Steady On

This is one of those songs that has managed to stay relevant for me through many different stages of life. Perhaps it is just the nature of the flesh to continually lose focus and think that our main purpose is lived out in the here and now. It's a subtle form of losing faith: not the clenched fist "Why God?" moment that looks good in a movie of doubt and loss, but rather a wearing away of the desire to seek true life beyond what is right in front of us.

Because this is a topic lived out in so many Christians lives, not a few songs have been written about this; I wasn't charting new territory here. But one thing I did want to express when talking about my own struggles is my realization that while focusing on the "stuff" around me can be a huge distraction, so can a legalistic ignoring of that same "stuff". My contention that it isn't how we view this world that is the problem, but rather how we view our faith. Throughout the ages people have tried to reach God through self-denial and separateness just as much as others have tried to attain happiness through hedonism and the accumulation of earthly treasures. But neither of these attempts is at all what the Christian life is about. The Apostle Paul talks about being content in situations where he has much or little in Philippians 4:12-13 (ESV): "I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me".

The key is his perspective is on eternal things: on Christ Jesus. Having need isn't a barrier to his faith, nor is having abundance. Self-denial and asceticism aren't a superior way to God, but I think that's sometimes the way we react when we see we've been caught up in the "stuff" around us.

The answer, as it always is, is Jesus. It is he who strengthens us and he who gives us real purpose. All the self-denial we can stand, or all the hedonism we can attain, will amount to nothing if Christ is not our focus. We must remember that this world around us and all of its pleasures are not our home. God gives us many blessings and we should not feel guilty for that (we must not fall into the trap of believing that the physical world is evil, as an heresy taught), but nor should we allow any created thing to take our eyes away from Jesus.

I've heard the quote before that we can become "So heavenly minded that we are no earthly good", but I think that statement is just false. Jesus said in Mathew 6:33 (ESV) to " . . . seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you". Everything we do MUST be in light of eternity and our understanding of who Jesus is and what he has done for us. I think that this should reveal itself in a form of discontentment with this world, that we ought never be too comfortable with this world, because ultimately it is not our home. That doesn't mean rejecting the things in it that are good, but rather remembering that where we are going will be better in every way. Our identity is formed in Christ and his kingdom, not what we build for ourselves in this dim and broken version of Creation.

I've been thinking about all the blessings that I have
And the time that I've been playing with my toys
I wonder should I ignore the pleasure I receive
Or maybe you intend these things to bring me joy

But there's a point that I can miss so easily
So father help me look into eternity

So I cry "Lord make me holy"
Help me rise, above these things that hold me
As I walk on this earth, ever toward your throne
Help me walk like a man not yet home"


There are times when I find I have somehow slipped away
From the way I know I should be loving you
I often blame what I have, this world, or even you
But it all comes down to my own point of view

I live so often day to day on grace
When I need to look beyond this world to the glory of your face

So I cry "Lord make me holy"
Help me rise, above these things that hold me
As I walk on this earth, ever toward your throne
Help me walk like a man not yet home"

And they say the point of the journey is not the end where we arrive
That may be true but on my way it's where I'll keep my eyes

So I cry "Lord make me holy"
Help me rise, above these things that hold me
As I walk on this earth, ever toward your throne
Help me walk like a man not yet home"

This song was written with a specific person in mind, but I think many can relate. The very first singer for Steady On was a recent High School graduate and she was chomping at the bit to see and do absolutely everything. I sensed a lot of frustration in her trying to calm down and take the Lord's lead as he provided it for her, so I wrote this song. It turns out that "Steady On" was one of the "Too Much, Too Fast" things she was trying, so the prophetic ending to the song is she ended up stepping back from the band (allow Glenna to take her place, one of the singers on the first CD who I think we can agree did a fantastic job!)

