Earth Day

Established in 1970, Earth Day is celebrated on April 22 each year. It is a day for people around the world to show their support for environmental protection, and it is often filled with events that encourage care for the earth (such as tree planting or recycling efforts) and educate participants on the environment and how to preserve it. On Earth Day 2016, more than 120 countries signed the Paris Agreement, a controversial treaty in which the participating members agreed to lessen the impact their countries have on global warming.

Earth Day is not a Christian holiday, but care for the earth is not a secular concept. When God created the first man and woman, He charged them to “be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth” (Genesis 1:28). In fact, man’s first job was to care for the beautiful garden God had created (Genesis 2:15). Both the earth and humans are God’s creation. We should care for the world as a miraculous work of God’s own hands. This care is known as stewardship, the act of being responsible for the care and cultivation of something. God did not create the world for us to neglect and abuse. He created it, in part, to be enjoyed, and, in order to enjoy creation, we must be good stewards of it.

Here are 5 questions to consider:

1. What is the difference between seeing creation and seeing the God of creation?
2. How can we worship the God of Creation and not creation itself?
3. What does this mountain range, tree, river, waterfall, etc. tell us about the nature and the power of God?
4. If [natural] revelation is both perceived within us and around us, what can I learn about God by how I respond in my spirit to great and striking moments of natural beauty?
5. With Christ we have a new lens through which we can more accurately interpret natural revelation [God’s revelation in nature]. Does anything we perceive around us tell the story of creation, fall, redemption and consummation?

However you celebrate Earth Day just remember that we need to beware of the tendency to worship and serve created things, as can happen with some Earth Day activities. Instead we should give glory and honor to the Creator and return to the authority of His Word. This Earth Day, let us bow the knee to the Lord of Creation, and spend some time beholding, and loving, and caring for that which he has made.

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Interview with Wes Huff

Wes Huff is a Canadian Christian apologist, theologian, and public speaker specializing in the reliability of ancient biblical manuscripts and the defense of the Christian worldview. Born in Multan, Pakistan, to missionary parents, he spent his early childhood in the Middle East before returning to Canada, growing up in a diverse environment exposed to various worldviews. At age 11, Huff was diagnosed with acute transverse myelitis, a rare neurological condition that paralyzed him from the waist down for about a month, followed by a full recovery that doctors described as medically inexplicable. 

Huff holds a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from York University, a Master of Theological Studies from Tyndale University, and is currently pursuing a PhD in New Testament studies at the University of Toronto’s Wycliffe College, with a primary focus on the history of ancient biblical manuscripts, textual transmission, and the development of the biblical canon. As Vice President for Apologetics Canada, Huff speaks regularly at churches, universities, conferences, and interfaith events across North America, addressing topics such as the historical reliability of the New Testament, the formation of the biblical canon, and responses to skeptical objections.

This interview is over 3 hours long, but it covers lots of interesting faith topics and Biblical history are discussed.

America Reads The Bible

 

From April 18–25, 2026, over 475 voices will unite to share God’s Word—inviting the nation to listen, reflect, and engage like never before. For generations, God's Word has sparked revival and realignment. In 2026, as America marks its 250th year, Christians Engaged invites the nation to join America Reads the Bible—a historic, nationwide event where leaders and everyday citizens will read the entire Bible aloud, from Genesis to Revelation, over 7 days.

This is a pivotal moment to reflect on our spiritual foundations.

Inspired by Ezra reading Scripture to the people (Nehemiah 8), this movement is about calling hearts back to God, sparking renewal, and encouraging a deeper connection to His Word during a crucial time in our nation’s history.

Whether you’ve read the Bible your whole life or you’re just curious, this movement is for you. Individuals, families, churches, and communities are all invited to be part of what God is doing.

How to participate?

• Watch live from Washington, D.C.
• Follow along with the Bible reading
• Join in by reading on your own or with others
• Share the movement and invite others

Hosted by Christians Engaged in partnership with 60+ national ministries, this gathering will take place from the World Stage Theater at the Museum of the Bible, reaching landmarks across Washington, D.C., and streaming throughout the nation. This is more than an event—it’s a call back to our spiritual foundation. Together, we can carry God’s Word forward into the next chapter of our nation’s story.

Register for the livestream HERE.

Bigger Than Belief

Last Friday, we discussed the Easter message that Artemis II astronaut Victor Glover delivered from space on April 5, 2026, describing Earth as a "beautiful oasis" and a "spaceship" that deserves to be protected. He urged humanity to appreciate their shared existence, reminding everyone, "you are special in all of this emptiness".

As the Artemis II mission continues to inspire millions, fueling a sense of awe and wonder of outer space, few understand the significance like Dr. AJ Poelarands.  For years, Poelarands spent years researching space in the Netherlands – after pursuing and completing a doctorate degree in Astrophysics. After work brought him to the United States, he began to ask “why” when it came to the universe – eventually returning to school for a degree in Theology. After more than a decade as a Astronomy/Physics professor, he came to the Twin Cities – where he currently serves as the Director of Faith and Learning at the Anselm House in Minneapolis.

On yesterday's episode of Bigger Than Belief*, Dr. Poelarands talks about his career journey, and how faith and science battle on some issues – but coincide on others, including creation and our society’s purpose.

