Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

Dennis & Melinda

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

Merry Christmas,

Dennis & Melinda

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You will find the show notes and lyrics below:

Hello and welcome to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast. Here in Oklahoma we have more than our fair share of storms - especially in the springtime. More than our fair share of tornadoes. I know. I know. We live right in the smack dab middle of Tornado Alley so what should we expect?

This week’s song is called Like Lightning and Thunder and the story behind it is probably not one you might expect. I was on a 40 day fast in May and June of 2010 and I was experiencing many major storms of life. Let’s just say that I was feeling somewhat overwhelmed by life. The storms seemed to be raging out of control and I did not know what to do.

I then began to meditate on Psalm 40 along with Isaiah 40 as a means of helping me stay focused on the fast and my need for the Lord to intervene and restore me physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. On may 10, 2010 - day 8 of the fast - I happened to be meditating on Psalm 40 verse 5a which says:

Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders which You have done, And Your thoughts toward us [plans for us]. Psalm 40:5a NASB

As I began to meditate on this passage of Scripture - began to just mull it over in my mind - I kept getting stuck on the phrase ‘many are the wonders which you have done’ and for some reason, I was reminded of something I did quite a few times when my children were still at home. During some of those springtime tornado storms I mentioned earlier, I would often load my children into our 15 passenger van and we would go storm chasing. Don’t bother calling child protective services. They are all grown and out of the house now and actively seeking therapy for these episodes.

Seriously, I wanted the children to have a healthy fear of the power of those storms, but I also wanted them to develop a sense of wonder and awe at the beauty and creativity and power of God’s love being demonstrated right before our eyes. With every bolt of lightning, we oohed and aahed about how massive or how beautiful the display was…at how creative God was in the way no two lightning bolts were ever the same…at how some would flare out into dozens of streams streaking across the sky while still others seemed to crash directly into the earth with one incredibly intense impact.

We marveled at the way in which some thunder seemed to all along as if it were bouncing off of the clouds seeming to echo for several seconds while still other claps of thunder would sound as if a bomb had just exploded very near the van. I taught them how to estimate how near the lightning strike actually was by teaching them that if you count five seconds between a lightning strike and the thunder that follows it, that means lightning is just one mile away. I thoroughly enjoyed these storm chases and enjoyed watching my children overcome their fears and begin to see with eyes of wonder - even in a storm.

And then it dawned on me. I needed to learn to see the spiritual and mental and emotional storms of life in much the same way as I saw a physical storm. Rather than being overwhelmed and overcome by the storms of life, I could step back while in the midst of these storms and see them from God’s point of view. The song Like Lightning and Thunder was born that day and I recorded it just as you will hear it. I added the storm sounds later from a recording of a storm I sat through while on the front porch of our house. This song gives me a much greater appreciation of the magnitude of God’s power and creativity…and it does something very healing in my soul.

SONG

[Psa 135:6-7 NIV] 6 The LORD does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths. 7 He makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth; he sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from his storehouses.

I love that passage from the Psalms. It brings a strange kind of calm to my soul. I know I share quite a bit about one of the storms that I am now encountering in my life. Parkinson’s. I am honestly feeling my body and my mind losing ground at times, but I feel somehow sustained by the fierceness and the fury of this storm because it causes me to lift my wings of faith and rather than being blown about by these relentless and strong winds, I spread my wings of faith and use those very same winds to help me rise above the pain and suffering and see the beauty of the storm. 

I see the beauty in the way my children help me find the humor and joy in this storm. I see beauty in the way my grandchildren take it in stride and argue about which one gets to hold my party hand - the one that tremors almost constantly. I see beauty in the way my wife cares for me even when I feel like I am a burden to her. I see beauty in the way people treat me with kindness and patience when they notice me tremoring or having a difficult time getting my words out. I see beauty knowing my God is walking through this storm with me. Heck, I find beauty in the fact that I still have the capacity to be creative and write and that my writing still sounds coherent and seems helpful to people. 

I encourage you to take the time to watch a storm  as it passes over you and around you - from the safety of your home, of course - and look for God’s handiwork. I honestly find storms to be amazing and beautiful. Why not live our lives with that sense of wonder? Why not look for something to be grateful for when we go through such storms? I guarantee you and are never alone - even in the most  devastating storms of life - and that does my soul good.

Before I say goodbye for this week, I would humbly ask you to consider getting a copy of my brand new book titled Parkinson's & Recreation 2 - No Walk in the Parkinson’s. I bare my soul in this book as to how I am dealing with Parkinson’s and I believe it will encourage you whether you have Parkinson’s or not. I really do. It's available in paperback, e-book, and audiobook. And if you wouldn't mind doing this for me: once you have read the book, would you consider going back to the place you purchased it online and leaving me a five star review?

I have to share a couple of quick reviews from those it has already received reviews from on Amazon.com.

GO writes: Inspirational and encouraging book. This is a wonderful uplifting book. I highly recommend it. You won’t be disappointed.

CR writes: 5.0 out of 5 stars It is life stories and Jernigan history mixed with how they deal with Parkinsons. I have read both of these and love his sense of humor and steadfast faith in God’s love no matter what happens. The second book recalls events from his life in the public eye, again remembering humorous episodes.”

Please consider reading the book,Parkinson's & Recreation 2 - No Walk in the Parkinson’s, and please consider telling others about it, if you don’t mind. That would help me out tremendously.

Thank you for tuning in to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast! For more about my journey, music, and updates, visit dennisjernigan.com. Stay connected by following me on Facebook, Instagram, and enjoy my music on various streaming platforms. If you'd like to support this podcast's creation or the many various ways I still seek to minister the life and love of Jesus to others, consider joining my team at www.patreon.com/dennisjernigan.

If you're looking for the mp3 of the song “Like Lightning and Thunder" from the album "Forty Days and Forty Nights - Songs of Contemplation and Intimacy Vol. 1," head over to the store at dennisjernigan.com or find it on your favorite streaming service.

Remember this from today's episode: we can either be overwhelmed by the storms of life or we can use them to tap into the rich beauty and amazing power of God’s love in our lives - even with a storm like  Parkinson’s thrown into the mix. My plan? To minister to the needs of others in spite of Parkinson’s by continuing to trust in the Lord. Now, go and be who your heavenly Father says you are.

Vol. I – Song Eight – Day Eight

Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders which You have done, And Your thoughts toward us [plans for us]. Psalm 40:5a NASB   Like Lightning & Thunder Words & Music by Dennis Jernigan Received on May 10, 2010 Psalm 40:5a ©2010 Shepherd’s Heart Music, Inc./Dennis Jernigan   Verse Many are the wonders you have done Many are the thoughts you have toward us Great and awesome are your works   Many are the wonders you perform Many are the cold hearts you have warned Great and awesome are your works   Pre Chorus 1 Like lightning in the storm, a mother and a child, A lion and its roar, a river running wild, Like courage facing fear, a tender loving kiss, Two faces drawing near, the joy of being missed   Chorus Like lightning and thunder, life is resounding Like lightning and thunder, your love is astounding Like lightning and thunder, in power and glory Like lightning and thunder, your love wrote my story   Like lightning and thunder, the fact that you love me Like lightning and thunder, constantly thinking of me Like lightning and thunder, Your blood washed me and cleaned me Like lightning and thunder, in love You redeemed me How great you are How great your wonders are to me   Verse Many are your wonders great and small Oceans running deep or mountains tall Great and awesome are your works Many are the wonders of your love There is nothing greater I know of Great and awesome are your works   Pre Chorus 2 Like laughter in the rain, stars across the night A kiss to ease the pain, the twinkle of a night Like blooming of a rose, a true and faithful friend Like watching children grow, like love that never ends   Chorus Like lightning and thunder, life is resounding Like lightning and thunder, your love is astounding Like lightning and thunder, in power and glory Like lightning and thunder, your love wrote my story   Like lightning and thunder, the fact that you love me Like lightning and thunder, constantly thinking of me Like lightning and thunder, Your blood washed me and cleaned me Like lightning and thunder, in love You redeemed me How great you are How great your wonders are to me                        


7804 W. Fern Mountain Rd. Muskogee, OK 74401 
www.dennisjernigan.com•1-800-877-0406 
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You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You will find the show notes and lyrics below:

Hello and welcome to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast. I’ll be honest with you. I sometimes find it hard to believe God has blessed my life the way He has blessed it through music. I honestly have no idea how many songs I have written through the years, but they number in the thousands…most of which you will never hear on this earth. I do not share that as a boast, but I share it to show you how God has led me through my life.

I have gone through much blood, sweat, and tears to receive and write down each of those songs. I have endured so much pain during certain periods of my life that put so much pressure on me that songs like Wounded Soldier or Atom Bomb or If I Could Just Sit With You Awhile were literally like lifelines sent from God’s heart to mine. Even as I record this podcast I am in a great deal of physical pain and suffering due to Parkinson’s. My attitude is one I have learned simply by living my life in relationship with Jesus. I believe God can and will use Parkinson’s for my good and for His glory. That’s honestly what I believe. I learned how to put off the old way of thinking and to put on the new way of thinking by simply meditating on Romans 8:28 NIV, which says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

There are still naysayers in my life who try to negate this attitude by putting down my faith in Jesus. I have heard people say things like ‘If God is so loving, why does He allow bad things to happen to good people’ or ‘How could you trust a God who allows such horrible things in your life?’. The answer to that is actually quite simple. As of the release of this podcast episode, I have been on this planet for over 66 years and have been walking intimately with Jesus through my faith in Him…and He has never given me one reason to not trust Him. He is trustworthy and He is Faithful and He is True…especially when bad things happen to me or someone I love. Mankind allowed sin into the world and sin is the source of all suffering and pain. I don’t know how else to say it.

This week I am sharing the story behind a song of mine called I Will Trust In You. This particular song came on May 9, 2010, which happened to be day seven of a 40 Day Fast I was doing as a means of cleansing my soul, mind, and body in order to draw closer to Jesus. As another means of helping me keep my eyes and mind focused on Jesus, I was meditating daily on Psalm 40 and on Isaiah 40. This song came as I meditated on Psalm 40 verse four part ‘A’ in the NIV Bible. which says, “Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD…”

For far too many years I had placed my trust in all the wrong places and in all the wrong people, in my own performing to help make people like me; basically trying to save myself. In the process, I went through many times of betrayal and many times of emotional wounding and discovered, ultimately, that I could not even trust myself. I especially could not trust myself.

To make a long story short, after all was said and done, I found myself at the rock bottom of my life having nowhere to look but up, and in that moment of utter pain and unending shame, I recognized the love of God; that God himself had been pursuing me my entire life. All those I had put my trust in for all those years, had let me down in one way or another. But the only one left standing with me and for me and beside me when I hit the bottom was the God of the universe. Jesus met me right in the depths of my depravity, loving me enough to reach as far as I could fall but also loving me enough to not leave me there in that dark and dreadful place.

They say trust is earned and if that is the case, Jesus has earned it and then some! Think about it: Jesus endured pain and sorrow and suffering and torment and had the entire weight of my sin, plus the sin of the entirety of all mankind, all because He wanted to know us…and to make way for us to know Him. When I was left high and dry by others or by my own selfish thinking, He was there for me. Always has been. Always will.

SONG

Proverbs 3:5-6 in the New International Version of the Bible says it this way:  5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

I trusted in the Lord as a young man over 40 years ago and I find myself approaching the age of 67 and I can look back and honestly say the Lord has been more than trustworthy. Knowing him has been worth all the heartache and suffering and pain. He is worth our trust. He is worth our life. Let's trust him this next coming days. 

Before I say goodbye for this week, I would humbly ask you to consider getting a copy of my brand new book titled Parkinson's & Recreation 2 - No Walk in the Parkinson’s. I bare my soul in this book as to how I am dealing with Parkinson’s and I believe it will encourage you whether you have Parkinson’s or not. I really do. It's available in paperback, e-book, and audiobook. And if you wouldn't mind doing this for me: once you have read the book, would you consider going back to the place you purchased it online and leaving me a five star review?

I have to share a couple of quick reviews from those it has already received reviews from on Amazon.com.

GT writes: loved this book! It was a great mix of humorous stories and anecdotes, history, reality checks, and just an overall good reminder of how crazy life can be. We all struggle and deal with difficulties, but it is how we face those and choose our attitude that makes the difference. A meaningful quote from the book “My God wastes absolutely nothing. Not even my failures. That should speak volumes to us all.”

And my favorite review so far - I will only share the first sentence - because it’s a bit longer. I actually found myself wanting to read the book again after reading just the opening sentence. PC writes: I laughed, I cried, I think I peed once or twice!

That just made my day and then some! Please consider reading the book,Parkinson's & Recreation 2 - No Walk in the Parkinson’s, and please consider telling others about it, if you don’t mind. That would help me out tremendously.

Thank you for tuning in to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast! For more about my journey, music, and updates, visit dennisjernigan.com. Stay connected by following me on Facebook, Instagram, and enjoy my music on various streaming platforms. If you'd like to support this podcast's creation or the many various ways I still seek to minister the life and love of Jesus to others, consider joining my team at www.patreon.com/dennisjernigan.

If you're looking for the mp3 of the song “I Will Trust In You" from the album "Forty Days and Forty Nights - Songs of Contemplation and Intimacy Vol. 1," head over to the store at dennisjernigan.com or find it on your favorite streaming service.

Remember this from today's episode: we can trust the One Who has always been there with us…the One who took our sin and shame to the cross on our behalf…the One Who fills us with resurrection power…the One Who never leaves us and never forsakes us. We can trust Him…even with something like Parkinson’s thrown into the mix. My plan? To minister to the needs of others in spite of Parkinson’s by continuing to trust in the Lord. Now, go forth and embrace the truth of who your heavenly Father says you are.

I Will Trust In You Words & Music by Dennis Jernigan Received on May 9, 2010 Psalm 40:4a

Verse I have made it this far by no help of my own There is only one, there is one help alone And I will trust in You I have put to much trust in the things that I see Sending my hope crashing down around me So I will trust in You

Chorus I will say of the Lord, He is the rock where I stand Every other hope is merely sinking sand So I will trust in You For I know blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust Any other hope just blows away like dust So I will trust in You

Verse I once promised myself, in myself I can trust But my broken promises left me in shame and disgust So I will trust in You There is only one name that I know I can trust And whatever it takes to find I know that I must So I will trust in You

Chorus I will say of the Lord, He is the rock where I stand Every other hope is merely sinking sand So I will trust in You For I know blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust Any other hope just blows away like dust So I will trust in You I will trust in You I will trust in You

Chorus I will say of the Lord, He is the rock where I stand Every other hope is merely sinking sand So I will trust in You For I know blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust Any other hope just blows away like dust So I will trust in You

I will trust in You I will trust in You I will trust in You I will trust in You I will trust in You

Chorus I will say of the Lord, He is the rock where I stand Every other hope is merely sinking sand So I will trust in You For I know blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust Any other hope just blows away like dust So I will trust in You

Yes, Chorus I will say of the Lord, He is the rock where I stand Every other hope is merely sinking sand So I will trust in You For I know blessed is the man who makes the lord his trust Any other hope just blows away like dust So I will trust in You

Yes, I will trust in You

©2010 Shepherd’s Heart Music, Inc./Dennis Jernigan

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You will find the show notes and lyrics below:

Hello and welcome to the Dennis Jernigan podcast. Through the years God has seen fit to give me many songs and there's a story behind each and everyone of them. This week’s song is no different. The song is called The Source and it can found on my recording Forty Days & Forty Nights - Songs of Contemplation and Intimacy, Volume One.

This particular song came on May 8, 2010, which happened to be day six of a 40 Day Fast I was doing as a means of cleansing my soul, mind, and body in order to draw closer to Jesus. That means of helping me keep my eyes and mind focused on Jesus, I was meditating daily on Psalm 40 and on Isaiah 40. This song came as I meditated on Psalm 40 verse three part a which says, “Many will see and fear And will trust in the LORD.”

In those days I was still traveling and ministering around the world quite a bit and honestly felt a bit overwhelmed and out of control of my life. It seems like my life was well ordered and very much in sync with the Lord, but reality was that I had many things I was clinging to which the Lord wanted me to release to him.

Some of the hardest things to release in my life involved my children. Basically, I was having to learn to let them go and release them to begin their own adult journeys without me trying to control or manipulate them in anyway regarding the choices they would need to make on their own.

On another level, the political climate of those days was becoming quite hostile toward me which, in turn, worked against me feeling free enough and safe enough to share my story of deliverance from same-sex attraction. Even though I knew God was the source of my strength, I begin to recognize during the fast that there were still areas of fear that I needed to deal with.

I desperately needed to strip away all the fear from every area of my life and I did this by reminding myself that God loves me with the passion and intensity of 100 million stars and that he is the absolute source of everything good in my life. He spoke the universe into existence. He set every star, every galaxy, and every planet in just the exact place in the gravitational force to sustain life. Quite simply, I truly needed to see him as my all in all.

