He's Not Done...

One of my favorite Bible verses when I was in my late teens, early twenties was Philippians 1:6. "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." That verse brought me such peace through a time in my life filled with such turmoil. I wonder if Paul knew when he wrote those words that it would have had such an impact thousands of years later. I kept hearing teachings about how God had a plan for our lives. But, I couldn't, for the life of me, figure out how in the world God could use me. And, when I would become really discouraged, wondering what value my life had, if any, I would hear that verse. It would be used in sermons, notes from friends, songs, it was popping up everywhere. Could this be true? First, did God really begin a good work in me? Second, am I worth it to Him to complete that work? I just knew that I wasn't.

And I am so glad that God didn't take my word for it. It took me a long time to understand that my value has nothing to do with me and everything to do with Him. Even now, almost 20 years later, it can still be a struggle some days. But, it's true. Our value has nothing to do with us. We're extremely valuable because of Him and what He did for each and every one of us. God does love us, more than any amount of descriptive words I could ever come up with. And He does have an amazing plan for our lives. Sometimes, I think I'm so hindered by looking back where I've fallen instead of keeping my eyes on where He is leading. And, I fall so much. But there is still hope for me, yet! He's up to something, make no mistake about it!

Maybe you can relate. Please don't be hard on yourself. My prayer for you is that you will let Him help you stay focused on Him. He does have some pretty amazing things planned for you and he's not finished with you yet! Brandon Heath has a new song, you've started hearing on Family Friendly Radio, called "Wait and See." It's a great reminder that God is not done with us, yet. I love these lines from the song;

There is hope for me yet because God won’t forget, all the plans he’s made for me
I have to wait and see, he’s not finished with me yet. He’s not finished with me yet

I hope this encourages you. God is not ashamed of you and you don't have to hide from Him. If you need to repent, please do so. Then, trust Him with all your heart! He truly does have something amazing planned for you! If I can be praying for you, please don't hesitate to drop me a line at joeb@newlifemedia.org

Joe Buchanan serves New Life Media as Network Music Director. www.newlifemedia.org

Is that the sun I see?

Before Tara and I were even married, we made a commitment to not let the sun go down on our anger. We decided that no matter how tired we were the following day, we were going to stay up and work out whatever issues we had and not sleep until we reached some kind of resolution. That may sound like an unreachable goal, but I can honestly tell you that after almost 12 years of marriage, we have managed to hold true to that commitment. I could count on one hand the number of times we've "let it slide" and slept on an unresolved issue. If I were completely truthful with you though, I would tell you that I can't take any credit for this. God blessed our desire to honor Him with our relationship. I strongly believe that single decision, to work out issues as they come, was a huge ingredient to our success. Marriages don't fall apart overnight. It's a slow process that happens over time. It can seem quite sudden, but the signs are there long before the decay starts to show. Looking back, I'm so grateful that our Sunday School class hosted a Gary Smalley video series, when Tara and I were first married. God used him in such an amazing way to set our marriage on the right path. Another huge ingredient was the "uahh!" factor. In his video teaching, Gary passed around an old violin that was all beat up. People passed it around the room, not giving a second thought about it. Then, Gary said "Oh, by the way, that's a Stradivarius. (One recently sold for over $3 million) Everyone in the room collectively let out an "uahh!" Gary then said "Exactly! That's how you need to treat your spouse every time you see them. But, most of us after being married a while start treating our spouse like an old beat up violin, instead of the value they truly hold." That resonated with me. To this day, Tara and I try to greet each other, every time, with the "Uahh!" factor. It doesn't matter if we've just seen each other, or haven't seen each other in days. And, again, I would love to take credit here, but I just can't. God honored our efforts and blessed us. Plus, I married an incredibly wonderful woman of God who's willing to look past my very many short comings!

Throughout my life, there have been many times I've wanted to help someone, but didn't have the first clue as to how. After I met Jesus, I began to realize one huge thing I can do is pray. I take that very seriously. If you've ever caught me on-air, you have probably heard this. I get many prayer requests every day and, after praying, I'm always on the lookout for resources that will help with the circumstances addressed in these requests. Of all the requests I get, the majority of them have to do with issues within a marriage. When you're in a great marriage, you can sometimes forget that it isn't that way for everyone. And, then my heart breaks, because I so desperately want others to experience how great it truly can be. So, I pray harder. Although the Bible is extraordinarily helpful, every now and then an additional great resource will come along that can be applied to lives and help. The movie Fireproof comes to mind. If you haven't seen it, please plan to watch it sometime. Through the success of this movie, there is a fantastic website full of incredible resources. Please click here if you want more info; www.fireproofmymarriage.com Another phenomenal resource is music. Over the past few years, you've undoubtedly heard several songs that deal with these issues. Sanctus Real "Don't Give Up", Warren Barfield "Love Is Not A Fight" and several others. Now, we can add another to the list. It's the brand new song from The Afters, called "Ocean Wide" If you want to know more about this song, you can hear the lead singer's (Josh Havens) own words by clicking here; http://media.buzzplant.com/content/ino/theafters/NewLifeMedia.wm
This song is now playing on Family Friendly Radio.

