Grace His
February 2020
Photo by Julie MacDonald
Tiny,
Ontario
Serving from Coast to Coast
Page 2
Table of Contents His Grace Magazine
February 2020
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
Poetry Page........................................................................Page 3 Publisher's Corner............................................................Pages 4, 5 CD in Review.....................................................................Page 6 Prayer Page........................................................................Page 7 Book in Review..................................................................Page 8 Athletes for Christ.............................................................Page 10 Walking with Jesus...........................................................Pages 12, 13 Racing with Christ............................................................Pages 14, 15 Recipe Page........................................................................Pages 16, 17 Featured Artist..................................................................Page 18 In Concert..........................................................................Page 20 Bible Study.........................................................................Page 21 Movie in Review................................................................Page 22
To advertise in His Grace Magazine, call Rob
905-380-4489
or email wood.publications.2014@gmail.com
Poetry Page...
February 2020
His Grace Magazine
Heaven
Page 3
When life's problems are too hard to bear; When illness or disease takes a toll on life; When approaching death shatters our dreams, We find strength in hopes of paradise. Keep your eyes on what lies ahead; Focus on the promises that God has given. He will create a glorious city; A place eternal; a new earth and heaven. A great multitude from all tribes and nations Will be together and worship in song. Within the vastness of His treasures of wisdom, We will think, live, and love like God. Having constant access to our Lord and Savior, All of our needs are met in heaven. Living in true joy, God's spirit will surround us In a way that we do not yet understand. Read: (John 14:2-3)
“In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.�
His Grace Magazine
Page 4
Publisher's Corner...
Is Life Unfair?
Owner/Publisher: Rob Wood
I
have heard people say this so many times, "Life can be so unfair!" Is it? Can it be? At one time or another, I probably said it myself, or at least thought it once or twice. With all of the pessimism we see and hear on tv and the depressing articles we read in magazines and newspapers, sometimes it just might seem unfair. Sometimes we wonder why things happen, or why they have to happen. So many things can happen in life at a blink of an eye, as it did on January 26th of this year, when basketball legend, Kobe Bryant, 13 year old daughter, Gianna, along with seven other people died as a result of a helicopter crash, as they have done so many times before. Or on February 16th, Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Tony Fernandez, who became an ordained minister passed away at the age of 57. Then there are people, who are looking forward to retirement and spending time with their families and traveling, pass away unexpectedly. You hear so much of this at times,
and we feel sad for the family that lose their loved ones, so I ask, "Is life unfair?" The thing is, no one knows how long we have to live, only God knows this. We should wake up everyday and thank God for another day of life that He has created for us. Everyday is a gift from God. The one thing we should never do is take anything for granted, and that includes your health and your family. Psalm 90:12 says, "So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom." We go through things in life; sometimes it's uplifting and sometimes it's just hard to deal with, such as the loss of a family member or a close friend. It can put us in a bad spot if we allow it to do so. I know it happened to me a few times. In October of 2001 when my son was stillborn, it destroyed me. I was hurt and angry, but it was the depression that I went through because of my loss that eventually drove me to Jesus. A big piece of me died when Curtis died, but when I called out to Jesus and gave my life to Him, He lifted me up and He healed what was broken inside. Jesus was there for me when I needed Him the most and He will always be there. I know He will be there for you as well whenever you need Him. 1 Corinthians 1:3 says, "Blessed be the God and
February 2020
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comforts." So instead of saying, "Why did this happen?", we should be asking, "Who? Who do you turn to when things like this happen?" We need to turn to God in prayer. Ask Him for strength and to lift us up through all the trials and tribulations in this life. For all the bad things that happen in our lives, we need to realize that God is there in all the hurt and confusion. God will take all that bad and turn it into something good; we just need to be patient and trust Him to do these things for us, as the scriptures says in Romans 8:28: "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." One thing that we can hold on to is that, by being Christians, we will see our loved ones again one day in heaven. What a blessing that will be to be together again! Death will not have the final word, as Jesus overcame death for us. John 11:25-26 says: 'Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"' We should also remember to try
February 2020
to be happy, especially when we know that God has our back. Trust Him to always be there. Psalms 118:24 says, "This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it." This doesn't mean that we will be happy and glad when things go wrong, but it does mean that we know that Jesus will always be there for us. So let's all say this scripture first thing when we get up each morning; I guarantee that it will make a big difference in our attitude and thoughts. Let's also change our thinking...instead of saying "Why", maybe we could thank God for being with us today, tomorrow and forever.
