Thursday, September 6, 2007

Stories Behind the songs - Sunday September 9, 2007

Worship quote this week:

Jesus felt, tasted struggled with and learned from the very same kind of pain, disappointments, weaknesses and challenges that you face.
"Hosanna"
Ever wonder what Hosanna really means? Hosanna is Hebrew for "Save now" from Psalm 118. It is an intensified imperative, a cry, addressed to God, particularly used in the Feast of Tabernacles, when prayers for rain were offered. In the New Testament the crowd shouted it when Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. It is used as an exclamation in Christian worship.
Click here to worship along with Paul Baloche
or here
"Your Grace is Enough"
Click here to listen to how the song was written
Click here to worship along

"Halfway" worship choir with soloist Stephanie Meyer
This great southern gospel song was written and recorded by Hopes Call,
here is there website http://www.hopescall.com/ check out there song "You are Loved" upper right hand corner of their website scroll around on their pop-up player.

"My Life is in You Lord"
Daniel Gardner wrote about the meaning of this song he composed:
This comes down to being our ultimate declaration. We are in Christ; he is in us and works through us. Our true life is in the heavenlies, not here on earth.
The only way we can grow into that understanding is the same way we grow into anything—we have to “think on it,” repeat it to ourselves, speak/sing it aloud, pray it. We have an easy habit of saying and repeating what is true, and having not a clue as to what it really means. Use the declarations in this song, sung again and again, to invite the Holy Spirit to work this understanding of your position in Christ deeply inside of you.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0M0NALW7EM

"Before the Throne of God Above"
“Before the throne of God above” I had heard this song on the radio and was reintroduced to the song when I had the opportunity to visit the Village church in Flower Mound on Palm Sunday evening this year.
I love the verse that says “For God the just is satisfied to look on Him and pardon me”. The song was written by Charitie Lees Smith Bancroft in 1863, but was recently published by Vikki Cook who wrote an alternate melody for it. You can hear the old version by clicking here. http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/b/e/beforetg.htm
You’ll recognize the tune as “Sweet hour of Prayer”
Click here to worship along:
* Click here to hear the Carolina Crown drum and bugle corps' rendition:

"The Wonderful Cross"
Click here to hear Chris Tomlin tell about how the song came about.
If you haven't watched this moving video from one of the Passion meetings check out part one and part two.

"Break Dividing Walls"
David Ruis is a great song writer. He wrote songs like "Sweet Mercies", "You're worthy of my praise", "We will Dance", "Let your Glory Fall" and this great song based on Psalm 133 known as the Psalm of unity. Here is a paragraph from his testimony:
I was raised in a very conservative religous household and trained classically musically. My musical journey took me through boys' choirs and classical piano and very little more in the church than the classic "hymn sandwich" every Sunday. My theological journey took me through cessasionsim, suits and ties and very little awareness - let alone understanding or application - of what I now know as "worship".
That all began to shift as a young church planter with an encounter with the Lord as the result of colliding with the Vineyard movement of churches in February of 1987. The proverbial paradigm shift propelled me into an intimacy with God that I never even dreamed was possible - a roller coaster of a ride through the gifts of the Holy Spirit and power encounters - to an awareness of the kingdom of God, power that is anchored in compassion and community that has the poor and marginalized at its center.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Stories Behind the songs - Sunday September 2, 2007

Worship Quote of the week:

God took His time and made everything about you on purpose so that you would function and express that irreplaceable part of His body.

"All the Earth will sing Your Praises"
Paul Baloche says that this song was his attempt to write a song that would cover the story of Jesus from the cradle to the empty grave, a song that would encompass the gospel. Click here to hear Paul talk about the song.

www.theheartofworship.org/stories/Story-312-AlltheEarthWillSing-Baloche.mp3
Click here to worship along with Paul
www.youtube.com/watch?v=liA-jyoPuX8

"To God be the Glory"
Tommy Walker arranged this great hymn by Fanny Crosby.
Fanny Crosby was prob­ab­ly the most pro­lif­ic hymn­ist in his­to­ry. Though blind­ed by an in­com­pe­tent doc­tor at six weeks of age, she wrote over 8,000 hymns. About her blind­ness, she said:
It seemed intend­ed by the bless­ed prov­i­dence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank him for the dis­pen­sa­tion. If per­fect earth­ly sight were of­fered me to­mor­row I would not ac­cept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been dis­tract­ed by the beau­ti­ful and in­ter­est­ing things about me.
Click here to listen to the song:
The worship choir will share this great southern gospel favorite that includes "He lifted me", "I stand upon the Rock" and "Hide me rock of ages"


"Everlasting"
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
Click here to listen to Lincoln Brewsters' arrangement
Click here to listen to Brenton Brown & Paul Baloche

