"Blessed Be Your Name"
This powerful worship song by Matt Redman has a phrase that is based on Job 13:15. The Message translates it like this:
"So hold your tongue while I have my say, then I'll take whatever I have coming to me.Why do I go out on a limb like this and take my life in my hands?Because even if he killed me, I'd keep on hoping. I'd defend my innocence to the very end. Just wait, this is going to work out for the best—my salvation!"
Click here to hear the story behind the song by Matt Redman.
www.theheartofworship.org/stories/Story-257-BlessedBeYourName-Redman.mp3
Click here to hear the song
www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6xo5KogzaI
Click here to worship along with Tree63
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mZH9T9XNVU&mode=related&search=
"My Savior Lives"
This is a new song by Jon Egan & Glenn Packiam of the New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Co. When asked about writing songs for the church in an interview Jon shared the following.Those songs were written out of innocence just to equip our own church. I think that probably is the reason for the success. The heart of these songs, the heart of us as worshippers or worship leaders, has always been to help our people in our spheres of influence. The fact that it's equipped the Church beyond our church is overwhelming, wonderful, and humbling. Jared: We weren't really following anyone into it; we were just excited about what God was doing. We started to try our own songs at times other than Sunday morning. We just put it out there to see if it would live. It began that way, and it crept into the culture of Sunday morning.
Click here to listen to the song:
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=139038586
Click here to worship with the New Life church:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_SB-SpNm00&feature=related
"God Grant me to be Silent"
The worship choir with Cellist Kim Souther will share this song Sunday.
To download this powerful song of solitude visit this website and click on download:
www.music44.com/X/product/10%252F3037M-Z
"We're Marching to Zion"
Isaac Watts wrote this song because of the controversy between singing of Psalms and the singing of hymns, the church decided to sing Psalms at the beginning of their service and then after the preaching, they would sing hymns. Many people who were still against the hymns would get up and leave the service at this time. Isaac Watts wrote the hymn to refute this practice of people walking out during the hymn singing. Just reads the words especially stanza two.
Let those refuse to sing who never knew our God,
But children of the heavenly King,
but children of the heavenly King,
May speak their joys abroad,
may speak their joys abroad.
Click here to hear the song
www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh733.sht
"Here in your Presence"
Jon Egan wrote this song after meditating on the presence of God. He said that as he leads worship for the youth, he sees what a few moments spent in the presence of the Lord can do for people.
Click here to listen to Jon Egan share how he wrote the song, scroll down to the song:
www.theheartofworship.org/stories.shtml
Found in Your hands, fullness of joy Every fear suddenly wiped away here in Your presence
All of my gains now fade away Every crown no longer on display, here in Your presence
Heaven is trembling in awe of Your wonders The kings and their kingdom are standing amazed
Here in Your presence, we are undone Here in Your presence,
Heaven and Earth become oneHere in Your presence, all things are new
Here in Your presence, everything bows before You
Wonderful, beautiful, glorious, matchless in every way
Wonderful, beautiful, glorious, matchless in every way
Click here to worship along with the New Life worship team:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFZyT2fEK3I
"Come Thou Fount, Come Thou King"
This arrangement is by Thomas Miller, Worship Pastor of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas. I had the opportunity to visit with Thomas during my sabbatical, he said the added chorus came to him on a Saturday morning watching college football. He was singing through the order for that evenings service and wanted to have some kind of transition to the next song and the following simple chorus came to him."Come Thou fount, come Thou King, Come Thou precious Prince of Peace; Hear Your bride, to you we sing, come Thou fount of our blessing."
The original hymn was composed by the 18th century Methodist pastor and hymnist Robert Robinson. The hymn is set to an American folk tune known as Nettleton, by attribution to the evangelist Asahel Nettleton who composed it early in the nineteenth century. Robinson penned the words at age the of 22 in the year 1757.
Click here to watch and sing along with the Gateway church version
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BFNvhbuNg4&mode=related&search=
If you like more of a traditional arrangement check out this choir arrangement here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUhU0HgTq94&mode=related&search=
Monday, March 31, 2008
Stories Behind the songs - Sunday April 6, 2008
Please be in prayer this Wednesday April 2 - Friday April 11th as this group from FBC Hurst ministers along the Mehanna Road in West Africa. Go here for more information on the partnership FBC has with IMB missionaries Brad & Sally Womble. http://mehannaroad.squarespace.com/ (Kneeling Mark Kent & Tim Feldman - from the left Ginger Garner, Scott Luttrell, Yvette Luttrell, Jeff Wilkinson, & Mark Garner)
SONGS FOR SUNDAY
“Holy is the Lord”
Chris Tomlin wrote this song after meditating on Isaiah 6. He was intrigued by the passage where the angels called to one another. The phrase “Holy is the Lord and the earth is filled with his glory” kept ringing in his mind. He met up with Louie Giglio who had been meditating on the passage in Nehemiah where after Israel rebuilt the wall they built a wooden tower and opened the word of the lord. When this happened the people stood and lifted their hands then also bowed down. Louie was struck by the picture in his mind and wrote the following phrase in his journal:
“It’s rising up all around, it’s the anthem of the Lord’s renown”
Click here to listen to Chris & Louie Giglio talk about how the song came about:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nv6hSdbfo2E
Click here to worship and sing-along
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSKN5PX_3a0&feature=related
Click here to worship along with Chris Tomlin
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3X4CwGGJQMI
"Crown Him with Many Crowns"
The text of this great hymn is a composite or combination by two different authors, both of whom were inspired by Revelation 19:12. The first printing was a six-stanza hymn in Hymns of the Heart (1851) by Matthew Bridges, who later in his life left the Church of England and became a Roman Catholic. Bridges' hymn was originally titled: "The Song of the Seraphs."In 1874, Godfrey Thring feared that some of the Bridges' verses spoke too much of Catholic doctrine. Verse two, for example, said:
Crown Him the virgin's Son, the God incarnate born, Whose arm those crimson trophies won which now His brow adorn; Fruit of the mystic rose, as of that rose the stem; The root whence mercy ever flows, the Babe of Bethlehem.
He wrote six new stanzas for the hymn. The new six stanza text was published in Thring's Hymns and Sacred Lyrics."Over the years, the twelve stanzas (six by Bridges and six by Thring) became intermingled in various hymnbooks.Hence, the hymn that had two entirely different six-stanza texts appears in most hymnals with a composite 4 stanza text.
Click here to worship along with Sandi Patti at FBC Orlando:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJ1oNdzyvP4
Click here to worship along and read the text:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdK4lzg8gsU&feature=related
"Long as I Got King Jesus"
Award-winning singer Vickie Winans comes from a large family of impressive gospel singers. She began her career when she was a small child, performing with family. All grown up, she completed her debut solo album, Be Encouraged, in 1985. It was the first of a long line of recordings that would bring her a number of hits and music awards. Born the seventh child of a still-growing family, Winans was raised in Detroit, MI. Her entire family was a musical one, and deeply religious as well. She was only about eight years old when she began singing at the family church, astounding the audience with her vocal ability. Her love for the Gospel and music was the perfect combination. She's shared success with the famous Winans family, for she married Marvin Winans and eventually joined forces with the gospel group. Vickie's first solo album carries a track that became her signature song, "We Shall Behold Him." The debut full-length offering also earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Female Contemporary Soul Gospel Album, a Stellar Award for Album of the Year, and an Excellence Award for Best Female Contemporary Artist. It was a foretelling of what was to come. Through the latter half of the '80s into the next decade, Winans recorded several award-winning albums. When not in the recording studio, she spent much of her time performing more than 200 nights most years. She has also made numerous television appearances on shows like Oprah, the Grammy Awards, Arsenio Hall, Queen Latifah, and The Pat Sajak Show and starred in Broadway musicals like Don't Get God Started. Winans' music can be deeply gospel, contemporary Christian, or any mixture in between. Her most famous songs include "We Shall Behold Him," "Daddy Can't Sing," "First Trumpet Sound," "The Diet Medley," "Boyfriends," "Its Yo Thang," "Give It One More Try," "Sweeter Than the Honeycomb," and "Little Timmy."
** MUST WATCH - music video by Vickie Winans
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyAMCkHOb8U
Click here for another version:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynU8yKtQZuQ&feature=related
"Only a God Like You"
Tommy Walker didn’t speak until he was three years-old. They say once he started he hasn’t stopped. Tommy has led worship at Christian Assembly in Los Angeles, California with his pastor Mark Pickerill, since 1990. Tommy believes every person is created to give glory to their Creator. Only in fulfilling this purpose can we find true meaning in life. Tommy has traveled with Promise Keepers, Greg Laurie Harvest Crusades and Franklin Graham. He has written over 100 songs that include “He Knows my Name”, “That’s Why we Praise Him”, “Lord I Believe in You”, “Break Through” and “This is What Christmas means to me’. For the last decade Tommy has traveled internationally holding worship concerts and mercy ministry outreaches in places where people are in great need. He has led his worship team to the Philippines, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Guatemala, Zambia and Brazil. Tommy has been married to his wife Robin for seventeen years and they have four children. Tommy’s prayer is that he will be found faithful to His God, his family and his local church.
Click here to learn more about Tommy Walker:
http://www.tommywalker.net/
Click here to sing along on the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nr117slPVEg&feature=related
"Here in your Presence"
Jon Egan wrote this song after meditating on the presence of God. He said that as he leads worship for the youth, he sees what a few moments spent in the presence of the Lord can do for people.
