Back in the summer of 2024 I was doing what I do every week, perusing through music videos to prepare music worship for our Christian service at a halfway house. I’d been doing this since the end of 2019 and was discovering the vast array of phenomenal Christian music. I’d shared many videos with my little congregation and meaningful experiences through the songs.

After nearly five years of this prep, I one day had a sudden impression that came so powerfully I couldn’t ignore: ‘You should be blogging this.’ Huh? I don’t do social media; barely look on Facebook. How do you blog? Yet I couldn’t ignore the prompting. So I learned. Had some serious help - thank you Jay and Jeremy - And I’ve been doing this weekly Blog for over two years now.

Does God know me? Enough to guide me through this path I would have never thought to step onto on my own. Does He know those who create the music and the videos that have been so meaningful to many of us, that turn us toward Him? Does He know you, who hears something in the music that sparks something divine in you? Of course He knows us! And we’re just regular people doing what we do, inviting the divine into what we do. We are called by Him. Hopefully we answer His call in our doing what we’re doing. Without worry!

‘When you worry ‘bout today or tomorrow and the storms that they might bring, try to remember that you’re in the hands of the God who made every single thing.’

Do Not Worry - Ellie Holcomb

Who are you again? Oh yeah. Say it aloud - “I am a child of God.”

What power does that give you? What assurances?

‘I have a father, He calls me His own. He’ll never leave me no matter where I go ... He knows me ..Wants me .. Formed me.. Hears me.’

He Knows My Name - Tommy Walker

You have a water bottle- it’s clear plastic, says ‘Spring Water’ on it. It looks refreshing and clear. But it’s in plastic, only a few ounces, and the bottle has a crack in it.

How long will the water in the bottle last? Can you trust it’s source and claim for cleanliness? What is getting lost out of that crack? What is seeping in through the crack? Leaching from the plastic?

You’re standing next to a constantly flowing spring. The water is clear and plentiful- tested and proven over and over to be clean and with beneficial minerals, without harmful agents.

Where do you want to drink from?

Which water will cover you head to toe?

‘I came with a dry heart cracked like desert clay, carried my hunger down the long road of shame. You met me by the well, Lord, you knew my name. You said ‘Come closer, come taste of grace.’ Let it wash my soul, make me clean and whole.’

Drink The Living Water - Daily Christian Jesus Worship

I love what Jeremiah 16:16 teaches: Rednecks Wanted! Fishers and Hunters to gather God’s people. Is that why so many country artists sing of Jesus? Pick up your pole, take a look through your scope. Gather as Jesus guides you.

‘He said ‘Come follow me,’ and they laid their nets on down; walked away from all they knew to seek a higher ground ... he told them there and then, I will make you fishers of men.’

Fishers of Men - Tim Malchek / Scenes from The Chosen

What fun it is to go fishing with such a brother!

What does it mean to fast? At a time we need help most we go without food to bring us closer to God as we plead to Him in prayer. Yet what I learn from Isaiah is that fasting isn’t so much about going without; it certainly isn’t about being solemn or in pain. Fasting is about using our substance or efforts for someone other than ourselves. This is how we invite God into our lives.

In fasting we can turn away from our own needs and pay attention to another’s. In a time of cleansing, perhaps we can see with better clarity, looking outward. And somehow, in outward actions, our own needs can be met. This follows the law of the harvest - the seed you sow is what you will reap.

‘Saw a world of trouble ... I said, ‘God ,Why don’t you do something?’ He said ‘I did, I created you’.’

Do Something - Matthew West

‘Beauty for ashes’ implies that after our times of mourning will come a time of joy. The Hebrew term used for beauty in Isaiah 61:3 refers to a headdress or tiara. He tells of being anointed with oil, dressed in colorful robes. Is this a healing? A coronation? With Isaiah’s knack of writing many ideas within a word we can generally answer ‘Yes’ to all the variables we may see. First and foremost is shown the love that our Savior has for us.

‘He’s not sitting there shaking His head, writing you off, leaving you lost ... wishing He never went to that cross. No room for shame in His open arms, there’s beauty from ashes, so come as you are.‘

Heart of God - Zach Williams

Friends remind me often that life’s purpose, like God’s purpose, can be summed up in one word - Love. What does that look like for you? The Hebrew word hesed has been a bit of a buzz-word lately. It is often translated as mercy or lovingkindness. 1 Corinthians 13:4 says that Love is patient, Love is kind. What would it look like if we adopted patience and kindness into our habits? Would it change how we talk about others? Talk to others? Our stress level? Blood pressure? Anxiety? How we drive? What we see in the mirror? Hesed is an action of power that sounds life-changing!

‘ I wish I was patient, I wish that I was kind ... I won’t stop ‘til I see His kindness in me.’

His Kindness in Me - Youth Music Festival 2021

We practice following the actions of Jesus Christ, striving to be a little more like Him. Acting with Love and Hesed. We look forward to the triumphal day when our king returns to reign in peace.

‘After the scourges and harvest are over, We’ll rise with the just when the Savior will come.’

Now Let Us Rejoice - Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square

Acting in kindness, is promoting peace. Partnering with Christ to change your world.

