It's Working by William Murphy

William Murphy has some anointing songs that can give you what you are looking for. God definitely speaks through his songs. The first song I listened to by him is "You are my Strength" and it helped me to climb mountains. "It's Working" is a beautiful song that reminds that although things might seem to go wrong there is a greater power at work. Take a look at this:

"This is my season for grace, for favor

This is my season to reap what I have sown

...

Everything is working together for my good"

You can also find this song on youtube.

I've Seen Him Do it by Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers

Kurt Carr has some amazing songs which speak about the greatness of God and His sovereignty. "Peace and Favour Rest on Us" was one of the first songs I heard by him.  The "I've Seen Him Do It" song is a wonderful declaration of the fact that "God never fails" as the song says: 

"For someone facing incredible obstacles in your life

I want you to lean on God and trust His flawless  record"

The song goes on to detail real life testimonies for example; a person being healed from cancer, a person being delivered from a 30 year addiction and the list goes on. To hear the rest of the song you can find it on youtube and in the words from the song remember that:

"There's nothing impossible even if you are going through the greatest trial of your life

How many times has He made a way for you? 

Over and over again? 

When your back was against the wall?

...

And, I'm crazy enough to believe He will do it again"

I'm Back by Lonnie Hunter

There are times when you have to tell the devil that he can't control you. God is there for you. When you fall down, you need to get up and say "I'm Back". The song called "I'm Back" by Lonnie Hunter is all about that. Check out some lines from the song:

I'm back I'm back I'm back I'm back

Devil you can't have my mind

You can stop wasting your time

Devil you won't steal my peace

Victory belongs to me

The rest of the song is on youtube. I'm back. What about you? Are you back? I know I'm back.

Even Me by Yolanda Adams

Yolanda Adam's songs have carried a special kind of anointing throughout the years. Have you ever heard her song called "Even me"? In this song, she is pleading to the Lord to "even" bless her as she has "heard of showers of blessings [that are] full and free".  Do you find it surprising that she is asking God to do something that He has done for others? It might be strange however in the Bible there are examples of people who have asked God to do something because they have seen Him do it for someone else so don't be afraid to ask God for a blessing even when you feel forgotten. Just remember to be grateful and see how in the search of your blessing you can continue to grow and produce the fruits of the spirit like patience, self-control, kindness etc.

In by William McDowell

William McDowell is probably most famous song called "I Give Myself Away". He also has a song called "In" which is a song of surrender as the verses point out, "The weight I'm under, I scarce can move...Alone...Surrounded...Consumed by you. I need you to help me, need you to help me breathe". This song is so true because sometimes we are so burdened by the pressing challenges in our lives that we forget to ask God to "help [us] breathe". Don't forget to ask God today to give you the strength to "breathe" and survive and thrive in the midst of your challenge. 

The song is on youtube.

I Need You Now by Smokie Norful

Smokie Norful's songs might not be as popular as other singers but you need to take a minute to listen to the deep messages behind his songs. For example, his song called "I Need You Now" explains how he needs "God right away...not a second or another minute". And, you know you need God too because there are "tests and trials that come to make you strong" but you can't do it without God and you "need [Him] now" and don't "wait another day" to ask God "to make a way". Just tell Him, "pleaseeee make a way" and He will "as [He] has done so many times before". 

The song can be found on youtube.

Amazing by Hezekiah Walker

Have you ever been in awe of all that God has done for you, can do for you, and is doing right now? It is a lot to take in because there are times that you know that if you were God then maybe you would not favor yourself as much as how God does. Hezekiah Walker's song talks about this feeling of acknowledging God's power and favor and "stand[ing] amazed".  Some of the lines are:

"For every blessing given to me, For every valley you used to strengthen me. I don't deserve your love. Your tender mercy. If not for your grace where would I be"

Take a moment and "stand amazed" at God's amazingness. He is amazing because without his grace and mercy you would not be standing. Being able to stand is a favor in itself.

This song is also on Youtube.

Take Over by Anthony Evans by Tamela Mann

Sometimes you don't have to tell God a lot. Just ask Him to "take over". It's not a bad thing. You might think that surrendering your life totally will make it meaningless and boring however it will be the opposite. The devil wants you to think that surrendering to God's will is one of the worst decisions. Just ask God to "take over" your life even for a day and experience the difference.

I'll Hold on by Tamela Mann

Have you ever had a moment when you knew that you didn' t know what was ahead and yet you chose to hold on? That's the beauty of faith. You may pray and pray like Daniel and feel like your prayers are not being heard. That's when you have to hold on with fasting and prayer. Tamela Mann's song called "I'll Hold On" chronicles the courageous decision of continuing to believe even when nothing makes sense. In my opinion, one of the most touching lines is in the chorus where she sings, "When it feels like my prayers have flown away no matter how long it takes I'll hold on". So in whatever you are praying for today just remember to hold on.

Moving forward- Israel Houghton and New Breed

Have you ever been caught in a moment that reminded you of a past you escaped from? I wonder if the Israelites ever felt that way when there being tested in the desert for 40 years. Maybe, there were days that were so hard that they had flashbacks of the suffering they faced in Egypt. And, they lost trust in God. If you are in a similar situation like that in any area of your life you need to listen to "Moving Forward" by Israel Houghton and New Breed. This beautiful song has a chorus that says, "I'm not moving back, I'm going ahead, I'm here to declare to you the past is over". These lines remind us that God "makes all things new" and we can "follow God forward". So allow those 3 lines from this song to remind you to not focus on the mountains in front of you or behind you...focus on God who can get you over the mountain or make it a flat ground. So just trust God because you might have to climb a mountain, walk around it, or progress on flat ground but you will definitely "mov[e] forward!".

