Not complacent, yet pressing towards the mark currently as Founder and Senior Pastor of Lighthouse Full Life Center Church, one of the fastest growing churches in Western Michigan, Marvin is innovative in his approach to winning the lost and edifying the believer. As a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Pastor Marvin is committed to his community and enjoys taking the message to the masses. In its inaugural year, the ministry has initiated a Full Life approach with an emphasis of addressing the spiritual, physical and mental needs of the body. By no means is Pastor Marvin and the Lighthouse family resting on its laurels or taking credit for the well-rounded and effective ministry approach. In fact, with humility, they acknowledge they have found the formula for a successful ministry based on the Bible and cultivated through an intimate relationship with God.
Pastor Marvin is united in covenant to(Late) First Lady MaLinda Sapp, a gifted speaker, local
college professor and Limited Licensed Psychologist, who also serves as Administrative Pastor. They have three wonderful children; Marvin II, Mikaila and Madisson.
(2) Recruited for the legendary gospel group Commissioned while still a relative unknown, Marvin Sapp recorded with the group until its dissolution in 1995, and then began his own solo career with a self-titled album the following year. Born and raised in Grand Rapids, MI (where he has based his JOY Ministries outreach), Sapp debuted with Commissioned in the early '90s after Keith Staten left for solo work. He recorded the Commissioned albums Number 7 and Matters of the Heart with members Fred Hammond, Mitchell Jones, Mike Williams, and Karl Reid; after Hammond and Williams left as well, Sapp recorded the group's final album, 1996's Irreplaceable Love. By that time Sapp had signed a solo contract too, and March 1996 saw the release of his self-titled debut on Word Records. The album reunited him with former Commissioned mate Fred Hammond (who produced the LP) and featured the gospel hits "Calling Me" and "In His Presence." Sapp's sophomore effort, Grace & Mercy, appeared in May 1997, followed two years later by Nothing Else Matters. After a short absence from the music scene, he reappeared under contract at Versity Records and released the song "I Believe" on the WOW Gospel 2002 album, followed by the album I Believe later in 2002. Diary of a Psalmist appeared in 2003, Be Exalted in 2005, and Thirsty in 2007. Here I Am, which debuted higher in the Billboard charts than any gospel album in 50 years, arrived in 2010. I Win followed in 2012. ~ John Bush, Rovi
Close
Marvin Sapp Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Extremely close to my victory 'cause here comes
Trials and troubles, jealousy and envy
I must be close to what You have for me, I must be close
To my overflow
Extremely close to my miracle
'Cause here comes
Confusion, problems and enemies
That I must be close to what You have for me
To whom much is given, so much is required
Be qualified, must go through the fire
But I won't smell like smoke
I'll be better than before
His guidance is in my life
Just to let me know
I must be close (to my destiny, extremely close) I'm extremely close
(To my victory) Yes I am ('cause here comes)
(Trials) and (troubles) and (jealousy and envy)
(I must be close to what You have for me) I must be close
(Must be close to my overflow, extremely close) Extremely close
(To my miracle) 'cause here comes
(Confusion) and (problems) and (and enemies)
(I just believe) I just believe
(That I am close to what You have for me)
While walking out the steps
That You have planned for me
Living by faith, a bright future I see
I won't be swayed by the obstacles that I face
For my victory is secure, if I stay in the race
That's why (I just believe)
I Just believe (that I must be close to what You have for me)
So I'll go through it, I'll go through it
I'll go through it, I just believe
I must be close to it
So close to it, oh, so close to it
(As long as You're with me, I'll get through it)
I'm gonna get through it (I'll get through it)
It may be hard sometimes (I'll get through it)
But You made me a promise ('cause I know that I must be close to it)
And the promise is that I'm real close (close to it)
Oh, so close (close to it) extremely close
(As long as You're with me, I'll push through it)
I'm gonna push through the obstacles (I'll push through it)
The trouble and the trials (I'll push through it)
Through every struggle
('Cause I know that I must be close to it) You are close
(Close) oh, so close
I just believe, I must be close
What God has for me
I've been waiting, anticipating (I believe)
That I am close to what You have for me!
The song "Close" by Marvin Sapp talks about the belief that an individual is close to their destiny and victory despite the challenges they face. The lyrics imply that the difficulties that the individual is experiencing like trials, confusion, enemies, and problems are proof that they must be close to what God has for them. The line "To whom much is given, so much is required" suggests that because they have been given so much, they must go through the fire and become qualified. The struggles that they face will not deter them, but they will continue to strive towards their future using their faith as a guiding light. The chorus is about the individual's unwavering belief that they are close to what God has in store for them.
The first verse is about the individual's preparation for what's to come. They acknowledge that trials and troubles are signs that they are near their destiny. In the second verse, the individual confirms that they will go through the obstacles they face with faith as their anchor. The declaration "I just believe" is repeated multiple times, emphasizing the individual's unshakeable faith that they are close to what God has for them.
One can conclude that the song is an uplifting message to individuals to keep pushing through the adversities they face because, in the midst of the struggles, the individual may actually be closer to their destiny. The lyrics reveal that sometimes, when we face hardships and get pushed to the limit, that's when we are closest to our victory.
