Song Lists

The idea of Holy Ground was not a foreign one to God's people Israel. When Moses saw the burning bush, God told him to take off his sandals because he was standing on holy ground. Again, when Moses cried, “Show me your glory!” to God in Exodus 33, God had to hide Moses in a rock and shield him from seeing his face so he wouldn't die at the sheer sight of His goodness and glory. It was too much, too glorious, to behold. But now, because of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, when we as followers of Jesus cry “Show us your glory!” we find that it's a cry of remembrance of all He has done for us and continues to do in us. Holy Ground is no longer a place, it's the Person of Christ living in and through us, and He changes everything. Scripture tells us in 2 Corinthians 4 that “God, who has said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. The face Moses couldn't see has now been revealed, all the hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge, now found in Christ. When we lock eyes with Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, it changes us. Again in 2 Corinthians 3, Paul tells believers that we all with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory and are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory. Our lives become worship back to Him as we respond to the glorious truth of “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” God thank you that you have made known to us who you are in Christ, who is the “radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his being.” Thank you that holy ground is not a place but a position—being found in you, Jesus, and you in me through the Spirit. Let my heart be one in awe of you, burning for you, and changed by you. In Jesus' name, Amen. Based on the song Holy Ground by Jimi Cravity, Melodie Malone, Brett Younker, Mia Fieldes. Original post by Passion Music available on YouVersion based on the live album - Passion: Worthy Of Your Name, featuring worship songs from Passion Band, Chris Tomlin, Crowder, Matt Redman, Jimi Cravity & more!

With open honesty and humor, Jernigan bares his soul about overcoming the difficulties of fear and anxiety that often creep in when breaking the news of a diagnosis like this. Through stories and anecdotes, as well as practical advice, Dennis shares the beauty of his journey so far and the myriad opportunities he's found to make new and lasting—and sometimes hilarious—memories with his family. Find out more here.

Find traditional and modern worship songs and hymns about the empty grave. These are songs perfect for the worship choir celebrating Easter Ressurection Sunday. Download chord charts, stage charts, lead sheets, orchestrations, or multitracks.

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

I woke up angry. Hurt, disappointed and angry. I also have a deadline. I am supposed to be writing about the love of God in Christ alone. So ironic. How do I connect to the love of God with the emotion of anger coursing through my veins? Today is a very human kind of day where no one filled the dishwasher or offered to help with the groceries. Someone borrowed the car and brought it home empty. The garbage cans are still sitting at the end of the driveway, and it was garbage day four days ago. Someone took the last bit of coffee cream, leaving me with skim milk. I could share this with someone. I could weave this tale with a friend or post something in an eerily passive way on social media. I would see those likes and comments of validation, knowing that others share or at least understand my emotions. Here's the thing. None of that would transform my hurt, soften my disappointment or soothe my anger. For a few moments, I would feel great. I'm sure one of my besties would come alongside me and say, "heck ya, that wasn't very respectful to you!" Or, "how dare they do that!! You sure do have a right to be mad! I would be mad too!" My chin would jut out, my shoulders would drop down, and I would stand taller, feeling vindicated and understood. ... for about ten minutes. And then, suppose there is no resolution to the initial hurt? Suppose I have to continue interacting with all of the "someones" who are a part of my irritation? I could so easily pick up my hurt and disappointment the moment I am in their presence. Sharing this pain for the world to hear will not clear the fog away to connect with the love of God, and it will not heal my heart. When I am wrestling internally, I know I need the perspective of someone who both loves me and loves me enough to tell me the truth. My end goal is to have authentic, meaningful, loving connections with my people. To see and be seen and to be accepted and supported. I have learned not to sit in emotional dark places alone. The darkness is where unresolved hurt festers. Instead, I go to my quiet place where Jesus waits with me. This is a loose transcript of a typical conversation: Me: I am pretty mad Jesus: I see thatMe: Ok, more than mad ... I am angry Jesus: I knowMe: I want them to know how hurt I am Jesus: Tell me ... I know them well ... they might not be able to hold your hurt, but I can.Me: I think it would feel better if they knew how they hurt me.Jesus: Because you want them to hurt too?Me: (busted) Maybe ... I am just so frustrated that my bones ache. I always have to be the first to make amends ... so, not this time. I am going to hold out.Jesus: OK, I will wait with you. (Pausing in His presence) How does a conversation like this continue for you? Does the voice of Jesus in your head condemn you for feeling this way? Does He quote some Bible verse about "not letting the sun go down on your anger" or forgiving your brother and "turning the other cheek?" Does Jesus sit and stare at you with judgment in His eyes? This is the real, rusty and relevant, rubber hitting the road of relationships. Relationships are messy and often reactive. Maybe you and your spouse always get along. Maybe your children are always respectable, obedient, and lovely -- both privately and publicly. Maybe you don't ever say something out loud you later regret? Maybe your family is free of awkward moments of discomfort and conflict? Maybe it is just us? Maybe my ordinary, messy life is not typical? I know that isn't true. I know I am not alone because I work with people whose lives are messy. Every day people are constantly falling into pits that they dug for themselves, and then they experience heartache and disappointment. I sit across from them while they tell me their stories of pain. I witness them telling of trauma histories that have turned my stomach in knots. Then, through empathy, I start to feel anger and deep sadness for the victims. I feel their pain. I know the ache of a human heart that lives with hurt, disappointment, and loss. I also know it is not enough to undo our aloneness or to feel understood -- we need to experience transformation. Healing and wholeness can so often feel just out of reach. We need to know the power of Christ in us. I can help others feel through the waves of their emotion and allow them to linger longer in the peace that comes when the waves cease. But Jesus is our Peace. He is the calm in our storms. He is so passionate about pursuing us to bring heaven to earth, so we experience the transformation of our hearts and minds. When I allow the power of His resurrection to course through my veins, something shifts inside me. His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. (2 Peter 1:3) His power in us is the life-giving grace that floods our burdened hearts with peace, grace, and long-suffering. His power living in us allows our hurting hearts to lay down the pain and take up hope in restoration and repair. We have everything we need in Him. He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me on the day of my disaster, but the LORD was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me. (Psalm 18:16-19) Lean into this truth. Jesus offers us the gift of His presence for eternity. What is the end goal of Jesus? The restoration of all things and to have us near Him forever. He saves. He rescues us from our messy selves and places us in a safe space away from the darkness of our sin and pain. Our hope is in Christ Alone. 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. In Christ Alone was written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend.

