Written and performed by Sara Groves, “I Saw What I Saw”.
http://www.saragroves.com
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In the Company of God
We’re each the owners of our own soul and will. It is alone that we reach out to God from the depths of our soul, and alone that we experience his response to us. If our personal experiences with God don’t fit into somebody else’s theology or belief system, firsthand experience wins the debate. Maybe if life were easy, one might trade what God has been to you for the approval of people, but when you’ve suffered you become unwilling to do so. He is who he is, regardless of what anyone argues to the contrary.
Micah 6:8 – He has made it clear to you, mortal man, what is good and what the LORD is requiring from you— To act with justice, to treasure the LORD’s gracious love, and to walk humbly in the company of your God.
Istanbul, Target of Terror
Today evil in the form of a suicide bomber ended the lives of ten people. They were tourists to Istanbul, there to see the wonders of the city once named Constantinople. Just two months ago, I stood on the very spot it happened — a dozen times I walked through it to explore beyond the concentrated historic sites of Sultanahmet.
I marveled at the 3,465 year-old Egyptian obelisk, the 2,500 year-old Serpent Column, the Blue Mosque, and the German Fountain, built to honor the visit of Kaiser Wilhelm II in 1898.
It is there, beside the German Fountain (photo below), that nine German tourists and one Peruvian lost their lives.
This is the first time that news of terror pulled me immediately to the place and the people, the first time I could envision what is usually distant and unimaginable. The videos taken immediately at the scene, smoke from the blast still dissipating, showed horrified vendors and shopkeepers who witnessed parts of bodies as they fled. I cannot, I will not, imagine their deaths — I choose to think of their lives.
I think too, of the Syrian refugees scattered throughout the city of 14 million, choked from their homeland to sit cross-legged on the sidewalks silently pleading for help. They need it to survive, but their downcast eyes hint of shame when help is given. How compounded will be the prejudices against them now, considering the bomber is thought to be of ISIS, and of Syria?
They are the innocent Syrians, those unaffiliated with politics or war, forced from their home country lest they too be coerced into fighting for radical militias, or die like their friends and neighbors from explosives, chemical weapons, or starvation. An increasing number of the world’s population is biased against them because some of their countrymen have yielded to evil. Despite Turkey’s relatively limited resources, Turkey welcomed them when many countries have not. Today terror struck in the city they found refuge. How much more can the hospitable Turks and Syrian refugees bear?
I think of the people who were born and raised in Istanbul, who live and work and have their being in a country where war spills into it by virtue of geography — of Sofije, the middle aged women who warmly patted my back each morning as she poured my coffee, her smile and eyes bright with surprise the day I learned a few words of Turkish, “Günaydın/Good morning, Sofije. Teşekkür ederim/ Thank you”; who embraced me and kissed my cheek the day I left.
This is the view from the rooftop of the hotel where Sofije works. That’s how close the hotel is to the Blue Mosque, just steps from today’s violence. Will travelers still come to stay? Will Sofije lose her job, if not? Will she be able to feed her family, considering she lives in a nation whose average annual salary is only $9000 USD?
I think of the shop owners and workers; the restaurants and staff; Turkish Airlines, with its rare high quality and low prices; the museums and mosques who keep safe and allow the world to see 4000 years of human history. Terror in the heart of tourism is new for Turkey; terror elsewhere in Turkey is not. Over 100 people lost their lives in a suicide bombing at a peace rally in Ankara in October, nearly the same number as lost their lives in Paris in November. People will still visit Paris, London, New York City, and Boston after the attacks there, but will they go to Istanbul? Saturated with media reports of violence in the Mideast, will Westerners think Turkey is too near the region to consider travel there? Will terrorism win and keep visitors away?
Two months ago all Turks I met welcomed me without prejudice or restrictions. They treated me with utmost respect and trust. This couple invited me to their family meal, fed me, and hugged me farewell when I left, all without a common language. Will Istanbul stay the way it is now — the way it used to be for all of us not long ago — will their open-hearted welcome to all people continue? Will terrorism win and leave us fearing and fighting each other in the aftermath?
I, for one, am determined that terrorism not turn me against those who are innocent. I am Christian, Turkey is mostly Muslim in faith. That seems to be irrelevant to God, who had me praying for the people and nation of Turkey every waking hour for three days before the bombing, woke me last night at the very hour the bomb was detonated, and continues to lead me to stand for peace, protection, healing, and provision for the people of Turkey today. Would God summon a person across the world to pray in advance of an act of terror if all were hopeless?
He knows. He cares. He sees. He is greater than evil. It is through us that He exercises His power to overcome evil with good. He has solutions for us, if we will listen. As has always been, and is still today, our God needs people to not wilt in fear, but to arise in faith.
