Monster-The Almost

Whether we admit it or not, most of us struggle with how others perceive us. We wonder if we will say or do anything that will cause those who love us to stop. Many people have anxiety that if their friends and loved ones saw the "real" them, that they (the friends) would run away. I, myself, have wondered if people knew what a monster I could be, would they still love me?

The Almost asks these same questions in their song monster:

 If I were a monster,
Would you wince
When you looked at me?
If I were a freak, would you stare?
If I were a leper,
Would you say unclean?
If I was lost.
Would you help me get free?

Unfortunately, friends do leave and loved ones stop loving us. But, we have this hope that Jesus never stops loving us. He tells us in Luke 19:10
 "For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."

One purpose that Jesus had while on this earth was to find those of us who are lost and need to be saved. The reality is that every person who has every lived and will live fits this description; some people just do not realize it. For those of us who do, we have a promise from Jesus that despite our failures and sin, He will rescue us and give us freedom; we only need to ask.

The Almost reminds us of this fact at the end of the song:

When I am a monster,
You never wince,
When You look at me.
When I am a freak, You never stare.
When I am a leper,
You never say unclean,
And when I am lost,
You come and get me free.
You come and get me free

Jesus Christ is the only One who will never look away, walk away, or keep us in bondage. He will always help us get free.

 

Song:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zv8iFb-RT3k

 

Lyrics:http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/lyricsdetail.php?lyrics_id=59186

Good Morning Planetarium-Falling Up

So many times we carry around heavy burdens. My pastor once described burdens as having a suitcase,filling it up with rocks, and carrying it around. At the beginning, we are confident that we can carry our suitcase with no help because of our imaginary superpowers. But soon we become tired as the suitcase feels heavier and heavier. Often times, we do not ask for help due to our inability to be weak. So we tarry on. And on. And on.

But my dear beloved, that does not have to be the case.

In Matthew 11:28, Jesus says:
Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest

Jesus longs for us to empty our suitcases at His feet and rest in His comforting arms. He died on a cross so that we do not have to bear our burdens on our own. His power and might are sufficient to take care of whatever problems we are facing.

Falling Up echos this verse in their song Good Morning Planetarium

Is anybody out there who's cold and incomplete?
I can hear Him calling
Come and follow me

The twilight turns to day, with all your love displayed
The stars they bow in awe, when the lost return to you

 

No matter how big your burdens are or how small, when you go to Jesus, not only is your load lighter but your day will also be brighter.

 

Lyrics: http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/lyrics/new/track.asp?track_id=8571

 

Song:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFekQLWPrME

Softer to Me-Relient K

Life could you be a little softer to me
Life could you be a more gentle to me

We all have those days where it feels like the walls are crashing in on us. As followers of Christ, we walk a narrow and hard road. We fight the daily battle of flesh verses Spirit. We also fight against the pressures of the world. We become weary and tired with all the pain and suffering in the world. I, like Relient K, have had many days where I ask the world to be softer to me. But then I stop and remember that no matter how hard life may seem, I serve a God who shares in suffering.

These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." John 16:33 (NASB)

Relient K continues their song with this hope:

Yeah I know this is a selfish plea
Because Christ sacrificed his flesh
On the cross for me
But this world is hard
It's cruel and I wish it could be
Softer to me

Christ suffered on the cross so that we may have the hope that though this is a cruel world, we will reign with Him in glory. Life will never get easier. We will have good days and bad days, victories and defeats, temptations and triumphs; and through it all we must look to Christ who overcame it all so that we will overcome as well.

Lyrics:http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/lyrics/new/track.asp?track_id=1177

Song:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7DdKHMGKZ0

Not Alone-Red

I am with you
I will carry you through it all
I won’t leave you, I will catch you
When you feel like letting go
‘Cause you’re not, you’re not alone

And I will be your hope
(You’re not alone)
And I will pick you up
And I will be your hope

 

There is a common thought that those who struggle with loneliness or hopeless need to just pick themselves up and make themselves better. There are even Christian songs that suggest we have the power to fix ourselves. But the truth is that we do not have to fix ourselves. We serve a God who is far better at fixing things than we will ever be. He promises that He will not leave us to our own circumstances but will be there through it all.

 

for He Himself has said, "I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you. Hebrews 13:5 (NASB)

 

God promises He will never forsake us which means that He will not give up on us. So in the pit of despair, there is this hope: that though we feel utterly and completely alone, we are not because of the omnipresence of our great God.

 

Lyrics:http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/lyrics/new/track.asp?track_id=14546

 

Song:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ODDtLMiGnY

 



Not Alone-Manafest

EVEN ON YOUR BROKEN ROAD
THERE’S STILL HOPE
YOU ARE NOT ALONE

In Jeremiah it says:
"Can a man hide himself in hiding places So I do not see him?" declares the L ord . "Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?" declares the Lord . (Jeremiah 23:24 NASB)

We have this hope that no matter where we go, the Lord is with us. All of heaven and earth cannot contain Him. So whether we are in fields of gladness or on broken roads, we know we are not alone.

