Song Lists

Ever faced a vast army? Have you walked alone down your driveway to see an angry mob glaring back at you waiting for you to cross the residential boundary line so they could attack? Would you turn around and run back inside? The story in 2 Chronicles describes a vignette like this and is the inspiration behind the song Battle Belongs. The people of God find themselves facing a war they cannot win without help. In 2 Chronicles 20, one of my favorite stories in the Bible, a huge army has amassed to come against the people of God," Wickham explains. "Every time I sing Battle Belongs, it pumps me up because we know that in anything we might face, our God is bigger. I hope this song reminds people that He is with us and for us. If we stand firm and hold our position, we will see the salvation of the Lord on our behalf!" - Phil Wickham We have been facing a pandemic for some time now, and it isn't the virus. The most common presenting issue in my counseling office is anxiety, along with the unbearable feeling of being alone. Unbearable aloneness is the current crisis we face. We may be a part of community groups, bible studies, ministry teams, surrounded by others, and yet, feel lonely. Surrounded by people and still feeling alone seems incongruent. But it is sadly common and very understandable. Aloneness is the vast army many of us face. I will feel alone, not just in the absence of people around me, but when the people around me don't know who I am. Ask yourself: who knows me? Who knows me at my best along with the side of myself when I am compromised? Does my compromised self stay hidden? When you feel anxious, angry, or disappointed, are you alone in those moments? At any given time, we can be our best selves or our worst selves. In my work, I notice that we often feel uncared for when we are showing up less than our best selves. When we are afraid that we won't be heard, accepted, or understood, we don't allow others to see behind the curtain of our one-dimensional "Instagram-worthy" personas. We hide from the potential for criticism or judgment. We present only the parts of ourselves that we decide are worthy of being known. We are often validated to keep offering only the good because we experience the same criticism and judgment we fear when we show up compromised. In 2 Chronicles 20, it says "You will not have to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf". – Phil Wickham Do we hold to the distorted belief that we can only bring our best selves to worship? Isn't the better way to hope that our faith communities would be safe for us to show up no matter what? Sadly, many are not. People who have been hurt by church communities often end up in offices like mine. They have been minimized, victimized, and shamed because they risked showing more vulnerable parts of themselves and faced rejection or invalidation. They heard hollow, spiritually sounding phrases; vain attempts meant to offer hope but left them feeling broken and damaged. Hurting people are told to, "cast all their cares onto Jesus," "trust He has a plan," or that "God is using this season to grow you." There is truth in these words, but if we over-spiritualize distress, we serve to protect only ourselves from our discomfort witnessing someone else's pain. If I offer you some spiritual platitude when you bring me your pain, I only create distance between us, and you are left feeling alone with it. For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you. – 2 Chronicles 20:12 Unbearable aloneness is the crisis we face today. Why are we not brave enough to be with another while they are in pain? Please resist the temptation to rush in to fix, to offer some empty spiritual words; instead, allow each other space to be in it. My Christian clients are often very relieved to hear that they can feel an emotion from beginning to end, and it doesn't mean they are not "trusting" in the Lord. I have witnessed the great misconception or belief that rewards and commends chasing after emotions like joy or peace but criticizes all negative emotional experiences. What if we stopped being afraid of emotions…both the ones that reside in ourselves and the ones we witness in someone else? What if we humanized emotion? By our very design, God gives us the neurobiological mechanisms to have feelings and respond to His creation. We can be in awe. We can feel joy. We know sadness.We feel anger … and we can be disappointed, hurt, and betrayed. All of this is what it means to be human: we feel. Emotions show up in our bodies, wired into our physiology. When we pay attention or notice them, they do come and go like waves come and go. Pathologizing people as "too emotional" or labeling emotions as good or bad feeds loneliness. Emotions exist to help us experience the world God created. But now, this is what the Lord says- he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: "Do not fear for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze; For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. – Isaiah 43: 1-3 Unbearable aloneness is like a vast army standing against us. When faced with profound loneliness, our Father says: I will be with you! It is a battle cry, your war song. Wherever I am, in the middle of the storm, falling from the mountain top or dragging myself across the desert wasteland. My God is with me…undoing my aloneness. In the face of the loneliness experienced globally, knowing that He chooses to be close to me even when I am at my worst, is deeply encouraging. Imagine the healing possibilities for us if we could be with one another in our pain, sorrow, and disappointment and undo the aloneness so prevalent in our world. 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. Battle Belongs © 2020 Phil Wickham Music, Simply Global Songs, Sing My Songs (Admin by Essential Music Publishing) Bethel Music Publishing CCLI Song No. 7148126.

