Let Revival Come (Revive Me)
What a joy it was to write this song with my People & Songs brother Josh Sherman and the students of The Emerging Sound! We had a blast seeking Jesus...
All across the world the Church is waking. She is up and singing, bold and unafraid and is not going back down! #LETREVIVALCOME
What a joy it was to write this song with my People & Songs brother Josh Sherman and the students of The Emerging Sound! We had a blast seeking Jesus through the Word of God and putting what the Holy Spirit impressed upon us to melody.
Psalm 51 is a prayer, written by David after biting into sin’s empty promises and experiencing its bitter aftertaste. It’s David acknowledging, confessing, and repenting of his sin. As David walked through that miserable valley of sin, he understood that God alone could restore and revive the joy in his heart. And in Psalm 51:12, he asked God to do just that!
"Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit."
Don’t we all need that in some way today? Don’t we all need Jesus to restore the joy of our salvation, to revive our hearts? Without this joy-reviving work of Jesus, our hearts have a way of sinking into fear. Here’s just a small sampling of why we need Jesus to rescue us from fear and revive the joy in our hearts.
• Fear immobilizes but JOY mobilizes.
• Fear reminds you of your past and desires to keep you there but JOY reminds you of the hope set before you and helps you strive toward it.
• Fear enables doubt but JOY enables faith.
• Fear hardens our heart but JOY tenderizes our heart.
• Fear closes you up but JOY opens you up.
• Fear is always dissatisfied and discontent but JOY is always satisfied and content.
• Fear causes you to be sin focused but JOY causes you to be grace focused.
"Let Revival Come (Revive Me)" is a prayer modeled after David’s! It’s intended to remind us that God is so gracious to meet us in our sin and fear and restore the joy of our salvation! As we sing this song, we are agreeing with the apostle Paul as he writes in 2 Corinthians 12:9,
"But He (Jesus) said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
As we sing this song together, my hope is that it would lead you to embrace your weakness and to find new hope in Jesus – who loves to restore our joy!
Written by: Kevin Jones
I Need Jesus
I'm looking forward to sharing a live music video of "I Need Jesus" with you. I had the honor & privilege of co-writing this song w/ my brother David Gentiles...
Photo Credit: @matt_marrs
Dear Friends,
I'm looking forward to sharing a live music video of "I Need Jesus" with you. I had the honor & privilege of co-writing this song w/ my brother David Gentiles a few years back. Later, another one of my brothers, Jimmy Needham decided it needed some lyrical love and added his creative genius.
This simple song of confession & belief is special to me. Over the years, of serving the Church, I have witnessed God move in too many ways to count. I've seen many people place their faith in Jesus, obtaining the outcome of faith; the salvation of their souls! Praise Jesus!
My hope and prayer friends, is that we can grow so dependent on Jesus that we finally recognize we need nothing else. He is the absolute Source. My life is nothing without Him. #ineedJesus
- Kevin Jones
Watch the video for "I Need Jesus".
New Album from The Emerging Sound
This album includes “House United,” “Praise God,” and “I Believe You Can."
THE EMERGING SOUND VOLUME 2 IS HERE!
Volume 2 features the voices and writing of Jennie Lee Riddle, Dustin Smith, Corey Voss, Benji Cowart, Travis Ryan, Crystal Yates, Melanie Tierce, Micah Tyler, Sean Carter, Jade Lundgren, Charity Gayle, Kevin Jones, Bryan McCleery, Jake Richards and The Emerging Sound students.
This album includes “House United,” “Praise God,” and “I Believe You Can."
Registration is open for The Emerging Sound 2017
The Emerging Sound Camp is a week long songwriting intensive for creative young adults and teens...
Registration for The Emerging Sound 2017 is open!
The Emerging Sound Camp is a week long songwriting intensive for creative young adults and teens. Over the week, students attend daily chapel, general assembly, writing circles, core groups, and break-outs. Students will write daily with both peers and pros and over the week participate in multiple co-writing sessions.
The Emerging Sound 2015
A team comprised of the founder, Jennie Lee Riddle, members of the People & Songs Community, and invited guest teachers assemble to train students by walking with them through the process of songwriting, singing, living a lifestyle of worship, and serving others.
The Emerging Sound 2015
When & Where:
JULY 17 - 21, AUSTIN COLLEGE, SHERMAN TX
APPLY AS A STUDENT
(Ages 13 - 17)
Apply as an intern
(18yrs +)
Learn more at
THE EMERGING SOUND.com
New Album from Crystal Yates
True to her country, gospel, and soulful upbringing, Crystal delivers messages that are human and honest about how “messy” life can be sometimes...
Country/Americana singer/songwriter, Crystal Yates has released a new EP that is aptly titled, The Other Side.
Crystal wrote this album from redeemed memories, plucked-up alcoholic roots, healed marital disillusionment and mercy from consequences of poor choices. This collection is offered as her invitation to come and journey to The Other Side.
Many notable country and christian co-writers worked with Crystal in this collaborative project that she co-produced alongside her husband Will and good friend, McKenzie Smith.
True to her country, gospel, and soulful upbringing, Crystal delivers messages that are human and honest about how “messy” life can be sometimes. They lyrics reach down deep and touch the raw places of the human heart. Though not overtly stated, the listener can hear that the lyrics come from one who has experienced ups and downs alongside the life-changing grace of God.
