And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. - Rom 8:28
I can do all this through Christ who gives me strength. - Phil 4:13
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jer 29:11
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 Jn 1:9
Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight. - Prov 3:5-6
Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. - 2 Tim 2:22
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. - 1 Jn 3:16
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Truths and Lies
Truth: God loves you more than anything - so much so He died for you!
Lie: Nobody loves you/You will never be loved.
Truth: You have nothing to prove. God has already overcome the world.
Lie: You must prove yourself worthy by succeeding in this world.
Truth: We live to please the Lord.
Lie: We live to please ourselves.
Truth: True love can only be found in God, for God is love!
Lie: You can find true love in the arms of someone else.
Truth: You are worth far more than anything this world can ever offer - you are a child of God!
Lie: You are worth nothing more than what you accomplish in this world.
Truth: You can do all things through Christ who will strengthen you.
Lie: Some things are just beyond you and there's no point trying.
Truth: The meaning of life can be found in doing God's will, whatever it is. Do what makes God happy.
Lie: The meaning of life can be found by doing what makes you happy.
Truth: God is there with you, even (and perhaps especially) in your loneliest times.
Lie: You are all alone in this world and there is no one to help you.
Truth: God is sufficient for your every need. God is all you need.
Lie: You need all the worldly things that actually enslave you.
Truth: God will provide for your every need (through His riches in Christ Jesus).
Lie: You may not have what you need if you don't work hard enough.
Lie: Nobody loves you/You will never be loved.
Truth: You have nothing to prove. God has already overcome the world.
Lie: You must prove yourself worthy by succeeding in this world.
Truth: We live to please the Lord.
Lie: We live to please ourselves.
Truth: True love can only be found in God, for God is love!
Lie: You can find true love in the arms of someone else.
Truth: You are worth far more than anything this world can ever offer - you are a child of God!
Lie: You are worth nothing more than what you accomplish in this world.
Truth: You can do all things through Christ who will strengthen you.
Lie: Some things are just beyond you and there's no point trying.
Truth: The meaning of life can be found in doing God's will, whatever it is. Do what makes God happy.
Lie: The meaning of life can be found by doing what makes you happy.
Truth: God is there with you, even (and perhaps especially) in your loneliest times.
Lie: You are all alone in this world and there is no one to help you.
Truth: God is sufficient for your every need. God is all you need.
Lie: You need all the worldly things that actually enslave you.
Truth: God will provide for your every need (through His riches in Christ Jesus).
Lie: You may not have what you need if you don't work hard enough.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Take Me Away - Lifehouse
this time what I want is you
there is no one else
who can take your place
this time you burn me with your eyes
you see past all the lies
you take it all away
I've seen it all
and it's never enough
it keeps leaving me needing you
take me away
take me away
I've got nothing left to say
just take me away
I try to make my way to you
but still I feel so lost
I don't know what else I can do
I've seen it all
and it's never enough
it keeps leaving me needing you
take me away
take me away
I've got nothing left to say
just take me away
don't give up on me yet
don't forget who I am
I know I'm not there yet
but don't let
me stay here alone
this time what I want is you
there is no one else
who can take your place
I've seen enough and it's never enough
it keeps leaving me needing you
take me away
take me away
I've got nothing left to say
just take me away
take me away
take me away
I've got nothing left to say
just take me away
there is no one else
who can take your place
this time you burn me with your eyes
you see past all the lies
you take it all away
I've seen it all
and it's never enough
it keeps leaving me needing you
take me away
take me away
I've got nothing left to say
just take me away
I try to make my way to you
but still I feel so lost
I don't know what else I can do
I've seen it all
and it's never enough
it keeps leaving me needing you
take me away
take me away
I've got nothing left to say
just take me away
don't give up on me yet
don't forget who I am
I know I'm not there yet
but don't let
me stay here alone
this time what I want is you
there is no one else
who can take your place
I've seen enough and it's never enough
it keeps leaving me needing you
take me away
take me away
I've got nothing left to say
just take me away
take me away
take me away
I've got nothing left to say
just take me away
Everything - Lifehouse
Find Me Here
Speak To Me
I want to feel you
I need to hear you
You are the light
That's leading me
To the place where I find peace again.
You are the strength, that keeps me walking.
