It's One of Those Days I Need This Reminder

ALL YOU'LL EVER NEED

by Andrew Peterson

The blood of Jesus, it is like the widow's oil:

It's enough to pay the price to set you free.
It can fill up every jar and every heart that ever beat.
When it's all you have it's all you'll ever need.
When it's all you have it's all you'll ever need.

The blood of Jesus, it is like the leper's river
Running humble with a power you cannot see.
Seven times go under, let the water wash you clean.
Only go down to the Jordan and believe.

Only go down in the Jordan and believe.

And I need it, I need it.
The closer that I grow,
The more I come to know how much I need it.

The blood of Jesus it is like Elijah's fire,
Falling on the alter of your faith.
All the wisdom of the world could never conjure up a spark,

But no power of Hell could ever quench this flame.

No power of Hell could ever touch this flame.

And I need it, I need it.
The closer that I grow,
The more I come to know how much I need it.

And I need it, I need it.
The closer that I grow, 
The more I come to know how much I need the blood of Jesus.

The blood of Jesus, it is like the widow's oil:
When it's all you have it's all you'll ever need.
It is all you'll ever need.

Psalm 119:11 - Music and Memory

I have hidden your word in my heart

that I might not sin against you.

I want my children to know and love God's word: to get to know and love God, to know how He loves them, to know how to please Him, to learn to choose wisdom over foolishness, to be changed by the life-giving words.

I don't want them to think that knowing the Bible is about making sure you know more than others, quoting lots of Bible verses to impress people, or simply a way to find out how to live a "good" life.

I want the Word to be their food, for man does not live by bread alone. (Deuteronomy 8:3)

The truth is, however, that I don't always turn to God's Word or obey it.  (Can I get an 'Amen!' on this point, or am I the only one?!)  I might be more grown up and further along, but we're learning together and any exposure we can have is worth it!  (As long as we're not pressuring with guilt and condemnation.)  I've come to find it delightful to memorize verses with the kids and see how God draws those things into our daily life.  The Holy Spirit is always with His children, ready to spur us on, comfort us, guide us.

One way that we have "accidentally" memorized many verses is with music.  My friend, Meda, recommended Steve Green's Hide 'Em In Your Heart cds several years back.  Many a time, I (yes me, not my kids!) have been gently reminded to "Do everything without complaining, do everything without arguing!" when God brings to mind that light-hearted song in times of grumbling.  Thanks, Meda!

Recently, my friend, Sarah, sent us the Seeds Family Worship: Encouragement cd which is in the same vein as the Steve Green discs.  We love it!  Now you may find one of us wandering around the house singing, "Take heart, take heart, I have overcome, overcome the world!  Take heart, take heart!"  We'll be getting more from the series for sure.  These songs all include the Scripture reference, so not only are we getting the verse, but where it came from.  Let me also add that these are good for kids for all ages, where Green's are more geared toward a child crowd.  Thanks, Sarah!

This morning Brian was singing Philippians 4:8.  Even as young as two, our children can be hiding the word in their hearts.  Their heads may have no idea what's being sung or quoted, but the good Lord will not let his word return to Him empty! (Isaiah 55:11)

I grew up in a home where we listened to lots of kids Bible music.  I've been thankful to have that as part of my legacy; you don't forget the songs of your youth (whether it's "I've Got the Joy, Joy, Joy" or "Ice, Ice Baby" - just sayin'.)  Thanks, Mommy and Papa!

How do you hide God's word in your hearts at your house?

Advent Enrichment

Boy, oh, boy!  Today is the beginning of Advent.


I already subjected you to a book recommendation for this season.  Now for a music recommendation:

Andrew Peterson's

Behold the Lamb of God

There's never been an album like it, and I wonder if there ever will be.  Peterson follows the story of redemption from Genesis to Revelation, including a fun song called Matthew's Begats.

You can purchase it here - in fact, it's a 10th anniversary 2-disc edition with a live and studio recording of the album.  Bonus!

Happy Listening!

May you be filled with expectation and hope as you prepare your heart for Christmas.

Moved by a Children's Book

This morning I read Beethoven Lives Upstairs to Elizabeth. It's historical fiction about the time during which Beethoven wrote his 9th Symphony, told through letters between a young boy, named Christoph, and his uncle. Christoph's young widowed mother rents the second floor of their home to Beethoven himself.

Through his letters, the uncle encourages Christoph to be empathetic toward the very noisy and moody deaf man of a difficult history, who often wakes his family with his excessive pounding. The end is so touching I had to swallow back tears to not cry like a baby over the last two pages!

We listened to the finale (all I had available on cd) after finishing the story. I cannot imagine what it must have been like to be in that hall in Vienna in 1824, to listen to such beautiful music, written by a man who did not even know that the audience was on their feet applauding his work, because he could not hear them.

Remarkable

And it sure choked me up today.

Music Suggestion #3

Genre change, here!

