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Waking Up To You by Jordan Merritt

“Waking Up To You” by Jordan Merritt.

presenting Jordan merritt

read the story and listen to the song,
“waking up to you”

 
 
 

A Few Words from Jordan Merritt

“Waking Up To You” is one of the first songs that I ever wrote with Jennie. During the songwriting session, she asked me, “what do you want to say to the people at your church?” 

The words came to me almost immediately: “Let there be LIFE.”

This song is a call for the Church to wake up to the life that we have in Jesus! When we walk in that life, we love deeply and serve willingly. We grieve with those who grieve and share in their burdens. We rise up and “defend the cause of the weak” (Ps 82:3). 

The Church is under fire, just as Jesus warned (Jn 15:18). Our response is not to retaliate with hatred. It is not to argue or point fingers. It is to love, and by our lives, reveal the truth that Jesus IS. He didn’t just speak the truth. He IS the truth. He is living, breathing TRUTH. The Truth is experienced and known through His love to us, in us, and through us. 

As we wake up to the life that we have in Jesus, the world will awaken too. People will see Jesus is love because we love. His truth will permeate and captivate their hearts. Instead of fear, hatred, and wrath, there will be peace, love, and joy. The world will begin to see that these things only come through Jesus.

I am all about revival and awakening! I pray for revival! But revival in the Church is not just for the Church. It is for everyone, everywhere. It is an invitation to walk with Jesus. 

The sun is lifting its head. It’s time to wake up and LIVE to the full like Jesus intended. It’s time for us to invite others to the Table and Feast that He is:

“The dawn is rising
The new is coming
The old is past
It’s time for spring
The seasons changing
The rains have come at last”

waking up to you Lyrics

Verse 1
The dawn is rising
The new is coming
The old is past, it's time for spring
The seasons changing
The rains have come at last

Chorus 1
Let there be life! Let there be freedom!
Let this be the start of something fresh and new!
Let the wind blow! Let there be revival!
See all of the people waking up to you!
(It’s time to wake up, wake up!)
(It’s time to wake up, wake up!)
(Oh! It’s time to wake up, wake up!)
(It’s time to wake up, wake up!)

Verse 2
Our souls are stirring
Our hearts are turning
The rivers flow
Swing wide the doors for The King of Glory
Prepare the way of the Lord!

Chorus 2
Let there be life! Let there be freedom!
Let this be the start of something fresh and new!
Let the wind blow! Let there be revival!
See all of the people waking up to you!

Bridge 1
Wake up, wake up! The Son is shining bright!
Wake up, wake up! Come on, saints arise!
Oh, there's glory all around!

Bridge 2
Wake up, wake up! The Son is shining bright!
Wake up, wake up! Come on, saints arise!
Oh, there's glory all around! Oh, the time is now!

Chorus 3
Let there be life! Let there be freedom!
Let this be the start of something fresh and new!
Let the wind blow! Let there be revival!
See all of the people waking up to you!

Chorus 4
Let there be life! Let there be freedom!
Let this be the start of something fresh and new!
Let the wind blow! Let there be revival!
See all of the people waking up to you!

Tag 1
See all of the people waking up to you!
See all of the people waking up to you!
(It's time to wake up, wake up!)

 
 

jordan merritt Bio

Jordan Merritt is a talented Christian songwriter and musician who has made a significant impact on the contemporary Christian music scene.

With a passion for creating music that inspires and uplifts listeners, Jordan has written a number of powerful worship songs that have become beloved favorites of Christians around the world.

Among Jordan's most notable works are "You Hold It All," a popular worship song recorded by the Newsboys; "People of the Cross," moving anthem performed by Selah; and "Yet I Want More," a powerful ballad featured on Vol. 3 of The Emerging Sound project.

Jordan's music is characterized by its heartfelt lyrics, soaring melodies, and powerful vocals, which combine to create an unforgettable listening experience. Whether he is writing for himself or collaborating with other artists, Jordan's dedication to his craft and his faith shine through in every song he creates.

You might also be able to find him singing in the band that he is a part of called "The Band Table".

CREDITS:

writers: jordan merritt, jennie lee riddle.

Producers: Jordan Merritt, Kaleb Frazier, Zach Saltmarsh

mastered by joe causey at voyager mastering

mixed by david riddle

© 2014 Tent Peg Music (BMI) / Integrity's Praise! Music (BMI). All rights reserved. CCLI# 7040169

 
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Like The Morning Sunrise by Jordan Merritt

“Like the Morning Sunrise” by Jordan Merritt.

 
 
 

Like The Morning Sunrise Lyrics

Verse 1
Faithful, Like the morning sunrise
We’re grateful, You meet us every time we call to You

Chorus 1
Fill this house with praise and glory!
Fill this house with joy everlasting!
Fill this house with praise and glory, God!

Verse 2
Thirsty, You are Living Water
We’re grateful, You fill us every time we call to You.

Chorus 2
Fill this house with praise and glory!
Fill this house with joy everlasting!
Fill this house with praise and glory, God!

Bridge 1
You are here, You are here, You're with us!
How we love, How we love Your Presence!
You are here, You are here, You're with us, God!

Bridge 2
You are here, You are here, You're with us!
How we love, How we love Your Presence!
You are here, You are here, You're with us, Emmanuel!

Tag 1
Hey! Yes, You are the manna! Oh!

Bridge
The Father's own Son, given for us
Oh, how we love You!
The body, the blood, the bread, and the cup
Jesus, we thank You!

 
 

jordan merritt Bio

Jordan Merritt is a talented Christian songwriter and musician who has made a significant impact on the contemporary Christian music scene.

With a passion for creating music that inspires and uplifts listeners, Jordan has written a number of powerful worship songs that have become beloved favorites of Christians around the world.

Among Jordan's most notable works are "You Hold It All," a popular worship song recorded by the Newsboys; "People of the Cross," moving anthem performed by Selah; and "Yet I Want More," a powerful ballad featured on Vol. 3 of The Emerging Sound project.

Jordan's music is characterized by its heartfelt lyrics, soaring melodies, and powerful vocals, which combine to create an unforgettable listening experience. Whether he is writing for himself or collaborating with other artists, Jordan's dedication to his craft and his faith shine through in every song he creates.

You might also be able to find him singing in the band that he is a part of called "The Band Table".

© 2013 The Worship Society/Integrity's Alleluia! Music (ASCAP) / Tent Peg Music (BMI) / Integrity's Praise! Music (BMI) / Memory House Music (BMI). All rights reserved. CCLI# 7013120

 
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Manna by Jordan Merritt

“Manna” by Jordan Merritt.

presenting Jordan merritt

read the story and listen to the song, “manna”

 
 
 

the story and the study

“When I think I don’t have enough”

The reality is that we have exactly what we need in Christ. Why do we forget this? Why do I forget this?

I’ll be honest: I’ve spent a lot of time in my lack-era. In fact, the whole of my adult life thus far has been tested and wrestled by “lack”. I don’t say that for anyone’s pity. I might have years ago, but I don’t do that now. God has trained me in lack. By it He has made me strong. When I really sit back and ponder this, I realize that my “needs” aren’t always the things that I really need. God makes sure I have what I need. 

One of the songs that marked me as a kid was “All We Need” by Charlie Hall.

“Rich or poor, God I want you more than anything that glitters in this world”

I remember praying and crying that out to God as a teenager. That one line touched my heart so deeply. It marked me. Fast forward 10 years and God gave my wife, Morgan, and I, the opportunity to prove that. 

 
 

We moved across the country four times, had four kids, and lived in four different cities. We experienced financial instability, and all kinds of change: job changes, relationship changes, church changes, and music changes. But, one thing was consistent through each and every season: Jesus. 

He was there in every celebration and devastation. He was there through every win and every loss, every up and every down. Jesus was present! Who cares about lack when Jesus is with you?

So many times Morgan would say, “What are we gonna do about ___” and all I’d be able to say is, “Do we have what we need for today?” The answer was literally always “YES”. I was only able to answer Morgan because that was the question that God would ask me. 

“Jordan, has there ever been a moment that you didn’t have what you needed?” Not once.

Even as I write this, I have questions about my future. I have questions about my family’s future. But, God is with us. We have His peace, and that’s what matters. 

Wherever you find yourself, God is with you, and you have all that you need in HIM. Just like Israel in the desert, it may seem that your milk and honey is right around the corner, but even if it is further down the road, He will give you just enough manna for today. Enough of Himself. HE is enough! 

“You are the manna when I think I don’t have enough. You’re the sustainer when I think about giving up. Let striving cease, trade fear for peace. I’ve never had to beg ‘cause You are the manna.”

manna lyrics

Verse 1
You are the manna when I think I don't have enough
You're the sustainer when I think about giving up
Let striving cease, trade fear for peace
I’ve never had to beg 'cause You are the manna.

Verse 2
You are my portion, the wine that fills my cup
You are my fountain, the spring of endless love
Deep calls to deep, reminding me I've never been in want 'cause
You are the manna. You are the manna!

Chorus
Jesus Christ, You are enough for me!
The Bread of Life prepares a feast for me
Satisfied is all I'll ever be
Praise God for the manna! Yes, You are the manna!

Verse 3
Through generations, I've seen Your goodness flow
In every season, You send the rain
You give the growth. So day or night
I'll testify that Christ has made a way!
'Cause you’ve never failed me! You’ll never fail me!

Tag 1
Hey! Yes, You are the manna! Oh!

Bridge
The Father's own Son, given for us
Oh, how we love You!
The body, the blood, the bread, and the cup
Jesus, we thank You!

jordan merritt Bio

Jordan Merritt is a talented Christian songwriter and musician who has made a significant impact on the contemporary Christian music scene.

With a passion for creating music that inspires and uplifts listeners, Jordan has written a number of powerful worship songs that have become beloved favorites of Christians around the world.

Among Jordan's most notable works are "You Hold It All," a popular worship song recorded by the Newsboys; "People of the Cross," moving anthem performed by Selah; and "Yet I Want More," a powerful ballad featured on Vol. 3 of The Emerging Sound project.

