Behind the Praise - Sunday November 9,2008

BLENDED 9:30AM

“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.

When it comes to penning songs, Marty is sometimes a little unorthodox in his approach. For example he explains the inspiration behind "God is Great." "The story is that me and Joel Houston, another guy in our youth group, were cruising along in his car, with a tape recorder. And we were just talking about music and singing, and we decided we needed to write a new song for the youth. We were near my house, and we were singing as loud as we could! Joel started doing this beat box, and then I just started singing, 'God is great, and His praise, fills the earth, fills the heavens!' We both turned around, looked at each other, and said, 'Whoa! That's awesome!' So I put on the tape player and recorded it, and it went from there."


Click here to worship along with Marty:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfZOUVD46TI&feature=related

Click here to learn more about Marty’s ministry:
www.myspace.com/martysampsonmusic

Click here to check out Marty:
http://www.martysampson.net/

Click here to purchase “God is Great”


“O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing”

Charles Wesley was suffering a bout of pleurisy in May, 1738, while he and his brother were studying under the Moravian scholar Peter Böhler in London. At the time, Wesley was plagued by extreme doubts about his faith. Taken to bed with the sickness on May 21 Wesley was attended by a group of Christians who offered him testimony and basic care, and he was deeply affected by this. He read from his Bible and found himself deeply affected by the words, and at peace with God. Shortly his strength began to return. He wrote of this experience in his journal and counted it as a renewal of his faith; when his brother John had a similar experience on the 24th, the two men met and sang a hymn Wesley had written in praise of his renewal.
One year from the experience, Wesley was taken with the urge to write another hymn, this one in commemoration of his renewal of faith. This hymn took the form of an 18-stanza poem, beginning with the opening lines 'Glory to God, and praise, and love,/Be ever, ever given and was published in 1740 and entitled 'For the anniversary day of one's conversion'. The seventh verse, which begins, 'O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing', and which now is invariably the first verse of a shorter hymn recalls the words of Peter Bohler who said, 'Had I a thousand tongues I would praise Him with them all.' The hymn was placed first in John Wesley's A Collection of Hymns for the People Called Methodists published in 1780. It appeared first in every (Wesleyan) Methodist hymnal from that time until the publication of Hymns and Psalms in 1983

Click here to hear an organ arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mHDcIGXBtw

Click here for a contemporary arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1LwDBVpg_E

Click here for an acoustic guitar arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=4U8AuFL1qN0&feature=related

Click here to purchase an orchestral arrangement of “O For a Thousand Tongues to sing”


"Mystery"

Paradox. It is not an easily definable concept. It is suffering mingled with joy; sorrow clasping hands with celebration; brokenness enveloped by unity. It is a bright sadness. It is a concept that is frequently embraced by those contemporary psalmists who march boldly on the cutting edge of change while holding tenaciously to the secure tether of tradition. Though it is the preferred weapon of warriors of worship, for Charlie Hall the paradox of pain and praise is neither a recent phenomenon nor a carefully orchestrated career choice. It is a compulsion driven by a hunger and thirst for the presence of God."The human condition may be frail, but God is bursting with life," Charlie insists. "There is a massive sunrise full of dreams and hopes right beside the obscenity of the cross, and those two things don't have to be exclusive. There was a time when I felt so human that I didn't feel like I could belong to God. I didn't feel like His greatness and my difficulties could fit together. Then He began to show me that my brokenness and messiness fit perfectly with what He came here to do. I was the perfect candidate for mercy and grace and life and hope. In my broken state, He is the Bright inside my Sadness."

Click here to worship along with Charlie Hall:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=A69Hj3ISMSo&feature=related

Click here to listen online:
www.last.fm/music/Charlie+Hall/_/Mystery

Click here for Charlie Hall "Scenes from a little church"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xk33IQJ8B0k&feature=related

Click here to purchase Charlie Hall’s “Mystery”


“How can I keep from Singing”

There is an endless song echoes in my soul
I hear the music ring and though the storms may come
I am holding on to the rock I cling
How can I keep from singing Your praise
How can I ever say enough
How amazing is Your love
How can I keep from shouting Your name
I know I am loved by the King
And it makes my heart want to sing

Chris Tomlin joined Ed Cash and Matt Redman to write this song. The song is on the album "See the Morning". This song anchors the theme of hope found on the album. "How Can I Keep From Singing," is a rendition of the 1860 hymn by Robert Lowry. "How Can I Keep From Singing?" is listed in some hymnals by the opening line "My Life Flows On". The original composition has now entered into the public domain. The song is frequently cited incorrectly as a traditional Quaker hymn. Chris reworked the original text and crafted a song that could be sung to God during the difficult times.

Click here to listen to Chris share how he wrote the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6lTZySpbpo

Click here to worship along with Chris:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQI5wxtH6OY&feature=related

Click here to purchase "How Can I keep from Singing"


"The King is Coming"

The résumé of Bill Gaither is not a quick read. There was the founding of his first group, the Bill Gaither Trio, in 1956, while Bill was a college student. There was his first job as a high school English teacher in 1959. There was marriage to teaching colleague, and eventually his songwriting partner, Gloria Sickal, in 1962. And there were the years of juggling teaching,writing, singing, recording and publishing, before the music demanded the couple’s full-time attention in 1967.
Then begins the longest page of the résumé: the publishing of more than 600 songs including hymnal standards such as “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”; recording of more than 40 albums; winning of five Grammy Awards and more than a dozen Grammy nominations plus more than two dozen Dove Awards and nominations and numerous other industry awards; earning the title of Gospel Music Association’s “Songwriter of the Year” eight times; and producing the first inspirational album to achieve gold status,Alleluia: A Praise Gathering for Believers. In end-of-the-millennium honors, Bill and Gloria received the surprise of their lives when ASCAP named them Christian Songwriters of the Century for their music’s impact on American culture in the 20th century. Meanwhile, “He Touched Me” was listed by the Indianapolis Star as one of the Top 10 Songs of the Century written by a Hoosier.
And then another page: the producing of scores of videos that document the musical homecomings of the legends of southern gospel; recognition of gold, platinum or multi-platinum status by the Recording Industry Association of America on 78 of the videos; the placing of a dozen videos at number 1 on Billboard magazine’s video sales charts; and a following of 75 million viewers who watch The Gaither Gospel Hour and the Gaither Family Music Hour on PAX-TV, PBS, TBN, FamilyNet, Daystar,Vision, Crossroads, GMTN and the Inspirational Network.

