Author: Texas Gospel

Texas Gospel Canada Top 30 – October 2024

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DAVID INGRAM

Welcome to the Texas Gospel Canada Top 30 Songs of October! This list is meticulously compiled based on the actual number of plays each song received in the previous month (September.) The Texas Gospel Top 30 is proudly submitted to top Southern Gospel publications including The Singing News and SGNScoops.

1 There’s A Hole In The Heart – Nelons – Daywind/New Day
2 Red Words – Erwins – StowTown/Provident-Sony
3 It Won’t Be Long – Poet Voices – StowTown/Provident-Sony
4 Praying For The Prodigal – Kingsmen – Horizon/Crossroads
5 Take All Of Me – 3 Heath Brothers – Horizon/Crossroads
6 Your Healing Is On The Way – Greater Vision – Daywind/New Day
7 Covered – Jim & Melissa Brady – Daywind/New Day
8 You Have Always Been My Shepherd – Legacy Five – StowTown/Provident-Sony
9 Shoulder To Shoulder – Chitans – Horizon/Crossroads
10 I’ll Get Over It – Endless Highway – Sonlite/Crossroads
11 Fall Into Place – Jeff & Sheri Easter – Gaither Music/Capitol Christian
12 Storms I Never See – Peach Goldman – StowTown/Provident-Sony
13 He Made A Way – Whisnants – Independent
14 Until Prayer Changes Me – Kingdom Heirs – Sonlite/Crossroads
15 Walk On Water – Crabb Family – Daywind/New Day
16 He Sent Him For Me – Inspirations – Horizon/Crossroads
17 There Is – Hyssongs – ARS/New Day
18 Be Ready – Karen Peck & New River – Daywind/New Day
19 Sheltered In The Arms Of God – Kim Hopper – Daywind/New Day
20 Come And See – Mylon Hayes Family – Independent
21 Jeans And Jesus – The Sound – New Day Records/New Day
22 Wasted Words – Craguns – ARS/New Day
23 Middle Of Nowhere – Southbound – Daywind/New Day
24 After All – Mark Trammell Quartet – Crimson Road
25 Why Wouldn’t I Run – Lee Park Worship – Vital Records/New Day
26 Blood Bought Child Of The King – Exodus – Independent
27 Breaking Boundaries – Sunday Drive – StowTown/Provident-Sony
28 Jesus 1 Death 0 – TrueSong – Daywind/New Day
29 When God Dips His Pen Of Love In My Heart – Phillips & Banks – Independent
30 Man On The Middle Cross – Scotty Inman (with Jason Crabb and Charlotte Ritchie) –
Daywind/New Day

The Danger of Fleshly Desires

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DAVID INGRAM

Living by the flesh is dangerous. It leads to spiritual death, even though it may seem appealing or comforting at first. The flesh promises satisfaction but delivers destruction. To live by the flesh is to follow a blind guide that will never lead to heaven.

Christ offers a better way—He has given us His Spirit to guide us to eternal life. The Holy Spirit is the believer’s constant companion, pointing them toward truth and life in Christ. This guidance leads not only to heaven but to a life of purpose and peace on earth, free from the bondage of sin.

Many people mistakenly believe that only the worst kinds of sins are evidence of living by the flesh. However, sins like anger, pride, and greed—often overlooked—are just as dangerous. These too reveal a heart that is not fully surrendered to the Spirit. A life led by these desires shows a person who is still controlled by the flesh, no matter how respectable they may appear.

Christians are called to examine their hearts, making sure that they are not deceived by these more subtle sins. We must ensure that we are truly walking by the Spirit, rejecting all forms of fleshly living.

The Craguns: A Gospel Family United in Music and Faith

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JEFF TURNER

The Craguns, a dynamic family gospel group, is made up of Jordan and Elena Cragun, along with Jordan’s father Ray and sister Savannah, the group has built a reputation for heartfelt harmonies and a deep, spiritual connection with their audience. The Craguns’ music is a reflection of their faith and dedication to spreading the message of God’s love and grace.

Their latest song, “Wasted Words,” is a reminder. It shows that no prayer is ever wasted. No sincere cry for help is wasted, nor are any honest words offered to God. Jordan Cragun passionately believes that as Christians, we should never hesitate to reach out to God in times of need or joy. He said, “I am so thankful for a God who cares about everything we face and that we can go boldly to Him with our petitions and our concerns and even our praises, and there are no wasted words with God.”

This sentiment lies at the heart of “Wasted Words,” a song that centers on the idea that every conversation with God is meaningful, whether spoken in moments of joy or despair. The lyrics echo Matthew 6:5–8 as the song song encourages listeners to pray sincerely, without worrying about rehearsing or performing their prayers. It is not the public display of piety that matters, but the authenticity of our hearts. God listens to the words we speak in private, knowing our true intentions.

