Echoing Through The Land

     After much anticipation from fellow worshipers and fans, Jesus Culture released their latest live worship album on January 15,2016.  For those who may not be familiar with this group of gifted and talented musicians, they are comprised of at least 12 singer/songwriters and multiple anointed musicians who are well respected in the Christian music community.  

Banning Liebscher

     The movement of Jesus Culture was birthed out of a youth group in 1999 at Bethel church in Redding, California. Pastor Banning Liebscher said,"Yes, Lord" and stepped out in faith to call the generations rising up together for one purpose. Since that day the revolution for true worship in Christ has spread and continues to echo across the Nations. A fervent passion breaking all age barriers, awakening those who desire to worship and serve the one and only King of Kings. 

     Since their first recording in 2005, Jesus Culture has sold over one million albums and released almost 30 projects.  Whether they are performing as a group or sharing their gifts on solo creations, each member shares the same desire.  A compelling call that burns through their spirits for everyone to have an encounter with the love of God, through equipping them with teaching and worship.

     In 2015 after ministering out of Bethel church for eighteen years, Jesus Culture answered a call to open another campus in Sacramento, California.  Their latest live recording, Let It Echo was the first created among the new congregation.  For those who plan to attend their annual conference January 23-24  you will get to experience these newly recorded songs live. 

     Mirroring the essence behind Let It Echo, they will join many other gifted musicians and artists on The Outcry Tour.  Set to take place this year starting in April, it will usher in the Reset movement of 2016.

     Kim Walker Smith delivers an upbeat explanation of what the Reset movement is all about on the first track, Never Gonna Stop Singing.  How can we hold this praise inside after He crossed the divide to make us alive in Him?  "Every Tribe, every tongue, every heart will sing.  Every knee will bow to the risen King. Lift Him up, never gonna stop singing." 

Chris Quilala

     One of my favorite songs is a reminder of how God chases us down and calls us out wherever we are. Chris Quilala delivers Fierce with an unwavering fervency. "Like a tidal wave, crashing over me; rushing in to meet me here, your love is fierce.  Like a hurricane, that I can't escape, tearing through the atmosphere, your love is fierce."  This song illuminates the desperate measures God uses to pursue us to draw nearer to Him still.  

     No matter what is going on around us scripture calls us to rejoice over every circumstance knowing He has overcome all obstacles including death, and that we are alive in Him. Kim leads in Alive In You, which reminds us of that encouragement only found in trusting His hand upon our lives. "You're God, You're the Great I Am, breath of life I breathe you in.  Even in the fire I'm alive in you.  You are strong in my brokenness, sovereign over every step."

     In The River, (video below) is an upbeat addition also led by Kim.  A joyful celebration of how we find new life in the river of the freedom we can only find in relationship with Christ. 

     The Title track, Let It Echo is full of the cry of their hearts from the beginning of their ministry to this day. Asking God to pour out His spirit across the land as we shout His praises, and to have His way in our lives throughout the Earth.  "Let the windows of the Heavens open wide let it rain." 

     Bryan Torwalt passionately conveys how mighty and faithful God is with captivating vocals on God With Us. "You are healer of the sick and broken, you are comfort for every heart that mourns.  Our King and our Savior forever, for eternity we will sing of all you've done."
      
     There is a moment on this album when an anthem of perseverance is born through Miracles. Chris Quilala shares of the unexpected loss of their newborn son, Jethro Dylan in 2014. He and his wife had a fire to continue to make a proclamation of faith even through tragedy. This song was written through that journey of their healing, that no matter what you are going through, He is the same yesterday, today and forevermore.  "I believe in you, you're the God of miracles. The God who was and is to come, the power of the risen one."

Bryan and Katie Torwalt

     Set Me Ablaze, led by Katie Torwalt delivers an honest, beautiful cry to the Lord to keep our heart on fire for Him. "Come and breathe on the coals of my heart, let your fire start. Your fire, burn brighter, deep inside my heart. Consume me, reach through me, I want all that you are."

     In Your Presence, led by Kim is a declaration of the omnipresent Glory of God. His encompassing majesty in every aspect of life and what we see around us. This song resonates again the call this team has on their lives. "Your Son glorified, Our arms open wide, singing worthy, you are worthy"

     In order to give my readers an idea of my personal taste, I try to narrow down a favorite song each time I write a review. Sometimes that is a difficult task on many albums I receive because they are so full of truly wonderful creations. Though that is the case with Let It Echo, hands down without a doubt Chris McClarney brought me to tears with Everything And Nothing Less, (video below). It's no secret lyrics are delivered passionately across the board by Jesus Culture, but this song had a significance to it that requires special attention. Simply magnificent in every aspect. 

