ALBUM REVIEW - EVER FAITHFUL BY JIM & MELISSA BRADY

 

Let me give you the list of my weekly original, non-rerun, non-local-news Television viewing starting with Sunday morning. First, there is Gospel Music Showcase with Guy Penrod on Daystar, on Saturday night at 6:30pm (ET). That's the conclusion of the list.

This week, Guy's guests were Jim and Melissa Brady, who mentioned this album. Since they weren't doing concerts in '20, (like most other groups during the CO-VID lockdown), they spent the time song-writing, and wrote 80 Gospel Songs during that time. Ten of them are on this project, "Ever Faithful."

I found this album to be one of the most encouraging and uplifting song collections I've heard. Starting with the worshipful "To The King" and ending with the joyful "When We All Get Home," there are many songs to build you up, including "Jesus Stays," "He Will Carry You," "Thunder," and "Ever Present, Ever Faithful."

Gospel Music Showcase makes me think mainly of Southern Gospel. This project is not as neatly in this genre. It could be called country or adult contemporary or inspirational. But if you want to be lifted up, listen to this project. I highly recommend it.

 

ALBUM REVIEW - RAVINER BY RAVINER

 

 You may remember me telling you how much I enjoyed Kingdom Come Festival, where I heard seven great artists. The group I ended my day watching was Raviner, who are based in Nashville, TN (as are another group I reviewed music of, Rusty Shipp). 

Today, I'll be reviewing Raviner's self titled EP. I'll go against traditional reviewing and my typical personality and start with what I didn't like about this project, which is one thing: The songs are so good, five tracks are just an appetizer! I want to hear more!

There is not a single bad song... no, let me start over. There is not a single not-great song on this EP. I loved every single song on it, from the opening of "Red" to the conclusion "Black Hole," with a pair of singles in between ("Drown" and "Animal.") 

Kamber Kigin's vocals are top notch, and Matt Richards' guitar is just as good. I'm definitely a Raviner fan. My favorite tracks - well, technically, all five of them, but "Red" (which would have also made a good single), "Drown," and "Thin Ice" were the ones I enjoyed the most.

I'm looking forward to both hearing them live again and at least as much to what they have next. (I just finished listening to their latest single, "Mania," which came out after the EP.)

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 34 OF 48: PSALM 119:121-128

Garfield Park Conservatory, Indianapolis

 

121     I have done justice and righteousness;
         Do not leave me to my oppressors.
122   Be surety for Your servant for good;
         Do not let the proud oppress me.
123  My eyes fail from seeking Your salvation
         And Your righteous word.
124  Deal with Your servant according to Your mercy,
         And teach me Your statutes.
125   I am Your servant; Give me understanding,
         That I may know Your testimonies.
126  It is time for You to act, O Lord,
         For they have regarded Your law as void.
127  Therefore I love Your commandments
         More than gold, yes, than fine gold!
128  Therefore all Your precepts concerning all things
         I consider to be right; I hate every false way.
                    Psalm 119:121-128, New King James Version
 

My favorite verse in this Psalm is back in verse 63: "I have become a companion of those who fear You, who keep Your precepts." In close second place is verse 126 - "It is time for You to act, O Lord, For they have regarded Your law as void." There are a lot of verses that I think are appropriate for the day we live in, and this is one of them.

Another verse that impacts me is verse 128. If we consider God's Word to be right, we won't be tolerant of any false way. Rather, we will desire to do God's will, and will want to surround ourselves with those like minded. 

 

BOOK REVIEW - TRACKING A KILLER (ROCKY MOUNTAIN K-9 UNIT BOOK 6) BY ELIZABETH GODDARD

 

Where is the serial killer focusing on blondes at state parks going to strike next? Will K-9 officer Harlow Zane's cadever dog find the missing ranger, and will she still be among the living? Will her former co-worker, FBI special agent Wes Grey, be a help or a hindrance (or both) to this case? And is she the killer's next target? 

Tracking a Killer by Elizabeth Goddard is a nail-biting suspense story. This is the sixth part of an eight part series, but even though the serial killer has been mentioned through the series, you don't need to read the previous stories to be terrified ... I mean to enjoy this thrilling book. The characters are compelling, and the plot will keep you guessing. 

Now the big question - is it a coincidence that the main characters' last names are Zane and Grey? Is this an attempt to draw in Western novel fans?

Back to being serious. This is a well-written novel, as the rest of the series is, and I really enjoyed it.

