My Faith

Sunday Worship

/ SaxophoneWife / Leave a comment

We recorded this in 2002. It is a demo we had to make for technical and copyright purposes. The quality on this particular recording is pretty good, but they aren’t all.

All together, there are 28 songs. The songs are registered with CCLI, however, we offer them to the Body of Christ ourselves—for the sake of congregations that cannot afford a CCLI license or SongSelect membership. So, if you hear a song you would like to share with your church, let us know. We can email you the lead sheet, guitar tabs, lyric sheet, and/or overhead master*. No charge. (That’s why we became a publishing company.) So long as the song or the performance of the song is never sold (even as part of a fundraiser), anyone may use it freely to the glory of God.

We used to have all of this on a website, but the web host suddenly called it quits. We are slowly working to build a new website, but in the meanwhile we will share them via social media. Feel free to share them, too.

Doug has been writing a little bit about the genesis of each song, and this is what he wrote about “You Chose Me.”

“Of all the songs the Lord has blessed me with, this one is the most powerful and complete for me. From the music to the lyrics, the song was penned by the Lord. It began with an email from Caroline, who shared a wonderful truth that the Lord had revealed to her. The truth was that despite everything in our daily life, regardless of success or failure, Jesus’ love for us never stops and He chooses us with the same deep love and compassion He had for us when He went to Calvary. When I read her email, the idea that He chooses me blossomed immediately into this song. In just over an hour it was essentially finished. I pray that it would minister to you the repentance and peace that I believe the Lord intended.”

 I will add that I knew what I was sending him was going to become a song. It’s the only time the Holy Spirit has used me as a “collaborator” in his songwriting. 

“You Chose Me”
Words by Doug Gregan
Music by Doug Gregan
Vocals and Keyboard, Doug Gregan

Christ the Lord is risen today!

 

*If you don’t have printing capabilities, we will mail them to you.

Trust Him Now

/ SaxophoneWife / Leave a comment

I missed sharing this yesterday, as my TBT post, so I’m going to share it today—and, that’s kind of appropriate, because it was first published one year ago today.

Click to Read: Trust Him Now
https://thesaxophoneplayerswife.com/2018/04/19/trust-him-now

God bless you today.
❤

Bible Prophecy Update from J.D. Farag: 4/14/19

/ SaxophoneWife / Leave a comment

JD is a pastor in Hawaii. He has been presenting weekly, Bible prophecy updates to his congregation for approximately 15 years. I have been following his ministry for about two years.

I thought the prophecy update this week was noteworthy. I retain information better when I write notes, so I am sharing my notes and the point in the video he mentions what I have written. This way, you can go to the points that interest you most, in case you don’t have time to hear the whole presentation now.

https://youtu.be/QrlmCUABXr4

Simple Outline

00:08 | Two Significant Developments

03:10 | On the Cusp

07:00 | Trump’s Peace Plan

13:45 | Syria, Sudan, and Libya

16:15 | Important Questions

17:00 | God Wants Us to Know

18:00 | Why Does Prophecy Matter?

27:30 | Are You Going Through a Difficulty?

30:50 | ABCs of Salvation

Just a suggestion: Pastor Farag speaks slowly. You can easily increase the playback speed a notch, and not compromise the audio quality.

My Applesauce Testimony

/ SaxophoneWife / Leave a comment

If you follow Christ, if you know Him as Lord and Savior, you have a testimony to tell. However, Satan knows that our testimony will give God glory, and he wants all the glory for himself. He doesn’t want to hear the name of Jesus praised. 

Yet, now more than ever the world needs to hear the name of the Lord lifted high, and sharing a testimony of what God has done for us is a great way to do that. Not only is the Lord exalted, but others get to hear what God has done. This is how we encourage and build each other up, and how we tell those who are still seeking that Jesus is the answer!

Below, I have highlighted three ways Satan is stealing God’s glory by silencing our testimony. 

1. Satan Steals Our Salvation Story 
It’s incredible to believe, but Satan is very successful at stealing our salvation testimony. Now, let me be clear. I’m not saying he is stealing our salvation. He doesn’t have the power to do that. He is just stealing the story of our salvation, but it’s that story that we are supposed to tell!

