Music That Teaches Us Something

Music That Teaches Us Something and Touches Our Lives Archive

December 9, 2008 Song Pick: "Welcome to Our World" Artist: Chris Rice Music Style: Christian Pop

From the album - Deep Enough to Dream

Tears are falling, hearts are breaking              How we need to hear from God
You've been promised, we've been waiting

Welcome Holy Child         Welcome Holy Child

Hope that you don't mind our manger         How I wish we would have known
But long-awaited Holy Stranger               Make Yourself at home
Please make Yourself at home
Bring Your peace into our violence      Bid our hungry souls be filled
Word now breaking Heaven's silence

Welcome to our world         Welcome to our world

Fragile finger sent to heal us           Tender brow prepared for thorns
Tiny heart whose blood will save us
Unto us is born       Unto us is born
So wrap our injured flesh around You            Breathe our air and walk our sod
Rob our sin and make us holy

Perfect Son of God          Perfect Son of God
Welcome to our world

A talented songwriter, Chris Rice has crafted many powerful songs that are a wake up call to the listener. This song is no exception to that fact. The song offers a unique perspective for us looking back on the Christmas and why Christ was born in a manger so many years ago. Christ was born to fulfill the word of the prophets throughout old testament history, as well as coming to redeem us and make us holy so that we might have a full relationship with God. Like other Christmas songs done in recent years, this song makes the point that Christmas should always be held in the light of what it combined with Easter gave to each of us. Christ is our greatest symbol of hope and joy in this season. In a world wrapped up in buying more and giving like we should to those in need both at home and in other countries, this time of year and this song should help emphasize the message of the gift of Christ that we should be quick to spread this time and throughout the year.

May we keep our hearts focused on You God. Keep us from being wrapped up in world and what we can buy and what we can get. Help us to be lights to the world that has slowly created a Christ-less Christmas. May we tell all those around us in our homes, workplaces, and communities about the great and wonderful miracles You have done both in the Bible and throughout each of our lives. May we know fully the truth that healing in the body is nothing compared to the miracle Your purifying and healing the heart of each person choosing to accept You and give you control of our lives. Amen.

December 8, 2008 "I Heard the Bells" Artist: Casting Crowns Music Style: Christian Pop
From the album - Peace On Earth

I heard the bells on Christmas day    Their old familiar carols play
And mild and sweet their songs repeat      Of peace on earth good will to men

And the bells are ringing       Like a choir they're singing
In my heart I hear them      Peace on earth, good will to men

And in despair I bowed my head        There is no peace on earth I said
For hate is strong and mocks the song      Of peace on earth, good will to men

But the bells are ringing         Like a choir singing
Does anybody hear them?       Peace on earth, good will to men

Then rang the bells more loud and deep           God is not dead, nor doth He sleep
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail             With peace on earth, good will to men

Then ringing singing on its way       The world revolved from night to day
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime      Of peace on earth, good will to men

And the bells they're ringing        Like a choir they're singing
And with our hearts we'll hear them       Peace on earth, good will to men

Do you hear the bells they're ringing?        The life the angels singing
Open up your heart and hear them          Peace on earth, good will to men

Peace on earth, Peace on earth           Peace on earth, Good will to men

From Casting Crowns Official Website, these are the words lead singer, Mark Hall, about the original words written by poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow "He wrote about how every year when these Christmas bells ring, it reminds him that there's peace on earth, good will toward men, " explains Hall. "But this time around, the reality of the world he lives in at that moment rushes in. The verses change, and suddenly he's saying, 'But there is no peace. There's war, and there's hate. And this hate mocks the song of the bells.' He's working through his understanding of Christmas. And as the bells keep ringing, he just has this moment when he realizes God is not dead, nor does He sleep. Good will prevail. God is going to save the day." The timelessness of the song's potent hope-filled message is glaring to Hall-especially in light of today's world events. "This generation needs to hear this song, " he says. "My kids need to hear this song."

In a creative musical twist, Hall decided the carol's song of the bells should actually be sung by the bells. Thus a boys choir personifies the bells and hypnotically sings the "peace on earth" refrain. "The bells remind us of hope, " he explains. "And when you hear a child sing, it's the same thing. It reminds us today might be dark, but this is what tomorrow sounds like." As a resulting irony, there are no literal bells used in Hall & Co.'s version of "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day." Click here to read more about the Album and the group

Lord, we hear endless reports on the news about how bad everything is in the world right now. If we listen to the world we could quickly be stripped of the Hope with which You have so richly blessed us. Like the poet wrote, may we realize that no matter how dark things get You are always with us and will never let us fall as long as we keep focused on You and what You have called us to be. May we learn not only to hold tight to Your Hope and be empowered by it, but also let us be like the bells the poet heard so many years ago ringing out that message to our family, friends, coworkers, and community. Make us Your Light to shine among the hearts of the people so that they all may know the true meaning of Christmas, the good news of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

