One More Day - Sons Of Sunday

What more can I say but hallelujah, thank you Jesus!

Video: One More Day | Sons Of Sunday

I'm a sinner grace is still healing
I'm a story time is revealing
I'm all of these things
But mostly, I'm thankful, yes, I am
I'm a fighter caught in a struggle
A survivor rising above it
I'm all of these things
But mostly, I'm thankful

'Cause You gave me one more day
To say I love You
You have brought me all this way
To testify Your grace
What more can I say but Hallelujah
Thank You, Jesus
Thank You, Jesus
Thank You, Jesus
'Cause You gave me one more day
One more day

Ooh, when the night was closing in on me
Didn't know if I'd see the morning
You held onto me
And Jesus, I'm grateful, yeah
When my enemies turned up the fire
El Shaddai, You were right there beside me
You showed up for me
And Jesus, I'm grateful

'Cause You gave me one more day (Hallelujah)
To say I love You (oh, God)
You have brought me all this way
To testify Your grace
What more can I say but Hallelujah
Thank You, Jesus

Oh Death - MercyMe

You ain't nothin' but a stone, that my Savior rolled away!

Video: Oh Death by MercyMe

Oh death, I will not be afraid

In the end you will lose

I will dance on your grave

With the One who buried you

You ain't nothin' but a stone

That my Savior rolled away

Set you straight and set me free

Oh, death, you arе dead to me

Oh, death, you arе dead to me

Luke 24:5-6 The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, "Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? 6 He isn't here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee,

When Santa Learned The Gospel

Everyone is on the naughty list until they receive God's perfect gift.

Video: When Santa Learned The Gospel

Follow Santa's journey in this unique Christmas fable as he learns about Jesus' message of grace and discovers what it means for both the naughty and the nice.

This video sits alongside the book, written by Simon Camilleri and published by 10Publishing.

(No compensation for any links.)

From Naughty

Romans 3:10-12 As the Scriptures say, "No one is righteous- not even one. 11 No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. 12 All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one."

Ephesians 2:12 NLT In those days you were living apart from Christ. You were excluded from citizenship among the people of Israel, and you did not know the covenant promises God had made to them. You lived in this world without God and without hope.

All around the world the message has been told that trying to be good enough is good enough. That's the message that we are told in the story of Santa, it's the best that Santa could hope for, if people were good enough then he would get to keep his job.

According to God's standards, no matter how well you do at being nice and keeping the rules, you are still on the naughty list. God's requirement for us is to be righteous, a word that we over use in our culture, so we fail to realize that the standard of righteousness is defined by God's holiness.

Holiness sounds like a crazy goal for anyone to be required to obtain, even God's people in the church neglect this principle so that we can be more acceptable to the world and not be seen as strange. But when you dig into God's word you will find out that the Bible has over 900 references to the holiness of God and it also tells us that we are required to be holy.

To Nice

2 Corinthians 5:17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

1 Peter 1:21 Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory.

We need a rescue from our sin nature but we had no way to get away from the consequences that we deserved. Our situation was just like God's chosen people in Egypt, enslaved to the kingdom of darkness, we didn't have any hope of getting out unless God sent a rescuer.

The good news of the gospel is the only way that we can get on God's list that he will check. When he opens the Book of Life my name will be on his list because of his forgiveness that I could have only received from him by accepting Jesus work on the cross.

RELATED ARTICLES

Why Do I Need A Savior? (thebonhoefferproject.com)

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Advent Word Study: Shalom / Peace

A video by BibleProject.com

Video: Advent Word Study: Shalom / Peace 

The Peace Of God With Us

God's people will have peace when sin is defeated.

Peace On Earth, Good Will To Men

Is there really any peace?

Peace With God

Find out from Billy Graham.

Advent Word Study: Yakhal / Hope

A video by BibleProject.com

Video: Advent Word Study: Yakhal / Hope 

The Hope Of God With Us 

God's people don't need to look for hope in anything or anybody other than him.

The Hope Of Christmas

You're still the light when the world looks dark and you're still the hope of my heart.

The Best News Ever

Because of Jesus I have an incredible hope.

The Shepherd

Have you found a spotless lamb for sacrifice?

