By: Chuck SpanglerGrace Memorial Parishioner One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, ‘Which commandment is the first of all?’ Jesus answered, ‘The first is, “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” The second is this, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” There is no other commandment greater than these.’ With Valentine’s Day imminent (February 14th ), it seems “love” should be rekindled and openly expressed. The Greeks had six (6) separate words for “love”…the biblical use of “love” was most commonly “agape”, which is “a selfless love that is passionately committed to the well-being of others”. The following offering, “When Love Sees You” (Mac Powell & Third Day) seems to illustrate “agape” love in the form of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ’s example. Cut: “When Love Sees You” Artist: Third Day CD/Album: The Story Blessed are you as you weep on your knees, with perfume and tears washing over My feet
And blessed are you, beggar, hopeless and blind, Calling for mercy when I'm passing by Blessed are you, shaking your head, at two tiny fish and some bread And blessed are you as you tremble and wait For the first stone thrown at your sinful disgrace Tell Me your story, show Me your wounds, and I'll show you what Love sees when Love looks at you Hand Me the pieces, broken and bruised, and I'll show you what Love sees when Love sees you Blessed are you, walking on waves, to find yourself sinking when you look away Blessed are you, leper, standing alone, the fear on their faces is all that you've known Blessed are you, lonely widow who gave your last shiny coin to Yahweh. Blessed are you with your silver and lies, kissing the One who's saving your life Tell Me your story, show Me your wounds…And I'll show you what Love sees when Love looks at you Hand Me the pieces, broken and bruised, and I'll show you what Love sees when Love sees you I see what I made in your mother's womb and I see the day I fell in love with you I see your tomorrows, nothing left to chance, I see My Father's fingerprints I see your story, I see My name, written on every beautiful page You see the struggle, you see the shame, I see the reason I came. I came for your story, I came for your wounds, to show you what Love sees when I see you Yeah, yeah, when I see you…when I see you, oh, whoa, whoa
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By: Chuck SpanglerGrace Memorial Parishioner “I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.” Philippians 1:19 Third Day, with lead singer Mac Powell, and is an internationally acclaimed Christian Music group, having sold 7 million albums, with 28 #1 hits; garnered four Grammys and 24 Gospel Music Awards. Third Day was awarded the 2008 American Music Award for “Favorite Contemporary Inspirational Artist”. Grace Memorial’s Christian Formation group heard Third Day in concert in Baton Rouge (April, 2015). Their music was a frequent subject of our Sunday Youth Christian Formation contemplation. Cut: “Sound of Your Voice” Artist: Third Day CD/Album: Move I ran away from Your love… You waited for me…yes You waited for me.
And then I heard Your song singing over me…singing over me. Now that I hear you Lord I wanna know You more…I wanna know You more. Sing Your song to me, oh there’s no greater thing than to listen to the sound of Your voice. When I hear Your song, I wanna sing along…and listen to the sound of Your voice, The sound of Your voice. Oh I am calling Your name and I’m waiting for You…yes I’m waiting for You. So won’t You show me Your ways and I will follow You…yes I will follow You. Now that I hear you Lord I wanna know You more…I wanna know You more. Sing Your song to me, oh there’s no greater thing than to listen to the sound of Your voice. When I hear Your song, I wanna sing along…and listen to the sound of Your voice, Sing over me bringing peace and mercy with a song that never ends. Sing over me momma listen for me, Lord I want to hear Your song again! Sing Your song to me, oh there’s no greater thing than to listen to the sound of Your voice. When I hear Your song, I wanna sing along…and I listen to the sound of Your voice, The sound of Your voice. I want to hear Your song…I want to hear Your voice. I ran away from Your love but You waited for me…yes You waited for me. By: Chuck SpanglerGrace Memorial Parishioner Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My Hand. My Father, who gave them to me, is greater than all…” John 10:27-29 This Casting Crowns video is a continuation of their Live Concert featured last week with “Here’s My Heart”. If some doubt the power and reach of Christian Praise Music, “Great Are You Lord” has been viewed on YouTube by more than 75 million viewers. You give life…You are love…You bring light to the darkness.