"Footsteps of Jesus"
The lyrics were written by Mary Bridges Canedy Slade, a Fall River, Massachusetts teacher, assistant editor of The New England Journal of Education and wife of a minister. The melody is by Asa B. Everett who completed his medical training only to pursue a career in music. He studied in Leipzig, Germany for four years
Click here to sing along
"Amazing Grace" (My Chains Are Gone)
Click here to hear Chris Tomlin share about how he wrote the alternate chorus:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PU_4lIik9D8
here is more information on how the song came about.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IliVc9JqW0I
Click here to watch the music video




Sundays' sermon "Against all Odds"
Moses Crosses the Red Sea
Exodus 13:17-14:31

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Stories Behind the songs - Sunday August 26, 2007

This Sunday First Hurst has a new schedule
come prepared to worship
First Worship 9:45am
Second Worship 11:00am
This weeks' worship quote:
"A relationship with the living God shouldn't just fade or wear out like an old pair of shoes. It's meant to be new every morning, just like the mercy it responds to."

"You are Good"
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"
Click here to learn more about Israel http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel_Houghton

"Praise to the Lord"

The lyrics for this great hymn were written by Joachim Neander
Click here to learn more about this great composer who died at the young age of thirty.
Click here to hear the story behind the song
Click here to read the lyrics and sing along www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/p/t/pttlta.htm
Click here to listen to the hymn played on tubular bells
Click here to hear a Finger style guitar arrangement
Click here to hear a hear a solo violin arrangement

"The Presence of the Lord is Here"
The worship Choir with guest soloist Cedrick Johnson will minister this song.
Click here to hear Bryon Cages' rendition.
Here is another rendition by Byron
Here is an arrangement by the Saddleback worship team
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wIYWzIhQ6Q

"Love Lifted Me"
Matthew 14: 30-33 (NASB) But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. And those who were in the boat worshipped Him, saying, “You are certainly God’s Son!”

Rowe and Smith wrote this song in Saug­a­tuck, Con­nec­ti­cut. Ac­cord­ing to Rowe’s daugh­ter:
“How­ard E. Smith was a lit­tle man whose hands were so knot­ted with arth­ri­tis that you would won­der how he could use them at all, much less play the pi­a­no…I can see them now, my fa­ther strid­ing up and down hum­ming a bar or two and How­ard E. play­ing it and jot­ting it down.”

"Your Name" This song is by Paul Baloche you can learn more by going to his myspace website. http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=70931079 You can also listen to the song on his stand alone player. can worship along here with a video on youtube.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5i2pELpqBg


"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=

Pastor Jeff starts a new sermon series entitled "Against All Odds"


This Sunday "Abraham-Against all Odds"
Believed God would provide him a son by Sarah in spite
of their advanced ages
Genesis 15:4-6, 18:1-15, Chapter 21

"Break Through" This is a great song by Tommy Walker, you'll want to listen to this one you can find the song here www.firsthurst.com/HURST_worship_resources.php
Break through, break through all my doubts
Break through, break through all my fears
Break through that I may worship You
Break through, break through all my pain
Break through, all my guilt and my shame
Break through like only You can do
You are brighter than my darkest night
Stronger than my toughest fight
Just one touch from You my King, my friend
And I’ll never be the same again

Offertory will be a duet "Psalm 145" by John Brewer & Cederick Johnson
Click here to hear a preview by Shane & Shane
www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPUcbyVeKVA
Click here to learn more about the ministry of Shane & Shane
www.shaneandshane.com/2.0/

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Stories behind the songs - Sunday August 19, 2007

Worship quote for this week:

"All worship is a response to a revelation - it's only as we breathe in more of the wonders of God that we can breathe out a fuller response to Him"

"Blessed Be Your Name"
We'll begin our worship with this powerful song by Matt Redman
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=

"God is Great"
This song was written by Marty Sampson one of the Hillsong worship leaders from Australia. When asked about the modern worship movement Marty commented recently
"I think young people are getting more and more passionate about their relationships with God and His kingdom. They desire to see God moving in their lives and in the lives of those around them"


Marty Sampson (b. May 31, 1979) is a Christian songwriter and a worship leader at the Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia. Originally featuring in the Youth Alive albums of the late 1990s, he was one of original Hillsong United worship leaders and has led worship on every United album to date. He plays guitar and occasionally piano. Click here to hear Marty leading another song "Carry me"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1kM46oO39U

"God Says your Gonna Make it"
The worship choir will share a great gospel song by Mike Speck
click here to learn more about Mikes' ministry www.mikespeckministries.com/mike_bio.asp

"Down at the Cross"
Click here to learn more about the composers of this great hymn.
www.preparingforeternity.org/hymn_stories/glory_to_his.shtml

Down at the cross where my Savior died,
Down where for cleansing from sin I cried,
There to my heart was the blood applied;
Glory to His Name!
Refrain
Glory to His Name, glory to His Name:
There to my heart was the blood applied;Glory to His Name!

