Articles and thoughts by Steve Green.
The Safest Place
December 31st, 2007
Before the candles were blown out, the cheerful onlookers insisted that a wish be made. After hesitating for a moment, the one at the center of attention voiced a desire for “health, wealth, peace and success.” Of course we all clapped as the candles were extinguished, but for a moment I was lost in thought. Certainly, no one in their right mind wishes for the opposite. I mean, who would ask for sickness, poverty, strife and failure? Yet, even in the midst of a celebration, the words sounded hollow. It was a collision of world-views. Perhaps the wish was not pre-meditated, but only the repeating of words heard before…a polite, safe and socially acceptable thing to say.
Then, a still small voice reminded me of another way… If the whole ministry of Jesus is the proclamation of the kingdom, then the beatitudes must be the declaration of kingdom ethics. Not just a list of rigorous requirements, but the source of blessedness under the reign of God. Contrary to the masses’ understanding of happiness, Jesus revealed a very different pathway to true blessing and then attached a promised result to each one. The poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those persecuted for righteousness’ sake are truly blessed. Like the disciples, I must learn to place my hope of lasting happiness beyond the offerings of this world.
Another thought followed. Haven’t I learned life’s most important lessons through difficulty? Was it Solomon who said it is better to go to the house of mourning than to the house of feasting? God’s discipline and correction, though painful, lead to life, and how I need his life-giving rebukes, whether through his Word or through a friend. Ease seems to cause a deterioration of the soul. A God-ordained dose of difficulty sobers the mind and drives me to Jesus.
A favorite song by Michael Kelly Blanchard began to play in my mind. I memorized it long ago and often rehearse the lyric.
JESUS IN THIS LIFE OF MINE, MORE AND MORE YOUR GRACE I FIND
IN THE KINGDOMS I DECLINE…IN THE BATTLES LOST.
ALL THAT I WOULD HOLD ON TO…HIDE AWAY AND KEEP FROM YOU
FADE LIKE DIAMONDS MADE OF DEW…UNDERNEATH YOUR CROSS.
ALL THE USELESS WAYS OF MY WILL, CLAIMING PEACE WHILE
PEACELESS STILL…ALL THE DREAMS SO UNFULFILLED..BITTER, EMPTY AIR.
HOLLOW BRAG…AMBITION’S BOASTS, HAUNT THE HEART LIKE TIRED GHOSTS,
LEAVE THEIR LESSONS AND THEIR YOKES AND THEIR COLD DESPAIR.
JESUS, LORD OF ALL I AM, HOLD ME WITH YOUR WOUNDED HANDS,
KEEP ME IN THE HOLY LAND OF THE BROKEN HEART.
VICTORY’S AN EMPTY WORD, SUCCESS SIMPLY SEEMS ABSURD,
WHEN COMPARED TO YOU MY LORD, AND YOUR HOPE THAT HEALS.
NO CONDITIONS BUT THE TRUTH, ALL THE SHACKLED SHAME LET LOOSE,
FORGIVENESS THE LIVING PROOF…THAT YOUR LOVE IS REAL.
OH THE EYES OF HUMAN KIND, SHOW THE PAIN THAT NUMBS THE MIND,
SEARCH THE SORROW FOR A SIGN OF MERCY IN THIS MAZE.
AND THERE IN TEARS OF OUR SIN CONFESSED, WRAPPED UP IN HUMBLE
BLESSEDNESS..LORD YOU LIVE THE HONORED GUEST OF YOUR PEOPLES’ PRAISE.
JESUS, LORD OF ALL I AM, HOLD ME WITH YOUR WOUNDED HANDS,
KEEP ME IN THE HOLY LAND OF THE BROKEN HEART.
AND WHEN MY DANCE OF DAYS IS THROUGH,
WHEN MY OLDEST HOUR SEEMS BRAND NEW,
WHEN ALL DESIRES ARE FOR YOU…MAY MY STORY BE.
THAT MY TREASURES WEREN’T OF GOLD,
THAT MY PRIDE LOST ALL IT’S CONTROL…TO YOU,
OH LOVER OF MY SOUL…JESUS ALL TO THEE
JESUS, LORD OF ALL I AM, HOLD ME WITH YOUR WOUNDED HANDS,
KEEP ME IN THE HOLY LAND OF THE BROKEN HEART.
My prayer for 2008 is that God would keep you and me in that safest and most blessed place.
Thanks for sharing the words of this song. I was not familiar with it. Thanks for your thoughts. I seem to always get to a mountain from a valley. A life of ease was not what He promised but if I faithfully follow Him, He will mold me.
