I had the great privilege to catch Casting Crowns performance at AtlantaFest 2011 on Friday, June 17. The multi-platinum artists are a staple of modern Christian radio, known for their hits such as “Praise You In This Storm” and their newest single “Glorious Day”.

As the headliners for the day, Casting Crowns took the stage following such notable acts as Tenth Avenue North and Disciple, as well as an afternoon thunderstorm that threatened to halt the show and left festival goers drenched.  As the band opened with the riffy title track to their latest album, “Until the Whole World Hears“, the crowd that had been mellow up to that point came alive.  By the end of the song, the whole festival was singing along with the closing chant of the song, and was primed for the rest of the set.

Casting Crowns delivered energetic, faithful versions of the entire catalog of their hits.  The crowd sang along word for word with such standout hits as “Who Am I?”, “If We Are The Body”, and “Voice of Truth” (featured in the film Facing the Giants).  The energy picked up for more upbeat tracks like “Lifesong” and the emotions of the crowd were plucked with songs like “If We Ever Needed You” and “Slow Fade”.

Beyond the hits, Casting Crowns connected with the crowd in a much deeper way than just music.  Violinist Melodee DeVevo played her first show with the band, after taking months away to have surgery to combat psoriatic arthritis.  Her recovery seemed complete, as she excelled in all songs, particularly during a blazing solo.  Lead singer Mark Hall took a moment to share with the crowd his struggle with ADD and dyslexia.  He noted that the condition is so bad that he uses teleprompters to help him remember the lyrics to the songs he wrote.   Mark Hall gave all glory to God for giving him the strength for his musical ministry, despite his learning disabilities.

One of the most striking aspects of the show was just how real Casting Crowns were.  There was no self-promotion, no hang-ups on looking the part, no pride – just humble servants of God sharing their worship with the crowd, to the glory of God.  In the end, it was their humility and their focus on Jesus that set Casting Crowns apart.

I received a copy of the latest CD by Sojourn Music, “The Water and The Blood” to review two weeks ago.  At the time, I had not heard of Sojourn and was completely unfamiliar with their music.  In some ways, this was the best environment in which to review the CD, as I had no notion of what I was about to encounter.

From the first notes of the opening track, “Absent from Flesh”, I knew I had come across something completely different.  Not a group of singles with sing along choruses hand made for rotation on Christian Top 40; not a rock, dance or pop album slapped with Christian lyrics and a Christian label; and not a praise and worship or gospel album trying to cross over for more appeal.

“The Water and The Blood” is an album, in the truest sense of the word.  From the first track, the listener is drawn into a world of soaring guitars, soulful, heartfelt vocals, rootsy, bluesy rythyms and tender, praise filled ballads.  The album moves through varying styles of rock, blues, Roots/Americana, southern gospel, soul, and Appalachian folk and country, mixing it all into a distinct flavor that is Sojourn.

It is an album that takes the listener on a journey, moving through energetic, uptempo tracks like “From Deep Distress” to the beautiful, soul-bearing worship ballad “Early My God Without Delay”.  As I explored the album, I discovered new nuances and layers as the dynamics and emotion of the album drew me in deeper with each listen.

Remarkably, this album of true depth, beauty and soul is a modern adaption of the hymns of Isaac Watts.  Watts, known as the “Father of English Hymnody”, was a pastor, poet and hymn writer in the late 17th Century.  He is credited with over 750 hymns, many of which are well known and remain active today.

With “The Water and The Blood”, Sojourn has taken the inspiration of the gospel of Jesus, as set to music by Watts, and turned it into something strikingly new.  A rootsy, truly American album it resonates with passion, a heart of worship, and a sound that is rooted in all the best of the past, yet is truly modern.  It is a new way to worship, and is sure to draw you in as it drew me.

The Pursuit of God By A.W. Tozer / Wingspread Publishers In the muddle of day-to-day life, have you somehow forgotten that Christianity is a living, vibrant relationship with a personal God? In this classic bestseller and recipient of both the ECPA Gold and Platinum Book Awards, The Pursuit of God reminds and challenges you to renew your relationship with your loving God. In each of the 10 chapters, Tozer explains one aspect of hungering for God and ends with a prayer.

The Pursuit of God is not an easy read.  Tozer’s language is somewhat archaic (think Oswald Chambers), and the concepts he brings to the table will challenge all but the most passionate Christ follower.  And that is the beauty of this book.  By exploring Tozer’s work in this volume, I found myself reconsidering everything I thought of the Christian life.  And yet, Tozer boils it down to a few simple, yet powerful ideas that cannot help but draw one closer to unity with God.

Read more…

Autobiography of George Muller By Whitaker House Publishers Muller is best known for the orphanages he built and operated in Bristol, England, during the 19th century.  Now a Christian classic, his diary shares one man’s journey from sin and rebellion to a lifetime of service.  A remarkable story of childlike dependence on God to meet your every need! 237 pages, softcover from Whitaker.

