I don't want to be "that guy". I really don't. But I feel I must let this out, or I will implode out of sheer frustration.
Music in the church service is a delicate subject. When it comes to talking about it, people seem to be on either side of the proverbial fence. On one side, you have the the religious zealots championing hymns and gospel tunes of old, continually bombarding the music minister with e-mails to go back to the way it was, musically. On the other side, you have the modern progressives who argue that more modern songs will lure in the people of today and hold the attention of the youth. Then you have those sitting on the fence, crying, "Can't we all just get along?"
I tend to sit in the tree 15 yards off and watch them fight to the death.
OK, not really, but seriously.
My earliest memories of church look different than the church I see today. It's to be expected; new pastor, new staff, new times. But the difference goes deeper than that.
I remember grudgingly getting out of bed, reluctantly putting on a dress, making it through Sunday School, and bracing for Big Church. Despite my boredom, I'd sing the hymns to the best ability, with all the reverence a kid could muster. The sermon took forever (maybe it just felt like forever to a kindergartner), but I listened hard and persevered, staying awake the great majority of the time. As I grew older and matured, I grew to appreciate the deep meaning and reverence behind the now outdated tunes. Even now, I associate congregational singing with hymns.
Hymns made it much easier for my brain to focus. Every line pointed straight to God. When the grand and solemn orchestra began to play and the choir began to sing "His name is wonderful, His name is wonderful, His name is wonderful, Jesus my Lord," the slow, somber, joyful tune let me think of nothing else but that His name is wonderful.
To me, hymns equal reverence. "Praise and Worship" songs equal jumping around, having a good time at VBS or children's choir. To me, "Modern worship", like Casting Crowns and the like, is what you listen to in the car. So you can imagine my confusion and frustration when I see and hear these things in "big church".
My biggest pet peeve? When the music minister takes hymns and changes the beat, or throws in some modern stuff to make a "medley". It wasn't broke, sir, don't "fix it".
The Bible does say to "Sing unto the Lord a new song." But the thing is, hymns never get old. At any rate, as the cliche goes, it doesn't matter what you're singing, so long as you're worshipping.
That's all good, except singing worship is a world of a lot easier for me when I'm in a reverent state. To each his own; I prefer hymns.
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Penny for your Thoughts
Recently, I watched the movie Murder in the First. The plot is (VERY loosely) based on Henri Young regarding his time spent at Alcatraz, a Federal prison back in the day. In a nutshell, the movie tells how he was arrested for stealing five dollars at a Post Office to feed his sister and himself. After being discovered with two others attempting to escape, they put him in a hell-hole of a cell where he spent three years in solitary confinement, all the while beating him, starving him, etc. The cell was pitch black, moist, and clammy. He was only let out for thirty mintues out of those three years.
After three years, they let him back into the regular prisoner population. Apparently, those three years spent alone had driven him insane. While in the cafeteria one day, he saw the inmate who had betrayed the escape attempt three years earlier. He stabbed him with a spoon in plain sight.
He was to be put on trial for first degree murder and was assigned a public defender. Initially, he spoke very little to the PD. When he finally spoke, all he wanted to know was about baseball and the status of Joe DiMaggio. The PD persevered, and eventually got answers, but Young always reverted back to talking about baseball, or things beside the case.
When confronted on why he didn't want to talk about the case, Young reminded the PD that he had been locked up, alone, for three years. All the PD wanted to talk about was the case, and the details of the case was what Young had been living and thinking about for the past three years. The case was the last thing he wanted to talk about. And here's where I began to think.
How very often it is that I come to God like that PD. After next to no communication with Him by way of choices, lifestyle, and just not talking to Him, I'll come up to Him with a case of my own that I need to have resolved NOW. "God, where should I go to college? God, what am I supposed to do with my life? God, am I going to get married or not?" The list goes on and on. And like Henri Young, God's responses seem to indicate that He cares more of my life than my circumstances or questions.
Instead of answering questions, He just wants to talk. And often times, He wants to talk about things I don't really want to discuss.
"God, where should I go to college?"
"Christine, how's that one sin problem we were talking about?"
"God, what am I supposed to do with my life?"
"Christine, we used to talk a lot more than we do now. What happened?"
"God, am I going to get married or not?"
"Christine, do you believe I'm worth living for?"
It's not that God needs my company. But I desperately need His, no matter how I may think otherwise, and He knows it. I believe God answers questions in His own time, and despite (or in spite) of my questions, if my faith rests solely in Him, He'll open doors that He wants to open. For now, He just wants to talk. Strangely enough, I find that I like talking to Him.
