Song Lists

The Christmas story is a beautiful invitation. It's an invitation for all to come and see the love of God for people. When Jesus came from heaven to earth, a miracle happened that day. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. God became like one of us! The Creator stepped into creation. He stepped into the darkness and brokenness of the world so we could experience the light and life of God for ourselves. The night Jesus was born, the heavenly hosts went to the outskirts of town to let a group of shepherds know “a Savior has been born.” The angels marveled that Christ had come to rescue and redeem, and they lit up the skies with the thunderous praise of God. That night an invitation went out: go into Bethlehem to see the One who will bring peace to the whole earth. That same invitation has gone out to you. There is One who can bring peace to your soul. He came so you would not have to wander around blinded by sin and shame. He came to give you life and life to the full. In response to this invitation, we can bring our hearts and our lives as an offering to the newborn King. We can join the song of heaven. We can bring our highest hallelujah, our most sincere praise. Because Jesus brought heaven to us, we can bring our worship to Him. Based on the song Highest Hallelujah by Matt Maher, Jacob Sooter, Brett Younker, Stefan Cashwell. Original post by Passion Music available on YouVersion based on the album - Hope Has A Name by Passion.

Call To Worship / PrayerFather, as we gather today, we come before You with hearts filled with gratitude and a deep sense of wonder. In this moment, we want to acknowledge Your greatness and the kindness You have shown us. Together, we find ourselves in Your presence, aware of the love You have poured out upon us. Our worship is a sincere expression of thankfulness, rising to You like a heartfelt melody. We enter this sacred time with open hearts, ready to lift Your name high and offer our thanks for the many blessings we've received. As our voices join in song and our praises resound, may we be reminded of the wonder of Your love and grace.Devotional: A Heart Overflowing with GratitudeIn the midst of our busy lives, it's often the quiet moments of gratitude that resonate the most deeply. Today, as we reflect on the importance of gratitude in our journey of faith, let's explore the significance of a thankful heart while drawing inspiration from the timeless message of Jesus Christ. The psalmist's words in Psalm 107:1 remind us to "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." This verse encapsulates the essence of gratitude—a genuine recognition of Jesus' goodness and His enduring love. In our worship today, let's pause to appreciate the incredible blessings bestowed upon us. The beauty of creation, the love of family and friends, and the countless daily mercies are all expressions of Jesus' goodness. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for the love that surrounds us. As we lift our voices in praise, we acknowledge the greatness of our Savior, Jesus Christ. The majesty of the heavens, the intricacy of the natural world, and the depth of His wisdom inspire awe and reverence. In gratitude, we magnify His greatness. In the quiet moments of reflection, we recognize Jesus' faithfulness. His love endures through every season of life, through trials and triumphs. We are thankful for His unwavering presence and the countless ways He has sustained us. Today, let your heart overflow with gratitude, a heartfelt response to Jesus' goodness, greatness, and faithfulness. In this simple act, we draw closer to our Savior, who is the source of all that we cherish. As we express our thanks, may we be reminded of His enduring love and the blessings that surround us daily. Psalm 107:1 (NIV) - "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever."

We live in a world often shrouded in darkness; a realm of uncertainty, pain, and seemingly insurmountable challenges. Yet, amidst this backdrop, the lyrics of "Light Of The World (Sing Hallelujah)" by We The Kingdom reverberate like a beacon of hope. This song offers a powerful reminder that even in the midst of the darkest nights, the brilliance of God's love shines brightest. 1. Beginning and End: The lyrics initiate with an acknowledgment of Jesus as the 'Light of the world', a 'treasure of heaven'. This speaks to the eternal nature of Christ, present before the creation and persisting beyond the end. Despite the tragedies of time, despite human frailty and failure, the love of God remains undiminished. 2. The Humble Birth: The juxtaposition of a 'crown in a manger' encapsulates the profound humility of Christ's incarnation. The King of the universe, the Creator of galaxies, chose to be born in a humble stable. This wasn't an accident or a backup plan; it was a deliberate choice to showcase that the grandeur of God's love can be found in the simplest places. 3. Salvation through Sacrifice: "Born for the cross, to suffer, to save" - this line embodies the core of the Gospel. The Light didn't just shine to expose darkness; it penetrated the darkness to bring salvation. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross paved the way for humanity to step out of darkness into His marvelous light. 4. Anticipation of His Return: The song doesn't stop at the cross or the resurrection but catapults us forward in time, reminding us of Christ's promised return. And with that return comes a future where darkness is a distant memory and where God Himself is our light. Drawing inspiration from our key scripture in Isaiah, it's evident that a day is coming where the natural sources of light we've grown dependent on — the sun and the moon — will pale in comparison to the radiant glory of God. His light will be the only source we need, both illuminating our path and filling our hearts. When life seems overwhelming, when the shadows seem to grow longer, and the night darker, let's anchor our hearts to this truth: The Light of the World has come, and His radiance dispels all darkness. And not only has He come, but He promises to return, bringing an end to all sorrow and establishing an eternal day under His benevolent reign. Today, let's choose to step into this Light. Let's bask in the warmth of His love, let His truths guide our path, and let His promises uplift our souls. And as we do, may we join the chorus of believers across the ages and "Sing hallelujah to the Light of the world."Isaiah 60:19-20 - "The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end."