“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” - Lamentations 3:22-23 There's nothing like going to bed after a difficult day of stress or tragedy and waking up to what feels like a blank slate. But what's even better is when this happens to our souls. About four years ago, I went through a tragic experience that sent me into a multiple-month mayday. I vividly remember feeling nothing for the first time in my entire life. I was completely numb. Of course, I immediately ran to many vices in search of a cure. It's funny how in that moment, it made more sense to me to "amputate my own leg and replace it with a prosthetic" than to face the pain of the “bullets.” But the whole reason I was able to justify the "amputation" in the first place was so I could feel something. Anything. Even if it was only to convince myself that I was still alive. It didn't happen overnight, but somewhere along the way, something changed. I gradually became more and more aware of the pulse of my soul's heartbeat. The gift of life is like no other, but there is only one that supersedes it. That is the gift of salvation. It's one thing to wake up with breath in your lungs, but it is entirely another to wake up every single morning with a mercy that you've never met before. And there it is, waiting patiently for you when you wake up tomorrow. Based on the song Waking Up 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.

Less than a year ago, we were hard-pressed to locate toilet paper. This summer, the hunt is on for air conditioners. With extreme temperatures, unusually high for Western Canada and the USA, conditions increased the risk of forest fires. Smoke blankets the air as wildfires destroy one hectare after another. Evacuation centers are set up in local towns to accommodate the displaced families. The losses are devastating. Perhaps you read on the news that the forest fires consumed an entire community in British Columbia this past month. Lytton, a town only a few hours from my home, recorded the highest-ever temperature in the history of Canada (49.6C / 121.3F) on June 29, 2021. Two days later, fire obliterated the whole town. Within 15 minutes, flames destroyed homes, businesses, livestock, and wildlife. The destruction of fire is shocking. Fire moves with a mind of its own, knocking to ash one property while leaving a neighboring building intact. Single chimneys remain as a reminder of cozy living rooms. A ping pong table was found standing untouched by the flames in the middle of what must have been a games room. Even when circumstances look bleak all around, know this truth -- our God is a master rebuilder. Creation reveals that our God restores all things. In moments of significant loss, unavoidable pain, defeat, and brokenness, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us. Healing comes as we let out sounds of grief and groans of suffering. We can fall to our knees, lift up our hands and let the tears fall, grateful for our God who is well acquainted with suffering. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. (Romans 8:26, ESV) God is a faithful, steady anchor of hope. In Hold On to Me, Lauren Daigle's worship reaches inside broken hearts, connecting us to the immovable one. The words allow tears to flow and hope to rise up above the sorrow. When the best of me is barely breathingWhen I'm not somebody I believe inHold on to meWhen I am sure I have reached the endHold on to me when I forget I need YouWhen I let go, hold me again A fire ripped through my own community back in 2003, destroying buildings, homes, and the surrounding countryside. Today, driving through the area, what is most visible from the highway is the new growth, not the evidence that a fire destroyed the forest. Meandering between the scorched stumps of blackened, broken trees are shades of green — the evidence of God restoring the earth. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.(1 Peter 5:10) God is continually restoring, rebuilding, and creating things new. Up from the ashes, new life grows. What is left is a patchwork across the mountainside — multifaceted shades of green and gold. The dark forest, untouched by the flames of the past, grows tall and rich while the newer growth catches up, fresh and mossy. A forest is reborn. A reminder that our lives burn at times, falling into an ash heap. But not all is ever lost -- because God's design is both for our good and our growth. Read more about the devastation at Lytton here. Read more about the fire from 2003 here. 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. Hold On To Me was written and performed by Lauren Daigle.

