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"Compass (Phileo)" by Chelsea Chaisson: Navigating Life with Faith and Friends

"Compass (Phileo)" by Chelsea Chaisson explores one of the Greek words for love. This song focuses on "phileo" (friendship) and its vital role in life's storms. "Phileo" translates to love that is characterized by affection, fondness, and friendship. It's a warm, tender, and affectionate bond, often seen between friends, siblings, or within a community. It's more about the natural affection we have for those who are close to us.  Chelsea wrote this song when she returned home after living in Cambodia for two years. Faith brought her to Cambodia, sustained her there, and guided her back, but the journey left her feeling like "a little boat" lost in raging seas. At times we may feel like, "I'm drowning, drowning treading water in the wind // I'm drowning, drowning I could use a friend." It's a cry for connection, a reminder that we all need someone to anchor us when fear starts to take over. The fears and lies tha...

"Of All The World" by Robert Peterson and The Crusade: A Wake-Up Call to Notice Him

"Of All The World" by Robert Peterson and The Crusade's is a thought-provoking song about recognizing God. Possibly we are so busy with our lives or distracted by all of the noise that we need to ask ourselves if we would even have noticed if God hadn't been there. It's a piercing question: "Would you know the difference, if I wasn't in your life?" This isn't a song that is wagging a finger to express disapproval, but it does get you thinking.  The lyrics continue the thought-provoking tension with lines like "Would you be too busy and not see me standing there." It is so easy to overlook His presence when distractions are screaming for our attention! "Has the world become so loud and clamoring with noise," and maybe the slightest hesitation in our answer may be a good reason to double-check how we are staying connected with Him. The following lines in chorus might help with that check… "Would you know … could you tell...

"Not Alone" by Cultivation Worship (ft. Daniel Maurer): Finding Home in Christ

"Not Alone" by Cultivation Worship is a powerful debut song with pop and rock influences. The lyrics are inspired by Old Testament stories and look at the intimate connection we now may have with God through Jesus.  The lyrics capture this closeness to God that we may have: "What kept us distant, now removed // Clay and creator now commune." It reminds us how Christ tears down barriers: "No curtain, no veil could hold me back." There is nothing that can stop Him from being within our reach, and ready to be part of our lives: "This orphan has found a home // Now I'm not alone."   He knows us, leads us, and renews us: "What once was stained is now made new." What a joy He brings! He sees us, loves us for who we are and what we may become, and gives us purpose: "In you I'm fully known." He has stripped everything He can to take away the distance, and the only thing that is left is our heart, and only we can turn our h...

"Into The Light" by Adam and Ali Curry: Finding Hope in the Waiting

"Into The Light" Adam and Ali Curry look at one of the big faith-based questions we have and probably have asked out loud: "Lord, are you really with me like You promised?" It is a perfectly fine question, not a thought that some people tell us that we need to feel ashamed about! It's both a vulnerable and hopeful cry to God, and God understands that doubt can haunt us and cause us to doubt His nature and the value of His promises.  The lyrics in the song show this struggle. On one hand, there's awe for who He is, "You are justice // You are mercy // You are moving // Even in the waiting." On the other side, the lyrics contain a plea: "Where is your light, oh Lord? // Can you bring me out of the dark and into the light?" You'll probably recognize the following line, "It seems like I'm calling and calling and nobody's listening," as we sometimes feel unseen. We all have moments when we feel certain, "Your fam...

"I’m Sorry For Rushing" by Reflect Church: Returning to God’s Rhythm

"I'm Sorry For Rushing" by Reflect Church is an honest apology to God. Reflect Church shared that this is an apology for "living a life that is overly focused on outcomes, achievement and isn't always submitted to the rhythm of the Holy Spirit." It's a reminder for us to return to the slower pace of faith, trust, and surrender… God's pace.  "I'm sorry for rushing // Rushing you, Jesus," we know how easy it is to push ahead instead of staying in His presence. We'll never be able to see the full picture, His plan, so we need to learn how to align to His ways and His timing, "Teach me how to slow down // And stay within your presence." We all know how challenging it can be to let go of control and walk in step with Him.  The song invites you to join in declaring our dependence and asking for His guidance in our lives: "Jesus I need you // So I surrender // Come and lead me Lord." We are lovingly reminded of the ...

"Jesus The Son" by George Case: Declaring Him as Your Everything

"Jesus The Son" by George Case is a worship song that celebrates the hope, healing, and wholeness that Jesus gives us. George Case shared that the song is a declaration that Jesus is the ultimate answer to the deepest needs we may have in life. "Who is He? He's the One, the only one," the song proclaims, acknowledging Him as our Redeemer, Savior, and everything that is in between.  The first verses of the song reflect our awe and gratitude in the form of questions: "Who's the one who took my burdens and laid them down? // Who gave me hope where none could be found // Who paints the stars in heaven for me to I see every night // Who took my broken pieces and made them right." Questions that highlight His ability to fill the voids in our lives that only He can touch.  Through all of the ups and downs in our lives, His love remains constant and always present: "In the joy and all the sorrow, He's by my side." The song isn't just a...

"Heaven Come Down" by Tyler Ratcliffe: A Song Wrapped in God's Timing

"Heaven Come Down" by Tyler Ratcliffe is a song that came together in the most spontaneous, God-ordained way. Tyler and Jonathan had been trying to collaborate for months but so far hadn't been able to coordinate their schedules. While Tyler was with friends walking about the next collab, he spun a wheel of names, picked Jonathan, and just booked a flight to San Diego. What happened next felt like pure divine timing.  They recorded "Heaven Come Down" and then went to Light Chapel to create the supporting reels and content. While filming at Light Chapel, a couple showed up, thinking that there was a worship night scheduled, but none was planned. The couple asked if they could stay and watch, and that is when the idea came to create a Chapel Version of the song. Amazing things happen when God is in the driver's seat, and that theme also runs through the song!  The song is a plea for Heaven to come down, take control, and provide what we need: "We've s...