Unless we're talking about our favorite true crime podcast or courtroom drama, we don't often use the word “witness” in our everyday vernacular. It may feel a bit antiquated or like a word only evangelists use when they are encouraging us to share our faith. However, Eugene Peterson says “A witness is never the center but only the person who points to or names what is going on at the center…” And Paul tells us in Colossians 1:15-17 that, “the Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” With this information, one could say that not only are we all witnesses, but it's why we were created — to give praise and honor and glory to the only one worthy of all of it, Jesus Christ. Witness implies presence. It means we can find God in our own story — His faithfulness, His goodness, His love, His forgiveness, His presence. And on the days, weeks, months, or years when it's difficult to remember, we do what the people of God have done for centuries— we sing. We sing to remind our souls of the character of the One we worship and to help resuscitate a faith in desperate need of hope. And as those who are not without hope, we testify to what we have seen and heard. We tell our stories. The language of story is powerful and often conveys a truth that could not be conveyed in another way. Paul is telling the story of his encounter with Jesus when he says this in Acts 22:14-16, “Then he said: 'The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. You will be his witness to all people of what you have seen and heard. And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized, and wash your sins away, calling on his name'.” When you discover the cure, when you find the answer, when you uncover hope and the way to life you don't just keep it to yourself. You want everyone to know - you become a witness to He who is at the center! Let these truths illuminate memories of God's faithfulness in your story that have been hiding in the shadows, let them put words of hope in your mouth on your darkest days, and encourage you to testify of the hope you've found to those desperately looking for home. His name is Jesus. Based on the song I've Witnessed It by Passion. Original post by Passion Music available on YouVersion based on the album - I've Witnessed It by Passion

Beautiful Jesus by Passion featuring Chidima Ubah, is soul-stirring worship- singing the name of Jesus. The beautiful presence of Jesus. A whisper of his name changes the atmosphere in a room, ushering in healing and peace. Oh, there's just something, something about the nameIt's like nothing, nothing I can explainThere's just something, something about the nameJesus, oh Jesus Our names are purposefully chosen. We take care to find names for our children, make lists, and learn meanings. We combine their middle and last names practising them out loud. We spell them uniquely and consider how they will be shortened. When we heard our full names spoken out loud, we knew to pay attention. Oh, there's just something, something about the nameIt's like nothing, nothing I can explainThere's just something, something about the nameJesus, oh Jesus God gave new names to Abram and Sarai. New names to match the covenant and promise for generations to come. After Jacob struggled with God, his new God-given name, Israel, serves to remind us of our dependence on God to be our strength when we are weak. As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations. I will make you very fruitful. I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you.Genesis 17: 4-6 NIV Jesus meets a fisherman named Simon and renames him Peter declaring, "You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas" (which, when translated, is Peter). And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.Matthew 16:18 NIV His name is Jesus. What a beautiful, powerful, and tender name. The significance of his name is deeply personal. Speak the name of Jesus, let him in and let him change your heart. Tracey Dahl, M.A. is a writer and Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) in Langley, BC (Canada). She is married to Ryan Dahl (Founder of PraiseCharts) and the mother of four grown children. Beautiful Jesus was written by Mia Fieldes, Jacob Sooter, Chidima Ubah and featured on Passion's Burn Bright album.