Jordan's music is characterized by its heartfelt lyrics, soaring melodies, and powerful vocals, which combine to create an unforgettable listening experience. Whether he is writing for himself or collaborating with other artists, Jordan's dedication to his craft and his faith shine through in every song he creates.

You might also be able to find him singing in the band that he is a part of called "The Band Table".

Copyright © 2023 Tent Peg Music (BMI) / Songtrust Blvd (BMI) / Comfortably Uncomfortable Publishing/Capitol CMG Genesis (ASCAP) / Wings Music Group Limited (NS). All rights reserved. CCLI# Pending

 
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Jordan Merritt Part 1

Pre-Order Jordan Merritt Part 1

 

now available for pre-order

JORDAN MERRITT BIO

Jordan Merritt is a talented Christian songwriter and musician who has made a significant impact on the contemporary Christian music scene.

With a passion for creating music that inspires and uplifts listeners, Jordan has written a number of powerful worship songs that have become beloved favorites of Christians around the world.

Among Jordan's most notable works are "You Hold It All," a popular worship song recorded by the Newsboys; "People of the Cross," moving anthem performed by Selah; and "Yet I Want More," a powerful ballad featured on Vol. 3 of The Emerging Sound project.

Jordan's music is characterized by its heartfelt lyrics, soaring melodies, and powerful vocals, which combine to create an unforgettable listening experience. Whether he is writing for himself or collaborating with other artists, Jordan's dedication to his craft and his faith shine through in every song he creates.

You might also be able to find him singing in the band that he is a part of called "The Band Table".

 
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"The Band Table"

Listen to “The Band Table” debut album.

“the band table”
now streaming everywhere

 
 

a few words from
the band table

 
 

This album is one of joy and hope. Each song has so many memories wrapped up in them: tears, laughter, jokes, and stories. But, the common thread through all of them is “experience.” Cliff, Jonathan, Jade, and I have lived a lot of life in the last 15 or so years, and so much of our stories come out in these songs. We didn’t just sit down to write a record. We wrote what was honest and true of our lives.”

-JORDAN MERRITT

 
 

“Oh taste and see that the Lord is good: Blessed is the man that trusts in Him”- Psalm 34:8. I’ve seen that God is good in my sorrow and in my joy. This project, to me, is saying “God, I trust You.” It feels like a joyful harvest. It is God getting the glory from stories that He continues to redeem. I am just so thankful.

-CLIFF PRESTON

 
 

I have never been more honored to be a part of a musical project. The talent and heart of the members of The Band Table is astounding. I’m honored to know them and call them friends. I still pinch myself that I get to do anything creatively with such wonderful humans. The whole album feels like a family gathering that you just don’t want to end. There is joy, laughter, stories, and of course, you walk away feeling full.

-Jade Lundgren

 
 

I cannot express how much The Band Table means to me. The people, their friendship, the songs, and the times we have spent worshiping Jesus together has been beautiful. Jordan, Cliff and Jade have become my family, and this whole project has become the soundtrack for my life. I have been waiting with pure excitement for the release of this record. I hope you are swept up into the richness of life with Jesus right along with us and are lead to His heart. 

-JONATHAN LEE

“the band table” CREDITS:

Produced by jubilee music co

mixed by david riddle and seth talley

Mastered by Bob Boyd at Ambient Digital and
joe causey at voyager mastering

Executive Producer/A&R: Jennie Lee Riddle

executive director: jonathan bryce

Label: people & Songs

COVER ART:

PHOTOGRAPHER: WILLIAM READ

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: WILLIAM READ

hold

writers: Jonathan Lee, Jordan Merritt, Cliff Preston, Sabin Flore

© 2022 Tent Peg Music (BMI) / New Hope Hill Music (SESAC) / New Hope Road Music (ASCAP). All rights reserved. CCLI#7233066.

when you run

writers: tobin alford, sabin flore, cliff preston, randy griffin

© 2022 Tent Peg Music (BMI) / New Hope Hill Music (SESAC) / New Hope Road Music (ASCAP). All rights reserved. CCLI#7227438.

Heathen

writers: sabin flore, jonathan lee, jordan merritt, cliff preston

© 2022 Tent Peg Music (BMI) / New Hope Hill Music (SESAC) / New Hope Road Music (ASCAP). All rights reserved. CCLI#7233065.

better road

writers: cliff preston, jade lundgren, sabin flore, buck mcknight

© 2023 Tent Peg Music (BMI) / New Hope Hill Music (SESAC) / New Hope Road Music (ASCAP). All rights reserved. CCLI#7222391.

trust

writers: sabin flore, jonathan lee, jordan merritt, cliff preston,
buck mcknight

© 2022 Tent Peg Music (BMI) / New Hope Hill Music (SESAC) / New Hope Road Music (ASCAP). All rights reserved. CCLI#7233081.

you’re still god to me

writers: tobin alford, jade lundgren, zach saltmarsh

© 2022 Tent Peg Music (BMI) / New Hope Hill Music (SESAC) / New Hope Road Music (ASCAP). All rights reserved. CCLI#7230846.

not another one

writers: jonathan lee, jordan merritt, cliff preston

© 2022 Tent Peg Music (BMI) / New Hope Hill Music (SESAC) / New Hope Road Music (ASCAP). All rights reserved. CCLI#7233078.

who needs the world

writers: Kaleb Frazier, Jonathan Lee, Jordan Merritt, Cliff Preston, Zach Salthmarsh, Buck McKnight

© 2022 Tent Peg Music (BMI) / New Hope Hill Music (SESAC) / New Hope Road Music (ASCAP). All rights reserved. CCLI#7233082.

the band table bio

The Band Table (Jordan Merritt, Cliff Preston, Jonathan Lee, Jade Lundgren) first met at a writing retreat in 2022. Their name “Table” is a call for all believers to join together in communion to feast on the Bread of Life. Their lyrics carry rich truths and explodes with life, joy, fun, stories, and the rich experience at a table.

Each member is well-established, and respected as songwriters having written with the likes of Lauren Daigle, Michael Farren, Dustin Smith, Jennie Lee Riddle, Tony Wood, Kenna West, Matt Armstrong, Micah Tyler, Mia Fieldes, Bethel, Upper Room, and many others.

Their songs have been recorded by artists such as For King and Country, Newsboys, Selah, Rebecca St. James, NewSong, Shane & Shane, People & Songs, Phil King, Aaron Shust, and Jared Anderson to name a few.

The families of The Band Table are more beautiful than the music could ever be! You may see lots of kids at a Table event, and that’s exactly the way it’s intended to be! Having spent numerous years in vocational ministry, each member carries a deep love for the local church. They are worshippers and pastors at heart and love nothing more than to see the people of God meet with Him. “We are the Table, He is the feast” 

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"Trust"

Read the Story and listen to the song, “Trust” from The Band Table debut album.

“trust”

 

the story and the study

A FEW WORDS FROM THE WRITERS

“I’m not as afraid of the problem as I am of me.”

The Bible tells us 365 times, “Do not be afraid,” one time for every day of the year. So, that tells me that there’s nothing in this life that I need to be afraid of. But, I’m constantly aware of my own shortcomings, my own rebellious attitudes, and my own knack for messing things up.

I’ve let my fear of myself keep me from so many things in life. This is why the line, “Pick up your dreams and your wonder, child, let’s make belief,” is my favorite and the most special to me.

God turns our fear into faith if we let Him! He’s written a beautiful story for us to just WALK in. We need not let our fear take the reigns. Rather, we should lean in to the stillness that only Jesus provides and trust in Him!

-JORDAN MERRITT

When we wrote this song, I was 40 years old and my wife and I had just had a baby boy named Campbell. We were struggling with the thought that being parents to a baby was beyond our abilities. I can remember sitting there holding my brand new baby boy saying, “It’s going to be okay. We definitely know what we are doing.”

I remember holding my concerned wife saying, “It’s going to be okay, surely we still know what we’re doing.” I remember praying to God, “Please remind me it will be okay.”

I’m about to be 42 and you know what, it’s okay. We’re not perfect parents but we love this little guy. God, our Father, loves us just the same and He is a perfect Father. We can trust Him and I’m confident in saying, because of Him, you’re going to be okay.  

- CLIFF PRESTON

I just recently learned through some life events that I don’t trust very well. I thought that I did, but when I was faced with some really hard challenges, I realized that I didn’t have as much faith as I thought. I have had to start over, and learn how to surrender more than my life to the Lord.

I have had to learn how to trust Him: trust Him with my family, trust Him with my dreams, and trust that no matter what, He is good through it all. Every time I sit and listen to this song, it exposes my desperate need for the Lord. I am so thankful that He invites me into His presence and His goodness and that He gives me the faith to start over and trust!

-JONATHAN LEE

 
 

“trust” lyrics

Verse 1
What I would give for a moment
To sit at your feet?
All of the tension in life
Would turn to relief
One look in your eye
Brings a sparkle to mine instantly
And just for a moment
I feel I can do anything.

Chorus
I’ll trust, trust
It’s gonna be okay
You’re just
You’re enough
You hear me when I pray
You always make a way
So I’ll trust

Verse 2
I’m not as afraid
Of the problem as I am of me
'Cause you know that I’m prone to run
From the ghost of defeat
You make an appeal, tell me,
"Child, it’s not real, what you see.
So pick up your dreams and your wonder,
Child, let’s make belief.

Chorus 2
Oh, trust, trust
It’s gonna be okay
You’re just. You’re enough
You hear me when I pray
You always make a way

Tag
I’ll trust, trust, trust.
God I’ll trust
Hey! I’ll trust Hey!

Verse 3
You’ve proven with time
You resolve what You find incomplete
You finish my faith with Your portrait
You’re painting in me
I try to be tough
But it’s always too much for my strength
So I’ll let You work
While I wait here and worship my king

Chorus 3
And I’ll trust, trust
It’s gonna be okay
You’re just
You’re enough
You hear me when I pray
You always make a way.

