Music

Kelly Clarkson turned in an emotional cover of Reba McEntire’s “Till You Love Me.”

God has blessed everyone with many different talents and abilities. No two people have been given the same skills and abilities. He expects us to use and develop those God-given gifts to bring glory and honor to His name. However, what we do with those abilities is ultimately up to us. 

There are some tremendously talented people in the world. Some people have skills that are more readily apparent and visible. It’s easier to see and understand when an individual is a gifted singer, actor or painter. Someone blessed in patience, showing love and kindness to others and having a compassionate heart for the needy requires more time to see and recognize.

Kelly Clarkson is one of those incredibly talented people whose musical gifts are very apparent. She was the original American Idol, has sold millions of albums during her career, was a coach on The Voice and now hosts a daytime talk show. 

Kelly and her band often cover some recognizable and beloved tunes in her role as talk show host. One of the songs the “Miss Independent” singer covered was a hit from Reba McEntire, a current coach on The Voice and the Queen of Country Music. Kelly sang Reba’s “Till You Love Me.”

The opening verse is beautifully written but also a bit sad at the same time.

“I sent you roses

I warned you I would do all that I could

To show you the way that I feel

Please, don’t say that I’m wasting my time”

Like everything else Kelly sings, it was beautiful. There is nothing that Kelly cannot sing. The woman has been incredibly blessed musically as she demonstrates time and time again. 

Colossians 3:16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

Three incredibly talented siblings, Life in 3D, turned in a breathtaking and moving performance of the beloved hymn “How Great Thou Art.”

Humans will experience periods of hurt, heartache and sadness on Earth. There will be overwhelming and seemingly unbearable instances that push you to your breaking point. You may even question whether you possess the strength to go on and if throwing in the towel is a better option.

No one was promised an easy life, free of pain and suffering. Everyone will experience their fair share of struggle, heartache and hurt. None will get through this life unscathed. However, no matter what we go through, we can rest assured that God is still at work. He is still in control and is faithful, especially in times of pain and sorrow.

In a clip posted on YouTube, the talented sibling trio Life in 3D put on a masterful vocal performance of “How Great Thou Art.” The timeless hymn reminds listeners about the greatness and power of God. 

The hymn’s chorus is memorable, iconic, and a testament to the mighty God we serve.

“Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee

How great Thou art, how great Thou art

Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee

How great Thou art, how great Thou art”

As the song mentions, God’s awesome and mighty power is displayed everywhere we look. He is the Creator of the universe, who put the sun, moon and stars in place. He did all of that and He still cared enough for us to send His one and only Son to die, taking our place on the cross. 

Even when it may appear that God is missing and has stopped listening to prayers, He is still working. The Bible says that in everything, God works for the good of those who love Him. 

No matter the situation or the pain, God is bigger than all of it. 

Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Julia Gagnon, a contestant on American Idol, turned in a mesmerizing and spectacular rendition of “Over the Rainbow” on the American Idol stage.

Artists and musicians covering each other’s songs is a time-honored tradition. It has been happening for decades, likely since the invention of music itself. So, because it has become something nearly every musician does, it’s not likely to stop anytime soon.

Most people probably don’t want musicians ever to stop doing covers. Who doesn’t want to hear a beloved and iconic song done in a new and inventive way? Covers allow audiences to listen to a different interpretation and take on a timeless track. Sometimes, those covers are a success; other times, they are a full-blown failure. But you never know until you try.

Julia Gagnon is one of the few remaining singers on the latest season of American Idol. She has consistently proven that she more than deserves to still be on the popular program. Her performances have earned overwhelmingly positive feedback from the judges and the studio audiences.

So, when Julia decided to cover the classic “Over the Rainbow,” you knew you were in for a definite treat. 

For every cover to be worth even doing, the person attempting to do so has to change something from the original. They must do something to make it their own, which Julia did with “Over the Rainbow.” 

Her version had a more Hawaiian and tropical sound and feel. That sound worked perfectly with her stunningly beautiful voice, which has gotten her this far in the competition. 

It was a simple and straightforward vocal performance, but that is precisely what you want and all you need most of the time. Her talent shined brightly during her two-and-a-half-minute performance.

Colossians 3:16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

Emmy Russell, the granddaughter of the late Loretta Lynn, turned in a beautiful cover of her grandmother’s classic, “Coal Miner’s Daughter.”