Line by Line Meaning
I must be close to my destiny
I am getting closer to reaching my ultimate purpose in life
Extremely close to my victory 'cause here comes
My triumph is just in sight, as I face more challenges
Trials and troubles, jealousy and envy
Obstacles such as difficulties, envy, and strife are appearing
I must be close to what You have for me, I must be close
I believe I am nearing my divine destiny
To my overflow
My abundance, blessings, and prosperity are near
Extremely close to my miracle
My greatest breakthrough is imminent
'Cause here comes confusion, problems, and enemies
But, more difficulties, issues, and foes are on the horizon
I just believe
I have faith and trust that my destiny is close at hand
That I must be close to what You have for me
I am confident that I am nearing what God has planned for me
To whom much is given, so much is required
With great gifts come great responsibilities
Be qualified, must go through the fire
One must prove their worthiness by undergoing challenges
But I won't smell like smoke
I won't be negatively impacted by the trials
I'll be better than before
I will emerge from the fire stronger and improved
His guidance is in my life
God is present in my life and leading me
Just to let me know
To remind me of my purpose and keep me on track
While walking out the steps
As I continue on my journey
That You have planned for me
The path that God has designed for me
Living by faith, a bright future I see
By having faith, I envision a successful future
I won't be swayed by the obstacles that I face
Challenges won't deter me from reaching my goals
For my victory is secure, if I stay in the race
If I persist and persevere, I am guaranteed a win
So I'll go through it, I'll go through it
I will experience the challenges
It may be hard sometimes (I'll get through it)
Although it may be tough, I will overcome the obstacles
But You made me a promise ('cause I know that I must be close to it)
Because God has promised, I am even more certain my destiny is near
And the promise is that I'm real close (close to it)
God's promise indicates that I am extremely near my purpose
As long as You're with me, I'll get through it
With God's presence, I will conquer the struggles
I'm gonna push through the obstacles (I'll push through it)
I will persist despite the hurdles and barriers
The trouble and the trials (I'll push through it)
I won't let problems and setbacks stop me
Through every struggle
Despite all challenges
You are close
My destiny is within reach and near me
Oh, so close
Very near
I just believe, I must be close
My belief affirms that I am very near my destiny
I've been waiting, anticipating (I believe)
I have been eagerly awaiting the fulfillment of my destiny
That I am close to what You have for me!
I am confident that I am at the doorstep of my divine purpose
Lyrics © Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: Marvin Sapp
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
O.O
I must be close to my destiny
Extremely close to my victory 'cause here comes
Trials and troubles, jealousy and envy
I must be close to what You have for me, I must be close
To my overflow
Extremely close to my miracle
'Cause here comes
Confusion, problems and enemies
I just believe
That I must be close to what You have for me
To whom much is given, so much is required
Be qualified, must go through the fire
But I won't smell like smoke
I'll be better than before
His guidance is in my life
Just to let me know
I must be close (to my destiny, extremely close) I'm extremely close
(To my victory) Yes I am ('cause here comes)
(Trials) and (troubles) and (jealousy and envy)
(I must be close to what You have for me) I must be close
(Must be close to my overflow, extremely close) Extremely close
(To my miracle) 'cause here comes
(Confusion) and (problems) and (and enemies)
(I just believe) I just believe
(That I am close to what You have for me)
While walking out the steps
That You have planned for me
Living by faith, a bright future I see
I won't be swayed by the obstacles that I face
For my victory is secure, if I stay in the race
That's why (I just believe)
I Just believe (that I must be close to what You have for me)
So I'll go through it, I'll go through it
I'll go through it, I just believe
I must be close to it
So close to it, oh, so close to it
I'm gonna get through it (I'll get through it)
It may be hard sometimes (I'll get through it)
But You made me a promise ('cause I know that I must be close to it)
And the promise is that I'm real close (close to it)
Oh, so close (close to it) extremely close
(As long as You're with me, I'll push through it)
I'm gonna push through the obstacles (I'll push through it)
The trouble and the trials (I'll push through it)
Through every struggle
('Cause I know that I must be close to it) You are close
(Close) oh, so close
I just believe, I must be close
What God has for me
I've been waiting, anticipating (I believe)
That I am close to what You have for me!
Latonya Blanchard
You’re close to what God has for you. No matter how it looks, no matter what the enemy throws your way. Your Savior is stronger than your situation.
Britanie Williams
Latonya Daniels love your comment!!!
Lisa Ashford
Amen
Tawanda Holshouser
Amen
Asha Ellis
This song is so powerful. I’m in nursing school and the closer I get the harder it gets. I believe than I a close to what God has for me. No battle, no weapons or giant can defeat God’s purpose for me. Keep me in your prayers y’all. God bless y’all.
ChangelocksDnteatafter4 Pray2JCdntsleepwithitis
We need an update girl! Whats up? Brag on Jesus Christ
Asha Ellis
@ChangelocksDnteatafter4 Pray2JCdntsleepwithitiswith the grace of God. I’ve graduated nursing school in 2020 and working now as a nurse. God is amazing 🙏🙏🙏
Sharon Armour
@Asha Ellis hello there thanks for updating your post. I am also in nursing and this post helped me
Ky'la Sims
@Asha Ellis congratulations!
Y. W.
Ol ffnhf😊