*Bigger Than Belief is a weekly WCCO/CBS Minnesota podcast hosted by Adam Duxter that explores faith, religion, and personal belief stories. Launched in December 2025, the series focuses on human experiences and interviews with believers from various backgrounds to foster fair, accessible conversations about spirituality.

 

I don't necessarily agree with all his conclusions, but I found it very interesting to hear Dr. Poelarands talk about the interconnectivity between Christian faith and the sciences. 

Old Testament Parallels

I think these guys are a little bit "redneck," but this is an interesting discussion about Old and New Testament comparisons in the Bible. Most people read the Old Testament as a collection of ancient stories, but what if you realized it’s all a massive "spoiler" for the ending?

 

The Feud Between President Trump and Pope Leo

I choose not to express political opinions on this forum, but this has been everywhere in the news the past couple days...

President Trump has openly condemned the head of the Roman Catholic Church after Pope Leo XIV criticized the U.S. and Israeli war with Iran. Pope Leo reiterated calls for peace after President Donald Trump criticized him as weak on crime and said he "caters to the radical left" amid disagreements over the Iran war (listen here). Trump separately drew bipartisan backlash for a now-deleted Truth Social post appearing to depict Trump as a Jesus-like figure (see here). He said he thought the image depicted him as a doctor.

As I previously stated I will refrain from comment on this disagreement, but this did lead to thoughts about whether the Christian Church (not just Roman Catholic) is liberal or conservative. I believe the issue is complex with no easy answer and the confirmation bias we discussed yesterday has  a lot to do with the answer.

 A person’s perspective of the Church is usually shaped and determined by how they identify themselves politically and ideologically. A conservative will view the Church through a conservative lens and a liberal will view the Church through a liberal one. 

• The Church is conservative because it opposes abortion and values the lives of the unborn. The Church also believes in personal responsibility, which is a conservative value. The Church believes in the existence of objective truth and rejects the notion of relativism.
• The Church is liberal because it advocates for the poor, the oppressed, the immigrant, and the worker. The Church believes in personal freedom from things such as slavery and coercion. The Church teaches us to love our neighbor.

The problem with seeing the Church through an ideological lens, or any type of lens for that matter, is that some aspects of her teaching will be overemphasized while other aspects are ignored. A conservative might focus more on the Church’s teaching against abortion and contraception while ignoring her teaching on collective responsibility to provide justice for the poor and needy or her teaching regarding the fundamental option for the poor. A liberal might focus more on the Church’s teaching to care for the poor while ignoring the Church’s teaching on abortion.

Fundamentally the real truth is this:  The fact is that the teaching of the Church does not fit perfectly within any worldly ideology, whether conservative or liberal, left wing or right wing, capitalist or socialist, or any other artificial category. The teaching of the Church cannot be confined to any limited set of merely human ideals.  

Ideology is one of the largest contributing factors to fear, disunity, division, public unrest, distrust, hatred, and lack of genuine dialogue. According to the New Oxford Dictionary, the definition of “ideology” is “a system of ideas and ideals, especially one which forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy – the ideas and manner of thinking characteristic of a group, social class, or individual.” While it is natural for people to have differing ideas and ideals concerning ecclesial, economic, or political theory and policy, the problem is that too many people become so entrenched in their own ideas that they refuse to listen to people with differing ideas, views, and perspectives. Adhering to radically ideological thinking fosters an unwillingness to listen to others. This lack of listening and dialogue only increases fear, animosity, and hatred of others and eventually leads to violence if left unchecked.  All of us need to learn to listen to one another and to listen together to the Holy Spirit and discern the Spirit’s action in our lives and in the life of the Church.

Differing viewpoints on the same issue.

I often wonder how different people can see the same situation and come up with completely different viewpoints of what, why, and how of the situation and its outcome. Here is a possible explanation of how this happens from Light the Way Counseling Center...

Why We See What We Expect to See

• They didn’t respond to me right away. What did I do wrong that is making them ignore me?
• I’ve told them the same thing over and over again. They still don’t do it. I don’t think they love/like/care about me.
• I’m thinking of buying a blue car, but all I see are blue cars on the road.
• Have you noticed how easy it is to find evidence that supports what you already believe?
• If you think someone doesn’t care, you’ll notice every missed text.
• If you believe you’re failing, your mind quickly gathers proof.
• If you’re convinced a relationship is “just broken,” every disagreement feels like confirmation.

This isn’t because you’re negative or stubborn. It’s because you’re human.
This pattern has a name: confirmation bias.

What Is Confirmation Bias?
Confirmation bias is our brain’s tendency to look for, focus on, and remember information that supports what we already believe—while filtering out information that challenges it.

It’s not something “other people” do. We all do it.

Our brains are wired for efficiency and safety.
Once we form a belief, our mind tries to protect us from uncertainty by building a case around it. Our brains do not like uncertainty.

The problem is that what feels protective can quietly keep us stuck.