November 11, 2008 Song Pick "There Will Be A Day" Artist: Jeremy Camp Music Style: Christian Rock
From the album - Speaking Louder Than Before

I try to hold on to this world with everything I have
But I feel the weight of what it brings, and the hurt that trys to grab
The many trials that seem to never end, His word declares this truth,
that we will enter in this rest with wonders anew

But I hold on to this hope and the promise that He brings
That there will be a place with no more suffering

(Chorus)
There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears
There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more, we'll see Jesus face to face
But until that day, we'll hold on to you always

I know the journey seems so long
You feel you’re walking on your own
But there has never been a step
Where you’ve walked out all alone

(Chorus)

Troubled soul don’t lose your heart
Cause joy and peace he brings
And the beauty that’s in store
Outweighs the hurt of life’s sting

I can’t wait until that day where the very one I’ve lived for always will wipe away the sorrow that I’ve faced
To touch the scars that rescued me from a life of shame and misery this is why this is why I sing

As Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner, we should have a stronger since of hope even in these harsh times. What greater cause for hope do we have than the Hope of God through the many blessings He has poured out on us including the gift of His Son on Christmas. With all the difficulties going on in the world today, there is no better time to shine the light of God's hope to all people. That True Hope is built on the Love of God and constant connection we have through the Holy Spirit. People desperately need a source of hope and strength to face the struggles before them, so take confidence in the Lord and hold fast to Him. With that grasp firm, continuously reach out to all those around you in your family, workplace and community.

Lord, we thank and praise You for the many blessings that You have poured out on us. Remind us now of all You have done for us and the future You have for us. Let us take hold of the Hope we have in You and shine the light of Your Son, especially in this time that we celebrate Your blessings, family, and the birth of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Let us take hold of Your hand and never let go. Make us shine brightly through Your Holy Spirit so our family, friends, and community might see and take hold of the same hope that is faith in Jesus Christ. May our hearts be ever grateful to You, Almighty Abba Father. In Your Most Precious and Holy Name. Amen.

October 7, 2008 Song Pick "Whatever You’re Doing" Artist: Sanctus Real Music Style: Christian Rock
From the album We Need Each Other

It’s time for healing, time to move on, it’s time to fix what’s been broken too long
Time to make right what has been wrong; it’s time to find my way to where I belong

Chorus:
There’s a wave that’s crashing over me, and all I can do is surrender
Whatever You’re doing inside of me It feels like chaos, but somehow there’s peace
And it’s hard to surrender to what I can’t see, but I’m giving in to something heavenly

Time for a milestone, time to begin again, re-evaluate who I really am
Am I doing everything to follow Your will or just climbing aimlessly over these hills?
So show me what it is You want from me I give everything – I surrender

Chorus:
There’s a wave that’s crashing over me, and all I can do is surrender
Whatever You’re doing inside of me        It feels like chaos, but somehow there’s peace
And it’s hard to surrender to what I can’t see, but I’m giving in to something heavenly

Time to face up, clean this old house       Time to breathe in and let everything out
That I’ve wanted to say for so many years      Time to release all my held back tears

Whatever You’re doing inside of me      It feels like chaos, but I believe …
You’re up to something bigger than me      Larger than life, something heavenly

Whatever You’re doing inside of me       It feels like chaos, but now I can see
This is something bigger than me         Larger than life        Something heavenly, something heavenly

Time to face up, clean this old house         Time to breathe in and let everything out

Complete Surrender, Blind Trust and Faith, and cleaning the deepest parts of ourselves are some of the hardest parts of walking a Christian Life and growing in the faith. This song is a beautiful expression of what should flow from our hearts. If we open ourselves up to God by doing these things, the change made in our hearts will be an awesome work of God's Design that fills us with the power of the Holy Spirit. With such a filling of the Holy Spirit and commitment to God's Will, the fire within us will be an all consuming fire that spreads and reaches to join with others hearts to create a change in the world like was seen back in the days of the first Christians. We must see that even though the parts of this song are hard to do in our Christian walk, the world is in desperate need and fully aware of that need to be filled by something greater in their lives. Be the great raging bonfire for Christ in the world around you and beyond by seeking out and following the plan God has for your life.

