February 2014 Archives
CD Review: “Statements of My Faith: Hymns” (Ann Downing)
It wasn’t that long ago that I did not like “Hymns” recordings. Maybe I’m getting old but I think there are better “Hymns” projects being recorded these days. Years ago, every recording seemed to feature the same hymns, just different vocals. Today there seems to be more variety and creativity to remind us there are more than just 8 or 10 hymns to inspire and minister to you. Ann Downing has chosen 11 such hymns which she sings very traditionally, yet in her own way. One thing I particular like about this CD is that each song sounds different: different instruments, arrangements, etc. Jeff Duffield did the orchestrations on this recording, and he did a great job.
As soon as she begins singing I Stand Amazed in the Presence, my heart wells up with praise as I truly think of how wonderful is my Savior’s love for me! This feeling continues to the last note of All That Thrills My Soul.
And Can It Be? deserves a special mention. Very nice musical arrangement and sung in a way that brings the words to life. “My chains fell off. My heart was free. I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.” I’m so glad I did!
There is a Fountain is sung with piano only.
Sue Duffield joined Ann in a beautiful arrangement of Lead Me to Calvary.
Other songs included are: God Leads Us Along, How Firm a Foundation, Footsteps of Jesus, He Giveth More Grace, Blessed Assurance, and He Hideth My Soul.
Godly Sorrow vs. Worldly Sorrow
“There is a way that leads to life; the few that find it never die.”
As I was thinking about the difference between Godly sorrow and worldly sorrow, the words to this old song came to my mind. Matthew 7:13-14 tells us, “Enter you in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads to life, and few there be that find it.”
It is easy to be sorry when faced with the consequences of our sin but very few seem to have a Godly sorrow that leads to repentance, a groan from our inmost being which causes our heart to break as we think about what our sin has done to our loving Savior, a resolve to make whatever changes are necessary to never commit that sin again. Sin may be pleasurable for a season but the end result is death.
I am not immune to temptation but I pray often that God will stay close to me and help me to be faithful. I long to hear Him say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Lord, make me willing to instantly discard everything in my life that does not completely honor You. Give me that Godly sorrow that produces a pure heart which will allow me to see You.
Correct in Humility
“A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will” (2 Timothy 2:24-26).
It is easy for Believers to see the world and how bad it has become. Probably all of us know people who are not walking with God and, therefore, helping to make the world a bad place. Yet how do we respond to those people?
It seems most people either accept sinners or totally reject them. I rarely see someone who knows how to love a sinner and yet make it clear that he or she does not condone the sin. Those who do confront sin do not come across as loving but, often, the person who is being confronted feels disgust and disdain from the person they are talking to.
The fact is Jesus died for those sinners just as He died for you and me. He did not save us because we are better than anyone else. He saved us because He is a loving and merciful God, and He desires us to show love and mercy in return. Love does not overlook sin but rather points it out in graciousness and humility, realizing that there but by the grace of God go I.
I pray for God’s help in being humble, patient, and gentle, so that more people will see Christ in me and come to find life with Him as well.
All I Have Needed, Thy Hand Hath Provided
God does not promise to provide all our whims and fancies but He does promise to provide all of our needs. David said, “I have never seen the righteous forsaken or His seed begging bread” (Psalm 37:5). I am so grateful that, as poor as I have been at times, I have never gone without food. Even before I surrendered my life to Him, His hand was on me, providing for my needs.
Many times, we confuse needs with wants. Whenever I’m not receiving something that I think is a necessity, I remind myself that maybe it’s not in reality. Maybe it is just something that would bring me ease but which God doesn’t think I need right now. At the same time, I trust Him because He knows what is best for me. He desires me to spend eternity with Him, and He will lead me and guide me in the way I should go until I am more like Him. He truly is a wonderful Savior!
Announcing Sony Elise Editing Services
If you have read my blog for a while, you know that 2013 was a year of changes for me. Although I am one who doesn’t like change, it has really been neat to see God’s hand at work every step of the way.
Last year, in the midst of everything else going on in my life, I was praying for something I could do as a side business to earn some extra income but yet continue to work with Family Renewal. As I was talking with a friend, she suggested I start a business proofreading and editing. I have done this kind of work for over 25 years but, for some reason, that thought had never occurred to me! I felt like this was indeed what God had planned for me, so I began looking into this possibility.
After quite a few months of praying, studying, and trying to think through what tools I would need to begin this endeavor, the website for Sony Elise Editing Services is finally up and running, and I am ready to accept manuscripts. If you or someone you know has recently finished a book which needs to be proofread or edited, please contact me through the form on my website. I look forward to working with you.