After three years, they let him back into the regular prisoner population. Apparently, those three years spent alone had driven him insane. While in the cafeteria one day, he saw the inmate who had betrayed the escape attempt three years earlier. He stabbed him with a spoon in plain sight.
He was to be put on trial for first degree murder and was assigned a public defender. Initially, he spoke very little to the PD. When he finally spoke, all he wanted to know was about baseball and the status of Joe DiMaggio. The PD persevered, and eventually got answers, but Young always reverted back to talking about baseball, or things beside the case.
When confronted on why he didn't want to talk about the case, Young reminded the PD that he had been locked up, alone, for three years. All the PD wanted to talk about was the case, and the details of the case was what Young had been living and thinking about for the past three years. The case was the last thing he wanted to talk about. And here's where I began to think.
How very often it is that I come to God like that PD. After next to no communication with Him by way of choices, lifestyle, and just not talking to Him, I'll come up to Him with a case of my own that I need to have resolved NOW. "God, where should I go to college? God, what am I supposed to do with my life? God, am I going to get married or not?" The list goes on and on. And like Henri Young, God's responses seem to indicate that He cares more of my life than my circumstances or questions.
Instead of answering questions, He just wants to talk. And often times, He wants to talk about things I don't really want to discuss.
"God, where should I go to college?"
"Christine, how's that one sin problem we were talking about?"
"God, what am I supposed to do with my life?"
"Christine, we used to talk a lot more than we do now. What happened?"
"God, am I going to get married or not?"
"Christine, do you believe I'm worth living for?"
It's not that God needs my company. But I desperately need His, no matter how I may think otherwise, and He knows it. I believe God answers questions in His own time, and despite (or in spite) of my questions, if my faith rests solely in Him, He'll open doors that He wants to open. For now, He just wants to talk. Strangely enough, I find that I like talking to Him.
Friday, September 24, 2010
By Your Side-Tenth Avenue North
Beautiful song. One of my favorites.
"...for He Himself has said, "I will never leave you, nor will I ever forsake you."
"...for He Himself has said, "I will never leave you, nor will I ever forsake you."
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Confession 1
I was saved very very young, at around four years old. I remember hearing a song about wanting to "see Jesus", and as far as I knew, I wanted to see Him too. So my mom explained to me about sin, Jesus and the cross; the whole nine yards. I remember praying the best I knew how to be saved.
I grew up in the church, doing my best to "check off all items on the lists" that various children's ministries gave us. Say your scripture, sing your hymns, advance in AWANA, etc.. At middle school camp as a rising 6th grader, I learned that a relationship with Jesus is much more than a list, and I recommitted my life there.
I am not at all trying to throw down the things the Children's Ministry and Middle School have us do such as AWANA, Sunday School, Choir, Quiet Time, etc.. As a matter of fact, I think it gave me an excellent foundation. It's just that sometimes, you can get so caught up in doing those things, that you forget why you're doing it in the first place.
Middle School still had lists, but this time, I found that I actually wanted to do it for the sake of doing it, as opposed to doing it to get an award at the end of the year. Still, I struggled with doubt as to whether or not my salvation experience was genuine or not.
It seemed like the more I grew, doubts would return more often. I'm starting to think that the farther along in your relationship you are, you are either convicted of wrong-doing faster, or your conviction is stronger when you get it. Perhaps it was merely conviction that kept me wondering, "Am I really saved? After all, if I'm saved, I wouldn't be feeling guilty and doubting all the time, right?"
At any rate, I found myself periodically praying "safety prayers", you know, "Dear God, just in case I'm not saved...." I was hesitant to talk to anyone about it. I'm usually hesitant to talk to any SS teachers or people like that about spiritual issues unless it's someone I REALLY trust. Trust issues tend to be--an issue, sometimes.
Doubts kept coming and going; come to think of it, I don't think they'll ever stop coming. I didn't want to "walk" on some church camp or mission trip; I don't like being "swept away" with the crowd. One Sunday, when Dr. Hill was preaching, I just decided to get it off my chest.
The counselor shared about Satan always trying to stop us with doubt. She also mentioned that there could be some unconfessed sin in my life. She was right. I think there will always be unconfessed sin, but with this particular sin, I knew it was a sin-yet I kept on doing it. But regardless of sin, if you are saved and living for the Lord, Satan still wants you, and will do anything to tear you apart. Doubt is one of the tactics he uses, and my mind tends to be a weak spot for me.
