Category Archives: Video

videos for Confidence and Joy

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O Holy Night

The History of this Song is Amazing!

The song, “O Holy Night” is special to me for three reasons. First, Nat King Cole’s version was my dad’s favorite holiday song. Secondly, the amazing history of the song itself, including it being the first Christmas song ever played on the “air waves.”  Thirdly, the first verse of the song is so impactful. (words below)

Enjoy reading the history of this song, and enjoy your holiday season!

The History of the Song, “O Holy Night.”

In 1847, Placide Cappeau, a wine merchant in France, was asked by his parish priest to write a poem for the Christmas Eve service. He wrote the words to, “Cantique de Noel” (“Song of Christmas”).

He then asked his friend, Adolphe, who was of the Jewish faith to write the music, and the song was performed for the congregation on Christmas Eve. The French people loved it. Sometime later, Placide left the church, and then it was discovered that the composer of music was not of the Christian faith, so Church leadership banned the song from its services throughout all of France. However, the French people continued to embrace it.

Ten years later, an American abolitionist, John Sullivan Dwight, heard the carol and loved its vibrant message of hope. His English translation quickly became popular in the North during the American Civil War.

Legend has it that the French Catholic Church finally allowed the song back into its services after an encounter in 1870 between French and German troops during the Franco-Prussian War. During a lull in fighting, a French soldier began singing it. The Germans were so moved that they responded by singing one of Martin Luther’s hymns. This little “songfest” encouraged the soldiers to honor a truce for 24 hours on Christmas.

Fast forward to early 1900’s, and the invention of radio. After some trial testing with voice over telegraph, Reginald Fessenden, a Canadian, via telegraph, alerted several ships of a special Christmas broadcast scheduled for 9pm on Christmas Eve. They had no idea it was not going to be dots and dashes coming over the telegraph.

When that 9pm broadcast happened, on Christmas Eve, 1906, the telegraph operators were stunned to hear a man’s voice! Everyone said this was impossible. Reginald was the first voice ever heard on the radio.

After giving a resume of the program, he played a recording of Handel’s, “Largo” on an Ediphone. That was the first recording ever played on the air. Then he played, “Oh Holy Night” on his violin, and sang the last verse as he played. It was the very first Christmas song ever heard on the radio!

His wife and secretary had promised to read the story of Jesus’ birth from the Bible, but they were speechless; mic fright. So, Reginald took over and read the story of the birth of Christ. He then concluded the broadcast by extending Christmas greetings to his listeners and asking them to write to him to let him know if they heard it. He didn’t know if it was going to work for sure. He received numerous responses.

The history of this song embodies what this season of Christmas is really all about – God’s love in sending His Son for all people. It was written by a wine merchant, set to music by a Jewish composer, banned by overzealous church leaders, but then kept alive by true believers. It was then adopted by an American abolitionist inspiring hope for those enslaved. It was sung by troops at war in the trenches and inspired at least 24 hours of peace. It was broadcast live by invisible radio waves – a new medium that would soon be instrumental in getting the message of the Good News all over the world.

One is perhaps reminded of the most popular verse in the Bible. John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him, should not perish but have everlasting life.” “Whosoever!”

Whether someone is a wine merchant, of a different belief, a religious zealot, a slave, bond or free, male or female, that night in Bethlehem, God sent His Son, the prince of peace, to make available everlasting life to anyone and everyone who accepts Jesus Christ!  He is lord of all people, and God raised him from the dead!

O Holy Night
O Holy night! The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
‘Til He appears and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees; O hear the Angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born
O night, O Holy night, O night divine!

[Verse 2]
Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming
Here come the Wise Men from Orient land
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger
In all our trials born to be our friend
He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend

[Verse 3]
Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His Gospel is Peace
Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother
And in His name, all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we
Let all within us Praise His Holy name
Christ is the Lord; O praise His name forever!
His power and glory evermore proclaim
His power and glory evermore proclaim

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FACING OBSTACLES, CHALLENGES AND SETBACKS

Video Teaching

Below is a zoom video teaching I did last May at the Phoenix Rescue Mission, titled, How to Overcome Obstacles, Challenges and Setbacks

Everyone in life faces obstacles, challenges and setbacks. It is a part of life. These come in all sizes and shapes. And just because a person is not homeless or living in the street, doesn’t mean they are not going through some very difficult situations. Many times when we face various challenges, we realize we do not have enough to get through it, whether it’s finances or resources, health, or other difficulties. In other words, the challenges we face seem just too big for us – we do not have enough.

