Author: Hopeful Messenger

I am a Constitutional conservative pro-life Christian, a retired educator, a blessed wife, mother, and grandmother, who by the grace of God has enough hope to share.
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DALLAS HOLM: HOPE IN FAITHFULNESS

Last night I was blessed to hear Dallas Holm in concert as he shared his talent, music, and personal testimony. I find great hope in a Christian who has remained faithful to Christ and blessed Christendom for decades. While Holm is truly a legend, it is His Savior and Lord Who was the feature of the concert. Jesus Christ is the Source of Holm’s faith, hope, love, and musical success.

“Through God’s grace, I’ve been part of the Christian music ministry for a long time,” admits Dallas. His experience in Christian music includes more than 30 years of writing, singing  and ministry in approximately 3,000 concerts in every state in America plus many countries abroad. His 37 recordings have resulted in gold records, multiple Dove awards, Grammy nominations, number one songs, and countless devoted fans.

Also Dallas travels, speaks, and shares lessons learned in his Christian walk. Holm’s diverse musical style consistently points to Christ and the Cross. Songs such as “Rise Again,” “I Saw the Lord,” “Here We Are,” and “Before Your Throne” focus on Jesus. Holm still sings of His life, His death, His resurrection, and His plan for a personal relationship with each of us.

God has used Holm to impact today’s Christian music and musicians. Greg Long of Avalon says, “I rededicated my life to the Lord at a Dallas Holm concert.”  Steven Curtis Chapman says of Holm, “He’s still a hero to me.” Twila Paris remembers his 1971 album was the first contemporary Christian recording she heard.

Dallas also touched a certain college student in the early 70’s. His lyrics and music blessed my own heart. He was the Christian musician who wrote and sang songs that ministered to other young adults and gave us hope and encouragement. His relationship to Holy God was real, and today as then I appreciate that his music honors Jesus Christ.

As husband, father, and grandfather, Dallas’ family is a priority. “If I reached the whole world but lost my own family, I’d consider myself a failure. Early on, I set a priority system that put God first, family second, and ministry third. If I’m not the husband and father I need to be in my own home, I have no right to proclaim truths of the Kingdom to others.”

Dallas admits, “It’s been a remarkable journey, yet it hasn’t all been easy. I’ve had struggles, heartaches, and disappointments just like everyone else. But Christ remains preeminent in all things. No matter what has happened, what I’m going through now, or what I may endure tomorrow ‘nothing can separate me from the love of Christ.””

As a Minnesota teen, Dallas planned a music career in local rock bands until on October 17, 1965, he says, “I committed my life and my music to the Lord. I’ve never looked back.”

Life experiences have included Bible college, serving as youth pastor, joining David Wilkerson in youth crusades during the 1970s, forming Dallas Holm and Praise, concerts, recordings, music awards, world travel, marriage (to his beloved Linda) for nearly 50 years, parenting, grandparenting…. Through it all Dallas has consistently followed God, been blessed with an effective ministry, and still shines as a faithful example to us all.

He shares, “I love what I do now more than ever and consider it a privilege to be a co-laborer with Christ.”

Dallas explains, “In ‘Chariots of Fire’ Eric Liddell said, ‘When I run, I feel God’s pleasure.’ I say, ‘When I write, sing, and play these songs, I feel His pleasure.'”

Thanks, Dallas, for leading us last night to worship in Spirit and Truth. I’m still blessed by the beautiful music Dallas Holm shares. I’m blessed even more by the abundant life in Christ that he shares. His faithful example gives me hope.

“Nothing can separate me from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:39)

“Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God: For it is pleasant, and praise is becoming.”(Psalm 147:1)

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PETER LEMON: HOPE AND THE MEDAL

Veterans Day is an important time to honor and celebrate our veterans’ sacrifices, honorable deeds, and acts of service. Thank you, Veterans!

Today I recommend an unforgettable book I discovered approximately 20 years ago that is worthy to be read again and again. From this powerful book we learn about ordinary humans who performed extraordinary deeds. I think reading it is a perfect way to commemorate Veterans Day.

