Kari Jobe Majestic Review

     Texas has got a runaway train that just keeps picking up speed. Thirty-two year old Kari Jobe, hit the microphone running when she was a mere three year old babe. The sensitivity and passion that she collectively pours into the spirit of worship is evidence that she has trained herself to be keen to the move of God. With the popularity of this level of worship on the rise, I believe it is another confirmation that the body of Christ is maturing and they are desperate for that intimate proclamation.


     I remember a couple years back while attending the Winter Jam Tour most of the bands were all about getting people “amped up in the presence”. Not that this is a bad thing and not that I didn’t enjoy all of them but when it was Kari’s turn to enter the stage, she acted like no one was in that arena but her and God. She went center stage and got on her knees and began to worship like she was in her prayer closet all by herself. She does not know this, but that was the day I seen her in a different light.

     There are many people out there that have beautiful voices who can sing beautiful songs with beautiful lyrics, but not everyone can change the atmosphere when they begin to open their mouth. Some people are just anointed and appointed for that purpose and Kari happens to be one of those rare breeds. Her latest album Majestic, which is due out March 25, 2014 was recorded live in Dallas, Texas at the Majestic Theatre. For those of you who may have missed the level of intimacy on Where I Find You which was more radio friendly, earning Kari her first Grammy Nomination, you will be thankful to know that she is back with spiritual gun’s blazing on Majestic.


     Hands to the Heavens, starts off this intimate setting by opening the atmosphere with praise and worship as a congregation awaiting the presence of God to awaken the hearts of those with Hands raised to the King. "Come like a rushing wind, come light the fire again. Come like a burning flame. Have your way. With our hands to the Heavens: alive in your presence, Oh God.” You will easily be touched and motivated and singing along the first time you listen to this song, which is an intentional aspect of the album. It is created for people to use these songs as a part of corporate worship.



     Bringing an extremely catchy melody, Breathe on Us, I have found continues to grow to the top of my favorites each time I listen to Majestic. It carries a combination of praise and worship that culminates to a moment of expectancy for those waiting for a habitation to take place. Not to mention the ever so effectively addictive guitar riffs thrown in during the closing of the chorus.

     Only Your Love, encompasses the relationship we have in Christ and all that we find in His love for us, if we intimately love Him, no matter what we face or trials that come from any direction can separate us from His love. “Your love is overwhelming. brought me to life again, your love it will last forever, in you there will be no end.”

     Sometimes we can become tired in well doing, thinking that God doesn’t see or hear our prayers. Often times we think that because He doesn’t say yes to all of our requests that He isn’t listening. Keeper of My Heart, strengthens your faith with an understanding that He is the Maker of the Heavens and your heart is in His Hands. His plans for you may not be understood with the carnal eye, but we have to trust him. “My strength, you’re never ending love. I know you have overcome. I’ll sing when all is said and done. My hope my only hope. Jesus you are the keeper of my heart.”

     Continuing the trend of placing your life in the hands of the Father and trusting Him with all that is within you, Always Enough is an anthem that surrenders control. God begins to truly bless the lives of those who realize that in Him no matter how little it might seem to others, it is always enough for the one who is filled with His love. “If I have you, I have everything. But without you I have nothing".



     The first single off the album, Forever is the love story unfolding of the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus and how He is alive forever. A beautifully orchestrated and vocally majestic (pun intended) delivery of the very reason we have been granted the gift of Eternal life. “His perfect love could not be overcome. Now death where is your sting? Our resurrected King, has rendered you defeated. Forever He is glorified.”

     This song is very emotional for those who connect with the lyric and anointing that falls during the live recording. I can only imagine what it was like to actually be there during that moment.

     Trying to wrap up into one word that describes Christ is a task not many can accomplish. Majestic, is a good start and this title track glorifies Him in descriptive detail as the wonderful merciful Savior that He is. The Lord of all the earth becomes our friend and walks into the temple of praise and changes every aspect of our lives. As we worship Him in adoration in spirit and truth. “When You Walk in the Room”, appears to be a transfer from Majestic as the presence of God begins to fill the place.

