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Showing posts with the label #CCM

"Psalm 4 (Answer Me)" by Red Letter Society ft. Jordan West: A Cry Turned Into Worship

Ever felt like God's far away, not listening, while you're drowning in shame or lies? That's what this next installment in Red Letter Society and Jordan West's Psalms project is about. This song captures the desperate cry of Psalm 4 as the psalmist pleads for God to just give him an answer. Can you imagine the pain and loneliness that is felt when life is heavy and your name is under attack? The psalmist shows us that instead of staying stuck in despair, it is better and more constructive to move on to trust.  The lyrics don't shy away from the real struggle that we are often experiencing: "Evil, how long will you cast shame…" Our seemingly endless struggle with shame! It's a cry we've most likely all felt, and that struggle seems to come back time and time again. However, even in that time of shame, we still have a choice to turn the situation into silence, reflection, and sacrifice. The bridge reminds us that when doubt creeps in, God meets us t...

"Ready For You" by Coming Kingdom: Your Invitation to Breakthrough

Coming Kingdom's 'Ready For You' is essentially a prayer and a declaration. This song is about fostering a deep desire to be truly awakened by His divine presence and to fully participate in His ever-expanding reign. It's a genuine expression to God that we are excited for His touch and are ready to follow wherever He guides us.  The mood of this song is uplifting and inspiring, encouraging us to foster a sense of what He has in store for our lives. When we hear lines like, "Would you break into this moment and increase our expectation?" , we're reminded that God's kingdom is advancing. The lyrics encourage us to surrender and be open to God, declaring, "What you give we will receive." It motivates us to open our eyes so we can see and harness our unique potential in God's plan, and equally important, believe that we are able to succeed with God by our side. There's an incredible message of assurance throughout this song that helps t...

"Unknown"by Heather Suzanne: Trust in the twist

Heather Suzanne wrote "Unknown" after thinking her life was headed toward calm and then watching it flip. Plans shifted. Certainty thinned. But that isn't the end; it's the start of the next exciting chapter in our journey. The key message of the song is simple: we may not always understand, but God doesn't waste detours. So trust Him with all of your heart and follow His guidance into the unknown.  In the verses, Heather starts by asking why she was brought to this point, where everything looks dim: "Oh Lord, why did you lead me here // When all I see is doubt and the path looks too dark." She expected to be heading to quiet streams in life but all of a sudden finds herself squinting at a shadowed road. The ground under her feet feels unstable, and there are fault lines all around her. Her pain and doubt are honest, and her choice of what to do with those feelings is what makes this song so powerful.  Though we can't understand every reason, "...

"Turn To Him" by Julia Igwe: A Heartfelt Call to Seek Jesus

“Turn To Him” by Julia Igwe is a personal reminder for anyone who is feeling weighed down by the struggles and weight that life can cause. Julia shares her story of how she was lost. She encourages us to see that true salvation isn’t found in empty promises or temporary fixes, but in Jesus. The lyrics share the pain she felt, as well as the shame and exhaustion. It’s in these moments that giving up seems so tempting. Julia doesn’t leave you there. She gently calls you to look upward, turn to Jesus, because He is the one who sees your tears and hears your cries. He wants to bring His peace into your life if you let Him. Julia is convinced, “He wants to dry all of your tears,” and “He will part through the sea,” now that she too has experienced God’s loving power to rescue and restore in her own life. She encourages us to call out to Jesus in prayer, knowing He’s ready to wrap us in His love and fill our lives with true joy. This song is a simple and yet powerful nudge to stop searchin...

"Be All I Need" by Adam & Ali Curry: Praying Through the Storm

"Be All I Need" by Adam and Ali Curry is essentially a prayer that came from a season where they were dealing with immense grief. Adam and Ali needed a way to express their sorrow and grief to the Lord, and ask Him to step into their lives as comforter and provider. The lyrics are hopeful: “When I wake // You are there // To give me strength // When I can’t bear.” The chorus, “Be all I need,” reminds us that we can trust God to provide. “Let your Word // Be enough” and “Don’t hide your face // Don’t turn from me,” highlighting our longing to see God’s hand touch our lives. The lyrics remind us of the “goodness and mercy” that we can read about in Psalm 23 and how real it is in our pain. The song isn’t just a lament; sure, there is room to share our sorrow and grief with God, but more important, it's also about looking forward, knowing that faith grows when we admit that we need God’s hand to hold ours. This song invites us to acknowledge our difficulties and delibera...

