June 2012 Archives
Oh, Yes, He Cares!
“Oh yes, He cares. I KNOW He cares. His heart is touched with my grief. When my days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my Savior cares.” ~Frank Graeff
Everyone goes through difficult times. Whether the loss of a loved one, a friend who’s turned on them, a debilitating sickness, life is full of grief but one thing we can take comfort in is knowing that our Savior cares. Jesus’ life was no different than ours. He went through sorrowful times as well but He never wavered in His faith because He knew His Father was with Him.
Our life here on earth is so short in light of eternity. Our suffering is even shorter. Our Savior has gone to prepare a place for us and we will join Him really soon. Yes, Brothers and Sisters, God really does care about you. He has not forgotten you. Take some time to draw near to Him, let Him hold you. Give your burdens to Him and resume your day with a song.
“Casting all your cares upon Him for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
It Won’t Be Long
“It won’t be long ’til we’ll be leaving here. It won’t be long we’ll be going Home.” ~Andrae Crouch
“Signs of the times are everywhere. There’s a brand new feeling in the air. Keep your eyes upon the Eastern sky. Lift up your head. Redemption draweth nigh.” ~Gordon Jensen
These are the songs going through my head this evening as I lie down to write. Many profess that Jesus is coming soon but few actually live as if they believe it. If Jesus were to return today, would you be ready? The fact is, even if He doesn’t return, you may go to Him.
“Oh can we say we are ready, Brother? Ready for the soul’s bright Home? Will Jesus find you and me still watching, waiting, waiting when the Lord shall come?” ~Fanny Crosby
O Say But I’m Glad
“O say but I’m glad. I’m glad. O say but I’m glad. Jesus has come and my cup’s overrun. O say but I’m glad.”
Tonight, I’m weary but my heart is overflowing. Another convention just ended and, once again, it’s neat to see God moving in people’s lives. I don’t think we’ll ever see the full impact but I praise Him that we at least see in part. Right now, seeing is what is producing the joy that makes me glad but I’m reminded that it’s important to hold on to that gladness even when I don’t see. When people seem to leave untouched, I must remind myself that God’s Word never returns void. He is always faithful.
I write these words now because I may need to refer back to them in the not too distant future but you may need to read them now. Don’t be weary in well doing. You WILL reap if you don’t faint. It’s God that brings the increase, not you. Your job is to be faithful. If you do that, He will be faithful. He cannot deny Himself. Take heart, dear friend, and ask God to fill your heart with gladness today.
CD Review: Breath of Life (Josh Oldaker)
Last year at the National Quartet Convention, I was catching a few showcases when this cowboy stepped on the stage. When he opened his mouth to sing, I was impressed with the confidence and strength with which he sang. It’s hard to know what category to put him in. He’s really in his own genre but a lot of his songs have a country feel. Some have a Pentecostal feel but all have a good message.
“Slow Dance More” reminds us of the important things in life. Don’t go through life focusing on the things that aren’t important.
“The Good Book and a Good Hook” is a different kind of song about a guy whose two favorite things was the Bible and fishing. When he died, a Bible and a fish were found lose to him, side by side.
Every southern gospel fan probably knows Gerald Crabb’s song, “Through the Fire.”
“Raymond” is just a neat story in song.
I’m not sure how to describe Josh’s rendition of “Power in the Blood.” It’s pretty traditional but with maybe a Pentecostal flare.
“Eyes of Mercy” is a cry for just that. “I can’t go on without Your love, Your sweet embrace, Your tender touch.”
I believe “Heal Me” is the song I saw Josh sing at NQC. The emotion and passion he puts into the song lets you know he desires everyone to receive the healing that only Christ can give. Healing goes beyond just physical healing. Many are going through life discouraged, defeated, and down trodden but Christ can grant the joy and victory each person needs to live the life He desires for them. “Wake my soul from its sleep and give me back the joy of when I first believed. Heal me.”
“Shine Your Light on Me” is an uptempo song asking that God be glorified.
Geron Davis wrote, “Send it on Down,” referring to the Holy Spirit.
I know some people got tired of “I Can Pray” when it was on the radio by the Dove Brothers but it continues to be one of my favorite songs. I don’t like the helpless feeling that arises at times when a friend is really sick or making bad decisions, etc. Sometimes I need to be reminded that I can pray. It is not just a formality. It is something that can move the heart of God and, even if God doesn’t change the situation, as the McKameys sing, “prayer changes me.”
“Jesus Paid My Debt” is a song of thanksgiving for everything Jesus has done for us.
