There’s an old poem: ” Dare to be a Daniel, Dare to stand alone, Dare to have a purpose firm, Dare to make it known.” Let’s take a look at that historic man and his life.

The time was around 539 B.C. The place was ancient Babylon. Daniel’s nation had been conquered by the Babylonians some 70 years previously; Daniel was a captive, as were the rest of his nation. Babylon was a place of false gods and idol worship. Daniel had managed to keep his faith in the one true Living God. The king noted that Daniel was special. Daniel had an ‘excellent spirit’. He was wiser than all the magicians, astrologers and sorcerers of Babylon. The king promoted Daniel to a high administrative position. Other officials wanted to get rid of Daniel. They found no error or fault with him. They drew up a law that stated that whoever would make a petition to any god or man for 30 days except to the king himself would be punished. He’d be thrown into a den of lions. The king passed the law.

“Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, ,just as he had done before.” (Daniel 6:10)

Daniel’s enemies told the king that Daniel wasn’t obeying the new law and Daniel was put into the den of lions for the night.

“At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions’ den. When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God whom you serve continually been able to rescue you from the lions?” Daniel answered, “O king, live forever! My God sent His angel and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in His sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king.” The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.” (6:19-23)

Daniel’s enemies and all they had were then thrown into the den and “before they reached the floor of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.”

“Then King Darius wrote to all the peoples, nations and men of every language throughout the land: “May you prosper greatly! I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. For He is the living God and He endures forever; His kingdom will not be destroyed, His dominion will never end. He rescues and He saves; He performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.” (6: 25-27)

Daniel’s uncompromising devotion to God impacted an empire. His daily habit of praying morning, noon and night was what kept him close to God, confident in HIs ability to rescue him. You might say Daniel was like a friend to God.

I believe this remarkable event with God’s chosen man Daniel has been recorded here to help us today. As people of God, we shine as lights in a dark world. By God’s grace, we can live lives of integrity and find blessing even amid our ‘lions’ den’ experiences. Daniel found freedom though he spent 70 years as a captive when the foreign army conquered his country. Daniel kept on clinging to God and never did compromise or fall into the temptations of the false gods and idols everyone around him were honoring. This event is a picture of resisting temptations that steal heart and mind from God and also a picture of triumph over evil.

Jesus taught us to pray: “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

Peter wrote about an enemy we all have to watch out for:

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” (1 Peter 5: 8, 9)

Jesus taught that there is one who seeks to steal, kill and destroy. There is comfort at the end of His teaching as He declares: “I have come that you may have life and have it more abundantly.”(John 10:10)

All of us who know Jesus as Savior and Lord have a Good Shepherd watching over us. Jesus has absolutely demonstrated all victory over the evil one. As Jesus walked this earth, He cured all manner of sickness and disease and infirmity. The blind were given their sight, the lame empowered to walk, the lepers cleansed of their skin disease. One man with a withered hand had it completely made new again. Even a few dead people were raised to life. The grave couldn’t hold our Jesus either.

In addition to these demonstrations of abundant life out flowing, we see Mary Magdalene, set free from the evil spirits that held her in prostitution. She became a new person, one faithful to follow our Lord.

Our enemy at times tempts us from our walk with God, seducing us with the worldly and ungodly things around us. Other times he may distract us while in prayer, keep us from fellowshipping with other believers, cause us to doubt, or fear, or lack necessities.

Recalling Daniel’s rescue from the lion’s den, he was a man who stayed connected to God. He prayed morning, noon, and night. He wasn’t swayed by the godless culture around him, even though he had been in Babylon for 70 years. We may have seen pictures of Daniel in the lion’s den. He’s pictured as a young man. Historically, he would have been in his eighties when this event occurred. We can take this man as a good example of how to live a life trusting firmly in God, knowing Him to be all sufficient to rescue us, to protect us and keep us every day of our lives as we stay connected to Him.