But "Hold Me Down" was not a song written only about someone else. As a very passionate and driven person, I can relate. We can get VERY impatient when we feel like we have a specific mission that God has equipped us for, and yet no place to use it. It can feel frustrating, unfair, and just plain confusing. But I remember a quote someone once said (I want to say it was Rich Mullins, but I don't want to misattribute if I'm wrong): "It's better to be loved by God than used by God". This is not to say we shouldn't be ready to step up and serve, but we can get so focused on the "mission" we forget the relationship. There were a LOT of people in scripture that were used to great ends, but never had a loving relationship with God (Judas is the most stark example). We don't want to fall into this trap.

For me, it's something I have ask God to do- to hold me back and don't let me try to run ahead on my own. I do not want to be like Abraham who took matters into his own hands, trying to ensure God's promise of descendants beyond measure. The results of that act of faithlessness were not good, even though he had good intentions.

Yes, it can be dark and frustrating, but I think the key is to focus on God and realize that all of this world will one day pass away, but our relationship with him is forever. His plan is safe, and we will play whatever part in it his grace allows. But to be loved by God is already more than enough, and if our service to him is for a season or a lifetime to known him deeper and deeper, that's no small thing. Whatever his call on our lives for whatever period of time, I pray that we can be prepared to "wait" when he says wait and go when he says "go".


And yes, I will point out the last Steady On CD came out in 2004. This new CD has been marinating for quite a while, but I do believe it's coming in God's perfect timing!

I'm living with a vision
And a passion deep inside
I have no doubt you've given me
This desire for my life

But sometimes I get nervous
And I think that somethings wrong
Perhaps I missed a word from you
Because this wait is much too long

I look around this place I'm in
And see nothing left to do
How will I ever finish this
If I never move

It's hard not to feel broken
And forget the truth I know
That you are ever here with me
And won't leave me alone

When I want to run ahead
Lord hold me down and help me understand
My dreams are not on hold
You have them safely in your perfect plan
One day I'll see beyond this simple
View of life I have right now
When I'm impatient and needing you
To come and hold me down

It's getting harder every day
To walk at this slow place
It's easy to question the path I'm on
And the difference I can make

But however I am feeling
You have a plan for me
So help me walk with you in faith
And take the steps I see

When I want to run ahead
Lord hold me down and help me understand
My dreams are not on hold
You have them safely in your perfect plan
One day I'll see beyond this simple
View of life I have right now
When I'm impatient and needing you
To come and hold me down

My hope is not in what this world will bring
There's a greater life beyond what I can see
Yet I know my passions are not mistakes
You have a time and place for everything

When I want to run ahead
Lord hold me down and help me understand
My dreams are not on hold
You have them safely in your perfect plan
One day I'll see beyond this simple
View of life I have right now
When I'm impatient and needing you
To come and hold me down

I've been known to introduce this song simply as how "God chases use while we chase everything else". That's probably as succinct an explanation as I can give!

Reading through Ecclesiastes is an excellent chance to focus on just how empty the promises of this world are, yet surely I am not alone when I find myself trying to find significance in things other that God. That "under the sun" attitude that in many ways defines the spirit of the age leads us away from God, so how wonderful is it that for those who have been transformed by the power of his grace, we cannot outrun God or pursue anything in this world to a greater degree than he pursues us?

Every day is a battle against the flesh, but for the redeemed, we belong to God completely and he will never let us go. If we could truely grasp that truth, maybe we wouldn't feel the need to seek after the joys of this world.

If my life were a story, how would it read?
Would it tell of my love for you or speak of only me?
Would the author have mercy or illuminate my deeds?
If the truth were told then everyone would see

That I've chased this world more than I have chased the truth
And how I don't deserve to be found in you

And the love of the Father pursues me forever
Faith in my Savior keeps me strong
And the light of the Spirit is guiding my way
And it goes on, it goes on

Searching for significance in every single little thing
That I can find underneath the sun
Always almost satisfied, one more thing I need to find
But still, the search goes on

When will I live out your sufficiency?
Because you have given me everything I need

And the love of the Father pursues me forever
Faith in my Savior keeps me strong
And the light of the Spirit is guiding my way
And it goes on, it goes on

Though certainly not the oldest song on the first “Steady On” CD, “Made To Honor You” was the first one written specifically for the band. At the time, I think we envisioned a more acoustic focus to the sound with few electric guitars and a lot of percussion. While my writing style has certainly morphed a little more toward rock songs lately (and actually, and electric guitar did make the final mix of this song), I enjoy the aggressive-but-light sound of at the core of “Made To Honor You”. When Lance mixed the drums for this I remember him calling it our “tribal” song because of the thumping djembe.

