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"Kingdom Come" by Bryan & Katie Torwalt

Worship Picks for Spring 2014

May 21, 2014 by brianmichaelsteck 1 Comment

Here’s a list of worship albums that have really been blessing me lately. Most are out of Bethel Church in Redding, California — but they’re just so good!. These albums weren’t necessarily released this year, but they’re powerful albums.

Bethel Music

"Here On Earth" by Bryan & Katie Torwalt
“Here On Earth” by Bryan & Katie Torwalt
Here on Earth by Bryan & Katie Torwalt
Bryan and Katie’s first album took me by storm. It has been a staple during my quiet times and I’m confident it will lead you into quiet and worshipful moments in God’s presence. “I’m a lover of your presence” is powerful and Spirit-stirring.

"Kingdom Come" by Bryan & Katie Torwalt
“Kingdom Come” by Bryan & Katie Torwalt
Kingdom Come by Bryan & Katie Torwalt
The Torwalt’s second album bears more of a neo-synth-pop sound that a lot of bands are using lately. Solid musicianship and incredible lyrics. “He is the light” is an anthem-like opening song that you’ll want on repeat.

"The Loft Sessions" by Bethel Music
“The Loft Sessions” by Bethel Music
The Loft Sessions by Bethel Music
Bethel Music put out this amazing and intimate worship album where one song after another draws you into worshipful rhapsodies. “Come to Me” is one of those tunes that stops time and gives you the sense that heaven and earth indeed are merging right before your eyes — you’ll be on your knees before you know it.

"Without Words" by Bethel Music
“Without Words” by Bethel Music
Without Words by Bethel Music
The reason I love “Without Words” from Bethel is that they adapted their music into instrumental worship that doesn’t constrict the songs to lyrics but really allows the instruments and musicians to do what they do best. Excellent background music during work.

"Come Away" by Jesus Culture
“Come Away” by Jesus Culture
Come Away by Jesus Culture
This album has quickly swept worship circles across the nation. The war-cry opening track, “Come Away”, starts gently but ends with skull-crushing drumming and a stadium of voices that are yearning to encounter God as He says “open up your heart and let me in.”

"Strong God" by New Life Worship
“Strong God” by New Life Worship
Strong God by New Life Worship
I’m a newcomer on the New Life Worship scene, as we recently moved to Colorado Springs and joined their urban congregation at New Life Downtown. “Strong God” is a live worship album proclaiming truth with passion and excellent musicianship. Great sound — totally recommend this!

Filed Under: Music, Worship Tagged With: Bethel Music, Bryan & Katie Torwalt, Jesus Culture, New Life Church

The Foolish Squander Wisdom

May 5, 2014 by brianmichaelsteck Leave a Comment

Rev5 Utah 2012 WorshipWhat does it mean to be wise? What does it mean to live rightly? What value is there in pursuing discernment and loving discipline? If none, then let each do as he desires; but if there is something to be gained for earnestly desiring wisdom, seeking to live wisely and inviting discernment and discipline upon our lives, then why do the foolish squander wisdom?

Could it be that the perspective of the foolish is skewed? If the most important thing in my life is me and the pursuit of my own pleasure, then I can understand why choosing the affection of a boy and forsaking the admonition of my community wins over chastity and contentment. Likewise, if all that matters are these momentary enticements and there is no greater future for me, I would choose video games, fairy tales and boyishness over maturity and manhood.

Let’s face it: discipline is hard; contentment is sacrificial; manhood is scary.

So why pursue these things? Why leave behind my childish ways in exchange for the virtues of adulthood?

Perspective. It’s all about perspective.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.Proverbs 9:10

Wisdom accurately sees ourselves in relation to God. He is God (Lord of the earth, center of the universe, creator of all things), I am not. While God is gracious and extends his Hand to all — seeking intimate loving union with us — he is still “holy, holy, holy”. His “otherness” and awesomeness should inspire awe, wonder and humble submission in us.

Some people choose to confine themselves to walking daily in foolishness. “But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. (James 1:14-15)” When the pursuit of our own desires overtakes our minds and becomes the presiding goal of our hearts, our perspective has shifted — God is no longer God — we are.

This is foolishness. It is for the loss of proper perspective that the foolish squander wisdom.

Filed Under: Discipleship, Lordship, The Kingdom Centered Mind, Worship Tagged With: Foolishness, Perspective, wisdom

Sun Shower

I Will See Your Face

July 29, 2013 by brianmichaelsteck Leave a Comment

Sun Shower
A sun shower from our home in Colorado Springs.
The journey of life can be long and hard. It can be full of joys and disappointments. There are seasons that seem to never end and then there are those we wish wouldn’t.

A danger I fall into is described in Psalm 17:14. “By your hand save me from such people, Lord, from those of this world whose reward is in this life.”

If I were to be honest with you and myself, I’d say it’s easier to slip into this pattern of contentment than I’d like it to be; finding a temporal reward becomes very enticing.

David fishes his thought in Psalm 17:15:

“As for me, I will be vindicated and will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.”

And this is my prayer — for myself. That awaking from seasons of pleasure or pain, my desire would be for Him and my satisfaction in seeing his face.

Filed Under: Worship

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