By Chuck SpanglerGrace Memorial Parishioner The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. ~Psalm 23 Our offering this week is from Leanna Crawford. Leanna Crawford recently turned 30 (born 6/13/1995), but has spent almost ½ of her young life writing and performing Christian music. She grew up & was educated in Washington state prior to her move to Nashville at the age of 21. She found her calling during a mission trip at the age of 17 and almost immediately wrote and performed a Dove Award-winning song (“Moment by Moment”), which was coincidentally produced by Ed Cash from We The Kingdom. Six of her songs have reached the Billboard Top 25, including this selection, “Still Waters”, which reached #1 in 2024. Leanna was nominated as “Female Artist of the Year” in 2021 by K-Love and won “Breakout Single of the Year” by K-Love (2025) for “Still Waters”. Per a portion of the lyrics of “Still Waters”: “…anxiety hates Psalm 23…” Cut: “Still Waters (Psalm 23)” Artist: Leanna Crawford CD/Album: Still Waters Great Aunt Maurine said at a hundred and three, “Write scripture on your heart for when you need it,
'Cause anxiety hates Psalm 23” So just say it to yourself 'til you believe it, And I'm feeling like I'm needing it right now. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He leads me by still waters 'til my fears are gone. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death Oh, I know You are with me, my Father, my friend Your goodness and mercy will follow me all of my days, I know by Your still waters, I'm safe. Lord, I believe You can set me at ease, Turn this broken piece in me to peace and quiet. I know there's power in Your word, So I'll say it over and over 'til my soul's reminded. Oh, The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want, He leads me by still waters 'til my fears are gone. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, Oh, I know You are with me, my Father, my friend. Your goodness and mercy will follow me all of my days. I know by Your still waters, I'm safe. Still waters run through any valley I could find, I'm laying fear down here at Heaven's riverside. Your word has been true in every season of my life I believe, yes, I believe still waters run through any valley I could find I'm laying fear down here at Heaven's riverside Your word has been true in every season of my life. I believe, yes, I believe Oh, The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want, He leads me by still waters 'til my fears are gone. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death Oh, I know You are with me, my Father, my friend. Your goodness and mercy will follow me all of my days. I know by Your still waters I'm safe
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By: Chuck SpanglerGrace Memorial Parishioner “ Be not anxious saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or, ‘What shall we drink?’ or, ‘With what shall we be clothed?’ For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” ~Matthew 6:31-33 The Christian Praise Music world is dominated by strong male voices and male-centric groups; however, there are a number of popular and influential female vocalists in this space. For the next few weeks we will focus on female Christian music artists. We have listened to several prominent female artists in the past (e.g., Francesco Battistelli, Brook Ligertwood from Hillsong Worship) and may replay some of them. Our initial offering is from Lauren Daigle. * Lauren Daigle is a Lafayette, LA, born Christian music singer-songwriter. * Her 1st album “How Can It Be” released in April, 2015, reached platinum status. * She is a 12 time Dove Award winner for Song of the Year and Artist of the Year * 2 Grammy awards including Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance for “You Say” * 4 time AMA Music Award winner * Six time Billboard Music Award winner (including the 2019 “Top Christian Song” for “You Say”) * “You Say” was released July 13, 2018, and rapidly reached top 10 status on both the Contemporary Christian music charts as well as the Pop charts. The official music video we will enjoy today has received 374 million YouTube views. Cut: “You Say” Artist: Lauren Daigle CD/Album: Look Up Child Chuck SpanglerGrace Memorial Parishioner For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. ~Romans 8:14 Hillsong Worship formed in 1983 at Hillsong Church (Sydney, Australia), with seven artists. They have placed twelve (12) albums on the Billboard magazine charts (Christian music), with six reaching #1, received the 2018 Grammy for “What A Beautiful Name” (reaching over 560 million YouTube views), and the GMA Dove Awards in 2017, 2019 (“Who You Say I Am”), and 2020 (“King of Kings”), with Brook Ligertwood as lead singer. Grace Memorial youth attended the Hillsong Worship concert at the Smoothie King Center on November 6, 2019. “Oceans” has been recorded by numerous artists with different styles, but its message is its appeal. “Oceans” has soothing effects on us, and some of the lyrics speak to our resolve as followers of Christ: “Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders Let me walk upon the waters Wherever You would call me. Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander And my faith will be made stronger…In the presence of my Savior Cut: “Oceans” Artist: Hillsong Worship CD/Album: Where Feet May Fail By Chuck SpanglerGrace Memorial Parishioner "For even hereunto were ye called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps. Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth; Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, he threatened not, but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously; Who His own self bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness; by whose stripes ye were healed." ~I Peter 2:21-24 MercyMe is a contemporary Christian band founded in 1994 and lead by lead vocalist Bart Millard. They have recorded 1 triple platinum album and 6 gold albums. Twelve of their singles have reached #1 on Billboard, and the group has captured 8 GMA Dove Awards. While this cut, “Flawless”, experienced no special popularity, it does exhibit an upbeat and somewhat eccentric message about how God’s creation is above normal societal judgments. The mere fact that this YouTube video has received over 60 million hits may be more important than it’s commercial success…”the Cross has made you Flawless…” Cut: “Flawless” Artist: MercyMe CD/Album: Welcome to the New There’s got to be more than going back and forth
