Song Lists

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 When I was a kid all I really understood about Christmas was that Jesus was born, and I got presents. (To be honest, the presents were the lead story. I was a kid, and I lived for Nerf guns.) However, as the years went on, the true story and weight of Christmas began to come into focus. What I didn't fully understand as a kid was that the world had been waiting on God who had been silent for 400 years. When Jesus was born it was the WORD made flesh that the world had been longing for God to speak for centuries. Hope was living, and it was breaking through the silence at last. These days there isn't much silence to be found, but even still, God wants to break through whatever chaos and crazy that surrounds you today, with a necessary and needed interruption. Now, more than ever, we need to be reminded of God's heart and love for us. We need to be reminded that we are not forgotten or insignificant. We are secure in His love and purposed to bring His glory to Earth wherever we are. We need this interruption to remember the unthinkable step that Jesus took from the highest heavens to the lowly manger, then to the sinner's cross, and ultimately up out of the grave, so we could taste freedom and live for what matters most. Christmas carries an invitation: “Child, come as you are…” Come if you're broken; Come if you're searching; Come if you need healing; He's where you find it; Lay down your burden; Breathe in forgiveness; If you need freedom; He's where you find it. The world is full of unknowns, and the days are loud. Let Jesus break through the uncertainty and noise and take Him up on His invitation today. He is close and He is calling, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28 NIV). This is where our hope is found: in the name above all names, Jesus. Based on the song Hope Has A Name by Kristian Stanfill, Jacob Sooter, Sean Curran. Original post by Passion Music available on YouVersion based on the album - Hope Has A Name by Passion.

You have made my heart Your home, loved me with a perfect love,but still I wander, still I roam God, help me burn for You 'til I'm really, truly, wholly Yours Scriptures: Revelation 2:1-7 (NIV) Luke 10:38-42 (NLT) Jeremiah 31:3 (NLT) Devotional: “You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.” - Revelation 2:3-5a NIV Jesus' message to the church of Ephesus is profound and cautionary. He implores them to reflect, to 'consider' how far they have fallen and to repent. This is evidence of His great love for them, not the opposite. Christ longs that they would have a deep love for Him in their hearts. Many, if not all Christians can easily relate to the convicting admonition of Jesus in these verses. Consider the passage on Martha and Mary in Luke 10:38-42. Martha was consumed with doing many things for Jesus, yet Mary knew better—she had recognized the only thing that was truly important: Christ himself. Scripture teaches that God has loved us in this way: “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love.” (Jeremiah 31:3 NLT). As believers, we have come to recognize the perfect and unending love that Christ has for us. Yet, despite this profound truth, we can find ourselves in the exact same position as Martha or that of the church of Ephesus. It's important to note that Jesus' teaching to this church isn't that all their good work is pointless, or that it should be completely disregarded. Jesus acknowledges their faithfulness to Him. But His correction comes by addressing their heart's intention. It's apparent this church had either lost love in their hearts for God or for others. But both of these are crucial as believers. The hard reality is, we can do things for God but with little or no love for Him in the process. Scripture teaches us to be quite different from this: to love the Lord in word and deed. To grow in our knowledge and wisdom of Him, yet to remain humbly dependent on His wisdom and grace for us. This is the not-so-secret truth of our faith: to behold Him, and to continue to. To see Christ, and to continue to want to. To become His through surrender, and to continually surrender our lives upon the altar of His all-consuming love. Then we will pray, “You have made my heart Your home, loved me with a perfect love, but still I wander, still I roam. God, help me burn for You 'til I'm really, truly, wholly Yours”. 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.

When it's clear the world is not my home, or if I forget it's not, May He turn my eyes upon Himself so it's Him for whom I long. Scriptures: Revelation 2:12-17 (NIV) 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV) Devotional: “Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality. Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.” - Revelation 2:14-15 (NIV) I Belong To Jesus is probably the most confusing of the seven letters to the churches in Revelation. Without knowing the biblical context of the Old Testament and without at least an idea of the potential historical context of this passage, it can be difficult to decipher. But, despite these hurdles, there is a powerful and pertinent message to us in these verses. In the Old Testament book of Numbers, Balaam was unable to curse the people of God (Israel), so in order to please Balak (the King of Moab), he came up with two ways to cause Israel to stumble in their faithfulness and devotion to God: eating food sacrificed to Idols—in other words, idolatry—and sexual immorality. With this context in mind, it becomes clear that this Christian church apparently struggled with similar problems. In the first century, pagan worship was still very much a part of many people's lives, and Jesus declares this church of having people who were still holding to practices and teaching of paganism and the occult. Jesus continues by saying, “you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans''. While it is somewhat inconclusive on the exact meaning, many scholars conclude that Nicolaitans were a sect of people who believed in conquering others. What does this all mean together? Essentially, Jesus finds fault with this church for looking exactly like the world and culture around them—no different for being Christian. As people put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ, they are also called to complete devotion to Him, and the rejection of false gods, worldly beliefs and practices, and ways of thinking and living that are antithetical to Christ and the gospel. This is what Jesus is admonishing them to do: live irreversibly and completely for Him and His purposes. This is a message for us today. May we also be a people completely devoted to him; those who can pray 'When it's clear the world is not my home or if I forget it's not, may He turn my eyes upon Himself so it's Him for whom I long'. May we always remember the mighty biblical truth that, “You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV). Then we will truly be able to say “I belong to 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.

