ChristianDance

"Covered by the Cross" by the Ezra Worship Initiative is a song about redemption and grace that (for me) echoes truths found in Romans 3:23–24 and Colossians 1:13–14. That, together with great worship music and vocals, makes this song a pleasure to listen to. The lyrics remind us what authentic faith is and the freedom that we all may find in Christ's finished work.  We can only start to appreciate His sacrifice when we take a closer look at our own lives and start to realize that we need God in our lives, "I was broken beneath my blame // I was a slave to my sin and shame // till I found you." He changes lives once we reach a turning point, "I found passion and reasons to praise, cause you're my home." It's up to us to keep our eyes on Him and grow our faith. It is then that we can sing, "I believe that when You say it's finished // My blame, my sin, my shame // Is covered by the cross."   Christ's sacrifice on the cross is...

Grace, freedom, and transformation… these are the main themes in the song "Where Would I Be" by Presence Music Band. The jazzy, ska-influenced sound makes the song fun to listen to, and the lyrics go deep. This song reflects on who we were and who we may become thanks to Him.  The song starts by looking at our brokenness: "I was like Lazarus // No breath for these lungs to breathe." It compares parts of us with Adam and Eve, believing the lies. And with Cain, hurt, filled with hate, and wandering, and how we are being held captive by sin. With God we have the assurance that there is always a turning point within our reach: "'Til you drew me in all over again."   Our hearts fill with gratitude when we realize, "Where would I be if it wasn't for mercy // Where would I be if it wasn't for grace." The song reminds us of the cross and the high cost that He paid for you and me. He makes it possible for us to sing, "The new me is look...

"Scott Declare Jr.’s “Solid Ground” came out of Joshua 3, when the priests had to step out into the water of the Jordan river during the most dangerous season of flooding. Unlike the Red Sea miracle, they had to trust God before seeing the waters part. This song captures that same call to step out in faith, even when the path looks and feels very uncertain, and God came through as soon as they stepped out onto the water. The lyrics reflect the tension they faced, “The wilderness hardened my heart and dried up my tears // I been waiting for answers // Roaming for 40 years.” It’s so relatable, because waiting can feel endless. And then comes the choice, will they take that small step of faith to get into the water: “I could go back to Egypt // Or I could trust the Lord?” We already know their answer, “I’m stepping out on the water // Some call it faith some call it crazy.” What would your answer have been? Scott reminds us that courage isn’t about having all the answers! The key ...

The idea behind Marcus & Jalyn McGill's new song, "Empty Hand," was triggered by a deeply personal season of infertility. One of their writers, Jennifer, had a vision where God was extending His hand to her, not holding the longed-for child, but an empty hand offering something much greater… His presence in the waiting. This vision became the center of this song and is an important message for anyone who is holding onto a wish/longing for a miracle that hasn't come to pass.  In this song we hear the message that comes along with His extended hand. "I've been watching as you've been waiting / As you focus on your lack," reminding us that it's so easy to get trapped in our pain when prayers don't seem to be answered. It's a pain that distracts and causes us to forget that He's "… more than enough." God already has a miracle for you, "I'm holding out My hand to you // Don't think because it's empty // I h...

Are you feeling stretched thin and empty inside despite all of the activity around? Rachael Sey has been there, and that's when she wrote the song "Spirit Divine." Rachael didn't need more busyness in her life, she craved for presence… His presence! Her longing became a prayer: "Holy Spirit, fill us up." This song is her response to that quiet longing, and it's also an invitation to anyone who is carrying around hidden burdens or has a deep longing for more of God in their lives.  The lyrics echo the surrender and trust we need to have in our heart: "Holy Spirit, come and dwell within / Fill us up with power from on high." A prayer for renewal, asking God to guide us into His truth and freedom. The chorus continues this cry for renewal, "Spirit Divine, Spirit Divine / Come and fill us with Your light divine." Rachael shows us both the simplicity and depth of prayer and how prayer is your connection to God… a connection that is just...

Howard Gripp's "Everything In His Name", co-written with Erin Oakley, is a heartfelt blend of two voices that take you along on a journey from despair to joy and purpose. Despair that was felt at possibly the deepest point in someone's life, "I was lost in regret and full of pride / Contemplating taking my own life." Now imagine the 180-degree change that happened when Jesus stepped in to bring hope and purpose. So real (and relatable to some), but most important is that it reminds us that nobody is ever beyond redemption! Then comes the chorus that is both a declaration and a guide for living: "I'll love like Jesus, pray like Jesus, forgive like Jesus / Do everything in His name." This song is a roadmap showing you how to align your life with His example, bringing in the joy that salvation offers, "He turned my mourning into dancing again / I've tasted and I've seen His goodness over me."   What makes this track more specia...

Ever feel like life's a bit… frosty? Or that you're longing for something more profound and meaningful in life? Robert Peterson and The Crusade connect with that feeling. In their second release, "Change Coming On," they explore the search for meaning and change. Robert Peterson, who has been playing music since his early teens, has an interesting approach to writing lyrics. He is especially careful that his lyrics do not immediately lead to people labeling the song as "Christian," and tries to avoid classifications like "Christian Rock" so that he can reach a larger audience with his message. People who otherwise would be turned off by overt religious references. "Change Coming On" accomplishes this with subtlety and depth. The song opens with the image of being "all alone on a crowded city street," creating a feeling of isolation and longing. As the song continues, a powerful awareness is building up, "I can feel a chang...