Hallelujah Christ Has Come

Hallelujah Christ Has Come

Can you hear the sound
of prisoners no more bound?
For we have been set free
by the grace of God's mercy

Praise oh people sing rejoicing
dance and raise your hands and voices
Praise oh people sing rejoicing
dance and raise your hands and voices

Hallelujah Christ has come
our debt's been paid by God's own son
Hallelujah Christ has come
death defeated by God's own son

Once there was a time
when sin controlled our minds
but we have been redeemed
for all eternity

Praise oh people sing rejoicing
dance and raise your hands and voices
Praise oh people sing rejoicing
dance and raise your hands and voices

Hallelujah Christ has come
our debt's been paid by God's own son
Hallelujah Christ has come
death defeated by God's own son

Unplug

Have you ever had the lights go out in the middle of something? Maybe it’s at work, hanging out somewhere, or just at home. This happened to me recently and while I wasn’t in the middle of anything critical it did alter my planned activities for the evening.

It got me to thinking about what a plugged in world that we live in. We sometimes forget to slow down, unplug and have time to think and just be quiet without all the external stimulation. Things like computers, cell phones, televisions, radios, and a host of other electronic items can serve us well but we can also become slaves to them if we’re not careful.

Quiet, uninterrupted time by ourselves can be rare. It’s important to carve out space in our schedules to decompress and reflect. In doing this, it enables us to think more clearly and be more effective in other parts of our lives.

There is a place for the quick prayer on the go or in the midst of crisis but there is also great value in spending time with God on a more intentional basis. He will provide wisdom and direction and help you to process what’s going on in life.

In Psalm 46:10, some versions of the Bible say: “Be still and know that I am God…” The New American Standard version says: “Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” I like both versions but think that “cease striving” really captures the constant stimulation that so many people have going on in their lives.

By unplugging and stopping all the activity, we can encounter God in a way that would otherwise be difficult. If you don’t do so already, I encourage you to set aside some time this week to specifically focus on talking with God, praising, and listening to Him. It might not seem natural at first but stick with it and you may engage with Him like you never have before.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Finding Joy in Work

There are too many people in the world that dislike, hate, or feel trapped by their job. With most of us working at least 80,000 hours throughout our working lifetimes, it only makes sense to do something that we actually enjoy and are good at.

You are unique in your talents, interests, and experiences from anyone else in the world. This equips you to do things that no one else can do. No one.

Maybe it’s being an amazing leader, or a terrific mom to your kids, or the best teacher your students ever had, or a construction worker that is an outstanding craftsman, or a bus driver that always gets people where they need to go on time with a smile, or a nurse that brings healing and comfort to people. God has created you and made plans designed specifically for you.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”-Ephesians 2:10

Don’t ever settle for something that doesn’t bring you alive and light your fire. If you’re not there yet, start moving in that direction. The world’s got enough darkness. It needs you shining brightly.

There is great joy in that sweet spot of God’s blessing, your talents, and the things you love. You wake up energized, your creativity is stimulated, and you accomplish great things during the day.

Let us seek, therefore, the intersection of our passions, unique giftings, and God’s calling in our lives for it is there that we’ll find unparalleled joy and effectiveness in our work.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Turn Around

Two songs that I like that capture the idea of someone who’s stepped out of close communion with God are Turn Around by Matt Maher and When My Heart Runs Dry by Matt Redman.

It can be as simple as just getting a busy schedule or as bad as deliberate sin that takes you out of communion with God.

Maher says: “You don't have to take the broken road
You can turn around and come back home…
If you're scared that you don't matter
If you're lost and need to be found
If you're looking for a Savior
All you gotta do is turn around”

Redman’s lyrics say:
“When my heart runs dry
And there's no song to sing
No holy melody
No words of love within
I recall the height from which
This fragile heart has slipped...

And I'll remember You
I will turn back and do
The things I used to do
for the love of You”

If you find yourself stuck in sin or have just lost focus on God, turn around, reach out to Him, and draw near again. Don’t get down on yourself, rather pick things up from where you’re at and move forward in relationship with Him.

