Behind the lyrics:

The way God answers prayer is really amazing.

It’s like He puts a desire in our heart, and then we have the option to grab hold “according to our faith.” And when we do that and patiently wait on Him, He does something “far more than we could have asked or thought.”

A few months back, I was seeking the Lord and I felt that He was calling me “to the wilderness” to grow closer to Him. It may have seemed like “a nesting response” since my wife and I are having a son soon… But look at what God did.

I was confident that this was the will of God, even though I didn’t practically know what was next. I went to my wife and told her that once our son was born, we needed to seek the Lord, together, away from all distractions, “in the wilderness.” I even spoke publically about it in my church. As the pregnancy moved forward, someone I knew from middle school, who I have not spoken to, since middle school, shared a Facebook post about this book that he wrote: “In the Desert with Jesus”

Behind the lyrics: This week, my Father has reminded me of the importance of keeping my conscience completely clear. He has encouraged me to speak words of faith even when I see my current spiritual condition. He reminds me that He will make me like Christ! I’m encouraged to cry out for His help in every situation! Praise God that He shouts over us with shouts of joy! Praise God that He completely satisfies!

“The Lord your God is in your midst,
A victorious warrior.
He will exult over you with joy,
He will be quiet in His love,
He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy!” – Zephaniah 3:17

https://medium.com/huios-forever/completely-satisfied-9fea5198a8ca?source=friends_link&sk=7e5f14d4567e91cb31d64eda2f0685e6

Behind the lyrics:

Sharing another song that I wrote to say “Thank You” to our Father. He’s worthy!

Behind the lyrics:
Sharing a song today about victory in Christ!

He has encouraged me by reminding of these two promises:

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 1 Peter 2:9

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thess 5:23

Praise God for the victory in Him!

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left. “Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will. – Matthew 24:36-44

Behind the lyrics:

But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10:41-42

But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. – 2 Corinthians 11:3

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” – 1 Peter 1:14-16

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30

Shout out to all the bros that helped with this song!! @Cijin @Sam @Shaji @Joseph @Stan @Utley Y’all nailed it!

Behind the lyrics:

I woke up, thankful that all my burdens were gone!

For the last several weeks, I’ve really appreciated the song “Blessed Assurance” by Fanny Crosby. I see the words of her song and am blown away that someone who was blind could write such a vivid expression of the hope that she received in her Father!

I wanted to do something with her song in one of my songs but felt her version was too good to overlook.

As a result, I’m sharing two songs! One with her original lyrics and another one based on 2 Corinthians 11:3.

But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.  – 2 Corithians 11:3

This message was shared last week on the same promise!

Art provided by a brother of mine, Stanley. Referring to being the light in this dark world. (Matthew 5:14-16)

Behind the lyrics:

Call to Me and I will answer you and I will tell you great and mighty things that you do not even know.

Jeremiah 33:3

All things are possible for him who believes.

Mark 9:23

I learned these verses, in this order, several years back. I’ve often found myself repeating them to myself and being amazed at the faithfulness of my Father.

The verses of the song are primarily based on Matthew 24, which highlights the return of Jesus Christ. It will be an amazing day…

I’d also like to share a second song that I uploaded a few months back but didn’t officially share. It originally started out as a prayer for my younger brother but is much more than that for me now…

It has really encouraged me these days.

Behind the lyrics:
This week, I heard the video below (Zac Poonen – The Blood of Christ) and wrote the first half of this song while reflecting on what God was speaking to me.

Throughout the week, I came across Philippians 4 and was encouraged by the reminder that my Father is pleased when He sees me pray with supplication (humbly, begging earnestly)!

His reminder came right on time!

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7

Praise God for the rest we have in Him!

Behind the lyrics:
Enjoying the journey!

Celebrating 6 years of marriage! I wrote a song for my goose ^___^

Behind the lyrics:

Several years ago, I started listening to David Wilkerson over and over while I was asking God to help me understand prayer and experience a deeper life with Him.

This song is a glimpse of what I’ve learned of the secret life with God.

Wilkerson Clip:

I’ve been seeking the Lord to show me more of what it truly means to live a life of worship. By definition, I’ve been taught that worship means to serve the Lord and that true worship is marked by a life of sacrifice.

Still, I aim for God to continually speak directly to my heart on exactly how He wants me to worship Him each and every day.

Yesterday, as I was thumbing through my Bible wondering what the Lord wanted to speak to me, I came across Obadiah. Nothing rang a bell and it was only one page. So I read it, checked my notes for any previous references, and then googled “Obadiah” to see what the name meant.

Turns out Obadiah means “worshipper of God” or “servant of God.”

This song is a small glimpse of what God promises each heart that longs for a life of true worship in Him and through His Spirit.

For we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh. – Phil 3:3

God is absolutely amazing!

As if to show me that He will always blow my mind when I come to Him, it turns out that on that one page, Obadiah speaks of Jacob and Esau, which is the focal point of chapter 2 of a book that I just read on Tuesday called Beauty to Ashes. Audio version click here (Thanks Yesenia!)

Even crazier, a few hours later, I found out that through Obadiah, God is warning the descendants of Esau, which lived in Edom’s capital of Sela which is now modern day Petra. Petra is an ancient city that was thought to be invincible because it is situated miles deep inside the mountains (Obadiah 1:3-4 & Isaiah 42:11).

Pauline and I just got back from Petra.

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! – Romans 11:33

Have you ever watched someone do something and immediately think, “But that’s…IMPOSSIBLE!?!?”

Meanwhile, they are right there in front of you, doing “the impossible” and they are making it look effortless!

There is this popular notion that anyone who spends 10,000 hours doing something will become an expert. As great as that is, when a person sees an expert who has put in that time, there can be an inward attitude of “Well I could do that too if I spent the time.”

But what about the ones who are accomplishing something that you actually deem to be impossible for you, regardless of the time spent?! I feel like that all the time when I watch professional athletes and musicians.

But more serious than sports or music, I used to marvel at the perfect life of Christ and in unbelief say “yea… what He did is impossible for me, He’s the Son of God… by default I can’t experience victory, that’s why He did it for me.”

Recently, I shared this lyric in one of my songs that said, “all the sin that entangled, they all got pop shove it!”

A “pop shove it” is considered a simple skateboard trick where you jump and spin the board 180 degrees in the air and land back on it.

What a great attitude to have towards sin! To see it, and jump right over it! Praise God that each day He reveals the areas of our life where He wants us to exercise faith and jump right over sin!

I was watching some skateboarding videos this morning and found myself in one of those “but that’s impossible!?!” moments!

Isamu has been the world’s #1 ranked skateboarder for the last several years, and this clip of him practicing shows why!

While I was watching, I became really encouraged because the Word of God spoke to my heart!

And Jesus said to him, “‘If You can?’ All things are possible to him who believes.” – Mark 9:23

But He said, “The things that are impossible with people are possible with God.” – Luke 18:27

I saw the heart of God’s promises encouraging me that in Him, areas of complete victory that used to cause me to marvel and see as impossible will gradually become effortless when I repeatedly trust in Christ.

