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"Praise" by Julia Igwe: Praising in Hardship and Joy

"Praise" by Julia Igwe is a song that came from a place of gratitude. Julia shares, "I'm unashamed of what God has done and is doing in my life and everything He has brought me through. I want listeners to feel the hope that I feel."   The lyrics are filled with a joyful energy: "I'm kicking both my feet up // Oh baby cause I feel alive." Joy and freedom that are anchored in His goodness and mercy. Our God loves us and changes us, "He put the light back in my eyes // He made it turn to day from night." We are so blessed that he is always within our reach, despite our actions. All we need to do is invite Him into our lives and take His lead. The heart of this song is beautifully captured with these lines: "Oh yes I'm gonna praise right before You // Oh yes I'm gonna shout it from the mountain tops." That bold commitment to worship grows as we recognize His unchanging nature through every high and low in our lives. ...

"The Carpenter" by John Long: A Reflection on Christ’s Dual Nature

In the song "The Carpenter", John Long brings a unique look at Jesus, describing Him as the man that came to Earth but also as the God that breathed life into the world. A beautiful blend of worship with reflection, helping us to grasp the dual nature of Christ, He is both Creator and Savior. It's an invitation to marvel at Him as our God while also embracing His humanity. The lyrics position this beautifully: "You were there // When the Earth and seas laid bare." This part of the song isn't just about His role in creation, it's also about His presence throughout history, even today in your life. "The carpenter born from Bethlehem / Fully God and fully man" highlights His humility and sacrifice for each and every one of us… past, present, and future. He's more than the "The Lamb that bled and died" for us, He is also the one "Crowned and glorified." He is the one who has "… the glory that no other can hold." ...

"Compass (Phileo)" by Chelsea Chaisson: Navigating Life with Faith and Friends

"Compass (Phileo)" by Chelsea Chaisson explores one of the Greek words for love. This song focuses on "phileo" (friendship) and its vital role in life's storms. "Phileo" translates to love that is characterized by affection, fondness, and friendship. It's a warm, tender, and affectionate bond, often seen between friends, siblings, or within a community. It's more about the natural affection we have for those who are close to us.  Chelsea wrote this song when she returned home after living in Cambodia for two years. Faith brought her to Cambodia, sustained her there, and guided her back, but the journey left her feeling like "a little boat" lost in raging seas. At times we may feel like, "I'm drowning, drowning treading water in the wind // I'm drowning, drowning I could use a friend." It's a cry for connection, a reminder that we all need someone to anchor us when fear starts to take over. The fears and lies tha...

"Of All The World" by Robert Peterson and The Crusade: A Wake-Up Call to Notice Him

"Of All The World" by Robert Peterson and The Crusade's is a thought-provoking song about recognizing God. Possibly we are so busy with our lives or distracted by all of the noise that we need to ask ourselves if we would even have noticed if God hadn't been there. It's a piercing question: "Would you know the difference, if I wasn't in your life?" This isn't a song that is wagging a finger to express disapproval, but it does get you thinking.  The lyrics continue the thought-provoking tension with lines like "Would you be too busy and not see me standing there." It is so easy to overlook His presence when distractions are screaming for our attention! "Has the world become so loud and clamoring with noise," and maybe the slightest hesitation in our answer may be a good reason to double-check how we are staying connected with Him. The following lines in chorus might help with that check… "Would you know … could you tell...

"Not Alone" by Cultivation Worship (ft. Daniel Maurer): Finding Home in Christ

"Not Alone" by Cultivation Worship is a powerful debut song with pop and rock influences. The lyrics are inspired by Old Testament stories and look at the intimate connection we now may have with God through Jesus.  The lyrics capture this closeness to God that we may have: "What kept us distant, now removed // Clay and creator now commune." It reminds us how Christ tears down barriers: "No curtain, no veil could hold me back." There is nothing that can stop Him from being within our reach, and ready to be part of our lives: "This orphan has found a home // Now I'm not alone."   He knows us, leads us, and renews us: "What once was stained is now made new." What a joy He brings! He sees us, loves us for who we are and what we may become, and gives us purpose: "In you I'm fully known." He has stripped everything He can to take away the distance, and the only thing that is left is our heart, and only we can turn our h...

"Into The Light" by Adam and Ali Curry: Finding Hope in the Waiting

"Into The Light" Adam and Ali Curry look at one of the big faith-based questions we have and probably have asked out loud: "Lord, are you really with me like You promised?" It is a perfectly fine question, not a thought that some people tell us that we need to feel ashamed about! It's both a vulnerable and hopeful cry to God, and God understands that doubt can haunt us and cause us to doubt His nature and the value of His promises.  The lyrics in the song show this struggle. On one hand, there's awe for who He is, "You are justice // You are mercy // You are moving // Even in the waiting." On the other side, the lyrics contain a plea: "Where is your light, oh Lord? // Can you bring me out of the dark and into the light?" You'll probably recognize the following line, "It seems like I'm calling and calling and nobody's listening," as we sometimes feel unseen. We all have moments when we feel certain, "Your fam...

"I’m Sorry For Rushing" by Reflect Church: Returning to God’s Rhythm

"I'm Sorry For Rushing" by Reflect Church is an honest apology to God. Reflect Church shared that this is an apology for "living a life that is overly focused on outcomes, achievement and isn't always submitted to the rhythm of the Holy Spirit." It's a reminder for us to return to the slower pace of faith, trust, and surrender… God's pace.  "I'm sorry for rushing // Rushing you, Jesus," we know how easy it is to push ahead instead of staying in His presence. We'll never be able to see the full picture, His plan, so we need to learn how to align to His ways and His timing, "Teach me how to slow down // And stay within your presence." We all know how challenging it can be to let go of control and walk in step with Him.  The song invites you to join in declaring our dependence and asking for His guidance in our lives: "Jesus I need you // So I surrender // Come and lead me Lord." We are lovingly reminded of the ...