Sara Groves sings 'Miracle'

God's miracles can take many different shapes, forms and sizes, but one thing that can be seen in all of them is love. Love is a miracle. Enjoy this beautiful and profound music video for Miracle by Sara Groves from her latest album Invisible Empires.
Buy it by clicking here. 

Sheer Joy Music shop now also on Facebook

Good news! Now you can check out all of my music on the Sheer Joy music page on Facebook, listen to it and then buy it. That's really cool! Just follow this link.


Here are a few of the CDs that you can check out:

Obama Supports the Muslim Brotherhood-Muslim Brotherhood Sees Weakness

The following comes to me from Act for America, an organisation dedicated to expose the Islamic radicalisation of the West:
     "How we wish it weren’t so, but the facts are clear. Numerous articles and columns, including the one by Barry Rubin (below), document how the Obama administration is sidling up to the Muslim Brotherhood.
     This is not only affecting our foreign policy vis a vis countries like Egypt. It’s also affecting our domestic national security apparatus. “Troubling” does not adequately define what is happening."

Obama Supports the Muslim Brotherhood-Muslim Brotherhood Sees Weakness
By Barry Rubin
     Not only is the Obama Administration, as I’ve written for the last year, favoring radical Islamist forces–despite the fact that these are anti-Western, pro-terrorism, building dictatorships, and openly anti-Semitic and anti-Christian–but now even the establishment media is admitting it.
     A friend of mine said, “Oh, they are probably saying that the Brotherhood is sounding radical publicly but privately reassuring U.S. officials that they are moderate.”
     “No,” I replied. “That’s the old way of doing things when it was important to be, or at least to pretend to be, somewhat balanced. Now they say that the Brotherhood sounds moderate both publicly–ignoring all evidence to the contrary–and privately. Those who disagree are merely Republicans trying to defeat Obama in the election, and so should be ignored. The mass media today in such matters is worse than our worst nightmares of a decade ago.”
     And so for the first time in U.S. history an American government, to the applause of the vast majority of the mass media, is backing an anti-American authoritarian movement. Here’s how the New York Times explains it:
     “The Obama administration has begun to reverse decades of mistrust and hostility as it seeks to forge closer ties with an organization [the Muslim Brotherhood] once viewed as irreconcilably opposed to United States interests.”
     Any serious foreign policy analyst should see three red flags in this paragraph:
    First, of course the U.S. government must deal with Egypt’s government but that doesn’t mean it should publicly proclaim that the Brotherhood is a nice group and give what amounts to an unconditional endorsement of it.
      Indeed, the Obama Administration and media are using a cheap trick. They confuse the proper, responsible policy of dealing with those in power while doing something quite beyond that: a self-destructive policy of rushing to insist that sworn enemies of freedom and the United States are really nice guys and there’s no problem with having them in power.
     As I’ve written before, it’s possible to elect a dictatorship. The Egyptian people have a right to do so but that doesn’t mean the West should like it.
     Doesn’t anyone remember that the Obama Administration has been apologizing for all the bad regimes America supported in the past? Now Obama is using the exact same argument: claiming that we must be nice to them because they are in power. What’s the difference between that and the historic relationship to the Mubarak regime? At least Mubarak supported U.S. interests. These people don’t. They have openly supported murdering Americans, especially in Iraq!
     In 1979 an Islamist revolution occurred in Iran. The United States quickly recognized that new regime and tried to be buddies with it. We all know how that worked out.
     Second, why should the burden of reversing “decades of mistrust and hostility” be exclusively on the United States. Doesn’t the Brotherhood, which benefits from U.S. engagement, need to do that also or even beforehand? Why is there no conditionality here, no hint that the Obama Administration or New York Times understands how hostile the Brotherhood has been and continues to be? If the U.S. president won’t demand a quid pro quo (something in exchange for his concessions) who is going to look after U.S. interests?
     Third, by saying the Brotherhood was “once viewed as irreconcilably opposed to United States interests” the author suggests this is no longer true. We know that the Obama Administration thinks the Brotherhood has changed. Yet there is no evidence in terms of deeds, ideology, or statement made in Arabic that the Brotherhood has done so.
     Thus, Obama has given away all U.S. leverage and assets beforehand, just as he did by announcing a year ago, during the revolution’s opening days, that he would be happy to accept a Muslim Brotherhood government.
     So the Brotherhood’s moderation is assumed. The science is settled; the debate is over.
     “The reversal also reflects the administration’s growing acceptance of the Brotherhood’s repeated assurances that its lawmakers want to build a modern democracy that will respect individual freedoms, free markets and international commitments, including Egypt’s treaty with Israel.”
     Wow, yes that’s it. The Obama Administration believes what the Brotherhood says and not what has been said by Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and others including many moderate Egyptians. No one has bothered to look at the actual radical record of Brotherhood lawmakers in the last parliament! Obama has chosen his friends and he’s on the wrong side.

