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Showing posts from December, 2024

Embrace God's Presence with 'Holy Spirit Wind' by Lori Morris

Lori Morris is a landscape painter, Christian singer-songwriter, and loves to share her creativity. She released the song "Holy Spirit Wind," a song with an amazing backstory. "I've been writing songs on my own for about 15 years," Lori writes, "but in 2023, I prayed for God to connect me with other Christian songwriters. Just a few months later, He led me to my first Lake City Lights Retreat in Florida. … On one of the final days, I sat on the beach, connecting with God through His creation. I was enjoying His presence and the waves rolling in, and I prayed, "As the waves are rolling in, the strength You give me never ends." That line became the foundation of the song I co-wrote." You'll see this line appear in the chorus, a chorus that captures the essence of God's endless strength and presence: "As the waves are rolling in, The strength You give me never ends, Come and breathe on me again, Holy Spirit wind." The verses...

Sheree Wright’s "Faithful and True": Embracing God's Promises

South Carolina's own Sheree Wright brings us a beautiful reminder through her song "Faithful and True." Sheree is known for her pure, organic sound and heartfelt lyrics. This song is an invitation to come into God's presence.  "Faithful and True" emphasizes the sovereignty, wisdom, and faithfulness of God. Sheree's calls to trust completely in God's plans, even when we don't see the bigger picture or understand where this is taking us. She reminds us that God's ways are higher and His thoughts wiser than ours.  This part of the lyrics really nails the main message: "Your plans are greater, they're always to prosper." For me, this is comforting reassurance that God wants to bless and prosper us beyond our wildest dreams. Note the use of the word "wants" , as in God respects our free will! It is up to us to accept His invitation to lay everything at His feet and trust Him wholly.  May Sheree's song serve as a powerf...

Amanda Janson's "The River (Living Water)": A Refreshing Journey for the Soul

"The River (Living Water)," by Amanda Janson, is about finding purpose in Jesus. In Amanda's case, it was her faith that helped her discover her true purpose in music. She writes her songs with the heart of someone who's experienced life's thirst, and in Jesus, she "thirsts no more." The lyrics of this song are about leaving worldly pursuits behind and finding out that Jesus is enough. Amanda recalls chasing dreams that overshadowed what she really needed, dreams that gave only temporary satisfaction. She found out that it is His love that fills every void and gives us true satisfaction and purpose.  The chorus of the song affirms that when life dries out our spirits, it is Jesus who replenishes us, and quenches our spiritual thirst in even the driest seasons.  The bridge of the song is an invitation to all who feel weighed down or empty by life's struggles to come and drink from His well of mercy. May this song serve as a comforting embrace during l...

Sherwood Worship's "Almighty (Song of Ascent) [Live]": A Song of Unwavering Faith

Sherwood Worship's live rendition of "Almighty (Song of Ascent)" is a powerful, energetic worship song. The lyrics were inspired by the Psalms of Ascent, and declare an unwavering trust in God's promises and His divine victory, and for many, this may be easier said than done. The song's message and intent are clear: God is our steadfast protector and the only true source of hope. The opening lines immediately set the theme for the song, "O the Lord God is with us / Tho darkness may assail," a reminder that God's promises never fail, no matter what challenges we face. The chorus encourages us to sing in praise as we recognize His power and might and His ultimate triumph over evil.  "Almighty" is a call to each one of us to hold onto our faith, join together in worship, and place our hope in the Lord each and every day of our lives. God never asked us to travel this journey on our own. Not only is He with us, but we also are part of His chur...

Celebrating God's Grace: A Look at Bob Vogel's "The Wonders of His Love"

Bob Vogel's latest song, "The Wonders of His Love," is a heartwarming testament to God's endless grace. Bob shared that this song is what you'd call a "song in the night," just like what is spoken of in Psalm 42:8. This song "came" to Bob in the quiet of the night. He woke up with the song more or less spilling onto the page, and the final result is this divine melody. Bob had recently been listening to pastor Jacob Prince speak about how God's grace has been given to us through Jesus.  The lyrics are a beautiful reminder of the Lord's healing, forgiveness, and mercy. Bob sings of God's endless and patient love, a love that redeems us, fills us with good, and sets us back on track each and every time. Yes, we are blessed with a patient God, a Heavely Father that often watches us fall flat on our face, feeling the pain like every parent would, and is there to pick us back up again. His love is so great that we can fully rely on His s...

