My final “Greatest Hits – August” offering is “Only Jesus” performed by Casting Crowns. Our youth (with chaperone/“bouncer” assistance of Chris Tucker) attended a Christian Music concert in November, 2019, at the Smoothie King Center featuring Elevation Worship, Hillsong Worship, and Casting Crowns. On our way to eat a pre-concert dinner at Camellia Grill, I played a few preview cuts on the car ride from each of the 3 groups we were about to hear. The consensus favorite of most of us was “Only Jesus” by Casting Crowns. Two words closely identified with the song “Only Jesus” are “legacy” and “humility” The meaning of “legacy” in the context of this song is “a gift of money or personal property handed down to an heir”. The meaning of “humility” is the state or quality of being humble; freedom from pride and arrogance; a modest estimate of one’s own worth; a sense of one’s own unworthiness through imperfection and sinfulness. It is not easy, but it IS IMPORTANT that we all have to work on personal humility, and we also think that is the message of “Only Jesus”. In the words of Mark Hall from Casting Crowns: “Did I live the truth to the ones I love…was my life the proof that there is only One?” The 1st video is Mark Hall’s explanation of the origin/inspiration of “Only Jesus”. The 2nd video is the music. Cut: “Only Jesus” Artist: Casting Crowns Make it count, leave a mark, build a name for yourself, Dream your dreams, chase your heart,
Above all else make a name the world remembers. But all an empty world can sell is empty dreams I got lost in the lie that it was up to me to make a name the world remembers. But Jesus is the only name to remember. And I-I-I, I don't want to leave a legacy…I don't care if they remember me…Only Jesus. And I-I-I, I've only got one life to live…I'll let every second point to Him…Only Jesus. All the kingdoms built, all the trophies won will crumble into dust when it’s said and done. 'Cause all that really matters “Did I live the truth to the ones I love?” “Was my life the proof that there is only One whose name will last forever?” And I-I-I, I don't want to leave a legacy…I don't care if they remember me…Only Jesus And I-I-I, I've only got one life to live…I'll let every second point to Him…Only Jesus [Interlude] Jesus is the only name, Jesus is the only name Jesus is the only name to remember, ooh Jesus is the only name, Jesus is the only name Jesus is the only name to remember And I-I-I, I don't want to leave a legacy…I don't care if they remember me Only Jesus And I-I-I, I've only got one life to live…I'll let every second point to Him Only Jesus I, I don't want to leave a legacy…I don't care if they remember me…Only Jesus.
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For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend, with all saints, what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height, And to know the love of Christ, which passeth all knowledge, that ye might be filled with the fullness of God. This week we continue with “Greatest Hits – August” featuring Casting Crowns. Grace Memorial’s Christian Education teenagers were fortunate and blessed to witness the love filling the venue in each of our two CC concerts we attended. If we learned anything from our hours of scripture reading and listening to Christian Praise music, it’s that we can only fulfill God’s plan for us as Christians if we allow our hearts to follow the teachings of Jesus. Cut: “Here’s My Heart” Artist: Casting Crowns Lyrics:
Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Speak what is true. Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Speak what is true. I am found, I am Yours, I am loved, I’m made pure. I have life, I can breathe, I am healed, I am free. Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Speak what is true. I am found, I am Yours, I am loved, I’m made pure. I have life, I can breathe, I am healed, I am free. Cause You are strong, You are sure, You are life, You endure. You are good, always true, You are love, breaking through. Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Speak what is true. Here’s my life, Lord. Here’s my life, Lord. Here’s my life, Lord. Speak what is true...speak what is true. Cause You are more than enough, You are here, You are love. You are hope, You are grace, You’re all I have, You’re everything. Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Speak what is true. Here’s my life, Lord. Here’s my life, Lord. Here’s my life, Lord. Speak what is true…Speak what is true. Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Speak what is true...speak what is true.
