Who Will Love Me?

I see so many emails, on a regular basis, from listeners who are hurting so much. Many of whom are blaming themselves for the needless hurt caused by others. It breaks my heart as I try my best to bring even the slightest encouragement as I direct them back to the One who can really bring healing. In reading between the lines of these thoughts, a theme rings out loud and clear. They just want to know someone loves them.

Even the strongest amongst us becomes weak without love. It's the glue that holds us all together and without it, there is simply no hope. And, unfortunately, there are so many who walk through their daily life believing they are unloved. And, for many who believe they are loved, they secretly fear the love they experience is performance based.

You don't have to look very hard to find stories of people who are desperately searching for love. These stories dominate our news sources every single day. People looking for love anywhere they can find it.

So, what ever happened to unconditional love? It's so difficult to fully understand how we could be loved unconditionally in world full of conditions. But, there is One who does love us, unconditionally.

"What Love Really Means" by JJ Heller addresses these issues. It's a new song that points us in the direction of real love. I'm already seeing stories of lives impacted by this phenomenal song. If you haven't heard it yet, click here to see the video; http://www.jjheller.com/home.asp

When I'm feeling unloved, these verses always bring encouragement; Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 8:38-39, 1 Peter 5:7, 1 John 3:1, Romans 8:31-32, 2 Thessalonians 2:16, Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 55:22, Isaiah 40:11, 1 John 4:16, Psalm 34:18, 2 Corinthians 9:8, Revelation 21:3-4 If I can be praying for you, please don't hesitate to let me know; joeb@newlifemedia.org

Joe Buchanan serves New Life Media as Network Music Director.www.newlifemedia.org(WBGL,WIBI & WCIC)
We work very hard to honor God through serving you. Your input is very important to us and decisions are made regularly, based on the opinions you have. To assure that your opinion is being heard, please join our Music Advisory Panel today. Click on your station for a direct link. Thanks!
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Waiting...

I can be so impatient sometimes. And, yet other times I seemingly have an endless supply of patience. So, what is it that makes it so easy to wait sometimes and impossible others? Well, for me, it's identifying the triggers that cause me to be impatient. This took me years to fully understand and to say I've mastered it would be a gross misstatement. I have so far to go. And, every time I think I'm starting to get it, I find myself in a situation that keeps me humble.

So, what is it that causes me to be so impatient. I believe I've narrowed it down to things I can't control. For instance, if there's something I want to buy, I can be extremely patient in getting it. Because, I know at any time I could decide to just go get it. However, if there's something I can't control it drains my tank rather quickly. I believe it stems from childhood experiences. And, understanding this has helped me a lot.

Something that God has been working with me intensely on over the past year or so is Proverbs 3:5. God's teaching me how to not lean on my own understanding, but to trust Him. It's a lot easier said than done. But, when I lean on Him, not only does He supply the strength I need to not lean on my own understanding, but I also find incredible peace. Because, when I'm leaning on my own understanding, things can get quite scary very quickly. It really does boil down to just trusting Him. The more I trust Him the less impatient I become.

You're hearing a song these days on your favorite Family Friendly radio station that serves as a reminder to continue leaning on Him, even when I grow weary of waiting. Have you heard John Waller's "While I'm Waiting?" Click here to hear it now; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3b2jw1rjBc

Do you find yourself in a situation or circumstance that makes it difficult to wait on Him? If I can be praying for you, please don't hesitate to let me know - joeb@newlifemedia.org


Joe Buchanan serves New Life Media as Network Music Director.www.newlifemedia.org(WBGL,WIBI & WCIC)
We work very hard to honor God through serving you. Your input is very important to us and decisions are made regularly, based on the opinions you have. To assure that your opinion is being heard, please join our Music Advisory Panel today. Click on your station for a direct link. Thanks!
Music Advisory Panel: WBGL WCIC WIBI

Unconditional...

