Musical.. uhm.... Tuesday

I guess I've been letting myself slack on this again. I'm going to blame part of it on the fact that I rarely remember what day of the week it is. Last week, I completely forgot about it. Last night, I actually remembered as I was falling asleep. I even had a song in mind, but apparently that realization wasn't powerful enough to wake me back up.

This is a song I actually heard for the first time on Sunday. It's a song about how scary yet ultimately satisfying it can be to let yourself be surrendered to God's love.

Love and Radiation
By All Star United


You're electric
And I'm out in the rainstorm
You're the virus
That's running through my veins
You're a danger
Like love and radiation
Seeping into my brain

You're the one I've been waiting for
You're my rocket to the sky
You're the diving board
Standin' seven stories high
You're the thrill of love
Like a jet on fire
Push me out and see if I can fly

You're the ocean
About to pull me under
You're the surgeon
Who says it's got to bleed
You're the true love
I've always been afraid of
But you're the one that I need

You're the one I've been waiting for
You're my rocket to the sky
You're the diving board
Standin' seven stories high
You're the thrill of love
Like a jet on fire
Push me out and see if I can fly

You're the passion
Crashin' my defenses
And I'm defenceless to you

You're the one I've been waiting for
You're my rocket to the sky
You're the diving board
Standin' seven stories high
You're the thrill of love
Like a jet on fire
Push me out and see if I can fly

Musical... Tuesday

I was really tired yesterday and it seems I completely forgot about this, so the update is a day late.

Casting Crowns has a new CD out. As always, all of the songs have great words and each one has it's own powerful message. I wanted to use one of the songs from that CD, but had a hard time choosing which one. The one I settled on is called "Somewhere in the Middle".

It talks about knowing where we should be and knowing where we've been, but still not having the courage to give it all up to God to reach the point where we need to be. Instead, we wind up stuck "somewhere in the middle."

CASTING CROWNS LYRICS

"Somewhere In The Middle"

Somewhere between the hot and the cold
Somewhere between the new and the old
Somewhere between who I am and who I used to be
Somewhere in the middle, You'll find me

Somewhere between the wrong and the right
Somewhere between the darkness and the light
Somewhere between who I was and who You're making me
Somewhere in the middle, You'll find me

Just how close can I get, Lord, to my surrender without losing all control

Fearless warriors in a picket fence, reckless abandon wrapped in common sense
Deep water faith in the shallow end and we are caught in the middle
With eyes wide open to the differences, the God we want and the God who is
But will we trade our dreams for His or are we caught in the middle
Are we caught in the middle

Somewhere between my heart and my hands
Somewhere between my faith and my plans
Somewhere between the safety of the boat and the crashing waves

Somewhere between a whisper and a roar
Somewhere between the altar and the door
Somewhere between contented peace and always wanting more
Somewhere in the middle You'll find me

Just how close can I get, Lord, to my surrender without losing all control

Lord, I feel You in this place and I know You're by my side
Loving me even on these nights when I'm caught in the middle

Musical Monday, September 10th

Alright, this is my first time being home today other than early this morning, so this update is coming pretty late, but at least it's here. I've always liked this song by Third Day. It's a good reminder that no matter what you're going through, there is a reason and God can bring you through it.

40 Days by Third Day

Here I am at what feels like the end
And so I come to You, my Lord, again
With this burden buried deep within
This heart that You have made
In this trial that I'm going through
I don't question 'cause I know it's true
That the sorrow brings me back to You
And You have made me stronger

It's been forty days and forty nights
Down the road of many trials
And I pray it's only for a season
'Cause in the wilderness and in the flood
You're the one I'm thinking of
And I know You've brought me for a reason

I have one more thing I've got to say
Before they try to take my life away
Let it be known that I am not afraid
Let Your will be done, Lord

Musical Monday and Fictional Apologies

Alright, first I guess I'll start by saying that it's been a really rough week, and I'm sad to say that I think I'm going to have to (at least temporarily) discontinue my Fictional Friday posts. I do still plan to do the Musical Monday posts though, which brings me to my next point.

