Thursday, December 6, 2007

Stories behind the Carols - Sunday Dec. 16, 2007

"Joy To The World"
One of our most popular Christmas carols is the result of the efforts of Isaac Watts and Lowell Mason—and, some believe, George Frederick Handel. Watts was a frail, quiet man only five feet tall. Mason was an energetic publisher, choir director, and composer. Handel was a large, robust musical genius. Handel and Watts were contemporaries in London and one imagines they must have appreciated each other's talents. Mason lived 100 years later in Boston.
In 1719 Isaac Watts, already a notable scholar and author, sat down under a tree at the Abney Estate near London and began to compose poetry based on Psalm 98. Watts had begun writing verses as a small child. In his teen years he complained that the songs in church were hard to sing. His father said, "Well, you write some that are better." And so he did. For the next two years, young Isaac wrote a new hymn each week. (He would eventually write more than 600 of them, all based on Scripture.) Today, hymns like "Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed" and "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" are hallmarks of the Christian church, and Watts is regarded as "the Father of English Hymnody."
In 1741 George Frederick Handel, who was already famous as the composer of several operas and oratorios, decided that he wanted to do a truly great work. After spending time in prayer, he arose from his knees and for 23 days labored almost continuously day and night. The immortal Messiah, now a Christmas tradition, was the fruit of that incessant struggle.
A nobleman once praised Handel for the "entertainment" he had furnished in one of his compositions. In no uncertain terms Handel let the nobleman know that his music was composed to make men better, not to entertain them.
Almost a century later, Lowell Mason set Watts's poem of "joy" to music. For years it was assumed that Mason used tunes from Handel's Messiah for portions of the arrangement, but the veracity of that claim is now debated among scholars. Listeners can judge for themselves. But this we know: It was Mason who ultimately brought the pieces together to give us "Joy to the world"
Click here to listen to the acapella group Take 6:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=evywpq32Oa0
Click here to listen to the Vienna Boys choir:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlhWQhtTfq4
Click here if you like Michael Bolton:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXY8Vtnrsxc
Click here to listen to a Mannheim Steamroller version: www.youtube.com/watch?v=inhQTvEhsiU
Click here for a solo guitar version:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiVamM-Uk6A

"Go Tell It On The Mountain"
Go Tell It on the Mountain, was the product of the prayers and faith of an unknown slave, probably before the Civil War. He was probably unable to read the Bible, but gleaning from stories he had heard, he imagined the emotions of the shepherds and wise men, though he did not mention them specifically.
Click here to read about the story behind the song:
www.niu.edu/PubAffairs/RELEASES/2004/nov/carol04.shtml
Click here for a Bob Marley arrangement of the carol:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkUjtl3sH_k
Click here for the Aretha Franklin arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-HHh-pSkiA
Click here for the Dolly Parton arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpSGps6Uqco
Click here for the Peter, Paul & Mary arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0nAyWVp-hY&feature=related
Click here for an acapella arrangement by the Voices of Liberty:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=es4UglURN9k
Click here for a great jazz arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBh4Y2m6Vqc&feature=related

"Carol of the Bells"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carol_of_the_Bells
click here to listen to the George Winston arrangement
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JYrOMK1aDA
click here for a Celtic arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tNbsQ8eDbA
Click here for the Tucson Boys choir
www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6TL1ll4nWo
Click here for the Bradford Barlow arrangement the choir will be singing:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=E74x_mdblWg

"O Little Town Of Bethlehem"
Click here for the story behind the song:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O_Little_Town_of_Bethlehem
Click here for a traditional choir arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ql0CnTY49mc
Click here if your a Nat King Cole enthusiast:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWq8HxloB6Q
Click here if Kenny Rodgers is your style:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIEVhgqMHso
Click here if you like Elvis:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLTUqVv6Klc
Click here for a contemporary arrangement of the song by First Call:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GS7YK2CRfRs

"Untitled Hymn (Come To Jesus)"
"Untitled Hymn"This song by Chris Rice was on his recording "Run the earth and watch the sky". What a great name for a recording.
Click here to learn more about Chris
www.christianmusic.com/chrisrice/bio.html
Click here to worship along with the song
www.youtube.com/watch?v=39XD1ImxGWw&mode=related&search=
Click here to listen to worship along with song
www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_4g8_e16dc&mode=related&search=

"Away in a Manger"
Away in a manager is always the first carol that children are taught. Away in a Manger was originally published in 1885. The publication of Away in a Manger was in a Lutheran Sunday school book and this created the misconception that the lyrics of Away in a Manger were actually written by Martin Luther himself. The author is unknown. The music to Away in a Manger was composed by William J. Kirkpatrick in 1895.

