Just a heads up on the flurry of activity here.
Beginning
the last Sunday of September and continuing with the month of October, I
have been super busy doing musical programs for churches and leading
Bible studies.
As you know I have a part time ministry
on the side. I sing, and thus, I do concerts for churches free of charge
and on a love offering basis. I have never turned down a church due to
their inability to pay. My last concert was very gratifying. The people
were super-gracious and a joy to sing for. I love doing these things to
the degree that I would do it full time if had the opportunity.
I also do Bible studies and fill in for ministers on Sundays and Wednesdays from time to time. That, too, is always gratifying.
When I get busy like this, I am unable to do what I normally do on this site. I am sorry about that.
In
addition, discouragement sets in when it comes to politics. I am as
troubled by what I see happening to our country as I have ever been.
When Obama got reelected in November, I remember writing that I did not
see how the nation could survive another four years. My view about that
is that now we are in even worse shape...just within a few short months.
I don't think we will make it four years if things do not change
drastically.
So, I do my best to write and sound the
alarm. But frankly, not many listen. When I see people turn a deaf ear
to the truth, I get so distressed that I literally get sick. During
those times I have to take a day or so to regroup.
Thanks for understanding, and thanks for your prayers during this time.
(Cross-posted at The Liberty Sphere).
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Monday, September 9, 2013
Train Up a Child
"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6).
These words from the Bible tell us of the awesome responsibility of a parent. It is a responsibility that, if taken seriously, will culminate in a vastly improved society filled with mature adults who wish to do what's right, avoid what's wrong, and lead productive lives.
But if that responsibility goes unheeded, the consequences are disastrous.
I see those very consequences at work today in America. Many if not most youth are disrespectful to their parents, grandparents, older persons, teachers, ministers, and others. No thought is given to whether something is right or wrong. Cheating in schools and in universities is raging out of control, and even the teachers and professors often secretly encourage it so that they will "look better."
Where is the breakdown? Where is the point at which there is a massive disconnect that leads to these loathsome circumstances?
Blame is easy to throw around. When a child gets old enough to know right from wrong, they have free choices to make, and they often choose wrongly. The freedom to choose is a personal responsibility, and many youths today simply decide to do the wrong thing. Further, public schools are a cesspool of anti-Christian sentiment, drugs, lack of discipline, and a failure to inculcate within each student the ability to think for themselves and an insatiable thirst to learn. This breakdown is the responsibility of teachers, administrators, school boards, and parents.
And then at church very little of the demands of Christianity are taught and preached. What we hear are nice little object lessons that never drive home the fact Jesus made some very specific and difficult demands of His followers in the realm of morality, ethics, philosophy, conduct, mindset, and the like. These are being ignored in order to avoid "turning modern people off to the Gospel." But in doing so the churches have made sure that no Gospel is presented in lessons and sermons.
But the ultimate blame goes to the parents. I see many parents failing at every juncture to teach their children in the ways of the Lord. How many homes in America today have a daily Bible study and prayer time for the whole family? At one time this was a routine staple of Christian life. Most of the time these days not only do parents fail to demand that their children sit down with them for a meal, together, but they also fail to demand that their children sit down and hear the Word read and taught. Prayer is also conspicuously absent in the home.
If we are not going to give our children and grandchildren this basic elementary opportunity for Christian learning, then it is no wonder we see the entire society going to the toilet.
We can do better.
This verse from Proverbs above says that if we train our children in the ways of the Lord, when they are older and mature they will not depart from it. Now, often they will stray and test out the waters of sinful living and experiment with the ways of the world. But if there is a solid foundation that has already been laid within their hearts in a Christian home where the Gospel has been taught each day, they will eventually be drawn back to the faith...in time.
These words from the Bible tell us of the awesome responsibility of a parent. It is a responsibility that, if taken seriously, will culminate in a vastly improved society filled with mature adults who wish to do what's right, avoid what's wrong, and lead productive lives.
But if that responsibility goes unheeded, the consequences are disastrous.
