I Have No Gift To Bring

I seem to be drawn to songs about simple, personal, heartfelt gifts this Christmas. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ on Friday, I offer a selection that takes me back to my childhood.

"The Little Drummer Boy" was always a favorite of my Mom and my Grandmother, not because they had a deep love for the melody or the lyrics - but because there was something special about that little boy, their little boy, playing his drum. For many years, from the age of 9 or 10 until my teens, I took out my snare drum and played along with this classic carol. Like many tweens and teen-agers, I remember trying so hard to be cool that I couldn't possibly have heard the message, but obviously some of it stayed with me.

"I have no gift to bring, thats fit to give a King - Shall I play for you, on my drum? - I played my drum for Him, I played my best for Him. Then He smiled at me, me and my drum." What a powerful gift, taking your talent and sharing it with others. The love you pour into performing is readily seen and felt by others. Shepherds and wise men came to see Him and bring Him gifts, yet it wasn't gold that made Him smile - it was the boy and his drum playing. I'd say that gift was fit to give a King, wouldn't you?

Merry Christmas and Peace, Mark

What Can I Give Him ?

As the weather's turned colder the past few days, I've been reminiscing about winters past. One of the most memorable was 1978/79, when we had 20+ days of sub-zero temperatures and the most snow on record! I'm pretty sure we sang this weeks SOTW each and every Sunday that winter....

Despite the constant trip to frigid times, In the Bleak Midwinter has become one of my favorite Christmas carols. I selected an updated version by Paul Colman Trio from a compilation CD - City on a Hill, It's Christmas Time. I like its simple message: Give Him what you can, your heart will more than suffice.

Such a Tiny Offering

Why does it feel like the Christmas season has really snuck up on me? With just over two weeks before the "big day", my holiday preparations are way behind schedule. This week I chose a song by MercyMe because it really got me moving toward the celebration of Jesus' birth. "God With Us" reminded me that Emmanuel was coming. The season of preparing and rejoicing - Advent and Christmas - were here.

The lines near the end of the song kept going through my mind - "Such a tiny offering, compared to Calvary.....For you alone be glorified. Emmanuel, God with us!" I thought of the poor widow who gave two coins - a pittance, compared to what others offered - yet it was considered the greatest gift because it was all she had. Its not always the size of the present, but the depth of love that goes into it.

As we make our offerings to family and friends this Christmas, lets try to be more personal and less materialistic. And let's remember our "tiny gifts", glorifying the Christ Child - true offerings of ourselves.

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! In celebration of the holiday, I chose a song by 33 Miles called - of all things -"Thank You" - oddly appropriate, I gathered.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to select these songs, to choose the artwork and to write these weekly commentaries - moreover, I'm especially thankful for all of you, who follow along, send comments and enjoy my "hobby."

As we celebrate with family and friends, I offer a few of my favorite Thanksgiving quotes:

"Thanksgiving is nothing if not a glad and reverent lifting of the heart to God in honor and praise for His goodness." -Robert Casper Lintner

"Nothing purchased can come close to the renewed sense of gratitude for having family and friends." -Courtland Milloy

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." -John Fitzgerald Kennedy

"If you want to turn your life around, try thankfulness. It will change your life mightily." -Gerald Good

I wish you relaxation, laughter, good food and safe travels. Peace, Mark

That's Perfect

The opening lines of this weeks song just blow me away. "and if I had to tell you the truth... ...I feel like less than I was meant to be." I've certainly been there before. "What Life Would Be Like" by Big Daddy Weave is Mike Weaver's brutally honest self-assesment. Its also his message of comfort - we all struggle with the sense that we need to measure up to God's perfection. In truth we do well by opening our hearts to His spirit, not by trying to "get it right".

The words to this song strike me on so many levels. Fixing myself to become a different, "better off" person. How many times do our New Years Resolutions or Lenten promises follow this formula? Its about taking God in, not doing things better. "It's when I'm at my weakest I can truly see." When I drop all the obstacles: clutter and noise; emotion, vanity and pride; then I am left with what is real. By lowering my guard, I allow genuine insight. "What if we let Jesus live through you and me?" His power is limitless, his healing all encompassing. Wouldn't that provide the passion and the meaning that we've been yearning for?