The current season of American Idol is moving along rapidly. We are quickly approaching the season's end when a new winner of the popular program will be named. The show’s three judges—Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan—have whittled the number of contestants down from thousands to hundreds, and now to the point where only a handful are left.

The remaining contestants must impress not only Lionel, Katy and Luke but also America. The judges still give the contestants their thoughts and opinions on their performances, but it’s those in the studio audience and the people watching at home who will decide the ultimate winner. 

One of those people vying to win the hearts and votes of America is the talented singer-songwriter Emmy Russell. During her first audition on the program, she revealed that she is the granddaughter of the late country music legend Loretta Lynn. However, she also said that dealing with the expectations of others since Loretta was her grandmother has been challenging to deal with and escape.

For her latest American Idol performance, Emmy returned to her grandmother’s musical catalog and performed the iconic tune “Coal Miner’s Daughter.”

In the short, two-and-a-half-minute clip, Emmy sits at the piano, tickling the ivories as she sings those beautiful lyrics first written and performed by her grandmother. 

Those lyrics, especially the song's opening verse, are so iconic and memorable. There is so much feeling in those words. 

“I was born a coal miner’s daughter

In a cabin on a hill in Butcher Holler

We were poor, but we had love

That’s the one thing that daddy made sure of”

It’s a stunning performance that brought tears to her mother’s eyes and that her grandmother would have loved.

Proverbs 17:6 “Children’s children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their fathers.”

A group of supremely talented vocalists, Celtic Thunder, turned in a captivating and moving rendition of the beloved hymn “Amazing Grace” in a lyric video.

There are a handful of songs that nearly the entire population knows. These beloved and universally known songs span every genre and musical taste. They have become so ingrained in our culture that everyone can recite these lyrics entirely from memory at a moment’s notice.

Patriotic tunes like “The Star-Spangled Banner” and Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” are included in that special category because they are continually played around the Fourth of July. Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on A Prayer” and Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” are two secular tunes that are highly familiar to many. 

But when it comes to hymns, one stands out among the rest. “Amazing Grace” is timeless and has been covered thousands of times by hundreds of artists. It’s so relatable because we’re all sinners in need of grace. 

In a clip posted on YouTube, the talented guys who make up Celtic Thunder perform the familiar hymn, putting on an awe-inspiring performance. Also, if you are one of a handful of people who don’t already know the lyrics of “Amazing Grace,” they have been added at the bottom of the screen.

“Amazing grace, how sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like

I once was lost, but now am found

Was blind, but now I see”

In music history, there probably is not an opening verse more beloved, familiar or moving than that of “Amazing Grace.” Those words are enough to cause even the most stoic and unemotional person to shed a tear or two. 

That opening verse describes a situation that all Christians have found themselves in at one time or another and describes the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. 

And that is why “Amazing Grace” is so beloved and iconic!

Ephesians 2:8 “Because by grace you have salvation through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is given by God:”

A massive choir’s rollicking, energetic and awe-inspiring performance on Britain’s Got Talent received a thunderous round of applause from the studio audience.

Shows like American Idol, The Voice, America’s Got Talent and its British version, Britain's Got Talent, constantly bring undiscovered talent to the public’s attention. Previously unknown acts get an opportunity to showcase their God-given abilities. Those people see their dreams and aspirations become realities, which can be and often is life-changing. 

Even acts that do not win their particular season can change their lives. Simply being on television and performing in front of such a wide audience can bring them to the right person’s attention and catapult them to the long and prosperous career they have been working towards for years. 

One of those acts who are likely to see significant changes in their lives following their appearance on Britain’s Got Talent is the choir Northants. The choir is massive, made up of dozens of supremely talented vocalists. 

The group's outstanding performance likely surprised many people, including the show’s four judges. They started their superb audition by singing the beloved and classic hymn “It is Well with My Soul.” 

Their rendition of the tune about being at peace is beautiful. However, they add their own twist to the song, repeating a few lyrics. Then, the choir transitions and goes in a direction most people likely did not see coming. They quickly start singing another song, a much more modern and upbeat tune, “Show Me Love.”

In addition to their beautiful vocals, the group shows off their dance steps. The choir moves and grooves as one. Their performance is a feast for the ears and eyes. 

