October is here and with it, shorter days and darker nights.  It’s also that time of year during which the powers of darkness are celebrated.  As I watch Halloween decorations appear and witness the chaos our world is in between COVID, natural disasters, racial discord, and political tension, I have been impressed with the need to declare God’s power over darkness. 
 
While this is Satan’s temporary domain over which he exercises some control, Jesus broke Satan’s power and conquered the enemy.  God is still on the throne and ultimately in control of all that transpires on planet earth.  Therefore, this month as our country continues to get pulled apart by disunity and as evil is celebrated, let us, as God’s people, lift up a song of victory, a declaration of God’s power, and an anthem that tells the world and our own hearts that Jesus has defeated darkness and that celebrates the mighty, all-powerful name of the King of kings.

Christmas is just around the corner!  Have you been busy with parties, celebrations, and festive activities?  I have!  This is such a busy season!  So much joy, so much excitement, so much celebration!  But let’s not forget the Reason for the season.

​I hope everyone is having a marvelous summer!  August is here…where has the time gone?!  Last month’s worship set was a powerful one, wouldn’t you agree?  As I was prayerfully thinking through what this month’s set should be, I realized that July was a hard act to follow.  However, God really impressed upon my heart the message of His faithfulness and goodness to us.  So this month we will be focusing our praise on these wonderful reasons to rejoice and thank God for His incredible faithfulness to us.

​Hymns are classic.  They are full of deep theological truth and have stood the test of time.  However, depending on what type of church you go to, hymns can sometimes feel old fashioned and not terribly relevant to the current musical style.  Nevertheless, the truth they contain is still rich and deep.  So I love it when song writers combine solid hymns with modern music.  They give the hymns new life with a fresh bridge or chorus or even weaving them together with newer songs.  

​The next song in our Easter-focused worship set is called “Unbroken Praise” by Matt Redman.  This song touched me deeply several years ago and is still a favorite worship song.  I recently introduced it at my church and it has blessed several in our congregation, so I pray that it blesses you also!