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Showing posts with the label #CCM

"Thankful" by John Long: Gratitude in Every Season

"Thankful" is a song that John Long wrote while looking back on a period where he spent years leading worship in a move of God that changed his life. John writes: "I saw miracles, restoration, and hearts returning to Jesus. That season also ended painfully for me, and I had to learn how to stay tender and keep worship centered on Him when the noise faded."   This song isn't about dwelling on our feelings of loss. It's about choosing gratitude, remembering what God has done, and looking forward to returning to Him with gratefulness. It's about opening our eyes to see that He is shining in our lives and always there to light up the way forward, even in the darkest times. Recognize and acknowledge His hand with gratitude.  "Thankful" invites us to start by placing our trust and focus on Jesus. It encourages us to look forward to the simplicity of just being with Him, instead of allowing ourselves to get lost in the noise of fleeting moments and ot...

"REVIVAL" by Chad Chaney: Igniting Worship and Renewal

Is there really hope for a Christian Revival movement in these current times? For worship leader Chad Chaney, hope is already here. And this is the premise of his song "Revival." As a worship leader, Chad has the privilege of witnessing people encounter Jesus for the very first time and watching their lives begin to change. And it truly is a sight of beauty and hope. It is through his song "Revival" that he sings about witnessing all these. These are not mere lyrics written from an imagination or inspiration, but in fact, it is his living testimony of seeing people turn their hearts back to Jesus, returning to his fold, and being one with God's promise of hope, love, and salvation. Just the sight of seeing people's voices lifted in praise, hands raised in surrender, and hearts opening to our Lord and Savior is truly an inspiration.  Chad hopes that this song will be sung in churches across the country, stirring faith, inspiring courage, and celebrating the p...

"Why Can’t I Believe" by H.U.G.E.: Help Me Overcome Unbelief

H.U.G.E.'s "Why Can't I Believe" is a reflective gospel visual that explores the struggle between doubt and faith. It feels like an honest journal entry put to music. The artist knows that God stays with us to the end, and His power is unlimited. But there is a world of difference between clear promises and a shaky heart.  The lyrics keep circling one honest question that will be all too familiar for most listeners… "why can't I believe what God says He will do?" This question turns doubt into prayer, not shame. Instead of pretending that everything's fine, the song points at some of the real culprits: negative self-talk, anxiety that tightens our chest, and this impatience inside us that wants to get answers right now. Familiar, isn't it? We understand the theory, but in real life, we have trouble putting it into practice.  The lyrics continue about going through more than a few stumbles, and acknowledge that even when our faith feels fragile, ...

"Hiding Place (Live)" by DBU Chapel Worship: Forgiven, Covered, and Free

How often do you hear worship songs being sung live in the comforts of your day-to-day living? For sure, there are a dime a dozen. Some you commonly share with the person next to you, featuring songs by popular Christian Artists. But there's a certain form of unique sincerity when one discovers a worship song that is yet to break through to a larger audience. This is how the song "Hiding Place" by DBU Chapel Worship featuring Olivia-Grace McKern felt like when I first listened to the song. It felt like a new testimony being told, of one's dedication to find God and remain in his presence.  Taking root from Psalm 32, the song is a collaboration of Olivia with a host of songwriters from the DBU Chapel Worship. Enriching her experience as a songwriter and moving her through the songwriting process. In perhaps a reflection of what the song eventually became, it wasn't so that Olivia conveniently hid behind the DBU Chapel Worship songwriters/musicians. This song is a c...

Praise The Lord – Adam and Ali Curry – Heartbeat of Worship

There's a certain epicness to the song by Christian couple/duo Adam and Ali Curry's latest single, "Praise the Lord." With its epicness truly reflecting the grandiosity of worshipping our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The song starts with a sincere call to reach out to our Savior. Striking a conversation, perhaps a plea and a prayer. Until the song progresses to a crescendo, lifting our voices to Praise the Lord in unison. This is what makes the song so beautiful; it does not limit itself to the artist's interpretation of the song. But rather, it enjoins us to join them in praising the Lord.  Derived from Psalm 28, Adam and Ali beautifully combined lines from Psalm 28 to create a grandiose and heartfelt song, making the lyrics relevant to our world today. As the artist shares, the song took inspiration from the heart of this Psalm, which both declares God's greatness and prays for His mercy. The song speaks directly to where many believers find themselves in ...

