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Songs of the Noblesinger - 4/19/2005 2:43:11 PM
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noblesinger
Posts: 869
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: "Almost Heaven"
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09:20am Mar 17, 2004
Well. So this is what Blog Town looks like. Seems to be a nice place to put down some roots, so I think I'll do just that.
Actually, I've been hanging around here for a few days now, just reading some of your Blogs: Christine, Ellie-Mae, Fritz, Lisa, etc. I have found them to be entertaining, informative, and just plain sweet. It's my hope that you find mine to be the same ways.
There will be many items finding their way into this Blog: songs that are currently speaking to my heart (Hence the name. Get it?), notes from my Pastor's sermons, things gleaned from the Scriptures, my thoughts and feelings on current events...you know, kinda like my regular Posts. It's just that I'll have bit more leeway about their length, but will still keep the TOS in mind when it comes to their content.
OK, that's enough rambling for now! I pray that these words may be a blessing to you all. Bye, y'all!!
Duane
_____________________________
"...the worth and excellency of a soul is to be measured by the object of its love." - Henry Scougal, The Life of God in the Soul of Man
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RE: Songs of the Noblesinger - 4/19/2005 2:49:34 PM
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noblesinger
Posts: 869
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: "Almost Heaven"
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10:18am Mar 18, 2004
You know that it’s an election year when our roadsides, front yards, utility poles, mailboxes, and airwaves become polluted with that most annoying of all things created – the political ad.
Mary and I both keep our finger on the ‘Mute’ button while we’re watching TV. They can be so pushy. Blessedly, since I primarily listen to K-LOVE on my car & truck radios, I’m spared from that “fate worse than death,” although I do hear them when I listen to Rush Limbaugh.
These “Vote for Me” signs, card, flyers, etc. really kill me. They all promise more jobs, better schools, safer neighborhoods, affordable health care, etc., etc., ad nauseum. And they also tell you how their opponent is a no-good, lying, slimeball, so don’t vote for them. Give me an everlovin’ break! What they need to tell you is how they plan on paying for this increased governmental spending – on your backs, by way of tax increases!
Speaking of politics, a Massachusetts senator spent some time in Huntington, WV. He sat in a booth at Jim’s Steak and Spaghetti House, spoke to the people and made some friends. His initials are JFK. Think I’m talking about John Forbes Kerry? Wrong-o, tiny ones! I’m speaking of John Fitzgerald Kennedy. 44 years ago, John Kennedy came to West Virginia, went to this restaurant in Huntington, and ended up in the White House. Now John Kerry is trying to follow in his footsteps; he came to WV on Tuesday, went to Jim’s, sat in the same booth, put a 7 year-old boy on his lap, signed an autograph, and spoke to the folks that were there. He seemed charming…at least on the surface. But it’s what lies underneath that worries me about him.
During a speech later that night in Charleston, Sen. Kerry criticized Pres. Bush’s ads by saying, in true liberal doublespeak, “I voted for the military appropriations bill…and then I voted against it.” Huh? How could you do both, Sen. Kerry, then still claim to be pro-military? There are so many inconsistencies in this man that it’s ridiculous. Don’t let this man anywhere near the White House, unless it’s to receive a briefing from its current occupant, George W. Bush.!
Well, that's enough "politickin'" for now. Hopefully, nothing else will push my hot buttons for awhile! See you all later!
Duane
_____________________________
"...the worth and excellency of a soul is to be measured by the object of its love." - Henry Scougal, The Life of God in the Soul of Man
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RE: Songs of the Noblesinger - 4/21/2005 10:54:42 AM
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noblesinger
Posts: 869
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: "Almost Heaven"
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11:00am Mar 19, 2004
I told you that one of the things that might find its way into these pages are songs that are really speaking to me. Back on the 29th of February, one such song got through my defenses.
It was our week to sing with our Praise Band, and Mary and I were looking forward to giving the Father our offerings of praise and worship as well as leading the rest of the congregation into His glorious Presence. At practice on Thursday evening, we got the order for the set. One of the songs jumped out at me, because it’s one of my favorites. “Come And See,” written by Graham Kendrick, is a simply gorgeous song. It invites people to come and look at the One being whipped and beaten, mocked, spat upon…all for our sake. With the movie The Passion of The Christ out, and it getting closer to Easter, I knew that this song would really speak to the hearts of our church. What I didn’t know was, that God was about to break through all of the noise and clatter of my life and remind me of the fact that it was my sin, my fallen nature, my evil thoughts, my sickness that was nailed to the Cross that day.
This song was done as the Offertory that morning, with me doing the first 2 verses and choruses, then one of my best friends taking the lead on Verse 3 and me adding harmony. As I began to sing, the Holy Spirit moved me to very gently weep as I considered the words that were coming from my lips. It turned out to be a “holy moment,” because when we finished, instead of applause, there was only silence. I was absolutely drained emotionally by the experience. I hope that as you read the words, you, too, will be reminded of just why He died, and be moved to worship.
COME AND SEE (Graham Kendrick)
Come and see, come and see – Come and see the King of Love
See the purple robe and crown of thorns He wears
Soldiers mock, rulers sneer, as He lifts the cruel cross
Lone and friendless now, He climbs up toward the hill
WE WORSHIP AT YOUR FEET
WHERE WRATH AND MERCY MEET
AND A GUILTY WORLD IS WASHED BY LOVE’S PURE STREAM
FOR US HE WAS MADE SIN – O HELP ME TAKE IT IN!
