February 2012 Archives
CD Review: Journey (Libbi Perry Stuffle)
The long-awaited solo project from one of southern gospel’s favorite ladies, Libbi Perry Stuffle, has finally been released. Great songs and guest appearances by Jeff & Sheri Easter, Gerald Wolfe, Mark Trammell, Wayne Haun, Dailey & Vincent, Randy Perry, Debra Perry Reed, and Sisters are reasons you will want to add this to your collection.
“March Around the Throne” is a great song to begin the CD. A lively, uptempo song with a tambourine. As I listen, I can picture dancing at Christ’s throne in worship of Him.
The pace then slows down to a heart-felt rendition of “Now I Have Everything.”
Long-time listeners of the Perrys will remember the song, “Still Blessed” but the message is timeless.
A highlight for me was “Daddy Sang Bass/Reunited” on which Randy Perry and Debra Perry Reed joined Libbi. It starts with an old recording of “Daddy Sang Bass” and then flows into “Reunited.” I remember the Perrys with Tracy, Libbi, Randy and Debra so I was eager to hear this song and still get blessed listening to it.
Two songs I was especially glad to see included on this project are “God Walks the Dark Hills” and “Holy Hills of Heaven.” With Vestal Goodman and Dottie Rambo in Heaven, it’s nice the songs are still living and Libbi does a great job on them.
Dailey & Vincent join Libbi on “Jesus, Hold My Hand.”
Another song that really ministers to me is “I Fail, but I’m Not a Failure.” I need to be reminded of that at times.
“Did I Mention” is a song of testimony to God’s faithfulness. “I love Him. That’s all I want to say” pretty much sums it up.
“Mountaintop for Me” is another song of encouragement. No matter how long the valley or how deep the river, rest assured that God has a mountaintop for you.
“His Grace Will Lead Me Home” talks about the Christian’s journey, and what a wonderful journey it is.
“Broken Heart Sings the Sweetest Song” is a very well-written song of encouragement reminding us that “there is hope.”
Be Grateful
I recently started reading through my Bible again and am currently going through Numbers. Once again, the ingratitude of the people jumps out at me but this time, I’m also focusing on how angry God became with their ingratitude. It was ingratitude among the people which led to their wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. It was ingratitude among the people that caused God to send snakes to bite them. It was the ingratitude of God’s chosen people that caused Moses to get angry and strike a rock instead of speaking to it, thereby missing his chance to see the Promised Land he’d traveled so many years to see.
Somehow, I don’t think God looks any more kindly on ingratitude today. We have been blessed beyond measure, yet so many still find things to grumble about. Maybe it’s habit or maybe they truly fail to see their blessings but I want to challenge everyone to count your blessings. Let God know you’re grateful for what He’s doing in your life. Give Him reason to say to satan, “Do you see My servants? No matter what you do to them, they praise Me anyway.” That’s how a Christian life should be lived.
God’s Love Changes Us
This evening, the songs going through my head are “He’s Still Been a Good God to Me,” “God Has Been So Good to Me,” “We Are So Blessed,” and I could list many more songs along the same theme. God truly is a good God. His heart is full of love towards His children and that love is being poured into preparing us a dwelling place with Him.
When I think of the love God has for me, my heart wells up with gratitude because I know His love is in spite of myself. Humans may “love” me due to what they perceive me to be but God loves me even though He knows who I am. It’s also His love, however, that doesn’t leave me as I am but that changes me to be more like Him. I don’t always embrace the “changing” process but I pray that God will not give up changing my heart until it wants to change.
May God be glorified in my life and may I embrace the changes He desires to make in me, for He truly is a good God whose love never fails.
Prayer Warriors Needed
I received a couple calls this afternoon from people needing prayer. There’s rarely a day that goes by in which I don’t see Facebook friends requesting prayer for some situation they’re facing. It seems like God’s people everywhere are in need of the Saints of God to intercede on their behalf. Many times, I see people reply “Praying” but I wonder how many of these people actually took time to pray for the need or if they just felt a need to post something.