© 2022 Tent Peg Music (BMI) / New Hope Hill Music (SESAC)/ New Hope Road Music (ASCAP). All rights reserved. CCLI#7233081. For licensing requests,
please visit Music Services.


 
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"Lessons of the Dead"

Read the Story and Listen to the song, “Lessons of the Dead” by The Band Table.

 

the story and the study

A Few Words from the Writers

I am so thankful for the lessons of life. I wouldn’t be the man that I am today if it weren’t for those lessons. But, you don’t just learn lessons from life. You learn lessons from the dead as well, from those who have gone before you.

Hebrews 12:1 reads, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”

We are surrounded by witnesses who have gone before us and they are cheering us on so that we can finish this race. It we look at their history and learn from their stories, we can learn how to really live and finish the race that God has set before us.

-JONATHAN LEE

I have 4 kids. 3 of them are fairly easy. Then there’s Luka Wilder. I’ve said for years that he wakes up, turns the gain knob up to 12 (10 is the highest number for reference), and throws away the knob. Then he falls asleep just to wake up the next day and do it again. He terrifies me. But I see so much of myself in him. I see the curiosity in his eyes. I see the deep longing to FEEL something every day.

I see pure love, with no boundaries. I see PASSION in every face that he makes. I know my parents saw that in me and I find myself, almost daily, saying the exact same kind of things to him that they said to me, which are also the same things that their parents told them, and so on.

If there’s one thing my parents have given me that I'm thankful for, it’s wisdom. I can’t say that I’ve always accessed it correctly, but it’s always been ready and available. And I long to pass those things down to my kids! This song is just that: the passing down of wisdom. What is the wisdom in this song? To listen to the wisdom ahead of you and to “keep to the old roads” as my favorite Andrew Peterson song says.

-Jordan Merritt

 
 

“lessons of the dead” lyrics

Verse 1
We were livin', livin' like
There’s nothing but time
It was crazy and scary
And a little bit wild
We were searchin'
Searchin' for another high
Disappointed all our mothers
And we made them cry

Chorus
But time brings a little wisdom
And time helps me understand
And now that I’ve done a little listenin'
I can almost hear the lessons of the dead

Verse 2
After sunrise, we would
Say our morning prayer
We would kiss our momma bye
And then we’d live like hell
Oh, I hated, hated
All the rules she gave
'Cause I thought
That it’d be better
If I did my way

Chorus
But time brings a little wisdom
And time helps me understand
And now that I’ve done a little listenin'
I can almost hear the lessons of the dead

Verse 3
And now, now that I got my own son
Got a little perspective and a lot more love
I can hear everything my momma said
And I hope he’ll do life better than I did
And I hope he’ll do life better than I did

Chorus
'Cause now I’ve got a little wisdom
And now I finally understand
Oh God, I really hope he listens
And I hope he hears
The lesson before I’m dead

Tag
'Cause we’re all trying to learn
The lesson of the dead.

© 2023 Tent Peg Music/Euphonic Music Publishing (BMI) /New Hope Hill Music/Euphonic Songs (SESAC). All rights reserved. For licensing requests,
please visit Music Services. CCLI#7233071.

 
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"This Is The Good News"

Read the Story and Listen to the song, “This is the Good News" from The Band Table debut album.

 

the story and the study

A FEW WORDS FROM
JORDAN MERRITT

We often think of the Gospel as just the good news that Jesus came to die for our sins. That IS good news. But, it’s just the beginning of the good news that Jesus came to give us.

Not only did He come to give us freedom from the power of sin and darkness, atonement for our sins, and a new life, but He also came to usher in His Kingdom! ALL of this is Good News!

He came, brought His Kingdom, died, rose again, ascended, sent His Spirit, established the Church, and He’s coming back again! It’s the greatest story ever told and each part of it carries so much importance for us! My prayer for this song is that we all get each part of His story deep in our spirits so that we can live free of sin, full of His power, and with great anticipation in our hearts for Jesus’ return!

“this is the good news” lyrics

Verse 1
Hear the sound of people singing
Who won’t be slaves again
Their joy complete in knowing
Their master is their friend
Oh, isn’t it good news?

Verse 2
He’ll take the broken things
And He will make them new
Even in the deepest sadness
His joy is breaking through
Oh, isn’t it good news?

Chorus
This is the gospel
That you came for us!
You broke through the darkness
Your weapon was love!
You poured out your Spirit
On daughters and sons
Oh, this is the gospel
Your kingdom has come!
This is the gospel!

Verse 3
Let every heart rejoice
For your salvation’s here
The king is on the throne
So you don’t have to fear
Oh, isn’t it good news?

Verse 4
His power is alive in us
His church is here to stay!
All Hell can’t stand against it
Our God will have His way!
Oh, isn’t it good news?

Bridge
All nations rise up, Rejoice, rejoice!
In every tongue, Rejoice, rejoice!
The war has been won!
Oh, this is the good news!
This is the good news!

 
 

© 2022 Tent Peg Music (BMI). All rights reserved. For licensing requests,
please visit Music Services. CCLI#7233080.

 
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"Heathen"

Read the Story and Listen to the song, “Heathen” from The Band Table debut album.

“heathen”

 

the story and the study

A Few Words from the Writers

Sometimes you sit in the corner of the room wondering if the people that you are writing with know your story. I felt this way while writing, “Heathen.” I still feel a lot of myself in this song. “If I’m just like the woman, do you think that Jesus would do that for me?” This line resonates with me. The answer to this question is yes. It’s harder to believe for yourself that it is true, but I am living proof that He has done the same for me. Hallelujah, He has.

-Cliff Preston

A heathen is a person that refuses to follow God. I think we can all relate to that. We all start out as heathens and can even live a heathen lifestyle after we decide to follow the Lord, but His love is always chasing after us. This song captures that journey. 

It reminds you of where you have been and makes you thankful for where the Lord is taking you today. Jesus brings dead things back to life and can make the hardest heart sweeter. We all need that, and I am so thankful that He has done that to me.

-Jonathan Lee

Romans 3:23 tells us that all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God. Do you know what ALL in the Greek means? Sorry for the pastor joke… but yeah… it means ALL. It’s so easy for us to look at others and see their flaws. I remember growing up thinking about the woman caught in adultery and thinking, “how dare she?” But, the older I got, the more I realized that I had been both of the characters in the stories.

I had been the Pharisees who were quick to judge but slow to allow correction in their own hearts. I had also been the woman caught in situations that I had no business being in and desperately needed help to get out of. And Who was right there in the middle of it all? Jesus.

Wherever you are today, whether you are the woman caught in a situation, or a Pharisee with the stone cocked back ready to let it rip, Jesus is offering us His redemption. He’s offering us the sweetness of life that only comes through Him. We just need to turn to Him.

-Jordan Merritt

“heathen” lyrics

Verse 1
I heard it's hard to teach
An old dog a new trick
But I also heard
A thing called saving grace
I may not be religious
But there's something bout
This Jesus I can’t shake.

Verse 2
So many times that
I have tried to read the good book
Just to put it back up on the shelf
They say inside there's treasure
But inside it sometimes makes me feel like Hell
But there's something bout this Jesus
That reminds me just a little of myself

Chorus
If Jesus can turn water into wine
Maybe He can make me sweeter?
If Jesus can bring dead things back to life
Maybe He can save this heathen?

Verse 3
If you saw me in public
You might think that I’m alright
But you ain't ever seen me in my house
Cause I do things in secret
But they're things that I won't ever talk about

Verse 4
But I heard about the woman
They caught with the wrong man
How they gathered rocks to kill her in the street
Jesus made them drop their stones
By asking them if they lived perfectly
And if I’m just like the woman
Do you think that Jesus would do that for me?

Chorus
If Jesus can turn water into wine
Maybe He can make me sweeter?
If Jesus can bring dead things back to life
Maybe He can save this heathen?

Verse 5
I heard You made the world
But still, You look a lot like me
How could You be God and still be man?
Maybe if I talked to You
You’d listen and You’d try to understand?
Maybe if I take this leap of faith, I could be a better man?

Chorus
'Cause Jesus, You turned water into wine
So come and make me sweeter!
And Jesus, You bring dead things back to life
So come and save this heathen!

Verse 6
I never thought that I would
Find myself in this place
I swore I’d never get down on my knees
But here I am a broken man
With my confession and apology
Here I am a humbled man
A heathen, saying Jesus I believe!

 
 

Copyright © 2022 Tent Peg Music (BMI) / New Hope Hill Music (SESAC)/ New Hope Road Music (ASCAP). All rights reserved. For licensing requests, please visit Music Services. CCLI#7233065.

 
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"Spirit and The Bride"

Read the Story and Listen to the song, “Spirit and the Bride” from The Band Table debut album.

 

the story and the study

a few words from the writers

The Bible is one big invitation from Genesis to Revelation. The Father is inviting us to come! He says, “Come, follow me! Come, all who are weary, Come near to God.” He is inviting His creation to the Table, to His feast, to become His Bride! The Bible says in Galatians 3:28, “There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Through what Christ has done, He is inviting us all to come and receive His reconciliation, and His goodness. And when we finally come and receive, we join in the celebration and we get to offer this great invitation to others!

- Jonathan Lee

It still blows my mind that God tells us to come to Him with all of our stuff. I remember hearing stories about the woman at the well, the woman caught in adultery, the tax collector who climbed a tree, the prodigal, and the blind man in my younger days. It seemed foreign to me that a holy God would love and seek out those who were lost, afflicted, and rebellious like they were. That is, until I realized I was lost, afflicted, and rebellious. Phew, that was a roller coaster.

It’s wild to me that He stands there calling and He stands there ready to heap mercy and grace upon every one of us. I love this song because it’s a call for all of us to drop whatever it is that we believe keeps us from Him and to GO! Go to Him because He’s calling. It’s not that Jesus is light on sin, it’s that He’s heavy on grace and He’s calling for us to come to Him! 

