Friday's Weekly Rap Up - October 23, 2015 - "Anger Management" - Lecrae, feat. Thi'sl

Anger Management - Lecrae, feat. Thi'sl

I had never thought myself an angry person. That's certainly not how I would want to describe myself. (Un)fortunately, as you continue to live in close relationship with others, that's the sort of thing that gets revealed to you. I've realized, I have a tendency to get pretty frustrated with others. This has been most recently revealed to me in marriage, but I can look back now and realize that it started well before that. I can have flashbacks to childhood and recall my frustration. My anger and frustration is born of things that I wanted to control, normally simple things that shouldn't cause someone to get angry. But, my insatiable desire to have things under control continued to drive frustration and anger.

This anger and general frustration is rooted in a desire for other people to conform to my ideals, which, is a losing game. There's no grace in that. So, instead of being reminded how I can serve others, I think about how something is a frustration to me. It's a direct reflection of my disobedience to rest in the work of Christ. Our identities are not held within what we accomplish or how comfortable we are.

This past weekend at Sojourn, our pastor Brandon exhorted us from the book of 1 Peter, chapter 1 verses 13 to 21. He opened by summarizing an article from professor Stan van Hooft, an Australian philosopher, The Necessity of Hope. van Hooft's observation is that the world is in chaos without hope, but he states that we need to hold out hope in something. It's all too common for us to hope in something that ultimately does not fulfill us. We want things so badly, and are left empty by them in the end.

Friday's Weekly Rap Up - July 10, 2015 - "I'm Gone" - Trip Lee

Trip Lee - "I'm Gone" (Lyrics)



Our church has been in a series of teaching the past few weeks from the book of 1 Timothy, labelled "The Household of God." In this book Paul is instructing Timothy, one of the young church planters of the day. Paul starts his letter by first warning against much of the false teaching that had been persistent in the city of Ephesus, then in later chapters instructs Timothy and encourages him in being bold even though he was young, what the organization of his church should be, how church leaders are to function, and standing firm in doctrine.

Friday's Weekly Rap Up February 6, 2015 - "New Dreams"- Trip Lee

"New Dreams" - Trip Lee (Featuring J.R. and Sho Baraka) (Lyrics)

We all want to live life to the fullest. We want to The "good life" is one that we envision, whether that be financial security, professional decisions and status, or simply just acceptance. You might say "if only I had _______. That's your idea of the good life. It's that thing you just "have to have" to make everything right.

Friday's Weekly Rap Up - January 9, 2015 - "Need It Daily" by Tedashii

"Need It Daily" - Tedashii, featuring Derek Minor - Lyrics

It's a new year, so resolutions abound. The gyms are filling up with people resolving to lose some of those holiday pounds, or to simply get in shape. Others are resolving to serve their communities or friends. Many of us in our church's neighborhood parish (more commonly referred to as a small group) have resolved to chronologically read the entire bible in a calendar year.

As Christians, we should be rooted in God's word. We are instructed to read God's word. It helps us encourage one another daily and reminds us of truths.

Friday's Weekly Rap-Up - November 7, 2014 - "Kobe Bryant On 'Em" - Sho Baraka

"Kobe Bryant On 'Em" - Sho Baraka - Lyrics

Kobe Bryant

Every Friday morning I get together with a group of guys to play basketball at 6:00 AM. It's an early start, but I look forward to Friday morning every week. It's a competitive outlet, a way to get some exercise, and a chance to still show that we've still got some game. Some of the guys who play are from our church, so that helps build community between us. Others are coworkers or neighbors, or random guys we invite to play who become friends. We've got different levels of skill too. Some of the guys have played at a college-level. Some played in high school, and some have never played organized basketball. It doesn't matter though.

Sometimes our frustration shows when we miss shots (and we miss many) or our teammates don't meet our expectations. We get mad when we miss layups or allow people to score on us. Some of us get angry at times. I'll admit, I can get upset when teammates don't play defense or switch which man we're defending, or don't call out screens; things I'd have expected to hear from college players I played with or coached over the years.

Sho Baraka's song "Kobe Bryant on 'Em" is actually a mixtape response to another song, "Air Jordan on 'Em" from rapper K-Drama. At first blush it may seem that these songs are simply about two of the best basketball players to have ever played the game. That'd be partially true. K-Drama thinks Michael Jordan is the best. Sho Baraka, thinking Kobe is the best, playfully responds with "Kobe Bryant on 'Em", noting that he's "a Cali man through and through." But, there's more here than two rappers creatively communicating their favorite basketball players. You may think, "what does it mean to 'Air Jordan on 'em?', or 'what does it mean to Kobe Bryant on 'em?'" Well, it has less to do with basketball, and more to do with biblical history and a Christian's steadfast witness of the Gospel in light of opposition and trial.