The short three-minute clip ends as it should, with the studio audience giving them an absolutely thunderous round of applause. 

Colossians 3:16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

Country musician Travis Tritt brought a ton of energy to his stunning and catchy cover performance of “Uncloudy Day.”

Life is often an experience filled with pain, hurt and heartache. No one will be able to make it through this life unscathed. Those awful, horrible situations have a nasty habit of visiting everyone at one time or another. It’s a sad but painful reality of life.

Even followers of Jesus Christ are not immune to situations and circumstances that result in hurt and sorrow. Jesus never promised that life would always be fun or easy, and that promise is nowhere to be found in the Bible. 

However, the Bible promises eternal life to those who confess and repent of their sins and then who believe Jesus Christ is Lord. At the end of the day, that is the goal of every Christian. Spending eternity with Him in Heaven will make whatever painful situations or storms we may encounter in life all worth it. 

In a clip posted on YouTube, Travis sings “Uncloudy Day.” It’s such an upbeat, energetic and enjoyable performance that you will likely be tapping a toe. The tune, previously recorded and performed by Willie Nelson, beautifully describes Heaven. 

The song's opening verse is awesome!

“Oh, they tell me of a home far beyond the skies

Oh, they tell me of a home far away

And they tell of a home where no storm clouds rise

Oh, they tell me of an uncloudy day”

Because of the performance's upbeat nature and the beautiful lyrics about Heaven, you can’t listen to or watch this performance without smiling. It will brighten your day and maybe even your entire week.

Joy and happiness radiate from this musical performance. Travis and the other musicians who put on the superb performance also look as if they are thoroughly enjoying themselves while singing about Heaven. 

John 14:2 “In my Father’s house are rooms enough; if it was not so, would I have said that I am going to make ready a place for you?”

Check out this contestant’s stunning rendition on The Voice of Jo Dee Messina's ‘Heads Carolina, Tails California.’

“Baby, what do you say we just get lost, 

Leave this one-horse town like two rebels without a cause, 

I've got people in Boston, ain't your daddy still in Des Moines

We can pack up tomorrow, tonight let's flip a coin” 

Ashley Bryant gave it her all recently on The Voice Knockouts. The 26-year-old from Louisville, Kentucky, really brought the energy. She had the audience and judges enjoying her performance.

Many viewers were also fans of Ashley’s rendition of ‘Heads Carolina, Tails California,’ and they shared their thoughts about the performance online.

“Ashley did a wonderful job on the song vocally, and her stage presence and facial expressions were a joy to watch,” comments one person on YouTube.

“This performance was delightful,” writes another person online. “She's just out here having fun and selling the excitement of every line, and it's just such a treat to see!”

Earlier on in this season of The Voice, Ashley Bryant secured a spot on Team Reba after she impressed her with her rendition of the song ‘Last Name’ by Carrie Underwood. Reba was all smiles with this recent performance as she watched Ashley sing up on stage.

Something that is inspiring about Ashley is that the singer is 30% deaf in her right ear. "Once I made the decision to pursue music full-time, I thought everything was gonna go good, and then my world got flipped upside down," Ashley shared. "In April of 2019, I had got into a car wreck. The airbags didn't deploy, and the seatbelt didn't lock, so I pretty much broke my face on the steering wheel. I had a fracture in my nose, stitches in my mouth. My right ear suffered the most injury, and then eventually, I lost my hearing in my right ear because of it."

But that challenge hasn’t stopped Ashley, and it’s wonderful to see her overcome that obstacle and share her talent on The Voice!

As a man plays the piano in a mall food court, one young woman breaks out the dance moves. This is such a fun video!

As Brendan Kavanagh begins playing upbeat piano with his sunglasses on, a seemingly shy girl in the background is sitting by listening. She starts to stand up confidently and walk towards the yellow piano. The young woman begins to show off her dance moves with twirls and kicks. The crowd around them at the mall food court watches as she pours her heart out in dance. 

These two are having a great time regardless of what anyone else is doing around them. The young woman is talented and having fun. Her beautiful, thick, curly hair flings around as she dances proudly. She has flair, precision, and excitement. Watching her brings a smile to your face. 

After she finishes dancing, onlookers cheer and clap for the two performers. 

At the end of the video, the young woman shares that she is 11 years old. Her sweatshirt says Zoe. Brendan Kavanagh points out that the yellow piano sits in the public space for use in the UK.