JOHN REUBEN

This fellow is a hip-hop, rapper type of singer-songwriter. His lyrics are thought provoking and offer interesting social commentary; the music is up-beat and fun. I've not gotten his last two albums, mostly because I'm really good at getting behind in the music scene! This post has got me motivated to pick up those albums asap.

I like running to his music, keeps my mind busy and my heart pumping. And, by the way, if you click on the name of the artist in my "Music Suggestion" posts, you'll be directed to their sites.

Music Suggestion #2

Trying to post a picture with suggestion #1 didn't work out. So I guess these will be photoless posts. Sorry! Darn copyrights ... don't they know I could potentially be selling more of their music. Oh well. (I'm not actually upset about it and respect the rules.)

A-hem. Moving right along to #2!

ANDREW PETERSON

I sincerely hope some of you are already familiar with his music. Over the years it has been a pleasure to hear Andrew grow in his faith, as expressed through his music. Each successive album has greater depth and ministers even more to my spirit.

My two favorite albums:

1. Resurrection Letters, Vol II: I've talked about a song from this album here at Life in the Valley before. Other favorites are Hosea and All Things New.

1. Behold the Lamb of God: This album sweeps through the Biblical narrative from Genesis to Revelation. There's even a song of the genealogy in Matthew! I'd never experienced an album like this before. Technically it's a Christmas album, but I listen to it year round!

I look forward to purchasing his latest, Counting Stars, soon!

Maybe you will too.

Music Suggestion #1

I wanted to share some musicians or groups that I enjoy. This will be a series, so I don't bombard you all at once. The list will come in no specific order and all are Christian.

I listen to a lot of Christian music; it helps me stay focused on things that are good, noble, trustworthy, praiseworthy, excellent, etc. (Philippians 4:8) I love to wake up in the morning humming a soul-nourshing tune - even if I only remember one line! I believe feeding our minds with good music is one way the Spirit can speak to us in quiet whispers, as a tune comes to mind at a random time during the day.

Without further ado ... here's #1!

INDELIBLE GRACE

Their purpose:

Our hope is to help the church recover the tradition of putting old hymns to new music for each generation, and to enrich our worship with a huge view of God and His indelible grace.

You can read more in the "about" section on the website.

The theology woven into old hymns of the church - many I never would have heard, but for Indelible Grace - is rich and powerful. Music (while I'm not much of a musician) has always spoken to me, being one of the easiest ways for me to remember important truths or memorize scripture. May you too be blessed by the words of the saints gone before us, set to beautiful contemporary music.

BONUS: If you live in the Pittsburgh area. Matthew Smith and Indelible Grace will be performing at Murrysville Community Church on Friday, October 15 at 6pm. Tickets are $9.

Backpack, Backpack!

Brian's been exposing his musical talent as of late.

Andrew Peterson: always a good decision

If you're not familiar with Andrew Peterson, he's a Christian singer/song writer who has quite a way with words and music. His lyrics often express things my heart and mouth would never be able to convey without sounding like a bumbling idiot. I appreciate his dedication to knowing Scripture, knowing man, knowing God (as much as He can be known!), knowing life, and not being afraid to say it like it is, with great hope. In addition, he's got a fabulous sense of humor, as demonstrated by some of his lighter songs. Matthew's Begats is a good example.

Unfortunately, the law of the land prevents me from uploading a bunch of songs here. But I did want to put on the lyrics to one of his latest, 'Hosanna'. (Does the law prevent us doing that to?) If anything, perhaps you'll be intrigued enough to purchase the CD Resurrection Letters Volume II. Without further ado, the lyrics:

I am tangled up in contradiction.
I am strangled by my own two hands.
I am hunted by the hounds of addiction.
Hosanna!*
I have lied to everyone who trusts me.
I have tried to fall when I could stand.
I have only loved the ones who loves me.
Hosanna!
O Hosanna!

See the long awaited king
come to set his people free.
We cry O Hosanna!
Come and tear the temple down.
Raise it up on holy ground.
Hosanna!

I have struggled to remove this raiment,
tried to hide every shimmering strand.
I contend with these ghosts and these hosts of bright angels.
Hosanna!
I have cursed the man that you have made me,
as I have nursed the beast that bays for my blood.
Oh, I have run from the one who would save me.
Save me, Hosanna!
O Hosanna!

See the long awaited king,
come to set his people free.
We cry O Hosanna!
Come and tear the temple down.
Raise it up on holy ground.
Hosanna!

You have crushed beneath your heel the vile serpent.
You have carried to the grave the black stain.
You have torn apart the temple’s holy curtain.
You have beaten Death at Death’s own game.
Hosanna!
O Hosanna!

Hail the long awaited king,
come to set his people free.
We cry O Hosanna!
Won’t you tear this temple down,
raise it up on holy ground.
O Hosanna!
I will lift my voice and sing:
you have come and washed me clean.
Hosanna.

*Hosanna means "Save now!" or "Save, pray!" And it's what the people cried out to Jesus as he was entering Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. See Matthew 21. And Hallelujah! When people cry out to God to save, He does. He has, and He does.