Joseph Habedank’s Goliath has a deep message from the familiar Bible story

Jeff Turner – Music Reporter and Floyd Rogers – Texas Gospel Volunteer, Christian writer

Joseph Habedank’s latest release from the Deeper Oceans project is Goliath. We’re all familiar with the story of David and Goliath, but it’s rare to have a song that gives such a visual representation of this Bible story. Goliath’s lyrics delve into some of the meaning of the Bible story we all learned as a child.

“I love the visual of these guys trying to give David this armor that doesn’t fit him, and David kinda looking at them going, ‘Guys, I’ve already got the weapon that I need, I’ ve got Jesus and that’s all I need.’ I think that’s such a powerful thought,” he said in a recent interview.

Joseph’s sentiment is shared by many who read 1 Samuel. Pastor Chuck Swindoll wrote a similar description saying, “As I picture it, David was blinking and thinking, What giant? The only giant in my life is God. That’s a dwarf over there, Saul. God is not impressed with the externals; He looks on the heart. God is omnipotent! And if He’s on my side, omnipotence can’t lose.”

Doesn’t that describe a confidence we should all have when we know we are doing what God wants?

I think it’s important to note here that David was doing God’s work. His heart was right. He wasn’t just claiming something he wanted so he could demand it in God’s name. Consider the Lord’s prayer, the model for our prayer, says, “….your kingdom come, your will be done…” And when Jesus prayed before His execution He prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” I believe this emphasizes the need to ask God that we know His will first. If we act according to His will, we will succeed.

Joseph, speaking of his song Goliath, spoke of just how small our troubles are compared to God. He said, “I think we so often try to fight our battles on our own, and when we have to realize that God is more mighty , He’s more powerful than anything we face, any Goliath, any giant in our lives.”

I believe God will give us the strength we need to be in His will. Sometimes this means accomplishing great things. I also believe this sometimes means He will give us the strength to deal with disappointment when things don’t go the way we think they should. He is all-knowing; we are not. Doesn’t this mean we should constantly ask for guidance and understanding knowing that nothing in this world comes close to the power of our God?

We hope you enjoy hearing Goliath on Texas Gospel Canada! We also hope its lyrics will encourage you to seek God’s will as you face life’s daily battles.

The Littles take #1 on Texas Gospel Canada chart

A family group from Maiden, North Carolina holds the number one spot on this month’s Texas Gospel Canada Top 20

The Littles, Jack, Jan and daughter Rebecca Little Burk, have been singing together for the past six years. Together they’ve been nominated for Singing News Fan Awards and had numerous songs in the top 20.  Their latest release is Leavin’ and is the first song from the Littles to climb to the number one spot on our chart. 

The Texas Gospel Canada chart is based on number of plays (spins) for each song throughout the month.

Listen for Leavin’ by The Littles along with more of your Southern Gospel Favorites throughout December on Texas Gospel Canada!

Here is the December Texas Gospel Canada Top 20:

1Leavin’The LittlesIndependent
2Great God AlmightyThe SoundNew Day Records/New Day
3The Healer in the graveThe TalleysHorizon/Crossroads
4Better off thereThe BrownsStowTown/Provident-Sony
5Mountain top for meThe Crabb FamilyDaywind/New Day
6Didn’t He promiseLore FamilyHorizon/Crossroads
7Begin with youThe WisecarversSkyland/Crossroads
8Without JesusBrian Free and AssuranceDaywind/New Day
9Made RightKaren Peck and New RiverDaywind/New Day
10I know Him better nowJim Brady TrioDaywind/New Day
11Love Like I’m LeavingGaither Vocal BandGaither Music/Capitol Christian
12Your Help Is On The WayJason CrabbDaywind/New Day
13God Has Provided Himself A LambMark Trammell QuartetCrimson Road
14I Want To Live For JesusMylon Hayes FamilyIndependent
15At MidnightCana’s VoiceStowTown/Provident-Sony
16His Name Is JesusTim MenziesNew Day Records/New Day
17I’m Just Changing MountainsMark BishopSonlite/Crossroads
18After The StormErwinsStowTown/Provident-Sony
19Amazing Amounts Of Amazing GraceDown East BoysSonlite/Crossroads
20We come in Jesus nameMylon Hayes FamilyIndependent

US congregation targeted with repeat acts of criminal vandalism

Police in Pennsylvania are reaching out to the public for help finding whomever is responsible for repeated burglaries and vandalism at a house of worship.

