ChristianDance

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 ...

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 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 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" 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 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...

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...

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...

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...

I'm stoked to share this awesome track by emerging artist Martín Fredrick called 'Kingdom Things.' It's actually his first fully written song, and it's all about what really counts from a heavenly perspective. Martín wanted to capture how we, as Christians, can really zero in on what matters to God each day. Martín shared his favorite line in the song, "this is only a preview." He explains, "When we truly live following God's ways here on earth, we're going to see only a small preview of what God intends for us when we get to heaven and live alongside Him."   The song's message is crystal clear: focus on God's kingdom, live each day with purpose (His purpose), see the world through God's eyes, and passionately pursue His will and presence in everything we do.  The music combines Martín's touch together with various contributions by friends, making it a collaborative effort that feels so genuine. Ethan Sawyer played all of...

From an early age, John Long has been involved in music in multiple capacities. He is a singer, songwriter, and studio producer at Arrow Point Studio in Kansas City. He is known around the world through his success on the Fiverr platform. John leads worship with Revive Music at the Revive Church in Kansas City.  The Hymn Devotional (Vol. 1) EP is the start of a new project called Gethsemane Instrumental. John shares, "Wordless melodies are often what help people connect to the Holy Spirit in their secret place. This project aims to aid that connection with songs that are made for and made by secret place encounter.  Our lives are better when we spend time with the Lord alone, not just on Sunday morning. Healing is found in that place. Comfort in grief is found there. Fulfillment like you've never known is there. I pray this project helps people connect to all of those things, but also helps deepen a real relationship with Jesus." The EP is a collection of slowed instrumen...

"Invisible People" by Scott Declare Jr. is a confronting and reflective song inspired by real-life encounters at a Nashville conference. Initially feeling out of place, Scott met Willy, a man with muscular dystrophy who dreams of using his gifts to help others despite his challenges. His outlook on life shook Scott to the core. Scott shares, "All I could think is here is a guy who has every reason to complain about the cards he was dealt and yet all he wants to do is help people every day that he has left." This encounter opened Scott's eyes to the overlooked beauty in those "invisible people" around him, and sparked this journey of listening to their untold stories.  "Who are the beautiful, invisible people? The different, misfits we don't understand. Under our noses where nobody notices. Who are the beautiful, invisible people?" Scott touches on some of the untold stories, "I met a man we'll call him Simon // Rough around the ...

"The Finished Work" by Michelle K is what Michelle calls "a worshipful soaking song that leads the listener to find rest at Calvary, where God's glory is found, gazing upon the finished work of Christ and all that He has done." An important part of our faith is to remember Christ's completed sacrifice and everything that He's done for humanity, not because we deserve it, but through grace. Produced by Lachlan Holmes of Elevation Church Australia, this song beautifully describes the victory and peace that we all may find in Jesus' finished work.  The song is an invitation to dwell in His grace, "I'm resting in the finished work of the cross // Where Jesus died, He was crucified." It also reminds us that "It is finished." Jesus did His part, He prepared the way for us, freeing us from the accusation and sin's power, "The devil's got nothing on me // Cause Jesus is my victory."   The song is filled with praise...

"Without You" by Zack Moody is a song born from a time of uncertainty, asking God what He had next, the waiting, and just trusting God for what's next. The backstory that Zack shared reveals the core message: Jesus is the constant anchor in the midst of life's storms. "Often we focus on the boat, the storm, the waves," Zack explains, "but it's all about Jesus, no matter the surrounding circumstances (both internal and external)." The lyrics beautifully describe His work in action: "I'll never know much it cost the day you saved my soul // You turned me around and never let me go." God is always nearby and ready to take over if we let Him. "Your love's too good to leave me // Where you are is where I wanna be," emphasizing that we may be close to Him. God's presence is just part of the Gift, He does so much more for us: "You take the old and make it new // My God, you're always gonna pull me through....

“dreaming” by John Kelly is a reflective song with a Christian tropical house vibe, and is about finding peace in God’s unchanging presence. Kelly shares, "I wrote it about the idea of chasing the wind and how God is the steady stream and unchanging protector - there's no need to chase the wind, but even in the times we chase, God will work it out for good for those who love God." The lyrics beautifully capture this tension: “I’m living on the east coast // But dreaming of the west coast for now.” It’s easy to get caught up in the endless pursuit of what’s next, but Kelly reminds us, “There’s a river right down the road // And it’s been here all along.” This river—God’s eternal care—is, “older than the sun and the rain,” and He is an endlessly constant factor. We can't ignore what the noise and chaos can cause, “I read it in the magazines // I see it on the tv screen // They mess with my desire.” It can cause us to feel that we're missing out on something impo...