Each week I am blessed to be with men and women coming out of incarceration. While it’s a step of relief offering a sense of freedom, it is also filled with uncertainty. What comes next? Can I survive ‘out there’? The need to track down identification, a birth certificate, Drivers License or State ID. A phone. Transportation. You can’t get work without these. Clothes, because all I’ve got is what’s on my body now.

And how can I mend what’s been broken with family? In me? How can I get free of addictions?

Prison has so many layers. How do we get set free? Who has the keys?

I’ve seen the transformation in those who turn to Christ for help. They become bright with hope, confident in new abilities, in each step they make their way through. They carry gratitude for the Savior that is at their side.

‘I built walls around my heart ...Walls became my prison, and I forgot the sound of grace.. Then I heard you calling softly through the darkness of my soul, ‘You don’t have to stay here child, I have come to make you whole’.’

Jesus, Let the Prison Doors Open - Lauren Daigle

It seems to be instinctual to back away from someone who appears stricken, or trodden down. Unless we know that person, or understand what they are stricken with. Isaiah describes Christ as a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief; someone we’d hide our faces from. Yet what weighs Him down is OUR sorrows, OUR grief, that WE have caused. [Isaiah 53:3-5] How can we repay Him? How can we say ‘Thank you’?

‘I..wonder how He could love me, a sinner condemned, unclean. He took my sins and my sorrows, He made them His very own; He bore the burden to Calvary and suffered, and died alone.’

I Stand Amazed - Reawaken Hymns

Crazy thing is that with all the pain we cause Him, He still wants us. His love for us never diminishes. ‘No matter how far I am away from home, that’s how far your love will go.’

How Far - Tasha Layton

He continually invites us in, to enjoy everything He has to bless us with, putting our pains away.

‘I could hear my old man sayin’, ‘son, just be still, Cause you can’t find peace like this in a bottle or a pill.’ Sometimes, whether I’m lookin’ for him or not, that’s where I find God.’

Where I Find God - Larry Fleet

His love is everlasting, so our sorrows don’t have to be.

Comfort. The first word in this group of chapters. Is that what a mighty God brings us? I say, You bet!

So many of these verses are well-known thanks to Handel. I can’t help but sing them! ‘…Bring good tidings to Zion’; ‘He shall feed his flock…’; …’The crooked straight’…. And other works from other songwriters come to mind here.

‘When You’re Weary, He Will Renew Your Strength, Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength, they will rise on wings of eagles, They shall run and not weary, walk and not faint.’

Soar On Wings Like Eagles - Psalms & Palms [Isaiah 40:31]

Isaiah teaches that we are servants of Christ. Yet being a servant can be in simple ways- in ways that we can easily understand. ‘He was showing His love, and that’s how He hurt His hands.’

The Hand Song - Nickel Creek, Kats Jo

A friend introduced me to the songs of Katy Nicole. This song is the one he said brought him hope and peace through his years of incarceration, and years where he didn’t have control. ‘I might not be able to part the waters, might not be able to calm the storms ... good thing I’m not alone, I’m standing in the confidence that even though I can’t, my God can!’

My God Can - Katy Nicole with Naomi Raine

The hardest part about our lives is the refiner’s fire we are each required to go through. My friends often talk of their time in prison as refining them. I certainly have gone through painful trials, just as you have. And I’m still wondering why I’ve had to face those things, and when will it get better?

Did you break me down just to make me whole? Like quilting. Why cut up good fabric into a bunch of little pieces just to sew them together again?

‘You were reaching in the heat of it all, turns out, it was there that I was changed. Every flame forged my faith... Set my hope ablaze.. Made my darkest days a whole lot brighter.’

Walk Through Fire - Ben Fuller

It’s all about what we are being made to be. Like Him. Someone mighty.

How does life look for us when we counsel with the Lord? It may not change our trials, but it may change our decisions and how we deal with trials. It opens our vision to the fact that we aren’t in our lives alone, that there is someone who is invested - with His flesh and blood - in our lives. What, then, are we willing to invest for His kingdom?

Isaiah’s prophecies counsel against pride, likened unto Babylon. Babylon was known anciently as a city of education, for scribes, mathematics, law and astrology. Much to take pride in, as we do today in our education. Yet when our worldly education is void of knowledge of God and His ways, our viewpoint is incomplete - the view of ourselves as masters become distorted with a belief that our education defines our worth. We may view trials as failures, find no hope beyond earth. A constant striving to be better or smarter than another filling us with anxiety and sorrow. Our pride insists that we must keep control. Heaven invites us to relinquish the reigns into the Lord’s hands. Which is quite wise, because He has a much better view of the road, its hazards and our destination.

Dare to let the Lord take the wheel, take some rest. ‘There’s rest for the weary, rest that endures, earth has no sorrow that heaven can’t cure.’ [Isaiah 14:3]

Come As You Are - Crowder

Isaiah masterfully paints a picture of Messiah. Take time to consider what His mission of resurrection means for you. A restoring of life to what has died. Viewing it like this, I see resurrection happening every day. Certainly it is found in the cycles of the seasons. And it most certainly is found as we turn away from sin, and become a new person accepting Christ’s grace and love.

