Category: Top articles

Finding Hope in Darkness: Trusting God’s Timing

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AMY TURNER

There are moments when darkness feels overwhelming, and hope seems distant. Psalm 130:6 offers a picture of waiting in those difficult times: “My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning.” In ancient cities, guards stood on the walls through the night, keeping watch for any danger. Their eyes stayed alert, not just for threats, but for the first signs of dawn. Morning meant safety, as the light chased away the fears of night.

In the same way, people of faith wait for God’s presence to bring peace and clarity in troubled seasons. The struggles of this world, along with the confusion within our own hearts, can feel like a long, dark night. But God’s word shines as a guiding light, offering truth and comfort when nothing else does. Just as the watchmen trusted that the sun would rise, believers are reminded to trust that God’s light will break through, no matter how long the night feels.

Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.

Psalm 119:105

Sound Street brings a bit of NOLA jazz to a classic gospel song

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SPECIAL CROSSROADS RECORDS

Arden, North Carolina (June 20, 2025) — The latest single from last year’s full-length Good Seed is just hitting the Southern Gospel charts, but Sonlite Records’ Sound Street have been busy bringing new music to their growing legion of fans since the beginning of the year — and this time, the family based trio of dad Jarrod Vanderslice, daughter Jaylie, and their colleague Ryan Bilby, has served up a venerable classic with a creative new sound.

“Get ready for a fresh take on an old favorite,” enthuses Jarrod Vanderslice. “Sound Street is thrilled to release our new streaming single, ‘I Want to Know More About My Lord’ — but with a twist you’ve never heard before!”

“Ryan has always loved this classic Redback hymn,” he continues, “and he had a vision for it that took it straight to the streets of New Orleans. When he shared that idea with the group and our producer, Roger Talley, the wheels started turning. What if we took this beloved gospel song and gave it a full-on NOLA jazz treatment? That’s exactly what we did!”

Sure enough, from its irresistible opening, “I Want To Know More About My Lord” shines with its cheerful orchestration, lending an extra lift to an arrangement that offers each member of the trio a chance to claim the spotlight amid intricate harmonization that reflects the song’s origins in the legendary Stamps Quartet catalog.

“With a strummin’ banjo, lively trumpet, soulful clarinet, and a brass section that’ll make you feel like you’re strolling through the French Quarter,” Vanderslice concludes, “this energetic arrangement brings a brand-new vibe to a timeless message. It’s fun, it’s uplifting, and most importantly — it reminds us all to keep seeking and knowing more about Jesus. Give it a listen, sing along, and let the joy of the Lord move you!”Listen to “I Want To Know More About My Lord”HERE.

Southern Gospel’s Enduring Mission: Dealing Hope Through Music

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JEFF TURNER

In an era marked by uncertainty and division, one musical tradition continues to reach beyond generational boundaries. Southern Gospel music, with its roots in American Christian culture, maintains a singular focus: providing hope to those who need it most.

Clint Brown of Southbound says the purpose of Southern Gospel goes far beyond entertainment or even worship—it represents a calling to serve. It encourages the world.

“If there’s anything that I believe is a standard for Southern Gospel, it’s the fact that we are hope dealers. I mean, it just is,” Brown explains. “You know, whether it’s, I’m getting up in age and I’ve got something to look forward to, whether it’s Jason Crabb saying, ‘Through the fire, God will keep you.’ No matter what it is, whether it’s Ronnie Henson 50 years ago saying, ‘You know but when you’re in a place where you’re unsure and don’t know how to get out of, there’s always a lighthouse. I think Southern Gospel has always been hope dealers.”

Rather than accidentally stumbling into themes of encouragement, our artists and songwriters deliberately work to serve those facing life’s inevitable challenges. Brown’s reference to aging listeners finding “something to look forward to” is true. The lyrics address universal human experiences.

Contemporary artist Jason Crabb’s message of God’s protection “through the fire” carry the same idea of Ronnie Henson’s lighthouse offering guidance to the lost and uncertain.

We hope the music you hear on Texas Gospel is an encouragement to listeners. Perhaps not every song speaks to you. But at lest some of the time.

Sing along to Mark Bishop’s “Now Lazarus Can Sing”

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SPECIAL CROSSROADS RECORDS

Arden, North Carolina (June 18, 2025) — Southern Gospel music favorite and GRAMMY-nominated Mark Bishop is known for being a conscientious and inspired songwriter whose unique way of looking at things has led to powerful affirmations of faith and salvation.

Now, Bishop has released a lyric video for his latest release, “Now Lazarus Can Sing,” highlighting the craftsmanship he brings to each song he writes.
“I was watching the news as someone was being ushered through a bunch of shouting reporters, trying to get information from him,” Bishop recalls. “His people led him to a waiting car where he jumped in, and they took off. My songwriter brain kicked in, and for some reason I began to wonder about the story of Lazarus and the questions people would have lined up for hours to ask him.

“He had seen it. And he was standing right here in front of them. How could you not ask him what it was like? I’m sure what he saw was beyond description.”

“Just as important as what he saw… what about how he felt? He was a recipient of perfect love. He lost all of his worry… his doubt… his regrets… everything negative.

“He was no doubt the most changed man in the history of the world.

“And maybe,” the singer-songwriter concludes, “… just maybe… he brought back some other traits… a little bit of residue from heaven. That’s what this song is about; how heaven rubbed off on Lazarus.”

Watch the “Now Lazarus Can Sing” lyric video above and stream it HERE.

Living Attentively Through the Holy Spirit

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FLOYD ROGERS

When we speak to someone about a matter that deeply affects them, it’s only natural to expect their full attention. In the same way, whenever God communicates with us, it is always about something meaningful and personal. His words are never without purpose, and because of that, He deserves our complete focus.

Living a life guided by the Holy Spirit means staying open and attentive to God’s voice. It requires keeping our hearts and minds tuned in, ready to hear Him however He chooses to speak. This is not meant to be rare or unusual. For those who follow Christ, it should be the normal way of life — always alert, always listening.

My sheep listen to My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

John 10:27