It's difficult to believe in someone you can't see. It sounds unreasonable to believe in someone we can't see, touch or hear. Why would we talk to someone who does not appear to be sitting next to us, or anywhere near us? They say “faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Heb. 11:1). We are to have faith, so why is it so hard? Could it be we are looking for God in the wrong place? The mysteries of Heaven, and all Your works displayed.Every star, every ocean, the universe proclaims.For every sun that rises, your faithfulness to me.Like the changing of the season, like the river to the sea. As humans, we want God to be contained in a single entity like our own bodies. We want to be able to see what he looks like, what color his eyes are, the texture of his hair. But our understanding of God is confined to our understanding of the objects on earth. We must remember, God is much bigger than this earth and he has left us his image in a much bigger way: his creation. Paul says “[H]is invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made” (Rom. 1:20). So what if instead of wishing we could see God in a particular form, we started to see him in our immediate surroundings? The way we view the earth would radically change. Consider your commute to work with God all around you. He is in the trees you pass by, in the sky you can see through your sunroof, in the sun that you shield your eyes from. The person in the car next to you is His creation as well as the rain or the snow that's making the roads busy. And when you get to work, you step out of the car into the cold, or warm, air that God created to fill your lungs. You see, when we put God into the details of our lives, life fills with beauty. It does take a direction shift. We will not see God in nature and our surroundings if our focus is on ourselves and our circumstances. It requires a looking out and a looking up, but once we do, we don't want to look back. Your beauty fills the sky. Your glory reigns in brilliant light.Great God of countless wonders, I will lift my eyes. Based on the song Countless Wonders by Chris Tomlin. Original post available on YouVersion based on the album Burning Lights.

How can it be? There is a table for all who would come, for all who would come. Taste now and see, there is a table for all who would come. Scriptures: Revelation 3:14-22 (NIV) John 3:16 (NIV) Devotional: “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” - Revelation 3:19-20 NIV Each of the seven letters in the book of Revelation contain stern warnings, rebukes, and admonitions toward a purer faith and trust in Christ. The seventh letter to Laodicea is no exception. But this letter is unique in stating why: “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline.” Here, Jesus explains why His critique to His Church is important and valid—it proves His deep love for His people. The next lines are equally encouraging. Jesus stands at the door of people's hearts awaiting invitation to their lives. His use of, “I will come in and eat with that person” not only communicates His love, but His desire to spend time with people. In other words, God not only loves, but He likes and desires communion or togetherness with His people. That is to say, God loves us and is also deeply fond of us—He wants friendship with you. What encouragement! Christ's promise is that “anyone” who hears and opens the door will be the recipient of this great blessing. This echoes the promise found in the famous words of the book of John: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NIV). One of the greatest glories of the mighty love of God is that it is not for a select few or a unique type of person. Instead, His love has been lavishly offered to all, freely given without condition. This is the staggering truth of the Christian faith, and why it is good for us to prayerfully reflect: “How can it be? There is a table for all who would come, for all who would come. Taste now and see, there is a table for all who would come." Ephesians encourages us to reach out and grasp this profound truth and mystery: “I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:17-19 NIV) May this be our portion. Amen. Original post by Brooke Ligertwood available on YouVersion. A seven-day devotional through the 'seven letters' to the churches in the book of Revelation (chapters 2-3). Each devotional will study a different letter to the churches of Revelation, focusing on themes of communion, devotion, discipleship, repentance, evangelism (and more), as well as featuring lyrics and music from songs throughout the Album SEVEN by Brooke Ligertwood.