WOOD
Publications
Publisher/Sales Graphic Designer/Writer: Rob Wood
wood.publications.2014@gmail.com
Editor: Donna Wood
wood.publications.2014@gmail.com
Writer: Lynne Wood
wood.publications.2014@gmail.com
Owned and published by Rob Wood of Wood Publications, contact us at 905-380-4489, email wood.publications.2014@gmail.com
Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement by this publication or area churches. All content is protected by copyright and may not be commercially reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Non-commercial redistribution is permitted.
His Grace Magazine
But those who wait on the
Page 5
LORD
Strength. Shall renew their
Eagles.
They shall mount up with wings like
Weary. They shall walk and not Faint. They shall run and not be
Isaiah 40:31
Page 6
S
His Grace Magazine
CD in Review...
Jeremy Camp The Story's Not Over...
inger songwriter, Grammy nominated, Jeremy Camp, released his tenth album, "The Story's Not Over", in 2019. This new album was highly awaited for (and I was one of them) ever since Jeremy sent his Facebook fans, including myself, an early recording of "Dead Man Walking", which I truly enjoyed. This song is currently number 9 on Christian airplay, with 7.9 million streams. It is one of many powerful songs of Jeremy's musical career. The album, "The Story's Not Over", actually debuted on Billboard's Top Christian Albums at number 1. The album also debuted at number 6 on Billboard's Top Current Album Chart and number 3 on Billboard's Digital Album Chart. Jeremy has changed his sound slightly with each new album, which keeps his sound fresh and up-to-date. On his new album, the electronic elements and sounds are more predominant than on his last album, "The Answer." As a result, you get a pop sounding, upbeat album that shows Jeremy's strong vocals and is very enjoyable to listen to. The album's opening song, "Only You Can", starts with Jeremy embracing the pop/dance style of music. It's the direction Jeremy established in his last release and it lays the overall sound of
February 2020
One of the songs that stand out in the hip hop effect is "You Don't", featuring Social Club Misfits; it almost has a TobyMac flavour to it. Jeremy recently finished up the Hits Deep Tour with TobyMac, and he has been working on a movie about his life, I Still Believe, which is about Jeremy's story of his faith, love and personal loss. I Still Believe is produced by the Erwin Brothers, who also the album. It then peaks with the produced the movie, I Can Only earlier released songs,"Still Alive" Imagine, and is associated with and "Dead Man Walking", which Lionsgate. I Still Believe will be is an announcement of all the released in March 2020. amazing changes God has done in his life. A song that stands out is close to the end of the album, "Indestructible Soul", which again shows his impressive vocal range and his ability. Jeremy Camp's fans will find so much to like on this album. His message in his music is the same 01 "Only You Can" and his younger fans, especially, 02 "Still Alive" will love the pop/dance sound of 03 "Dead Man Walking" this album. There are so many good songs 04 "Should've Been Me" to choose from, songs like 05 "Father" previously mentioned "Dead Man Walking", "Only You Can" 06 "Keep Me In The Moment" and "Indestructible Soul". This 07 "Out Of My Hands" album has such an uplifting, upbeat sound temp; the lyrics are 08 "The Story's Not Over" great and put together with his 09 "Indestructible Soul" powerful voice. 10 "You Don't" (Featuring: Social Club Misfits) Personally, I like the pop/dance sound that he added in this album. 11 "Wilderness"
The Story's
Not Over...
Prayer Page...
February 2020
His Grace Magazine
Overcoming Struggles
Dear Lord, We cry out to You because We know You are listening; We are struggling and burdened with fear. We ask that You restore our joy; Meet us in the area where We struggle the most. Thank You for Your promise to be near When we are crushed in spirit, For You replace that sorrow With the oil of gladness. We pray this trial will help us to grow In patience and in dependence on You. Bring us to a deeper level of knowing How big Your love is for us. We trust You and promise Not to lean on our own understanding.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
“The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.” Psalm 34:18
Page 7
Page 8
His Grace Magazine
Book in Review...
