Listening to: Nothin' - Chirs Rice
There is a bell ringing within me that won’t go away. The reverberations persistently convoke me to my Lord and a plan that he has for me. This plan is something I may never fully know but there is one thing I know; to not forgo and relinquish my own desires is to lose my life.
Jesus tells me that, "[W]hoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it." It is the coolest sacrifice I can make because I know the eternally wonderful reward and therefore there is not doubt what decision I will make.
"For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? For what will a man give in exchange for his soul?"
A life is a precious thing to lose.
In The Light of His Glory and Grace
I'm realizing that if I want the things of Earth to grow "strangely dim" then I must place all my focus on Christ. If we've died with Christ, then we all have been raised with Christ. If we're dead to the things of this world, we're alive to the things of heaven. I don't want it any other way. And, to achieve this, the bible tells me to "set [my] mind on the things above, not on earthly things" (Col 3:1-4.)
O soul are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There's light for a look at the Saviour,
And life more abundant and free.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His Glory and Grace.
Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more has dominion -
For more than conquerors we are!
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His Glory and Grace.
His Word shall not fail you - He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well;
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His Glory and Grace.
Words and Music by Helen H. Lemmel - 1922
O soul are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There's light for a look at the Saviour,
And life more abundant and free.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His Glory and Grace.
Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more has dominion -
For more than conquerors we are!
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His Glory and Grace.
His Word shall not fail you - He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well;
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His Glory and Grace.
Words and Music by Helen H. Lemmel - 1922
The Rest
You are calling me
To stop and understand
To free myself from noise
To rest and know Your plan
You are telling me
My life is in Your hands
I rest within Your light
And in You I can stand
You are leading me
To a place without this fear
Where love and grace are free
Where You and I are near
To stop and understand
To free myself from noise
To rest and know Your plan
You are telling me
My life is in Your hands
I rest within Your light
And in You I can stand
You are leading me
To a place without this fear
Where love and grace are free
Where You and I are near
Our Ballad
Awaken with the power of this
Love that is drowning into
Space a place I cannot go
To find you and bring you home
Frightened as I find out that I
Can't save you. With all of my heart
I know this is the way that it goes
And yet I still hold out hope
When darkness comes and I can't see
I'll always call upon my King
When morning breaks and You are there
I'll fly to meet You in the air
Love that is drowning into
Space a place I cannot go
To find you and bring you home
Frightened as I find out that I
Can't save you. With all of my heart
I know this is the way that it goes
And yet I still hold out hope
When darkness comes and I can't see
I'll always call upon my King
When morning breaks and You are there
I'll fly to meet You in the air
What to Feel
Listening to: Still - Issakar
--
What am I supposed to feel
I don't even want to write
I'm broken like a rusty wheel
Is there any way to make this right
Is there something I'm not giving over
Something that I'm holding back
Does my second face need to move over
To find out what my first one lacks
Because
I thought I knew where I was going
and maybe I still do
But I can't keep on like this
I'm telling You the truth
Yes, I thought this way was best
But I think that I was wrong
Yet, it still may be true
But I've given it to You
[sep05]
--
What am I supposed to feel
I don't even want to write
I'm broken like a rusty wheel
Is there any way to make this right
Is there something I'm not giving over
Something that I'm holding back
Does my second face need to move over
To find out what my first one lacks
Because
I thought I knew where I was going
and maybe I still do
But I can't keep on like this
I'm telling You the truth
Yes, I thought this way was best
But I think that I was wrong
Yet, it still may be true
But I've given it to You
[sep05]
I Want To Move
Here is a song stemming from a desire to make right decisions in critical issues in my life. There seems to be an abundance of issues that "I'm" deciding right now. I quote 'I'm' because it's not me who is making these decisions—it just appears this was from my lame human view.
Frozen as the world watches from afar
Truly not knowing me or my heart
That beats for the knowing of my days
That beats for the changing of my ways
It's my turn to move, hands shake with fear
The world watches me, what will I choose?
But I want to move in a way that’s true
In a way that’s good, that leads me to You
A cinder warm enough to glow
A blazing fire in my soul
That burns to see the path unknown
That burns to light the way back home
[July, 2005]
I Want To Move
Frozen as the world watches from afar
Truly not knowing me or my heart
That beats for the knowing of my days
That beats for the changing of my ways
It's my turn to move, hands shake with fear
The world watches me, what will I choose?
But I want to move in a way that’s true
In a way that’s good, that leads me to You
A cinder warm enough to glow
A blazing fire in my soul
That burns to see the path unknown
That burns to light the way back home
[July, 2005]
The Shadow Proves The Sunshine
Listening to: The Shadow Proves The Sunshine - Switchfoot
Sunshine won't you be my mother
Sunshine come and help me see
My heart is darker than these oceans
My heart is frozen underneath
Crooked souls trying to stay up straight
Dry eyes in the pouring rain
Well, the shadow proves the Sunshine
The shadow proves the Sunshine
Two scared little runaways
Hold fast till the break of daylight
Where the shadow proves the Sunshine
The shadow proves the Sunshine
Oh Lord, why did you forsake me
Oh Lord, don't be far away
Storm clouds gathering beside me
Please Lord, don't look the other way
Crooked souls trying to stay up straight
Dry eyes in the pouring rain
Well, the shadow proves the Sunshine
The shadow proves the Sunshine
Two scared little runaways
Hold fast till the break of daylight
Where, the shadow proves the Sunshine
The shadow proves the Sunshine
Yeah, yeah, shine on me.
Shine on me... Let my shadows prove the Sunshine.
Sunshine won't you be my mother
Sunshine come and help me see
My heart is darker than these oceans
My heart is frozen underneath
Crooked souls trying to stay up straight
Dry eyes in the pouring rain
Well, the shadow proves the Sunshine
The shadow proves the Sunshine
Two scared little runaways
Hold fast till the break of daylight
Where the shadow proves the Sunshine
The shadow proves the Sunshine
Oh Lord, why did you forsake me
Oh Lord, don't be far away
Storm clouds gathering beside me
Please Lord, don't look the other way
Crooked souls trying to stay up straight
Dry eyes in the pouring rain
Well, the shadow proves the Sunshine
The shadow proves the Sunshine
Two scared little runaways
Hold fast till the break of daylight
Where, the shadow proves the Sunshine
The shadow proves the Sunshine
Yeah, yeah, shine on me.
Shine on me... Let my shadows prove the Sunshine.
A Call To Full Submission
[Note: I promised this to someone.]
In order to be effective, one must be passionate. This is demonstrated everyday when a person works at some task. Their effectiveness of completing that task stems from their level of passion for it. If they lack passion for the task, the outcome—the “final product”—will be directly debilitated.