The first track,
Leave Me Alone To Die
is a nod to musical influences like Merle Haggard, Don Williams, Waylon Jennings and other classic country legends. Yates says this song was written to “stand down evil.” The song comes from her memories of being kidnapped when she was 5 years old. Crystal recalls, "it was the first time I remember experiencing real evil. There is an enemy that wishes to steal, kill, and destroy in a very personal way.” She remembers being led out the back door of a store by a strange man; “all I could think about was what my Grannie taught me”, recalls Crystal, “‘if you are ever in trouble, call on Jesus and He will save you!’” Crystal reminisces, “with the faith of a child, through tears, I prayed and asked Jesus to help me.’ She remembers well how the man who had taken her immediately stopped undressing and asked her if she wanted to go home. “He never harmed or touched me. The name of Jesus literally saved me and the evil fled in that very second." You will be encouraged by the full testimony and acoustic version of Leave Me Alone To Die
Already Yours
is reminiscent of Motown and Crystal’s soulful influences such as Etta James, Percy Sledge, Aretha Franklin, and Whitney Houston. However when asked about where her messaging came from she acknowledged that ”It is easy to be moody and pessimistic in general.” This song serves as her reminder “to be grateful for all that I have in Christ.” She states that Already Yours is God’s response to the “love, acceptance, and goodness” that she seeks. “He draws my eyes to look higher; to focus on what I have and not what I believe I lack.” This moving song is available right now at iTunes pre-order (https://itun.es/us/Knn2bb)
Made To Last
was written with songwriting veteran Barbara Cloyd. Crystal said, "I wanted to make people in a seasoned marriage laugh while also setting the record straight for those who fantasize about fairy tale lives. I wanted to write a song that awakens desire for committed, steadfast and faithful love, which really is a determined decision and choice."
"Anytime we try to find rest for our souls in anything but God, it leads to a dead end." Yates states with conviction.
She believes that "temporary fixes do more harm than good.” That is the value that inspired the fourth track -
Hell On My Soul
"This is an raw, honest song with hindsight that hopefully warns against choosing to mask vs. receiving the deep healing that only comes from the love of God." Crystal’s cowriter, Texas female singer songwriter, Kylie Rae Harris, also stars in the new video releasing with album. The hope is that it will “reveal destructive paths in the light of day.”
The final offering and title track of the album is
The Other Side
written with friends and fellow songwriters Jennie Riddle, Richie Fike, Grant Pittman. “Life is a worthy struggle to The Other Side.” That messaging is the common thread in every song. “This song was a blast to create” states Crystal. “We all gathered around a piano in Jennie's Nashville home and started singing. The idea flowed out easily as if we knew it already! This song truly embodies my musical roots in every way; soulful and swampy.” Crystal states that she hopes this song will embolden an “intentional lifting of eyes to the promise of a new day.”
Crystal wants to leave us with the following thoughts to ponder: “My identity is found, first, in knowing I am a child of God and then secondly, in knowing that He put me here comfort others the way He has comforted me. I pray that whatever I write and release is always done through the lens of someone that has been rescued by the mercy of God."
You are welcomed and encouraged to join Crystal at Love and War in Plano May 14th for a release party with a full band and surprise guests! You can pre-order the new album here: The Other Side - EP by Crystal Yates
Crystal and her husband Will travel with sons Hayden and Evan, sharing their lives and the love of God. Please pray over them as they release this new music with hope that it will invite people to real life, found only in Jesus Christ.
RAISING UP THE NEXT GENERATION OF WORSHIP SONGWRITERS
My desire to invest in the lives of songwriters has never changed and has only increased. It burns hotter with each passing day...
“SING A NEW SONG,” SCRIPTURE REPEATEDLY INSTRUCTS.
Perhaps it is because we are born to grow from faith to faith (Rom 1:17), glory to glory, (2 Cor 3:18) and strength to strength; (Ps 84:7) and song is one of the smartest all-purpose tools for the journey.
Song helps trump our circumstances with a current hallelujah. Song is a tool that enables the right response at the right time. In the moment of challenge, when flight or fight reactions rise, we don’t always have the presence of mind to remember where we left our Bible. Praise Jesus, for the presence of His Holy Spirit who calls to memory God’s Word (Jn 14:26).
The Emerging Sound 2015
With that said, The Holy Spirit can only call to memory what actually resides in memory! The Holy Spirit is our Helper. But God asks us to bind the Word on our hearts (Prov 6:21). We should make sure we are not asking God to do what He has asked us to do! Then the command to sing a new song begins to make sense. Via the tool of music, we can easily digest the right response in advance of the need. With the powerful aid of meter, rhyme, and melody we can assimilate a continual influx of the right information; The Word of God – “living, active, sharper than any two-edged sword, dividing between soul and spirit, joint and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Heb 4:12 .
When I craft scripture into song, Truth becomes part of who I am. I become sharp. The Holy Spirit is able to make a withdrawal when I need it most, and out comes a new song in the night full of overcoming, double-edged-sword power! And I grow again. Over time, rich with the indwelling Word, a muscle is developed for creating song in the moment and we grow into unstoppable, joy-filled, overcoming giants with mouthfuls of pre-existing “It Is Finished” victory.