Click here to read more about the Carol:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Away_in_a_Manger
Click here to hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJO15vuC8g0
Click here to hear a great contemporary arrangement by Third Day
www.youtube.com/watch?v=s96m4Kk5BGU
Click here to listen to a Celtic arrangement
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOJb6uOF05Q
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Stories behind the Carols - Sunday Dec. 9, 2007

"Glory to God in the Highest"
This gospel song was written by Daryl Williams. Click here to read more about his trio and Daryls' ministry:
http://darylwilliamstrio.net/index.php
Click here to listen to the Old Friends quartet sing the song on a Gaither video:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tYaI7UL_NE
Click here to hear Ernie Hasses' quartet sing the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKMrhp5uS3g

"Everlasting"
Brenton Brown wrote this song after both he and his wife had being diagnosed with Chronic fatigue syndromeGreat song by Brenton Brown, check him out here. http://www.brentonbrownmusic.com/
Click here to listen to him share about how the song came about
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YePOcs88kqw
Click here to listen to Lincoln Brewsters' arrangement
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jP2nz6PG8KM&mode=related&search=
Click here to listen to Brenton Brown & Paul Baloche
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bLWwnVBuF8

"Angels From the Realms of Glory"
James Montgomery was the son of Missionaries who went to the West Indies and left their son in a boarding school when he was only 6 years old. While his devout parents shared the gospel, their son was shuttled from home to home. He failed at school. He failed as a baker's apprentice. But, he could write poetry. In time, he worked for The Sheffield Register, a radical newspaper which he later bought out and renamed, The Iris. Because of addressing sensitive political issues in his paper, twice Mr. Montgomery was fined and imprisoned.On Christmas Eve, 1816, at the age of 45, James published his poem, "Angels from the realms of glory," in his paper.The stirring tune, Regent Square came from the pen of the blind musician composer, Henry Smart who was born in 1813 and lived until 1879. The name Regent Square was taken from the most prominent Presbyterian Church in London. Montgomery produced more than 400 hymns, surpassed only by Charles Wesley and Isaac Watts in the number of hymns now in general use throughout Christendom.
Click here to listen to an organ arrangement with Chimes
www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-t7koyC9QE&feature=related

"This is Christmas"
These are great words set to the tune of "Silver Bells". I'm really not sure where I got the words, but because the tune is so familiar, it works well in worship. Here are the alternate christmas lyrics that can be sung to "Silver Bells".

"This is Christmas, This is Christmas
Every pure heart is filled,
with a song that is praising the Saviour
For the glory and the blessing
that has brightened our way,
Since Jesus was born on that day
Wonderful (echo) Counselor (echo)
Down from His throne to a manger
Mighty God (echo) Prince of Peace (echo) Soon he is coming again"

Click here to read more about the song "Silver Bells"
Click here to listen to John Denver sing "Silver Bells"


"Good Christian men Rejoice"
This is a 14th Century Latin carol, translated by John M. Neale (1818-1866). The original Latin title of this song is "In Dulci Jubilo" meaning "in sweet shouting". This is known as a "macaronic carol" because it combines 2 or more languages. In this case, German and Latin.........with a 19th Century English rendering by Mr. Neale.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_Dulci_Jubilo
Click here to hear a brass arrangement
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftdtocjj7i4

"One Day"
This is a new arrangement of an old hymn by Michael Bleaker worship pastor at the Village church in Flower Mound. The words were penned by J. Wilbur Chapman.Click here to play the song - scroll down to new worship songs
www.firsthurst.com/HURST_worship_resources.php
Michael on worship:
"At the Village church , we believe that worship is our response - both personal and corporate - to God for Who He is and what He has done, expressed in and by the things we say and the way we live."
One day when Heaven was filled with His praises,
One day when sin was as black as could be,
Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin,
Dwelt among men, my Example is He!
Living, He loved me; dying, He saved me;
Buried, He carried my sins far away;
Rising, He justified freely forever;
One day He’s coming—O glorious day!
One day they led Him up Calvary’s mountain,
One day they nailed Him to die on the tree;
Suffering anguish, despised and rejected:
Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He!
One day they left Him alone in the garden,
One day He rested, from suffering free;
Angels came down o’er His tomb to keep vigil;
Hope of the hopeless, my Savior is He!
One day the grave could conceal Him no longer,
One day the stone rolled away from the door;
Then He arose, over death He had conquered;
Now is ascended, my Lord evermore!
One day the trumpet will sound for His coming,
One day the skies with His glories will shine;
Wonderful day, my belovèd ones bringing;
Glorious Savior, this Jesus is mine!

