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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Liberty Quartet Tells Us What It's All About

It's All About Grace

      Since 1995 Liberty Quartet have released fifteen albums and currently perform on average at 150-200 events each year.  Royce Mitchell (bass), one of the founding members began singing at the age of 13, later receiving his BS and Masters degree in music.  

     Rearing out of Idaho, this southern gospel group has graced many stages including the National Quartet Convention.  Influenced by The Cathedral's , these guys desire to impact the world through music and along the way bring a smile to the face of every person that comes out to support them.   As they travel sharing their faith to the best of their ability, their sense of humor is always welcomed by crowds. 

    On January 1, 2016 Liberty released their latest album, It's All About Grace. It includes 11 original tracks and one tribute to Lari Goss, who greatly influenced southern gospel artists for many years. Cody McVey who worked with Lari, created the orchestration on their collective heartfelt version of Cornerstone. He also collaborated with them on several of the original tracks, creating a wonderful backdrop supporting their harmonious vocals.

     Royce opens the album singing lead on I Need A Fresh Drink, an upbeat realization that it's time to return back to the well of life. "I got to go back to the living water, gonna go down to the river of life; where my soul can dwell.  There's only one who can fill my cup; there's no way I'll ever give up." Just as the prodigal son at times we find ourselves in the wilderness of life spiritually seeing u-turn signs. This song gives you feel good directions how to get back to His refreshing waters.  

     The newest member, Paul Ellis (Baritone) recently rejoined the group after several years of spending time with his family and focusing on other areas of ministry. His passion to demonstrate his love of God through music really comes alive on his lead of Till Mercy Sang.  In my humble opinion this is one of the best songs on the album and is sure to bring tears to the eyes of anyone who has accepted the plan of salvation in their life. "Hope had been silent for so long till mercy sang the most beautiful love song."  Truly an unfathomable sacrificial story that we are all receptors of by and through His grace and forgiveness.     

     Paul also sings lead on Come Home To Jesus, an earnest plea for those who feel lost or homesick to return to the open arms of Christ.  "Come Home to Jesus, no matter where you've been.  He's waiting with arms wide open and He wants to pull you in. Won't you come home my friend."

     Jesus Is Waiting, led by tenor Philip Batton is definitely a powerful testimony. Whether this was an actual event that took place in his personal life or not. Many people will easily relate to the events that unfold and emotions will begin to take over. 

     Being the child of a Minister, Philip started singing harmonies at the age of five, alongside his seven siblings. Joining Paul on lead for the title track It's All About Grace, they create an engaging balanced declaration of what the cross is all about.  "I was dead, now resurrected.  I was bound, but now I'm free. Condemned, but now I'm righteous, that is how the Lord sees me.  And because I've been redeemed, I will look upon His face and sing through all the ages it was God's amazing grace." 

     The pain that often times shows up in this life in one form or another is something none of us are immune to. Rest In Me My Child, led by lead singer Doug Wiley focuses on this aspect in the Christian walk and sparks encouragement into the heart of the hurting.  "When the road gets longer than you meant to go and the trial is harder than you've ever known. When the world is cold and the storm grows wild, rest in me my child." Vocally choreographed to shine on each member this is sure to be a hit on the road, as they travel to and fro spreading the gospel through the art of music.  

    Influenced largely by his parents love of God and southern gospel music, Doug delivers sincere lyrics with a passionate fervency in Great Reward.  "We got a great reward coming, glory to the King. Just to hold His nail scarred hands, means everything. We've got a great reward coming, kneeling on a street of gold, we'll stand amazed." With a sprinkle of contemporary sound this is hands down my personal favorite piece, it has such a wonderful message and just extremely well done.  

     He Hears A Whisper, led by Royce is a peaceful reminder that no matter what circumstances are surrounding you God is nearer to a fragile broken heart and He hears our prayers.  "When the one who knows you best and loves you the most is the listener, take comfort, He hears a whisper." 

     Paul leads on He Does All Things Well, which carries some country influence in the melody. A reminder that God meets all of our needs even in times of struggle and we overcome through His love and mercy.  "I have walked many times through the valley of tears, when my burdens were heavy and the way was unclear.  But I've found God will keep every promise He has made."

     Based Upon The Word, led by Doug is a celebratory proclamation of the promises we find in the unchanging truth of God through our faith. "There will always be skeptics and doubters who will question us, how we really know.  But my faith is firmly found in those pages. I'm free indeed because the Bible tells me so." 