February 2020
Everything You Need
8 Essential Steps to a Life of Confidence...
Book by: Dr. David Jeremiah Review by: Lynne Wood
E
verything you Need is the title of another great book written by Dr. David Jeremiah. It covers eight essential steps to living confidently in God's promises. This book is an easy read that helps you on your walk with God. You can use these eight steps and apply them in your own life. It will teach you that God gives all believers everything you need to live with confidence. This book is based on a certain passage in the Bible that Dr. David Jeremiah has studied and taught for years. Recently it tugged at his heart so much that he knew he had to write this book. The passage of scripture is in 2 Peter 1:3-11. It was written by Simon Peter; he was a simple fisherman whom Jesus called to be one of his diciples. He spent three wonderful years with Jesus and went on to establish the first church. He wrote this passage in his last letter while he was in prison awaiting execution. "His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and
godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control
perseverence, to perseverence godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, to brotherly kindess love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. Therefore brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so can entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savour Jesus Christ." This book will open your eyes to the way you could be living, the way you should be living. It will open your eyes to the way God intended you to live, the way he wants you to live and enjoy life with Him. You will not want to put this book down; it really makes you think.
'And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.' 2 Corinthians 12:9
February 2020
His Grace Magazine
Page 9
And God made the beast of the earth according to its kind, cattle according to its kind, and everything that creeps on the earth according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:25
Page 10
His Grace Magazine
Athletes for Christ...
February 2020
Tony Fernandez Tony passed away at the age of 57... T
1962-2020
ony Fernandez played shortstop in the Major Leagues for 18 years. Tony won four Gold Gloves and he was picked for five All Star Games in his career. Tony led the American League in games played with 163, led at bats with 687, and led with singles 161. Tony's speed was a factor when he led the American League with 17 triples in 1990. When Tony won the World Series with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1993, he wore his rookie number #1. Tony was born in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic. He signed at the age of 17, and on September 1983 he made his Major League debut with the Blue Jays. Tony played 8 seasons with the Blue Jays and was picked three times to the All Star Game. He also had four Gold Glove Awards while he played in the World Series playoffs in 1985 and 1989. During the 1991 season, Tony was traded to San Diego Padres. He played two seasons there and while he was there, he was picked for the All Star Game. During the 1993 season, Tony went to play for the New York Mets, but halfway through the season he was traded back to the Blue Jays for the rest of that season, where he won the 1993 World Series. In 1994, Tony was signed by the Cincinnati Reds as a free agent. He played 3rd base that year and earned a .993 fielding percentage. During
the 1995 season, Tony signed with the New York Yankees as their shortstop. Tony then signed in 1997 for the Cleveland Indians to a one year contract as he went to the World Series against the Florida Marlins. Tony returned to the Blue Jays for a third time for two seasons and was picked to play in the 1999 All Star Game. Tony was a clutch hitter with five trips to the postseason, and was a member of the Blue Jays four different times in his career. Tony was a .288 hitter, had 94 homeruns and 844 RBI's in 2,158 Major League games and retired in 2001.
After Tony retired from baseball, he became a ordained minister and preached like a veteran Minister. Tony's Foundation was established to help underprivileged and troubled children. Tony passed away on Sunday, February 16 at the age of 57. He is survived by his wife, Clare, and their five children.
His Grace Magazine
Grace
February 2020
His
Page 11
New stories every month! Interesting Christian topics, Great Movie, CD and Book reviews! Get your FREE copy of His Grace magazine today! Call 905-380-4489 wood.publications.2014@gmail.com or check out our magazine on-line @ www.issuu.com/His-Grace
Page 12
Walking With
Jesus...The Angel of His Grace Magazine
February 2020
the Lord The Pre-existence of Jesus Christ... T he journey with the Walking with Jesus series continues every month as we learn more about Him. The more we get to know Jesus, hundreds of years before Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem, the more we will grow in wisdom and know that, not only is Jesus the Son of God, but that He is also God; God born in the flesh. We will do research and together every month, we will go through all the scriptures. As a result, we will grow stronger in our relationship with Him. Last month, we took a look at the book of Judges; this month we will continue to study the book of Judges where the Angel of the Lord continues His time with Manoah and his wife, the father and mother of Samson. The angel of the Lord came to inform Manoah and his wife how he planned to use Samson. His appearance and authority indicated that he was more than human. They realized they spoke with God Himself. At one point during Manoah's conversation with the angel of the Lord, the angel replied, "Why do you ask my name, seeing it is wonderful?" The word for wonderful is related to the word Isaiah used to describe the coming birth of Jesus: "For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6) Manoah perhaps knew what God said to Moses in Exodus 33:20, which
says: 'But He said, "You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me and live."' Manoah feared that, because they had just seen the LORD, they would shortly die. But Manoah’s wife said to him that she understood that God had not done so much for them to abandon them now. Judges 13:2123 says: 'When the Angel of the Lord appeared no more to Manoah and his wife, then Manoah knew that He was the Angel of the Lord. And Manoah said to his wife, "We shall surely die, because we have seen God!" But his wife said to him, "If the Lord had desired to kill us, He would not have accepted a burnt offering and a grain offering from our hands, nor would He have shown us all things, nor would He have told us such things as these at this time."' Samson was born; the promise from the Angel of LORD was fulfilled. It was proven to be true. Judges 13:2425 says: "So the woman bore a son and called his name Samson; and the child grew, and the Lord blessed him. And the Spirit of the Lord began to move upon him at Mahaneh Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol." Next month, we will take a look at 1 Chronicles, where satan influenced David to number Israel. David wanted to celebrate in the strength of his army. In His anger, the Lord allowed David to choose from three terrifying judgements to destroy Jerusalem, but at the last moment, called off the destruction.
Walking With Jesus... February 2020
His Grace Magazine
The book of Luke Christ as the Son of God...
W
e will now check out more of the Book of Luke; we left off last month where we were learning that Jesus showed compassion for people that were sick or had diseases and healed them as it says in Luke 5:12-13: "And it happened when He was in a certain city, that behold, a man who was full of leprosy saw Jesus; and he fell on his face and implored Him, saying, "Lord if You are willing, You can make me clean." Then He put out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed." Immediately the leprosy left him." We will now read of a certain centurion's servant was near death, and when he had heard that Jesus was coming, he sent out elders of the Jews to Him. Luke 7:1-10, says, "Now when He concluded all His sayings in the hearing of the people, He entered Capernaum. 2. And a certain Centurion's servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die. 3. So when he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him, pleading with Him to come and heal his servant. 4. And when they came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying that the one for whom He should do this was deserving, 5. "for he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue." 6. Then Jesus went with them. And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, "Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my
roof. 7. Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8. For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it." 9. When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, "I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!" 10. And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick." We will now read where Jesus enters Simon's house, where his wife's mother is sick with a high fever. Luke 4:38-41, says, "Now He arose from the synagogue and entered Simon's house. But Simon's wife's mother was sick with a high fever, and they made request of Him concerning her. 39. So He stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. And immediately she arose and served them. 40. When the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and He laid His hands on ever one of them and healed them." Next month we will be examining more of Luke, and we will read more examples of Jesus healing people's bodies of disease and , forgiving sins, having the power to bless people, and much more.
Page 13
Page 14
His Grace Magazine
Racing with Christ...
F
February 2020
Blake Koch Blake's relationship with Jesus Christ...
or as long as Blake can remember, he has had a close, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Blake was 20 years old when he started stock car racing. Blake knew, when he first climbed behind the wheel of his race car, what he wanted to do for the rest of his life; he wanted to be a NASCAR race car driver. Blake knew that with God, all things are possible, as the scripture in Matthew 19:26 says, 'But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."' Blake was then in eight races, which was in the Crate Motor Pro Truck; afterwards, he was handed the opportunity of a lifetime to race late model cars. Everyone
said he was jumping up too fast, and needed more time in the Pro Truck. But Blake always went with the flow; he knew God had already
been there and had laid out the path before him, because that was what Blake always prayed for. After Blake raced late model cars for around 10 races, he received a great opportunity that came with a tryout with the Richard Childress Development Team, which is in the NASCAR Camping World Series West. Most people thought Blake was getting in over his head, moving up the racing ladder way too quickly. But Blake had a strong faith and he knew God's will for his life, and God was taking him there. After qualifying 4th in his first NASCAR race, Blake was signed as a main driver for the 2009 season. The only thing that was getting in his way was money;
February 2020
His Grace Magazine
Racing with Christ...
Page 15
Blake Koch Blake's relationship with Jesus Christ...
mainly sponsorship dollars. Blake's family did not have enough money to help him get into the racing series. At that point, they needed a sponsor to help them start racing, so they went looking for one. They signed the contract knowing that God would one day bring them a sponsor to race. After signing, week after week went by without a sponsor, only rejections. Blake tried not to worry because he knew it was in God's hands. Blake's dad always told him that God always comes through in His perfect timing. Blake's dad was right; God came through for them
huge, as He found them a sponsor, and not just any sponsor. God brought GodSpeaks.com and the foundation with it. GodSpeaks.com started with billboards that had unforgettable slogans like, "Life is short, eternity isn't." The outreach's main goal is to start people thinking about God every day. But now they were going to give the 75 million NASCAR fans something to think about; a chance to come and get to know Jesus. In 2011, Blake and his family moved from Florida to Huntersville, North Carolina, so he could pursue and fulfill his dream.
Blake and his wife, Shannon, have two children; their names are Carter and Bailey and their dog. Blake enjoys hunting, fishing, working out and quality time with his wife and children. Blake is a racecar driver, outdoorsman, Christian and family man. He has started a huge fan base in both the NASCAR community and also in the faith based community and he will always continue to do this for years to come. In 2018, Blake started working as an analyst on FoxSports1, the most watched NASCAR Racehub. Blake has a show on Tuesday nights, called "Blake's Takes."
Recipe...
Page 16
His Grace Magazine
Lasagna
February 2020
• ½ lb cooked bacon • 8 oz lean ground beef • 1 c chopped onions • 2 tsp minced garlic • 1 tsp dried oregano • ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes • 1 can (680 ml) pasta sauce • 1 can (540 ml) diced tomatoes w/italian herbs and spices • 1 ½ tbsp dried basil • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar • ½ tsp black pepper • 12 uncooked whole wheat lasagna noodles • 2 c light ricotta cheese • 1 pkg chopped frozen spinach thawed, squeezed dry • 1/3 c parmesan cheese • 1 egg • 1 ½ c packed shredded light mozzarella cheese • Spray 9 x 13 baking dish w/cooking spray • Cook ground beef, onions and garlic over med-high heat • Stir in oregano and red pepper flakes; add cooked bacon, pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, basil, vinegar and pepper • Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 20 minutes Psalm 104:15 “And wine that makes glad the heart of man, Oil to make his face shine, And bread which strengthens man's heart.”
Recipe...
February 2020
His Grace Magazine
Lasagna
Page 17
• Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse w/cold water • Mix together ricotta, spinach, parmesan cheese and egg • Spread 1 c meat sauce over bottom of baking dish • Top w/4 lasagna noodles • Spread 1/3 remaining sauce over noodles, followed by 1/3 mozzarella • Top w/4 more noodles, 1/3 sauce, all of the ricotta mixture, and 1/3 mozzarella • For top layer: 4 noodles, 1/3 sauce, 1/3 mozzarella • Cover lasagna w/foil and bake at 375 deg F for 35 minutes • Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes. Let lasagna stand uncovered for 15 minutes before serving
Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.”
Page 18
His Grace Magazine
Featured Artist...
E
February 2020
Elias Dummer A successful Canadian Artist...
lias Elton Dummer, a Canadian songwriter, musician and writer, who now lives in Tennessee, was born on March 3, 1983 in Hamilton, Ontario. Elias was the songwriter and founding member of the Christian group, The City Harmonic. He was the lead singer and played the piano from 2009 to 2017 and released his solo album in 2019. Elias's music career started as a songwriter, with such songs as "Honestly" and "Do You Hear The Sound", which was released in 2005 with Spring Hill Worship. Elias released his independent song, "Faithful Forever" and won the Covenant Award in 2008. Elias released songs with his group, The City Harmonic, as
well as a solo musician and he has written songs with Building 429, Zealand Worship, Newsong and others. Elias Dummer has received a Juno Award, plus two other
nominations, 12 Covenant Awards, with 26 other nominations, including a Dove Award nomination as a solo musician and with his former band, The City Harmonic. One of Elias's songs called "Manifesto" was used for the walkup song for baseball player Seth Smith. It was also used as the theme song for the 2011 National Day of Prayer, and his song was played live at Passion 2013 by Charlie Hall. His debut single, "Enough" has appeared on the charts for 26 weeks. Elias and his wife, Meaghan, have five children. He and Meaghan helped start a church called The Village Nashville in Nolensville, Tennessee in 2016.
February 2020
His Grace Magazine
Page 19
Holy, Holy, Holy Is the Lord ALmighty the whole earth is full of His Glory
Isaiah 6:3
Page 20
His Grace Magazine
In Concert with...
MercyMe/Jeremy Camp MercyMe 20/20 Tour...
with David Leonard
T
February 2020
he Christian group, MercyMe, who continue to top the charts with great songs, have announced a 31 concert tour in early 2020, which is promoting "Almost Home", their newest album. The MercyMe 2020 Tour is set to begin on February 13 and run through April 5, 2020 after successful back to back Imagine
Nation Tours, in the spring and fall of 2019. The MercyMe Tour will have Jeremy Camp and David Leonard join them. MercyMe is getting ready to release their new album, "Almost Home" later this year, on October 23, 2020. This new album is the follow up of their 2017 album, "Lifer." That album was MercyMe's 7th consecutive to become number one on the Billboard's Christian chart. Jeremy Camp, who is also on the MercyMe 2020 Tour, has been on the Christian music scene for 12 years now, He has four million albums sold, four RIAA Gold albums, a multi platinum DVD, three American music
Award nominations and a Grammy nomination. Another member of the Tour is David Leonard, who is an excellent writer, artist and producer of his music. David was with the Grammy nominated group, All Sons & Daughters. This is David's first solo album called "The Wait." It tells of depression, heartache and redemption.
February 2020
Bible Study...
N
His Grace Magazine
Nehemiah 8:10
The Joy of the Lord...
ehemiah 8:10 says: ‘He also told them, “Go eat the best food, drink the best wine, and give something to those who have nothing, since this day is holy to our Lord. Don’t be sorrowful, because the joy of the Lord is your strength.”’ In Judaism, a feast is a great act of worship. The purest form of worship is the worship of Godfixed joy. Joy is the natural result of faith and being joyful is an important element in the Christian strength. The gospel works joy, because the soul is at rest in God. Joy brings us a calmness, a deep gladness, and a temperament prevalent of the Christian spirit. It gives us a sense of acceptance with God and a communion with Him which brings about a stillness within our souls, causing us to become bright. Fear, strife, and conflict is vanquished and we are left with a quiet peace that comes from trusting in the Lord. The joy that we find in Christ is deep and abiding. When our sinful nature, our condition comes to light, we can understand how gladness can be stripped away and replaced with grief and despair. We see what we are and what we ought to be; we have learned the sinfulness of sin, and we look on the world’s woes. Yet joy lives in the midst of sorrow, and sorrow springs from the same root as gladness. They
blend into one another. Love is gladness, trust is gladness and obedience is gladness and light comes when we do His will. But because we still wrestle with sin, because we have not perfected fellowship, and because we see life and death, and darkness, we know sorrow. However, sorrow is just the surface; joy runs deep when we walk as Christians. The joy of the Lord is the result and offspring of Christian faith. Rejoicing is God is a matter of Christian duty. It is a duty and within
within one’s own power to live a cheerful life. We can control our emotions by either choosing to stand in the light, or choosing to stand in the shadow. We can either fix our attention upon a truth which will make us glad and strong, or a half-truth which will make us sorrowful and weak. We can either meditate upon our own selves, faults and failings, or meditate upon God and His love, Christ and His grace, the Holy Spirit and His communion. If we occupy our thoughts mainly
Page 21
with God and what He has done for us, then we will have peaceful joy. We can regulate our emotions by determining what thoughts we shall engage in. If we do these things, Christ’s joy will remain in us, and we will be full. Where there is much faith and love, there you will find joy. Search your heart; if you have small faith, you will have little gladness. Doubt causes despair, and doubt comes from the absence of the presence of God. We must cast our trust on God’s gospel with all of our hearts, without holding back. The Gospel brings with it salvation. By faith, we have the right to claim for ourselves that we are children of God, that we are accepted, loved and are sure to be glorified at God’s right hand. We are not to be asking ourselves whether we are saved, but we are to look into our hearts and discover sins, but they may, with God’s help, be cast out. We will gain strength to endure, to bear sorrow, to overcome trials; we will be conquerors and be set upon a rock. The joy of the Lord is your strength! Nothing else is. To be strong is to have hope, and to be strong is to have joy. Remember, you are weak unless you are glad; and you are not glad and strong unless your faith and hope are fixed in Christ.
