ONC Worship From the Heart

Behind the Praise - Sunday May 18, 2008

2008-05-12T20:09:00.001-07:00

BLENDED WORSHIP - 9:30am

"Jesus, Draw me Close"

Story behind the song:
You're not happy when they arrive. They are certainly NOT welcome. The sooner they're gone, the better. We all have them. No, I'm not talking about the obnoxious relative, or that certain "difficult" person at work, but the trials that seem to invade our lives at the least opportune moment... The bad day... The tough week at work... The year you'd just as soon erase from your life... Or those times of loss, which are annoying at best, and tragic at worst... when you lose your car keys... or your job... or a close friend ... or member of the family.
It was during one of “those” weeks, that the song, "JESUS DRAW ME CLOSE" was born. The flu was going around, everybody was suffering with it, and I had been blessed with a "double portion". The car had decided to self-destruct, activities at work were busier than normal, expectations were high, energy and inspiration were low... I was not having a good week. I sat in my office, in an old and ugly, but very comfortable stuffed chair. (a cherished garage sale aquisition.) Nestled in my favorite "reading space", with Alka-Seltzer fizzing in the glass nearby and my Bible, I picked up where I had left off in the Book of Psalms....
Psalm 42
"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, 'Where is your God?'These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng. Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God....
By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me-- a prayer to the God of my life."

It was perfect. Just what I needed. The Lord, in His quiet and gentle way, was reminding me once again, that in this world of constantly changing circumstances, there is a place in the presence of the unchanging God, where I can go at any time. A little further pursuit in the short concordance at the back of my Bible, directed me to other reassurances of how close God was to me at that very moment; and the ease with which I could draw near to Him...
Psalm 145:18
"The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth."
Isaiah 55:6
"Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near."
Psalm 73:28
"But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds."
The profound simplicity of this truth prompted a simple and honest prayer;
"JESUS, DRAW ME CLOSE... CLOSER LORD, TO YOU. LET THE WORLD AROUND ME FADE AWAY."
... Picking up my guitar, I put the prayer to an equally simple melody, and concluded with;
"..... FOR I DESIRE TO WORSHIP, AND OBEY."
At the Bible Study that evening, the little musical prayer seemed to strike a resonant chord in the hearts of the people. They quickly picked up the melody, and proceeded to make the prayer their own.

Jesus draw me close;Closer,
Lord, to You.Let the world around me fade away.
Jesus, draw me close;Closer, Lord, to You.
For I desire to worship and obey.

Click here to sing through the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5rccHhAE_M

Click here to learn more about Rick Founds:
www.rickfounds.com

"He Keeps me singing"
A Methodist preacher by the name of Luther Bridges, was born in 1884, he married Sarah Veatch and three lovely sons were born of their union. Pastor Bridges accepted an invitation to minister at a conference in Kentucky in the year 1910, so he left his family in the care of his father-in-law and made the trip to Kentucky. There, two wonderful weeks of ministry resulted. The last service closed with great joy and he was excited to be called to the telephone. He couldn't wait to tell his wife about all the blessings. But it wasn't her voice on that long distance line. He listened in silence to the news that a fire had burned down the house of his father-in-law and his wife and all three of his sons had died in the blaze. That distraught father leaned heavily on His Savior and expressed his faith in God during a tearful moment by penning these words:
"There's within my heart a melody
Jesus whispers sweet and low,
Fear not, I am with thee, peace, be still,
In all of lifes ebb and flow."

