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Showing posts with the label #CCM

"He Must Increase" by Rorie: Humbling ourselves in God’s presence

Inspired by the verses John 3:30, Philippians 3:7–8, and John 10:27, Rorie releases "He Must Increase", a beautiful song that reminds us of the sound of CCM from the 2000s, easily the era when the rise of CCM was at its peak. Rorie sings the song with earnestness as she opens the lines "The seasons change and we are aging, But You alone are God of the ages." You'll immediately know that this song is putting God front and center. There's a certain aspect of the song that clearly wants to remind us that God will always be bigger than us. That his glory and mercy will always shine through, and we are mere travelers in the world that he built. Everything emanates from him, and we cannot claim to be bigger than God.  It's a humbling reminder that what we have, what we attained, it all comes as a blessing that He has gifted to us. We cannot claim that it is our works that brought us the joys and triumphs. These gifts and accomplishments are nothing without Hi...

"The Might of Heaven's King" by whispering HOPE: The Sound of Sovereign Victory

In their song, 'The Might of Heaven's King,' whispering HOPE takes us to the dramatic scene that is found in Revelation 20:1–3. The song opens with a vivid vision: "An angel coming down from heaven // The key of depths to him was given // A chain held firm within his hand // Prepared by God at His command // He seized the serpent, ancient foe // That Devil known from long ago // The dragon bound before the throne // His power checked, his rule overthrown." The song starts with God's restraint of evil and emphasizes the absolute authority of Christ, but how does this translate to our lives today?  Have you ever wondered when the noise of this world will finally fall silent? I know that I do almost every day now, when I watch/read the news! I ask myself, what chain of events will this craziness/noise trigger next? But this darkness/noise isn't the focus of this song!  The takeaway of this song is to reflect on our response to the noise. Not just the respons...

"A Place Prepared" by Madison Marlyn: When you dream of Heaven as your eternal destination

How often do we dream of Heaven? That eternal destination where everything is perfect and filled with tranquil peace? Madison Marlyn's latest single, "A Place Prepared," evokes that perfect feeling of heavenly bliss. Madison is able to encapsulate it all through the words that she sings in this song. The song is beautifully crafted, where the melody empowers the lyrics of the song, magnificently bonded together to tug at our heartstrings and stir our souls. There are no pretensions and grandstanding. Madison just straightforwardly delivers her image of the home that she long dreamed of resting in. The music beautifully brings to life the imagery she describes of what Heaven would look like. And this isn't something that she ordinarily dreams of, but rather this is an image that is deeply inspired by her Faith and in believing what God has promised us… Eternal Life. Madison was inspired by the fleeting colors of dusk, as she let the song capture a sense of longing and ...

"Tucker's Song" by Stephen M. Miller: A Tender Tribute to a Loyal Friend

Beneath this gentle Americana-style song, "Tucker's Song" by Stephen M. Miller, is the heartbreak of a seven-year-old boy. The day his grandson had to say goodbye to his dog, Tucker, he asked Stephen, "Will you write a song for Tucker? Can we pretend he's still around?" How can you not say "Yes" to such a request?  This song offers comfort by simply being honest. Instead of dramatizing the grief, the message sits with it and invites the listener to reflect as well. It's lines like "Sing the song to Tucker, sing to all dogs gone away" that remind us that precious memories endure. Have you ever asked yourself how to comfort a grieving child? I know that these situations often remind me that we're all searching for hope after more than one loss! On top of that, how can you extend that hope to a grieving child? Even in situations like the loss of a dear four-legged pet, there is a message of faith to be found: "Sing to God, the...

"Praise My Way Through" by Chris Sarver: A powerful song that brings resilience in Faith, and Hope amidst the hopelessness.

Chris Sarver's latest single Praise My Way Through is part collaborative and part personal cathartic experience. I (Jasper) personally know Chris, and I'm familiar with his previous works, as well as the personal experience of fellow Christian singer-songwriter Maria Segerholm, to which Chris has drawn inspiration for this song. At that time, Maria declared that in her trying times, she'll just have to Praise her way through. It's amazing to know the personal story behind the creation of this song. And I could say that this perhaps is Chris' best song to date. Chris is a very much underrated Independent Christian Artist who always wears his heart on his sleeve for each song that he sings. And nothing has been more heartfelt than this song that he has written. Each note and soaring melody that accompanies the words of this song takes a life of its own, synchronizing with a powerful message of hope amidst the hopelessness. As Chris shares, the song is about trusting G...

