I’ve been listening to a lot of music over the past couple days while Jen is in Oregon. Not only does it make me feel better, often a particular song or piece of music will speak a little something into my heart. Sometimes, it’s Christian music, and sometimes not. With that in mind, I thought I would share a few things I’ve been listening to over the last day or two, and maybe they will speak to you, too
…in no particular order…
I found this song by accident last night, and I can’t stop listening to it.
It’s funny how every once in a while, God will lead you to something you need to hear. I have never met Carlos Whittaker, but he really seems like he’d be a great person to know. Check out his blog at:
http://www.ragamuffinsoul.com/
But that song…
“You’re the God of Second Chances, you’re the God who still romances…”
How amazing is that, really?
I think about that and I think about how many times I have been unwilling to give people second chances, or any chances for that matter. Never mind that 70 x 70 stuff. If you wronged me, you were pretty much dead to me.
I think I held onto those feelings of bitterness and unforgiveness for so long because I never really believed I was worthy of forgiveness myself. I knew in my heart I was bad, that I wouldn’t have forgiven me for anything, if that makes any sense.
Yet that’s the thing about Grace. I have done a great many things in my lifetime that I have needed to ask forgiveness for. I used to think that if anyone knew half of the things I’d done they would probably not want me anywhere near their churches. I used that as an excuse for a long time: Well, crap. I’d probably get struck by lightning if I walked into that building. People like me don’t go to church.
I felt I was a lost cause. I was right.
On my own, without the propitiation of Christ, I am a lost cause.
But He is the God of second chances.
Great Redeemer
We humbly respond
To the call of Your love
Gracious Father
Like a child we run
With our arms lifted up
So let the praises riseYou’re the God of second chances
You’re the God who still romances
We’re in awe before You now
And our hearts are bowing down
You’re the God of all the ages
Who are we that You would save us
We’re in awe before You now
And our hearts are crying outHallelujah to our God
Hallelujah to our GodRighteous Savior
By Your wounds we are healed
Your compassion draws us here
How amazing
Is the mercy of the Cross
That You would reach out for us
So let the praises riseYou rescue with unfailing love
Hallelujah to our God
–Carlos Whittaker
A Work in Progress 