Such is the case with our task of serving God. Our level of passion for serving God directly effects how we will serve Him. Our service and surrender to God can range from extremely high to nearly nonexistent depending on the passion we have for Him. Now, a being’s passion for God is not set at a certain level never to be altered—a passion for God can mature and grow. In fact, a passion for God must mature and grow to be as effective as God has called us to be.
Most human beings are passionate about at least one person—we will use a spouse for an example. When a man enters into a marriage relationship with his wife he is thereby saying that her life is more important than his—he is promising to value her more than he values himself. Though quite a commitment and quite an example of passion, this is often viewed as a simple—or even “common” act. However, this act of existing in a marriage relationship, serving and caring for the other more than yourself, is a direct picture of the level of passion each of the spouses have for each other. I would hope that people entering into this marriage relationship would be willing to fulfill their promises to the point of dying for their spouse—this the true measure of passion.
The true measure of passion (and therefore, “effectiveness”) is to value that person or that thing more than you value yourself. There is a small level of passion taken to work and be effective at small tasks (as I showed earlier) but obviously this is not the same amount it takes to lay down your life for someone. And, laying down your life does not always mean dying. You can “lay down your life” for your spouse by valuing them more than yourself and therefore serving them.
As we’ve seen in the marriage relationship so we can translate to our relationship with God—our Heavenly Father. We are called to enter into a relationship—much the same as an earthly marriage relationship of service and surrender. Our level of passion for Him will directly determine our willingness to serve and “lay down our lives” and our effectiveness in doing so. As I said in regards to the earthly marriage relationship, we are called to value the one we have passion for more than ourselves. Such is true in our relationship with God. Our level of passion will determine what we will do for our Savior and how effective we will be in doing so.
Full submission is illustrated with serving and surrendering your own desires and will. This kind of true submission—this beautiful and “full” submission—only takes place when your passion for God is overflowing. When this is the case you will serve effectively and submit fully: Daily dying—sometimes literally—for the One you are truly passionate about.
[Download document :: Format (PDF) (Doc)]
08.13.05
A Call To Full Submission
By Nate M. Hanson
By Nate M. Hanson
In order to be effective, one must be passionate. This is demonstrated everyday when a person works at some task. Their effectiveness of completing that task stems from their level of passion for it. If they lack passion for the task, the outcome—the “final product”—will be directly debilitated.
Such is the case with our task of serving God. Our level of passion for serving God directly effects how we will serve Him. Our service and surrender to God can range from extremely high to nearly nonexistent depending on the passion we have for Him. Now, a being’s passion for God is not set at a certain level never to be altered—a passion for God can mature and grow. In fact, a passion for God must mature and grow to be as effective as God has called us to be.
Most human beings are passionate about at least one person—we will use a spouse for an example. When a man enters into a marriage relationship with his wife he is thereby saying that her life is more important than his—he is promising to value her more than he values himself. Though quite a commitment and quite an example of passion, this is often viewed as a simple—or even “common” act. However, this act of existing in a marriage relationship, serving and caring for the other more than yourself, is a direct picture of the level of passion each of the spouses have for each other. I would hope that people entering into this marriage relationship would be willing to fulfill their promises to the point of dying for their spouse—this the true measure of passion.
The true measure of passion (and therefore, “effectiveness”) is to value that person or that thing more than you value yourself. There is a small level of passion taken to work and be effective at small tasks (as I showed earlier) but obviously this is not the same amount it takes to lay down your life for someone. And, laying down your life does not always mean dying. You can “lay down your life” for your spouse by valuing them more than yourself and therefore serving them.
As we’ve seen in the marriage relationship so we can translate to our relationship with God—our Heavenly Father. We are called to enter into a relationship—much the same as an earthly marriage relationship of service and surrender. Our level of passion for Him will directly determine our willingness to serve and “lay down our lives” and our effectiveness in doing so. As I said in regards to the earthly marriage relationship, we are called to value the one we have passion for more than ourselves. Such is true in our relationship with God. Our level of passion will determine what we will do for our Savior and how effective we will be in doing so.
Full submission is illustrated with serving and surrendering your own desires and will. This kind of true submission—this beautiful and “full” submission—only takes place when your passion for God is overflowing. When this is the case you will serve effectively and submit fully: Daily dying—sometimes literally—for the One you are truly passionate about.
[Download document :: Format (PDF) (Doc)]
08.13.05
Fighting The Good Fight
Listening to: This Is The Last Time - Keane
"Fighting the good fight,
Nate"
What does it mean? I have been using this “sign-off” for a couple years to remind me of my favorite verse:
1st Timothy 6:11-12
“But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
It’s a reminder, whenever I write this as a sign off, to pursue these vital characteristics in my life. It is an evident struggle to hold these character traits in this evil world. None of these things—righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, or gentleness—are promoted in our world… In fact, in this world, much the opposite is encouraged.
Because of all of this, I realize the achieving and holding of these qualities to be a “fight.” Besides, it’s not everyday you have a sign-off that can act as an opening to a deeper and more imperative conversation concerning eternal things.
fighting the good fight,
nate
"Fighting the good fight,
Nate"
What does it mean? I have been using this “sign-off” for a couple years to remind me of my favorite verse:
1st Timothy 6:11-12
“But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
It’s a reminder, whenever I write this as a sign off, to pursue these vital characteristics in my life. It is an evident struggle to hold these character traits in this evil world. None of these things—righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, or gentleness—are promoted in our world… In fact, in this world, much the opposite is encouraged.
Because of all of this, I realize the achieving and holding of these qualities to be a “fight.” Besides, it’s not everyday you have a sign-off that can act as an opening to a deeper and more imperative conversation concerning eternal things.
fighting the good fight,
nate
When You Try Your Best But You Don't Succeed
If I do something to please others, I fail. If I try my hardest to appear perfect for someone else, I will always come short. If I calculate and plan a way to appear "wise", I end up looking much the opposite.
And yet, I still try. It is this "trying", I fear, that gets me into trouble. In the absence of "trying" there is "relying." Or, more simply put, if I realize that I am not capable of doing anything, it will make it easy to rely on the One who is capable.
-I'm just reminding myself of an often forgotten and neglected truth.-
And yet, I still try. It is this "trying", I fear, that gets me into trouble. In the absence of "trying" there is "relying." Or, more simply put, if I realize that I am not capable of doing anything, it will make it easy to rely on the One who is capable.
-I'm just reminding myself of an often forgotten and neglected truth.-
Been There, Done That, Got the T-Shirt
Listen to: A Rush Of Blood To The Head - ColdplayI officially like In N Out burgers. After I took my second bite I said, "this is the best burger I have ever had." And, we all know I'm not one to make rash statements (yeah right.)
We're in Redding, CA on our way to Yosemite National Park tomorrow. We'll spend two nights in Yosemite before heading to Las Vegas, I believe.
