Dixie's Lines

When I first started working for the bank (back in my branch days) we had an old lady named Dixie who would come in EVERYDAY needing help balancing her checkbook.  She was the sweetest thing, but between her strong perfume and lack of checkbook understanding I found myself sometimes wishing for a way of escape when I'd see her coming.

One day I got stuck helping Dixie and as I once again tried to explain her register to her I noticed she was wearing what looked like a name tag, but instead of her name it just had some random lines.  It obviously wasn't Chinese, but I had no idea what it was supposed to be so I asked her, "What does your pin say?"  Her mysterious response was not what I expected.  She replied with something like, "I would love to show you.  Some people can see and some just never will."  At that point I took the challenge, completely forgot about the checkbook, and just stared at the pin. 

All of the sudden it appeared to me and all I could do was laugh.  I grabbed a notepad and scribbled down the lines so I could have a copy for myself.  We had a great conversation after that and even though she still drove me crazy at times, I'll never forget Dixie.

Far From Home Again

One of my favorite, if not my favorite all time Christian bands is Far From Home (FFH).  I enjoy much of their music, but it’s their lyrics that truly get me.  For some reason I just connect with some of their songs on another level.  They’re probably the only band that has ever brought me to tears on multiple occasions.  We even used one of their songs in our wedding ceremony.  I have a special place in my heart for FFH.  I haven’t been very caught up on the music scene (Christian or secular) in a long time, but I did notice that several years ago FFH vanished.  I knew they were weren’t doing music anymore, but that was about it.  

To my surprise a couple of weeks ago I was driving across town and who came on the radio?  FFH.  I didn’t even know they were back to making music and here was there new song “Undone” now blasting on my radio.  The song has a current trend feel, but it was still true to the FFH I’ve always loved and the lyrics aren’t the typical veiled shallow nonsense lyrics that permeate Christian music.  

"It’s true what they say, love must be blind.  It’s why You’re still standing by this sinner’s side.  You’re still by my side when all the things I’ve done have left you bleeding."

I’m not sure how they made truth like that into catchy lyrics, but they have.  The chorus also speaks to me and my macho tendencies:

"Come undone, surrender is stronger.  I don’t need to be the hero tonight.  We all want love, we all want honor [but] nobody wants to pay the asking price." 

I’m incline to think I must always be in a similar place in as Jeremy the bands co-founder and lead singer/song writer.  This song is exactly what I needed right now.  I need to completely submit to the Lord make sure they see Jesus, the real hero, through me.  I need to continually surrender to His leadership and lead my family through His strength, not mine.

If you haven’t heard it, check out "Undone" here.  It’s good to have you back FFH. 

Missed Church

I missed church today.  Our little daughter has been running a fever the last couple of days and we didn't want to expose the other kids to her.   My wife teaches the 2 year old's durring the second service and I wasn't running the media today so by default I was the one to stay home.  It was really weird missing church while being at home.  We do miss church from time to time, but usually when we're out of town somewhere. 

It might not have been so bad, but last night my wife pointed out that this is the first weak she's ever been at church 8 days in a row.  We were at church last She had VBS all week, a gathering on Saturday and then church again today.  

I like my job and enjoy what I do, but I look forward to someday when I can spend more time in active ministry and more time involved at and in the church.  Until then, I'm proud of you honey.  Way to represent!   : ]

#1 - A Mighty Fortress

A church I once worked at had a little hanging board with a single hymnal page for A Mighty fortress lacquered to the board. The board was made to look rustic and the edges of the page were even burned to look old and valuable.  Since no one really claimed the little plaque I put it on the wall in my office.  When the time came to leave the church, the plaque came with me.  It still hangs on the wall in my room.

My favorite rendition of this Hymn is sung by Steve Green.  Below is a video of one of his versions.  It's kind of old and not as good as the version he sang at Promise Keepers in 1996, but he still does a great job.  If you haven’t heard it before, turn the volume up and I’d recommend sitting down.  My knees get week every time he gets to the key change at the fourth verse... 