     Through our testimony we have a written guarantee that we are redeemed by the blood of the lamb. Joy In The House, led by Philip is a jubilant expression of that revelation. "There's joy in the house, when the spirit dwells within'. Oh, there's joy in the house, when the people worship Him. There's power, peace and victory, strength and hope for you and me. Let's exalt Him now, there's joy in the house."  I believe this would have had an exemplary ending if each member had showcased their range of harmony.  Certainly this will be a favorite on the road and maybe they could tweak the close out on this one to truly capture their talent and raise the audience to their feet.

     All four of these men are supported by their wives and children and carry an energetic torch sharing the victorious wonders of the Lord in song.  For those who have not had the opportunity to see them live, they will be performing at the 2016 Southwest Gospel Music Festival in Phoenix, Arizona on February 25-27.  If you are a fan of southern gospel you can also join them at the end of the year on what's certain to be a fabulous vacation aboard the Mexican Riviera Gospel Music Celebration Cruise.

     I've included a beautiful live acappella version of them singing Victory In Jesus below. Recorded a few months ago, this truly captures the heart and talent of Liberty that you will find on their latest album. For those who have not had the opportunity to hear them perform this is sure to be a treat!

     It's All About Grace, is certain to capture your heart and lift your spirits. For southern gospel fans and those who generally prefer contemporary music there is something for everyone on this album.   

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Welcome The New Christian Music Storm Trooper!

  It Appears The Force Is Behind Beloved

          On October 2, 2015 Centricity Music introduced the debut release from Jordan Feliz, Beloved. I have to wonder if they knew what the future had in store for this Christian soul/pop artist who has definitely awakened the ears of listeners. 

     Jordan's earned the Storm Trooper nickname from me because The River has taken the Christian music charts by storm. Currently he is dominating the airwaves with this soulfully addicting masterpiece. I believe this will be one of many for this rising talented writer and performer who shares why his debut number one hit is his happy place. 

     “I’m a big melody guy, and musically The River is my own personal happy place. It’s a great driving groove that just feels good to sing. The song itself is an invitation to anyone who hears it whether they’re stuck in pride and legalism or wallowing down in the mess they’ve made of their lives. It’s an invitation to take whatever we have and to run to Jesus. It’s an invitation to go down in amazing grace and to rise up being made new."

      In 2014, Jordan walked away from a worship leader position in California along with his beautiful wife Jamie to start a new chapter of their lives in Nashville Tennessee. After struggling for several months to find work they found out they were expecting a beautiful baby girl. Shortly after receiving that news God began to open up doors and blessings upon their obedience.

      Jordan had always had a love for music which created the eight year friendship between he and his current manager Adam Taylor, who he had met in California while both playing a gig. They pulled together in Nashville and signed a deal with Centricity Music in February of 2015. Shortly after that we begin to see how all of this talent began to unfold to the general public that God had been preparing all along.

     For such a time as this, I am sure is a scripture that truly absorbs into the hearts and spirits of this beautiful family who now have so many reasons to be thankful.  One of the greatest blessings they have is their five month old baby girl who inspired the message behind one of my favorite songs and title track Beloved.  Jordan wrote this song thinking about his daughter before she was born.  It's a sincerely heartfelt ballad encouraging others to realize what their worth is to God and those that love them. "You are essential, not accidental And you should realize You are beloved I wanted you to know You are beloved Let it soak into your soul."

     Dancing Through The Fire, definitely has a resemblance to the secular sounds of Maroon5. It really is just plain and simple great musicianship with vocals and a message that are welcomingly original in this genre.  I believe there are a few artists and bands that are beginning to come out with this funky feel good vibe, while still staying true to their spirit and message they want to share of the gospel and their relationship with Christ.  

     One of the best lyrical messages on the album that has an extremely catchy chorus is Simple.  I believe a big reason why it's so difficult to share the Gospel with others in our society today is because as Christians we have complicated His message. This song draws us back to the Cross, "So I open up my mouth and show your kids what you're about and keep it simple.  Don't want to mix up your words with mine, I want to live to reflect your light.  Give me you, give me truth and the rest will fall in line.  Don't want my pride to get in the way of the love that you give away. Give me you, give me truth that the cross can save us all, it's really that simple."

     Rejoice is perfectly named as a celebration in the life that we receive through the grace and love of Christ.  It falls in line with the rest of the album having a melody that is very persuasive to make your head begin to nod uncontrollably. 

