Steps Ordered - Mighty God Working - Volume One

By Peggy Oliver

For the last three years, a group of singers and musicians rehearsed, planned, then executed a vision fulfilling a goal God laid upon vocalist/songwriter’s Derrick Hale’s heart.  The results: Mighty God Working from the aggregate, Steps Ordered. 

Produced by keyboardists Cornell Showell and Terrence Gooden, this praise and worship CD features a musical cast, most who attend First Apostolic in the greater Baltimore, MD area, where Apostle Showell is the pastor.  Laying down assorted rhythmic backdrops are “C.J.” Charles Bennett and Gerald Richardson, both from the veteran soul/inspirational band, also Baltimore-based, Marcell & The Truth.

Several scriptural principles are strung together on the airy title track (Hebrews 13:21, Philippians 4:13), prodding us to stay the course when recognizing our source authority.  I Am What I Am indicates we’re all saved and are upheld by grace, especially emphasized through the song’s second half.

Through ever-changing times I’m God encourages believers to leave worries and loneliness by the wayside.  Mike Ferrante’s acoustic guitar provides delicate sweeps on this R&B vibe.  No longer desiring to hang out “where the trouble is”, In The Will Of God  requires a sincere detour in our decisions.  The opening and closing instrumental breaks plunge into a club beat drubbed with drums and bass.

Our provider and “a mighty deliverer.”  This Too Will Pass (Psalm 30:5) puts the past aside so we can experience salvation.  “God’s Answer” comes in the manner of “seeking His face” (Psalm 27, Psalm 105), therefore as the climatic refrain iterates, He is “the Answer to your prayer.”

Picture ourselves sitting calmly before the throne room as the choir and restrained electric piano accompaniment leads us into the Secret Chamber.  The jazz-tinged, Just A Matter Of Time, takes its time to let us know Christ will come through, but not necessarily on our timetable.

Life can now begin, so says If Any Man (2 Corinthians 5:17) with a snappy arrangement and spiritual benefits are in store for those who seek The Master Physician: “Cast your cares on Him” (Psalm 55:22).