DEEP WOUNDS OF LOVE CRY OUT, “FATHER, FORGIVE!”
I WORSHIP, I WORSHIP THE LAMB WHO WAS SLAIN
Come and weep, come and mourn for Your sin that pierced Him there
So much deeper than the wounds of thorn and nail
All our pride, all our greed – All our fallenness and shame
And the Lord has laid the punishment on Him!
Man of heaven, born to earth to restore us to Your heaven
Here we bow in awe beneath Your searching eyes
From Your tears comes our joy – From Your death our life shall spring
By Your resurrection power we shall rise!
_____________________________
"...the worth and excellency of a soul is to be measured by the object of its love." - Henry Scougal, The Life of God in the Soul of Man
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RE: Songs of the Noblesinger - 4/21/2005 1:13:02 PM
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noblesinger
Posts: 869
Joined: 4/11/2005
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60 10:47pm Mar 20, 2004
Speaking of "The Passion of the Christ," Mary and I finally went and saw it this afternoon. To say that it was sobering is the understatement of the year. I was reminded, once again, that Jesus was not a wimp. I have heard Christianity referred to as a "religion for wimps." Well, the persons who say that obviously don't know what they're talking about. For Jesus to go through the beating and the flogging and the carrying of His cross, and not scream in utter agony...that's not the behavior of any wimp I've heard of. I've said all along that Jesus was more of a man than any of the so-called "real men" that I've met.
One thing that bothered me about "The Passion" was at the end. It's only a minor point, but I don't think that at the Resurrection, Jesus would have had a blank look on His face like Jim Caveziele did. I can imagine Him having this triumphant smile like no one had ever seen before, or will until the End of All Things. Other than that minute point, I thought that it was a brilliant movie. The cinematography is magnificent, the music is excellent, and the costumes & makeup were incredible. I really thought that Jim' body had been laid open by the whips. That is the mark of somone who knew their craft!
And as for coming out of the theater filled with hatred towards the Jews, as is the fear of the ADL, I did come out filled with hatred - of myself. As I said in my last Post, it was my sin, my fallen nature, my evil thoughts, my sickness that caused God to send His only Son to the Cross. It was for His ultimate Glory that Jesus went to Calvary to redeem me, and Mary, and Kimmie, and Christine, and all of the rest of us. And that is the most amazing thing that I've ever heard!
Gotta go now! I need my beauty sleep before church tomorrow morning. Happy First Day of Spring everybody!
Duane
"Ordinary fruit, extraordinary work; The Blood of Jesus poured out for me. Take and drink, taste and see; This fruit becomes the breath of God in me." "Taste And See The Lord is Holy," by Lyle Helmick, copyright 2002
_____________________________
"...the worth and excellency of a soul is to be measured by the object of its love." - Henry Scougal, The Life of God in the Soul of Man
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RE: Songs of the Noblesinger - 4/21/2005 1:15:51 PM
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noblesinger
Posts: 869
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: "Almost Heaven"
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03:28pm Mar 25, 2004
Good grief! I didn't realize that it had been 5 days since I last Posted here. That's entirely too long an interval, so I'll give you an update on what's going on.
Sunday was kind of a mixed bag around here weather wise; rain, snow, cold winds & temps, with a little bit of sunshine...but not nearly enough for me! It also was a bad day in that my Mom and I had a bit of an argument on Saturday evening, which she wanted to hang on to on Sunday morning. She informed Mary and I that she wasn't going to church and that she wasn't cooking. We could do whatever we wanted. That really put a damper on the emotional part of my day, but not on the spiritual.
Then, during Sunday School, my Pastor brought up Friday's verdict by the Methodist Church in Washington concerning that lesbian "pastor." The last word was typed with my fingers firmly in my cheek, in case you couldn't tell. Excuse me, but what were those people thinking?!?! First of all, I'm ashamed to say that a retired Methodist minister from West Virginia was sitting in charge of that court. I must say that he is going to have a lot to answer for on Judgement Day, because Scripture tells us that bishops/elders, meaning preachers, are under a stiffer standard of judgement. Secondly, how can any born-again Christian read the Bible and say that it doesn't condemn homosexuality? That's utterly impossible to my way of thinking. It just goes to show the level of biblical illiteracy in this nation. Woe to us!
Last night after I returned home from Bible Study and Choir Practice, I looked at my e-mail and found an urgent Press Release from West Virginians For Life. It seems that our "illustrious" governor, Bob Wise, vetoed the Unborn Victims of Violence Act. Commonly referred to as our version of the "Laci Peterson Bill," it would have made the killing of an unborn baby through traffic accidents, murder, assault on the mother, etc., a punishable offense. It never mentioned abortion at all, only crimes against the mother. I personally believe that abortion is a crime against the mother as well as the unborn baby, but that's for another day. I'm so glad that this man isn't running for a second term. There's no telling what he might pull in the next 4 years! BTW, he would have been running except for one little thing: he got caught in an affair and pulled out of the race. Rumors were flying last summer, and by the early fall they'd been proven true. His mistress quit her job in the government, and he is trying to put his marriage back together. I’m just not sure if he's asking Jesus for His help in doing that. In a funny and delicious twist, the ex-husband of the mistress...is running for governor! Can you believe it?! He doesn't stand a snowball's chance in a blast furnace, but it's still funny as all get out!
I guess that enough for now. I'll see you folks later!
