merry christmas (He has come for us)

Merry Christmas!

This song, HE HAS COME sung by Meredith Andrews is all about Jesus.
And since Christmas is ALL ABOUT JESUS, I figured it made sense to share it today.

Merry Merry Merry Christmas!




He has come for us
This Jesus
He's the hope for all
Mankind
He has come for us
The Messiah
Born to give us life


P.S. This is the last Tune-y Tuesday for a while. I've got a fun new series starting next week! I can't wait to share it with you.  
hint: nah, just wait!

Tune-y Tuesday (hope came down)

I know there are quite a few blogs taking today to be silent. 

I've hesitated writing about the horrors that have happened because they're horrible. And I would never want to give some sort of pat statement. So I just want to say that my heart is sad, my tears are plenty, and Jesus will one day make things right. As to why that day was not prior to Friday, I can't say why.

Today I want to point to the hope that I have only in Jesus.




So this is how it was 
A silent night like any other,
When Heaven sent the One,
The One we will call our Saviour, 
and redemption began,
In a stable in Bethlehem,

All of the angels lifted up their voices,
and filled the night with Hallelujah's!
God is with us now!
Everyone come and join the Heavenly chorus, 
Our Savior King is here before us!
All to hear the sound
The song creation sang,
When Hope came down

So this was truly God,
Wrapped in a tattered blanket,
Love was finally here,
Sleeping while the world awakened,
and redemption begins,
With a baby in Bethlehem,

All of the angels lifted up their voices,
and filled the night with Hallelujah's!
God is with us now!
Everyone come and join the Heavenly chorus, 
Our Savior King is here before us!
All to hear the sound
The song creation sang,
When Hope came down
So let us sing Redemption Song,
Let us worship Christ the Holy One,
We were lost, but we were found,
When Hope came down,
When Hope came down.

All of the angels lifted up their voices,
and filled the night with Hallelujah's!
God is with us now!
Everyone come and join the Heavenly chorus, 
Our Savior King is here before us!
All to hear the sound
The song creation sang,
When Hope came down

Tune-y Tuesday (the night before Christmas)

Another Tuesday, another song!

This one is performed by Brandon Heath. As I've mentioned on twitter and probably here on the blog, my sister had a baby recently. It's almost a guarantee that if I'm holding her, I'm probably praying over her little life. And having my mind blow over the fact that Jesus humbled Himself to be her size.

The chorus in this song is just so incredible. 

Jesus coming to earth put everything in motion (though it had been in motion already forever) for Him to save us.



Empty manger, perfect stranger, about to be born.
Into darkness, sadness, desperate madness, creation so torn.
 
We were so lost on earth, no peace, no worth.
no way to escape.
 
In fear, no faith, no hope, no grace ,and no light
but that was the night before Christmas.
 
Warm hay, cold sweat, a mother, not yet.
Praying godspeed the dawn.
 
She looks to her man, holding her hand. They wonder how long.
And the shepherds, wise men come to find them, and bow to a king.
One star above shining on love, so bright it lit up the night before Christmas.

And the world didnt know mercy was meek and so mild.
And the world didnt know that truth was as pure as a child.
The night before Christmas.
The night before Christmas.
 
And the world didnt know redemption was sweet and so strong.
And the world didnt know salvation was writing a song.
The night before christmas.
The night before christmas.
The night before christmas.
 
Empty manger, perfect stranger, about to be born.

Tune-y Tuesday (you're here)

Christmas Tune-y Tuesday season is upon us folks! Woot Woot!

I love this song by Francesca Battistelli. This season, as I've held my newest niece, I've been struck numerous times at how she is powerless. And how Jesus chose to come down to earth. Fully God, fully man, a baby. A baby who cried, who pooped, who didn't sleep through the night. A baby who would one day provide the remedy to all the problems. 

Noel.
Jesus our Emmanuel.

