God doesn't promise to get rid of the storm, he promises to be with you. Sometimes, God doesn't calm the storm, He calms me in the middle of it. This is "crazy" season at our house... And it's good to remember that He is with me, and that he is the one who ultimately matters. He is my anchor!
I am your anchor
In the wind and the waves
I am your steadfast
So don’t be afraid
If your heart and flesh fail you
I’m your faithful strength
I am with you, wherever you go
Rest in the knowledge that He is with you. And take the time to see Him, look to Him, cling to Him.
I am the Lord your God
I go before you now
I stand beside you
I’m all around you
Though you feel I’m far away
I am closer than your breath
I am with you, wherever you go
I am the Lord your peace
No evil will conquer you
Steady now your heart and mind
Come into my rest
Oh let your faith arise
Lift up your weary head
I am with you, wherever you go
Come to Me, I’m all you need
Come to Me, I’m everything
Come to Me, I’m all you need
Come to Me, I’m everything
I am your anchor
In the wind and the waves
I am your steadfast
So don’t be afraid
If your heart and flesh fail you
I’m your faithful strength
I am with you, wherever you go
When the storm rages
I won’t be afraid
I have locked eyes
On You face to face
Your voice I will follow
Your eyes I will see
I’ll come a little closer
Come close to me
You are my anchor
In the wind and the waves
You are my steadfast
I won’t be afraid
Even in the darkest night
I know You are there
So I press into You, Jesus
And lose all my doubt
You are my anchor
In the wind and the waves
You are my steadfast
I won’t be afraid
If my heart and flesh fail me
You’re my faithful strength
You are with us
Wherever we go
We come to You
You’re all we need
We come to You
Our everything
Wednesday, May 29, 2019
Friday, May 24, 2019
Listen - Jesse Jorgensen
Listen.
In our world of rush and busy, do you take the time to listen? There are so many books written about this, so many sermons preached.
But if I'm honest, do I listen? When I take time with God, do I really listen? Can I hear his voice? Or do I "do my time" reading the Bible (nothing wrong with that) and talking at God... as I read am I actually listening for God speaking to me through His word? As I pray am I taking the time in the conversation to listen to Him? Or, let's be real, am I actually just falling asleep and not paying attention. Am I too busy asking Him for what I want that I don't hear what he is saying to me.
Because He's coming. Do you hear Him?
Would this world be an empty tomb
Called by you to life anew
But our bones die here among the stones
Memories of a Garden gone,
Linger in our minds so strong
But nothing grows here among the thorns
But if you listen you can hear Him coming
And if you listen you can hear His voice
But if you listen you can hear Him coming
And if you listen you can hear His voice
Wonder would surround the birth
Few would recognize His worth
Born in a stable far from home
Riding into Jerusalem
Surely He would save us then
But not through earthly wars or worldly thrones
But if you listen you can hear Him coming
And if you listen you can hear His voice
But if you listen you can hear Him coming
And if you listen you can hear His voice
In our world of rush and busy, do you take the time to listen? There are so many books written about this, so many sermons preached.
But if I'm honest, do I listen? When I take time with God, do I really listen? Can I hear his voice? Or do I "do my time" reading the Bible (nothing wrong with that) and talking at God... as I read am I actually listening for God speaking to me through His word? As I pray am I taking the time in the conversation to listen to Him? Or, let's be real, am I actually just falling asleep and not paying attention. Am I too busy asking Him for what I want that I don't hear what he is saying to me.
Because He's coming. Do you hear Him?
Would this world be an empty tomb
Called by you to life anew
But our bones die here among the stones
Memories of a Garden gone,
Linger in our minds so strong
But nothing grows here among the thorns
But if you listen you can hear Him coming
And if you listen you can hear His voice
But if you listen you can hear Him coming
And if you listen you can hear His voice
Wonder would surround the birth
Few would recognize His worth
Born in a stable far from home
Riding into Jerusalem
Surely He would save us then
But not through earthly wars or worldly thrones
But if you listen you can hear Him coming
And if you listen you can hear His voice
But if you listen you can hear Him coming
And if you listen you can hear His voice
Oh the one betrayed him
Oh how they nailed him to that cross
How he gave his life away
The thorns of earth heavy on his brow
In the tomb cut from stone
They laid his lifeless body down
But if you listen you can hear Him coming
And if you listen you can hear His voice
But if you listen you can hear Him coming
And if you listen you can hear His voice
And if you listen you can hear His voice
But if you listen you can hear Him coming
And if you listen you can hear His voice
Life is yours
You have risen from the grave
Death is dead You lead its captives in your way
But if you listen you can hear Him coming
And if you listen you can hear His voice
And if you listen you can hear His voice
But if you listen you can hear Him coming
And if you listen you can hear His voice
And if you listen you can hear His voice
Wednesday, May 22, 2019
Ready or Not - Hillsong
"Come"
What an invitation... just that one word... it carries so many meanings!
