An Encouraging Reminder
Lately, two songs I’ve been singing a lot are “In Spite of the Storm” and “The Potter Knows the Clay.” I’ve also been reminded lately that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. We serve such a great Father.He constantly brings Scripture and songs to mind to remind me of His love and care. When I struggle to bring those to mind, He’ll send a friend to give a “word in due season.” Maybe that’s part of the reminder that He never leaves or forsakes us. He is always there.
The Mark Trammell Trio sang, “I have a Heavenly Father watching over me each day.” How true that is. “I am so glad that Jesus loves me.” I could go on and on. My heart is full of thoughts of God’s goodness but you get the picture. If you’re down today, praise God anyway. You will find your heart springing up with songs and Scriptures you thought you’d forgotten.
Praise God Your Needs Are Supplied
Growing up, I always cited Philippians 4:19 as my favorite verse:
But my God shall supply all your need, according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
I read that again this morning, and you know what? That promise is still true. It seems like we often talk about things we need but I dare venture our needs are far fewer than we think they are. Paul told Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:8: “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” If you’re reading this, you more than likely have a lot more than food and clothing to be thankful for.
Don’t complain about what you don’t have. Thank God for providing your needs. If there are things you don’t currently have that would make your life easier, it’s not wrong to ask Him for those things but, if He doesn’t give them, praise Him anyway. He knows what’s best and He desires our trust and contentment in everything.
CD Review: Between You and Me (Laura Ollis)
I met Laura Ollis a year ago at the National Quartet Convention. You may know Laura’s husband, Eric, from his years with the Dixie Melody Boys or the Whisnants but Laura also has a music ministry. She has a sweet voice and puts her heart into her music. Laura sums up the CD by saying it’s “a collection of songs that represent a relationship between my Heavenly Father and me; songs of praise and adoration.”
Songs on this project are:
“Tell Him What You Think”–God already knows so don’t hesitate to tell God what’s on your mind.
“Mary For a While” is a great song to turn on when you need to unwind after a busy day. It’s easy to be “Martha,” caught up in busyness with no time to rest and listen to God but it’s vital we pull away from that busyness at times.
“The First Line”–“Every day I find that the pencil in my mind is writing ‘Thank You, Jesus’ on the first line.” Is that true in your life?
“Jesus Did” talks about what Jesus sacrificed so that we could spend eternity with Him. It’s a call to people to turn to Him.
Laura wrote “Talk to the Father,” a song from the perspective of one who sees another hurting and desires to help carry that burden by talking to the Father on the hurting person’s behalf.
“Bless Your Holy Name Again” is a song of worship to the Father.
I love the song, “In Your Arms.” I’ve heard others sing this song but never tire of hearing it.
You may remember “I Just Want to Thank You,” as the Isaacs sang it years ago but the message is timeless. There’s always so much to be thankful for.
Laura wrote “That’s What a Father Does” for her father but it also talks about the goodness of our Heavenly Father.
“What a Difference You’ve Made in My Life” is a song from the ’70s. I’d not heard it in a while but it’s fitting for this CD of praise.
The God of All Comfort
Last night, I talked with a friend who is going through a hard time. I tried to share a few things to encourage her but I really couldn’t stop the aching of her heart. As I was lying in bed afterward, I was grateful for God who truly can mend a broken heart and give grace to walk through the most difficult trials. I may not have the words to speak but He does. He can use me to minister to my friend or He can come to her while I’m sleeping and give her the peace and comfort she needs.
He never sleeps or slumbers. He’s never too busy to help in your time of need. He doesn’t roll his eyes or think, “Here she goes again.” No. God invites us to cast our burdens on Him for He truly cares! No matter how painful your situation, God is there. Consciously draw near to Him today and allow Him to lift your burdens. You may not instantly feel better but you might and, if you continue to lean on Him, you will feel the heaviness of your heart become lighter. God’s plans for you are good, not evil. Don’t forget that.
Someone to Care
When the world seems cold and your friends seem few
There is Someone who cares for you
When you’ve tears in your eyes, your heart bleeds inside
There is Someone who cares for youSomeone to care, Someone to share
All your troubles like no other can do
He’ll come down from the sky, brush the tears from your eyes
You’re His child and He cares for you
We all need someone to care. In this fast-paced world, it’s easy to wonder if anyone does care but I’m so glad my Father does. I’m thankful He’s available 24/7. He doesn’t sleep. He’s never too busy to listen to His child. He invites me to call on Him every second of every day. He never tires of me following Him and, in fact, He desires me too. When I get too busy for Him, it saddens Him but He continues to do His work as He waits for me to once again realize how much I need Him.
Yes, He does care. There are times He leads me through dark valleys but He never lets go of my hand. He proves over and over again that I can get through anything as long as He is with me. Thank You, Lord, for caring for me. Help me to never lose sight of how much I need you. I love you, Father!
What Really Matters
Do you sometimes wonder why you’re here or if you’re touching anyone’s life? I confess that I wonder that about myself a lot. As the Primitive Quartet sings in “Falling Leaves,” I worry I’ll be one that won’t have anyone at my funeral. At the same time, I know that the quickest way to fulfill that prophecy is to go around moping about that fact. My job is to serve God who put me on this earth for a reason. If I’m pleasing Him, nothing else matters.
Life is a constant journey. I wish I were quicker to catch on to things but it can take me a while to figure out basic things or to know what God is speaking. I’m grateful for this blog, though, as it’s a way that I can share with you things I’ve learned or encourage you in the way I’ve been encouraged lately.
If you find yourself down or wondering if God is using you, don’t let it bring you down. Move forward. It’s never too late to start allowing Him to use you. People may not tell you what you mean to them but, if you are serving God, you are touching others’ lives. Rest in that and live in peace.
Concert Review: Legacy Five (7/22/12)
I didn’t realize how late I am with getting this review up but I trust a late review is better than no review.
A little over a month ago, I had the blessing of catching Legacy Five in concert. I’d not seen a full concert since Roger Bennett died so I was really looking forward to it. This was before they hired Matt Fouch as their bass singer so Stacy Bragg was filling the position at the time.
The concert started with two songs off of their latest project: “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “God Cares for Me.” Then they went into “Still Feelin’ Fine” which I love.
Stacy sang, “Thankful for the Change” and then they sang, “I’ve Been Changed.”
Gus Gaches sang, “For What Earthly Reason” before Scott Fowler and Scott Howard began giving Trey Ivey a hard time. I had to laugh when Scott said to Trey: “They love you because they first loved us.” Trey decided to earn some love in his own right, however, as he played “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms.”
“I Found Grace” continues to be one of my favorite Legacy Five songs but this is only the second time I’ve seen them sing it live. After that, the tempo slowed down as they sang, “Something About That Name,” “Holy is Thy Name” and “We Shall See Jesus.”
There was a brief intermission, during which an offering was taken. Then they came back to sing “Strike Up the Band,” “Life Will Be Sweeter Some Day,” and “Destination Known,” one of my newer L5 favorites.
Scott Fowler then told the story of the lady and her daughter who were saved by being at their Memorial Day Sing “by accident.” They sang “Ask Me Why” and ended the concert with “Boundless Love.”
Unfortunately, I forgot my camera so didn’t get any pictures but it was a blessed evening.
God Still Answers Prayer
I could list so many ways that God still answers prayer but let’s start with an update from Scott Inman on his and Kasey’s baby girl, Embry:
More great news today! As many of you know, Embry had her 2nd EEG today.
we just talked to the Neurologist, face to face. He said that the EEG looked “completely fine” and didn’t resemble the one taken earlier in the week! He went on to say that she doesn’t look like the same baby that he read about & saw on Sunday. Kasey & I told him that MANY PEOPLE had been praying for her and that we Thank & Praise the Lord for these results And he agreed with us. We are one step closer to taking our girl home. When she goes home she will be on medicine & sleeping with a monitor for at least 2 months.We have cried every tear we have the past 5 days, but after this news Kasey & I found some more, somewhere.
AGAIN, THANK YOU FOR PRAYING
we hope to take her home in the next few days
Prayer Requested for Embry Inman
Dear friends and prayer warriors, I am writing once again to ask you to join me in interceding for a couple who is going through a very trying time. Scott Inman (of the Triumphant Quartet) and his wife Kasey welcomed their first child into the world Friday afternoon. Their joy has turned to concern, however, as their baby has stopped breathing several times. I don’t profess to know God’s plan at this time but I do know that He loves this baby more than we can imagine. He also loves Scott and Kasey, and I’m asking Him to have mercy and grant this baby life while filling her parents with peace. Scott’s request is below. Please take a minute to touch Heaven on their behalf.
We are asking prayer for our new little girl, Embry. Early this morning she stopped breathing & has had 3 or 4 of the same episodes throughout the day. She is in ICU and they will be running test the next 3-4 days to try to find the problem. To be honest, Kasey and I are scared to death and agree that this is the hardest thing that we’ve been through. We believe in Gods plan & we also believe in Gods healing. We just want our baby girl. Yesterday was the highest high, & today has been the lowest low. Thank you for your prayers. We love you!
Praise Him
God never promised us that life would be easy but He did promise to never leave us or forsake us. I don’t think anything blesses me as much as hearing from someone who is praising God in the midst of a trying time. It’s easy to praise Him when things are going well but it’s important to continue to praise Him when we’re down. Nothing lifts the spirit like praise. Nothing cheers a burdened heart like praise. Scripture tells us that God inhabits the praises of His people. That means he dwells with those who praise Him. Where Christ dwells, satan cannot dwell.
It may seem like a small thing, it may seem like a hard thing but praise is an important part of walking with the Lord. If you want to live a victorious, Godly life, don’t neglect to praise Him.