Fill your world with the things that keep your thoughts on Him. Memorize scripture, listen to and sing worship songs, read the Bible, and pray lots. The past can’t be changed but the good news is that it doesn’t have to be repeated in the future.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Unbroken

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

If not for so much documented historical research, the events of Louis Zamperini's life would seem unbelievable. After a life of mischief as a boy turned Olympic runner, he proceeds to join the military during WWII and becomes a bombardier involved in a number of bombing raids. While on a rescue mission, his plane crashes and he survives for weeks on a life raft. He and 2 other members of the plane's crew floated on the raft with scant provisions, dehydration, sharks and enemy fire to deal with. They are finally picked up by a Japanese ship and subsequently placed in a POW camp.

While imprisoned, they undergo torture incorporating hunger, sickness, dehydration, and both psychological and physical abuse, much at the hands of a man called The Bird. The Bird took special pleasure in tormenting Zamperini and made his life horrific while a prisoner. Incredibly, as the date for their mass execution approaches, the war comes to an end and they are released.

When Zamperini returns to the U.S., he is hailed as a hero come back from the dead and gets married shortly afterward. He then proceeds to flounder from one job to the next and sinks into alcoholism as he deals with the horrors of war. With his marriage on the rocks, a seemingly random interaction with a neighbor, introduces them to the evangelist Billy Graham who was holding meetings in Los Angeles at that time.

After his wife attends without him, he grudgingly joins her at a later date. He is unable to shake the pull of God on his life and becomes a Christian. Through this experience he finds peace and is subsequently able to forgive his captors and move on with life, becoming a Christian speaker and eventually starting a camp for troubled youth.

Hillenbrand did a remarkably thorough job of researching Zamperini's life and the surrounding events in great detail. The book reads like a novel rather than dry non-fiction. I highly recommend the book as an outstanding account of an incredible life.

New Year Exhortation

May you know God more than you've ever known Him in the coming year and structure your life in such a way that facilitates a vibrant, growing relationship with Him. May you not just talk about Him but actually talk with Him and know Him on an intimate level. May you worship Him with abandon, without concern for what others think, and with no reservations.

Let nothing stand in the way of your pursuit of Him. Throw off hindrances and run with perseverance, setting your eyes on Him and seeking Him above all else. Pay no mind to the siren call of popular culture or those who would have you place other things first. It is only in Him that you will find a heart fulfilled, satisfaction, and lasting joy.

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." -Matthew 6:33

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Feliz Navidad

Feliz Navidad amigos.

Do You Pray About Work?

Most people have at least some natural ability in their profession. As a result, there can be a tendency to rely solely on their talent, intellect, creativity, and hard work. While all of these are important elements to a successful professional life, a major piece is missing if prayer is left out.

God can give you insight into work scenarios that you would never have thought of on your own. He can open doors and opportunities where it would otherwise be impossible. He can give you the right words to use in tense meetings and clarity in challenging situations. As Proverbs 16:3 says, "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established."

On a spiritual level, He can help you to bring hope and light to a dark world. Fellow co-workers, vendors, and customers may each be very good in their respective fields but at the same time have a God shaped hole in their life. Pray for them and do your work with excellence so that they will respect you professionally. This may lead to opportunities to have deeper conversations about faith or to encourage them in seeking God.

Prayer should be an important part of your entire life and especially in your work, school, and/or ministry. When you go to work this week, pray at the beginning of the workday, as you attend meetings, write emails, make phone calls, and work on projects. Praying about your work creates a God-sized multiplier that would otherwise be impossible.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Your Story

A new chapter in the story of your life starts each day. Fill it with excitement as you tackle challenges and overcome obstacles. Let each chapter be filled with lessons and insight as you learn and grow. Give your all, not settling for good enough but seeking the best.

Run races, play games, sing songs, dance freely and unashamedly. Visit new places, meet new friends, take pictures, and send postcards. Pet kittens, ride bikes, smell flowers, and eat amazing food. Read books, write poems, speak passionately, talk to God, and listen to wise people.

Let the dialogue of your story encourage everyone who hears it, always building up, never tearing down. Give grace to the ungraceful, peace to the restless, and hope to the hurting. Offer a helping hand, share expertise, and celebrate when they win.

Live fully and without hesitation. Seize the moment, make the call, take the shot. Do the deal, pray the prayer, pop the question.

Let your life be so rich in experience and full of adventure that when it’s bedtime kids ask to hear your story. No one else can live your story; make it a good one.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Pinestraw

The idea for this song came to me while out running this fall and seeing pine straw on the ground. I couldn't get the driving beat out of my head and this was the result. A lot of songs that I write cover deeper subject matter but this one was just for fun and to celebrate southern culture.