The fact is there are many who need your prayers on a daily basis. Are you taking time to pray for them or are you too busy with other things? Most of the time, the battles we face in life need to be won on a spiritual level. If we’re not fighting them with prayer, we’re no doubt not winning them. I wonder how many needless catastrophes happen due to those who claim to be Christians not interceding for those who are too low to pray for themselves. We can’t afford to let down our guard, even for a second.
The next time you tell someone you are praying for them, view that as your commitment to do so. Sure, it may encourage them to hear you say you’re praying but it will encourage them more when, next time you talk to them, you ask them how things are going with their situation. Apply the golden rule and pray for others as you would like them to pray for you.
CD Review: The Millennial Collection (Squire Parsons)
Squire Parsons recently put together a CD which features 20 of his most requested songs.
This CD begins with a live version of his popular song, “Sweet Beulah Land.” He’s backed up on this song by the Mountain Glory Gospel Choir.
“Dancing Shoes” was a new song to me but a good one.
“A Mighty Long Way to Go” is an uptempo song which talks about the road to Heaven. “I’ve got a mighty long way to go but such a short time to get there.”
After that, the tempo slows down as Squire sings “You’re Not Alone.”
“I’ve Been Born Again” is an uptempo song of gratitude for being born again.
“I’m Sending a Prayer Your Way” is a reminder that God answers prayer. I don’t know about you but it’s always an encouragement to me to know someone’s taking the time to pray for me.
“The Master of the Sea Medley” contains portions of several old songs: “The Master of the Sea,” “The Greatest of All Miracles,” “He Came to Me,” and “I Stand Amazed.”
“I’ve Got a Reservation” is a song that I used to listen to in the 1980s but I’ve never gotten tired of it. The message is timeless, and I’m very glad the song was included on this CD.
Next is “Singing Through the Fire.”
Then he sings “Look for Me at Jesus’ Feet.” I’ve heard this song sung so many times by various groups but Squire does a great job communicating the message in this song.
“The Day of the Lord” is a song of rejoicing as we finally reach Heaven’s shore.
As the title implies, “Sing Praise” is a song of praise.
“It’s in the Savior’s Hands” reminds us that we have nothing to worry about since our Savior has it all under control.
I first heard “Help is on the Way” a number of years ago when it was recorded by Gold City.
“America, Keep Holding to God’s Hand” is a needed challenge to our country to do just that.
One of my favorite songs on this recording is “Beneath This Armor.” I loved it when Gold City sang it but Squire does a great job as well. “I may have lost a fight but I’ve not lost the battle.”
“The Day Love Became Grace” is a beautiful story of the crucifixion put into song.
Another of my favorite Squire Parson songs is “I’ll Have a New Song.”
“I’ll Just Go On Home” talks about Squire being on a hunting trip with his dad. His dad got tired and went home while the others finished their hunt. The second verse talks about saying goodbye to loved ones but reminds us we will see them again. They’ve simply gone on Home to wait for us there.
“I Know He Lives” is a song of faith and victory. I don’t have to see Christ’s mighty works to know He lives.
Fight Your Battle Righteously
I was reminded yesterday how it’s the people who are dedicated and determined to serve the Lord who satan is going to attack the fiercest. Jesus told us to rejoice when we are persecuted for doing well. It’s hard to embrace tribulation and persecution but in order to be the strong, victorious Christians God called us to be, we need to stand strong instead of crumbling when life begins to get rough.
In order for our trials to accomplish God’s purposes, we need to constantly examine ourselves in light of God’s Word and ask God to help us respond to life’s situations in a way that pleases Him. We may have “reasons” to be stressed, angry, fearful, etc. but God’s Word warns against these things. I’m still learning how to walk righteously in the midst of trials but I’m asking God to help me do so. No matter what satan throws at me, it’s imperative that I not give in to sin. We’ve been equipped with armor to fight the good fight and we have the most powerful captain who will guide us and help us win the battle if we heed His commands.
If you find yourself facing immense trials this week, get in the Word, spend more time singing and drawing near to God. You may ask God to remove the trial but position yourself to fight the battle righteously if He doesn’t.