Click here to listen to a quartet arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNQ4RbfF4jM

Click here for a recording of the song:
http://my.homewithgod.com/heavenlymidis/hekeepsmesinging.mid

Click here for a ragtime piano version:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiJrzRg17l4

“Shout to the Lord”

Darlene Zschech is the worship pastor of Hillsong Church, in Sydney, Australia (an Assemblies of God church), taking over from Geoff Bullock. As worship pastor, she oversees the Worship & Creative Arts Department at Hillsong Church at the Hills and City congregations. Darlene leads worship most weeks for the Hillsong Television programme (the official website says that the programme reaches 125 countries around the globe). Hillsong made global headlines when their 2004 live CD release, For All You've Done reached number one in the Australian secular music charts.
Zschech was a child star of an Australian television series titled Happy Go 'Round. She was traumatised at 13 when her parents divorced and a custody battle ensued. At 14, Zschech suffered from bulimia. A year later, as a young adult, she sang jingles for a number of international companies including McDonald's, KFC and Diet Coke. Currently, she and husband Mark Zschech have three daughters, Amy, Chloe, and Zoe Jewel.
Zschech's best known song is Shout to the Lord, sung by an estimated 25–30 million churchgoers every week . Darlene composed the praise anthem (based on Psalm 96) at the time that she was feeling discouraged. "I felt I could either scream and pull my hair out — or praise God" she said. This song is the title track for the first live album co-produced with Integrity Music featuring Darlene as a prominent female worship leader. Shout to the Lord was nominated as 'Album of the year' for the 1997 Dove Awards and 'Song of the Year' for the 1998 Dove Awards. It has been recorded on over 20 different albums. In 2000, Darlene received a Dove Award nomination for 'Songwriter of the year' and has received the 'International Award' from GMA (Gospel Music Assoc USA)
In 2003, Zschech released her debut solo album entitled Kiss of Heaven. This was followed by her 2005 album, Change Your World. In addition to writing songs, Zschech has written two books: Extravagant Worship (2001) and The Kiss of Heaven (2003). Darlene Zschech and her husband Mark are executive directors of Mercy Ministries, which runs a residential program to helping young women struggling with eating disorders,unplanned pregnancy and other life controlling disorders. Zschech has been involved in Hope Rwanda and is an advocate for Compassion Australia. Her husband Mark is CEO of The Grove Studios, a Sydney recording studio.

Click here to learn more about Darlene:
www.darlenezschech.com

Click here to visit Darlene’s myspace:
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=32111098

Click here for the many recordings of “Shout to the Lord” listed first is the recording on American Idol – gives back:
www.youtube.com/results?search_query=shout+to+the+lord+&search_type

CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP 11:00am

“For all You’ve Done”

This song is by Reuben Morgan.

Reuben Morgan on men worshipping:People are more passionate than ever, Morgan observes. I think God's stirring the church. For the most part, churches are singing the same songs no matter where you go, which is pretty incredible. Even in countries that don't speak English, they're still singing the same songs. As a strong male leader, Morgan is particularly interested in seeing the men of the church take more risks in their outward expressions of faith. I think a really good model for men and worship is David, Morgan says. Men can be a little more reserved when it comes to expressing their feelings and really being passionate. But I think there's health in a guy really learning how to do that in the right way. I think the Bible is clear on what are appropriate ways to express our love for God passionately. My personal feeling is that lifting our hands, shouting and all of that is a way of connecting with God. They're expressions, and they can be healthy in our growth.

Click here to read more about Reuben Morgan
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reuben_Morgan

My Savior, Redeemer Lifted me from the miry clay
Almighty forever I will never be the same
‘Cause You came near From the everlasting
To the world we live The Father’s only Son
You lived and You died You rose again on high
You opened the way For the world to live again
Hallelujah For all You’ve done
Hallelujah For all You’ve done

Click here to worship along with the Hillsongs on the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrxyIQQR7uY

Click here to worship along with the Lakewood Church in Houston:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=60cZ5SmlXMc&feature=related

“Unchanging”

Chris Tomlin wrote this song about how our Lord never changes. Our response to His faithfulness and sovereignty is worship.