Click here for a recording "The King is coming"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=LO-zaEidTeU

Click here to purchase the Statler Brothers arrangement of "The King is coming"



CONTEMPORARY 11:00AM

"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=

Click here to purchase Matt Redmans' “Blessed be Your Name”


"God of Wonders"
This song by Steve Hindalong has become a classic. Here is a description of how the song came about: When Marc played the chord progression and melody, it felt really big. I kind of got a chill-I got goose bumps on my arms. I just thought, 'This song needs to be big, with really vast language.' So 'God of wonders beyond our galaxy' was as big as I could think." Having attended an Episcopal church for the last few years, Hindalong has been introduced to a new inspiration for his songwriting. "The liturgy, the old words, is kind of new to me. I flipped through The Book of Common Prayer, and I remember 'Lord of all creation, water, earth and sky.' That became the first line of the song." Lord of all creation Of water, earth and sky The heavens are your tabernacle Glory to the Lord on high God of wonders beyond our galaxy You are holy, holy The universe declares Your majesty You are holy, holy Lord of heaven and earth Lord of heaven and earth But it isn't the vastness of the song that seems to really impact people, relates Hindalong. "People have sent me emails about the song and referred to the second verse. I think the real power of the song is there, when all of the sudden it gets intimate. It says 'When I stumble in the darkness, I will call Your name by night.' This God that is the God of not only our earth, but of all the worlds, that is so big-but when I'm afraid, when I'm alone, when I sin, when I'm in trouble, He comes close enough that I can call His name. It's the truth that's powerful, not the song. It is that particular truth that is so moving."

Click here to worship along with Third Day & Caedmans' call
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CBNE25rtnE

Click here to worship along with Shane & Shane
www.youtube.com/watch?v=0B9Bbnu7pLM

Click here to purchase Caedmans’ Calls’ version:


"My Savior, My God"
Aaron Shust was reading through an old hymnal and thought that the verses to this hymn would make a great worship song. The hymn was "I am not Skilled to understand". Aaron wrote the original chorus while sitting at a red light on the way home from a rehearsal.The hymn “I Am Not Skilled To Understand” was written by Dorothy Greenwell (1821-1882). Sometimes known as “Dora,” Ms. Greenwell lived in the rectory in Northumberland, England in 1848. She wrote poems and hymns. “I Am Not Skilled to Understand” was published in 1873, in the hymnal Songs of Sal­va­tion.

Click here to learn more about how Aaron wrote the song:
www.theheartofworship.org/stories/Story-308-MySaviorMyGod-Shust.mp3

Click here to visit Aaron's myspace:
www.myspace.com/aaronshust

Click here to worship along with Aaron;
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gb2FK77vJCE

Click here to worship along with Aaron Shust
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gt0WluTpFTg

Click here to purchase Aaron Shusts’ “My Savior, My God”



“To the Ends of the Earth”
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. He was married in November of 2006 to Michelle. Sampson was a former worship leader for Hillsong United together with Joel Houston (son of pastor Brian Houston). His last album with United in the 2007 United album All of the Above, could be his last album with Houston and the Hillsong United team. Since his marriage with Michelle, Sampson has moved from Hillsong United to the Hillsong band and helps lead worship with Darlene Zschech and the rest of the team. He is now one of the main worship leaders in Hillsong Church along with Zschech and Reuben Morgan. Sampson recently released a solo album entitled "Let Love Rule Love unfailing Overtaking my heart
You take me in Finding peace again
Fear is lost in all You are And I would give the world to tell Your story
Cause I know that You've called me I know that You've called me
I've lost myself for good within Your promise I won't hide it I won't hide it

Click here to visit Marty Sampsons’ myspace:
www.myspace.com/martysampsonmusic

Click here to learn more about Martys’ ministry:
http://martysampson.net/

Click here to worship along:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0G5azgrTUo

Click here to purchase “To the ends of the Earth”


THIRD SERVICE 6:00PM

"Great and Mighty"

This song was written by the group Caedmon's call. The band's unusual name was inspired by Cædmon, an Anglo-Saxon cowherd who lived during the 7th century. Legend has it that Caedmon was afraid to sing in public due to a lack of musical talent, and shied away from occasions where he had to sing. After leaving a feast one night because he was too embarrassed to sing, he lay down in the pasture with the cattle to sleep. An angel appeared to him in a dream, calling him to sing. After refusing, he eventually decided to sing and when he did, he sang beautiful verses that had never been heard before, based on the story of creation and using the style of pre-Christian, Anglo-Saxon poetry. Many songwriters tried in vain to write songs as good as or better than Caedmon's, but could not because Caedmon's songs came from God. Founding band members Cliff, Danielle, and Aaron decided on the name "Caedmon's Call" after all three heard this story during the same week and thought it was fitting.

Click here to listen to Caedman Calls' version:
www.rhapsody.com/caedmonscall/greatandmighty

Click here to purchase Caedman Calls' version of "Great and Mighty"


"Everlasting God"

Brenton Brown wrote this song after both he and his wife had being diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Brown described their illness in the following excerpt from Christianity today. Brown: It's called fibromyalgia, a form of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. What defines it are the symptoms, the most obvious ones [being] fatigue. You feel jet-lagged most of the time. There are other symptoms like nausea, muscle pain, muscle aches. There's no known cure. Basically it was just like waking up one day and finding out that I had someone else's body. Very strange. I wasn't thinking as clearly. And over the last three years we've basically had to relearn how to live life with our new bodies. It's been a challenge. Chronic Fatigue is a little bit like having mono[nucleosis]. You feel very fatigued, very drained. And no matter how much you sleep, you're still going to feel tired. You can never shake off that tired feeling. I just kept going for six months. And then my pastor, the board of our church and the group of doctors that I was seeing all decided, "This is not working. You're not going to be able to force your way through this." Brenton Brown, born in South Africa, is a Christian songwriter and worship leader. He left South Africa for Oxford, England in his early twenties on a Rhodes Scholarship. While studying politics, philosophy and theology he joined the Vineyard music (UK), serving as worship pastor at the Oxford Vineyard, UK, and eventually as coordinator of the Vineyard (UK) Worship Development Team. His songs, Lord Reign in me, All who are thirsty, Humble King, Hallelujah [Your love is amazing] and Holy were recorded on the popular Vineyard UK projects during this time. He has since left the UK and now lives in Malibu, California with his wife, Jude. Brenton is an artist on the worship label Survivor and in 2006 released his first solo album, Everlasting God with Survivor in the UK and rest of the world, and with Sparrow in the United States and Canada.

Check out Brenton’s ministry 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

Click here to purchase Brenton Browns' version of "Everlasting God"


"Beautiful"

In a world where swagger usually triumphs over substance, it’s refreshing when a young singer/songwriter arrives on the scene with something to say. With the multi-faceted sound of a much older soul and shimmering melodies that match the intensity of his heartfelt lyrics, 21-year-old Phil Wickham’s self-titled debut can’t help but stand out in a crowd of cookie-cutter pop and angst-fueled rock. And it’s his personal journey of faith expressed in the songs that really makes the difference.Even though singer/songwriter Phil Wickham grew up in a devout Christian home, there came a point early in his life when he knew his faith needed to become his own. He no longer wanted to coast on his parents’ coattails or go to church simply because that’s what he was supposed to do. He wanted something real, that personal friendship with Jesus. And that crucial realization, combined with moving to a new city while he was in junior high, paved the way for Phil to pick up a guitar and start writing songs about his growing faith.While difficult at times, the transition from Orange County to San Diego proved to be fruitful. “It was a good time of reflecting, writing songs and playing guitar.” And once he picked up that guitar, it wasn’t long before his junior high youth pastor took notice and asked him if he wanted to lead worship.

