Season 2, Episode 4 – “Between the Straits and the Spirit: A Season of Return”

The Upper Room Faith Music Podcast

Season 2, Episode 4 – “Between the Straits and the Spirit: A Season of Return”

In this powerful and reflective episode, host Mike Brandon and guest host Carol explore the intersection of Christian and Jewish spiritual seasons, drawing parallels between the Ordinary Time of the Christian calendar and the Jewish period of mourning known as Bein HaMetzarim (“Between the Straits”). The central message: this is a sacred season of reflection, growth, and returning to God.

Featured segments include:

Artist of the Day: Point of Grace – Celebrating their enduring harmonies and healing sound, with a nod to their legacy since their 1993 debut.
This Week in Christian Music History: Carol revisits milestones from Amy Grant, Point of Grace, and Casting Crowns, offering a nostalgic lens on how far Christian music has come.
Emerging Artist Spotlight: Easy to Take Notes – A lo-fi worship duo creating intimate, scripture-infused music, highlighted by their track “Before the Dew Falls.”
Song of the Day:“Negev Skies” by Ruach Tzelit – A haunting acoustic jam blending Hebrew chants and desert-inspired instrumentation, calling listeners back to the wilderness.
Sermon by Pastor VICS Staples: “The Table in the Desert” – A message of hope and provision for those walking through dry, transitional seasons.
Bible Reading of the Day: Isaiah 43:19 – A timely reminder that God is doing a new thing, even in the wilderness.

Mike and Carol close the episode with an invitation to slow down, listen, and return to the Spirit in this unique moment of spiritual convergence.

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