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13
Jan '24
Seize the Moment – Day 1397
13
Jan '24
Today’s hymn focus will be
Strong God
Psalm 46:1 (NASB95)
“God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.”
Released in 2015 by New Life Worship and written by Meredith Andrews, Jason Ingram and Jon Egan, this song celebrates God’s unshakeable strength and power, and His unwavering faithfulness to His people. Through this song, we are encouraged to put our complete trust in Him, creating an atmosphere of fresh surrender. It shifts the focus from our own human limitations to God’s unlimited power. Whether it is sung in personal worship or with fellow believers, we are encouraged to make this song a heartfelt prayer while expressing our praise and adoration to the Almighty God.
Sing out lift your voice and cry out
Awesome is our strong God mighty is our God.
We need to wake up and allow this song to captivate our hearts, letting it become a powerful anthem as we seek spiritual strength and encouragement from God. By doing so, we are able to overcome any obstacle or challenge we may face.
If you would like to receive a personal phone call today, all you have to do is dial the
phone number below right now and one of us will call you soon.
phone number below right now and one of us will call you soon.
YOUTUBE:
If you prefer a video, Pastor Ken reads his devotion on YouTube as well. Click HERE to visit the page.
If you would like to listen to this song, click on this link:
Strong God
Father to the fatherless Defender of the weakFreedom for the prisoner we sing
This is God in His holy placeThis is God clothed in love and strength
Sing out lift your voice and cry outAwesome is our strong God mighty is our God
You’re with us in the wilderness faithful to provideEv’ry breath and ev’ry step we see
Sing out lift your voice and cry outAwesome is our strong God mighty is our GodSing out raise your hands and shout outAwesome is our strong God mighty is our God
There is no higher noThere is no greater noThere is none stronger than our God
There is no higher noThere is no greater noThere is none stronger than our God
There is no higher noThere is no greater noThere is none stronger than our God
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Jason Ingram / Jon Egan / Meredith Andrews
Strong God lyrics © Capitol CMG Publishing,
Essential Music Publishing, Integrity Music,
Spirit Music Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc
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06
Jan '24
Seize the Moment – Day 1390
06
Jan '24
Today’s hymn focus will be
I Lift My Hands
Psalms 63:3-4 (NASB95)
“Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,
My lips will praise You.
So I will bless You as long as I live;
I will lift up my hands in Your name.”
The song was written by Chris Tomlin, Louie Giglio, Matt Maher, and Jesse Reeves in 2010. Rooted in biblical truths of surrender, trust and worship, this song has impacted many believers’ lives since its release. It has served as a source of comfort, inspiration, and encouragement by reminding everyone of the faithfulness of God and the power of worship in our individual lives.
I lift my hands to believe again You are my refuge, you are my strength
As I pour out my heart, these things I remember You are faithful, God, forever
We need to wake up every day with a firm resolve in our hearts that this and every day is a day that the Lord has made, and we will rejoice and be glad in it, no matter what we are facing! Why? Because we are not facing it alone. He is there with us. And when we lift up our hands, our Father God is faithful to pick us up and carry us through.
If you would like to receive a personal phone call today, all you have to do is dial the phone number below right now and one of us will call you soon.
YOUTUBE:
If you prefer a video, Pastor Ken reads his devotion on YouTube as well. Click HERE to visit the page.
If you would like to listen to this song, click on this link:
I Lift My Hands
Be still, there is a healerHis love is deeper than the seaHis mercy, it is unfailingHis arms are a fortress for the weak
Let faith ariseLet faith arise
I lift my hands to believe againYou are my refuge, You are my strengthAs I pour out my heart, these things I rememberYou are faithful, God, forever
Be still, there is a riverThat flows from Calvary’s treeA fountain for the thirstyPure grace that washes over me
So let faith ariseLet faith ariseOpen my eyesOpen my eyes
I lift my hands to believe againYou are my refuge, You are my strengthAs I pour out my heart, these things I rememberYou are faithful, GodYou are faithful, God, forever
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Chris Tomlin / Louie Giglio / Matt Maher
I Lift My Hands lyrics © Capitol CMG Publishing
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30
Dec '23
Seize the Moment – Day 1383
30
Dec '23
Today’s song focus will be
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
Luke 2:14-15 (NASB95)
““Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He
is pleased.” When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds
began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see
this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.”
