The Power of a Song

Gwen SmithBlog, Christian Living, Devotions, Worship 400 Comments

Exodus 15.2

Just try to keep my daughter from singing. Go ahead and try. You will fail. She must sing. It’s just her thing.

Some days when I’m writing, or simply trying to piece together a coherent thought, I dream that she could travel to a land far, far away from me and hang out in a sound proof room.

Shhhh! Embrace β€œquiet” already, girl.

I know. When it comes to 24/7 musical expressions, mother-of-the-year I am not.

And I’m okay with that.

The irony, of course, is that I, too, love to singβ€”just not all day every day like my daughter, and certainly not when I’m writing.

Oh, but I do love music.

I love writing songs, singing songs, learning songs, and playing songs. If my iTunes library were in book form, it would fill the Library of Congress.

In many ways my life is processed through melody and verse.

I can scarcely pick up my Bible and spend time in God’s presence without having to run to the piano in responsive worship. When His deep calls out to my deep, I just have to chase it musically!

Why? What is the big deal about songs?

I could never hope to understand the full scope of the answer, but I know this: music is powerful. It heightens emotions and allows us to feel our way through a thought.

Think back to the first time you heard…

β€œOver the Rainbow” sung by Judy Garland

β€œShout to the Lord” sung by Darlene Zschech

β€œGeorgia on My Mind” sung by Ray Charles

β€œBecause He Lives” sung by Gloria and Bill Gaither

β€œReckless Love” sung by Cory Asbury

β€œRespect” sung by Aretha Franklin

β€œMy Heart Will Go On” sung by Celine Dion

β€œHow Great Is Our God” sung by Chris Tomlin

or β€œWhat a Wonderful World” sung by Louis Armstrong

Pure melodic magic.

Notes and words strung together in excellence can raise us to our feet or push us to our knees.

Because music touches something at the core of our being, it should come as no surprise that one of the names of God found in Scripture is My Song. First seen in Exodus 15:2, My Song is a name that Moses used to describe God as he celebrated the miraculous deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt.

Can you imagine how his heart swelled as he watched God turn a massive body of water into a walking trail for millions of Israelites? Moses and his people threw down a big ol’ God-party on the victory side of the Red Sea!

Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the Lord, saying, β€œI will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea. The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him. (Exodus 15:1-2)

Moses had to sing because his heart couldn’t contain the gratitude and awe he felt for God. He called the Lord My Song. He was compelled to worship. I totally get that. God had freed His people through a medley of miracle after miracle. How could they not respond in grateful worship? How could He not be their Song?

How could He not be ours, as well?

The greatest commandment of God to His people is not vague. It is crystal clear. Both the Old and New Testaments tell us that the most vital calling in lifeβ€”your greatest purposeβ€”is to β€œβ€˜Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment” (Matthew 22:37-38).

Bam! That’s it.

What better way for us to express love to God than by living out a life that sings His praise and features Him as the ultimate object of our desire?

I will be the first to admit that my feeble attempts to live out the greatest commandment fall short every single day. I want to love Him perfectly, but I’m just not able to. I want to love Him with all of my heart, soul, and mind. Sincerely. But the reality is I can’t because I am a distracted worshiper.

My life is busy with ordinary. The laundry never ends, the family activities never cease, dust dominates, and dishes fill my kitchen sink, even when I’ve just cleared it out. To sprinkle special on our ordinary days, we add music. We sing. We dance. We worship.

So, as much as my daughter’s constant melodious outbursts may wear me out, maybe she’s on to something after all. If God is our song, then how can we not sing? How can we not find a songβ€”our Song, Godβ€”in both the mundane and the miraculous of our lives? If He is our song, then let’s raise our voices with His praise!

Dear Lord,
You are my Song. Thank You for giving us music! Thank You for inviting me to honor You in praise with instruments, voices, verses, and melodies. Help me to love You with my heart, mind and soul…more today than yesterday…and more the next day than tomorrow.
In Jesus’s name, amen.

FOR YOUR REFLECTION and RESPONSE:

In Psalm 40:3, King David expressed God’s loving deliverance this way, β€œHe put a new songΒ in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fearΒ and put their trustΒ in theΒ Lord.” Has God given you a new song? Give Him thanks right now.


UPCOMING EVENTS

North Carolina (Greensboro) / Sept 8 / Women’s Conf / MORE INFO

Kentucky (Camp Calvary) / Sept 21-22 / Retreat / MORE INFO

Michigan (Clarkson) / Oct 6 / Girlfriends in God / MORE INFO

Maryland (Sandy Cove) / Oct 19-21 / Girlfriends in God / MORE INFO

New York (Word of Life) / Oct 26-28 / Women’s Conf / MORE INFO

New York (Word of Life) / Nov 2-4 Β / Women’s Conf / MORE INFO

North Carolina (Gastonia) / Nov 6 / Mother-Daughter Banq / MORE INFO

Louisiana (Bossier City) / Nov 29 / Christmas Soiree / MORE INFO


Have a beautiful, grace-filled day, friend!

GWEN

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Comments 400

  1. Yes you can follow Him right to Heaven. It is His promise!
    Our music and words do not compare with the Heavenly music!
    Exodus 20 and Revelation 14
    My God is able!
    No more sin in Heaven it will be eradicated for eternity!

  2. Since I recently saw the movie, I would have to say β€œI Can Only Imagine.” But my all time favorites are β€œThe Old Rugged Cross” and β€œAmazing Grace.” I really enjoy your music. This song you shared today spoke to my heart. Thank you and the other Girlfriends for sharing your devotionals with us. God Bless you!

  3. Music is part of my life blood as well. The Song that comes to me today is β€’Broken Thingsβ€’ by Tony Mac. Thank you for the amazing devotions you produce. Your ministry has been vital to my spiritual growth. Thank you.

  4. When my days are busy and hectic, I love taking time to stop and pray in the quiet and then turn music on that speaks to my heart and soul. One song that reminds me of the love Christ has is Come Home Running by Chris Tomlin. I love the image of His arms open wide and that we just need to come as we are. Another song is It Is Well. I remember going through difficult times early on when my husband and I were first married and we sang this song while sitting next to some dear, older friends in church. I had poured out my heart to her, she prayed with me, and then as church began we sang It Is Well and I remember the peace and joy I felt in how God was working in my life. Every time I sing that song I sing it out and thank God for that precious woman in my life and how she ministered to me. Love her still. ❀️

  5. I love music as well. I love to sing, though I don’t think I’m lead material. All day long I surround myself with praise and worship music. It’s how I make it through my days. Constantly the songs remind me of who God is, how much he loves us and who we are in him. Over the last few days I bookmarked a couple of songs that resonated with me … Word of God Speak by Mercy Me and You Are by Nancy Jackson.

  6. “Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart,
    Be all else but naught to me, save that thou art;
    be thou my best thought in the day and the night,
    both waking and sleeping, thy presence my light.

    Be thou my wisdom, be thou my true word,
    be thou ever with me, and I with thee, Lord;
    be thou my great Father, and I thy true son;
    be thou in me dwelling, and I with thee one.

    Be thou my breastplate, my sword for the fight;
    be thou my whole armour, be thou my true might;
    be thou my soul’s shelter, be thou my strong tower:
    O raise thou me heavenward, great Power of my power.

    Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise;
    be thou mine inheritance now and always;
    be thou and thou only the first in my heart;
    O Sovereign of heaven, my treasure thou art.

    High King of heaven, thou heaven’s bright Sun,
    O grant me its joys after vict’ry is won;
    great Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
    still be thou my vision, thou Ruler of all.”

    8th century Irish
    Translated Mary Byrne (1880-1931)
    versified Eleanor Hull (1860-1935)

  7. I have too many favorites….and am always finding new ones to add the my list!! Right now my favorites are Flawless, Great Are You God & Quiet Me.

  8. I don’t think I could pick just one. How could I? It changes almost daily! That’s how wonderful music is. My brother sang my mom home to heaven. It was a precious moment I will never forget. One of her favorite songs was… I come to the Garden Alone. Just beautiful. And I can’t ever hear Wind Beneath My Wings by Bette Midler without thinking of my mom. It was very special to us. I’m a mom of three, so I often seek solitude and silence, too, but thank you for the reminder of how precious music is. I’m gonna get my praise on musically today! πŸ˜‰

  9. Give Me A Clean Heart by Fred Hammond reminds me that Our Heavenly Father is Holy. The Bible say “Be holy because He is holy. Let us remember to live holy in Jesus name. Praise God!