     My personal favorite song on the album, which was extremely difficult to narrow down is Satisfied.  Jordan has incredible vocals so it was nice to here a more stripped down worship melody emoted perfectly with a softer tone. You can also feel he is truly passionate about what he is singing. "I have stumbled through the darkest of the valleys. I have climbed upon the highest of hills. All my traveling has brought me to your fountain, and all I want is to come and drink my fill. My heart. Your throne. This life belongs to you and you alone. Let there be, no divide in only you may my soul be satisfied."

     There are four song sessions included on the album. One of which you can see below (Beloved) and his other number one song taking the waves by storm, The River.  On my favorite songs list by NeedToBreathe, Brother happens to be one of the covers that he includes along with Photograph by Ed Sheeran.    

    
     Produced by Joshua Silverberg and Colby Wedgeworth, Jordan has ignited a fan base and created a promising future for his self following his dreams supported by his lovely wife.  The only question I would venture to ask is, "How in the world is he going to top his debut?"  I'm certain his name will be floating around the Dove Awards as well as the Klove Fan Awards next year, of that there is no doubt in my mind.  

     Jordan states below his reason for creating this album that has volumes of talent and heart felt throughout every single track. I would say five out of five stars in my book, and that is one I rarely distribute.  I personally cannot wait to hear what the future holds for this young artist, and I hope to catch him on tour. 

     “I really just wanted this to be a project that people would smile when they listened to it.

I wanted to write songs that would make people feel loved. I want them to feel good. Whatever the complications of life that we might be going through at any given moment, our relationships with Jesus don’t have to be difficult. We have a tendency to make it so much harder on ourselves than it really is. We think God can’t love us because we’re struggling with something or we messed up somewhere. But it’s not that complicated. God loves us. Our ransom has been paid. The emotional baggage we carry around doesn’t change the truth. We belong to God and He loves us. It really is that simple. We just have to be constantly reminded of that. The work has already been done on the cross. We just have to remind ourselves and each other to believe it.”

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I Am Unashamed

Building 429 Will Not Back Down And Motivates Others To Stay The Course

 

        Building 429 stepped into the music scene back 1999 releasing several independent albums and touring relentlessly.  However, one thing you will learn about lead singer Jason Roy, is he firmly believes when God calls you to move no matter what others say or what things might look like obedience is better than sacrifice.  

     I have personally always been a fan of Building 429 from the day Glory Defined and I crossed paths in 2004. Obviously that song had the same affect on others considering it was their first nationally recognized radio single which rose quickly to number one on numerous charts. It was a powerful anthem that many would say was when God defined His glory in them as a band. 

     In 2005, after six years of endless touring and hard work dedicated to become all that God had called them to do. They received four Dove Award nominations and walked away with Gospel Music Association's  New Artist of The Year award.  

      In a year where we have seen Christian persecution abroad and in our streets their latest album Unashamed could not have been released at a more encouraging time.  Their first single Impossible (video below) released on April 29, 2015 echos lead singer Jason's testimony about running with the dream God placed in his heart.  With a catchy melody and encouraging lyric I'm sure many get their dance on to this one when no one is watching.  "Nothing is impossible, when we trust the God of miracles." 

     Through the years of travelling and growing, many bands spend days and weeks at a time away from those they love. It's a difficult journey that takes strong faith to separate yourselves that long from those you hold dear.  However when you have a calling to try to lead people to a closer relationship with God through music, it's a sacrifice they make.  Hold Them Close is a beautiful testimony how we miss sometimes the biggest blessings we have been given. "I feel the grace of God, when my wife is by my side, a treasure I could never earn no matter how hard I've tried.  I took a look at a path that brought us where we are.  All I see is your faithfulness that has carried us this far."

     Ocean Deep ultimately captures the love that God has for us and how far His mercies extend. Passionately performed, though it's not your typical slow worship presentation, I would recommend ALL worship teams add this to their list if they can pull it off.  Without a doubt one of my favorites. "Would you look at us, we say we know your love.  Still we think if we fail, somehow you won't be enough.  Your mercy is an ocean deep. Your grace is washing over me.  Your grace is a like a wildfire chasing after me."

"Hearing a song can conjure memories as fresh and real as though they happened yesterday. For this reason, music can be an integral part of our personal histories. As believers, it has the power to become part of our journey’s story."- Jason Roy

     Lyrically this album has taken me a bit by surprise if I'm honest, it's personally hit me pretty hard.  The band makes it clear that they write songs that they feel are relevant to things they have experienced and others can relate to.  Hats off to them on that note, at least for me.  