MY DESIRE TO INVEST IN THE LIVES OF SONGWRITERS HAS NEVER CHANGED AND HAS ONLY INCREASED. IT BURNS HOTTER WITH EACH PASSING DAY.
I will write songs that will impact my sphere of influence. However, if I will also be purposeful in sowing skill into others, the multiplication effect of the gospel through God’s people and songs could be exponential. I can’t think of anything more important than raising up the next generation of worship songwriters; servants who will write to fill the lips of God’s Children with the Word and awesome high praises of God (Ps 149)!
The Emerging Sound, is a non-profit 501c3 dedicated to making disciples through music. What began in Texas, as a summer songwriting intensive for teens, has now steadily blossomed. We have added a location in the Maritimes of Canada and are adding two additional states in 2016. Additionally, an internship program for college-aged and career has been formalized as well as multiple retreats for adults.
PLEASE VISIT WWW.THEEMERGINGSOUND.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.
The Emerging Sound 2015
HEAR OUR PRAYER
So many Christians have given their lives for their faith in Jesus. So many more will. Let’s stand with them and pray that they stand strong as they glorify God through their suffering. We are The People Of The Cross...
HEAR OUR PRAYER
This blog post was originally published on CCLI.com June 2, 2015.
People of the Cross, by Jennie Lee Riddle, Todd Smith and Jordan Merritt. Performed by Selah.
CCLI Song #7040175 Available on SongSelect
"Here at CCLI we recently received an email from Jennie Lee Riddle, one of our favorite songwriters and a good friend. In it she said,
I wanted to let you know about this song, “People Of The Cross” that we wrote the day ISIS executed the 21 martyrs.
“We also wrote the attached prayer. Would you please consider sharing this with the Church? I believe we need to begin instilling a new level of courage in these days. It was written by myself, Todd Smith, and Jordan Merritt, and recorded by Selah as a means to garner the prayer of the Church for the persecuted and the persecutors.”
Jennie, we’d be honored to. Here it is:
Jesus said “If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.” Jn 15:20 (ESV) So many Christians have given their lives for their faith in Jesus. So many more will. Let’s stand with them and pray that they stand strong as they glorify God through their suffering. We are The People Of The Cross.
We pray with the families whose loved ones have been abducted or martyred.
God we ask that You would strengthen, comfort, and embolden them in this hour. Please surround them with Your saints to help lift and carry their burdens. Give them faith-filled intercessions and hear them according to 1 John 5: 14-15.
Give them the grace to forgive, so that they may be free from carrying the bondage of hatred.
We stand with them and acknowledge You, Jesus, as the One to whom every knee shall one day bow. We rejoice with them in the knowledge that this world is not our home and that there will come a day when every tear is wiped away. We look forward to that day along with them. Psalm 147:3,Matt 5:4, Matt 6:14-15, Luke 23:33-34, Acts 7:59-60, 1 Cor. 13:4-7, Phil 2:5-11, Heb 13:14, Rev. 21:4,
God, we hold up the persecutors before You now and ask that You would remember the persecutor, Saul.
Your mercy overcame Him and as You converted Him, You gave us Paul – a great gift to the Church. We pray that those like Saul will come to know You, God, through the suffering of those they are persecuting. We pray that complete transformation would occur by Your Spirit, and that they would be made willing to suffer for the name of Jesus as laborers of Your Kingdom. Matt 5:43-48, Luke 6:27-28,Luke 23:33-34,Acts 7:59-60
We pray for our brothers and sisters facing persecution.
We know that You number our days. We remember the way You opened prison doors for Your saints. We remember their song in the night. We ask for Your mighty and full deliverance until the time of Your return. We remember the way You walked through angry crowds until Your time had come. Like You, Jesus, when the time comes, we ask for Your strength and courage to not give in or waver even if facing brutality or imprisonment. We pray that their spirit would not be broken, their faith would stand strong, and that Your Holy Spirit would rise up in them.
Give them joy in their homegoing with no fear or shrinking back. Give them grace to finish well.
We ask for Your light to shine forth; and that Your name, Jesus, would be ever on the lips of Your saints. We pray that the life they sow would yield a great harvest and reward. We praise You as The Way, The Truth, and The Life. Matt 5:10-12, Matt 26:38-39, Luke 4:28-30, Luke 22:15, Jn 8:48-59, Jn 14:6, Jn 15:20-21, Jn 16:33, Jn 21:15-19,Acts 6:8-7:60, Acts 12:1-19, Acts 16:16-40, Eph 6:19-20, Col 4:2-4, Heb 10:32-34, Heb 11:35-40, 1 Peter 4:13
We pray for the Church in America and around the world.
We ask for faithfulness and resolve to stand with those in persecution. We pray for revival. We confess our sin and ask You to forgive us. We acknowledge that we have not been mindful of the hour in which we live. We have been selfish and blind. Where we have claimed our lives are Yours, we have nevertheless lived them as our own. We humble ourselves at the foot of the cross of Jesus Christ. We ask for Your healing, power, and grace to obey. We ask for unity. We stand with You, Jesus, and give our lives to You all over again. We ask for grace to live well and die well, and that from the rising of the sun to it’s going down, we would be found faithful and You would be ever praised. 2 Chronicles 7:14,Psalm 51:10, James 4:6-10, 2 Tim 3:1-5, 1 John 1:9
We pray for those in places of authority and government and ask that You would embolden them to protect innocent lives.