As to the lyrics, more than any song I’ve ever written “Made To Honor You” captures my perspective on worship: that worship is a response. When we enter into worship of God, whether it is corporate or individual, music or preaching (or other), what we are doing is responding to God for who he is in our lives and what he’s done in and for us.

Those of you who know my Calvinistic leanings might detect there is a dual meaning to the statement “Made To Honor You”. That is, we were “made” in the sense of being CREATED to worship (see the Westminster Shorter Catechism statement that the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever), but also that we were “made” in the sense of being compelled. Because God brought me from death to life, how can I do anything but responded with thanksgiving and praise? Worship is part of my new identity in Christ and it is evidence of a regenerate heart.

As I wrote in my blog entry for the song “Strange Fire”, we need to be careful about our motives. Worship that is about meeting our desires and needs is not worship, but worship that is a genuine heartfelt response to God is true and good. Some go as far as to say that all worship songs must be about God and not mention anything of us, but I believe looking at ourselves and the mighty work God has done is a key component to bringing him glory. God is not alone in the universe, and the works he has done in our lives are a part of the glorious song that exalts him.

Finally, true worship is, I think, not a matter of what we say or sing, but a totality of who we are. We worship with our hands and service. We worship when we give and when we show compassion. Corporate worship may be a scheduled time on Sunday mornings, but worship is a lifestyle that should encompasses every part of those who claim Jesus as Lord and Savior.

I hope this song is an encouragement to you and represents the cry of your heart. We worship because it is what we have been created to do AND because the mighty work of God in us compels us. Can I get an “Amen”?

Let the inhibitions of my spirit fall
That every move I make may honor You
Open up my soul and take everything inside
That You may have the glory You are due
Arrest the sin that is within me
Not overlooked but overcome forevermore
For You have made my spirit worth enough to sing Your praise
So I can do that thing I was made for

I will give you all I have and walk within Your steps
So take this praise from me and let it honor You
I will praise Your majesty with everything in my life
Thanking Your for who You are and who I am
Knowing I've been made to honor You

There's not a thing that I could ever offer
Worth enough for one so great as You
You have made the heavens and the stars up in the sky
I cannot fathom all the things You do
You have reached inside of my soul
An unwelcome heart that needed to be free
You took me in Your arms and You made me clean again
You touched the place that I was most in need

I will give you all I have and walk within Your steps
So take this praise from me and let it honor You
I will praise Your majesty with everything in my life
Thanking Your for who You are and who I am
Knowing I've been made to honor You

My lips are not alone in their praise
My hands and my whole heart are yours to use
I'm a servant to you Lord and give You everything I am
So every moment I may worship You

I will give you all I have and walk within Your steps
So take this praise from me and let it honor You
I will praise Your majesty with everything in my life
Thanking Your for who You are and who I am
Knowing I've been made to honor You

Note: This entry is adapted from a post I wrote for the blog "A Cry For Justice".

I have always been impressed by folks who have every reason to say goodbye to Jesus, and yet remain in the faith. That is, people bitten by the church and the modern day Pharisees who have misrepresented God to them. And yet they still believe in Jesus and continue to search for truth within the context of faith. After years of following a faith only to be let down, who sticks around? And why?

Isn’t it natural to blame God? Isn’t it natural to turn against Jesus and believe that the Holy Spirit has no real power? Some do — some are hurt by believers or the church and jump ship. The honest truth is I personally came pretty close myself, but when I really just wanted to turn away, God wouldn’t let me. He held on with a gentle but firm hand and showed me that there was no real life apart from him, and I believed.

