The Very Next Thing Intimately Engages Your Soul

Casting Crowns Delivers Again

     With their eighth studio album release on September 16, 2016 Casting Crowns continues to steadily encourage committed fans and new listeners with engaging lyrics and heartfelt vocals that resonate into the hearts of listeners. Below the band goes live on facebook wishing their new album, The Very Next Thing a Happy Birthday. 

     Conquering the airwaves and riding on over 10 million album sales since they stepped foot in the industry they are no strangers to the stage. They became Billboards top selling Christian artist in 2007 and continue to hold that record, while being nominated for and winning numerous awards.  

     I've always been passionate about Casting Crowns. One of the reasons I believe they have such a huge fan base is because they sing songs based on experiences of those they are surrounded by in the local churches they minister in.  

     The first release, One Step Away is one of the few upbeat melodies off the album which demonstrates how close you can be to trusting God in different situations. Below you can watch the lyric video.

     If you are unfamiliar with the history of Casting Crowns, I would like to take just a moment to let you know that last year as a group they pulled together in support behind lead singer Mark Hall. In March of 2015 he was diagnosed with an active nuclear cell 3 type cancer in his kidney.  Thankful for the early diagnosis his wife said it was a miracle find that through the support and prayer of friends and family upon the removal of the infected kidney the doctors removed any trace of it spreading. 

 

 

     We all know that the struggles we face as Christians are just as real as anyone else. The difference between how we handle those obstacles is through a course of faith. When Mark found out he had cancer, that night he began to write the song Oh My Soul, which happens to be my personal favorite on the new album.  

     As someone who struggled myself with an inoperable brain tumor many years ago, this song brought tears to my eyes as I reflected on the depth of the lyrics birthed in this beautiful declaration inspired by Psalms 43:5. "Oh my soul you are not alone, there's a place where fear has to face the God you know."  Thankfully the hurt and the healer collided in My Situation as well and God once again showed up and showed out.  

     The general message in their latest creation paints the sovereignty in the blessed name of Jesus Christ and how He creates a path for us to restore our relationship with God by and through His amazing sacrifice. No Other Name and Hallelujah are both very intimately presented and certain to be live powerhouse encounters. 

     I don't think anyone should be surprised by their exemplified authenticity from start to finish. I guess the one question you are left asking is when a group like this becomes so well known what more are you expecting from them on new projects? It's not really like they can out do themselves right? If you have been inspired and moved by their previous works of worship and creativity you will receive a full spiritual meal at this table also. If you are new to Casting Crowns don't hesitate to revisit one of their many Senior Albums as well, you will be just as blessed by them.  

 

 

 

     The a cappella entrance of When The God Man Passes By, displays the wonderful harmony these guys and gals are gifted with followed by a toe tapping melody.  The folk/pop vibe is also sprinkled through in, Song That The Angels Can't Sing and Make Me A River.

 

     There are several lyrically beautiful songs that you will find comfort and strength in one of them is What If I Gave Everything.  A heart felt illustration of the struggle we sometimes face when we doubt His provision and purpose instead of trusting Him and giving Him the lead. God Of All My days is a very emotional ballad from one's heart straight to the heart of God. Loving My Jesus is a tear jerker for sure. It's a proclamation and a cry to share our personal stories with others to lead them to the grace and mercy poured out for us through the loving sacrifice of our Savior.

 

 "Last thing this lost world needs is someone I'm trying to be, the truth is that He set me free.  Cause I'm just a broken man Loving My Jesus, showing my scars and telling my story how mercy can reach you where you are."

 

     There are generally a few songs that pull so relevantly on my spirit when I review new albums and by no means was that different when I received this one.  The title track, The Very Next Thing lyrically was a bit overwhelming for me the first time I heard it. "Lord wherever you're leading me that's where I wanna be." Like many people striving to find our purpose in His Kingdom and serve Him through the best of our ability; I often struggle knowing what exactly that is.  Though this is not technically a worship song, for me it broke me down, finding comfort in numbers, just trusting Him for the very next thing. Without a doubt, incredible.   

