This version of the national anthem by the incomparable Whitney Houston is my favorite rendition. Continue reading “The Fourth of July 2016”
Videos
Rodney Bradford | “You Need to Plan to Pray”
There are few things that make a sermon more powerful than knowing that the one preaching is preaching from the experiences of their own journey. This is the case here.
This is not the official title of the message. But it is a critical truth shared in it.
This is one of the most convicting and sincere sermons I have ever heard on the subject of prayer. There are two reasons I commend this sermon to you. First, I know Rodney. He is a good friend and he is one of the godliest men I know. And, I have some knowledge of the issues he references, and because of this, I know that Rodney means what he is saying because he is living it out. There are few things that make a sermon more powerful than knowing that the one preaching is preaching from the experiences of their own journey. This is the case here. Continue reading “Rodney Bradford | “You Need to Plan to Pray””
Blake Shelton | Savior’s Shadow
As a fan of country music, it’s always good to hear songs that have unmistakable Christian themes. Continue reading “Blake Shelton | Savior’s Shadow”
Sounds of Liberty | “When I Think About the Lord”
What do you want to do when you think about the Lord?
Lyrics [Source]:
When I Think about the Lord,
How He saved me, how He raised me,
How He filled me, with the Holy Ghost.
How He healed me, to the uttermost. Continue reading “Sounds of Liberty | “When I Think About the Lord””
What would you believe if you heard this?
When the movie Risen originally came out I shared my thoughts right after seeing it. I continue to think that it is one of the most compelling retellings of a Biblical event I have seen.
There is one scene in particular that was particularly poignant. It was when Clavius, portrayed by Joseph Fiennes, is interrogating one of the guards he had left to watch over the tomb. I remember watching this scene and feeling so bad for the soldier. He had witnessed the incomprehensible and then was forced to lie about what he had seen. Couple that with the probability that no one was going to or even wanted to believe what he had experienced. I just can’t imagine the torment he felt.
The thought that comes to mind is this: The truth is inescapable.
Lauren Daigle | “Trust in You”
This is an interesting song because she speaks about trust in God when God does not do what we want him to do. This is a perspective that many people have lost in our world. God is not a genie. He is the Lord of all the earth and all that is. We should not be putting expectations on God that he has never been under any obligation to satisfy anyway.
The Norton Hall Band | “He Will Hold Me Fast”
When I fear my faith will fail,
Christ will hold me fast;
When the tempter would prevail,
He will hold me fast.
I could never keep my hold
Through life’s fearful path;
For my love is often cold;
He must hold me fast.
He will hold me fast,
He will hold me fast;
For my Savior loves me so,
He will hold me fast.
Those He saves are His delight,
Christ will hold me fast;
Precious in his holy sight,
He will hold me fast.
He’ll not let my soul be lost;
His promises shall last;
Bought by Him at such a cost,
He will hold me fast.
For my life He bled and died,
Christ will hold me fast;
Justice has been satisfied;
He will hold me fast.
Raised with Him to endless life,
He will hold me fast
‘Till our faith is turned to sight,
When He comes at last!
Natalie Grant | “Clean”
I have always been a fan of Natalie Grant. This is a beautiful example of her talent communicating the precious truth and result of the Gospel.
Lauryn Hill & Tanya Blount | “His Eye Is On The Sparrow”
One of my favorite movies is Sister Act. There was a second installment that was not a good as the first but, still showcased some really good music. One of those songs is performed by two of the students portrayed by Tanya Blount and Lauryn Hill. They sing “His Eye is on the Sparrow.”
It is a remarkable rendition of a beautifully written song. I was listening to it the other night and really paid attention to the words. It is a reflection on the words found in scripture in a couple of places including the following words by Jesus.
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:29-31)
It is a wonder that we lose sight of this tender oversight offered to us by God. I was reminded of this this weekend and I though you could you a reminder as well.
The hidden treasure that lives with me
One of the many wonders of the world is why one person would stay with another in marriage through the years. I know me. I know the kind of person I am. I know that there are several aspects of my personality that probably drive my wife (and some friends) up the wall. And yet, she is still here. With me.
There are many who would argue that they are the luckiest men in the world. That they have the most amazing wives. That God himself made for them that special someone. And to some degree they could, reasonably make the arguments. So, I will not be comparing. That is both silly and irrelevant.
What I will do is acknowledge that I have been the beneficiary of the love of one woman for more than half my life. She has loved me in word and deed. She has cared for me in mind, heart, and body. She has willingly fought for our marriage with me. And sometimes we have just fought.
I have no doubt in my mind that I do not deserve to be loved this way. That is why I know it’s true and genuine. I am thankful for the woman, wife, and mother that she is. She encourages me and supports me. I know I am blessed.
I could buy a card. But I would rather tell others, from the heart without the help of Hallmark, about the hidden treasure that lives with me. Her shyness sometimes obscures the wit and humor, the tenderness and compassion. But I get to see it all. I get to enjoy her beauty inside and out, unfiltered. It is one of the great pleasures of marriage. And for this I am thankful this Valentines Day.
I love you Miranda! You haven’t killed me, so I must be doing alright.