God’s love abounds to His people. Let us take Daniel’s example and speak to our God morning, noon and night. We can ask for help to not get drawn into the evil things about us, we can ask for strength, the ability to forgive others, for forgiveness for our own sins, and for rescue from evil. We can simply give Him thanks and praise. God longs to know each and every one of us more.

I awoke the other morning with a myriad of Scripture bits in my mind. The overall theme was the ‘way or path’. . “There is a straight and narrow road that leads to life.”

“…He leads me in the ‘paths of righteousness’ for His name’s sake.”

“This is the way, walk ye in it.”

…not to go “to the left or the right” but stay on the path. It’s an interesting picture. With Jesus we are on a path– a righteous ‘way’. We have our Guide. Proverbs 3:6 encourages: “…in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.” Here again, we see our ‘paths’. We also see something we can do that connects us to the Lord’s guidance. “In all our ways to acknowledge Him”. We glorify God with our lives.

It’s wonderful that He is with us every step of the ‘way’.

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; and he delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholds him with His hand. (Psalm 37:23 KJV) There are occasions we ‘stumble’ or go off the ‘path’. As God’s adopted children we can make things right again. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) If we’ve strayed to the’ left or the right’, we can get back on ‘track’ again.

As servants of our King, there are often places He would like for us to visit, people He would like for us to see. We acknowledge Him in all our ways, we shine His light: His love, His words.

Jesus said of Himself: “I am the way…” This is good to keep in mind as we rub shoulders with those not knowing Jesus. Many want to talk about end times, or prophets like Nostradamus or the Mayan calendar because of what they see on T.V. Many fear economic crash or Sharia takeover. Some wonder about why all religions aren’t ‘right.’ It’s tempting to talk about all we know in these areas, but it still leaves the other on a different ‘way’ or ‘path’. A wise young pastor once said: “Always bring it back to Jesus”. He’s the way to eternal life. He’s the way to understanding the rest of Scripture. Our responses, as His ambassadors need not be complex, or overwhelming. A five year old in our church was given a vision and unction to tell the whole church, “Jesus died to pay for our sins.” That’s a good focus for our conversations. Would a person make a statement of faith? These are things that actually move the unsaved onto the ‘way’ to eternal life. Without the new heart and Spirit that only God can give upon salvation, all other learning is simply head knowledge. Touch the heart.

Abide with Jesus; continue to take in His words. Without Him we can do nothing; with HIm all things are possible.

We are building His Kingdom on earth. We are members of His body. Pray for and with those needing Him. They will come.

“I urge that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth…” (1 Timothy 2: 1-4)

Paul understood the power of prayer. He understood the impact of many believers praying in unity.

There are increasing pressures upon our Government to revise laws to accommodate other cultures. Our country has been blessed by God for many reasons. I believe blessing Israel is important. I believe holding true to godly laws is also something that has blessed peoples throughout the ages. Check out Bible history, especially in the books of kings. Those who obeyed God’s ways did well; those who didn’t had a rough time.

Before our Government are issues of assisted suicide, prostitution, polygamy, and human trafficking to name a few. Prayer for those in authority makes a difference. There are increasing pressures on our government to ease all restraints, compromise our culture and laws with foreign ways. The judges require much insight, integrity and courage to make rulings. A single ruling can establish a precedent that would impact rulings for many years to come. God can give those in authority wisdom so they can see implications for the future. God can strengthen them to stand up for what is just, when the pressures are intense.

I am reminded of a prayer written by a group of Christian high school girls from Fort Saskatchewan. They gave this prayer as a gift to Prime Minister Stephen Harper. They were invited into his private office and actually prayed it over him in May 2007 .Here’s what they said:

“Heavenly Father, God of all wisdom and power, we humbly come before you to pray as you have instructed us in Your Holy Scriptures, for all who are in authority.

We pray that they would find in the Bible and through prayer, their source of strength and wisdom.

We pray that they would remember that they are accountable to God Almighty for the tasks they perform and the decisions they make.