Click here to visit Phil Wickhams' myspace:
www.myspace.com/philwickham

Click here to learn more about Phil Wickham:
http://philwickham.com/

Click here to worship along with Phil Wickham:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-U8x6Ejus4&feature=related

Click here to listen online:
www.last.fm/music/Phil+Wickham/_/Beautiful

Click here to purchase Phils' version of "Beautiful":



"The Beauty of Your Peace"

This worship song was penned by Tim Hughes. Tim Hughes has become one of the most well-known lead worshippers of his generation in the space of just a few years. Tim's first solo project 'Here I am to Worship' was produced by Dwayne Larring and Jason Halbert of SonicFlood. One of our most popular albums.
This album won the Inspirational Song of the Year category at the Dove Awards in Nashville 2003. Tim was also nominated for Songwriter of the Year.
Hughes, author of the worship anthem, Here I Am To Worship, has taken his place as one of today's premier voices to worship leaders and songwriters. Tim Hughes' passion is to see worship leaders 'keep it real' as they walk out their journey of discipleship before God and man.
From the UK, Tim stresses the importance of writing biblically sound worship music, and candidly addresses issues of accountability in the worship leader's life. Practical and inspiring, Tim calls us to fall forward as worshipers, toward the throne of God.

Your voice has stilled the raging storms The wind and waves bow down before
Your still small voice brings hope to all Who wait on You, we'll wait for You
To lead us to the place where You'll restore our souls And all our earthly strivings come to cease Take from our souls the strain and stress And let our ordered lives confess
The beauty of Your peace
The beauty of Your peace
Bright skies will soon be overhead We'll enter in to Heaven's rest
There'll be no death, there'll be no pain The things of old will pass away
You'll lead us to the place where You'll restore our souls
And all our earthly strivings come to cease

Click here to worship along with Tim:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRJEBC-rCtc

Click here to purchase "The Beauty of your Peace"


"Still"

… the challenge of the Church is to keep worship accessible to all people - Rueben MorganRueben wrote the song "Still" as a reminder to "be still and know that I am God". Reuben has a passion to see the church and the world inspired to worship God. A worship pastor on the Hillsong church leadership team, Reuben works alongside
Darlene Zschech to create an atmosphere of praise and worship that draws
people into God’s presence and helps soften hearts to Jesus’ salvation message.
Reuben is an integral leader of the Hillsong church worship team, teaching often
at the Worship and Creative Arts program. Leading worship on a weekly basis at
Hillsong church, Reuben was the youth Music Pastor who helped to establish
‘Hillsong United’- currently one of the most sought after youth praise and worship
bands having appeared at Creation, Edmonton and Soul Survivor in 2003. He
was one of the major producers on four of the United albums including Everyday,
Best Friend, King Of Majesty and To The Ends Of The Earth. With a congregation
of over 15,000 people, Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia is potentially the
nations largest local church with a TV program that reaches over 125 different
countries across the globe.

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=Qk8horRi3_E

Click here for another arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPtZRnQyzSM

Click here to purchase "Still"

Behind the Praise - Sunday November 2, 2008

BLENDED WORSHIP 9:30am

"Friend of God"

Israel Houghton serves as one of the worship pastors for Lakewood Church in Houston. Here is a portion of his amazing story. I really should have been one of those abortion statistics you read about. My mother became pregnant with me when she was 17. My mother's white and my biological father's black. Her family wasn't supportive of their relationship and gave her the choice to have a back-alley abortion or to be disowned. I'm here because of the decision she made-and because of her conversion shortly after that. So when I lead worship I'm crazy. I realize how fortunate I am to be called by God and to be protected, to be covered by him. I'm incredibly grateful. I grew up in a fairly legalistic home. My parents loved God, and they did the very best they could with what they knew. They came from a very discipleship-oriented, fairly heavy-handed way of doing kingdom work. So I would have more easily said, "I am afraid of God" than "I am a friend of God." The view I had of God was dysfunctional, almost like he was looking for opportunities to punish me. That was more what I caught than what was taught. But the more I said "I am a friend of God," the more that old, condemning view was purged from my life. I gained a healing sense of God saying, "I want to know you."

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

Click here to purchase "Friend of God"


"What a Friend We have in Jesus"

More than a century ago, on the streets of Port Hope, Ontario, a man could be seen walking along carrying a saw and a sawhorse. One day a rich man from across the street saw him and said to a friend, "He looks like a sober man. I think I'll hire him to cut wood for me." "That's Joseph Scriven," the friend replied. "He wouldn't cut wood for you. He only cuts wood for those who don't have enough to pay." And that sums up the philosophy of Joseph Medlicott Scriven, a devoted member of the Plymouth Brethren Church, who took the Sermon on the Mount literally.Scriven was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1819. He fell for a lovely young woman, but on the eve of their wedding she accidentally drowned.Scriven never recovered from the shock. The Irishman began to wander, hoping to forget his sorrow. At age 25, he finally settled in Canada.His faith led him to do menial tasks for poor widows and the sick. He often worked for no wages and was regarded by the people of the community as a kind man, albeit a bit odd.He later fell in love again and planned to marry a wonderful Canadian woman. But again, tragedy struck. His fiance died after contracting pneumonia.In 1855, a friend visited an ill Scriven and discovered a poem that he had written for his ailing mother in faraway Ireland. Scriven didn't have the money to visit her, but he sent her the poem as an encouragement. He called it "Pray Without Ceasing." When the friend inquired about the poem's origins, Scriven reportedly answered, "The Lord and I did it between us."Scriven never intended for the poem to be published, but it made its rounds, and was set to music in 1868 by musician Charles Converse, who titled it "What a Friend We Have in Jesus." It has since become one of our greatest hymns.Scriven died in 1886 (ironically, in an accidental drowning). In his memory, the town of Port Hope erected a monument with this inscription from Scriven's famous song: In His arms He'll take and shield thee. Thou wilt find a solace there.

Click here for the various arrangements of "What a Friend"
www.youtube.com/results?search_query=what+a+friend+we+have+in+jesus+&search_type=&aq=f

Click here to listen online: www.last.fm/music/James+Morrison/_/What+A+Friend+We+Have+In+Jesus

Click here to purchase Alan Jacksons' "What a Friend we have in Jesus"


“Give Thanks”

In Uzbekistan, a country just north of the war-torn land of Afghanistan, a group of Uzbekies gather together and begin to sing a Christian song they recently learned. This is an unusual sight in a country that is a mixture of Soviet industrial atheism, Islam, and the Orient. The group is singing Henry Smith's "Give Thanks," which has traveled from America to this place. Other stories, perhaps not as unusual but heartwarming to say the least, can be told of the blessing that this song has been to Christians during the past thirty years. The popularity of the song has been dramatic and even unprecedented at times. Henry Smith, Jr., was born in Crossnore, North Carolina. He started piano lessons at age seven but wanted no part of that. In his early teens, however, he picked up his brother's guitar and learned how to play it by reading the instruction manual. Henry's songwriting ventures started during those early years and have lasted until the present. Of the nearly three hundred songs he has written, only one has been published. While Henry was a sophomore at King College in Bristol, Tennessee, the Lord seemed to increase His blessings as He poured out His Spirit upon Henry. "Music for me has not been the same since that time,"' he says. "I only wanted to write songs for Christ." Henry started putting psalms to music, which revitalized his songwriting. Six years later, in an apartment in Williamsburg, Virginia, he wrote the song, "Give Thanks." At the Williamsburg New Testament Church, where he attended, the pastor had taught from the Scripture how Jesus became poor in order that we might be made rich in Him. Henry thought that the teaching would be a good background for a song.
Shortly thereafter, Henry and his future wife, Cindy, sang the song at the church and repeated it a number of times during a period of several weeks. Henry recalls, "There happened to be a military couple who attended the church for a while who carried songs learned in the United States back with them to Germany. As far as I know that is how my song got to Europe. It did a lot of traveling before Integrity Music published it. It is a 'God thing' that the song took off as it did. " In 1986, eight years after Henry wrote the song, a friend brought him a cassette tape and said, "Listen to this song and see if you have ever heard it." After listening to it, Henry exclaimed, "I wrote that song!" His friend had ordered the Hosanna! tape from Integrity Music, and "Give Thanks" was listed as "author unknown." Henry immediately called Integrity and told them that he had written the song. They gladly responded, "Good! We have been trying to find you,"' and gave Henry a writer-publisher agreement. Now more than fifty companies have recorded the song, and it has been published in a number of songbooks. A few years later, the Smiths attended a live Integrity Music recording session in Washington, D. C. During the session, Don Moen played a recording that featured Henry's song being sung in Russian. Henry recalls, "My wife and I began to weep. We were overwhelmed to hear my song in that language. Moen had no idea we were in the audience. "
For five or six years "Give Thanks" has been in the top ten of Christian Copyright Licensing International's Top 25 list of songs used by churches in the United States, reaching as high as second and third. Many people worldwide love this song because the "weak" can sing "I am strong!," and the "poor" can say "I am rich!," for the allencompassing reason: "because of what the Lord has done for us. " Henry is now preparing to record a CD commemorating his thirty years of writing Christian songs. Since 1996, Henry has owned Christian Media Resources and is also the proprietor of the Outback Studio. He is also a worship leader at the Mechanicsville Christian Center. Henry and Cindy have two children and reside in Mechanicsville, Virginia.

Click here to learn more about Don who popularized the song:
www.donmoen.com/

Click here to worship along with Don Moen:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVEUfmiKHp0

Click here to purchase Don Moens' "Give thanks"


"Lord I Lift Your Name on High"

by Rick Founds (Reprinted from Worship Leader Magazine - March/April '98)
Worship leaders know that "Lord, I Lift Your Name on High" is a rare gem. The song is as effective in an intimate small group as a public praise outreach. Methodist Junior High kids settle into the song as sweetly as Baptist senior citizens, and it never seems to get tiresome. In less than a decade, Rick Founds' little four-chord flock-rocker has become known and loved internationally. It hurdles denominational barriers effortlessly, and is sung in every conceivable musical style. The song rocketed into CCLI's highest position several years ago and remains comfortably nestled there. It's unusual to find a modern songbook without "Lord, I Lift," or an evangelical church that doesn't sing it. More than an accessible and catchy praise song, "Lord, I Lift Your Name on High" accomplishes something priceless: it summarizes the whole gospel, responds with adoration, and then places it on the lips of uncounted millions. All this is quite a feat for a guy who does research and development at a fiber optics company. Rick Founds, however, is far more than a techno-geek with a pocket protector; he's logged over 15 years in full-time ministry, and has authored nearly 500 praise songs. Dad to three teen-age daughters, Rick has been leading worship since he was a teen himself. Even so, Founds is awestruck at the impact of "Lord I Lift Your Name on High," a song that is at home around a campfire, or in the shadow of the Washington Monument with a million Promise Keepers. "It's an honor," he ponders, speaking slowly as he takes it all in again for the umpteenth time. "I'm happy about it. It's what anybody would hope for." "Lord, I Lift Your Name" 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 marvelling 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, thanksgiving and gratitude!" When he completes the line, 'Lord, I Lift Your Name on High,' a moment of silent awe follows. Founds was worship leader for a large church, so the song found its way easily to Maranatha! Music and was soon recorded. A then new men's movement called Promise Keepers began to use the song at their rallies with both Anglo and Latino lyrics, helping lift the song into profound prominence. The composer enjoys visiting churches and anonymously adding his voice to their versions of his song. He has found many of these renditions to be... unique. He warns young praise songwriters to prepare themselves for this shock. "Every congregation has its own personality and style," he observes. "It's a lot of fun to hear things you have written done in the character of that church. I've heard 'Lord, I Lift Your Name on High' done in reggae, in 3/4 (almost a polka), and in a Spanish flavor. I've heard it done country. These were the musical characteristics of the praise band or predominant style [of that ministry]. That's exciting, because it means they have taken ownership of it, made it their own." Founds says he is most touched when people tell him that his songs have given expression to the cries of their own hearts. He treasures letters from believers in Croatia and Russia thanking him for his songs. Founds is known for many other fine praise songs, including: "Jesus Draw Me Close," "I Need You," and "I Love Your Grace." WL

Click here to worship along with on the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBezK_v_FqY

Click here to purchase Petra's version of "Lord I lift Your Name on High"



“The Wonderful Cross”

The original song was written by Isaac Watts, the new chorus was written by Chris Tomlin. Isaac was born in 1674 and Chris was born in 1972. Even though they are separated by three hundred years, there is no separation between their passion and commitment to leading God's people in worship. WOW! The past meets the present.

Click here to hear Chris Tomlin talk about how this new arrangement came about. www.theheartofworship.org/stories/Story-306-TheWonderfulCross-Tomlin.mp3

Click here to learn more about Chris Tomlin
www.christomlin.com/

You can listen to more of Chris Tomlins' music on his myspace website.
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=94631118

Isaac Watts (July 17, 1674 – November 25, 1748) is recognized as the "Father of English Hymnody", as he was the first prolific and popular English hymnwriter, credited with some 750 hymns. Many of his hymns remain in active use today and have been translated into many languages.

Click here to read more about Isaac Watts.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac_Watts

This is an interesting read on Isaac Watts.
www.cyberhymnal.org/bio/w/a/t/watts_i.htm

Isaac is best known for his emphasizing the role of music in worship, where the congregation actually began to sing with the choir. Watts became the congregation's pastor in 1702. Just five feet tall, he was an unprepossessing figure in the pulpit. Health problems continued to plague him, and an assistant had to be appointed to fill in for him after a severe bout with illness in 1703. Despite these problems, Watts was a powerful preacher. The Mark Lane congregation outgrew its quarters and twice had to move to larger facilities, and Watts' sermons began to be collected and printed. Part of his success was due to his emphasis on the role of music in worship. A minister, he felt, should not only write sermons but should seek to involve his congregation in worship through music.

