Time Is Of The Essence
Devotions and Personal Reflections on the Songs from the Album of the Same Name
by
Del Downs
David Harder
Gary Harder
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.
Copyright © 2014 Del Downs, David Harder and Gary Harder
All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever
without the express written permission of the authors except for the use of brief quotations in a media review.
FOREWORD
This book is a collaboration that came about as we three worked on recording the CD of these songs. The CD is also entitled, “Time Is Of The Essence.” One of our many discussions about music was how different people get different meanings from songs. We were sure that if the three of us explained how these songs applied to our lives we would find varied thoughts and meaning.
So, after prayerful consideration, we decided to but our thoughts onto the written page. The results were as we expected. Because of our different personalities, styles, and backgrounds our thoughts on each song were uniquely different. You, the reader, may even get something totally different from the lyrics and a different Scripture reference may come to mind when you read them. If so, that’s great! That’s the Holy Spirit talking to you.
You are certainly free to read through this book however you feel led. One thought we wanted to share is that when we discussed having the three of us write about each of the 10 songs then it seemed logical that this information could serve as a basis for a monthly devotional. So, if you find it useful to use in this way, please focus on the writings, the lyrics and the Scriptures we referenced and study His Word taking one devotional each day. Honestly we’re just happy that you’re reading this. We hope it helps you grow in your walk with the Lord.
Mark 10:27 “With God all things are possible.”
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Gary Harder - I first would like to thank my earthly father for being the inspiration to write the words to Prodigal Sons. I dedicate the song to him and other parents who have lost a child to the world. Never give up hope for them. My father is truly a man of God. He has enough faith for many people. His spirituality and trust in God saved me from a very painful life and an eternity of damnation. He is the most righteous person I have ever met. He has suffered many trials and temptations, as evidenced in his memoires titled My Walk With God. Still, he has balanced and adapted his beliefs to become the most loving and caring human being possible, even in today's sin-filled world. I believe that if you would meet him, you would want to be exactly like him. He is a true testament to how I believe God wants each of us to live.
I thank my mom for everything she has done for me too. Her song is in the works....just not completed yet. God took the best things about my dad and the great things from my mom and rolled them up into this child. I am not saying that I am better than my parents but the potential exists for me to be whatever I strive to be. I hope that someday I will be as great as they are. They did everything they could to raise me in the Light. That Light saved me when I decided to take a dark path through life. I was not an easy child to raise, but they did all they could. I only hope that these songs may inspire others to change the paths they are on. Don't go down the lonely, empty, hurtful road that I chose.
Next I would like to thank my brother David for his undying faith in me, too. He is responsible for me even putting my feelings into words. When I heard that he and his friend Del were putting this CD together, I was inspired to do something I had wanted to do for a very long time, write songs! My brother is my mentor. He drives me to be a better person. I thank Dave for never giving up on me though I wandered far away. I feel closer to my family now than ever, even though I live 500 miles away.
I want to thank Del for all his hard work writing the music (and lyrics) for these amazing songs and all the time he has spent mixing them and trying to convince my brother that he has a wonderful voice to deliver these messages with. God willing, maybe you will be able to hear my angelic singing when they produce another CD. I was greatly anticipating meeting Del. The stories my brother told me about this musical maestro had me drooling at the chance to come face-to-face with him. His brushing with some of the great musical talents of my youth, whom I admired, made for stories that are candy to my ears. The stories my brother told me about Del do not do justice to how great this man is. He has a wondrous story to tell and the ability to use music to tell it.
I want to thank my sister for being who she is. She has been silently standing on the sidelines cheering for me. She is the most innocent and purest soul I know. She shows empathy to everyone around her. I can't imagine feeling everyone's pain the way she does. She has taken this burden onto her shoulders and if you are lucky enough to have her to lean on you are indeed blessed. I love her so much. Thank you, Sharon, for being my biggest fan.
I also need to thank my friend Jill for her support. She provided me with the inspiration to write some songs and helped me with a lot of the ideas for my devotions when I seemed to be at a loss for the right words. Jill has a beautiful heart and a troubled soul. She is on a journey to find answers to her many questions. Maybe I can help her find the peace she seeks as she has helped me with my demons. Our paths have diverged along the way but maybe they will end at the same destination. Although I hope Prodigal Sons and the others on this CD reach many people, if they save even one soul from Hell it will not have been an effort in futility.
Last and definitely not least, I want to thank God for the influence He has had on me and my family and the people who have crossed my path and changed me; some for the good, some for the bad, but all part of a good learning experience. I thank God for loving me and caring about me and not letting me fall through the cracks into Hell.
Del Downs - Any project of this magnitude always involves people that go unnoticed because of the “behind the scenes” nature of their contributions. Yet their part is always as vital to the project getting done as any other, sometimes more so. Such was the case with my wife, Sally. She has been completely behind this project from day one, always encouraging me to pursue it regardless of the time involved. The second half of Ephesians 5:31, talks about how “...the two shall become one flesh.” When a man has an idea from God and then receives total support from his wife, he has the freedom to apply his whole being to accomplishing it. That is such a blessing!
