Song Lists

Standing in a grocery store line up, the woman ahead of me told the cashier, "I sure hope this virus doesn't stop us from taking our trip south!" I gave a small smile, hidden behind my mask, acknowledging the collective loss of trips, plans, and how many have had their hopes dashed. Something about the phrase rattled around inside my brain. It had nothing to do with the pandemic but how we use the word 'hope.' Hope is a word that is overused, oversimplified, and watered down. We hope it doesn't rain on the weekend of our backyard party. We hope we make it to the gas station or the store before the mall closes. We hope our Amazon purchases arrive on time. There is zero confidence connected to this use of the word hope. Someone gets terrible news ... "Oh, I hope they are ok." What do we mean? Something about this feels hollow. These everyday uses of hope feel like pleas into thin air; this kind of hope lacks substance, becoming mere wishful thinking. It sounds a bit whiny, if I'm honest. We've heard and said it countless times. Merriam-Webster defines hope as follows: "to cherish a desire with anticipation: to want something to happen or be true." That definition makes hope seem closer to a wish. We often use hope to indicate a wish or desire for something to change, improve, and suit us better. Compare that hope with the heavenly hope found in Jesus. Biblical hope is the confident expectation of what God has promised. But those who hope in the Lord[a strong and confident expectation]will renew their strength.They will soar on wings like eagles;they will run and not grow weary,they will walk and not be faint.Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) Sit and reflect on this for a moment. When we sing the verse "Jesus Christ, my living hope", I have to believe, this hope is something I can trust. Heavenly Hope was born in a barn, crucified and three days later, was resurrected. Heavenly Hope resides within us. His Hope rests on us like a weighted blanket. Our spirits groan inwardly knowing His presence is close by. We are renewed by this hope and in this hope, we can trust. Now faith is confidence in what we hope [a strong and confident expectation] for and assurance about what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1, NIV) Worldly hope is wished for or comes by chance. Heavenly hope holds promise. The hope in scripture is strong, confident, and feeds our faith. Our watered-down uses of hope offer no guarantees. Biblical hope is a robust and confident expectation, resting with assurance in God's promises. For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one also hope for what he sees? But if we hope [a strong and confident expectation] for what we do not see, with perseverance [persistence, determination, insistence, resolution, tenacity, purpose], we wait eagerly for it. (Romans 8:24-25, NIV) A hope that is this confident and assured changes our waiting, softens our disappointment, and strengthens us when we suffer trials. When we have tasted and seen the goodness, faithfulness, and love of the Father, we have a different kind of hope for the future. We have glimpsed the glory and promises to come. Our steadfast hope rests on His promises for our salvation, redemption, and restoration. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. (Romans 8:23, NIV) This hope is living in us. I can put all my eggs in this basket. I can drop my anchor here, ...in this, I can believe: The work is finished, the end is written, Jesus Christ, my living hope. We know that our lives before Him were lost and hopeless. Because we believe in His death and resurrection, we have a confident assurance that our life with Him will be forever. That's HOPE! Not because of anything we have done, but all because of what He accomplished. He humbled himself, became a servant, died a criminal's death for you and for me. He took our place, nailing our sin with Him to that cross. And now, because of this gift, we have eternal life. Hope allows us to hold fast and secure to the ending of the story. Our hope stands steady with the roar of the Lion who stepped out of the grave! It's not simply a hope that the future is going to get better one day, but it's a hope that starts coming alive in our actions and our words and our plans and our dreams. It starts forming everything we are, so it becomes a living thing in us ... This unfathomable, uncrossable chasm between our unholiness and God's holiness, and how Jesus bridges that gap, burst into our darkness." - Phil Wickham (worshipleader.com) He is our living Hope! 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. Living Hope was written by Phil Wickham and Brian Johnson.