How Confirmation Bias Shows Up in Everyday Life
You might notice confirmation bias when:

• You assume your partner doesn’t listen, so every misunderstanding feels like proof.
• You believe you’re “too much” or “not enough,” and your mind collects moments that support that story.
• You think conflict always leads to rejection, so you avoid hard conversations altogether.
• You’re convinced anxiety will always control you, so you discount moments of calm.

Over time, these beliefs don’t just shape how we think — they shape how we feel, respond, and relate. And the longer a belief goes unquestioned, the more “true” it feels.

Why Confirmation Bias Is So Powerful in Relationships
Relationships are especially vulnerable to confirmation bias because they involve emotion, history, and vulnerability.

If you expect:

· criticism → you hear tone before words

· abandonment → you brace yourself before it happens

· disappointment → you stop hoping

Eventually, you’re no longer responding to what’s actually happening — you’re responding to what you expect to happen.
This doesn’t mean your experiences aren’t real.
It means your interpretation may be narrowing without you realizing it.

The Cost of Confirmation Bias
Left unchecked, confirmation bias can:

• Increase anxiety and emotional reactivity
• Deepen resentment in relationships Reinforce negative self-beliefs
• Make change feel impossible
• Create emotional distance where closeness is possible

Most people don’t need “better logic.” They need gentle awareness and space to see more clearly.

How to Change Your Confirmation Bias
You don’t have to force positive thinking or deny pain.
Instead, try expanding the picture.

Here are a few simple, grounding questions to ask yourself:

• What evidence might I be missing?
• What are other possible explanations?
• What would I notice if I assumed the best?
• Has this belief always been true — or did it start at a painful moment?

These questions aren’t meant to invalidate your feelings.
They’re meant to loosen the grip of a story that may no longer be serving you.

· Slow down your thoughts to give yourself time to explore other explanations and the source of your response.

· Accept your emotions without judgment.

· Allow new perspectives to emerge.

· Awareness opens the door to choice.

A Gentle Invitation
If you’ve noticed yourself feeling stuck in the same emotional loops — in your thoughts, your relationships, or your sense of self — it doesn’t mean you’re failing.
It may simply mean your mind is doing what it learned to do to survive.
And that can be unlearned. You don’t have to believe everything your thoughts tell you.

Maybe what we need to take away from this info isn't that there is a specific right or wrong way to view events. We need to be more understanding the everyone can have a different viewpoint and if others don't agree with you the best response may be to simply "agree to disagree". Although I often feel like this Jason Gray song...

God Behind Bars

God Behind Bars is a non-profit organization with the goal to introduce inmates to Jesus and connect them to the local church. Since 2009, God Behind Bars has partnered with ministries across the country to transform the lives of inmates and their families by introducing them to Jesus and connecting them with a local church. 

1.9 million people in the U.S. are affected by incarceration each year, the most unchurched population in our country. 

It’s a simple fact that less than 14% of inmates are serving life sentences, and up to as many as 95% of all incarcerated individuals will be released back to society at some point. 27% of those released will return to prison within three years, 82% will return to prison within ten years. God Behind Bars addresses this drastic recidivism problem with a unique approach that focuses on the spiritual, physical, and relational needs of inmates and their families.

Find out more about this outreach organization at godbehindbars.com.

God Behind Bars has just released a music video, "Outlaw" featuring Stephen McWhirter that I enjoy. I hope you will also...

Thoughts from Space...

The Artemis II Orion crew capsule returns to Earth today after flying around the moon. The spacecraft broke the record for the furthest distance humans have travelled into space, reaching 406,771km away from the Earth.

Artemis II Pilot Victor Glover explained how orbiting above the world led him to reflect on faith, humanity, and our place in the universe.

In so many words, his message wasn’t just about space, it was about us.

 From his vantage point, far beyond Earth’s surface, Glover described something both humbling and unifying: Earth doesn’t look divided. It looks whole… one planet, one home, one shared existence.

As he reflected on Scripture and the beauty of creation, he offered a striking comparison. While astronauts are seen as traveling in a “spaceship” far from Earth, we often forget that we, too, are living on one. Earth itself is perfectly designed to sustain life in the vast emptiness of the cosmos.

In that contrast, his message became deeply personal.

In a universe he described as “a whole bunch of nothing,” Glover pointed back to Earth as an oasis—rare, beautiful, and full of life. A place where humanity exists together, not apart—not as separate nations, cultures, or beliefs, but as one shared story.

Speaking from Artemis II days before Easter, his words took on even more meaning. Whether someone celebrated the holiday or not, Glover framed it as a moment to reflect on who we are, where we are, and how deeply connected we truly are.

His encouragement was simple but profound: in all the vastness of space, you are special. And more than that—we need each other.

Watch the video here:  instagram.com

UPDATE 4/16:  Here is a working link...

The Shroud of Turin

The interesting thought for today... 

The has been much news about new revelations on the Shroud of Turin. Is the Shroud of Turin REALLY the burial cloth of Jesus, or the greatest hoax of all time? Why has this ancient artifact continued to puzzle scientists for decades? Dr. Jeremiah J. Johnston, after years of research, he’s gone from thinking the shroud was a joke, to traveling around the world as one of its biggest advocates. What changed his mind?

