Lara Landon leads us in this week’s devotional taken from James 5:16 about healing and freedom through Christ. Scroll down to see her encouragement about walking in the light & see how you can enter to win her new CD “Overcome!’
James 5:16 “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”
We know for a fact that we have an enemy, and he wants to kill, steal and destroy us. And the best way that he does this is by keeping us in isolation, and keeping us ashamed, and keeping us from sharing what we’re dealing with to other believers who can then pray for us so that we may be healed, and it’s laid out so simply in this verse. The truth will set you free! –Lara
Want to win a copy of Lara Landon’s new album, “Overcome?” Leave us a comment about how you’ve seen this verse come alive in your life, and you’ll automatically be entered to win! Keep coming back for more opportunties to win all month!
Lara Landon leads us in this week’s devotional from Matthew 7, about the wise man who builds his house on the rock. Scroll down to see her encouragement about building a life that will stand & see how you can enter to win her new CD “Overcome!’
Matthew 7:24-27 24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
What is the rock in this story? I used to think that it meant God. That if you build your house on God that when hard times come you’ll stay standing. And that is true- God is the rock. But, if you pay attention to the wording of this it says, “Whoever hears these words of mine, and does them, will be like a wise man who builds his house on the rock.”
I’m challenging myself, and I want to challenge you to re-visit the teachings of Jesus and take them for what he’s saying to us right now in this moment. Refresh teaching about what he’s actually telling us about the values and specifics he wants us to live by, so that our life will be built on them, and we’ll have that strong foundation. -Lara
Want to win a copy of Lara Landon’s new album, “Overcome?” Leave us a comment about what scripture you’ve been reading this week, and you’ll automatically be entered to win! Keep coming back for more opportunties to win all month!
Laura Story shares another devotional with us in this week’s episode of “Wednesdays In The Word.” Watch the video below as she talks about turning our questions of “Why?” with God into “How? inspired by John 9.
I think the point of the story isn’t so much the ending, as much as it is that so often we turn to that question of “why?” and for me it’s something that I can become bitter over. But what I’m learning is that as God softens my heart he’s turning my “Why?” into “How?” And rather than saying “Why are you doing this?” I’m learning just to open my hand and say “God, how might you use this situation in order to glorify yourself all the more?” -Laura Story
What is a challenge that you have faced in your life where God used it for his glory? Post your answer in the comments section & be entered to win a copy of Laura’s new book, “What If Your Blessings Come Through Raindrops?” and a signed copy of her album “Blessings!”
Don’t forget to get your copy of Laura’s Devotional Book HERE and her hit CD “Blessings” HERE!
We have chosen the winner. Thanks everyone for your comments!
Not only is Laura Story a wonderful musician, but she is now an author. We have featured her new book “What If Your Blessings Come Through Raindrops?” several times here on FreeCCM.
Laura has recorded several devotions that can be paired with her book. She offers some great insights into God’s blessings! Watch this video and keep reading for a chance to win a copy of the book and an autographed Laura Story CD.
“This was a king that had everything in the world he could have possibly asked for…and you see even as God has blessed him so richly, his response to having all these things is that eventually these very things turned his heart away from the Lord.
Sometimes I am tempted to buy into that American dream. The big house, the picket fence, the 2.5 kids—whatever that looks like for you! And I buy into this lie that if I just had a little bit more, I would be satisfied. A lot of that I just have to lay before the Lord and realize that God is not going to give me things that I prize over Him. That is not the best thing for my soul!
Truly seek first the kingdom, and all those things will be added to us as we need them.”
What is one of the “things” that turns your heart of away from the Lord like Laura talked about with Solomon? Comment with an answer for your chance to win!
P.S. Don’t forget to get your copy of Laura’s Devotional Book HERE and her hit CD “Blessings” HERE!
Laura Story sat down with us to talk to us about the story of Abraham & Isaac from Genesis ch. 22, and explains how it has changed her view of worship. See what she had to say about what it really means to worship below.
This story has greatly affected my worship. It’s given me freedom to maybe not always be happy in worship. Sometimes worship is just about a surrendered heart. It’s about going somewhere and connecting with God even when I don’t understand the circumstances around me. But I do continue to believe that God is good, and continue to believe that he is worthy of my worship. Sometimes worship really is just trusting God when life is hard, and I think that Abraham really says it best. Sometimes worship is just saying “Here I Am.” -Laura Story
Laura leads this week’s devotional and shares all about her favorite worship Psalm. See what she has to say below about pouring our hearts out to the Lord, and trusting in what we know about him.
In the next installment of our devotional series, Laura Story talks about our questions with God and poses the idea that maybe we should change our “Why?” into “How?” Watch the video below to see what she has to say, and post your thoughts in the comments section.