(Continue reading article HERE) 

Divine Music: the amazing 'Choir of the Crickets'

The angelic chorus you hear accompanying the sound of the crickets is NOT a synthesizer or a chorus singing. It's the crickets themselves (slowed down) creating the effect. Really an amazing thing they've accomplished here.

This recording is an extended digitally remixed and mastered version taken from the original1992 recording entitled "Ballad of the Twisted Hair" from the album "Medicine Songs" by David Carson and Little Wolf Band produced by Jim Wilson and released on Raven Records. 


This is just so beautiful that I wanted to share it with you today.

Latest edtion of The Voice Christian News & Views' is now available online

The latest edition of The Voice Christian News & Views magazine is now available to read on-line by following this link. Find articles, cartoons, humour, stories and much more in this great magazine.

FUNERAL PROCESSION FOR FREEDOM AND PETITION AT NORTH KOREAN EMBASSY JAN 20 – PHOTO / INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY

Release International will be staging a funeral procession for freedom in North Korea outside the country’s embassy in London on Jan 20. There will be a prayer vigil, readings from the words of North Korean defectors, and interview and picture opportunities. Release will be handing in a 48,000-signature petition calling for religious freedom.

What will happen

Release will be staging a funeral procession outside the North Korean Embassy on January 20. The procession signifies the death of freedom in North Korea under the previous leadership.

Release will then stage a prayer vigil for religious freedom in North Korea and hand in a petition. Then, from a coffin, white balloons will then be released representing the potential for hope and a new beginning under the nation’s new leader Kim Jong-un.

Release CEO Andy Dipper will then present a copy of the petition to 10 Downing Street, calling on the British government to press for religious freedom. ‘With the country’s new, young leader,’ he says, ‘now is the time for change.’

Visuals and audio

Visuals will include supporters in black mourning the death of freedom. One will be dressed as the grim reaper. A drum will accompany the procession, and there will be and prayers for the future of North Korea. A clear message to Kim Jong-un will be read out stating the changes that must take place under his leadership if North Korea is to be seen as a respecter of human rights.

Where and when

The procession will gather at Acton Town tube station at 10.30am. At 10.45am it will make its way slowly to the Embassy at 73 Gunnersbury Avenue, W5 4LP. The prayer vigil will commence outside the Embassy at 11am. The 48,000-signature petition will be handed in at noon, and the vigil will conclude with the release of balloons at 12.15pm.

Why

‘North Korea has to change,’ says Release CEO Andy Dipper. ‘And with the change of leadership comes opportunity. North Korea has been among the worst persecutors of Christians in the world. It practises a form of emperor worship, and sees people with religious beliefs as disloyal to the leadership and a potential threat.

‘Christians are among those held in prison camps, which have been likened to concentration camps. Thousands more live out their faith in secret to avoid detection by the authorities. With the country’s new, young leader, now is the time for change.’

The event is the culmination of the year-long One Day campaign, calling for an end to religious oppression in North Korea.

Through its international network of missions Release International serves persecuted Christians in 30 countries around the world by supporting pastors and Christian prisoners and their families; supplying Christian literature and Bibles, and working for justice.

John 3:16; God's message to a world in need of life rather than death.

Here's one message that really is for every living individual in the world, but it's especially true for the folk who think that it is intended for someone else and not themselves.