 

     For All You Are also receives an extra heart tugging award. As we grow in our relationship with Christ there comes a point where we truly grasp what He did for us. I think many people who ask the Lord to be their Savior miss the part that He also wants to be our Lord. Our Heavenly Father desires us to die to self and live for Him. The sacrifice of our own desires giving us over to His will for our lives. For in that is where we truly find restoration of our souls.

 

  "Your Life; my gain, here I exchange, all of me for all you are. I lay at your feet my broken heart and I find my healing in your scars. All of me I lay down for all you are."

 

     Truly sacrificial praise Crowns displays for all to see. Laying everything they have out in glorious demonstration with the hope of reaching the masses and encouraging all who hear the messages they have shared.

 

 

    Check for Tour Dates near you and be sure to add this album to your playlist. 

 

 

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Orlando Around The World

    

    The tragedy that happened in Orlando is hideous, but what we must understand is that this stuff happens all around the world on a daily basis, especially when it comes to the slaying of those who live lives unacceptable in the eyes of others. I find it truly heartbreaking that this happened to these people whose lives were stolen unjustly in Orlando and left a trail of mourning behind them. (in the same location Christina Grimmie was murdered not even a full 24 hours before ...for absolutely no reason). I also find it disturbing that it has to happen on American soil before we truly feel affected by it. People are murdered simply for their faith; lifestyle; or no reason at all in other countries and we want to argue and debate here if we should help those who are in distress?  Yet now we join together because it happened inside our borders? 

      When are we going to have a sense of humanity sympathetically worldwide? We are all striving to live long healthy lives freely making choices without affecting others opinions and beliefs in a way that would be insulting or degrading to their own lives.  Let's lift up the families who were involved in Orlando but at the same time consider praying for those outside our border living this nightmare on a daily basis. Our soil for the time being has not seen the devastation other Nations have experienced but in due season we too shall begin to see prophecies unfold.  We must be prepared spiritually to know and understand scripture does not say things will get better....not until the Eastern sky splits and Jesus returns and every knee will bow and every tongue confess.

      Some websites are saying this "shooter" was on the FBI watch list for a very long time and yet he worked as a security guard? I am not a big conspiracy theorists but "gun control" is a big story right now and has been for awhile. It also happened closely into the next general election process. People need to be mindful and responsive understanding that this was a "gun free zone" and yet one single armed man in a club that would generally have a guard in it was able to assassinate 50 innocent people. 
 
      Keep your eyes open folks.  Live life while you can. Accept Christ while you can, God is not mocked. His Word will come to fruition and we will soon begin to see scriptures come to pass that have been at our fingertips all along.  God be with us.
 
"And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved." Matthew 10:21-22

Let The Church Rise Up In Truth

Just Sharing My Heart

(I'm not one who can remember an entire slam poem by heart so yes I was reading it off my paper but the message is still genuine and truly from my spirit. )

     Glorified Pitstop was created to share believers testimonies and faith and encouragement found in the word and in song. You can follow us on Facebook where we would love to have you share your testimony or how a Christian group or artist has influenced your walk with Christ.  We believe every road is a pathway paved to share of the goodness of the Lord and hope we can only find in Him. 

We Are Messengers Debut Release

They Have Created A Special Delivery!

      There is a vulnerability that comes through in Christian music where you can discern if the message is authentic in the creation or not.  Before knowing any of the history behind lead singer Darren Mulligan, Glorified Pitstop caught We Are Messengers opening up the pre-jam session at the The Winter Jam Tour last month in Cincinnati, Ohio.

      I picked up a genuine spirit of restoration in their delivery that night and it's no wonder after learning where God has brought him from why that radiates out of their performance.  Darren met his wife Heidi over a decade ago on the streets of their homeland in Ireland.  His early love of American rock and roll lead him on a spiritually broken journey chasing a dream in the industry as a heavy metal guitarist travelling throughout the United States.  

     Though he left his girlfriend of several years that he loved behind, seeking his passion for music on the run, she patiently waited for him to return and little did he know that was God's plan for him all along.  While he was seeking fulfillment in heavy metal music, she found fulfillment in a relationship with Christ.  When she called to let him know of the joy she found in God he couldn't figure out why she sounded so happy while he felt so miserable. 