 



Hold on now, I gotta take a deep breath
I don’t know what to say when I look in Your eyes
You made the world before I was born
Yet here I am holding You in my arms tonight

Noel, Noel
Jesus our Emmanuel

You’re here
I’m holding You so near
I’m staring into the face of my Savior
King and Creator
You could’ve left us on our own
But You’re here

Don’t know how long I’m gonna have You for
But I’ll be watching when You change the world
Look at Your hands, they’re still so small
Someday You’re gonna stretch them out and save us all

Noel, Noel, 
God with us, Emmanuel

You’re here, I’m holding You so near
I’m staring into the face of my Savior
King and Creator
You could’ve left us on our own
But You’re here, 
You’re here

Someday I’m gonna look back on this
The night that God became a baby boy
Someday You’re gonna go home again,
But You'll leave your spirit and flood the world with joy

You’ll be here, I’m holding You so near
I’m staring into the face of my Savior, 
King and Creator
You could’ve left me on my own, 
But You’re here
You’re here
 
Hallelujah, You’re here
Hallelujah, You’re here

Tune-y Tuesday (wating here for You)

I love a singer who sings with passion and conviction. Christy Nockels has such a powerful voice. I love it. This song is beautiful. I hope you enjoy it this Tune-y Tuesday.

There's this line in it, and it's You we adore, which just makes my heart get excited because Jesus is the ONE I adore. I love Him so much.





If faith can move the mountains
Let the mountains move
We come with expectation
Waiting here for You,
I’m waiting here for You

You’re the Lord of all creation
And still you know my heart
The Author of Salvation
You’ve loved us from the start

Waiting here for You
With our hands lifted high in praise
And it's You we adore
Singing Alleluia

Alleluia

You are everything You’ve promised
Your faithfulness is true
And we're desperate for Your presence
All we need is You

Waiting here for You
With our hands lifted high in praise
And it's You, Lord, we adore
Singing Alleluia

We will sing Alleluia

Singing Alleluia
Alleluia,
We're singing singing Alleluia,
Alleluia
Alleluia

Waiting here for You
With our hands lifted high in praise
And it's You we adore (we adore)
We're singing Alleluia

Waiting here for You
With our hands lifted high in praise
And it's You we adore
We're singing Alleluia

We're singing Alleluia

Waiting here for You
With our hands lifted high in praise
And it's You we adore
(with our lives) We're singing Alleluia

Singing Alleluia

Tune-y Tuesday (known)

This Tune-y Tuesday, I don't want to waste time with my words. I just want to let you listen to these sweet words and let your heart be reminded that you are known and loved.

Enjoy.




As the dew falls on the blade
You have touched all this fragile frame
And as a mother knows her baby's face
You know me, You know me

As the summer air within my chest
I have breathed You deep down into my breast
And as You know the hairs upon my head
Every thought and every word I've said
Every thought and every word I've said

Savior, You have known me as I am
Healer, You have known me as I was
As I will be in the morning, in the evening
You have known me, yeah, You know me

Oh, and as the exhilaration of autumn's bite
Oh, You have brought these tired bones to brilliant life
And as the swallow knows, she knows the sky
This is how it is with You and I
Oh, this is how it is with You and I

Savior, You have known me as I am
Healer, You have known me as I was
As I will be in the morning, in the evening
You have known me, yeah, You know me

From the fall of my heart to the resurrection of my soul
You know me, God, and You know my ways
In my rising and my sitting down
You see me as I am, oh, see me as I am

And as a lover knows his beloved's heart
All the shapes and curves of her even in the dark
Oh, You have formed me in my inward parts
And You know me, You know me, yes

Savior, You, You have known me as I am
Oh, healer, You have known me as I was
As I will be in the morning, in the evening
You have known

You have known me, in the morning, in the evening
You've known me, God
In the morning, in the evening You have known me
Yeah, You've know me

You have always known me
You know me, God, You have known me
You have always known my heart  



WOW! Do you feel His love for you? Oh sweet friend I pray that you do.

Tune-y Tuesday (why)

Certain songs take me back. I remember when Bethany Dillon released her first album. I was in high school, trying to sort out life, and desperately in love with Jesus. He was the only thing I knew to be constant and true. When Bethany released her album, every word resonated with my little heart.

Whenever this song comes on these days, I remember sitting at my piano plunking this song out.

It is amazing to me that she was able to write such powerful and incredible lyrics as a teenager. There words still impact me now so I wanted to share them this Tune-y Tuesday.

It's easy for me to forget about God. It's easy for me to live a lot of days in a row without going to Him. It's super easy for me to sin.

Yet the grace and mercy of Jesus cover me each day. WOW! Talk about unmerited and undeserved.




