If You Only Knew

As an avid reader, I stumble across a lot of blogs. Many of them are filled with angry and often offensive posts, which just represents much of the anger and emptiness out in the world. It is truly refreshing to read the posts of this Christian blog. The lyrics, poems, and messages are uplifting. Thank you. I’d like to post lyrics from the Randy Travis’ song, “If you only knew." I imagine my family members who have gone before me when I hear this beautiful song. It encourages me to remember that we are just journeying through this world, and it’s wonderful to know that there are blogs like this to help provide the insight and courage to keep traveling in the footsteps of Jesus. Here are the words:

If you only knew what lies awaiting
If you could only see what I can see
If you could only hear the music playing
The angels singing sweet victory
Oh, if you only knew, if you only knew,
How much He loves you.
If we only knew...

Posted by Gwyn

Justice, Equality, Martin Luther King, U2, and JESUS

On January 19, we remembered Dr. Martin Luther King and his vision of peace, justice, love, and unity. Dr. King was a man who indeed understood the message of Jesus Christ. I personally admire his life and his dream. I own a collection of his books/writings. Here is a favorite quote:

"Through violence you may murder a murderer,

but you can't murder murder

Through violence you may murder a liar,

but you can't establish truth.

Through violence you may murder a hater,

but you can't murder hate.

Darkness cannot put out darkness.

Only light can do that."

Watch King's "I have a dream" speech

The Irish band, U2, wrote a song about Martin Luther King called "In The Name of Love." This same song also has lyrical references to Jesus. You will not find U2's music in the Gospel section; however, if you read their lyrics, there is always a Christian message. I appreciate bands that present the gospel in a non-threatening, "non-preachy" way.
Click Here to read the lyrics. Click Here to listen to the song.

Bono, the lead singer of U2, wrote a book in 2006 entitled "On The Move." The overall message deals with the "laws of man" vs. "higher laws" of justice and equality. It's a call to put our faith into action, moving beyond staying at a distance from injustice. Here is a brief quote:

"God is in the slums, in the cardboard boxes where the poor play house.
God is in the silence of a mother who has infected her child with a virus that will end both their lives. God is in the cries heard under the rubble of war. God is in the debris of wasted opportunity and lives, and God is with us if we are with them."

To find out more about this book and how you can make a difference with issues related to poverty, hunger, and injustice, visit the website http://www.one.org/.

Pray With Humility

Pastor Ron's message, "Praying with Humility," presented a real challenge for us in 2009! Will we be pretenders--church people seemingly dressed for success--or the real deal, individuals being honest before our God? Pastor Ron's message focused on one of the many paradoxes in Scripture: If I want to be exalted, then I must humble myself. God resists the proud and exalts the humble. We His people like to put on our masks faking that we have it all together. But, as Pastor Ron said, "Pride and arrogance will keep us from the abundant life. We can't impress God." This Year, make me more like the tax collector, not the Pharisee. I don't want God to turn a deaf ear to my prayers. Yes, Pastor Ron, continue to humble yourself so that we the body of Christ can experience the overflowing river of God's presence in your life. Preach because what you have is real.

Posted by Sue Sanders

Pursuit of Excellence

Pastor Ron challenged us today to pursue excellence as individuals and as a church. Mediocrity and being lukewarm are not acceptable. We must rise above the ordinary, let go of anything that is hindering our striving for excellence, and discipline ourselves--making a plan and working that plan. His statement about "being bold enough to let go of lesser things so that we can go after what is best," challenges me to be intentional in my Christian pursuit of excellence. The disciplines you mention in the book "Finding Our Way Again" are a significant part of the plan and are a part of working out our own salvation.

Posted by Sue Sanders