Nashville, TN – Grammy-nominated Atlantic recording group Skillet can now add “Drummies Award” to their list of notable achievements. Drum Magazine’s annual “Drummies Award” named Skillet’s Jen Ledger this year’s “Rising Star” in company along with drummers Chris Dave (Adele), Mike Johnstone, Dana Filloon (Junius) and Luke Holland (The Word Alive).
Skillet was named as one of the highest ranking artists featured in Billboard’s annual “The Year In Music” issue for 2011. Their album, Awake, which is nearing Platinum certification, debuted at No. 2 on Billboard’s Top 200 chart. The band will return to the studio this Fall to begin recording their forthcoming studio album with renowned Grammy-nominated producer Howard Benson (Bon Jovi, Kelly Clarkson, Daughtry, Gavin DeGraw, My Chemical Romance, Three Days Grace).
Skillet Publicity Photo, Photo Credit: David Molnar
Jen Ledger Photo, Photo Credit: Byran Smoak
But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” – Luke 23:40-43
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We all have regrets in life. Whether it’s not reaching out to the stranger we passed on the street today or missing the chance to tell someone we love them, we all know what it’s like to wish we had a do-over.
Some mistakes we make are small. We forget our keys in the car. We misplace an important paper. And the consequences, though real, are small too. We have to call someone to unlock our car. We spend extra time looking.
Other mistakes we make in our lives are bigger. So big, in fact, that we can’t seem to forgive ourselves. These mistakes are the ones that cause us to lose sleep, to toss and turn, wishing we had a chance to take it all back and relive that part of our life. “I know I’d do it all different if I had the chance.” If we could change it, we wouldn’t have to live with this guilt.
Mistakes like these are what “Lucy” is about. A young couple finds themselves pregnant with a child they aren’t ready to have. They end up aborting the child but then live with the guilt and pain that comes with the choice. “I’ve gotta live with the choices I made. And I can’t live with myself today.”
Even after all we do wrong, when we become murderers, liars, and thieves, there’s still someone who forgives us when we repent. He says, “I love you, and you are mine.” Who would want to claim us, even in our weakness? Even more, who would claim our mistakes as his own, writing his name in blood over each of our sins?
“But all I got are these roses to give and they can’t help me make amends.” We can’t make up for our wrongs. We can’t give more to cover up the past. It’s only by grace that we are forgiven, only by God that we are made new. We can help the hurt by mending relationships broken by sin and fixing some of the damages, but we can’t undo it. We need a savior. Thankfully, we have one.
He is Jesus. He loves us and died for us, and because of him we are washed clean. He’s there for us always, no matter what mistakes are in our past. And while we still have to deal with the consequences of our choices, we also know that when we repent, we receive forgiveness. If Jesus has forgiven us, then shouldn’t we learn to forgive ourselves? It doesn’t mean that we are okay with the sin, just that we learn to let go and not let it rule our lives. If we’re so stuck beating ourselves up over the past, how productive are we being in the present? It’s time to make a choice and start over again. Every day is a new opportunity. Don’t waste yours today.
Check out the album here. Don’t forget to scroll down for the video and lyrics. Leave your comments below!
Lyrics:
Hey Lucy, I remember your name
I left a dozen roses on your grave today
I’m in the grass on my knees, wipe the leaves away
I just came to talk for a while
I got some things I need to say
Chorus:
Now that it’s over
I just wanna hold her
I’d give up all the world to see that little piece of
heaven looking back at me
Now that it’s over
I just wanna hold her
I’ve gotta live with the choices I made
And I can’t live with myself today
Hey Lucy, I remembered your birthday
They said it’d bring some closure to say your name
I know I’d do it all different if I had the chance
But all I got are these roses to give
And they can’t help me make amends
Chorus
Here we are
Now you’re in my arms
I never wanted anything so bad
Here we are
For a brand new start
Living the life that we could’ve had
Me and Lucy walking hand in hand
Me and Lucy never wanna end
Just another moment in your eyes
I’ll see you in another life
In heaven where we never say goodbye
Here we are, now you’re in my arms
Here we are for a brand new start
Got to live with the choices I’ve made
And I can’t live with myself today
Me and Lucy walking hand in hand
Me and Lucy never wanna end
Got to live with the choices I’ve made
And I can’t live with myself today
Hey Lucy, I remember your name
DIGITAL COLLECTION FEATURES NEW VERSIONS OF HITS INCLUDING THE TOP 5 ACTIVE ROCK SMASH, “AWAKE AND ALIVE”;
GRAMMY®-Nominated Rockers to Hit the Road On Eagerly Awaited “AVALANCHE Tour 2011,” Trek Begins March 24th in Chicago
Atlantic records and their GRAMMY®-Nominated rockers Skillet have announced the release of a new digital EP. The “AWAKE AND REMIXED” EP will arrive at all DSPs on March 22nd.