Written by Edmund Sears in 1849, it is one of the only Christmas hymns that does not mention the birth of Jesus or the holy family, but rather upon the message of the angels. He penned the lyrics during a time of personal struggle with all the darkness in the world. The message of peace as proclaimed by the angels was one he was trying to make relevant for the current times in which he lived. Sung to a tune called “Noel”, it was adapted by Arthur Sullivan from an English melody in 1874.
“It came upon a midnight clear, That glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth, To touch their harps of gold:”
We need to wake up and take the message of peace into our area of the world that needs to either hear it for the first time or be reminded of it. Remember, each of us are to be the messengers of the gospel, just like those shepherds who heard it from the angels on that night so long ago.
YOUTUBE:
If you prefer a video, Pastor Ken reads his devotion on YouTube as well. Click HERE to visit the page.
If you would like to listen to this song, click on this link:
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
1
It came upon the midnight clear,
that glorious song of old,
from angels bending near the earth
to touch their harps of gold:
“Peace on the earth, good will to men,
from heaven’s all-gracious King.”
The world in solemn stillness lay,
to hear the angels sing.
that glorious song of old,
from angels bending near the earth
to touch their harps of gold:
“Peace on the earth, good will to men,
from heaven’s all-gracious King.”
The world in solemn stillness lay,
to hear the angels sing.
2
Still through the cloven skies they come
with peaceful wings unfurled,
and still their heavenly music floats
o’er all the weary world;
above its sad and lowly plains,
they bend on hovering wing,
and ever o’er its Babel sounds
the blessed angels sing.
with peaceful wings unfurled,
and still their heavenly music floats
o’er all the weary world;
above its sad and lowly plains,
they bend on hovering wing,
and ever o’er its Babel sounds
the blessed angels sing.
3
And ye, beneath life’s crushing load,
whose forms are bending low,
who toil along the climbing way
with painful steps and slow,
look now! for glad and golden hours
come swiftly on the wing.
O rest beside the weary road,
and hear the angels sing!
whose forms are bending low,
who toil along the climbing way
with painful steps and slow,
look now! for glad and golden hours
come swiftly on the wing.
O rest beside the weary road,
and hear the angels sing!
4
For lo! the days are hastening on,
by prophet seen of old,
when with the ever-circling years
shall come the time foretold
when peace shall over all the earth
its ancient splendors fling,
and the whole world send back the song
which now the angels sing.
by prophet seen of old,
when with the ever-circling years
shall come the time foretold
when peace shall over all the earth
its ancient splendors fling,
and the whole world send back the song
which now the angels sing.
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23
Dec '23
Seize the Moment – Day 1376
23
Dec '23
Today’s song focus will be
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
Isaiah 7:14 (NASB95)
“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign:
Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son,
and she will call His name Immanuel.”
Penned in 1744 by Charles Wesley, this hymn came about as he was inspired to write hymns that would prepare people’s hearts for the coming of Jesus at Christmas. He wanted it to express the deep needs of humanity while also helping to renew faith in Christ’s coming. That is what makes this such a wonderful song to be part of the Advent Season celebration.
Come, thou long-expected Jesus, Born to set thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us, Let us find our rest in thee.
We need to wake up and continue to anticipate the coming of Christ. May it stir up an urgency to share your testimony of what God has done for you and how simple it is for others to have this precious gift of love, hope and joy. For only Jesus can
truly set you free!
