Joy

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." (Romans 12:12, NIV)

Note: This post is linked to Spiritual Sundays (hosted by Charlotte).

Jesus is Lord

Back in the Day -- Walk Around Heaven

As I continued to explore the sounds of Christian music I was fortunate enough to meet a music promoter who earlier performed with the Mighty Clouds of Joy. It was educational to learn about the behind the scenes work of concert promoting and meeting Christian artists. One of the more popular groups back in the day was definitely The Mighty Clouds of Joy.

One of these mornings it won't be long You'll look for me and i'll be gone I'm going to a place i'll have nothing to do But just walk around, walk around heaven all day When i get to heaven, i'll sing and shout Nobody will be able, to put me out My mother will be waiting And my father too We'll walk around, walk around heaven all day Lyrics by Cassietta George

Mighty Clouds of Joy -- Walk Around Heaven

Back in the Day -- Little Ones

One of the most prolific songwriters of his era has been Phil Keaggy. He is a talented musician (plays acoustic and electric guitar) but I've most admired his songs played on the acoustic guitar. Those have always touched me as being thoughtful, reflective and sensitive to one's relationship with God.

There isn't a lot of public discussion on the subject of abortion today, perhaps because of the role situational ethics has had in our society. It's difficult for a person to both acknowledge the life and viability of a child while simultaneously deciding to terminate a human life.

Perhaps someone reading this post has had an abortion, is comtemplating one or knows someone who's faced or is facing this decision. This post was not written to condemn anyone but to affirm that God loves you and unborn children.

"In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins." -- 1 John 4:10, NASB

Who will speak up for the little ones? Helpless and half-abandoned. They've got the right to choose life They don't want to lose, I've got to speak up, won't you? Equal rights, equal time, for the unborn children. Their precious lives are on the line, How can we be rid of them? Passing laws, passing out Bills and new amendments. Pay the cost and turn about, And face the young defendants. Who will speak up for the little ones? Helpless and half-abandoned. They've got the right to choose life They don't want to lose, I've got to speak up, won't you? Words and Music by Phil Keaggy Copyright 1980 Sparrow Records

Phil Keaggy -- Little Ones

Back in the day -- Hound of Heaven

I first heard Daniel Amos in the late 80's. By then they had musically migrated from country music to rock. As a Christian band, their lyrics fused with a solid rock rhythm. One of my favorite songs was Hound of Heaven. Their music often focused on the society we live in and our apathy toward God.

He got lost among the stars Hollywood flash, cash, mansions and cars Deep sea diver Lear jet flyer Will this thing go to the moon? Give me elbow room, and for heaven's sake Take this aching away You can't run, you can't hide, from the hound of heaven You're free to choose, can you refuse the seeker of souls Words and Music by Terry Taylor ©1980 Cancel and Eat (ASCAP)

Daniel Amos -- Hound of Heaven

Back in the Day -- That's the Way God Planned It

I'm having surgery on Friday so I'm not sure when I'll return to blogging. I thought this week I would leave you each day with a song that hopefully, brightens your day. Be blessed!

My familiarity with Billy Preston precedes my days as a Christian. When I learned he produced a gospel album, my interest was immediate. This song (which reminds me of Romans 8:28) also includes George Harrison (a member of the Beatles), Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker and Keith Richards. Billy often toured and played with the Beatles and Rolling Stones during the 60's. He played keyboards (organ and piano) with an excitement and energy that often got the audience up and dancing.

In his later years, Billy faced health complications from kidney disease. He died on June 6, 2006 from malignant hypertension that resulted in kidney failure. I will always remember his contributions to gospel music.

Why can't we be humble Like the good Lord said He promised to exalt us For love is the way How men be so greedy When there's so much left All things are God given And they alll have been blessed That's the way God planned it That's the way God wants it to be, didn't He Well, that the way God planned it That's the way God wants it to be, for you and me Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah lyrics by Billy Preston

Billy Preston -- That's the Way God Planned It

Back in the day -- What Kind of Love is This?

I first heard Danniebelle Hall singing with Andrae' Crouch and the Disciples; her voice just grabs a hold of you and touches deep inside. On the song, Ordinary People you can hear the gentle sweetness of her voice letting you know, God looks for folk just like you and me. She faced health-related trials some of which included being an insulin dependent diabetic, surviving a mastectomy due to breast cancer and left leg amputation below the knee. I guess that's just a testimony to the life of an ordinary Christian, that she lived without a lot of fanfare. Danniebelle Hall went to be with the Lord on December 28, 2000.

