Is it God's Will For Us To Be Safe?
Correct me if I am wrong. I looked…I tried to find it…there doesn’t seem to be any verses in the Word of God commanding us to be “safe!”
Right now, the entire world, your friends and family, the local church, and maybe even you are at times consumed with “staying safe.” Billboards, businesses, emails, stores, governments, verbal greetings, all include that same robotic tag word. Yet, as for believers in Christ, it's different. We live for something... correction...Someone else. The concept of safety is not what God has called us to, nor is it found in the vain human efforts that we see today. A face mask does not prevent any and all people from dying of something; reductions to our churches doesn’t prevent disease or keep the world from persecuting (or prosecuting) us. In this sin-saturated world, safety is not fully attainable.
It’s not that safety in and of itself is a bad thing. On the contrary, I am rather fond of it! But it is not the goal for us, as it is for those who are perishing…those who have little else. Scripturally speaking, safety for the Christian is a benefit to knowing Christ and living a Godly life in Him. For example, God is our refuge and strength in times of trouble (Ps. 46). Also the Lord surrounds those who trust in Him (Psalm 125). There is no small supply of verses about God being our source of safety and protection. What an encouragement. God also wants us to care for the temple He has entrusted to us (1 Corthinians 6:19). Yet, there seems to be an intended silence in the area of safety being God’s will
for our life. In fact, there is a good argument for the opposite.
A side-effect of being chosen by Christ, is that trouble is likely a-coming. The world will hate us (John 15:18). 2 Timothy 3:4 says that anyone who wants to live a godly life will be persecuted. The disciples were killed in some pretty unsafe ways for the work of Christ. God sent the people prophets, knowing that that they too would be harmed and killed (Luke 11:49). Jesus prayed that we would not be taken from the world, but that the Father would protect us from the evil one (Jn. 17:15). Let’s face it, it’s not always safe being one of God’s people. God knew the risks to come; and yet He still has a task for us on this earth. We should be okay with that…safety is not our goal. Instead we have a serious hope. Our Hope is eternal.
We have that expectation of enjoying true existence in our Heavenly home just around the corner. There will be no more pain, no more death, for those things are about to pass away. In the noon hour, Dr. David Jeremiah has been discussing the amazing and very real life we get to look forward to one day soon…so we are to rather focus on that. Like the ‘ol hymn says…
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.”
While it is Biblical to exercise wisdom in this life, perhaps safety is a hurdle we need to overcome to truly be about the work of the Kingdom. Do we love others enough and care enough to risk a social connection, to bring them to Christ? Are we serious enough about our faith to do what God has commanded us to do…even to gather together, when it is not socially acceptable, safe, or even banned? How serious are you really about your faith…that He will truly “surround you if you trust in Him?” Did you know our brothers and sisters around the world risk everything in this life for His sake? Are you willing to contract COVID, be persecuted and harmed, or violate a man-made rule to fulfill His commands which are clearly laid out in Scripture? Whose Kingdom do you belong to?
We take a step out in faith, to do His work out of a love for Him, and then leave it up to God to worry about safety. He protects us…really. But whether we are actually safe or not…it’s all good. We trust the One who commands us, we know His power is at work within us, and as Hillsong quite correctly sings, there is "Another In The Fire.” He is with us in the fiery furnace…and always, to the end of the age. That is some seriously good news for Christians. Perhaps instead of telling each other to “stay safe,” we can start a new slogan…perhaps "For His Kingdom," or "Another In The Fire?"
-Dave Andrews
KJOL Station Manager
Local Christian Radio, KJOL
PS- Do you think it is time for Christians to proclaim a different slogan for the days we are living in? I would love to hear your slogan ideas! Email dave@kjol.org.

