Song Lists

Scripture:"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."— Romans 8:28 (NASB) Introduction: Life often brings us moments of trial, uncertainty, and suffering. These are the times that test our faith and challenge our outlook. In such moments, our response is crucial. Will we let the burdens consume us, or will we lift our eyes to the One who is sovereign over all things? Dennis Jernigan, in the midst of personal struggle, found himself at this crossroads, and from that experience, the song "Speechless" was born. Personal Story – "Speechless" by Dennis Jernigan:"This song came one day as I sat before the Lord contemplating my options. Having gone through a very rough period of financial loss and other calamities (like my wife breaking her leg and being incapacitated since June!), I came to the place where I had two choices. I could either focus on the losses and the enemy's perspective, or I could focus on the Lord and HIS perspective. I chose the latter and began to simply thank Him and praise Him. This song came, and joy flooded my soul. It did not change my circumstances... but it did give me the proper perspective. God is in control no matter what, and He uses everything I go through for my good and His glory. And that simply leaves me speechless."— Dennis Jernigan, August 8, 2013 Dennis's story highlights a profound truth: sometimes, we cannot control our circumstances, but we can always control our response. In his case, even amidst financial difficulty and personal hardship, Dennis chose worship. The result wasn't a miraculous change in his situation, but rather a miraculous change in his heart. Worship brought joy and reminded him that God was still in control, using every trial for a greater purpose. Reflection: There's a temptation to believe that if we just pray hard enough or live faithfully, God will remove every obstacle. Yet the Bible and life teach us that often God's work is not about changing our circumstances but about changing us through those circumstances. Like Dennis, we must come to realize that even when our external situations remain the same, God's internal work is what brings peace, joy, and a renewed perspective. Romans 8:28 encourages us that God is always working, even when we cannot see it. Our task is to trust Him and allow worship to refocus our hearts. When we choose to praise God in our pain, we align ourselves with His sovereignty, recognizing that He works all things for the good of those who love Him. A Note on Worship and God's Endless Creativity: Dennis humorously reflects on the fact that a song titled "Speechless" contains so many words:"Years ago, one of the geniuses in Nashville told me I would one day run out of things to write about. I laughed then, and I laugh now. Why? My God is immense and fathomless beyond comprehension. That means His creativity is endless. It means I will NEVER run out of things to say to Him or to say about Him!"— Dennis Jernigan This truth extends beyond songwriting. As we live and breathe, as we go through both trials and triumphs, we can continually find new reasons to praise God. His goodness, His creativity, and His plans are inexhaustible. Let this be a reminder that we will never run out of reasons to worship our God, even in our toughest seasons. Prayer: Lord, I am humbled by Your sovereignty. Even when life is difficult, I know that You are in control, using every trial for Your glory and my good. Help me to choose worship in the face of hardship. Give me a heart of gratitude and joy, knowing that You are with me. I praise You for Your endless creativity and love, which sustain me through every season. Amen. Application: Worship in the Storm:When you face hardship, instead of focusing on the difficulty, spend a few moments worshiping God. This act of surrender will help shift your perspective, much like it did for Dennis. Thanksgiving List:Write down five things you're grateful for, even in the midst of your struggles. Use this list as a reminder of God's faithfulness. Trust in His Creativity:Just as Dennis found endless reasons to praise God, remind yourself that there's always something to be grateful for. Every day, find one new thing to thank God for, and let it fuel your praise.

The first of the Petrine epistles in the New Testament begins like this: “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God's elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.” 1 Peter 1:1-2 (NIV) What a beautiful “establishment of audience” in this opening paragraph – and a really clear reminder of a truth that can only be received with awestruck humility: that an unlikely, ragamuffin, unqualified and undeserving bunch like you and me are the choice of our Triune God – “chosen by God the Father, through the work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus," Peter writes. Then a few verses down, in the following chapter, comes a really well known verse you have probably heard many times but not ingested the second half of it as much as the first (which has made it onto a lot more bumper stickers). It's 1 Peter 2:9: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." In the first half of the verse, Peter uses the phrase “chosen people”. He's re-emphasizing that choice that he referred to in the opening of this letter to the exiles – God's choice. But then he goes on to immediately talk about a choice that we now have in response to God's choice of us: what choice? In case you didn't catch it, Peter says that we are chosen, God's special possession,“that we may declare the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into his wonderful light." It doesn't say we will, it says we “may." In response to such an expansive and extraordinary mercy, the reality is that there are some who may, but will not; but many who may, like the Psalmist, and who will. Psalm 145:1 “I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever.” So what will our choice be? What will my choice be? I may…and I will. 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.