Click here to listen to the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9oIJUK8QLA

Click here to purchase "The Wonderful Cross"


CONTEMPORARY SERVICE 11:00am

“Everyday”

Joel Timothy Houston (born September 19, 1979) is a song writer and worship leader at the Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia. He is employed as the producer of Hillsong's youth band, Hillsong United. He is the oldest son of Hillsong Church's pastors Brian and Bobbie Houston and grandson of Frank Houston. He has two siblings, a brother Benjamin and a sister, Laura. Houston's first debut with the Hillsong United was in 2002. As part of Hillsong United music team, Houston has helped lead worship conferences in North America, South America, Africa, Europe and Asia. He has also contributed to the main Hillsong album recordings as well, which are led by worship pastor Darlene Zschech. Many of the songs he has written or co-written are sung in churches worldwide and have been translated into 32 languages, including Korean and German. His music has been featured on Hillsong albums that have quickly risen on both the Australian and American Christian music charts. In March 2007, Hillsong United's eighth album All of the Above debuted at #6 on the ARIA charts His song, "Everyday", is ranked number 49 on the CCLI top 100 songs.

Click here to worship along with the Hillsongs worship team:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RiDQmlC9uY

Click here to purchase "Everyday"


“How can I keep from Singing”

There is an endless song echoes in my soulI hear the music ring and though the storms may comeI am holding on to the rock I clingHow can I keep from singing Your praiseHow can I ever say enoughHow amazing is Your loveHow can I keep from shouting Your nameI know I am loved by the KingAnd it makes my heart want to sing Chris Tomlin joined Ed Cash and Matt Redman to write this song. The song is on the album "See the Morning". This song anchors the theme of hope found on the album. "How Can I Keep From Singing," is a rendition of the 1860 hymn by Robert Lowry. "How Can I Keep From Singing?" is listed in some hymnals by the opening line "My Life Flows On". The original composition has now entered into the public domain. The song is frequently cited incorrectly as a traditional Quaker hymn. Chris reworked the original text and crafted a song that could be sung to God during the difficult times.

Click here to listen to Chris share how he wrote the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6lTZySpbpo

Click here to worship along with Chris:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQI5wxtH6OY&feature=related

Click here to purchase "How Can I keep from Singing"


"Majesty"

This song from Delirious? is the expression of a heart humbled by the love shown in the sacrifice, grace and majesty of our God. The song was written by Martin Smith & Stuart Garrard.

Martin James Smith (born 6 July 1970) is the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and main songwriter of the English Christian rock and worship band Delirious? He is generally considered to be one of the foremost songwriters in modern Christian worship music, along with people like Matt Redman, Chris Tomlin, and David Crowder. He co-wrote three songs on Michael W. Smith's album Healing Rain and is going to be collaborating with Michael W. Smith on his upcoming album. Martin also co-wrote two songs on Matt Redman's album Beautiful News (" Take it to the streets" and "All over the World"). Some of the most recognised songs by Delirious? include "I Could Sing of Your Love Forever", "History Maker", "My Glorious", "Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble", "Shout To The North", "Deeper", "Majesty (Here I Am)", and "What A Friend I've Found". In 1995, Martin was involved in a near-fatal car accident, and during the weeks of his recovery, he decided to become a full-time musician. He wrote the 'King Of Fools' song 'August 30th' based on this experience. Smith was one of the founding members of Delirious? along with Stewart Smith (no relation) and Tim Jupp, when they formed the band under The Cutting Edge.
Stuart Garrard is a guitarist who has developed his own unique style of playing, which has become known to some people, although probably not many, as 'octave distortion'. He also writes music and lyrics, and sings backing vocals and occasionally lead vocals. He is instantly recognisable as a result of his bald head and goatee beard. He is the oldest member of the band "Delirious".

Here I am humbled by your Majesty
Covered by your grace so free
Here I am, knowing I'm a sinful man
Covered by the blood of the Lamb
Now I've found the greatest love of all is mine
Since you laid down your life
The greatest sacrifice

Majesty, Majesty Your grace has found me just as I am
Empty handed, but alive in your hands
Majesty, MajestyForever I am changed by your love
In the presence of your Majesty
Here I am humbled by the love that you give
Forgiven so that I can forgive
Here I stand, knowing that I'm your desire
Sanctified by glory and fire
Now I've found the greatest love of all is mine
Since you laid down your life
The greatest sacrifice

Click here to worship along with Delirious
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNjH8QDpBFY

Click here to visit their myspace:
www.myspace.com/delirious

Click here to purchase "Majesty"



THIRD SERVICE 6PM

“Point of Difference”

This songs from the Hillsongs worship was written by Joel Houston. Joel Houston is a musician and songwriter, best known as the key worship leader and producer of Sydney based worship band Hillsong United, the worship band of Hillsong Church's youth group, also known as Hillsong United. In 2008 he became the Creative Director at Hillsong Church. He is the oldest son of the church's senior pastors Brian and Bobbie Houston and grandson of the church's founder Frank Houston. He has two siblings, a brother Benjamin and a sister, Laura.
Lyrics:
The tide is turning this is redemption's hour
In the midst of the world lost for love you are all we have now
The lost returning salvation is all around in the midst of the world broken down
You are all we have now for You are God and this hope is ours
So Father open the skies flood the earth with your light
This is love, to break a world indifferent
Our hearts are burning the fire that won't burn out
In the midst of a world that's grown cold you are all we have now
The earth resounding the anthem of your renown
As we lift up our eyes and look to your glory
Call us out let the world see you are God and this hope is ours
So call us out, let the world see You are God as we sing
Open the skiesFlood the Earth with your light This is love to break a world indifferent
As we lift up our eyes fill our hearts with your fire
In a world the same we'll be the difference, the difference
So call us out let the world see you are God and this hope is ours
Our eyes are open every chain now broken in this world we are different
Let your love become us as we live to make you famous
We're in this world but we are different
So call us out, let the world seeYou are God as we sing
Father open the skiesFlood the Earth with your life
This is love to break a world indifferent as we lift up our eyes
Fill our hearts with your fire in a world the same we'll be the difference, the difference
So call us out let the world see You are God one and only
In this world you are all we have now

Click here to worship along with the Hillsongs worship ministry:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohyE2vxwoxM

Click here to purchase "Point of Difference"

"Matchless"

Your name is matchless, Your name is priceless

Your name means more than I could know

You're so far above me, the way that You love me

Goes further than any love could goWonderful Counselor,

Root of David, Morning StarYou are the Way, the Truth,

the LifeLion of the tribe of Judah, Mighty God is who

You areThe only perfect Sacrifice

Click here to read Aaron's blog: http://aaronshust.blogspot.com/

Click here to visit Aaron's myspace: www.myspace.com/aaronshust

Click here to worship along with Aaron Shust: www.youtube.com/watch?v=XW9NJiSXHmE

Click here to purchase "Matchless"

"O Lord Your Beautiful"

Click here to read Keiths' extensive biography:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keith_Green

Click here to see Keith as an eleven year old on "I've got a Secret"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=foHRDsFL260

Click here to listen online:
www.last.fm/music/Keith+Green/_/Oh+Lord,+You're+Beautiful

Click here for an arrangement by Keith Green:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=irxIrnlD-Z4

Click here to purchase "O Lord Your Beautiful"

"Lead me to the Cross"
Brooke Fraser
Click here to read Brooke's bio: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brooke_Fraser

Click here for the Hillsongs arrangement: www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdq9Q8wJdjc

Click here to purchase "Lead me to the Cross"

“The Wonderful Cross”

ISAAC WATTS & CHRIS TOMLIN

The original song was written by Isaac Watts, the new chorus was written by Chris Tomlin. Isaac was born in 1674 and Chris was born in 1972. Even though they are separated by three hundred years, there is no separation between their passion and commitment to leading God's people in worship. WOW! The past meets the present.