I see those very consequences at work today in America. Many if not most youth are disrespectful to their parents, grandparents, older persons, teachers, ministers, and others. No thought is given to whether something is right or wrong. Cheating in schools and in universities is raging out of control, and even the teachers and professors often secretly encourage it so that they will "look better."
Where is the breakdown? Where is the point at which there is a massive disconnect that leads to these loathsome circumstances?
Blame is easy to throw around. When a child gets old enough to know right from wrong, they have free choices to make, and they often choose wrongly. The freedom to choose is a personal responsibility, and many youths today simply decide to do the wrong thing. Further, public schools are a cesspool of anti-Christian sentiment, drugs, lack of discipline, and a failure to inculcate within each student the ability to think for themselves and an insatiable thirst to learn. This breakdown is the responsibility of teachers, administrators, school boards, and parents.
And then at church very little of the demands of Christianity are taught and preached. What we hear are nice little object lessons that never drive home the fact Jesus made some very specific and difficult demands of His followers in the realm of morality, ethics, philosophy, conduct, mindset, and the like. These are being ignored in order to avoid "turning modern people off to the Gospel." But in doing so the churches have made sure that no Gospel is presented in lessons and sermons.
But the ultimate blame goes to the parents. I see many parents failing at every juncture to teach their children in the ways of the Lord. How many homes in America today have a daily Bible study and prayer time for the whole family? At one time this was a routine staple of Christian life. Most of the time these days not only do parents fail to demand that their children sit down with them for a meal, together, but they also fail to demand that their children sit down and hear the Word read and taught. Prayer is also conspicuously absent in the home.
If we are not going to give our children and grandchildren this basic elementary opportunity for Christian learning, then it is no wonder we see the entire society going to the toilet.
We can do better.
This verse from Proverbs above says that if we train our children in the ways of the Lord, when they are older and mature they will not depart from it. Now, often they will stray and test out the waters of sinful living and experiment with the ways of the world. But if there is a solid foundation that has already been laid within their hearts in a Christian home where the Gospel has been taught each day, they will eventually be drawn back to the faith...in time.
Saturday, August 10, 2013
A Story of Great Hope
Hello, my friends. Just a word of encouragement to you for your spiritual growth.
I discovered the video below while browsing YouTube, and it brought back many wonderful memories and a story I just had to share. I will make it brief.
When I was growing up George Younce sang bass for a well-known quartet that traveled out of my hometown. That is where I first encountered him. I remember seeing him on TV and at the Gospel concerts that his group held four or five times per year in that town.
Then, suddenly, one day he was gone. Poof. Vanished. Out of sight.
I did not know what had happened to him. The group for which he sang never said a word about it. They had a new bass singer on board as soon as George left.
In just a few short years, however, I heard a Gospel song on the radio, and immediately I recognized that bass voice. It was George! But the group sounded entirely different than the one where I got to know him. In fact, this group was different, so different in fact that I remember thinking at the time, even at my young age, that this would one day be THE group in Gospel music, the standard by which all others were judged.
Two of the main reasons for my prediction were, of course, that unmistakable bass voice of George Younce, and the other was a crisp, clear, strong lead voice of someone I did not know and had never heard before. I learned later that this lead singer's name was Glenn Payne. The group, of course, was the Cathedral Quartet.
Shortly the Cathedrals came to my hometown for a program, and George gave his testimony. He said that while he was with the other group he had strayed away terribly from the Lord and turned to alcohol. He said often he sang on stage half drunk. He said that at night on the bus, he kept an open container of whiskey by his bunk in case he got the shakes in the middle of the night.
But then Glenn Payne called from Ohio and said that the Cathedral Trio needed a bass. George said he told Glenn that he was "a mess" and not a very good spokesman for the Lord at the time. Glenn said it did not matter, to come on up to Ohio and he would help him get cleaned up. And he did. Then, Glenn and George made an agreement that as they embarked on this new venture together, they would do it "the right way," the Lord's way, and whatever success they may achieve they would owe it all to Him and would give Him all the glory and honor.
