Weekly Devotional: Dustin Kensrue "God is Good"

Dustin Kensrue is the lead singer of a post-hardcore rock band and he is a devout follower of Jesus Christ. Most might think that those roles are diametrically opposed. Dustin has been filling his band's lyrics with meaningful, life-giving material for years but there was something missing. So the band has taken a break (maybe indefinitely) and Dustin has been added to the staff at Mars Hill. This gives him a chance to spend more time with his family and lead worship. Even though Dustin is relatively new to me, I've really enjoyed diving in to his lyrics and songwriting. Very impressed and I look forward to seeing good things continue to come from Mars Hill (Citizens, Ghost Ship, etc.)



Even when it seems the answer's no
The promises of God all find their Yes
In Christ who worked the Father's will below
That all who run to him would find their rest

And even when it seems he hides his face
And darkness seems to be our only friend
We look to Christ who suffered in our place
That one day all our suffering would end

God is good, all of the time
All of the time, God is good
God is good, all of the time
All of the time, God is good

And even when it seems he pays no mind
We have a guarantee of his great love
In Christ who came and left his crown behind
That one day we would reign with him above

Lord, we believe
But help our unbelief
Lord, we believe
But help our hearts to sing

That you are good, all of the time
All of the time, you are good
You are good all, of the time
Your are good
Lord, you are good

Weekly Devotional: Capital Kings "You'll Never Be Alone"

Note: this post was originally published in May of 2013 on my blog

One of my favorite passages in scripture is the beginning of the book of Joshua. God has placed the leadership of Israel on his shoulders after the death of Moses but God then reminds Joshua that's he's not in it alone. God's gonna be there right by his side. I know that sometimes I need that reassurance as well in my life. Here's how it reads and I think this song was written with this scripture in mind (at least in part). I've underlined my favorite parts.

After the death of Moses the Lord’s servant, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant. He said, “Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them. I promise you what I promised Moses: ‘Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you— from the Negev wilderness in the south to the Lebanon mountains in the north, from the Euphrates River in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west, including all the land of the Hittites.’ No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.“Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:1-9

Weekly Devotional: Matt Maher "Lord, I Need You"

Weekly Devotional: Matthew West "Hello, My Name Is"

I John 3: 1 tells us, "See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him."
What awesome news that is. We are God's children. What else could we ever want in this world than to be called a child of God? Just awesome news that we need to share with the world.

They Like Me - KJ-52 featuring Lecrae

Originally posted May 2, 2012

Please watch both videos to get a feel for what the song is all about; Race. KJ-52 has been at this for a very long time and he speaks with wisdom. May God continue to soften our hearts when it comes to race relations. May we understand that we are ALL made in His image and therefore every one of us is equal and is priceless to our King. Remember, He died for all mankind not just white or black America.
UPDATE: Some of us deal with discrimination because the color of our skin, family heritage or even the zipcode we live in. I pray that we see each other the way God sees us, as his beautiful children whom He created in His own image. Isn't He creative? Think about all of the people groups He has made. Just amazing.





[Intro: Lecrae (KJ-52)]
Aiyo KJ people are waiting for us to do something
(That's true)
Let's talk about the elephant in the room though man
(Let's do it!)

[Hook: Lecrae]
They like me forget about the color I might be
It's likely they just like me
We different but the same we covered by the blood of the King

[Verse 1: Lecrae]
I don’t do black music I don’t do white music
I do fight music unified in Christ music
Let's get right to it hear the music write to it
From the context of a black kid fighting through it
Some folks said it was worldly it was too good
Some folks was scared of it it was too hood
So I took it to the places who would embrace it
And sometimes believe it or not it was white faces
Am I a sellout assimilating what’s in my head
No I am Cyclops homie cause all I see is red
People covered in the blood are my fam
And we don’t just relate we all related through the Lamb
My family tree is a lower case t (a Cross)
And we are all the same cause you need him like me
We different but the same and it’s likely
They just like me that’s probably why they like me

[Hook: Lecrae]
They like me forget about the color I might be
It's likely they just like me
We different but the same we covered by the blood of the King
They like me they like me they like me
They say we shouldn’t get along cause our different skin tones
But I promise you they oh so wrong oh so wrong
They like me

[Verse 2: KJ-52]
I got blue eyes light skin and some black curls
Grew up the white kid in a black world
When ya live and ya different well the facts hurt
Moved to the burbs and I don’t fit in that’s worse
I’m just a nerd getting chased home on my bike
After school fight lay in my bed cry at night
Hate the fact that my status read poor and white
And all the rappers I idolize tell me that I’m never right
Now my skin is light and I ain't fitting in
I’m on the outside of hip hop screaming let me in
I’m hooked up with sin hate the very skin I’m in
Cause every time I rhyme they like "look it's Eminem"
Looking back again I’s in the worst place
All I had was beastie boys and third bass
I’m the dude who always come down in 3rd place
Until I heard the story of Your Life and Your Grace

[Hook: Lecrae]
They like me, forget about the color I might be
It's likely they just like me
We different but the same we covered by the blood of the King
They like me, they like me, they like me
They say we shouldn’t get along cause our different skin tones
But I promise you they oh so wrong oh so wrong
They like me

[Verse 3: KJ-52]
So on the weekend started seeking looking for the meaning
Heard a pastor preaching couldn’t believe just what I’m seeing
Walked into a church of white blacks and Puerto Ricans
Without a single reason they loved on this little heathen
And with never speaking they just showed me simply
That Jesus is the only one to make me sin free
And beauty is the only thing that’s ever skin deep
I was lonely but a new family is what you give me
So really if we claim now to love the Son
Why we got to segregate Sunday 10-1?
So much to overcome now from what’s been done
But if starts with me (then what?) then I’ll be the one (Okay)
Now ya better run I’m stepping on ya toes
Got ya out ya comfort zone now ya out the boat
If we're a family then let’s grow now and make a home
Let them know you’re my brother no matter what the tone

[Hook: Lecrae]
They like me, forget about the color I might be
It's likely they just like me
We different but the same we covered by the blood of the King
They like me, they like me, they like me
They say we shouldn’t get along cause our different skin tones
But I promise you they oh so wrong oh so wrong
They like me