Crown Him

On my way back from vacation, I listened to one of my CD's that has inspired me throughout the years. Here is the lyrics to one of the songs entitled "Crown Him" by Michael Card:

Crown him, crown him
The angry people cried
Crown him, crown him
Let him be crucified

Crown him, crown him
Let him not remain alive
Crown him, crown him,
He must be crucified

So a circle of pain and love
came down upon his head
It was not for anything he'd done
Nor for anything he'd said
For all his life he sought to show
They were only living a lie
But they didn't care to hear or know
They just wanted him to die

Soon the circle of glory
Will be placed upon his brow
And he'll come to reign forever
Though it may not seem so now
And our time of tears and trouble
Will seem only like a dream
As we stand before the glory
Of our Savior and our King

Crown him, crown him
Holy angels sing
All glory, honor, power and praise
Will crown the King of kings

Crown him, crown him
Those redeemed and damned
Will bow the knee and humbly
Sing worthy is the Lamb

Surprised By Joy

There are objective facts that confirm the truth of Christ. Logical arguments for faith have been developed that are persuasive. However, there is also subjective proof that may not convince others of the reality of Jesus, but for the one who experiences it, maybe the most powerful.

For me, that was joy. As a new believer, the joy that accompanied His Presence came to me totally unexpected. And it came like an overwhelming flood. You see, I didn't expect it, because I didn't know it existed. That's right. I never experienced a pure joy like this before. Oh sure, I had a fair share of happy occasions in my life. But not joy--at least like this. What made this such a powerful testimony to me was that by nature I tend to be melancholic and serious. Even to this day, I still have these same tendencies. So when I find joy in the presence of the Lord, I know that it does not come from me.

When I read in the Bible that one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit is joy, I know this is true. I really believe the promises spoken by the Lord that the Holy Spirit is sent to dwell in those who believe in him. No, I am not joyful all the time. Quite the contrary. But when I seek the Lord, He does make his presence known and:

You have made known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

-Psalm 16:11

Thank you Lord, that you are found when I seek you. Sometimes, I feel as though you hide yourself. But I know it is really I who am hiding from you. Because you love is better than life, I will praise you.