worship – The Beacon

‘king of glory (you restored my soul)’

‘I know a place where I can find You:
here in the valley of shadows.
Give me eyes to see where You’re leading me.

I know a place where I can feel You:
Here in the freedom of forgiveness.
Give me strength to hold fast to what I know.’

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4K556S6jGJQ[/youtube]

Well, this song truly speaks to me at this point in time and maybe it will for you too. While it’s okay to ask for Him to reveal to you where He’s leading, we also need to trust that He will not steer us wrong no matter what. So, trust Him. I love that second stanza too. We can feel Him in the freedom of forgiveness. He forgives us. Always. No matter what. That’s an incredible, insane thought, and it’s wonderful. We also need to pray that He would give us the strength to stand by what we know through Him–no matter what opposition we face. Easier said than done, I know.

‘You restore my soul.
I’m Yours alone…
When dark gives way to light,
Your hope will rise, oh King of Glory.’

He restores our souls. He desires to give us peace and rest and He wants what’s the absolute best for us. I love that. We don’t know what’s best for us. We stumble through life tending to seek what we want, because- well, because we’re human. But we should to align our hearts, will, and desires with His. Because He knows what’s best for us and desires it as well. Trust Him with all your being. I know it’s insanely difficult, but I can only believe that it will reap the best benefits.

‘Give me faith to stand strong in this rushing wind…

Surely goodness and mercy follow me every moment I dwell with You.’

We face opposition ALL the time. We need to increase our faith and stand strong no matter what, as stated above.

When we spend time in His presence, nothing but goodness comes from that. Dwell in His presence. Spend quality time with the Creator of the Universe–because we’re able to do that and why would we not, then??? Time with Him is time well spent.

I know that was basically just some thoughts on lyrics from a song, but that’s about all I’ve got right now. This will most likely be my last post, but I want to thank any of you who have been reading along and following my journey through this blog. Thanks for allowing me to share my random thoughts and what God’s been teaching me. My prayers are with you, and I hope you’ll be praying for me as well. We could all stand for a little extra prayer and support in our corner. Thanks guys.

love,

erinn victoria

[selena gomez]

‘No oxygen–could barely breathe.
My darkest sin, You’ve raised release,
And it’s all because of You, all because of You.
I don’t know what it is, but You’ve pulled me in.
No one compares, could ever begin
to love me like you do…
Nobody’s gonna love me like You.’

Selena Gomez is one of the greatest examples of an outright Christian who is VERY much in the public eye–despite what she may want. She has been very open about her faith, whether in social media posts or in interviews, and it’s quite refreshing. This isn’t necessarily a ‘current event’, per se, but it’s someone in the public eye who is constantly living for Christ and sharing His word.

The song quoted above is titled ‘Nobody’, and it’s on her latest album, Revival. What some may not recognize though, is that it’s not about some boy. It’s about God and His love for her. Videos have come out quite regularly of her singing worship songs at her own concerts…

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oulEG1XQ-UY[/youtube]

The above video is her singing ‘Transfiguration’ (a Hillsong Worship song) and then ‘Nobody’ at a concert of hers last year. She is visibly upset as the concert was shortly after Christina Grimmie (a strong Christian, Youtube sensation, and Voice contestant) was shot after one of her concerts in Florida. She explains her connection to Grimmie and has a hard time holding it together throughout the performance, understandably. However, ‘Transfiguration’ is a regular song on her setlists, so while the dedication was specific to this performance, she generally does worship songs at her regular concerts too.

In addition to these additions to her setlist, Gomez has also sang her song (‘Nobody’) at a Hillsong Young & Free concert. Before singing she stated, “Tonight is more than a concert. It’s more than Hillsong. It’s more than me coming onstage and singing a song for you. It’s about a relationship that is greater than anything.”

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UFgtIly20A[/youtube]

She has had problems in the past with health issues and has checked into rehab to focus on her mental health in the past, discussing issues with being in the spotlight constantly, among other things that come with being a celebrity. Overall, I think that she is an excellent role model for young girls–which are few and far between these days. And she is a great example of living out your faith publicly. As she’s in the spotlight more and more for music or for helping to create the new Netflix sensation 13 Reasons Why, one can only hope she’ll reach even more people with her love of God and her relationship with Him.

thanks for reading, folks!

love,

erinn victoria

[chris pratt–star on hollywood walk of fame]

Chris Pratt

Psalm 126:3 “The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” Thank you to the many, many people who empowered me to follow my dreams. #surreal #gotgvol2 #WHATSMYSNACK

For those who don’t know, Chris Pratt is not one to shy away from, well, just about anything, or so it seems. And this includes sharing his faith. There have been multiple interviews out over the years that discuss Pratt’s faith in God and his Christian beliefs. As said in previous posts about celebrities, I have no idea what their real life looks like or how/if they live out their faith, but I can definitely appreciate when someone is at least open about what they believe in. Pratt is a big enough star that it doesn’t seem to matter if he’ll lose a couple (or even a couple hundred) fans over something as important as his faith. He’ll semi-regularly post pictures or tweets with verses, or talk about how much his faith means to him and how much it has meant to him in the past.

