The Story Behind Josh Wilson's Song "Before The Morning"

Last year I shared the "Before the Morning" song that Josh Wilson wrote.
Well, at some point I came across the story behind the song that gives some deeper insight to it.
The story is a difficult one.  It is encouraging to not only have hope for this life, but to remember if you are a believer that you have an eternal hope.  If you do not yet have that certainty, please visit the website:  http://needGod.com

You may have a life threatening situation in your life or you may not.  I hope that by God's grace that my faith in Him and worship for Him increases and is increasing through the trials that I face.

Heaven, Voting, Busyness & Abortion Letter

Here are some miscellaneous items that I found worth sharing with you:

What is Heaven like and should we trust modern books of experiences to give us accurate views? Phil Johnson's article here has a good answer for you.

The Burpo-Malarkey Doctrine - Phil Johnson

 

This blog post gives a worthwhile explanation on the purpose of voting ... a "functional view."

What Am I Doing When I Vote? - Kevin DeYoung

Challies' reminds us to set aside time to be effective in the things that God would want us to do.

I'm Not Busy! - Tim Challies  

 

The following video that a number of my friends have already seen is the story of a mother who had an abortion, and her feelings are expressed later through a letter.

In Christ Alone (Newsboys with Peter Furler)

My friends have been sharing this song lately, and we've sung it at church...including yesterday!
I first heard it sung by the Newboys many years ago, even though it was not written by Peter Furler or Steve Taylor or any other of the Newsboys.

Of course, Peter Furler is not with the Newboys anymore, as he took some time off and then went solo.  I love his On Fire album from 2011 by the way!

I'm partial to who I heard sing "In Christ Alone" first.  I think that most people are that way, although I have liked more than one singer's version of some songs.   For me it is less distracting to stick with the old.

This is an excellent worship song, and I was quite surprised to see that the website recommended on this video is one that I am VERY familiar with!  Many of my blog viewers will also be pleasantly surprised.

That's http://needGod.com

The Consolations of the Lord

 As many of you now know, I have had increasing physical problems lately that have limited me more and more in recent times (Fibromyalgia, P.O.T.S. and possibly neurocardiogenic syncope, etc.).   During this time I have discovered others who suffer from similar trials in their life, and I want to encourage them with some verses that have ministered to me both now and over the years.  I also know that it is easy to get depressed over what you have lost, the limitations, the pain, the dizziness, the isolation that these things can bring.  I've found that it helps to get the mind off of self and onto God and others.  Sometimes that means additional pain, dizziness & head ringing for me by my using the internet to try to encourage others, share the Gospel & to fellowship with other believers when I cannot see them in person.  Yes, there can be stress and emotional distress, but these are all cares I try to cast on the Lord and trust to His will.  

Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.  Psalm 55:22

When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul.  Psalm 94:19

"The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You.  Isaiah 26:3

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; Though its waters roar and foam, Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride.  Psalm 46:1-3

I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come?  My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.  He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel Will neither slumber nor sleep.  Psalm 121:1-3

I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living.  Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD. 
Psalm 27:13-14

Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.  Psalm 42:11

The steps of a man are established by the LORD, And He delights in his way.  When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, Because the LORD is the One who holds his hand.  I have been young and now I am old, Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken Or his descendants begging bread.  Psalm 37:23-25

All Scriptures are in the NASB version.

Don't Let It Slip On By

I don't know who sings this song, but the story in it is very touching about not missing opportunities to get close to and spend time with those in your family.
 
Even those serving in ministries need to remember the ministry they have with their own family.  Time is fleeting, and those at home or closest to us are impacted by what is done or isn't done as well.  Also, sometimes people can so focus on ministry that they miss out on getting to know the people that God might use as a blessing, encouragement or an instrument of growth in their lives....as well as others they might minister to and ignore instead.

Being limited by Fibromyalgia, P.O.T.S. and possible neurocardiogenic syncope issues I have a lot more time to think, but even I can get sidetracked by things online.  I want to be an encouragement and care about those God brings into my life in person or online.
Here are some verses I found that go along with the sentiments of the song I'm sharing today.
Romans 12:10
Ephesians 6:2
Ephesians 5:25
Ephesians 5:15-16

I find the scrapbook photo style of this video rather unique and fun. 


Finding Favour - Slip On By (Lyric Video) from goteerecords on GodTube.

Josh Wilson Presents Noel

I've been listening to samples of Josh Wilson's upcoming Christmas album Josh Wilson Presents Noel that is coming out tomorrow. 
One of the songs is "Jesus Is Alive" which was his hit song from last year.
There is another interesting surprise song featuring Andrew Peterson that is entitled "Once a Year" that encourages people to love like it's Christmas more than once a year.   This is so true that we need to care about people all year long.
The "Go Tell It on The Mountain" song featuring Mandisa is rather jazzy for my taste.
"Almost Christmas" is lively and has a very much Josh Wilson classic feel and is another original.
While I enjoyed a number of the classic Christmas songs that he did for this new album, my favorite new song from the samples at this point is "Christmas Changes Everything."

The full song list on the iTunes Australia website is:

The First Noel (Instrumental)
Jesus Is Alive
Go Tell it on the Mountain (featuring Mandisa)
Do You Hear What I Hear?
Christmas Changes Everything
Almost Christmas
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Carol of the Bells (Instrumental)
Angels We Have Heard On High
Once a Year (featuring Andrew Peterson)

Here is a video with part of a song that didn't make the album:

One Thing Have I Desired - Worship Song

I have mentioned before that I watch On The Box which is an online show done by the people at Living Waters Ministries. Well, one of the guys who occasionally comes on the show goes by the name of "Scotty." His name apparently is actually Stuart Scott.
I was surprised to learn that he had put together this song (with Biblical words included)that I was very familiar with from years ago.
There were a couple of old cassette tapes with worship music that were very helpful in soothing people during stressful times. I believe this song was on one of those tapes!


One thing have I desired - Maranatha Music/ Stuart Scott from everflowinglife2 on GodTube.