Tenth Avenue North is back with a new album Back in 2019, Tenth Avenue North announced they were retiring. They had formed in 2000 in Florida. Founder Mike Donehey said the name came “Tenth Avenue North” was supposed to be temporary. They had been scheduled to play at a conference and could not agree on a name for their band. So they chose the name of the street where they lived in West Palm Beach. And the name stuck for 25 years! In 2019, they released “ Greater Than All My Regrets .” And then they announced plans to retire, with a farewell tour in 2020. However, COVID interrupted that. In 2021, they finally played two farewell concerts. But four years after the break “sharpened the band’s focus and God used what they thought was an end to create room for them to experience Him in a new way.” So in 2024 they started recording new music , and the full-length album is being released on May 30. The Archers return! Fifty years after the Archers (siblings Tim, Steve, and Janice) made their debut in contemporary Christian music, they are back with a new album called “Legacy Medley.” It contains new versions of five of their previous hits: Give Us This Day 1980 It Won’t Be Long (Andrae Crouch) 1972 Make Me An Instrument 1977 I Never Knew Love 1991 (from their hit album “Spreadin’ Like Wildfire”) Pickin’ Up The Pieces 1979 The Archers debuted at Jesus festivals during the height of the Jesus Movement in 1971. They came to the attention of Andrae Crouch, Ralph Carmichael, and Pat Boone among others. (They were the first to record Crouch’s “Jesus Is The Answer.”) In 1975, they released their first major label album on Light Records. In 1994, they disbanded.

Chris Tomlin is debuting a new worship song this week which was written around 250 AD. It is being called The First Hymn . The papyrus text was found a century ago among ruins in Egypt, but it wasn’t until recently that Wheaton professor John Dickson realized the First Hymn should be put to modern music. Chris Tomlin teamed with Australian songwriter Ben Fielding (“What A Beautiful Name”, “Mighty to Save”) to craft a modern worship song using the actual words from the original text as translated by Dickson. It includes the earliest mention of the Trinity: Let all be silent, the shining stars not sound forth, all rushing rivers be stilled as we sing our hymn to the Father, Son, the Holy Spirit, as all powers cry out in answer Amen. Amen. Might, praise and glory forever to our God, the only giver of all good gifts. Amen. Amen. You can watch the debut performance from Fort Worth, Texas, on YouTube. Tomlin and Fielding are performing the song and the documentary this week at Biola University and at The Museum of the Bible.

Our April Spring Friendraiser is underway here at KJOL! If you’re new to KJOL, it’s probably not what you think! While most Christian radio stations rely on the ‘ol classic “Sharathon” model for raising funding (interrupting days of programming to beg), as we did for years…KJOL no longer raises funds that way! Instead, we simply rely on God to provide. And we just let you know of our need as it arises. You might ask, “With people moving in and out of the area, how do you let new listeners or people who have never given before know you have this need?” We came up with this Friend-Raiser idea just for that purpose! With the purpose of NOT interrupting programming or even begging annoyingly, we will simply make short quick announcements on the air from time to time in April, letting folks know we need new donors to take up the mantle of service with us. Not only do we need brand new donors, but we still need our faithful monthly and one-time supporters to continue in ministry with KJOL again for 2025. I can tell you from talking to our listeners behind the scenes, KJOL is making a very real and positive impact for God’s Kingdom in our community, as we proclaim the Gospel of Jesus, the Word of God, and encourage Christians around the Western Slope and beyond every day. Each and every one of our supporters has a hand in that. A few highlights for 2025: · Our 2025 theme is Serving Him, By Serving You ; 1 Peter 4:10 · Our New Donor Goal is 30 brand new donors. · Brand New Donors in April with a gift of $25 or more will receive a KJOL branded Nalgene water bottle, graciously provided to us by a generous anonymous donor. · Past donors who make a gift in the month of April will receive a KJOL bookmark/ruler as a thank you gift for your continued faithfulness. · Everyone who donates to KJOL between April 1-29 will automatically be entered to win one of 5 pairs of general admission (both day) tickets to NightVision 2025 ! Our drawing will be held Wednesday, April 30th. Will you personally help provide this radio ministry to our community? When you give to KJOL in 2025, you will be serving our community and the Lord right there alongside of us! Thanks for praying about it. If the Lord leads, you can make a donation right here , respond to our recent mailing, add us to your bank’s bill-pay, or here’s our address: KJOL Radio, 1354 E. Sherwood Dr., Grand Junction, CO 81501 God bless you and thanks for your consideration! -Dave Andrews, KJOL Station Manager