No longer I who live Now Jesus lives in me For I was dead in sin But I woke up to see the light See The LightWords and Music by Ben Fielding & Reuben Morgan© 2019 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia Our eternal life began with Christ's death. It was His death that dealt a fatal blow to death itself and gave us eternal life that cannot be taken away. We are a resurrection people, having buried our own sin with Christ, we are now risen with Him into the glorious light of His forgiveness. Yet, God's gift of light is not simply for our own restoration, it is a beacon – to follow in His footsteps. Acceptance of Jesus' death and resurrection life is not just so that we can have life after death, in heaven. It is also a guarantee of true life before death; a commitment to His sons and daughters that life can be lived now, here on earth, abundant and full. Living fully awake to life with Christ is a great blessing and the word of God tells us that God takes great delight in seeing His children blessed. When was the last time you prayed a radical prayer of faith? When was the last time you looked around and saw God exceeding those expectations? Because he does that! Think about this – He rescued you out of sin and death. And He didn't rescue you in order for you to live a lukewarm and sleepy life. Are you living fully awake? Fully aware of God working in your life and bestowing His abundant life in and through you. There are many examples in the Bible where God not only delighted in giving His children what they asked for - but exceeded their expectations: Blind Bartimaeus wanted his sight – Jesus not only gave him that, but also restored him to his community. Peter wanted an opportunity to see Jesus again after his denial – Jesus forgave him, commissioned him and made Peter a leader in the church. The challenge for us today is to recognise the power we have access to, with Jesus alive in us. After all, the same power that raised Christ from the dead – is now alive in us. Based on the song See The Light. Original post by Hillsong Worship available on YouVersion based on the album - Awake by Hillsong Worship.

Life's journey is often marked by varying landscapes: some filled with lush valleys and flowing streams, while others are dry, barren deserts. These desert seasons can be marked by trials, doubts, and difficulties. Brooke Ligertwood's Desert Song is a beautiful anthem of faith, hope, and trust in God, even in the midst of life's driest seasons. "All of my life, In every season, You are still God, I have a reason to sing, I have a reason to worship." These lines powerfully communicate the constancy of God's presence and His unwavering nature, irrespective of our circumstances. In every season, whether bountiful or barren, there's a reason to worship the One who remains unchanging. Reflecting on our key scripture from Isaiah and the message of "Desert Song," several truths emerge: 1. God is Active in the Desert: Just as Isaiah promises that God is doing a "new thing" even in the wilderness, Brooke's lyrics affirm that our desert experiences are not devoid of God's presence or purpose. He's actively working, shaping, and molding us, preparing us for the next chapter of our journey. 2. Deserts Precede Growth: Often, the most significant growth in our spiritual lives occurs in the desert seasons. It's in the barrenness that we learn to depend on God, drawing closer to Him and finding sustenance in His Word. As the song declares, "This is my prayer in the desert, when all that's within me feels dry." Even when we feel empty, God fills us with His presence, ensuring we never walk alone. 3. Worship as an Act of Defiance: Choosing to worship, especially when circumstances seem bleak, is a powerful act of defiance against despair and doubt. It's a declaration that our faith is not based on our surroundings but on the unchanging nature of our God. "I will bring praise, I will bring praise, No weapon formed against me shall remain." These lines emphasize that our worship becomes a weapon, breaking down barriers and paving the way for God's blessings. Today, as you immerse yourself in the melodies and messages of Desert Song, consider the current landscape of your life. Are you in a season of drought, longing for refreshment? Or perhaps you've recently emerged from such a time and are now stepping into a season of abundance? Regardless of where you find yourself, remember that God is with you, working all things together for your good. He is the One who can bring streams of living water to the driest desert, ensuring you never thirst. And even when the path seems unclear, trust that He is making a way, guiding each step with His loving hand. So, with a heart full of faith, lift up your voice in worship. Declare the truths found in "Desert Song," acknowledging God's faithfulness in every season. And as you do, may you find strength, hope, and renewal, knowing that the One who led you into the desert will surely lead you out, bringing forth growth, blessings, and a deeper intimacy with Him.Isaiah 43:19 - "Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