The older I get, the more I think I'm turning into my grandmother. And that's not a bad thing. My grandmother was genuinely excited about going to be with Jesus in heaven. All throughout my childhood, she would regularly (and excitedly) say, “Jeremy, today could be the day! Today could be the day that Jesus comes back for us.” As a young boy, I was honestly more excited about my friends upcoming birthday party. If Jesus wouldn't mind holding off a few more days, that would be preferable.... But after a few more trips around the sun, I'm now beginning to see that my grandmother was really on to something. I Corinthians 2:9: However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen,what no ear has heard,and what no human mind has conceived”the things God has prepared for those who love him (NIV) Life can be complex. Filled with both moments of extreme challenge and unbridled joy, our Lme here on earth is an incredible journey of ups and downs. Jesus himself promised that "In this life, you will have trouble. But take heart...." (John 16:33). Paul gave praise to the "God of all comfort who comforts us in all our troubles..." (II Corinthians 1:3-4) as Paul went on to talk about all of the trials he went through in his Lme here on earth. Life can be complex. But this life is not permanent. Psalm 39 tells us that our Lme here on earth "... is but a breath." I recently went out of town for a few days and things were OK but.... I was away from my loved ones, sleeping in a strange place, living out of a bag, etc. The broken hot water heater (COLD showers) was the final detail that allowed me to shrug my shoulders and say, “It's only for a few days.” Acknowledging that things weren't ideal but knowing that the trip would soon be over enabled me to gain perspecLve. “I can put up with anything for a few days...” was my thought. I'll be home soon. The illustraLon was powerful for me. If the reality of an eternity in heaven is true (and I believe it is), then our short Lme here on earth is quickly put into perspecLve with the promise of heaven with Jesus. This earthly existence will feel like a few short days in comparison with our never-ending existence in our forever home. We'll be home soon. We can easily get wrapped up with earthly challenges and distracLons. Instead of focusing on those passing things, I want to think more about the reality of heaven. I want to live in light of my eternal home. In John 14:2, Jesus said: My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? (NIV) Allow me to challenge us today to not make light of our very real and present earthly struggles but rather live in light of an eternity with Jesus. An eternal home where we are promised "every tear is wiped away" (RevelaLon 21:4), where there is joy unspeakable. Knowing that we have an incredible future FOREVER in heaven with Jesus helps put things in perspecLve today. Church, let's be encouraged today as we experience both earthly joy and sorrow. We have an incredible eternity awaiLng us that far outweighs anything we can experience during our Lme on earth. Let's ask God to help us remember the great promise of heaven that awaits the followers of Jesus. Written and based on the song Heaven Enough by Jeremy Good. Follow along with lyric video here.