The Lord reminded me that he would be with me every step of the way through this journey we call life. He reminded me that I was never and had never ever been alone. He reminded me I was not here to be served but that I was here to lay down my life as a servant to those around me. He reminded me that even if I lost my life due to my faith, there would be no big change because I would still be with him. The bottom line was becoming quite evident to me. I needed to see Jesus Christ as the source, as the only one who could truly meet my deepest needs.

And let's take the next five minutes and simply acknowledge the fact that Jesus Christ is the source of everything we all need. He is here. Let’s acknowledge that truth whether we feel anything or not. Let’s plug into out Source right now. Ready?

SONG

Regardless of our circumstances, regardless of the countless hurts and wounds we receive throughout this journey we call life, and regardless of what anyone else thinks about our faith in Jesus, our God is the ultimate source and he is ultimately in control…especially when our lives seem to be spinning out of control. I have Parkinson's and I hate it, but I believe my God is able to use it for my good and for his glory - and that is enough for me. My personal goal is to just simply stay connected to him each and every moment of each and every day.

John 15:4-9 in the NIV has become very dear to me due to my health issues. In these verses, Jesus says it so clearly and I take it so personally: 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.’

No matter what, I must remain connected to Him. I must - WE must - remain in His love. It is in this place of God’s love that the cares of this world - even Parkinson’s - is unable to touch me. And I can live…I mean REALLY live…with that.

Thank you for tuning in to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast! For more about my journey, music, and updates, visit dennisjernigan.com. Stay connected by following me on Facebook, Instagram, and enjoy my music on various streaming platforms. If you'd like to support this podcast's creation or the many various ways I still seek to minister the life and love of Jesus to others, consider joining my team at www.patreon.com/dennisjernigan.

If you're looking for the mp3 of the song “The Source" from the album "Forty Days and Forty Nights - Songs of Contemplation and Intimacy Vol. 1," head over to the store at dennisjernigan.com or find it on your favorite streaming service.

Remember this from today's episode: the one and only place in the entire universe to have all your needs met is in our relationship with Jesus Christ through faith. He is the vine from which we receive the fulness of life and we are the branch which extends His life and love to others. You and I are not here for ourselves. We are servants of the Kingdom…even with something like Parkinson’s thrown into the mix. My plan? To minister to the needs of others in spite of Parkinson’s. Now, go forth and embrace the truth of who your heavenly Father says you are.

  The Source Words & Music by Dennis Jernigan Received on May 8, 2010 Psalm 40:3b ©2010 Shepherd’s Heart Music, Inc./Dennis Jernigan Administered by PraiseCharts.com   Verse All of the things that I think I need Do I control them or do they control me Feed the hunger, quench the thirst in me Take control of my lack of control Loose the grip of my sense I see hold And feed the hunger, quench the thirst in me   Chorus And many will see, and many will hear And many will know, and many will fear That you are the reason, You are the answer To their existence   So here is my life Lord, take it and use it I will find life the moment I lose it You are the reason, You are the answer to my existence You are the source, You are my source   Verse Two I am not here for my own happiness You created me to proclaim and confess That you alone are God and very source   I will be the cloth used to wash men’s feet Hid behind the cross helping others to see That you alone are God the very source

Chorus And many will see, and many will hear And many will know, and many will fear That you are the reason, You are the answer To their existence   So here is my life Lord, take it and use it I will find life the moment I lose it You are the reason, You are the answer to my existence

Chorus And many will see, and many will hear And many will know, and many will fear That you are the reason, You are the answer To their existence   So here is my life Lord, take it and use it I will find life the moment I lose it You are the reason, You are the answer to my existence You are the source, You are the source

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You will find the show notes and lyrics below:

Hello and welcome to another episode of The Dennis Jernigan Podcast. I’m your host, Dennis Jernigan, and I am so grateful you have joined me for this week’s podcast. I’ll try to get right to the heart of the matter today. The story behind this song is amazing to me. You’ll find out why shortly. 

We live in a day and age when amazing things are taking place on a daily basis. Everyday citizens, if they have the time and money, can literally fly into outer space. A person’s identity, their image, and their voice and mannerisms can be manipulated in such a way as to make them appear to say and do things they would never do. Even though it gives me chills, this ability of AI, called deep fake, is kind of amazing. And speaking of AI, entire books are being written using artificial intelligence and new uses for AI are seemingly popping up every single day. And I think it is amazing that we live in a world where everyone is connected via the internet and smartphones to such a degree that we can talk with and see anyone we would like to communicate with instantly. The world is indeed amazing.

The word ‘amazing’ literally means ‘causing great surprise or wonder; astonishing; startlingly impressive.’ That is a good thing to experience, yet even good things can be viewed through the filter of the lies of the enemy. Here’s an example of what I mean taken from my now life experiences:

For far too many years I allowed the lies of the enemy to define me and dictate to me what was amazing. I could see the way others treated me as amazing in a very perverted way. What I mean by that is this: I thought that someone mocking me or physically harming me meant that at least someone was acknowledging me, even if they were insulting me and belittling me. I longed to be known and to know others and that expectation of being put down by others at least made me feel acknowledged. That, my friends, is the depth of depravity my mind had fallen to which is, well, astonishingly sad. That all changed the day I was overwhelmed with the Truth that Jesus Christ had died for me. I was instantly set free from my past but had to walk out the wonderful but difficult journey toward wholeness. In fact, I’m still on that journey. I invite you to join me for today’s brief leg of that adventure as I share the story behind my song, “Amazed”.

Way back in 2010, I embarked on an adventure that lasted 40 days but continues to affect my life to this day. From May 3 through June 11 I went on a 40 day fast. I needed to reboot my system because I had just gone through a series of traumatic events that left me gutted. The Lord called me to a fast and led me to meditate daily on Psalm 40 and Isaiah 40. He spoke to my heart and told me He would give me a song each day of the fast and that I was to record it that same day. Since then, I put together 4 ten song volumes where you can find all 40 songs. The first ten songs are on the collection called Forty Days and Forty Nights - Songs of Contemplation and Intimacy Vol. 1.

This week’s episode is the story behind the song “Amazed” which came to me on May 8, 2010 which was day 5 of that fast. When the Lord sent me on this fasting journey, He led me to focus and meditate on Psalm 40 and Isaiah 40 each day. He led me to write a song each day and then record it that very same day. What you are hearing is the original version of each song on the day I actually wrote it.

On day 5, He led me to meditate specifically on Psalm 40:3a which says, “He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God…”

As I began to ponder on what this part of the verse meant to me, I felt led to begin just simply praising God for Who He is. It became very apparent that I was meant to live every area of my life as a conduit of praise to Him. In that moment, I was instantly filled with a sense of wonder and a  very keen awareness that the God of the universe, my Creator, was in the room with me in a very tangible way…and that was amazing!

As I began to praise God, I truly was astonished at his presence with me. In that same moment, although I didn't literally see him, I felt the weight of his presence upon my soul. What I was experiencing was the very glory of God in my heart and mind. And that was truly amazing.

As I set my mind free to focus on the presence of God there with me, I felt completely surprised at the depth of love He has for me. I stood back in wonder as I thought about the depth of my depravity as opposed to His depth of mercy toward me. I deserved death and hell, but He had mercy on me as demonstrated in Romans 5:8 in the NIV which says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” I a so amazed at the mercy of God. I just am…

Even more astonishingly impressive and astonishing was the way He led me to repentance - and continues to do so. He did not belittle me or mock me or reject me as I had experienced as a boy and as a young man. It was His great kindness that led me to repent of my stinkin’ thinkin’…and most impressive and astonishing of all? The realization that He has been lovingly pursing me my entire life; That I was the joy set before Him that drove Him to willingly lay down His life on the cross; That His love could reach as far as I could fall, yet that same love would not leave me in the rock bottom depravity my mind had gotten to.

If I let my mind go to think about the nature and character of God, I think about things he has created; the beauty of nature; the precision of the universe; the resurrection power of Jesus Christ and it's effect on my life; the fact that when I think about Jesus and fix my eyes on him that I find myself completely transfixed with a childlike wonder at just how amazing our God is…and I cannot help but praise Him.

SONG

In Luke 9:37-43 in the NIV, we find Jesus coming down from the mountain after His transfiguration. Here’s what is says:

 37 The next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met him. 38 A man in the crowd called out, "Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child. 39 A spirit seizes him and he suddenly screams; it throws him into convulsions so that he foams at the mouth. It scarcely ever leaves him and is destroying him. 40 I begged your disciples to drive it out, but they could not." 41 "You unbelieving and perverse generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you and put up with you? Bring your son here." 42 Even while the boy was coming, the demon threw him to the ground in a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the impure spirit, healed the boy and gave him back to his father. 43 And they were all amazed at the greatness of God.

The recording of this podcast took place some 15 years after that initial 40 day fast and I still continue to find God's grace…His restorative grace…Completely and utterly amazing as I did all those in years ago. And it is my belief that we are living in a very amazing time in history, but that this amazing time in history is far overshadowed by the astonishing, incredible, massive and amazing love of Jesus Christ surrounding us at all times, through any circumstances. Let's live our lives like we believe that. We really do have an amazing God!

Thank you for tuning in to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast! For more about my journey, music, and updates, visit dennisjernigan.com. Stay connected by following me on Facebook, Instagram, and enjoy my music on various streaming platforms. If you'd like to support the podcast's creation, consider joining my team at www.patreon.com/dennisjernigan.

If you're looking for the mp3 of the song “Amazed" from the album "Forty Days and Forty Nights - Songs of Contemplation and Intimacy Vol. 1," head over to the store at dennisjernigan.com or find it on your favorite streaming service.

Remember this from today's episode: the constant, unwavering, massive love of God is where we must choose to abide and wait on Him. He is a sure Foundation. He is Solid Ground in a shaken and fallen world. Just keep your eyes fixed on Him and keep your feet firmly planted on the Solid Rock of Jesus Christ. Now, go forth and embrace the truth of who your heavenly Father says you are. Dennis Jernigan

Forty Days and Forty Nights
Songs of Contemplation and Intimacy V1

Vol. I – Song Five – Day Five He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God… Psalm 40:3a NASB   Amazed Words & Music by Dennis Jernigan Received on May 8, 2010 Psalm 40:3 ©2010 Shepherd’s Heart Music, Inc./Dennis Jernigan   Verse One I will praise You in all my ways I will praise You. I stand amazed Amazed at Your presence. Amazed at Your glory Amazed at the power of all the love You have for me Amazed at Your mercy. Amazed at Your kindness Amazed at the length you went to rescue to find us   Chorus And I stand amazed. I give You praise and glory And I stand amazed, can’t take my gaze off You And I stand amazed and let Your grace restore me And I stand amazed as I praise you   Verse Two I will praise You in all my ways I will praise You. I stand amazed Amazed at Your presence. Amazed at Your glory Amazed at the power of all the love You have for me Amazed at Your mercy. Amazed at Your kindness Amazed at the length you went to rescue to find us

Chorus And I stand amazed. I give You praise and glory And I stand amazed, can’t take my gaze off You And I stand amazed and let Your grace restore me And I stand amazed as I praise you

Chorus And I stand amazed. I give You praise and glory And I stand amazed, can’t take my gaze off You And I stand amazed and let Your grace restore me And I stand amazed as I praise you

  • 7804 W. Fern Mountain Rd. Muskogee, OK 74401
•www.dennisjernigan.com•1-800-877-0406
Administered by PraiseCharts.com

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You will find the show notes and lyrics below:

Hello and welcome to another episode of The Dennis Jernigan Podcast. I’m your host, Dennis Jernigan, and I am so grateful you have joined me for this week’s podcast. I’ll get right to the heart of the matter today. For far too many years I allowed the lies of the enemy to define me. That all changed the day I was overwhelmed with the Truth that Jesus Christ had died for me. I was instantly set free from my past but had to walk out the wonderful but difficult journey toward wholeness. In fact, I’m still on that journey. I invite you to join me for today’s brief leg of that adventure as I share the story behind my song, “Rock of My Life”.

Way back in 2010, I embarked on an adventure that lasted 40 days but continues to affect my life to this day. From May 3 through June 11 I went on a 40 day fast. I needed to reboot my system because I had just gone through a series of traumatic events that left me gutted. The Lord called me to a fast and led me to meditate daily on Psalm 40 and Isaiah 40. He spoke to my heart and told me He would give me a song each day of the fast and that I was to record it that same day. Since then, I put together 4 ten song volumes where you can find all 40 songs. The first ten songs are on the collection called Forty Days and Forty Nights - Songs of Contemplation and Intimacy Vol. 1.

This week’s episode is the story behind the song “Rock of My Life” which came to me on May 6, 2010 which was day 4 of that fast.

As soon as I began the fast, I felt God’s presence and love for me and my spiritual hunger for more of Him began to surpass my physical hunger. But what the Lord began to reveal to me was often not always pleasant or easy to hear. He revealed to me that I still believed certain lies about my identity; He showed me that I still battled thoughts of being unlovable and of feeling rejected; He pulled back the curtain of my heart and I saw that I still struggled with doubts and that I often reverted to a victim mentality. It felt like I was suddenly on shaky ground.

On May 6, 2010, I meditated on Psalm 40:2b which says, “And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.” To say I was consumed with what that meant to my soul is an understatement. The sinking sand I had been mired in suddenly began to be replaced by the Solid Rock of my faith in the ever-present presence of my Savior, Jesus Christ.

As I poured out my heart to him in honest confession, anxious thoughts began to fall by the wayside; fear began to melt away from the fire of God's massive love for me; doubt was eradicated; I stepped into an even greater awareness of who I am and of whose I am; as I declared the truth of God's word over my own soul, I suddenly found myself firmly planted on the solid rock of Jesus Christ. From that vantage point, I recognized that I had set my eyes on Dennis - on myself - and we always know how that goes. I saw that in my pride there was no room for Jesus, but as I humbled myself and fixed my eyes on Him, even the most hurtful traumas of my life began to go through a whole new phase of healing.

Let's take a few minutes and listen to the song and, as we do, let us fix our eyes away from ourselves and onto the solid rock of Jesus Christ. Are you ready?

SONG

As I have said in the past few episodes, these songs have taken on a whole new meaning for me since my diagnosis of Parkinson's in 2019. But the truth of the matter is that I have discovered the rock solid foundation of faith in Jesus Christ is even more solid and more steadfast than I could ever could have imagined experiencing in this life. Jesus is indeed a steadfast rock…the Rock of My Salvation…and will continue to be so until the day I die - and far beyond. The bottom line? I am not a victim. I am a victor because of the victorious work of Jesus on the cross and because of His victory over sin, death, and the grave. I am full of resurrection power…and so are you, my fellow new creations in Christ.

Thank you for tuning in to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast! For more about my journey, music, and updates, visit dennisjernigan.com. Stay connected by following me on Facebook, Instagram, and enjoy my music on various streaming platforms. If you'd like to support the podcast's creation, consider joining my team at www.patreon.com/dennisjernigan.

If you're looking for the mp3 of the song “Rock of My Life" from the album "Forty Days and Forty Nights - Songs of Contemplation and Intimacy Vol. 1," head over to the store at dennisjernigan.com or find it on your favorite streaming service.

Remember this from today's episode: the constant, unwavering, massive love of God is where we must choose to abide and wait on Him. He is a sure Foundation. He is Solid Ground in a shaken and fallen world. Just keep your eyes fixed on Him and keep your feet firmly planted on the Solid Rock of Jesus Christ. Now, go forth and embrace the truth of who your heavenly Father says you are.