Click here to listen to Jon Egan share how he wrote the song, scroll down to the song:
www.theheartofworship.org/stories.shtml
Found in Your hands,
fullness of joy Every fear suddenly wiped away here in Your presence
All of my gains now fade away Every crown no longer on display, here in Your presence
Heaven is trembling in awe of Your wonders
The kings and their kingdom are standing amazed
Here in Your presence, we are undone
Here in Your presence, Heaven and Earth become one
Here in Your presence, all things are new
Here in Your presence, everything bows before You
Wonderful, beautiful, glorious, matchlessin every way
Wonderful, beautiful, glorious, matchless in every way
Click here to worship along with the New Life worship team:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFZyT2fEK3I
"Still"
… the challenge of the Church is to keep worship accessible to all people - Rueben Morgan
Rueben wrote the song "Still" as a reminder to "be still and know that I am God"
click here to read more about Rueben
www.christianity.ca/entertainment/music/2005/10.000.html
Click here to worship along with the Hillsong version
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPC5S81h7Zo
"Days of Elijah"
We’ll begin our worship with this great song of proclamation by Robin Mark.
Robin Mark is a Christian singer, songwriter, and worship leader based out of Belfast. Robin has written several songs sung throughout the world. He is best known for the songs "Days of Elijah", "Revival", "All for Jesus", "The Wonderful Cross", "Not by Might" and many more. He has published 13 albums in total with sales of close to 2 million world wide.
Though known within the The United Kingdom and throughout Canada from the early 1990's it was not until his 1999 live album Revival In Belfast that Robin became known in the United States, Australia and the rest of the world. His song Days of Elijah has become one of the most sung worship songs ever and his album Revival In Belfast has become a worldwide best seller with sales of over 400 000 half of these sales where in the US where the album stayed in the top 50 worship albums sales chart for over four years and continues to be in the top 100. The album was certified gold in canada in 2004 and in Australia in 2006, it has also become one of the best selling worship albums ever in south Africa.
Click here to read about how this song was written
www.crosswalk.com/spirituallife/worship/11540702/
Click here to learn more about Robin Marks
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Mark
Click here to worship along with Robin Marks
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivue6qA4Rsw
Click here to worship along with Paul Wilbur
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ra4HWj1jrJA&feature=related
Chris Tomlin wrote this song after meditating on Isaiah 6. He was intrigued by the passage where the angels called to one another. The phrase “Holy is the Lord and the earth is filled with his glory” kept ringing in his mind. He met up with Louie Giglio who had been meditating on the passage in Nehemiah where after Israel rebuilt the wall they built a wooden tower and opened the word of the lord. When this happened the people stood and lifted their hands then also bowed down. Louie was struck by the picture in his mind and wrote the following phrase in his journal:
“It’s rising up all around, it’s the anthem of the Lord’s renown”
Click here to listen to Chris & Louie Giglio talk about how the song came about:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nv6hSdbfo2E
Click here to worship and sing-along
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSKN5PX_3a0&feature=related
Click here to worship along with Chris Tomlin
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3X4CwGGJQMI
"Crown Him with Many Crowns"
The text of this great hymn is a composite or combination by two different authors, both of whom were inspired by Revelation 19:12. The first printing was a six-stanza hymn in Hymns of the Heart (1851) by Matthew Bridges, who later in his life left the Church of England and became a Roman Catholic. Bridges' hymn was originally titled: "The Song of the Seraphs."In 1874, Godfrey Thring feared that some of the Bridges' verses spoke too much of Catholic doctrine. Verse two, for example, said:
Crown Him the virgin's Son, the God incarnate born, Whose arm those crimson trophies won which now His brow adorn; Fruit of the mystic rose, as of that rose the stem; The root whence mercy ever flows, the Babe of Bethlehem.
He wrote six new stanzas for the hymn. The new six stanza text was published in Thring's Hymns and Sacred Lyrics."Over the years, the twelve stanzas (six by Bridges and six by Thring) became intermingled in various hymnbooks.Hence, the hymn that had two entirely different six-stanza texts appears in most hymnals with a composite 4 stanza text.
Click here to worship along with Sandi Patti at FBC Orlando:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJ1oNdzyvP4
Click here to worship along and read the text:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdK4lzg8gsU&feature=related
"Long as I Got King Jesus"
Award-winning singer Vickie Winans comes from a large family of impressive gospel singers. She began her career when she was a small child, performing with family. All grown up, she completed her debut solo album, Be Encouraged, in 1985. It was the first of a long line of recordings that would bring her a number of hits and music awards. Born the seventh child of a still-growing family, Winans was raised in Detroit, MI. Her entire family was a musical one, and deeply religious as well. She was only about eight years old when she began singing at the family church, astounding the audience with her vocal ability. Her love for the Gospel and music was the perfect combination. She's shared success with the famous Winans family, for she married Marvin Winans and eventually joined forces with the gospel group. Vickie's first solo album carries a track that became her signature song, "We Shall Behold Him." The debut full-length offering also earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Female Contemporary Soul Gospel Album, a Stellar Award for Album of the Year, and an Excellence Award for Best Female Contemporary Artist. It was a foretelling of what was to come. Through the latter half of the '80s into the next decade, Winans recorded several award-winning albums. When not in the recording studio, she spent much of her time performing more than 200 nights most years. She has also made numerous television appearances on shows like Oprah, the Grammy Awards, Arsenio Hall, Queen Latifah, and The Pat Sajak Show and starred in Broadway musicals like Don't Get God Started. Winans' music can be deeply gospel, contemporary Christian, or any mixture in between. Her most famous songs include "We Shall Behold Him," "Daddy Can't Sing," "First Trumpet Sound," "The Diet Medley," "Boyfriends," "Its Yo Thang," "Give It One More Try," "Sweeter Than the Honeycomb," and "Little Timmy."
** MUST WATCH - music video by Vickie Winans
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyAMCkHOb8U
Click here for another version:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynU8yKtQZuQ&feature=related
"Only a God Like You"
Tommy Walker didn’t speak until he was three years-old. They say once he started he hasn’t stopped. Tommy has led worship at Christian Assembly in Los Angeles, California with his pastor Mark Pickerill, since 1990. Tommy believes every person is created to give glory to their Creator. Only in fulfilling this purpose can we find true meaning in life. Tommy has traveled with Promise Keepers, Greg Laurie Harvest Crusades and Franklin Graham. He has written over 100 songs that include “He Knows my Name”, “That’s Why we Praise Him”, “Lord I Believe in You”, “Break Through” and “This is What Christmas means to me’. For the last decade Tommy has traveled internationally holding worship concerts and mercy ministry outreaches in places where people are in great need. He has led his worship team to the Philippines, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Guatemala, Zambia and Brazil. Tommy has been married to his wife Robin for seventeen years and they have four children. Tommy’s prayer is that he will be found faithful to His God, his family and his local church.
Click here to learn more about Tommy Walker:
http://www.tommywalker.net/
Click here to sing along on the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nr117slPVEg&feature=related
"Here in your Presence"
Jon Egan wrote this song after meditating on the presence of God. He said that as he leads worship for the youth, he sees what a few moments spent in the presence of the Lord can do for people.
Click here to listen to Jon Egan share how he wrote the song, scroll down to the song:
www.theheartofworship.org/stories.shtml
Found in Your hands,
fullness of joy Every fear suddenly wiped away here in Your presence
All of my gains now fade away Every crown no longer on display, here in Your presence
Heaven is trembling in awe of Your wonders
The kings and their kingdom are standing amazed
Here in Your presence, we are undone
Here in Your presence, Heaven and Earth become one
Here in Your presence, all things are new
Here in Your presence, everything bows before You
Wonderful, beautiful, glorious, matchlessin every way
Wonderful, beautiful, glorious, matchless in every way
Click here to worship along with the New Life worship team:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFZyT2fEK3I
"Still"
… the challenge of the Church is to keep worship accessible to all people - Rueben Morgan
Rueben wrote the song "Still" as a reminder to "be still and know that I am God"
click here to read more about Rueben
www.christianity.ca/entertainment/music/2005/10.000.html
Click here to worship along with the Hillsong version
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPC5S81h7Zo
"Days of Elijah"
We’ll begin our worship with this great song of proclamation by Robin Mark.
Robin Mark is a Christian singer, songwriter, and worship leader based out of Belfast. Robin has written several songs sung throughout the world. He is best known for the songs "Days of Elijah", "Revival", "All for Jesus", "The Wonderful Cross", "Not by Might" and many more. He has published 13 albums in total with sales of close to 2 million world wide.
Though known within the The United Kingdom and throughout Canada from the early 1990's it was not until his 1999 live album Revival In Belfast that Robin became known in the United States, Australia and the rest of the world. His song Days of Elijah has become one of the most sung worship songs ever and his album Revival In Belfast has become a worldwide best seller with sales of over 400 000 half of these sales where in the US where the album stayed in the top 50 worship albums sales chart for over four years and continues to be in the top 100. The album was certified gold in canada in 2004 and in Australia in 2006, it has also become one of the best selling worship albums ever in south Africa.
Click here to read about how this song was written
www.crosswalk.com/spirituallife/worship/11540702/
Click here to learn more about Robin Marks
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Mark
Click here to worship along with Robin Marks
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivue6qA4Rsw
Click here to worship along with Paul Wilbur
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ra4HWj1jrJA&feature=related
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Behind the praise - Sunday March 30, 2008
"You Shine"
This song was written by Brian Doerksen. It begins with a boy chorister. Brian shared the following about the recording in Dublin, Ireland.
We recorded live on February 16, 2002, beginning the evening this way: I stepped to the front steps of the church and lit a match in the darkness. Then I lit a single candle held by Jeffrey Flynn, a boy chorister from St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin. As Jeffrey concluded the chorus of "You Shine" and the band began to play, we began to light candles all around the balcony of the old stone church we were worshipping in, and the candles continued to burn throughout the entire evening. The night seemed like "the eye of the storm" for me: full of peace and God's presence while the time before and since has been full of challenges.