- Cliff Preston

There is an epic cry in Revelation 22:17 that says, “The Spirit and Bride say, ‘Come!’” As Christians, we are the Bride, the wife of the Lamb. Both the Holy Spirit, and we, God’s Bride, express an urgent desire for Jesus to return. When we sing, “Spirit and the Bride,” we are joining in that cry.

But, we are not the only ones who cry out, “come!” There is an invitation from God, as Jesus says in John 7:37, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink.” And as Revelation 22:17 concludes, “Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.” Come to the Lord, and join us as we wait for Him to come again.

-Jade Lundgren

“Receive this invitation of reconciliation”

This line is what the song is all about! We have been invited to the Table of the Lord, and we get to commune with HIM! Where sin separated us, Jesus reconciles us!

It’s so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day of life, but it’s so important for us to understand the reality that we are living in: Jesus is the KING with a KINGDOM and He’s coming back to establish it on the Earth!

This is a Kingdom with no more tears, sin, fear, sickness, or death! He’s coming to make things right and we as His bride get the opportunity to announce to the world what we have tasted and seen: that He is good and all that He does is good! So COME Lord Jesus, COME!

-Jordan Merritt

 
 

“Spirit and the bride”
lyric video

Lyric video of “Spirit and The Bride” by Jonathan Lee McElhenny from The Band Table

“spirit and the bride” lyrics

Verse 1
Receive this invitation of reconciliation
The father’s reaching out to us
Rebellious generation
He hears our desperation
He’s calling out the wayward ones
He says, "Come."

Verse 2
A love for His creation
Without an expiration
No matter just how far we’ve run
His heart is kind and gracious
With unrelenting patience
He’s waiting there with open arms

Chorus
He says, "Come"
To every daughter every son
To every prodigal who’s run
To all the tired and weary ones
"Come, come”

Verse 3
Receive your resurrection
A holy intersection
A table He’s prepared for us
A feast of liberation
Join in the celebration!
The time of jubilee’s begun!

Chorus 2
He says, "Come"
To every daughter every son
To every prodigal who’s run
To all the tired
And weary ones
"Come, come”

He’s bigger than
The worst you’ve done
He drowned your past
With His own blood
Oh, come receive
The Father’s love,
"Come, come."

Bridge
Oh, Oh, Oh. Oh, Oh, Oh Oh
The Spirit and the Bride say, "Come”
The Spirit and the Bride say, "Come”
The Spirit and the Bride say, "Come”
The Spirit and the Bride say,
"Come, come”

© 2022 Tent Peg Music (BMI) / New Hope Hill Music (SESAC) / New Hope Road Music (ASCAP).
All rights reserved. CCLI#7233079. For licensing requests, please visit Music Services. CCLI#7233065.

 
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"Jubilee"

Read the Story and Listen to the song, “Jubilee” from The Band Table debut album.

“jubilee”

 

the story and the study

a few words from the writers

When I think of the word Jubilee, I think of the Lord’s Joy and His favor. love this song so much because it brings me so much joy. My favorite line is, “The laughter of the sisters as the dead man comes to life.” That is what God brings. He take dead things and brings them back to life. This song captures that joy and fills with me it every time I listen to it!

-Jonathan Lee

“Lift your eyes child”

This song starts with a picture of a little child staring at the waves after Pharaoh's army was swallowed up by the Red Sea. This child might not have known the significance of that moment, and I believe we can find ourselves in those places sometimes. Then, as we grow and learn, we literally see the goodness of God and the victories that He has brought us. Lift your eyes child. He has made a way. He has won the victory! We celebrate today and forever the God who continually parts the seas and causes the walls to fall! Sing it loud!

-Cliff Preston

Jubilee in the Old Testament happened every 50 years and was a time of releasing debts, celebrating, and feasting where slaves were freed, and the land would rest from its labor. It was a built-in time of restoration. When Jesus came, He fulfilled this, and in a way, became our Jubilee.

Our debts and sins have been forgiven. We are freed, and our souls have rest. When we sing this song, there is so much joy and celebration in it! We remember the freedom that Jesus has given us and celebrate the reality that He has brought us from death to life. He does indeed still have “promises we’ve yet to see” as we keep our eyes fixed on the hope of eternal life with Him.

–Jade Lundgren

The word “jubilee” literally means “ram’s horn”. We don’t think of “ram’s horn” when we hear that word, but it has a world of meaning for us! The ram’s horn (shofar) was blown at significant times throughout the history of Israel, but the common purpose was for an announcement: an announcement of war, an announcement of the Jubilee year, or an announcement on the day of Atonement.

What is most significant to me, however, is that it was blown to announce a new KING: King Jesus. He has come and we are living in the now, but not yet, Kingdom of God on earth! We have access to the freedom only He can bring, the joy that is produced through His Spirit in us, and the fullness of LIFE that He came to give us! “Lift your eyes child come and FLY WITH ME.”

-Jordan Merritt

 
 

“jubilee” lyrics

Verse 1
There’s a little child of Israel
Just staring at the waves
As a million others watch
The chariots just float away
What would you sing
If you were free?

Verse 2
Oh, Imagine all their questions
As they wandered years away
But the first step in the promise
Turned their questions into faith
What would you sing if you had seen?
I bet they’d sing full of belief!

Chorus
Lift your eyes child
Come and fly with me
He’s still got promises
We’ve yet to see
So shout it loud
Let dancin' fill the streets
Cause this is Ju-u-u-u, it’s jubilee
Oh, yes it tru-u-u-u
It’s jubilee
Come on now!

Verse 3
The laughter of the sisters
As the dead man comes to life
The tears of joy from the father
As the prodigal arrives
Oh, can't you see
That’s what He brings?

Verse 4
So hold fast to His promise
Let His joy become your strength
For the momentary sadness
Of this world will fade away
So come with me and just receive!
Oh, let Him be our Jubilee! Yeah!

Verse 4
And that day will come
When we’ll finally enter in
And we’ll make our home
The eternal promise land
But we’ll sing this song till then

Tag
Oh, oh, let's feast with celebration!
Oh, we walk in liberation!

© 2022 Tent Peg Music (BMI) / New Hope Hill Music (SESAC)/ New Hope Road Music (ASCAP). All rights reserved. For licensing requests, please visit Music Services. CCLI#7233067.


 
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"Hold"

Read the Story and Listen to the song, “Hold” from The Band Table debut album.

“hold”

 

the story and the study

a few words from the writers

“Hold on to your friends and
Your family 'cause it’s all you got.
Hold on to your Bible and faith.
Hold on to God.”

I honestly wasn’t super excited about this song to begin with. I enjoyed it, but didn’t see the significance of it. But now, with all that’s happening in our world, I’m more aware than ever that we all just need to HOLD. James 4:7 says to, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Ephesians 6:13 reads, “Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist when the times are evil, and after you have done everything, to stand firm.”

This song means so much more through that lens. May we all have the assurance of the rock we are standing on, the confidence in the promises of God, and the boldness to stand in His truth these days!”

-Jordan Merritt

The Bible says in James 4:14, “How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.” I think that this song captures that. Hold onto the moments that you have, and thank the Lord for every one of them.

- JONATHAN LEE

“Life is like the shoes that you've worn too much.”

Sometimes, it feels like you've been run over, chewed up, and spit out by life. When we get stuck in these seasons, it's sometimes hard to find the right words to say.

When we wrote this song, it felt like we found the word. I remember us tipping our heads back and hollering the word “Hold” for the first time. There are so many things we need to remind ourselves to hold onto. I believe the Lord is continually asking us to anchor ourselves to Him and to trust that He knows what He is doing. This song holds a special place in my heart!

- Sabin Flore

 
 
 
 

“hold” lyrics

Verse 1
Life’s like a match
Already been lit
You gotta be careful
Cause this one burns quick
Oh, when you’re young
You feel immortal
But life catches up to you
Yes, you get older.

Chorus
Hold, Hold

Verse 2
Life’s like the shoes
That you’ve worn too much
They might hurt your soul
But you still wanna run
Oh, life don’t give easy
You still have to try
You gotta push on
Cause you still
Love the ride.

Verse 3
Life’s like a glass
A glass full of sand
You try to keep flipping
To start it again
Oh, stop watching time
To see how it falls
Go see the world cause
The glass ain't that tall

Bridge
Hold on to your friends
And your family
Cause it’s all you got
Hold on to your
Bible and faith
Hold on to God
Take lots of photographs
Bottle up tears and laughs
Don’t let the old flame burn out
Cause life’s like a match
Already been lit
You gotta be careful

© 2022 Tent Peg Music (BMI) / New Hope Hill Music (SESAC)/
New Hope Road Music (ASCAP). CCLI#7233066. All rights reserved.
For licensing requests, please visit Music Services.

 
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"Not Another One"

Read the Story and Listen to the song, “Not Another One” from The Band Table debut album.

 

the story and the study

The thing that separates God from literally every other being in the universe is His Holiness. As many theologians have said before, His holiness is what makes Him God. He’s morally perfect. He’s omniscient. He’s omnipresent. He’s the Alpha and Omega.

He gets the sole right to determine what is right and wrong. No power stands up to Him. No weapon opposes Him. This is the God we serve! We sing this many times and in many different expressions, but we wanted to offer a song of JOY around His holiness: That there has never been and will never be another one like Jesus!

-JORDAN MERRITT

There are so many times in the scriptures where the question is raised in some form, “Who is like our God?” The answer, most times, follows immediately. There is no one like our God. From the songs sang in Exodus after the Red Sea to proclaiming, “there is none like You…” in Psalms 86:8, and again in Jeremiah 10:6, the declaration continues on and on.

We wanted to write a song declaring what the scriptures have for thousands of year and will for thousands more: There is not another one like our God. In your marriages, there’s no healer like Him. In your struggles, there is no anchor like Him. In your sin, there is no answer other than Him. He’s the only one ever worthy to be praised!