  10. First songs that came to mind were: “I will Celebrate” and “I Love You Lord”. I too love to sing and it’s amazing what music comes out of my mouth at times! Thanks for your blog on April 19 even though I am just now reading and responding today, April 26.

    Denise

  11. ” I Don’t Know Why Jesus Loved Me” by Andrae Crouch

    I can identify with your daughter. I often respond to people’s comments by singing a phrase of a song. My testimony is song-based. My favorite thing to do late at night is to play piano and sing God’s praises.
    My e-mail address describes who I am. ????

  12. I will always remember in a message from Jack Hayford called Multiple Means of Deliverance, that he mentions singing as one type of spiritual warfare. I found that to be so true when under much stress and anxiety after the deaths of my parents. Some days all I could do was just stand at the kitchen sink and sing, “I stand, I stand in awe of You, Yes I stand I stand in awe of You. Perfect God, to Whom all praise is due, I stand in awe of You.” Puts everything in perspective, for sure, and the standing and singing was a double defiance of what satan had in mind for me.

  13. Thank you for this devotional. I have been a musician, playing for my church since I was in seventh grade. I am now sixty-two years old. In recent years, I have questioned my role as a church musician, wondering if it really made a difference in anyone’s life, spiritually. I have been thinking that what I do doesn’t really mean anything to God. Maybe I just perform beautiful songs so that people can tell me how well I play. Recently, I heard a piano arrangement of “Just As I Am” that was so simple, but written with unique chords that just made me want to stop and drop to my knees and cry out to God in humble gratitude for taking me “just as I am”. It made me realize and remember the power of music and that God can use a simple offertory to speak to us. I will continue to pray that He will use what I play to bring someone close to Him.

  14. “For such a time as this, I was placed upon the Earth, To hear the work of God and do his will, whatever that is….” Wayne Watson

  15. “YOU ARE MY KING” AMAZING LOVE HOW CAN IT BE, THAT YOU MY KING WOULD DIE FOR ME! WHAT ELSE CAN BE SAID? THERE IS NO OTHER LOVE LIKE THAT. I AM SO THANKFUL THAT MY SAVIOR LOVES ME NO MATTER WHAT. HELP ME LORD TO LOVE YOU IN A WAY THAT PLEASES YOU. THANK YOU FOR LOVING ME!

  16. My song is ‘The Anchor Holds’. It’s words carried me through losing my 17 year old son 15 years ago. It is as sweet to me today as it was then. God is good!

  17. “My Story” by Big Daddy Weave
    If I told you my story
    You would hear Hope that wouldn’t let go
    And if I told you my story
    You would hear Love that never gave up
    And if I told you my story
    You would hear Life, but it wasn’t mine

    If I should speak then let it be
    Of the grace that is greater than all my sin
    Of when justice was served and where mercy wins
    Of the kindness of Jesus that draws me in
    Oh to tell you my story is to tell of Him

    If I told you my story
    You would hear victory over the enemy
    And if I told you my story
    You would hear freedom that was won for me
    And if I told you my story
    You would hear Life overcome the grave

    If I should speak then let it be
    Of the grace that is greater than all my sin
    Of when justice was served and where mercy wins
    image: http://static.urx.io/units/web/urx-unit-loader.gif

    Of the kindness of Jesus that draws me in
    Oh to tell you my story is to tell of Him

    This is my story, this is my song
    Praising my savior all the day long
    This is my story, this is my song
    Praising my savior all the day long

    For the grace that is greater than all my sin
    Of when justice was served and where mercy wins
    Of the kindness of Jesus that draws me in
    Oh to tell you my story is to tell
    For the grace that is greater than all my sin
    Of when justice was served and where mercy wins
    Of the kindness of Jesus that draws me in
    Oh to tell you my story is to tell of Him
    Oh to tell you my story is to tell of Him

    This is my story, this is my song
    Praising my savior all the day long

  18. I too love to sing! It is such an amazing expression of love, joy, strength, hope all flowing with a tone. So many songs come to mind, but it’s the ones that I awake with, as if I have been given enough inkling as to what the Lord was singing over me while I slept, yes, that would have to be one of my all time favorite passages in the bible , Zephaniah 3;17!! It’s not enough that he created all that there is by his breath, formed me with his hands and breath, and would give his last breath for me, he goes above and beyond with his love as he sings over me, simply because he takes great delight in me.
    So, the song on my heart and mind right now, is “Your praise will ever be on my lips”

  19. There is a man in our church that can sing “How Great Thou Art” like no one I’ve ever heard and it just lifts me and helps me to worship our great God.

  20. I come to the garden alone….one of my favorites; came to mind especially after a full day of gardening !
    God bless you for your ministry and your music. They have been such a blessing to me❀️

  21. How Great is Our God is the song I’ve been singing today. I received a call from my daughter, she told me she accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior!! I am so thankful for the Prison Ministries who have helped to save my daughter. How Great is Our God

  22. I have been involved with music in worship all my life. I am now 65 years old and I still am blessed when I sit down at the keyboard and play worship songs. The floodgates open up and I am blessed beyond measure to play and sing for my Lord and Savior! One I especially love is “I Love You Lord “. I want it to be played at my “going home” service.
    I love You Lord, And I lift my voice
    To worship You, oh my soul rejoice
    Take joy my King in what You hear
    May it be a sweet, sweet sound
    In Your ears.

    Thanks for doing life with your sisters, Gwen. I will see you in heaven.

  23. Love your song by the way! In the last couple of years and even more so the last few months I have felt God saying “It is time — I want to take you to the next level.” I have been so excited about that and it seems every song I listen to just gets me more ready to open myself to allow Him to work through me! So today my song is “Lord Send Me” by Downhere. I heard it for the first time yesterday and the words were just penetrating my heart! Another one that is stirring my heart is “Let the Glory of the Lord Rise Among Us” by Big Daddy Weave.

  24. Yesterday I had on my mind and on my lips “All to Jesus I surrender. Today it was “Rejoice the Lord is King”. I usually have worship songs in my mind and on my lips. I truly love to worship God through hymns and songs.

  25. thanks for your thought today my song would be;-
    When I was lost you came and rescued me the chorus says there`s a new song in my heart .that`s what Jesus has done for me

  26. Matt. 6:9
    ” β€œThis, then, is how you should pray:
    β€œ β€˜Our Father in heaven,
    hallowed be Your Name,”

    “Good Good Father”

    Oh, I’ve heard a thousand stories of what they think you’re like
    But I’ve heard the tender whisper of love in the dead of night
    And Tou tell me that you’re pleased
    And that I’m never alone

    You’re a Good, Good Father
    It’s Who you are, it’s Who you are, it’s Who you are
    And I’m loved by You
    It’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am

    Oh, and I’ve seen many searching for answers far and wide
    But I know we’re all searching
    For answers only You provide
    Cause You know just what we need
    Before we say a word

    You’re a Good, Good Father
    It’s Who You are, it’s Who You are, it’s Who You are
    And I’m loved by You
    It’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am

    Cause You are perfect in all of Your ways
    You are perfect in all of Your ways
    You are perfect in all of Your ways to us

    You are perfect in all of Your ways
    You are perfect in all of Your ways
    You are perfect in all of Your ways to us

    Oh, it’s love so undeniable
    I, I can hardly speak
    Peace so unexplainable
    I, I can hardly think

    As You call me deeper still [x3]
    Into love, love, love

    [x3:]
    You’re a Good, Good Father
    It’s who You are, it’s who You are, it’s who You are
    And I’m loved by You
    It’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am

    You’re a Good, Good Father
    (You are perfect in all of your ways)
    It’s Who You are, it’s Who You are, it’s Who You are
    And I’m loved by You
    (You are perfect in all of Your ways)
    It’s who I am, it’s who I am it’s who I am
    – Chris Tomlin

  27. Music is not a response for me nor do I relate to it deepening my relationship. I understand it is very important to others in their worship. However I do not relate music to worship. My prayers are music to me, deepening my relationship. Your blog has been a help to me and I thank you for it. Please don’t think I’m saying anything negative. However… I prefer words.. even rap.. to hymns. And I am really old.