     

     Chris Quilala awakens our spiritual senses to the greatness of His Holiness once again in I Stand In Awe. "I stand in awe of you, in awe of you. Amazed beyond what I can say. I stand in awe of You, in awe of you. My heart, abandoned once again. I stand in awe of you. So let your will resound in every heart that's bowed with every breath in every phrase. It's in the angels' sound the universe is loud full of your glory and your grace."  

Derek Johnson

     Power Of The Cross, brought to this buffet of worship by Derek Johnson, closes out this powerful collection of congregation ready anthems of faith.  It's like the closing paragraph to a beautifully written article of the Glory and the power found in Christ.  The great commission, let the redeemed proclaim.  "You rose in victory, to let the whole world see.  Love has made a way.  Hope is never lost, there's power in the cross."

     One thing is for certain, their hearts are echoing through the land as the body of Christ is beckoned from all corners of the Earth to rise up and proclaim His name for all to hear. This album will allow you to enter into His presence in private and contribute to corporate praise with a passion and intimacy with Christ.  I will not give this a star rating, because the heart of Christ resonates through every song.  Instead I will give this a spiritual rating of, "True Worship".    

     “This last year was a tough season for us as a community, and the songs we wrote for this album reflect the breakthrough, the victory, and the growth we have experienced through that. I believe there is a new maturity in our writing that comes from a place of deep intimacy with Jesus. My hope is that as people listen to the album they will encounter Jesus and be filled with hope, life, joy, and fresh passion for His presence. I pray that the message of life and Jesus that fills these songs would echo within the hearts of the listeners and across the nations.” 
- Kim Walker Smith (President of Jesus Culture Music and Jesus Culture Publishing)

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Gordon Mote Applies His Own Touch of Genius

 Hymns and Songs of Inspiration

     Sometimes we take for granted the simple gifts that God bestows upon the individuals He uses to bless us in the music industry. One of the most genuine psalmists that I have heard use his talent not only in voice but on the keys of the piano is Mr. Gordon Mote.

     A welcoming presence among many well known country artists winning him the Academy of Country Music's top piano/keyboard player award twice over. Also a familiar face on the Gaither Homecoming Tour, Gordon carries a long list of albums and award nominations including winning the instrumentalist award in 2009 and 2011. 

    
     His previous album All Things New, released in 2013 through New Haven Records won him a Dove Award Nomination and the excitement of having artists he's played for join him in the creation process. A few of the artists you will hear featured are Josh Turner, Darius Rucker, Sheryl Crow, Trace Adkins, Matthew West and The Gaither Vocal Band.

     Gordon puts his own touch on the strings of your heart and soul and brings new life into some old and new favorites on his latest release Hymns And Songs of Inspiration.  Gordon shared why he felt compelled to put his musical signature on these wonderful melodies. 
    

     “Growing up in our little town of Gadsden, AL, our whole family would listen as Harry Butler hosted ‘Songs of Inspiration’ every Sunday morning on WGAD Radio. Even though we were just kids, my brother and I couldn’t wait to hear the latest songs from new and familiar groups. Over the decades, ‘Songs of Inspiration’ has blessed—and still blesses--lots of folks. In some small way, I’m hoping to honor and extend that legacy with this new project.”


     Amongst the traditional hymns you will find his own magical spin on some recent worship powerhouse favorites like Holy Spirit (Jesus Culture) and Because He Lives (Chris Tomlin &  Matt Maher). 

     There is one original which is perfectly timed to what we see happening in the world today titled, Only Jesus Can Heal This Hurting World.

     I found myself tearing up when I first heard this song because he seriously sings from his heart what many of us are feeling. "We need to admit we can't fix what's going wrong.  But there's someone that can do what we've needed all along.  Only Jesus can heal this hurting world. No One can love like He does, heart by heart and one by one."

     A few of the hymns that stayed pretty true to the original melodies were Precious Lord Take My Hand, Great Is Thy Faithfulness and O, The Blood.

     I have heard a lot of versions of Just A Closer Walk With Thee, but the jazzy feel Gordon sprinkled on this oldie but goodie made it appear new.  Another favorite of mine was his slight rockabilly rendition of Power In The Blood. 

     You will also hear his interpretation of other familiar favorites in Tis So Sweet, When We All Get To Heaven, I Surrender All and Just As I Am. 

     Since the blood of Jesus is the reason we have freedom to sing, freedom to worship and the purpose behind the promotion of the Gospel I wanted to share the video below of Gordon sharing O' The Blood. 

     For those who are a fan of Gordon's music you don't want to miss out on this gem.  I would also recommend this timeless treasure of classics and new favorites for anyone who enjoys inspirational worship melodies. 

