#151: Finding God Through Music, Mike Marshall Now Writes Songs & Leads Worship

Run The Race

Music is powerful! Independent Christian artist Mike Marshall left a stable job, taking a leap of faith in going into full-time music ministry, and he hasn't looked back. Along with releasing several singles (he plays some for us on this episode) and an album, he's also a leader in a ministry that will be hosting an annual event in a few weeks called "Revival on the River" in Alabama. (3:44) Why Christian music? Mike talks about the connection to something bigger, how he found God through music, which gave him a deeper relationship with the Lord. Now, he wants to share Jesus with others through music too, whether it be Christians or the unchurched. (10:05) He plays and sings part of his 1st single, an original song appropriately called "Jesus." Music can also (14:12) touch people through the love and healing power of God, he believes. He points to examples in the Bible and also how music is used in church services and even Beethoven. As a worship leader, Mike is led by the Holy Spirit but also believes in practicing, preparing to get it right and create those moments for God to move. For the last few years, (21:380 he's also been the Operations Director for the non-profit Take The City, a humbling experience to see real life challenges more and to play music for sometimes just one person in a prayer room - which has helped him make it intimate when he's leading worship for hundreds of people. (26:50) Thousands are expected at their "Revival on The River" (where I'll be the emcee) at the Phenix City AL amphitheater on Friday, April 14 - a free event with free Chick-Fil-A sandwiches! There will be music, fun, a message, water baptisms and more. The goal is unity for churches, salvations, and an opportunity to get involved with this street ministry's monthly outreaches. (33:22) Mike also shares with us how and why he trusted God to go into music ministry full-time. He also explains how he looks at life with God like a marriage covenant. And how does he write those original songs? Mike shares how he started writing his most popular one...while in a Chick-Fil-A bathroom. (40:15) He plays and sings another song for us: "Thank You" off his album that came out 1 year ago called "Come On In." You can find more information about Mike and download, listen to his songs at https://www.mikemarshallmusic.com/. Music helps him come alive and he's grateful to God for saving Him! Mike closes us in prayer. Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast! Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and all past episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.