Don’t forget to pick up your copy of Laura’s new album “Blessings!” You can stream the full record and download a free song right here.
As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. -John 9:1-3
“And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” – Romans 5: 3-5
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
God is love. He tells us so repeatedly in the Bible. Yet sometimes it doesn’t feel like He loves us. What if we pray for our loved ones to make it through, but they pass away before we even say goodbye? What if we pray for our children to grow up healthy but instead we watch them suffer a life-threatening illness? What if we pray for that little extra money to make ends meet, but we end up losing our home? It’s devastating when we don’t see God’s answers to our prayers. “We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near.”
What if the very thing that is best for us isn’t the same as what we’re praying for? “All the while, You hear each spoken need. You love us way too much to give us lesser things.” God is watching over always, directing every moment we experience. So if He isn’t answering our prayers how we think He should, does that mean He isn’t answering? Or could it be something else? Could it possibly be that He’s really blessing us?
“What if your blessings come through raindrops?” It’s hard to comprehend, but maybe God really is guiding us in our trials. Maybe they’re working towards something bigger. Maybe God is blessing us through the hard parts in our lives. Of course, we always wonder, can’t God find some better way to show us what He needs to? Can’t He take away the pain and give us happiness? Isn’t that what’s best for us? But through it all, “the pain reminds this heart that this is not our home”. We know our lives here on earth are only temporary and our real home is heaven. So, it’s possible that the pain has a purpose. “What if the trials of this life are your mercies in disguise?” Sometimes, we need the suffering so God can shape us into who we need to be. Someday we’ll see the purpose. Until then, remember God promises us His very best. “We doubt your goodness. We doubt your love. As if every promise from your word is not enough.” Trust, for He knows what He’s doing.
We are excited to have Laura Story as a special guest leading our devotional time over the next few weeks. Be sure to come back and watch her walk through scripture. Also, get your copy of the song on iTunes, or visit LauraStoryMusic.com to download her entire album “Blessings” now! Post your comments below and scroll down for the video and lyrics.
Lyrics:
We pray for blessings, we pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
And all the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things
CHORUS:
Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?
We pray for wisdom, Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel you near
We doubt your goodness, we doubt your love
As if each promise from Your Word is not enough
And all the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we’d have faith to believe
CHORUS
When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win, we know
That pain reminds this hearts,
That this is not, this is not our home…..
CHORUS
What if my greatest disappointments,
Or the aching of this life,
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy.
What if trials of this life,
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are your mercies in disguise?
But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” – Luke 23:40-43
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
We all have regrets in life. Whether it’s not reaching out to the stranger we passed on the street today or missing the chance to tell someone we love them, we all know what it’s like to wish we had a do-over.
Some mistakes we make are small. We forget our keys in the car. We misplace an important paper. And the consequences, though real, are small too. We have to call someone to unlock our car. We spend extra time looking.
Other mistakes we make in our lives are bigger. So big, in fact, that we can’t seem to forgive ourselves. These mistakes are the ones that cause us to lose sleep, to toss and turn, wishing we had a chance to take it all back and relive that part of our life. “I know I’d do it all different if I had the chance.” If we could change it, we wouldn’t have to live with this guilt.
Mistakes like these are what “Lucy” is about. A young couple finds themselves pregnant with a child they aren’t ready to have. They end up aborting the child but then live with the guilt and pain that comes with the choice. “I’ve gotta live with the choices I made. And I can’t live with myself today.”
Even after all we do wrong, when we become murderers, liars, and thieves, there’s still someone who forgives us when we repent. He says, “I love you, and you are mine.” Who would want to claim us, even in our weakness? Even more, who would claim our mistakes as his own, writing his name in blood over each of our sins?
“But all I got are these roses to give and they can’t help me make amends.” We can’t make up for our wrongs. We can’t give more to cover up the past. It’s only by grace that we are forgiven, only by God that we are made new. We can help the hurt by mending relationships broken by sin and fixing some of the damages, but we can’t undo it. We need a savior. Thankfully, we have one.
He is Jesus. He loves us and died for us, and because of him we are washed clean. He’s there for us always, no matter what mistakes are in our past. And while we still have to deal with the consequences of our choices, we also know that when we repent, we receive forgiveness. If Jesus has forgiven us, then shouldn’t we learn to forgive ourselves? It doesn’t mean that we are okay with the sin, just that we learn to let go and not let it rule our lives. If we’re so stuck beating ourselves up over the past, how productive are we being in the present? It’s time to make a choice and start over again. Every day is a new opportunity. Don’t waste yours today.
