Musician Shaun Groves writes about “The Smallest Change That’s Made The Biggest Difference.” What was it for his family? They canceled cable. (As Shaun puts it, “One phone call. Big difference.”) Shaun gives six non-earth shattering reasons why they dropped cable: time, people, morality, money, silence, and happiness. For #3 he gives an appropriate analogy: “Imagine I took in a house guest. And let’s say that guest regularly told my kids I was stupid, hung pictures of half-naked women up on the walls, constantly told my kids the opposite of what I told them and...

In Scripture we know a concept could be key in God’s program when it’s oft repeated. Take, for example, the link of suffering and joy. (Or, for the more optimistic joy and suffering.) Romans 8:17-18 is a place I often run to, thinking deeply on what it means for our present sufferings to be incomparable to the coming glory (and joy). They shouldn’t be named in the same sentence, but have to be to show the absurdity of how the latter far outweighs the former. When it comes to making sense of this pain, I don’t know WHY, but I do know WHO, and He is all we need. Somehow through...

Continuing on this series of reflecting on great God-centered lyrics. The next one notes God’s faithfulness through every conceivable circumstance — that through easy (calm) or the hard times (storm), He never lets go. Reminds of Romans 8:31-39, that God is for us, and while all things could be “against” us, who or what actually could really be against us in the ultimate sense. God is faithful, to Himself, His character, and to us. This is another link to the rock solid truth that today’s sufferings are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall come soon...

Continuing to look at some songs that strike the chord of God’s sovereignty (first one was “Oh Mystery”). This next song, “How He Loves,” is on my iTunes in two versions, the one sung by Kim Walker (see below), and a new single by the David Crowder*Band. Around 6:40 into the song (see video below) Kim Walker challenges those gathered to experience the love of God. It’s a powerful time, as one can tell the whole crows amped. “You better brace yourselves …” Walker exclaims. Then the song continues. Thinking about that moment, they could have pointed...

On the heals of thinking deeply about God’s sovereignty — His creative control and our experience in His Story, exploring the depths of this profound mystery — I’d like to put forth a handful of songs that capture a glimpse of the glory God has revealed to us. I’ll call these “Songs of Sovereignty,” as they help us to sing truth to our minds and captivate our hearts as we interact with this Story of Sovereignty. With all the freedom God has given you, sing out to Him! While some of the songs will be well-known (new and old), let’s start with a yet-to-be-recorded...

This weekend we sang a new song (to us) at church: "Song of Hope (Heaven Come Down) " by the Robbie Seay Band . (A previous post on that band is the most visited one on this site. They’re gaining popularity.) Perhaps you know the Song of Hope. A year ago I came across their album Give Yourself Away and its tracks have been regular tunes in my brain ever since. Click any of the links to hear the songs on that album, or better yet … Download Give Yourself Away for free by spreading the word The uncanny thing for me is that a week ago I was thinking that it would be awesome...

Rend the Heavens [ web | myspace ] is quickly becoming one of my favorite bands. Not just because I know the four band members a bit, or because they lead worship at our Saturday night church gathering. Actually started listening to them a short while before we met, and have found the deep, God-centered content of their songs to take me deeper into theology. I want to know more the God they sing to and about. The band’s name Rend the Heavens comes from Isaiah 64:1: "Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might quake at your presence" It is an audacious...

Been listening to Andy Melvin’s album, "The Human Engine Waits," and soaking in the deep content and awakening tunes. For some background theology on the album see Jonathan Dodson’s intro and sermon series related to it (like "Waiting: The Lofty and the Lowly "). The title is awesome; reminds me of how desperate and needy we are (through appearing self-sufficient like an engine), hoping and "waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify...

Been listening to Telescope lately. You can download their latest album free // www.telescopemusic.com — Most days I also tune into Chase the Age as well. SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Music: Telescope", url: "http://www.deTheos.com/2008/08/22/music-telescope/" });

Wonderful King We are here Because of grace Because of love We are here Because of You Because of You You fill our hearts With more than we Can hold inside And so we sing Chorus: Beautiful Savior Wonderful King [2x] Bridge: Oh, beautiful sound The joy of Heaven here Oh, wonderful sound Love of Heaven now Oh, beautiful sound The joy of Heaven here Oh, wonderful sound Love of Heaven now Oh, beautiful sound The joy of Heaven here Oh, wonderful sound Oh, wonderful sound Chorus [3x] — The David Crowder Band, on their Can You Hear Us? album (2002) SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Wonderful King",...