Duane
"Ordinary fruit, extraordinary work; The Blood of Jesus poured out for me. Take and drink, taste and see; This fruit becomes the breath of God in me." "Taste And See The Lord is Holy," by Lyle Helmick, copyright 2002
_____________________________
"...the worth and excellency of a soul is to be measured by the object of its love." - Henry Scougal, The Life of God in the Soul of Man
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RE: Songs of the Noblesinger - 4/21/2005 1:19:36 PM
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noblesinger
Posts: 869
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: "Almost Heaven"
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01:20pm Apr 1, 2004
Sorry for not posting for the last 7 days, gang! My life has been a bit crazy lately; minor glitches with my home PC's modem, the annual Missions Conference at church (which Mary and I only made it to one night of, due to just feeling kinda achy and out of sorts), then I got a call at the office on Monday that CSX Railroad was going to be upgrading a crossing beginning at 8:30 Tuesday morning, which means no time to even check in here at Crosswalk. I've got to tell you all about that last little blurb.
As part of my duties as a Utilities Inspector, I'm required to be present whenever the 2 railroads that run through WV (CSX and Norfolk Southern) do any kind of upgrade to their crossings, such as new lights, gates, crossbucks (you know, those 'X' symbols that read "RAILROAD CROSSING"? Relax, I'm not shouting. That's how they're printed - in all caps.) Well, for the last two days, I have literally not stopped to go to the john here at the office. I've run in the door, signed in, grabbed a cup of coffee, and hit the road. It takes about 30 minutes to drive to this particular location, which is near one of my favorite golf courses. Thinking that I'd go over and hit a few balls that I'm testing out for a manufacturer (that's another Post!), I packed the balls and two clubs in my trunk on Monday evening. Tuesday morning, I get up and what do I find? It's drizzling rain! The weather system is practically stalled over WV and OH, which is making for two really lousy, dreary days. And to top it all off, the railroad crew didn't get started until late yesterday morning, then were unable to finish the job, saying they'd be back this morning to complete it. I go out there again today, arrive on site at about 8:10...and proceed to wait until 10:20 for these Bozos to show up! AAUUUUGGGGHHHH!!! Then they just put some bags of temporary asphalt down to smooth out the transition over the tracks. I was told that their boss would call me next week when it would be finished. For cryin' out loud! Is this any way to run a railroad? Oh well. I must tell myself, "I'm a tree! I can bend in the wind!"
Gotta go for a few minutes. I'll be back to Post a copy of an e-Mail I got from Jerry Falwell. See ya!
Duane
"Ordinary fruit, extraordinary work; The Blood of Jesus poured out for me. Take and drink, taste and see; This fruit becomes the breath of God in me." "Taste And See The Lord is Holy," by Lyle Helmick, copyright 2002
_____________________________
"...the worth and excellency of a soul is to be measured by the object of its love." - Henry Scougal, The Life of God in the Soul of Man
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RE: Songs of the Noblesinger - 4/21/2005 1:24:54 PM
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noblesinger
Posts: 869
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: "Almost Heaven"
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01:41pm Apr 1, 2004
I told you I'd be back! Just had something I had to do first.
I received this e-Mail this morning from Jerry Falwell, though I'm not sure how I ended up on his mailing list in the first place. But, anyway, after reading it I thought that it would be good to share with all of you. I consider Alan Keyes to be one of the most brilliant men in America today. The fact that he's a brother in Christ is just the icing on the cake! Why he isn't a part of the Bush Administration I'll never understand! I hope that you all enjoy reading it as much as I did!
Duane
Falwell Confidential
Date: March 31, 2004
From: Jerry Falwell
KEYES SAYS CHRISTIANS MUST BATTLE 'NEW ERA OF OPPRESSION'
On Wednesday, Dr. Alan Keyes electrified a packed audience of students and faculty during a special Liberty University convocation service. Mere words cannot do justice to the passionate Dr. Keyes' discourse in which he told students to uncompromisingly live out their faith in the social and political worlds in order to halt the modern-day movement to silence Christian expression - and even the mere appearance of Christian faith - in the public square.
The theme of Dr. Keyes' address was that the fundamental truth of the authority of God has been willfully forgotten and shunned by many leaders in our nation. Subsequently, Christians have been cast as second-class citizens who are characteristically accused of being hate-mongers solely because they embrace the truth of the Bible.
"We can't build a house on shaky foundation and expect it to stand," Dr. Keyes admon-ished, utilizing a biblical context. He said that while our Founders built this nation on godly principles, we continue to witness the deterioration of our rights as leftist politicians and judicial activists attempt to cast the nation in their image - the image of secularism.
Dr. Keyes, who served as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Economic and Social Council in the Reagan administration, said that in virtually every component of our lives, we are abandoning our foundation.
"We walk down a path that must and will lead to ... a new era of oppression for us and for all of human kind," he said, clearly stating what the future holds for people of faith if we continue to allow our rights to be eradicated.
"We are at the end of our rope as a free people," he continued as the rapt audience reflected on his ardent warning. "We either turn around or this must happen - there is no way to avoid it."
But Dr. Keyes offered a solution to the soulless invasion of secularism that is being forced on America. He said the simple solution is that we must look to Christ in the "confrontation of evil."
"Like [Christ's] disciples when He sent them out to preach to the lost sheep of Israel, we must be ready for all of the challenges we must face," he said, pulling no punches on the fact that people of faith will face even more aggressive persecution if we choose to rise up against the growing tide of abject secularism.
Dr. Keyes told of the recent rally he and I attended for Chief Justice Roy Moore, citing him as an example of what can happen when we stand up for our faith.
