|
September 2000 Table of Contents
A View From The Front Lines
Change
By Kirk Lyons
The mere thought of the word can send shivers down the spine of the most rugged competitor. In the life of a Christian however it is a constant state of being. Our God is a God of change, and it is only through our changing that we can hope to be more like him.
In Genesis 12:1-3 God tells Abraham to leave his country, his people and his Fathers household (Tampa, Florida) and go to the land He would show him (Mobile, Alabama). God promised many things not only to Abraham but also to the generations that would follow him. Scripture goes on to tells us that Abraham was not only quick to listen, he was quick to go. I don’t know how much our family compares to that of Abraham’s and the situation that they faced but I do know that God has called us to go and the destination is J&J Music in Chickasaw, Alabama.
We have moved several times over the last five years but never with children. These precious new additions to our family and the many deadline delays we faced gave us several opportunities to try and find pure joy in our circumstances. With furniture and clothing arriving weeks late and living with my favorite in-laws for a month, we have produced memories that will last us a lifetime. During our time with Jackie and Jerry we all quickly realized that no matter how big the home, there is not enough room for two families. (4 adults, 2 kids and a dog)
As we have gone through these changes one thing has always been constant and that is God’s faithfulness to work things out in His perfect time. Shanda and I have recently reflected on the five short years we have been together and it is overwhelming to see what God has done for us. Who would have thought that six years ago when I first started in this industry, God would be preparing me for the opportunity to be a part of this incredible business and ministry.
With our family finally settling in I have been able to jump into my position at J&J with both feet. The entire company seems to be riding a wave of excitement as they sense the spirit of change in the air. J&J has experienced substantial growth over the last few years and growth is always accompanied by change. We have many plans in motion as I type this article. Faster more efficient ordering systems, updated shipping and receiving procedures, additional customer service representatives and a more simplified billing and crediting system. Our prayer is that all of these things will work together for one purpose and that is to better serve and meet your needs.
We have just come out of one of our busiest times of year for conferences. I know that many of you were able to attend one of these over the last five weeks in Branson, Gatlinburg or New York. We are continually humbled by the way God moves through these events to refresh and restore His people. We also have the opportunity at these events to be introduced to wonderful new works of music. There are so many of these pieces that will bless your congregation and prepare them for a time to worship the Lord. We have also seen the release of the long awaited companion to the Songs for Praise and Worship hymnal. More Songs for Praise and Worship provides you with 55 additional songs and is sure to bless your Church family.
I would like to close with a scripture that has been my life verse since accepting Christ at the age of 24. Jeremiah 29: 11-13 states: For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future. God continues on to tell us that there will be a time that we will call upon Him And pray to Him. During these times God promises to listen to us. He never sleeps. In the final verse, verse 13 God gives us the answer to any question we could ever ask. “You will seek me and find me”, {all your answers, all your dreams, all of your needs and all the peace you can imagine} “IF you seek me with ALL YOUR HEART.” (Emphasis mine)
This is our humble goal at J&J each day. To seek God with all our hearts and serve his servants to the best of our abilities.
Thanks for allowing us to be a part of your ministries. It is the highest honor I know to serve each of you. Looking forward to seeing and meeting all of you along the way.
Until the Trumpet sounds,
Kirk
email Kirk
Back to Top
|