Click here to learn more about Chris’ ministry:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Tomlin#Biography

Click here to visit Chris’ website:
www.christomlin.com

Click here to visit Chris’ myspace:
www.myspace.com/christomlin

Click here to worship along with Chris Tomlin:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLhB99vnkp8

Click here to worship along with Chris Tomlin:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrGbVmfOw1A

Here are the lyrics:

Great is Your faithfulness
Great is Your faithfulness
You never changeYou never fail,
O GodTrue are Your promisesTrue are Your promises
You never changeYou never fail, O God
So we raise up holy hands
To praise the Holy One
Who was and is and is to come
Wide is Your love and grace
Wide is Your love and grace
You never change
You never fail, O God
You were, You are
You will always be

"Majesty"

This song from Delirious? It 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

“Breathe”

A friend's suicide had left her reeling, but out of Marie Barnett's desperate need for God came a worship classic sung around the world. Marie Barnett didn't consider herself a worship songwriter, although she had led worship with her husband John for years and wrote her own compositions during her personal worship time. John was the writer, penning what Barnett terms "tons" of worship music through the years (including "Holy and Anointed One"). "He's the worship writer," she explains, adding "I never sat down and wrote thinking, This could be sung in a congregation. It was more between me and the Lord in my bedroom with the door locked." But that all changed during a Sunday evening service at the Mission Viejo Vineyard in Southern California. The Barnetts were leading worship as they had done hundreds of times before, and words to what would become the worship song "Breathe" just spontaneously came out. " We had been singing 'Isn't He' by John Wimber," Barnett recalls, "and my husband continued to play. I was so enthralled with Jesus at that moment, thinking I could never live, I could never even take a breath if I didn't have a word from Him every day. And so I heard those words-'this is the air I breathe, this is my daily bread'-and I started singing them."
Before she knew it, the congregation had joined her. Still, it wasn't as if Barnett left that night convinced she has a worship hit on her hands. There had been other spontaneous songs, but she soon realized "Breathe" was different. "People would come up to me at the grocery store and say, 'You know what we were singing on Sunday night? I've been singing it all week.'"
So they began to sing the song regularly in church and it continued to elicit a strong response, bringing many to tears. Barnett says even now she can hardly get through it. "I think the word 'desperate' digs deep into me," she says by way of explanation. "The longer I'm a Christian, the more desperate I am for God."
Not to mention Barnett was feeling particularly desperate around the time the words for "Breathe" came to her. A dance teacher by day, Barnett's boss of 10 years had recently taken his own life, leaving behind a note asking her to take over the dance studio. "He was very depressed and had just gone through a divorce and was on all kinds of weird medications and into New Age thinking," she recalls of the tragic incident. "He even came to church with me once right before he took his life and I was like, Well, what good did that do? In the end, the event left Barnett with questions for which there were no answers. And that desperation came out in her songwriting."
Shortly after being written, "Breathe" wound up on Vineyard's Touching the Father's Heart #25 and seemed to be on its way to finding a broader audience. But if there's one thing Barnett learned from watching her husband's songwriting career, it's that the timing isn't up to us.
"We recorded the song for Vineyard and then nothing happened," Barnett says. "Not that I thought anything about it because to me it was just a neat thing the Lord gave to our church." Five years later, worship leader Brian Doerksen was putting together Vineyard's Hungry and contacted Barnett about including "Breathe." Then came Michael W. Smith's version on his 2001 release, Worship. Barnett was driving in her car when she first heard the track playing on the radio. "I just started bawling. I love that version because at the end when he's saying 'Cry out to Him' it's like 'Oh! People are worshipping Jesus! Yea!'"
Since writing "Breathe" Barnett regularly contributes songs to the worship time at Vineyard Community Church of Laguna Niguel, the California church plant where she and her husband lead worship today. And she continues to run the dance studio as her late boss wished. With more than 600 students and 20 classes to teach each week, Barnett says the business venture provides with her plenty of material for her songwriting. And to round out her schedule, she also teaches at worship conferences, going "wherever people invite me."

