Tuesday, April 26, 2016

The Inner Views of Rodney Griffin

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."
I Corinthians 15:58
(KJV)

One of the main ways God is working to keep His children encouraged in these last days
is through the ministry of song.
As the enemy tries his utmost to discourage and make us feel defeated, 
we can turn to a comforting, old hymn or a more recently-written song that God has inspired someone to write, and we can feel the darkness leave our spirits, as we realize, once again,
that God is in control, we are His children, and we have nothing to fear.

If you have been even a casual follower of Southern Gospel music over the course of the past several years, you are bound to have heard an anointed song penned by the man being interviewed today.

Some examples of songs you may have heard are...
"Faces",
(all recorded by Greater Vision),
(both recorded by The Kingdom Heirs),
(recorded by Ivan Parker),
and
(Recorded by The Triumphant Quartet)...
just to name a few.

Only eternity will be able to reveal how many lives his songs and music ministry have touched,
and we are beyond grateful to be able to share his interview with you today.


The

of 
follower of Jesus, Husband, Daddy, and Baritone for Greater Vision, who also enjoys writing songs,
Rodney Griffin.

Cheryl:  Could you tell us about your childhood and background? Were you raised in a Christian home? What role did songs and music play in your childhood?

Rodney:  My Dad was an alcoholic when I was born. He was saved when I was young, and then he surrendered to preach. So I’m a PK. My parents took me to see the Goodmans, The Downings, and, regularly, The Cathedrals and Kingsmen. That’s when I fell in love with this music.

Cheryl:  How old were you when you became a Christian? What life events led up to your decision to follow Jesus? How has surrendering your heart to Him affected your life?

Rodney:  I was 12 when I was saved…Sunday Night service during the invitation after Dad preached. We were having baptism that night anyway, so Mom walked across the church lawn to our house and got me some clothes to be baptized in that night. The greatest day ever! Jesus is my Lord and Guide. He tells me how to live and He helps me to make the right decisions. Any wrong decisions have come from me not paying close attention to Him.

Cheryl:  Who do you consider to be your strongest spiritual mentor? Was there a particular person who prayed for you during childhood and through the years, who has had the most powerful influence upon you, spiritually?

Rodney:  My Dad is the most Godly man I know. He has set a wonderful example for me to follow.

Cheryl:  Who keeps you spiritually encouraged today? Are there particular heroes of the faith whose presence in your life keeps you pressing on for God, in spite of all that comes to discourage you?

Rodney:  My wife, Regina, and two girls, Reagan (18) & Riley (15) are my inspiration. They are very active in our church in Mt. Vernon, KY. Those in our church are very encouraging. I enjoy when I get to attend on Wednesday nights and rare Sunday nights.

Cheryl:  When did you write your first song? What inspired you? How did God make it clear to you that songwriting was to be such an important part of His plan for your life? Us.songselect.com shows that you have written or co-written 384 songs that have been recorded. How does this number represent the total number of songs you have written?

Rodney:  I wrote my first song in 1989…I was 23 years old. That’s kind of a late bloomer compared to my songwriting friends. I was a college graduate working at Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, VA. During my breaks, at my desk, these melodies would pop into my head. I wrote down the lyrics that they matched up with. I’ve written over 400 songs now…a few of my early ones are not worthy to be demoed or pitched to a group for potential recording. They are not particularly interesting…that’s what I’ve learned that it takes for a song to be recordable. I’ve written them one at a time, and they have added up. I never set out to be known for writing…I was just doing what came natural. We all have something we can offer the Kingdom of God if we’ll just dedicate that gift to Him.

Cheryl:  Is there a particular place you like to go to get alone with God and write? What are some things that lend fresh inspiration and motivate you to write?

Rodney:  I enjoy writing while I’m driving. I have a 2 1/2 hour commute to the bus in Tennessee every week. Sometimes, that is good writing time. I stay in my Bible and try to get enough rest. If I’m tired, I’m not creative at all. When I’m rested, writing comes naturally.

Cheryl:  How did Greater Vision come to be? How was the name chosen, and how long have you been a part of the group?

Rodney:  Gerald Wolfe & Mark Trammell formed the group in December of 1990. Gerald had written a song entitled, “Greater Vision” that was the basis for the group name. I came into the group after it was 3 years old…so I’ve been here over 22 years. Hard to believe!