When I got home, I took a minute to look over the process of salvation again, and that gave me the assurance that I was saved, because I remember understanding, repenting, and accepting. One thing that boggles me sometimes is that it's so--easy. With salvation, I don't have to do anything, but believe and accept. Because it's so simple, it causes me to wonder, "Is that really it?" And then the question turns into, "Did I mean it enough?" But like the counselor shared, the proof comes from your life. Do I love my brothers and sisters? Do I have a desire to grow and know God more? Do I have a desire to please Him? Do I want to tell others of this man named Jesus I know?
Sometimes I wonder if I was saved when I was four, or when I prayed one of those safety prayers. I mean, could I, at four years old, really, truly understand it and mean it? I think so, because it is that simple.
I grew up in the church, doing my best to "check off all items on the lists" that various children's ministries gave us. Say your scripture, sing your hymns, advance in AWANA, etc.. At middle school camp as a rising 6th grader, I learned that a relationship with Jesus is much more than a list, and I recommitted my life there.
I am not at all trying to throw down the things the Children's Ministry and Middle School have us do such as AWANA, Sunday School, Choir, Quiet Time, etc.. As a matter of fact, I think it gave me an excellent foundation. It's just that sometimes, you can get so caught up in doing those things, that you forget why you're doing it in the first place.
Middle School still had lists, but this time, I found that I actually wanted to do it for the sake of doing it, as opposed to doing it to get an award at the end of the year. Still, I struggled with doubt as to whether or not my salvation experience was genuine or not.
It seemed like the more I grew, doubts would return more often. I'm starting to think that the farther along in your relationship you are, you are either convicted of wrong-doing faster, or your conviction is stronger when you get it. Perhaps it was merely conviction that kept me wondering, "Am I really saved? After all, if I'm saved, I wouldn't be feeling guilty and doubting all the time, right?"
At any rate, I found myself periodically praying "safety prayers", you know, "Dear God, just in case I'm not saved...." I was hesitant to talk to anyone about it. I'm usually hesitant to talk to any SS teachers or people like that about spiritual issues unless it's someone I REALLY trust. Trust issues tend to be--an issue, sometimes.
Doubts kept coming and going; come to think of it, I don't think they'll ever stop coming. I didn't want to "walk" on some church camp or mission trip; I don't like being "swept away" with the crowd. One Sunday, when Dr. Hill was preaching, I just decided to get it off my chest.
The counselor shared about Satan always trying to stop us with doubt. She also mentioned that there could be some unconfessed sin in my life. She was right. I think there will always be unconfessed sin, but with this particular sin, I knew it was a sin-yet I kept on doing it. But regardless of sin, if you are saved and living for the Lord, Satan still wants you, and will do anything to tear you apart. Doubt is one of the tactics he uses, and my mind tends to be a weak spot for me.
When I got home, I took a minute to look over the process of salvation again, and that gave me the assurance that I was saved, because I remember understanding, repenting, and accepting. One thing that boggles me sometimes is that it's so--easy. With salvation, I don't have to do anything, but believe and accept. Because it's so simple, it causes me to wonder, "Is that really it?" And then the question turns into, "Did I mean it enough?" But like the counselor shared, the proof comes from your life. Do I love my brothers and sisters? Do I have a desire to grow and know God more? Do I have a desire to please Him? Do I want to tell others of this man named Jesus I know?
Sometimes I wonder if I was saved when I was four, or when I prayed one of those safety prayers. I mean, could I, at four years old, really, truly understand it and mean it? I think so, because it is that simple.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Entry 3, ARG 2010
June 26, 2010
2:30 Sat morning. We're in the nicest hotel yet. It seems like we've gone from rough to nicer to nicest hotels. Before I forget, I need to mention we have translators from Word of Life Argentina. One of them is really funny. Another one likes playing with my hair. The (FBC) girls keep swooning over one or two of them (WoL translators). It's annoying. It's distracting. It doesn't matter much, I guess, and it won't matter pretty soon. We sung at a Chorus School (on) Friday and felt so outdone by them. I signed a little kid's paper. Friday's last concert was probably the best by far. Not only did the drama, choir, and orchestra teams perform well, I had an opportunity to discuss God and faith with a girl very roughly my age. I did my best, but she wanted proof of God, and I told her God requires faith. I half broke down thinking about the decision (or almost decision) she made. Some friends (Chelsea and David) reminded me it's not my job to save someone. It's my job to share. I pray the seed that was planted will be watered and harvested by another.