-CLIFF PRESTON

Genesis 1:1-2: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.” In the beginning there was only God. He is the beginning and the end.

There is no one like Him and there never will be another. He is holy, perfect & righteous and He wants to have a relationship with us! It makes absolutely no sense, but that is who God is. He is the God of mystery and wonder. There is not another one like Him!

- JONATHAN LEE

Listen to “Not Another One” and other inspirational songs from
The Band Table. Purchase physical album here.

“not another one” lyrics

Verse 1
You spoke
And there was light
You breathed
And there was life, Amen
You parted ocean waves
Your glory on display, Amen

Pre Chorus 1
I’ve seen it with
Wy own two eyes
I’ve tasted and I can’t deny
It’s true. It’s You!

Chorus
All power is rightfully Yours forever
On earth here below or heaven
Oh, there is not another one
You’re majestic You’re perfect
And always present
I’ve searched the world for other ones
But there is not another one Like You!

Verse 2
You caused hell’s defeat!
You took the captor's keys, and then
You brought heaven down
Your kingdom here and now, Amen!

Pre Chorus 2
I’ve experienced with my own life
I’ve tasted, now I testify It’s true. It’s You!

Chorus
All power is rightfully Yours forever
On earth here below or heaven
Oh, there is not another one
You’re majestic You’re perfect
And always present
I’ve searched the world for other ones
But there is not another one Like You!

Bridge
Your glory Fills up the sky with beauty
Oh, all worship to You only
'Cause there is not another one
Sing holy! The angels declare You’re worthy!
The saints all around rejoicing
'Cause there is not another one!

Tag
Yeah! There is not another one like you!
Oo, oh, I've searched the world for other ones
But there is not another one!

© 2022 Tent Peg Music (BMI) / New Hope Hill Music (SESAC) New Hope Road Music (ASCAP). All rights reserved. For licensing requests, please visit Music Services. CCLI#7233078.



 
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"Who Needs The World"

Read the Story and Listen to the song, “Who Needs The World.”

 

the story and the study

A Few Words from the Writers

Kaleb came up to me and said, “Cliff, I have a song idea for you.” And then he says, “Who needs the world, I got Jesus.” I immediately knew I wanted to write and finish that song. Later that evening, we sat down in the dining room with with a few more folks and finished the song. I think it was an exhale at the end of a week, but this song has become such an anthem as we’ve played it live. It’s defiantly saying to the the enemy, “we don’t need the things you tell us we do, we have Jesus!” Thank God we do!! 

-CLIFF PRESTON

I love this song because it so clearly states that there is nothing on earth that can compare to what we have in Jesus! I’m reminded of the parable in Matthew 13:44 where the man found the kingdom of Heaven, buried it in a field, and went and sold everything he had to purchase it. This is life with Jesus! If I have Jesus then I have all I need!

-JORDAN MERRITT

I love this song because it reminds me of the hymn, “I’d rather have Jesus.” There is a line in that hymn that says: “I’d rather have Jesus than anything that this world can afford.” That is so true! In this song, we say we have more than money, fame, cars, or clothes. We have the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Nothing can even come close to Him. Who needs the world when I’ve got Jesus?

- JONATHAN LEE

“who needs the world” lyrics

Verse 1
I won’t be caught dead hauling
Treasures that were never mine
I got my eyes set on heaven
I’m banking on a better prize
Don’t want to look back
And find It was all just a waste of time
I won’t be caught dead
I won’t be caught dead

Chorus 1
Who needs the world? I got Jesus!
Who needs the world? I got Jesus!
I don’t need money, fame, cars, or clothes
'Cause I got the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!
Who needs the world?
I got Jesus! Oh, I got Jesus!
(Oh, oh, oh, oh!)

Verse 2
I meant what I said.
I found it, Something so clearly divine
Went down to the river, tasted
Something much sweeter than wine
When the Word splits the eastern sky
I'll come running, leave this life of mine
I meant what I said. I won’t be caught dead.

Bridge
From the eastern shore to Californ
And anywhere in between
He’s better than anything
You’ve ever dreamed!

 
 
 
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"The Shadow of El Shaddai"

Read the Story and Listen to the song, “The Shadow of El Shaddai.”

 
 

Introduction from
jennie riddle

 
 

This song holds so much hope, awe, and thankfulness for me personally. The other two women attached to this recording are both true heroes of mine and have both been used by God to forever alter my life.

Rita Springer and Lynn DeShazo have impacted my walk with the Lord in ways that are so holy: they are somehow intrinsically woven into my sweetest and most gut-wrenching moments and seasons because of their ministry through music.

As a brand new born-again believer in 1988, there was an already decade-old song that was like a drink of fresh water for my constantly thirsty heart. “More Precious Than Silver” was on repeat in my soul.

Remembering back to my first corporate worship experiences, so many times, when our small congregation had worshiped our hearts out using our predetermined set list and had sung all we planned, the Lord still lingered with us, rejoicing over us with singing.

It was in those still, precious moments, a pure-hearted saint would faithfully begin to lift their voice into the still… “Lord, You are more precious than silver…” And suddenly and profoundly the Lord would pour His goodness out upon us all; as if He had waited for us to finish speaking so that He could.

I didn’t know how much those priceless moments as a baby believer would become my deepest desire. He is bread and food… “more costly than gold…”

I became ruined for anything less than His glory revealed under the shadow of His wings. It was a great honor, 23 years later, to meet and write “The Shadow of El Shaddai” with Lynn DeShazo, who had unknowingly taught me to wait on God.

And, I’ll never forget the first time I heard Rita, 23 years ago now, and found myself on my face making an altar during one of the most difficult times in my life singing her lyrics, “…and the voice of my Shepherd is calling me, and the hand of my friend I will take…” The ache and love in her music gave my soul the needed posture to bow and be healed.

She filled my mouth with words of consecration when I couldn’t find my own. Her breadcrumbs have helped me to take up my cross and follow Jesus. Her response to fear and pain blazed a path and helped lead me through all of my own seasons of distress.

She has taught me to “dwell in the secret place of God Most High,” to mine the gold of His Word, and intimacy with Him. I am forever grateful. It is an inexplicable gift that she agreed to feature on this recording at this time.

It seemed so right, with all the hurt and distress across the world, the heaving and the sighing, to bring this song, “The Shadow of El Shaddai.” It is also like an old friend to me now. It was written so long ago, and yet, seems perfectly on time.

It is my hope that you are gathered in His strong embrace, comforted and carried through. I pray that you will know the joy of Him and the sound of His heartbeat in the hiddenness. I pray that you will confidently know and say of the Lord now and in the days to come, “‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence’” -Psalm 91:2-3

words from
Rita Springer

I’ve known Jennie Riddle for many years and learned so much from her wisdom in song writing. I have considered her one of the best at crafting songs and stories. When she called to ask about being the featured artist on this song she had written years before, I was glad to be a part of it.

While the style in which the song was written is not a normal genre I gravitate toward, my heart for Israel and the Jewish people are rooted deep in admiration and love. I could not escape the timing of this song and the prophetic scripture it declares over the nation of Israel and others who so deeply need the encouragement of being held seen and known by God.

This song is such a reminder of God’s declarative love over us and over his people.  He will never leave us nor will he ever forsake us. What an honor to be a part of this song and so encouraged in however he wants to use it to show people his safe love.



Perspective from
lynn deshazo

“There will be war to the end of the age.” Those were the words from the Holy Spirit rolling around in my spirit in the early morning of the aftermath of October 7, 2023, the date of the most horrific attack upon the Jewish people since the Holocaust of World War II.

The words were not alarming to me though; they seemed matter of fact. I was reminded of Jesus’s words to the disciples in His Olivet discourse, “You are going to hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed...”- Matthew 24:6 (NASB).

The Holy Spirit was indicating to me that we are on a permanent war footing until the Lord Jesus returns. Thankfully, our heavenly Father has provided some mighty spiritual weapons for us to prevail over our enemies and an enduring promise we can count on.

Consider the words of Psalm 91 that inspired the song, “The Shadow of El Shaddai.” It begins:

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust”- Psalm 91:1-2 (NKJV)

This Psalm uses the imagery of ancient warfare to depict how our Heavenly Father is, for us, a refuge and a fortress against the attacks in our lives. We discover that El Shaddai– traditionally translated as the Almighty–is Himself, the secret place. As His children we can always run to Him in order to enter the hidden, sheltered place of His holy Presence.

We read on and find words like “rescue” and “cover you with His feathers.” He is described as our “armor” and “shield.” We don’t have to fear the very real trouble or danger we may be facing because of His strong protection and love for us. We are even encouraged to take refuge “under His wings.”

The closer we live to the Father, the more secure and protected we become. Can there be a safer place in our world today than in the Presence of the Lord, under our Father’s wings? As the chorus of the song proclaims,

“We will hide in the shadow of El Shaddai
And dwell in the secret place of God Most High
We’ll abide in the shadow of El Shaddai
In the shadow of El Shaddai, we will hide”

Amen! Let that be your declaration of trust in the Lord. No matter what you’re facing today, keep worshiping your God. Hide yourself in Him. Then, look on and see the Almighty defend you and fight for you from the strategic higher ground of His awesome Presence.

the shadow of el shaddai lyrics

Verse 1
Here in Your strength, we will hide
Under Your wings, we will find our peace
Surely, You'll bear us up, we will not fall
Surely, You'll carry us, El Elyon

Pre Chorus
You are our refuge, faithful in all Your ways
We look to You for rescue and are saved

Chorus
We will hide in the shadow of El Shaddai
And dwell in the secret place of God Most High
We'll abide in the shadow of El Shaddai
In the shadow of El Shaddai, we will hide

Bridge
There between the cherubim
Underneath the Father's wings
We're safe from harm
Oh, sheltered in the secret place
Gathered in your strong embrace
We'll sing for joy!
We'll sing for joy!
We'll sing for joy!