We received a text from our mother at 9:31 am on July 30th, 2020. "I think Dad died!" He died in his workshop. His death was shocking. This weekend we will gather as a family to remember him -- one year later. Dad lived life on his own terms and left deep, tender impressions on our hearts. For you, the words may have been different, but the pain is familiar. Grief comes in waves. Sometimes it is expected and sometimes it comes out of nowhere. Some waves feel manageable, bumping us around with flashes of memory -- even bringing a soft smile to our face. Like the moment you find a picture of your loved one that reminds you of the years gone by. It is tenderly sweet and sad all at the same time. Other waves pick you up and slam you underwater, trapping you in an undertow that threatens your very next breath. What have been the words that left your world forever altered? Your mom has Alzheimer's. Your dad has cancer. Your daughter's baby died before she took her first breath. Your husband wants a divorce. Heartache. No one escapes it. Our experiences look different, but suffering is the human condition. A mark of our frailty. All are at risk of feeling pain. In all this, you greatly rejoice, though now you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials for a little while. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. (1 Peter 1:6,7) I wrestle with the scripture inviting me to rejoice in my grief. In the moment when waves of pain crash over me, the last thing I think about is rejoicing. I am more focused on breathing through the unbearable ache that comes with loss. Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:3) Phil Wickham's song, Hymn of Heaven, offers words that we can sing while being tossed by the waves of sadness. The song acknowledges our vulnerability and desperation, inviting our hearts to lean into the end of the story when death and suffering are no more. Whatever your experience with grief, whatever waves crash around you today, there is a promise waiting. The breath of Heaven is coming. When He returns to wipe away our tearsOh, there will be a day when all will bow before HimThere will be a day when death will be no more Maybe there is room for hope and grief to co-exist? One that grieves and one that rejoices as we look towards a future with Jesus. It doesn't have to be an either/or option ... maybe it is a both/and journey. Not "either I grieve, or I rejoice," but "I can grieve and rejoice in my suffering." We don't have to deny our pain to prove our faith. The songs of faith we sang through doubt and fearIn the end, we'll see that it was worth itWhen He returns to wipe away our tears Thank you, Phil Wickham, for writing music that invites our humanity to exist side by side with the heart of Heaven. This is the kind of worship we can sing with all the pieces of us -- harmonizing the places that ache and the parts that celebrate! Hymn Of Heaven was written by Phil Wickham, from the album Hymn Of Heaven.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.

Did you get your invitation? You are not going to want to miss this. It is just going to be that good! The food is going to be excellent and the company -- spectacular! There will be more than enough of all the good things your heart craves. And this remarkable gathering will last forever. You won't tire of the company or tap out because you have no more emotional bandwidth to keep visiting with people. Come all you sinnersCome find His mercyCome to the tableHe will satisfyTaste of His goodnessFind what you're looking for One small matter. We don't know the date. For this event, we just always need to be ready. Anticipating an event like this is going to be tiring at times. Waiting is hard. Because in the waiting, other circumstances take our focus off what is to come. At first, we have all this excitement. We are ready; love the idea of being on the guest list and are eager to maintain our appearance, so we won't be caught off guard. But we can become distracted, even discouraged, because it just seems to be taking too long. Come all you wearyCome all you thirstyCome to the wellThat never runs dryDrink of the WaterCome and thirst no more Maybe your waiting is for your person, that particular person who is yours for life. Maybe your waiting is for the pain of grief to lighten because your person is no longer with you. Perhaps you are waiting for provision, protection or wholeness; worn down from human suffering. Our earthly conditions make the time of waiting for the grand reunion, the miraculous dance, our first heavenly supper feel dreadfully far away. For some of us, the waiting becomes unbearable. We turned to sources of gratification that feel good at the moment but leave scars on our bodies and wounds in our spirit. Bring all your failuresBring your addictionsCome lay them downAt the foot of the crossJesus is waitingGod so loved the world God so loved the world that he gave the very best for you and me. He so loved. God, as our host, is gracious, compassionate and attentive. He spares no expense, provides all we could hope for or imagine, and He, alone, will meet all our needs. He has extended this invitation for all to come, and He is all that we require while we wait. Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters;and you who have no money, come, buy and eat!Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live.Isaiah 55:1-3 NIV There are some seasons in life where the things we look forward to seem thin and less noteworthy. There are no significant events right around the corner; nothing new on the horizon; one day leads into the next. Life feels flat or lacks clarity and color. Things around just seem hazy and grey. Maybe it is the time of year, here on the West Coast? Possibly it is all the world events that we have shared on repeat these years, but January through March can be dull, grey, flat. The journey can be hard, can be tiresome. For now, we are to "run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus" (Heb 12:1c-2a ESV). The NIV replaces "looking to" with the phrase 'fixing our eyes' -- we are to "fix" or "lock" our eyes on Jesus. We lift our eyes above the muck and mire that weighs us down; we set down the heavy burdens and focus heavenward on the celebration that will happen when we get to the finish line. We The Kingdom's worship song, God So Loved, has been on repeat today. For God So Loved! This time of worship reminded me of that invitation to the heavenly banquet. You won't want to miss this event because you can't be disappointed there and it will exceed your expectations. The guest list, alone, will leave us awed. But it will be the indescribable waves of emotion when we see the One who extended the invitation that will leave us breathless. 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. God So Loved was written by We The Kingdom and featured on the Live At The Wheelhouse album.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NIV) Back in February 2020, who among us could have predicted the changes that a pandemic would foist upon us? For me, like many others, there was a loss of career and the accompanying fears and sleepless nights working through the questions that plague us in the depth of the night-watch! The COVID-19 era and its lockdowns have been a very dark time for so many of us who simply long to see the light of day once again. I do believe that we Christians suffer from what I refer to as spiritual amnesia. I tend to forget, like the Israelites of the Old Testament, just what God has done for me in the past, choosing instead to wallow in fear and self-pity, doubting that God will come through in my time of need. Before my years of pastoral church ministry, my wife and I spent 12 years serving the Lord by faith in a music ministry capacity. We had so many stories of how God took care of us, and how he could direct us. Perhaps years of regularity causes complacency, and our Lord must shake the cage a bit to awaken our faith in him once again. As I entered into my 'enforced sabbatical', God began bringing scripture to mind as a source of comfort. Jesus' words to the disciples in John 16:33 remind us that we will have trials. That is a certainty. But we can also be certain of his victory over death, because of an empty tomb. And that empty tomb points to his ultimate return, where all darkness and death is banished, and we can all bask in the light of the Day of the Lord! Let our prayer, then, echo the declaration of Jesus where we can say daily and through every situation, "You are The Way and The Truth and The LifeKing of all Kings and the Lord of LightCome will you lead us in the Spirit's wayUntil our eyes see the Light of DayUntil our eyes see the Light of Day". 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.

There are a few moments in scripture where the Lord cracks the door open a little wider for us. It's as if He is saying, “Come a little closer and peer inside. Let me show you how I see. Come perceive what I perceive.” This invitation is there for us in Revelation 4. Here, He shows us the Throne Room. "After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne. Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. In front of the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God. Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying: “'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.” Revelation 4:1-8 There are so many things about this passage that are quite simply beyond our understanding. Which by the way, is nothing to fret over. It is something to cherish. To worship a God who is incomprehensible is one of the best ways to know you haven't made a God of yourself. But, we do know this: There is a throne in the center, the Lord is upon it, and His glory is radiating like that of 1000 suns. There are majestic creatures that seem capable of doing only one thing: they circle the throne and with every breath they have, they say “Holy, Holy, Holy”. You get the feeling that they couldn't stop even if they tried. Perhaps repetition is not redundant in the throne room. Perhaps with every lap around the throne, they catch another glimpse of His glory, another part of his heart, a new piece of His smile, another portion of His power, majesty, and beauty. Again and again and again, they are given another reason to sing, “Holy, Holy, Holy.” After all, the holiness of God is not a fickle or fragile thing. It is an eternal thing, and there is always more of it to behold. The beautiful mystery doesn't stop there. Jesus, our High Priest, has given us access to the throne room. Even now, the invitation is there for US to join that endless song. We might sing something like this…. “With every lap around the throne, I catch another glimpse, You're Holy, Holy, Holy. The longer I behold you I can't help but say again, You're Holy, Holy, Holy.” Based on the song Another Glimpse by Sean Curran and Passion. Original post by Passion Music available on YouVersion based on the album - I've Witnessed It by Passion.

