This year I have been following Australian Idol on the Internet - I never seem to be able to catch the episode because I am usually out, but I play catch up on the net. This year, a young man named Stan came onto the scene with a very intriguing voice, and as the show profiled him, it became very public that he was a Christian. Throughout the show, he has been wow-ing the judges and all the celebrity guests, but tonight, he did something that I thought was very brave. He sang Amazing Grace as one of his songs! It will be interesting to see what happens if he wins the competition - whether he will sell out one day, or remain a witness and testimony in the industry (I really hope it will be the latter). But the performance tonight was fantastic. I hope he wins!
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Monday, 9 November 2009
Friday, 6 November 2009
we're singing 170
Caleb taught me a song recently which I really have grown to love in the past week. It's written by Mac Lynch and is found in the Wild's We're Singing Songbook, number 170. The lyrics have been an encouragement to my heart and as such I would like to share them here.
Don't Be Afraid
Lyrics and Music by Mac Lynch
When deep water curls around you and fear replaces faith,
When the floods would seem to overwhelm God's promises of grace,
When the fires seem overtaking and all seems torn and tossed,
Trust His Word, O truly listen, hear Him say, "All is not lost."
CHORUS
Don't be afraid, don't be afraid.
I have redeemed you; you are Mine; don't be afraid.
Don't be afraid, don't be afraid.
You are a precious child to Me; don't be afraid.
I am with you thru the water, I'm with you thru the flood.
They will never overwhelm you: I have bought you with My blood.
Even though you walk thru fire, I'll go with you all the way.
I'm your Saviour, truly listen, hear Me say, these words I say:
CHORUS
Don't be afraid, don't be afraid.
I have redeemed you; you are Mine; don't be afraid.
Don't be afraid, don't be afraid.
You are a precious child to Me; don't be afraid.
Don't Be Afraid
Lyrics and Music by Mac Lynch
When deep water curls around you and fear replaces faith,
When the floods would seem to overwhelm God's promises of grace,
When the fires seem overtaking and all seems torn and tossed,
Trust His Word, O truly listen, hear Him say, "All is not lost."
CHORUS
Don't be afraid, don't be afraid.
I have redeemed you; you are Mine; don't be afraid.
Don't be afraid, don't be afraid.
You are a precious child to Me; don't be afraid.
I am with you thru the water, I'm with you thru the flood.
They will never overwhelm you: I have bought you with My blood.
Even though you walk thru fire, I'll go with you all the way.
I'm your Saviour, truly listen, hear Me say, these words I say:
CHORUS
Don't be afraid, don't be afraid.
I have redeemed you; you are Mine; don't be afraid.
Don't be afraid, don't be afraid.
You are a precious child to Me; don't be afraid.
Wednesday, 10 June 2009
He'll never leave me
Hooked on this song at the moment. My brother taught me this song on guitar and I have been trying to play it on piano as well. The lyrics are beautiful.
I'll Never Leave You
Words and Music - Mac Lynch
As Joseph sought the Lord his God, with all his heart (with all his heart)
God laid on him a burden he would bear, yet not alone.
The Lord was with this holy man to bring to pass His master plan.
Through foreign lands, God walked beside His own
Chorus
I’ll never leave you, never forsake you.
By waters still, in pastures green, I’ll often take you.
But when I break you, so that my name be glorified,
I’ll never leave you, never forsake you.
Though fires and floods would seem to hide His plan for you (His plan for you),
Though trials and afflictions seem to take away your song,
Though you may never understand, just trust in His upholding hand.
In time you’ll learn, He’s been there all along
I'll Never Leave You
Words and Music - Mac Lynch
As Joseph sought the Lord his God, with all his heart (with all his heart)
God laid on him a burden he would bear, yet not alone.
The Lord was with this holy man to bring to pass His master plan.
Through foreign lands, God walked beside His own
Chorus
I’ll never leave you, never forsake you.
By waters still, in pastures green, I’ll often take you.
But when I break you, so that my name be glorified,
I’ll never leave you, never forsake you.
Though fires and floods would seem to hide His plan for you (His plan for you),
Though trials and afflictions seem to take away your song,
Though you may never understand, just trust in His upholding hand.
In time you’ll learn, He’s been there all along
Wednesday, 22 April 2009
my new toy
While trying to kill time before Regeneration last Friday, I wandered into Target to have a browse around. The thought came to me to have a look upstairs at the electronics section because I had been thinking (for a while) about getting a piano keyboard to try pick up a new hobby. So I did. And I saw something that caught my eye - a 61-key keyboard, complete with stand, adaptor and packed with different handy features for $29.88.
Bargain of the century.
I talked to the guy about it and made sure it wasn't too good to be true - and thank God it wasn't. Apparently it used to sell at $299, but had been reduced over and over again to the point it was so cheap and it was re-shelved as a result! He also told me it had a full guarantee.
Thank God hey?
So I've been tinkering away at the little thing and I really enjoy it. Sure, it can be quite frustrating when I stuff up, but it is quite satisfying to get things right too. Once again, like all my other phases, let's see how long this will last. At least if I give up, the initial outlay would've been less than a fancy meal at a nice restaurant huh? I can live with that :D
Monday, 3 November 2008
appreciating hymns
Regeneration and Youth180 had the second Hymn Appreciation Night on Friday. And ever since then, I think I have learned to appreciate hymns a lot more. I guess the committee's did their job with at least this girl hey? Or I should say, God did His job hehe.
Eight hymns were presented in total, with each including the story behind the hymn, or the reason why that hymn was special to them. All presenters did really well, and now every time I sing those songs, I see them in a completely new light.
I was particularly encouraged by Barry and Juanita's sharing about William Cowper (pronounced 'Cooper', not COW-per hehehe), author of 'There is a Fountain'. The story was quite touching - you can read the whole thing here. I have always loved this song, and every time I sing it, it really touches my heart. But to know that it was written by Cowper, who was just such a broken and troubled person, made me realise just how much hope and meaning Jesus gave to people like Cowper, who had little or no reason at all to hope again.
Eight hymns were presented in total, with each including the story behind the hymn, or the reason why that hymn was special to them. All presenters did really well, and now every time I sing those songs, I see them in a completely new light.
I was particularly encouraged by Barry and Juanita's sharing about William Cowper (pronounced 'Cooper', not COW-per hehehe), author of 'There is a Fountain'. The story was quite touching - you can read the whole thing here. I have always loved this song, and every time I sing it, it really touches my heart. But to know that it was written by Cowper, who was just such a broken and troubled person, made me realise just how much hope and meaning Jesus gave to people like Cowper, who had little or no reason at all to hope again.
What beautiful words. The amazing thing is that the more you study the history of hymns, the more you realise that so many of these beautiful lyrics were written by people who were going through some serious emotional, physical, spiritual pain. God is really such an amazing God - to give His children a song in the midst of such trials is what grace is all about.There is a fountain filled with blood
drawn from Immanuel's veins
And sinners plunged beneath that flood
Lose all their guilty stains
The dying thief rejoiced to see
That fountain in his day;
And there may I,
though vile as he
Wash all my sins away
Dear dying Lamb, thy
precious blood
Shall never lose its power
Till all the ransomed church of God
Are saved, to sin no more
For since by faith I saw the stream
Thy flowing wounds supply
Redeeming love has been my theme
and shall be till I die
When this poor lisping,
stammering tongue
Lies silent in the grave
Then in a nobler, sweeter song
I'll sing thy power to save
Monday, 21 July 2008
song: deathbed
Relient K are a band that I like and not like at the same time. Some of their songs are just dumb, but there are quite a few that I think are fantastic. On their recent album, Fivescore and Seven Years Ago, the very last track is a song called Deathbed.
