I, along with with Wes McKinzie, was interviewed by Gary Moyers on this brand new podcast.  Gary (we call him "Mo") toured with the group, Acappella longer than any other individual (including me), and also served the ministry in other leadership capacities.  Now living in Midland, Texas, Gary has launched a podcast focusing on a cappella Christian music.  The current episode deals with ACAFEST and the upcoming AVB reunion concert. 


Stay tuned to Pitchpipe Pro Podcast for episodes building up to the big reunion event in July.  We hope you and your family can make plans to join us for the festival at Lipscomb.

I have asked Latayne Scott to compose these questions for discussion on this important topic.

Which part or aspect of reality is supposed to “carry more weight” for a Christian in lifestyle, decision-making, and other thought, speech and behavior?

“The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who can’t read them.”

The Acappella Company is seeking group directors across the nation who will rehearse SATB quartets for the next Praise & Harmony recording.  We need your assistance to pass along this information to worship ministers and group directors everywhere.

Recently, life has been so busy (in a good way), that I haven't enjoyed any time off.  After developing the habit of taking my camera everywhere as necessary equipment,  my picture-taking has slowed drastically.  Even our trip to St. Petersburg was filled with work-related catch-up (time to break out the violins, ha)  Nevertheless, the weekend proved to be an unbelievable experience with God's people.  I did manage to break the camera out for a few minutes to capture this dusk scene in beautiful Clearwater, Florida.

Why did Elvira Gulch take Toto away from Dorothy?

I hesitate to use this terminology, but it was refreshing to see the number of people leaving the assembly at Northwest this morning on a spiritual "high."  The words used in describing this morning's worship were off the charts; and once again, I was thankful to be around people thirsting for a genuine encounter with God. 


We are finally seeing more and more Christians leave behind their cold and stoic habits to present God a truly heart-felt offering of praise - emotion and all.  O yes, God created us as emotional beings.  You have never worshiped until you have placed your whole being into the offering.  Thanks, Northwest, for your journey.

I'll be leading 25 (count 'em) songs this morning at Northwest.  This church is on fire for singing and worshipping God!

Why is true biblical worship impossible without doctrine and theology?

I have asked Latayne Scott to compose these questions for discussion on this important topic.

How do the three elements that make up reality (the seen, the unseen, and the link connecting them) reflect the Godhead?

We're searching for the "best of the best" volunteer singers from churches across the land. Would you pass this information to your worship minister, worship leader or singing group director? We are only working through group coordinators on this project. NO INDIVIDUAL AUDITIONS ACCEPTED.

The Acappella Company is now seeking quartets of SATB to audition for the next Praise & Harmony recording.
Each quartet will submit a recording of the pre-selected song by the submission deadline.

For more information, contact John Bynum
Use this e-mail address: victoriousgod@gmail.com
John's Phone: 580-399-4758

Twice at the airport, I was addressed as "young man." I didn't think approaching 52 would be described as "young," nevertheless, I accepted the compliment and thanked the kind folks for their astute observation. I also decided to post the video below of a young man singing, "Born Again."

This year is another year for special reunions, as we are looking forward to seeing classmates at the Williamstown Bible College reunion.  Here's a video from thirty years ago of our group singing one of my earliest Gospel songs.  Maybe someone can remind me of the exact time of year the Yosemite Christian Encampment was held back in '79?  How do you like those big glasses I'm wearing?

Today is a very historic day in America!  It's hard to believe that in my lifetime, we would celebrate such a milestone; rising from the shameful events of our troubled past to the current celebration of unity and freedom.  Yesterday, our nation celebrated Martin Luther King.  Today, Barrack Obama is inaugurated as our nations' 44th President.

In the midst of the celebration, allow me to make one troubling comment.  It has accurately been said that "Sunday morning is the most segregated hour in America."  On a very special day like today, I'm forced to ask, Why has the church not been on the forefront of this issue?  Why do our churches remain segregated? Schools and universities became integrated.  The world of sports followed suit.  Government became directly involved in civil rights. Workplaces everywhere have become a refreshing reflection of the communities around them.  So, why is the church continuing to lag behind everyone else in this cause with which we should be in the lead?

Please pray about this and consider doing what you can to build bridges and remove dividing walls.  After all, this is what Jesus would do.

Click the video below and hear Acappella and friends singing, "Lift Every Voice," a very fitting song to mark this day.  Video by Stan Moore.



Lyrics from "Lift Every Voice"

Lift every voice and sing, till earth and Heaven ring,
Ring with the harmonies of liberty;
Let our rejoicing rise, high as the listening skies,
Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.

God of our weary years,
God of our silent tears,
Thou Who hast brought us thus far on the way;
Thou Who hast by Thy might, led us into the light,
Keep us forever in the path, we pray.

Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us,
Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us;
Facing the rising sun of our new day begun,
Let us march on till victory is won.

“It is a common mistake to think failure as the enemy of success.”

When did Ray Kroc, founder of the McDonald’s empire, open his first burger shop?
A. 1935  
B. 1955 
C. 1965
D. 1975

How easy is it for something to become idolatry, presenting a barrier to worshipping the true and living God?  What matters most to your heart?  Are there things that come between you and a complete devotion to God?  These are pertinent thoughts to discuss and ponder.

Now I'm really anticipating the AVB reunion concert on July 3rd in Nashville, TN.

They are calling it "The miracle on the Hudson." An extraordinary splash landing of flight 1549 in New York City yesterday ended with every passenger being safely rescued.

Sharon and I were also flying yesterday morning.  When we boarded the plane in St. Louis that was bound for Tulsa, I noticed plenty of extra empty seats.  Seeking room to stretch and use my laptop, I moved to an exit row that provided extra space.  As frequent flyers know, sitting in an exit row requires extra responsibilities in preparing for an emergency exit.

I cannot begin to tell you how many times I've heard the mandatory safety instructions given at the beginning of every flight.  Rarely do I ever pay attention.  Yesterday, however, was an exception.  I listened intently.  I found myself studying the detailed instructions on how to open the exit door and what steps were expected.  Air travel is a very safe means of travel, but we should never take it for granted.

Am I the only one who usually ignores the safety presentation at the beginning of flights?  What about you?

I have asked Latayne Scott to compose these questions for discussion on this important topic.

What links the two parts of reality? (Try to answer this without the following hint, which you may use if you need to:  1 Corinthians chapter 2.)

Feb 24-26         Worship Leader Institute
Mar 26-28         Tulsa Soulwinning Workshop
April                 P&H South Pacific Tour
May 4-8            Pepperdine Lectures
June 27-30        Red River Family Encampment
July 1-3            ACAFEST International Festival
July 3               AVB Reunion Concert
July                  Acappella Brazil Tour
August              P&H U.K. Tour
Aug 26-Sep 7     Mediterranean Singing Cruise

Check out this interesting segment:


.

“When you ‘wish upon a star’ it takes

two hundred million light-years to receive the request.”

Check out this link of time-lapse photography video from Astronomy North, of the beautiful night skies in Yellow Knife, Canada.

Jim Martin, who hosts a very encouraging and helpful blog, recently interviewed Lynn Anderson here.  We appreciate Jim's helpful articles.

According to the nursery ditty “Sing a Song of Sixpence,” while the king was in his counting house, counting out his money,” what was the queen doing?
A. “The Queen was in the garden, where its warm and sunny.”
B. “The Queen was in the backyard, playing with her bunny”
C. “The Queen was in the parlor, eating bread and honey”
D. “The Queen was in the draperies – she thought it awful funny.”

How important do you think the fellowship time is to your assemblies? Is the church building layout conducive for fellowship?