A New Thing
Could it be that in your quest to make a difference or leave your mark on this world, you are in fact on the cusp of realizing it, yet it doesn’t seem so? It was put this way through the prophet Isaiah: “For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?”
Perhaps the bigger the new thing, the more time needed to be able to look back and see what you were a part of.
As long as I’ve known him, my stepfather, Vern Wilson, has been casual about his seventy-five years as a musician. Actually, I doubt he’s ever called himself a musician, he just mentions things like, “I played with ___ band in this town,” as we pass through on drives, or “I never learned to read music, I only play by ear.” Only play by ear – I wish I could play an instrument by ear!
Over several sittings in the past month, I asked for details of Vern’s early years of playing and unearthed a compelling history. He gave his permission to share it, so for those who know him, or who appreciate local history, or who will recognize the lesson in his story …
Born in 1926, Vern grew up in a musical family on a farm near New Windsor, Illinois, where he learned to play fiddle, bass, mandolin, guitar, steel guitar, piano, organ, and accordion. Here’s little Vernon.
Around 1938, when he was only twelve, he began playing fiddle at barn dances throughout the region with “The Pleasant Valley Boys”.
By his late teens, he played live radio on WOC-Davenport.
With the end of World War II, broadcast television exploded to replace radio in homes across America. Someone heard Vern on WOC radio and hired him to play at the newly-aired WHBF TV-Rock Island. He played fiddle with “Buddies of the Airlanes”, who provided several live music programs per day. That’s Vern (age 24), in the photo below, second from the right.
This is their recording of “Wind”.
We were together at my dining table when I did a search and found the following article. To go from having little to no memoirs of his early band days, to finding a little something online was a nice surprise. He’s in the front in the photo.
http://www.hillbilly-music.com/groups/story/index.php?groupid=12786
From 1951 to ’54, Vern trained tank operators in the U.S. Army. By 1957, he was back at WOC, this time doing television instead of radio, and joined by his younger brother. Vern (age 31) and Ron (age 22) played a live show with the band, “Wes Holly and the Rhythm Ranchers”.
At the end of this article, is one of only two recordings that he has of his decades of playing. Wes Holly wrote “Shufflin’ Shoes” on the drive to Chicago to record at a studio. Vern remembers they had a 2:30 a.m. studio slot, and slept in a YMCA after. Vern played fiddle, Ron played bass, and both sang backup. Those who know them recognize their youthful voices in the chorus. Now 89, Vern hadn’t heard this for years, so Youtube helped make Christmas day heartwarming when I played it for him and Mom.
And lastly, here they are with “Wes Holly and the Rhythm Ranchers” in a book published in 2010 about WOC AM-FM radio and television history.
I asked Vern if he realized back then it was a big deal to be part of the birth of television. His honest reply?
“No, we just did it.”
That’s often the way it is when you’re in the midst of a new thing – it doesn’t seem all that significant in the moment. But give it time, and … Oh, it is … So. Very. Significant.
For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. – Isaiah 43:19 – New Living Translation
( Vernon Wilson passed away in March 2018, a month shy of 92 years old. In his final days, when he was unconsciousness but comfortable, our mom heard him humming a song. We played “Shufflin’ Shoes” at the close of his funeral, which elicited both surprised chuckles and tears.)
Birth of a Promise
When God births a promise, he does it in a stable.
Why?
The stable is simple, humble, and void of the embellishments which would detract from the miracle.
In the stable, the newborn promise is kept from the public eye. During the infant miracle’s most vulnerable stage, it is shielded from scrutiny, jealously, criticism, theft, and attack. Birthed in seclusion, it is given the best chance to survive and grow to maturity.
Once the miracle has strengthened, and has acquired agility in its movements, it will be released to spend time in the outdoors. That experience too, will be controlled for safety’s sake. Fences keep out predators and prevent the young promise from roaming naively into the path of danger.
Development takes time, and with it, the manifested promise will be permitted more and more freedom. Until then, be thankful for the fences. And be grateful for the chosen birthplace of the simple stable, where the newborn promise is accorded its greatest chance of survival.
And It Came To Pass
Luke 2 (KJV)
2 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
Mary, Did You Know?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy has come to make you new?
This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you.
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will calm the storm with His hand?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little Baby you kissed the face of God?
Mary did you know.. Mary did you know
The blind will see.
The deaf will hear.
The dead will live again.
The lame will leap.
The dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb.
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy is heaven’s perfect Lamb?
The sleeping Child you’re holding is the Great, I Am.
— Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene
Published on Dec 9, 2015
Watch the #ASaviorIsBorn video
https://www.mormon.org/christmas?cid=…
FREE Downloads http://www.evieclair.com/free-downloads/
Evie Clair’s cover of Mary, Did You Know? for the #ASaviorIsBorn initiative for Christmas 2015.