"What did the chief justice do wrong?" he asked. "He simply refused to give up his right to acknowledge God almighty." As a result, he lost his job. Chief Justice Moore's case served as a reminder to all Christians, he said, that we are confronted with the fact that we are being compelled to accept social policies that directly counter what the Bible teaches us.
"The comfortable life is over for Christians in America," Dr. Keyes advised, again referring to a biblical passage supporting this notion: "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake" (Matthew 10:42). Dr. Keyes then suggested that Christians will one day face bona fide persecution because we refuse to give up our right to believe in and live out the Word of God.
He utilized this stark warning in order to encourage those present to be politically active and informed voters who step into the voting booth ready to elect officials who reflect the godly principles we love. The only people who can sustain our freedoms, he said, are those people who live in the basis of a trust in God. He also deeply criticized "so-called Christian voters" who often believe we can afford to choose "the lesser of two evils" in political terms.
"In Christian patriotism," Dr. Keyes advised, "the Christian comes first."
"We must be uncompromising in the insistence of our rights to worship and acknowledge Him as a free people - not only in our thoughts, but in our actions," Dr. Keyes added.
Finally, Dr. Keyes encouraged young people in the audience to not only be politically active, but to go out into the world with the idea of making a positive impact on the culture.
"If we are truly Christian patriots ... we must show that true love that ought to be characteristic of the Christian heart. [This nation] started out with a treasure trove of truth - the authority of the Word of God. We must be a reminder of the truths of that great treasure ... so that once again our nation can be made whole on the basis of that foundation. ... If it does not begin with us, that foundation will be permanently destroyed."
He warned that such action will "require sacrifice," but "we must stand for it in our citizenship if this country is to be saved."
_____________________________
"...the worth and excellency of a soul is to be measured by the object of its love." - Henry Scougal, The Life of God in the Soul of Man
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RE: Songs of the Noblesinger - 4/21/2005 1:28:06 PM
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noblesinger
Posts: 869
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: "Almost Heaven"
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01:38pm Apr 2, 2004
Some of you may be wondering why I use portions of songs in my Siggy line. Well, the reason is actually very simple: because I can! LOL! No, seriously though, it's because God sometimes is able to speak to me faster through a song's lyrics than anything - except, of course, His Word. It may be due to the fact that music is so much a part of my life, starting with my name.
You probably have heard the story of how I came to be known around here as "Noblesinger" - my Dad named me Albert (which means "noble") after his Dad, and Duane (meaning "singer" or "song") after his boyhood friend, the man who became my godfather. So music was destined to be a big part of my very existence from the start.
I began singing along with the radio and my records at an early age, and it has just grown from there. Children's choirs, Adult church choir, plus junior high and senior high school choirs led me to entering Marshall University as a Music Education major. It wasn't that I wanted to be a teacher, but that was the only way at the time you could go into the music program. That has since been changed, just too late for me. Nuts!
After leaving school about a year-and-a-half following the death of my Dad (more on that later), I got involved with the new youth fellowship at church. In addition to the Bible studies we did, we also formed a youth choir, called "In His Presence", that performed at churches in the area, and even some out of the area, such as Winston-Salem, NC and Stone Mountain, GA. I reached the upper age limit of that group when I turned 26, so for a long time I had to be content with singing in the Adult choir. But God was preparing me for a real life-changing experience during that time. More on that later!
Duane
"Ordinary fruit, extraordinary work; The Blood of Jesus poured out for me. Take and drink, taste and see; This fruit becomes the breath of God in me." "Taste And See The Lord is Holy," by Lyle Helmick, copyright 2002
_____________________________
"...the worth and excellency of a soul is to be measured by the object of its love." - Henry Scougal, The Life of God in the Soul of Man
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RE: Songs of the Noblesinger - 4/21/2005 1:33:19 PM
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noblesinger
Posts: 869
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: "Almost Heaven"
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10:05am Apr 6, 2004
I often wonder about why God allowed my life to take the turns that it has: moving from the place of my earliest memories to a city I was familiar with, but where I knew no one but family; being picked on in 7th grade for wearing a flat-top when every other guy has let his hair grow longer; getting a paying part in a summer production of two musicals, only to lose it after one week because they told me I was too immature; losing my Dad to suicide when I was 19 years old; throwing a "pity party" for a year and a half, then being asked not to return to college (at least not full time); plus other incidents that are too numerous to mention. But then I'm drawn back to something I learned at our Missions Conference 2 or 3 years ago - "It's all about His Glory. Not ours." And that pretty much settles the conflict within me for awhile.
I was writing earlier about a life-changing experience, so I'll pick up the story again now. In 1995, our Pastor, Nate Atwood, was moved by the Lord to get a group of men together for a trip to Atlanta for a Promise Keepers rally. I hadn't planned to go, but something kept gnawing at the back of my mind about it, so I paid my money and went. We left Cross Lanes at 5:30 on Friday, June 30th. Arriving at the Georgia Dome just in time for the opening session, we took some seats in the upper deck. During the praise & worship, I heard the rain start falling on the roof. It wasn't too long after that that the power briefly went out. Now that was a real trip - to be sitting in that huge arena with the lights out! It only lasted a few seconds, but the lights never fully came back up the rest of the night. Before we left, we were told that Jack Hayford would be not only speaking the next morning, but would be leading worship as well. I was looking forward to that, because I greatly appreciated his music writing ability as well as his preaching.