This is the focus of the song "A Matter of Grace", relevant in my life now more than ever. It’s a song about the perseverance of Christians to remain in the faith where God has called them and the grace that enables them to do this. This song contains real life stories of people I’ve met who’ve shown that kind of perseverance.

The first verse of this song is about a preacher in a small church who preached faithfully to scripture. Some folks didn’t like his ways and that they couldn’t control him, and these folks were the ones with all of the money. They stopped giving to force him out, but he believed he was called to be at that church so he did NOT step down. No, instead he took out another job and kept on preaching. And the majority of the church (the ones with little money) were glad for it. That story has always encouraged me because this isn’t a preacher out there to sell books or be famous- he wants to change lives by any means possible.

The woman in this song is one of my oldest friends. Her family gave lip service to religion, but really didn’t know much about the things of God. Her father committed suicide and her mother became so depressed she went to live with relatives. In the church where she got saved she was constantly bombarded with young men wanting more from her than a young lady ought to be giving outside of marriage. Over and over again she saw people used and misrepresent faith, and I would be lying if I said that didn’t affect her, but in the end I can tell you she is a lovely, brilliant and godly woman who met and married a wonderful man of God. Together they have lived out the Gospel before the world together and I am proud to still be her friend. I saw the deck stacked against her, and yet her life is a testimony to the grace of God that called and kept her.

The last story in this song is a familiar one — it’s of our Savior enduring beyond all that he should so that we could have that grace. Every person who stays in the faith when they “should” have left is here because Jesus bore the price. I know it is true in my own life as well as many of yours. I hope you can enjoy this song and that many of you can add your own verses that end in a praise of God’s grace.

He was just the pastor of a small country church
Happy where he was though some would question why
I remember every Sunday and the sermons he gave
Those word of wisdom he spoke into my life

Reminded me that faith is not about bondage
And what it truly means for a man to be free
I guess his congregation didn’t see it his way
They told him he was wrong and they asked him to leave

And I know he could have walked away
Still he stood there in his place
I asked what was it that made him stay
He smiled at me and said, “It’s just a matter of grace”

She was just a woman from a broken family
Filled with religion and hypocrisy
Every day I wonder that she’s still with the Lord
After all those lies of what a person should be

She has every reason to walk away
Still she stands there in her place
I asked what is it that makes her stay
She smiled at me and said, “It’s just a matter of grace”

And all the times I’ve wondered how God’s people can carry on
I’ve seen it’s only a Father’s grace that keeps his people strong

He was just a man in prayer one night
The weight of the world resting on his spine
He asked if there was any other way it could be
And kneeling in the garden the Savior cried

He had every reason to walk away
Still he stood there in my place
I know if I asked him why he stayed
He’d smile at me and say, “It’s just a matter of grace”

Who doesn't find it difficult to wake up when it's raining outside? It can be so peaceful just to sit and listen to the rain pitter-patter on the roof and windows. People say it's the rhythm that does it- that just lulls us back to sleep. Perhaps that is true for most people, but not for me.

In my case, I LOVE to just sit and enjoy the solitude whenever it is storming outside- not just raining, but the worse it gets, the more peaceful I am (to a point). Why? Because there's just something amazing about sitting a few feet from a raging storm, watching it thrash, and feeling the stillness in the air, the comfortable temperature, and all the comforts of a safe place. I never appreciate my home until its protection is being fully realized by sheltering me from the very real storms of life. When it's sunny and shiny out- well, the inside just doesn't seem all that grand, does it?

And this, I believe, is the picture of the Christian life. God does not remove the storms (or at least, not always), but he DOES provide security (sometimes in the eternal sense) in the midst of them. In the words of Spafford : "Whatever my lot, thou has taught me to know, it is well, it is well with my soul". Would we ever really know peace as distinct from the blessings of this world if it were not for God's protective hand on us when things really get out of hand?

