LizMargaret

July 3, 2016January 9, 2018 Liz Blog, Faith, Worship Wednesdays

Worship Wednesdays #10 | Voice of Truth

The profile // about the artist

Casting Crowns

Contemporary Christian rock band
From Daytona Beach, Florida

Check out previous Casting Crowns #WorshipWednesdays posts:

1 (Dream for You)

The pull // why i like it

This song reminds me that following God is absolutely countercultural–in the best possible way. When you decide to accept Christ and trust in Him, you learn not to fear what the world fears. Instead you can be eternally-minded, in peace because of His promises, at rest because He gives you rest, and stable because of His love.

The message // what it means

Ever feel like life gets a bit “noisy”? It often seems hard to know which direction to take because there are so many opinions in our daily lives and online. However, when we have a solid relationship with Christ, we have access to the “voice of truth.” While the world will try to tell you who you are, where you should go, and what you should fear, God’s voice is the one that speaks the truth about your identity and that there is no reason to fear. It’s up to us to reject the voices that take life away from us and listen to the One who speaks life into us.

“Out of all the voices calling out to me

I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth”

The call // best to listen if

You’re struggling with fear and confusion. Both are easy ways that the enemy can deceive us and steer us away from the course God has set out for us. But when we worship God and study His Word–when we listen to His voice–we will have victory over the enemy’s lies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaVg0cWkgAw

July 3, 2016January 9, 2018 Liz Blog, Faith, Worship Wednesdays

Worship Wednesdays #9 | All I Can Say

The profile // about the artist

David Crowder Band

Christian rock and worship band
From Waco, Texas

The pull // why i like it

“All I Can Say” is a powerful portrait of the moments when we are left speechless and weak in difficult times. This song’s gentle sound reminds me of the quietness in intimacy with the Lord and how beauty and strength are born in these moments. Even when things are not changing as we would like them to, we can hold onto Him.

The message // what it means

Sometimes it’s in the stillness of life’s chaos and confusion that we are reminded that God is with us. In these times, it’s important to fight back and understand that God has never left us and that He not only carries our burdens with us but desires to take them away. It’s often at our lowest points that we understand what true surrender to the Lord looks like.

“I didn’t notice You were standing here

I didn’t know that

That was You holding me

I didn’t notice You were crying too

I didn’t know that

That was You washing my feet”

The call // best to listen when

Definitely anytime. Specifically in times of weakness, when we feel consumed by what’s going on around us, this song is an encouragement that God is right there and hears us.

June 30, 2016January 9, 2018 Liz Blog, Faith, Worship Wednesdays

Worship Wednesdays #8 | Dream for You

The profile // about the artist

Casting Crowns

Contemporary Christian rock band
From Daytona Beach, Florida

The pull // why i like it

Casting Crowns has been one of my favorite bands for years. I heard “Dream for You” a few months ago, and I love that this song is refreshing and uplifting. When we follow God, we allow the space for His amazing plan to manifest itself in our lives.

The message // what it means

The God we read in the Bible is the same God today. This song incorporates the narratives of many well-known Bible figures like David, Mary, and Joseph, and although they each had different stories, God pulled them through great difficulty, remaining true to His character. It’s easy for us to separate ourselves from those we read in the Word, but this is our portion as well. Just as God acted on behalf of those who honored Him in the past, He does the exact same today.

“I’m stronger than you think I am

I’ll take you farther than you think you can

You sing and call me Great I Am

So take your stand”

The call // best to listen when

You need encouragement. Every time I hear this song, it not only puts me in a good mood, but it reminds me that no matter what’s going on, God is and has always been in control.

June 15, 2016January 9, 2018 Liz Blog, Faith, Worship Wednesdays

Worship Wednesdays #7 | Good Good Father

The profile // about the artist

Chris Tomlin

Contemporary Christian music artist/songwriter, worship leader
From Grand Saline, Texas

The pull // why i like it

I love the straightforward message of this song: God is a good Father. It’s a simple fact, yet the enemy tries to deceive us to think otherwise. However, we can fight back by having a firm foundation in the truth of who our Savior is.

The message // what it means

God is the source of everything. He’s a loving Father, and our identity is tied to Him. In order to understand this life and our purpose, we must know Him.

“I’ve seen many searching for answers far and wide

But I know we’re all searching

For answers only You provide”

The call // best to listen when

Anytime! I love that wherever you are, this song encourages you sit and meditate on God and rest in His presence.

June 8, 2016January 9, 2018 Liz Blog, Faith, Worship Wednesdays

Worship Wednesdays #6 | Learning to Breathe

The profile // about the artist

Switchfoot

Alternative rock band
From San Diego, California

The pull // why i like it

I’ve been a long time Switchfoot fan, and “Learning to Breathe” has been one of my favorite songs. The song has relatable lyrics that speak about God as our ultimate source of peace.

The message // what it means

“Learning to Breathe” is a reminder that God is the God of all comfort. He hears us. He sees us. He cares for us individually. Try searching for this comfort elsewhere, and you’ll get lost. However, by His grace, even when we fall, God is there to restore us.

“I’m finding that You, and You alone can break my fall”

The call // best to listen if

You’re a Switchfoot fan or if you’re looking for a tranquil song that praises God for who He is.

May 27, 2016January 9, 2018 Liz Blog, Faith, Worship Wednesdays

Worship Wednesdays #5 | Oceans

The profile // about the artist

Hillsong UNITED

Contemporary Christian worship band (originated from Hillsong Church)
From Sydney, Australia

The pull // why i like it

Where to even start. “Oceans” is such a beautiful song, and I don’t even remember when I first heard it. Nevertheless, I’m glad I did. It’s such a beautiful love song about our Savior and His presence. “Where feet may fail,” He is able.