 

 

DISCERNING SHEEP FROM GOATS AND WOLVES - IS IT AS EASY AS WE THINK?

Northeast Church of Christ, Cookeville, TN

 

        "Then you shall again discern Between the righteous and the wicked, Between one who serves God And one who does not serve Him." Malachi 3:18, New King James Version

A couple of days ago, I read a story in an update from CBN about a foreign evangelist being deported from the U.S. He formed a group, the name of which intrigued me, sounding like one that takes a firm stand. I was ready to like his FB page, and support this brother who was unjustly treated by his native country.

However, I remembered what it said in Proverbs 18:17 - "The first one to plead his cause seems right, Until his neighbor comes and examines him." Maybe this person is standing for the truth, and maybe he has false teaching. So I searched for other pages dealing with this individual and his group.

Fairly quickly I found a Facebook page focused on the false teaching. This meant one of two things: 

1. This "evangelist" was a false teacher, and the page was wisely warning against him, or 
2. The warning group were themselves false teachers, and they were trying to discredit a true minister.

So I looked at this page. If I scrolled down far enough, I may have found some doctrinal fallacy of this evangelist, but the posts I saw sounded more like, "I don't like this evangelist guy so he's a false teacher and if you're wise you'll take my word without checking me out." Sorry, but I did not sense a godly attitude in this "watchman."

Fortunately, as I looked down at other posts, I saw one by "Got Questions," which I find reliable in information and of a calm spirit instead of having an attitude. They pointed out what the implications of the group's name was, which basically means "The church got it wrong for centuries so I've arrived to straighten things out." They pointed out some of the theological thought of the group, one of which I considered a yellow light and the other was a red light. 

I've said for years that one of the biggest problems of the church is that we want to unite with those we should be divided from and divided from those we should be united with. True, I am an encourager at heart (I don't know if my reviews and interviews reflect that), but I also want to take a stand for truth. I'm aware that unity between believers is not necessarily uniformity, but I also want to take a firm stand for truth.

There are things that make me wary when I hear them. The "one true Church" mentality. Baptismal regeneration (meaning you need to be baptized by water to be saved), especially when coupled with a formula (e.g. "for the remission of sins" or "in the name of Jesus"). Claiming some of the apostles are false teachers (I've encountered people who blacklist either Paul or James). Biggest two? Denying Jesus is God come in the flesh and that our salvation isn't paid in full by Christ's sacrifice on the cross but that we need to earn through works (or obedience) salvation.

But God has not left us alone in trying to tell who's representing the truth and who's not. I believe there are three things that will help:

1. The Bible, where the plain sense meaning is trusted. If it is of God, it will agree with what's written in Scripture. Not just an isolated verse that might not even be a whole sentence, but passages in context and developed throughout Scripture. Experience may help, but it does not replace the written Word of God.
   
2. The indwelling Holy Spirit. He will guide you through Scripture and also help you stay on the right track. And if you're a believer, then the Spirit is indwelling you.
3. The local church. Yes, the local church is made of fallible humans. But if the pastor is regularly preaching Scripture, you'll learn what Biblical thinking is. Just as God did not leave us without His Spirit, He also has put us in communion with like-minded believers to  travel in the truth together, which is why we're commanded to stir up love and good works and not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together, exhorting one another instead.

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 33 OF 48 - PSALM 119:113-120

 

Eskenazi Hospital, Indianapolis

113     I hate the double-minded,
         But I love Your law.
114     You are my hiding place and my shield;
         I hope in Your word.
115     Depart from me, you evildoers,
         For I will keep the commandments of my God!
116     Uphold me according to Your word, that I may live;
         And do not let me be ashamed of my hope.
117     Hold me up, and I shall be safe,
         And I shall observe Your statutes continually.
118     You reject all those who stray from Your statutes,
         For their deceit is falsehood.
119     You put away all the wicked of the earth like dross;
         Therefore I love Your testimonies.
120     My flesh trembles for fear of You,
         And I am afraid of Your judgments.
                Psalm 119:113-120, New King James Version

Another great section from Psalm 119. I smile whenever I see the remark to the evildoers (v. 115). Note the Psalmist tells them to get lost because he'll keep God's commandments. Shouldn't we have that attitude to today's society?

I do find this section interesting. Besides that jab at the wicked, you have a lot of statements of confidence (v. 113-114), requests for God to keep him safe (v. 117), and a conclusion of being in fear of God and afraid of His judgments. Another different approach from today's norm, huh?