Offertory "Breath of Heaven"
Amy Grant wrote this song. In 1992 she produced her second studio Christmas album, Home For Christmas. The album was a smash success, going multi-platinum and earning acclaim for its large symphonic arrangements. "Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song)", a song which told the nativity story from Mary's perspective, was one of the album's biggest successes. Grant had been pregnant with her third child, Sarah Chapman, during the writing of the song and has said that she was inspired by her pregnancy to reflect on Mary's struggle.
click here to hear Amy Grant sing this song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2egKS4d1oI
Click here to see sign-language of the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrYVd5h5bro&feature=related
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Thursday, November 29, 2007

Stories behind the CAROLS - Sunday Dec. 2, 2007

What is a Carol anyway?


A song of praise or joy, especially for Christmas.
An old round dance often accompanied by singing.
To sing in a loud, joyous manner.
To go from house to house singing Christmas songs.
To celebrate in or as if in song: caroling the victory.
To sing loudly and joyously.




"O Come All Ye Faithful"
Also known in Latin as "Adeste Fidelis", this Christmas carol is credited to an English hymnist named John Francis Wade (1711-1786).
Click here to read more about the history of the song:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adeste_Fideles
Click here to listen to Bianca Ryan sing the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7I8XAf4Rwa4
Click here to hear a traditional setting:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZKp4npV47Q&feature=related

"Lord I lift Your Name on High"
Rick Founds wrote this song.
It was written in 1989 during Found's morning devotion. Having developed the habit of playing guitar while watching television, he found it very natural to play while reading Scripture on his computer monitor.
"I'd just reach over and grab my guitar," he recalls. "I'd plunk along with whatever I was reading that day."
He remembers marveling one early morning at the love of God who created the world though He knew we would rebel and fall. It amazed Rick that God had a plan to redeem us from the very beginning. As Founds meditated over his cyber-Bible and touched his guitar strings, God's plan struck him as something of a cycle.
He thought of the cycle of rain that comes down, waters the earth, evaporates back into the clouds and then returns.
Suddenly, the now famous chorus emerged: "You came from heaven to earth to show the way / From the earth to the cross my debt to pay / From the cross to the grave / From the grave to the sky..." Interrupting his own lyric, Founds explains, "The response to grasping even a little bit of that knowledge is praise, and thanksgiving and gratitude!" When he completes the line, 'Lord, I Lift Your Name on High,' a moment of silent awe follows.

Click here to read more about this Carol
www.ccli.com/WorshipResources/SongStories.cfm?itemID=11
Click here to worship along with Rick Founds
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBezK_v_FqY
Click here to worship along with the group Petra:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cx5YmS7GXQ&feature=related
Click here to worship along with some great images:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OF5iaFNE7Q


"Unto the Lamb"
This great worship song was written by Brian Ming, worship director for CHRIST FOR THE NATIONS in Dallas.
Here is Brians' testimony in his own words:
Recently, God has called me out to the body of Christ to impart at local churches, at conferences, and various events. I feel called, not to one exclusive organization, or denomination, but to go where He opens the door. If you are interested in having me, my wife, and/or team come, send me a message. Well, a little background on me.....I've been in full time ministry since the age of 19yrs old (unless you count playing the drums for my parents church at age 9). I was youth pastor, college pastor, music pastor, young adults district cordinator, masters commission director, and the list goes on & on. I pioneered a lot of cool ministries (with the help of amazing people that God put around me).....I love working with young people who are passionate for Christ! We had a group that traveled all over the country leading people to the Lord through worship & dramas. God has allowed me to accomplish many things at a young age. I am very excited at what He is doing in my life NOW! I am currently the worship leader at Christ for Nations Institute & I have the privilege of being around some awesome students! God has put a desire in my heart to challenge this next generation to make a difference in their world, with a life of worship. As well as ministry on the platform, I feel just as called and anointed to be a loving husband to my beautiful wife Kristen, and a father to three amazing children.

