Living Word VBS

 

The Good Stuff in the Middle

In my continued reading of the Psalms, I have reached the "middle" of the Bible with Psalm 117. The King James version of the Bible has 1189 chapters. There are 594 chapters before and 594 chapters after Psalm 117. And just like an Oreo cookie, there is some good stuff in the middle. 😊

Psalm 117

1 Praise the Lord, all you nations;

    extol him, all you peoples.

2 For great is his love toward us,

    and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.

Praise the Lord.

Psalm 117 may be one of the shortest chapters in the whole Bible, but that doesn't mean it doesn't contain some big truths. The beautiful simplicity found in Psalm 117 answers three important questions for us.

1st- What? "What are we supposed to do?"

If you are ever wondering what to do in life….read Psalm 117. It makes things crystal clear in the first three words. It states, "Praise the Lord." The question is not whether or not you will praise or worship something. The question is what you will praise and worship. We were built to praise. This is the way God made us. The world is full of things and people to worship. Unfortunately there are lots of distractions with ourselves, our lives, things happening in the world around us. We often get wrapped up in praising and worshipping things other than God, but you will only find true joy, peace, hope, and love in praise of the LORD.

2nd- Who? "Who is supposed to praise the Lord?"

Again Psalm 117 makes this pretty clear. It states that, "all nations....all peoples" should praise the Lord. You are not exempt. There is no skipping out. Whether you think you should or shouldn't is not even a question. Psalm 117 reminds everyone they are to praise the Lord. This means whether you are in the midst of blessing or in the midst of suffering, you must praise the Lord. This means whether you think you need God or you think you don't, you must praise the Lord. That is the only option.

3rd-Why? "Why would you want to praise the Lord?"

God could have been like my dad and simply said...."Because I told you to", but he didn't! He gave us more than just obedience to draw us to praise and worship Him. There are many wonderful reasons which should lead us to praise him because He is so awesome! Psalm 117 gives us a couple of those reasons: His great love and His faithfulness endures forever... Sounds like pretty good reasons for our praise!

Obviously many of the Psalms talk about praising God. It is an important concept and direction for us to follow. Like last week's Flashback Friday group sings:

The Truth I'm Standing On

Over the last couple Fridays, the Museum of the Bible partnered with Trinity Broadcasting Network (I wrote about TBN a few weeks ago) to produce “The Truth I’m Standing On,” a concert featuring high-profile recording artists sharing songs about healing during this difficult time for our country and world. 

Matthew West hosts "The Truth I’m Standing On - a special night from Museum of the Bible!" This one-of-a-kind two-part worship event featured performances from Matthew, Mandisa, Zach Williams, Matt Maher, Christine D’Clario, CeCe Winans, Danny Gokey, Leanna Crawford, Newsboys, and for KING & COUNTRY!

“As our world continues to be engulfed in chaos, sickness, tension and uncertainty, people are desperate for a firm foundation they can stand on,” Matthew West said. “The Scriptures point the way for all of us to find that solid foundation in God’s promises, and the Museum of the Bible powerfully displays the truth that God’s word has stood the test of time and served as a guiding light in our darkest days. I hope these performances will flood your heart with hope and remind you of the truth we all can stand on.”

• Watch Part 1 from 2 weeks ago HERE on TBN.
• Watch Part 2 from last Friday HERE on TBN.

Lots of great music, great words of inspiration, and it was certainly interesting to get a glimpse inside the Museum of the Bible in Washington DC.

The "Rock" of Christian Rock

Today we are really going to push Mr. Peabody's Wayback Machine... We are going to talk about the band, PETRA. Petra is a music group regarded as a pioneer of the Christian rock and contemporary Christian music genres and was, for many years, regarded as the "world's most popular Christian rock band". Formed in 1972, the band took its name from the Greek word for "rock". 

With a style initially similar to The Eagles, Lynyrd Skynyrd, or Kansas, Petra's sound evolved into a more energetic, driving rock sound in the early 1980s that was more like Foreigner, Styx, and Journey. Throughout the 1980s and into the early 1990s, Petra was one of the world's most popular Christian rock bands, with each of its albums during that period selling hundreds of thousands of copies while the band sold out arenas and regularly placed songs at the top of Christian radio charts. 