Vol. I – Song Four – Day Four

Psalm 40:2b NASB   Rock of My Life Words & Music by Dennis Jernigan
Received on May 6, 2010 
Verse One One day happy, next day alone Greatest sorrow I’ve ever known Then I cried out to You And You set my feet upon a rock   One day hopeful, next day in pain Fears consume me, falling like rain Then I cried out to You And You set my feet upon a rock   Chorus You are the rock and the hope of my life You are the air that I breathe to survive You are my hope, You are the rock of my life   You are my rock and the hope of my life You are my joy with an endless supply You are my hope, You are the rock of my life              Verse two One day standing, next day I’m down I get so lost but I want to be found So I cry out to you and you set my feet upon a rock   One day soaring, next day in shame In my own strength, I go down in flames So I cry out to you, and you set my feet upon a rock

Chorus You are the rock and the hope of my life You are the air that I breathe to survive You are my hope, You are the rock of my life   You are my rock and the hope of my life You are my joy with an endless supply You are my hope, You are the rock of my life             


©2010 Shepherd’s Heart Music, Inc./Dennis Jernigan
• 7804 W. Fern Mountain Rd. Muskogee, OK 74401
•www.dennisjernigan.com•1-800-877-0406
Administered by PraiseCharts.com

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You will find the show notes and lyrics below:

Welcome to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast, where we journey together towards healing, hope, intimacy, and refuge, ultimately seeking a deeper connection with Jesus. Throughout my years, one truth remains clear: God makes purpose out of everything. He will not waste anything we bring to Him. Not our sorrows, not our wounds, not even our failures. Hey there, I'm Dennis Jernigan, your host, and today I'm thrilled to reveal the story behind my song, “You Came For Me," featured on the album Forty Days and Forty Nights - Songs of Contemplation and Intimacy Vol. 1. Back in 2010, I felt a divine nudge to embark on a challenge I had never attempted before—a forty-day fast. Admiring those who had accomplished such a feat, I found myself teetering between awe and amusement at the thought of completing a forty-day fast. Yet, one day, I felt a compelling urge to begin this uncharted journey. Little did I anticipate the profound revelations and life-altering transformations God had in store for me during those forty days. Having weathered three years of grief and loss, navigated economic downturns, grappled with my identity and relationships, faced major surgery, coped with my daughter's marriage and relocation across the globe, and felt alienated from the Christian music scene, I woke up that morning realizing the urgent need for a comprehensive reboot—mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. From May 3 through June 11, I embarked on a journey consuming only water, fruit, and vegetable juice, shedding 40 pounds in the process. While the physical transformation helped post-surgery, the realignment of my mind, emotions, and spirit towards God set my entire being on a new course. Each morning, I delved into either Psalm 40 or Isaiah 40, and with each meditation, the Lord inspired a new song within me—each promptly recorded as it came to me. These forty songs across four volumes represent the essence of a 40-day voyage of self-discovery. My aspiration for these collections is for you to use them as spiritual reflections in your daily walk of intimacy with Christ. The lyrics and corresponding Scriptures are accessible on this website, serving as a roadmap to help you rediscover your identity in Christ and unearth hidden treasures in your relationship with Him. If you ever consider embarking on a fast of your own, I enthusiastically recommend Dean Briggs' book, Consumed: 40 Days of Fasting, Repentance & Rebirth. Dean's guidance offers a soul-nourishing, Christ-centered approach to a spiritual fast, providing you with encouragement and strength along the way. Today I am sharing the story behind the song, You Came For Me, which, now sounds funny to say, came to me on May 5, 2010 or day 3 of my 40 Day Fast, as I meditated on Psalm 40:2a in the NASB which says, He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay… Whenever I mediate on the Word of God, I take it very personally. Due to the deep hunger pangs of my physical body, it didn’t take long for my soul to begin to experience very similar hunger pangs I sensed in my thought life, my emotional life, and in my spiritual life. For the first 22 years of my life I had felt trapped - hopelessly trapped - mired in the unforgiving muck of my own depravity. My mind began to flood with the realization of just how far I had fallen away from the Lord as a young man and just how stuck I had been in my sin. I remember feeling so alone in my younger days, trying to make sense of my sexual identity and feeling completely abandoned; feeling that if I were to suddenly disappear, no one would ever even notice, much less come looking for me.  But then, on November 7, 1981, completely out of the blue, God revealed Himself to me; Revealed just how massive His love for me truly was; Reaching out to me in the middle of my sin-soaked identity showing me that He could reach as far as I could fall; helped me see that not one time in my life had I ever been alone. Showed me that for each and every step of my entire life and existence, He had been pursuing me. That knowledge left my heart undone, sitting there in His presence, being soaked with His wonderful grace and being wonderfully drenched in His incredible love. He did bring me up out of the pit of destruction and out of that miry clay. Never once had He stopped pursuing me…and has never stopped since the day I came to that realization. Let’s take some time to bask in that realization for the next few minutes. SONG The Lord reminded me that every tear I have ever cried, He has saved. Why would he save or keep a  record of my tears? I believe that He used them - still uses them - as a form of prayer. When I have come to the end of words I have to say to Him and the cares of the world have left me reduced to nothing but tears, He uses those very tears as a weapon of warfare against the lies of the enemy.

Psalm 56:8-9 in the NIV says, “Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll; are they not in your record? Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me.”

It does the human soul well to know God pursues us. Luke 19:10 in the NIV says, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Who was lost? Every single human that has ever existed and ever will exist. Jesus came for us but loved us enough to not leave us in that state of lostness. That is simply astounding.

Thank you for tuning in to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast! For more about my journey, music, and updates, visit dennisjernigan.com. Stay connected by following me on Facebook, Instagram, and enjoy my music on various streaming platforms. If you'd like to support the podcast's creation, consider joining my team at www.patreon.com/dennisjernigan.

If you're looking for the mp3 of the song “You Came For Me" from the album "Forty Days and Forty Nights - Songs of Contemplation and Intimacy Vol. 1," head over to the store at dennisjernigan.com or find it on popular streaming services.

Remember this from today's episode: the constant, unwavering, massive love of God is where we must choose to abide and wait on Him. He loves you and eagerly waits to meet with you. Can you spare a few moments today, tomorrow, and beyond to wait on the Lord? I assure you, it will be worth that wait. Now, go forth and embrace the truth of who your heavenly Father says you are. Dennis Jernigan   You Came For Me Words & Music by Dennis Jernigan Received on May 5, 2010 Psalm 40:2a ©2010 Shepherd’s Heart Music, Inc./Dennis Jernigan   Verse one You brought me up when I was down Sin took me in. You brought me out You delivered me. You came for me, my God   You rescued me when I was bound You set me free, lost is now found You delivered me you came for me, my God   Chorus Out of destruction You made a way Out of the darkness You brought me light of day Out of despairing my burdens baring, You made a way   Up from my sorrow. Up from my tears You came restoring all of my wasted years Out of my sorrow, brand new tomorrow You delivered me. You came for me   Verse two Bound up in chains, mired in doubt You broke the curse, bringing me out You delivered me. You came for me, my God   Downcast in shame, too many days You lifted my eyes up to Your redeeming gaze You delivered me. You came for me, my God   Chorus Out of destruction You made a way Out of the darkness You brought me light of day Out of despairing my burdens baring, You made a way   Up from my sorrow. Up from my tears You came restoring all of my wasted years Out of my sorrow, brand new tomorrow

Words & Music by Dennis Jernigan Received on May 5, 2010 Psalm 40:2a ©2010 Shepherd’s Heart Music, Inc./Dennis Jernigan•www.dennisjernigan.com•1-800-877-0406 Administered by PraiseCharts.com

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You will find the show notes and lyrics below:

Welcome to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast. The purpose of this podcast is to help you find healing for your wounds; find hope in your despair; find intimacy in your loneliness; find refuge from the storms of life; Basically, to help you find a deeper walk with Jesus. There is one thing I know after having lived all these years: God wastes nothing. Not our sorrows. Not our wounds. Not even our failures. Hey there, I'm Dennis Jernigan, your host, and I'm excited to unveil the story behind my song, “Breathe” from the recording, Forty Days and Forty Nights - Songs of Contemplation and Intimacy Vol. 1. As I shared last week, in the year 2010,  I felt led to embark on something I had never experienced in my life…a forty day fast. Always marveling at those who had accomplished such a feat…marveling at, while at the same time,  considering those who had completed a forty-day fast somewhere between ‘hero’ and ‘eccentric’…I woke one day feeling compelled to begin my own journey of a forty-day fast. Little did I know that God would speak to me in such profound ways and so radically re-order my life in the process. Having just gone through 3 years of grief and sorrow at the loss of relationship with several friends…reeling from the dramatic downturn of our economy…recognizing the lonely place I found myself due to the call to declare to the world my freedom from same sex attraction…major surgery…another daughter marrying and moving literally to the other side of the earth…coming to grips with how different and removed I was from the ‘normal/mainstream’ Christian music scene…I woke that day knowing I needed a change…needed to reboot my system in every way – mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. From May 3 until June 11 I consumed only water and fruit and vegetable juice losing 40 pounds in the process. While the weight loss helped get my body back on track after the surgery, the re-focusing of my mind, emotions, and spirit on the things of the Lord began to get my entire being back on track. I began each day meditating on either Psalm 40 or Isaiah 40. With each day’s meditation the Lord saw fit to give me a song…which I recorded immediately after receiving it. The forty songs in these four volumes are the culmination of a 40-day journey of self-rediscovery. My vision for these collections is that you would use them as devotional meditations in your personal daily spiritual walk of intimacy with Christ. We have made the lyrics available to you on this web site along with the Scriptural reference on which I meditated. Use this as a guide to help you rediscover a deeper awareness of your identity in Christ or to uncover new hidden treasures concerning your relationship with the King. Should you decide to set out on your own fast, I strongly encourage you to get the book Consumed:40 Days of Fasting, Repentance & Rebirth by Dean Briggs. You will be greatly encouraged and strengthened in your soul as Dean leads you through a healthy, Christ-centered approach to a spiritual fast. Today I am sharing the story behind the song, Breathe, which came to me on May 4, 2010 or day 2 of my 40 Day Fast, as I meditated on Psalm 40:1 which says, “I waited patiently for the LORD” along with Matthew 6:17-18 in the NIV, which says, “But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” At this point in my fasting journey, I felt it was important to take heed of the Matthew 6 instructions as I continued to wait on the Lord for whatever he might have for me. I continued with my daily physical workouts. Continued with my daily focus on my music ministry. I continued with my duties toward my family and toward my marriage. I carried on with my duties at our local church body. In other words, the only ones who knew I was really fasting were my wife, my children, and a few close friends. The fast was not about stroking my pride or inflating my ego. It was about whatever the Lord wanted me to gain from Him concerning not only my life but those to whom I ministered to as well. I woke that day feeling a deep sense of hunger, both physically and spiritually, and with a deep anticipation of what the Lord would speak to me or reveal to me that day. As the first words of the first verse reveal, I did not even know what I needed other than I knew I needed Jesus first and foremost to be the Lord of every area of my life and existence. The more I thought on these things, the more I related my need to physically breath in order to keep existing. This, in turn, had a direct correlation with my need to breathe in all the Holy Spirit had for me. At that point, the song began to flow out of me. I had physical hunger. This reminded me of my spiritual hunger. I was thirsty and this reminded me of my thirst for God’s presence in my life. It reminded me of just how bound up in sin I had once been and of how many more lies of the enemy I had still been believing. It became apparent that I had a great void in my heart that only my heavenly Father could fill. It became very apparent that I had been wondering in the desert for quite some time and I needed the refreshing rain of God’s presence to drench my soul. Those 40 days proved to be very healing to my body and to my soul and I must add this: since I have been struggling with Parkinson's, the Lord has brought these songs back to my mind and I find myself, once again, having to still and quiet my own soul - especially since my body is in perpetual motion due to the tremors caused by this disease. It is as if I’m learning an even deeper stilling of my soul even as my body ails and refuses to cooperate. Just do what I do. Just take a few minutes. Get alone with the Lord if possible and make this your heart’s cry for today: I waited patiently for the LORD… Psalm 40:1a NASB Let's just do that. Let's just sit here a while and patiently wait for the Lord. He is here whether you feel Him or not. He is just here. SONG What I found on day two of my fast was my great need for intimacy with the Father. My soul longs to just feel Him breathe on me; aches for just a drop of the rain of His presence; yearns to have the chains of the enemy’s lies broken from my mind; and now that I battle Parkinson’s, I recognize how much more I need Him to set me free from the cares and fears  of this world; that in Him I find that even in the midst of a life-altering sickness, in His presence I have room to breathe.

Let's be as those who wait on the Lord this week; among those who find room to breathe even in the midst of our circumstances; room to breathe in our our sorrows; room to breathe even in our fears; room to breathe even when bombarded by the enemy and his lies. Let’s just wait on the Lord. Let us learn the art of lingering with Him. It’s time well spent.

Thank you so much for joining me here on The Dennis Jernigan Podcast! For further insights into my journey, music, and more, visit dennisjernigan.com. Stay connected by following me on Facebook, Instagram, and find my music on most major streaming services. To help with the ongoing creation of this podcast, would you consider becoming a member of my team? If so, just go to www.patreon.com/dennisjernigan to find out more! 

If you're wanting the mp3 version of the song “Breathe" from the studio album "Forty Days and Forty Nights - Songs of Contemplation and Intimacy Vol. 1," simply head to the store at dennisjernigan.com or, again, on most major streaming services. You can also find a very amazing version of this song on my album “Days of Awe.” Check them both out and let me hear from you which version you prefer.

If you get nothing else from today's podcast, get this: the constant undercurrent of God’s love is the place we must choose to wait on Him. God loves you and He is patiently waiting to meet with you. Can you spare a little time today, tomorrow and the next to wait on him? I guarantee it will be worth the wait. Now go and be who your heavenly Father says you are.

Breathe Words & Music: Dennis Jernigan Received on May 4, 2010 Psalm 40:1b; Matthew 6:18 ©2010 Shepherd’s Heart Music, Inc./Dennis Jernigan

Verse One I don’t even know what I need All that I know is that I need You

The hunger and thirst of my heart? All that I know is I need You

Like a child needs a Father I need You

Like a desert needs the water I need You

Chorus Lean so close that I feel You breathe Lean so close You quench this thirst in me

Lean so close You loose these chains in me Set me free…

So I can breathe…

Verse Two The world has grown so dark I can’t see Reminding me just how much that I need You

Much more than the air that I breathe All that I know is I need You

Like a child needs a Father I need You

Like a desert needs the water I need You

Chorus Lean so close that I feel You breathe Lean so close You quench this thirst in me

Lean so close You loose these chains in me Set me free…

So I can breathe…

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You will find the show notes and lyrics below:

Welcome to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast, a journey towards healing, hope, intimacy, and refuge in the storms of life – basically, a guide to a deeper connection with Jesus. Through all my years, one thing stands true: God doesn't waste a thing. Not our sorrows, not our wounds, not even our failures. Hey there, I'm Dennis Jernigan, your host, and I'm excited to unveil the story behind my song, “I Wait Here” from the recording, Forty Days and Forty Nights - Songs of Contemplation and Intimacy Vol. 1. In the year 2010,  I felt led to embark on something I had never experienced in my life…a forty day fast. Always marveling at those who had accomplished such a feat…marveling at, while at the same time,  considering those who had completed a forty-day fast somewhere between ‘hero’ and ‘eccentric’…I woke one day feeling compelled to begin my own journey of a forty-day fast. Little did I know that God would speak to me in such profound ways and so radically re-order my life in the process. Having just gone through 3 years of grief and sorrow at the loss of relationship with several friends…reeling from the dramatic downturn of our economy…recognizing the lonely place I found myself due to the call to declare to the world my freedom from same sex attraction…major surgery…another daughter marrying and moving literally to the other side of the earth…coming to grips with how different and removed I was from the ‘normal/mainstream’ Christian music scene…I woke that day knowing I needed a change…needed to reboot my system in every way – mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. From May 3 until June 11 I consumed only water and fruit and vegetable juice losing 40 pounds in the process. While the weight loss helped get my body back on track after the surgery, the re-focusing of my mind, emotions, and spirit on the things of the Lord began to get my entire being back on track. My good friend, Dean Briggs, sent me a new book he had just written as a guide through a forty-day fast called Consumed:40 Days of Fasting, Repentance & Rebirth. Written in the form of daily devotions, I began each day meditating on either Psalm 40 or Isaiah 40. With each day’s meditation the Lord saw fit to give me a song…which I recorded immediately after receiving. The forty songs in these four volumes are the culmination of a 40-day journey of self-rediscovery. My vision for these collections is that you would use them as devotional meditations in your personal daily spiritual walk of intimacy with Christ. We have made the lyrics available to you on this web site along with the Scriptural reference on which I meditated. Use this as a guide to help you rediscover a deeper awareness of your identity in Christ or to uncover new hidden treasures concerning your relationship with the King. Should you decide to set out on your own fast, I strongly encourage you to get the book Consumed:40 Days of Fasting, Repentance & Rebirth by Dean Briggs. You will be greatly encouraged and strengthened in your soul as Dean leads you through a healthy, Christ-centered approach to a spiritual fast. Pun intended, I cannot wait for you to hear this song, I Wait Here, because it was the first song I received on the first day of my 40 Day Fast, but also that it encapsulates the importance of quieting and stilling one's soul before the Lord. Those 40 days proved to be very healing to my body and to my soul and I must add this: since I have been struggling with Parkinson's, the Lord has brought these songs back to my mind and I find myself, once again, having to still and quiet my own soul - especially since my body is in perpetual motion due to the tremors caused by this disease. It is as if I’m learning an even deeper stilling of my soul even as my body ails and refuses to cooperate. Just do what I do. Just take a few minutes. Get alone with the Lord if possible and make this your heart’s cry for today: I waited patiently for the LORD… Psalm 40:1a NASB Let's just do that. Let's just sit here a while and patiently wait for the Lord. He is here whether you feel Him or not. He is just here. SONG Isaiah 40:31 says , “But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

Let's be as those who soar this week. Soar above our circumstances; Above our sorrows; above our fears; above the enemy and his lies. Let’s just wait on the Lord. Let us learn the art of lingering with Him. It’s time well spent.