I identify with virtually every premise and each pitfall in this song. Its not the pursuit of perfection, its accepting, embracing and following. Smack me in the head with the obvious, I need it sometimes.

Do Something

Faith without works is dead... This weeks selection "Follow You" by Leeland (with special guest Brandon Heath) is a call to action. Inspired by a Bono speech - "God is with the poor and the needy and if we want to be with God, we need to folllow him to the poor..."

As we continue to struggle with our own shrinking economics its important to note that God is with the weary and weak, in the homes that are broken, where his love and assurances are deeply needed. No doubt we may be scared and uncomfortable, but we are called to be the hands and feet of God. To follow him into the world. To be with God and to work with him.

Sometimes Its What We Don't Get

How many times have we been disappointed because we didn't get something that we thought would make our life better? A promotion, a new house, a different job, the perfect car, a promising business opportunity - familiar ground for each of us.

This week I came accross a unique blend of traditional and modern music - "It Is Well" by Kutless - the Title track from their new CD. The original Hymn, written in the 1870's, shares a message that holds true today. Regardless of what happens around me - it is well with my soul - God loves me and I am alright. The author, Horatio Spafford, had experienced several faith-challenging events which inspired the song. (Story here) A lesser person may have simply tuned away from God.

When a few things didn't go quite the way I'd hoped for, this song helped me see that life is still unfolding as God has planned. Those "missed opportunities" often turn into tremendous blessings. My faith remains - It is well....

Time Flies When You're Having Fun

A year ago I posted my very first Song Of The Week. Looking back, I recall how nervous I was - this was quite a stretch for me - putting my personal thoughts and choices out there for anyone to see. That first post had no pictures or artwork, no links to bands or scripture verses, just a few words and a very fickle music player. I signed of with: "I am undeniably, outside of my comfort zone here - but am choosing to listen to the voice of Truth telling me that this is for God's glory...."

I considered several different songs and types of songs for this "anniversary" posting. For a couple of weeks now I was pretty sure that I was going with this selection. While reflecting on my experiences this year and thinking about how much this blog (and the blogger) has grown, the choice became clearer. And when I re-read that very first entry I knew without a doubt that I had the right song.

To mark the first year of SOTW, I chose "To God Alone" by Aaron Shust - the 2007 Dove Award winner for Song of the Year and New Artist of the Year. His song is a humble reminder that the smiles and tears, comfort and inspiration, enjoyment and learning that may have come out of the SOTW were not my doing. My thoughts and these great songs were presented in the hope of sharing God's strength and mercy.

Thank you all for taking this journey with me. Your support, comments and feedback have been amazing, please keep them coming. Its been a great ride, so far. I'll keep trying to be who He wants me to be and keep posting these songs for His glory....

Peace, Mark

It's Your Life

In my life I've made some great choices and I've made some awful ones. Haven't we all? This week I selected "Its Your Life" by Francesca Battistelli if for no other reason than its just so fun to say her name. Her song pointed out the power of the simple everyday choices we make - how they become who and what we are.

Too often I make choices because I'm tired or annoyed; sometimes because of who's watching or listening; others come straight from the heart. Its Your Life reminds me that I have control - I make the choices that impact the quality of my life. I have the opportunity to be who I always said I'd be. Every day, I have the option to be an example for goodness. I really like that notion.

The Future Is Now

You know, when I lose 20 pounds my life is going to be great.... We're going to get along so much better once this work project is finished.... I can't wait to get a new car, then people will really see that I'm a "success"... I'm going to be a much better person - tomorrow, next week, next month...

We've all said or thought some variation of these promises. I, for one, am certainly well versed at living in the future. Maybe its just procrastination, but sometimes my life seems to be "on hold" - a step or two away from real meaning. Do you know the feeling?

The song I picked this week, "This Is Home" by Switchfoot helped me see that the future is now. The lyrics suggest that the song is about progress and being changed. Somehow, in the midst of hearing about searching and questioning, I was struck by the message of living in the present.

"I've got my eyes open wide, its not over yet...We are miracles and we're not alone... yeah, this is home...." For me it was saying - keep looking for more, don't go back to your old, less enlightened ways, but don't wait in limbo for "home". This is Home, here and now. Be happy where you are today AND where you want to be tomorrow.

Trying Too Hard

Ok... so the third time's a charm, right ? (Its either that or three strikes and you're out.) The song of the week was ever-so-slightly challenging this time around. Ultimately, I picked one that just wouldn't go away - "By Your Side" from Tenth Avenue North. (While you're checking out their website: watch Mike Donehey's video of the story behind this song; download By Your Side for free; get a coupon for $3 off the purchase of their CD "Over and Underneath". Any of which is well worth the visit)

I had some issues with gettting my blog together this week. My first idea, a great and somewhat lesser-known song, after much preparation, simply took up too much space for my music player. Next idea. Another solid pick, fit nicely on the player but I really struggled with my commentary - the message was too far removed from my actual experiences. Save it for later. Through all of this, By Your Side kept popping up. In the end I chose it because it pointed me in a good direction. I was trying so hard to "get it right" that I nearly missed a great song.

How many times did I feel like my mistakes - my sins - made it impossible for God to forgive me. I needed to do a few things "right" and then I could legitimately seek His healing love. The song reminds us that God is there for us wherever we are, that we don't need to do something good first - he accepts us however, whenever and wherever we come to him. To me that's very comforting and always worth a gentle reminder.... Hope this song brings you peace.

Its The Insides That Count

The other day my oldest daughter officially became a teenager. Even before she turned 13, her interests began to move more and more toward fashion, make up and jewelry. This week, as gently nudged by her birthday, I chose "More Beautiful You" by Jonny Diaz.

(For you sports fans - Jonny's brother Matt is the left fielder for the Atlanta Braves and Jonny, like all 3 of his older brothers, went to Florida State on a baseball scholarship)

As a father of two daughters, I like the way he reminds young girls that they are beautiful no matter what they look like on the outside. Being skinny or made-up or wearing the latest fashions doesn't make them more attractive. Fulfilling their unique purpose - being true to themselves, is where their real beauty comes from. (scripture reference) He goes on to assure them that someone will love them as the jewel they are. What a great message for all women.

I think there's something for us men here, too. Do we try to keep a certain body image or wear the right clothes? How 'bout the hoops we jump through as our hairlines start receding? Substance over style is important to men and women alike. As men, its also our responsibility to help our daughters and our partners realize that they are accepted, attractive and loved exactly the way God made them. What could be more beautiful ?

That's What Friends Are For

Ever have trouble sleeping because you were concerned about somebody? Whether it was your child struggling through adolesence; your best friend who lost their job; your parent battling injury - we've all had those nights. This week's song, "The Words I Would Say" by Sidewalk Prophets, is a great example of how we can overcome challenges like these.

Inspired by 1 John 4:18, the song helps us work through many situations in life. Doesn't it also pose the unspoken suggestion that these might be the words our heavenly Father would say to us? So whether we're reaching out or searching inward, this SOTW offers encouragement and support.

These are still tough times for most of us. I like the message: don't be afraid; care for each other and share God's love. Lets remember to drop a card to someone who could use a smile, send an e-mail to that person you've been worrying about. Go see your family and show them how important they are in your life. Put a little note of encouragement in your child's lunch box or school planner. Don't know how to start? - "The Words I Would Say" offers some great suggestions: Never give up hope. You're going to do great things. Take time to pray. Remember why you're here. Be strong in your faith.... Who wouldn't be uplifted by these messages AND by the simple act of kindness??

What Do I Know ?

When I first heard this song, I was struck by its honesty. The direct admission of missed opprtunities, failures and short-comings. Addison Road's "What Do I Know Of Holy" is the last track on their 2008,self-titled CD and is a clear message of humility.