I don't have all of the answers for why tragedies and terrible things happen, but I do know that God is working all things to good for me; and while his peace is always with me, it is most realized in the midst of the storms.

Sitting by this window
Watching the rain outside
A sudden peace, grips my heart
Though storms control the night

And I am grateful in this solitude
Thankful for where I am
Here in this place that shelters me
Greater for the storm that it withstands

And the only way I know your peace
Is the storm that is around me
And the stillness you have made
And the only way I know your love
Is the void that is around me
And the fullness you have made

Feeling these tears running down my face
Heart broken in need of comfort
I can't understand these fears around me
And the reasons that I am so hurt

You never said life would be easy
Now that I walk with you
But now you surround me with all that you are
My heart and spirit forged anew

And the only way I know your peace
Is the storm that is around me
And the stillness you have made
And the only way I know your love
Is the void that is around me
And the fullness you have made

The lights flash and flicker
As the storm crashes these walls
And the whole shakes with the sound of thunder
But stands through it all

And the only way I know your peace
Is the storm that is around me
And the stillness you have made
And the only way I know your love
Is the void that is around me
And the fullness you have made
And the only way I know your hope
Is the storm that is around me
And the stillness you will make
And the only way I know your grace
Is the sin that is within me
And the way I have been saved

Sitting by this window
Watching the rain outside

Hallmark Christianity- it's everywhere from billboards, mailers, Christian music, to the pews (or chairs!) on Sunday morning. If you would ask an outside observer to describe what Christianity looks like based on the images we project, I suspect the answer would be quite saccharine- shiny happy people doing shiny happy things. And heaven forbid that anyone would have a tough time of it.

And we go through great lengths to project this image- not just outward but inward. I think a lot of what goes on in the name of encouragement is us working out the great questions of faith for ourselves. Everything needs to be explainable and everything needs to have an answer. So when there is some kind of struggle- we have to speak some kind of truth into the lives of those who are struggling so we are certain everything makes sense.

The result is that we feel out of line when we have a sadface. There has to be some REASON doesn't there that life isn't going perfectly, doesn't there? That we don't have perfect happiness, because of course Jesus is in our hearts, right? And when someone else is going through the muck, it's hard not to be the voice of explanation- to tell them how to make sense of things, as if bringing understanding would lessen the pain.

But is explanation the answer the Bible gives for pain? Does Jesus spend a great deal of time telling us the remedies for all of life's pain or why bad things happen? In fact, the question of why bad things happen largely isn't answered in scripture- but one things IS given to us: a sufferER. That's right, Jesus came and suffered an agonizing death. God was not happy to just stay above the fray and let us suffer alone- he participated in the effects of sin and experienced it himself. He empathized, he experienced. And SOMETIMES he even explained, but not always.

So all of that is why I wrote this song- as an encouragement to remember that when we go through the pain, though there will be no end to well meaning Christians trying to explain what is going on or unveil the mysteries of God in our lives, that the better focus on hope. We wait on God and let him move, walking in whatever light he gives us. This doesn't mean we ignore or don't acknowledge the pain. Pretending that pain doesn't exist doesn't make it go away- it just means we are misrepresenting the truth. But pain and suffering WILL pass away. Hope will outlast all evil, and that should bring us no small measure of joy. Not shiny, happy outward joy, but joy deep down in our souls. And that kind of joy is what helps us REALLY smile through the tears.