Comment by Joel — January 1, 2008 @ 10:36 am
Thank you Steve. My prayer is that you and your family (Tell Marijean Hi for me) have a God Filled 2008. Thank you for your continued prayers. Blessings
Comment by Jeff — January 1, 2008 @ 5:57 pm
Dear Steve,
Your words are always an inspiration to me. Like you I have grown through my difficulties especially the loss of my husband and son. I have learned that whatever difficulty I face in the future I know that God will see me through it.
Comment by Marilyn Weaver — January 1, 2008 @ 7:32 pm
Dear Steve
Your walk with Christ is contagious. You have encouraged me to view future trials as God desiring to draw me close enough to rest in His arms and hear His voice.
Comment by Michael Booth — January 1, 2008 @ 9:42 pm
Steve, your words and music have helped me through some difficult times over the past few years. Thank you for your ministry of hope and encouragement, of love and promise.
Comment by Brad — January 2, 2008 @ 10:57 am
Steve,
What I appreciate about your music and devotions…is that I want to draw closer to Jesus.
Thanks for your reminders of what really matters..knowing Him and being known by Him.
In Christ,
Natalie
Comment by Natalie Kleefisch — January 2, 2008 @ 10:33 pm
Dear Steve,
Growing up you were the sound track to my childhood and my inspiration. Your voice carried me though many dificult times. I am hearing your music (on this site) for the first time in 16 years and am amazed how I still know every word to every song, and how your voice still brings me peace even though i am not currently a “christian” your music still moves me. Thank you
Comment by sarah — January 2, 2008 @ 11:48 pm
Steve,
Thank you for your heart and transparency. I have been ministered for over 15 years now by your songs–they are a gift to me from God. I too, have learned that brokenness is the better way, for it’s the way of Our Master.
Comment by John Jacob — January 6, 2008 @ 7:31 pm
To: Steve Green (our familiar friend)
We would like to welcome you to Kansas City, Mo.
We are excited to come as a family to hear the Lord express His heart through your ministry this coming Jan.13.2008.
We live in Lawrence,Ks.
You have been an important part of our famiy worship since the early l980’s.
We were married l979 - had our 2 girls
1981 and 1983.
As the Lord was leading us out of our Catholic upbringing in the 80’s, we were very much encouraged by your music.
We listened to Christian Radio where we were first introduced to your songs. The girls learned so much from your childrens songs…we still give them as gifts to new borns and birthday gifts. (It’s amazing how much is put to memory through song.)
We just celebrated our family CHRISTmas and your “Joy to the World” cassette was what we put on to wake the household up to celebrate…
the LORD HAS COME!
We all appreciate the tremendous vocal and musical gift God has given you.
(We are pianist) and we so enjoy the integrity of your music. Nothing but the best.
Listening to your songs, is the unique way God speaks to us over and again, in short and concise sermonettes - filled with HIS WORD and His Loving heart…delivering His wisdom via your heart and voice - putting it in our hearts with such beauty and grace…we are very blessed to witness and benefit from your surrendered life.
God willing we will be praising our Lord and Savior together with you “in person” in a few short days.
God continue to guide and bless you and your family.
Alleluia!
Love in Christ
The LaGue-Martinez Family
Comment by Mike & Julie Martinezand Family — January 11, 2008 @ 2:15 am
Steve, I listened to your songs for a long time before it occurred to me that they reflected your walk with the Lord. Thanks for sharing your walk, it has ministered to me and my family more than you will ever know. Ron
Comment by Ron Blythe — January 12, 2008 @ 8:13 am
Thank you for the opportunity to write!
I’ve wanted to be able to tell you how whenever I hear you sing, I hear “excellence” that is so reflective of God’s glory.( When you sing,I actually think of how Handel glorified God with his talent in the same way)~ The words and huge effort that you give to your life’s calling surely are pleasing to Him. It is a great encouragement to me. WOVEN IN TIME was fantastic. I agree with the previous writer who commented on your songs being reflective of your walk: thank you for sharing in that way- it helps to know that others go through the same things. You are a blessing; keep looking to Christ.
Comment by mary — January 20, 2008 @ 7:04 am
Being in your ‘presence’ and sharing in your worship in song always encourages me to love and look like my Savior more. Thank you so very much for your transparency both in song and in the written word. Your ministry has been both a catalyst and a comfort - through trials as well as the loss of my father. May you continue to walk closely to Christ, and may you be encouraged in the work you have certainly been called and gifted to do.
