Overcome

As the 2010 arrives, we often think of resolutions. Things we can change...hopefully for the better. Lose weight, get a better job, stop smoking, drink less, cuss less, work out more, go back to school, pay off debt...or whatever. They are all usually things we try to muster up the self-discipline to do. Unfortunately, statistics say that most people don't make it to the end of January! I wonder why? Perhaps it is the "self" part of self-discipline. Maybe we lack the ability to "stay the course" when it comes to this thing called "self". As noble as our "resolutions" are, we meltdown within weeks. "Oh well, maybe next year," we say. At ECHO, we applaud those of you trying to make a change, we really do, it's often not easy...that's why we avoid tackling these issues till each New Year comes 'round. But we also know of a God who says He can "be" in us, what we cannot "be" in our own strength. Perhaps this year you will invite Him to "be" in you...what you cannot be otherwise. After all the hardest changes are internal... not external (and they sure can be hard, can't they?). Those internal deep things of the heart and soul...are so hard to understand...and control...and live with. Its often easier to control our actions or appearance...rather than our emotions. Perhaps this year we can work inside out...rather than outside in. At ECHO we encourage you to rest in the love of Jesus and invite Him to "be" those very things your heart & soul long for...and struggle with...in God's love may you overcome in 2010. If you've never asked God to work in your life in this way before...may these words of song be your prayer. May the lyrics of the following medley encourage you as they remind you of God's heart for you... and His desire to work in you!

And I can see that my hands are trembling,

I can see that my legs are weak

I can see that my head is spinning,

but I will overcome

And I know that my heart is hurting,

And I know that my soul it aches

And I know that it seems I'm failing,

but I will overcome, yeah

O Lord I'm strong in You

O Lord I am wise in You

O Lord I can see in You

so I will overcome

O Lord I'm loved by You

O Lord I am free in You

O Lord I'm complete in You

So I will overcome

I will overcome

I will overcome

Oh God, You are my God

And I will ever praise You

Oh God, You are my God

And I will ever praise You

I seek You in the morning

And I will learn to walk in Your ways

And step by step You'll lead me

And I will follow You all of my days

And step by step You'll lead me

And I will follow You all of my days

O Lord I'm strong in You

O Lord I'm wise in You

O Lord I can see in You

so I will overcome

O Lord I'm loved by You

O Lord I am free in You

O Lord I'm complete in You

So I will overcome

I will overcome

I will overcome

lyrics "I Will Overcome" by Charlie Hall and "Step by Step" by Rich Mullins,

arrangement by Rick McElmurry

be God's!
Brian O
Lead Pastor dude, ECHO