This house is echoing
With the sound of You knocking at the door
But with three locks
And the shades down
You are easy to ignore
I've put You on like an old pair of shoes
I've put You off, but now I need You

Why, this love that never leaves me
Why are You holding me tonight
Can't deny this love that is given me
Why, this love never leaves

You're a good strategy when I need one
An angle when there is none
Like a doormat
That always says welcome
No matter how much dirt I rub on
But when I am tired and run through
Look over this hill, I'm running to You

Why, this love that never leaves me
Why are You holding me tonight
Can't deny this love that is given me
Why, this love never



Why, this love that never leaves me
Why are You holding me tonight
Can't deny this love that is given me
Why,

Oh why?

Why are You holding me, You're holding me tonight

Can't deny this love that is given me

Why, this love never leaves

Tune-y Tuesday (find You on my knees)

I think most people have certain people that always point them to certain things. For me, Kari Jobe is a singer who constantly points me to Jesus and reminds my heart of the truth it already knows.

I love this song. I think I love it because it reminds me that God doesn't call me to strength. He calls me to go to Him. It's a pretty simple call for this simple heart.

Tune-y Tuesday is sticking around folks. It's just too much fun to leave behind.

Listen to these sweet words and let the Spirit of God fill up your thirsty soul with the only thing that will ever satisfy - Himself.








Troubles chasing me again,
Breaking down my best defense,
I'm looking, God, I'm looking for You
Weary just won't let me rest, 
and fear is filling up my head.
I'm longing, God I'm longing for You

But I will find You in the place I'm in, 
Find You when I'm at my end,
Find You when there's nothing left of me to offer You except for brokenness.
You lift me up, You never leave me thirsty,
When I am weak, when I am lost and searching
I'll find You on my knees.

So what if sorrow shakes my faith,
and what if heartache still remains,
I'll trust You, my God I'll trust You.
Cause You are faithful

And I will find You in the place I'm in, 
Find You when I'm at my end,
Find You when there's nothing left of me to offer You except for brokenness.
You lift me up, You never leave me thirsty,
When I am weak, when I am lost and searching
Find You on my knees, my knees.

When my hope is gone, 
When the fear is strong
When the pain is real, 
When it's hard to heal
When my faith is shaken 
And my heart is broken 
And my joy is stolen,

God I know that

You lift me up, You never leave me thirsty

Find You in the place I'm in, find You when I'm at my end,
Find You when there's nothing left of me to offer You except for brokenness.
You lift me up, You never leave me thirsty,
When I am weak, when I am lost and searching
I'll find You on my knees

Tune-y Tuesday (Jesus in disguise)

This is the series that won't end!
 
When I ended in a while back, I had no intention of bringing it back.
 But I've got to share these words.
Cause this song CHALLENGES me.
Man.

Mostly because if I'm honest, I know I probably would have a hard time recognizing Jesus if He showed up today.

And I would have had an even harder time with Him in the days when He roamed the earth.
'Cause He blew apart the rules.
and I love the rules.
a lot.

And yet I also see Jesus in so many ways and places and spaces.
So much!

Also, I LOVE Brandon Heath's voice. I've been a fan of his voice and how he just calls me out and points me to Jesus through his songs.




So . . . take a listen.





Ever get something in your head
It’s nothing you heard, or something you read

Ever had a cut but you never saw a blade
Brought to your knees but you never prayed

Jesus in disguise
Jehovah passing by
The burden of a tear
Hanging in your eye

Jesus in disguise
A scar across the sky

You were looking for a king
You would never recognize
Jesus in disguise

Ever feel like you’ve been somewhere before
You hold the key, you know which door

Speak the word your lips have never known
Because your heart told you so

Jesus in disguise
Jehovah passing by
The burden of a tear
Hanging in your eye

Jesus in disguise
A scar across the sky
 
You were looking for a king
You would never recognize
Jesus in disguise

So open my eyes wide as I can
Blind as I am, blind as I am
Open my eyes wide as I can
Blind as I am, blind as I am

Jesus in disguise

Jesus in disguise

Jesus in disguise

Jesus in disguise 




I love love love the line about speaking words on lips that you never knew.
Cause when Jesus gives me words I never knew I get so overwhelmed.

I rely on this verse in moments when I'm so unsure of the right words to share.

    When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour.
(Matthew 10:19 ESV)

Tune-y Tuesday (burn us up)

I thought Tune-y Tuesday was done. 
But then I remembered a song that has played a lot in my car this summer and I needed to be faithful to what I'd heard God tell me each time I listened.