Click here to worship along with Brian Ming - the song is on his stand-alone player
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=185732641


"This is Christmas"
These are great words set to the tune of "Silver Bells". I'm really not sure where I got the words, but because the tune is so familiar, it works well in worship. Here are the alternate christmas lyrics that can be sung to "Silver Bells"
"This is Christmas, This is Christmas
Every pure heart is filled, with a song that is praising the Saviour
For the glory and the blessing that has brightened our way,
Sin..ce Jesus was born on that day
Wonderful (echo) Counselor (echo)
Down from His throne to a manger
Mighty God (echo) Prince of Peace (echo)
Soon he is coming again

Click here to read more about the song "Silver Bells"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver_Bells
Click here to listen to John Denver sing "Silver Bells"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=djfgoGAEU4E


"Come Thou Long Expected Jesus"
In 1738, the love and grace of God gripped the heart of Charles Wesley, and he actively sought to share the knowledge of His love with others. Charles wrote over 6000 hymns, including "Christ the Lord is risen today," "Oh For a Thousand Tongues to Sing," "Jesus Lover of My Soul" and "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling."

In this Christmas carol, "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus," Wesley makes many references to who Jesus is and what He can mean to those who believe on Him. Take time to consider this carol of anticipation and fulfillment.

Click here to listen to a Bagpipe arrangement of the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PuVoYnhcbU
Click here to listen to a great Pipe organ arrangement of the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbgbS42n_U8
Click here to listen to a solo arrangement with guitar
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCCy9MvdHSQ

"Tell me the Story of Jesus"
This great hymn was written by Fanny Crosby, here is some short information on her testimony:
The story of Fanny Crosby is one of sorrow, yet of the deepest love. At the age of six weeks old, Fanny developed an eye infection. The family physician was unavailable so another physician was called. He applied hot mustard poultices to the baby’s eyes. This caused severe burns to Fanny’s eyes and she was permanently blind from then on.Fanny never felt bitter but instead grew into a young woman who “saw” God in everything around her and in every circumstance that life handed to her. Although she was physically blind, Fanny had the keenest of spiritual sight…which is reflected in her 9,000 plus hymns. Her love for God and her eagerness to share with others what Christ had done for them brought countless numbers to Christ.


Click here to hear a gaither video of the song great harmony:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cclh18f3Fc4
Click here to hear a great trio sing the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JezvAf3PGfU


"The First Noel"
The word Nowell comes from the French word Noël meaning "Christmas", from the Latin word natalis ("birth"). It may also be from the Gaulish words "noio" or "neu" meaning "new" and "helle" meaning "light" referring to the winter solstice when sunlight begins overtaking darkness.

Click here to read more about the song:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_First_No%C3%ABl#Animaniacs_parody
Click here to listen to Clay Aiken sing the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJhlB-CzCsc
Click here to hear Helmut Lotti sing the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=We4xRHMuCNg&feature=related
** Click here for an interesting arrangement - one person, two guitars: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cyWiw3cSOI



"Breath of Heaven"
Amy Grant wrote this song. In 1992 she produced her second studio Christmas album, Home For Christmas. The album was a smash success, going multi-platinum and earning acclaim for its large symphonic arrangements. "Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song)", a song which told the nativity story from Mary's perspective, was one of the album's biggest successes. Grant had been pregnant with her third child, Sarah Chapman, during the writing of the song and has said that she was inspired by her pregnancy to reflect on Mary's struggle.

click here to hear Amy Grant sing this song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2egKS4d1oI
Click here to see sign-language of the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrYVd5h5bro&feature=related
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Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Stories behind the songs - Sunday Nov. 25, 2007

For flowers that bloom about our feet;
For tender grass, so fresh, so sweet;
For song of bird, and hum of bee;
For all things fair we hear or see,
Father in heaven, we thank Thee!
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

"My God Lives"
We do this song a lot, but I love how it paints the picture of the gospel. This song was originally recorded at Fellowship Church in Grapevine. My favorite line is “He went to the cross for my sins and in three days He rose again, and on His throne He reigns for eternity”

"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
http://www.blogger.com/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=

"Thou, O Lord"
This is one of our Choirs' favorite anthems, based upon the Psalm 3
Psalm 3
A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom.
1 LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! 2 Many are saying of me, "God will not deliver him." 3 But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the one who lifts my head high.
4 I call out to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy mountain.
5 I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.
6 I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.
7 Arise, LORD! Deliver me, my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked. 8 From the LORD comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people.
Click here to hear the Brooklyn Tabernacle choir minister the song:
Click here to hear the Lee University Campus choir minister the song:

