Song Lists

In the darkness we were waiting Without hope, without light Till from heaven You came running There was mercy in Your eyes King of Kings Words and Music by Brooke Ligertwood, Scott Ligertwood & Jason Ingram © 2019 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia & Fellow Ships Music/So Essential Tunes (admin at EssentialMusicPublishing.com) There is no doubt - we all began in darkness. In fact, the earth itself was covered in darkness, until the Creator came and spoke light and breathed life into His creation. Today, God is still breathing life into dead things. Our kind Saviour is still bringing light to dark places, hope to hopeless situations, possibility to impossible circumstances. But before we entered His light, we were in darkness. And before we knew true life, we were destined for death. And before coming awake, we were asleep. The Bible puts it like this: “You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins.” Colossians 2.13 (NIV) Earlier this year our Senior Pastor, Bobbie Houston, asked the question “Do you remember the day the lights went on?” What about you? Do you remember the day you found salvation, and the weight of sin lifted off you? The day that from heaven, Jesus came running with mercy in His eyes? Ready to awaken you to all of the hope, grace, peace and joy that is life with Jesus Christ. It is our prayer that you would remember that moment. That as you listen to the songs from this new album, the lyrics would remind you that you were once in darkness but have been brought into the light – illuminated now to illuminate others. Based on the song King Of Kings by Brooke Ligertwood, Scott Ligertwood, and Jason Ingrim. Original post by Hillsong Worship available on YouVersion based on the album - Awake by Hillsong Worship.

We've been given an extraordinary word to express and call out the praise of God— Hallelujah! Praise the Lord! In Hebrew “hallelujah” is a sign of exuberance, a letting go of restraint and inhibition, which leads to complete surrender to God's control. It is an exhortation to praise! In Psalm 148 the psalmist writes, “Hallelujah! Praise the Lord! Let the skies be filled with praise and the highest heavens with the shouts of glory! Go ahead—praise him, all you his messengers! Praise him some more, all you heavenly hosts! Keep it up, sun and moon!Don't stop now, all you twinkling stars of light! Take it up even higher—up to the highest heavens, until the cosmic chorus thunders his praise! Let the entire universe erupt with praise to God.From nothing to something he spoke and created it all.” (TPT) The chorus isn't complete until our voice is in it! We've been invited to join the sound of all creation, to come and praise the Lord. That's why we have breath in our lungs. It's what we were made to do. Songs of praise are the anthem and hallmark of a people who have been saved! It's remarkable to think about all Jesus has done for us. He rescued us from sin and shame. He has given us a hope and future, life and purpose. He is interceding for us and now we have the resurrection power of God at work in our lives! This is our Jesus! Based on the song Hallelujah (Our God Reigns). Original post by Passion Music available on YouVersion based on the album - Whole Heart by Passion Music.

One of the wildest stories in the Bible is the story of Abraham and Isaac. In Genesis 22 God instructs Abraham to sacrifice his only son as a burnt offering. Reading this should stop us in our tracks. It might even feel intense and stir up a lot of questions. Why would God require such a thing from Abraham? What was this exercise all about? And if you're a parent, it might affect you in an even more personal way, making your heart beat a little faster. These questions carry a lot of weight so how would we respond to such an ask? We see in Genesis 22: 1-3 how Abraham responded… “Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about.” God's ask and Abraham's obedience happen in three verses. God instructs, and Abraham moves into action. He wakes up early and gets going. Ultimately Abraham does not end up sacrificing Isaac. God provides a ram at the last second, and Isaac's life is spared. The point is that Abraham trusted God and loved Him most of all. He was willing to put the most important thing in his life on the altar if that's what God was asking of him. Today, the sacrifice of praise that God wants most of all is our heart. That innermost part of who we are. That place where our hopes, dreams, desires, and affections reside. There is a throne there. Who or what is on that throne? God asked for the most treasured thing in Abraham's life, and Abraham answered, “Here it is.” He's asking you and me the same question. What will our answer be? Based on the song Here It Is by Passion. Original post by Passion Music available on YouVersion based on the album - I've Witnessed It by Passion