Every time I heard it come up on my player, I felt like God was asking me:

do you mean it?

That's a hard question to answer.

Of course I do Lord. Of course.
Of course I'd go anywhere, do anything, die for You.

Yet I know the truth.

I'm far more like Peter. The one who passionately jumped onto the water to walk with Jesus and faltered only when He looked away from Jesus.

I'm far more like Martha. The one who gets so caught up in doing that she forgets to rest and listen to Him.

I'm far more like Sarah. Trusting that the people me are hearing from God yet also completely questioning that God is accurate in what He says.

I could list most of the people in the Bible with a glaring sin issue and relate myself to them. Maybe I could find one or two who have sin issues that aren't my struggle. But probably I can see myself in all of them. Oh man, I'm so grateful that Jesus offers salvation.

Yet I love this song. The words in it, the sound of the voices, they induce chills.

My favourite line comes near the end

but even if You don't

I love the Lord with all my heart.
I falter and I sin and I in no way deserve His grace.
And I trust in Him.
Where He leads me I will go.
I might question and fight, worry and wrestle every minute of it.
But I walk in His way for me.
Even if He doesn't offer me what I expect.

Because the call on my life is faithfulness to Him.

The dudes in this song are incredible, not because the song is cool, but because they are real. This story is not false, not embelished. It's real life.

They would not bow to a false idol.
They trusted God, to the point of being killed.
And they weren't killed.

They were so very faithful.
They knew God's call upon their life and lived it out.

Take a listen will ya?







I know I normally share the lyrics but I need to just point you to the Bible. This one requires you to read the Bible. Learn this story. It's incredible.

And if you wanna read the story yourself, check out Daniel 1-3. The first few chapters don't talk about this part of their life but chapter 3 digs right in. It's incredible.

Tune-y Tuesday (for the honour)

I've kept up with Tune-y Tuesday for several reasons.

One: because I think the name is dumb. Knowing that I have the worst name for a blog post somehow brings me back to humility and forces me to keep going. Odd? I know.

Two: because it forces me to seek out music that encourages, challenges, inspires, and points me to Jesus.

Three: because simply I love music. 

Four: because music monday was already taken (by a trillion and a half other bloggers) and somehow it seemed original (read: fake hipster) if it was on another day.

I've been doing this post for a few months now. I really like it. It's fun for me. I hope it encourages you as well.

I LOVE this song.

It's For the Honor (or as the Canadian in me knows, HONOUR) by Elevation Worship.

For the honour of the Father
Who reaches out to us
That we might live inside His love
He gave His only Son

For the honour of the Savior
Let the cross be lifted high
The great exchange of love and grace
Came down to give us life

For the honour of the Spirit
Whose power lives in us
That we might see much greater things
As we embrace Your love

For the honour of Your kingdom
Whose reign will never end
We'll give our lives in sacrifice
Until You come again

Forever, forever
We'll honour You forever

Tune-y Tuesday (what do I know of holy)

A number of years ago a friend sent me this song. She said that if she didn't know that I hadn't written it, she would have thought that I had.

I led it in worship that next weekend at the youth service and I've loved it ever since. I don't listen to it as often now but I always find it sweetly convicting because it causes me to authenticate my faith again.

It brings me back to Jesus, back to who He is, and causes me to refocus on Him.

I made You promises a thousand times
I tried to hear from Heaven
But I talked the whole time
I think I made You too small
I never feared You at all No
If You touched my face would I know You?
Looked into my eyes could I behold You?


What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire?

Are You fury?
Are You sacred?

Are You beautiful?
What do I know?

What do I know of Holy?

I guess I thought that I had figured You out
I knew all the stories* and I learned to talk about
How You were mighty to save
Those were only empty words on a page
Then I caught a glimpse of who You might be
The slightest hint of You brought me down to my knees

What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire?
Are You fury?
Are You sacred?
Are You beautiful?
What do I know?
What do I know of Holy?

What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of wounds that will heal my shame?
And a God who gave life "its" name?
What do I know of Holy?
Of the One who the angels praise?
All creation knows Your name
On earth and heaven above
What do I know of this love?

What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire?
Are You fury?
Are You sacred?
Are You beautiful?
What do I know?
What do I know of Holy?

What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of Holy?