"New Every Morning"
This song is based on Lamentations 3:22-23
22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
click here to hear a recording of the song http://www.blogger.com/www.worshipmusic.com/vmd8076.html
Click here to learn more about the composer
www.scottunderwood.org/
"Amazed"
Click here to read an interview of the composer Jared Anderson
You dance over me
While I am unaware
You sing all around
But I never hear the sound
Lord I’m amazed by You
Lord I’m amazed by You
Lord I’m amazed by You
How You love me
Click here to worship along with Jared Anderson
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GO0adHGUdxo
Click here to watch a video montage of the song (clearer audio)

"Offering"
This song is by Paul Baloche. Paul Baloche has written some of this generation’s most compelling worship songs, songs that have become the soundtrack for believers all over the world in times of worship both corporate and private. His approach to his calling is simple, yet profound: “The best worship songs come as a byproduct of worship.”
Click here to watch the iworship dvd of the song
Click here to worship along with Paul Baloche

"The Solid Rock"
One morning it came into my mind as I went to labour, to write an hymn on the ‘Gracious Experience of a Christian.’ As I went up Holborn I had the chorus,
‘On Christ the solid Rock I stand,All other ground is sinking sand.’
In the day I had four first verses complete, and wrote them off. On the Sabbath following I met brother King as I came out of Lisle Street Meeting…who informed me that his wife was very ill, and asked me to call and see her. I had an early tea, and called afterwards. He said that it was his usual custom to sing a hymn, read a portion, and engage in prayer, before he went to meeting. He looked for his hymn-book but could find it no where. I said, ‘I have some verses in my pocket; if he liked, we would sing them.’ We did, and his wife enjoyed them so much, that after service he asked me, as a favour, to leave a copy of them for his wife. I went home, and by the fireside composed the last two verses, wrote the whole off, and took them to sister King…As these verses so met the dying woman’s case, my attention to them was the more arrested, and I had a thousand printed for distribution.
Click here to listen to an arrangement by the Cadet sisters
here is a gospel arrangement by the
here is a more traditional arrangement of the song on organ
Offertory this Sunday is Mark Kent singing "Thankful"
Here is Caedman's call singing the song:
Click here to watch a video montage of the song
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Thursday, November 15, 2007

Stories behind the songs Nov.18, 2007

“God first seeks devotion to Him in the hidden place –
worship when no one else is watching.”

"Thank you Lord"
This song of thanksgiving was written by Paul Baloche & Don Moen.
We are commanded to give thanks:
Give thanks to him who alone does mighty miracles. His faithful love endures forever. Give thanks to him who made the heavens so skillfully. His faithful love endures forever. Give thanks to him who placed the earth on the water. His faithful love endures forever. Give thanks to him who made the heavenly lights -- His faithful love endures forever. The sun to rule the day, His faithful love endures forever and the moon and stars to rule the night. His faithful love endures forever
Click here to learn more about Don Moen
Click here to learn more about Paul Baloches' testimony
Click here to worship along with Don Moen

"We will Dance"
Click here for the lyrics:
Learn more about David Ruis here:
Click here to worship along with song:

"For the Beauty of the Earth"
This choir anthem was written by John Rutter. Click here to read more about this composer from England
Click here to worship along with the boys choir of St. Paul's Cathedral in London
Click here to take a virtual tour of St. Pauls' cathedral
Click here for a great visual slide show set to the song: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iRxZMudrAY

"Count Your many Blessings"
This beautiful hymn was written by one of the prolific gospel song writers of the past century, a Methodist lay preacher named Johnson Oatman.
Click here to read the lyrics and hear the tune:
click here to read more about the composition of this song:
Click here to sing-along with the International Staff singers great piano duet along with the choir recorded in Sweden:
“Made Me Glad”
By Hillsong worship leader Miriam Webster
Miriam Webster is an Australian gospel singer-songwriter. Her career began at the age of 15, when she won the interstate music awards. She has since toured Australia, New Zealand and the United States, and released several albums, of which the first is Never Alone. She has been serving with the Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia since 1996 and featuring on numerous Hillsong Music praise-and-worship albums since 1997.

