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Hi! This is Steve from Shiloh,

The song “Count It All Joy” is my latest attempt at songwriting. While traveling back to Texas after a weekend in Nebraska, I had just finished my driving shift and was trying to settle down in my bunk to get some sleep. Earlier that afternoon, during my quiet time, I had read through the Epistle of James. This is a good example of a general letter, because it is addressed to Christians scattered throughout the Roman Empire. Though written as a letter, it is more like a short book of instructions for daily living.

For James, faith means action! In fact, the entire book is a series of examples that show faith in action in wise and practical ways. His advice was clear and to the point. If you are poor, don’t despair! Don’t give up when your faith is being tested. Don’t get angry quickly. Don’t favor the rich over the poor. Do good things for others. Control your tongue and desires. Surrender to God and rely on His wisdom. Resist the devil. Don’t brag about what you are going to do. If you are rich, use your money to help the poor. Be patient and kind, and pray for those who need God’s help.

Verse 2 of Chapter 1 was the verse that stuck in my mind for rest of the day and well into the night. It says, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials.” After tossing and turning for what seemed like an hour, I emerged from my bunk and gathered up a spiral notebook, a pencil, and my guitar and headed to the back of the bus. Earlier that day, the guys and I had been discussing the songs for the new album and realized that we needed an up-beat, energetic – what I call a “barn-burner” – type of song.

As I began to recall various things in my life that had not gone the way I planned, I began to write down some thoughts. Over the next hour or so, the Lord gave me the words and the melody of this song that simply reminds us to count it all joy!! “Go” reminded me that faith endures trials. Trials come and go, but a strong faith will face them head-on and develop endurance. Trials make us stronger. Faith understands temptations. So many times we are too quick to react to trials that God brings our way. If we will simply trust God to bring us through our trails and temptations, He will make us stronger in the long run.

The next morning, Brian and I flew out to Ashville, North Carolina, to meet with our producer, Roger Talley, and the studio musicians to lay down the music tracks for the new album. It was exciting to have this song, which began as some devotional thoughts during my quiet time, turn into a “barn-burner” track just a couple of days later. Check it out on our new CD Passion for the Mission. When you get to #5, “Count it all Joy”, you better tighten your seat belt. Also, I’m not responsible if you get a speeding ticket while listening to this song!!! If you do - Count it all Joy!!

Shiloh
http://www.shilohnet.com

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