Click here to hear Chris Tomlin talk about how this new arrangement came about. www.theheartofworship.org/stories/Story-306-TheWonderfulCross-Tomlin.mp3

Click here to learn more about Chris Tomlin
www.christomlin.com/

You can listen to more of Chris Tomlins' music on his myspace website.
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=94631118

Isaac Watts (July 17, 1674 – November 25, 1748) is recognized as the "Father of English Hymnody", as he was the first prolific and popular English hymnwriter, credited with some 750 hymns. Many of his hymns remain in active use today and have been translated into many languages.

Click here to read more about Isaac Watts.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac_Watts

This is an interesting read on Isaac Watts.
www.cyberhymnal.org/bio/w/a/t/watts_i.htm

Isaac is best known for his emphasizing the role of music in worship, where the congregation actually began to sing with the choir. Watts became the congregation's pastor in 1702. Just five feet tall, he was an unprepossessing figure in the pulpit. Health problems continued to plague him, and an assistant had to be appointed to fill in for him after a severe bout with illness in 1703. Despite these problems, Watts was a powerful preacher. The Mark Lane congregation outgrew its quarters and twice had to move to larger facilities, and Watts' sermons began to be collected and printed. Part of his success was due to his emphasis on the role of music in worship. A minister, he felt, should not only write sermons but should seek to involve his congregation in worship through music.

Click here to purchase "The Wonderful Cross"

Behind the Praise - Sunday October 26, 2008

BLENDED SERVICE 9:30AM

"Come Thou Fount"

Robert Robinson, following the tradition of ministers of the time, wrote "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing" as a hymn-poem for the conclusion of his sermon for Whitsunday, 1758. He was 23 years old at the time. It was published the following year in A Collection of Hymns used by the Church of Christ in Angel Alley, Bishopsgate (1759). There has been some speculation that it was written by the Countess of Huntingdon, but it is generally agreed to be the work of Robinson.

Originally "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing" had four stanzas. The fourth stanza was omitted by Martin Madan in Psalms and Hymns, 1860 and has not been used since. The statement in stanza two, "Here I raise my Ebenezer" refers to I Samuel 7:12, "Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen, and called its name Ebenezer, saying, "Thus far the LORD has helped us." Ebenezer is the Hebrew for "Stone of Help." Israel had suffered defeat because of its sin. But the people had repented of their sin, God had helped them and they were victorious. Samuel placed the stone to remind Israel that God had them, their victory was because of Him.
In stanza three, Robinson speaks of being "prone to wonder, prone to leave the God I love". This seems to be a forecast of his later life, when he lapsed into sin, unstableness and involvement with Unitarianism. There is a well-known story of Robinson, riding a stagecoach with a lady who was deeply engrossed in a hymnbook. Seeking to encourage him, she asked him what he thought of the hymn she was humming. Robinson burst into tears and said, "Madam, I am the poor unhappy man who wrote that hymn many years ago, and I would give a thousand worlds, if I had them, to enjoy the feelings I had then."

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=

Click here to purchase "Come Thou Fount"

"O Worship the King"

This great hymn was written by Sir Robert Grant. Who would later become the Governor or Bombay. He wrote a hymn which is considered one of the greatest in the English language. Reading William Kethe's translation of Psalm 104 in a 1561 psalm book prompted Robert to write his own version of the psalm, familiar to millions of church-goers.

O Worship the King all glorious above!
O gratefully sing his power and his love,
Our Shield and Defender, the Ancient of days,
Pavilioned in splendor, and girded with praise.

Read more about this hymn writer here:

http://chi.gospelcom.net/DAILYF/2003/07/daily-07-09-2003.shtml

Click here for a guitar arrangement of the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtytasU9j7Y

Click here for to worship along:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yonO7p2kV_4&feature=related

Click here for an organ arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=veDdPLdWugQ

Click here to purchase an a capella version of "O Worship the King"

“How can I keep from Singing”

There is an endless song echoes in my soulI hear the music ring and though the storms may comeI am holding on to the rock I clingHow can I keep from singing Your praiseHow can I ever say enoughHow amazing is Your loveHow can I keep from shouting Your nameI know I am loved by the KingAnd it makes my heart want to sing Chris Tomlin joined Ed Cash and Matt Redman to write this song. The song is on the album "See the Morning". This song anchors the theme of hope found on the album. "How Can I Keep From Singing," is a rendition of the 1860 hymn by Robert Lowry. "How Can I Keep From Singing?" is listed in some hymnals by the opening line "My Life Flows On". The original composition has now entered into the public domain. The song is frequently cited incorrectly as a traditional Quaker hymn. Chris reworked the original text and crafted a song that could be sung to God during the difficult times.

Click here to listen to Chris share how he wrote the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6lTZySpbpo

Click here to worship along with Chris:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQI5wxtH6OY&feature=related

Click here to purchase "How Can I keep from Singing"

CONTEMPORARY SERVICE 11:00AM

"One Way"

This song was written by Joel Houston and Jonathan Douglass. Houston is a musician and songwriter, best known as the key worship leader and producer of Sydney based worship band Hillsong United, the worship band of Hillsong Church's youth group, also known as Hillsong United. In 2008 he became the Creative Director at Hillsong Church.

Houston began playing piano at a young age, at the suggestion of his parents. As he was not interested in piano, he soon diverted his efforts to playing guitar instead.

Jonathan Douglass' first experience of what he describes as God's tangible presence was at a Christian youth camp. At 12, he was actually too young to attend the camp but tagged along with his older brother and sister anyway . One night while the band was playing, he felt something he is almost unable to put into words, I just remember lifting my hands, not really knowing what I was doing and singing these words that had a meaning I didn't really understand. I developed a longing for God's presence without knowing much about it.

The most powerful songs come from a personal relationship with God and are filled with meaningful scripture, JD says. Three years ago, JD wrote One Way, a song inspired by a personal search, I questioned what I was doing and why I was doing it. He was still going to church, reading the Bible and praying but he felt like he had lost the reason for it all. I sat down one night after hanging out with God and the verses just came out back to back within a couple of minutes, he says, Things about God, how He's always there, how He never changes and how I'll never live for anyone but Him.

Click here to learn more about Jonathon Douglass:

www.jonathondouglass.com/

Click here to worship along with the Hillsong worship team:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPuUIUWE8h8

Click here to listen online:

www.last.fm/music/Hillsong+United/_/One+Way

Click here to purchase "One Way":

"Everlasting God"

Brenton Brown wrote this song after both he and his wife had being diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Brown described their illness in the following excerpt from Christianity today.