Scripture:"For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."— Luke 19:10 (NASB) Song Story: "Relentless" by Dennis Jernigan"A film that has really resonated with me on a deep, emotional level is the 2009 masterpiece, Slumdog Millionaire. From the moment the opening credits rolled and that pulsing, rhythmic score filled the theater, I was captivated by the story unfolding before me." These words from Dennis Jernigan describe how the film Slumdog Millionaire inspired his song "Relentless." What struck Dennis was not just the vivid portrayal of life in Mumbai, but the persistent, unwavering love of the main character, Jamal, as he sought to reunite with Latika, his childhood love. As Jamal searches for Latika, who has been scarred by trauma and separation, Dennis saw a powerful parallel to his own relationship with the Lord. "I didn't find God—He found me. I was the lost one, the wounded one, and yet His love pursued me relentlessly." Jamal's pursuit of Latika mirrored the way God pursued Dennis throughout his life, especially during times of brokenness​. This moment of realization birthed the song "Relentless," which Dennis weaved into his album Sanctuary. The song reflects the all-consuming love of God—a love that chases after us, even when we feel too far gone or deeply scarred. Just as Jamal's love for Latika was unwavering, God's love for us is relentless. He refuses to let us go, seeking us out, healing our wounds, and restoring us to Himself. Devotional: God's love for us is relentless. It doesn't depend on our perfection or our ability to come to Him whole and unscathed. In fact, it is often in our brokenness and vulnerability that His love becomes most evident. Just as Jamal searched for Latika through all the chaos of their lives, God pursues us through the messiness of our existence, offering His unconditional love and grace. Luke 19:10 reminds us that Jesus came to seek and save the lost. He doesn't wait for us to have it all together. He meets us in our pain, in our sin, in our woundedness. His pursuit is tireless, and His love knows no bounds. When Dennis reflected on the scene where Jamal kisses Latika's scar, he was reminded of how God doesn't shy away from our scars—whether they are physical, emotional, or spiritual. God embraces us fully, scars and all, and His relentless love brings healing and restoration. Perhaps you, too, have felt lost at times. You may carry the weight of past mistakes, the hurt of old wounds, or the burden of current struggles. But know this: God is pursuing you, even now. His love is relentless. It will not stop until you are safe in His arms, healed, and whole. Reflection: Where have you felt pursued by God in your life?Think about the times when you felt distant from God. How did He draw you back? How did His love pursue you even when you tried to turn away? What scars do you carry that need God's healing touch?Whether they are physical or emotional, we all have scars. Spend time reflecting on how God can use your brokenness for His glory. Allow His relentless love to heal and restore you. How can you respond to God's pursuit today?God's love is active, always seeking us out. In what ways can you turn toward Him more fully? Consider how you can embrace His love and allow it to transform you. Prayer: Lord, I am amazed by Your relentless love that pursues me no matter where I am or what I have done. Help me to recognize the ways You are seeking me and to respond with an open heart. Heal my wounds and use my scars as testimonies of Your grace. Thank You for never giving up on me and for always loving me through every season. Amen. Application: Respond to His Love:Take time this week to reflect on how God has pursued you. Write down specific moments in your life where you felt His love pulling you closer to Him. Embrace Your Scars:Like Latika's scar in Slumdog Millionaire, your scars are part of your story. Share your testimony with someone who may need to hear how God's relentless love has healed and restored you. Listen to the Song:As you listen to "Relentless" by Dennis Jernigan, let the message of God's unyielding pursuit wash over you. Meditate on the ways His love continues to seek and save the lost, and how it has touched your life.

Songs about awakening inspire spiritual renewal, revival, and fresh encounters with God. These worship songs bring energy and a sense of renewal to worship gatherings. Download chord charts, lead sheets, orchestrations, and multitracks to bring songs of awakening into your services, fostering a spirit of revival and dedication.

In the miniseries, The Chosen, there's a moving scene that beautifully illustrates the relentless nature of faith. Friends of a paralyzed man, unable to get to Jesus due to the dense crowd, climb to the roof of the house, tearing off tiles, and lower their friend down to the Savior. It's a tangible act of desperate faith, embodying the lyrics of Brandon Lake's Tear Off The Roof. The line, "Tear off the roof, the King's in the house. Just get me to Jesus, I don't care how," captures the essence of that raw determination to reach Jesus, no matter the barriers. Many times, in our lives, circumstances, doubts, or the opinions of others can crowd our path to Jesus. But the song and the scene both remind us that sometimes, faith demands unconventional methods. The chorus magnifies the unmatched power found in Jesus' presence - a power that transcends our understanding and challenges our perceptions. "There's power in the presence, power in the blood, power in the name of Jesus." This isn't mere ritualistic power but transformative power – the kind that heals, saves, and restores. The lyric "He has more in the hem of His garment, then the camp of the enemy" alludes to the biblical account where a woman, having suffered for years, believed that merely touching Jesus' garment would heal her. Her faith, like that of the friends in The Chosen, pushed past societal norms and personal reservations. Both the scene and the song converge on a pivotal truth: the environment around Jesus is thick with potential. It's laden with the promise of change, healing, and revival. The bridge encapsulates this atmosphere, speaking of the "life-changing, grave shaking, dead-raising power in the room." However, accessing this power requires more than just a casual approach. The paralyzed man's friends didn't just 'hope' for a healing; they actively pursued it. "I didn't come here to hide in the crowd," the song declares, challenging us to evaluate our approach towards our faith and relationship with Jesus. Are we mere spectators, or are we tearing off roofs to get closer to Him? In the realm of faith, desperation is an asset. When combined with unwavering trust in God's power, it becomes an unstoppable force that challenges norms, breaks barriers, and ushers in miracles. As you reflect on this song and the heart-gripping scene from The Chosen, ask yourself: 1. Determination: What 'roofs' are you willing to tear off in your life to get closer to Jesus? 2. Belief: Do you truly believe in the transformative power of Jesus' presence? 3. Action: How are you actively pursuing your faith beyond just being part of the crowd? Let the raw faith portrayed in the miniseries and the passionate lyrics of Tear Off The Roof inspire you to deepen your pursuit of Jesus. For in His presence, the impossible becomes possible, and the unreachable becomes tangible. Mark 2:4 (NIV) "Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on."