“The Ones That Won’t Come Back” talks about the men who gave their lives for our freedom.
Congratulations to Josh on his upcoming wedding to Amanda Conrad. For more information on Josh and his ministry, visit his website.
An Exhortation to Encourage
Encouragement: Something everyone desires but many rarely receive. I’ve been blessed with some great friends who are great sources of encouragement but there are periods of time when life gets hectic and it’s easy to feel forgotten. Understanding how easy it is to feel that way, though, makes me want to encourage others.
A friend of mine was telling me the other day that he’s trying to write a note of encouragement to at least one person each day. What a worthy goal. If everyone began to do that, think how many people would be encouraged on a regular basis.
When was the last time someone gave you that encouraging word spoken at just the right time? How long has it been since you’ve taken the time to encourage another person? Purpose to encourage at least one person today. You won’t be sorry you did.
Thankful for God as My Father
I hope you all had a wonderful Father’s Day. Whether you are a father, son or daughter, it’s nice to have a day to honor the fathers in our lives, whether biological, adoptive or honorary. As I awoke yesterday morning, I took some time to thank God for the wonderful father He’s been to me. Most of my life, I’ve not had an earthly father to turn to but God has been with me every step of the way, and I can’t thank Him enough for that.
I’m sure there are times my Father’s been frustrated with me or disappointed with choices I’ve made or the way I let other things so easily crowd out His voice, yet He continues to be there, calling me back, gently explaining where I’ve gone wrong and leading me down the right path. At times, I’ve felt His discipline but His correction is always good.
I’ve never felt so loved as I have by my Father and, although I don’t understand it, I’m so grateful He loves me as much as He does. I pray I will never fail to thank Him for being such a good God to me. I love Him so much!
In His Time
Years ago, we used to sing a song which said, “He makes all things beautiful in His time.” Don’t you sometimes wish you knew when His time was? It’s hard to be patient when going through a trial. I’m always eager for it to be over but God will not be rushed. He is very patient, and He desires us to be more like Him.
Learning patience is not generally at the top of people’s lists but I desire to grow in learning to wait upon the Lord. Life is too short for worry and anxiety. Sometimes I find myself rushing way too much. I need to slow down, to be patient, to wait on Him for direction. He will give it if I listen to His answer. It’s when I get impatient that I get in trouble.
“Lord, my life to you I bring. May each song I have to sing be to You a lovely thing in Your time.”
Satan is a Liar
It seems like many today live in what my mom calls 3D: discouraged, defeated and depressed. However, Christ has called us to be overcomers in Him. You can live a victorious Christian life. You merely need to stop listening to the lies of the enemy. When satan begins to tell you how worthless and unloved you are, stop him right away. Regardless of what the world thinks of you, Jesus loved you so much that He died for you. Just that reminder should help your perspective.
I admit this is something I struggle with as well. It’s easy to think people don’t care, my life is worthless, etc. but I do know I desire to fight the good fight. I want to be an example to others who are struggling. I want to be able to share the hope that is mine and that can be theirs as well. In order to do that, I can’t let my thoughts control me; I must control my thoughts.
Please don’t give in to negative feelings. Ask God to remove them from you so that you can better serve Him. It may be a battle at first but I’m convinced that the more we fight, the more battles we’ll win until Christ conquers them all on our behalf.
Pure Religion
“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” (James 1:27)
I believe people want to know what true religion is. What many call religion or Christianity is nothing more than a shadow of what the Christian religion is supposed to be. Many despise the word religion but there is a standard we are to keep, and that is outlined in the above verse.
It is not enough to claim to be religious; we must truly practice the religion we claim to be partakers in. If you are not visiting the fatherless and widow, and if you are not devoting yourself to staying unspotted from the world, this would be a good time to begin to do those things. Your goal should be to hear the Father say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Are you truly being His servants and doing the things He asks you to do?
Yes, There IS a God
On my way home this evening, I wasn’t feeling well so I laid down on the back seat and looked up into the beautiful blue sky with clouds intermingled here and there. What a sight and what connection I felt with my God as I let my spirit soar. As day turned into dusk, an amazing sunset began to form.
People claim to all the time but I don’t see how anyone can honestly believe there is no God. Psalm 8:3-4 declares, “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained;What is man, that You are mindful of him? and the son of man, that You visit him?” That’s how I felt as I laid there. The open sky is but a PORTION of His yard. Think about it.
You may choose not to follow God but you cannot honestly deny that He exists. Why don’t you take some time to acknowledge Him today?