"Thank You Lord" by Sandra Lamb: When Worship Becomes Your Daily Habit

"Thank You Lord" by Sandra Lamb is a beautiful reminder that expressing your gratitude isn't just for those perfect days. The song starts by declaring God's greatness and invites you to constantly praise His greatness. In other words, worship isn't something that you do when you're in the right mood. Praising God is continuous, almost like a habit / a mindset. It's looking at the world, your life, and seeing God's greatness in everything.  The lyrics don't ignore the grey seasons in life… It walks us straight through them to His greatness. Instead of sinking into despair, we're encouraged to lift our hands, praise our Lord, and make a decision to praise God's name no matter what comes our way. Why? Because God's kindness shows up in our lives every single day. He opens doors and creates paths that previously seemed impossible… "You always show me kindness every day // You always made a way // Where there seems no way." Let...

"SUNSETS" by Jesse Callan: When Life Feels Like Too Much, Remember Who's in Control

"SUNSETS" by Jesse Callan comes at a time when the world is filled with noise, tensions, and insecurity. With everything that is going on, it's quite easy to lose perspective and feel the weight of the world closing in. Jesse reflects on the challenging times that he faced in 2025, not as a story of despair, but as a declaration of faith, constantly pointing to the One who is always in control. "Some days I fade under the weight of the world // Like ice cream on hot days I feel I'm missing the chill // Some days it just feels like it's more than I can bear // Until I put my phone away and remember where You are." Jesse points our focus upward: "You're on the throne // Painting sunsets in the sky // Till the whole world knows // Till I see you with my eyes." We're encouraged to reach out to God, not because it's convenient, but because God is genuinely in control even when our lives feel so overwhelming! The song has bright synths, ...

"Psalm 7 (Refuge)" by Red Letter Society: From Desperation to Deliverance

Part of their ambitious project to musicalize all 150 Psalms, Red Letter Society & Jordan West released "Psalm 7 (Refuge)". Psalm 7 is a cry to God from King David, who is facing false accusations and persecution. David pleads with God to save him and offer him a safe haven.  He is open to the possibility that he is wrong and places his trust in the Lord, "if I have done this… my soul surrenders to your will." David unconditionally trusts God to protect the upright and ultimately bring justice. He doesn't linger in despair and declares, "You are my shield… Your ways are worthy of all praise."   Red Letter Society invites you to move beyond fear and unconditionally place your trust in God's justice. Psalm 7 is a powerful message for anyone who feels pursued: "Save me from the wicked that pursues." Place it before God and shift your focus to gratitude, "give thanks unto the Lord… For the Lord is my shield." Because… even in...

"Thank You, Jesus" by Risen Sons: Chains Broken, Freedom Found

Risen Sons' "Thank You, Jesus" is a song about how God can redeem us from our brokenness, how He gives us a new purpose, and how we can contribute to spreading His light to others. Risen Sons start the song by acknowledging how brokenness causes sleepless nights: "I remember the nights I couldn't find rest, chasing shadows with an empty chest." You've most likely experienced times of brokenness in your life. God teaches us that brokenness isn't our end state… There is light on the horizon! God offers each one of us a way forward.  When His mercy steps in, everything changes. "Mercy found me, grace called my name, now I'm alive and I'll never be the same." We can't explain the how and why; it's beyond anything we can comprehend, but we know that grace rewrites our stories! This song reminds us that when we surrender our past at the cross, chains break and freedom emerges. Note the use of the word "surrender". This i...

"Rider of Glory" by Whispering Hope: The King Returns Victorious

Imagine the skies tearing open with a thunderous cry. Difficult to imagine? Well, based on Revelation 19 and Daniel 7, we believe that day will come! When the skies tear open, it announces the moment we all have been waiting for.  Whispering HOPE captures this moment in "Rider of Glory," a track that talks about Christ's return as the conquering King. The lyrics paint a vivid picture: "The Faithful True rides forth again," an arrival that doesn't come with quiet humility, but shatters the prideful kingdoms and men with holy fire and establishes an everlasting reign.  Instead of fear, Whispering HOPE invites us to stand in awe. "All earthly kingdoms fall at His command," a reminder that no human power will or can stand above His authority! The lyrics call us to worship. "Lift up your voices; saints draw near," encouraging us to step out of the shadows and into His light.  Why does this matter today, right where you are, in the present? ...