This has been a really rough week for me, but here I've got a song reminding us not to forget to turn our eyes toward God even when things are going great. There's the silly church sign saying, "Is God your steering wheel or your spare tire?" It is funny, but at the same time, there's some truth to it. Is He something you use to guide you at every turn in your life, or is he just something you pull out when something else you depend on stops working?

Seven Places - Even When Lyrics

This week, I prayed, one time
My phone, it rang, I put You on the other line
And now my thoughts they drift around
My knees remain unacquainted with the ground
Unless my faith is put to the test and I am forced to bow
Although I'm in this flesh it doesn't mean You shouldn't have the best
from me, from me

[Chorus:]
Even when my eyes are dry
even when my soul is tired
even when my hands are heavy, I will lift them up to Yu
It's not about how I feel, oh Lord I am here for Yu
I exist for you

I close my eyes but all I see
Is a background of black, bouncy squiggly lines
And this week's mistakes coming back to mind but
I will lift my voice and make a joyful sound
Forget about me, I only get me down
Although I cannot see it doesn't mean I shouldn't sing to You, to You

[Chorus]

You've given me Your life and have held mine together yet I find
Excuses to slouch in my pew
But when glory divine
Is sitting in my very presence, the least that I can do
Is give my all to You, give my all to You

[Chorus]

Musical Monday

I've really been slacking on these updates :( I'll try to do better. Anyway, I've got a song for today. It's a little different from the kind of song I normally post. My parents always talk about learning this song around the time when my sister was born and the significance it held to them(especially the second verse). So I guess that's why I felt it relevant today just after receiving a call saying that one of my sisters is going into labor. It's a great song any day, but it just seems even more special in a time like this. Anyway, here it is, Because He Lives:

BECAUSE HE LIVES
Writer Bill Gaither

God Sent His Son, They Called Him Jesus;
He Came To Love, Heal And Forgive.
He Lived And Died To Buy My Pardon;
An Empty Grave Is There To Prove My Savior Lives.

Chorus:
Because He Lives
I Can Face Tomorrow
Because He Lives
All Fear Is Gone
Because I Know He Holds The Future
And Life Is Worth The Living
Just Because He Lives

How Sweet To Hold A Newborn Baby,
And Feel The Pride And Joy He Gives;
But Greater Still The Calm Assurance:
This Child Can Face Uncertain Day Because He Lives.

Chorus

And Then One Day I'll Cross The River;
I'll Fight Life's Final War With Pain.
And Then, As Death Gives Way To Vict'ry,
I'll See The Lights Of Glory And I'll Know He Reigns.

Chorus

Musical Monday

I've really been slacking on these updates :( I'll try to do better. Anyway, I've got a song for today. It's a little different from the kind of song I normally post. My parents always talk about learning this song around the time when my sister was born and the significance it held to them(especially the second verse). So I guess that's why I felt it relevant today just after receiving a call saying that one of my sisters is going into labor. It's a great song any day, but it just seems even more special in a time like this. Anyway, here it is, Because He Lives:

BECAUSE HE LIVES
Writer Bill Gaither

God Sent His Son, They Called Him Jesus;
He Came To Love, Heal And Forgive.
He Lived And Died To Buy My Pardon;
An Empty Grave Is There To Prove My Savior Lives.

Chorus:
Because He Lives
I Can Face Tomorrow
Because He Lives
All Fear Is Gone
Because I Know He Holds The Future
And Life Is Worth The Living
Just Because He Lives

How Sweet To Hold A Newborn Baby,
And Feel The Pride And Joy He Gives;
But Greater Still The Calm Assurance:
This Child Can Face Uncertain Day Because He Lives.

Chorus

And Then One Day I'll Cross The River;
I'll Fight Life's Final War With Pain.
And Then, As Death Gives Way To Vict'ry,
I'll See The Lights Of Glory And I'll Know He Reigns.

Chorus

Musical Monday

Well, it's Monday and that means it's time for a new song. I've been listening to a lot of music trying to find the right song to post today(hard work). I came across a song I hadn't really listened to in quite a while. I like the words though. I'm not really sure what else to say that the lyrics don't already say.