Call To WorshipTake a moment to embrace the victory we have in Christ. There's a peace that outshines the darkest moments and a hope deeply rooted in His enduring love. This peace and hope are our anchors in both calm and chaos. The grace we need today and for all our tomorrows has been secured by the triumph of Christ. In every challenge, we can be confident in God's steadfast presence, knowing He provides just as He always has. In our struggles and uncertainties, we engage in a battle already won by our Savior. Whatever comes our way, we have the strength to overcome through Jesus' completed work. Let's fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. In Him, we find our courage and comfort. His victory is our assurance and hope. As we worship, celebrate this victory that is already ours in Christ. Devotional: Victory in ChristIn life, we often face uncertainties and challenges that can seem overwhelming. Yet, in these moments, it's crucial to remember the victory we already have in Jesus Christ. This victory brings a peace that outshines even the darkest moments and a hope that is deeply rooted in His love. Every day, we are reminded of God's enduring presence. He provides what we need, just as He always has. His faithfulness is not just a past experience but an ongoing reality. In every battle we face, whether small or large, we are not fighting for victory but from a place of victory – a victory already secured by Christ. In the midst of our struggles, it's essential to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. He is not only the author of our faith but also the perfecter of it. In Him, we find the courage to face our battles and the comfort in knowing that He has already won. The victory of Jesus over sin and death is not just a historical event; it's a present-day reality that impacts how we live our lives. It transforms our fears into faith, our weaknesses into strengths, and our doubts into assurances. "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." - 1 Corinthians 15:57

Jesus is the embodiment of God's grace toward us. He is the real life, God-in-flesh, full-on expression of God's love and heart to save and rescue His children. He is the living evidence that God would move Heaven and Earth to not only meet us in our brokenness but also make a way to lead us out into life everlasting. What makes this truth all the more amazing is that Jesus, who was born in a manger, is now and always has been enthroned above all eternity. When our King spoke the word “light,” there was light. He is the holy eternal King, sovereign over all. Throughout the story of Scripture, God has been telling us that our Savior King would come to rescue us from our sin and shame. The prophet Isaiah says that our King is a “Wonderful Counselor” and a “Mighty God.” He says our King has come to establish a kingdom that is greater than any government on the face of the earth. Justice and peace will reign true in this kingdom of God. When the eyes of our hearts get even a glimpse to see that our majestic King Jesus was born to forgive the sins of mankind, we can't help but sing “Glory to God” forever and ever. Based on the song Grace Of God With Us by Ben Fielding, Brett Younker, Aodhan King. Original post by Passion Music available on YouVersion based on the album - Hope Has A Name by Passion.