Bethany Thompson's 'All We Want': A Glorious Anthem of Faith

Bethany Thompson's second single, 'All We Want,' comes from a prayer, and reminds us of God's immense power and presence. This song is so fitting for this Christmas day, as it sends a message of hope. Hope has a name, a name so powerful that demons tremble at His name… the name of our King - Jesus.  The lyrics lead our hearts and focus back to the source of the ultimate gift to mankind, our Prince of Peace and Almighty King. All of creation bows in awe of His grace. His glory surrounds us, and in His presence we are healed and changed. The chorus reverently repeats, "All we want is You," declaring what hopefully is also your deepest desire, for God's presence in your life. He is the Hope that is ready to be part of your life if you just open your heart and invite Him in.  The bridge is so beautiful and is filled with devotion, singing praise, and where every step is taken for Him. The lyrics echoe our commitment to live for Jesus by aligning our hearts an...

Kyler Martinson's 'Immanuel': A Song of Comfort and Discovering God

Kyler Martinson's 'Immanuel' was triggered by a season where Kyler was feeling very alone and was discovering more of who God is, how personal He is, and the beauty and mystery of his heart for us. While Kyler was struggling with feeling alone, he felt the closeness of God and realized that a relationship with God is not only very personal… He is with us. A rough draft of the song was recorded in the quiet stairways of his church, a song that emphasizes one of the names of God, "Immanuel," meaning God with us. The lyrics beautifully juxtapose God's endless glory with His intimate love for us. How He loves us despite all of our flaws and the choices we make in our lives. He marvels at how the Creator of all chooses to dwell among us and hold us close. The song reflects on the wonder of God's holy and immense nature, and at the same time His desire to be near us and strengthen us, underscoring the mind-blowing nature of His love. May His name, 'Immanuel,...

Carly Grace's 'Here for You' - A Song of Surrender

Carly Grace's song "Here for You" is a heartfelt collaboration that was triggered by a shift she felt within her church community. Carly created this song together with friends and fellow worship leaders. The outcome is a musical prayer that acknowledges our need for God's presence and guidance in all parts of our lives.  The lyrics speak about a profound longing to be near Jesus and inviting Him to fill our lives with His grace. It is lines like "take what you want, do what you want to do" that echo the song's theme of surrender. The song is also a call-to-action, calling us to open our hearts & hands and welcome God's plans and promises.  At its core, "Here for You" is about fully surrendering our own will to Him, bowing our head to our King, and letting His will be done in us. Invite God to reign in every part of your life and align you with His plans. May this song encourage you to accept His hand and be here for God, allowing Him t...

North Palm Worship's 'The First Noel' Featuring Deborah Hong: An Uplifting Christmas Classic

North Palm Worship, well known for their heartfelt worship, offers a fresh rendition of "The First Noel," featuring Deborah Hong. This is one of the most famous carols: a herald proclaiming the coming of Christmas. The First Noel's origins are humble.  The song came about during the Proto-Renaissance (the period that led into the Renaissance), during the 13th or 14th century. The First Noel was written as a way to express the excitement and wonder of Christmas. Hundreds of years ago, during a time without internet or phones, the people of Cornwall sang it in the streets as a way to spread hope and joy. The world may look very different today, but we still gather to sing the song for the same reasons. The song is a testament to the fact that no matter what the earth looks like, no matter how much time passes, the encouraging story of Jesus will always connect with the hearts that are desperate for Him. This rendition is also a call to unite in worship and sing this song fo...