‘I was a dead man in the tomb, oh I was sure I’d lost the fight; Death answers to you, You said ‘Child open your eyes,’ and I came alive!’

Resurrection Story - Phil Wickham

Isaiah warns of spiritual danger. Likened to an empty earth, hunger, broken vessel or wall, numbed by drunkenness. How sad to see so many today embrace patterns or addictions that can give nothing more that these things.

‘And when I finally noticed there was silence inside me, like an abandoned house after the lights went out ... I lost who I was meant to be, because a soul can never find its rest when it turns away from eternity.’

Far From God, Far From Myself, I’m Finding My Way Back – Zé Romero

Trials are essential. Broken is not final. They are part of creation. What is being created in you?

‘When you see broken beyond repair, I see healing beyond belief ... you’re not finished yet, where you see your worst mistake, I see the price I paid.’

Matthew West - Mended

Why hesitate to accept rest and peace and healing? Jesus offers them in abundance, has paid the heavy price for us. Turn to Him.

Entering the wondrous words of Isaiah sets some to hyperventilate for imagined difficulties, yet the prophets refer to Isaiah as clear and plain. I suppose it comes down to understanding the language of prose that Isaiah speaks so beautifully.

Here are four concepts that Isaiah covers in these chapters, quite easily discernible. Have no fear; let the words bring images to mind.

The first is that we can repent, be cleansed from our sins, all through a Savior’s grace. Atonement. ‘You said my sins could be removed, white as snow again. [Isaiah 1:18] Though I was stained with guilt and shame, you wash me from within … By grace I stand in mercy now, my soul no longer black.’

Washed White as Snow - Still Waters Christian Music

Next, let’s understand that Isaiah addresses at least four different time periods: His day [740-701 BC]; The meridian of time, or time of Jesus on the earth; The latter days, or today’s time; And the time when Christ returns for His millennial reign. When you pay attention, you can discern the time that is being addressed.

2:2 “And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.” How can you be more plain than that?

‘Look up, the nations gather... a banner is unfurled on Zion’s mount, a standard flying high for all to see ...’

High on the Mountaintop - Called to Rise/Versewell Hymns

Next is to understand that God calls Prophets. We were recently blessed to be in a small group with songwriter Michael McLean. He told how he wrote a song of Hyrum and Joseph Smith, the one accepting his younger brother being called as a Prophet. Michael then told this of his son, Jeff. Knowing how important this song was to his father, within a few short days he and his husband, Joe, created this song video for his dad. This act came as years of tension between father and son were healing. This gift for his father is a gift to us all. Thank you Jeff and Joe and your remarkable talents; and to Michael - again - for your poetic insights.

He Looked Up - Michael McLean, Jeff & Joe

The fourth concept is found in Isaiah 9:6. You can recite the verse- by song. Perhaps you’re one of us lucky ones who sing Handel together, tossing the melody from part to part, keeping step through the lengthy runs, for joy must share and cannot be still! Sing along here - for unto us a child is born!

For Unto Us a Child is Born - Handel: Messiah/VOCES8 & Academy of Ancient Music

This is the ultimate teaching of Isaiah! The Messiah came, and will come again! Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace!

Proverbs encourages the seeking of Godlike wisdom. Ecclesiastes summarizes that our wisdom is shown in our works. One seems reliant on the other.

Knowledge is incomplete without also understanding. Mercy, truth, honor, trust, happiness - write these on the tablet of your heart. Avoid acting in anger and pride, hold to love and peace.

Wisdom is beautifully given the attributes of a woman, perhaps a Heavenly Mother. ‘Teach us to walk in Wisdom’s way, to love what’s right. Send evil away. ... Leave your simple ways and come to live in Wisdom’s path that I freely give.’

Wisdom’s Song - Ted Hildebrandt [Based on Proverbs 1:20-22; 2:4-5; 9:1-6, 10]

Proverbs 3:5-6 is one you likely can say easily. ‘Trust in the Lord…’ above your own understanding. Saying the words is easier than following them in action. Perhaps if we repeat it enough we can get the steps right. As shown in this beautiful rendition.

Trust in the Lord - 2022 Youth Theme/Strive To Be

There’s a word that keeps popping up in Psalms and Proverbs. The word ‘froward’. What does that mean? Froward means difficult to manage, stubborn, habitually disobedient. Hmm. Know someone like that? Is it you? Sometimes? Me too.

Yet I have to defend those who don’t mean to be difficult, because some are just born with difficulties that they’re trying to manage. This song is for you. ‘Hey dude, it’s totally true, fish aren’t great at climbing, that doesn’t mean that we aren’t great at swimming, jumping, diving. The world is full of fish like us once climbing to fit in, but potential turns successful when we learn how to swim.’

Try Different (The Fish Song) - Jessica McCabe, How to ADHD

Remember the The Byrds 1965 song Turn, Turn, Turn. I haven’t include it here but it’s Ecclesiastes 3. Look the song up for yourself and enjoy a listen while you follow along in your bible.

We are reminded that this life of mortality is temporary. It’s easy to get caught up in the game of ‘whoever has the most toys wins’. Let’s expand our vision - to what we are gaining here that lasts eternally; and ultimately who we can thank for everything we have! ‘I will not boast in wealth or might or human wisdom’s fleeting light.’

My Worth Is Not in What I Own - Darren Mulligan, Keith & Kristyn Getty, LIVE

Christ gave everything! Fixing all of our dumbness if we let Him in. Because we, YOU, are worth everything!

I feel the need to pay tribute to our Psalms today - they’re found in our hymnbooks. They are quoted by prophets, given holiness as scripture. We hold our hymnbooks along with our other scriptures, we turn to them frequently. Perhaps we remember their words better, set to music.

Psalms were anciently sung in settings of most profound worship, in temple rituals, family prayer, in times of rejoicing. Like our hymns today.

What are your favorite hymns? Amazing Grace. The Spirit of God. How Great Thou Art. O, My Father. Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing. His Eye is on the Sparrow. Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling. The Old Rugged Cross. Come, Lord Jesus. I Will Walk with Jesus. Gethsemane.

As The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has been compiling hymns for their new hymnbook, we’ve been delighted to follow their release. [You can follow on the Church’s website https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/music, or on their Gospel Library App [free of charge], Music, Hymns for Home and Church. You’ll find other great music and recordings also, full KJV scriptures and so much more, so take advantage of it all.]

Often when we sing a hymn we ask each other if we think it will make the cut into the new hymnbook. Face it, some resonate better than others today. When a new batch of hymns have been released we’re excited to find favorites commonly sung in other denominations have been added. Hallelujah! We love these in our weekly non-denominational worship. We’re also finding new treasures that we quickly include in our favorites.

Recordings by Carrie Underwood, CeCe Winans, Alan Jackson, The Bonner Family, Home Free, and so many others - find your favorite recordings. My selections here are simply a representation of how we enjoy our hymns.

To be interpreted into our unique style.

Amazing Grace #HallwaySessions - Kings Return

Joining our praise as a congregation .

How Great Thou Art - Winchester Cathedral [mkariobangi]

A choir anthem.

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing - The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square

‘I Am a Child of God’. The song we keep coming back to. The affirmation of who we truly are. Some find pain in its words, not finding parents kind and dear in their earthly home. I was reminded this week that we all have someone kind and dear in our lives that look out for us. Look for them. Give thanks for them. Give thanks to heavenly parents kind and dear. Not to forget that our earthly parents are a child of God, too. Do they know that?

I Am a Child of God - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

So, here’s a very small sampling of favorites, most I’ve already shared. Do searches to find yours. I’d love to hear them.

As we come through the end of our Psalms in the bible, there are a few distinct themes that have come to my mind.

The first being ‘Hesed’. Hesed, or Chesed is a Hebrew word [pronounced kheh-sed] that has no equivalent English translation. Throughout the bible it is translated into ‘mercy’, ‘steadfast love’, ‘faithfulness’, ‘lovingkindness’, and more - painting a picture of a refuge from enemies, a home of peace. Perhaps we could put the words ‘Beit Chesed’ over our doors at home - a welcoming to a house of lovingkindness/steadfast love/forgiveness etc. How would that change how we live and act in our home?

Hesed shows in each of the 26 verses of Psalm 136, repeating the refrain "for his hesed endures forever". His mercy. Psalm 89 continually celebrates God’s hesed. His steadfastness. Psalm 23:6 says, “Surely goodness and hesed shall follow me all the days of my life.” How will you translate that for yourself?

This song by Selah has become one of my favorites, portraying a being of hesed.

Wonderful, Merciful Savior - Selah

Another theme comes from the Hebrew words Simchah: Meaning gladness, mirth, or religious joy. Ranan: Meaning to shout aloud, cry out, or sing for joy. Gool: Meaning to rejoice, spin around, or be glad. Psalms don’t just give us permission, but tell us that to shout and dance for joy is part of our worship. How can we meld exuberance with our reverence? Go to Primary with the children!

Psalm 127 celebrates our homes filled with children. What can you do with a quiver full them? If this next song doesn’t get you grinning - check your inner Scroogometer.

Joy Overflow Dance Performance by the Lion of Judah - Katale Miracle Centre Church

Psalms express our deepest sorrows, pain for what is lost, or for what is beyond our reach. We cry to the divine for rescue, forgiveness, for help, recovery, for filling what’s empty, a longing for past blessings that perhaps were taken for granted, or lost in pains of addiction.

Psalm 137 is a cry from captivity or bondage, being removed from the home promised by God, It is a call to remember our promised truth. Perhaps with remembering we can also find restoration.

Hearing this recording, I remember singing along with it over the years. I often reflect on what Zion means to me today, and what its loss would mean. Join in the singing.

Psalm 137, By the Waters of Babylon - Don McLean, Ireland 1976 CR’s Video Vaults

Certainly the Psalms are praises. “O give thanks unto the Lord!” are echoed in the final chorus. Remember His goodness. His hesed. His deliverance from bondage. Remember Him with gladness and joy. So many reasons for praising Him.

10,000 Reasons (Psalm 103, 116, 146-150 and more) - Matt Redman

The Psalms are our voice. Sing out!

