What is a "Podcast"? Simply Stated, these PodCasts are internet mp3 recordings of some great gospel music packaged together in a show of about an hour. You can listen to them on your computer, or download the mp3 file and save it to CD to listen to in your car or share with a friend! Any way you listen, My prayer is that you receive "Blessings Upon Blessings!" If you want more information about any artist you hear in the 'casts, check them out in the blogroll listed below!
So far, There are 42 Podcasts and Articles, and 32 comments from folks just like you. You are cordially invited to browse the archives, read the about page or leave a comment on any post or Podcast!
1 In the year of King Uzziah’s death I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple. 2 Seraphim stood above Him, each having six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.
3 And one called out to another and said, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of hosts,
The whole earth is full of His glory.” 4 And the foundations of the thresholds trembled at the voice of him who called out, while the temple was filling with smoke.
5 Then I said, “Woe is me, for I am ruined!
Because I am a man of unclean lips,
And I live among a people of unclean lips;
For my eyes have seen the King, the L ord of hosts.” 6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal in his hand, which he had taken from the altar with tongs. 7 He touched my mouth with it and said, “Behold, this has touched your lips; and your iniquity is taken away and your sin is forgiven.”
Join us for this Sunday Service episode, Worship His Holiness! It’s an easy place to get to, no parking worries, no plate passed around. Just a great time of praise and worship! Bear in mind, things get a little excited when the spirit of God comes down, so ya might want to strap yourself in for this one, because the music is HOT!
10 Days now I have been fighting technical difficulties at GMR. My mixer board took a lightening hit, apparently, and ceased to operate, As far as I know, the mic still works, but I have been in the process of trying to locate a suitable replacement.
PRAISE GOD, a suitable one is on its way, thanks to the giving spirit of a dear friend, and to Christ, for being so alive and indwelling in this man’s heart.
So much is coming, with the new mixer! I have a new update for you on the Missourians, and several great new songs from artists like Dave Berland (of course!) and Lory Bianco, among others. Quite a few new names who share the pages of the Lamb’s book of life will be singing for you too!
In the meantime, I encourage you to revisit this earlier episode of Gospel Music Roundup, “In Spite Of The Storms”, and don’t forget to vist the many artists listed to the left of this page, Many of whom have many songs you can listen to on their pages. When you do, I’d appreciate it if you let them know you heard about them right HERE on Gospel Music Roundup!
A blessed and honorable Fourth of July celebration to you all!
I hope you are able to incorporate this episode into your weekend, and in a small way, minister to those around you with the music!
The political air of the day may seem unstable, and looking to the future makes you feel a tad unsure, but the only way to see where you are going is to take a clear look at where we have been!
The Word of God is our roadmap, and to follow it’s direction, we need to pay close attention to the signposts God has placed there for us along the way.
A few of those responsible for the FIREWORKS in this episode:
Also, thanks to these fine gentlemen for their great quotes:
– George Washington
–Thomas Jefferson
– Benjamin Franklin
– Patrick Henry
– Abraham Lincoln
– Andrew Johnson
– Franklin Roosevelt
– Ronald Reagan
And above all else, Thanks Be To God, for the opportunity he has granted me to be in the shelter of his wings and the forgiveness he gives me through the blood of Jesus Christ! To Him be the Glory, Forever!!!
What can make one’s life growing up more wonderful than a Father who follows the Father?
JOIN ME in this special FATHERS DAY salute to those fathers who not only sacrifice of themselves for their families, but who follow the one who laid down his life in the ultimate sacrifice, that being Christ, humbly submitting and yielding himself to HIS Father, God.
What a blessing my father was to me. Dad was a GM assembly worker for 30 years, and early in my childhood, to me, he RAN the place! Not really, but Dad was the all-around “Fix it guy”, and there seemed to be nothing he didn’t know or couldn’t fix. In a lot of ways I think I got to be what I am by my admiration of this part of him. My pride in him made me want to BE like him. There were many times I would be nearby when he was working in the yard, in the garage, or on the house, and he would explain what he was doing and why. Granted, I was so young during most of this that I didn’t even realize that he was training and teaching me, but he was. And for the longest time- even now- I can hear his voice telling me how certain jobs get done.
When we were disobedient, or rebellious, our correction usually came quickly, but we didn’t live in FEAR., because we knew above all else that he was CONSISTENT. If WE did wrong, our punishment had already been foretold in our teaching and as such was not just anticipated, but expected. This is a concept unfamiliar to many of kids I have seen these days, but for us, we knew if you break it, you bought it.
