May 12, 2025

Broken Hallelujahs

July 8, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

I can barely stand right now
Everything is crashing down
And I wonder where You are

I try to find the words to pray
I don’t always know what to say
But You’re the one that can hear my heart

Even though I don’t know what Your plan is
I know You’re making beauty from these ashes

I’ve seen joy and I’ve seen pain
On my knees, I call Your name
Here’s my broken hallelujah
With nothing left to hold onto
I raise these empty hands to You
Here’s my broken hallelujah

You know the things that have brought me here
You know the story of every tear
‘Cause You’ve been here from the very start

Even though I don’t know what your plan is
I know You’re making beauty from these ashes

When all is taken away, don’t let my heart be changed
Let me always sing Hallelujah
When I feel afraid, don’t let my hope be erased
Let me always sing Hallelujah
Let me always sing Hallelujah

I will always sing
I will always sing
Here’s my broken hallelujah

Writer(s): Josh Havens/Matt Fuqua/Jordan Mohilowski/Dan Ostebo
Performed by The Afters

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The first time I heard this song, I cried.  Wept uncontrollably.  This was my journey.  I had walked this path.  I have seen joy and pain.  I still get a lump in my throat every time I hear it.  Often I will find myself singing it in my head.

We have all been there…

  • Replaced in the life of someone you thought was a friend
  • Rejected by someone who mattered
  • Betrayed by one closest to you
  • Made a mistake so grievous you believed it could never be atoned
  • Mired in the pit of despair
  • Broken into so many pieces you feel beyond repair
  • Unable to stand, barely able to think
  • In intense pain

So what do we do? Here’s what one great man of God did:

Job stood up and tore his robe in grief.
Then he shaved his head and fell to the ground to worship.
Job 1:20 NLT

Six years ago I found myself in just such a place. I felt I had lost everything that mattered. What I did surprises me as I look back. I turned to my only source of comfort—the only One I could truly trust—Jesus.  I would have never thought my faith was that strong.  As I cried out to Him, I didn’t realize I was offering Him the one thing He desired…a broken hallelujah.

brokenpiecescynda
God knows what the plan is. Only He can make beauty from the broken pieces of our lives. In fact, He sees beauty in the broken. Being broken can lift us up if we lift up our broken hallelujahs to Him.

To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion—
to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes,
the oil of joy instead of mourning,
the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit—
that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent,
distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God],
the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.
Isaiah 61:3 AMP

I have been on my knees, empty hands lifted, calling out His name.  I don’t always have words to pray but God hears my heart.  He has captured EVERY one of the tears I’ve cried in a special bottle (maybe more like a barrel).  I am so very thankful He was with me from the start and never left my side.

When these times come, as I know they will, my one desire is that my heart won’t change and my hope won’t be erased, that I will always sing Hallelujah.

Filed Under: Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Names of God

July 7, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

Elohim, the Creator
Jehovah-Shammah, the Lord is There
My Master, Adonai
El Elyon, the God Most High
Yhwh, You Are the Lord
Jehovah-Rohi, My Shepherd
Mekaddishkem sanctifies you
The Lord our Righteousness, Jehovah-Tsidkenu
Worthy is Your Name; Worthy of all my praise

El Roi, the God Who Sees
You are My Banner, Jehovah-Nissi
The All Sufficient One, El Shaddai
Jehovah-Jireh, You Will Provide
Rapha, the Lord Who Heals
Shalom, You are my Peace
The Lord of Hosts, Jehovah-Sabaoth
El Olam, the Everlasting God
Worthy is Your Name; Worthy of all my praise
Worthy is Your Name; Worthy of all my praise

 

Our God is worthy of our praise! We all need to remember these wonderful name for which we are to call upon our Lord. He is faithful to be there, even when we do not expect it. Copy these names and remember them. Who knows when we are in a place to encourage and share the names of the Most High with others.