At the end of my rope, I'm losing this fight
I can't see straight I'm stumbling and I've lost my sight
I guess I should feel joy and rise above this mess
But I can't lie and I won't put on a mask of righteousness
And they say God is moving
But I will stay right here and wait for You

I still hope and I still pray
I'll be holding on for yet another day
I still feel hurt and I still feel pain
But only hope remains

So I wait, I wait for You
Still I wait, yes I'm waiting for you


I force myself to stand and smile through these tears
Pain I feel but life You give there's a reason I am here
It's a matter of the heart, an exercise of faith
I don't need to know Your plan I only need to seek Your face

You are always moving
And I am so much further than before

I still hope and I still pray
I'll be holding on for yet another day
I still feel hurt and I still feel pain
But only hope remains

They see purpose that I don't see
They give me reason that I don't need
They tell me things that I should believe
But I will only wait

I still hope and I still pray
I'll be holding on for yet another day
I still feel hurt and I still feel pain
But only hope remains

So I wait, I wait for You
Still I wait, yes I'm waiting for you
I wait for You
Still I wait, yes I'm waiting for you

"Trust" is one of the few songs on the Steady On album that I did not write- at least not fully. This song was written by Ernie Contreras in my previous band, Legacy. While I did change a lot of the music and lyrics for Steady On (most notably writing the bridge), the core of this song is his.

So what's the key to "Trust"? Simply put, it's about a dependence on God for restoration. At one point or another we all have fallen short and hurt other people- that's the problem with sin and our fight against the flesh, even as believers with faith in Christ. If you are like me, the knowledge that you've hurt another person is devastating. None of us wants to be that person who is responsible for causing harm. We know that we've let people down when we sin against them, but even moreso we hurt the heart of God.

There are a few fleshly answers to realizing that we've sinned against someone- some of us run and hide. We just want it all to go away and cover over our shame. Others want to work really hard to show ourselves approved, and some will even demand others acknowledge the great strides we've made toward making things right. But ultimately, these are not Godly answers- they all rely on us placing our worth and value in our own accomplishments, and sometimes forcing others to act in accordance with the view we have of ourselves.

But true repentance and contrition comes with a real trust in the Lord- by acknowledging our failures and having faith in God's restoring work of sanctification. This doesn't mean that we tell everyone they need to forgive us- it means that we focus on our own lives, and when we are victorious over the flesh, that God will show others the fruit he wants them to see. If God needs for us to be restored in someone else's eye, he will make it happen.

And yes, there are those who will never see a change. Some are too hurt by what we've done to let us back in to a close relationship, which is fair- we all need those kinds of boundaries. Others will be content to judge us and hold our past against us, no matter what that past is. Can we live with that? Can we be OK being judged in the eyes of others even after God has done a mighty work of repentance in our lives? I think we can if our focus is not on how others see us, but in how God sees us.

I think the "trick" to the Christian life is learning what it means to "abide" in Jesus, and many of the songs I've written (or contributed to, as in this case) explore this idea. When we've fallen short, we don't go around demanding forgiveness or hiding our sin from everyone- we trust God to flow through us, change us, and then grow genuine fruit that demands a verdict. And if others don't want to see that, then we can leave them in God's hands, because between us and God there is no condemnation for a truly repentant believer in Christ.

I hope this song can be an encouragement to stop focusing on our failures, or the views other have of our failures, and put our eyes squarely on Jesus. He will grow the fruit- let us be branches full of life, not regret and failure.

I have been tainted
With all the pain the pain I've caused in my life
I know am not
The person you desire me to be
I try to speak the truth
But I cannot do it on my own
Something's missing
When I try to show the word your love

Will they see my eyes and see you dancing inside?
Will the love you give come flowing out
And reach to those around?
I must hold on you and believe you will
Reveal yourself through me
I will trust in you- Depend on you
To flood me with your love

I've got to learn to trust in you Lord
Trust

I'm always changing
You're growing me a little every day
All my failings
You have worked for good in my life
Only you
can be the strength that keeps me moving on
I trust that you
Will show the world the difference you have made

Will they see my eyes and see you dancing inside?
Will the love you give come flowing out
And reach to those around?
I must hold on you and believe you will
Reveal yourself through me
I will trust in you- Depend on you
To flood me with your love

I've got to learn to trust in you Lord
Trust

I'm growing up- learning the lesson all to well
That people see What it is they want to see
I want to grow fruit that cannot be ignored
Your are my vine- I am your branch
You are my life- you are the truth that has set me free

