A thought about trusting God

FLOYD ROGERS

When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to think everything is out of control. But if God truly controls all things, then your life is not without direction. God holds your life steady, even when it seems uncertain. Isn’t the real question whether you trust Him enough to believe He will lead you to make the right choices?

If your trust in God is complete, your main concern becomes one simple thing: is this decision part of God’s will? If the answer is yes, then you can move forward with confidence. This kind of faith brings peace, joy, and a calm heart, because you know God is guiding you.

Living this way means choosing, on purpose, to obey God no matter what might happen next. You trust Him with the outcome.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

God’s Unseen Protection

AMY TURNER

Psalm 125:2 gives a powerful image of God’s care for His people: “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forevermore.” This verse reminds us of the strong, unshaken protection God provides.

Anyone who has travelled through towering mountain ranges like the Rockies understands the feeling of being enclosed by their vastness. In a similar way, those journeying to Jerusalem in ancient times would see hills encircling the city, offering a sense of safety. These hills, though not as tall, stood as a symbol of God’s protection for those heading to worship.

Mountains, by nature, do not move. Even when fog or storms hide them from view, they remain firm and unmoved. God’s protection is the same. Even when we cannot see or feel it, His care surrounds us. The promise of His presence isn’t based on our awareness but on His faithfulness. In difficult times, we can quietly rest in faith, trusting that His steady, unseen arms hold us securely.

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38-39

The Inspirations announce upcoming album,Up Above The World So High

AMY TURNER / CROSSROADS RECORDS

Arden, North Carolina (May 28, 2025) — Their receipt of the esteemed Singing News Favorite Artist of the Year award is only a few months in the rear-view mirror, and the ascent to the top of the charts by their latest single, “My Name’s Already There,” is more recent still, but the young men making up the refreshed lineup of legendary quartet, The Inspirations, are hardly letting the grass grow under their feet. Teamed for the first time with producer/pianist Roger Talley, The Inspirations are back from the ever-flowing well of tradition with Up Above The World So High, a new collection for Horizon Records — now available for pre-save/add ahead of its July 18 release — that’s sure to bring joy to any listener whose soul has ever resonated with the classic Inspirations sound.
“I attended my very first Inspirations concert in 1970,” notes Talley, “and I’ve admired them from afar ever since then. When they asked me to produce their new album, I got to know them in a far greater capacity by getting on the bus and going with them for a weekend of concert dates. These young men really care about the people they sing to, and I quickly learned how fiercely their fans love and support them in return.”

Indeed, the reasons for the fans’ devotion are apparent from the first notes of the album opener, “I’ll Wear a White Robe,” as Talley’s piano and pedal steel guitar from the group’s baritone singer—and multi-instrumentalist— Luke Vaught ring out with a profoundly traditional sound. At a time when the Southern Gospel tag includes so many modern variations, the thrilling sounds of yesteryear that the quartet — Roland Kesterson (lead), Isaac Moore (tenor), Wyatt Austin (bass) and Vaught — have captured so well serve not only to remind long-time listeners of the genre’s historical heights and offer an introduction to new fans, but center once again the kinds of lessons and stories that have brought comfort and joy to millions through the years.

With its blend of thoughtfully selected classics like the title track, the Luke Vaught guitar-driven “Press On, O Pilgrim, There Is Joy Ahead” and the intricately harmonized “I’ve Been A Walking With My Lord,” and well-matched new songs such as “He’s Still The Same God” brought to life with spirited arrangements that offer each member of the quartet a chance to take center stage, Up Above The World So High captures the musical and spiritual renewal The Inspirations bring to each of their performances.

Says Talley, “I admire their talents, but even more their dedication to serving the Lord and His children. I’m proud to call them my friends, and I hope you enjoy and are blessed by this new project!”

Salvation Is Beyond Human Effort

JEFF TURNER

In the Gospel of John, we often read about large crowds gathering to hear Jesus speak. However, many of these people left when His message challenged their beliefs. In John chapter 6, Jesus told the crowd that no one could come to Him unless the Father drew them. This statement offended many then, and it still unsettles people today.

The reason for this discomfort lies in human pride. All people are born sinners and naturally resist the idea that they cannot save themselves. Most false religions are built on the idea that people can earn their way to heaven through good works. But the Christian message is different. It teaches that salvation is not something we achieve; it is a gift from God, given through faith, so no one can boast about earning it.

Many struggle with this because they want to take credit for their salvation. Yet the Bible is clear: we are spiritually dead, blind, and trapped in sin without the power to free ourselves.

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9

Transform Your Life Through God’s Love

FLOYD ROGERS

God loves you exactly as you are, and He is patiently waiting for you to let Him shape you into the person He knows you can become.

So, how does this transformation happen? It begins with recognising who Jesus truly is. He is the Son of God, sent into the world to give His life on the cross for your sins and mine. When He died, He took on the sins of everyone—past, present, and future. This act of love is available to everyone, no matter where they are or what their past looks like.

No matter who you are or where you find yourself today, Jesus loves you. He is waiting for you to say “Yes, Lord,” and surrender your life to Him. When you do, you will witness incredible changes as He works in your life, offering you hope and a new purpose.

By this the love of God was revealed in us, that God has sent His only Son into the world so that we may live through Him.

1 John 4:9