CREDITS:

writers: jennie lee riddle riddle, lynn deshazo

Produced and mixed by: Seth talley

mastered by: Bob Boyd

featured artist: rita springer

 
 

rita springer bio

Rita is one of the most gifted worship leaders to arise over the last fifteen years. She believes that the joy of being a worship leader is to make those listening, jealous for what has been found in Christ.

Making Christ famous through the art, act and physical sound of our worship is Rita’s anthem and her deepest desire is to see this arise in the body of Christ. Her motto is; “To make the Lord famous in whatever I do with my worship and relationship with Him”.

Born out of that deep desire and to see women free through the tools of the Word, Worship and Prayer, she started her own women’s conference in 2000 called ‘Fragrant Oil’ it was an incredible season of 7 years watching God use worship powerfully to transform lives across the globe.

In 2008 she began a worship school called DIVE (Deep - Innovative - Vertical - Expression) The School trains and encourages upcoming worship leaders all over the world with weeklong intensive one-on-one courses. Staying true to her calling, Rita continues to write new songs and leads worship at churches, conferences and events around the country. Rita released her first book in 2013, Finding Eve.

 
 
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"He's Got It Figured Out"

Read the Story and Listen to the song, “He’s Got It Figured Out” Presenting The Band Table.

 
 
 

the story

The Band Table’s “He’s Got it Figured Out” highlights the stories of The Artist, The Preacher, The Old Man, and The Dreamer, speaking to the uniqueness of each person’s journey and God’s faithfulness through all the difficulties, uncertainties, and complexities of life. This song has all the nostalgia of “Auld Lang Sine” and a lifetime of classics, yet it is as fresh as daybreak.

It opens with a line from “The Artist,” whose verse is sung by Jordan Merritt,

“I am the artist, and if I’m being honest, it’s not always beauty I see.”

He continues, “I get calls from collections, but songs and reflections don’t quite pay the bills like I need.”

In Jordan’s own words, “This thing called life really is a journey with God. It’s about learning to walk with Him, even when things don’t make sense. It’s about learning to trust that He’s good and that whatever the seasons hold, He’s got it figured out.”

1 Peter 1:18 (MSG) sums up Jordan’s thoughts well, “Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God.”

The second verse, from “The Preacher,” sung by Cliff Preston, captures the ache, pain, and fear of falling into sin and losing one’s faith.

“Will I be forgiven or kept at a distance and marked for the rest of my life?”

Cliff writes, “God has factored in your troubles, mistakes, and fears and still manages to be God.”

He references Genesis 3, where Adam and Eve hid from the Lord out of fear of their sin and nakedness. Cliff explains that “vulnerability” is the right response when we feel the weakest and most exposed. He writes, “Our job is to turn to God and trust in Him.”

In the third verse, Jonathan Lee McElhenny echoes the story of the “Old Man,”

“I am the old man living off memories, regrets that I ran out of time. Will I be forgotten? Just a stone in a garden? Or a hero in my family’s mind?”

Jonathan expounds on the meaning of this verse and why it is so personal to him and his journey. He writes,

“Jordan, Cliff, Jade, and I all met each other for the first time at a songwriting retreat in 2022. That’s when we realized that our stories had a similar theme. We were all trying to figure out where God was taking us next, and it was at that retreat that He started reawakening dreams and visions in our hearts. This song is a reflection of that.”

He continues,

“My verse says that I am the old man, and while that is not completely true from an age standpoint, I definitely felt past my prime and like my best days were behind me. Before the retreat, I had stopped dreaming and having faith like a child. That week, God awakened faith in me again, and this song is a reminder that we are only done when God says we are done.”

In the fourth verse, Jade Lundgren sings the part of “The Dreamer.” The Dreamer “sees all these dreamers who need a new spark in their eyes.”

The Dreamer asks, “Will I be the artist? Or the preacher’s who’s fallen? Or the old one who’s run out of time?”

Jade explores this question further, reflecting on God’s new mercies every morning and how “God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Rom 8:28).

You may or may not identify with The Artist, The Preacher, The Old Man, or The Dreamer, but no matter where you find yourself today, God will meet right where you are, you just as you are.

In the fifth and final verse of the song, each member of The Band Table takes a line, “So here’s to the future. Here’s to the memories. Here’s to the lessons of life. So don’t stop believing, for it’s only a season. Just sit back and cherish the ride!”

Through all the difficulties, complexities, and uncertainties of life, God remains faithful and able to lead, guide, heal, and restore.

Wherever you find yourself today, look to Jesus again. Know that He has forgiven you and that He accepts you. Open your heart to His love and choose to follow Him this day ‘cause:

“Life’s an adventure
That the good Lord’s written down
So just keep on trusting
That He’s got it figured out.”

he’s got it figured out lyrics

Verse 1
I am the artist
And If I’m being honest
It's not always beauty I see
I get calls from collections
But songs and reflections
Don’t quite pay the bills like I need

Verse 2
I am the preacher
That once had a secret
And hid it all deep down inside
Will I be forgiven
Or kept at a distance
And marked for the rest of my life?

Chorus
Life's an adventure
That the good Lord’s written down
So just keep on trusting
That He’s got it figured out

Verse 3
I am the old man
Living off memories
Regrets that I ran out of time
Will I be forgotten
Just a stone in a garden
Or a hero in my family’s mind?

Verse 4
Will I be the artist
Or the preacher who’s fallen
Or the old one who’s run out of time?
Cause I am the dreamer
Who sees all these dreamers
Who need a new spark in their eyes

Chorus
Life's an adventure
That the good Lord’s written down
So just keep on trusting
That He’s got it figured out

Verse 5
So here's to the future
Here's to the memories
Here's to the lessons of life
So don't stop believing
For it's only a season
Just sit back and cherish the ride!

Chorus
Life's an adventure
That the good Lord’s written down
So just keep on trusting
That He’s got it figured out

Tag
He’s got it figured out
I believe He’s got it figured out
He’s got it figured out
Yes, He’s got it figured out

 
 

Jordan merritt Bio

Jordan Merritt is a talented Christian songwriter and musician who has made a significant impact on the contemporary Christian music scene.

With a passion for creating music that inspires and uplifts listeners, Jordan has written a number of powerful worship songs that have become beloved favorites of Christians around the world.

Among Jordan's most notable works are "You Hold It All," a popular worship song recorded by the Newsboys; "People of the Cross," moving anthem performed by Selah; and "Yet I Want More," a powerful ballad featured on Vol. 3 of The Emerging Sound project.

Jordan's music is characterized by its heartfelt lyrics, soaring melodies, and powerful vocals, which combine to create an unforgettable listening experience. Whether he is writing for himself or collaborating with other artists, Jordan's dedication to his craft and his faith shine through in every song he creates.

You might also be able to find him singing in the band that he is a part of called "The Band Table".

 
 

Jonathan lee Bio

Jonathan Lee McElhenny is a husband, father, pastor, worship leader and songwriter. But when asked to describe who he is, he answers, “matchmaker.” “I was created to worship, and to lead others in worship,” he says. “I like to think of myself as a matchmaker between God and man in partnership with The Holy Spirit. I want more than anything for people to have a true revelation of who God is because when people truly see Jesus, it changes them forever. That is what I am called to do. People many times have told me that my music helps them see Jesus, There is nothing better than that to me.”

Jonathan’s focus on making Jesus famous has attracted many talented artists to record songs he’s written. These artists include the Newsboys, For King & Country, Laura Story, Phillips, Craig & Dean, People & Songs, Jeff Deyo, Aaron Shust, Tricia Brock, Melanie Tierce, Rebecca St. James, Selah, Jordan Merritt, Acquire The Fire and others. Three of those songs have been nominated for four Dove Awards (Worship Song of the Year for “When The Stars Burn Down” by Travis Cottrell and Phillips, Craig & Dean, Inspirational Song of the year for ‘More And More Of You’ by Selah, Song of the Year and Pop Song of the Year for “Proof Of Your Love” by for King & Country.)

(Added Note- “When The Stars Burn Down” was number 1 on the charts inspirational Christian Radio.) “You Are My Shepherd” and “The Altar” by Tricia Brock were in the top 5 of inspirational Christian Radio along with “More and More Of You” by Selah which was also in the top 5 of inspirational Christian Radio. “Proof Of Your Love” by For King And Country was in the top of Christian Radio. “You Are My Shepherd,” “When The Stars Burn Down” and “Proof Of Your Love “have all won Sesac Awards.

McElhenny’s success is well-deserved, according to those who know him. “Jonathan is someone that I’ve written some of my best songs with.” Says co-writer, friend and label-head of People & Songs, Jennie Lee Riddle. “It’s a true honor to serve and help send him out as a blessing for such a time as this.” McElhenny is a highly successful songwriter, known as “Jonathan Lee”. And yet, he obeyed the urging of the Holy Spirit and transitioned from the road to full time pastoring in 2016. He says. “I want to leave a legacy that leads people to Jesus, and pastoring helps expand the Kingdom exponentially by helping others around me to grow in Christ. I love it."

Jonathan’s songs, co-written with notables Benji Cowart, David Moffitt, Chad Cates, Jennie Lee Riddle, Richie Fike, BJ Putnam, Doug Engquist, Corey Voss, Jordan Merritt, and Jared Anderson, bring the worshipper back to the basics as a follower of Christ. If the track record is any indication, Jonathan Lee McElhenny’s music will continue to match the hearts of men and women to the heart of a loving Savior.

 
 

cliff preston Bio

“I try to see people through the lens of what God has brought me through and saved me from. I believe that if God can love and use even me, he can love and use anyone.”

It’s been said that what sets Cliff Preston apart is his raw authenticity and compassion.  Preston’s music ministry began in 2002 as he began traveling with bands to bring awareness to the love of Jesus as well as the mental health crisis.  With his father being a professional counselor and pastor, he was very aware of the effect that mental health was having on the generation, as well as the ultimate source of wellness - the finished work of the cross.  He has spent the following twenty years traveling the country writing songs, leading worship, preaching, and even opening businesses geared towards Christ-centered clinical mental healthcare.