How true are the opening lines for all of us... how many heavenly promises have we made in search of comfort or gain; asked for His words of direction but then made so much "noise" in our daily lives that we couldn't hear them?? The power of this song is that it speaks to most all of us. What do we really know of Holy? Isn't your answer - not nearly as much as I'd like to.

The lyrics remind me of the classic maturing adage: The more I know, the more I realize how much I have yet to learn... "I thought I had you figured out...Then I caught a glimpse of who you might be..." The song questions our often superficial understanding of God. Knowing bible verses and stories doesn't make us better Christians. Its when we get into the thick of being with God that we learn about being Holy.

I think the message here is to be humble, to be honest, but mostly just to Be. To be with God in prayer and meditation; in thought and conversation. To be with God in our actions and in our reactions. This is where we'll start to know Him and to understand Holiness.

WWJT (What Would Jesus Tweet)

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right? Well, this piece is borrowed, almost in its entirety, from WrigleyPreacher, aka my Uncle Steve. He recently shared some observations about Jesus that I found timely and interesting.

Last week, Susan Hogan posed the question: What would Jesus' Twitter account say? (My variation: What Would Jesus Tweet? - Tweets are the 140 character answers that Twitter users publish in reply to the question: What Are You Doing?)

Among the responses were several by Randy Schatz, whose "tweets" offer a great summation of the Gospel. Here are some of my favorites:

"No time to tweet 2nite! Got a dinner date with some prostitutes, then to a movie with a gay freind. Peace! JC"

"Meeting some dancers @ Ihop after they get off work. Like 3AM. Join us?"

"Can you take the 3AM Ihop? I gotta stay up with a teen cutter in the psyc ward...step dad was messing with her. I sit with him in court 2morrow. JC."

"@LarryKing & @Pope want to interview me. Maybee tomorrow, kinda busy 2day."

"On my way to Starbucks 2 meet college freshman started class yesterday...and found out she is pregnant...deciding what to choose."

"Just passed churchy protesters with signs that say "God Hates Fags!". WTF?!?"

"Court is done. Heading 2 homeless shelter 2 start dinner. MEATLOAF =) Swing in if U R free. JC"

"Rejoycing with an industrial strength sinner who finally gave me a call. I had been hoping to hear from him soon. JC"

Thanks Steve. The ideas inspired my SOTW... Its one of my all-time favorites - "My Jesus" by Todd Agnew. Not the most upbeat song ever, but so very powerful and thought-provoking. I love the part about being accepted in my church - great lyrics. A strong description about who Jesus truly is. Enjoy!

PS - Feel free to add your Jesus Tweets in the comments...

On Your Mark... Get Set...

Let's Go!

This week, I chose "City On Our Knees" the title track from Toby Mac's newest CD, set to release next February. The song focuses on the love that we see when people from all walks of life - the sinners and the saints - are unified.

Toby asks a couple of great questions, rhetorical or otherwise. Why not here? Why not now? In the moment when we put our differences aside and let love fall down on us, we'll become a beautiful family. (see his explanation of the song) Love will bridge all of the gaps between us, if we just allow it to.

There is hope through the fog of our daily lives. We can achieve peace, love and harmony. All we have to do is start joining together, despite - or maybe because of - our diverse experiences. Love is ready to fall down over all of us. It's gotta start somewhere, sometime. Why not here and now? I'm ready....are you?

To Do List

Well, its taken me a couple of extra days to post this week's choice. Mostly because I was looking for the right message. I finally selected "God Of This City" from Chris Tomlin's latest CD called Hello Love. The song was originally written and recorded by the Irish Christian Group - Bluetree. I really wanted an upbeat song this week - probably because its what I needed.

Greater things are yet to come and greater things are still to be done. There's hope and assurance that our situations will get better, followed with a call for involvement. For me, a great combination for positive energy. The future looks promising and God is counting on ME (and you, too) to carry out His plan.

