As Thanksgiving is upon us, our hearts and minds turn to "family" and what that means for each person. In this episode, Andrew focuses on adoption, family and how we find belonging and family in the church.
Feeling isolated and lonely? You're not alone. There are many who are walking in the fog, and what we all need is others to walk with us in community.
In this episode, Andrew shares how journaling can help us hear God's voice.
While many people have a love/hate relationship with journaling - there is a very helpful method of journaling called the "Immanuel Journaling" approach.
Proverbs 3:5–6 (The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language)
5–6 Trust GOD from the bottom of your heart;
don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for GOD’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he’s the one who will keep you on track.
Habakkuk 2:1-3 (NIV)
1 I will stand at my watch
and station myself on the ramparts;
I will look to see what he will say to me,
and what answer I am to give to this complaint.
2 Then the LORD replied:
“Write down the revelation
and make it plain on tablets
so that a herald may run with it.
3 For the revelation awaits an appointed time;
it speaks of the end
and will not prove false.
Though it linger, wait for it;
it will certainly come
and will not delay.
20 The LORD is in his holy temple;
let all the earth be silent before him.
Here’s how Journaling helps you hear God’s voice:
1. Helps you de-stress & detoxify (healthy venting)
2. Gets your thoughts out of your head, into words
3. Helps you to let go of the thoughts that distract you
4. Writing slows down your thoughts
5. Writing helps you to organize and prioritize your thoughts
6. Ending your “free write” with a question for God to answer
Link to The book Joyful Journey (Life Model Works):
Link to the PDF of the Immanuel Journaling worksheet for you to try:
https://info.ncchico.org/hubfs/Joyful-Journaling-prompts.pdf
Today's podcast is a 20 minute version of a sermon that was shared on Pentecost Sunday in our outdoor service. This devotional is more like an adventure through different passages of Scripture about Simon Peter, who is transformed by the Holy Spirit. It ties to the coming of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2.
We can relate to the shame, guilt and feelings of being disqualified that Peter walks through in Jesus' last days. The way that that the Holy Spirit changes Peter forever gives us a sense of what we can expect as we kneel to Jesus as our King, and the Holy Spirit comes and lives inside us. It is the power of the Holy Spirit and posture of forgiveness in Jesus that are game changers for us who follow Jesus. Key passages of Scripture:
John 21:15–17 (NIV) Jesus Reinstates Peter
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love (agape/unconditionally love) me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love (phileo/like me a lot) you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love (agape/unconditionally love) me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love (phileo/like me a lot) you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love (phileo/like me a lot) me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love (phileo/like me a lot) me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love (phileo/like me a lot) you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep."
Background Music "Emotional Cinematic" by: "Grand Project" sourced from Pixabay.com
In this episode Andrew gives us five ways to situate yourself better to hear the voice of Jesus.
1. Humility
2. Purity
3. Stillness
4. Fix your eyes on Jesus
5. Release your burdens first to Jesus
"There is something in humility which strangely exalts the heart." - St. Augustine of Hippo
Proverbs 11:2 (NIV)
2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with humility comes wisdom.
"Spiritual joy arises from purity of the heart and perseverance in prayer." - St. Francis of Assisi
Psalm 66:18 (NIV)
18 If I had cherished sin in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened;
"God's silence doesn't mean His absence. Silence is God's call for you to grow deeper." - Chuck Swindoll
Psalm 62:1 (NIV)
1 Truly my soul finds rest in God;
my salvation comes from him.