You give hope…You restore every heart that is broken…Great are You, Lord ‘Cause it's Your breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise…we pour out our praise It's Your breath in our lungs, So we pour out our praise to You only You give life…You are love…You bring light to the darkness. You give hope…You restore Every heart that is broken…Great are You, Lord It's Your breath in our lungs, So we pour out our praise…we pour out our praise It's Your breath in our lungs, So we pour out our praise to You only It's Your breath in our lungs, So we pour out our praise…we pour out our praise It's Your breath in our lungs, So we pour out our praise to You only And all the earth will shout Your praise…Our hearts will cry These bones will sing Great are You, Lord And all the earth will shout Your praise…Our hearts will cry These bones will sing Great are You, Lord And all the earth will shout Your praise…Our hearts will cry These bones will sing Great are You, Lord It's Your breath in our lungs, So we pour out our praise…we pour out our praise It's Your breath in our lungs, So we pour out our praise to You only it's Your breath in our lungs, So we pour out our praise…we pour out our praise It's Your breath in our lungs, So we pour out our praise to You only It's Your breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise…we pour out our praise It's Your breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise to You only It's Your breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise…we pour out our praise It's Your breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise to You only We pour out our praise to You only We pour out our praise to You only By: Chuck SpanglerGrace Memorial Parishioner For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend, with all saints, what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height, And to know the love of Christ, which passeth all knowledge, that ye might be filled with the fullness of God. - Ephesians 3:14-19 If we have learned anything from our hours of scripture reading and listening to Christian Praise music, it’s that we can only fulfill God’s plan for us as Christians if we allow our hearts to follow the teachings of Jesus.
Cut: “Here’s My Heart” Artist: Casting Crowns Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Speak what is true.
Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Speak what is true. I am found, I am Yours, I am loved, I’m made pure. I have life, I can breathe, I am healed, I am free. Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Speak what is true. I am found, I am Yours, I am loved, I’m made pure. I have life, I can breathe, I am healed, I am free. Cause You are strong, You are sure, You are life, You endure. You are good, always true, You are love, breaking through. Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Speak what is true. Here’s my life, Lord. Here’s my life, Lord. Here’s my life, Lord. Speak what is true...speak what is true. Cause You are more than enough, You are here, You are love. You are hope, You are grace, You’re all I have, You’re everything. Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Speak what is true. Here’s my life, Lord. Here’s my life, Lord. Here’s my life, Lord. Speak what is true…Speak what is true. Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Speak what is true...speak what is true. By: Chuck SpanglerGrace Memorial Parishioner “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, who hath made us fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son; In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” -Colossians 1:9-14 With the tumultuous and heart-wrenching calamities of the past two weeks, I thought it appropriate to share the following duet featuring Zach Williams and Dolly Parton. 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.” Dolly Parton, who harmonizes with Zach on this cut, needs no introduction, except to mention that she hails from Sevierville, TN (close to Mother Liz’s youthful stomping grounds). Cut: “There Was Jesus” Artist: Zach Williams (accompanied by Dolly Parton)
Every time I tried to make it on my own. Every time I tried to stand and start to fall. All those lonely roads that I have travelled on…There was Jesus. When the life I built came crashing to the ground. When the friends I had were nowhere to be found. I couldn't see it then but I can see it now…There was Jesus. IN THE WAITING AND THE SEARCHING IN THE HEALING AND THE HURTING LIKE A BLESSING BURIED IN THE BROKEN PIECES EVERY MINUTE EVERY MOMENT OF WHERE I’VE BEEN AND WHERE I'M GOIN EVEN WHEN I DIDN'T KNOW IT OR COULDN'T SEE IT…THERE WAS JESUS. For this man who needs amazing kind of grace. For forgiveness at a price I could not pay. I’m not perfect so I thank God every day that There was Jesus. IN THE WAITING AND THE SEARCHING IN THE HEALING AND THE HURTING LIKE A BLESSING BURIED IN THE BROKEN PIECES EVERY MINUTE EVERY MOMENT OF WHERE I’VE BEEN AND WHERE I'M GOIN EVEN WHEN I DIDN'T KNOW IT OR COULDN'T SEE IT…THERE WAS JESUS On the mountain, in the valleys (There was Jesus), In the shadows of the alleys (There was Jesus) In the fire, in the flood (There was Jesus)…Always is and always was. No I’ll never walk alone! (Never walk alone)…You were always there. IN THE WORRY AND THE SEARCHING IN THE HEALING AND THE HURTING LIKE A BLESSING BURIED IN THE BROKEN PIECES