No one was more surprised than we were, that "God's Word Will Stand" was our breakthrough charting song. However, with such a strong lyrical message, we really shouldn't be! It wasn't that we didn't love the song or the message, for we were unanimous about recording it. We had just assumed that such a dynamic song, written by such a talented writer, and recorded by some truly gifted artist before us, had already been released to SG Radio. But when our Radio Promotions companies announced that this was the one they wanted to use, we were caught unaware. Turns out they were right, as the song was on the charts for 6 months, peaking at #47!
The Writer, is none other than the talented singer, songwriter, Mr. Greg Day ! Most of you will remember his best known song, "Midnight Cry", the 1988 SG Song of the Year ! I learned, while researching this songs availability, that Mr. Day attends Praise Cathedral Church of God, in Greer, SC., which is my parents' home church. Since then I have chatted with Greg on several occasions, and am blessed to hear some of the new music he is working on. In fact we are currently considering some of his music for our next recording. Greg's wife is Heather Ruppe of the Ruppes, and amazing Mother & Daughters trio.
Not Surprisingly, this song hit's a strong note with Preacher's and Pastor's. It was especially moving when on several occasions the congregation spontaneously began waving their Bibles overhead in unison ! In an age where both Atheists and Agnostics can be so outspoken and influencing, and where movies such as "The Da Vinci Code" attempt to cast doubt and confusion on basic fundamental truths, it's terrific to put forth the powerful message of this song. And that being, try as they might, come what may, the infallible Word of God will still be standing victorious in the end !!
About the Song.........by Joey
The Lyrics -- GOD’S WORD WILL STAND
verse 1)
Down thru the ages, many people have tried, stop the power of God's word
They've tried to control it, even ignore it, anything, so it could not be heard
Yet the word has survived, yes it's very alive, and it still has the upper hand
Before we came along, after we are all gone, God's Word will stand
Chorus)
I've taken my stand, with the book in my hand
and it's stood the test of time
It's weathered the storm, while scoffer's warned,
threatenings of every kind
The eternal survival, of that old black Bible
it's truth will never end
So whatever may come, when it's all said and done, God's word will stand
verse 2)
From the beginning til now, it's not lost it's power, it's still Gods in-errant word
From cover to cover, it's still the best seller, of any book in the world
Written down in those pages, are the answers for the nations, and the truth to guide their path
Whatever they decide, they will surely realize, that God's word will stand
The Lyrics -- CARVED IN STONE
verse 1) He had money to burn, and he had learned, how quickly the world could fall apart
cause his wealth couldn't buy, one day of time, for the teacher he'd followed from afar
Jesus promised he would rise again, Joseph took his body down and buried him
and I guess he gave up hope with in
Chorus)It was carved in stone, as the stone was rolled away
It was carved in stone as Easter dawned that day
Death lost it's hold, and God wrote 'Jesus Saves'
On an empty grave, it was carved in stone
verse 2) Seems like I have been there, where grief and fear,
have threatened to make me loose my faith
when it's hard to believe, I get down on my knees, and pray I'll make it through someway, and when I think that I have reached the end, There's a garden just outside Jerusalem, where my breaking heart can see again.(repeat Chorus)
Bridge) It's a certain as the solid Rock Of Ages, When I need hope how firm is it's foundation
Chorus 2)It was carved in stone, as the stone was rolled away
It was carved in stone as Easter dawned that day
Death lost it's hold, and God wrote 'Jesus Saves'
On an empty grave, 'Salvation' was engraved
With an empty grave, his power was displayed and God wrote 'Jesus Saves'
On an empty grave, It was carved in stone, carved in stone
Easter is quite early this year, so we decided to followup our current radio success with a timely message aimed at the season, "CARVED IN STONE". It won't hurt the success of the song that Gene sings the verses so tenderly, with emotion that is palpable, or that the last half of the song is just..... Huge ! Already it is high on our audience request list at live concerts. I love this song ! I found the perspective in verse 1 to be a complete revelation for me, I had never even considered Joseph's frame of mind before. This is, of course, not Jesus' earthly father, but Joseph of Arimethaea, a rich Nobleman and devout follower of Jesus teachings. Imagine the despair he must have felt, as he begged Pilate for the body of one he thought would be the Messiah, personally wrapped it in the linens that should have been his own death shroud. Then gave his Lord and Teacher over to death, in a tomb originally intended for his own final resting place.
Then the song's author, Ken Stokes, offers us hope in Verse 2. Here we are encouraged , in times of overwhelming doubt and disbelief, to visualize the Garden just outside that tomb. And to envision the message, permanently etched in the discarded gravestone, "Jesus Saves" ! I can only imagine the return of hope Joseph must have experienced when he realized his Lord had indeed conquered death, just as he said that he would. Listen again, and let your mind paint the picture, You'll be blessed !
verse 1) If tomorrow all the things were gone, . . I'd worked for all my life,
And I had to start again, . . with just my children and my wife,
I'd thank my lucky stars, . . to be livin' here today.
Cause the flag still stands for freedom, . . And they can't take that away.
Chorus)And I'm proud to be an American,
Where at least I know I'm free
And I won't forget the men who died,
Who gave that right to me
And I gladly stand up, next to you and defend her still today
Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land, God bless the USA
verse 2) From the lakes of Minnesota , ... To the hills of Tennessee
... Across the plains of Texas, ... From sea to shining sea
... From Detroit down to Houston, ... And New York to LA
Well there's pride in every American heart, And its time we stand and say..
America's most recognizable patriotic song - is "God Bless the USA" ! And never before has it's message seemed more timely! Facing a recession, a crucial election, and with our country's very founding principles being pushed aside, We all need to revisit it's heart stirring message ...
Written By Lee Greenwood, It only reached number 7 on the country charts when originally released in 1984. But the song gained renewed popularity following the launch of Operation: Desert Storm in 1991, and again, ten years later, following the September 11, 2001 attacks; when we as a nation once again embraced it as part of the healing process. In fact, the song even re-entered the Top 20 of the country charts in late 2001.
Greenwood admits when he first wrote the song, he had no idea how much it would impact people. “One of the reasons I wrote the lyric ‘I’m proud to be an American,’ is I really wanted to instill the pride back in America." Mission accomplished ! Who of us can listen without the urge to stand up and join in that rousing chorus !! Now more than ever our prayer is : God Bless the USA !!
No one was more surprised than we were, that "God's Word Will Stand" was our breakthrough charting song. However, with such a strong lyrical message, we really shouldn't be! It wasn't that we didn't love the song or the message, for we were unanimous about recording it. We had just assumed that such a dynamic song, written by such a talented writer, and recorded by some truly gifted artist before us, had already been released to SG Radio. But when our Radio Promotions companies announced that this was the one they wanted to use, we were caught unaware. Turns out they were right, as the song was on the charts for 6 months, peaking at #47! 
