Old meets New

The older I get the more I find myself bursting out into an old gospel hymn that we sang when I was young. The same kind of song that for years I "scorned" as backward, overly emotional, embarrassingly old-fashioned. Maybe that's what happens as you get older, but for me it's more than just aging. Some of those old hymns that are ingrained in my brain cells have some absolutely fantastic Biblical truths, some uplifting words to make me shift my eyes from self to Savior, some depth of faith in tune that springs from pain and sorrow that has driven me back to the Loving Arms of our Creator. Yes, I also enjoy some of the newest praise, contemporary, celtic and other Christian songs, too, but it always comes back to which ones speak to the amazing, unspeakable, unfathomable love of Christ for one such as me. For He is the Lord of all, including songs, and especially the Lord of the heart from which all music spews.

Great explanation of Our Government

HERE is a video well worth the time, whether or not you studied Civics and/or Government in school.

Lessons Learned

For several Sundays we were so very blessed by great messages both in Sunday School and worship, which were really centered around not being "self righteous" but always relying solely on the cross of Christ for our actions and motivations. I'd love to tell you everything I learned and was convicted about, but I doubt if anyone would read all of it. Here's the "facebook status" version :)

Am I doing works for my own sake or truly for the glory of Christ?
Test 1 - Fellowship - do I only hang out with/be friendly with/pray for/etc. only those who look, talk, think the same as me? Am I embarrassed or judgmental when others who are different enter the church, my neighborhood, etc.? See Gal. 3:27-29; Matt. 9:9-13
Test 2 - Criticism/Disagreement - How do I react when others disagree with my beliefs, my actions, my "religious activities"? Do I take it personally or just long for them to know the redeeming hope and love of the Savior? do I feel like it's an affront to me or do I simply, lovingly ache for them to know the peace and salvation that Christ alone can give and give to anyone anywhere at any time? Gal. 3:25; Matt. 9:35-38
Test 3 - Test of Omission - Do I feel guilty/less of a Christian if I fail to do a certain task, ritual, etc.? Of course we suffer in our walk and growth if we don't pray or study the Bible, but do we do it to feel better about ourselves rather than do it to learn more of Christ Himself? Gal. 6:14

Oh, the depth of self-righteousness -
but praise GOD!!
HIS love and HIS sacrifice are even deeper!!
How do I know? Just look at the cross.......