A Song for Your Friday

I had the privilege of going to an Andrew Peterson concert last night on UK’s campus. I fell in love with Peterson’s music back in the fall and could listen to his music all day long; however, there’s something really special about seeing him sing live because you get to hear the stories behind his songs and see his emotion as he sings them. It was certainly a blessing.

I have a lot of favorites. I’ve never disliked one of his songs. This one I’m going to share with you today has such beautiful words. You will see that Peterson is careful with his words and uses each to the fullest. He’s a brilliant storyteller.

“Hosanna” means “save us now.” It was a Hebrew word that became a shout of praise. How beautiful that when you cry for help, it also becomes a shout of praise because you’re acknowledging your own sinfulness and realizing that Christ is the only one who can help.

“Hosanna” – Matthew 21:9, John 2:19, Genesis 3:15, Matthew 27:51
Words and Music by Andrew Peterson, Ben Shive, and Andy Gullahorn as heard on Resurrection Letters, Volume II (2008)

I am tangled up in contradiction.
I am strangled by my own two hands.
I am hunted by the hounds of addiction.
Hosanna!

I have lied to everyone who trusts me.
I have tried to fall when I could stand.
I have only loved the ones who loves me.
Hosanna!

O Hosanna!
See the long awaited king come to set his people free.
We cry O Hosanna! Come and tear the temple down.
Raise it up on holy ground. Hosanna!

I have struggled to remove this raiment,
tried to hide every shimmering strand.
I contend with these ghosts and these hosts of bright angels.
Hosanna!

I have cursed the man that you have made me,
as I have nursed the beast that bays for my blood.
Oh, I have run from the one who would save me.
Save me, Hosanna!

O Hosanna!
See the long awaited king, come to set his people free.
We cry O Hosanna! Come and tear the temple down.
Raise it up on holy ground. Hosanna!

You have crushed beneath your heel the vile serpent.
You have carried to the grave the black stain.
You have torn apart the temple’s holy curtain.
You have beaten Death at Death’s own game.
Hosanna!

O Hosanna!
Hail the long awaited king, come to set his people free.
We cry O Hosanna! Won’t you tear this temple down,
raise it up on holy ground.
O Hosanna! I will lift my voice and sing:
You have come and washed me clean. Hosanna.

Isaiah 58: First Cookout of the Year!

We kicked off our 2010 Isaiah 58 Ministry last night and more than 100 of our neighbors showed up to hear the Gospel, grab a burger, and fellowship with us.  Pastor Steve preached a 5-minute sermon from the book of Hebrews about the grace of God.  Bro. Roger Cruz translated the message into Spanish for all our Latino friends who came out!  After Bro. Randy led us in prayer, our neighbors lined up to grab some grub. 

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Kenny worked the grill along with Denise (Charlie supervised!).  Ethan, Landon, and Joseph made the lemonade with Nikki.  Cheryl, Brenda, Leslie, Mollie, Helen, Ron, Wayne, Jason, Micheal, and Olivia all worked the serving line at one point.  Harry did a lot of the grocery shopping and was serving in every way as usually does.  Roger and Gina served the drinks (la limonada!).  Randy had trash patrol (he could squeeze more trash into one bag than anyone I’ve ever seen)! 

Everyone worked together very well and enjoyed getting to know our neighbors.  Pray that the Lord will water the seeds that were planted and give us courage and boldness to plant even more next time. 

View a clip of some of our members serving our precious neighbors!

Scripture at Sunrise 3.12.2010

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  -Isaiah 9:6

After taking a brief break from our Friday Scripture at Sunrise, we’re baaaack!  To keep it going, be sure to leave a comment with your suggestions for a song we haven’t done for next week.

His name is Wonderful, His name is Wonderful,
His name is Wonderful, Jesus my Lord;
He is the mighty King, master of everything,
His name is Wonderful, Jesus, my Lord.He’s the great Shepherd, the Rock of all ages,
Almighty God is He;
Bow down before Him, love and adore Him,
His name is Wonderful, Jesus, my Lord.

Words & Music by Audrey Mieir  |  Story Behind The Song

This 88-year-old woman plays a stunning rendition of this cherished piece on the piano!  

Scripture at Sunrise 1.29.10

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.”  -Romans 8:28

There is something indescribably beautiful about hymns in another language, especially when they have rich words to begin with. This one is sung by Haitian-American Davidson Jean-ReJouis in Creole and English as a message of hope to his homeland.

God Moves in a Mysterious Way

1. God moves in a mysterious way
   His wonders to perform;
   He plants His footsteps in the sea
   And rides upon the storm.
2. Deep in unfathomable mines
   Of never failing skill
   He treasures up His bright designs
   And works His sov’reign will.
3. Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
   The clouds ye so much dread
   Are big with mercy and shall break
   In blessings on your head.
4. Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
   But trust Him for His grace;
   Behind a frowning providence
   He hides a smiling face.
5. His purposes will ripen fast,
   Unfolding every hour;
   The bud may have a bitter taste,
   But sweet will be the flow’r.
6. Blind unbelief is sure to err
   And scan His work in vain;
   God is His own interpreter,
   And He will make it plain.