(Note: I love my iPod... It has gone everywhere with me. Pridian (my compy) and Lindy (my Shuffle) play well together.)
I talked to a man in the hot tub tonight. I was asking where he was from (conversation starters) and he asked the same (as expected.) Then we got to talking about school and work. He told me where he works and is going (back) to school and then he asked me what I was doing (school-wise) and what I planned on doing after school. I told him about finishing up Clackamas (he's from the Seattle area and travels through Portland a lot, so he knows the area) and then going to Moody, then how I was planning to go into overseas missions. He then proceeded to tell me about people he knew who were in missions in Africa. They have since retired but now have a lot of stories that they have told him (he was amazed at his friends.) He then said that though they are retired they still are involved in prison ministry here in the states. Then, something that stuck out that he said:
"It takes a special kind of person to do that kind of thing... You have to be very unselfish. It's about getting a different kind of reward."
I believe he was speaking of the reward of "feeling good" about your self. But, I guess he could have been talking about eternal treasure... I just doubt it. Regardless, that stuck out to me. I only regret that I didn't take this perfect opportunity to ask more questions and get him thinking a bit more.
Canon in H
Listening to: Speed of Sound - ColdplayThis is not what I actually want to write about (because there are so many more important things rushing through my head right now) but I'm going to write about it anyway (and maybe some of the other...) just because I got this idea the other day and told myself I should write about it.
If I am given something to do (as task or a job) I will (almost) always do it immediately. If I am given a list of jobs or tasks I will do the hardest task/job first and work my way to the easiest. If there are two or more task/jobs that are near the same difficulty I will usually complete them in order of how long they will take (I'll do the longest one first.) This is just me. Many people are like this, but many people are not. It's probably about 50/50, though, on this issue. I just think it's interesting.
-
--
Future...
---
----
...is something I've been thinking a lot about.
(Make known the plans-
-the ones I should know...)
(Open doors that I'm to go through-
-make them clear for my eyes to see...)
Close doors that lead away from your will-
-so its obvious the path I am to travel down...)
(Let me feel your closeness through the times of decision-
-so that I will always know where to turn for You're leading me...)
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..."
Listening to: Peculiar People - Mutemath
I haven't been writing at all recently and I've been trying to figure out why. I know for a fact that I (and probably most people) go through spurts in life where they are feeling especially creative and then other spurts where they aren't so much. I believe that I am in a non-creative spurt (which is probably why this is a thought post and not a song/poem.) There are other times when I think I'm in a creative spurt (and perhaps I actually am) but I try to be creative and cannot. I believe this is simply because I mistook a desire to be in a creative spurt for the actual creative spurt. I know I'm in a creative spurt when I do something creative (write something) and I like it (since I, like most people considering their own work, am my own worst critic.)
I kind of like this type of writing... Where I just write about what I've been thinking about...
I guess spurts and slumps are the reality of life. I no its not possible to live life at the same emotional, physical, or spiritual level consistently. Right now my creativity is at a low, where as my closeness to God is near a high. (These two things are not related, I don't believe) A couple weeks ago they were both at lows... So, I'm feeling happy about the change.
I think I'll do this more often (this kind of post) although I hope to have the artsy posts back as well... shortly.
Edit: I didn’t realize how many times I spelled “spurt” wrong until I had to go into Word and manually change each one. I was spelling it “spirt.”
Edit #2: After some minor research, it turns out that "spirt" is a variant of "spurt."
I haven't been writing at all recently and I've been trying to figure out why. I know for a fact that I (and probably most people) go through spurts in life where they are feeling especially creative and then other spurts where they aren't so much. I believe that I am in a non-creative spurt (which is probably why this is a thought post and not a song/poem.) There are other times when I think I'm in a creative spurt (and perhaps I actually am) but I try to be creative and cannot. I believe this is simply because I mistook a desire to be in a creative spurt for the actual creative spurt. I know I'm in a creative spurt when I do something creative (write something) and I like it (since I, like most people considering their own work, am my own worst critic.)
I kind of like this type of writing... Where I just write about what I've been thinking about...
I guess spurts and slumps are the reality of life. I no its not possible to live life at the same emotional, physical, or spiritual level consistently. Right now my creativity is at a low, where as my closeness to God is near a high. (These two things are not related, I don't believe) A couple weeks ago they were both at lows... So, I'm feeling happy about the change.
I think I'll do this more often (this kind of post) although I hope to have the artsy posts back as well... shortly.
Edit: I didn’t realize how many times I spelled “spurt” wrong until I had to go into Word and manually change each one. I was spelling it “spirt.”
Edit #2: After some minor research, it turns out that "spirt" is a variant of "spurt."
The Gospel Song
Holy God, in love, became
Perfect Man to bear my blame
On the cross He took my sin
By His death I live again
Perfect Man to bear my blame
On the cross He took my sin
By His death I live again
Just Like Peter and John
Note: To set this up you must know that Peter and John are being questioned for healing a man. The high priests (and others) were basically putting Peter and John on trial for what they had done. I will refer to the high priests as the "council."
[John and Peter have been placed in the center of the room and have had many questions thrown at them...]
But...
[Finding no fault with the two men the council began to confer with themselves...]
Council: "What shall we do with these two men? For the fact that a noteworthy miracle has taken place through them is apparent to all who live in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it...
Council: "But so that it will not spread any further among the people, let us warn them to speak no longer to any man in His name...
[The council then summoned John and Peter back into their presence.]
[They commanded John and Peter to not speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus...]
John and Peter: "Whether it is right in the sight of God to obey you rather than God, you be the judge...
John and Peter: "for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard."
--
That is amazing to me. I love that line, "for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard." That is how we should be as well. Lord, let us be in awe of who you are... They weren't afraid of the council (or the "world") but rather realized that the council wasn't who they were supposed to be giving honor and glory too. They were able to stay strong in that test because they knew that the glory should be going to God. Help us to realize that, Father. Let us not get trapped with the ways and rules of the world... But, like John and Peter, let us be so obsessed with You and what you have done so that we cannot stop speaking about it, Lord.
[John and Peter have been placed in the center of the room and have had many questions thrown at them...]
But...
[Finding no fault with the two men the council began to confer with themselves...]
Council: "What shall we do with these two men? For the fact that a noteworthy miracle has taken place through them is apparent to all who live in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it...
Council: "But so that it will not spread any further among the people, let us warn them to speak no longer to any man in His name...
[The council then summoned John and Peter back into their presence.]
[They commanded John and Peter to not speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus...]
John and Peter: "Whether it is right in the sight of God to obey you rather than God, you be the judge...
John and Peter: "for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard."
