So i finished reading John Piper's book "The Passion of Jesus Christ" awhile back and i highly recommend it. Was a short but made a large impact and i found it really useful just reading a couple of the bits during my quiet time. He essentially gives 50 reasons why Jesus came to die. An interesting test is just to see how many you can think of, off the top of your head, and then be challenged by just how small a view we often have of why Jesus came to die. So in summary it was brilliant, challenging and refreshing.
One of my regular morning vists on the web is to the website goal.com, not always entirely accuarate but it definitely is a fun way to waste a few minutes. One thing that always interests me is their editorials, there's usually something insightful, amsuing or a mixture of the both.
So yesterday we had our second practice which went very well, (partly cause we had all the music we needed). Some songs had to be dropped but we're all really happy with the songs that replaced them and the set list is shaping up really nicely. Luckily my voice held up for the entire practice which means i have hope it won't disappear on the night. The boys have been amazing and its brilliant to see the commitment to wanting to make things sound good. I think i've damaged my diaphragm which meant i couldn't sing as much at church today :S it was definitely worth it! though i did literally collapse onto my bed when i got home! only 2 more weeks to go. Just got to get through exams now..........
Recently at church we've been quite focused on the Holy Spirit and how we need Him in our lives. It's been challenging and thought provoking and it's sparked me into wanting to write a song about the Holy Spirit. I've always believed in the Holy Spirit but it's been great to think what do i actually believe about Him and how he shapes my life. So I've attempted to delve into the Bible first to see what it says, but i've also tried looking at what songs we already have about the Holy Spirit. I was looking at my music folder today and found the old song "O God of Burning Cleansing flame" (though interestingly on the net it seems to have Thou Christ of burning cleansing flame which i think i might prefer as it's more triune) and i have to say i love some of the words and imagery it uses. The song was written by William Booth the founder of the Salvation Army.
Thou Christ of burning, cleansing flame, Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire! Thy blood bought gift today we claim, Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire! Look down and see this waiting host, Give us the promised Holy Ghost; We want another Pentecost, Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
God of Elijah, hear our cry: Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire! To make us fit to live or die, Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire! To burn up every trace of sin, To bring the light and glory in, The revolution now begin, Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
’Tis fire we want, for fire we plead, Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire! The fire will meet our every need, Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire! For strength to ever do the right, For grace to conquer in the fight, For power to walk the world in white, Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
To make our weak hearts strong and brave, Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire! To live a dying world to save, Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire! O see us on Thy altar lay Our lives, our all, this very day; To crown the offering now we pray, Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
Lines like "to burn up every trace of sin, to bring the light and glory in" & "for power to walk the world in white" really resonate with me and make me really sit and think how badly we need the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Here's what the song sounds like though it's rather white middle class Anglican!
So "JJ and the J's" have our next "gig" for a birthday party coming up and we're all massively excited! Hopefully will be having some epic songs so we're "in the studio" atm perfecting our songlist. Hopefully for those who are going you'll enjoy the fruits of our labour and definitely looking forward to the dancing that will occur! Can't wait! (though hopefully my voice won't give in randomly!)
in honour of the on going process here are 2 of my faves!