“We are once again reaching out to anyone that may have information on the person/persons responsible for the ongoing Break In’s, Criminal Mischief and Vandalism at St. Joe’s Church. This senseless desecration of Church Property so close to the Christmas Holiday is devastating to the Priest and Parishioners. Please help us and the Diocese by contacting the Derry Borough Police Dept with ANY information you can provide that will assist us in stopping this,” says a post on the Derry Borough Police Department Facebook page.

There have been two attacks against the church this week in which statues were overturned, chairs in the sanctuary were damaged and a fire extinguisher was sprayed throughout the second floor.  A church representative told Texas Gospel Canada there have been at least five break-ins since Halloween.

StowTown Records Releases Vault Series Edition From The Legendary Cathedrals

Special StowTown Records

Nashville, TN (November 30, 2020) – StowTown Records has announced a brand new release from the label’s Vault Series. The latest installment of the series, Smooth As Silk, comes from the legendary Cathedral Quartet. The Vault Series features first-time digital releases of previously recorded projects.

Originally released in vinyl format back in 1979, Smooth As Silk was the first recording to feature the combination of tenor Kirk Talley, baritone Steve Lee, pianist Roger Bennett and the legendary twosome, Glen Payne and George Younce, and was the first album ever for both Talley and Bennett. The recording features the prominent quartet performing classics such as “I’m Winging My Way Back Home,” “I Know A Man Who Can” (which became a #1 song and Kirk Talley’s  signature song), “Then I Met The Master” and “It Is Well With My Soul.” Despite this success, the album was never released through a national distributor until now.

The Cathedral Quartet performed together from 1963 until their retirement in 1999.  While the group transitioned through several members throughout their 36-year ministry, fans and industry peers alike honored them for their consistent talent and their collective heart. The Cathedrals earned numerous Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, were nominated for three Grammy® Awards, had scores of chart-topping hits, received twenty Singing News Fan Awards, and were inducted into both the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame and the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame. When the group retired, they held the #1 spot on the national charts for their song “He Made A Change,” which also earned them the GMA Dove Award for Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year.

“It is truly a thrill to be able to present this incredible recording in digital format to fans worldwide,” StowTown Records President Landon Beene states. “I grew up listening to the musical magic of The Cathedrals, as I know many people did, and I am delighted that even more listeners will have the opportunity to hear this legendary group.”

George Younce’s son-in-law, StowTown co-owner and former Cathedral Quartet member Ernie Haase shares, “It was an honor to sing with George and Glen and the Cathedral Quartet, and it’s humbling to be able to re-release this music. It was a privilege to brainstorm with StowTown Records and the estate of Payne and Younce about the digital release of this project. Smooth as Silk was one of the first records I purchased after discovering The Cathedrals in 1982. When people hear it, they will understand why this record is timeless and needed to be released in digital format, and I hope they love it!”

Smooth As Silk is distributed by Provident/Sony and is available on all digital music platforms worldwide.

Smooth As Silk Track Listing:
I’m Winging My Way Back Home
I Know A Man Who Can
I’m Gonna Rise
Then I Met The Master
When I Thank Him For What He Has Done
What A Day That Will Be
Stormy Waters
It Is Well With My Soul
Love Lifted Me
‘Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus

Funeral arrangements announced for Aaron Wilburn

Friends and family of Aaron Wilburn are preparing to celebrate his life. Aaron passed away Friday following a battle with COVID-19.  He was 70.

A life celebration will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, December 1 at Restoring Hope Church in Hendersonville, TN. Family will receive friends on Monday, Nov. 30 from 4-8 p.m. at Crestview Funeral Home and again from 12-2 p.m. at the church prior to the service.

Serving as pallbearers will be Jerry Salley, Dave Lehman, Olan Witt, Danny Jones, Jeff Easter, Jared Witt, Gary Casto, and Bobby Tomberlin.

Here is a link to his complete obituary.

ON THE WEB

Singing News Magazine: Remembering Aaron Wilburn

Southern Gospel Scoops: Please pray for the Wilburn Family