Here is a great overview of some of Dr. Johnston's findings:

The Crimson Worm

 I had an interesting Bible study last week about Psalm 22, discussing the parallels with the crucifixion of Christ. The interesting line was Psalm 22:6, "But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by everyone and despised by the people".  I have seen this before, but never really considered the meaning of "a worm".  Read about this amazing worm at https://share.google/BGTkDltgp9S1im85H.

Welcome Back...

 It has been about five years since I have put new posts in the Living Word Lutheran blogger account. I am gong to try to resurrect the account to share some thoughts. Please note that these topics are not the official comment or position of Living Word Lutheran Church, but instead are simply topics that I find interesting. Feel free to leave any comments or suggestions as we go forward.    ~Living Word Webmaster.

Today I would like to share a recent talk from author and apologist Lee Strobel about Easter. I hope you enjoy...

Vacation Time

Just to let you know... I will be taking an family vacation beginning tomorrow. I doubt there will be any new posts until the end of June. Sorry to disappoint, but we will be down at Branson, MO so the extended family can get together and relax for the first time in about two years. 

We are not going to partake of a lot of touristy events, but one show that I plan on seeing is of my favorite family bluegrass band, the Petersens.

Talk to you when we get home.

New Music

We talked about Crowder yesterday, and last week the 3x GRAMMY-nominated genre-defying artist  delivered a glimpse of hope with a reminder of the promise of a more harmonious and unified place on his new album Milk & Honey.

The album features hip hop artist Hulvey and multiple collaborations with Maverick City Music, a diverse collective of powerhouse songwriters and worship leaders. The twelve tracks share a message of hope, promise and purpose in a way that revolutionizes worship music to reach audiences across all cultures. Sonically, the music is as powerful, spirited and transcendent as its theme with a dynamic blend of Southern, porch-jam style swamp music, gospel tradition, beat-heavy hip-hop and classic rock. While he recorded the album alone in his basement studio during the pandemic, Crowder was still able to collaborate with writers, producers and artists who shared the vision of unity and harmony and the hope in the Promises of God.

The latest video release from this album is "Higher Power"...

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Also last week, We Are Messengers released the anthemic “Come What May.” The resilient track serves as the next radio single and offers the first taste of new music from the K-LOVE Award-winner’s forthcoming third studio album. .

Featuring We Are Messengers’ signature life-changing lyrics and arena-ready hooks, “Come What May” declares that the character of God is unchanging regardless of our circumstances. “In the past year, we’ve all collectively been forced to concede that, despite our illusions and devises, we do not get to control the world around us,” shares front man Darren Mulligan.

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GRAMMY-nominated band Building 429 released their newest single “Not Finished Yet.” Continuing the band’s tradition of delivering big songs with big emotion, the new song is a stirring, hopeful pop anthem about how even when we stray far away, God is there, ready to draw us close to Him. 

“At a certain point in life, we all get a moment to take a cold, hard, unflinching look in the mirror and take stock of who we really are,” shares frontman, Jason Roy. “On a good day, I know that I can see love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The next day, if I’m honest, I might see the exact opposite. The truth is that the COVID pandemic gave us all a LOT of time to look in the mirror and see the things that we wish we knew how to change. I realized that the beginning of freedom and hope was the moment I finally admitted I didn’t have it all together and I still needed Jesus to complete the work in me.”

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Finally, last week Ellie Holcomb debuted a new song, “Color,” from her forthcoming album, Canyon, which releases on June 25.

Crowder Talks Mental Health

This spot with Crowder on Good Morning America from last week has been all over social media so you may have seen it already. If so, I apologize...

Crowder is a 3x GRAMMY nominee who is topping the Billboard charts, but even a musician who feels on top of the world can feel the weight of poor mental health. When his busy schedule or stress of the entertainment industry gets to be too much, he has five tricks for boosting his mental health. He spoke with Good Morning America about these go-to techniques:

1. Send someone some donuts

2. Mail someone a handwritten letter

3. Call someone you haven’t talked to in a while, or call your mom

4. Send the pair of sneakers you’ve been eyeing to someone who needs them more

5. Help out your neighbor with yard work, a carwash or anything

Crowder released his new ‘Milk & Honey’ album last Friday, June 11th. It’s a hopeful and celebratory collection of songs that show the promise of a better future for every person. The album features “Good God Almighty,” a song that’s sat in the No. 1 spot at radio for five straight weeks and has also landed No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs chart.

Flashback Friday

Back to the 80's again to talk about another legend of  Christian music, Sandi Patty.  As one of the most highly acclaimed performers of our time with five Grammy® awards, four Billboard Music Awards, three platinum records, five gold records, and eleven million units sold, Sandi Patty is simply known as The Voice.

Patty was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, into a family of musicians; her father was a minister of music, and her mother served as the church pianist. She first performed at the age of two when she sang "Jesus Loves Me" for her church.

Patty recorded her first album, For My Friends, in 1978. In 1979, she released her first professional record, Sandi's Song. 

Patty's career expanded after she won her first two GMA Dove Awards in 1982 and began singing backup for Bill Gaither and the Bill Gaither Trio. She headlined her first national tour in 1984 and received her first Grammy in 1984 for  her duet with Larnelle Harris, "More Than Wonderful".

