If I Ain't Got You, Jesus

This is a song by Alicia Keys. These days I hardly listen to contemporary songs. However, there will always be time when my TV is on MTV, VH1, or BET and I will get to view what are the current hits. This song by Alicia Keys just grabbed my attention. I have to say it was first because of the melody. Because I like the melody, I try to listen what she is saying (That's how I am. If I don't like the music, there is a very small chance that I will like the song). After listening, I have to say, in a way, I can relate to the lyrics. Read the lyrics and see if you understand what she is trying to say.

If I Ain't Got You
(Alicia Keys)

Some people live for the fortune
Some people live just for the fame
Some people live for the power, yeah
Some people live just to play the game
Some people think that the physical things
Define what’s within
And I’ve been there before
But that life’s a bore
So full of the superficial

Chorus:
Some people want it all
But I don’t want nothing at all
If it ain’t you baby
If I ain’t got you baby
Some people want diamond rings
Some just want everything
But everything means nothing
If I ain't got you, Yeah

Some people search for a fountain
That promises forever young
Some people need three dozen roses
And that’s the only way to prove you love him
Hand me the world on a silver platter
And what good would it be
With no one to share
with no one who truly cares for me

Chorus:
Some people want it all
But I don’t want nothing at all
If it ain’t you baby
If I ain’t got you baby
Some people want diamond rings
Some just want everything
But everything means nothing
If I ain’t got you, you, you
Some people want it all
But I don’t want nothing at all
If it ain’t you baby
If I ain’t got you baby
Some people want diamond rings
Some just want everything
But everything means nothing
If I ain’t got you, yeah

Outro:
If I ain’t got you with me baby
So nothing in this whole wide world don’t mean a thing
If I ain’t got you with me baby

A lot of people focus on different things in lives. Sadly, not few of them live in a superficial world where fame and fortune matter the most. Okay, I do agree that money does matter. After all, we need money to fulfill some of our needs. However, it shouldn't be our goals in live. I am sure you have heard the phrase "Money can't buy happiness". How many people you know that are rich but still not satisfied or still unhappy? They can buy anything they want, but how can you buy happiness?

So, how do I relate to the song? I am truly blessed to be able to say that what I have in this world will not matter at all if I don't have Jesus in my life. I will not be a hypocrite by saying I don't need anything earthly. I am still a human after all. The difference is having Jesus in my life, gives me the perfect peace and the perfect security. I am safe in Him. Do I still worry about anything? Of course I do. I am still learning to trust Him for my life. I know that my life is in His hand. I've been there before. I know the emptiness. I know the fear. I know the insecure feelings. I know the never satisfied feeling. I know the hopeless feeling.

What about you? Are you satisfied with where you are right now? Are you completely happy with what you have? Have you tried Jesus? I promise, you will never regret your decision.

If I ain't got You, Jesus, I have nothing at all.

One Night with the King

I've just finished reading a new novel by Tommy Tenney titled "Hadassah - One Night with the King". This is the story of Esther. If you have free time, you should read this novel. It is a great novel. I finished the book in two nights - a hard cover novel. I just could not stop. Anyway, I also heard that they are in the process of making the movie. I heard the song "One Night with the King" which is written by Tommy's wife - Jeannie at TBN. Oh my gosh, it is a very powerful song. Too bad they haven't had the CD yet.

When reading, I came to some parts that really moved me.
You see, Hadassah (Esther) had experienced a lot of grievance throughout her lives and she lost faith in God. Her parents were killed in front of her eyes when she was seven. At one point, she said this to God, "But if you're real, then why? Why did you let these bad things happen to me? Why all the death and loss?" And God answered, "When those horrible things took place, my heart broke with you. I wept for you as strongly as you weep now."

How do you feel knowing God wept with you everytime you cried? How do you feel knowing that God does care about you and He always wants the best for you? God is faithful, He is there for us, ALL THE TIME, in bad times or good times.

Another phrase that I like is, "Esther, always remember that favor can restore in a day what was stolen over a lifetime."
That was said by Mordecai, Esther's cousin who raised her after their families were murdered. He, of course, had experienced the same things as Esther. Yet, through all his troubles, he was still faithful to God and at the end, he had his blessings. So, if you are in troubles, you haven't seen the light yet, know that your dues will come, just not yet. It will come, in His own time.

"One night with the King changes everything." Stay faithful to God!

Lakers v. Spurs

Any of you watched the NBA game tonight? If you did not, you have missed the most heart pounding experience ever! There were three or four turnarounds in the last five minutes, even until the last second. The very last shot, the shot that determined who won the game, was made by Derek Fischer (Lakers) when there was only 0.4 seconds left. 0.4 seconds!! I can't even finish a sentence in 0.4 seconds! The final score was 74-73. 74 for Lakers of course! Lakers was leading the game by ten to eleven points during the first three quarters. However, in the last quarter, Spurs somehow managed to make more and more points until they led the game. By that time, it was only one point difference. The tension just grew higher and higher. Until Spurs made another shot in the last three seconds. If you saw the crowds, you would definitely think that Spurs won the game. It was only 0.4 seconds left after all. Do you get the picture? Spurs was definitely 100% sure they had won the game. But no, you never know what will happen next. That final shot took everyone by surprise. Well, a great surprise for me :) I was still hoping that some miracle would happen and indeed, a miracle happened!

This shows me how God is very much in control of everything. Even though it seems like nothing is possible anymore, don't lost hope. You never know. God can do bigger things that you think He can. Don't underestimate Him. He will always give you victory using His supernatural power. So, hang in there. Don't give up yet. Remember how much He loves you. He truly does! I love you too.

Another aspect of this story is, the final shot, the winning shot, was actually made by Derek Fischer, not Kobe Bryant, not Shaq O'Neill, as anyone would expect. Because the Spurs guard both Kobe and Shaq very tightly, it was a good move to have someone else made the shot. Well, I don't know whether that was the original plan or not. Everyone said it was a lucky shot. When interviewed, Derek said, "I know I can made it. It's just everyone will always give it to Kobe or Shaq first." The point is don't overlook someone's capability. When you are looking for a miracle, look at somewhere you never expect.