ALBUM REVIEW: THE CASTLE OF LOST HOPE BY I AM THE PENDRAGON

 

 One of life's questions I haven't figured out yet: What is a pendragon? Is there also a pencildragon? And am I the only person for whom the band name "I Am The Pendragon" makes them think "I am the Eggman, Wooo?"

But what matters is: "The Castle of Lost Hope" by I Am The Pendragon is well worth adding to your collection. It is the third concept album I've listened this year, and probably is one of my three favorite concept albums.

This project starts with a spoken introduction titled "Lamentations End." My hunch is that this second album is a follow-up to their debut, which starts the story concluded here. 

There is not a bad song in the remaining nine songs. No, let me rephrase that. Every song on the project is great. My favorites are "Rise and Reclaim" and "Falling Stars." Right behind it are the title track, "Momento Mori," "Woe Is Me,""Surely, I Am With You," and the concluding song "Burn It Down."

One reason it blessed me is how motivational the lyrics are. I felt built up and ready to fight the good fight after hearing this.

I really enjoyed the project, and plan to listen to their debut album - I need something to do until their next project comes out! After all, I heard them do a great song called "Atonement" when I heard them live at Kingdom Come Festival this year, and would love to hear it again. And again. And ... you get the idea.

ALBUM REVIEW - PSALMS BY RECLAIM THE DAY

 

Definitely a better late than never review! On June 11, 2022, I heard Reclaim the Day the day after this project was released. Today is July 29, 2023. Oh well.

I love the artwork for this project. One word of warning - there are projects called Psalms (e.g. The Psalm Project) where the songs are Biblical Psalms set to music. There are others who use the Biblical Hebrew word for "song" (you guessed it, Psalm) but these Psalms are more contemporary. This fits into the latter category. (So does Disciple's latest release, "Skeleton Psalms.")

Reclaim The Day released three singles before this EP. Two of these - 2022 WVIU rock song of the year "Sentenced To Life" and "Chokehold" which teams RTD's lead vocalist with Zahna - lead off this project. For some reason the third single, "Who You Are" didn't get included (it deserved to have made the cut). 

The other three songs are as good as the singles. "Yours Alone," which pairs Becca Sugg with Alex Beattie, is an excellent, worshipful song. The band rocks out again on "Say Goodbye," which has been recently released as a single. This project closes with "Don't Look Back."

Those who know me know I'm a Reclaim The Day fan. You can check them out on Spotify and YouTube and their Facebook page.

 

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 32 OF 48: PSALM 119:57-64

 

Christ Church Cathederal with nativity scene, Indianapolis

57     You are my portion, O LORD;
          I have said that I would keep Your words.
58     I entreated Your favor with my whole heart;
          Be merciful to me according to Your word.
59     I thought about my ways,
          And turned my feet to Your testimonies.
60     I made haste, and did not delay
          To keep Your commandments.
61      The cords of the wicked have bound me,
          But I have not forgotten Your law.
62     At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You,
          Because of Your righteous judgments.
63     I am a companion of all who fear You,
          And of those who keep Your precepts.
64    The earth, O LORD, is full of Your mercy;
          Teach me Your statutes.
                                Psalm 119:57-64, New King James Version

Isn't this a wonderful section of Scripture? This is my favorite in this Psalm. One verse in particular is the reason why - verse 63. I love being a companion of other Christians!

Do I hear an "Amen"?

ALBUM REVIEW - "ONWARD" BY KAYLA CAREESE

 I go through phases of listening to songs on Spotify's "Discover Weekly." I believe that is how I discovered "The Martyr Song" by Kayla Careese (not to be confused with Erick Nelson's classic "Martyr Song"). From there, I started listening to other songs of Kayla, and finally took the time to sit down and listen to her complete album "Onward."

Kayla's music is primarily piano based and easy listening, and very good. There was not a bad song on the 12 song project, with my favorites being the title track, "Faith," "Only A Moment," "My Heart," "Seek God Seek Life," the concluding "Christ Our Anchor" and, as mentioned above, "The Martyr Song."

This album came out in 2017, and I'm looking forward to the next one.

 

ALBUM REVIEW - THEOTERRAN BY THEOTERRAN

 

One thing I enjoy - albums that are best enjoyed listening to it in its entirity from beginning to end. Some of these are concept albums, some are not. I've listened to two great projects in the past few weeks that fit this category: "Dark Side Of The Ocean" by Rusty Shipp and Theoterran's self-titled debut project. I reviewed the former recently, and have the honor of focusing on the other now.