This K-Drama response is most helpful. K-Drama derives the term mostly from the scriptural account found in the book of Numbers, when God commanded Moses and the Israelites to possess the land of Canaan. After a survey, many of the men did not want to enter into the land, as they found the inhabitants to be much stronger than themselves. Joshua and Caleb did not see it that way and were undeterred, comforted by the strength of the Lord. Sho Baraka expands on this idea with lines like:

Friday's Weekly Rap-Up - September 5, 2014 - "Self-Sufficiency" - Timothy Brindle

"Self-Sufficiency" - Timothy Brindle (Lyrics)



This past Sunday at Sojourn Heights we closed out our series through some selected Psalms. "Dust to Dust: Songs for Every Season" was a great time of rest and replenishment. The Psalms offer us songs and prayers for all seasons of life, teaching us how to pray, sing, grieve, praise, think and respond. The Psalms communicate truths of God's character. They display many of God's attributes, some that we are able to reflect as his people, and others that simply call us to thankfulness in our Creator.

As we closed our series, we examined Psalm 121, a song for hope. As noted in our sermon series companion guide, we must recognize that as humans, we constantly long for protection and safety. As we live in regular uncertainty, we "search for almost anything upon which we can find sure footing. It’s no wonder that most of the world’s best stories tell of rescue. The psalmist assures us that our true place of help, protection, and keeping is not found in anything created but only in the One who created."

Friday's Weekly Rap-Up - May 23, 2014 - "Darkest Hour" - No Malice, Lecrae - CNN, Bill Weir, Interview with No Malice

"Darkest Hour" - Lecrae, No Malice

Earlier this week I came across a post on Rapzilla chronicling a CNN Tonight interview from host Bill Weir that took a behind the scenes look at two rappers, Pusha-T and No Malice, brothers who once performed as The Clipse. As Rapzilla points out regarding the rap culture, "Few media outlets have embraced the challenge of looking deeper into the complex struggle of right and wrong that has always been the invisible narrative of the culture." Rappers are usually glorified for their lyrics and actions, especially when it comes to pushing and using drugs, drinking, violence, sex and making money, without any question of motives, or the impact they have on culture.

Wier asked both brothers about their lives. Pusha-T showed off his fashion boutiques, clothes and business ideas, while No Malice showed Weir the Virginia Beach home where he and his brother began selling crack cocaine and started rapping. No Malice was a bit uncomfortable talking about his past, as one might be when admitting to selling crack on national television.

No Malice said “When I think about my infidelities…the heartbreak that I caused my wife, that I caused myself. When I think about her forgiveness, how the Word of God repaired us and nothing else. When I think about that; to me, it’s a no brainer. I can’t return to that lifestyle and that kind of way. I don’t have a choice.” When asked about returning to rap for a Clipse reunion, No Malice is adamant that he is not interested. It seems that he is satisfied in his life in Christ, rather than performing for crowds and raking in cash and notoriety. His decision just doesn't make sense to a watching world that does not see Christ as their ultimate treasure. It surely doesn't make sense to those reading XXL. It doesn't make sense to those watching MTV. And it surely won't make much sense at BET's 106 & Park. Jesus tells us that those who know him will be hated and mocked.

In the book of Colossians, Paul reminds the church at Colossae, as well as Christians, that before we are in Christ we were all alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds. But now, Christ has reconciled sin for us through his death, making us holy and blameless before our father. In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul reminds us that we are new creations in Christ.

When we hear interviews like this with No Malice and see fruitfulness of the Spirit, it is an encouragement to all who are struggling with some form of sin, not just pushing drugs or promoting cash, women, cars and clothes. We can be sure that Jesus is better. We can be sure that Jesus uses different art forms and methods to bring glory to himself, and to encourage others in faith.

Following Jesus certainly won't make much sense to those who find comfort in fame and material possessions. Through his testimony, we can be sure that pushing rocks is of no satisfaction compared to standing firm on the rock of our salvation.