In their own words:

The band is not in competition with other Christian bands. We feel we are competing with Journey, Styx and REO Speedwagon. We need to be aware of them, because the people who come to see Petra go to see those bands as well. We are being very naïve if we don't keep that in mind. We need to have a light system, sound system and presentation that will be competitive with those groups.

Petra's biggest hit, The Coloring Song, released in 1981, reached the top position on three Christian radio charts simultaneously, and at its peak, the band's tours rivaled Amy Grant's in popularity among Christian audiences. Petra was the first rock band inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the first Christian band whose memorabilia was included in the Hard Rock Cafe restaurant chain. By the mid 1980's, Petra was at the height of its success as they toured and released new albums. No Christian rock band had sold more records, played before bigger crowds or had enjoyed such pervasive radio airplay.

It is impossible to list all the hit songs that Petra had in those early years. In 1989 they released Petra Praise: The Rock Cries Out. The result was the first-ever contemporary praise-and-worship album in Christian music, with praise staples such as Take Me In, The Battle Belongs to the Lord, and King of Kings done in Petra's hard-rock style. The band's new label, Word Records, billed it "a praise and worship record unlike any ever seen." 

In 1997 they did a follow-up praise album, Petra Praise: We Need Jesus which produced some  memorable hits like  Ancient of Days and this hit, Lord I Lift Your Name On High (gotta love these old Trinity Broadcasting Network videos):

Petra was a true pioneer for Contemporary Christian music, influencing countless artists. With its lyrics, music and style, Petra influenced numerous other artists at a time when Christian rock experienced strong opposition from many conservative pastors and churches.

In 2004, CCM readers inducted Petra into its Hall of Fame, with the magazine noting:

Few artists had as much influence in the formation and growth of what has come to be known as "contemporary Christian music" as did Petra. ...As one of the movement’s trailblazers, Petra bore the brunt of the controversy, enduring picketers, protesters and public denunciations by prominent Christian leaders. (It is, perhaps, a telling sign of the Christian community’s former resistance to Petra that the band won a Grammy before they ever won a Dove Award!) Still, all rabble-rousers aside, Petra managed to create some of Christian music’s most treasured recordings

In more than three decades, the band experienced numerous member changes yet released 20 studio albums and two live albums, selling nearly 10 million copies while being nominated for 13 Grammy Awards, winning four, and winning 10 Dove Awards. Though Petra disbanded formally in 2006, incarnations have played reunion shows, did a short tour, and released a couple new albums.  

If you want to learn more about the history of Petra, I highly recommend that you watch this 2011 documentary about Petra, their history, and their commitment to "rock and religion". It is not surprising that we still play a fair number of Petra's songs in church today.

Perfect Timing!

I'd love to take credit for the timing of this picture that I took in the "bird cage" on our Living Word trip to Hemker Zoo... but chances are that I "snapped" the picture a good five seconds before my camera decided to finally open the shutter! So, it has to be a "God thing"  - which makes much more sense, since His timing is always perfect!

Plus... when Violet first saw the picture she said the bird in middle reminds her of Jesus on the cross between the two thieves!

New Artist: Stephen McWhirter

Time to feature another new CCM artist, STEPHEN MCWHIRTER. From meth addict to worship leader, Stephen McWhirter’s powerful testimony is one of radical restoration.

Stephen grew up the son of a traveling evangelist, but the man he knew in private and the one he knew in public, were not the same. Due to the hypocrisy he witnessed as a child, he believed Jesus was simply fantasy. As he grew into his early teens he wanted nothing to do with Christianity. At this time of his life, he fell into extreme drug addiction. Eventually, becoming a crystal meth addict, for over 5 years. During this dark chapter, someone gave him a book about Jesus, which he miraculously accepted.

One night, at 3am, he set in a bed reading the book, with drugs next to him on the side table. That night, as he read, he was acutely aware of the presence of God, in the the room. Stephen began to have an internal dialogue with the Lord, he knew He was real but didn’t know how to quiet the life of addiction he had known for so long. In that moment, with a thought more powerful than he could ever have imagined, He felt the Lord say, “You don’t have to do it alone, because I will do it!” and in that moment, Stephen believed Him and gave his life to Christ. He found himself with a willpower not his own, and overnight, went from addiction to redemption. He had come to personally and intimately know the God that saves.