In Matthew 7:7–8 (NIV) Jesus says, 7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Psalm 55:22 (NIV)
22 Cast your cares on the LORD
and he will sustain you;
"No man ever sank under the burden of the day. It is when tomorrow's burden is added to the burden of today that the weight is more than a man can bear." - George MacDonald
Matthew 6:34 (NIV) 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
In this episode Andrew tells the story of hearing God's voice audibly (only once ever), and then gives us a list of characteristics of what God's voice always, sometimes and never sounds like. That list is below here in the show notes:
The voice of Jesus sounds like:
ALWAYS:
· Peaceful and confident
· Often it feels like the voice comes from “behind me”
Isaiah 30:21 (NIV) 21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
· It “sounds” slightly different from your own thoughts
· In your own language (unless God is reminding you of a verse in the King James Version Bible, He doesn’t speak in King James’ English)
· The fruit (result) of obeying the rhema word from God will lead you to love others more and be more generous, forgiving and kind
SOMETIMES:
· SOMETIMES is a verse, or a phrase from a Bible verse
· SOMETIMES it’s a warning
· SOMETIMES it’s a directive to do something or give to someone
· SOMETIMES God simply brings someone to mind to prompt you to seek them out and check in, to pray for them, and be aware of their needs and situation
· SOMETIMES it’s a prompting to forgive someone who has hurt you
· SOMETIMES a word or a phrase is accompanied by a mental picture that God projects on the screen of your mind (sometimes a short movie other times just a still picture that flashes briefly)
· SOMETIMES it comes to me as a question, that gets me thinking differently
· SOMETIMES it is a word of wisdom from God (1 Cor. 12:8)
· SOMETIMES it is a word of knowledge (1 Cor. 12:8) – which is God revealing to you what you could not know on your own. It is sometimes used by God to show others that He sees them and their situation and loves them. It is often followed up with a prophetic word (which is for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort, 1 Cor. 14:3)
· SOMETIMES it is a prophetic word for myself or others. These words always build into your identity, calling and destiny. They will give you hope and give you something to hold onto when things get difficult.
NEVER
· NEVER condemning
· NEVER goes against His written Word
· NEVER selfish or self serving
In this podcast Andrew looks at the role of the shepherd with sheep in the Bible.
In John 10, Jesus goes into great detail about how we (his sheep) hear and recognize his voice.
This podcast refers to Genesis 48, Revelation 7:17, Psalm 23:1, Isaiah 53:6, Ezekiel 34, James 4:7, John 8:47, Luke 15:4-7, Romans 2:4, Psalm 46:10, Matthew 12:19.
Three ways that I have learned to recognize HIS voice:
1) Read His Word: While God doesn’t use King James English with me, the Holy Spirit will often whisper a phrase from His written Word to me.
2) Acting on impressions I get from God, then testing the fruit: If I get a picture in my mind, have a dream about someone, or have someone “randomly” come to mind – I pray, send them a prayer via text message, call them, and check in. If the timing is clearly miraculous, then I know that was God nudging me – and I pay attention to what that was like to “hear” or “sense” God’s prompting.
3) I take prophetic words that are given to me seriously: I take time to pray about and test any word from God that someone gives to me, often making sure it is written form. As I see some words radically on target, I pay attention to the heart posture and “feeling” of the word. It tunes my ear to hear the kind, loving, leading, guiding tone of Jesus toward me. Words from God are NEVER condemning, but may be convicting (there’s a BIG difference).
This is the first episode in a series about hearing God's voice.
In this quick look at 1 Kings 19, we learn from Elijah the prophet who had an encounter hearing God's voice. After his greatest victory over the prophets of Baal, (showing that Yahweh is the God over all other gods) - Elijah is depressed, running for his life.
It is in this low place that God ministers to Elijah through the actions of the angel of the Lord, then God, Himself reveals himself to Elijah and gives him the tangible direction he was seeking from God.
In this podcast, Andrew talks about the "Shalom" peace of God and how two ways that we can carry it more.
While the two pathways to peace mentioned in Philippians 4 are
1) prayer
2) thanksgiving
Here are 8 statements that are shared that help our understanding of God's nature remain true:
I've been telling the story behind the song for the last 12 weeks of the podcast, this is a bonus addition to what can be heard on my "proof in the mirror" CD.
In the fall of 2012, we laid to rest the body of a six week old baby named Lydia Rose Green.
As I prepared to do her memorial service, this was the song that the Lord gave me.
This podcast tells that story, and plays the recording of the song (I recorded it in the garage).
Click here to see a "Lyric video" of this song on YouTube
Fields of Green Lyrics:
Verse 1:
Dancing in, the fields of green, lifted high, above all things
Hand in hand, with our king, you are dancing
Spinning round, you are free, from all pain, you are at peace
Perfect joy, has come to you, perfect peace
Chorus:
Jesus, you give us life, and you give us breath
You hold us in your hands
And when it’s our time
You will be so kind,
You will come and carry us away
Verse 2:
Purple skies, tell a tale, of a king, who loves so well
He understands, who we are, he is listening.