  28. Wonderful words of wisdom. My go to song is Anazing Grace. No matter how I’m feeling this song clears my mind, heart and soul to worship God and to give praise for all he has done is doing and going to do. God IS truly Amazing. Hard to keep feeling sad, mad or disappointed when your heart, mind, soul and mouth are singing this song.

  29. When I was in college – about a hundred years ago! – I went to Mass regularly at the Cardinal Newman Society. This was the hippie era when EVERYTHING was music with guitars and drums and tambourines. It was exciting but actually not my preferred way to participate in the Mass after being schooled by Catholic sisters and 8 years of Latin Mass. There is one prominent thing I remember – and remember every time I go to Mass. At that Cardinal Newman Society there was a great big colorful banner that said:

    ‘WHEN YOU SING, YOU PRAY TWICE”.

    I love that.

  30. Thanks for this devotion. I will indeed praise him because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. This song brings me to tears every time.
    “Lead me to the cross” by Hillsong United

  31. I always find Because He Lives can touch me every day. It’s my favorite hymn. I also love In Christ Alone. These two songs never fail me.

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    2. When my parents passed away after 76 beautiful years of marriage we – their three kids – struggled to find the right thing to put on the stone to both remember who they were and Who they worshipped. We had sung “Great is Thy Faithfulness” at Mom’s funeral and it seemed to be the perfect thing to point out that this wonderful God-loving, God-fearing couple was faithful to each other but more importantly, God was faithful to them – and to us. Indeed, Great is His faithfulness. Even when we don’t deserve it. Especially when we don’t deserve it. He never leaves or forsakes his children. And praise be to Him, we can be His forever because of Jesus. Anyone who stands at the grave of my dear parents will see the message – and my prayer is that they will understand it for themselves.

  32. Gwen the song that takes me right into the realm of the spirit is ” your grace, your grace, am nothing without you” by Micheal smith. Its really an amazing song that depicts our nothingness without the grace of God.

  33. My song would be “Jesus is the best thing that ever happened to me” by James Cleveland or “Falling in love with Jesus” by Kirk Whalum and Jonathan Butler.

  34. “For Your Glory” by Tasha Cobbs. ( Learning to live for God’s Glory)

    Lord if I
    Find favor in Your sight
    Lord please
    Hear my hearts cry

    I’m desperately waiting
    To be where You are. (My favorite part)
    I’ll cross the hottest desert
    I’ll travel near or far

    For Your glory
    I will do anything (My Second favorite part)
    Just to see You
    To behold You as my King

  35. The song I would choose for today, to express a song to the Lord would be by Charles Jenkins and fellowship Chicago called “Just to know him”. I heard it for the first time today and it fits perfectly.

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  36. Spoken For by Mercy Me
    Pour My Love on You by Phillips, Craig and Dean
    It’s All About You, Jesus by Phillips ,Craig and Dean
    Gentle Shepherd

    And oh, 100s more in about every genre. I’m so blessed?

  37. “I Can Only Imagine” by Mercy Me is the song that takes me; mind body and soul, to the presence of our Sweet Lord. The Holy Spirit leaps in me as I imagine my first face to face. My eyes well up with tears and I am always humbled by the thought of being in His presence.

  38. I’d have to say the song that fills my soul right now would be. “Holy Thou Art God”. Sung by Richard Smallwood. This song pushes me right into the presents of our almighty God.

  39. Alone by Hollyn
    It echoes the cry of my heart…

    But Lord You, know me, so well
    I can be a little punk sometimes

    But don’t leave me, leave me alone
    Bust down the door to my heart like it’s Your home
    Don’t need no keys
    I’m on my knees
    Begging You please
    I’ve gotta settle this thing once and for all
    You got my heart my soul You can have it all
    I’m on my knees
    Beggin’ You please
    Beggin’ You please, Lord
    Don’t leave me alone

    Through the tears, through the pain comes a new day
    Blown away still amazed You pursue me
    Ain’t no limit to the way You love

  40. In the eye of the storm….your love surrounds me. Just heard it on the Journey radio station. I can’t remember who sings it, but it was what I needed to hear. I am going thru a storm now. My 34 you son is very sick with schizophrenia I am hospital. Been ill for years. Getting worse. Praying that they put him somewhere for long term care if it is God’s will. So. Yes, that song really spoke to me. Thank you.

  41. There is a fairly new song, not sure of the name, but it talks about being held! So maybe the title is Held! You’re not alone, stop holding on and just be held! Music is very powerful for me, I’ve been singing since I was a little girl. Been in several groups and actually won a scholarship to a local Christian college by singing a French opera song! Had a great coach who taught me, gave me voice lessons! Been singing ever since! More of the lyrics: “your world’s not falling apart, it’s falling into place; You’re not alone, stop holding on and just be held!” That and Zephaniah(sp) where it talks about God rejoicing over us with singing! I pray that at night sometimes after putting my CPAP machine on and I’m waiting to fall asleep! God is so good to me! To all of us. We just have to trust.

  42. “He Giveth More Grace” – Annie Johnson Flint All the verses are so meaningful. Here is the Chorus:

    “His love has no limit;
    His grace has no measure;
    His power has no boundary known unto man,
    But out of His infinite riches in Jesus,
    He giveth, and giveth and giveth again.”

    If you want the verses, just let me know. God used this in my life to help me though a difficult time. He is so very good! Thank you for asking, Gwen. πŸ™‚

  43. Mine would be “I Can Only Imagine” by MercyMe. This song touches my heart like no other. It brings me to my knees every time I hear it. God is so great!

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  44. THIS IS AMAZING GRACE- PHIL WICKMAN

    -This Is Amazing Grace, This Is Unfailing Love, That You Would Take My Place.. That You Would Bare My Cross.-

    This song reminds me of many situations in my life where I feel I cannot deal with this life by myself, my boyfriend’s mom past away yesterday, we are just going through a rough time at this moment, When I hear this song reminds me that when we cannot bare our situations He; the God of Jacob, Isaac, Abraham is there to pour His Grace upon my life and Just rest in Him.
    Thank you for sharing this beautiful devotion sister Gwen.
    Blessings!

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  45. A Cappella Rendition Of ‘Shout To The Lord’ – can be found on GodTube! This song stirs my heart to bow, to be in awe, and ascribe honor to the One and Only, True and Faithful, Majestic and Poweful, King of Kings!

  46. It Is Well With my Soul
    (always calms me down)

    (When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
    When sorrows like sea billows roll;
    Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to know or saya
    It is well, it is well, with my soul.)

    Refrain:
    It is well, (it is well),
    With my soul, (with my soul)
    It is well, it is well, with my soul.

    Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
    Let this blest assurance control,
    That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
    And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

    My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
    My sin, not in part but the whole,
    Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
    Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

    For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
    If Jordan above me shall roll,
    No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life,
    Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

    But Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
    The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
    Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
    Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul.

    And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
    The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
    The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
    A song in the night, oh my soul! b

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  47. “Hollow” by Tori Kelly, “Wrap me in love, fill up my cup! Beautiful song from an amazing singer, her song to the Lord.

  48. “Flawless”

    There’s got to be more
    Than going back and forth
    From doing right to doing wrong
    β€˜Cause we were taught that’s who we are
    Come on get in line right behind me
    You along with everybody
    Thinking there’s worth in what you do

    Then Like a hero who takes the stage when
    We’re on the edge of our seats saying it’s too late
    Well let me introduce you to amazing grace

    No matter the bumps
    No matter the bruises
    No matter the scars
    Still the truth is
    The cross has made
    The cross has made you flawless
    No matter the hurt
    Or how deep the wound is
    No matter the pain
    Still the truth is
    The cross has made
    The cross has made you flawless

    Could it possibly be
    That we simply can’t believe
    That this unconditional
    Kind of love would be enough
    To take a filthy wretch like this
    And wrap him up in righteousness
    But that’s exactly what He did

    No matter the bumps
    No matter the bruises
    No matter the scars
    Still the truth is
    The cross has made
    The cross has made you flawless
    No matter the hurt
    Or how deep the wound is
    No matter the pain
    Still the truth is
    The cross has made
    The cross has made you flawless

    Take a breath smile and say
    Right here right now I’m ok
    Because the cross was enough

    Then Like a hero who takes the stage when
    We’re on the edge of our seats saying it’s too late
    Well let me introduce you to grace grace
    God’s grace

    No matter the bumps
    No matter the bruises
    No matter the scars
    Still the truth is
    The cross has made
    The cross has made you flawless
    No matter the hurt
    Or how deep the wound is
    No matter the pain
    Still the truth is
    The cross has made
    The cross has made you flawless

    No matter what they say
    Or what you think you are
    The day you called His name
    He made you flawless
    He made you flawless

    No matter the bumps
    No matter the bruises
    No matter the scars
    Still the truth is
    The cross has made
    The cross has made you flawless… Mercy Me

    1. That song touches me every time I hear it and encourages me to stop looking at me as the world does , but as God does!