Check out the album here. Don’t forget to scroll down for the video and lyrics. Leave your comments below!
Lyrics:
Hey Lucy, I remember your name
I left a dozen roses on your grave today
I’m in the grass on my knees, wipe the leaves away
I just came to talk for a while
I got some things I need to say
Chorus:
Now that it’s over
I just wanna hold her
I’d give up all the world to see that little piece of
heaven looking back at me
Now that it’s over
I just wanna hold her
I’ve gotta live with the choices I made
And I can’t live with myself today
Hey Lucy, I remembered your birthday
They said it’d bring some closure to say your name
I know I’d do it all different if I had the chance
But all I got are these roses to give
And they can’t help me make amends
Chorus
Here we are
Now you’re in my arms
I never wanted anything so bad
Here we are
For a brand new start
Living the life that we could’ve had
Me and Lucy walking hand in hand
Me and Lucy never wanna end
Just another moment in your eyes
I’ll see you in another life
In heaven where we never say goodbye
Here we are, now you’re in my arms
Here we are for a brand new start
Got to live with the choices I’ve made
And I can’t live with myself today
Me and Lucy walking hand in hand
Me and Lucy never wanna end
Got to live with the choices I’ve made
And I can’t live with myself today
Hey Lucy, I remember your name
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
We live like life is a competition. We’ve heard over and over how we have to “keep up with the Joneses”, buying that Mercedes-Benz, 3D TV, Blu-Ray player, and 3000 square foot house. We need the new iPad the day it comes out, the latest video game so we can master it before our friends, and an account on the hottest social networking site. All of these things we think we need but for what?
Life really isn’t a competition. “You said life cannot be measured by the place you live, the car you drive.” It’s not a race to see who can cross the finish line first. What do we have in this world at the end? It’s not a game to determine who can end up with the most expensive goods. After all, besides the temporary pleasure we receive from owning them, what do they really give us? At the end of our lives, are these the things we will prize most?
What really matters, as Jesus tells us, is our heart. It’s about how we love. “The thing that counts the day you die is who you are and what’s inside.” Many times we buy things to make up for our own inadequacies. We aren’t turning to God for fulfillment, so we turn to cheap, material imitations to satisfy us for a few days. We don’t think we’re good enough as we are, so we want that luxury car to give us the status and image we crave. Basically, it all adds up to one thing: when we put our faith in material things, it’s because we have forgotten where our hope is.
Sadly, when we do this we not only hurt ourselves but we also lead others astray. Have you ever had that really devout Christian friend who was obsessed with technology and made you feel like it was not only okay but encouraged for you to focus your attention on the same? Or the self-sacrificing volunteer friend who was always dressed in the latest fashions, convincing you that your fashion sense was more important than your prayer life? It’s easy to be distracted, but Jesus reminds us to live a different way.
“Live with no excuses, love with no regrets…Make this world a better place.” We are supposed to give without restraint. This means our material goods, our love, our personality, and ourselves. This is the way we’re called to live and this is the way that will ultimately lead to the greatest joy. Nothing we have is truly ours, it’s God’s! So let us give abundantly. If we live in this way, then at the end “when it’s finally time to say goodbye, there’s nothin’ to prove, nothin’ to lose, nothin’ to hide.”
Click here for the album. Scroll down for the video, lyrics, and comments!
Lyrics:
You taught me how to ride a bike / Tie my shoes and fly a kite / How to swim and how to fish / To see a star and make a wish / Said it’s ok to make mistakes / Just don’t get stuck in yesterday / Forgive, forget and move ahead / ‘Cause life is what you’re livin’ in / Now you’re gone and all I have / Are memories I hold dear / But if I’m quiet I hear your voice / Still ringin’ in my ears // CHORUS: Sayin’ live with no excuses / Love with no regrets / Laugh a lot and leave this life / With nothing left unsaid / Make this world a better place / Don’t be afraid to cry / When it’s finally time to say goodbye / There’s nothin’ to prove, nothin’ to lose, nothin’ to hide // You said life cannot be measured by / The place you live, the car you drive / The thing that counts the day you die / Is who you are and what’s inside / So tell the truth, don’t ever lie / Integrity at any price / Your word’s your bond, your highest prize / So guard it closely with your life / So many things I learned from you / ‘Bout life and love and play / But I learned more by how you lived / Than what I heard you say // CHORUS // I only want to live my life half as well as you / to leave behind what I’ve received / Is all I want to do / So I live with no excuses / And I love with no regrets / I laugh a lot and I leave this life / With nothing left unsaid / Make this world a better place / Don’t be afraid to cry / When it’s finally time to say goodbye / There’s nothin’ to prove, nothin’ to lose, nothin’ to hide