"CAN'T GET ENOUGH" by Salvatore James: A Song of Endless Gratitude

Have you ever felt a spiritual hunger that earthly things are unable to satisfy? That is the longing that Salvatore James sings about in his song: "CAN'T GET ENOUGH." This hunger is more than just a desire to feel good. It's about recognizing the ultimate source of joy and celebrating God's abundance.  Salvatore opens with a reassuring truth: "You're always watching over me." By acknowledging that God is always there, we are invited to step into a posture of gratitude, placing Christ as the "Centerpiece." Why chase fleeting (earthly) moments when you can have the "Light of the world" in your life?  Instead of feeling empty, realize that you will be "overflowing with Your (His) love," when you open your heart/life to God. Do you see how nothing else can compare with this? When James sings, "They got nothing on Thee," he highlights the key reason why we should focus on Him and reject those lesser substitute...

"Is Anybody There? (Psalm 27)" by Stephen M. Miller: Holding On to Grace at Heaven’s Door

Stephen M. Miller's "Is Anybody There? (Psalm 27)" comes in the quiet aftermath of the Christmas celebrations, when reflection can feel like isolation. Stephen's song isn't about polishing away his mistakes, nor does it encourage you to do so with your mistakes. Stephen shares his painful experience, "I never saw it coming Lord // It felt right but it was wrong // Family and friends have left me // But I still have you and a song."   Stephen owns the fallout of his actions, taking accountability without despair. "I said it and I did it, Lord // Broke more hearts than I'll ever know // I can't fix this, though I've tried // Don't be angry, and please don't go." His song is a prayer for God's presence and guidance. "Hear me when I call you, Lord // Don't turn your face away // Don't give up on me like others have // Come help me through this day." Stephen describes a fear that we too experience when we ...

"My Dog Will Be Waiting for Me in Heaven" by Cody & Brody: Hope for Every Pet Lover’s Heart

Cody & Brody's song, "My Dog Will Be Waiting for Me in Heaven", asks a question that many pet lovers will have whispered through their tears: "Is there a place for my pet in heaven?" Neither the song, nor this write-up, pretends that the Bible will give a tidy, one-verse answer. It shouldn't come as a surprise that Cody & Brody's song triggered me to do a bit of research. I ended up with a hopeful trail of breadcrumbs, from Isaiah's peaceable kingdom, Paul's vision of creation's restoration, and Revelation's all-creature worship. Cody & Brody do what good country-leaning Christian songwriting often does: they take something earthy and familiar, in this case a loyal dog, a quiet porch kind of companionship, and invite us to reflect on its place in God's greater plan. Our pets aren't just pets. They are a symbol of steadfast love, of being known, of being welcomed home without conditions.  Cody & Brody picture that ...

"In Christ Alone" (Cover) by John Groves: Finding Strength in Redemption

John Groves' rendition of “In Christ Alone” is a beautiful cover that emphasizes that this message is just as relevant today as it was in 2000, when the song was originally released by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that John Groves and many other artists continue to spread the powerful message of this song with their covers and renditions. Yes, our world is more than ever filled with uncertainty, and we seem to have more leaders who focus on temporary things, short-term “wins”, and their perception of the truth. But hope in its purest form will never be found in the temporary! Our hope is found in the enduring presence of Christ. The song begins with a bold declaration of trust:  “In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song.”  Well-known words that many will sing during their church services, but where do these words originate when you sing? From the mind, or truly from the heart? The heart houses such a firm trust t...

"This Remains" by Madison Marlyn: When Sunshine Meets Rain

What do you hold onto when it feels like you're about to drown in life's storms? That is the theme that Madison Marlyn addresses in her song "This Remains." It's also the sixth track from her debut album. Madison walks us through the reality of anxiety and doubt, and reminds us that there is sunshine behind every storm.  "Clouds surround with clear prediction," acknowledging that worries can feel inevitable. Madison reminds us that faith doesn't come with a guarantee that there won't be any storms. Faith is a verb. It is about choosing to stand ground and wait on the Lord even when the outcome isn't clear (for us). "Hold my breath // 'Til colors splay across the graying sky," Madison sings, capturing that tense, faithful pause before our breakthrough moment. That moment when we realize that trust doesn't have to evaporate when trials come. "… for this remains // He's the God of both my sunshine and my rain." ...