The EP – which features alternative versions of songs found on the RIAA gold certified album, “AWAKE,” including the current top 5 Active Rock hit, #1 Christian Rock hit “Awake and Alive” – heralds the band’s upcoming US tour. Skillet will be among the bands participating in the “Avalanche Tour 2011,” joining such hard rock luminaries as Stone Sour, Theory of a Deadman, Art of Dying, and fellow Atlantic recording group Halestorm. The trek begins Thursday, March 24th at Chicago’s Aragon Ballroom and then traverses the country through early May (see itinerary below).
“AWAKE” – which includes a trio of Active Rock and Christian Rock/CHR radio blockbusters including the current hit “Awake and Alive,” the RIAA gold certified “Hero,” and the RIAA gold certified, top 5 mainstream Active Rock smash, “Monster” – has proven a true sensation, with digital single sales from the album now exceeding 1.5 million. Produced by Howard Benson (Three Days Grace, Daughtry, Flyleaf), the collection was among the top 10 on Billboard’s 2010 “Top Alternative Albums” chart, with Skillet coming in at the year’s #7 “Top Alternative Album Artist” and # 2 “Top Christian Album Artist.” Furthermore, at the close of 2010 Skillet was one of 15 artists including the Black Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga and the Zac Brown Band to have remained on the Billboard Top 200 chart for 64 weeks or more, making “AWAKE” #74 on Billboard’s 2010 “Top 200 Albums.” “AWAKE” reached the #1 spot on the iTunes Store’s “Top Albums” chart within 24 hours of its August 2009 release, while simultaneously exploding into the #2 spot on the SoundScan/Billboard 200.
One of America’s hardest working live acts, Skillet spent much of 2010 on the road, touring alongside Atlantic labelmates Shinedown as well as headlining their own “Alive & Awake Tour” and twice co-headlining the “Awake Tonight Tour” with TobyMac as well as a summer tour with Creed. Following Avalanche Skillet will headline a vast array of summer music festivals including Creation, Alive, Sonshine, Lifefest, Kingdom Bound, Soulfest, Rock the Desert, Night of Joy at Disney World and more.
Founded in 1996, Skillet has earned rapturous praise for their inspirational and intense approach to hard-edged alternative rock. Hit Parader celebrated Skillet for “(bringing) to mind the kind of slick, studio-savvy work that made vintage Aerosmith and Bon Jovi so much fun to listen to.” “Skillet…continually push their musical muscle with soaring guitar work interspersed with their take on 80’s hair-metal ballads,” declared Mix.
Skillet’s latest, “AWAKE,” continues to propel the incredible momentum the rock outfit has going for them, receiving RIAA Gold certification in just 10 months (half the time of the GOLD selling COMATOSE), along with their hit Active Rock and Christian Rock Single, “Monster” also receiving the same honor. “AWAKE” hit the ground running with a blockbuster debut at No. 2 on Billboard’s Top 200, selling over 67,000 units and peaking at No. 1 on iTunes® “Top Albums” chart and “Top Rock” chart. The project has not slowed down in nearly two years, being named Billboard’s #2 Top Christian Album and #9 Top Alternative Album of 2010. “AWAKE” boasts three Active Rock hits “Monster,” which was also AOL Music’s No. 4 mainstream rock song of 2009, the No. 1 Christian CHR & Rock single, “Hero,” which has been used by the NFL in their, Sunday Night Football and NFL Weekend Kickoff promos, and their latest hit and crowd favorite “Awake & Alive.”
Skillet’s live show has brought down the house with their powerful and intense performance from coast to coast, consistently ranking within Pollstar’s Concert Pulse Top 50 Tours. Having toured with the likes of mainstream megastars Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace, Shinedown, and more, Skillet has also co-headlined with Papa Roach, and headlined a slew of major Christian festivals – always leaving their fans wanting more. With cumulative sales approaching 2 million, the two-time Grammy®-nominated alternative rockers have also scored seven consecutive number one Christian radio singles, a 2008 GMA Dove Award for “Rock Song of the Year,” a 2009 nomination for Artist of the Year, a trio of singles on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock charts, and a pair of BMI Songwriting awards.