Pinestraw
By: Andrew Allen

Work hard all week 8 to 5 that’s just what we do
Get a little rowdy on a Friday night Sunday sitting in a pew
Football Saturday watching our team play ‘gainst it don’t matter who
Grillout tailgate drinking sweet tea eating some barbecue

In the pinestraw come on y’all head on back into the woods
With the pinestraw come on y’all get a little crazy out in the woods
Pinestraw come on y’all head on back into the woods
Pinestraw come on y’all get a little crazy out in the woods

Spring time green time pollen all around moving in to June
Down by the creek on summer nights swimming by the light of the moon
Sitting round a camp fire starlight outside whippoorwill singing his tune
We’re all here to have a good time ain’t nobody leaving soon

Pinestraw come on y’all head on back into the woods
Pinestraw come on y’all get a little crazy out in the woods
Pinestraw come on y’all head on back into the woods
Pinestraw come on y’all get a little crazy out in the woods

Got a little money spend it on my honey we going out tonight
To a hoedown throw down out in the woods tonight
Swing your partner round and round hold her close and hold her tight
Out on the dance floor that’s what we’re here for keep on dancing till we see the sunlight

In the pinestraw come on y’all head on back into the woods
With the pinestraw come on y’all get a little crazy out in the woods
Pinestraw come on y’all head on back into the woods
Pinestraw come on y’all get a little crazy out in the woods

No matter where you go, remember where you’re from and come on back now ya hear
No matter where you go remember where you’re from and come on back now ya hear
No matter where you go just remember where you’re from and come on back now ya hear
No matter where you go remember where you’re from and come on back now ya hear

To the pinestraw come on y’all head on back into the woods
Pinestraw come on y’all get a little crazy out in the woods
Pinestraw come on y’all head on back into the woods
Pinestraw come on y’all get a little crazy out in the woods

Lamentations 3:25

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him
The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him
The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him
To the one who seeks Him
To the one who seeks Him
To the one who seeks Him
He is good

Closer

Closer Lord to You is where I want to stay

Lead me back to You when I drift away

Keep me by Your side teaching me Your way

Soaking in Your Word help me to obey

In Your presence God drawing near to pray

Let my heart be Yours each and every day

Sit Down and Chat With God

Ever find yourself cruising through life with little more than an occasional nod or quick shout out in God’s general direction? If that happens, sit down as quickly as possible and re-engage with Him on a deeper level.

It can be as simple as chatting with Him for a few minutes about how the day’s going. It can be as involved as intensive Bible study, spending time in intentional worship, or refocusing your heart through intercessory prayer. The key is to take some time aside and connect with him.

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” -Psalm 46:10

It is only in close communion with Him that we benefit from His wisdom and insight for our lives. Frequent interaction brings familiarity, a deeper relationship, and the ability to recognize His voice amidst chaos and confusion. Anchor yourself through time with Him, seeking Him diligently and passionately in prayer.

The Deception of Perfection

Most people experience it to some degree. You know, that sense of not being good enough and that someone else is smarter, prettier, more organized, walking closer with God, more athletic, more talented, more whatever. The thought is that because we don’t have it all together, all the time, we are somehow inadequate.

No matter how disciplined you are, how gifted, or how hard you try, you will never be perfect. By all means, you should strive for excellence and improvement and seek God in all you do. But there’s a line beyond which is the great deception— the lie that perfection is required. We will never live up to our own and others’ real or imagined level of expectations. Perfection is unattainable. As the Bible says, “There is no one righteous, not even one.” –Romans 3:10

Quit beating yourself up when you mess up or don’t quite perform to the level you’d like. When the enemy whispers or screams lies to you about inadequacy or failures, ignore him and hold on to the promises of the Bible. “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” –Romans 5:8

Because of Jesus, God loves you unconditionally. You don’t have to accomplish one more thing, make one more sale, get a promotion, run faster, lift more, perform better, read one more book, earn X amount of money, drive a fancy car, live in a nice neighborhood, or be friends with Mr. and Mrs. So-and-So before you’re good enough. All you need is to step into a relationship with Him through redemption in Christ and receive His love.