My God is the wonder working God, from ancient skies down to that cross, the empty grave to Kingdom come. SCRIPTURES: Deuteronomy 10:21 NIV Psalm 8:3-4 NIV 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 NIV DEVOTIONAL: Throughout Israel's exodus from Egypt and their journey to the “promised land”, God's people saw His miraculous power time and time again. Yet, despite what their eyes had seen, the deliverance that had come their way, the provision God graciously poured out, Israel (also time and time again) forgot the Lord's faithfulness and miraculous works. Psalm 78:11 (NIV) says, “They forgot what he had done, the wonders he had shown them.” Unfortunately, this problem of forgetting is not only common to Israel. We, too, can easily forget what our eyes have seen. Yet, all throughout the Old Testament, Israel is told to “remember” what God had done: their deliverance from Egypt, the miracles He had performed, to remember His laws and statutes, and to walk in His ways (Deuteronomy 8:17-19). In the New Testament, Jesus told His Disciples that the Holy Spirit would remind them of all that He has said (John 14:26) and to take communion “in remembrance of Him” (Luke 22:19). Much of the New Testament letters were written to “remind” believers of the Gospel, truth, and how to live. So why is remembering so important for us? Because it reminds us who God is and informs us how to live. This is why it is good for us to pray or sing things like, “My God is the wonder-working God, from ancient skies down to that cross, the empty grave to Kingdom come.” Words like these can be powerful confessions of God's goodness, faithfulness over time, and they can also stir us to faith-filled expectation for the future. Remembering God's powerful work reminds us, not simply of what we believe, but who God is: ever faithful, wonder-working, unchanging, steadfast in love, completely loyal, and fully able, to name a few. The entire Christian faith is staked on a miraculous event: Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures…” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). We do not simply believe in the miracle of the cross and empty grave once or a few times in our faith, but constantly and in all times. We view life through the lens of Jesus risen, and this teaches us to remember God in how we live, in how we view the world, and in the life to come. Christians, after all, are resurrection people, and our God is a wonder-working God. 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.

Scripture:"But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ."— Philippians 3:7-8 (NIV) Reflection:As worship leaders, our lives are a testimony to what we treasure most. The Housefires song "Only Jesus" is a powerful declaration of what it means to lay everything down at the feet of Christ, choosing Him above all else. The first verse sets the tone: "You can have my heart, You can have it all. Laying down my life, no matter what the cost." These words reflect the essence of true worship—a heart fully surrendered to God, willing to give up anything and everything to follow Jesus. In a world full of distractions and competing loyalties, the chorus boldly affirms, "Only Jesus all my days, no greater treasure, no sweeter name." This is the heart cry of a worship leader who understands that nothing in this world compares to the value of knowing and serving Christ. It's a daily decision to keep the cross before us and the world behind, echoing the words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 3. Paul considered everything else as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. As worship leaders, we are called to the same perspective, prioritizing Jesus above all. The bridge of the song reinforces this commitment with the declaration, "No turning back, no turning back." This echoes the words of the classic hymn "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus," reminding us that our decision to follow Christ is one of unwavering commitment. It's a declaration that no matter what comes our way, we will not turn back, for we have decided that Jesus is enough. Application:Leading worship is more than just guiding others in song; it's about leading others by example in a life that says, “Only Jesus.” When we declare this, we're choosing to make Christ the center of everything we do, both on and off the platform. This decision isn't just for a moment or a season; it's a lifelong commitment that shapes every aspect of our ministry. As you prepare to lead worship, consider what it means to truly lay down your life for Jesus. Are there areas where the world still holds sway in your heart? Are there treasures you need to let go of to fully embrace Christ as your greatest treasure? Let this song be a reminder to continually choose Jesus, no matter the cost. Prayer:Lord, I give You my heart and all that I am. Help me to lay down my life daily, choosing You above all else. May my life and my leadership reflect that You are my greatest treasure. Strengthen me to lead others with a heart that is fully surrendered to You, declaring with my life, “Only Jesus.” Amen. Challenge:This week, take time to evaluate where your true treasure lies. Are there things that compete with your devotion to Christ? Spend time in prayer, asking God to help you lay those things down. As you lead worship, let your life be a living testimony of someone who has decided to follow Jesus, no turning back. Let every word, every song, and every action reflect that only Jesus is worthy of your devotion.

