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Heavenly Meditations – My piano music

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[audio:http://www.genesisproject.org/files/audio/music/web/mine/HeavenlyMeditation.mp3|autostart=yes|loop=no]
(Please turn on your speakers to hear the music.  You can stop, play, or adjust the volume directly on the player icon above).

When I first arrived in Seminary (about twenty years ago) I was walking through the dormitory when I heard some very simple yet beautiful piano music wafting down the corridor.  I followed it’s captivating vibes until I found a Korean student, eyes closed and heart raised, simply pouring out his heart to God in simple songs of worship on the piano.  I didn’t understand the words (my Korean skills are quite rusty ;) but I understood the spirit of the music — the spirit of love and adoration being poured out with every touch of the keys.  I sat nearby and had a wonderful time with the Lord as he was playing.

When he finished I went over and asked if he would show me, in less than five minutes (that’s all the time I had left), how I could begin to learn to play the piano.  I too wanted to pour my heart out to God through this beautiful instrument.

So he showed me how to basically make up simple chords — and with that, whenever I got the chance, I would try to play.

Unfortunately I never had the opportunity to take a piano course — but with that little push in the right direction I could soon sit down at the piano and play some simple melodies that come to me in the moment . . . melodies that I feel springing from my heart in expressions of adoration and love to God.

I must say that as a child my parents tried to get me to take some music classes . . . but I never really committed to such courses — I just didn’t have the vision for it.

However, after Jesus changed my life, I immediately had a desire to learn the guitar so I could express my love and thankfulness to Him. The one on hand at the time belonged to my dad who on rare occasions would pick up the guitar and play a bit. So I started practicing many hours each day. I really cried out to God to help me learn as it wasn’t easy. I said, “Jesus, please help me learn — because I only want to sing for you.” Well, He helped me . . . in fact I’ll be posting some songs in the future on the website.

I’m sharing this background because I want to say that the music and songs I play are deeply rooted in love and faith in Jesus — as He is the motivation for my life, He’s also my inspiration in my music. I find the chords and melodies attached to His essence — otherwise I simply don’t feel the inspiration, nor can I even play — especially on the piano. When I sit at the piano I don’t know what’s going to come out when I put my fingers to the keys. In fact, I only sit at the piano when I feel an anointing”bubbling” inside; it’s the only way I’m able to play, and it’s the only way I enjoy it.  I’m really not trying to over-spiritualize this — it’s just how it works for me.

I just thought to share this melody with you, as this is the first time I’ve ever recorded myself playing the piano! (Well, it’s not really a piano, just a little keyboard :) I hope you enjoy it!  (Tip:  This music is best enjoyed with eyes closed and heart open :)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (4.1MB)

(Music Video) Dive

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An inspiring music video by Steven Curtis Chapman encouraging us to take a step of faith and dive in to the river of God’s Spirit and will.

“If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. Just as the scripture says, ‘From within him will flow rivers of living water.’” (Now he said this about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were going to receive…)” (John 7:37–39)

To dive in to a pool requires letting go of earth beneath us.  We need to abandon our own preconceived ideas and plans — even our own self:

And Jesus said to them all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself.” (Luke 9:23–26)

Nothing can compare to the exhilaration of the unhindered flow of God’s Spirit carrying us along in the current of His will.  Whatever it may “seem” we’re giving up will seem insignificant in comparison with what God has in store for us.

“But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”” (1 Corinthians 2:9)

That we “may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and thus to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Now to him who by the power that is working within us is able to do far beyond all that we ask or think, to him be the glory” (Ephesians 3:18–21)

… and the things that were once difficult for us to do, we find that we’re no longer alone — but “it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13)

So, a swim anyone?  Let’s go for a dive!

(Music Video) Give me your eyes

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A great song (music video) by Brandon Heath reminding us not to be as the horse which walks with blinders — blind to the needs of others. Lord help us to walk with our eyes wide open, that He may be able to show us opportunities to be a channel of His love to others. Lord help us to “be ready whether it is convenient or not” (2 Timothy 4:2).

 

Here’s an excerpt of some of the lyrics:

 

“. . . All those people going somewhere

 

Why have I never cared?
Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the broken hearted
The ones that are far beyond my reach?
Give me your heart for the one’s forgotten
Give me your eyes so I can see . . .”

 

(Video Slideshow) God is God

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This is a beautiful song by Steven Curtis Chapman called “God is God” put to some beautiful nature photos.

The song is an inspiring reminder that although there are some things we don’t understand or can’t explain, God knows, and we can rest assured that all things are in His very capable hands.

“Aren’t two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. Even all the hairs on your head are numbered. So do not be afraid; you are more valuable than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29–31)

An excerpt from the lyrics:

“God is God and I am not
I can only see a part of the picture He’s painting
God is God and I am man
So I’ll never understand it all
For only God is God

And the sky begins to thunder
And I’m filled with awe and wonder
‘Til the only burning question that remains
Is who am I

Can I form a single mountain
Take the stars in hand and count them
Can I even take a breath without God giving it to me
He is first and last before all that has been
Beyond all that will pass . . .”