Stone Face

Admittedly, I do not know the specific inspiration for the bonus song *I Am A Stone* on True Defiance by Demon Hunter. However, what I do know is that it is a wonderful track, which sparks several relevancies within myself. With its seemingly simplistic vocabulary lined up aside one another, laced on-top of magnificent instrumentals – it paints a pure and potent picture, which announces “You [it] will not be given power over me!” It is (by comparison) not a typical D.H. song, but I think the almost classical-rock-opera mash up delivery makes the message even more powerful. Ryan C almost beckons you to “dare” question him, as he calmly speaks softly the truth of the matter, all the while staring through your eye sockets into the very depths of your being!

Often we may just mind-numbingly recite the words to a given song without thinking about a deeper meaning, and one thing I do appreciate about Demon Hunter's lyrics are that they are so much more than "just words". You can read a review of the entire album thanks to JesusFreakHideout here. 

To bring the post back to a devotional level (not just listener praises - ha) I would like to extend to you not one, but two blocks of verses, that you can read upon your own leisure, which to me, relates back to the message of this song (definitely adds to it). The noted verses are Philippians 4:10-13 and Romans 8:1-39. 

Dear Father,
We humbly come before you and THANK YOU for all that you have done. Though we might not always say it, thank you for simply loving us. Thank you for taking care of us, even when we think you aren't there. May our flame grow for You Lord, may we grow in our willingness to speak out You - to share and show Your message of hope and love to all we meet. May we cling to You, as YOU are the rock that lives within us, You are the true unshakeable One. May we each seek to do Your will, in the precious name of Jesus Christ we pray, ><>.

Freedom & Awakened by Gina Burpee

I do want to send first my heartfelt apologies for being a bit of a "slacker" as of late with writing for the blog (and book #2). Though details will not be shared, I can say that I have been graced with a lot of new material for both, so stay tuned, for writing has not been forgotten! As such, I know how you all enjoy reading the writing by my good friend Gina, so here I give you her latest posting and her first vlog testimony. May you be blessed by her words! 

Freedom

There is a vast difference between the freedom the world offers you & the freedom Christ offers when we submit to Him. The world’s freedom sounds enticing, thrilling…even comfortable. It gives the permission to do as you please without the afterthought of heaven. It doesn’t pause to weigh the consequence of the moment. The freedom the world offers is temporary bliss. Jesus extends to us a different type of freedom. The freedom from sin…the freedom from guilt…the freedom from death. Nothing else compares. The two choices of freedom have two completely different sources. One is the Lover of your soul & one is the enemy of your soul. The enemy disguises himself as the good guy, promising his way will be more enjoyable and pleasurable. This is deception at it’s finest. Jesus is clear in His message to us, with no deception & no ulterior motives. He promises Paradise…spiritual riches…His presence…but we must surrender ourselves. He is clear that while we are here, we will join in His suffering. He’s doesn’t try to sugarcoat it. But satan will lie through his teeth to make you believe that there is no life after death, that there is no punishment for living as you please. His goal is to keep you blind and in your sin. Who will you surrender to?


Awakened

The Holy Spirit led me to share what was on my heart and what He has done in my life. Hope it blesses and encourages you!