In A Cradle in Bethlehem, we're invited to peer into the quiet, holy night when Jesus was born, when the Creator of the universe chose to enter our world as a humble child. The song paints a vivid picture of a mother rocking her newborn in the stillness, as angels hover near, their voices gently blessing the scene. It's a moment both ordinary and profoundly sacred—God incarnate, Emmanuel, lying in a cradle. The song's tender refrain of “Sing sweet and low, a lullaby” calls us into the beauty of simplicity. It reminds us that God often comes in gentle, unassuming ways, hidden within the humble acts of our lives. Just as Mary cradled Jesus in a simple manger, we're reminded that God can be found in the quiet, intimate places of our own hearts when we make room for Him. As the wise men journey through the dark, led by a star, we're reminded of the pursuit of truth, the willingness to follow God's light even when the way is uncertain. The star that “beckons them” is a symbol of hope—a guiding light in the night. Just as the wise men searched for the Savior, we're called to seek Christ in our own lives, trusting that His light will guide us, even in our darkest moments. The chorus calls us to “Fall on your knees” in worship, echoing the angelic declaration of the night divine. It's a reminder that encountering Jesus demands a response. In Him, the holy meets the human, and we are invited to worship, to lay down our burdens, and to trust the One who came to bring peace to our hearts. “A little child shall lead them,” the bridge says, fulfilling the prophecy that the Messiah would bring a new kind of kingdom—one marked by peace, humility, and love. This small child in a cradle represents the profound truth that God's strength is made perfect in weakness. He does not come with force or power but with gentleness and grace, inviting us to let Him “keep us in storm and tempest,” just as He came to lead and comfort all who seek Him. As we reflect on this scene, let's remember that Jesus came not only to be born in a Bethlehem stable but also in the hearts of those who open their lives to Him. This holy night calls us to respond with worship and awe, embracing the profound simplicity of God's love in the cradle in Bethlehem. May we, too, welcome Him into our lives, letting His presence be the peace and hope we hold close.

Ever feel like an imposter? A pretender who is supposed to be full of faith and love but is also full of a bunch of other less desirable stuff? On the one hand, we confess to know Jesus and love our neighbor while our other hand thinks our neighbor is an annoying git? If others knew the thoughts of our hearts, we would be tossed out on your keister. Doubt and shame can hover like a dark shadow. Maybe your thing is a deeply held insecurity you try to keep buried. Your job is secure. You are relatively successful in your work or even wildly successful in your career. On the outside, no one would know the beast of self-doubt that lurks in the dark corners of your heart. Even with all the worldly successes, you wonder if you are enough. All the wrestling on the inside is not hidden from the God who created us and calls us by name. Sit on that and let the shiver snake down your spine. He knows our thoughts and the intentions of our hearts, and his response is to love. Watching the Maverick City's video for I Thank God, I wanted to jump in with equal expressions of gratefulness. God knows all the deep, hidden corners of my inner world, and He isn't repulsed. He invites me closer. The gift in that invitation is that as I move closer and those hidden areas light up with His presence, they are changed. I am changed. The darkness fades, and the light shines more brightly. Because He healed my heartHe changed my nameForever free, I'm not the sameI thank the MasterI thank the SaviorI thank God Maybe you are in recovery - or have been labeled as anxious or depressed. Overidentifying with labels is dangerous. I am not a fan of labels unless they help me learn how to take care of something. Clothing labels help us decide whether to hang it up or throw it in the dryer. A food label helps determine the expiration date. But labels on people are harmful. Labels on people put us in boxes with sides too high to climb. He is in that boat with you. You are not alone. I say I am broken, but God says He makes me whole. "So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority" (Colossians 2:10). A more vulnerable truth might be that we are all in some sort of recovery. Recovering from broken hearts and broken lives. Recovering from what we created and what we have to deal with but never asked for. We face the dangers from within and the chaos all around us. Our slowly drifting, weary souls leave us battered and bruised. Got no choice but to believeMy doubts are burningLike ashes in the windSo, so long to my old friendsBurden and bitter nightYou can't just keep them movingNo, you ain't welcome hereFrom now 'til I walkThe streets of goldI'll sing of how You saved my soul We tend to want people to look and act a certain way, and deviations from the center typically don't fit in well. Variations often find themselves isolated and silenced. I'll sing of how You saved my soulThis wayward sonHas found his way back homeHe picked me upTurned me aroundPlaced my feet on solid ground Let's tell some truth. All fall short of center. On my worst days, you would run and hide if my heart was exposed before you. I have experienced anger so intense my teeth chattered. I have cursed in ways that would curl paint of the walls, but I also create safe spaces for vulnerable people to share their deepest emotional wounds. And if it happens in me, I know some dark things happen inside you, too. Wandering into the nightWanting a place to hideThis weary soul, this bag of bonesAnd I tried with all my mindAnd I just can't win the fightI'm slowly drifting, oh bag of boneAnd just when I ran out of roadI met a man I didn't knowAnd he told meThat I was not aloneHe picked me upHe turned me aroundHe placed my feet on solid ground I do thank God! He invites all to come close, no matter how visible the flaws. Have you dangerously tight roped your way through major depression? Have you felt your heart tear with sorrow holding vigil with a loved one in the ICU? That's my story, so what is yours? And if He did it for me, He can do it for youIf He did it for me, He can do it for youGet up, get up, get upGet up out of that grave God doesn't define you by your mistakes. He gives you a new name! He sees you in a way that the world may not. His vision of you is through the lens of His sacrifice. His blood for our life. God calls you up. He will not push you out because you haven't mastered or cleaned up every area of your life. Get up out of that graveIf He did it for me, He can do it for you Be encouraged. Join in the dance of gratefulness. Worship with Maverick City and thank God for grace - and His unfailing love. Tracey Dahl, M.A. is a writer and Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) in Langley, BC (Canada). She is married to Ryan Dahl (Founder of PraiseCharts) and the mother of four grown children. I Thank God was written by Maverick City Music from the album Move Your Heart.