 

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His Eye Is On The Sparrow

July 6, 2014 by

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Why do I feel discouraged, why do the shadows come
And why does my heart feel lonely and long for heaven and home
When Jesus is my portion… a constant friend is He
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me

So I sing because I’m happy
And I sing because I’m free
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know He watches me

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me


Songwriters: Mrs. Civilla Martin, along with Charles Gabriel, Sr. and Peter Matz
Performed by: Sandi Patty

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Perhaps the psalmist was in the same praise-filled frame of mind as Mrs. Martin the day she penned the poem which became this classic song.  David wrote,

The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
When evildoers assail me
to eat up my flesh,
my adversaries and foes,
it is they who stumble and fall.
Though an army encamp against me,
my heart shall not fear;
though war arise against me,
yet I will be confident.
One thing have I asked of the Lord,
that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
and to inquire in his temple.
Psalms 27:1-4

David knew, through his vast experience of being sought after to harm and kill by Saul and his men, that evil comes against us and that people will seek to hurt us…whether it be physically or emotionally, financially, or in other ways. But David sung his confession of trust in His God. He was assured that, because the Lord was his Light, his Salvation, his Stronghold—his Refuge and Strength—that he need not have fear.

Jesus spoke to His disciples, soon before He would be taken from them and crucified, telling them this Truth also. He endeavored to give them courage telling them of the great value that they had to His, and their, Father.

And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul;
but rather be afraid of Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell (Gehenna).
Are not two little sparrows sold for a penny? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground
without your Father’s leave (consent) and notice.
But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Fear not, then; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Matthew 10:28-31

We, in our day and time, have the Scriptures to turn to and receive MUCH inspiration and encouragement! One of my most favorite passages is in the Book of Habakkuk. If you know this record, perhaps you are thinking “NOT the most inspiring record to pick, Coleen!” This short three chapters tell of worry and fear…except if you take it all together in context…including the praise of chapter 3!

The book of Habakkuk shows a picture of prideful people being humbled.  It reminds us that while God may seem silent, He always has a plan to deal with the evil and He always works out justice. Habakkuk the prophet gives a wonderful example encouraging us to wait on the Lord, expecting that He will indeed work all things out and that He always has a plan to take care of His people.

Here is the very last bit of the Book of Habakkuk:

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines,
Though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food,
Though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
The Sovereign Lord is my Strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
He enables me to tread on the heights.

Habakkuk 3:17-19

As such should be our own confession and praise!  Just as the psalmist David and Mrs. Martin wrote of their own trust and confidence in God’s goodness, so should…so CAN…we.  ‘His eye IS on the sparrow…and I KNOW He watches me!’

Filed Under: Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs Tagged With: , , , , ,

Freedom

July 4, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv
The Star-Spangled Banner (final stanza)

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war’s desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav’n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust.”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

I never knew how long The Star Spangled Banner was until I looked it up last week.  I was actually wondering if God was mentioned anywhere in the song.  You always hear just the first stanza sung at many events.  The complete song is four stanzas long.  The last stanza (as posted above) does refer to God.  So, two of my questions were answered: 1) Truly, how long is the anthem? 2) If there is more than 1 stanza, is God mentioned anywhere else in the song?

I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.
Psalm 119:45

Our forefathers sought a life of freedom from oppressive governments and to be able to worship freely as they pleased. They did not want to have to answer to one particular “denomination” as we now call all the different types of worship in Christ. Our forefathers wanted to be able to live a life where they would be free to seek the Lord and live unoppressed by the monarchy. They found it in the land that, following the American Revolution, would become the United States of America.

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty;
only [use] not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
Galatians 5:13

For those of us who were blessed to be born here, or blessed to become citizens here through naturalization processes, we have been called to liberty. We are called to be free from the wants of the flesh. We are supposed to love one another and serve another in the eyes of God. God brought us to this free nation, and we are to serve free from the sins of the flesh. We are to use our liberty from oppression to serve God.

We praise and serve God for our freedom through different actions. There are those who serve selflessly in the Armed Forces. Let us thank and remember those who are currently deployed fighting to protect and sustain our freedoms. There are those who serve here at home through emergency services or working in some other capacity. Then we also serve our Lord by helping others and our neighbors. This is just part of the liberty that God has granted us. Let us praise Him and thank Him for our freedom. GOD BLESS AMERICA!

