Music is A Powerful Tool: One Thing

Hola Amigos! smile emoticon Here I am again! I just wanted to speak a little truth to you all and share a bit. As I have been raising support for my Stint to the Dominican Republic, it has definitely been a roller coaster. Some days I am super encouraged by someone blessing me, whether a gift or in prayer, and other times I find myself devastated because someone questioned my desires and calling or says "No". Oh it is so hard to hear that. I am far from being a girl who gets everything society tells me I deserve, especially without hard work, but "No" is still a hard pill to swallow. God has been working in me and tearing back these layers. Growing up with my background I have learned to put up barriers for protection, ones that hide my hurt, anxiousness, worry, and weakness. This summer, and really this past year, though a slow process God has been pulling these layers back and allowing his Love to pour in. 1 Peter 5:6-7 says, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." This summer has been a very humbling experience, but God is continuing to cover me in His love and he is the "one thing that I need". I am able to stand strong and hold on to the fact that he is Sovereign, he will reveal His plan to me in time. My part is prayer, reading His word, and listening to His voice. So as I (we) push through to that next level that God has for us, I will cast my burdens on Him because in Him will I truly find rest. 

I hope you can find encouragement in this post to keep your eyes on God and find delight in Him always!  

-SH
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Music Is A Powerful Tool: Death Has Lost Its Sting

As I have been seeking to encourage my fellow band mates in Driven Praise, God has continued to bring songs to mind and little truths to share! 

Death Has Lost Its Sting- Sojourn Records 

smile emoticonThis song has been quite comforting to me as I am continuously reminded of the worlds brokenness. News sources never shy away from all of the destruction, death, and injustices happening across the world an our country. As I have been reflecting on this it as been overwhelming that so much evil is in the world. It seems that most are in search of there own happiness and justice in regards to the safety and well being of others. Our sins of selfishness reveal the fault of hope and goodness in the human condition. here is hope in one only, Jesus Christ, and through Him we can have peace that as this world passes on we will live in eternal Glory with God. 1 John 2:15-17 reminds us that the only thing in the world is desires of the flesh, but in Christ we can rise above this and abide with Him forever. Oh what a Glorious day that will be! So pray for the lost, that they will know God and experience true hope, love, and freedom! Love you all and I hope you enjoy it! 

Anger Eruption in 3..2...1...

Anger, can it be a good thing or is it completely bad? 

Recently I was asked this in a bible study and it got me thinking about my actions while angry and if I could say that they are good. Did I truly have a right to be angry in that moment, or was I just being a hot head. 

There are plenty of things that provokes an angry response from me lately, like stubbing my toe or spilling my food. But most recently something that has risen a lot of anger in me are the Hate Crime that claimed the life of Nine African American Believers in Charleston, SC. I was completely disgusted at the fact that someone took the lives of others just because of skin color.

Though this horrible event took place it is the response of some individuals that really raised up alarm and anger within me. 

So with all of this anger qhat will I do: write a long facebook post, retweet something, choose to repress it....? There a multitude of options...but are any of them right. Do I have the right to this anger. 

My answer is: Yes! We are a reflection of our creator, He is a Righteous God, both loving and wrathful. Romans 1: 18 says, "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth."  

This selfish act of man that was committed out of hate, it was in deed unrighteous. 

He has put our emotions with in us to bring Him Glory and satisfaction.  So we are rightfully angry to see things that do not bring Glory and diminish his name. In fact I know of one Man in the Bible who turned some tables when he saw Gods place of worship being desecrated, one Jesus Christ. 

So I am angry, now what.....my action is to First Pray. I pray for he families of those lost and my nation that is grieving. i also lift up the man who did these horrid acts because I know that he is in need of the truth of the Gospel. Then I pray for those who will live in fear because of this incident. Lastly i will take action in helping others heal from this, pointing them to the cross and revealing clarity on this! 

The world is a dark desolate place, but there is Hope in our Father! 

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever." 1 John 2:15-17

-S.H