The Value of Encouragement

The Value of Encouragement - October 2018

 Then the messenger who had gone to call Micaiah spoke to him, saying, "Now listen, the words of the prophets with one accord encourage the king. Please, let your word be like the word of one of them, and speak encouragement. I Kings 22:13

Several years ago, a member of Congress referred to me as "the great encourager." That is probably the greatest compliment I could have received! He didn't say I was a great singer. He said I was an encourager.

As my colleague, Dan Cummins, and I walk the halls of Capitol Hill, we've had members of Congress say that they feel better just seeing us. Even if we don't have a chance to speak with them, they know that we are there to encourage and support. We know the Capitol Police and others who work on Capitol Hill feel the same way.

Just today, I received an email from a supporter of Amerson Music Ministries wondering if he might write notes to members of the Capitol Police that I could hand to officers. And in the past, I've had churches write brief, positive notes of encouragement to members of the House and Senate that I have hand delivered. One would be amazed at how much notes of encouragement are appreciated. Ninety-nine percent of the calls, emails, letters and faxes that congressional offices receive are negative.

When I am in churches, I will often ask congregations if they know who their representative is. Most of the time, people don't know. How can one pray effectively for the men and women who represent us if we don't know their name?

 I'm inviting you to join me in becoming an encourager to those who work on Capitol Hill.

If you would like to send brief, encouraging, unsealed notes to your senator or representative, or a generic note to a Capitol Police officer or staff person, contact our office at 818.368.0749 or info@steveamerson.com and we will let you know what to do.

Join me in being an encourager on Capitol Hill.

Steve

The Cross Said, "No!"

The Cross Said, "No!" - April 2018

I know that a cross cannot speak but in writing and story telling sometimes the writer will give human characteristics to an animal or inanimate object. It's always unusual to hear a tree speak or cow sing and dance. Some call it personification and some call it anthropomorphism. The differences seem to be subtle.

Regardless, it is fascinating to see it utilized. The Chick-fil-A television adds are always humorous as the cows hold up signs they evidently have painted that say, "Eat Mor Chikin."    

Giving physical or human characteristics to ideas, thoughts or inanimate objects is called personification.

As we have just celebrated another resurrection Sunday, my mind has focused on the cross. Our Christian faith means nothing without the cross. It functions as a bridge and reaches from heaven to earth to join God and man.

Many churches and Christians seem to downplay the cross. Singing about the blood can be seen as too descriptive or gory.   

So there stands the cross with it's vertical beam reaching to the heavens making a way for us to connect with God, and the cross beam stretching out as if to say, "I love you this much."

Christ loved us so much as his outstretched hands would signify. His hands are saying, "Come unto me all ye who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest."

The cross is a great example of personification. It gets personal. Christ gets personal with us. It is as though the cross is shouting, "No!" No to death. No to pain, fear, sickness and destruction. No!

 As the cross says, "No," we are invited to embrace the cross and say, "Yes."

 I pray that during these days of Pentecost and always, that you will step closer to the cross and say, "Yes."

 Steve

A Year-End Message From Capitol Hill

A Year-End Message from Capitol Hill - December 2017

Over the past three and a half years I have made approximately 20 trips each year to Washington, DC to lead in Capitol Worship services and encourage members of congress. There is no question that God is using me in the halls of Congress.

I hope you will take a few moments to click here and watch this video, which includes remarks from members of Congress to those who support Amerson Music Ministries.

Thanks for your prayers and financial support.

 Merry Christmas!

 Steve

Let God's Voice Be The Loudest

Let God's Voice Be The Loudest - November 2017

A few weeks ago our pastor gave a great message. It was about hearing God's voice and I have been using a thought from his message as I encourage members of Congress. The pressures and demands on Congressional members are intense. People are clambering for their time and attention and they have many voices trying to be heard. My admonition to members of Congress has been that in the midst of many voices, let God's voice be the loudest. And, as I would speak those words, you could see them sink in.

I am honored and humbled that God would allow me to be a voice speaking into the hearts and minds of members of Congress. Over the past two months I shared two different videos. The September video included members of Congress describing the difficulties of working on Capitol Hill. If you missed it, the September video can be viewed here. In the October video, members of Congress described what I bring to Capitol Hill. It can be seen here.

In this third video, members of Congress make an appeal. I would invite you to take four minutes and hear from members of Congress. Click here to watch this video or on the image below.

 Steve

My Christmas Wish for America: Truth

This holiday season, I’ve been doing some reflection on the meaning and complexity of the truth.  Truth can be powerful.  It can bring healing. It can bring change. It can bring peace and closure. It can truly rock one’s world.

The truth can also be devastating.  It can cause injury. I’ve even seen some Christians use truth as a weapon.