Cliff is proud to call Smackover, Arkansas his hometown.  He is even prouder of God’s faithfulness through his marriage with his wife Leslie, and the wisdom God provides as they raise their daughter Kannyn (12), and their two sons Murphy (10) and Campbell (2).

Cliff brings over two decades of ministry experience and business development to his partnership with People & Songs. In that time, he has written songs for artists including Newsong, JJ Weeks, Carrolton and more. He has shared the stage with artists such as MercyMe, Jeremy Camp, and Natalie Grant among others.  All while opening and building companies that develop platforms to display Christ to a lost and hurting world.

Cliff is excited for what is to come as he joins forces with this diverse team of artists, worship leaders, and writers for the glory of God.

 
 

jade lundgren Bio

Jade Lundgren is a deep well of an artist, passionate about all things creative, specifically singing, songwriting, and design. Rooted in her hometown, Jade is proud to be from Pittsburgh PA, where she and her husband have raised their three beautiful daughters. With an M.A. in Spiritual Formation from Wheaton College, and a love for theology, Jade can often be found reading books, studying, or quoting an early church father.

Her strong desire to know and teach the word of God well comes out in her songwriting. Currently a pastor at her local church, Jade has been leading worship for many years and started writing with Jennie Lee Riddle and the People & Songs family in 2012. In 2013, Jennie and Jade formed The Emerging Sound, where they collaborated with such artists as Micah Tyler, Lauren Daigle, Charity Gayle, and many others to pour into the next generation of songwriters. Jade is honored to be a part of the People & Songs team and The Band Table with fellow artists Jordan Merritt, Jonathan Lee McElhenney, and Cliff Preston.

“The crown jewel of my life is Jesus. He’s the high point, the whole point, and the most noteworthy thing about me. He interrupted the course of my normal teenage life, and at 16, opened my eyes to my need for a Savior and gave me the grace and courage to leave my normal life behind and follow Him. It’s the best thing that ever happened to me, and I have happily dedicated my life to loving and serving God however He sees fit.”

© 2022 New Hope Hill Music; New Hope Road Music; Tent Peg Music All rights reserved. For licensing requests, visit Music Services. CCLI#7231016

 
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Never Been by Jordan Merritt from seasons

Read the Story and Listen to the song, “Never Been.” Presenting Jordan Merrit.

listen to jordan merritt’s
“never been” (seasons version)

 
Listen to "Never Been" from Jordan Merritt's album, "Seasons." Written by Richie Fike, Jordan Merritt, Travis Ryan, and Joshua Seller.

Purchase “Seasons” Album from Jordan Merritt

 
 

listen to “never been”
from jordan merritt part 1

 
 

the story

Jordan Merritt’s song, “Never Been,” explores the timeless beauty and wonder of the holiness of God- Holy means to be “set apart” and unlike any other.

“There’s never been another one
There’ll never be another one like You.”

Jordan writes, “God’s holiness is quite difficult to comprehend, yet the most important and profound thing we can know about Him. I grew up in the church singing about God’s holiness, reading about God’s holiness, talking about God’s holiness, and it still feels like something I’m fighting to grasp.”

Holiness is much more than a moral standard for us to follow and live up to. It is the essence of who God is and the expression of everything that He has made.

“All things are from You
All things are for You.”

In Him we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28). When He calls something “good,” it is good.

“And God saw everything that he had made and behold, it was very good”- Genesis 1:31.

Jordan continues, “Even on my best days, the only goodness I have is because I was created in His image and have Him ruling over my life and living within me.”

RC Sproul writes, “God is not only perfectly good; He is the very source and standard of goodness. In this regard, goodness has a permanence to it precisely because it is rooted in the eternal and everlasting God. Goodness does not change because God does not change.”

Jordan goes on to say, “We have no right and no grounds to begin to define what is ‘good’ in the world. God reserves the FULL right to do that because He is the only one who is truly Holy.”

And He alone makes us holy.

Jordan continues to expound on the illogical nature of sin, “We live in a time where ‘truth’ is defined by what the majority thinks. If we can get enough people to hop on board with an ideology, it becomes ‘true.’”

He continues, “WE ARE NOT GOD! And honestly, I don’t want to be! I mean… sometimes I tell Him how I think my life should go. While I can’t see Him, I imagine Him softly chuckling to Himself as He thinks of all the ways I would self-sabotage my life if I were in His shoes.

I imagine Him chuckling in a similar way that I do when my 4-year-old Luka tells me, with much passion and conviction, all the reasons he HAS to have more candy or NEEDS to play the iPad to finish the last level of Angry Birds. But Luka is so limited in his perspective of life.

I, on the other hand, have 30 years on him and can see things that he just can’t. I imagine God, in His perfect fatherhood, chuckling at our limited understanding while simultaneously fully in love with the ones He created.”

Jordan continues, “We need God. We need Him in order to experience wholeness here on earth; to walk in freedom; to love people well; to think correctly about ourselves. We need Him in order to govern well; navigate difficult times and difficult decisions… we need Him in every facet of our lives.”

Jordan encourages us to fully engage with this passage of scripture:

“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said:

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
the whole earth is full of his glory!”

And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!”-Isaiah 6:1-5.

Jordan concludes, “When we see God for who He is, we see ourselves for who we are, and we see our need for Him to be Him in our lives. So today, the invitation is to SEE. See Him today in His majesty and glory. See Him In His righteousness and perfection. See Him in His power and splendor. He is HOLY.”

“There's never been another one
There'll never be another one like You
The Father, Spirit, and the Son
All Glory to the Holy One is due
There'll never be another one like You”

Acoustic Version
with CCLI Sessions

never been lyrics

Verse 1
All things are from You
All things are for You
All heaven adores
All saints bow
Before the Holy One

Verse 2
No power can hold You
No weapon oppose You
You were the First
You'll be the Last above it all

Chorus
There's never been another one
There'll never be another one like You
The Father, Spirit, and the Son
All Glory to the Holy One is due
There'll never be another one like You

Verse 3
Those who have seen You
Have witnessed a King who
Would leave His throne
To make us His own
A people of praise

Verse 4
So let all who have known You
Step into Your throne room
And lift up a song
To Whom we belong
Oh, Ancient of Days!

Bridge
Let the darkness know
Our God has conquered sin!
Let the earth behold
His kingdom rushing in!
Let the Church rise up
And speak His name again!
There is none like You!
There is none like You! Oh!

 
 

Jordan merritt Bio

Jordan Merritt is a talented Christian songwriter and musician who has made a significant impact on the contemporary Christian music scene.

With a passion for creating music that inspires and uplifts listeners, Jordan has written a number of powerful worship songs that have become beloved favorites of Christians around the world.

Among Jordan's most notable works are "You Hold It All," a popular worship song recorded by the Newsboys; "People of the Cross," moving anthem performed by Selah; and "Yet I Want More," a powerful ballad featured on Vol. 3 of The Emerging Sound project.

Jordan's music is characterized by its heartfelt lyrics, soaring melodies, and powerful vocals, which combine to create an unforgettable listening experience. Whether he is writing for himself or collaborating with other artists, Jordan's dedication to his craft and his faith shine through in every song he creates.

You might also be able to find him singing in the band that he is a part of called "The Band Table".

© 2022 Tent Peg Music (BMI)/ Richie Fike Music (BMI) Integrity's Alleluia! Music/ The Worship Society (SESAC) Wings Music Group Limited (NS). For licensing requests, please visit Music Services. All rights reserved. CCLI#7222717.

 
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"You're Still God to Me"

Read the Story and Listen to the song, “You’re Still God to Me.” Presenting Jade Lundgren.

 
 
 

the story by
jade lundgren

While writing “You’re Still God To Me,” Zach Saltmarsh, Tobin Alford and I discussed how every persons’ story and walk with God is full of a myriad of ups and downs, each with their own blessings and challenges. We set out to capture the difficulties of our everyday human experience and the beauty of a life lived with God through it all. 

Here are a few words from the writers:

The Bible certainly does not shy away from the complexities of life. It is full of ordinary people like us who have moments of failure and situations that are worth facing. I was thinking about the unbearable situation involving Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar. I can’t imagine how difficult their infertility was, in light of God’s promise to them. Not to mention, the rash move of involving Hagar in an attempt to solve their dilemma. Sarah suggested that Abraham have a child with Hagar, her maidservant. Complex to say the least.

Or David, a man after God’s heart, who it would be lovely to only paint as a holy, worship/songwriter hero. Yet King David chose to step into flagrant sin, taking a man’s wife and then having that man murdered. Much of the latter part of his life was spent dealing with the consequences of his sin, repentance, loss, and family turmoil. The list goes on and on. In both of these stories, God brought healing, help, and guidance. But not without the detours. The Bible is full of humans doing their best to walk with God, often failing miserably, and yet by grace, continuing on to serve God, be forgiven by God, and experience His love.

While the Bible does not shy away from the mess that we humans can make and God does not turn His back or close His arms to us, we still often feel the need to pretend that everything in life is going just fine. Why is that? Around the holidays, so many of us feel great pressure to make things beautiful, create memories, gather with loved ones, etc. When we are hiding, wrestling, and in pain, it’s especially hard to internally resolve the mixed bag of sadness and joy.

Between the pressures of social media, friend groups, church people, and even our own family, it’s comforting to know that our God, who knows us so intimately, is the One who is actually acquainted with every detail of our lives. He has felt our deepest sorrows, planned our greatest joys, and welcomes us to come to Him with all our good, bad, and ugly; He is writing a better story. It’s okay to wrestle with discordant emotions, but it’s better just to wrestle with God because He will always be more patient, kind, and good than we would ever be to ourselves. He is big enough to help us work through it all. Questions don’t scare Him, and He wins the battles.