"Angels and Fire" by Calm The Storm is a gritty yet melodic rock/alternative track born from A.J. Ogg's life-changing journey of faith. Once an atheist battling alcoholism, Ogg found hope in surrendering to God and embracing the fullness of the gospel.  Calm The Storm is a prophetic invitation, a break from our daily noise, to experience the nearness of their Creator and a love that is impossible for us to fully comprehend.  The lyrics cry out with anticipation: "Oh Jesus, Return to us // Oh Messiah, Take Your throne." It reflects our common longing for His return, that day when He'll "split the sky with vapor of smoke and thunder and lightning." Ogg sings "Every eye will see," reminding us of His undeniable arrival. Revelation 1:7a "Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; …" He paid the price for us, and that is why we may sing, "We've been washed in the blood of ...

"All I Know (To My Knees)" a beautiful song by Estella Kirk, and features Hunter Plake. Estella describes the song as "an invitation to trade exhaustion for intimacy with Jesus—offering peace in the middle of uncertainty." Inspired by Psalm 23, the song captures the beauty of surrender and His unconditional love, "thought that you would find me appalling." There is always a way forward, to better, not because we have everything figured out, but because we trust the One who's preparing the table for us.  Estella explains, "If I never fully understand God's love, at least I know this: He's preparing a place of rest. The kind of rest that feels like sitting with my closest friends or family." He offers us a safe haven and reminds us that He is there when we fall, "Never thought I'd be the one falling // Lost in your gaze." At times life can feel overwhelming, a deafening noise that distracts us from feeling His presence...

"Manna from Heaven" by Angela Charles is a beautiful reminder of God's faithfulness and encourages us to stand firm in every trial or challenge we may face. Angela highlights that "despite how difficult times may get, victory is the Lord's, and our enemy is defeated!"   The lyrics of the song are filled with examples of this confidence: "When water's deep and I can't stand // You are my mountain, God, You are my land." It's a reminder that even when we surrender, "When giving up, I lift my hands," God remains unshakable. The song recalls some of the miracles: "You sent Manna from Heaven // You split the Red Sea // You fed the 5000," and shows how this applies to us, "I know you won't forget me." As we have seen in the past and in the present, God provides and protects when we place our trust in Him and follow His lead.  God knows exactly where we are and what we are going through: "In darkest t...

The 20th Anniversary Edition of “A Love So Real” by Thoughts And Notions is a reimagined classic of theirs. It has the 90’s pop/rock vibe, with a few modifications, and retells a message about God’s unwavering love. As the band recreates 20th Anniversary Editions of their favorites, it feels like stepping into a nostalgic time machine. The world has changed, but God's immense love for us has never changed! It's a message worth retelling for the many early-day fans that are now going through their mid-life challenges. Thoughts and Notions sing about feelings of brokenness: “My days have darkened and it looked so bleak // For my troubles made me weak.” The song points out that we're not going to find the answer inside ourselves, “Though I had no hope // Though I had no love,” and here it comes.... “You’re my shining light.” No matter what we're going through, the key to real change is God! He paid it all for us, He prepared the way forward, “I’m saved by a love so real...

"Back to Life" by James Bizak is a raw, high-energy pop punk track with a bold Christian truth… Whenever we are feeling broken or lost, we will find hope and redemption in Jesus. The choice of this genre is intended to reach a wider audience, as well as more youth, right where they are—possibly feeling broken, abandoned, or even feeling dead inside.  The lyrics reflect a pain and emptiness that so many people are feeling: "I've been broken // Beaten down // My faith stolen." The song acknowledges our feelings of despair, and even more important, it points us to hope, "There's power in your blood // There's power in the name of Jesus." With lines like "When I was dead inside // You brought me back to life," the lyrics emphasize that redemption and restoration can only be found in Him.  James Bizak highlights that Jesus has ultimate authority over darkness, "You see me surrounded // The demons fall back. // … // A sea of never e...