Category: Our Exceptional God

MercyMe’s Newest Release: Wonder and Awe

MercyMe

Personal photo – Bahamas concert 2015

Wonder and Awe: MercyMe’s Latest Release

Are you going through a rough time right now?

You’re not alone.

It seems like most everyone I know is dealing with something.

That’s why I was immediately drawn to a particular song on MercyMe’s newest release: “Wonder and Awe.”

There are so many songs that I like on the album, but at the risk of this post being too long, I’ll just mention a few.

This first song is simply titled, “OK”.

While the future may seem uncertain, in just a minute and 45 seconds, the catchy beat and easy-to-remember lyrics deliver a reassuring dose of “It’s gonna be okay.”

The next song, “Canary In A Coal Mine” has an intriguing title, don’t you think?

The reference is to the historical use of canaries in underground mines to detect toxic gasses.

So how does this relate to God’s protection?

In a lively tune with a southern gospel appeal, MercyMe delivers this toe-tapping reminder that Jesus goes before us and shows us the way.

Wonder and Awe: Trust The One 

The next track I wanted to mention is “Trust The One.”

One word: beautiful.

It’s a reassuring ballad gently reminding us that we can trust in God no matter what our circumstances. 

He is faithful.

Romans 8:28 says,

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. – Romans 8:28, (NASB).

This Bible verse doesn’t mean we get to live an easy life as long as we believe in God. Quite the opposite.

We will face many challenges, but we are not on this journey alone.

Trusting in God through our struggles will reap the greater eternal reward of being with our Lord in Heaven.

That future joy is indescribable this side of eternity.

MercyMe on Tour

Seeing MercyMe live in concert years ago was an absolute blast.

It’s not just the music.

The camaraderie between the band members plus other fans singing along with you makes for a fun and memorable date night.

This year they’re out on tour with TobyMac and Matthew West!

You can check out their upcoming tour dates here.

Don’t miss it!

MercyMe on tour

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1 Scripture quotation is from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

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The Book of Revelation Matters Today

Why the Book of Revelation Matters Today

The Book of Revelation matters today

Over the past several years, I’ve studied the Book of Revelation many times.

Admittedly, and in the beginning, I was completely overwhelmed.

The symbolism and prophetic narrative were both fascinating and challenging at the same time.

Even so, I didn’t give up!

Rather than shying away from learning about these dramatic future events, my thirst for what God wants to tell us has only become stronger.

If you haven’t taken the time to start a Revelation study, I’ll link to (what I believe) is one of the best at the end of this post.

Revelation and Today's World

The Book of Revelation Matters Today: Prophecy Insights

You may wonder, why it is that the Book of Revelation matters today?

What we see happening in the world (the good and the bad) is historically falling right into place.

In His Sovereignty, this is in God’s timing.

Here in the United States, disturbing headlines frequently dominate the media coverage.

However, political unrest, violence, and turmoil . . . is not just “our” country’s problem, but everywhere.

Israel

Russia

Ukraine

Iran

Syria

You hear about these countries frequently on the evening news.

What we are witnessing (and that God allows) is the spiritual battle between Good and Evil.

This is all the result of SIN.

Because of our original sin, the world continues to live under a curse.

We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. – 1 John 5:19, (NASB).1

Did You Really Mean to Post That?

It may look like our future depends on one political party versus another, but it doesn’t.

In fact, the outright hostility that some people display on Facebook and other social media ultimately helps no one.

Please remember who the “real enemy” is.

It’s not other people.

Through the temptation to sin, Satan manipulates people to carry out his plans for evil.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. – Ephesians 6:12, (NASB).2

The same devil who prowled around in earlier biblical times is prowling around today.

Our best battle weapons against the Enemy’s warfare are utilized while we pray.

I will keep asking God for a spiritual revival, and that all people will come to realize “who” the real Enemy is.

A Helpful Guide to the Book of Revelation

The Book of Revelation matters today because there’s a prophetic message in it for all of us.

The sooner we trust in God for our eternal future, the more peace we can have during the disturbing headlines of our day.

While we wait on our Lord’s return, is there a helpful Revelation commentary somewhere?

Yes, actually there are several, but the most helpful one (IMHO) is the following:

The series is called, “Tick Tock . . . Prophecy & the News” from Pastor Trey Graham of First Melissa Baptist Church.

You can find it here: “Tick Tock” sermon series.

This Revelation Study is free, easy to access online, and at the end, you’ll have a deeper understanding of the text.

I suggest you pull up the video tab and skip towards the middle of the service where the sermon actually starts.

Also, I recommend you pull up his “notes” as well. 

It’s easy to follow along as he refers to the provided maps and Bible verses.

The Book of Revelation is not one to fear.

Rather, it’s to prepare us for what is to come.

One day these awful headlines will be a thing of the past.

Worldwide turmoil will end because Jesus Christ is coming again (His glorious Second Coming) in victory.

Now “that” is a headline we can rejoice about.

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1 Scripture quotation is from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

2 Scripture quotation is from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

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It’s A New Day

Rise and Shine: It’s a New Day!

Every morning there’s this reassuring thought that comes to my mind: It’s a new day.

It’s a simple little phrase, but it’s based on a passage from the Bible.

21 I recall this to my mind,
Therefore I wait.
22 The Lord’s acts of mercy indeed do not end,
For His compassions do not fail.
23 They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness. – Lamentations 3: 21-23, (NASB).

As the first morning light filters through the window shades, I find it encouraging to think that, no matter what’s happened the day before, each new day offers hope and potential.