This girl gave her performance everything that she had. You can tell very clearly that she danced from her heart. 

What is it that excites you? Whatever hobby or talent you have, do it for the glory of God. He has gifted you for a reason with the skill sets that you contain, so be bold and brave like this young woman and share your gifts with others around you. Our skills can bless people who need a smile, just like this girl dancing next to the yellow piano.

“There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.” 1 Corinthians 12:5-6-

Charlotte Tucker delights with a hilarious lip-sync routine to Usher’s ‘Yeah.’ This performance will surely melt your heart and pump up your day all at once!

In a world filled with chaos and constant hustle, there's something utterly heartwarming about stumbling upon pure, unadulterated joy. And that's precisely what happened when little Charlotte Tucker graced the internet with her infectious energy.

Picture this: a bright morning sun streaming through the windows, casting a warm glow on the room. Enter Charlotte, a pint-sized bundle of energy, rocking a vibrant yellow sweatpants outfit and adorable pigtails that bounce with each step. But it's not just her appearance that captivates—it's the attitude she exudes as she grooves to the beats of Usher's "Yeah."

With a mischievous twinkle in her eye and a smirk playing on her lips, Charlotte Tucker dances with all the sass and confidence of someone twice her age. Every move is deliberate, every shake of her hips a declaration of fun in her little world. And as Usher's infectious rhythm fills the room, she's in her element, owning every beat with sheer delight.

But it's not just about the dance. It's about the caption accompanying the video: "Just a little dance to pump ourselves up for an awesome end of the week! (And maybe pump ourselves up to clean the mirror.)." 

This blend of innocence and cheekiness makes Charlotte's dance even more endearing. She's not just dancing for the sake of it; she's seizing the day with all the gusto of a seasoned performer, loving life.

Indeed, watching Charlotte's dance is like catching a glimpse of pure sunshine—a reminder of the simple joys that can brighten even the dreariest of days. And as the TikTok video racked up over 260,000 likes, it's clear that her infectious spirit resonated with hearts around the world.

In a world that often feels jaded and weary, Charlotte Tucker reminds us of the pure, unfiltered joy that comes from simply being alive. Children are a blessing from the Lord, bringing joy, wonder, and boundless love into our lives. What a blessing to witness the sweetest little thing with just the right amount of attitude. Indeed, kids like Charlotte are the true treasures of this world, and we're all the richer for having them in our lives.

Psalm 127:3 "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward."

In this clip, a blind woman plays the piano and delivers such a mesmerizing performance. This is a moving video of a precious creation of God.

Lisa is blind and autistic. But that does not hold her back from living and using her skills. She is playing the piano with such confidence and joy. Her voice is easy to listen to and enjoyable. People walk past her in the busy airport and look as she unashamedly belts out “Windows.”

A blonde woman stands next to the piano in support. She is Lisa’s proud mother. In pondering the life that Lisa has lived and seeing her thrive, we know that her mother must have played a large part in Lisa’s confidence. Watching this mother stand by her daughter in her public performance is very special.

God has blessed Lisa with a beautiful voice and natural musical abilities. Many people who are blind or autistic have unique talents. This can be attributed to the glory of God. He has blessed all people with ways in which to honor Him. We are wonderfully made creations, even in our sin-filled world. Lisa shines for the glory of the Lord.

At the end of her song, it is evident how proud Lisa is of her performance. She smiles at the keys as those around her applaud. Lisa’s dedication and love for music remind us that we can put our minds to anything and dedicate it back to God. He will use whatever we offer Him for His purposes. How can you share what the Lord has blessed you with today?

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14

The Detty Sisters deliver a beautiful cover of “I’ll Take the Old Highway.” This is a precious video of sweet girls singing together. 

As stunning videography reveals four girls in pink dresses, the group begins to walk down an old road in the countryside. The youngest girl begins to sing confidently on the road and in front of a small church. The next youngest girl starts a solo and has an adorable personality that shines through. The song tells of the other roads they could take, but they choose to take the highway with the redeemed.

The oldest sister leads the chorus as all four sisters join in. The younger girls play around together in their cute dresses. The older girls perform confidently. The sisters are singing the gospel of Jesus. It is a narrow path. You can see their mom with a new baby girl in the background. What a joyful sight, seeing generations sing about following Christ, even when it looks different from the world around us.

