There is a joy that illuminates from within CeCe Winans into her music. Believers are drawn to a deeper worship and reflection of God’s presence when listening and singing the lyrics. Her style and class keeps Jesus real to all people of faith regardless of their race or culture. My 10 favorite CeCe Winans songs include:
#1) Alabaster Box (1999)
“Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her” (Mark 14:9).
This song reminds all of us that we are just like this woman—bringing what we can to our King to express our love for Him. None of us deserve to come into His presence and yet He beckons us with gracious love and forgiveness. For that one moment, she set aside what other people may have thought about her and went straight to her Lord—may we follow her example every day.
#2) His Strength is Perfect (2010)
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak” (Isaiah 40:29).
There are so many times during the day when we may feel weakness—it could be at the home, school, or work. Yet if we could just remember to call on the Lord for strength—we will get through it because His strength is perfect when our strength is weak and small.
#3) I Surrender All (1995)
“Peter said to him, ‘We have left all we had to follow you!’” (Luke 18:8).
When we try to follow after the Lord, but carry all of our worldly concerns with us—we are hampered in our spiritual growth. However, we place every concern and weight at the feet of the cross—we find Him with His glory and presence in our lives.
#4) Do you Hear what I Hear? (1998)
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
God sent His Son, our Savior, in the world as a baby born of a virgin. His ultimate gift to the world has resulted in many people being saved from their sins and set free from the power of Satan. Do we hear His voice calling out to us to pray, to repent, or to come to Him?
#5) King of Kings (He’s a Wonder) (1999)
“On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords” (Revelation 19:16).
Not only will the Lord be a wonder to gaze at in heaven—He is a wonder to reflect on in this lifetime. The King of kings cares about each one of us as if there was only one of us. We are blessed to give honor, glory, and blessings to our King, the Lord Jesus Christ.
#6) Heaven (1988)
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going” (John 14:3-4).
Don’t you want to go to heaven? Many unbelievers portray heaven as a boring place where we sit on clouds with harps all day. Yet heaven is a place of beauty, life, and glory without pain or sorrow for everyone who puts their trust in God.
#7) Up Where we Belong (1984)
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31).
It’s an everyday battle for believers to focus their attention on God and not on their circumstances. Through the Holy Spirit we are renewed inwardly day by day to overcome fears, worries, and doubt. God has provided for those who look to Him for help.
#8) Lost without You (1988)
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10).
We are lost in this life without God. He is the Good Shepherd who looks for His lost sheep and brings them back into the fold. Our hope and trust isn’t in our own abilities to follow after Him, but more so in His loving kindness to draw us to Himself.
#9) Mercy Said No (2003)
“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions” (Psalm 51:1).
The mercy of God is given even when we don’t deserve it. The whole world receives His mercy with the rising and setting of the sun every day. Because of His mercy—we are not deserted and forever lost in our sins.
#10) Well, Alright (1998)
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Mark 11:29).
It seems like every day there is a new level of depravity revealed. If we aren’t careful, we will allow this to become a heaviness on our souls. Yet the Lord is always near and He releases us from despair through the hope of the Holy Spirit.
Keep the Praise On…
CeCe Winans hasn’t slowed down in her music over the years—keeping the praise and worship directed towards our Savior. A distinctive mark of God’s hand over her life from childhood to adult brings a dimension of praise and worship that all of us can participate in. As we sing her songs, let us remember our Lord’s love, forgiveness, and strength that He gives freely to His children.
Article by Crystal McDowell
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
