Christmas Hymns: Joy to the World

A little Christmas music.

Spiritual Songs: "Prayer for a Friend"

We have all been in the place this song describes. We all have someone for whom we are praying. We can take heart knowing that God hears. I hope this song encourages you.

Spiritual Songs: "Does Anybody Hear Her" by Casting Crowns

I have written and rewritten this post several times now. I just don't know how to best say what I want to say about this song. I think this song was meant to make us meditate on the nature of our hearts, our tendencies to form cliques, our judgmental attitudes, and the plight of those who don't know Christ. It is meant to rip off the blinders that come from being isolated from the lost.

"Does Anybody Hear Her," calls us to search our own hearts, and ask the question: am I missing something? Are we aware of the lostness that surrounds our churches and communities? Do we look down on those who don't come to church or who don't know how to act once they're there?

Are we mindful of the divine appointments that God has brought into our lives? Or do we miss them because we are too busy or too distracted?

I can't ask you to enjoy this song. It isn't that kind of song. It's the kind of song you listen to, and meditate on. It is the kind of song that pierces to the heart, and calls for action. There is a lost world all around us, some of them are at a crossroads in life. They need direction. They need guidance. They need someone to hear them, and lovingly guide them in the right path. I pray that God will open your eyes and mine to see those running in the wrong direction. Also, I pray he gives us the courage to reach out to them.

Spiritual Songs: "Voice of Truth"

Our minds are a battlefield. Although, at times, it may feel as if we are out matched and unarmed, we are not. A lie is at the root of all human rebellion and sin. A lie so engrained in the human experience and psyche that it feels like reality. The lie suggests that we don't need God, that we can make it on our own, that our desires are more important than anyone else's.

James said it well,

No one undergoing trial should say, "I am being tempted of God." For God is not tempted by evil, and He Himself doesn't tempt anyone. But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desires. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death (James 1:13-15, HCSB).

Because of sin, we each went astray. We were lost, and needed someone to come and rescue us. Jesus, through the presence of the Spirit, has done that through his church. Now, as his followers, we need to learn to hear and obey his voice.

This song, "The Voice of Truth," by Casting Crowns expresses the battle that exists between the lie and the God's truth. We counter the lies of Satan with the truth of God's Word. As we listen to the voice of truth, we learn to live in obedience. Battle on, my dear friends. May this video encourage you.

Spiritual Songs: "Praise You in this Storm" by Casting Crowns

This is one of the most powerful songs I have ever heard. The Lord used it to minister to me through very difficult times. Every time I hear it, I feel compelled to acknowledge his greatness. Even in the storms of life, God is worthy of our praise. If we forget that truth, the storms will overwhelm us. But if we live that truth, we will see the Lord enthroned above the storms. He is glorious and mighty. May his name be praised. Enjoy the video.

Spiritual Songs: "Slow Fade" by Casting Crowns

This song came to mind while I was working on another blog post. I have decided to post this first. This is the official video for "Slow Fade." I love Casting Crowns. They have a lot of excellent music. This song was in the movie Fireproof.

This song serves as a warning. When people are "blindsided" by sin, it is usually because they have been slowly drifting off center for a long time. I hope this song ministers to you, and I hope you read Wednesday's post. (I can't do anything about the commercials, sorry).

Hymns: Blessed Redeemer

Casting Crowns has a beautiful version of the hymn, Blessed Redeemer.  Here is a video that uses their music and combines it with scenes from The Passion of the Christ.  Easter is still a ways off, but we should meditate on the cross frequently.