Think about it: when is the last time you told someone how you came to accept Christ as Lord and Savior? We’ve probably told others how we met our spouse more than how we met Jesus. And, we’ve probably told it more to other Believers, than those who are actually seeking a way of escape.

“And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” (Luke 8:39, ESV)

Let’s challenge ourselves. Let’s ask the Holy Spirit to give us an opportunity to tell our salvation story. Let’s ask Him to bring people across our path who need to hear what Jesus did for us. May the Holy Spirit gives us eyes to recognize them, when they come our way.

2. Satan Shames Us Into Silence
No one knows better than we do how many times we have fallen short of that high calling on our lives. Even after many years of walking with the Lord, we might still be struggling to walk in obedience, and this can lead us to feelings of shame. However, even repeated failure doesn’t mean we don’t have a testimony. 

“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own.” (Philippians 3:12, ESV) 

We may not have a testimony of what we have done for Christ, but we do have a testimony of what Christ has done for us. Don’t let Satan silence your testimony with shame. Your failure and immaturity do not take away from Who Christ is, and what He has done for you.

3. Sometimes, Satan Lets Pride Do the Job
Pride is a very effective tool for stifling our testimony. It creeps up on us, and we are suddenly struck silent. For example, my applesauce testimony. Have I ever shared my applesauce testimony with you? No, I haven’t. Why? Pride!

My grandchildren both have a lot of food allergies. That means they have a limited diet, and sometimes are very leery about trying new foods. This is especially true for Lucy. She is very picky, but she’s come by her pickiness is very legitimate ways—terrible allergic reactions. However, she likes my applesauce. It’s a staple in her diet.

Well, several months ago I realized that the food pantry at the church that hosts our weekly prayer meeting always has boxes of apples to give away. They are mostly spoiled apples, but spoiled apples make the best applesauce. And, apples from the pantry are free. For someone on a tight, missionary’s budget, free is amazing.

So, just about every week  I gather a big bag of bruised apples at the food pantry. I always thank God for those beautiful fruits, but I have never testified about them. Why? Well, they’re from a food pantry, silly. And, somewhere inside me Pride tells me I shouldn’t let anyone know I use a food pantry.

And, just like that, a testimony is suppressed. Instead of sharing how God has blessed me, I let Pride rob God of His glory. Has that ever happened to you? Has God given you victory over temptation, but you didn’t testify, because you didn’t want people to know you had a struggle? Did God restore your marriage, but you don’t tell that story out of fear people will know it was ever in trouble? Sometimes, Pride is disguised as privacy. Don’t be fooled. No, we don’t air our dirty laundry, and we should be discreet—especially in public—but if God has answered prayer or added to our salvation story in some way, we need to share it. God’s goodness is meant to be told.

Folks, I hope you’ll be challenged to testify more. I need to hear your testimonies, you need to share them, and Jesus needs to be lifted higher! 

“I  cannot count the times when you have faithfully rescued me from danger. I will tell everyone how good you are, and of your constant, daily care.  I walk in the strength of the Lord God. I tell everyone that you alone are just and good.  O God, you have helped me from my earliest childhood—and I have constantly testified to others of the wonderful things you do.  And now that I am old and gray, don’t forsake me. Give me time to tell this new generation (and their children too) about all your mighty miracles.” (Psalm 17:15-18, TLB)

My Filthy Rags

/ SaxophoneWife / 1 Comment

I had three major confrontations with the Lord in 2001. They began at the women’s Bible study (testimony here) and continued through the summer, when I finally dipped into a pile of articles Doug had given me to read.

Those articles would eventually be life changing, but I didn’t want anything to do with them at first. Oh, I was very happy for him, because he’d finally found a ministry that actually addressed his spiritual need. It was the first time we’d heard anyone use the term sexual addiction, and these men* had testimonies to back up their articles. He felt so much hope, and I was hopeful, too. Maybe, this was the answer we’d been waiting for, and all my suffering would finally be over. 