Christmas brings with it a reminder of the importance and effectiveness of truth.  After all, the baby Jesus was the embodiment of truth and grace. Thus, my Christmas wish for America is that truth would reign and we embrace the “Word” full of grace and truth.

The Effectiveness of Truth

There is a constancy and unchanging quality to the truth.  It is what it is. It can appear to be rigid and unforgiving.  It can’t be anything but what it is – true.

The effectiveness of truth, however, is based on how it is used and how it is couched.

In the Gospel of John, the scripture says, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory as of the Father, full of grace and truth.” A key takeaway from this scripture is the mention of grace alongside truth.  

In baby Jesus, we find truth wrapped in grace.  Truth wrapped in something soft and warm that we can embrace.  God knew what He was doing when He sent Jesus in the form of a baby. Even the most hardened cynic will soften at the sight of a baby.

The Elusive Truth

Today, truth seems to be elusive. What is true to me, might not be true to you.  Regardless of the perspective, the media inevitably adds its own spin to the truth as well. Lately, just because something is on the Internet does not mean that it is true. Regardless of your views on “fake news,” we do know that there is a “deceiver” and he brings about dissension and division. It is based on the lack of truth.

Truth and America

Those in the leadership of our government don’t seem to be able to agree on the facts of almost anything.

I spend a lot of time in our nation’s Capitol and in congressional offices.  I am able to engage with men and women who occupy positions of power.  It is their job to make laws and decisions that affect our nation. I sometimes overhear conversations between members of Congress and shake my head at what I hear.

It’s fascinating hearing opposing points of view on political topics.  From office to office I hear various versions of the “truth.”  It is no wonder that our government is at a point of stagnation. There is no agreement on the facts or the truth. Each political party has their own facts and their own talking points. They talk past each other and the truth is lost in a sea of deception.

With no place of agreement as a starting point, it is not surprising that very little seems to be accomplished in our government.  When truth is preeminent and agreed upon, it gives us a point from where we can begin to have meaningful dialogue.  

As I walk the halls and pray with members of Congress, I will often pray that their minds and their mouths would be filled with truth. It doesn’t matter what political party one might align with, everyone needs to embrace the truth.  

The “Word” in the form of Jesus was “full of grace and truth.”  On Capitol Hill, I see very little grace and very little shared truth.  Harsh vitriol and partisan rhetoric rule the day.  Agreeing on truth that is filled with grace is vital.

My Christmas Wish For America

The ultimate hope for humankind comes in the “Word,” in the form of a baby, the sacrificial Lamb who takes away the sins of the world.

The hope of our nation does not reside in a political party. Our hope is not dependent on the party of the donkey or the party of the elephant.

The hope of our nation, our world and of humankind resides in the in the party of the Lamb. Only as we gather together under the banner of the Lamb will we see our nation continue to see God’s blessing.

That all men and women would embrace The Truth is my Christmas wish for America.  

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Check out the newest Christmas album from Steve Amerson, "We Need A Little Christmas."  It features 11 all new recordings of your favorite Christmas songs and carols.  Available now, on CD and digital download.

What Christmas Means To The Amersons

The holiday season has always been a special time in the Amerson household. Even in my childhood, the month of December was filled with concerts, family gatherings, and various celebrations.

Christmas Music

My father was a pastor and my mom directed the children’s choir at the church. Growing up in the parsonage and a musical household pretty much guaranteed that I participated in numerous presentations at school, in the community and at church during the holiday season. Christmas concerts, pageants, and services would normally start immediately following Thanksgiving and go through Christmas Eve. Sometimes Christmas has landed on a Sunday, and I’ve even sung or led worship on Christmas Day. It’s all part of being a musician.

So while Christmas has meant lots of musical activities, our family has always tried to remain focused on the true reason for the season. It was and continues to be our goal to keep our eyes on the manger. Our family’s musical songbook included “Winter Wonderland,” and “Jingle Bells” but we also knew that “O Holy Night, Silent Night” and “O Come All Ye Faithful,” directed our hearts and minds to the babe in a manger. “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” is on target as is says, “The hopes and fears of all the years are met in Thee tonight.”

Family Celebrations

Besides the musical performances and presentations, my parents and brothers would always have our family celebrations. Before we opened our gifts on Christmas day, it was our tradition to read the Christmas story.  As a child, I endured the reading of the story of the nativity before opening our gifts and my older brothers would always tease me by suggesting that we should not only read the account from the book of Luke but also from the book of Matthew.  I could barely endure one version but such was the lot of being the youngest in the family.