--
That is amazing to me. I love that line, "for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard." That is how we should be as well. Lord, let us be in awe of who you are... They weren't afraid of the council (or the "world") but rather realized that the council wasn't who they were supposed to be giving honor and glory too. They were able to stay strong in that test because they knew that the glory should be going to God. Help us to realize that, Father. Let us not get trapped with the ways and rules of the world... But, like John and Peter, let us be so obsessed with You and what you have done so that we cannot stop speaking about it, Lord.
I Grip Your Shield
And now I want to come into Your house;
by the grace of Your lovingkindness
at Your holy temple I will kneel and bow in reverence for You
Lead me, oh Lord, on this path in spite of troubles
Make this path straight, and the map clear
For out of the world's mouth comes nothing of honor
Their whole being is destruction itself
Their mouth is an awaiting grave for me
They flatter with their tongue
They are rising up against You
But let those who seek You be made joyful
Let unceasing voices join together singing songs of joy forever
And create a shelter for them
Let those who love Your name exult in You
For You are the only one who blesses the righteous man
You will surround him with favor;
and let his hand grip Your shield
[selections:paraphrases:psalmsfive]
by the grace of Your lovingkindness
at Your holy temple I will kneel and bow in reverence for You
Lead me, oh Lord, on this path in spite of troubles
Make this path straight, and the map clear
For out of the world's mouth comes nothing of honor
Their whole being is destruction itself
Their mouth is an awaiting grave for me
They flatter with their tongue
They are rising up against You
But let those who seek You be made joyful
Let unceasing voices join together singing songs of joy forever
And create a shelter for them
Let those who love Your name exult in You
For You are the only one who blesses the righteous man
You will surround him with favor;
and let his hand grip Your shield
[selections:paraphrases:psalmsfive]
The River
Note: I've been thinking/stressing over many issues recently.
I delight in You, Oh Lord
And I rest within Your plan
So won't you plant me by the river
and let the water flow
Because I trust in You, Oh Lord
[june.05]
You are a shield around me, O LORD;
You bestow glory on me and lift up my head.
To the LORD I cry aloud,
and he answers me from his holy hill.
I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.
I delight in You, Oh Lord
And I rest within Your plan
So won't you plant me by the river
and let the water flow
Because I trust in You, Oh Lord
[june.05]
You are a shield around me, O LORD;
You bestow glory on me and lift up my head.
To the LORD I cry aloud,
and he answers me from his holy hill.
I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.
Your Voice
You speak with [thunder] and [lightning]
Your voice shakes the mountains
foundations of the earth
Your voice shakes the mountains
foundations of the earth
make me that man
How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor stand in the path of sinners,
Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,
Which yields its fruit in its season
And its leaf does not wither;
And in whatever he does, he prospers.
The wicked are not so,
But they are like chaff which the wind drives away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
For the LORD knows the way of the righteous,
But the way of the wicked will perish.
Nor stand in the path of sinners,
Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,
Which yields its fruit in its season
And its leaf does not wither;
And in whatever he does, he prospers.
The wicked are not so,
But they are like chaff which the wind drives away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
For the LORD knows the way of the righteous,
But the way of the wicked will perish.
I Cry To You
When weight of the world is strong upon my shoulders
and all my efforts are not enough
When these moments of distance from You,
seem to linger on forever more
And the paintings that I've tried to paint myself
fall to the ground, broken in pieces
I call to You...
Because I'm on that floor now
Where I'm lying on my face now
tired, crying, and broken in pieces
just like that painting
I cry to You...
and all my efforts are not enough
When these moments of distance from You,
seem to linger on forever more
And the paintings that I've tried to paint myself
fall to the ground, broken in pieces
I call to You...
Because I'm on that floor now
Where I'm lying on my face now
tired, crying, and broken in pieces
just like that painting
I cry to You...
This Time In Your Life
This point in your life is as fleeting as the day
That comes with the morning, and leaves with the Sun
Precious moments we sometimes wish away
Then later ponder what we’ve done
Realize the precious moments that you have now
For you will never see them in the same way
What is available to you now
Will be gone someday
[March 14th, 2005:::Nate Hanson]
That comes with the morning, and leaves with the Sun
Precious moments we sometimes wish away
Then later ponder what we’ve done
Realize the precious moments that you have now
For you will never see them in the same way
What is available to you now
Will be gone someday
[March 14th, 2005:::Nate Hanson]
Updated 2: "Lullaby My Child"
The morning breaks another day
Your lonely heart is worn away
The memories of yesterday
Won't fade...
You want to feel a love once more
To feel the ache of pain no more
To rid yourself of all you hate
Ohh...
Sleepwalking a wire
You are getting higher
Lullaby
Rest my child
Yesterday the words seemed clear
On signs of where to go from here
The road was straight, appearing fair
Ohh...
That road has since been broken down
And you have since been led around
A lonely town you want to leave
Ohh...
Sleepwalking a wire
You are getting higher
Lullaby
Rest my child
Your lonely heart is worn away
The memories of yesterday
Won't fade...
You want to feel a love once more
To feel the ache of pain no more
To rid yourself of all you hate
Ohh...
Sleepwalking a wire
You are getting higher
Lullaby
Rest my child
Yesterday the words seemed clear
On signs of where to go from here
The road was straight, appearing fair
Ohh...
That road has since been broken down
And you have since been led around
A lonely town you want to leave
Ohh...
Sleepwalking a wire
You are getting higher
Lullaby
Rest my child
Hiding Place
Listening to: Hiding Place - Redemption Songs
Amidst the sorrows of the way
Lord Jesus, teach my soul to pray
Let me taste Thy special grace
And run to Christ, my hiding place
You know the vileness of my heart
So prone to act the rebel's part
And when You veil Your lovely face
How can I find a hiding place
Hiding place, hiding place
Lord, guide my wandering feet
Draw me to Thy mercy seat
I've nought to trust but sovereign grace
Thou only art my hiding place
How unstable is my heart
Sometimes I take the tempter's part
And slight the tokens of Thy grace
And seem to want no hiding place
Hiding place, hiding place
But when Thy spirit shines within
Makes me feel the plague of sin
And how I long to see Thy face
'Tis then I want a hiding place
Lord Jesus, shine and then I can
Feel sweetness in salvation's plan
And as a sinner plead for grace
Christ, the sinner's hiding place
And as a sinner plead for grace
Christ, the sinner's hiding place
Amidst the sorrows of the way
Lord Jesus, teach my soul to pray
Let me taste Thy special grace
And run to Christ, my hiding place
You know the vileness of my heart
So prone to act the rebel's part
And when You veil Your lovely face
How can I find a hiding place
Hiding place, hiding place
Lord, guide my wandering feet
Draw me to Thy mercy seat
I've nought to trust but sovereign grace
Thou only art my hiding place
How unstable is my heart
Sometimes I take the tempter's part
And slight the tokens of Thy grace
And seem to want no hiding place
Hiding place, hiding place
But when Thy spirit shines within
Makes me feel the plague of sin
And how I long to see Thy face
'Tis then I want a hiding place
Lord Jesus, shine and then I can
Feel sweetness in salvation's plan
And as a sinner plead for grace
Christ, the sinner's hiding place
And as a sinner plead for grace
Christ, the sinner's hiding place
Crosses and Crowns
I see the cross so large, heavy, and high
I see the Man walking to this place to die
I see men beating, mocking, and killing Him
I see the inevitable darkness begin to set in
I see them set up the cross, the place of death
I see Him stumbling to the cross, out of breath
I see them nailing Him there hands and feet
I see the family and friends as they weep
But then I hear the grave shake with fear
I hear Him rise a go from there
I hear Him saying, “I’ll come again”
I hear the whole earth worship Him
I see the Man walking to this place to die
I see men beating, mocking, and killing Him
I see the inevitable darkness begin to set in
I see them set up the cross, the place of death
I see Him stumbling to the cross, out of breath
I see them nailing Him there hands and feet
I see the family and friends as they weep
But then I hear the grave shake with fear
I hear Him rise a go from there
I hear Him saying, “I’ll come again”
I hear the whole earth worship Him
Own Me
It's my prayer...