Click here to worship along with Michael W. Smith:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oad8ov10AjY

Behind the Praise - Sunday May 11, 2008

2008-05-05T14:13:00.000-07:00

BLENDED WORSHIP - SUNDAY 9:30am

"HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD"

This worship song was written by Chris Tomlin. Chris said he almost apologized to the Lord for writing such a simple song, but felt that the English language could only go so far in describing the greatness of our God. After writing the song he felt in his spirit that he had written a song that would be embraced by the church around the world.
Chris received his first guitar from his father, Connie, at the age of eleven after contracting a case of mono. Then, Tomlin wrote his first worship song at age fourteen. He entered college planning to study medicine, but he stated that he felt God's calling to something else and did not pursue that career.In the mid-1990's Tomlin spent time leading worship at the Dawson McAllister Youth Conferences, as well as at various camps around the state of Texas.Following college, at Texas A&M University Tomlin continued to play and write songs, and in 1997, Louie Giglio asked if he would be interested in working with the Passion Conferences. Tomlin agreed, and he has played a key role ever since. His first nationally released solo project, entitled The Noise We Make, was released in 2001, which saw the emergence of songs "Forever" (his most famous song other than "How Great Is Our God"), "Be Glorified", and "Kindness", all of which made the top 200 in the CCLI 2005 top 500 worship songs.
According to Christian Copyright Licensing International's list of the top 25 worship songs in the United States as of August 2007, Tomlin held 5 spots with songs he has either written or co-written with other songwriters: "How Great Is Our God" (#1), "Forever" (#5), "Holy Is the Lord" (#7), "We Fall Down" (#12),and "Indescribable" (#22).

Click here to listen to the story behind the song:
www.theheartofworship.org/stories/Story-302-HowGreatisOurGod-Tomlin.mp3

Click here to listen to Chris share about how the song came about on newsong café:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpfKli_4LQ0&mode=related&search=

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

Click here to learn more about Chris’ ministry:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Tomlin#Biography

Click here to visit Chris’ website:
www.christomlin.com/

Click here to visit Chris’ myspace:
www.myspace.com/christomlin

“RUIN ME”

By Jeff Johnson
Though Jeff Johnson grew up going to church, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, it didn't quite take hold. "My parents took us to church every Sunday to 'do our duty,'" he relates. "That's what religion was to me then. Show up and smile. It wasn't real." But then ten years ago, as a junior at Texas Tech University, in Lubbock, Jeff took a trip to Austin to attend the Passion Conference, a Christian music festival. "It was kind of a random thing for me. I had nothing to do so I just went with a friend of mine. I was just sitting, watching [the band] Watermark. Suddenly I had the answer of what to do with my life.""I only had a year left in school. I debated going to seminary," Jeff says, adding with a slight self-deprecating laugh, "I didn't think seminary was for me. I started playing keyboard in the band at Indiana Baptist Church."
With a degree in finance and computers, Jeff moved to Dallas and "by chance" had an interview with a banker named Michael Moss, who also happened to be a leader of 121 Community Church in Dallas. The conversation quickly turned from money to religion and led to Jeff's leading the musical part of worship services on the piano at 121. Three years later, he decided to quit his computer job to devote himself full-time to the ministry of his music.
Jeff Johnson got a band together to lead the music for a new contemporary service at Fellowship Bible Church in downtown Dallas. He and his band still play there whenever they aren't on the road.
The chance to bring his ministry to a considerably larger audience came in 2005 when Jeff auditioned for "American Idol." He made it to Hollywood and was seen on national television leading others in prayer.
"I'm glad I did it. I learned a lot," he says of the experience. "When they cut me, that was not the easiest thing." Still, though, the national recognition didn't hurt. "It's crazy. After the show, especially. Not so much now, though people will ask about the show. It definitely helped the band."
Armed with their second album, "Glorious Day," the Jeff Johnson Band has just started on its Glorious Tour '08, which will take them throughout the South East to Georgia and Florida, back to Oklahoma and Texas, with every state in between.
Then, in the summer, the band continues to reach out to youth at a series of Christian camps and conferences in Tennessee, New Mexico, Texas, Colorado and Oklahoma. Besides his compelling voice and musical gifts, Jeff is blessed with a youthful appeal and "Idol" level charisma. No doubt the kids (and adults) his songs and his ministry reach will not just be "showing up and smiling."