How has the enemy tempted you to walk the easy path today? How can this message from this classic song remind you to take the narrow path with the help of Christ? He is capable of giving us strength to follow Him, even when it is challenging or lonely. These angelic sisters remind us of this Biblical and enduring truth from the Scriptures. 

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:13-14

Popular Christian musician Tauren Wells’s hit song “Trenches” has received a stunning and awe-inspiring a cappella makeover.

Life is often an overwhelming experience, with situations and circumstances that can push us to our breaking point. Pain, hurt and heartache are real and awful, and people encounter them daily. Things might even get so bad that simply getting through another day feels like a significant win. 

But no matter how bad things may get and horrible situations will unfortunately visit us all, there is one who will provide comfort and shelter. God’s Word states in several places that He will never leave or forsake us, including during life’s many storms and trials. 

In a clip posted on YouTube, a group of highly talented vocalists took Tauren’s song “Trenches” and gave it an entirely different sound and feel. Using only their voices, they performed the tune about calling upon God while in life’s battles and trenches.

The song’s chorus perfectly captures God’s love and power, particularly during life’s storms.

“Heart under fire, facing defeat

So close to surrender to my enemies

But love came from heaven to fight for me

When I am defenseless, You climb in the trenches”

It’s a beautiful and outstanding musical performance in which the vocalists put their God-given gifts on full display. You will want to listen to and watch it repeatedly. It deserves to be watched and listened to several times to fully appreciate the level of talent present in that nearly 4-minute clip. 

Whenever we face life’s uncertainties and are in a battle, God will remain by our side. His Word repeatedly mentions that He is faithful and loving and, in all situations, works things out for the good of those who follow Him. He has never let us down before, and there is no reason to believe He will start now.

Hebrews 10:23 “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering; for he who promised is faithful.”

Country music legend Wynonna Judd gave a mesmerizing and stunning cover performance of Patsy Cline’s classic tune, “Crazy.”

Country music is a beloved genre. Country music fans are some of the most dedicated and passionate fans you’ll ever encounter. Saying a negative word about legendary musicians such as Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette and others could land you in a world of hurt.

That group of musicians are beloved figures in country music and are generally appreciated by all music fans. You don’t have to be a country music fan to admire and respect the talent involved in Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” or Loretta Lynn’s “Coal Miner’s Daughter.” 

The late Patsy Cline is another individual considered a giant in the country music world. Of course, her most famous tune is the beloved and iconic song “Crazy.” From the tune’s opening notes, everyone instantly recognizes that song. 

Wynonna gives a stunning rendition of Patsy's beloved song in a clip posted by “Everybody Loves Raymond” actress Patricia Heaton on social media. It’s a marvelous cover and one that you’ll want to hear repeatedly.

The song's opening verse is so simple yet so memorable.

“Crazy, I’m crazy for feeling so lonely

I’m crazy, crazy for feeling so blue

I knew you’d love me as long as you wanted

And then someday, you’d leave me for somebody new”

According to Patricia’s caption, Wynonna’s stellar vocal performance took place at the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. It was an evening where Patsy’s musical contributions to country music were honored and celebrated. 

That evening appears to have been a star-studded event. Patricia’s posts show that several truly talented people got on stage to pay tribute to the legendary Patsy Cline. 

Events like those are good because it’s always a good thing to remember those who came before us and not forget their contributions. 

Ephesians 5:19 “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;”

Television show host and survival expert Bear Grylls surprised many with a touching performance of the beloved hymn “Seek Ye First.”

Everyone has a busy life, with family and work obligations pulling people in 100 different directions. Family is a necessary part of life. It would be nearly impossible to go through life without loved ones around you willing to help and lend a hand. Family and friends make life a better, fuller and richer experience; there is no argument against that statement. 

However, while family and loved ones are significant parts of everyone’s life, they are not supposed to be the most important thing. God is supposed to be the central figure, the main focus of our lives. In the New Testament, in Matthew, Jesus made this clear. He said we must first seek God and His righteousness before anything else.

In a clip posted on social media, Bear, known for his television shows and survival instincts, puts on a musical performance, singing the hymn “Seek Ye First.” Not only does he sing, but he also records himself playing the piano.