You are the hope, that keeps me trusting.
You are the light to my soul.
You are my purpose...you're everything.
How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
You calm the storms, and you give me rest.
You hold me in your hands, you won't let me fall.
You steal my heart, and you take my breath away.
Would you take me in? Take me deeper now?
How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
And how can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
Cause you're all I want, You're all I need
You're everything,everything
You're all I want your all I need
You're everything, everything.
You're all I want you're all I need.
You're everything, everything
You're all I want you're all I need, you're everything, everything.
And How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
Speak To Me
I want to feel you
I need to hear you
You are the light
That's leading me
To the place where I find peace again.
You are the strength, that keeps me walking.
You are the hope, that keeps me trusting.
You are the light to my soul.
You are my purpose...you're everything.
How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
You calm the storms, and you give me rest.
You hold me in your hands, you won't let me fall.
You steal my heart, and you take my breath away.
Would you take me in? Take me deeper now?
How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
And how can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
Cause you're all I want, You're all I need
You're everything,everything
You're all I want your all I need
You're everything, everything.
You're all I want you're all I need.
You're everything, everything
You're all I want you're all I need, you're everything, everything.
And How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
Fall Apart - Josh Wilson
Why in the world did I think I could
Only get to know you when my life was good
When everything just falls in place
The easiest thing is to give You praise
Now it all seems upside down
‘Cause my whole world is caving in
But I feel You now more than I did then
How can I come to the end of me
And somehow still have all I need
God, I want to know You more
Maybe this is how it starts
I find You when I fall apart
Blessed are the ones who understand
We’ve got nothing to bring but empty hands
Nothing to hide and nothing to prove
Our heartbreak brings us back to You
And it all seems upside down
‘Cause my whole world is caving in
But I feel You now more than I did then
How can I come to the end of me
And somehow still have all I need
God, I want to know You more
Maybe this is how it starts
I find You when I fall apart
I don’t know how long this will last
I’m praying for the pain to pass
But maybe this is the best thing that
Has ever happened to me
My whole world is caving in
But I feel You now more than I did then
How can I come to the end of me
And somehow still have all I need
God, I want to know You more
Maybe this is how it starts
I find You when
You will find me when I fall apart
Only get to know you when my life was good
When everything just falls in place
The easiest thing is to give You praise
Now it all seems upside down
‘Cause my whole world is caving in
But I feel You now more than I did then
How can I come to the end of me
And somehow still have all I need
God, I want to know You more
Maybe this is how it starts
I find You when I fall apart
Blessed are the ones who understand
We’ve got nothing to bring but empty hands
Nothing to hide and nothing to prove
Our heartbreak brings us back to You
And it all seems upside down
‘Cause my whole world is caving in
But I feel You now more than I did then
How can I come to the end of me
And somehow still have all I need
God, I want to know You more
Maybe this is how it starts
I find You when I fall apart
I don’t know how long this will last
I’m praying for the pain to pass
But maybe this is the best thing that
Has ever happened to me
My whole world is caving in
But I feel You now more than I did then
How can I come to the end of me
And somehow still have all I need
God, I want to know You more
Maybe this is how it starts
I find You when
You will find me when I fall apart
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Something's Got to Change - Josh Wilson
I'm thirsty, God, I'm thirsty
From drinking what destroys me
I'm pouring poison in my cup
I'm hungry, God, I'm hungry
Consuming what controls me
Somehow it never fills me up
We all want to find something to pass the time
But that could never be enough
Everybody says we're all so different
But everybody knows we're all the same
We're all trying to find a pill to numb the pain
Something's got to change
Do you remember when you
Had so much hope within you
It lingers deep inside you still
The more of us we swallow
The more we become hollow
Until we don't know how to feel
We all want to find something to satisfy
But we could never be enough
When everything we say and take just leads to war and hate
We only pass the blame, sedate the pain, and move along
But something feels so wrong, so deep inside, so hard to hide
So desperately we try and try, and come to find that we are not what we've been loving for
I can't believe I'm hearing people say that all is well
I think it's time we all admit we have no good within ourselves
'Cause we are not okay, we're not alright, and we need to pray for help
Forgive us for our pride O God,
O God, please save us from ourselves
From drinking what destroys me
I'm pouring poison in my cup
I'm hungry, God, I'm hungry
Consuming what controls me
Somehow it never fills me up
We all want to find something to pass the time
But that could never be enough
Everybody says we're all so different
But everybody knows we're all the same
We're all trying to find a pill to numb the pain
Something's got to change
Do you remember when you
Had so much hope within you
It lingers deep inside you still
The more of us we swallow
The more we become hollow
Until we don't know how to feel
We all want to find something to satisfy
But we could never be enough
When everything we say and take just leads to war and hate
We only pass the blame, sedate the pain, and move along
But something feels so wrong, so deep inside, so hard to hide
So desperately we try and try, and come to find that we are not what we've been loving for
I can't believe I'm hearing people say that all is well
I think it's time we all admit we have no good within ourselves
'Cause we are not okay, we're not alright, and we need to pray for help
Forgive us for our pride O God,
O God, please save us from ourselves
God is the Source of Your Identity
Don't believe the lies. God is the source of your identity.
