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During my quiet time this week, the Holy Spirit urged me to think about Peace.
The Bible has much to say about peace.  Humanity longs for it.  Yet, peace seems so out of reach, so unattainable, such a futile effort, given the fallen and depraved nature of our world.
So, how do we actually experience peace?  Peace of mind.  Peaceful moments.  Peaceful existence with those who are at enmity with us.
The Gospel of John is one of my favorite passages of Scripture.  John, the Beloved disciple, is one of my favorite personalities in the Bible.  He gives us very creative insights into the character of Jesus as He walked this earth and modeled the character of The Father.
In chapter 14, Jesus is having a dinner with his Twelve.  He has discussed his impending and final days on earth.  He is laying out for them a Vision of what’s coming.  Only a few of them actually ‘get it’.  They all are quizzing Jesus to somehow wrap their minds around the crazy mess they’ve found themselves in since Jesus began healing people from terminal illnesses, touching the unclean people, and basically breaking all the rules of order as set forth by the government religion.
To quell their fears and uncertainties, Jesus begins to describe the Comforter who would come and teach them, and to help them to remember His teachings and practices.
Verse 27 reads, ” … Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” – ESV
The days that would follow that conversation would be filled with much chaos, much danger for those who had confessed that Jesus was in fact, The Messiah that they had longed for.  Jesus would be falsely charged, arrested, beaten, jailed, and ultimately — publicly crucified with two other criminals.  A most humiliating and intimidating execution.
Yet, He is speaking of “peace” … that He will give to them.  Peace that this world system cannot provide and will not freely give.  Peace of mind.  Calm of heart.  Stillness of soul.  How in the world can Jesus possibly speak of peace when all hell is about to break loose with his small band of radical believers?
How can you and I speak of Peace … when all hell is unleashed on us in our little world of life situations, fears, disappointments, failures, and … stuff?
One of my favorite Gospel songs was authored by award winning songwriter Geron Davis.  Peace Speaker has become one of those default tunes that I go to in times of fear, doubt, dismay, grief, struggle, and … well, what feels like a hopeless situation.
I’m a singer … so, I typically try to muster up the courage to ‘sing to myself’, or encourage myself, as David did in the Psalms when he was discouraged.  If you are not a singer, you can click your smart device app, and instantly pull up any song like this one that will encourage you in your time of despair.
Whatever you may be facing this holiday season … I know the Peace Speaker.  I know Him by Name.  You can too.  He’s only a breath of a prayer away.
 

Friday, November 17, 2017 … First Baptist Church Gautier MS
I approached the lead mic, “Good evening, my name is Robby Myrick. Welcome to Thanksgiving Gospel Sing where we are #BringingGospelBack!”
And the crowd erupted with applause and cheers of “Amen”, “That’s right!”

So that’s how the evening began.
From there, it only became more jubilant and joyful with endless songs of happy thoughts, endearing memories, and hope filled truths of our eternal bliss with the Savior who gives us The Reason to sing!

Rachael Gill & Redeemed led with originals from their debut CD titled, Standing On The Rock. These ladies are born and bred South Mississippi girls whose unique songwriting skills blend perfectly with their beautiful 3-part harmonies.

Buddy Watts / Robby Myrick / Bob Nusko [BRB, as they’re affectionately known] sang a few favorites including the classic, O What A Savior, with Robby’s high tenor voice featured. Buddy sang a few of his originals including Thinking About Going Home, which is a hit single for The Hyssongs on top radio stations.

Next, The Bibletones commanded the stage with hand-clapping favorites as well as the power ballad Portrait Of Love. Celebrating 60 Years Of Singing, their new high energy setlist made way for a very special recognition of Mr Howard Rutland, who recently suffered a series of strokes which caused debilitating illnesses.
Howard was strong enough to sing the classic What A Day That Will Be, with the new guys backing him perfectly. The moment was holy indeed, with many a tear-filled eye as we joyfully supported Howard’s faithful endurance and prayed for his speedy recovery.

Then, the evening was rounded out with the legendary sounds of The Dixie Echoes!
Randy Shelnut has led the group since his legendary dad, Dale Shelnut, passed on to glory in May 1983. Along with son Randy Jr [or, “Scoot” as we all know him] the father-son team have carried on a Gulf Coast quartet legacy unparalleled by most across country the nation. Their rich and unique 4-part harmony blend along with a sincere heart for the Gospel Story causes the listener to want to live life to the fullest, love Jesus more, and give generously to our fellowman.
The evening was sealed with a happy congregation singalong including the familiar hymn I’ll Fly Away, led by the entire cast of featured singers.

