to lead me and to bless the work of my hands as I serve Him. I also need to trust Him to do just that.
You know, God really is faithful. Maybe that’s why I keep serving Him. He’s proven to be everything He said He would be. He’s never left my side. Although I can easily fall into feelings of worry, fear, etc., when I turn back to Him, He fills my heart with peace in the midst of my storms. Yes, I know He’ll be faithful whatever happens in my life.
Lord, help me to serve You with a greater fervency. Help me to ever be faithful to You as You have been to me.
CD Review: Live in Memphis (LeFevre Quartet)
I have the blessing this evening of reviewing my favorite LeFevre Quartet project to date. I tend to like “Live” projects anyway but Mike LeFevre, David Staton, Jeremy Easley and Keith Inman outdid themselves with the songs and performances on this CD.
The CD begins with the toe-tapping songs, “Let Me Tell You ‘Bout Jesus” and “I Wouldn’t Take Nothin’ For My Journey Now.”
Mike sings “I Don’t Know Why,” a song I grew up hearing Andrae Crouch sing.
“Hold On” is another upbeat song.
Then they slow it down with the worship song, “Take My Life.”
Next is a slightly sped up version of “Robe of White.” Jeremy presents a good delivery of this old Gold City song.
Keith Inman sings “Last One Worthy” which tells how Jesus would willingly go to the cross just to die for the last one worthy.
“You’re Never Too Far Away” is a beautiful song of encouragement for those who have wandered away but desire to return to God.
In honor of the LeFevres, the quartet sang a medley consisting of “When the Gates Swing Open,” “I Love to Call Upon His Name” (one of my favorites), “I’ve Come Too Far to Look Back,” and “Stepping on the Clouds.”
“Living in the Light of God” is an old Teddy Huffam song and is one song on this project that I’ll sometimes play just for this song.
While introducing the last song on the project, Mike talked about a poll which stated that 13% of professed Christians believe the Bible is the inspired, infallible Word of God. I know there’s a difference between claiming to be a Christian and actually being one but I would have thought the majority of those who claim to know God would give more credence to the Bible.
The last song is “Jesus Saves.” I saw them sing this in concert a few months ago and the response was tremendous. What a powerful message and a great way to end an evening.
God Will Supply Your Needs
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
The Freemans sang a song which said, “If God doesn’t have it, you didn’t need it.” I’d add to that that, if God doesn’t give it, you don’t need it. So many times the things we think we need are things we really don’t it. I’m still learning that on a regular basis but I can testify to the fact that He doesn’t fail to give you what you need exactly when you need it.
In Philippians 4:12, Paul said, “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.”
We all need to know how to be abased and how to abound for it is in doing so that we can “rejoice in the LORD always” (Philippians 4:4).
“Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself” (Matthew 6:34).