We’ve got lots of cool things happening this week all revolving around one of your favorite bands- Skillet.
Here’s the latest-
1) We’re flashing back to the past this week and bringing you a free song from Skillet’s album “The Early Years”
Be sure to download the first track off the album “Best Kept Secret” here.
2) Not only that, but we’ve got a special $5.99 deal (this week only) on the entire album, so after you sample our free download, go taken a listen at the rest of the record and get it while you can at FreeCCM.com/Deals
3) We’ve got some signed Skillet giveaways running over the next couple days on our Twitter page (Twitter.com/FreeCCM), and will be handing out various autographed Skillet albums to a lucky few Be sure to follow us so you can get the chance to win one!
Stay tuned later this week for more fun things from Skillet!
This week we’re sitting down with Stellar Kart frontman, Adam Agee, to talk about some of the songs from their latest album “Everything Is Different Now.” In case you haven’t heard yet, we’ve got it on sale for aspecial exclusive price this week only!You can download it for only $5.00 OR get the instant digital download plus a physical CD mailed to you for $7.99! Like I mentioned last week, we’ve worked out some great album deals over the coming months to help you get more music for your money, so check back each week for new tunes to add to your library. I don’t want to spoil anything, but we may or may not have some Skillet music for a ridiculous price coming up
Visit FreeCCM.com/Deals to preview Stellar Kart’s album now and check out the deals
In honor of our special Stellar Kart deal of the week we wanted to let you get a better glimpse behind the songs on their album! Take a look at our first couple song features below, and stay tuned for more to come.
It truly is an honor to get to read your comments on these bible studies, and we just wanted to say thank you for being so open and honest about your walk with The Lord. We were made to live in community with one another, and I know that I gain so much more from reading what you all have to say than from the bible study itself. We hope that you’ll find this as a place where you can be encouraged by the music and feel comfortable to speak freely about what God’s doing in your life. That said, we have another Skillet bible study this week inspired by their song “Forgiven” and I look forward to hearing your thoughts about it! We have one autographed poster left to give away, so don’t forget that you’re automatically entered when you comment on this post.
FORGIVEN
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“Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter).” – John 1:40-42
When Peter’s brother Andrew introduced him to Jesus for the very first time, his name was not Peter. It was Simon. Sometimes they called him Simon the Zealot. He was young, brash and outspoken. He tended to act before thinking, and he carried a sword, just looking for a fight. He was a religious school dropout and often went fishing during Jesus’ seaside sermons.
He certainly wasn’t the apostle type.
But from the very first moment Jesus met Peter, he saw him in a different light. Jesus took one look at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas.”
The name Cephas was translated Peter, which meant “rock.” In other words, Jesus saw the tremendous potential in Peter to become a spiritual leader.
Keep in mind that this was before Jesus got a chance to really know Peter. He hadn’t yet boasted of being the greatest disciple; he hadn’t yet cut off a man’s ear; he hadn’t cursed at the Samaritans or denied knowing Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. This was all still to come.
But by giving Peter a new name, Jesus was essentially saying, “In spite of everything you’ve ever done, are doing now, or will ever do in the future, you are forgiven. I see you as a new person.”
Most of us are held back from the life God has for us because we think our sins are unforgivable. We make decisions based on how we see ourselves, rather than how God sees us. This isn’t to say that we wallow in grief or self-pity, but we disqualify ourselves from God’s blessings. We condemn ourselves before God has a chance to restore us.
The truth is if you’ve decided to follow Jesus, he has already forgiven you. He has looked past your faults and your selfish tendencies and given you a new name. It’s a name that speaks to your potential in Christ.
As Peter went on to follow Jesus, he definitely made mistakes. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus reverts back and forth between calling him Simon and Peter – depending on how he was acting at the moment. At one point, in a moment of frustration, Jesus even told him, “Get behind me Satan.” But these names were not meant to condemn Peter. They were meant to remind him of his new calling as a child of God.
Before Jesus was crucified, Peter committed the ultimate offense against him by denying that he ever knew him. If there was any sin that could be unforgivable by Jesus, it was this one. Peter must have thought his future was compromised.