In a world filled with challenges and uncertainties, Maverick City Music's More Than Able is a song that brings us back to a foundational truth: Our God is not just able, but He is more than able. It's a declaration of His unending, surpassing power and a reminder of His love that never fails. 1. The Power of Belief: Our faith journey begins with the recognition of God's capability. When we come to believe that He is not just a higher power but the Highest Power, our perspective changes. We begin to see our challenges not as insurmountable mountains but as opportunities for God to display His might. 2. The Assurance of His Presence: God's ability is not just distant and abstract. It's personal and intimate. He's not a God who merely watches from a distance but one who is deeply involved in our lives. His promises are sure, and He reminds us that He's always present, even when we feel alone or overwhelmed. 3. Unfathomable Depth of His Power: Often, we limit God based on our understanding and experiences. We box Him into what we think is possible. But the song and our key scripture both emphasize that He can do immeasurably more than what we can ask or even imagine. It's a call to expand our faith, to believe for greater things, and to trust that our God is not limited by our perceptions or circumstances. 4. A Response of Praise: Recognizing God's unmatched ability should lead us to a heart of gratitude and worship. The song is not just a declaration of God's power but also an outpouring of adoration for who He is. Our challenges and struggles become a backdrop against which God's glory shines even brighter. 5. The Call to Surrender: To truly experience the depth of God's ability, we must surrender our efforts, our plans, and our understanding. It's in surrendering that we create space for God to move in ways that are beyond our comprehension. We lay down our limited strength and lean into His limitless power. As you listen to "More Than Able" or meditate upon its lyrics, let it be a reminder of the unfathomable power and love of God. Allow it to strengthen your faith, especially during moments of doubt or despair. There's comfort in knowing that we serve a God who is not caught off guard by our circumstances. He's not overwhelmed by our problems, nor is He unsure of the outcome. He's the God who parts seas, raises the dead, and calms storms. There's no situation too complex, no problem too big, and no heart too broken for Him to handle. Today, as you face the challenges ahead, remember that you're not relying on your own strength or understanding. You're leaning on the One who is more than able. Let His power infuse your spirit, and let His love envelop you. Rest in the assurance that whatever you face, God is more than able to see you through. May this song and devotional stir your faith, remind you of God's unfailing power, and lead you into a deeper trust and reliance on Him.Ephesians 3:20-21 - "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

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.

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 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

Imagine this: it's Christmas Eve in 1906 in a small town outside of Boston, Massachusetts. The Canadian-American engineer, Reginald Fessenden, is sitting at one of his prized inventions—an electric device that can transmit sound through radio waves. He presses a thumb against his short, dark beard—thinking of a song—and then readjusts his thin, circular spectacles. Up until this point in history, the primary use of radio wave communication was for Morse Code—a language of monotone pulses. For several years Reginald had been employed by various companies to develop this new radio technology including working directly for Thomas Edison at his laboratory in New Jersey. Although he looked up to Edison, Reginald was his own kind of genius with over 500 patents to his name. It's on this frozen night in December that Reginald decides to try something that no one has ever done before—a radio broadcast of live music. Nearby is a Bible, opened up to the Gospel of Luke. Reginald looks at it and sees the words, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Then he picks up his violin, leans towards the transmitter, and begins to play a song. The melody of “O Holy Night” stirs the air, resounding in his ears and in the ears of those many, many miles away. For those who were listening—hearing live music broadcast for the very first time in human existence—it was as if the heavens had filled with angels once more—a song of praise appearing out of nothing. For both the ancient shepherds in the fields and the radio-listeners of 1906, the Christmas anthem arrived in similar fashion—suddenly and splendidly. The glory of God requires no prelude, no pre-show. It moves invisibly across the earth, awakening the souls of men and women who call upon His name. If only we would tune our hearts, we might hear the song of His majesty—carrying on the waves of radio, the waves of light, the waves of history—a song that arrived on Christmas—the night divine, the night when Christ was born. Based on the song O Holy Night by David Crowder, Adolphe Adam, Abe Parker. Original post by Passion Music available on YouVersion based on the album - Hope Has A Name by Passion.

