Joy and Strength (Christian life and music)

Thankfully, churches are still plentiful.  If the Lord is drawing you to get to know Him, He will lead you to the best church community for you. Now maybe you think that you already "check that box," and you attend church faithfully.  And that is a good thing, depending on where you worship. Though churches are plentiful, the sad truth is that many have gone astray in their teaching and preaching.  You may find watered down messages, those that aim at making you feel good about yourself (an epidemic these days!).  It's not that God wants you to feel bad about yourself, that's not what I'm saying. It's that God's message to us is about Him, knowing Him, worshiping Him, because that's what actually transforms us.  We forget about ourselves, take our eyes off self, and focus on Him, His grace, His many attributes, His divinity. Even much of the music you may hear at any given church service is more about you than Him.  How can this be, you may wonder. Thi...

A prayer I wrote on Day 3 of my fast: O Lord, I want to be more aware of Your Presence with me. Please show up in a more tangible way, Lord Jesus,  Holy Spirit, I want to be close to You, sweet Lord.  Please be close to me. Take my thoughts, reasonings, etc., and get me to a simple place!  Simply resting in Your Presence as I go about my daily routine. I invite You, my Lord, into all of it!  Where I have kept You at arm's length, I now say I want You closer, in all of it.  Everything!  In every relationship, in my work, in my music, in how I treat You and others, O Lord, take me higher with You!  More with  You.  More aware of You! I feel I am more aware of You during this fast, but not as much as possible.  Not as "cloud 9," but a simple and pure awareness - Your love and joy and peace always around me, with me, in me. I don't know how else to pray, Lord!  But I just want more of You!  More of You, sweet Lord!  And if thi...