4 years ago
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
The Glories of the Cross - Sovereign Grace Music
What wisdom once devised the plan
Where all our sin and pride
Was placed upon the perfect Lamb
Who suffered, bled, and died?
The wisdom of a Sovereign God
Whose greatness will be shown
When those who crucified Your Son
Rejoice around Your throne
And, oh, the glory of the cross
That You would send Your Son for us
I gladly count my life as loss
That I might come to know
The glory of, the glory of the cross
What righteousness was there revealed
That sets the guilty free
That justifies ungodly men
And calls the filthy clean?
A righteousness that proved to all
Your justice has been met
And holy wrath is satisfied
Through one atoning death
And, oh, the glory of the cross
That You would send Your Son for us
I gladly count my life as loss
That I might come to know
The glory of, the glory of the cross
What mercy now has been proclaimed
For those who would believe
A love incomprehensible
Our minds could not conceive?
A mercy that forgives my sin
Then makes me like Your Son
And now I’m loved forevermore
Because of what You’ve done
Where all our sin and pride
Was placed upon the perfect Lamb
Who suffered, bled, and died?
The wisdom of a Sovereign God
Whose greatness will be shown
When those who crucified Your Son
Rejoice around Your throne
And, oh, the glory of the cross
That You would send Your Son for us
I gladly count my life as loss
That I might come to know
The glory of, the glory of the cross
What righteousness was there revealed
That sets the guilty free
That justifies ungodly men
And calls the filthy clean?
A righteousness that proved to all
Your justice has been met
And holy wrath is satisfied
Through one atoning death
And, oh, the glory of the cross
That You would send Your Son for us
I gladly count my life as loss
That I might come to know
The glory of, the glory of the cross
What mercy now has been proclaimed
For those who would believe
A love incomprehensible
Our minds could not conceive?
A mercy that forgives my sin
Then makes me like Your Son
And now I’m loved forevermore
Because of what You’ve done
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Too Close To Home
"Why" - Rascal Flatts
You must have been in a
Place so dark
You couldn't feel the light
Reachin' for you through
That stormy cloud
Now here we are
Gathered in our little hometown
This can't be the way
You meant to draw a crowd
Oh why, that's what I keep asking
Was there anything I could've
Said or done
Oh, I had no clue you were
Masking
A troubled soul, God only knows
What went wrong and why
You would leave the stage
In the middle of a song
Now in my mind I'll keep you frozen
As a seventeen-year-old
Rounding third to score the
Winning run
You always played with passion
No matter what the game
When you took the stage
You'd shine just like the sun
Oh why, that's what I keep asking
Was there anything I could've
Said or done
Oh, I had no clue you were
Masking
A troubled soul, God only knows
What went wrong and why
You would leave the stage
In the middle of a song
Now the oak trees are swaying
In the early autumn breeze
A golden sun is shining on my face
Through tangled thoughts
I hear a mockingbird sing
This old world really ain't that
Bad of a place
Oh why, there's no comprehending
And who am I to try to
Judge or explain
Oh, but I do have one
Burning question
Who told you life wasn't
Worth the fight
They were wrong, they lied
Now you're gone and we cry
'Cause it's not like you to
Walk away
In the middle of a song
Your beautiful song
Your absolutely beautiful song
Place so dark
You couldn't feel the light
Reachin' for you through
That stormy cloud
Now here we are
Gathered in our little hometown
This can't be the way
You meant to draw a crowd
Oh why, that's what I keep asking
Was there anything I could've
Said or done
Oh, I had no clue you were
Masking
A troubled soul, God only knows
What went wrong and why
You would leave the stage
In the middle of a song
Now in my mind I'll keep you frozen
As a seventeen-year-old
Rounding third to score the
Winning run
You always played with passion
No matter what the game
When you took the stage
You'd shine just like the sun
Oh why, that's what I keep asking
Was there anything I could've
Said or done
Oh, I had no clue you were
Masking
A troubled soul, God only knows
What went wrong and why
You would leave the stage
In the middle of a song
Now the oak trees are swaying
In the early autumn breeze
A golden sun is shining on my face
Through tangled thoughts
I hear a mockingbird sing
This old world really ain't that
Bad of a place
Oh why, there's no comprehending
And who am I to try to
Judge or explain
Oh, but I do have one
Burning question
Who told you life wasn't
Worth the fight
They were wrong, they lied
Now you're gone and we cry
'Cause it's not like you to
Walk away
In the middle of a song
Your beautiful song
Your absolutely beautiful song
Saturday, April 24, 2010
The Room
"In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings.
As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read “Girls I have liked.” I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn’t match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.
A file named “Friends” was next to one marked “Friends I have betrayed.” The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. “Books I Have Read,” “Lies I Have Told,” “Comfort I have Given,” “Jokes I Have Laughed at.”
Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: “Things I’ve yelled at my brothers.” Others I couldn’t laugh at: “Things I Have Done in My Anger”, “Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents.” I never ceased to be surprised by the contents Often there were many more cards than expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived.
Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.
When I pulled out the file marked “TV Shows I have watched,” I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn’t found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.
When I came to a file marked “Lustful Thoughts,” I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me.
One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!” In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn’t matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards…
But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.
And then I saw it. The title bore “People I Have Shared the Gospel With.” The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.
And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes.. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.
No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn’t bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes.
Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn’t anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn’t say a word. He just cried with me.
Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. “No!” I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was “No, no,” as I pulled the card from Him.. His name shouldn’t be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, and so alive.
The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don’t think I’ll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, “It is finished.”
I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written."
(Author Unknown)
As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read “Girls I have liked.” I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn’t match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.
A file named “Friends” was next to one marked “Friends I have betrayed.” The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. “Books I Have Read,” “Lies I Have Told,” “Comfort I have Given,” “Jokes I Have Laughed at.”
Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: “Things I’ve yelled at my brothers.” Others I couldn’t laugh at: “Things I Have Done in My Anger”, “Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents.” I never ceased to be surprised by the contents Often there were many more cards than expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived.
Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.
When I pulled out the file marked “TV Shows I have watched,” I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn’t found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.
When I came to a file marked “Lustful Thoughts,” I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me.
One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!” In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn’t matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards…
But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.
And then I saw it. The title bore “People I Have Shared the Gospel With.” The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.
And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes.. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.
No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn’t bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes.
Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn’t anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn’t say a word. He just cried with me.
Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. “No!” I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was “No, no,” as I pulled the card from Him.. His name shouldn’t be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, and so alive.
The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don’t think I’ll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, “It is finished.”
I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written."
(Author Unknown)
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
He Drank Damnation Dry
He drank it all up! -- C.H. Spurgeon
When Christ died, he took all the sins of all his people,
past, present, and to come, and when the whole mass
was condensed into one bitter cup, he drank it all up.
"At one tremendous draught of love," leaving not so
much as a single drop of wormwood or gall for any
of his people to drink.
The whole of the tremendous debt!
The whole of the tremendous debt
was put upon his shoulders.
The whole weight of the sins of all
his people was placed upon him.
Once he seemed to stagger under it--
"Father, if it is possible..."
But then he stood upright--
"Nevertheless, not my will, but your will be done."
The whole of the punishment of his people was distilled into
one cup-- no mortal lip might give it so much as a solitary sip.
When he put it to his own lips, it was so bitter, that he
well nigh spurned it-- "Let this cup pass from me..."
But his love for his people was so strong,
that he took the cup in both his hands, and
"At one tremendous draught of love
he drank damnation dry,"
for all of his people.
He drank it all, he endured it all, he suffered it all;
so that now forever there are no flames of hell;
no racks of torment; and no eternal woes for them.
Jesus has suffered all that they ought to have suffered,
and they must, they shall go free!
When Christ died, he took all the sins of all his people,
past, present, and to come, and when the whole mass
was condensed into one bitter cup, he drank it all up.
"At one tremendous draught of love," leaving not so
much as a single drop of wormwood or gall for any
of his people to drink.
The whole of the tremendous debt!
The whole of the tremendous debt
was put upon his shoulders.
The whole weight of the sins of all
his people was placed upon him.
Once he seemed to stagger under it--
"Father, if it is possible..."
But then he stood upright--
"Nevertheless, not my will, but your will be done."
The whole of the punishment of his people was distilled into
one cup-- no mortal lip might give it so much as a solitary sip.
When he put it to his own lips, it was so bitter, that he
well nigh spurned it-- "Let this cup pass from me..."
But his love for his people was so strong,
that he took the cup in both his hands, and
"At one tremendous draught of love
he drank damnation dry,"
for all of his people.
He drank it all, he endured it all, he suffered it all;
so that now forever there are no flames of hell;
no racks of torment; and no eternal woes for them.
Jesus has suffered all that they ought to have suffered,
and they must, they shall go free!
Friday, March 12, 2010
Hast Thou No Scar?
Hast thou no scar?
No hidden scar on foot, or side, or hand?
I hear thee sung as mighty in the land;
I hear them hail thy bright, ascendant star.
Hast thou no scar?
Hast thou no wound?
Yet I was wounded by the archers; spent,
Leaned Me against a tree to die; and rent
By ravening beasts that compassed Me, I swooned.
Hast thou no wound?
No wound? No scar?
Yet, as the Master shall the servant be,
And piercèd are the feet that follow Me.
But thine are whole; can he have followed far
Who hast no wound or scar?
-- Amy Carmichael
Monday, March 1, 2010
Chelsea King
I am so upset.
If you haven't heard already, a 17 year old girl from the San Diego area went missing on Feb. 25th, while she was out running. Since she went missing, police have found much evidence linking her disappearance to a registered sex offender who lived in the area. And based on the evidence, they believe that he raped and murdered her.
This is so horrible! This selfish and disgusting man took a sweet 17 year old girl, into his possession, and completely defamed her. He might have taken her life. I hate this sin. I hate the thought that this girl, while she was out running, was taken and hurt. I hate that people like this man are living here. I hate that this man, previously took advantage of a 13 year old girl in 2000, spent 6 years in jail for it, but still feels no remorse for it. How could someone do something so sick and feel no guilt from it?! I am so angry with sin!!!!
Here is what gets me, what this girl was doing- running in daylight- is something that I, and many other girls do daily. If one man decided to take her, then many other men could make the same decision and take others. Today while running, I took the short way, because I was just too scared that something could happen. I do believe in the protection of the Lord, but I also believe in His sovereignty- He allows certain things to happen and promises to use the bad for good- even somethng like this.
I want SO badly for sweet Chelsea to be found, alive and able to recooperate. I want her to be able to live from this and know that the Lord is sovereign and all-loving. I want her to know the healing power of Chirst. But the eveidence in the news makes it seem like a very impossible reality. They have not found her, but the police are speculating that she is already dead.
I am so upset by this. I hate that she had to go through something so horrible. :(
Girls, be careful when you go our running. Take your phone and even pepperspray with you. I always run with my phone in my hand, and it doesnt bother me at all. Its better to be safe than not.
I want the Lord to come back and make all things new. I want Him to restore peace and protection.
If you haven't heard already, a 17 year old girl from the San Diego area went missing on Feb. 25th, while she was out running. Since she went missing, police have found much evidence linking her disappearance to a registered sex offender who lived in the area. And based on the evidence, they believe that he raped and murdered her.
This is so horrible! This selfish and disgusting man took a sweet 17 year old girl, into his possession, and completely defamed her. He might have taken her life. I hate this sin. I hate the thought that this girl, while she was out running, was taken and hurt. I hate that people like this man are living here. I hate that this man, previously took advantage of a 13 year old girl in 2000, spent 6 years in jail for it, but still feels no remorse for it. How could someone do something so sick and feel no guilt from it?! I am so angry with sin!!!!
Here is what gets me, what this girl was doing- running in daylight- is something that I, and many other girls do daily. If one man decided to take her, then many other men could make the same decision and take others. Today while running, I took the short way, because I was just too scared that something could happen. I do believe in the protection of the Lord, but I also believe in His sovereignty- He allows certain things to happen and promises to use the bad for good- even somethng like this.
I want SO badly for sweet Chelsea to be found, alive and able to recooperate. I want her to be able to live from this and know that the Lord is sovereign and all-loving. I want her to know the healing power of Chirst. But the eveidence in the news makes it seem like a very impossible reality. They have not found her, but the police are speculating that she is already dead.
I am so upset by this. I hate that she had to go through something so horrible. :(
Girls, be careful when you go our running. Take your phone and even pepperspray with you. I always run with my phone in my hand, and it doesnt bother me at all. Its better to be safe than not.
I want the Lord to come back and make all things new. I want Him to restore peace and protection.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Old Poem
She was full of the power and the blinding glow of God.
Every word she spoke, was like treasures flowing from her mouth.
Respected by all. Every part of her.
Every word she spoke, was like treasures flowing from her mouth.
Respected by all. Every part of her.
She started to change... Not so powerful, not so bright.
She seemed to be holding back.
For quite a while at that.
Comfort set in.
She seemed to be holding back.
For quite a while at that.
Comfort set in.
Then, out of no where, she pulls out her secret weapon,
And throws it with all of her might.
It hit more powerful than ever.
Penetrating my very soul.
And throws it with all of her might.
It hit more powerful than ever.
Penetrating my very soul.
There is power in truth.
Respect has been restored.
I know my place.
God IS powerful.
Respect has been restored.
I know my place.
God IS powerful.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
What Sweet Fellowship We Once Shared
"For it is not an enemy who reproaches me; then I could bear it. Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me; then I could hide from him. But it was you, a man my equal, my companion and my acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked to the house of God in the throng."
-- Psalm 55:12-14 (NKJV)
"It is not an enemy who taunts me— I could bear that. It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me— I could have hidden from them. Instead, it is you—my equal, my companion and close friend. What good fellowship we once enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God."
-- Psalm 55:12-14 (NLT)
-- Psalm 55:12-14 (NKJV)
"It is not an enemy who taunts me— I could bear that. It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me— I could have hidden from them. Instead, it is you—my equal, my companion and close friend. What good fellowship we once enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God."
-- Psalm 55:12-14 (NLT)
God's word speaks truth. It explains our deepest pain, but it gives us sweet hope as well:
""But I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more. My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness and your salvation all the day, for I do not know their limits. I will go in the strength of the Lord God; I will make mention of Your righteousness, of Yours only." -- Psalm 71:14-16 (NKJV)
"I will go in the strength of the Lord God; I will make mention of Your righteousness, of Your's only..."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