New Year resolutions - love them or hate them? A new year of valleys, fires and storms. Are you ready? Do you make resolutions and spend time creating goals for 2022? Or are you someone who swims upstream, side-stepping the resolution bandwagon? For years, I began every January with a list of goals to pursue for the new year. I joined gyms, set out to eat more healthily and began new reading material. I started out strong. Went three or four times a week to work out. Followed the clean eating plans suggested by nutritionists. Following the directives of a naturopath, I completed all the testing and purchased my supplements to improve my gut health. I downloaded the most recent Bible study programs from one of my favorite leaders. Determined to see growth in all the areas, physically, mentally and spiritually, I felt ready to see improvement. I felt so proud of my potential, I posted on social media to showcase my goals for the new year. I was determined. I was ready and resourced for what had to be a better version of myself. And He is my strengthHe is my portionWith me in the valleyWith me in the fireWith me in the storm It never took long to stumble into obstacles along my path, thwarting my plans. A series of random events caused me to miss that day at the gym, another day the following week, and, finally, that entire week in early February. I shared my car with one of the kids and ended up without a vehicle midweek. One day, I went out to pick up a friend from the airport and just ran out of time to get back to the gym before it closed. (Ok, if I was honest, I drove relatively slow home, so I didn't have to go back out and make it before closing.) I began to think I would follow a program more closely if I purchased an online version that I could do anytime I wanted in the comfort and convenience of my home. I was wrong. I paid for both for months before finally canceling my memberships. I took those supplements until the first refills and then decided it was too expensive. Embarrassed by my lack of follow-thru, I have never returned to that particular doctor. I fell so far behind the Bible study, like the slow fading of battery-powered string lights, that I just stopped logging on. My little online accountability group must wonder what happened to me, or perhaps they followed the same path and are lurking in the shadows somewhere just like I am. Don't start penning an email about the value of personal goals. Without a plan or goals, we risk meandering around aimlessly, which doesn't serve us well either. But, something about this time of year can feel like pressure to set up something new, join in on the resolution bandwagon, and make the appearance that we are purposeful and intentional. But, why start some workout plan that we will not follow after a month? Why begin some fresh eating or dieting plan that will end in feelings of failure because we cannot stay on track? So come if you're needingForgiveness or healingHis mercy's enoughOh, and this is our hopeThe cross, it has spokenDeath is no moreChrist is the Lord This year, I am trying something different. At the end of the day, I have one primary goal: to witness His love. How would my life change if I dialed up my sensitivity to the love of God? But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions -- it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:4-5 I don't earn His favor. God isn't waiting for me to follow through on my plans before he lavishes me with His love. He is not waiting for my performance, withholding His assessment of my progress before expressing His love for me. He isn't watching how I manage before deciding whether I get to level up. God just loves. He loves without condition, regardless of failure and doesn't demand payback. The gift He gives comes with no strings attached. God really loves usHis mercy's enoughHis grace is sufficient What would happen if I lived like I believed in this kind of love? He really loves us. We are not alone. Two powerful life-changing truths. Do we believe that His love is enough to undo the loneliness, to heal the brokenhearted, to help us navigate through the current chaos? See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 1 John 3:1a Songwriters Benjamin Glover, Dante Bowe, David Crowder and Jeff Sojka created a song, God Really Loves Us, that beautifully begins my intentions for this year. I have a funny feeling that I won't forget a day, once I start paying closer attention; my gut says the dividends will be spectacular. So this January 2022, I am taking the focus off of self-improvement. Instead, I am going to search for where I see His love. Tracey Dahl, M.A. is a writer and Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) in Langley, BC (Canada). She is married to Ryan Dahl (Founder of PraiseCharts) and the mother of four grown children. God Really Loves Us was written by David Crowder and featured on the Milk & Honey album.

A love with no conditions is an overwhelming idea. It doesn't matter if you ask for it, understand it, believe it, or even want it—you can't ignore it. Paul tells us in Ephesians 1:4 that "long before [God] laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love.” We see that God's love for us is unconditional because He chose us and loved us from before our first breath. He chose us before we had met any conditions. Before we had done anything to earn His love, or to lose it. Living with the truth of God's unconditional love on our hearts does a few pivotal things. First, it silences the lies that we are out of reach, don't belong, or can never be free. Those are lies that cannot stand in light of an unconditional love. “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:6-8 (NIV) Next, we see that God's unconditional love calls us to something greater than ourselves. His love gives us a home and a family. “Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son.” Ephesians 1:5-6 (MSG) Finally, as we understand God's unconditional love for us, it helps us understand who we are. “It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.” Ephesians 1:11-12 (MSG) The only response worthy of all that this unconditional love means for us, is surrender and allegiance. What better king could we love and serve? Yes, this is our God! His heart for us is good. His promise for us is real. And He will never turn His back on us. Based on the song Whole Heart. Original post by Passion Music available on YouVersion based on the album - Whole Heart by Passion Music.

