Mid-Week Message - The Praise of Music

 "O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!  Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!"  Psalm 95:1-2  (ESV) 

Music.  It can warm the heart, soothe troubled emotions, conjure memories long forgotten and convey messages like no other medium can.  From the time our mothers sing lullabies in our infancy, to the hymns that remind us that Jesus is near as our days come to an end, we walk through life accompanied by the precious sounds of melody and harmony.  Whether it comes from ocean waves or an electronic box, we cling to it and allow it to play upon our mind and hearts as we make our way through our allotted time.  What a gift our Creator gave when He created music.  How bland would our world be without it?  

Tonight I sat and listened to one of my favorite things.  I love hearing men raise their voices in song.  There is something majestic about the male voice, especially when it is being used to praise the Father.  The rich tones of tenor and bass, joining together to express adoration to the Almighty thrills my heart.  And, I have to wonder, if it thrills my heart, what does it do for the One to whom it is being lifted?  

Scripture speaks of singing songs and hymns both to each other and to the Lord.  Today's verse is only one reference.  As with all the talents we have been given, ultimately they are meant to be used to bring glory and honor to Him from whom they came.   The sound in Heaven must be beyond description as those who have gone before us sing His praises.  

As I enjoyed the beautiful voices that I listened to tonight, I found myself wishing that the music would continue forever although I knew that the performances would come to an end.  My heart was gladdened and my spirit was uplifted and the feeling it created was one that I did not wish to lose.  I couldn't imagine that I would ever tire of hearing such sounds.  Ah, but then I remembered a precious truth.  One day, not all that long in the future, we will be where Jesus is, walking with Him and having the privilege not only of hearing, but participating in the glorious choir of souls that have eternity to sing love songs to our Savior!  

As we go through this week I pray that each heart would be touched by a song that is a reminder of His undying grace and mercy.  May we begin and end our days with the melody of praise in our minds and on our lips.  God bless! 

Mid-Week Message - The Gift of Music

"O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!  Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!"  Psalm 95:1-2  (ESV) 

Music.  It can warm the heart, soothe troubled emotions, conjure memories long forgotten and convey messages like no other medium can.  From the time our mothers sing lullabies in our infancy, to the hymns that remind us that Jesus is near as our days come to an end, we walk through life accompanied by the precious sounds of melody and harmony.  Whether it comes from ocean waves or an electronic box, we cling to it and allow it to play upon our mind and hearts as we make our way through our allotted time.  What a gift our Creator gave when He created music.  How bland would our world be without it?  

Tonight I sat and listened to one of my favorite things.  I love hearing men raise their voices in song.  There is something majestic about the male voice, especially when it is being used to praise the Father.  The rich tones of tenor and bass, joining together to express adoration to the Almighty thrills my heart.  And, I have to wonder, if it thrills my heart, what does it do for the One to whom it is being lifted?  

Scripture speaks of singing songs and hymns both to each other and to the Lord.  Today's verse is only one reference.  As with all the talents we have been given, ultimately they are meant to be used to bring glory and honor to Him from whom they came.   The sound in Heaven must be beyond description as those who have gone before us sing His praises.  

As I enjoyed the beautiful voices that I listened to tonight, I found myself wishing that the music would continue forever although I knew that the performances would come to an end.  My heart was gladdened and my spirit was uplifted and the feeling it created was one that I did not wish to lose.  I couldn't imagine that I would ever tire of hearing such sounds.  Ah, but then I remembered a precious truth.  One day, not all that long in the future, we will be where Jesus is, walking with Him and having the privilege not only of hearing, but participating in the glorious choir of souls that have eternity to sing love songs to our Savior!  

As we go through this week I pray that each heart would be touched by a song that is a reminder of His undying grace and mercy.  May we begin and end our days with the melody of praise in our minds and on our lips.  God bless! 

Mid-Week Music - Easter Song

As we continue through this Holy Week, let us remember why Jesus came to live among us. His life, death and resurrection are the foundation of our faith. It is through him that we are able to live life eternal with our Heavenly Father.

Easter Song

2nd Chapter Of Acts

Encores

Mid-Week Music - Praise You in This Storm

As many of you know, my family and I have been and continue to go through some very difficult times. We are in prayer and seeking His will with every decision we make. There are times when even the simplest decisions are truly painful, but we know that God loves us and would not allow us to fall.

As you listen to this song, let it minister to you and help you through your trials.

"Praise You in This Storm"

Casting Crowns

Lifesong

Sunday Message - Praising Him with Song

One of my favorite hymns is "Rescue the Perishing". I remember hearing this hymn for the first time while attending church services at the First Baptist Church in Gatesville, Texas. I must have been 6 or 7 years old at the time. As I attended the adult services, I sat with the older ladies of the church. They were my grandmothers. I would hear them sing this wonderful hymn and it meant so much to me. 

Even at early age, God was working on my heart and paving my way to serve Him as a minister and disciple of His son, Christ Jesus.

This beautiful hymn by Fanny Crosby is dedicated to those wonderful ladies of the First Baptist Church of Gatesville who ministered to me so that I, in turn, could minister to others.

Rescue the Perishing

Frances J. Crosby, 1869

Mid-Week Music - Word of God Speak

Years and years ago, I was talking with someone about the Bible. He told me that he had read the Bible from cover to cover every year of his life. Although I was impressed by that fact, I noticed that he did not take the lessons and God's word seriously. The Holy Spirit placed a verse on my heart and I shared it with him.

James 1:23-25 New Living Translation (NLT)

23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. 25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. 

If we are truly in tune with God and His Word, we need to obey it. 

As you listen to this song, think about God's word and truly listen and act upon it to His glory.

"Word of God Speak"

MercyMe

Sunday Message - Praising Him with Song

I have lived my life in accordance to God's will and will continue to do so. As we had studied early, we need to have a Christ-like attitude in all that we do and we must serve with joy our Heavenly Father and those around us.

As you listen to this beautiful song, "Non Nobis Domine," let the words truly flow into your heart and let it be your guide to serving God and others.

Non Nobis Domine

Steve Green

Woven in Time

Mid-Week Music - Down To The River To Pray

One of the things that I have learned over the past couple of weeks is that my trust and faith are being challenged daily. Some days, I find it easy to trust God and His direction in my life. Other days are more difficult when something disappointing occurs. When I feel that I am tempted to go in a different direction, I bow my head in prayer and look to the Father for strength and wisdom. He never fails.

I know that some may go astray and over time, they return to their faith. Life is hard and staying on the path is very difficult. It is at those moments when you feel that you are going astray that you need to be in prayer and ask for prayers from others.

Today's music is "Down to the River to Pray".

Down to the River to Pray

Alison Krauss

Sunday Message - Praising Him with Song

It is through that amazing grace of God that saves, sustains and strengthens us daily. When we realize the awesome power of that grace, we are humbled by it. We realize that our chains are gone and that our freedom from sin and death was purchased by a man who humbled himself in obedience to God and suffered a criminal's death on a cross.

8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT)

As you listen to this wonderful version of "Amazing Grace" by Chris Tomlin from his album, "How Great Is Our God: The Essential Collection", mediate on the words and realize just how wonderful that grace really is.

Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)

Chris Tomlin

How Great Is Our God: The Essential Collection

Mid-Week Music - Be Unto Your Name

When we consider what we are and what we have, we begin to release that nothing matters. We are a vapor. We are broken. We are nothing. The only thing that matters is our salvation that was purchased by the Lamp of God. 

As this song washes over your soul, think about the words. Holy, holy, God Almighty!

"Be Unto Your Name"

Robin Mark

Sunday Message - Praising Him with Song

As we think about what matters in our lives, we should remember the words of Paul.

Philippians 3:7-8 New Living Translation

7 I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. 8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ

All I Once Held Dear - Robin Mark

Mid-Week Music - Faithful One

When I have times of trouble and strife, I listen to this beautiful song to remind me that I can reach out to my Heavenly Father to give me peace, strength and grace. He is my rock in times of trouble.

I think about the words of Paul.

8 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. ~ 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 (NLT)

As you listen to this song, let the words help you focus on the Lord of All and know that He is there and that His grace alone is sufficient.

"Faithful One"

Robin Mark

Sunday Message - Praising Him with Song

As I think back to my childhood in Gatesville, Texas, I remember the dear hymns sung by the Eastwood Baptist Church choir. It seems so long ago. But when I hear one of those wonderful hymns that fill me with the spirit, I cannot help but feel like I am back at that little church.

Here is one of those wonderful, special hymns. This particular version of that beloved hymn is sung by Tennessee Ernie Ford. It is part of his CD, All-Time Greatest Hymns.

Bringing in the Sheaves

Knowles Shaw, 1874

Sowing in the morning, sowing seeds of kindness,

Sowing in the noontide and the dewy eve;

Waiting for the harvest, and the time of reaping,

We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.

Refrain:

Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves,

We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves;

Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves,

We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.

Sowing in the sunshine, sowing in the shadows,

Fearing neither clouds nor winter’s chilling breeze;

By and by the harvest, and the labor ended,

We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.