I know the Sower never wastes a tear' SCRIPTURES: Psalm 30:11-12 NLT Psalm 126:5-6 NIV John 10:10 NIV DEVOTIONAL: Life is full of different seasons. We may experience times of blessing, joy, and new opportunities. We should be thankful for these times. However, unfortunately, many of the seasons we come across in life are also ones of sorrow, tears, difficult circumstances, and unwanted challenges. Thankfully, Scripture is not without encouragement and promise regarding our times of trouble. Psalm 126:5-6 (NIV) says, “Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.” One of the beautiful truths of the way that God works in our lives is that He doesn't allow the things we face in life to go wasted. Even more than this, Scripture promises that God uses everything that takes place in our lives and works it together for our good. Romans 8:28 (NLT) says, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Regardless of whether the season is full of triumph or of trial, we can take great encouragement in the fact that God doesn't leave us to face the seasons of life alone. He is with us and He is working. Nothing in our lives is wasted when it comes to God. In fact, just the opposite. Many times God turns our sorrow into rejoicing. When speaking of His future crucifixion, Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.” (John 16:20 ESV). The disciples were unaware of the depths of sorrow they would experience in the days ahead, yet, they were also unaware of the miracle of the empty grave that waited on the other side of their sorrow. This season did not end in sorrow but in rejoicing. We serve a God who not only stands with us in the seasons of sorrow but who turns these seasons around—working everything together for our good. Psalm 30:11-12 (NLT) reminds us, “You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!”. As we go through the seasons of life, and they inevitably ebb and flow with sorrow or joy, we can hold steadfast to the promises of God. They are not empty words of false encouragement, but deep sources of truth that will sustain us through every season of life. This is why we can confidently say, “I know the Sower never wastes a tear.” 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.

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.

This song, filled with invitation and awe, calls us to behold Jesus—the King who came, divinity incarnate, breathing the same air we do. It reminds us that in Christ, the Creator of the world stepped into His creation, entering our brokenness and darkness to bring healing and hope. Reflecting on Jesus as the “light that the dark cannot contain” inspires us to remember that no matter what shadows we face, His light will always prevail. The lyrics invite us to “come let us adore Him, for He alone is worthy,” echoing the posture of the wise men, shepherds, and angels who worshiped Jesus at His birth. They recognized that in this child, God's promises were fulfilled. Today, we are invited into that same adoration—not just as a holiday tradition, but as a daily surrender to the One who gave everything for us. Worship is our response to the Father's love, “beyond all comprehension,” a love that sacrificed His only Son for our redemption. As we listen to these words, let's reflect on our own hearts: Are there places where we need to make room for Him? The line “every heart prepare Him room” calls us to clear away the distractions and make Jesus the focus of our lives. When we open our hearts to His love, we allow His peace, light, and truth to transform us from the inside out. In the powerful declaration of the bridge, “We give You all the glory,” we're reminded that worship isn't just something we do for a moment but a lifestyle of glorifying God in every area of our lives. Whether in joy or struggle, praise or petition, we can give Him glory through our actions, our choices, and our hearts. As we adore Him today, let's ask ourselves: How can I give God glory in my life? What can I surrender to Him in worship? Christ the Lord is worthy, and when we offer Him our hearts, our praise, and our trust, we experience the fullness of His love and the freedom of life with Him. May our lives reflect this ongoing adoration, honoring Jesus as our Savior, our King, and our Lord.