Sandi reached national acclaim after her rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" was included during the ABC Statue of Liberty re-dedication broadcast on July 6, 1986. Virtually overnight she became one of the country’s best-loved performers. 

Her version of the national anthem has become synonymous with patriotic celebration, including performances at “A Capitol Fourth” with the National Symphony, the Indianapolis 500, the Dedication of Camp David Chapel, and ABC’s Fourth of July Special. This exposure led to multiple mainstream television appearances including The Tonight Show, Christmas in Washington, Walt Disney's Fourth of July Extravaganza, and the 1998 Pepsi 400; the clip was frequently used on television sign-offs for the remainder of their existence. 

In 1990, Patty's inspirational single release, "I'll Give You Peace", was released on one of her most popular records, entitled, "Another Time, Another Place", which peaked at #2 on the Christian billboard charts. 

At the peak of her career, Patty's concerts were so heavily attended that she performed in often sold-out mainstream arenas and concert halls across the United States. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, she averaged over 200 concerts a year and supported a staff of over 30 that managed her career. During this period of time Patty was noted, often critically, as the highest-paid singer in the Christian music industry averaging over $100,000 per appearance, largely due to massive touring and high-profile public appearances

Sandi is the most awarded female vocalist in contemporary Christian music history, with 40 Dove Awards. She was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2004 and as an Indiana Living Legend in 2007. She has released over 30 albums.

While her thirty-year career is heavily rooted in the gospel music industry, Sandi has had the opportunity in more recent years to extend her career outside the genre. Sandi has performed with symphonies across the country, including the New York Pops, Boston Pops, Cincinnati Pops, Dallas Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, Houston Symphony, and Oklahoma City Philharmonic. She also headlined the title role in sold out performances of the musical “Hello, Dolly!” with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, co-starring Tony Award winner Gary Beach in January 2012.

In addition to her prolific musical career, Sandi is also an accomplished author. For the bestseller Broken on the Back Row, Sandi received the 2006 Silver Angel Award. As an author of seven books, her other titles include Life in the Blender, Falling Forward, Layers, and her forthcoming book, The Edge of the Divine. Her down-to-earth style and sturdy common sense have endeared her to Women of Faith® audiences, with whom she has traveled with since 2005. She’s an example to all of us of the freedom that comes from learning how to move on, learning from her mistakes and letting God use her in any circumstance.

“I am grateful for the many opportunities for God has given in my life and for how He has allowed me to spread my wings,” says Sandi. “Singing is my way to tell my story of hope, life, and love.”

In 2017, Patty announced her retirement from touring, citing age and a desire to spend time with grandchildren. Sandi and her husband, Don, have eight children. They currently reside in Oklahoma City, OK and you can catch up on any recent events on her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Sandi.Patty.Music.

K-Love Summer Concerts

Do you enjoy mini-concerts from the comfort of home? If so, sign up for the K-Love Concert series and get notified about LIVE weekly online concerts from some of your favorite Christian music artists, like Rhett Walker, CAIN, Crowder, and MORE!

All summer long on Tuesday's @ 2:00 PM CST and you can watch the replays at a later date if the time doesn't work for you.

Here is the concert from this past Tuesday featuring Rhett Walker with special guest, Cain.

What Does God Want Me To Do With My Life?

I found this article on Crosswarlk.com that I thought was interesting...

The Bible is filled with promises that point to God having a plan and purpose for your life. Here is one that we love to quote and I am sure you will recognize.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." – Jeremiah 29:11

Let’s face it that is an exciting promise. However, what a promise like that does is leave people searching. So many hear the promise and then begin looking for the answer to the question what does God really want me to do with my life? They believe that God has a plan, which he does, but they are just not sure how to figure out what it is. While there is not a simple and easy answer to this question of what God wants you to do with your life, there is an answer. I want to give you four things to consider that will help you figure out what God really wants you to do with your life.

1. Start with What You Already Know

Some people in their pursuit of getting to the thing God wants them to do in their life (let’s call this the hidden thing) overlook the things God has already told them to do (let’s called this the revealed thing). There are things that God has instructed us to do in his word that you should focus on doing first. These are not hidden but are revealed clearly for you in the Bible. Focusing on these first allows you to lay the right foundation. This will help you move into the specific thing God wants you to do. Here are some things that I can say without a shadow of a doubt God wants you to do and you can start right now.

Share the gospel – "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." - Matthew 28:19

Live holy – "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'” - 1 Peter 1:15-16

Pray – "Pray without ceasing" –-1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NKJV)

Shine Light – "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:14-16

Love your enemies – "You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." – Matthew 5:43-44

I could add more but I will stop because I think you get the point. I know these aren’t the “exciting” things that people think about when they think of doing what God wants them to do, but they are essential. You will never get to the things God wants you to do if you neglect these necessary activities in your life. Think about it in this fashion. If you aren’t doing what you know God wants you to do why would he give you more to do. The Bible reminds us that when we are faithful in little things, he will make us ruler over many things. In other words, be faithful in doing what you know God has told you in his word to do. Don’t expect God to show you the next (hidden) step until you start taking the ones he has already revealed to you.