Performer and Arranger
Evie Clair ( http://www.evieclair.com )
To Uphold
When you are fearful, remember Isaiah 41:10, contemplate the meaning of “uphold”, and absorb its inspiriting synonyms:
uphold
verb: maintain, support
- advocate, confirm, defend, encourage, endorse, hold to, justify, promote, side with, stand by, vindicate, aid, assist, back, bolster, boost, brace, buttress, carry, champion, countenance, elevate, help, hoist, prop, raise, rear, second, sustain, uplift, upraise, back up, buoy up, hold up, pick up, shore up, stick by, stick up, take up, upbear, uprear
If you’re still afraid, consider these antonyms of “uphold” and be assured of what God will never do to you:
- attack, deny, oppose, protest, abandon, decrease, depress, destroy, discourage, drop, fall, halt, hinder, hurt, injure, lessen, lower, neglect, obstruct, prevent, stop, undermine, weaken
Don’t be afraid, my friend. He will uphold you.
Where Feet May Fail
“For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for “whoever will call on the name of the LORD will be saved.” Roman 55:16
“I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Psalm 16:18
“He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters.” Psalm 18:16
“As for me, I shall call upon God, And the LORD will save me.” Psalm 55:16
“Oceans” by Hillsong United; You Tube video licensed by Hillsong United TV.
Fishers of Men
“As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.’ At once they left their nets and followed him”
This was Jesus’ message to Simon and Andrew—follow Me, learn of Me, pass through My refining fires, experience firsthand My nature and My message. Only then will you be able to be fishers of men.
And yet many of us were never taught to follow Jesus. We were instead taught “Fishing for Men 101”. It goes like this:
As a believer of Jesus, it’s your duty to get out there and fish. Pull in those converts. You don’t need to know God to do it, only this simple formula: Build rapport with your target fish. Be interested in him. Gain his trust. Wait for it … Wait for it … Snag him! Reel him in! Then walk him through The Sinner’s Prayer:
Have him confess his sins, and ponder Jesus’s blood shed for him on the cross. Ideally he can muster up some guilt about that. Have him repeat after you, “Jesus is my Lord and Savior”, out loud, preferably in front of people. Hallelujah, he’s saved! Direct him to give God the glory for his great transformation. Prepare him for his upcoming role as a fisherman, according to The Great Commision. Invite him to church, and inform him that he’ll be mentored in “Fishing for Men 101”, in expectation that he perpetuate the practice.
And by golly, if you gain a sweet new notch on your fishing belt for snagging him, you’re just blessed. You’re humbled to have been used by God. To show how humble you are, you stand up on Testimony Night and ever-so-proudly — er, humbly, ever-so humbly — tell everyone how you — er, God, you meant to say — how God saved another lost fish.
Sound familiar? We don’t even question “Fishing for Men 101”, because people in authority and peers we respect don’t.
We never talk to the fish we were unable to snag — those still out in the sea — because if we did, we would hear that our fishing tactics violated them, disturbed them, and made them run from anything remotely “Christian” or “of God”. We don’t want to learn that the very thing we call “service to God” was the catalyst to their atheism.
We don’t accept accountability for representing God to non-Christians and Christians alike as a God who presumes, stereotypes, manipulates, and imposes; a God who is arrogant, obtuse and coercive. He’s none of those things, of course — but we are, and we don’t own that.
We never ask ourselves if we even know God. Why would we? We are the accepted ones. We choose who validates us — we surround ourselves with like-minded and like-behaving people, substitutes for direct feedback from God — and disown, block, slander, and unfriend those who discern our hearts or dare to address it.
We wouldn’t know if God is saying to us, “Well done, my good and faithful servant”, or the opposite, “I don’t know you”, because we don’t ask Him. We don’t pray with sincerity as David did, “Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and my heart.”
‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said …
Know Me. Understand Me. Depend on Me. Listen to Me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for My sake will find it. Be an extension of Me — without your agendas, learned strategies, and preconceived ideas of what I might do with, through, and for you. Let Me implement with you the superior plans I have for you.
‘and I will make you fishers of men.’
The I is Jesus. He will teach, train, counsel, encourage, assign, position, and orchestrate so that we end up where He wants us. He is the one to make us fishers of men, if He so chooses.
When He leads, any impact we may have on humankind is not harmful, but helpful. Subjected to His discipline and refining fires, our impurities are removed over time so that it is not our ugly natures, but His indwelling Holy Spirit that is visible to others. It is not us at all, but God’s authentic love, mercy and justice that is the bread of life. That bread is indiscriminate — He offers Himself to each and every fish in the sea.
At once they left their nets and followed him.”
Simon and Andrew were willing to follow.
Are we?
Cindi Gale 