Brown: It's called fibromyalgia, a form of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. What defines it are the symptoms, the most obvious ones [being] fatigue. You feel jet-lagged most of the time. There are other symptoms like nausea, muscle pain, muscle aches. There's no known cure. Basically it was just like waking up one day and finding out that I had someone else's body. Very strange. I wasn't thinking as clearly. And over the last three years we've basically had to relearn how to live life with our new bodies. It's been a challenge.
Chronic Fatigue is a little bit like having mono[nucleosis]. You feel very fatigued, very drained. And no matter how much you sleep, you're still going to feel tired. You can never shake off that tired feeling. I just kept going for six months. And then my pastor, the board of our church and the group of doctors that I was seeing all decided, "This is not working. You're not going to be able to force your way through this."
Brenton Brown, born in South Africa, is a Christian songwriter and worship leader. He left South Africa for Oxford, England in his early twenties on a Rhodes Scholarship. While studying politics, philosophy and theology he joined the Vineyard music (UK), serving as worship pastor at the Oxford Vineyard, UK, and eventually as coordinator of the Vineyard (UK) Worship Development Team. His songs, Lord Reign in me, All who are thirsty, Humble King, Hallelujah [Your love is amazing] and Holy were recorded on the popular Vineyard UK projects during this time. He has since left the UK and now lives in Malibu, California with his wife, Jude. Brenton is an artist on the worship label Survivor and in 2006 released his first solo album, Everlasting God with Survivor in the UK and rest of the world, and with Sparrow in the United States and Canada.

Check out Brenton’s ministry 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

Click here to purchase "Everlasting God"

“Here I Am to Worship”

If songs are like children to their writers, then 25 year-old Englishman Tim Hughes carried "Here I Am To Worship" to full term, letting the reverent tune take perfect shape over a nine-month period. Back in 1999 while still in college, he first sat down to craft a musical response to his reading of Philippians 2:5, which says, "Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus." And from the start, he had the humility part mastered.
"I was playing around with my guitar when the verse just came out," he modestly recalls. "However, I couldn't get a chorus that I was happy with. The original one was embarrassingly bad!"
Thankfully, Tim recorded the verse into his Dictaphone, and months later during a quiet creative time, he patched it together with another strong melody idea and brought "Here I Am To Worship" to fruition.
"I'd been reading about the cross and thinking through Jesus' amazing sacrifice," Tim says of the lyrical theme. "Sometimes when God meets with us we don't quite know how to respond properly. It's often too much for us to take in. Hopefully in a small way the chorus captures that: 'Here I am to worship. Here I am to bow down. Here I am to say that you're my God. You're altogether lovely, worthy, wonderful.'"
Although the song had been completed, the writer was still not convinced of its potential. Leading worship at his Soul Survivor home church one day, Tim sang "Here I Am To Worship" for his fellow members and was duly advised by his pastor Mike Pilavachi to start using it more often. Since then, Hughes - who built his own chops leading Delirious and Matt Redman favorites - has seen the song take on a life of its own.
It must be a God thing.... People have seemed to really connect with it, and we've had some special times in worship using the song," he admits. "I remember one time at the end of a Worship Together conference in San Diego when we'd been performing the song. The band stopped, and then the congregation just kept singing the chorus for about 15 minutes."

Click here to listen to the story behind the song by Tim Hughes.

www.theheartofworship.org/stories/Story-196-HereIAmtoWorship-Hughes.mp3

Click here to worship along with the Hillsong’s church:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eiy3_KRKNaQ

Click here to worship along with Michael W. Smith:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_kAjok4-Uk

Click here to read more about the composer Tim Hughes

www.crosswalk.com/spirituallife/worship/1227531/

Click here to purchase "Here I am to Worship"

"My Jesus, I love Thee"

Sixteen year old William Featherston of Montreal, Canada wrote this simple but profound hymn in 1862, not long after he was converted to Christ. William wrote no other hymns that we know of and his brief life ended just before his twenty-seventh birthday. Here is a story about the influence of this song:
A Protestant Episcopal Bi­shop of Mi­chi­gan once re­lat­ed the fol­low­ing in­ci­dent to a large au­di­ence in one of the Rev. E. P. Ham­mond’s meet­ings in St. Lou­is. “A young, tal­ent­ed and ten­der-heart­ed ac­tress was pass­ing along the street of a large ci­ty. See­ing a pale, sick girl ly­ing up­on a couch just with­in the half-open door of a beau­ti­ful dwell­ing, she en­tered, with the thought that by her vi­va­ci­ty and plea­sant con­ver­sa­tion she might cheer the young in­va­lid. The sick girl was a de­vot­ed Christ­ian, and her words, her pa­tience, her sub­mis­sion and hea­ven-lit coun­te­nance, so dem­on­strat­ed the spir­it of her re­li­gion that the ac­tress was led to give some ear­nest thought to the claims of Christ­i­an­i­ty, and was tho­rough­ly con­vert­ed, and be­came a true fol­low­er of Christ. She told her fa­ther, the lead­er of the the­a­ter troupe, of her con­ver­sion, and of her de­sire to aban­don the stage, stat­ing that she could not live a con­sis­tent Christ­ian life and fol­low the life of an ac­tress. Her fa­ther was as­ton­ished be­yond mea­sure, and told his daugh­ter that their liv­ing would be lost to them and their bu­si­ness ru­ined, if she per­sist­ed in her re­so­lu­tion. Lov­ing her fa­ther dear­ly, she was shak­en some­what in her pur­pose, and par­tial­ly con­sent­ed to fill the pub­lished en­gage­ment to be met in a few days. She was the star of the troupe, and a gen­er­al fa­vo­rite. Ev­ery prep­a­ra­tion was made for the play in which she was to ap­pear. The ev­en­ing came and the fa­ther re­joiced that he had won back his daugh­ter, and that their liv­ing was not to be lost. The hour ar­rived; a large au­di­ence had as­sem­bled. The cur­tain rose, and the young ac­tress stepped for­ward firm­ly amid the ap­plause of the mul­ti­tude. But an un­wont­ed light beamed from her beau­ti­ful face. Amid the breath­less si­lence of the au­di­ence, she re­peat­ed:

‘My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine;
For Thee all the follies of sin I resign;
My gracious Redeemer, my Saviour art Thou;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.’

This was all. Through Christ she had con­quered and, leav­ing the au­di­ence in tears, she re­tired from the stage, ne­ver to ap­pear up­on it again. Through her in­flu­ence her fa­ther was con­vert­ed, and through their unit­ed evan­gel­is­tic la­bors ma­ny were led to God.”