I am so wondrously saved from sin,
Jesus so sweetly abides within;
There at the cross where He took me in;
Glory to His Name!

"Break Through"
This is a great song by Tommy Walker, you'll want to listen to this one you can find the song here www.firsthurst.com/HURST_worship_resources.php

Break through, break through all my doubts
Break through, break through all my fears
Break through that I may worship You
Break through, break through all my pain
Break through, all my guilt and my shame
Break through like only You can do
You are brighter than my darkest night
Stronger than my toughest fight
Just one touch from You my King, my friend
And I’ll never be the same again

"Who Can Satisfy"
Who can satisfy my soul like you
Who on earth can comfort me and love me like You do
Who could ever be more faithful and true
I will trust in You I will trust in You my God
There is a fountain Who is a King
Victorious warrior and Lord of everything
My rock my shleter my very own
Blessed Redeemer Who reigns upon the throne

Message "When Righteousness Reigns"
Isaiah 32:2, 15-16, 35:1-6, 9-10; (Revelation 7:16-17)

Sunday, August 5, 2007

We're off cruising


Ginger and I will be boarding the "Rhapsody of the Seas" ship Sunday afternoon for a seven day cruise to Jamacia, Grand Cayman & Cozumel. Our church body gave us this trip for five years of service at First Hurst. We're blessed to serve such a gracious church. I hope to post some pictures of the cruise either while on the cruise or when I get back.
Swiming with the Sting-rays in Grand Cayman
Picture of Ginger headed to the boat!

NO STORIES BEHIND THE SONGS THIS WEEK FOR SUNDAY AUGUST 12th.








Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Stories Behind the Songs - Sunday August 5, 2007

"God, Great God"
We'll be called to worship Sunday by the worship choir singing this great gospel song by Kurt Carr. As gifted a songwriter as Kurt Carr is an artist, instrumentalist, producer, arranger and conductor, Kurt has twice written the Stellar Songs of the Year; Byron Cage’s smash, “The Presence of the Lord Is Here,” as well as his own group’s classic, “In the Sanctuary.” So broad in fact is the reach of Kurt’s music that “In the Sanctuary” has, to date, been translated into nine different languages and recorded by more than 20 different groups the world over.
Click here to hear the song "God, Great God" www.firsthurst.com/HURST_worship_resources.php

"All My Life" by the Parachute Band
John 8:36 says: 'So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed'. All My Life was written in response to the freedom found in Jesus. It's a simple song, but it's a simple message. Jesus is my freedom and my reason and I love Him with all my life.

"In the Sanctuary"
We'll be led in worship by the Crossroads youth choir. This song is also on the worship choir recording "Songs in the Key of Life"
Click here to worship along with the Hope Baptist church choir.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=hd-wZS0VenA

"Again I say Rejoice"
The Crossroads youth choir will share this song by Israel Houghton. We'll also get to see a video recap of their trip to St. Louis. Click here to hear Israels' recording.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmzygXtbSSI

"You Give Me Joy"
Jonathan Stockstill is the worship leader for Bethany World Prayer Center in Baton Rouge, LA. Also a songwriter, he has written or co-written over 50 songs for the body of Christ. Stockstill has played the piano and guitar for over 20 years. Son of Bethany’s current pastor Larry Stockstill and grandson of church founder Roy Stockstill, Jonathan has attended Bethany his entire life. Jonathan has a heart to train and equip worship leaders and further believes this is the generation that will usher in the return of Jesus. His music emphasizes both the necessity for holiness before God but also the urgency of speaking out for Jesus. He and his wife Angie have been married since February 2005 and together they are a fresh voice for God’s kingdom.

"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



"Blessed Assurance"
The story behind the writing of "Blessed assurance" is simple, yet interesting. One day Miss Crosby was in the home of her friend Mrs Joseph F. Knapp. In the Knapp home was installed what was believed to be the largest pipe organ ever placed in a private dwelling. However, on this particular day Mrs Knapp called her guest over to the piano to listen to a new melody she had just composed. After playing the tune a few times she asked, 'What do you think the tune says?'"Blessed assurance Jesus is mine", answered Fanny Crosby, and then, drawing from her vast storehouse of Scripture knowledge, continued with Oh what a foretaste of glory divine Heir of salvation, purchase of GodBorn of His Spirit, washed in His blood.In a very short time a new sacred song was born with words by Fanny Crosby and music by Mrs J. F. Knapp.Although written as far back as 1873 Blessed Assurance still remains a firm favourite with Christians everywhere.