*I had a friend over recently and I was asking for prayer for being more diligent for reading my Bible more. I've been getting better over the past few months as I've made it a discipline, but I want my actual studying to get better.

Sometimes it's easy for Christians who grew up in church to know all the stories and know all the verses and even be able to reference appropriate verses at the right time and still not know Christ. I don't want that to be my story. I want to reread all the stories and relearn all the truth, this time with a heart that knows Christ and desires Him more.

Tune-y Tuesday (come clean)

I really like this song. I also say that every week about the songs I post here on the blog.

However, this one just sounds like a lot of my prayers.

So often, my prayers sound like:

I don't understand

what ARE YOU DOING?

how does this give You glory? I'm trusting and NOT understanding. (did you read what I wrote yesterday? That's my big struggle these days - I don't understand God - but I don't think I ever will - I just have to come to terms with that)

why why why why why?

now what do you want me to do?

Whenever I heard the chorus of this song which sings, "where do they go", I feel peace in knowing that I'm not the only one who doesn't understand the things of God.



I also know that He is still good.

A couple of weeks ago I was babysitting for two of my favourite kids. They were in bed and I was working through my devotional at the time.

Well, I hadn't actually opened my Bible yet.

I was praying, and crying, because that's apparently how I pray these days and was petitioning God about something and wrestling over something and I just said something like:

God. I do not understand Your ways. I don't get it. I don't understand what You are doing. I don't think it's fair and I don't really trust You and I don't see it. I don't see what the end goal is. Because this hurts and it's hard. I don't understand.

As I wiped away the tears, I reached for my Bible to where I was reading that day and found deep encouragement:

A man's steps are from the LORD;
        how then can man understand his way?
(Proverbs 20:24 ESV)

I stopped. In amazement.

I turned towards Jesus (there was an open window that I'd been praying towards because it kind of felt like Jesus wasn't very close to me at the time, but I also knew He could hear me) and laughed.

Oh. Okay.

I don't know if this will translate well without me explaining it in verbal words but honestly, I felt so much peace.

I was filled with joy and my trust in Him, for at least a moment, came back.

God is God. I'm not.

(which I also touched on yesterday - man, God keeps repeating things to my soul)

He is working out these steps of mine. Not me.

He is not understandable. I need to stop trying to figure Him out.

Wow.

Okay, this song is Come Clean by Audrey Assad and I like it.

How did I get here standing in a mess that I have made?
Little by little adding to the chaos everyday
I know it's time, it's time to come clean
I know it's time, it's time to come clean

Boxes full of things I've shuffled and shifted place to place
All the years of me, everything I want to keep and throw away
I know it's time, it's time to come clean
I know it's time, it's time to come clean

I empty out the pieces
And I put them where they go

But where do they go?
Where do they go?
Does anything in me know?
Where do they go?

I'm finding what I've covered and holding it up to the morning light
I'm opening my life a little at a time and it's all right
'Cause it takes time, it takes time to come clean
Yeah, and I know it's time, it's time to come clean

I'm picking up the pieces
And I put them where they go

But where do they go?
Where do they go?
Does anything in me know?
Where do they go?
Where do they go?

I'm picking up the pieces

So where do they go?
Where do they go?
I wanna know just where do they go?
Where do they go

Because I need to know
Just where do they go? Where do they go?
I've got to know just where do they go?
Where do they go? Will I ever know?

I'm giving the pieces back to Jesus.

'Cause I'd really like Jesus to put them where they go, because He knows.

Tune-y Tuesday (if You want me to)

I love this song by Ginny Owens.

If you're hurting, if you're going through a tough season, if you're asking God for clarity - this is a beautiful song to sing to Him.

I hope it encourages you as much as it does for me whenever I hear it.

It's if You want me to by Ginny Owens.

The pathway is broken
And the signs are unclear
And I don't know the reason why You brought me here
But just because You love me the way that You do
I'm gonna walk through the valley
If You want me to

'Cause I'm not who I was
When I took my first step
And I'm clinging to the promise

You're not through with me yet
So if all of these trials bring me closer to You
Then I will walk through the fire
If You want me to

It may not be the way I would have chosen
When You lead me through a world that's not my home
But You never said it would be easy
You only said I'd never go alone

So when the whole world turns against me
And I'm all by myself
And I can't hear You answer my cries for help
I'll remember the suffering Your love put You through
And I will walk through the valley
If You want me to

Tune-y Tuesday (by your side)

I didn't have a song ready this week. Normally I write this post a few days early, or stockpile Tuesday songs and schedule them. I don't have that this week.

I'm back in school today and feel both excited and terrified. It's daunting to be going to school pursuing something that I don't have a name for yet.

I'm not career driven. I'm not chasing the dream, or even a dream. I'm just attempting to walk in faithfulness.

As I got ready this morning I turned my phone on to listen to music and this song came on. There is something incredible to me about songs that speak from God's perspective. I need them to remind me who He is and who I am. 

This song brought comfort, pushed me to pray to Him and come back to a place of trust, and was a great start to my day. I hope it encourages you.

Why are you striving these days
Why are you trying to earn grace
Why are you crying
Let me lift up your face
Just don't turn away

Why are you looking for love
Why are you still searching as if I'm not enough
To where will you go child
Tell me where will you run
To where will you run

Cause I'll be by your side
Wherever you fall
In the dead of night
Whenever you call
And please don't fight
These hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you

Look at these hands and my side
They swallowed the grave on that night
When I drank the world's sin
So I could carry you in
And give you life
I want to give you life
And I'll be by your sideWherever you fall
In the dead of night
Whenever you call
And please don't fight
These hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you
Cause I,I love you
I want you to know
That I,I love you
I'll never let you go  And I'll be by your side
Wherever you fall
In the dead of night
Whenever you call
And please don't fight
These hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you

Tune-y Tuesday (Your Hands)

This song has always fell under a category of lovely for my heart. I can't quite decide if it's a lament or just praise - I almost feel as though it falls under the category of both.

Last week on Thursday, my sweet friend Rena and her boyfriend Lucas (he's the louder voice and she's the lovely face) played this song at an open mic. It was such a beautiful rendition and it was perfect in that moment to hear it.

I wish I had their version but I don't so I'll do the original by JJ Heller - Your Hands.

I have unanswered prayers
I have trouble I wish wasn't there
And I have asked a thousand ways
That You would take my pain away
That You would take my pain away

I am trying to understand
How to walk this weary land
Make straight the paths that crookedly lie
Oh Lord, before these feet of mine
Oh Lord, before these feet of mine

When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave Your hands

When You walked upon the Earth
You healed the broken, lost, and hurt
I know You hate to see me cry
One day You will set all things right
Yea, one day You will set all things right

When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave Your hands

Your hands
Your hands that shape the world
Are holding me, they hold me still
Your hands that shape the world
Are holding me, they hold me still
When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave Your . . .

When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave...
I never leave Your hands

Tune-y Tuesday (The Same Love)

I remember a moment, years ago as a teenager when I first heard a song that changed worship for me. It was entitled Hosanna. I remember reading up on what Hosanna meant and starting to understand what the word meant in my heart and (it's hard to explain this so many years past and with memories blurred a bit) I remember worship coming alive.

Paul Baloche wrote that song and has written many more. I recently bought his latest album and have slowly been listening to it. My computer is acting funny so it'll only play his songs half way through for some reason so I'm getting to know the beginnings of the songs. so odd

Anyways, this song is called The Same Love and I love the simplicity of it and the beautiful declaration is makes of Christ loving and pursuing His people.

I also really really really like the voice of the girl singing harmony. It's stunning to me. I could listen to her harmonize for a long time. This song off the album probably highlights her less than most but in the song King of Heaven - oh wow - she has talent.

You choose the humble and raise them high
You choose the weak and make them strong
You heal our brokenness inside
And give us life

The same love that set the captives free
The same love that opened eyes to see
Is calling us all by name
You are calling us all by name
The same God that spread the heavens wide
The same God that was crucified
Is calling us all by name
You are calling us all by name

You take the faithless one aside
And speak the words "You are mine"
You call the cynic and the proud
Come to me now

The same love that set the captives free
The same love that opened eyes to see
Is calling us all by name
You are calling us all by name
The same God that spread the heavens wide
The same God that was crucified
Is calling us all by name
You are calling us all by name

Oh...oh

Oh...oh

Oh...oh

Oh...oh

You're calling 

You're calling
You are calling us to the cross 

You're calling 

You're calling
You are calling us to the cross 

You're calling 

You're calling
You are calling us to the cross 

You're calling 

You're calling
You are calling us to the cross


The same love that set the captives free
The same love that opened eyes to see
Is calling us all by name
You are calling us all by name

oh
The same God that spread the heavens wide
The same God that was crucified
Is calling us all by name
You are calling us all by name
Oh...oh

Oh...oh

Oh...oh

Oh...oh

You're calling 

You're calling
You are calling us to the cross

You're calling 

You're calling
You are calling us to the cross

Tune-y Tuesday (Steady My Heart)

Kari Jobe is one of my favourite artists. I love her voice and I enjoy that her music seems to truly come from her heart. Her lyrics consistently lead me to a place of worship. I find the words she sings typically are words that my heart was already singing.