As roses bloom in His time, we learn too, and we try
To trust again, and hope is on the rise
Bridge:
Prince of Peace
Lord of Lords
We fall into your arms
So, Lord Heal my heart
Heal every part
Someday we’ll dance with you, in fields of green
This is the last podcast in this series called, "the story behind the song." I believe all songs are written in heaven and are shared with those of us who listen to receive them as gifts. The song, Welcome Home is the last track on the 2009 CD named, "Proof in the Mirror." The lyrics of this song were the answer to a question I asked Jesus, "What do you say to us when we walk into heaven?"
On a difficult day filled with "why" questions, the words of this song brought incredible peace to my heart. The song went unshared for almost five years, until I recorded it for the world to hear it. It has been a gift to others who are grieving the loss of a loved one.
You probably have someone you have lost, someone who is dear to you in your mind.
As you experience this song, that Jesus sings to us as we enter heaven – may the truth of his sovereignty rule and reign in your heart.
May the peace of knowing that God’s timing is perfect comfort you.
May we live in such a way as to share the proof of who God is in our lives, and so lead others to the same eternal home.
Lyrics (Written October 2004) Welcome Home
Chorus:
Welcome home, my good and faithful friend,
Welcome home, to a life that has no end
You were ready to be, standing here with me
So, my child come enter in, oh welcome home
Verse 1:
Your friends will miss your laughter
They will long for your embrace
I will be their father, giving them my grace
This is where you belong
This is where you belong
Chorus:
Welcome home, my good and faithful friend,
Welcome home, to a life that has no end
You were ready to be, standing here with me
So my child come enter in, oh welcome home
Verse 2:
I’ve prepared a place for you, where there will be no tears
You’ve been storing treasure here, for so many years
This is where you belong
This is where you belong
Bridge:
There are many you have led to this place
You will be amazed when you look at every face
Waiting here to thank you, waiting to here to welcome you home
Last Chorus:
Well done, my child, well done
You have finished the course you have run
There is so much more, that I have in store
So my child come enter in, well done
So my child come enter in, this is where life begins
So my child come enter in, welcome home
This podcast is a part of a larger series that explains the meaning, truth, scripture and stories behind the songs on my "Proof in the Mirror" CD released in 2009.
"You are my Song" is a song that I wrote in 2008 for my friends and ministry partners, Daniel & Katie Blackman. This song debuted at their wedding.
"You are my Song" Lyrics
Verse 1
Before there was time, I created your heart, formed every part, and gave it a song
It’s the song that I sing, to you every night, to tell you I love you, and I am the light
That shines on your soul, to make you whole
The world spins in silence, it waits for a sound, searching for meaning, but none can be found
But the song that I’m singing, that rings in your heart, is the message of meaning, of a new start
For any lost soul, to make them whole
Chorus:
You bring the song; you bring the laughter, even in tears, when you call out my name
You show the world, there can be music, when you live in my love, you are never the same
You have the hope, you know the truth, you know the way, you are the proof
That I am alive, here everyday, singing my love songs, I just want to say
You are my song
Verse 2
So come sing with me, come tell the story, of love that was shown, so long ago
I came to earth, to show you my glory, to tell you the truth, to give you life
That awakens your soul, and makes you whole
So may your life, sing me a love song, the way that you live, sings a sweet melody
Every breath that you take, whispers out my name, as you live out this love song, others will say
Come save my soul, please make me whole
Chorus:
You bring the song; you bring the laughter, even in tears, when you call out my name
You show the world, there can be music, when you live in my love, you are never the same
You have the hope, you know the truth, you know the way, you are the proof
That I am alive, here everyday, singing my love songs, I just want to say
You are my song
There was a phrase tumbling over and over inside my head in December of 2004 that led me to write this song. It was "you will always be, a breath away from me" That truth struck such a chord with me that it sent me writing the lyrics to this song. In a time of praying and wanting a third child, I was thinking a lot about how God breathes life into us - both in the womb (Psalm 139 says we were knit together by God), and when we take our first breath at birth.
After 18 years, this song is still powerful to me as a reminder of my identity and that I am created in the image God. If you are lonely, desperate, depressed or questioning whether God loves you - listening to God sing these words over you will shift your mindset and soften your heart.
As soon as I wrote this song, I realized that it had tons of value for the pro-life movement. With the help of some friends, Steve Chollet produced a music video for this song back in 2005. My son Michael and I have a quick cameo near the end - but the video really tells the story of how children are a blessing and shows a young woman who realizes she's pregnant and her decision making process. The musical arrangement is more robust, with a full band and a great electric guitar solo by Doug Holroyd. The video as features, Dr. Scott Mellum, Tami Smith, Melissa Curry and a baby Hunter Smith has a cameo. Since the video was produced here in Chico, you may recognize a few other faces too. Here is the link:
Just a Breath Away Music Video 2005
This podcast includes the 2009 arrangement that features Linda and I signing, piano and string bass. The simplicity of this version is refreshing and beautiful.
Full lyrics here:
“Just a breath away”
Verse 1:
Precious moments here at heaven’s door
But I am dreaming of so much more
Waiting for the world to see
Another perfect picture of me
Chorus:
I made you perfect in every way
(You were) created to walk with me each and every day
You will always be a breath away from me
I will always stay – a simple prayer away
Verse 2:
Looking through, a window at you
The people try to see
What I’ve been creating, for all eternity
Another perfect picture of me
To Chorus
Bridge:
Every part of your heart was my design
Every day of your life, you will be mine
Every season, I’ll give you a reason
To make it through another day
I am the potter, you are the clay
(you got to) believe me when I say
To Chorus
Tag:
Like Father, like son, you are the one
I am sending to be, a reflection of me
When I look at your face, I see my grace
When I look in your eyes, I realize, that you look just like me
This podcast explores the meaning and heart behind the song, "Reunion" from my 2009 CD "Proof in the Mirror"
This episode tells the story of the prodigal son from Luke 15. It contains a short devotional exploring the cultural background of the story and why it's so powerful that the father runs to his son to welcome him home. This passage & art like Rembrandt's masterpiece oil painting has inspired me to tell the story from the father's perspective. This song is sung from God's perspective. He represents the forgiving father in the story and we are to find ourselves identifying with the wayward son who is welcomed back into his father's house.
Favorite lyric in this song: "the smell of burning bridges might discourage your returning"
Luke 15:11–24 (NIV)
The Parable of the Lost Son
11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.
13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
“Reunion”
Verse 1:
All you ever wanted was a friend to spend some time with
You never thought that this place would be where your journey ends
You have run so far from all the things that you believed in
The road less travelled calls to you, no matter where you’ve been
And once again… I’m calling out your name
Chorus:
I will run to you, when you come back, no questions asked,
You will run into, into these arms of love
My father’s heart is crying out, for you to come back, and hear me shout,
I will run to you, when you come back home again
Verse 2:
The days turned into years, that I have longed for your returning
I will always love you, that will never change
So many sleepless nights that I have dreamed of our reunion
I am watching the horizon, I am waiting for my friend
And once again… I’m calling out your name
In the Sunset, it’s your silhouette that’s walking back to me
Bridge:
You’re so far away from home, feeling lost and on your own
It seems all hope is lost for you, but I will see you through
The smell of burning bridges might discourage your returning
But I have built them back for you, and I have paved the way
This podcast tells the story behind one of the songs on my "Proof in the Mirror" CD that I released in 2009. The goal of this recording project was to record songs that help others hear and know the truth about what God thinks about them. They are all written in the first person from God's perspective. This song is an invitation from God to us to listen and hear His "still small voice."
Many of the lyrics spring from 1 Kings 19, John 6 and Psalm 19.
Jesus tells us that He is the Good Shepherd, and we are his sheep, who hear his voice (John 10).
Here are the lyrics to the song:
Still Small Voice:
Verse 1:
My still small voice, is whispering your name
It’s still your choice, to listen and obey
My heart has seen that many things, compete with what I say
I will give you words of life, I’m speaking everyday
Chorus:
The heavens are telling the story, of my magnificent glory
The earthquakes, creation shakes at the sound of my name
My voice is calling out, to calm your fear and doubt,
My works are on display, to strengthen your faith, so listen, to what I have to say
Verse 2:
Your still small voice, is whispering my name
It’s still your choice, to hear what I will say
You have said so many things, as you knelt and prayed
I am always listening, so do not be afraid
Chorus:
Bridge:
I’ve whispered to your heart, from the very start
I am with you each and everyday
Chorus:
The heavens are telling the story, of my magnificent glory
The earthquakes, creation shakes a the sound of my name
My voice is calling out, to calm your fear and doubt,
My works are on display, to strengthen your faith, so listen, to what I have to say
End Tag:
My voice rings, as nature sings of my great love
Incline your ear, and you will hear, me call your name
I am speaking words of truth,
I am speaking words of life,
I am speaking words to you …
The Bible is a love letter that God has left for us. A love letter is supposed to help our love from growing cold when we are apart. In May of 2003, I wrote this song as an encouragement to read the Bible as a way for God to remind us of His love. I am passionate about helping others learn to study and be saturated in God's Word.