Worship along with Crystal Lewis by clicking here:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgjkl_Nv1Yg&feature=related

Click here for another arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYfBZnMve_E

Click here to purchase "My Jesus I Love Thee"

THIRD SERVICE 6:00PM

"We Delight"

This worship song was written by Joshua Moore, keyboard player for the group Caedman's call.The band's unusual name was inspired by Cædmon, an Anglo-Saxon cowherd who lived during the 7th century. Legend has it that Caedmon was afraid to sing in public due to a lack of musical talent, and shied away from occasions where he had to sing. After leaving a feast one night because he was too embarrassed to sing, he lay down in the pasture with the cattle to sleep. An angel appeared to him in a dream, calling him to sing. After refusing, he eventually decided to sing and when he did, he sang beautiful verses that had never been heard before, based on the story of creation and using the style of pre-Christian, Anglo-Saxon poetry. Many songwriters tried in vain to write songs as good as or better than Caedmon's, but could not because Caedmon's songs came from God. Founding band members Cliff, Danielle, and Aaron decided on the name "Caedmon's Call" after all three heard this story during the same week and thought it was fitting.

Click here to listen online:
www.last.fm/music/Caedmon

Click here to worship along:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEtYb_XDqjY

Click here to purchase "We Delight"


"Always Forever"


In a world where swagger usually triumphs over substance, it’s refreshing when a young singer/songwriter arrives on the scene with something to say. With the multi-faceted sound of a much older soul and shimmering melodies that match the intensity of his heartfelt lyrics, 21-year-old Phil Wickham’s self-titled debut can’t help but stand out in a crowd of cookie-cutter pop and angst-fueled rock. And it’s his personal journey of faith expressed in the songs that really makes the difference.Even though singer/songwriter Phil Wickham grew up in a devout Christian home, there came a point early in his life when he knew his faith needed to become his own. He no longer wanted to coast on his parents’ coattails or go to church simply because that’s what he was supposed to do. He wanted something real, that personal friendship with Jesus. And that crucial realization, combined with moving to a new city while he was in junior high, paved the way for Phil to pick up a guitar and start writing songs about his growing faith.While difficult at times, the transition from Orange County to San Diego proved to be fruitful. “It was a good time of reflecting, writing songs and playing guitar.” And once he picked up that guitar, it wasn’t long before his junior high youth pastor took notice and asked him if he wanted to lead worship.A little reluctant at first, Phil accepted his pastor’s invitation. “When I started leading worship when I was 12, the Lord just really started blessing it with the junior high group,” Phil says. “Kids were singing, and I found that I really loved doing it.” Phil’s father, a worship leader and veteran of Jesus Movement bands including The Way and Parable, also encouraged his son’s emerging talent by challenging him to learn to play hundreds of popular praise songs and to write his own in the meantime.And before long, people who’d heard Phil play his songs asked him when he planned to release a CD. “I was like ‘Are you kidding me? No way,’ Phil recalls. “Then the Lord just brought different people in my life to show me what it means to minister, what it means to lead worship—just the transparency of self and coming forward in faith and knowing that the Lord is there. There were awesome lessons that I was going to use the rest of my life. And when I finally had in the neighborhood of 20 songs, my Dad was like ‘You should record a CD.’”

Click here to learn more about http://philwickham.com/

Click here to worship along with Phil: www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlYZaqkl3jA

Click here to worship along with Phil: www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_C5_crIwps&feature=related

Click here to purchase "Always Forever"

"Oh the Glory of it All"

This worship song by David Crowder is a play on the word glory. David said even as believers we struggle with defining glory.

At the start he was there, he was there In the end,he’ll be there, he’ll be there And After all our hands have wrought He forgives Oh the Glory of it all is:he came here For the rescue of us allthat we may live for the glory of it all for the glory of it all

Click here to listen to David share about how he wrote the song: www.youtube.com/watch?v=9r_XWX00lH8

Click here to worship along with David at a Passion event: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zg-1yM6insA&feature=related

Click here to purchase "Oh the Glory of it All"

"Nothing but the Blood - Matt Redman"

This song was written by Matt Redman. "Songwriting doesn't feel like work to me," Matt says. "It feels like the most natural way of responding to God. It's almost like it's a part of my devotions. Every song involves a Bible study and a time of pouring out my heart to God. It's like a little spiritual barometer for me because if I'm not receiving any fresh revelation from God in terms of having a healthy relationship with him, then I find that I don't write songs."
As today's modern worship movement has continued to grow by leaps and bounds, Matt Redman's name is easily recognized as one of the true musical leaders who has forged the path for all of those coming along behind him. Even in his young career, he continues to influence the sounds and songs of a new generation of worshippers.
"I found myself becoming more and more busy," Matt explains. "I felt as a lead worshipper, I was experiencing more output than input. There's such a Biblical thing about waiting for God to reveal, that whole thing of being still and knowing He is God."

Your blood speaks a better word Than all the empty claims I’ve heard upon this earth Speaks righteousness for me And stands in my defense Jesus it’s Your blood

What can wash away our sins?What can make us whole again? Nothing but the bloodNothing but the blood of Jesus What can wash us pure as snow? Welcomed as the friends of God Nothing but Your bloodNothing but Your blood King Jesus Your cross testifies in grace Tells of the Father’s heart to make a way for us Now boldly we approach not by earthly confidence it’s only Your blood

Click here to worship along with Matt Redman: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvURm3k36IA

Click here to purchase Matt Redmans' arrangement of "Nothing but the Blood"

"Nothing but the Blood - Hymn"

Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, would write these words, "Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God." (Romans 3:25) The emphasis of this verse is on the shed blood that satisfies or propitiates our sin debt. Another way of saying the same thing is, "What can wash away our sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus." More than likely it was this verse or one like it, dealing with the subject of blood, which caused Pastor Robert Lowry to write a hymn.
Born in Philadelphia, on March 12, 1826, young Robert accepted Christ as his personal Savior at the age of 17 and later graduated from Bucknell University with high scholastic honors. In the 73 years of his life here on earth, he pastored churches in Philadelphia, New Jersey, New York City and Brooklyn. Along with his preaching, Dr. Lowry also had the gift of music in the writing of hymns. When asked about his method for writing songs, he would answer by saying:
I have no set method. Sometimes, the music comes and the words follow…. I watch my moods, and when anything strikes me, whether words or music, no matter where I am, at home or on the street, I jot it down…. My brain is sort of a spinning machine, for there is music running through it all the time. The tunes of nearly all the hymns I have written have been completed on paper, before I tried them on the organ. Frequently, the words of the hymn and the music have been written at the same time.
He supplied the music for such familiar hymns as We’re Marching to Zion, Savior, Thy Dying Love, Where Is my Wandering Boy Tonight, I Need Thee Every Hour and Fanny Crosby’s song, All the Way my Savior Leads Me. The words and music would come together in 1864 to produce Shall We Gather at the River. Then, in the Easter season of 1874, Christ Arose would flow from his pen and his heart. Finally, in 1876, Pastor Lowry would give us the answer to our sin debt in his song, Nothing but the Blood.
Down through the ages, man has tried to work off his sin debt in good works and religion—only to fail. The Bible says, "Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness." (Hebrews 9:22) Robert Lowry understood this very well:
Oh! Precious is the flow That makes me white as snow No other fount I know, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Click here to sing along with the song: www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxDHamIhF7o

Click here for an organ arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvNNFPBkEsw

Click here to purchase the Hymn "Nothing but the Blood"