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Category Archives: Hymns and Songs

“Shine Jesus Shine” by Graham Kendrick

26 Feb

“Shine Jesus Shine” by Graham Kendrick

Lord, the light of your love is shining
In the midst of the darkness, shining
Jesus, Light of the world, shine upon us
Set us free by the truth you now bring us
Shine on me, shine on me

Shine, Jesus, shine
Fill this land with the Father’s glory
Blaze, Spirit, blaze
Set our hearts on fire
Flow, river, flow
Flood the nations with grace and mercy
Send forth your word
Lord, and let there be light

Lord, I come to your awesome presence
From the shadows into your radiance
By the blood I may enter your brightness
Search me, try me, consume all my darkness
Shine on me, shine on me

Shine, Jesus, shine
Fill this land with the Father’s glory
Blaze, Spirit, blaze
Set our hearts on fire
Flow, river, flow
Flood the nations with grace and mercy
Send forth your word
Lord, and let there be light

As we gaze on your kingly brightness
So our faces display your likeness
Ever changing from glory to glory
Mirrored here may our lives tell your story
Shine on me, shine on me

Shine, Jesus, shine
Fill this land with the Father’s glory
Blaze, Spirit, blaze
Set our hearts on fire
Flow, river, flow
Flood the nations with grace and mercy
Send forth your word
Lord, and let there be

Send forth your
Send forth your word
Lord, and let there
Send forth your word
Send forth your word
Lord, and let there be light

Source: Musixmatch

Songwriters: Graham A. Kendrick

Dear God, ever since seeing the Jesus Revolution movie yesterday, I’ve been thinking a lot about it. As I said last night in my prayer, I’ve had a lot of disparate thoughts.

What’s been on my heart a lot today is not only the youth in our community, but also the difference in the way some Christians see to help them. There is a very passionate group that wants to focus on every single thing the school is doing that might influence children. From curriculum, to counseling, to policies, etc. They (and I say “they” because I am not one of them) think this will protect our children. But I’ve thought a lot about this today. I cannot think of a single revival in our country that started with a movement of the government or other authorities. Never has it been legislated from the top down. Even thinking back into the Bible stories, it’s always suffering that brings us into repentance. It’s always suffering that brings us to you. The only example I can think of off of the top of my head that might be an exception is the preaching Jonah did in Nineveh. I don’t know what exactly the Ninevites were experiencing to make their hearts so ripe for your message through Jonah, but they were radical in their response.

Now, I look at our children and I keep thinking back to the movie yesterday when they talked about the hippies looking for you, but they were looking in all of the wrong places. From drugs, to promiscuity, to any other type of experimentation, they were looking for something to fill their “God hole.” The same is true for today. I think of what revival would look like if it were to work its way through our school, and it would put any agenda for controlling the library books, the counseling program, etc. to shame. Even students are smart enough to know when to reject something after they have found the truth. In fact, they are probably better at that than adults are.

That leads me to this song. It was the closing song in the church I attended this morning. The lead into the chorus that Graham Kendrick wrote starts with “Shine on me.” It starts with us as individuals. Then, to borrow Kurt Kaiser’s words from “Pass it On,” “It only takes a spark to get a fire going.” So, Father, this is my prayer today: “Shine, Jesus, Shine. Fill this land with the Father’s glory. Blaze, Spirit, Blaze. Set our hearts on fire. Flow, river, flow. Flood the nations with grace and mercy. Send forth your Word, Lord, and let there be light.” Let it start in my home. Let it be in my community. Let it be in my state. Let it be in my country. Let it be in my world. Let is start with what you’re doing in Asbury. Let this movie be your fuel. And let this be the start of something amazing. Let this pain of the pandemic over the last three years, the toxicity of social media, and the idolatry the church has adopted for government and power count. Let it bring us, bring me, to repentance. And then teach us discipleship so that your church might bring your will into the world from the bottom up.

I pray all of this through the name of Jesus, the author and perfector of my faith,

Amen

 
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Posted by on February 26, 2023 in Hymns and Songs, Miscellaneous, Musings and Stories

 

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“Doubly Good To You” by Rich Mullins

12 Feb
Rich Mullins performing “Doubly Good To You,” a song he wrote but was originally released by Amy Grant

“Doubly Good To You” by Rich Mullins

If you see the moon
Rising gently on your fields
If the wind blows softly on your face
If the sunset lingers
While cathedral bells peal
And the moon has risen to her place

You can thank the Father
For the things that he has done
And thank him for the things he’s yet to do
And if you find a love that’s tender
If you find someone who’s true
Then thank the Lord
He’s been doubly good to you

And if you look in the mirror
At the end of a hard day
And you know in your heart you have not lied
And if you gave love freely
If you earned an honest wage
And if you’ve got Jesus by your side

You can thank the Father
For the things that he has done
And thank him for the things he’s yet to do
And if you find a love that’s tender
If you find someone who’s true
Thank the Lord
He’s been doubly good to you

Dear God, this is just a great song. Nice and simple. a reminder to count our blessings. The end.

Ah, but then there is the rest of the story. Rich Mullins wrote this for his own wedding that never happened. He lost the “doubly good” about which he was singing. Of course, Rich never experienced having children. I can attest that there can be windows in life when your marriage and kids are all great at the same time, and it really feels like even a “triple” goodness. But then those windows pass and things don’t play out like you hope. How will I respond?

I spent some time last week while I was sick pouring over old pictures of my wife and kids. Those pictures always encourage me. They remind me that there was legitimate goodness at one time. That my mind hasn’t imagined it. No, the photos didn’t capture the pain between the smiles. There are holes in the story for which I don’t know the content. But it really does help me to lean into the pain of the current loss I feel from no longer having that sense of “triple goodness” and embrace the life you e given to me now.

So, Father, thank you for the things you have done and the things you’ve yet to do. Help me to be your complete servant today.

I pray all of this under your authority and in your name,

Amen

 
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Posted by on February 12, 2023 in Hymns and Songs

 

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“We Are Not Home Yet” by Steven Curtis Chapman

20 Jan

“We Are Not Home Yet” by Steven Curtis Chapman

… Ohh
Yeah

… To all the travelers
Pilgrims longing for a home
From one who walks with you
On this journey called life’s road
It is a long and winding road

… From one who’s seen the view
And dreamt of staying on the mountain’s high
And one who’s cried like you
Wanting so much just to lay down and die

… I offer this
We must remember this

… We are not home yet
We are not home yet
Keep on looking ahead
Let your heart not forget
We are not home yet

… Not home yet
Not home yet

… So close your eyes with me
And hear the Father saying, “Welcome home”
Let us find the strength
In all His promises to carry on
He said, “I’ll go prepare a place for you”
So let us not forget

… We are not home yet (not home yet)
We are not home yet (not home yet)
Keep on looking ahead
Let your heart not forget
We are not home yet (not home yet)

… We are not home yet (not home yet)
Keep on looking ahead
Let your heart not forget
We are not home yet

… No, no
I know there’ll be a moment
I know there’ll be a place
When we will see our Savior
And fall in His embrace
So let us not grow weary
Or too content to stay
‘Cause we are not home yet

… We are not home yet
Not home yet

… So let us journey on

… We are not home yet (not home yet)
We are not home yet (not home yet)
So keep on looking ahead
Let your heart not forget
We are not home yet, yet (not home yet)

… Oh, we are not home yet (not home yet)
So, keep on looking ahead
Let your heart not forget
We are not home yet (not home yet)

… Oh, we are not home yet (not home yet)
We are not home yet (not home yet)
We are not home yet
Not home yet

… We are not home yet
So let us journey on
Not home yet
We are not home yet

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: Steven Curtis Chapman

Dear God, the sentiment of this song is to use the image of being with you in eternity to strengthen us on this road we walk here. I think that’s great, but it’s not how I work. I really don’t think about heaven or being with you that often. I think about the reality, as I understand reality in my limited human way, of walking with you in this world today. I take the chorus of this song and tell myself, “I am not home yet. I must press on.” Which is what he’s saying, but it seems like the next life is on his mind much more than it is on mine.

I’ve thought in the past week about getting to see a few loved ones who have died when I get to the afterlife with you. Specifically, the daughter my wife and I lost in 1995 and then my grandfather, about whom I wrote you yesterday. So there’s that. But I don’t think about just being in this amazing state of worship and filled with your magnificent presence continuously.

I have work to do today. Today is the culmination of a lot of work and prayer. We are putting on a marriage/discipleship seminar tonight and tomorrow morning for the entire community. I don’t know if we will have enough space for everyone. I hope we have “just enough.” I don’t want anyone to be turned away, but I also want every person there who can be there to be there. But you are in charge. I give the attendee list to you. You know I did what I could to get the word out.

I told my wife this morning that I am most concerned about my own pride tonight. I wish I could somehow not be the face of this thing because I know there is a part of me that is going to hope for praise. And praise is due only to you, not me. Help me to direct everyone with whom I speak today to you.

Father, if it only takes a spark to get a fire going, I am hopeful that today will be the continuation of a spark you gave to me in 2000 when I last heard this speaker in person. Holy Spirit, let your fire burn through our city for the glory of God. And Jesus, thank you for making all of this possible through your sacrifice and intercession. None of us would have a hope without you.

I pray this in the name of the one Triune God,

Amen

 
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Posted by on January 20, 2023 in Hymns and Songs

 

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“Precious Lord, Take My Hand” by Thomas Dorsey

18 Jan

“Precious Lord, Take My Hand” by Thomas Dorsey

Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I am tired, I’m weak, I am worn
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand, precious Lord
Lead me home

When my way groweth drear
Precious Lord, linger near
When my light is almost gone
Hear my cry, hear my call
Hold my hand lest I fall
Take my hand, precious Lord
Lead me on

When the darkness appears
And the night draws near
And the day is past and gone
At the river I stand
Guide my feet
Hold my hand
Take my hand, precious Lord
Lead me on

Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I am tired, I’m weak, I am worn
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand, precious Lord
Lead me home

Songwriter: Thomas A. Dorsey

Dear God, we sang this song in church on Sunday. My wife lead the singing and she told be beforehand the background of how this song was written (see the interview with Mr. Dorsey above). It reminded me of the background for “It Is Well With My Soul” (Horatio Spafford). Mr. Dorsey wrote this after he lost his wife, and shortly thereafter his daughter, in childbirth. He was devastated. This song was one way he expressed his pain and his faith.

I’ve had my own times when I’ve been tired, weak, and worn. I’m grateful to not be there now, but I know I’ll be there again. No, tonight, my heart is with a friend who just lost a pregnancy. Her situation is similar to Dorsey”s and anyone else who has suffered the loss of a child or spouse. I’ve been there. I know that pain.

Here’s a good rendition of the song:

Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit, please comfort my friend tonight. I know she hurts. I know she still has to go through some medical procedures. I am sorry for her. I know many are. We want to wrap her up and let her know she is loved. Let her know that you love her. Please help her to feel your love through this. Help her to find her shelter and comfort in you. Help her to find you through the pain she is experiencing. Be very real to her.

I pray all of this in your name,

Amen

 
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Posted by on January 18, 2023 in Hymns and Songs

 

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“Ready for the Storm” by Rich Mullins

12 Jan

“Ready for the Storm” by Rich Mullins

The waves crash in
The tide rolls out
It’s an angry sea
But there is no doubt
That the lighthouse
Will keep shining out
To warn a lonely sailor

And the lightning strikes
And the wind cuts cold
Through the sailor’s bones
Through the sailor’s soul
‘Til there’s nothing left
That he can hold
Except a rolling ocean

Oh, I am ready for the storm
Yes, sir, ready
I am ready for the storm
I’m ready for the storm

Oh, give me mercy
For my dreams
‘Cause every confrontation seems
To tell me
What it really means
To be this lonely sailor

And when the sky begins to clear
The sun it melts away my fear
And I cry a silent weary tear
For those who mean to love me

Oh, I am ready for the storm
Yes, sir, ready
I am ready for the storm
I’m ready for the storm

The distance it is no real friend
And time will take its time
And you will find that in the end
It brings you me
This lonely sailor

And when You take me by the hand
And You love me, Lord, You love me
And I should have realized
I had no reasons to be frightened

Oh, I am ready for the storm
Yes, sir, ready
I am ready for the storm
Yes, sir, ready
I am ready for the storm
Yes, sir, ready
I am ready for the storm
I’m ready for the storm

Written by Dougie MacLean

Dear God, here are my thoughts on this song I know through Rich Mullins. It’s one of those songs I’ve never paid must attention to regarding the meaning of the verses. I can just sing along with the chorus.

Verse 1: I just picture the song writer, Dougie MacLean, sitting on a rocky coast in Ireland (to hear him sing he sounds Irish) and watching the waves crash against the shore while a lighthouse sits nearby. He’s imaging the relationships between the sailor, the boat, the water, the shore, the wind, and that lighthouse. From nature’s standpoint, the sailor is the only thing that is superfluous. They are all there for him. The sailor needs the boat. He needs the water to travel wherever he is going or hunt for whatever he is fishing for. He needs the shore for his life off of the boat. He even needs the wind, although he doesn’t need the storm. He needs the lighthouse to direct him from crashing into the shore. But none of these things need him. Their existence would be the same if he was or wasn’t there–well, maybe not the boat since the boat would be docked without the sailor.

Verse 2: The confrontations in my life leave me feeling like this sailor: Vulnerable. In danger. Dependent. Needing to struggle to survive. Lonely. “For those who mean to love me.” That could mean so many things. Did they love him and do the right things to confront him, but he rejected them? Did they reject him for the wrong reasons? With the sky clearing and the sun melting away fears…you know, this almost makes me think of someone going through rehab. The confrontation–intervention. The loneliness. The storm of getting sober. The lighthouse guiding to shore, but protecting as well. The sobriety melting away the fears. The tear realizing how others were loving him through the intervention. I could be totally wrong, but that’s what came to mind when I started to ponder the words a little.

Verse 3: Playing with my sobriety theory, the difficult thing about addiction is that it doesn’t really pass with time. Oh, perhaps it does a little, but it’s only one slip away. The distance is no real friend. You can still be lonely, even in your sobriety. But you take us by the hand, God. You comfort us. Love us. Give us peace. And the more we get to know you the more we realize that we have nothing to really fear. You are our hope and loving you is what it’s ultimately all about.

Father, I will never sing with passion that I am ready for the storm. Okay, never say never, but it is hard to imagine egging on Satan, you, or anything else in that way. But there are times when I have to set my face to the wind and just decide I’m going to do better, whatever that “better” might be. Life can be lonely, but I am blessed beyond measure by the wife you’ve given to me. And I’m not just saying that because that is what Christian husbands are supposed to say about their wives. She is unbelievable and amazing. She is so good for me. You do so much in me through her. Thank you that, for at least this moment, I am not a lonely sailor.

I pray all of this in the name of you, your son, and your Holy Spirit,

Amen

 
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Posted by on January 12, 2023 in Hymns and Songs

 

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Numbers 6:22-27

02 Jan

22 Then the Lord said to Moses, 23 “Tell Aaron and his sons to bless the people of Israel with this special blessing:

24 ‘May the Lord bless you
    and protect you.
25 May the Lord smile on you
    and be gracious to you.
26 May the Lord show you his favor
    and give you his peace.’

27 Whenever Aaron and his sons bless the people of Israel in my name, I myself will bless them.”

Numbers 6:22-27

Dear God, this was the Old Testament reading on Sunday, New Year’s Day. While I was reading it I thought about wanting to spend some time with it in this setting. When I sat down this morning to do it I thought I would go back and find the video that came out of the UK in 2020 during the pandemic that was quite beautiful with people singing the song in isolation, but combined through technology. When I searched YouTube for it this morning, I found this international version. I was so moved by it after watching it for just a minute, I called my wife in and we ended up holding each other and watching it. I had chills. She cried. There’s is something about watching your creation worship you and do its best to spread your love into the world that is…well, words fail me.

The part of the song when they repeat over and over again, “He is for you, He is for you.” It reminds me of the scene in Good Will Hunting when Robin Williams’s therapist character repeats to Will, “It’s not your fault.” Will brushes it off at first, but Williams keeps repeating it until it starts to sink in. That’s what this reminds me of.

“He is for you.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“No, you don’t. He is for you.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“No, you don’t. He is for you.”

“What are you doing?”

“He is for you.”

“Don’t mess with me!”

“He is for you.”

“Don’t do it. Not you!”

“He is for you.”

That’s when it starts to sink in. You are for me. You are for my wife. You are for my children. My parents. My siblings, nieces, and nephews. You are for not only the Americans, but your creation all over the world. You are for me. You are for them. You are for us!

Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit, I pray under your authority that my life would be an extension of you being for your creation. You are my God. Thank you for your blessing. Thank you for keeping me. Thank you for letting your face smile upon me. Thank you for being gracious to me. Thank you for showing me your favor. Thank you for your peace.

Amen

 
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Posted by on January 2, 2023 in Hymns and Songs, Numbers

 

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“Oh, Holy Night”

22 Dec

“Oh, Holy Night”

[Verse 1]
O Holy night!The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
‘Til He appears and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees; O hear the Angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born
O night, O Holy night, O night divine!

[Verse 2]
Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming
Here come the Wise Men from Orient land
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger
In all our trials born to be our friend
He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend

[Verse 3]
Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His Gospel is Peace
Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother
And in His name, all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we
Let all within us Praise His Holy name
Christ is the Lord; O praise His name forever!
His power and glory evermore proclaim
His power and glory evermore proclaim

Dear God, I heard someone ask yesterday what our favorite Christian Christmas song is (as opposed to secular), and I don’t know that this one is my favorite, but it’s what came to mind first. But I have to admit I don’t think I’ve ever paid that close to the lyrics beyond the first verse. But there is one line in there that always stands out to me: “The soul felt its worth.”

I guess that Jesus’s coming tells me everything I need to know about my worth to you. I read a nice editorial by a pastor who talked about the reciprocal nature of Christmas gift giving. As adults, we feel the need to exchange commensurate gifts. But children feel no such need for reciprocity when they receive a gift. I asked my seven-year-old I’m mentoring yesterday what he got his mother for Christmas and he told me he drew her a picture of a dog. So sweet, but the idea that he could even come close to his mother’s gift-giving capacity–regardless of how wealthy she is or isn’t–is ridiculous. The five-year-old who gets a bike for Christmas could never repay their parent. Christmas gifts are a one-way street.

As the pastor pointed out, the same is true with us. There is no way we can ever match you in gift-giving capacity. The only thing we can do is try to match sacrifice. You sacrificed everything for us. You gave us something we can never repay. What can I do, but accept your love, accept your gift, and then try as I might to return your love, much like a child might try to express love to a parent.

Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit, you have shown me my soul’s worth to you. Thank you. Help me to be part of showing others what their souls are worth as well. Help me to be your ambassador into the world. You are my king. You are my father. You are my counselor. You are my comforter. You are my advocate. You are my savior. To you be all glory now and forever.

I pray all of this under your name and autority,

Amen

 
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Posted by on December 22, 2022 in Hymns and Songs

 

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“Some Nights” by Fun

16 Dec

“Some Nights” by Fun

Some nights, I stay up cashing in my bad luck
Some nights, I call it a draw
Some nights, I wish that my lips could build a castle
Some nights, I wish they’d just fall off
But I still wake up, I still see your ghost
Oh Lord, I’m still not sure what I stand for, oh-oh
(Oh-ooh-woah) what do I stand for?
(Oh-ooh-woah) what do I stand for?
Most nights, I don’t know anymore

Oh, oh-ooh-woah
Oh-ooh-woah, oh
Oh, oh-ooh-woah
Oh-ooh-woah, oh

This is it, boys, this is war
What are we waiting for?
Why don’t we break the rules already?
I was never one to believe the hype
Save that for the black and white
Try twice as hard, and I’m half as liked
But here they come again to jack my style

That’s alright (that’s alright)
I found a martyr in my bed tonight
She stops my bones from wondering just who I am, who I am, who I am
Oh, who am I? Mmm, mmm-mmm

Well, some nights, I wish that this all would end
‘Cause I could use some friends for a change
And some nights, I’m scared you’ll forget me again
Some nights, I always win (I always win)
But I still wake up, I still see your ghost
Oh Lord, I’m still not sure what I stand for, oh-oh
(Oh-ooh-woah) what do I stand for?
(Oh-ooh-woah) what do I stand for?
Most nights, I don’t know

so this is it?
I sold my soul for this?
Washed my hands of that for this?
I miss my mom and dad for this?
No, when I see stars, when I see-
When I see stars, that’s all they are
When I hear songs
They sound like a swan, so come on
Oh come on, oh come on, oh come on

Well, this is it guys, that is all
Five minutes in, and I’m bored again
Ten years of this, I’m not sure if anybody understands
This one is not for the folks at home
Sorry to leave, Mom, I had to go
Who the fuck wants to die alone all dried up in the desert sun?

My heart is breaking for my sister
And the con that she called “love”
And then I look into my nephew’s eyes
Man, you wouldn’t believe
The most amazing things
That can come from
Some terrible nights

Oh, oh-ooh-woah
Oh-ooh-woah, oh
Oh, oh-ooh-woah
Oh-ooh-woah, oh

The other night, you wouldn’t believe
The dream I just had about you and me
I called you up, but we both agree
It’s for the best you didn’t listen
It’s for the best we get our distance, oh
For the best you didn’t listen
It’s for the best we get our distance, oh

Source: Musixmatch

Songwriters: Nathaniel Joseph Ruess / Andrew Dost / Jeffrey Bhasker / Jack Michael Antonoff

Dear God, I wanted to do this prayer a couple of days ago when I woke up with this song in my head, but…well, time just got away from me. It’s been hectic this week, I haven’t felt great physically, etc. Excuse, excuse, excuse. The truth is, I didn’t make praying to you in this way a priority the last couple of days. So here I am now. I need you. I miss you.

This song is interesting. It’s secular, and I have no illusions it’s not secular. But it speaks to that longing that we all have when we are wandering away from you. What do I stand for?

The lyrics of the song are poetic and cryptic. I don’t know exactly what they are saying, but I certainly see intimations. Attack life and you end up with enemies and loneliness. A martyr in my bed tonight? A one-night stand who gave meaning for a moment, but the moment is gone. “Some nights I wish this all would end, ’cause I could use some friends for a change.” What did the attacking of life get me? What did success get me?

Someone mocked me recently for the amount of volunteer work I do. They were a young person who has a pretty empty life. They are still pursuing the money and career. They are trying to attack life, but doing it seemingly fruitlessly. I see a lot of emptiness in them. And I’ll say, as I evaluate my level of volunteerism, it’s not like I do it compulsively. I say no to a lot of things. I go home and spend time with my wife. I take time for myself. But I certainly make sure I have it as part of my life balance.

The last part seems to be singing about his sister’s family. Bad husband (a “con”). Her son, a devastated nephew. So much pain. So much pain.

I was driving yesterday and I saw a family with a sign asking for money in front of Walmart. This doesn’t happen often in our small idyllic tourist town. The police usually snuff them out pretty quickly. But I thought about this family and imagined what their situation might be. How deep in the hole they probably are. What kind of effort and resources it would take to get them out of that situation–this one family. Then how many families there are in that situation. So much pain.

I was just speaking with a coworker about kids in the school and a staff member who is suffering emotionally from working with the students designated as disciplinary problems. There’s just so much wrong.

Oh, Lord. Oh, Lord Jesus, come! Come into our hearts individually. Bring revival to us. Help our marriages. Help our relationships with our children. Help us, Lord. And show us what to do to help others. But let it all start with our simple submission to you individually. Turning loose and worshipping you.

I pray this all in through your name and the power you have,

Amen

 
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Posted by on December 16, 2022 in Hymns and Songs

 

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“Trading My Sorrows (Yes, Lord)”

07 Dec

Yes Lord, yes Lord, yes, yes Lord
Yes Lord, yes Lord, yes, yes Lord
Yes Lord, yes Lord, yes, yes Lord, Amen

I’m trading my sorrow
I’m trading my shame
I’m laying it down for the joy of the Lord

I’m trading my sickness
I’m trading my pain
I’m laying it down for the joy of the Lord

Yes Lord, yes Lord, yes, yes Lord
Yes Lord, yes Lord, yes, yes Lord
Yes Lord, yes Lord, yes, yes Lord, Amen
Yes Lord, yes Lord, yes, yes Lord
Yes Lord, yes Lord, yes, yes Lord
Yes Lord, yes Lord, yes, yes Lord, Amen

Though sorrow may last for the night
Joy comes with the morning

I’m trading my sorrow
I’m trading my shame
I’m laying it down for the joy of the Lord

I’m trading my sickness
I’m trading my pain
I’m laying it down for the joy of the Lord

I’m trading my sorrow
I’m trading my shame
I’m laying it down for the joy of the Lord

I’m trading my sickness
I’m trading my pain
I’m laying it down for the joy of the Lord

I’m trading my sorrow
I’m trading my shame
I’m laying it down for the joy of the Lord

Source: Musixmatch

Songwriters: Darrell Evans

Dear God, I was reading 2 Corinthians 4 this morning and I came across verses 8-9: “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.” Of course, it made me think of this song.

I’m living in great…well, let’s just say I’m very perplexed. And I’ll confess that it has occasionally driven me to despair. But my faith in you always draws me back. And now I can see a lot of providence in the last 8 days of my life. I see all providence. Not that I think some of the things I want to happen will imminently happen now. I don’t expect that at all. But I’m a little less perplexed today than I was eight days ago.

Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit, I am pressed by certain things, but certainly not crushed. I am struck down by some, but you have sustained me, frankly unreasonably well. I have even been persecuted by some, but I don’t feel abandoned by you. On the contrary. I feel like you are involved in the minuteness of my life that astonishes me. Absolutely astonishes me. So I worship you this morning. I absolutely worship you. And as I go through a sad funeral today, I know you offer hope. Offer your hope through me and those here who are your ambassadors. Show me how to love in your name.

I pray all of this in the name of the Triune God,

Amen

 
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Posted by on December 7, 2022 in 2 Corinthians, Hymns and Songs

 

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“Mara” (Ruth 1:20-21)

24 Nov

20 “Don’t call me Naomi,” she responded. “Instead, call me Mara, for the Almighty has made life very bitter for me. 21 I went away full, but the Lord has brought me home empty. Why call me Naomi when the Lord has caused me to suffer and the Almighty has sent such tragedy upon me?”

Ruth 1:20-21

Dear God, I was listening to one of my favorite Newsboys songs this morning that reminds me of Naomi’s situation. It’s called “Lord (I don’t know).” Here’s a link to the song:

The message of this song is wrapped up in the chorus: “Lord, I don’t know where all this is going or how it all works out. Lead me to peace that passes understanding. A peace beyond all doubt.” This could have been Naomi’s song to you. It is all of our songs–especially those in pain this morning.

What Naomi didn’t realize was you were there. You gave her Ruth. You had a plan for this pain. I’m not going to say you wanted her sons and husband to die, but you certainly used it for the benefit of Israel. You used it for the benefit of Ruth. Now, ultimately, it cost Naomi people–loved ones–she could never replace. But you made it count.

I know people today who are suffering. I know a family who just lost a relative in a terrible car accident one week ago this morning. I know of a woman who has a difficult cancer diagnosis and no funding or easy path to treatment. I know people who are recently widowed. I myself have some pain this morning–a metaphorical cloud over me. What am I to do? Am I to claim the name “Mara” and pronounce myself bitter to the world? Or am I to take a look around and acknowledge a few things. 1.) You have given me great love in this life. Love that is often beyond reason. 2.) You have given me a “Ruth” through a relationship with a relative that, well, if I didn’t have it I might be in total despair this morning. And 3.) you might just be using the pain I’m feeling to accomplish things I will never know or understand.

Father, help me to not miss you today. Help me to see you and your blessings all over the place. Please be a comfort to those I mentioned who are suffering and those I’ve forgotten are suffering. Show me the role you have for me to play in their lives. And please help the people in Ukraine. I don’t even know how to pray for the, but, Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit, please help these poor people. Provide for their needs. Make this stop. Please, make it stop. And use this for your ultimate glory.

I love you, and I thank you. I pray this by the name of Jesus,

Amen

 
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Posted by on November 24, 2022 in Hymns and Songs, Ruth

 

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