Click here to read more about Fanny Crosby
www.sermonaudio.com/hymn_details.asp?PID=blessedassurance#history
Click here for a sing-along version
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXh-loC8Ans


"Famous One"
Click here to listen to Chris talk about how he wrote the song in an effort to reclaim the word famous for God
www.theheartofworship.org/stories/Story-196-FamousOne-Tomlin.mp3
Click here to worship along with Chris Tomlin
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCMaOyeR9hM&mode=related&search=

"Something More"
Tami McLallen will minister this song and Kristi King will minister to the Lord through dance
click here to read Kristi Starlings' amazing story
www.christianitytoday.com/music/reviews/2003/kristystarling.html

"Everything's changed, and I want to believe There must be a reason, there just has to be Cause my faith is strong, till it all hits home And it's not enough for me to trust When it hurts too much On the days I feel like I've failed you The days I feel I've been failed I need to praise You For I am Yours, I'm Yours Where is the power, to give what I gave Give back the strength Give back the faith I had yesterday Cause you are my God You are my Great I Am And I know I have fallen but..I have landed in healing hands On the days I feel like I've failed you The days I feel I've been failed I need to praise You For I am Yours, I'm Yours and in my fraility, you lead me to something more So I close my eyes, cause inside my heart I believe, that I'm not alone You'll always be there for me On the days I feel like I've failed you The days I feel I've been failed I know that I need to praise You For I am yours, still yours Cause I believe you lead me to something more Something more, something more..."

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Stories behind the songs - Sunday July 29, 2007

"Testify"
We'll begin our worship Sunday with choir singing "Testify".
This song was popularized by the Crabb family.
click here to listen our worship choirs' recording from "Songs in the Key of Life" www.firsthurst.com/HURST_worship_resources.php

"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=

"That's Why we Praise Him"
Check out Tommy Walker here http://www.tommywalker.net/
Click here to listen to the song:
http://wordmusicnow.com/Song.asp?SongID=100

"I'd Rather Have Jesus" The Priddy family will share this great song.
At the age of 23 George Beverly Shea (1909 - ) had a hard decision to make. He could accept a job offer in a secular singing position in New York City with a great salary and wide respect; or he could continue singing in churches and for Christian radio programs. While sitting at the family piano, he started to prepare a special hymn for the Sunday service. On the piano he found a poem by Mr. Rhea F. Miller. He immediately began to compose the music for the poem and used the song that same morning in his father's church service. He also used those words to direct his life and has shared his song, "I'd Rather Have Jesus" with audiences around the world.

I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I'd rather be His than have riches untold;
I'd rather have Jesus than houses or land;
I'd rather be led by His nail-pierced hand:
Than to be the king of a vast domain or be held in sin's dread sway!
I'd rather have Jesus than anything this world affords today.
I'd rather have Jesus than men's applause;
I'd rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I'd rather have Jesus than world-wide fame;
I'd rather be true to His holy name
He's fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;
He's sweeter than honey from out the comb
He's all that my hungering spirit needs
I'd rather have Jesus and let Him lead


Here is a great clip of the Crabb family singing this great song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eT4DkKjfJGE
Here is a clip from one of the Gaither Videos
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y34lUGEmv10

"Everyday with Jesus"
Words by Robert C. Loveless & music by Wendell P. Loveless written in 1936.
Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before.
Every day with Jesus, I love Him more and more;
Jesus saves and keeps me, and He's the One I'm waiting for.
Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before.


"Break Through"
This is another great song by Tommy Walker, you'll want to listen to this one you can find the song here
www.firsthurst.com/HURST_worship_resources.php


Break through, break through all my doubts
Break through, break through all my fears
Break through that I may worship You
Break through, break through all my pain
Break through, all my guilt and my shame
Break through like only You can do

You are brighter than my darkest night
Stronger than my toughest fi ght
Just one touch from You my King, my friend
And I’ll never be the same again
Break through, break through
Billy Guy will share a Ralph Manuel arrangement of "Give me Jesus"
click here to learn more about Ralph
"Revelation Song"
This song by Jennie Riddle is a great worship song. Jennie is a homemaker in McMinney, Texas. This song is sweeping the country and literally being sung around the world.
Click here to listen to the song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FObjd5wrgZ8



Brad Horn will bring the message Sunday.
Click here to find out more about Brads ministry in the Ukraine.
www.reachukraine.org/
Click here to read Brads' testimony.
www.firsthurst.com/images/BH%20Testimony.pdf
Even better send Brad an encouraging note his email is listed here
www.firsthurst.com/HURST_missions_ukraine.php