RMM PRODUCTIONS partnered with a host of local Sponsors and supporters to produce this comeback annual Gospel Singing event which has been anxiously awaited by hundreds of coastal Gospel Music listeners and fans.
Founder-Director Robby Myrick intends to produce at least a half dozen similar events throughout the year to enhance support of the annual Thanksgiving Concert. The plan is to once again draw a 1000-Seat crowd. And hopefully outgrow that venue!
Special thanks to these wonderful Sponsors:

• Fosters Heating & Air, Gautier MS
• Action Printing Center, Pascagoula MS
• First Baptist Church Gautier MS
• Gulf Sales & Service LLC, Pascagoula MS
• Empress Audio, Pascagoula MS
• Charter Bank, Pascagoula MS
• The First Bank, Pascagoula MS
• Sunday Morning Gospel with Cliff Baugus on 95KSJ Country and K99 Country
• Waterfront Productions, Pascagoula MS
• Engulfed Ministries, Lucedale MS
• Wayne Lennep, Moss Point MS

Dedicated or set apart for the service or worship of a deity; devoted exclusively to one service or use; worthy of religious veneration; entitled to reverence or respect; of or relating to religion;  not secular or profane; archaic;  highly valued and important. – Merriam Webster Dictionary
A quick reference to words and their definitions gives us some sort of level, or compass, or guidance.  The word sacred would obvously represent a variety of different meanings and values to different people groups.
In America, for almost 250 years now, we have collectively held certain words, symbols, landmarks, and beliefs as sacred.  Prior to that, we were still in the process of becoming “We the People”.   We are an adolescent nation at best, in historical context and comparison, and we are still learning how to behave as a People.  As one nation.  Under God.  Indivisible.  We are a work in progress.  We are ever learning … all things sacred.
In 1492, as Columbus sailed the ocean blue … ancient kings and queens, and their armies, were still grappling over how they would conquer this land we now know as America.  In the minds of those conquerors, many held their mission as sacred.
Today, in retrospect, some would challenge that ideology.  Some would vehemently disagree with the mission of these idealistic world conquerors.  Some are considered heroes.  Some are considered tyrants and criminals.  Depends on your perspective of all things sacred.
I am a bit of a history buff, so the Story of this land and our People is of much intrigue and interest to me.  Especially, as I grow into middle aged adulthood.  I do not claim to be an expert in political science, sociology, or the matters of world dominion.  I do however, know what Scripture reveals.  I find sacred peace and comfort in the words of the holy books.
As a Southern born and bred Mississippian, my family and our lineage would deem certain beliefs and customs as sacred.  Your family, from your origin of birth and upbringing, would probably do the same.  That is our human nature.  It’s basic psychology.  And it’s actually how God has ‘hard-wired’ us as people groups, or communities, or villages.
In many passages of holy scripture, God calls the people who have chosen Him, ” … My people, who are called by My Name …”.  I know, I know … there are several doctrinal and theological directions we could take when quoting scripture; but, for the sake of this brief commentary, let’s just call ourselves “His people”, if we have placed our faith and trust in Him and His Name.  He created us, and we are His.  We belong to the One who is all things sacred.  He has chosen us.  And He longs for us to reciprocate with freewill and to choose Him.  I believe that God the Father considers our very existence sacred.
So, as His people, who are called by His Name … or, as we have been tagged “Christians” … my heartcry is that we might return to the concept of all things sacred.
I hope and pray in the deepest places within my heart that we might once again consider those things around us as sacred.  Our lineage.  Our spouse.  Our children.  Our neighbors.  Our village.  Our town.  Our city.  Our state and region.  Our nation.  Our world.
Yes, evil exists.  Yes, people choose to embrace evil.  Yes, the evil one is always lurking among us.  Scripture reminds us that he is considered “the prince of the power of the air” … in every earthly sense.  We witness evil and wicked behaviors every day.  But evil does not win.
Scripture assures us, there is a Winner.  A Savior.  A Redeemer.  The Messiah.  The King.  Our LORD.  He IS all things sacred.
HE has empowered us, by His Spirit, to become the light of the world … a city set on a hill. We can become ambassadors of His Kingdom.  We are called to be carriers of His Gospel.  He desires of us that we choose to become champions for His Cause.
We should desire to be doers of goodwill … lovers of others … keepers of our brothers and sisters across all barriers, races, creeds, and cultures.
O God, help us to pursue You, and to once again return to … all things sacred.
 

Click here to purchase online:  www.paypal.me/robbymyrick
*A portion of the proceeds will benefit local Music missions projects. This specific event will assist with medical expenses for Mr Howard Rutland, legendary Bibletones Tenor and former group manager.
• $10 Advance General Admission (*ADD $2.00 Electronic Purchase fee)
• $20 VIP Early Access (5:30pm)
• $100 Sponsorship Reserved Seats (10 Seats per Sponsorship)