  49. My first response in my brain was, wow far too many, and then BAM (as you say), I Could Sing of Your Love Forever.
    Thank you Gwen for the words you write with Girlfriends in God, books and songs.

  50. Some days I wake up with a song in my heart and some days depression overwhelms me. When I can’t sing I have to turn on a worship song or continue to get list in the darkness of depression.

  51. I am probably going through one of the greatest trials I have ever faced in my life now. God has shown me how he is using this trial to make life better for our whole family. It has been hard but God has shown me time and again that if I trust him he will make this work for all of our good. He is my teacher, my confident, my blessed savior. He has brought so many songs into my life lately that have spoken to me in my situation. I will trust I will trust in you Lord!

    1. Yes. problems do bring us to our knees before the cross. “This is amazing grace” brings tears every time the verse “this is unfailing love, that You would take my place, that You would bear my cross”!! That one verse melts my heart to the point of collapsing into a pile of thankfulness ? I’m new to GIG and am so glad I found this group of sweet, down to earth Christian women!!

  52. You certainly hit a cord with this message. Loved reading the comments and being reminded of all the wonderful praise messages in song.
    Mine is As the deer…it paints such wonderful pictures with the words of the Psalms.
    Thanks for your message.

    1. “How great Thou Are” is my favorite song. When I sing it or hear it, I feel like I’
      m standing there & can see the Jesus’s face & I tear up as I know He suffered & died for me & all His people. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.Corrine Patton.

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  53. Revelation Song!! Any version, but Phillips, Craig and Dean or Hillside are my favorite versions.
    “You are my everything and I will adore you!”

  54. My precious dad passed on 12 days ago. The song that has meant a lot to me during his illness and subsequent passing is ABIDE WITH ME by Matt Maher.

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      So sorry for your loss, Philomena. My dad died this past December, so I’m still grieving as well. Pausing to pray for you now, sister.

      Gwen

  55. “You are the wind beneath my wings”. That is my favorite song. It can stand for God and for anyone else in your life who uplifts you.

  56. God Has Smiled On Me. Pastor Tim Rogers

    As I went to bed last nite I declared a positive attitude and no complaints for the day.

    He has indeed RISEN and I’m blessed to see the light of day.
    AMEN

  57. Forever Reign by Hillsong. I love the chorus..
    Oh, I’m running to Your arms
    I’m running to Your arms
    The riches of Your love will always be enough
    Nothing compares to Your embrace
    Light of the world forever reign.

    My heart will sing no other name Jesus!

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      1. My song is a chorus we sing here,hope you like it.

        I will serve thee because I love thee
        You have given life to me
        I was nothing before you found me
        You have given life to me
        Heartache broken pieces
        ruin lives are why you died on Calvary
        Your touch is what I long for,
        You have given life to me.

        How can you not praise and sing of a God who has done so much for one so unworthy. For He as made me worthy!!Amen!

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  58. He never failed me yet!

    I will sing of God’s mercy
    Every day, every hour, He gives me power.
    I will sing and give thanks to Him
    For all the dangers toils and tears that He has brought me out.
    He is my God and I’ll serve Him
    No matter what the test!
    Trust and never doubt Jesus will surely bring you out!
    He never failed me yet!

  59. Praise You In This Storm”
    Casting Crowns

    I was sure by now
    God You would have reached down
    And wiped our tears away
    Stepped in and saved the day
    But once again, I say “Amen”, and it’s still raining

    As the thunder rolls
    I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
    “I’m with you”
    And as Your mercy falls
    I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
    And takes away

    [Chorus:]
    And I’ll praise You in this storm
    And I will lift my hands
    For You are who You are
    No matter where I am
    And every tear I’ve cried
    You hold in Your hand
    You never left my side
    And though my heart is torn
    I will praise You in this storm

    I remember when
    I stumbled in the wind
    You heard my cry to you
    And you raised me up again
    My strength is almost gone
    How can I carry on
    If I can’t find You

    But as the thunder rolls
    I barely hear You whisper through the rain
    “I’m with you”
    And as Your mercy falls
    I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
    And takes away

    [Chorus]

    I lift my eyes unto the hills
    Where does my help come from?
    My help comes from the Lord
    The Maker of Heaven and Earth

    [Chorus x2]

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  60. “You Are God Alone” by Marvin Sapp

    [Verse 1:]
    There’s no question of Your greatness,
    no searching of Your power.
    All the wonder of Your glory,
    to You forty years is but one hour.
    Your knowledge is all encompassing,
    to Your wisdom there is no end;
    for You alone are God,
    You are God alone.

    [Verse 2:]
    Your mercy is everlasting,
    Your truth is here always.
    You are He who was and is, and is to come.
    Who is He that can number you day,
    You’ve flung the sun to burn in space,
    and the night’s moon powers light from day;
    You are God alone.

    [Chorus:]
    Now unto the King,
    eternal, immortal, invisible,
    the only wise God,
    the only wise God;
    You alone are God,
    for You are God alone.

    [Vamp:]
    Be all glory and honor,
    dominion, and power
    forever and ever, amen.

    [Ending:]
    For You alone are God,
    You are God alone.

  61. Love Ran Red by Chris Tomlin. It touches my soul each time. Love ran red and my sin washed. I owe it all to you.

  62. Good Father by Chris Tomlin
    you know just what we need before we say a word!
    and I’m loved by you
    you are perfect in all of you ways!
    love so undeniable
    peace so unexplainable

  63. Thank you for this delightful devotional this morning. I’m awake early, my heart full of praise…too thankful to sleep anymore! How precious is sleep but how wonderful to awake early and sense God with me and ready to guide me through another day.

    I love new days, fresh beginnings and dew-drenched mornings filled with birdsong and praise. One of my favourite songs is: His Eye is on the Sparrow….and I know He watched me….I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m FREE…for His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me. Love this song especially when sung by Ethel Waters.

    Then another song that has recently blessed my heart is: “I will serve Thee, because I love Thee, You have given life to me….I was nothing, before you found me, YOU have given life to me….Heartaches, broken pieces, ruined lives are why YOU came to save….”

    This is truly how I feel…delighting in serving my Father and sensing His smile of approval as He so often then blesses me with the desires of my heart and a love that overflows to others…in song or in other ways too.

    Gwen, please continue to go MAD….Know that you do Make A Difference in so many lives by the songs you sing and the words of wisdom that you share.

    Rejoicing in Him whose mercies are new every morning….Lynn

  64. My song is Redeemed By Big Daddy Weave. It brings me to tears each time I hear it. It describes me so well that I become too emotional to be able to sing it. I know that my tightened throat and tears are signs of my healing, and some day I will be able to sing it all the way through. God is my strength and my healer. God is good!

    1. The song would be “There’s within my heart a melody . Not sure if that’s the correct name but I’m sure you know it. I just finished singing it ti Him after reading your devotional. Your devotional is part of my daily bible study. I also teach the bible to female inmates at a local jail and they love it to

  65. “Love lifted me” by Randy Travis – I was going through a tough time. Beaten down by the devil. Trouble with my job, not satisfied anywhere. I was driving home from work one morning and that song came to my mind. I googled it and Love lifted me! ( I think Randy Travis sings it the best. I listened to like 5 versions.)

  66. “Great are you Lord” is the song that when I sing it brings all of me out and it reminds me that it’s His breath in my lungs that sustains me. ?????

    1. I’m listening to Great Are You Lord literally right now πŸ™‚ I love that His breath in my lungs sustains me!!! 17 days smoke free today and that is what I visualize now when I breathe in!!!! Praise God!!! He is restoring my lungs and voice!!!

  67. “Great are you Lord” is the song that when I sing it brings all of me out and it reminds me that it’s His breath in my lungs that sustains me. ?????

  68. Overwhelmed by Big Daddy Weave,
    my favorite part is this:

    God, I run into Your arms
    Unashamed because of mercy
    I’m overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmed by You

    I love song to worship, pray, praise and be held by our Lord and Savior.