Comment by Kristi — January 23, 2008 @ 9:17 pm
I’m a 19 year old college student. I grew up listening to your hide’em in your heart tapes when I was little. I still have one of them lying around somewhere. Blessings to you and your ministry.
Comment by Travis Blick — January 24, 2008 @ 10:52 pm
Dear Steve,
You are one of those who have touched my life. You are so gifted ,and you’ve used your “gift” for the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus. You have inspired many souls and I am one of them. Keep up the good work and together, let us bring Glory and Praise to the King of kings and the Lord of lords - Jesus Christ!
God bless!
Comment by Nansai — January 25, 2008 @ 1:33 pm
Your music has been an inspiration for as long as I can remember. In 2001, the Lord led me to the doors of the Catholic church in search of the historical Church founded by Christ. It breaks my heart that some of your comments posters feel “something” led them “out of the catholic church” to something else….we constantly pray for the unity of the entire Body. Even, so your spirit, faith, walk are inspiring and a testimony to God’s faithfulness. Don’t ever stop singing.
Comment by Jeff — January 26, 2008 @ 3:54 pm
Steve, I have been to at least 6 of your concerts (actually they are worship events!) over the years in Dallas, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Vancouver, WA, Everett, WA, and I have always come away with an admiration of your musical gift, and how you offer it to our Lord. Your music has meant (and means) more to me than I can say-It is always biblical, always refreshing and, not surprisingly, always the right touch for whatever I am facing. Your humility inspires me the most-Thank you and may He keep you in the palm of His Hands!
Ad majorem Dei gloriam!
John
Comment by John — January 29, 2008 @ 1:40 pm
dear steve: i’ve been a long time listener and prayerful supporter of the ministry God has called you to. I too minister to Gods people in song . I want you to know the acc. traxs you provide have been a huge part of my vocal ministry as well. my heart resonates with your passion brother. praise be to our King Jesus.
Comment by frank rogers — January 30, 2008 @ 9:47 am
Steve,
At the age of 16, in 1985 - I first heard “I Can See - on the Emmanus” on the ablum “He Holds the Keys.” For years the astonishment of that song with its extreme layered complexity drew me in to know more. Meeting you in 1989, and your words of encoragement; voice became years of professional practice, and the song became a ministry reality bringing a large church to tears. You’re pages have changed from the days of “compuServe”, but your honesty, integreity, your spirit and warmth always stay the same. I continue to come back, because as we both grow this process God has placed before us, I see a man devoted, honest, and becomming more transparent to Gods’ will, his truth and his desires now over 20 years. I always wish you the best. In recent years, the song “In Brokeness you Shine” hit so close to home, its performance, and “Teach me to Love” have left great memories of personal ministry to many — all not possible with yor encouragement following a concert in 1989. With the highest respect to you and your family, please accept my warm regards for you, your work, and your ongoing committment to ministry. Thomas Joseph
Comment by Joe Hassis — February 4, 2008 @ 1:21 am
Mr Steve Green,my family and I have been a fan of your Prayer Bear series for years,and even today(We have 4 children,11,9,6,and 3)we love watching and singing along with you and Prayer Bear.
We wish you would have done more shows.I can’t tell you how many times we have watched and sang to this program (especially on sunday mornings while we are getting ready for Church)
Thank-You and God Bless you and your family———-Fidel Linares
Comment by Fidel Linares — February 10, 2008 @ 9:28 am
Dear Steve,
My friend and I were at your concert tonight in Yorktown, VA. Your music was joy to hear and a joy to sing, thank you. I stood by my Mom’s side as she took her last breath 2 weeks ago and I’ve been struggling a little. Your concert was soothing to my spirit in so many ways. God comforted me through your music, your message and through the opportunity to worship. Your songs are like old friends, singing them allows me to worship with freedom.
Comment by Martie Carter — February 15, 2008 @ 9:42 pm
i think i’ve been listening to your music for the past 20yrs. your songs are indeed a testiment of Gods love. keep reflecting HIM.
Comment by kirk — February 16, 2008 @ 12:56 am
We just experienced your concert last night, and I give thanks to God for you and your precious and priceless voice. What a gift you gave us, with your love for Jesus, and your faithfulness to God. It was the first time in years that my daughter of 25 yrs, a single Mom of two precious children, has asked me to go with her back to church. God is so faithful to his children who pray.
May God bless you and your ministry. I had no cash, and the line was long, so I will be getting my CD’s from your website, with my apologies, as I couldn’t give a love offering last night (Sunday, February 17th). thank you for all you do! Anna Everett
Comment by Anna Everett — February 18, 2008 @ 1:38 pm
Que Dios lo siga bendiciendo por sus hermosas alabanzas a Él.
