A Deeper Side Of Meredith

     As a young girl singing into her hairbrush I wonder if Meredith Andrews had any idea of the capacity in which God was planning to use her in ministry years later.  Today she often speaks and ministers in song at conferences and has toured with many well known Christian artists through her career.

     As her parents desired to open their doors to foster other children she soon became the sister of three very thankful adopted brothers.  Following her parents heart to reach out, she started at Liberty University majoring in family and childhood development. A few years into her college journey she had an epiphany.

     While leading worship her Junior year, she looked out to a crowd full of hands raised and hearts open to the Father and it was in that moment her life changed forever. "This is the thing that makes me feel most alive.’ It is also the thing I feel like the Lord takes the most delight in, and I feel closest to Him when I’m doing it."

     Meredith released her first album Mesmerized in 2005 on Chrematizo Label.  A few years after that in 2008 big changes came for this exuberant young lady on a mission to share the never changing love of God.  She married her husband/producer Jacob Scooter and released her first album The Invitation on Word Records. 

     Two years later, As Long As It Takes was released and received two Dove Awards for Worship Album Of The Year and Worship Song Of The Year with How Great Is The Love. With a heart for worship and a love for the people of the Lord she and her husband both carried a message in their hearts to share with those who were willing to listen.  "No matter what we face in this fallen world, or how things might look around us, we have someone who will never leave us nor forsake us.  He is always constant." 

     Meredith has released three albums to date on Word Records. Worth It All was her latest in 2013 which has left fans highly anticipating her latest creation Deeper, releasing February 19, 2016.  For those who have been long time followers of Mrs. Andrews they are aware of her vulnerable approach to worship and the desire to reach the heart of Christ.  For many this is the very reason they have come to love her music ministry.

   While being a full time Mother, wife, singer & songwriter this amazing young woman continued to lead worship at Harvest Bible Chapel, before moving to Nashville.  She was also featured on the Live Worship Album released last year by their team, The Vertical Church Band.

     Deeper is certain to lighten your load and create a passionate desire to draw closer to the freedom only found in Christ.  Soar is the first single released off of the 14 track deluxe edition.  It is currently being played on many Christian outlets including Klove. Below you can view the acoustic version, which I actually enjoy more than the recorded, because it hones in more on her authentic vocal ability.
    

     While Meredith and her husband Jacob were expecting their third child, a difficult moving transition from Chicago to Nashville paved some bumpy roads. While facing marital road blocks and personal construction underway signs in their lives, the birthing of Deeper began to manifest in their spirits.  Setting out on this physical and spiritual journey together, in uncertain circumstances God began to unfold the mysteries in song.

      “I’m praying that God will use this album to bring freedom," she shares. "I envision people hearing these songs for the first time and being overwhelmed by the presence of God and by the healing and hope found there. I don’t want to worry about the numbers. I want to be focused on ‘Am I being faithful? Am I speaking truth and offering hope to people who are listening? I want to be a mouthpiece. I want God to use my story and use my songs to meet them in the hard place they’re at right now. God has told me ‘Take care of the depth and I’ll take care of the breadth.’ So that’s what I’m focused on.”

     From the beginning you hear the promise of tomorrow rising up in Sunrise.  "I've walked through the lowest valley's. I've stood before the lions.  You were with me in the trenches, you are greater than the giants."

Reminding us that joy comes in the morning, (Psalms 30:5) and He will bring us out of the midnight hour. 

     The title track, Deeper is a celebratory proclamation of 11 Corinthians 12:9 poetically transformed into an upbeat Psalm.  "For every battle that's sure to come, I will be brave. I've got my heart set on every word you say; and no matter what lies ahead, you will make a way."  

     He is made strong in our weakness and every valley and flame we have to walk through takes us into a new level of intimacy with Him. As you listen to the entirety of the album, you hear this same sentiment resounding.  

     I Look To The King, delivers a tenderhearted praise to the one who paves the path before us as we travel through each battle.  The strength we find as we look to the hills where our help comes from during treacherous times.  

     One of my personal favorites is Spirit Of The Living God. Though the version on the album is a bit different from the live recording (below) with Vertical Church Band, this is truly an intimate plea for God to speak and move in our lives. A desire for Him to be present in the atmosphere to change everything in our lives, sensitizing our spirit to Him and the power of His holiness.