    “Overwhelmed”

    I see the work of Your Hands
    Galaxies spin in a Heavenly dance oh God
    All that You are is so overwhelming

    I hear the sound of Your Voice
    All at once it’s a gentle and thundering noise oh God
    All that You are is so overwhelming

    I delight myself in You
    Captivated by Your beauty
    I’m overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmed by You

    God, I run into Your arms
    Unashamed because of mercy
    I’m overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmed by You

    I know the power of Your Cross
    Forgiven and free forever You’ll be my God

    All that You’ve done is so overwhelming
    I delight myself in You
    In the Glory of Your Presence
    I’m overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmed by You

    God, I run into Your arms
    Unashamed because of mercy
    I’m overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmed by You

    You are Beautiful, You are Beautiful
    Oh God, there is no one more Beautiful
    You are Beautiful, God you are the most Beautiful

    You are Wonderful, You are Wonderful
    Oh God, there is no one more Wonderful
    You are Wonderful, God You are the most Wonderful

    You are Glorious, You are Glorious
    Oh God, there is no one more Glorious
    You are Glorious, God you are the most Glorious

  69. Be Still My Soul…the Lord is on thy side.
    Bear patiently my cross of grief or pain
    Leave to thy God, to order and provide
    who through all changes faithful will remain
    Be Still, my soul: they best, they heavenly Friend
    through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

    Then sings my soul, my Savior, God, to Thee
    How Great Thou Art, How Great Thou Art
    Then sings my soul, my Savior, God, to Thee
    How Great Thou Art…How Great Thou Art!

  70. Here in your presence we are undone. Here in your presence where heaven and earth become one. Here in your presence all things are new . Here in your presence everything bows before you. ….

  71. Wow Gwen, I couldn’t agree with you more about the power of a song!!! I love it when I have been reading/meditating/praying scripture and maybe discussing it with a close friend, and then you hear a song that so perfectly affirms the truths that are fresh in your heart/mind/soul. A song makes the heart and soul come alive! I don’t know what I would do without music!!!

    And, I have a daughter who sings all day long too and I get distracted just like you described. But I am so grateful for the songs that the Lord put in my daughter’s heart and He has given her a passion to sing!

    The song I would pick today is “How Loved Am I” by Michelle Tumes, Susan Ashton and Christine Dente.

    Here is the chorus:

    And I hear You singing over me
    I hear You singing over me
    Songs of countless promises
    Like kisses from heaven they fall
    How loved am I
    Songs that take me to higher heights
    Such favor I know is divine
    How loved am I
    How loved am I

  72. “BECAUSE HE LIVES”, I CAN FACE TOMORROW, SAYS IT ALL FOR ME. I LOVE MUSIC & JUST REJOINED OUR CHURCH CHOIR AFTER A 10 YEAR ABSENCE. I AM ENJOYING YOUR BOOK,” I WANT IT ALL” & “TAKE HOLD OF THE FAITH YOU LONG FOR” WAS IN THE MAIL YESTERDAY; I HAD TO OPEN IT & TAKE A PEEK BEFORE ARRIVING HOME. THANK YOU FOR SHARING & PLEASE KEEP SINGING & WRITING, SUCH A SPECIAL GIFT GOD HAS GIVEN YOU.

      1. ” Great is your mercies towards me Jesus!
        Your loving kindness towards me.!
        Your tender mercies I see , day after day.
        Forever faithful towards me, always providing for me,
        Great is your mercies towards me and great is your grace!

  73. My first thought was to an older song, from about 30 years ago, Oh, How He Loves You and Me (He gave His life, what more could He give? Oh, how He Loves you, Oh, how he Loves me, Oh, how He Loves you and me). It is perfect to share with someone who is down, or questioning Gods love for them.
    The second would be Jesus Loves Me, a few years ago our worship pastor played that on the piano, as we sang my heart swelled up realizing that except for songs giving God glory, this one fits every situation. When we were done singing this it seemed everyone was looking around to see if others were as touched as they were, from where I was standing there wasn’t a dry eye in the place.
    I love may modern songs but these two speak to me as I write this.

  74. Thanks again for a wonderful devotional. You’re so inspirational and down-to-earth all at the same time. I love it!

    My song would be – O Magnify the Lord for He is worthy to be praised!……………….Hosanna blessed be the rock of my salvation!

    Was listening to this last night on youtube sung by Miami Temple SDA Church. Brilliant!

    Let’s magnify the Lord together!

  75. Breathe. By Johnny Diaz
    This song reminds what my husband would say when i was having a bad day. He would tell me to take 3 deep breaths, he’d do them with me. Then he gave me the biggest hug and a kiss. Unfortunately my husband got called home to be with our Lord 17 months ago. So this song has so much meaning to me. Thank you Gwen for this reading today. God bless you.

  76. I am led to share a song on my heart with friends ( believers and non believers alike) on my FB page. This is the song on my heart this week. I am not a trained musician but I often call music my love language. In His glory here is the song
    http://youtu.be/4XJu0mnn_b4.
    God bless

  77. I Love You, Lord
    And I lift my voice
    To worship You
    Oh, my soul, rejoice!

    Take joy my King
    In what You hear
    May it be a sweet, sweet sound
    In Your ear!

  78. My song would be “IT MATTERS TO THE MASTER” by the Collingsworth Family. This song touches my heart because no matter what we’re going through, no matter what people say to us or about us we can tell it to Jesus because it matters to Him. He will wipe our tears and hurt away.

  79. True love by Phil Wickham. When I watch the you tube vid and listen to that song it makes me so in awe and so grateful to Jesus for what He went through. It also makes me realise how precious we are to Him, even though we’re imperfect and flawed. He loves us that much! Wow! Love all the girlfriend’s readings, Gwen! Always lift me! Thank you and may God bless you x

  80. Definitely Shout to the Lord. That song has always struck something deep inside me; my heart feels like it will burst and it brings me to tears.

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  81. Mine would be, “Is He Calling Me?” One of the lines is, “I will lay my crown at His wounded feet.”

    God is so amazingly awesome!

    1. God Is,James Cleveland,that is my go to song,god is my protection,god is my all in all ,god is the joy and the strength of my life,he removes all things misery and strife he promise to keep you never to leave you,he never ever comes short of his word he,s a friend when I am lonely,

  82. Just wanted to stop by and say thank you. As you can see daily there is a chord that the Lord enables you to strike in the lives of people. May it ever continue. I can’t narrow down to just one song at this moment…maybe I’ll come back. But no matter, it’s not about me. Just wanted to encourage you this day.

  83. You Have My Surrender, Centric Worship Lauren Daigle… That is what I have been bathing in and making my confession…Oh that I would…truly surrender to worship. Great blog…so forwarding this to my wife

  84. Never Once by Matt Redman would have to be the one which best describes God’s grace over my life. I was 6 years into my daughter having a C5 spinal injury because of a genetic condition. She was 23 and her friends lives were moving forward, hers was not. It was a hard time, not that the last 20 had not been. She died on August 2, 2013, we used the song at the celebration of her life. Her faith was amazing! She never once doubted. It is still true in the last 16 months as I walk this path but NEVER ALONE.

  85. East to West by Casting Crowns.
    In the arms of Your mercy I find restYou know just how far
    The east is from the west
    From one scarred hand to the other

  86. He is Lord. He is Lord. He is risen from the dead, and He is Lord. Every knee shall bow, every tongue confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord. <3

  87. I am thinking of “One Thing Remains.” – God’s Love: “. . . it never runs out on me…” has two meanings for me. 1) It has a never ending flow/source, and 2) It will never leave me, just up and walk out. I hope to be able to explain it better as I ponder it. πŸ™‚ God is so very, very good!

  88. Glory and praise to our God, who alone gives light to our days…many are the blessings He bears to those who trust in His Ways. That’s the refrain…we sing it at church but the title escapes me. We, the daughters and sons of Him, who built the valleys and plains, I can’t think of the next part but then it goes on to “in every heart that sings…Glory and praise to our God, who alone gives light to our days. God has answered my prayer for a new job – with benefits! I am extremely thankful. Maybe someone knows what song I am talking about… but I do trust in Him. I remember driving home, thinking “it’s been a week since I went on my second interview, I wonder if I should call them…when suddenly I heard a distinct voice say to me “Be still and know that I am God.” I do tend to race ahead of Him sometimes. When I got home, within 10 minutes the phone rang and it was Penny calling me – offering me the job! I can’t sing as well as you Gwen but I hum! Love your music and your devotional inspiration.

