Lovin' on: church, leaders, and albums

I've mentioned several times on here that I love my church so much. I've never been more encouraged, challenged, and blessed by a group of people in my life. The leaders at the Stone shepherd with passionate love for Jesus and His people. They motivate the church to action through scripture and leading by example. They chase and grasp for God's heart and He has blown me away at how He works in and through a people who offer real, honest, willing hearts.

Aaron Ivey is one of the worship leaders at The Stone. What I appreciate about him is his sincerity and ability to be so real when on stage. I think Ivey's one of the most amazing musician/song writers out there...and I'm not just saying that because it's my church. =) What I've come to love is his raw-ness of lyrics and how they are so genuine of the heart. The words are simple, alive, and true. There a few songs on his new album that we sing in church and I truly feel that the lyrics were Spirit-weaved (...woven??? weaved???....) God's favor and annointing is on Ivey and I am grateful that he has recognized his gifting and is using it for God's glory.

With that to say I think YOU should download his new album, Between the Beauty & Chaos, on iTunes by clicking the banner above. Let God rock your world through the words.

Another super rad thing about Ivey (and his crew) is his heart for justice. As I've been reading through Psalms lately, I've been convicted of how highly God desires justice; hand-in-hand with righteousness.

"The Lord loves righteousness and justice..." Ps. 33:5
"He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun." Ps. 37:6
"For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones." Ps. 37:28

The list goes on. We are called to be righteous, holy, and to do what is right. Be the voice for the voice-less. To embrace the broken and the hurting with compassion. To let Jesus shine through our actions of love. To "distribute what we have that all may taste and see." The lyrics to one of his songs has been resonating in my heart and prayers and that is what I'll leave you with...

LET YOUR KINGDOM COME
Aaron Ivey, Matt Carter. ©2009 IVEYMUSIC. (ASCAP)

Give us a love for peace
Move us to brokenness
Our generosity
release from poverty
Your Kingdom here and now
To the least of these
Distribute what we have
That all may taste and see

Let Your Kingdom come
Let Your will be done
And all the Earth will say
And echo angels’ praise
That You are God

So, let the sick run free
The orphan find her home
The captured man will know
Release from slavery
Your Kingdom here and now
To the least of these
Distribute what we have
That all may taste and see

Let Your Kingdom come
Let Your will be done
And all the Earth will say
And echo angels’ praise
That You are God

We pray and ask for hope
We pray and ask for peace
We pray and ask for justice
We pray and ask for You

Be rad and buy the album!!!