Since downloading the cd back when it was released, I've listened to this song 61 times (and counting).

The song is Steady my Heart.

I love these words.

Wish it could be easy
Why is life so messy
Why is pain a part of us
There are days I feel like
Nothing ever goes right
Sometimes it just hurts so much

But You're here
You're real
I know I can trust You

Even when it hurts
Even when it's hard
Even when it all just falls apart
I will run to You
Cause I know that You are
Lover of my soul
Healer of my scars
You steady my heart

You steady my heart

I'm not gonna worry
I know that You've got me
Right inside the palm of your hand
Each and every moment
What's good and what gets broken
Happens just the way that You plan
(those three lines are my favourite. I trust in His plan, regardless of whether it is easy or painful. I trust in His Sovereign plan)

You are here

You're real
I know I can trust You

Even when it hurts
Even when it's hard
Even when it all just falls apart
I will run to You
Cause I know that You are
Lover of my soul
Healer of my scars
You steady my heart

You steady my heart
 

And I will run to You
  And find refuge in Your arms
And I will sing to You
Cause of everything You are
You steady my heart

You steady my heart

Even when it hurts
Even when it's hard
Even when it all just falls apart
I will run to You
Cause I know that You are
Lover of my soul
Healer of my scars
You steady my heart

You steady my heart

I'm not gonna worry
I know that You've got me
Right inside the palm of your hand

 The God I serve is good and just, regardless of my situation. I don't always understand that - and sometimes it is the hardest thing to accept amidst tragedy - but I know who He is and therefore I can trust in Him.

Tune-y Tuesday (before the throne)

Worship leading was beautiful on Sunday. I've said it before I'll surely say it again, it's an honour. I'm still not quite sure why God uses me but I am grateful for any opportunity He gives.

But . . . let me tell you about Sunday.

• I had a great sleep (which was a miracle. I can not remember a Sunday where I've led worship and had a good sleep. I think it's because I prayed about it all week and God decided to grant that miracle. Wow)
• I had too much coffee on an empty stomach (why oh why did I think that 3 cups between 6-9 am was a good idea?) which led to a stomach ache the length of from 9 am until about ten pm, gross
• I got overwhelmed by Jesus due to a well-timed sermon
• I had to vocally lead the first song in the response time
• Cue girl trying not to cry while singing the song below
• Cue Jesus providing soooooo much comfort
• Cue joy

"Before the Throne"

I love the song. I have some of the lyrics on my white board. I think it's stunning and true.

On Sunday as I led it, I think I got so lost in it (in a good lost way). So blown away and brought back to grace amidst the verses.

Today for this Tune-y Tuesday, just listen and let this truth bring you His peace.

This version is by Shane and Shane. Two dudes who love Jesus and happen to play guitar most excellently.

before the throne of God above

I have a strong and perfect plea

a great High Priest whose name is Love

who ever lives and pleads for me

my name is graven on His hands

my name is written on His heart

I know that while in heaven He stands

no tongue can bid me thence depart

no tongue can bid me thence depart

when Satan temps me to despair

and tells me of the guilt within

upwards I look and see Him [Jesus] there

who made an end of all my sin

because a sinless Saviour died

my sinful soul is counted free

for God the Just is satisfied

to look on Him and pardon me

to look on Him and pardon me

Hallelujah.

Hallelujah.

Praise the One.

Risen Son of God.

behold Him there the Risen Lamb

my perfect spotless righteousness

the great unchangeable I Am

the King of Glory and of grace

one with Himself I cannot die

my soul is purchased by His blood

my life is hid with Christ on high

with Christ my Saviour as my God

with Christ my Saviour as my God

Wow.

Mind blown.

When I am weak then He is strong - and then He gets all glory because I'm not caught up in my good works. He's served best when I'm serving Him.