BEYOND THE MEDAL by Peter C. Lemon is a compilation of true stories by Congressional Medal of Honor recipients in their own words. Their stories, full of hope and inspiration, are by real people whose real situations compelled them to act heroically. Their choices and actions resulted in their receiving America’s highest honor.

Lemon’s book gives us opportunity to ponder the dependency on God by so many of the recipients who credit Him with giving them strength for the task. That gives me hope that God guides and provides even in the darkest situations.

In today’s world of superficial heroes I find hope in knowing our nation has produced worthy examples to honor. BEYOND THE MEDAL offers more than 90 such heroes, of which author Peter Lemon is one. Thanks again, Veterans.

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JOHN TRANTHAM: HOPE IN SOLID FOUNDATION

During the last century sounds so long ago, but today’s blog post comes from a time more than three decades ago. However it is said it still seems a long time ago, but the message is timeless.

My family knew an old retired pastor, B. John Trantham, who loved God and sharing the gospel of hope in Christ. He did those things well with the helper God had given him when he was a young man, the sweet and (in my memories) always smiling Mrs. Trantham.

Even at an advanced age this Christian brother still had powerful thoughts and messages to share. I remember one in particular that he called Fourfold Foundation of Faith. It neatly presents John 3:16, a summary of the gospel of Jesus Christ. If any one verse could be the foundation of Christian faith, then surely it could be this one.

John 3:16 offers four important aspects: God’s Love, God’s Gift, God’s Gracious Condition, and God’s Great Salvation. This Bible verse says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

“For God so loved the world” presents the first foundation part of GOD’S LOVE. “That He gave His only begotten Son” shows the second foundation part of GOD’S GIFT. “That whoever believes in Him” is the third foundation part of GOD’S GRACIOUS CONDITION. “Shall not perish but have eternal life” offers the fourth foundation part of GOD’S GREAT SALVATION.

Together these four aspects of faith are one firm foundation upon which the Christian faith can be built. Together they explain enough of the gospel for one who believes to know the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

One doesn’t have to know it as Fourfold Foundation of Faith. Know that trusting John 3:16 as the foundation of faith makes an eternal difference. Ponder that verse, and trust God’s Love, Gift, Gracious Condition, and Great Salvation. Do it today!

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COCHREN: HOPE AND SECOND CHANCES

Michael Cochren of Cochren & Company is a singer, songwriter, and worship leader. It’s been said that his music represents hope, grace, and second chances.

One of his songs speaks to those who are in a common place. It’s a place from where they need to return… to church. If these lyrics don’t speak to you, then they may to your brother, sister, or neighbor. Make the opportunity to share it.

If you’re not in church, then I pray Cochren’s song will lead you there whether for the first time or the first time in a long time. You may find it’s right where you belong!

Listen to “Church (Take Me Back)” by Michael Cochren, Bryan Fowler, and Micah Kuiper. Lyrics are included below.

See ya in church!

CHURCH (TAKE ME BACK)

There was a time that I swore I would never go back.
I was blind to the truth; didn’t know what I had.
I was running, I was searching,
But every place I turned for healing
Left me more broken than the last.

Take me back
To the place that feels like home
To the people I can depend on
To the faith that’s in my bones.
Take me back
To a preacher and a verse,
Where they’ve seen me at my worst
To the love I had at first.
Oh, I want to go to church.

Tried to walk on my own, but I wound up lost. Now I’m making my way to the foot of the cross.
It’s not a trophy for the winners.
It’s a shelter for the sinners,
And it’s right where I belong.

Take me back
To the place that feels like home
To the people I can depend on
To the faith that’s in my bones.
Take me back
To a preacher and a verse
Where they’ve seen me at my worst
To the love I had at first.
Oh, I want to go to church.
I want to go to church.

Oh, more than an obligation,
It’s our foundation,
The family of God.
I know it’s hard,
But we need each other.
We’re sisters and brothers.

Oh, take me back
To the place that feels like home
To the people I can depend on
To the faith that’s in my bones.
Take me back
To a preacher and a verse
Where they’ve seen me at my worst
To the love I had at first.
Oh, I want to go to church.

Yeah, I want to go to church.
Oh, I want to go, want to go, I want to go.
Oh, I want to go to church.
Oh, I want to go to church.

