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The May edition of the Manna is here. It’s entitled Why Music? This issue if filled with plenty of thought-provoking articles on the subject of music. Why are we so drawn to music? How does it play into worship and can it be used for evil? The issue delves into the Contemporary Christian Music scene and takes a look at the debate over the quality of current Christian music. Check it out at www.readthemanna.org
Amazing Grace is such a timeless song that has provided so many people hope in times of trouble. I recently ran across a video posted by Bill and Gloria Gaither of George Jones singing the hymn. Jones just passed away after suffering from poor health for some time.
Here is the link to the webpage to hear this unique rendition of Amazing Grace.
http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=WLGDK7NX
Hopefully it will give you some inspiration for the day. If you are seeking further encouragement, check out the latest edition of the Manna. Go to readthemanna.org
In the latest edition of the Manna magazine, we explore the topic of pleasure. Karen Tull writes a great article called, “Good Things.” In it she talks about how we should take pleasure in God and His many blessings. She quotes author Gary Thomas, who says, “a gospel that speaks only of duty and discipline robs God of pleasure.”
Check out the thought-provoking articles and insight in the latest edition of the Manna at readthemanna.org
Keep working America… http://ow.ly/keGcw
Does it seem like some people view being Christian as being stoic, solemn and without pleasure? Jesus came to break the chains that keep us ensnared and to give us the freedom to laugh, to sing, dance and enjoy a fellowship together. However, some people cross the line from pleasure to problems. This month’s edition of the Manna explores what it means to be Christian while balancing the pleasures of life. Go to readthemanna.org to check out this month’s edition.
Were you among the millions who watched the Bible mini-series on the History Channel? Many watched the culmination Easter Sunday when Jesus died and was resurrected. The mini-series received its fair share of criticism – everything from why was Samson portrayed with dreadlocks to why did Satan resemble President Obama. But what was hopefully not lost among the buzz about the show, is the message of the Christian faith.
During the final night of the Bible, we saw the great sacrifice Jesus made to die for our sins. We watched as his mother saw him put to a brutal death. Then we saw what happened at Pentacost when the Holy Spirit came to power a group of disciples to spread the message of death and resurrection. This group then ultimately laid down their lives to preach the message of a risen Savior.
Easter may be over. So is the Bible mini-series. What goes on forever is the saving grace that Jesus gives to us all and He wants us to focus on spreading that message not just on the big screen, but in our everyday lives. We can do that simply by being a living example of someone who has the Holy Spirit living inside. We can essentially become as powerful as a multi-million viewer television show about the Bible by showing everyone we come in contact with that Jesus died for our sins and changed our lives.
We’ve heard that we should keep Christmas alive everyday. While certainly that’s a great thought. I would say what’s also important is to keep the message of Easter alive everyday.
Since the first day of spring here on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, we have seen more snow than the entire winter. It’s been cold, windy and not at all what we would expect for this time of year. However, nature teaches us valuable lessons about God and how we should really view our lives. Many times our plans and our dreams do not turn out as we expect. What we need to keep in mind is that we are not in the driver’s seat. Our visions for what our life should be might be too limited for what God envisions for us. Our dreams might not even take in account what’s even possible.
When we stop expecting and start trusting, life becomes less stressful. We can also see the beauty in an unexpected snowfall rather than the disappointment of another cold day. Let’s pray today for the unexpected joys and direction God has for our lives and start expecting the unexpected.
