February 2012 Archives
Born to Serve the Lord
Last week, I reviewed Smoky Mountain Reunion’s CD, “Born to Serve the Lord.” Since then, I’ve been singing the title track. Have you ever truly thought about the fact that you were born to serve the Lord?
It’s interesting how perfectly God designed the human body. For those of us who have functioning eyes, hands, feet, mouth and ears, there’s no reason we can’t serve Him with our whole being. For those born without some of those body parts, they are no less important. God gives each person the senses he or she needs to serve Him.
Many times, we let perceived inadequacies keep us from trying but each person has a calling and a gift. If you’re a child of God, it is your responsibility to find those things in your life and to use them. Don’t let the lies of the enemy win out.
I’m partly speaking to myself here. It’s easy to see the things I can’t do but I’m striving to focus on what I can do. If God’s called you to something, He will equip you to do it. Your job is to move forward in faith and say, “Here am I, Lord, send me.” If you mean it, the words will barely escape your lips when you will find yourself bearing more fruit than ever before. That, my friend, is fulfilling your purpose.
The Pure in Heart Shall See God
If you’ve watched Bill Gaither’s Homecoming videos, you’ve no doubt heard Jesse Dixon sing “Highway to Heaven.” This morning, I was singing that song when the line jumped out at me: “None shall walk up there but the pure in heart.” This is Scriptural as Matthew 5:8 says, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”
The importance of purity is something we don’t hear much about in today’s churches. It goes along with righteousness and holiness. Without these things, we cannot see God. “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).
No matter what anyone says, holiness and purity are not optional and the fact is, if you’re not pure in heart, you’re not pure. You may be able to refrain from impure acts but it must be reality in your heart and in your thought life for it to be reality in your life.
You can sing about the “Highway to Heaven” all you want but, if you’re not living a life that God can bless, it’s merely a song and not your reality.
CD Review: Born to Serve the Lord (Archie Watkins and Smoky Mountain Reunion)
When I first started listening to southern gospel music, I loved hearing the Inspirations, at the time consisting vocally of Archie Watkins, Troy Burns, Eddie Deitz, and Mike Holcomb. (Well, Eddie wasn’t actually with the group at the time but the radio station still played songs where he was featured.) Archie, Troy and Eddie have recently reunited with Jack Laws and Marlin Shubert (also former Inspirations members) to form Archie Watkins and Smoky Mountain Reunion.
The song begins with the title track, “Born to Serve the Lord.” I love this song as it’s a reminder that God created me for a purpose–to serve Him.
Next is a song all southern gospel fans should know, “Just a Little Talk With Jesus.”
I like all the songs on this project but there are several I especially like, one of which is “Bucket at the Well” which features Eddie Deitz and depicts God’s grace and forgiveness in a way that one can picture so vividly. I’ve been a fan of Eddie’s for about 25 years and I’m so glad he’s back on the road. He’s on the list of people I really hope to meet this side of Heaven.
Troy Burns sings “Your Tears are Touching God.” I tend to think of tears as a sign of weakness and maybe they are but it’s that weakness that often brings us to place of brokenness and surrender. That’s what God is looking for.
Jack Laws sings “Family Bible.”
“Bound for That City” is a mid-tempo song with an Inspirations feel to it. Quartet fans will enjoy it as it features the tenor and bass.
I first saw Troy Burns sing “Jesus is Coming Soon” in 2010 at the Primitive Quartet’s Hominy Valley Singing. He sings as one who believes what he’s singing. Sometimes I think faster songs go by so quickly people miss the meaning. However, the truth is that Jesus is coming soon. Are you ready?
Eddie sings “The Next Step” which is a great follow-up to “Jesus is Coming Soon.” “The next touch you feel, He could be blessing your soul.” Are you shouting yet?
Marlin Shubert sings “Must I Go and Empty Handed?”
Troy does a great job on “How Great Thou Art” and hits probably the highest note I’ve heard him hit.
This is one CD I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of.
