ChristianDance

River Valley Worship's "Testify" is the kind of song that makes you stop and think about your own journey of faith. It invites you to reflect on who you were before you encountered God's grace - stuck in shame, weighed down by the consequences of sin, and feeling lost and surrounded by darkness. The lyrics beautifully capture this life-changing moment: "Locked in my shame and lost in darkness // The shackles of my sin // That's where your love came in." Does it remind you of the freedom you found through faith? Perhaps realizing that others have experienced a similar situation inspires you to follow (or avoid) their example and take a bold leap of faith. "You paid the price and justified me // You made me whole again," growing a longing to pursue this journey of redemption. Their repeated call to "testify" is a call to action. Each time God has done something incredible in your life, share it! God uses our experiences to change the ...

"Deliver Me" by Demaree Hill is all about breaking free from the chains of our past, with God by our side leading the way and fighting our fight. This song is about Demaree's personal journey through toxic relationships, emotional abuse, and the weight of some poor decisions. Demaree shares how it would feel as if she would be standing at a crossroad, with the familiarity of past wounds in one direction and the unknown promise of freedom in the other direction. She writes, "Even when I knew God was calling me forward, fear and temptation tried to pull me back." As Demaree sings, "I need you to part the sea // I know on the other side // You have so much more for my life," her cry for deliverance — an acknowledgment that, on her own, she is powerless to break the cycle. Demaree chooses to trust in His ability to lead her into the life that He has prepared for her. The lyrics are filled with struggle and surrender, acknowledging how powerless we are on ...

The making of Yemi Alafifuni's song "YHWH" is a journey of laughter and revelation, as well as anger and discovery. This song was triggered in response to a simple question with an eternal answer. Yemi shares, "I once heard a comedian ask—if the colonial masters, who claimed to be God-sent, truly knew the name of their God? The question, wrapped in humor, struck a nerve. Angry at the shallowness of the joke, I embarked on a personal quest to unearth the true name of my Father. My search led me beyond books, beyond theology — straight into the breath of existence itself. YHWH — the unspoken, yet ever-present name of God. A revelation hidden right beneath my nostrils, woven into every inhale, whispered with every exhale." "YHWH" invites us to have our own personal experience with the name of God, Yahweh (YHWH), a name that is never spoken but is always there. Parts of the lyrics were inspired by scriptures, such as Exodus 3:14 — "I AM WHO I AM"...

"Grace Found Me" by KIDJAZ is a very personal and relatable song about the redemption that came after battling a 15-year opioid addiction that started after knee surgery. Roy Gonzales is the artist behind the name KIDJAZ, and this song is a testament to how God's grace found him when he needed it most. Roy shares that you shouldn't give up, even if life looks dark for you. You can overcome! Jesus is there for you! Roy grew up as a preacher's kid, he knew 'about' God, but he didn't know God. Even though he was in a horrible dark place in his life, he learned that God doesn't look at our failures… God looks at our potential! What Roy experienced with God's transformative love was something so different that it completely changed his life. Roy captures the power of God's grace in the lyrics: "Was lost, confused / My life I couldn't navigate… Now made solid, rebuilt / With God's amazing grace." He also describes the healing t...

"Little girl… come out," Cindy Clark softly calls out in this ballad, a ballad that started while folding laundry and praying for family and friends. Cindy shared, "As I was praying, I saw a picture unfolding in my mind of this little girl, all scraggly, bruised, bleeding, and hiding under a table in a dark corner, very afraid. As I saw this picture I began to hear a melody; its what we would sing as kids playing hide and seek "come out Come out wherever you are", I immediately began to sing what I was seeing, "Little girl what's your story why are you so blue?..." The image of a fragile child trembling under a table, hiding in the shadow, reflects our inner struggles and our hope of redemption. The lyrics remind us that God isn't distant and longs to dance with us, if only we'll come out. There is nothing to be afraid of, "Little girl, no need to worry / He's not like all the other guys." Fifteen years later, this song found...

"Walk In The Blessing (Lech Lecha)" by Yair Levi is a song of faith, one that is inspired by Abraham's journey when God called him to leave everything that was familiar behind. The song was co-written together with Mike Weaver (Big Daddy Weave) and Todd Smith (Selah), and dives deeper into the Hebrew phrase "Lech Lecha," which means not just "go forth" but also "go to yourself," inviting us to step into our beliefs, way of life, and faith with courage and trust. The lyrics recall God's call to Abraham: "Leaving home, everything that I've known / Believing you called me." We should also remember that when we walk in God's blessing, we too will be asked to get out of our comfort zones— "from your land to yourself/from the house of your father." The chorus reassures us that we'll never be alone: "Step out on my own, but I'm not alone / I'm trusting your wisdom to guide me." We're not a...

"The Peace of God" by Divine Vibes is a refreshing blend of scripture and deep, melodic CEDM beats. The lyrics for this track are from Philippians 4:6–7, and it reminds us that rest and quietness are rare in today's society. Think through your past day, week, and month. What percentage of it would you categorize as restful and calm? Unfortunately, these concepts of restful and calm feel as if they are getting more and more out of reach. But it is in the peace of God that we find these critical, life-giving gifts. The words "rest" and "quietness" are at the root of the word "peace" in Philippians 4:6–7. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." It's a powerful declaration that God's peace- "which transcends all understanding" -is always there, guarding our hearts and minds. The NLT translation of this passage makes the messag...