The next morning, Pastor Jack, began leading over 67,500 men in worship, and the Spirit fell upon us in a big way. I was in tears before he ever started preaching. His text was from Exodus 3, where Moses turned aside to see the burning bush. By the time he stopped, I was a blubbering mess; weeping almost uncontrollably, in great heaves and sobs, as the Spirit of God did a major work in my life. He showed me that I had a lot of "head knowledge" about worshipping Him, but that it needed to get from my head to my heart, and He was about to accelerate the process. The rest of that day was filled with moments of instruction that radically altered my thinking. As we drove back home that night, so that we could be back in time for church, Nate told us that we were going to be the sermon; he wasn't preaching. There were about 6-7 of us who were chosen to share some of our observations, feelings, experiences, whatever, at the morning service. I was one of them, and I simply told what had happened to me. I could see that puzlement on the faces of some people when I stood up, so I said something that turned out to be rather prophetic: "You may be wondering why a single guy would go to Promise Keepers? Simple. I wanted to learn what it takes to be a real man, so that my wife would not have to suffer while I learned them during the early years of our marriage."
That was July 2nd. In October of that year, Pastor Nate prayed with me that I would be able to accept being single, if that was God's will, but also that I would find my life's mate. The next morning, while praying on my way to work, I surrendered my dream of being married. I saw myself opening my hands and releasing a dove, which I knew immediately was my desire to be a husband. But I also realized that, if God willed it, that the dove would come back to me. By February of '96, Mary and I were dating again (after 5-1/2 years apart!); in April, I asked her to marry me, and she said "Yes!"; in June we told Mom, and in August she gave us her blessing by giving me the diamonds from her rings to have remounted as Mary's engagement ring.
See? I told you it was life changing experience! I firmly believe, to this day, that if I hadn't gone to PK '95...I would not be married. It was that radical a work that God did!
Well, that's enough for now. See ya later!
Duane
"Ordinary fruit, extraordinary work; The Blood of Jesus poured out for me. Take and drink, taste and see; This fruit becomes the breath of God in me." "Taste And See The Lord is Holy," by Lyle Helmick, copyright 2002
_____________________________
"...the worth and excellency of a soul is to be measured by the object of its love." - Henry Scougal, The Life of God in the Soul of Man
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RE: Songs of the Noblesinger - 4/21/2005 1:36:24 PM
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noblesinger
Posts: 869
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: "Almost Heaven"
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12:11pm Apr 7, 2004
Once again, God has broken through to me by way of a song. I recently purchased the newest WOW Worship CD (Red), and there's a song on it from Mark Schultz. Written by Charlie Hall, it's entitled "Give Us Clean Hands," and BOY! is it powerful! It is swiftly becoming one of my favorite songs, and I've only had it for a week! It speaks of setting aside all of the things that we set up in our lives that can become idols, and asking God to purify us. Let these words really sink in and ask yourself if there's anything you need to lay down.
Give Us Clean Hands
We bow our hearts
We bend our knees
Oh Spirit come make us humble
We turn our eyes
From evil things
And Oh Lord we cast down our idols.
(Chorus)
So give us clean hands
Give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Give us clean hands oh God
Give us pure hearts
Let us not life our souls to another
And oh God let us be
A generation that seeks
Seeks your face
Oh God of Jacob
And oh God let us be
A generation that seeks
Seeks your face
Oh God of Jacob
We bow our hearts
We bend our knees
Oh Spirit come make us humble
We turn our eyes
From evil things
And Oh Lord we cast down our idols.
(repeat chorus 2x)
_____________________________
"...the worth and excellency of a soul is to be measured by the object of its love." - Henry Scougal, The Life of God in the Soul of Man
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RE: Songs of the Noblesinger - 4/21/2005 9:34:39 PM
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noblesinger
Posts: 869
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From: "Almost Heaven"
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11:44am Apr 13, 2004
I just finished reading Fritz's entry in his Blog. It led me to read Dr. Mohler's entry as well. I have been thinking about much the same things lately, as I hear the evening news or check out the Christian news that I find here on .
My mind almost immediately leaps to righteous anger, as well as utter incredulity, at the total lack of Biblical understanding and knowledge in US churches. It makes me wonder whether or not the people have even read the Bible, let alone heard it preached from the pulpits. But at the same time, my heart also grieves for these people. They prove out the Scripture which says, "Claiming to be wise, they became fools," (Rom. 1:22 ESV). In fact, that whole section of Romans 1 is played out in their behavior. Look at what I mean:
[18] For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. [19] For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. [20] For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. [21] For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. [22] Claiming to be wise, they became fools, [23] and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.
[24] Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, [25] because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.
[26] For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; [27] and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.
[28] And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. [29] They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, [30] slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, [31] foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. [32] Though they know God's decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them. (Rom. 1:18-32 ESV)
See what I mean? I think that a "perfect" example of this sort of behavior is described in this month's issue of Charisma Magazine. The editor, J. Lee Grady, has a column each month called "The First Word." I'm posting the link to their on-line version so that you can read it for yourself. Entitled "Heretics Among Us", it gives some details of a gathering of "leaders" who have, in my opinion, gone off the deep end in their beliefs. I won't say any more than that. Just read this: Heretic Among Us
Duane
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"...the worth and excellency of a soul is to be measured by the object of its love." - Henry Scougal, The Life of God in the Soul of Man
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RE: Songs of the Noblesinger - 4/21/2005 9:43:21 PM
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noblesinger
Posts: 869
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: "Almost Heaven"
Status: offline
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10:04pm Apr 17, 2004
I told you recently about my friend and former Praise Band leader, Lyle Helmick, and his songwriting abilities. Here's a song that he wrote about 10-12 years ago, called "Wonderful Counselor":
CHORUS
Wonderful, Counselor,
The Prince of Peace,
Almighty God,
The Great I Am,
The Son of David,
Holy, Holy Lord
Because You are the great I Am
In reverence to Your name
I lift my hands to worship You
In an attitude of praise
Just because You are
The Sovereign, Mighty God
We praise You in the sanctuary
Just because You are
Magnificent, remarkable
The awesome Mighty God.
