Landscape of Hope from Lecrae

Watch Lecrae Extended Interview on PBS. See more from Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly.

Take a few minutes to hear a fresh perspective from Christian Hip-Hop artist Lecrae.  If you are unfamiliar with this sort of music OR fearful that it is incompatible with genuine Christianity, you need to listen intently.  You may just be blessed.  Lecrae has become a favorite around our house.  And my kids LOVE when I "throw down!"

If you have difficulty watching the video, try this link.

HT: JT

I Stand Amazed

I was reminded of this hymn earlier in the week. I have hummed it and sung it to myself. Now I share it with you. I have only included a few verses and the chorus. Rich and simple truth is often found in our Christian hymns. Stand amazed!

I stand amazed in the presence
Of Jesus the Nazarene,
And wonder how He could love me,
A sinner, condemned, unclean.

O how marvelous! O how wonderful!
And my song shall ever be
O how marvelous! O how wonderful!
Is my Savior’s love for me!

He took my sins and my sorrows,
He made them His very own;
He bore the burden to Calvary,
And suffered and died alone.

When with the ransomed in glory
His face I at last shall see,
’Twill be my joy through the ages
To sing of His love for me.

Here's a link to the hymn writer's bio.

Crowns Concert

Last night my wife and I attended the Casting Crowns concert here in Louisville. It was great. What I think I appreciate most about the music these guys play is the poignant lyrics. The lead singer pointed out that their songs are not hard to figure out. They say what they mean in a very straight forward and honest way.

This group seeks to honor the Lord and have fun doing it. Both were accomplished. We had fun. It's the first concert we have been to in 2 or 3 years. The whole night really wore out my wife who is still recovering from surgery. But, she was bound and determined to take me. The tickets were part of my birthday present. Originally the concert was scheduled for March but was postponed due to a snow storm.

Here's a verse and the chorus from "East to West" one of my favorite Casting Crowns songs. The idea of this song is based on Ps. 103:12. Good stuff.

I start the day, the war begins, endless reminding of my sin
Time and time again Your truth is drowned out by the storm I'm in
Today I feel like I'm just one mistake away from You leaving me this way

I know You've washed me white, turned my darkness into light
I need Your peace to get me through, to get me through this night
I can't live by what I feel, but by the truth Your word reveals
I'm not holding on to You, but You're holding on to me
You're holding on to me

Jesus, You know just how far the east is from the west
I don't have to see the man I've been come rising up in me again
In the arms of Your mercy I find rest
'cause You know just how far the east is from the west
From one scarred hand to the other
One scarred hand to the other
From one scarred hand to the other

American Idol Upcoming Music

I must admit I am a fan of American Idol. One of my favorites from a past season is Chris Sligh. A friend of mine is friends with Chris' brother. (confusing and not really a connection to me personally but nonetheless it made the post)

Apparently this former AI top finisher is coming out with a Christian album soon. It was Tim Challies who pointed me to this information.

This new single is very solid. You can hear it on Chris' MySpace page. The song is entitled "Empty Me" and below is a sample of the chorus:

"Empty me of the selfishness inside, every vain ambition and the poison of my pride. And any foolish thing my heart holds to, Lord empty me of me, so I can be filled with you."

Great song. Great lyrics.