That they would not be afraid to carry out holy and swift judgment to rout out evil. We ask that You would give them clear eyes, super-natural wisdom, discernment, understanding, and knowledge. Help them to embrace responsibility and act. We pray that the fear of You, the One True God would keep them moving to decree, promote, and work righteousness. Psalm 146:5-7,Romans 13:1-4,Hebrews 11:32-34, 1 Peter 2:13-14
EASTER PLAYLIST 2015
Songs we're playing and listening to this Easter...
Painting by Robin Oas - RobinOasDesigns.com - Inspired by Passion Song
written by Charity Gayle, Jennie Lee Riddle, Melanie Tierce and Brandon Collins
For personal connection to the power of the cross we have chosen Divine Exchange. "On the cross hung my pain", "He took my place", "Grace is mine" are truths worth meditating on, and allow the worshipper to really exalt the work of the cross, where Jesus took our place, and in doing so, made us heirs of salvation. The bridge turns to a decisioned response, "I lay down all lesser things for greater gain." In 4 min Divine Exchange shares the whole of the Gospel, sinks it deeply into the heart, and compels it to respond.
iTunes - Charts - CCLI Song Select
PASSION SONG
written by Sean Carter and Tyler Ellison
An incredible telling of the events of Holy Week told from the narrative perspective of John the Beloved. The ground covered in this song makes it a perfect consideration for Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Resurrection Sunday. The visual and emotional poetry in "Passion Song" allow the listener to almost see the crowds on the triumphant entry of Jesus, taste the last supper, and even feel the heartbreak of John at the last words of Jesus, and the Joy of finding an empty tomb.
iTunes - Charts - CCLI Song Select
IT IS FINISHED
written by Jennie Lee Riddle and Matt Papa
A victory shout for Easter Morning, "It Is Finished" paints a picture of the power in the final words of Jesus. "It is finished, It is done, To the world salvation comes! Hallelujah we're alive! Hell was silenced when You cried "It is finished" The bridge is a powerful celebration that reminds us that the veil was torn, darkness was defeated, and the keys of the kingdom were given over to us! If you are looking for a great Easter closing song this is it!
Mp3 (Magen Thurman) - iTunes (Matt Papa) - Song Select
WHEN LOVE WAS SLAIN
written by Jennie Lee Riddle and Crystal Yates
"When Love Was Slain" has a timeless hymn-like quality that even at first listen feels like coming home. The verses are sweet confessions "My home's been made at heavens throne" "I am His and His alone" "Come now walk with me" and these verses stand on the powerful chorus "Now ransomed, I am freedoms slave. My Jesus raised me from the grave". Connect your congregation to their own personal security and resurrection by including this in your Easter playlist.
iTunes - Chart - CCLI Song Select
THE PASSOVER SONG
written by Sean Carter and Caroline Cobb
A beautiful merging of the Jewish Passover Feast and Jesus on the cross. Jesus is our passover lamb, His blood saved us from the curse of sin, just as the Passover lamb freed the Jewish people from the great plagues. "His cross will be our doorway". Just as the children of Israel danced in the streets, "Daughters and sons rejoice in resurrection and death swallowed up in endless life". The Passover Song works well to celebrate the passover, is as perfect backdrop to communion and is easily followed by a congregational singing of "Nothing But The Blood Of Jesus", as each chorus uses lyric from the classic hymn to draw its parallel lines of Passover and Easter.
iTunes
COME TO THE CROSS
written by Charity Gayle, Melanie Tierce and Sean Carter
The remembrance of Christ's words in Matthew 19:21 “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Begin the Hymn-like "Come To The Cross". The invitation continues to examine the cross, and then proclaims the empty grave inspired by the words of the angel in Matt 28:6 "He is not here; He has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where He lay." The bridge reminds the believer that we have the Holy Spirit, and we too can take up our cross, follow Jesus, and tell the world! As well as inspiring the believer, "Come To The Cross" is a perfect song for an invitational moment in an Easter worship service.
iTunes
Advent & Christmas Playlist 2014
With the season of Advent upon us we wanted to share some of our favorite picks for Advent and Christmas. Listed in no particular order, these are songs we have on heavy rotation this year.
With the season of Advent upon us we wanted to share some of our favorite picks for Advent and Christmas. Listed in no particular order, these are songs we have on heavy rotation this year.
ON CHRISTMAS DAY
written by David Gentiles and Jennie Lee Riddle
A beautiful hymn that celebrates the joy and hope of the coming of Christ. Though A new song, it is reminiscent of the greatest of sacred carols, faithfully proclaiming the Christmas narrative, and salvation found in Christ. A great option for an choral and orchestral Christmas opener!
ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH
written by Shane Bernard, Sean Carter
A fresh arrangement of the classic carol. Shane And Shane modernized the melody of the traditional chorus, and The added bridge is an invitation to join the heavenly song, translating the latin "Gloria in excelsis Deo" to english "Glory be to God in the highest"
GOD IN FLESH AND BLOOD
by Travis Ryan, Brandon Collins and Jennie Lee Riddle
A song that celebrates the incarnation of God through Jesus Christ. This is a heart moving arrangement with string quartet, piano and acoustic guitar. A great selection to point the incarnate word made flesh , and to the saving work of Jesus blood on the cross.
