Sonshine Devotional – Day 24

My friends, the time has come—-tonight and tomorrow afternoon, the Sonshine Singers will be at Iowa Central Community College, in Fort Dodge and will present a beautiful music ministry entitled, “God’s Wondrous Love for Us!”

For several weeks, I have emailed you devotionals reflecting the message from each anthem that the vocalists will be presenting.  As you recall, we began with “God So Loved the World”….a beautiful depiction in song of John 3:16.  Because God loved us so much, He sent His Son…a baby in a manger…to dwell among us, teach us, heal us and finally to give His very life for us.

Each ministry that Sonshine has presented over the last 11 years, has always had a sacred theme however, this years’ ministry is even more scripturally based—if that is possible.  In fact, many of the anthems have direct quotes out of God’s Holy Word….a real gift to set scripture into music.

So, in closing, won’t you come to Iowa Central and feel God’s love surround you this Friday and/or Saturday as the Sonshine Singers lift up praises to our heavenly Father?  What if…..because of this event, your life could be changed forever?  What if ….Jesus is calling you to a “Sweet Hour of Prayer”…..what if He is asking you to “Prepare Ye the Way” for Him to come into your life in a very powerful way?

The invitation has been sent—-bring your family, bring your church family, invite your friends and neighbors…..better yet…invite a total stranger, but come Friday night at 7:00pm or Saturday afternoon at 2:00pm.  You may want to do both—-I am! 

In His Grace and Wisdom, I Remain,

Allan Redenius

Jeremiah 31:3, “I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee.”

Pack With Praise: Decker Auditorium Friday, March 19^th 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 20^th 2:00 p.m.

www.sonshinesingers.org

Sonshine Devotional – Day 23

The King is Coming

Revelation 19:11, “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.”

I grew up in the country.  Every morning and evening I rode the school bus.  I learned early on to make friends with kids bigger than me.  One day, some kids were teasing me, I don’t know why, I’m so lovable and I know I didn’t deserve it.    It was probably a spat over whose Dad had the best tractor (red or green.)

Ronnie (he was BIG) got up from the back of the bus, came forward, and sat beside me.  That ended the discussion for the day.  It helps if Ronnie is your cousin.  I felt liberated and safe from persecution.

In this world, we all feel like I did on the bus that day.  Frightened, alone and wondering how do I get out of this?  Then without a plea for help, I am rescued.

One day soon, Jesus will step from the back of the bus to deliver us all.  But we won’t need to turn our head to see Who is coming.  We will lift our hand to the clouds and see our rescuer draw nigh.  The King will be coming just for you….just for me.

When you see that moment arrive, what joy will fill your heart!  When you hear the trumpet sound, look to the east, for it is from the east you will see His face.  With arms outstretched, He will whisk you aboard His chariot rumbling.  Heaven bound to join Heaven’s choir!

There will be no more time to harvest.  The busy streets will cease.  All your focus will be on the King!

In His Service, I Remain,

Allan Redenius

Rev. 22 vs. 7, “Behold, I am coming soon!  Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book!”

Pack With Praise: Decker Auditorium Friday, March 19^th 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 20^th 2:00 p.m.

www.sonshinesingers.org

Sonshine Devotional – Day 22

Hallelujah! Thine the Glory

Hallelujah….Christ Arose!  The sorrowful days to the cross have been transformed into the promised day of the Resurrection!  From Mark 16 vs. 6, “Don’t be alarmed,” the angel said, “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified.  He has risen!  He is not here.  See the place where they laid him.  But go; tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee.  There you will see him, just as he told you.”  Imagine the excitement of that moment….He died, He arose on the third day, and they were told where to find Him.

I have read this story many times and each time I am reminded of the “human-ness” of the disciples.  In Mark 14 vs. 27-28, following the Lord’s Supper, Jesus and the disciples went out to the Mount of Olives.  Hear Jesus words, “You will all fall away,” Jesus told them, “for it is written: ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’  But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”  In other words, Jesus told the disciples many times about His death and His resurrection—-but they were still surprised and some did not believe the report that came to them that Jesus was indeed alive.  No wonder Jesus said to Thomas, “…blessed are those who have not seen and yet they believe.”

