Stained Glass Masquerade

[Nahum]

Is there anyone that fails
Is there anyone that falls
Am I the only one in church today feelin’ so small

Cause when I take a look around
Everybody seems so strong
I know they’ll soon discover
That I don’t belong

So I tuck it all away, like everything’s okay
If I make them all believe it, maybe I’ll believe it too
So with a painted grin, I play the part again
So everyone will see me the way that I see them

Are we happy plastic people
Under shiny plastic steeples
With walls around our weakness
And smiles to hide our pain
But if the invitation’s open
To every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we close the curtain
On our stained glass masquerade

Is there anyone who’s been there
Are there any hands to raise
Am I the only one who’s traded
In the altar for a stage

The performance is convincing
And we know every line by heart
Only when no one is watching
Can we really fall apart

But would it set me free
If I dared to let you see
The truth behind the person
That you imagine me to be

Would your arms be open
Or would you walk away
Would the love of Jesus
Be enough to make you stay

Are we happy plastic people
Under shiny plastic steeples
With walls around our weakness
And smiles to hide our pain
But if the invitation’s open
To every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we close the curtain
On our stained glass masquerade

Well if the invitation’s open
To every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we close the curtain
On our stained glass masquerade

Is there anyone that fails
Is there anyone that falls
Am I the only one in church today feelin’ so small

Casting Crowns

[Nahum]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUp_n9G--VI

[Barb]

My hand is raised, PP...been there...

[Nahum]

John 4

15
The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water, so that I may not be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water."
16
Jesus said to her, "Go call your husband and come back."
17
The woman answered and said to him, "I do not have a husband." Jesus answered her, "You are right in saying, 'I do not have a husband.'
18
For you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not your husband. What you have said is true."
19
The woman said to him, "Sir, I can see that you are a prophet.

[Nahum]

Why do we feel a need to withhold what we really are to Jesus, and others?

This woman only told Jesus a partial truth.

The man with the withered hand would not make it visible until Jesus commanded him to do so.

The rich young ruler could not bring himself to reveal and give his wealth.

Ananias and Saphira lied to the Holy Ghost.

[Nahum]

More and more, I am convinced Jesus cannot really help us until we are totally honest with ourselves and Him.

We defeat our promised victories because we refuse to expose our heart's intents and desires to Him.

God desires truth in the inward parts.

[Nahum]

In fact, there is no real repentance apart from complete truthfulness with God. How can God forgive that which is not confessed?

How many Christians walk through life defeated because they do not trust a God who knows them inside and out?

[freeatlast]

I've got a video of a fellow preacher that does pantomime. In the one video he keeps taking off a mask..only to reaveal another mask of a different color.

It was not until all the masks were removed that he found freedom.

We ALL wear a mask of some sort. We hide our true selves behind it.

[Barb]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

More and more, I am convinced Jesus cannot really help us until we are totally honest with ourselves and Him.

We defeat our promised victories because we refuse to expose our heart's intents and desires to Him.

God desires truth in the inward parts.

Looking inward is not an easy thing, especially when we set ourselves on a plain that it's not us "but them."

"To thine own self be true" should be the hallmark of the heart of every believer...

[Felicity]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

In fact, there is no real repentance apart from complete truthfulness with God. How can God forgive that which is not confessed?

How many Christians walk through life defeated because they do not trust a God who knows them inside and out?

We may as well be REAL and honest with Him. He knows us anyhow - every detail.

I don't think it's so difficult to be transparent before the Lord ....... opening up our hearts and minds and souls to Him and just "baring it all" and laying there before Him. Part of the reason is because we know God loves us and isn't condemning. Sadly, others are. They'll strike, hurt and even kill even those who are wounded and justify it too.

It's 'others' that it's not so easy being so transparent with ..... and often wisely so.