As a child, I was very fond of cookies and other sweets. My parents had to set up solid boundaries to keep me from overdoing it. I knew full well that taking cookies without asking was wrong, but I kept trying to do it anyway! I distinctly remember one Sunday morning I woke up before most every one else in the house, and LORDY, did a cookie sound soooooooo good. I knew mom had a batch in the kitchen she’d cooked up the night before. I tiptoed down the hall and through the living room, the dining room and finally into the kitchen like I was one of the spies in canaan, trying to make my way to the cookie jar undetected. I gathered a good-sized handful and started back. Through the dining room, through the living room- I was rounding the sofa and bound for the hallway when all of a sudden there stood in front of me the very man who had warned me that doing such a forbidden thing would only cause me pain! I don’t remember how old I was, but I was only waist-high, that much I DO recall. Slowly I raised my head to see an expression on his face that was both stern and disappointed all at once. I KNEW I was in for a punishment, but the punishment is not what stuck in my memory. In fact the punishment is long forgotten, as I seriously do NOT recall what punishment I received. What stuck in my memory was that look- that DISAPPOINTMENT, in my fathers eyes.
Even though we had a firm hand in our father, we also knew that he loved us and has never stopped loving us. When we need help, he does what he can when asked. That doesn’t mean he bails us out of our trouble, but rather helps to point us in the way of repair or redemption, showing the way out of whatever we have done wrong. As my Grandmother Elrod once told me, “I really like Marvin; he can be quiet, but when he speaks, you’d better listen, because still waters run deep. He’s a real thinker, and whatever he says has been really thought out”
I see so much of those very qualities possessed by my father as a mirror image of those belonging to our heavenly father- always there for us, teaching, leading and guiding us, in so far as we are willing to listen and obey; when we wander off, we fall subject to the consequences of our wanderings, but when we are willing to repent and return, He is right there for us. If we fall on our face in the midst of trying to do everything on our own, not listening to his gentle voice to guide us, he doesn’t automatically reach in and pull us out, but is there in a split second when we reach out to him, and are willing to listen to his gentle instructions. When we get hit , in life, with the unexpected injury or loss that we do not understand, we have only to turn to our Father for guidance and the reassurance of faith in Him that brings us to know that HE knows what we do not, and He will do all he can to bring us through it.
I realize, that in this day and age, not all people have been blessed by a relationship with their earthly fathers like what we had, and that human frailty causes many fathers to make mistakes. But no matter where we come from or what we have been through, each of us can look to our heavenly Father to pull us out of the mire and destruction IF we seek him. I for one and all the others who have shared with you in this pod cast KNOW he is there for you and will always be. Get to know HIM, and you will be amazed at all you have been missing.
A special thanks to DAVE BERLAND and Jason Elkins for their amazing assistance and contribution to this podcast!
Ol’ Tom’s had a rough go of it for the last couple of weeks. But today is not a day to think about my pain or my suffering. These dwindle in the light of the suffering that God went through in allowing His Son to go through the humiliation and death of the cross. Of Jesus who suffered at the hands of the very sinful men He was dying to save… My suffering even dwindles when I think how many of our peoples have suffered and died for the freedom we have to celebrate our God and our Savior…
Yes, in light of all these I am nothing. So let us join together in praise and worship of a wonderful Lord and Savior, whom so many have fought for the right for us to worship and believe in.
A blessed Memorial Day to you.
In God We Trust
“Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim tribute to patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness—these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. . . . reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principles.”
– George Washington
“God who gave us life gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that His justice cannot sleep forever.” –Thomas Jefferson
“[I]t is religion and morality alone which can establish the principles upon which freedom can securely stand. The only foundation of a free constitution is pure virtue, and if this cannot be inspired into our People in a greater Measure, than they have it now, they may change their Rulers and the forms of Government, but they will not obtain a lasting liberty.” – John Adams
“…The longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings, that ‘except the Lord build the House, they labor in vain that build it.’ ” – Benjamin Franklin
“Were my soul trembling on the wing of eternity, were this hand freezing to death, were my voice choking with the last struggle, I would still, with the last gasp of that voice, implore you to remember the truth: God has given America to be free.”