Psalm 139:16 - "All the days ordained for me were written in your book, before one of them came to be"
While God's written words are like a love letter written to us - the way we live is writing a letter back to Jesus, and He reads every word. He is always with us and is watching. This is both encouraging and sobering. This song also talks about the love songs that Jesus sings over us every night (Zephaniah 3).
Love Letter
Verse 1:
I have left a love letter for you
Have you read the words?
Every day of your life is written in my book
I know every word
I will hold your future in my hands
In my heart I’ve written such good plans
To care for you, in all you do, and tell you you’re my own
So understand, my heart, my plan, you will never be alone
I have sung a thousand love songs over you
Have you heard the words?
Verse 2:
Every night the music of heaven plays for you
It tells you what is true
I will show you great and mighty things
I have come to set your spirit free
To be more like me, you’ll have to see, my faithfulness and love
To understand, my heart, my plan, just read my words from above
Final Tag:
The way you live, is writing a letter back to me
I read every word
I have left a love letter for you
Have you read the words?
Have you even heard of my great love?
You can find it in the pages of my letter
You can hear it in the phrases of my love songs
You can find it in the pages of my letter
One of my forefathers is William Marshal, who served five Kings in England in medieval times. I have visited churches, abbeys and other buildings he built to build the Kingdom of God in his day. When he died and was buried in the Temple Church near the Tower of London, the Archbishop of Canterbury declared William to be "the flower of chivalry" and dubbed him "the greatest knight that ever lived." There is a canvas picture of one of his castles hanging on the wall in my office. The integrity that William maintained helped him protect the people from the king, and he was sworn to protect the king from the people. William was the force behind Magna Carta and served as mentor to Henry III (aged 9) while he ruled the realm as the regent. His fathering, diplomacy, integrity and grit helped England maintain it's sovereignty while France was seeking to invade and conquer the land.
It is this heritage that fuels my boyish love of swords, castles, knights and monks living long ago. This proud royal heritage descended from 29 generations of Celtic kings in our lineage supplied my imagination with the metaphor that fueled the song, Place at the Table. With the knights of the round table in mind, and the need for men in our day to step into courage and take their place at the table, this song was born.
This podcast describes the inspiration and meaning behind this song. This song is what I imagine Jesus singing to a man's heart. Just as the song, "Captivating" is what Jesus sings to a woman's heart - this is a call to see ourselves as men invited to the table by Jesus.
Place at the Table
Verse 1:
Many years ago, in a far away land,
the King chose the strongest to sit at his right hand
Many men tried to win that prize
They were hungry and thirsty, you could see it in their eyes
Coming ‘round the table, they understood the cost,
There were battles left to fight, to save those who were lost
The fighting is for honor, for love and for the truth
All of heaven’s waiting to see what you will do
Chorus:
We’ve been watching you waiting to see you take your place
At the table of truth, that was set just for you
We need your heart; will you play your part?
I will see you through; I will be fighting by your side
When you’re wounded and alone, I will carry you home
So, I choose you, will you stand for truth?
Verse 2:
I see you standing there, what will you decide
Will you come and fight or will you run and hide
Many men have believed the lies,
They are desperate and empty, you can see it in their eyes
Coming ‘round the table, do you understand the cost,
There are battles left to fight, to save those who are lost
It is in the fighting that you will find the truth
All of heaven’s waiting to see what you will do
Chorus:
Bridge:
Welcome to the table, courageous one
Welcome to a place, reserved for you my son
So come to the table, I know that you’re able
So come to the table, my son
Last Chorus:
So, rise up man of God, put your armor on
Will you embrace your destiny, come find yourself in me
I’ll heal your heart; it’s the place to start
I will strengthen you; I will never leave your side
When you’re lost and on your own, I will lead you home
So come to the table, I know that you’re able
So come to the table, my son
I wrote this song called Brushstrokes for Michael & Amy Wadlow's wedding in March of 2002. This song points to the fact that the basis of marriage is rooted in the command of Jesus for us to love one another. Each moment of our sacrifice in loving one another paints another brushstroke in the portrait of Jesus our relationship is showing the world. This song is written and sung by my wife, Linda and I. Performed from Jesus' point of view - you can imagine it is the song that Jesus sings when He appears at the wedding.