Gen 2:18 “And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” Both my wife, Sally, and David’s wife, Loretta, are living examples of that verse. They spent a lot of time without us while we were pursuing this project. It was a labor of love that was done with great joy, nevertheless, it did take some time and they were on board. Many thanks to both of you!
The old preachers used to always ask the question, “If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?” Well let me tell you, my friend David is guilty as charged! It doesn't take long to notice someone who has a deep commitment to the Lord; it is evident in everything they do. When they say they'll pray, they pray. When someone needs help with anything at all, they show up to help them with anything at all. They treat people with respect in true humility. The apostle Paul says it much better:
Philippians 2:1-4 “Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”
That is David, a real inspiration to me. He is an incredibly talented man in so many different areas and yet a most humble man as well. I know he is cringing as he reads this because it is way more attention than he wants, but it is scriptural for me to say these things. Proverbs 27:2 “Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth...” Most people would struggle with tackling a project of this size. Many would either not attempt it at all or give up without seeing it through. However, it takes a real man of God to pursue what God tells you to do, being obedient without hesitation and without regard for just how much energy and dedication it will take. Like I said, he is a real inspiration.
My involvement with David's brother Gary came later into the project, but he is definitely an apple that fell from the same tree. During the course of our time together, I had always enjoyed hearing David tell many different “brother Gary” stories. David obviously loves his brother and I was always fascinated by his adventures. Then one day, David showed me his brother's words to Prodigal Sons. It was also evident that Gary is full of love for the Lord and has wisdom that has been gained from living life. It has been a real pleasure getting to know him and working together with him on this. He is a real “bonus” blessing.
Normally, this is where I would say, “last, but not least...” However, I want to acknowledge my Lord and Savior for being both first and last. In fact, it starts with Him, ends with Him, and is all about Him in the middle, as well! Lord Jesus, all of this is for you. It is for Your praise, Your glory, Your honor, and Your will, which has always been to have us preach the Gospel to the entire world. May You find us ever faithful in that pursuit. In Jesus’ name, amen!
Revelation 22:12-14 “‘And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.’ Blessed are those who do His commandments that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.”
David Harder – I thank God that this project, the book and the CD, exist. If you had told me about this a couple of years ago I would not have believed you. This is beyond anything I would have imagined so it’s definitely from God and for His glory! I know He has had His hand in my entire life and has performed many miracles for me. Thank you Father for all You do for me and most of all for Your Son, Jesus, my Lord and Savior.
Next, I have to thank my wife, Loretta. She’s my biggest fan in all I do. It’s a blessing to be admired by your wife and in that way and many others I am truly blessed. I’m also her biggest fan and her heart for the Lord is amazing! She inspires me to grow and continue to become a better man. It’s a great life when your wife is also your best friend.
I’ve joked with Del that it’s a good thing we accidentally got acquainted so the Lord could put us to work on this. However, this relationship didn’t surprise the Lord. He’s guided us and watched His plan come together. I know in my case He had to thump me a few times to keep me on track but I eventually got the message. Through many winding paths Del and I ended up at the same church. When he started attending and playing trumpet in the praise band I just sat in the congregation amazed at his talent. I blew a trumpet (I won’t even say “played” anymore) in high school but this guy can do what I only dreamed about. We ended up actually meeting and getting to know each other, finding many common interests along the way. From there a friendship/working relationship developed and we’ve both grown because of it. Del’s lifetime spent in music gave him the talent and ability he has today that enabled him to create the music for the CD. If you listen to it you will find different musical styles presented and his ability to dream all that up is beyond amazing. He has a true heart for the Lord and dedicates a lot of time to prison ministry as well as teaching and preaching. He’s a good guy and a true friend, and my life is better for meeting him.
I also want to thank Everett Daves for all he’s done for me over the years. He was editor of The Kansas Christian newspaper and gave me (and also Del at an earlier time than me) opportunity to write and help with the paper. One of the things I did for a few years was to write music reviews. That branched out my already deep interest in music. The writing also helped me develop an interest in attending a local writers’ group to improve my skills and that led to publishing a couple of books. All that gave me experience to put this book together. Everett also agreed to edit this manuscript so that we could present to you the reader a quality product.
I thank Gary for putting up with me in our childhood. He was the younger brother and a couple stories from our childhood, as I remember them 40 years later, ended up in my book, “Retta, Mongo and Me.” Although my memory may not be completely accurate I know he took the brunt of some of our experiments in physics. He’s since forgiven me. We’ve certainly had some good times in recent years so I’m glad the Lord has us together working on this book and the music; what we have so far and what’s yet to come.
Thanks also to my parents and sister for all their support. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without their guidance and examples. I’ll clarify and place that comment only on my good traits and not my shortcomings. The shortcomings and failures are solely mine. I am blessed to have been raised in a small town with a loving family. The combination of family and environment was perfect for me and instilled a value system that although I walked away from it from time to time, I have returned to it and my goal is to not forget shortcomings and failures but use them to grow in the Lord. This was also embedded in me by my family and the way they lived their lives.