     Darren returned to Ireland shortly after that an atheist and asked Heidi to marry him.  Lo and behold three weeks before their wedding he had a life changing encounter with the Lord that began to transform him from the inside out. 

     "I felt so wretched, so dirty. I could feel my skin crawling. God seemed so real that night. He seemed so Holy. There was a huge chasm between Him and me. I could feel it- this crushing weight of guilt and conviction- so I gave my life to the Lord that night. It took me a few months of reading the Bible to really understand what I had done and what that meant. I fell in love with God over that period and gradually learned to see myself as He sees me- clean, a son of the King."

Members From Remission (2012-2014)

     Darren began doing small worship venues in Ireland with his band The Remission Flow, as well as releasing two albums on an independent label. Most of the members had full time jobs and just enjoyed going around and sharing the gospel as musicians. Miraculously they had a song land on the desk of A&R executive at Word Entertainment in a land far away in Franklin, Tennessee.

       After he was offered a major Christian label contract he and his wife packed up their three babies and stepped out in faith together once again reaching for a dream. The rock-n-roll fantasy had long ago faded and was now transformed into using his artistry to reach the lost and broken for Christ.  A life he himself used to live but by and through the grace of God had been set free and set on a course to shine a light wherever he could reach. 

     The Self-Titled debut album set to release on April 22, 2016 consists of fourteen tracks selected out of hundred or more Darren began to create after settling in Franklin with his family. Among those that made the cut is the opening track and currently thriving radio hit, Everything Comes Alive (video below). An exuberant testimony of the restoration that is birthed in our lives when God finds us at our lowest points and begins to transform our heart.

    Darren has come a long way from Ireland to share the passion he discovered in his gift many years ago.  I'm On Fire is a perfect anthem that shares the sentiment he found from the moment he fell in love with Jesus.  

"It still feels like I can't contain Him in my flesh, that I need to speak about Him.  He is a burning fire deep inside my bones." -Darren

     So often people think we give up our freedom when we surrender to Christ, only if they knew that's when we truly find it. Though it is difficult to explain to someone who has not experienced it for themselves; all we can do is try to shine that light bright enough for them to desire what we have found. Thankfully, the same way his wife did for him.

     I'm not sure if she is the one singing background with him on I Want You, but I'm pretty sure it is a reflection of their relationship. Chasing after all that matters now, going half-way across the globe together allowing themselves to dream. It's a very simplistically uplifting song that made me want to grab my husband and run off into a field of daisies dressed like hippies and dance hand in hand.  It stylistically reminded me of I Am They, who I have also come to know and love.  

    As you listen to this album, you will notice an eclectic sound as if a melting pot of Crowder, For King & Country, NeedtoBreathe and Jordan Feliz were tossed into a musical blender. However, this smoothie goes pretty deep into the lyrically poignant places of one's soul and can tug at some serious places of your heart. One may either remember being brought out of that place or currently seeking a way out of an emotional state of mind or stronghold.   

     Dancing In The Dark is a case in point which portrays where God finds most of us spiritually before we know Him. It's an earnest recognition of sinking into the dark shadows of one's heart and God coming into that place with you and sparking new life into your spirit to live again.  It's message is simplified in one verse, "Even the broken can dance in the light."  

     There are three similar messages about growth and surrender that are imploring to the spirit of God to stand in between the battle of flesh and spirit to defeat our old ways. My Ghost, Shadows and Giants Fall are all about walking through a personal journey of 11 Corinthians 5:17.  

     Many times after becoming a new creature in Christ the enemy will try to resurface by reminding you of the person you used be and try to pull you back, or make you feel unworthy. My Ghost stands up to that stronghold, while Shadows searches out the legitimate joy we find in an intimate relationship Christ walking in unwavering faith. Giants Fall solidifies that we cannot live by feelings but only through true surrender fighting a war only won on our knees. "Come wash me clean and set me free. I want to see these giants fall.  My arms are open in surrender, I wave my white flag high.  You alone are my Savoir, I want more than to survive."