The above post is from April 19 when Pratt was preparing to receive his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The verse acknowledges that GOD is the one who has done this for him–not by his own efforts, but through the help and provision of the Lord. And in his speech when receiving said star, he also referenced God and the many blessings he has received–including his lovely wife, Anna Faris, and their son, Jack.

Overall, I’m just greatly appreciative of stars like Pratt that are outspoken and proud of their faith and belief in Jesus Christ. It takes courage to post things that might be polarizing, but I believe it can help to reach those who might need outreach or something to believe in. Not that he’ll ever see this, but I encourage Pratt, among other celebrities, to continue to post posts about their faith in God and the practical ways it has shown up in their lives. Chances are, it’ll only make them seem more relatable and grounded.

thanks for reading!

-erinn victoria

‘o praise the name (anástasis)’ [hillsong worship]

‘Then on the third at break of dawn,
The Son of Heaven rose again.
O trampled death, where is your sting?
The angels roar for Christ the King.

O praise the name of the Lord our God.
O praise His name forever more.
For endless days, we will sing Your praise:
Oh Lord, oh Lord our God.’

Oh, wow. This song gets me. I love this song for worship in general, but it’s truly such a perfect Easter song in my opinion. I definitely could have posted all the lyrics because each verse tells the story of His death and resurrection and it’s beautiful. SO, please listen below:

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqBpifDpNKc[/youtube]

As Easter is coming, I think I’ll be posting some Bible verses for Easter on Saturday, but there’s an endless amount of perfect Easter songs that describe His incredible sacrifice for us and His amazing resurrection as well. I just love this song though. His resurrection takes away the STING of death. What else can do that? I just imagine the angels roaring like a crazed stadium of fans when He rolled back that stone and rose from the dead. Such an insane but wonderful concept and thing to imagine. We do need to praise His name FOREVER. He deserves it. The One who tramples and conquers death deserves endless praise.

‘He shall return in robes of white,
The blazing Son shall pierce the night.
And I will rise among the saints,
My gaze transfixed on Jesus’ face.’

I love this part too. First, I love that wordplay in the second line–sun, Son. He does pierce the night though. His brilliant light pierces through the darkness all around us–the darkness of this world. And when we return to our eternal home, among the saints, we won’t be able to look away from His glorious face.

This Easter, remember His sacrifice. Transfix your gaze on His face. Praise His name forevermore.

thanks for reading, guys!

erinn victoria

‘hosanna’ [hillsong united]

‘Heal my heart and make it clean.
Open up my eyes to the things unseen.
Show me how to love like You have loved me.

Break my heart for what breaks Yours.
Everything I am for Your Kingdom’s cause.
As I walk from earth into eternity.’

So, today was a shuffle-a-worship-playlist-and-find-a-song kind of day. But I do have a soft spot for this particular song. I haven’t listened to it in awhile, but there was a period of time where it was always playing–whether it was on the radio or at church. This song has become very commonplace though, so I encourage you to, this time, really listen to it. Particularly the bridge–as I say with many worship songs.

I love this passionate prayer that the song poses. We should be asking God to do these things in us each and every day. They are hard, intense challenges, but very important. Ask Him to cleanse your heart–He desires to already, but you should have a desire to ask Him to heal you and your heart. Pray that He would open up your eyes, and that you would see through His eyes. When you see through His eyes, you’ll see people in a new, loving, forgiving, graceful light–and hopefully refrain from judging others. We need to see people and LOVE them. And I love that last line in the first part. One of my daily goals is to love others as He has loved us. I fail so often, but it’s something to truly strive for. He has loved us in such an incredible way, and we should certainly try and love others that same way.

Finally, we need to be broken by what breaks Him. The things that break His heart need to break ours as well. We can’t just see all these horrible things happening around us and around the world each day and let them go by. We need to really look at those things and REACT. We need to be broken for His kingdom and for Him. He can repair us and truly use us when we’re broken for Him. Last, but certainly not least, give EVERYTHING you have and are for His kingdom. We need to devote ourselves to living for Him and His kingdom.

Sorry that this was just a break-down of the bridge, but it’s so good. And can be such a good thing to just pray each and every day. Thank you for reading this and I’ll be praying this prayer over all of you and praying it myself.

love you all,

erinn victoria

‘resurrecting’ [elevation worship]

‘By Your spirit, I will rise
from the ashes of defeat.
The resurrected King is resurrecting me.