"Hallelujah" by Kensie Breen: Finding Grace in Every Broken Hallelujah

Kensie Breen's "Hallelujah" takes Leonard Cohen's timeless song and gives it a warm, country-Christmas vibe. Kensie, just 14 years old, beautifully emphasizes the reality of faith, the never-ending clash between biblical beauty and human brokenness.  Staying true to Cohen's original lyrics, Kensie traces David and Samson's stories. Stories that remind us that even when we've "done our best, it wasn't much," and still we can stand before the "Lord of Song" with our praises. The song gives us the hope that every hallelujah on our lips, holy or broken, can still rise to God.  So what does that mean for us? It means our imperfect worship still matters. Our mixed-up, mid-December heart still counts. It invites us to stop looking for excuses and just praise, because He is listening. He hears our praises, and He knows our hearts. May Kensie's beautiful rendition of Cohen's "Hallelujah" remind you that true worship isn...

"Saved" by Cody & Brody: Faith Beyond Four Walls

Growing up in a small town where faith is measured by church attendance can feel very restrictive. Cody & Brody's "Saved" challenges that narrow perspective with refreshing authenticity. It challenges us to reflect on how relationships with God (or in fact with anyone) can be defined by four walls. There must be more to a relationship than that! The idea for the song came from a conversation with a small-town preacher about the fact that loyalty to God doesn't require loyalty to a single church building. Instead of judgment, it's all about grace, His grace. Sadly, so many people feel caught between their faith and institutional expectations… especially the human expectations that are not grounded in His teachings. The song opens with "I don't wear my Sunday best, or sit in a pew like all the rest." Yet the Cody & Brody connect with God through nature's own cathedral - on dirt roads, beneath the open skies, in the thunder, and the songs t...

"Thankful" by John Long: Gratitude in Every Season

"Thankful" is a song that John Long wrote while looking back on a period where he spent years leading worship in a move of God that changed his life. John writes: "I saw miracles, restoration, and hearts returning to Jesus. That season also ended painfully for me, and I had to learn how to stay tender and keep worship centered on Him when the noise faded."   This song isn't about dwelling on our feelings of loss. It's about choosing gratitude, remembering what God has done, and looking forward to returning to Him with gratefulness. It's about opening our eyes to see that He is shining in our lives and always there to light up the way forward, even in the darkest times. Recognize and acknowledge His hand with gratitude.  "Thankful" invites us to start by placing our trust and focus on Jesus. It encourages us to look forward to the simplicity of just being with Him, instead of allowing ourselves to get lost in the noise of fleeting moments and ot...

"REVIVAL" by Chad Chaney: Igniting Worship and Renewal

Is there really hope for a Christian Revival movement in these current times? For worship leader Chad Chaney, hope is already here. And this is the premise of his song "Revival." As a worship leader, Chad has the privilege of witnessing people encounter Jesus for the very first time and watching their lives begin to change. And it truly is a sight of beauty and hope. It is through his song "Revival" that he sings about witnessing all these. These are not mere lyrics written from an imagination or inspiration, but in fact, it is his living testimony of seeing people turn their hearts back to Jesus, returning to his fold, and being one with God's promise of hope, love, and salvation. Just the sight of seeing people's voices lifted in praise, hands raised in surrender, and hearts opening to our Lord and Savior is truly an inspiration.  Chad hopes that this song will be sung in churches across the country, stirring faith, inspiring courage, and celebrating the p...

"Why Can’t I Believe" by H.U.G.E.: Help Me Overcome Unbelief

H.U.G.E.'s "Why Can't I Believe" is a reflective gospel visual that explores the struggle between doubt and faith. It feels like an honest journal entry put to music. The artist knows that God stays with us to the end, and His power is unlimited. But there is a world of difference between clear promises and a shaky heart.  The lyrics keep circling one honest question that will be all too familiar for most listeners… "why can't I believe what God says He will do?" This question turns doubt into prayer, not shame. Instead of pretending that everything's fine, the song points at some of the real culprits: negative self-talk, anxiety that tightens our chest, and this impatience inside us that wants to get answers right now. Familiar, isn't it? We understand the theory, but in real life, we have trouble putting it into practice.  The lyrics continue about going through more than a few stumbles, and acknowledge that even when our faith feels fragile, ...