"Hark the Herald Angels Sing" by Michelle K (Kahnt): Heaven Touches Earth

Michelle K (Kahnt) takes a well-known classic Christmas song and strips it back to what the earliest believers had: united voices. This rendition of the song is a beautiful a cappella call-and-response with the Ichos Gospel Music Team (an African choir). The lyrics retell the angelic announcement that a new King has arrived, and that He brings peace, mercy, and reconciliation between God and mankind. It reminds us that Christmas isn't a cozy backdrop; it's heaven stepping into our street.  The song moves from the wonder of Bethlehem to one of the biggest mysteries we know and are hardly able to comprehend - our God choosing to be fully present in human flesh, close enough for all to touch, and still Lord over all. But most of all, the hymn reminds us that Jesus comes as the Prince of Peace and the giver of new life, laying aside glory instead of demanding it.  So, what do we do with news that is this big and important? We rise up. We sing back our praises. We let the choir'...

"Tears of the Lamb (Radio Edit)" by Avery Stafford: Forgiven by the Cross, Made Whole

"Tears of the Lamb (Radio Edit)" by Avery Stafford retells the well-known story of Christ's sacrifice with a deep personal gratitude. A new rendition of a song that Avery first introduced at a 1993 youth rally on a humble blue cassette tape (!) with the lyrics that focus on Jesus' innocence, His willingness to suffer, and the mystery of a love that is beyond anything we are able to comprehend. Instead of dwelling only on the sorrow, Avery points us to the hope that His tears have made possible. You hear him marvel at Christ's mercy, remind us of His forgiveness even in suffering, and celebrate the healing that comes from a life that He has made whole. The message in this worship anthem, reimagined with cinematic flair, is simple (but not easy): Jesus gave everything, and there is nothing we can do or could have done to earn such an ultimate sacrifice. "With tears in Your eyes, You died for me," but most of all, the lyrics highlight redemption's triu...

Into You – Tony Robert Allen: Drawn by Unfailing Love

Tony Robert Allen's latest single "Into You" is a synth-pop laden CCM track that hooks us with its catchy melody and danceable tune. On surface, one might mistake the song as your traditional pop song, but taking a deeper dive into the lyrics will allow you to appreciate the song more and realize that it's more than just your traditional pop song. And that's the beauty of songs like these.  In a world where pop music's lyrics has fallen off to shallow meanings, buoyed only by the well composed music, "Into You" is a breath of fresh air. Because not only are we hooked with the synth-pop sensibilities of the music, but we are also drawn to the overall message of the song. And like how our Christian life sometimes drifts apart from God, the song has a magnetic way of pulling us back into God's gravity. That is what the song seeks to remind us.  We can run as far away from God as we can. Or we can choose to shut him off. But once we recognize his lov...

Christmas Peace by Andrew Macdonald: A Prayer for a World in Need of Calm

It's not too often you hear a Christmas song that is solemn and introspective, especially that the whole world more often than not celebrates the season with a festive mood. And rightly so with the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, celebrating the season with a festive mood is only fitting.  But there are also some corners of the world that need a little more peace, a little more love. And this is where Andrew Macdonald's latest Christmas song comes in. In what has become a tradition of his (third straight year to release a Christmas song), Andrew dedicates this song to those who are suffering and might be spending a little less joyful Christmas. There's a certain warmth in this engaging song that empowers the solemnity of the message.  Armed with his trusty keyboard, the melodies dance in sync with the words, that is more like a prayer than lyrics to a song. It's like Andrew leading us to pray together in exhortation to God to not forget about those who seem to have b...

"Eyes Like Fire" by Luminate House - Reclaiming the Awe of Holiness

Eyes Like Fire is the type of song that one wants to listen to whenever one feels like he is on a spiritual warfare. The upbeat sound coupled with the repetitive chanting of such words as "Eyes like fire Hair like wool Face like the sun Voice like thunder Hand full of stars And the sword in his mouth Holding the keys Of death and grave" reinvigorates one's spirit to sing in Praise and Glory to God. It brings us to a place of awe, to which being in Jesus' presence is what it truly feels like. And the lyrics of the song are rich in visual expositions. Further giving life to one's imagination.  Though it's a worship song, it's the type of song that you can imagine being sang in an open field, like envisioning a huge concert scene… but not for any earthly reasons, but for a deeper meaning. The song truly reminds me of some traces of secular songs such as Coldplay. But this one to empower all of us to sing our praises to God. And that's what make this song...

