Keep On

Last Sunday we visited a church we hadn’t been to before, where Stewart was booked to preach and lead, and I was asked to sing. Before I get to sharing any music, I have to say that the welcome we received was exceptional, not just from the congregation but also by a very special church member called Alan.

As I opened the door to enter the building, I was met by the most adorable white dog with black spots, who was wagging his tail and looking up at me. He has been going to the services there with his mom for years and is such a good boy throughout the service. It really was a pleasure to meet him.

I will always remember Alan and the very special welcome that he gives to everyone who attends. It really is very important to make people feel welcome at Church, especially when they are attending for the first time.

I sang was ‘What A Friend We Have In Jesus’, which is a hymn I have shared before. It has such lovely words, and its always good to remind ourselves of the privilege we have of being able to talk to God at any time, and share with him all of our troubles and concerns. I have found a slightly different, but very good, arrangement here, sung by Ghost Ship.

I do love the old hymns but I equally like the more modern praise songs. My youngest daughter sent me a playlist this week with some of her favourite praise songs, so I thought I would pick a few of my favourites from there to share today.

‘Keep On’ here, by Elevation Worship, is a big favourite of mine and my daughter used it in a little video that she made about her baptism at church. It’s a great song and whenever I hear it, it reminds me of that special day.

Modern songs, I think, are really good for large meetings, as in the video I have posted here, of the song ‘Goodbye Yesterday’ by Elevation Rhythm. Awesome songs to praise God, but they are harder to sing for a smaller congregation and that’s where the hymns and the more simple choruses come in. They are all bringing our thanks and praise to God, so it doesn’t matter which we sing, or prefer. I personally enjoy singing both.

Another track here, by Elevation Worship, called ‘Come To The Altar’, is a much more worshipful song with very beautiful lyrics. I especially like the words to the chorus “O come to the altar. The Father’s arms are open wide. Forgiveness was bought with the precious blood of Jesus Christ.”

We do have similar taste in praise songs and I’ll end with one that has also been on my own favourites list ever since I first heard it. It’s called ‘I Thank God’ by Maverick City Music. You can watch the video here.

I hope you enjoy my selections for today and I’ll be back with more next week.