"Own me
Take all that I am,
And heal me!
With the blood of the lamb.
Mold me with your gracious hand;
Break me till I’m only yours-
Own me!"
(c) Ginny Owens
"Own me
Take all that I am,
And heal me!
With the blood of the lamb.
Mold me with your gracious hand;
Break me till I’m only yours-
Own me!"
(c) Ginny Owens
But only One will have no rival...
On the surface not a ripple
Undercurrent wages war
Quiet in the sanctuary
Sin is crouching at my door
How can I be so prone to wander
So prone to leave You
So prone to die
And how can You be so full of mercy
You race to meet me and bring me back to life
I wake to find my soul in fragments
Given to a thousand loves
But only One will have no rival
Hangs to heal me, spills His blood
How can I be so prone to wander
So prone to leave You
So prone to die
And how can You be so full of mercy
You race to meet me and bring me back to life
Curse-reversing Day of Jesus
When you finally seize my soul
Freedom from myself will be the
Sweetest rest I've ever known
How can I be so prone to wander
So prone to leave You
So prone to die
And how can You be so full of mercy
You race to meet me and bring my back to life
(C) Chris Rice
Undercurrent wages war
Quiet in the sanctuary
Sin is crouching at my door
How can I be so prone to wander
So prone to leave You
So prone to die
And how can You be so full of mercy
You race to meet me and bring me back to life
I wake to find my soul in fragments
Given to a thousand loves
But only One will have no rival
Hangs to heal me, spills His blood
How can I be so prone to wander
So prone to leave You
So prone to die
And how can You be so full of mercy
You race to meet me and bring me back to life
Curse-reversing Day of Jesus
When you finally seize my soul
Freedom from myself will be the
Sweetest rest I've ever known
How can I be so prone to wander
So prone to leave You
So prone to die
And how can You be so full of mercy
You race to meet me and bring my back to life
(C) Chris Rice
teach us to [count the days] and [make the days count]
[Life slips away just like hourglass sand]
"Life is short." This is an idea that our generation too often either ignores or doesn't understand. When you talk to elderly people one of the riding themes of stories they tell is how they wish they had known when they were younger what they know now; how they dream of being able to change something, or spend more of life doing this or that. But, they can't go back. You can never go back.
The earlier this is realized the more profitable you can be. Each decision on how you will spend your time has an eternal impact. Each decision holds a value (some more than others.) Sadly, all too often the decision that is settled on is for the mediocre, when the best could be reached! Daily we must strive for the "best" in our lives. God desires our best.
This means weeding out the things consuming your day that are not profitable. We are not reaching our full potential if we don't strive to give our best to God. Everything we do should be done as an act of worship to God.
I must always strive to do only the things that are worthwhile (eternally) and to do those things to the best of my God given abilities.
"Life is short." This is an idea that our generation too often either ignores or doesn't understand. When you talk to elderly people one of the riding themes of stories they tell is how they wish they had known when they were younger what they know now; how they dream of being able to change something, or spend more of life doing this or that. But, they can't go back. You can never go back.
The earlier this is realized the more profitable you can be. Each decision on how you will spend your time has an eternal impact. Each decision holds a value (some more than others.) Sadly, all too often the decision that is settled on is for the mediocre, when the best could be reached! Daily we must strive for the "best" in our lives. God desires our best.
This means weeding out the things consuming your day that are not profitable. We are not reaching our full potential if we don't strive to give our best to God. Everything we do should be done as an act of worship to God.
I must always strive to do only the things that are worthwhile (eternally) and to do those things to the best of my God given abilities.
Fall In Love Again
Father I have failed again
Perfect I am not
I’ve let the world take hold of me
And consume all my thoughts
Down here on the ground I cry
For Your strength from above
To cleanse me of my own desires
And let me feel Your love
I am lost on this path broken down
I am cold and in the darkness I am found
I am weak and I’m lying here facedown
We’re as distant as we’ve ever been
Let me fall in love with You again
Perfect I am not
I’ve let the world take hold of me
And consume all my thoughts
Down here on the ground I cry
For Your strength from above
To cleanse me of my own desires
And let me feel Your love
I am lost on this path broken down
I am cold and in the darkness I am found
I am weak and I’m lying here facedown
We’re as distant as we’ve ever been
Let me fall in love with You again
It Was Me [Update]
Light of the World, You had no fault
You came to the Earth to save us all
Perfect in love, resounding in grace
And now I see...
You were killed because I sin
The life that You gave was mine to give
The shame that You bore was all my guilt
And now I see...
It was me yelling "crucify Him"
It was me driving the nails in Your hands
It was me beating and mocking too
It was me, that crucified You
Cheif if the sinners, I am less
Than worthy of you righteousness
Jesus, why this to save your child
And now I know...
That you were killed because I sin
And there was death that I may live
I should have died but You saved me
And now I know...
It was me yelling "crucify Him"
It was me driving the nails in Your hands
It was me beating and mocking too
It was me, that crucified You
When I see the price You paid
And when I see the death You died
And when I hear them mocking and beating You
I know, that I'm to blame
You came to the Earth to save us all
Perfect in love, resounding in grace
And now I see...
You were killed because I sin
The life that You gave was mine to give
The shame that You bore was all my guilt
And now I see...
It was me yelling "crucify Him"
It was me driving the nails in Your hands
It was me beating and mocking too
It was me, that crucified You
Cheif if the sinners, I am less
Than worthy of you righteousness
Jesus, why this to save your child
And now I know...
That you were killed because I sin
And there was death that I may live
I should have died but You saved me
And now I know...
It was me yelling "crucify Him"
It was me driving the nails in Your hands
It was me beating and mocking too
It was me, that crucified You
When I see the price You paid
And when I see the death You died
And when I hear them mocking and beating You
I know, that I'm to blame
"This is no sacrifice... here's my life."
Your name is worthy to be blessed, Lord.
Take all of my desires and help me to focus on You above all. Let me do only what is building up of others and glorifying to You. Change my desires and plans to in time with Your plans.
I don't want anything if it is outside of Your plan, Lord. Help me to be content.
Thank you for all of the things You teach me and the ways that I have grown this past year. Challenge me so that I continue to grow, Lord.
I bless Your name, I love You,
Amen.
Take all of my desires and help me to focus on You above all. Let me do only what is building up of others and glorifying to You. Change my desires and plans to in time with Your plans.
I don't want anything if it is outside of Your plan, Lord. Help me to be content.
Thank you for all of the things You teach me and the ways that I have grown this past year. Challenge me so that I continue to grow, Lord.
I bless Your name, I love You,
Amen.
fingers
my mind takes a break as my fingers begin to write
everything I wanted to say is left behind
in amazement of what is being crafted
my fingers move swiftly, knowing their time is brief
for in a fleeting moment reason and logic will take over
and my fingers will be rushed away
hiding until their unforeseen time is upon them
lines they hoped to finish will be done an injustice
dreams, left to be grasped
but now they write
freely
truly
they write
not a thing stops them as they create
imagining things that could never be thought
achieving things that could never be won
loving things that are never cherished
-silence-
their time is gone
the world they fashioned is frozen in time
waiting
longing
desiring the moment when life will return
true life who’s match cannot be found
life that only flows
when my fingers take over
everything I wanted to say is left behind
in amazement of what is being crafted
my fingers move swiftly, knowing their time is brief
for in a fleeting moment reason and logic will take over
and my fingers will be rushed away
hiding until their unforeseen time is upon them
lines they hoped to finish will be done an injustice
dreams, left to be grasped
but now they write
freely
truly
they write
not a thing stops them as they create
imagining things that could never be thought
achieving things that could never be won
loving things that are never cherished
-silence-
their time is gone
the world they fashioned is frozen in time
waiting
longing
desiring the moment when life will return
true life who’s match cannot be found
life that only flows
when my fingers take over
Who said that?
Some great quotes I just heard.
“A Godly man will not go as far as he may, lest he go further than he should.”
“Fight your sin the hardest when you’re feeling strong.”
“Make no provision for the flesh."
“A Godly man will not go as far as he may, lest he go further than he should.”
“Fight your sin the hardest when you’re feeling strong.”
“Make no provision for the flesh."
"...make me a crisis man..."
"Lord, make me a crisis man. Let me not be a mile-post on a single road, but make me a fork that men must turn one way or another in facing Christ in me." -prayer by Jim Elliot
An amazing quote by an amazing man. I desire to grow to be that kind of man. I want to be the kind of man who is so in tune with God that the world will look upon me and not wonder who I live for, but be forced to make a decision about who I live for.
[-
In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light my strength my song
This Cornerstone, this solid Ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled when strivings cease!
My Comforter my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand
-]
I didn't know there was a song with such true words contained in it as "In Christ Alone."
[-
In Christ alone! - who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This Gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
Till on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied -
For every sin on Him was laid:
Here in the death of Christ I live
-]
I love this song because there are no filler words, every word is about what the Lord has done and how what He has most graciously done has saved me.
[-
There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine -
Bought with the precious blood of Christ
-]
I think I love this song even more because of the setting where I first heard it. It was last Saturday at the speech tournament right before the final results were announced.
[-
No guilt in life no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
Till he returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand!
-]
When we sang this song I was in complete amazement of how the Lord had decided to bless me. But, I also knew that no matter what the outcome had been, I still had only once choice. His name must be blessed, when His streams of abundance flow and when I am found in the desert place. That is the only choice for me.
And He is faithful and good. Always!
So, I know what kind of man I want to be. I want to be a man whose life demands a decision by this world because I am living for something greater than this world.
"This Cornerstone, this solid Ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
My Comforter my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand..."
An amazing quote by an amazing man. I desire to grow to be that kind of man. I want to be the kind of man who is so in tune with God that the world will look upon me and not wonder who I live for, but be forced to make a decision about who I live for.
[-
In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light my strength my song
This Cornerstone, this solid Ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled when strivings cease!
My Comforter my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand
-]
I didn't know there was a song with such true words contained in it as "In Christ Alone."
[-
In Christ alone! - who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This Gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
Till on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied -
For every sin on Him was laid:
Here in the death of Christ I live
-]
I love this song because there are no filler words, every word is about what the Lord has done and how what He has most graciously done has saved me.
[-
There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine -
Bought with the precious blood of Christ
-]
I think I love this song even more because of the setting where I first heard it. It was last Saturday at the speech tournament right before the final results were announced.
[-
No guilt in life no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
Till he returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand!
-]
When we sang this song I was in complete amazement of how the Lord had decided to bless me. But, I also knew that no matter what the outcome had been, I still had only once choice. His name must be blessed, when His streams of abundance flow and when I am found in the desert place. That is the only choice for me.
And He is faithful and good. Always!
So, I know what kind of man I want to be. I want to be a man whose life demands a decision by this world because I am living for something greater than this world.
"This Cornerstone, this solid Ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
My Comforter my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand..."
"Practice makes perfect," they say
Who is "they"?
Perhaps "they" are simply the majority or something. Or perhaps it’s the qualified people (to speak in the given field.) Let's take "practice makes perfect" for instance. "They" in the area of this quote would be people who had practiced a lot and knew that it, most definitely, made perfect.
Though...
"someone" had to have said it first. And, either he was surprised/happy that it stuck, or he was left wondering where his gratuity/copyright was.
Some quotes we can say, "as (fill in name) says..." but with these ones, which the author is left to guess, we must simply say, "as they say..."
We're probably doing someone an injustice.
I shall now go back to what I've been doing this whole week... (guess)
Perhaps "they" are simply the majority or something. Or perhaps it’s the qualified people (to speak in the given field.) Let's take "practice makes perfect" for instance. "They" in the area of this quote would be people who had practiced a lot and knew that it, most definitely, made perfect.
Though...
"someone" had to have said it first. And, either he was surprised/happy that it stuck, or he was left wondering where his gratuity/copyright was.
Some quotes we can say, "as (fill in name) says..." but with these ones, which the author is left to guess, we must simply say, "as they say..."
We're probably doing someone an injustice.