Selah. What does that mean? It’s not a term that translates easily. It basically means to take a pause to ponder, allow the spirit to testify. Musically it could be used as a fermata, or holding a note out for as long as you want. Perhaps it’s a note you can build in strength, or soften in reverence.

It’s a term that reinforces that music is not static; tempo can be fluid; music is to be felt, not restrictive.

With the first writer in this first hymnbook the Psalms give us an open view into David’s soul— his love for our Savior, his joy, his call for help in weakness or fear, his pain from sins. We certainly can relate, for these are part of the human experience.

Psalms often reflect on themes of death. A state we cannot buy our way out of with any amount of wealth. Yet this is not simply about viewing the end of this life with morbid fascination. ‘Death’ symbolizes being removed from the spirit of the Divine, not feeling His presence in our life. I live on the border of this death every day!

Psalm 49 Song-Wealth and Death - Jason Silver Sings Scripture

Searching for the antidote to spiritual death, we find that also in Psalms - Light. Gratefully, I experience this each day as well—illumination through gratitude, finding truth and peace that is often buried beneath daily cares; these are hugs from the Divine that let me feel Him close. I turn on a song where eternal truths can penetrate through me.

Many Psalms sing of mercy and forgiveness, brought from a place of brokenness, readiness to put our sins behind, repentance. I can feel David’s pain mingled with my own in these lines.

Psalm 51: A Beautiful Song of Repentance - Songs of Solomon

I believe Selah would invite us to get up and move as filled with the spirit. Flamenco is an art-form collaborating rhythm, flowing melodies along with emotion-filled dance. A beautiful way to celebrate a Psalm. (I was unable to find a video that includes dancing, so you’ll have to add your own. Castanets, tambourine and clapping add to the rhythm.)

Psalm 71 - Carlos Perdomo

Psalms invite peace, a lullaby to lay upon to rest.

Psalm 77, My Song in the Night - BYU Women’s Chorus

May you find peace, joy and light in your songs. Selah.

We get to spend three weeks in Psalms. Psalms are our prayers, our lamentations, our expressions of joy and gratitude. Hebrew poetry often uses ‘parallelism’. Repeating a thought or feeling in slightly different expressions offers layers of insight or understanding, reaching deeper into our own emotions.

What emotions and insights do your psalms express? Are you willing to share them, or do you keep them close? In artwork? Poetry? Journal? Prayer? Writing a song? Sharing is a service, gratitude in action.

Tommy Walker posts: “This song is from Psalm 1 and represents so many things I love: the Psalms, putting music to the Psalms, writing songs that are full of joy and celebration, and making music that is fun to play with my friends and family. Good times all around! I do also pray that this song will remind all of us to consistently read and DELIGHT in God’s Word.”

Psalm 1, 2 My Delight - Tommy Walker feat. Eileen Walker

I am so grateful for the many many artists who share their psalms in song - they impact my life every day! I personally hear and feel truth in song better than I can in reading prose, yet I’ve not yet found my own gift to create new songs. But I can share them.

You can find so many songs that are inspired by each of the Psalms. I am very limited here in what I share, chosen to show a broad overview, struggling to set aside so many others that are as great. Certainly we have our favorites. Search for yourself to find each Psalm in your favorite flavor of sound - there are countless!

Psalm 25 I Run to You - Bible in Song, Xander Stok

Psalms reach us personally, sung in a singular voice. They become a part of our remembrance of important occasions.

Psalm 31 Good Friday - Angela Mahon

Psalms bring many voices together in harmony. A collective witnessing of divine truths.

“Psalm 40 (A New Song)” - New Hope Oahu Music

Hear your thoughts, your feelings. Come alive in Psalms.

It’s pretty much a guarantee that we all will go through rough waters in this life. Yet some seem to have a tougher time than others. Why is that? It doesn’t seem fair. Are our troubles given to us by God? Does He stick us into situations because He likes us better or worse than others?

‘Why is one man born in a place where all they know is war, and a guy like me has always been free? Why do I feel like you hear these prayers of mine, When so many oughta be ahead of me in line? When you look down on me, can you see the good through all the bad?’

A Few Questions - Clay Walker

I can’t believe that our troubles or blessings are handed out according to God’s favorites. His plan is about agency - so there must be some agency on our part, either before we came to earth or while we are here.

We have the idea that our life is calculated by our successes, or perhaps by things we have earned. But that’s an erroneous scale. It’s not what we ARE, but what we are BECOMING that is measured. And when do we imagine our crucial growth happens?

‘When all that’s left is a shell, when glory and accolades all fall away, when heartbreak steps in to take up their place, I still kneel down and say, I’ll find you in misery.. I trust what you’re doing, some things we must learn in the dark. ... Lord, I see you in the aching.’

Learn in the Dark - Carrie Yost

Is it possible that when we feel at our lowest, when we seem most broken, might just be when we’re at our peak:? The clay has been kneaded and kneaded, uniquely layered, at last sufficiently ready to be shaped and cured.

‘You see the scars from when you fell, but I see the stories that they tell... When you see nothing but damaged goods, I see something good in the making, I’m not finished yet.’

Matthew West - Mended

Let us not doubt the hands of our creator, for his vision far surpasses our own. He is mindful of the details, and mindful of what we are becoming, and in His infinite wisdom, experience and perspective He sees where to step in to help, and when to let us work it on our own.