God is sovereign, and He is the Author of all of our tomorrows.

In fact, He’s already there.

Of course with the Bible, it’s important to read the entire chapter, but I wanted to point out why this particular passage in Lamentations struck a chord with me.

When you consider what the prophet Jeremiah had witnessed in the city of Jerusalem, you realize that his words in that passage are an incredible expression of faith.

Jerusalem and Judah had ignored all prophetic warnings, terribly sinned against God and, as a Righteous Judge, God allowed the Babylonians to destroy it.

What kinds of sins?

Idolatry was a big one.

Our Sovereign God shares His throne with no one.

People nowadays like to forget this, but there are consequences for sin and rebellion.

How would we feel if we saw our own cities destroyed right now?

Can you imagine?

It would mean that everywhere we looked, we would see destruction. What we knew yesterday as “home” has burned to the ground.

No wonder the prophet grieved.

It’s a New Day: Hope Renewed

Did you know that Lamentations is considered one of the saddest books in the Bible?

That being said, those verses above are filled with so much assurance.

God is great and He is faithful.

His compassions never fail.

Look at verse 21 again:

“I recall this to my mind,
Therefore I wait.”

That is an incredible example of faith.

What did Jeremiah do?

He waited and remembered God’s faithfulness and past blessings.

He knew that, in God’s timing, He will “wipe away every tear.”

We can rest in that promise too.

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1 Scripture quotation is from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

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Pray For Kerrville

 

Please Pray for Kerrville

Like many of you, I woke up Friday morning to the terrible news of catastrophic flooding in the Texas Hill Country.

After heavy and consistent rainfall and thunderstorms, raging floodwaters overtook the banks of the Guadalupe River in Kerr County. The San Gabriel River in Georgetown – over an hour away – also overflowed its banks sparing nothing in its direct path. Other counties nearby suffered loss as well.

Photo in the Public Domain

The death toll continues to rise, and the search for the missing continues.

My heart breaks for families who lost their loved ones, including young children, in this flood.

They desperately need our prayers. 

Can you imagine the terror of being in your bed asleep, a wall of water crashes in, and suddenly you’re being carried down a river?

The more videos I am seeing and the interviews I’m listening to, the more my tears start to fall.

A different blog post was scheduled to run today, but I quickly changed my mind when I saw the news.

Instead, I would like to simply ask you to please consider adding these flood victims and their families, the “missing”, and first responders to your prayer lists.

Like any disaster that happens anywhere, those directly affected by it need your support.

This disaster hits so close to home. I know someone who lost a friend in this tragedy.

Pray For Kerrville and Others Affected:  You Can Help

Many people watching the news wonder how they can help in a situation like this.

Prayer is key, but if you feel that you can do more, donations are sincerely appreciated.

Here are a couple of options, although there are many more organizations in need of help.

Texas Search and Rescue

TEXSAR – Texas Search and Rescue

GoFundMe – There are several pages dedicated to the flood relief efforts. You can find them here.

Texas Hill Country Flooding July 4

Pray For Kerrville – Don’t Make This Political

On another note, considering the rising death toll and the ongoing search efforts for missing people (including children), the LAST thing that’s needed are political rants.

I’m sure you’ve probably seen some of these terribly inappropriate, lack of compassion, diatribes by some who utilize social media to politicize everything – including a tragedy.

Instead of spreading negative posts, it would be more helpful for them to ask people to pray for the victims or even make a donation – don’t you think?

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1 Photo Credit: Flooding of the Guadalupe River near Kerrville Texas, Courtesy of Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons

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From Talents To Testimonies

From Talents to Testimonies: Reflect God’s Light

My favorite ministry ever was at a former church we belonged to when we first moved to Texas.

The ministry was called “Outside These Walls.”

From talents to testimonies

A group of us would volunteer on the weekends to sing gospel and country songs to the residents of nursing homes around town. My husband would bring along his guitar to accompany us.

The joy expressed on the faces of the elderly residents was a priceless memory.

Don’t you love bringing joy to other people?

What a fantastic way to share love with these precious senior adults who often feel isolated from the outside world.

Singing is just one idea.

Using our God-given abilities and talents

From talents to testimonies – sharing your spiritual abilities and stories help to reflect God’s glory to the world.

I read a poem recently that encourages all of us to do the same in our own spiritual walks.

Arise, Woman Of God

Rise up, O woman of God
In what He has given you,
The things God has laid on your heart,
Rise up, go forth, and do

Unlock what God has placed within,
The potential you have inside
The world is waiting for your release
To expand your wings and fly

Arise in your God-given gifts
For this is your finest hour
Arise in the Lord’s holy might,
Ignited and empowered

For God is calling you to come forth
To impact this world for Him,
Don’t hold back or limit yourself
Let His power arise within

And take His message to the world
To those that have lost their way,
For you can surely make a difference
If you’d hear His voice and obey

You shall be strengthened in the Lord
As you begin to arise,
Conquering those doubts that pull you down
And believe who you are in Christ

For you shall surely be transformed
As, in you, God increases more
And become a woman of true excellence
Bringing honour to her Lord.

© By M.S.Lowndes

Let’s embrace our God-given abilities and talents and use them for His glory.

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1 Poetry courtesy of M.S. Lowndes. “Women’s Poem: Arise, Woman Of God – Christian poem on rising up to our full potential in God” [online post]. From Heavensinspirations.com, ©M.S. Lowndes, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, n.d. Web. Accessed June 5, 2025.  https://www.heavensinspirations.com/arise-woman-of-god.html

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