Click here to learn more about Jeff’s ministry
www.jeffjohnsonministries.com/newsletter.htm

Click here to listen to the song on Jeff’s myspace:
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=47936320

Here are the lyrics notice the reference to Isaiah 6 – “woe is me”

Woe to me I am unclean A sinner found in Your presence
I see you seated on Your throneExalted, Your Glory surrounds You
Now the plans that I have made Fail to compare when I see your glory
Ruin my life the plans I have made Ruin desires for my own selfish gain
Destroy the idols that have taken Your place'
Till its You alone I live for, You alone I live for.

Holy Holy is the Lord Almighty Holy is the Lord! Holy
Holy is the Lord AlmightyHoly is the Lord!
Ruin my life the plans I have made
Ruin desires for my own selfish gain

Destroy the idols that have taken Your place'
Till its You alone I live for,You alone I live for.

"I Surrender All"

This powerful hymn was written by Judson W. Van DeVenter in 1896. He wrote the following in his journal: The song was written while I was conducting a meeting at East Palestine, Ohio, in the home of George Sebring (founder of the Sebring Campmeeting Bible Conference in Sebring, Ohio, and later developer of the town of Sebring, Florida). For some time, I had struggled between developing my talents in the field of art and going into full-time evangelistic work. At last the pivotal hour of my life came, and I surrendered all. A new day was ushered into my life. I became an evangelist and discovered down deep in my soul a talent hitherto unknown to me. God had hidden a song in my heart, and touching a tender chord, He caused me to sing "I surrender all, I surrender all, all to Thee my blessed Savior, I surrender all"

Winfield S. Weeden wrote the music. In 1896 Weeden published a number of books of religious music, but this song must have been one of his favorites: its title was on his tombstone.

Click here to hear Ce Ce Winan sing this hymn:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjsz6fRnsDc

Click here to hear the Isaacs sing the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOq7p3RTm5w

Click here to watch a very moving liturgical dance to the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-VnQShgRYs

“Give Me Jesus”

This spiritual has been attributed to Fernado Ortega or Jeremy Camp since they have popularized the song in recent years, but actually the song is a traditional spiritual sung throughout the south during the Civil war. The Black spiritual developed by and large from the white rural folk hymnbook. (blacks and whites attended the same camp meetings and black performance style counter influenced the revival songs.) Many black spirituals resulted from the white folk music tradition and many others have melody analogues in white American and British folk music. The borrowing of melodies with pentatonic (five-note) and major scales is especially well known. The voice quality, vocal effects, and the type of rhythm accompaniment, black spirituals use is where the difference begins and ends.

Black spirituals were sung not only in worship but also as work songs, and the lyrics often reflect basic as well as spiritual labor. Musically, the complex combination of African and white folk-music elements reinforced each other. The call-and-response pattern occurs in both, as do certain scales and the uneven inflections of certain notes. Clear African influence can be heard and felt in vocal style and in the obvious complex polyrhythmic clapped accompaniments. African tradition also included polyphonic and choral singing. The ring shout (a religious dance usually accompanied by the singing of spirituals and clapped rhythms) comes from African ancestry. The lyrics of Negro spirituals are tightly linked with the lives of their authors: slaves.
The term spiritual is derived from spiritual song. The King James Bible's translation of Ephesians V.19 is: "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord." Negro spiritual first appears in print in the 1860's, where slaves are described as using the noun "spiritual"for religious songs sung sitting or standing in place, and spiritual shouts for more dance-like music.
Although numerous rhythmically and sonic elements of spirituals can be traced to African sources, nonetheless it is a fact that spirituals are a musical form that is indigenous and specific to the religious experience in the United States of Africans transported from Africa. They are a result of the interaction of African religious elements with music and religion derived from Europe. Further, this interaction occurred only in the United States. Africans converted to Christianity in other parts of the world, even in the Caribbean and Latin American, did not evolve this form.
Here are the earliest version of the song lyrics:
Oh when I come to die