This is one of the fantastic songs.
The song is about a man on his deathbed. He looks back at his life and remembers all the milestones in his life - when his parents divorced, when his dad abandoned him, how he became addicted to alcohol and nicotine, getting married to his pregnant wife on his 21st (after being encouraged by his gun-toting-father-in-law-to-be hehe), getting divorced - and finally how on his deathbed, he thinks about his sinful life and wonders whether God will forgive him of his sins. He finally comes to realise that there is a blessed hope in Christ. My favourite part of the song is:
This is one of the fantastic songs.
The song is about a man on his deathbed. He looks back at his life and remembers all the milestones in his life - when his parents divorced, when his dad abandoned him, how he became addicted to alcohol and nicotine, getting married to his pregnant wife on his 21st (after being encouraged by his gun-toting-father-in-law-to-be hehe), getting divorced - and finally how on his deathbed, he thinks about his sinful life and wonders whether God will forgive him of his sins. He finally comes to realise that there is a blessed hope in Christ. My favourite part of the song is:
I was so scared of Jesus
But He sought me out
Like the cancer in my lungs
That's killing me now
And I've given up hope
On the days I have left
But I cling to the hope
Of my life in the next
After this, he realises he is a sinner - a wolf guilty of the blood of the Lamb - and he seeks forgiveness. The song then ends with 'Jesus' (sung really nicely by Jon Foreman of Switchfoot) reaching out to the man and asking him to follow Him.
Other bits in the song I like - all the different instruments in (like the toy piano tinkling at the end) and how they perfectly reflect the mood of the lyrics, the witty lyrics ('If life was a highway, I was drunk at the wheel'), and Jon Foreman's voice at the end (SUCH a good voice).
Love them or hate them, Relient K came up with a goody with this song. It's kinda like a hopeful version of Bohemian Rhapsody. The lyrics in full are below.
Other bits in the song I like - all the different instruments in (like the toy piano tinkling at the end) and how they perfectly reflect the mood of the lyrics, the witty lyrics ('If life was a highway, I was drunk at the wheel'), and Jon Foreman's voice at the end (SUCH a good voice).
Love them or hate them, Relient K came up with a goody with this song. It's kinda like a hopeful version of Bohemian Rhapsody. The lyrics in full are below.
'Deathbed' by Relient K
I can smell the death on the sheets
Covering me
I can't believe this is the end
But this is my deathbed
I lie here alone
If I close my eyes tonight
I know I'll be home
The year was nineteen forty one
I was eight years old and
Far far too young
To know that the stories
Of battles and glory
Was a tale a kind mother
Made up for her son
You see
Dad was a traveling preacher
Teaching the words of the Teacher
My mother left mourning
Went off to the war
And died there with honor
Somewhere on a beach there
But he left once to never return
Which taught me that I should unlearn
Whatever I thought a father should be
I abandoned that thought
Like he abandoned me
By forty seven I was fourteen
I'd acquired a taste for liquor and nicotine
I smoked until I threw up
Yet I still lit 'em up for thirty more years
Like a machine
So right there you have it
That one filthy habit
Is what got me where I am today
I can smell the death on the sheets
Covering me
I can't believe this is the end
I can hear those sad memories
Still haunting me
So many things
I'd do again
But this is my deathbed
I lie here alone
If I close my eyes tonight
I know I'll be home
I got married on my twenty first
Eight months before my wife would give birth
It's easier to be sure you love someone
When her father inquires with the barrel of a gun
The union was far from harmonious
No two people could have been more alone than us
The years would go by and she'd love someone else
And I realized I hadn't been loved yet myself
And there's your typical spiel
Yeah if life was a highway
I was drunk at the wheel
I was seeing the loose ends
All fall apart
Yeah I swear I was destined to fail
And fail from the start
I bowled about six times a week
The bottle of Beam kept the memories from me
The marriage had taken a seven-ten split
Along with my pride the ex-wife took the kids
I can smell the death on the sheets
Covering me
I can't believe this is the end
I can hear those sad memories
Still haunting me
So many things
I'd do again
But this is my deathbed
I lie here alone
If I close my eyes tonight
I know I'll be home
I was so scared of Jesus
But He sought me out
Like the cancer in my lungs
That's killing me now
And I've given up hope
On the days I have left
But I cling to the hope
Of my life in the next
Then Jesus showed up
Said "Before we go"
"I thought that we might reminisce"
"See one night in your life"
"When you turned out the light"
"You asked for and prayed for my forgiveness"
You cried wolf
The tears they soaked your fur
The blood dripped from your fangs
You said, "What have I done?"
You loved that lamb
With every sinful bone
And there you wept alone
Your heart was so contrite
You said, "Jesus, please forgive me of my crimes
Sanctify this withered heart of mine
Stay with me until my life is through
And on that day please take me home with you"
I can smell the death on the sheets
Covering me
I can't believe this is the end
I can hear You whisper to me,
"It's time to leave
You'll never be lonely again"
But this was my deathbed
I died there alone
When I closed my eyes tonight
You carried me home
[Jon Foreman of Switchfoot sings, as the voice of Jesus:]
I am the Way
Follow Me
And take My hand
And I am the Truth
Embrace Me and you'll understand
And I am the Light
And for Me you'll live again
For I am Love
I am Love
I, I am Love
Sunday, 11 May 2008
mum's the word
Happy Mother's Day!
Here's a tribute to all the Mum's out there, just a bit of Momsense...
And then the sequel, Dadsense...
Here's a tribute to all the Mum's out there, just a bit of Momsense...
And then the sequel, Dadsense...
Monday, 5 May 2008
it's time to hit a home-run...
Since I have started to go to work by car together with Caleb, we have started to listen to the radio a lot more on the way to work and on the way home. The other day, I remembered how I used to make requests for songs on Sonshine FM - but since I started getting the train to and from work, I stopped listening to the radio (it got too annoying with the reception cutting off every time the train pulled into the train station) and therefore stopped requesting songs.So I think it was on Saturday night or Sunday night that I thought, might as well pop a request in and see what happens. So I did. And today on the way home from work, I heard them announce they were going to play a song for Rowena from Bateman!
If you need to know, it was this song... It's one of my favourites at the moment :D
Soon after the song played, I got a call from Lilian who asked 'Is that you?' and then when I confirmed with her, she pretty much laughed at me for a good minute or so on the other side of the phone! hehe
You gotta love good ol' cheap thrills eh?
Friday, 21 March 2008
good friday
King of my life I crown Thee now
Thine shall the glory be
Lest I forget Thy thorn crowned brow
Lead me to Calvary
Lest I forget Gethsemane
Lest I forget Thine agony
Lest I forget Thy love for me
Lead me to Calvary.