"Darkest Hour" - Lyrics

Bonus: "Lord Have Mercy" - Lecrae, Tedashii and No Malice

My March Madness: 2015

The bracket came out on Sunday. The "First Four", or first round (this name is terrible) begins tonight. Second round games start on Thursday. Admittedly, this is a difficult time of the year for me. No, not because of some tragic event's anniversary or haunting reminder. The reason: college basketball.

Having spent seven years involved in Division I women's college basketball, being around basketball teams and having friends that play, have played, or currently coach Division I men's basketball, it's tough to avoid basketball on a daily basis from October to February. It is impossible to escape in late February and March as teams are winding down their seasons and vying for automatic NCAA bids in their conference championships. It was a heart breaker seeing William and Mary lose in the CAA tournament final, as well as my Michigan State Spartans losing in overtime in the Big Ten tournament final. But it's always fun to see a team like Albany win on a last second shot by a guy who lost his mother within the past year, or a team like sub-.500 Hampton win the MEAC as a 6-seed. These small schools play mostly for school pride, with hopes of adding a bit more to each school's endowment, while seeing a spike in admission applications.

The first four days of the NCAA tournament offer some of the year's best basketball games, with many of us watching or listening to a variety of games. Many of us picked our games in our brackets, filling out multiple brackets to cover for Cinderella scenarios or our Alma mater. Workplace productivity on that first Thursday and Friday of action often slows to a crawl.

I have been blessed through basketball, without a doubt. For many basketball traditionalists, women's basketball is, at best, a fringe sport, but it provided me an experience many students never have as undergraduates Working in women's basketball doesn't sound impressive to many, but there are a great deal of former players, high school coaches and others who covet graduate assistant coaching positions, with the hopes of becoming a college coach. I was blessed to have that opportunity. I was able to gain experience in film editing, strength and conditioning practices and was afforded access to some of the best coaching minds in basketball. I also benefited from the physical activity of daily practices, the academic advantages of preferred scheduling and an abundance of athletic apparel. My experience at Michigan State led me to Marshall University, then William and Mary. I got to travel across the country, saw some fantastic cities, ate in great restaurants, and even went to Mexico and Colombia due to the game of basketball. These are all fine blessings themselves.

But the danger of March is finding ourselves emotionally tied to the outcome of a 40-minute contest played by 18 to 24-year-olds; as if we have something on the line ourselves. Taking pride in a program's successes is fine, and being disappointed when they lose is acceptable too; but our emotions cannot use the game of basketball as their barometer. For the coaches, this is even more of a struggle, as their ability to provide for their families depends on their performance. Thankfully, for us as Christians, our right standing with the Lord and his acceptance of us is not based on our works, but through our faith in Christ, and His imputed righteousness.

Michigan State - 2000 National Champions

However, that radical grace is not demonstrated in the halls of athletic departments throughout the NCAA. If you want to see who's hiring, just check out the The Market on the NCAA's website. It's full of basketball job opportunities, and will have even more here in the next few weeks. (There are only 87 openings as I write this, but you can be sure there will be many more in the coming weeks.) Staff will lose their jobs, and the coaching carousel will continue. I remember the tension that existed following our losses in our conference tournaments, wondering whether or not I'd be able to continue graduate school or have a job that next week. It is almost assured that all of the coaches that you see on the sidelines in the NCAA Tournament will have the same jobs next year, or move on to a larger school. Of the 351 Division I basketball teams, 68 made the NCAA tournament, which means there are 283 other head coaches that must be concerned for their livelihood and families, not to mention each team's assistant coaches, operations staff, graduate assistants, office staff, or training staff. If a head coach is fired, you can be sure nearly every other staff member will be looking for other employment.

Even those coaches that are successful at smaller colleges try to make a jump to bigger schools, and sometimes pay the price. Take Manhattan College coach Steve Masiello as an example. After getting to the NCAA Tournament with Manhattan College last year, Masiello was poised to become the new coach at the University of South Florida in the American Athletic Conference. He was a student at the University of Kentucky from 1996 to 2000, and listed on his resume that had graduated. However, further review showed that his resume was inaccurate and that he had not in fact graduated from Kentucky. You may not need a bachelors degree to coach college basketball, but questions of character sometimes speak louder than basketball coaching skills. (And, in my opinion, character should sit higher than simple basketball coaching skills.) Masiello and his Manhattan Jaspers won the MAAC conference tournament and will actually face Kentucky, Masiello's now-Alma-mater, if they beat Hampton in their first round play in game.

