He Knew us before we Knew Him

This last weeking, the message from one our our pastors was simply that God did know us before we knew Him. He was also working on our behalf before as well. Alyssa Hood of All4Him wrote the words of this song.

BEFORE GOD
Alyssa Ashley Hood
All4Him

Looking back on who is used to be
A desperate soul on life’s stormy sea
Tossed about with every raging wind
I found no peace, within
Just a broken heart
Torn and battered
I didn’t know what really mattered
Lost in my sin
That was before I knew him

Chorus
Before God
I didn’t know what it meant to be for real
Before God
I was so blind, but praise God now I see
Every sin was washed away
By the power of his blood
Now I stand amazed
Before God

All He is
Is all I’ll ever need
In him alone do I feel complete
And everyday I need Him even more
How did I live before
Without His love and peace to guide me
An emptiness was deep inside me
I could never fill
That was before
I knew Him

Before god
Amazing grace was just a song I would sing
Before God
But now I know, I really know what it means
Every sin was washed away
By the power of His blood
Now I stand amazed
Before God

Now I stand amazed
Before God

Be encouraged

David

Cross the Line

Came across this challenge from a blog I read ... I pass it on to you!

How often do we “play it safe”? We have a dream or an idea, but come up with a hundred reasons why it could never happen. Then before we know it, years have passed and nothing has changed. We still have a dream, still have great ideas, but never acted on any of them. I don’t want to live like that! Sure, it’s risky. Yup, I might fail. I may even look like a fool. Status quo is easy and comfortable. The unknown is scary! But the rewards…the rewards can be huge!! The bigger the risk, the greater the potential for incredible impact!

I want to jump. I want to step out. I want to live life without regrets and without giving in to fear! I want to “cross the line”:
I’m gonna ride like I’ve got the cops on my tail
I’m gonna live my life like I’m out on bail
I’m gonna be out front, gonna blaze a trail
I’m gonna cross that line

Everybody freeze – don’t step over the line
Don’t stand up, they’ll shoot down the first one who tries
Try to change the world, they’ll think you’re out of your mind
Revolutions start when someone crosses the line

Impossible Tasks

Yes, I know ... two weeks in a row .. what can I say

Impossible Tasks

Who could hope to pick up a tree?
Without a doubt it wouldn’t be me!

A tree reaching tall with branches long
That has stood against winds very strong.
The house of animals hidden inside,
One rooted deep with stately pride,
Where birds have perched to take a rest
When they returned to their annual nest.

At first glance it just couldn’t be done.
Pick up a tree? No way under the sun!
I could push and pull all day long
But nothing would move a trunk that strong.
I’d have to try and make a plan
To complete a task seemingly bigger than man.

I knew I must find a few tricks up my sleeves.
I’d conquer that tower of budding leaves.
Because it hadn’t taken me long to realize
The job was meant to be God-sized.

He would never tell me to take on a task
That meant to do more than anyone could ask.
He only requires I look to him for direction.
To follow his lead and accept His correction.

To take each new challenge one piece each new day.
To count each new blessing He hands out my way.
To break down the impossible task that’s at hand
To steps I can handle within God’s plan.

So after my saw brought that tree to the ground
I chopped it to pieces my arms fit around.
By tackling the job with a supply of God’s grace
I moved that tree with a smile on my face.

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Phil 4:13

Therefore

One of the leaders in our family of churches wrote this poem a few days back and I pass it on to you.

“Therefore!”

How often in the dark of night doubt casts a shadow larger than
the real and present trial I am facing?
How often on the course of life I’m called by Christ to run with faith
but feel my weakness to sustain the pacing?
How often do we each endure our seeming so misunderstood
by those we seek to love and serve or care for?
And in such moments as described we’re tempted to remove ourselves
without reviewing Heaven’s message, “Therefore!”

Now “Therefore fight,” but not as ones supposing they but beat the air,
when every step you take you tread down serpents!
And “Therefore serve” as He who came “to serve and not be served,” He said;
and doing so defined our call as servants!
So “Therefore!” loved one, sing down doubt and run with patience in the race,
(so few of us have striven “unto blood.”)
And bear the yoke He’s called you to, reminded you are partnered with
The Burden Bearer—Jesus, Son of God.

In Him each promise is “Amen”; with Him you’ll find again—again,
that in your weakness His strength will suffice you.
So “Therefore stand,” strong in the fight—Lift up your eyes, behold the light
lest shadows, fears or weariness entice you.
The course you take was charted by The Planner, Who has said, “My plans
contain your future hope of My rewarding.”
So stay the course, wear the yoke; embrace the Cross, and “Therefore, child,
you’ll know the joy that’s coming in the morning!”

Jack W. Hayford
April 13, 2009

Have a great day

David