Today, Stephen is a touring worship leader, songwriter, recording artist, speaker, and author, seeing thousands come to Christ through God’s calling for his life. He has been a prominent writer and performer for Iron Bell Music and is now starting on a solo career. With this new chapter, God has lead him into a season of even more kingdom impact, with the release of his debut EP Grave Clothes with songs  “Grave Clothes,” "Now I Know," "Ever After Me," and more. Stephen has a style and sound that reminds me a lot of Zack Williams and his subsequent releases like "There Is A Light," "You Have Been There," and  “Better Man” are great worship songs of faith and testimony and I highly recommend a listen.

His newest release, "Come Jesus Come", is a prayer for today and a hope for a better tomorrow.. We are living in an unprecedented time in history, and the song “Come Jesus Come,” is a reminder that JESUS IS THE ONLY FINAL ANSWER! 

“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." ~ Revelation 21:3-4

"Come Jesus Come" by Stephen McWhirter...

New Music Releases

There have been several new music releases to note:

BUILDING 429 just released a new song, "Different", that was co-written by lead singer Jason Roy and his 14-year old daughter.  According to Roy:

"...as we were writing we began talking about how God loves different…He loves variety, how the world is amazing because of how different every part of it is, and that maybe, just maybe the differences between us are actually a gift. Maybe we shouldn’t hide who we really are. Maybe our scars are a story that testifies that nothing is wasted so we don’t have to hide. My words of encouragement to her were simple…Stand your ground, don’t back down, and you’ll be proud of who you’ll become, daring to fail, willing to fall… but sweetheart, don’t ever run from who you are."

NEEDTOBREATHE released another new song, "Banks", from their soon to be released new album called Out of Body.

“This song is about the women in our lives... they are strong, ambitious, patient, caring, and intelligent forces of nature,” the band shared. “‘Banks’ is our way of saying we support you and that there’s nothing more beautiful than watching you effortlessly become the very thing you were made to be.”

CHRIS TOMLIN released another new song, "Power", from his newly released album, Chris Tomlin & Friends. This song features Bear Rinehart from the above mentioned group NEEDTOBREATHE.

All the rest of the songs on this album are currently available on YouTube beginning HERE. You can also listen to a livestream talking with many of the artists about how these songs came about HERE.

A quick sidenote... for KING & COUNTRY's song, "Together" (which I wrote about back in mid-June) currently holds the top spot on both Billboard and Mediabase Christian Airplay charts. This is for KING & COUNTRY’s seventh No. 1 on Billboard’s Christian Airplay chart, and their fourth consecutive No. 1 hit at Christian radio.

Concert Notice

To celebrate the release of their new album, Holy Water, WE THE KINGDOM will be performing a live concert on Thursday, August 6th at 8:30 CT.  You can access it through Facebook or on their YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWYV7-vyh1NkvXB4LWd3OLw.

Hope you have the chance to tune in and listen.

8/7/20 Update:  This was a great concert last night to kick off the release of WE THE KINGDOM's first album, Holy Water.. We have been listening to quite a few of the songs from this album for months now since many have been released as singles. Songs like "Holy Water", "God So Loved", "Dancing On The Waves", and "Child of Love" so it seems strange to realize that this is the band's first album. In case you missed the concert you can watch it at https://youtu.be/Gly613tJReQ.

Back to the 90's

Time for another walk down our musical memory lane... A couple of days ago we talked about Cain's "Revival"... Well, this week's Flashback Friday features another revival... a Christian rock band formed in Memphis, TN in 1991 - Big Tent Revival. 

BTR released five albums in the 90's, and were a five time Grammy-nominated Christian blues rock band. There were some great songs on these albums including "Two Sets of Jones" (a song about the importance of trusting Jesus through the storms of life instead of material things, in a style that was reminiscent of Billy Joel's, "Piano Man") "Best Thing in Life" (a memorable rock anthem), "If Loving God Was A Crime" (a soft rock song about not being ashamed of your faith), "Choose Life" (about choosing eternal life- reminds me of the style of an early Beatle's song), "Mend Me", "Famine Or Feast", and "What Would Jesus Do" - which became somewhat of an anthem for the WWJD movement in the late 90's. (Do you remember wearing a WWJD bracelet?)

