Lyrical Friday - Let It Shine

He uncovers mysteries hidden in darkness; he brings light to the deepest gloom. Job 12:22

You light a lamp for me. The Lord, my God, lights up my darkness. Psalm 18:28

You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:14-16

Let It Shine, All Sons and Daughters
Let It Shine - All Sons and Daughters (Unofficial) from The Grove on Vimeo.

There are a million truths for every lie

So speak it out loud and let it lift high
There are a million reasons to cover your eyes
But the light is shining through the darkness we hide
But the light is shining through the darkness we hide
So come let it
Come let it
Come let it
Come let it shine x2

There's only one way to wash yourself clean
So let the dirt fall and get on your knees
There are a million scars for every mistake
Oh but we are not chained to the secrets that we've made
Oh but we are not chained to the secrets that we've made

So come let it
Come let it
Come let it
Come let it shine x2

This is the battle of our time of our time now
We can't afford not to cry not to cry out
Shake the earth from the ground from the ground
Rescue souls from the darkness around x2

Lyrical Friday - Great Are You Lord

[photo credit: Kerry Halasz]

Hello Friends. A few days ago I read Ezekiel 37, the portion where Ezekiel is found in a valley with dry bones. These words haven't left my mind:

The hand of the Lord came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones. Then He caused me to pass by them all around, and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and indeed they were very dry.  

And He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”So I answered, “O Lord God, You know.” 

Again He said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! Thus says the Lord God to these bones: “Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the Lord.”’” 

So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to bone. Indeed, as I looked, the sinews and the flesh came upon them, and the skin covered them over; but there was no breath in them.Also He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.”’” So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army. 

Then He said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They indeed say, ‘Our bones are dry, our hope is lost, and we ourselves are cut off!’  Therefore prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. Then you shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up from your graves. I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken it and performed it,” says the Lord.’”

Wow! Every time I read this passage my bones are rattled, my faith renewed, and my hope restored. Oh to have been  present at this valley and witnessed the breath of the living God filling the lungs of these dead bones, being raised to life. This is the mighty power of God. Guess what? He didn't limit His power to only that valley, He is still pouring His Holy Spirit on dry bones today. He is still breathing upon those who are frail and lifeless.

I have experienced my share of valleys:
Valley of discouragement
Valley of depression
Valley of uncertainty and confusion
Valley of waiting and growing weary
Valley of injustice
Valley of brokenness
Valley of hopelessness

Need I continue? I am human and at the core, I am dry bones with skin. But God—  He breathed upon me each and every time as He did these bones in Ezekiel. He breathed life into my life, His life.

Are you in a valley? Are you feeling dry, frail, or practically lifeless? God can do the same with you, and breathe life into your lungs and raise your dry bones from this pit. He is that great! His hand is not too short that it cannot save, nor is He deaf that He cannot hear you (Isaiah 59:1). I am here cheering you on: Go on, cry out to God. Ask Him to breathe upon you with His Spirit. If sin has kept you far from God, repent of your sin and cry out to God. If you are bitter confess this to God and cry out to God. Believe that He can help you forgive. And the best remedy to life's hangups is praising God. Worship Him and sing His praises, for His faithfulness and loving kindness endures forever and ever. I believe that He will fill you with His Spirit.

Spirit of God breathe upon us.

Great Are You Lord, All Sons & Daughters 


You give life, You are love
You bring light to the darkness
To give hope, You restore
Every heart that is broken

Great are You, Lord

It's your breath in our lungs
So we pour out our praise
We pour out our praise

It's your breath in our lungs
So we pour out our praise

To You only

All the earth will shout Your praise
Our hearts will cry, these bones will sing
Great... Are... You, Lord

Lyrical Friday - Called Me Higher

Happy Friday!
This past Wednesday I drove to Fort Lauderdale, Fl to see All Sons & Daughters. Wow, what a worship experience. It was there that I really let the lyrics of this song settle in my heart, and they have changed me. Because I don't have much time, I will let them share about Called Me Higher.



Called Me Higher, All Sons and Daughters

I could just sit

I could just sit and wait for all your goodness

Hope to feel your presence

And I could just stay

I could just stay right where I am and hope to feel you

Hope to feel something again

And I could hold on

I could hold on to who I am and never let You change me from the inside

And I could be safe

I could be safe here in Your arms and never leave home

Never let these walls down

But you have called me higher

You have called me deeper

And I will go where you will lead me Lord

You have called me higher

You have called me deeper

And I will go where you lead me Lord

Where you lead me

Where you lead me Lord

And I will be Yours

I will be Yours for all my life

So let Your mercy light the path before me

Lyrical Friday - Wake Up

[photo credit]

^{Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.} You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest. The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike! John 4:34-36 
--
Wake Up, All Sons & Daughters 

Lyrical Friday - Buried in the Grave

Happy Friday dearest friends.
Today's post is a two video-gig. The first is the behind the lyrics and boy, it is so good! Then below is the song and lyrics. May you be encouraged and faith-filled after hearing and meditating on these words.
God bless YOU!