I love this place, but I miss the American flag. I think national pride (culture), comfort, and schedules have been my main sacrifices this week.
There are no street traffic lights, signs, or markings. No one obeys the speed limit. No one will stop for pedestrians unless you're directly in front of them. There are dogs everywhere, and I saw two nearly make out. Eww.
2:30 Sat morning. We're in the nicest hotel yet. It seems like we've gone from rough to nicer to nicest hotels. Before I forget, I need to mention we have translators from Word of Life Argentina. One of them is really funny. Another one likes playing with my hair. The (FBC) girls keep swooning over one or two of them (WoL translators). It's annoying. It's distracting. It doesn't matter much, I guess, and it won't matter pretty soon. We sung at a Chorus School (on) Friday and felt so outdone by them. I signed a little kid's paper. Friday's last concert was probably the best by far. Not only did the drama, choir, and orchestra teams perform well, I had an opportunity to discuss God and faith with a girl very roughly my age. I did my best, but she wanted proof of God, and I told her God requires faith. I half broke down thinking about the decision (or almost decision) she made. Some friends (Chelsea and David) reminded me it's not my job to save someone. It's my job to share. I pray the seed that was planted will be watered and harvested by another.
I love this place, but I miss the American flag. I think national pride (culture), comfort, and schedules have been my main sacrifices this week.
There are no street traffic lights, signs, or markings. No one obeys the speed limit. No one will stop for pedestrians unless you're directly in front of them. There are dogs everywhere, and I saw two nearly make out. Eww.
Entry 2, ARG 2010
June 23, 2010
It's Wednesday-I think. Yesterday was somewhat hectic. We had a good concert last night. The toilets at our hotel were nasty. The beds were musty. The room was small. But I haven't gotten nauseous, (despite the fact the food is weird) which evens it all out. I'm looking forward to US food. I'm looking forward to the American flag. The US beat Algeria. (Here was a break in time)
The first part of this entry was written on a bus to the Word of Life, er, Palabra de Vida campus. Now I'm on the bus for the next (now 6) hours to Santa Fe. Or Cordoba. I forgot. I'm sure it's Santa Fe. I had a good 30 minute nap, and am surprised I didn't sleep longer on account of the stress and lack of sleep I got last night. There's a bunch of cows, as expected. There are sheep, too. I've only seen one flock, though. I was surprised at 7:30 (this morning) when it was still dark outside when I remembered that it's winter here. The sky looks like winter, too. It hasn't been too cold as of late. The coolest times are in the morning and evening; it warms up during the day. The trees here are cool. Big, nice, meaty trees. Not the wimpy pines and palms in Florida. Some girls keep flirting with the Argentine guys. One girl got an e-mail address. There are a lot of farms along the road I'm on. I'm going to read the book I was supposed to read on the plane now.
It's Wednesday-I think. Yesterday was somewhat hectic. We had a good concert last night. The toilets at our hotel were nasty. The beds were musty. The room was small. But I haven't gotten nauseous, (despite the fact the food is weird) which evens it all out. I'm looking forward to US food. I'm looking forward to the American flag. The US beat Algeria. (Here was a break in time)
The first part of this entry was written on a bus to the Word of Life, er, Palabra de Vida campus. Now I'm on the bus for the next (now 6) hours to Santa Fe. Or Cordoba. I forgot. I'm sure it's Santa Fe. I had a good 30 minute nap, and am surprised I didn't sleep longer on account of the stress and lack of sleep I got last night. There's a bunch of cows, as expected. There are sheep, too. I've only seen one flock, though. I was surprised at 7:30 (this morning) when it was still dark outside when I remembered that it's winter here. The sky looks like winter, too. It hasn't been too cold as of late. The coolest times are in the morning and evening; it warms up during the day. The trees here are cool. Big, nice, meaty trees. Not the wimpy pines and palms in Florida. Some girls keep flirting with the Argentine guys. One girl got an e-mail address. There are a lot of farms along the road I'm on. I'm going to read the book I was supposed to read on the plane now.
Entry 1, ARG 2010
June 2, 2010
9:35
I'm currently approaching Santiago de Cuba. It's 9:35, and I've been flying for about an hour and a half. I've been able to complete some Algebra, which is quite a feat considering I'm in a very nice plane with flight attendants 10 feet away from me with food and drink. This plane is quite the contrast from the previous plane. The previous one was an old, cramped, freezing cold propeller plane that looked like it didn't belong in a modern air fleet. There were two aisles, both smack against the walls of the 20 foot wide body. This one is much nicer. There are three aisles and plenty of leg room. Lasagna and chicken are coming my way, waiting to be selected. I think I'll pick chicken.
