Give me

Give me a life filled with purpose

rather than a life filled with with parties.

Give me a life full of inward vigor

rather than outward glamour.

Give me a life that arouses the applause and rejoicing of Heaven

over the praises of men.

Ultimate Goals

Even if you call yourself a "Christian", if your ultimate goal of life is to be a "musician" or an "artist" or a "thinker" or a "you-fill-in-the-blank"

than you will conform more and more into the mold of that person or profession.

Even if you have "Christian _____" tagged in front of what you want to be, you will still conform to what is expected, or accepted or popular, or just "the thing" to do...

However, we as "Christians" are not called to be "Christian musicians" or "Christian Artists" as if it were some kind of title... we are called to be DISCIPLES.

We are called to become conformed more and more to the image of Christ.

A disciple's actions and morals are not shaped by the culture or country they live in. Their beliefs of what is acceptable are not shaped by those around them. Their image is not shaped by the mold of their profession. Their beliefs, values, their very person is shaped by the Word of God. Which doesn't change and will not pass away.

Many Christians don't like to accept the fact that Christ's ways are very different, usually polar opposite of the world.

How can we be successful in the world if we don't accept it's ways?

Well, #1. If your ultimate goal is to be successful in this world, than you are living for the wrong purpose, the wrong time and place! And you haven't caught what it means to be a disciple.

and #2. God's ways are HIGHER than our ways. All things exist through Him, for Him and because of Him. If we can't trust in Him to have the best, the highest quality designs, ideas etc, etc, then who is there to trust?

We are called to be disciples...

tonight

I feel most alone when I'm with you

'cause you shut me out and tear me down

just when I'm trying to break through

O I try to be strong

O I try to be strong

Try to stay true, try to be me.

How is it that I'm still the one with nobody?

Is it really me, or is it really them?

O I try to be strong

O I try to be strong

It's hard not to fall and run after what might love me for just a little while.

Make me feel wanted, held... not alone.

Wondering , "Do you see me for me?"

My outside is crumbling,

my insides aren't working right

How am I then, supposed to be me?

Nothing I do is fixing this

when will You, please start fixing this?

O I try to be strong.

O I try and try and try to be so strong.

Oh the things we do not to be alone.

Oh, when it feels like nobody knows.

Oh, when it feels like no one else feels the same...

Oh! I said! I said! "oh, and if they are all like that, I will STILL HAVE YOU... I will still have You."

I know you're here cause I can see your whispers, even tho I'd like a shout, I'm hanging on.

O I still have you.

But, I feel so alone.

O I try to be so strong...

tears are falling from the right out of all this pain in my sight.

All I thought was You wasn't right,

Thankful for the fallback,

but looking for the next steps in sight.

Oh God, uncloud my eyes and take every self centered ambition from me.

But, please, I just don't want to be misunderstood, alone, ostracized...

O I try to be...