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Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for blessing our nation and giving us the freedom to worship You. Thank You for those who serve to protect that freedom and die for it, if that is their destiny. Thank You for our freedom from the consequences of sin. Thank You for Your love and protection. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Thrive

July 3, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

Here in this worn and weary land
Where many a dream has died
Like a tree planted by the water
We never will run dry
So living water flowing through
God, we thirst for more of You
Fill our hearts and flood our souls
With one desire

Just to know You and to make You known
We lift Your Name on High
Shine like the sun, may darkness run and hide
We know we were made for so much more
Than ordinary lives
It’s time for us to more than just survive
We were made to thrive

Into Your Word we’re digging deep
To know our Father’s heart
Into the world we’re reaching out
To show them who You are
So living water flowing through
God, we thirst for more of You
Fill our hearts and flood our souls
With one desire

Joy unspeakable
Faith unsinkable
Love unstoppable
Anything is possible

We were made to thrive

Songwriters: Mark Hall and Matthew West
Performed by Casting Crowns
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We were made to SHINE and THRIVE in this world
We were made to stand out in a very lost and lonely world…

I LOVE this quote by Joyce Meyer:
What does it mean to be more than a conqueror—You already know you’ve got the victory before you ever get the problem.

AMEN!!! We are victorious in every situation because of HIM!!  We weren’t made to JUST survive…we were made to THRIVE!!!

They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water.
Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought.
Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.
Jeremiah 17:8 ESV

Like a tree living by the water, we will NEVER run dry!!! What a promise!!! Can I get and AMEN!!! If that doesn’t give you some encouragement and hope…I don’t know what will! That is SO our God!!!

Because of Him we can have joy unspeakable!!!

Without having seen Him, you love Him;
though you do not [even] now see Him,
you believe in Him and exult and thrill
with inexpressible and glorious (triumphant, heavenly) joy.
1 Peter 1:8 AMP

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Oh Heavenly Father, thank You for this awesome word…that we can have joy unspeakable and that we will NEVER run dry in this worn and weary land..Into your Word we are digging deep! May we show the world just Who You are by the lives that we lead. May We thirst more and more for you!!! In Jesus’ Name, AMEN!!!!

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Broken Hallelujah

July 2, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

I can barely stand right now.
Everything is crashing down,
And I wonder where You are.

I try to find the words to pray.
I don’t always know what to say,
But You’re the one that can hear my heart.

Even though I don’t know what your plan is,
I know You’re making beauty from these ashes.

I’ve seen joy and I’ve seen pain
On my knees, I call Your name
Here’s my broken hallelujah
With nothing left to hold onto
I raise these empty hands to You
Here’s my broken hallelujah

You know the things that have brought me here.
You know the story of every tear.
‘Cause You’ve been here from the very start.

Even though I don’t know what your plan is,
I know You’re making beauty from these ashes.

When all is taken away, don’t let my heart be changed.
Let me always sing Hallelujah
When I feel afraid, don’t let my hope be erased
Let me always sing Hallelujah.
Let me always sing Hallelujah.

I will always sing
I will always sing
Here’s my broken hallelujah.

 Writer(s): Josh Havens/Matt Fuqua/Jordan Mohilowski/Dan Ostebo
Performed by The Afters

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The band, “The Afters,” wrote this song about Job and all the things he went through. Each band member put himself in Job’s place and challenged himself to this: if each one of us lost it all, and we had the trials that Job went through, (death, loss, illness etc.,) would we still praise God for Who He is and for what He has given us? Would we believe that He is good always, even when we don’t like what He gives? And the answer came in a song…this song.  (If you would like to hear more from The Afters about the story behind this song, click here.)

Can you relate? I know for me there are days that just putting one foot in front of the other is all I can do. Everything is so uncertain and the things I have prayed for seem light years away, yet I still praise Him and believe that He is good always and He loves me so much. I see all the little miracles throughout my days and although no one else may understand, I do and I am amazed that He is in the small details of my life. Sometimes the ‘Hallelujah!’ is broken, because I am. But as the song says, my heart is not changed. I am still so in love with my God.

There are times that I don’t know what to pray. Those are the times that I just hold out my empty arms and receive all He has to give  me. When we don’t know what we need, He does. And sometimes He allows pain into our lives and maybe we don’t know why but if we were to see the big picture, we would never change a thing. Because He is our Creator and He loves us more than anyone ever could, we trust Him in these times and rest in Him.