(Cochren, Fowler, Kuiper)

“And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24, 25)

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)

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LGBT: HOPE FOR TRANSFORMATION

Although the percentage of people identifying themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender is relatively low (according to Gallup Poll), they receive frequent press in both positive and negative ways. It is a sensitive topic to consider since many of us are impacted by at least one LGBT individual that we know, love, or identify with.

I think most Christian believers agree with a biblical view of sexuality. Brian Hobbs, Editor of “The Baptist Messenger,” wrote that it’s important that Christians are prepared “to uphold biblical sexuality but also minister with the Gospel.” *

Hobbs recently interviewed Laura Perry of Oklahoma, who lived almost 10 years as a transgender male before becoming a born-again Christian. You may go to www.baptistmessenger.com to hear that interview.

Laura also shares her story of redemption in her new book, TRANSGENDER to TRANSFORMED. She shares her past struggles and confusion, and she admits she did not find peace in the transgender life. What Laura did find was that only Christ brought her peace.

Laura shares that while her parents did not compromise biblical teaching, they maintained a loving attitude toward her. By sharing God’s grace and truth, Laura’s family was an example of Jesus Christ, Who is “full of grace and truth.” **

Her parents’ attitude helped make it easier for Laura to choose new life in Christ and freedom from the transgender lifestyle. When Laura came to Christ she came spiritually and physically and found the Peace she had been looking for all along.

If you are tempted to think that I’m a hater, notice I’m only sharing what the Bible says and sharing a real person’s transformation experience. Laura’s conversion brought her real peace and a healthier lifestyle (according to statistics). Where’s the hate in that?

God offers redemption in Christ for all, because He loves and not because He hates. I write this blog post not condemning but confessing I am “a sinner saved by grace.” ***

I find great hope in God’s power to transform any of us when we come to Him just as we are.

* The Gospel is the good news in the Bible that tells of our Hope in Jesus Christ that saves souls and transforms lives.

** “And the Word  became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

*** “Sinner Saved by Grace” (lyrics by Gloria Gaither; music by William Gaither and Mitch Humphries).

“You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination.” (Leviticus 18:22)

“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolators, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals.” (1 Corinthians 6:9)

“Therefore if any man is in Christ,  he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

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FREEDOM INITIATIVE: HOPE FOR RELIGIOUS PERSECUTED

You may think it’s rare to see a hopeful event in our world especially in the political realm. When it does happen, I want to be thankful and be hopeful. Maybe you, too, will respond with thankfulness and hope. Today I’m glad to share the following info.

Last month US President Trump took a stand at the United Nations to promote an initiative to protect workplace religious freedom.

“This initiative will encourage the private sector to protect people of all faiths…. True tolerance means respecting the right if all people to express their deeply held  religious beliefs,” said Trump.

He shared statistics of less than 20% of people in the world live in countries with religious freedom. He also pledged funds to protect religious sites and relics from  criminal attacks.

Trump also declared, “These evil attacks are a wound on all humanity. We must all work together to protect communities of every faith…. Today with one clear voice the United States of America calls upon the nations of the world to end religious persecution; to stop the crimes against people of faith; release prisoners of conscience; repeal laws restricting freedom  of religion and belief; protect the vulnerable, the defenseless, and the oppressed. America stands with believers in every country who ask only for the freedom to live according to the faith that is within their own hearts.”

It gives me hope that religious liberty is a priority for this President. I think these initiatives are worthy of his time and attention. May other nations follow his urging to increase prosecution and punishment of crimes against religious communities.

May we remember to pray for those in power who can lead us toward unity and peace.

 

“First of all then I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority on order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.”

(1 Timothy 2: 1-3)

“Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)

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FOOTPRINTS POEM: HOPE IN FOOTPRINTS

You may know the  poem entitled  “FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND.” It is beloved by many and has offered hope during past decades.  It likely inspired the song, “FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND.”

Whether I hear the poem, sing the song, or read Scriptures that remind me that I have a comforting Presence with me always, I find that His footprints fill me with hope. May they do the same for you.

FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND (the poem):

“One night a man had a dream…. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the LORD. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belonging to him and the other to the LORD.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.

