Negro Spirituals

Something within me that holdeth the reins.
Something within me that banishes pain;
Something within me I can't explain,
All that I know, there is something within me.

We often think of the Christian life in terms of what God will give us materially. We hear preachers speak of food on the table and a house and a job. We hear about how God will make you successful on your job or take you to the correct job if you lose that one.

However, one of the greatest gifts God has given to you is that "something" that is within you. That "something" that guides and directs you. That "something" that tells pain to stand back. That "something" that keeps you stable in an unstable world. I can't really explain that "something", but God has placed this "something" within you.

Today as we seek to live the life of God, let us keep in mind this great gift that God has given to us which is simply this "something" within.

I shall not be, I shall not be moved
I shall not be, I shall not be moved
Just like a tree, Planted by the waters
I shall not be moved.

Sometimes the sick think of the blessing of God as a cure. Other times the one who has suffered job loss may see the blessing of God as getting that job back or finding a new one. In these cases the blessing is a reversal of fortunes. The blessing is God taking the problem and eliminating it.

But in our lives we often don't get the cure. Sometimes we have to live with the diabetes till we die, sometimes we have to learn how to handle the migraines, and yes sometimes we have to learn how to manage with the arthritides. In addition, some of us may have to recognize that a new job may not be soon on the horizon and happy days may not be here again.

Read the Rest Here

Acts 4:20 (KJV) For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

I believe that these words uttered in antiquity by Peter and John have much to offer those of us wrestling with the pressing circumstances of modernity. Particularly the quandary pertaining to the necessity of the Black church. There are those who seem to believe that the institution known as the Black church has run its course, and is no longer necessary. This paradigm seems to make sense, after all there is little doubt that African Americans, as a collective, have achieved wealth and social status equal to any other ethnic group within the United States. In addition, society has seemingly erased the color line. There is no longer legislated segregation. Hence the question arises, why do we segregate ourselves, particularly on Sunday morning; is there a need for the Black church?

Read the Rest Here

Thanks to the Jazz Theologian for finding this. Pastor Wintley Phipps teaches the origins of the song Amazing Grace in the Negro Spirituals even though it was written by a white slave ship captain. Then Pastor Phipps sings the song.

The Senate has recognized the Negro Spiritual as a national treasure. You can find the resolution at this link.

Troubles of Every Kind
Thank God I'll Always Find
That a Little Talk with Jesus Makes It Right

I got shoes, you got shoes
All God's chillun got shoes
When I get to heav'n I'm goin' to put on my shoes
I'm goin' to walk all ovah God's Heav'n
Heav'n , Heav'n
Ev'rybody talkin' 'bout heav'n ain't goin' dere
Heav'n, Heav'n
I'm goin' to walk all ovah God's Heav'n