The Miami flight was delayed for 30-45 minutes on account of pouring rain. The only other incident was where we hit what I believe to be turbulence, and about three girls screamed in unison. The flight crew found it amusing.
9:35
I'm currently approaching Santiago de Cuba. It's 9:35, and I've been flying for about an hour and a half. I've been able to complete some Algebra, which is quite a feat considering I'm in a very nice plane with flight attendants 10 feet away from me with food and drink. This plane is quite the contrast from the previous plane. The previous one was an old, cramped, freezing cold propeller plane that looked like it didn't belong in a modern air fleet. There were two aisles, both smack against the walls of the 20 foot wide body. This one is much nicer. There are three aisles and plenty of leg room. Lasagna and chicken are coming my way, waiting to be selected. I think I'll pick chicken.
The Miami flight was delayed for 30-45 minutes on account of pouring rain. The only other incident was where we hit what I believe to be turbulence, and about three girls screamed in unison. The flight crew found it amusing.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Pick me!
When people quote Isaiah 6:8, I almost always picture the Trinity talking amongst themselves in an airy room with ionic pillars. They are discussing strategy of how to tell man of his iniquity and of God's holiness and perfection. Then God says, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" I then picture me, five inches high, hopelessly jumping up and down with one hand in the air saying, "Ooh, ooh, pick me! PICK ME!"
While it is true that I have the opportunity every day to tell people of the Creator, tomorrow, I, along with around 130 of high schoolers, have the privilege of going to a whole other continent and sharing with Argentines the hope of our Savior. This is something big. This is something that doesn't happen everyday. For the next nine days, we will be immersed in a different country and culture, putting on concerts in an effort to introduce people to a God who cares.
As you can imagine, I am excited, nervous, excited, etc. I'm hoping to take at least some pictures, but this may be somewhat difficult as we will be on the go the majority of the time. I was even considering posting updates on here, but again, I don't know how that would work, since our internet access will be purposefully limited, if not non-existent altogether.
I am going to attempt to keep something at least remotely similar to a journal whilst down there. Perhaps I could post the entries when I return.
While it is true that I have the opportunity every day to tell people of the Creator, tomorrow, I, along with around 130 of high schoolers, have the privilege of going to a whole other continent and sharing with Argentines the hope of our Savior. This is something big. This is something that doesn't happen everyday. For the next nine days, we will be immersed in a different country and culture, putting on concerts in an effort to introduce people to a God who cares.
As you can imagine, I am excited, nervous, excited, etc. I'm hoping to take at least some pictures, but this may be somewhat difficult as we will be on the go the majority of the time. I was even considering posting updates on here, but again, I don't know how that would work, since our internet access will be purposefully limited, if not non-existent altogether.
I am going to attempt to keep something at least remotely similar to a journal whilst down there. Perhaps I could post the entries when I return.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Our National Anthem
O! say can you see by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;
O! say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner, O! long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country should leave us no more!
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
O! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;
O! say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner, O! long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country should leave us no more!
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
O! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Bring me to Life
Evanescence's "Bring me to Life" is one of my favorite songs. If you think about it, it's got some Christian application in it.
How can you see into my eyes like open doors?
Leading you down into my core where I've become so numb
Without a soul, my spirit sleeping somewhere cold
Until you find it there and lead it back home
Wake me up
(Wake me up inside)
I can't wake up
(Wake me up inside)
Save me
(Call my name and save me from the dark)
Wake me up
(Bid my blood to run)
I can't wake up
(Before I come undone)
Save me
(Save me from the nothing I've become)
Now that I know what I'm without
You can't just leave me
Breathe into me and make me real
Bring me to life
Wake me up
(Wake me up inside)
I can't wake up
(Wake me up inside)
Save me
(Call my name and save me from the dark)
Wake me up
(Bid my blood to run)
I can't wake up
(Before I come undone)
Save me
(Save me from the nothing I've become)
I've been living a lie
There's nothing inside
Bring me to life
Frozen inside without your touch
Without your love, darling
Only you are the life among the dead
All this time, I can't believe I couldn't see
Kept in the dark but you were there in front of me
I've been sleeping a thousand years it seems
Got to open my eyes to everything
Without thought, without voice, without a soul
Don't let me die here
There must be something more
Bring me to life
Wake me up
(Wake me up inside)
I can't wake up
(Wake me up inside)
Save me
(Call my name and save me from the dark)
Wake me up
(Bid my blood to run)
I can't wake up
(Before I come undone)
Save me
(Save me from the nothing I've become)
I've been living a lie
There's nothing inside
Bring me to life
In the earnest search for something more, the author realizes there is something missing. In the song's context, I think she is referring to love.
