Tag: Bible

Dottie Leonard Miller’s Legacy Celebrated in Memorial Service

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AMY TURNER

The founder of New Day and Daywind, Dottie Leonard Miller, was honored last Monday evening during a celebration of her life, bringing together many artists whose careers she influenced. The memorial service featured performances by several prominent gospel music groups, including Brian Free & Assurance, Greater Vision, Karen Peck & New River, and Autumn Nelon Streetman.

Billy Blackwood of The Blackwood Brothers, who maintained a close relationship with the Leonard family, shared meaningful insights about Miller’s impact on the gospel music industry. “Dottie’s vision was a magnet, and her passion drew artists to her vision,” Blackwood reflected. “Practically, everyone here today is a testimony to the reality of that vision.”

Miller’s influence extended far beyond the business aspects of the music industry. As Blackwood noted, “She collected friends and artists who would match her vision for spreading the gospel. And because she faithfully followed her calling, millions of songs in Christian products have touched lives around the world.”

Her dedication to spreading the gospel message through music created a lasting impact. “Her legacy is a testament to her determination, her faith, and her deep commitment to spread the message of the gospel,” Blackwood concluded.

The Meaning Behind ‘He Made A Way In A Manger’

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AMY TURNER

Lee Black’s Christmas song “He Made A Way In A Manger” tells a powerful story. The song, now 20 years old, was written by Black and his friend Steve Merkel.

The idea came from a Christmas card Merkel received. It had a simple drawing of a manger on the front with part of a famous Christmas lyric. Inside, it showed Jesus on the cross, finishing the lyric.
This inspired them to write a song connecting Jesus’ birth to his death. Black wrote the words, and Merkel composed the music.

Provided to YouTube by DistroKid He Made A Way In A Manger · Lee Black ‘Tis The Season ℗ 2796642 Records DK Released on: 2022-11-04

The song reminds us of a scripture from Jeremiah 33:15-16:
“In those days and at that time
I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line;
he will do what is just and right in the land.
In those days Judah will be saved
and Jerusalem will live in safety.
This is the name by which it will be called:
The Lord Our Righteous Savior.”

This prophecy points to Jesus as the savior, born in a manger but destined for the cross.

Black reflected on the song’s meaning, “I think the joy of Christmas is tinged with just a bit of melancholy, knowing that the baby in the manger is going to be the Christ of the cross. But what a gift we’ve been given in that.”

The song captures both the joy of Christmas and the sorrow of Jesus’ sacrifice. It helps us see the whole story of Jesus, from his humble birth to his redemptive death.

Finding Fulfillment: Jesus as the Bread of Life

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JEFF TURNER

Life often leaves us feeling empty and unfulfilled. We might chase after success, money, or relationships, thinking these will fill the void inside us. But even when we achieve these things, we can still feel a deep hunger for something more.

Jesus spoke about this emptiness and offered a solution. He called himself the “bread of life,” using a metaphor his listeners could easily understand. In those days, bread was essential for survival. By comparing himself to bread, Jesus was saying he’s just as crucial for our spiritual well-being.

Jesus challenged people to look beyond their physical needs and focus on what truly matters. He said, “Don’t work for food that spoils, but for food that lasts forever.” He wasn’t telling people to stop earning a living, but rather to prioritize their spiritual health alongside their physical needs. Jesus claimed he could provide a kind of spiritual nourishment that would satisfy people’s deepest longings.

The people listening to Jesus were skeptical. They wanted proof that he was as special as he claimed to be. Jesus responded by saying that believing in him was the most important thing they could do. He promised that anyone who comes to him would never be spiritually hungry or thirsty again.

This message is still relevant today. Many of us feel empty inside, even when our lives seem successful on the outside. Jesus offers a different path to fulfillment, one that doesn’t depend on material possessions or worldly achievements. He invites everyone to come to him, promising that he can satisfy our deepest needs in a way nothing else can.

Igniting Your Spiritual Fire: The Role of the Holy Spirit

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JEFF TURNER

Today’s distractions make it easy to lose sight of what truly matters in our spiritual lives. Yet, as we reflect on the words of John the Baptist in Matthew 3:11, we’re reminded of a powerful truth: “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.”

This fire of the Holy Spirit is not just a distant concept, but a living reality that should burn within the hearts of believers. Just as we find comfort in the warmth of a fireplace on a cold night, God desires His people to be spiritual fireplaces, radiating His divine presence and power.

A church that’s truly on fire for God is far from a drowsy, lethargic organization. Instead, it’s full of life with the Spirit’s energy. This fire consumes what’s unnecessary in our lives, purifies us, prepares us for service, cheers us in times of despair, softens hearts, unites believers, and empowers us for God’s work.

When a church is ablaze with God’s fire, it naturally turns to fasting and prayer. These spiritual disciplines become not just occasional practices, but essential parts of seeking God wholeheartedly. The Bible promises rewards for those who fast in secret, and history is filled with examples of great spiritual breakthroughs that came through prayer and fasting.

A church on fire also finds itself uncomfortable with worldly pursuits. The love for God burns so brightly that it naturally diminishes the attraction of worldly things. As 1 John 2:15 warns us, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”

Perhaps one of the most visible signs of a church on fire is its deep care for souls. Just as Jesus wept over Jerusalem, a Spirit-filled church is moved with compassion for the lost. This compassion isn’t passive; it spurs believers to action, leading them to share the gospel wherever they go.

Being a church on fire means allowing the Holy Spirit to work freely among us, transforming us from the inside out, and using us as instruments of God’s love and power in the world. It’s a challenging call, but one that promises an adventure of faith like no other.

The Essence of Praise in Church: Insights from Psalm 100

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

In the landscape of Christianity, the number of truly great churches appears to be dwindling. These churches are not defined by their financial resources, grand buildings, or large congregations, but rather by their commitment to serving the Lord and bringing Him glory. Psalm 100 offers a compelling framework for what it means to be a great church, highlighting the essential role of praise in the life of a vibrant community of believers.

The psalmist calls us to worship with unrestrained joy, urging us to make a “joyful noise” that includes singing, shouting, preaching, and praying. This exuberant worship flows from glad hearts that are fully engaged in expressing their love and adoration for our Creator. As verse 2 states, “Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing.” This invitation is not just for individuals but for the entire congregation to unite in joyful praise.

Our motivation for praise is deeply rooted in the character of God Himself. He is Elohim, the strong one; Jehovah, the self-existent one; and Adonai, our Master. As our Creator and Shepherd, He cares for us with unwavering love and attention. His goodness, mercy, and truth form the foundation of our worship, inspiring gratitude that naturally overflows into praise.

While we are encouraged to praise God everywhere and at all times, the church serves as a unique space for communal worship. The psalmist invites us to “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise.”

This collective expression of adoration brings together believers from diverse backgrounds and generations. As we reflect on our individual expressions of worship, it is important to recognize that our emotional responses may differ. Some may express their praise through tears, while others may do so with smiles or laughter, and still others may shout for joy. Regardless of how we choose to express it, our praise should be a sincere outpouring of reverence for the One who is truly worthy of all honour and glory. In this way, we can all contribute to a vibrant culture of worship within our churches and communities across Canada.