Joanne Lowe's Meditations : 'Our God of Miracles'

OUR GOD OF MIRACLES

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

John 3:16 (King James Version)

     The beloved John W. Peterson wrote one of the greatest songs of all time “It Took a Miracle”.  Mr. Peterson went home to be with Jesus on September 20, 2006 but his music and his love for Jesus is still touching countless hearts and lives.  What a legacy of love he has left for his family.

     “It took a miracle to put the stars in place; It took a miracle to hang the world in space.  But when He saved my soul, Cleansed and made me whole, It took a miracle of love and grace!”  The words in this song are so true.  It was a miracle of love and grace.  Thank God for the cross of love!

     “And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.  Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.  And they parted his raiment, and cast lots” (Luke 23:33,34).

     Heavenly Father, we give You thanks for the miracle of salvation through Your Son’s shed blood on the cross.  Jesus, thank You for loving us so much that even while you were hanging on that cruel cross of agony, You forgave us.  I love You with all of my heart.  Thank You for dying for me and for loving me.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe

January 16, 2012

Lauren Elise sings "I Keep on Loving You"

Lauren Elise had the pleasure of touring in New York and was honored to perform at Carnegie Hall as well as at St. Patricks. She performed during the CMA FEST at the historic Nashville Palace as well as The Listening Room with Host Linda Davis! Both venues have been a platform for many of the country stars of today!

She was recently placed as Vocalist and Entertainer of the Year for the North American Country Music Association in Tennessee as well as Vocalist and Entertainer of the Year in the State of Florida. Lauren has a wonderful band which are  working on new music at this time. She is at home on the stage and looks forward to a future of acting in a variety of venues including film, theater and live music performances.

She is diverse in her music being able to sing theatrical, classical, country, and gospel. She performs at churches, youth rally's, charitable events, fairs, political and business functions both regionally and locally.

She has worked with such foundations as Starlight Foundation, Breast Cancer Awareness, Mended Hearts, Hope Therapy to name a few. She endeavor's to use her craft in film and commercial as well. She takes on-going classes to grow her craft and learn the industry.

Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus : Spoken Word - Ministry Videos

      I have so often responded to folk who, upon finding that I am involved in Christian ministry, say that they are not religious. They use the term as though it's a shield that will protect them from anything I might say to them. It's as if they are warning me against 'talking religion' to them. When I answer their response by saying that I'm not religious they are fazed by my answer, and question that how can I be a minister if I'm not religious.
      Of course this gives me the perfect opportunity to explain that being religious means following a set of man-made rules and traditions, whereas I follow Jesus Christ, God's Messiah, and the teaching that he handed down.
      So I say "Praise the Lord!" that I'm not religious! Religion might make me appear to be a good person to those who look at my outward appearance rather than my heart, but it will never even begin to be able to do what knowing Jesus Christ as my Saviour and Lord can do. It's only through Him that I have the hope of ultimately spending Eternity in God's presence. No amount of religion --- whatever the brand --- can do that.
     The speaker in this video has it just right as far as I'm concerned!

Gary Ellis sings "The Price You Pay"

The Man in The Hat, Gary Ellis with another country classic. The clip features Garys beautiful wife Priani. The song was arranged and produced by Mick Read.

A Short History of Moriah Chapel and the 1904 Welsh Revival

     It was in 1739, following the visit of the itinerant preacher Rev'd Howell Harris to the Loughor area in South Wales, that a Society of Methodists was formed. They met in the kitchen of the farmhouse of Tŷfry - now a ruined building on the opposite side of the road to the present Moriah Chapel. Rev'd Hopkin Bevan became the first minister of the Society which flourished to such an extent that the need for a chapel building became a necessity. The members were poor and unable to afford to build a meeting place. Mrs Elizabeth Morgan, however, made provision in her will for the renovation of a thatched barn which was adapted and became the first Moriah in 1827-28. it was situated at the left hand rear comer of the present burial ground, behind the vestry entrance facing north and with the back towards the present main road. It was known as Capel y To Gwellt, and was officially opened on the 11th October 1828, when the Rev'd Hopkin Bevan of Llangyfelach, preached, amongst others.

