July 2012 Archives
A Quick Note
Dear Friends, I can’t believe I’ve not posted anything since last Sunday. Time is absolutely flying by. I’ve been busy at work and tired at night, tonight of which is no exception but I at least wanted to let you know I’ve not forgotten y’all. I appreciate each one of you who take the time to read my blog on a regular basis. Don’t give up on me. Keep checking back as I’ve got concert reviews and CD reviews coming up, along with more inspirational writings as God continues to speak to me and help me to grow in Him. May you feel His love each day as you walk by your Savior’s side.
On a side note, I’ve mentioned in the past that I work for Wisdom’s Gate Ministries, a Christian publishing company. Besides publishing books and periodicals, I also have the blessing of traveling with my mom and brother as they travel coast to coast with messages of encouragement. We have an email list where we send out an email or two a month letting people know where we’ll be speaking and also noting any new products, web specials, etc. If you would like to be put on this list, email your name, address and email address to orders@wisgate.com. If we’re in your area, I would love to meet you.
Thank you so much! Have a wonderful day and hopefully I’ll get those reviews up soon.
We Must Let Others Know We Love Them
Last evening, I had the blessing of seeing Ernie Haase and Signature Sound in full concert for the first time. I’ll be posting a concert review in the near future but, as I watched the guys interact with the crowd of people who wanted to talk with them or get an autograph, I was blessed by the way they made sure each one knew that the group did not take the people for granted. They were patient, polite, they acknowledged each one who came up … they made a point to try to connect with each person if even in a small way.
The purpose of this post is not to glorify men but I love watching people and learning from people whom God is using in any capacity. There are so many hurting people in the world, and they desperately need to feel loved and to know that God has not forsaken them. I’m convinced that genuine Believers find a way to love others, regardless of how easy or how difficult. As I travel and minister to people, I hope they walk away convinced more than ever before that God loves them. I pray they will feel God’s arms around them as hear Him speaking to them through my interaction with them. We are to be His hands and feet on earth but I don’t often see people who realize that is exactly what they are to be. Let’s keep moving closer to God until that is exactly what we become.
Thank God for His Guidance
The past couple days, I’ve seen God’s guidance when I didn’t recognize that He was leading. First of all, we missed being in the middle of a tornado by delaying part of our trip a day. Secondly, we missed being in an accident or delayed due to an accident by taking an alternate route. Coincidence? Not at all. God saw what we couldn’t and I’m so grateful that He helped us to make the decisions we did.
Thinking about these incidents reminded me of how much I take for granted. God probably covers and protects me every day and I never realize it and, therefore, never take time to thank Him. I’m grateful to Him for allowing me to see His hand of protection this week but, even when I don’t see it, I pray I never cease thanking Him for His care for me. He truly is a good God to me!
CD Review: Staying the Course (Roy Knight Singers)
I was thrilled last year when I found out the Roy Knight Singers released another recording. I’ve never heard a “dud” from them and I’ve really enjoyed this recording as well.
“One More Goliath” features Sandy Knight, one of my favorite singers singing one of my favorite songs on this CD. Whatever you’re facing is just one more Goliath. Nothing is too hard for the Lord.
“Come and See” reminds us that you don’t have to take my word that Jesus exists. Look around and come and see.
“‘Love Like Water Poured on Me’ when Jesus’ blood had cleansed my sin. God’s living water set me free when God’s love like water poured on me.”
Another of my favorite songs on this CD is “God’s Great.” “All I can say is God’s been so good. On second thought, God’s been great!” Amen?!
“Suddenly One Morning” talks about Resurrection morning.
“Battle Stand” asks, “Are you ready for one more battle stand?”
“I’m Staying the Course” is a declaration of determination to stay the course with Christ.
“So Simple So Profound” describes the love of God.
“I Can’t Keep a Secret” but, then, why would you not want to tell what Christ has done for you?
Sandy wrote “Salvation Harbor” which talks about waiting for Christ’s return.
“Jesus to Me” is from the perspective of someone who is talking to one who is thanking someone for being “Jesus to me.”
Another song in my top 3 favorites is “And Then.” “And then we’ll stroll the golden streets of God’s great new Jerusalem. And then that vast eternity of life will know no end. No more death, no more tears, forever free from sin. And then we’ll live a million years and then.”