– Patrick Henry
“And whereas it is the duty of nations as well as of men, to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions, in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.” – Abraham Lincoln
“Let us look forward to the time when we can take the flag of our country and nail it below the Cross, and there let it wave as it waved in the olden times, and let us gather around it and inscribed for our motto: ‘Liberty and Union, one and inseparable, now and forever,’ and exclaim, ‘Christ first, our country next!’ ” – Andrew Johnson
“We cannot read the history of our rise and development as a nation, without reckoning with the place the Bible has occupied in shaping the advances of the Republic. Where we have been the truest and most consistent in obeying its precepts, we have attained the greatest measure of contentment and prosperity.” – Franklin Roosevelt
“Without God, there is no virtue, because there’s no prompting of the conscience. Without God, we’re mired in the material, that flat world that tells us only what the senses perceive. Without God, there is a coarsening of the society. And without God, democracy will not and cannot long endure. If we ever forget that we’re one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.” – Ronald Reagan
Where would we be without them? Most certainly, not born.
And, while there may certainly be some strained relationships out there, I think that anyone who went through that kind of pain and agony for my sake is, well, OK in my book!
God placed mothers in our lives for so many reasons, and I think this special presentation by Dave Berland says it all::
This Mother’s Day Edition of Gospel Music Roundup
is in direct appreciation for Mom.
Always there when we fall
Ready to pick us up or steer us clear of troube.
They feed us, clothe us, protect us,
They feel our pain when we hurt,
and always seem to know what’s best for us.
Mothers are ALWAYS RIGHT:
Even if you disagree, you know they are.
I recall in the Film, “The passion of the Christ”
the scene where the young Jesus trips and falls
And it was Mama who came running to hold him.
More power than ten thousand angels…
More love than mere man can fathom.
Our comforter when we sorrow,
our nurse when we are injured
Our protector when the world comes against us.
And finally, at that dreadful moment when they must
LEAVE us,
Their concerns are not for themselves, but for those
they leave behind.
Mamas.
Emissaries of our Lord,
Our Savior and our King.
Used mightily of Him,
Yet seem to be so successfully clandestine
That we never fully realize how much they are there
Until they aren’t there anymore.
Take the time to hug your Mama today
even if it’s just over the phone.
If she has gone on ahead of you
take the necessary steps
to ensure you see her again on the other side.
It’s what she would have wanted,
And you know, she’s always right!
In this edition of Gospel Music Roundup:
Dave Berland
Dale Harper
David James
Jason Elkins
Mark High
Blackshear Bluegrass Gospel
BK Minor
Dotson Family Quartet
Rusty Blake
Mary Alice Vanderwater
Kathy Wedvik
The Crownsmen
The Benge Family
And of course,
so much more…
Gospel Music Roundup sends out our prayers and thoughts to to Victims of the MAY 10 Tornado that hit OKLAHOMA, KANSAS and MISSOURI. You are not only close to my own home, but near and dear to my heart as well. These storms hit during the midst of recording this episode. Only after the clouds cleared and the power return did I learn what happened. My prayers go out for you all.
You know, often there are times when things go wrong. And I imagine, I probably get as many of those “times” as the average Joe. No… The average TOM. I get just as many as most folks. Some more, some less, but bad things do happen. And most of the time, the response that rolls off my lips when in the midst of one of those times where you just don’t understand it, there’s really no one to blame, and it’s not going to fix itself, is “Ya gotta love it!” Sometimes, when I am especially disgruntled or in a sarcastic mood, I even add, “Ya don’t know what ELSE to do with it”.
Now, a good many people either laugh at this or they look at me like I’ve popped a cork, but most generally, just saying those words helps me to assimilate, or “absorb” the situation at hand, and move on.
This evening, at work, we had someone who did a “No call, no show” on us. Meaning, of course, they didn’t come to work as expected and did not call to let anyone know about it. Most of my coworkers grumbled and complained, as many would. This usually means a lot of extra work for however many hands are left. Me, I rattled off, “Ya gotta love it”.
Again, the strange looks. I can imagine how they must have felt. For that matter, in the occasional time that I have been asked what I meant by those words, I never really clearly described it, nor had I taken the time to think a lot about it myself. You see, it goes back many years for me, when a good friend of mine had about the same habit of saying it that I have now. I just kind of picked it up and plopped it right into my vocabulary.
But tonight someone did ask. In fact I think they almost thought I was making light of the situation. Unfortunately, I was ill-prepared to answer at the moment. This experience, though, got my mental wheels turning, and the answer had already been right in front of me, earlier this week during my personal devotions:
In Ephesians 4, verses 1 through 5, it states:
Ephesians 4
1 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, 3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism
(NASV)
Did you catch the answer, there? Let me repeat it for you: walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love.
