February 2013 Archives
Servanthood
The pastor talked yesterday on Luke 17. There were many points to his message but one of the emphases was on servanthood. “Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. So likewise you, when you shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do'” (Luke 17:9-10). I find that I often don’t mind doing most tasks if it’s appreciated. I don’t do well if I take the time to do something I’d rather not do and the person I’m doing it for seems indifferent or not pleased with my work. To be like Jesus, though, I’ve got to get past wanting to be appreciated and realize that, if God is happy with me, that’s all that really matters.
When Jesus walked this earth, He spent His whole life doing the will of the Father. He was mocked, ridiculed and eventually killed for the way He lived His life but all that mattered was that God be glorified. Oh to be like Him but I do know He wouldn’t give us commands that He would not enable us to keep. If I allow Him to make me truly humble, then I can serve Him as He desires me too. Then I will be able to say, “I am an unprofitable servant; I have done that which was my duty to do.”
Concert/CD Review: Once Again (The Kingsmen)
On Friday, February 1, I had the blessing of seeing my first-ever full concert of the Kingsmen. It was at the Chenery Auditorium in Kalamazoo, MI. I’d never heard of this auditorium before but I was excited about checking it out. The promoter told me that they used to have southern gospel concerts there a lot but they haven’t had any now in a number of years since The Bill Gaither Trio stopped singing there. He is planning to bring in more southern gospel groups, and I really hope it goes well for him. It’s a nice place.
I met Ray Reese a couple years ago and, since that time, had put the Kingsmen on the top of my list of groups I wanted to see. God finally worked it out and I’m so grateful.
They started with a couple old songs: “Traveling Home” and “Called Out.” Then they sang a song that came out a couple years ago: “He’s Everything I Need.”
After that they sang, “After the Sunrise” and then Randy Crawford introduced the group. I had seen Ray Reese and Randy Crawford previously but was not familiar with Chris Jenkins and Bob Sellers. I enjoyed hearing each of them as they were featured on the various songs. On a side note, I did not know before the concert that Ray Reese is still going through cancer treatments. It sounds like God is answering prayer though for which I’m very grateful.
“Loving Shepherd, Gracious God” is a beautiful song featuring Ray. Then they sang “I Can Hardly Wait” and “Meet Me at the Table.” I’m glad they still sing some of their old classics. I never tire of hearing them.
After that, they went into an acapella version of “How Beautiful Heaven Must Be” and then Chris sang, “O What a Savior.” They ended the first portion of the concert with “Saints Will Rise.”
After intermission, they began with the uptempo, “I’ll Live in Glory.”
Throughout the concert, Randy talked about how going to church, being a good person, etc. doesn’t save you. It’s Christ that saves you. I also appreciated it when he said ,”The Great Commission was given to everyone.” Too many think that the call to go and make disciples was given to pastors and missionaries but that’s not true. We all have mission fields. We just need to be obedient to serve God in that way.
They then sang “What a Day That Will Be” and the chorus of “Beulah Land.”
During intermission, I had decided to go ahead and make my CD purchases to save time afterward. As I listened to “Here Comes the Bride,” I wished I had bought the CD that included that song. After I got home and started listening to the CDs I got, I found it is included on their latest CD. Songs on that CD not included in the concert are listed on the CD review portion of this post.
After that, Randy talked again, giving a powerful message. One thing he said, I’ve not heard anyone say before but it is so true. He was talking about how, when Jesus was praying in Gethsemane, His prayer was, “Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me.” God’s answer was “No.” “Do we think we’re more important than Jesus? Jesus went to the cross not to accomplish His will but His Father’s will.” Stop and think about that. God doesn’t owe us anything, yet He blesses us daily.
Randy then gave an altar call, encouraging people to come forward if they needed prayer for anything but especially salvation. Chris sang, “He’s All I Need.” Bob prayed and then they sang “One Way Trip” which they encored a couple times. They had fun as Chris would go up and hit especially high notes.
Randy closed in prayer and dismissed everyone. I was so blessed by the ministry that went forth that evening. I was expecting to be entertained (and they are entertaining) but I was blessed that God was at the center of every song and every word spoken.
The Kingsmen recently released a CD of all previously released but re-recorded songs. For long-time fans like myself, this is a great CD to add to your collection. I remember Jim Hamill saying years ago that the Live recordings always sold well but they couldn’t give the studio recordings away. As I’ve listened to the Kingsmen’s music in the last few years, I believe that’s got to be changing. They’ve put out some good recordings with excellent songs and this is no exception.
When you first push play, you will hear their popular song, “God Sits On High.”
I hadn’t heard “I’ve Never Trusted You” previously but it’s a beautiful song which talks about surrendering to God and fully trusting Him.