In Your name, I come alive
to declare Your victory.
The resurrected King is resurrecting me.’

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gI2_yS6K9GE[/youtube]

So, while this whole song truly is GREAT. I am pretty much posting it for this bridge. Just read those lyrics a couple of times over. Or listen to the song–because it’s repeated a LOT. hah. But really–every time I reflect on these lyrics or hear them, I get chills. Those are some impacting, powerful statements. (And if you follow me on any social media, you already saw me geek out about these powerful lyrics this week, so oops! heh.)

We may feel knocked down, defeated–but by HIS SPIRIT, we can rise from those ashes. [The only imagery I’m getting here is Fawkes the Phoenix, just a side note.] And only in and through HIS name can we fully come alive, and when we do–declare His victory!!! Whenever you or any loved one wins something or performs well, etc. we want to shout it from the rooftops, right? This is no different–except for the fact that this is SO MUCH MORE INCREDIBLE. He has DEFEATED the grave. Not only that, but He DIED on a cross to save us from our sins. So, He succeeded in wiping our slates clean of any sin and then still ROSE FROM THE DEAD. That is a victory if I’ve ever heard one. We are alive and living our wonderful, blessed lives because of Him–DECLARE that.

He is the true resurrected King. He is the only one who has truly been resurrected and He is the only One who can resurrect us. When you feel beaten down and defeated–look to Him. Because that revival and new life that you so long to feel, will only come from Him and His Spirit.

thanks for reading, all! It means so much.

love,

erinn victoria.

p.s. If you’d like to see me post more pictures of His gorgeous creation and my thoughts/lyrics I like, follow my insta: erinn_victoria

‘beloved’ [jordan feliz]

‘You are essential, not accidental.
And you should realize: you are beloved…
Let it soak into your soul.
Forget the lies you heard ; rise above the hurt,
and listen to these words:
You are beloved.’

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgJFUW3VenY[/youtube]

Okay, so…these lyrics kinda say it all. So…I think I’m done here.

Just kidding.
I mean, they do though. YOU ARE BELOVED. Normally, we just hear ‘loved’, so a brief refresher: the definition of ‘beloved’ is ‘dearly loved’. I know we all know that we’re loved by our family, friends, etc. but that love can fail and fade–as sad as that might be. However, we have a love in our lives that is never failing or fading, no matter what. I love that first lyric/line though…You are ESSENTIAL. I think most of us just live our day-to-day lives and don’t think much of it, but we are ESSENTIAL to God and to His plan. He has had a plan for us since they day we were conceived in the womb. That’s insane. I know. But it’s true. So, a God who has had a plan and a purpose for you for that long dearly, dearly loves you. And He doesn’t want you to forget that.

Not only does He not want you to forget it, but He doesn’t want you to doubt it either. When we buy into those lies that society tells us or other people tell us who’s beautiful and who’s not, who’s smart and who’s not, who’s important and who’s not…I believe that that hurts God. Think of someone who means the world to you–could be a sibling, a child, a parent, a friend, a significant other, etc.–when they get down, thinking they aren’t all that you KNOW they are, doesn’t that just break your heart? And our love for others is a FRACTION of God’s love for us. So, just as we desire to pound the truth about someone’s importance, beauty, intelligence, kindness…, into their heads, keep this in mind when you hear those lies that others speak. ‘Forget the lies you heard; rise above the heart.’ Remember HIS words and HIS truth. Because that is the ultimate truth.

The song later says that in heartbreak and in mistakes, nothing can separate us from His love. And that’s so true. When you feel unlovable by everyone on earth, know that He dearly loves you–NO MATTER WHAT. Nothing can remove you from His love.

YOU ARE BELOVED.

thanks for hearing my thoughts–remember HIS words.

love,

erinn victoria

‘i am not alone’ [kari jobe]

‘In the midst of deep sorrow, I see Your light is breaking through.
The dark of night will not overtake me:
I am pressing into You.
Lord, You fight my every battle, and I will not fear.

I am not alone.
I am not alone.
You will go before me;
You will never leave me.’

This song is essentially just reiterating over and over that we are not alone–that God is ALWAYS with us. I find this very reassuring. So many times through our lives, it is so very easy to feel like we are all alone. We think that no one else understands exactly what we’re going through. But I just want you to know and be assured that God does. He is right by your side always. I think that He appreciates when we willingly include Him in our lives and thoughts, but we don’t even have to do this simply because He knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows exactly what we’re going through. And we really need to keep in mind that we aren’t alone.

When I’m up late at night, overwhelmed with homework and studying and many other thoughts, it can be crippling. But I always try and take a moment to just pray. He knows where we’re at. He knows what we’re going through. And He hates to see His dear children suffer. The Bible tells us that He is made stronger in our weakness–He desires to help us through every step of our lives. So, don’t forget that. Look to Him. Turn your troubles over to Him. He wants to lighten your load.