Not Alone-Jamie Grace

His arms are holding you
His love will see you through
When you smile and you laugh but you're fakin'
Cause you don't know how you're gonna make it
You feel so much pain
And you can't see your way
You're not alone
You're not alone

Often times we feel like we alone in our struggles. We put on a good front trying to hide our pain because we don't think anyone understands what we are going through. But it does not have to be that way. God puts people in our lives to be His arms and show His love.

After Moses led the people out of the wilderness, he alone had the task of guiding the people. The task, however, was too great for him. His father-in-law gave him great advice-allow others to share the load and help him.

17Then I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take of the Spirit who is upon you, and will put Him upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, so that you will not bear it all alone Numbers 11:17 (NASB)

God did not intend for us to walk this journey on our own. We need to let people in and allow them to share in our problems and failures. We also need to be available to see the pain and trials of those around us. We need to stand beside them so they will know they are not alone.

Lyrics: http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/lyrics/new/track.asp?track_id=15364

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbRQvrBgCJA

Not Alone-Family Force 5

Cause I don’t hurt when you say it
I hear your words I can make it
I need you now
I want you now
To tell me that I’m not alone

The next few post will keep with the theme of not feeling alone. In this song, the boys of Family Force 5 write of the pressure of losing the presence of someone. Thet do not come right out and say that it is God, but the implication is there. When faced with a difficult task, it is eay to bear the weight of the world on our shoulders and feel like we are all alone in the burden. But the Lord has promised us in Joshua 1:9

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

The Lord is faithful in His promises. So whenever you need reassurance of His presence, read this verse and be encouraged.

Lyrics: http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/lyrics/new/track.asp?track_id=15510

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0AgP8JU5Yg

Never Alone-BarlowGirl

 I waited for you today
But You didn’t show
No no no
I needed You today
So where did You go?
You told me to call
Said You’d be there
And though I haven’t seen You
Are You still there?

You ever have one of those days where God feels distant or absent? I think all Christians struggle at one time or another with thoughts of separation from God. We desperately search but can't seem to find Him. Even King David, who was known for having an intimate relationship with the Lord, felt far from God at times. He laments in Psalm 22:2

O my God, I cry by day, but You do not answer;

And by night, but I have no rest.

 

David cries out to the Lord concerning his struggle and the Lord answers in verse 24

 

For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted;

Nor has He hidden His face from him;

But when he cried to Him for help, He heard

 

It is in this times when we feel alone or forgotten that we need to remember God's promise to us that He hears us and is always near.

 

Lyrics: http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/lyrics/new/track.asp?track_id=151

 

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8QubLxJI54

 

 

Shelter-Jars of Clay

...weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15 (NASB)

Whenever we see a friend or relative hurting the first thing we want is to "do" something. There is something in us that wants to fix things and make it all better. However, there are times when no amount of fixing will do and it seems like it will never get better. The best way to encourage those who are hurting is just to be be there and weep with them. Our mere presence can mean so much. We don't need fancy words or an eloquent speech. We just need to wrap our arms around them and love them.

Jars of Clay has a song titled Shelter that talks about how we can be a place of shelter and safety to those in need. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we should be a place of rest for each other. 

              

 If there is any peace, if there is any hope
We must all believe, our lives are not our own
We all belong
God has given us each other
And we will never walk alone
  In the shelter of each other, we will live, we will live
In the shelter of each other, we will live, we will live
Your arms are all around us
          

When we comfort and encourage each other, we are being the church as it is intended to be. The Lord is with us, using us to heal each other. So, no matter how uneasy you feel or intimidated by not having the right words, just remember that we only need to be the literal arms of Christ and hold people in the shelter of God's love.

 

Lyrics: http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/lyrics/new/track.asp?track_id=14291

 

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bcgj-Jbl2RY

Shadows-David Crowder Band

Life is full of light and shadow
O the joy and O the sorrow
O the sorrow

And yet will He bring
Dark to light
And yet will He bring
Day from night

When shadows fall on us
We will not fear
We will remember

When darkness falls on us
We will not fear
We will remember

When all seems lost
When we're thrown and we're tossed
We'll remember the cost
We're resting in the
Shadow of the cross

This is the hope we as Christians have: that because of the cross there is hope and healing for whatever comes our way. The Lord is not a far off God in the distant just watching and laughing as we have pain or struggles. He is present and He works to releases us from the bondage we face.

He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death

And broke their bands apart.

                                                              Psalm 107:14 NASB

So in the midst of our fear, we run to the cross where the arms of love are open wide.

Lyrics: http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/lyricsdetail.php?lyrics_id=68140

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=al3VeFdkyHE

He Weeps-Fireflight

For a friend going through a difficult situation
When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and was troubled, Jesus wept. (John 11:33, 35 NASB)


Lyrics:

Where is God when the rain falls

And takes the car off the road

Is He standing in the storm

Where is God when the child cries

And no one bends to pick her up

Could someone tell me what He does

He weeps, He weeps with you

He weeps with me

When I’m on my knees

And I taste defeat

He weeps, He weeps

Where is God when she won’t eat

When her bones start to show

Is He there when she’s lost control

Where is God when a father

Turns his back on his son

Can someone tell me what He does

If today’s your darkest day

And you can’t escape the pain

Don’t be afraid

He will never walk away

He weeps, He weeps with you

He weeps with me

When you’re on your knees

And you taste defeat

He weeps, He weeps

He weeps with you

He weeps with me

When you’re on your knees

And you taste defeat

He weeps, He weeps

Oh My God-Jars of Clay

I don't watch the news; it depresses me. There is so much tragedy in the world: natural disasters, murders, deception, evil. It's hard to look at all the darkness in our world, country, and even homes. One can feel utterly helpless when faced with the ruin we see everyday.

Jars of Clay feels the same way in their song Oh My God:
Sometimes I can not forgive
and these days mercy cuts so deep,
If the world was how it should be, maybe I could get some sleep.
While I lay, I'd dream we're better, scales were gone and faces lighter,
When we wake we hate our brother, we still move to hurt each other,
Sometimes I can close my eyes and all the fear the keeps me silent,
Falls below my heavy breathing, what makes me so badly bent?
We all have a chance to murder, we all have the need for wonder.
We still want to be reminded that the pain is worth the plunder.

Sometimes when I lose my grip, I wonder what to make of heaven,
All the times I thought to reach up, all the times I had to give up.
Babies underneath their beds, in hospitals that cannot treat them.
All the wounds that money causes, all the comforts of cathedrals,
All the cries of thirsty children, this is our inheritance,
All the rage of watching mothers, this is our greatest offense
Oh my God, Oh my God, Oh my God.

Even the prophet Habakkuk felt this sense of unfairness:
Must I forever see these evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight. The law has become paralyzed, and there is no justice in the courts. The wicked far outnumber the righteous, so that justice has become perverted. (Habakkuk 1:3, 4 NLT)

It is easy to feel discouraged and want to hide away in the safety of what we can control. But, we must not run away in defeat. Instead we ought to remember that we can cry out to God and that He hears us. He will reign in His perfect kingdom one day and justice will be fully served. We can joy knowing The Lord is sovereign
yet I will rejoice in the Lord ! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign L ord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights. (For the choir director: This prayer is to be accompanied by stringed instruments.) (Habakkuk 3:18, 19 NLT).

In the Valley of the Dying Sun-House of Heroes

When I was in college, my professors used to tell us to struggle, wrestle, and grapple with texts in books as well as the Scriptures. I love the idea of mulling over a text striving to see the deeper meaning behind it. It brings to mind a certain passage of Scripture with wrestling in it.

He said, "Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed." Then Jacob asked him and said, "Please tell me your name." But he said, "Why is it that you ask my name?" And he blessed him there. So Jacob named the place Peniel, for he said, "I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been preserved." (Genesis 32:28-30 NASB)

Jacob wrestled God and not only lived to tell about it but also had his name changed. He no longer was known for his deceptive ways but now the way he would be used by God.

House of Heroes has a song the mirrors Jacob's. The song is about trying to escape his past when he wrestles God and finds the forgiveness he was searching for.

. the glory of the angel or the terror in me. tonight will be my ending or tonight my new beginning. all thru the night. i wrestled the angel. to undo the curse. that burdened me all of my life. and for the first time i could see. that God was not my enemy. chorus. like pieces of the sun. our light burns on and on. like stars in the night sky we shine. i'm living to shine on. i’m living to shine on. i’m living to shine on.

When we struggle with aspects of our faith we should not run from it, but rather face it head on and allow God to show new things and use us in new ways.

Fallin-Trip Lee

You ever had that moment when you're like "What in the world am I doing?" You find yourself in a situation where you never thought you would be. I know there have been times in my life where I say that I would never do this or that and then turn around and do the exact thing I said I would never do. Or  I decide to leave a sin or bad habit behind yet no matter how hard I try, I still do that one thing. Sometimes, it is good things I want to do but never seem to make myself do them. I know I am not alone in this struggle.

Trip Lee writes in Fallin:

I don't really want it but it's calling my name
"William you come and get me I can take away the pain
Come a little closer you got everything to gain"
But I got to much to lose I'm bout to go insane
I been here too many times got my head low
If I gave a dime for every time I'd be dead broke
I feel that battle in my soul the pressure closing in
My passions asking for a pass and I can't hold it in
There I go again no self control again I'm too good at giving in
Feeling like throwing in the towel the guilt is closing in
Sometimes I climb the heights but I'm at my lowest sin
Cloaked in deception and overdosing on potent sin
I'm so gone baby wanna be home again
Wanna feel whole again come fill this hole again
Now I'm doubled over with my face in my knees
At your side is where I wanna be
But there I go again I'm falling

Face to the pavement
Once again faced with the same sin
(There I go again I'm falling)
I don't think I'm a make it
Don't know how much longer I can take it
(There I go again I'm falling)
So I'm caught up in this sin
I wonder if I see Your face again
(There I go again I'm falling)
Falling [x3]
There I go

 

 

As Christians, we all face temptations and trials. We often think that we are alone when we fall in these temptations. But the truth is that we all face these temptations and we all at one time or another fall. Even the Paul-known as the greatest Christian missionary ever-struggled in these areas.

 

Romans 7:15-20

 

For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. 16But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good. 17So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. 18For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. 19For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. 20But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.

 

I believe the secret to dealing with struggles is to admit them to our brothers and sisters in Christ and ask for accountability. Trip Lee was willing to share his struggles with the world. We should be willing to share with those around us. It might even encourage them to share their struggles and find freedom of forgiveness Christ offers.

 

 

So I gotta face this but I know there's nothing that He can't fix
(I don't wanna be falling)
Looking to the cross where they placed Him
Cause I know His grace is amazing
(I don't wanna be falling)
He's covered all my sin
It's gone never to be seen again
So Your calling
Calling [x3]
Me to You

 

Song:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTQ4kQ4ym68

 

Lyrics:http://www.lyricsfreak.com/t/trip+lee/fallin_21013986.html

So Far Gone-Thousand Foot Krutch

I've always wondered what it meant to lose yourself in another person. For some reason, I'm good on my own. I don't need people in the sense of I'm not complete without them. I've known people who lose their identities to other people-usually a boyfriend/girlfriend. They change everything about themselves to fit what they consider to be the "perfect" whatever. I just never got it.

That was until I heard So Far Gone by TFK (Thousand Foot Krutch). TFK writes:

I want to be so far gone in you,
So far nothing else will ever do,
I want to be so far gone in you/
I want to be so far gone in you,
So far nothing else will ever do,
I want to be so far gone in you,
In you/

TFK talks about losing yourself in Christ. To be so hidden in Christ that you lose your selfish desires and pride. You begin to realize that only by dying and assimilating yourself to His life, you find who you were truly meant to be.

For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:3 NASB)

As Christ followers, we should be so far gone in Christ that people don't see us but Christ in us and through us.

Speak Life-tobyMac

Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear
                                                                                                             Ephesians 4:29

It is amazing how much impact our words have to those that hear them. Our words have power over people regardless of whether we realize it or not. When I was young, people always said "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." Oh how wrong they were. Words can bring someone down or lift them up, they can insult or encourage, they can bring death or bring life. 

In tobyMac's song Speak Life he encourages us to use our words to speak life into those who hear our words.

 So speak Life, speak Life
To the deadest darkest night
Speak Life, Speak Life
When the sun won’t shine and you don’t know why
Look into the eyes of the brokenhearted
Watch them come alive as soon as you speak hope
You speak love, you speak...
You speak Life, You speak Life

Some days the tongue gets twisted, other days my thoughts just fall apart
I do, I don’t, I will, I won’t
It’s like I’m drowning in the deep
Well it's crazy to imagine words from our lips as the arms of compassion
Mountains crumble with every syllable, hope can live or die


Lift your head a little higher
Spread the love like fire
Hope will fall like rain when you speak life with the words you say
Raise your thoughts a little higher
Use your words to inspire
Joy will fall like rain when you speak life with the things you say
Lift your head a little higher
Spread the love like fire
Hope will fall like rain when you speak life with the words you say

The fact that our words hold such power to encourage, lift up, and bring life to those who are down should compel us to use our words for good. So the next time we want to gives someone a tongue lashing, we should choose our words wisely and speak life not death into those that hear. 

Lyrics: http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/lyricsdetail.php?lyrics_id=77199

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rK6O0YtBRY

Esther-Esterlyn

I watched the Hope and Healing concert in Connecticut on my computer. Louie Giglio came out and talked about hope in Christ. He quoted Psalm 34:17-18

The righteous cry, and the Lord hears

And delivers them out of all their troubles.

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted

And saves those who are crushed in spirit

 

I immediately thought of the song Esther by Esterlyn:

He heals the broken Hearted
He binds their wounds
He is Love

He finds those forgotten
Those have been abused
He is Love

He knows your name

[Chorus]
A father to the fatherless
A healer of the brokenness you make
Beauty from the ashes

 

Though we face unspeakable tragedy and pain, the Lord is near as Comforter and Healer. Many people who are not followers of Christ (and even some who are) ofter ask "where is God?" when faced with circumstances beyond all comprehension. The answer is found in the above verse. HE is near them, loving them, and desperately attempting to heal them if they would only open their hearts to Him.

 

As followers of Christ, we have a opportunity to be His arms and heart to those who are helpless and hurting. Let the words of Esterlyn be our prayer:

Gives us your Heart Lord help us Love the unseen
And give us your Eyes Lord help us Love those in need

Lyrics: http://www.elyrics.net/read/e/esterlyn-lyrics/esther-lyrics.html

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMwVXlWfK4M

Shine Like the Stars-Stellar Kart

One of the things I love about living in the country is the view on a clear night. You look up and see millions of stars shining brightly. It is an amazing sight to see. Unfortunately, when you live in the city there are so many other light competing for that glow. You can see the stars in the city but they are not as big and bright.

Being a Christian is similar to being a star in the city. There are so many other false lights that try to compete with the true light of God found in a believer. Also, sin diminishes our light. When we live a sin-filled life it hides the light of Christ in our lives. People no longer see Christ but our sin.

Paul encourages us in Philippians 2:15 to
  prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,

The NIV says "shine like the stars."

So we must be careful not only to avoid sin but also the appearance of sin. Many people call this legalism but Paul tells us by avoiding the appearance of sin in our lives we will shine bright for Christ like stars on a clear night with no other fake lights to get in the way.

Stellar Kart sums up this statement with the chorus:
SHINE LIKE THE STARS
WHEREVER YOU ARE
WHEREVER YOU GO
BE HEAVENLY GLOW
SHINE LIKE THE STARS

Lyrics: http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/lyrics/new/track.asp?track_id=9481

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ru80tKwCLcg

Word of Mouth-John Reuben

I recently listened to a radio interview with a celebrity promoting a particular "flavor" as my pastor likes to say. As I listened (which I really should not do because I always end up screaming at the TV or phone) I realized that the person never mentioned Christ. He talked about faith and Goda little  but he mostly just talked about this brand of Christianity and why he became involved with it. It got me thinking about why we so often talk about our religion but very seldom talk about Jesus Christ. After all, He is the reason for the religion. The Church-all followers of Christ regardless of location, denomination, race, etc-exists only because of Christ. It is Christ we should talking about and proclaiming to the masses. I wonder if it is easier or more comfortable to promote church instead of Christ. A song by John Reuben came to mind:

Good God please have mercy
Let’s kick the machine till it’s working
Everybody’s got a great idea
Do you own the one you’re encouraging
There’s a first time for everything
After that it starts to get confusing
Hold onto your identities loosely
At least the revolution will be amusing

Word of mouth
This is what everybody’s talking about
So you can tell somebody to tell somebody
That the next new thing is the same old thing

We came and we quickly left
We took what we could get
I guess we weren’t impressed
We bored ourselves instead
What’s after what’s next
What’s left to get off your chest
Walking in circles retracing steps
How many ways can we package the concept
Mundane it’s all the same
Remind me later when nothing’s changed
Time will tell let the future explain
Until then we’ve got history to make
Trend-setters real go-getters
Closed-minded free-thinking hipsters
Instant classics adored by critics
It’s just music for the kids

 

 

The song tells us that everybody has something to talk about, therefore, they are telling everyone via word of mouth. But is really worth saying. Sometimes all our talk about religion, theologies, and doctrines take away from the simple truth that we are all sinners in need of a savior and that savior is Jesus Christ who was crucified and raised back to life.

 

Paul warns us that people who preach or speak of anything contrary to the teaching of the Gospel are harmful.

  Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. 18For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting ( Romans 16:17-18 NASB)

 

Let us remember to test everything against the Bible. If it causes division rather unity, hate rather than love, or fear rather than freedom then it is not a trustworthy saying. Our words should preach Christ, encourage the Church, and bring freedom to those in bondage as Isaiah 61:1 states.

 

Lyrics: http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/lyrics/new/track.asp?track_id=7046

 

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAjyce9thMk



Background-Lecrae

Many people like all the attention. They like to be front and center with all eyes on them. They also like to get all the credit for the work they do.

As a "techie", I have learned the importance of being a background person in service at church. Through Lecrae's song Background, I have learned importance of being in the background in everyday life. He writes:

It’s evident you run the show, so let me back down
You take the leading role, and I’ll play the background
I know I miss my cues, know I forget my lines
I’m sticking to your script, and I’m reading all your signs
I don’t need my name in lights, I don’t need a starring role
Why gain the whole wide world, If I’m just going lose my soul
And my ways ain’t purified, don’t live according to Your Word
I can’t endure this life without Your wisdom being heard
So word to every dance, a foe, a pop star
‘Cause we all play the background, but mine’s a rockstar

Yeah, so if you need me I’ll be stage right
Praying the whole world will start embracing stage fright
So let me fall back, stop giving my suggestions
‘Cause when I follow my obsessions, I end up confessing
That I’m not that impressive, matter of fact
I’m who I are, a trail of stardust leading to the superstar

Every time I hear this song  I think of John 3:30
He must increase, but I must decrease

 

John's followers saw the popularity of Jesus and told John. But instead of getting jealous or trying to get all the attention, John simply stated that in our lives Jesus must become greater and we must become lesser. That is the goal of Lecrae's song; that people would not see him-the rapper, rock star, celebrity-they would just see Jesus. That must also be the goal of our lives.

 

Lyrics: http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/lyrics/new/track.asp?track_id=14937

 

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHnZRZiCYHE

Leaving 99-Audio Adrenaline

you're never too far down
I promise you'll be found
I'll reach into the mud and mirely clay
pursue you to the end
like a faithful friend
nothing in this world can keep me away

I'd leave ninety-nine
leave them all behind
to find you
for you alone
I'd leave ninety-nine
leave them all behind
to find you

The beauty of the story of the prodigal son is the love of the father. This love that knows no bounds or sacrifice too great. A few verses before the story of the prodigal son is of a shepherd and his sheep. The theme is similar in that the shepherd like the father would do anything to retrieve that which was lost because he loved the one so much.

"What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!' I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. (Luke 15:4-7 NASB)

We must always rejoice when one who was lost is found. We must also remember that a one time we were the one whom God left 99 for.

Empire-As Cities Burn

Luke 15:25-28
Now his older son was in the field, and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing.26And he summoned one of the servants and began inquiring what these things could be.27And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has received him back safe and sound.'28But he became angry and was not willing to go in; and his father came out and began pleading with him.

Most people stop the story of the prodigal son with the party his father throws him. But there is another character...the older son. He was what most people would consider as the good son. HE stayed and work hard everyday for his father. He did the right thing unlike his brother. There are those of us who identify with this brother. We completely understand where he was coming from. I mean, honestly, he absolutely justified to be angry with his father about giving that little brat a party. Really, who did he think he was demanding money, spending it all, and then coming back wanting more. HE deserved to work for his due not get a party. I am right, right?

As Cities Burns agrees with me in their song Empire:

 I was more deserving of my parents love.

I had an angels smile,
hiding a vultures bite.
I had no use for your redeeming blood.

Aren't I glory, glorious?

You see, much like us, the older thought he was right because of what he had done. But he was mistaken. He was not righteous because there was pride in his heart.

Luke 15:29-32
29But he answered and said to his father, 'Look! For so many years I have been serving you and I have never neglected a command of yours; and yet you have never given me a young goat, so that I might celebrate with my friends;30but when this son of yours came, who has devoured your wealth with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him.'31And he said to him, 'Son, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours.32But we had to celebrate and rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live, and was lost and has been found.'"

I am much more like the older brother than the younger. I see people who have committed "great sin" being celebrated because they received grace. The whole time I'm screaming" But I've been here the whole time being obedient and serving, so why do they get the party?' And like the older brother, I have a greater sin-the sin of pride.

How often we forget that we are in need of grace and forgiveness just like the prodigal son. We must humble ourselves and realize that must indeed rejoice with those who were dead and now are brought back to life for they indeed are our brothers and sisters.

As Cities Burn continues the song with the same thought

 Cause I was a pharisee,
I never saw my need for grace;
Then your love came to me
stood next to mine, and I saw that I was poor.

Show me I was poor.
Show us we are,
show us we are.

Glory, glorious.
We are glory, glorious.
Not from what good we have done
but from being the least. [x2]

Song:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=st82CX__8Xg

When God Ran-Shaded Red

The story of the prodigal son painted a new picture of the Lord for Jewish people. Fathers were strong and tough. The father was the head of the household, the absolute authority, and the disciplinarian. Jesus shattered that image when He told the listeners of how this father responded when his son returned. They expected the father to be harsh on this wayward son who demanded money and left. Even the son was worried about his father's reaction. He was prepared to beg for a job. Everyone was surprised at the father's actions when he saw his son.

Luke 15:20
So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him

The father ran. The. Father. Ran. That picture of the father running blew every one's mind. Jesus tells this story to show how the Father God feels about His children. This awesome and holy God doesn't stand with a disapproving look waiting to punish us. He runs to us and embraces us and celebrates the fact that have returned.

 

Shaded Red sings:

And the only time, the only time I ever saw Him run
Is when He ran to me, took me in his arms
Held my head to his chest, said my son's come home again
Looked at my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in his voice he said son, do you know I still love you
It caught me by surprise, brought me to my knees
When God ran

 

God offers forgiveness and love to those who are lost. All you have to do is run to God and He will run to you.

 

Song:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qaAK8kBpYM

 

Lyrics:http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/lyrics/new/track.asp?track_id=3503

 

Run to You-Third Day

The first person in this story I will focus on is the prodigal son. Here we have this young man who decides he is tired of his family and wants to leave with his inheritance. Usually, one would only receive an inheritance when the relative died. But this selfish little brat wanted it there and then to live as he pleased.

Third Day does an amazing job (of course, I mean come on it's Third Day and if you have never heard of them then shame on you) telling this story in their song Run to You:

I was tired of waiting
Playing all the games and
Living in a place that was not for me
So I thought it was time
For me to get what’s mine
And to do it all, everything I dreamed
What I thought was the best of me turned to be
All the worst I could find

 

After living a lavish lifestyle, he came to the point of having no more money. [Small rant:did he really expect to live the rest of his life on what he had inherited. Seriously, common sense should have kicked in when around half of his money was gone telling him to stop spending and get a job. Ok rant over.]

 

So, there he was all alone and poor, dirty and scared. Not to mention hungry as all get out considered he was dining with swine; which was considered a no-no to good Jewish men. In the muddy pit of swine, the young man had an epiphany-his father had everything that he needed.

All he had to do was go back and beg his father to give him a job.

 

Luke 15:18-19:

18I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight;19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men."'

 

Third Day continues the song beautifully with the picture of a broken and humble young man running home anxiously awaiting his fate:

Now I got a feeling
That I’ve got to leave and
Find a way back to where I came from
Though I don’t deserve it
I know it’s unheard but
Living here without you, my life is done
I confess that I shouldn’t have run from you
Now I know I was wrong

Nowhere to run to
And no one to turn to
I’m dying out here on my own
Long before I even thought of returning
Your arms are wide open
Waiting for me to come home

If I run to you

Will you hold me in your arms forevermore
If I run to you
Will you hold me in your arms forevermore

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsQDNkLCmTA



She Walked Away-BarlowGirl

I decided to devote several posts to the story of the prodigal son because-to put it honestly-it's a great story and there are many songs written about. I have chosen my favorite to share. Each day I will focus on one particular character in the story and a corresponding song. As an introduction, I picked She Walked Away where BarlowGirl gives the tale a modern twist. The song is about a girl who is done with her family and decides she wants a new life:

She couldn’t take one more day
Home was more her prison now
Independence called out
She had to get it

A fight was all she needed
To give her reason
She slammed the door with no goodbye
And knew that it was time

Now she’s driving too fast
She didn’t care to glance behind
And through her tears she laughed
It’s time to kiss the past goodbye

I’m finally on my own
Don’t try to tell me no
There’s so much more for me
Just watch what I will be

She walked away
Couldn’t say why she was leaving
She walked away
She left all she had believed in
She walked away

I find it to be a great parallel to the the story of the prodigal son found in Luke 15:11-32.

11And He said, "A man had two sons.12The younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of the estate that falls to me.' So he divided his wealth between them.13And not many days later, the younger son gathered everything together and went on a journey into a distant country, and there he squandered his estate with loose living.14Now when he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred in that country, and he began to be impoverished.15So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.16And he would have gladly filled his stomach with the pods that the swine were eating, and no one was giving anything to him.17But when he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger!18I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight;19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men."'20So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.21And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'22But the father said to his slaves, 'Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet;23and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate;24for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.' And they began to celebrate.

25"Now his older son was in the field, and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing.26And he summoned one of the servants and began inquiring what these things could be.27And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has received him back safe and sound.'28But he became angry and was not willing to go in; and his father came out and began pleading with him.29But he answered and said to his father, 'Look! For so many years I have been serving you and I have never neglected a command of yours; and yet you have never given me a young goat, so that I might celebrate with my friends;30but when this son of yours came, who has devoured your wealth with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him.'31And he said to him, 'Son, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours.32But we had to celebrate and rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live, and was lost and has been found.'"

 

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4h8qSYWzas



Fiend Like That-Hawk Nelson

I may be biased, but I have the best friends in the world. They are always there when I need them. They are always honest with me even if I don't want to hear the truth. They encourage me, inspire me, and challenge me on a daily basis. However, as great as my fiends are, there is an even greater friend...Jesus.

Proverbs 18:24
A man of too many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Jesus is a friend who never leaves and never turns His back on you. No matter how faithless we are, He remains faithful. He is there with every tear we cry, every smile on our face, and every blah day we have. Jesus is our friend on the inside. He knows our heart and our thoughts so there is nothing to hide from Him. We never have to be perfect or put on a front. There are no masks to wear with Jesus, we come just as we are.

Hawk Nelson sings of having this type of friend-relationship with Jesus in Friend Like That:
I, I need somebody on the inside
I, I want somebody who can set me free
I'm not the only one who feels like this
I've got a few others around me

Hey let me hear ya say
Make some noise if you feel this way
Hey if you got a friend like that
Hey let's scream and shout
If you know what I'm talkin' `bout
Anybody got a friend like that
Hawk Nelson encourages us to share Jesus with others so that they too may know the awesome friend that Jesus is. Our tendency is to want to keep Jesus for ourselves as if He isn't enough to go around. But we must not be selfish. Jesus, himself, commanded us to go and tell others about Him (Matthew 28:18-20). So, if Jesus is your friend, then go out, scream and shout, and let everyone know you have a friend like that!

A Time for Yohe-Between the Trees

One of my favorite organizations is To Write Love On Her Arms or TWLOHA. It began as a way to help a young woman who was in a desperate place. The founders showed her love and told her about the hope found in Christ. The band Between the Trees were encouraged by her story and wrote a song about it.

Does it help to say I'm sorry
If so than I'm sorry that you’re so unhappy
This life, those lies are starting to get you down
Darling don't let them drag you around
Saying "it's my fault" doesn't help repeated
Time, love, and Jesus seems to beat it
She'll find out this is harder than
Taking medicine

This is your time to weep
This is your time to morn
Not yet time to build up
Just a time to tear down old walls

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says
There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven-

The chapter goes on to list many things like life and death, weeping and laughing, planting and harvesting, etc. that there is a time for. What both the writer of the verse and the writer of the song are trying to convey is that seasons in life-like the seasons of the year-always change. The circumstance you are in will change one day. The despair, loneliness, hope, whatever you may be going through will not last forever. So if you are down , remember that hope is around the corner. If you are happy and all is well, use it to help someone is down and out reminding them that it will pass. We have hope in Christ that though we suffer in this world, one day we will be with Him forever if we surrender our lives to Him and allow Him to be our hope, comfort, and peace.

Lyrics: http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/lyrics/new/track.asp?track_id=8559

Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNvFhRMzTwk

Rock of Ages-Ascend the Hill

Cleft of the Rock
Exodus 33:22
and it will come about, while My glory is passing by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by 

What exactly is the cleft of the rock. There are not many big rocks in Louisiana so the terminology seems strange to me. Not only did I not know what is was, but more importantly I did not know why it was important. That was until I took a trip to Hawaii. One particular Saturday I took a walk to see the water. There was no sand at this spot just rocks and a wall along the coast. The waves were especially strong this day. I stood in awe as I watched the water roll into waves and over the rocks. How majestic. How beautiful. How strong. I didn't get close enough to get wet because I knew these waves could knock me over and make me hurt myself. As I stood watching I noticed two crabs that the waves carried over the wall. At first they were fighting but as the water came over the wall they moved into the crevices or clefts of the rocks on the wall. As long as they stayed in those clefts they were safe no matter how strong the waves were or how much water came over the wall. It was in watching those crabs that I understood what it meant to be in the cleft of God's rock.

Ascend the Hill talks about the cleft of the Rock of Ages:
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
let me hide myself in thee;
let the water and the blood,
from thy wounded side which flowed,
be of sin the double cure;
save from wrath and make me pure
Jesus bled and died on the cross so that we might hide ourselves in Him and His promises. As long as we rest in His protection we are safe no matter how strong the waves of life are. When we decide to leave the safety of God is when we get crushed and tossed around. So when the waves are high and strong seek safety in the cleft of the Rock.

All Thing New-Rapture Ruckus

In keeping with the "New Year" theme, my day 2 song is by a New Zealand band. I met the band at Creation:East two years ago and it was quite exciting since I have wanted to visit New Zealand for some time now. But that is for another blog. This time of year many people are making resolutions. One problem I have with resolutions is that you are pretty much set up to fail. Oh sure, you do well for a couple weeks or maybe even months but sure enough you will mess up in your resolution to improve your life in some way. So many times I hear people who complain that they failed in their resolution so they just quit trying and resort back to the "old way" of their life before making the resolution. I, myself,  have experienced this and its only January 2. I made a goal-which is different from a resolution because it is measurable- to write this blog everyday. I was supposed to start on January 1st, but an invitation to visit a friend led to procrastination but, instead of giving up I decided to publish my first post  today, which is why there are three post today. So, how does this song fit into my little rant? Well,  Rapture Ruckus tells us,

You make all things new
You hold the world in Your hands, the world in Your hands
The Lord who made the world and holds it in His hand is the same One who made us and holds us in His hands. We try so hard to change ourselves and the world around us. We toil day ad night and get weary because we think we can do it on our own. But the truth is we can't.
 
Revelation 21:5-7
5And He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." And He said, "Write, for these words are faithful and true." 6Then He said to me, "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. 7He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.   (NASB)

You see the Lord makes all things new. He makes us new. If we would just let go and allow Him to move in our lives and transform us according to His Spirit and His word, then our work will not be in vain. We can stop worrying and trying to be this perfect person our "resolutions" mean for us to be. When we acknowledge that He is the power that transforms us , we find freedom and we find rest. No more beating ourselves up if we have already failed, but turn to Jesus and accept His forgiveness and grace. And allow Him to make you NEW!

Lyrics http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/lyricsdetail.php?lyrics_id=72635

Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sH5nAa4JLBE

New Years Day-Abandon

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NASB)

Its a New Year. Many people make resolutions at the start of a new year: eat right, exercise more, spend less money, spend more time with family, etc. I thought it fitting to start this blog with a song about New Years Day. the band Abandon writes,
                                                           Flashes of light I open my eyes
                                                           And feel the spark of a new life
                                                           I take a breath for the first time
                                                          You are the reason my heart is beating
                                                          You put the color in my world
                                                          Yeah, the color in my world
 I think many people feel the excitement and hope of new year. New possibilities. New adventures. New relationships. New person.

The beauty of a new year is the chance to leave the last one behind. Failures, regrets, hardships, heart-aches can all be left in the last year as we move forward. The Lord offers forgiveness and redemption to us everyday. We don't need to wait for New Year's Day to let go of the pain, shame, and sin. All we need to do is repent and accept God's grace in our lives. Then, every day can feel like New Years' Day.
                                                         Dark has turned to light and I will celebrate
                                                        All my wrongs made right
                                                        Everything has changed
                                                        My sins have been erased and it feels like
                                                        New years day
                                                        Oh!

Lyrics http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/lyrics/new/track.asp?track_id=14837

Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMyfYAy0Ouo

Music blog intro

I have thought about writing a music devotional blog for some time. Various friends have encouraged me along the way. Therefore, this is my attempt at this endeavor.

Psalm 77:6
I will remember my song in the night; I will meditate with my heart, and my spirit ponders: (NASB)

Many times the Lord has given me a song in certain situations and phases of my life. I have been fortunate to be able to share them with family and friends. The purpose of this blog is twofold: first to remember how God has used music to encourage and teach me; and secondly to encourage others. The title for this blog is a reference from the verse above. If you find yourself reading this blog, I pray that the Lord speaks to your heart through the music as He has done mine. I am an imperfect person so this blog will have imperfections, so please be forgiving. Also, many times I will give my opinion on music. It is just that an opinion, not truth, so don't get mad. With that said, let the music begin.