There is freedom found in God’s presence (2 Corinthians 3:17). So we have this song, “Here I Stand”, that proclaims our longing to be in His midst, to be with Him, and to be in His arms.

It’s not an easy task following after Jesus. But something as simple as saying that you want to is a big step of faith.

“Here I Stand” was actually a last minute song as we were finalizing the tracking for the album. It was a little too late to do a full band version, so on the album it’s a quieter acoustic recording. But it worked out because it’s an idea that ties everything nicely together at the end of the CD… for why we’re doing this recording, why we are this “Shameless Plug” for Jesus, and what we want to do with it.

‘Be known and lifted high above all else.’ is what we say in the bridge of this song.

We hope that as you listen to the album that the messages of these songs would resonate to you. From the faster energetic songs in the beginning to even this last song that’s more intimate and contemplative, let’s all remember who we’re living for and live for Him every day!

This is the last of the song blogs – hope you enjoyed them and are looking forward to the album release as much as we are!

Here I Stand
Words & Music by Andy Lee

Here I stand because of the cross
Healed and alive in You
Here I am, with chains broken off
A life lifted up to You

Ever will I follow You – You are all I want
God I need to be with You – Draw me to Your arms

For here in Your presence I’m free
The blood of Jesus was bled for me
Your grace and Your mercies are new
Each day I’m living for You

Here I rest when my soul is dry
Humbled beneath Your hand
I confess, I bow with my life
Here in Your grace I stand

Freedom reigns in this place
Come make this sacred space
Be known and lifted high
Above all else

After Jesus Christ died on the cross, it wasn’t quite realized then that He would later rise up from the dead. In John 20, a surprised Mary Magdalene saw that the entrance to Jesus’ tomb was open and the stone was removed. A tomb, a grave, a giant stone – these things are supposed to stay shut. But even death couldn’t hold Him down. They found an empty tomb, a risen Jesus!

“He Has Overcome” is the story of our freedom. It doesn’t end with Jesus dying on the cross… He’s overcome the grave, He’s overcome the tomb, He’s overcome death. Have faith, for He has overcome!

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God…” (Ephesians 2:8)

He Has Overcome
Words & Music by Andy Lee

Come lift your voice and let us sing
Come bring adoration to our King
Come in your freedom, you are free

Tell of His mercy and His love
Find hope and freedom in the Son
Raise a shout, the tomb was not enough

Death couldn’t hold Him down

We glorify King Jesus Christ
Who died for all our sin
He came to save, conquered the grave
Now we’re alive in Him

Shout for joy, Hallelujah!
He has overcome
Our God reigns, He remains
He has overcome, He has overcome

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me…” (John 14:6)

We praise God in the great times, but what about the tough, difficult, and unbearable moments in life? Not so easy, am I right? So we pray to God and expect Him to do something. But we need specific prayers if we want specific answers. “Christ Is” represents a longing and desire for Jesus even in a crisis or struggling time. No need to think that you need to go through this on your own – Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life!

“…but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:14)

Christ Is
Words & Music by Andy Lee

Though we’re thirsty and we’re empty, You will satisfy
Overflowing, everlasting fountain of our lives

I’ve tasted and I’ve seen

Jesus, I need You, Savior
I want to say You’re the one I need
Spirit, bring revelation
Oh, let the nations cry out and sing

How we love You, how we need You, You’re our resting place
Overwhelming and surrounding is Your love and grace

Through trials and suffering,
We drink from Your spring
We look to You, Lord, our help comes from You, Lord
Through every crisis
We know that Christ is
The Way, the Truth, the Life

“Prepare The Way” makes a way for God but also prepares us to respond to Him. And what better way to respond to God than the word “Hallelujah”? Ever wonder what it meant? It’s an exclamation of praise!

As in “Praise God!”, “Praise the Lord!”, “Thanks be to God!”… made up of “Halle-“, which in its Hebrew form is like the word “praise”, and “jah”, which is short for “Yahweh”. Hallelujah!