I’ve seen this gradual process in my own life! I use an app called “Journey” to note significant points in my life, and today, 2 years ago, I wrote the note below.

After writing this blog, I noticed the Journey notification a few hours later and was thankful to see what the Holy Spirit is accomplishing. I may have known a promise to be theoretically true, but two years later, I know God’s faithfulness to be true by experiencing His grace for myself!

The funny thing I’ve found about victory over sin is that the battle is going the best when I am resting in God, not when I am laser-focused on accomplishing some act of self-improvement in my own strength.

Promises like:

For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His. – Hebrews 4:10

are really starting to come alive in my life in a way that I would have deemed impossible.

A recent example has been battling pride. When I’m writing, the hope I have is that God be pleased with my life for Him. Often, I imagine God and I singing together and dancing around eternally enjoying each other. I’m so happy to reflect on how much He loves me and I know that He is so happy to sing and dance with me too. God’s love is such an amazing thing!

But every now and then, I find myself thinking “I wonder what people will think and say about this song when they hear it?”

Then, because I’ve been taught to recognize sin for what it is, in almost knee-jerk fashion against the flesh, my reaction is “Don’t wait!! Repent!! The pride is too close!!!”

I used to get defeated and think, “Ooh, what can I do? I’ll never get all of these ungodly thoughts out of my head!” Praise God that every day He is ready to replace my fearful, scrambling nature with His nature of perfect confidence in Him!

There is this rock song I used to listen to back when I dreamed of being a rock and roller after completing my 10,000 guitar hours ?.

The chorus went:

Can you take me higher?
To the place where blind men see
Can you take me higher?
To the place with golden streets

And praise God! He’s placed a desire in my heart to come up higher! At the first sign of unchristlikeness all I have to do is cry out to God that there is a temptation and with absolute faith, believe that He will take care of everything. The more I do it, the more “effortless” it seems!

I can grab ahold in faith for promises like:

For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ. – Galatians 1:10

I’m thankful that God has replaced my old rule-based habits of rote memorization of the Bible, with a hunger to know Him, to know His heart, to know His Word, and a confidence that the Holy Spirit reveals the life of Christ in my life, for the glory of God. It’s amazing how the Holy Spirit will always help me remember every promise I need to know, exactly when I need to know it!

Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. – Galatians 3:24

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.  – John 14:26-27

What an amazing life of victory in Christ!

Behind the lyrics:
This week the repeated cry of my heart was simply more of the fire of God. Praise God that He answers our heart’s desire. (Psalm 37:4)

The first message on the fire of God that significantly changed my walk with the Lord:
Ricky down in Texas shared this clip several years ago.

It was my first time ever hearing of Leonard Ravenhill. The Holy Spirit used this message, in particular, to produce a desire in me to seek the Lord more than ever before. I’m thankful that in His kindness, God shows me more of His love each day.

An amazing man of God. Full of the Holy Spirit.

Lyrics:

Fire fire fire
Yes
I cry for fire

More than words my Father
Answer my heart’s deep desire. (Psalm 37:4)

Holy Spirit light me up
Put Your holiness in me. (Rom 5:5)

In faith, I claim it as I walk
Walk with You perfectly (Genesis 17:1)

Yes Lord, I’m one with You
Nothing I did
Jesus came through (John 19:30)
Oh Yes He did.

Fire fire fire
Burning with Your holiness
Scoffers claim false narrative
But My Lord You never leave me

You never lie
Just for me You died
For me You live
So in You I hide

Fire fire fire…
Let’s take a journey
This road is long and boobytrapped
But Lord You hold me.

Oh, that You would rend the heavens
Oh, Lord and come down,
All the mountains quake at Your presence You’re fire abounds. (Is 64:1-2)

Lord reveal Your love
Through Your Spirit Lord (1 Cor 2:9)

Frederick Faber – O Jesus Jesus Dearest Lord
Jesus, Jesus, dearest Lord! Forgive me if I say,
For very love, Thy sacred Name a thousand times a day.

O Jesus, Lord, with me abide I rest in Thee
Thy gracious smile is my reward;
Oh how I love Thee!

I love Thee so
I know not how
My transports (overwhelming joy) to control;
Thy love is like a fire!

Burn, O love, within my heart,
Burn fiercely night and day,
Till all is burned away.

—

Oh reveal Your love
Through Your Spirit Lord (1 Cor 2:9)

Bonus Ravenhill Clip!

Behind the lyrics:

Last week, I spent time reflecting on 1 Peter 4:8.

This week, I was blessed by the whole message in Chapter 4.

This song is a result of spending time with my Father, reflecting on 1 Peter 4, and appreciating the love that He displayed to us through Christ.

Special Treat! Jess is singing the chorus!

1 Peter 4:1-19

Keep Fervent in Your Love

4 Therefore, since Christ has ^[a]suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has ^[b]suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, ² so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. ³ For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, ^[c]having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and ^[d]abominable idolatries. ⁴ In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you; ⁵ but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. ⁶ For the gospel has for this purpose been ^[e]preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God.

⁷ The end of all things ^[f]is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of ^[g]prayer. ⁸ Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. ⁹ Be hospitable to one another without complaint. ¹⁰ As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. ¹¹ Whoever speaks, is to do so ^[h]as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving ^[i]by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Share the Sufferings of Christ

¹² Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; ¹³ but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. ¹⁴ If you are reviled ^[j]for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. ¹⁵ Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a ^[k]troublesome meddler; ¹⁶ but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. ¹⁷ For it is time for judgment to begin ^[l]with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? ¹⁸ And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, ^[m]what will become of the godless man and the sinner? ¹⁹ Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.

A message that encouraged me this week:

Behind the lyrics:

I heard this instrumental for the first time several months ago. Each time I heard it, I would keep hearing “As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death” at the beginning of it.

Last week a brother of mine encouraged me by sharing Isaiah 41. It is a chapter on God encouraging Israel. In the same way, I pray that God be glorified in all that we do as we point to Christ to all those around us.

When we receive the life of Christ through the Holy Spirit, He unites us with God so that His love is demonstrated in us. The goal of the indwelling Holy Spirit is not just to unite us with God, but to do it in such a way that we will be one with the Father in exactly the same way Jesus was.  – Oswald Chambers

Lyrics:
As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23)
All my flesh is burning off (Romans 6:11)
No need to take a breath
Holy cleft
Hide me Lord
Your reward
So adored
Draw me toward
Underscored
By Your grace (Ephesians 2:8-9)
In this place
In my heart
In my home
Dwell in me
So that we
L-U-V
You love me
Eternally
I wanna see
King Jesus
Yes Jesus
He’s my only Thesis
Turned water to wine (John 2:1-11)
He eclipsed Dionysus
Unrepeatable works
He’s freed us
From death to life
Redeemed us
From grace to grace
Intercedes us
John’s bitter book (Revelation 10:9-10)
Honey bee’d us
Here take a bite
He kneads us
The Bread of life (John 6:35)
He feeds us
No myth no riddle
He is my acquittal
Truth sweet like a skittle
Lord please bring Your chisel
Once a worm (Isaiah 41:14)
Now Your sickle (Isaiah 41:15)
Harvest plentiful… such a shame the workers fickle (Matthew 9:37)
Holy scythe
Swinging hard
In Your arms
En garde
Saw me falling
Took the charge
He died daily
Now living large
God in heaven
Supercharged
Glory and honor
No lethargic bone in Your body (The true church, the body of Christ)
Let’s all repent
He’ll host our party

Psalm 23:
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You have anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

“I Surrender All” is a song that I’ve found myself singing throughout my walk with the Lord over these last few years. In several of my journal entries, I’ve noted it was the song on my heart. After listening to an instrumental version, I wrote out my own lyrics to the song based on my experiences.