     Magnify, Give It All,Wildfire and The River I will categorize as having an excellent vibe both melodically and lyrically. Though I believe this whole album will speak volumes to people on many different levels, for many I believe these will be among fan favorites.  The River is like a introspective testimony of realizing who one belongs to regardless of what anybody else says or does. A marker of confidence splashed across the canvas of one's soul being renewed.  "My soul is parched and my lips are dry. All I wanna taste are the rains from the sky.  Break through the swell, where the waters are deep. Where I can be free and I can be clean."   

     Magnify is a catchy mellow tune that carries the heart of a new believer to the next level.  The desire to silence everything within themselves that is not aligned with the spirit of of God. "Be greater than the worries in my life.  Be stronger than the weakness in my mind.  Be louder, let your Glory come alive, be magnified."  Followed by Give It All, which attributes the laying down of one's life to become a reflection of Christ to others. 

      If King David were to write a psalm today I believe it would be similar to Wildfire.  It's an exuberant plea for purification from the hand of God upon one's life.  "You're a wildfire, you are the one who lights up the dark with a furious love. Take my ashes and turn them to gold, sweep over me with a furious love." This song will get stuck in your head, be prepared for that. 

     Sometimes being a Christian means that others think that we have all the answers to life and the pains and heartache that comes with it.  Though none of us can give a reason for everything that happens we can be a hand to hold, a shoulder for them to cry on just be present with them in their time of sorrow.  

     There were many bands at Winter Jam this year that I love, but when this talented young man sang I Don't Have The Answers during offering I was floored. So many times I have encountered this heart wrenching emotion unable to find the words to say to those I love seeking reasoning when I could give them none. He gave such a raw performance that it ripped at some of the deepest  most sorrowful places of my heart.  It reminds us at times all we have to offer is the beacon of our love and friendship along with prayers for comfort during deep valley's of sorrow.  

     When things seem to be going well we can lose sight of where our help comes from when hard times surface.  I Look Up is about walking through the valley and holding to the promise that He is right there with us.  The peace that surpasses all understanding knowing that He suffered much more than we ever will and He will carry us through.  "Love is a man hanging on a tree, with His Heart pouring out for me. Love is a King watching over me and when I look up He is all I see."

     Point To You is hands down my personal favorite on the album. From the melody, to the lyrics and within the background singing on the chorus it's simply an amazing song. It's about how God wants us to come to Him exactly how we are no matter how hurt or broken or scarred His arms are open wide to begin the fulfillment of our soul. One of my favorite lines that really hit me the first time I heard it choked me up. "People say I've lost myself. I say I'm found in you. People ask, where does my story end. I say it starts with you." 

     We often listen to these bands and singers that we have come to love the music of without taking the time to learn about them or their testimony in their walk with Christ. I would suggest you Pre-Order your copy of their debut album because We Are Messengers are carrying spiritual mail right into your ears. Coming from a heart transformed through the light God shined through Darren's wife that brought him to the foot of cross, these songs will minister to your soul.
     
      Darren has much to be thankful for these days as he is now living his dream of being a musician but now he does it all for the glory of God. While celebrating life with his beautiful family and bride Heidi, who stood by his side long before God intervened in both of their hearts.  He has been travelling with the largest Christian music line up this year and Tour plans for the remainder of 2016 seem to continue to grow.  Let's all join together and lift them up in prayer as they are about the Father's business sharing their gift with the world.

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     One of the missions we strive to accomplish is expressing the importance of sharing our testimonies with the world.  If you have a testimony you would like to share how God has impacted your life through We Are Messengers or any other Christian group please create a 2-5 minutes video testimony and share on our page.   It can also be how He ministered to you through a certain author, speaker or personal revelation of the mighty power of our Heavenly Father.  Remember someone's victory could be waiting on the other side of your obedience!  

"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and the Word of their testimony; and they did not love their lives to the death."- Revelation 12:11

Winter Jam 2016

     Winter Jam has become one of the most highly anticipated Christian concerts to travel through the Country each year. Fans patiently wait to see whose names are added to the line up hoping to be able to catch their new favorite, or veteran performers.  