The chorus of “You’re Still God to Me” starts with, “All my how longs” and “hallelujahs…” In Psalm 13, David cries out to God four times in a row, “How long?” Even Jesus Himself in Matthew 17 asks out loud, “How long do I have to stay with you? How long will I have to put up with you?” Consider this a reminder today that it’s okay to ask God “How long?” How long must I—“(fill-in-the-blank).” Ask Him all the questions.

The beauty, the redeeming factor of everything, is that we get to walk this life out WITH God. God WITH us. Immanuel. We have the comfort of knowing that we will face nothing by ourselves. God is all-powerful, all-capable, all-knowing, compassionate, gracious, so kind, and absolutely invested in us. Jesus, the man of sorrows, is fully acquainted with our grief. He welcomes us to come to Him with all that we have and all that we are. 

When it’s all said and done, I pray that the story of our lives will not be about how we lived perfectly or how everything worked out so beautifully for us. No, let the one magnificent thing about our lives be our God. Let everything else pale in comparison! Should there be any other good things that are witnessed, let us give glory to our Father; those are good gifts from Him. As for all the sore spots we will face, I pray that we take this to our caring God where we will receive His mercy and help.

“You’re Still God to Me” is my sincere and honest cry that no matter what happens, no matter what I face, whether I fly or fail, in all the things I’m able to make sense of and the things that feel confusing, God is right there with me. He is still God to me~Jade.

purchase “the band table” cd

 
 

you’re still god to me lyrics

Verse 1
Some stories tell so nicely
But others hard to read
I’ve been busy, I’ve been lonely
And all that’s in between
Had questions and sweet answers
Felt the pain of mystery
There’s no morning without nighttime
I have fought my best for peace

Pre Chorus 1
Oo, I hope I’m living proof
Oo, I walked it all with You

Chorus
All my how longs, hallelujahs
All my blessings, blessed be’s
Scaled the mountain
Faced the valley
Seen some good in everything
Through the stories and the seasons
There is one thing
You’re still God to me

Verse 2
The pages of this story
Holding joy and bearing grief
You remained the melody
When my heart felt off key
I still look to those around me
As if they’re the ones I need
I found that my place in life
Is every place we meet

Pre Chorus 2
Oo, I hope I’m living proof
Oo, I walked it all with You

Chorus 2
All my how longs, hallelujahs
All my blessings, blessed be’s
Scaled the mountain
Faced the valley
Seen some good in everything
Through the stories and the seasons
There is one thing
You’re still God to me

Tag 1
You’re still God to me

Pre Chorus 3
Oo, I hope I’m living proof
Oo, I walked it all with You
Oo, I hope I’m living proof
Oo, I walked it all with You

Chorus 3
All my how longs, hallelujahs
All my blessings, blessed be’s
Scaled the mountain
Faced the valley
Seen some good in everything
Through the stories and the seasons
There is one thing
You’re still God to me

Tag 2
You’re still God to me
You’re still God to me
You’re still God to me
You’re still God to me

 
 

jade lundgren Bio

Jade Lundgren is a deep well of an artist, passionate about all things creative, specifically singing, songwriting, and design. Rooted in her hometown, Jade is proud to be from Pittsburgh PA, where she and her husband have raised their three beautiful daughters. With an M.A. in Spiritual Formation from Wheaton College, and a love for theology, Jade can often be found reading books, studying, or quoting an early church father.

Her strong desire to know and teach the word of God well comes out in her songwriting. Currently a pastor at her local church, Jade has been leading worship for many years and started writing with Jennie Lee Riddle and the People & Songs family in 2012. In 2013, Jennie and Jade formed The Emerging Sound, where they collaborated with such artists as Micah Tyler, Lauren Daigle, Charity Gayle, and many others to pour into the next generation of songwriters. Jade is honored to be a part of the People & Songs team and The Band Table with fellow artists Jordan Merritt, Jonathan Lee McElhenney, and Cliff Preston.

“The crown jewel of my life is Jesus. He’s the high point, the whole point, and the most noteworthy thing about me. He interrupted the course of my normal teenage life, and at 16, opened my eyes to my need for a Savior and gave me the grace and courage to leave my normal life behind and follow Him. It’s the best thing that ever happened to me, and I have happily dedicated my life to loving and serving God however He sees fit.”

© 2022 Tent Peg Music (BMI) / New Hope Road Music (ASCAP). All rights reserved. For licensing requests please visit Music Services. CCLI#7230846

 
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"You Are So Beautiful" feat. Phil King

Read the Story and Listen to the song, “You Are So Beautiful” feat. Phil King

 
 
 

the story from phil king

I can still feel the hot tears running down my face from the day my first child was born. I was overwhelmed with joyful sobs upon seeing her for the first time. But I REALLY cried when she first saw me. This special solo moment with my newborn daughter was a precious treasure I enjoyed while my wife was still laboring to deliver our son, Cognac, Florence’s twin.

Through the pregnancy, I had been working very hard on my first album with Euphonic City. Many late nights were spent in my studio pouring my heart into these songs and enjoying time with my wife.

When we heard the first clips of the mix for “You are So Beautiful To Me” we both fell in love with it. We would often play it for our twins, still growing in my wife’s womb. I’d even pick up the guitar and we would sing it to them. 

So, back to the chaotic and exciting delivery room. It is EXACTLY one year ago to the day of this song’s release. The memories of my daughter being born combine in this song. I recall her crying, helpless, screaming, confused, cold, and blinded by light she had not before seen. I remember not knowing what to do. I had only been a Dad for about 2 minutes. All of it was so brand new to me. I did the only thing I knew. I sang.

As I looked at my perfect, newborn baby girl, I held her tiny hands: The first thing she heard from her daddy was, “You are so beautiful, to me, can’t you see? You’re everything I hoped for, everything I need. You are so beautiful to me.” And then, the most amazing thing happened. 

She went from screaming to intently listening to me. She quieted down and looked at me with what felt like pure love. Her expression said, “I know his voice.” She calmed down so quickly that even the nursing staff was pretty shocked. And THAT’S when I started to cry.

I can’t help but reflect on God’s heart for us. One of the lines in “You Are So Beautiful” is “You’re everything I need.” Although my children are not everything I need, there was a Baby born long ago in Bethlehem. His name is Jesus and He IS everything I will ever need.

Could I have been there that silent night when He was born, I would have held onto those little hands that created the universe and sung a song like this to Him. I appreciate Joe Cocker and his contribution to the world. He sang a song fit for a King and it is everything I would also want to sing.

I wonder if just as my daughter knew my voice and instantly stopped crying to look at me, if Baby Jesus would too. I really believe that He would. Yet, His gaze would surpass, “I know this voice” to “I knew you before time began.” This inspires such awe and wonder. 

“You Are So Beautiful” is the sum of my adoration. Jesus is beautiful. What He did and how He came is beautiful. Everything He does is beautiful, and forever I’ll confess, He is all I need. 

Merry Christmas, everyone! Let’s celebrate and worship Emmanuel, God with us!

the study from people & songs

The greatest gift of all is the gift our Jesus; the long-awaited fulfillment of the promise God made through the prophet Isaiah.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end”

Jesus, our Emmanuel, having laid down all His rights, throne, power, and all privilege, was born to us in the lowest of means, through an insignificant, virgin girl and laid into a feeding trough. His birth was announced by angels to shepherds/priests in Bethlehem, which means House of Bread.

These shepherds were accustomed to the births of lambs, as it was their job cull out and inspect the first-born male lambs for perfection, attend to them and raise for Passover where their blood would atone for sin. They ran to see the new born hoping for the One who would take away the sins of the world. The wisest of the wise, kings, also searched for Him, having followed His star in the sky, and awestruck, found Him, and worshipped Him.

Let’s together fix our eyes and put our hope in the only and greatest answer.

Look to the One on whose shoulders rest the weight and burden of what we will never be able, nor were meant carry. Let’s together behold the Lamb from cradle to cross; the One rose up from the dead and who is coming again as resurrected King and Lord to make all things right and all things new.

Worship Him!

Jesus, You Are So Beautiful To Me!!

you are so beautiful to me lyrics

Chorus
You are so beautiful to me
You are so beautiful to me
Can't you see?

You're everything that I hoped for
And what's more
You're everything I need
You are so beautiful to me
You are so beautiful to me

© 1973 Irving Music (BMI)
Almo Music Corporation (ASCAP).
All rights reserved.

CREDITS:

written by Billy preston

made famous by joe cocker

made new by Phil king

Producers: seth talley

mastered by bob boyd at ambient digital

mixed by seth talley

keys: jason webb

cellO: cara fox

Strings: tyler smith

 
 

phil king Bio

Phil King is fervent about leading and writing songs that bring many people to Jesus. Over the course of his life Phil has used his genre fluid sound, soulful voice, love for God, and heart for the Church to invite a diverse people to experience God.

King is the launch artist for newly formed label, Euphonic City, co-founded by two of his long-time mentors and friends, Paul Wright and Jennie Lee Riddle. He has been working on his fifth record which is a timely and rich gathering of songs for his Euphonic City debut. This release of Phil King will begin with 5 singles, culminating with a 14 track album featuring many of his family friends.

In his early 20’s he became the worship leader at Christ for the Nations in Dallas, TX before taking a position as a worship pastor at Gateway Church. Most recently, King moved he and his wife to Amarillo, Texas to join Trinity Fellowship Church where they have started their family and are now raising their young twins.

Phil has written multilingual anthems such as “So Worthy'' that have traveled far and wide. And notably, for the pro-life movement, “Not Forgotten” was performed by Phil and Francesca Battistelli at a Focus on the Family event, “Alive From New York” in Times Square attended by 20,000. King often leads at conferences and worship experiences. He has sung and played on records and live events for artists that include Michael W. Smith, Danny Gokey, Charity Gayle, Lauren Daigle, and others. His songwriting credits include Leeland, Matt Redman, Micah Tyler, Christine D’Clario, Rita Springer, and more. But most of all, Phil’s favorite thing is to be available to the men and women of God who carry the Gospel to the furthermost regions of the earth. In Phil’s own words, “I love the harvest field!”

 
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