Just like the disciples, we too have our moments of disbelief as God quietly reminds us…I told you I would take care of you, I’ve asked you not to worry, I’ve asked you to forgive one another…I’ve asked you to— simply love Me.

As this anthem states, “All glory and praise to the Lamb that was slain, Who has borne all our sins and has cleansed every stain.  Revive us again; fill each heart with Thy love; May each soul be rekindled with fire from above…..Hallelujah– Thine the Glory!”

In His Service, I Remain,

Allan Redenius

Php. 2 vs. 9-11, “Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Pack With Praise: Decker Auditorium Friday, March 19^th 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 20^th 2:00 p.m.

www.sonshinesingers.org

Sonshine Devotional – Day 21

Ten Thousand Angels

This anthem beautifully depicts what Christians have come to know as Good Friday and our Saviors’ walk from the Garden of Gethsemane to Calvary.

As we think of that day from this side of the cross, we know the glorious outcome.  But think for a moment about the other side of the cross….the side from which Jesus family, His disciples and the multitudes of people He healed were watching.  What sadness must have filled their hearts.  What agony it must have been for Jesus’ mother, Mary, to watch as her Son was mocked, beaten, and crucified on the cross.

I’m certain many who had witnessed Jesus miracles of curing the blind, healing the lame, and bringing the dead back to life wondered, “Why did He not call upon His angels to rescue Him?”  Even as He prayed to His Father“….let this cup pass from me” He concluded that prayer with “…but not my will, but Thine be done.”  Jesus was sent to earth to die on the cross so that we might have eternal life.  You see, God gave us His most precious gift….that’s how much He loves us.

And now, my friends, we are on this side of the cross and I believe our responsibility becomes even greater in our world today.  We know the outcome of Jesus death on the cross consequently our “commission” to witness that Good News should not be taken lightly.  Witness in word, witness in deed, witness in song…..He died for you…won’t you live for Him?

In His Service, I Remain,

Allan Redenius

Matthew 28: 19 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

Pack With Praise: Decker Auditorium Friday, March 19^th 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 20^th 2:00 p.m.

www.sonshinesingers.org

Sonshine Devotional – Day 20

Prepare Ye The Way

We are told that John the Baptist “prepared the way” for Jesus Christ.  In Matthew 3 vs. 1-3, “In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”  This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.”

Three days from today, March 19^th, is the Sonshine Singer Music Ministry…..have you prepared a way to come and worship with us that evening?  Better yet, have you contacted your friends, relatives, and made announcements in your churches to encourage everyone you know to come and be touched by the Holy Spirit?  And even better yet…..have you invited someone that may not know about the Good News of Jesus Christ to be a part of this event?

Let’s think about John the Baptist for a moment.  There he was….standing waste deep in the Jordan River baptizing others and then….there was Jesus.  John gave this testimony, from John 1 vs. 32, “I saw the spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him.  I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’  I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.”

Now …this day…it is our turn to join John the Baptist and “Prepare the way.”  Prepare our hearts to be touched and prepare our lives to be changed.  Join me now and bow your heads in prayer.  Pray for this ministry….for the singers, musicians, and all involved… that the words of each song may be lifted up in honor and glory of Jesus Christ.  Come and celebrate the Good News with us this weekend!!!

In His Service, I Remain,

Allan Redenius

Psalm 122, vs. 1, “I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.”

Pack With Praise: Decker Auditorium Friday, March 19^th 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 20^th 2:00 p.m.

www.sonshinesingers.org

Sonshine Devotional – Day 19

Sweet Hour of Prayer

Do you need comfort and relief from the grief that burdens your soul, your life?  Of course you do, we all need a solace…a time apart to be with the Lord.  Do you have such a place?  Hear the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:6, “But thou, when thou prayest, enter into the closet, and when thou hast shut the door, pray to thy Father, which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.”