I look at this song and see that this numb feeling, this "lie" of a life is the manifestation of a life without Christ. In this song, one can sing, begging God to show them a life un-frozen--a life worth something. The Christian realizes that there "must be something more"--that something more is Jesus and the purpose He brings.
Humans live in spiritual darkness apart from Christ. It is a cold and dormant life. God saw into our eyes and saw our "numb", sinful "cores". But once Christ breaths new life into you, you can't help but say, "Now that I know what I'm without, you can't just leave me." Once you taste God, you can't get enough of Him!
I may be stretching it, but I find it interesting, nonetheless. Next up, Linkin Park's "Numb"! Or not. Well, you never know...
How can you see into my eyes like open doors?
Leading you down into my core where I've become so numb
Without a soul, my spirit sleeping somewhere cold
Until you find it there and lead it back home
Wake me up
(Wake me up inside)
I can't wake up
(Wake me up inside)
Save me
(Call my name and save me from the dark)
Wake me up
(Bid my blood to run)
I can't wake up
(Before I come undone)
Save me
(Save me from the nothing I've become)
Now that I know what I'm without
You can't just leave me
Breathe into me and make me real
Bring me to life
Wake me up
(Wake me up inside)
I can't wake up
(Wake me up inside)
Save me
(Call my name and save me from the dark)
Wake me up
(Bid my blood to run)
I can't wake up
(Before I come undone)
Save me
(Save me from the nothing I've become)
I've been living a lie
There's nothing inside
Bring me to life
Frozen inside without your touch
Without your love, darling
Only you are the life among the dead
All this time, I can't believe I couldn't see
Kept in the dark but you were there in front of me
I've been sleeping a thousand years it seems
Got to open my eyes to everything
Without thought, without voice, without a soul
Don't let me die here
There must be something more
Bring me to life
Wake me up
(Wake me up inside)
I can't wake up
(Wake me up inside)
Save me
(Call my name and save me from the dark)
Wake me up
(Bid my blood to run)
I can't wake up
(Before I come undone)
Save me
(Save me from the nothing I've become)
I've been living a lie
There's nothing inside
Bring me to life
In the earnest search for something more, the author realizes there is something missing. In the song's context, I think she is referring to love.
I look at this song and see that this numb feeling, this "lie" of a life is the manifestation of a life without Christ. In this song, one can sing, begging God to show them a life un-frozen--a life worth something. The Christian realizes that there "must be something more"--that something more is Jesus and the purpose He brings.
Humans live in spiritual darkness apart from Christ. It is a cold and dormant life. God saw into our eyes and saw our "numb", sinful "cores". But once Christ breaths new life into you, you can't help but say, "Now that I know what I'm without, you can't just leave me." Once you taste God, you can't get enough of Him!
I may be stretching it, but I find it interesting, nonetheless. Next up, Linkin Park's "Numb"! Or not. Well, you never know...
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Let it snow
Well, at least someone came clean.
(see article)
Global warming is a funny concept considering the weather we had here in Florida. We've actually had cold weather for winter this year. That's a big deal. We had people screaming, "Global cooling!! Global cooling!!". Well, almost anyway. I was happy, but started missing those Florida 70's. I'll probably be wishing the opposite come April to September.
I think the earth is just being the earth; going through warming and cooling periods.
Even if there is such a thing as global warming, I rest knowing God has everything in the palm of His hand.
People, God offers so deep a peace and security, it's unfathomable. He loves you, and wants you to get to know Him. I encourage you to put your trust in the Prince of Peace.
(see article)
Global warming is a funny concept considering the weather we had here in Florida. We've actually had cold weather for winter this year. That's a big deal. We had people screaming, "Global cooling!! Global cooling!!". Well, almost anyway. I was happy, but started missing those Florida 70's. I'll probably be wishing the opposite come April to September.
I think the earth is just being the earth; going through warming and cooling periods.
Even if there is such a thing as global warming, I rest knowing God has everything in the palm of His hand.
People, God offers so deep a peace and security, it's unfathomable. He loves you, and wants you to get to know Him. I encourage you to put your trust in the Prince of Peace.
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