Scriptures mention of this phrase: “Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.” It’s not because the Lord dislikes winding roads. They’re saying, make way for Him, clear the path, make sure there’s room! We clear out the hindrances and obstacles that block us from accepting God to do His will. I can’t think of a better way to respond to this than putting our focus on Him, centering on His Truth, and singing out “Hallelujah”!

Prepare The Way
Words & Music by Andy Lee

Prepare the way for God and see
How marvelous, how great is He
No ear has heard, no eye has seen
A beauty like our God and King
A beauty like our God and King

Make way and make His presence known
Lift up His name so we may know
That He is God and He is good
A God so strong, a God so true
A God so strong, a God so true

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Our hearts are filled with Jesus Christ
The spring of life that won’t run dry
A love so deep, a love so high
All that we need, He will provide
All that we need, He will provide

All glory and all majesty
Be lifted to the King of kings
Unrivaled love, unending grace
The name above all other names
The name above all other names

We worship a Triune God – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are One. Our song “Here Today” focuses on His qualities and characteristics as we embrace His presence and worship not inward, but God-ward.

We say that God welcomes us but we forget that we’re welcoming God, wherever we’re at, too! He’s near every heart, bound to do amazing things, and we ought to welcome Him with anticipation and expectation… today.

This song focuses on the here and now. So “Here Today” says who God is, what He’s doing, and what we’re doing as He’s here with us today. We call on Him and sing in truth and confidence in who He is:

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” (Psalm 145:18)

Here Today
Words & Music by Andy Lee

His love is intimate, His power is infinite
All that He is remains the same
Son of God from above, sign of God’s perfect love
We know His Spirit’s here today

He shall reign now and forever

Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty
Worthy, worthy, is the King of glory

He spoke for us to be, all creation made to be
All for His glory and His name
It’s all for His renown, there’s none that hold Him down
We know He’s on the move today

Savior Jesus, we lift You up
Who was and is, and is to come

I think everyone has their own list of priorities. Maybe at the top you place your career, your education, your family… maybe at the top is something less significant like clothes, technology, or your car.

No matter how important those things may be, and don’t get me wrong because I’m sure they are important but, our God is greater. Whether or not we place Him at the top, God is greater than anything else. Why let something else take control?

“For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.” (Colossians 1:16)

God is the author of our lives and He sent down His one & only son Jesus Christ to die for our sins. Truly none compare to Him.

You Are Greater
Words & Music by Andy Lee

Exalt His name, lift it high
The name of Jesus be glorified
Raise His anthem, let it ring
Come and hail to the King of Kings – The King of Kings

You are greater, great I Am
You are author of all I am
Come be awesome in this place
You are great, You are great

Every knee bow and tongue confess
Jesus Christ is Lord of us
How great the kindness He has shown
None can match Him, He stands alone – He stands alone

Hallelujah, none compare
Hallelujah, we declare
You are greater, exalted and lifted high
You are great

Over the years, this song has gone through so many transformations. And then more transformations. For those who may have known it from the past, it may sound a little different now but at the heart of it, it’s still from Ezekiel 34:16 – “I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak…”

Our Shepherd provides so much for us… even the air that we breathe is a gift from Him! This song “All To You” is a song of gratitude and opportunity to give breath back to God in worship, for nothing is greater than our Shepherd, our Lord, our Savior!

Later in Ezekiel 34:31 it says, “You my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, are people, and I am your God…” How awesome it is that we get to know a God like this. What else can we do but give all that we have back to Him?

All To You
Words & Music by Andy Lee

Once like sheep who were astray
You took back those who turned away
We were broken, You gave us strength
Now we praise Your Holy Name

For nothing is greater than our Shepherd, our Savior
Forever we will sing
All blessing and honor, wisdom and power
To the King of kings

When we’re weak You make us strong
In Your presence we belong
Our salvation by Your grace
Now we’ve come to seek Your face

Give it all to You

We will sing and lift up Your glorious Name
We will shout and give You the highest of praise
For nothing is greater than our Shepherd, our Savior
Forever we will sing