I'll Praise You … On The Mountain "Praise God from whom all blessings flow." "The Praise and Worship Band will be coming up to lead us." "Praise The Father, Praise The Son." We often talk about praising God. In fact, we often use the word “praise” in Christian circles. But what does that truly mean? And what does that truly look like? A quick Google search will show you that there are at least eight documented words for “praise." Hallah, Yadah, Barak, Tehillah, Zamar, Todah, and Hallelujah. Each has a different connotation – some religious and some not – but each carries a special weight. And if there are eight words for praise, that means that there must be at least eight ways to praise, right? Yadah is worshiping with extended hands. Barak is denoting blessing, often seen at the beginning of a prayer. Tehillah is to sing a song of praise. So, how do we know what it looks like to truly praise the Lord? Let alone, praise Him anywhere? We look to His scriptures and the ways that we have been taught to praise God! Today, we will focus on praising God from the mountaintop, when everything is good and well with our souls. In Luke 17, we get to read about a miraculous event that took place when Jesus healed 10 men of leprosy. Our Savior was on His way back to Jerusalem when 10 men called out to Him, asking for pity: “They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, 'Jesus, Master, have pity on us.'" (Luke 17:12) Now, if someone had leprosy during that time and it had gone away, they would have to go to a priest to be examined and pronounced “clean” before they could re-enter society. So, this is what Jesus commanded them to do. They went in faith before even experiencing healing, and then, on their way, they were fully cleansed. What a wonderful miracle, right? Yes! But the story doesn't stop there. Verse 15 tells us, “One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him - and he was a Samaritan.” (Luke 17:5) Samaritans were hated by Jews during that time because they regarded them as “half-breeds. They were seen as lesser than, and all around dirty. In fact, most Jews would never even step foot in Samaria (hence the scandal of Jesus talking to the Samaritan woman). But, as we know now, Jesus came for all His children. And, as our Savior will point out in this story, this Samaritan was the only one to return to praise God. He recognized the power of Jesus and wanted to praise the God from whom it came from. So He did, and Jesus blessed him saying, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well,” (Luke 17:19). What a declaration! The word for praise in this particular chapter is doxazó, meaning to bestow glory upon. It's a beautiful word showing the beauty of the Samaritan's worship. But he was only one of 10. The truth is, oftentimes we can be a lot more like the nine who never came back to praise Jesus than the one who did. We don't do it on purpose, but sometimes when we experience a blessing or a miracle, we are so enthralled in it that we forget to lift our eyes to the One who gave it to us. However, let this be a challenge to each of us not to forget about God on the mountaintop. After all, He guided us there. He walked with us there. And He probably even carried us to the top of it. Take a moment to listen to “Praise You Anywhere” by Brandon Lake and reflect: Is there a mountaintop or blessing that you have forgotten to praise God for? If so, take the time to praise Him now. Based on the song Praise You Anywhere by Brandon Lake. Original post by Essential Music available on YouVersion.

