Brian and Jenn Johnson: love came down

God longs to be near us. But, because of the thorns and scars in and on our hearts (our woundedness) there will be times where we will try to keep God at arm's length thinking to ourselves that He would rather be spending time with someone else. I can't tell you how many people I've met that believe that God loves us because He has to and that He actually doesn't really like us. He more or less just puts up with us (which couldn't be further from the Truth). Personally, the day someone told me that God actually really does loves me, that He actually really, really, really likes me as well and can't get enough of me and that He really, really, really, really delights in spending time with me has forever changed me (and I don't feel like I'm being overly dramatic here). I mean think about it, God gave up His one and only Son, Jesus, so that He could be near us and we could be near Him for all eternity (John 3:16). Do you really think that God would do this only to have to "put up" with us forever? Of course not! because He really, really, really does love and like us!!! This song helps to remind me that I belong to God and He loves spending time with me, period. 

Chris Tomlin: this is our God

Everyone has baggage when it comes to God which clouds the way we understand and experience Him. That's why I love this song because it paints a Scripturally accurate picture of Who God is. I can't tell you how many times I've listened to this song over and over and over again because I needed to hear over and over and over again Who God is. My baggage, the wounds of my heart, fights against believing in the goodness and love of God. One of the hardest thing for me to do (and I don't think I'm alone in this) was to just receive God's saving grace. Even after coming to faith in Jesus, I still need to make a conscious decision each and everyday to receive the grace He has for me each and everyday. I've noticed that the more I do this the clearer and more accurate my understanding and experience of God grows. Maybe you need to listen to this song over and over and over again to help remind you of Who God is. "God help us to receive more of Your grace, in Jesus Name, Amen."

Straight Gate Church Choir: Breathe

What gives you life? There are two instances in the bible where God breathes. First, in Genesis 2:7 the Father breathes into Adam the breathe of life. Secondly, in John 20:22 Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit onto His disciples. What this says to me is that God is the Creator and Giver of life, both physical and spiritual, old and new. The bible also says that when a person comes to faith in Jesus, God pours His love into them by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5), who comes to dwell within that person (1 Corinthians 6:19) and that person becomes a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). In that instant a miracle happens. I believe from that day forward as a person embraces more and more living, moving and having their being within God (Acts 17:28), Holy Spirit continually breathes new life into that person each and everyday. So, maybe the better question is: "When's the last time you felt God breathe in or on you?"

Pennies HEART

The guys at Phos Pictures never fail to move my heart towards hope. This video is especially endearing: who's heart doesn't break when they see kids in distress? I couldn't even begin to imagine what this family went through. The Scripture passage that comes to mind is "All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us" (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4 NLT). God is the great Comforter, but He also empowers His people to comfort others. I love that a community of people gathered around this family and comforted, prayed and cared for them. For me that's a clear picture of the family of God: "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:35 NIV).