Click here to learn more about Brian:
http://www.briandoerksen.com/
Click here to worship along with Brian Doerksen:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=4He5Ylh9NBI
"You are Good"
Nearly Disposed - Israels' Testimony
My mother became pregnant at the age of 17 in Waterloo, Iowa. You can imagine how this is shaping up. She was given the choice of a back-alley abortion or being disowned by her family. Thank God she chose the latter. Ultimately, she was disowned, abandoned by my biological father, and ended up in San Diego, California. Picture this. It was 1971 and my mother was 8 months pregnant, all alone, thousands of miles from home, and forced to enter reality unprepared. Pretty bleak. One day while walking down the street, a lady pulled up in her Volkswagen Bug, got out, and respectfully yet boldly, began to share the Gospel with her. Words of life and hope began to overtake the words of rejection and abandonment she had grown accustomed to. There on a street corner, she ended up on her knees and cried out to God-committing her life to Jesus Christ. The lady gave her a bible and that's how I got my name. My mother started reading at page one and well, you know-you have a bible, my name's on every page!
I'm often asked by skeptics or the stoic, why I'm as passionate about worshiping God as I am. The answer is simple for me. In this age of disposable relationships, I could have easily become a statistic and at best, a distant memory of a youthful mistake. Instead, a Sovereign God rescued my mother and me and gave us hope, a future, and a testimony of the providence of God. The very least I can do is enter into His gates with fresh thanksgiving, His courts with a passionate praise, and eventually bow before His throne in intimate worship. As far as leading worship goes (which is my passion and calling), I now realize that there have been demands put on me from every part of my experience since day one - culturally, emotionally, musically, and more. So things tend to sound cross-cultural, cross- denominational, and cross-generational. I like to call it, "The Sound of New Breed Worship." I tend to lead from an internal platform founded in Psalm 124:2, "If it had not been for the Lord who was on my side"....where in the world would I be? In an age of disposable relationships, maybe we should be asking ourselves that question a lot more often. I am confident that we would worship with far more conviction, intensity, and overwhelmed gratitude if we did. It is my delight to encourage you today.
Israel
Click here to learn more about Israel Houghton's ministry.
www.profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=99989541
Israel leads a worship band called "New Breed" here's their website, you can listen to portions of the songs they sing including "You are Good"
www.newbreedmusic.com/
Click here to learn more about Israel
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel_Houghton
Click here to worship along with Israel:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAGZ8HmiWCM
Click here to see Israel singing "You are Good" in concert:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCpy1Bg255A&feature=related
"No More Night"
Click here for the song sung by David Phelps and narrated by Joni Erickson Tada
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDQijZ0OpaU&mode=related&search=
Click here for an arrangement by David Phelps:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vX3HHtytDo
Walt Harrah is a noted song writer, session singer and record producer.His songs include Think About His Love (Integrity Music), In The Lord Alone (Maranatha Music), and No More Night (Word). He has been a session singer for 20 years, appearing on dozens of film soundtracks from "King Kong" to "Amistad," and numerous television programs, including the Oscars and the Tonight Show. He served as producer and singer with the vocal group Haven, a regular contributor to Haven Ministries radio programming. He has appeared on numerous recordings for Integrity Music, Maranatha Music, Word and other Christian recording companies. He received a bachelor of church music from the University of Southern California and a masters of divinity from Fuller Seminary. He serves as worship minister at Grace Evangelical Free Church in La Mirada, California.
"Mighty To Save"
This is another song from the Hillsong music ministry in Sydney Australia. This song is by Reuben Morgan & Ben Fielding. This song has a great reoccuring text. "OUR GOD IS MIGHT TO SAVE". This is taken from the passage in Zephaniah 3:1717 The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."
Click here to read more about Reuben Morgan
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reuben_Morgan
Click here to worship along with the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXCAhKDZRlo
"Here in your Presence"
Jon Egan wrote this song after meditating on the presence of God. He said that as he leads worship for the youth, he sees what a few moments spent in the presence of the Lord can do for people.
Click here to listen to Jon Egan share how he wrote the song, scroll down to the song:
www.theheartofworship.org/stories.shtml
Found in Your hands, fullness of joy
Every fear suddenly wiped away here in Your presence
All of my gains now fade awayEvery crown no longer on display,
here in Your presenceHeaven is trembling in awe of Your wonders
The kings and their kingdom arestanding amazed
Here in Your presence, we are undone
Here in Your presence, Heaven and Earth become one
Here in Your presence, all things are newHere in Your presence,
everything bows before You
Wonderful, beautiful, glorious, matchless
in every wayWonderful, beautiful, glorious, matchless in every way
Click here to worship along with the New Life worship team:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFZyT2fEK3I
"Above All"
This song is by Lenny LeBlonc Lenny is a great song writer who lives in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. My brother Eddy served as the Campus minister at the University of North Alabama and would have Lenny over to lead worship periodically. Eddy said Lenny "the person" is the same guy as Lenny "the artist". I think that says a lot. I was re-reading Brennan Manning's book "Abba's Child". His second chapter is simply called "The Impostor", this section convicted me concerning how I treat others.
One lonely night in the Colorado Rockies, I heard this message: "Brennan, you bring your full presence and attention to certain members of the community but offer a diminished presence to others. Those who have stature, wealth, and charisma, those you find interesting or charming or pretty or famous command your undivided attention, but people you consider plain or dowdy, those of less rank performing menial tasks, the unsung and uncelebrated are not treated with the same regard. This is not a minor matter to me, Brennan. The way you are with others every day, regardless of their status, is the real test of faith." Brennan Manning "Abba's Child"
In 1991, years after Paul and Lenny had become well-known Christian songwriters and worship leaders, Lenny invited Paul to his Alabama home to collaborate on a project. Paul sang Lenny an unfinished song that he had started. The lyric began, Above all powers, above all kings/Above all nations and all created things, and went on to extol more of God's greatness. It was powerful, but Paul wasn't happy with any of the choruses he had written for it. Early the next morning, Lenny slipped into his studio to play around with the tune. Instead of expanding on Paul's verses with more majestic phrases, God gave him a chorus that touched on the paradoxical nature of Christ's life: Crucified, and laid behind a stone/You lived to die, rejected and alone.
Click here to worship along with Lenny:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9C_1imlGRE
Click here to worship along with Michael W. Smith:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7Sn5rV6oM0
This song was written by Brian Doerksen. It begins with a boy chorister. Brian shared the following about the recording in Dublin, Ireland.
We recorded live on February 16, 2002, beginning the evening this way: I stepped to the front steps of the church and lit a match in the darkness. Then I lit a single candle held by Jeffrey Flynn, a boy chorister from St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin. As Jeffrey concluded the chorus of "You Shine" and the band began to play, we began to light candles all around the balcony of the old stone church we were worshipping in, and the candles continued to burn throughout the entire evening. The night seemed like "the eye of the storm" for me: full of peace and God's presence while the time before and since has been full of challenges.
Click here to learn more about Brian:
http://www.briandoerksen.com/
Click here to worship along with Brian Doerksen:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=4He5Ylh9NBI
"You are Good"
Nearly Disposed - Israels' Testimony
My mother became pregnant at the age of 17 in Waterloo, Iowa. You can imagine how this is shaping up. She was given the choice of a back-alley abortion or being disowned by her family. Thank God she chose the latter. Ultimately, she was disowned, abandoned by my biological father, and ended up in San Diego, California. Picture this. It was 1971 and my mother was 8 months pregnant, all alone, thousands of miles from home, and forced to enter reality unprepared. Pretty bleak. One day while walking down the street, a lady pulled up in her Volkswagen Bug, got out, and respectfully yet boldly, began to share the Gospel with her. Words of life and hope began to overtake the words of rejection and abandonment she had grown accustomed to. There on a street corner, she ended up on her knees and cried out to God-committing her life to Jesus Christ. The lady gave her a bible and that's how I got my name. My mother started reading at page one and well, you know-you have a bible, my name's on every page!
I'm often asked by skeptics or the stoic, why I'm as passionate about worshiping God as I am. The answer is simple for me. In this age of disposable relationships, I could have easily become a statistic and at best, a distant memory of a youthful mistake. Instead, a Sovereign God rescued my mother and me and gave us hope, a future, and a testimony of the providence of God. The very least I can do is enter into His gates with fresh thanksgiving, His courts with a passionate praise, and eventually bow before His throne in intimate worship. As far as leading worship goes (which is my passion and calling), I now realize that there have been demands put on me from every part of my experience since day one - culturally, emotionally, musically, and more. So things tend to sound cross-cultural, cross- denominational, and cross-generational. I like to call it, "The Sound of New Breed Worship." I tend to lead from an internal platform founded in Psalm 124:2, "If it had not been for the Lord who was on my side"....where in the world would I be? In an age of disposable relationships, maybe we should be asking ourselves that question a lot more often. I am confident that we would worship with far more conviction, intensity, and overwhelmed gratitude if we did. It is my delight to encourage you today.