As always, if I can be praying for you, about anything, please don't hesitate to let me know; joeb@newlifemedia.org

What do we really have to lose?

It's funny how lessons tend to repeat themselves throughout our lives. I'm often reminded of when I was dating my wife, Tara. We dated for five years and even though we knew right away we wanted to get married, we also knew it was going to take several years. First, we were quite young. Second, Tara's parents wanted her to finish school, first. Plus, before I was ready to be the husband I wanted to be, I needed time for God's healing to take place in my life. Very early on, Tara and I knew roughly the time we would be married and also knew it was going to be five years or so. During that five year stretch, there were so many times that I would loose focus of our wedding day and get caught up in the moment I was in. The wedding day seemed so far away and I would convince myself I had plenty of time to get things in order. So, I would spend my money and time on very temporal things instead of saving and investing in our future. I'm so grateful that God would gently remind me of what I was working toward and then help me get back on track. Our wedding day did finally come and it was everything we dreamed it would be. I'm so glad we worked hard and trusted God to help us accomplish the things He asked as He prepared that day for us. And, looking back, those five years really did pass by very quickly. It's so hard to believe that it's now been twelve years since our wedding day.

I'm often reminded of that experience and how it parallels with my Christian walk. There is a day coming and that day is going to be more than we could ever imagine or dream. It may seem like a long way off, but, in all reality, it will be here before we know it! I just need to make sure that my focus is on that day instead of getting caught up in making my life comfortable now. That way I can accomplish the things God has asked of me between now and then. A big part of what God has asked me to do resides in holding on loosely to the things I have. A willing heart to let go of anything He asks me to. To allow His blessing to flow through my hands, instead of holding on tightly to them. I am a work in progress and I'm so glad that He who started a good work in me is faithful to complete it!

It's in loosening the grip that real blessing begins to flow. I have found throughout my life, the tighter I hold the more restricted the blessing. However, when I loosen my grip the blessing begins to flow again. For me, it's realizing that I don't own anything. It all belongs to Him. And, if I can put my trust completely and fully in Him, then it's going to be alright. What do I really have to lose?

That's what the new Rush Of Fools song is all about. Losing it all for Him. Holding on loosely to the things of this world and holding tightly to Him. This new song is found on their latest CD, "Wonder Of The World" and it can be heard on Family Friendly Radio. If you would like more information about Rush Of Fools or this song, please click here; http://www.rushoffools.com/index.php

If there is anything I can be praying about for you, please don't hesitate to let me know. joeb@newlifemedia.org.

You're Invited...

There have been many times in my life when I've held back from God out of shame. Afraid to be too vulnerable, because if God knew what I was really like, there's no way He could still love me. There would be no way I could still be His child. Right? Growing up under very difficult circumstances, my self worth was stripped from me as a child. I was convinced that God had made a mistake with me. Then, I met Jesus. And, through some very difficult years I began to gain a little better understanding of His love, not only for me, but for every one of us. The first thing I learned was that God already knew everything there was to know about me. And, He still loved me. In fact, His decision to love me came long before I even knew who He was or that He even existed. It hasn't always been easy, but God has been faithful and, sure, there are still times when I fell unloved, but God is always there to remind me that He does.
I think if we're honest, even the most confident among us would admit there are times when we feel ashamed, unwelcome and unloved. And, in those times we turn from God, hoping He won't see. But, He does see. He sees everything. And, as scary as that is, there is some comfort in knowing that whatever we've done, wherever we've been, God still loves us and wants to be with us. It's really amazing, when you stop and think about it. That, God loved you and me so much that He wanted to be with us, even though it cost Him, His son. Jesus made a way for God to look past our wrong doing, sin, and invite us in. As we are. I once heard a pastor share a great analogy. He said, "Do you wash up before you take a shower?" We are free to come to God in the very condition we're in. Don't hold back out of fear you're not good enough. You are. Not because of what you've done, but because of what He's done.
Meredith Andrews did a very nice job of articulating this in her new song; "You Invite Me In" It's found on her "The Invitation" CD and you're hearing it on Family Friendly Radio. If you, like me, struggled or are struggling with your self worth, can I have just a moment to encourage you? God does love you! And, He is not ashamed of you! If I can be praying for you, please don't hesitate to let me know. You can email me today at; joeb@newlifemedia.org
If you want to know more about Meredith Andrews or hear this song now, please click here: http://www.meredithandrews.com/ No matter where you've been or what you've done, God already knows and He still loves you and longs to be with you. He is waiting patiently for you to take Him up on His invitation.