     The cause at Loughor was strengthened to such an extent that very soon Capel y To Gwellt became too small, and it was decided to build a larger chapel upon the same parcel of land in 1842, and it then became known as Moriah. A burial ground was attached to the place of worship. A gallery was added to the building in 1849 and before long a chapel-house was attached. The first tenants of the Ty Capel were the family of Margaret Lewis, who came from Landore, Swansea.  David Lewis, a son of the household, became an Elder at Moriah. The family still retained the chapel-house for fourteen years. Traces of the house can still be seen today on the east wall of the schoolroom.

     Another branch grew eastwards out of Moriah, so that in 1890 the first Libanus was built in Gorseinon. On the 15th January 1893, a Sunday School was started in a room above the Broadoak Colliery offices, kindly lent by the owner, Samuel Thomas. This flourished to such an extent that after two years, in 1895, land was acquired and the Pisgah Schoolroom built. The membership at Moriah was again increasing and soon the need arose to build a larger and more spacious building and this was done in 1898 at a cost of £1,700. the foundations being laid by Samuel Thomas, the owner of the Broadoak Colliery, and William Clement, Coed Brydwen Farm, on the 12th September, 1898. The first service was held on a Sunday in July 1899 and the resident minister, the Rev. Daniel Jones, preached the first sermon from the First Book of Kings, chapter 8, verse 57: “The Lord our God be with us, as He was with our fathers; let Him not leave us, nor forsake us.”

     The old chapel, built in 1842, was transformed into a schoolroom in 1903 at a cost of £500. In 1901 the second Libanus was built, and the Rev'd Daniel Jones acted as Minister there as well as at Moriah for about three years, at the end of which time the congregation at Libanus became strong enough to maintain the upkeep of its own minister. In 1903 the members at Libanus built Bethlehem Schoolroom in Penyrheol.

     Rev'd Daniel Jones resigned the ministry of Moriah on the 31st December 1904, and the church remained without a minister until the Rev J. Howell Davies took charge in June 1907. it was during the last few months of the Rev'd Daniel Jones’ ministry that the congregation at Moriah witnessed the greatest Pentecost in its exciting history when Loughor became an important centre of Christian pilgrimage, and the young Evan Roberts became the ‘man of the hour.’

     The devoted son of Hannah and Henry Roberts of Island House, Bwlchymynydd, Lougher, Evan Roberts was a miner by profession. He preached his first sermon at Moriah on the Sunday morning of 18th December 1903, taking his text from Luke chapter 9, verse 23: “And He said to them all, if any man will come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.”

     At the age of 26, his heart was set on entering the Ministry and on the 13th September 1904, he went to Newcastle Emlyn to attend a Grammar School in order to obtain the basic qualifications needed to enter the Theological College at Trefecca, the college founded by Howell Harries, one of the men used by God in the 1859 Welsh Revival. The headmaster was John Phillips, the son of Rev'd Evan Phillips.

     During the evening service at Bethel Chapel, Newcastle Emlyn, on Sunday 30th October, Evan Roberts felt the presence of the Holy Spirit urging him to return the following day to work with the young people at Moriah. His arrival at Island House at mid-day on Monday was totally unexpected, and his mother presumed that he was ill or that he was preaching somewhere in the area. The next fortnight has rightly been called `The Dawn of the Revival in Loughor.'   Wales had never witnessed such a fortnight in its history since the exciting days of 1859.

     Commencing on Monday evening, 31st October 1904, a series of prayer meetings was held at Moriah in which Evan Roberts made urgent appeals to the people to rise and confess Christ publicly. At first the reception he received was one of indifference, which was no doubt due to the unorthodox way in which he conducted the services, the failure to realise that what he prophesied could come about, and more than anything, the cold reception given to anyone who aspires to great things in his own locality. However, this local prejudice soon gave way to the firm reality that Evan Roberts was under the complete guidance of the Holy Spirit. On Sunday night, 6th November 1904, the Holy Spirit descended with great fire upon the people present, and they prayed until the early hours of the next morning. This religious fervour spread rapidly and there was a genuine upheaval. Night after night Moriah was crowded to capacity, and the services continued until four and five o’clock in the morning. People of all denominations took part and made their way to the scene of this great Pentecost from many different countries.

     On the 28th October 1928, under the ministry of Rev'd W. J. Lunt, centenary meetings were held at Moriah to commemorate the opening of the Thatched Roof Chapel' on the 11th October 1828. It was also the 24th anniversary of the commencement of the 1904-05 Revival. The special preachers at the centenary were the veteran preacher, the Rev'd W. E. Prytherch, and Evan Roberts. To quote the Cambrian Daily Leader of the 1st November 1928: “The great congregation would bear testimony to the blessing on the cause in that place for the past hundred years. Twenty years ago to that very night, a vision had been granted to one and there were many who would celebrate the anniversaries of their salvation in the approaching days.”

     On the 29th January 1951, at the age of 72, Evan Roberts passed away in Cardiff, and was buried in the family grave in Moriah cemetery.

     In 1953 a memorial column was erected in front of Moriah chapel to commemorate the greatest Revival the world has known since the Day of Pentecost.  

    In March 1969, under the ministry of Rev'd J. H. Walters, both the schoolroom and chapel were filled to overflowing to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the 19041905 Revival. The afternoon service was conducted in English by Rev'd Dr Eifion Evans, author of The Welsh Revival of 1904. the evening service was conducted in Welsh by Rev'd Dr Martin Lloyd Jones.

     Whilst visitors come to the chapel from all parts of the world, 2004 was a particularly busy year, being the centenary of the 1904 Revival. Visitors from around the globe flocked to Moriah for the celebrations, most from churches, but also many from schools and historical societies.    The climax of the celebrations took place on 30th and 31st October, when a large congregation gathered in the chapel to give thanks to God for sending His Holy Spirit in great power to Moriah exactly one hundred years previously. The chairmen were Rev'd lain Hodgins, Clerk of West Glamorgan English Presbytery and Rev'd D. Leslie Jones, former Moderator of the West Glamorgan Welsh Presbytery. The guest speakers were Rev'd Geraint Fielder and Rev's Owen Milton, both natives of Loughor. The congregational singing was led by Alun Ebenezer of Caersalem, Gorseinon, the nephew of one of Evan Roberts' closest friends, Mr Sam Jenkins, known as `the Sankey of Wales'. Mrs Angela Davies of Llwynhendy was the soloist. 

The Schoolroom as it is today

 Moriah Chapel with the Schoolroom to the left of the photograph.

 'Seiat fawr' --- The Big Seat, situated below the pulpit.

 Looking to the back of the chapel from the pulpit.

Looking to the front of the chapel from the gallery.

 Evan Roberts with The Hon. David Lloyd George

 Evan Roberts' grave, situated in the chapel burial ground to the rear of Moriah. 

 Evan Roberts' parents, Hannah & Henry Roberts.

A section of the Schoolroom kitchen area.

Joanne Lowe's Meditations: 'No More Darkness'

NO MORE DARKNESS

“The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.  He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.  That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.”

John 1:7-9 (King James Version)

     A pastor friend of mine said in a sermon “We were in a cave and it was so dark I couldn’t see my hands”.  It doesn’t matter how many dark valleys we go through and how discouraged we get, the light of Jesus will still shine in our heart and in our life.  When Jesus is in our heart there is no more darkness.

     I love this song that Harry Dixon Loes wrote “Shine For Jesus Where You Are”.  The words in this song should challenge every Christian to shine for Jesus.  “In your home today let kindness glow, Shine for Jesus where you are; Tell someone of Christ and heal sin’s woe, Just shine for Jesus where you are.”

     Does our family see the light of Jesus shining through us?  Are we kind and loving to our family or do we say cruel words and criticize them?  How tragic it would be if someone in our family didn’t accept Jesus as personal Saviour because we criticized them.  We must shine for Jesus in our home.

     One day every one of us will stand before a Holy God and give an account of what we did with Jesus.  May God have mercy on us if we aren’t shining for Jesus and telling people how much He loves them.  Will you have to hang your head in shame because you aren’t shining for Jesus?