The song assures us that God is hope, light and peace; strength, love and joy. With His support we can overcome our fears and weaknesses to do the good that lies within us and ahead of us. My "To Do" list includes some great things that I don't even know about. But, I will move forward in confidence that I can do whatever He calls me to.

The Power of Prayer

This week's song isn't very contemporary, in fact it's pretty old fashioned, even frumpy. Sorry, but its the one I've felt most of the week. "Surely The Presence" (by Lanny Wolfe) is one of the rare songs that gives me joy, goosebumps, tear-filled eyes and the very real feeling that I am in the presence of God and Angels.

It came to me this week after learning about a prayer service for a woman in my church - my former wife (and mother of my children), Sandy. She's battling a second round with breast cancer, but this time tumors are in her brain and several organs. On Saturday morning we'll be praying in support of her, asking for God to provide strength and healing.

This song has a powerful meditative effect, setting the stage for inspiration. It's a perfect prelude to prayer. Maybe this one will make its way into your personal preparation for prayer. No doubt I'll be singing it (in my head at least) throughout the morning.

From 9:30 to 10:30 we'll be praying together in Sylvania. I know that many others will join in from wherever they are: California and Florida; Illinois, Michigan, Iowa and Wisconsin; in Canada and Chile; Virginia and Washington; and all over Ohio. If you're able, please join us, too.

The presence of the Lord will surely be with us. Angels will add to the chorus of prayers. And Sandy will feel God's power and grace offering her healing, strength, love and support. Thank you and Peace, Mark

Let it Rain

Very early last Friday morning the tour bus for Mercy Me was involved in an accident. A car turned left directly into their path. Two teen-aged passengers and the pregnant driver's unborn child died at the scene. The 18 year old driver died a few days later. No one on the bus was seriously injured. (full story) The news is gut-wrenching.

How do you reconcile these events? One of the greatest Christian goups of all times is involved in a horrific situation like this. Lives are taken way too soon, innocence is lost. Families, communities, band members, witnesses, police & rescue squads will be changed forever. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the folks devastated by the accident, but I think especially about the bus driver - clearly not at fault - yet the images and the questions must be almost too much to bear.

And then I read what the members of Mercy Me wrote about the experience: "Every night on stage when we introduce our song, “Bring the Rain”, we talk about God being in control. If we believe what we say, then we must continue to look at how He will get the glory through this, and bring healing to so many."

So this week "Bring The Rain" is my song of the week - in support of continued healing for this tragedy and in handling the difficulties that we all face in our lives. God is much greater than our pain.

Father, into thy hands.....

One of the bits of trivia tucked away in my memory is a poem from my high school English class -
"No matter how much I poke and prod;
I can not quite believe in God.
But, oh, dear God I pray that He
Unswervingly believes in me!"

To me, these lines sum up our habit of taking God for granted. As we encounter fears and illnesses; pain and uncertainty; death and anxiety; we can pray endlessly. Yet when our lives are moving along smoothly, its much easier to overlook God's power and grace.

This week, I've faced some personal struggles, I've learned some difficult news and (as you might guess) I've been much more prayerful than usual. The song of the week gave me comfort - not only for the situations, but also for the guilt of my selfishness. "In The Hands of God" by Newsboys reminded me that when I struggle and fall, God's loving hands offer rest, power and freedom.

In the days, weeks and months ahead, I will strive to keep a better balance in my prayer life. I hold to His ability to deliver us from the trials of life, to make us well and to give us hope. God Bless.

Can I Borrow Those?

Wouldn't it be great if we could see people - all people - through Jesus' eyes? How much difference would it make for us to offer compassion and love as Jesus did? Imagine how full our hearts would feel and how uplifted others spirits might be....that's a pretty powerful image, isn't it?

My song selection this week is "Give Me Your Eyes" by Brandon Heath. I picked another of Brandon's songs a month or two ago, both are from his 2008 CD - What If We. Give Me Your Eyes is enjoying some commercial success - in fact its winning airplay and fan support on mainstream radio, at least in San Diego. (Click to see and vote!) I like this song because it asks for the power to be more loving, caring, compassionate and aware by seeing with Jesus' eyes.

I know that I often overlook people all around me, I don't really see them at all. Could they use a smile or a kind greeting, maybe a bit of understanding or respect - come on, who couldn't?!!? If I wore my "Jesus Glasses" with any regularity, I'm confident that I'd improve the life of someone hurting or tired or under-appreciated. Imagine the effect of ALL of us looking at the world this way ....

Who Are We Fooling ?

Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.... Nobody's perfect... We all fall short... All great sayings to help us cope with our own faults. My personal pursuit of imperfection is summed up by Paul: "For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice." (Romans 7:19)

None of us need to work on our impatience or selfishness; we don't struggle with our generosity - these traits come to us naturally. As we experience kindness and love, it becomes easier - even desirable - to turn these into more giving, positive behaviors.

My song this week is "Perfect People" by Natalie Grant from her 2008 CD, Relentless. It reminds us that only God is perfect - perfect in his love for us. We may try to hide our short-comings from the world, but eventually the truth of our lives will come out.

God loves us and accepts us, just as we are, broken and scarred; wherever we are and wherever we've been. He'll take us dirty and flawed and turn us into people of true beauty. Kinda perfect, huh?

Good Ole Boys

What could two brothers, Bear and Bo, from Possum Kingdom, SC possibly know about big-time music?!?? Apparently quite a bit. The songwriters from Needtobreathe really hit a home run with me. (and not just because they're preacher's kids, too!) My pick this week is from their soon to be released CD called The Outsiders. "Lay 'em Down" has a great Southern feel to it.

The song has a nice message of hope and healing. All of us fall short, regardless of our "position" in society. When we carry our burdens and failings to Christ, he will bring us peace. (Psalm 55:22) & (Psalm 9:9-10). Isn't it nice to know that we have a safe place to release our troubles?

Enjoy the rest of your week. Peace, Mark

Magnification

One of my favorite quotes is from Henry Ford, who said: "If you think you can do a thing or can not do a thing, you' re right." I like his insight into the power that our minds and attitudes play in our successes. What we focus on, or magnify, becomes our reality.

My song this week is from Phillips, Craig and Dean, who have been performing together for many years. Interestingly, all three of the musicians are also pastors of churches in 3 separate cities. "Revelation Song", originally by Gateway Worship, led by Kari Jobe, is the first release from P,C&D's CD Fearless, scheduled for release in August. Proving my scriptural genius - "Revelation Song" gets its basis from, of all places, Revelation !!

I listened to an interview with the band about this song and was impressed with their comments about magnifying our problems and our fears or magnifying our savior. Our thoughts and perceptions become our reality- whether that reality is fear or triumph; darkness or hope. Jesus gives us the strength, power, conviction and ability to overcome any obstacle, why wouldn't we focus on him?

This is one of those songs that sticks in my mind. I find myself humming and singing it all day long. In these fearful times, I'm glad to have something so uplifting to fill my thoughts.

Don't Worry.....

I don't know about you, but I'm getting really tired of all the worrying. Job security, foreclosure, cost of living, the recession ......BLAH, BLAH, BLAH - enough already.

A good friend of mine is a huge fan of the Bible verses that this weeks song is based on. (Matthew 6: 25-27) Whenever a conversation turns to stress or worry, Tom is quick to remind us that "God takes care of the birds, so worrying isn't helping, just have faith that things will be ok." He's also one of the hardest working people I know, so he isn't saying to sit by and wait for God to provide. Just that worrying is a waste of time and energy. It keeps us from doing other more productive things.

My selection, Selah's version of the gospel/spiritual classic "His Eye is on the Sparrow" from their 1999 CD Be Still My Soul. It helped me put worry aside this week, so that I could focus on getting things done. Worry is a de-motivator, keeping us captive and in perpetual limbo. Letting that go frees us up to take action or to truly relax.

This 4th of July weekend, I wish you all great celebrations, safe travel and lots of worry-free time. Peace, Mark