"Heaven's Got My Back" by Chidiya Ohiagu & Kingdmusic: Facing Life's Storms with Confidence

Ever feel like you're facing it all by yourself? Chidiya Ohiagu teamed up with Kingdmusic to create the perfect antidote. It is a fun, upbeat pop reminder that regardless of what you're facing, if you're a follower of Jesus, you are not alone! The reminder is for everyone, from kids going back to school to folks heading to work.  The lyrics acknowledge that "Storms may rage" and you might even find yourself "in the fire." But, no matter how challenging the situation may seem, we have God by our side. That doesn't mean that we can lay back and watch God in action… it's about getting up in faith each time we stumble and refusing to cave when everything else seems to be crumbling. Why? Because you know that "Father will never let me go." The song reminds us that we are part of a divine partnership; we don't need to face our giants on our own, because "Jesus fights with me." This summer bop truly instills a joyful confide...

"Overthinker" by Maria Segerholm - Finding Peace in Turbulent Times

Maria Segerholm's 'Overthinker' is more than just a song. It's about anxiety and finding peace in God's presence. Last fall, Maria suffered a stroke at the age of 34. It was an unusual type of stroke called CVT. Finding and treating it early is key, and she felt that God was leading her to get help in time. Maria was hospitalized for a week, and given the circumstances, she's doing well and praising God through it.  Maria shares: "During this time of recovery, God has been placing new song ideas in my heart, and I felt urged to release them. "Overthinker" is the first song of my upcoming EP called "Praise through Trials". The idea for "Overthinker", actually came to me when I was doing an MRI-scan of my brain 3 months post-stroke. I had felt so much peace during my hospital stay and during my time of recovery, but during the long MRI-scan worry began to creep in." Maria reminded herself of God's peace. She continues, ...

"Your Love" by Kevin Winebarger - When Mercy Becomes Your Identity

Kevin Winebarger teamed up with Joshua Frerichs and Benji Cowart to create this beautiful song. "Your Love" tackles that discouraging voice we all hear from time to time, the one that whispers that we're not enough and that we are defined by our past. "Once a liar, always a liar," and all kinds of variations along this same line of thought. This song isn't about wallowing in shame. "Your Love" is a celebration of the grace that changes everything.  The opening lines hit hard: "I could believe that I'm not enough // It's clear to see I don't measure up." Yep, we've all been there! But this isn't how God want us to be defined… He loved us first! "It's just what You've done // Because of Your love." That's the heart of everything.  Kevin places the change the God brings into perspective, "I could believe that my mistakes // Will follow me down into the grave // But I'm not who I was....

"Breath of the Father" by Austin Ludwig: Inhaling Grace, Exhaling Praise

This release of "Breath of the Father" by Austin Ludwig is an exciting revamped rendition of an earlier release. I was briefly confused at first when I saw this release come by, vaguely remembering that Austin had released a song with the same title a few years back. This rendition with Sarah Kroger brings so much new energy and a new sound/vibe! (I listened to both versions just to be sure!)  The message of the song is still the same: a deep longing for the Holy Spirit's presence. The lyrics draw straight from Pentecost's wild outpouring, echoing that intimate moment when Jesus breathed His Spirit onto the disciples — not some distant gale, but a close, personal whisper calling them to be vessels of His spirit.  This song reminds us that the same power that raised Christ also lives in us, "We breathe in your presence // Breathe out your praise." It's not just about feeling something big; it's about being changed by something small and deeply person...

"Man I Used To Be" by Dax: Half the Weight, Double the Faith

"Man I Used To Be" by Dax is a very personal song. Dax had promised himself that he wouldn't release new music until he'd stayed sober for six months, the time he needed to get his priorities straight and clear his mind. "Man I Used To Be" is the sound of his first clean breath, life with God by his side. Dax lays it bare: "Trials and tribulations, all my past trauma," he acknowledges, along with "generational curses from daddy and mama," and the "addictions that clouded my eyes." The honesty about his past struggles makes the message of this song so relatable and powerful.  The chorus is about the moment that the script was flipped, "I'm half the man I used to be." Not a broken man, but a man who has been freed from the burdens that weren't his to carry and kept him from God. "I don't ever chase, I got God," declaring that his new identity is anchored in faith. It's a shrug and a testimo...