Above all powers
Above all kings
Above all nature
And all created things
Above all wisdom
And all the ways of man
You were here
Before the world began
Above all kingdoms
Above all thrones
Above all wonders
The world has ever known
Above all wealth
And treasures of the earth
There's no way to measure
What You're worth
Crucified
Laid behind the stone
You lived to die
Rejected and alone
Like a rose
Trampled on the ground
You took the fall
And thought of me
Above all
Thine shall the glory be
Lest I forget Thy thorn crowned brow
Lead me to Calvary
Lest I forget Gethsemane
Lest I forget Thine agony
Lest I forget Thy love for me
Lead me to Calvary.
Above all powers
Above all kings
Above all nature
And all created things
Above all wisdom
And all the ways of man
You were here
Before the world began
Above all kingdoms
Above all thrones
Above all wonders
The world has ever known
Above all wealth
And treasures of the earth
There's no way to measure
What You're worth
Crucified
Laid behind the stone
You lived to die
Rejected and alone
Like a rose
Trampled on the ground
You took the fall
And thought of me
Above all
toddler on the tube
This little guy is a whole bunch of cuteness in one pint sized package!! Apparently he is a bit of a celebrity in South Korea because there are a whole heap of other videos of him in TV shows. Anyways, hope you enjoy the vid...
Thursday, 13 March 2008
a new soul
Man I love this song. It's so happy and catchy - every time I listen to it, it makes me smile. I hap'd across her video and I love it... Have a squiz :D and don't come after me if it gets stuck in your head too :D - Oh and yeah, it's that song from the Mac Air ad hehe.
Saturday, 12 January 2008
community service announcements
At Bubble Tea tonight, a few of us were working on the Australia Day tract and we somehow got talking about a few things that brought back some great memories of the good ol' days...
One of them was the Community Service Announcement ads that they used to screen on Channel 9 in the 80s and 90s. They were pretty educational and the vitamins one helped me through a Human Biology test on nutrition when I was in High School. These ads were just so clever and have had such an impact in our childhoods.
It would be cool if we could so a similar gospel ad - but maybe instead of advertising it on TV, we could be cheap and just put it on Youtube? heheh we'll see.. enjoy the videos - a taste of the ABC way-of-life!
about safety when playing
about vitamins & minerals
about nutrition
about germs and hygiene
Oh and I also found this... This is a bit embarrassing, and yeah Jesus is still alright with me, but dc talk I don't think will ever be alright with me.
One of them was the Community Service Announcement ads that they used to screen on Channel 9 in the 80s and 90s. They were pretty educational and the vitamins one helped me through a Human Biology test on nutrition when I was in High School. These ads were just so clever and have had such an impact in our childhoods.
It would be cool if we could so a similar gospel ad - but maybe instead of advertising it on TV, we could be cheap and just put it on Youtube? heheh we'll see.. enjoy the videos - a taste of the ABC way-of-life!
about safety when playing
about vitamins & minerals
about nutrition
about germs and hygiene
Oh and I also found this... This is a bit embarrassing, and yeah Jesus is still alright with me, but dc talk I don't think will ever be alright with me.
Saturday, 22 December 2007
at the cross
At the Cross
Oh Lord You've searched me
You know my way
Even when I fail You
I know You love me
Your holy presence
Surrounding me
In every season
I know You love me
I know You love me
At the cross I bow my knee
Where Your blood was shed for me
There's no greater love than this
You have overcome the grave
Your glory fills the highest place
What can separate me now
You go before me
You shield my way
Your hand upholds me
I know You love me
At the cross I bow my knee
Where Your blood was shed for me
There's no greater love than this
You have overcome the grave
Your glory fills the highest place
What can separate me now?(x2)
You tore the veil
You made a way
When You said that it is done(x2)
And when the earth fades
Falls from my eyes
And You stand before me
I know You love me
I know You love me
At the cross I bow my knee
Where your blood was shed for me
There's no greater love than this
You have overcome the grave
Your glory fills the highest place
What can separate me now?(x2)
You tore the veil
You made a way
When You said that it is done(x4)
Oh Lord You've searched me
You know my way
Even when I fail You
I know You love me
Your holy presence
Surrounding me
In every season
I know You love me
I know You love me
At the cross I bow my knee
Where Your blood was shed for me
There's no greater love than this
You have overcome the grave
Your glory fills the highest place
What can separate me now
You go before me
You shield my way
Your hand upholds me
I know You love me
At the cross I bow my knee
Where Your blood was shed for me
There's no greater love than this
You have overcome the grave
Your glory fills the highest place
What can separate me now?(x2)
You tore the veil
You made a way
When You said that it is done(x2)
And when the earth fades
Falls from my eyes
And You stand before me
I know You love me
I know You love me
At the cross I bow my knee
Where your blood was shed for me
There's no greater love than this
You have overcome the grave
Your glory fills the highest place
What can separate me now?(x2)
You tore the veil
You made a way
When You said that it is done(x4)
Thursday, 20 December 2007
carols by moonlight
After months of preparation, Carols by Candlelight was finally here. Though the Freo Doctor (Perth's nickname for the sea breeze - because it comes from the direction of Fremantle and brings relief from the heat during summer) came uninvited, and proceeded to make a nuisance of himself by blowing out our candles, and interfering with our already-dodgy P.A. equipment!!
But by the grace of God, many people came along to the event, with several new faces floating about. Yorkie and Mez did a great job MC-ing, the choir was good, and the skit? well... let's just say that we have room for improvement hehe.
The most important thing of all was that we were able to remind people of the reason for the Christmas season - Jesus! As well as show some good-old-BPCWA-hospitality by providing them with a free feed and some friendly fellowship!
I really like it when our church does stuff like this... How everyone works together to make things work is always an encouragement to my heart! I just pray that the end result was glorifying to God and that the testimony of our church will continue to shine brighter.
Pics below...
But by the grace of God, many people came along to the event, with several new faces floating about. Yorkie and Mez did a great job MC-ing, the choir was good, and the skit? well... let's just say that we have room for improvement hehe.
The most important thing of all was that we were able to remind people of the reason for the Christmas season - Jesus! As well as show some good-old-BPCWA-hospitality by providing them with a free feed and some friendly fellowship!
I really like it when our church does stuff like this... How everyone works together to make things work is always an encouragement to my heart! I just pray that the end result was glorifying to God and that the testimony of our church will continue to shine brighter.
Pics below...
Monday, 12 November 2007
none but Jesus
I can't stop listening to the new song on my blog. It is called 'None but Jesus' and I absolutely love the lyrics. I have posted them below.
What I love most about this song is that it just really reminds me of who God is and how much He loves me. He is everything I need and all my delights should be in Him. It also reminds me, sadly, of how He is not my everything a lot of the time, and how other things in my life take my love away from Him - and I no longer have 'none but Jesus' in my heart, but some and Jesus.
None but Jesus
In the quiet, in the stillness
I know that You are God
In the secret of Your presence
I know there I am restored
When You call I won’t refuse
Each new day again I’ll choose
There is no one else for me
None but Jesus
Crucified to set me free
Now I live to bring Him praise
In the chaos, in confusion
I know You’re Sovereign still
In the moment of my weakness
You give me grace to do Your will
When You call I won’t delay
This my song through all my days
All my delight is in You Lord
All of my hope, all of my strength
All my delight is in You Lord
Forevermore
Lord please forgive me for the many times I have left my first love. May all my delights, hopes and strength be in You Lord, forevermore. May there be none but Jesus for me. Amen.
