If I was asked who my favorite CCM artist of all time is, I would have to say it’s Casting Crowns. (In case you are interested, Michael W. Smith and Chris Tomlin probably round out the top three.) One of the things I love about the Crowns’ music is that their songs almost all originate out of devotions for the youth group they lead back in their hometown. (Coolest youth leaders ever, right?) I wanted to share one of their more recent songs with you this morning that has meant a lot to me.
Category: <span>Devotional Thoughts</span>
Yesterday was a great day! We found out that our oldest daughter, Christina, was accepted into the University of North Carolina for next year. This was something that she had wanted and worked hard for many years and something her mother and I also wanted for her since we both are UNC alums ourselves. It is always nice to have a day to celebrate good news.
One of the books I read to go along with my study of the book of Psalms was Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Psalms: The Prayer Book of the Bible. I want to share a small chapter of that book with you because my own experience has taught me how true his words are here. I cannot commend enough to you the benefits of starting your day with prayer.
As we move past Thanksgiving, you no doubt have heard the sentiment that we should be thankful year-round instead of saving it up for the fourth Thursday of November. I’m struck as I read God’s word (especially the Old Testament) with the sense of how much God despises our grumbling and complaining. In fact, many of his harshest words for the Israelites He was leading to the promised land dealt with their complaining attitudes. I need to be more thankful for all of God’s blessings in my life, but even more importantly, I need to rid myself of the ungratefulness in my heart that often manifests itself in complaining and grumbling.
Just a quick post today to wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving! I am so thankful for the love and support that all of you have given me throughout the years from listening to my music to financially supporting my mission trip to Jamaica this year. For all of your prayers and well wishes, thank you!