George re-found the Lord and his life totally changed. At that point George began writing Gospel songs. He didn't write that many, but let me tell you when he did, they were fantastic, moving, gripping.
One of those songs George wrote is featured below. It is a song about George's testimony, a miniature story of his life. It is titled, "I've Been Wrong." And it is about a man's conversation with the Lord when he comes to Him for forgiveness. The opening line is, "Lord, you know I've been wrong my whole life long..."
But then he describes the great hope that is available through our faith in Christ. I know this song is true. I saw it in George. The final chorus of the song proclaims that great hope, "Lord, I know, I know you care, you answer prayer, hear my plea, Lord save me."
Shortly after George wrote this song the Cathedrals sang it on the old Gospel Singing Jubilee that used to come on TV every Sunday morning across America. This is one of the earlier versions of the Cathedrals with Glenn and George, and Mack Taunton on tenor, and George Amon Webster on baritone and piano. I think it is a treasure. Hope you enjoy it.
I discovered the video below while browsing YouTube, and it brought back many wonderful memories and a story I just had to share. I will make it brief.
When I was growing up George Younce sang bass for a well-known quartet that traveled out of my hometown. That is where I first encountered him. I remember seeing him on TV and at the Gospel concerts that his group held four or five times per year in that town.
Then, suddenly, one day he was gone. Poof. Vanished. Out of sight.
I did not know what had happened to him. The group for which he sang never said a word about it. They had a new bass singer on board as soon as George left.
In just a few short years, however, I heard a Gospel song on the radio, and immediately I recognized that bass voice. It was George! But the group sounded entirely different than the one where I got to know him. In fact, this group was different, so different in fact that I remember thinking at the time, even at my young age, that this would one day be THE group in Gospel music, the standard by which all others were judged.
Two of the main reasons for my prediction were, of course, that unmistakable bass voice of George Younce, and the other was a crisp, clear, strong lead voice of someone I did not know and had never heard before. I learned later that this lead singer's name was Glenn Payne. The group, of course, was the Cathedral Quartet.
Shortly the Cathedrals came to my hometown for a program, and George gave his testimony. He said that while he was with the other group he had strayed away terribly from the Lord and turned to alcohol. He said often he sang on stage half drunk. He said that at night on the bus, he kept an open container of whiskey by his bunk in case he got the shakes in the middle of the night.
But then Glenn Payne called from Ohio and said that the Cathedral Trio needed a bass. George said he told Glenn that he was "a mess" and not a very good spokesman for the Lord at the time. Glenn said it did not matter, to come on up to Ohio and he would help him get cleaned up. And he did. Then, Glenn and George made an agreement that as they embarked on this new venture together, they would do it "the right way," the Lord's way, and whatever success they may achieve they would owe it all to Him and would give Him all the glory and honor.
George re-found the Lord and his life totally changed. At that point George began writing Gospel songs. He didn't write that many, but let me tell you when he did, they were fantastic, moving, gripping.
One of those songs George wrote is featured below. It is a song about George's testimony, a miniature story of his life. It is titled, "I've Been Wrong." And it is about a man's conversation with the Lord when he comes to Him for forgiveness. The opening line is, "Lord, you know I've been wrong my whole life long..."
But then he describes the great hope that is available through our faith in Christ. I know this song is true. I saw it in George. The final chorus of the song proclaims that great hope, "Lord, I know, I know you care, you answer prayer, hear my plea, Lord save me."
Shortly after George wrote this song the Cathedrals sang it on the old Gospel Singing Jubilee that used to come on TV every Sunday morning across America. This is one of the earlier versions of the Cathedrals with Glenn and George, and Mack Taunton on tenor, and George Amon Webster on baritone and piano. I think it is a treasure. Hope you enjoy it.
Monday, June 24, 2013
If you ever look for me...
A brief devotional thought for today....
I have been in a deep contemplative mood as of late, and I have reached the point in life where eternal matters are of vast significance and claim an ever increasing amount of my free time.
Death does not scare me like it used to. I cling to "the Christian hope" that this world is but a shadow and that the real life is coming hereafter. Christ, thus, is becoming more real to me than I ever imagined, and in that place, where faith becomes sight, I shall see Him and be with Him eternally.