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The OutCry Tour

On A Mission For Christ

  

     On July 24, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois this movement kicked off with a bang with a sold out gathering.  Unlike other concerts this was more of an awakening of the Body of Christ and a call to those who have wandered away from the faith or those who have never committed their lives to Christ.

 

     I travelled to Pittsburgh to The First Niagara Pavillion along with my husband, brother and close friend Becky for the second night of the tour. Unaware of how many people would be attending the evening we arrived an hour before doors opened to a mass of people flocking to parking spots.  I was not shocked by the number of people showing up considering the line up for the evening.  However, it seemed many were overwhelmed by the waiting lines to get into the gates to the Pavillion. I don't believe the facility expected that many people to turn up to send praise up.
 

     Unfortunately due to mile long lines to pass through check in we didn't get through in time to catch DJ Promote or Trip Lee who opened the night. 

     Lauren Daigle was on stage when we made our way to our seats.  She was talking about how she was reflecting earlier that day on the goodness of God and how special it was to be a part of the evening. 
 

     Nashville native Daigle poured her heart out on stage as we were able to catch her sing her K-love fan awards Worship Song of the Year,  How Can It Be. Being a young woman in ministry her maturity shows in her personal statement on her website that lines up with the purpose for this tour. 

     "My heart’s cry is that people feel empowered as a body of Christ. It’s just heavy on my heart for all of us to rise up in unity and recognize the goodness of God. My hope is that people are empowered by knowing who they belong to, knowing that they are the son or daughter of God, and in response to that being able to worship fully, worship with complete abandon.”

     Between set changes Nick Hall came on stage to speak about the importance of gathering together to worship the one who came to set us free.  He also shared information about the purpose behind the tour and how they are trying to call upon the Body of Christ to Unite as one and make an imprint on our Nation. 

     While Passion commanded the stage I believe that is the moment I began to start wiping away tears.  It wasn't because of my love for some of the songs they did, but the spirit in which it was delivered and the unity of the crowd.   It's hard to put into words what happens at an event like this if you have never experienced it yourself.  There is something so undeniably powerful about the spirit of God in an atmosphere of corporate worship. 

     
     You could see Crowder on the side lines when the first couple artists took stage and he was worshipping all the while. When he entered center stage something happened to him.  The passion he carries behind that Duck Dynasty resemblance is hard to beat. 

     He empties everything that he is out in worship.  With a strong bluegrass incorporation into his unique sound mixed with pop rock he is a breed all his own. 

     I wasn't quite sure what the story was behind the stuffed white dog on stage with them but as far as performances are concerned he NAILED it from start to finish.  You could hear people as they were leaving the event saying, "Man, Crowder killed it tonight!"




     During another stage reset Shaun Groves shared of the importance as the Body of Christ to step up and help those in need.  Compassion International is a huge organization that creates a pathway for others to make a spiritual impact in the lives of children all around the world who need a light to shine through the cracks in which they have fallen. On this tour alone the last time I checked over 4,000 children have been given the gift of hope through caring brothers and sisters in Christ.




 

     

     I feel extremely blessed to have been able to partake in this evening and have the opportunity to see Jesus Culture and Hillsong United.  This tour was intricately woven together with amazing artists and worship bands and to have these two close out the evening of worship is like a Heavenly encounter that truly has to be experienced to grasp.  For those who were there that night and for others that experienced the tour at other locations including the sold out shows in Chicago, Atlanta, Miami and Houston it is hard to put into words.
     

 

     What happens when the unity of worship combined with expectation births in the atmosphere is unexplainable.  For many it created a new fire in their spirits or awakened callings.  For others it opened the realm of the Holy Spirit so thick that the light knocking they felt on their hearts before caused that door to bust wide open. 

     The most memorable moment for me was when Nick Hall started speaking about blind Bartimaeus  (Mark Chapter 10) and how he was calling out to Jesus and everyone was trying to make him think Jesus didn't care about him.  Despite what others were saying to him he began to holler louder.  Well, as the tour says we are louder together and each night as displayed in the pictures below from five different locations these lights represent thousands whose eyes were opened either for the first time or rededication to Christ.  That moment took my breath away and was one of the most amazing spiritual things I have ever experienced personally. I cannot even fathom the celebrations that have been occurring in Heaven during this tour. 

 
Each light represents souls won for

the Kingdom of Heaven!

The cross of Christ shining bright!

     One of the things this tour was created for was to bring awareness to a movement they are planning for July 16, 2016.  Below you can see the video for the call to this generation of believers to come together in an effort to impact our Nation leading people back to the message of the cross. 

Sign up to attend this event today!
 

Together Unified as the Body of Christ

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