Sometimes...

I get so caught up in things of this world, I feel like I've disappointed God. Sure, I disappoint Him everyday, but most of the time I don't realise it. But there are those times that I know I just didn't get it right or do it right in that situation. At those times, the conviction on my heart just kills me.

But you know, God is a God of forgiveness. He will forgive us over and over even though we don't deserve it. Sometimes I forget this forgiveness and just fall into a pit of self pity. I forget about God. But one thing I know is that God will always be there when I come back. I come back to Him many times a days and he He is always there for me. God is awesome, God is Holy.

Election Day, November 4th, 2008

Today is election day. None of us really have a great person to vote for for. Yes, I will vote as it is a privilege. I've sort of been worrying about how everything will work out depending on who wins. I think it will be bad either way. But you know, it has never effected me who the president was. I guess I have an easy life? :)

But I woke up this morning and here I was worrying again? Why should I worry about who the president is? I don't answer to him, and he sure doesn't care about me or even know that I exist. But there is someone I personally know and He knows me. He cares about me, He loves me, He takes care of me. He has has a health care plan for me, He has a financial and social program for me already set in place for me. God takes of me, not some elected government official. God takes care of my hopes and dreams. God knows and cares, not some earthly being. So no matter what happens today, I put it in Gods hand. God made today, so why should I worry about something that God is already in control of?

All you really need is Jesus

A few month ago there was a skit that was performed for the youth group at my church. It shows how awesome the love God has for us. Here is a video of the same skit performed at a Lifehouse concert with the band playing along. This same song was played during the skit I saw in person. The reaction from the crowd in this video at the end is the same I experienced, with all the adults included. Wasn't a dry eye in the room...

When you get down to the basics, all we ever need is Jesus, the rest is just temporary.

It's been a week, and I've been weak...

I can't believe it has been a week since I've posted here. Sometimes life gets in the way, I get lazy, or I just don't seem to care as much. I have been busy for the last week. I have a lot going on and some of it is now over. I have a lot more coming at me next month. I'm not worried though, God is with me and I'm pretty much in contact with Him all the time, although I'm severely messing up all day long. :) But I know he is there!

But what really brings me up when life gets me down is Chrisitian Music. I truly believe that God sometimes helps people write a song that they can turn to, to help lift them up and bring them closer to Him. Here is one I really like.

One of my favorite kinds of Christian Music

One of my favorite things is to come across a scripture and I realize that there is a song written from that scripture. I'm sure a lot of the Christian music out there is inspired from scriptures. But I really love when someone takes a scripture and use words and the concept of the verse to make a song. Petra is a good example. They used "1 Corinthians 13:4: Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud" and made a beautiful song from it. Here is a video:

Petra - Love

Skillet, I like what this guy has to say

I have just recently sort of got into Skillet. Remember, I'm 42 years old, Skillet is more of what my kids would listen to. So for this these newer Christian rock bands to get my attention, they had better be able to grab me and pull me in! I came across this song/video a couple months ago and it really grabbed me. Great lyrics, the progressive orchestra and guitars at the beginning of the song, the crunching guitar, and the raspy voice of the lead singer just caught me. Then those powerful background vocals from the 2 females in the band. When these 4 harmonize, it just makes a powerfull sound.

So I came across this article in a newsletter I get from StereoTruth.net There are a lot of Christian Bands out there that just use the Christian Music or lets say "Faith" moniker as a way to make money. So when I come across an article or interview about a band or someone in a band, I try to read it. Helps me to see where they are coming from. Well this article is Ben Casica the guitar player putting out some views, and I really liked it! Here is part of it:

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Ive been reading the book, Searching For God Know’s What by Donald Miller. Been thinking loads about how our faith needs to be relationship based. Not just a set of rules… It’s gotta be about knowing and loving people and knowing and loving God…. and living a right life with the motivation from wanting to honor a loving God as opposed to wanting to work your way to His approval. I love the truth that our standing with God doesnt change. That his heart towards his children is always love. That it doesnt change when we feel like we’re doing good or doing bad. That He doesnt love us less on bad days and more on good days. It’s consistently a heart full of love. that He always has his best in mind for us, We just must be willing to surrender to Him in all things.

One of the other things Ive been thinking about a lot lately is with the economy. I wont get into all of my thoughts on that but what I will say, is that no matter goes on in our country. That we can know peace. That our refuge is in a Strong tower that is not shaken with the economic hardships or disaster. We must find our hope in God alone. We must put our trust in God alone. Then we will know his peace in these times.
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Wow, he has it right in my book. I can now appreciate Skillet's music a lot more now, that I know how their view of God is! Here are 2 videos of songs I like from Skillet:


Rebirthing



This is an audience shot for the song, The Last Night, so the audio isn't all that great, but it still sounds good to me. :)