Last night I attended a revival here in my hometown, and Sunday Edition was there as the special music guest. They only sang two songs, but they brought the house down. They have never sounded better than last night. They opened with a song of mine called BETWEEN TWO THIEVES, and closed with LONG AS I'VE GOT KING JESUS. I don't know why they chose to sing one of my songs, when Amy is writing so many great original tunes for them, but I was honored. Great job Deon, Amy and Chris.
Larry Hinson, of the original Hinsons was the guest speaker. Also in the crowd was Eric Hinson, who sang with the Original Hinsons and the New Hinsons. Right beside Eric was one of my favorite songwriters of all time, Ronny Hinson.
Larry and his wife Janna, and Eric sang an old Hinson Family standard called THE ANSWER IS CALVARY. Even though that song is now over twenty years old, it is still as powerful as it was when I first heard the Hinsons sing it. That is the sign of a great song, and a great writer.
As Larry began to preach about Jacob wrestling with the Angel until God blessed him, I looked across the aisle every now and then and noticed how Ronny was soaking in all that was being preached. After the service had ended, Ronny made the comment to me that he noticed how intensely I was taking notes on what I heard.
That got me to thinking about how songwriters have to stay fresh. A writer has to constantly be soaking in new information and revelation if he or she wants their songs to remain fresh. Without feeding your spirit with Daily Bread, all that you will eventually have to offer will be stale bread.
I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to travel quite a bit with my group. We are privileged to hear many guest speakers in places where we have been booked to sing. I hear a lot of ideas, opinions, and sometimes God given revelation on familiar passages of scripture almost every week. And then when I am home, I get to hear one of my favorite preachers of all time, my own Pastor, Johnny Minick.
Many of you do not have the same opportunities that I do. But I'm sure there are several well grounded churches in your town that you have never visited. Now I am not suggesting that you start looking for a new church if God has already placed you where you belong. But I am saying that sometimes we can listen to the same voice from the same pulpit for so long, it becomes easy to "tune them out" at times.
If this describes your situation, then let me make a suggestion. Why not choose 4 Sundays a year to visit another church in town. And if your are real brave, try visiting a church from a different denomination as yours. You will probably hear things from other voices and pulpits that you might never hear from your own church. Some of it may be good, some of it may not. That will be for you to decide.
Leaving your home church 4 times a year may not be an option for some of you. Many of you are on staff at your local church, or part of a band or praise team, or teach Sunday School, and you cannot miss. If that is the case with you, then try this. Call several of the surrounding churches in your area. See if they record their church services, or sermons on tape or CD. Many churches do. Sometimes the recordings are free, and sometimes there is a small charge to cover the cost of the blank cassettes or CDs. You might be very surprised at what kinds of themes and catch phrases other churches use on a regular basis.
Whatever you decide to do, just keep pouring God's Word into your spirit. You will find that after a while, it just begins to overflow.
You will be pouring out songs just because they are bubbling over inside of you.
Until next time, keep on writing!
Daryl Williams
http://www.darywilliamstrio.net
Author: Daryl Williams
| Author's Website: http://darylwilliamstrio.net
Written: 04/30/2005
| 
Category: Monthly ArticlesThe Songwriter
Comments: 7
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Daryl,
I am a songwriter. I was just reading your article. I noticed that you mentioned Ronny Hinson. I wrote a song a few years ago and had the honor of singing it for Bro. Hinson. He gave me a great compliment. He said "In Nashville, that dog would hunt." I would be happy to send you the lyrics for your input on it. Thank you for your time and consideration. May God Bless You.
Hi. i've been singing in church since i was 5 years old i'm 48 now. i do cds where i write all the songs play all the instruments and sing all 4 parts. i was wondering how do i find a good music publisher that can be trusted. i also write country songs but more concerned with the truth of God's word. i do my songs at church with soundtracks i make or play and do solos.
I was wondering if anyone could get me the song lyrics to "The answer is Calvary." My husband is wanting to sing it at church.
I see where Eric Hinson has a song on the charts.
I love to hear Eric Hinson sing. He sounds like Kenny Hinson.
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