I woke up the other morning to my 4 year old son exclaiming, "It's my birthday today Daddy! I can do whatever I want!" Well, within reason, I supposed. The first thing he wanted was some sugar cereal. The look on his face was priceless. The larger than life smile, as he chowed down the cereal, was worth the repercussions that all that sugar was going to cause.

After apologizing to my wife for loading him up with all that sugar, I headed off to work. I couldn't get his smile out of my head. It brought back so many wonderful memories I've had the privilege to share with our kids. That smile, in that moment, was the product of his 4 years of life.

Now, I wish I could take all the credit for that. And, it's quite possible that I got some things right. But, I've probably made far more mistakes than not. That's where God comes in. As we strive to honor Him, to the best of our ability, He somehow makes up the difference. At times, I'll climb into bed after checking on our kids and I'll ask my wife, "Do you think they know I love them?" Without even thinking about it, she'll respond, "The thought has never crossed their minds."

Like so many times before, she reminds me to do the best I can to honor God as a father and husband and let Him make up the difference. I worry about them feeling unloved, because that's how I grew up. I was convinced I wasn't loved or lovable. I worried about it. What a peace it brings to be reminded that they have never even thought about it. It's just a given for them.

In the same way, it's a given for us with our Heavenly Father. His love is unconditional. It's not dependent on what we do or don't do. Or, how we feel about ourselves. And, He longs for relationship with us. Not just in our good times, when we feel like we have it all together. In all times. If you're anything like me, it's much easier to come before God when I'm doing well. When I know I've done a good job honoring Him. But, I can neglect that relationship when I'm feeling ashamed, under qualified, or unworthy. I can pull away. But, that's when I should be pushing into Him even more. I think sometimes, those honest cries for help can mean more than a perfect praise song. It's a constant battle and I'm always working on not letting my circumstance hold me back.

That's one of many reasons I really love Amy Grant's new

song, "Better Than A Hallelujah" It's a great reminder that God will not ignore our request for help. He's not going to laugh at us or be disappointed. He loves us so much.

Is He patiently waiting to hear from you today? Are you holding back? If I can be praying for you, please don't hesitate to let me know - joeb@newlifemedia.org

Joe Buchanan serves New Life Media as Network Music Director.www.newlifemedia.org(WBGL,WIBI & WCIC)

We work very hard to honor God through serving you. Your input is very important to us and decisions are made regularly, based on the opinions you have. To assure that your opinion is being heard, please join our Music Advisory Panel today. Click on your station for a direct link. Thanks!

Music Advisory Panel: WBGL WCIC WIBI

Hard days...

If I were completely honest with you, I would tell you that this past week has been extremely difficult. It shouldn't really surprise me. After all, it's each year at this time I deal with emotions I can barely keep below the surface. For as long as I can remember, it's been the most difficult time of year for me. And, it all pertains to what is happening on Sunday.

Now, for so many, Sunday will be a wonderful day full of family and joy with amazing moments of reminiscing through great memories. Sure, there will be stress, but for the most part, it will be a day some are really looking forward to. And, if that's you, I hope it's everything you hope it will be.

But, for others, this will be one of the most difficult weekends of the year. There are countless different reasons as to why this day will be so difficult for so many. For me, it's because of the abuse I experienced as a child. And, like clockwork, it hits me each year starting a few weeks before the big day. I can't understand why I can't just get past it. I am so richly blessed. God has brought such incredible healing to my life. He's also brought so many "moms" who have stepped in and graciously filled that role in my life. Not to mention my incredible wife who is a fantastic mother to our four children. So, why can't I just man up and get over it?

I was having this very discussion with my wife, Tara, last night. And, right in the midst of our conversation, she said something so very profound. She said "If you didn't have this hurt from the way your mom treated you, then it would mean my job is pointless. That pain you continually battle, because of the abuse you experienced as a child, serves as a reminder of how important my job really is."

Wow. I guess I knew that. But, to hear those words framed in that way reminded me of how extremely important our job as parents really is. And, I do believe it is the most important job on the planet. So, even though this Mother's Day will carry with it some pain, I still appreciate the incredible job that God-honoring Moms everywhere are doing. I celebrate that. Thank you, moms.

