Amy's Mic

To Fall or Not to Fall

Amy — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:11:36 +0000

I learned how to water ski when I was a teenager. Surprisingly, I didn’t have any trouble getting up, but the coming down was much dreaded. I knew a fall was inevitable, and it would be only a matter of moments before I was face-first on the water. You would think that the fear of falling would have aided me in staying vertical longer, but my fall always came quickly and was usually painful. Strangely, there was relief in the fall, and I sighed knowing it was over. Because I knew I would fall, I premeditated it, anticipated it, waited for it, and then was relieved by it.

Unfortunately, as believers, we often view our earthly journey in a similar way. Everyone at some point deals with a nagging transgression that continues to rear its ugly head–that habitual sin that we just can’t seem to shake. We understand Christ is sufficient. We know to cling to Him in the moment of temptation. We believe no temptation has overtaken us but such as is common to man (1 Cor. 10:13). Yet we fall. Proverbs states a righteous man falls, but rises again (Prov. 24:16). This certainly is an encouragement to strive onward. But I have to wonder: does our premeditation of the fall help it to happen? Do we find relief once it has taken place, even though it is so very painful?

Victory over sin is ours through Christ. Romans 8:37 tells us we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. We CAN quit the sin cold turkey. We CAN be released from its grip and never look back. We CAN choose, through the power of the Holy Spirit Who dwells within us, not to fall again. We are sinners and our nature lends itself to failure, but Christ is perfect. He has defeated the power of sin, death, and unbelief, and we are blessed to share in His triumph (1 Cor. 15:56-57). We need not look for the next fall. Let us consider ourselves dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus (Rom. 6:11)!

Divine Intervention

Amy — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 20:20:26 +0000

On Wednesday, March 14, at 1:30 in the afternoon, I was stopped at a red light at a busy highway intersection. I will never understand what provoked me to move from that spot of safety. I collided with a semi that was traveling at full speed. The entire front end of our Jeep was stripped away. Had I accelerated one fraction of a second earlier, I would have been T-boned in my driver door. The truck came to a stop one hundred yards down the road, and I sat in the middle of the intersection in a broken-down heap of metal, yet I was completely whole and unscratched.

I have replayed the scene over and over in my mind. What amazes me most is how peaceful it was. Yes, it was violently loud and extremely messy; the stains remain on the road even after the rain. But my experience was not one of terror. In fact, I knew no fear. I didn’t scream or shut my eyes or even take my hands off of the wheel. Though items in the car were hurled, I don’t remember being jarred. There was a protective bubble all around me like I have never known and which I will never forget. It was the most awful and yet one of the most precious moments of my life.

I believe the truth of Scripture; it is the sure foundation on which I build all my days. So when I read . . .

I know, O LORD, that a man’s way is not in himself,
Nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps. (Jeremiah 10:23)

The mind of man plans his way,
But the LORD directs his steps. (Proverbs 16:9)

Man’s steps are ordained by the LORD,
How then can man understand his way? (Proverbs 20:24)

. . . do I question the events of this earthly journey and ask why, or do I simply trust His plan? Do I see His providential hand and rejoice? Do I take hold of both the good and the bad and live them out according to His will because of His will?

Seeds have already been planted from this incident. It is a wonderful conclusion to know that my heavenly Father orchestrated this moment not only for my personal protection, but for its purpose in my life and witness for His kingdom. Why He spared me I do not know. But what I am absolutely sure of is that He is on His throne, sovereignly reigning over the details of my daily life. Oh, the riches and bounty of His grace and mercy!

Your Arms

Amy — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 18:12:10 +0000

Lately, it seems that at every turn I am being challenged in some way, whether spiritually, socially or emotionally. But I know the Lord is ever working things out for my good and for His glory. I trust this is the case with all of my being. I am thankful for these growing pains, for it is with joy I see the fruit they bear.

“But You, O GOD, the Lord, deal kindly with me for Your name’s sake; Because Your lovingkindness is good, deliver me” (Psalm 109:21). He is good. When feeling overwhelmed, it is a blessing to understand His goodness, to be held in His arms, and to believe His plan is filled with wonderful purpose. I praise Him for this, and I am humbled by it.

Here are the lyrics to a new song. Though it was written to encourage a dear friend, its truths ring deep within my own heart.