     Extravagant, paints the unrelenting gracious love that God poured out on the cross that He continues to cover us in. "Your mercy, deeper than the seas. Your grace God, washes over me.  Your faithfulness like the rising sun, oh the wonder of your love, so extravagant." Her hope is for those who may have had a misconstrued portrait of who God is because of a harmful parental relationship or childhood would be able to truly see Him. That they would understand His love for them as the wonderful Father He is and truly see how extravagant it is.  

      Often times in suffering we find our strength in the anticipation that comes in His magnificent Glory. This song encourages those who may be facing uncertain roads ahead. Those who may be weighed down with heavy burdens that seem to be praying unanswered prayers while battling within themselves."The light and dark are wrestling in my heart. A war for my affections. A hundred voices ringing in my head. A war for my attention, but I believe You will overcome all the fear and the fight in me, and my suffering cannot compare to the weight of Your Glory."

     Trusted brings the revelation of the unfailing promises that God presents to us when we place our life in His hands. Followed by Impossible, which reminisces throughout the miracles that Christ performed for the saints. It's a reminder to oneself that it's impossible for Him to fail.  That no matter how things presently appear, His love is full of mercy and He goes before us to prepare a way.

     When fears seem to come against us and the enemy tries to whisper in our ear, it's imperative that we seek the one we know holds our future in His hands.  Hands That Are Holding Me takes us on an unwavering walk through the restorative garden of truth. "In the sorrow.  In the struggle. When my heart is torn and troubled, I will cling to what I know is true."

     The beauty of the humility of Christ was displayed providing the pathway of our salvation through His sacrifice. By doing so, He allowed us new life which is exemplified in The Lamb Of God. Available on the deluxe edition only, it's a beautiful tapestry of His unfathomable love for us.

     One thing we know for certain is that Jesus sees us in our shame, our fear, our doubts and our unbelief. He knows us better than we know ourselves and when we feel lost and alone without a single escape from grief and heartache, Jesus Sees. This song, also only on the deluxe edition awakens your spirit that He is near to the brokenhearted. So many people of faith hide thinking others won't understand what they may be facing, but this reminds us He is faithful in every season and we are never too far for Him to reach.  

     The third bonus track on the deluxe edition is a Hillsong cover titled Christ Is Enough, which has been a vast corporate worship addition to set lists. She explains her reason behind adding this selection.

     "It's one of my favorites. Do I really believe that if everything else is stripped away I could sing this song with joy in my heart that Christ is enough? I don't know if I could. I want to be able to. I believe the more we sing these declarations over our lives, the more God changes our hearts to align with the truths He wants for us."

     Take Me Back is truly a redemptive story that is written and performed so passionately that it causes me to tear up every time I listen to it. It's a personal side that Meredith shares through different walks of her life. She reflectively sings of the time she held her first son and how she couldn't believe how much she loved that little person without even trying. She felt God whisper while writing this song, "That is how I love you. I don't love you because of what you do. I love you because you are mine. No matter what you do, I still love you." 

     The last verse in the unfolding of this story is the Eternal ending we all long for in our hearts. "Take me home to, a place I'll know soon. Where sin and sorrow cannot go. And all your family forever standing in the Glory of the God who takes us back. I'll sing of the grace that's still amazing. I'll dance like a child before the King. And I'll shout like I heard it for the first time. You have come to save the lost and last, and you're the God who always takes me back."

     In my opinion I saved the best to mention last on this review. Maybe it's because it encompasses a journey we can all relate to and glean from.  The hope that awaits those who have accepted His invitation through His sacrifice is one we often long for. Not because life is hard, but because one day we will finally be in His presence forever more.  

     As Meredith poured her heart into the lyrics and creation of this album, it's clear to see that she persevered through the hope that is only found in a Deeper relationship with our Lord and Savior. Christ Is Enough and the Spirit Of The Living God is full of Glory.  The Hands That Are Holding Me can be Trusted and when I Look To The King I can see the Sunrise through The Lamb Of God.  Jesus Sees all and can do the Impossible.  He will always Take Me Back and by and through his Extravagant love we can Soar on wings like eagles. 