“This is the best book I have ever read!  George Muller demonstrated a faith rarely seen in any era.  His complete trust in God to meet every need, his delight in his relationship with God above all else and the amazing events of his life clearly show the greatness of God.  If you’ve never believed in God, this book will challenge you to consider it.  And if you believe in Christ, this book will show you how to live the life of faith.”

Rocking the Roles: Building a Win-Win Marriage By Robert Lewis / NAV Press Ozzie and Harriet are long gone, and nobody wants to return to the “traditional” roles of the 50s.  Yet couples today are discovering that roleless, supposedly “50-50″ marriages are confusing, unsatisfying, and impractical.  Learn to build a better marriage based not on sexist stereotypes, but on biblical principles of structure and complementary equality.

“Robert Lewis helps unravel the confusion of gender roles in marriage to get back to God’s original design. Rather than a return to the “traditional” marriage, Lewis helps illuminate the differences in each gender’s unique gifts, and shows how Scripture guides both men and women to a relationship that is complimentary, powerful and truly satisfying. This book helped me identify the mistakes in my thinking and gave me a clearer picture of who I am meant to be as a husband.”

Father Power: Inspiring Every Dad to Be His Child’s Superhero by Todd Wilson / Familyman Ministries Don’t let the bold, cartoonish cover of Father Power fool you—it conveys Todd Wilson’s signature up-beat, humorous style and the truly superhuman nature of a father’s influence, but not the urgency or significance of his message.  As always, Todd is engaging and encouraging the whole way through as he speaks to fathers as a fellow dad down in the trenches, ever “reminding dads of what’s most important” and doing everything he can to help them choose it and live it.

“This book is first of all, a lot of fun! Todd Wilson’s wit and humor pervade this look at fathering from a Biblical perspective. Rooted solidly in Scripture, ‘Father Power’ points dads to the primary responsibilities God laid out for them. One of my favorite parts is the counsel to all dads to say “yes” as often as they can to their children’s requests for time with them. It takes some adjusting, but is such good advice. With great power comes great responsibility, and with this book, Todd Wilson shows dads how to use that power the way God intended.”

Facing the Giants, DVD By Alex Kendrick Created by a church in Georgia to evangelize non-believers and encourage believers, this inspiring story about a losing high school football coach with a new game plan will have your whole town talking about trusting God for the impossible!  After six consecutive losing seasons and fear surrounding his life, coach Grant Taylor turns to God in desperation.  Taylor and his Shiloh Christian Eagles soon discover how faith plays out on the field and off!  Rated PG.  Approx. 112 minutes.

“A great, inspiring story! The lesson of turning one’s life over to wholly honor God is so powerful. While some may complain about the lack of Hollywood polish in the production, the film stirs the
heart, and brings tears, hope and laughter at all the right places. I get fired up for God every time I see this film.”

Created to Be His Help Meet: Discover How God Can Make Your Marriage Glorious By Debi Pearl / No Greater Joy Ministries Created to be His Help Meet mentors women on how to have a heavenly marriage. The author makes the argument that men and women were created by God to play different roles in society.  A woman acting like a man creates a unisex society, which is a senseless society.  Each chapter provides instruction, examples, letters from women, and concludes with a “Time To Consider” section.  Paperback.

“I haven’t read more than a few pages of the book, but I was amazed at how it affected my wife. As she began to explore the Biblical principles and roles presented in the book, our marriage dynamic changed in a very good way. Here is what she has to say:”

“A very mind-opening book! There are so many mixed reviews out on this book and I must admit, I, too faced mixed emotions while reading it. At one point I even threw the book across the room! However, seven months after completing this book and 4 months into complete dedication to being the Help Meet that God has called me to be, I can honestly say that I am noticing the truth behind the wisdom that Debi Pearl shares in this book. Whether we agree or not, what she shares is true…and really does work to help you develop a Heavenly marriage!” – Kristy Edmisten

Living On The Third River is a very easy-to-read and practical resource about money and the spiritual power behind it. The power of this influence is very real on all aspects of our lives and the world. This is a powerful book that will radically change your thinking about money. It explains how to completely destroy the spiritual power behind it that is affecting your life and become a blessing to others. The author then gives exceptional teaching on money, it’s spiritual power (mammon), sparrow faith, and receiving more of God’s unlimited resources to channel into His Kingdom. This resource can help you and your family gain a new, profound understanding of a lifestyle that depends on God’s provision and blessing others with the resources God has entrusted to you.

“An eye-opening look at finances from God’s perspective. The author’s focus on the spiritual power of money and how faith should drive our financial decisions really sets it apart from other Christian financial books. Compelling teaching. It will change the way you think about God and money.”

Grace-Based Parenting By Tim Kimmel / Thomas Nelson Dr. Tim Kimmel explains how fear-based parenting is a guaranteed method to set children up for failure.  Learn how to meet your child’s three driving inner needs for security, significance and strength with the invaluable gifts of love, purpose and hope.

“Dr.Kimmel’s book helps show how a parent can love their child biblically, while instilling needed discipline and empowering the child to grow into the person God intends him to be.  Fun, insightful and practical.”