New Christmas songs for 2020

KJOL has two new songs right now that address aspects of our failures, using admonition and compassion and humility. Dusty Bibles Josiah Queen Josiah Queen’s song is about the realization that he had been neglecting his own personal time in the Word. He laments that we neglect our Bibles and “wonder why we feel this way.” It begins with an intriguing verse that may have multiple meanings: Hey, how you been? It's been a while, and I'm just checking in I miss the way things used to be back in 2017 And I just miss my friend On first glance, it seems he is talking to an old friend. But I think his “old friend” is his Bible, and he misses “the way things used to be” when he was faithfully reading it “back in 2017.” He claims that he is “fine” but also admits “struggling to find some peace of mind” and laments how “we’re too busy and can’t find the time” (to read our Bibles). Hey, I've been fine I've been struggling to find some peace of mind It's the problem of our nation and in our generation We're too busy and can't find the time Are we busy, or is it all a lie? Then he shifts into an exhortation that we have “brand new iPhones” but “dust on our Bibles” and we are simply “blind leading blind folks.” With dust on our Bibles, brand-new iPhones No wonder why we feel this way We walk with our eyes closed, blind leading blind folks And I'm done with those idols and dusty Bibles Pretty strong words, but they come from someone who is admonishing himself for letting the “idols” of social media to crowd out his Bible reading. Black Sheep Ben Fuller Ben Fuller has been very open about his past. Four years ago, he says, “ God found me in Vermont. He found me in addiction. ” Last year he wrote a song called “ Turn ” in which he admits that he nearly stopped at a bar after a relationship had soured, but instead, he “turned.” I wanted to turn to the bottle I even drove past the bar It turns out I'm not strong as I thought But that's when I learned that You are Screaming my prayers to Heaven I turn it all over Let You turn it around, turn it around His current song, “Black Sheep,” is calling out to those who are struggling with the same things he did. You hate everything about you You think we're better off without you You wear your pain out on your sleeve And you paint it on in rebel ink But the alcohol and pills ain't fixed a thing So, how's it going out there? Acting like you ain't scared How's that heart of stone? It ain't so hard when you're alone Crying tears you hope nobody sees Guess the good news is He'll never leave you be Jesus loves you black sheep He reassures the black sheep that there is “good news.” And amazing grace is a pesky, pesky thing But the good news is He'll never leave you be Jesus loves you black sheep And that’s good news for all us, whether we think we are perfect lambs or black sheep: Jesus loves you.

Our April Spring Friendraiser is officially underway! From time to time on the air, you might hear a gentle reminder to support KJOL in 2026…it’s not a Sharathon…just a time to encourage new friends to come alongside us in ministry to proclaim the Good News of Jesus and God’s Word across the Western Slope.

Fifteen Incredible Easter Songs! Every Easter, I love hearing the wonderful Easter songs, starting with (and ending with) Charles Wesley’s Christ The Lord Is Risen Today . Here are a few of my other favorites that you will hear on KJOL on Easter Sunday. You can no doubt think of many other songs. 2nd Chapter of Acts (also Keith Green) Easter Song Don Francisco He’s Alive Lenny LeBlanc Above All Matt Redman The Cross Has Said It All Newsong Arise My Love Can’t Keep A Good Man Down Phillips, Craig & Dean Crucified With Christ Robin Mark The Wonder of Your Cross (10 minute version!) Ron Kenoly & Hillsongs Australia Jesus Is Alive Larnelle Harris & Sandy Patti I’ve Just Seen Jesus Twila Paris Lamb of God Dallas Holm Rise Again Hillsongs Australia My Redeemer Lives Greg Long Mercy Said No

Many KJOL listeners have indicated they enjoy songs with a country music flair. As it turns out, there are some great songs out right now that fit that description. John Waller & Eric Lee Brumley “ Surprise Me” John Waller is a former worship leader at a church in Parker, Colorado. His songs have been featured in several movies by the Kendrick Brothers: “Fireproof” ( While I’m Waiting ) “Courageous” ( As For Me And My House ) “War Room” ( Crazy Faith ) Eric Lee Brumley grew up in Rhode Island. His life was turned around when he got involved with Teen Challenge and began writing songs. He sings “blue, rock and Americana Gospel.” Caleb & John “ Finished ” Caleb & John are an unlikely collaboration. Caleb Crino is a pastor’s kid who studied classical piano at Belmont University, while John Secker is a self-taught guitarist. John’s style “leans toward the gritty, rootsy side” while “Caleb’s sweet spot is in pop melodies.” They met through a mutual friend while performing with CAIN and Anne Wilson. Their big hits are “ Somebody Like Me ” and “ Hallelujah Feeling .” Ben Fuller & Carrie Underwood “ If It Was Up To Me ” Last October, Ben Fuller was a guest at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, singing his new song “If It Was Up To Me.” Then he introduced a surprise guest on stage: Carrie Underwood. Their voices blended perfectly in a spellbinding performance (which you can see in the link above). The Band Reeves “ My Country ” The Band Reeves is two brothers, Jeramy and Cody Reeves of East Texas. Their newest song is “a heartfelt anthem celebrating faith, family, and the everyday values that define Band Reeves — two brothers who are everyday family men with calluses on their hands and Bible verses in their songs.” They arrived on the music scene in 2022 with their hit “ Higher Than The Heavens .”

The staff and I step into the month of February with a little trepidation but leaning on God. Coming out of maybe the busiest year in my memory, the pattern continues into this month. We look ahead to some challenging projects and hard anniversaries. We would love your prayers.