The message // what it means

How great is God’s grace, His love, His guidance, His sovereignty. I love that this song speaks of total surrender to our Savior, acknowledging His faithfulness. God only asks for our willingness, then He can lead us wherever He may call us. This type of willingness–this “I am Yours” mindset–allows Him to work on our hearts, deepening our faith. He will never fail us.

“Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders

Let me walk upon the waters

Wherever You would call me”

The call // best to listen if

In this case, there’s no “if.” You probably know Hillsong. You probably know this song. If not, you’re missing out. Either way, you should check it out.

May 25, 2016January 9, 2018 Liz Blog, Faith, Worship Wednesdays

Worship Wednesdays #4 | Shine

The profile // about the artist

Salvador

Contemporary Christian band
From Austin, Texas

The pull // why i like it

Shine is another throwback worship song that I’ve loved for years. When I was younger, I’d hear the song on the radio over and over again, yet I never grew tired of it. It’s incredibly uplifting and has powerful, positive lyrics.

The message // what it means

There’s great fulfillment and joy that comes with serving God. As follows of Christ, we must follow His command to be a light for Him and share the gospel. Shine celebrates the “beauty” and “majesty” of our loving Savior and how much He deserves glory.

“Lord, let me shine, shine like the moon

A reflection of You in all that I do

Lord, let me be, a light for Your truth

Light of the world, I wanna be used to shine for You”

The call // best to listen

Whenever. There’s something about this song that makes you want to sing along and worship. It’s definitely a mood-booster, but most importantly, it’s such a wonderful song of praise.

May 17, 2016January 9, 2018 Liz Blog, Faith, Worship Wednesdays

Worship Wednesdays #3 | Shepherd of My Soul

The profile // about the artist

R&R - All Things New.jpg — **All Things New (2014)**

Rivers & Robots (R&R)

Worship music band and missionaries in the U.K.
From England

The pull // why i like it

My oldest brother, who happens to have great music taste, introduced me to Rivers & Robots. I only heard a minute or two of Shepherd of My Soul, but I loved it right away. The lyrics speak Biblical truth, and the song itself is composed so wonderfully. Also, have you seen the lyric video (below)? It completely captures the band’s cool aesthetic.

The message // what it means

God is a good God. Not only is He the Creator of the “mountains and seas,” but He cares and values you and has created a unique path for your life. He is a God of provision and peace. Remembering God’s sovereignty reminds us that we can lay down our lives and plans and have confidence of who He is.

Living for Him gives us stability in this ever-changing world.

“You lead me by still waters

Lead me through the valleys

Lead me in Your wisdom

Shepherd of my soul”

The call // best to listen if

You love folk, indie, or acoustic music. However, if you don’t usually listen to these genres, the soothing melody and lyrics of this song may draw you in.

May 11, 2016January 9, 2018 Liz Blog, Faith, Worship Wednesdays

Worship Wednesdays #2 | Faithful

The profile // about the artist

Brooke Fraser

Contemporary Christian Artist
From New Zealand

The pull // why i like it

An oldie but goodie, Faithful is one of the first Brooke Fraser songs that I discovered years ago. The song has a lovely melody, and it’s accompanied by her famously beautiful vocals.

The message // what it means

God hears you, and He has not forgotten you.

When we feel distant from Him, He’s still there. In quiet seasons, we should learn to seek Him and remain faithful, even though we can’t see the future.

“When I can’t feel you, I have learned to reach out just the same

When I can’t hear you, I know you still hear every word I pray

And I want you more than I want to live another day

And as I wait for you maybe I’m made more faithful”

The call // best to listen if

You’re a Brooke Fraser fan (though you’ve probably already heard this one). If you’re not a fan, this song might make you one.

May 11, 2016January 9, 2018 Liz Blog, Faith

He Heard You

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

1 John 5:14 (KJV)

At the beginning of the spring semester, a good friend from high school visited me at college.

We kept in contact as she traveled, but after she got off her last train, she sent me a frantic text:

I FORGOT MY PURSE ON THE TRAIN!

She fortunately had her phone in her hand, but everything else, besides her backpack, was left behind.

The first instinct I had was to pray, and I replied to her that I did afterwards.

In the meanwhile, an employee searched the train, and she had gone to the lost and found at the station, but nothing turned up. Despite this, she had a great attitude about the loss, and we still had a fun weekend together. Nevertheless, I was a bit bummed and confused that she hadn’t found the purse, especially since I did believe that God heard my prayer and would answer it.

A few weeks later, I got a message from my friend about something she had forgotten to tell me. Days after she had returned from the trip, she received a package in the mail from someone that contained her purse and everything (including money) still inside it.

When I heard the news, I was utterly shocked and overjoyed. I was happy that she found her purse, and even more in awe that God had answered the prayer–even though I had forgotten about it.

Even when we forget about what we have asked the Lord, He hasn’t forgotten our requests, so we must remain submitted to Him.

Submitting to God means that despite the outcome of our prayers, we will still trust and follow His direction. We can have peace in this, knowing that He knows our needs. He is taking care of us, although He might be doing so in ways we don’t expect.

I had no idea that my friend’s purse would be returned in such an uncanny way, yet the fact that it was completely unharmed made the situation a larger testimony of how God works. She could have found it at the station, but instead, the purse was returned in a way that was out of her control–proving that a bigger miracle was behind it.

God hears every one of our prayers. As we wait on Him, we can have confidence and excitement knowing that He is preparing a great testimony in our lives of His faithfulness.

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

Hebrews 10:23 (KJV)