Me gustaria saber si saldrá en algún programa en español para poder verlo.
Aunque se que no me responderá, ojala lo pueda escribir en algún articulo en su página web.
Gracias de antemano por su amabilidad.
Mario O.
Comment by Mario Orellana Muñoz — February 19, 2008 @ 1:32 pm
Dear Steve
I have been a Christian for 18 years now and I cut my “baby teeth” on your music. This morning I heard someone recite the words of “Bring back the glory” and I was taken right back to when I started! And what a joy flooded my heart when I remembered what that song and that whole CD helped me through a difficult time. God Bless you
Comment by Lorraine — February 21, 2008 @ 12:40 am
Steve -
Thank you for being used of God … your CD “Somewhere Between” has really ministered to my heart with the recent loss of loved ones.
I too can testify that your songs are a soundtrack of my childhood and times when life was simple.
May God bless you and uphold you with His hand … In Christ
Comment by Julia Howe — February 22, 2008 @ 8:55 pm
When I was a teenager my grandmother who had Parkinson’s Disease lived in a assisted living home in Omaha,NE, my hometown. After about 3 or 4 years she moved into a nursing home in Lousiana where she later died. That is where she met you and how my family and I first became aquainted with your music 17 years ago. You were a blessing to her and my entire family. Thank You
Comment by Sarah E. Ross — February 27, 2008 @ 7:58 pm
Mr. Green,
I came out of a background believing that life circumstances happened because God was an angry God. During the time God was leading me out of that I discovered your music. I could not listen to The Wedding Dance of the Lamb without imaging God’s feet dancing. When I heard Lift Up A Song, Strengthen Yourself in the Joy of the Lord it was my first introduction to a joyful God. I listened to your tape until it finally broke and every time I listened God removed another scar from my heart. I will never meet you here on Earth, but I look foward to being able to see you and many others in heaven and share the parts you played in what God was trying to accomplish. Thank you, and may God bless and strengthen you and your family.
Jeannie Deskins
Comment by Jeannie Deskins — February 29, 2008 @ 7:33 pm
Dear Steve,
You have been a blessing no doubt. Your songs are inspiring and uplifting. They minister - is it the fact that you pick the message from scriptures, or is it the simplicity that comes so clearly.
You remain unique - please continue the good work. May the Lord continue to shine his light over you and your ministry
Peter
Comment by Peter Andes — March 3, 2008 @ 11:46 am
I enjoyed another concert of yours last night in Lancaster. Thank-you again for coming. (We spoke at the end and my father told you we “sang together” in Spanish in Allentown). I grew up memorizing the words to your songs since my mother played them all the time at our house! My spirit was joyful when, as a young woman I began to understand the deeper spiritual meanings in the words I had long committed to memory, and what a blessing! I continually listen and apply them to my life, all the while appreciative of your excellence in music. (Even moreso now that I married a vocalist!) I hope to share the blessing of your ministry with my children now. Thank-you for your ministry and this blog…I appreciate your insights. Blessings.
Comment by Erin Groff — March 10, 2008 @ 7:45 pm
When I came to know Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior back when I was still 12 years old your song “People Need The Lord” was my first favorite song and was a part my early Christian life and I started collecting your cassette tapes that time. Now I’m 32 and your music is a part of my life. I praise and thank God for you and your music. You are blessing to many people here in the Philippines and around the world.
God bless you and your family.
Raymond Sia
Comment by Raymond Sia — March 11, 2008 @ 10:45 pm
Mr.Green,
I am totally blessed by your songs.I am an 18 year old just finished with high school.I was home-schoooled all my life…I really enjoy you…
Thank you!
Gloriea
Comment by Gloriea Garriga — March 20, 2008 @ 8:33 am
Steve,
I am so glad I found your website. You have always been one of my favorite Christian artists.
I have been listening and have been encouraged and inspired by your music for many years. My husband and I raised 3 children who are now Godly parents who love your music. I was able to be present at one of your concerts in my city years ago and I came away so moved and touched by your ministry. Household of Faith is one of my favorite songs of all time. Thank you for allowing the Lord to use you so mightily over the years to minister to Christians and non-Christians alike. I would love to talk to you when we are with our Saviour in heaven one day. May God continue to use your ministry to reach countless others for Christ!
Comment by Cheryl — March 27, 2008 @ 7:44 pm
The most challenging part of learning life’s lessons through difficulty and adversity is surviving daily through the difficulty until that time when the learning, growth, and maturation are realized.