EVERY MINUTE EVERY MOMENT OF WHERE I’VE BEEN AND WHERE I'M GOIN EVEN WHEN I DIDN'T KNOW IT OR COULDN'T SEE IT…THERE WAS JESUS. By: Chuck SpanglerGrace Memorial Parishioner And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them unto heaven, the shepherds said one to the other, “Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.” And they came with haste and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. -Luke 2:15-16 Third Day was established in 1993 and is an internationally acclaimed Christian Music group led by Mac Powell, whose genuine commitment to Christ and distinctive baritone voice have contributed to the group’s popularity. They have sold 7 million albums, with 28 #1 hits, garnered four Grammys, and 24 Gospel Music Awards. Third Day was awarded the 2008 American Music Award for “Favorite Contemporary Inspirational Artist." Grace Memorial’s Christian Formation group heard Third Day in concert in Baton Rouge (April 2015). Their music is a frequent subject of our Sunday contemplation. Cut: “Manger Throne” Artist: Third Day CD/Album: City On a Hill – It’s Christmas Time What kind of King would leave His throne
In Heaven to make this earth His home? While men seek fame and great renown In lowliness our King comes down Jesus, Jesus, precious one How we thank You that You've come Jesus, Jesus, precious one A manger throne for God's own Son You left the sound of angels' praise To come for men with unkind ways And by this Baby's helplessness The power of nations is laid to rest Jesus, Jesus, precious one How we thank You that You've come Jesus, Jesus, precious one A manger throne for God's own Son What kind of King would come so small From glory to a humble stall? That dirty manger is my heart too I'll make it a royal throne for You Jesus, Jesus, precious one How we thank You that You've come Jesus, Jesus, precious one A manger throne for God's own Son By Chuck SpanglerGrace Memorial Parishioner In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you.’ But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.’ Luke 1:26-33 Selah is an internationally acclaimed Christian music trio (Todd Smith, Allan Hall, & Amy Perry) formed in 1997. Amy Perry’s remarkable voice fills this song with emotion and depth. The group took their name from the ancient Hebrew word “selah”, the exact meaning of which has been lost in antiquity. The word “selah” appears over 70 times in the Psalms…it is surmised by some theologians that its meaning is similar to “amen” in that no viable English synonym exists. Selah has sold more than 4 million albums resulting in 8 Gospel Music Association “Dove Awards”, and 8 #1 singles. Cut: “Mary Sweet Mary” Artist: Selah Mary, sweet Mary, your heart overflows
Deep in the night, child, a babe is born. Sacred and holy, blameless and pure, Mary, sweet Mary, tonight your child is born. Mary, sweet Mary, so strong, yet so frail Carried a baby sent to save the world. Wise men still seek Him and find in Him peace. Mary, sweet Mary, tonight your King is born. All of the angels danced as heaven sang All of the earth stood so still and so peacefully. Mary, sweet Mary, God's precious child Blessed redemption is found in His eyes. All creatures great and small, He came for all. Mary, sweet Mary, tonight your Savior's born . . . Mary, sweet Mary, tonight our Savior is born . . . Chuck SpanglerGrace Memorial Parishioner “Messiah” is universally acknowledged as one of the finest musical pieces ever composed. The work was accomplished by Handel with assistance from Charles Jenners (an 18th century lyricist). The combination of a strong Christian theme, four part voice harmonies and solos, orchestral compositions (running the gamut of strings, percussion, and horns), and at times a unique and majestic harmonious blend of voice, instrument, and verse, “Messiah” is indeed worth listening to and reflecting on over many “takes”. If ever one could conclude that “Divine Inspiration” exists, this work offers convincing evidence: Handel commenced the “Messiah” on August 22, 1741, in response to a competition for a new work of music to be performed in Dublin on Easter, 1742. The work was somehow completed by Handel on September 14, 1741…a miraculous feat accomplished in twenty-three days! The Dublin audience was understandably in awe of the superb music. The Dublin debut was followed over the next few years by concerts in London and throughout Europe. Over the centuries a number of changes to the work have been made; however, the basic composition has stood the test of time. The seven YouTube videos highlighted below represent a portion of “Part I” which concentrates on the birth of Jesus. Each Advent season, our youth would be “exposed” to this classic which might be alternately labeled as the “First Christian Praise Music” composition! “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout! O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, thy King cometh unto thee! He is the righteous Saviour, and He shall speak peace unto the heathen.” Luke 1:14 “Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, goodwill towards men.” LUKE 2:14 “There were shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And lo! the Angel of the Lord ca me u po n them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid.” LUKE 2: 8-9 “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” ISAIAH 9:6 “Behold a Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name “Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill made low, the crooked straight and the rough places plain.” ISAIAH 40:4 "Comfort ye, comfort ye My people, saith your God; speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem; and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness: - prepare ye the way of the Lord: make straight in the desert a highway for our God." ISAIAH 40: 1-3 Chuck SpanglerThey said to each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?’ The sinners in Zion are afraid; We love because he first loved us. Stars Go Dim is a four piece Christian rock band formed in 2007 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They began focusing exclusively on Christian Praise music with the release of the “Stars Go Dim” CD/EP in 2015. In 2016, they were nominated for a Dove Award for “New Artist of the Year”. Their music is characterized by excellent vocals (headlined by lead singer Chris Cleveland, who also writes a majority of their music) and upbeat, up-tempo arrangements. The contemporary style and sound of SGD had a unique appeal to the teenagers in our Christian Formation group. The specific message in “You Are Loved” was received by the kids as both uplifting and encouraging. “Never Burn Out” Album: Stars Go Dim Artist: Stars Go Dim I know I’ve said a thousand times, “I’ll follow You, leave it all behind”.
But here I am on my knees again. Just a broken soul tryin to stand, with a beggar’s heart, reachin out my hands. God I need one more chance…God I need one more chance. Take my hopes take my dreams, align them up with You, Until I see the world everything from a different view, Take the fear in me and fade it to the background. Light a fire…light a fire…that will never burn out…that will never burn out. I wanna lose myself in Your great design, of a selfless love that Your Son defined. I wanna be the spark glowin in the night. My past is gone, my future’s Yours, I only get one life, I wanna live for more. I don’t wanna waste another moment, yeah I don’t wanna waste another moment. Take my hopes take my dreams, align them up with You, Until I see the world everything from a different view, Take the fear in me and fade it to the background. Light a fire…light a fire…that will never burn out…that will never burn out. That will never burn out…that will never burn out. All I am, all I have for You, for You. All I am, all I have for You, for You. Take my hopes take my dreams, align them up with You, Until I see the world everything from a different view, Take the fear in me and fade it to the background. Light a fire…light a fire…that will never burn out…that will never burn out. That will never burn out…that will never burn out. That will never burn out…that will never burn out. Chuck SpanglerGrace Memorial Parishioner “Messiah” is universally acknowledged as one of the finest musical pieces ever composed. The work was accomplished by Handel with assistance from Charles Jenners (an 18th century lyricist). The combination of a strong Christian theme, four part voice harmonies and solos, orchestral compositions (running the gamut of strings, percussion, and horns), and at times a unique and majestic harmonious blend of voice, instrument, and verse, “Messiah” is indeed worth listening to and reflecting on over many “takes”. If ever one could conclude that “Divine Inspiration” exists, this work offers convincing evidence: Handel commenced the “Messiah” on August 22, 1741, in response to a competition for a new work of music to be performed in Dublin on Easter, 1742. The work was somehow completed by Handel on September 14, 1741…a miraculous feat accomplished in twenty-three days! The Dublin audience was understandably in awe of the superb music. The Dublin debut was followed over the next few years by concerts in London and throughout Europe. Over the centuries a number of changes to the work have been made; however, the basic composition has stood the test of time. The seven YouTube videos highlighted below represent a portion of “Part I” which concentrates on the birth of Jesus. Each Advent season, our youth would be “exposed” to this classic which might be alternately labeled as the “First Christian Praise Music” composition! "Comfort ye, comfort ye My people, saith your God; speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem; and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness: - prepare ye the way of the Lord: make straight in the desert a highway for our God." ISAIAH 40: 1-3 “Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill made low, the crooked straight and the rough places plain.” ISAIAH 40:4 “Behold a Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name E M M A N U E L, God with us.” ISAIAH 7:14 “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” ISAIAH 9:6 “There were shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And lo! the Angel of the Lord ca me u po n them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid.” LUKE 2: 8-9 “Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, goodwill towards men.” LUKE 2:14 “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout! O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, thy King cometh unto thee! He is the righteous Saviour, and He shall speak peace unto the heathen.” Luke 1:14 |
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