You can REALLY do all things when God strengthens you. Really. Don't doubt it.
Your identity is that of a child of God. You can do this. You just have to believe.
Let Jesus love you. Don't give in to self-pity. God loves you more than anything. Remember He died for you.
Never give up hope. God is there for you. All you have to do is let Him guide you. It doesn't matter what happens, as long as you do His will. That's all that matters.
You can REALLY do all things when God strengthens you. Really. Don't doubt it.
Your identity is that of a child of God. You can do this. You just have to believe.
Let Jesus love you. Don't give in to self-pity. God loves you more than anything. Remember He died for you.
Never give up hope. God is there for you. All you have to do is let Him guide you. It doesn't matter what happens, as long as you do His will. That's all that matters.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Before the Morning - Josh Wilson
Do you wonder why you have to
Feel the things that hurt you
If there's a God who loves you
Where is He now
Maybe there are things you can't see
And all those things are happening
To bring a better ending
Someday somehow you'll see you'll see
Would you dare would you dare to believe
That you still have a reason to sing
Cause the pain that you've been feeling
It can’t compare to the joy that’s coming
So hold on you gotta wait for the light
Press on and just fight the good fight
Cause the pain that you’ve been feeling
It’s just the dark before the morning
My friend you know how this all ends
And You know where you’re going
You just don’t know how you’ll get there
So say a prayer
And hold on cause there’s good for those who love God
But life is not a snapshot
It might take a little time but you’ll see the bigger picture
Would you dare would you dare to believe
That you still have a reason to sing
Cause the pain that you've been feeling
It can’t compare to the joy that’s coming
So hold on you gotta wait for the light
Press on and just fight the good fight
Cause the pain that you’ve been feeling
It’s just the dark before the morning
Once you feel the weight of glory
All your pain will fade to memory
Once you feel the weight of glory
All your pain will fade to memory, memory, memory
Would you dare would you dare to believe
That you still got a reason to sing
Cause the pain that you've been feeling
It can’t compare to the joy that’s coming
Would you dare would you dare to believe
That you still got a reason to sing
Cause the pain that you've been feeling
It can’t compare to the joy that’s coming
Come on you've gotta wait for the light
Press on and just fight the good fight
Cause the pain that you’ve been feeling
It’s just the hurt before the healing
Oh the pain that you’ve been feeling
It’s just the dark before the morning
Before the morning
Feel the things that hurt you
If there's a God who loves you
Where is He now
Maybe there are things you can't see
And all those things are happening
To bring a better ending
Someday somehow you'll see you'll see
Would you dare would you dare to believe
That you still have a reason to sing
Cause the pain that you've been feeling
It can’t compare to the joy that’s coming
So hold on you gotta wait for the light
Press on and just fight the good fight
Cause the pain that you’ve been feeling
It’s just the dark before the morning
My friend you know how this all ends
And You know where you’re going
You just don’t know how you’ll get there
So say a prayer
And hold on cause there’s good for those who love God
But life is not a snapshot
It might take a little time but you’ll see the bigger picture
Would you dare would you dare to believe
That you still have a reason to sing
Cause the pain that you've been feeling
It can’t compare to the joy that’s coming
So hold on you gotta wait for the light
Press on and just fight the good fight
Cause the pain that you’ve been feeling
It’s just the dark before the morning
Once you feel the weight of glory
All your pain will fade to memory
Once you feel the weight of glory
All your pain will fade to memory, memory, memory
Would you dare would you dare to believe
That you still got a reason to sing
Cause the pain that you've been feeling