YOUTUBE:
If you prefer a video, Pastor Ken reads his devotion on YouTube as well. Click HERE to visit the page.
If you would like to listen to this song, click on this link:
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
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16
Dec '23
Seize the Moment – Day 1369
16
Dec '23
Today’s song focus will be
Joy to the World
Isaiah 9:6 (NASB95)
“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaac Watts was one of the greatest hymn writers in church history. He originally wrote this hymn as a poem based on Psalm 98:4-9, adapting and interpreting the words to celebrate Jesus’ role as both king of His church and the whole world. The melody to which it is sung today was set to fragments composed by Watts & George Handel in England and pieced together by Lowell Mason & William Billings in America. And it is easy to remember how it starts because it is a simple scale played in descending order.
Joy to the world, the Lord has come! Let earth receive her King.
Let every heart prepare Him room, And heaven and nature sing
And heaven and nature sing! And heaven, and heaven and nature sing!
We need to wake up and share this good news of great joy! With all that is happening around us today, the world needs more joy! So share that gift with everyone you meet this holiday season…and beyond!
If you would like to receive a personal phone call today, all you have to do is dial the phone number below right now and one of us will call you soon.
YOUTUBE:
If you prefer a video, Pastor Ken reads his devotion on YouTube as well. Click HERE to visit the page.
If you would like to listen to this song, click on this link:
Joy to the World
Joy to the world, the Lord is comeLet Earth receive her KingLet every heart prepare Him roomAnd Heaven and nature singAnd Heaven and nature singAnd Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing
Joy to the Earth, the Savior reigns
Let all their songs employWhile fields and floods, rocks, hills and plainsRepeat the sounding joyRepeat the sounding joyRepeat, repeat, the sounding joy
He rules the world with truth and graceAnd makes the nations proveThe glories of His righteousnessAnd wonders of His loveAnd wonders of His loveAnd wonders, wonders, of His love
Joy to the world, the Lord is comeLet Earth receive her KingLet every heart prepare Him roomAnd Heaven and nature sing(And Heaven and nature sing)And Heaven and nature sing(And Heaven and nature sing)And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature singAnd Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing
Joy to the world, the Lord is comeLet Earth receive her KingLet every heart prepare Him roomAnd Heaven and nature sing(And Heaven and nature sing)And Heaven and nature sing(And Heaven and nature sing)And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature singAnd Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Traditional
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09
Dec '23
Seize the Moment – Day 1362
09
Dec '23
Today’s song focus will be
Hark the Herald Angels Sing
Luke 2:13-14 (NASB95).
And suddenly there appeared with the angel
a multitude of the heavenly host
praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”
Originally written by Charles Wesley around 1658 AD, after a time where the singing of Christmas carols was abolished by the Puritan Parliament in 1649 AD, we find the proponent of this cause had passed away, and the Monarchy regained power and restored the celebration of Christmas. The song as we know it was re-written slightly in 1753 by famous English preacher George Whitefield, who only changed the opening part of the song. And in 1856, Dr. Wm Cummings joined the lyrics of the carol with the music by Mendlessohn, a Messianic Jew, to give us the current song we sing today.
Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King”
Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.
We need to wake up and join with the angels in proclaiming the first message of good news or the Gospel to those around us that are still in need of its powerful message. If you give no other gift this Christmas season, give the message of God’s love for all who will receive it.
If you would like to receive a personal phone call today, all you have to do is dial the phone number below right now and one of us will call you soon.
YOUTUBE:
If you prefer a video, Pastor Ken reads his devotion on YouTube as well. Click HERE to visit the page.