If Mother's Day is also a very hard day for you, please don't beat yourself up about it. And, if I can be praying for you, please don't hesitate to let me know - joeb@newlifemedia.org

Remember, God loves you so very much!

Joe Buchanan serves New Life Media as Network Music Director.www.newlifemedia.org(WBGL,WIBI & WCIC)

We work very hard to honor God through serving you. Your input is very important to us and decisions are made regularly, based on the opinions you have. To assure that your opinion is being heard, please join our Music Advisory Panel today. Click on your station for a direct link. Thanks!

Music Advisory Panel: WBGL WCIC WIBI

Your Hands...

Looking back over my life, there have been so many times when I was sure God couldn't hear my cries for help. Have you ever been there? When it seems like time and time your prayer goes unanswered, seemingly unheard. Trouble that you may or may not have brought on yourself and how hard you've wished it wasn't there. Pain so deep that it overshadows the good things in your life. And, the loneliness. It can cut so deep.

For me, that's the most difficult part of walking through challenging and tough times. The loneliness. Feeling all alone causes us to isolate ourselves. Then, the challenge or problem can seem so big. Much larger than it actually is. And, the more that I isolate myself, the harder it becomes to reach out for help. The more my prayers seem to go unheard, the more likely I am to stop praying.

That's the exact opposite of what I should be doing. God has taught me so much through the pain in my life. And, although I still have so far to go and so much to lean, I'm in a better place than I was even a year ago. I can take no credit for that. It's all Him. One of the areas He has challenged me to grow is trust. Leaning not on my own understanding, but fully trusting Him. I would love to say, with all the time He's invested in me, that I've finally mastered it. But, a statement like that couldn't be further from the truth. Actually, the more I learn the more aware I am of how much I need to learn. I'm so grateful for His patience with me.

A new song I'm really excited about is called, "Your Hands" by new artist, JJ Heller. I love the way she starts out the song, "I have unanswered prayers. I have trouble I wish wasn't there. I have asked a thousand ways that you would take my pain away." She goes on to say, "When my world is shaking, Heaven stands. When my heart is breaking, I never leave Your hands"

He's got us, securely placed in the palm of His hand. No matter the circumstance that you find yourself in today, God is there with you. He's holding you each and every step of the way. He has promised to never let you go. He sees every tear. He feels ever hurt. He knows every fear and although you may feel all alone, you've never truly been. And, He understands that, too.

If you find yourself in a tough stretch, can I stand with you in prayer? First, there is power in prayer, but also knowing someone is praying for you can help take the edge off the loneliness. You can be as specific or vague as you want, but if I can be praying for you, please don't hesitate to let me know - joeb@newlifemedia.org

Joe Buchanan serves New Life Media as Network Music Director.www.newlifemedia.org(WBGL,WIBI & WCIC)

We work very hard to honor God through serving you. Your input is very important to us and decisions are made regularly, based on the opinions you have. To assure that your opinion is being heard, please join our Music Advisory Panel today. Click on your station for a direct link. Thanks!

Music Advisory Panel: WBGL WCIC WIBI

I want to hear "Chorus Of the Colts!"

So, I got this email from a listener this week. It was all in good fun. She thought it was out of line for our station, being a midwest station, to play a song like "Chorus Of the Saints" by Revive. After all, living in the midwest, we should be pulling for the Colts on Sunday, right?

Well, whatever team you're pulling for, you probably want me aligning with the other team. For whatever reason, this year it seems like I can't pick a winning team no matter how hard I try. Even in games I don't care that much about, if I start to pull toward one team, that team will start to self destruct, right before my eyes. In games where "my" team is picked and should win by plenty, they still find away to end up on the losing end. So, even now, I'm still not sure which team I'll pull for. Sure, I know which team I would like to win. So, maybe I'll experiment and pull for the other team on Sunday. Yea, I kind of like that idea. After all, we all know the outcome of that game is completely based on which team I pull for. Not! No matter the outcome or however you chose to spend Superbowl Sunday, I hope that it is a good day packed with terrific moments that create wonderful memories.