CHRISTMAS TIME JUST FOR YOU AND ME
by Crystal Yates
Less Advent but Extra-Christmas, Crystal Yates does what she does so well, and captivates the listener with her soulful voice. This one, is for anyone in love on Christmas; think Norah
Jones's "Come Away With Me" meets "Baby It's Cold Outside"
GLORIA
by Elizabeth Hunnicut, Sean Carter and Ryan Flanigan
Taken from "The Message" version of John 1 (MSG) the opening line helps to wrap our minds around how God humbled himself into humanity, leaving a throne and moving "into the neighborhood". Other lyrical poetry, "Heavens Creator, gravity bound" and "Gave up the power and privilege of deity" is interpreted from Philippians 2.
O COME DIVINE MESSIAH
written by Robbie Seay and Jennie Lee Riddle
It is a modern day English adaption of the original lyrics from "Venez, Devin Messie," a 16th century French card by Abbot Simon-Joseph Pellegrin (1663-1745). Although originally intended to celebrate the advent of the Messiah's birth, this version takes the liberty of expanding Pellegrin's message to include the long-awaited advent of Christ's return.
LIGHT OF THE WORLD
written by Lauren Daigle, Paul Duncan and Paul Mabury
"The drought breaks with the tears of a mother A baby's cry is the sound of love Come down" uniquely merges the humanity of child Messiah's birth, with the flood of divinity that came to earth after 400 years of silence. The bridge of this song is a declaration of hope that our King has come.
SON OF LIGHT
written by Magen Thurman, Tony Alany, Jennie Lee Riddle Son of Light is an artistic take on Mary's perspective as the mother of Jesus. It's an interesting look through her eyes as she sees the fulfillment of who her son really is--the promised Messiah and King of the world.
FEELS LIKE WE’RE FLYING
To this day I can't ever remember writing a song that feels so good and peaceful...
FEELS LIKE WE’RE FLYING
Buy the I Believe - EP from Crystal Yates on iTunes.
I lost my sweet Maw Maw last year. I watched her deteriorate for two years after a massive stroke. It was tough. I remember the relief I felt the day she went home. It was hard but I was thankful that she was whole and healed completely. One day while I was thinking about her and how sassy she was. I thought about when I first fell in love with Will and told her about it. I told her how nothing else mattered in the world and I was flying! She was quick to put my feet back down to the earth and say ‘honey, you haven't even left the ground!’ Of course me being the young fool, I said to myself, ‘she simply doesn't get it.’ Now after 16 years of marriage I see she was absolutely right. It took this idea into a co-writing session with Jennie Lee Riddle and Don Poythress. We had the sweetest day writing, ‘Feels Like We're Flying’ and to this day I can't ever remember writing a song that feels so good and peaceful. I can't believe I ever had the silly notion that the high of young reckless love was as good as it gets. No, my Maw Maw was talking about the high of years of devotion and selfless love that stands the test of time. Now that I’m older, quieter and wiser, I remember her stories. Especially the ones that matter most; all the times that she stood by her husband’s side when it was difficult - and was my grandaddy a wild card! I pray we choose the kind of devotion that Maw Maw had. The kind that will see love through all the way to the end.”
CCLITV Top 25 Videos of 2014
CCLITV just released their list of "Top 25 Worship Videos of 2014"...
We are so thankful for CCLI & CCLITV who equip the Bride of Christ with songs for worship. CCLITV just released their list of TOP 25 WORSHIP VIDEOS OF 2014 and we honored to have 3 Videos featured by our People & Songs Community!
#2 Passion Song - Sean Carter
#3 I Stand Before Almighty God Alone - Jennie Lee Riddle, Brandon Collins
#21 Until That Day Comes - Megan Thurman, Crystal Yates, Sean Carter, Brandon Collins
See the complete list at WWW.CCLITV.COM
Jennie Lee Riddle's "Revelation Song" Certified Gold
Integrity Music recently honored Dove Award winning songwriter Jennie Lee Riddle in recognition of the gold certification of Riddle's inspiring worship anthem "Revelation Song" as recorded by Phillips, Craig & Dean...
Post Courtesy of Jesusfreakhideout.com
NEWS SOURCE: Integrity Music
December 3, 2014
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (December 3, 2014) - - Integrity Music recently honored Dove Award winning songwriter Jennie Lee Riddle in recognition of the gold certification of Riddle's inspiring worship anthem "Revelation Song" as recorded by Phillips, Craig & Dean. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified the song, commemorating over 500,000 digital downloads of the recording. The radio single also remained in the No. 1 position for 17 weeks on Billboard's AC Monitored chart, reached No. 1 on Billboard's National Christian Audience Chart, and also on both the AC Indicator and Soft AC charts. Pictured left-to-right are: Mike Murray, Creative Director for Integrity Music Publishing; Jennie Lee Riddle; Walker Beach of Integrity's publishing partner Gateway Create, and Craig Dunnagan, Vice President of Music Publishing and Ministry Alliances.
About Jennie Lee Riddle: Jennie Lee Riddle is a three-time Dove Award winning songwriter and a BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) Award winner whose songs have been recorded by numerous artists including Selah, Phillips, Craig & Dean, Michael W. Smith, NewSong, Kari Jobe, Dustin Smith, Chris Tomlin, Jesus Culture, Travis Ryan and many more. Her songs include "Revelation Song," "When The Stars Burn Down," "Hope of the Broken World," "You Are My Shepherd," "One True God" and "The One That Really Matters." In addition, Jennie is the founder of http://www.theemergingsound.com and http://www.peopleandsongs.com.
