Letter from the Editor: September 1, 2015

The Sep. 1, 2015 edition of CCM Magazine

As we enter into fall—a new season—it’s another great reminder of the many “seasons of life” we experience. These don’t often occur in concert with weather patterns, rather, they are characterized by extreme joy, pain, blessing, sorrow and change. In this edition of CCM Magazine, we feature two artists who in recent times have faced changes, rediscovering in the process that Jesus Christ is truly constant.

A casual observer gazing upon the rising success of Sidewalk Prophets over the past year or two might assume that things were sailing along smoothly. However, after personal and professional hardships rippled through the band, it was their choice to cling to God’s steadfast presence that enabled them to embrace changes and emerge different.

James 1:17 (NLT) Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.

Hebrews 13:8 (NLT) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Change is nothing new for college students. But for 170-plus undergraduates at Grand Canyon University set to begin a new semester, change will come with a deeper understanding of effective worship leading. Bart Millard of MercyMe was so transformed by leading worship, that he is helping to change the lives of students called to similar pursuits.

Isaiah 43:19 (NLT) For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.

Blessings,