You see, while I recognized there was a spiritual war going on, I didn’t realize Doug and I each had battles to fight. I thought this war was his war, because it was his fault. If he would just do the right thing, we’d win the war and live happily ever after. Wasn’t I doing my part?  Keep the home fires burning, Caroline! Despite the fact God had been dealing with me all year long, calling me to yield to His will for my life, I just didn’t understand that there was something for me to do. I was sure our problems started with him, and would only end when he stopped living a chronic cycle of Sin-Repent-Repeat. In the meanwhile, I would be the good Christian wife I thought I was and endure this suffering. Isn’t that what longsuffering means?

HOLD UP

Wives, God doesn’t call us to endure our husband’s sin. If we’re just holding our own, trying to get better at enduring, we’re wasting our time. That’s as far away from being a help meet as we can get. Yet, I know that’s what most wives think they’re supposed to do: don’t quit on him. Without meaning to, they become his enabler.  

You see there is a difference between godly endurance and human endurance, and too often we confuse them. Godly endurance stands out, because it bears spiritual fruit in both you and him. It doesn’t enable him to stay unchanged and in sin, but instead reminds him that his race isn’t over. We don’t ignore his fall and fail to hold him to account, but urge him to get up (repent) and keep going.  

WAIT A MINUTE

I’m not sure when I gave in and picked-up an article, but I do remember the words took me by surprise. Like a tsunami. The first article was called, “Why People Remain in Sin and Bondage,” by David Kyle Foster. I remember thinking that maybe this article would help me understand Doug better, but instead it helped me understand myself better. It was an incredible experience. Yes, it was life changing.  I very clearly recall sitting in bed and sensing the presence of Christ beside me. I could see myself next to Him, my head down, looking at the pure white drapes of His robe. It was then I finally saw my filthy rags. I wept, I repented. My eyes were opened. For so long I had seen myself somehow ahead of Doug on this course, but suddenly I realized we were in the same place. I had no advantage over him, because I didn’t struggle with his brand of sin. I was not further ahead, because I had grown-up in Sunday school classes. We were equally wretched sinners, both in need of a Savior. 

PUT A LITTLE LOVE IN IT

Looking back now, I realize that God was preparing me for what was soon to come. If our family was going to survive the onslaught Satan had prepared for us, I was going to have to rise up out of my selfish version of Christianity and become a woman God could actually use. I was going to have to put my flesh in its place, just as much as Doug would—though in very different ways. I was now in the war.

❤

*David Kyle Foster (Pure Passion) and Steve Gallagher (Pure Life Miniseries)

Three Ways to Guard Our Faith

/ SaxophoneWife / 1 Comment

“So then faith comes by hearing,
and hearing by the word of God.”
Romans 1017, NKJV

So, how do we guard our faith? I think these are three tried and true ways to do it. Remember, it’s God’s will we guard our faith, so He will help us in the process. As we seek Him, He will reveal specific things that are threatening our faith—things we may be allowing into our life now, or have allowed into our lives in the past. He will always help us, when our desire is to grow in Him.

Okay. Here we go. 

THREE WAYS TO GUARD OUR FAITH

1. Get Into Fellowship.

And, when I say fellowship I mean church first, all other fellowship (small groups, coffee with spiritual friends, Bible studies, prayer meetings) second.

“Let us not neglect our church meetings, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of His coming back again is drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25, TLB

The American Christian really has few good reasons for forsaking church fellowship, but endless excuses. The most common excuse is that it’s hard to find the right church. Well, I’ve been there. I know that’s true. However, going to church doesn’t have to be a marriage proposal. You can just go to a church you only want to casually date, or hang-out with as a friend. You know what I mean?  Lower your expectations and just have fun. So what if it isn’t “The Right Church”? As long as they’re preaching God’s Word, going to “The Wrong Church” can be great! Just go to church.

2. Study The Word.

Studying the Word of God is critical to our faith. I know this feels very challenging for many Christians, but if we will pray and ask the Holy Spirit to help us, He will. The Holy Spirit will give us understanding of God’s Word. And, you know what? Even what we don’t understand still profits us!”

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

Studying God’s Word will also lead to our knowing God more, and that will be like a mighty fortress for our faith.

3. Walk In Righteousness.

It seems obvious, but we humans tend to forget the obvious. Or, we get distracted. Whatever the case, if we are living in spiritual compromise, we are powerless to guard our faith. Secret sin and private idols separate us from God.