PRESERVING AND PRIMING
Christ has no body but yours, no hands, no feet on earth but yours, Yours are the eyes with which he looks compassion on this world, Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good, Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world...
Teresa of Ávila by François Gérard
PRESERVING AND PRIMING
Written By David Gentiles
“Christ has no body but yours, no hands, no feet on earth but yours, Yours are the eyes with which he looks compassion on this world, Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good, Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world. Yours are the hands, yours are the feet, Yours are the eyes, you are his body.”
Donald Miller, in his book ‘Father Fiction’ said: “We have a tremendous influence on how people perceive God.” What is interesting is that Jesus began this train of thought when he commented: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” John 13:34-35. In Matthew 5:16 we again see this sentiment: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
When we as the body of Christ show love to one another, we are strongly sharing the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ with a lost world. I also believe and have experienced that when we fail to love one another, we damage the testimony of Jesus towards the body and our community. It has been a passion of mine in the last several years that God would move in a great way to bring unity in His church nationally, regionally, and locally. I sense that with the spirit of love and unity nurturing and growing in the body of Christ, great power can be shown through the grace of God that we offer to one another on a daily basis.
"When we offer such compassion and care for one another in daily provision and protection, the world stands in silence because it cannot comprehend why a fellowship can function with such joy, grace, and unity."
This biblical principle acts as a beacon, for when others see our kindness and our grace toward one another, it is altogether different than what the world has to offer. When we offend one another and then are able to offer supernatural forgiveness that does not appear in the daily expression of entertainment, politics, and athletics the world is confounded. When we offer such compassion and care for one another in daily provision and protection, the world stands in silence because it cannot comprehend why a fellowship can function with such joy, grace, and unity. The only explanation is the power of Jesus Christ.
The Apostle Paul noted: “Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11I believe with all of my heart that as we love one another through the beauty of Jesus-centered community, God will be with us in a supernatural way- A way that will not make sense before a watching world- A way that will be contagious in a body and outer community- A way that will CALL those who’ve never experienced such grace, love, and power to a new life. This is our call. This is our mark. This is our hope that Jesus would be the center and fuel for the kind of life together that brings joy to the family of God and hope to the watching world.
As we live this life together in Jesus name, we are PRESERVING the soil of the Family of God and PRIMING the soil of our community. They are observing and watching. Maybe not consciously all the time, but when we claim to be “of God,” it is possible and quite probable that they could be waiting to see what it might look like if they were “of God” too.
BEHIND THE SONG: I STAND BEFORE ALMIGHTY GOD ALONE
I typed “I Stand Before Almighty God Alone” into the blank space knowing the journey that would begin. I’m reminded of so many saints who have gone before with stories of their own encounters with God alone...
Brandon Michael Collins
There exist in life those moments that don’t give you the courtesy of preparing for them. They move into your home like unexpected guests, remodel it, and then depart, leaving you with the bill and a lack of familiarity. Those moments come in many ways both good and bad – an unfavorable medical diagnosis, the loss of a loved one, the birth of a child, a natural disaster, an encounter with God. Those moments bring new unfamiliarities, redefine cherished memories and past experiences, and require the cost of learning how to find a new normal.
I had just moved from California to the Riddle’s home in Nashville, where I would spend the next eight months. When I arrived, I was emotionally raw. I was dealing with the realization that the woman that I had loved for six years and had hoped would be my wife wouldn’t be. Though not as drastic as cancer or death or a tornado, a broken heart still produces sorrow. My friend Tim once told me that “Sorrow understands sorrow,” that it’s not about which situation is worse because both situations produce the same result. Jennie knew my sorrow and as we talked one evening, something about the conversation inspired me to sit down at the piano and play the chorus melody.
The next morning, Jennie and I sat down to write and she asked if we could use that melody. We write in Google Docs, so whatever is typed shows up on the other person’s computer in real-time. We sat there for a long time, staring at our screens and trying to find the lyrical direction of the song. Eventually, Jennie typed “I Stand Before Almighty God Alone.” When I saw the line, I was cut to the heart. It simultaneously honed in on the pain of my present reality and showed the goal of that sorrow: a closeness of relationship with God like Adam had in the garden, unhindered by any weight. The song took three days to finish and a great deal of it was spent with God, listening for the right words.
"The song has been costly and relentless. It asks me to invite God into the deepest places of pain in my life."
Writing “I Stand Before Almighty God Alone” was one of “those moments”. I had gotten stuck and it took something as powerful as a song to move me into a new place. The song has been costly and relentless. It asks me to invite God into the deepest places of pain in my life. It demands that I be vulnerable when I’d prefer to put up walls. It tears down any semblance of an idol.
I live in newness but I don’t have the benefit of seeing the end of this story. I don’t have the perspective of Joseph as the second in command of Egypt. I don’t have the name Israel instead of Jacob. I don’t have the benefit of standing on the mountain of God with His people. What I do have is hope: the promise of God’s presence in my circumstances – in the darkness of prison, in the pain of the limp, in the wilderness between the Red Sea and the Promised Land. Calvary is breaking my mourning as I wait for resurrection.