Songs from this CD you're hearing on Family Friendly Radio: "You're Not Alone" & "You Invite Me In"

Going Through The Motions...

Does life ever feel like your on a bike going down a hill at a hundred miles an hour, doing everything you can to keep from wiping out? Sometimes, it feels like I'm using every ounce of strength I have to just keep the handle bars steady. Life can be so stressful. And, it comes at you fast! There are so many different things pulling at us from so many different directions. Many times, It can be quite difficult, and sometimes almost impossible, to devote the necessary attention to each detail of our lives. And, if we're not careful, we can begin to compromise different aspects of our lives. We can start "going through the motions" in the smaller details that consume our lives. Then, before we know it, the majority of what we do consist of just motions. The thing is, the more we go through the "motions" the less we are able to feel. Then, life slowly becomes less and less about living and more about just getting through each day. We've all been there, at one point or another, right? I find myself there from time to time in different areas of my life. It's like I'm on autopilot. At the time it doesn't seem like that big of a deal, but in looking back I can see how much I missed out on. I don't want to miss out anymore! That's one, of many, reason I love the new Matthew West song, "The Motions." Matthew does a great job of articulating what I'm going through when I find myself fighting off falling back into autopilot. It's a daily challenge to step outside the "just get me through this day" and start to live again. I also love Matthew's heart and appreciate his desire to use his music as a tool to impact people's lives. If you would like to, also, say "No more going through the motions," please click here; http://www.matthewwest.com/motions/ And, if you wouldn't mind, please share your story. Your story will inspire others to take that step beyond "The Motions!"

What's In A Name?

Ever heard a song on the radio by a group and wondered, "Where in the world did they get that name and what does it mean?" Recently we began playing a song by a new group called, Dizmas. And, even though there has been a very positive response to the song, many are wondering what the name of the group means and what were they thinking when they chose it. Well, I did a little research and discovered something pretty cool about this name and why. Here is their explanation...

The name also stems from the character scholars cite as the thief (who had a change of heart just before death) crucified next to Jesus Christ. We look to that historic figure as a symbol of forgiveness, redemption and hope that governs our life and serves as a primary solution to the search we’ve so diligently embarked upon.

Pretty cool, right? Yea, that's what I thought, too. And I learned something new. I had no idea of the name of the thief that we grew up hearing so much about. Anyhow, the group didn't stop with just a cool name, they produce some great music, too! I believe "Yours" will become a favorite of yours! For your convenience I've included a few links to learn more about Dizmas.

1. http://www.1cubed.com/display.php?ID=348&sectionID=26
2. http://www.breathecast.com/Christian.Music.Artist-Dizmas/Article-386_2538.htm
3. http://www.alrcnewskitchen.com/cure/docs/release18.pdf
4. http://www.ccmmagazine.com/music/artist/dizmas/




OTHER NEW MUSIC NOW PLAYING ON FAMILY FRIENDLY RADIO...
(New music I truly believe you're gonna love!)

1. Francesca Battistelli - "Free To be Me" - From the artist who brought us "I'm Letting Go," delivers an incredible new upbeat song from her CD; "My Paper Heart"

2. Tenth Avenue North - "By Your Side" - You loved their first song, "Love Is Here!" I think this one's even better.

COMING SOON...
(Be listening for these to start playing very, very soon!)

1. Mercy Me - "Finally Home" - MercyMe has released some of the greatest music of our lifetime. A common theme throughout their music centers around the hope of one day being reunited with our loved ones who have passed on. This song is no exception as it takes a forward glance into what it may be like to one day reach our destination.

2. Jamie Slocum - "Dependence" - An accomplished songwriter/producer, Jamie is no stranger to radio. He's landed several top 10 hits over the years, including "Grace Changes Everything","Wounded","By Your Side" and others. His new song comes from a self titled CD due out this spring and tackles a very timely subject about surrendering our dependence to God.

3. Lincoln Brewster - "God You Reign" - Responsible for many of the songs we sing in church each week, this new song is sure to become a worship favorite. A worship leader at his church and one of the best guitarists I've ever seen, Lincoln's love for his savior is more than evident in this new song.

