If necessary...

So the goal is to journal my thoughts and prayers. I like the idea of a place for my thoughts, because i have a lot and often lose them with out a place for safe keeping.
One thing that has been stuck in my head since sunday is a verse, Hebrews 12:4 "In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood." This is one of those grab you by the throat verses. The Word in other places says that if your hand or your eye causes you to sin then cut it off. These have always had an impact but now its really seems like he means it. I know He means everything that is in the Bible, but its so extreme that it hasn't seemed like a real thing to do. It makes me think of all the sin that I have struggled with and how I have excuses for why I have not overcome them. I have not taken every measure necessary to beat sin. I dont really want to cut off my hand or cut out my eye, so this verse is a good reminder to do anything that needs to be done before it gets to this point.

The Glorious Unseen

To start things off I would like to give due credit to the best worship album ever made. The Glorious Unseen is a new one from a mainstay in Christian music, Tooth and Nail Records. I say new for two reasons, one; this is the first release for the band. Two; it is the first worship album from the rock/punk/emo label. It begs the question, why? Why is this the first album from a label that is outspokenly (sort of) Christian? Perhaps it is because "worship" music does not typically line up with the music that hails from this collective. Or perhaps, and a prior request for forgiveness may be needed, but it may be that most worship music is not good, musically. It seems that much of today's worship music is over cooked and there for hard to digest. It is overflowing with 4 guitars, a few basses, a hand-full of keyed instruments, drums of various kinds, and there is no telling how many vocalists.
This fantastic record is one that we can come to with a bit less anxiety. Its something that we are more used to listening to on a regular basis, an honest 5 piece group. Both the vocals and instrumentation are simple, approachable, smooth, and not distracting. From end to end this albums put you on your knees in front of our Creator. I think back to my most powerful times of worship, typically they have been those times of "afterglow" where the lights are down, and there is a collective pouring out of all that we were as a body. This is where my mind travels each and every time I listen to this record.
Yes, the music is outstanding, but the lyrics are, dare I say, perfect. These words so well reflects the hearts of our generation. Better yet they reflect the true desire of a heart that is actively seeking after Christ. These words acknowledge pain and lose, as well as redemption. They speak truthfully of sacrifice as our Lord would have us sacrifice.
This record has been available for less then a week. I suggest that you waist no more time and buy this record. Get into some intense worship with out being in a church.