God Doesn’t Call the Qualified, He Qualifies the Called

Have you ever heard the quote: “God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called”, or “God equips the unequipped”? These quotes have entered the realm of cliché, but the truth behind them is as strong as ever.

Look at Moses, David and Gideon to name just a few in the Bible… These are men who had every right to have self-doubt – they were weak “average Joe’s”; speech problems; sheep farmer; poor family respectively… Yet each of them effectively went on to change the world as it was at the time.

The key element? God.

No man or woman can change the world in their own power, weak or strong. Yet what seems to happen is that God identifies someone who has characteristics in their early stages, with humility being a key element, and then places a grand mission upon them. He then helps grow them into the potential that He has ordained for their lives. It is so important for us to be open to the mission that He has for our lives, and if we feel something on our hearts – something that is so terrifying yet so mesmerizing  - we should ask for confirmation that it is a mission from Him (check Biblically, consult with pastor etc) – and then trust that if you commit to His mission, He will help you realize all the talents that have been lying dormant up until that point, and you could, without exaggeration, change the state of the nation, and the world. That’s not another cliché or throwaway statement… I genuinely believe that with God on your side, you truly can change the world!

This is not something to take lightly… We all have something on our hearts that we would love to pursue but we make up 1000 excuses not to because of overriding fear. I sincerely hope that you look at examples set by Moses, David and Gideon (there’s probably hundreds of more Biblical examples, and millions of examples in modern times – Nelson Mandela, anyone?), and use them as inspiration to courageously pursue His grand plan for your life; remember, He wants to use you to build His Kingdom… Would it not be selfish to turn that opportunity down?

Peace Amigos

Jordz

Colton Dixon: Anchor

Artist: Colton Dixon

Album: Anchor

Release Date: 19 August 2014

Genre: Rock

Label: 19 Recordings/Capitol CMG

Rating: 4/5

Wow… So, to be honest, I did not expect to like this album when I first read about it, visited Colton Dixon’s webpage, looked at his hair, read about the genre, read that he had placed 7^th in Season 11 of American Idol, read about the type of sound I would be reviewing...  But wow!  Was I reeled in, humbled and anchored (LOL) by the first two tracks!

S.O.S. introduces the album with eerie astronaut, or mission control radio crackles and voices, already setting a tone of urgency for a mission that he may be passionate about.  In my head, anything regarding space communication or travel immediately triggers the Infinite, the Eternal and some kind of bigger picture… The glory and wonder of God, the creator of the universe.

The second track, Our Time Is Now surprised me with its crispness, the uniqueness and unpredictability of its melody.  The rest of the album is equally surprising and kept me enthralled.  It is honest, passionate, appropriately dramatic and worshipful.

My favourite track is no. 7, More of You: “I refuse to gain the world and lose my soul”.

A cool thing about track 6, 35.8483, -86.4518. Type in these digits into the Google machine and it gives you a location, a road in Murfreesboro, Dixon’s home town J  A link back to his foundation, his family… Pretty cool.

“My hope is that at the end of it all, you feel closer to God than you did when you first pressed ‘play.’”

- Dixon

Strong vocals, interesting arrangements, strong piano, strong foundations. Strong album!

Big love,

Sammy

Anberlin: Lowborn

Artist: Anberlin

Album: Lowborn

Release Date: 22 July 2014

Genre: Rock

Label: Tooth & Nail

Rating: 4.5/5

Anberlin is an American band from Florida. The band has been going since 2002, and since the beginning they have been releasing great albums. Their latest album, Lowborn, is no exception.  From start to finish, Anberlin once again proves to us that they are one of the best rock bands out there. Each song has its own theme and message for us.

The album starts with “We Are Destroyer”, an amazing song about the kind of people that we come across in society today. This song speaks to a generation of people that need to be better than generations that have come before them. This album was clearly not meant to be a light hearted listen. Instead, Anberlin have written songs that can be taken to heart. It’s a refreshing change from mainstream music, and this is where Anberlin really shines.

There seems to be one single theme that Anberlin highlights in each song. This is a theme of improvement and bettering oneself. However, there is a hint of hope in every song, the hope and knowledge that we can be better. With most of these songs, Anberlin don’t expressively sing about God or their faith. However, it is through this theme of hope that we get the feeling that the hope is in God.

