A Reflection for All Saints Day 2024
I am writing this on November 1st, which many Christians commemorate as All Saints’ Day. Evangelical Christians understand the term “saints” as referring to all Christians, past and present, who follow Jesus Christ.
All Saints’ Day is an opportunity to reflect on the lives of those who have gone before us and what that means in our present time.
A few thoughts come to mind.
First, we are part of something bigger and more eternal than our present-day experience. All Saints Day helps us remember that all believers are connected across generations and cultures into one body through Christ. The apostle Paul writes in Romans 12:5, “So in Christ, we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” We each have a unique place in God’s love-spreading-movement that spans thousands of years and billions of souls. You are significant, your contribution is essential, and your life matters.
Second, we are surrounded by a “great cloud of witnesses” who are cheering us on to persevere in faithfully trusting God (Hebrews 12:1). The witness of the great heroes of the faith (see Hebrews 11) testify that God is faithful to keep his promises. Their examples testify that our visible world operates upon divine, unseen realities that are eternal and immortal. Like the saints of old, we too can trust God as benevolent and run the race before us, enduring all hardships as we follow Christ.
Third, a saint can be defined—in simple terms—as a friend of God. This implicates a life of holiness. The real lives of the saints reveal their many flaws and sin patterns, yet, somehow, by his grace, Christ redeemed them. This same gift of grace, the forgiveness and restoration of God through Jesus Christ, is a resource that is still abundantly available to us now. Thanks be to God; it is never too late to be a friend of God.
Finally, All Saints’ Day reminds us that we all can leave a legacy that will bless others. Our choice is to live and act in the here and now in such a way that gives God glory. All Saints Day brings to mind the legacy my family passed on to me: the life lessons taught by my father, the example of my grandmother’s good-natured affirmations, and my father-in-law’s stubborn devotion in caring for my mother-in-law. These and many other saints I remember with gratitude.
Your Response and Application.
1. Take a moment to thank God for the mentors, family members, and friends who have influenced your life.
2. Consider the kind of spiritual legacy you are building. How do you want to be remembered by those who come after you? Seek the Lord’s guidance to leave a legacy that glorifies God and points people to Christ.
My Songs For All Saints Day
I’ve composed several songs throughout the years that would be appropriate for All Saints Day contemplation.
1. “Dash Between The Years”
https://youtu.be/T7TeivTvtfI?si=Q55uWG6R1AyWq8YY
2. “The Measure of A Man”
https://youtu.be/yJlSVINVfgI?si=zo_4tiM2USWShFgF
3. “Whosoever” is a song I wrote for my father’s celebration of life. This current guitar/vox video is from my live stream. I plan to record a full production in November of 2024 for an early 2025 release.
The Lord be with you!
Rob
MUSIC UPDATE: New studio recording begins in November!
Proverbs 13:12 says, 'A longing fulfilled is a tree of life.' After a long wait, I’m finally heading back into the studio to record a brand-new project, “No Matter What.”
At its core, this album is about resilience—holding on by faith in Christ to the hope we have in God through life’s most difficult trials—no matter what comes our way.
In a noisy age filled with generic content, my hope is to craft a meaningful musical work of art that encourages and inspires.
Many folks have responded positively to these songs live. A few titles include:
- Keep the Faith, God Is In Control
- With God All Things Are Possible
- The Best Is Yet to Come
- Whosoever (Dad’s song)
I’m thrilled to collaborate with a group of dear friends, both old and new—stellar studio musicians on drums, bass, keys, and guitars—who will help bring this vision to life. By God’s grace, we’re planning an old-school, live recording session in mid-November to capture the unique energy of everyone playing together.
I’d love for you to be part of this project!
To stay updated, join the crowdfunding campaign, and access exclusive pre-order options, visit: https://robstillmusic.com/no-matter-what-crowdfunding
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Have a great day!
Rob Still Ministries, Inc is a TN Non-profit corporation and 501(c)(3) charity organized exclusively for charitable, religious, and educational purposes, including, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (USA). Donations are tax-deductible for income tax purposes to the extent allowed by law.