Perhaps one of my favorites from Big Tent Revival was the 1996 song, "Here With Me":

You said you'd always love me, and you would never leave

Sure as the sky above me, I believe, I believe, I believe

Mountains high and valleys low

Desert land and driving snow

Like a river to the sea, you are always here with me

Few bands in any genre can claim a Grammy nomination for every album they have recorded. Big Tent Revival is one such band. But even with three critically acclaimed albums, numerous Dove and Grammy nominations, and a slew of #1 radio hits to their credit, they insist that the accolades, while affirming, was not the reason the band existed. Driven by a desire for musical excellence and spiritual maturity, Steve Wiggins (guitar/vocals), Spence Smith (drums), Randy Williams (lead guitar), Steve Dale (bass), and David Alan (keyboards), hit the road for 200+ dates per year for one single purpose—to tell the world about Jesus. During the 90's BTR toured extensively across the nation and internationally and were featured performers at the Harvest Crusades which were large scale evangelistic outreaches in the 90s.

In 2000, Big Tent Revival disbanded primarily due to the stress of extensive touring and desire to spend more time with family. BTR did get back together in 2012 and produce an album but received limited success. 

More New Music Video Releases

A couple of noteworthy new music videos were just released...

REBECCA ST JAMES (a Flashback Friday artist from about 3 weeks ago) has just released a new EP of six songs. This is her first new release in about a decade. In her own words:

About three years ago while I was performing a few songs in Alaska, God radically called me back to music in a time when I wasn’t looking for it! In that season I had been retired for quite a few years and was living my lifelong dream of being a wife and mama. But while singing at an event with my brothers, for King & Country, I was on stage and had this Holy Spirit moment where it was like scales fell from my eyes. I knew God was calling me back to music. He has very obviously led the way in this return to my musical calling, and in times of vulnerability or insecurity, He has shown me that HE is enough, and HE is in control. I’m thankful!

The song that I would like to feature is the title track of the EP called "Dawn" and features her brother, Luke Smallbone (of for King & Country).

The second new video that I would like to share was just released by I AM THEY called "Faithful God". It is the title track off their upcoming new album being released in the fall. It's been more than two years since I Am They released "Scars," the chart-topping and award-nominated single from their 2018 album Trial & Triumph.

"'Faithful God' comes from Hebrews 10:23 which says, ‘Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful,'" explains Matt Hein, I AM THEY's vocalist and guitarist. "The song speaks to our persistence in the middle of what we’re going through because He is faithful.”

I will sing through fire and thunder 

Cause You are on my side 

I trust You with my life 

I know my story, it isn’t over 

Even against all odds 

You are a faithful God 

That’s who You are 

You are a faithful Go

"Faithful God" should hit the CCM radio airwaves in late August.

Raising Cain...

Okay... I know, corny title... Today I want to introduce a band that very few people know about called Cain. This self described "preacher’s-kids-growing-up-in-Alabama, sharing-one-room-all-their-lives, touring-as-a-family-band" consists of Taylor, Madison, and Logan Cain.  They have toured across the US, but just recently started producing Christian music. Their first EP (extended play release) with 6 songs was released this spring and they are are scheduled to tour this year with Zack Williams and We The Kingdom (if this tour resumes this fall we will probably hear more about them, but of course that is all still undetermined).

Cain has some nice songs with good harmonies and an easy listening style that is reminiscent of the 70's pop sound. If I were asked to describe them, I would say imagine the 70's soft rock band, BREAD with sibling harmonies playing Christian themed songs.

The songs on the EP are worth a listen... "Rise Up", "Yes He Can", and "The Commission" are all good and I encourage you to check them out, but perhaps my favorite is Revival:

There are days when I wake up 

And My faith is cold and tired

The light feels so dim

It’s not like me just to give up 

So I’m bringing you my dry bones

Breath in me again 

Need that wind to start blowing

Need these eyes to be opened 

Need my heart to keep hoping

So I’m calling out 

I need a revival 

Feel you moving in my soul

Give me that fire I haven’t felt in far too long 

Holy Ghost come awaken

Bring me back to the days when 

Wonder working power

Was alive in me

I need a revival, revival, revival

and here is the story behind the song "Revival"...