Thank you so much for joining me here on The Dennis Jernigan Podcast! For further insights into my journey, music, and more, visit dennisjernigan.com. Stay connected by following me on Facebook, Instagram, and find my music on most major streaming services. To help with the ongoing creation of this podcast, would you consider becoming a member of my team? If so, just go to www.patreon.com/dennisjernigan to find out more! 

If you're wanting the mp3 version of the song “I Wait Here" from the studio album "Forty Days and Forty Nights - Songs of Contemplation and Intimacy Vol. 1," simply head to the store at dennisjernigan.com or, again, on most major streaming services.

If you get nothing else from today's podcast, get this: God loves you and He is patiently waiting to meet with you. Can you spare a little time today, tomorrow and the next to wait on him? I guarantee it will be worth the wait. Now go and be who your heavenly Father says you are.

I Wait Here WORDS & MUSIC Dennis Jernigan May 3, 2010 Verse One


I wait here in the quiet


I wait here and I quiet my soul


I wait here for You


I wait here in the quiet


I wait here for You

Chorus


So be still, my soul, for my God is here


So be still, my soul, for my God is here

In this quiet place I am free to hear


Free to seek Your face


Father, I am here



Verse two


I wait here in the silence


I wait here and I silence my soul


I wait here for You


I wait here in the silence


I wait here for You

Chorus


So be still, my soul, for my God is here


So be still, my soul, for my God is here

In this quiet place I am free to hear


Free to seek Your face


Father, I am here




•©2010 Shepherd's Heart Music, Inc./Dennis Jernigan
• 7804 W. Fern Mountain Rd. Muskogee, OK 74401
•www.dennisjernigan.com•1-800-877-0406
•Administered by PraiseCharts.com

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You will find the show notes and lyrics below:

Welcome to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast. The purpose of this podcast is to help you find healing for your wounds; find hope in your despair; find intimacy in your loneliness; find refuge from the storms of life; Basically, to help you find a deeper walk with Jesus. There is one thing I know after having lived all these years: God wastes nothing. Not our sorrows. Not our wounds. Not even our failures.

Hi. I am your host, Dennis Jernigan. Today’s podcast is gonna be a bit different from most of my podcasts. This is the story behind the final installment of the music from my fantasy book series, The Chronicles of Bren: Book One: Captured. The collection of songs is called “Captured: Songs for the Journey.” 

This week’s episode is the story behind the last song in the series. That song is called, “Live the Adventure.”

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” Helen Keller

I love that quote. It almost captures my heart for this series of books. Almost. I have adapted a  personal version that has influenced the writing of these stories of and from the land of Bren.

“Life is either a grand, daring adventure or it is nothing at all.” Dennis Jernigan

My love of writing and my love of hearing great stories of people who have overcome impossible circumstances has led me to write…in spite of whether those writings are ever considered great or not. The reason I wrote The Chronicles of Bren series and The Bairns of Bren series is simple. I wanted to leave a legacy for my children and grandchildren for generations to come. As a part of that legacy, I endeavored to write stories which depict the realities of life. Life is not easy. Life is full of sorrow. Life brings times of wounding of both body and soul. Life brings times of disappointment and even betrayal. 

My goal is to leave my family a legacy that explains how life, even with its many hurtful episodes, is meant to be lived with joy. And just how does one do that?

I personally believe that if one sees life and its circumstances - both good and bad - from the Lord’s point of view, insurmountable mountains become molehills. Impassable rivers become rites of passage. Unbearable grief becomes an opportunity to receive comfort. Fear is replaced with love. Rather than being something to somehow endure, life becomes the most grand adventure because a life lived with the Lord ever-present at one’s side sands away the bitterness of life revealing a many-faceted treasure of great worth. 

Forgiveness and humility replace bitterness with the heroic heart of a benevolent conqueror. My desire, as a dad and granddad, is that my heirs would come to see themselves as overcomers.

I believe Almighty God created the human imagination as a means of revealing His nature to mankind and as a means of helping the human mind understand and begin to unravel the wonderful mystery of Who God is. The gift of imagination has helped me see how even things that are meant to hurt me can be seen from a different point of view - and perspective is everything.

Why write in the fantasy genre? Simple. God used fantasy to rescue my heart and mind when I was just a young boy. I felt trapped in what I now call stinkin’ thinkin’ concerning my identity. I felt I was being held captive in my own mind but God did something amazing during my boyhood that carried me through to the day He set me free. 

From the time I was a little boy and all the way into my marriage and adult life, God has used fantasy, mythology, and imagination to rescue and save me. Just a quick case in point. When I was a boy, I felt constantly bullied and that my father could not possibly love me and that there was no escape and no one to rescue me…but each night as I fell  asleep, I was suddenly on the USS Enterprise. My dad was none other than Captain James Tiberius Kirk and my mother was Doris Day. Each dream I was captured by aliens and just as they were about to end me, my dad, Captain Kirk, would materialize and blast them with his phaser, not set to stun but set to destroy. My mom was always there singing Que sera, sera. Whatever will be, will be…Just a cool memory of how my mother used to comfort me. I believe the Lord used that recurring dream to keep me hanging on…to make me feel someone or something good was pursuing me. When it dawned on me that this was the case, I began to understand the role of imagination in the way I viewed the world and the massive creativity and divine order God set in motion by His own imagination.

What does any of that have to do with living the adventure? A simple example from my own life. When I was about 30 years old, I asked myself this question: When you get to the age of 65, what is something that you would look back on and regret not even having tried?

For me that was writing and recording music and authoring books. In college I was not allowed to major in song writing because they told me they saw no potential in me. I nearly gave it all up…but something deep inside of me kept nudging me to step out and see life as a grand adventure…so I did. And Father God has seen fit to spread my music literally all over the world.

I also wanted a large family, but many told me we needed to wait until we had enough money to start a family before we should even consider it. If I had taken that advice I would not have had the privilege of raising 9 of the most amazing men and women I know of on this planet. I worked hard to provide for my family, but set aside personal time to be with them a lot, and I also carved out time to write each and every day. But had I not dared to believe what the Lord was putting in my heart, I never would have taken one step toward any of my dreams. 

Even if you’re 65, it’s not too late to begin living out the adventure of things you have dreamed of doing. If you’re breathing, there is hope…and if you take that first step in the journey, your adventure has begun. What is your heart telling you right now? 

[Pro 13:12 NIV] 12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

SONG

[Joel 2:28 NIV] 28 "And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.”

I certainly enjoyed writing the three book series, The Chronicles of Bren. They honestly helped me get a better grip on Father God's point of view of my life. My hope is that you would discover joy and solace within the pages of the books and the melodies of the songs. May they serve as uplifting companions, guiding you to encounter Jesus even amidst life's toughest trials. 

Thank you for tuning in to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast. For more about my journey, music, and more, visit dennisjernigan.com. Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram, and explore my music on various streaming platforms. If you're keen on joining my team, consider becoming a Patron at patreon.com/dennisjernigan. Your support means the world to me!

The book "Captured" is now available on Amazon in paperback, ebook, and audiobook versions. Once you have finished reading captured, I invite you to read the next two books in the series. Book Two is called “Sacrifice” and Book Three is called “Generations”. All are available on Amazon. 

Soon, I hope to introduce you to the songs from book 2, but that will be at sometime in the near future. In the meantime, I encourage you to delve into "Captured" and then enjoy the songs inspired by its characters, all available for FREE. Simply head to https://www.thechroniclesofbren.com/store/captured-songs-for-the-journey-album/ to download the complete collection at no cost.

Thank you once more for being a part of today's podcast. Remember, you are deeply loved by God and by me. Dare to see life as a grand adventure - in spite of your circumstances - and dare to live that adventure with fullness of joy. Now go and be who your heavenly Father says you are.

Live The Adventure WORDS & MUSIC Dennis Jernigan October 2012

Verse Life is best lived with a sense of adventure! You can wonder what flying is like Or you can take to the sky! Life is the best lived in wonder and splendor! Even when you're knocked down Just get back up and dare to believe!

Chorus Live the adventure!  Conquer the wind! To the ends of the earth And right back again! Live the adventure!  Dare but to dream! Around every corner new sights to be seen! But you'll never fly if you never try To conquer the wind!

Live the adventure!  Dare to believe Knowing he cannot fly Who won't spread his wings! Live the adventure!  Knight, take your horse! Ride to the horizon, Eyes fixed on the course! But you'll never see what you don't believe! And you'll never live what you never dare to be!

Verse  Life is best lived with a sense of pure wonder!  Even storms that we face can be seen From a new point of view! Life is best lived with a sense of pure wonder! Dare to see far beyond What most human eyes dare to conceive!

Chorus Live the adventure!  Conquer the wind! To the ends of the earth And right back again! Live the adventure!  Dare but to dream! Around every corner new sights to be seen! But you'll never fly if you never try To conquer the wind!

Live the adventure!  Dare to believe Knowing he cannot fly Who won't spread his wings! Live the adventure!  Knight, take your horse! Ride to the horizon, Eyes fixed on the course! But you'll never see what you don't believe! And you'll never live what you never dare to be!

Chorus Live the adventure!  Conquer the wind! To the ends of the earth And right back again! Live the adventure!  Dare but to dream! Around every corner new sights to be seen! But you'll never fly if you never try To conquer the wind!

Live the adventure!  Dare to believe Knowing he cannot fly Who won't spread his wings! Live the adventure!  Knight, take your horse! Ride to the horizon, Eyes fixed on the course! But you'll never see what you don't believe! And you'll never live what you never dare to be!

You, dare to be!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You will find the show notes and lyrics below:

Welcome to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast. The purpose of this podcast is to help you find healing for your wounds; find hope in your despair; find intimacy in your loneliness; find refuge from the storms of life; Basically, to help you find a deeper walk with Jesus. There is one thing I know after having lived all these years: God wastes nothing. Not our sorrows. Not our wounds. Not even our failures.

Hi. I am your host, Dennis Jernigan, and I am so excited about the final two installments of the music from my fantasy book series, The Chronicles of Bren: Book One: Captured. The collection of songs is called “Captured: Songs for the Journey.” 

This week’s episode is the story behind the next to last song in the series called, “Battleground.”

The story behind this song is really quite simple. This is classic darkness versus the light; good versus evil; truth versus lies; the understanding that true love involves the laying down of life. There came a point in my life on November 7, 1981 where I had to do it decide if Jesus Christ was real; if he thought that I was worth dying for; if I thought he was worth dying for; if he truly loved me or not. 

I came to the irrefutable conclusion that he thought I was worth dying for; that he thought I was worth fighting for; that he, indeed, had paid for my life and my sin-debt by the shedding of his own blood. In the process, he had gone to battle on my behalf and conquered Satan, hell and its demons, giving me a brand new identity and a brand new start on life in the process. God was no longer a distant, unknowable force of the universe. He was now alive and well and living in my heart, giving me a brand new purpose and a brand new perspective on living out my life in joy. I have now been granted a forever relationship with God who created all that is good.

What I soon discovered was just because the enemy had been defeated did not mean that I no longer had to fight for my freedom. I discovered the true battleground of my life was not some thing I could see with flesh and blood. The true Battleground of my life is my mind; the thoughts I think; the perspective through which I run my thoughts. The enemy’s only option was to try and trip me up through his deception and lies about who I am.  I learned that God had equipped me, as a believer in and follower of Jesus Christ, with the full armor of God and that my greatest weapon against the lies of the enemy is the truth of God's Word. My battle-sword!

As I begin to recognize the lies of the enemy, I soon learned the key to renewing my mind. As soon as the lie was revealed to me, I picked up my sword, the Word of God, and replaced that lie with the truth of God's Word. I have since discovered that the enemy does not stop lying to me, so I must be vigilant by putting on the Word of God each and every day of my existence. In fact, I have learned the best thing to do regarding the enemy is to run towards the battle and not away from it. Having read the end of the book, I know who wins. Now you know the story behind the song, ‘Battleground”, let's all pick up our swords and take it to whatever dark lies the enemy has spoken against our minds over the next few minutes. The Truth of God’s Word is clear: we are more than conquerors! We are sons and daughters of the Most High God!

SONG

[Rom 8:37-39 NASB20] 37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

I certainly enjoyed writing the three book series, the chronicles of Bren. They honestly helped me get a better grip on Father God's point of view of my life. My hope is that you would discover joy and solace within the pages of the books and the melodies of the songs. May they serve as uplifting companions, guiding you to encounter Jesus even amidst life's toughest trials.  We only have one song left to go in this series which has gone by so quickly for me. Be sure and listen to next weeks episode because I think he will enjoy it thoroughly and that it will minister to your soul in someway.

Thank you for tuning in to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast. For more about my journey, music, and more, visit dennisjernigan.com. Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram, and explore my music on various streaming platforms. If you're keen on joining my team, consider becoming a Patron at patreon.com/dennisjernigan. Your support means the world to me!

The book "Captured" is now available on Amazon in paperback, ebook, and audiobook versions. Once you have finished reading captured, I invite you to read the next two books in the series. Book Two is called “Sacrifice” and Book Three is called “Generations”. All are available on Amazon.  Soon, I hope to introduce you to the songs from book 2, but that will be at sometime in the near future. In the meantime, I encourage you to delve into "Captured" and then enjoy the songs inspired by its characters, all available for FREE. Simply head to https://www.thechroniclesofbren.com/store/captured-songs-for-the-journey-album/ to download the complete collection at no cost.

Thank you once more for being a part of today's podcast. Remember, you are deeply loved by God and by me. Be quick to humble yourself when pride raises its ugly head and be quick to seek forgiveness when you have wounded another. Now, I challenge you to rise as the warrior for God's kingdom you are called to be today. Cast off the enemy's lies, embrace the truth of your identity in the Lord, and go forth as the cherished son or daughter of your Heavenly Father.

Battleground Words & Music
Dennis Jernigan ©2015 Dennis Jernigan

Verse Standing on the battleground Faced with life or death Faced with ‘Will I run away?’ Or “Give my very best?’

Standing on the battleground Faced with destiny This could be the difference Between victory or defeat!

Face to the fight! Fight for what is right! Conquering the night! Swords lifted high!

Son, this is war! Better be sure What you fight for Is worth dying for!

Chorus Fight for what is right! Keep truth on your side! Love lays down its life! Willing to die!

Verse Facing down the enemy Facing down your fear Look ahead to victory And keep your vision clear

Facing down the enemy Warrior, stand your ground You will have the victory This freedom comes with life laid down

Face to the fight! Fight for what is right! Conquering the night! Swords lifted high!

Son, this is war! Better be sure What you fight for Is worth dying for!

Chorus Fight for what is right! Keep truth on your side! Love lays down its life! Willing to die!

Bridge Put on the armor! Prepare for war! This is a cause worth dying for!

Put on the armor! Prepare for war! This is a cause worth dying for!

Put on the armor! Prepare for war! This is a cause worth dying for!

Chorus Fight for what is right! Keep truth on your side! Love lays down its life! Willing to die!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You will find the show notes and lyrics below:

Welcome to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast. The purpose of this podcast is to help you find healing for your wounds; find hope in your despair; find intimacy in your loneliness; find refuge from the storms of life; Basically, to help you find a deeper walk with Jesus. There is one thing I know after having lived all these years: God wastes nothing. Not our sorrows. Not our wounds. Not even our failures.