Where are you today? Are you wondering where He is right now? If you are going through a storm, He is right there with you. If you are on a mountain top, He walked with you all the way there. He never leaves you, regardless of how you feel. So praise Him with everything you have! Hold out those empty hands and let Him fill you with all He has for you. Because He is always worthy to be praised, even if your praise feels a little broken…

At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head.
Then he fell to the ground in worship and said:
“Naked I came from my mothers womb and naked I will depart.
The Lord gave and The Lord has taken away;
may the name of The Lord be praised.”
In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.
Job 1:20-22 NIV

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Let us pray: Dearest Heavenly Father, You are worthy to be praised and worshipped. Thank You for the grace that we don’t deserve. You will take our ‘hallelujahs’ however they come. Even when we feel empty, and are in need, You know the answers before we ask. Lord, we ask that You give us the will and the courage to praise You, even when we aren’t where we want to be and we  have lost all we thought was important. When we have You, we have all we need. We love You. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Filed Under: Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Born For This

July 1, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

Feels like I’ve been holding my breath, trying to still my restless heart
Everything hangs on my next step, finding my nerve, playing my part
I found shelter underneath His crown, found favor inside His eyes
Rock this boat, and I just might drown, honesty seems to come with a price
There’s a time to hold your tongue, time to keep your head down
There’s a time but it’s not now

Sometimes you gotta go, uninvited
Sometimes you gotta speak when you don’t have the floor
Sometimes you gotta move, when everybody else says you should stay
No way, no, not today
You gotta ask, if you want an answer
Sometimes you gotta stand apart from the crowd
Long before your heart could run the risk
You were born for this
You were born for this

I’m leaning on the ones before me, my father’s father’s dreams
I’m standing on the top of their shoulders calling the One delivering me
There’s a time to hold your tongue, time to keep your head down
There’s a time but it’s not now

One step, one move
Born to trust You
Made to lay my life before You

Songwriters: Nicole Nordeman, Bernie Herms
Performed by: Mandisa

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Ladies, we were born for such a time as this!!  We have been equipped for everything we need to live a life of victory.  We just need to tap into it!!!  We each have an important role in the Kingdom and it’s different for each of us.  God planned it that way, so that we all may function in unity together as sisters in Christ.  The question we need to be asking God is “What’s my role ?”  And, once you know, then do it well to honor and glorify your Daddy in Heaven.

We can learn SO MUCH from Queen Esther and her God-given boldness at just the right time.  It wasn’t the popular thing to do and she most certainly could have lost her life for her boldness.  She stood alone and yet she trusted God in it.  And because of it her people were saved.

  • Are we listening to what God is telling us to do?
  • Are we trusting Him in it?
  • Are we willing to step out in that holy boldness and be obedient?

Amazing things are awaiting when we choose to step out!
Obedience = Abundant Blessing

I love this excerpt from Dr. ChandraKumar Manickam:
“Some people watch history, while some people make history. A true hero recognizes a crisis and moves to meet it. What makes a hero? Someone would say, “Be just in the right place at the right time.” People become heroes, because they take quick action at the “right time,” while others stand watching in horror. This kind of courage made Esther a brave heroine in the history of Israel.
Though queen Esther did not have a specific title of ministry, she was instrumental in saving the entire Jewish nation. She was steadfastly committed to living according to godly principles. This allowed God to use her for His purpose and glory.”

click here for entire teaching

Ladies, let us not be just watchers but instead step out in faith and let God use us right now for His purposes—orchestrated by Him for His glory!!!

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Heavenly Father, I thank You that we were born for such a time as this and that each of us women have a very IMPORTANT role in the Kingdom.  May we choose to operate in the different roles that you have appointed specifically for each one of us…so that we may live in unity with each other.  I pray that each woman would step out in holy boldness at just the right moment orchestrated by You for Your glory and Yours alone…in Jesus’ name!!!  Amen.

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God’s Great Dance Floor

June 30, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

I’m coming back to the start
Where You found me
I’m coming back to Your heart
Now I surrender
Take me
This is all I can bring

I’m coming back to the start
Our God is freedom
And here we feel Your heart
Your heartbeat for us
Take me
This is all I can bring

You’ll never stop loving us
No matter how far we run
You’ll never give up on us
All of heaven shouts: ‘let the future begin’
Let the future begin

Take me
This is all I can bring

I feel alive, I come alive
I am alive on God’s great dance floor
I feel alive, I come alive
I am alive on God’s great dance floor
I feel alive, I come alive
I am alive on God’s great dance floor
I feel alive, I come alive
I am alive on God’s great dance floor
I feel alive, I come alive
I am alive on God’s great dance floor
God’s great dance floor!