Cheryl:  One of our favorite songs of yours is, “Preacher, Tell Me Like It Is”. It just really resonates the burden upon our hearts in these perilous times. What inspired you to write this particular song?

Rodney:  I was out in my yard working one day, when I had the thought that so many well known preachers today are not particularly known for preaching against sin. They kind of assume everyone’s okay out there and that God loves us…so we’re all good. The problem with that theology is that we have to realize we are sinners in order to transact with the Savior. I love to hear preachers who aren’t afraid to brag on their flock…and then step on their toes, in love, when needed.

Cheryl:  As we face the dark days prophesied about in God’s Word, what do you consider to be the biggest hindrances to our staying close to God and remaining faithful to Him in this era of time? What can we, as Christians, do to most effectively make a difference in our world? What advice would you offer to those who may be weary in well doing and who may be exhausted from standing firm against evil in the cultural battles of our day?

Rodney:  One of my favorite evangelists through the years, Bill Stafford, who is now retired, always preached that the blessings of God are what lead us astray. Yep…same thing that caused the children of Israel to leave God. We get spoiled in our easy lives and quit depending on Him. That’s the danger in these, last days. We must be plugged in to a local church where we are using our gifts for Him and hearing His Word preached. We get weary when we try to do His work in our own strength. The best thing to do is to throw our hands up in praise and live out Proverbs 3:5-6. Trusting is hard, but rewarding.

Cheryl:  How do you, personally, stay encouraged, as we look around and it appears that evil is winning the war? Are there particular Scriptures, books, hymns, or other resources that you have come to rely upon to give you courage and keep you enthused and motivated to keep fighting the good fight of faith?


Rodney:  I try to read my Bible through every year. It’s not difficult when you follow a day by day plan. I also read Oswald Chambers’ "My Utmost For His Highest" every day, as well as Glyn Evans’ “Daily With The King”. I also actively pray for lost people.

Cheryl:  How can we support the ministry of Greater Vision and purchase your products?

Rodney:  You can find us at www.greatervisionmusic.com. Sign up for our newsletter, and Gerald will let you know when we are coming to your area. We’d love to see you at a concert!


Cheryl:  How can we pray for you, personally, at this season of life? Are there specific needs we can help you lift to the Father?

Rodney:  Yes, you can pray for our safety. We travel 85,000 miles each year on the bus. 😳


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In order for a songwriter to be able to successfully articulate the Gospel through song, they must first be a partaker of that Gospel and be a living testimony to its life-changing, transforming power.
For one to effectively influence and convince the listener, the words must ring with the truth
that the writer has written what they know and have experienced first-hand.

The songs Rodney has written convey an authenticity that proves he lives out the lyrics he composes
and that he is a direct recipient of the grace and redemption he so passionately sings and writes about.

God blessed us to meet Rodney in April of 2010 when Zach was nine years old.

Rodney Griffin and Zach

In spite of his success,
the things we noticed most about him, both during this interview and when we met him in person,
are his humility, gentle kindness, and down-to-earth friendliness and approachability,
all characteristic and true evidence of the meek Spirit of Jesus Christ dwelling within.

A HUGE thank you, Rodney, for taking the time to answer our questions.
We cannot count the times that we have been blessed, encouraged, spiritually challenged,
and motivated to keep pressing on for God, as we have listened to one of the songs God inspired you to write.
Your music has blessed our lives in so many ways,
and we trust God to abundantly bless you, in return.

Dear friends, please keep Rodney, his family, and the ministry of Greater Vision in your prayers,
as they travel and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ in song.

And, if you can, please take the time to listen to a few of our favorite songs written by Rodney.
I promise you will be encouraged and blessed!



If video doesn't load, click here.



If video doesn't load, click here.

I can't begin to tell you how many times I have listened to this next song.
But, no matter how many times I hear it, it never fails to bless my soul,
fill me with hope, and cause me to cry tears of joy, as I praise our amazing God!
I hope you will listen closely to these powerful words.



If video doesn't load, click here.

Praise God, there is NO problem too big for our awesome God to solve!
Keep encouraged, dear friends!

24 comments:

  1. praying for the safety of him, and his family as they travel. thanks for sharing this, wonderful videos.

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    1. Thank you ever so much for your prayers, dear friend! God bless you abundantly, and I am so thankful you enjoyed the post and videos!

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  2. It is always encouraging to see men who are standing strong for God in these trying times. Will mention him and his family in prayers. God bless you Cheryl, have a super blessed day!
    Love

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    1. Yes, praise God for men who have a spine and will stand for His truth! We need more of them, that's for sure. Have a wonderful day in Jesus, sweet friend. :)

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  3. Thanks for sharing this interview with us. I am so thankful for all the wonderful songs God has inspired people to write. Just this past weekend, I sang in a day choir where the whole evening of music was songs by Bill and Gloria Gaither! Some people are exceptionally talented in songwriting. It's wonderful that as we listen to God, He can give us so many good gifts!

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    1. Oh, wow, Bethany! That sounds like a wonderful experience! You are right, God has really gifted certain people with the ability to write songs that really bless and inspire us! God bless you in a special way...so thankful for your sweet presence here. :)

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  4. Great country style music. Thank you Cheryl for sharing with us the interview and videos.

    God bless you and yours.

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    1. And, thank you, Victor, for stopping by and commenting! God bless you and yours, too! :)

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  5. Great interview. Timely post for me and you and I are on the same page of contemplating the power of music for both good and bad. I'm reminded of the words of our Savior, "Who's not for me is against Me." It's a pretty black and white line for music then, sister. Well done.

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    1. Thank you ever so much, Floyd. You are so right...music holds such an incredible amount of the power of persuasion, for either good or bad. I love the verse you quoted, and it certainly does make it black and white...as a measure for anything in our lives, including music. So thankful for your visit, encouragement, and shared thoughts here, brother. God bless you abundantly!

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  6. Hi Cheryl! I am just blown away by how many wonderful, faithful singers you know! That Lazarus song is bouncy and joyful, and I can see why you like it so much. Loved the photo of your son with Rodney, he looks so pleased :)
    It's always a lovely thing to see who people are inspired by, and Rodney's dad made a real impression. It was great to hear about his baptism too.
    Always enjoyable interviews!
    Ceil

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    1. Thank you so much, Ceil. I love Rodney's interview, as his songs have touched our hearts so many times for so long. The power of song cannot be measured. I so appreciate your visit and your support and encouragement, sweet friend. God bless you!

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  7. Very cool! So great to learn more about this songwriter and Godly man! : ) Thanks for sharing! #ThoughtProvokingThursday

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    1. Thank you ever so much for stopping by and leaving sweet encouragement, Bethany! God bless you!

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  8. What a beautiful way to share the gospel, Rodney & Cheryl! This innerview is inspiring as God does not let us stay the same but redeems us and uses us with His gifts in us. Thank you so much.

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    1. Yes, praise His name, for His redeeming power and amazing grace! Thank you for reading, dear friend, and may God bless you and Tom with a wonderful day in Him!

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  9. Another amazing addition to the collection of interviews that the Lord is enabling you to do! It is so wonderful to have these peeks into the lives of those who are ministering in music and song, and to hear their story. Such a sweet picture of Zac and Rodney too! Wonderful songs that Rodney has written, and I love the Lazarus song too, it has such a great message. Praying that your heart is blessed and encouraged in the Lord!

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    1. It is wonderful to see into their lives a bit, isn't it? And I was amazed that we had that picture of Zach with Rodney...I remember meeting him that day, but I didn't remember taking the picture. So, it fit in so nicely here. Zach was so little then! I miss those little days, but so grateful for NOW, too. Thank you so much for stopping by! God bless you with a wonderful day!

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  10. Beautiful Cheryl! An inspiring interview and just WOW!!!

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    1. So thankful you enjoyed the interview, Barb, and very grateful for your visit! God bless you! Come back anytime. ;)

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  11. What a terrific interview. Now. I should get to you know what. ~wink~
    Blessings,
    Laura

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    1. Yes, you should ~ wink, wink, wink ~ LOL!!!! So thankful for your visit and comment, sweet friend. :)

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  12. Thank you Cheryl for sharing your innerview with Rodney Griffin, a truly humble man of God. It is wonderful when music and lyrics too flow from a talented person. God is good. Thank you for sharing with us here at Tell me a Story.

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    1. Yes, amen, Hazel. Thank you so much for your kind comments and for the weekly link-up. God bless you!

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