Our God is a God of life and victory. Even though this is absolutely true, it can be hard to believe it when there is so much hurt and brokenness in the world. All of us face an enormous amount of pressure in life. Chances are you have been pressed by your job, finances, relationships, or the onslaught of disappointment that comes at us on the news every single day. Even in the midst of hardship, God can break through and help us transcend the moment we are in. Psalm 118 is a psalm of victory. It's a psalm that recounts that faithfulness of God to save and to deliver. Oftentimes when we look back on how God has worked in our lives, it will embolden us to keep moving forward in faith, even while suffering. In verses 5-7, the psalmist writes, “When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; he brought me into a spacious place. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies.” He says that I remember the time when God delivered me to a spacious place. So even now, I don't need to be afraid. Because He was faithful then, I can look ahead in triumph. In verses 13-14, he goes on to say “I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” Our God is a savior. This is in His nature. He wants to defend and protect His children. We can trust in the goodness of our God! Worship is always the right response to the gift of God's salvation. “Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: 'The Lord's right hand has done mighty things! The Lord's right hand is lifted high; the Lord's right hand has done mighty things!' I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done.” (v15-17). We can trust that God will lead us through whatever we are going through. The purpose of it all is to bring glory to Jesus. In the end, God wants to be the Lord and King over every area of our lives. Anything else we would choose to give our hearts to will ultimately fail us and entrap our souls. God has sent Jesus to save us and give us a new song of praise on the earth. Today, let's declare who He is over our lives. “You are my God, and I will praise you; you are my God, and I will exalt you.” (v28). Let's move anything that is less than out of the center of our affection and put Jesus in His rightful place. Let's step into the triumph of the victory He has given us through His death and resurrection. Based on the song You Are Our God by Brett Younker and Passion. Original post by Passion Music available on YouVersion based on the album - I've Witnessed It by Passion.

Scripture:"The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."— Psalm 18:2 (NIV) Reflection:In a world where change is constant and uncertainty often surrounds us, there is a deep, soul-level yearning for a place of safety, stability, and unchanging love. The Housefires song "I'm Not Going Anywhere" speaks directly to this longing, reminding us that true refuge is found not in places or circumstances, but in the very presence of God. The repeated declaration, "I found my home in You, my refuge," captures the essence of what it means to be in Christ. It's a statement of belonging and security, a recognition that in God, we find the place we were always meant to be. This isn't just a temporary shelter; it's an eternal home where we are safe and sound. As worshippers, we often come before God seeking many things—answers, direction, healing, and peace. But what if the greatest gift He offers us is simply Himself? To be able to say, “I'm staying home with You” is to acknowledge that there is no better place to be than in His presence. It's here that we find rest for our souls and the unshakable assurance that we are loved, known, and held. Application:The repetition of the phrase "I'm not going anywhere" isn't just a lyrical choice; it's a powerful affirmation of commitment. It's a vow to remain in God's presence, no matter what life throws our way. When we declare this, we're saying that we trust Him with our lives and that we choose to remain close to Him, come what may. This is particularly meaningful for those involved in worship ministry. Leading others in worship is a sacred responsibility, but it also requires that we ourselves are rooted in God's presence. The song reminds us that our primary calling is to remain with Him, to make our home in His love, and to lead from that place of refuge and security. The final tags of the song, where it's affirmed that “You're not going anywhere, I'm not going anywhere, We're not going anywhere, 'cause this love is forever,” serve as a beautiful reminder of God's faithfulness. No matter where we are or what we face, God's presence is constant. His love is unchanging. He is the rock that will not be moved. Prayer:Lord, thank You for being our refuge, our safe place, and our home. Help us to remain in Your presence, finding our security in You alone. May we be so rooted in Your love that we can confidently say, “I'm not going anywhere.” Strengthen our hearts to lead others into this same assurance, knowing that in You, we are forever safe. Amen. Challenge:This week, take intentional time each day to sit quietly in God's presence. As you do, declare, "I'm staying home with You." Let this be a moment of reaffirming your commitment to God, recognizing that in His presence, you have found your true home. Allow this truth to shape how you lead others in worship, knowing that your strength and stability come from Him alone.