Songwriters: Martin Smith, Nick Herbert, Chris Tomlin
Performed by Chris Tomlin, Passion Band

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“No matter how far we run, You’ll never give up on us.”  To me, this speaks to mankind. Just think, that for over two thousand years after Jesus was on the earth, most things have not changed.  From the beginning of time, our ancestors lived life as the best they could. They chose to follow God or not. They chose to have joy or sorrow in their hearts.

Look at what God has done for His people, Israel. He chose to make them from a promise He made to Abraham. His family were idol makers. God knew something about his heart and chose to test him through making him wait for the birth of his only son into the promise. At the birth of Isaac there was a celebration of life. I like to think of God being impressed by Abraham’s trust and of Isaac’s trust of his father. Isaac had to accept God in his own life and learn to trust him.

We rear our children in the church, but they have to make trusting God their own. Our kids think life shows them what and who God is in their life. But it is up to us to guide them into making right choices. Just as the kings of Israel knew who God was, some decided not to follow after God. They chose to lead the people astray. God cannot make someone want to follow Him, our hearts have to be willing to accept God.  We also need to remember to celebrate the small victories, so we do not get weighed down with the world’s problems.  We need to dance on God’s big dance floor!

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Father, help us to remember to celebrate life.  Often times we make our lives too hard or complicated.  We forget to look out past the weeds to see the beautiful butterflies or animals that You have created for our and Your enjoyment.  Thank You for the little treasures we receive—the bird songs, the crisp morning air, the baby’s cry, the ability to get up out of our beds.  Thank You for the inspiration music gives to us to dance!  Thank You, in Jesus’ name.  Amen!

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I Can Just Be Me

June 29, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

I’ve been doing all that I can
To hold it all together, piece by piece
I’ve been feeling like a failure
Trying to be braver
Than I could ever be
…It’s just not me

So be my Healer, be my Comfort
Be my Peace
‘Cause I can be broken
I can be needy, Lord, I need You now
To be, be my God
…So I can just be me

I’ve been living like an orphan
Trying to belong here
But it’s just not my home
I’ve been holding on so tightly
To all the things that I think
That satisfy my soul
…But I’m letting go

So be my Father, my mighty Warrior
Be my King
‘Cause I can be scattered, frail and shattered
Lord, I need You now
To be, be my God
…So I can just be me

‘Cause I was lost
In this dark world
‘Til I was finally found in You
So now I’m needy, desperately pleading
Oh Lord, be all to me

So be my Savior, be my Lifeline
Won’t You be my everything?
‘Cause I’m so tired
Of trying to be someone
I was never meant to be

Be my God, please be my God
Be my God so I can just be me
So I can just be me
…I can just be me

Singer / Songwriter: Laura Story, along with Jason Ingram

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Can’t you just imagine leafing through your Bible and coming upon these words…they are so similar to one of David’s songs, don’t you think?  This song sings just like one (no, like MANY) of the psalms.  Perhaps these words are very similar to a song in your own heart?  I’ll tell you…they are close to my own, at times.

Oh, I can whine…and complain!  Despite the great measure of grace and blessing that my God has poured into my life, at times I seem to forget.  I can become overwhelmed with the situations and circumstances.  And then  attempt to wrestle with these ugly things rather than resting and relying on my God.

Silly me!  I try to take things into my own <incapable> hands instead of seeking the only One Who IS capable—my Lord, Jesus the Christ, the One to Whom all “all authority (all power of rule) in heaven and on earth has been given…” (Matthew 28:18).

I (and you also, my friends!) we are not alone in struggling with matters such as this!  We’ve already recognized that David called out to God in his struggles. But we also have the examples and godly encouragement of other men throughout the pages of the Bible.  The Apostle Paul and his disciple, Timothy, are two who I thought of immediately!  Paul wrote in his letters to encourage the believers in the first century Church <and us, too!!!> to rely on all that Christ had made available.