Remembering Carol Lynn Pearson this week, I add these lines from her poem The Lesson. As God says to us ‘…I’ve already learned to walk, So I make you Come to me. …It’s you, Not I, Who needs to try Godhood.’

‘Where were you the day that I measured, sunk the banks and stretched the line over all the earth and carved out its cornerstone, the day that I spoke and told the sun to split the night open, called the morning dawn with its light to show?’

Where Were You? - Ghost Ship

We can trust His wisdom in our growth, for He’s been there all along. Is there, always.

As God is in the details, surely he has put us in places where we can do His work. Save His people. The story of Esther is such a story. But it isn’t only about being put into the right place at the right time, it’s about having the courage to act at the moment it’s needed.

So we put on our ‘Esther’, rely on the faith of others as needed, and take the step forward. Then the next step.

‘Every step feels like I might fall, but you’re asking me to trust You all. I wish I felt stronger than this, but faith doesn’t always feel fearless.’

Braver Than I Feel - Uplifted Sounds

‘Let it move, let it lead your heart. Don’t be afraid to let yourself believe in who you are. Get your shoes, grab your courage, open the door, you’re about to see a you you’ve never seen before, and heaven will be there beside you.’

Brave - Hilary Weeks

Carrie Yost has given great thought about those we revere as heroes; Moses, David, Daniel, Esther. ‘Everyday humans called to do remarkable things. What made them different? Why would God put such great trust in these people?’

Young David didn’t slay Goliath with just a sling and a stone, he prevailed because he was holding to and trusting in God.

Called to Stand - Carrie Yost Music

Life will likely be full of times that require our bravery. Success through them build our confidence. Not just in ourselves, but in whom we hold on to. Let it be One who is stronger than us all!

‘Give me a faith like Daniel.. Hope like Moses... heart like David so I can face my giants with confidence.’

Confidence - Sanctus Real

Confidence is earned. By trusting. By acting in faith.

Coming out of bondage. Throwing off old habits, addictions, toxic relationships. These pertain to us as individuals, and have been at the beginning or renewal of nations. This is the result of repentance - the chance to rebuild.

We had a memorable experience in Paris several years ago at Notre Dame Cathedral. When we heard of the fire there, it sounded devastating. Thankfully, much was saved through miraculous efforts of many hands. And just as miraculous as it being built in the first place, it has been restored. God is in those details.

Are we any less precious? Or miraculous?

“If I were you I would’ve given up on me by now… I used to hide every time I felt I’d let you down, always thought I had to earn my way. But I’m learning you don’t work that way… Somehow you’re still here.”

The God Who Stays - Matthew West

As hard as it is to put mistakes behind us, it is also hard to say ‘I’m sorry’. To acknowledge how we hurt someone, and our attempts to fix what we broke. And it comes down to - we can’t just fix what’s broken - we rebuild something new.

‘In the rubble and the wreckage I’d forgotten who I was... I have seen the dark start to break between the cracks, the beginning of a day I thought would never come to pass.’

Rebuilder - Cliff Preston

A hard fact to understand is that we are tools. Tools and the objective of someone who wants to ruin us, ruin our families, ruin happiness that God wants for us. Ouch, that hurts to admit that.

How can I, then, be an agent to act for myself, and not something to be acted upon? Well, that’s for each of us to decide. And to take action!

‘Pray for the Family - restore the walls, for the church - rebuild in truth, restoration of the Holy Lands, for our morals and our values.’

Rebuild the Walls - Nicolette Swaby

Our efforts may seem small, but each act builds on another. Don’t despair, keep faith, keep focus on where you want to be going, what you are trying to build. And know you’re not alone in your efforts.

Natalie Breckenridge taught beautifully in a Facebook post, ‘You have no idea what’s shifting because you pray. You think you’re just whispering words in your car. Just crying out in your closet. Just mumbling through tears you can’t explain.

But in the spirit? Angels are moving. Chains are breaking. Destinies are being realigned. Demons are losing legal ground. Heaven is leaning in.’ Thank you Natalie.

And thank you REO Speedwagon, from years ago and still singing it today. ‘One small stone at a time, with a lot of love, with some help from above, from your heart to mine. As we seek out understanding, as we learn to forgive, as we open up our mind when our words are true and kind, We are building a bridge.’

Building The Bridge - REO Speedwagon

God bless your rebuilding!

What does it mean to be a pioneer? ‘To boldly go where no one has gone before.’ [Star Trek motto] Or maybe it’s just to go to where you want or need to be, in spite of the obstacles. Sometimes we bring peace to the table, only to be reciprocated with distrust and hostility.

What are your obstacles, your battles? Temptations? Addictions? Emotional illness? The choices of others, or of your past? A fight for something you know should and could be better, to create solutions. We all have our battles - that is fact.

This week we honor the pioneers who went before us, those who crossed oceans to settle in a new world, who fought for freedom from tyranny, who put their knowledge to making a steam engine, computers, works of art. We are recipients of what their battles were fought for. Perhaps we fight our battles so others won’t have to.

