GOSPEL MUSIC HERITAGE MONTH: "TESTIFY!"

"And He commanded us to preach unto the people, and to TESTIFY, that it is HE which was ordained of God to be the Judge of the quick and the dead!"(Acts 10:42)

GOSPEL!  The GOOD NEWS!   

"The Question Is!"
"If It Had Not Been For The Lord On My Side!" 
"Sing 'Til the Power of the Lord Comes Down!"  
"Is My Living In Vain?" 
"Oh, Taste And See!" 
"I'm Just Holdin' On!"
"All of My Help!" 
"Lord, You Brought Me From A Mighty Long Way!'
"I'll Make It Alright!" 
"I Can Depend On God!"
"He Included Me!" 
"Jesus Will Never Say No!" 
"Remember Me!" 
"Hallelujah, Anyhow!" 
"Yes, I Know Jesus!" 
'What A Friend We Have In Jesus!" 
"Jesus Will Work It Out!" 
"Victory Is Mine!"

The list goes on and on!  We sing, or listen to others that do, either on stage, or in a church setting, even outside in a public park.  But do we really know what GOSPEL entails?  

The Covenant - telling of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the SON of the LIVING GOD!  Webster Dictionary defines the word, or expression, to be the message concerning Christ, the kingdom of God, and salvation; promoted as infallible Truth or, as a guiding principle or doctrine!

 "Steal Away...Peace Be Still"

I have always found it fascinating, listening to the workings of a great choir or group, singing with so much in-depth persuasion.  The years of experience God allowed me, as I was blessed to commiserate with some of the most prolific and powerful ministers of music.  Throughout my life, I have watched and learned from some amazing vocal groups, in New York, the South, as well as abroad.  Gospel singing, during the 1960s-90s, for me, were truly powerful times.  You could tell that the songs were ministered intimately, and because of what I heard or saw, I would be compelled to live up to the measure of the lifestyle.  And, when you had the opportunity to listen as the vocalists would melodically resonate their stories, it would bless you so much, showing you that, even if you were told by naysayers that you were the worst sinner in the world, the sheer illustration of the singer's spiritual walk in song would encourage you to realize there is hope for your life, too.  

 "I Feel The Spirit Movin'...He Promised"

In addition, I was taught by older members of the choirs or groups, what a true virtuous woman's countenance should mirror - speech, attire, facial expressions, showing compassion to all, not just close friends or family members, while walking in the Word of the Lord, sharing and encouraging.  Those of us who were younger wives, received plenty of training, watching the seasoned married women, who walked, then and now, in the way of God's interpretation of a Godly helpmate.  From making sure meals were prepared, or keeping a spare handkerchief for husbands, in case he forgot to insert one in his suit pocket, to having that listening ear for those times when he needs to vent after a hard day at work.  Most of those women had jobs, too, but, through the leading of the Lord, made time for their mates, and children, providing a comfortable home, an anointed place of refuge.  Always praying, believing, and walking in God's Word.  I thank the Lord for planting such wise, and capable witnesses of His Glory, allowing the His Light to shine, everywhere they went.

"On Christ The Solid Rock...The Keys To The Kingdom"

Any decent gospel song should have a story to tell.  When we hear that Name JESUS, either spoken or bellowed, what comes to mind is the proclaimed, prophesied Truth of the Old Testament, supernaturally coming down in the form of a child in the New, growing in stature and nobility, becoming the Living Epistle!  The only begotten Son, presented from Heaven, to do OUR bidding, feel our hurts, walk in the midst of degradation, lies, hatred, for our sakes, while still remaining steadfast in the Father's direction, knowing that God sent Him, showing that we don't have to perish, but have everlasting life.  Through His suffering, being tempted, ridiculed, laughed at, He proved that The Word of God is alive, and the worst thing we could do is to ignore and not take heed to His Love, through His teaching, compassion, warnings, even what appeared to be a moment of weakness.  

"Nothing But The Blood...Jesus Is The Answer"

Through Jesus Christ, His testimony, we can be healed, delivered, set free, or made whole, by the Power of God, placed in His Hand.  He sanctions us to know, too, that when we believe in Him, accepting Him as Lord of our life, He instills that God has a plan for us - TO LIVE!  He came all the way from Heaven down to show us how we can be free, and victorious in Almighty God.  Through the Blood that was shed on the cross, the way He could just speak the Word, and IT WAS SO!  Full of humility, being mindful of the calling, but never forgetting to give honor to whom it was due - Our Heavenly Father!

"You Don't Know Like I Know...Amazing Grace"

The Risen Savior continues to reveal to us just how a child of the King should be, wherever they go, or whoever they see!  Grace, Mercy, Love, and Faith in God, are the traits we should possess, for the up-building of the Kingdom.  Then, when we sing from the heart, or hear a gospel melody, we are able to truly testify of what it means to trust, no matter what the situation, the derogatory things others may say about us, or moments of struggle and loneliness.  In Romans 1:16, it plainly states:   

"For I am not ashamed of the GOSPEL of CHRIST: for it is the POWER of GOD unto SALVATION to EVERYONE THAT BELIEVETH; to the Jew first, and ALSO to the Greek!"

We are all witnesses of His wonderful works, keeping power, hedge of protection, our needs are supplied, regardless to where we are, jobless, uncertain, or whether our health isn't up to par.  The right song will lift our spirits, put a smile on our face, cause us to walk upright, and rely on the blessed assurance that things will work out, because of the promises God has already declared!   We will praise Him consistently, in spite of, and others will be inspired to press on because of how we live in front of them.  Telling of His goodness, sharing how we prayed, and received an answer.  It's mighty nice to be on the Lord's side!  He keeps us from all harm, and we are SAFE in HIS Arms!  Blessings to you all!  TESTIFY!