Laced With Grace – Christian Devotions

A lasting impression

By Ann Van Hine March 28, 2018 Inspirational, Scripture

Memories of my first Christian concert came flooding back this past Sunday as those gathered sang “There is a Redeemer.” Years ago friends and I attended a free Keith Green concert at Northeastern College in NJ. As we prepared to enter it became evident there were more people than seats. As we wondered how this dilemma would be solved, Keith Green came outside. “If you will wait, I will do an another concert as soon as I finish.” Wow! I couldn’t believe it. We waited for ninety minutes talking, introducing ourselves to those around us and joining in group singing. When we finally entered the gymnasium, there was a single piano and stool on the stage. As all the folding chairs and bleachers were filled, there were still a few people on line. Keith invited them up onto the stage  to sit on the floor around the piano. To be honest I can’t tell you exactly what songs Keith Green played that night but I do remember his willingness to go the extra mile, his example of humility and his desire for all to hear about Jesus.

The chorus of There is a Redeemer is:

Thank you, oh my father

For giving us Your Son

And leaving Your Spirit

‘Til the work on Earth is done

God as the Father, Son and Spirit simply and beautifully stated. God who through all of time sought/seeks relationship with each of us.

 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.  Ephesians 2:8- 10 NIV

The Father who gave his Son:

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NIV

The Son, Jesus Christ:

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,  in heaven and on earth and under the earth,11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5 -11 NIV

The Spirit, our ever present help:

 “I’m telling you these things while I’m still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught.” John 14:25-27 The Message

Keith Green’s songs live on for all to hear. His actions on that evening so many years ago spoke into my life.

“16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”  I John 3:16-18 NIV

Take care. Be well. Serve Him.

Ann

 

6 thoughts on “A lasting impression”

  1. SusanSusan

    I love that song and remember Keith Green singing it. We’re dating ourselves! But Keith was certainly an example to follow in Christ-likeness.

  2. Ann

    Some memories are so good that have to be shared even if it dates me. During the evening session that same day, someone played My Tribute by Andre Crouch that was a blast from the past, too. Great songs span generations but it does make me old because I saw Andre Crouch in concert, too. Shh, don’t tell.