I had been studying Ephesians all of this past week, and yet the answer did not come quickly to mind at the moment. But later, after I got home and reviewed my reading, there it was as plain as day.
What Paul is saying in that passage is, “In light of all this, here’s what I want you to do. While I’m locked up here, a prisoner for the Master, I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And take note that you do this with humility and discipline—not in short bursts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences. You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly.”
The road we are given is the road we travel. And we are told here, that even when the road turns rocky, to pour ourselves out for each other in acts of love.
When the kids (or the parents) are disobedient and cranky? “Ya gotta love it”.
When the cable guy doesn’t show up between 1 and 4 as promised? “Ya gotta love it!”
When your spouse forgets an important appointment? “Ya gotta love it!”
When someone, somewhere, messes up and creates more work for you and everyone around you? Ya GOTTA love it! Romans 5:8
God demonstrates His own love for us, that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for US
(NASB)
This is the collective us. The disobedient, wandering, failing and falling US. And He did so unconditionally, only asking that we love each other- not just Christians or church members or family, but each other- in all humility and discipline, pouring ourselves out to and for each other!
This was a missed ministry opportunity for me. I should have been fully ready with an answer for those words I have used, literally for decades, so flippantly.
1 Peter 3
15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;
(NASB)
You might not see it as so serious a situation. Yet tonight I felt convicted over the matter. Maybe I couldn’t have opened up into a full-blown discussion at the moment, but I could have taken the opening as an opportunity to prepare to share; He wanted to know why I said, “Ya gotta love it.” My response could have been something so simple as to have said, “When you have a some free time, there’s a friend I would like you to meet.” and followed up as time allowed.
Our reactions in times of stress or disappointment speak volumes for the hope that is in us. The more we learn of the love of God through Christ, the more we realize how important it is for others to know that peace that passes all understanding and to “speak up“ in His name. It’s not quite as hard as it seems either; I myself, for years, used to freeze up at crucial ministry opportunities out of a fear of “getting it wrong”. But in the word of God, there is no wrong, just as in Christ, there is nothing fickle or false (James 1:17). My fear of getting it wrong was purely and simply a lack of fully preparing myself in the word.
For all of us, our point of contact for the cause of Christ is wherever our feet happen to be planted. To repeat myself, Our response at critical moments speaks volumes for the hope that is in us. Take that time, starting now, to get to know Him better, deeper, and more intimately so that others can hear from you just why you have that HOPE when things go wrong.
When we take the time, regularly and diligently, to dig into the word and prepare our hearts through the word, the Holy Spirit will use that word to change us in accord with God’s will in our lives, and help us to know the importance of a relationship with him and overcome those moments of fear and hesitance. Then we can begin to clearly see just why “Ya gotta love it!”
Our praise team today:
WhigTunes
Dave Berland
Chris Bradley
Jason T of Calvary Chapel
Dan Adkins
Please visit the artist links to the left and let them know how much you appreciate their music and worship offering!
12 When we trust in him, we’re free to say whatever needs to be said, bold to go wherever we need to go. 13 So don’t let my present trouble on your behalf get you down. Be proud! 14 My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, 15 this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. 16 I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength— 17 that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, 18 you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! 19 Live full lives, full in the fullness of God. 20 God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. 21 Glory to God in the church! Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus! Glory down all the generations! Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes! To Be Mature
My Showcase Artist:
John (”Legs”) Lawrenzi:
In 1958, this Pennsylvania native moved to Phoenix, Arizona and jumped feet first into singing Rock and Roll.
“Legs”, as his friends call him, sang with Duane Eddy, Marty Robbins and Wayne Newton, hoping to soon follow them to the bright lights of Las Vegas’. However, drinking and gambling were a constant temptation and overpowered his life. Within two short years, he had to return to Pennsylvania without any money, and soon became the town drunk.
“Legs” continued to spend time in the local bars, hoping for a break that would allow him to do what he loved so dearly, and that was to sing. He would sing for anyone who would buy him a drink, and His strong tenor voice would capture every ear and bring rounds of applause as he belted out the tunes that he loved. Yet, because of the burden he carried in his addiction to alcohol, this came at a great price. His struggle was well known in the local taverns, so while his beautiful
songs brought much appreciation from his audience, many found themselves also dismayed
at his circumstances.