Israel
Click here to learn more about Israel Houghton's ministry.
www.profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=99989541
Israel leads a worship band called "New Breed" here's their website, you can listen to portions of the songs they sing including "You are Good"
www.newbreedmusic.com/
Click here to learn more about Israel
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel_Houghton
Click here to worship along with Israel:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAGZ8HmiWCM
Click here to see Israel singing "You are Good" in concert:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCpy1Bg255A&feature=related
"No More Night"
Click here for the song sung by David Phelps and narrated by Joni Erickson Tada
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDQijZ0OpaU&mode=related&search=
Click here for an arrangement by David Phelps:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vX3HHtytDo
Walt Harrah is a noted song writer, session singer and record producer.His songs include Think About His Love (Integrity Music), In The Lord Alone (Maranatha Music), and No More Night (Word). He has been a session singer for 20 years, appearing on dozens of film soundtracks from "King Kong" to "Amistad," and numerous television programs, including the Oscars and the Tonight Show. He served as producer and singer with the vocal group Haven, a regular contributor to Haven Ministries radio programming. He has appeared on numerous recordings for Integrity Music, Maranatha Music, Word and other Christian recording companies. He received a bachelor of church music from the University of Southern California and a masters of divinity from Fuller Seminary. He serves as worship minister at Grace Evangelical Free Church in La Mirada, California.
"Mighty To Save"
This is another song from the Hillsong music ministry in Sydney Australia. This song is by Reuben Morgan & Ben Fielding. This song has a great reoccuring text. "OUR GOD IS MIGHT TO SAVE". This is taken from the passage in Zephaniah 3:1717 The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."
Click here to read more about Reuben Morgan
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reuben_Morgan
Click here to worship along with the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXCAhKDZRlo
"Here in your Presence"
Jon Egan wrote this song after meditating on the presence of God. He said that as he leads worship for the youth, he sees what a few moments spent in the presence of the Lord can do for people.
Click here to listen to Jon Egan share how he wrote the song, scroll down to the song:
www.theheartofworship.org/stories.shtml
Found in Your hands, fullness of joy
Every fear suddenly wiped away here in Your presence
All of my gains now fade awayEvery crown no longer on display,
here in Your presenceHeaven is trembling in awe of Your wonders
The kings and their kingdom arestanding amazed
Here in Your presence, we are undone
Here in Your presence, Heaven and Earth become one
Here in Your presence, all things are newHere in Your presence,
everything bows before You
Wonderful, beautiful, glorious, matchless
in every wayWonderful, beautiful, glorious, matchless in every way
Click here to worship along with the New Life worship team:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFZyT2fEK3I
"Above All"
This song is by Lenny LeBlonc Lenny is a great song writer who lives in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. My brother Eddy served as the Campus minister at the University of North Alabama and would have Lenny over to lead worship periodically. Eddy said Lenny "the person" is the same guy as Lenny "the artist". I think that says a lot. I was re-reading Brennan Manning's book "Abba's Child". His second chapter is simply called "The Impostor", this section convicted me concerning how I treat others.
One lonely night in the Colorado Rockies, I heard this message: "Brennan, you bring your full presence and attention to certain members of the community but offer a diminished presence to others. Those who have stature, wealth, and charisma, those you find interesting or charming or pretty or famous command your undivided attention, but people you consider plain or dowdy, those of less rank performing menial tasks, the unsung and uncelebrated are not treated with the same regard. This is not a minor matter to me, Brennan. The way you are with others every day, regardless of their status, is the real test of faith." Brennan Manning "Abba's Child"
In 1991, years after Paul and Lenny had become well-known Christian songwriters and worship leaders, Lenny invited Paul to his Alabama home to collaborate on a project. Paul sang Lenny an unfinished song that he had started. The lyric began, Above all powers, above all kings/Above all nations and all created things, and went on to extol more of God's greatness. It was powerful, but Paul wasn't happy with any of the choruses he had written for it. Early the next morning, Lenny slipped into his studio to play around with the tune. Instead of expanding on Paul's verses with more majestic phrases, God gave him a chorus that touched on the paradoxical nature of Christ's life: Crucified, and laid behind a stone/You lived to die, rejected and alone.
Click here to worship along with Lenny:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9C_1imlGRE
Click here to worship along with Michael W. Smith:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7Sn5rV6oM0
Monday, March 17, 2008
Easter Sunday March 23, 2008
"He's Alive"
We'll begin our worship Easter Sunday with a new arrangement of the song "He's Alive". This song was written by Don Francisco.
He was born in Louisville, Kentucky, the son of a Christian seminary professor Clyde Francisco. Francisco's early career centred on the secular folk-rock music common during the mid 1960s, but after an experience Francisco believed was supernatural, he rededicated his life to God and changed his personal, musical direction. Francisco is married and lives in Colorado with his wife, Wendy, also a recording artist as well as a graphic artist.
This song is told from the view point of Peter after the crucifixion. The beginning of the song he is fearful and ashamed of his betrayal of Jesus. He has no hope for Jesus is dead. Then the end when Jesus appears to him, he sees the love in Jesus' eyes and his fear and shame vanish, and he shouts "HE'S ALIVE! HE'S ALIVE! HE'S ALIVE and I'm forgiven! Heaven's Gates are open wide." And as we see through the New Testament after that encounter with Christ and in history, Peter's actions continued to shout "HE'S ALIVE! HE'S ALIVE! HE'S ALIVE and I'm forgiven! Heaven's Gates are open wide." as he lived for Christ.
Click here to learn more about Dons' ministry:
http://www.rockymountainministries.org/
Click here to listen to Dons' arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4jJNb7qHlo
Click here for another arrangement by Don:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbSnk1R31vg
Click here for an arrangement by Dolly Parton:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNlykSNHzC4
"My Savior Lives"
This is a new song by Jon Egan & Glenn Packiam of the New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Co. When asked about writing songs for the church in an interview Jon shared the following.Those songs were written out of innocence just to equip our own church. I think that probably is the reason for the success. The heart of these songs, the heart of us as worshippers or worship leaders, has always been to help our people in our spheres of influence. The fact that it's equipped the Church beyond our church is overwhelming, wonderful, and humbling. Jared: We weren't really following anyone into it; we were just excited about what God was doing. We started to try our own songs at times other than Sunday morning. We just put it out there to see if it would live. It began that way, and it crept into the culture of Sunday morning.
Click here to listen to the song:
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=139038586
Click here to worship with the New Life church:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_SB-SpNm00&feature=related
"Lord, You're Holy"
This song is by Karen Wheaton. Born Karen Harris, she grew up in a Pentecostal family, the younger of two daughters, in Hamilton, Alabama where she was active in church music from an early age. In the late 1970s Karen toured with Thurlow Spurr's Festival of Praise, a pioneering Christian touring choir and band. In the early 1980s Karen traveled with her own band, which included her first husband and former Nashville keyboard player, DeWayne Wheaton. Karen and DeWayne later joined Jimmy Swaggart Ministries with Karen as one of the ministry's featured soloists and DeWayne sharing in keyboard responsibilities. Several of Karen's early gospel albums identify her as either "Karen Harris" or "Karen Harris Wheaton".
Wheaton, though involved in ministry in a variety of ways including her youth group, Chosen, is probably most noted outside of the Pentecostal Church for efforts to record and promote a vanishing form of gospel music, namely the Mississippi Delta sound that is fused with blues, urban contemporary gospel, and bluegrass gospel influences. She is also known for including the type of dramatic, gospel songs of the genre made popular by Sandy Rios, Kathy Sullivan, the Rev. Sharon Daughtery, and others prior to the advent of Contemporary Christian music in the late 1970s.Wheaton's album Remembering (1993) was an effort to bring together negelected Pentecostal songs such as ''I'm Feelin' Mighty Fine with new songs in the same spirit. Her 1998 album, My Alabaster Box'' also features a number of old standards alongside dramatic new songs such as the title cut. Wheaton has never written music of her own though she often arranges the vocals of her songs and is very involved in the engineering and production of her recordings. Wheaton's voice is a strong, dramatic alto.
Wheaton is considered an interesting and important fixture on the contemporary theological scene in the American south as she represents the long-standing Pentecostal tradition of women having strong roles within the clergy and also as she continues the convention of "singing preachers" who incorporate aspects of sermonizing into actual songs. In many ways, Wheaton a rare breed to continue traditions of conventional southern revival-style preaching in her music. Wheaton's live version of "For Every Mountain", from her album Church is a prime example of this genre.Wheaton currently lives in Hamilton, Alabama with her daughters and aside from touring and recording her music, runs The Ramp and its associated youth outreach programs.
Click here to listen an arrangement of the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fR5n6vggADw
Go here to listen to the choir arrangement, scroll down to new worship songs:
http://www.firsthurst.com/HURST_worship_resources.php
“Christ the Lord is Risen today”
The first Wesleyan Chapel in London, England, was a deserted iron foundry. It became known as the Foundry Meeting House. This hymn was written by Charles Wesley for the first service in this chapel in 1739, just one year after Charles's dramatic Aldersgate conversion experience. The hymn was first published in the Foundry's Collection-which contained "hymns set to music as they are commonly sung at the Foundry." The book had approximately fifty humns with an additional Psalm Supplement. This hymn was originally entitled "Hymn for Easter Day" and consisted of eleven four-line stanzas.
The popularity of this hymn is due in part to the fine tune with which it has been wedded for many years. The composer of the music has never been identified. The tune first appeared anonymously in the Lyra Davidica humnal, published in London in 1708. The joyous "alleluia" at the end of each line was not written by Wesley but was added by some editor to make the text fit the tune. "Hallelujah" or "alleluia" is from the ancient Hebrew worship service and was a common expression of praise in the early Christian Church. Jerome, an important leader of the early church who translated the Bible into the Latin language and died c. 420 A. D., wrote that in his day the very ceilings of houses of worship were often shaken with the reverberating "Hallelujahs" when believers sang their praises to God.
Charles Wesley is also the author of "Jesus, Lover of My Soul", "O for a Thousand Tongues", "A Charge to Keep I Have", "Depth of Mercy", and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing".