Hi. I am your host, Dennis Jernigan, and I am so excited about the next 2 weeks of the Dennis Jernigan podcast because I have absolutely loved the subject matter that we've been going through over the past 11 weeks.  We have been going through the 14 songs from my recording “Captured - Songs For The Journey” which were inspired by my fantasy trilogy, “The Chronicles of Bren” and specifically, book one in the series titled, “Captured.” It has been absolutely wonderful for me personally to remember how I felt while writing these books and how certain songs were inspired. Today we’ll be focusing on the story behind the song, “The Sleeping Giant.”  Just outside Muskogee, a few miles to the south, there is a hill formation that looks like a giant that has fallen asleep lying on his back. My former pastor, Chuck, actually inspired this character. He told me that when he and his family were driving home one day, one of the children, pointing to the hill formation, said, “Look, dad! A sleeping giant!” Once I heard that phrase, I could not help but see the sleeping giant whenever I drove past. I still refer to it as the sleeping giant to this day.  In the story found in the book “Captured”, the sleeping giant has been around since before time began. The people of Bren pass the story of the sleeping giant down from generation to generation. It was prophesied that he would one day rise and bring salvation or deliverance to the land during its darkest time. They even have a name for the sleeping giant. Reuben.   Reuben means ‘Behold, a son’. He represents the champion, the hero, the one who delivers. Even though he appears to be dormant and completely covered with soil and trees and all manner of foliage, there is a sense of awe and reverence and expectation and hope emanating from this massive landform. When I began to meditate on the character of Reuben I could not help but think of him as a hero…as a Savior.   I have had many heroes in my life. My dad was my first hero…and then Captain James Tiberius Kirk of the Star Ship Enterprise!  I know I have already shared this a few times before, but as a boy, I felt so abandoned on so many levels of my life. I felt utterly captured and saw no way out for myself. I longed for someone to just step in and rescue me and wondered if anyone would ever be able to. I would go to bed each night and dream I was living in space on the USS Enterprise. Each night I was captured by aliens and about to be put to death…and my dad, Captain Kirk, rescued me just as I woke up from these dreams! Every morning for years I woke up feeling rescued!   When I was in high school, my basketball teammates would never let anyone touch me. I was the only white guy on my team yet they embraced me as one of their own and literally protected and rescued me on several occasions, both during games and in the hallways on many a school day! So many things went into the inspiration of Reuben but the greatest inspiration of all? Later in life, I was rescued by Jesus Christ and He became my ultimate hero.   The enemy had held me captive in his lies for so long. When I would cry out to God, it seemed He would not or could not answer me or set me free. I even recall thinking about the way the lies of the enemy took on a mocking tone in my thought life whenever I would ask the Lord for help. He’d say things like, “God doesn’t love you. There is nothing in you worth loving,” or, “You’re wasting your time. He’s not even real,” or, “If God loves you so much, why is He allowing such pain and misery in your life?” On more than one occasion during those dark days I felt like cashing it in…like what’s the use? I’m beyond hope; beyond rescue; beyond help…  I find it quite amazing as I look back on such dark times how much encouragement I found in those nightly dreams about being rescued by Captain Kirk. I mean, think about it. Every night I was captured, about to be put to death, and each morning I woke up feeling rescued. I have absolutely no doubt those dreams were given to me by the Lord to help me keep hanging on.  This week’s song, “The Sleeping Giant”, is a prayer to The Founders (God the Father, Jesus the son, and the Holy Spirit) and specifically to Reuben - Jesus. Listen to this heart cry and imagine Jesus being awakened by your heart’s deepest longing for rescue…and imagine the fact that He was not asleep after all…

SONG

   Remember what I said about Reuben earlier? Reuben means ‘Behold, a son’. He represents the champion, the hero, the one who delivers. He represents Jesus in the story, but the enemy of Bren, the dark lord, Lucian, sees his dark powers being pierced by the light as Reuben reveals Himself as the Deliverer. To Lucian, it felt as if he had just awakened a sleeping giant because…  Well, I’ll leave the story here because I don’t want to spoil it for you if you’re reading the book, “Captured.”

My hope is that you would discover joy and solace within the pages of the books and the melodies of the songs. May they serve as uplifting companions, guiding you to encounter Jesus even amidst life's toughest trials.

Thank you for tuning in to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast. For more about my journey, music, and more, visit dennisjernigan.com. Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram, and explore my music on various streaming platforms. If you're keen on joining my team, consider becoming a Patron at patreon.com/dennisjernigan. Your support means the world to me!

The book "Captured" is now available on Amazon in paperback, ebook, and audiobook versions. I encourage you to delve into "Captured" and then enjoy the songs inspired by its characters, all available for FREE. Simply head to https://www.thechroniclesofbren.com/store/captured-songs-for-the-journey-album/ to download the complete collection at no cost.

Thank you once more for being a part of today's podcast. Remember, you are deeply loved by God and by me. Be quick to humble yourself when pride raises its ugly head and be quick to seek forgiveness when you have wounded another. Now, I challenge you to rise as the warrior for God's kingdom you are called to be today. Cast off the enemy's lies, embrace the truth of your identity in the Lord, and go forth as the cherished son or daughter of your Heavenly Father.

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You will find the show notes and lyrics below:

Regalion’s Song WORDS & MUSIC Dennis Jernigan ©2015 Dennis Jernigan

Verse I thought I had been forgotten Would never be seen again So long in this dark dungeon Most thought I'd come to the end

Betrayed and then belittled But I was merely a fool Replacing love with status Rubbish in place of a jewel

And then I see you  And the damage I've done I was so wrong Will you forgive me, my son?

Chorus I can see a little light  Somewhere in the distance Somewhere in forgiveness The answer will be known

I can see a little light  Just there on the horizon Now I’m realizin’ I’m not that far from home

Just to be known by you To be loved by you Just to be seen right through I am home

Verse At times life can be a battle Relationship, like a war Selfishly fought for myself But what was I fighting for?

This is no way to live life On top, but what have I gained? I, by my selfishness, Drive what is most precious away

And then I see you  And the damage I've done I was so wrong Will you forgive me, my son?

Chorus I can see a little light  Somewhere in the distance Somewhere in forgiveness The answer will be known

I can see a little light  Just there on the horizon Now I’m realizin’ I’m not that far from home

Just to be known by you To be loved by you Just to be seen right through I am home

Chorus I can see a little light  Somewhere in the distance Somewhere in forgiveness The answer will be known

I can see a little light  Just there on the horizon And now I’m realizin’ I’m not that far from home

Just to be known by you To be loved by you Just to be seen right through I am home

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You will find the show notes and lyrics below:

Welcome to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast, where we journey together toward healing, hope, intimacy, and refuge, ultimately fostering a deeper connection with Jesus. Through the years, I've learned one thing for certain: God doesn't waste a single moment. He redeems our sorrows, our wounds, and even our failures. Hey there, I'm your host, Dennis Jernigan, and I'm thrilled about the upcoming episodes on the podcast, diving into a topic I'm truly passionate about. For some time now, I've been unraveling the tales behind songs inspired by a fantasy book series I crafted for my children and grandchildren. However, in my excitement (I'll blame it on my forgetfulness due to Parkinson's), I overlooked sharing the core reason behind these stories—to paint an allegorical representation of salvation in Christ and a Christ-centered worldview. The Chronicles of Bren subtly weave in images of Jesus and the discovery of one's identity in Him. But wait, there's more! I've penned not just one, but two book series. The initial trilogy, The Chronicles of Bren, sets the stage for the adventures that follow in the upcoming fourth book of The Bairns of Bren series. In this second series, my grandchildren take the reins as heroes, leading us on an exhilarating journey. Stay tuned for updates on the release of book 4 in this captivating saga. You're accustomed to my tales behind worshipful, comforting, and ministerial songs straight from the heart of Father God. However, the song I'm unveiling today draws inspiration from a trilogy of fantasy novels I penned for my beloved children and grandchildren back in 2015. The first installment, Captured (Book 1 in The Chronicles of Bren Trilogy), sets the stage for this enchanting journey. You might wonder, "Why would a worship leader and songwriter delve into the realm of fantasy literature?” I won't divulge all the intricacies that led me to craft fantasy novels. To catch up on the full story, tune in to the podcasts starting from the episode "Riding the Wind" up to today's episode. This week's featured song, "Creatures," born around 2015 or 2016, delves into the eerie depths of the spiritual realm. Some creatures embody goodness, while others embody malevolence. Through this song, I aimed to impart the lesson of discernment to my young ones, urging them to trust their instincts and remain wary, as the adversary often disguises himself as an angel of light. I hope to instill in my grandchildren a sense of vigilance, for the enemy prowls like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may deceive with his falsehoods. Last week I shared the story behind the song “Creatures”. This week I am sharing the story behind a song about a specific creature called “Chiroptera”. "Chiroptera" is the name of the order of the only mammal capable of true flight, the bat. The name is influenced by the hand-like wings of bats, which are formed from four elongated "fingers" covered by a cutaneous membrane.  In the book, “Captured”, the Chiroptera are giant bats...yet their facial features are those of men (albeit with pointy ‘bat’ ears and sharp ‘bat’ teeth) and instead of claws extending from mid-wing they had actual fingers, though with long claw-like fingernails extending in a menacing fashion. On the ground they make bird-like hops. Those who hover in the air above hold large stones in their hands, ready to wield great destruction on any whose head they are dropped upon. In the story, they are meant to represent opportunists. Sometimes they are good. Sometimes they are enemies. Their attitude just depends on what is most advantageous to them in their agenda. They are meant to be and depict yet another reality of living life in the real world. The leader of the Chiroptera in “Captured” is called Falling Rocks and the story behind that name was inspired by a story my mother used to tell my children when they were small. When my children were young, my mother told them many stories. One of those stories was about a little Native American boy called Falling Rocks. This story began when my mom and dad took my nephew and niece on a trip to Utah. Being very young at the time, my niece and nephew asked why there were so many signs that said ‘Watch For Falling Rocks’ along the mountainside roads. My mom came up with this story: there is a little lost boy named Falling Rocks and his mother has placed those signs there so she can get the public to help her find her little lost son. Not but a few minutes after she came up with this story meant to entertain the children than a little Native American boy in full Native American dress was standing on the roadside. My niece burst into tears and asked her grandparents to stop and help him. My mom told the children that she would stop at the next rest area and call the boy’s mother. The children were beside themselves in panic over helping this boy. At the next stop, my mom made a ‘phone call’ to the boy’s mother, relieving the children of this great burden to help Falling Rocks. As my children heard the story from my mother, the legend only grew! To this day, whenever we see a sign warning of ‘Falling Rocks’ we all laugh and enjoy the memory all over again! I had to use the name Falling Rocks for a character in my book. It seemed appropriate to call the leader of the mountainous dwelling creatures, the Chiroptera, Falling Rocks. SONG

[1Pe 5:8 NIV] 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

I firmly believe that the enemy's roar, embodied by Satan, is merely a facade of lies—a cacophony intended to instill fear and lure us into temptation. Like a lion without teeth, his power over us is solely through deception. Let's not forget that crucial truth.

I trust that this series of songs on my podcast hasn't been too overwhelming for you. These narratives offer me a unique insight into the hearts of my grandchildren. Many of them are reaching an age where they grasp the allegorical essence and its profound significance, and for that, I am truly grateful.

May you discover joy and solace within the pages of the books and the melodies of the songs. They serve as uplifting - and, I’ll admit, sometimes scary - companions, guiding you to encounter Jesus even amidst life's toughest trials.

Thank you for tuning in to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast. For more about my journey, music, and more, visit dennisjernigan.com. Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram, and explore my music on various streaming platforms. If you're keen on joining my team, consider becoming a Patron at patreon.com/dennisjernigan. Your support means the world to me!

The book "Captured" is now available on Amazon in paperback, ebook, and audiobook versions. I encourage you to delve into "Captured" and then enjoy the songs inspired by its characters, all available for FREE. Simply head to https://www.thechroniclesofbren.com/store/captured-songs-for-the-journey-album/ to download the complete collection at no cost.

Thank you once more for being a part of today's podcast. Remember, you are deeply loved by God and by me. Now, I challenge you to rise as the warrior for God's kingdom you are called to be today. Cast off the enemy's lies, embrace the truth of your identity in the Lord, and go forth as the cherished son or daughter of your Heavenly Father.

Chiroptera! WORDS & MUSIC
Dennis Jernigan ©Dennis Jernigan 2015

Verse Wings like a bat Face half human  Talons like a bird of prey Making their abode in the heights of the mountains Hunt by night Sleep by day

Chorus Chiroptera! Chiroptera! Shadow in the sky overhead! Chiroptera! Chiroptera! See them coming, hope they’re well fed!

Like a cloud in the sky on a moonless night You’re never really sure if you’ve seen one! Like a storm in the night You better hope it passes by ‘Cause you’re always better off If you never meet one!

Chiroptera! Chiroptera! Phantom of the air on high! Chiroptera! Chiroptera! Better hope they just pass by!

Verse Preying through the night on owls and fairies Any creature small and weak Waiting in the shadows  For their unsuspecting victims Sinking in their jagged teeth

Chorus Chiroptera! Chiroptera! Shadow in the sky overhead! Chiroptera! Chiroptera! See them coming, hope they’re well fed!

Like a cloud in the sky on a moonless night You’re never really sure if you’ve seen one! Like a storm in the night You better hope it passes by ‘Cause you’re always better off If you never meet one!

Chiroptera! Chiroptera! Phantom of the air on high! Chiroptera! Chiroptera! Better hope they just pass by!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You will find the show notes and lyrics below:

 Welcome to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast. The purpose of this podcast is to help you find healing for your wounds; find hope in your despair; find intimacy in your loneliness; find refuge from the storms of life; Basically, to help you find a deeper walk with Jesus. There is one thing I know after having lived all these years: God wastes nothing. Not our sorrows. Not our wounds. Not even our failures.  Hi. I am your host, Dennis Jernigan, and I am so excited about the next few weeks of the Dennis Jernigan podcast because I absolutely love the subject matter that we're covering. I really do.

 For the past few weeks I have been sharing the stories behind songs inspired by a fantasy book series I wrote for my children and grandchildren…but something I have forgotten to tell you (I will blame my forgetfulness on the Parkinson’s) is that the underlying reason I wrote these stories was to paint an allegorical picture of what it means to come to Christ for salvation and how to view the word from Christ’s point of view. I wrote the books in such a way that people would not be deterred from reading the books if they felt they had overtly religious undertones. You will be able to find pictures of Jesus and discovering none’s identity in Christ painted throughout The Chronicles of Bren.  And there’s one more thing to tell you. I have actually written 2 series of books. The first series is called The Chronicles of Bren Trilogy and the second series (which is about to have its 4th book completed) called The Bairns of Bren. This second series features my grandchildren as the heroes of the stories and it has become quite a wild ride. I’ll let you know when book 4 in that series is available.  You are used to hearing me share the stories behind songs of worship and praise; songs of ministry; songs of comfort; songs from Father God’s heart to ours…but the song I am sharing today was inspired by a 3-book series of fantasy novels I wrote for my children and grandchildren way back in 2015. The first book in this three-book series is called Captured (Book 1 in The Chronicles of Bren Trilogy). You may be asking yourself, “Why would a worship leader and song receiver write  series of books and songs about a fantasy world?”  I won’t share everything that has led me to the writing of fantasy novels. You can simply listen to the podcasts from the episode called “Riding the Wind” all the way up to today’s episode in order to catch up.   This week’s song, “Creatures”, was received sometime in 2015 0r 2016 is a very scary song and was intended to paint a picture of the evil that is at work in the spiritual realm. Some of the creatures are good. Some are evil. My goal was to teach my children and grandchildren to walk in discernment and to trust their consciences and to remember that the enemy sometimes presents himself as an angel of light.  My desire is that my grandchildren would learn to be vigilant because the enemy goes about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour with his lies. I’ll just mention a few of the lyrics that are meant to instill that vigilance. 

Better watch out.  Better watch out When you pass through Forest or valley Whatever you do

Better watch out Better watch  Whatever you do Better be watching  But who’s watching who?

 Following is a list of the creatures found in Bren. Ogres, Werewolves, Terrebithians (a race of men who live under the ground), Hawken (Hawk people who are faifthul to Bren), Wolfen (wolf people who are faithful to Bren), and Treesant (faithful, yet cautious of Bren). Swine rats, demons, unicorns (always good), dragons (fifty fifty chance of being good), fiends (never a good thing), Witches (never good), warlocks (never good).   Captured is a tale as old as time. Day at war with night. I painted a saga of peril and balanced it with faith, because I want my grandchildren to know life is not always easy but it always best lived by walking in faith with Jesus Christ. In this story The Founders represent the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Let me highlight a couple of the creatures to give you some insight as to why I created them.

Sylvan – Treesants – These people of the forest – tree spirits, if you will – were inspired by my love for the woods. On our farm, we have acres and acres of forest. In fact, my sons and I have cut trails through the forest and have built a campground in those woods. The campground sits atop a small hill we have dubbed Stirling Mountain after the famous battle of Stirling depicted in the movie about William Wallace, Braveheart.  As a teenager studying vocational agriculture, I actually spent time studying trees and was tested on identifying various species native to Oklahoma. Throughout the history of fantasy and mythological writings there have been depictions of tree spirits. I had to include my own version in this story. The Treesants – Sylvan in particular – represent the mystery of life and the joy of trying to unravel the mystery…which Leonolis never does. But I don’t think he will ever stop trying. After all, isn’t that where the fun is?

Swine Rats – This particular creature was conjured up in my mind by the various wild animals I have experienced throughout my life – especially when growing up in the country. We often see coyotes and deer and bobcats and skunks and woodchucks and raccoons and squirrels and possums. When I was a boy in FFA, I had show animals. I bought my first pig to show at livestock shows when I was a freshman in high school. The pig was purchased from a friend who lived ten miles away. After getting the pig home and placed in the enclosure I had prepared for her, she promptly escaped! I searched for a couple of weeks to no avail. After a futile period of searching, I gave up. A week after my search ended I receive a call from the friend I had bought the pig from. He told me the pig had come back to his birthplace! As I secured the enclosure and went to once again bring my pig home, I could not help but imagine what she had endured and all she might have gone through just to make it those weeks alone in her incredible journey. All of that helped inspire the swine rats. I combined rats with a pig just because rats personify dirty, rotten, scoundrels, soaked in evil to me!  My grandchildren love to scare me and I love to scare them when it is apprpriate. I do not want them to walk in fear but learn to discern when fear comes it can serve as a warning to be alert and to get themselves out of harm’s way if necessary. This is meant to be a scary song and is meant to remind us to walk in the light but walk prepared to stand against the darkness with the light of Jesus Christ.