Haddon’s ‘In Your Arms’: Finding New Life in Christ

Haddon's song "In Your Arms" does a beautiful job of describing challenges that many of us know all too well. Based on Romans 8:6, Haddon sings about his own battle with sin and how Christ helped him overcome. For many years, Haddon found himself stuck in a cycle of self-destructive habits and sin. Pride and lust had brought him to the end of his rope. He kept going further down and wondered when he would reach the bottom. But remembering Romans 6 brought him hope, realizing true life is found only by setting your mind on Jesus.  The lyrics feel like an honest conversation with a friend, urging those who feel lost or weary to turn to God. If you've ever felt crushed by pride, trapped by sin, or just plain exhausted, Haddon's assures you that life is full and hope is certain, where God's embrace is like a gentle hand that is guiding you back on track.  Only God brings hope and new life. As Haddon shares: "So through fire and water, whatever the trial may b...

Fia Nyxx's "Way Maker" - Finding God Through Music

Fia Nyxx embraces a theatrical approach to her music and is known for her “brilliantly experimental clash of genres”. Nyxx is evolving from her former pop-artist image to Christian music. From the moment you hear her soulful vocals, you’ll be reminded of artists such as Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and Toni Braxton. Making music has always been a spiritual experience for Nyxx, one that defies genres. She released a Contemporary Worship EP, called “From The Mountain”, a four-song collection that has helped her during a challenging year of self-reflection, mental health struggles, and doubts about her faith. One of the songs on this EP is a cover of the song “Way Maker”, and despite the fact that this song has been covered by quite a few artists, this is a rendition that clearly distinguishes itself from other covers. Working alongside producer Sam J. Garfield, Nyxx crafted a version of “Way Maker” that’s both unique and preserves the original spirit of the song. It’s got five-part h...

Divine Vibes' "Prince of Peace" - A Progressive House Christmas Anthem

The productions of Divine Vibes are especially for lovers of the Progressive House and CEDM genres, and this track is a great addition to Christmas CEDM playlists. "Prince of Peace" by Divine Vibes is a fresh and energetic beat blended with the timeless prophecy from Isaiah 9:6. A message that aligns with the Christmas spirit and reminds us Who the true source is of peace, hope, and joy - Jesus Christ.  The lyrics capture the promise of Jesus' birth, with energetic rhythms and atmospheric synths that create a captivating soundscape. The lyrics are simple and reinforce some of the powerful names of Jesus that we commonly hear during this time of the year: Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. The lyrics bring our focus back to the most comforting truth on earth: "He is our Wonderful Counselor!"  May this track remind you that amid all of the chaos in life, lasting peace isn't found in worldly solutions. Lasting peace can only be found in Him. M...

Avery Stafford's "Manna (Come on Down)": A Reminder of God's Faithfulness

Avery Stafford's "Manna (Come on Down)" is a beautiful reminder that God never forgets us. The song was inspired by Avery's own journey of faith. He remembers how excited he felt as a 7-year-old standing in front of a church in San Jose, CA, when he said "yes" to Jesus. Avery has that same fire and excitement for God's constant presence and provision today.  The song's title is a nod to a youth rally called Mannafest, emphasizing that God continues to provide for us amidst life's challenges, just as He provided manna in the wilderness. God reigns, even though hopelessness, loneliness, and disappointments constantly plague our world. The acts and consequences of people's choices can distract our focus from God. It is through lyrics like "Remind me, Lord, just why I need You living in my dreams" and "Spirit, come on down," that Avery calls us to remember God's unending faithfulness and reignite our initial love and de...

Beth Merill's "Messiah": A Celebration of Hope

In Beth Merill's song "Messiah," she recounts the Christmas story with a beautiful pop/CCM melody. Beth indicated that the lyrics were inspired by Luke 2:11–14 and that she wanted to tell the story of Christ's birth in a way that was both personal and relatable. She loved the process of writing and producing this song, beginning back in November 2019. This version includes a hint of Christmas bells and cosy winter vibes.  The lyrics recount the incredible journey of Jesus, who left His heavenly throne to become our Savior. Jesus, the Light, came into a world that was filled with darkness and made it possible for us to be redeemed from all of our sins and return to the Father. The chorus is cheerful and invites us to join the angels as they worship and celebrate the true Light that came to the world on that Holy Night.  His birth isn't just a historical event; His coming to earth continues to be relevant to each and every one of us. May His gift to mankind also bri...