Click here to sing along on the hymn:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_ND-wlh-cU
Click here to worship along with Steve Green:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFIaqn0EG3E
Click here to hear an acoustic guitar arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFFhBHpVucY
"He Knows My Name"
This worship song was written by Tommy Walker. Tommy shared in a recent interview his conversion and call experience.
When I was 11 years old – that was a very big year in my life. That's when I gave my heart to the Lord, and I started playing guitar. This group Love Song, which was one of the first Christian rock bands of all time, was touring through town. That night they were in my living room, and Chuck Girard – the piano player – was playing my mom's baby grand piano, and we were singing a few songs together. It was one of those moments. I said, "That's it. That's who I want to be when I grow up." It was actually a very profound moment. It's through worship music that God really touched me and spoke to me. It's only natural I'd pursue that.
The following is how Tommy wrote the song:
The story of how “He Knows My Name” was written is not very exciting, nor is it inspirational. Basically it’s a story of just trying to be faithful to do my job. In that way, it is a story of self-discipline. Let’s just say, routine discipline stories are far from riveting. However, the fruit of the smallest act of discipline and obedience can be quite another story altogether. When my pastor, Mark Pickerall, wrote a sermon with the title “He knows my Name,” he asked me if I could write a song to go with it. I felt utterly uninspired that day; but out of the discipline of song writing, which is part of my job description, I dug in and gave it a shot. I remember thinking as the words and music began to come to me, “wow, this is the simplest song I’ve ever written. Maybe it will work in kids’ church”. Well I went ahead and finished it – something all songwriters struggle to do when something isn’t coming out just right. And like a good, obedient, somewhat disciplined worship leader, I taught it to my church and basically, nothing happened.
A few months later, the women of my church sang it at their women’s retreat and suddenly God moved. They told me that a sense of the love of God entered the room in such a powerful way that many of them were weeping and experiencing all kinds of inner healing. When I heard this, I thought maybe I should give this song one more try. The following weekend, we sang it at church and sure enough it happened: People began to weep. But the funny part is that I also began to weep. God was speaking so intimately to me reminding me that he knew my name and was concerned about the things that concerned me. *(pg 3 He Knows my Name – Tommy Walker integrity press)
Click here to read more about Tommy Walker:
http://www.tommywalker.net/
Click here to listen to Tommy’s music on his myspace site:
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=97429791
Click here to hear Tommy sing “He knows my name”
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgaB38tUBEc
Click here to worship along with the Promise Keepers worship team:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXsiWoyjw60
"HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD"
HOW MONO LAUNCHED AN INCREDIBLE CAREER
This worship song was written by Chris Tomlin. Chris said he almost apologized to the Lord for writing such a simple song, but felt that the English language could only go so far in describing the greatness of our God. After writing the song he felt in his spirit that he had written a song that would be embraced by the church around the world.
Chris received his first guitar from his father, Connie, at the age of eleven after contracting a case of mono. Then, Tomlin wrote his first worship song at age fourteen. He entered college planning to study medicine, but he stated that he felt God's calling to something else and did not pursue that career.In the mid-1990's Tomlin spent time leading worship at the Dawson McAllister Youth Conferences, as well as at various camps around the state of Texas.Following college, at Texas A&M University Tomlin continued to play and write songs, and in 1997, Louie Giglio asked if he would be interested in working with the Passion Conferences. Tomlin agreed, and he has played a key role ever since. His first nationally released solo project, entitled The Noise We Make, was released in 2001, which saw the emergence of songs "Forever" (his most famous song other than "How Great Is Our God"), "Be Glorified", and "Kindness", all of which made the top 200 in the CCLI 2005 top 500 worship songs.
According to Christian Copyright Licensing International's list of the top 25 worship songs in the United States as of August 2007, Tomlin held 5 spots with songs he has either written or co-written with other songwriters: "How Great Is Our God" (#1), "Forever" (#5), "Holy Is the Lord" (#7), "We Fall Down" (#12),and "Indescribable" (#22).
Click here to listen to the story behind the song:
www.theheartofworship.org/stories/Story-302-HowGreatisOurGod-Tomlin.mp3
Click here to listen to Chris share about how the song came about on newsong café:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpfKli_4LQ0&mode=related&search=
Click here to worship along with Chris:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjxPG_mRHDs&feature=related
Click here to learn more about Chris’ ministry:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Tomlin#Biography
Click here to visit Chris’ website:
http://www.christomlin.com/
Click here to visit Chris’ myspace:
www.myspace.com/christomlin
Offertory Sunday will be "Beneath the Cross of Jesus" by the Joyful noise Handbell team:
This meaningful hymn was written by a frail Scottish, Presbyterian woman of the past century, who, despite her physical frailties, was known throughout her community for her helpful, cheery nature. Elizabeth Cecilia Douglas Clephane, one of the few women hymn writers of Scotland, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, but grew up in Melrose, Scotland, in the lovely area of Abbotsford, near the old bridge described by the well-known Scottish writer, Sir Walter Scott, in his book, The Abbot and the Monastery. Her father was a county sheriff, her mother a descendant of the famous Douglas family. Elizabeth was one of three sisters, but she was known as the delicate, retiring member of the family. Yet within the limits of her strength she served the poor and sick of her community, and she and her sisters gave to charity all they did not actually require for their daily needs. Throughout the Melrose area Elizabeth was affectionately known to the townspeople as "the sunbeam." Elizabeth enjoyed writing poems and had several published in a Scottish Presbyterian Magazine entitled The Family Treasury. However, the majority of her writings appeared anonymously in this magazine in 1872, three years after her early death at the age of thirty-nine.
"Beneath the Cross of Jesus" was written by Miss Clephane in 1868, one year before her death. It was not published, however, until 1872, when it appeared anonymously in The Family Treasury with several of her other poems. The original poem consisted of five stanzas, but today only three are used in most hymnals. It is obvious that Elizabeth, like most Scottish Presbyterians of her day, was an ardent Bible student for her hymn is replete with Biblical symbolism and imagery. For example, in stanza one:
The reference to "the mighty Rock" is taken from Isaiah 32:2.
The reference to "the weary land" is taken from Psalm 63:1.
The reference to "home within the wilderness" is taken from Jeremiah 9:2.
The reference to "rest upon the way" is taken from Isaiah 28:12.
The reference to "noontide heat" is taken from Isaiah 4:6
The reference to "burden of the day" is taken from Matthew 11:30. Elizabeth Celphane is also the author of "The Ninety and Nine".
Click here to listen to the hymn:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKNLsEKErqU
Click here to listen to the hymn:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwcLwBGav-M
Meditate on these powerful lyrics:
Beneath the cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand,
the shadow of a mighty rock within a weary land;
a home within the wilderness, a rest upon the way,
from the burning of the noontide heat, and the burden of the day.
Upon that cross of Jesus mine eye at times can see
the very dying form of One who suffered there for me;
and from my stricken heart with tears two wonders I confess:
the wonders of redeeming love and my unworthiness.
I take, O cross, thy shadow for my abiding place;
I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of his face;
content to let the world go by, to know no gain nor loss,
my sinful self my only shame, my glory all the cross.
We'll begin our worship Easter Sunday with a new arrangement of the song "He's Alive". This song was written by Don Francisco.
He was born in Louisville, Kentucky, the son of a Christian seminary professor Clyde Francisco. Francisco's early career centred on the secular folk-rock music common during the mid 1960s, but after an experience Francisco believed was supernatural, he rededicated his life to God and changed his personal, musical direction. Francisco is married and lives in Colorado with his wife, Wendy, also a recording artist as well as a graphic artist.
This song is told from the view point of Peter after the crucifixion. The beginning of the song he is fearful and ashamed of his betrayal of Jesus. He has no hope for Jesus is dead. Then the end when Jesus appears to him, he sees the love in Jesus' eyes and his fear and shame vanish, and he shouts "HE'S ALIVE! HE'S ALIVE! HE'S ALIVE and I'm forgiven! Heaven's Gates are open wide." And as we see through the New Testament after that encounter with Christ and in history, Peter's actions continued to shout "HE'S ALIVE! HE'S ALIVE! HE'S ALIVE and I'm forgiven! Heaven's Gates are open wide." as he lived for Christ.
Click here to learn more about Dons' ministry:
http://www.rockymountainministries.org/
Click here to listen to Dons' arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4jJNb7qHlo
Click here for another arrangement by Don:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbSnk1R31vg
Click here for an arrangement by Dolly Parton:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNlykSNHzC4
"My Savior Lives"
This is a new song by Jon Egan & Glenn Packiam of the New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Co. When asked about writing songs for the church in an interview Jon shared the following.Those songs were written out of innocence just to equip our own church. I think that probably is the reason for the success. The heart of these songs, the heart of us as worshippers or worship leaders, has always been to help our people in our spheres of influence. The fact that it's equipped the Church beyond our church is overwhelming, wonderful, and humbling. Jared: We weren't really following anyone into it; we were just excited about what God was doing. We started to try our own songs at times other than Sunday morning. We just put it out there to see if it would live. It began that way, and it crept into the culture of Sunday morning.
Click here to listen to the song:
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=139038586
Click here to worship with the New Life church:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_SB-SpNm00&feature=related
"Lord, You're Holy"
This song is by Karen Wheaton. Born Karen Harris, she grew up in a Pentecostal family, the younger of two daughters, in Hamilton, Alabama where she was active in church music from an early age. In the late 1970s Karen toured with Thurlow Spurr's Festival of Praise, a pioneering Christian touring choir and band. In the early 1980s Karen traveled with her own band, which included her first husband and former Nashville keyboard player, DeWayne Wheaton. Karen and DeWayne later joined Jimmy Swaggart Ministries with Karen as one of the ministry's featured soloists and DeWayne sharing in keyboard responsibilities. Several of Karen's early gospel albums identify her as either "Karen Harris" or "Karen Harris Wheaton".
