Welcome to Gospelvue!
Welcome to Gospelvue! Last month we discussed how Gospel Music has changed over the years and if “The Gospel” was still in Gospel Music. Based on your comments many agree that there is definitely a void in Gospel Music these days. There is also a hunger for music with more than a beat, run, or the latest fad. Another very valid point was made that this season of music is a part of our music history. There have been many artists in our past who we now consider “The Greats” who were the Kirk Franklins of their time. I believe that at the end of the day we are the difference. If we love the music of old, the hymns, and what we personally define as Gospel music of substance it’s up to us to share it in our homes, churches, and circles of influence. If you are a musician, director, then you have maybe a broader audience but we are all responsible. If we share our history and embrace what is meaningful to us today then the music we have loved and currently enjoy will never die and maybe we can bring some balance to things. The measuring stick should always be is the music glorifying God and bringing lost souls to Christ. Thank you to everyone who contributed comments!
We have discussed the music of today and its influence. This month let’s talk about “That Song”. There is a show on the Gospel Music Channel called “The Song That Changed My Life”. The show interviews an individual and talks about The song that changed their life. The episode I watched was about a woman who was in a deep depression due to some life events and one day she heard Marvin Sapp’s song “Never would have made it” and it changed her life. It’s a great show. Read more about the show at the Gospel Music Channel’s website.
With that said. I would like to know what song gets you through a rough day or that happened to come on the radio when you were having one of those days and it changed your whole perspective on the day or your life. It doesn’t have to be a going through song it can also be that song that lifts your spirit or that you play in the morning. My alarm clock song is by VaShawn Mitchell “My Worship is for Real”. I love this song because it puts me in the right frame of mind for the day. Before I open my eyes I have a reminder that God has brought me through too much to forget to worship and praise him. It starts my day out on the right foot. That is ONE of my songs. Tell me about your song? What song changed your perspective on things or your life? I’m excited to hear and hopefully get some new music in my rotation!
From the very first time I heard this song, I was drawn by the power of the Holy Spirit. She speaks the truth about being tired and weary and all you want is to
be taken to the King where you find refuge and strength. This will give strength to all who hear this song. God blessed Sister’s Mann’s pain and now we have been blessed. In His Great Name – Debra
“It is well with my soul,” continues to keep me sane.
One of my “all time favorites” is
“Give Me a Clean Heart” by Margaret Pleasant Douroux. When I get up to preach, it is one that I often perform with my wife who sings it. The chorus –”Give me a clean heart, so I may serve thee. Lord, fix my heart so that I may be used by thee. For I’m not worthy of all these blessings. Give me a clean heart and I’ll follow thee”–is my prayer. But the verse (s) help me to meditate on my motives: “I’m not asking for the riches of the land. I’m not asking for great men to know my name. But please give me a clean heart that I may follow thee. Give me a clean heart and I’ll follow thee.”
One of my favorite songs would have to be “Take Me Back”. Not just speaking for others; but speaking for myself as well; we sometimes get caught up in all types of music, mostly it is not the words, but the beat and instruments. We forget about focusing on what the message of the song is. God gives us all talents and gifts. Some gospel singers are called by God and some just go because of fame and what they perceive as fortune. We have to be careful or what we sing and what we hear. My favorite hymn would be “Draw Me Nearer”.
“I Have Found a Friend in Jesus” is a song that beautifully expresses the joy I feel about Jesus’s having found and saved me for eternal life. It not only deals with the hope of eternal life, but, also, the Friend who is with me through the day to day struggles.
” Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
Author Rev. Timothy Wright
The return of the “Old School” Blood,Blood stained banner,and Cross songs always set me in the present spritual realm. There is power,healing, comfort, and joy all wrap in singing this anointed “calling” song.
There are a number of songs that I draw from but, “Still Here by the Williams Brothers” is one of my favorites. It reminds me that no matter what I’ve been through or what I may be going through right now God is the same yesterday today and forever; he will never forsake you or let you walk alone as long as you keep holding on to his unchanging hand. This song nurtures and feeds my spirit at sll times. In 2008 I lost my father on February 5th and on February 7th my oldest dsughter 48 hours apart to cancer. Within a month I lost my youngest sister. And now I know why I am still here.
My Soul’s Been Anchored gets me through any day and reminds me how I am anchored in the Lord and the Lord is my Anchor.
“Turning Around For Me” Artist Vashawn Mitchell
It just took all bite and fight out of me! I began to realize that God IS TRULY in charge..and I have Faith that He is not only turning it around for me…He has already turned my life around! I have that to be Grateful for ..even if He doesn’t do anything else! I will praise and serve Him until I die!!
One of my favorite “get me through the day song”, Smile- by Kirk Franklin.
Favorite gospel music:
My God is Awesome by Pastor Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Chicago
Be Blessed by Bishop Paul S. Morton is one of those songs for me. My oldest son in incarcerated, serving a 10 year sentence for a 1st offense. He was very young when he went into the correctional system. The line in the song that says, “I see you in the future, and you look better, I see you walking in favor and prosperity too. Let me encourage you, let me speak life to you.” ministers to me and him in this situation. It helps me to have faith in the future that God has prepared for my son if he will choose to walk in God’s way. It gets through the rough days.
One of my favorites is “My Help Cometh from the Lord” When I was diagnosed with Breast cancer. A friend from work gave this CD with music from their Church the Choir sings. It was so uplifting that I listened to it over and over and it got me through those rough days. And still now when I sing it just fills me up with so much and lets me know how grateful and blessed I am. I read Psalms 121 all the time and tell people who are going through something to read Psalms 121.
returning back , I also wanted to comment on the songs that are posted. those song are profound, they go straight to the heart of God, worship song are the songs that will get through your trails and tribulations. those song will help you appreciate who God is. I love those songs, but I feel like i am missing something. maybe its the people who are different today. they don’t seem to love God the way the old saints did. As a child I saw great, great sacrifice made by them. Today i see selfishness.
Ilove the old songs more than the songs of today. Don’t get me wrong because Iam old school and old school people have a different anointing. Wereally feel the presence of God, not saying his presence is not here today; its just a big difference in the songs today; for example we sing “Take Me Back Where I first Believed” or “YES, YES, YES” In other words these song move you, many people were filled with God’s precious Holy Ghost. I just don’t see that today. In the songs today, what i see is that the flesh wants to feel good, but in the songs of old the HEART wants to feel good-the Heart wants to feel Gods anointed. now thats my opinion. I know there are some that won’t agree, but there are otheres who will agree wholeheartly. My song for today and evermore is “There Is No Way I Can Live Without Him”
The song that gives me strength and drives me toward my purpose is “The Corinthian Song,” penned by V. Michael McKay and performed by Micah Stampley and Kathy Brown. When you listen to the song, you will see why… Be blessed!
Song that changed my life: “Worth It All” by Ruby Mann Pool, Chesapeake,Va
Adrian, I am so glad to know that my song ministered to you. As Christians, we know that the things we endure in this life will be worth it all when we see Jesus! Be blessed and keep the faith.
Ruby Mann Pool