CHORUS
This next one was written about 7-8 years ago, and was recorded by Lyle on a worship album in late 2002.
Give Me A Soft Heart
Give me a soft heart, open eyes,
An ear to hear what Your Spirit said.
Give me a soft heart, open eyes,
Prepare me, Lord, to go where I am led.
Give me a soft heart, open eyes,
An ear to hear what Your Spirit said.
Give me a soft heart, open eyes,
Prepare me, Lord, to go where I am led.
Go, I will go where You lead me.
Stay, I will stay where You say.
Teach my heart to hear You,
Through Your eyes to see;
Teach my mouth to praise You,
Teach my heart to sing.
Give me a soft heart, open eyes,
An ear to hear what Your Spirit said.
Give me a soft heart, open eyes,
Prepare me, Lord, to go where I am led.
Go, I will go where You lead me.
Stay, I will stay where You say.
Teach my heart to hear You,
Through Your eyes to see;
Teach my mouth to praise You,
Teach my heart to sing.
Give me a soft heart, open eyes,
An ear to hear what Your Spirit said.
Give me a soft heart, open eyes,
Prepare me, Lord, to go where I am led.
Prepare me, Lord, to go where I am led.
Prepare me, Lord, to go where I am led.
These are just two of the many songs that God has ministered to me with through the pen and guitar of Lyle Helmick. If you would like to possibly learn more of Lyle's ministry, log on to the Web at www.kpc.org and browse the pages. And if you're ever in Va. Beach, I'm sure that you would be welcome at their services.
Well, it's just after 11 o'clock and I need to go to bed. Tomorrow is the Lord's Day, so let's go to His house eagerly anticipating what He is going to do in us.
Duane
"Ordinary fruit, extraordinary work; The Blood of Jesus poured out for me. Take and drink, taste and see; This fruit becomes the breath of God in me." "Taste And See The Lord is Holy," by Lyle Helmick, copyright 2002
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"...the worth and excellency of a soul is to be measured by the object of its love." - Henry Scougal, The Life of God in the Soul of Man
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RE: Songs of the Noblesinger - 4/21/2005 9:47:53 PM
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noblesinger
Posts: 869
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: "Almost Heaven"
Status: offline
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02:28pm Apr 23, 2004
I've been putting off Posting this for a couple of days, but I guess I'd better do it now so that my Blog doesn't go the way of the dodo bird...extinct!
I was able to help welcome home some of our heroes the other evening. One of the brothers from our church is part of the 321st Ordinance Battalion, and they have been over in Kuwait for 15 months. It's been hard on his wife and their 2 sons, Joshua and Matthew - Matt especially. He's the youngest (9, I think) and really loves his Dad. The Body has done what we could, but no one can quite take a father's place. It was so good to be able to take part in the Welcome Home party that the families threw. Our church was asked to provide some of the food, and Mom made chicken salad and tuna salad croissants.
Our guys arrived back in the States at Fort Hood early last week and had to undergo some debriefing or something, which delayed their departure for WV until Tuesday morning. And the Army didn't even have a plane for these guys. They gave them a bus to ride on all the way from Uncabeeil Land (New Jersey for the uninformed)! Gofigya! Anyway, they left early Tuesday morning and right from the git-go there were problems...bus problems. As in overheating and such things. What was a long ride anyway became a 14 hour ordeal. But these guys were just so glad to be coming home that it really didn't matter that much to them. They were given a State Police escort from the Maryland-West Virginia border, and the cell phones were burning battery power all the way. Our district Congresswoman and the Philanderer, I mean Governor, were there, along with the local news media; it turned into quite a shindig!
One really neat thing happened while we were waiting in our car. Mom, Mary, and I had grabbed some Mickey D's food and sat in the parking lot to scarf it down. When it began to get close to the time for them to arrive (originally), we saw an Army officer come to his vehicle to leave. Mom asked him if the reception was just for the family or could anyone go in. He told us that anyone could go in, but you had to sign in at the front desk. This 1 question led to a nice conversation with Major Cook, who told us that he was a Christian and had really appreciated the prayers back here at home. We spoke at length with him before we went in to the Armory. One thing he told us was that this particular HQ was in charge of multiple units from a number of surrounding state, and some of the men returning home had been staged here from other states. This meant that they had no familiar face to welcome them home. Major Cook asked us to watch for guys just kinda standing off to the side, then go up and shake their hand and say "Welcome Home, soldier! Thanks for your service!" We did just that.
As the bus drew close, we were told to go outside to the back of the building where the bus would pull around to. The crowd was fairly thick, and young Matt couldn't see a thing, so I asked him if he'd like to get up on my shoulders so he'd be able to see his Daddy. That was like asking Garfield if he wanted some more lasagna! Quick as a wink, he was in behind me and climbing up. I stood there for about 15 minutes with this highly anxious young boy on my shoulders, and you couldn't have paid me enough money to trade him from me to you! I felt so wonderful, just being able to allow Matt to see his Daddy when he got off the bus. Finally, the bus pulled in and the crowd went nuts. I waited until I saw Rick, Matt's dad, in the aisle, then I said, "Matt, he's coming off in a minute. You want to go hug him?" Another dumb question! He was off me faster than greased lightning and making a beeline for Rick. That sight brought tears to my eyes, needless to say. There were hugs all around for all of his family (including his twin brother), then the rest of us got in on the act. What a time it truly was!
I've thought about it since Tuesday, and I realized how much like it, yet how different it will be, when we are all "welcomed home" by our great Family, the Body of Christ that has gone on before us. We'll see all of our ancestors, the people who gave us such a legacy of faith, and all of our dear friends too. But then, the crowd is going to part, and the One Who is altogether lovely, the One Who loved us with an everlasting love, the One Who gave His life for ours, our Elder Brother...Jesus...is going to come into view. He'll walk up to us, pick us up from our knees where we fell when we first caught sight of Him, and He'll hug us tight and say, "Welcome Home, child! It's so good to see you! I've been waiting for you since before time began! You and I will have much to talk about and we have all eternity to do it. But for now, enter into My rest! You've made it to the Place you were created for, the Home that you caught little glimpses of and heard little bits of it's Songs as you struggled in the Shadowlands. No longer, however! You have come home."
I don't know about you, but I can't wait for that day!
Duane
_____________________________
"...the worth and excellency of a soul is to be measured by the object of its love." - Henry Scougal, The Life of God in the Soul of Man
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RE: Songs of the Noblesinger - 4/21/2005 9:55:04 PM
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noblesinger
Posts: 869
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: "Almost Heaven"
Status: offline
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08:56pm May 2, 2004
I'd like to Post another song from my friend, Lyle. He ended up using a section of it as the chorus of the title song of his recent worship album, as well as the conferences he has been leading. BTW, I know that I haven't been doing a very good job of keeping this Blog up to date; you know, waiting 5 or 6 days between Posts. I'm going to try and correct this problem. Keep praying for me! Here's the song:
Your Name is ADONAI
Darkness and great fear, a flash pot and a flame
The stay within my heart, Mighty is Your name
I am not afraid, You will be my shield
My very great reward, You are the Sovereign LORD
And Your name is ADONAI, ADONAI
Mighty God, my righteousness, You are ADONAI
And Your name is ADONAI, ADONAI
Sovereign Lord, my covenant, You are ADONAI
The Lord at my right hand, a help to those in need
Your Kingdom knows no end, ever heir of everything
Lord of all the earth, high above all things
Given as my sacrifice, risen King of Kings
And Your name is ADONAI, ADONAI
Mighty God, my righteousness, You are ADONAI
And Your name is ADONAI, ADONAI
Sovereign Lord, my covenant, You are ADONAI
And Your name is ADONAI, ADONAI
ADONAI, ADONAI
High, high I lift Your name on high
Up, up I lift You up
High, high I lift Your name on high
Up, up I lift You up (Repeat)
And Your name is ADONAI, ADONAI
Mighty God, my righteousness, You are ADONAI
And Your name is ADONAI, ADONAI
Sovereign Lord, my covenant, You are ADONAI
And Your name is ADONAI, ADONAI
ADONAI, ADONAI, ADONAI, ADONAI
Can you begin to see why he's one of my favorite songwriters, as well as a dear friend? There beats within his heart a love for the Lord that is just huge. I hope that you will indulge me as I introduce more of his work to you.
Duane
_____________________________
"...the worth and excellency of a soul is to be measured by the object of its love." - Henry Scougal, The Life of God in the Soul of Man
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RE: Songs of the Noblesinger - 4/22/2005 9:20:25 AM
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noblesinger
Posts: 869
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: "Almost Heaven"
Status: offline
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09:35pm May 9, 2004
Here it is another week between Posts. This is starting to annoy me. Why is it that all of my good intentions concerning keeping up with this Blog are falling by the wayside? Could it be something to do with the Scripture that says, "For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing." (Rom 7:19 ESV)?
I told everyone at Kimmie's Bistro about what my wife, Mary, and I are going to be doing this weekend. We will be attending the Family Life "Weekend to Remember" Marriage Confer-ence at the Charleston Marriott Hotel, spending 2 nights there. It's really going to be good for us. We have a good marriage, but we want to make it better. It's kind of like a house that you're thinking of purchasing. It looks fabulous on the outside, but on the inside there can be some problems. Or better yet, your own body. You feel great, but upon having some blood work or other tests, you discover a problem that was going undetected. That's why we want to go for this weekend. Well...that, and the fact that we're spending 2 nights in a very nice hotel!
Gotta go! See ya!
Duane
_____________________________
"...the worth and excellency of a soul is to be measured by the object of its love." - Henry Scougal, The Life of God in the Soul of Man
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RE: Songs of the Noblesinger - 4/22/2005 9:22:57 AM
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noblesinger
Posts: 869
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: "Almost Heaven"
Status: offline
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09:07am May 14, 2004
I was watching "Good Morning America" this morning and was very disturbed by something that I saw and heard. Michael Berg, the father of Nicolas Berg, the young American whose brutal beheading has shocked and saddened us all, said that his son died for the crimes of George Bush.