Getting back to the chorus of the Saints. No, not the football team. The song from Revive. Have you had a chance to really listen to the lyric in this song? The words are quite amazing, actually! I think there are so many times when we feel like we're down for

the count. Our circumstances can seem so impossible. The hill is just too hard to climb. We become confused by the doubt and suffering and we lose our way.

But, there is hope! All we have to do is "Open our eyes and see the beauty of our God who has never left our side!" I love that line in the song. We've all heard those around us say things like, "When I see it, I'll believe it." But, maybe it should be the other way around. "When I believe it, I'll see it." That's why He calls it faith, right? Believing without seeing.

I get into such trouble when I get that backwards. When I start leaning on my own understanding. God wants me to do the opposite. Lean not on my own understanding, but to trust Him. And, when I misplace the trust I should only place in Him, it can get so scary so fast. But, as He helps me open my eyes to, again, see that He has never left my side, I can begin to sing once again, "Hallelujah! Our God Is Faithful!" If you haven't heard Revive's "Chorus Of the Saints" you can click this link to hear it now; http://www.reviveband.com/media/music

You can also hear it on Family Friendly radio. (WBGL,WIBI & WCIC)

If I can be praying for you as you seek to deepen your relationship with the one who created you, please don't hesitate to let me know - joeb@newlifemedia.org

Joe Buchanan serves New Life Media as Network Music Director.www.newlifemedia.org(WBGL,WIBI & WCIC)

We work very hard to honor God through serving you. Your input is very important to us and decisions are made regularly, based on the opinions you have. To assure that your opinion is being heard, please join our Music Advisory Panel today. Click on your station for a direct link. Thanks!

Music Advisory Panel: WBGL WCIC WIBI

I want to fall in love...

I can't tell you how many times I've set out to better my relationship with God. I've worked hard to pick the right devotional, made sure I set some kind of reminder and sat down each day to make it happen. The plan worked for about a week or until the scheduled time got interrupted a couple times by, life. Yea, I'm ashamed to say that the distractions of life get in the way of me spending quality time with Him.

So, what next? How do I get from wanting to make myself grow my relationship with Him to actually making it happen? That's a question I've asked over and over. And, the closer I do grow to Him the more I believe it's not just about the physical act of making it happen. Don't get me wrong, discipline is extremely important, but it's got to come from somewhere deeper.

A few years ago I had a Pastor extend me some great advise. He suggested that I simply ask God, every day, to help me fall deeper in love with Him. I can't begin to tell you the impact that simple prayer has had on me. God did draw me in closer to Him, but it's a two way street. The more I fall in love with Him the more I want to spend time with Him. But, it's in the time I spend with Him that I fall deeper in love with Him.

The first time I heard Jason Gray's new song, "More Like Falling In Love" I immediately connected with it. Jason has this amazing way of communicating a great truth through this catchy and well written song. If you haven't heard it yet, please click here to hear it now; http://jasongraymusic.com/home You can also hear this song on Family Friendly Radio. (WBGL,WIBI & WCIC)

I can honestly say that I am more in love with Jesus than ever, but it's a process. I still have so far to go. I'm humbled by His patience. He is so good to us. And, through him, I find myself enjoying the journey. If I can be praying for you as you seek to deepen your relationship with the one who created you, please don't hesitate to let me know - joeb@newlifemedia.org

Joe Buchanan serves New Life Media as Network Music Director.www.newlifemedia.org(WBGL,WIBI & WCIC)

We work very hard to honor God through serving you. Your input is very important to us and decisions are made regularly, based on the opinions you have. To assure that your opinion is being heard, please join our Music Advisory Panel today. Click on your station for a direct link. Thanks!

Music Advisory Panel: WBGL WCIC WIBI