BURN FOR YOU
By Tobymac

I'm a brand new man, I'm a conscious man
I'm a man who's burnin' for you
The mistakes I've made have been chased away to the bottom of the ocean blue
I'm a brand new man in a foreign land, I'm a man who's feelin' that fire
And it's all so clear when I'm standing here at the peak of my desire

So won't you move me like you used to
I want the world to know I burn for you

I feel revived again, I am alive again
(Burnin' for you) You got me lifted and lifted you lift me up
I feel revived again, I'm energized again
(Burnin' for you) You got me lifted and lifted you lift me up

Woke up in a sweat, those ghosts in my head
Had a grip, but I slipped on by
It's a whole new day as the darkness fades
And the sun's climbing in the sky
I concede, my love, that I need your love
I'm before you, a broken man
And it's only you, no substitutes who can renew this soul again

You got me higher than Kilimanjaro
Got me believin' I can "save the day"
I'm up and running like their ain't no tomorrow
I'd rather burn for you than fade away
I'd rather burn for you than go my way

I'm a whole new guy with a whole new vibe
Changed inside - more flame in the fire
Can't stop, won't stop praying for desire
Like the bunny on the screen feel so energized
Old shell gone without a trace, new face
No more shortness of breath, new pace
Live life now without the taste of fear
TOBYMAC, Double Dutch now let the smoke clear

Musical Monday

Well, yesterday was Father's day. I thought this song was appropriate for this week's selection. I've always liked this song. I was lucky to have a father with the attitude in this song. I know his earthly father wasn't around most of the years while he was growing up, but he didn't let that stop him from being there for me. In fact, I think it made him more determined to be there for my sisters and me. Not only was her there though(which is more than a lot of people can say about their fathers sadly), but he always tried to let us see Jesus through him just like this song says.

Thanks Dad :)


Artist: Phillips Craig And Dean
Song: I Want To Be Just Like You

He climbs in my lap for a goodnight hug
He calls me Dad and I call him Bub
With his faded old pillow and a bear named Pooh
He snuggles up close and says, "I want to be like you"
I tuck him in bed and I kiss him goodnight
Trippin' over the toys as I turn out the light
And I whisper a prayer that someday he'll see
He's got a father in God 'cause he's seen Jesus in me

Lord, I want to be just like You
'Cause he wants to be just like me
I want to be a holy example
For his innocent eyes to see
Help me be a living Bible, Lord
That my little boy can read
I want to be just like You
'Cause he wants to be like me

Got to admit I've got so far to go
Make so many mistakes and I'm sure that You know
Sometimes it seems no matter how hard I try
With all the pressures in life I just can't get it all right
But I'm trying so hard to learn from the best
Being patient and kind, filled with Your tenderness
'Cause I know that he'll learn from the things that he sees
And the Jesus he finds will be the Jesus in me
Right now from where he stands I may seem mighty tall
But it's only 'cause I'm learning from the best Father of them all

Musical Mondays

Alright, it's time for me to post another song that I like. I'm not really sure what I can say about this one other than what the lyrics themselves already say. So without further adieu...

Sonicflood - All I've Failed To Be

God above, I'm in awe
Of Your perfect love
Humbly I come to Your throne
of grace
For a taste of You

Jesus Christ, I'm in awe
Of Your sacrifice
Holy I stand in Your presence here
I am near to You

I'm praying Lord break me
I'm praying Lord take me
I'm praying Lord make me
All I've failed to be

God above, I'm in awe
Of Your perfect love
Humbly I come to Your throne
of grace
For a taste of You

Jesus Christ, I'm in awe
Of Your sacrifice
Holy I stand in Your presence here
I am near to You

When all around is falling out
When I forget what I'm about
Sometimes the best that I can do
Is to desire to desire You

Break my heart, take me Lord
Make me whole
I need You
God above

Musical Monday

I thought this song fit well with my post last week about tolerance. As a nation, we're falling asleep. Or as this song puts it "we’re sung to sleep by philosophies
that save the trees and kill the children." Anyway, I don't really know what else to add, so I'll just move on to the song.