Kaleb Kaps Releases a Heartfelt Single 'Feet of the Father'

Kaleb Kaps has released his debut single, 'Feet of the Father'! This is a song that Kaleb wrote and released with the help of his producer in Nashville. The song is perfect for listening with the windows down on a summer day or for those moments when you're struggling and need His guidance.  Our deepest desire is to feel God's presence in our lives, especially when we're going through hard times. Kaleb sings about giving up control and placing your worries and fears at the feet of the Father. In doing so, you will feel His comfort and peace in your heart.  Kaleb's song beautifully captures the constant struggle we all go through: the weariness, the shame, and the low points in our lives. May you take a moment to listen to the lyrics, especially the part where Kaleb sings, "All my worries, He's got 'em." That is my biggest takeaway from this song, an invitation to find revival and peace at His feet and know that when we place our lives in God...

Maria Segerholm's "One Child (Acoustic Version)"

Maria Segerholm released a fresh acoustic rendition of "One Child." The original song is by Mariah Carey and co-written with Marc Shaiman, a song that deeply touched Maria since she performed it at Christmas concerts with orchestra, choir, and children's choir in Jönköping, Sweden, back in 2016. Maria normally releases original works, and this year she decided to step outside her comfort zone and release an acoustic cover of a well-known song. She not only hopes that this rendition will be appreciated by fans new and old, but even more important, that this song will shift your focus to Jesus as the true reason for the season. The lyrics retell the story of Jesus's birth, from the angel's visit to Mary to her journey to Bethlehem and Jesus' humble birth in a manger. Each verse reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas. The chorus emphasizes the key message of this story: "One child can change the world." Maria passionately shares this message of ho...

"Endless" by Emily Lindquist: Celebrating God's Infinite Wonder

Have you ever wondered about the endless nature of God's love? Although we can't even begin to grasp the endless nature of it, Emily Lindquist's song "Endless" does manage to beautifully capture the feeling of awe that this gives us. The lyrics remind us that His works and wonders never cease. Emily's lyrics were written with the idea that we will always have reason to worship because God is infinite in nature!  The verses describe the inadequacy of words and melodies to fully capture God's boundless love for all creation. Emily reverently acknowledges His glory, beauty, marvel, and wonder and expresses, "With every breath I have my soul will sing," a hymn of praise, a heartfelt offering to our loving Creator.  The bridge rings with sacred echoes of "Holy, holy is the Lord" and "Worthy is Your name," emphasizing the eternal nature of our praise. God's love and mercy have no end and are ever-present.  May "Endless...

Celebrating Christ's Birth with Shawn Thomas' "Glory to God"

"Glory to God" by Shawn Thomas is a Christmas song with a message that can lift your spirits just, as the angels did on that night that Christ was born. The message of the song was inspired by the birth narrative that we can read in Luke 2:13–14. Shawn beautifully captures the feelings of celebration and reverence of that moment that changed everything for humanity.  The song takes us from the humble manger all the way to the cross, emphasizing the importance of God's incredible gift of grace. Feel reverence with lines like "In a stable wrapped in love's embrace, Heaven's gift - promise of grace," and share the joy of angels as they sing "Glory to God in the highest, Peace on earth, goodwill to men."  Beautiful lyrics that beautifully wrap up some of the highlights of Jesus' life, from celebrating His birth to His divine mission to His ultimate victory and gift to all people. Shawn's message is filled with faith and joy, and helps us fe...

Tania G's "Amazing Grace": God's Healing for Today's Brokenness

Tania G has reimagined the well-known hymn "Amazing Grace," with success! This is a total makeover with a fresh modern sound that stays true to the core message of the song. This song is part of Tania's EP project that reimagines old hymns into fresh modern-day variations.  "Amazing Grace" is about the life-changing power of God's love, and Tania invites you to let His grace heal your brokenness. She sings about feeling fragile and the misconception that we're never quite good enough. "But from the moment I believed…," Tania sings, that is when everything changed.  God's grace healed Tania's breaking heart and put her life back on track: "From someone who's lost // To someone who's found." God's grace ensures we are never alone, even when we are facing dangers or fears. It is His amazing grace that will guide believers through life's storms and lead us to a better and brighter tomorrow.  May Tania's soulf...