Behind the lyrics:

The original lyrics for “I Surrender All” were written by Judson W. Van DeVenter.

In his own words:

The song was written while I was conducting a meeting at East Palestine, Ohio, and in the home of George Sebring. For some time, I had struggled between developing my talents in the field of art and going into full-time evangelistic work. At last the pivotal hour of my life came, and I surrendered all. A new day was ushered into my life. I became and evangelist and discovered down deep in my soul a talent hitherto unknown to me. God had hidden a song in my heart, and touching a tender chord, he caused me to sing. – DeVenter

“He looked beyond my faults and saw my need” is another one of my favorite songs that I often find myself singing.

Amazing Grace will always be my song of praise
For it was grace, that brought my liberty
I do not know just why He came to love me so
He looked beyond my faults and saw my need

That couldn’t be more true for me.

Behind the lyrics:
The lyrics for the song this week are taken directly from each day that I’ve walked with my Father and the body of Christ.

The instruments used for the music are primarily two Chinese string instruments (pictures below!) that I saw and played for the first time while Pauline and I visited our close friend Susu in Pennsylvania last week! One is called an Erhu and the other a Guzheng. I think they sound very beautiful and think I’d enjoy learning both of them properly!

Lightning Storm:
While we were flying through the night, we were in the middle of a bunch of lightning clouds. The last time I’d seen something like it was on our honeymoon when we were right in the middle of a brilliant lightning storm.

Praise God that in Him, no matter what we face we can find beauty in Him and marvel in all that He is.

It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. Galatians 2:20

I read an encouraging quote a few days back that said:

“We can know the right words yet never be changed. This is the difference between information and transformation.” AW Tozer

Behind the lyrics:

I’m finding more each day, that God’s transformation process is one that is marked by His patience for me.

Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; 2 Peter 3:14-15

Things that encouraged me this week:

One of my favorite illustrations of walking with Christ:

…To bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God Who created all things;  so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him.  Ephesians 3:9-12

Wow! This verse came to my heart after I was reflecting on the phrase “Who is like the Lord?”

Wow what a word from God…

*From what I’ve tested so far — in general, the sound does not play properly unless you are using headphones or music speakers. Cell phone speakers will sound very distorted.*

Behind the lyrics:

Ps 113-118 and 134 are referred to as the “Hallel.” When I saw that for the first time, I had no idea what a “Hallel” was (it means praise!) or why these Psalms were given that name. Either way, I thought it would be cool to write a series of songs that covered these Psalms under a series I planned on calling “Christ’s Eternal Hallel.”

Back in October, I jotted down 5 simple melodies that I planned on using for concepts for each chapter but really had no clue what I was doing or if I would ever complete the project. I still don’t know! Ha! Nothing like walking with the Lord, at peace with whatever He has prepared for each day!

This week, I came up with this absolutely crazy sounding groove (that I figured would be used for nothing because it was too bonkers…) Then I came back across these “Hallel” Psalms and just started hearing “Praise the Lord. You who serve. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Who is like the Lord?”

When I put those lyrics on top of the music, and then listened to the other 5 melodies, I realized any one of them fit Psalm 113. Then Ephesians 3:9-12 hit me!

Wow! If the Holy Spirit worked something so basic in my life like 5 melodies that could be used for the same song, how could I ever understand the manifold wisdom of God and how He is able to work with an infinite amount of possibilities to accomplish the impossible in my life through Christ!?

It’s really awesome how God will use our personal lives to bring to light His promises in completely new ways. Who is like our Lord?!

Who has known the mind of the Lord? – 1 Corinthians 2:16

Have you ever done something in real life, but realized that what you envisioned in your mind was way better?

Sometimes when I’m writing or listening to music, my mind is able to hear things that my fingers don’t play. Sometimes I can even imagine visually how it should look to play, but when I attempt what my mind sees, it doesn’t always work out. This song is a perfect example of that. I hear and see so much firing off in my mind! It’s kind of like the dog whistle of my brain. I know there are sounds there, but I don’t express them exactly as I hear them. They are at a level that my current ability doesn’t reach.

For me, that’s what eternity with God is like. Whatever thought I’ll ever think, Who He is infinitely better. I know I can experience eternal life with Him today (John 17:3) but I also see that there is no way I will ever know him fully, because He is infinite!

“Can you discover the depths of God?
Can you discover the limits of the Almighty? Job 11:7

Even once I’m able to be like Christ when I see Him as He is (1 John 3:1-3) I’ll still be in a permanent state of wonder and amazement! Praise God that to know Him is an endless pursuit, accompanied by a deeper personal experience of His love.

Improving Stuff:

I’m planning on removing the Spotify album over the weekend and re-uploading it with the next chunk of songs. The aim is to fix a bunch of the voice-level issues beforehand. In particular, I’m really hoping to improve the quality of the Hebrews 1 song. Open to any other suggestions that will improve things overall! We’ll see how it goes!

This week, it seems like almost everyone I know has been going through some sort of visible challenge! Whether its changes in relationships, work situations, pink eyes, harsh words, serious illnesses, rampant food poisonings, or multiple car accidents, it seems like everyone is feeling some added pressure!

Since I’ve been sick for the last week and pressured on a few other fronts as well, I had very little confidence that I would be able to complete a song for this week when I woke up this morning. I knew what I wanted to do, but I had no idea how it would be something worth listening to that would give God glory. I kept having this thought to just let it go and get to it once I was feeling better. Praise God when we are weak we can rely on His strength!

I found myself reflecting on Michael Jordan when he played Game 5 of the playoffs with the flu and scored 38 points! He was so sick he had to be carried off the court by one of his teammates! It wasn’t his best game ever, but he showed up and he played his best because he wanted to win.

“No matter how sick or tired I was, I felt the obligation to my team to give an extra effort.” – Michael Jordan

Then I was reminded of the verse that says:

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Praise God that we too can go through every day, and give our absolute best for a prize that is imperishable!

Back in September, I jotted down a melody that I revisited this week. I’m amazed at God’s perfect timing because during a week of everyone facing their unique circumstances, He knew that we would be reminded of His promises!

The lyrics to this song are from the book of James. I hope they encourage everyone to look to Christ no matter what we are facing and watch as He glorifies God our Father as we experience victory from sin through Him! Let’s be thankful that this has been a week of trials! It means we each have the opportunity to grow stronger in faith!