Going forth with weeping, sowing for the Master,

Though the loss sustained our spirit often grieves;

When our weeping’s over, He will bid us welcome,

We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.

Mid-Week Music - Footprints in the Sand by Cristy Lane

Just when you think you can't go on or your strength is failing, He is there to carry you and lift you up. It is because of His grace that we have the strength to carry on.

This is a beautiful song sung by Cristy Lane. It is available through Amazon. Click here if you would like to purchase it.

Sunday Message - Praising Him with Song

In Philippians 2, Paul tells of a man and name that "God elevated ... to the place of highest honor and gave ... the name above all other names". That name is Jesus. A Savior who died to give us the gift of eternal life.

As you listen to the words of this song, think about the love that it took to give you that wonderful gift of eternal life.

There is a Name I Love to Hear

The Joslin Grove Choral Society

Best Loved Hymns

There is a name I love to hear,

  I love to sing its worth;

It sounds like music in mine ear,

  The sweetest name on earth.

Oh, how I love Jesus,

Oh, how I love Jesus,

Oh, how I love Jesus,

  Because He first loved me!

It tells me of a Savior’s love,

  Who died to set me free;

It tells me of His precious blood,

  The sinner’s perfect plea.

Mid-Week Music - How Great Thou Art

As many of you know, I am a big NASA fan and enjoy being an amateur astronomer. When I look up and see the night sky and behold the stars, I realize that all of this could not have happened by chance. God, in His infinite love for us, created an universe of beauty and magnificent complexity. God, You truly are great! Thank You!

How Great Thou Art

Sung by Chris Rice

Peace Like A River: The Hymns Project

Oh Lord my God

When I in awesome wonder

Consider all the worlds

Thy hands have made

I see the stars

I hear the rolling thunder

Thy power throughout

The universe displayed

And when I think of God,

His son not sparing,

Sent Him to die,

I scarce can take it in;

That on the cross, my burden

gladly bearing He bled and died

to take away my sin

When Christ shall come

With shout of acclamation

And take me home

What joy shall fill my heart

Then I shall bow

With humble adoration

And then proclaim My God

How great Thou art

Then sings my soul

My Savior, God, to Thee

How great thou art

How great thou art

Then sings my soul

My Savior, God, to Thee

How great Thou art

How great Thou art

Sunday Message - Praising Him with Song

Jesus is indeed the sweetest name I have ever heard. It is through the power of his love and the grace of the Father that I have been saved.

Jesus Is the Sweetest Name I Know/Jesus Is All the World to Me

by Jaime Jorge, Blessed Assurance Volume 3

Sunday Message - Praising Him with Song

There are times in our lives when we face problems that seem to consume us. We feel that there is no way to overcome them. When we feel that way, we need to remember the words of that wonderful hymn, "Amazing Grace" written by John Newton. 

It is through God's grace that our fears are relieved. When we receive that wonderful, undeserved grace, we know that our Heavenly Father loved us so very much that He gave His precious son, Jesus, for our sins.

My favorite version of this wonderful, immortal hymn is this one sung by George Beverly Shea. 

Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,

That saved a wretch like me.

I once was lost but now I'm found,

Was blind, but now I see.

'twas Grace that taught,

my heart to fear.

And grace, my fears relieved.

How precious did that grace appear,

the hour I first believed.

Mid-Week Music - El-Shaddai

While Karla and I were ministering to our family of faith at Lake Line Oaks Retirement Community in Cedar Park, Texas, years ago, one of the songs we shared with our family was Amy Grant's "El-Shaddai" from her album, Age to Age. It became a beautiful song that we often used to remind us all of God's love and all that He does for us.

El-Shaddai translated means "God Almighty". The song praises God and celebrates all that He has done and continues to do. Age to age He is still the same. Steadfast in His love for us. Our shield, protector and Heavenly Father who provides for us daily.

If you would like to purchase the CD, please click here.

Sunday Message - Praising Him with Song

When we feel the spirit moving in our hearts, we should lift up our voices in prayer and let our Heavenly Father know that we are receiving His message. 

Every time I feel the spirit moving in my heart, I will pray 
Every time I feel the spirit moving in my heart, I will pray.

Upon the mountain my Lord spoke 
Out of His mouth came fire and smoke 
Looked all around me, it looked so fine 
Till I asked my Lord if all was mine.

Every time I feel the spirit moving in my heart, I will pray 
Every time I feel the spirit moving in my heart, I will pray.

Jordan river, is chilly an' cold 
It chills the body but not the soul 
There ain't but one train, upon this track 
It runs to heaven, an' right back.

Every time I feel the spirit moving in my heart, I will pray 
Every time I feel the spirit moving in my heart, I will pray.