Chorus:
Be still, be still, oh my soul and know
That God is sitting on His throne.
Be still, be still, oh my soul and know
That God works all things for His glory and my good.

[Words by William Cowper, arranged by Kelley Coppage]

Scripture at Sunrise 11.12.09

“Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.”  -Proverbs 6:6

Scripture at Sunrise 9.25.09

“By this we know love, that He laid down His life for us.”  –1 John 3:16

By This We Know Love
by Judah Groveman of Zelos

God of all Creation, Lord of heaven’s light
Descended into evil’s darkest night
Infinitely Holy, Your perfections know no end
Selflessly You died my rightful death

By this we know love that He laid down His life
God’s very own Son came from Heaven to die
Suspended He hung as He shed His own blood
What grace in His pardon, by this we know love

Forsaken man of sorrows, hated by all men
You willingly surrendered for my sin
Scornfully derided, yet in silence stumbling on
Bearing wrath for all that I’ve done wrong
© 2009 Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP)

[View video.  Buy it.  Etc.]

Scripture at Sunrise 8.27.09

“If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.”  -Psalm 139:9-10

“…For David (and for every born-again believer) the all-seeing eye of God is more like a baby video monitor than a convenience store camera.”

Read the rest of this thought-provoking post at Fighter Verses!

Picnic Pictures!!!!

Picnic pictures are finally here!  If you would like to view them in full size, please click here.  Fun videos of the egg toss are also up on our YouTube channel.

Vodpod videos no longer available.

more about “Picnic Pictures!!!!“, posted with vodpod

Scripture at Sunrise 7.27.09

Sunday School | 1 Peter 4:12-19 | Bro. Steve Dawson
“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed.”  -1 Peter 4:12-13
This video pretty much sums it up…

Morning Worship | Overview | Bro. John Hatcher, missionary to Brazil
“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”  -Genesis 3:15
Bro. Hatcher reminded us of many important truths, an encouragement indeed!  He said he didn’t get to his sermon because he used all the time on his introduction, but that’s okay.  That just means he gets to come back to preach the message he had prepared on Mark!  🙂
*Genesis 3:15 lays the foundation for the rest of the Bible.
*God gave us parents to teach us the seriousness of obedience and authority.
*Matthew shows us the manual of the kingdom, proving Jesus is the legal heir of David’s throne.  You find the Constitution of the Kingdom in the Sermon on the Mount.
*Mark is the manual of the Servant.
*Luke shows us the Kinsman-Redeemer who is relative to all nations.
*John gives us the manual of eternal life.
>A little bit from the message to make us want more: Mark 1:17- The purpose of servants is to become fishers of men.
*Don’t let immediate success inhibit you from doing the Lord’s will.

Evening Service | Exodus 35:30-36:7 | Pastor Steve Wainright
“Then Moses said to the people of Israel, “See, the Lord has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship…”  -Exodus 35:30-31
*The thrill of giving: it’s a thrill to give if you know grace.
*God always desires the best that His glory might be shown through it.
*The Tabernacle is a perfect picture of salvation.
*vs. 29- everyone could help with the construction of the Tabernacle
*vs. 30-36:1- the artist of the Tabernacle
*vs. 31- filled Him with the Spirit of God (1st time mentioned in the Bible)//God is empowering man to build the Tabernacle
*Ephesians 4- God’s children have been graced and gifted
*1 Corinthians 14:12- God has gifted every one of His children.  Purpose: edify and build up the church.  Comes from the Spirit.
*vs. 30-34- He gifts individuals.  He personalized those gifts and talents.  Your responsibility is to obey, use it and follow Him by faith.
*vs. 2- God working.  Where God has gifted you, you have a willing heart to do.
*These 2 artists were gifted to give to others and glorify God.  (vs. 34- also to teach others)
*Gifted Artists: only Christian artists can reflect God’s glory the brightest because they know where their gift comes from.
*The Tabernacle shows forth His glory and beauty, as do all His works.  (Psalm 27:4)
*He sent His beautiful Son to make us beautiful people.  (1 Peter 3- It’s the glory of God shining through a person’s life that makes them beautiful.)
*Whatever you do, do it in a beautiful way to the glory of God.  (1 Corinthians 10:31)
*vs. 2-6- They had experienced the grace of God and it made them want to give to show their gratitude for what He’s done.
*Your giving will be in proportion to where your heart is.  (Matthew 6:19-21)
*2 Corinthians 8:1-5- The Macedonians were dirt poor, but they were liberal givers.
*What has God given you?  (Romans 8:32) If He’s given us His best, He’s not going to withhold any good from us.
*How much are you willing to give to the Lord?

Scripture at Sunrise 6.26.09

“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  -Romans 5:8

This beautiful song has been stuck in my head all week!  Hopefully, you will be as blessed by it as I have been!

The Gospel Song
Holy God, in love, became
Perfect Man to bear my blame
On the cross He took my sin
By His death I live again

Lyrics by Drew Jones / Music by Bob Kauflin / Sovereign Grace Music

Sheet Music ~ on Songs for the Cross Centered Life ~ MP3 ~ Watch this adorable little girl sing it!