I shall now go back to what I've been doing this whole week... (guess)
"Be A Disciple"
Article 4 – Be A Disciple
By Nate Hanson
"After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 'Men of Galilee,' they said, 'why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven...'"
I wish I had been one of the Twelve. They heard Jesus talk about telling the world about Him and then they saw him go into heaven. When they saw him go into heaven and say that he would come back... I'm sure they didn't think it was going to be a very long time. I'm sure they were thinking days, weeks perhaps. So they rushed out and lived a life that was preaching the beloved Jesus to all. They saw him live, teach, suffer, and die.
They knew the truth. They told it to all. They died for doing so.
But it didn't matter because they knew Jesus would return and they must live for him. They heard him talk about the men who were entrusted with talents and how one man buried his to gain no return while the other man invested his and made his investment profitable. They knew they must live their life’s doing nothing but telling others about Jesus. It was dire to them, they knew their lives weren't long enough to accomplish their task with the greatness they wanted to; to see all come.
But they lived for a world greater than this one. They didn't hear Jesus' commands and "forget" to follow them. They didn't get too "busy" to follow Jesus' last words. And they surly didn't only follow his last commands when it was "safe" to do so.
No, rather they lived for their God, following Jesus commands to the point of death... because, as they had seen, death was only temporary.
[lfe] live for eternity
By Nate Hanson
"After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 'Men of Galilee,' they said, 'why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven...'"
I wish I had been one of the Twelve. They heard Jesus talk about telling the world about Him and then they saw him go into heaven. When they saw him go into heaven and say that he would come back... I'm sure they didn't think it was going to be a very long time. I'm sure they were thinking days, weeks perhaps. So they rushed out and lived a life that was preaching the beloved Jesus to all. They saw him live, teach, suffer, and die.
They knew the truth. They told it to all. They died for doing so.
But it didn't matter because they knew Jesus would return and they must live for him. They heard him talk about the men who were entrusted with talents and how one man buried his to gain no return while the other man invested his and made his investment profitable. They knew they must live their life’s doing nothing but telling others about Jesus. It was dire to them, they knew their lives weren't long enough to accomplish their task with the greatness they wanted to; to see all come.
But they lived for a world greater than this one. They didn't hear Jesus' commands and "forget" to follow them. They didn't get too "busy" to follow Jesus' last words. And they surly didn't only follow his last commands when it was "safe" to do so.
No, rather they lived for their God, following Jesus commands to the point of death... because, as they had seen, death was only temporary.
[lfe] live for eternity
"A good song is ringing in my head..."
Article 3 – A Piece of Dust
By Nate Hanson
An exceprt from a blog post. This is a quote of a quote.
"Wow... Just imagine... Just imagine, for a moment that, that one little star up there is our universe... And you zoom in on that and you have the Milky Way... And you zoom in after that and you have the Sun... And you zoom in from there and you have Earth... And then, [laughing] you zoom in again and you have a little piece of dust that is you. And God is looking down on you..."
I love the word pictures that are painted here. We have gone zooming through the entire universe and it's galaxies and we come upon a small, insignificant piece of dust. God doesn't have to use us! We are not a "help" to God. We must get out of our world for a moment and see that we are not as skilled and as wise as we think. As is painted in this excerpt; we are nothing compared to the vast universe and galaxies that God has created. These wonders are a picture of how great and powerful our God is.
And He has chosen us to tell others about Him, to live our lives daily preaching the Good News through our actions! This is a privilege! The God who created the universe and has planned everyone's lives, who designed stars who's light shall never reach the earth has asked you to tell others about Him. What an amazing privilege!
But, unfortunately we don't usually consider it as so. Countless hours we waste away doing things that may not be directly evil, but aren't going to build the kingdom. We only have a certain amount of hours here on Earth, this amount is not known. We must live every day as if it were our last. This sounds so cliché to us after hearing it so much, but it doesn't change the truth. We can pass it off as something we hear way too often, or we can begin to live our life as if it is true.
The God who has created the universe has asked you to live a life of service to Him; living a life that tells everyone about Him. When you picture yourself as a piece of dust in relation to the infinite God, it's impossible to not live for Him.
[lfe] live for eternity
By Nate Hanson
An exceprt from a blog post. This is a quote of a quote.
"Wow... Just imagine... Just imagine, for a moment that, that one little star up there is our universe... And you zoom in on that and you have the Milky Way... And you zoom in after that and you have the Sun... And you zoom in from there and you have Earth... And then, [laughing] you zoom in again and you have a little piece of dust that is you. And God is looking down on you..."
I love the word pictures that are painted here. We have gone zooming through the entire universe and it's galaxies and we come upon a small, insignificant piece of dust. God doesn't have to use us! We are not a "help" to God. We must get out of our world for a moment and see that we are not as skilled and as wise as we think. As is painted in this excerpt; we are nothing compared to the vast universe and galaxies that God has created. These wonders are a picture of how great and powerful our God is.
And He has chosen us to tell others about Him, to live our lives daily preaching the Good News through our actions! This is a privilege! The God who created the universe and has planned everyone's lives, who designed stars who's light shall never reach the earth has asked you to tell others about Him. What an amazing privilege!
But, unfortunately we don't usually consider it as so. Countless hours we waste away doing things that may not be directly evil, but aren't going to build the kingdom. We only have a certain amount of hours here on Earth, this amount is not known. We must live every day as if it were our last. This sounds so cliché to us after hearing it so much, but it doesn't change the truth. We can pass it off as something we hear way too often, or we can begin to live our life as if it is true.
The God who has created the universe has asked you to live a life of service to Him; living a life that tells everyone about Him. When you picture yourself as a piece of dust in relation to the infinite God, it's impossible to not live for Him.
[lfe] live for eternity
"Like history is gone..."
Article 1 – Live For Eternity
By Nate Hanson
It's hard to see now, and I struggle with this all the time. But I must stop and ask myself, "what are you living for?" The way I see it, we as Christians have a choice of two places we can live for. The first being this temporary Earth. This choice gratifies our self and our momentary lives; but what does it truly gain? What is the value of spending 80+ years trying to build up as much wealth or knowledge (knowledge, not “wisdom”) as possible?
The second choice is a course that many desire to take (I, myself, want to take it) and that is the decision that we will live for something greater than today, tomorrow, or 80 years down the road. Don’t be distracted by what the World calls “important” rather focus on the things God has called you to do.
We should say that this life doesn’t please me, this life cannot contain me… this life, and its temporary things will not define or limit me, or subtract from what I was created for. When we make this our resolution we can achieve marvelous things through our Lord, and meet the potential for which we were created.