     Heavenly Father, please forgive us for not letting others see the light of Jesus in us.  Help us to be kind and loving to our family and remember that You forgive us when we hurt You.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe

January 10, 2012

'My Own Little World' (A Christ Church of the Heartland Production with a song by Matthew West)

      Our world in 2012 is a world filled with need. There are so many different kinds of poverty, but all of them can be rectified by the healing power of the Holy Spirit. Some folk are 'Givers' and others are in need. Put the two together and miracles happen. 
      We live so often in our own little world, but the real world is a gigantic place. Turn your closed world into an all-inclusive world where others are always welcome to come in and to share what you have. By enriching the lives of others your own life will become richer.
      Why not determine to be a 'Giver' this year. Everyone has the capability to fulfil this calling because it's not just about money. You can give time and love, you can give friendship and advice, you can share a meal with someone in need, buy a bag of groceries or give some cash. Whatever is within your capability you can do --- provided you want to help change the world and make it a better place for your being in it.

Do it this year

Start today

Start right now!

For God's sake!

'Faith': Jerzy Przybylski's latest Album

      The following review of the recently released album Faith by Jerzy Przybylski and the Jerzy Group Singers has just been received from Joey Welz, CEO of Canadian American Records, USA. Joey Welz was previously the pianist with the legendary Bill Haley and the Comets, and has released around 80 albums over the years. 
      "I first discovered the music of Jerzy Przybylski a few years ago when he sent me two tracks to produce which I liked well enough to include on my Canadian American Album entitled American Idol. I orchestrated River of Love  b/w Rainbow of Love,  and they turned out to be two of my all time favourite songs of my career. I call Jerzy's music 'MAGIC' . The lyrics are uplifting and they are married perfectly to the melodies. A better title for the album would have been "OPEN YOU HEART" --- which it surely did mine.
      Congratulations to Sheer Joy Music in England for discovering the talents of Jerzy Przybylski.  Personally, I think he is one of the world's best undiscovered song writers, and through 'Faith' the world will discover what I've known all these years, it not only takes talent, but a lot of faith to become successful. Jerzy has them both."
Joey Welz ceo/Canadian American USA
Pianist with BILL HALEY'S COMETS (mca)
      Why not discover the magic of Jerzy's music for yourself by downloading Faith from CD Baby, iTunes or Amazon today. If you prefer to own the CD then you can order it from Sheer Joy Music's on-line shop.

Grace Bawden sings 'If Only I Had Wings'

It was around about April/May in 2010 when I first discovered the amazing vocal talents of Australian songstress Grace Bawden. We were soon in touch and this video of Grace singing If Only I Had Wings,  released in September 2010, was the result. In the October of that year Grace and her mum, Mat, visited the UK on their way to Italy where Grace had an audition for CUBEC in Modena. Of course she excelled at the audition and turned many a head, which given the enormity of her prodigious talent is hardly surprising.


I think that the main thing that impressed me so much about Grace was the fact that she was had such humility and was so totally focussed on her ambition to deliver the very best every time she sang. 


Through my involvement with Sheer Joy Music I meet many singers, musicians and songwriters, and consider this to be one of the bonuses of the job. There are singers who are very good at what they do and there are some whose talents are amazing, but without the dedication and constant focus the talent alone is insufficient to propel them to stardom. Grace Bawden has both in abundance, and I repeat what I have said on previous occasions, that she is destined for true International stardom.  When it happens I can only say that it's not before time! 


This song, which I co-wrote with my partner Greg Scheer,  is available as a download from iTunes, CD Baby, Amazon and most digital download sites, or you can purchase the CD from the on-line shop of Sheer Joy Music.

Dick Damron sings 'Jesus It's Me'

Canadian Country singer Dick Damron excels as he sings the beautiful song Jesus It's Me in his warm easy style. Why not pay a visit to Dick's website and check out more about him.

Trent Jeffcoat sings 'A Seed'

Here's my first Country song post of the new year. I think this is a great song, sung by Trent Jeffcoat and hope you enjoy it too.