But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you,
for My power is made perfect in weakness.”
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses,
so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses,
insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities.
For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9, 10 ESV

In Paul’s letters to Timothy, as he taught him regarding leadership, Paul faithfully reminded Timothy that God is the One Who is to be trusted and relied upon.  For example, He said:

That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know Whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.
2 Timothy 1:12 NIV

All throughout the Scriptures, God’s people are instructed over and over and over again of the simplicity of the commands He has for us.

He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you
but to do justly,
and to love kindness and mercy,
and to humble yourself and walk humbly with your God?
Micah 6:8

We need to remember.  And to trust and obey.  It is SO much simpler to do things God’s way!  And then ‘I can just be me!’   Amen?

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Oh, how we praise You, dear Lord!  What joy we have in our hearts knowing that You ARE our Healer, Comfort, Peace… our Father, Mighty Warrior, King… our Savior, Lifeline… truly our everything!  How gracious, kind, and compassionate You are towards our human nature which, at times, is weak and needy and tired!  Thank You for how patient and longsuffering You are with us…never leaving us nor forsaking us even when we are whiny and complaining.  Thank You for Your grace and mercy, Your lovingkindness, Your forgiveness, Your love!  Thank You for always being there when turn our little hearts around and acknowledge that You have not changed…and never will.  Thank You for forming and making us—to ‘just be me!’  We love and adore You, Faithful Father!  And pray in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Filed Under: Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Three Wooden Crosses

June 27, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv
There are three wooden crosses on the right side of the highway
Why there’s not four of them, Heaven only knows
I guess it’s not what you take when you leave this world behind you
It’s what you leave behind you when you go

That farmer left a harvest, a home and eighty acres
The faith an’ love for growin’ things in his young son’s heart
An’ that teacher left her wisdom in the minds of lots of children
Did her best to give ’em all a better start
An’ that preacher whispered: “Can’t you see the Promised Land?”
As he laid his blood-stained Bible in that hooker’s hand

There are three wooden crosses on the right side of the highway
Why there’s not four of them, Heaven only knows
I guess it’s not what you take when you leave this world behind you
It’s what you leave behind you when you go

That’s the story that our preacher told last Sunday
As he held that blood-stained Bible up
For all of us to see
He said: “Bless the farmer, and the teacher, an’ the preacher
“Who gave this Bible to my mamma
“Who read it to me”

There are three wooden crosses on the right side of the highway
Why there’s not four of them, now I guess we know
It’s not what you take when you leave this world behind you
It’s what you leave behind you when you go

Songwriters: Kim Williams and Doug Johnson
Performed by Randy Travis and Josh Turner

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Every time I hear this song I can imagine the story it is telling…

A bus has wrecked. Three people have died—a farmer, a teacher, and a preacher. The farmer left the love of farming to his own son. The teacher left her wisdom to her students. A preacher leaves his Bible with a hooker who then uses it to turn her life around. She reads the Word and turns from her possibly horrible miserable life. She has a young son of her own. She reads those same life-saving words to her own son. Her son would become a preacher….

Now these are some honorable legacies!

We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation
the glorious deeds of the Lord, and His might, and the wonders that He has done.
Psalm 78:4

The hooker in the ballad above did not hide ‘the glorious deeds’ from her son.  She did not hide from him what saved her life. Instead, she gave him the same tools that were given to her by a dying preacher to make sure that her son did not follow the same path the she had.  She got to see a great legacy formed when her son decided to become a preacher. We as parents leave legacies to our children.  They watch everything we say and do, and they learn by listening to us and watching us.

As parents it is up to us to leave our children with a good foundation in Christ. We pass our morals and beliefs onto our children through our actions and conversations with them. They then will turn around and pass it down to their own kids. Leaving a godly legacy becomes more important with each passing generation as this world begins to turn from God.

We should not hide these things from our children. In the song the hooker does not hide her life from her son.  Instead, and this is my imagination working, she shares what her life was like to him and reads to him the Bible, which saved her life.  The preacher made sure that the legacy of God continued when he passed his bloodied up Bible to someone who was in desperate need of it.  I like to imagine that the hooker was on her way to a new life, and the preacher was God’s instrument in making sure that she made herself better and left a good legacy herself.  We need to follow this example and leave a good legacy for our own children.

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Dear Heavenly Father, please guide me in helping to leave a Godly legacy to my children.  May they learn how good You are and that You will never leave them. Please protect them and help them build their own Godly legacies.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Filed Under: Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
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