“You build me up like a city of gold
The battles rage but I’m standing tall
You formed my heart like an empire
The wind and rain can’t stop this fire
If only I could see it from Your perspective
The beauty and the grace of Your architecture”
“Architecture,” Jonathan Thulin
Be blessed!
Christmas is a little over a week away, and one of my biggest concerns is that we’re forgetting what we’re actually celebrating. Don’t miss Christ is Christmas. The whole reason for celebrating is that God came down to rescue us. Since Genesis 3, God’s redemptive plan has been in motion. The pinnacle of His plan was Christ’s birth, life, death, and resurrection that paved a way for us to enter in our Father’s presence. Jesus isn’t an accessory to Christmas, He is the reason for the season. The Bible points to restored community with God, and that restoration begins with the birth of a baby in a manger.
Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name “Immanuel.” (which means God with us.) Matthew 1:23
As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, I want to point you to His finished work. This week’s myTunes Monday pick does just that. Shane and Shane‘s song, “You Loved My Heart To Death,” reminds us of the baby’s purpose. His first breath was destined for his final exclamation: It is finished. He loved our hearts to death.
When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30
The Austin Stone has an incredible worship team that released a single titled “Jesus Is Better” this Fall. Those three simple words carry a lot of weight. I’ve asked myself if, at the core of my being, I believe Jesus is better than anything this world offers, good or bad. My conclusion? He is.
“In all my sorrows, Jesus is better.
Make my heart believe.
In every victory, Jesus is better.
Make my heart believe.
Than any comfort, Jesus is better.
Make my heart believe.
More than all riches, Jesus is better.
Make my heart believe.
Our souls declaring, Jesus is better.
Make my heart believe.
Our song eternal, Jesus is better.
Make my heart believe.”
Written by Aaron Ivey and Bret Land
2013 Austin Stone Music
It’s simple: Jesus is better. Lord, make our hearts believe.
To download a FREE copy of “Jesus Is Better,” visit this link: http://www.austinstoneworship.com/freedownload
For the story behind the song, watch the video below:
At work last week, my boss and I were brought to tears by Colton Dixon‘s rendition of Everything by Lifehouse after being voted off of American Idol. My boss watched his performance live, but I haven’t watched much TV in a while, so it was completely new to me. There’s something beautiful about the raw emotion and complete satisfaction despite earthly disappointment that testifies to the fullness of joy found in following Christ. That combined with the reality of someone worshiping God on national television for millions of people to witness led us both to waterworks.
This week’s myTunes Monday is a little different. I’m featuring a recording of Colton’s final performance in hopes that you’ll be encouraged to use your platform to worship the God who loved the world enough to send His only son to die for it (John 3:16). Your stage may not be national TV, but I can guarantee it has the power to transform at least one life. That one life is worth it.
After a week of absence, I present to you this week’s myTunes Monday. Drumroll please…
“Heaven Song” by Phil Wickham is this week’s pick! I was blessed to be led in worship by Phil last week at The Porch and was impacted greatly by his lyrics.
And my soul is getting restless
For the place where I belong
I can’t wait to join the angels and sing my heaven song
I’m constantly praying for The Lord to stamp my eyes with eternity. I am easily distracted by things of this world, and I constantly have to check my heart and pray that my focus is solely heavenward. If you’re anything like me, I hope this song redirects you towards eternity in the presence of God. Enjoy!
You wrote a letter and You signed your name
I read every word of it page by page
You said that You’d be coming, coming for me soon
Oh my God I’ll be ready for You
I want to run on greener pastures
I want to dance on higher hills
I want to drink from sweeter waters
In the misty morning chill
And my soul is getting restless
For the place where I belong
I can’t wait to join the angels and sing my heaven song
I hear Your voice and I catch my breath
‘Well done my child, enter in and rest’
Tears of joy roll down my cheek
It’s beautiful beyond my wildest dreams
I want to run on greener pastures
I want to dance on higher hills
I want to drink from sweeter waters
In the misty morning chill
And my soul is getting restless
For the place where I belong
I can’t wait to join the angels and sing…
I want to run on greener pastures
I want to dance on higher hills
I want to drink from sweeter waters
In the misty morning chill
And my soul is getting restless
For the place where I belong
I can’t wait to join the angels and sing
No, I can’t wait to join the angels and sing my heaven song
sojourney 