I have a new catchphrase to live by. "Every Breath, Every Moment." It's quite simple, really, but the implications are life changing. I've been singing the song for years. I've led it so many times, I couldn't count them all. I've sung it fast and I've sung it slow. I have it recorded by several different artists. It's never really affected me. Until tonight.
I am afraid that "corporate worship" has become about emotions, great chord structure and moving melodies. Don't get me wrong, I think that the worship songs that have been written recently are some of the most profound, intimate, life consecrating music that the church has seen in years. Worship leaders like Joel Houston, Chris Tomlin, David Crowder and others are without question writing songs out of a life rooted deeply in an intimate relationship with the Father. Their songs are being sung in churches all over the world. Their songs are bringing people to the throne of the Almighty on a weekly, even daily, basis.
But there is danger. Their music is so good, and their melodies are so moving that, I think, we'd love them no matter what the words said. So we get wrapped up in the emotion of the song that we don't really pay much attention to the words that our lips are singing. We walk out humming the melodies, not living the lyrics. How many people have sung "consume me from the inside out" and not meant it all. How many of you reading this (there may be only one or two people reading this actually) have stood in your church and sung "Break my heart for what breaks Yours. Everything I am for Your Kingdom's cause?" Do you mean it? EVERYTHING you are for HIS cause? I am as guilty as the next guy.
Again, I don't want you to misunderstand this as a rant. I don't think it's complete hypocrisy if you haven't meant 100% of what you sing 100% of the time. I think the point is to take the lyrics and use them to be brought closer to Him and to become more like him. My heart doesn't break for everything that breaks His heart. I want it to, and it's my prayer that it does. I don't give everything I am for HIS cause, but it's my prayer that I can and will. I want you to pay attention to the words of the songs you sing in your church or whatever worship experience that you encounter and pray that you would latch on to not just the melodies and music, but to the words of the song.
So what caused this post? We sang that song tonight at Catalyst that I have sung and led hundreds of times.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uqBxizNZJ4
This is my desire to honor You
Lord, with all my heart I worship You
All I have within me I give You praise
All that I adore is in You
Lord, I give You my heart
I give You my soul
I live for you alone
Every breath that I take
Every moment I'm awake
Lord, have Your way in me
I want God to have His way in me Every Breath and Every Moment.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Worship At My Church
There are times in my life when I have been absolutely blown away by God. It's those times where He does something or I see something/experience something that reminds me how absolutely huge and unfathomable He is. Now don't get me wrong, I am always aware of the power of the God who made not only our universe, but universes that we can't even see, but there are times when it smacks me in the face and I am again stopped dead in my tracks left only to wonder at His awesome power.
On a side note, if you have never really understood the creative power of God, you should try to catch Louis Giglio's talk titled "How Great Is Our God." He goes into detail of the unbelievable massive stars and universes that God has created. He mentions that he has been "wrecked" by God's power and I was left the same way after seeing his talk. I have a copy if any of you are interested in seeing it. If not, here's a link:
How Great Is Our God
I encourage you to watch it. It's about 40 minutes long. You'll never be the same.
Back to the reason for this post.....
Our church is amazing. Not the building or the staff (who are all great) or the programs, but the church. The people who God has brought to Stones Crossing Church are amazing. I have the honor of working with some extremely talented people. The musicians who lead our church to the throne of God every weekend are absolutely incredible. I have never seen the number of quality musicians and tech operators in one place. Throw in the fact that we are a church of around 600 and it it even more amazing. Or worship team consists of about 50 people. That is almost 10% of our church. That would equate to a ministry of over 200 people for a church of 2,500. Maybe that's the norm, I'm not sure, but I think it's pretty unique.
But that's not where it ends. Not only do we have 10% of our church involved in our worship ministry, but every single one of them is a devoted follower of Christ with a desire to be used by Him. Again, maybe that's not unique either, but I have been in places where this is not the case. When you are dealing with artists (musicians especially) you usually have to put up with egos, sensitivities, attitudes, and a general "I know better than you" environment. Not only is this not the case, but if there was even a hint of such it would quickly be snuffed out by other members of the ministry in a loving and edifying way.
