New artist Tori Harper has been introduced to CCM fans with her standout debut single, "Joy," a song from her first release, Seasons EP. The project is a great introduction to her music ministry. It includes the standout songs, "After Dark" and "Seasons." 

Like many young artists, Harper grew up singing in church. With comparisons to contemporaries ranging from Riley Clemmons and Caitie Hurst, Tori Harper's rich and pure vocal tone exhibits the passion and confidence of a seasoned artist. Her songs are an effort to respond to people's hurt from a place of deep authenticity and relatability. Many fans, such as my daughters, have connected to Tori's music. 

Also, Tori's biblically-inspired lyrics represent true happiness. They show that her identity comes from her relationship with God. I had the chance to speak with Tori about her follow-up single, "Revival."
Please tell me the personal story behind this song.

Some songs have more of a back story than others. I originally started writing this song a few years ago after I attended the Passion conference in Atlanta. As I was about to leave the conference, one of the speakers attending said, "Let's go be a revival." These words really stuck with me.

I thought about how this whole time, I've been waiting on a revival to come to me. And I hadn't considered that it could start inside of me. It got me thinking about what revival means. And, I prayed about that a lot. God showed me that we're His representatives, and the way that we live our lives set apart is what can start that revival. People notice the difference, the passion and the spark that we have inside of us, as Christians. That's what spreads to others. That's what inspired me to write this song. It felt so right to release this song now. We've got quite a few new songs that I'm excited to release.

Which Bible verses connect to the message of the song?

Mark 16:15-16 (NKJV): "And He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.'"
 
Matthew 28:18-20 (VOICE): "Jesus came forward and addressed His beloved disciples. I am here speaking with all the authority of God, who has commanded Me to give you this commission: Go out and make disciples in all the nations. Ceremonially wash them through baptism in the name of the triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then disciple them. Form them in the practices and postures that I have taught you, and show them how to follow the commands I have laid down for you. And I will be with you, day after day, to the end of the age."
 
Isaiah 26:8 (NIV): "Yes Lord, walking in the way of Your truth, we wait eagerly for You, for Your name and renown are the desire of our souls."

Matthew 5:14-16 (MSG): "Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand--shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven."

Romans 8:28 (VOICE): "We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan."

Philippians 1:6 (NIV): "Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
 
Philippians 4:13 (NKJV): "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

What is the takeaway message?

For me, this song is about having my eyes opened to how revival is on me. And I want to be part of it. I want to portray Christ to the world. And I want that to spread. I want hope to come back. And for people to see the life and the freedom that we have in Christ. 

When we open our eyes to the fact that we can have an impact, then we have the responsibility to do something. With everything that's been going on in our country, there's more urgency to share the truth about Jesus to others. Because people have lost hope and have lost sight.
 
"Revival Starts Here" is a book that powerfully and practically lays out what it means for a revival to start inside of us. It answers the question, "Now that I want revival, how do I start?" It's so amazing how the vision God gave me, when I wrote the song, "Revival" and the message of this book so perfectly align. God is stirring something new right now. He's moving many to pray. And He's putting the vision and inspiration of revival on our hearts.
 
Lyrics:
It's like I've opened my eyes
For the first time
And everything in the world
Has new life
And I'm so overwhelmed to feel such a feeling
Deep breath and my heart starts beating
Want my life to have deeper meaning
 
I wanna be brave
I wanna be bold
I wanna be proof
I wanna be love
I wanna be hope
I wanna be true
There's a fire getting stronger
It started in my soul
I wanna be brave
I wanna be bold
I wanna be a Revival
Revival
 
It might be oceans away
Or down the street
I wanna go where You lead, faithfully
With the light that shines
and brings with the freedom
With the power that
Breaks through the ceiling
It began when You gave me the feeling
 
I wanna be brave
I wanna be bold
I wanna be proof
I wanna be love
I wanna be hope
I wanna be true
There's a fire getting stronger
It started in my soul
I wanna be brave
I wanna be bold
I wanna be a Revival
Revival
 
Be strong, take heart
We never have to be afraid
Let go of fear
He'll never walk away
Be strong, take heart
We never have to be afraid
Let go of fear
He'll never walk away
 
I wanna be brave
I wanna be bold
I wanna be proof
I wanna be love
I wanna be hope
I wanna be true
There's a fire getting stronger
It started in my soul
I wanna be brave
I wanna be bold
I wanna be a Revival
Revival
 
I wanna be brave
Revival

Closing Thoughts

Matthew 5 tells us: "You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept." Sometimes Christians know the facts about the Bible. But, they don't live out the all-important truth: the Holy Spirit is living inside of us. The beauty of walking by faith and not by sight is that we can trust God. As followers of Jesus, we know that we can trust His Word. We are all a work in progress. So, have faith and let God "work all things together for good."
 
A revival is something that God wants us to pray for. And, biblically, we're commanded to spread the Good News of the Gospel. In Mark 16:15, Jesus commands: "Preach the Gospel to every creature." There are no conditions or exceptions in that command. It's more of a lifestyle that Jesus calls us to live, as Christians. 

Do you feel your heart stirring for a revival? The source of that stirring is "only by the Spirit and the Word of God." Once you have the light of the Holy Spirit, you can show that light to others, as you live your daily life. If you're doing everything for God's glory, then you're demonstrating Jesus' love in every encounter you have with people.
 
Sometimes your spirit needs to be ignited. So, ask for a fresh filling of His spirit. We need to pray daily that the Holy Spirit shines the light of Jesus through us. With a fresh filling and singing along with this song, you can have the courage and excitement to live biblically. If you're having trouble living a biblical lifestyle, this song is a great way to connect with God in a fun and exciting way.
 
All we need is faith and God will show us what He has planned for us. He's the author of our lives and knows what's best for us, much better than we do. Be encouraged by the light of Jesus, shining in all of us, based on our faith in Him. 

I'm moved, knowing that Jesus is shining in me for all to see and believe. We can all practice, "letting our light shine, so that others may praise our Father in heaven." Please join in with Tori and pray: "I wanna be brave/I wanna be bold/I wanna be a Revival." Amen to that.