Hard times, sufferings, trials and tribulations, each has a way of changing a persons perspective. This song came out of a hard time. I thought I had an idea on where I was heading. I thought I was in control. Then the harsh truth hit and I was reminded that “The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9). My perspective was changed from little to great, from temporal to eternal, from man to the Lord. But what gave me the ability to see clearly was the promises of God that are found in His word, which are realized in Christ Jesus. Because Christ Jesus is risen we can know that we are justified and that sin and death are defeated. Because Christ Jesus is reigning we know that we are secure, nothing can come against us to take us out of His sovereign hands. Because Christ Jesus is going to return we know where we are heading, our future is sure. No matter the circumstances the promises of God that are found in Christ Jesus will never fail. Paul at the end of his life encouraged Timothy (and the Church) with these words “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8) I am challenged to ask “do I love His appearing?” And when I ask this question I am reminded to change my perspective. To look to the One who loved me and gave himself up for me and I am compelled to say Maranatha. Music and Lyrics by: Benjamin Bricker

How great the love of the Father is! The gospel is an invitation to be free from our sins, not only that, but to be granted Jesus’ perfect righteousness, not to be left to our own devices to fail again, but to be sons and daughters of the King, adopted into a holy family. When you hear the call, do not harden your heart, come lay your burdens down, and rest in His peace forever. An original song, recorded live March 2nd, 2020. Let me know what you think in the comments. Music and Lyrics by: Benjamin Bricker

We’ve Been Brought Near Nothing quite inspires like a story of a helpless life being rescued from the clutches of death, through the sacrifice of a loving savior. In fact it is the greatest story ever told. This song is a declaration of that amazing, true story. That gospel invokes the worshipful response of “Worthy Is the Lamb that was slain”. We’ve Been Brought Near Music and Lyrics by: Benjamin Bricker