Fighting Fear

Seems for the past few months the main topic of discussion has revolved around fear.. fear of COVID-19, fear of unemployment and mounting bills, fear of racial tensions, fear of the unknown future... fear. I know that is seems like we have been discussing this a lot over the past few months, but it is an important topic as many people are feeling uneasy and unsure how to handle all the recent storms of life.

So how do we handle all this fear... this uncertainty... this apprehension... this worry? I don't believe that walking around singing "hakuna matata" is the answer. I think the answer is in the assurances of God's Word. And as Pastor Dave said in Sunday's sermon, the answer is in following God's map for the direction we should go. 

Another thought is that it is difficult to overcome fear if all we are doing is reading, watching, and listening to all the problems and issues in the world today. Keeping up on current events is fine, but constantly watching the news definitely does not do much to abate our fears and worries. Instead spend time reading, watching, and listening to things that uplift our spirits. Spend more time in God's Word. For the past few weeks I have been watching a show on TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network) based on Max Lucado's sermon series, Fearless. These one hour shows have been excellent (especially if you are a Max Lucado fan) with a variety of speakers like Greg Laurie and Steven Furtick and musical guests like like Zack Williams, Bethel Music, and more. I recommend this program.

You can watch Fearless Part 1 HERE.

You can watch Fearless Part 2 HERE.

Fearless Part 3 just aired this last Friday. Watch the recording HERE.

Another interesting and relevant Lucado show on TBN about facing fear is Facing Giants. "The latest Goliath we face is not a 9 foot giant, but a virus."

Note:  You will need to sign up to access TBN on the internet, but it is free and they have a lot of good shows (both live and recorded) and older videos (like Billy Graham Crusades) to enjoy. So next time you want to watch something worthwhile and there is nothing on but reruns, check out these shows.

God tells us in Isiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" Remember this and you can proclaim the wisdom of the famous Alfred E. Nueman, "What, me worry?" Like it says in Matthew 6:34 "...do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." 

One final thought is that when people wonder why you are not afraid, not worrying... remember God's direction to us in 1 Peter 3:15 "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."

New Music Releases

There were several notable new music video releases last Friday...

We The Kingdom released a new song called "No Doubt About It" from their upcoming album Holy Water that will be released on August 7th. In their own words: "This song is about the journey of life. It can be discouraging to look ahead and see all the mounds of brokenness we have to overcome in order to be whole. But when we look back and see how far God has brought us, it fills us with the courage to keep on pressing on towards the goal."

Our favorite songwriter/storyteller Matthew West just released the official music video for "Truth Be Told" from his recently released album, Brand New. "This song is an honest attempt by me to be, well, honest. Authenticity is easier said than lived," West shared on social media when speaking about the inspiration behind his new song. "I think deep down we all like the idea of showing who we really are, warts and all, to the world. But allowing others to see the rough-around-our-edges, is a scary thing. What will people think? How will they judge me when they know I’m anything but perfect?" West added, "The crazy thing is, the truth is already told when it comes to God. Scripture says nothing in our lives is hidden from Him. For someone who hasn’t discovered the freedom of grace, the thought of a God knowing about the worst parts of your life can really freak you out. But to understand that there is a God that sees every secret sin, every struggle, every thought, every mistake, and loves you still- that is a freedom like no other."

Both of these videos are worth watching, but the video I'm going to feature today is from Charlotte Ave,  a new group that I introduced to you a couple weeks ago. Listen to the beautiful harmonies on this classic hymn:

Flashback Friday

This week we continue our look back 20 to 40 years in Contemporary Christian music with a look at DC Talk. Formed in 1987 as a Christian rap and rock group by Toby McKeehan (aka TobyMac), Michael Tait (who is the current singer of the Newsboys), and Kevin Max Smith (aka Kevin Max) who spent some time as the lead singer of Audio Adrenaline a few years ago. DC Talk stands for "decent Christian talk" and they were one of the most successful CCM groups in the 1990's.

The group has won four Grammys and numerous Dove awards with their distinct sound of a blend of rap, hip hop, and pop. In 1995, their album Jesus Freak achieved the highest first-week sales of any Christian release up to that time and was certified gold within 30 days of release, eventually be certified double platinum. The title track, Jesus Freak, was the biggest hit and was believed to have been the first link between grunge and rap in Contemporary Christian music and achieved some success on secular radio stations. The album also produced hits including  In The Light (which we still occasionally sing in church), Colored People, and though it was not their biggest hit, one of my personal favorites, What If I Stumble....