"Simple Pursuit" by John Long: Finding Joy in the Everyday Moments

John Long wrote "Simple Pursuit" after realizing he had spent years chasing the next big thing for God, but in the meantime his family suffered. The real grand moments aren't found on a stage (or at work), they are found in moments like at the supper table, in bedtime prayers, in the waking of children in the morning, and while standing with a brother in his laughter and sorrow.  It's in those moments that we will find God: "My reward is knowing that you're closer than my breath." It's these moments that make us ask ourselves why we are chasing the applause when the King is already within whispering distance. Instead of building towers, John Long suggests choosing a slower, lower altar: "I will live a life that's slower… I find my joy here in the… still." This song is one of those beautiful nudges in life, one that challenges us to trade the big race for the rhythm of "ordinary days." The lyrics point us to the real and simp...

"God Of…" by Blessing Tangban: God Isn't Limited by Our Mountains or Valleys

Have you ever stood on a mountaintop, awed by the vastness of creation, and wondered how God can be both infinite and intimately close? That's the heart of "God Of…" by Blessing Tangban, the African Nova Scotian Music Association's 2025 Songwriter of the Year. Blessing wrote the lyrics for this song on a mountaintop in Nigeria.  The song reminds us that God isn't limited to our highs or lows. He's the God of the mountain and the valley, as Blessing sings, and He's the God of the healed and the broken. She sings, "God on the mountain, God in the valley // God every waking moment I see," emphasizing that God is there for us through our highs and lows… He is not there as an observer; He is deeply involved in our life.  "God in your splendor, God in your rage // God never changing from age to age." Blessing admits that she isn't always able to grasp this. "I try to understand, and I try to reconcile // All the ways that you show ...

"The Mountain of Yahweh" by NARROWAY: A Call to Worship

Given what's happening in the world today, it is difficult to imagine that there will be a time that all nations unite in peace. Even more challenging is trying to imagine the thrill we'll feel when this happens. That promised moment of uniting in peace, and the excitement this will bring, is the heart of "The Mountain of Yahweh," by NARROWAY. This is one of the songs on NARROWAY's latest album, a song where the artists try to picture what will happen when the Messiah returns. Based on biblical prophecies, the song is about how people will be streaming to Yahweh's mountain, a gathering where all will come to worship and learn His ways. Don't mistake the use of the word "all" as an indicator that this is still so far away and nearly impossible. It is a promise that is going to happen, and when it does, it will still come as a surprise to so many! "To the mountain of Yahweh go, // Where His truth and mercy flow." And just as important, t...

"Speed Dial" by Kingdmusic: With God on Speed Dial, He's Always There for You

Kingdmusic's "Speed Dial" is a reminder that God is always just a prayer away. It's like having God on speed dial, no matter what trials or temptations you're facing. The main takeaway is that God's presence and protection are always there for you.  The song begins with acknowledging the challenges that life can bring and at the same time affirming, "They won't bring me down." Instead of succumbing to fear, Kingdmusic shares that "My God is in control." You'll like how Kingdmusic refers to prayer as: "He's on the speed dial." This is such powerful idea, simple and profound, and so true… God is always accessible, and realizing that He is on "speed dial" or just a prayer away helps to face any obstacle with confidence.  God makes a way where it seems (in our eyes) to be none. "If you know God makes a way… Gotta give Him all your praise."   Now ask yourself: When was the last time you reached out to...

"Everything Good" by Dawson Shorman: Trusting Him Through the Pruning

There are times when life can feel like an endless storm, raging on and on, with hardly a break in between. We see dreams crumble, periods in life that don’t fill us with energy, and bad news followed by more bad news. It’s in those moments when we’re left wondering… “What’s so good about God right now? Is He even there?” Dawson Shorman wrote “Everything Good” from that same place… hurting, yes — and despite everything, still choosing to trust that God is good even when it’s hard to believe it. This isn’t a song for those perfect days. It’s for the messy ones, waiting, the pruning seasons. Dawson doesn’t sugarcoat the struggle. “If my dreams all crumble // Will I sit here in the rumble?” That’s real! But instead of wallowing, He asks: “Will I find the hidden Beauty in the ruins?” Can I trust the One who prunes so my roots grow deeper? The chorus is a declaration, “I’ll keep on waiting. I’ll keep on trusting.” Why? Because God doesn’t just fix things — He makes them better than we e...

