Tamela Mann’s music is rich with soulful meaning that brings us to our knees in worship to our heavenly Father. The Lord has blessed her with a great marriage and family in which she has the pleasure to partner with in ministry. My 10 favorite Tamela Mann songs of all time bring the blessings down:
“On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords” (Revelation 19:16).
Not many of us have had the privilege of meeting with royalty or leaders of great nations. Only family members or specifically chosen individuals have the opportunity to be in their presence. Yet for those who name Jesus as Lord—we have the ear of the King of all kings. He not only is available to us—He desires our presence and attention as well.
“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God’” (Revelation 21:3).
Sometimes it’s rough down here on earth—believers are being persecuted in unprecedented numbers across the globe. We get so accustomed to defeat, sorrow, and pain—it’s difficult to imagine a place like heaven. Yet we know it’s real by the assurance of the Holy Spirit and the words of the Bible.
“Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).
Jesus was the Lamb of God who gave up His life so that everyone who believes in Him can have eternal life. He could’ve came down to earth as the roaring Lion of Judah or the Mighty God of justice; however He chose the humility of the cross so that no one would have to suffer an eternity in hell. This Lamb of God is worthy of our trust, faithfulness, obedience, and full heart commitment.
“Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer” (Psalms 61:1).
There are times when we we cry out until we are hoarse—calling out with all of our strength. In the times of darkness, it may seem like He doesn’t hear us especially when hell rages against us. Yet He hears and acts in His right timing for everyone who calls upon Him. His ears are attentive, His heart is compassionate, and His arms are mighty for His beloved children.
“For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross” (Colossians 1:19-20).
What can wash away our sin? Could money, fame, or power? Could working really hard to succeed or serving others with all our hearts? None of these things will work, only the blood of Jesus can truly wash away the powerful stench and stronghold of our sins. The shed blood of Jesus covers not only a multitude of sins—but for generations upon generations of people.
“So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy” (John 16:22).
If we lack joy in our lives, we become weak and weary in this Christian walk. Our joy can be snatched away when we allow unrighteousness to take root in our hearts or refuse to offer forgiveness. Yet joy can be completely restored when we lay all our heaviness at the foot of the cross and seek the Lord’s restoration to our weary spirits.
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2).
We are individually and uniquely created in Christ Jesus to be a part of the church. Our spiritual maturity rests upon our involvement and service to the church with our gifts. As a united body, we bring much affliction to the schemes of the devil. At the same time, our division in the body provides much opportunity for his darkness to overwhelm.
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
For those who are good at problem solving—taking everything to Jesus may seem premature or weak. However, it’s His desire that we are dependent on Him for every concern that comes our way. When we take our concerns to Him, we are reaffirming our need for His hand over our lives at all times.
“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name’” (Matthew 6:9)
The Lord’s Prayer captures everything we need in prayer: praise, reflection, hope, provision, confession, petition, and intercession. As believers we are so blessed to have this clarity of vision about our Father as many of us didn’t have good earthly fathers. He knows what we need before we even ask and yet He wants us to ask—as this is the primary way we grow closer to Him.
“But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations” (Psalm 33:11).
In the chaos of trials, the longevity of disappointments, and the struggles to maintain our faith—it gets hard to see that God is in control. Many times we can feel like other people and circumstances are the puppeteers of our lives. However, our hope and trust is built God always keeps His promise of working things out.
No matter which song we choose as favorites—they are all hits when pointing to Jesus. He’s our hope, joy, peace, and love. Every song we sing should remind and encourage us of His sacrifice for the world.
Crystal McDowell is a writer, speaker, and teacher with a passion to encourage believers to know and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ through practical application of God’s word.
Crystal and her husband, Marshall, raise their five children in the Bloomington, IL. As a freelance writer and editor for over 13 years, Crystal has published numerous Christian curriculums for Sunday School and VBS as well as many articles dealing with marriage, motherhood, and relationships. She’s a weekly staff writer for www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com as well as writing her own blog at http://crystalmcdowellspeaks.blogspot.com.