Later hits included Hey You I'm Into Jesus, My Will, Wanna Be Loved, Consume Me, and many more.

DC Talk was also known for their memorable remakes of other artists' songs like Larry Norman's I Wish We'd All Been Ready and the Doobie Brothers' Jesus Is Just Alright, Larry Greenbaum's Spirit In The Sky, and Bill Withers' Lean On Me.

DC Talk has been notable for their firm stance against racism and an uncompromising Christian message in their music. Whether or not their music style appeals to you, they were an undeniable influence for a new generation of fans and in reaching a new CCM audience in the 90's. 

In 2000, the members announced that they would take a hiatus to pursue solo careers. Though they have continued to sporadically release singles  and perform together, they have been very successful as solo artists and performing in other bands like Newsboys and Audio Adrenaline.

Call 911

Standard disclaimer: The views and opinions in this article are the rambling thoughts of the author and not necessarily representative of Living Word Lutheran Church.

I've been reading through the Psalms. (Did you know that if you search YouTube, nearly all the Psalms have been put to music?... some are good, some not so good, but many are interesting.) I recently read Psalm 91 and it made me think.. (Admittedly, I cannot claim that this is an original thought or epiphany, but it is a good thought nonetheless.) Here in the United States, 911 is the universal emergency phone number. Ironically enough, as Christians our emergency number should also be 911... Psalm 91:1. 

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High

    will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

This may be the best number to remember in a crisis. In fact all of Psalm 91 is a prayer for protection and strength. A prayer that speaks of God's blessing and protection for every possible attack on the children of God.

It’s hard not to think about the problems we are experiencing today: the pandemic, racism, civil unrest, unemployment, economic disaster, and more. These issues are constantly in the news and have literally touched every area of our lives. We’re separated from family and friends, businesses are closed or struggling, people are suffering. This time is confusing and frightening for hundreds of millions of people. During this historical moment in history, it’s hard not to be anxious or worry. 

But we can take comfort in Psalm 91... it is full of declarations and promises of God’s protection. This Psalm speaks of God’s presence, power, and protection against fear. Fear is the one emotion God doesn’t want to overtake us; because when we fear, it reveals in our hearts how we are relying on our own efforts and not trusting our Savior. Facing all of the problems in life, we have the right to be concerned but we do not have the right to worry or fear. There are over 365 verses about fear in the Bible and even Jesus tells us three times in Matthew 6:25-34, “Don’t worry.” God is still in control. Psalm 91 assures us of protection, comfort, and care. It reminds us we don’t dwell on the news, we don’t dwell in anxiety, worry, or the pandemic. He is our dwelling place.

Don't mistake this as an unconditional promise and proof that life would be smooth sailing; that we won’t face hardship, illness, or any other crisis. God doesn’t promise that we won’t get sick or witness loved ones suffer at the hands of this illness or anything else in life. What he does promise is to be with us and protect us from fear. The promises and plans he has for each of us offers us comfort that he is in control.

Just remember... just like 911 on the phone system. Psalm 91 is a "voice-activated" system. We need to be reading His Word and declaring His promises.

For the guys...

Does anyone remember Promise Keepers? The organization founded in 1990 by Bill McCartney (head football coach of the University of Colorado at that time). The organization that held large stadium events around the country for thousands of men to gather "for training and teaching on what it means to be godly men".

I can remember attending several events in Minnesota.  The largest was in 1995 at the Metrodome with an attendance of 62,000 men. Though there was some controversy and opposition about the organization and the value of its teachings (as is often the case with just about everything "Christian"), I always enjoyed these events and found them to be uplifting. Unfortunately, by 2000 the attendance at Promise Keeper events had dropped drastically and became nearly nonexistent in subsequent years.

Well, I have exciting news... Promise Keepers is trying to reinvent itself and is hosting a virtual conference July 31st - August 1, 2020. In their own words:

Stand Strong. Stand United.

On July 31 and August 1, men all across the globe will gather via livestream in their homes, with their men’s groups, and at simulcast locations hosted by churches, to experience the Promise Keepers 2020 Global Digital Experience

Registration is free (though they do request a donation if possible), and they are featuring some great speakers: Tony Evans, John Eldredge, John Gray, Luis Palau, and Miles McPherson, just to name a few. With musical leaders of Michael W. Smith, Danny Gokey, and Phil Wickham. This looks to be a very good conference.

Take a look at the event trailer.

The conference runs on Friday, July 31st. from 6:00 p.m tp 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, Aug 1st, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.. I have my ticket. Hopefully you can join me.

Be The Moon

I had previously talked about Chris Tomlin's upcoming new album, Chris Tomlin & Friends that is due to be released on July 31st.. On Friday, he released another new song from the album called Be The Moon featurng country singers Brett Young (platinum selling artist of In Case You Didn't Know, Mercy, and others ), and Cassadee Pope (of The Voice fame).

As Chris explains:

"What I have said to each artist that is on this project is that the idea behind, ‘Be The Moon,’ is the heart of this record. The moon is not striving to be anything; it just puts itself in the right place and reflects the light of the sun. It's the same for us, we have no light of our own but reflect a greater light, the light of God. This is the essence of Christianity.”

“Singing with me on this song are two friends of mine, Brett Young and Cassadee Pope, who are both incredible artists. What I found out about Brett, like many of the artists on this record, is that he was brought up in the church leading worship in his youth group. All those incredible harmonies you hear in the song, that is all Cassadee Pope. I am so grateful that they are both on this song with me because I really feel that their hearts reflect the idea of the song.”

If you listened to the message at church yesterday (or watched the video on our website), this song is a perfect representation of how Pastor Dave talked about being a good example in how we represent Jesus. This a great song about reflecting a greater light... Gods' light...

I wanna be the moon, up among the stars

Fly around the world, lighting up the dark at night

I'm nothing without the Son's amazing grace

On everything I do

If You're shining on me, I'm shining right back for You

I wanna be the moon

Lord, I wanna be the moon for You

Concert Notice!

July 28th at 8:00 EST... for KING & COUNTRY, Lecrae, Crowder, Jonathan McReynolds, and The New Respects are coming together for a one-night only, worldwide concert experience. Representing different genres, sounds and audiences, today’s hottest Christian voices are rising up to unite the global Church in this unprecedented cultural moment.

Filmed live 11-stories up in downtown Nashville, America’s “Music City”, Better Together is a unique concert experience unlike anything anyone has ever seen or heard before.

Believing we have something to say “for such a time as this,” we share the same heart, same stage, same message: now is the time to be light in the darkness, to bridge divides and heal past hurts. Now is the time to show we are truly Better Together.

Hurry and get your free tickets HERE.

Going the Distance

Another Flashback Friday... Taking Contemporary Christian Music back to the 90's... the days of long hair, flashy outfits, and mullets. A couple weeks ago I featured Steven Curtis Chapman and his hit song The Great Adventure. That song was cowritten by a close friend of Steven's, Geoff Moore. Check out this video of Steven and Geoff performing another great song that they cowrote, Listen To Our Hearts in 1993.

Geoff Moore and his band, the Distance were one of my favorite CCM groups in the 90's. Geoff was raised the son of a steel worker in Flint, MI and was a classmate to the future lead singer of Whiteheart (which we will probably feature in a future Friday). Geoff was introduced to the CCM industry by Michael W. Smith when they met at a clothing store at which Geoff worked. 

Geoff released several albums in the mid-1980's, and really became successful in the 90's after forming his touring band, the Distance. Geoff Moore and the Distance got their first real Christian radio exposure in 1992 with A Friend Like You and followed that with Grammy nominated albums Ev-O-Lu-Tion in 1993 and Homerun in 1995. There were lots of memorable radio hits off these albums like Evolution Redefined, The Vow, and Life Together. Here is one hit that I thought I should feature (this one is for you, Pastor Dave)... 

In 1998 Geoff Moore and the Distance disbanded and Geoff began a solo career that continues to today. I got to see them in concert in the late 90's and the highlight of the evening was when they ended the night with When All Is Said and Done... this song, which is really a prayer, remains one of my favorites today.

Here is a great interview video about the life of Geoff Moore and what he is doing today.