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The Son of God Tour 2014

2014 THE BIBLE: SON OF GOD TOUR REVIEW

     The Son of God movie produced by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett released through 20th Century Fox on February 28, 2014. This portrayal of Christ is different from what many of us witnessed in the Passion of Christ. Most people are aware of what Christ sacrificed for all of us to be given the opportunity to be born again into the Kingdom of Heaven. 

     However, what “Son of God” shows us is another side of Jesus. It shows His compassion for little children in a very sensitive nature. It amplifies His admiration of His closest friends and how He was affected emotionally throughout different aspects of His journey.


     


     You see what many people forget is Jesus walked this earth just like you and me. He was not superman though many to this day still try to mockingly implicate. He was not oblivious to pain, emotionally or physically no matter which angle you view Him from. I believe “Son of God” brings an entirely different perspective to the life that Jesus lived as a servant and a Savior among men, who ultimately crucified Him.

     With the creation of this touching film, a soundtrack was birthed featuring some of the top Christian artists we have come to know and love. Here you can watch the official trailer of the movie and if you have not yet seen it, it's definitely worth your while.  

     Shortly after the release of the motion picture, a tour was announced titled "The Bible: Son of God Tour 2014." Six magnificent groups and artists came together in a gifted tapestry of humble praise and adoration to kick this tour off in Lake Forest, California on March 14, 2014.

     Sixteen shows were scheduled following Lake Forest, coming to a close in Baltimore, Maryland one week before Easter. I can only imagine the journey that each of these artists experienced personally during this Live presentation so full of sacrifice. Not only the sacrifice of the one who gave it all, but also the sacrifice of praise that they so passionately deliver to those who have been blessed to join them for this spectacular night of heartfelt admiration to the one who paid the penalty for our sins on the Cross.


     I had not watched any videos of the event prior to attending, in New Albany, Indiana. Which I think was possibly Louisville, Kentucky. I was totally confused by that at first actually, I guess one half of the church is in Kentucky and the other half is in Indiana.     I’m kidding of course, but my navigation system kept redirecting me and I kept saying “seriously”? At least I was able to go and by the Grace of God, left early enough that with driving issues I still made it in plenty of time for the early VIP entry.

L-R Jason Gray, Natalie Grant, David Frey, my cousin Phoenix, Me,
Meredith Andrews and Chris August

     During the VIP experience each artist would answer different questions asked by guests who were attending the show during the allotted time they had before group pictures. Each VIP was given the opportunity to shake hands with Jason Gray, Meredith Andrews, Natalie Grant, David Frey (lead singer Sidewalk Prophets), Meredith Andrews and Chris August. A volunteer would then snap a photo with the guests and the aforementioned humbly loving crew of talented servants of God. Each VIP member received a tour t-shirt, a singed poster by all the artists and front row seating for the concert, before regular admission.


     Throughout the years that I have written, often times I get the opportunity to re-meet artists which I consider a great honor. I don’t expect any of them to remember me of course. I know they meet new people all the time on the road, but each time I meet them I am always greeted with the same true spirit of brother or sisterly love as they smile and put their hand in mine. It’s funny because I can remember stories from each of the artists I have spoken with that stand out to me that I will never forget. These artists on this tour in particular are so humble that I honestly don’t think they have a clue how talented they are or how many people they touch in their ministry.

     If you missed the opportunity to catch this tour, I will try to paint the picture for you so that you can grasp what unfolded during the evening of April 11, 2014. Though it’s difficult to truly capture the message and the moment, the passion and the fortitude, the conviction and the surrender brought forth from the heart of each individual. I shall do my best to unmask the cross in such a way as they did so you might receive a mustard seed in the garden of your spirit.

     I must mention that I have attended many Christian concerts in my life. This one by far sound wise was untouchable. I am a stickler for lyrics being the most important aspect in Christian music. When you go to many concerts to hear Christian artists, the music is so loud it drowns out what is being said and unintentionally something is lost. When someone’s life is a mess, they need a message that will clean it up. If they can’t understand what you are saying you become a clanging cymbal by default. People cannot receive what they can’t hear. So whoever was in control of the audio on this tour, at least in New Albany, Indiana you get a humongous shout out!

     Secondly, vocally I thought many of them sound better live than they do in the studio and for this group of people that seems hard to believe. However, I am 98% certain that any other person who was in that atmosphere in New Albany, Indiana that evening would completely agree with me.