As I grow older, I am beginning to realize that a time apart for reflection and meditation calms my soul.  During that time, my heart ceases its racing as I am called from a world of care to my Father’s throne.

In season and out of season, Jesus is always there when you go to Him in a sweet hour of prayer.  Won’t you take just an hour?  Can’t spare an hour?  How about just five minutes?

During that time, cast on Him your every care.  He’s waiting to hear from you.  Listen to His words of invitation from Matthew 11: 28-30, “Come unto me, all that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

You can’t afford the time for a sweet hour of prayer?  My friends, we not only need to take the time—we can’t afford not to “…..and oft escaped the tempter’s snare, by thy return sweet hour of prayer.”

In His Service, I Remain,

Allan Redenius

Psalm 68 vs. 19, “Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.”

Pack With Praise: Decker Auditorium Friday, March 19^th 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 20^th 2:00 p.m.

www.sonshinesingers.org

Sonshine Devotional – Day 18

Sonshine Devotional…Day 18

Standing and Leaning Medley

Two very traditional anthems, “Standing on the Promises” and “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” are combined in this dynamic gospel arrangement.  I am convinced that God touches the writers’ pens and hearts as they put music to Biblical verses.  For instance, in 2^nd Corinthians Chapter 1 vs. 20-21 we read, “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ.  And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.  Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ.”  Isn’t He wonderful….as we hear these songs, they are a testimony to God’s Word!

That has been one of the many blessings of Sonshine in my life.  Most of you know…I can’t sing—now one day in Heaven that will be the gift I will cherish most….but for now….I can’t sing.  But I can listen!  As I drive in my car and play the old and new Sonshine CD’s, (Armona won’t let me listen to anything else—just kidding) I receive the blessing of God’s Holy Word in song.  It speaks to me, it lifts me up, it touches my heart and replenishes my soul.  And yes—I know those songs so well….I SING THEM AT THE TOP OF MY LUNGS!  It’s just me and my car—-worshiping God!  Actually, when Armona and I are traveling together —she tells me to sing with her….those are the moments I’m concerned about her.

So as we “Stand on His Promises” and “Lean on the Everlasting Arms” of Jesus, let us remember everything He has done for us.  As you attend the upcoming Sonshine Ministry, I know you will love the music!  You will be sitting on the edge of your seats during the energetic anthems, and you will be moved to tears with those songs that touch your very soul.  But always remember the main purpose of this wonderful ministry—-come and worship a loving Father Who sent His Son for YOU…and that’s a promise you can stand on!

In His Service, I Remain,

Allan Redenius

2^nd Corinthians 7 vs. 1, “Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”

Pack With Praise: Decker Auditorium Friday, March 19^th 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 20^th 2:00 p.m.

www.sonshinesingers.org

Sonshine Devotional – Day 17

The Prayer with Lead Us Lord

The writer of this anthem has taken a beautiful song, “The Prayer,” (made popular by Celine Dion, Josh Groban and other artists) and skillfully inserted the familiar anthem,” Lead Me Lord” in the midst of it.   Now there’s a thought…. combining prayer with asking God to lead us—a lesson in and of itself!!

The writer of this anthem, though creative, did not have the “original” thought regarding prayer.  There are so many references to prayer in the Bible–obviously, God felt prayer was very important to all of us.  In 1^st Thessalonians 5 vs. 16-18 we read, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  How true….we don’t just come to Jesus with only our sorrows and our problems—we can talk to Him about our joys and our blessings too!  You see, it really isn’t WHAT we talk to Him about….it’s that we TALK to Him.  We should pray to Him as easily as we talk to one another.