2. Follow Your Gifts

"In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well." – Romans 12:6 (NLT)

In every single person that has ever been born God has placed certain gifts and abilities. This includes you. Romans reminds us that everyone can do something well. The reason this is important is that your gift, the thing you do well, is tied into what God really wants you to do in your life. God put the gift in you so that you would use it to accomplish his purpose and plan for your life. When you follow your gift it becomes a clue that can help you discover what this plan is for your life.

3. Follow the Opportunities

It is quite possible that your gift can tie into the opportunities that are presented to you. Let me give you an example to help you understand. Let’s assume you have the ability to play the guitar really well. Your desire is to play for the church. One Sunday the announcement is made they are looking for guitar players and obviously, your ears perk up because they are speaking your language. But then they finish the message, we are looking for guitar players to play for the three-year-olds in the children’s ministry. Your heart sinks because you want to play for the church but you really want to play in the main worship, not with the little kids. Yet it is possible that this opportunity is the open-door God is giving you to use your gift and lead you into what he wants you to do. So often we miss what God really wants us to do because it doesn’t line up with or come packaged in the way we want it to come.

I have been teaching in church since I was 17 years old. When I left the church I had grown up in to go to another church, I wanted to teach again. I wanted to teach the same age group I had taught before but they said we want you to teach the 7-9-year-old class. At first, I was disappointed because that is not what I wanted but because I wanted to teach I did it anyway. It turned out to be a wonderful experience. Not only did I learn how to connect with an audience which I something I still must do to this day, but I also met a lifelong friend who I taught with and we have been friends for over 30 years. None of this would have happened if I overlooked the opportunity. Follow the opportunities even if they don’t look exactly like you want. This could be the thing God uses to reveal to you and prepare you for what he really wants you to do with your life.

4. Pay Attention to Your Burdens

What are the things that really move you or concern you? In the book of Nehemiah, he was the cupbearer to the king. He got news the wall of Jerusalem was destroyed, and this devastated him. It became such a burden to him that it affected him emotionally. This led him to want to do something about it which is what God really wanted him to do anyway. My question to you is what is it that really burdens you or affects you to the point that you feel like you want to do something about it? This could be an indicator of something that God really wants you to do with your life. I must warn you to proceed with caution and don’t confuse your outrage with a burden. Outrage may want you to seek revenge. A burden drives you to seek change for the better. A burden should be so strong in you that it drives you to pray and seek God over it. This is what it did for Nehemiah.

"When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven." – Nehemiah 1:4

If you are burdened this will be your response; if you are outraged this won’t be and chances are it’s just an emotional response and not what God really wants you to do with your life. Remember God wants to use you as an agent of change and burdens push you to affect change.

I believe these four things will be a good place to start on your journey to discovering what God wants you to do. One last thing. Don’t think of this as a destination think of it as a journey. Remain faithful to God and he has a way of ordering your steps leading you into the things he wants you to do.

New Music

Several new releases this past week...

GRAMMY Award-winning and multi-RIAA Platinum-selling group Casting Crowns released their first brand new song, “Scars in Heaven.”  Casting Crowns debuted the song live for the KLOVE Fan Awards. “Scars in Heaven” is the debut song from the forthcoming new studio album, which will release in November. This will be Casting Crowns’ ninth studio album.

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GRAMMY Award-nominated rock band NEEDTOBREATHE have released “What I’m Here For”, the opening track off their forthcoming studio album Into The Mystery. 

“What I’m Here For” follows the recent release of Into The Mystery’s current single “I Wanna Remember” featuring seven-time GRAMMY Award winner Carrie Underwood that we featured a while back.

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Internationally renowned singer/songwriter and worship music icon, Don Moen (one of our Flashback Friday artists), has released a new song, “Return To Me.”

 The song was written as Don was studying the Bible. Moen says: “God really has our attention these days as we’ve been going through this pandemic. “Return To Me” was written as I was reading from 2 Chronicles 7:14. The verse says that God will heal our land if we turn from our wicked ways. That’s what we need today – we need God to come and heal our land. If we return to Him, He will return to us. That’s my prayer today – for you, for me, and for all of us.” The lyrics of the song call upon the people of God to return to Him, humble themselves and refocus their hearts and priorities on God.

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Mac Powell, former frontman of the four-time GRAMMY Award-winning band Third Day, has released his new song, “River of Life.” This song is from his forthcoming solo album. This upbeat anthem is the perfect song as summer begins and has that unmistakable Mac Powell sound.

“It’s interesting that within the medical community the bloodstream is called the ‘River of Life,'” shares Mac Powell. “We as believers know that our TRUE life comes from the grace and mercy of Jesus – poured out from his sacrifice on the cross. In John chapter 4, Jesus shares with the woman at the well – Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life. Let us all partake in this River of Life that is given by our Savior!”

KLove Fan Awards

Did you get to see the KLove Fan Awards show on TBN? If not don't worry, you can still see it at https://watch.tbn.org/2021-k-love-fan-awards.

