Stay...Safe?
Dave Andrews • July 20, 2020
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.
Our April Spring Friendraiser is officially underway! From time to time on the air, you might hear a gentle reminder to support KJOL in 2026…it’s not a Sharathon…just a time to encourage new friends to come alongside us in ministry to proclaim the Good News of Jesus and God’s Word across the Western Slope.
Fifteen Incredible Easter Songs! Every Easter, I love hearing the wonderful Easter songs, starting with (and ending with) Charles Wesley’s Christ The Lord Is Risen Today . Here are a few of my other favorites that you will hear on KJOL on Easter Sunday. You can no doubt think of many other songs. 2nd Chapter of Acts (also Keith Green) Easter Song Don Francisco He’s Alive Lenny LeBlanc Above All Matt Redman The Cross Has Said It All Newsong Arise My Love Can’t Keep A Good Man Down Phillips, Craig & Dean Crucified With Christ Robin Mark The Wonder of Your Cross (10 minute version!) Ron Kenoly & Hillsongs Australia Jesus Is Alive Larnelle Harris & Sandy Patti I’ve Just Seen Jesus Twila Paris Lamb of God Dallas Holm Rise Again Hillsongs Australia My Redeemer Lives Greg Long Mercy Said No
Many KJOL listeners have indicated they enjoy songs with a country music flair. As it turns out, there are some great songs out right now that fit that description. John Waller & Eric Lee Brumley “ Surprise Me” John Waller is a former worship leader at a church in Parker, Colorado. His songs have been featured in several movies by the Kendrick Brothers: “Fireproof” ( While I’m Waiting ) “Courageous” ( As For Me And My House ) “War Room” ( Crazy Faith ) Eric Lee Brumley grew up in Rhode Island. His life was turned around when he got involved with Teen Challenge and began writing songs. He sings “blue, rock and Americana Gospel.” Caleb & John “ Finished ” Caleb & John are an unlikely collaboration. Caleb Crino is a pastor’s kid who studied classical piano at Belmont University, while John Secker is a self-taught guitarist. John’s style “leans toward the gritty, rootsy side” while “Caleb’s sweet spot is in pop melodies.” They met through a mutual friend while performing with CAIN and Anne Wilson. Their big hits are “ Somebody Like Me ” and “ Hallelujah Feeling .” Ben Fuller & Carrie Underwood “ If It Was Up To Me ” Last October, Ben Fuller was a guest at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, singing his new song “If It Was Up To Me.” Then he introduced a surprise guest on stage: Carrie Underwood. Their voices blended perfectly in a spellbinding performance (which you can see in the link above). The Band Reeves “ My Country ” The Band Reeves is two brothers, Jeramy and Cody Reeves of East Texas. Their newest song is “a heartfelt anthem celebrating faith, family, and the everyday values that define Band Reeves — two brothers who are everyday family men with calluses on their hands and Bible verses in their songs.” They arrived on the music scene in 2022 with their hit “ Higher Than The Heavens .”
The staff and I step into the month of February with a little trepidation but leaning on God. Coming out of maybe the busiest year in my memory, the pattern continues into this month. We look ahead to some challenging projects and hard anniversaries. We would love your prayers.
The new movie “ I Can Only Imagine 2 ” is now showing in Grand Junction. It is a sequel to the highly successful first movie, “ I Can Only Imagine ” (2018) which was inspired by the title song about how MercyMe lead singer Bart Millard reconciled with his alcoholic father. Even before that movie came out, Millard was on tour (2017) with his 15 year old son, Sam, who is diabetic. But while MercyMe was having tremendous success, Millard’s relationship with both his son and his wife was strained. “When you're a parent of a child with any kind of chronic illness, these things don't go away. You have a lot of good days, but some days you feel like you're losing bad. I was in the midst of one of those bad days when 'Even If' was written," Millard recalled. “ Even If ” was co-written with Tim Timmons, who had joined MercyMe on tour. Millard discovered that Timmons was carrying his own hardships and secrets. When film director Andy Erwin (October Baby, Jesus Revolution) heard “Even If” he was blown away. "I never dreamed there was more story to tell — until we heard the story behind 'Even If.' Learning how Tim and Bart co-wrote that song out of deep, lived faith moved us to tears; the honesty and hope woven through each of their journeys are undeniable. (Filmmaker) Brent (McCorkle) and I knew immediately that 'I Can Only Imagine' truly deserved a sequel." A new song written for the movie, “ Make It Well ,” expresses even more pain and struggle. Make it well with my soul Don’t let me face this loneliness alone Make it well with my soul I need a peace that only heaven knows Jesus could you please Just sit and cry with me Till I can sing It is well with my soul I Can Only Imagine 2 opened Feb 19 at the Regal Canyon View theater and The Picture Show in Grand Junction
KJOL added 118 new songs in 2025. That’s a new song every three days! The list included a number of great new artists. Megan Woods ( The Truth ) 24 year old from Massachusetts who overcame an abusive relationship after a friend introduced her to Jesus John Wesley ( Oh, What a Friend ) Not the hymnwriter! John Wesley Honaker is a worship leader in Florida. Rachel Purcell ( Show Up ) A native of Muscle Schoals, Alabama (home of a famous recording studio), Purcell is also a country musician under her maiden name Rachel Wammack Emerson Day ( God Ain’t Finished Yet ) (album version!) She graduated as a “decorated lacrosse player” with a degree in homeland security. But instead, she felt called to pursue Christian music. Jamie MacDonald ( Desperate ) A Michigan native who met Jesus at youth camp, left home and forgot Jesus, returned to the Lord in her 20s. Peter Burton ( Where Would I Be ) He started Thrive Worship at Bayside Church in Sacramento with Lincoln Brewster. Now he is a solo artist with Story House Collective, managed by Matthew West. (Bonus for the guys: the video features a 1975 Chevy Blazer with a custom 409 engine!) Jet Trouble ( I Need You ) The most unusual name in our repertoire! He is a Dallas based musician whose full name is James E. Troublefield (J.E.T.). And he knows about trouble: his father was diagnosed with ALS and died, inspiring “I Need You.” And we can’t discuss 2025 without mentioning one more notable artist. Forrest Frank In July, he was playing with his daughter in his driveway when he crashed his skateboard and broke two vertebrae! While lying in bed, he composed the song “ God’s Got My Back! ” Then two weeks later, tests revealed his back was healed! He later decided not to attend the Dove Awards, saying “I will not receive a trophy for something that is from Jesus and for Jesus.” He swept the Dove Awards anyway: Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year ( Your Way’s Better ).