We pray that they would be able to resist those who may pressure them to go against their conscience and would have strength and courage to do what is right.

We pray that by Your guidance, they would seek to preserve the blessings of freedom and opportunity for the generations to come.

We pray that they would seek to bring back honor and respect, honesty and trust to the positions of power they hold.

We pray finally that they would seek to be an example of good character and moral integrity to the fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters of this great nation: Canada.

May the God of Peace be with you all, Amen.”

Pray freely about specific issues and hold up the leaders of our country. Our prayers are a powerful privilege. For current issues check out: standonguardprayer@ gmail .com

Paul wrote to the early church: “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in Spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness…” (Philippians 2: 1-7)

Imagine leaving heavenly glory to come to this earth, rub shoulders with the worst of us and fulfill His mission. It required whole-hearted focus, communing with the Father, extraordinary love. Jesus was confident in what God could do for each person needing rescue from satan’s destructions. Faith, obedience and compassion moved Him to get involved in these needs. He was here to serve and taught to do the same. “For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.” (Luke 22:27)

Jesus kept ministering for the Kingdom of God, even when there were difficult times. He didn’t quit when those in His hometown didn’t believe. (Mark 6:1-6) He wasn’t unwilling to ‘pray again’ when the blind man saw men ‘as trees walking’. (indicating partial restoration) (Mark 8: 22-26) Jesus continued to patiently teach about the Kingdom of God even after His disciples showed lack of faith time and time again. We can’t even imagine the let-down Jesus experienced when Peter denied Him three times.

The ‘overcoming’ Christian walk sees our actions move from self to service for others. All that has been given to us by God is to build His Kingdom. All hearts and eyes are on the Lord, hands extended to others. Once we’ve been touched by God’s mercy and love we have something valuable to share with others. Glory to God–all timing is in His will, all deeds according to His leading.

Service is in obedience to God. Prayer, praise, fasting and Scripture times open our hearts to ‘hear’ from God. The Kingdom of God is in us and can inspire us freely at any time to do what is good. Knowing God’s Word strengthens us. (1 John 2: 14) and helps us determine that we are praying according to His will.

We use our gifts to edify other believers and to tell those not knowing about Jesus about Him. (John 6:29) We ‘serve’ be laboring with God,. We continue even after difficult seasons. Sometimes our prayers may not receive immediate results, but as we recall past answers to prayers, we can be encouraged that God does get involved and care. We bow to His ways and thoughts being higher than ours.

Have the steadfast confidence and endurance of Abraham. Faith believes before the answer comes, sees it in the distance and clings to it all the way through. Continue to serve, pray and believe with and for others. Keep the Master in mind and heart.

We’re members of an awesome Kingdom of power, filled with every good and perfect gift– abundant life for body, soul and spirit. It’s all good news– forgiveness and eternal reward, peace with God and His life and love within. We have access to God through prayer and knowledge of how His Kingdom operates through Scriptures. We have so much to offer the world. The Father be glorified as His Kingdom impacts more and more people.

This is from my e-mail dated Oct. 26, 2011.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is financing a new organization designed to bring all the world’s religions together. “The organization hopes to prevent conflict through interfaith dialogue,” writes Spencer Kimball for the German news site Deutsche Welle. “The foreign ministers of Austria, Saudi Arabia and Spain signed the founding treaty of a new international organization designed to foster dialogue between the world’s major religions on Thursday.” “The thesis is valid that world peace cannot exist without peace between the world’s major religions, ” Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal said during the signing ceremony in Vienna, according to Deutsche Welle: The King Abdullah Center for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue, initiated and financed largely by Saudi money, is set to have its seat in Vienna. Plans envision an organization with a governing body composed of 12 representatives from the world’s five largest religions. The governing body is set to be staffed by two Muslims (Sunni and Shiite), three Christians (Catholic, Anglican and Orthodox), a Buddhist, a Hindu and a Jew. The organization will also have a consulting body with 100 representatives from the five world religions plus other faiths as well as academics and members of civil society.”