     This concert has always been formatted so that everyone can afford to bring friends to hear the message of hope found in Christ in the midst of jamming to some of their favorite tunes. First come first serve has sometimes created max occupancy in buildings causing some hopefuls to be turned away at the door.  One of the things you can do as a fan to guarantee entry and other benefits  is to become a member of Jam Nation. 

     We Are Messengers opened the early jam session performing Everything Comes Alive and I'm On Fire. This was my first exposure to them which means it probably was for a lot of other people attending the tour this year as well.  There was a genuine spirit of restoration that came through these guys who later during the offering performed one of my favorite songs of the night called I Don't Have The Answers. All three of these songs will be available on their upcoming album you can pre-order now. Check the video out below of their current Klove hit.

     Next to hit the stage was Stars Go Dim singing You Are Loved, Giants and Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow. They were very energetic and seemed to be having a lot of fun getting the audience involved in singing along with them.

     Christian Rap Artists KB and Trip Lee both brought a lot of base to the arena while sharing their faith in song and getting the crowd's blood pumping. Both of these guys have a strong fan base and neither fall short while giving God all they have on stage.  

     Throughout the evening while they were breaking down and putting up new sets a different artists from hosts Newsong, would take a few minutes out of the evening to share information about sponsors and charities that they support.  One of the things I seen at this concert, that I had not seen before, maybe simply due to seating, was that they had a section for the hearing impaired, which I thought was awesome.  

     Newsong of course took the stage and they always sound great but for some reason they sounded superb that evening to me.  Opening their set up with Hallelujah (Bride In White), followed by Russ Lee talking about how depressing the news can be sometimes and how when we look around to everything going on today it often makes us want to go home. That opened the gateway for for him to belt out Don't It Make You Wanna Go Home. 

     After performing an always electrifying Arise My Love they shared the importance of the body of Christ reaching out to the many orphans that need our help.  Below you can watch the video about why they share the outreach of such an important ministry in Holt International.

     The only female on the tour this year seemed to float onto the stage as she laid her heart out to the Father.  Lauren Daigle effortlessly invited everyone into an atmosphere of worship with her captivating vocals and lyrically moving song selections.  

     Opening her set with the chorus of It Is Well, leading right into one of her fan favorites, First and closing out with How Can It Be. No one can question the huge amount of passion and beautiful voice she carries around in such a small package.  I don't know how God fit that big of a gift in her but we all truly appreciate it.
  

     Sidewalk Prophets took the stage next, engaging the crowd with Prodigal off their latest album Something Different along with Live Like That and Words I would Say.  They also performed their rocking title track Something Different closing out a stellar set. Sadly after nine years this is the last tour that drummer Justin Nace will be joining them as he has shared with friends and fans.  We are all going to miss him but we need to keep them all in our prayers as they continue seeking God's plan.  

     These guys have built a name for themselves in the music industry and in the lives of people they have invested friendships in. Not only are they musically gifted but they have a way of reaching out to their fans that impacts them in a way that is difficult to put into words. On this tour especially, they have picked a fan out of line at each stop to join them on stage during their set to sing with them. At this time I would like to introduce you to Jennifer Nicole Brown who was one of the lucky one's picked to join them on stage. She took a few minutes to share her testimony of of how Winter Jam and Sidewalk Prophets have been a blessing to her.

     Pastor Tony Nolan has been one of the speakers travelling with Newsong for quite some time this year. We recently attended the Xtreme Winter Conference as well where we heard him share his childhood testimony of neglect and abuse. Unfortunately this also included his first experience with people who declared the Lord as their Savior. Many young and old people alike can relate to the emotions that Tony dealt with growing up and that can often times leave people feeling like there is nowhere to turn.

     Tony touched on sensitive subjects that boiled down to finding who we are in Christ and not arguing about who we are and about who He is and just surrendering everything over to Him. Tony lived with his adopted father telling him numerous times he wished he would have never "bought him." It wasn't until many years later he heard his Heavenly Father say, "I've never regretted purchasing you." His goal is to tell as many people as he can that prayer is the language of the soul and not to listen to the devil because he is a punk.