One of the hardest things I've ever experienced was watching someone I love go through deep pain, knowing there was nothing I could do to fix it. This became my reality in January 2022 when my son was thrust into a year-long ordeal that tested his faith to the breaking point. As a father, I wanted to step in and solve the problem, but I quickly realized that this was beyond my control. All I could do was offer comfort, support, and trust that God would work through the fire. During that year, my son moved back home and set up a workspace in my studio, and we spent our days working side by side. In many ways, it felt like a taste of heaven—this unexpected gift of time together. We had countless one-on-one conversations, and he bared his heart to me, sharing his struggles, doubts, and the overwhelming weight of his suffering. It was a time of deep honesty and connection, something I will cherish forever, especially as I navigate my own journey with Parkinson's disease. Life seems more precious now than ever. At one point, my son asked me what I thought about everything he was going through. I told him that the pain, while hard to endure, was worth it for the intimacy, honesty, and love that had grown between us. That may sound selfish, but it was the truth. Our relationship deepened in a way I had never expected, and for that, I was grateful, even in the midst of the hardship. As his birthday approached in July 2022, I wanted to give him something meaningful, something that would remind him of how proud I was of him. The Lord placed a melody and the first verse of a song in my heart, and I recorded it as a gift for him. The song, “Tried by Fire,” became my way of encouraging him as he faced the fire and slowly emerged stronger, even though the trial was still ongoing. Almost exactly a year later, in January 2023, the Lord gave me the second verse to the song. By then, my son had come through the fire, shining like gold. He moved back to the city he now calls home, and I couldn't have been more proud of the way he had faced the challenges with honesty, resilience, and a joyful, adventurous spirit. “Tried by Fire” became not just a song, but a testimony to his strength, his growth, and God's faithfulness. This whole experience reminded me of Psalm 26:2, which says, “Examine me, Lord, and put me to the test; refine my mind and my heart.” My son's trial was a refining process—one that tested his faith, his mind, and his heart. And while it was painful, both for him and for me, it brought forth something beautiful: a deeper relationship with God, a stronger character, and a closer bond between us as father and son. As I reflect on this journey, I am reminded that the fires we face are never without purpose. God uses them to refine us, to strengthen our faith, and to draw us closer to Him and to those we love. It's not about avoiding the flames, but about trusting that God is with us in the midst of them, bringing us through to the other side, shining like gold. If you're walking through a fire right now—or if you're standing beside someone who is—take heart. God is working, even when you can't see it. The refining process may be painful, but it's leading to something greater. Like my son, you, too, can emerge from the fire stronger, more joyful, and ready to extend love to others along the way. May this story and song encourage you today to trust God's refining work in your life, and may you come out of the fire shining with His glory.

"Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen." (The Gloria Patri doxology, 4th C.) Imagine for a moment you were sitting with the Apostle John on the Island of Patmos during his later years. This is a man who walked and talked with the Saviour - who witnessed such glorious things as his transfiguration, his resurrection, and his ascension. He has lived long enough to grieve the passing of his fellow Apostles - all martyred by enemies of the message of Christ. One wonders if he must have asked himself why he had been chosen to live much longer than the others. But then, John is taken up to Heaven one Sunday and witnesses a grand spectacle of worship where all of Creation joins in with the host of Heaven and the saints of God! He could now pass on to future generations of believers what exactly worship 'in Heaven' looks and sounds like! What if we had been privileged to go with him into this inner sanctum? I believe that we would most certainly be awestruck in the presence of such holiness and would join in ascribing glory to the Lord! Here's the good news… Psalm 100:4 is, in effect, God's offer to do just that – to "enter his gates with thanksgiving and enter his courts with praise." God, most holy, is most loving and desires his people to be in his presence! John's vision is just a foretaste of what worship in eternity will be like. Still, we can embrace that offer now through Christ and find ourselves transported by the Holy Spirit into his very presence in worship. Even if your church doesn't feel like heaven sometimes... know that you are joining in the eternal praise of all creation! Believe it by faith and praise him with all your might! "Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, forever and ever!"" (Rev. 5:13, NIV) Johnny Markin is a songwriter, worship leader from Abbotsford, BC, Canada. The Covenant Award-nominated singer/songwriter has new original work of his own compositions, a much-anticipated comeback album called Light Of Day, setting ancient creeds and texts of Scripture to musical styles that reflect the wide breadth of Johnny's journey. See recent PraiseChart Live conversations co-hosted by Johnny and PraiseCharts owner Ryan Dahl.

I believe it is God's will to fill us with every good thing, to the point of overflowing. Jesus promised us that “rivers of living water” would flow from the hearts of all who believed in Him (John 7:38 NLT). When we are filled with God's power, presence, and goodness, to the point where we can't contain what He is pouring into our lives, then we will experience the overflow spilling onto everyone we come into contact with!We wrote the song, 'Overflow,' with Ephesians 3:19-21 NLT in mind, which says, “May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.”Verse 19 speaks of this possibility of being so filled with God Himself that we come to the point of overflowing. Then, in verse 20, we read that God can do far over and above anything we might ask or think. That's crazy!This is why we chose the lyrics in the pre-chorus of Overflow:Cause You go beyond what we desireYou're reaching higherGreater than allYou're never-ending and You overflowThe question then is this: What are you asking God for? What are we, as the body of Christ, daring to believe God for in our lives right now? God can do infinitely more than our highest prayers and desires!Activity:Pause for a moment and begin to dream with God. Dare to ask Him for breakthrough, for healing, and for every good thing according to His will!In Ephesians 3:21, we read of the fruit of overflow. The fruit of the overflow is that God gets the glory in the church and in Jesus throughout all generations! When you live a life of overflow, people around you won't be focused on you – they will see the goodness of God so evidently, and give Him all the glory! Just like the chorus of Overflow says, we've got so much to give Him praise for!Now to Him, all glory and powerWe sing our praiseOver and over againOver and over again Based on the song Overflow by Planetshakers Original post available on YouVersion based on the album - Overflow.

“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11, NIV Names are powerful. From birth, they give us our identity. They immediately tell others who we are. Throughout the Bible, names are important to Jesus. In fact, He was notorious for changing people's names and then helping them live up to the name He gave them. Yet no name wields more power than that of Jesus Himself. Emmanuel, God with us. And through the ages, the names of the Father have become a source of strength for His children: Shepherd.Friend.Savior.Messiah.Jesus. Ask any longtime Christ follower, and they can likely tell you the name of the Lord that means the most to them and where they were when they learned the meaning and value of that particular name of God. The name of Jesus evokes a peace and a power like no other. It's through the name of Jesus that we find everlasting life. Romans 10:13 says, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” In His name we find salvation, freedom, and ultimate healing. It's His name that we call in times of despair. It's His name that we celebrate and revere in wonder and praise. There is a name I call in times of troubleThere is a song that comforts in the nightThere is a voice that calms the storm that ragesHe is Jesus, Jesus So much is wrapped up in that one name, and the longer we follow Christ, the more we discover that so much of ourselves is wrapped up in those five letters. He is the only one who can tell us who we are because we are His. Yet culture will relentlessly try to redefine us, calling us names like: Stupid.Small.Ugly.Insignificant.Not enough. But culture holds no power over anyone who belongs to Jesus. The One who stills the wind and the waves knows your rightful name, and He calls you: Precious.Beloved.Beautiful.Priceless.Mine. Based on the song Jesus by Chris Tomlin and Ed Cash. Original post available on YouVersion based on the album Never Lose Sight.