Tag: Michael W. Smith

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MUSIC REVIEW :: STILL by MICHAEL W. SMITH

FOR MY 2020 REVIEWS I’M CHOOSING CHRISTIAN ALBUM PROJECTS THAT HAVE TOUCHED MY SPIRIT DEEPLY. THIS IS THE LAST REVIEW IN THE SERIES.

One of the most prolific, talented and award-winning artists of all time, singer and songwriter, Michael W. Smith truly needs no introduction. If you’ve been listening to Christian music over the last 40 years, there’s no doubt you’ve heard much of his incredible music. Along with a handful of other amazing artists, Michael W. Smith, helped pioneer what we know today as Contemporary Christian music.

STILL Vol. 1  by Michael W. Smith

Release Date: October 9, 2020

Album Length: 10 tracks: 55 minutes 

Since 1985 Michael W. Smith’s projects have spanned across the Christian music genre from pop to gospel, patriotic orchestral instrumental, live and studio worship albums. Then just when you think he can’t top those Michael releases what I consider one of his best works to date.

STILL is an exquisitely orchestrated, etherial expression of sight and sound. The touching improvisational music with random hints of familiar hymns is paired with the everlasting hope of God’s Word so beautifully read by Michael.

A healing balm for these troubled times in which we live.

For those of us who’ve been unable to be outdoors or travel these last few months, the magnificent visuals offered to us from STILL are life-giving. These breathtaking visuals have you soaring like an eagle high above lush forests, flowing rivers and blue ocean waves… rich farmlands and what looks like could be the smokey mountains in Michael’s own backyard of Tennessee.

A stunning synthesis of scripture and scenery that will soothe your soul.

The applications of this album are many. What a wonderful way to end your day. The perfect music to play in a child’s bedroom at night. Or just as background for your personal meditation time with God.

From the album cover…

“My prayer is that this work helps you find some moments of STILLNESS, whether in the meditations and scriptures that I read in the first five tracks or in the moments of prayer that you have over the last five.  May it wash over you!”

– Michael W. Smith 

I highly recommend this amazingly anointed album! I’ve had it on repeat for days while preparing this review. My heart is full and my spirit is inspired. STILL by Michael W. Smith is a must have for any Christian music collection.

Be still.

Be inspired.

Be blessed.

Below is the full album playlist from YouTube. I pray you will set aside time to soak in, watch or pray this incredibly anointed work of art by Michael W. Smith.

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THE LORD’S PRAYER :: GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD

AT RHW WE PUBLISH A NEW COLUMN EACH FRIDAY. WE’RE GOING THROUGH FOUR SPECIFIC STUDIES WITH EACH SERIES BEING PUBLISHED ON A DESIGNATED WEEK OF THE MONTH.

In The Lord’s Prayer Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray. He’s not just giving them a prayer to recite, but a model prayer for everyone of us. Join me on the first Friday of each month in 2020 as we study this beloved prayer phrase by phrase and bring fresh application to our lives today.

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. ~ Matthew 6: 9-13

The Lord’s Prayer is Jesus teaching His disciples the priorities of prayer. Thus far Jesus has addressed the importance of us setting God apart as holy and treating Him with the highest honor. Jesus reminds us that we are called to pray for and work for the continual advancement of God’s kingdom on earth. And most of all, we should pray for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Our Daily Bread

In today’s portion of The Lord’s Prayer Jesus focuses on daily bread, which was a necessity of life for Him and the disciples. When we pray “Give us this day our daily bread” we are acknowledging God as the provider of all we have. We depend on God to provide for our every need not just our food.

Our Daily Life

We can take the analogy of daily bread and use it to address our need for God’s Word daily in our life. God used manna in the wilderness to teach the Israelites their need for God daily. Jesus tells us that we’re not to live by bread alone but by every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God.

“I am the true Bread of Life.Your ancestors ate manna in the desert and died. But standing here before you is the true Bread that comes out of heaven, and when you eat this Bread you will never die. I alone am this living Bread that has come to you from heaven. Eat this Bread and you will live forever. The living Bread I give you is my body, which I will offer as a sacrifice so that all may live.” ~ John 6:48-51 

When we depend solely on God for our physical sustenance, seek His face and Word daily we’re doing what He wants us to do. This will benefit for both today and for eternity. Time spent in prayer and the presence of God will sustain us more than the best meal of food made by any human hands.

As you listen/watch this beautiful classic song by Michael W. Smith contemplate on God being the provider of every thing you need. Even our very breath comes from Him.