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4

I’m reminded of a relevant book Christian Perfection by Fenelon where he talks about the different ways God uses trials to make us like Him. I appreciate Fenelon in particular because he wrote when the Palace of Versailles was in its prime. There were a few within the palace that wanted to be Christians but couldn’t reconcile how they could be Christians when they were so privileged compared to the paupers outside of the Palace. Fenelon corrected this wrong view by pointing out that God can use any and every circumstance in our lives to conform us to the image of Christ.

Excerpts from Chapter 4

Crosses
Avis à une personne de la cour. Des croix attachées à un état de grandeur et de prospérité.

GOD is ingenious in making us crosses. He makes them of iron and of lead, which are heavy in themselves. He makes them of straw which seems to weigh nothing, and which are less difficult to carry. He makes them of gold and of precious stones, which dazzle the spectators, which excite the envy of the public, but which crucify no less than the crosses which are most despised. He makes them of all the things which we like the best, and turns them to bitterness. Favour brings vexation and importunity. It gives what we do not want, and takes away what we should like.

A poor person who lacks bread has a cross of lead in his extreme poverty. God knows how to season the greatest wealth with equal misery. We are, in this prosperity, starving for freedom and for consolation, as the pauper is for bread. At least he can, in his unhappiness, knock at every door and stir the compassion of every passer-by. But people in favour are the shame-faced poor. They dare not ask for pity, nor seek any comfort. It often pleases God to join physical weakness to this servitude of the spirit a state of greatness. Nothing is more useful than these two crosses together. They crucify a man from head to foot. He feels his weakness, and the uselessness of all that he possesses. The world does not see your cross, because it only considers it a slight annoyance softened by authority, and a light indisposition which it suspects of neurasthenia. At the same time you see in your condition only bitterness, dryness, boredom, captivity, discouragement, pain, impatience. Everything that dazzles the spectators disappears in the eyes of the person who possesses it, and God really crucifies him while all the world envies his good fortune.

We must not find any good in prosperity except that which the world cannot recognize there, I mean the cross.

Spotify Update
7 of the previous songs are now on Spotify for anyone who wants an easier way to listen. There is a bit of a process to get the songs approved, so I plan on uploading 7 songs at a time. For any songs that are in between (like last week’s song, I will keep uploading to the Youtube playlist until I have another batch of 7 to get approved by Spotify.

How the Holy Spirit helped me today!

This week, the Holy Spirit showed me something brand new!

1. My body is the temple of God. (1 Cor 6:19)
2. The Holy Spirit lives in my body, which is the temple of God (Rom 8:9)
3. Jesus cleaned out everything that was unclean from the temple (John 2:13-17)

I’ve known each of those points intellectually, but I didn’t live my life with the crystal clear confidence that the same way Jesus drove out everything unclean in His temple is the same that I should respond to anything in my life that does not give God my absolute best (click for context). I understood that I should give God my absolute best, but I didn’t realize the example of Jesus cleaning the temple with such fury is the same attitude I should be proud to copy, even if my mind tries to tell me it is overzealous.

So! About This Attractive Gospel!

Each day that goes by, I’m becoming more eager to share the amazing promises found in Christ! I’ve seen God accomplish the impossible in my life and the miracle of Christ being spiritually born in me, the same way He was physically born through a virgin. As a result, the frame of mind I go into each day is drastically different than before. I’m no longer interested in being able to “argue my point” or charismatically convince someone to believe in God. There is only a sincere hope that what God did and continues to do for me, anyone can experience! Praise God that there is absolutely nothing that compares to the joy found in Him!

I hope to encourage you to also freely and joyfully point to Christ and the marvelous riches in Him! (Rom 1:16-17)

About the song:

Last week, I shared from the first chapter of Philippians where Paul said that it was his “earnest expectation and hope that in nothing he be ashamed” (Phil 1:20). This week, the phrase “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit” was on my mind each day. I actually didn’t realize until just now that it was in the very next chapter (Phil 2:3-4). I was hoping that I would be able to share a song that highlighted not doing things out of selfishness.

A couple of weeks ago I was visiting the Utley family, and one of their daughters played a really cool melody on the piano.

Earlier this week, their dad, texted me super early in the am whispering lyrics that he imagined would be “sang by a gospel choir.” ?

I didn’t have the gospel choir but took his daughter’s melody, his lyrics, and a recent blog article he wrote that also highlights Philippians 2. (“Replace Complaints With God’s Word”)

For me, sharing a song with a melody I didn’t come up with and lyrics I didn’t write is definitely an answered prayer to following “do nothing out of selfish ambition.”

Y’all know I’m a Tua Tagovailoa fan, so I dub this song, “The Utley Anthem, AKA TUA” ?

And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is which you are proclaiming? Acts 17:19

Lyrics:

He’s not left me
I won’t be afraid
He is with me
So I praise His name

Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world. – Philippians 2:14-15

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. – Philippians 2:3-4

Thank you Lord for revealing Your love.
Help me Father to hold true to Your Word.
Help me bear fruit. Help me abide. Yes, bring complete victory.
Not partially, I want a full victory.

Lord write Your word all over my heart.
Overflowing Spirit shed abroad in my heart.
And with Your help, I know You can. You’ll take me out of the dark.
Come Lord and replace this stone heart.

I can’t help but to shout and to sing!
You saved me Lord so abundantly!
I worship You. All praise to You. My mighty Savior King.
All of Your creation joining to sing.

He’s not left me
I won’t be afraid
He is with me
So I praise His name

Things that encouraged me this week:

Natural devotion may be enough to attract us to Jesus, to make us feel His irresistible charm, but it will never make us disciples. Natural devotion will deny Jesus, always falling short of what it means to truly follow Him. – Oswald Chambers

Why Can I Not Follow You Now?

The Life of Power to Follow

Last week, I shared a song that had been on my heart called “I worship You.”

I grew up thinking to praise and worship God simply meant singing songs that talked about praising and worshiping God.

Yep. That sounded about right for 30 years or so.

But what did Jesus have to say about worship?

But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:23-24

OK… So what is true worship? One example that has really helped me is:

Worship is giving God the best that He has given you. Be careful what you do with the best you have… God will never allow you to keep a spiritual blessing completely for yourself. It must be given back to Him so that He can make it a blessing to others. – Oswald Chambers

The song I am sharing this week is meant to encourage all who listen to join in true worship by deciding to respond to the love of God with our absolute best, in all areas of our lives.

“…my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.” Philippians 1:20

My Utmost for His Highest… “My determined purpose is to be my utmost for His highest— my best for His glory.” – Oswald Chambers

About the song:

1 Samuel 18 tells the story of an amazing friendship. It talks about the brotherly love that a prince named Jonathan had for his best friend, David.

I often thank God for the “Jonathans” He has placed in my life to encourage me. Even more, I praise God  (give Him my absolute best) for the gift of the Holy Spirit, given by faith, to reveal the life of Christ and give us the confidence in Him we need for today. It’s amazing that God loves each of us with the same love He has for His Son; we share in the same inheritance. (Romans 8:17)

One of the phrases that a brother of mine, Taylor, and I came up with a few years back was “Stay Flint!”(Is 50:7) Like Christ, we aim to face each today “set like a flint,” confident that we can overcome sin, with the complete help of The Holy Spirit, for the glory of God!

Today is also Taylor’s birthday! I actually had no idea that I would be sharing this song on His birthday. But God did!

Behind the lyrics:

I woke up one morning a few months back and wrote a poem while reflecting on God. I was really encouraged to see God’s love and promises written across each stanza. And to think, it’s not even a fraction of His love. Just a glimpse of the infinite promises available in Him.

The cadence was so fast that I didn’t think there would be any fitting music. The melody came several months later, while Pauline and I were hanging out with Bobby, Jess, and the kids.

My hope is that we all be found among the true worshipers, faithfully worshipping Him in spirit and in truth. Praise God that the Holy Spirit will reveal Christ to anyone who seeks to know Him more. (1 Peter 1:13)

Some parts of the song are pretty fast, so feel free to read the lyrics first, check out the verse references, spend some time reflecting on how God has been faithful in your life through those verses, and then watch the Youtube video that scrolls the lyrics. I hope as you experience each of the promises of God on each line, they encourage you to trust in Him more today!  STAY FLINT! Let’s Go! To God be the glory!

Lyrics:
But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:23-24)

Lord! You are so holy Lord! (1 Sam 2:2)
And You still love me (1 John 3:1)
I need Your Holy Spirit Lord
Breathe on me today (John 20:22)

Spirit burning
Learning curve is
My soul, submerged in
His blood, purges (Heb 9:14)
Heart felt
Yearning in
Adoration
Of the King
Elohim (The Most High!)
Sitting down (Eph 1:20, Col 3:1, Heb 1:3, Heb 8:1)
Earthly crowns
Casted down (Rev 4:10)
At His feet
Look around
All creation
Rod of iron (Ps 2:9, Rev 2:27)
Light of God
Burn it up.
Every bit of
Dross in me (1 Peter 1:7)
I’m living in eternity
Father, Spirit
Son and me! (John 17:3)
I once was like
How can this be
That you would ever care for me?
But You were like
Just stick with Me
And learn to walk perfectly (Gen 17:1)

Lord! You are so holy Lord! (1 Sam 2:2)
And You still love me (1 John 3:1)
I need Your Holy Spirit Lord
Breathe on me today (John 20:22)

Who’s the King?
Strong and mighty!
Christ’s the King, strong and mighty! (Ps 24:7-8)
Awesome God!
I cry out
From my core
To bless me more (Gen 32:26)
To know Your heart (Ps 103:7)
Complete in You (Col 2:10)
No void word, Your love is true (Is 55:11)
Romans 1 (Rom 1:16-17)
The whole earth with me (Rom 8:22-23)
My Revelation?
Christ acquits me! (Rom 5:1)

Mighty One! (Luke 1:49)
Lifted up! (John 3:14)
Never despised
His Father’s cup (Luke 22:42)
Like the serpent (John 3:14-15)
John 3
More than words
Soak it up
All who thirst
Come and drink (John 7:37)
Sins defeated (Romans 6:10)
Life in Christ (Romans 8:2, Romans 8:10-12)
In Christ alone
My hope is found
In Christ alone
My hope is found (Acts 4:12, Ps 62:1-2)

[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] – Stuart Townend’s “In Christ Alone”

Keep me humble (1 Peter 5:6)
On the ground
Chief of sinners, Lord it’s me. (1 Tim 1:15)
I didn’t understand
You set me free. (John 8:32)
I’ve passed through
Now I’m Jubilee! (Luke 4:19)
I’m all washed up! (Ezekiel 16:8-9)
You cleansed me!
You picked me up!
You mended me! (Ezekiel 16:60)
You flipped the script
This life’s a vapor (James 4:14)
Keep my eyes
To Christ my Savior (Matt 1:21)
Suffering (1 Peter 2:21)
No misbehavior
Obedience (Heb 5:8)
It’s not too late
To give it all
All to Jesus
All to Him I freely give.

A timeless hymn
But is my life changed?
Death to life
Or is my love lame? (Rev 3:16)
Simple checkup
Where’re the tears? (Heb 5:7)
Salvation is for
He who fears the Lord.* (Phil 2:12, Prov 19:23, Prov 14:26. *Something I learned a few years back was to “fear the Lord” means to live life in a way that shows respect for Him. It does not mean to be afraid that He will cause us harm. We should respect God the same way a loving son would respect his loving father.)

Set like a flint (Is 50:7)
He rose again (Mark 16:9)
And by His blood
We’re born again! (1 Peter 1:19)

And I fight back (1 Cor 9:25)
Never backtrack (Proverbs 4:18)
Fire in His eyes (Rev 19:12)
Christ is the prize! (Phil 3:12-14)

Death to flesh! (Rom 6:11)
I’m spirit walking! (Gal 5:16-18)
Clothed in Christ! (Gal 3:27)
That’s Jesus calling! (Rev 3:20)

Lord! You are so holy Lord! (1 Sam 2:2)
And You still love me (1 John 3:1)
…
Breathe on me today. (John 20:22)

Verses that encouraged me this week:

Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Phil 3:12-14

A story that encouraged me this week:

I heard a story of a group of folks that were experiencing amazing things with God for 14 years straight. On the 15th year, it was clear that God’s presence was not as before. So the person leading the group asksed why this was happening. To my surprise, someone responds, “It is my fault, for the last 14 years God had given me a burden to pray for our group, this year I didn’t do that.”

I find it so amazing that it only took one person to be faithful with the burden God gave them in order for the presence of God to be experienced by everyone who came across them. When they were unfaithful, everyone was affected!

What a challenging example! I used to think the burden that God gave me was something that would only affect me. But I’ve seen it to be true in my life and in examples like this story that everyone who comes across a child of God can potentially be affected when that child is not faithful with what God has given them.

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Romans 5:5

The first time I heard this verse, Pauline and I were scooting around while listening to Corrie Ten Boom’s Audiobook The Hiding Place. The book had such a strong impact on us that we’ve often shared it with friends and family members as a great example of a plain old lady with no extraordinary ability, who accomplished the extraordinary by the work of the Holy Spirit. Without any particular skill, she was able to save more than 800 Jews during WWII. This effort eventually led to her entire family dying at the hands of the Nazis. But! That was part of God’s perfect plan, specifically for Corrie and her family. (Romans 8:28)

As the only survivor, Corrie quoted this verse when she was confronted by the Nazi officer who had abused her and been partially responsible for the death of her sister. The officer asked Corrie for forgiveness after the war was over, and in response, Corrie felt the Holy Spirit remind her of this Rom. 5:5 verse. And just like that, the perfect work of God was completed as Romans 5:5 went from words on a page to an amazing encounter with God Himself. Corrie experienced the Holy Spirit shed abroad into her heart when she turned to God for help!

As a result, I’ve always applied this verse in my life with someone I considered “difficult”.  I would pray something like “Father, by the love of God, shed abroad in my heart, help me to love this person the way that You love them…”

Praise God that He always meets us wherever we are in our relationship with Him and then He calls us higher!