Wheaton, though involved in ministry in a variety of ways including her youth group, Chosen, is probably most noted outside of the Pentecostal Church for efforts to record and promote a vanishing form of gospel music, namely the Mississippi Delta sound that is fused with blues, urban contemporary gospel, and bluegrass gospel influences. She is also known for including the type of dramatic, gospel songs of the genre made popular by Sandy Rios, Kathy Sullivan, the Rev. Sharon Daughtery, and others prior to the advent of Contemporary Christian music in the late 1970s.Wheaton's album Remembering (1993) was an effort to bring together negelected Pentecostal songs such as ''I'm Feelin' Mighty Fine with new songs in the same spirit. Her 1998 album, My Alabaster Box'' also features a number of old standards alongside dramatic new songs such as the title cut. Wheaton has never written music of her own though she often arranges the vocals of her songs and is very involved in the engineering and production of her recordings. Wheaton's voice is a strong, dramatic alto.
Wheaton is considered an interesting and important fixture on the contemporary theological scene in the American south as she represents the long-standing Pentecostal tradition of women having strong roles within the clergy and also as she continues the convention of "singing preachers" who incorporate aspects of sermonizing into actual songs. In many ways, Wheaton a rare breed to continue traditions of conventional southern revival-style preaching in her music. Wheaton's live version of "For Every Mountain", from her album Church is a prime example of this genre.Wheaton currently lives in Hamilton, Alabama with her daughters and aside from touring and recording her music, runs The Ramp and its associated youth outreach programs.
Click here to listen an arrangement of the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fR5n6vggADw
Go here to listen to the choir arrangement, scroll down to new worship songs:
http://www.firsthurst.com/HURST_worship_resources.php
“Christ the Lord is Risen today”
The first Wesleyan Chapel in London, England, was a deserted iron foundry. It became known as the Foundry Meeting House. This hymn was written by Charles Wesley for the first service in this chapel in 1739, just one year after Charles's dramatic Aldersgate conversion experience. The hymn was first published in the Foundry's Collection-which contained "hymns set to music as they are commonly sung at the Foundry." The book had approximately fifty humns with an additional Psalm Supplement. This hymn was originally entitled "Hymn for Easter Day" and consisted of eleven four-line stanzas.
The popularity of this hymn is due in part to the fine tune with which it has been wedded for many years. The composer of the music has never been identified. The tune first appeared anonymously in the Lyra Davidica humnal, published in London in 1708. The joyous "alleluia" at the end of each line was not written by Wesley but was added by some editor to make the text fit the tune. "Hallelujah" or "alleluia" is from the ancient Hebrew worship service and was a common expression of praise in the early Christian Church. Jerome, an important leader of the early church who translated the Bible into the Latin language and died c. 420 A. D., wrote that in his day the very ceilings of houses of worship were often shaken with the reverberating "Hallelujahs" when believers sang their praises to God.
Charles Wesley is also the author of "Jesus, Lover of My Soul", "O for a Thousand Tongues", "A Charge to Keep I Have", "Depth of Mercy", and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing".
Click here to sing along on the hymn:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_ND-wlh-cU
Click here to worship along with Steve Green:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFIaqn0EG3E
Click here to hear an acoustic guitar arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFFhBHpVucY
"He Knows My Name"
This worship song was written by Tommy Walker. Tommy shared in a recent interview his conversion and call experience.
When I was 11 years old – that was a very big year in my life. That's when I gave my heart to the Lord, and I started playing guitar. This group Love Song, which was one of the first Christian rock bands of all time, was touring through town. That night they were in my living room, and Chuck Girard – the piano player – was playing my mom's baby grand piano, and we were singing a few songs together. It was one of those moments. I said, "That's it. That's who I want to be when I grow up." It was actually a very profound moment. It's through worship music that God really touched me and spoke to me. It's only natural I'd pursue that.
The following is how Tommy wrote the song:
The story of how “He Knows My Name” was written is not very exciting, nor is it inspirational. Basically it’s a story of just trying to be faithful to do my job. In that way, it is a story of self-discipline. Let’s just say, routine discipline stories are far from riveting. However, the fruit of the smallest act of discipline and obedience can be quite another story altogether. When my pastor, Mark Pickerall, wrote a sermon with the title “He knows my Name,” he asked me if I could write a song to go with it. I felt utterly uninspired that day; but out of the discipline of song writing, which is part of my job description, I dug in and gave it a shot. I remember thinking as the words and music began to come to me, “wow, this is the simplest song I’ve ever written. Maybe it will work in kids’ church”. Well I went ahead and finished it – something all songwriters struggle to do when something isn’t coming out just right. And like a good, obedient, somewhat disciplined worship leader, I taught it to my church and basically, nothing happened.
A few months later, the women of my church sang it at their women’s retreat and suddenly God moved. They told me that a sense of the love of God entered the room in such a powerful way that many of them were weeping and experiencing all kinds of inner healing. When I heard this, I thought maybe I should give this song one more try. The following weekend, we sang it at church and sure enough it happened: People began to weep. But the funny part is that I also began to weep. God was speaking so intimately to me reminding me that he knew my name and was concerned about the things that concerned me. *(pg 3 He Knows my Name – Tommy Walker integrity press)
Click here to read more about Tommy Walker:
http://www.tommywalker.net/
Click here to listen to Tommy’s music on his myspace site:
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=97429791
Click here to hear Tommy sing “He knows my name”
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgaB38tUBEc
Click here to worship along with the Promise Keepers worship team:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXsiWoyjw60
"HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD"
HOW MONO LAUNCHED AN INCREDIBLE CAREER
This worship song was written by Chris Tomlin. Chris said he almost apologized to the Lord for writing such a simple song, but felt that the English language could only go so far in describing the greatness of our God. After writing the song he felt in his spirit that he had written a song that would be embraced by the church around the world.
Chris received his first guitar from his father, Connie, at the age of eleven after contracting a case of mono. Then, Tomlin wrote his first worship song at age fourteen. He entered college planning to study medicine, but he stated that he felt God's calling to something else and did not pursue that career.In the mid-1990's Tomlin spent time leading worship at the Dawson McAllister Youth Conferences, as well as at various camps around the state of Texas.Following college, at Texas A&M University Tomlin continued to play and write songs, and in 1997, Louie Giglio asked if he would be interested in working with the Passion Conferences. Tomlin agreed, and he has played a key role ever since. His first nationally released solo project, entitled The Noise We Make, was released in 2001, which saw the emergence of songs "Forever" (his most famous song other than "How Great Is Our God"), "Be Glorified", and "Kindness", all of which made the top 200 in the CCLI 2005 top 500 worship songs.
According to Christian Copyright Licensing International's list of the top 25 worship songs in the United States as of August 2007, Tomlin held 5 spots with songs he has either written or co-written with other songwriters: "How Great Is Our God" (#1), "Forever" (#5), "Holy Is the Lord" (#7), "We Fall Down" (#12),and "Indescribable" (#22).
Click here to listen to the story behind the song:
www.theheartofworship.org/stories/Story-302-HowGreatisOurGod-Tomlin.mp3
Click here to listen to Chris share about how the song came about on newsong café:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpfKli_4LQ0&mode=related&search=
Click here to worship along with Chris:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjxPG_mRHDs&feature=related
Click here to learn more about Chris’ ministry:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Tomlin#Biography
Click here to visit Chris’ website:
http://www.christomlin.com/
Click here to visit Chris’ myspace:
www.myspace.com/christomlin
Offertory Sunday will be "Beneath the Cross of Jesus" by the Joyful noise Handbell team:
This meaningful hymn was written by a frail Scottish, Presbyterian woman of the past century, who, despite her physical frailties, was known throughout her community for her helpful, cheery nature. Elizabeth Cecilia Douglas Clephane, one of the few women hymn writers of Scotland, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, but grew up in Melrose, Scotland, in the lovely area of Abbotsford, near the old bridge described by the well-known Scottish writer, Sir Walter Scott, in his book, The Abbot and the Monastery. Her father was a county sheriff, her mother a descendant of the famous Douglas family. Elizabeth was one of three sisters, but she was known as the delicate, retiring member of the family. Yet within the limits of her strength she served the poor and sick of her community, and she and her sisters gave to charity all they did not actually require for their daily needs. Throughout the Melrose area Elizabeth was affectionately known to the townspeople as "the sunbeam." Elizabeth enjoyed writing poems and had several published in a Scottish Presbyterian Magazine entitled The Family Treasury. However, the majority of her writings appeared anonymously in this magazine in 1872, three years after her early death at the age of thirty-nine.
"Beneath the Cross of Jesus" was written by Miss Clephane in 1868, one year before her death. It was not published, however, until 1872, when it appeared anonymously in The Family Treasury with several of her other poems. The original poem consisted of five stanzas, but today only three are used in most hymnals. It is obvious that Elizabeth, like most Scottish Presbyterians of her day, was an ardent Bible student for her hymn is replete with Biblical symbolism and imagery. For example, in stanza one:
The reference to "the mighty Rock" is taken from Isaiah 32:2.
The reference to "the weary land" is taken from Psalm 63:1.
The reference to "home within the wilderness" is taken from Jeremiah 9:2.
The reference to "rest upon the way" is taken from Isaiah 28:12.