     I have often wondered at these events why they always seem to have a group in the line up who don't really fit into the CCM industry. Not to mention they seem to be placed right in the middle of the line up after someone like Tony speaks about difficult subjects. 

     This particular afternoon it dawned on me. I'm almost positive there was a good amount of people who came specifically to see Red perform. Most of the people in attendance who like a majority of the other groups sit there in a state of shock when Red takes the stage. Lyrically they sing about deep places of darkness, anger, frustration and feeling trapped.

     Lead singer Michael Barnes does speak of God briefly while the band is putting on an explosive (quite literally) show on stage, but lyrically it's more of a perspective from someone dealing with struggles along the same lines as those Tony described he faced as a young man. I honestly believe they include Red (or similar; Skillet) to draw those out who feel exactly like their lyrics to hear the messages around them to introduce them to Christ. 

     During the set change to prepare for Matthew West a prerecorded video greeting from Newsboys introduced the trailer for God's Not Dead 2. They stressed the importance of us inviting non-believers to go see it with us upon release currently set for April 1, 2016. If nothing else you could talk your friends into going to see Deadpool with you, your treat and then when you get there say April fools! (It's ok you can laugh).  

     Matthew opened his segment of the evening with respect for the Nation asking everyone to sing God Bless America. He also carried an enthusiasm and humor throughout sharing very touching stories and testimonies.  During his opening fan favorite Day 1,confetti shot out over the audience and the crowd was re-energized. Going directly into a passionate performance of Hello My Name Is.  

     Matthew never fails to make people smile when he is on stage.  He has a genuine desire to make people happy, all the while spiritually drawing us to a deeper understanding of being there for others.  

     After some silly interaction with the audience and bringing a very lucky little boy named Hunter to join him on stage he began to explain the heart of his actions. "You see there is a method to this madness.  We don't know each other, so though you might be holding hands with someone you don't know, we have ONE God who has two hands reaching out to all we just have to raise our hands and surrender everything to God."

     Shortly after returning a very happy Hunter to his parents they shared an emotional skype video from Rob testifying about how he has worked his way through Teen Challenge. He also passed on hope to others letting them know that it doesn't matter what you've done, God's not done yet. Matthew closed out in my opinion the best witness performance of the night with Grace Wins as the crowd roared with applause.  

     While they were preparing the western saloon stage setting for Crowder, Stephanie Fast began to share her story of survival.  A true walking testimony of grace, found in a heaping pile of trash by one she considers a hero in her life, gave her the opportunity to be adopted into a loving family. She once again spoke of how important it is to sponsor children. 

     The crowd began to go crazy when Crowder started to open up with I See The Light.  If you have never seen some of these bands live you are truly missing a wonderful experience. I'm not sure where Crowder goes when he is performing but he puts every single ounce of energy into his music and you can tell he is one of the most passionate people in the industry.

     He is definitely one that leaves everything he has on that stage every single time. Performing I Am, Prodigal, Come As You Are, He Is Jealous For Me and the good ole' fashioned hoe down of I'll Fly Away it's always a treat to know he will be present at a concert. 

     There was a brief intermission where Newsong explained the benefit of this tour and how you basically pay one dollar to see each band.  With the cost of touring and renting buildings they always take a few minutes to pass around an offering plate to help keep costs down for tickets.  One of the things they went into detail about, which I thought was a wonderful blessing for each city is that they research local ministry prior to each event and donate 10% of their offering collected into a local outreach.  City Gospel Mission  in Cincinnati had no idea they would be receiving that so I thought it was an amazing way to sow into each city they praise through.  

     For King & Country have exploded into the CCM realm over the last couple of years and if you have ever seen them perform you would understand why.  Most photographers have a shutter speed setting specifically designed for them alone.  They are so animated when they are on stage you have to wonder how much coffee they drink while on tour.  I love watching them express their praise and worship and imagine this team on the front of any spiritual battle field would be hard to beat.

     Performing some of their best known songs including It's Not Over Yet, Fix My Eyes and Priceless they shared their heart for women and their fight against the horrible atrocity of human trafficking.  They have created a movie out of the desire to help those trapped in that evil which will be releasing this fall, check out the trailer here.