It can’t compare to the joy that’s coming
Would you dare would you dare to believe
That you still got a reason to sing
Cause the pain that you've been feeling
It can’t compare to the joy that’s coming
Come on you've gotta wait for the light
Press on and just fight the good fight
Cause the pain that you’ve been feeling
It’s just the hurt before the healing
Oh the pain that you’ve been feeling
It’s just the dark before the morning
Before the morning
Forgiven - Sanctus Real
Well the past is playing with my head
And failure knocks me down again
I’m reminded of the wrong
That I have said and done
And that devil just wont let me forget
In this life
I know what I’ve been
But here in your arms
I know what I am
I’m forgiven
I’m forgiven
And I don’t have to carry
The weight of who I’ve been
Cause I’m forgiven
My mistakes are running through my mind
And I’ll relive my days, in the middle of the night
When I wrestle with my pain, struggle with my pride
Sometimes I feel alone, and I cry
When I don't think and I don’t feel like I belong anywhere
When I don’t measure up to much in this life
Oh, I’m a treasure in the arms of Christ ‘cause
[back to chorus]
And failure knocks me down again
I’m reminded of the wrong
That I have said and done
And that devil just wont let me forget
In this life
I know what I’ve been
But here in your arms
I know what I am
I’m forgiven
I’m forgiven
And I don’t have to carry
The weight of who I’ve been
Cause I’m forgiven
My mistakes are running through my mind
And I’ll relive my days, in the middle of the night
When I wrestle with my pain, struggle with my pride
Sometimes I feel alone, and I cry
When I don't think and I don’t feel like I belong anywhere
When I don’t measure up to much in this life
Oh, I’m a treasure in the arms of Christ ‘cause
[back to chorus]
Monday, May 9, 2011
Hold My Heart - Tenth Avenue North
How long must I pray, must I pray to You
How long must I wait, must I wait for You
How long 'till I see Your face
See You shining through
I'm on my knees
Begging You to notice me
I'm on my knees
Father, will You turn to me, yeah?
One tear in the dropping rain
One voice in a sea of pain
Could the Maker of the stars
Hear the sound of my breaking heart?
One life is all I am
Right now I can barely stand
If You're everything You say You are
Would You come close and hold my heart?
I've been so afraid, afraid to close my eyes
So much can slip away before I say goodbye
But if there's no other way
I'm done asking why
'Cause I'm on my knees
Begging You to turn to me
I'm on my knees
Father, will You run to me, yeah?
One tear in the dropping rain
One voice in a sea of pain
Could the Maker of the stars
Hear the sound of my breaking heart?
One life is all I am
Right now I can barely stand
If You're everything You say You are
Would You come close and hold my heart?
So many questions without answers
Your promises remain
I can't see but I'll take my chances
To hear You call my name
To hear You call my name
One tear in the dropping rain
One voice in a sea of pain
Could the Maker of the stars
Hear the sound of my breaking heart?
One life is all I am
Right now I can barely stand
If You're everything You say You are
Would You come close and hold my heart?
Hold my heart
Could You hold my heart?
Hold my heart
How long must I wait, must I wait for You
How long 'till I see Your face
See You shining through
I'm on my knees
Begging You to notice me
I'm on my knees
Father, will You turn to me, yeah?
One tear in the dropping rain
One voice in a sea of pain
Could the Maker of the stars
Hear the sound of my breaking heart?
One life is all I am
Right now I can barely stand
If You're everything You say You are
Would You come close and hold my heart?
I've been so afraid, afraid to close my eyes
So much can slip away before I say goodbye
But if there's no other way
I'm done asking why
'Cause I'm on my knees
Begging You to turn to me
I'm on my knees
Father, will You run to me, yeah?
One tear in the dropping rain
One voice in a sea of pain
Could the Maker of the stars
Hear the sound of my breaking heart?
One life is all I am
Right now I can barely stand
If You're everything You say You are
Would You come close and hold my heart?