I'll Praise You … In The Valley As we jump into day two of learning to praise God anywhere, we find ourselves on the opposite side of the mountain: deep in the valley. We all learned about valleys fairly early in life, probably in a science/history/geography type class. In between two mountains is a valley, a low area where the sky is darker and the nights are colder. And then there's the metaphorical valley, where the nights are full of shadows and darkness. We feel doubt, we feel alone, and we feel fatigued. It's hard to see God, let alone praise Him, when we are in a valley. However, Psalm 42 can be our road map in times of deep struggle and stress. The writer of Psalm 42 (called the “sons of Korah”) holds the key to praising God in a valley, and it starts with deep honesty. “My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, 'Where is your God?'... Why my soul are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?” (Psalm 42:3, 5) In the valley, your tears can feel like the only things you feel, that sting of saltwater on your cheeks. In the valley, God feels like a question mark. Where is He? Is He real? In the valley, your soul feels weak and heavy. You feel ruined. You feel tired. You feel disturbed by the sin and pain of the world. If you have felt these things or if you are feeling them now, please know that you are not alone. The author of Psalm 42 has felt them. Psalm 42, however, then takes a unique shift. In the midst of depression and deep grief, the Psalmist turns to praise and remembrance. In fact, verse 5 alone shows a sweet juxtaposition of grief and praise, “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God,” (Psalm 42:5). For I will yet praise Him – what a POWERFUL piece of scripture! The Psalmist recognizes that he will not immediately feel better. Praise may not lift him out of the valley. But, he will turn his eyes to God and what He's done before. Praising Him for the past, present, and what He would do next. The word used for praise here is yadah, one that we discussed on day one. It's a type of praise in which one is casting out worship, with their hands extended. There is surrender embedded in this type of praise, and that's what we need in the valley. That's how we find the strength to praise God anyway and anywhere, despite our circumstances. It's turning our eyes to Him – recognizing His love and compassion for us, despite the valley that may surround us. Just like God was carrying us to the mountaintop, He also is holding us in the valleys. Verse 6 brings us another note for praising God in the valley: remembrance. “My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you…” (Psalm 42:6). When we turn our eyes from the valley to God Himself and all He's done before, we can praise Him for the mountains of the past, even while in the valley. He is faithful and He will continue to be faithful, always. Take a moment to listen to “Praise You Anywhere” by Brandon Lake and reflect: Where are you experiencing a valley in life right now? Where does it feel hardest to praise God? Remember one thing where God showed up, and take a moment to thank Him for that moment. Based on the song Praise You Anywhere by Brandon Lake. Original post by Essential Music available on YouVersion.

I'll Praise You … In The Ordinary We've taken the time to learn about praising God in the mountains and in the valleys, but what about the in-between? In the song “Praise You Anywhere,” Brandon Lake sings: “Sometimes you've gotta welcome the wonder, wait for the answer, worship with your hands in the air.” And sometimes, we find ourselves just waiting. We walk through the days with a mundane feeling - nothing is bad but nothing is great either. And yet, God calls us to praise Him anywhere with faithfulness. You may know the story of Stephen, the first martyr in the Church, who was stoned to death for his faith in God (found in Acts 7). This was a courageous act of faith, one that we can all look up to. However, if we flip back to Acts 6, we can see the background of who Stephen really was - and His ordinary praise towards God. Acts 6 included a conversation between the 12 apostles who were struck with the problem of widows being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. To remedy this, the 12 decided to choose seven men to whom they would delegate the task of food distribution. “Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom” (Acts 6:3). And one of these men was Stephen. He was a faithful man, full of the Holy Spirit and the Spirit's wisdom, which is why he was chosen for the task. Yet the task was a small one. It wasn't a valley task, after all. He was chosen for something, but it certainly wasn't a mountain task. Even the 12 mentioned the difference between their ministry of the word of God to the idea of waiting tables (Acts 6:2), meaning that the mission of God should not be stopped by the struggle of administration. Yet, Stephen was deemed worthy of the responsibility of taking care of the widows in his community and he did it with praise. In fact, the reason Stephen was then seized by the Sanhedrin came down to the fullness of God's grace and power that was upon him. He glorified God well, even in the ordinary. And Stephen used his ordinary days to serve God faithfully, thus preparing him to be chosen by God for a deep sacrifice. More than often, our days won't be spent in a valley or on a mountaintop. Instead, we'll have to praise God faithfully in the mundane. And sometimes, praising God looks like serving His people well. After all, He loves His Creation (so much so that He sent His Son for us), and we can glorify Him well in spaces of service. Take a moment to listen to “Praise You Anywhere” by Brandon Lake and reflect: What is something that you do every day? How can you bring God into that simple act or habit? How can you currently be faithful with what you have right now? Take a moment to breathe in and out. You are cared for by the heavenly Father, and He enjoys every moment you spend praising Him. Based on the song Praise You Anywhere by Brandon Lake. Original post by Essential Music available on YouVersion.

