Need You Now

(Reposted from theFish.com) A song by Plumb caught my attention for this week’s edition of the iPod Devotionals. Singer Tiffany Arbuckle adopted the name Plumb of her 90’s alternative rock band for her solo career.  The lyrics to “Need You Now” touched my heart. Well, everybody’s got a story to tell And everybody’s got a wound to be healed I want to believe there’s beauty here ‘Cause oh I get so tired of holding on I can’t let go, I can’t move on I want to believe there’s meaning here I am learning how important community is to make this journey with Jesus work. In my community I hear people’s stories. I learn about their wounds. I believe there is beauty there but I grieve with them through the process. The chorus reflects my response to life battles that are way beyond my pay grade. How many times have you heard me cry out “God please take this”? How many
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Blessings?

(Reposted from theFish.com) A very dear person in my life is facing a tough decision. This faithful follower prays for wisdom, guidence, assurance and peace. The result so far is confusion and doubt. When they pray to hear the voice of God they hear spiritual crickets. Nothing. The frustration is real. But should we be surprised with the process? A song by Laura Story resonated with my soul on a recent walk. The song is called “Blessings” and the words are profound. We pray for blessings We pray for peace Comfort for family, protection while we sleep We pray for healing, for prosperity There is nothing inherently wrong with praying for those things. But my attempt to maneuver God to grant my wishes is wrong. Laying out my will and praying for God’s notary seal is not what He desires. Blessings are not just receiving good things from God and that truth is beautifully captured by Story’s lyrics. ‘Cause what
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The Long Road to Forgiveness

(The current iPod Devotional from theFish.com) In recent weeks I posted a three part series at Crosswalk.com called God’s Weight Loss Plan. The plan was to shed the weight of bitterness and pain brought on by a lack of forgiveness. Nothing makes my heart ache more than seeing the damage of unforgiving hearts. I see bitterness and anger ravage relationships, marriages, church unity and the body of Christ. I have been guilty. I am guilty today. Even as I write I am trusting God for the healing and strength to forgive a hurt from years past. The iPod shuffle landed on a song by Melissa Greene today and the lyrics reminded me of how tough this forgiveness clause in our Christian contract can be to execute. The song is “The Long Road to Forgiveness”. The lyrics are written from a woman’s point of view but the pronoun is irrelevant. This is a gender neutral issue. She’s pointed fingers and stood
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