“Justified” talks about what it means to be justified and what a blessing it is for those who are justified.
“What a Happy Time in Heaven” is an uptempo quartet song about Heaven.
“Without Jesus” talks about the hopelessness without Him but how, with Him, we have everything.
As mentioned earlier, many of the songs on their latest CD were sung in concert so they are mentioned in the concert portion of the review. I’ve been enjoying listening to these songs afresh and I’ve no doubt you will enjoy them as well.
Seeing God Differently
I’ve been thinking about all the people I know who need God’s touch. Whether physical, emotional or spiritual, so many need God in a mighty way. I know there are people I don’t pray for as I should but I want to keep praying for the people God has put in my life. I want to be someone people can turn to in time of need. Not one who just talks about praying but someone who really prays.
Every Christian has the privilege of prayer but, sadly, it seems like many don’t take advantage of it often. They probably pray before meals and more than likely will go to God in time of crisis but we should be at Jesus’ feet all the time. If your children never talked to you except when they needed something, how would you feel? You may give them what they ask for out of love for them but I know you would be hurt that they don’t see a need to talk to you apart from that.
If we saw God as the best friend that He is, we would be communicating with Him constantly: finding out what He likes, what He doesn’t, what He desires us to do with our life, who He desires to speak to or reach out to through us. There’s so much He wishes to tell us if we would just take the time to listen.
Don’t treat God as someone who’s handy once in a while. Begin to see Him as the person you can’t live without … because that’s exactly who He is.
Herein is Love
“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10).
“But God commends His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
I’m not a person who’s big on celebrating holidays just because they’re on the calendar but, with this being Valentine’s Day, I have been thinking about love. Included in my thoughts have been the people I love but I’ve also been thinking of the love that surpasses human love, and that is the love of God.
“That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;And to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge, that you might be filled with all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:17-19).
As grateful as I am for my friends and family who love me, I’m even more grateful for the immense love of my Savior. I don’t deserve His love and His favor but He gives it anyway. He constantly reminds me that I am His child and He delights in blessing me. I pray He will help me to return His love and be worthy of His time so that He greets me with a smile as He welcomes me into my Home.
“And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight. The clouds be rolled back as a scroll. The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend. Even so, it is well with my soul.” Amen!
A Real Quick Post
I’ve not posted for a few days so just wanted to take a minute to wish you all a great week. I don’t know about you but life seems to go faster than I can keep up with it at times. Thankfully, God’s grace is sufficient and He gives the strength that I need continually. I don’t know how people get through life without Him but I know they don’t do very well at it.
I gotta run but don’t forget to keep praying for Tracy Stuffle. God is moving but Tracy is still in need of complete healing. How wonderful to know the God who can do just that! Have a blessed day!
Resting in God
I’ve been tired this week. As I sat down to pray about what to write this evening, I thought of how nice it is to have time to just rest in the Lord. All the worries and cares of the day I leave behind as I sit and just bask in His presence. As life becomes more stressful and hectic, it’s easy to feel like I don’t have time to just sit but I think those are the times when I need to especially do so.
Scripture tells us over and over to rest in Him, trust Him, etc. How often do we really slow down to do so? I think we forget at times that He is the one who controls our lives. No matter how much we fret and stress and fight to get results, that mountain will not budge unless God moves it.
As you look back over your week and the new stresses and crises that arrived, focus this weekend on giving them to God. He is there and He cares. He may not move the mountain but He will give you strength to climb it as you release control and allow Him to do so.
Update on Tracy Stuffle
Posted on Facebook this morning by Libbi (Tracy’s wife):
A new obstacle this morning! I have to leave Tracy’s ICU room from 6 to 8 am & pm. I came back in Tracy’s room at 8 am. Nurses were bathing him. The nurse tells me that Tracy is having some skin break down, mainly on his right side. She then shows me and I am shocked. Mainly under his arm and on his hip on right side. Then another place under his arm on left side. We do NOT need this in the Name of Jesus, God’s Son be gone!!!!
Haven’t seen the doctor yet to see what the plan of attack is. Blood pressure started elevating about 5am, which seems to be a pattern. Giving him Meds for that. Temp is still rocking between 99.8 to 101.8.
Can I just say I am holding on to faith, but my brain and mind are worn out!!! Praying today will bring new mercies and new miracles, in the name of Jesus Christ, God’s son!!
Please continue to uphold Tracy and Libbi in your prayers. I know what it’s like to constantly go from one thing to the next and yet be ready for this to be over. It’s often more exhausting for the friends and family than it is for the one in the hospital. Thank you, prayer warriors. God is faithful and will complete the work He’s begun.