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” - 1 John 4:7-10 I've heard it said that we spend most of our adult years trying to get back to the purity of the childlike place when we were young, before we were confused by the brokenness of our influences and our darkened world. We are born with brokenness inside of us and look to thousands of different things to fill our void, most of which leave us more broken than before. We are looking for someone or something who will heal us and unveil truth to us. We learn from our parents. Oftentimes, we find ourselves regurgitating the very words or the very things they said or did first to us. We learn how to walk, to talk, to act, to hate, to love, to gossip, to rejoice, to put down, to build up, to abandon, to abuse, to fight, to make decisions and to decide what to believe. We learn very good, beautiful things from our parents and we also learn detrimental, destructive things. Even if our parents were wonderful, they were still broken too. We still continue on our search for how to live and how to be. As we grow older and become adults, we learn we are responsible for our actions and we experience the painful consequences. We run into walls, we bleed, we toil, we strive and yet we're still broken. The beautiful thing is that oftentimes, the more broken we are, the clearer we are able to see past all the false fillers and we can see that the love of God is the only thing that will fill the void in our soul. We quit trying to keep up our pretenses, we quit trying to elevate ourselves to feel better, we quit running to cheap things to fill ourselves. We meet our true Parent, our true Father, the Perfect One Who has been loving us all the while and patiently waiting for us to realize that He is ready to fill us with Himself and help us relearn life through the lenses of Love. Our guard comes crashing down when we see that it's not about how cleaned up, nor how rebellious we can be to get attention. We have been loved all the while. We come to know God and understand Him as His love takes control and fills our souls and runs over into the lives of those around us. God is Love, in Him there is no darkness. We are His children and we belong to Love. Based on the song Child Of Love by Ed Cash, Scott Cash, Franni Cash, Andrew Bergthold, Martin Cash, Kyle Briskin. Original post by We The Kingdom is available on YouVersion based on the album Holy Water.

In Lakewood Music's song “Faithfulness,” the chorus resounds with the beautiful reminder:“Your mercies are new every morning, Your steadfast love will never end… Lord, how great is Your faithfulness.” These words echo the heart of Lamentations 3:22-23, which proclaims:"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." God's faithfulness is one of His most comforting and reassuring attributes. Whether we find ourselves in moments of joy or seasons of struggle, He is unchanging. His love is steadfast, His mercy is fresh each day, and His presence carries us through every trial. The song captures this with honesty, recognizing that every minute of our lives is part of His design, even the hardest moments. Every Hour, Every MinuteThe lyrics reflect the truth that every season—good or bad—serves a greater purpose in God's plan. The psalmist wrote in Psalm 31:15, “My times are in Your hands,” and similarly, Lakewood Music reminds us that God meets us in every trial and every battle with His grace. There is not a moment that slips from His sovereign care. What we often view as challenges are opportunities for God to display His unwavering goodness, even when we don't fully understand. Through It AllThe pre-chorus declares, “Through it all, You've been so, so good,” reminding us to reflect on our past and see how God has kept His promises. When we look back, we can see His goodness woven into the fabric of our lives. Sometimes His faithfulness is most evident in hindsight—those moments when we realize how He held us together when everything else seemed to fall apart. Mercies in the Morning, Hope in the EveningAs we move from morning to evening, the song reminds us that God's faithfulness does not waver. He offers new mercies each day, no matter what we've faced. When we wake, His love meets us afresh. When the day ends, we can rest in His unwavering presence. As Psalm 36:5 affirms, “Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the skies.” This hope will never fade, even as the day comes to a close. God's faithfulness is constant, and we can trust Him through all seasons, knowing that His love for us will never fail. Takeaway Thought:Wherever you find yourself today—whether in a trial or a season of blessing—take a moment to reflect on God's faithfulness. His mercies are new every morning, and His steadfast love never ends. Let this truth anchor your heart in hope, and trust that He is with you through it all.

