Spiritual Songs: Let Me Feel You Shine

I recently downloaded David Crowder's iTunes session EP. It has several of the songs for which the David Crowder Band was famous. I have found myself falling in love with several of the songs on this album. They move me in powerful ways. I find myself singing them throughout the day. I can listen to them over and over.

This song, "Let Me Feel You Shine," has been a tremendous blessing to me over the last few days. It has become a heart cry for me. I'm continually aware of my need for God's presence and power in my life. This song reflects that kind of longing. I hope you find it encouraging.

Spiritual Songs: I Saw the Light/I'll Fly Away

This one is a real toe-tapper. I love the energy in this song. It captures the hopeful exuberance of knowing Christ. It oozes life. I hope you enjoy it.

Hymns: Take the Name of Jesus with You

This song, "Take the Name of Jesus with You," offers us a gentle reminder of the power of Jesus' name. The words were written by Lydia Baxter and the music by William H. Doanev. The words remind of us both the darkness we face in this world and the joy that is ours through Jesus. Heed the advice of this old him, and begin to meditate on the glorious riches of Christ.

Take the name of Jesus with you, Child of sorrow and of woe;
It will joy and comfort give you, take it there wher-e're you go.

Chorus:
Precious name, oh, how sweet! Hope of earth and joy of heav'n;
Precious name, oh, how sweet! Hope of earth and joy of heav'n.

Take the name of Jesus ever, As a shield from every snare;
When temptations round you gather, breath that holy name in prayer.

Oh, the precious name of Jesus, How it thrills our souls with joy,
When His loving arms receive us, and His song our tongues employ.

At the name of Jesus bowing, Falling prostrate at His feet;
King of kings in heaven we'll crown Him when our journey is complete.

Hymns: They Will Know We Are Christians

Jesus said, "By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35).

Meditating upon the above verse, Peter Scholtes penned the song, "They'll Know We Are Christians." With haunting simplicity this hymn stresses the necessity of mutual love and respect among Christians. He writes:

We are one in the Spirit; we are one in the Lord.

We are one in the Spirit; we are one in the Lord.

And we pray that all unity may one day be restored.

Chorus:

And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love.

Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love.

We will walk with each other; we will walk hand in hand.

We will walk with each other; we will walk hand in hand.

And together we'll spread the news that God is in our land.

Chorus

We will work with each other; we will work side by side.

We will work with each other; we will work side by side.

And we'll guard each one's dignity and save each one's pride.

Chorus

All praise to the Father, from whom all things come.

All praise to Christ Jesus, His only Son.

And all praise to the Spirit, who makes us one.

Chorus

The Lord has called us to love one another, and to that we should strive. Where we fall short we confess and repent and move forward in love. Here is the Jars of Clay version of "They Will Know We Are Christians":

Spiritual Songs: Faith to be Strong

Some days it just feels like we're fighting an uphill battle. Here is a song that I hope will encourage you. It is "Faith to be Strong," by Andrew Peterson. I hope it lifts your spirits.

Spiritual Songs: Your Great Name

Although, "Your Great Name," isn't a "new" song, I only heard it recently and was captivated by it. Not only is Anthony Evan's voice powerful, but the words are captivating. One of the themes of Scripture is that God is making a name for himself. His name is synonymous with his character and glory.

Through Malachi, the prophet, the Lord says, "'For my name will be great among the nations, from the rising of the sun to its setting. Incense and pure offerings will be presented in My name in every place because My name will be great among the nations,' says Yahweh of Hosts" (Mal. 1:11).

Speaking of the incarnation and death of Jesus Paul reminds us, "For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him a name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow--of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth--and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father" (Phil. 2:9-11).

"Your Great Name," draws on some of the names (and titles) given to Jesus, and moves us to meditate upon them. The simple, repetitive nature of the song adds to its beauty. I hope this song moves your heart to celebrate the Lord's great name.