Listen for “Wasted Words” playing now on Texas Gospel Canada!

The Lore Family have Faith Over Fear on upcoming album

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SPECIAL CROSSROADS RECORDS

Arden, North Carolina (October 1, 2024) — As they prepare for the release of Faith Over Fear, The Lore Family’s fourth collection for Horizon Records coming soon on November 15, Darren Lore is in a reflective mood.  

“Years ago, in a small congregation, the Lord started to grow an unknown family into a singing ministry,” the Southern Gospel singer and songwriter recalls. “The first recording by The Lore Family was intended to serve as a reminder of those earliest years—but God had a greater plan.

“Soon,” he continues, “The Lore Family began to launch out from Southern Ohio into surrounding states. Those first few years of recording, singing and ministry went by so quickly. Fayth and Samuel grew up boldly standing beside Sandy and I on various stages. As a family, we grew musically, professionally and spiritually. We prayed to be united in our cause. We believed in the One who gave us the songs. Now, nearly 20 years later, The Lore Family is still singing for the Lord. What a blessing to be releasing our tenth project!”

Indeed, Faith Over Fear â€” now available for pre-save/add â€” offers a compelling musical testimonial to the power that emerges when an abundance of talent is married to unshakable faith. Built around the four singles the quartet has released in 2024, it’s a collection that spans a variety of musical moods and settings, yet never loses sight of The Lore Family’s underlying, Christ-centered purpose. Beginning with the opening track and first single, “God Said You’re Gonna Make It,” which features both Darren and Sandy Lore on a decades-old popular favorite, Faith Over Fear offers everything from soulful ballads like Fayth Lore Whisnant’s poignant “By Grace” to the bluegrass flavor of the title track, sung by Jake Whisnant, to the expansively orchestrated “There Was A Day When” and “I Wish They Could See Me Now,” to the robust rhythms of the album’s next focus track, Sandy Lore’s spirited reading of “Shaking Off The Dust” and the closing “I Keep Praying” â€” Darren Lore’s contribution of fully half of the album’s songs underlines even more deeply the unity of the Family’s artistic and spiritual approach.

“A lot has changed in The Lore Family over the past two decades,” observes Darren. “Change is inevitable in every life and ministry—but God has remained faithful and true. We know that, whatever tomorrow holds, we can choose ‘Faith Over Fear,’ In seasons of uncertainty, we can rest in Christ. 

“The Lore Family prays that this project outlives us,” he concludes. “Each song has a specific message that will stand the test of time. They’ve been recorded to challenge and encourage you. But, they have already served to strengthen our faith. The lyrics are powerful. Listen close and God will speak to you. Let the melody of each song fill your heart. It’s our heart’s desire that the lost will be found through the Gospel. We want you to be able to say ‘There Was a Day When’ Jesus saved me. Only God knows how He will use this recording. We yield our future to Him. ‘By Grace’ we’ve been saved through faith. And, we know that we will be kept in His care.”

Pre-save/add Faith Over Fear HERE.

Joseph Habedank: A Soloist’s Journey of Humility and Honor

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JEFF TURNER

Joseph Habedank, known for his soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics, has once again been recognized for his contributions to southern gospel music. At the 2024 Singing News Fan Awards, Habedank was awarded “Soloist of the Year,” a testament to his enduring influence and talent in the genre. As he stood on stage to accept this prestigious honor, Habedank’s focus was not solely on himself, but on those who paved the way for him and others in the field.

In his acceptance speech, Habedank turned the spotlight to two legendary southern gospel soloists, acknowledging the impact they’ve had on his life and career. “We honored one of my favorite soloists today, and his name’s Kirk Talley,” Habedank said. “But I just saw one of the greatest soloists ever named Ivan Parker, and I love Ivan so much. Can we honor Ivan today? I love him so much.” His words reflected not only his gratitude for the recognition but also his deep appreciation for the pioneers of southern gospel music.

For over two decades, Habedank has been captivating audiences with his poignant, personal songwriting. His solo career began in 2014 with the release of his debut album Welcome Home, an album that set the tone for what would become a career marked by authenticity and transparency. Since then, he has earned two GRAMMY® nominations and three GMA Dove Awards. But for Habedank, it’s never been about the accolades. Instead, it’s his passion for sharing real-life struggles, faith, and redemption through music that has solidified his place in the hearts of his listeners.

Habedank’s speech at the awards ceremony is a reminder of his humility and his commitment to honoring those who came before him. While his voice and songwriting continue to earn him accolades, it’s his spirit of gratitude that makes him stand out. “Thank you all so much. I love you. God bless you,” he concluded his speech, with a sincerity that has come to define his career.

As Habedank looks ahead, it’s clear that his journey is far from over. His recognition as “Soloist of the Year” is just the latest milestone in a career that continues to inspire and uplift, not only through his music but through his heart for the gospel and for the people who shaped his path.