SONG

[1Pe 5:8 NIV] 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

 I believe the roar of the enemy, Satan, is simply lies…noise meant to cause fear and to lead to temptation. I also believe he is like a lion who, though he makes a lot of noise, has no teeth because his only power over us is deception. It would do us all good to remember that.  I hope this series of songs on my podcast has not been too off-putting for you. These stories truly do give me an inside track to the hearts of my grand children. Many of them are getting old enough now to understand the allegory and the meaning behind it and for that I am grateful.  I hope you find joy and encouragement as you read the books and listen to the songs. They really are refreshing ways to help you find Jesus even through the most difficult times of life.

 Thanks for tuning in to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast. For more about me, my story, or my music, visit dennisjernigan.com. You can also catch me on Facebook and Instagram, and find my music on most major streaming services. And hey, if you really want to be a part of my team, you can even become a Patron over at Patreon.com/dennisjernigan. I'd love to have you on board! 

 The book “Captured” is available at Amazon in paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats. I encourage you to read the book “Captured” and then listen to or download the songs inspired by each of the main characters for FREE. Just go to https://www.thechroniclesofbren.com/store/captured-songs-for-the-journey-album/ and download the entire collection for FREE.

 Thanks again for being part of today's podcast. Remember, God loves you, and so do I. Now, I challenge you to rise up and be the warrior for the kingdom God has called to to be today. And I urge you to put off the lies of the enemy and put on the truth of who the Lord says you are and then go and BE who your Heavenly Father says you are…

Creatures WORDS & MUSIC Dennis Jernigan ©2016 DennisJernigan

Verse Ogres and werewolves and Terrebithians Hawken and Wolfen and Treesant Myriad creatures inhabiting Bren Some of the dark - Some of Light

Swine rats and demons, a unicorn or two Dragons and various fiends Myriad creatures inhabiting Bren Some of the Day - Some of night

Chorus Better watch out! Better watch out when you pass through! Forest or a valley - whatever you do!

Better watch out! Better watch whatever you do! Better be watching But who's watching who?

Verse Witches and warlocks and men of every race With just a thin veil in between them Darkness has no place to go in the Light But always they're hiding its face!

Chorus So you better watch out! Better watch out when you pass through! Forest or a valley - whatever you do!

Better watch out! Better watch whatever you do! Better be watching But who's watching who? Better be watching But who's watching who?

Bridge Tale as old as time Day at war with night Tale as old as time Day at war with Light

Chorus So you better watch out! Better watch out when you pass through! Forest or a valley - whatever you do!

Better watch out! Better watch whatever you do! Better be watching But who's watching who? Better be watching But who's watching who?

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You will find the show notes and lyrics below:

 Welcome to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast. The purpose of this podcast is to help you find healing for your wounds; find hope in your despair; find intimacy in your loneliness; find refuge from the storms of life; Basically, to help you find a deeper walk with Jesus. There is one thing I know after having lived all these years: God wastes nothing. Not our sorrows. Not our wounds. Not even our failures.  Hi. I am your host, Dennis Jernigan, and I am so excited about the next few weeks of the Dennis Jernigan podcast because I absolutely love the subject matter that we're covering. 

 For the past few weeks I have been sharing the stories behind songs inspired by  fantasy book series I wrote for my children and grandchildren. You are used to hearing me share the stories behind songs of worship and praise; songs of ministry; songs of comfort; songs from Father God’s heart to ours…but the song I am sharing today was inspired by a 3-book series of fantasy novels I wrote for my children and grandchildren way back in 2015. The first book in this three-book series is called Captured (Book 1 in The Chronicles of Bren Trilogy). You may be asking yourself, “Why would a worship leader and song receiver write  series of books and songs about a fantasy world?”  I won’t share everything that has led me to the writing of fantasy novels. You can simply listen to the podcasts from “Riding the Wind’ to today’s episode in order to catch up. That being said, I will share a brief story that may give you insight into the reason I would create a fantasy world.

 For many years, from my early childhood and even well into my early adult years, I felt rejected by most people and had a deep desire to know my father's love for me. I had already believed the lie of the enemy, deeming myself unlovable. Each night as I went to bed, I would dream of being a little boy on the starship enterprise and my dad was Captain James Tiberius Kirk. My mother was Doris Day and she was always singing Que sera sera, whatever will be will be. Each night in those dreams, I found myself captured by aliens, placed in captivity, and being readied for execution. Just as I was about to be destroyed, my dad, Captain Kirk, would materialize with his weapon, his phaser, set not on stun but on destroy. Every night I was rescued in those dreams and I woke up right at the moment of rescue. As I have looked back now, I can see how creatively God engineered those dreams to paint a picture of what he had already done for me by the work of the cross. He used fantasy through my dreams to paint a picture of his great love for me. I truly believe that with all my heart. And that is the reason I am sharing these songs from my fantasy books.

 The song I am sharing on this week’s episode is called “Jidgel! Jidgel!”, a song I wrote for the book “Captured (Book 1 in the The Chronicles of Bren Trilogy). “Captured” is my life story written in allegory as a legacy to my children and grandchildren. As I wrote the books, I envisioned what it might sound like if Disney ever made a movie based on these books. I completed the songs for the first two books but never got around to writing songs for book three. That book is about my vision for my 9 children…and their real-life stories are still being written. They will need to write their own songs.  This week’s song, “Jidgel! Jidjel!”, was received sometime in 2015 0r 2016 and was intended to infuse a bit of humor in the story as well as to paint a picture of taking ownership of our own feelings and attitudes and points of view, that regardless of our circumstances, we can choose joy. In the land of Bren, there is a place known as The Forbidden Swamp. It is massive and almost impassable, yet due to circumstances, our protagonist, Leonolis, needs to find a way through The Forbidden Swamp.

He is led to a feisty old man, named Jidgel to seek a way through. 

 The name for this character was invented by one of my sons when he was just a boy. My son is one of the most creative people I know. One of  his funniest ideas was the way he spoke about what he would call his one-day children. He told me that when he had a son he would call him Jidgel! I never forgot that and decided that this character’s name had to be Jidgel. Jidgel represents self-reliance and personal responsibility…and also a beacon of wisdom. Jidgel lives alone and fends for himself in the swamp, daring to live where others fear to tread. As a result, he sees through the trappings of government and superficiality of mankind and evokes a sense of accepting people just because of who they are and not for what they can do for him. Leonolis trusts him quickly once he discerns the wisdom coming from this feisty little man. 

Jidgel was one of my favorite characters to write.  He is very curmudgeonly and bluntly honest and has no fear of what others may think or say of him. Leonolis asks Jidjel to show him the way through the swamp and the keeper of the swamp, as Jidgel is known, challenges him to walk in wisdom. His purpose is to challenge young men and women, to not hold others responsible for their feelings or their attitudes or for their lots in life. He challenges them to hold themselves responsible and to walk as one who is responsible. He believes it is weakness to  blame others for your misfortunes. He challenges Lronolis to learn to make something beautiful even out of his misfortunes just as Jidgel saw beauty in a place most others in the Kingdom avoided. I absolutely love this song. Sorry you’re about to get a song stuck in your head for a few hours, but it’s just fun to say and sing the name Jidgel…

SONG

Jidgel showed reverence to the boy, Leonolis, but was very honest with him. Though Jidgel was not a constant character throughout the three book series, he is one of my favorites simply because he loved Leonolis enough to be honest with him.

His character could have written these words from Pro 3:11-26 NIV 11 My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, 12 because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. 13 Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, 14 for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. 16 Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. 17 Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed. 19 By wisdom the LORD laid the earth's foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place; 20 by his knowledge the watery depths were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew. 21 My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; 22 they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. 23 Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. 24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. 25 Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, 26 for the LORD will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared.

 I hope you find joy and encouragement as you read the books and listen to the songs. They really are refreshing ways to help you find Jesus even through the most difficult times of life. And besides, laughter does good like a medicine. Just try saying the name Jidgel without at least smiling a bit!  

 Thanks for tuning in to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast. For more about me, my story, or my music, visit dennisjernigan.com. You can also catch me on Facebook and Instagram, and find my music on most major streaming services. And hey, if you really want to be a part of my team, you can even become a Patron over at Patreon.com/dennisjernigan. I'd love to have you on board! 

 The book “Captured” is available at Amazon in paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats. I encourage you to read the book “Captured” and then listen to or download the songs inspired by each of the main characters for FREE. Just go to https://www.thechroniclesofbren.com/store/captured-songs-for-the-journey-album/ and download the entire collection for FREE.

 Thanks again for being part of today's podcast. Remember, God loves you, and so do I. Now, I challenge you to rise up and be the warrior for the kingdom God has called to to be today. And I urge you to put off the lies of the enemy and put on the truth of who the Lord says you are and then go and BE who your Heavenly Father says you are…

Jidgel! Jidjel!

Verse  Man of the swamp Man of the fen Man of the water and reed Man of his word Man among men Meeter of shelter and need

Chorus Jidgel! Jidjel! Curmudgeon short and stout Jidgel! Jidjel! What is life about? Lack-it-y loo! Didgeridoo! Tell me what life is about to you Lolly-go-lie! Lolly-go-loo! Show me the way to get through

Verse  Eater of fish Drinker of wine Shorter than average men Taller in heart Taller in mind Defender of Truth, you’re his friend

Chorus Jidgel! Jidjel! Curmudgeon short and stout Jidgel! Jidjel! What is life about? Lack-it-y loo! Didgeridoo! Tell me what life is about to you Lolly-go-lie! Lolly-go-loo! Show me the way to get through

Bridge I can go around  But I’d rather go through I think that’s what you would do Tell me what I know  That I know to be true Show me the way to get through

Chorus Jidgel! Jidjel! Curmudgeon short and stout Jidgel! Jidjel! What is life about? Lack-it-y loo! Didgeridoo! Tell me what life is about to you Lolly-go-lie! Lolly-go-loo! Show me the way to get through Show me the way to get through Show me the way to get through 

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You will find the show notes and lyrics below:

Welcome to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast. The purpose of this podcast is to help you find healing for your wounds; find hope in your despair; find intimacy in your loneliness; find refuge from the storms of life; Basically, to help you find a deeper walk with Jesus. There is one thing I know after having lived all these years: God wastes nothing. Not our sorrows. Not our wounds. Not even our failures.

Hi. I am your host, Dennis Jernigan, and I am so excited about the next few weeks of the Dennis Jernigan podcast because I absolutely love the subject matter that we're covering.

For the past few weeks I have been sharing the stories behind songs inspired by  fantasy book series I wrote for my children and grandchildren. You are used to hearing me share the stories behind songs of worship and praise; songs of ministry; songs of comfort; songs from Father God’s heart to ours…but the song I am sharing today was inspired by a 3-book series of fantasy novels I wrote for my children and grandchildren way back in 2015. You may be asking yourself, “Why would a worship leader and song receiver write  series of books and songs about a fantasy world?”

I will not take the time to share all I shared the first few weeks of this series. You’ll just need to listen and catch up  by  beginning with the episode titled “Riding the Wind” through this week’s podcast. That will catch you up as to why I am sharing these songs. The utter reality is that the Lord used fantasy and myth to lead me to utter and  unwavering faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, He really did.

The song I am sharing on this week’s episode is called “Fairies”, a song I wrote for the book “Captured (Book 1 in the The Chronicles of Bren Trilogy). “Captured” is my life story written in allegory as a legacy to my children and grandchildren. As I wrote the books, I envisioned what it might sound like if Disney ever made a movie based on these books. I completed the songs for the first two books but never got around to writing songs for book three. That book is about my vision for my 9 children…and their real-life stories are still being written. They will need to write their own songs.

This week’s song, “Fairies”, was received sometime in 2015 0r 2016 and was intended to infuse a bit of humor in the story. In the land of Bren, fairies are servants of the kingdom and are known to help guide people to where they need to be. In book one, Captured, the main fairy is named Rania.

Rania is a good yet mischievous fairy. Rania was was inspired by my daughter Raina. As a little girl, we actually called her Velociraina, after the velociraptors from the movie Jurassic Park because of her sneaky, mischievous way of dealing with her younger brothers! Raina is so beautiful and so loving and such a servant it was easy to see her as a fairy, flitting around guiding people to where they need to be. Her relationship with her older sister, Galen, inspired the relationship between the Hawken girl, Galenna, and the fairy, Rania.

There is no deep spiritual truth I was trying to convey through this character. I just wanted to have a little fun so I created a character who liked to have little fun. The song was written to describe this character and was fun to sing. I wanted the music of the entire album to have a bit of Celtic or Medieval flavor to it because I think it fits the story well and gives a sense of wonder to the saga. Here’s something I never imagined saying: Enjoy my song about fairies!

SONG

Proverbs 17:22 NIV says, 22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

I hope you do not mind me taking this detour along the way of the journey through my music through the years. These songs were truly a joy to write and the fact that knowing my grandchildren and great-grandchildren will one day listen to them brings my heart so much joy it's hard to explain. It just does.

If you have not already done so, I encourage you to read the trilogy, The Chronicles of Bren and that you would listen to the music with a completely different attitude and point of you. I just want to give every opportunity for my grandchildren and great-grandchildren for generations to come to know there is a creator who is Savior and Redeemer and that these stories might, in some small way, lead them to that understanding.

That being said, I have some great news about the music from my fantasy series. You can listen to and even download the entire album for book one absolutely for free. It is called “Captured - Songs For the Journey” and it can be found on the website www.thechroniclesofbren.com. I encourage you to read the book “Captured” and then listen to the songs inspired by each of the main characters. This album is meant to encourage young men to look past their shortcomings and failures and the lies of the enemy and see and be  who Father God says they are.

Thanks for tuning in to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast. For more about me, my story, or my music, visit dennisjernigan.com. You can also catch me on Facebook and Instagram, and find my music on most major streaming services. And hey, if you really want to be a part of my team, you can even become a Patron over at Patreon.com/dennisjernigan. I'd love to have you on board! 

The book “Captured” is available at Amazon in paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats. I encourage you to read the book “Captured” and then listen to the songs inspired by each of the main characters.

Thanks again for being part of today's podcast. Remember, God loves you, and so do I. Now, I challenge you to rise up and be the warrior for the kingdom God has called to to be today. And I urge you to put off the lies of the enemy and put on the truth of who the Lord says you are and then go and BE who your Heavenly Father says you are…

Fairies WWORDS & MUSIC Dennis Jernigan ©2015

Verse Fairies tend to vary  And can have quite an attitude Some can be quite merry Some can practice less than gratitude

Mischievous and magical And more than a mystery Bringing good from tragical And leaving quite a history

Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Who can tame a fairy? Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! This will never be!

Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Who can claim a fairy! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! When catch what can’t be seen!

Chorus Oh! Oh! Lucky if I see one! Oh! Oh! Fairy! Fairy! Fay! Oh! Oh! Lucky if I meet one! What a simply wonderful day!

Verse Flitting through the forest In the grand land of Make Believe Or are the things we hope exist A part of true reality?

Something there to guide me I the grand land of In Between Between the realm of what I see And What I think that I can dream

Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Who can tame a fairy? Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! This will never be!

Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Who can claim a fairy! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! When catch what can’t be seen!

Chorus Oh! Oh! Lucky if I see one! Oh! Oh! Fairy! Fairy! Fay! Oh! Oh! Lucky if I meet one! What a simply wonderful day!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

Welcome to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast, where we aim to challenge your perspective on life. Life is a precious gift, but let's be real— it often comes with its share of pain. Whether it's physical, emotional, mental, or relational, we all encounter moments of sorrow and suffering. Life can feel anything but fair, right? That's why this podcast is here to guide you towards healing, hope, intimacy, and refuge from life's storms, ultimately fostering a deeper connection with Jesus. Through all my years, one thing is certain: God doesn't waste a thing. Not our struggles, not our wounds, not even our failures. Hey there, I'm Dennis Jernigan, your host, and I'm thrilled (and maybe a tad nervous) to share today's song and its backstory with you. As I mentioned last week, my apprehension stems from the fact that I typically share stories behind worship and ministry songs, but today's song was inspired by a fantasy novel series I penned for my kids and grandkids back in 2015. You might wonder, "Why is a worship leader writing about a fantasy world?" I won't recap all the details here, but if you tune in from the episode "Riding the Wind" to "Ollieman’s Song," you'll understand why these songs are significant. The truth is, the Lord used fantasy and myth to anchor my unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. On this week's episode, I'm excited to share the song "Lucian's Pride," which I penned for my book "Captured," the first installment in The Chronicles of Bren Trilogy. This book is my life story told through allegory, serving as a legacy for my children and grandchildren. As I crafted these books, I couldn't help but imagine what they would sound like if they were turned into Disney movies. While I managed to create songs for the first two books, I never quite got around to composing for the third. That final book delves into my vision for my nine children, whose real-life tales are still unfolding. They'll have to write their own songs, quite literally. Now, here's the exciting part—I have fantastic news to share! You can not only listen to but also download the entire album for book one, "Captured - Songs For the Journey," completely free of charge. Simply head over to www.thechroniclesofbren.com to access it. I highly recommend reading "Captured" first and then immersing yourself in the songs inspired by each main character. This album aims to empower young men to transcend their flaws, failures, and the enemy's lies, embracing their true identity as defined by God. Let's delve into "Lucian's Pride," a song that came to me around 2015 or 2016. Lucian, the story's antagonist, embodies the evil that exists in our world. I see Lucian as a representation of Lucifer, both names—Lucian meaning 'Light' and Lucifer meaning 'Shining One'—initially appearing as beacons of light but concealing darkness and malevolence within. Just like in the story of Captured, I, too, faced adversity in my youth, including sexual abuse and ridicule for my creative nature. Despite these challenges, I chose to view them from a higher perspective—the Lord's perspective—allowing me to emerge as an overcomer who sees setbacks as stepping stones to greater things. I overcame the hurts of my childhood and I actually allegorically incorporated them into the book series The Chronicles of Bren: Captured and The Chronicles of Bren: Sacrifice. Lucian symbolizes the enduring concept that redemption is always within reach, irrespective of our past mistakes. As we're taught in God's word, Lucifer, the devil, is a master deceiver who seeks the downfall of every human. He prowls around like a roaring lion, aiming to devour with his deceit. But let me assure you, based on personal experience, our past failures don't define us. True failure only occurs when someone stumbles and chooses not to rise and continue on the path toward Jesus. This song offers a glimpse into Satan's tactics, shedding light on how he navigates the human mind. His goal is to inflate our pride to the point where we believe ourselves to be gods. Let's reject the lies and embrace the truth of who God says we are. "Lucian's Pride" stirs within me a righteous anger towards the enemy of God, having witnessed many individuals liberated from his falsehoods, reborn through Jesus. 

It echoes the deceptive whispers of the Liar—Lucifer—that haunted me in my youth and early adulthood, evoking that same anger. The thought of countless children falling victim to his lies fuels my determination to share these stories far and wide, especially with the youth. We need to remember that. My wish is that this song will help them see through the deception as they engage with the book and its music. Let's tune in and see if the song uncovers any falsehoods we've embraced about ourselves. I'll be listening closely alongside you. Let's press play and delve in… SONG 1 Peter 5:8-11 NIV says 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

The enemy may parade around like a ferocious lion, but in truth, he's a toothless predator whose sole strength lies in deception. When we anchor ourselves in the truth of God's Word, standing resolute, fear has no place, for Jesus has already triumphed over the enemy's deceit through the cross and the redemptive power of His blood. As 2 Corinthians 11:14 NIV tells us, Satan cloaks himself as an angel of light. 

So, where should we seek unwavering truth—from fallible human wisdom claiming enlightenment or from the infallible Word of God? The answer is clear: Jesus, the embodiment of God's living Word!

Thank you for joining me today on The Dennis Jernigan Podcast. For more about me, my journey, or my music, explore dennisjernigan.com. Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram, and find my music on various streaming platforms. And if you're keen on being part of the team, consider becoming a Patron at Patreon.com/dennisjernigan. Your support means the world to me!

To download an mp3 of this week's track, "Lucian's Pride," from the book "Captured: The Chronicles of Bren Trilogy: Book 1," head to www.thechroniclesofbren.com for free listening and downloads. "Captured" is available on Amazon in paperback, ebook, and audiobook versions. Dive into the book, then immerse yourself in the character-inspired songs. 

Thank you once more for tuning in today. Remember, God's love surrounds you. It's time to heed the call and embrace your warrior spirit for God's kingdom. Shed the enemy's lies, don the truth of your identity in Christ, and step into the fullness of who your Heavenly Father declares you to be.

Maison WORDS & MUSIC Dennis Jernigan ©2015 Dennis Jernigan

Verse There was once a little wizard man  Known as Maison He was short and round And he was known as a wise one Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! 

He is quite adept at spells and magic To underestimate his power would be tragic Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! 

He is full of tricks and wonders More to him that meets the eye Lightning bolts and mighty thunder Smart and mighty, gentle, kind

Chorus Maison! Maison! Work your magic well! Maison! Maison! Stories we could tell!

Fighting through the veil of evil! Unafraid to face the night! Putting down the beasts of darkness! Standing for the true and right!

Maison! Maison! True and faithful friend! Maison! Maison! True to king and men!

There will never be another Wizard quite like him! Maison!

Verse There are many tales of truth and daring Very few of those are worth the bearing Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! 

Fighting for the king  As he faced the darkness Many were the fiends But he pierced through the hardness Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! 

He is full of tricks and wonders More to him that meets the eye Lightning bolts and mighty thunder Smart and mighty, gentle, kind

Chorus Maison! Maison! Work your magic well! Maison! Maison! Stories we could tell!

Fighting through the veil of evil! Unafraid to face the night! Putting down the beasts of darkness! Standing for the true and right!

Maison! Maison! True and faithful friend! Maison! Maison! True to king and men!

There will never be another Wizard quite like him! Maison!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

Welcome to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast, where we aim to challenge your perspective on life. Life is a precious gift, but let's be real— it often comes with its share of pain. Whether it's physical, emotional, mental, or relational, we all encounter moments of sorrow and suffering. Life can feel anything but fair, right? That's why this podcast is here to guide you towards healing, hope, intimacy, and refuge from life's storms, ultimately fostering a deeper connection with Jesus. Through all my years, one thing is certain: God doesn't waste a thing. Not our struggles, not our wounds, not even our failures. Hey there, I'm Dennis Jernigan, your host, and I'm thrilled (and maybe a tad nervous) to share today's song and its backstory with you. As I mentioned last week, my apprehension stems from the fact that I typically share stories behind worship and ministry songs, but today's song was inspired by a fantasy novel series I penned for my kids and grandkids back in 2015. You might wonder, "Why is a worship leader writing about a fantasy world?" I won't recap all the details here, but if you tune in from the episode "Riding the Wind" to "Ollieman’s Song," you'll understand why these songs are significant. The truth is, the Lord used fantasy and myth to anchor my unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. On this week's episode, I'm excited to share the song "Lucian's Pride," which I penned for my book "Captured," the first installment in The Chronicles of Bren Trilogy. This book is my life story told through allegory, serving as a legacy for my children and grandchildren. As I crafted these books, I couldn't help but imagine what they would sound like if they were turned into Disney movies. While I managed to create songs for the first two books, I never quite got around to composing for the third. That final book delves into my vision for my nine children, whose real-life tales are still unfolding. They'll have to write their own songs, quite literally. Now, here's the exciting part—I have fantastic news to share! You can not only listen to but also download the entire album for book one, "Captured - Songs For the Journey," completely free of charge. Simply head over to www.thechroniclesofbren.com to access it. I highly recommend reading "Captured" first and then immersing yourself in the songs inspired by each main character. This album aims to empower young men to transcend their flaws, failures, and the enemy's lies, embracing their true identity as defined by God. Let's delve into "Lucian's Pride," a song that came to me around 2015 or 2016. Lucian, the story's antagonist, embodies the evil that exists in our world. I see Lucian as a representation of Lucifer, both names—Lucian meaning 'Light' and Lucifer meaning 'Shining One'—initially appearing as beacons of light but concealing darkness and malevolence within. Just like in the story of Captured, I, too, faced adversity in my youth, including sexual abuse and ridicule for my creative nature. Despite these challenges, I chose to view them from a higher perspective—the Lord's perspective—allowing me to emerge as an overcomer who sees setbacks as stepping stones to greater things. I overcame the hurts of my childhood and I actually allegorically incorporated them into the book series The Chronicles of Bren: Captured and The Chronicles of Bren: Sacrifice. Lucian symbolizes the enduring concept that redemption is always within reach, irrespective of our past mistakes. As we're taught in God's word, Lucifer, the devil, is a master deceiver who seeks the downfall of every human. He prowls around like a roaring lion, aiming to devour with his deceit. But let me assure you, based on personal experience, our past failures don't define us. True failure only occurs when someone stumbles and chooses not to rise and continue on the path toward Jesus. This song offers a glimpse into Satan's tactics, shedding light on how he navigates the human mind. His goal is to inflate our pride to the point where we believe ourselves to be gods. Let's reject the lies and embrace the truth of who God says we are. "Lucian's Pride" stirs within me a righteous anger towards the enemy of God, having witnessed many individuals liberated from his falsehoods, reborn through Jesus. 

It echoes the deceptive whispers of the Liar—Lucifer—that haunted me in my youth and early adulthood, evoking that same anger. The thought of countless children falling victim to his lies fuels my determination to share these stories far and wide, especially with the youth. We need to remember that. My wish is that this song will help them see through the deception as they engage with the book and its music. Let's tune in and see if the song uncovers any falsehoods we've embraced about ourselves. I'll be listening closely alongside you. Let's press play and delve in… SONG 1 Peter 5:8-11 NIV says 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

The enemy may parade around like a ferocious lion, but in truth, he's a toothless predator whose sole strength lies in deception. When we anchor ourselves in the truth of God's Word, standing resolute, fear has no place, for Jesus has already triumphed over the enemy's deceit through the cross and the redemptive power of His blood. As 2 Corinthians 11:14 NIV tells us, Satan cloaks himself as an angel of light. 

So, where should we seek unwavering truth—from fallible human wisdom claiming enlightenment or from the infallible Word of God? The answer is clear: Jesus, the embodiment of God's living Word!

Thank you for joining me today on The Dennis Jernigan Podcast. For more about me, my journey, or my music, explore dennisjernigan.com. Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram, and find my music on various streaming platforms. And if you're keen on being part of the team, consider becoming a Patron at Patreon.com/dennisjernigan. Your support means the world to me!

To download an mp3 of this week's track, "Lucian's Pride," from the book "Captured: The Chronicles of Bren Trilogy: Book 1," head to www.thechroniclesofbren.com for free listening and downloads. "Captured" is available on Amazon in paperback, ebook, and audiobook versions. Dive into the book, then immerse yourself in the character-inspired songs. 

Thank you once more for tuning in today. Remember, God's love surrounds you. It's time to heed the call and embrace your warrior spirit for God's kingdom. Shed the enemy's lies, don the truth of your identity in Christ, and step into the fullness of who your Heavenly Father declares you to be.

Lucian’s Pride WORDS & MUSIC Dennis Jernigan ©2016 

Verse Who do you think you are? The son of a King  Doesn’t mean anything Who do you think you are?

Who do you think you are? You have all you need But when you’re cut you still bleed Who do you think you are?

Deep inside you’re so prideful So arrogant and snide Think  so highly of yourself From such a lofty height

In your heart you’re the greatest ‘Cause Daddy is the King You are just a sniveling boy But to me you’re nothing

Chorus I will bring you down Cut you down to size Take away the arrogance That clouds your royal eyes

I will make you see The things you refuse to see Who you really are is really nothing Soon enough you’ll see You are less than me Less than me

Verse Who do you think you are? Honorable son The privileged one Who do you think you are?

Who do you think you are? You have so much It leaves your heart out of touch Just who do you think you are?

Deep inside you’re so prideful So arrogant and snide Think  so highly of yourself From such a lofty height

In your heart you’re the greatest ‘Cause Daddy is the King You are just a sniveling boy But to me you’re nothing

Chorus I will bring you down Cut you down to size Take away the arrogance That clouds your royal eyes

I will make you see The things you refuse to see Who you really are is really nothing Soon enough you’ll see You are less than me

Bridge I am the rightful heir to that throne Soon enough the truth will be known I am but one breath from all I dreamed

All that stands in my way is one boy Soon the King will fall for my ploy I am but one death from being king

Chorus And I will bring you down Cut you down to size Take away the arrogance That clouds your royal eye

I will make you see The things you refuse to see Who you really are is really nothing But soon enough you’ll see You are less than me Less than me

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

Welcome to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast, where we aim to offer you a fresh perspective on life.  Life, as we all know, is a precious gift intertwined with moments of pain - be it physical, emotional, mental, or relational. Let's face it, life's journey can feel like a bumpy ride with its fair share of sorrow and suffering. Sometimes, it just doesn't seem fair, right? But here, we keep it real. Our mission is to guide you towards healing for your wounds, hope in despair, intimacy in loneliness, and shelter from life's storms - ultimately leading you to a deeper connection with Jesus. Through all my years, one truth stands firm: God doesn't waste a thing - not our sorrows, not our wounds, not even our failures. Hello, I'm your host, Dennis Jernigan, thrilled yet slightly nervous to unveil today's song and, what I think is, its fascinating backstory. As I mentioned last week, my apprehension stems from the fact that while you're accustomed to hearing me share worship, ministry, and comforting songs inspired by Father God, today's song has a different origin. It draws inspiration from a trilogy of fantasy novels I penned for my children and grandchildren back in 2015. You might be wondering, "Why would a worship leader delve into the realm of fantasy?" To get the full scoop, tune in to the podcast episode titled "Song of Arolis." Intriguingly, the Lord used fantasy and myth to deepen my unwavering faith in Jesus Christ.  The featured song in this week's episode is "Ollieman's Song," originally crafted for the book "Captured" from The Chronicles of Bren Trilogy. "Captured" serves as my life story, narrated allegorically as a legacy for my descendants. While penning the books, I couldn't help but imagine how they would translate into a Disney movie. I managed to compose songs for the first two books but never quite got around to creating tunes for the final installment. That third book delves into my aspirations for my nine children, whose real-life tales are still unfolding - they will ultimately script their own melodies.  Before we delve further, I have fantastic news to share. You can access and even download the entire album dedicated to book one, "Captured - Songs For the Journey," completely free of charge at www.thechroniclesofbren.com. I urge you to immerse yourself in the "Captured" book before delving into the songs inspired by its key characters. This album aims to empower young men to rise above their setbacks, failures, and the deceitful whispers of the enemy, enabling them to embrace their true identity in God.  Today's spotlight is on "Ollieman's Song," a creation that found its way to me back in 2015 or 2016.In The Chronicles of Bren series, a prominent figure is a wise old owl named Ollieman. Wondering why? Well, during my childhood, our family owned an old  barn, crafted by my grandfather in the 1930s and 1940s, boasting a magnificent hay loft. Every year, like clockwork, this barn played host to majestic barn owls. Each spring, a new generation of owlets would hatch, fiercely guarded by their mother who would not tolerate any intrusion, warning us with menacing hisses if we dared to peek into their nest! Those owls became a recurring dream of mine, a reminder of the wonder of having our very own owl neighbors!  In the tale of "Captured," the owl symbolizes unwavering friendship and embodies true wisdom. Opting for an owl was a deliberate choice, considering the bird's reputation for wisdom in the western world, attributed to its distinct features like large, front-facing eyes, noiseless flight, and nocturnal activities. Owls seem to communicate only when essential, mirroring the sentiment of Proverbs 7:28 NKJV, which suggests that even a fool can appear wise by choosing silence and discernment. I aim to leave a legacy of wisdom for my family, recognizing the allure of petty self-centeredness. Genuine wisdom stems from adopting a positive outlook, akin to an owl soaring above, navigating darkness with clarity. It's crucial for us to commit to seeking true wisdom throughout our lives, fostering personal growth. If you notice a rhyme scheme in Ollie's dialogue, that's just my inner songwriter shining through.  In "Captured," I delve into my early longing for meaningful companionship, rooted in the desire to be truly understood. This quest led me to discover that connection in Jesus. "Ollieman's Song" exudes a cheerful vibe that might linger in your mind throughout the day - consider yourself warned if it becomes an earworm. Embrace it, enjoy it, and let the melody uplift your spirits. SONG God’s Word explains love and friendship to  us in John 15:13 NKJV 13 which says "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.”

 Ollieman the owl serves as a poignant representation of Jesus, encouraging us to gain a divine perspective on life's challenges. By aligning ourselves with God's vantage point, we unlock the pathway to genuine wisdom. May this insight guide you not only today but in the days that follow. 

 Before I say goodbye, let me share a few ways to keep up with me. I appreciate your presence on The Dennis Jernigan Podcast more than you know and I want you to know that. 

For more on my journey, music, and updates, explore dennisjernigan.com. Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram, and discover my music on various streaming platforms. If you're eager to join my team, consider becoming a Patron at patreon.com/dennisjernigan - your support is truly valued!

 To obtain an mp3 of this week's track, "Ollieman's Song" from the book "Captured: The Chronicles of Bren Trilogy: Book 1," visit www.thechroniclesofbren.com for a complimentary listen or free download.  I think the songs will prove to be very helpful as you read and take part in the journey found in the boo, “Captured”.

 "Captured" is also accessible on Amazon in paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats. I recommend delving into the book before immersing yourself in the character-inspired songs. 

 Thank you once again for being part of today's podcast. Always remember, you are cherished by God and by me. Embrace the challenge to rise up as a wise warrior for the kingdom today and dare befriending someone who may need a friend today…and while you’re at it, go and be who your Heavenly Father says you are.