  89. My two most favorite, listening to right now
    Sing to The King- Eoghan Heaslip and Laura Story and
    At the Foot of The Cross- Kathryn Scott

  90. I just randomly happened upon this blog since I was looking for women’s devotionals, and wow was this timely! I have to finish learning songs for choir this weekend with people getting baptized, but I was procrastinating. Thank you for this, getting me off in gear to worship Him to these songs and perfect the words so that when the people are going to be re-born into their new life, they just feel His presence and love so strongly that they have no doubt they made the right decision to leave the old life behind!!

    some of my favorite songs are… It Is Done by Darlene Zschech, Greater by Mercy Me, At The Cross by Hillsong, It Is Well by Bethel, and Nothing But the Blood of Jesus πŸ˜€

  91. The songs that make me think of God, How Great Thou Art, O Holy Night, Amazing Grace….. Oops! that’s more than one πŸ™‚

  92. How Great Thor Art…I played the piano and my Dad would join me in singing on many Saturday nights when I was around 6 -12 years old. What a wonderful memory. My mother’s name was Grace so Amazing Grace is a very close second.

  93. One of my favorite songs is:

    Sometimes a light surprises
    The christian while he sings
    It is the lord who rises
    With healing in his wings
    When comforts are declining
    He grants the soul again
    A season of clear shining
    To cheer it after rain

  94. One of my favorite song is Lord I need you by Matt Maher. I need God every second of my life. I have been going through a rough time in my life right now & this song really helps me.

  95. Lord You are more precious than silver.
    Lord You are more costly than gold.
    Lord You are more beautiful than diamonds.
    Nothing I desire compares to You.
    ❀️❀️❀️❀️❀️❀️❀️❀️❀️❀️❀️❀️

  96. Audrey My song is Santuary which comes to my mind anytime I am on hold waiting for a person to talk with me or in line at the grocery store hoping not everyone is in a really talk able time frame as my body is hurting just by standing waiting for my turn to pay for my groceries.

  97. Thanks for this awesome, put-together reminder about our God, the supreme Musician! I am currently saturated with Chris Tomlin’s “Jesus Loves Me,” especially the acoustic version — can’t think of much at the moment that ushers me into the Throne Room in a greater way! Back to His basics…….

    1. Another of my favorites. How come I cannot remember these when I need to. We just sang this at our Church. Have a Merry Christmas.

  98. Jesus, You Are My King is a song I listen to daily. The song tells of the amazing
    love that GOD and Jesus have for us. I go to a quiet place when life gets loud
    and absorb the message.

  99. Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine oh what a foretaste of glory divine. Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of his spirit, washed in his blood. This is my story.

    Aleta

  100. I don’t relate to the need for a silent room. We have two daughters, the first one born two months after our 17th anniversary, the second just 2 years later. We waited and prayed for them for so long, they are literal miracles. Whenever their “noise” even just starts to get on my nerves, I think of the alternative: they could not BE here to make the noise. You’d be surprised how well that works. We don’t let them get away with EVERYTHING, tho.
    That said, my “go-to” song is Agnus Dei. It says it all with so few words.

  101. My brain is flooded with choices, but the one that I come back to day after day is “It is Well with My Soul”, because it IS!! Thank you Father God!

  102. What a day that that will be when My Jesus I will see, when I look upon His face, the One who saved me by his Grace!!! When He takes me by the hand and leads me to the Promised Land, what a day, glorious day that will be!!! Thank you Jesus!

  103. Jesus, You’re the Center of My Joy by Richard Smallwood is My Song. I get chills from beginning to end when I hear and sing it.

  104. I have found several songs have given me a reflective spirit for my time with God in the last few months. After ten years, I thought I was with the person God intended for me to share my life with. I thought my relationship was Christ centered and it was far from that and I am finding strength through songs these days. I am a broken child trying to piece together the last ten years and seek the ultimate love I my Heavenly Father. This is the relationship I seek right now and it will be the foundation for all my relationships.
    “How can it be” by Lauren Daigle
    “Completely” by Among the Thirsty
    “The Sun is Rising” by Britt Nicole
    These are my anthems right now along with my Pandora Cristian radio station I listen to at work. I want to shower my thoughts in His word all day to keep my eye on the prize of His unfailing love.

  105. Help Me Find It by Sidewalk Prophets. I found it at a very important time in my life. The Lord knew I needed it, and He sent it to me.

  106. Oh my, this was a really great devotional! I love music as well! I worship with music also–sometimes making up songs as words come to my mind. God is so good. Even though I posted earlier, I had to include another song: Indescribable sung by Kierra Sheard or Chris Tomlin. A portion of the lyrics are below:

    Indescribable

    Verse 1:
    From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea
    Creations revealing Your majesty
    From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring
    Every creature unique in the song that it sings
    All exclaiming

    Chorus:
    Indescribable, uncontainable, You place the stars in the sky and You know
    Them by name, You are amazing God
    All powerful, untamable, awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly
    Proclaim, You are amazing God

  107. Matt Redman “You Never Let Go”. A portion of the lyrics are below:

    Even though I walk through the valley
    Of the shadow of death
    Your perfect love is casting out fear

    And even when Im caught in the middle
    Of the storms of this life
    I wont turn back, I know You are near

    And I will fear no evil
    For my God is with me
    And if my God is with me
    Whom then shall I fear?
    Whom then shall I fear?

    Oh no, You never let go
    Through the calm and through the storm
    Oh no, You never let go
    In every high and every low
    Oh no, You never let go
    Lord, You never let go of me

    Read more: Matt Redman – You Never Let GO Lyrics | MetroLyrics

  108. Dear Gwen….Here in beautiful British Columbia it is still early…just 4:52a.m. but I’m up; very wide awake and my heart is singing! It is still dark outside but I know a new day is dawning and His mercies are new every morning! If I had to choose a song for this day it would be: THE LONGER I SERVE HIM THE SWEETER HE GROWS; THE MORE THAT I LOVE HIM, MORE LOVE HE BESTOWS…..EACH DAY IS LIKE HEAVEN, MY HEART OVERFLOWS!!
    THE LONGER I SERVE HIM THE SWEETER HE GROWS….. Yes, so true!

    Maybe I should explain that I’m a well-seasoned child of God who has walked with my Heavenly Father for many moons. I have found Him ever faithful; the good Shepherd; my Counsellor, Comforter and Guide; my Strength when I was weak (and so many times as I have experienced a stroke at age 39; breast cancer 19 years ago at age 39; and more recently bouts of deep depression….) But THROUGH IT ALL (and this is yet another song precious to me) I’VE LEARNED TO TRUST IN JESUS; I’VE LEARNED TO TRUST IN GOD!! and I’VE LEARNED TO DEPEND UPON HIS WORD.

    Besides this thing of depending on His Word I’ve made the delightful discovery that He loves to bless me abundantly above all I could ever ask or even imagine. Yes, this weekend is just my most recent example. You see, now retired from our regular jobs and responsibilities, my husband and I find ourselves able to volunteer our time and energy in other ways. Thus we recently checked into possibly serving at an island retreat center near us here. The response was almost immediate. Yes, they would love to have us come….BUT, first they would like to meet us in person and they’d like us to see around their Barnabas Landing site on Keats Island….So, would we like to come and be our guests at the Barnabas Family Ministry center on Nov. 7-9th when they would be hosting a Marriage Refreshment weekend? It was nearly too good to be true…but was this really for real? I should not have wondered. Our God delights in giving us beautiful bonuses in life. Thus a weekend that would normally be costing us over $400.00 is coming as a free gift! So, yes today my heart is singing and bursting with gratitude and grace. Thank you for listening and sharing my joy….Blessings, Lynn

  109. YOU are my Sunshine, my only Sunshine
    YOU make me happy, when skies are gray
    YOU always know LORD how much I love YOU
    Thank YOU for giving me this day!

  110. “Everywhere I go The Lord is near me,
    If I call upon Him, He will hear me,
    Never will I fear, cause The Lord is near everywhere I go.
    He is with me day by day,
    He will be my strength and stay,
    From His path I will not stray,
    But follow in His way.
    In the coming days of joy or sadness,
    I will praise His name with songs of gladness,
    For to me it’s clear, that The Lord is near, everywhere I go. ”

    I learned this song in childrens choir and still sing it when I am faced with a scary situation today. Music has helped me through some of the hardest times in my life, and I adore watching my children develop a love for it. Truly a blessing from God!