"I hear the Savior say, 'Thy strength indeed is small; child of weakness, watch and pray, find in Me thine all in all.' Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe; sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow." These words have echoed through generations of believers, offering a poignant reminder of the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice. The hymn Jesus Paid It All, originally penned by Elvina M. Hall in 1865, has a powerful simplicity that invites us to reflect on the boundless grace extended to us through the cross. The Story Behind the Hymn Jesus Paid It All was born in an unexpected way. Elvina Hall, a member of the Monument Street Methodist Church in Baltimore, Maryland, wrote the lyrics during a Sunday service. As she sat in the choir loft, her mind drifted during a prayer, and she began reflecting on the great debt we owe to Christ. With no paper available, she quickly jotted down the words on the flyleaf of a hymnal. Soon after, the church organist, John T. Grape, composed a tune called All to Christ I Owe. When the pastor realized the lyrics and melody fit perfectly, the hymn we now know and love was born. Hall's simple yet profound words, combined with Grape's melody, speak to the heart of the Gospel message: Christ's atoning death covers all our sins, making us white as snow. Devotional Reflection The hymn opens with a humbling acknowledgment of our weakness: "Thy strength indeed is small." It reminds us of our utter dependence on Jesus for salvation. The strength we often try to muster on our own is inadequate. Whether we wrestle with sin, guilt, or fear, this hymn points us to the truth that Christ alone is our sufficiency. In Him, we find not only forgiveness but the strength to live each day in His power. As believers, we are often tempted to bear the weight of our sins or attempt to earn God's favor. But Jesus Paid It All offers a liberating message: the debt has already been paid. Every failure, every shameful moment, and every sin was laid on Jesus at the cross. In His great love, He took our crimson stain and washed it clean. We are free—not through our own efforts, but by grace. This new arrangement by Travis Cottrell breathes fresh life into the hymn, adding a contemporary worship expression while preserving the rich theological truths. With powerful orchestration and dynamic vocal arrangements, Cottrell captures the triumphant joy of knowing our sins are forgiven and that Jesus' sacrifice was enough. A Call to Worship As you listen to or sing this hymn, consider the weight of Christ's sacrifice. The cross stands as a reminder that we no longer carry the burden of our sin—Jesus has paid it all. The guilt, the shame, and the consequences of sin have been nailed to the cross. In return, we owe Him our lives, our devotion, and our praise. The final verse resounds with hope: "And when before the throne, I stand in Him complete, Jesus died my soul to save, my lips shall still repeat: Jesus paid it all!" One day, we will stand before the throne of God, clothed in the righteousness of Christ. Until then, we live in the joy and freedom of knowing that our sins have been washed away. Take time today to thank God for the gift of His Son. Let this hymn remind you that Jesus paid the ultimate price so that you can live free. No matter what you face, His grace is enough. Prayer Lord, we thank You for the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. We acknowledge that we could never pay the debt of our sin, but in Your mercy, You have washed us clean. Help us to rest in Your grace, knowing that the price has been paid in full. May we live each day in the freedom and joy of Your salvation, giving You all the glory. In Jesus' name, Amen. This newly arranged version of Jesus Paid It All by Travis Cottrell invites both choirs and congregations into a moment of worship and reflection. With modern orchestration and timeless lyrics, this arrangement captures the depth of gratitude and worship that this hymn has inspired for over 150 years. Whether in a traditional or contemporary setting, the message remains the same—Jesus paid it all, and all to Him we owe.