As we read the Bible, many times we see people who had the same dilemma we have; they did not have “enough.” And then we see God providing solutions, time and time again. Why are there so many records in the Bible that show God can and will supply? Why are they in there? They are there to encourage us! They are there to remind us that with God’s help, the odds don’t matter, and, it doesn’t matter if we don’t have enough. No matter how little you have, with God, it is enough,

God can make a way where there is no way! This very practical teaching will show you how you can overcome obstacles, challenges and setbacks in your life!

(Note: There is a link below the video song I played before the teaching – YouTube does not allow me to have them part of the video. The song I played before the teaching was, Voice of Truth, by Casting Crowns.)

 

Link below to the song I played…
https://youtu.be/7kZ1dizcm30

CLICK HERE to access other video teachings on my You Tube Channel, Leave a comment and feel free to subscribe.

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FACING A DIFFICULT SITUATION

An Encouraging Song

When facing a difficult situation, God’s Word offers  great encouragement with delivering words from God we can believe so we can receive His deliverance.

And there are times that godly inspired music can encourage us to trust and believe God.  The song below is especially encouraging when going through a tough time.

Oh My Soul is from, Casting Crowns. The lyrics are on the video.

 

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HE REALLY IS A GOOD, GOOD FATHER

The One True God is a God of love, grace and mercy. He is a powerful delivering God. He truly is a good, good Father.
Enjoy this song by Casting Crowns.

Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
II Thessalonians 1:2

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MEMORIAL DAY 2021

Monday, May 31, 2021 is Memorial Day. I am again this year posting 3 very moving videos.

Sometimes people get confused – Veterans Day, which is in November, is when we remember everyone who has served our country, at any time in any capacity.  Memorial Day, formerly known as, “Decoration Day,” commemorates men and women who died while in military service to the United States.

It began as a way to honor Union and Confederate soldiers following the American Civil War. Later, it was extended, after World War I, to honor all American military who died in all wars –  we remember those who gave their life in service to our country.

Congress actually established an exact minute of remembrance. The National Moment of Remembrance Act, adopted in December of 2000, encourages every citizen to pause each Memorial Day at 3:00 p.m. local time to remember the brave men and women who died serving this country.

Take some time this weekend to thank God for the freedoms and liberty we still have in this country – because over the years so many gave their lives.  But it is still up to each generation to protect and keep the freedoms we enjoy, because how quickly liberty and freedoms can evaporate!  Continue to pray for our country, and pray for those in government positions who truly love our country and constitution, for God to give them wisdom and courage to speak and do that which will insure our liberties and freedoms to continue.

If you don’t live here in the United States, take some time to pause and pray for God’s help and blessingS on your country.

And, regardless of where we live, how very thankful we are for the ultimate sacrifice made by our Lord Jesus Christ – he gave his life so we could have eternal life – the ultimate freedom – freedom from death itself!

Below are 3 very moving videos that help put this remembrance into perspective.

 THANK YOU!

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JESUS CHRIST IS ALIVE!

Peter Looked Inside And Saw...

Jesus Christ is alive!  God raised him from the dead!

The video below is from Casting Crowns singing, Glorious Day. Below the video is an article I posted in 2018.  When Peter looked into the tomb he saw two very significant items.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is without question the greatest event in the history of mankind thus far. A detail, often overlooked in John’s Gospel account of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, sets there like a sparkling gem if you understand the burial customs in the time of Jesus.

Over the centuries, and even today, different cultures have practiced various burial customs. There were a number of Jewish burial customs in the first century. One of those was to wrap or wind the body “in fine linen, putting spices in the folds.” The napkin was “a handkerchief which was employed

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“RESCUE” IS A POWERFUL SONG!

Praying For God To Rescue The USA

When I first heard this song, “Rescue,” by Lauren Daigle, it reminded me how in these very troubled days, many are praying to God Almighty, asking Him for His help. Our country needs His rescue. And He is more than able to help and heal this land.

The song is from God’s perspective: His reminder that He hears our cries, and that He is indeed able and willing.  So whether you need His rescue in your personal life, or, you’re praying for Him to rescue the USA, enjoy this very inspiring song. (Lyrics are below the video)

Rescue by Lauren Daigle

You are not hidden
There’s never been a moment
You were forgotten
You are not hopeless
Though you have been broken
Your innocence stolen

I hear you whisper underneath your breath
I hear your SOS
Your SOS

I will send out an army
To find you in the middle of the darkest night
It’s true, I will rescue you

There is no distance
That cannot be covered
Over and over
You’re not defenseless
I’ll be your shelter
I’ll be your armor

I hear you whisper underneath your breath
I hear your SOS, your SOS

I will send out an army
To find You in the middle of the darkest night
It’s true, I will rescue you
And I will never stop marching
To reach you in the middle of the hardest fight
It’s true, I will rescue you

I hear the whisper underneath your breath
I hear you whisper you have nothing left

I will send out an army
To find you in the middle of the darkest night
It’s true, I will rescue you
And I will never stop marching
To reach you in the middle of the hardest fight
It’s true, I will rescue you

Oh, I will rescue you

II Chronicles 7:14
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

If you found this inspiring, pass it on – share it with others.