If you would like to listen to this song, click on this link:
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Hark! The herald angels sing“Glory to the new-born kingPeace on earth and mercy mildGod and sinners reconciled”Joyful all ye nations riseJoin the triumph of the skiesWith angelic host proclaim“Christ is born in Bethlehem”Hark! The herald angels sing“Glory to the new-born king”
Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!Hail the Sun of Righteousness!Light and life to all He bringsRisen with healing in His wingsMild He lays His glory byBorn that man no more may dieBorn to raise the sons of earthBorn to give them second birthHark! The herald angels sing“Glory to the new-born king”
Hark! The herald angels sing“Glory to the new-born kingPeace on earth and mercy mildGod and sinners reconciled”Joyful all ye nations riseJoin the triumph of the skiesWith angelic host proclaim“Christ is born in Bethlehem”Hark! The herald angels sing“Glory to the new-born king”“Glory to the new-born king”
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Jonathan Smith / Felix Mendelssohn / Charles Wesley / Phil Wickham
Hark the Herald Angel Sing lyrics © Universal Music Corp.,
Culbertson Music, Fox Music, Integrity’s Hosanna! Music,
Two Twenty Nine Music, Be Essential Songs, Word Music, Llc, Patterdale Music Ltd,
Spirit Catalogue Holdings, S.a.r.l., Dorsey Brothers Music Inc
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02
Dec '23
Seize the Moment – Day 1355
02
Dec '23
Today’s song focus will be
O Little Town of Bethlehem
Matthew 2:6 (NASB95)
“‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
Are by no means least among the leaders of Judah;
For out of you shall come forth a Ruler
Who will shepherd My people Israel.’”
Written in 1868 by Phillips Brooks, it was originally created as a Christmas hymn for the Sunday School Children at Holy Trinity Church, after he had taken a pilgrimage on horseback from Jerusalem to Bethlehem on Christmas Eve. Louise H. Redner wrote the music for this song, a simple melody inspired by God late in the night just before the Christmas Eve service.
O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie;
above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by.
We need to wake up and see that this song not only beautifully describes the little town asleep in that December night, but according to British Hymnologist J.R. Watson, “gracefully modulates from a description of Christmas into an examination of the meaning of Christmas; first in its encouragement of charity and faith, and then into the coming of Christ into the human heart.”
If you would like to receive a personal phone call today, all you have to do is dial the phone number below right now and one of us will call you soon.
YOUTUBE:
If you prefer a video, Pastor Ken reads his devotion on YouTube as well. Click HERE to visit the page.
If you would like to listen to this song, click on this link:
O Little Town of Bethlehem
O little town of BethlehemHow still we see thee lieAbove thy deep and dreamless sleepThe silent stars go byYet in thy dark streets shinethThe everlasting lightThe hopes and fears of all the yearsAre met in thee tonight
For Christ is born of MaryAnd gathered all aboveWhile mortals sleep, the angels keepTheir watch of wondering love
O morning stars togetherProclaim thy holy birthAnd praises sing to God the KingAnd peace to men on earth
O little town of BethlehemHow still we see thee lieAbove thy deep and dreamless sleepThe silent stars go byYet in thy dark streets shinethThe everlasting lightThe hopes and fears of all the yearsAre met in thee tonight
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Wolfgang Lenk / Phillips Brooks / Lewis Redner / Herbert Peter
O Little Town of Bethlehem lyrics © Wb Music Corp., Universal Music Publishing, Emi Longitude Music, G Matt Music, Fox Film Music Corporation, Integrity Worship Music, Derry Music Company, Integrity’s Hosanna! Music, Angel Cross Music, Shawnee Press, Inc., Patterdale Music Ltd
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26
Nov '23
Table of Blessings 2023
26
Nov '23
We gathered together on Sunday, November 26, 2023 to thank God for His many blessings. Seven of our brothers and sisters shared some very specific events in their lives for which they were exceedingly grateful. Watch as they share how God has seen them through times of hardship and sorrow, triumph and rejoicing. God is unpredictable as to how He does it, but indeed He works all things for the good of those who love Him and whom He calls to His purpose! (Romans 8:28).
