If holiness is the music God hears and a broken heart the sacrifice He honors, let us turn aside our eyes each morning and be moved by the cross.
And each night in the coming year, let us give thanks and worship Him, Who faithfully and patiently watches and keeps, and never fails to zealously love us.
“Transform us Lord, these coming days, as we wholly desire to know You more, and more, and grow in Your grace to trust more fully in Your ways. This is my prayer me, Your Church, Your Bride—and for all who choose to draw near and abide.”
This is the closest thing to a New Year’s resolution.
I remember the first time the Lord put on my heart,
“You’re a worship leader.” It was many, many years ago when my second child was in a baby seat.
I thought I had an image of what a “worship leader” was to be, but God had plans way beyond my imagination.
Through the course of over 30 years, marriage, pregnancy, chronic laryngitis, children, teaching, serving, moving, sickness, and recovery, and the beauty of brokenness, God has shown me,
“Toni, to lead in worship is simple and true. Look to Me. Talk to Me. And Believe Me and My Word, through and through, no matter the rough terrain, the pain;
I wash all the stains.
Look to the cross, and lead others there—children, and hurting, and feeble, and doubting. Talk of Me and pray, I will strengthen and empower.
And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself, John 12:32.
So, to begin a new year with old foundations laid, I set out to frame God’s Word, powerful and true:
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.
Jesus. Old words, prayerful songs, I pray I will remember and consider the whole year long.
It seems easy, yet not—to let sound out on these words so sweet. The reality is, . . . these thoughts are difficult to speak, in truth and honesty.
The Lord God Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, He knows my heart, He sees. He knows and understands the wrestling.
As a child, I want to open up my voice. Will you join me? Not reluctantly, but the best we can today, faith-fully:
“Open my eyes, Lord. I want to see Jesus. To reach out and touch You, And say that I love You.
Open my ears, Lord, and help me to listen. Open my eyes, Lord, I want to see Jesus.
To mean these words, with all my heart, soul, and mind, I need help from Him, but I believe. Help me grow to believe more, . . .
In His time.
He makes all things beautiful,
In His time.
As You’re teaching me Your way,
That You do just what You say
In Your time.
May each song we have to sing
Be to You a lovely thing
In Your time.”