We feel the brokenness of this world every day, don't we? Maybe you feel it in your relationships, in a struggle you're facing, or even in your own body. Something is off here. We don't quite feel at home. We are always yearning for something more because we were made for something more. “For this world is not our permanent home,” Hebrews says, “we are looking forward to a home yet to come.” (Heb. 13:14) This world is not what it was meant to beAll this pain, all this sufferingThere's a better place waiting for meIn heaven Our real home has not yet come, but we are given a taste in scripture of what it will be like: “Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 'He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Rev. 21:3-4) In heaven, every chain is broken, every fear is gone. The things of this world that enslave us today—our sin, our circumstance, our mortality—will have no hold over us in eternity. Whatever feels broken here will be made whole in our eternal home. In the daily grind, it's hard to remember this isn't all there is. We get lost in the shuffle and in the mess of it all. This is why we have to intentionally stop and remind ourselves of the hope we have in Jesus, the freedom that is to come, and the home that we were made for. Knowing this, we can boldly sing: Hallelujah, hallelujahI am goingI'm going home Based on the song Home by Chris Tomlin. Original post available on YouVersion based on the album Never Lose Sight.

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

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

"A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing; our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing." These words from A Mighty Fortress Is Our God speak powerfully to the strength, protection, and sovereignty of God. This hymn, written by Martin Luther in the early 16th century, has been an anthem of faith for over 500 years, reminding believers to trust in the Lord as their refuge and strength in times of trial and adversity. The Story Behind the Hymn Martin Luther, a key figure in the Protestant Reformation, penned A Mighty Fortress Is Our God (originally in German as Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott) around 1529. The hymn was inspired by Psalm 46, which proclaims, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1). Luther lived during a time of great spiritual and political upheaval, when the message of justification by faith alone was taking root. This hymn was not just a song but a battle cry for those facing persecution and hardship for their faith. It speaks to the unshakable nature of God, who is our fortress in every storm and struggle. Set to a bold, majestic melody, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God became known as the "Battle Hymn of the Reformation." It gave hope to countless believers, reminding them that, no matter how fierce the enemy, God's strength and protection are far greater. Devotional Reflection The opening line of the hymn reminds us that God is not just a temporary shelter but a mighty fortress—a safe and impenetrable refuge where we can find protection and peace. Luther's hymn presents a vivid picture of God's power and defense, especially amid the flood of “mortal ills” that threaten to overwhelm us. Whether we face personal struggles, spiritual battles, or global turmoil, this hymn reassures us that God is in control and that He alone is our ultimate source of security. "For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe; his craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate, on earth is not his equal." In these verses, Luther acknowledges the reality of spiritual warfare. The devil, described here as the "ancient foe," is powerful and seeks to bring harm to God's people. However, we are not left to fight on our own. The hymn's triumphant message is that Christ has already defeated the powers of darkness. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus secured victory over Satan, sin, and death. The newly arranged version of A Mighty Fortress Is Our God by Travis Cottrell breathes fresh life into this classic hymn while maintaining its bold and reverent tone. With soaring orchestration and dynamic vocal arrangements, Cottrell captures the hymn's powerful themes of God's protection and strength. This new arrangement invites choirs and congregations to engage deeply in worship, drawing on the rich theological truths that have comforted and strengthened believers for centuries. A Call to Trust "Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing; were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God's own choosing." Luther's words remind us that our strength is not enough to face the challenges before us. If we rely on our own abilities or resources, we will surely fail. But when we trust in Christ, the "Man of God's own choosing," we stand victorious. Jesus is the one who fights on our behalf, and through Him, we are more than conquerors. The hymn's final stanza proclaims the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom: "His kingdom is forever." No matter how powerful the forces against us may seem, they cannot prevail against the eternal reign of God. This truth brings peace in the midst of chaos and hope in the face of uncertainty. We can rest in the knowledge that God's kingdom is unshakable, and He will reign forever. A Call to Worship As you sing or listen to this new arrangement of A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, take time to reflect on the ways God has been your fortress in the storms of life. Remember His faithfulness, power, and protection. In moments of fear or doubt, return to this hymn as a reminder that God is your stronghold and that nothing can stand against Him. This hymn calls us to a posture of trust and confidence in God. No matter what you are facing today, know that God is with you, defending you, and leading you into victory. His strength is made perfect in your weakness, and His kingdom is eternal. Prayer Lord, we thank You that You are our mighty fortress, our refuge, and strength in times of trouble. Help us to trust in Your power and protection, knowing that You are always with us. When the enemy seeks to bring us down, remind us that Christ has already won the victory. We place our trust in You, our unshakable refuge, and we give You all the glory. In Jesus' name, Amen. Travis Cottrell's new arrangement of A Mighty Fortress Is Our God blends modern worship elements with the hymn's classic structure, creating a powerful experience for choirs and congregations alike. As you worship with this hymn, let it strengthen your faith and deepen your trust in the God who is a fortress for His people—yesterday, today, and forever.