     The Bible tells In I Peter Chapter 4:12-14

 “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, in asmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.” 

     I Am Not Alone confirms that resting place in the Father in whatever storms life may bring. “In the midst of deep sorrow, I see your light is breaking through. The dark of night will not overtake me I am pressing into you.” One of the simplest songs on the album produces one of the most powerful messages needed by almost all Christians at some point in their lives.

     Cody Carnes from the Gateway Worship team joins Kari in Holy Spirit to lead the worship experience inviting the presence of the Spirit of God to dwell amongst them and fill the atmosphere, flooding their hearts to overflow. “Your glory God is what our hearts long for. To be overcome by your presence Lord. Let us become more aware of your presence. Let us experience the glory of your goodness.”

      A true corporate manifestation of His powerful peacefulness, that falls upon the breasts of His intimate worshippers.

      Spiritually there is always one song that I seem to connect with more emotionally on each album Lord Over All (live video below) has won that award on Majestic. This song brings tears to my eyes each time I listen to it. When we realize that no matter what, He will never fail, we begin to look at situations differently that may have been causing us to stress or doubt or question the direction they are going. “In the valley of the unknown I will lift my voice. In the shifting in the shadow, I know You are with me.”

 

     Look Upon the Lord is another beautifully vocalized anthem of the goodness of the Glory of Our Father. I cannot express in words the authenticity that Kari delivers in this surreal piece of music. This is truly one of the most heartfelt worship songs I have heard in a long time. The fact that this album was produced live brings that much more heart into this masterpiece.

Incorporating the praise of people that have for the first time heard these song brings a climatic consuming proclamation of God’s holiness in one heart and one accord. You know the commercial where the guy kisses his fingertips and says “That's a spicy meatball”? Spiritually I’m kissing my fingertips saying, “That was perfection”! By far one of the best songs Kari has ever recorded.

     Closing out Majestic, Kari shares Let the Heavens Open. For those of you who love the song Oceans by Hillsong, you will find a welcoming resemblance. Not vocally or melodically per se but spiritually. For me personally this is my favorite song on the album. It’s more so the heart behind the lyric that carries the instruments like a crashing wave into the deepest parts of your soul. It’s riveting and powerful and demonstrates that hunger for God to open the Heavens and pour His spirit out upon His people. “We stand in the glory of the King. Knowing that you’re here, you have set us free. You’re here let our worship be your throne. Amazed by who you are, your presence makes us whole.”

     For those familiar with the Jesus Culture, Bethel Church and Kim Walker-Smith, Majestic is produced under the same direction from Jeremy Edwardson. Distributed through Capitol Christian on the Sparrow Records Label , Kari Jobe delivers her best album to date. Collaborating with amazing worship leaders like Matt Redman, Chris Tomlin, Reuben Morgan from Hillsong and Paul Baloche.

     Creating an intimate atmosphere and producing a live album that transfers the anointing to the listener takes a collective team of people whose hearts are all in one accord.
      Kari sends a special thank you out to everyone involved on this project for helping to make a child hood dream come true.

      Kari has proven she has the tenacity to continue to bring worship to another level as she leads others into the presence of the Almighty. Sharing her faith and her heart and wearing her humbleness on her sleeve oblivious to whether or not others join her in the ultimate act of worship is a sign God will continue to use her in a mighty way.

     Not only does she create beautiful music but she partners with the A21 Campaign dedicated to putting a stop to human trafficking.

 

“I’ve become really invested in that ministry and strongly believe that we all have to play a role and do our part to fight against the modern form of slavery that affects 27 million people and growing. Whether I’m participating in an effort like this or leading worship, it’s all about making a difference. That’s the reason I’m doing what I’m doing at this specific moment—to see God’s name lifted high, to encourage the hurt and the broken and to remind everyone to draw close to Him because He really, truly does care about each and every one of His children.”