Excuse me? Did Pres. Bush rob a bank? Knock over a liquor store or 7-11? Did he run a homosexual brothel in an apartment (think back to Rep. Barney Frank)? No. He did none of these things. All he has done is to seek to rid the world over terrorism, thus making our country and the world a safer place. But Mr. Berg seems to equate President Bush's efforts with those of al-Queda. Yes, al-Queda! The very group whose maniacal leader, Osama Bin Laden, plotted and carried out the attacks of Septemeber 11, 2001.
Now, I can certainly understand Mr. Berg is distraught over the loss of his son, but to link George W. Bush with Osama Bin Laden is nothing short of stupid in my book. If I were to dig a little bit, I would probably find out that Mr. Berg is a registered Democrat who supports John Kerry. But, then again, I could be getting my morning exercise by jumping to a conclusion. If I'm wrong, then I sincerely apologize to everyone.
I grieve for Nicholas Berg. He was an innocent American citizen, seeking to help rebuild Iraq and make a little cash, but he ended up losing his life because of some evil men. Men who hate all Americans, simply because we are Americans. They hate us because of our support for Israel, our exporting of filth through pornography, but most importantly, because of our Christian heritage. Satan is the driving force behind the Islamic religion, and he is the one who is making these men to be so filled with hate. If Mr. Berg wants to be angry at anyone, let him be angry at Satan. But he probably doesn't even believe that he exists. I pray that Mr. Berg comes to his senses...very soon.
Duane
_____________________________
"...the worth and excellency of a soul is to be measured by the object of its love." - Henry Scougal, The Life of God in the Soul of Man
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RE: Songs of the Noblesinger - 4/22/2005 9:26:03 AM
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noblesinger
Posts: 869
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: "Almost Heaven"
Status: offline
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07:42pm May 16, 2004
Well, the "Weekend to Remember" is over. Mary and I really had a blessed time. I took the entire day off so that we wouldn't feel rushed. I took Mom to the beauty shop at noon, then Mary and I ate lunch at Golden Corral. That made sure that we were full enough to now need to eat until after the first night's session.
We checked into the Marriott at around 5 o'clock, got to our room, then relaxed for awhile till the first session began. The topic was on "The 5 Threats to Oneness": Difficult adjustments, the world's pattern, selfishness, inevitable difficulties and trials, and extramarital "affairs." Those affairs are not only the one we're familiar with (Love), but others like Activities, Materialism, Career, and Family.
After room service pizza and a night's sleep, we began Day 2. Session Two was on "God's Purpose for Oneness", Session 3 was on "God's Plan for Oneness", Session 4 was "God's Power for Oneness", Session 5 was "Resolving Conflict", Session 6 was a separated one; "The Husband's/Wife's Responsibility for Oneness", and the last one was "Sexual Intimacy". Whew!! That was a lot of stuff to absorb, but we did it! And would you believe that we were out of there by 5:15 pm? After talking with our friends on the staff team and asking them to witness our covenant to strive for oneness in our marriage, it was "Date Night". Mary and I changed our clothes (I did take a break to watch the Preakness), then we went to dinner. I gave her the choice between two of her favorite restaurants: Bennigan's and Olive Garden. She chose Bennigan's so she could get Death By Chocolate for dessert. After a wonderful meal, we looked around the mall for a bit. She tried to find an outfit with the money her Dad gave her for her birthday (which is today by the way! Happy Birthday, Sweetheart! ), but she couldn't. We went back to the hotel and relaxed; she watched a movie while I took a dip in the pool and the whirlpool. Then we retired for the night. Unfortunately, the bed was a bit too soft for my tastes, so I didn't sleep well either night. But I was with my darling wife, so it evened itself out.
This morning, we checked out at around 7 and came home to eat breakfast then headed for church. Afterwards, Mom took Mary and I out for a Chinese birthday dinner for Mary. Since then, we've just kinda chilled out here at home. You know, I've got tell you guys: If you're married, I encourage you to go to a Family Life Conference - it will change your relationship. If you are engaged to be married, go to the Conference and get a head-start on your relationship. Just stay in separate rooms, OK?
Mary and I learned a lot this weekend, so I'll spend the next few days telling you about the teachings in small doses. See you later!
Duane
_____________________________
"...the worth and excellency of a soul is to be measured by the object of its love." - Henry Scougal, The Life of God in the Soul of Man
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RE: Songs of the Noblesinger - 4/22/2005 9:31:23 AM
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noblesinger
Posts: 869
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: "Almost Heaven"
Status: offline
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11:48am May 19, 2004
As I said earlier, Session One at our "Weekend to Remember" was on "5 Threats to Oneness." The first one out of the box was how difficult adjustments threaten a couple from becoming one. I had always been under the impression that it was the adjusting to those differences that brought a couple together; you know, kinda like how opposite magnetic poles attract each other. Yet, here I am being taught something totally different. But here's how it works:
"There is little in our culture today that encourages two people to make the difficult adjustments required to achieve marital oneness." That is a quote from the workbook we used. And after seeing some of the societal changes listed between the 20th and 21st centuries, I firmly agree. When you look at marriages and families 50 years ago, the contrast to today is startling. Once, family and home were highly valued, religion was an esteemed part of culture, we had a Judeo-Christian ethic, commitment was valued, the roles in marriage were commonly accepted, fathers were present and active, mothers were highly valued and esteemed, and kids were a blessing. As a result, family life was imperfect but intact.
Today, however, is another story entirely. And we all have seen the evidences in our books, magazines, and newspapers, but most of all in the entertainment media. TV fathers are basically buffoons, mothers are the smart ones that solve all the problems of the kids, and the kids a | | |
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