The reference to "noontide heat" is taken from Isaiah 4:6
The reference to "burden of the day" is taken from Matthew 11:30. Elizabeth Celphane is also the author of "The Ninety and Nine".
Click here to listen to the hymn:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKNLsEKErqU
Click here to listen to the hymn:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwcLwBGav-M
Meditate on these powerful lyrics:
Beneath the cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand,
the shadow of a mighty rock within a weary land;
a home within the wilderness, a rest upon the way,
from the burning of the noontide heat, and the burden of the day.
Upon that cross of Jesus mine eye at times can see
the very dying form of One who suffered there for me;
and from my stricken heart with tears two wonders I confess:
the wonders of redeeming love and my unworthiness.
I take, O cross, thy shadow for my abiding place;
I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of his face;
content to let the world go by, to know no gain nor loss,
my sinful self my only shame, my glory all the cross.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Stories behind the songs - Palm Sunday March 16, 2008
"Hosanna"
This Palm Sunday anthem was written by Paul Baloche. "Hosanna" (Greek transcription: ὡσαννα, hōsanna) is the cry of praise or adoration shouted in recognition of the Messiahship of Jesus on his entry into Jerusalem, Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! It is used in the same way in Christian praise.
The old interpretation "Save, now!" which may be a popular etymology, is based on Psalm 118:25 (Hebrew הושענא hOshEeah-nna). As a worship leader, Paul's unpretentious and approachable style has encouraged many to draw near to God in worship. "I want my music, and more importantly my life," Paul explains, "to inspire people to pursue a sincere, authentic relationship with Christ."
For fourteen years Baloche has served as the Worship Pastor at Community Christian Fellowship in Lindale, Texas, where he lives with his wife Rita and their three children.
One of the most prominent praise and worship songwriters of our generation describes his writing as "journaling the process of my walk with the Lord".
Click here to read more about Pauls' ministry:
www.leadworship.com/
Click here to visit Pauls' myspace:
www.myspace.com/paulbaloche
Click here to worship along with Paul:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BZoDH2H1Ls
"My God Lives"
This song is from the Fellowship Church recording "My God Lives"
This song is on "Songs from the Key of Life" the worship recording from First Hurst or you can click if you are interested in purchasing a recording of the song
http://mp3blog.org.ua/archives/july2006/mp3/rock/b60d2d0c.html
Behold the Lamb of God (Communion Hymn)
This song by Keith Getty is a beautiful Hymn dealing with the last supper.
Click here to read the lyrics:
http://gettymusic.com/USA/lyrics.asp?id=157
CONTEMPORARY MODERN HYMNS?
Who is creating the next generation of hymns for the Church? And greater still, has the unique formula of the hymn been abandoned on the back pew of the praise & worship movement? Irish composers and artists Keith & Kristyn Getty don't believe so, and they're on a mission to revive the art of hymnody for a new generation.
"There are two reasons we write modern hymns," explains Keith. "First, it's to help teach the faith. What we sing affects how we think, how we feel and ultimately how we live, so it's so important that we sing the whole scope of truth the Bible has given us. The second reason is to try and create a more timeless musical style that every generation can sing, a style that relates to the past and the future."
"In the Church, the purpose of singing is to express the community we have as the Body of Christ." Kristyn adds. "To try and search for the melodic ideas and song structure that might bring more people in, that's what we're trying to investigate. Is there a way to bring everyone together musically?"
The Gettys needn't look further than their homeland for the answer. Throughout Europe, the their modern hymns have already taken hold, crossing musical genres and bridging generations beyond the Church's traditional sphere of influence. The hymn most identified with the couple, "In Christ Alone," penned by Keith and acclaimed British songwriter Stuart Townend ("How Deep The Father's Love"), has been recorded more than 100 times—including arrangements by such top artists as Natalie Grant and the Newsboys—and is now one of the most popular Christian songs of all time in the United Kingdom.
The simple folk melody and storytelling lyrical style of "In Christ Alone" has given rise to its universal appeal, Keith & Kristyn believe. "My main conviction with melody is the same as that of Stravinsky, Bernstein, Gershwin, Burt Bacharach and The Beatles, which is looking at folk music melody in its simplest form," Keith says. "The simplicity of the melody helps make it more accessible, and I believe melody is so fundamental to human culture and psyche."
THE TRIAL
A Palm Sunday drama:
Synopsis: All-around "Joe Average" guy, Jess Goodnuff, is shocked when he is arrested for continually falling short of God's desire for his life. Cut to a courtroom where Jess tries to defend himself by calling forward a parade of witnesses: a co-worker, his wife, his pastor and his mother. Through their sometimes humorous testimonies, Jess's major character flaws emerge, suggesting that perhaps he isn't "good enough" after all. Enter the Public Defender to help. He advises Jess to change his plea to "guilty." Just when Jess is convinced all is lost and sure punishment awaits, the Public Defender arrives. Join us for this interactive musical drama presented on Palm Sunday, March 16th, at 9:45 & 11:00am.
Visit our E-Invite page to send an electronic invitation to a friend, family, or coworker.
"Worthy the Lamb"
This is a powerful song that reminds us of the fact that Jesus, the lamb that is worthy, took our place on the cross.
This song is by Bill & Gloria Gaither Gaither was born in Alexandria, Indiana in 1936, the son of George and Lela Gaither. He formed his first group, the Bill Gaither Trio (consisting of his sister Mary Ann, and brother Danny) in 1956 while a college student at Anderson College. After graduating from Anderson in 1959, he worked as an English teacher. He married the former Gloria Sickal in 1962. After a few years of trying to manage both a music career and his full time teaching job, he quit his teaching job in 1967 and worked full time in the Christian music industry. Gaither was influenced by southern gospel groups and singers such as Jake Hess, Hovie Lister, and groups like the Speers, the Statesmen and the Happy Goodmans.
Gaither and his wife have written songs that have become standards across the English-speaking world, including "The Longer I Serve Him," "Because He Lives," "The King Is Coming," "Something Beautiful," "He Touched Me", "It Is Finished," "There's Something About That Name" and "Let's Just Praise The Lord." His songs have been performed by Christian artists (Carman, Sandi Patty), country singers (The Statler Brothers) and pop artists (Elvis Presley). Gloria Gaither often writes the lyrics while Bill writes the music, although composing is usually a collaborative project between the two.
Since Gaither first began singing with the Bill Gaither Trio in the 1950s, he has constantly been performing. The Bill Gaither Trio originally consisted of Bill, his brother Danny Gaither and his sister Mary Ann Gaither. In about 1964 Bill's wife, Gloria, took the place of Mary Ann. The trio sang traditional gospel songs along with original compositions by the Gaithers that gave them a more contemporary feel. Gaither has a high bass voice (or low baritone), and would often sing while playing a guitar with the Bill Gaither Trio. He also plays the piano.
Click here to worship along with the Gaither Homecoming choir:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DJS5XZcpS0
Click here for another arrangement of the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=64doVvo6JOw&feature=related
This Palm Sunday anthem was written by Paul Baloche. "Hosanna" (Greek transcription: ὡσαννα, hōsanna) is the cry of praise or adoration shouted in recognition of the Messiahship of Jesus on his entry into Jerusalem, Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! It is used in the same way in Christian praise.
The old interpretation "Save, now!" which may be a popular etymology, is based on Psalm 118:25 (Hebrew הושענא hOshEeah-nna). As a worship leader, Paul's unpretentious and approachable style has encouraged many to draw near to God in worship. "I want my music, and more importantly my life," Paul explains, "to inspire people to pursue a sincere, authentic relationship with Christ."
For fourteen years Baloche has served as the Worship Pastor at Community Christian Fellowship in Lindale, Texas, where he lives with his wife Rita and their three children.
One of the most prominent praise and worship songwriters of our generation describes his writing as "journaling the process of my walk with the Lord".
Click here to read more about Pauls' ministry:
www.leadworship.com/
Click here to visit Pauls' myspace:
www.myspace.com/paulbaloche
Click here to worship along with Paul:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BZoDH2H1Ls
"My God Lives"
This song is from the Fellowship Church recording "My God Lives"
This song is on "Songs from the Key of Life" the worship recording from First Hurst or you can click if you are interested in purchasing a recording of the song
http://mp3blog.org.ua/archives/july2006/mp3/rock/b60d2d0c.html
Behold the Lamb of God (Communion Hymn)
This song by Keith Getty is a beautiful Hymn dealing with the last supper.
Click here to read the lyrics:
http://gettymusic.com/USA/lyrics.asp?id=157
CONTEMPORARY MODERN HYMNS?
Who is creating the next generation of hymns for the Church? And greater still, has the unique formula of the hymn been abandoned on the back pew of the praise & worship movement? Irish composers and artists Keith & Kristyn Getty don't believe so, and they're on a mission to revive the art of hymnody for a new generation.
"There are two reasons we write modern hymns," explains Keith. "First, it's to help teach the faith. What we sing affects how we think, how we feel and ultimately how we live, so it's so important that we sing the whole scope of truth the Bible has given us. The second reason is to try and create a more timeless musical style that every generation can sing, a style that relates to the past and the future."
"In the Church, the purpose of singing is to express the community we have as the Body of Christ." Kristyn adds. "To try and search for the melodic ideas and song structure that might bring more people in, that's what we're trying to investigate. Is there a way to bring everyone together musically?"
The Gettys needn't look further than their homeland for the answer. Throughout Europe, the their modern hymns have already taken hold, crossing musical genres and bridging generations beyond the Church's traditional sphere of influence. The hymn most identified with the couple, "In Christ Alone," penned by Keith and acclaimed British songwriter Stuart Townend ("How Deep The Father's Love"), has been recorded more than 100 times—including arrangements by such top artists as Natalie Grant and the Newsboys—and is now one of the most popular Christian songs of all time in the United Kingdom.