There are moments in life when the path ahead seems daunting, the obstacles too great to overcome. Yet, in the midst of our challenges, the song Even Here, Even Now calls us back to the truth that we serve a God who is faithful to the end. The message of this song reminds us that God has moved mountains before and He will do it again. No situation is too great for Him to overcome. The opening verse declares, "There is nothing that my God can't do, I've seen Him move the mountains." This is a bold declaration of faith, rooted in the experiences we've had with God in the past. When we face "giants" in our lives, whether they are personal struggles, health crises, or moments of doubt, we can draw on the truth that God has already demonstrated His power. He doesn't need to prove Himself again—He has already conquered sin and death! And because of this, we can stand firm in the knowledge that He will continue to be faithful. The chorus echoes this assurance: "God didn't lead us this far to leave us where we are. Even here, even now, He'll finish what He starts." God's faithfulness is not limited by our circumstances. He hasn't abandoned us in our present situation. Instead, He promises to complete the work He began in us (Philippians 1:6). The very trials we face are opportunities for God to show His power once more. In the second verse, the focus shifts to God's resurrection power, reminding us that Jesus' victory over death is the ultimate testimony to God's ability to overcome the impossible. It's this resurrection power that gives us the strength and faith to face whatever comes next. Our hope is rooted in the victory of the cross, and it is this same power that will see us through our current challenges. The bridge of the song invites us to turn the present moment into holy ground, acknowledging God's presence right where we are. As we lift our praises to Him, the "walls come down." This image of walls falling reminds us of the story of Jericho (Joshua 6), where the seemingly impenetrable barriers came crashing down as God's people faithfully marched and praised. Just as He did then, God works in our lives as we continue to praise Him—even when the breakthrough hasn't yet come. The final tag repeats the truth that God is "faithful to the end." This is not just a hopeful sentiment; it is a truth deeply grounded in the character of God. He is unchanging, steadfast, and true to His word. So, even when we find ourselves waiting—whether for healing, provision, or direction—we can rest in the certainty that God will finish what He has started. If He has delivered us before, He will do it again. Today, wherever you find yourself—whether in the midst of victory or trial—know this: Even here, even now, God is with you. His faithfulness endures forever, and He will see you through to the end. Keep singing, keep believing, and let your praises rise, for God will move the mountains again.

The beauty of Christmas is that it brings us back to the night heaven touched earth, when angels proclaimed the birth of the Savior. Phil Wickham's rendition of "Angels (Glory To God)" carries the timeless message of the classic carol "Angels We Have Heard On High," but adds a fresh sense of awe as we declare, "Glory to God in the highest forever." In the opening refrain, "Gloria in excelsis Deo," we are invited to join the heavenly chorus, echoing the angels' praise over the plains and mountains. This song of the angels isn't just for that night in Bethlehem but continues to reverberate through time, calling us to lift our voices in joyful adoration. As the shepherds heard the angelic proclamation, they were moved to respond with wonder and jubilee. In the same way, we are invited to consider why this news of Jesus' birth brings such joy. His coming is the fulfillment of every promise, the embodiment of God's unfailing love. The bridge of this song reminds us: "Glory to God in the highest forever." This is a declaration not just for Christmas but for all seasons of life. Christ's birth marks the beginning of God's great rescue plan, His relentless pursuit of humanity. In every moment, whether in joy or trial, we can sing with the angels, for God's love endures forever. As we come to the final verse, we are beckoned to Bethlehem, to come and see the newborn King. There, on bended knee, we recognize that Jesus, the Lord of all creation, chose to humble Himself and take on flesh. The angels' song wasn't just a fleeting moment of glory—it was the prelude to the ultimate display of God's love on the cross. This Christmas, let the song of the angels awaken your heart to the wonder of the gospel. Just as the angels couldn't contain their praise, let your life be a reflection of their song—declaring glory to God in the highest, forever. Reflection: How does the message of the angels challenge you to respond to Christ this Christmas? In what areas of your life can you lift your voice in praise, declaring "Glory to God" for His faithfulness and love? This Christmas, may your heart sing, "Gloria, in excelsis Deo!"

