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"The Veil" by Joshua Malachi: Knowing God Without Barriers

Joshua Malachi's song, "The Veil," is about our intimacy with God, that has been made possible through Christ's sacrifice on the cross… The song starts with "I enter by your blood // I enter by your name," Christ's sacrifice—His blood and name—is the key that made it possible to approach God. This message is further emphasized with, "I enter by your spirit and the sacrifice you made."   "The veil was torn, that I may know you, I want to know you, Jesus," He removed the barrier between us and God's presence. It's not through our efforts, but through Christ's ultimate sacrifice that we find our way home. It's an open invitation to our Creator!  "We enter by your blood… We enter by your spirit and the sacrifice you made." Note the use of the word "we"! "We" as in everyone, and He makes no exceptions! You and I may know God intimately, because Christ prepared the way. "The veil was tor...

"More of You" by Michael Encarnacion: When You’re Too Weak to Pray, Pray This

We've all been there, those situations in life when our prayers feel empty, our strength is gone, and all we can whisper is, "Lord, I need more of You." That's the real heart of Michael Encarnacion's song, "More of You." Michael shares, "This song came during a time when someone close to me was drifting away, and I didn't know what to do, I tried everything in my power but realized I couldn't do this on my own."   When we've reached a point where it doesn't matter what we do or what we can say, we still have the option to kneel in prayer. When we lack words to say, it's enough to pray: "Less of me. More of You."   Isn't this a truth that we all need to understand better? So, ask yourself, when life is bright, do you still want more of Him? When you're broken, do you still reach for Him? The song not only shows us a way forward to Him, but it also holds up a mirror to see our mess, "Sometimes my mind d...

"Strong" by Howard Gripp: Finding Your Boldness in Adversity

Howard Gripp's song "Strong" offers a powerful declaration about the firm foundation that can only be found in Jesus. We have all experienced those moments where doubts flood our minds and drain us. Howard Gripp also knows that feeling. He shares, "The song Strong really comes from the strength that I have found in Jesus to be able to face anything head on knowing I am not alone. Even since being saved I have faced some pretty tough times. I have learned how to lean on God to protect me when facing adversity. Before I would not have the confidence I have now to face troubled times and uncomfortable situations." You can hear that confidence in the lyrics of this song: "It's Your strength, within that makes me bold."   This isn't just a song about coping. Howard shares, "The song is really about not being alone in anything you face." When the storms hit and you feel overwhelmed, remember that "No storm can break me, for I'm Y...

"God Uses Scars" by Josh Grove: Finding Hope in Your Wounds

Have you ever wondered if your pain has purpose? What good can come out of the wounds we carry (emotional, mental, or physical)? If there is a God, then why do we need to suffer these pains? The song "God Uses Scars" by Josh Grove puts our pains and scars in a different perspective.  The key message in this song is that God turns our pain and scars into beauty, and what was meant for harm is turned into good. Josh wants everyone to know that "God never wastes our pain." In other words, every wound we carry can be turned into a purpose. Just like Jesus' scars brought redemption and salvation, our scars can testify to His love and purpose. Note the words: "can testify"  … because it requires us to look at our scars from a different angle.  The first verse points us in the right direction: "I see scars in your hearts // But I see hope in the dark // I see you and you're doubting what you are // But what I see are God's moving parts." I...

"Count Me In" by Tyler Ratcliffe: What Does It Cost to Follow?

Tyler Philip Ratcliffe just released a powerful new single called "Count Me In." It's an honest, raw anthem about saying, " I'm all in for Jesus no matter what"— even if it costs comfort, reputation, or platform. This song didn't start as a planned song. Philip shares, "Back in May, I was spending time in the book of Acts. I had gotten to a point of complacency that felt wrong with my spirit, which is weird because I was writing more songs than ever in that moment, but I felt… like a fraud. I knew I wasn't facing persecution, I wasn't hiding my Bible for safety, and I felt the voice inside saying that how dare I expect to have a space in heaven next to those who faced lifelong persecution and struggle?"   The lyrics came after Ratcliffe started to look at his own spiritual complacency. Ratcliffe continues: "That night I got out a pen and paper and began to write my prayer. I didn't think about structure, rhyming or singability,...

"I Claim - Live At SCC 25" by Red Letter Society: A Call to Embrace the Cross in a Culture of Comfort

Recorded live at the Student Collective Conference 2025, Red Letter Society's "I Claim" is a declaration of faith that can't be repeated enough! We're living in a world that often avoids talking about suffering and sacrifice; instead, we'd rather focus on personal success, achievements, temporary joys, and what others should or shouldn't be doing. And don't forget the politics (especially now as the tensions around us and in the world continue to grow). We are constantly being bombarded with emotions that pollute our minds with feelings of disgust and even of hate, causing us to forget that other people around us are also children of God. Some minds have become so polluted that they try to justify the deliberate and methodical destruction of groups of people (= children of God). (?!?) We're drifting away from God's purpose for us!  This song calls the Church back to the radical heart of discipleship. "I claim the cross / I'll suffer wi...

"Listen to Our Hearts" by Avery Stafford: When Words Fall Short of Worship

Have you ever felt something that is so profound that you can't find the right words to describe it? How do you explain a love "that goes from east to west and runs as deep as it is wide" ? How do you describe something as simple as the flavor of a strawberry? That's the beautiful tension that Avery Stafford sings about in his cover of the song "Listen To Our Hearts."  "Listen To Our Hearts" is a classic praise and worship song written by Geoff Moore and Steven Curtis Chapman. Avery Stafford recorded it for his album "Undignified" in 2004, after discussing it with a friend following a worship concert. His friend was impressed by the jazz-influenced version of this beloved song and encouraged Avery to consider recording it. This recording features Tony Bolivar (saxophone). Until now, "Listen To Our Hearts" had never been released to radio.  The lyrics are about the moment when our words fall short, when even "a thousand year...