I'll Stand By You

I've heard this song a million times, but yesterday I heard it on the radio and it sounded different. Maybe I just finally listened to the words and the heart behind the song, but it really moved me. Carrie Underwood sang it for "Idol Gives Back" and it put the song in the context of those of us who have plenty, rushing to the aid of those who have little. Idol was doing a huge push for people with AIDS in Africa, and those that live in dire poverty. The video clips were raw and uncut, but there was such a beauty in the people that they showed. Idol ended up donating millions of dollars to help those in need. To help those in the world who don't have access to any kind of medical care, food, water, shelter, or schooling. They put forth a tremendous effort to bless others, and it was such an honor to see America rise up and stand for a cause bigger than itself.

There are also parts of this song that I believe God sings to us. "nothing you could confess would make me love you less" "let me see you through because I've seen the dark side too" "let me come along because even if you're wrong, I'll stand by you" "take me into your darkest hour and Ill never desert you." I think the message of "I'll Stand By You" is beautiful and complete. a picture of a God with the heart of a father, rushing to the aid of His children. oh how He loves us so.


Oh, why you look so sad?
Tears are in your eyes
Come on and come to me now
Dont be ashamed to cry
Let me see you through
cause Ive seen the dark side too


When the night falls on you
You dont know what to do
Nothing you confess
Could make me love you less


Ill stand by you
Ill stand by you
Wont let nobody hurt you
Ill stand by you


So if youre mad, get mad
Dont hold it all inside
Come on and talk to me now
Hey, what you got to hide?
I get angry too
Well Im a lot like you


When youre standing at the crossroads
And dont know which path to choose
Let me come along
cause even if youre wrong
Ill stand by you


Ill stand by you
Wont let nobody hurt you
Ill stand by you
Take me in, into your darkest hour
And Ill never desert you
Ill stand by you

And when...When the night falls on you, baby
Youre feeling all alone
You wont be on your own

Ill stand by you
Ill stand by you
Wont let nobody hurt you
Ill stand by you


Take me in, into your darkest hour
And Ill never desert you
Ill stand by youIll stand by you
Wont let nobody hurt you
Ill stand by you
Wont let nobody hurt you
Ill stand by you

-The Pretenders, "I'll Stand By You" (as sung by Carrie Underwood)

Finding Vision and Purpose

http://www.kvministries.com/blog/?p=41


This is a blog by Kris Vallotton (his son wrote this particular entry) regarding the election and where we stand as a nation. He casts a vision and a purpose for the Church during this "season." It's so challenging and convicting to me. I hope you guys enjoy it!

School

Right now, Patrick and I are at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry (a church and school plant from Bethel in Redding, Ca... www.ibethel.org, www.ibethelatlanta.org). We have class on Monday and Tuesday nights from 6:30-9:30, outreach to the homeless every Sunday afternoon, and home group every other Thursday. We also read lots of books, do book reports, and do homework for every day of the week. Needless to say, it's a huge time commitment. But there is a grace for us to be in school during this season. Thankfully, it has proved to be more of a blessing and a catalyst than an obstacle.


Last week, we spent a lot of time interceding for America and the election. We made declarations and spoke life over the United States. People had some cool words that they shared about our great nation. Never has my passion for America been stirred up so deeply in me. One word was about the Statue of Liberty being a prophetic declaration. She is holding a book of authority, she is walking in power, she has a crown on her head which says she is royalty, and she knows her identity. With her torch, she is lighting the way for people groups all over the world to come and to gain freedom and to find their identity. This time of declaration and intercession gave me such a hope for America. With any President, God wins. He can win with any hand, and we can come into agreement with His heart and what He wants to do. God did not make a mistake by electing Obama as President (although many would disagree). It was His idea. He has a purpose. And regardless of how we feel, we have to choose to believe that God is always good, and that He has our best interest in mind, and He works ALL things out for our good. Life and death is in the power of the tongue, and we have to keep speaking life. But we still have a responsibility to pray for our leaders, cry out for mercy and for justice, and for righteous decisions to be made. We are citizens of heaven and will live according to those principles and standards.


If the Church really rose up and knew her identity, and started to work and move from a place of victory and authority, we would not need a government/political party to do the Church's work. To fight for the things that the Church should be fighting for. The poor/homeless should find love, acceptance, encouragement and strength from us, not the government. The Church can draw out greatness in people, it can make them realize their dreams and equip them to go after those dreams. If God has placed a dream in them, there is a grace there for them to pursue that dream. We have a responsibility for the widows, and the homeless, and the unborn babies. But we have to know who we are and what we carry in order to receive and to steward the things of heaven here on earth.

New Addition to the Soundtrack of my Life

"Heavenly Day" by Patty Griffin