The Chosen Series: The Shepherd Pilot

Luke 2:8-21  That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep.  9  Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified,  10  but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.  

11  The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!  12  And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”  

13  Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,  14  “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”  

15  When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”  16  They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger.  

17  After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child.  18  All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished,  19  but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.  20  The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.  

21  Eight days later, when the baby was circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel even before he was conceived.

Noel

Born is the King of Israel

Video: Noel (He Is Born) feat. Stanaj - Tommee Profitt

The first Noel the angel did say

Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay

In fields where they lay keeping their sheep

On a cold winter's night that was so deep

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel

Born is the King of Israel

Then let us all with one accord

Sing praises to our heavenly Lord

That hath made heav'n and earth of nought

And with His blood mankind has bought

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel

Born is the King of Israel

He is born, He is born

The Son of God has come to dwell

The King of Kings, and Lord of Lords

Emmanuel

He is Born, He is born

Hope for all, now go and tell

He has come to save the world

We sing Noel

The Hope Of Christmas

You're still the light when the world looks dark and you're still the hope of my heart.

Video: Matthew West - The Hope of Christmas

Take me back to eight years old
The little church on a dead end road
With a candle flicker in one hand
And dad's hand in the other
Take me back to silent night
My heart was full and the world was right
'Cause right now the world looks nothin' like
Those innocent Decembers
These days peace on Earth is hard to find
And I need you to remind me one more time

You're still the hope of Christmas
You're still the light when the world looks dark
You're still the hope of Christmas
And You're still the hope of my heart

Watch the snowflakes fallin' down
Like a blanket on this town
For a moment we can hardly see
The pain this year has brought us
May the sick find healing's touch
May hatred's fight be one with love
And may every heart make room for You
The one who came to save us

'Cause You're still the hope of Christmas
You're still the light when the world looks dark
You're still the hope of Christmas
And You're still the hope of my heart
You're the hope of Christmas

I bowed my head to pray tonight
Felt my little girl by my side
She slipped her tiny hand in mine
And we both talked to You
And it took me back to 8 years old
My daddy's hand and a story told
About Heaven's love and the manger lo
And a promise that's still true

You're still the hope of Christmas
You're still the light when the world looks dark
You're still the hope of Christmas
And You're still the hope of my heart

Romans 15:13  I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Redeemed To Be Redeemers

Bring God's lost children back to the family.

Video: Ray Vander Laan

Israel's Mission: Kingdom Of Priest In A Prodigal World

The word redeem means “to set free by paying a price.” It can refer to the releasing of a prisoner or the liberating of a slave. The Bible is a story of redemption, it starts with the reason we need to be redeemed in Genesis and continues until redemption is fully realized in the new kingdom.

Your Ways Are Higher Than Mine

I want mountains to move, You want me to climb.

Video: Your Ways Are Higher Than Mine  | The Collingsworth Family

It's not what I prayed for

It's not what I wanted

It's not something I understand

My circumstances seem so confusing

I'm placing it all in Your hands

Your ways are higher than mine

I want mountains to move

You want me to climb

So I'm gonna trust Your work, 

Your will, and Your time

Your ways are higher than mine

One day I'm sure

I will look back and marvel

At how You knew best all along

You see from Heaven

You know it's the hard times

That make my face steady and strong

Psalm 131:1-3 LORD, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I don’t concern myself with matters too great or too awesome for me to grasp. 2 Instead, I have calmed and quieted myself, like a weaned child who no longer cries for its mother’s milk. Yes, like a weaned child is my soul within me. 3 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD— now and always.

While I Wait

I live by faith, and not by sight, sometimes miracles take time.

Video: Lincoln Brewster - While I Wait

Deep within my heart, I know You've won

I know You've overcome

And even in the dark, when I'm undone

I still believe it

I live by faith, and not by sight

Sometimes miracles take time

While I wait, I will worship

Lord, I'll worship Your name

While I wait, I will trust You

Lord, I'll trust You all the same

When I fall apart, You are my strength

Help me not forget

Seeing every scar, You make me whole

You're my healer

While I wait, I will worship

Lord, I'll worship Your name

While I wait, I will trust You

Lord, I'll trust You all the same

You're faithful every day

Your promises remain

Though I don't understand it

I will worship with my pain

You are God, You are worthy

You are with me all the way

So while I wait, I will worship

Lord, I'll worship Your name

Though I don't have all the answers

Still I trust You all the same

---

Lamentations 3:26  It is good to wait quietly for deliverance from the Lord.