A line or two from a song will suffice:
If you ever look for me and don't find me here,
I'll be in heaven and I hope that I'll meet you there.
Then I thought about Mama and the songs that she used to sing.
She sang about Amazing Grace and the joy it can bring.
...words and music by Kevin Spencer.
I have been in a deep contemplative mood as of late, and I have reached the point in life where eternal matters are of vast significance and claim an ever increasing amount of my free time.
Death does not scare me like it used to. I cling to "the Christian hope" that this world is but a shadow and that the real life is coming hereafter. Christ, thus, is becoming more real to me than I ever imagined, and in that place, where faith becomes sight, I shall see Him and be with Him eternally.
A line or two from a song will suffice:
If you ever look for me and don't find me here,
I'll be in heaven and I hope that I'll meet you there.
Then I thought about Mama and the songs that she used to sing.
She sang about Amazing Grace and the joy it can bring.
...words and music by Kevin Spencer.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Billy Graham to launch major national event this Fall
Famed evangelist Billy Graham, who turns 95 years old this year, will launch a major national event this Fall, an evangelistic campaign that he bills "The Living Room Crusade."
While Graham is no longer able physically to conduct his famous crusades around the world, he will use technological advances via video, the Internet, and other platforms, to launch a focused blitz to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who may have never heard it.
Graham will speak to America and to the world right from his living room in Montreat, N.C. He states that this may well be his very last public crusade. Advancing age and Parkinson's Disease has greatly hampered the famed evangelist in his efforts over the past 15 years. But Graham states that the spiritual decay and deterioration of America in recent years has been particularly troublesome to him. He hopes that this last crusade will do something to turn the tide and act as a major first step toward bringing America back to its spiritual roots.
Although Graham's message from his living room will be a central feature of the living room crusade, the event will also feature archived clips from Graham's ministry, including historical footage from previous crusades around the world.
In addition, Graham will be interviewed by his Pastor as part of the living room crusade.
Graham now belongs to the First Baptist Church of Spartanburg, S.C., located in the foothills of South Carolina an hour away from his home in the mountains. Until he became ill and stopped traveling, Graham had been a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas, which at the time was the largest Southern Baptist Church in America, with over 20,000 members, and was pastored by famed Baptist preacher W.A. Criswell.
So far, over 12,000 churches of all denominations have signed up to participate in the living room crusade. Graham perfected the practice of enlisting local churches in his evangelistic crusades through the years, believing that not only can the churches effectively get people out to the meetings but follow up on those who come forward and sign commitment cards at the end of each meeting. This way each person who made a profession of faith in Christ at a crusade meeting would be referred to a local church for follow-up and discipleship.
No specific date has been set for the event this Fall. But as the time draws closer, the information will be released by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
While Graham is no longer able physically to conduct his famous crusades around the world, he will use technological advances via video, the Internet, and other platforms, to launch a focused blitz to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who may have never heard it.
Graham will speak to America and to the world right from his living room in Montreat, N.C. He states that this may well be his very last public crusade. Advancing age and Parkinson's Disease has greatly hampered the famed evangelist in his efforts over the past 15 years. But Graham states that the spiritual decay and deterioration of America in recent years has been particularly troublesome to him. He hopes that this last crusade will do something to turn the tide and act as a major first step toward bringing America back to its spiritual roots.
Although Graham's message from his living room will be a central feature of the living room crusade, the event will also feature archived clips from Graham's ministry, including historical footage from previous crusades around the world.
In addition, Graham will be interviewed by his Pastor as part of the living room crusade.
Graham now belongs to the First Baptist Church of Spartanburg, S.C., located in the foothills of South Carolina an hour away from his home in the mountains. Until he became ill and stopped traveling, Graham had been a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas, which at the time was the largest Southern Baptist Church in America, with over 20,000 members, and was pastored by famed Baptist preacher W.A. Criswell.