My mother would always make the most of the holiday time meticulously decorating our home while my brothers and I would hang lights outside. A great meal, including my grandmother’s recipe for yeast rolls, was a part of our Christmas celebration. It was also not out of the ordinary for there to be guests at our dining room table who had no place to go for our Christmas meal. It was part of being a reflection of God’s love as we celebrated the birth of Christ.

Memories of My Mother

While the holidays were special to our entire family, they were an integral part of my mom’s life. My mom was born on Thanksgiving Day and she passed away Christmas morning. Waking up Christmas morning and learning of mom’s passing was in some ways sad, but we knew that she was with the angels singing praise to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

It’s my prayer that each of us will allow our hearts to be a manger where the Christ child can be born.

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Check out the newest Christmas album from Steve Amerson, "We Need A Little Christmas."  It features 11 all new recordings of your favorite Christmas songs and carols.  Available now, on CD and digital download.

Just Why Do “We Need a Little Christmas?”

One of my favorite holiday songs is “We Need a Little Christmas.” This fun, joyous Christmas selection is filled with lyrical descriptions of the holiday season matched with a melody that exudes the spirit of the season. The words of the lyric mention holly, a Christmas tree, stockings, tinsel, fruitcake, evergreen bows, carolers, strings of lights, snow, Santa and a host of other holiday images. In addition to simply mentioning jolly holiday imagery, the overall feeling of the song lifts your spirit. For that reason, sometimes we just need a little Christmas.

That said, we actually need not just a “little” Christmas but lots of Christmas. In recent days, our world has experienced hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and shootings. It is almost as if our world is crying out for the healing and peace that is inherent in the birth of the babe in the manger. Our world needs the Christmas spirit now more than ever to provide a sense of peace, as well as act as a reminder in hard times that Jesus is the answer.

Christmas Offers a Hefty Dose of Peace on Earth

The world desperately needs a hefty dose of peace on earth and good will towards all. If Santa could pull that out of his bag on Christmas morning, that would be great. However, all we really find in Santa’s sack are temporal solutions to our earthly wants and desires. The reality of life is that the gift we need comes not in the shiny wrapping of a package but in the presence of a tiny babe. We need the presence of God and not mere presents.

The Manger Provides the Answer

Years ago, my friend, Lowell Alexander and I composed a song entitled, The Manger Held It All. Oftentimes people say, “Jesus is the answer.” And while it can sound trite and simplistic, Jesus is the answer. In that tiny babe, the manger did, in fact, hold the hopes and fears of all the years and the hopes and fears were met in the birth of the baby Jesus. The truth is that the Christmas present we need doesn’t come under the tree, but actually hung on a tree. The Father’s gift of his son. Jesus is where our focus should be.

As the earth groans under the weight of hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes and as humankind moans with brokenness of the human condition we do need a healthy dose of the true meaning of Christmas and we need as much of as we can get.

Carry the Baby With You This Christmas

A baby always seems to bring out the softer and gentler side of a person. During this holiday season, make a conscious decision to carry the babe in the manger with you. Be a gift giver to those you encounter this holiday season. And if you get bumped during this hectic time of year, make sure that God’s love and grace spills out onto others. Give a gift of grace to those you touch who need a healing dose of peace on earth!

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Check out the newest Christmas album from Steve Amerson, "We Need A Little Christmas."  It features 11 all new recordings of your favorite Christmas songs and carols.  Available now, on CD and digital download.

Coming Together

Last Wednesday evening I was at the standing at the Subway platform in the Sub-Basement of the United States Capitol. I was watching a video monitor of the proceedings going on in the House Chamber that moment. The volume was muted but I could see my friend, Congressman Jeff Duncan, making remarks on the House floor with members behind him laughing. Knowing the Congressman, I could imagine that he was making some humorous remarks.

A few moments later as the House adjourned I saw Congressman Duncan coming down the escalator and ready to board the subway. I asked what was happening in the House chamber and he shared how he had been talking about the upcoming baseball game between the Republicans and Democrats. It was a lighter moment between members of both parties. Before he stepped onto the subway, he asked if I would pray for one of his staff members who parent had just received a cancer diagnosis. We stood there on the subway platform and prayed.

One might wonder with the pressing issues facing our nation, why are members of Congress playing games? I believe that members of Congress need to spend more time together in times of recreation and getting to know each other apart from the politics of the day.

As I have spent lots of time in Washington, D. C. over the past three years, I have heard from members of Congress that they no longer get to know each other as they have in the past. Friendships and connections to each other's families used to provide a setting to find common ground on challenging issues facing the nation.

With the shooting of Majority Whip Steve Scalise and others at a baseball practice in preparation for the Congressional baseball game, the two parties have an opportunity to come together. Representative Scalise is a well-respected member of the House and he has been very supportive of our Capitol Worship services. I leave a note of encouragement in Mr. Scalise's office whenever I travel to the Capitol. My colleague, Dan Cummins and I are thankful for his support.  