As a recap... for KING & COUNTRY and Zach Williams scored double wins during the broadcast of the fan-fueled K-LOVE Fan Awards. Taped live and in person in front of a capacity crowd at Nashville’s iconic Grand Ole Opry House, Artist of the Year and Group of the Year went to for KING & COUNTRY, as Zach Williams was named Male Artist of the Year and received the Song of the Year award for his duet with Dolly Parton, “There Was Jesus.”  Other winners included Michael W. Smith’s first K-LOVE Fan Award nomination and win for Worship Song of the Year (“Waymaker”) and newcomers CAIN for Breakout Single of the Year (“Rise Up”). The eighth annual show was the largest event at the Gaylord Opryland Resort post-COVID.

Centering around the awards’ mission to also recognize mission-driven people and projects outside of the music community, “The Chosen” was named the Film Impact Winner; Scott Drew, Head Coach of Baylor’s National Championship Men’s Basketball team, was honored with the Sports Impact Award;  Skillet lead vocalist John Cooper was given the Book Impact Award for his debut book, Awake and Alive to Truth. 

Matthew West hosted the night for a record 6th time, which featured unique collaborative performances, including his own with country superstar Carly Pearce, Danny Gokey with Latin stars Evan Craft and Redimi2, Kari Jobe with Cody Carnes and Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Tauren Wells with Gary LeVox,  and Zach Williams with CAIN.   Additionally, Andrew Ripp, Casting Crowns, Cory Asbury, Crowder, Dante Bowe, Elevation Worship, MercyMe, Michael W. Smith and We The Kingdom rounded out the vast array of performers.

The evening’s presenters represent the diversity of the award catergories, with appearances by New York Time’s best-selling author and podcaster Annie F. Downs, UK Pastor Charlotte Gambill, We Are Messenger’s Darren Mulligan, multi-platinum artist Michael W. Smith, industry veteran and award-winning singer Natalie Grant, AccessMore Podcast host and former ABC News correspondent Paula Faris, Jonathan Roumi and Dallas Jenkins from the breakout TV series “The Chosen,” and songstress Riley Clemmons.

It was a great show and I recommend watching it.

Full List of 2021 K-LOVE Fan Awards WINNERS:

Male Artist of the Year​​​​​​​​​    Zach Williams
Female Artist of the Year    Lauren Daigle ​​​​​
Group of the Year​​​​​​​​​​    for KING & COUNTRY​​​​​​
Breakout Single    CAIN “Rise Up”
Worship Song of the Year    Michael W. Smith “Waymaker”
Song of the Year    Zach Williams & Dolly Parton “There Was Jesus”
Artist of the Year    for KING & COUNTRY
Film & Television Impact    The Chosen
Book Impact    John Cooper “Awake & Alive To Truth”
Sports Impact    Scott Drew, Head Coach Baylor Mens Basketball

Flashback Friday Time

Today we time travel back to the 70's for a native Minnesotan, Dallas Holm. Holm is a singer-songwriter of Christian music, whose musical ministry has spanned almost four decades. He  was inspired by Elvis Presley and the Byrds when he was growing up and, while in high school, was a member of a rock band. After Holm came to faith in 1965 at the age of 16, he desired to combine his music with his newfound faith. He started writing his own Christian songs around this time performing them in jails, churches and in street ministry. During the late 60s, Holm was a member of a Christian group called the Tri-Tones who made an album entitled I Saw the Light. He expanded his use of music while he was a youth pastor in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area. Holm's music eventually caught the attention of David Wilkerson, author of The Cross and the Switchblade, and became a part of Wilkerson's traveling crusades.

As a solo artist, his early albums contained worship songs done in a MOR (middle of the road) rock style. During his time with Wilkerson, Holm became the front man for a group named Praise. Aside from Holm, other members of Dallas Holm & Praise consisted of Randy Adams (bass - replaced by Rick Crawford in 1980), Ric Norris (drums), Tim Johnson (keyboards), and LaDonna Gatlin Johnson (vocals). This group released the album Dallas Holm & Praise. . .Live  which sold more than 600,000 copies and was the first Christian album to be certified gold. This album contains the song "Rise Again" which was one of the biggest radio hits in the history of Christian music. The song has the distinction of garnering a GMA Dove Award in 1978 for Song of the Year. Holm was awarded Songwriter of the Year along with Male Vocalist of the Year in 1978 with the group itself winning Mixed Group of the Year.

He released a lot of great songs in the 70's and 80's all pointing to Christ and the Cross. Holm’s songs focus on His life, His death and resurrection and His desire for intimate relationship with us. Songs like "I Saw the Lord", "Here We Are" and "Before Your Throne" remind us that it’s all about Jesus, including "Against The Wind" which won him a Grammy for  Best Gospel Performance in 1987.

Dallas has earned his influence in today’s Christian music throughout more than 45 years of writing, singing and ministry in some 4,000 concerts in every state in the USA as well as many countries abroad. Artists such as Steven Curtis Chapman, Twila Paris and Greg Long of Avalon all make reference to Holm’s significant impact on their lives and ministries. Holm can be seen on several of the Bill Gaither Homecoming videos. On one video Gaither introduces Dallas by saying, “This is one of the nicest guys in our entire industry.” This broad appeal and respect by peers has undoubtedly been one of the reasons for Holm’s amazing longevity and relevance.