This project has a great opening in "Gates Of TheoTerra."  and continues to the end ten songs later with "Undefeated." Before listening to this, I was acquainted with their first two singles "WarCry" and "Empty" (both are on this album). The former is a song that has been repeating in my mind the past few days, and I was excited to hear its opening when I got to that point. Their newest single, "Static," is also a solid song, as is "Reanimate."

However, I definitely have a favorite. "Orchestrate" caught my attention from the beginning of the song.

I highly recommend this project. You can listen to them on Spotify and YouTube, as well as their homepage and their FaceBook page.

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 31 OF 48 - PSALM 119:33-40

Cool Creek Park and Nature Center, Westfield, IN

33     Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes,
            And I shall keep it to the end.
34     Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law;
            Indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
35     Make me walk in the path of Your commandments,
            For I delight in it.
36     Incline my heart to Your testimonies,
            And not to covetousness.
37     Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things,
            And revive me in Your way.
38     Establish Your word to Your servant,
            Who is devoted to fearing You.
39     Turn away my reproach which I dread,
            For Your judgments are good.
40     Behold, I long for Your precepts;
            Revive me in Your righteousness.
                            Psalm 119:33-40, New King James Version

Did you have parents who made you eat liver and spinach? Okay, it's hard to see hands over the internet, but I'm sure there are some. How many of you had parents that made you eat hot fudge sundaes? I don't see any hands now, because I'm sure you didn't need your parents having to encourage you to eat that delicious ice cream.

Now, take that thought into verse 35. The Psalmist is asking God to make him walk in the path of His commandments because the psalmist loves it! Like those wonderful sundaes, a true Christian loves keeping God's word and obeying Him. Yet there are times we live in a way that makes it appear we view following God's commands to be like eating liver. (I'll drop spinach, because I learned I loved it if you mixed bacon and onions with it, and I love spinach salad.) Do you have that experience?

Next verse. I can name a career that is focused on creating covetousness. Can you say "advertising?" It's great to have our heart leaning not toward desiring things we don't have (and more often than not don't need) but to the Word of God. That's one think I like about regularly reviewing memorized Bible passages.

I've always liked verse 37, asking God to turn our eyes from worthless things. Is there anything you can think of as worthless that we're tempted to look at? How about the entertainment we enjoy? Some of it is sinful like pornography. Some of it isn't evil but isn't good either. It may help us relax, but some of it (e.g. sports) can become an idol and take us away from what God has called us to do.

Finally, are we devoted to loving God? Do we long for His precepts?

 

 
 

 

ALBUM REVIEW - "Q & A: THE STAGES OF BELIEF" BY FORSAKEN HERO

I've been looking forward to getting to hear the new project out by Forsaken Hero, and I was not disappointed.

There are several strong tracks on the project, starting out with the lead off song "You Are The Light (We Praise You)"  and concluding with "Jesus Loves Me." In between are "Reliable," "Just Our Beginning (God So Loved Me)," "Questions," "God Doesn't Care," "Reason" and "Never Gonna Stop."

I was encouraged and blessed listing to this album and highly recommend it. 

For further information on Forsaken Hero and "Q&A: The Stages of Belief," you can check out their website http://www.forsakenhero.com/index.html or their Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/forsakenhero/about. They also stream on Spotify.

ALBUM REVIEW - "THE DARK SIDE OF THE OCEAN" BY RUSTY SHIPP

Some albums are a great collection of songs. In the '70's, those albums would be just as good on vinyl or on an 8-track where the songs are in a completely different order. Other albums are meant to be listened to from beginning to end in a particular order, some of which are concept albums and some aren't. Included in the latter list is "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Band" by the Beatles, "No Compromise" by Keith Green, "The Misfit" by Erick Nelson and Michele Pillar, "The Roar Of Love" (a musical retelling of C.S. Lewis' The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe) by 2nd Chapter of Acts, and the newest on this list, "The Dark Side of the Ocean" by Rusty Shipp.

As you can see, this project has a very creative cover, and the songs are just as creative. There are seventeen cuts to this project, with seven of those being interludes of ninety seconds or less (five being less than a minute), including the opening title track. The songs flow from one to another.

While there's no weak songs in this collection, allow me to mention my favorites: "Us And Them," "Livin' Water," "Bottom of the Barrell,", "Tanninim," and "What's Kraken?".

I highly recommend this project. You can learn more about Rusty Shipp on their website, or their Facebook Page; you can also check them out on Spotify.