From doing right to doing wrong ‘cause we were taught that’s who we are. Come on get in line right behind me, you along with everybody Thinking there’s worth in what you do. Then Like a hero who takes the stage when we’re on the edge of our seats saying it’s too late Well let me introduce you to amazing grace. No matter the bumps, No matter the bruises, No matter the scars Still the truth is the cross has made, the cross has made you flawless No matter the hurt, or how deep the wound is, no matter the pain Still the truth is the cross has made, the cross has made you flawless Could it possibly be that we simply can’t believe That this unconditional kind of love would be enough To take a filthy wretch like this and wrap him up in righteousness, But that’s exactly what He did. No matter the bumps, No matter the bruises, No matter the scars Still the truth is the cross has made, the cross has made you flawless No matter the hurt, or how deep the wound is, no matter the pain Still the truth is the cross has made, the cross has made you flawless Take a breath smile and say right here right now I’m ok, Because the cross was enough. Then Like a hero who takes the stage when We’re on the edge of our seats saying it’s too late Well let me introduce you to grace grace…God’s grace No matter the bumps, No matter the bruises, No matter the scars Still the truth is the cross has made, the cross has made you flawless No matter the hurt, or how deep the wound is No matter the pain, still the truth is, The cross has made, the cross has made you flawless No matter what they say or what you think you are The day you called His name, He made you flawless, He made you flawless No matter the bumps, No matter the bruises, No matter the scars Still the truth is the cross has made, the cross has made you flawless By Chuck SpanglerGrace Memorial Parishioner "In like manner, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility; for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” ~ I Peter 5:5 Zach Williams, born in 1978, has been a popular Christian music artist since 2007, living in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He writes the majority of his music, which features his raspy baritone voice and country/acoustic style. He has won 5 Grammy and GMA Dove awards, including the 2021 Grammy for “There Was Jesus” (the Dolly Parton duet). His delivery is “folksy” and seems to always tell a story…that approach is entertaining as well as educational in “Less Like Me”. The message is clear and relatable in this cut as we all need to practice more humility and love towards our neighbors. It has received over 40 million YouTube views. Cut: “Less Like Me” Artist: Zach Williams Album: Rescue Story By Chuck SpanglerGrace Memorial Parishoner "Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink; let me be delivered from those who hate me, and out of the deep waters. Let not the waterflood overflow me, neither let the deep swallow me up, and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me. Hear me, O Lord,; for thy lovingkindness is good. Turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies. And hide not thy face from thy servant; for I am in trouble. Hear me speedily. Draw near unto my soul, and redeem it; deliver me because of mine enemies. Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonor; mine adversaries are all before thee. Reproach hath broken my heart, and I am full of heaviness; and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none. Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous. But I am poor and sorrowful; let thy salvation, O God, set me up on high. I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving. ~Psalms 69:14-30 What a relief! “…You never said I had to climb these broken ladders…” But WAIT! There is a “catch”: “…all You ever wanted was my heart…”. God (as usual) combines life’s indescribably difficult challenges with His profound simplicity. Selah has been featured in previous Reflections and is one of the two (2) videos presented below. Amy Perry’s remarkable voice solos on “Broken Ladders” in the first video. Anthem Lights highlights the “ladders” in the second video and adds some beautiful acapella gospel at the end. Cut: “Broken Ladders” Artist: Selah You never asked me to be king, build my tower up to the sky…so why do I try?
You never asked me to be rich, buy the things that gold can buy…so why do I try? All You ever wanted was my heart, my heart, my simple heart…to You that’s all that really matters, Why do I feel that I have to reach, believe I have to rise? When You never said I had to climb…these broken ladders. You never asked me to be complete, by myself find all I need…so why do I try? You never asked me to stand alone, face the struggles on my own…so why do I try? When all You ever wanted was my heart, my heart, my simple heart …to You that’s all that really matters, Why do I feel that I have to reach, believe I have to rise? When You never said I had to climb…these broken ladders. Cause all they do is take my eyes off of You, make me forget the truth. All You ever wanted was my heart, my heart, my simple heart…to You that’s all that really matters, Why do I feel that I have to reach, believe I have to rise? When You never said I had to climb…oh You never said I had to climb…these broken ladders. By Chuck SpanglerGrace Memorial Parishioner I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear of it, and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.” ~Psalm 34:1-3 Over the next few weeks, we will share Christian Praise Music that exhibits “praise” in what may be classified as “non-traditional”. Be patient and open to the music without judging it for strict conformity to our 2025 expectations…moreover, just accept it as another believer’s “praise”. The first offering is “Creed” performed in studio by Third Day (lead singer Mac Powell) and Brandon Heath. The “Creed” we recite each worship