Worship Wednesdays – LizMargaret

April 5, 2017January 8, 2018 Liz Blog, Faith, Worship Wednesdays

Worship Wednesdays #14 | Purge Me

The profile // about the artist

Urban Doxology

Worship band and music ministry
From Church Hill, Richmond, VA

The pull // why i like it

This song is so raw. A sincere cry to the Lord in utter surrender. I’ve listened to this song through so many tough times just in worship. It always reminds me of God’s goodness, even when I feel like I can’t see what He’s doing in the midst of hardship.

The message // what it means

Trusting in God is a process, but even when we have problems, we can CHOOSE Him. He is still sovereign. He still reigns! The enemy lost when Christ Jesus defeated death on the cross to save us–and even so, He still saves us in our much smaller, daily challenges.

I’m crying out

I’m desperate for you

And I’m not afraid to open my heart and give you all

We’ll declare your name

Jehovah reigns despite our problems

And through the pain We’ll learn to trust in you

The call // best to listen when

You need to cry out to the Lord. Declare the truth of the Word: God is in control–and He’s a God of deliverance. He has you–call out to Him.

March 23, 2017January 8, 2018 Liz Blog, Faith, Worship Wednesdays

Worship Wednesdays #13 | He Will Hold Me Fast

The profile // about the artist

Norton Hall Band

Praise and worship band
From The Institute for Biblical Worship

The pull // why i like it

I heard this song on Spotify, and I absolutely fell in love with it. Beautiful instrumentals–(Love the violin!) Strong vocals. Powerful lyrics.

The message // what it means

No matter what the enemy throws at us, Christ Jesus promises to keep us and sustain us, and He will. The Lord spoke these words, so He will fulfill them. He delights in us, wants the best for us, and can set us free. All it takes is childlike faith to allow Him to work.

When I fear my faith will fail
Christ will hold me fast
When the tempter would prevail
He will hold me fast
I could never keep my hold
Through life’s fearful path
For my love is often cold
He must hold me fast

The call // best to listen if

You need a reminder of Christ’s love and promises for you. I love that this song repeats Christ WILL hold us. Claiming God’s promise is often the first step in seeing it manifest in our lives.

March 8, 2017January 8, 2018 Liz Blog, Faith, Worship Wednesdays

Worship Wednesdays #12 | Seasons Change

The profile // about the artist

United Pursuit

Christian worship band
From Knoxville, Tennessee

The pull // why i like it

A friend of mine introduced me to this band, and I binge-listened to them on Spotify. Needless to say, I was hooked–especially to this song. Its calming melody always brings me into worship and acknowledging God for who He says He is.

The message // what it means

God is faithful and loving, and He is truly enough. Although the world around us, people and circumstances in our lives change, He does not change. His character and promises remain the same, and we can have confidence in that.

“Lord you’ve been faithful to plant the seeds
And you will be faithful to always send your rain”

The call // best to listen if

You need a reminder of who God is. There’s something beautiful in this worship, declaring the truth of His character over and over again…”Though the seasons change, Your love remains.”

July 16, 2016January 9, 2018 Liz Blog, Faith, Worship Wednesdays

Worship Wednesdays #11 | Great I Am

The profile // about the artist

New Life Worship

Christian worship band (singers, musicians, songwriters)
From Colorado Springs, Colorado (New Life Church)

The pull // why i like it

Another one of my favorite worship songs, “Great I Am” is so focused on who God is. Caught up in our daily lives and busyness, it’s easy to fall into the trap of forgetting the mightiness of God, but worship puts the focus back on Him. “Great I Am,” full of praises, is the mindset we need to carry every day.

The message // what it means

God is worthy of our worship and praise. There is nothing too hard for Him, nothing impossible, He is the most holy–He is our awesome God. His name itself is powerful. As followers of Christ, we have access to a powerful, eternal God.

“There is no power in hell

Or any who can stand

Before the power and the

Presence of the Great I Am”

The call // best to listen when

Any day. Like I previously mentioned, this song reminds me of the mindset that we should always have towards our God. Singing praises to Him and claiming His promises bring much glory and honor to Him.

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.

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.