ChristianDance

This rendition of Josh Bissell's song "How Far (Psalm 139)" features the Canadian artist Elenee. Josh Bissell co-wrote it with friends during a season of personal reflection. They wanted to capture both the comfort and mystery of knowing God fully. "How far could I go where You won't find me?" John sings about the fact that God is always there for us.  "You know my words before I say a thing // You are the reason that my heart is beating," reminding us that it doesn't matter how far we drift away or what we have done, we can rely on His love for us. "There is no height nor depth / To keep me from Your love / Nothing in life or death / Could keep me from Your love." As the original of this song came to life, Josh sensed it needed another voice - someone who could carry its tenderness and depth. That someone is Elenee, with a voice that adds a special tender touch to the song, not only increasing the richness of the song but also incre...

Today is the second day of Pentecost, a public holiday where I live, and I'm listening to my new release playlist. I like to close my eyes while I'm listening so I can better enjoy the musical abilities that artists have been blessed with and be amazed by the way that they use their talents to honor our Lord and Savior. Emmanuel Songsore is not a stranger to me; I have written about several of his earlier instrumental releases. I didn't realize at first who was playing, but I was moved to tears by this piano solo. When I opened my eyes to look at the song details, a smile appeared on my face… welcome back, dear friend.  A cover of the song "Mercy" by Moses Bliss. Knowing that Emmanuel selects music with care, I turn on the PC to look up the lyrics and listen to the original. I ponder about the lyrics: "It's all because of You // It's all because of Your grace // That I'm still standing here right now // It's all because of You // It's all ...

Have you ever struggled with feelings of doubt? Then "Walk By Faith" by Haddon is definitely a song that will help to change your point of view! Haddon wrote this song when he was struggling with doubts. He shares that he felt like Peter when he tried walking on water. He was basing his faith on feelings in that moment, feelings of fear, doubt, and anxiety. Instead of letting those feelings control him, Hadon turned them into a prayer: "Lord take my doubts and throw them all away // I'm sinking down, help me walk by faith." The song talks about waiting for signs or emotional highs to feel close to God. But Haddon reminds us, "When faith is just a feeling // It's fleeting." Our feelings may constantly be going to and fro, but God's love for us does not. True trust isn't about what we can see or feel; it's all about stepping forward (the leap of faith) even when we think we can't. Haddon admits, "Took 20 years just to teach my h...

"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...