     Questioning things that are happening in the world and feeling like nothing we do seems to make a difference is one thing I struggle with.  Be With Us Now triggered a deep emotional response out of me. "Help us to be faithful while we're waiting, when time goes by and nothing seems to change.  Cause Lord we need your hope, we need your healing."

     Heart's Collide is definitely one that will have you humming the melody later before you even know the words. Calling the church to rise up and collide showing the world what we are made of.  "You and I are like fire in the sky, we gotta show'em what we're made of.  There's nothing we're afraid of. One for all, even up against the wall, we will answer the call."  Very relevant to the persecution many are being faced with in this day and hour.

     Following down the same message lane, Unashamed has brought many believers together to stand and be counted as one who will not be ashamed to proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savoir.  "I can't help but speak of the things you've done.  So let my life proclaim, I am unashamed.  I won't hide your name.  So all the world will know, that you are all that I live for." 

      When believers were recently selected and murdered because of their Christian faith in Oregon, Building 429 rallied others to share their testimonies unashamed.  Not only by video but making notations on their hands to create conversation in public.  I have included three links below from people who share a few minutes of some very personal struggles that lead to wonderful testimonies of God's love and grace.   
Kassaundra Wysong's Testimony
Tiah Dean's Testimony
Ethan Harris's Testimony

 

     Stronger comes across as someone who is being bullied or abused singing to the person who is trying to hurt them. What we don't often understand is that those who hurt others are often seriously emotionally wounded and spiritually broken inside. This song is a representation of that and reiterates a personal testimony from lead singer Jason, who was assaulted by someone and instead of pressing charges, he sees the man sitting alone in the court and forgives him and tells him Jesus loves him.  "I'm looking at your hands and I see scars, looking at the remnants of your broken heart when you push me.  You got less than you deserved, so you need someone to hurt. I want you to know that I'm getting stronger with every punch you throw."

     Go is a testament of faith to be obedient to whatever God calls us do to.  Earth Shaker is basically about the call that all of us have on our lives if we have been redeemed through the blood of Christ.  "I want to be a skyscraper, reaching for you. I want to be the game changer that's living for you."  Both of these songs call us to get up and show the world what His love and His life was all about.  If people are going to receive this revelation it's going to be through the life we live and the way we represent Christ to them.  

     It's a tough pick for me what my favorite track is on Unashamed, but Eyes Up is one of those melodies that I can't ever stop singing since reviewing this collection of goodies. Not only are the lyrics encouraging, but the delivery of this song just makes you happy. "You and I will be alright, God is always on our side, on our side. Go on lift your eyes up." This is truly a joyful song that reminds us that no matter what all we have to do it look to hills where our help comes from.  

     Though Building 429 may have not been recognized for their gifts and talents completely until 2005.  One thing is for certain, this release through Provident Label Group  a decade after their breakout moment is all the more proof that they are being used by God to unashamedly proclaim the gospel through their musical gifts and lyrical artistry. 

 

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Sing-A-Long With Tim

    
     Straight out of Orange County, Tim Timmons and his wife of 18 years, Hilary are currently residing in Nashville, Tennessee with their 4 children Malia, Noah, and twins Aaron and Anna.

     When Tim was living in Orange County he was a worship leader for almost two decades which is easily recognizable on his most recent album release through Provident Label Group/ Reunion Records. 

     One of the reasons I titled this review "Sing-A-Long With Tim", is because the musicianship on Awake Our Souls produces melodies that you can easily begin to catch onto and by the second chorus you are already joining right in with him the first time you hear each song.  That is a trademark quality of someone who has been a worship leader.  It's all about inviting everyone else into the moment with you blessing the Lord and encouraging one another. 

     Tim's last album Cast My Cares received a large amount of radio play and his goal with that album was to make believers of Jesus actually become followers of Jesus.  Not to just go through the set motions of how we are supposed to act, but to engage the world drawing them to Christ.  On Awake Our Souls Tim shares what his ultimate goal was behind the process and selection of songs he passionately captured.

     The opening title track Awake Our Souls is a high-spirited celebration asking God to open our eyes to the fact that the Kingdom of God resides inside of us.  We are carriers of the freedom that is given to the saints who have entered into a relationship with Christ.  In my opinion this song ends way too soon.  I could have used another verse in there somewhere.  It's one of those songs that takes you to a happy place. 