What I love most about this song is that it just really reminds me of who God is and how much He loves me. He is everything I need and all my delights should be in Him. It also reminds me, sadly, of how He is not my everything a lot of the time, and how other things in my life take my love away from Him - and I no longer have 'none but Jesus' in my heart, but some and Jesus.
None but Jesus
In the quiet, in the stillness
I know that You are God
In the secret of Your presence
I know there I am restored
When You call I won’t refuse
Each new day again I’ll choose
There is no one else for me
None but Jesus
Crucified to set me free
Now I live to bring Him praise
In the chaos, in confusion
I know You’re Sovereign still
In the moment of my weakness
You give me grace to do Your will
When You call I won’t delay
This my song through all my days
All my delight is in You Lord
All of my hope, all of my strength
All my delight is in You Lord
Forevermore
Lord please forgive me for the many times I have left my first love. May all my delights, hopes and strength be in You Lord, forevermore. May there be none but Jesus for me. Amen.
Saturday, 13 October 2007
sixty-six clickety-clix
A package came for me today. It looked like this...
Inside was a box that looked like this...
I was excited... Inside was this...
It was my new toy - the iriver clix 2
isn't it preeeeeetty?
it even has games
and...
and the power to outshine the competition!
guitar stuff
Another cool purchase was this little pick-dispenser.
It attaches onto the guitar and can hold all your guitar picks. Cool thing is that the picks can slip in and out really quickly so I will never have to ask around for a spare pick any more!
Lastly, while on the whole guitar accessories thing, I might just share this little site with you all. It's a wiki-how on how to make your own guitar picks from old bank cards etc.
Thursday, 11 October 2007
san angelo
There's a song by Third Day called San Angelo. It kinda sums up the don't-know-why-I-feel-a-bit-down feeling I get sometimes. I'm not sure why I experience such low feelings, I guess sometimes I just get overwhelmed by self-pity and forget that God's love for me is unchanging.
I think feelings like this can commonly be experienced if we don't monitor the internal thought processes we have. I think I remember reading somewhere that Mac Powell (who penned the lyrics) actually wrote this song during a time when they had been on tour for a while and he had started to feel a bit 'over it' and homesick. I can relate in a sense because often I feel just a bit over it - people don't act the way you want them to, decisions are made that you don't agree with and sometimes you just feel so different to everyone else that even though there are so many people in your life, you just feel alone.
I think feelings like this can commonly be experienced if we don't monitor the internal thought processes we have. I think I remember reading somewhere that Mac Powell (who penned the lyrics) actually wrote this song during a time when they had been on tour for a while and he had started to feel a bit 'over it' and homesick. I can relate in a sense because often I feel just a bit over it - people don't act the way you want them to, decisions are made that you don't agree with and sometimes you just feel so different to everyone else that even though there are so many people in your life, you just feel alone.
I think that's why this song speaks to me quite a lot. But at the same time, it's always good to remind myself of just how constant God is and how unchanging His nature is. As a Christian, that is so comforting, and even when the cloud of discouragement looms, I am just thankful that though all the people around me may forsake me, God will always be there for me until I meet Him face to face.
So back to the song that inspired this post! The lyrics go like this...
Forever seems so distant
Much further than today
You turn around and in an instant
You find that you are just as far from yesterday
The day it feels like winter
The night it feels like stone
You turn around and you remember
When you're surrounded
You can still feel so alone
But it's in between the start and end
I find myself once again
Questioning this place
Calling out your name
San Angelo
What do you know
And tell me do you have something to say
Don't get me wrong
But I miss my home
And it feels like I'm a million miles away
San Angelo
Why do I ask these questions
How come I have these doubts
Cause I find every situation
It always seems to have
It's way of working out
But it's in between the start and end
I find myself once again
Questioning this place
Calling out your name
Sunday, 2 September 2007
revival hymn
Transcript can be found here.
This touches me every time I see it. This part in particular was the clincher for me:
Christianity says... "The end of all being is the glory of God."
Humanism says, "The end of all being is the happiness of man."
This is the betrayal of the ages!!
And it's the betrayal in which we live and I don't see how God can revive it!
Until we come back to Christianity.
Isn't man happy?
And God intends to make you happy. But as a by-product and not a prime product.
Now I ask you, what is the philosophy of mission? What is the philosophy of evangelism? What is the philosophy of a Christian? If you’ll ask me why I went to Africa, I’ll tell you I went primarily, to improve on the justice of God. I didn’t think it was right for anybody to go to hell without a chance to be saved. And so I went to give poor sinners a chance to go to Heaven.
Now, I hadn’t put it in so many words. But if you’ll analyze what I just told you, do you know what it is? It’s humanism. But I was simply using the provisions of Jesus Christ as a means to improve upon human conditions of suffering and misery.
And when I got to Africa, I discovered that they weren’t poor, ignorant, little heathen running around in the woods, waiting for, looking for someone to tell them how to go to Heaven. That they were monsters of iniquity. They were living in utter and total defiance, of far more knowledge of God than I ever dreamed they had. They deserved hell because they utterly refused to walk in the light of their conscience and the light of the law written upon their heart and the testimony of nature and the truth they knew.
And when I found that out, I assure you, I was so angry with God that one occasion in prayer, I told him that it was a mighty, little thing He’d done, sending me out there to reach these people that were waiting to be told how to go to Heaven and when I got there I found out they knew about Heaven, didn’t wanna go there. And they loved their sin and wanted to stay in it.
I went out there motivated by humanism. I’d seen pictures of lepers. I’d seen pictures of ulcers. I’d seen pictures of native funerals. And I didn’t want my fellow human beings to suffer in hell eternally, after such a miserable existence on earth. But it was there in Africa that God began to tear through the overlay of this humanism.
And it was that day in my bedroom, with the door locked, that I wrestled with God. For here was... I was coming to grips with the fact that the people I thought were ignorant and wanted to know how to go to Heaven, and were saying "someone come and teach us" actually didn’t wanna take time to talk with me or anybody else. They had no interest in the bible and no interest in Christ. And they loved their sin and wanted to continue in it. And I was to the place at that time where I felt the whole thing was a sham and a mockery and I’d been sold a bill of goods. And I wanted to come home.
And there alone in my bedroom as I faced God honestly with what my heart felt, it seemed to me I heard Him say, "Yes, will not the Judge of all the earth do right? The heathen are lost and they’re going to go to hell not because they haven’t heard the gospel. They’re going to go to hell because they are sinners who loved... their ..sin.. and because they deserved hell. But, I didn’t send you out there for them, I didn't send you out there for their sakes."
And I heard as clearly as I’ve ever heard though it wasn’t with physical voice but it was the echo of truth of the ages finding its way into an open heart. I heard God say to my heart that day something like this:
"I didn’t send you to Africa for the sake of the heathen. I sent you to Africa for My sake. They deserved hell but I love them and I endured the agonies of hell for them. I didn’t send you out there for them. I sent you out there for Me. Do I not deserve the reward of My suffering? Don't I deserve those for whom I died?"
And it reversed it all. It changed it all and righted it all. And I wasn't any longer working for my cup and ten shekels and a shirt but I was serving the living God.
