Beautiful Exchange

While singing at church this past weekend, I noticed the bottom of the page listed scriptural references for the song. After not hearing the song for at least a year, if not longer, I still knew the words from memory but I could not tell you what the scripture said just by seeing the reference. I don't think this is anything new. I've always known that songs are easy to remember and scripture is a little trickier. However, I have never tried to use songs to memorize scripture, although I know it has been suggested to me. (Sometimes I have to hear things a few times before I really get it...typical.) In Ephesians 6:10-18 it talks about the armor of God and we are commanded to "Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God." The sword is the only offensive weapon that we are given to fight, the rest of the armor is defensive. Clearly, there is power in knowing God's word and I'm experiencing a whole new level of it even this summer. Raising support is definitely difficult and keeping God's truth running through my mind is the only way to keep my hope grounded in Christ and find the courage and strength I need to continue. So, this week I've started something new. I usually enjoy mixing the Bible, worship music, and some sort of coloring together. Rather than throwing the three together unintentionally, I'm trying to be more intentional with which songs I choose to listen to and what scripture I read and then writing a verse and coloring it. My hope is that it will help me memorize scripture better. For example, one of my favorite songs is Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong. I've heard this song many times and know that it shares the gospel. Well, now I know one simple, yet powerful verse to go along with it. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we may become the righteousness of God." Now that is a beautiful exchange and now when I hear the song, I'll have scripture to go through my mind too.

It's a long video, but everyone needs a little break. Take a few minutes and listen to the song. :)