Ollieman’s Song WORDS & MUSIC Dennis Jernigan 2015

Verse Who? Who? Who is a friend like you? Who? Who? Who would dare defend like you? Who can ride the wind Faithful to the end like you?

Who? Who? Who is so wise like you? Who? Who? Who can see through lies like you? Who would give his life Flying through the night like you?

Chorus Ollieman, fly High into the sky! Lead me through the night With your all-seeing eye! I will follow you wherever you lead!

Ollieman, soar! There is always more! Lead me to the wisdom  That’s worth dying for! I will follow you wherever you lead! You’re a friend indeed!

Verse Who? Who? Who has a friend like mine? Who? Who? Who above the clouds can fly! Faithful through the trials! Faithful through the miles like you!

Who? Who? Who wise and oh, so bold! Who? Who? Whose heart is pure as gold? Who could be a friend Faithful to the end like you?

Chorus Ollieman, fly High into the sky! Lead me through the night With your all-seeing eye! I will follow you wherever you lead!

Ollieman, soar! There is always more! Lead me to the wisdom  That’s worth dying for! I will follow you wherever you lead! You’re a friend indeed!

Bridge I have never met Anybody yet Who is really quite like you! Singing out in rhyme At the perfect time Like you do!

I have never heard Any other bird Who is really quite like you! Always quite astute! I get quite a hoot Out of knowing you!

Chorus So, Ollieman, fly High into the sky! Lead me through the night With your all-seeing eye! I will follow you wherever you lead!

Ollieman, soar! There is always more! Lead me to the wisdom  That’s worth dying for! I will follow you wherever you lead! You’re a friend indeed! Yes, you’re a friend indeed! You’re a friend indeed!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

Welcome to the Dennis Jernigan podcast, a platform designed to offer you a fresh perspective on life. Life, undeniably, presents us with a myriad of challenges - be it physical, emotional, mental, or relational pain. Let's be real, life can be tough and unfair at times. But here's the thing - amidst the struggles, there is room for healing, hope, intimacy, and solace. This podcast aims to guide you towards a deeper connection with Jesus by helping you navigate through life's twists and turns with grace and faith.

I'm Dennis Jernigan, your host, and today, I'm thrilled yet slightly nervous to dive into the story behind a unique song. While I usually share songs of worship and ministry, today's song was born from a trilogy of fantasy novels I penned for my loved ones in 2015. You might wonder, "Why would a worship leader venture into the realm of fantasy storytelling?”

I won't rehash what was discussed in the previous episode, so if you want the backstory, check out the two previous podcasts titled “Riding the Wind” and “Warrior." They shed light on why these songs hold significance for me. It's fascinating how the Lord used fantasy and myth to deepen my unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. Now, let's dive into the heart of this episode—the "Song of Arolis," a track I composed for the book "Captured," the first installment of The Chronicles of Bren Trilogy. 

This book serves as an allegorical recounting of my life, intended as a legacy for my descendants. While crafting the novels, I couldn't help but imagine how these stories would translate into a Disney movie soundtrack. I managed to complete the songs for the first two books, but the third remains unwritten, reflecting my vision for my nine children, whose real-life tales are still unfolding. They will have to pen their own melodies. 

Here's a piece of exciting news: you can now enjoy the entire album inspired by book one, "Captured - Songs For the Journey," available on www.thechroniclesofbren.com. I urge you to delve into the book "Captured" first, then savor the songs intricately linked to each main character. Interestingly, the song list is in reverse order, prompting you to listen from bottom to top and sync each track with its corresponding chapter. Simply hit play and let the music speak to your soul. This album is a beacon of encouragement, inspiring young men to rise above their flaws, failures, and the enemy's deceit, embracing their true identity as defined by God.

Introducing today's featured song, the captivating "Song of Arolis," a melody that found its way to me around 2015 or 2016. Let's delve into the world of Arolis—a name intertwined with my lifelong equine companions. From my early days, horses have been a significant part of my life. Picture this: Spot, my first pony, tragically met his end in a car accident, leaving me heartbroken. Then there was Big Red, my father's sturdy, red-coated horse whose name was as straightforward as his appearance. And who could forget Silver, the mischievous pony intent on testing my riding skills by attempting to dislodge me near fences and trees? But it was Robin, our spirited Welsh pony, that sparked endless adventures. Tethered to a red wagon, Robin would gleefully pull my siblings and me at breakneck speed across our farm, pushing the wagon to its limits, requiring regular repairs from my dad's welding skills. 

Amidst these tales of equine antics, one horse stood out—Sugar. This noble gelding, my faithful companion from boyhood to my senior year in high school, was more than just a horse; he was a trusted friend. Together, Sugar and I roamed the countryside, forging unforgettable memories. We swam, fished, raced, and herded cattle, all while building an unbreakable bond of trust and camaraderie. Every Saturday, I'd ride Sugar into town, collecting and selling pop bottles along the way to earn enough for a well-deserved burger. With Sugar, I could perform daring feats, including mounting him mid-run from behind, a display of mutual trust and companionship. As I crafted the character of Arolis, the beloved horse of Prince Leonolis, all these cherished moments flooded back, inspiring a tale where a boy on horseback can embody a warrior, an explorer, a hero, and soar with the wind—all at once.

Let's unravel the multifaceted essence of Arolis, a name that carries profound meanings of commitment, promise, truth-seeking, and wisdom. In a deeply personal context, Arolis, among other characters in the narrative, embodies the Holy Spirit and the embodiment of authentic friendship. 

Reflecting on my own journey, I yearned for a steadfast companion, someone with whom I could share my deepest thoughts and who would stand by me through life's trials. This longing persisted through my school years and into college until a transformative moment when I encountered Jesus, who became that unwavering friend I had always sought. Through Him, I discovered the presence of the Holy Spirit as a comforting guide, offering solace in times of turmoil and unwavering honesty, even in the depths of solitude that marked my early years. 

Within the pages of "Captured," the character Leonolis experiences the remarkable ability to engage in conversations of thought with Arolis, a revelation that initially surprises him but eventually becomes a wellspring of vitality and resilience as the plot unfolds. This song encapsulates the yearning of a boy to be truly understood, a desire to both seek and be seen in the rawness of his being. Let’s listen.

SONG

[Jhn 15:26-27 NKJV] 26 "But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. 27 "And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning.

Arolis symbolizes a steadfast companion, a loyal helper, and an unwavering friend to Leonolis, mirroring the role that the Holy Spirit has played in my own life's journey. 

I wholeheartedly recommend delving into the pages of "Captured: The Chronicles of Bren Trilogy, Book 1" and immersing yourself in each song as it intertwines with the characters within the storyline. I firmly believe that through imaginative storytelling, God can utilize these narratives to inspire us to anchor ourselves in the unshakeable truths of Jesus Christ and His word. 

The process of crafting these books proved to be a cathartic and liberating experience for my heart and mind, offering me fresh perspectives on the twists, turns, heartaches, and failures that have shaped my life. My aspiration is that these tales will similarly resonate with you, providing moments of reflection and insight.  For a deeper exploration of the enchanting realm of Bren, to discover songs inspired by its tales, to uncover the origins of specific characters, and to view original character sketches handcrafted by yours truly, venture over to www.thechroniclesofbren.com. Yes, you heard it right, www.thechroniclesofbren.com. 

As an added treat, the lyrics of today's highlighted song can be found in the podcast notes below. I appreciate your presence on The Dennis Jernigan Podcast. To learn more about my personal journey, my music, and the stories behind them, pay a visit to dennisjernigan.com. You can connect with me on Facebook and Instagram, and enjoy my music on various streaming platforms. For those eager to join my team, consider becoming a Patron at Patreon.com/dennisjernigan. Your support is truly valued! To acquire an mp3 of this week's enchanting melody, "Song of Arolis," featured in the book "Captured: The Chronicles of Bren Trilogy: Book 1," simply direct your steps to www.thechroniclesofbren.com, as this exclusive track is not available on mainstream streaming services - yet.

Discover the captivating world of "Captured" available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats at https://www.amazon.com

Your presence on today's podcast is deeply appreciated. Always remember, you are cherished by God and by me. Embrace the challenge to step into the role of a valiant warrior for the kingdom you are destined to be a part of today. Embrace your identity as defined by your Heavenly Father, and go forth to embody the truth of who you are meant to be…an overcomer!

Dennis Jernigan

Song of Arolis WORDS & MUSIC Dennis Jernigan 2015

Verse Can you hear me? I am but of man Can someone like You ever understand? Yet, I can hear You When You think my name Horse and boy Two wild hearts never tamed

Chorus Arolis, I trust You with my heart and soul I trust You, my Friend Arolis, I trust You with my very life Let us ride and conquer the wind

Verse Will You go where I go, come what my? Will You carry me to the end of day? The horizon far seems To call out our name Let us ride for the King To break of day

Chorus Arolis, I trust You with my heart and soul I trust You, my Friend Arolis, I trust You with my very life Let us ride and conquer the wind

Bridge In the name of the King And in the name of the realm Let us fly! Let us fly! Let us fly!

Over mountain and stream Through the dark forested veil Let us ride! Let us ride! Let us ride!

Chorus Arolis, I trust You with my heart and soul I trust You, my Friend Arolis, I trust You with my very life Let us ride! Oh, let us conquer the wind

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

 The song I am sharing on this week’s episode is called “Warrior”, a song I wrote for the book “Captured (Book 1 in the The Chronicles of Bren Trilogy). “Captured” is my life story written in allegory as a legacy to my children and grandchildren. As I wrote the books, I envisioned what it might sound like if Disney ever made a movie about them. I completed the songs or the first two books but never got around to writing songs for book three. That book is about my vision for my 9 children…and their real-life stories are still being written. They will need to write their own songs.

On that matter, before I go on, I have some great news. You can listen to the entire album for book one. It is called “Captured - Songs For the Journey” and it can be found on the website www.thechroniclesofbren.com. I encourage you to read the book “Captured” and then listen to the songs inspired by each of the main characters. For some reason, the song list is in reverse order, which means you need to listen from bottom to top. Try not to listen to each song until you are reading the chapter it goes with. You can simply click on the play button and hear the entire song. This album is meant to encourage young men to look past their shortcomings and failures and the lies of the enemy and see and be  who God says they are.  Today’s song is called “Warrior” and it came to me sometime in 2015 or 2016. It is a massively hard-charging rock song meant to stir up the man that resides in every little boy. It was inspired by my childhood am my own lack of belief that I could ever be a man…that I was something less than a man…that other men considered me a sissy and a failure…and that I was certainly not a warrior.  But God had other plans for me. When I had given up on seeing myself as a real man, the Lord met me in that place of defeat and began to defend me against the lies of the enemy. He gave me a brand new identity and then he taught me how to be the warrior he calls every man to be. He called me to battle and to wage war against the lies of the enemy and he equipped me with the weapons of spiritual warfare and with the armor of God.  In the book “Captured”, Prince Leonolis finds himself taking part in the traditional rite of passage from boyhood into manhood but finds himself suddenly faced with the loss of his best friend and leads to him ultimately being captured by the deceiver, Lucian. Leonolis was held captive by the Liar, just as I was held captive by the liar in my real life as a boy. This song came about as a clarion call from the prince’s father and from his mentor to believe and receive who he was truly called to be. As I listen to it now after all these years, it gets my blood flowing and charges my spiritual batteries. Are you ready? Hold on to your seats!

SONG

2 Corinthians 2:14 NIV says 14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ's triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere.

2 Corinthians 2:14 NASB says 14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us reveals the fragrance of the knowledge of Him in every place.

As believers in Christ and as his followers, we have been given the heart of a triumphant warrior. Let us never pull away from the truth, but rather let us walk in the reality of what it means to be an Overcomer. yes, we were all once captured in sin and captured by the lies of the enemy, but when we were born again, that all changed. We were changed. Let’s walk in victory today. 

 I encourage you to read the book “Captured: the Chronicles of Bren Trilogy, Book 1” and then listen to each song as its character is introduced in the storyline. It is my belief that God can and will use imaginative storytelling to encourage us to stand on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ and his word.

The writing of these books proved to be cathartic and freeing to my heart and mind and helped me see my life and its many twists and turns, heartaches and failures, from a different point of view. My hope is the they would serve to do the same for you.

To learn more about the mystical land of Bren, hear songs inspired by the stories of Bren, learn how certain characters were inspired, and to see original character sketches created by yours truly, go to www.thechroniclesofbren.com. One more time, that’s www.thechroniclesofbren.com

As a bonus, I will include the lyrics from today’s song in the podcast notes below.

Warrior

Verse He’s a warrior in the kingdom That’s what they’ve told him Since he was a boy He’s a warrior in the kingdom And that to lay down his life Would be his honor and joy His honor and joy

He’s a warrior in the kingdom And now the darkness has come But will he know what to do? Oh, he’s warrior in the kingdom Though he may be just a boy The man inside’s coming through Heart of a man breaking through

And now the fight has come to him It’s up to him to sink or swim And now the fight has come to him But does he know that deep inside That he is destined to win

Chorus Oh, ride, boy! Ride into the fight! Ride, boy! Ride with all your might! Ride, boy! Ride with the heart of a warrior! Ride, boy! Ride for what is right! Ride, boy! Laying down your life! Ride, boy! Ride with the heart of a warrior! The heart of a warrior! Yeah!

Verse  He’s a warrior in the kingdom And now his friend is in need In need of one to defend Oh, he’s a warrior in the kingdom And what is love if not laying Down one’s life for a friend? His life for a friend

He’s a warrior in the kingdom And now he takes up his sword Not knowing what he might see Oh, he’s a warrior in the kingdom And whether knowing or not He rides into destiny Right into his destiny

 And now the fight has come to him It’s up to him to sink or swim And now the fight has come to him But does he know that deep inside That he is destined to win

Chorus Oh, ride, boy! Ride into the fight! Ride, boy! Ride with all your might! Ride, boy! Ride with the heart of a warrior! Ride, boy! Ride for what is right! Ride, boy! Laying down your life! Ride, boy! Ride with the heart of a warrior!

Bridge He’d go through darkness! He’d go through flame! He knows that his friend would do the same! Though others see him as just a boy He rides with honor! He rides with joy for his friend! For the Kingdom! In the name of the King and for his friend!

Chorus Ride, boy! Ride into the fight! Ride, boy! Ride with all your might! Ride, boy! Ride with the heart of a warrior! Ride, boy! Ride for what is right! Ride, boy! Laying down your life! Ride, boy! Ride with the heart of a warrior! The heart of a warrior!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

Riding the Wind WORDS & MUSIC  Dennis Jernigan 2015

Verse Little boy lost Little boy alone Little boy gone far from home Little boy journey Just what will he see? And when he finally gets there What will he be?

He’s becoming the man  He always dreamed he would be No longer bound  by the world His eyes are opened to see To see and believe his destiny

This adventure is calling to the boy, “Come and see! Come fight the battles of men That set the little boy free To see and believe his destiny!”

Chorus  And he goes riding the wind  In the name of the King It will take him as far as he can dream And he goes riding the wind And the wind calls his name, “Son, come be free!”

Once he goes riding the wind The boy is no longer seen For he’s becoming the man He’s called to be “Son, come riding the wind, The wind of destiny!”

Verse Little boy captured Prisoner of the world Deep into the darkness He is hurled Fighting for his honor Fighting for his life Fighting for the Kingdom Through the night

He’s becoming the man  He always dreamed he would be No longer bound  by the world His eyes are opened to see To see and believe his destiny

This adventure is calling to the boy, “Come and see! Come fight the battles of men That set the little boy free To see and believe his destiny!”

Chorus  And he goes riding the wind  In the name of the King It will take him as far as he can dream He goes riding the wind And the wind calls his name, “Son, come be free!”

Once he goes riding the wind The boy is no longer seen For he’s becoming the man He’s called to be “Son, come riding the wind, Riding the wind of destiny!”

Chorus  And he goes riding the wind  In the name of the King It will take him as far as he can dream He goes riding the wind And the wind calls his name, “Son, come be free!”

Once he goes riding the wind The boy is no longer seen For he’s becoming the man He’s called to be “Son, come riding the wind, Riding the wind of destiny!”

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

In last week's episode, Dennis Jernigan interviewed his longtime friend, Rick Carr about his book called Extreme Gratitude - Learning to Give Thanks FOR All Things. Thatboo is available at https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-Gratitude-Learning-Thanks-Things/dp/B08DC5Y7XT/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3VXHPIXKIB4W0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.0C4RJLDiLT1CX3TWgSpMxQ.l6Hq2siBT-crOtIQ_-jYKYAH6Avj1tAhU55XV3Zts_Y&dib_tag=se&keywords=Extreme+Gratitude+Rick+Carr&qid=1726430258&s=books&sprefix=extreme+gratitude+rick+carr%2Cstripbooks%2C119&sr=1-1

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!