His Grace Magazine
Movie in Review...
Page 22
T
February 2020
The Song “Inspired by the Song of Solomon�
his movie brings to the screen the wisdom of Solomon. The Song starts with some quotes of scripture, then focuses on David King, a singer who falls and commits adultery with his friend's wife, who later hangs himself after seeing David and his wife together. Afterwards David repents of his sins, gets married, has a son named Jed, who also becomes a singer after his dad. Jed's singing career struggles until he is told about a country music festival. When Jed shows up to perform, he meets and falls in love with Rose. The only problem for Jed is that her dad is very protective of her, but after
awhile, Jed convinces her dad just how much he loves her and they get married after a short time dating. Jed then writes her a beautiful love song, which fires up his singing career. Once Jed goes on the road to tour and promote his new songs, Jed's manager sets him up with a New Age, tattooed singer who's name is Shelby. She tries to seduce Jed during their first meeting. While Jed continues to tour on the road, it starts to wear on Rose as she is home alone most of the time taking care of their son. This also gives Shelby the time to move in on Jed. As times goes on, Shelby introduces Jed to drugs, tattoos and then eventually adultery. This puts both Jed and Shelby on a path of destruction and puts a huge strain on Jed's marriage. Will Jed be able to change back? Will he be able to find his faith again? Can Jed go back to his wife and son? Is his singing career over? The movie has a dramatic and powerful finish, however. The Song is a good movie; it is narrated through the movie, as the quotes are from the book of Ecclesiastes and also from the Song of Solomon. The narration
is accompanied with dialogue of the life of his dad, with all his mistakes that he made. This movie has a strong Christian message. It gives us all the godly wisdom of Solomon and it shows all the devastation that happens to a family when adultery is committed. In the movie, Jed starts building a chapel that he finishes at the end of the movie. He puts the finishing touch on it by adding the cross on the steeple of the church. Even though the story is not recommended for young children due to substance abuse, the storyline does show us that, not only does adultery create sin in our lives, but it puts a serious strain on our relationship with Jesus. The wages of sin is death and we need to repent. God is always waiting for us to come to Him and He is ready to forgive us, if we ask Him. Starring: Alan Powell, Ali Faulkner, Caitlin Nicol-Thomas, Danny Vinson, Aaron Benward, Kenda Benward, Jude Ramsey, Gary Jenkins. Director: Richard Ramsey.
Producers: Shane Sooter, Cassandra Arza Pelan. Distributer: Samuel Goldwyn Films. Run Time: 116 minutes
The Song: is available on Blue ray and DVD. Until next time, God bless you all, from everyone here at His Grace.
His Grace Magazine
February 2020
Advertise in Our Magazine...
Page 23
Grace His
If you would like to share your Christian Testimonal,
Anniversaries, Weddings, Church Bulletins, Birthdays with us at His Grace Magazine
Testimonials...
