Revolution Reality

Nichole Nordeman did a great front page article for CCM magazine about the pressures of outward appearance even in the Christian music industry and how even the artists struggle to remain real sometimes. Nichole Nordeman interviewed thirteen popular Christian music artists, some of which include Bethany Dillon, Chris Tomlin, Krystal Meyers, Natalie Grant, Bebo Norman, Mark Hall of Casting Crowns, and Rebecca Barlow of Barlow Girl. What’s more, the article has several pictures of the actual artists in their high school years.

I stopped receiving CCM magazine a few years ago, but all is not lost. Anyone can read the article thanks to Nichole Nordeman and CCM. Her website states:

CCM has partnered with Nichole Nordeman to bring this special digital issue to you, their fans, absolutely FREE! Just click on this link and use the login listed below:
Username: freeissue0704 & Password: name417

Like what you read? Spread the word and pass it along - it’s free for your family & friends, too!

This is one of those articles I recommend that everyone check out because it is good to know that it is not just everyday people who face these issues. This article starts on page 48.

I am thankful, so thankful, that God runs after me; that he pursues me with his love!  I know only a small miniscule amount of his immense love for me. If I fully could understand and comprehend it, it would be too great for me to stand. I think one of the more noticeable things that God is teaching me, is just how he loves me. Recently I read “When Heaven Weeps”, and it spoke to me more than I could have possibly imagined about how great His love really is. It has been a week since I finished the book now, and I am still trying to comprehend everything that was conveyed in the book. Along with that, I have heard sermons on the same subject. This isn’t all I have been learning, though.

Are you amazed? Am I amazed, that was the question on Easter. Are you amazed? I am amazed at God’s greatness, at his creation, at his majestic show of beauty. I look at his beautiful creation and I just give God thanks and praise. He shows his holiness through His creation. It is greater than I can even comprehend.

I’ve fallen in love with Psalm 19, which is broken up into three specific parts. My Bible’s notes say the following (which sums it up better than I can put it):

As God reveals himself through nature (19:1-6), we learn about his power and our finiteness. As God reveals himself through Scripture (19:7-11), we learn about his holiness and our sinfulness. As God reveals himself through daily experiences (19:12-14), we learn about his gracious forgiveness that frees us from guilt. (Life Application Study Bible NLT, Psalm 19 note)

I’ve committed myself to memorizing Psalm 19. The last verse (19:14) is my prayer, “May the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart / be pleasing to you, Oh Lord my rock and my redeemer”. Or, as the Amplified says: “my firm, impenetrable rock and my redeemer”. So to borrow from Sunday, are you amazed?

There was a dimly lit light that made reading difficult, but manageable. It had been two months since it happened. How long must life go on like this? Alone. You’re completely alone. There had been a time of joy, but that was before it happened. It was a struggle now. A lonely struggle. He knows he isn’t alone. Yes, you are very alone. He struggles to understand. You are worthless. He knows he is valuable, loved completely. He reads the words on the pages but says it cannot happen. You are insignificant, of no use. He keeps reading. He remembers the night it happened. He recalls it vividly. The words are so brilliantly written on these pages. He hates you. He finds the words he was searching for. He reads the love letter. He scans it over and over. The love letter. He hates you! He falls to his knees. He’ll never accept you. He’ll never love you. He cries out. “Save me, please save me! I’m sorry, so very sorry.” He’ll never accept you. He cries out again. The lies fade away. Fade quickly away. I love you completely. I died for you. I forgive you. The one in the love letter was speaking! “I love you.” He continues to read. He finds life. New life. I love you, I ransomed you. You are mine. New life.

This would be something I quickly wrote. It’s just some things that were on my mind and almost completely random. Or were they.