I am sitting in my kitchen listening to the rain and thinking about what really matters in life. Shepherd Smith from Fox news is reporting in the background, something pertaining to the needs of broken people no doubt, and I am left to wonder what I could ever do to bring about some semblance of change in the world. I have these thoughts quite often, seeing the hurts and deprivation not only in the news and in foreign lands, but also in my neighbors, my church body, and undeniably my own heart. We are truly desperate people in need of One Thing. How is it then that this One Thing has alluded us? Will we honestly settle for Hollywood and financial security, for acceptance and the American Dream and say at the end of the day that our souls are satisfied?
As my husband Jacob and one of my favorite bands, Plumb would say, "There's a God-shaped hole in all of us." The song goes on to say, "And the restless soul is searching, There's a God-shaped hole in all of us, And it's a void only He can fill." How true that is. We were imagined in the heart of the Infinite Creator God and crafted by His hands to take on His very image. We were created for a relationship with the Divine, to walk and talk with the Almighty, to be known and ever loved by the Most High God. To know Jesus, this is the chief end. It's the bottom line. If we don't get anything else into our hard human heads, we must get this. Paul did. In Philippians 3:8 he boldly and blatantly declares, "I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ." I have quoted this verse many times, but never have I faced the persecution and hardship that Paul endured in his years of knowing Christ. And yet I find myself so easily distracted, so quickly "entangled" and led astray by my own selfish agenda, forgetting the main thing and striving toward my own end, whatever pointless endeavor that might encompass at the moment. I realize that self-bashing is no solution, and the last thing I want to do is trample the grace of God so evidently at work in my life by saying that it is not enough. On the contrary. The relentless grace God offers is more than enough. I am amazed every day at how the Holy Spirit beckons me nearer still, even in my stubbornness and self-sufficiency.
But that's just it! It's God's mercy revealed anew every morning that propels us into this love relationship with His Son. We realize that we're not getting what we so deserve because Jesus, being the perfect sinless man that He was, wrapped Himself in our sin, bore our shame, and took our punishment from God the Just so that we might be free from our heavy chains of addiction and pride and...the list goes on. I can't fully get my head around such a sacrificial expression of forgiveness and love, but I know that this truth is slowly but surely transforming my life. My flesh is still weak and the fight will not cease until I breathe my last earthly breath, but I know that my life has meaning because of this man named Jesus Christ.
Perhaps I'm being so blunt because I need a swift kick in the pants to remind me that my life is not my own (1 Cor. 6:19-20, 2 Cor. 5:15). Perhaps we the Church, being identified with Christ as His own body, need to get back to the basics...loving God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and loving our neighbor as ourself. Whatever the case, we cannot expect to make a dent in the world we live in apart from the Word and Spirit of God flowing through us. We have nothing to offer that could ever save anyone. But we don't have to. The Savior is alive in us and desires to take our meager offerings and multiply them for the glory of His name. So let's rise up, Church. Let's get back to seeking the Lord first. Let's dust off our Bibles and commit to spending more time in God's Word than on facebook (yes, I just went there). Our souls are thirsty for more truth and less fluff. Who's with me?
Amazing!
Meredith, this is so amazing! You are so right! Everyday so many people go through the day putting themselves first, and thinking about themselves. But, we need to think about others. We have to realize that it's not about us! It is about living for Christ and showing that in our lives, and you do! I love your music and all your blogs. The main reason is because unlike a lot of "Christian" bands/singers, you really do put Christ first and try to live for Him with your life. It shows!! Your song "Show me what it means" is one of my favorite songs. I am actually listening to it right now. I love the part that you say "You don't want my religion, you are looking for devotion that is more than just routine." I love that! Because, having a relationship with Jesus Christ, is NOT a religion. When people ask me if i'm religious, i say no. I tell them that It's not a religion, it is a RELATIONSHIP with my Lord and savior Jesus Christ! Thank you so much for standing up for Christ, and sharing Him with others. You will be rewarded for it. Christ is amazing, isn't He? Once you really let Christ change you and live through you, it changes your life, doesn't it? :) Oh, and on the Who's with me? I am!!!