Below is a general outline and description of those who shared with us. The time references are from the first video with just the sharing…
Host: Pastor Ken Durham
Matt and Emily Hurst (2:08)
Sometimes God brings into our lives things that are difficult to bare. Change can be challenging, but God is good – and He means ALL FOR GOOD! Our daughter has cystic fibrosis, we have gone through job changes, substance abuse in the family, and the death of a parent. We are learning to forgive as we walk with Him. Matt shared a meaningful quote from a book that he recently read:
They say of some temporal suffering,
“No future bliss can make up for it,”
not knowing that Heaven, once attained,
will work backwards and turn even that agony
into a glory.
“No future bliss can make up for it,”
not knowing that Heaven, once attained,
will work backwards and turn even that agony
into a glory.
– a quote from The Great Divorce (C.S. Lewis)
Deb Winters (15:36)
Deb shared about transitions in life such as retirement. (Ecclesiastes 3:1) We must remember God’s faithfulness. He is with us through it all! Prayer is so important in life. When I truly trust God, He brings peace. I often wondered how I could ever cope with retirement when I am a people-person. Actually, transitions are nothing new – we experience them throughout life. (Proverbs 3:5-6) We learn to trust as we keep turning to Him. I find in retirement that there is more freedom with more time for relationships and for prayer! I highly recommend retirement!
Tina Durham (26:08)
I, too, have gone through a big job change. I have learned that God is in control. It may take time, but He knows what we need.
Misty Watkins (27:57)
Losing a spouse is very difficult. It takes time to learn how to live without them. There are many changes that happen along the way, like changing jobs. I have learned that God wants to be in the job with us. Trust Him and share Him with others. Pray!
John and Soozi Davisson (35:15)
(John 2:1-11, Psalm 76) We are servants. God chose us. We want to be available. (2 Corinthians 6:1) Yes, we too have experienced job change. We have been considering adoption. We have also been considering Samaritan’s Purse. As we read in the book of John, we learned that the servant’s job was to say, “Yes.” They were to bring the water. Jesus is the one who transforms our efforts. (2 Samuel 22:30) When we are available and say, “Yes” – He provides what is needed! “With my God, I can!” We must remember that this is God’s story, not ours. Consider the power of God’s word in our community. (Psalm 23:3; Isaiah 55:10-11; Hebrews 10:20-25). Lastly we would like to share a “pour-over” of God’s word with you… (Psalm 103).
Ken closes with song and prayer (50:56)
Take the time to be thankful. For your home, your family and for what God is doing in your life.
If you would like to watch just the sharing portion of our service, Click HERE.
If you would like to watch the entire service including music, click HERE.
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25
Nov '23
Seize the Moment – Day 1348
25
Nov '23
Today’s song focus will be
Give Thanks to God
Psalm 136:1 (NASB95)
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.”
Co-written with his good friend Allan McKinlay, Peter Crockett wanted to write a song that would reflect the liturgical writing of Psalm 136 that could be spontaneously sung, or spoken or prayed. It was his plan to bring the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers into the congregational time of worship in song.
He sent his Son to die and rise again to save us His never ending love is steadfast and sure
He’s broken our chains and given us freedom
Give thanks to God, for he is good.
We need to wake up and remember that each of us are to enter His gates with thanksgiving in our hearts by thanking Him for specific situations and things He has done in our lives.
If you would like to receive a personal phone call today, all you have to do is dial the phone number below right now and one of us will call you soon.
YOUTUBE:
If you prefer a video, Pastor Ken reads his devotion on YouTube as well. Click HERE to visit the page.
