Greetings to you in the Name above all names, Jesus Christ – THE Risen Savior! What a quiet late-summer morning in the Kingdom! I have it on good authority that this is the day that the Lord has made, so let us rejoice and be glad in it! I trust that you are having a good week and enjoying each blessing that the Lord has given to you. Today I will be praying for you, asking Father to surround you with His love, grace, and mercy…may He release healing to your body, mind, spirit, and emotions…may He give you the strength to walk out your faith…and may He shelter you in His embrace.
This has been an interesting week. I have been in Nashville, Tennessee…well, not physically! I have been able to attend the 2021 Global Sing Worship Conference through livestreaming. There has been opportunity to listen to many well-qualified speakers like John Piper, Alistair Begg, John Lennox, Dane Ortlund, Jim Thomas, and Joni Erikson-Tada. Of course, there was a grand selection of music – new arrangements of old hymns, new hymns, and instrumental.
The theme of this year’s conference was: “In Christ Alone” – Reset, Restore, Reunite. Although it was a live gathering, the constraints of covid travel had a profound effect…many speakers presenting by video live streaming. One of the benefits of this is an archive of video workshops that can be accessed in the days ahead.
One of the highlights for me was an interview with William (Bill) Gaither. Here is a man who has been involved in worship music for over sixty years and still has a passion for it. He lead the crowd in singing – “Because He Lives” – a song that he and his wife, Gloria, had released in the early 60’s…and a song that still bears witness to the hope of a Risen Savior on a daily basis. Another highlight was a workshop with Andrew Peterson – an author, song-writer, musician, performer, and worship leader. He taught us three new words to guide us in resetting our calling: eucatastrophe, sehnsucht, and fidelity. Another powerful moment was the singing of a five hundred year old hymn that was presented as “singing through suffering”. The song – ‘Whate’er my God ordaineth is right’ was treated to a more modern arrangement and was certainly timely for so many.
Well, that is how my week has been so far…how I thank God!