Author: Texas Gospel

Discover High Road’s Heartfelt Gospel Album: ‘Straight From The Heart’

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

HighRoad’s latest album, Straight From The Heart, brings together a collection of heartfelt songs and special collaborations. One of the standout tracks is “There’s A River,” a song that features guest artist Jaley Roberts. Sarah Jaylee Roberts of High Road spoke about the experience of recording this song with her friend.

“We got to sing this one with my friend Jaley Roberts. She’s also in a bluegrass group called Sister Sadie and I love Jaley singing and I love her heart for the old songs. So bringing her in on this project and especially this song is very special. She’s a dear friend and we loved singing it in the studio. Of course Ben Isaacs producing it so it has a little bit of flair to it that you would hear with bluegrass-y gospel music. So we hope you like it. It’s called There’s a River.”

The song is a moving invitation for people to come to the river, a symbol of healing and renewal. The lyrics describe a place where living water flows freely, calling people to leave their burdens behind and find peace.

Daywind Records / Youtube: High Road. Songwriters: Kenna Turner West / Sonya Isaacs Yeary / Becky Isaacs Bowman Album: Straight From The Heart

“Come to the river, oh my sister
If you want to be clean
Run to the water, oh my brother
If ya wanna wade into the healing stream.”

This idea reflects the message of baptism, but also of John 7:38, where Jesus says, “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” The song reminds listeners that faith can bring refreshment to their spirits, just like water brings life to a dry land.

The song continues with an image of leaving behind struggles and stepping into a new beginning.

“We don’t have to stay here dying in the desert
Kick your shoes off, leave your burdens on the banks
Take my hand now, friend, and we’ll go in together
Let the water wash our troubles all away.”

The bridge makes it clear that the invitation is open to everyone.

“Welcome saints, welcome sinners
Welcome pros and I-can’t-swimmers
All ya really need to know
Is all ya need is faith to float.”

This message of inclusion and grace is at the heart of the song. Whether someone feels strong in their faith or unsure of where they stand, the river is a place where all are welcome.

With Jaley Roberts’ beautiful voice and Ben Isaacs’ skilled production, the song blends the traditional sounds of bluegrass with gospel, creating a piece that is both classic and refreshing. “There’s A River” is more than just a song; it is an invitation to find healing, peace, and hope through faith.

Lessons from Nehemiah: Building Trust Through Prayer and Action

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

AUDIO: CLICK TO LISTEN

Long ago, amidst the grand courts of Persia, a man of remarkable integrity held a position of immense trust. This man, though an exile, served as the king’s cupbearer—a role requiring not just diligence but unshakable loyalty. Every sip the monarch took, every bite he ate, passed through this man’s hands, for he ensured their safety. Such trust spoke volumes of his character, and it was through this man, Nehemiah, that a city’s broken walls and wounded spirits would find hope.

The story of Nehemiah is not just about ancient times. It echoes across the ages, reminding us of the extraordinary impact of one devoted individual. In moments of great cultural and spiritual crises, there has always been someone—a Wesley, a Wilberforce, a Spurgeon—who aligned themselves with where God was moving and became a catalyst for change. Nehemiah was such a person. Confronted by the plight of his people, his heart broke, and he took their burdens as his own.

“You will never lighten any load until you feel the pressure in your own soul,” the lesson whispers through time. For Nehemiah, this weight drove him to his knees. Eleven times in his account, he cried out, “So I prayed to the God of heaven,” showing us that prayer was not a ritual but the lifeline of his mission. Through prayer, he found clarity and strength, reminding us of the power it holds to bridge human frailty with divine provision.

But prayer alone did not define Nehemiah. He acted with courage and wisdom, stepping close to the ruins of Jerusalem to see the devastation firsthand. He knew that answers to life’s most pressing questions do not come from a distance. One must draw near, feel the dust, hear the cries, and meet the needs of the questioner, not just the question. This proximity transforms a heart of sympathy into one of understanding.

Nehemiah also prepared for the daunting task ahead. He planned, studied, and strategized. He knew that rebuilding the walls would take more than passion; it required diligence and skill. His efforts stand as a rebuke to complacency, urging us to equip ourselves for the challenges we face. We cannot afford to be unprepared, especially in a world increasingly skeptical of absolute truths.

Even as obstacles loomed and opposition mounted, Nehemiah refused to succumb to despair. He avoided the paralysis of pessimism, choosing hope instead. Each stone placed in the wall was a testament to his belief that change was possible, that restoration was within reach. His story calls out to us today: Do not give up. Lives can change, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

Through the ages, one truth endures—sacredness must be protected. When the value of life is lost, everything crumbles like a toppled wall. Nehemiah’s mission was not just about bricks and mortar; it was about safeguarding what was holy and rebuilding a community grounded in the eternal. His legacy reminds us to pause before dismantling fences, to ask why they were placed there, and to recognize their purpose.

The call is clear. In a world clamoring with noise and chaos, we must find our burdens through God’s guidance and carry them with courage. Like Nehemiah, we are invited to feel deeply, pray fervently, act boldly, and hope relentlessly. The walls we build today may stand for generations, telling a story of faithfulness and unwavering trust in the God who calls us to be watchmen for what is sacred.

A New Covenant That Lasts Forever

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

The Bible tells us in Hebrews 8:8 that, “The days are coming,” says the Lord, “when I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah.” This new promise would be unlike the first, one that would last forever.

Imagine purchasing a car with a seven-year warranty. During those years, you feel secure, knowing that any issue is covered. As the warranty nears its end, the dealer calls to offer you a free lifetime warranty—an agreement far better than the first. Who would refuse such a generous offer?