Some coaches understand that losing a game in the NCAA tournament should not define you. Creighton University basketball coach Greg McDermott's post game speech after his team lost to Baylor last year should make us breathe a sigh of relief that there are some level-headed coaches out there who care for their players and staff.

As we are in the thick of March Madness, remember that these coaches (both in men's and women's basketball) and their staffs are under tremendous pressure to succeed and to find definition by wins and losses. Please pray for them, their hearts, and for their families. Athletes in Action and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes faithfully minister to coaches and athletes (who are typically pretty stubborn and prideful due to their success in coaching), and will be doing so at the Final Four for both the men and women.

Some coaches are rooted in Christ, and we should be praying for them. Scott Drew, head coach at Baylor, has displayed this well. In addressing a Baylor losing streak last year, Drew made sure people knew what he felt was most important for his players. Drew said to the team's chaplain, "We may not win another game this year, and I may be a horrible coach, but if any of these guys leave without knowing Christ, that will be the real loss." Drew also said, “Winning the game of life is a lot more rewarding than a 40-minute basketball game that’s so temporary. To have an opportunity to help be a part of an impact on a young person’s life is the best feeling.”
thankful.

Here's a strong spin on winning… Check out this pic. pic.twitter.com/xyPhVokUyj
— Morris M. Michalski (@CoachMo7) March 23, 2014

I was constantly challenged by this tension of success and the pressure that basketball brings, and it is an ugly perspective to have. I am thankful that Christ's acceptance does not ride on wins and losses. So, I'll be watching this weekend again, just like everyone else, but with a perspective that the wins and losses in my bracket do not determine my identity in Christ or control my emotions.

In closing, as a Michigan State graduate, the Spartans are my obligatory pick. If they struggle in the tournament, be sure to check in and see how I'm handling it. Go Green, Go White!

Philadelphia, PA, 2011

Cancun, Mexico, 2010

Chicago, IL - Athletes in Action training camp, 2009

Bolivar, Colombia - Sharing my testimony, 2009

Impromptu practice at a Cartagena, Colombia school, 2009

On the bench at Marshall

New Orleans, LA, Cafe De Monde - C-USA Championship, 2009

Friday's Weekly Rap Up - February 7, 2014 - "Testify" by Shai Linne

This past weekend Sojourn Heights was graced with a visit from Steve Timmis, the Lead Pastor at The Crowded House in Sheffield, England, and Global Director of Acts 29, a church planting organization.

Steve brought us some thoughts regarding the mission of the church, centered on the study of Acts 4:32 to Acts 5:17. Mission was defined as "the word of God extending." This passage in Acts shows just that. Steve summarized this account of the early church using three adjectives. The mission of the church during this time was stunning, sobering, and spectacular. The snapshot of the church in Jerusalem being of "one heart and soul" is stunning. As you move into Acts 5, the account of Ananias and Sapphira is sobering, in that it is a reminder that the Lord desires our holiness. And finally, the spreading of God's word was spectacular, seeing that many people were being healed and also believed in the Lord.

It is not much different now:

• When a body of people is of "one heart and soul" in our time, it is seen as surprising and compromising. How could anyone forfeit their personal agendas and be united in all things?! It doesn't make much sense to most of our modern world.
• Most people are not concerned about their holiness much anymore, but that there is a portrayal of holiness to others in the world. We're more fearful of the consequences of our sin, as opposed to fearing the presence of that sin itself.
• And, finally, there are many signs and wonders happening today. But, I suppose these things are not seen as spectacular, as we now seem to find almost anything to be "spectacular". The adjective seems to be used too liberally, and maybe we lose sight of the small, but miraculous acts happening within our midst.

As a reflection, Steve asked the question, "What would be sensational, inexplicable, or spectacular in our neighborhood parishes?" It got me thinking throughout the week, and our parish had the ability to think through that question on Wednesday. It is sometimes easy to overlook the seemingly small changes in people's lives without thinking about the fact that one's acceptance of the Lord's grace can impact families for generations to come.

In our parish there are some of us that have been Christians for almost all their lives. There are some of us that have been raised in the church, but only had head knowledge about the Lord, refusing until later to allow that knowledge of his grace to soften our hearts. There are also those that were not raised in the the church, and are new to the faith, being challenged by long standing practices, patterns of thinking and routines. People's motives and thoughts are questioned, not for the sake of correction, but for the sake of growing in holiness and understanding of the Lord's work in our lives. When we look a bit closer, these changes in all of our lives are spectacular.