These days, I’m seeing this verse taking place in my life with people who I WANT to love more! I never knew that this verse would help me experience a far superior love, a glimpse of the perfect love of God with any and everyone in my life.

Often I wake up and am in complete shock at the love the Holy Spirit has placed in my heart. First, it was with my wife. I remember telling her one day, “It’s so crazy, and I don’t know how, but I can honestly say that I am loving you more and more each day!” Of course, that’s easy to write off as “well that’s what’s supposed to happen, it’s your wife.” But I’m seeing the amazing work of the Holy Spirit across my entire family! My wife’s family! My NCCF brothers’ families! And I’m absolutely blown away!

This week, I edited some of the vocal tracks on previous songs where the voices were either too loud or too quiet. I’m still learning how to use the software, so any feedback is welcome! If there is a song that you think can be edited to work better on your speakers, please let me know what you are using to listen so I can try and get the sound right on something besides my computer.

The new song below is a simple prayer that has been on my heart for several weeks. I hope it encourages you to worship God in all areas of your life. He will not forget your heart’s desire to honor Him.

For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name… Heb 6:10

(Try refreshing the page if you do not see the player above.)

Lyrics:

I came across a verse in the Bible this week that has really strengthened me and became a new personal favorite.

By the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me. 1 Cor 15:10

As I’ve walked with God this week and He’s allowed me to consider this example, I’m seeing that it is exactly how I want to live. When Paul shared his experience with God, he wasn’t hiding behind any excuses or explanations about his former or present life. He gave God all the glory.

After experiencing God’s love for himself, Paul decided he would respond by working his absolute hardest to show his gratitude by sharing God’s love with people who crossed paths with him. It wasn’t an easy thing to do. 2 Corinthians 11 gives an overview of what he went through before eventually being beheaded for his faith and obedience to God.

I appreciate that Paul doesn’t play the humble card when he makes an honest assessment and says that he “labored even more than all of them.” He felt that he had given his best compared to others, so he stated it plainly. But he finishes his thought by effectively saying, “You know what, I may have tried really hard, but my effort didn’t make any difference. It’s only by the grace of God that I was able to do anything. He gave me the work to do, and he gave me the energy to do it.”

Paul was basically saying that God was 100% responsible for his entire life. When others looked at his life, they may have evaluated it as some good, some bad, and some ugly. But Paul only saw and pointed to the grace of God. He took zero responsibility for all the amazing things that happened as He walked with God, and he refused to look back and be condemned by himself or others for the blatant failures of his past and was determined to look ahead for what lay ahead now that he was living each day with Christ. (See Phil 3:13-14)

Behind the Lyrics:
This song came together last Saturday. I woke up with the verse on my heart and while Pauline read her Bible beside me, I jotted down the lyrics.

A day after I wrote the song, two brothers of mine (one in Colorado, and another in California) used the exact same phrase written in the chorus when they were expressing the relationship God wants us to have with Him. So when you hear the chorus, “But by His endless grace through faith alone, we can hold our Father’s hand” know that those words and this entire song were inspired and confirmed by the Holy Spirit! Praise God!

Lyrics:
Yea it’s only by the grace of God
That I am who I am (1 Cor 15:10)
And its only by His righteous Son
Born down in Bethlehem (Matt 2:1)

See He came on down
He lived and died
So that we could have this life (Heb 2:14-18)

And He rose again
Ascended high
All God and all Man (Click to read about how Jesus is both God and Man)

And I know
It might seem hard
To try and understand
But by His endless grace through faith alone (Eph 2:8)
We can hold our Father’s hand

So you want this life
First count the costs
Don’t start and then turn back.(Luke 9:62)
And when you slip and fall,
Don’t give up yet
Turn to Him and repent (1 John 1:9)

You see I can sing today
Cuz I fell too,
But little did I know
That through my failure and my hopelessness
That His love would prove true (Click to read 2 short chapters titled “The Purpose of Failure”)

And so I shout with joy!
Cuz I know I’ve
Been saved by His blood (1 Peter 1:18-19)

And I live each day
Confident that I
Am surrounded by in His love (Is 49:16)

And I know
It might seem hard
To try and understand
But by His endless grace through faith alone (Eph 2:8)
We can hold our Father’s hand

Let’s find a quiet place and seek the Lord
In secret, He is found. (1 Cor 2:9)
And when we read His Word,
First, ask for grace
And His grace will abound (2 Cor 9:8)

The Holy Spirit comes and lights the way
Every moment of the day. (John 14:26)
All we have to do is trust in Him
We’ll find rest in Him today. (Heb 11:6)

And I know
It might seem hard
To try and understand
But by His endless grace through faith alone (Eph 2:8)
We can hold our Father’s hand

Things that encouraged me this week:
1 Corinthians 2

Romans 10:17

“Let’s go!” John 14:31

The book below was recommended to Pauline and me by our Canadian, birthday twin, Megs!
I’ve only finished the first few pages, but those pages really spoke to my heart and I really want to encourage anyone who gets this far down the page to download the PDF and check out it out.
The Person and the Work of the Holy Spirit

“A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.” – Charles Spurgeon

Last week, I found myself in complete amazement that the angels have not stopped saying “Holy Holy Holy” since the beginning of time. (Revelations 4:8)

Saturday morning, I was reminded of something even more amazing! That Christ has not stopped interceding (intervening on our behalf) since sitting at the right hand of our Father. Praise God that Christ Himself is doing an even greater work on our behalf.

I wrote this song while reflecting on that promise. That Jesus Christ has dedicated His life to intercede for those who draw near to God through Him.

Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25

Special treat this week, my sister Katie sang with me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lyrics:
So much Joy
In You
My Father God.
And Your love
proved true
Through Christ Your Son
We’re made new
in You
Forever sons

So much grace
and truth
My Father God
And Your
love proved true
Through Christ Your Son
We’re made new
in You
I’m Daddy’s girl…

Made like me (Romans 8:3)
He lived
and faced His cross (Philippians 2.8)
And right now with You
Exalted High (Philippians 2.9)
I bow down
And I find
My rest in You.

Lord have Your way
Don’t let me sway
You draw me near
Make Your voice clear
Lord give me light
Lord be my sight
Lord make me whole
You’re in control
Teach me Your ways
My voice I raise
A heart of praise

Bitter cup
Drank for all (Luke 22:42)
forsaken King
Yet not Yours,
You chose
His will be done
Once for all
By Your name
We’re called Your sons (1 John 3:1)

All my hope
is found
in You alone
All my faith
in Christ,
my Cornerstone. (Is 28:16)
Day by Day
Lord I pray
To know Your ways (Ps 25:4)

For my sin
For my shame
He suffered long (Heb 2:18)
Though the night
May come
You comfort me
By Your throne
You reign
forever Lord

Lord have Your way
Don’t let me sway
You draw me near
Make Your voice clear
Lord give me light
Lord be my sight
Lord make me whole
You’re in control
Teach me Your ways
My voice I raise
A heart of praise

Things that encouraged me this week:

Philippians 2

I wrote the lyrics to this song back in July 2017 after hearing the melody from one of my favorite youtube clips of David Wilkerson. After adding the other instruments this week, it sounds much different than I originally anticipated, but my hope remains the same. The Holy Spirit will use the lyrics as He sees fit.