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Buried in the Grave, All Sons & Daughters

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There was a day we held our breath 
And felt the sting of bitter death 
When all our hopes were buried in the grave 
Our eyes awake our hearts were torn 
Between our faith and what we knew 
Before our king was buried in the grave 
-0
And grace was in the tension 
Of everything we've lost 
Standing empty handed 
Shattered by the cross 
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Chorus:
All we have 
All we had 
Was a promise like a thread 
Holding us keeping us 
Oh from fraying at the edge 
All we knew 
All we knew 
Was you said you'd come again 
You'd rise up from the dead 
-
There was a day we looked for proof 
That you had risen from the tomb 
And all our doubts began to roll away 
We touched the scars upon your hands 
You kept your word 
Oh son of man 
You buried death by taking on the grave 
-
You came here to save us 
Cuz everything was lost 
No longer empty handed 
Clinging to the cross 
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It is is well 
It is done 
-
All we have all we had 
Is the promise like a thread 
Holding us keeping us 
Oh from fraying at the edge 
All we know 
All we know 
Is you said you'd come again 
You rose up from the dead

Lyrical Friday - Reason to Sing

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Life can be likened to Miami weather. You see, in Miami, you can enjoy a nice walk under the sun and a few minutes later find yourself running for cover from the sudden pouring rain. Where did this rain come from? This happened to me yesterday. My Sister and I had planned for a day at beach. Early risers, we set out with our lunch packed, books in hand and plenty of refreshments. We arrived, set out the blanket, sat down and took in the morning breeze (that's when I snapped the picture above). Just as we are about to get in the water, BAM!, it began to rain. What?! Why!? As if by the sound of a trumpet, people grabbed their belongings and left the beach. And so did we.
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The irony of it all is that my sister and I were just talking about what to do when metaphorical storms hit. Are we to make "lemonade" when life gives us lemons? Are we to "dance in the rain" when in a storm? My sister's answer, "Dancing in a storm will get you struck by lightning or swept up by a tornado. Seek refuge instead." We both agreed that those quotes are garbage and the most effective solution is to take refuge. I am reminded of Psalm 9:9, "The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble." My encouragement for you today, to you who may be oppressed and overwhelmed, is to seek refuge in God. In Him you will find peace and calm in the midst of a storm. In Him, hope will arise. In Him, you will have a reason to sing. 
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He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. Psalm 91:4
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In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, And His children will have a place of refuge. Proverbs 14:26
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The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. He is my refuge, my savior, the one who saves me from violence. I called on the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies. 2 Samuel 22:2-4
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I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. John 16:33
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Reason to Sing, All Sons and Daughters

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When the pieces seem to shatter
To gather off the floor
All that seems to matter
Is that I don't feel you anymore
I don't feel you anymore
-
Chorus:
I need a reason to sing
I need a reason to sing
I need to learn that you are still holding
The whole world in your hands
I need a reason to sing
-
When I'm overcome by fear
And I hate everything I know
If this waiting last forever
I'm afraid I might let go
I'm afraid I might let go
-
There is victory
You sing it over me now
Your peace is the melody
You sing it over me
- 
I need a reason to sing
I need a reason to sing
I need to know that you are still holding
The whole world in your hands
That is a reason to sing

Lyrical Friday - Brokenness Aside

Happy Friday!
Before we get into this post, I would like to thank all of you who for two years have been faithful readers of this blog. I truly stand in awe of the Lord and His faithfulness. This blog was His vision and continues to be what it is by God's grace and all for His glory. Thank you. May the Spirit of the Lord fall afresh and anew upon you. May He bless you abundantly as you seek to know Him and make Him known.

Unto anniversary celebrations and lyrical business. Two years ago today, God spoke to my heart concerning a blog. I tried to push the still small voice aside but it would not go away. I gave the Lord five minutes. If in five minutes the blog had not received a name, an address, a theme and layout, I would not go through with this. Not kidding when I tell you that in five minutes it was all set us, from the "Lily Among Thorns" name to the first post. Obedience is what the Lord required and obedience is what this blog represents. While in the pit of despair, loneliness and brokenness, God called me out to take on the one role I did not want to take: a writer. When I fully surrendered to Him, He took me and equipped me with every spiritual blessing needed to accomplish the task at hand.

This amazing song my All Sons and Daughters is fitting for this birthday celebration. I am a sinner, and if you have been following this blog for any amount of time or know me personally, you know this to be true. If I am not failing in one area, I'm falling short in another. And that's OK because God takes brokenness aside and makes something beautiful out of it. Much like the two fish and five loaves in Mark 6, in and of ourselves we are not enough to do God's Word, therefore we too need to be broken in order for the Lord to do a miraculous work. The more He breaks us, the bigger the work He can do in us and through us. So whatever it is that you have, I encourage you to place it in the hand of Jesus. Yes, surrender fully and wholly and He will make something beautiful.

As for me, I am committed to the work that God desires to accomplish through this blog. My  life is as the two fish and five loaves, and I pray that this would be a perpetual place of encouragement and life-giving to you.

Brokenness Aside, All Sons and Daughters

Will your grace run out

If I let you down

Cause all I know

Is how to run

Will you call me child

When I tell you lies

Cause all I know

Is how to cry

chorus

I am a sinner

If its not one thing its another

Caught up in words

Tangled in lies

You are a savior

And you take brokenness aside

And make it beautiful

Beautiful

bridge:

You make it beautiful

You make it beautiful