Wow. They’re going to invent another religion that compromises all those doctrines. This may appeal to some. Remember not to compromise basic saving doctrines, no matter what the rest of the world is doing. Hold faithful to: Jesus is the Son of the Living God. He died on the cross as payment for sin and is raised from the dead. Repenting of sin and personally verbally receiving Him as our Savior and Lord is the beginning of our life long journey with Him and to Him for eternity. Short, sweet and uncomplicated. Stay faithful and true.

How does this apply to me? is the question. We need go deeper and look at Paul’s teaching to the early church. It is about my body being a vessel or jar and what is put into it.

Paul explained to the church: “We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all surpassing power is from God and not from us.”

All who have received Jesus as Savior and Lord move on to a new life. We are like new vessels–our bodies now contain the Holy Spirit of God. He desires to shine Jesus to all people.

Paul wrote about this: “…we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the Word of God…” (2 Corinthians 4:2)

This means that we have turned away from everything that is not of God. We leave all sinful ways behind and become new creations as we learn and apply the Word of God to our lives.

Paul said we are like jars holding the treasure of God. He said also that every Christian is like a temple: “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16)

Smith Wigglesworth commented that some believers are not full of the Holy Ghost “because the bodies are not ready for it; the temples are not cleansed. When the temples are purified and the minds put in order so that carnalities and fleshly desires and everything has gone, then the Holy Ghost can take full charge. The Holy Ghost is not a manifestation of carnality…the power of the Holy Ghost is most lovely, divine in all its construction. It is a great refiner. It is full of life, but it is always divine–never natural.”

We who believe in Jesus and have begun the process of living by feeding on His words shine as lights in a dark world. The truth that we are forgiven because of our faith in the finished work of Christ at the cross is a treasure. Every day we have strength, hope, and joy because of our promised future in heaven. Every day as we take into our being more words and promises of God, we grow stronger in our spirit, and stronger in our faith.

Because Jesus is risen, we too rise to new life. Though our outward appearance may be aging, our inner life is being renewed day by day. We fix our eyes and hearts on things eternal, things unseen.

We find we are less interested in the things of this world. Our focus, our life, our everything longs to be with God, to know Him more. We yield to the promptings of goodness and holiness within us. The Spirit of God that came in when we received Jesus to save us ‘house-cleans’ –creating purity around Him where He dwells. We work together with Him by resisting the ‘spots’ of uncleanness that linger. Our prayers are heard by God and by these He is given permission to make all things new.

Everything that is not of wholehearted love to God and neighbor, Holy Spirit will bring to our attention so we can speak the words that will cleanse. We aim for a vessel or body filled with God and His life alone. We yield our will to His. When we do what we can do, God does what He can do to help us. Let our bodies, our temples be filled with His glory. He is near as we draw close to Him. We find the Word of God becomes easier to understand and an anchor that holds us firmly in difficult seasons.

It’s up to each person to make room in his heart and life for all God wants to put in. Like the widow woman, we can contain abundance, literally as much as we make room for. Often times it means making time for the things of God by forsaking worldly time wasters. Our time is precious. All we do draws us either closer to God or puts Him out of our mind and heart.

We can picture Jesus with us all day long, seeing and taking in all that we do. Certainly His promise is to be with us always.

Let us fill our vessels with the things of God, hearing His Word and fellowshipping daily with Him in heartfelt prayers. The things of this world will grow strangely dim in appeal next to the wonder of God in us.

According to the Biblical ‘pattern’, we see ‘repent’ as a directive before ‘the kingdom of heaven is near.’ Repentance, Paul wrote, is a ‘ foundation’ of our faith. Seeing our errors and turning from them is an ongoing way of keeping our relationship to God close. Jesus showed this order: “Repent and believe the Gospel.” Too often, today the Gospel is received without the understanding that departing from evil will be required. (Matthew 7: 21- 27) Perhaps we can look at the ‘first Adam’ and the ‘last Adam’ to better see the picture.

God has given all people free-will. Throughout our lives, the choices remain– will we do right or wrong? When Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s directive to not eat the fruit of the tree, something major happened to all mankind. “The disposition of sin entered into the human race by one man,” Oswald Chambers wrote in his book My Utmost for His Highest. This means we all have a tendency to sin, to choose ‘my way’. We are not born holy and saved. Even after salvation, we ‘wrestle’ our flesh into submission to God’s ways, until His ways become our ways. Jesus observed that the Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. We can obey God’s will even when it’s difficult. We have available more power than we can even imagine. (the same Spirit that strengthened Jesus to fulfill His mission is ours.) Let’s continue to see what happened when Jesus ‘paid the price.’

My dictionary defines ‘redeem’ as: “to rescue, as from bondage, by paying a ransom; to rescue and deliver from the bondage of sin and the penalties of God’s violated law. ‘Redeemer’ is defined: “one who redeems; specifically the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ.” (Preach it Merriam -Webster!)

Jesus explained clearly that: “everyone who sins is a slave to sin. A slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:34-36)

We see two kingdoms–one of sin, separated from God, another kingdom of freedom from sin, its power, its hold, its lure –God’s Kingdom.

The cross was more than payment for sin debt. The sin of us all was laid on Christ. That picture alone should make us abhor evil. Death and hell couldn’t hold our Redeemer. The tables turned, justice was satisfied, our Holy God released to all who believe, the power to become sons of God.

Oswald Chambers continues “…The Holy Spirit entered the human race by another Man; (last Adam) and Redemption means that I can be delivered from the heredity of sin and through Jesus Christ can receive an unsullied heredity–the Holy Spirit.”

“…The moral miracle of Redemption is that God can put into me a new disposition whereby I can live a totally new life.” (Paul also wrote of this in Romans 5:17 through chapters 6, 7, & 8)

There is no shortage of spiritual power available to the Christian. The Spirit of God now comes to live in us. Our communication line to God is always connected. Prayer to Him is our very daily breath.

We do well to meditate on the power of being redeemed. This power is more than enough for every person who ever lived to leave ‘darkness’ and walk with God.

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say, “no” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled upright and godly lives in this present age; while we wait for the blessed hope–the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” (Titus 2:11-14)

Last week I was watching a DVD where the preacher was speaking about doing things according to the “pattern” that God gave in Scripture. Moses had to build the tabernacle according to the “pattern” given. He followed all the details perfectly. The preacher went on to say that Jesus came first to the Jew. When He sent out the twelve disciples to preach and minister, Jesus said: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel…” (Matthew 10:5, 6)

Even Jesus’ final statement shows this order of Jews first: “You will be witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria and to the ends of the earth…” (Acts 1:8)

Paul followed the “pattern” of evangelizing first to the Jew, then to the non-Jew (Gentile) (Acts 18: 6, 7)

As the preacher on the DVD continued in this topic, one woman in the audience was dramatically healed by the power of God. She had serious neck and back injuries from a car accident and enthusiastically and joyfully demonstrated how her body was now fully functional and pain free. Multiple conditions were restored perfectly. No one had prayed for the woman, God simply extended His mercy and healing hand.

As I considered this a few days later, my daily Bible reading was from Paul’s letter to the Romans: “…if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings.” (Romans 15:27)

Paul was speaking of what was going on around him at that time, but this Scripture still impacts us today. How awesome it is that the Jews have preserved the Old Testament for all these years! The Gospel writers and Paul were Jews.

I have to ask myself, “Have I helped those who bless the Jews? Am I following God’s pattern?”

Today, many Jews are being called, drawn by the Lord to move to Israel. Many need financial help to go. There are many reputable Christian organizations helping in this relocation. I believe blessing will follow as we share financially with those who have blessed us spiritually.