The simple folk melody and storytelling lyrical style of "In Christ Alone" has given rise to its universal appeal, Keith & Kristyn believe. "My main conviction with melody is the same as that of Stravinsky, Bernstein, Gershwin, Burt Bacharach and The Beatles, which is looking at folk music melody in its simplest form," Keith says. "The simplicity of the melody helps make it more accessible, and I believe melody is so fundamental to human culture and psyche."
THE TRIAL
A Palm Sunday drama:
Synopsis: All-around "Joe Average" guy, Jess Goodnuff, is shocked when he is arrested for continually falling short of God's desire for his life. Cut to a courtroom where Jess tries to defend himself by calling forward a parade of witnesses: a co-worker, his wife, his pastor and his mother. Through their sometimes humorous testimonies, Jess's major character flaws emerge, suggesting that perhaps he isn't "good enough" after all. Enter the Public Defender to help. He advises Jess to change his plea to "guilty." Just when Jess is convinced all is lost and sure punishment awaits, the Public Defender arrives. Join us for this interactive musical drama presented on Palm Sunday, March 16th, at 9:45 & 11:00am.
Visit our E-Invite page to send an electronic invitation to a friend, family, or coworker.
"Worthy the Lamb"
This is a powerful song that reminds us of the fact that Jesus, the lamb that is worthy, took our place on the cross.
This song is by Bill & Gloria Gaither Gaither was born in Alexandria, Indiana in 1936, the son of George and Lela Gaither. He formed his first group, the Bill Gaither Trio (consisting of his sister Mary Ann, and brother Danny) in 1956 while a college student at Anderson College. After graduating from Anderson in 1959, he worked as an English teacher. He married the former Gloria Sickal in 1962. After a few years of trying to manage both a music career and his full time teaching job, he quit his teaching job in 1967 and worked full time in the Christian music industry. Gaither was influenced by southern gospel groups and singers such as Jake Hess, Hovie Lister, and groups like the Speers, the Statesmen and the Happy Goodmans.
Gaither and his wife have written songs that have become standards across the English-speaking world, including "The Longer I Serve Him," "Because He Lives," "The King Is Coming," "Something Beautiful," "He Touched Me", "It Is Finished," "There's Something About That Name" and "Let's Just Praise The Lord." His songs have been performed by Christian artists (Carman, Sandi Patty), country singers (The Statler Brothers) and pop artists (Elvis Presley). Gloria Gaither often writes the lyrics while Bill writes the music, although composing is usually a collaborative project between the two.
Since Gaither first began singing with the Bill Gaither Trio in the 1950s, he has constantly been performing. The Bill Gaither Trio originally consisted of Bill, his brother Danny Gaither and his sister Mary Ann Gaither. In about 1964 Bill's wife, Gloria, took the place of Mary Ann. The trio sang traditional gospel songs along with original compositions by the Gaithers that gave them a more contemporary feel. Gaither has a high bass voice (or low baritone), and would often sing while playing a guitar with the Bill Gaither Trio. He also plays the piano.
Click here to worship along with the Gaither Homecoming choir:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DJS5XZcpS0
Click here for another arrangement of the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=64doVvo6JOw&feature=related
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Stories behind the songs - Sunday March 9, 2008
** Don't forget to "SPRING FORWARD" Saturday night - set your clocks forward one hour!!
"Unrestrained"
"Unrestrained"
We'll begin our worship Sunday with the Crossroads youth sharing this song:
Calvin Nowell wrote this song. He has had quite a journey to healing. On this path to healing, there were a few obstacles that presented itself. One of the biggest hurdles Calvin has overcome was his struggle with his weight. Calvin unfortunately weighed over 450lbs. At six foot four he was displaying a 60-inch waist and a coat size of 64/66L. Although he weighed a lot physically, the emotional weight seemed to outweigh the pounds. Fear and insecurity were the driving forces behind his struggle. However, there was always an inner knowing that he wasn't going to be overweight if given the chance to record a CD. After losing over 215lbs and many layers of emotional weight, Calvin has started somewhere on the journey to share his experience with everyone. "I always felt that God told me that he would bless whatever I put my hands to, but I had the problem of not putting my hands to anything.
Click here to learn more about Calvin http://www.calvinnowell.com/
Click here to worship along with Mandisa www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhJvIxc92SY
"My Savior Lives"
This is a new song by Jon Egan & Glenn Packiam of the New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Co. When asked about writing songs for the church in an interview Jon shared the following.
Those songs were written out of innocence just to equip our own church. I think that probably is the reason for the success. The heart of these songs, the heart of us as worshippers or worship leaders, has always been to help our people in our spheres of influence. The fact that it's equipped the Church beyond our church is overwhelming, wonderful, and humbling.
Jared: We weren't really following anyone into it; we were just excited about what God was doing. We started to try our own songs at times other than Sunday morning. We just put it out there to see if it would live. It began that way, and it crept into the culture of Sunday morning.
Click here to listen to the song:
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=139038586
Click here to worship with the New Life church:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_SB-SpNm00&feature=related
"I will Trust in Thee" The worship choir & Ginger Garner will share this powerful song of testimony. We are commanded throughout scripture to "trust in the Lord". This song will remind us that we are called to a life of faith and trust.
“Victory in Jesus”
This is one of those standard hymns for baptist churches. The song was written by southern baptist Eugene Bartlett. Eugene's son Gene Bartlett was the Director of Church music for the state of Oklahoma for 25 years. I had the opportunity to attend "Uncle Gene's" funeral in Oklahoma City. At the funeral the grandson of the composer led the congregation in singing this great hymn. I'll never forget that moment, watching Eugene's grandson lead the congregation in this great song.Eugene Monroe Bartlett Senior was born on Christmas Eve of 1885. He wrote the words to this hymn -- his last song -- in 1939. Mr. Bartlett was well known as a gospel singer, writer, teacher, editor, and publisher. He was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1979.The words from this well-known and cherished hymn remind us that we can experience victory in Jesus every day of our lives.
I heard an old, old story,
How a Savior came from glory,
How He gave His life on Calvary
To save a wretch like me;
I heard about His groaning,
Of His precious blood's atoning,
Then I repented of my sins;
And won the victory.
O victory in Jesus, My Savior, forever.
He sought me and bought me
With His redeeming blood;
He loved me ere I knew Him,
And all my love is due Him,
He plunged me to victory,
Beneath the cleansing flood.
Click here for a clip from one of the homecoming concerts, Cynthia Clawson, Mike Allen & Joy Gardner singing.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPv_S3RpIF4&mode=related&search=
Click here to sing along
www.youtube.com/watch?v=uA_GPPSgRuQ&mode=related&search=
Click here to hear a great organ solo on "Victory in Jesus"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ae_b3sYB8Uo&mode=related&search=
Click here for a great country version
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaFo3ZW_MTQ&mode=related&search=
"Mighty To Save"
This is another song from the Hillsong music ministry in Sydney Australia. This song is by Reuben Morgan & Ben Fielding. This song has a great reoccuring text. "OUR GOD IS MIGHT TO SAVE". This is taken from the passage in Zephaniah 3:1717 The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."
Click here to read more about Reuben Morgan
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reuben_Morgan
Click here to worship along with the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXCAhKDZRlo
"I can only Imagine"
This song was written by Bart Millard of Mercy Me. Millard's lyrics grew out of a period of tremendous personal pain. In 1991, his father died after a long battle with cancer. When people told him that his dad would choose heaven over coming back, the 18-year-old began thinking about what his dad was experiencing in heaven. After that, he found himself repeating the phrase "I can only imagine." He began writing it on napkins, paper bags, and anything he could find. The phrase resonated in his heart and gave him the strength and hope he needed to move on.
Somehow, wondering about that awesome moment when he too would lay eyes on the Lord helped dull the pain of losing his father. This isn't a permanent separation, he told himself. One day we'll be enjoying God's presence together.Years later, in 1999, when MercyMe was writing songs for its freshman project, Millard stumbled across that simple phrase—"I can only imagine"—in an old notebook. About ten minutes later, the song was written.
"People say it's amazing that it was written in ten minutes, when really it had been on my heart for almost ten years," Millard says. In fact, not many days go by that he still doesn't ask himself those questions that form the chorus of his song:
Surrounded by your glory, what will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still?
Will I stand in your presence, or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing hallelujah? Will I be able to speak at all?
"I have faith that Christ is real," Millard adds. "Therefore, I ask him questions."
Click here to worship along with Mercy Me:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=S70gwFcSK9k
Click here to listen to Wynonna share her testimony and sing the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=S70gwFcSK9k
Jeff will share Sunday "People of His Favor" (Abel, Noah, Moses, & Mary) Genesis 4:4, 6:8, Exodus 33:12, Luke 1:30
"Stand in the Rain"
The Youth Ensemble "Tetelesti" will share this song during the offertory:
Click here to listen to the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlXlUgHUc60
Click here to listen to the song on Superchicks' myspace website:
www.myspace.com/superchick
She never slows down She doesn’t know why
But she knows that when she’s all alone
It feels like it’s all coming down She won’t turn around
The shadows are longAnd she fears if she cries that first tear
The tears will not stop raining down
So stand in the rain Stand your ground
Stand up when it’s all crashing down
You stand through the pain You won’t drown
And one day what’s lost can be found You stand in the rain
She won’t make a sound Alone in this fight with herself
And the fear’s whispering If she stands, she’ll fall down
She wants to be found The only way out is through everything
She’s running from Wants to give up and lie down
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