Jennie Lee Riddle
Brandon was raw. Everything in me hurt for him and with him that day. I knew that if I were to risk putting that painful yet life giving truth in front of him it would be a wound to his already broken heart. An altar awaited my friend and I had just been handed a lyrical scalpel as the Lord whispered the words to my heart.
I typed “I Stand Before Almighty God Alone” into the blank space knowing the journey that would begin. I’m reminded of so many saints who have gone before with stories of their own encounters with God alone. Peter stood before Almighty God alone in the utter failure of betrayal, beholding mercy, and receiving a confirmation of his election as he was questioned by the Lord, “Peter do you love me? …Feed my sheep.” The woman caught in the act of adultery found herself before Almighty God alone as her accusers were silenced and she beheld mercy – alive and forever transformed by grace. The accuser who bravely dropped the first stone to the ground did so because He determined to stand before God alone. His was a costly decision to publicly admit his own sin, identify with an outcast woman, and choose to walk away from his friends and peers. Noah stared at every board as the eyes of God and man stared at him. He made the decision to make an ark in spite of the jeering of gawkers, his own doubt and unbelief, and his tired body. He made the decision to stand before Almighty God alone. Mary yielded her rights and everything she believed to God who does the impossible, beyond what could be imagined or conceived. She stood before almighty God alone full of her Savior. We are forever grateful.
"This song leaves me no way out but freedom. I yield my need to cast the blame. I drop my stones. He fills my empty hands with His own. This is enough."
I’m reminded of my childhood spotted with impurity and the ones who believed it okay to rob innocence from a girl. I’m reminded of the One who restores by His word and His blood. I deeply understand the reality that whomever has been forgiven much, loves much. I now stand before Almighty God alone, having released and pardoned those from whom I demanded an account. I am the one made free as a result. This song leaves me no way out but freedom. I yield my need to cast the blame. I drop my stones. He fills my empty hands with His own. This is enough. “I stand here with my God alone.”
MORE ABOUT "I STAND BEFORE ALMIGHTY GOD ALONE":
ITUNES, ALBUM PAGE, CCLI SONGSELECT
Crystal Yates "I Believe"
I Believe is a collection of songs that were written for people I love with each song having a specific purpose. Songs convict, heal and resonate with the soul like nothing else...
I BELIEVE
Written by Crystal Yates
I Believe is a collection of songs that were written for people I love with each song having a specific purpose. Songs convict, heal and resonate with the soul like nothing else. I deeply want to be the kind of person, writer and artist that touches another’s soul. After all, that is the only investment that matters. The soul is the only thing that will continue on after we breathe our last breath. God has made us to love, care, and "speak" to one another. Music speaks to the human heart like no other earthly thing. So I hope this offering of music meets folks right where right where they are and helps them to lift their eyes higher.
LET THAT RECORD PLAY ON
“I watched a friend go through so much pain as her husband left her for another woman. This was after two reconciliations over two other affairs. My heart broke for her and I was angry. I wanted him to hear a song that cut him straight to the bone; one that would cause him to stop and return to his wife and children. I decided to write one and started singing the words ‘I'm gonna let that record play on, go down deep and cut you to the bone...let it run through your veins, till you finally feel some shame...I'm gonna let that record play on.’ I recorded a voice memo and sent it to my friend, Jack Doyle. He quickly caught the vision and ran with it. We all need conviction that leads to repentance. It sure would make me smile to know that someone came clean or that this song replayed in the back of their mind before they made the decision to take an unfaithful step… and for those who have been wounded and betrayed, I hope this helps them deal with their anger in a classy way.”
GOODBYE LETTER
“It became clear to me after the papers were filled that my friends husband was not changing his mind, he was not coming back to her and the kids. I remember repeatedly telling her, ‘he is going to continue this destructive cycle, just not with you.’ I had a co-write set up with Jennie Riddle and Jack Doyle. I went to the cowrite with this broken hearted woman on my mind. I wanted to see her reach down and obtain the strength to move on. I took my thoughts and a melody and we all wrote a song that day that accomplishes just that. ‘Goodbye Letter’ was not written for those who aren't happy in their relationship; this is not permission to get out. No, it was written for those who have been punched below the belt by betrayal. A hurt that cuts deep like only infidelity can. It was written to build up after they have been torn down and give courage to move on and live again. I listened as my friend shared enemy accusations. I listened to the harassing questions, ‘why would my husband cheat and leave me?” I listened to the lying conclusions, ‘Maybe I wasn't pretty enough… exciting enough…’ and a bunch of destructive should-haves. We prayed. We cried. I spoke Truth. We do not excuse sin...we forgive. I hope this song brings resolve and hope to those wounded by abuse, infidelity and abandonment. I believe the best days are still ahead for my hurting sisters.”
GOOD THING GOING
“I like this musically lighthearted and upbeat little song. I believe in the message. This is meant to encourage the church and marriages. I brought Charlie Peacock a verse and chorus while we were in studio recording the tracks. Charlie brought his thoughtfulness and musical ideas to the song. We played around with it quite a bit. I ended up proud of the song but even more proud of the message it showcases. This song charges the battery. It charges mine! It inspires a move past circumstances. It helps to turn the proverbial lemon into lemonade and inspires a dance in the rain. It makes me think of the scripture John 16:33 ‘In this world you will have trouble, but take heart because I have overcome the world.’ It is filled with the hope that joy and peace can be found in the midst of trouble. That is the ‘Good Thing Going.’ Real promise and hope. Is it raining? Pouring? Dance anyway. Don't settle for anything else than joy. Tenaciously find reasons to laugh, sing and dance! Have courage! Take heart! Overcome!”