 

 

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HOW YOU CAN OVERCOME OBSTACLES

3 Practical Keys You Can Use Right Now!

There are times in life we all face obstacles. Discover 3 great keys in overcoming obstacles in this short video (6 minutes). You’ll also find out what is the most destructive of the non pharmaceutical narcotics.

I recorded this video a number of years ago, and, yes, it’s a bit grainy.  But, I’m posting it again because it could have a major impact on your life today!

For more videos like this, check out my YouTube Channel; over a hundred  inspiring and encouraging videos for practical Christian living. (most under 2 minutes!)
“Like” them!  Leave a comment!  Subscribe!  Share!  Thank you!

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If you’d like a signed copy of my latest book, “What Does It Mean? Click Here

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WHAT CAN YOU DO IN THESE DARK DAYS?

Here’s Two Vitally Important Things You Can Do!

In these troubled and dark days, many are looking to God for His help. I truly believe we can get through these dark days here in the United States, but not without the help of God Almighty.

Many Bible believing Christians see the great need to pray, and now find themselves praying more than perhaps they ever have in the past. That’s a good thing – never underestimate the power of prayer. You might be mindful of certain verses concerning prayer; there are many, like this one:

II Chronicles 7:14
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

In these dark days, information comes to us from every direction, non stop. Emotions by many are at fever pitch. How many make the time to take the time to turn it all off and pray?  David wrote in Psalm 55, “Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and He shall hear my voice.”

The Bible shows us in many places, like Psalm 5, prayers for the wicked and wickedness to cease; for those who lay traps to fall in them, for deceitful mouths to stop, etc. I encourage you to make time to take time to pray and pray and pray!

Never underestimate the power of prayer!

In addition to much needed prayer, The Bible exhorts us to speak the truth in love. Will we speak it?  Will we shine as lights in the midst of this crooked and perverse world? Jesus said, “The Truth shall make you free!” He also said the thief (the devil) comes “to steal, and to kill and to destroy,” but he came that we might have life, and have it more abundantly. We can speak words that promote God’s goodness and deliverance.

Christian who have their eyes open know this is a spiritual battle. Ephesians tells us, “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” The Bible tells us we are not to be ignorant of Satan’s devices.

The media has and always will promote conflict. In purposefully adding “fuel to the fire,” they so often distort facts. One of the many ways they do this is by adding selective adjectives to the facts.

Yes, it’s a fact, there are racists in this country and, for that matter, in every country; as long as there are people in a country, there will always be wicked bigots. So, it is a fact, there is racism in America. But they add to that “fact” words like, “rampant,” and, “unredeemable.”

Without question there are issues that need to be addressed, but looting and burning is not the answer. Beating and killing people is not the answer. Getting rid of an entire nation’s police force is not the answer. Most police who put their lives on the line everyday for people they don’t even know are not racists. Why not do whatever is necessary to root out the bad apples and bad practices?

The last three months have been painfully devastating. Sadly, many Christians are agonizingly divided, taking positions from one political side or the other. Proverbs 6 should serve as a moment of pause for some, as it says, the Lord hates a false witness that speaks lies, and he that sows discord among brethren.

Since the end of March, while in the “lock down,” we’ve been doing our Sunday Bible fellowship via phone conferencing, I have posted those teachings. The underlying theme in those teachings is looking to God and trusting Him in dark days, or, at any time. I pray they not only help you, but give you some light of God’s Word you can share with others to help them.

Never underestimate the power of God’s Word!

And finally, a reminder to ALL born again Christians. Some have either forgotten or have never been taught that we are called, in the Bible, “the Church of God.” It is His Church. And God said we are ALL part of ONE body, with Jesus Christ as the head.

Furthermore, the Bible also says, for us, there is no longer Jew or Gentile, male or female, bond or free – that means no more black or white! We are ALL members of the ONE body of Christ. And we are told to have the same care one for another. Oh how lax the Christian Church has been in preaching and living that message!

Pray! Then pray more. Never underestimate the power of prayer!

Speak God’s Word! Never underestimate the power of the Word of God!

Below are two videos. The first is Jack Brewer, a former NFL safety, speaking a few days ago at a round table discussion. It is about 6 minutes, and he addresses problems from a spiritual point of view.

The second is a song by Casting Crowns, titled, “What If His People Prayed?