The weaving together of the timeless carol "O Come O Come Emmanuel" and the modern worship anthem "Even So Come" takes us on a journey through history – from the expectant waiting of God's people for the coming Messiah to the present-day church's eager anticipation of His return. 1. Israel's Captivity and Our Exile: The initial verses of "O Come O Come Emmanuel" echo the deep yearning of the Israelites in exile, awaiting their promised deliverer. This sentiment parallels our own spiritual exile. While we're not in Babylon, we often find ourselves ensnared by sin, longing for true freedom. But just as God promised a Savior to Israel, He promises us salvation and deliverance through Christ. 2. The Dayspring and the Dawning Hope: The call for the 'Dayspring' to come is a beckoning for light to pierce the profound darkness that the world was entrenched in. Today, as we navigate through a world often marked by despair, uncertainty, and shadows, the advent of Christ offers a beacon of hope. He is the light that dispels gloom, renews our spirit, and guides us on our path. 3. Waiting with Purpose: The bridges of the song remind us that waiting isn't a passive activity. As believers, we actively wait with purpose and hope. This waiting isn't rooted in uncertainty but is anchored in the firm promise of God. We anticipate not just Christ's return, but the full realization of His Kingdom here on earth. 4. The Desire of Nations: The call for the 'Desire of nations' to come is powerful. Jesus isn't just the hope of a select few but of all people. He brings unity, mending the divisions, ending strife, and establishing peace. He's the embodiment of heaven's peace that our world desperately needs. 5. A Church in Expectation: As the carol transitions to "Even So Come", we're shifted from the historical anticipation of Christ's first coming to the present longing for His second coming. Just as a bride eagerly awaits her groom, the Church stands ready, with hearts full of hope, longing for the King's return. 6. The Assurance of His Return: The song culminates in a profound truth that ties both the past and present together. Whether it was the Israelites in exile or believers today, the refrain remains the same - Emmanuel, God with us, shall come. Drawing from the key scripture in Titus, we're reminded that our hope isn't just wishful thinking but a confident expectation. Jesus, our great God and Savior, has already come once, bringing salvation, and He will come again, ushering in a new era of eternal peace and joy. As we reflect on these songs and immerse ourselves in worship, let's allow our hearts to be filled with a renewed sense of hope. A hope that acknowledges the darkness but chooses to focus on the light. A hope that eagerly waits, knowing that our Savior, the Light of the World, has come and will surely come again. Today, let's join our voices with believers across ages, cultures, and circumstances and proclaim with joyous hope: "O come, O come Emmanuel. Even so come, Lord Jesus come."Titus 2:13 - "Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ."

Every time I come running, I find grace on repeat. You welcome me with open arms, no matter where I have been. SCRIPTURES: Luke 15:11-32 NIV DEVOTIONAL: The story of the prodigal son is one of the most famous passages of Scripture and so it can be easy to take it for granted. However, within its popularity and frequent retelling, there is timeless truth present in this parable. Often we can see ourselves as the prodigal or lost son. We think of our Father in Heaven as somewhat merciful, but maybe we struggle to see to what extent His mercy goes. As the story depicts, the son comes to his senses after a season of wild living. As the son makes the journey back home, an incredible event takes place: the father runs to meet the son on his way back. This may seem unspectacular in our modern context, but for Jesus' Jewish audience, this would be unthinkable—it would have been simply outrageous. In the first century, Jewish men did not run. In order to run, the father would either need to hitch up his tunic or take it off altogether to avoid tripping. This would have revealed his bare legs. In this ancient context, a Jewish man showing his bare legs would have been incredibly shameful. This is what makes this particular part of the parable so powerful. The father was unconcerned with any shame associated with this action, his heart was simply for restoring his son. This story reveals many things to us, but in particular, it teaches us about the heart of God for his children. The Book of Hebrews echoes this parable when it says, “... let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT). The parallels here are helpful. Jesus, like the father in the parable, disregards the shame associated with restoring God's children—his heart longs to show us mercy. Like the prodigal son on his journey home, we are also on a journey, and we too have been met along the road with open arms. This is why we can pray and sing the powerful confession, “Every time I come running, I find grace on repeat. You welcome me with open arms, no matter where I have been.” May we never forget the powerful promise of God's mercy. Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV) says “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Original post by Hillsong UNITED available on YouVersion and used with permission from Capitol CMG Label Group. Download lyrics or sheet music from the album Are We There Yet? by Hillsong UNITED.