As a college student, I KNOW that it can all be overwhelming. Not just school, but work, our plans for the future, break-ups, changing/ending friendships, family struggles, lack of money, the list goes ON. We all know that. So when you are overcome with never-ending thoughts and worries, turn them over to God. Look and you’ll see His Light peeking through the darkness. You are NOT alone. He goes before us, and He knows what’s coming and exactly how to help us.

Look to Him.

thanks for reading!

-erinn victoria

‘tremble’ [mosaic msc]

‘Jesus, Jesus, You make the darkness tremble.
Jesus, Jesus.
Your name is a Light that the shadows can’t deny.
Your name cannot be overcome.’

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mk4tQX4FiYY[/youtube]

When searching for a new worship song–one to quote or for whatever–I tend to just shuffle a worship playlist and see what starts playing. (Actually, I hit shuffle a certain number of times, because I’m weird and kinda OCD, but anyway…) So, this was the song that started playing tonight…when I realized I needed to write a blog post. heh. However, I am so happy that it did. And I tend to allow this way of finding songs to be a way for God to bring me a new lesson–and it rarely ever fails.

If you haven’t heard this song before, I encourage you to listen to the video above, because it is POWERFUL. I chose this set of lyrics because how INCREDIBLE is that first phrase? He makes the darkness tremble. You know, that thing we’re terrified of when we’re little? (And even still from time to time now when you’re all alone in a dark house, or after watching a frightening flick–admit it.) He makes it TREMBLE. He gives darkness reason to fear–causes it to shake involuntarily with anxiety. We take song lyrics (and, similarly, Psalms) for granted, just accepting the pretty picture they paint and leaving it be–but I challenge you to really delve into these words. ‘Cause they’re pretty incredible.

His name is ALL powerful. The shadows cannot even deny the Light of His name. If just HIS NAME is so powerful that it causes all of these things and cannot be overcome, what does that say about the person behind that name?! It speaks volumes. Normally, when you hear someone’s name, it causes you to think of them, think of their qualities, character, etc. but I think, rarely does it cause you to have a visceral reaction. There are numerous songs reflecting on the power of His name, and that’s amazing to me.

The LORD’s name has POWER. I urge you–don’t misuse that power. As Exodus 20:7 says: ”You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses His name.” Just whispering His name can bring Him to your mind and to your side. If you find yourself lonely and scared and can’t seem to focus yourself on Him–just utter His name, and it will take you right back. Fear can be instilled in people simply at the mention of His name. The song mentions storms stopping and the waves becoming still at His name. I don’t know anyone else’s name with that kind of power. I pray that His name would give you peace, and that it would cause your enemies’ to tremble because they’ll know that the LORD is at your side. Know that He is all powerful and wants to bring you peace–allow Him and His incredible name to do that for you!

thank you all for reading,

erinn victoria.

[chance the rapper–grammy awards]

‘Glory be to God. I claim this victory in the name of the Lord.’

‘I want to thank God for everything He’s accomplished for me, everything that He’s went through with me.’

These words were spoken by Chance the Rapper at this Sunday’s Grammy Awards, as he accepted multiple awards. Chance identifies as a Christian, and this is made clear by his many public performances (awards shows, late night shows [like Jimmy Fallon], etc.). I cannot say for sure that he is–it’s not necessarily my place to know that–that’s not what I’m talking about here. But I do think that it is awesome that he publicly proclaims the name of the Lord, and practically turns his public performances into worship sessions.

The reason I really wanted to bring this particular event to mind is simply because of what Chance said in his acceptance speech. It is such an incredible gift that God blesses us with talents. BUT we should use these talents to bring Him glory. And we should point all of our victories and blessings back to Him. When we accomplish anything, point all eyes back to Him–not to yourself.

‘We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.’ [Romans 12:6]

‘Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.’ [1 Peter 4: 10]

These verses state that we all are given gifts/talents–it’s a fact. It may take some of us longer than others to figure out what those gifts are and how to use them, but when we do, we need to use them to serve God and others.

Chance the Rapper infuses Christian beliefs and thoughts into songs like ‘How Great’ (which includes lyrics from Chris Tomlin’s ‘How Great is Our God’), ‘Blessings’, and ‘All We Got’. His songs may not all reflect Christian values, but the fact that a few of them do is quite great, and I truly hope that his future mixtapes and songs reflect his beliefs even more. Someone with so much influence (being in the spotlight and winning awards) could really be a light to his listeners. I hope and pray that he keeps pointing all the glory back to God.

thanks for reading,

erinn victoria

p.s. I know this seems like it’s quite different than other posts, but I think it’s important to stay relevant and see His presence in our society today.