FEELS LIKE WE’RE FLYING
I lost my sweet Maw Maw last year. I watched her deteriorate for two years after a massive stroke. It was tough. I remember the relief I felt the day she went home. It was hard but I was thankful that she was whole and healed completely. One day while I was thinking about her and how sassy she was. I thought about when I first fell in love with Will and told her about it. I told her how nothing else mattered in the world and I was flying! She was quick to put my feet back down to the earth and say ‘honey, you haven't even left the ground!’ Of course me being the young fool, I said to myself, ‘she simply doesn't get it.’ Now after 16 years of marriage I see she was absolutely right. It took this idea into a co-writing session with Jennie Lee Riddle and Don Poythress. We had the sweetest day writing, ‘Feels Like We're Flying’ and to this day I can't ever remember writing a song that feels so good and peaceful. I can't believe I ever had the silly notion that the high of young reckless love was as good as it gets. No, my Maw Maw was talking about the high of years of devotion and selfless love that stands the test of time. Now that I’m older, quieter and wiser, I remember her stories. Especially the ones that matter most; all the times that she stood by her husband’s side when it was difficult - and was my grandaddy a wild card! I pray we choose the kind of devotion that Maw Maw had. The kind that will see love through all the way to the end.”
I BELIEVE
The song "I Believe" was written for people that struggle with addiction. People in my own life. People I love. I'm still watching what sometimes seems to be a losing battle. However, I refuse to lose hope. As long as people breath and live to battle another day, I will hope. I believe. Sometimes we may have to dig deep but we must continue to pray, trust God, and believe. He is able. Romans 5: 6-8 says… ‘You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.’
I find a lot of faith in this scripture. I am encouraged to demonstrate the love that loves ‘in spite of.” Love, loves. No matter what. Christ didn't justify us because we are good and deserve it. He died for love’s sake. This is what gives me the strength to love freely and keep hope. ‘I believe.’”
Some CLOSING THOUGHTS...
All relationships have hardships. We are each incomplete halves making up incomplete wholes. But, if we know we are in safe arms beautiful things can happen. My husband Will and I joke about our 'no one gets out alive' clause. But seriously! We are going to be a safe place for each other to risk exposure of self. You know, trying to hide self will kill your soul? That's the stuff that rots you to the core; self. If I know that the beams that hold up my house are weak and could collapse at any moment, why on earth would I ignore that? Digging must happen to fix it. We have to recognize our weaknesses, be willing to expose them, and receive the help that makes you stronger. Receive the love and grace that covers. We have to do this with and for and behalf of one-another. We must cover our relationships with love and grace. We need to learn to be a safe place and learn likewise to risk exposure of self. I want "I Believe" to be an album that welcomes the Spirit of God. It is His Breath that fills our lungs and makes us strong. It is His power that brings the change. His is His touch that produces healing.”
“All these songs were meant to be listened to as a complete message with "I Believe" being the string that ties the other songs together as an entire package. I believe that hurts are meant for healing and hearts and meant for love.”
Behind the Song: Divine Exchange
I wanted to write a song that had purpose, that the church could sing with thanksgiving and praise for the sanctifying blood of Jesus...
Behind the Song: Divine Exchange
Written by Charity Gayle
"I wanted to write a song that had purpose, that the church could sing with thanksgiving and praise for the sanctifying blood of Jesus; A song that would bring that message to life and sing it at the top of my lungs!"
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
I am daily amazed at the thought that the Almighty God became flesh and dwelt among US- mankind- sinful, wretched, and full of trouble. He sacrificed His perfect life through the cross, His blood, and by that amazing love, GRACE became ours. I wanted to write a song that had purpose, that the church could sing with thanksgiving and praise for the sanctifying blood of Jesus; A song that would bring that message to life and sing it at the top of my lungs! So together with my good friends Jennie Lee Riddle (Revelation Song) Brandon Collins (I Stand Before Almighty God Alone) and Melanie Tierce, we penned 'Divine Exchange'.
As we wrote, I realized 'Divine Exchange' would become one of my daily reminders of the gospel. Matthew 6:20+21 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. I think of the lyrics "I lay down all lesser things for greater gain. He is alive inside of me" and joy fills my soul! I have been given life in exchange for my sin! I am thankful for the way this song speaks and ministers. It also serves to help missionary families spread the gospel as all of the profits made from the Divine Exchange single are being donated to Global Missions. I thank God for this song and for His amazing love.
Emerging Sound 2015
The Emerging Sound 2015 Registration is now open in two locations!
The Emerging Sound 2015 Registration is now open!!
The Emerging Sound is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for young artists, songwriters, and worship leaders to lay a foundation for creative ministry. Come join a host of student leaders and enjoy the opportunity to collaborate throughout the week with a dynamic Team of Kingdom-minded, professional songwriters and artists.
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NEW RELEASES
Crystals new album "I Believe" is out now!
Crystals new album "I Believe" produced by Grammy winner Charlie Peacock (The Civil Wars, Holly Williams) is out now on iTunes.