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV) Reflection:There is something beautifully nostalgic in the way we remember our childhood. For many of us, those early years were a time when life felt simple, and worries were few. In the first verse of “Lean On The Lord,” Housefires captures that sentiment: a time when the world made sense, and our biggest concerns were trivial. But as we grow older, life's complexities and uncertainties often lead us to question, to wrestle with things that are difficult to understand. The song speaks to this shift, reminding us that while the world may become more complicated, there is still a place of simplicity — found in leaning on the Lord. It's in those moments when life's questions overwhelm us, and we've tried every way to make sense of things, that we're called to trust in God. The Pre-Chorus of the song declares a profound truth: “I've tried to make sense of it all but I just can't. When I don't understand I lean on the Lord.” It's an acknowledgment that there are mysteries and challenges in life that are beyond our comprehension. But instead of being paralyzed by what we don't know, we are invited to lean into the One who does know. Application:What does it mean to lean on the Lord? It means placing our trust, our hope, and our very lives into His hands. It's a choice to rely on His wisdom instead of our own understanding, to draw strength from His love, and to find peace in His presence. In the Chorus, the song gives voice to this reliance: “Some things don't make sense, but one thing's for sure when I lean on You, Lord.” When we lean on the Lord, we find the strength to go on, even when life doesn't make sense. His love becomes the foundation that holds us up, His grace the cushion that catches us when we fall. The Bridge of the song reinforces this by reminding us of the pillars of our faith — His Word, His grace, and His strength. These are the anchors that keep us steady when life's storms rage. As we learn to lean on these, we find that God's faithfulness sustains us in ways we couldn't have imagined. Prayer:Lord, life often brings challenges that we can't understand. But in those moments, help us to lean on You. Teach us to trust in Your Word, to rest in Your grace, and to draw strength from Your love. May we always find our refuge in You, knowing that You will never fail us. Amen. Challenge:This week, whenever you face a situation that doesn't make sense or feels overwhelming, take a moment to pause and intentionally lean on the Lord. Trust Him with your questions and uncertainties, and let His love and strength carry you through.

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever."— Psalm 107:1 (NIV) Reflection:Gratitude is a powerful expression of worship, and it has the ability to transform our perspective on life. The Housefires song "Grateful" invites us to reflect on the countless ways God has been faithful to us, prompting a deep response of thankfulness. The first verse beautifully captures this sentiment: "If I could write down all the ways that You've been faithful, I'd run out of pages." This imagery reminds us that God's blessings and faithfulness are so abundant that they exceed our capacity to fully recount them. The chorus shifts our focus from what we might feel entitled to receive, to recognizing that every blessing is an act of grace. "Didn't owe me anything, but you gave it to me anyway." This is the heart of gratitude—understanding that everything we have is a gift from God, not something we have earned. When we realize that God's love and provision are not based on our merit but on His perfect love, our hearts overflow with gratefulness. In the second verse, the song challenges us to adopt a mindset of gratitude that transcends our circumstances: "I won't waste another day thinking bout what didn't go my way." It's easy to focus on what's lacking or what has gone wrong, but a heart of worship chooses to focus on God's goodness, even in the face of disappointment. This verse reminds us that God holds our future, and it's bright because He is in control. Application:As worship leaders, we have the privilege of guiding others into a posture of thanksgiving and praise. However, our leadership must be rooted in our personal walk with God. "Grateful" reminds us to reflect on the myriad ways God has shown His faithfulness in our own lives. How often do we take the time to acknowledge and thank God for His goodness? Let this song inspire you to make gratitude a daily practice. In the morning, at noon, and in the evening, let your heart be filled with thanksgiving. Whether in moments of joy or in times of challenge, declare God's faithfulness and let that declaration shape your perspective and your worship. The bridges of the song repeat the themes of God's faithfulness and our response of thanksgiving. These are not just words to sing, but truths to live by. God's faithfulness is constant—morning, noon, and night. And our response should be a continual offering of thanks, acknowledging His goodness all our lives. Prayer:Lord, we thank You for Your unending faithfulness and perfect love. Help us to live each day with hearts full of gratitude, recognizing that every blessing is a gift from You. As we lead others in worship, may our lives reflect the deep gratitude we have for all You've done. Teach us to be thankful in all circumstances, trusting in Your good and perfect will. Amen. Challenge:This week, make a conscious effort to start and end each day with a prayer of gratitude. Reflect on the ways God has been faithful to you, and let that reflection fuel your worship. As you lead others, encourage them to embrace a lifestyle of gratitude, reminding them of God's constant faithfulness and love. Let every song you sing and every word you speak be an expression of a grateful heart.

“But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” — Joshua 24:15 (NIV) In a world filled with countless voices, agendas, and causes clamoring for our attention, it can be easy to lose sight of what truly matters. The song “I Have Decided” by Housefires reminds us of the profound commitment we make when we choose to follow Christ. This is not just a fleeting decision but a lifelong dedication to raising one banner, declaring one anthem above all else. “I have decided, there's only one banner I'm gonna raise. I have decided, there's only one anthem I'm gonna say.” The decision to follow Christ is not simply about belief; it's about declaring, with our lives, the supremacy of Jesus. The banner we raise is the banner of His love, grace, and truth. It's a visible, unmistakable symbol of where our allegiance lies. The anthem we sing is one of unwavering devotion, proclaiming His goodness and sovereignty over our lives. “There's only one banner, there's only one anthem.” These words echo a single-minded focus. In a culture that often encourages us to chase multiple priorities and divide our loyalties, this song calls us back to the simplicity and purity of following Jesus alone. It's a declaration that no other cause, no other name, no other pursuit will take precedence over Christ in our hearts. “You are the banner I'm gonna raise, for the rest of my days.” This line is a powerful personal commitment. It's not just a momentary decision but a lifelong pledge. Raising the banner of Jesus means allowing Him to be the defining feature of our lives. It means that in everything we do, we aim to glorify Him, letting our words, actions, and attitudes reflect His love to the world. Application: Today, reflect on the banner you're raising in your life. What does your life declare to those around you? Are there other banners — of success, reputation, or personal ambition — that might be competing for your attention? Let this song inspire you to reaffirm your decision to lift high the name of Jesus, allowing His banner to be the one you proudly display in every aspect of your life. Prayer: Lord, I have decided to follow You. Help me to raise Your banner high in my life, that all may see Your love and truth reflected in me. May Your anthem be the song of my heart, guiding me in every decision, every action, and every word. For the rest of my days, I choose to glorify Your name. Amen.

Shake off your captivityToday is the day we shall be freeBye bye bye byeBye bye bye bye Babylon Early on in the Old Testament, the Israelites were no strangers to captivity. They were captives in Egypt and were later held captive in Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar. For years, God used Babylon as a way to correct the Israelites when they had turned from Him. They had seen God do many miracles in their lifetime, and still they would rebel against Him. They were convinced that they knew best. Only in captivity in Babylon did they start to see the truth: Babylon wasn't just a place, it was a perspective –– a state of mind. They had been “free” before their captivity, but it hadn't been true freedom. Instead, they had chained themselves to sin and had chosen self-sufficiency. The king may have held them captive, but it was in this captivity that they learned real freedom is found, not in their circumstances, but in their relationship with God. It would only be once they came out of captivity with this new perspective that they could truly rejoice. For us today, “captivity” can look like trying to handle and manage life on our own. How many times have we looked at our situation and thought we were trapped? How many times have we felt caged by our past decisions or failures? It's time to say goodbye to Babylon. It's time to acknowledge that true freedom and peace aren't always found in a new setting, but in a greater awareness of His presence. Only He can bring you out of Babylon. Only He can grant true freedom. Are you willing to carry the lessons you learned in this season and follow Him into the next chapter He has for you? Based on the song Bye Bye Babylon by Elevation Worship. Original post by Elevation Worship available on YouVersion based on the live album - LION.

