Quick Post
I’m leaving in the morning for a conference so I won’t be posting again until Saturday or Sunday. If you’re new to reading my blog, this may be a good time to go back and read previous posts I’ve written. Most of what I write isn’t time sensitive. I pray God will use it to touch your heart. Pray for me, and I’ll pray for you, that God will encourage your heart and continue to draw you closer to Him until you can feel His presence continually.
Trusting God
I stayed down today due to not feeling well but, other than the way I’ve been feeling, it’s been a nice day. I think the temperatures got up in the 50s as I ventured out for a short, slow walk with my sister. Then back to bed. In the midst of it all, though, I’m feeling a lot of faith for what God’s doing. He has a plan and, although this is not how I planned to spend my day, maybe I needed rest before our conference season begins (which is this weekend by the way). One thing I appreciate when I’m down is the times God brings people to my mind to pray for. There are many needs but He is so faithful.
I have a lot to accomplish tomorrow so I’m praying I feel better by morning but I don’t have to worry or fret because I know the God who has everything under control. Aren’t you glad you serve a living Savior? No matter what you are going through, He knows and He cares. Surrender to Him and trust Him and see how quickly your burdens disappear.
You Can’t Ask Too Much of My God
You may or may not remember the Bishop’s song with the same title but I was thinking this morning of the truth of this simple statement. Absolutely nothing is too difficult for God. He encouraged us to ask but also cautioned us that we sometimes don’t get what we ask for due to asking amiss (James 4:3). That encourages me to draw closer to God, to understand His will and His ways so that my prayers are not hindered. There is power in prayer but only because we serve a powerful God.
This morning, I’m feeling sick and I’m scheduled to leave Thursday for a convention so it doesn’t give me much time to recover and get everything done that I need to today and tomorrow. At the same time, I know that God’s hand is not short. I’m asking God to let this pass quickly so that I can get back into the swing of things and be faithful with what He’s called me to do. I know that He will either answer that prayer or prove Himself powerful in another way. He’s never failed me yet and He won’t start now.
If you’re facing a mountain, strive to find God’s will. Then ask Him to move it out of your way or else help you to climb it. I’ve no doubt He will do one or the other. You simply need to trust.
I Feel So Good About It
This morning, I put on an old Downings recording and listened to the song, “I Feel So Good About It.” It’s definitely ’70s but there’s so much truth to it. If you’re saved, people shouldn’t wonder. You won’t be able to hide the fact. It’s easy to let the cares and worries of life weigh you down but, if you have a close walk with Jesus, your smile should be bigger than the trial you’re facing.
As you go through your days and weeks, ask God to draw near to you, to give you that joy and peace that radiates from His presence. It can be yours. You simply need to ask and surrender to Christ, and you will receive it. It won’t be long until you’re singing with the Downings, “I feel so good about it. I’m gonna sing and I’m gonna shout it. There’s just no way to hide the way I feel down deep inside.”
CD Review: Journey (Libbi Perry Stuffle)
The long-awaited solo project from one of southern gospel’s favorite ladies, Libbi Perry Stuffle, has finally been released. Great songs and guest appearances by Jeff & Sheri Easter, Gerald Wolfe, Mark Trammell, Wayne Haun, Dailey & Vincent, Randy Perry, Debra Perry Reed, and Sisters are reasons you will want to add this to your collection.
“March Around the Throne” is a great song to begin the CD. A lively, uptempo song with a tambourine. As I listen, I can picture dancing at Christ’s throne in worship of Him.
The pace then slows down to a heart-felt rendition of “Now I Have Everything.”
Long-time listeners of the Perrys will remember the song, “Still Blessed” but the message is timeless.
A highlight for me was “Daddy Sang Bass/Reunited” on which Randy Perry and Debra Perry Reed joined Libbi. It starts with an old recording of “Daddy Sang Bass” and then flows into “Reunited.” I remember the Perrys with Tracy, Libbi, Randy and Debra so I was eager to hear this song and still get blessed listening to it.
Two songs I was especially glad to see included on this project are “God Walks the Dark Hills” and “Holy Hills of Heaven.” With Vestal Goodman and Dottie Rambo in Heaven, it’s nice the songs are still living and Libbi does a great job on them.
Dailey & Vincent join Libbi on “Jesus, Hold My Hand.”
Another song that really ministers to me is “I Fail, but I’m Not a Failure.” I need to be reminded of that at times.
“Did I Mention” is a song of testimony to God’s faithfulness. “I love Him. That’s all I want to say” pretty much sums it up.
“Mountaintop for Me” is another song of encouragement. No matter how long the valley or how deep the river, rest assured that God has a mountaintop for you.
“His Grace Will Lead Me Home” talks about the Christian’s journey, and what a wonderful journey it is.
“Broken Heart Sings the Sweetest Song” is a very well-written song of encouragement reminding us that “there is hope.”
Be Grateful
I recently started reading through my Bible again and am currently going through Numbers. Once again, the ingratitude of the people jumps out at me but this time, I’m also focusing on how angry God became with their ingratitude. It was ingratitude among the people which led to their wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. It was ingratitude among the people that caused God to send snakes to bite them. It was the ingratitude of God’s chosen people that caused Moses to get angry and strike a rock instead of speaking to it, thereby missing his chance to see the Promised Land he’d traveled so many years to see.