  111. My daughter feels the same about music as you but she’s let her heart be drawn away from God with secular punk music. She says she doesn’t believe any more and that God’s not real. Please pray for her. Thanks!

  112. Chills ran up and down my arms as I read your devotional today, Gwen. Thank you for using your God given gift of “voice” to worship our Creator. Songs reach deep inside of each of us, whether we want them to or not. They allow us to go to that place, whatever, wherever it is. There must be something to it because God will meet us right there, as you said, with hands held high or bent on our knees. Praise His Holy Name!!!!!!!!!!!

  113. Love today’s subject Gwen. Song and music and praise – and yesterday brought me all three, Last year, I had a major surgery that took months to heal from. I had to restore my muscles so I could walk again. A shock is realizing you are afraid to stand up. Lol. Anyway, Heal I did Praise God. Every six months my hero physician has kept an eagle eye on a CT scan of me and yesterday, at what would have been our last visit of the year – (I would not have been surveyed again for one year) he had to let me know we needed to go back and fix something that was healing in a way that could present issues up the road – no telling when. My heart sank for a moment – until I remembered my God, as well as the awesome gifts of my surgeon, and his scrupulous care of me. I perked up and got the doctor involved in explaining my situation by doing what he does best – teaching. Not only is he head of the Vascular surgery department of one of the best hospitals in the nation, but he teaches. (WHO has time to attend to all this?) He drew me a little picture and answered all my questions patiently and in some cases repeatedly….with total calm and encouraging explanation of the benefits of what I would be receiving.

    I thanked him as I always do with a sense that my mere words can never express the sense of gratitude I feel for his gift of life to me – (90 percent of people die from what had occurred to me last year) I thanked him and assured him I was ready to follow his direction to surgery, and that I was so blessed to have his gifted self doing the surgery…..and that I had utmost trust in his plan. All the time I said the words, my heart was full and feeling the meaning quite really. I was praying at the same time – thanking God for his plan for me that included this amazing doctor and his team to be so close and available to me for my repair.

    I was quietly reflective for a couple of hours – going about my daily things that I needed to do and resting and then composed an email to my sibs who were SUCH a rallying team last year – and let them know of my newly recommended surgery – and stressed I knew it would be WAY less invasive than the last one. I feel optimistic, and trusting, and also – truth be told – wish I had had a clean slate report instead. Lol. Of course I would not be human if I had no concerns – but I kept pushing thoughts of not being good enough in my praise or failing the mark when it comes to sin. I could sense the dark lurking behind me inside – trying to trick me into false fears and trepidations. Be off with you I thought – in Jesus name.

    Finally I get to the subject at hand. Music and song and praise. Lucky for me, last night, my Sister and Brother invited me to see their daughter perform in her High School Play. It was Spamalot – the Monty Python spoof. I looked forward to it so much – and it was the perfect end to a day of unexpected news. Sitting around the supper table – assembling our own delicious homey fajitas – and chatting with them – was so cozy and affirming. Their adorable dog shunned me in absolute terror (as she is want to do – Lol)

    but we got her to come near for a treat. Lol. As I sat in the auditorium and watched the ensemble of nearly a hundred people or more move through wonderful scene after scene of the musical, I felt the loving care of my Savior and his face turned to the audience as mine was – His eyes were on us all. I felt the love, the strength of effort that enabled those young teens to pull together an incredible night of entertainment.

    As the last scene ended and the cast took a bow, I thought to myself – Thank you Lord for this day – this night – these loving family and friends – this community that cares for each other here. I felt so safe – so positive about everything. The peace and joy that I could not imagine till it fell upon me.

    When I got home, I thanked God again for His mercy and asked him to keep me close. As I marveled at the day as a whole, I thought of one of the songs that I will be tapping to in my head – and keeping close these next few days/weeks. “Always lLook on the Bright Side of Life”………….such a happy help feel good composition from that show…….and I played it again for myself on You Tube. Music is a language of praise! No doubt about it!

    Loved your blog this morning Gwen. God has made it so simple for us (as simple as it gets when you are only human) – 2John 1:6 says
    “And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.” This is my assignment. There are so many ways to fulfill it. For today – I am going to apply the Song method!!

  114. This song by Natalie Grant, moves me to worship each time I hear it played or sung. The rhythm, and the lyrics make me want to stand and praise my God:

    In Christ alone my hope is found
    He is my light, my strength, my song
    This Cornerstone, this solid ground
    Firm through the fiercest drought and storm

    What heights of love, what depths of peace
    When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
    My Comforter, my All in All
    Here in the love of Christ I stand

    In Christ alone, who took on flesh
    Fullness of God in helpless Babe
    This gift of love and righteousness
    Scorned by the ones He came to save

    Til on that cross as Jesus died
    The wrath of God was satisfied
    For every sin on Him was laid
    Here in the death of Christ I live, I live

    There in the ground His body lay
    Light of the world by darkness slain
    Then bursting forth in glorious Day
    Up from the grave He rose again

    And as He stands in victory
    Sins curse has lost its grip on me
    For I am His and He is mine
    Bought with the precious blood of Christ

    No guilt in life, no fear in death
    This is the power of Christ in me
    From a life’s first cry to final breath
    Jesus commands my destiny

    No power of hell, no scheme of man
    Could ever pluck me from His hand
    Till He returns or calls me home
    Here in the power of Christ I stand.

  115. My song is “Because he lives” Because he lives, I can face tomarrow, because he lives, all fear is gone. Because I know, he holds my future, my life is worth the living, just because he lives!!

    1. Post
      Author
  116. In the quiet

    In the stillness

    I know that You are God

    In the secret of Your presence

    I know there I am restored

    When You call i won’t refuse

    Each new day again I’ll choose

    There is no one else for me

    None but Jesus

    Crucified to set me free

    Now I live to bring Him praise

    In the chaos in confusion

    I know You’re sovereign still

    In the moment of my weakness

    You give me grace to do Your will

    When You call I won’t delay

    This my song through all my days

    All my delight is in You Lord

    All of my hope

    All of my strength

    All my delight is in You Lord

    Forever more

  117. It’s an old 70’s song, and Smash Mouth re-did it, I turn it up LOUD and change the female being sung about to my God, Him/He, and it really fits…… “IThen I saw His face, now I’m a believer, Not a trace of doubt in my mindI’m in love, I’m a believer, I couldn’t leave Him if I tried” Its got a great beat to just raise your hands and worship Him. My husband walked in after he heard the music outside on the carport, I was supposed to be cleaning the house, but I took a well deserved break and had me a praise session!

  118. I am just learning how to have a relationship with God. After years of being an addict and doing so many things wrong, this song breaks me down every time I hear it. I know he was there. There are so many situations that went wrong and it was a miracle I was still here. Man, God is Good!
    Even though I walk
    Through the valley
    Of the shadow of death,
    Your perfect love is casting out fear.

    And even when I’m caught
    In the middle
    Of the storms of this life,
    I won’t turn back, I know You are near.

    For I will fear no evil,
    For my God is with me.
    And if my God is with me,
    Whom then shall I fear?
    Whom then shall I fear?

    Oh, no.
    You never let go.
    Through the calm, and through the storm

    Oh, no.
    You never let go.
    In every high and every low.

    Oh, no.
    You never let go,
    Lord, You never let go of me.

    And I can see a light
    That is coming
    For the heart that holds on,
    A glorious light beyond all compare.

    And there will be an end
    To these troubles
    But until that day comes,
    We will live to know
    You here on the Earth.

    And I will fear no evil,
    For my God is with me.
    And if my God is with me,
    Whom then shall I fear?
    Whom then shall I fear?

    Oh, no.
    You never let go.
    Through the calm, and through the storm

    Oh, no.
    You never let go.
    In every high and every low.

    Oh, no.
    You never let go,
    Lord, You never let go of me.

    Yes, I can see a light
    That is coming
    For the heart that holds on,

    And there will be an end
    To these troubles
    But until that day comes,
    Still I will praise You.
    Still I will praise You.

    Yes, I can see a light
    That is coming
    For the heart that holds on,

    And there will be an end
    To these troubles
    But until that day comes,
    Still I will praise You.
    Still I will praise You.

    Ohh.

