Welcome to Embody Hope for 2020! I hope you are enjoying something of the goodness of Summer. We enjoyed journeying south in the holidays to be with whānau and friends. I’m aware many people still need to be refreshed after what can be a stretching season.
This year I’m feeling passionate about several topics. Coming up I will share on the issue of online honesty in light of our weaknesses.
Christian Media
On Saturday I enjoyed experiencing Lauren Daigle in concert in Christchurch. I more heard, than saw her well. I had my own Specsavers moment! It was a great celebration of her music. Lauren radiates joy and individuality. It was wondrous to see hundreds of people who probably walk, drive and sing to her tunes, enjoying the music together.
One of the most touching things for me happened talking to a young woman while waiting in a queue. She told me how only a year ago, she had been struggling in her mental health. At that time she started listening to Lauren’s music and joined a church. She told me “her music has changed my life”. I think most of us can relate to how powerfully God can use music to change our spiritual and emotional well-being.
At the end of the concert Lauren spoke of the overwhelming feedback received from the song featured above, ‘You Say‘. It was definitely the crowd favourite. I can vouch for God using this song to build my faith, as I declare truth over myself. It reminds me of kiwi singer-songwriter Brooke Ligertwood (Fraser’s) very popular song ‘Who You Say I am‘. It also makes powerful declarations I like to come back to. In concert, Lauren Daigle acknowledged that music is like a container the Holy Spirit can fill and touch us through. She also spoke of God using songs to give us something of a spiritual piggyback ride.
It got me thinking about how we can simply push ‘play’ and piggyback on what God is doing through music or ministry. God speaks to us and encourages us through His Word and the local church community. National and international Christian music, spoken messages, podcasts, apps and audio Bibles, are some of the ways God can minister to us. They are all vehicles that are now easier than ever for us to plug into while washing the dishes or doing something we procrastinate over. I’m not always great at keeping my input fresh. I have had periods where I felt low and had less energy. I didn’t need to be reading lots – I needed friendship, ministry, music and gentle messages.
Q: What are you listening to?
Someone I’ve just discovered and am enjoying is John Mark Comer. ‘The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry‘ is a very relevant message, looking at how we interact with God, ourselves and others in the light of a smartphone age.
I like getting ideas from friends as to what they are listening to. Let me know what music and messages you’ve found to be making a difference to your well-being.
Keep cool till after school starts back!
Bronnie
Reviving Hope 