They said to one another, “Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?”

Luke 24:32

When I was younger, I had no clue when the Holy Spirit was or was not involved with my life. I’m thankful today that for the last few years, God has shown me that the Holy Spirit is my Helper and that He helps me every single moment of every single day.

When I first started noticing that the Holy Spirit was helping me, I would think to myself, “Wow this is great! Maybe God will help me next month!” Over time, I started to think “Well, maybe God will help me next week!” Then finally, I came to a place of rest in Christ, where I knew that my Father in heaven had given me the gift of the Holy Spirit and that the Holy Spirit would help me moment by moment. I see now, that all I have to do is ask.

For everyone who asks receives…

Matthew 7:8

I still have a long way to go, but I hope to encourage you today that a life of complete rest and peace is available. The way to that life is Christ, and He promises eternal rest today for anyone who chooses a life with Him.

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Matthew 11.28-30

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.

John 14:26

All we have to do is ask. He will do the rest.

Moses said, “Please, show me Your glory!”

Exodus 33:18

Lyrics:

And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within; and day and night they do not cease to say, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come.”And when the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, to Him who lives forever and ever, – Revelation 4:8

Seraphim stood above Him, each having six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called out to another and said,“Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of hosts,
The whole earth is full of His glory.” – Isaiah 6:2

Hold me close
In Your arms
Holy Ghost
Fill my heart
Lord of hosts
As I rest in You
Take Your yoke
Give me strength
You’re the most
Yes in You I boast
You’re the most
Amazing Lord

Holy holy holy holy holy holy Lord
You’re holy holy holy holy holy holy Lord

Cast aside
All my failures Lord
In You I hide
Come abide
With me Oh Lord
By Your side
My Father’s pride
In You I die

Holy holy holy holy holy holy Lord
You’re holy holy holy holy holy holy Lord

Life in You
Your love is true
Alone with You
Sweet solitude
Faithful God.
Show me Your Glory Lord
Show me Your glory Lord!
You’re Holy Lord!
Show me Your glory Lord!
You’re Holy Lord!

For I know the plans I have for you. Plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope then you will come and pray to me and I will listen to you, and you will seek and find me when you search for me with your whole heart. – Jeremiah 29:11

And I will betroth you to me forever. In righteousness and Justice in loving kindness and compassion. And I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness. Then you will know the Lord. – Hosea 2:19

Search my heart
Wash me Lord
Set apart
For You oh Lord
Delight in You
I Confide in You
Abide in You

Show me Your glory Lord.
You’re holy Lord
You’re holy holy holy holy holy holy Lord
You’re holy holy holy holy holy holy Lord

Meek & true
All glory Lord
All to You
Fill me Lord
I seek Your face
Show me Lord
Amazing Grace
As I wait on You

Holy holy holy holy Lord.
Holy holy holy holy Lord.

Shut me in
with You oh Lord
I’m free from sin
I overcome
By Your grace
Give me strength
Filled with faith
dance with joy
Overflow
Shout Your praise
In You alone
I count the days
To You I turn
Arms stretched wide
Your will be done

Holy holy holy holy Lord
Holy holy holy holy Lord

Teary eyed
You purify
Remove all pride
You justify
Bright and true
Thank You Lord
I’m Saved by You
Thank You Lord
I’m filled with praise
Thank You Lord
In You I’m safe
Thank You Lord
Save through Faith
Thank You Lord
By your Grace

Holy holy holy holy Lord
Holy holy holy holy Lord

Inspiration for the lyrics:

I planned on sharing on the Holy Spirit as my Helper and then a brother of mine shared this short message. I hope it encourages you also.

Songs that encouraged me this week:
Jesus, You’re the center of my joy
Oh how I love Jesus

These are original lyrics that I wrote about spending time with the Lord and being filled with His joy no matter what!

Without further ado!

Original Lyrics:
With You I walk into paradise
Your love’s like sunlight pouring in my eyes
In You alone I am mesmerized
And it’s crystal clear
That Your love cannot possibly end

If I had my way, Lord I long to be
Perfect in You, Lord help me, please
You turn my days into a melodies

And since I can pray
I’ll just keep coming back
In You I am fine
Everywhere I go
Your love still shines

Beauty in You that I’ve never seen
You make me pure in You I’m clean
I need You Lord to You I cling
And it’s crystal clear
That Your love cannot possibly end

If I had my way, Lord I long to be
Perfect in You, Lord help me, please
You turn my days into a melodies

And since I can pray
I’ll just keep coming back
In You I am fine
Everywhere I go
Your love still shines

Instrumental by Daft Punk

How Our Joy Can Be Full – Zac Poonen

Leonard Ravenhill’s high-pitched warning has been ringing in my ears ever since I shared on the goodness of God and Psalm 34.

“Remember the goodness and the severity of God!?!?” Ravenhill

I’m amazed how God takes my desire to know Him and brings me into a deeper relationship with Him through the circumstances and experiences He allows in my life. Today, I praise God that He has used my weakness to glorify Himself, yet again! I’m learning more and more about His grace.

Praise God that He is a Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Heb 11:6

The majority of my day this past Monday was marked by a lack of joy in the Lord. I started the day with the “standard operating procedures” of prayer and reading the word of God. Even though I know not to fall into a bunch of rules, this time, I made the mistake of thinking that a disciplined life was the most important thing.

By sunrise, I was finding myself confronted with the depressing thought, “William, you’re doing a bad job.” And I really felt like those thoughts were “backed by the full faith and credit” of the laws of God! Instead of crying out for Jesus to be my joy and strength (Neh. 8:10), to my shame, I lazily slid into hours of depression. I was miserable and I kept wondering why I couldn’t get myself together. In my mind, all the steps were there: I had prayed, I had read, I had turned on some sermons, I had even asked for prayer.

Praise God that He repeatedly reminds me that the law brings death, but grace and truth are in Christ, my Savior and my Redeemer, alone. John 1:17

The one thing I needed to do, I hadn’t done. I needed to take those depressing thoughts to God and ask Him to fill me with the joy that I knew was endlessly and effortlessly His. It took several hours to come to a place of brokenness where I turned back to God and asked for His forgiveness for how I’d wasted the day in depression.

It’s so great that God will even use the moments of sorrow in my life to bring me closer to Him. 2 Cor. 7:10

I have a hope that the next time I am tempted to be depressed, that instead of wandering about in my emotions, I will do my absolute best to seek God with my whole heart, regardless of how I feel. Where there’s a will, there’s a way!

Amazingly, God used that experience to open my eyes to what it really means to give my best effort to Him and when giving that effort matters most.

Here’s how!

1: First, God prepared my heart by reminding me of both the goodness and severity of God for several days.

2: Then another phrase came right to the forefront of my memory.

Entertainment is the devil’s substitute for joy. – Ravenhill

3: Finally, He encouraged me to face each challenge by responding with “my utmost for His highest.”