"Everything I Own (Radio Edit)" by Avery Stafford is a moving story that captures the essence of Christ's sacrificial love, a love where He literally gave everything for you and me. A song that was originally written in 1999 but only now released as a radio single. This Gospel/R&B track tells a powerful story of redemption through the lens of a slave auction. This musical allegory starts with the words, "Standing on an auction block, waiting for buyers to bid on the value of life." The question asked, "Can this be happening to me?" And then Jesus steps in with a final bid. This is where Avery zooms in on His willingness to pay the price, "I will give everything I own. Isn't your life worth dying for?" That is the heart of the Gospel: Jesus willingly paid the ultimate price for us, and by doing so, He freed us with His nail-printed hands. Avery's vocals, together with this imagery of being bought out of bondage and his emphasis o...

"Good Plans (Live)" by Tasha Layton is a magnificent cover of Red Rocks Worship's original. It's a song that reassures us that God has a plan for our lives. Tasha's rendition of this song was recorded live in Franklin, TN, and is one of the tracks on her album "Worship Through It." The lyrics echo passages found in Psalm 23, passages that offer peace and encourage us to trust in God's guidance. Tasha shares, "I love that God has a plan for us even when we may not see it right in front of us. This song, originally by Red Rocks Worship, has been a constant reminder for me." I don't know about you, but I often need this reminder when I can't see the road ahead or start to question what's "the good" about some of the situations I face-- "He has good plans for me, so I will take heart in deserts and gardens." The lyrics encourage us to surrender to God's sovereignty: "The Lord is my shepherd, and He is e...

"The Beautiful Cross" by Mark & Sarah Tillman is a song that invites you to reflect on the profound sacrifice of Jesus. Mark & Sarah Tillman share that this song is particularly close to their hearts, especially as we approach Holy Week and Resurrection Sunday so soon. This song isn't chasing trends - it's a timeless message that's over 2000 years old and prophesied for generations and generations before that. As Mark & Sarah Tillman share, the song is about pointing us to the one who sacrificed it all for us so that we may have life and life abundantly, and simply exhaling, "Jesus, thank you for the cross." The lyrics capture both the sorrow and majesty of His redemption: "Tears in His eyes, His Son sacrificed // He spent His greatest prize." The song reminds us of the weight of sin and God's mercy-- "I was blinded by my sin… Your mercy let me see," and continues with praise, "Oh the beautiful cross // King of ...

"Good Bad Day" by Jay Davids is a great song that reminds us that we already have the power to choose joy and praise, no matter what life throws our way. This power to choose is a freedom that nobody can take away from you, unless you let them. As Jay puts it, "Before you get out of bed, you have to choose what this day is going to be for you." The song opens with lines like "Woke up on the wrong side of the bed," but quickly shifts the focus, instead of letting tough circumstances define your day, Jay sings, "I'm gonna set my mind on You." What makes it easier for us to shift our focus to joy and praise is the fact that God is on our side! Jay's song encourages us to focus on God's goodness, even when things feel chaotic-- "You are good all the time / When it rains, when the sun shines." Whether your day is a good day or a bad one, the message is clear: He remains constant, and every moment in our lives offers us an oppo...

The instrumental track "Under Your Wings" by Dominik Link announces the first summer rays of sunlight breaking through a stormy sky. The melody brings the warmth of Psalm 91:1,4: "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. … He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge." The melody swells with hope, triggering images of summer light that chases away wintery darkness, much like the promise we find in Isaiah 60:1–2: "Arise, shine, for your light has come… the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you." This isn't the type of music that you use as background music, because the way that it is created and performed feels like a musical sanctuary, mirroring the peace that we may feel when we rest under God's protection. It's a feeling that combines the literal joy of summer's approach with the spiritual renewal that only He can give us. The gentle yet vibrant ...

"Satisfy (Hybrid)" by Arcadia Worship is a high-energy track filled with the joy and freedom that we experience when we find fulfillment in Christ alone. The lyrics of the song were inspired by Proverbs 19:23: "Fear of the LORD leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm." (NLT) Fearing, or in this case trusting/placing faith in the Lord, leads to life. This is not just an earthly life, but an eternal life! You see this message in the lyrics, "There's no need to look further, I found all I need in Your eyes." The lyrics also echo surrender and dependence: "I fight on my knees, rest at Your feet, Lord You satisfy." Isn't that the satisfaction we are all looking for? Arcadia Worship is part of Redemption Church in Phoenix, Arizona. They love to blend worship with studio polish to create songs that inspire and unify believers (locally and the global church) through beautiful Gospel-centered music. "Satisfy" embodie...