So many questions without answers
Your promises remain
I can't see but I'll take my chances
To hear You call my name
To hear You call my name
One tear in the dropping rain
One voice in a sea of pain
Could the Maker of the stars
Hear the sound of my breaking heart?
One life is all I am
Right now I can barely stand
If You're everything You say You are
Would You come close and hold my heart?
Hold my heart
Could You hold my heart?
Hold my heart
Vacation?
So I finally get the chance to come home for some down time and have my sister and her new kid (I'm an uncle now!) to play with yet am torn and can't enjoy my vacation time...what's going on?
I've worked I think pretty hard to get to this point but still haven't really accomplished anything by myself. That is, I haven't really written down a model solved it and all that. And it really bothers me and makes it hard for me to go to bed sometimes. I just can't accept the fact that I can be such a failure academically at something I've worked really hard at and it's killing me inside. I just wish someone would reassure me instead of pressuring me by asking me every chance they get what I've been doing in terms of research...I just need someone to tell me it's going to be ok...I know it is, since God won't let anything untoward really happen but I'm just exhausted mentally and as much as I try not to think about it I still struggle with this and struggle with it mightily.
What can I do? Who am I aside from this person who studies and does economics? This existential crisis is really hard. Lord if you are calling me can you be with me then? I know what I have to do yet I can't really do it. I'm torn between doing work, relaxing, studying Your word, spending time with my family, everything...I'm just really tired. Help me by speaking to me Lord. Please come close and hold my heart. I know You're there but I'm just really weak right now...
I've worked I think pretty hard to get to this point but still haven't really accomplished anything by myself. That is, I haven't really written down a model solved it and all that. And it really bothers me and makes it hard for me to go to bed sometimes. I just can't accept the fact that I can be such a failure academically at something I've worked really hard at and it's killing me inside. I just wish someone would reassure me instead of pressuring me by asking me every chance they get what I've been doing in terms of research...I just need someone to tell me it's going to be ok...I know it is, since God won't let anything untoward really happen but I'm just exhausted mentally and as much as I try not to think about it I still struggle with this and struggle with it mightily.
What can I do? Who am I aside from this person who studies and does economics? This existential crisis is really hard. Lord if you are calling me can you be with me then? I know what I have to do yet I can't really do it. I'm torn between doing work, relaxing, studying Your word, spending time with my family, everything...I'm just really tired. Help me by speaking to me Lord. Please come close and hold my heart. I know You're there but I'm just really weak right now...
Monday, May 2, 2011
Take Heart - Hillsong
Take Heart lyrics
[Verse 1:]
There is a light
It burns brighter than the sun
He steals the night
And casts no shadow
There is hope
Should oceans rise and mountains fall
He never fails
[Chorus:]
So take heart
Let His love lead us through the night
Hold on to hope
And take courage again
[Verse 1:]
In death by love
The fallen world was overcome
He wears the scars of our freedom
In His Name
All our fears are swept away
He never fails
[Bridge:]
All our troubles
And all our tears
God our hope
He has overcome
All our failure
And all our fear
God our love
He has overcome
All our heartache
And all our pain
God our healer
He has overcome
All our burdens
And all our shame
God our freedom
He has overcome
All our troubles
And all our tears
God our hope
He has overcome
All our failures
And all our fear
God our love
He has overcome
God our justice
God our grace
God our freedom
He has overcome
God our refuge
God our strength
God is with us
He has overcome
[Verse 1:]
There is a light
It burns brighter than the sun
He steals the night
And casts no shadow
There is hope
Should oceans rise and mountains fall
He never fails
[Chorus:]
So take heart
Let His love lead us through the night
Hold on to hope
And take courage again
[Verse 1:]
In death by love
The fallen world was overcome
He wears the scars of our freedom
In His Name
All our fears are swept away
He never fails
[Bridge:]
All our troubles
And all our tears
God our hope
He has overcome
All our failure
And all our fear
God our love
He has overcome
All our heartache
And all our pain
God our healer
He has overcome
All our burdens
And all our shame
God our freedom
He has overcome
All our troubles
And all our tears
God our hope
He has overcome
All our failures
And all our fear
God our love
He has overcome
God our justice
God our grace
God our freedom
He has overcome
God our refuge
God our strength
God is with us
He has overcome
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