The lore of the ancient fable has no equal to the jolly Land of Jazz,
within the wild, Discordant Sea, across the way from the long-haired
Land of Symphony, where two star-crossed lovers face adversity in this
whimsical Walt Disney Silly Symphony cartoon from 1935.
God's sovereignty over the affairs of the world is a reassuring reality.
In this classic teaching, Dr. Charles Stanley (1932-2023) founder of
In Touch Ministries, guides us through the verses of Scripture which
establish God's authority and how the same influence over global
matters also reaches down into our everyday lives.
Understanding his power and plan leads us to greater obedience
and the trust due our faithful Father.
"For this reason, even though I suffer as I do, I am not ashamed; for I know whom
I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have
entrusted to Him for that day."
(2 Timothy 1:12)
I know my faith is founded
On Jesus Christ, my God and Lord;
And this my faith confessing,
Unmoved I stand upon His Word.
Man's reason cannot fathom
The truth of God profound;
Who trusts her subtle wisdom
Relies on shifting ground.
God's Word is all sufficient,
It makes divinely sure,
And trusting in its wisdom,
My faith shall rest secure.
Increase my faith, dear Savior,
For Satan seeks by night and day
To rob me of this treasure
And take my hope of bliss away.
But Lord, with Thee beside me,
I shall be undismayed;
And led by Thy good Spirit,
I shall be unafraid.
Abide with me, O Savior,
A firmer faith bestow;
Then I shall bid defiance
To every evil foe.
In faith, Lord, let me serve Thee;
Though persecution, grief, and pain
Should seek to overwhelm me,
Let me a steadfast trust retain;
And then at my departure
Take Thou me home to Thee
And let me there inherit
All Thou hast promised me.
In life and death, Lord keep me
Until Thy Heav'n I gain,
Where I by Thy great mercy
The end of faith attain.
"I Know My Faith Is Founded"
(1718)
Erdmann Neumeister
(1671-1756)
German Lutheran pastor and hymnologist.
Did the Philistines capture of the Ark of the Covenant parallel the mystery
of Israel's future... or the coming judgment of America?
Joshua and Caleb, a.k.a. The Bearded Bible Brothers, speak with
Israel Hanna of Wisdom that Heals Ministries to learn more about
this important Biblical story.
While writing "Flashback Friday" I am often searching for just the right song,
or what could be considered the featured artist or group's "signature song".
American singer/songwriter and 1970's music icon John Denver has
several songs which could be considered his "signature songs", including
"Sunshine On My Shoulders" "Back Home Again" and "Country Roads".
One of my favorite Denver classics is the beautiful ballad, "Annie's Song".
Released as a single from his eighth studio album, "Annie's Song"
was written for Denver's wife at the time, Annie Martell Denver.
According to him, it was penned in about ten and a half minutes one day while
he was riding on a ski lift to the top of Aspen Mountain in Aspen, Colorado.
John seemed to capture the feeling he felt while surrounded by the beauty
of the snow-capped mountains, "filling up his senses" all around him.
This, and the love he felt for his wife inspired him.
"Initially it was a love song," recalled Annie Denver. And it was given to
me through him, and yet, for him, it became a bit like a prayer."
"You can talk to God and listen to the casual reply..."
"Rocky Mountain High" which is one of the two state songs of Colorado, came
under scrutiny after being released, when the FCC deemed, erroneously so, that
the phrase "...friends around the campfire and everybody's high"... promoted
the usage of drugs. As a result, certain radio stations refused to play the song.
John Denver publicly defended the song, claiming, "everybody's high"
was an innocent reference to the sense of peace that he
found within the Rocky Mountains.
In 1985, Denver testified before Congress in the Parents Music Resource
Center hearing about his experience: "This was obviously done by people
who have never seen or been to the Rocky Mountains and also have never
experienced the elation, celebration of life or the joy of living that one
feels when he observes something as wondrous as the Perseids meteor
shower on a moonless, cloudless night, when there are so many stars
that you have a shadow from the starlight and you are out camping
with your friends, your best friends, and introducing them to one
of nature's most spectacular light shows for the first time."
Cash Box agreed, claiming that the song, "sparkles with sincerity
and beautiful lyrical images."
I think most people listening to this lovely song will agree!
Thank you for your beautiful music, Mr. Denver!
Shabbat Shalom, Eretz Israel!
Sabbath Blessings & God's Peace To All.
This year the Feast of Shavuot will begin at sundown Sunday, June 1, 2025
and end on Tuesday evening, June 3rd. In this classic presentation, Messianic
Bible teacher Zola Levitt (1938-2006) founder of Zola Levitt Ministries and
his guest, Jean Rosenberg, discuss this holiday which is not much different
than the celebration of Thanksgiving in America.