And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon and Andrew, his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” And they straightway left their nets, and followed him”. And Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a boat, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain privately, to pray; and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the boat was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves; for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a ghost; and they cried out of fear. But straightway Jesus spoke unto them, saying, “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid” And Peter answered him and said, “Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water” And He said, “Come.” And when Peter was come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying “Lord, save me” And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, “O thou of little faith, why didst thou doubt? For my 2nd Friday “Greatest Hits – August” I present Casting Crowns performing “This Is Now”. It is an indirect reference to the inspirational growth of St. Peter. Cut: “This Is Now” Artist: Casting Crowns Lyrics:
Standing at the water’s edge…I dropped my dreams when I dropped my nets. No hesitation, no regrets, I followed You, but that was then…this is now You washed my feet and You changed my name, I swore I’d never be the same Just like the tides I guess people change, cause that was then and this is now. I wish I could go back but I don’t know how, I remember when I stood my ground, I swore I’d never let You down, I want to be that man again, but that was then…and this is now. I watched the blind man lift his head…and look his savior in the eyes. I heard a dead man take a breath…dropped to my knees as I watched him rise. I felt the sea beneath my feet as I stepped out on the angry waves, But You saw the storm raging within, You reached out and caught me then…but this now. I wish I could go back but I don’t know how I remember when I stood my ground, I swore I’d never let you down…I want to be that man again, But that was then…and this is now. Just when I thought my sin had closed the door, I see my savior standing on the shore, With arms wide open, just like the first time You called my name, You said “that was then…and this is now. “My child I bore your cross I wore your crown. “When you couldn’t come to Me, My love came down. So take My hand I’ll lead you out, “cause that was then…and this is now. “My child I bore your cross, I wore your crown…you couldn’t come to Me, “so My love came down. “Take My hand I’ll lead you out, Cause that was then…and this is now.”
As the class has progressed, we have found that different translations of Brother Lawrence's letters will change the order of the letters and offer different interpretations. Therefore, we strongly encourage all who wish to participate in this study to purchase Ron Van Huss's edition of Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection: The Practice of the Presence of God, which you can purchase here. Please contact Mtr. Liz if you need assistance obtaining a copy of the book. Below, you will find an outline of the revamped class. Please see John's letter for more information. We hope you will continue to offer thoughts, insights, and questions in the blog comments section in addition to participating in the in-person class. A Note from John: Class Outline Focus: Turning ordinary daily tasks into continuous, loving conversations with God rather than relying only on formal, scheduled prayers like the Lord’s Prayer.
Objective: study all 16 letters of Brother Lawrence in a five week period. August 6: Read letters 1-3 (we will be playing “catch up” in this week.) August 13: Read letters 4-6 August 20: Read letters 7-9 August 27: Read letters 10-13 Sept. 3: Read letters 14-16 Class Format 1. Select one or more of Brother Lawrence’s reflections from each letter that you wish to share with the class and why. 2. With which chores this week did you practice your presence with God.
The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the work, he quickly falls away. For August “Greatest Hits”, I have chosen Casting Crowns. CC was established in 1999 under the direction of Mark Hall (lead singer and primary songwriter). 13 million of their 9 albums have been sold…6 of have gone platinum. They have received 15 Dove Awards, 1 Grammy, 2 American Music Academy (AMA) and 2 Billboard Music awards for “Favorite Contemporary Inspirational Artist”. Most of the CC members of Eagle’s Landing First Baptist Church (McDonogh, GA). Mark Hall is the head Youth Minister at the same church. It bares mentioning that CC makes only rare tour performances on Saturdays or Sundays, and they make it a point to return from any performance in time to serve each and every Sunday at their Georgia place of worship. The Grace Memorial youth enjoyed Casting Crowns performing at the Lafayette Cajun Dome in April, 2017, and again at the Smoothie King Center in November, 2019. (In case you are wondering, both concerts were held on a Thursday evening!). The “YouTube intro” below gives insight to the message of “The Altar and the Door”. Cut: “The Altar and the Door” Artist: Casting Crowns CD/Album: The Altar and the Door Careless…I am reckless. I’m a wrong way travelling slowly unraveling shell of a man.
Burned out… I’m so numb now. Let the fires just an ember way down in the corner of my old cold heart. Lord this time I make it right here at the altar I lay my life. Your kingdom come, but my will was done, my heart is broken. As I cry like so many time before…but my eyes are dry before I leave the floor. Oh Lord I tried but this time Jesus how can I be sure I would not loose my follow through Between the altar and the door. Here at the altar oh my world so black and white… how could I ever falter what You’ve shown me to be right. Lord this time I’ll make it right, here at the altar I’ll lay my life. Your kingdom come, but my will was done, my heart is broken. As I cry like so many time before…but my eyes are dry before I leave the floor. Oh Lord I tried but this time Jesus how can I be sure I would not loose my follow through Between the altar and the door. I’m trying so hard to stop trying so hard. Just let You be who You are…Lord who You are in me. Jesus I’m trying so hard to stop trying so hard. Just let You be who You are…Lord who You are in me. Oh Lord I cried like so many times before…but my eyes are dry before I leave the floor. Oh Lord I tried but this time Jesus how can I be sure I would not loose my follow through Between the altar and the door. Like so many times before… but my eyes are dry before I leave the floor. Oh Lord I tried but this time Jesus how can I be sure I would not loose my follow through Between the altar and the door. …Like so many times before… |
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