Here's where God has really blown me away. The third element to our worship ministry is talent/ability. God has brought to Stones Crossing Church the most amazingly talented group of people I have ever been associated with. Not just one or two great players and a bunch of adequate players. I can honestly say this is not the scenario at SCC. The level of skill that each and every individual brings to the table is top notch. In fact, this weekend at our MarriedLife Live event (which is another blog post altogether), the act that was brought in said to me (and I quote) "Your house band is better than any bar band I have ever heard in my life. And I mean that as a huge compliment." (Our new tag-line: Stones Crossing Church....better than a bar band.) The level of musicianship and technical ability is astounding. There is nothing that excites me more than getting to worship with these people on a weekly basis.
Now a lot of churches can boast of two of the three things I have mentioned here. But very few can say that they have all three. At Stones Crossing Church, we can unequivocally say that we do. And it is all because GOD has gifted these people and brought them together. He gets ALL OF THE PRAISE. Let me say that again, HE GETS ALL OF THE PRAISE. He gets all of the credit. I am so blown away that I get a chance to be a part of what He has assembled.
Our Website
Revelation Song
On a side note, if you have never really understood the creative power of God, you should try to catch Louis Giglio's talk titled "How Great Is Our God." He goes into detail of the unbelievable massive stars and universes that God has created. He mentions that he has been "wrecked" by God's power and I was left the same way after seeing his talk. I have a copy if any of you are interested in seeing it. If not, here's a link:
How Great Is Our God
I encourage you to watch it. It's about 40 minutes long. You'll never be the same.
Back to the reason for this post.....
Our church is amazing. Not the building or the staff (who are all great) or the programs, but the church. The people who God has brought to Stones Crossing Church are amazing. I have the honor of working with some extremely talented people. The musicians who lead our church to the throne of God every weekend are absolutely incredible. I have never seen the number of quality musicians and tech operators in one place. Throw in the fact that we are a church of around 600 and it it even more amazing. Or worship team consists of about 50 people. That is almost 10% of our church. That would equate to a ministry of over 200 people for a church of 2,500. Maybe that's the norm, I'm not sure, but I think it's pretty unique.
But that's not where it ends. Not only do we have 10% of our church involved in our worship ministry, but every single one of them is a devoted follower of Christ with a desire to be used by Him. Again, maybe that's not unique either, but I have been in places where this is not the case. When you are dealing with artists (musicians especially) you usually have to put up with egos, sensitivities, attitudes, and a general "I know better than you" environment. Not only is this not the case, but if there was even a hint of such it would quickly be snuffed out by other members of the ministry in a loving and edifying way.
Here's where God has really blown me away. The third element to our worship ministry is talent/ability. God has brought to Stones Crossing Church the most amazingly talented group of people I have ever been associated with. Not just one or two great players and a bunch of adequate players. I can honestly say this is not the scenario at SCC. The level of skill that each and every individual brings to the table is top notch. In fact, this weekend at our MarriedLife Live event (which is another blog post altogether), the act that was brought in said to me (and I quote) "Your house band is better than any bar band I have ever heard in my life. And I mean that as a huge compliment." (Our new tag-line: Stones Crossing Church....better than a bar band.) The level of musicianship and technical ability is astounding. There is nothing that excites me more than getting to worship with these people on a weekly basis.
Now a lot of churches can boast of two of the three things I have mentioned here. But very few can say that they have all three. At Stones Crossing Church, we can unequivocally say that we do. And it is all because GOD has gifted these people and brought them together. He gets ALL OF THE PRAISE. Let me say that again, HE GETS ALL OF THE PRAISE. He gets all of the credit. I am so blown away that I get a chance to be a part of what He has assembled.
Our Website
Revelation Song
I'm A Terrible Blogger
Okay, I admit it. I am a terrible blogger. I don't know if it is because I just don't have a routine yet, I don't have a lot to say, or am just plain lazy. I hope it is that I just don't have a blogging routine yet, but the other two options are realistic possibilities.
I have known and subscribe to blogs that are updated daily, on schedule. I guess I am going to have to set a time to blog whether it be once a week, every other day, or daily. I don't think I have enough to say that people would want to read, so I am leaning toward a weekly update with the occasional extra blog on the occasion that I have something pressing to say. We'll see how it goes....again.