A mighty fortress is our God,
A bulwark never failing.
Our helper He amid the flood
Of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
Doth seek to work us woe.
His craft and power are great,
And, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide,
Our striving would be losing,
Were not the right man on our side,
The man of God's own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is He.
Lord Sabboth, his name,
From age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled,
Should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed
His truth to triumph through us.
The Prince of Darkness grim,
We tremble not for him.
His rage we can endure,
For lo, his doom is sure.
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers
Not thanks to them, abideth.
The Spirit and the gifts are ours
Through him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go,
This mortal life also.
The body they may kill,
God's truth abideth still.
His kingdom is forever...

#2 - In Christ Alone

I have to give credit to my buddy Walter for introducing me to this one long before it became so popular.  Stuart Townend is a great modern Hymn writer and with In Christ Alone, I think he really nailed it.  It is such a beautiful hymn even in its musical simplicity, but it is the lyrics that really drive the song.  The hymn tells the Christian story so well.  Progressing from life’s first breath to Our redemption through our risen Lord, In Christ Alone covers it all.   

In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
this Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone! who took on flesh
Fulness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones he came to save:
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied -
For every sin on Him was laid;
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave he rose again!
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine -
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.

#3- I’ll Fly Away

One of my favorite church memories involves this song.  I was worship leader at a previous church and early one Sunday morning while the worship team and I were practicing for the service, we began to plan I’ll Fly Away.  I should add that I do this song fast and very joyfully and upbeat.  Anyway, we started the song and in the back of the still mostly empty sanctuary was Bob.  Bob was one of our elders.  An older gentleman who had a pretty laid back and slightly stoic demeanor.  As we began to rock the hymn some movement caught my eye.  As I looked up from my music stand there was Bob doing some sort of a skip hop dance thing across the back of the sanctuary directly in front of us.  He was right in time with the beat and apparently just couldn’t help himself.  If I remember right we were all so caught off guard and laughing so hard that we couldn’t keep singing or playing and the song crashed.  I already loved the song, but I’ll never forget that morning when we thought Bob might actually “fly away!”

Verse 1:
Some glad morning when this life is o'er, I'll fly away;
To a home on God's celestial shore,
I'll fly away.


Chorus:
I'll fly away, oh glory, I'll fly away;
when I die, hallelujah, by and by,
I'll fly away.


Verse 2:
When the shadows of this life have grown, I'll fly away;
Like a bird from prison bars has flown,
I'll fly away.


Chorus


Verse 3:
Just a few more weary days and then, I'll fly away;
to a land where joys shall never end, I'll fly away.


Chorus

#4 - He Lives

I already warned you of my love for Easter songs, you had to know I would have more than one on the list.  So much wonderful celebration in one song…  What more can I say? 

I serve a risen Saviour, He's in the world today;
I know that He is living, Whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him, He's always near.

Chorus:
He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and He talks with me along life's narrow way.
He lives, He live, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives:
He lives within my heart.

In all the world around me I see His loving care,
And tho my heart grows weary I never will despair;
I know that He is leading Thro' all the stormy blast,
The day of His appearing will come at last.

Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, Lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King!
The hope of all who seek Him, the help of all who find,
None other is so loving, so good and kind.

#5 - It is Well With My Soul

I already posted on this song on DoF so I won’t add much, but I can’t not say at least something. This hymn is such a great example for me. I can only hope that (with the Holy Spirit’s help) I could keep my focus and faith on God during life's trials even half as well as Horatio. 

 When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Refrain:
It is well with my soul,
it is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
let this blest assurance control,
that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
and hath shed his own blood for my soul.
(Refrain)

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
(Refrain)

And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
the clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
the trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
even so, it is well with my soul.
(Refrain)

#6 - Come Thou Fount

This one has only recently climbed into my top ten. The song is simple and even brief by hymn standards, but the picture of God seeking me out and rescuing me from despair touches me in a way that only my fellow redeemed can ever hope to understand. 

Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
Sung by flaming tongues above
Praise the mount, I'm fixed upon it,
Mount of Thy redeeming love

Verse 2:
Here I raise mine Ebenezer,
Hither by Thy help I’m come
And I hope by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God
He to rescue me from danger,
Interposed His precious blood

Verse 3:
Oh to grace how great a debtor,
Daily I'm constrained to be
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee
Prone to wander, Lord I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love
Here's my heart, Oh take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above

#7 - Old Rugged Cross

If you don’t already know I love the Easter season. In the past when I’ve lead worship at previous churches the congregation knew they’d be singing Easter songs year round. I’m eternally grateful for the work Christ did on the cross and I actually feel kind of bad that my beloved Old Rugged Cross only ended up as #7.