Over the course of Holm's tenure in gospel music he has performed many styles of music including adult contemporary, country, blues, reggae and pop/rock. He has released 34 albums counting solo, with Praise or other artists. He has received a total of 5 Dove Awards as of 2020. Holm has also been inducted into the Texas Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2007 and the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2012.

Dallas reminds us, “In Chariots of Fire, Eric Liddell said, ‘When I run, I feel God’s pleasure.’ I say, ‘When I write, sing and play these songs, I feel His pleasure.'” Holm remains active as the director of Praise Ministries. 

More New Music

 Jesus Culture artist and Nashville-based worship leader Chris McClarney released new music with his single titled “Speak to the Mountains.” 

I won’t be shaken, I won’t be moved, My God is faithful, His promise is true. So I speak to the mountains, ‘Oh it’s time to move, My God is bigger, better, stronger, greater than you.’

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Powerhouse vocalist and songwriter and “The Voice” season 9 winner Jordan Smith has released a new song, “Battles.”

Jordan Smith has a voice that needs no introduction and with faith that needs no explanation. From the moment the Kentucky native was first introduced to America through “The Voice,” it was evident that his faith was part of his DNA. And now his beliefs take center stage as he has stepped into the next natural chapter of his career with new songs.

It was earlier this year that Smith released his label debut “Great You Are,” a song that is the pinnacle of everything Smith has ever wanted to do. “Connecting people to God just feels natural, and it feels free, and it feels easy,” he admits. “I want people to experience the Holy Spirit. I want them to be uplifted, and I want them to feel God’s love and His acceptance through my music, even if they don’t know what that is, even if they don’t understand that’s what they’re experiencing. My lifelong dream is to be able to make music for the church and to just experience heaven with people.”

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In the wake of a faith-testing year of loss and grief, Arkansas-based acoustic/pop duo After Grace emerges with a long-awaited new single, “Unseen.” A poignant anthem embracing God’s unwavering promises despite painful circumstances.

“The past year has been hard for us all, but we’ve had to adjust and try to keep going,” Clark shares. “For us, it’s been very tough to do that after losing Dad. Nothing is the same and it never will be again. We don’t understand why things happened the way they did, and we probably never will. The only thing we know to do is to trust God, and that hasn’t been easy.”

“It is easy, however, to find yourself questioning everything around you during the difficult moments life throws at you,” he admits. “I have questioned my faith. I have questioned God. I have questioned everything about life in general. But the thing that keeps me coming back is the memory of my dad. He always taught me to find my strength in the Word of God and to trust Him no matter what I’m going through. I may not always see it, but I can believe it. I may not always feel it, but I can trust it. I am choosing to believe in the ‘unseen.’”

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GRAMMY-nominated worship artists Cody Carnes and Brandon Lake partner in the release of “Too Good To Not Believe.” 

The song was inspired by “healing we have seen and healing we still want to see,” says Carnes. “We’ve seen cancer disappear, We’ve seen broken bodies healed, Don’t you tell me He can’t do it.”

New Music

GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter Jeremy Camp is back with new music! Camp surprised fans last week with the release of “When You Speak,” the first track to be released from his new record.

“There is so much to say about this past year. I wrote this song in the middle of all the uncertainty happening. I was feeling overwhelmed, confused and not at peace. I felt the battle in my mind constantly,” Camp shared on social media when speaking about the heart behind his new song. “I kept saying to myself, I can’t wait to get through this and God spoke to my heart and said Jeremy, I want this to get through to you. It made me stop and really want to learn what He was teaching me, and to be still before my God.”

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Ellie Holcomb released a new song, “Mine,” from her forthcoming album, Canyon, which releases on June 25th. Along with this poignant song about a parent’s love and the reflection of God’s love for His children, a personal music video debuts today featuring Holcomb’s three children and husband. This is also the first song that her husband, Drew Holcomb (of Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors) has recorded for one of her albums.

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RIAA PLATINUM-selling artist Crowder shared the latest song off his forthcoming Milk & Honey album, “The Anchor.” Written by Crowder, “The Anchor” is an emotional plea for humans to hold on to their anchor when consumed by darkness. With a powerful gritty texture in his voice accompanied by a dramatic piano, the song’s dark and cinematic tone builds to a climatic moment in the last chorus, urging all to come home.

“This song has been resonating deeply with me, and I am thrilled to finally get to share it with you,” says Crowder. “I hope as you listen you are reminded that even in times of hopelessness, there is an ANCHOR.”

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Tenth Avenue North leader Mike Donehey released his first Christian radio single as a solo artist last week. “All Together” asks what the Church might look like if it embraced even more radical vulnerability and acceptance. 

“There is something sacred that happens when addicts get together in a recovery circle. They know they will be met with 100% acceptance, therefore can be totally vulnerable,” Mike shares. “’All Together’ encourages people not only to take that first step towards vulnerability but also to participate in radical acceptance of those who do.”

MercyMe "from a Mug"

We discussed "Songs From A Mug" a while back. I'm not going to discuss this programing further, but just wanted to share a post last week from one of our favorite CCM groups, MercyMe.  This is a lot of fun. Enjoy...

Happy Memorial Day

 An oldie, but appropriate...

and a favorite video for today.