Click here to worship along with the Hillsongs worship ministry:

"How Great is Our God"
Click here to listen to the story behind the song:
Click here to listen to Chris share about how the song came about.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpfKli_4LQ0&mode=related&search=
Click here to worship along with Darlene Zschech
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIiBYMAs8Qo&mode=related&search=

Chris on the song:
Another simple song that started from the thought of God's greatness and presence. My hope is that it is simple enough to sing, yet profound enough to cause the heart and soul to stand in wonder. I've already been overwhelmed from the response I've seen from this song.

Message
Jobs of Jesus II: "Jesus as the Baker" John 6:26-35
Offertory The Doug Herring Band

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Thursday, November 8, 2007

Stories behind the songs Sunday November 11, 2007

"Our Heavenly Father loves us with an extravagant abandon. Passionate, undignified worship is our only reasonable response."


"High and Lifted Up"
The worship choir will start us off with this anointed song by Joe Pace. Joe's intense scriptural understanding and anointing in the area of music ministry, has rendered him a phenomenal teacher and one of the most sought after workshop clinicians and speakers in the country.
Click here to learn more about Joe Pace
www.joepace.org/index_new.html
Click here to get a taste of Joe's music
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZKOQQtmUbQ

"Friend of God"
Israel Houghton serves as one of the worship pastors for Lakewood Church in Houston. Here are some links with information on this popular worship song. Here is a devotional thought on the song www.gospelflava.com/articles/songinword-friendofgod.html
Here is an interview with Israel that gives great insight into Israel’s walk with the Lord. www.cbn.com/700club/guests/interviews/israel_houghton_041205.aspx
Click here to listen to the song
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ty0SO7IvtXM

"When I get there"
The Crossroads youth will minister this song by Kirk Franklin - great phrase "you will exchange joy for my pain"
Click here to learn more about Kirk Franklin
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirk_Franklin
Click here to worship with Kirk Franklin in Houston
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXc9l1IVw2w

"I will Boast"
Read more about Paul Baloches' ministry here www.leadworship.com/paul/about.html
This song is based on the verse Jeremiah 9:24
"Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."
Click here to worship with the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yiAFexAeqc


"I Surrender All"
This powerful hymn was written by Judson W. Van DeVenter in 1896. He wrote the following in his journal:
The song was writ­ten while I was con­duct­ing a meet­ing at East Pal­es­tine, Ohio, in the home of George Seb­ring (found­er of the Seb­ring Camp­meet­ing Bi­ble Con­fer­ence in Seb­ring, Ohio, and lat­er de­vel­op­er of the town of Seb­ring, Flor­i­da). For some time, I had strug­gled be­tween de­vel­op­ing my tal­ents in the field of art and go­ing into full-time evan­gel­is­tic work. At last the pi­vot­al hour of my life came, and I sur­ren­dered all. A new day was ushered in­to my life. I became an evang­el­ist and dis­cov­ered down deep in my soul a tal­ent hi­ther­to un­known to me. God had hid­den a song in my heart, and touch­ing a ten­der chord, He caused me to sing "I surrender all, I surrender all, all to Thee my blessed Savior, I surrender all"
Click here to hear Ce Ce Winan sing this hymn:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjsz6fRnsDc
Click here to hear the Isaacs sing the song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOq7p3RTm5w
Click here to watch a very moving liturgical dance to the song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-VnQShgRYs

"Take my Life and Let it Be"
Frances R. Havergal wrote the following about how he wrote the song:
I went for a lit­tle vi­sit of five days (to Are­ley House). There were ten per­sons in the house, some un­con­vert­ed and long prayed for, some con­vert­ed, but not re­joic­ing Christ­ians. He gave me the pra­yer, “Lord, give me all in this house!” And He just did. Be­fore I left the house ev­ery one had got a bless­ing. The last night of my vis­it af­ter I had re­tired, the gov­ern­ess asked me to go to the two daugh­ters. They were cry­ing, then and there both of them trust­ed and re­joiced; it was near­ly mid­night. I was too hap­py to sleep, and passed most of the night in praise and re­new­al of my own con­se­cra­tion; and these lit­tle coup­lets formed them­selves, and chimed in my heart one af­ter ano­ther till they fin­ished with “Ever, On­ly, ALL for Thee!”

click here to hear a newer version of the hymn
www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEzbwcMG9Gc
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Thursday, November 1, 2007

Stories behind the songs - Sunday November 4, 2007

Creation is alive with musicality; and every sound, note and strain is a response to the divine, pointing to the author of all life – God Himself.


