The theme of the night was faith--faith in God’s grace, faith in Jesus, and faith in miracles. In writing about a night featuring three great artists and more than 30 songs, I’ll focus on how the songs brought out those themes.

 

Josh Wilson’s great blend of personal lyrics and catchy music emerged as a focal point of Josh's excellent opening set. The songs all reflected Josh's great ability for framing questions of faith into musical expressions of trust. After opening with "I Refuse" and "Shine On Us," Josh sang his emotional hit song "Before The Morning," reflecting faith in God’s grace. 

 

Wilson declared, "And hold on, cause there's good for those who love God, But life is not a snapshot, It might take a little time but you'll see the bigger picture." Josh's poignant songwriting is coupled with musical excellence as each song urges listeners to see God better.

 

Wilson’s new album Carry Me releases April 9, and is sure to connect with all listeners who like catchy songs filled with truth and yearning for God as heard in his brand new song, "Carry Me." Josh closed with his excellent instrumental acoustic guitar performance of the world's most famous hymn, "Amazing Grace." 

 

Colton Dixon's seventh-place finish on Season 11 of American Idol was one of the most shocking Idol cuts of all time. Dixon's debut full-length album, A Messenger, released Jan. 29. The album takes its title from the Bible passage John 13:16: "Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him."

Dixon’s energetic set included "Noise," new single "Love Has Come For Me," "Never Gone," "Scars" and his iconic cover of "Everything" by Lifehouse. 

 

Touching on the theme of faith in Jesus was hit song "You Are." We were treated to Colton’s sister Schyler singing the bridge of the song, "If I had no voice, If I had no tongue / I would dance for You like the rising sun / And when that day comes and I see Your face / I will shout Your endless glorious praise." 

 

That type of declaration of commitment and dancing with unashamed joy before the Lord is why David was considered "a man after God's own heart." The song challenges listeners to think about whether we really believe that Jesus is "the hope I needed." Dixon’s energetic set closed with the rocker "In And Out of Time."

 

The Miracle Tour takes its name from Third Day’s latest studio project, Miracle, released Nov. 6.  They opened with four high energy songs, "Hit Me Like A Bomb," "Make Your Move," "I Believe" and "Kicking and Screaming." 

 

The band performed the song "Lift Up Your Face," a tune based on what Jesus tells us in Luke 21:27: "lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near." The song really connects with me as I sincerely prayed, "salvation’s on its way." Rather than being terrified by what is happening in our world, we should confidently await Christ's return to bring justice and restoration to His people. 

 

"Revelation" is a great anthem of praise and gratitude as we acknowledged "I’m nothing without You." Next was "God of Wonders," "Children of God," and acoustic versions of "Morning Has Broken," "Show Me Your Glory" and "Cry Out To Jesus." The full band returned for "The Victory" and "Call My Name."

 

"Trust In Jesus" is a thesis statement of faith: "What are you gonna do when your time is come and your life is done, what are you gonna say at the judgment throne, I already know, the only thing that I can say…I trust in Jesus."  

 

Schyler Dixon joined Third Day for "Born Again," and then Mac Powell told the poignant story about "I Need A Miracle." The song declares boldly what it means to be a follower of Jesus: "And in your hour of desperation, Know you’re not the only one, praying Lord above, I need a miracle." God wants to hear from us, and this song compels me to pray more fervently to my Savior. 

 

I resonate with the message and as a Christian who understands the power of prayer, what people need to take away from this song is that we aren’t in control of circumstances under our human ability. The power of God can transcend our human understanding and power. We serve a God who is much bigger than our struggles. "King of Glory" and "Creed" finished the set before the encore with new single "Your Love is Like a River" and "Otherside." 

 

"Your Love is Like a River" is a great song about pressing on in difficult times with the poignant and biblical lyrics: "When this cruel world tears us apart / Your love is like a river flowing from my heart / When sharpened words have left their scars / Your love is like a river flowing from my heart / And it's overflowing and showing us all / How deep and how wide is Your love."

The song includes truth from Psalm 46:4: "There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High." When I pray to Jesus, one of my most consistent prayers has been "To know You and love You much more." The Apostle Paul captures that sentiment beautifully in Philippians 3:7-11.

 

God speaks to us in different ways and I find myself closest to Him in times of prayer and reflection. The song reflects what's on my heart and my greatest desire as a follower of Jesus is to live out the Gospel. Daily we are presented with the choices of how to use our time, lifestyle choices, pursuit of riches, living for today not knowing what tomorrow has in store for us and questioning our loneliness and looking for meaning. You can take comfort in knowing that "nothing compares to the greatness of knowing Jesus." 

 

The entire night was filled with songs that blessed and healed me as a listener.  I became a "Gomer" with the Southern Gospel-rock and passion of songs like "Thief," "Love Song" and "Forever." 

 

If the tour is coming anywhere near you, don’t miss your chance to learn what has made Third Day the premier rock band in all of Christian music. You'll be refreshed, nourished, encouraged and turn to God for your strength.