Similarly, the old covenant served its purpose, but it was only temporary. Through Jesus, God brought a new covenant that is eternal, unchanging, and available to everyone. This promise, sealed by Christ’s blood, offers complete assurance and peace.

As believers, we are called to trust in this everlasting covenant. Just as the old gave way to the new, God’s promise in Jesus is far greater, providing a lasting relationship with Him.

“For this reason, Christ is the mediator of a new covenant” (Hebrews 9:15)—a promise we can rely on forever.

Triumphant Quartet’s Big Ole Stone is a Symbol of Hope and Victory

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JEFF TURNER

Mark, chapter 16, verses 5-6, recounts a pivotal moment in Christian history. It tells of the women who went to the tomb of Jesus, carrying spices to anoint his body. Instead of finding him there, they were greeted by an angel who said, “He is not here, for he has risen, just like he said. Come, see the place where the Lord was lying.”

This declaration is central to the Christian faith. It signifies the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to rise from the dead, proving his power over sin and death. The empty tomb has become a symbol of hope and victory for all who believe in Jesus as their saviour.

Sean Barber, Lead Singer courtesy triumphantquartet.com

This powerful message is echoed in the song “Big Ole Stone” by Triumphant Quartet. Sean Barber, a member of the group, describes the essence of the song: “You know, if you believe that that grave is no longer full, that it’s empty, and that stone’s been rolled away, man, just lift your hands in victory. You’ve got hope. There’s better days coming. And this is your victory. And that’s the song in a nutshell.”

The song, featured on the group’s God is Listening CD, has resonated deeply with listeners. Its message of triumph and hope is reflected in its current standing as the number 9 song on the Texas Gospel Canada Top 30 list for this month.

For believers, the empty tomb is more than a historical moment—it is a reminder that victory is possible through faith. As Sean Barber says, “You’ve got hope. There’s better days coming.” This truth continues to inspire and uplift, bringing the message of Easter into the hearts of many.

Big Ole Stone (Victory) · Triumphant Quartet God Is Listening ℗ 2024 StowTown Records, LLC Released on: 2024-06-07

Mark 16 NASB: “When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might come and anoint Him. And very early on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. They were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone from the entrance of the tomb for us?” And looking up, they noticed that the stone had been rolled away; for it was extremely large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting at the right, wearing a white robe; and they were amazed. But he said to them, “Do not be amazed; you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen; He is not here; see, here is the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see Him, just as He told you.’” And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had gripped them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

Now after He had risen early on the first day of the week, He first appeared to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast out seven demons. She went and reported to those who had been with Him, while they were mourning and weeping. And when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they refused to believe it.

Now after that, He appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking along on their way to the country. And they went away and reported it to the rest, but they did not believe them, either.” – NASB

Thru the Bible: Matthew 14-17

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In Matthew chapter 14, Dr. McGee begins by discussing Herod’s reaction to the fame of Jesus, believing him to be John the Baptist risen from the dead. Herod’s superstitious nature and guilt over the beheading of John are highlighted. The circumstances surrounding John’s death, influenced by Herodias and her daughter, are recounted as a “sadistic sad sorted sorry account”. Following this, the narrative shifts to Jesus withdrawing and then performing the miracle of feeding the 5,000. This miracle is emphasized as being recorded in all four gospels, highlighting its importance. The disciples’ initial suggestion to send the multitude away contrasts with Jesus’ command to feed them.

Dr. McGee then details the event of Jesus walking on the water, which occurs after he sends the multitude away to pray. The disciples’ fear at seeing him, believing him to be a spirit, is mentioned. Peter’s attempt to walk on water and his subsequent sinking when he loses focus on Jesus are described, emphasizing the importance of keeping one’s eyes on the Lord. The disciples’ eventual worship of Jesus as the Son of God after the wind ceases is noted. The speaker then transitions to Jesus healing multitudes in the land of Gennesaret.

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Jesus’ confrontation with the scribes and Pharisees who questioned his disciples about not washing their hands before eating. Jesus rebukes them for prioritizing their traditions over the commandments of God, using the example of honoring parents. He accuses them of hypocrisy, quoting Isaiah to highlight the disparity between their outward actions and inward hearts. Jesus clarifies that it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a man, but what comes out of the mouth, proceeding from the heart, listing evils such as evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, etc.. This confrontation is described as the real break between Jesus and the religious leaders.

Dr. McGee then delves into the Transfiguration of Jesus in Matthew 17. This event is presented as a vision shown to Peter, James, and John, where Jesus’ face shone like the sun, and Moses and Elijah appeared talking with him. The speaker emphasizes that the Transfiguration sets forth the perfect humanity of Christ and the hope of humanity for future glorification. God the Father’s voice from the cloud declaring, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him,” is highlighted as God’s ultimate testimony and the final authority. The disciples’ fearful reaction and Jesus’ reassuring touch are mentioned, culminating in them seeing “no man save Jesus only”.

Finally, Dr. McGee covers the healing of a demon-possessed boy that the disciples were unable to cure due to their unbelief. Jesus’ powerful rebuke of the demon and the subsequent healing are described as the “worst case” he dealt with. Jesus reiterates his impending betrayal, death, and resurrection to his disciples, who react with sorrow. The chapter concludes with the incident of the tribute money, where Jesus instructs Peter to catch a fish containing the necessary coin, demonstrating his power and provision. The speaker concludes by noting that the disciples were slow to believe and understand, and that Jesus is patient with believers today.