It makes one wonder at times what God is up to in one’s life and how He has intertwined our lives with others to bring us and others into a closer relationship with Him. It is difficult through the human perspective to fully understand why and in what ways God uses adverse circumstances to learn life’s most important lessons.
My wife and I are currently experiencing what it means to be the parents of a young adult “prodigal” child. This situaiton has caused a sense of grief and loss while at the same time for me a sense of guilt as I ask myself what I have done wrong as a parent over the past 20 years. I know at one level that there is a bigger picture to what I am seeing and that God will use this to strengthen our faith and relationship with Him. However I must admit that in my humanness, this is a tremendous personal struggle for me.
In the story of the prodigal son, we are never told about the father during the time of his son’s absence. We don’t know if he searched for his son or the how much pain he felt during his absence. I understand that God is the father in the story and the focus is not upon him or his emotional state, but rather his love for his lost son. Yet, for a human experiencing a prodigal child the emotions are real and deep and in need of comfort.
Through faith I know in the end I will see God’s plan in this situation and be closer to Him because of it. In the meantime, there is a long road of sorrow, grief, and pain to be endured as a human parent.
Steve, your song “In Brokenness You Shine” has provided a great deal of comfort to me over the past nine months. I hope I can continue to let God’s grace shine through this ordeal. I pray for the hope of the lessons to be learned and thank you for the reminder that this may well be a “God-ordained dose of difficulty” meant to drive me closer to Jesus.
Comment by Doug — March 30, 2008 @ 7:39 pm
Steve,
You haven’t journaled in awhile! Hope things are well in your life. The new videos are nice…you come across as a really normal guy.
Thanks for sharing your life with us in these different ways.
Comment by Mary — April 1, 2008 @ 12:25 pm
i really like your songs. i hope more cd’s will be published soon…..more power to your ministries…
Comment by erwin dave — April 4, 2008 @ 1:16 am
Wow, I know the Lord wanted me to read the above comment by Doug as we are going through the same ordeal. My husband and I have wondered the same things as we watch our child make terrible decisions for her life. As Doug said, your song(s) have meant everything to me (as I am one that the Lord ministers to me greatly through music). In Brokeness You Shine, I’m convinced, is a annointed song for those of us going through this time with our children. Doug I will be praying for your situation with your child as I know where you are! Steve, this is the reason the Lord has you ministering through song!!!
In Christ’s infinite love,
Melissa
Comment by Melissa — April 7, 2008 @ 1:39 am
I am convinced these “coincidences” (such as finding another parent working a similar ordeal) are in reality a “god-thing.” Melissa, I pray for you as well and the multiple layers and types of healing that are needed in the situation our famlies share with regard to our children.
In Him.
Doug
Comment by Doug — April 9, 2008 @ 9:35 pm
Doug, still praying! Steve, you need message boards on here for your fans!
LOL
Melissa
Comment by Melissa — April 18, 2008 @ 7:37 am
Dear Steve,
I am Hanes Ambrosio, of Bacolod City, Phillipines, I accepted the Lord Jesus Christ on Nov.4,1990, and from then on I started to appreciate Gospel Songs, You are my first and always favorite Gospel Singer, the lyrics/words of your songs are very powerful! Pls. keep encouraging us Christians here in the Philippines thru songs! We Love You Steve! -Hanes
Comment by Hanes — April 22, 2008 @ 12:49 am
Hi
Thank you for singing the songs that you have. I dont have your recent albums. But I thank you and God for continue to write,etc. I Hope you are able to bring back the songs from the earlier years. Like Bring back the Glory. Looking for the City. I have them on tape/cassettes and tapes are going non existent.
And the ones I have are worn out.
Please dont forget all of them. Lord Willing that you can put them on CD.
Judith
KS
USA
Jer 29:11
Comment by Judith — April 27, 2008 @ 8:58 pm
Querido hermano,
Quize dejarle una notita para agardecerle por el ministerio que has estado haciendo. Estas en el lugar mas seguro de todos…en la voluntad de Dios. Hace annos(lo siento pero mi computadora no puede hacer enyes), hubo una familia missionera que vino a uno de sus consiertos en Ohio. Los hijos en esta familia temian que iban a perder su espannol. Nada mas quize agradecrle por lo que nos dijistes. No lo hemos perdido. Ademas, crecimos eschuchando a su musica, y nosotros ahora estamos trabajando en diferentes tipos de ministerio. Muchismas gracias.
- Emily
MK de Mexico
Comment by Emily — September 19, 2008 @ 4:05 pm