May we surrender our entire selves to You Most Merciful Father. May we learn to trust You in all and have the faith to walk forward on the path You have called us to in this life. Guide us in searching our hearts and cleansing our entire lives of the corruption and faults we have let grow within us. May we in doing these things become filled with Your Holy Spirit and unquenchable in our desire to set the world on fire for You. May You, through the Holy Spirit in each of us, do wondrous work's and bring miraculous blessings in a world in desperate need of You and Your Grace, Love and Hope. Show us all that You have planned for us, and give us a heart that will never cease to see those plans happen according to Your Will. Do "something heavenly" in us and through us so Your Kingdom will grow and lives will change for the better. All Glory and Praise to You Lord. All we have and are is Yours to use for Your Glory. Amen.

September 25, 2008 "Whatever You’re Doing" Artist: Sanctus Real Music Style: Christian Rock
From the album We Need Each Other

It’s time for healing, time to move on, it’s time to fix what’s been broken too long
Time to make right what has been wrong; it’s time to find my way to where I belong

Chorus:
There’s a wave that’s crashing over me, and all I can do is surrender
Whatever You’re doing inside of me It feels like chaos, but somehow there’s peace
And it’s hard to surrender to what I can’t see, but I’m giving in to something heavenly

Time for a milestone, time to begin again, re-evaluate who I really am
Am I doing everything to follow Your will or just climbing aimlessly over these hills?
So show me what it is You want from me I give everything – I surrender

September 9, 2008 Song Pick: "Slow Fade" Artist: Casting Crowns Music Style: Contemporary Christian

From the The Altar & The Door

Be careful little eyes what you see
It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day      It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade

Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day

The journey from your mind to your hands       Is shorter than you're thinking
Be careful if you think you stand              You just might be sinking

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day

Oh be careful little eyes what see              Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love           Oh be careful little eyes what you see

Part of the soundtrack to the new movie "Fire Proof" (read caption below), the song should strike to the heart of each and every Christian. Many times we tend think we are safe from the big mistakes in life saying "I would never do THAT". We cannot see that the small sins we commit without acknowledging them slowly lead us away from Christ. Soon we develop habits that tear us down more. Little by little we become corrupted and sometimes allow ourselves to commit those big mistakes we thought we would never commit. Our Christianity becomes like the frog in the pot. If the live frog is drop in hot water, it will jump out. If the frog is placed in a pot of cool water and the heat slowly turned up, the frog will not jump out and slowly cook to death. Like the frog, we can end up giving up our Christian life when we do not Fully Rely On God and continually seek out Christ through reading the Bible, prayer, and living a life according to God's Purpose for our lives.

Almighty Father, strengthen us through the Holy Spirit so that we might be able resist sin, from the big mistakes that others see to the small private wrongs that we often excuse or do not admit. Let us us fully rely on You so that we are guarded from becoming the frog in a pot and slowly see our Christianity fade away. Guide us throughout our lives, and teach us to search our hearts for the hidden sins and barriers that keep us separated from a full and complete life in You. Let us live lives that reflect You in all we do, and give us hearts to help each other draw closer and closer to You. Amen.

August 17, 2008 Song Pick "Empty Me" Artist: Chris Sligh Music Style: Contemporary Christian

From the Running Back To You

I’ve had just enough    Of the spotlight when it burns bright
To see how it gets in the blood
I’ve tasted my share     Of the sweet life and the wild ride
And found a little is not quite enough
I know how I can stray        And how fast my heart could change

Chorus: Empty me of the selfishness inside        Every vain ambition and the poison of my pride
And any foolish thing my heart holds onto
Lord, empty me of me so I can be filled with You

I’ve seen just enough       Of the quick buys of the best lies
To know how prodigals can be drawn away
I know how I can stray     And how fast my heart could change

Chorus: Empty me of the selfishness inside    Every vain ambition and the poison of my pride
And any foolish thing my heart holds onto
Lord, empty me of me so I can be filled with You

‘Cause everything is a lesser thing     Compared to You, compared to You
‘Cause everything is a lesser thing     Compared to You, so I surrender all

Empty me of the selfishness inside      Every vain ambition and the poison of my pride
Empty me of the selfishness inside     Every vain ambition and the poison of my pride
And any foolish thing my heart holds onto
Lord, empty me of me so I can be filled with You

Empty me of me so I can be filled with You Empty me

A former contestant on American Idol, Chris Sligh is debuting in Christian Music in a powerful way. The power in this song is truly amazing. This is a song that shares the heart that each Christian should offer up to God. Each Christian can be weakened by pride and the ways of the world. The cry of "empty me" should pour out of each of our hearts everyday to save us from falling in the trials and temptations that face us each and everyday. The enemy uses so many things to lure us away from our faith, and our heart tries to hold onto various desires we chose to value. As Christians, the first direction of our lives should be surrendering all to God so that we can be filled with His Spirit and all that we need to face life each day.