“Seek ye first the kingdom of God

And His righteousness

And all these things shall be added unto you

Hallelu, Hallelujah!”

Bear's wonderfully moving rendition of the hymn shows that he has been blessed musically. However, he apparently doesn’t think too highly of his musical abilities. 

In the caption to the video, Bear wrote, “Trip down memory lane singing kids faith songs! (Singing/playing badly but it makes me happy!)”

God has blessed and touched our lives in many ways. But we must never become more concerned about, interested in or focused on life’s blessings than about God. It’s easy to get sidetracked or have our focus shift elsewhere. However, God must always remain priority number one in our lives.

Matthew 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Chris Stapleton’s stirring cover of “I Hope You Dance” is wholly different from the version we all know and love, but this rendition is way worth the listen!

Lee Ann Wommack released her version of the crossover country pop song in 2000. It often reminds listeners of what they might hope for their children.

Lee Ann’s “I Hope You Dance” music video featured her real-life daughters, Aubrie and Anna Lise, now 33 and 25, respectively. Her recording is slightly faster and more melodic. Sons of the Desert join Lee Ann Wommack, along with an orchestra. 

However, Chris Stapleton’s acoustic cover is sedate, raw, and bluesy.

His performance is perhaps the counterpart to the original—an opportunity to express the same desires for the boy offspring of the world. In reality, though, the song wasn’t penned with a parental relationship in mind. Written by Mark D. Sanders and Tia Sillers, the song “urges listeners to take chances, step out of their comfort zones, and cherish the moments that truly matter.”   

Here are the moving words of verse two of “I Hope You Dance:”

“I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean

Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens

Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance”

The lyrics inspire listeners to dream, meet challenges, and live well. So, when the story-telling skills of those behind “I Hope You Dance” connect with the singing caliber of Chris Stapleton, a low-key performance winds up being super powerful.     

The 46-year-old Kentucky native has won dozens of awards, including 10 Grammy Awards, 10 Academy of Country Music Awards, 14 Country Music Association Awards, five Billboard Music Awards, two iHeartRadio Music Awards, and more.  

Isn’t our God smart? When He has a message of truth to communicate, He uses the perfect voices to do the work! 

“He said to him, ‘I am the Lord. Tell Pharaoh king of Egypt everything I tell you.’” Exodus 6:29

Listen to this moving performance by Lynda Randle of the song ‘Sheltered In The Arms Of God.’ These lyrics remind us of the protection we find in our Lord!

“I feel the touch of hands so kind and tender, 

They're leading me in paths that I must try  

I'll have no fear, for Jesus walks beside me, 

For I'm sheltered in the arms of God”

This beautiful song was originally written by Dottie Rambo, and Lynda Randle does a wonderful job covering it! Many people online shared their thoughts about this lovely rendition.

“Dottie Rambo’s songs are lyrically beautiful, threaded with the difficult experiences of her life.   She was an amazing lady who loved an amazing God. Beautiful rendition, Lynda,” comments one person on YouTube after watching the video.

“Beautiful song, beautiful rendition! Lynda Randle has such a beautiful deep velvet voice, and she expresses the emotion so well, that we can feel the message right into the depth of our souls and hearts!” writes another person online.

As for the story behind the song, Dottie has shared how the song came to be.

"There had been a very bad storm the day before, and driftwood was scattered along the beach. I was going through a time that was a low valley for me. It was sort of a 'storm' in my own life,” Dottie shared. “As the whitecaps broke across the water, and as I walked among the driftwood and the seaweed with my guitar strapped over my shoulder, I pondered the lyrics of several songs that the Lord seemed to be giving to me at the time."

She continued: "All of a sudden I thought, 'Lord, this storm is so much like my life, and yet, in the midst of the storms of life, you have been a shelter to me. When I can't take the storm, I run to you for that shelter and, suddenly, I feel secure. While thinking on those things and watching as the wind kicked up the waters, I began to write a song.”

We hope that the song ‘Sheltered In The Arms Of God’ was an encouragement for you today!

Check out this wonderful live performance of the hymn ‘How Great Thou Art’ from country singer Alan Jackson. What beautiful worship!

“Oh Lord, my God, 

When I, in awesome wonder, 

Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made

I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, 

Thy power throughout the universe displayed”

This is such a great rendition of this classic hymn, and many people online shared their thoughts about Alan Jackson’s performance.

