The Light is in The Heart (Matthew 5:16)

winter_jam_2014

“In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (HCSB)

winter_jam_2014

Winter Jam is one of the greatest experiences of worship I’ve ever had. It uses different styles of music, mixed in with a gospel message. This year seemed different over the other past experiences. We went this month to the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte and really enjoyed Winter Jam 2014.

I can first praise God because He helped me overcome a head cold I was battling so I could go. I got to see many of the different artists that all of us normal people see as the big and famous. They shared messages from their hearts like we were apart of their big church family.

Colton Dixon shared that he felt the need to reconnect with God during his time on American Idol. Thousand Foot Krutch lead singer Trevor McNevan made the point that worship is a lifestyle. Tiffany Lee (a.k.a. Plumb) talked about the life experiences that went with her songs. LeCrae Moore used the songs on his set to share his testimony of how he came to accept Christ. Finally, Newsboys lead singer Michael Tait took time to sing a song in memory of his mother. He also concluded the show by going up above the floor to declare God’s Not Dead.

Newsong sang Rescue and we raised our hands to celebrate that day when God called on Jesus to Arise My Love.

I responded to the gospel message that Nick Hall shared to rededicate myself to God for 2014. He said that all I need to do is what these artists on the Winter Jam tour do – shine the light for Christ in my heart no matter what stands in the way or how many mistakes I make. That’s the best thing I can do to honor God reflect Him to make his glory shine brighter.

I’ve seen friends hurting through struggles. Some even rejected the gospel message. I think that sometimes we’re at fault for making the message too complicated to accept.

The chorus from a song that Tenth Avenue North performs presents the beauty of the simple gospel message

Hallelujah
We are free to struggle
We’re not struggling to be free
Your blood bought and makes us children
So children drop your chains and sing.

I admit that, even when I didn’t realize it, I held the chains of sin in my heart while trying to honor God. After hearing that song for the first time, it’s going to be ok to go through struggles. As the saying goes “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”.

Put your trust in Christ today and He will guide you through all the struggles of life like they were nothing. I promise these men and women on tour are going to make it a commanding statement that Christ overcame this world.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *