Some secular hits are Scripture based. ‘Turn, Turn, Turn’ reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart December 4, 1965. Check out the lyrics; or better yet, read Ecclesiastes Chapter 3:1-8. You’ll discover very little difference. I have an interesting story about ‘Amazing Grace.’ I’ve shared it in my writing before; it’s worth repeating.

Many are familiar with the life story of John Newton; the hymn’s writer. Before being touched and transformed by Christ, he'd been involved in the slave trade. ‘Amazing Grace,’ (written by him in 1772), speaks of his miraculous transformation and rebirth. Who could imagine that the song would one day have a place on Billboard charts?

Judy Collins' popular version remained on the charts for 15 weeks; peaking at #15 on February 19, 1971. At the time, my husband Norm was working as music director of 1470-WOHO Toledo, Ohio. Putting the hit record into music rotation caused quite a stir. His boss had gone away for a few days. Driving back into town he heard ‘Amazing Grace’ on his car radio. He thought Norm had lost his mind!

“I stand to this day testifying both to small and great, stating nothing but what the Prophets and Moses said was going to take place,  as to whether the Christ was to suffer, and whether, as first from the resurrection of the dead, He would proclaim light both to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.’

While Paul was stating these things in his defense, Festus said in a loud voice, ‘Paul, you are out of your mind! Your great learning is driving you insane.’  But Paul said, ‘I am not insane, most excellent Festus; on the contrary, I am speaking out with truthful and rational words (Acts 26:22b-25 NASB).”

Published articles in Mature Living Magazine, Devotions for the Deaf, The Secret Place, Coosa Journal, Mary Hollingsworth's The One Year Devotional of Joy and Laughter, Jo Krueger's Every Day in God's Word. http://www.pamforddavis.com
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