With eager anticipation I look forward to Christmas all year long. I am convinced I was made for decking the halls and trolling the yuletide carol, for baking gingerbread cookies, and for drinking hot cider! I take extra care in making sure every present is wrapped with the utmost love and beauty. I live for sleigh bells and sugar plums, trimmings and togetherness, mistletoe, and a manger. Year after year, I cut down my tree (or purchase it from Home Depot) and decorate with all my glowing finery! But have you ever slowed to consider the traditions of the season? Are they merely that: traditions? Or could they possibly be sacred rhythms? As we decorate and celebrate, could we be marking the moment Heaven stepped into our world? As we trim the tree and bake cookies, could we be agreeing God has gifted us the Prince of Peace? As we sing of chestnuts roasting on an open fire and rockin' around the Christmas tree, could we actually be rehearsing our coming joy? The joy when one day we will sing and dance and praise our Savior, not around a tree but around His throne! Maybe, it's not really about the traditions, the decorating, and the celebrations. Perhaps, these cherished times have been more about pointing us to an invitation to receive our infant King. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6-7) So, what then is there for us to do? We recognize these traditions as invitations to the holiness and presence of God in this season. We celebrate Love incarnate! We prepare our hearts and our homes for the coming of Emmanuel, God with us! For “the Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes…” (John 1:14 MSG) Eugene Peterson says simply, “Our task now is to be present to the One who is present to us.” This year more than ever, before we pray, we will hear God speaking in the holy hush, “Don't rush. This is holy ground.” Based on the song Hush by Kirby Kaple, Melodie Malone. Original post by Passion Music available on YouVersion based on the album - Hope Has A Name by Passion.

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

The people of God have always been most distinguishable when the presence of God was in their midst. In the days of the Exodus, God made his home in the Tabernacle in the middle of the camp. During the days of King David, the Ark of the Covenant was brought back to Jerusalem, where God's presence would rest, and the kingdom flourished. However, as the kings and people of Israel continued to disobey God, eventually leading to exile, God removed His presence from the temple and the people were hopeless. Until Jesus. In John 1, it says that Word (Jesus) was made flesh and made His dwelling among us. What a miracle that our God has come to us. Later, in His final moments on earth, in John 14, Jesus promises to send us the Helper, the Holy Spirit. Because our sins are forgiven by the blood of Jesus, the Spirit of God can actually live inside of us. We no longer have to seek God's presence, as within every believer now resides the Hope of Glory, the Holy Spirit. He is a helper, a teacher, and a friend. He empowers us to live the life Jesus has called us to. God wants us to experience a closeness with Him. He wants us to let go of lesser things that don't satisfy our souls. He is calling us to a deeper relationship with Himself. The good news for those who are in Christ is that we now have permanent access to the throne room of God through the Spirit. In Acts, when the Holy Spirit came into the lives of the disciples, they began to live and walk with a new sense of purpose in the world. These everyday, common men and women literally turned the world upside down as the Spirit empowered them to carry the message of Jesus to the world. This same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead and was moving in the early Church is alive in us. The Spirit has the power to change and transform our desires and make us more like Jesus. So today, let's pray for a hunger for the Holy Spirit to move in and around us. Let's ask the Spirit to lead us and help us live our lives in a way that shines bright. Based on the song Fall Like Rain by Passion. Original post by Passion Music available on YouVersion based on the album - I've Witnessed It by Passion

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

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

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

I am circling the same old rabbit hole struggling to avoid the hot topics. I feel stuck in a room with no door, frantically trying to find a way out. Do you feel weary of having the same conversations, hearing the same stories, and watching the same conflicts? I long for a new story to tell- a fresh inspiration. Sing to the Lord a new song;sing to the Lord, all the earth.Psalm 96 NIV Have you ever longed for a new way through the muck and mire of the present circumstances? Like me, do you find yourself tripping over the same old potholes? I want to sing a new song a -- replacing the broken stuff, restoring what feels worn out and weary. Global disasters are not going away any time soon. We might describe them differently next month, but the conflicts and disappointments are unavoidable. Our confidence in God's promises must exist side-by-side with the shifting ground of our current circumstances. My wandering produced no relief. My focus was on finding a way out instead of a path through. So, my very dear friends, don't get thrown off course. Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven. The gifts are rivers of light cascading down from the Father of Light. There is nothing deceitful in God, nothing two-faced, nothing fickle. He brought us to life using the true Word, showing us off as the crown of all his creatures.James 1:17-18 The Message One of the paths into the steadying presence of Jesus is worship. He is our anchor, securing us through the tides of confusion. Today, taking time to step into Elevation Worship's song, My Testimony, I found my heart lifting and a pathway through the fog. I saw satan fall like lightningI saw darkness run for coverBut the miracle that I just can't get overMy name is registered in heavenI believe in signs and wondersI have resurrection powerStill the miracle that I just can't get overMy name is registered in heavenMy praise belongs to you forever We have a story of restoration because God hasn't left our side, nor is He rattled, confused or uncertain. Nothing in our circumstances comes as a surprise to him. He has no limits. His pleasure is in the provision, and his delight is for those who put their hope in his love. Great is our Lord and mighty in power;his understanding has no limit.Psalm 147:5 He provides a way through the darkness. Our names are registered in heaven -- an irrevocable promise. The way to find our footing is to focus on what we know is true. He is the way through. Our testimony is that He lives. If I'm not dead, You're not doneGreater things are still to comeOh I believe Allow worship to blanket any weariness. Let it seep in and lighten what feels heavy. Breathe in the truth, and testify about what God has done. Our God will finish what He startedOur God will finish what He startedIf I'm not dead, You're not doneGreater things are still to comeOh I believe The new thing is the old thing with fresh packaging. Our way through the confusion is to linger in His goodness. If we sit in wonder and marvel at what God has done, we will find ourselves in awe rather than in distress. Greater things are still to come! This is our testimony. 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. My Testimony was written by Elevation Worship and featured on the album Graves Into Gardens.

