Truth is...

For the past eight weeks, we’ve been exploring the debut solo album (What a Day) of Phil Keaggy, one of the true pioneers of Contemporary Christian Music. With his crystal-clear tenor voice and unmatched guitar artistry, Keaggy has won the admiration of fellow musicians and listeners alike  —  whether or not they share his faith.

How fitting that this final song arrives the week before Thanksgiving. Its melody glides into the soul like a soft breeze crossing a meadow, stirring both peace and gratitude. More than a song, it feels like a psalm.

 

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Truth is...The idea of greeting each new morning with a peaceful song of praise is great, but hard to live up to. Maybe I should program my alarm clock to play this song.

      

The penultimate song on Phil Keaggy's debut album, What a Day, is "Hallelujah".

That is also the complete lyric.

If ever there was a "churchy" word that should feel strange on the lips of any non-believer, hallelujah is it. I mean...it doesn't even come out of my mouth all that much except when singing a song or reading a psalm.

It is actually a Hebrew word...a compound word, to be exact...formed by combining hallel, meaning "to praise" or just "praise," and jah, verbal shorthand for the personal name of God, Yahweh. (For a post about Yahweh, click here.)

So hallelujah is more than just a word expressing praise and gratitude to God. It is also an invitation  -  even a command  -  to lift up one's voice in recognition of the awesomeness of the creator.

 

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Truth is...Considering how much Yahweh loves me and forgives me and provides for me and guides me and, and, and ... it's a shame my mouth doesn't form the word hallelujah more often.

      

Take one part Psalm 1:1-3.

How happy is the one who does not walk in the advice of the wicked or stand in the pathway with sinners or sit in the company of mockers! Instead, his delight is in the Lord’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night. He is like a tree planted beside flowing streams that bears its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

Add a cup of John 15:13.

No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends.

Season to taste with "Amazing Grace".

Was blind, but now I see.

Mix well and cook over a sweet overlay of guitars, and you've got Phil Keaggy's "Now I Can See".

 

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Truth is...While being a Christian involves looking at facts and making decisions, there is certainly an emotional element and a personal benefit. I'm not just recognizing Jesus' authority or adhering to a list of rules. I am being transformed into a better, wiser, more joy-filled person.

      

Different people have different ideas about what heaven will be like. In the song, "What a Day," Phil Keaggy sang about his.

 

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Truth is...Nobody really knows what "so we will always be with the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 4:17) will be like. Will we actually get to hang out with our favorite Bible characters? Will we spend time reminiscing with our loved ones who died before us?

No one knows, but I'm pretty sure it will be wonderful. I'm pretty sure John got it right when he wrote Revelation 21:4  -  He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away. (CSB)

      

The last song on the first side of Phil Keaggy's debut solo album offers a warning, a call to action, and a glimpse into a heavenly party...

 

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Truth is...Life as we know it IS going to end, whether by our personal deaths or by the return of Jesus. Knowing that, and desperately needing the rest and peace that Christ offers, isn't there ample reason to put our faith in him and give the angels a reason to rejoice?

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P.S. I've got a book being released November 1, and you can win a copy. In fact, you can win THREE books. Watch the video at this link (which originally appeared on the "Truth Is..." Facebook page), share the links below to your friends on Facebook, X, and Instagram, and help me get the word out about "The Best of Truth Is..." (Please and thank you!)

Link to the FB event: https://www.facebook.com/share/17GDmA3Qi8/

Link to the Amazon Kindle pre-order: https://a.co/d/6UFy2Io