So far, over 12,000 churches of all denominations have signed up to participate in the living room crusade. Graham perfected the practice of enlisting local churches in his evangelistic crusades through the years, believing that not only can the churches effectively get people out to the meetings but follow up on those who come forward and sign commitment cards at the end of each meeting. This way each person who made a profession of faith in Christ at a crusade meeting would be referred to a local church for follow-up and discipleship.
No specific date has been set for the event this Fall. But as the time draws closer, the information will be released by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Hello there!
I'm still here, just been overwhelmed of late with things I am into. I have too many irons in the fire perhaps, but I have to do what I have to do.
And that brings me to today's devotional thought.
I get very very tired and weary. Worn out, perhaps, is the best term for it. I know most of you can relate.
At times the fatigue is so overwhelming that I am tempted to give up. But I cannot. I know myself too well. As long as I have life, breath, my mental faculties, and the ability, I have to speak out about the things I care about. And that means I will always be involved in the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through song, teaching, and preaching. I will always be involved in the political arena because I believe it is a fight for the good and the right against evil. And I will always be involved in music ministry through the local church as long as I have the ability. I love directing music.
None of these endeavors bring in a lot of money. If I did these things for money, I would have quit long, long ago. There is simply no money to speak of in these things, at least not for me. But I have learned that submission to God's will is the ultimate thing a person should strive for. If it is His will for me to serve Him in poverty, then so be it. But I will never be silent.
And this brings me to today's scripture verse, "And let us not grow weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." (Galatians 6: 8-10).
And so my friend, keep holding on. Keep on keeping on. There are people who sorely need our message. There are people who need the "touch of the Master's hand." And there is a Heaven to gain, one day.
I have a couple of videos for you today. These have been posted in recent days, but the songs are from several years ago, not that long though, and I happen to think they are fantastic.
The first is from the Florida Boys in a live performance in Charlotte, N.C. It features the man who is perhaps the finest young bass singer in Gospel Music today -- Gene McDonald. Not only is he plenty low, but he can take a lead and sing it like a lead singer. He has that mellow quality to his voice that is most pleasing. And I happen to know that Gene is a fine Christian, having spent time with him and the boys on many occasions.
This one is called, "I Can, I Have, I Will." It is a real treat.
The next selection is also from the same program in Charlotte. Here the Florida Boys sing one of my favorites called "Sing Me a Song About Jesus." It features the finest quartet baritone who ever lived, Glen Allred. Enjoy...
And that brings me to today's devotional thought.
I get very very tired and weary. Worn out, perhaps, is the best term for it. I know most of you can relate.
At times the fatigue is so overwhelming that I am tempted to give up. But I cannot. I know myself too well. As long as I have life, breath, my mental faculties, and the ability, I have to speak out about the things I care about. And that means I will always be involved in the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through song, teaching, and preaching. I will always be involved in the political arena because I believe it is a fight for the good and the right against evil. And I will always be involved in music ministry through the local church as long as I have the ability. I love directing music.
None of these endeavors bring in a lot of money. If I did these things for money, I would have quit long, long ago. There is simply no money to speak of in these things, at least not for me. But I have learned that submission to God's will is the ultimate thing a person should strive for. If it is His will for me to serve Him in poverty, then so be it. But I will never be silent.
And this brings me to today's scripture verse, "And let us not grow weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." (Galatians 6: 8-10).
And so my friend, keep holding on. Keep on keeping on. There are people who sorely need our message. There are people who need the "touch of the Master's hand." And there is a Heaven to gain, one day.
I have a couple of videos for you today. These have been posted in recent days, but the songs are from several years ago, not that long though, and I happen to think they are fantastic.
The first is from the Florida Boys in a live performance in Charlotte, N.C. It features the man who is perhaps the finest young bass singer in Gospel Music today -- Gene McDonald. Not only is he plenty low, but he can take a lead and sing it like a lead singer. He has that mellow quality to his voice that is most pleasing. And I happen to know that Gene is a fine Christian, having spent time with him and the boys on many occasions.
This one is called, "I Can, I Have, I Will." It is a real treat.
