"The Same Love" (Paul Baloche)

TITLE: The Same Love - A Devotion
AUTHOR: Paul Baloche
PUBLISHER: Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook, 2012, (112 pages).

This collection of devotionals powerfully complements the selected songs by the popular Christian singer, Paul Baloche. In this book, Baloche reveals the secret of his songs and the music behind each title. He writes,

"Ministering to the Lord in private is the foundation and prerequisite for leading in the public meeting. As we get the words of the Psalms off of the page and into our hearts, we discover all sorts of benefits. The primary benefit being that we are drawn closer to the Lord in our personal walk. We begin to relate to Him relationally—biblically—truthfully." (8)

Community must not come before communion. True communion with God leads to meaningful community with people. Before one can lead one worship, one needs to be led to worship. This conviction underlines the entire book and all his albums. Such a mood also brings forth another element. For Baloche, he approaches worship with the mindset of a pastor first, musician second. This is because caring comes first. Music is second. Each chapter title is the song title of the same name. After listing the lyrics, Baloche shares the inspiration behind each song, and the biblical verses that form the root of the words. The nature of the words and songs comes out of the personal devotions he has done. There are many themes in the songs that are based on many spiritual reflections. The lyrics for  "The Same Love," comes out of the reading from Mark 5:21-43 where Jesus offers his hand to heal broken hearts, and such a love is extended to all people. "Loved by you," comes out of the reading about the adulterous woman in John 8:2-11. "We are saved" reflects on the crucifixion and the resurrection of Christ. This and many more represents a personal journey made by the author, who then pens the reflections into lyrics, music, and song. It is hoped that the book will help readers all over to remember the work of Christ, to remember who God is, and to renew a hope that Christ will come again.


Rating: 4 stars of 5.

conrade

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This book is provided to me free by David C. Cook Publishers and NetGalley without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.