Great Abba Father, we pray that our hearts will always remained surrendered to You. We offer up our lives to You and Your Perfect Will. Heavenly Father, grant us the strength stand firm in the face of trials and find the joy choosing You above the foolish desires of our hearts. We give You our selfish pride and any moments in the spotlight we have. By this, may, above all, Your Name shines as a witness to all, and You are given all the Glory and Praise. Amen.

July 29, 2008 Song Pick "Love Song for a Savior" Artist: Jars of Clay Music Style: Contemporary Christian

From the Self-Titled Album

In open fields of wild flowers,    she breathes the air and flies away
She thanks her Jesus for the daises and the roses      in no simple language
Someday she'll understand the meaning of it all

PRE-CHORUS: He's more than the laughter or the stars in the heavens
As close a heartbeat or a song on her lips
Someday she'll trust Him and learn how to see Him
Someday He'll call her and she will come running
and fall in His arms and the tears will fall down and she'll pray,

CHORUS: "I want to fall in love with You"     "I want to fall in love with You"     "I want to fall in love with You"      "I want to fall in love with You"

Sitting silent wearing Sunday best    The sermon echoes through the walls
A great salvation through it calls to the people
who stare into nowhere, and can't feel the chains on their souls

PRE-CHORUS: He's more than the laughter or the stars in the heavens
As close a heartbeat or a song on our lips
Someday we'll trust Him and learn how to see Him
Someday He'll call us and we will come running
and fall in His arms and the tears will fall down and we'll pray,

CHORUS: "I want to fall in love with You"     "I want to fall in love with You"     "I want to fall in love with You"      "I want to fall in love with You"

It seems too easy to call you "Savior",         Not close enough to call you "God"
So as I sit and think of words I can mention      to show my devotion

CHORUS: "I want to fall in love with You"     "I want to fall in love with You"     "I want to fall in love with You"      "I want to fall in love with You"

"my heart beats for You"

This is a beautiful picture of a childlike faith in the first verse and the blindness of many of us in the second verse. The Pre-chorus and Chorus bring together and show the focus that a heart offered up to God should have. These simple words explain a great and indescribable connection and bond with our Heavenly Father. We must be in a continuous state of falling in love with God, learning all we can about Him, and relying on Him to break the chains on our lives now and the difficulties we will face in the future. We must always let the praise and thanks flow from our hearts to God whether by a song like above or by some other means.

God, we want to have that childlike faith and simply fall completely in love with You. Reach in and break the chains on our souls that blind and separate us from You. Make our hearts free to pursue You with all the passion and strength within us. Heavenly Father, may we always surrender ourselves to Your Guidance and Care. May we give You all the praise and glory for every blessing You pour out upon us. All that is within us we surrender to You. In the Name of You, Precious Heavenly Father. Amen.

July 2, 2008 Song Pick "Call My Name" Artist: Third Day Music Style: Contemporary Christian

From the Soon to Be Released Album Revelation

It's been so long          Since you felt like you were loved
So what went wrong
But do you know       There's a place where you belong
Here in My Arms

Chorus:   When you feel like you're alone in your sadness
It seems like no one else in this whole world cares
And you want to get away from the madness
You just call My name and I'll be there
You just call My name and I'll be there

The pain inside      Has erased your hope for love
Soon you will find
That I'll give you all      That your heart could ever want
And so much more

Chorus:   When you feel like you're alone in your sadness
It seems like no one else in this whole world cares
And you want to get away from the madness
You just call My name and I'll be there
You just call My name and I'll be there

You just call My name
You just call My name
Call My name say it now      I want you to never doubt
The love I have for you is so alive
Call My name say it now         I want you to never doubt
The love I have for you is so alive

You just call My name
You just call My name
You just call My name

The love I have for you is so alive
The love I have for you is so alive
You just call My name
You just call My name
You just call My name

The song is a perfect description of God's words to each of us. No matter what we face in life, if we call on His Name, we are guaranteed that He will be there. We must focus our hearts on the voice of God calling out for our hearts. God will always be there right with us even if we have trouble feeling His Presence. There is always a constant tie to God's Love as long as we do not turn away from Him. His Love and Guidance are always there, but He leaves the choice in our hands. God will not force us to receive Him and give Him control of our lives. This does not mean that God is not longing for us to invite Him into our lives/ God knows that making the choice is what creates the strongest connection between us and God. So, whatever is before you, search your heart and offer your all to God. Cry out from the top of your lungs for the love of Your Heavenly Father. His Love is truly alive and available for us if we simply call out on God and surrender our hearts completely to Him.

God, we acknowledge Your call upon our lives. We also admit the faults we have and the mistakes we have made that turn us away from You. Fill us completely with Your Holy Spirit and wrap us in Your Loving Arms. Leave no doubt in our hearts that You long to love us and lead us on the road You have set before us in life. Give us the strength to face the trials that come before us. Guide us and let us trust in Your Great Love and Mercy. All Praise and Glory Be Given to You. In Blessed Holy Name . Amen.

June 10, 2008 "This Is Home" Artist: Switchfoot Music Style: Contemporary Christian

From the album Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian Movie Soundtrack

I've got my memories
Always inside of me
But I can't go back
Back to how it was

I believe you now
I've come too far
No I can't go back
Back to how it was

Chorus:
Created for a place I've never known
This is home
Now I'm finally where I belong
Where I belong
Yeah, this is home
I've been searching for a place of my own
Now I've found it maybe this is home
Yeah, this is home

Belief over misery
I've seen the enemy
And I won't go back
Back to how it was

I got my heart set on what happens next
I got my eyes wide
It's not over yet
We're miracles
And we're not alone

Chorus:

And now after all my searching
After all my crashes
I'm really coming home
I got a brand new mindset
I can finally see the sunset
I'm gonna call it home

Chorus:

Now I know
Yeah, this is home

I've come too far
And I won't go back
Yeah, this is home

An excellent songwriter, Jonathan from Switchfoot has not lost the Spirit of God on this song. As a part of the soundtrack for the movie "Prince Caspian", this song has great ties to the movie, but, just as with the songs from "A Walk to Remember", the words have strong meaning for Christians. We should read and reread the words until the meaning seeks in to our hearts. As Christians, we must come to a point in our walk that we realize that we cannot go back to the way we where. Accepting Christ requires a grand change in our hearts that never ends until we reach Heaven. Until we reach our true home in Heaven, the only home that we have is in God's loving arms among His children Doing as He has called us. We must set our eyes on "the Sunset" of life with God, focus ourselves in a "new mindset" dedicated to the call and heart of God, and continually walk towards home by keeping our lives surrendered and devoted to God until the day He welcomes us into Heaven.

God, we know that we are called to a better life in You. We surrender our hearts to pursuing that life at all cost. May we praise You for Your Forgiveness when we falter. May we dance with Your Joy when we are blessed by You and Your Spirit and find success. Open our eyes to the call You have for each of our lives. Light in our hearts a fire to pursue You with our all, and may others see the passion of our hearts and being drawn to chasing after You in the same way. May You refine our hearts and cleanse them of all our faults and failures. Make us continually dependent on our faith and the guidance of Your Holy Spirit. Strengthen and walk with us for all that is ahead in life. In Your Holy Name. Amen.

May 20, 2008 "3 Minute Song" Artist: Josh Wilson Music Style: Contemporary Christian

**Rising New Artist ** From the album Trying to Fit the Ocean in a Cup

I tried to write a song, and keep it 3 minutes long
Get in, get out, nobody gets hurt
And I tried a thousand times to fit God between the lines
But I’m finding out that doesn’t really work

Chorus: I just don’t have the words to say, ‘cause words only get in my way
I must apologize, I have the hardest time
Finding something to define a God that I can’t define
And even if I could, it would take way too long
If all I’ve got’s a 3 minute song

I’ve got a hundred metaphors, and if I had a million more
I could never ever seem to sum this up
Besides, how can some melody communicate eternity?
It’s like trying to fit the ocean in a cup

Chorus: I just don’t have the words to say, ‘cause words only get in my way
I must apologize, I have the hardest time
Finding something to define a God that I can’t define
And even if I could, it would take way too long
If all I’ve got’s a 3 minute song

I’ll never find the words to say ‘cause words only get in the way
I would like to dumb this down to 3 chords, or maybe 4
But I’ve tried and I can’t and I won’t cause there will always be more
So I apologize, I can’t seem to get it right

Chorus: I just don’t have the words to say, ‘cause words only get in my way
I must apologize, I have the hardest time
Finding something to define a God that I can’t define
And even if I could, it would take way too long
If all I’ve got’s a 3 minute song

Josh Wilson is a rising artist that is going to go far with well written songs like this one. The song is simple, but there is a beautiful power behind the words. We often struggle like Josh Wilson to try to come up with the words to define God and accurately express the feelings that are stored up inside us. If all Christians could keep these words in our hearts and express them to God along with the humble cries of our hearts. The song as well as the words below should be a continuous prayer from our hearts.

God, thank You for the many ways that You enrich our lives. You are truly beyond definition and great in joy, hope, and love. Your children are ever grateful for the blessings of the Holy Spirit. Keep our hearts forever strong in the faith and purified by the fire of the Holy Spirit. Make us confident in the Hope and Joy that You make available for facing the trials that are before us each day. May Your Peace and Truth light the path we walk each day and bring us closer to life in Your Presence forever. May we always give You honor and praise. Amen.

May 06, 2008 " Every Man " by Casting Crowns Music Style: Contemporary Pop

I'm the man with all I've ever wanted
All the toys and playing games
I am the one who pours your coffee, corner booth each Saturday
I am your daughter's favorite teacher
I am the leader of the band
I sit behind you in the bleachers
I am every man

I'm the coach of every winning team and still a loser in my mind
I am the soldier in the airport facing giants one more time
I am the woman shamed and haunted by the cry of unborn life
I'm every broken man, nervous child, lonely wife

Is there hope for every man
A solid place where we can stand
In this dry and weary land
Is there hope for every man
Is there love that never dies
Is there peace in troubled times
Someone help me understand
Is there hope for every man

Seems there's just so many roads to travel, it's hard to tell where they will lead
My life is scarred and my dreams unraveled
Now I'm scared to take the leap
If I could find someone to follow who knows my pain and feels the weight
The uncertainty of my tomorrow, the guilt and pain of yesterday

There is hope for every man
A solid place where we can stand
In this dry and weary land
There is hope for every man
There is Love that never dies
There is peace in troubled times
Will we help them understand?
Jesus is hope for every man

This is a great song, written by a proven and gifted songwriter and group in Casting Crowns. This song makes an impressive point about spreading the message of Jesus, the Cross, and being made one in the Holy Spirit. The song puts in unmistakable terms the answer to the question of who our neighbor really is. Anyone around us is in need of the message we hold in our hearts. The message needs to be spread to each person we come in contact with each day. We need to reflect Christ in our hearts, our actions, and our words. Take the message to the streets, and make Christ known to all the earth.

God continue to bless our lives as You always have and show us new blessings You have for us in the future. Make us turn those blessings into blessings for those around us. Let our lives reflect You to all those around us. Make Your Plan firmly grounded within us to strengthen ourselves as well as those around us. May we take hold of the message of hope You have for the world, and let us embrace the call to take that message to all those around us. We pray for all these things through the power of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.

April 16, 2008 "The Great Adventure" by Steven Curtis Chapman Music Style: Contemporary Pop

Saddle up your horses

Started out this morning in the usual way
Chasing thoughts inside my head of all I had to do today
Another time around the circle try to make it better than the last

I opened up the Bible and I read about me
Said I'd been a prisoner and God's grace had set me free
And somewhere between the pages it hit me like a lightning bolt
I saw a big frontier in front of me and I heard somebody say "let's go"!

CHORUS
Saddle up your horses we've got a trail to blaze
Through the wild blue yonder of God's amazing grace
Let's follow our leader into the glorious unknown
This is a life like no other - this is The Great Adventure

Come on get ready for the ride of your life
Gonna leave long faced religion in a cloud of dust behind
And discover all the new horizons just waiting to be explored
This is what we were created for

(Chorus)

BRIDGE
We'll travel over, over mountains so high
We'll go through valleys below
Still through it all we'll find that
This is the greatest journey that the human heart will ever see
The love of God will take us far beyond our wildest dreams

Yeah... oh saddle up your horses... come on get ready to ride

(Chorus)

As with so many of Steven Curtis Chapman songs, this song leaves no doubt what the response to its message should be. So take hold of Your Faith and the Hand of God. Let God lead you out of the comfort of home and into the amazing journey that is out there for all of us.

Lord, let us take to heart the words of this song. May we commit ourselves to the words of this song. Work in us through the Holy Spirit. Make us stronger and bolder by standing in Your Presence surrendering to Your Call to us. Give us an unquenchable desire to pursue You and the quest You have called us to which Amen

April 1, 2008 Song " Come to the Mountain " by Mark Harris Music Style: Contemporary Pop

If You Hunger / If you thirst

If You're weary / If you are lonely or hurt

Someone's calling you today / He says come away / Come away

Chorus: Come to the mountain. Stand in His presence. Drink in His glory. The Father is calling us.

Come with questions / In your heart

Come unworthy / You can come as you are

Like a beggar, Like a child / Come and stay awhile / Stay awhile

Chorus: Come to the mountain. Stand in His presence. Drink in His glory. The Father is calling us.

Come and rest your soul / Come and be made whole / Be made whole

Come to the mountain. / Join in the chorus. / Worship the Father. / He is mighty and glorious

Come drink from the fountain. / Come to the mountain.

This song is so beautiful and very simple in message. There is such a strong plea in the song for something each of us must do, and we must offer this message to others. Especially when hearing this song, you can hear God's voice calling out through the words. Mark Harris has an amazing song writing talent and, like this song, are easily understood. Search for this song on the Windows & Walls CD, as well as Mark's other CD "Find Your Wings". Mark can also be heard as a part of the highly popular music group 4-Him.

Lord, let us take to heart the words of this song. May we commit ourselves to the words of this song. Work in us through the Holy Spirit. Make us stronger and bolder by standing in Your Presence surrendering to Your Call to us. Let us learn to grasp the great and powerful message in the simple truth of this song and all You surround us with each day. You always love us and want us to live our lives walking the path that leads to You. May we covenant to do this each day. Amen

March 18, 2008 Artist Casting Crowns "East to West" & "While You Were Sleeping " Music Style: Contemporary Pop

Song 1     East to West
Here I am, Lord, and I'm drowning in your sea of forgetfulness
The chains of yesterday surround me / I yearn for peace and rest
I don't want to end up where You found me / And it echoes in my mind, keeps me awake tonight
I know You've cast my sin as far as the east is from the west
And I stand before You now as though I've never sinned
But today I feel like I'm just one mistake away from You leaving me this way

Chorus:
Jesus can You show me just how far the east is from the west
'Cause I can't bear to see the man I've been come rising up in me again
In the arms of Your mercy I find rest
'Cause You know just how far the east is from the west
From one scarred hand to the other

I start the day, the war begins, endless reminding of my sin
Time and time again Your truth is drowned out by the storm I'm in
Today I feel like I'm just one mistake away from You leaving me this way

Chorus:
Jesus can You show me just how far the east is from the west
'Cause I can't bear to see the man I've been come rising up in me again
In the arms of Your mercy I find rest
'Cause You know just how far the east is from the west
From one scarred hand to the other

I know You've washed me white, turned my darkness into light
I need Your peace to get me through / get me through this night
I can't live by what I feel, but by the truth Your word reveals
I'm not holding on to You, but You're holding on to me
You're holding on to me

Chorus:
Jesus can You show me just how far the east is from the west
'Cause I can't bear to see the man I've been come rising up in me again
In the arms of Your mercy I find rest
'Cause You know just how far the east is from the west
From one scarred hand to the other

Just how far, east is from the west
Just how far, one scarred hand to the other
You know just how far, just how far east is from west
Just how far, from one scarred hand to the other

Song 2 While You Were Sleeping
Oh little town of Bethlehem / Looks like another silent night
Above your deep and dreamless sleep / A giant star lights up the sky
And while you're lying in the dark / There shines an everlasting light
For the King has left His throne / And is sleeping in a manger tonight

Oh Bethlehem, what you have missed while you were sleeping
For God became a man / And stepped into your world today
Oh Bethlehem, you will go down in history / As a city with no room for its King
While you were sleeping / While you were sleeping

Oh little town of Jerusalem / Looks like another silent night
     The Father gave His only Son / The Way, the Truth, the Life had come
But there was no room for Him in the world He came to save

Jerusalem, what you have missed while you were sleeping
The Savior of the world is dying on your cross today
Jerusalem, you will go down in history / As a city with no room for its King
While you were sleeping / While you were sleeping

United States of America Looks like another silent night
As we're sung to sleep by philosophies / That save the trees and kill the children
And while we're lying in the dark / There's a shout heard 'cross the eastern sky
For the Bridegroom has returned / And has carried His bride away in the night

America, what will we miss while we are sleeping
Will Jesus come again /   And leave us slumbering where we lay
America, will we go down in history / As a nation with no room for its King
Will we be sleeping / Will we be sleeping

United States of America / Looks like another silent night

With Good Friday and Easter coming, these two songs hold special meaning. The first song is the message we need to carry out to the world, and the second is what will happen when we do not spread the message. Yes, we are saved by the sacrifice Christ made as the first song describes, but we must continue to grow and build on that by following God's call on our lives. Jesus' example and the Bible directs that we must carry the message of the Cross, help each other grow in the faith, and "bear fruit" through the Holy Spirit. If we do not do these things, we will find ourselves like the places in the song below. We will be left behind in our sleep. God will settle for nothing less than our best when we commit to serve Him by accepting Christ sacrifice on the Cross for us. Instead of being caught sleeping, let us be the loudest bell and alarm to the world as well as fellow Christians. May we awaken through our family of fellow Christians a "sleeping giant" that God can use to set this world on fire with the Holy Spirit.

Lord, may we learn to fully embrace the Cross and all that was made available to us through Your willing sacrifice on the Cross Jesus. Make us Strong in Your Holy Spirit and make us into a wake up call for the world. Let us not be content with where we are and end up falling asleep. Instead, let us become a giant force that sweeps over this world like a raging fire through Your Power and Holy Spirit. May we surrender our lives to You so You turn that raging fire into a purifying force. May the message of the Cross on Good Friday and Resurrection on Easter Morning ring loudly from our mouths and shine brightly in our lives. Heavenly Father, may we carry You to the world. Amen

February 26, 2008 Artist Skillet Song The Last Night Music Style: Rock / Alternative

You come to me with scars on your wrist
You tell me this will be the last night feeling like this
" I just came to say goodbye
I didn't want you to see me cry, I'm fine"
But I know it's a lie.

[Chorus:]
This is the last night you'll spend alone
Look me in the eyes so I know you know
I'm everywhere you want me to be.
The last night you'll spend alone,
I'll wrap you in my arms and I won't let go,
I'm everything you need me to be.

Your parents say everything is your fault
But they don't know you like I know you they don't know you at all
" I'm so sick of when they say
'It's just a phase, you'll be o.k. you're fine' "
But I know it's a lie.

[Chorus]

The last night away from me

[Bridge:]
The night is so long when everything's wrong
If you give me your hand I will help you hold on
Tonight,
Tonight.

I won't let you say goodbye,
I'll be your reason why.

[Chorus]

The last night away from me,
Away from me.

This song is very high energy rock music with a very powerful message of our Savior and Redeemer. As told by the songwriter in concert, the sections in bold italics are God's words, and the other words are spoke by someone needing God. God wants to be our strength and help us through life, but we need to open ourselves to Him. We need to lay our whole lives before God. We must acknowledge that we need God to make it through any circumstances life puts before us, but especially in the "long dark nights" of our lives. So listen for God calling out for you and offering you hope and peace. Look inside yourself for those places that you need to let God take control. With your life firmly in God's hands, open yourself to being His Voice spoken to all those around you that need to surrender to God.

Lord, may we always come before You surrendering our whole lives to Your will. Let us confess our faults and wrong doing to You, as well as offering up to You all gifts, talents, and resources. Thank You for being our source hope and strength. You alone are worthy of praise and glory for the great things in this world. May we always have hearts open to Your Call, and when You call us to do something, may we always honor You by doing what You ask to the best of our ability. We are simply clay in the hands of You, the Master Potter. In Your Most Holy Name we pray. Amen

February 12, 2008 Artist: Mark Schultz Song: Walking Her Home Style: Pop

Looking back He sees it all
It was her first date the night he came to call
Her dad said, 'son Have her home on time
And promise me you'll never leave her side'
He took her to a show in town
And he was ten feet off the ground

Chorus:
He was walking her home          And holding her hand
Oh the way she smiled it stole the breath right out of him
Down that old road             With the stars up above
He remembers where he was the night he fell in love
He was walking her home

Ten more years in a waiting room                At half past one
So when the doctor said, 'come in and meet your son'
And his knees went weak              When he saw his wife
She was smiling as she said, 'he's got your eyes'
And as she slept he held her tight
His mind went back to that first night

Chorus

He walked her through the best days of her life
Sixty years together and he never left her side

A nursing home             At eighty-five
And the doctor said it could be her last night
And the nurse said, 'oh should we tell him now,
Or should we wait until the morning to find out?'
When they checked her room that night
He was laying by her side

Oh he was walking her home          Holding her hand
Oh the way she smiled when he said,             'this is not the end'
Just for a while               They were eighteen
She was still more beautiful to him than anything
He was walking her home
He was walking her home

Looking back he sees it all
It was her first date the night he came to call

The beauty of Valentine's Day is that whether you are with someone or single and waiting, the promise of God's Love is something we can all celebrate. For those that are single honor God and who He has for you by remaining strong in the faith and living according to His plan for you. In truth, until that special someone comes into your life, God is the one that should fill that spot in your life. Honoring God above all others prepares your heart for the special person who will come into your life. For those that are not single, honor God and your special person by putting God first in your life. When you do this above all, you will find every other part of life fall into place. The above song will be what follows in your life if you honor God first. When God is kept first in a relationship, no matter what type, that relationship will be a bond that is sustained forever.

Lord, bless us this Valentine's Day with an unfailing strength in Your love above all else. Keep us always walking towards You and putting You first above all else. Make us devote ourselves to all that You would have us to do. If we are single, let us honor our future mates by keeping our lives devoted to You and purified by the fire of Your Holy Spirit. If in a relationship, let us honor our mates by putting You first in the relationship and letting You draw both together by drawing closer to You. May each heart be blessed by Your unfailing and unquenchable Love. Amen.

Home Newsletter Pastor's Corner Sunday Ministry Opportunities Music Ministry Opportunities Ministries During the Week

Upward Basketball Young Adults Kid's Corner Special Events Church Calendar JUMP Program Missions