The next selection is also from the same program in Charlotte. Here the Florida Boys sing one of my favorites called "Sing Me a Song About Jesus." It features the finest quartet baritone who ever lived, Glen Allred. Enjoy...
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Happy Memorial Day Weekend!
Hello, my friends, and I hope you have a very happy Memorial Day weekend.
Take some time to be with your family. Relax and enjoy yourself. And take several moments to remember with gratitude the great patriots of the past who gave their very lives to win, protect, and preserve liberty. Were it not for them we would not be here. More than likely we would be living in abject slavery. Some say we are headed for that anyway.
Wouldn't it be a shame if everything for which our forefathers gave their lives went down the tubes? The blood, the sweat, the hardship that they gladly and freely gave for freedom culminated in a country that believes that the rights of the individual are to be protected not only from government but from the majority of citizens. Are we to allow these freedoms to be celebrated only to stand idly by and allow tyrants to throw them away because we were not diligent enough to prevent shady politicians from encroaching on those freedoms?
As one of our Founders stated, "The price of liberty is eternal vigilance."
We must also remember that our Founders believed that freedom, liberty, are given to them by their Creator, not by man, not by governments, not by a majority vote. These rights are sacred because they came from God. Thus, any attempt to nullify them or obliterate them is illegitimate, ungodly, evil, and not to be tolerated.
Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, was not a pacifist. Yes, he preached and taught peace, but that peace must begin with each individual. He never stated that governments and/or groups of citizens are forbidden from waging war if their cause is right and honorable.
Any statement Jesus made concerning peace must be balanced with other statements such as, "I came not to bring peace but a sword." He was speaking specifically about the final war where He would triumph over all of His enemies. Evil, and those who perpetrate it, will be obliterated with the sword.
Pacifists and so-called "Christians" who obviously do not believe in the Word of God conveniently ignore those statements made by Jesus Himself.
Having said all of that, I do hope and pray that your Memorial Day is a sacred one. Bow your head and breath a prayer of thanksgiving that our forefathers believed that when Christianity, liberty, and all the values we cherish are under attack, we must take up arms to stop them. THAT is why we still live in at least what is supposed to be a free country today.
God bless you, and Happy Memorial Day.
Take some time to be with your family. Relax and enjoy yourself. And take several moments to remember with gratitude the great patriots of the past who gave their very lives to win, protect, and preserve liberty. Were it not for them we would not be here. More than likely we would be living in abject slavery. Some say we are headed for that anyway.
Wouldn't it be a shame if everything for which our forefathers gave their lives went down the tubes? The blood, the sweat, the hardship that they gladly and freely gave for freedom culminated in a country that believes that the rights of the individual are to be protected not only from government but from the majority of citizens. Are we to allow these freedoms to be celebrated only to stand idly by and allow tyrants to throw them away because we were not diligent enough to prevent shady politicians from encroaching on those freedoms?
As one of our Founders stated, "The price of liberty is eternal vigilance."
We must also remember that our Founders believed that freedom, liberty, are given to them by their Creator, not by man, not by governments, not by a majority vote. These rights are sacred because they came from God. Thus, any attempt to nullify them or obliterate them is illegitimate, ungodly, evil, and not to be tolerated.
Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, was not a pacifist. Yes, he preached and taught peace, but that peace must begin with each individual. He never stated that governments and/or groups of citizens are forbidden from waging war if their cause is right and honorable.
Any statement Jesus made concerning peace must be balanced with other statements such as, "I came not to bring peace but a sword." He was speaking specifically about the final war where He would triumph over all of His enemies. Evil, and those who perpetrate it, will be obliterated with the sword.
Pacifists and so-called "Christians" who obviously do not believe in the Word of God conveniently ignore those statements made by Jesus Himself.
Having said all of that, I do hope and pray that your Memorial Day is a sacred one. Bow your head and breath a prayer of thanksgiving that our forefathers believed that when Christianity, liberty, and all the values we cherish are under attack, we must take up arms to stop them. THAT is why we still live in at least what is supposed to be a free country today.
God bless you, and Happy Memorial Day.
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