In 1972, “Legs” Lawrenzi’s entire life changed when he yielded his life to Christ. One year later, He joined a Gospel singing group. Now, after thirty one additional years singing and sixteen albums later, he is impassioned for touching the lives of thousands upon thousands, in a positive way.In 1997, after hearing “Legs” perform, a friend was inspired to write Gospel lyrics to some of the great Oldies tunes that “Legs” loves to sing and sings so well. Closing your eyes while he is singing makes one question whether or not “Legs” might actually be the original recording artist, yet the lyrics are now infused with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His praise, rather than the crooning of a love gone wrong. This match of lyricist -and vocalist- was truly a match made in Heaven.
The “Fabulous Fifties Gospel” album was born, and today, instead of performing for a few people in a local bar, The Lord has John (”Legs”) Lawrenzi and his group, the Steel City Quartet, summoned to the stage by resounding applause.
John (”Legs”) Lawrenzi is truly one of the most dynamic Gospel artists of this era! And joined together with “Timothy Charles” Cousino - Lead, Glenn Crawford - Bass, Ron Pry - Baritone,(Ron’s wife, Jan is the one workin’ the sound for this awesome group, as I am told) they have a sonic blessing in store for YOU.This is why I have put together this special “FIFTIES” edition of Gospel Music Roundup: To showcase the work of this
man who has put his feet to the street for the furthering of Gospel in song. If you want to order John “Legs” Lawrenzi’s
CDs, “Thru The Years” or “Fabulous Fifties Gospel”, please visit the Steel City Quartet’s Store on their website:
http://www.steelcityquartet.com/Store.htm
or you can email Legs directly, at
legs@steelcityquartet.com
While you are there, make sure to check out the Biography pages and schedule to see if they might be coming to your area!
As always, with any Artist or group you hear and enjoy on Gospel Music Roundup, I ask that you check out their own websites (their names are linked to them) in the “BLOGROLL” in the center column on my homepage.Email them, tell em how much of a blessing they were to you, and if you would, let them know you heard about them right HERE: On GOSPEL MUSIC ROUNDUP!
Here, in the Midwest, I am making this pod cast in the middle of February. It has been cold and icy all week, and when you work out-of-doors as I do, it gets old quickly; Especially as I get older.
But in my quiet times, my mind looks forward to the spring, and with spring come thoughts of our Easter Celebration. The songs of praise and worship and southern gospel Music stir my mind to those thoughts, and what a difference salvation has caused in MY life. Even now, as cold and dark as the days are, I know I can look forward to warmth and sunshine not too far off in the future.
What a WONDERFUL correlation: His love- on the cross and in my soul, has stripped away the darkness and cold and replaced it with warmth and sunshine. Yes, I am human, and all too often I might allow that old cold feeling to return, but the Christ who saved ME is always right there when I am once again defeated from trying to fight my own battles. I look up from whatever pit I am in, and he’s right there, so close that it all the more emphasizes the futility of trying to win my own wars. If I trust in Him, he is faithful to forgive me of my sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness, and once again, a sweet and beautiful relationship is restored.
Did you catch that? A common misconception is to think that God somehow cannot accept us because we may have stumbled or fallen. Yet that is EXACTLY WHY we need him. Were we able to save ourselves, or to somehow be on a par with God, we would have no NEED for salvation, and certainly no idea of what sovereignty, or LORDSHIP, really means.
That would lead to utter chaos, each man trying to be lord of his own world, wouldn’t it? No one respecting another, every man out for himself? Wait… Isn’t that what the world looks like more and more every day? Who could be behind such a plan, so as to create this mindset, but the very one the bible points to; the one cast from glory due to his OWN attempt at equality with God to the point of waging war in heaven… Satan thought he could WIN in heaven, and now he tries to win here on earth.
We need to hold fast to the one who made us; who has laid down his only son, that being the Christ, as a pathway to bring our wayward souls back to him.
Jesus said, “come to me, all who are weary laden. And I will give you rest.” Let me tell you, those are mighty comforting words after a long, hard, cold day.
and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.
way, minister to those around you with the music!
You know, often there are times when things go wrong. And I imagine, I probably get as many of those “times” as the average Joe. No… The average TOM. I get just as many as most folks. Some more, some less, but bad things do happen. And most of the time, the response that rolls off my lips when in the midst of one of those times where you just don’t understand it, there’s really no one to blame, and it’s not going to fix itself, is “Ya gotta love it!” Sometimes, when I am especially disgruntled or in a sarcastic mood, I even add, “Ya don’t know what ELSE to do with it”.