Caught

About two months after Amelia was born, I wrote this song to try and capture the love that I felt for this tiny baby girl who had come into our world and changed everything. I know what you are thinking, I get nervous too when someone post a video of a song they wrote. I think parents will appreciate it and the chances are pretty good that U2 will hear it and put it on their next cd. I heard Bono reads my blog on a regular basis.

For our friend, Julie

''This morning Julie sees Jesus face to face. Although heavy-hearted, we gratefully acknowledge that by the grace and goodness of God she is healed, whole and worshipping her Savior! Please see the note posted at 1 Thess 5:11. We will update soon with details about Julie's celebration service.''

Julie Mangrem is a beautiful soul. She left a legacy for her family, and I think most importantly for her daughter, Addi, here on earth. Julie was Mark's helpmate in life and ministry and words cannot express my gratitude to our Father for the impact they have had in mine and Shannon's lives. Specifically for us it was during our college years(a very critical time spiritually for everyone) that we were the closest. We worshipped, laughed and cried with Mark and Julie as they opened their home and hearts to us. Shannon often finds encouragement and power in notes and memories from the girls Bible study Julie lead. Julie's work with the young women in her life is something that will have an impact for generations to come. 

She was bold, compassionate, witty and her infectious smile always made me feel like she knew something I didn't! She is a passionate worshipper. We will miss her for now, but rejoice with her soon. Below is the song that inspired the Unshakable God blog, and it is a reminder that though we are shaken, we serve an Eternal, Unshakable God.
 

Our world is fallen, sin has hidden
the Love we're meant to know
My heart was broken, lost and lonely,
afraid of the unknown
Until i cried out, i cried out to You

Unshakable God, when everything is gone
You are the One who remains

Unshakable God, when everything is gone

You are the One who remains

Steadfast, Holy, Mighty

Mighty to save!

You took the shame, You took the pain

You bore our sin that day

And Jesus, Light of my salvation

You take the fear away

When i cry out, i cry out to you

Unshakable God, when everything is gone

You are the One who remains

Unshakable God, when everything is gone

You are the One who remains

Steadfast, Holy, Mighty

Mighty to save!

Already, the comments on the facebook page set up as a way for friends and family to stay connected with the Mangrems and pray with them on the this journey is filled with wonderful words of praise that are directed at Julie and clearly reflect our Savior, Jesus Christ. Read them here and check back often. There will be many, many more.

The Worst Type of Christian

Believe me, I understand the weight that a statement like this carries. I understand that it is not my place to define The Worst Type of Christian. I came across a blog while searching for Louie Giglio's talk on Laminin some time ago and was reminded of it last night as my brother and I discussed Holiness, The Gospel and what we perceive to be a lack of concern, effort or understanding of Christ's expectation of us in the American Church.

Since we have these promises(6:14-18) dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates the body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. - 2 Corinthians 7:1

Is this calling(and countless others throughout scripture) to live lives that are noticeably different from those of non-Christians reserved for pastors alone? Church Leadership? What contaminates the body and spirit? Where is the line? Is there a list? Who sets the bar? If you think these questions are out of line, or choose to ignore them because something y0u enjoy doing might be on "the list", let me encourage you to read on with an open mind and spirit.

The wife and I had a great time at the concert last night. We saw Chris
Tomlin and Matt Redman, two popular Christian singers along with Louie Giglio who gave a short sermon midway through the concert.The Concert was unbelievable and lasted over 3 hours. After a life in which I have seen everyone from Bruce Springsteen to Elton John to Def Lepard in concert, this was
my first ever Christian concert. It was probably the best concert I have ever
seen in person.The speaker, Louie Giglio, was also mind-blowing. His talk
centered on our place in the universe and just how small we are in the grand
scheme of things.
I am a Christian but the worst type. I don't go to church nearly enough, I barely read my Bible, I pray only when I need something and I do not go out of my way to tell anyone about my Christian beliefs.

He goes on to share that he was blown away by Louie Giglio's explanation of Laminin. The bold line stood out to me because unfortunately, it sounded familiar. How many days of our life are we anything but what he describes as 'the worst kind of Christian?' There is no mention of movie ratings, alcohol, language, sex, idols or the many addictions and afflictions that typically make "the list". How does he describe himself, the worst type of Christian? Allow me to translate:

He lacks fellowship with other believers, he neglects God's Holy Word and in the last line he confesses the sins of prayerlessness and indifference.

WOW! This week, I will unpack each of those on this blog. I hope you will come back and join in the discussion!