     They often speak of how much respect they have for women and how men should honor them as Christ loved the church. As much as they love each other as siblings a few of them have suffered from serious illnesses which have created some of the their most beautiful songs.  Luke shared a portion of his struggle before an impassioned performance of Shoulders.   

     I cannot speak for everyone else who has had the opportunity to attend Winter Jam this year, but I believe this is one of the best crews they have ever had.  One must take into account when it's called Winter Jam that is exactly what you need to expect.  These groups are there for a Jam session and in the midst of that leading people to Christ through spoken words, songs and testimonies.  Together uniting for one purpose and celebrating one King and one Savior who we come to lift up in praise and adoration and celebrate what He's done for all of us.  

     If you have never had the opportunity to go to Winter Jam there are still a few remaining chances to catch them live!  If you are unable and would like to take a friend to experience what it's all about on April 19th you will have your chance to watch it in the movie theater as you can see below!

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     You can also swing by to view the rest of the photos from the Cincinnati Tour and if you would like to share your video testimony about how this event or one of the artists has influenced your walk with Christ please feel free to do so.  We feel it is important for everyone to share their testimony.  You never know, someone else's breakthrough could be on the other side of your obedience. 

Bringing Heaven To Earth Through Intimate Worship

Elevation Worship Delivers Intense Moments

 In The Presence Of The King

  Elevation Church, based out of Charlotte, North Carolina began it's journey in 2006 with a vision to see people brought to new life in Christ.  Led by Pastor Steven Furtick they have passionately launched multiple locations over the past ten years and continue to reach large masses of people locally and beyond. 

     Out of this movement for God to be glorified, members of their worship team formed Elevation recording their first worship album For The Honor in 2011.  In the last five years they have released four more albums including their latest Here As In Heaven on February 5, 2016.  Recorded live July, 2015 at a packed out Time Warner Cable Arena in their own praising grounds this is one album you don't want to miss. 

"The atmosphere changes when we encounter God. And He has made His presence available to us, His church, in every moment and every situation; here as in heaven. These songs inspire us to worship with a new sense of expectation and purpose, and to let our lives be the evidence of His presence on earth."

     I was fortunate to have partaken in the live worship experience that evening in July, so needless to say I was highly anticipating the finished project showing up in my mailbox.  The members that make up this worship team all take part at one of the local campuses.  After speaking with a young lady sitting next to me that evening, she told me that not only was it a live recording experience but it's a celebration of the body of believers that have grown from the vision Steven had in his heart ten years ago. 

     Pastor Furtick who has yet to reach the age of forty has accomplished so much for the Kingdom of God already that it simply blows my mind. 


Pastor with wife Holly and children Elijah, Graham and Abbey

With a Master of Divinity from SBTS this husband and Father of three has launched a total of ten campuses.  He has been a guest speaker at several conferences including the Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit and is a nationally acclaimed New York Times Best Seller.

     Each album that has been produced by the worship team, has been highly influenced by the messages that he shares to his congregations.  The first album I personally heard was their previous live recording from 2014, Wake Up The Wonder . Receiving a generalized five star rating across the board on reviews is no surprise. For me personally, it was one of the best worship albums I had heard in a long time, which led me to attend the creation of Here As In Heaven last year.

Elevation Worship Leaders

     With an expectant audience full of gratitude, the atmosphere was already set for the worship team to engage in a genuine intimate encounter with the Lord for all who were present.  Each song on the album also has Pastor Steven's hand in the creation along with other leaders of the team who you will also hear leading the beautiful masterpieces.  One of the things that you can tell about Elevation is that they are in unity with each other.  They prove that it doesn't matter if it's just them present in the moment like in the video they made of Resurrecting, or among thousands of believers with a huge sound system and extraordinary light show.  They will enter into His presence regardless and sing of His love and goodness.   

     The title track, Here As In Heaven sets the mood for the album as a corporate Psalm asking God to pour out His spirit in the atmosphere of worship.  "Spirit of God fall fresh on us, we need your presence.  Your Kingdom come, your will be done here as in Heaven."