     Another toe tapper is Everywhere I Go, the message in this song is not to be afraid as long as we are walking with Christ. Knowing He is with us in every step we take, which brings comfort in all circumstances.  I couldn't help at one point mixing in the old country hit "Cotton Eyed Joe", and you will never be able to listen to it again without doing that either (If you know the song I am talking about).  This is definitely one you get stuck in your head quite a bit.  With great lyrics and a melody that won't quit this is sure to be a favorite among his fans.

     Tim continues the engaging melody pattern in, Like I've Been Changed.  "When I seek you first who knows what you will bring. Oh Jesus turn me upside down, shape my world till yours is found. Let my life show that I believe."  This song struck a chord with me bringing to remembrance a recent album review I did from Dan Bremnas.  Not that they sound like each other, but both of these guys are very good at creating earworms. 
     
     With all of the album reviews I have done I have come to the conclusion that if you make it through the third song on an album and you are impressed that's a good indication how things are going to progress.  Tim did not change my mind on this philosophy as he delivers throughout the entire album.    

     One video I must share happens to be one of my favorite songs right now.  Sometimes life can be overwhelming and we don't always understand situations and circumstance that we are currently facing. However, we find our way to the center of His grace and mercy placing our soul in His care.  He knows our struggles better than we do and this song although I had already grown to love it, really hit me right in my spirit the other day and has now been deemed my favorite on the album. Without further ado the video below for Rest My Soul.
    

    

     I feel Tim is easily able to express the lyrical components of this album because he is a living over-comer.  Being diagnosed with incurable cancer and fighting this battle for the last fourteen years of his life (told he would only live five by doctors) he doesn't stop that from letting him live freely as a wonderful Father, Husband and demonstrator of the gospel.  Not only does he share his tremendous faith through music, but also through an extended ministry he calls "Motel Church", which you can read about on his Website. 
 

     The Lord instructs us not to weary in well doing.  In The Outcome Tim demonstrates the importance of letting God lead our steps.  "To live the life you've put inside, till your work is done, I surrender the outcome. "  Trusting God with what He knows lies ahead has never been an easy task, but we learn that releasing the reigns to Him gives us joy unspeakable and full of Glory.  

     Right Beside Me, confirms the trust we find in Christ even when we can't see the outcome, we can look back and see that He has never left us.  "I'm here in the cold, in the dark, oh I'm overwhelmed but I'm not alone.  As I fix my eyes on you, I put my hope in you.  I can brave the storm, I can walk the sea.  I can step out on the waves cause your with me."

     Tim has a desire for the living water inside each believer to pour out to others who need to experience the hope we have in Christ.  Spring Up confronts this, questioning if we believe are we truly living it out? "Spring up a well in my soul and let the flood go.  Open the gates every heart and let the river flow.  Till we can see till we believe that you are everything.  All that we need."  

     Though most of the album is filled with higher tempo melodies there are a few beautiful worship songs that are just as challenging to all of us who truly want to become all that God calls us to be. All I Really Want is a beautiful invitation from someone asking God to take complete control of their lives.  "You are welcome to come have your way.  You are welcome to move in this place. Take over my heart, take over my soul, take over my life spirit of God."

     One of my favorite songs, Finally Breathing emotes so much freedom in what one comes to grasp as they embrace surrender.  I truly feel the passion that was lightly wrapped around this lyric and the presentation poured out of his heart. "If all I do is just survive, I'll waste this one and only life.  Your love moves me to my feet, it's like I'm finally breathing."  This is a truly beautiful work of art.  

     You Are God (That I May), is the only song I have not talked about yet.  First I must say this is a great radio song.  I can see a lot of people being truly blessed by this.  However, this song though simple in lyric, has a profound deep statement that causes me to cry every time I listen to it.  If we as people could grasp a hold of what Tim shares in this song 
no matter what they face they would realize they still win. Though we can be broken down and hurting, struggling and not understand why, God is still good.  

 

"I'll praise you, not that I have to, not that I ought to, but that I may." 

    
     What a privilege we have to worship our God in spirit and in truth.  No matter what our current circumstances may look like, one thing we can always count on is that He already knows the outcome and just trust Him.  All I can say is allow Tim's new album to Awake Your Soul, and try to catch him on tour with Mercy Me through November 14th.

 “We talk about all these things I’ve known about my whole life — like freedom in Jesus and overwhelming joy — but I’ve never known it until now and it’s just this awakening in my soul. The goal of this record is to invite people into a new reality of the Kingdom of God that is around us all the time.” -Tim Timmons

 

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