In the midst of the joyful and bustling Christmas season, it is easy to get caught up in the festivities, the decorations, and the giving of gifts. We celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Son of God, who came to this world in the humblest of circumstances. The song Manger Throne by Phil Wickham beautifully captures the essence of this humble yet profoundly powerful event. The song begins by reflecting on the magnificence of God, the Creator of the universe, who could have arrived with great fanfare and splendor. He could have appeared in the grandeur of royalty and majesty, causing the entire world to bow down before Him. But instead, He chose meekness over majesty, wrapped His divine power in humanity. This choice reminds us of God's incredible love and humility. The King of kings, the Lord of lords, chose to enter our world not as a conqueror but as a vulnerable child in a lowly manger. This act of humility speaks volumes about God's character and His heart for humanity. "Glory be to You alone, King who reigns from a manger throne." This chorus reminds us that even in His humble entrance into the world, Jesus is the true King. He reigns from a manger throne, signifying that His kingship is not of this world, but it is eternal and spiritual. In response, we are called to give our lives, our praises, and everything we own to Jesus, the King who chose a manger over a throne. The second verse continues to emphasize the alternative choices that Jesus could have made. He could have walked into the heart of a powerful empire, revealing His splendor, but instead, He authored a better story in the small town of Bethlehem. He, the Creator of all things, entered this world through the arms of common people. His purpose was clear: to die for our redemption and rise so we can live. This verse underscores the redemptive plan of God. He chose the path of suffering, sacrifice, and ultimate victory to bring salvation to humanity. His birth in Bethlehem was just the beginning of His mission to reconcile us with the Father. "Glory be to You alone, King who reigns from a manger throne." This chorus reinforces the fact that Jesus' kingship is not defined by worldly standards. We are called to surrender everything we have to Him because He is the true King, the King who brings hope and salvation to the world. The bridge takes us on a journey from heaven to the cradle, emphasizing the significance of Jesus' incarnation. He left the glory of heaven to be born as a baby in a humble manger. This act of love is celebrated by both heaven and nature. The bridge also reminds us that even death could not hold Him; He overcame the grave, bringing the hope of eternal life to all who believe. "Glory be to You alone, King who reigns from a manger throne." This final chorus reiterates our commitment to give everything we have to Jesus, recognizing Him as the King who reigns from a manger throne. In the closing tag, we once again affirm that our lives, our praise, and everything we own belong to Jesus, the King who chose a manger over a throne. This song beautifully encapsulates the essence of Christmas: the humility, love, and sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus Christ. As you reflect on the message of Manger Throne, may it inspire you to embrace the humility and love of Jesus during this Christmas season and throughout the year. Just as the world was forever changed by the birth of Christ in that manger, may our hearts be transformed as we recognize and worship the King who reigns from a manger throne.

While walking in beautiful South Carolina along the May River, where majestic oak trees form canopies over the walkways, I drank in the spectacular views. Taking in each breath as I walked, I felt my entire nervous system settle. With each step, each intake of fresh air, I entered further into a place of rest. I whispered a prayer of gratitude for this time of rest. Finding rest is not easy. Biblical rest isn't a call to stop moving but an inclination towards settling on the inside. If you are prone to anxiety, you are well acquainted with the internal energetic waves or a sense of constant churning. Author Bonnie Gray calls rest "emotional honesty." We go to Him as we are...our tired, worn-out selves. We can be ourselves at best or ourselves at worst, but are invited close regardless. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28 Our Difference-Maker We have the confident assurance that Christ in us is how we can enter fully into rest. He is the difference-maker. He is our how and our why: How we find peace amidst the heartache. Why we can rise from the ash heap, and the reason we carry on through our weaknesses — the double-edged sword of the Kingdom. He is my strength when I am weak. His presence brings peace in the middle of my storms. Not in our strength alone, but because of who He is in us — Christ in us, the hope of glory. As chosen by God, we are loved by the Father and fully restored to Him through the cross. He has created us; we are His workmanship. Our identity in Him is one we can rest in without striving to prove ourselves or getting lost in climbing up the ladder of success. We can rest in Him. Go and Dwell "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." - Psalm 91:1 We are invited to dwell in the shelter of the Most High and go to Him for rest. Go and dwell. Dwell means to live in a specified place, to think, speak or write at length about a particular subject. We take our whole selves somewhere to remain. We don't pop in now and again…we dwell, remain, and linger longer. Tim Challies, a pastor at Grace Fellowship Church in Toronto, Ontario, and co-founder of Cruciform Press, interviewed Richard Thompson and Jonny Robinson of CityAlight about their new music: "Our most recent hymn, Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me, took us 12 weeks to write. We dove deep into the idea of what it meant to have Christ dwell in us. What an incredibly profound, mysterious truth. It needed time. We wrote and rewrote the songs many, many times. We struggled for every word. If there are any songwriters reading this, we would encourage you to slow down. Your songs will be richer for it." Find rest in your writing. Slow down and notice God's presence surrounds you. Speak from that place of emotional honesty. 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. "Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me" was written by Jonny Robinson, Michael Farren, and Rich Thompson, and performed by CityAlight.