YOUR ARMS
For PJ
Words and Music by Amy Branson Fata
© 2012 Portion Music (ASCAP)

Verse 1
I’m finding myself in that place again
Of fear and doubt
I’m finding myself in that place again
Where sorrow abounds
You know my heart
You are never far
I’m finding myself in that place again
Your arms
Oh, Your arms

Verse 2
You cover my life with Your wings of love
When the cold winds blow
You quiet my mind with Your soothing Word
When the teardrops flow
You shelter me
You never leave
I’m finding myself in that place again
Your arms
Oh, Your arms

Bridge
All glory belongs
To Your name alone
Whether I win or I lose
You are on Your throne

Verse 3
I’m finding myself in that place again
Where the world melts away
I’m finding myself bowing at Your feet
Kneeling in grace
You wore my shame
You bore the blame
When laying down Your life, stretched out on a cross
With Your arms
Oh, Your arms

Grow Your Word in Me

Amy — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:13:44 +0000

Some time ago, a friend asked me to write a song that speaks of our eagerness to grow in God’s Word. To absorb its truths and to prosper in its wisdom should be the desires of every believer. It is both a privilege and a blessing to open it with our hands, speak it with our lips, and let it dwell within our hearts.

Grow Your Word in Me
For Leslie Miller
Amy Branson Fata
© 2011 Portion Music (ASCAP)

Verse 1
Make of me Your humble servant
Draw me to Your precious Word
Teach me knowledge, good discernment
I delight to know and learn
Your holy Word
My heart’s desire
Let me be a faithful steward
Grow Your Word in me

Verse 2
Like a fountain flowing freely
Wash my tender heart with truth
With a passion growing deeply
Your commands, my life, my food
Your holy Word
My heart’s desire
Like a stream that never ceases
Grow Your Word in me

Verse 3
In Your law my life is founded
In its comfort I find rest
In its path my feet are grounded
In its goodness I am blessed
Your holy Word
My heart’s desire
In its wisdom let me prosper
Grow Your Word in me

Verse 4
Such reward I find in Your ways
Righteousness is now my own
Such a treasure for all my days
Till I bend before the throne
Your holy Word
My heart’s desire
On this earth and for Your kingdom
Grow Your Word in me

Silence Broken

Amy — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:08:10 +0000

If man is going to know anything about God, God has to do the speaking. Thankfully, He is not silent. He has spoken in two phases: before the coming of His Son into the world, and through the coming of His Son into the world.

The Old Testament was God’s message to men, announcing the future coming of His Son. Hebrews 1:1 says, “He spoke long ago,” referring to the Old Testament. The book of Hebrews was written A.D. 60-70, so it was approaching 500 years since God had spoken through the Old Testament writers. But then verse 2 states, “In these last days [God] has spoken to us in His Son . . .” When Christ was born, the flurry of activity with angels and miracles was astonishing. The pace at which these supernatural phenomena occurred around the life and ministry of Jesus was unparalleled. These were beautiful signs and wonders proclaiming the majesty and glory of the Almighty, Who had spoken to us again, this time through His beloved Son.

Though His people await the return of the Lord Jesus Christ, how privileged we are to know our Messiah has come. With the sound of a baby’s cry in Bethlehem, God revealed His plan of redemption in a unique and wondrous way. Silence was broken and we were set free.

Well Invested

Amy — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 18:38:13 +0000

The young boy in John 6 was willing to part with his loaves and fishes. Maybe there were others present that day who had food hidden away and didn’t offer to share it. Who knows? Maybe one of the disciples had a Snickers bar tucked in his cloak! So afterwards he thought, “Shoot! We could have had dessert for everyone, too!”

In giving his food into the hands of the Master, the boy not only participated in feeding thousands of hungry people but also shared in the bounty till his own stomach was “made full.” Spurgeon said, “Anything that you take away from self and give to Christ is well invested.”

Jesus accepted the little barley cakes and tiny sardines. In taking them up, He was saying, “These will do for me. These are enough for me.” Though there was just a small amount, He knew He could use it and even do mighty things with it. The boy gave all he had to the Master, and Christ proved it was enough for Him.

