Taste and See
The author of Psalm 34 had an intimate relationship with God - not the type of relationship that routinely shows up to a building on a particular day of the week or that reads a mystical book 15 minutes at a time out of some daily obligation. No, his relationship was friendly, it was passionate, it was indispensable. In fact, his relationship with God was so tangible, so palpable, so real to him that he could describe its taste and then sing about it! Man, they were tight!
Unconditional
Imagine with me the conversation between God and a new mother when she holds her newborn for the first time.
God: Here’s a tiny, helpless baby. You’ll need to do absolutely everything for her and protect her with your very life.
Mother: Of course. I’ve prayed for her, and I’m happy to do it.
God: Good. You’ll fall completely and madly in love with her, even though in fourteen years, she’ll be disgusted by you. In fact, your very existence will humiliate her.
More Than Words
My psychology professor in college once asked, “Is it better to be told you are loved or to feel like you are loved?” I knew at once that the former was best because after all, how do you know you are loved if no one tells you with their words? …Wow. Obviously, at twenty years old, I had it all figured out.
Grace…Received and Shared!
Victoria Ruvolo had a harrowing experience in November of 2004. She was on her way home to Long Island from her niece’s recital in NYC when an 18- year-old boy threw a frozen turkey at her windshield. The twenty-pound bird crashed through the glass, bent the steering wheel inward and shattered her face like a dinner plate on concrete. The violent prank left her grappling for life in the ICU. She survived, but only after doctors wired her jaw, affixed one eye by synthetic film, and bolted titanium plates to her skull.
Split
Have you ever had this experience? You're minding your own business, maybe playing a video game, listening to music, reading a book, or even taking a nap, when suddenly, a parent pokes their head in and asks for help with some project. For me, it was always my dad needing help outside in the humid East Texas heat mowing the yard or building a fence. At the time, it drove me crazy. But eventually, I realized those hot afternoons were actually the best way for us to connect. We built more than fences—we built a relationship.
Kindling
I’ve always found the closing statement of John’s Gospel to be so beautiful:
John 21:25 “Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written.”
It’s beautiful, but it’s also disturbing and overwhelming to me as a songwriter - as someone who puts a lot of effort into chronicling the things Jesus has done. Each of us plays a part in creatively keeping records so that people can hear about Jesus, but with so many entries in this great catalogue, how can my work stand out?
The Buddy System
“The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other Puah, “When you act as midwives to the Hebrew women, and see them on the birthstool, if it is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, she shall live.” But the midwives feared God; they did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but they let the boys live.”
~ Exodus 1:15-17
As I’ve watched my three kids grow and try new things, one pattern remains consistent they’re usually only bold enough to attempt something new if a sibling or friend is willing to try it with them. Strength, it seems, only comes in numbers.
Following Jesus
Luke 5.10-11 “Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be ‘catching’ people.’ When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed Him.”
This is the response for all disciples…”leave everything and follow Him.” But do we? Sadly, too many have been duped into believing that if they/we say a little prayer, that’s the end of it in us being disciples. And if we get some water on us, then that is way over the top!
Master or Hearts
“No slave can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other or be devoted to the one and despise the other.” ~ Luke 16:13
Love. Love is a wonderous thing, but if left unchecked it can become disastrous. When Jesus said, “Where our treasure lies, there our hearts will be also” (Luke 12:34; Matt 6:21), He was telling us that what we treasure will rule us, and unless that thing is God, our treasure will enslave us.
In the Waiting
There is something powerful that happens in the waiting.
As I listened again to the story of Joseph in Genesis 39, a detail struck my heart in a new way. After being falsely accused and thrown into prison, Scripture tells us, “But the Lord was with Joseph…” (v. 21).
Always With Me
God, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand. I’m an open book to You; even from a distance, You know what I’m thinking. You know when I leave and when I get back; I’m never out of your sight. You know everything I’m going to say before I start the first sentence. I look behind me and You’re there, then up ahead and You’re there, too—Your reassuring presence, coming and going. This is too much, too wonderful—I can’t take it all in!
Songwriting 101
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to write a song, today’s your lucky day because I’m going to give you three easy steps. The first step is to be inspired. The second step is to express your inspiration, and the third is to share your expression with everyone who will listen. You’re welcome! I expect you to be writing hits in no time!