It’s not easy. ‘Father, can you hear me? Will you listen to me for a while?’ This song shows clips from the movie 17 Miracles, a telling of the difficulties faced by pioneers crossing the United States in the mid 1800s. Within twenty years, May of 1869, the 6-month trek could be made in days, on the Transcontinental Railway.

Many had to come through before the way was made easier. Always remember.

Prayer of the Walking Child - Dave Tinney

We fight hard for battles against our body, its diseases and appetites. Sometimes we lose that battle. But that isn’t all the the Lord is fighting for. His perspective is far greater - He’s fighting the battle for our souls, for our eternal selves. So many lose stamina for this battle and give up. He persists on our behalf - stay with Him.

‘Oh my soul, … Sing His praise, Set your face... Set your gaze... Oh my heart, still yourself and know the Lord. Oh my soul, Be still and wait.’

Alisa Childers - The Battle is the Lord’s

‘When I feel the ache of burdens no one sees, I will feel the strength of those who came before. Showing how to trust, not knowing how it ends, they looked to You always believing in the God who made it possible.’

Possible/Come, Come Ye Saints - Carrie Yost

Battles are fought in our weakest moments, when other distractions are quiet, when it seems like we are on our own. But we’re not.

‘Thy promise is sure; we are safe in Thy care. Thou wilt help all God’s children their burdens to bear. So to Thee I will look to be kept in the light, And hold in remembrance my song in the night.’

My Song in the Night - BYU Women’s Chorus

You are His child. His purpose. He fights for you. Cling to His strength.

Parting the waters, filling empty vessels, feed a multitude with little food, healing a leper, raising a child from the dead. Who are these miracles attributed to?

Ultimately they come from the same power. Yet in the Torah/Hebrew Bible/Old Testament these miracles were performed by the prophet Elisha. So then, imagine the confusion when people see Jesus of Nazareth performing these same miracles. ‘Is this Elisha returned from the grave?’ Or is Elisha a forerunner of Christ? 800 years before.

We likely don’t have the calling to wield such visible power like a prophet, yet in little, simple faith there are those, like Elisha, who serve a miracle-working God. It is by our invitation, our little show of faith, that allows His miracles into our lives, to heal us.

Faith That Heals - Country Grace

‘Do not fear, the prophet said, for those who stand with us are more than those against us. Lord opened his eyes to see... the hills were blazing with horses made of fire, chariots of heaven shining bright, God’s army standing higher, the mountains were full of angels, a host no man could count.’ This story told in 2 Kings 6 is echoed here in this song.

God’s Army - Advent World

Try to open yourself to see God’s army surrounding you. Especially in times when you feel you are one of the invisible. ‘When the darkness feels eternal as a holler with no moon, You’re the army all around me, You’re the old familiar tune... You see me.’

Never Invisible - Rachel Heart

We, then are the servants, the soldiers, the warriors in service to our Lord and King. We bring our faith together in prayer, in kindness, in opening our eyes and arms to each other, to those in need. ‘Stand up prayer warriors, you are on the front lines. Stand up faith fighters, army of the end times...the gates of hell shall not prevail with Messiah at the helm.’

STAND - Prayer Warriors

Even when we are weak, have fallen on our knees, we’re fighting this battle together. And we know who wins in the end. The question then is, which side will we find ourselves on?

Believe.

Context: Ancient Israel was swallowed up into the Assyrian Empire around 850-800 BCE. Judah was conquered by Babylon around 590 BCE. These conquering empires used a brilliant tactic to take the fight out of those they conquered. They removed the natives from the conquered land and spread them around the empire, then moved their own people into the vacated cities. That is an effective stirring of the pot. Distinct practices of the minority are lost, at best blended into the flavor of the majority.

We can certainly see this same kind of practice in our societies today. In some ways we are losing our individual heritage in the mix, yet in many ways we embrace the variety of cultural heritage among us. In the foodie analogy it’s pretty common for us to eat Mexican one night, Chinese the next, mix the Mex spicing with Italian, and so forth. It’s not bad eating.

Would this be likened to scattering or gathering? We mourn our lost heritage; yet as we hold to our traditions aren’t we also spreading them?

‘Among the nations we learned their tongue, forgot the songs our father’s sung, we wore their names, we bore their ways, lost in exiles heavy haze.’

Scattered to the four winds - HalleluYah Voice of Zion

In recent years I’ve been feeling a worldwide Christian revival - which certainly is evident in music. Congregations are found worldwide - and technology allows their reach to be worldwide. It’s exciting! The connection we can be part of around the globe, with Jesus Christ at our center!

Six years ago a pandemic threatened the world. And opened it up! This version of one of my favorite songs is a tribute to how our pandemic years broadened our platforms to gather us together.

‘Gather us in - the rich and the haughty...the proud and the strong, Give us a heart so meek and so lowly, Give us the courage to enter the song... here in this place a new light is shining, Now is the kingdom, now is the day.’

Gather Us In - Marty Haugen, by The Heralds Choir of St Mary’s Music Ministries

Elsewhere from around the globe - ‘Spread the Word!…Let all the Saints come gather round to sing Gods praise on holy ground, give thanksgiving, let our souls rejoice, come together, hear our Savior’s voice.’