Casting Crowns - While You Were Sleeping

Oh little town of Bethlehem
Looks like another silent night
Above your deep and dreamless sleep
A giant star lights up the sky
And while you’re lying in the dark
There shines an everlasting light
For the King has left His throne
And is sleeping in a manger tonight, tonight

Oh Bethlehem, what you have missed while you were sleeping
For God became a man
And stepped into your world today
Oh Bethlehem, you will go down in history
As a city with no room for its King
While you were sleeping
While you were sleeping

Oh little town of Jerusalem
Looks like another silent night
The Father gave His only Son
The Way, the Truth, the Life had come
But there was no room for Him in the world He came to save

Jerusalem, what you have missed while you were sleeping
The Savior of the world is dying on your cross today
Jerusalem, you will go down in history
As a city with no room for its King
While you were sleeping
While you were sleeping

United States of America
Looks like another silent night
As we’re sung to sleep by philosophies
That save the trees and kill the children
And while we’re lying in the dark
There’s a shout heard ‘cross the eastern sky
For the Bridegroom has returned
And has carried His bride away in the night, in the night

America, what will we miss while we are sleeping
Will Jesus come again
And leave us slumbering where we lay
America, will we go down in history
As a nation with no room for its King
Will we be sleeping?
Will we be sleeping?

United States of America
Looks like another silent night

Musical Monday

I've got a lot of things I want to post, but I've been really busy lately. So I figured I'd do something simple and post the words to a song that I like. Hopefully this will be something I'll start doing relatively regularly.

The song this time is called "I'm Guilty" by KJ-52. This song is a little different. It's half rap, half mock trial. I like it though, especially the last lines.


I'm Guilty

INTRO:
All rise. Case number seven-seven-seven-five-two.
Defendant KJ-52 verses the Son of God in murder one.
How do you plead?
Guilty as charged.
Do you promise to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?
I do.
Then go ahead.

VERSE 1:
I solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth now, so help me God.
What I testify and what I'm speaking of is an eye witness account of an experience of a kindof love,
I confess now to what it was.
I was guilty of making the very Son of God now shed His blood, and
I was guilty of the reason now why He was hung, and
I'm filthy with what caused the death of the Son.
It kills me to think I was the one who shed His blood.
I still think of the way He died now and how it was.
It feels me with pain inside, I feel like throwing up.
I can't escape, I can't lie, I didn't make it up.
I was the one who took the life of the Holy One.
This is the first time I've confessed now to what I've done.

CHORUS 1:
I'm guilty, guilty.
That's right, I'm guilty.
God forgive me, I'm guilty.
You know what? I'm guilty!

VERSE 2:
Yeah that's right, I did it.
Right out in the open for all to see it, and
I never hid it, I got to admit it.
They took the whip, ripped His back wide open and split it.
I heard Him cry every time they pulled it back and hit it.
I wondered why was He silent now, I didn't get it.
I watched Him die while He cried out "It is finished".
Thought nobody would find out about the the crime I've committed.
I tried to hide out, it's too late, that's right I did this.
It's my time now, my own eyes have been a witness to my crime.
Now I'm speechless and I'm defenseless.
Can anybody find out it's obvious that this is my final time.
Now I've finally come to my senses.
I'm a climb down and take whatever I'm sentenced.
I know why there's no way now that I could miss this.
I opened my eyes, now I see Him just for who He is.
My guilt is mine now, it's so obvious that...

CHORUS 2:
I'm guilty.
God forgive me, I'm guilty!
I'm guilty.
That's right, I'm guilty.
So guilty.

VERSE 3:
I'm just another person, I'm just another man.
I was the one that hurt Him, I finally understand.
Now I know for certain I caused the nails to land,
That left Him dead and murdered, pierced in feet and hands.
So now you've heard it, I testified and took the stand.
No other way I could word it, this is my confession and,
I never lied or purgured, I told just the best I can but,
I was the one that cursed Him, I was the trigger man.
The page is turning and I've now just confessed to this.
I didn't kill Christ, but it was just my sin that did.
Now I've confessed to the crime, I don't deserve to live,
I'm ready to do my time. All that I can say is...

CHORUS 3:
I'm guilty.
God forgive me, I'm guilty!
I don't deserve to live, I'm guilty!
Take me away, I'm guilty.
I'm guilty!

OUTRO:
Case number seven-seven-seven-five-two,
KJ-52 verses the Son of God in murder one.
The court has found you guilty as charged.
However, after further review of the case,
The prosecution has dropped the charges.
You're free to go.