For those without extra finances to bless, prayer is another way of recognizing and honoring God’s first chosen peoples. His covenant with His chosen people of old is for a thousand generations– it is everlasting. (Psalm 105: 8-15) When the time comes that all Israel will be saved how glorious that will be! (Romans 11:13-29)

“For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet, till her righteousness shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch. The nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow. You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God. No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah (my delight is in her), and your land Beulah (married); for the Lord will take delight in you, and your land will be married. As a young man marries a maiden, so will your sons marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you. I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the Lord, give yourselves no rest, and give Him no rest until He establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth.” (Isaiah 62:1-7)

He wants you to see this

My girlfriend recently sent me this e-mail:

“Bob Frew sent this out. ‘I took this picture on I-20, traveling to Leeds, Alabama. It has given me strength in the times of trouble. I feel I should share it with the rest of the world. I hope it is an inspiration to you. It just goes to show what we already know…We have a God, and he’s watching over us.

I e-mailed this picture to News Channel Fox 6. I was contacted by meteorologist James Spann. He said that this picture of the sky is showing up in all states and around the world. He wanted to know where I was from and where I took it. He saw a similar picture taken in Texas. He said this is amazing to him.”

Paul wrote to the early church: “Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things…” (1 Corinthians 1:26-28)

This is a good thing to remember– what we were when God called us. To Him is all the glory for where we now stand. It’s been His mercy, life and grace that have created ‘new creatures’ of us. No one can boast. We simply follow where He leads.

As I consider a 2 DVD set I recently watched regarding the roots of contemporary Christian music, the “choosing the weak” has been shown here. The early musicians featured on the DVDs were not all professionals. Many had terrific early personal setbacks to overcome. There was much rejection because ‘Jesus music’ embraced electric instruments and drums. The appearance of the musicians was often despised. (long hair and jeans) One young man was black and unschooled in music. God gave him the gift of piano playing and writing songs.

God was able to use all of these musicians to write and perform ‘new songs’– to make a new sound that connected everyday music with the church. The musicians had one important thing in common– a committed, wholehearted love for Jesus. They sang songs of praise, beyond ‘about’ Him, rather, ‘to’ Him, songs of thanksgiving, and songs of joy. Many of these ‘pioneers’ of Christian music were teens, young adults, newly born again. Their eyes and hearts were on Jesus alone and the change He brought to their lives –the joy of salvation comes through the songs.

The music touched the unsaved youth of the 1960′s and 70′s in the U.S.A. Festivals and concerts drew tens of thousands. They were baptized by the hundreds in the nearby ocean.(California coast) One musician made the comment that if we keep ourselves close to Jesus, He takes care of the outflow to others.

Two of the featured musicians on the DVD had abundant success prior to their salvation. They were skilled and had contracts and fame with the ‘world’. Annie Herring, now of “The Second Chapter of Acts”, realized that her decision was Jesus or everything else. She chose Jesus and He has blessed the band over the years. The other successful musician had already come to the conclusion that fame and fortune was his road to ruin. He set much aside and opened his heart to Jesus. He joyfully concluded that “Jesus is the answer to all the problems in society!”

Roots are interesting to consider. The Lord inspired many songs to these who devoted their all to praising Him at a time when there was virtually no money to be made in Christian Music. It was a labor of love for these musicians. Their lyrics touched hearts, proclaimed the Resurrection, ‘born again’, the Gospel and personal themes. The musicians were even called to perform in many other countries.

There were hundreds of thousands of young people who made decisions for Jesus in this ‘birth’ of contemporary Christian music.

Decades later, the musicians of that time still speak of their love of Jesus that has grown stronger as the years have passed. “Then, we looked ahead in faith. Now, all we sang about has proven itself over and over in our lives.” “I’m going to do this as long as I can” another ‘pioneer’ commented.

A refreshing treasure, filled with songs that are still alive with the joy of salvation and the simple message of Jesus, the 2DVD / 2CD set is fittingly titled: “First Love”.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX