Christians Can’t Afford to Relax
“But I dare not relax until I’ve done all He’s asked lest I should leave behind an unfinished task.”
Maybe the reason the line of this old Hemphill song jumped out at me this morning is due to the fact that I’m physically tired but I’ve been pondering it all day. Humanly, I get tired but, when it comes to spiritual things and service for God, I can’t afford to relax. Life may seem to go on and on but, in the scheme of things, our time here is short and, as the saying goes, “you may be the only Jesus some folks ever see.”
There’s a reason God told us that in our weakness, He’s strong. God is all powerful, and He never sleeps or slumbers. He created us for a purpose, and He empowers us to fulfill that purpose if we rely on His strength. So I’m focusing on resting in Him knowing that He has everything under control and He will continue to use me for His glory if I refuse to faint.
Higher Ground
Several months ago, a friend sent me a devotional titled God Calling by A.J. Russell. Today’s portion talked about the importance of staying calm and resting in Jesus regardless of everyone else who is fretting and stressed. It’s not an easy thing to do but it is how Scripture tells us to live. We’re not to be consumed by the world. We will have tribulation but we know the One who has overcome the world, and we should be able to rest in that fact. I know it will continue to be a battle for me but “I long to live above the world though satan’s darts at me are hurled for faith has caught the joyful sound, the song of saints on Higher Ground” (from the hymn, “Higher Ground”).
Lord, help me to have joy in my heart and a spring in my step, knowing You are with me. Don’t let me be stressed but help me to find rest. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Two Years and Counting
It hit me sometime yesterday that Monday marked two years since I made my first post on Southern Gospel World. I don’t know where that time has gone but I praise God that I’m still able to write and that you all still take time to read what I write. My life is probably no different than yours: a constant journey of ups and downs, joys and sorrows but, along with each situation is the reality that God is faithful. He never fails. His ways are not our ways but nothing takes Him by surprise.
I don’t know what this year will hold but I know God never changes, and He will walk with us every moment. Let’s continue to press on and trust Him to guide us every step of the way.
CD Review: The Good Old Days (Joel Lance)
A couple years ago, I came across a website for a man by the name of Joel Lance. There was something about the look and the “feel” of his website that I was curious and requested one of his CDs. I was impressed. For someone who’s not well-known, Mr. Lance has released a quality recording.
Joel has a pure country voice with pure country music accompanying him. I’m not a fan of background vocalists but the one on this recording adds to the sound instead of detracting.
The CD begins with the title song, “The Good Old Days.” The title is self-explanatory and is one those my age and older will appreciate reminiscing with. It also points out that these are no longer “the good old days.”
“Jesus Picked Me Up” is Joel’s testimony of the day Jesus found him.
“Mama Go Home” is a song from Jesus’ perspective talking to his mama from the cross.
“The Potter’s Wheel” is about a homeless man who finds Jesus.
“Don’t Give Up on Me” is the one song on this recording not written by Joel. It talks about how often we fail God but asks God not to “give up on me.”
Next is the uptempo song, “Dead Raising, Life Changing Savior.” The first verse talks about the demons Jesus cast into the swine. The second verse tells the story of Lazarus. We still serve a Savior who sets people free.
“My Name is Mercy” is a ballad talking about how hopeless we were until God’s mercy rescued us.
“I’ll Keep the Key” talks about Jesus’ crucifixion and how, although satan thought he won the battle, Jesus kept the key!
“Holiness for Me” talks about the importance of living a holy life.
“Reap What You Sowed” is a thought-provoking song, challenging us to be careful how we live for we will reap what we sow.
God is Faithful
I thank God often for His faithfulness but I try to follow my thanksgiving with a prayer that God will help me to be faithful in return. His faithfulness is an example and a reminder of what He desires of me and what He deserves. I can go through life haphazardly, taking each moment as it comes, or I can approach each day purposefully, asking God to lead me and to bless the work of my hands as I serve Him. I also need to trust Him to do just that.
You know, God really is faithful. Maybe that’s why I keep serving Him. He’s proven to be everything He said He would be. He’s never left my side. Although I can easily fall into feelings of worry, fear, etc., when I turn back to Him, He fills my heart with peace in the midst of my storms. Yes, I know He’ll be faithful whatever happens in my life.
Lord, help me to serve You with a greater fervency. Help me to ever be faithful to You as You have been to me.
CD Review: Live in Memphis (LeFevre Quartet)
I have the blessing this evening of reviewing my favorite LeFevre Quartet project to date. I tend to like “Live” projects anyway but Mike LeFevre, David Staton, Jeremy Easley and Keith Inman outdid themselves with the songs and performances on this CD.
The CD begins with the toe-tapping songs, “Let Me Tell You ‘Bout Jesus” and “I Wouldn’t Take Nothin’ For My Journey Now.”
Mike sings “I Don’t Know Why,” a song I grew up hearing Andrae Crouch sing.
“Hold On” is another upbeat song.
Then they slow it down with the worship song, “Take My Life.”
Next is a slightly sped up version of “Robe of White.” Jeremy presents a good delivery of this old Gold City song.
Keith Inman sings “Last One Worthy” which tells how Jesus would willingly go to the cross just to die for the last one worthy.
“You’re Never Too Far Away” is a beautiful song of encouragement for those who have wandered away but desire to return to God.
In honor of the LeFevres, the quartet sang a medley consisting of “When the Gates Swing Open,” “I Love to Call Upon His Name” (one of my favorites), “I’ve Come Too Far to Look Back,” and “Stepping on the Clouds.”
“Living in the Light of God” is an old Teddy Huffam song and is one song on this project that I’ll sometimes play just for this song.
While introducing the last song on the project, Mike talked about a poll which stated that 13% of professed Christians believe the Bible is the inspired, infallible Word of God. I know there’s a difference between claiming to be a Christian and actually being one but I would have thought the majority of those who claim to know God would give more credence to the Bible.
The last song is “Jesus Saves.” I saw them sing this in concert a few months ago and the response was tremendous. What a powerful message and a great way to end an evening.
God Will Supply Your Needs
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
The Freemans sang a song which said, “If God doesn’t have it, you didn’t need it.” I’d add to that that, if God doesn’t give it, you don’t need it. So many times the things we think we need are things we really don’t it. I’m still learning that on a regular basis but I can testify to the fact that He doesn’t fail to give you what you need exactly when you need it.
In Philippians 4:12, Paul said, “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.”
We all need to know how to be abased and how to abound for it is in doing so that we can “rejoice in the LORD always” (Philippians 4:4).
“Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself” (Matthew 6:34).
Fight the Good Fight
It’s easy to want God to supernaturally remove our fleshly desires but, if He did, it would take away from fighting the good fight. I get tired of fighting but I know victory can’t come without a persistent battle in which I refuse to give up.
“That, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth” (Ephesians 4:22-24).
Dying to self and allowing Christ to change us is something we are told to do. Sometimes it’s easy but sometimes it’s difficult. Yet, if we want a relationship with Him, we must refuse to give in to fleshly lusts and instead follow Him with fervency.
Keep pressing on. Keep running the race. Ask God to keep the Goal ever before you. If your eyes are on the ground, you will stumble but, if you keep looking up, it will spur you on with greater urgency until you make it Home. At that time, you won’t remember the fighting you did here on earth.
Covered by God’s Love
Do you remember the song we used to sing in Sunday School, “His Banner Over Me is Love”? I don’t know why but I found myself singing it this evening. “I am my Beloved’s and He is Mine …” “He brought me to His banqueting table …” What love the Father has for us. No matter what we go through in life, God’s love is more powerful, so steady, unfailing, and very real.
Do you ever stop to feel His embrace? Do you ever take a minute in the midst of your busy day to say, “God, I love You. Thank You for being here”? I’m trying to do that more these days. When I think of the magnitude of His love, it’s overwhelming but I’m so grateful. I may never fully grasp the height and depth of my Savior’s love but one thing I know: He loves me. With that assurance, I have nothing at all to fear.
Thank You, Father, for the way You love me. Show me how to love You in return.
CD Review: The Journey (Brothers Forever)
Brothers Forever recently put together a CD to give a glimpse into their journey the past few years. With songs from previous recordings (By Request, Sheltered, and Side by Side: Live in Illinois), this is a definitely a “Best of” collection.
I love this group for their worship songs so it was perfect that they chose “You Alone Are Worthy” to begin the CD.
Gary Ballew sings lead on “God is Good,” the song the Gaither Vocal Band made popular a while back.
Next is their signature song, “I Feel a Blessing Coming On.”
Curtis Hagy sings “I Am Him,” the story of the Samaritan woman who found Jesus.
“More Than That” talks about how God is so much more than anything we can say. His mercy and grace knows no end. He’s so much “more than that.”
When I’m discouraged, I sometimes turn on “You Are Loved” and feel God’s arms around me. It’s a great reminder that God loves me no matter what I’ve done or what I’m going through.
“Whenever I Speak His Name” is another worship song that Gary sings.
“What More Could He Have Done” talks about what Christ went through, leaving Heaven to come to earth and be persecuted and crucified. “What more could He do to save our dying soul?” I’m so thankful for everything Christ has done for me.
“I Can’t Forget the Day” is an uptempo song remembering the day “my burdens rolled away.”
It’s hard to choose a favorite song on this project but the one that is probably at the top of my list is “My Home.” I’ve played this song a lot this past year as I find myself longing for Home more these days.
Other songs include: “The Lighthouse,” “Rest Assured,” “The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power,” and “He Saw it All.”