Friday, 3 August 2007
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Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Monday, 9 November 2009
stan, the man
This year I have been following Australian Idol on the Internet - I never seem to be able to catch the episode because I am usually out, but I play catch up on the net. This year, a young man named Stan came onto the scene with a very intriguing voice, and as the show profiled him, it became very public that he was a Christian. Throughout the show, he has been wow-ing the judges and all the celebrity guests, but tonight, he did something that I thought was very brave. He sang Amazing Grace as one of his songs! It will be interesting to see what happens if he wins the competition - whether he will sell out one day, or remain a witness and testimony in the industry (I really hope it will be the latter). But the performance tonight was fantastic. I hope he wins!
Friday, 6 November 2009
we're singing 170
Caleb taught me a song recently which I really have grown to love in the past week. It's written by Mac Lynch and is found in the Wild's We're Singing Songbook, number 170. The lyrics have been an encouragement to my heart and as such I would like to share them here.
Don't Be Afraid
Lyrics and Music by Mac Lynch
When deep water curls around you and fear replaces faith,
When the floods would seem to overwhelm God's promises of grace,
When the fires seem overtaking and all seems torn and tossed,
Trust His Word, O truly listen, hear Him say, "All is not lost."
CHORUS
Don't be afraid, don't be afraid.
I have redeemed you; you are Mine; don't be afraid.
Don't be afraid, don't be afraid.
You are a precious child to Me; don't be afraid.
I am with you thru the water, I'm with you thru the flood.
They will never overwhelm you: I have bought you with My blood.
Even though you walk thru fire, I'll go with you all the way.
I'm your Saviour, truly listen, hear Me say, these words I say:
CHORUS
Don't be afraid, don't be afraid.
I have redeemed you; you are Mine; don't be afraid.
Don't be afraid, don't be afraid.
You are a precious child to Me; don't be afraid.
Don't Be Afraid
Lyrics and Music by Mac Lynch
When deep water curls around you and fear replaces faith,
When the floods would seem to overwhelm God's promises of grace,
When the fires seem overtaking and all seems torn and tossed,
Trust His Word, O truly listen, hear Him say, "All is not lost."
CHORUS
Don't be afraid, don't be afraid.
I have redeemed you; you are Mine; don't be afraid.
Don't be afraid, don't be afraid.
You are a precious child to Me; don't be afraid.
I am with you thru the water, I'm with you thru the flood.
They will never overwhelm you: I have bought you with My blood.
Even though you walk thru fire, I'll go with you all the way.
I'm your Saviour, truly listen, hear Me say, these words I say:
CHORUS
Don't be afraid, don't be afraid.
I have redeemed you; you are Mine; don't be afraid.
Don't be afraid, don't be afraid.
You are a precious child to Me; don't be afraid.
Wednesday, 10 June 2009
He'll never leave me
Hooked on this song at the moment. My brother taught me this song on guitar and I have been trying to play it on piano as well. The lyrics are beautiful.
I'll Never Leave You
Words and Music - Mac Lynch
As Joseph sought the Lord his God, with all his heart (with all his heart)
God laid on him a burden he would bear, yet not alone.
The Lord was with this holy man to bring to pass His master plan.
Through foreign lands, God walked beside His own
Chorus
I’ll never leave you, never forsake you.
By waters still, in pastures green, I’ll often take you.
But when I break you, so that my name be glorified,
I’ll never leave you, never forsake you.
Though fires and floods would seem to hide His plan for you (His plan for you),
Though trials and afflictions seem to take away your song,
Though you may never understand, just trust in His upholding hand.
In time you’ll learn, He’s been there all along
I'll Never Leave You
Words and Music - Mac Lynch
As Joseph sought the Lord his God, with all his heart (with all his heart)
God laid on him a burden he would bear, yet not alone.
The Lord was with this holy man to bring to pass His master plan.
Through foreign lands, God walked beside His own
Chorus
I’ll never leave you, never forsake you.
By waters still, in pastures green, I’ll often take you.
But when I break you, so that my name be glorified,
I’ll never leave you, never forsake you.
Though fires and floods would seem to hide His plan for you (His plan for you),
Though trials and afflictions seem to take away your song,
Though you may never understand, just trust in His upholding hand.
In time you’ll learn, He’s been there all along
Wednesday, 22 April 2009
my new toy
While trying to kill time before Regeneration last Friday, I wandered into Target to have a browse around. The thought came to me to have a look upstairs at the electronics section because I had been thinking (for a while) about getting a piano keyboard to try pick up a new hobby. So I did. And I saw something that caught my eye - a 61-key keyboard, complete with stand, adaptor and packed with different handy features for $29.88.
Bargain of the century.
I talked to the guy about it and made sure it wasn't too good to be true - and thank God it wasn't. Apparently it used to sell at $299, but had been reduced over and over again to the point it was so cheap and it was re-shelved as a result! He also told me it had a full guarantee.
Thank God hey?
So I've been tinkering away at the little thing and I really enjoy it. Sure, it can be quite frustrating when I stuff up, but it is quite satisfying to get things right too. Once again, like all my other phases, let's see how long this will last. At least if I give up, the initial outlay would've been less than a fancy meal at a nice restaurant huh? I can live with that :D
Monday, 3 November 2008
appreciating hymns
Regeneration and Youth180 had the second Hymn Appreciation Night on Friday. And ever since then, I think I have learned to appreciate hymns a lot more. I guess the committee's did their job with at least this girl hey? Or I should say, God did His job hehe.
Eight hymns were presented in total, with each including the story behind the hymn, or the reason why that hymn was special to them. All presenters did really well, and now every time I sing those songs, I see them in a completely new light.
I was particularly encouraged by Barry and Juanita's sharing about William Cowper (pronounced 'Cooper', not COW-per hehehe), author of 'There is a Fountain'. The story was quite touching - you can read the whole thing here. I have always loved this song, and every time I sing it, it really touches my heart. But to know that it was written by Cowper, who was just such a broken and troubled person, made me realise just how much hope and meaning Jesus gave to people like Cowper, who had little or no reason at all to hope again.
Eight hymns were presented in total, with each including the story behind the hymn, or the reason why that hymn was special to them. All presenters did really well, and now every time I sing those songs, I see them in a completely new light.
I was particularly encouraged by Barry and Juanita's sharing about William Cowper (pronounced 'Cooper', not COW-per hehehe), author of 'There is a Fountain'. The story was quite touching - you can read the whole thing here. I have always loved this song, and every time I sing it, it really touches my heart. But to know that it was written by Cowper, who was just such a broken and troubled person, made me realise just how much hope and meaning Jesus gave to people like Cowper, who had little or no reason at all to hope again.
What beautiful words. The amazing thing is that the more you study the history of hymns, the more you realise that so many of these beautiful lyrics were written by people who were going through some serious emotional, physical, spiritual pain. God is really such an amazing God - to give His children a song in the midst of such trials is what grace is all about.There is a fountain filled with blood
drawn from Immanuel's veins
And sinners plunged beneath that flood
Lose all their guilty stains
The dying thief rejoiced to see
That fountain in his day;
And there may I,
though vile as he
Wash all my sins away
Dear dying Lamb, thy
precious blood
Shall never lose its power
Till all the ransomed church of God
Are saved, to sin no more
For since by faith I saw the stream
Thy flowing wounds supply
Redeeming love has been my theme
and shall be till I die
When this poor lisping,
stammering tongue
Lies silent in the grave
Then in a nobler, sweeter song
I'll sing thy power to save
Monday, 21 July 2008
song: deathbed
Relient K are a band that I like and not like at the same time. Some of their songs are just dumb, but there are quite a few that I think are fantastic. On their recent album, Fivescore and Seven Years Ago, the very last track is a song called Deathbed.