D28 Band's "A Psalm of Praise": A Song to Strengthen Your Faith

Get ready to be deeply moved by D28 Band's latest song, "A Psalm of Praise." This song is a song that celebrates our faith and the redemption we may receive through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. A song about His gifts to us, not only very relevant for this time of the season, but even more important for every day of our lives.  In the spirit of this season, lean in and listen to how D28 Band unwraps the gifts that God has in store for each one of us. These gifts are so precious that it can sometimes be challenging to believe they are ours through His grace. Maybe that is why the band starts this song by reminding us that God never breaks His promises: "there's nothing that my God can't do." If you're anything like me, this message of hope and reassurance can't be repeated enough!  The chorus looks at the gift of joy and freedom that we may receive through the "blood of the Lamb." The melody is catchy, and the lyrics emphasize a li...

Lanre O.'s "The Shore" – A Journey From Addiction to Freedom and Peace in Christ

Lanre O. takes you on a very personal journey with his song "The Shore." He shares how he not only broke free from the chains of pornography by God's grace but also moved from shame and guilt to finding peace in Christ. The message is very relatable for anyone that is struggling with any form of addiction or is stuck in a cycle of sin.  In the lyrics, you can hear Lanre crying out for a change, a plea to be freed from those repetitive cycles that don't align with God's truth and His plan for our lives. Lanre speaks from his own experience and knows what it means to break free from all of the lies we keep telling ourselves and the people around us. But most important, Lanre is clear: no matter how far we've gone astray or how deep we think we have sunk, we all may find peace in Christ. The lyrics beautifully illustrate how we may shift from sinking in our doubts and fears to walking on water by keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus.  There is safety and freedom to be...

"whispering HOPE 5" by whispering HOPE: Reflecting on the Nativity Story

This week we're blessed with a fresh take on the nativity story with the album "whispering HOPE 5", the latest release by whispering HOPE. This album takes us on a reflective journey through the nativity story, offering us insights from the perspectives of the Israelites, Mary, Joseph, the Angels, and the Shepherds. I'll briefly introduce each of the tracks, and I encourage you to check out the lyrics to really grasp the meaning and intent of each song. "The Coming Light" sets the tone by celebrating Jesus as the Light of the world. This song not only speaks of His arrival but also encourages us to find hope and peace through His presence, and let Him guide us throughout our lives, including our darkest moments. "Magnify" gives us a modern take on Mary’s Magnificat. The takeaway is to celebrate God's endless mercy and faithfulness, and it encourages us to praise God's name with gratitude and in recognition of everything He has done. The s...

Sara Niemietz and Robby Robinson’s “Unto Us” – A Soulful Christmas Anthem

Sara Niemietz and Robby Robinson's latest release, "Unto Us," just dropped. It's a song that captures the real reason for the season. Yes, it is about a huge gift… but not the kind of gift that you and I are capable of giving. "Unto Us" is about the greatest gift of all, the divine gift of Jesus, and what this gift really means. Christmas is such a special season, especially if you appreciate what we're really celebrating! Sara Niemietz and Robby Robinson invite us to join as they musically celebrate the deep hope, love, and peace that His birth has brought to us. A celebration where we may reflect on Isaiah's prophecy and the fulfillment of God's promise in the birth of Christ.  With lines like "Unto us, Heaven's gift of hope" and "Emmanuel, God with us," we may feel the warmth and joy of God's love right in the middle of life's challenges. It's about accepting the "Peace" that the angels announced a...

A Refreshing Anthem: "Living Water" by Coming Kingdom

"Living Water" is the final track on Coming Kingdom's debut EP, 'Awakening'. The song was penned and performed by Zac Carpenter, together with Joel Lane, Brendan Lee, and Bethany Tucker. It's a song that has been transformational in times of worship within the Croydon Vineyard church community. It's a song of invitation, submission, and expectation. Invite the Holy Spirit to make a real impact in your day-to-day life, surrender your heart and mind to God, and expect His powerful presence in everything you do and whatever challenges you face. This song is meant to reach into your heart and give words to your deepest longing for God's refreshing touch. Life is meaningless when we try to leave God out of the equation, and it's lines like "Spirit, come and fall afresh on us" and "Rain down, Spirit of God" that perfectly capture that longing.  "Living Water" is a prayer, a plea to God, set to music, asking the Holy Spirit t...

Cindy Clark's "Good Shepherd (Psalm 23)" - An Invitation to Experience God's Loving Rescue

Music can be such a beautiful sanctuary when life feels dark and without hope. That's how Cindy Clark uses music. When she is fighting depression, pain, and loss, she finds peace behind the piano. It's a place where Jesus places melodies in her heart so she can sing His word into her life. This didn't 'just' happen… God intervened!  Good Shepherd (Psalm 23) is her 8th release, but it is the first song of many written that led Cindy out of her own "valley of the shadow of death." Cindy shares that while she was watching Netflix one night, she began to hear a melody in her mind, and she couldn't escape it. This melody in her head was the start of an amazing change in her life!  Cindy has a piano, and at that time she hadn't touched the keys of the piano or sang a song for several years. As a result of this melody in her head, she went over to her piano. This melody was written on the spot, but it took a few months (and time spent in prayer) for the l...

Divine Vibes' "A Sound Mind" – Embracing God's Strength

Divine Vibes' latest track, "A Sound Mind," is a stirring mix of rich CEDM vibes, rhythmic beats, and the ageless wisdom found in 2 Timothy 1 verse 7: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." With His gift of strength, clarity, and love, there is no room for fear.  The lyrics repeat parts of this scripture: "a spirit of power, a spirit of love, and of a sound mind" . Repetitions that are much needed, because we often tend to overcomplicate things by adding elements that distract us from the core message. Just lean into faith. Trust God's Spirit, because He won't lead you astray. Feel His strength, love, and peace, not because you deserve it, but because His grace cleared the way for you. His Spirit is ready to bless you with His gifts in every part of your life. Are you ready to let Him into your life? (Related scripture: 2 Timothy 1:7; Romans 8:15; 1 John 4:18) Connect with Divine Vibes Inst...

Ryan Patrick White's "As For Me and My House": A Story of Redemption and Faith

In "As For Me and My House" Ryan Patrick White tells about how Jesus radically changed his life. The song begins with the time that Ryan was struggling with addiction and pride. Ryan shares how his life turned from darkness into finding light in Christ. Ryan shares how a faithful Christian brother encouraged him to re-evaluate his old work (live performances and releases) on his YouTube & Instagram channels, in which he was glorifying Satan and his own pride. This resulted in deleting approximately 300 videos on his YouTube channel, losing thousands of views, and deleting his Instagram account. He also walked away from a very promising musical career because that music was deep into the occult and Satanism at that point.  Fueled by his newfound faith, Ryan dedicates his life to God's glory. You recognize this radical change as Ryan sings lyrics like, "If it doesn't glorify God, it glorifies the liar," lyrics that underscore his decision to literally aba...

Freedom in Christ: OCILIO's "Free So Free"

OCILIO's "Free So Free" is a beautiful deep house tribute to the freedom that we all may find in Christ. The track was inspired by feelings of gratitude, as OCILIO recalls how Jesus had saved him and how this felt. He describes it as feeling "free" after God removed his burdens. OCILIO initially produced the track with a slower chill house vibe, but the vibe didn't really capture that feeling of freedom and how his spirit soared. 12 months and a few versions later, he is pleased to share an upbeat deep house track that communicates both the spiritual freedom and the exhilarating feeling this gives him.  OCILIO uses his lyrics en melody to paint this image of how our burdens are lifted, chains broken, enabling us to breathe fresh air again. He uses imagery of soaring in clear skies and over water to illustrate the joy and freedom we all may find when we embrace a new life in Christ. The message in "Free So Free" is very relatable for anyone who has ...