Call To WorshipIn our worship today, we celebrate Jesus, our Savior, who triumphs with unmatched mercy. His sacrifice on the cross, an unparalleled demonstration of love, brings us redemption. The cross, once a symbol of sorrow, has become a sign of victory and grace for us all. Let us raise our hearts and voices in praise, recognizing Jesus as our eternal King, crowned through His loving sacrifice. His reign, marked by power and grace, inspires our deepest reverence. In this time of worship, we honor His majesty and give thanks for the salvation He offers. Let us rejoice in His victory, feel the depth of His love, and embrace the peace He brings.Devotional: The Cross of VictoryIn the tapestry of our faith journey, we often find ourselves woven into themes of victory, redemption, and grace. Today, let's embark on a contemplative journey and explore how these themes resonate with the transformative power of the cross and the supreme sovereignty of our Savior. The cross, once a haunting symbol of agony and despair, now radiates with the brilliance of triumph. It serves as a poignant reminder that through Christ's selfless sacrifice, we have been bestowed with victory over the very chains that once bound us. 1 Corinthians 15:57 rejoices in this divine truth – our victory is not of our own making, but a gracious gift from God through Jesus Christ. As we gaze upon the cross, we witness the embodiment of love triumphing over sin and grace vanquishing despair. It stands as an enduring testament to the unshakable power of God's redemptive plan. However, the cross is not confined to a distant historical event; it is a living, breathing reality that continues to shape our lives. In our daily journey, may we rise as victors, not victims, knowing that the cross has already secured our victory. Let's embrace each new day with unwavering confidence in Christ's triumphant work and profound gratitude for the unending grace that flows from His sacrifice. As we do, we'll discover that the profound truth of Romans 8:37 becomes our lived experience – we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us. In light of the cross, we are not just conquerors; we are inheritors of a victory that knows no bounds. 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NIV) - "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

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

Our God is so good! He has provided us with everything we need to live a life of abundance. In Acts 2 we read how the disciples were empowered by the Holy Spirit. It was a supernatural experience that filled them with ability, efficiency, and might to make a difference in their world.From this one experience we see the birthing of the church, the sending out, the boldness and courage to spread the good news of Jesus throughout the known world. We have the same access to this amazing power of the Holy Spirit today! God wants to continue to empower us, His church, to see the kingdom of God come on earth as it is in heaven. Whatever your world looks like, God wants to empower you to make a difference!In reading this scripture, imagine what a very challenging time this would've been for all the disciples. They had just watched their friend, Savior, and mentor be crucified, and the world they knew appeared to be crashing down. All of the hopes and dreams in the disciples' minds, their ideas of this world that Jesus had been describing while He walked among them, was in disarray.While some of them had seen Jesus after His death, they were all waiting for something they really had no concept of--someone just like Jesus--the promised Holy Spirit. These men and women waited and prayed in faith in the midst of the chaos.Sometimes the world we imagined can come crashing down too and what we have dreamed doesn't become a reality. Hopelessness, despair, and disappointment can creep into our thinking. I'm sure the disciples would have felt all this and more.Yet, they held on to the promise, they held on to the words of Jesus. Then, suddenly, it came! The promised Holy Spirit came, and it was for each of them. It was the power of God working in them and through them to enable them to accomplish things far beyond their own abilities.Today, let the words of this song ring in your heart. “Come right now, Holy Spirit, release Your power. Lord, we are hungry for more of You. Heaven's open, You're bursting through, filling this place like a rushing wind.” Ask for empowerment from the Holy Spirit and allow Him to wipe away all of your doubts and propel you forward to see your world revolutionized by the power of God moving through you. Based on the song Come Right Now by Planetshakers Original post available on YouVersion based on the album - Overflow.