His Grace, July 2018
Your Journey to God
Celia Deegan's Story "Help me." These two words burst out of the desperate heart of a four year old child and became the most powerful prayer I ever prayed. A fog has claimed most of the details surrounding the event itself, but certain things have remained perfectly clear involving my first real encounter with the presence of God. I imagined nothing. The presence I felt that night is the same now and as real to me today at age 51 as it was 47 years ago. Mine was a bad childhood from the very start. I was unplanned and unwanted pregnancy and my mother's opinion of me didn't change the day I was born. What I recall most about the first four years of my life is mostly just a complete absence of love and the acute awareness that my mother hated me. I was afraid of her. I was afraid to talk to her and I was most certainly afraid of the way she talked to me. I spent most of my time wishing that it was bedtime. At least there alone in the darkness and under my blankets, I felt safe. And sometimes, bedtime came earlier than usual and without supper. I never complained. A four year old heart can carry the heavy weight of pain without complaining as a learned coping mechanism, but there were times when I couldn't hold back the tears nor deny the desperation of living
in a cold climate of hostility. I am sure that we are born with the ability to survive anything and I am also sure that the awareness of being hated is absolutely heartbreaking for any child. I'm not sure that it was an actual panic attack but I am sure of one particular night when the ache inside my chest left me gasping for breath. I felt like I was going in and out of consciousness. The little I knew about life at that point left me with the impression that it was nothing I wanted to pursue. This may have been the closest I ever really came to giving up completely before the panic struck. Somewhere in there, as I struggled to breathe, I coughed out two simple words: "Help me..." I choked and I trembled and my little fists were tightly clenched around my blankets. Suddenly, in that moment, an incomprehensible presence of peace and love began to surround me. I began to breathe. The tears stopped. My heart rate slowed as a sweet sense of relaxation came over me. I began to smile, which is something I don't ever remember doing a lot of before that moment. I felt a profound sense of comfort and warmth wash over me and it was then that I felt His presence right there in that room with me. An incredible sense of joy filled my heart. I couldn't see Him, but I knew He was there. And I was in a total state of awe. I didn't know
WOOD
Publications
Page 19
who He was but I knew He was real. I knew He loved me and I knew that I loved Him. This was my first real taste of true love, in its purest form. And in that moment, I knew that I would always be okay because something in that Divine Presence made me feel certain that I would never lose contact with what I encountered that night. And I never have, not even once, in all these years. In the days, weeks, months and years that followed, despite the storms that would come, I became a joyful child who rarely lost her smile. I'm not sure how it is even possible that a four year old could know in her innermost being that she had come to know and experience her Heavenly Father God, but I just knew. His ways are not our ways and the God I serve is able to open the eyes and the heart of a child to His presence. Of course He can, He's God! It no longer mattered who hated me because I had been touched with a love so incredibly Divine that no human love could ever compare to that. He became my purpose for living as I slowly came into the awareness of God, the Bible, the Church, other believers, etc. The night I met Him left me with an insatiable hunger to know more, to pursue Him for the rest of my life and to seek out the hurting and the broken with the message of God's love.
Wedding & Anniversaries...
Jane & Steve
Jane & Steve: A 'classic' Guelph wedding day
J
ust two days after John Wills of John Wills Photography shot Jane and Steve's May 2010 wedding, he was submitting the story for The Ring's Reality Wedding Series.
Inspired by the energy of the couple and their wedding party, he explained, "The couple and wedding party had me laughing all day... It sure doesn't seem like work when you photograph incredible people like these."
stylist as she worked on the rest According to John, the mood of the wedding party. for Jane and Steve's wedding was relaxed and full of joy the John said Jane and Steve's wedding party were just as entire day, from Jane getting ready to the last guest leaving fun to work with. "They were supportive and so involved in the party. "They enjoyed every all of the photos... They wanted moment of the day, and I hope that the memories will to show this couple how continue to make special they were...." them smile."
The day stood out for John because of the love and joy that Jane and Steve expressed for each other, and for everyone involved. He said the couple's personalities shone through in every detail of the wedding day. "The dress, the choice of attendants for each the bride and groom, the flowers, the choice of music in the ceremony... their personalities were embedded into it all." Steve runs a family owned body shop in Guelph and is really into cars, so the couple rented a 1964 Rolls Royce for the day. "They were truly themselves but dressed up a bit fancier the entire day." In fact, Jane, who is a hair stylist by trade, couldn't resist lending a hand to their hired
Call 905-380-4489 wood.publications.2014@gmail.com or check out our magazine online @ www.issuu.com/His-Grace
Page 24
His Grace Magazine
February 2020
G GOD O D IS
PLEASE SHARE GOD'S LOVE