This album has a touch of sadness though. From start to finish it is enjoyable to listen to, and there is no doubt in my mind that each and every member of the band is extremely talented. However, this is the last album that Anberlin will be releasing together. This album, and this album tour, will be the last time these members will perform under the banner “Anberlin”. Each member is going their own way, but there are no hard feelings amongst its members.

For their last album, Anberlin have ended with a bang. Anberlin have definitely created a masterpiece with this album. I’m excited to hear more about the future of each of the members of Anberlin, and where the road takes them. My personal favourite song on this album is “Stranger Ways”, a song about finding truth and searching for answers.

I highly recommend this album; it’s a great listen for fans of Anberlin and rock in general.

Stay awesome everyone

M

Travel

I love to travel. I’ve been blessed enough to see numerous countries in Europe, Asia and Africa. I lived in South Korea for a year (you can read about it on my personal blog – Bullet Trains and Bicycles), where I taught English and learned as much as I taught. I’ve also just come back from a trip through Botswana and Zimbabwe which I loved! There’s something about being in the wild, completely cut off from technology and all you know, just observing some of the most amazing animals in their natural habitat. I love what travel brings you; not only do you get to see some incredible sights, filled with new people, food and experiences, but you learn so much. When you travel, there is no space for closed mindedness. You’re forced to experience things as an outsider and have to be willing to open your eyes to possibilities you may never have thought of before.

Personally, Korea was a major game changer in my walk of faith. I strayed almost completely, only to be welcomed back by God in the most beautiful ways. I would recommend travel to anyone and everyone. I know that big overseas trips aren’t always feasible but it’s so much more than seeing Europe, America or Asia. I think we need to travel where we are more often. See other provinces, cities, suburbs. We have the most breath-taking country and it’s right at our fingertips. Even just a trip to a new restaurant or market on the weekend can breathe fresh air into a mundane week. If you usually fly to Cape Town, try road tripping it. If you like going to the beach, try the bush. Get out, open your mind and let God and this world speak to you in ways you can’t imagine. Nothing says God is beauty, love and pure awesomeness like watching the sun set over the Zambezi River or hearing the roar of the Victoria Falls.

I just think it’s so easy for us to get bored and wish we lived somewhere else, did something else, was someone else. But we have so much we can take advantage of. Don’t let too much time go by without appreciating your area, city or country. You’ll be amazed at what you’ll notice when you open your eyes.

This past holiday was so incredibly refreshing and I was reminded of how clearly God speaks when we are just still. I had little else to do some days other than sit and look out of a car window. And it was in that time that God was able to break through my busy mind and reveal things to me. I just think it’s so important not only to have that down time, but also to allow ourselves to broaden our horizons and see how other people live, think and experience the world. Even religion. And I wanted to share that with you. Travel often. It doesn’t need to be far, it doesn’t need to be for long. Just do it.

Until next time,

Let go and let God;

B

Judah & the Lion: Kids These Days

Artist: Judah & the Lion
Album: Kids These Days
Release: 9 September 2014
Genre: Country, Folk
Rating: 4/5

So it's almost time for the three-piece folk band's latest release, Kids These Days, which is set to be out on the 9th of September.

According to Brian MacDonald (mandolin) the album has a "young and free feel to it". I personally see them following a similar trend to Rend Collective's latest album The Art of Celebration, with light-hearted lyrics, sounds of happiness and joy and songs of praise. MacDonald goes on to say "Kids These Days is about making the choice to be happy and content with our current situations."

The "youthful" theme runs, not only though the joyful/care-free melodies, but also in the lyrics. Lead-singer, Judah Akers, sings about issues pertinent to "Kids These Days" I guess! :p Songs sharing one's fear for the unknown, excitement for what's to come, hope for the future and being content with the present.

As someone who is in his early 20's I really connect with Judah's latest venture. It is an album filled with energy, joy and honest/heart-felt lyrics. I know many people's critique of country/bluegrass is the fact that a lot of it sounds the same. I, however, cannot fault this album on that. Kids These Days is packed with variety. Straying somewhat from the overall feel of the album is my favourite song "Water" with its rock-type riffs and vocals.

This band is growing from strength to strength and I am excited to see where God leads them! I highly recommend that you support these guys and purchase this album on September 9th!

Peace and Love
A