I have known and subscribe to blogs that are updated daily, on schedule. I guess I am going to have to set a time to blog whether it be once a week, every other day, or daily. I don't think I have enough to say that people would want to read, so I am leaning toward a weekly update with the occasional extra blog on the occasion that I have something pressing to say. We'll see how it goes....again.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Eight Years Ago
Thanksgiving is my favorite day of the year. Those of you who know me know how much I look forward to Thanksgiving every year. It's pretty simple for me to know why I love this day so much. It's the fall colors, the chill in the weather, the food, family, the parade, the beginning of the Holidays.....It's the perfect day.
I mean what's not to love about Thanksgiving? I remember EVERY year as a child waking up to that familiar smell of celery and onions simmering; my mom prepping the stuffing. Waking up to that smell is one of my favorite memories of my childhood. Every year, I'd wake up early, go into the kitchen where my mom would have that first cup of egg nog of the season ready for me. I'd go in and watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and start putting together the same jigsaw puzzle every year. Lunch and football would follow. Other traditions would follow. In Dodge City, KS we'd go downtown to watch them light the Christmas lights. In Greenwood, IN we'd play the annual Heaston/Cohee Trivial Pursuit Championship with my mom's sister's family. Oh, how I love that day. Even when my mom and dad lived in IN and I in GA, I'd still fly up and spend Thanksgiving with my parents and stay at home for Christmas. It was the day I wanted to be with them more than any other.
The weekend following Thanksgiving is just as wonderful. We sleep in and skip the "Black Friday" nightmare. We will venture out at some point during the day ending up at Monument Circle in downtown Indy to experience the "Circle of Lights". Saturday we'll take the boys to a movie (last year, The Polar Express", this year, "A Christmas Carol") in the morning and get our Christmas tree in the afternoon. Sunday evening, we decorate the tree. It is the day (weekend) I look forward to more than any other every year.
But there's another reason I love this time so much. It was my mom's favorite time of the year. It was her favorite day. She would light up every Thanksgiving. It was "her day". My mom had it down to perfection. She made it a point to create memories. To instill tradition. She was intent on making every Thanksgiving a perfect day. She was even perfect in the kitchen. Like clockwork, at 1:00, lunch was on the table. Everything was hot, everything was perfect. The most delicious meal of all time. I don't know how she did it. All I can conclude is that she was made for this day.
Thanksgiving 2001 was an awful day. On November 14th of that year at around 6:30 p.m, an anuerysm ruptured in my mom's brain. She never woke up. On the 15th, we made the decision to let her go. It was the worst day of my life. There was so much left unsaid, undone. It was too soon.
Seven days later was supposed to be my favorite day of the year. We had all kinds of family in town. Nothing was right. The stuffing was all wrong. The broccoli casserole (her specialty) was a disaster. Even the turkey tasted bad. I couldn't eat. I didn't watch the parade. I wanted to skip the entire day.
Those of you who knew my mom, know what kind of woman she was. Granted, I am biased, but I have never known a better woman. (THIS IS NO DISRESPECT TO MY WIFE - SHE'S THE BEST WOMAN I KNOW, BUT THIS IS DIFFERENT) Everybody who knew her will agree with me. I am so thankful that she was MY mom. There was nothing she wouldn't do for anybody. My mom never spent a dime on herself. She gave and gave. My mom never thought of herself first. Never. Karen Ruth Eastwood Heaston was special. She was unique. She was simply, my mom.
My wife barely go to know my mom. We started dating only three months earlier. (Though through the events of that week she never left my side and I knew then that she was the one.) My children never got to be held by or kissed by my mom. Oh, how that breaks my heart. They know who their Nana is, but don't really KNOW her. There are so many regrets that I have.
It's now been eight years since that day. I still think of her A LOT during this time of year. I think of her and hope that she would be proud of who I have become. I think of her and wonder how our lives would be different had God not chosen to take her at fifty years old--way too early in my mind. But I also think of her and thank God extensively that she was my mom. I thank Him that I was able to spend 27 Thanksgivings with my mom. I am thankful that she instilled in me a love for this time, this day and family traditions.
There is so much I could say about my mom, but if you were to ask me the one thing that made her who she was, I'd say Thanksgiving. I think of her most in November. I don't know if it is cruel or fitting that she died during that time of year. My heart says it is fitting.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
An Amazing Weekend
I had the most amazing weekend (Thu-Sun) of worship that I can remember in a while. It has been a long time since I have worshiped so extensively that I was physically exhausted. My body was wornout, my voice was gone, my fingers were sore, but my Spirit was soaring. It was a weekend that I will never forget. There is so much to talk about and I really don't want to bore you with a ton of details. I mean, after all, if you are taking time to read this I certainly don't want to make you feel like I was trying to describe an experience that you just "had to be there" to appreciate.
Thursday night my wife and I were treated by a family in our worship ministry with tickets to see David Crowder Band. Those of you who know me know that I am a HUGE DCB fan. We decided to take Jackson (our four (almost five) year old) with us. (can you do a parenthases in a parenthases?) I can honestly tell you that there are moments of worship that I remember and will remember for the rest of my life. This was definitely top two (Hillsong United being the other) worship experiences in my life. It was so wonderful to be there with my wife and son, surrounded by friends and believers, and worshiping the Creator. Jackson's current favorite song is DCB's version of "How He Loves". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJyW55AXJAk To look over and see him singing at the top of his lungs with all of us was truly a moment that I will never forget. Not too long after that, he fell asleep. But that was fine, he'd already touched my heart.
Friday the family loaded up in our van and headed to Country Lake Retreat Center for our student ministry fall reatreat. I knew that satan was really uneasy about what was going to happen over the weekend because attack after attack was bombarding us beginning Thursday night and running all the way through Sunday. I brought along some amazing guys who are not only extremely talented, but have a heart for worship. They were so effective in leading the students into the presence of God that on Saturday night the kids asked if they could give up their free time and just worship more. By the end of that night I could barely talk. The kids could barely talk. I could hear them singing "Rise And Sing" (by Fee) all over the camp. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-ps2z63jis&feature=related It was so amazing to see them completely in love with singing to the God who is risen and reinging. I can't tell you how impressed I was with them. I wish their parents could have seen them. I wish their parents would worship like them.
Adults will make fools of themselves at sporting events. Have you ever seen grown men in Washington D.C. dressed in pig noses and dresses? How about in dog masks gnawing on a bone in Cleveland? Ever seen a Raiders game? Or a bunch of shirtless men in below freezing weather with wedges of cheese on their heads in Green Bay? Ever been to a NASCAR race? Why is it that we feel totally comfortable making fools of ourselves in worshiping people, but must remain "dignified" when it comes to church and worshiping the only One truly worthy of our praise?
My prayer is that we would be more like children when we worship. To see my four-year-old sing at the top of his lungs made me so proud. How much more proud is his Father in heaven? To see teenagers stand, jump, sing, dance, and scream for an hour must have made God smile. They worshiped Him openly and from a heart that had no other outlet but praise. They were so full of the Spirit that it had to come out. It seems like we adults remain in the flesh during opportunities of worship. We complain about things like our feet hurting and it being too loud and we don't know/like the songs. Then worship ends and we haven't experienced God at all. We only remained in our own selfish flesh. It's heart breaking to me as a worship leader, but how much more heart breaking must it be to the object of our worship? How must He feel when He's there waiting for us to experience Him and we ingore Him and the tugs of His Spirit?
Here's my challenge....The next time you are in worship, make a conscious decision that you are going to worship God regardless of the environment around you. Pay no attention to the people around you, the song selection, the volume, the lights, how long you've been standing, the temperature, or anything. Concentrate on one thing...HIM. Make a decision that you are going to worship Him with your whole spirit. Give Him the attention that He deserves. I promise you that you'll not regret it. The funny thing is, when we come to Him empty of ourselves, He has room to fill us with Himself. You'll leave feeling like you were the one blessed. It's amazing how that happens.
Thursday night my wife and I were treated by a family in our worship ministry with tickets to see David Crowder Band. Those of you who know me know that I am a HUGE DCB fan. We decided to take Jackson (our four (almost five) year old) with us. (can you do a parenthases in a parenthases?) I can honestly tell you that there are moments of worship that I remember and will remember for the rest of my life. This was definitely top two (Hillsong United being the other) worship experiences in my life. It was so wonderful to be there with my wife and son, surrounded by friends and believers, and worshiping the Creator. Jackson's current favorite song is DCB's version of "How He Loves". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJyW55AXJAk To look over and see him singing at the top of his lungs with all of us was truly a moment that I will never forget. Not too long after that, he fell asleep. But that was fine, he'd already touched my heart.
Friday the family loaded up in our van and headed to Country Lake Retreat Center for our student ministry fall reatreat. I knew that satan was really uneasy about what was going to happen over the weekend because attack after attack was bombarding us beginning Thursday night and running all the way through Sunday. I brought along some amazing guys who are not only extremely talented, but have a heart for worship. They were so effective in leading the students into the presence of God that on Saturday night the kids asked if they could give up their free time and just worship more. By the end of that night I could barely talk. The kids could barely talk. I could hear them singing "Rise And Sing" (by Fee) all over the camp. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-ps2z63jis&feature=related It was so amazing to see them completely in love with singing to the God who is risen and reinging. I can't tell you how impressed I was with them. I wish their parents could have seen them. I wish their parents would worship like them.
Adults will make fools of themselves at sporting events. Have you ever seen grown men in Washington D.C. dressed in pig noses and dresses? How about in dog masks gnawing on a bone in Cleveland? Ever seen a Raiders game? Or a bunch of shirtless men in below freezing weather with wedges of cheese on their heads in Green Bay? Ever been to a NASCAR race? Why is it that we feel totally comfortable making fools of ourselves in worshiping people, but must remain "dignified" when it comes to church and worshiping the only One truly worthy of our praise?
My prayer is that we would be more like children when we worship. To see my four-year-old sing at the top of his lungs made me so proud. How much more proud is his Father in heaven? To see teenagers stand, jump, sing, dance, and scream for an hour must have made God smile. They worshiped Him openly and from a heart that had no other outlet but praise. They were so full of the Spirit that it had to come out. It seems like we adults remain in the flesh during opportunities of worship. We complain about things like our feet hurting and it being too loud and we don't know/like the songs. Then worship ends and we haven't experienced God at all. We only remained in our own selfish flesh. It's heart breaking to me as a worship leader, but how much more heart breaking must it be to the object of our worship? How must He feel when He's there waiting for us to experience Him and we ingore Him and the tugs of His Spirit?
Here's my challenge....The next time you are in worship, make a conscious decision that you are going to worship God regardless of the environment around you. Pay no attention to the people around you, the song selection, the volume, the lights, how long you've been standing, the temperature, or anything. Concentrate on one thing...HIM. Make a decision that you are going to worship Him with your whole spirit. Give Him the attention that He deserves. I promise you that you'll not regret it. The funny thing is, when we come to Him empty of ourselves, He has room to fill us with Himself. You'll leave feeling like you were the one blessed. It's amazing how that happens.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Jackson's Big Debut
I have to admit, I am a proud papa. Like most daddies, I think my kids are pretty special. It's in the job description. But today, I am especially proud. My son, Jackson is the reason.
Yesterday was a big day at our church. Pastor Scott spoke on sex. And to be honest, he spoke boldly and fearlessly. (is that redundant?) He used just the right amount of honesty to make you a little uncomfortable and the right amount of humor to make you completely comfortable, if that make any sense.
We finished the service with the song "Slow Fade" by Casting Crowns. (On a side note, that is the 19th Crowns song we've done at church! HA!) I remember the first time I heard this song how powerful it was. It is in a minor key and very ominous. It just sounds dangerous. The verses start with the lines of an old children's song, Be careful little eyes what you see, feet where you go, ears what you hear, lips what you say. The point of the song is that your life doesn't crumble in a day. That you allow thoughts turn into choices which will eventually destroy your life. Near the end he writes, "People never crumble in a day, Daddies never crumble in a day, Families never crumble in a day." The song ends with a child singing:
Oh, be careful little eyes what you see.
Oh be careful little eyes what you see.
For the Father up above is looking down in love.
So be careful little eyes what you see.
It starts in the minor key that the song is in and it resolves to the relative major. It really feels like the song goes from danger to saftey. From guilt to innocence. From a man singing to a child. It's the beauty of the song.
I remember when I was a child in Dodge City, Kansas singing that song in children's church. At the time I had no idea I was singing and learning how to keep myself from sin. This is an important kid's song. I sang it, but didn't know what I was singing. My son sings it now because we leave music on while he's sleeping and he hears "Slow Fade". He doesn't sing it at church. I don't know what is worse, not understanding what I was singing, or him not singing it at all. But here's what I know....our kids need to be singing songs like these. Songs that tell them how to live. I will talk to my boys about this song and what it means. How they should live.
The reason I am so proud of Jackson is that on Friday, we went to the church and filmed HIM singing the last four lines. He sang "Oh be careful little eyes what you see" a capella. It the right key. Finishing on the right note. On Sunday, at the end of the song, right on cue, the video played. He nailed it! It affected me and almost everyone who saw it. THAT'S MY BOY!
Yesterday was a big day at our church. Pastor Scott spoke on sex. And to be honest, he spoke boldly and fearlessly. (is that redundant?) He used just the right amount of honesty to make you a little uncomfortable and the right amount of humor to make you completely comfortable, if that make any sense.
We finished the service with the song "Slow Fade" by Casting Crowns. (On a side note, that is the 19th Crowns song we've done at church! HA!) I remember the first time I heard this song how powerful it was. It is in a minor key and very ominous. It just sounds dangerous. The verses start with the lines of an old children's song, Be careful little eyes what you see, feet where you go, ears what you hear, lips what you say. The point of the song is that your life doesn't crumble in a day. That you allow thoughts turn into choices which will eventually destroy your life. Near the end he writes, "People never crumble in a day, Daddies never crumble in a day, Families never crumble in a day." The song ends with a child singing:
Oh, be careful little eyes what you see.
Oh be careful little eyes what you see.
For the Father up above is looking down in love.
So be careful little eyes what you see.
It starts in the minor key that the song is in and it resolves to the relative major. It really feels like the song goes from danger to saftey. From guilt to innocence. From a man singing to a child. It's the beauty of the song.
I remember when I was a child in Dodge City, Kansas singing that song in children's church. At the time I had no idea I was singing and learning how to keep myself from sin. This is an important kid's song. I sang it, but didn't know what I was singing. My son sings it now because we leave music on while he's sleeping and he hears "Slow Fade". He doesn't sing it at church. I don't know what is worse, not understanding what I was singing, or him not singing it at all. But here's what I know....our kids need to be singing songs like these. Songs that tell them how to live. I will talk to my boys about this song and what it means. How they should live.
The reason I am so proud of Jackson is that on Friday, we went to the church and filmed HIM singing the last four lines. He sang "Oh be careful little eyes what you see" a capella. It the right key. Finishing on the right note. On Sunday, at the end of the song, right on cue, the video played. He nailed it! It affected me and almost everyone who saw it. THAT'S MY BOY!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
New Worship Music
I think the great worship leaders/songwriters across the world conspire to put out new music at the same time. It drives me NUTS! The reason I bring this up is that I have recently gotten new projects by four of my favorite worship leaders -- Desperation Band, Fee, David Crowder Band, and Hillsong United. I don't know what to listen to. I guess it's a good problem to have.
Today I have chosen Hillsong United's new project: Across The Earth: Tear Down The Walls. There are a ton of great songs on this record. The one that is resonating with me right now is Freedom Is Here. You can right click and then click on "open in new tab" to listen as you read the words.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmignZozEoA
"Freedom is Here"
The future comes alive
You speak Your word and I
I’m running into Your hope
Because I’ve seen Your light
You bring my world to life
I’m coming after Your love
I’m not shaken, I’m not letting go
And everything comes alive
In my life as we lift You higher
Let Your freedom arise
In our lives as we lift You up
Sing it out, sing it out
Your freedom is here
So take the limits off
No matter what the cost
I’m running after Your call
And I will run this race
See You face to face
So let Your power overflow
I’m not shaken, I’m not letting go
And everything comes alive
In my life as we lift You higher
Let Your freedom arise
In our lives as we lift You up
Sing it out, sing it out
Your freedom is here
I will not fear
I will not hide Your love
Your love
All of my life
I cannot deny Your love
Your love
And everything comes alive
In my life as we lift You higher
Let Your freedom arise
In our lives as we lift You up
Sing it out, sing it out
Your freedom is here
Here's my thoughts on these lyrics..........
If we really believe what we say we believe, I mean REALLY believe it, then our lives should be so different from those who have no relationship with Christ--no hope for a future. You see, in my opinion, the reason Christians aren't having a HUGE impact on the country is that we say one thing, but we live another. We live in fear and anxiety. We don't look any different than anyone else. But with Christ our futures COME ALIVE! We have freedom, we have hope, we have LIFE! I think about what kind of impact we could have for Christ if we lived the kind of lives he wants us to; if we stopped worrying about our futures on earth and started focusing on our eternity. If we'd stop thinking about things that have NO eternal value whatsoever and started trying to use whatever God has blessed us with to make an impact on people's lives.
I know that we are in a time of economic unrest. I know that if you focus on the next 40 years (things like college for our kids, retirement, financial security) things can be really scary. But what if I were to tell you Christ is coming tomorrow? Would all of those things matter any more? What would be your focus over the final 24 hours of this life? Would you be full of fear? Would you hide His love? Here's the thing.....He MIGHT come tomorrow. We have no idea when He will come. Don't live life like you have 30, 40, 50 more years and start living like you have 30, 40, 50 more hours. Make a difference.
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.....But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Matthew 6:19-21, 33-34
Today I have chosen Hillsong United's new project: Across The Earth: Tear Down The Walls. There are a ton of great songs on this record. The one that is resonating with me right now is Freedom Is Here. You can right click and then click on "open in new tab" to listen as you read the words.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmignZozEoA
"Freedom is Here"
The future comes alive
You speak Your word and I
I’m running into Your hope
Because I’ve seen Your light
You bring my world to life
I’m coming after Your love
I’m not shaken, I’m not letting go
And everything comes alive
In my life as we lift You higher
Let Your freedom arise
In our lives as we lift You up
Sing it out, sing it out
Your freedom is here
So take the limits off
No matter what the cost
I’m running after Your call
And I will run this race
See You face to face
So let Your power overflow
I’m not shaken, I’m not letting go
And everything comes alive
In my life as we lift You higher
Let Your freedom arise
In our lives as we lift You up
Sing it out, sing it out
Your freedom is here
I will not fear
I will not hide Your love
Your love
All of my life
I cannot deny Your love
Your love
And everything comes alive
In my life as we lift You higher
Let Your freedom arise
In our lives as we lift You up
Sing it out, sing it out
Your freedom is here
Here's my thoughts on these lyrics..........
If we really believe what we say we believe, I mean REALLY believe it, then our lives should be so different from those who have no relationship with Christ--no hope for a future. You see, in my opinion, the reason Christians aren't having a HUGE impact on the country is that we say one thing, but we live another. We live in fear and anxiety. We don't look any different than anyone else. But with Christ our futures COME ALIVE! We have freedom, we have hope, we have LIFE! I think about what kind of impact we could have for Christ if we lived the kind of lives he wants us to; if we stopped worrying about our futures on earth and started focusing on our eternity. If we'd stop thinking about things that have NO eternal value whatsoever and started trying to use whatever God has blessed us with to make an impact on people's lives.
I know that we are in a time of economic unrest. I know that if you focus on the next 40 years (things like college for our kids, retirement, financial security) things can be really scary. But what if I were to tell you Christ is coming tomorrow? Would all of those things matter any more? What would be your focus over the final 24 hours of this life? Would you be full of fear? Would you hide His love? Here's the thing.....He MIGHT come tomorrow. We have no idea when He will come. Don't live life like you have 30, 40, 50 more years and start living like you have 30, 40, 50 more hours. Make a difference.
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.....But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Matthew 6:19-21, 33-34
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