     With that being said, images from “Son of God” depicting different moments from the movie would play behind them while singing. One by one each artist would take turns either sharing a personal testimony relating to the song they were getting ready to sing or they would personify the Biblical testimony of someone that was getting ready to be demonstrated as a pivotal Biblical example.

     As the concert continued the testimonies and stories shared seemed to get deeper and more intimate. Building faith upon faith for those who have given their lives to Christ and tugging and breaking those hearts who continue to try to run the other direction from His arms. There were two subjects they seemed to touch on which appear to be prevalent in society today.




     One is the thought that we have to fix ourselves before feeling like we are worthy to accept the love and forgiveness of Christ. Second is how some people perceive those who have accepted Christ as Lord and Savior as having it all together. The message of the Cross is simple, yet it is profound.

     Jesus was profound yet He made His decision seem simple, resting on one sentence in prayer, “Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” Luke 22:42

     You see, we are all broken in different ways. We have pieces of our lives often laid out before us packed away in boxes, or stuffed away in memories we try to erase or forget. Often times these memories are accompanied by shameful accusations the devil tries to place over us to keep us away from seeing the Blood on the Cross.     Many of us have at some point in time battled with self-esteem problems for different reasons doubting our abilities or not being comfortable with ourselves when the Word of God says; 

Psalm 139:14, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”

     

     God doesn’t expect us to be perfect before coming to Him, as a matter of fact touching on the second issue, anyone who says that they are scripture says is lying to Himself. As these artist demonstrated throughout the evening both in personal testimonies and examples of those they were personifying from scriptural experiences no one ever entirely has it all together even after coming to Christ. The difference that we walk in as Christians is that we lay those struggles at the Foot of the Cross.





     Perfection hung on a cross to cover the imperfections of our sins, to wash away the stains of our memories and cleanse us of shame and regret. Through His grace we find strength to overcome the obstacles we face in our lives. The Son of God becomes our navigation system through His word and His love.  He knows every wrong turn we have made. He knows every detour we have had to try to go around and He never has to update His maps. He is the one constant in this life that is never changing.

“I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.”
Isaiah 43:25

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
John 3:16-17

Son of God CD Review

Review of the Various Artist Contribution to Son Of God Soundtrack

     At the end of this month on February 28th 2014, the anticipated film Son of God will commence in theatres. Highly successful Hollywood producer, Mark Burnett is excited about people in remote areas around the world that will have access to the gospel through this film. He and his wife were “warned” by people not to switch to producing Bible based films, right before creating the acclaimed mini-series The Bible. Currently that same series which got a broad spectrum of viewers in the United States is number one in Hong Kong; and following as the number one series in England on Channel 5. Those who warned them are now choking back dust by the popularity among diverse groups of faith-based morally uplifting positive movies.


     Regardless of religious affiliation people are intrigued by the life of Jesus Christ. Since His walk on Earth, people have been perplexed, blessed, changed and intrigued by the character He portrayed and life that He lived amongst some who followed Him, most who mocked Him, and the majority who crucified Him.

     Word Records has teamed up with the film company, Light workers Media and formed a compilation inspired by The Bible mini-series and the epic film release Son of God on the 28th. Releasing on January 21, 2014 this multiple-award winning artist collection makes an excellent purchase for your listening pleasure. Featuring some familiar Christian Radio tunes along with a few never heard before creations that will surprise you, it’s one that you can leave in rotation for quite some time.

     This album has reaffirmed my applause for the beautiful Francesca Battistelli as she belts out a hauntingly stirring performance in the first track “Oh, Son of God”. I am uncertain if it is on radio or not because I had never heard this song until reviewing the CD but it was like an orchestra in my heart strings. There is a passion that resonates deep in the soul of one who has been made whole in Christ when such evoking melodies are birthed as this.

     Chris August follows in with, “Jesus, Savior”, which is heard broadly on Christian radio. With on spot vocals and lyrics that touch the hearts of listeners you simply cannot lose. “Just call him Jesus, Savior, Son of God; the King of Kings. Our salvation has a name.” He states the simple truth in this song, but it’s the truth that has changed the world.