The classic carol, O Christmas Tree, takes on a fresh meaning in these refreshed words, turning our focus from mere holiday decor to the deeper story of God's love. The Christmas tree, adorned with lights and ribbons, becomes a symbol pointing to Christ, the “light of the world” who came to save us. Each light wrapped around it reminds us of Jesus' sacrifice, illuminating the darkness of our hearts and world. As we gaze at the unchanging green of the tree, we see a reminder of God's faithfulness. In a season where things can feel rushed and fleeting, the tree stands constant, symbolizing the steady, unchanging love of God who “died to save me.” Just as the evergreen tree keeps its color all year, God's love remains steadfast in every season. Christmas calls us to slow down, take in His faithfulness, and offer a prayer of gratitude. The song then transports us back to the night of Jesus' birth, inviting us to join with shepherds and angels in proclaiming the good news. This story—of a child born in Bethlehem, heralded as the Savior—is truly the greatest one ever told. It's a story of joy, hope, and peace for all people, and as we celebrate, our hearts are invited to carry that same message into the world. As you look at your Christmas tree this season, let it remind you of the story it tells: God's unchanging love, His light breaking through darkness, and the joy that came through a baby born to redeem. This Christmas, let the story of the tree inspire you to share the love, light, and hope of Christ with others. And as you do, you'll join in telling the greatest story ever told.

In Psalm 13, David is crying out to the Lord in anguish. He cannot feel God's presence. His heart is overwhelmed with sorrow and torment. You can sense the desperation in his voice. He's being honest with God about his feelings. God invites all of us into that same genuine relationship. It's important to see that David doesn't let his emotions determine his response. David keeps praying until he remembers and declares over his own soul what he knows to be true. He says, “But I trust in your unfailing love and my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord's praise for he has been good to me.” (NIV) With the blood of God's only Son, our sins were paid for and bought on the cross. When we remember what God has given us—His grace, His love, His sacrifice—we can't help but rejoice! David prays until a song of praise erupts from his mouth. “For he has been good to me!” There is power in speaking the truth of who God is, and there is power in speaking the truth of who we are. In order to do that, we must know what God says about us in His Word. Scripture says we are blessed and called! We are healed and whole! We are saved in Jesus' name! We are highly favored, anointed, and filled with God's power, all for the glory of Jesus! Based on the song God You're So Good. Original post by Passion Music available on YouVersion based on the album - Whole Heart by Passion Music.

What You went through to love me I'll never understand. What blows my mind away is You love me as I am.' SCRIPTURES: Ephesians 3:18-19 NLT John 3:16-17 NIV DEVOTIONAL: One of the great paradoxes of the Christian faith is to know and understand the love of God and yet still be unable to fully grasp it. Ephesians 3:18-19 (NLT) says, “And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 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.” The apostle Paul's prayer for the Church is that they would have the power to understand God's love, but still he concedes that, “it is too great to understand fully”. This is a common experience for Christians. We boldly hold to the truth that, “God so loved the world” (John 3:16 NIV), and at the same time, when we consider ourselves, our position to God, and how magnificent He is in comparison, we can ultimately find ourselves echoing the same words or sentiment as Job: “Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.” (Job 42:3 NIV). The crucifixion of Jesus is the chief example of God's love for humanity. Though we are called to continually remember this event (and therefore remember God's love), on another level it is impossible for us to comprehend the mighty love of God that was poured out at the cross of Jesus Christ. This is why the words “What You went through to love me I'll never understand. What blows my mind away is You love me as I am” are such powerful ones to reflect on. Despite our inability to fully grasp this incredible mystery of the love of God, Paul encourages us that as we “experience” this love, we will be made complete. And herein lies the key to this paradox. The love of God is not something for us to fully grasp, but truth to live in and experience. The love of God may be understood to an extent and be impossible to grasp to another extent, but between these two extremes is the opportunity to live in His love. We have the opportunity to open up our hearts to his goodness, to continually thank Him for His kindness toward us, and to worship Him for this love that we have come to know yet do not fully understand. 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 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.

“Does not all nature around me praise God? If I were silent, I should be an exception to the universe. Does not the thunder praise Him as it rolls like drums in the march of the God of armies? Do not the mountains praise Him when the woods upon their summits wave in adoration? Does not the lightning write His name in letters of fire? Has not the whole earth a voice? And shall I, can I, silent be?”-Charles Spurgeon. To ”bless God" is a phrase that some might find strange or counter-intuitive, as we are perhaps more familiar with the idea of blessing being something that comes from God to us, perhaps not as much so the other way around. But to bless God – to exalt, praise, magnify Him – becomes a habit – a first response - in the lives of those who have let themselves receive the love of the Lord. To bless God is really the only appropriate response to the realization that the only reason that the possibility exists of making the choice to bless Him is because He has first so richly blessed us. When we "bless God," we are not adding anything to God or giving Him something He lacks, because our Triune God is utterly complete. Rather, when we worship Him, when we declare that He is worthy to be praised, we are aligning ourselves with the truth of His worthiness of all praise and honor, we are rightly seeing the true order of things – you might even say we're aligning ourselves with reality. And when we align ourselves with reality by declaring His reign and His worth, bringing Him worship and sacrifices of praise, we're also entering into communion with the Father and participating in the relationship we were born for. Blessing and glorifying God is a pathway to the gift of His presence, the preciousness of His nearness, and the unspeakable treasures of the joy therein. C.S. Lewis expressed it this way:“The Scotch catechism says that man's chief end is 'to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.' But we shall then know that these are the same thing. Fully to enjoy is to glorify. In commanding us to glorify Him, God is inviting us to enjoy Him.” We bless God because we're made to. We bless God because we need to – I need to. We bless God because scripture invites us to, encourages us to, and commands us to! Psalm 150:6 “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord." Original post by Brooke Ligertwood available on YouVersion. A five-day reading plan exploring some of the Biblical perspectives that anchor Brooke's album, EIGHT. Enjoy devotionals that journey through themes like the fear of the Lord, postures in prayer, enduring in wilderness seasons, enjoying God, and choosing Him in response to His choice of us!, as well as featuring lyrics and music from songs throughout the Album EIGHT by Brooke Ligertwood.