Will they see my eyes and see you dancing inside?
Will the love you give come flowing out
And reach to those around?
I must hold on you and believe you will
Reveal yourself through me
I will trust in you- Depend on you
To flood me with your love

I've got to learn to trust in you Lord
Trust in you Lord
Trust in you Lord
Trust in you Lord

"I Am Free" has always been the "signature song" of Steady On ever since it was written. While "Made To Honor You" was the first song that ever got performed back before there was any CD, we only did coffee shops, and everything was all acoustic, once we got the recording done there was something anthematic and powerful about this song that always set the stage for Steady On concerts. Yes, musically it has a little "Caedmon's Call" flair to it- for this I can thank Randy Holsapple and Garrett Buell, original CC members who added Hammond organ and percussion to this track, but lyrically there is something else going on.

Really, in some ways lyrically this song is against type for me. This is because for those that know me they will tell you I live in my head a lot. I tend it be skeptical of experience and all about the rational and logical. I have spent countless hours on Internet forums and blogs contending for the faith using well reason arguments and philosophies as to why God must exist and that Jesus Christ is the real solution to any individual's problem with sin.

So this song- which focuses on the experience of faith based in what I've seen, not my logic or philosophies- is not how I usually talk about Christianity. And because of this, "I Am Free" has actually been criticized- I was told by an unbeliever that I'm asking people to believe in my experience, not the rational. But I'm not- this song is not a contention for the faith. I'm not writing to the unbeliever here (in fact, I rarely write songs to unbelievers). I'm writing to remind myself that whatever clever arguments there are, whatever reasons I give to show people the truth of God, my faith is not like that. I already know the end of the equation- while I may have to work it out for others to show them, I am not myself in a state of guessing or wondering. My faith is beyond what I think about our reason out- it is something I KNOW deep in my soul. And because that is true, I should never forget to proclaim it with all of my being.

See, for me it is easy to get bogged down in the heady side of things- to start living out the Christian life as if it were a bunch of cold, sterile arguments to try and convince others that I have the right answers. But I must never let that happen. Even as Paul argued and contended for the faith at Mars Hill, did he ever lose that view in his heart that Jesus was true freedom? He never did- it was always evident in all of his writings.

And this "bogging down" can happen in other areas too. As we confront abuse and evil within the church. As we stand up against principalities that seek to tear us down. As we fight politics that are ungodly and harmful. While all of those things may be callings from God, we must never get so focused on them that we forget what we really are- those set free by the Cross of Christ.

So I encourage you to join with me and make this idea the anthem of your heart- whatever draws you into a cold and sterile faith, remember your identity as a real, forgiven child of the risen Savior, and shout with joy the truth that we are indeed free.

The challenge is made, why do I believe?
How can I have faith in what cannot be seen?
What evidence do I have of these words that I say?

I've got books and ideas that lay it all out
But they say I cannot remove all their doubt
The burden's on me and my unbelievable claims

But with all I've seen
How could I not believe?
There is no other truth that could be any clearer to me

It's in my soul
It's all I am
It's my only hope and the rock on which I stand
It's in the air
It's what I breathe
It's only by His grace through saving faith I can be free
And I am free

I've walked through my share of valleys in shadow
But each step I've taken I've not been alone
There's no other way to explain His guiding hand

I've danced in my heart on the highest of mountains
Freed by the cross that takes away sin
Wherever I've been, His truth has allowed me to stand

And with all I've seen
Yes I do believe
There is no other truth that could bring any hope to me

It's in my soul
It's all I am
It's my only hope and the rock on which I stand
It's in the air
It's what I breathe
It's only by His grace through saving faith I can be free
And I am free

How could I express in words of my own
That I was loved before I ever was known?
Lord grant me a life that shows what it means
To have ultimate truth and really be free

It's in my soul
It's all I am
It's my only hope and the rock on which I stand
It's in the air
It's what I breathe
It's only by His grace through saving faith I can be free
And I am free
I am free
I am free