     I am certain Kari’s ministry has positively affected more people than she will ever know, until the day she kneels before the Majestic King and sees all the crowns at His feet adored from her service and sacrifice.

Hillsong Cornerstone Live Review

Brushing on Heavenly Perfection

     Throughout history there are musicians that leave impressions on the generations to follow and carve their names in the hearts of fans and enthusiasts worldwide. Elvis Presley marked the Rock-n-Roll Era, while Michael Jackson dominated the Pop/Rock Industry.

      Today before a great cloud of witnesses, Hillsong has once again mastered the corporate worship realm of contemporary Christian music. Powerfully demonstrating their calling of leading people into the shekinah glory with their 21st live recording, Cornerstone.

     Sparrow Records will release the album on July 3, 2012. Allowing the rest of the world to partake in the powerful praise and worship that was shared by tens of thousands during the live recording in Sydney Australia last fall. Birthed out of a heartbreaking tragedy that hit Norway last summer, taking the lives of at least 70 innocent victims.

     Worship leader Reuban Morgan stated, "When you write songs that people sing as part of their worship to God there is a bit of your soul that shares the aches of those around you. When there is tragedy, the song of lament wakes up with you, and when there is joy, the sound of praise fills your ears. To some it might seem really odd to reach for a guitar when tears are falling on scuffed up shoes, but I really don’t know any other way of being."

    For those who have walked through their life with Christ being encouraged and strengthened through the realm of praise and worship, this album is definitely a buyer. Avid followers of Hillsong who also follow the breakaway solo albums created by the slew of team members will be positively delighted by new songs offered on Cornerstone.

     Though the overall sound stays true to what they know best, this group of worship leaders submerge themselves in humble adoration, incomparable vocal sprightliness and artistic musicianship that brushes on Heavenly perfection.

     As Christ is called our Chief cornerstone in Ephesians 2:20, truly believing He is Lord of all is a learning experience that comes through submission, trust and obedience. Cornerstone which is the title track, touches on these topics and becomes a song of encouragement for those going through the fire."When darkness seems to hide his face, I rest on His unchanging grace."

     The worship is enticing and the melody will bring a satisfying release to your spirit. Even those who have overcome hardships will be reminded in this song of the goodness of God. The true spirit of thankfulness echoes through the guitar strings on the entire album but I discern this song was a more significant piece.

 

     Cornerstone is filled with conventional corporate worship ballads that we all love and expect to experience.  Beneath the Waters is a corporal testimony of the courage and strength bestowed upon those who rise above all circumstance as the faith of Christ gives them wings like Eagles. "I stand to sing your praises, I stand to testify. I will rise, I will rise as Christ was raised to life, now in Him, now in Him I live."

     Greater Than All paints the picture of how good God is and how He consumes all things. While Grace Abounds talks about how He was consumed for us so that we might have life in all things through Him. "Your grace abounds to me, (your grace abounds to me). Jesus in you I’ve found all that I need." With the signature repetitive build to "All powerful, all glorious there is nothing like the name of Jesus."

     With the focal point of the album being placed on the hope we find in Christ, it was not a surprise to run across the worship addition All of My Hope. Continuing in the traditional harmonious repetition that builds in steady motion they deliver medicine for the soul. "Here in my weakness, you are always the same. Your love is my shelter. Your life is my way. All my hope is in you. All my strength is in you. With every breath my soul will rest in you."

     An album like this full of heartfelt worship shared by so many people in a live setting is very difficult to separate the emotion and the exemplification demonstrated through the artistic fortitude in each piece. I would venture to say that most if not all of them have gone through some tremendous life changing experience that has allowed them to fully lay their lives in the hands of creator. They are able to create stories through their songs portraying different segments of learning of His love, standing in His love and surrendering to His love.