“But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.” Isaiah 59:2, NKJVIf we want to guard our faith, let us pray for the Holy Spirit’s conviction of sin—and let us respond quickly, that we will remain in right-standing with God. 

God bless you today. It’s a brand new week to walk in faith, obedience, and surrender to our Lord and Savior. It’s a brand new week to try again, and give ourselves another chance. It’s a new start for us all.

Happy Monday! ❤

The Mystery of the Rapture

/ SaxophoneWife / Leave a comment

Do you believe in the Rapture?

If you do, it might surprise you to learn that many Christians do not. And, an increasing number of Believers who do believe in the Rapture do not believe in a Pre-Tribulation (or, pre-wrath) Rapture.

There is also a whole category of Christians who just can’t decide what they believe. They feel confused by the various teachings they’ve heard and articles they’ve read. So, they just don’t commit.

Let’s consider this: a Pre-Tribulation Rapture is the Blessed Hope of every born-again Christian, and a promise from God prophesied in His Word, being noncommittal seems inappropriate. God is very committed to our deliverance from His wrath.

But, people don’t longer believe in the wrath of God. I haps, they imagine irascible God blessed me and loving and kind. I think that believer must have forgotten how much God loves them.

Sync with me of the last story in the news that you heard the mother of God are defending their child.Would He give His own divine Son’s life just to see His born-again sons and daughters face His wrath on a world that is as wicked as the world we know today, where unspeakable crimes are committed against the most innocent and. Gand we should be, too. In fact, we should be looking up: our Redemption draweth nigh! (Luke 21:28)This is a message from Amir Tsafarti of Behold Israel. I have written a very rough outline for his message, with time stamps and scripture references. Hopefully, that is helpful.

 

INTRODUCTION (0:00) 
Isaiah 46:9-10

10 Fast Facts about Faith

/ SaxophoneWife / 1 Comment
  1. Faith is not reasonable. Hebrews 11
  2. Faith is a gift of God. Romans 12:3
  3. Faith should grow. 2 Thessalonians 1:3 | Romans 4:20
  4. Faith can die. James 2:17
  5. Faith is precious. 1 Peter 1:7
  6. Faith protects us. Ephesians 6:16
  7. Faith must be guarded. 2 Timothy 4:7
  8. Faith is defeated by Fear. Mark 4:35-41
  9. Faith and Doubt cannot co-exist. Matthew 21:21
  10. Faith brings God glory. Romans 4:20

TBT: The Question That Changed My Life

/ SaxophoneWife / Leave a comment

It’s Throwback Thursday, so I am sharing a post from April 4, 2016. It is about a question I was asked at a critical time in my life in April 2001. It literally did change my life. It was the beginning of the end of me.

Click here to read  “Self-Examinations Are Always Graded On A Curve.” 

When We Will Really Become Like Jesus

/ SaxophoneWife / 1 Comment

I’ve been thinking about something: I’ve been thinking about how the Son of God became like us, and how we will one day become like Him.

1. God the Son was originally an eternally alive Spirit. He was not created, not born. He was always.

2. After the Fall of mankind, we needed a Savior. We needed an eternal atonement for our sin. A blood sacrifice that would stand forever.

3. God the Son became that blood sacrifice: corruptible flesh. He was born like we were born, and in every way was human—still the divine Son of God, but now also a Son of Man.

4. As a human, God the Son experienced real hunger, real emotions, and real temptation. Yet, He was called Emmanuel, which means “God with us.” There was a promise is this Child of Bethlehem. It was always evident, always in His name. Yet, at the cross on Calvary, He endured a real crucifixion. He shed real blood as His real flesh was afflicted for our transgressions. He felt all the pain, all the humiliation, all the loneliness. And, He bore all our sins upon Himself.

5. A mere man could not have borne our sins. A sinful Son of God could not have, either. Christ lived a sinless life. He did not transgress against God the Father, and so was able to be the ultimate sacrifice. His death atoned for our sin, and His resurrection was the an eternal victory over death.

6. This is what amazes me: upon His resurrection He was no longer just a man of flesh. He now had a glorified body. Jesus ascended into heaven in this glorified Body, and when He comes to take the Believers home, when we rise to meet Him in the air, we will be translated—in a twinkling of an eye—into a glorified body. We will become like Jesus!

It just blows my mind.