Taken by a Cloud

October 5, 2017 By Stanton Lanier 2 Comments

Click above to stream Taken by a Cloud from my 5th album Unveiled as you read this story from May 2014. I am also including the music video at the bottom so you can watch and listen for further reflection.

Have you ever been “taken” by a cloud? or had a beautiful scene take your breath away?

There is a splendor and mystery inherent in the world as seen in a common cloud that reflects something much larger than me. This idea originated from an ancient scripture, “As they watched, he was taken up and disappeared in a cloud.” (from Acts 1:9)

I am thinking about clouds because this is my first blog post from an airplane. I have been “taken” by some clouds as I look out from my window seat. After departing from Baltimore in the rain on the way home to Atlanta, we soon were above the clouds looking down on them. Two recent experiences came to mind.

First, a few weeks ago I played a concert west of Chicago, Illinois near Wheaton College. My host was a new friend who graduated from Wheaton years ago. He took me on a tour of the Billy Graham museum there (Billy Graham also graduated from Wheaton). I photographed the above image in the final room of the museum. The Hallelujah chorus was playing from Handel’s Messiah, and the platform where I stood was surrounded by clouds. Carefully constructed mirrors created an effect that made the clouds go on forever whether I was looking up or looking down. This was a glimpse of heaven’s wonder and beauty, and it reminded me of Taken by a Cloud.

The second experience was last night in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. I was invited to share some of my Scripture inspired piano at the HOPE International “Celebrate Hope” annual dinner, where 650 people gathered to hear inspiring stories from around the world, and support the great work that HOPE is doing. They specialize in micro-finance and savings programs for people in poverty who have a small business. Through targeted financial assistance entrepreneurs can grow their profits to help improve their living conditions, educate their children, and have a positive impact in their community. What is interesting is that at the core of HOPE International, is the faith, hope and love found in Jesus, and the Gospel of His grace and forgiveness. As I was “taken” by the incredible stories of financial and spiritual transformation in these impoverished communities, I was filled with eternal hope found in Jesus’ resurrection and ascension.

How can you apply today’s music and words to find greater hope?

As they watched, he was taken up and disappeared in a cloud. They stood there, staring into the empty sky. Suddenly two men appeared—in white robes! They said, “You Galileans!—why do you just stand here looking up at an empty sky? This very Jesus who was taken up from among you to heaven will come as certainly—and mysteriously—as he left.” Acts 1:9-11

Walking on Air – Guided Meditation #3

October 3, 2017 By Stanton Lanier 2 Comments

The new song and video Walking on Air inspired me to create three short meditation opportunities to help you stop “doing” for a moment, so you can practice “being.” There are deep and meaningful insights available to us when we take time to pause and listen for God’s voice. Our moments of “being” with Him equip and energize our “doing” for Him as we seek to serve and love others well.

This exercise will seem simple, and it is, but it will not be so easy because you need to quiet your mind and silence any distractions. For this third meditation guide, as you watch the video below and listen to the music, I want you to think about your future, and how God offers us eternal hope. First, read the Scripture passages below…

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (ESV)

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 1:8-9 (ESV)

“He’ll come down from heaven and the dead in Christ will rise—they’ll go first. Then the rest of us who are still alive at the time will be caught up with them into the clouds to meet the Master. Oh, we’ll be walking on air! And then there will be one huge family reunion with the Master. So reassure one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 (The Message)

Next, watch the video (or close your eyes) and as you listen to the music, see what God wants to reveal to you. What is He saying about your present circumstances? Your past hopes and hurts? Your future with Him? Anything else? When God speaks, write down what He is saying to you, or at least take mental notes so you can hold onto His words for future encouragement.

Walking on Air – Guided Meditation #2

September 26, 2017 By Stanton Lanier Leave a Comment

This exercise will seem simple, and it is, but it will not be so easy because you need to quiet your mind and silence any distractions. For this second meditation guide, as you watch the video below and listen to the music, I want you to set your heart and mind on pursuing three things: to know God, to worship Him, and to notice His vibrant beauty. First, read the passage below…

“God! Let the cosmos praise your wonderful ways, the choir of holy angels sing anthems to your faithful ways! Search high and low, scan skies and land, you’ll find nothing and no one quite like God. The holy angels are in awe before him; he looms immense and august over everyone around him. God-of-the-Angel-Armies, who is like you, powerful and faithful from every angle? You put the arrogant ocean in its place and calm its waves when they turn unruly…Blessed are the people who know the passwords of praise, who shout on parade in the bright presence of God. Delighted, they dance all day long; they know who you are, what you do—they can’t keep it quiet! Your vibrant beauty has gotten inside us— you’ve been so good to us! We’re walking on air! All we are and have we owe to God, Holy God of Israel, our King!” Psalm 89:5-9 and 15-18 (The Message)

Next, watch the video (or close your eyes) and as you listen to the music, see what God wants to reveal to you. What does He want you to know about Him—for the first time or in a fresh way? How was this worshipful for you? What did He say to you about His vibrant beauty? Anything else? When God speaks, write down what He is saying to you, or at least take mental notes so you can hold onto His words for future encouragement.