[lfe] live for eternity
By Nate Hanson
It's hard to see now, and I struggle with this all the time. But I must stop and ask myself, "what are you living for?" The way I see it, we as Christians have a choice of two places we can live for. The first being this temporary Earth. This choice gratifies our self and our momentary lives; but what does it truly gain? What is the value of spending 80+ years trying to build up as much wealth or knowledge (knowledge, not “wisdom”) as possible?
The second choice is a course that many desire to take (I, myself, want to take it) and that is the decision that we will live for something greater than today, tomorrow, or 80 years down the road. Don’t be distracted by what the World calls “important” rather focus on the things God has called you to do.
We should say that this life doesn’t please me, this life cannot contain me… this life, and its temporary things will not define or limit me, or subtract from what I was created for. When we make this our resolution we can achieve marvelous things through our Lord, and meet the potential for which we were created.
[lfe] live for eternity
Your Eyes
You lead me to a world that I haven’t seen
And there You guarantee
That the things I will see will scare me some
This is what Your eyes see
A man comes by whose appearance proclaims
“Every thing is clearly alright”
But he wishes he friends outnumbered his money
This is what’s seen with Your sight
An orphan child without a home
And no place to sleep at night
No mother, no father, and no one who loves him
This is what’s seen with Your sight
Past the child is a widowed lady
Who is lonely as she can be
Her husband has died and her children don’t care
This is what Your eye’s see
I walk down a hall, down to a cell
I see a man in the dark
He tells me of all the mistakes he’s made
And then he quietly remarks:
"I want to be free, not just from this cell
But from fear that’s haunting me
Is there more to this life--I wish someone would say!"
This is what Your eye’s see
The world looks so different than it did before
I ask, “How can this be?”
Then I remember what You have said
This sight is what Your eye’s see.
And there You guarantee
That the things I will see will scare me some
This is what Your eyes see
A man comes by whose appearance proclaims
“Every thing is clearly alright”
But he wishes he friends outnumbered his money
This is what’s seen with Your sight
An orphan child without a home
And no place to sleep at night
No mother, no father, and no one who loves him
This is what’s seen with Your sight
Past the child is a widowed lady
Who is lonely as she can be
Her husband has died and her children don’t care
This is what Your eye’s see
I walk down a hall, down to a cell
I see a man in the dark
He tells me of all the mistakes he’s made
And then he quietly remarks:
"I want to be free, not just from this cell
But from fear that’s haunting me
Is there more to this life--I wish someone would say!"
This is what Your eye’s see
The world looks so different than it did before
I ask, “How can this be?”
Then I remember what You have said
This sight is what Your eye’s see.
Death Is Gain
He could not restrain
They needed to know
He would tell them
They waited his arrival
He traveled to them
They felt his love
He showed God to them
They received the gift
He was captured by some on a bright, fair day
They said if he didn’t deny, it would be to his death
He could not deny his Savior, Master, and God
And praised Him with his last breath
…Carry your candle, run to the darkness
Take your candle, go light your world…
…For none of us lives to himself alone
and none of us dies to himself alone
If we live, we live to the Lord
and if we die, we die to the Lord
So, whether we live or die,
we belong to the Lord…
They needed to know
He would tell them
They waited his arrival
He traveled to them
They felt his love
He showed God to them
They received the gift
He was captured by some on a bright, fair day
They said if he didn’t deny, it would be to his death
He could not deny his Savior, Master, and God
And praised Him with his last breath
…Carry your candle, run to the darkness
Take your candle, go light your world…
…For none of us lives to himself alone
and none of us dies to himself alone
If we live, we live to the Lord
and if we die, we die to the Lord
So, whether we live or die,
we belong to the Lord…
Not About Me
Lord, I am bold to even contemplate
Thinking of myself
Caring for myself
Loving myself
Morning I wake and conspire to make
Me happy
Me glorified
Me foremost
Remind me now, let me never forget
Nothing is ever about me…
Everything is eternally about You
To You trees tremble,
Rocks worship,
Angles sing,
Elders bow,
Leaders submit,
Satin winces,
Oceans still,
Lions roar,
Authors write,
People pray,
And all of Heaven declares,
That You are God
Thinking of myself
Caring for myself
Loving myself
Morning I wake and conspire to make
Me happy
Me glorified
Me foremost
Remind me now, let me never forget
Nothing is ever about me…
Everything is eternally about You
To You trees tremble,
Rocks worship,
Angles sing,
Elders bow,
Leaders submit,
Satin winces,
Oceans still,
Lions roar,
Authors write,
People pray,
And all of Heaven declares,
That You are God
Forever Holy
I come to Your presence with the angels singing
I stand in wonder of You
I look as the elders lay down their crowns
Everyone’s worshiping You
We’re singing with angels
You are the holy one
We’re bowing with elders
Holy is the Lord
We never stop singing
We never stop bowing down
We never stop saying the words
Holy is the Lord
Holy is the Lord
Now at the throne I fall on my face
I bow in wonder of You
I feel that Your praises shake the ground
Everyone’s worshiping You
Holy is the Lord.
And, for all of eternity, not matter what, the angels "never stop saying: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty..." They never stop saying it! Forever.
And one day we'll get to sing it with them, this is the day we must long for... to be in eternal communion and reverence of God.
I can still hear Francis Chan speaking about this...
The awesome part is not that they keep saying this, but rather that even after all of eternity of them saying "Holy, Holy, Holy... is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come..." it won't even come close to being near the praise that God deserves.
I stand in wonder of You
I look as the elders lay down their crowns
Everyone’s worshiping You
We’re singing with angels
You are the holy one
We’re bowing with elders
Holy is the Lord
We never stop singing
We never stop bowing down
We never stop saying the words
Holy is the Lord
Holy is the Lord
Now at the throne I fall on my face
I bow in wonder of You
I feel that Your praises shake the ground
Everyone’s worshiping You
Holy is the Lord.
And, for all of eternity, not matter what, the angels "never stop saying: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty..." They never stop saying it! Forever.
And one day we'll get to sing it with them, this is the day we must long for... to be in eternal communion and reverence of God.
I can still hear Francis Chan speaking about this...
The awesome part is not that they keep saying this, but rather that even after all of eternity of them saying "Holy, Holy, Holy... is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come..." it won't even come close to being near the praise that God deserves.
Trust and Hope
Why are you in despair, O my soul?
And why are you disturbed within me?
Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God.
__
That is where my trust and hope should be, in God.
And why are you disturbed within me?
Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God.
__
That is where my trust and hope should be, in God.
God of Wonders
Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders which You have done,
And Your thoughts toward us;
There is none to compare with You
If I would declare and speak of them,
They would be too numerous to count.
And Your thoughts toward us;
There is none to compare with You
If I would declare and speak of them,
They would be too numerous to count.
WYC - 001
"You should proclaim your allegiance to your Savior with your mouth shut, sometimes."
-Rick McKinley
-Rick McKinley
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