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.

You probably remember the moment when you first encountered Jesus as your savior. Maybe it was at an altar call in a church setting, maybe it was in a hospital room, or alone in your car, or at coffee with a friend. That moment marks the turning point of your life. Your story is now divided into two parts: pre-Jesus and post-Jesus. The Christian life is marked with moments when we have to return to the moment and remember the difference Jesus made in our lives, that he really is and always will be our first love. You are still my first loveAnd all I am is yoursYou are still my anchorForever I'm secure The Book of Revelation warns against abandoning our first love. In reference to the church at Ephesus, it says, “…you have persevered, and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works.” (Rev. 2:3-5) The church at Ephesus had been doing good works for the gospel, but they had lost the heart behind it, the reason they were working for the gospel in the first place. They had left their first love, and when we do this, no matter how much “good” we're doing, our attempts are in vain. First Corinthians explains, “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.” (1 Cor. 13:3) Oh, how I love you, JesusYou are my greatest joyHow I adore you, JesusOh, my soul rejoice Christ is the reason and the force behind all we do. We feel this strongly at the beginning of our Christian journey. We are in love with Jesus and do things out of that place of love. As time goes by, however, we slip into performing out of obligation or to look good to others. If this is the pattern you find yourself in today, take this opportunity to stop and remember why we do good. Return to that moment you first met Jesus and the passion and desire it stirred in you. No matter how much time has passed since then, no matter what's transpired, he is still and always will be your first love. Based on the song First Love by Chris Tomlin featuring Kim Walker-Smith. Original post available on YouVersion based on the album Never Lose Sight.

The faith of Christianity hinges on the resurrection. Did the life of Christ end on the cross, or is he still alive today? Without Christ's resurrection, we are left with a question mark regarding his divinity, which would negate anything he ever said. C. S. Lewis puts it this way in his book Mere Christianity: “A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell.” Paul stresses the importance of the resurrection when he says, “But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation is without foundation, and so is your faith.” (1 Cor. 15:13-14) The resurrection is what proved Jesus was God. It's what proved the power of the cross. From heaven to earth our savior cameFor us on a cross he bled and diedAnd from the cross to an empty graveHe rose to life The truth of the resurrection means Christ is alive today, and he is alive in us. Galatians says, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” (Gal. 2:20) As Christians who believe in the resurrection, we believe that we have also died—died to sin—and are no longer slaves, but children of God, inheritors of His kingdom. (Gal. 4:7) We now live because of and for Christ. “You must make your choice,” continues Lewis. “Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse.” Choose to believe in the power of the resurrection today, that Jesus reigns on his throne and he reigns in you. Based on the song He Lives by Chris Tomlin. Original post available on YouVersion based on the album Never Lose Sight.

In the Christian tradition, we have a simple hymn of praise called the doxology. Churches and denominations sing, or recite, different versions of the doxology, but the purpose is the same: to praise the triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Glory be to God the FatherGlory be to God the SonGlory be to God the Spirit The word doxology comes from the Greek words “doxa,” which means glory, and “logia,” which means saying. Saying glory. As God's creation, this is what we're made to do: say glory, or in other words, worship. We praise God with our words, with our lives, and with our whole being. Praise awaits You at the dawnPraise awaits You in the nightWith the heavens I will sing And lift You high The wonders of God—his creation and power as well as his forgiveness and mercy—call forth songs of joy. They cause us to want to worship. Worship isn't something we do out of obligation, but rather in response to who God is and what he has done. As Psalm 65 says, “Praise awaits you, our God, in Zion; to you our vows will be fulfilled. You who answer prayer, to you all people will come… The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy.” (Psalm 65:1-2, 8) In worship, the focus is not on ourselves and our circumstances but on the one who is above. Worship, unlike any other act, reminds us of who God is—the one who is and was and is to come. For that we say the doxology. We say glory. Glory be to God foreverAll glory to the OneAs it was and is and ever shall beAmen Based on the song Glory Be by Chris Tomlin. Original post available on YouVersion based on the album Never Lose Sight.