Somehow, I don’t think God looks any more kindly on ingratitude today. We have been blessed beyond measure, yet so many still find things to grumble about. Maybe it’s habit or maybe they truly fail to see their blessings but I want to challenge everyone to count your blessings. Let God know you’re grateful for what He’s doing in your life. Give Him reason to say to satan, “Do you see My servants? No matter what you do to them, they praise Me anyway.” That’s how a Christian life should be lived.
God’s Love Changes Us
This evening, the songs going through my head are “He’s Still Been a Good God to Me,” “God Has Been So Good to Me,” “We Are So Blessed,” and I could list many more songs along the same theme. God truly is a good God. His heart is full of love towards His children and that love is being poured into preparing us a dwelling place with Him.
When I think of the love God has for me, my heart wells up with gratitude because I know His love is in spite of myself. Humans may “love” me due to what they perceive me to be but God loves me even though He knows who I am. It’s also His love, however, that doesn’t leave me as I am but that changes me to be more like Him. I don’t always embrace the “changing” process but I pray that God will not give up changing my heart until it wants to change.
May God be glorified in my life and may I embrace the changes He desires to make in me, for He truly is a good God whose love never fails.
Prayer Warriors Needed
I received a couple calls this afternoon from people needing prayer. There’s rarely a day that goes by in which I don’t see Facebook friends requesting prayer for some situation they’re facing. It seems like God’s people everywhere are in need of the Saints of God to intercede on their behalf. Many times, I see people reply “Praying” but I wonder how many of these people actually took time to pray for the need or if they just felt a need to post something.
The fact is there are many who need your prayers on a daily basis. Are you taking time to pray for them or are you too busy with other things? Most of the time, the battles we face in life need to be won on a spiritual level. If we’re not fighting them with prayer, we’re no doubt not winning them. I wonder how many needless catastrophes happen due to those who claim to be Christians not interceding for those who are too low to pray for themselves. We can’t afford to let down our guard, even for a second.
The next time you tell someone you are praying for them, view that as your commitment to do so. Sure, it may encourage them to hear you say you’re praying but it will encourage them more when, next time you talk to them, you ask them how things are going with their situation. Apply the golden rule and pray for others as you would like them to pray for you.
CD Review: The Millennial Collection (Squire Parsons)
Squire Parsons recently put together a CD which features 20 of his most requested songs.
This CD begins with a live version of his popular song, “Sweet Beulah Land.” He’s backed up on this song by the Mountain Glory Gospel Choir.
“Dancing Shoes” was a new song to me but a good one.
“A Mighty Long Way to Go” is an uptempo song which talks about the road to Heaven. “I’ve got a mighty long way to go but such a short time to get there.”
After that, the tempo slows down as Squire sings “You’re Not Alone.”
“I’ve Been Born Again” is an uptempo song of gratitude for being born again.
“I’m Sending a Prayer Your Way” is a reminder that God answers prayer. I don’t know about you but it’s always an encouragement to me to know someone’s taking the time to pray for me.
“The Master of the Sea Medley” contains portions of several old songs: “The Master of the Sea,” “The Greatest of All Miracles,” “He Came to Me,” and “I Stand Amazed.”
“I’ve Got a Reservation” is a song that I used to listen to in the 1980s but I’ve never gotten tired of it. The message is timeless, and I’m very glad the song was included on this CD.
Next is “Singing Through the Fire.”
Then he sings “Look for Me at Jesus’ Feet.” I’ve heard this song sung so many times by various groups but Squire does a great job communicating the message in this song.
“The Day of the Lord” is a song of rejoicing as we finally reach Heaven’s shore.
As the title implies, “Sing Praise” is a song of praise.
“It’s in the Savior’s Hands” reminds us that we have nothing to worry about since our Savior has it all under control.
I first heard “Help is on the Way” a number of years ago when it was recorded by Gold City.
“America, Keep Holding to God’s Hand” is a needed challenge to our country to do just that.
One of my favorite songs on this recording is “Beneath This Armor.” I loved it when Gold City sang it but Squire does a great job as well. “I may have lost a fight but I’ve not lost the battle.”
“The Day Love Became Grace” is a beautiful story of the crucifixion put into song.
Another of my favorite Squire Parson songs is “I’ll Have a New Song.”
“I’ll Just Go On Home” talks about Squire being on a hunting trip with his dad. His dad got tired and went home while the others finished their hunt. The second verse talks about saying goodbye to loved ones but reminds us we will see them again. They’ve simply gone on Home to wait for us there.
“I Know He Lives” is a song of faith and victory. I don’t have to see Christ’s mighty works to know He lives.
Fight Your Battle Righteously
I was reminded yesterday how it’s the people who are dedicated and determined to serve the Lord who satan is going to attack the fiercest. Jesus told us to rejoice when we are persecuted for doing well. It’s hard to embrace tribulation and persecution but in order to be the strong, victorious Christians God called us to be, we need to stand strong instead of crumbling when life begins to get rough.
In order for our trials to accomplish God’s purposes, we need to constantly examine ourselves in light of God’s Word and ask God to help us respond to life’s situations in a way that pleases Him. We may have “reasons” to be stressed, angry, fearful, etc. but God’s Word warns against these things. I’m still learning how to walk righteously in the midst of trials but I’m asking God to help me do so. No matter what satan throws at me, it’s imperative that I not give in to sin. We’ve been equipped with armor to fight the good fight and we have the most powerful captain who will guide us and help us win the battle if we heed His commands.
If you find yourself facing immense trials this week, get in the Word, spend more time singing and drawing near to God. You may ask God to remove the trial but position yourself to fight the battle righteously if He doesn’t.