"Come Let Us Go" by NARROWAY: Journey to the Mountain of Light

It's difficult to imagine that there will be a day when all nations are tired of the chaos and finally ask, "Where do we go from here?" The answer to that question is the theme of NARROWAY's "Come, Let Us Go." The lyrics are inspired by Isaiah 2 and Micah 4, and look forward to "… the days that are coming, the mountain will rise // Lifted above all the nations and skies // People will gather from near and far // Saying, "Let's go to where His teachings are." As we observe the chaos in the world, the wars, and the rumor of wars, it's hard to imagine that "Swords turned to plows, war fades away // Shalom will reign in Yah's good way." Believe it or not, there will be a day with "No more fear, no more fight // Just His Torah shining bright." But the key message of this song isn't a distant promise! The lyrics pull us to the here and now… our present reality. The reality is that God's Kingdom is stepping on...

"How Good You Are" by ECTaylor: His Goodness Shines in Our Darkest Places

ECTaylor wrote "How Good You Are" one early morning while sitting outside alone, watching the sunrise and listening to the peaceful sounds of the woods. After more than a share of life's challenges, ECTaylor felt something almost sacred as the first light of day broke through the trees. He speaks about a "deep, whispered reminder of God's goodness that shines even in our darkest places." The lyrics immediately set the tone, "When morning breaks with golden light, Your mercy lifts me from the night," a tone of hope. It's amazing how simple wonders of nature, like the sparrow's singing and the flowing of a river, can remind us of God and His constant presence. ECTaylor shares, "I thought about Paul, worshiping God from a prison cell. I finally began to understand just a bit of how he could praise and be thankful in the midst of pain—because when you truly see who God is, gratitude rises above circumstance." Sometimes we are trappe...

"Nothing Like The Father's Love" by Alex Young And Friends: Unmatched Grace

In his new single, "Nothing Like The Father's Love," Alex Young And Friends sing about the constant factor in our lives, God's love! The song was written together with Sam Heilig and Steve Davis, and is essentially a simple reminder that God's love for us doesn't fluctuate with our feelings or behavior (thankfully!).  The song starts with a small admission: "Father, I've had better days // If I wrote down all my failures there'd be ink on every page." These words, words that could also have easily been my own, introduce the main theme of the song. "But Your endless mercy and boundless grace // cover me time and time again," and as if that isn't enough… "Nothing compares to this love that I've found in You // It's simple and so true // There's nothing like the Father's love for me." It doesn't matter how tough our days are or how our emotions fluctuate! God's mercy and grace are always there t...

"For It All" by Howard Gripp: Change Through Faith

"For It All" by Howard Gripp is a song of gratitude for the change and transformation that God brings into our hearts and lives through our faith. Change that starts by acknowledging that God is always there for us: "Every time my heart beats, I have to thank God." The lyrics reflect on how His love heals, renews, and covers our scars. God walks beside us through every moment of joy and pain that we face in life. It is through His salvation, love, and forgiveness that our brokenness is healed and turned into something new. The lyrics emphasize that no trouble or strife can pluck us from God's hand, because He walks, talks, and stays with us throughout our journey. Howard sings about the moment when we start to realize that we are truly part of His bigger plan: "For being everything You said that You would be… And there's something so much bigger here than me." He has a purpose for us in that bigger plan, and that purpose unfolds when we place our...

"FUNK!" by Morgan Starner: When Worship Makes You Dance

Morgan Starner's debut single "FUNK!" isn't your typical worship track… and that's exactly the intent! The song comes out of Morgan's journey through anxiety, insecurity, and depression during adolescence. She shares the lessons learned during this journey in a joyful, 70s-inspired song, reminding us that you don't need to have it all together to praise God. In fact, your "funk"—that heavy, stuck feeling—can be the place where worship begins!  "Get me out of this funk… I'm thirsty for that living water only You provide," she sings, pointing to God for relief and renewal. We don't need to pretend that we've got everything under control, because God already knows what's going on. The song is an invitation to surrender our control and trust in a God who's "always right on time." And what if your next step of faith isn't a quiet prayer… but a dance?  The message is clear… joy doesn't depend on our cir...