Today we added another first radio single from a yet-to-be-released Erwins project. The new album will release in November. You can hear it on Texas Gospel Canada before it is available at the store. This… More
Do you pretend to know someone else’s heart?
FLOYD ROGERS, TEXAS GOSPEL CANADA VOLUNTEER
There are two words I’ve heard Christians and non-Christians alike use to start sentences during an argument. The two-word preface may carry more implications than some would like to admit. The words are: “You want…”
In the heat of argument one may say, “You want to cause trouble…” or “You want to seem smart…” sort of poisoning the well, if you wish, as they portray their opponent as someone with a malicious motive rather than someone with whom they disagree.
Consider, 1 Samuel tells us, “The Lord does not see as man sees; for the man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Corinthians in the New Testament tells us, “…who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit.” There are other scriptures that seem to say God alone is capable of knowing someone’s true motivation.
It may be comforting to believe that the only way someone could disagree with us about important matters is if they have some nefarious incentive. But given that we can only guess what goes on within someone else’s heart, should we really speak as if we have the ability to do so? Too, shouldn’t we ask God to make sure we understand our own motives before casting judgement on others?
What are your thoughts?
Changes to The Perrys related to COVID-19 and economic challenges
SPECIAL FROM STOWTOWN RECORDS
Nashville, TN (August 17, 2020) – Libbi Perry Stuffle of The Perrys has announced changes for their group. As we all know, we are living through unprecedented times as COVID-19 has altered the landscape of what we all knew to be normal. The music industry, and specifically Southern Gospel musicians and ministries, have worked to continue throughout these last few months. The Perrys are no exception.
“I have done everything that I can do to sustain the families of The Perrys,” reveals Stuffle. “With the current climate and not being able to work many dates, we recently had a group meeting on the bus where I shared this with the guys and encouraged them to do what they have to do to continue to support their families. As a result, both Troy Peach and Andrew Goldman have decided to pursue other opportunities. I want to thank them both for their service, their time and their love. They helped me when I needed it the most: through the health crisis with Tracy, through my surgery and recovery last fall and most recently, through the Covid-related changes. They have remained faithful and I appreciate them for that.”
“Moving forward,” continues Libbi, “I intend to fulfill our obligations for all dates that are still on our schedule. I have a lot of great friends in this industry, a lot of great singers, and they have offered to help me meet these obligations so that the quality of the ministry and music of The Perrys continues as expected. In time, when things open up, I hope to find permanent replacements for these two positions. But until then, I’m grateful for these friends who have come alongside me to walk with me through this time. I love this music; I don’t want it to go away and I don’t want The Perrys to go away. I am moving forward with great hope and anticipation. You will hear more from Troy and Andrew in the days ahead as they transition to new places in their ministries. But I wanted you to hear from me to know how much I love and appreciate my guys.”
To keep up with The Perrys, you can follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and can keep up with their concert schedule on their website.
Can people tell you are a Christian by what you post on Facebook?
I once told a woman that what she posted online was not very Christian at all. She responded by telling me, “We aren’t in church and I’m not bound to any biblical rules or principles. This is FB and we make the rules.”
There is at least a grain of truth in that statement: We can choose to go against God’s principles. God does not force us to live as we should. Is it not hypocritical to claim you are following Jesus while purposely doing our own thing? Doesn’t this misrepresent to the world what being a Christian means?
What are your thoughts?
There is a difference between judging what a person does and judging the individual
FLOYD ROGERS, TEXAS GOSPEL CANADA VOLUNTEER
The Book of Mathew says, “Judge not, or you too will be judged.” Does this mean that Christians should never judge the actions of others?  I believe this scripture and the answer to the question show just how easy it is to get a wrong understanding of the Bible if you only hear a snippet. The same Chapter of Matthew says that Jesus told His followers how to know a false prophet. He said, “By their fruit you will recognize them.” He is clearly telling Christians to make a judgement about a person’s actions.
Notice, he says to judge the actions, not the individual. The Bible warns us against actions that go against God’s will. The Bible warns us against adultery, murder, etc. I believe this makes it clear we are to judge actions. But when it comes to judging the individual; that is, assuming we know why he or she did the action, that’s a different story. We have no idea what lies in a person’s heart , but God does. He alone judges the heart. Doesn’t this mean that only God judges the individual?
How would other folks judge you if they only saw you at your worst?
What are your thoughts?
New music from Karen Peck and New River, Michael Booth and more!
JEFF TURNER, MUSIC REPORTER/TEXAS GOSPEL CANADA VOLUNTEER
Texas Gospel Canada added new music to our rotation Wednesday evening including songs from Karen Peck and New River, Michael Booth and Donna Ulisse. As the world goes through extraordinary times, the songs released this week seem to reflect a message needed by Christians and non-Christians alike: Hope..
Fresh off the success of The God I Serve, Karen Peck and New River’s song Made Right comes from the same album, Lift His Name.  The words are perhaps the perfect message for today, “Not by power, not by might, by might. By the Spirit of the Lord it’s going to be made right.”
Michael Booth’s This side of Heaven is a slow ballad with a progressive Southern Gospel sound. It comes from the project Dear Yesterday. The theme of the CD seems to be encouragement. Other songs from the same project include Dear Yesterday, Thy Will be Done and We Trust in the Name. The lyrics of This Side speak of worshiping God in the good and the bad, even when we have to say goodbye to someone we very much love.
Donna Ulisse may be a new name to some Southern Gospel listeners. She has a distinctively Bluegrass sound. Her song Come to Jesus Moment was co-written by Donna and Rick Stanley. The song comes from the project Time for Life, and is produced by another well-known name in Bluegrass Gospel, Doyle Lawson of Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver. Donna is known to Country Music fans from her days with Atlantic Records in the early 1990’s.
The Jordan Family Band has a single release this week, Hope for the World. The song speaks of healing, and of doing our part to reach the world with the Gospel. The Jordan Family Band is based in Calhoun, Georgia.
Live Forgiven from Nathan Woodard has a definite folk-country influence. Though the song was previously recorded by Gordon Mote, Nathan co-wrote the song with Sue C. Smith and he puts a distinctive sound in his version. The words say, Even when we’re certain God’s grace is all we got… we are all His children.”
Listen for these songs added this week to the music lineup of Texas Gospel Canada!