This is one of the fantastic songs.
The song is about a man on his deathbed. He looks back at his life and remembers all the milestones in his life - when his parents divorced, when his dad abandoned him, how he became addicted to alcohol and nicotine, getting married to his pregnant wife on his 21st (after being encouraged by his gun-toting-father-in-law-to-be hehe), getting divorced - and finally how on his deathbed, he thinks about his sinful life and wonders whether God will forgive him of his sins. He finally comes to realise that there is a blessed hope in Christ. My favourite part of the song is:
This is one of the fantastic songs.
The song is about a man on his deathbed. He looks back at his life and remembers all the milestones in his life - when his parents divorced, when his dad abandoned him, how he became addicted to alcohol and nicotine, getting married to his pregnant wife on his 21st (after being encouraged by his gun-toting-father-in-law-to-be hehe), getting divorced - and finally how on his deathbed, he thinks about his sinful life and wonders whether God will forgive him of his sins. He finally comes to realise that there is a blessed hope in Christ. My favourite part of the song is:
I was so scared of Jesus
But He sought me out
Like the cancer in my lungs
That's killing me now
And I've given up hope
On the days I have left
But I cling to the hope
Of my life in the next
After this, he realises he is a sinner - a wolf guilty of the blood of the Lamb - and he seeks forgiveness. The song then ends with 'Jesus' (sung really nicely by Jon Foreman of Switchfoot) reaching out to the man and asking him to follow Him.
Other bits in the song I like - all the different instruments in (like the toy piano tinkling at the end) and how they perfectly reflect the mood of the lyrics, the witty lyrics ('If life was a highway, I was drunk at the wheel'), and Jon Foreman's voice at the end (SUCH a good voice).
Love them or hate them, Relient K came up with a goody with this song. It's kinda like a hopeful version of Bohemian Rhapsody. The lyrics in full are below.
Other bits in the song I like - all the different instruments in (like the toy piano tinkling at the end) and how they perfectly reflect the mood of the lyrics, the witty lyrics ('If life was a highway, I was drunk at the wheel'), and Jon Foreman's voice at the end (SUCH a good voice).
Love them or hate them, Relient K came up with a goody with this song. It's kinda like a hopeful version of Bohemian Rhapsody. The lyrics in full are below.
'Deathbed' by Relient K
I can smell the death on the sheets
Covering me
I can't believe this is the end
But this is my deathbed
I lie here alone
If I close my eyes tonight
I know I'll be home
The year was nineteen forty one
I was eight years old and
Far far too young
To know that the stories
Of battles and glory
Was a tale a kind mother
Made up for her son
You see
Dad was a traveling preacher
Teaching the words of the Teacher
My mother left mourning
Went off to the war
And died there with honor
Somewhere on a beach there
But he left once to never return
Which taught me that I should unlearn
Whatever I thought a father should be
I abandoned that thought
Like he abandoned me
By forty seven I was fourteen
I'd acquired a taste for liquor and nicotine
I smoked until I threw up
Yet I still lit 'em up for thirty more years
Like a machine
So right there you have it
That one filthy habit
Is what got me where I am today
I can smell the death on the sheets
Covering me
I can't believe this is the end
I can hear those sad memories
Still haunting me
So many things
I'd do again
But this is my deathbed
I lie here alone
If I close my eyes tonight
I know I'll be home
I got married on my twenty first
Eight months before my wife would give birth
It's easier to be sure you love someone
When her father inquires with the barrel of a gun
The union was far from harmonious
No two people could have been more alone than us
The years would go by and she'd love someone else
And I realized I hadn't been loved yet myself
And there's your typical spiel
Yeah if life was a highway
I was drunk at the wheel
I was seeing the loose ends
All fall apart
Yeah I swear I was destined to fail
And fail from the start
I bowled about six times a week
The bottle of Beam kept the memories from me
The marriage had taken a seven-ten split
Along with my pride the ex-wife took the kids
I can smell the death on the sheets
Covering me
I can't believe this is the end
I can hear those sad memories
Still haunting me
So many things
I'd do again
But this is my deathbed
I lie here alone
If I close my eyes tonight
I know I'll be home
I was so scared of Jesus
But He sought me out
Like the cancer in my lungs
That's killing me now
And I've given up hope
On the days I have left
But I cling to the hope
Of my life in the next
Then Jesus showed up
Said "Before we go"
"I thought that we might reminisce"
"See one night in your life"
"When you turned out the light"
"You asked for and prayed for my forgiveness"
You cried wolf
The tears they soaked your fur
The blood dripped from your fangs
You said, "What have I done?"
You loved that lamb
With every sinful bone
And there you wept alone
Your heart was so contrite
You said, "Jesus, please forgive me of my crimes
Sanctify this withered heart of mine
Stay with me until my life is through
And on that day please take me home with you"
I can smell the death on the sheets
Covering me
I can't believe this is the end
I can hear You whisper to me,
"It's time to leave
You'll never be lonely again"
But this was my deathbed
I died there alone
When I closed my eyes tonight
You carried me home
[Jon Foreman of Switchfoot sings, as the voice of Jesus:]
I am the Way
Follow Me
And take My hand
And I am the Truth
Embrace Me and you'll understand
And I am the Light
And for Me you'll live again
For I am Love
I am Love
I, I am Love
Sunday, 11 May 2008
mum's the word
Happy Mother's Day!
Here's a tribute to all the Mum's out there, just a bit of Momsense...
And then the sequel, Dadsense...
Here's a tribute to all the Mum's out there, just a bit of Momsense...
And then the sequel, Dadsense...
Monday, 5 May 2008
it's time to hit a home-run...
Since I have started to go to work by car together with Caleb, we have started to listen to the radio a lot more on the way to work and on the way home. The other day, I remembered how I used to make requests for songs on Sonshine FM - but since I started getting the train to and from work, I stopped listening to the radio (it got too annoying with the reception cutting off every time the train pulled into the train station) and therefore stopped requesting songs.So I think it was on Saturday night or Sunday night that I thought, might as well pop a request in and see what happens. So I did. And today on the way home from work, I heard them announce they were going to play a song for Rowena from Bateman!
If you need to know, it was this song... It's one of my favourites at the moment :D
Soon after the song played, I got a call from Lilian who asked 'Is that you?' and then when I confirmed with her, she pretty much laughed at me for a good minute or so on the other side of the phone! hehe
You gotta love good ol' cheap thrills eh?
Friday, 21 March 2008
good friday
King of my life I crown Thee now
Thine shall the glory be
Lest I forget Thy thorn crowned brow
Lead me to Calvary
Lest I forget Gethsemane
Lest I forget Thine agony
Lest I forget Thy love for me
Lead me to Calvary.