Do you know your giants? It is hard to imagine not seeing that one giant standing in a crowd, but some giants tend not to be that easy to spot. What about interactions with people or things that leave you feeling small or threatened? 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 1:2-4 You would think all giants would be easy to notice, but Goliaths go by different names and attack us in different ways. The ones that dwell inside us rule with an iron sceptre—the giant of insecurity or pride, for instance, or the giant of greed and self-promotion. Prowling around is a giant called judgement who hides in plain sight, distorting scripture and using biblical truth to promote a contrarian agenda. I may not face Goliath, but I've got my own giants. Elevation Worship's, Same God, featuring Jonsal Barrientes, invites us into realignment. A powerful reminder of who remains the giant slayer, the promise keeper and the healer of broken hearts and minds. He restores all things to himself because he, alone, created all things for himself. I'm calling on the Holy SpiritAlmighty River come and fill me againCome and fill me againCome and fill me again The same God who heard the cries from generations past hears us now. And His sameness matters. While the circumstances around us seem fluid and ever-changing like ocean tides, God is the same through all our tomorrows. He still heals and hems us in from behind. He is our protector and defender. You heard Your children then, You hear Your children nowYou are the same God, You are the same GodYou answered prayers back then, and You will answer nowYou are the same God, You are the same God Whether you are battling the giants lurking inside you, or giants that live on the mountain standing in your way, take a moment and remember the God who is for you. He hears. He saves. He restores. The same God whose heart and intention never shifts for your good remains faithful to His promises. 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. Same God was written by Pat Barrett, Chris Brown, Steven Furtick, Brandon Lake and featured on Elevation Worship's Same God album.

It is easy to let the news, social media, and our past experience determine the way we see our future in today's world. Our hopes can rise and fall on the general state of our country, workplace, or family. For others of us, we choose to resist any form of hope whatsoever. The very idea of hopes dashed is too painful. When we look at our situation, we seem to be surrounded by a desert on all sides. It is as if we are in the middle of a hot, barren wasteland where nothing can grow. We are thirsty, but there is no river. And in this place, we are tempted to believe this is the hand we have been dealt. Nothing can change. There is no way forward. But God. Isaiah 43:19 says, "Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." Through Isaiah, God is saying he is making way for all creation. He has a plan for salvation and a path of deliverance for all people, and His name is Jesus! He is saying he has come to give us hope and a future! In the middle of the dried up, worn out, broken down— there is a way forward. Time after time in Scripture, we see God do just this. After tending sheep for forty years, Moses was stopped in his tracks by a burning bush. He was about to become the leader of the Israelite exodus. Joseph was thrown into a well, left for dead, sold to the Ishmaelites, falsely accused, and thrown in prison for over two years. He became second in command over all of Egypt and saved his family and the entire country from famine. Hannah longed for a son but couldn't have children. Year after year, she wept and poured out her heart before God. She eventually gave birth to Samuel and five other children. The way may look different than we think or desire, but God's promise remains. As we close, it is important to note God does not promise to bring us out of the wilderness but that he will make a way in the wilderness. Paul says in Romans 5:5, "Hope does not disappoint us because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us." God has given us the Holy Spirit whose work it is to open our eyes to the overwhelming significance of God's love for us; a love that has staggering implications for our future, a love that fills us with hope! We are prone to believe the lie, the false story that things cannot change. But take another look at God's track record and his promise. For generations, he's been doing new things; he's been making ways in wastelands and rivers in deserts. Who are we to believe the promise is not for us? Who are we not to believe he will do it again? Based on the song New Thing by Melodie Malone, Jessie Early, Patrick Mayberry. Original post by Passion Music available on YouVersion based on the album - Burn Bright by Passion.

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

Tried and true. Call them nostalgic, old, or classic, these songs have stood the test of time at PraiseCharts. Take a look through some of the most memorable praise & worship songs of the past 25 years.