"I Want To Follow You" by John Long: Following Jesus with All We've Got

John Long's latest release, 'I Want To Follow You', is a beautiful and inspiring song. It is about surrender and pursuing Jesus. The song was born during a Nashville writing room session with Jesse Reeves, Jordan Smith, and John Long, a time where they clearly felt God's presence. John shares that "the words came from a simplistic heart of worship and a longing to know Jesus more." The result is a pure and simple message that is very relatable, a beautiful plea to learn Jesus' ways and live a life of continual worship. John sings, "Teach me Your ways Lord, I want to follow You," a chorus that may challenge our reluctance to surrender control to Him.  John encourages us to go beyond the superficial expressions of faith. How? By growing a relationship with God, where we may reflect His sacrificial love in every part of our lives. As John puts it, "You want every single part of me, take my flesh and bones." The line "I want to follow...

"Guide Me (O, Thou Great Jehovah) / Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" by Ezra Worship Initiative – Ancient Wisdom, Fresh Waves

I'm sitting in traffic, Spotify on shuffle, listening to my collection of new releases. That's when the song "Guide Me (O, Thou Great Jehovah) / Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" by Ezra Worship Initiative starts to play. The song starts with a revamp of a 280-year-old hymn "Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah", and then beautifully transitions to the chorus of Hillsong's "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)". This medley made my heart do a little cartwheel!  The hymn "Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah" (originally "Arglwydd, arwain trwy'r anialwch" in Welsh) by William Williams (a Welsh Methodist preacher) was inspired by the biblical story of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. Williams wrote this in 1745 as a plea to God for guidance while traveling through life's wilderness. A 280-year-old plea that is still very relevant for us today.  "I am weak, but Thou art mighty // hold me with thy powerful hand," a thought that ...

"yeah, yeah" by Taylor Charmayne - An Open Conversation with God

Taylor Charmayne released "yeah, yeah", an open heart-to-heart conversation with God that is very relatable. As a secular pop artist, Taylor Charmayne was heavily sought after by record labels, high-level music executives, and producers. One day (what she calls her Damascus moment) she realized that her music wasn't in accordance with God's direction for her life and left her secular pop career behind. Taylor found herself on a new quest, where she shares a message of healing, redemption, and salvation through Jesus Christ. "yeah, yeah" captures a tension that most of us are quite familiar with, the struggle between doubt and trust. Taylor also reminds us that God is right by our side, even in life's hardest moments. Lyrics like "I don't always believe what You promise, but you still workin' miracles, yeah regardless" are so familiar and real. Taylor doesn't shy away from her vulnerabilities, and nor should we, admitting her strugg...

"This Is Kingdom" by Victory House Worship: Hope That’s Alive Today

"This Is Kingdom" by Victory House Worship was written as an anchor song for a conference Victory Church hosted called "Kingdom". It bridges the now and the not-yet of God's Kingdom. The Kingdom isn't just a future promise, it's alive today and you can experience it here and now! "This is kingdom, this is now."   The song urges us to see miracles as daily realities, and not as distant hopes and dreams. Lines like "You're turning valleys into victories" and "resurrecting every broken thing" encourage us to open our eyes to the fact that God's Kingdom is already breaking through, and we're invited to dance in its abundance. With lines like, "stepping into life abundant," Victory House Worship repeatedly underscores that spiritual richness isn't reserved for "someday"… it's already a "now-season" of miracles, favor, and amazing grace.  Imagine the power that comes from singin...

"Wait" by Reflect Church: Finding Worship in Patience

"Wait" by Reflect Church is about coming back to the absolute basics of waiting on God and how challenging that can be, possibly even challenging our faith. The song invites us to slow down and trust in God's timing and ask God to help push us past the awkwardness, impatience, and distraction that we feel when we are still.  Something very interesting happens in the waiting… You begin to become more and more aware of God's presence and greatness. This stage is where faith grows, because you get a better sense of how much God really loves you, how much He's for you, and what He is already doing in your life. There are blessings in the waiting, although we may not always see it that way.  The repetitive assurance in the lyrics, "We're going to wait on you," is all about creating a genuine commitment in our hearts and minds, a commitment that helps to cut through the noise of everyday distractions. The verses honor titles like Creator, Forgiver, Redeem...

