What Makes Christians Different?

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jf697It5jM

Bringing Hope to the Doorsteps of Hell

He Walks Alongside of You

What Secrets do you Have? Have you been Found Out?

Death of a Nation

The Jericho Principle Video Seminar Sessions 1-3

You Have Been Set Apart

When the Holy Spirit Comes

In Defense of Tradition

 

In Defense of Tradition

Can you imagine the Queens Guard Band marching to Buckingham palace playing a Tommy Dorsey swing arrangement in place of the traditional British March? I would imagine the ‘Brits’ would go ballistic, if not the Queen herself! But why would this elicit such a negative reaction?

Tradition, of course!

I have stood at Buckingham Palace and watched the Guards, from a distance, march down the Mall toward the Palace grounds. Given my British heritage, I found this to be a real thrill, even a 'heart pounding' experience. It was wonderful! It was ‘tradition’ on display in its finest form.

However, in this modern day and age, I think tradition is getting a bad rap! Those who find tradition meaningful are often criticized, if not ostracized, by friend and foe alike.  Get 'with it' they are told and leave such nonsense behind! Many think we should toss tradition aside in favor of more contemporary ways of doing things.

 Tradition has become an issue in the Christian Church also, especially as it regards music and the modern forms it has taken in the worship setting.

First, let me say, I believe everyone should worship in an atmosphere they are comfortable with and if that means the more modern offerings, then I say wonderful! However, be careful not to hold the 'traditionalist' in contempt. If traditional music is meaningful to some (I believe many), then let's encourage its use wherever it is appropriate.

Being comfortable in the worship setting is a prerequisite for true worship. I believe that is why many churches are offering two services on Sunday morning, one contemporary and one traditional. Of course, to do this you must have a sufficiently large attendance if you are going to separate the services.

 There is another point that might be made. Rick Warren once wrote, "Show me a radio station with a mixed format and I will show you a radio station bound to fail" (Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Church). His point being that people will listen to one genre' at a time and if you mix them on the same station they will tune out! Traditional and contemporary music in the same service may work for some, but not all.

 I seek out traditional music because it stirs my soul and brings me closer to God.  It enables me to worship as I should. I don't like being criticized for it.

I also like other worship traditions like the use of the choir, vocal and instrumental soloists and so much more.

For those who are seeking more contemporary music... more power to you, if that helps you get closer to God! As for me, I seek the traditional. I enjoy music that makes me 'feel good' and I don't apologize for it! I look to be moved by the Spirit as I sing the traditional hymns.... that is what is meaningful to me.

I doubt we will be listening to the Queens Bands playing swing style (on the march) anytime soon. They, no doubt, will continue to use the traditional British marches. Good for them! I applaud them for it!

 

 

 

 

 

Achieving Contentment in your Present Circumstances

How to be Imitators of God

THOUGHT for TODAY

Each day is a gift from God. I occasionally jest with others, "Any morning I get up is a good morning"! How true that is. Like most gifts it is to be handled carefully. Each hour will bring new opportunities to enhance our service to God and others. What will you do, today, to make this an even more special and impactful gift? Think about it!

"This is the day which the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

The Power of the Resurrection

 

THOUGHT for TODAY

 

THOUGHT for TODAY

I am always surprised at those who play fast and loose with the truth. Many are prone to pick and choose which truth (falsehood) they will subscribe to. If it is such that it fits their world view or personal opinion, they will accept it.

Of course, truth is what it is. It is unchangeable, absolute; were it not so, it would not be 'truth'.   It does not change because one chooses not to accept it. You can believe that Abraham Lincoln was the first President, but that does not change the truth that it was George Washington! GDL

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."  John 14 :6

The Supremacy of Christ

The Song 'Heavenward', by Gary Laws (Melody: Verse of 'At the Cross'.

 I wrote this in 2016 while contemplating the reality of heaven. Now, with my Susan gone, I think about heaven a bit more often. 'Some day I shall be like HIM'.

Heavenward (Melody: Verse of 'At the Cross'

I believe, above, there is a land,

Far from the toils of life.

A place where love and peace does reign,

No tears, no quarrels, no strife!

A place that has been set aside,

for saints and sinners too.

Who've had their sins forgiven by,

The One whose life is true.

It is eternal, lasting, real,

Where Christ has built our home.

In mansions fair, we will abide,

No more to wildly roam.

Tis' heaven, this place that Christ does live,

and we shall live with Him.

For all eternity we'll sing,

Our praises to our King!

This all is very real, you know,

Were it not, He would have told.

This promise is for you, for me,

for all who join the fold.

What Glory waits, what light doth shine,

upon the holy hill, where God doth sit, His

arms outstretched, for this, His blood did

spill!

(Gary Laws, 2016)

Is Your Message Getting Through?

Eggs, Cereal, Toast and Bacon- from 'Simple Thoughts from a Simple Man' by Gary Laws

 

CHAPTER THREE

EGGS, CEREAL, TOAST AND BACON

What a great morning! Rose at 5AM and headed for the kitchen determined to give my wife a treat. With breakfast in bed my goal, I opened the refrigerator and pulled out the eggs, bacon, and potatoes. I scrambled, diced and fried for the next half hour taking in the aroma along the way. I put on a pot of coffee and popped the bread in the toaster… all the time anticipating her surprise when it is served up. Even though my Vegan friends would have probably preferred hearing of me serving up a Peanut Butter Granola Breakfast, somehow this seemed to be the right way to go. You should have seen the smile on my wife's face as I proudly strolled into the bedroom, breakfast fare in hand! Boy was it good and it made for a wonderful start to the day. For years I never ate breakfast. I always liked to get in that last few minutes of sleep before rising, showering and heading out the door to work! Lunch and Dinner always seemed more than adequate most days.

Nutritionists, however, tell us that if we are to properly maintain our health we should recognize that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It sets the stage for kicking in the metabolism and helps us concentrate better at work and school. It is, generally, a must if we are to develop into strong, healthy human beings. It also helps us develop a "staying" power for all that will be required of us throughout the day.

Can There Be a Spiritual Application Here? As I think of this, it makes me wonder if the same is not true for the healthy development of our spiritual life! Can there be a 'spiritual' breakfast served up that will have a similar effect on our spiritual health?

I think of the example my mother set for us. She would rise very early in the morning, always before the sun would come up, and she would have a quiet time for herself and meditate. After a short time she would pull out her Bible and read several passages of scripture before falling to her knees for a time of prayer before God. Today I was thinking to myself, this was her recipe for a 'spiritual breakfast'. It included a quiet time for oneself, Bible study, and then a season of prayer.

It set the stage for her 'spiritual metabolism' to kick in. She always maintained that it helped her keep her focus, and asserted that it gave her the strength to be consistent and 'energy' filled throughout the day. I think Mom became spiritually equipped during this morning 'breakfast' of hers. She was better prepared to face the day and the challenges the day would bring. God bless her for the example she set.

How do you start each day? O, you say you have been a Christian for many years and you have already discovered this? Wonderful.....but are you doing it....every day? If you have fallen a bit by the wayside and your spiritual strength is not what it ought to be, try this recipe out! You just might be surprised at how well your day goes.

THOUGHT for TODAY

 THOUGHT for TODAY

There are many wonderful endeavors in life. None better than to be in the service of God Almighty. He is real and so our message is real. He is present, so our message hits home. He is benevolent, so our message is of love and kindness. He cares about all of His creation, so our message seeks to bring all people to His presence. He is omnipresent. We desire for our message of Good News to reach all people. He is the Lord and Master of all and we have submitted our selves, with contrite heart, to His authority. GDL

In the Service of the King- Congregational Singing