     Grace Like A Wave, creates a joyous celebration of the healing that we find in the springs of water that crashes over us through His miraculous love. "Salvation in the water, with a love that flows so deep.  Wash over me." This song could easily be incorporated into a worship team's set especially during a baptismal service.  

     Scripture says that no weapon formed against us will prosper and that Christ is our strong tower. Call Upon The Lord is a fervent stand on the promises of God.  "Jesus name will break every stronghold, freedom is ours. When we call His name, Jesus name above every other.  All hail the power of Jesus Name."  Vocals are spot on and it creates a definitive melody for any church body to engage in unified spiritual warfare.

     One of the most passionately reflective moments on the album is created by worship Pastor Chris Brown. O Come To The Altar makes me cry every time I hear it, not because I haven't been there. It is because it tells the story about how God created that opportunity for all and what we can leave there and walk away with. A great close to a service being led by the spirit, this song could create many life changing moments for people without a doubt. (Slight hint to Pastor's and worship leaders.) I remember at the live recording it was one of the most powerful songs with tears flowing, arms raised and voices singing,  "O come to the altar, the Father's arms are open wide. Forgiveness was bought with the precious blood of Jesus Christ."

     It would be difficult for anyone who loves worship music to pick a favorite song off of this album, because in it's entirety it is an experience that flows together from start to finish.  However, Resurrecting led by worship Pastor Mack Brock has become one of my favorite songs off of any album ever, period!  During the live recording I'm pretty sure I was sobbing out of reverence for Christ and what He sacrificed to raise us from spiritual death. Below is the video from the the arena, and I know it will bless you just as much as it blessed everyone else. 

     Matthews Ntele spins the momentum taking you from thankful tears to celebratory dancing in Shine A Light. "Nothing can stand against us.  Our praise will break the darkness.  We declare your Kingdom's here, because our God is for us." Encouraging all of us to be the light that shines out into the world to illuminate His truth. 

      The combination of worship leaders and singers that are incorporated into this team could not have been matched any better. They created a fireside acoustic version of the eighth track Yahweh, which describes the Holiness of His name and the wonders and mysteries He bestows upon those who love Him. 

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     I Can't Believe reflects in the hearts of believers who are astounded by what Christ did for us. "I can't believe the price you paid for me.  What you did not owe so that I could know you." Chris Brown delivers a beautiful interpretation of a question many struggle to understand at times becoming overwhelmingly humbled by the answer. 

     One of the things we learn as we grow in our relationship with Christ is that we can only be truly satisfied when we place Him above all else.  First And Only is a fervent reminder from the heart of one who is asking God to bring them back to that intimate place.  Hold On To Me is an angelic profession of the faithfulness we find in Christ who gives us strength while we are in His arms. 

     Chris Brown had thousands of people on their feet leading Praise Goes On.  A truly animated declaration of the inability to contain the joy that comes forth as we lift the name of Jesus. 

     The last song on the album For A Moment is a reminder that no matter what we might face Jesus sustains us and we will never be alone. "For we have this hope as an anchor for our soul.  You are with us, we will never be alone." The way this song builds into an anthem provides a powerful outcry from a body of believers that are in a world full of people that do not yet know Him. Sometimes when we are in a moment of worship we want to stay there, but God wants us to take that moment and run with it and share what we have with others. 
     
     The last track I want to talk about is Evidence.  Pastor Furtick delivers an assiduous word before the worship team sings a stirring chorus making it evident this body has a fire inside them that burns bright for all to see.  Here As In Heaven speaks for itself, drawing the spirit of God into the atmosphere of those who allow themselves to soak in a Holy visitation.  Below you will see a glimpse into the reason why this church has expanded to ten campuses and why people desire to be a part of worship with them. 

     I would highly recommend this album to anyone who loves the spirit of true worship.  Be sure to catch them with some other amazing worship teams on the OutCry Tour.  You may also be interested in ordering Pastor Furtick's upcoming release (UN)-qualified that you can learn more about here.

      Follow Glorified Pitstop on facebook for updates on new albums, concerts, interviews and more.  Also feel free to share a video testimony of how a worship team or artists has influenced or touched your life.  

"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." - Revelation 12:11