And God's invitation to come doesn't include strings, it doesn't include hoops you need to jump, it doesn't mean you need to clean yourself up, it doesn't mean you need to dirty yourself up.
Come, now, Tired, broken, Scared or just in need, Ready or not, It's alright, Take your time, If nothing else just come...
Ready or not... He waits with open arms and says come. He welcomes the broken, he's alright with your past!
When I was little one of my favorite games to play was hide and seek. I remember the thrill of hearing "ready or not, here I come" - the giggles of hiding, excited that someone was looking for me. It didn't really matter where I was, eventually they would find me. They joy of looking for and finding the person who was hiding.
As an adult I have played this with my children. My 10 year old has pretty much grasped the game. But the six year old still thinks hiding in the same spot over and over again will provide a new thrill.
And how much is that what we do with God - we find ourselves hiding... and God says "Ready or Not, here I come" - and He finds us. The real us. The us that is hiding under the bedsheets for the third day in a row, pretending that it is something new and different. That maybe He won't find us this time.
But here's the thing - our God is the faithful parent who pulls the bedsheet back again and again and says "surprise! I found you!" He's not moved by perfection, or how well we look the part, but He's wild about the hidden stuff, like He's wild about the heart.
Our God delights in finding His children. He is wild about our hearts.
Come, now, For all we've seen, We ain't seen nothing yet
Are you ready?
Are you ready?
Come, now
As you are
Or as you want to be
Are you ready?
Are you ready?
Come, now
Tired, broken
Scared or just in need
Ready or not
It's alright
Take your time
If nothing else just come
Are you ready?
Are you ready?
Come, now
Bring your hopes
Your dreams
Your doubts
Your scars
Are you ready?
Are you ready?
Come now
Bring your hurts
Your fears
Your faith
Your heart
Are you ready?
Are you ready or not?
There's no place like His presence
There's no time like the now
Every one two or three of us
Count Him in here and now
He welcomes the broken
He's alright with your past
He's not mad at any one of us
But He waits with open arms
Says come
Are you ready?
Are you ready?
Come, now
Leave your inhibitions
At the door
Are you ready?
Are you ready?
Come, now
Lay your burdens down
He's got them all
Are you ready?
Are you ready or not?
He's still faithful to deliver
Mighty as ever to save
He's still good on His promises
And His love still never fails
He's not moved by perfection
Or how well we look the part
But He's wild about the hidden stuff
Like He's wild about the heart
Come, now
For all we've seen
We ain't seen nothing yet
Are you ready??
Are you ready
Come, now
Bring Him praise
For what He might do next
Are you ready?
Are you ready or not?
He's already bought our freedom
He's already paid our debt
He's already done the miracle
He's already conquered death
He's our light and salvation
He's our rock solid hope
He's already done enough for us
He's already doing more
He's already seen the ending
He's already seen us through
He's already breaking out of us
He's already on the moon
He's already won our battles
He's already paved the way
He's already gone ahead of us
And He is ready when we are
Come, now
For all we've seen
We've ain't seen nothing yet
Are you ready?
Are you ready?
Come, now
Bring Him praise
For what He's gonna do next
Are you ready?
Are you ready or not?
Come
What an invitation... just that one word... it carries so many meanings!
And God's invitation to come doesn't include strings, it doesn't include hoops you need to jump, it doesn't mean you need to clean yourself up, it doesn't mean you need to dirty yourself up.
Come, now, Tired, broken, Scared or just in need, Ready or not, It's alright, Take your time, If nothing else just come...
Ready or not... He waits with open arms and says come. He welcomes the broken, he's alright with your past!
When I was little one of my favorite games to play was hide and seek. I remember the thrill of hearing "ready or not, here I come" - the giggles of hiding, excited that someone was looking for me. It didn't really matter where I was, eventually they would find me. They joy of looking for and finding the person who was hiding.
As an adult I have played this with my children. My 10 year old has pretty much grasped the game. But the six year old still thinks hiding in the same spot over and over again will provide a new thrill.
And how much is that what we do with God - we find ourselves hiding... and God says "Ready or Not, here I come" - and He finds us. The real us. The us that is hiding under the bedsheets for the third day in a row, pretending that it is something new and different. That maybe He won't find us this time.
But here's the thing - our God is the faithful parent who pulls the bedsheet back again and again and says "surprise! I found you!" He's not moved by perfection, or how well we look the part, but He's wild about the hidden stuff, like He's wild about the heart.
Our God delights in finding His children. He is wild about our hearts.
Come, now, For all we've seen, We ain't seen nothing yet
Are you ready?
Are you ready?
Come, now
As you are
Or as you want to be
Are you ready?
Are you ready?
Come, now
Tired, broken
Scared or just in need
Ready or not
It's alright
Take your time
If nothing else just come
Are you ready?
Are you ready?
Come, now
Bring your hopes
Your dreams
Your doubts
Your scars
Are you ready?
Are you ready?
Come now
Bring your hurts
Your fears
Your faith
Your heart
Are you ready?
Are you ready or not?
There's no place like His presence
There's no time like the now
Every one two or three of us
Count Him in here and now
He welcomes the broken
He's alright with your past
He's not mad at any one of us
But He waits with open arms
Says come
Are you ready?
Are you ready?
Come, now
Leave your inhibitions
At the door
Are you ready?
Are you ready?
Come, now
Lay your burdens down
He's got them all
Are you ready?
Are you ready or not?
He's still faithful to deliver
Mighty as ever to save
He's still good on His promises
And His love still never fails
He's not moved by perfection
Or how well we look the part
But He's wild about the hidden stuff
Like He's wild about the heart
Come, now
For all we've seen
We ain't seen nothing yet
Are you ready??
Are you ready
Come, now
Bring Him praise
For what He might do next
Are you ready?
Are you ready or not?
He's already bought our freedom
He's already paid our debt
He's already done the miracle
He's already conquered death
He's our light and salvation
He's our rock solid hope
He's already done enough for us
He's already doing more
He's already seen the ending
He's already seen us through
He's already breaking out of us
He's already on the moon
He's already won our battles
He's already paved the way
He's already gone ahead of us
And He is ready when we are
Come, now
For all we've seen
We've ain't seen nothing yet
Are you ready?
Are you ready?
Come, now
Bring Him praise
For what He's gonna do next
Are you ready?
Are you ready or not?
Come
Wednesday, May 15, 2019
Even Louder - Steven Malcolm & Natalie Grant
So undeserving, yet we worship
You know those days? Yeah... those days. The ones we don't like to talk about as good Christians, because (gasp) we don't feel worthy... or we screwed up... or we feel like we'll never conquer that sin that we are so stuck in. Or where that sin that you so thought that you had finally gotten rid of... it comes back with a vengeance and suddenly you find yourself craving coping behaviors you thought you had gotten rid of long ago.
Those days...
Those are the days that we worship.
Even when my eyes can't see it
I will sing til I believe it
Even louder, even louder
Friends, you don't have to get it. You don't have to even believe it right now. We praise Him and sing to Him and respond to Him - in the midst of the storm. I will sing til I believe it. Even when you feel like a hypocrite. Even when you don't want to. Even when you are so down you have no idea where the praise will come from. Sing it. Sing it LOUD.
The bigger depression hits, the louder my praise gets
The bigger depression hits, the louder my praise gets.
Those days. You know the ones. You have them. I have them. Those are the days where our praise needs to get loud. Proclaim it til you believe it.
And do it LOUD.
So undeserving, yet we worship
Give Him all the praise, just humble servants
'Til sweat and tears, 'til no more fears
Singin' the glory of the Gospel out to every ear
You covered me with grace
And a love so unconditional has got me on my face everyday, God
Goes the praise of the saints, yeah
Goes my praise everyday, uh
Even if the drum stops beating
My soul will keep on singing
Even louder, even louder
Even when my eyes can't see it
I will sing 'til I believe it
Even louder, even louder
My God is stronger than any sin that I hold
More precious than any silver and gold
Told myself that my sin made me unworthy
But truth is, I'll never be perfect
But Christ took the burden
Me, I give my all despite my downfalls
Where many see me fail, only You see me prevail
The bigger depression hits, the louder my praise gets
The bigger depression hits, the louder my praise gets, come on
Even if the drum stops beating
My soul will keep on singing
Even louder, even louder
Even when my eyes can't see it
I will sing 'til I believe it
Even louder, even louder
When I lift my voice
Heaven comes to earth
When I sing this song
I feel You respond
When I lift my voice
Heaven comes to earth
When I sing this song
I feel You respond
Even if the drum stops beating
My soul will keep on singing
Even louder, even louder
Even when my eyes can't see it
I will sing 'til I believe it
Even louder, even louder
Even if the drum stops beating
My soul will keep on singing
Even louder, even louder
You know those days? Yeah... those days. The ones we don't like to talk about as good Christians, because (gasp) we don't feel worthy... or we screwed up... or we feel like we'll never conquer that sin that we are so stuck in. Or where that sin that you so thought that you had finally gotten rid of... it comes back with a vengeance and suddenly you find yourself craving coping behaviors you thought you had gotten rid of long ago.
Those days...
Those are the days that we worship.
Even when my eyes can't see it
I will sing til I believe it
Even louder, even louder
Friends, you don't have to get it. You don't have to even believe it right now. We praise Him and sing to Him and respond to Him - in the midst of the storm. I will sing til I believe it. Even when you feel like a hypocrite. Even when you don't want to. Even when you are so down you have no idea where the praise will come from. Sing it. Sing it LOUD.
The bigger depression hits, the louder my praise gets
The bigger depression hits, the louder my praise gets.
Those days. You know the ones. You have them. I have them. Those are the days where our praise needs to get loud. Proclaim it til you believe it.
And do it LOUD.
So undeserving, yet we worship
Give Him all the praise, just humble servants
'Til sweat and tears, 'til no more fears
Singin' the glory of the Gospel out to every ear
You covered me with grace
And a love so unconditional has got me on my face everyday, God
Goes the praise of the saints, yeah
Goes my praise everyday, uh
Even if the drum stops beating
My soul will keep on singing
Even louder, even louder
Even when my eyes can't see it
I will sing 'til I believe it
Even louder, even louder
My God is stronger than any sin that I hold
More precious than any silver and gold
Told myself that my sin made me unworthy
But truth is, I'll never be perfect
But Christ took the burden
Me, I give my all despite my downfalls
Where many see me fail, only You see me prevail
The bigger depression hits, the louder my praise gets
The bigger depression hits, the louder my praise gets, come on
Even if the drum stops beating
My soul will keep on singing
Even louder, even louder
Even when my eyes can't see it
I will sing 'til I believe it
Even louder, even louder
When I lift my voice
Heaven comes to earth
When I sing this song
I feel You respond
When I lift my voice
Heaven comes to earth
When I sing this song
I feel You respond
Even if the drum stops beating
My soul will keep on singing
Even louder, even louder
Even when my eyes can't see it
I will sing 'til I believe it
Even louder, even louder
Even if the drum stops beating
My soul will keep on singing
Even louder, even louder
Sunday, May 12, 2019
Only Jesus - Casting Crowns
I went to a birthday party for a friend yesterday. She's one of those people who everyone in the room could share a story of how she has had a lasting impact on our lives... ways that we will never forget her. Someone shared that their favorite thing about her was that she lived her life unashamed of her faith, proclaiming Jesus at every turn. That it was impossible to know her and not know about her relationship with Jesus.
As part of her birthday celebration she shared a gift with each of us. A small piece of leather with the words "Only Jesus" printed on it. She shared about the impact this song has had on her - that it truly is how she wants to live her life. That she doesn't want to leave a legacy, that Jesus is the only name to remember - not her's.
The irony here is impressive.
Here is this woman who has left such a legacy in her first fifty years... and I'm sure will do more in the future. But all because she wasn't trying to make a name for herself - because she was trying to make a mark in Jesus's name. Because the name she has pointed all of us to again and again is the name of Jesus.
"Did I live the truth to the ones I love, was my life the proof there is only One, Whose name will last forever?"
Thank you, my friend... for modeling for me what it looks like to live the truth... for showing me whose name will last forever.
The things you have said that stick with me? The things I would credit you for that have changed me, who I am, to the core... those are the times that you pointed me at Jesus. Only Jesus.
I pray that my life does the same for others.
Make it count, leave a mark, build a name for yourself
Dream your dreams, chase your heart, above all else
Make a name the world remembers
But all an empty world can sell is empty dreams
I got lost in the light when it was up to me
To make a name the world remembers
But Jesus is the only name to remember
And I, I don’t want to leave a legacy
I don’t care if they remember me
Only Jesus
And I, I’ve only got one life to live
I’ll let every second point to Him
Only Jesus
All the kingdoms built, all the trophies won
Will crumble into dust when it’s said and done
'Cause all that really mattered
Did I live the truth to the ones I love?
Was my life the proof that there is only One
Whose name will last forever?
And I, I don’t want to leave a legacy
I don’t care if they remember me
Only Jesus
And I, I’ve only got one life to live
I’ll let every second point to Him
Only Jesus
Jesus is the only name
Jesus is the only name
Jesus is the only name to remember, oh
Jesus is the only name
Jesus is the only name
Jesus is the only name to remember
And I, I don’t want to leave a legacy
I don’t care if they remember me
Only Jesus
And I, I’ve only got one life to live
I’ll let every second point to Him
Only Jesus
I don’t want to leave a legacy
I don’t care if they remember me
Only Jesus
As part of her birthday celebration she shared a gift with each of us. A small piece of leather with the words "Only Jesus" printed on it. She shared about the impact this song has had on her - that it truly is how she wants to live her life. That she doesn't want to leave a legacy, that Jesus is the only name to remember - not her's.
The irony here is impressive.
Here is this woman who has left such a legacy in her first fifty years... and I'm sure will do more in the future. But all because she wasn't trying to make a name for herself - because she was trying to make a mark in Jesus's name. Because the name she has pointed all of us to again and again is the name of Jesus.
"Did I live the truth to the ones I love, was my life the proof there is only One, Whose name will last forever?"
Thank you, my friend... for modeling for me what it looks like to live the truth... for showing me whose name will last forever.
The things you have said that stick with me? The things I would credit you for that have changed me, who I am, to the core... those are the times that you pointed me at Jesus. Only Jesus.
I pray that my life does the same for others.
Make it count, leave a mark, build a name for yourself
Dream your dreams, chase your heart, above all else
Make a name the world remembers
But all an empty world can sell is empty dreams
I got lost in the light when it was up to me
To make a name the world remembers
But Jesus is the only name to remember
And I, I don’t want to leave a legacy
I don’t care if they remember me
Only Jesus
And I, I’ve only got one life to live
I’ll let every second point to Him
Only Jesus
All the kingdoms built, all the trophies won
Will crumble into dust when it’s said and done
'Cause all that really mattered
Did I live the truth to the ones I love?
Was my life the proof that there is only One
Whose name will last forever?
And I, I don’t want to leave a legacy
I don’t care if they remember me
Only Jesus
And I, I’ve only got one life to live
I’ll let every second point to Him
Only Jesus
Jesus is the only name
Jesus is the only name
Jesus is the only name to remember, oh
Jesus is the only name
Jesus is the only name
Jesus is the only name to remember
And I, I don’t want to leave a legacy
I don’t care if they remember me
Only Jesus
And I, I’ve only got one life to live
I’ll let every second point to Him
Only Jesus
I don’t want to leave a legacy
I don’t care if they remember me
Only Jesus
Wednesday, May 8, 2019
Wounded for Me - Josh Gauton + Rivers & Robots
Forgiveness
It's one of those cans of worms that sometimes we don't like to open and talk about, because it is messy, and hurts, and means we have to think about what has happened to us, and how we reacted.
I've been listening to a podcast recently put out by Proverbs 31 ministries (they did a 6 week special called "Therapy and Theology" - it's worth checking out - this links to a specific episode, but all 6 are there) and this morning I listened to a section talking about the process of forgiveness. That we start by forgiving the facts (what happened)... and then we go on to working on forgiving the impact (how it affected me)... and through that we look at the track that a past hurt that needed to be forgiven have put us on - how did we cope with the impact. That the process of forgiveness involves looking at and forgiving all three of these steps.
I think this frees me a little. That it isn't a one and done thing. That it isn't a just forgive the facts and move on. That it involves digging into what happened, what that did to me personally, and then what I did with that.
We were created for the garden, in His image. We made choices that removed us from that space, that then required blood to cover our choices (the killing of an animal to make clothes for Adam and Eve). From then on, purification came through the blood of an animal, until Jesus. But it's important to remember that God didn't rush through forgiveness either. It wasn't sin enters the world and immediately Jesus comes to take away that sin. There was a process to get to there.
I will praise you, I will praise you
For the life You gave, what else can I say?
O my Savior, friend and Savior
All my heart is Yours forevermore
Our praise is not based on the goodness of our situation, rather it is based on the goodness of God. If we keep our focus firmly rooted in the truth of God, the praise will come... We praise Him for who He is, not who we are. For what HE has done, not what others have done to us. So even in the middle of the messy process of forgiveness, we can praise Him.
Wounded for me, wounded for me
There on the cross He was wounded for me
Now I'm forgiven and now I am free
All because Jesus was wounded for me
Dying for me, dying for me
There on the cross He was dying for me
Now in His death my redemption I see
All because Jesus was dying for me
I will praise you, I will praise you
For the life You gave, what else can I say?
O my Savior, friend and Savior
All my heart is Yours forevermore
Risen for me, risen for me
Up from the grave He is risen for me
Now evermore from death's sting I am free
All because Jesus has risen for me
I will praise you, I will praise you
For the life You gave, what else can I say?
O my Savior, friend and Savior
All my heart is Yours forevermore
I will praise you, I will praise you
For the life You gave, what else can I say?
O my Savior, friend and Savior
All my heart is Yours forevermore
It's one of those cans of worms that sometimes we don't like to open and talk about, because it is messy, and hurts, and means we have to think about what has happened to us, and how we reacted.
I've been listening to a podcast recently put out by Proverbs 31 ministries (they did a 6 week special called "Therapy and Theology" - it's worth checking out - this links to a specific episode, but all 6 are there) and this morning I listened to a section talking about the process of forgiveness. That we start by forgiving the facts (what happened)... and then we go on to working on forgiving the impact (how it affected me)... and through that we look at the track that a past hurt that needed to be forgiven have put us on - how did we cope with the impact. That the process of forgiveness involves looking at and forgiving all three of these steps.
I think this frees me a little. That it isn't a one and done thing. That it isn't a just forgive the facts and move on. That it involves digging into what happened, what that did to me personally, and then what I did with that.
We were created for the garden, in His image. We made choices that removed us from that space, that then required blood to cover our choices (the killing of an animal to make clothes for Adam and Eve). From then on, purification came through the blood of an animal, until Jesus. But it's important to remember that God didn't rush through forgiveness either. It wasn't sin enters the world and immediately Jesus comes to take away that sin. There was a process to get to there.
I will praise you, I will praise you
For the life You gave, what else can I say?
O my Savior, friend and Savior
All my heart is Yours forevermore
Our praise is not based on the goodness of our situation, rather it is based on the goodness of God. If we keep our focus firmly rooted in the truth of God, the praise will come... We praise Him for who He is, not who we are. For what HE has done, not what others have done to us. So even in the middle of the messy process of forgiveness, we can praise Him.
Wounded for me, wounded for me
There on the cross He was wounded for me
Now I'm forgiven and now I am free
All because Jesus was wounded for me
Dying for me, dying for me
There on the cross He was dying for me
Now in His death my redemption I see
All because Jesus was dying for me
I will praise you, I will praise you
For the life You gave, what else can I say?
O my Savior, friend and Savior
All my heart is Yours forevermore
Risen for me, risen for me
Up from the grave He is risen for me
Now evermore from death's sting I am free
All because Jesus has risen for me
I will praise you, I will praise you
For the life You gave, what else can I say?
O my Savior, friend and Savior
All my heart is Yours forevermore
Yes, my heart is Yours forevermore
Every scar, a sacrifice of praise
A song I'll sing for all my days
Jesus, all because of You
Every wound a wonder of Your grace
Blood poured out in freedom's name
Jesus, all because of You
For the life You gave, what else can I say?
O my Savior, friend and Savior
All my heart is Yours forevermore
Yes, my heart is Yours forevermore
Forevermore
Tuesday, May 7, 2019
This Is Me/Who You Say I Am: Mashup
Who are you? Who am I? Where do I fit? Am I in the way?
Who. Am. I.
These words are echoed from the halls of every middle and high school in the World. And if we're honest, from most adults as well.
I loved Greatest Showman. I love the song "This is Me" - I am ME - me... the me who God has made me to be. But how much more powerful is this mashup - I am who YOU say I am... I am who God has created me, I am who God meant me to be.
For the last year I have been working to hear God's truth spoken over the lies I have believed about myself - lies that are well ingrained in me. Satan's words that have cut me deep - places where I need God to speak truth, repeatedly, over the hurts, to heal from completely. Places where sometimes I am prone to go back and "pick at" the scabs - to revisit the physical or emotional pain.
One of those truths is proclaimed in this song... I leave you with this thought:
You are chosen.
The you that you show the World. The you that you wish you weren't. The you that is hurting. The you that is rejoicing. The you who you don't want anyone to see. The you who was the last pick on the kickball team in PE every single time. The you that hides in the dark, praying that no one will find you, but secretly hoping that someone will see you, really see you, and chose you.
You. YOU... you... you are chosen. Personally, by an amazing God who created you to be you, and loves you for you, and sees the real you. That you. You are chosen. On purpose.
Look out 'cause here I come (I am who You say I am)
And I'm marching on to the beat I drum (I am who You say I am)
I'm not scared to be seen
I make no apologies, this is me
Who am I that the highest King
Would welcome me?
I was lost but He brought me in
Oh His love for me
Oh His love for me
When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
I'm gonna send a flood, gonna drown them out
I am brave, I am bruised
I am who I'm meant to be, this is me
Look out 'cause here I come
And I'm marching on to the beat I drum
I'm not scared to be seen
I make no apologies, this is me
Oh-oh-oh-oh
I am who You say I am
Oh-oh-oh-oh
I am who You say I am
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh, oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh
I am who You say I am
Oh-oh-oh-oh
I am who You say I am
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh, oh
I am chosen
Not forsaken
I am who You say I am
You are for me
Not against me
I am who You say I am
I am chosen
Not forsaken
I am who You say I am
You are for me
Not against me
I am who You say I am
I am chosen
Not forsaken
I am who You say I am
You are for me
Not against me
I am who You say I am
I am who You say I am
When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
I'm gonna send a flood, gonna drown them out
I am brave, I am bruised
I am who I'm meant to be, this is me
Look out 'cause here I come (I am who You say I am)
And I'm marching on to the beat I drum (I am who You say I am)
I'm not scared to be seen
I make no apologies, this is me
Who the Son sets free
Oh is free indeed
I’m a child of God
Yes I am
Who. Am. I.
These words are echoed from the halls of every middle and high school in the World. And if we're honest, from most adults as well.
I loved Greatest Showman. I love the song "This is Me" - I am ME - me... the me who God has made me to be. But how much more powerful is this mashup - I am who YOU say I am... I am who God has created me, I am who God meant me to be.
For the last year I have been working to hear God's truth spoken over the lies I have believed about myself - lies that are well ingrained in me. Satan's words that have cut me deep - places where I need God to speak truth, repeatedly, over the hurts, to heal from completely. Places where sometimes I am prone to go back and "pick at" the scabs - to revisit the physical or emotional pain.
One of those truths is proclaimed in this song... I leave you with this thought:
You are chosen.
The you that you show the World. The you that you wish you weren't. The you that is hurting. The you that is rejoicing. The you who you don't want anyone to see. The you who was the last pick on the kickball team in PE every single time. The you that hides in the dark, praying that no one will find you, but secretly hoping that someone will see you, really see you, and chose you.
You. YOU... you... you are chosen. Personally, by an amazing God who created you to be you, and loves you for you, and sees the real you. That you. You are chosen. On purpose.
Look out 'cause here I come (I am who You say I am)
And I'm marching on to the beat I drum (I am who You say I am)
I'm not scared to be seen
I make no apologies, this is me
Who am I that the highest King
Would welcome me?
I was lost but He brought me in
Oh His love for me
Oh His love for me
When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
I'm gonna send a flood, gonna drown them out
I am brave, I am bruised
I am who I'm meant to be, this is me
Look out 'cause here I come
And I'm marching on to the beat I drum
I'm not scared to be seen
I make no apologies, this is me
Oh-oh-oh-oh
I am who You say I am
Oh-oh-oh-oh
I am who You say I am
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh, oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh
I am who You say I am
Oh-oh-oh-oh
I am who You say I am
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh, oh
Not forsaken
I am who You say I am
You are for me
Not against me
I am who You say I am
I am chosen
Not forsaken
I am who You say I am
You are for me
Not against me
I am who You say I am
I am chosen
Not forsaken
I am who You say I am
You are for me
Not against me
I am who You say I am
I am who You say I am
When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
I'm gonna send a flood, gonna drown them out
I am brave, I am bruised
I am who I'm meant to be, this is me
Look out 'cause here I come (I am who You say I am)
And I'm marching on to the beat I drum (I am who You say I am)
I'm not scared to be seen
I make no apologies, this is me
Who the Son sets free
Oh is free indeed
I’m a child of God
Yes I am
Sunday, May 5, 2019
God Who Moves the Mountains - Corey Voss
There are so many things that I feel are insurmountable. Challenges and obstacles that seem too big - fears that take over and leave me incapable of moving on my own. But I need to remember that the God I serve is the God who moves the mountains. And not only that, but, "He is not surprised, He surrounds, He cannot be stopped, He astounds, He is drawing near, Hear the sound...Rocks are falling."
Not rocks will fall. Not rocks have fallen. Rocks ARE falling. And you can hear the sound. The mountains are moving at His word, at His voice. "You say speak, and we say Move, You say watch what you can do, You say trust, And then you prove, You're the God who moves the mountains, the God who moves the mountains." Trust... and He will prove...
But what about those days when it feels like he isn't moving the mountain? What about those days when it feels like your prayers aren't being answered. What do you do then?
Sometimes - the way God moves the mountain, is to move us. To use the mountain to shape us to be who He wants us to be.
Sometimes, the rocks that need to fall are the rocks that we have built around ourselves to protect ourselves... and when we say "Move" the rocks that fall are the barricades we have placed in our own lives. The mountain that needs to fall isn't the mountain you thought it was - it's a different one... one you have built, but you don't see.
So whatever mountain you are praying to have fall, have faith - know that God does move the mountains.
He is not confined
He confounds
He will not resign
He resounds
He is not restrained
Hear the sound
Oh hear the sound
Rocks are falling
The broken calling
To the God who moves the mountains
The earth is shaking
The weary waking
To the God who moves the mountains
You've gotta move this mountain
He is not surprised
He surrounds
He cannot be stopped
He astounds
He is drawing near
Hear the sound
Oh hear the sound
Rocks are falling
The broken calling
To the God who moves the mountains
You've gotta move this mountain
The earth is shaking
The weary waking
To the God who moves the mountains
You've gotta move this mountain
You say speak, and we say Move
You say watch what you can do
You say trust and then you prove
You're the God who moves the mountains
The God who moves the mountains
You say speak, and we say move
You say watch what you can do
You say trust and then You prove
You're the God who moves the mountains
The God who moves the mountains
Rocks are falling, the broken calling
To the God who moves the mountains
You've gotta move this mountain
The earth is shaking, The weary waking
To the God who moves the mountains
You've gotta move this mountain
Rocks are falling, The broken calling
To the God who moves the mountains
You've gotta move this mountain
The earth is shaking, The weary waking
To the God who moves the mountains
You've gotta move this mountain
You can move the mountains
Lord you can move the mountains
But what about those days when it feels like he isn't moving the mountain? What about those days when it feels like your prayers aren't being answered. What do you do then?
Sometimes - the way God moves the mountain, is to move us. To use the mountain to shape us to be who He wants us to be.
Sometimes, the rocks that need to fall are the rocks that we have built around ourselves to protect ourselves... and when we say "Move" the rocks that fall are the barricades we have placed in our own lives. The mountain that needs to fall isn't the mountain you thought it was - it's a different one... one you have built, but you don't see.
So whatever mountain you are praying to have fall, have faith - know that God does move the mountains.
He is not confined
He confounds
He will not resign
He resounds
He is not restrained
Hear the sound
Oh hear the sound
Rocks are falling
The broken calling
To the God who moves the mountains
The earth is shaking
The weary waking
To the God who moves the mountains
You've gotta move this mountain
He is not surprised
He surrounds
He cannot be stopped
He astounds
He is drawing near
Hear the sound
Oh hear the sound
Rocks are falling
The broken calling
To the God who moves the mountains
You've gotta move this mountain
The earth is shaking
The weary waking
To the God who moves the mountains
You've gotta move this mountain
You say speak, and we say Move
You say watch what you can do
You say trust and then you prove
You're the God who moves the mountains
The God who moves the mountains
You say speak, and we say move
You say watch what you can do
You say trust and then You prove
You're the God who moves the mountains
The God who moves the mountains
Rocks are falling, the broken calling
To the God who moves the mountains
You've gotta move this mountain
The earth is shaking, The weary waking
To the God who moves the mountains
You've gotta move this mountain
Rocks are falling, The broken calling
To the God who moves the mountains
You've gotta move this mountain
The earth is shaking, The weary waking
To the God who moves the mountains
You've gotta move this mountain
You can move the mountains
Lord you can move the mountains
Wednesday, May 1, 2019
Marvelous Light - Charlie Hall
Ever felt like you spent your day living in the dark? Maybe you chose to be there. Maybe you wanted to hide. Maybe you felt bad about something you had done, shamed by your behavior. Maybe someone else thrust you into a dark place by something they did to you. Maybe you think that all you deserve is to live in the darkness. Maybe you can't see where light could possibly come from.
"Into the marvelous light I'm running, out of darkness out of shame"
Put the dark at your back, and run. Run away from the darkness, and away from the shame.
"By the cross You are the truth, You are the life, You are the way"
Run towards the cross, the truth, the life the way.
"I once was fatherless, a stranger with no hope; Your kindness wakened me, awakened me, from my sleep"
I have lived far too many days "fatherless, with no hope". Both before and after I met Jesus, I fall prey to these thoughts. It's the trap that Satan likes to use on me - "you are alone, you have no hope...you are worthless, and you have screwed up too big."
"Sin has lost it's power, death has lost it's sting. From the grave You've risen VICTORIOUSLY!"
Satan is a liar. Where God says "You may eat anything" Satan says "You may NOT". Where God says "there is no condemnation" Satan says "you are worthless".
But here's the truth: sin has lost it's power. From the grave Jesus rose victoriously, that we might sing:
"My dead heart now is beating, My deepest stains now clean. Your breath fills up my lungs. Now I'm free. Now I'm free!"
So, like a child, lift your hands and spin in the light! Know that the darkness doesn't have to claim you, that God would love to shine his marvelous light on you, wherever you are. Run for him. Run out of the shame and fall at the cross, be lifted up into His freedom and light.
I once was fatherless,
a stranger with no hope;
Your kindness wakened me,
Awakened me, from my sleep
Your love it beckons deeply,
a call to come and die.
By grace now I will come
And take this life, take Your life.
Sin has lost it's power,
death has lost it's sting.
From the grave You've risen
VICTORIOUSLY!
Into marvelous light I'm running,
Out of darkness, out of shame.
By the cross you are the truth,
You are the life, you are the way
My dead heart now is beating,
My deepest stains now clean.
Your breath fills up my lungs.
Now I'm free. Now I'm free!
Lift my hands and spin around,
See the light that I have found.
Oh the marvelous light
Marvelous light
Lift my hands and spin
See the light within
"Into the marvelous light I'm running, out of darkness out of shame"
Put the dark at your back, and run. Run away from the darkness, and away from the shame.
"By the cross You are the truth, You are the life, You are the way"
Run towards the cross, the truth, the life the way.
"I once was fatherless, a stranger with no hope; Your kindness wakened me, awakened me, from my sleep"
I have lived far too many days "fatherless, with no hope". Both before and after I met Jesus, I fall prey to these thoughts. It's the trap that Satan likes to use on me - "you are alone, you have no hope...you are worthless, and you have screwed up too big."
"Sin has lost it's power, death has lost it's sting. From the grave You've risen VICTORIOUSLY!"
Satan is a liar. Where God says "You may eat anything" Satan says "You may NOT". Where God says "there is no condemnation" Satan says "you are worthless".
But here's the truth: sin has lost it's power. From the grave Jesus rose victoriously, that we might sing:
"My dead heart now is beating, My deepest stains now clean. Your breath fills up my lungs. Now I'm free. Now I'm free!"
So, like a child, lift your hands and spin in the light! Know that the darkness doesn't have to claim you, that God would love to shine his marvelous light on you, wherever you are. Run for him. Run out of the shame and fall at the cross, be lifted up into His freedom and light.
I once was fatherless,
a stranger with no hope;
Your kindness wakened me,
Awakened me, from my sleep
Your love it beckons deeply,
a call to come and die.
By grace now I will come
And take this life, take Your life.
Sin has lost it's power,
death has lost it's sting.
From the grave You've risen
VICTORIOUSLY!
Into marvelous light I'm running,
Out of darkness, out of shame.
By the cross you are the truth,
You are the life, you are the way
My dead heart now is beating,
My deepest stains now clean.
Your breath fills up my lungs.
Now I'm free. Now I'm free!
Lift my hands and spin around,
See the light that I have found.
Oh the marvelous light
Marvelous light
Lift my hands and spin
See the light within
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