He
He
By Dennis Huebshman
There have been many many notable songs that refer to our Heavenly Father. They range from being almost old classical, all the way to punk rock. I have to admit, I love the old standards, good solid country gospel, and some contemporary. As for “rap” or “punk rock, I’m not really a fan. Also, most of the “up-beat 7-11” songs are not on my favorite listening list either. Those are the ones that just say the same 7 words 11 times, and repeat the pattern several times. There is nothing new about singing to the Heavenly Father as even the Psalms are all songs that were written for Him.
One great contemporary song that I really enjoy was written by Rich Mullins in 1988 called “Awesome God”. It starts out, “When He rolls up His sleeves, He ain’t puttin on the Ritz (Our God is an Awesome God); There’s thunder in His footsteps and lightening in His fists (Our God is an Awesome God); And the Lord wasn’t joking when He kicked em’ out of Eden; it wasn’t for no reason that He shed His blood. His return is very close, and so you better be believing, that Our God Is An Awesome God!”
The chorus itself is Awesome, “Our God is an Awesome God; He reigns from Heaven above; With Wisdom, Power and Love; Our God is an Awesome God” (emphasis mine)
Rich Mullins went into the presence of the Lord September 19, 1997 because of an automobile accident. He was a “contemporary” Christian artist whose music is still inspiring people today. That is a wonderful legacy to leave behind.
Another contemporary song I enjoy is called, “God’s Not Dead”; written by Daniel Bashta in 2010, and released by the “Newsboys” in 2011. It was featured in the movie “God’s Not Dead 2” in 2016. The chorus is, “My God’s Not Dead, He’s surely alive! He’s living on the inside, roaring like a lion! God’s Not Dead, He’s surely alive! He’s living on the inside, roaring like a lion!” Yes, it repeats, but it says volumes in those couple lines. Just think of the “Lion, Tribe of Judah”, living inside us!
Both of the above songs are counter to a movement that became popular in the 1960’s that tried to say God was dead. It even made the cover of Time magazine on April 8, 1966. This idea did not just start in the 60’s, but goes back centuries. Even when Jesus was on this earth in person, there were those who did not believe in Him. One person who still influences atheists today was Fredrich Wilhelm Nietzsche (Oct. 1844 – Aug. 1900). He was an adamant atheist that totally refused to believe in God. Though his popularity has been like a roller coaster over time, his works are being used even today by extreme left-leaning liberal atheists who are perfectly content to claim that there is no God. This is playing right into the plans of satan, and He is definitely controlling all those on that “broad path” given in Matthew 7:13.
When I hear such songs as “In The Garden”; “One Pair Of Hands”; “It Is Well With My Soul”; “My Faith Looks Up To Thee”; “He Hideth My Soul” and so many others, it’s like being in “communion” with our Creator. There are numerous bible verses about music for our God, and Psalm 95:1-2 covers this quite well, “O come, let us sing unto the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our Salvation, (2) Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of Praise.” When it says “noise”, I can definitely do that very well. However, I believe the Father enjoys our songs and praise, no matter about the noise part. He’s looking at our hearts and souls for sincerity in our talks (Prayer) to Him, whether by word or song.
Prayer can be silent, cried out when in distress, spoken softly or with a regular tone. It does not have to be a “flowery” speech or a long narration, as Jesus even said to avoid vain repetition. Our Father, His Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit (Trinity) just want to hear from us with whatever method seems right at the time. As I said, it’s a “heart” thing.
God knows what we are saying, even when we don’t have the right words on our mind. Romans 8:26-27, “Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with deep groanings, too deep for words. (27) And He who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the Saints (All Believers), according to the will of God.” Our God is an Awesome God indeed!
There is a song that many artists have recorded from just about every type of music background. It’s called simply, “He”, and was written by Richard Mullan in 1954 with music by Jack Richards. It was first released by Al Hibbler that year. Along with several others, it can be heard on YouTube.
(V1) He can turn the tides, and calm the angry sea. He alone decides who writes a symphony. He lights every star that makes our darkness bright. He keeps watch, all through each long and lonely night. He still finds the time to hear a child’s first prayer; saint or sinner calls, and always finds Him there.
(chorus) Though it makes Him sad to see the way we live; He’ll always say I forgive.
(V2) He can grant a wish or make a dream come true. He can paint the clouds, and turn the gray to blue. He alone is there to find a rainbow’s end; He alone can see what lies beyond the bend. He can touch a tree and turn the leaves to gold; He knows every lie that you and I have told. (chorus)
This short-titled song gives a simple but thorough look at our Father’s love for us. If you get a chance to listen to the Al Hibbler’s version, I would also recommend hearing the Mcguire Sisters’ version as well as Tammy Wynette and Carroll Roberson. As I said, many have recorded it in just about every music venue.
With all the negativity in this world today, we need something to lift our spirits and get us prepared for our Home-Coming. Just imagine being able to sing praises to the Lord in His very presence. That brings up another song, “I Can Only Imagine”, that has the line, “Will I be able to speak at all?” How about, “Shall I dance for you Jesus, or to my knees will I fall?” Well, we will find out soon. I personally am prepared to be totally overwhelmed by my first actual meeting with Jesus.
Anyone who cannot see the condition of this world today, and match it to the end-time prophecies, could be under the delusion spoken of in 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12. The only prophecies that are left have to be fulfilled, have to do with the Rapture (1 Corinthians 15:51-53; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18); followed by all the events of the tribulation listed in Daniel, Revelation and by several Old and New Testament prophets.
It’s definitely not too early to prepare for our Savior’s calling all believers up to meet Him in the air. It could take place at any minute, and will take less than one second. (1 Corinthians 15:52)
Our Father’s “Amazing Grace” is about to be poured out in His Children (including even Me!); and then His wrath on all unbelievers. It will still be possible to accept Jesus after the Rapture takes place, but much more difficult and the outcome will most likely be martyrdom.
All who call on the Lord right now will be saved from that tribulation (Acts 2:21; Romans 10:13). Those who do not accept Jesus before leaving this earth, will end up with satan and his demons in the Lake of Fire that was prepared for them. This is a forever decision, not just a short time as some false prophets would like for you to believe. Also, there is no third option as Heaven or Hell is all there is.
There are numerous verses in the Bible to back this all up, such as: Acts 4:12; John 14:6; John 10:30; Romans 8:1; Romans 10:9-13; Ephesians 2:8-10; Galatians 2:20; Revelation 3:20; Revelation 20:11-15 just to name a few. Of course, one has to believe the Bible is the True Word of our God for any of this to make sense. There are people who believe anything to do with a Divine Creator is all a myth.
There is so much evidence for those who would seek it, that proves beyond a doubt God is real, and He Is Alive! The dye is cast, and we will hear a trumpet/shofar and a shout very soon. The only thing non-believers will know is people instantly disappeared.
Believers, all who have accepted Jesus, do not have to be worried or concerned about when this will happen. It will be in God’s timing, and it will happen. Consider that He’s giving our unsaved loved ones another chance to repent, and call on Jesus to save them. (2 Peter 3:9) Those who get left behind will have a terrible time. This earth will be put through more horrible events than have ever taken place before. Pray that the Lord will “guide” our loved ones to seek Jesus.
Meanwhile, all believers are watching, waiting, anticipating and praying for the soon return of our Lord Jesus.
Come Lord Jesus; Come quickly!