If you would like to listen to this song, click on this link:
Give Thanks to God
He sent His son to die, and rise again to save us. His never ending love is steadfast and sureHe’s broken our chains and given us freedom. Give thanks to God for He is good
In Him we are alive and have joy everlasting. His never ending love is steadfast and sure
He casts out all fear and fills us with courage. Give thanks to God for He is good
When storms come and rage His peace overwhelms us. His never ending love is steadfast and sure
The Lord is our refuge when trouble surrounds us. Give thanks to God for He is good
Give thanks to God for He is good
He’s always pouring out His abundant provision. His never ending love is steadfast and sure
For the depths of His riches and incredible wisdom. Give thanks to God for He is good
Give thanks to God for He is good
The Lord is our refuge when trouble surrounds us. Give thanks to God for He is good
Give thanks to God for He is good
He’s always pouring out His abundant provision. His never ending love is steadfast and sure
For the depths of His riches and incredible wisdom. Give thanks to God for He is good
Give thanks to God for He is good
Always good. Always good to me
Always good. Always good to me
You’re always good. Always good to me
Always good. You’re always good to me
We believe You’re always good. Always good to me
Always good. You’re always good to me
©2017 BEC Worship Written by Allan McKinlay, Peter Crockett CCLI# 7065012
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18
Nov '23
Seize the Moment – Day 1341
18
Nov '23
Today’s song focus will be
Grace into Gardens
Psalm 30:11-12 (NASB95)
“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.”
The title track to Elevation Worship’s eighth album, this song was written by Chris Brown, Tiffany Hammer, Brandon Lake and Pastor Steven Furtick in 2019. Inspired by a sermon from Steve about the ongoing influence of the prophet Elisha, even after his death. Chris stated: “…God is still in the business of bringing dead things back to life. If we’ll trust God even with the seemingly dead areas of our lives, if we’ll believe in the power of God, …nothing is wasted. Nothing is over. God can turn any situation around.”
Oh there’s nothing better than You,
There’s nothing better than YouLord, there’s nothing Nothing is better than You.
We need to wake up and proclaim our faith in praise into the face of fear and doubt that there is nothing better than the Lord our God. He brings love, life, hope, grace and peace to each and every situation in our lives.
If you would like to receive a personal phone call today, all you have to do is dial the phone number below right now and one of us will call you soon.
YOUTUBE:
If you prefer a video, Pastor Ken reads his devotion on YouTube as well. Click HERE to visit the page.
If you would like to listen to this song, click on this link:
Grace into Gardens
I searched the worldBut it couldn’t fill meMan’s empty praiseAnd treasures that fadeAre never enough
Then You came alongAnd put me back togetherAnd every desireIs now satisfiedHere in Your love (hey)
Oh, there’s nothing better than YouThere’s nothing better than YouLord, there’s nothingNothing is better than You
I’m not afraidTo show You my weaknessMy failures and flawsLord, You’ve seen ’em allAnd You still call me friend
‘Cause the God of the mountainIs the God of the valleyThere’s not a placeYour mercy and graceWon’t find me again
Oh, there’s nothing better than YouThere’s nothing better than YouLord, there’s nothingNothing is better than You
Oh, there’s nothing better than YouThere’s nothing better than YouLord, there’s nothingNothing is better than You
You turn mourning to dancingYou give beauty for ashesYou turn shame into gloryYou’re the only one who can
You turn mourning to dancingYou give beauty for ashesYou turn shame into gloryYou’re the only one who can
You turn graves into gardenYou turn bones into armiesYou turn seas into highwaysYou’re the only one who can
You’re the only one who can
Oh, there’s nothing better than YouThere’s nothing better than YouLord, there’s nothingNothing is better than You
Oh, there’s nothing better than YouThere’s nothing better than YouLord, there’s nothingNothing is better than You
You turn graves into gardensYou turn bones into armiesYou turn seas into highwaysYou’re the only one who can
You turn graves into gardensYou turn bones into armiesYou turn seas into highwaysYou’re the only one who canYou’re the only one who canYou’re the only one who can
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Christopher Joel Brown / Steven Furtick / Tiffany Hudson / Brandon Lake
Graves Into Gardens lyrics © Be Essential Songs, Bethel Music Publishing,
Maverick City Publishing Worldwide, Brandon Lake Music
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