Destination Known–Is Yours?
Yesterday morning, I put in Legacy Five’s latest CD, pushed play and, as tears began to form, I listened to them sing “Destination Known.” It’s one of my newer favorite songs at present. I’m so thankful that my destination is a place where my Father’s arms are waiting for me.
My grandparents sang a song which said, “Do you know where you’re going? Has it all been worthwhile? Can you face each tomorrow wearing a smile?” A lot to think about, isn’t it. As the old saying goes, “If you’re happy, tell your face.” If your destination is Heaven, it should show.
My heart goes out to those who don’t know where they’re going or, worse yet, those who know their destination is not Heaven. We are all going to live forever. The question is: where will you live?
Be Courageous
I finally watched Courageous this evening–the movie in which men resolve to be true men of God. It’s an excellent film and one I highly recommend.
As I watched the men on the movie, I began to think about the Promise Keepers movement and the thousands of men who went to meetings and made similar resolutions. I wonder where those men are today. One thing that was brought out in the movie is that it’s easy to feel faith for decisions when not facing the challenges and trials of life. It’s when the hard times come that we must rely on God’s strength to stand firm in what He’s called us to do.
Although the movie focused on men, women need to hit this place too, where nothing matters but being the women God created us to be. As we draw near to God, He will help us do this. So many have a hard time seeing anything but their failures but God is in the business of redemption. Even if you’ve not been the mother, father, brother, sister, daughter, son or friend that God has called you to be, it’s never too late to start anew. You won’t get it right 100% of the time when you start but each time you ask God for help, you’ll move a little further down the road until everyone around you will notice the change. In time, you will be able to mentor others which could be the beginning of Revival.
Lord, help us all to be Courageous in our stand for You.
My Heavenly Father Watches Over Me
I think God’s protection is one of the most common things that people forget to thank God for. Sure, we thank Him when we barely escape getting hit with a car or when we slip on ice and aren’t majorly hurt but I wonder how many thank God on a daily basis for the fact that He kept them another day, that He protected them from getting hurt. The fact is, each day we survive without a mishap, it is a gift from God. There are so many things which could harm us but it is God who sends His angels to cover us so that we are not hurt.
Whenever I pray for my family to arrive home safely, I’ve gotten into the habit of thanking Him when He answers. As much as we travel, I know it’s His covering that’s keeps us from being in accidents. I don’t take that for granted. Beyond that, though, I plan to start consciously thanking Him at the end of each day that He protected us from harm. I may not see the ways I could have been harmed but I know they’re there and I praise Him that nothing can touch me without His permission. He is such a faithful Father.
We Serve a Good God
This week, I’ve been having trouble with my back but, once again, I can see God’s hand at work. I think that’s the key to being able to praise Him in the midst of trouble and trials. Things could always be worse. In my case, I’ve had times in the past where it’s been agony to walk. That’s not been the case this time, and I’ve no doubt God’s hand intervened before it got to that point. It’s hard to stand or sit too long but I can walk and, the last couple nights, I’ve been able to sleep. Yes, we serve a good God.
I realize so many trials we face are more difficult than physical pain but I can almost guarantee you that, no matter what your trial, it could be much worse and, if that’s the case, you have so much to be thankful for. If life is dark to the point that you can’t see that ray of light, ask God to open your eyes. He is your guiding Light. He knows the purpose for your storm. Your job is simply to trust Him.
When your focus is on your surroundings and your circumstances, it can seem impossible to “Rejoice evermore” and “In everything give thanks” but, when your eyes are on Jesus, you will find yourself praising Him before you realize it. When you see His glory, you don’t see or feel anything else. You find what it means to walk through the fire that doesn’t harm you. You can finally walk on top of the water instead of sinking. It’s still there but it doesn’t matter because Jesus is with you and you’re happy to be anywhere that He is.
Brothers and Sisters, life is hard but we serve a God who is all the time so very good. Don’t let a day go by without taking time to praise Him for His goodness.
