Over the years, Cody Carnes has developed some incredible music that we know and love – and sing regularly at church. But his name came to the forefront of all our minds in 2020 with the worship anthem “The Blessing” which he co-wrote with his beautiful and talented wife, Kari Jobe.
Now, Carnes releases his second live album, titled after his ever popular song: Firm Foundation. “This is one of my favorite songs I’ve ever been a part of writing, and I really believe in it,” Cody Carnes shares. “I’ve seen it spark a room while I’m leading like no other song I’ve been a part of.” Like many Christian artists, admitting his struggles and insecurities is one of many elements that draws us to Cody’s music. When the room worships while singing his lyrics and songs, we’re drawn to the truth of Jesus’ faithfulness.
Before working on this album, Carnes knew that this song was supposed to be the base of an entire collection of songs. “These songs celebrate the God who never ever fails,” says Carnes. In an age where fear of failure looms over many, it’s a gift to have a lyrical reminder of God’s victory and triumph over our sins and emotional defeat.
The songs for this album were composed with the intention and desire to bring those who felt far from God closer to Him. Carnes proclaims that they were penned in a time when he wanted to draw closer to God. “They were written out of encounters with Jesus and they carry His certain hope in uncertain times.”
Cody Carnes has been developing this album for a few years now. In fact, it was captured with his first live album God is Good. During a two night worship event at his church home, The Belonging Co., Carnes performed and recorded both albums – each being released about a year apart. “I’m so excited to announce another live album,” exclaims Cody Carnes.
The album opens with the song ‘Who Is This Man’ which looks at all the incredible miracles Jesus performed during his ministry here on earth. “The lyrics are inspired by the disciples being constantly amazed at Jesus and the miracles that followed that they would ask ‘who is this man?’ “
It’s hard to look at all that Christ accomplished and not be amazed. Cody confesses that the life of Jesus is a marvel to him. “This song makes me cry every time I hear it. This live moment is so full of the presence of God. Every lyric of this song points to Jesus. I pray this song leads you to Jesus as you listen and worship along with us.”
Cody Carnes Looks to Scripture
The entire album is inspired by Matthew 7:24-27, where Jesus tells us to listen to His teaching, and by doing so, we will build a strong foundation.
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
Matthew 7:24-17
Carnes was drawn to scripture for the song “Bless God.” In Psalm 34:1 David proclaims, “I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.” Cody worked with Brooke Ligertwood and Brandon Lake to pen, “I bless God every chance I get. My lungs expand with His praise.” ‘Bless God’ centers listeners, helping them escape the chaos of their lives helping them focus on how God sustain us with everything we need. “God is worthy of praise in every season,” shares Cody Carnes. “Sometimes it’s easy when things are going well, and sometimes it’s really hard when things aren’t going the way you would like, and in those times, like David in the Psalms, I have to command my soul to praise the Lord.”
Most of us are seasonal praisers. We sit in praise during the good times and we don’t want to the goodness to dissipate. But, Carnes encourages listeners to allow the praise in all seasons and reminds us that seasons are supposed to change. “I’ve learned that we’re meant to pass through the hard seasons, we’re not meant to set up camp there. And praise helps us pass through. This song is meant to help in that passing through, blessing God in every situation.”
Carnes proclaims Romans 10 as the core of the song ‘Call On the Name.’ He quickly and effortlessly quotes Romans 10:9 and 13, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved… everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Carnes explains that the essence of this song is deliverance. “’Call On The Name’ is a salvation song. It leads people through the call and the confession that scripture talks about.” Not only does Cody Carnes hope this songs calls non-believers to their Savior, he also believes it can remind those who already believe that there are people who are thirsty for what only God can offer. “I believe we’re stepping into a great harvest where many people are coming to know Jesus. I’m praying this song helps lead people into that confession of salvation!” Jesus will rescue us from our deep, dark pit as well as our own pride and selfishness. He is willing and waiting, we just need to call on His name.