Feel free to leave your testimonies at the bottom.

I Hear the Sound of Victory by Maurette Brown Clark

Maurette Brown Clark's powerful voice proclaims in "I Hear the Sound of Victory" that there is a victory coming in your way. You may not know how to get from point A to B but you gotta know that your praise and worship seals your victory. Marvin Sapp already has a song called "Praise Him in Advance" which encourages us to praise God even before we can see the finish line. Remember that the sound of victory does not have come from afar but it can come from you. Just think about Joshua and the wall of Jericho...they yelled and then the walls came down. What about Paul and Silas in jail? They praised and praised while imprisoned in chains and an earthquake came down and freed them from their shackles. So don't forget to make the "sound of victory" this week and forever.

You can find "I Hear the Sound of Victory" on youtube.

He Has His Hands On You by Marvin Sapp

God's hand has a mighty impact on your life. Sometimes you may not see it or feel it. However, all you need to know sometimes is that His hand is upon your life and everything will work out the way it needs  to. Marvin Sapp has a powerful song called "He Has His Hands On You" and some of the verses say, "Just know He has His hands on you/He said He will see you through/And when you cry he's holding you so just lift your hands up high for He will provide". His hand will protect you from the enemies you can see and cannot see. And, God's hand will hold yours when you reach up for His...and that is how you get closer to your turnaround and/or breakthrough. Go and read the book of Job if you want to learn more about the power of God's hands. His hands can move you around the enemy and turn your "mess into a message" (Kia Granberry in "Take me to the King Sermon on sound cloud").

 "I have held many things in my hands and I have lost them all; but whatever I placed in God's hands, that I still possess".
                                            Martin Luther

I Don't Mind Waiting by Juanita Bynum

Have you ever been told to wait on Jesus? Better yet, have you heard Juanita Bynum's song called "I don't mind waiting"? In the song, she sings, "I don't mind waiting, I don't mind waiting on you Lord". Of course, there is something powerful in choosing to wait on God. However, did you know sometimes God is the one waiting on you? He is sometimes waiting on you to have a little more faith, patience, love, peace, grace, kindness, and the list goes on....before He does what he wants to do and is the best for you. With all that said, don't forget to wait on Jesus because it's true that:

• "When God is in it there is no limit"- Israel Houghton from "It's Not Over" song
• "God has the final say"- Maurette Brown Clarke in "It Ain't Over" song
• "He's an on time God"-Dottie peoples in "He's an on time God"
• "Jesus defeated all your enemies way before the fight began"-Maurette Brown Clarke in "It Ain't Over" song

Our God by Micah Stampley

I first heard a song by Micah Stampley called "Holiness" about ten years ago on a WOW music CD. There was something so powerful about the song and the vocal arrangements were on point. Last week, I heard his version of the song, "Our God" and it was also amazing. He starts by singing softly "Water you turned into wine, opened the eyes of the blind, there's no one like you". Even before the chorus, the first lines are crucial as they show the diversity of Jesus' many miracles. In fact, I am still puzzled by the fact that Jesus' first miracle was at a wedding. Aren't weddings trivial to some? Well I guess clearly not to Jesus because he cared enough to the extent to perform his first miracle. So sidenote, there's nothing too small for Jesus to do. #Take the limits off of Jesus.

PS. You can find Micah Stampley's songs on youtube too. That is where I get all my music.

You are My Strength by William Murphy

Have you ever been tired? Like sick and tired of being tired? Have you ever been down? Well there is good news for you. God can be your strength, all you have to do is trust Him fully. William Murphy's song called "You are my Strength" eloquently shows this as the lyrics say, "In the fullness of your grace, in the power of your name, You lift me up". So fear not, God will help you soar like an eagle over all your fears as Murphy's song decrees, "You are my strength, strength like no other, strength like no other reaches to me". You can find this song also on Youtube or somewhere else online.

No Limits by Israel Houghton and New Breed

Have you heard the song "No Limits" by Israel Houghton and New Breed? You can find it on youtube or elsewhere. There is a powerful message behind it. How many times have you limited God by your faith that was tinier than a mustard seed or just obsolete? How many times have you asked God to break chains in your life? I bet many however you got to know that sometimes you chain and limit yourself through perceiving things through your human ability. Take the limits off yourself and God and watch Him perform exceedingly and abundantly. God wants you to "take the limits off " of Him and "release" Him. Do you want to hear the rest of the song? Well go to youtube!

Public Service Announcement: A Turn Around

Thank you everyone of my readers for bearing with me during my sudden hiatus. I am now back and there are some changes. The blog is now devotional and through the different themes there will be a mention of Bible verses, gospel songs, and more. Stay tuned.

Queen of Blogging Hiatuses

I feel like I am about to get crowned the Queen of Blogging Hiatuses. However, I had some good reasons for my hiatus. Now that I am back, I will tell you one thing. If you haven't seen the home video of a bride called Lisa Wilson on her wedding day in a hospital you better look for it. It is beautiful.

Thoughts on the New School Year

Today is the start of a new school year for a number of students and their instructors. Every one wants to make a difference and succeed. How will you do that? There is no formula on how to have the best school year but here are my 2 cents:

• Begin with the end in mind
• Remember that faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains
• Appreciate the bumps in your journey because they will give you the momentum to move forward
• Find musical jams to take you through the ups and downs
• Give as much as you can daily to those around you as you never know how much they need it

Making Everyday Count

There are some people who you will never see again in your life. And, it's not because they are not alive but because you and them are separated by distance. All you can do is hope that you made your time with them count. Make everyday count by loving hard.