1. On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, the emblem of suffering and shame; 

and I love that old cross where the dearest and best for a world of lost sinners was slain. 

Refrain: 

So I'll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at last I lay down; 

I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it some day for a crown. 

2. O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world, has a wondrous attraction for me; 

for the dear Lamb of God left his glory above to bear it to dark Calvary. (Refrain)

3. In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine, a wondrous beauty I see, 

for 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died, to pardon and sanctify me. (Refrain) 

4. To that old rugged cross I will ever be true, its shame and reproach gladly bear;

then he'll call me some day to my home far away, where his glory forever I'll share. (Refrain)

#8 - Victory in Jesus

I remember singing this song as a child in church and I always found the melody catchy and uplifting. I’m pretty sure my mom even had the lyrics posted on the front of the fridge for a long time, but I think it was after I moved out. Either way I would have still spent a fair amount of time at my parents fridge so maybe that has something to do with why I like the song so much.

I heard an old, old story, How a Savior came from glory, 

How He gave His life on Calvary To save a wretch like me; 

I heard about His groaning, Of His precious blood's atoning, 

Then I repented of my sins And won the victory. 

Chorus 

O victory in Jesus, My Savior, forever. 

He sought me and bought me With His redeeming blood;

He loved me ere I knew Him And all my love is due Him, 

He plunged me to victory, Beneath the cleansing flood. 

I heard about His healing, Of His cleansing pow'r revealing. 

How He made the lame to walk again And caused the blind to see; 

And then I cried, "Dear Jesus, Come and heal my broken spirit," 

And somehow Jesus came and bro't To me the victory. 

 

I heard about a mansion He has built for me in glory. 

And I heard about the streets of gold Beyond the crystal sea; 

About the angels singing, And the old redemption story, 

And some sweet day I'll sing up there The song of victory. 

#9 - Holy, Holy, Holy

This Hymn has been one of my favorites for a long time, but it has become more treasured as of late. My young son learned the song in his Sunday school class a few months ago and he still sings it all the time. He sings it so often that his little sister now even sings it all the time, well, as best she can at least.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! 

Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee. 

Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty, 

God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee, 

casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea; 

cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee, 

which wert, and art, and evermore shalt be.

Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee, 

though the eye of sinful man thy glory may not see, 

only thou art holy; there is none beside thee, 

perfect in power, in love and purity.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! 

All thy works shall praise thy name, in earth and sky and sea. 

Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty, 

God in three persons, blessed Trinity.

#10 - Blessed Assurance

I tried to force a Christmas hymn into the top 10 but since I can’t justify calling Carol of the Bells a hymn, I regret to share that no Christmas hymns made the list, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear was there briefly, but when I remembered Blessed Assurance It dropped to #11.

The church I went to as a boy had/has a big beautiful black grand piano. I can still hear Cindy, the pianist, banging away on the ivory keys with all her tiny might to the tune of Blessed Assurance. I can still hear the beautiful harmony of the worship team the over the resonating sound of Dave singing bass. Add in the chorus of 300 voices from the congregation and that is still my ideal standard for worship. I know I enjoyed the song at the time, but I don’t think I really realized how lucky I was to grow up with such great Praise and Worship most of the time. Did I mention how wonderful the piano sounded?

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! 

O what a foretaste of glory divine! 

Heir of salvation, purchase of God, 

born of his Spirit, washed in his blood. 

Refrain: 

This is my story, this is my song, 

praising my Savior all the day long; 

this is my story, this is my song, 

praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight, 

visions of rapture now burst on my sight; 

angels descending bring from above 

echoes of mercy, whispers of love. (Refrain)

Perfect submission, all is at rest; 

I in my Savior am happy and blest, 

watching and waiting, looking above, 

filled with his goodness, lost in his love. (Refrain)

Red Letters

I typically favor black letter edition Bibles, but I've always loved this song.  I still find the lyrics powerful and inspirational.  

There is life in the red letters.  There is life in Jesus Christ!