"You Are The Vine" by Alex Young And Friends: Kickstarter to a Chorus of Dependence and Worship

"You Are the Vine" is a mid-tempo song by Alex Young and Friends. The lyrics are inspired by John 15, where we are reminded that we're part of something that is bigger than ourselves. The song was recorded with Jason Hoard (known from Third Day, Crowder, and Shane and Shane) after a successful Kickstarter campaign.  It emphasizes our dependency on Christ—the Vine—and urges us to "stay here in Your love" and surrender to His rhythm. I love how the song keeps circling back to the same whisper: "Apart from You, we can do nothing." Not a guilt trip, just a fact, a surrender, a recognition that spiritual life flows from acting in harmony with Him. One of the lines turns worship into action: "Let Your people join Your chorus, songs of love and sacrifice." In other words: sing, sure, but also continuously give and forgive. Embrace His presence, not just for comfort but to change your heart and mind(set).  You'll love the interweaving vocal mel...

"Get Behind Me Satan" by Zac Adams: The Power of God’s Authority

"Get Behind Me Satan" by Zac Adams is a personal and raw song about the struggles he faced in spiritual battles. Zac shares, "I wrote it during a time when I was battling intense spiritual warfare - not just temptation, but anxiety, shame, and discouragement that felt like it was hitting from every angle." Zac continues, "It's based on that powerful moment when Jesus said, "Get behind me, Satan," reminding me that we have the authority to stand firm and speak truth when the enemy tries to lie to us."   "I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you."  - Luke 10:19  That became the inspiration for this song. The song is a wake-up call, reminding us that we can choose to reject the lies, the guilt, and the fear and to step boldly into the freedom and identity God has for us. The enemy (Satan) may think he has you, but the truth is, you're already vi...

"Let the Truth" by Presence Music Band: A Song for the Real, the Broken, and the Honest

It's so easy to meet someone with a smile plastered on and pretend everything's fine, e.g., when you walk into church. A complex mask to prevent questions and hold up appearances, both in faith and life. Presence Music Band gets it. They were seeing so many people who seemingly have everything all figured out, while they personally felt that they were often falling short. How is that possible? Is it real, or is it an act? We are under so much pressure to look perfect. Model citizens, model families, model parents, model students, model Christians… How can you keep up? This song is a beautiful invitation to drop the act. It acknowledges that we can "fool so many" with a smile while our "heart is heavy." Not everyone has the talent (or time) to see beyond our fake masks! That mask is hurting us, and it's sending the wrong message to others! This song asks the question, "But what if we removed the masks and breathed?" A question that reminds us...

"Holy Flame" by Josh Grove - Talented Young Voice Inspires with Worship

Have you already heard Josh Grove's new song, "Holy Flame"? It's an upbeat worship song written and performed by Josh, and what makes this release even more intriguing is that Josh is a super talented 15-year-old singer-songwriter. He first shared this song at a youth event, and the response was so amazing that he was signed up by NRT. This release is the studio version. The song is all about the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, and celebrates God's constant goodness and grace. The lyrics remind us that He is with us in every moment, day, or night, through both joy and hardship.  With lyrics like "I see You rising like a wave // I see Yo u falling like the rain," Josh emphasizes that we can see God in every situation. He's right there with us through all of our ups and downs, offering us hope and ready to guide us (if we reach out and listen). "You're by my side // Until the end of time." What I also find very exciting is that i...

"Heartbeat" by Laura Leighe - Dancing in Worship

Here's a song that's more or less been stuck in my head since I heard it. It's called 'Heartbeat' by Laura Leighe and is what Laura calls a "reggaeton-influenced Christian pop duet" that's all about surrendering to God's rhythm and dancing in worship, no matter what life throws your way.  The lyrics remind me of two scriptures: "Praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe."  - Psalm 150:4 (NIV) and "Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the Lord with all his might."  - 2 Samuel 6:14 (NIV). Maybe I'm a bit prejudiced because the song reminds us of our own thoughts when we founded "Christian Dance" years ago and picked a name. Focusing on music that allows us to feel joy and causes us (our hearts) to dance for God, a pure form of worship that we know is pleasing to God. The lyrics are about surrendering our control and trusting in God's plan. Laura sings, "I bet you f...