"Yes I Believe" by James Bizak is a high-energy pop punk track that is both "aggressive" and offers a hope, or better said, a lifeline to anyone who is battling addiction or searching for true purpose in their lives. The lyrics boldly declare, "You are hope for the hopeless, You are the strength for the broken." It reminds us that God's light shines even in the darkest places-- "You are the light inside this hell." The lyrics ask, "Living in a hell, Can I save myself?" Many listeners have asked similar questions, and know the desperation that is felt before we encounter God's transformative power. Not surprisingly, the song looks beyond the despair to the triumph and peace that God brings into our lives. The lyrics celebrate the newfound freedom: "No longer broken inside, No longer slave to my pride." If you are struggling with any form of addiction, searching for true purpose in life, or simply feeling like you'...

Emmanuel Songsore has just released a beautiful piano cover of "Trust in God" by Elevation Worship. As we're used to by now from Emmanuel, this cover is also filled with a delicate touch that adds to the powerful message of the original song. As I listen, the lyrics come to mind, and I am reminded to have confidence in God's promises: "I trust in God, my Savior, the one who will never fail."   In the backstory, Emmanuel shares that he played this at the wedding of his twin friends' mother. He accompanied the twins on piano while they sang. Their mother was getting married again after the passing of their father. They spent countless years praying that God would bless her with a husband, and it had seemed like it would never happen. When God answered their prayer in this manner, they were filled with tears of joy. This special occasion inspired Emmanuel to reflect on the power of trusting God, even when it seems to take ages before prayers are answered. T...

The Offerings Album is a collection of 8 songs that the band put together with the church's youth groups in mind! The songs offer us a powerful journey through worship, faith, and the realities of a life with Christ at its center. From the surrender of "Adonai" to the hope found in the song "Heaven," it invites us into deeper devotion even though we may be struggling with pain, purpose, and not understanding God's unshakable presence. The songs "Foundation" and "Valley" remind us of His promises, while "This Life" encourages us to live fully on His terms. The songs "PEACE," "Friend of Sinners," and "I Claim" remind us that suffering isn't wasted but is changed (transformed) through His grace. Let's have a closer look at each song: 01. Adonai: Adonai is a call to surrender and worship, and to reflect on why we often fall so short of fully obeying and praising God. The song invites us to offe...

"Bloodline" by Elle Limebear is a foot-stomping anthem about the joy and freedom we have when we are part of God's family. "Bloodline" is one of the 10 songs on Elle's newest album, "Welcome to the Bloodline." It is described as having vocoder-laced vocals and swirling, indie-infused guitar riffs that deliver an undeniable foot-stomping anthem. Are you curious? "Bloodline" is the theme song of the album with a message about breaking generational chains, stepping into the promises of God, and being welcomed into His bloodline. "You are the God of my fathers… You've been faithful for all time," reminding us that He has always been faithful, throughout all generations. And the promise to everyone who "belongs" to Him… "You turned the old into new wine // Because You were good on Your promise // Because of the mercy of Jesus // You bring us in from the outside // We're welcomed into the bloodline."   Ell...

"Whole Hallelujah" by Chris Sarver is a heartfelt message of wholeness that challenges us to let go of our own fears and shame, and embrace the freedom that only God offers. A freedom that came at a significant price, a price that Christ paid on our behalf with His sacrifice, "You didn't hang on the cross that day for me to keep living in fear and shame." The song reminds us of the completeness of His redemption, leaving nothing undone.  Chris Sarver is the artist behind this song, and he is passionate about bringing people closer to God. He not only wants to foster an experience that will fully immerse people in His presence, but also inspire them to seek deep(er) encounters with God. "Whole Hallelujah" is a beautiful blend of CCM styles with rock ballad elements.  The song emphasizes the priceless gift of our salvation: "Freedom was bought. That price is paid… All of our wrongs made right that day." Through Christ we are offered complete ...

Aaron Goodhew's song "Fill Us Again" is about wanting to feel the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Aaron shared that it was a prayer in Ephesians 3:16–19 that inspired these lyrics. It's a prayer that has been repeated by many generations, asking God to bless us with his Spirit so that He can live in our hearts. Simply put, this is a prayer for spiritual renewal. The lyrics beautifully thank God for blessing us with the Holy Spirit and recognize that we can't make it without His strength and courage all throughout our lives. This is highlighted with lines like, "What a gift to receive your spirit" and "How we need you to breathe your power." Aaron Goodhew is a passionate worship leader from the Gold Coast of Australia and wrote this song as an earnest prayer for renewal. The verses speak about God's constant presence, and the chorus asks for the Spirit to "fall afresh." The core message is an invitation to bui...

"Lord of Life" by KINN is a modern-day hymn, a debut single, penned by three family members—Dorry, Ollie, and Mim. The song is a reminder to look for God's presence, even when the world around us feels quite overwhelming. The lyrics beautifully capture the struggle that is so familiar for most—feeling lost in the middle of this endless stream of distractions and digital noise that hits us from almost every direction. 'Almost'… because there is a direction that replaces the chaos with peace.  The lyrics highlight these sources of noise, "All the screens lighting our digital lives / It's so hard to hear when you speak," and how easy it is to get disconnected from God's voice in the hustle. The song reassures us that this disconnect can be fixed because He isn't far away. "Through the noise, tune to the frequency where your spirit reaches me," an encouragement to quiet down and listen closely for His whisper—a call to reconnect with ...