Mannerism

Recast: Who’s Watching Over You?

Over the past few years I’ve grown quite fond of putting on my grand-pop hat every once in a while. It’s a good fit, comfortable, and almost childlike …and best of all I can take it off whenever I need to.

This past week Lexi, as she’s prone to do, came to visit. As is the case on most visits, after lunch we took a little time to be quiet. On this particular day she napped under the watchful eye of this Sunflower. Who’s watching over you?

“I will instruct you and teacher you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you” (Psalm 32:8 ESV)

Pray on,
Eddy

Originally posted July 26, 2015

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Mannerism

Recast: A Sense of Balance

As I wake this morning I’m disappointed by the thought of missing my appointed walk. The current high temperatures and humidity have curbed my outdoor activity for the past few days, and I’m noticing the lack of exercise along with the meditative solitude that comes with it.

What I’m sensing is an absence of balance. I’m sensing that something is missing, something’s wrong, and that something needs to be corrected.

My physical, mental and spiritual self need to be in balance for me to walk as designed. All of God’s creation was designed to be in balance. It was perfect, it was in harmony, and it was good.

And God saw everything he had made, and behold, it was very good. (Genesis 1:31a ESV)

And then came the fall, and just like in the Garden we’re falling again. If we aren’t taking the steps to be humbly and gratefully disciplined and aware of ourselves and our environment, then yes, we’re falling short of our Maker’s plan for us. We were formed in balance with everything. In doing so we need to live physically, mentally and spiritually balanced lives to fulfill our purpose.

The Lord had made everything for it’s purpose, (Proverbs16:4a ESV)

Being aware of our brokenness is a great first step, but it’s only the first step. I’ve heard Andy Stanley say that there are three laws of physical balance –

  1. Having a reference point
  2. Making constant corrections
  3. Having a clear objective

I’d like to suggest that one, our reference point be God’s design for us. That two, by being aware of our personal brokeness we make constant corrections to our faltering life style. And that three, we have a clear objective in living to fulfill God’s purpose for our lives.

As for me, I’m going to finish my coffee and listen to myself, or in this case the Spirit that’s leading me on this journey.

Stay healthy, stay balanced!

Pray on,
Eddy

Originally posted July 20, 2015

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Mannerism

Recast: Blockages

Are there times when we aren’t aware that there’s a blockage between us and God? It certainly isn’t on His end, but can we amidst our busyness have a spiritual ailment and not know it?

This past week a blockage in our home plumbing was made apparent almost immediately. Grandchildren are quite good at creating such blockages, and then indeed in our case, reporting them. It was an immediate problem that needed immediate attention. It wasn’t the most pleasant of jobs, but one that was quickly remedied once it was made known.

My father just recently discovered a blockage, or two, or three, in his heart. This required a little more intricate work than I was capable of, but was once again an immediate problem that needed immediate attention.

Recently a neighbor of ours lost his life to a blockage of sorts. As he was dinning out, a piece of food lodged in his throat, and the blockage of air cost him his life before it could be removed. Witness another immediate problem that needed to be attended to immediately.

As I ruminate on Luke 8:43-48 and the healing of a woman of faith. I can’t help but wonder about our sense of touch and how we might often fall short of reaching out to God in faith to receive his healing, comforting, clarifying, and powerful love. On this occasion Jesus speaks, without seeing, of the power that has been released from him by a faithful touching hand.

Can a lack of knowledge, lack of trust, lack of faith, or lack of relationship with God cause a blockage of that power? Could it be that we’re unaware of an immediate blockage that needs our immediate attention?

Sure the plumbing was just messy, but my father’s blockage was life threatening, and my neighbor’s life ending. Our five recognized senses are used to relate to each other, and more importantly to our Father in heaven. I’m thinking He created and designed us with those senses to help us to be in relationship with Him. That being the case, we would be well reminded to check all those connections out and to make sure that we’re spiritually healthy.

Pray on,
Eddy

Originally posted July 13, 2015

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Albums, Gifts, Mannerism, music, Poetry, Video

I Never Walk Alone

This is an unreleased song from the upcoming ‘Chapel Songs’ album. It was inspired by Psalm 139 quite a few years ago. Since that time it’s been a staple of my worship repertoire and often is a requested song. Unlike most of my songs this one has pretty much stayed the same over the years, but now it gets a new treatment. I’m not sure if it’s because of the current season we’re experiencing, but the time just felt right for a remake. Hopefully it continues to strengthen and reassure those who are hurting, doubting, and living in a fearful world.

Album: Chapel Songs – Unreleased
Album: The Twelve

Video Credit: Engin Akyurt / E.M.
Available at http://www.eddymann.com
© 2020 Eddy Mann

http://www.eddymann.com
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Lyrics:
I never walk alone
You linger by my side
I never walk alone
You are with me

You go before me and follow me
You place Your blessing on my head
You hem me in behind and before
You lay Your hand upon my head

© 2009 Eddy Mann
CCLI #6123440
Hissongs / ASCAP

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Gifts, Mannerism, music, Poetry, Video

Hope of the World

An unplugged version of a worship song written quite a few years ago and featured on ‘The Twelve’ album. It’s now getting an acoustic remake on the unreleased ‘Chapel Songs’ project.

So much has been written about mankind’s need for hope, and there’s never been a time when we didn’t need it. Scripture says, ‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.’ (Romans 15:13 ESV)

Album: Chapel Songs – unreleased
Album: The Twelve

Video Credit: E.M.
Photo Credit: Gerd Altmann
Available at http://www.eddymann.com
© 2020 Eddy Mann

Lyrics:
Hope of the world
Shine on us
You are the Answer

Fill up our hearts, fill up our souls
Lure us away from all that’s wrong
Fill up our hearts, fill up our souls
Give us the strength to carry on

Here we stand, blessed with each new day
Here we stand, humbled works of clay

© 2003 Eddy Mann
CCLI #6123488
Hissongs / ASCAP

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