Spirit Abides Music
Fashioned from the heart of a
servant, for the glory of God
My Testimony
The
Journey that has brought me to this point in my life began at the age of
nineteen. I had decided to take a
vacation on my own to Colorado, to “Find Myself“ and to figure out what I
should do with my life. Knowing I needed
direction in my life was an understatement.
At this time I did not know the Savior, so I took with me the one thing
that brought comfort, and just made me feel good, yes, that would be the
amazing sounds and lyrics of my favorite music. As the trip began, it became apparent to me
that the result would be a positive one.
I recall listening to the “Average White Band “album entitled “Soul
Searching “as I drove down those lonely highways.
Thankfully it proved to be what I needed, giving me that
inspirational desire to return home and begin to learn an instrument, the bass
guitar. Through the long hours of
practice, it became evident to me that I was developing a passion for music,
and a joy to express it. Within a few
months I was playing in a band, and feeling very gratified that music seemed
not only to bring pleasure to me, but to those who would hear, and receiving
their approval in the form of applause, made it worth the effort. In time I would soon discover, that the
innocence of music would be distorted by the business of music. As one enters into the glamorous world of
entertainment, elements that appear to be all in good fun, seem to grab hold of
you, and in time your faced with the fallout of sins in that environment, that
can destroy friendships, your character, and even your life. How can one be honored for his love for
music, and feel safe in expressing a joyful passion, without a worldly array of
distractions that lead into an addiction of immoral pleasures??
An
Exodus from the secular to the spiritual would be the direction needed to take
me to the Promised Land, or in my life, the course to fulfillment.
Realizing my need for Christ to be my Savior and Lord brought
me to the crossroad of my life. At this
point, music was my whole life, yet I had to lay it down and forsake it to
follow Jesus. Music can become a god to
the aspiring musician, and so it was to me.
I remember shortly after becoming a believer in Christ, and leaving the
entertainment business, I packed up my instruments, put them in the corner of
the room, and told the Lord I was forsaking my desire for music, and only
wanted his will in my life. My Career
change was in his hands, and through prayer and consideration of what I could
do, I had the opportunity to paint for one of my Brother’s customers. After that job it would become clear to me,
that a Painter for the Lord was the path to obedience. I didn’t know much about it, but learning to
trust Him in everything would prove to be most rewarding.
I was
amazed to see my first miracle, on the first day of my next painting job. The thrill of seeing a satisfied customer
tell his neighbor about my work left no doubt that I’d be doing work for him
also. In fact the next day I started,
and I wasn’t prepared for what was about to happen. While scraping the exterior of a second story
window, I pressed too hard with a putty knife, and cracked it from top to
bottom. Not knowing how to replace a
window, I started down the ladder to inform the homeowner of what I had
done. Looking up once more at the
window, I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me, as I shifted from side to
side; the crack appeared to be gone!!!
My knees began to shake on that ladder 16 feet above the ground. I must have stared at that window for
several minutes, looking at it from every angle, and concluding that this was a
miracle!! Later that evening, the Lord
seemed to reveal his intentions. As I
thanked him, He spoke to my heart, not with words, but with gentleness of
Spirit, assuring me He would take care of me and provide everything I need for
life and godliness. (2 Peter 1:3)
Several months had passed , growing in my faith , enjoying
the fellowship at Church , and quite happy with this ever-growing relationship
I was having with the Lord , allowed me to realize that all the joy music could
ever bring, paled in comparison to my love for Jesus, my Lord ,my King, and my
God. Surely our merciful Savior knows
the hearts of all men, and when a man delights himself in the Lord, the Father
is willing to give him the desires of his heart. Yet I thought to myself, what greater desire
could one have, than to please the Lord?? The harmony of joining God’s Purpose
and Plan for our lives, with the gifts and talents he gives his children,
allows us to see the beautiful union, and destiny ordained for all eternity.
It was during that time in my spiritual walk with the Master,
I awoke one night around 2:30 am with a melody and words that flowed like a
beautiful waterfall. I had long desired
to be a songwriter, and it was if the Lord was saying to me, “You’re going to
be my instrument and my voice”. I
quickly grabbed my guitar and my tape recorder, and with tears flowing,
recorded what would be my first song entitled, “Let Your Spirit Abide
Within”. This sweet fellowship, an
ever-deepening intimacy, would secure my Faith in God, and know with no
uncertainty, He is real, He is love, and He is truly the Alpha and Omega, the
Beginning, and the End.
Through these past 27 years, he continues to use this vessel
for his glory. As I remain faithful to
the call, ever-willing to serve and encourage the body Of Christ, I pray in
these Last Days, He would reveal Himself to those who have ears to hear. From my heart to yours, may God’s blessings
be upon you.