There's never been a more compelling figure in all of human history than Jesus Christ. He has the ability to heal the sick, give sight to the blind, love His enemies, stand for truth, and shine light into the darkest and most desperate situations. He came from the light and perfection of heaven to show us what the Father is like, and to make a way for us to enjoy eternal life and friendship with Him. He came not of His own desire but to accomplish the will of the Father. Paul tells us in Philippians 2 that Jesus set aside the privileges of deity, emptying Himself of His outward glory by reducing Himself to the form of a lowly servant. If Jesus is showing us the Father, then the way of the Kingdom is humility and surrender. If that is how Jesus prayed, then my prayer ought to be the same. God, take me, change me and make me more like Jesus. Ephesians 5:1-2 says, “Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn't love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that.” (MSG) What would it look like if we really prayed this prayer? We live in a culture that is fueled by a sense of self entitlement and pride. God wants to use us to show the world how much He loves them. He wants us to love people with the same compassion and humble, selfless, sacrificial love of Jesus! Based on the song More Like Jesus by Brooke Ligertwood, Kristian Stanfill, Scott Ligertwood, and Brett Younker. Original post by Passion Music available on YouVersion based on the album - Whole Heart by Passion Music.

“For who in the skies above can compare with the Lord? Who is like the Lord among the heavenly beings? In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; he is more awesome than all who surround him. Who is like you, Lord God Almighty? You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you.” Psalm 89:6-8 Who is like the Lord? Any follower of Jesus would answer this question with a resounding, “No one!” But the Psalmist is not looking for an answer. His question is rhetorical. He's using it to prove a point rather than get an answer. He's emphasizing his message. Simply listing the attributes and character of the Lord is not enough. Only a question can articulate the scope of His greatness! Moses does the same thing when he recounts all that God has done for the Israelites in his song, “Who among the gods is like you, Lord? Who is like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?” Exodus 15:11 And when Solomon dedicates the temple he says, “Lord, the God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven or on earth—you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way. You have kept your promise to your servant David my father; with your mouth you have promised and with your hand you have fulfilled it—as it is today.” 2 Chronicles 6:4-15 But why is God, called Yahweh in the Old Testament and “God of our Father and Lord Jesus Christ” in the New Testament, different from all the other gods? There is an apologetic argument that says that everyone is trying to get up the mountain to whatever deity they worship. Every major world religion invites its followers to work their way upward. Follow these steps. Perform better. Do more. It's all striving and self-determination focused, except the God of the Christian faith, Yahweh. Because of His Holiness and love, He knows that there is no path up the mountain that we can climb on our own. But He didn't leave us helpless. He did something utterly unique from every other religion. Through His Son, Jesus, God came down the mountain to us. Only Jesus can restore us to right relationship with God. Only Jesus can pay the debt we should have paid because of our sin and rebellion against God. Only Jesus left heaven, became a man, took on our sin and shame, endured the cross, died the death we deserved, and rose again, defeating the grave and holding the keys to death and hell! There is one true God, Yahweh, who created you and me, the world and everything in it. He made a way, through Jesus, for us to have life, peace, meaning, and a relationship with Him. He alone is worthy of our worship. Who is like the Lord? “Who is like the Lord our God, the One who sits enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth? He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes, with the princes of his people. He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the Lord.” — Psalm 113:5-9 Based on the song Who Is Like The Lord by Passion. Original post by Passion Music available on YouVersion based on the album - I've Witnessed It by Passion