“Brush Strokes”
Verse 1:
I have come, to bless you on this wedding day
I am here, to fill you with my love
You have waited for this day for all of your lives
I am pleased to receive your sacrifice of praise
I have laid my life down, to show you my great love
Will you follow me and do the same?
I have shown my mercy and my grace has covered you
Will you receive and offer it too?
Chorus:
I have poured out my life that you might live
I have poured out my spirit that you might give
And love each other selflessly
To lay your lives down willingly
I have poured out my grace, so that you will be amazed
I have poured out my mercy, so you will give it all away
The moments of your sacrifice
The brush strokes of your lives
Painting a picture of me
This will be a portrait for all the world to see
Verse 2:
Seasons change, yet I remain the same
I am here, just trust me and obey
The storms of life will come your way
Do not fear, you will never be alone, I will always lead you home…
Home is where your heart will be, a place where you will follow me,
I’ll take you to the place where quiet waters flow
Walk with me and talk with me, I’ll strengthen you, and you will see
My faithfulness to you, I will always see you through
In this podcast, Andrew describes the process of writing the song and the profound message of God's guidance in every season of our lives.
"His Story" is a song that is sung from Jesus' perspective - singing His truth over our lives.
This song is available to stream or download wherever you get your digital music.
Psalm 139:13-16 (NIV)
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
“His Story”
Verse 1
The first chapter of your story, was written before time,
I was knitting you together, writing every line
I have stored up hidden treasure, deep inside your heart
I’ve left clues to solve the mystery, of who you really are
Chorus:
Your whole life has been a story, I am writing to show
My true love and my affection, so the world will know
That my heart beats for you completely, even when you do not notice me,
In the pages of your life, they’ll see, a picture of me
Verse 2
The next chapter of your story is starting just in time
I have buried treasures I intend for you to find
The map to guide your journey is in the tales of men
Who lived so many years ago, stories left to give you hope
(Chorus)
Bridge
Every plot twist that’s ahead of you, forces you to trust me
Before the page turns, there’s no way to see
What’s around the bend, how this story ends
As you live out the adventure, and write tales of this journey
Remember I am faithful, I will help you carry on
I will never leave you, I am here to make you strong
The expedition starts, right inside your heart
Chorus 2:
You were born to lead the captives, away from their pain
Your life was a gift to those I’m dying to save
And my heart beats for you completely, even when you do not walk with me,
It’s the truth, I’m writing in you,
In the pages of your life, they’ll see, a picture of me
This podcast paints the picture of the song Captivating, and the accounts from the gospels in John 4 and John 8.
This song was written from Jesus' perspective. The words He sings are the truth about how He sees us. I don't mention it in this podcast, but the Lord has used this song in at least two people's lives who chose life when considering suicide. This song is a gift from heaven, I feel honored that Jesus shared one of his songs in heaven with me.
This song is available to stream or share from anywhere you get your digital music.
Captivating
Verse 1
The blazing sun beat down around us
Your soul is thirsty, like the ground beneath your feet
Coming to this place, you need a little space
You’ve heard promises before
All those promises walked right out your door
Looking deep into the well, You hope to find yourself
The reflection looking back at you is
Living on the ragged edge, surviving day to day
Hoping no one notices all of your pain
You tell another lie, and you try to get away
Nothing seems to satisfy, life leaves you wanting to die
Verse 2
Storm clouds billow east of Eden
The morning rain is pooling at your feet
You were carried to this place, With little hope of finding grace
Tear drops splash, a face looks back
Can you make an escape form all of this shame
Looking for some help, to save you from yourself
The reflection looking back at you is
Living on the ragged edge, surviving day to day
Hoping no one notices all of your pain
You tell another lie, and you try to get away
Nothing seems to satisfy, life leaves you wanting to die
Chorus:
I can see, that you have a beauty , That is so captivating
It reflects my light like a million stars at night
When I saw you, I saw right through
All your sin and all your shame, I will take away this pain
I choose you, I tell you the truth,
My goodness is on parade, with every step you take
