If we are the body…

1Corinthians 12:27

All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.
(are you doing your part?)

There’s a song that Casting Crowns sings called, “We Are the Body” that really speaks to me. I have often wondered why more Christians are not better at reaching out. Especially when there are homeless people out holding signs asking for help. I know from personal experience that there are many homeless people with some kind of addiction. But who are we to tell them how to spend the money that we may give them? If God told me to give a homeless person $5 or even just $1, is it my place to say, “but God… he may buy a beer.” It’s not our business how they spend that money. It’s not the money that you are really giving… it’s the love of Jesus you are showing. Besides that… there are other things you can give besides money. Give a gift card for a fast food place… or carry little packs of cheese and crackers… I know in the wetter regions that socks are always received with great joy.

Here are the lyrics to the song. You can hear it on Youtube by searching for Casting Crowns.

“If We Are The Body”

It’s crowded in worship today
As she slips in trying to fade into the faces
The girl’s teasing laughter is carrying farther than they know
Farther than they know

But if we are the body
Why aren’t His arms reaching?
Why aren’t His hands healing?
Why aren’t His words teaching?
And if we are the body
Why aren’t His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way?
There is a way

A traveler is far away from home
He sheds his coat and quietly sinks into the back row
The weight of their judgemental glances
Tells him that his chances are better out on the road

Jesus payed much too high a price
For us to pick and choose who should come
And we are the body of Christ

Jesus is the way

by CASTING CROWNS

Praise You In This Storm

by Casting Crowns

I was sure by now
God You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say “Amen”, and it’s still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
“I’m with you”
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

[Chorus:]
And I’ll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I’ve cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to you
And you raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can’t find You

But as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
“I’m with you”
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

[Chorus]

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

[Chorus x2]

Psalm 121

I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.