Micah 7:7  But I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me.

Philippians 4:6-7  Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  7  Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

---

Waiting isn't a fun thing to do, it isn't an easy thing to do either, usually we are not at ease when we wait. Too often the wait is for something to be said that we don't want to hear, the report from the doctor or someone else with a great possibility for bad news.

It is difficult to accept waiting for things that are out of our control, most things are out of our control, but if I remember the one that is in control it will help me deal with it.

We need to remember that:

1. God is sovereign over all things, including the trials that come into our lives, it is difficult to understand that not only does he allow trials, he also sends trials.

2. God sends trials and difficulty so that he can show his glory to his people and to the rest of the world. The supernatural way that God saves his people brings glory to himself.

3. God ordains trials so that we will learn to trust Him to deliver us out of the worse circumstances.

Through all of our difficult and challenging situations God reminds us that he created us for his glory and he saved us to display his glory to the world so that all of mankind will know him.

Thank you Lord for reminding me that I can trust you when life doesn't make sense and I don't have all of the answers.  

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Saved For God's Glory (diggingtheword.blogspot.com)

Where's My Promised Land

God's children are still waiting for a better country.

Video: TobyMac "Promised Land"

Head down as I punch this clock

The hours roll, they never stop

And I can't ever seem to get ahead

Always tryin' to do what's right

Straight and narrow, it's gettin' tight

Don't know how much longer I can stand

And I'm wonderin'

Yeah, I'm wonderin'

Where's my promised land?

Out here on this desert road

It's hot as fire but I've grown cold

Circlin' like a plane that never lands

And even though the questions change

The answers always stay the same

Maybe someday I will understand

Well, I've run this Earth for many years

If there's one thing I know

There's nowhere on this side o' Heaven

Where streets are made o' gold

I've long laid tell my grand illusions

Lookin' toward the day that I'll be home

I won't give up on this race

Broken but I still have faith

That this old life is all part of a plan

And I can feel it in my soul

One day, I'll stand before the throne

With nothin' left but hope and these two hands

Through all these seasons

I'm still believin'

You're my promised land

In all my grievin'

I'm still believin'

You're my promised land

---

God's people want to see results and when it doesn't appear that God is at work we get discouraged. A lot of the time we fail to realize that God's timeline is much bigger than the span of our lifetime. Generations of God's people have lived and died crying out to God to see his plan come to pass without any indication that he had listened to their prayers.

Hebrews 11:13,16 All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth. 16 But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

God's people have been saved and sent out to show the world the glory of God. We are called to live in enemy territory to be ambassadors for our new homeland. This world will resist us as it did God's people on the way to Canaan, the route to the Promised Land is long and hard, but the promise is still true.

Who Am I

The unqualified get called to serve God.

Video - Casting Crowns "Who Am I?"

Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth

Would care to know my name

Would care to feel my hurt

Who am I, that the Bright and Morning Star

Would choose to light the way

For my ever wandering heart

Not because of who I am

But because of what You've done

Not because of what I've done

But because of who You are

I am a flower quickly fading

Here today and gone tomorrow

A wave tossed in the ocean (ocean)

A vapor in the wind

Still You hear me when I'm calling

Lord, You catch me when I'm falling

And You've told me who I am...

I am Yours, I am Yours

Who am I, that the eyes that see my sin

Would look on me with love and watch me rise again

Who am I, that the voice that calmed the sea

Would call out through the rain

And calm the storm in me

---

Part of the good news of the Bible is that I don't have to be a somebody in any way in order to be used for God's plans. The Bible proves to me over and over again that God isn't partial to people that have it all together or those that are well trained for a task.

In the previous blog post from the book of Exodus we saw that Moses became an ordinary man with nothing to offer before he was called by God to lead his people. God didn't care about his trophies or his list of credentials that he got through his worldly education in the palace of Pharaoh.