Meet the artists behind three new songs featured on the KJOL Listener Pulse , and tell us what you think! Natalie Lane “All Joy” “ All Joy ” is the title cut of Colorado Springs native Natalie Lane’s debut album. She says joy became the theme of the entire album: “During open conversations with her collaborators, she realized they all had one thing in common: Everyone was going through very real, difficult things, but yet, they were all still managing to find joy and gratitude in the midst of life’s challenges.” I count it all joy when I run into trouble Count it all good when the bad days come ‘Cause I know that you’re always working And I know that you’re still not done So I’m gonna lift your praise through the trial Ain’t no storm gonna stop my voice ‘Cause I’ve lived some life And I’ve learned that I can always Count it all grace, Count it all joy Ryan Stephenson “Preach” Ryan Stephenson says he wrote Preach five years with his old college roommate, but he didn’t feel it was ready until now. His friend Matt Hammitt sings harmonies. “I hope this song is a encouragement for all of us, regardless of what we believe, to not just say things, but to live things, to practice what we preach.” I talk about grace I talk about love I talk about faith But some days I don’t have enough I talk about forgiveness Still learning how to give it Lord, I need your strength to live what I believe I want my life to preach Every breath, every beat I want my life to preach When I’m strong, when I’m weak Through valley lows and mountain highs Every moment testifies Further than my words could ever reach Lord, I want my life to preach Jamie MacDonald “Desperate” Jamie MacDonald grew up in Michigan and met Jesus at youth camp. But she had a troubled home environment and drifted away and fell into a life of partying and drugs. was difficult home life and She left home at 16, but in her 20s had a “wakeup call” and remembered what God had told her at camp. She began reading her Bible, “secretly attended church,” and did mission work. She now lives in Nashville. She says “There’s been so many moments where I’ve felt desperate. I feel like a lot of people get to that low place and don’t know how much God loves them. As my song says, ‘I’m not asking, I’m begging.’ It’s been cool to see God come through in some of my most Desperate prayers.” Oh God, I'm desperate Down on my knees Send help from heaven 'Cause that's what I need Redeem this wreckage Restore my peace I'm not asking, I'm begging Lord, come through for me I need heaven and I'm Desperate Desperate Oh, I need heaven, need heaven and I'm Desperate

You may have noticed we were unable to release an E-News flash last month…it’s been an odd year so far at KJOL! Not only have we been extremely busy here at the ministry, but Ken Andrews (my father and former KJOL Station Manager) and I (the current station manager) have been caring for my mother who has been battling aggressive cancer for well over a year. No doubt if you heard a recent Inside Report or prayed with Zane during Prayertime, you have heard about her condition, even though we didn’t mention her name at the time.

Some Of Our Favorite Songs of 2024 At the beginning of 2024 , I wrote about how KJOL has now surpassed 4000 songs in our library. And then during 2024, you heard another 167 new songs! Some of our favorites include: That’s My King , CeCe Winans --should have been “Song of the Year” How Great Thou Art , Matt Redman & Friends --75 th anniversary edition Heart & Flesh , Taya Smith & Leeland --a beautiful 6-minute appeal to God “My heart and flesh cry out for You” Now That I Know You , CAIN --“The change in me is plain to see, Now that I know You” Prodigal , Josiah Queen --His style may not suit everyone but somebody likes him: 300 million online streams in 2024! (See him at Nightvision in June) Don’t Stop Praying , Matthew West --one of Zane Matthews' favorite songs! And already in 2025 , there are some really fun new songs: Money Can’t Buy , Cochren & Co. --“You fill my life With something money can’t buy “ (Vote for this song in our Listener Pulse survey now!) Oh Death , Mercy Me --“Oh death you scared me to death Oh you ain’t my King though, Oh where did your sting go You ain’t nothin’ but a stone That my Savior rolled away” (don’t miss the video—it’s great!) Dalé (Praise) , Evan Egerer -- Dalé means “give it to him”. It is also a shout to motivate someone. “We give our praise to Yahweh, Dalé Nobody saves like God saves Don’t wait, Corre (run) to the One, come on, dalé ”