Regarding “Lead us, Lord” portion, I think of the story Armona told me about her Mom and Dad as they traveled on unfamiliar roads out East in the Appalachian Mountains.  The conversation went like this, “Armon, I think you’re lost,” Mom quietly said, “Why don’t you stop at that gas station on the corner and ask for directions?”  (This will be a little painful to the men in the reading audience.   “I am not lost,” Armon exclaimed, “and I don’t need directions!”  After driving for an hour, going over hills and making many turns, they soon arrived at the same stop sign by the same gas station that they were at one hour earlier.  Mom calmly looked at Armon and said, “Now that we’ve gone 60 bull-headed miles out of the way, would you please ask for directions?”

There’s a wonderful lesson here—-don’t go any bullheaded miles out of your way to get to Jesus.  Pray to Him, “Lead me, Lord…Lead me in Your righteousness; Make your way plain; for us to see!”

In His Service, I Remain,

Allan Redenius

Philippians 4: 6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Pack With Praise: Decker Auditorium Friday, March 19^th 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 20^th 2:00 p.m.

www.sonshinesingers.org

Sonshine Devotional – Day 16

Just a Closer Walk with Thee

From the time our kids were little, we have always taken a family vacation.  In fact, Todd was only 9 months old when we took off in our blue Chevelle–that was NOT air conditioned– and headed to Glacier National Park in Montana.  No car seats, just a homemade platform that fit across the back seat for Todd to crawl around in and we were off on an adventure.  After Lisa was born, the vacations continued and, as both kids became older, we discovered a great love for hiking.

When our children were small, I would always marvel at how I would barely be moving—-but they were almost running to keep up.  Around 2 to 3 years of age, we would hang on to their hands, walk slowly beside them, and be there to catch them if they fell.  As we hiked through parks, mountains, or walked along a riverbank, we were constant guardians—always being the protective parents.

Many times I think back on those wonderful days….we still love to hike as a family and enjoy time together but now we hear our children saying, “Be careful, Mom and Dad, there’s a step down” or “Don’t fall on the ice” or “Didn’t you see we were parked right behind you?”

All of this to say….Jesus looks at us the same way as we lovingly watch our children.  As we walk through our faith journey with Him, He shares our every joy!  He lovingly holds us up during our times of despair   and, when we can no longer carry ourselves; His “footsteps” sink deeper in the sand as He carries us.

As this anthem so beautifully says, “I am weak…but Thou art strong…Jesus keep me from all wrong…I’ll be satisfied as long…as I walk..let me walk close to Thee.”

In His Service, I Remain,

Allan Redenius

John 8 vs. 12, “I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Pack With Praise: Decker Auditorium Friday, March 19^th 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 20^th 2:00 p.m.

www.sonshinesingers.org

Sonshine Devotional – Day 15

Operator

Now, this anthem will need a little bit of explanation….and yet, I don’t want to “give away” the narration that will be read explaining this anthem the night and afternoon of the upcoming Sonshine Ministry!  Such a dilemma ….but I’ll at least give you a hint of what this song is about.

First of all it was originally written 1959….wow that dates us doesn’t it?  Just as the 50’s had wonderful “pop” music this anthem has, not only a jivin’ rhythm, but a tremendous message.

You see, in the 50’s…the only way you could make a “long distance” call (one out of your area code) was to contact the operator.  In this instance, the writer is trying to reach the operator to make a long distance call …..to Jesus.  Can’t give anymore of the message away, but I guarantee….you won’t want to miss this fun up-tempo anthem!!

But, while we are on the subject of contacting Jesus…..isn’t it wonderful that we can just go to Him directly in prayer?  What a blessing He pours on His children.  He’s always with us, always listening to us—whether we are happy, sad, or indifferent—Jesus is just a prayer away.

Take time this day….right now…to close your eyes and thank Him for being your Heavenly Father.  Thank Him for the blessings you receive, thank Him for the beauty of His creation, and thank Him for sending His only Son to carry you when your burdens become too much to bear.

Remember….you don’t need an “Operator”…..to get Jesus on the line!!

In His Service, I Remain,

Allan Redenius

Psalm 146: vs.2 “I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.”

Pack With Praise: Decker Auditorium Friday, March 19^th 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 20^th 2:00 p.m.

www.sonshinesingers.org