July 2014 Archives
Since Jesus Passed By
I’m listening to the Nelons sing “Since Jesus Passed By,” and it has me thinking about that day. I have heard pastors say that, if you can’t name the day you met Christ, you probably have not been converted. I don’t hold to that view, as I know people who have “known” Christ all their lives and seem to truly have a relationship with Him. At the same time, I’m grateful that I remember many times when Jesus passed by. Sometimes it was to stretch out His healing hand. At other times, He provided comfort during grief. I’m also thankful that He didn’t just pass by but He continues to hold my hand. Life is not always easy but we serve an amazing God, who can calm storms with just a word.
Thank You, Jesus, for passing by when I needed You most. Thank You that You still hold my hand through every trial I face. You are so wonderful!
Still Learning
Today is an easy day to praise the Lord. The sun is shining, I can see God’s hand at every turn while feeling His love and protection. There are days it is not so easy though, yet praise is not an option. It is a necessity.
I wish I were better at consistently praising Him, even when everything around me looks like it’s falling apart. This is an area God does help me in though. He often reminds me that, even when I can’t see it, He is working. He loves me and, no matter what happens, I am still His beloved child.
I am so grateful to have the best Father in the world. His love for me is not measured by how successful I am. He simply wants me to trust Him and serve Him with all my heart. I am still learning how to do that as well, but I am thankful that He doesn’t give up. He constantly encourages me to try, try again.
I expect I will never stop learning until the day He takes me Home but I pray I will pass my tests with flying colors. He is so good!
CD Review: Difference (Brothers Forever)
I was introduced to Brothers Forever a number of years ago, so I was excited when their latest CD was finally released. Curtis Hagy and Gary Ballew did not disappoint me except for the fact that there are only six songs on this recording. They are worth the purchase though. Very well done. Good songs professionally recorded and arranged.
That’s Why I Pray This was the first song released to radio which was a great choice. The verses mention the negative happenings in our world today but the chorus reminds us that that’s why we should pray. “I’m begging for forgiveness. I wanna make a difference even in the smallest way. I’m only one person but I can feel it working. I believe in better days. THAT’S why I pray.”
Live to Love is a song about a couple who had a fight but the chorus is one of commitment to work it out. “If our hearts break, nobody wins.” Marriages are worth fighting for.
Difference talks about how short life is and the importance of letting “the world know who saved my soul and redeemed my heart.” No matter what others’ goals are, “I wanna make a difference.”
Changed speaks of the difference in a person’s life after coming to know Christ.
Fight talks about surrender. There is no good thing in us apart from Christ. If we surrender to Him, we receive His peace, love, and so much more. Why are you fighting Him and resisting the change that He desires to bring?
I Do is a beautiful love song. If you’re looking for a song to be sung at your wedding, this is a nice one.
There is Joy in Serving Jesus
Some churches still sing the old song, “There is Joy in Serving Jesus” but I wonder if they really believe what they are singing. Way too many go to church, sing the songs, hear the preaching, but still look as if they have the weight of the world on their shoulders.
Life is hard. There’s no doubt about it. But, for a Believer, joy should flow out of our hearts because we are sons and daughters of the King! He didn’t promise us that life would be all sunshine and roses but life is not all thorns either.
Don’t let Satan blind you to the many blessings you have received at God’s hand. Ask God to help you get your mind off of the negative and onto Him. You are called to be a Light, to radiate with His love. If you have lost your joy, you can’t do that. If you think you are joyful, ask yourself if others can see that joy. If they can’t, I doubt that you are as joyful as you think you are.
I hope you can sing with all your heart:
There is joy, joyJoy in serving Jesus
Joy that throbs within my heart
Every moment, every hour
As I draw upon His power
There is joy, joy
Joy that never shall depart
CD Review: Unashamed (Brian Free and Assurance)
The latest release from Brian Free and Assurance did not jump out and grab me. Musically, it sounds the same as their last two or three projects. I would really like to see them come out of their musical rut but I still appreciate their heart and there are some good songs on here.
This is the first I’ve noticed Ricky Free co-writing songs. He co-wrote half of the songs on this CD, including the leading song, God of Possibilities. Do you know this God who can part a sea and use a child to kill a giant? He’s the same God yesterday, today, and forever.
Unashamed is a commitment to boldly live for Christ.
Ricky Free teamed up with Ronny Hinson to write Tell It Like It Was. This is one song I like on the project. “Is it any wonder that we’re in the shape we’re in? The church will only say it if we’re sure it won’t offend.”
The tempo slows down as Bill Shivers sings Say Amen.
Brian Free sings He Still Saves, a new song with an old message.
Evidence in You talks about who we are in Christ after we come to know Him.
Jeremy Lile sings the toe-tapping A Little Bit of Me and You. Then the tempo slows down for One. In an ever-changing world where there seems to be no right or wrong, there is still one God.
Another song I like on the CD is Where There’s a Will, He Has a Way. Lauren Talley Alvey makes a guest appearance on the second verse. “Trust the One who holds you close, ’cause at the end of the day, where there’s a will, He has a way.”
Before the After talks about how easy it is to focus on the past but keep in mind that those things were before the after. We must remember the past in order to testify of how God brought us through. However, if that is no longer a part of your life, you must move on, realizing that that was before; this is now.
Book Review: You Don’t Cry Out Loud (The Lily Isaacs Story)
For years, I have heard bits and pieces of Lily Isaacs’ story (how she was the daughter of holocaust survivors and a cancer survivor herself), but I had never heard exactly how her parents escaped Hitler’s plans or that her father was an alcoholic while she was growing up. I am happy that New Leaf Press chose to release this amazing story of a Jew who eventually found Jesus and allowed Him to turn her life around. For those who are familiar with the Isaacs’ music ministry, you will enjoy learning more about the matriarch of this much-loved group. If you have never heard of her, you will still appreciate this amazing story. You will laugh with Lily as she talks about some of her childhood antics and you will cry with her as she talks about being shunned by her parents for becoming a Christian. Even if you are not a reader, you will want to get this book.