These accounts reminded me of Shai Linne's song, Testify, which chronicles the story of Mike, Sue and Cece, three characters that lived incredibly different lives, but still came to the same saving understanding of the Lord. This is a parallel of what the members of our parishes and churches have experienced. There are spectacular changes in some lives, and spectacular graces evidenced in the Lord sustaining the lives of believers.

Let us be generous so that we have more and more in common. Let us be pursue holiness so that we can be impactful in mission. And, let us not lose perspective of the truly spectacular works that the Lord is working within us, and within those close to us. Let us testify!

Friday's Weekly Rap-Up - September 13, 2013 - "Good Thing", Trip Lee

Yep, I'm engaged. Actually, we're engaged!

Emily and I became engaged on Thursday night, after a nice relaxing date to Herman Park here in Houston. After sharing some Chinese food from The Rice Box food truck, we found a nice spot in Herman Park, where we enjoyed watching the setting sun. As the sunlight began to fade, I made my move (after hiding her ring in the Yahtzee game that we were about to play!) She said "Yes, of course!" Then we enjoyed a few minutes together before calling family, and spending time with some close friends. It was a great night.

I'm looking forward to marriage. Quite a bit to be honest. I think it's a good thing. Contrary to the ideas typically perpetuated in chick-flicks, marriage will not complete Emily, or me. It won't be picture perfect either. (For instance, before heading to Herman Park to enjoy our night and propose, a bird pooped on us while we waited for our food at the Rice Box food truck! It wasn't a perfect night!) We know our covenantal adventure will be one that requires much work and attention, but we are ready to go through all of that work together. As Christians, we recognize that we are both humans who have self-centered tendencies, and marriage will continue to change us.

Even if there are difficult times, marriage will be glorious! Much like training for any large athletic event, the training and work that goes into it is not seen by many and is normally painful, but rewarding. I look forward to serving Emily, and how we might grow together in understanding what each of us are called to in marriage and in pursuing our lives in Christ. We are called to continue to know one another and serve one another in our relationship. If we see our spouses purely as sexual or financial partners, and not our best friends, we will find that the level of those partnerships will only decrease, and that we will need something outside of our marriages that will satisfy us.

Many people in their early to mid-twenties might not share these views. They might argue that marriage limits our ability to explore the world, try new things, and live a relatively unbridled life. There is some truth to that. Sure, if I were married, or had been engaged earlier, it would made things much more difficult to attend graduate school at Marshall, pursue a basketball coaching position at William and Mary, or land-use planning jobs in Virginia or Texas.

Many do not want to be "tied-down" to another for the long-term, and the idea of being together for life is too much, and is limiting. But, the reality is, that variety in relationships and the "try-before-you-buy" mentality actually traps you. It does not allow you to freely and fully love another, which is the definition of the type of love and relationship that we all seek, even if we're too independent to admit it. We become trapped in a pool of relationships that is a million miles wide, but only an inch deep. It's our understanding that only in a committed, covenantal marriage, will there be true intimacy where a husband and a wife can be free to fully love one another.

Emily and I have both read Tim Keller's book "The Meaning of Marriage" on our own, but we will be reading it together as we get closer to our wedding date. I highly recommend this book, and am thankful for the wisdom that is communicated through it.

Yes, it will be great for us to love each other in our marriage, and I am looking forward to that immensely! But the Lord's greater purpose for marriage is that it would be a picture of the relationship between Christ and His redeemed people, the Church. It's my hope that Emily and I will be able to display this truth to our family, friends, coworkers and neighbors. We're excited about what lies ahead, and know that marriage is definitely a "Good Thing"!

Friday's Weekly Rap-Up - July 12, 2013

Gemstones - Fire In My Heart

This may come as no surprise, but rappers and musical artists aren't always worth as much as they claim. I saw an interesting graphic from Business Week that depicted the actual net worth of a select few rappers and musical artists, compared to their actual net worth. (This graphic has been criticized for its accuracy, but it does a good job helping explain this larger issue.) The research seems a bit suspect, as it estimates each artist's wealth based on lyrical content, and the boasting of the artist. It should make us ask ourselves though, "How honest are any of these artists?" I'm afraid that too many of us, and too many younger, more impressionable kids, get caught up in these claims of success, money, lifestyle and luxury.

