Author: Texas Gospel

Living Out Our Thanks

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JEFF TURNER

Gratitude should be more than a moment – it should be a lifestyle.

When we truly understand what God has done for us, it changes how we live. Every choice becomes an opportunity to demonstrate thankfulness. Every interaction becomes a chance to reflect His goodness. This isn’t about perfection; it’s about direction.

Are we moving toward being more thankful? Are our lives increasingly showing evidence of God’s grace? True gratitude doesn’t just change our words; it transforms our whole way of being in the world.

Colossians 3:17 tells us, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Mark Conklin’s Gospel Project Earns GRAMMY Recognition

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JEFF TURNER

Mark Conklin’s ambitious project “The Gospel According To Mark” has received a prestigious GRAMMY nomination in the Roots Gospel Album category, marking a significant milestone for the artist and his collaborators.

The album, which tells the Gospel of Mark through a unique combination of song and narration, features an impressive array of talent, including legendary disco singer Gloria Gaynor as narrator. The project brings together a remarkable collection of guest artists, showcasing the collaborative spirit of the gospel music community.

Among the notable tracks is “Make Way,” featuring the powerful vocals of Ernie Haase & Signature Sound. The album also includes contributions from an all-star lineup of performers including actress and singer Rita Wilson, country music veteran T. Graham Brown, “The Voice” finalist Wendy Moten, bluegrass queen Rhonda Vincent, and country star John Berry.

Reflecting on the nomination, Conklin expressed his gratitude and excitement: “Big shout out to everyone at Stowtown, but also our narrator, Gloria Gaynor, and all of our special guests,” he said.

We’re just honored that we get to tell the story of the Gospel of Mark in song and narration form. Just really excited. I don’t think I’ll ever get over it.”

The nomination recognizes not only Conklin’s creative vision but also the collaborative effort of the entire production team at Stowtown Records who helped bring this unique musical interpretation of scripture to life.

The Responsibility of Blessing

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JEFF TURNER

Every blessing carries responsibility. When God shows us special favor, it’s not just for our enjoyment – it’s for His purpose. Think of it like being trusted with a valuable gift: the more precious the gift, the more careful we should be with it.

God’s blessings shouldn’t make us complacent; they should make us more mindful of our calling to be channels of His goodness to others. The more we receive, the more we’re expected to give. This isn’t about guilt; it’s about understanding the true purpose of blessing in God’s economy.

Consider, Luke 12:48 says, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”

From Mark’s Gospel to Music: The Story of Blind Bartimaeus Lives On

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AMY TURNER

Gospel music veteran Jonathan Wilburn‘s newest album is “Songs from the Front Pew,” featuring a fresh take on the traditional gospel song “Old Blind Bartimaeus.” The lyrics speak of the New Testament story of Jesus healing a blind beggar (Mark 10:46-52.)

The song isn’t exactly new. Our music director found it was recorded by the Golden State Quartet in the 1940s and possibly others before then. A recording by The Bishops in the 1980s was also popular.

For this new rendition, Wilburn collaborated with an impressive quartet of talent. Producer Ben Isaacs assembled a dynamic group featuring himself, Mike Rogers, Gene McDonnell, and Wilburn on vocals. The production was enhanced by Stewie French’s distinctive lead guitar work.

“I think it turned out absolutely great. It’s just got a lot of energy,” Wilburn shared about the recording, highlighting the special quartet arrangement that brings new life to this timeless story of faith and healing.

The song recounts the Biblical narrative of Bartimaeus, a blind man who called out to Jesus for healing as He passed through Galilee. This gospel classic emphasizes themes of faith, persistence, and divine mercy, culminating in the miraculous restoration of Bartimaeus’s sight.

Johnathan Wilburn’s arrangement maintains the traditional gospel quartet style while incorporating contemporary production elements.

The Power of Personal Experience

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JEFF TURNER

Nothing moves us to gratitude quite like personal blessing.

When God steps into our individual stories – showing us that he has provided for our needs, showing us the difference between wants and needs – suddenly thankfulness flows more freely. It’s like the difference between hearing about rain and feeling it on your skin. When blessing gets personal, it gets real. But here’s the challenge: can we learn to be just as grateful for the blessings others receive? Can we celebrate God’s goodness even when we’re not the primary beneficiary?

True maturity in gratitude means rejoicing in all of God’s works, not just the ones that directly benefit us.

Philippians 4:19 tells us, “God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” When we, or others are blessed, God is the ultimate provider. And while we may confuse wants and necessities, or not be aware of the blessings being bestowed, we can trust Him to meet all of our needs.