I'm sure you'll enjoy this moving song that probes the love of God for us from 1 John 3:1-2.

What kind of love is this He has bestowed on me? I am a child of God and I speak of a mystery. I don't know how it is or how it shall be, (oh no) But this one thing I know (yeah) that when His face I see, I shall be like Him, for I shall know Him. In all of His beauty and glory, I will behold Him, And I'll trade this robe of flesh for immortality. Then I can tell you, I'll tell you how this love can be. Lyrics by Danniebelle Hall

What Kind of Love is This? -- Danniebelle Hall

Back in the Day Friday (on Monday)

Note: I pre-empted my Back in the Day Friday music post with a post I needed to share from my heart. So without further delay, here is a back in the day song. Be blessed!

In the beginning, I was a novice when it came to Christian music. I didn't know any of the artists or the songs they sang. I can remember a few songs I heard as a child like Bringing in the Sheaves (I actually thought they were singing Bringing in the Cheese). Amazing Grace was another song I remember hearing but that was essentially my limited exposure to Christian music.

One day I walked into a Christian Book store and told the owner that I was interested in familiarizing myself with some of the current artists and she took me to the back store room. I spent hours pouring over album jackets, studying the artists who wrote their own lyrics and musicians who sang or played with other artists. When I finished, I had about fifty albums which I wanted to take home and listen to. I also wondered how to work it out to pay when the owner said, "No charge, you can have them." I've never forgotten that kindness and I patronized that Christian business until I moved to another city.

The thing I liked most about the Sweet Comfort Band was their soulful sound; their music contained a jazz-like quality to it. When you listen to this song, you'll notice how the guitar intertwines back and forth to the vocals of lead singer Bryan Duncan.

I Love You with My Life is sung from the perspective of Jesus Christ to His followers. It is personable, as if He is speaking individually to each one of us. I hope you like this song, it is one of my all-time favorites.

I would like to say, Just before I leave you, I’ll be back someday, And with me I will take you So do not be afraid, Only watch and pray, And wait for my return. I’ve done what I must do, My work here is completed, It’s all been done for you, Believe what I have stated, And I will give you peace Through all your tribulations, Until I come again. Please know that I love you, I’ll stay by your side. If only now in spirit, I’ll still be your guide. You will not suffer long, For I have suffered for you, I love you with my life. Lyrics by Bryan Duncan ©1978 Lexicon Music, Inc. (ASCAP) Used by permission. All rights reserved

Sweet Comfort Band -- I Love You With My Life

Back in the Day Friday

Like to see people smile... and not frown Like to see people up... and not down Like to see people share love and not hate Like to see people value time instead of being late That's makes me happy Well, well That makes me happy Tell you that it gives me joy Lyrics by Leonard, Melvin and Doug Williams

I've always loved music. Back in the day, my friends and I would sit around a turntable and spin records in kind of musical Can you top this song competition. Each of us had to weave a song into the theme of a previous song or initiate a new theme which everyone recognized as better. It was great times and always fun.

When I became a Christian and discovered the inspiration and energy of Christian music, I couldn't get enough of it. I met this fellow Christian who played in a rock band who asked, "Have you ever heard of Andrae' Crouch?" When I listened to Andrae' for the first time, I didn't realize Christian music was that good. Pretty soon I was listening to every type of Christian artist from Stryper to The Mighty Clouds of Joy.

One group I never tire of hearing is The Williams Brothers. They sing with such energy and joy.

The Williams Brothers -- Joy

Back In The Day Friday

Whenever I get to reminiscing about anything taking place more than twenty years ago, my sons and daughters would chide me with the phrase, "Back in the day". The ensuing discussion would end with me conceding that not everything was all good.

In any case, last Friday a discussion with my daughter seemed to spark some memories and I thought I would use the remaining Friday's in April as my very own Back in the day theme. If anyone would like to participate, feel free to post a song on your blog and leave me a link in your comment.

This song takes me back to a man who witnessed and mentored me in the word of God. Each day for two months, we searched the scriptures as he opened my eyes to God's truth. I remember going to visit him some time later and was told, "Oliver died". I was saddened but in looking back I see how God used that man to help me learn to study God's word. He was a witness to me.

Denny Correll -- The Witness