There's honey in the rock, water in the stone, manna on the ground, no matter where I go. Oh how sweet, how sweet it is, to trust in You Jesus Scriptures: Psalm 81:16 (ESV) Revelation 2:8-11 (ESV) John 16:33 (ESV) Devotional: “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” - Revelation 2:10 (ESV) Revelation can be a confusing book of Scripture to read. Often we are tempted to look for extra meaning in every single detail. We can be easily led into thinking everything is a hidden message. When it comes to this verse (Rev 2:10), we can often ask ourselves 'what does this mean?' or 'what does that stand for?', but maybe the simplest message of the text can help make sense of it all: We all face suffering, but we're promised that it's never forever. The truth is, in this life we are guaranteed trouble. John 16:33 (NIV) says,“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” We cannot decide whether we will suffer or not, but we can decide how we will approach suffering. In the Old Testament, the people of God faced trial, testing, and tribulation throughout their journey to the promised land. Israel often complained to God, turned their backs on Him, or forgot His goodness. Yet, God never wavered in His character or faithfulness to His people. He gave Manna from Heaven, provided water from a stone, and promised honey from a rock (Psalm 81:16). Despite the things we face in this life, we never walk alone and we are never without promise. Jesus tells us to “take heart,” because He has overcome, and if we trust Him, we will overcome as well. This is why we can sing or pray with confidence: “There's honey in the rock, water in the stone; manna on the ground, no matter where I go”. Regardless of the circumstances we face in this life, we serve a good God who provides, who leads us through the wilderness—One who will never leave or forsake us. Though we don't get to decide whether trouble will come our way, we always have the choice to remember God's goodness and to place our trust in Him. Today, choose Him. Choose to trust in His promise, to look at His proven track record. When we do these things, we can truly say: “Oh how sweet, how sweet it is, to trust in You Jesus.” 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.

Have you ever walked through a season when, despite difficult circumstances, you had joy in your heart? And when your friends asked how you were doing, and you told them all that was going on, you got weird eyes because all they could see was joy? It can definitely be an interesting feeling. This is what I like to call the joy of the Lord. Despite the craziness all around us, with this kind of joy, we can find ourselves unfazed. I'd like to clarify the difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is an emotion that comes from something temporary like receiving a gift or winning an award. But joy is from the Lord—it's deeper, like the feeling we get when we give to others or worship our God. There was a season in my life recently when I had finally achieved my dream job—and not just that, but my calling! I had worked so hard for five years for this moment. My husband and I were given one week to pack up all our belongings and move to a different town. What we didn't expect was all the obstacles that would come our way during this one week. There were plenty, trust me. But the one I remember the most vividly was when I dropped off my rental car and noticed that someone had broken into my personal car. My whole car was trashed inside. Papers were scattered everywhere, pieces were missing, and the hood was left wide open. Someone had tried to hot-wire my car. I'll be honest, I was definitely shocked at first. But then I started small: I reorganized all my important papers and placed them in their spot. I shut the hood of my car, finally found the missing plastic piece, and replaced it where it belonged. After all this, I called my husband to inform him and began to laugh. See, despite someone trying to steal my car during a very hectic time in my life, I had joy, because I knew the enemy was working hard to make trouble so I would become frantic and angry. But our God is so mighty and powerful that He showed me what the enemy was trying to do and reminded me that He was taking care of me throughout this whole process. The Word says that “the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10), so there is no need to fear or worry. God gives us joy and peace to weather the storms and trials we face. When we're in His Word and we trust God, He reminds us of this. The next time you find yourself in a difficult season, try first seeking the Lord in prayer or worship. Once this becomes a natural practice for you, His joy will come to you more quickly. Challenge: How are you finding ways to experience God's joy? —Dominique McHenry Based on the song Joy (To The World). Original post by Life.Church Worship available on YouVersion based on the album - Gloria by Life.Church Worship.