We all value connection: to our loved ones, to the world around us, to the principles that matter to us. And our most important connection is with God, which can feel so powerful through our praise. Worship leader Matt Redman shares how music became his escape from the darkness he endured in his youth—his father’s suicide early in his life, then abuse in his teen years. But when Matt was introduced to Steven Curtis Chapman’s music in college, he found a path that would draw him near to God through living in a state of constant wonder. Singer/songwriter Mark Schultz was struggling to make it big in the Nashville music scene when he met a youth pastor who would change his life. After working with kids and singing songs from the heart, Mark landed a record deal, and today, he’s built a beautiful life by putting praise for Jesus above everything. Plus, after being adopted in his childhood, Mark finally understood the heavenly meaning of that word when he adopted his own little one.

Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:

Jesus Calling Kids/Childrens

Jesus Calling Podcast Episode with Steven Curtis Chapman: "A Father's Love Is Special"

Matt Redman

BibleGateway.com Psalms

10,000 Reasons song Let There Be Wonder album

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, there’s help. Please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

Mark Schultz

Remember Me Mission

Kansas State University

Ryman Auditorium

Grand Ole Opry

Mattie Jackson Selecman

Interview Quotes:

“I needed to talk to God. I needed to cry out to God. Music seemed like a really powerful way to do that.” - Matt Redman

“I loved that we weren't just singing about Him, but we were singing to Him.” - Matt Redman

“One of the challenges of trying to portray God through music is to do with trying to paint the biggest picture of Him that you can.” - Matt Redman

“He's the lion and the lamb, He is the God who thunders and whispers. He's a God who terrifies, and yet He befriends. He's the one who knelt down, washed the feet of His disciples, even though He's the one whose footstool is the earth.” - Matt Redman

“There's something special about hearing a father's words speak over you, that they believe in you, and cast a vision for you, and I think there's something about that that you kind of grow into that as your story unfolds.” - Mark Schultz

“That would be one of those moments that I look back on that I feel like it was a dad's vision and a belief in me, just following that.” - Mark Schultz, on a dream fulfilled to play at Ryman Auditorium

“God doesn't want something from us—He wants something for us.” - Mark Schultz

________________________

Enjoy these videos on Jesus Calling YouTube channel:

Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0

Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O

________________________

Connect with Jesus Calling

Jesus Calling Website

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Former President Mary Robinson on her visit to the Gazan border