     One group I have always enjoyed For King & Country, will vocally delight your ears and lyrically touch your heart in their delivery of “Baby Boy”. "As angel’s sing and the Earth rejoices “Endless hope and relentless joy started with a Baby Boy".

     Inspired by the life of Christ, the epic motion picture The Son of God and the mini-series, The Bible, the sequence of this album is spectacular. “He Said” performed by Group1 Crew is a quickening encouragement to all.

     As the body of Christ we go through things that are heartbreaking at times. Things we can’t understand can knock us off course or make us lose sight of the prize that awaits us. “He Said” helps you refocus on the promises of God and the power His Word gives us in our lives.

     One of the most valuable songs for me personally was poetically demonstrated by the sweet and humbly talented Dara Maclean. “Our Only Hope” authenticates the relevance of God and the love of Christ that was personified by God for mankind when He gave Himself for all on the cross in place of our penance. These words speak volumes;

“You’re healer to the broken. Shepherd to the lost. Father to the orphan adopted by the cross. There’s comfort in your arms, it’s where our healing starts. Our only hope is Jesus.”

     Sidewalk Prophets, come barreling out with “Keep Making Me”.  Sometimes when God is getting ready to move us into something greater the enemy wants to jump in and try to steal our faith away by attacking us in areas that are the most important to us. God says in His word that He is closest to those who have a broken and contrite spirit.

   
     This song carries three verses starting with the following pleas, “Make me broken, so I can be healed.” “Make me empty, so I can be filled.” And last but not least, “Make me lonely, so I can be yours.” From a heart that wants to be surrendered fully over to the Lord’s will we come to this place in prayer often not realizing how much we rely emotionally and physically on people and things rather than on God until He answers and begins to let them get taken away.



     Being reformed in Christ is never an easy transition and often times calls for repeat visits in order to renew our hearts and minds in the calling that He places on our lives. He doesn’t call us to a certain position or job; He calls us to become the person we are meant to be in Him. Point of Grace, beautifully echo’s this in “Only Jesus”.



     Repentance is not a once in a lifetime experience at the cross. It is a daily renewing and searching our hearts to make ourselves pure before the unspotted lamb of Christ through forgiveness which only Jesus has the power to give and the spirit to grant lovingly.

     Jason Castro, who recently dropped his dread locks like a hot potato delivers the unwavering “I Believe”. Following the same trust pattern that many of us have had to do in our lives; trusting God no matter what the situation looks like to us carnally.

“And in times of struggle Father this I know. That on this narrow road I never walk alone. And though I don't understand, tell me who can know your plans? And when I cannot see - I believe.”

     Considering I was unfamiliar with the bands, Everfound and Love and the Outcome they were the two biggest surprises for me. One of the reasons I love compilation albums I suppose, is that your musical library gets to check out something new that you are unaware even exists. I am sure I have heard other songs by these talented artists but I never made a connection to their names until now.

     In “God of the Impossible”, Everfound brings a fun revelation to how He can use any of us to do amazing things that even we cannot begin to fathom if we simply believe and are obedient. My favorite part of this song rests in these lyrics.

“Empty bones and a thirsty soul, dreaming for more than the life I have known. Until I tasted a burning coal, and my guilt was erased, and my sin was atoned!”

     Love and the Outcome, also bring a lighthearted joy to the table with "He is With Us." Proclaiming that no matter what may come our way and no matter what storms we face we can trust Our God, for He is with us always. “Our faith is sealed, our hope is real, come what may we’re not afraid”.

     “Jesus Move”, performed by Big Daddy Weave is an engaging call to worship among the saints calling the power of God down upon our lives allowing His love to come alive in each and every one of us for His glory.

     Closing out this affirming classic Meredith Andrews, releases a sweet aroma in “The Gospel Changes Everything.” Jesus made a way so we could all come just as we are to our God. The cross was a rescue mission; for our souls redeemed by the Gospel, which Christ became in the flesh. The Son of God made a way so all could come to the Father through Him.

      Many of the award winning artists on this album will be featured guests on The Bible Tour 2014 starting March 20, 2014 in Lake Forest, California. You can find out more information about purchasing tickets or volunteering for events in your area by visiting The Bible Tour . Until then, I know this album will touch you spiritually and ignite that desire more fervently anticipating the release of this epic film on February 28, 2014.