This really bothered him and he questioned the LORD about it: ‘LORD, You said that once I decided to follow You, You’d walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don’t understand why when I needed You most You would leave me.’

The LORD replied: ‘My son, My precious child, I love you, and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.'”

(Author Unknown)

Even if His footprints are unseen, His presence is felt, and it gives me hope to trust in the Omnipresence of One Who never leaves nor forsakes me. He is also omnipotent (all-powerful) and omniscient (all-knowing), so I can totally rest in Him and trust His unfailing grace to carry me through life’s greatest difficulties.

I think the FOOTPRINTS poet understood this truth well and expressed it beautifully. Because of my own experiences I can add a sincere “Amen.”

“Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen.” (Psalm 77:19)

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FOOTPRINTS SONG: HOPE IN FOOTPRINTS

I think Voices of Service quartet beautifully presents any song they sing, but I especially enjoy hearing them sing “Footprints in the Sand” (by Simon Cowell, David Kreuger, Per Magnusson, and Richard Page). The lyrics are so full of hope, and the quartet’s harmonies are outstanding.

Below are the lyrics that they sang with piano accompaniment on America’s Got Talent finale. I invite you to listen on youtube.

FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND

“You walked with me,
Footprints in the sand and helped me understand where I’m going.

You walked with me when I was all alone with so much unknown along the way.

And I heard You say, I promise you I’m always there when your heart is filled with sorrow and despair.

And I’ll carry you when you need a friend;You’ll find My footprints in the sand.

When I’m weary, I know You’ll hear me, And I can feel You When You say…

I promise you I’m always there when your heart is full of sadness and despair, and I’ll carry you when you need a friend. You’ll find My footprints in the sand.

I promise you I’m always there when your heart is full of sadness and despair; I’ll carry you when you need a friend. You’ll find my footprints in the sand.”

The beautiful song as originally written   included additional lyrics. Voices of Service’s slightly shorter version shared enough to offer needed hope, beautiful sound, and a message of truth.

The comforting concept of God carrying us is found in the Bible: “…and in the wilderness where you saw how the LORD your God carried you.”  (Deuteronomy 1:31)

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VOICES OF SERVICE: HOPE TO HEROES

I became aware of Voices of Service, an amazing acapella quartet, when they competed on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” (season 14). I instantly became a fan because of the beautiful blend of their voices and their smooth harmonies. I appreciate their mission and their hearts even more than I appreciate their voices.

The quartet from Virginia is composed of Master Sergeant Caleb Green, Sgt. 1st Class Jason Hanna, Sgt. Major Christal Rheams, and Retired Staff Sgt. Ron Henry. They use  their music as therapy for military members who deal with post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injuries. Voices of Service brings healing and hope to America’s heroes.

In the AGT finale this week Voices placed in the top 5 of an extremely close competition. This season offered some of the most talented contestants ever. So many are definitely winner-caliber.

(Congratulations, AGT contestants! Your talents have impressed and touched us these past weeks. May you use wisely the opportunities in your future.)

Master Sergeant Caleb Green explained well the Voices of Service quartet’s nobler priority than just winning top prize of a million dollars:

“We want to touch a million lives. We want to make a difference there.”  (Green)*

With this perspective and future opportunities to make a difference Voices of Service is already a winner. So are the ones they help find hope and healing.

Thanks, Lord, for blessing us with Voices of Service and for the hope they bring our heroes!

 

“Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am pining away; Heal me, O Lord, for my bones are dismayed.” (Psalm 6: 2)

“The Lord will sustain him upon his sickbed; In his illness, You restore him to health.” (Psalm 41: 3)

“Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion.” (Psalm 103: 2-4)

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147: 3)

“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17: 22)

“Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; Save me and I will be saved, For You are my praise.” (Jeremiah 17: 14)

“Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them; and I will reveal to them an abundance of peace and truth.” (Jeremiah 33: 6)

“Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.” (III John 1: 2)

* Green’s quote was included in WTOP News’ “After America’s Got Talent, Virginia military singers’ mission continues” by Jack Pointer, 9/19/19.

Watch for more about Voices of Service in my next blog post.