If you ever have any questions about the music you hear, or don't hear, please feel free to drop me a line. I would love to hear from you. joeb@wbgl.org

Christmas Music

Every year the day after Thanksgiving, it's a tradition in our home to decorate for Christmas. It's so good for me to watch how excited my kids get with each passing year and the tradition gets rooted deeper. This year was no exception. My kids started counting down the days months earlier. They loved it! One of the elements that makes the day so special is the wonderful Christmas music. But, there's so much to choose from. Of course, you know you have access to the best mix of Christmas music on your Family Friendly radio station. You also can speak into that process by joing our Muisc Advisory Panel.
(www.newlifemedianetwork.org - Just click on your favorite station and then click on Music Advisory Panel. if you have questions or need assistance, please feel free to email me; joeb@newlifemedia.org)

If you're aslo wanting to buy some new Christmas CDs this year, but find yourself a little apprehensive with all the choices, I've included a few recommendations I believe you will love. Again, please feel free to email me if you have any questions or need assistance - joeb@newlifemedia.org

1. MICHAEL W. SMITH - "It's A Wonderful Christmas" - Recorded in London at Abby Road Studios with a 65-piece orchestra and 4 Choirs, this CD is really, really good. If there were an official "Movie" soundtrack for the Christmas Season - this would be it!
Songs from this CD you're hearing on Family Friendly Radio: "Christmas Angels" & "Christmas Day" - duet with Mandisa



2. RELIENT K - "Let It Snow Baby...Let It Reindeer" - My roots cause me to lean a little more to the rock side, which is one reason I'm really loving this new one from Relient K. Plus, your kids are sure to love it, too.
Songs from this CD you're hearing on Family Friendly Radio: "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" & "Merry Christmas, Here's To Many More"

3. BEBO NORMAN - "Christmas...From the Realms Of Glory" - The first time I ever saw Bebo live was at a Third Day concert many years ago. From the moment he started the song "Great Light Of the World" I became a Bebo fan! I was blown away that day and continue to be blessed by his music. If you, too, are a Bebo fan, then you are going to love this CD.
Songs you're hearing on Family Friendly Radio: "Christmastime Is Here","What Child Is This?" & "O Come Emmanuel"

4. JARS OF CLAY - "Christmas Songs" - Jars of Clay, for a long time now, have owned my favorite versions of two Christmas songs. "Little Drummer Boy" & "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen." That coupled with my love for their last studio CD "Good Monsters" I found myself excited to hear their new Christmas CD. And, I was not disappointed. From start to finish this CD is great.
Songs you're hearing on Family Friendly Radio: "Wonderful Christmastime"& "Love Came Down At Christmas"

5. BETHLEHEM SKYLINE - Featuring Various Artists (Downhere, Jason Grey, Jaime Jamgochian and others) - Ok, it's no secret that I love Downhere! In fact, their latest studio CD "Ending Is Beginning" is one of my top 5 CDs of 2008! So when I saw they had a couple of Christmas songs on a compilation CD, I just had to have it! Yes, the Downhere songs are great, but the rest of the CD lives up to those songs, too. In fact, this CD is so good, that it gave us an opportunity to introduce you to Circleslide and Daniel Kirkley through a couple of their Christmas songs found on this CD. And, even though the CD is incredible from start to finish, the Downhere song "How Many Kings" litterally knocked me over. Like the others on this list, this CD is great!
Songs you're hearing on Family Friendly Radio: "How Many Kings " - Downhere, "Joy To the World" - Circleslide, "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" - Daniel Kirkley, "O Come O Come Emmanuel" - Jaime Jamgocian, "Glory To God In The Highest" - Downhere & "O Come All Ye Faithful" - Downhere and friends.

6. MercyMe - " The Christmas Sessions" - MercyMe through the years has become one of your all time favorite groups. They've released great CD after great CD, with chart topping hits like "I Can Only Imagine", "God With Us", "Homesick", "Word of God Speak" and many, many others. And, this CD is no exception. Not abandoning their sound, they incorporate it wonderfully into this amazing Christmas project. From the very first track through the last song you will not be disappointed. You've already began to fall in love with "Gloria", "What Child Is This", "O Holy Night" and your favorite, an original contribution; "Joseph's Lullaby" "The Christmas Sessions" would have to be one my top 5 Christmas CDs ever.
Songs you're hearing on Family Friendly Radio: "Joseph's Lullaby", "Gloria", "What Child Is This", "O Holy Night", "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" & "Silent Night"

Merry Christmas...