I would encourage you to continue praying for our nation and those who work on Capitol Hill including the brave men and women who work on the Capitol Police Force. As I am on the Hill, I have gotten to know many of the officers and pray God's protection and blessing on them.

Pray that this incident would be an opportunity to come together for the sake of our nation.

Our Hope

Finally, it's over. No matter who your preferred candidate was, I think we are all feeling a bit battered and bruised by the process. Some folks have lost friends on Facebook and some have literally lost friends.  Some have lost hope.  

During this political season the words to the hymn lyric written by Edward Mote (1797-1874) have continued to echo in my mind. My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteous. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name. On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand; all other ground is sinking sand.

I'll be returning to Washington, DC the second week in November and it will certainly be interesting to walk the halls, meet with members of Congress and once again lead worship in the Capitol. Some of the men and women that I have gotten to know have lost their election and will not be returning to the Capitol in January. Several of these are solid people of faith who were seeking to serve God as they served the nation. As I return to the Capitol four more times before the end of the year, I am looking forward to the opportunities to be an encouragement to those on Capitol Hill.

There have been calls to prayer before the election but I believe that prayer for our nation is even more important in the coming days. Our hope is not in kings, princes or presidents. Our hope can only be in Jesus, the King of kings.

Steve

THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME

Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you've got, be resolute, and love without stopping.
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (The Message)

Some folks are stubborn. You can probably think of one or two people right now who are hardheaded. Maybe it's you. Some people get something in their head and it is virtually impossible for them to change their mind or point of view. Facts or logic has no effect on what they think and do. And if you try to offer an opposing perspective they will often dig in even more.

Abraham Lincoln said, "Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm." The quote from Lincoln says it well. Before standing firm one should make sure to put their feet in the right place and that would include in the right direction.  I might be standing in the right place but if I'm not facing the right direction, I can miss seeing important things. 

Some believers in Jesus take a stand for the Gospel.  They are unbendable and relentless in their stand for the Truth and yet they are some of the most unloving people.  They may be defending the faith, but their words and actions even towards others who claim the name of Jesus are in stark contrast to Jesus' command to love.

From the scripture in Corinthians, I take two things. I am to be resolute and steadfast but also be a person of love.

In these days of political rhetoric and upheaval, let people know us by our love.

Steve

Encouragement Goes Both Ways

Recently, I spoke to a group of successful Christian businessmen. I was sharing with them about my travels to Washington, DC where I lead worship in the U.S. Capitol and walk the halls of the House and Senate office buildings to encourage and pray for members of Congress. 

My sense was that some were thinking, "Oh, that's nice. Steve goes and sings a song and prays a little prayer." I had to remind myself that God can use the power of a song to do great things including bringing down walls and tearing down strongholds. The importance of a song is also reinforced as that is what is happening around the throne of God right now in heaven and it is what will happen for all eternity.

 God has expanded my territory in so many ways. While the focus of Amerson Music Ministries was about my singing voice, it now includes the words I speak in the halls of Congress.  It also includes the words I write as I deliver notes of encouragement and challenge in the notes I personally deliver.

 But like anyone, I can wonder if my songs, words and presence really mean anything. A few weeks ago my friends, JoAnn and Dan Cummins, walked the halls of the Capitol and captured some remarks from members of Congress and others who work on Capitol Hill. I had no idea they had done this.  They surprised me with these comments and it was an encouragement to me in my journeys to Washington, DC.

To view the video click here. 

Steve

note:  Each time Steve goes to Washington, DC he sends an email newsletter update as to what took place while there.  If you would like to receive these updates, please send us your email address to info@steveamerson.com with 'DC update' in the subject line and we will send you these newsletters. 

Psalm 121

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

I have always appreciated Psalm 121. On many mornings here in California I have looked at the mountains that surround the San Fernando Valley and thought of that passage. 

In August Kristine and I will be in Colorado spending some time at 4 Eagle Ranch in the Vail Valley. The panoramic view from the ranch is stunning with the New York Mountains in the distance. The words, "I will lift up my mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord..." always come to mind.  

The majesty and grandeur of that setting is overwhelming. My help doesn't come from the mountains but from the creator of those mountains. God's power supersedes all that we can imagine and overwhelms the challenges and problems we face. The mountains stand as a reminder of God's infinite power, creativity and greatness.

If you are feeling overwhelmed today, look to the mountains or the hills or even the magnificence of a blade of grass and be assured of God's love and care for you and his ability to conquer the problems you are facing today.

Steve