“Fantastic job, Mr Jackson. It's really nice to see a man who has reached heights in country music and is still humble enough to sing for the Lord. Just awesome,” writes one person on YouTube after watching the video.

“An old Gaither classic! Don't hear too many country music artists sing like this!” comments another person online.

As for the background of ‘How Great Thou Art,’ the hymn started in Sweden in 1886, and it is fascinating to hear how the song made its way to the United States. Author and editor Carl Boberg originally wrote ‘How Great Thou Art’ as a poem. Later, those words were set to a Swedish folk tune. Then, in 1907, Manfred von Glehn translated it into German, and five years later, a Russian pastor, Ivan Prokhanoff, made a Russian adaptation.

Then, in the early 1920s, Rev. and Mrs. Stuart Hine left their home in England and went to Poland as missionaries. That’s when they heard the Russian adaptation of ‘How Great Thou Art.’ Reverend Hine decided to write the English lyrics and make his own arrangement of the Swedish melody. After going through many iterations, we have the beloved ‘How Great Thou Art’ hymn that we know today. 

We hope you enjoyed listening to this beautiful rendition of ‘How Great Thou Art’ from Alan Jackson today!

Listen as Sounds Like Reign gives a moving performance of the hymn ‘Brethren We Have Met To Worship.' What an uplifting song of worship to encourage believers!

“Brethren, we have met to worship 

And adore the Lord our God;

Will you pray with all your power, 

While we try to preach the Word?”

The talented singers in this music video are a husband and wife group known as Sounds Like Reign. Their names are Brackin and Lindsay Kirkland, and they have six boys and one daughter. With their videos, they hope to challenge, encourage, and inspire others on their journey with Jesus.

In this music video of ‘Brethren We Have Met To Worship,' Lindsay starts off singing in a cathedral. Brackin joins in later to add the harmony. A piano, violin, and guitar also help complete the sound. It all comes together so beautifully!

“Lindsay, this is just beautiful…probably one of my absolute favorites y’all have done so far,” comments one person on YouTube after watching the music video. “Thank you both for using your gifts to bless and encourage the body of Christ in this way.”

“Praise the Lord! Thanks for leading us into worship and praise to our King Jesus!” writes another person online.

The song ‘Brethren We Have Met To Worship’ is one of the oldest published American folk hymns. George Atkins wrote the lyrics and first published them in 1819. The song is also one of America’s revival hymns, authored during the middle years of America’s Second Great Awakening.

We hope you enjoyed listening to this stunning rendition of ‘Brethren We Have Met To Worship’ from Sounds Like Reign today. May the music and words of the song uplift and encourage you today, as well as bring your heart closer to the Lord!

“O give praise to the Lord, for He is good: for His mercy is unchanging forever.” 1 Chronicles 16:34

Check out this stunning cover of The Judds’ classic song ‘Love Can Build A Bridge’ from Kennedy Reid on American Idol. 

Kennedy Reid is a 23-year-old Mortician from New Albany, NY, who has made it to the Top 20 in this season’s American Idol. She does a wonderful job singing the Judds’ classic, ‘Love Can Build A Bridge.’ 

Kennedy truly captures the audience and judges with her stunning performance. As she belts out the powerful lyrics, may peace wash over your soul!

“Love can build a bridge

Between your heart and mine, 

Love can build a bridge, 

Don't you think it's time?”

Many people online also chimed in and shared about how much they loved seeing Kennedy sing this song on stage. Her performance touched so many hearts!

“I’ve liked her since the audition. There’s a humility, groundedness, gratefulness, and grace in her. And, of course, a good voice. And now there’s more confidence growing,” comments one person online. “Hope she gets to the end.”

“Kennedy, I love everything about you. You are a born entertainer. You've got it all! The voice, the moves, the look, the personality. I will be looking for your videos everywhere. Best to you,” writes another person on YouTube.

The song that Kennedy chose to perform, ‘Love Can Build A Bridge,’ is one of The Judds’ best-known hits from the 1990s. It served as a farewell from Naomi Judd, who was retiring from music due to chronic illness. She co-wrote the song with Paul Overstreet and John Barlow Jarvis.

We hope you enjoyed watching Kennedy Reid perform this classic song on American Idol, and we can’t wait to see what she does next!

“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all wrongs.” Proverbs 10:12