    Oh, no.
    You never let go.
    Through the calm, and through the storm

    Oh, no.
    You never let go.
    In every high and every low.

    Oh, no.
    You never let go,
    Lord, You never let go of me.

    Oh, no.
    You never let go.
    Through the calm, and through the storm

    Oh, no.
    You never let go.
    every high, every low.

    Oh, no.
    You never let go,
    Lord, You never let go of me.
    You never let go, You never let go of me
    Read more at http://www.lyrics.com/you-never-let-go-lyrics-matt-redman.html#kh17VMfgkYQQY8tl.99

  119. My song for today (and many days) is a classic Keith Green one…”Oh Lord, You’re Beautiful”. But I sing the WHOLE SONG, not just the chorus. The verse goes:

    I want to take your Word
    and shine it all around
    But first, help me just to live it, Lord
    and when I’m doing well
    Help me to never seek a crown
    For my reward is giving glory to You.

    My calling is in music & worship ministry and this should be the anthem of any worship leader or minister in music.

  120. Great is the Lord and worthy of glory
    great is the lord and worthy of praise
    greate is the lord now lift up your voice
    now lift up your voice
    great is the lord, great is the lord!

  121. I call you Holy, your name is Holy. You have been Holy to me.I call you Holy, your name is Holy. Holy you are and Holy you’ll be. I call you Healer. Your name is Healer. You are a Healer to me. I call you Healer. Your name is Healer. Healer you are, and Healer you’ll be.(Faithful, Righteous, Awesome, All That……….”I Call You Faithful” -Donnie Mcklurkin

  122. Where I belong from Building 329. My 4 year old sings it all the time. He has Leukemia and I can never decide if it brings me joy because of the home we all will one day have or sadness because of the pain he is going through before we get there. Great song to make us think. He loves singing it though and it is so cute when he sings I have the blessed assurance holding me. We don’t think he knows what that is yet but it gives us hope too!

  123. Almighty God your love and mercy follow me all the days of my life, thanks for that you are music to my life so I give you praise and glory and honor.
    Thanks for you’re the one who forgives, restores me and gives me the strength to continue on the path of salvation in Jesus name amen!
    The song will be salpm 27

  124. I come to the garden alone
    While the dew is still on the roses
    And the voice I hear falling on my ear
    The Son of God discloses.

    Refrain

    And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
    And He tells me I am His own;
    And the joy we share as we tarry there,
    None other has ever known.

    He speaks, and the sound of His voice,
    Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
    And the melody that He gave to me
    Within my heart is ringing.

    Refrain

    I’d stay in the garden with Him
    Though the night around me be falling,
    But He bids me go; through the voice of woe
    His voice to me is calling.

    1. I had many requests for this song at the church where I played the piano in my younger years. I could feel as well visualize walking in the garden and smell the wonderful fragrances of all the plants and trees. Who could not be mesmerized by not only the words but the melody of this song?

  125. “O God, Our help in Ages past, Our hope for years to come, Our shelter from the story blast, and our eternal home.” Going through some stormy blasts right now and this was the first song that popped into my head. He has always been there for me in the past–so why do I worry?

  126. My song for today would automatically be “Quiet me” I too am a singer with a heart for God. My life is being pulled in so many directions I feel like an over worked peice of taffy! My prayers consist of “Lord quiet my heart that I may see and feel and hear you speak to this worn out soul”.

    1. LOVE this song. and I agree with that choice. I really needed it this week. I often play it at night when I need to settle down, set it aside, and QUIET my chugging brain so I can rest in HIS word for me.

  127. Heaven Song by Phil Wickham

    “I want to run on greener pastures, I want to dance on higher hills; I want to drink from sweeter waters, in the misty morning chill. And my soul is getting restless for the place where I belong; I can’t wait to join the angels and sing my heaven song.”

  128. My “official” list of favorite Christian songs is fast approaching 250. I particularly go for anything by Keith and Kristyn Getty, Steve Amerson, Damaris Carbaugh…. I could list a dozen others. My “official first” favorite Christian singer was Michael Card.

  129. “Warrier is a Child” by Twila Paris. I’m struggling with brokwn family relationships and betrayal of trust. This song has always been my anthem! I love music, love to sing, but unfortunately I’m a lot like “Monica” from “Touched By An Angel!” I can’t carry a tune that anyone except the LORD could bear to hear! Oh well…my heart sings HIS praises!

    1. Oh, wow. Diane – that is one of the first songs I ever sang as a solo at church! I used a cassette tape background track and had a bad 80’s hairdo to go with it! LOL! LOVE that song!

  130. One of my most favorite songs is: You are Water by Hayley Westenra
    It is the perfect song for your wonderfully inspirational message today. I too believe music helps me soar to God with any emotion when mere words fail me.
    This song speaks of “You hear the melody of my song, You stop time, heal my mind” ” You are water on a hot summer day; for a thirsty daughter whose finding her way; You are water. I’ve found my oasis and now I’ve got my arms wide open…”
    I truly believe “She who sings prays twice”.
    Your Girlfriend in Christ, Patti

  131. My new favorite song (which has also become a prayer) is from Red Collective Experiment: “Build Your Kingdom Here.” My heart is lifted up to the throne every time I hear it. I believe that God created music not just for our pleasure but also for us to be able to commune with him on multiple levels as we learn to worship Him in spirit and in truth. Great devo!

  132. I love to sing, but at best, it is a joyful noise! That is ok, because my God hears my heart. Today, I could listen to Hold me, Jesus over and over. Blessings…

  133. Love Knows No End by Hillsong…rarely do I listen to this that I don’t have my hands raised and tears running down my cheeks!! Really love their entire Cornerstone (Live) album!!

  134. Be Still and know that I am God – this song always helps remind me to slow down, listen and welcome Him into the moments I need, but every moment

  135. God is My Redeemer – by Roger Thrower

    “God is my Redeemer,
    He heals me with reassuring love.
    I love my Redeemer

    Overwhelming, overcoming, redeeming love!”

    I really appreciate this article, Gwen! Thank you for sharing it. God bless you!

  136. Con que pagaremos. I loved it the first time I heard it in 1995, and then I learned what the words meant and it was even more meaningful. The lyrics are how can we repay a love so vast, that you saved me, a sinner, please receive my humble offering Lord, a song and my heart.
    I recently felt led to sing this song while on a mission trip to Romania. Nobody knows Spanish in Romania, but I sang the song in church anyway. By the second line, the congregation joined with me singing it in Romanian! It was a beautiful taste of what heaven will be like with all of us singing and praising our Lord.

      1. With what do we repay, a love so vast

        that You gave Your life for the sinner?

        In exchange, accept the humble offering –

        the humble offering, Lord Jesus Christ,

        of my heart.

        And when the night spreads out her mantle

        my weeping eyes will be fixed on You.

        (With) my eyes lifted up, I will see the stars;

        I know that (from) beyond them, loving Father,

        You watch over me.

        I cannot repay (to) You, with (neither) gold or
        silver,

        the great sacrifice that You have made for me.

        I have nothing to give You for so much (such)
        love to me;

        Accept this song, mingled with tears,

        and my heart.

        I hope that people will look for a youtube video of this song or maybe on iTunes. It is so beautiful and moves me to tears every time.
        Thanks for a great devotional today Gwen! <3 Hugs

    1. Similar to the message of Like Casting Crowns’ “Jesus, Friend of Sinners”? Thank God for His unending love and grace! The plank-in-the-eye Christian is all of us at one time or another and I so praise Him for looking beyond MY faults!!!!

  137. Love this…..I have been challenging myself to live a life of worship everyday. Thanks for encouraging me to add a song!
    How great Thou Art!

  138. Mercy Me’s “I AM”

    “You’re the One Who conquers giants, You’re the One Who calls out kings. You shut the mouths of lions, You tell the dead to breathe. You’re the One Who walks through Fire, You take the orphan’s hand. You are the One Messiah, You are I Am!”

  139. Sing Along by White Flag – Passion (featuring Christy Nockles). All of God’s creation praises Him and we are privileged to be allowed to sing along. Go ahead sing. It will make you smile and bring a smile to the face of God too.

    1. I enjoyed today’s devotion. I also have a daughter who sings and hums when she is happy. That accounts for mostly all day. She reminds me so much of my grandmother who did the same. She passed away before my daughter was born. I would have cherished their melodies together if they would have known each other this side of Heaven!

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