But when Jesus rose from the dead and visited his disciples again, he pulled Peter aside to ask, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “You know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
In this surprising moment, Jesus restored Peter as the spiritual shepherd and leader of his followers. In spite of everything Peter had done to ruin his chances, he was still forgiven.
Thanks for all of your awesome comments on our “Monster” devotional last week! I really enjoyed reading them, and congrats to our contest winner, Don, who got the signed Skillet poster. We’ve got more to give away, and another study this week from Skillet- inspired by their song “Awake And Alive.” Check it out below and post your thoughts in the comments section to be entered for another chance at winning this.
AWAKE AND ALIVE
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“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tonguesas the Spirit enabled them.” – Acts 2:1-4
Peter had been staying in a rented house in Jerusalem with the other disciples after Jesus’ crucifixion. Part of it was fear; if they killed Jesus, they might kill his followers too. But he was also devastated. His messiah, his long-awaited savior was dead.
The questions were swirling through Peter’s head: Was he wrong to trust in Jesus? Didn’t Jesus promise a better life? What was going to happen to him now?
Peter probably thought about going back to his family’s fishing business. It had been several years since he walked away from those familiar boats and nets; surely his father would welcome him back. Maybe he shouldn’t have left in the first place.
In fact, Peter wouldn’t have stayed in this house at all if Jesus hadn’t asked them to wait. He was fulfilling the request of his beloved teacher, but he was waiting for who knows what.
When we’re walking with God and can sense his presence, it’s easy to live the Christian life. Our hope is alive and our fears are vanquished. But when we go through dark times, we start wondering where God is. We begin doubting our faith. Suddenly, the life we abandoned for Jesus starts to look a whole lot more attractive, and we’re tempted to go back where we started.
But if we did this, we would miss out on a crucial part of following Jesus – experiencing the spirit of God. One of Jesus’ greatest promises to us was that we would never be alone. And because of the Holy Spirit, we never have to be.
After 40 days of waiting in the upper room, the disciples were overtaken by a mighty rushing wind. In one, sweeping force, the disciples were filled with the spirit of God. It was a sign of their genuine faith in Jesus. And suddenly, instantly, they awakened to the truth of everything that Jesus had taught them. Their eyes were opened, and their lives were never going to be the same.
At this time, the Jewish people were celebrating the feast of Pentecost in Jerusalem. The story says that people were gathered together from every nation under Heaven. So when they heard the violent wind, they circled around the house to see what was going on.
Once afraid and doubtful, Peter now stood in front of the crowd awakened and alive. This was his moment. This was his time. He spoke passionately and courageously about how Jesus came to save them from their sins. He insisted that they repent from their ways and trust in Jesus so they could find forgiveness as well.
A Christian life without the spirit of God is dead. But when the Holy Spirit fills us, we know what we believe. We stand strong for our convictions and speak truth at every opportunity. The spirit banishes fear and doubt, and we sense God’s presence inside us.
The good news is that this gift is available to all of us who believe in Jesus.
As Peter said to the crowd, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
So… I just stumbled across a few Skillet “Comatose” posters signed by the band, and thought it might be something you would like. They look like this, and could be hanging on your wall in a couple weeks We have a great bible study today (and more to come) that was inspired by Skillet’s song “Monster” and we’d love to hear your thoughts. We’re reading through Luke 22:54-57 and talking about the “monster” inside us all that Jesus came to save. Post a comment with your takeaways from the study or your favorite bible verse, and we’ll randomly select a winner to get the prize!
MONSTER
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“Then seizing [Jesus], they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. But when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, ‘This man was with him.’ But he denied it. ‘Woman, I don’t know him,’ he said.” – Luke 22:54-57
The dark, diabolical side of Peter took over when he least expected it. He always knew it was there, lurking under the surface. But he never thought it would come out against someone he loved.
After Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, Peter crept into to the temple courtyard to eavesdrop. But this wasn’t a gathering of protestors or peace advocates. He stood around burning trashcans with people who couldn’t wait to see Jesus hang on a cross.
Peter tried to blend in. He only wanted to know what was going on. But suddenly the situation turned frightening. A young girl recognized Peter as one of Jesus’ disciples and hurled accusations at him. Roman soldiers were surrounding him, so it could have meant death for him.
What he did next was unthinkable.
It wasn’t enough for Peter to escape into the night. He thought he had to prove them wrong. So he gave himself over to the beast that lives inside all of us – our sin nature. He began cursing with the vilest words he knew. He lied through his teeth with seething anger. And worst of all, he denied even knowing Jesus. He let the monster out of its cage.
