“And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” ~ Mark 2:17 ESV
Like Jesus, we’re to choose those that need us. We’re not to walk by them; not to ignore them; not to grumble about them, but to recognize them, and then choose them. Like Jesus, we’re to forgive them. We’re to have compassion about their situation, and not hold any judgement against them. Like Jesus, we’re to heal them. We’re to reach out and embrace them, to care for their livelihood, and to see them through their trials to a better place. Like Jesus, we’re to see them changed. We’re to care enough to get involved and then side by side bring them to a better understanding about who they are, and who the God is that loves them. Like Jesus, we’re to send them out to tell others the Good News. We’re to make disciples of them! Yes, like Jesus, we’re to choose them, forgive them, heal them, see them changed, and then to send them out.
Pray on, ~ E.M.
A disciple follows where an apostle is sent. ~ Kris Langham
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me ~ Galatians 2:20 ESV
There is nothing people can or need to do. Only Christ could do—and has done—what must be done to make people acceptable to God.
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. ~ Ephesians 6:12
You see, as New Testament believers, our fight is never against people, but against principalities and powers. Thus, we should be waging war in the Spirit through prayer against this perversion that has blinded so much of our country and our leaders. ~ Jon Courson
I see our society as indicative of a serious moral issue. We can candy coat it, we can spin all kinds of worldly scenarios, but inevitably it’ll come down to our lack of moral fiber.
Other than being an example, I don’t see any other way of making a dent in our world’s decay. Lately I seem to return to the idea of being bold in our response to damning situations, because I know from experience how easy it is to just walk away without making waves, without making a statement …but that’s probably the only way (baring an act of God) that any change can happen.
Father, embolden me to be a proud, unabashed, soldier for you!
What experiences in life helped you grow the most?
The moments that challenge us are the ones that have the most value. The experiences that reveal our limitations and the need we have for a greater source of strength and wisdom, God, are the ones where we see the greatest growth in our journey.
This is an unplugged song from the ‘Chapel Songs’ album. It was inspired by Psalm 139 quite a few years ago. Since that time it’s been a staple of my repertoire. Hopefully it continues to strengthen and reassure those who are hurting, doubting, and living in a fearful world.
I love that I have been blessed to settle into two very creative settings. One in Bucks County, PA, and another on a barrier island in Brevard County, FL. Both homesteads are remote without being out-of-touch with society, and offer a personal connection to nature. What I love the most is that I’ve found them both to be spiritually inspiring places to call home.
When my path is straight And love replaces hate Don’t you know I’m home again ~ E.M.
I just hate to hear someone say I can’t. As in, I can’t do this; I can’t do that; I can’t say that. In a world of ambiguity that word just rings of negativity.Whenever I hear some say I can’t, I hear God say I can.
When you move irrelevant When you’re the hued elephant When you hear yourself exclaiming, “I can’t!” Walk in Canaan ~ E.M.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven ~ Matthew 5:16
During the month of February, while we recognize a dream, a groundhog, and a valentine, let us do so while shining a light of love in our world.
Let it be a light that brings about a notion of peace, a moment of happiness, and a vision of hope.
You can do that! God’s provision is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9), he has provided you with all that you need to make a difference in someone’s day, or better yet, in their life. So there it is, shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Let it shine! Let it shine! Let it Shine!
Call me, text me, tweet me, message me, email me, write me… we were brought together by God for a reason.
There is nothing that replaces family. We have an inherent need for kindredship. Our earthly tribe offers us comfort, understanding, and security. It’s the one place that we prayerfully are excepted just the way we are. But lost in our limited worldly existence, is the truth that we actually share in a much larger spiritual brother and sisterhood. The Author of all we know calls us sons and daughters. The Creator of the universe knows each of us by name and we are his children.
‘Creation’s not His final act Beyond the wind and waters Redemption is his final work When in Christ we’re all sons and daughters’
E.M.
The inspiration for this song was from a meditation on 2 Corinthians 6:18 where we hear God saying, ‘… I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters.’ This is actually a quote from 2 Samuel 7:14, and Isaiah 43:6.
My mother never knew her earthly father, but very early on she was blessed to embraced her heavenly one. Over the years that relationship grew to be unbelievably strong. She found in her earthly brokenness, a healing bond, a heavenly Father that she would never be separated from. She really was going home as her life here came to an end. She was going home to be with her ever loving Father in heaven.
It’s that kind of love that we’re all invited into. It’s that kind of endless love that our Father pours out on us each day. It’s that kind of unimaginable love that we’re capable of as his children, made in his image, created as family here and for eternity.
‘Surrender your heart Surrender your life Surrender your bark Surrendered your bite Peace released from the heavens above Misery ceased In the arms of love’
E.M.
I wanted the soundscape to be a driving force. To negotiate through this life requires a deep spiritual strength. The darkness that surround us can be daunting if not downright demanding. So I stepped into a different sonic space to create what I felt was a strong supporting platform for this timeless message.
It’s certainly a return to some of my early roots, and it was actually quite a bit of fun to crank up the volume again. The early response has been very favorable and I’m looking forward to the moment when we can bring it to life in a live setting.
Until that time please feel free to share your thoughts on the song and on the entire album which is dropping February 19, 2021.
Works 