Ok, i know at the end of your message, you said spending less time on facebook and more in the Bible, and, i agree completely! I love facebook, but Christ is so much more important. We need to keep Him #1 all the time. But, next time you go on facebook, will you add me? I wanted to add you, but i never know if it's really you or not because there are so many fakes. So can you add me please? Just search Adi'el Levy, if you don't find anything under that, my email is heyitsadiel@gmail.com. Thanks!!! :)
Adi'el <3
How True "The Call of The Cross"
We can accomplish anything through Christ. However, we have to be willing to listen first. One day shortly after moving from my hometown and separating from the church that I had been in my whole life, the Lord gave me this:
THE CALL OF THE CROSS
Bloody, beaten, broken and whipped.
He carried my sin upon His back.
Scourged, spurned, spat upon and hated.
He pressed on for me.
He carried the cross, the sin, the shame; all for you and me
A way out, our freedom bought, His life the price he paid.
Our place secured, our lives redeemed
The children of God…
But, today things are different.
Today, things are changed.
He still loves us; He still calls us His own
But our ears are deaf, our eyes are blind
The world is our love, the cry of the earth our god
We have forgotten…
But listen, be quiet and be still…
A thunderous whisper floats upon the air
Do you hear your name?
A love song unique, special words only for you
A cry for the lost child
Your Father calls to you, He whispers your name
He bears your cross, your sin, your shame
Will you listen?
We have to be willing to listen and to actually hear Him in order to allow Christ to work in us. The blind cannot walk without assistance, the deaf cannot communicate without sign language, we cannot accomplish anything without Christ!
Thank you for your AWESOME music!!!
Jonathan Myers
jbm109@gmail.com
Harvest visitor and dream come true :0
Hi Meredith! I cannot say it enough that you are truly a blessing and inspiration to my family. The passion for Jesus in your voice and spirit... it leaves me speechless! Today you let the Spirit just poor out and I felt it. I watched from a distance and was amazed to see your love for Christ. Back in 2005, I would say is when I truly found that peace and joy of the Lord. When I started listening to Mesmerized my heart instantly was renewed... they were not just songs but my prayers! Thank you Meredith for opening your heart and life to be of a model for my daughters and I. God Bless you on your upcoming tour! YOU ROCK !!!
Joyfully in His service,
Karyn Scanlan
........
Hey Meredith,
You are so awesome!!! I love your voice and the lyrics to your songs are so good. I exspecially love the song "You Invite Me In"!! I enjoyed hearing you in concert last Saterday and leading worship at my church yesterday.
Re: "Who's with me..."
I am! :)
Alma Arkansas Concert
Meredith, The music you brought to us in Alma, Ar was amazing. The Lord has blessed you with a beautiful voice and words to reach hearts who don't yet know Jesus Christ. Also your songs have touched my life, as I found myself a few months back not at a place where I should have been with the Lord. Totally broken, I realized that God never left me, but I left Him, and I rededicated my life to serving Him. The song, You're Not Alone, said alot to me and I'm sure to many others who have heard it played. I began to ask God what it is that He would like for me to do to help further His kingdom, and I'm happy to say that He has answered that prayer. I'm now working with the elderly in a housing project in my area. These loving people many times don't get a chance to go and worship in church because of several factors, no car, bad health, etc., but one Sunday a month I prepare food and distribute it to them and share words of hope and encouragement to them. They are not alone, for Christ is with them every minute of everyday. Hope, it is something we all need, yet for some, there seems to be little. With God's help I will strive to let this precious folks know that they are truly not alone. So thank you for the beautiful song. It is touching hearts.
You are a blessing
Meredith,
Your music has touched my heart. I listen to "Deeper" every morning as part of my prayer time. The vulnerability and openness in your worship is humbling and makes me look deep within and check myself.
Thank you for being true to the gifts God has given you and sharing them with the world.
May God continue to bless you, your husband, your marriage, your ministry...
Enjoyed hearing you in Omaha
Enjoyed hearing you in Omaha tonight. Thank you so much for taking the picture for Stellan's name Gallery. I know it brings a tiny bit of comfort to his mom to see how many people are thinking about and praying for him. Her website is www.mycharmingkids.net
Your voice is absolutely beatiful and your sweet spirit even more beautiful. Thank you for your music tonight.
Amazing show in Maryville!!
Your music and words change lives forever..well done faithful servant.