The Unqualified Get Called

Who am I that somebody so incredible, powerful and righteous would care about me and desire to be intimate with me? I pray that I will never get over the awesome wonder that God would treat me so well when I deserve nothing from him.

RELATED ARTICLES

Are We All God's Children? (gotquestions.org)

Help Us To Love

God help me to love the way that you love me.

Video: Tori Kelly - Help Us To Love

There's a love so high (that you cannot get over)

That same love's so wide (it'll take forever just to get 'round it)

But love died somewhere

Behind that cross you wear, you're afraid when you look at me

That ain't real love

Not the kind from above, hmm

But there's a friend of mine (that stays closer than a brother)

Oooh, love laid down his life (so why do we still fight one another?)

All this hate I see on the TV screen

In my country 'tis of thee

(God help us to love) to love the way that you love me

Hmmm, God help us to love the way that you love me, oh oh

This world is weeping, hurting, broken and begging for change

Oh yeah

But still we marching, praying, dying, and things stay the same

When will we see?

Till everyone's free

There'll never be peace between you and me

God, your love is the cure

For the rich and the poor

God, please will you open our eyes?

'Cause I want a love so high (that you cannot get over)

Ooh, I want a love so wide (it'll take forever just to get 'round it)

No, no, no, no, no

But it don't come cheap

It takes everything to make love more than a dream

God help us to love (God help us to love)

God help us to love (this world needs your love)

We need your love (what we need now is love)

Fill us with your love, Lord (unconditional love)

We need your love (rain down on us, your love)

Oh, we need your love (fill us please with your love)

God help me to love the way that you love me

God's Love Must Be Shared

2 Corinthians 5:14-15  Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life.  15  He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. 1 Peter 4:8  Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Hebrews 6:10-11  For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do.  11  Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true.

It Should Have Been Me

It should have been me in the darkness, that felt the pain, but I'm free!

Video: Jeremy Camp - It Should have Been Me

It should've been me

With arms open

It should've been me

That was torn

It should've been me

I was broken

It should've been me

It should've been me

Mercy mercy heard my cry

Mercy mercy saved my life

You carried all of my burdens

You took them all to that grave

I know You didn't deserve it

But You took my place

You traded hope for my hurting

You bore the weight of my shame

I know You didn't deserve it

And I know it should've been me

I can't believe it

It should've been me

In the darkness

It should've been me

That felt the pain

It should've been me

Brokenhearted

It should've been

It should've been me

But I'm free

You carried all of my burdens

You took them all to that grave

I know You didn't deserve it

But You took my place

You traded hope for my hurting

You bore the weight of my shame

I know You didn't deserve it

And I know it should've been me

I can't believe it

I can't believe it

No longer dirty

No longer afraid

I am no captive

I am no slave, no longer guilty

No longer in chains

Hallelujah

I'm free

---

2 Corinthians 5:21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

1 Peter 2:22-25 He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. 23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.

24 He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. 25 Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls.

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What does it mean that Jesus took our place? (gotquestions.org)

Your Presence Is My Weapon

My worship opens up the heavens and crushes every stronghold.

Video: Natalie Grant - My Weapon (Sacred Version)

Let every lie be silenced

And all depression cease

Let every dark assignment

Bow down at Jesus' feet

Let every curse be broken

Let every storm be tamed

And all that come against us

Be bound in Jesus' name

Your presence is my greatest weapon

Pushing back the darkness

Breaking every chain

My worship opens up the heavens

Crushing every stronghold

When I speak Your name

'Cause Your presence is my weapon

Your presence is my weapon

Your strength will not be shaken

Your love will not back down

Death has been defeated

What can stop me now?

I hold on to what You've spoken

You said that I am free

You've given me Your promise

And You are my victory

Your presence is my greatest weapon

Pushing back the darkness

Breaking every chain

My worship opens up the heavens

Crushing every stronghold

When I speak Your name

'Cause Your presence is my weapon

Your presence is my weapon

Your word and a melody

Are making a way for me

You defeat the enemy

This prison is shaking now

And these walls are coming down

Your presence makes me free

I am free

Your presence is my greatest weapon

Pushing back the darkness

Breaking every chain

My worship opens up the heavens

Crushing every stronghold

When I speak Your name

'Cause Your presence is my weapon

Your presence is my weapon

Your presence is my weapon

Born Is The King!

