In our culture these days the idea of “freedom” is often seen as the license to do whatever you want. However, Scripture teaches us that we are bound like slaves to whatever we obey…whether sin or righteousness. Hillsong Worship reminds us that we are free when the Son sets us free in their song “Who You Say I Am.”
Jesus has some strong words to say about the matter in John 8. Why don’t you join me there?
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Have you ever been afraid to pray because you aren’t sure you are doing it “right”? Riley Clemmons, in her song “Broken Prayers,” reminds us that God is not afraid of how we are feeling. We can be real with Him in the midst of the messy.
The psalmist in Psalm 44 gives us an example of crying out to God from a desperately broken place. Let’s explore it together.
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I have been keeping Jesus small. I have found myself saying things like, “He started as a baby.” Fortunately for me, I allowed Scripture to reshape my thinking this week. Inspired by downhere’s song, “How Many Kings,” I considered what sort of king Jesus is to emphasize the tremendous sacrifice it was for Him to come to earth as a human (much less a baby). But He did NOT “start” as a baby.
Join me in Colossians 1 to put the magnifying glass on just a handful of characteristics of King Jesus.
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There is such a sense of expectancy in the Christmas season. We hope our gifts for others are “just right,” we hope everyone gets along at our various gatherings, we hope to make lasting and meaningful memories, and sometimes we hope for that perfect gift. Before Jesus came the first time, all of creation hoped for God to send the One that would rescue the world. Kari Jobe’s song, “When Hope Came Down,” calls us to examine Christ who “came down” to do the will of the Father.
You and I are included in Father God’s plan. This week we see the express purpose of Hope coming down.
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The waters of our soul are deep. The cry of the song “Oh My Soul” by Casting Crowns reminds us that we can bare our souls to the One who created us inside and out. If we spend some time tending to our souls, we can experience the faithfulness of God in the deepest places of our being.
The Psalms include many soul-baring moments, and Psalm 42 contains and example of this. It won’t be hard to relate to the psalmist this week!
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Have you ever said a word and all of a sudden begin to question if you are using it properly, or if it’s really a word at all? Maybe that’s just me, but sometimes I wonder if we really understand the gospel. This week’s song, “The Gospel” by Ryan Stevenson, drew me to Scripture to explore and confirm what the good news really is.
Come with me on a journey from a dusty prophet’s desk, to a crowded synagogue, to a compelling apostle’s letter as we consider the gospel.
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The Bible is rich with characters we can identify with. While individually we are unique, as a human race we often struggle with similar sins and responses. I am encouraged by the words of Crowder’s song “Forgiven,” and am even more encouraged by the truths in Scripture it leads us to examine.
There is not a sin you struggle with that has not beset many before you. In spite of our ability to sin in all sorts of ways with great regularity we stand FORGIVEN.
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You are divinely loved. You need to get a grip on that because we have some very important tasks ahead of us as followers of Christ. Jordan Feliz’ song “Beloved” reminds us of this truth, and Scripture gives us clear responsibilities as those loved by God.
We have a role to play. It’s time to embrace the truth that you are beloved.
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I often talk about Scripture changing the way you think. Well get ready, because Shane and Shane’s song, Psalm 51 (Wisdom in the Secret Heart), leads us to a Psalm of David where it is obvious he has begun to think differently about his sin. I was crying out for God’s cleansing alongside David after spending a week here.
Get ready to get uncomfortable…in a good way.
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The Russian proverb “doveryai no proveryai” is translated “trust but verify” in English. This is how we should approach our trusted preachers, teachers, and even Christian music. However, when you can verify that the lyrics you are singing through your favorite songs come from Scripture, you can now use the song to help you meditate on truths that God has gifted us. This week we will use Darlene Zschech’s version of “In Jesus’ Name” to inspire us to discover Scriptural proof of the lyrics, making this song a powerful tool to help us hide God’s Word in our hearts.
With a special resource I’ve created and little extra effort, you will see tremendous results this week.
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