BURNING LIGHTS BY CHRIS TOMLIN

I have always been a fan of Chris Tomlin's music. From his "Indescribable" sound to the classic "How Great is Our God", Chris' gift of music never fails to deliver the goods, impressing the critics and moving the hearts of soul winners everywhere. His amazing storytelling definitely touches the heart of his listeners. Its impact is seen on how his ministry has flourished and blessed by his Audience of One. This year is an exciting time for the man as he just released his seventh studio album aptly titled, "Burning Lights" which charted at #1 in the Billboard 200 (all across genres). His songs were witnesses to my journey with the Lord. They were testaments to God's faithfulness and love. Without further ado, I now present to you a special countdown of the five (5) most played tracks in my mp3 player from #BURNINGLIGHTS!

5) CROWN HIM (MAJESTY) (feat. Kari Jobe): This is a contemporary approach to one of my most favorite hymns "Crown Him With Many Crowns." The new bridge brings the power of the song to new heights as we worship and prostrate ourselves at the throne of the Crowned King.

4) COUNTLESS WONDERS: "Your beauty fills the sky/ Your glory reigns in brilliant light/ Great God of countless wonders/ I will lift my eyes." The chorus of this music strikes a chord in my heart. It strengthens the weak to gaze upon the wonders of God's creation and see that the Maker of heaven and earth is Lord of all that is seen and unseen.

3) THANK YOU GOD FOR SAVING ME (feat. Phil Wickham): A collaboration of two Christian musical greats, this song of gratitude reflects back on God's salvific power and man's humility, acknowledging that it was God alone who made salvation possible for all men.

2) WHOM SHALL I FEAR (GOD OF ANGEL ARMIES): This song echoes Psalm 27:1 which says, "The LORD is my light and my salvation--whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid?" Need I say more?! I'll just say...AMEN!

1) SOVEREIGN: If there is one song (in a long time) that mirrors my faith in God and in his ways, this song would be it. It throws an astounding resignation to God's sovereign will regardless of situations and circumstances. The song's chorus reminds me to TRUST, and to NOT falter in relying in God's sovereign grace and love.

Burning Lights is one of the most theologically succinct contemporary Christian albums I've heard in years; not discounting the fact that it makes us aware of who are in the presence of an infinite and loving Savior. Be sure to head on to Itunes store and your record bars and purchase a copy of this worthy album!

FEARLESS

(from searchquotes.com)

Every time I would see people who are abused, who are fooled and made as though they are possessions of others, I would feel uncomfortable and agitated. Yes, I cannot look at injustice, much less tolerate the abuses of the powerful, to the extent of demeaning the lives of the oppressed, the downtrodden, and the exploited.

I have always believed in the equality of men. I have always resigned to the idea that we are created to be in harmony with each other. I have always thought that utopia is possible on earth. I guess that is the ideal- and the ideal is far from the concept of reality on earth. Yet, I strive at least to be fair in dealing with people around me; to make sure that I abuse and use no one for my own gain, but to be selfless and altruistic at all times, and sacrificial if necessary.

(from tumbler.com)

There goes my idealism of how people should be. Yet, my disillusionment troubles me as I find myself seeing no concept of fairness and integrity even for a day. How in the world should I act when I see others take advantage of the weaknesses of their fellows? How do I help the ones who are fighting for what is TRUE AND RIGHT? Maybe I got no power on earth to change and rehabilitate the tarnished system of the fools. Yet, I find myself a fool as well for tolerating what has to be stopped. Then I find myself breathing the air of the antagonists. I can't let this continue. At least that's what I say to myself. But my heart breaks when I can't do anything to help.....when help is all we need to aid our friends.

I find myself convincing and believing in theodicy.  Alas! that is all I've got to calm my anguished spirit! No one has the monopoly of life. My dry bones will attest even to this truth. But till my fellows are freed and are living the life they are meant to live and enjoy, I'll look no further to help their ailing souls. I am here. God will deliver. I will not fear. My soul will argue with the wicked and the God of angel armies will uphold righteousness and make sure that in the creation order, THE GOOD WILL ALWAYS TRIUMPH OVER EVIL!