     Many of us walk through life and get hurt by those who we trust while seeking out confidence in others that we can truly only find in Christ. He forgives and forgets and is always there to help or encourage us. He is the one who does not know when or how to stop loving us. Love Knows No End, hones in on that concept. After coming to the realization of His love. Stand in Awe communicates the steadfastness that holds us to the core of our faith knowing that in all things He is good.

 

     Once we realize that God is good and that He knows the plans which He has made for us to prosper it doesn’t take long to lay it all down at the foot of the cross. I Surrender, which happens to be in my top two favorites on the album leads the way for a total submersion into the fullness of His glory. This song will take you back to your prayer closet where you will find yourself with arms held high with tears streaming down your face. Desperately seeking His will for your life, surrendering everything over to Him once again. "With arms stretched wide, I know you hear my cry. Speak to me now (speak to me now). I surrender (I surrender). I want to know you more."

Official Video of I Surrender off the Live DVD

     One of the best things about Hillsong is they know how to balance harmoniously between praise and worship. Endless Light sets the atmosphere for a joyous celebratory expression for the never-ending love that Jesus carries for all of us. The radio debut Hope of the World, holds both a live recording and studio version and is another traditional praise song letting the Lord know that He is all we need. Children of the Light is a free spirited song describing the power that He places in us to be about our Father’s business. "Children of the light blazing through the night taking back what the devil has stolen. Calling on your name breaking every chain, Jesus everlasting Savoir."

      Running is one of my favorite praise songs on Cornerstone. This song establishes the heart of a child of God running toward His promises. Containing some of the best lyrics on the album in my personal opinion with a melody that is contagious, this is bound to be a favorite added to any praise and worship teams attempt to get people off the pews with their arms raised and feet moving.

     As a body we must press toward the mark, with no intentions on stopping before we see the throne of grace. "Letting go of every mistake, we’re throwing out the chains of restraint, and all that will remain is passion for your name burning as we run this race."

     There are three customary bonus tracks that continue to display the intangible praise and worship that leads to restoration and growth in Christ. I Desire Jesus is a beautiful addition recognizing how glorious He really is. Love So High is a passionate depiction of how intensely Jesus loves us. "Thorns that made a crown. Forgiveness falling down. Your wounds are our healing. The earth began to move and all of Heaven knew death was defeated. And all because of you Jesus."

     The last bonus track Praise Him is a free spirited joyful noise with the anticipated engagement of all involved in a moment of jubilation. Sharing praise for our Heavenly Father transferring from breast to breast as He dances amongst the shouts of adoration and gratitude. I have been a part of such instances and there is nothing like what you experience in that moment. It’s hard to believe that is only a glimpse of what it will be like to dance upon the streets of glory.

     As contemporary praise and worship has demonstrated over the years it is an unfailing industry based on the experience people have in the presence of God. It is not based on topping the charts nor is it based on album sales. It is based on the personification of a spirit broken and healed by the Master Healer Himself. Hillsong has managed to excel in all categories because of their ability to perfect the latter. They run with the torch of the high calling of praise and worship and if the Olympics were a spiritual battle I would definitely identify them as the gold medal recipient. Thankfully however, God sees all of us as champions and Lord willing our reward will far exceed a simple gold medal.

Purchase Cornerstone Live Now

     There will be a DVD purchase offered with the live recording experience available with the album. However, this fall Hillsong United plan to revisit the United States bringing this live worship experience to a place near you. One thing is for certain, you can bet your bottom dollar, I will be somewhere in the midst of all that glory. I will stand with them on that solid Cornerstone of faith along with the rest of those of you who are torch carriers!

     If your desire is to know Jesus you should be running to praise Him. If you believe His grace abounds and all your hope rests in His love that knows no end this album will take you beneath the waters as He pours His refreshing spirit out upon His people that streams down from His love so high. Cornerstone live will cause you to stand in awe as you surrender to His endless light knowing He is greater than all becoming all He can in the children of the light who He desires to be the hope of the world.

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