Come Together - Bishop Jordan

‘And Jesus will say to all Israel, ‘Come home.’’ For as we follow Jesus, we become the House of Israel - God’s chosen people! Come home to Him, wherever you live.

Now Let Us Rejoice - Tabernacle Choir April 2024 General Conference

Are you feeling the thrill of this growing revival? Is there a smile on your face for it?Jump in!

The prophet Elijah was good at showing impossible things the Lord can do: Tablespoons of oil and grain that never run out, a son brought back to life, flames self-combusting on water-soaked wood.

One thing that was asked - show your trust in the Lord first. Be willing to sacrifice before expectation of a blessing. ‘Before I bring my need I will bring my heart. Before I lift my cares I will lift my arms. I want to keep you first.’

First - Lauren Daigle

Even in view of such miracles the Lord’s chosen nation turned from Him, divided. Under foolish kings they embraced the ideology of the world around them. How easy it is to do when the voices of the world can be so loud and become so popular, feeding stress and pressure to perform. What kind of god is this brand of perfectionism coming from?

Where can we hear the true God? ‘No more listening to all the lies that I’ve let in, anything that doesn’t sound like you. Your voice brings peace, calms my anxieties, calling me back to what is true.’

Still Small Voice - Life.Church Switch

When feeling overwhelmed by perceived expectations - remember God who does impossible things. In our lives. His love is peace. Knowing that in spite of failure, or loss, or dire threats against us, with Him all will be well. This happens to me over and over, His peace overriding feelings of doom.

‘The waves still rise, the storm still roars...As I behold you Lord, I change, Your work in me will not be swayed.’

God of the Impossible - Songs of Wisdom

“And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake:

And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.” [1 Kings 19:11-12]

Still Small Voice - Nashville Tribute Band with Alex Boyé

Take a breath. “Be still. And know that I am God.” [Psalm 46:10]

Celebrating a milestone for our little nation. 250 years ago we set a torch that would inflame the world, spreading democracy. We have become a world superstar, even as we squabble amongst ourselves. Let’s not lose sight of the God-inspired wonder of our nation, and our people.

From the many songs that have popped up for this occasion it seems they all come from our Country Heartland. So this is the sound of America’s 250th birthday.

‘Hey old friend, you’re looking good for your age, a few more lines on the map, a few more turns of the page. I know it ain’t been easy, Lord knows you’ve seen some rain ...’

Patriotic Song – America’s 250th Birthday Song - The Lyrical Lanterns

‘From small-town folks to skyline blokes built on a promise from long ago, torchin’ the harbor light at night... from heart-land fields to the open sea... 250 strong and we’re not done.’

250 Strong | Patriotic Country Anthem | America’s 250th Anniversary - Liberty Oak

‘Every time I see that flag flying proud and high, I remember all the men and women who gave their lives.’

Thank God I Live in America/ 250th Anniversary Song - Mystic Song Writer

Bringing our voices together - ‘ I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget the men who died and gave that right to me. And I gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today...’

God bless the USA - Lee Greenwood, Home Free, United States Air Force

‘And maybe we can see beyond these battle-lines that we have drawn and realize we’re really all in this thing together.’

America the Beautiful - Steven Curtis Chapman & Chris Janson

Let’s remember the freedoms that our fathers have fought for! That WE stand for!

Happy Birthday all y’all.

What do you pray for as you are called to take the lead? Wisdom is a beautiful and succinct gift to ask for. ‘Lord, give me wisdom to lead and to guide, a listening heart with your truth inside; not for power, not for gold untold, but for justice and mercy to shepherd your fold.’

Solomon’s Prayer for Wisdom (1 Kings 3) - CountryBibleStories

It seems to me that following in Wisdom unlocks doors for many other blessings - to recognize and embrace love, in gaining knowledge, to see truth with clarity, perhaps success in gaining wealth. ‘In our conflict and chaos... in our struggle and strong will... in our pride and our passion, Wisdom... Open our hearts.’

Wisdom, Wisdom - Lori True

Solomon, like his father David and King Saul before him were young men esteemed by God as they loved and esteemed Him. They were thus chosen by God to rule as Kings over His chosen people.

So where did they go wrong? Was it the mantle of Kingship that went to their heads? Did their successes make them proud in their own abilities and forget the One who was blessing their efforts? And are they lost forever because of their sins?

I can’t believe that there is no redemption possible for them, for that goes contrary to all that I am taught of God’s reach and Christ’s abilities to wash our sins clean.

Megan Woods gift for lyrics again gives the right words for when we are stuck in the predicaments from our mistakes. ‘There’s nowhere I could run that you won’t run after me. There’s nowhere I could fall that’s too far from your arms reach.’

Nowhere Your Love Won’t Go - Megan Woods

I feel it over and over every day how easy it is to let a moment’s desire distract from the smart thing. This is a war!

This beautifully crafted song and video by Darren Winfield offers a soldier’s prayer - to not allow our temptations to divide us from our wisdom. This is our battle. ‘Every trial, every test can become our holy quest. With your word as our defense, in your armor we commence.’

Lead Us Not into Temptation - Darren Winfield

Allow Wisdom to open your heart to let in truth and love.