"Did You feel the Mountains Tremble"
click here for the story behind the song:
www.theheartofworship.org/stories/Story-197-DidYouFeeltheMountainsTremble-Smith.mp3
Click here to listen to the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4Q5vVa0q8Q
Click here to read more about Martin Smith the composer:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Smith_(songwriter)


"Everlasting God"
Brenton Brown wrote this song after both he and his wife had being diagnosed with Chronic fatigue syndrome
Great song by Brenton Brown, check him out here.
www.brentonbrownmusic.com/
Click here to listen to him share about how the song came about
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YePOcs88kqw
Click here to listen to Lincoln Brewsters' arrangement
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jP2nz6PG8KM&mode=related&search=
Click here to listen to Brenton Brown & Paul Baloche
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bLWwnVBuF8

"Breathe on Me" Soloist Karen Rutledge
This song was written by Natalie Grant click here to read more about her ministry
www.nataliegrant.com/?content=music

"Give thanks to the Lord"
This song was written by Jon Essen, who grew up at First Hurst. Here are Jons' thought on writing the song:

"I think there are seasons and times in our lives when seeing God as He really is, becomes not just a vain concept, but a heartfelt and tangible reality. I remember sitting down at the piano one night after reflecting on how great knowing God really is...the joy, the peace, the amazing relationship He opens up to us through Jesus. As I thought about it, it simply made me want to worship God and express that I was so grateful for everything He had done in my life...but more than that, I was grateful that in all His power and splendor, He would choose me, and call me His own. Honestly, it’s a concept that never gets old to me...I love knowing Jesus." Jon Essen

"The More I seek You"
click here to read more about Zach Neese who wrote this powerful worship song
www.gatewaypeople.com/churchinfo/index.php?action=staffbiodetails&sid=180
Click here to worship along with Kari Jobe (LD Bell High school graduate)www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3GijrnfStk

Psalm 13
Long enough, God— you've ignored me long enough.
I've looked at the back of your head long enough.
Long enough I've carried this ton of trouble, lived with a stomach full of pain.
Long enough my arrogant enemies have looked down their noses at me. Take a good look at me, God, my God; I want to look life in the eye, So no enemy can get the best of me or laugh when I fall on my face. I've thrown myself headlong into your arms I'm celebrating your rescue.
I'm singing at the top of my lungs, I'm so full of answered prayers.



"Great is Thy Faithfulness"


Thomas Obadiah Chisolm
While many hymns are born out of a particular dramatic experience, this hymn was simply the result of the author’s morning by morning realization of God’s personal faithfulness. Thomas Obadiah Chisholm was born in a log cabin in Kentucky. Without the benefit of high school or advanced training, he began his career as a school teacher at the age of sixteen, in the same country schoolhouse where he had received his elementary training. When he was twenty-one, he became the associate editor of his home town weekly newspaper, The Franklin Favorite. Six years later he accepted Christ as his personal Savior during a revival meeting. Later Chisholm was ordained to the Methodist ministry but was forced to resign after a brief pastorate because of poor health. Chisholm retired in 1953 and spent his remaining years at the Methodist Home for the Aged, in Ocean Grove, New Jersey.
In a letter dated 1941, Mr. Chisholm wrote; “My income has not been large at any time due to impaired health in the earlier years which has followed me until now, although I must not fail to record the unfailing faithfulness of a covenant-keeping God, for which I am filled with astonishing gratefulness.”



Click here to see the lyrics:
www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/g/i/gisthyf.htm
Click here to see the Gaither video arrangement
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRT08LdEstw
Click here for an organ arrangement
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CIjceUj_oI
Click here for a guitar arrangement
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EDK4dLjeCo
Click here for a gospel arrangement
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjDfX7SOslQ




Sermon Series: "Jobs of Jesus III"
Maintenance Man (He Cleans Up Our Messes) Matthew 8:1-3

"For All You've Done" Soloist Nancy Hill

Oh cleanser of the mess I've made
Upon the hill our places trade
Stretched on a cross Your body crushed
By human hands You formed from dust

How wonderful Your mercy is
How awesome are Your ways
I come, I comeTo worship You
For all You've done

Oh cleanser of the mess I've made
Your boundless love for me portrayed
With patience for my learning curve
By holding back what I deserve

Oh cleanser of the mess I've made
With everything at Your feet laid
I watch as all my cares erode
And from my soul these words explode
Chorus

This song was popularized by Point of Grace click here to learn more about their ministry:
http://pointofgrace.net/
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