This graphic was created in response to an article regarding some of the lyrical content of Jay-Z's song Versus, which will be featured on his forthcoming Magna Carta album. Rolling Stone featured a story linking Jay-Z's claims to the BusinessWeek graphic. In actuality, Jay-Z is actually one of th more honest artists out there, actually earning near what he says he does. Jay-Z is more skeptical about the financial claims of others artists.

Demarco Castle, once rapping under the name Gemini, and now known as GemStones, is a rapper from the south side of Chicago. He worked his way up through the rap scene, gaining some notoriety after performing with Lupe Fiasco and being signed to Lupe's record company. I won't pretend like I know the background of all of this, but in an interesting article with Rapzilla in 2010, GemStones is quite candid with his past, and shares his acceptance of Christ and how it changed his musical pursuits.

The larger questions that we must look at in this case, are whether or not we can take these artists for their word in how they portray themselves, and more importantly, whether others can trust us to genuinely portray ourselves. Artists unashamedly put their worth and self-value in material things, most notably money and relationships. As Christians, we must hold fast to the fact that we receive immeasurable riches in Christ.

As Sojourn continues to work its way through the book of Ephesians, we are reminded of the riches we inherit through a life in Christ. This is not a physical richness, but that of peace, unity, freedom from the penalty of sin, and eternity in bringing God glory. Let us be reminded of Paul's letter to the Ephesian church.

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:4-7, ESV)

Gemstones was honest about his status and experiences. He realized he was dead in sin, but would be made alive in Christ. It is this humility that can lead others to see the richness of life in Christ. That is something that I admire and hope encourages others that can wield testimony of Christ within a celebrity culture. In Christ, we do not need to live lives claiming to be someone that we are not. We can be confident that the Lord will redeem, renew and resurrect our lives to himself.

I first learned about GemStones through Rapzilla's listing of the top 30 free albums of 2012. Immediately, the Adele-inspired Fire In My Heart stuck with me, but the furiously-paced track stuck with me even more after understanding the lyrics and their origin. From what I can gather, it is GemStones' honesty and conviction that moved him to produce Elephant In The Room, calling attention to the lies and inaccurate portrayal of lifestyles of those in the rap game. Many times, the same can be said for how we carry out our own lives. Let's ask ourselves, what is our elephant in the room?

Be sure to grab GemStones' Elephant in the Room album from the Rapzilla site here, as well as his latest single, God Is My Rock.

Another Attempt at Blogging - Sinners Prized

First post in a long time. Not many folks read this, but this blog will continue to be an outlet to refine my communication and writing, and to share thoughts and information.

So, to start, a poem. A poem sharing a Christian's identity in Christ.

-Sinners Prized-

As sinners we’re prized by both the Father and the Son,

Who saved us from our sin, (1 Peter 1:3)

and by the Holy Spirit,

who continues to refine us from within. (Ezekiel 36:24-29), (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14)

He bought us with his life

at such a great a cost; (1 Corinthians 6:20)

And is resolve in his intention,

both to seek and save the lost. (Ezekiel 34:16)

He pursues our hearts unceasing (Jeremiah 31:3-4)

with an everlasting love,

and displays his steadfast faithfulness,

while strengthening from above.

What’s God’s will for you?

It’s clear;

That you’d be sanctified. (1 Thessalonians 4: 3)

But that won’t be finished (Philippians 1:6)

until he comes back for his Bride.  (Revelation 21:9)

So let us grow in godliness,

Just as He intends,

And find assurance we’re equipped (Hebrews 13:20-21)

by the spirit that He sends. (Galatians 4:6)

The Spirit that He sends

comforts our wandering souls; (Ephesians 3:16)

A reminder no time escapes,

when He’s not in control. (Colossians 1:15-20)

With that, we’re free to live, free to live without the fear;

His approval comes from trying our very best;

It is only through His finished work,

where we can find true rest.

By the Spirit we’re assured

no longer do we walk like we used to.

We’ve put off our former lives,

and clothed ourselves anew!  (Ephesians 4:22-24)

This is how He views us:

Perfect, spotless, pure. (Ephesians 5:27)

The spilling of His crimson blood,

has made forgiveness sure. (1 John 1:7)

Our approval was signed and sealed;

Sealed by His blood. (Romans 5:9)

It washed away our sin;

Oh sweet crimson, cleansing flood!

Prized amid our sin,

What a tragically beautiful thought.

Let us rest in His finished work,

and praise Him as we ought.