God made humans in his image so that the world would be filled with reflectors of God. Images of God. Seven billion statues of God. So that nobody would miss the point of creation.
John Piper
Author: sevennotesofgrace
Songs of the Saved
Sharing today my two favourite songs from Emu Music‘s most recent album Songs of the Saved.
(You can listen to the album on Spotify). Both these songs would probably be good for a congregation to sing. I’m particularly keen on introducing Risen asap. It has such a triumphant chorus and bridge – and much encouragement! Blessings to you in your ministry.
Track 10: Risen
1. When I am weak you are strong
When I am poor you are rich
When I am on my knees you are with me
2. When I lay down calm my fears
Death has no power you are near
Jesus my Lord will save
Jesus, you conquered the grave
Chorus
Jesus, you are our Saviour
Mighty, death has no hold
Risen, reigning forever
Jesus, you conquered the grave
3. Trumpets will sound, we will rise
Ashes and dust glorified
Never to die again
Never stop singing his praise
Bridge
You are wonderful, you are powerful
You are glorious, Jesus
You are wonderful, you are powerful
You are glorious, Jesus
© 2014 Michael Morrow, Philip Percival & Simone Richardson
Track 3: Rock of our Salvation
1. Have you heard the day is coming?
When the things our hearts have loved –
Dust and ashes ever-failing –
Will be seen for what they are
2. Can you hear a voice now calling?
Saying, “This is not the end
Come and walk new ways of blessing
And sing a new song to our Lord”
He’s the rock of our salvation
We will trust and be not afraid
He’s the sure and firm foundation
When every other ground gives way
3. Have you heard the condemnation?
Who could pay the dreadful price?
But, look, the silent suffering servant
Took on death to give us life!
4. Can you hear the voice of splendour?
Calling out “whom shall I send
To be a light to every nation?”
“Send me Lord God, here I am!”
The former things will be forgotten
A new creation descends at last
All fear and loss will be no more
All grief and sorrow and tears will pass
Mountains and trees will clap their hands
We’ll enter Zion with songs of joy
And every eye will see his glory
Our king exalted forevermore
He’s the Rock of our Salvation
Soon our hearts will be renewed
Crowned in everlasting gladness
And Jesus’ splendour fills our view
© 2013 Liv Chapman & Gavin Perkins
Embracing grace and being led by the Spirit
This is full of grace and encouragement.
Living by grace and being led by the Spirit are synonymous. You cannot truly embrace one without the other.
I stated in “Grace in the balance between the prodigal and elder brother response” that spiritual orphans don’t understand 100% pure, undiluted grace. They will either abuse it or dismiss it.
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“God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself…”
Watch “Christy Nockels – My Anchor (Live/Lyrics And Chords)” on YouTube
Host of Angels (Taylor Henderson)
This song is not ‘Christian’ as such, but it is a very personal song written by a past ‘X Factor’ winner in Australia, who happens to be a Christian. I think the song does have the X factor!
This is what he says of the song:
“‘Host Of Angels’ is a song which I feel a particular affinity towards. It’s a song I wrote for my younger sister, and the truth is she’s a little torn up about it. She loves it, but it’s a very emotional song for her, as well as myself.
“I went through some things as a kid…. My family was together when I was growing up, but my parents are separated now. That happened when was about 13 or 14, and it was something I didn’t really understand, and I found it really confusing. My sister is now that age and she’s dealing with that situation, and working through it from her understanding. I just wanted to hold her hand through this song, to let her know I’ll always be there for her, regardless of what happens in her life.”
The blessed and God-breathed Book (2 Timothy 3:16)
This is one of the most breath-taking Three Sixteens, one which you may have already committed to memory. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 is that great statement of assurance about the Bible, the God-breathed book we build our faith upon.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” (ESV)
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” (NLT)
I recently read through 2 Timothy with a friend, over several weeks and many great coffees! The whole letter is a call…
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Are You Insulting God in Worship? | Desiring God
This post from Piper is lengthy, but worth a read
http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/are-you-insulting-god-in-worship
An unwasted life makes much of Jesus
In 2004 I read John Piper’s Don’t Waste your Life. In the book he calls us not to get caught up in living for things that count for nothing! Piper says you can ensure you don’t waste your life by seeking to live and die boasting in the cross of Christ – by making the glory of God your singular passion. Instantly this became a book that I recommended to everyone, since it takes ‘faith in Christ’ straight from your head to your heart and hands. The section I found most beautiful to read (and most re-orienting) was towards the end in chapter 10:
“How could I, Lord, have ever been so blind to think that being loved by you means making much of me and not yourself? How could I put my eye to some great telescope, designed to make me glad with visions of the galaxies…
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How to encourage your music team, even when you’re not the leader
Sometimes church musicians are so busy being musicians that they forget how huge the task is for their Music Ministry leader. They expect the leader to do just about everything, to encourage and hold the team together, sort out all problems, plan ahead and keep things running smoothly. Now while the leader is the leader for a reason (like their good musical and leadership skills) how great would it be if every single player and singer and sound technician took up the opportunity to positively influence the way their team functions. Consider the following list, of 10 ways team members can be more encouraging members of their music team:
1. Read God’s Word regularly and let it impact your daily life. Be growing in your both your knowledge and likeness of Christ.
2. Pray for your team leader, for other team members, and your own role in the team…
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