Next time you’re tempted to get down on yourself, don’t give in to the deception of perfection. We’re all broken in one way or another. The good news is that God uses broken people in a broken world.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

When do you feel most tempted by the deception of perfection?

Tribes

Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us by Seth Godin

Rather than a traditional book review, I thought it'd be fun to write a poem about the book instead.

Tribes of people everywhere
you can lead them if you dare
What's your cause, idea, or product?
Speak about, tweet, or blog it
You don't need authority
they will follow if you lead

Some may call you heretic
but status quo don't always fit
Never fear when others doubt
breaking molds can bring about
change that's good and change that's new
Won't you lead us? We need you

Pray to God

This is the first southern gospel/country song that I've written. Enjoy!

Pray to God
By Andrew Allen

If darkness is around you and you can't find your way
and there's no shining light to lead you into day
He will be your shelter and He will be your guide
Just bow your head my friend and you can pray to God

Pray to God, Pray to God
If your heart is hurt and heavy pray to God
If you're walking through the valley and the road is dark and long
Just bow your head my friend and you can pray to God

He'll lift you up and comfort you when sorrow overcomes
He'll give you strength when you're weak with Him the victory's won
When you fall He'll pick you up and hold you by the hand
Just bow your head my friend and you can pray to God

Pray to God, Pray to God
If your heart is hurt and heavy pray to God
If you're walking through the valley and the road is dark and long
Just bow your head my friend and you can pray to God

Backseat Faith

Have you ever had those times when you sort of, kind of are doing the whole walk with God thing? Yeah, you might listen to the Christian radio station in the car and even make it to church most of the time but as far as an active and thriving relationship with Him, it’s mostly not happening.

It can be so easy to slip into this pattern with countless social events, work obligations, family commitments, sports, extra curricular activities, etc. vying for our attention. If we’re not careful, these activities can creep in and relegate faith to a backseat role with limited day-to-day involvement.

Not only does keeping faith on the sideline open the door for temptation and sin to steal in but it also robs us of the abundant life offered in Christ. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” -John 10:10.

For faith to thrive, it must be fed and exercised. When this happens, it will produce fruit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” –Galatians 5:22-23.

Invite Jesus into your day no matter how packed or busy. Read the Bible. Sing and listen to worship songs that focus your heart and mind on Him. Talk to Him as you would a friend. Thank Him for blessings in your life, ask Him for wisdom, intercede for the needs of yourself and others and believe that He will answer.

Let us seek more than just a casual faith in God but rather one that is active, thriving, and an integral part of our lives.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Have you noticed faith taking a backseat role in your life recently?

The Land Between

Life sometimes brings us tough stuff and we find ourselves somewhere other than where we'd like to be. In The Land Between, Jeff Manion walks through various real life scenarios of people experiencing hardship and their responses to seeking God in the midst of it.

Manion also examines the Israelites during their time in the desert and how God took them through various experiences in order to prepare them for entering the promised land. Many times, they missed the opportunity to grow in their faith and deepening of their relationship with Him.

In speaking about difficulties, Manion says, "God intends to grow something beautiful and deep and lasting, but we must cooperate with Him for the season of hardship to work its intended transformation. Don't let your detour go waste. You are in training, and God is up to something good."

I read the book during a season of introspection and found it to be very good in helping with self examination and figuring out the relationship between my walk with God and difficult situations.

The book is not hard to read but I recommend reading it slowly to allow for sufficient reflection. It is not a do-these-5-steps-and-you'll-be-through-with-your-hardship-in-30-days type of book. But if you are open to examining circumstances and what God may be teaching you, it is an excellent guide.

Validation

This video is guaranteed to make you smile.

Merit Badges Won't Get You Into Heaven

Achievement and accomplishment are encouraged and well engrained into the fiber of our culture. We celebrate those who run marathons, graduate from college, win awards, serve at the homeless shelter, receive promotions, rescue orphans, break records, write books, become wealthy, and a host of other accolades.

These are commendable and all fine and well but they will never truly fulfill us or get us into Heaven. Our achievements will always fall short of the holiness and righteousness of God. It is only by His grace that we can be saved from sin. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." -Ephesians 2:8-10 The inclination towards achievement and accomplishment can be harnessed and focused on good works that God has prepared for you.

Seek to bear fruit but rest in His grace and belief in Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9) rather than a false righteousness built on merit badges.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Has the desire for achievement ever clouded your spiritual focus?