All is His

Amy — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 18:15:08 +0000

I thought I owned million-a-thing, the thoughts I think, the songs I sing;
I thought I claimed each moment mine, the lyric, the poem, even the rhyme.
I thought I had a way with life, that peace was mine, and even strife;
I thought I could hold it in my hand, be queen for a day-now that’d be grand!
But then I thought, “These thoughts won’t do.” Something in them refused to ring true.
For even my mind which built such notions, and also my deepest heartfelt emotions,
Were created by Him Who possesses the stars, the Earth, Jupiter, Saturn and Mars,
All creatures, all plants, things present and past, all that is gone and that which will last.
You see, nothing is mine, not even this breath; all is His: my days, my death.
So I will live as I am: truly His own, from kneeling on this Earth ’til before His throne.
And when they ask, “What did she possess?” The love of a King and His happiness.

Amen, Jésus, Amen

Amy — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:42:59 +0000

When Liliana was two years old and beginning to form her words well, every night as we laid her in bed and said a goodnight prayer, she would conclude by saying, “Amen, Jésus, Amen.” She first called Jesus by His French name. We are trying to raise our girls bilingually, so hearing her sweet voice say “Jésus” brought joy to our hearts.

It is precious to consider that Christ’s children from around the globe call out to Him in their native tongues and He hears. He responds. He carries out the Father’s will in and through our lives. This Savior we serve is international. He is universal. He is all and in all (Colossians 3:11).

Below is a song written for Lillie that speaks of Christ’s Lordship.

Verse 1
I realize how small I am
And I can’t comprehend how big You are
And Lord, I know not a day goes by
That You don’t occupy Your throne

Chorus
Your will be done in the daytime
Your will be done when the stars shine
For then, for now, and for all of time
Oh Amen, Jésus, Amen
Oh Amen, Jésus, Amen

Verse 2
You hold all things in the palm of Your hand
And I can’t understand why You hold me
For You are King, Lord of space and time
If You’d not think of me, I’d cease to be

Verse 3
The universe cannot contain
The glory due Your name and all You’re worth
And my small heart is captured by Your grace
And I will fill this place with Your praise

Chorus 2
Que ta volonté soit faite la journée
Que ta volonté soit faite la nuit étoilée
Pour aujourd’hui, pour l’éternité
Oh Amen, Jésus, Amen
Oh Amen, Jésus, Amen

A Decade of Blessing

Amy — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 01:28:57 +0000

Ten years ago we embarked on an adventure into full-time music ministry. We had no idea how the Lord would use us. We wondered how He would provide for our needs as we left behind the security of a regular paycheck. Nonetheless, we confidently grabbed His hand and leaped into the unknown believing Him to be Jehovah Jireh, The Lord Who Provides. And He is. We don’t just believe it; we know it. Through the years, we have marveled at His provision as He showered us not only with what we needed, but also with blessings above and beyond our desires.

We pray our testimonies and songs have been an encouragement to God’s people and we earnestly hope His name has been glorified. What we have experienced on this side of our ministry is a Heavenly Father Who loves and teaches us in every season of life. In famine or feast, He is present at our table.

He said, “Do not stretch out your hand against the lad, and do nothing to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” Then Abraham raised his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him a ram caught in the thicket by his horns; and Abraham went and took the ram and offered him up for a burnt offering in the place of his son. Abraham called the name of that place The LORD Will Provide, as it is said to this day, “In the mount of the LORD it will be provided.”
Genesis 22:12-14

Thanks be to God, Who in His providence, ordains the ram to be caught in the thicket. May His guidance and goodness continue to abound in the decade to come, but more importantly, may we bear fruit for His kingdom and be vessels of honor for His name’s sake.

The Savior’s Feet

Amy — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 20:08:19 +0000

A new modern hymn describing the beautiful feet of our Lord . . .

Verse 1
Falling teardrops wash the Savior’s feet
Jesus is her heart’s cry
With her hair she wipes the past away
With perfume she finds life
The Son of Man has come to
Answer the sinner’s plea
The dust of life on this earth
Under the Savior’s feet

Verse 2
Walking on this sod to redeem us
Children of the promise
Jesus, Son of God, gave up the throne
Placed His favor on us
Behold the Lamb slain for us
Hanging upon a tree
Behold our chains breaking loose
Under the Savior’s feet

Verse 3
Reigning on His throne the Son sat down
At the Father’s right hand
Sins are now atoned for all of time
We rejoice at night’s end
The veil, His flesh, torn for us
Father’s promise complete
Behold His sworn enemies
Under the Savior’s feet