service in more accurately named the Nicene Creed. You may recall Mother Liz’s homily last summer, which included a brief history of the Nicene Creed. If you missed that explanation, the following is a synopsis of the origins of the Nicene Creed: There were two events that resulted in the “First Council of Nicea” in the 4th century: (1) The Roman Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity in the early 4th century and soon thereafter declared Christianity the official belief of the Roman Empire, and (2) There was confusion and varying beliefs within the early church regarding the precise relationship between the Father, Jesus his Son, and the Holy Spirit. For example, several prominent early Christian leaders (lead by Arius) preached that Jesus was a man and not a divinity. Other leaders had problems with the connections between God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. To resolve this dispute and unify all Christian teachings, Constantine called most of the Christian leadership within the Roman Empire (essentially the entire Mediterranean basin) to a council at Nicea in 325 CE. The resulting statement of beliefs was later modified in 381 CE and forms the basis of the Nicene Creek we now accept and recite weekly. That statement foundationally accepts God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit as the “Holy Trinity” and now is accepted by an estimated 98% of the world’s Christian community. Today’s YouTube video is one version that clearly is not word for word what we pray and declare at Grace Memorial each Sunday; however, in its uniqueness it should be considered “praise”. Cut: “Creed” Artist: Third Day (with Brandon Heath) By Chuck SpanglerGrace Memorial Parishioner Brandon Lake was born in 1990 in South Carolina. His career as a Christian worship singer and songwriter began in 2015, and since then he has been a member of Bethel Music and Maverick City Music prior to striking out as a solo artist. He has garnered either individually or with one of his previous groups 25 awards from ASCAP, Billboard, Grammy, and GMA Dove, including the 2023 Billboard “Top Christian Song” for this cut: “Gratitude”. His soothing and pitch-perfect vocals are complemented with his accomplished guitar instrumentals. We have heard Mr. Lake on past presentations that he collaborated with Elevation Worship and Bethel Music. RE: “There Is A King”. “Gratitude” has a simple yet worthwhile message for all of us. Cut: “Gratitude” Artist: Brandon Lake Chuck SpanglerGrace Memorial Parishioner Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel? He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. Some time after Easter Sunday (traditionally 40 days), our Savior ascended into heaven having walked among his disciples to ratify his rising on the third day, and to bless and dispatch them to spread His message to the ends of the earth. This year Ascension is May 29th . The Grace Memorial youth enjoyed Casting Crowns performing “Hallelujah” at the Lafayette Cajun Dome in April, 2017, and the impact that performance had on all of us was significant. Cut: “Hallelujah” Artist: Casting Crowns CD/Album: The Very Next Thing Hallelujah…Hallelujah…Hallelujah…Hallelujah.
On the morning of creation, Father, Son, and Spirit rise. As They set the world in motion the morning of the first sunrise. A symphony of golden sunlight dancing in the Father’s eyes. He gazes at His masterpiece as all creation cries, “Hallelujah…hallelujah…hallelujah…hallelujah.” Man shakes a fist at heaven, the breath of God still in his lungs. A brokenhearted Father grieves, in love He sends his only Son. He was bruised for our transgressions, crushed and buried in the ground. As the sunrise finds and empty tomb, the redeemed of God resound, “Hallelujah…hallelujah…hallelujah…hallelujah.” A holy quiet grips the night, the morning of the last sunrise. Broken slumber, blinding light, nations tremble at the sight. The Son of Man just split the sky! Every saint and every scoffer…every king and every pauper at the name of Jesus all fall face down. From Holy ground we’ll rise to meet the bridegroom in the sky, from earth to heaven reigns the Son, “Hallelujah…hallelujah…hallelujah…hallelujah.” Hallelujah…hallelujah…hallelujah…hallelujah! By Chuck SpanglerO Lord, how manifold are thy works! In wisdom hast thou made them all; the earth is full of thy riches. ~Psalm 104:24 Grace Memorial Parishioner As a follow up to our traditional hymns shared last week, we offer below two (2) versions of “How Great Thou Art”. The first cut is performed by Selah. Selah embarked on an international tour in the early 2000’s, including performances in the Congo on the continent of Africa. They discovered a surprisingly large and dedicated African audience filled with the Holy Spirit. As a result, Selah recorded a portion of “How Great Thou Art” in the native Kituba dialect. Cut: “How Great Thou Art” Artist: Selah CD/Album: Greatest Hymns The second version is performed by Home Free. They are a five person acapella ensemble that produced their interpretation of “How Great Thou Art” in a spectacular setting with impeccable harmonies. Tim Foust (who opens this song) is considered one of the two or three finest bass voices in the world. It is worth listening to for the sheer comfort and empowerment of the soul. Cut: “How Great Thou Art” Artist: Home Free CD/Album: Land of the Free O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder, Consider all the worlds thy hands hath made.
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed. Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee: How great Thou art, how great Thou art. Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee: How great Thou art, how great Thou art! Kituba Dialect O Mfumu Nzambi bu mono yindula, Bima yonso ya Nge me salaka. Ba mbwetete ntangu ti ngonda songa, Ngolo ya Nge mu nsi ya mvimba Buna mono zitisa Nge Nzambi: Nge ikele nene mingi Buna mono zitisa Nge Nzambi: Nge ikele nene mingi Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee: How great Thou art, how great Thou art. Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee: How great Thou art, how great Thou art! |
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