Above all powers
Above all kings
Above all nature
And all created things
Above all wisdom
And all the ways of man
You were here
Before the world began
Above all kingdoms
Above all thrones
Above all wonders
The world has ever known
Above all wealth
And treasures of the earth
There's no way to measure
What You're worth
Crucified
Laid behind the stone
You lived to die
Rejected and alone
Like a rose
Trampled on the ground
You took the fall
And thought of me
Above all
Thine shall the glory be
Lest I forget Thy thorn crowned brow
Lead me to Calvary
Lest I forget Gethsemane
Lest I forget Thine agony
Lest I forget Thy love for me
Lead me to Calvary.
Above all powers
Above all kings
Above all nature
And all created things
Above all wisdom
And all the ways of man
You were here
Before the world began
Above all kingdoms
Above all thrones
Above all wonders
The world has ever known
Above all wealth
And treasures of the earth
There's no way to measure
What You're worth
Crucified
Laid behind the stone
You lived to die
Rejected and alone
Like a rose
Trampled on the ground
You took the fall
And thought of me
Above all
toddler on the tube
This little guy is a whole bunch of cuteness in one pint sized package!! Apparently he is a bit of a celebrity in South Korea because there are a whole heap of other videos of him in TV shows. Anyways, hope you enjoy the vid...
Thursday, 13 March 2008
a new soul
Man I love this song. It's so happy and catchy - every time I listen to it, it makes me smile. I hap'd across her video and I love it... Have a squiz :D and don't come after me if it gets stuck in your head too :D - Oh and yeah, it's that song from the Mac Air ad hehe.
Saturday, 12 January 2008
community service announcements
At Bubble Tea tonight, a few of us were working on the Australia Day tract and we somehow got talking about a few things that brought back some great memories of the good ol' days...
One of them was the Community Service Announcement ads that they used to screen on Channel 9 in the 80s and 90s. They were pretty educational and the vitamins one helped me through a Human Biology test on nutrition when I was in High School. These ads were just so clever and have had such an impact in our childhoods.
It would be cool if we could so a similar gospel ad - but maybe instead of advertising it on TV, we could be cheap and just put it on Youtube? heheh we'll see.. enjoy the videos - a taste of the ABC way-of-life!
about safety when playing
about vitamins & minerals
about nutrition
about germs and hygiene
Oh and I also found this... This is a bit embarrassing, and yeah Jesus is still alright with me, but dc talk I don't think will ever be alright with me.
One of them was the Community Service Announcement ads that they used to screen on Channel 9 in the 80s and 90s. They were pretty educational and the vitamins one helped me through a Human Biology test on nutrition when I was in High School. These ads were just so clever and have had such an impact in our childhoods.
It would be cool if we could so a similar gospel ad - but maybe instead of advertising it on TV, we could be cheap and just put it on Youtube? heheh we'll see.. enjoy the videos - a taste of the ABC way-of-life!
about safety when playing
about vitamins & minerals
about nutrition
about germs and hygiene
Oh and I also found this... This is a bit embarrassing, and yeah Jesus is still alright with me, but dc talk I don't think will ever be alright with me.
Saturday, 22 December 2007
at the cross
At the Cross
Oh Lord You've searched me
You know my way
Even when I fail You
I know You love me
Your holy presence
Surrounding me
In every season
I know You love me
I know You love me
At the cross I bow my knee
Where Your blood was shed for me
There's no greater love than this
You have overcome the grave
Your glory fills the highest place
What can separate me now
You go before me
You shield my way
Your hand upholds me
I know You love me
At the cross I bow my knee
Where Your blood was shed for me
There's no greater love than this
You have overcome the grave
Your glory fills the highest place
What can separate me now?(x2)
You tore the veil
You made a way
When You said that it is done(x2)
And when the earth fades
Falls from my eyes
And You stand before me
I know You love me
I know You love me
At the cross I bow my knee
Where your blood was shed for me
There's no greater love than this
You have overcome the grave
Your glory fills the highest place
What can separate me now?(x2)
You tore the veil
You made a way
When You said that it is done(x4)
Oh Lord You've searched me
You know my way
Even when I fail You
I know You love me
Your holy presence
Surrounding me
In every season
I know You love me
I know You love me
At the cross I bow my knee
Where Your blood was shed for me
There's no greater love than this
You have overcome the grave
Your glory fills the highest place
What can separate me now
You go before me
You shield my way
Your hand upholds me
I know You love me
At the cross I bow my knee
Where Your blood was shed for me
There's no greater love than this
You have overcome the grave
Your glory fills the highest place
What can separate me now?(x2)
You tore the veil
You made a way
When You said that it is done(x2)
And when the earth fades
Falls from my eyes
And You stand before me
I know You love me
I know You love me
At the cross I bow my knee
Where your blood was shed for me
There's no greater love than this
You have overcome the grave
Your glory fills the highest place
What can separate me now?(x2)
You tore the veil
You made a way
When You said that it is done(x4)
Thursday, 20 December 2007
carols by moonlight
After months of preparation, Carols by Candlelight was finally here. Though the Freo Doctor (Perth's nickname for the sea breeze - because it comes from the direction of Fremantle and brings relief from the heat during summer) came uninvited, and proceeded to make a nuisance of himself by blowing out our candles, and interfering with our already-dodgy P.A. equipment!!
But by the grace of God, many people came along to the event, with several new faces floating about. Yorkie and Mez did a great job MC-ing, the choir was good, and the skit? well... let's just say that we have room for improvement hehe.
The most important thing of all was that we were able to remind people of the reason for the Christmas season - Jesus! As well as show some good-old-BPCWA-hospitality by providing them with a free feed and some friendly fellowship!
I really like it when our church does stuff like this... How everyone works together to make things work is always an encouragement to my heart! I just pray that the end result was glorifying to God and that the testimony of our church will continue to shine brighter.
Pics below...
But by the grace of God, many people came along to the event, with several new faces floating about. Yorkie and Mez did a great job MC-ing, the choir was good, and the skit? well... let's just say that we have room for improvement hehe.
The most important thing of all was that we were able to remind people of the reason for the Christmas season - Jesus! As well as show some good-old-BPCWA-hospitality by providing them with a free feed and some friendly fellowship!
I really like it when our church does stuff like this... How everyone works together to make things work is always an encouragement to my heart! I just pray that the end result was glorifying to God and that the testimony of our church will continue to shine brighter.
Pics below...
Monday, 12 November 2007
none but Jesus
I can't stop listening to the new song on my blog. It is called 'None but Jesus' and I absolutely love the lyrics. I have posted them below.
What I love most about this song is that it just really reminds me of who God is and how much He loves me. He is everything I need and all my delights should be in Him. It also reminds me, sadly, of how He is not my everything a lot of the time, and how other things in my life take my love away from Him - and I no longer have 'none but Jesus' in my heart, but some and Jesus.
None but Jesus
In the quiet, in the stillness
I know that You are God
In the secret of Your presence
I know there I am restored
When You call I won’t refuse
Each new day again I’ll choose
There is no one else for me
None but Jesus
Crucified to set me free
Now I live to bring Him praise
In the chaos, in confusion
I know You’re Sovereign still
In the moment of my weakness
You give me grace to do Your will
When You call I won’t delay
This my song through all my days
All my delight is in You Lord
All of my hope, all of my strength
All my delight is in You Lord
Forevermore
Lord please forgive me for the many times I have left my first love. May all my delights, hopes and strength be in You Lord, forevermore. May there be none but Jesus for me. Amen.