The greatest birthday party in the world is back!

Video: Hillsong Worship - Born Is The King (It's Christmas)

Born unto us this day a Savior

Gifted from heaven to a manger

The hope of the world

A light for all mankind

All of the earth rejoice

So lift up your voice and

Sing out His praise

Born is the King, rejoice in the day

Make a joyful sound

Let His praise resound It’s Christmas

Goodwill to all the earth

And peace divine

All of the earth rejoice

It’s Christmas time

It’s Christmas time

---

Everybody loves a party, so when the greatest birthday party in the world returns each year, everybody wants to get in on the fun. It's okay to crash the party but it is far better to know the one that the celebration is for.

If you truly take the time to learn the truth about him and consider what he said about himself then you will find him much more appealing than you could imagine. 

If you meet the real Jesus then you will understand why his birthday party is the most hugely celebrated party in all of the world.

Revolutionary

When did hate become so ordinary?

Video: Josh Wilson - Revolutionary

Maybe you're not like me

Maybe we don't agree

Maybe that doesn't mean

We gotta be enemies

Maybe we just get brave

Take a big leap of faith

Call a truce so me and you

Can find a better way

Let's take some time, open our eyes, look and listen, yeah

And we're gonna find we're more alike than we are different, yeah

Why does kindness seem revolutionary

When did we let hate get so ordinary

Let's turn it around, flip the script

Judge slow, love quick

God help us get revolutionary

I'm turning the TV down

Drowning their voices out

'Cause I believe that you and me

Can find some common ground

See maybe I'm not like you

But I'll walk a mile in your shoes

If it means I might see

The world the way you do

Let's take some time, open our eyes, look and listen

And we're gonna find we're more alike than we are different

What would Jesus do

He would love first

He would love first, hmm

What would Jesus do

He would love first

Yeah, He would love first

So we should love first

John 13:34-35 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.

Jesus, Friend Of Sinners

Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers.

Video: Casting Crowns - Jesus, Friend of Sinners

Jesus, friend of sinners, we have strayed so far away

We cut down people in your name but the sword was never ours to swing

Jesus, friend of sinners, the truth's become so hard to see

The world is on their way to You but they're tripping over me

Always looking around but never looking up I'm so double minded

A plank eyed saint with dirty hands and a heart divided

Oh Jesus, friend of sinners

Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers

Let our hearts be led by mercy

Help us reach with open hearts and open doors

Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks yours

Jesus, friend of sinners, the one who's writing in the sand

Make the righteous turn away and the stones fall from their hands

Help us to remember we are all the least of thieves

Let the memory of Your mercy bring Your people to their knees

No one knows what we're for only against when we judge the wounded

What if we put down our signs crossed over the lines and loved like You did

Oh Jesus, friend of sinners

Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers

Let our hearts be led by mercy

Help us reach with open hearts and open doors

Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks yours

You love every lost cause; you reach for the outcast

For the leper and the lame; they're the reason that You came

Lord I was that lost cause and I was the outcast

But you died for sinners just like me, a grateful leper at Your feet

'Cause You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever

You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever

You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever

You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever

Oh Jesus, friend of sinners

Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers

Let our hearts be led by mercy

Help us reach with open hearts and open doors

Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks Yours

And I was the lost 'cause and I was the outcast

You died for sinners just like me, a grateful leper at Your feet

Best Friend Ever
Luke 15:7  In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!

Praise Him - Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!

Video: Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir - Psalm 150

Psalm 150:1-6 Praise the LORD! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heaven! 2 Praise him for his mighty works; praise his unequaled greatness!

3 Praise him with a blast of the ram’s horn; praise him with the lyre and harp! 4 Praise him with the tambourine and dancing; praise him with strings and flutes! 5 Praise him with a clash of cymbals; praise him with loud clanging cymbals.

6 Let everything that breathes sing praises to the LORD! Praise the LORD!