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posted by Robert on 07/3/09

Happy Independence Day! Here is a patriotic duet that Clayton and I played at the Nashville ATI Regional Conference last year. My hope is that it will inspire everyone who listens to apply the promise of II Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” Enjoy!

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4 Comments » | posted in Making Melody

posted by Robert on 05/23/09

Recently, I have been really encouraged to hear many exciting reports from young people who participated in Living the Journey’s Challenge II and have been making an extra effort to learn how to be more effective “fishers of men” as they share the Good News of salvation with others. Here are some links to a few of these stories. You’ll notice that one is from Jonathan and the last one involves James. I hope they motivate you as much as they have motivated me!

• A Divine Encounter
• A Meaningful Conversation
• Stepping Out in Faith
• Sharing the Gospel Around the World
• The Importance of Preparation
• Just an Instrument
• Miracle in the Park
• Late-Night “Fishing” at McDonalds

2 Comments » | posted in Family News

posted by Robert on 05/3/09

I just couldn’t make myself put it down! The story was entertaining and fun, yet the underlying principles were profound and powerful. I starting reading it to a group of friends. They laughed. They listened. Then they asked me to read another chapter!

To be honest, I don’t have the time to read very much these days. But this book grabbed me. I haven’t finished it yet, but if the rest of the chapters are as good as these first ones, I believe The Noticer by Andy Andrews will be a bestseller. It is based on the true story of Andy’s life and the remarkable transformation that he experienced from being a homeless man sleeping under a bridge to one of the nations’ best known and best-loved communicators.

Take a few minutes and enjoy listening to the first chapter.

Download MP3 (30 min)

Read the first chapter

2 Comments » | posted in Book Reports

posted by Robert on 04/19/09

Living the Journey is hosting a second challenge! This one goes beyond memorization and involves actually sharing the plan of salvation with someone during the week of May 5-9.

Jonathan has already successfully completed memorizing the required verses, quite a while before the April 23rd deadline! Go Jonathan!

Pray for each person who is diligently learning how to effectively share the Good News. And it’s not too late to join in yourself and receive a free Soulwinner’s Resource Kit!

5 Comments » | posted in Tidbits

posted by Robert on 03/18/09

No other person in history has sung to more people than George Beverly Shea. Known as "America’s Beloved Gospel Singer," his unmistakable rich baritone voice has proclaimed the Gospel message in song to over 200 million people around the globe! In crusade after crusade, his passionate solo would set the tone for Billy Graham’s salvation message. Billy Graham once said that he felt the song was more powerful than the sermon.

Last month, Bey Shea celebrated his 100th birthday! Knowing how God has used him so powerfully over the last century, I counted it an incredible privilege to be able to spend some time with him and his wife yesterday at their beautiful home in the hills of North Carolina.

At 100 years old, I was surprised at Mr. Shea’s agility, quick wit, and ability to recall dates, names, and specific details from the past. He was overflowing with fun recollections from big crusades, memories of famous people, and touching stories of hymn histories. It was thrilling to hear him share firsthand how the Lord had orchestrated the writing of such favorites as The Wonder of It All and I’d Rather Have Jesus.

His life was overflowing with music! He showed us four organs in his home, including a big pipe organ. The pipes were down in the basement and filled the house with music as he played. He even played a little pump organ for us!

In the Shea living room was a 1934 Steinway grand piano that Bev Shea’s father had purchased for something like $19. It still sounded great and I enjoyed playing How Great Thou Art, a favorite hymn of mine that first received widespread popularity after Bev Shea sang it at a London Crusade.

After spending a memorable day together, it was clear to me that even at 100 years old, Mr. Shea is still as fascinated with "the wonder of it all" as when he first penned these words back in 1955:

There’s the wonder of sunset at evening,
The wonder as sunrise I see;
But the wonder of wonders that thrills my soul
Is the wonder that God loves me.

8 Comments » | posted in Historical Glimpses