What I love most about this song is that it just really reminds me of who God is and how much He loves me. He is everything I need and all my delights should be in Him. It also reminds me, sadly, of how He is not my everything a lot of the time, and how other things in my life take my love away from Him - and I no longer have 'none but Jesus' in my heart, but some and Jesus.
None but Jesus
In the quiet, in the stillness
I know that You are God
In the secret of Your presence
I know there I am restored
When You call I won’t refuse
Each new day again I’ll choose
There is no one else for me
None but Jesus
Crucified to set me free
Now I live to bring Him praise
In the chaos, in confusion
I know You’re Sovereign still
In the moment of my weakness
You give me grace to do Your will
When You call I won’t delay
This my song through all my days
All my delight is in You Lord
All of my hope, all of my strength
All my delight is in You Lord
Forevermore
Lord please forgive me for the many times I have left my first love. May all my delights, hopes and strength be in You Lord, forevermore. May there be none but Jesus for me. Amen.
Saturday, 13 October 2007
sixty-six clickety-clix
A package came for me today. It looked like this...
Inside was a box that looked like this... I was excited... Inside was this... It was my new toy - the iriver clix 2 isn't it preeeeeetty? it even has games and... and the power to outshine the competition!
guitar stuff
Another cool purchase was this little pick-dispenser.
It attaches onto the guitar and can hold all your guitar picks. Cool thing is that the picks can slip in and out really quickly so I will never have to ask around for a spare pick any more!
Lastly, while on the whole guitar accessories thing, I might just share this little site with you all. It's a wiki-how on how to make your own guitar picks from old bank cards etc.
Thursday, 11 October 2007
san angelo
There's a song by Third Day called San Angelo. It kinda sums up the don't-know-why-I-feel-a-bit-down feeling I get sometimes. I'm not sure why I experience such low feelings, I guess sometimes I just get overwhelmed by self-pity and forget that God's love for me is unchanging.
I think feelings like this can commonly be experienced if we don't monitor the internal thought processes we have. I think I remember reading somewhere that Mac Powell (who penned the lyrics) actually wrote this song during a time when they had been on tour for a while and he had started to feel a bit 'over it' and homesick. I can relate in a sense because often I feel just a bit over it - people don't act the way you want them to, decisions are made that you don't agree with and sometimes you just feel so different to everyone else that even though there are so many people in your life, you just feel alone.
I think feelings like this can commonly be experienced if we don't monitor the internal thought processes we have. I think I remember reading somewhere that Mac Powell (who penned the lyrics) actually wrote this song during a time when they had been on tour for a while and he had started to feel a bit 'over it' and homesick. I can relate in a sense because often I feel just a bit over it - people don't act the way you want them to, decisions are made that you don't agree with and sometimes you just feel so different to everyone else that even though there are so many people in your life, you just feel alone.
I think that's why this song speaks to me quite a lot. But at the same time, it's always good to remind myself of just how constant God is and how unchanging His nature is. As a Christian, that is so comforting, and even when the cloud of discouragement looms, I am just thankful that though all the people around me may forsake me, God will always be there for me until I meet Him face to face.
So back to the song that inspired this post! The lyrics go like this...
Forever seems so distant
Much further than today
You turn around and in an instant
You find that you are just as far from yesterday
The day it feels like winter
The night it feels like stone
You turn around and you remember
When you're surrounded
You can still feel so alone
But it's in between the start and end
I find myself once again
Questioning this place
Calling out your name
San Angelo
What do you know
And tell me do you have something to say
Don't get me wrong
But I miss my home
And it feels like I'm a million miles away
San Angelo
Why do I ask these questions
How come I have these doubts
Cause I find every situation
It always seems to have
It's way of working out
But it's in between the start and end
I find myself once again
Questioning this place
Calling out your name
Sunday, 2 September 2007
revival hymn
Transcript can be found here.
This touches me every time I see it. This part in particular was the clincher for me:
Christianity says... "The end of all being is the glory of God."
Humanism says, "The end of all being is the happiness of man."
This is the betrayal of the ages!!
And it's the betrayal in which we live and I don't see how God can revive it!
Until we come back to Christianity.
Isn't man happy?
And God intends to make you happy. But as a by-product and not a prime product.
Now I ask you, what is the philosophy of mission? What is the philosophy of evangelism? What is the philosophy of a Christian? If you’ll ask me why I went to Africa, I’ll tell you I went primarily, to improve on the justice of God. I didn’t think it was right for anybody to go to hell without a chance to be saved. And so I went to give poor sinners a chance to go to Heaven.
Now, I hadn’t put it in so many words. But if you’ll analyze what I just told you, do you know what it is? It’s humanism. But I was simply using the provisions of Jesus Christ as a means to improve upon human conditions of suffering and misery.
And when I got to Africa, I discovered that they weren’t poor, ignorant, little heathen running around in the woods, waiting for, looking for someone to tell them how to go to Heaven. That they were monsters of iniquity. They were living in utter and total defiance, of far more knowledge of God than I ever dreamed they had. They deserved hell because they utterly refused to walk in the light of their conscience and the light of the law written upon their heart and the testimony of nature and the truth they knew.
And when I found that out, I assure you, I was so angry with God that one occasion in prayer, I told him that it was a mighty, little thing He’d done, sending me out there to reach these people that were waiting to be told how to go to Heaven and when I got there I found out they knew about Heaven, didn’t wanna go there. And they loved their sin and wanted to stay in it.
I went out there motivated by humanism. I’d seen pictures of lepers. I’d seen pictures of ulcers. I’d seen pictures of native funerals. And I didn’t want my fellow human beings to suffer in hell eternally, after such a miserable existence on earth. But it was there in Africa that God began to tear through the overlay of this humanism.
And it was that day in my bedroom, with the door locked, that I wrestled with God. For here was... I was coming to grips with the fact that the people I thought were ignorant and wanted to know how to go to Heaven, and were saying "someone come and teach us" actually didn’t wanna take time to talk with me or anybody else. They had no interest in the bible and no interest in Christ. And they loved their sin and wanted to continue in it. And I was to the place at that time where I felt the whole thing was a sham and a mockery and I’d been sold a bill of goods. And I wanted to come home.
And there alone in my bedroom as I faced God honestly with what my heart felt, it seemed to me I heard Him say, "Yes, will not the Judge of all the earth do right? The heathen are lost and they’re going to go to hell not because they haven’t heard the gospel. They’re going to go to hell because they are sinners who loved... their ..sin.. and because they deserved hell. But, I didn’t send you out there for them, I didn't send you out there for their sakes."
And I heard as clearly as I’ve ever heard though it wasn’t with physical voice but it was the echo of truth of the ages finding its way into an open heart. I heard God say to my heart that day something like this:
"I didn’t send you to Africa for the sake of the heathen. I sent you to Africa for My sake. They deserved hell but I love them and I endured the agonies of hell for them. I didn’t send you out there for them. I sent you out there for Me. Do I not deserve the reward of My suffering? Don't I deserve those for whom I died?"
And it reversed it all. It changed it all and righted it all. And I wasn't any longer working for my cup and ten shekels and a shirt but I was serving the living God.
Friday, 3 August 2007
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