In a world full of voices, opinions, and shifting truths, the concept of authority often feels tenuous. Yet, Brooke Ligertwood's song “Authority” beautifully centers us on a truth that is both unshakeable and eternal: the authority of God. The song opens with the image of creation itself responding to the voice of God. This isn't just poetic imagery; it's a reminder of the power inherent in God's word. The same voice that spoke the universe into existence, that breathed life into dust, is the voice that commands all of creation. This is a voice that darkness fears, a voice that can push back even the longest night. When we face the darkness in our lives — whether it's fear, uncertainty, or spiritual warfare — we must remember that God's word has the power to change things. The chorus repeats a truth that we often need to hear: “One word from You, things change on Your authority. Your word, it's true, things change on Your authority.” God's authority is not just a distant theological concept; it's an active force that shapes our lives, moves mountains, and silences storms. The song moves into a declaration that our battles are not fought in our strength but are won through God's authority. “My fight is not my own, its end is in Your hands,” the lyrics remind us. It's easy to take on the weight of our struggles, thinking we must fight our battles alone. But the truth is that victory belongs to the Lord. Our response is worship, rooted in the confidence that all things must bow to His command. The bridge of the song boldly proclaims that heaven will prevail, strongholds will be moved, and spirits will be silenced. This is not wishful thinking; it's a declaration rooted in the unchanging authority of God. The forces of darkness have no choice but to bow to Him. When we stand in that authority, we can face our fears with courage, knowing that nothing can deny God the glory that is rightfully His. As you meditate on the lyrics of “Authority,” let them sink deep into your heart. Consider the areas of your life where you need to submit to God's authority, trusting that His word is powerful and true. Remember that you are not alone in your fight. The God who spoke the stars into existence, who silences the darkness, is the same God who fights for you. What have you to fear? Prayer: Lord, I thank You for the power of Your word and the authority that You hold over all creation. Help me to remember that my battles are not mine to fight alone, but that You go before me, silencing the darkness and commanding victory. Give me the courage to stand in Your authority and the faith to trust in Your unchanging word. May my life be a reflection of Your glory and a testimony to the power of Your name. In Jesus' name, Amen. Action Step: Take time today to speak God's word over a situation in your life where you need His authority to prevail. Whether it's a relationship, a fear, or a challenge, declare His promises and trust that His word will accomplish what He desires.

"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." - 2 Corinthians 12:9 Sometimes we feel so alone. We can feel like our hope is lost and that we are without a future or purpose. I have even recently had these feelings and doubts. I've felt weak and helpless. These are the moments I find the real Jesus. It's hard not to associate the Lord with the blessings He gives us. And though those gifts are from Him alone, they are not Him. What I mean by this is the blessings are sent to attest to His goodness, but they are only reflections of His goodness, like a mirror reflects the beauty around it. If you sit and experience life through the mirror, you'll never know the fulness real life. If I just see and experience God as the things I have, I can never know the real Jesus—the Jesus that gave His life for me and took all my brokenness and sin. Our savior is able to identify with us in our suffering. He was abandoned by His friends and even His Father when He hung on the cross. He has felt the weight of shame and sin—our shame and sin—so we could walk free. At this moment, even now, He gives me beauty for ashes, strength for weakness. I've never known a love like His. This is my prayer in the hard season: Lord meet me in my weakness. I trust that You are good, that You have me and my future in the palm of Your hands. If You are all I have, that is enough. If You are all that I'll ever have, You will forever be enough! Based on the song If All I Had Was Christ 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.