At this one, shameful moment, Peter became an enemy of God.
Maybe you’ve sensed it within you too. You’ve been following Jesus, but there’s something horrible lurking inside you. Sometimes you’re surprised by the thoughts that flash through your mind. You refuse to tell anyone because you’re afraid of what they’ll think of you.
Take heart. You’re not alone.
Jesus didn’t tell Peter not to betray him. He told him that he would betray him. In other words, he expected it. Jesus knew something about human nature – that even when we’re filled with the spirit of God, we still have to contend with our old, sinful nature. And as long as we walk this earth, we’ll always struggle to restrain it.
When Peter realized what he had done, he was mortified. The story says that he wept bitterly. What’s worse, he had even told Jesus that he would never deny him. Can you imagine the shame he must have felt? Peter hated himself for it.
The magnificent part of this story is that Jesus knew about the monster inside Peter and loved him anyway. Jesus predicted that Peter would betray him, but he never turned his back on him.
It turns out that the monster inside us is exactly why Jesus came to earth. We could never restrain the monster ourselves; it’s much too powerful. Jesus took the punishment for our sins on the cross because we could never gain favor with God on our own.
As we walk in the presence of God, he gives us the power to become a new person in him. Our lives are no longer judged by the actions we take, but by the belief that we have in him.
P.S. Have you seen Skillet’s newest podcast episode? Click here to watch & see what the band has been up to lately
Here it is. The final round of Skillet’s “Name That Song” Game is below for your enjoyment. As promised, I’ve made it more difficult this time around with 2 second clips. Congrats to our round 2 winner Abby!
On a different note- Skillet has a new single out and front man, John Cooper, sat down to give us a little behind the scenes details on the song. Check out his video below.
John also posted a special blog message today on Facebook- here’s a preview for you:
What’s up everyone? I am writing my first blog of all time. Why, you ask? For love…love of you awesome fans!You rule, that’s right. I am shocked at the amazing response of the summer crowds. It’s been the highlight of my career. Ok, Creation East festival was the best and biggest performance of our lives…70,000 people! People were singing our songs SO LOUD! That is the best thing about being on stage by the way, when people sing your songs so loud that you don’t have to sing! Like a U2 show! Well, not as big as U2 obviously…
I have randomly selected 3 clips from past Skillet albums- Listen to each one below and name the song and album title it comes from. Send your answers to us in a direct Twitter message (Twitter.com/freeccm) or email (freeccmcontest@gmail.com).
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I know, I know. Last week’s Skillet quiz was way too easy for you guys- not to mention everyone could see everyone else’s answers in the comments. lol I guess I didn’t completely think through that part of it. HOWEVER- we’ve got another round for you this week that will hopefully be a bit more hardcore.
Here’s why:
(1) I’m only streaming 10 seconds of each song- that way you really have to know your stuff to figure out which one it is. Plus I made sure to keep out the giveaway parts of each song- for example- on “Best Kept Secret” that would be the part where John sings “You’re The Best Kept Secret!” over an over again…
(2) Instead of sending your answers in a comment for everyone else to see, we’d like you to send it to us in a direct Twitter message (Twitter.com/freeccm). If you don’t have Twitter and are not interested in jumping on it, you can also email your answers to us (freeccmcontest@gmail.com).
(3) Well, this doesn’t really have anything to do with anything, but I stumbled across this old school Skillet music video the other day and just wanted to throw it up here for fun.
We’ll have another round next week that will be even more difficult, so I’m excited to see how many of you make it to the end. I might do 2 second clips or something Also, don’t forget about Skillet’s special sale on iTunes right now for all of their music from “The Early Years.” Click here to go check it out!
Alright, enough talk- here it is:
Name that song!
I have randomly selected 3 clips from past Skillet albums- Listen to each one below and name the song and album title it comes from.
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P.S. Congrats to Michael for winning last week’s prize!
Nashville, TN – Grammy-nominated Atlantic recording group Skillet can now add “Drummies Award” to their list of notable achievements. Drum Magazine’s annual “Drummies Award” named Skillet’s Jen Ledger this year’s “Rising Star” in company along with drummers Chris Dave (Adele), Mike Johnstone, Dana Filloon (Junius) and Luke Holland (The Word Alive).
Be sure to 