When I fell into depression, I came to the conclusion that I should just look for something to distract me until I felt better. This resulted in several hours just playing on my cell phone. I was distracted alright, but I never actually felt better!

I see now that it is when I am tempted that entertainment vies for my attention. That’s when I need to choose between my own ideas or go straight to Christ for the rest and the peace that He promises. I had never seen this before! Instead of looking to God, the worthless substitute of entertainment was sucking away the day that God had graciously given me.

Finally, once I resolved to take everything to Christ, I found myself reading one of my favorite books My Utmost for His Highest.

Shut out every other thought and keep yourself before God in this one thing only— my utmost for His highest. I am determined to be absolutely and entirely for Him and Him alone.

My Unstoppable Determination for His Holiness. “Whether it means life or death-it makes no difference!” (Philippians 1:21).  – Oswald Chambers

The melody I’d like to share this week is based on John 14. While reading John 14 these last few weeks, I’ve been sobered by the awful price Christ paid, seen briefly in Isaiah 53. The original definition of the word “awful” meant: worthy of respect or fear, solemnly impressive; inspiring awe.

The melody originally came back in October while Pauline and I were visiting our friends Bobby & Jess. When I went back and listened, I heard the children in the background laughing and couldn’t help but imagine all of the joy we’ll experience in the house of God. I’ve included that original recording for context. Eventually, I found myself reading John 14 and decided to place the words on top of the melody to help me learn the chapter and allow the word of God to change my heart.

John 14 is a beautiful chapter on promises made possible by God. It proves the love of God, the place that Christ has prepared for us, and the work of the Holy Spirit. Isaiah 53 is one of the sobering chapters on what it cost to make the promises of John 14 possible for us today.

In John 14:1-6, Jesus promises that He is going to prepare a place for His family. It’s easy to appreciate all that Jesus has done, but I want to also look at the great lengths He suffered.

Is 53:5
But He was wounded for my transgressions,
He was bruised for my iniquities;
The chastisement for my peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes, I am healed.

Is 53:10
Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him;
He has put Him to grief.

For anyone who listens, it is my hope that through these simple melodies, the word of God will sink deep into our hearts. I pray that what starts out as a short verse and simple tune transforms into true faith, “rooted and grounded” in the love of God.

Jess shared a perfect verse yesterday that sums up everything!

How we laughed and sang for joy. And the other nations said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.” Psalm 126:2

Further Reading: Messages that are shaping my walk with the Lord

Ravenhill clips

(This is the message that refers to the goodness and severity of God (7 min mark) and entertainment being the devil’s substitute for joy (15:25)

The Life of Christ

• Isaiah 50
• Like a Flint – Spurgeon

How should I respond to everything I face?

• Let Us Keep to the Point – January 1 – My Utmost For His Highest

A Reverential Fear of God

We are a letter of Christ written by the Spirit

How does me falling into depression dishonor God?

Songs that have encouraged me this week:

Leaning on the everlasting arms / I stand amazed

When I think about the Lord

There is a fountain

He looked beyond my faults

Redeemed

Only A Sinner

Back in July during a family vacation, Katie, my “could-have-been-twin” sister, showed me an artist that decided he would release a new song… once a week… For TEN years!

He figured he would either make a career as a musician or determine after his best effort that music wasn’t for him. I was shocked to see how he has regularly released a new song each week for years!

His consistency, challenged me to ask myself, “What did I have to show for each week that pointed to all my Father in heaven was accomplishing in my life?”

Well, I could see the Holy Spirit faithfully helping me! I wanted each day to be marked by seeking the Lord with my whole heart! I was experiencing the Lord’s grace and learning from His correction! I was growing stronger in faith that I would be found faithful as I learned to trust in Christ! I wanted God’s will be done in all areas of my life! I had a bunch of notes! I was memorizing verses and seeing them change my heart! I was actually seeing the Word of God mightily work in my life!

And then I was hit by what we’ll call “The Little Mermaid crisis!”

“I’ve got gadgets and gizmos aplenty.

I’ve got whozits and whatzits galore.

You want thingamabobs?

I got twenty!

But who cares? No big deal! I want more!”

After several guided conversations from the brothers in my life, (Shout out to my brothers! Fist bump, fireball! ??) I started to think, “What if I could look back and actually have something to show and tell? What if I could see and share my response of praise for all that the Lord worked in my life and point to how His goodness faithfully shaped me day by day?”

I praise God for all He is doing in my life. This blog is an attempt to point simply and joyfully to Jesus Christ, the Savior of my soul. His love and mercy to make something new out of my life and anyone else who turns to Him is something that fills me with awe and wonder.

Praise God when we cry out to Him, He answers us no matter how far we may have strayed. Words can’t express my heart when I see how my Father, in His kindness, answered me and saved me from all my sin and shame.

This poor man cried out to the Lord, and He answered me. Ps 34:6 paraphrased

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

As the Holy Spirit leads, I’ll share the songs, poems, and images that God has graciously placed on my heart. To God be all glory, honor, and praise!

For today – I’d like to share an original song based on Psalm 34. The funny thing about this song is I have no idea why or when I was reading Ps 34 or when I decided to put the melody to the verses. After writing it, it seemed like Ps 34 kept popping up everywhere! It was as if the Holy Spirit was encouraging me to joyfully share how the words in this psalm became so true in my life!

The image is a picture Pauline and I took in Holland last week with Pauline’s family, edited in the style of a painting. Both Pauline and I have been amazed by the way God has worked in our marriage and mended relationships in both of our families. We have a love for them and from them that we never thought possible. Praise God that no matter how much beauty we find in our relationships and this world around us, that we can trust in His promise:

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him.”  1 Corinthians 2:9

May we love Him more today…

Original Psalm 34
I will bless the Lord at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul will make its boast in the Lord;
The humble will hear it and rejoice.

O magnify the Lord with me,
And let us exalt His name together.
I sought the Lord, and He answered me,
And delivered me from all my fears.

They looked to Him and were radiant,
And their faces will never be ashamed.
This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him
And saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him,
And rescues them.

O taste and see that the Lord is good;
How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
O fear the Lord, you His saints;
For to those who fear Him there is no want.

Lyrics
I will bless the Lord at all times;
His praise in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
Hear and rejoice.

O come magna, O magnify the Lord with me,
let’s exalt His name
I sought the Lord, and He answered me,
Saved from all my fear.

I look to, I look to Him and He’s radiant,
Our faces not ashamed.
This poor man cried out to the Lord,
And He answered me

Oh! Saved from all my sin!
The Lord is with me
His angels protecting me
Saved by Jesus’ love

O come taste and see that the Lord is good;
Take refuge in Him!
Fear the Lord, all you saints;
In Him there’s no want.
O come taste and see that the Lord is good;
Take refuge in Him!
Fear the Lord, all you saints;
In Him there’s no want.

Tabs
e|——————————————–5-3-2
B|——————–7-5-8-8-7-5-7——–
G|-4-3-7-4-6-7————————–
D|—————————————–
A|——————–7-4————————2
E|-3-2-7-3-6-7————7———–0-3

Chord Progression:
Gmaj – Amaj7 – Bmin

Youtube Playlist