Other songs include “Untold Testimonies,” “What Cloud You Gonna Ride On” and “America.”
Motive Matters
Many are trying to live a decent life but I wonder how many know why they do the things they do. It seems many don’t care what they do while others are trying to do what they perceive to be right things but they are hating every minute of it. Why is that?
The fact is God does care what we do and how we act but if we are doing all the right things for the wrong reasons, it still is not pleasing to Him. The motivation for our actions should be love for our Heavenly Father.
When my mom came to know the Lord, her life turned around 180 degrees. All of a sudden, she became aware of a God who loved her, and she wanted to do her best to please Him. As I became an adult and became more aware of God, my thoughts began to turn toward Him as well. Some may look at me and view the way I live as legalistic but I’m not ascribing to a set of man-made rules. I’m trying to please my Father. I want Him to search me and try me and see if there is any wicked way in me so that I can walk in life everlasting.
Why are you doing the things you’re doing? Is it out of duty or out of love for your Father? Are you walking the path He’s called you to walk, or are you following after people who you think are Godly? I want to see you walk in joy and victory, and these will only be found as you answer these questions.
Chris Allman Has a Blog
Although not new news, I just found Chris Allman’s blog a few days ago. You may know Chris as the tenor for Greater Vision; however, God has also gifted him in being able to write well and communicate Scriptural truths and insights. I read several of his entries today and, although I am not a blog reader, his is a blog worth reading.
He Kept on Loving Me
I don’t know who originally sang it but I grew up hearing my grandparents sing a song titled “He Kept On Loving Me.” This evening, I found myself singing, “I don’t know why He loved me to begin with ’cause for years I never once called His name but in spite of all my faults, I guess He had some plans for me ’cause He kept on loving me just the same.” I am so grateful for the truth of those words.
I’ve been blessed to be raised by a mom who taught us to seek God first in everything. Whether it was a need or something we were grateful for, it was automatic to go to God but I hate to admit that, in recent years, I’ve not been as faithful as I used to be. This evening, as I was praying, I asked God to help me to be faithful. Fighting battles on my own is burdensome but, when I turn to Him, I find that His yoke is easy and His burden light.
I don’t deserve my Father’s love but I pray I live a life worthy of His love. He’s done so much for me. How can I do any less for Him?
Gwen Wilkerson goes to Heaven
I found out this morning that Gwen Wilkerson, the wife of the late David Wilkerson has gone Home to be with Jesus. Once again, our loss is Heaven’s gain. Her family said she “went to be with Christ with great peace and even anticipation.” What a way to go! As much as I am saddened by her death, I know she is rejoicing to be with her Savior and to be reunited with her husband.
I never met Mrs. Wilkerson but I’ve always thought of her as the epitome of a faithful woman. She was married to the same man for 58 years. She was faithfully by his side as he followed God wholeheartedly in a calling that couldn’t have been easy for her. I suspect Brother David would not have been as effective without her love and support. In Proverbs 31:10, Solomon asks, “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.” Brother David obviously found one and now she’s once again at his side.
This morning, I ask you to once again pray for the Wilkerson family. Losing both parents within 15 months of each other cannot be easy but I pray they feel God’s grace and that they draw even closer to Him during this time.
An Attitude of Gratitude
I’ve been pondering gratitude lately. I don’t think of myself as an ungrateful person, and I often thank God for His goodness, His love and His many blessings but I wonder if my life reflects the gratitude I think I feel. Do I truly understand how blessed I am?
I think I’ve tended to go the path so many do–where I focus on the things of earth instead of developing an eternal perspective. Life is full of discouragement and disappointments, and those things can get one down but, no matter what happens in life, God is still on His Throne and we still have much to rejoice in.
Right now, I am asking God to show me everything I have to be thankful for so I can thank Him for those things. Then I want to communicate to others the blessings God has poured out on me. For those God has put in my life who have stood by me through thick and thin, I thank Him. For the way that He continues to love me when He could have easily left me a long time ago, I thank Him. For giving me a family who loves me in spite of different preferences and personalities, I thank Him. And for being the best Father I could ever have asked for, I thank Him. What a wonderful God I serve. How can I not have an attitude of gratitude?