Oh when I come to die
Oh when I come to die
Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
You may have the world

Give me Jesus
I heard my mother say
I heard my mother say
I heard my mother say
Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
You may have the world

Give me Jesus
Dark midnight was my cry
Dark midnight was my cry
Dark midnight was my cry
Give me Jesus Give me Jesus
You may have the world
Give me Jesus In the morning when I rise

In the morning when I rise
In the morning when I rise
Give me Jesus
Give me JesusYou may have the world
Give me Jesus

I heard the mourner say
I heard the mourner say
I heard the mourner say
Give me Jesus
Give me JesusYou may have the world
Give me Jesus

Click here for a recording of the song:
www.growingchristians.org/mfgc/light/GiveMeJesus.html

Click here for an arrangement by Fernado Ortega
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkv0wxMmTw4

Click here for another arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Dca0P7w9ZQ

CONTEMPORARY SERVICE 11:00am

“Indescribable”

On June 14, 2007, Tomlin's recording of the song "Indescribable" was used as the official wake-up call for Mission Specialist Patrick Forrester on Space Shuttle mission STS-117. What an incredible

This song is all about how great our God is. The artist of this song is Chris Tomlin and originally written by Laura Story. Laura Story holds the CCLI copyright of this song.

Like the twists and turns of a mountain road, Laura Story’s life has held its share of unexpected moments – some exhilarating, some terrifying, and some simply beautiful to behold. Leaning solely on her faith in the sovereignty of God, Story has learned that no matter what comes around the next bend it’s going to be an incredible view.

Once an aspiring symphony conductor, Story didn’t even know she could sing – much less write songs – until she was in her early twenties. Today, Story is not only a gifted vocalist and worship leader but also the composer of one of the most beloved worship songs of our generation – “Indescribable”. The song has topped the charts and been recorded by multiple artists.

Click here to worship along with Chris:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PTvr755V8s

Click here for a moving DVD with the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmTxZAl7ceU

“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 Darlene Zschech in Australia leading the song.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2d10n1Cpcc&mode=related&search=

Click here to read more about the composer Tim Hughes
www.crosswalk.com/spirituallife/worship/1227531/

“RUIN ME”

Though Jeff Johnson grew up going to church, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, it didn't quite take hold. "My parents took us to church every Sunday to 'do our duty,'" he relates. "That's what religion was to me then. Show up and smile. It wasn't real." But then ten years ago, as a junior at Texas Tech University, in Lubbock, Jeff took a trip to Austin to attend the Passion Conference, a Christian music festival. "It was kind of a random thing for me. I had nothing to do so I just went with a friend of mine. I was just sitting, watching [the band] Watermark. Suddenly I had the answer of what to do with my life." "I only had a year left in school. I debated going to seminary," Jeff says, adding with a slight self-deprecating laugh, "I didn't think seminary was for me. I started playing keyboard in the band at Indiana Baptist Church."
With a degree in finance and computers, Jeff moved to Dallas and "by chance" had an interview with a banker named Michael Moss, who also happened to be a leader of 121 Community Church in Dallas. The conversation quickly turned from money to religion and led to Jeff's leading the musical part of worship services on the piano at 121. Three years later, he decided to quit his computer job to devote himself full-time to the ministry of his music.
Jeff Johnson got a band together to lead the music for a new contemporary service at Fellowship Bible Church in downtown Dallas. He and his band still play there whenever they aren't on the road.
The chance to bring his ministry to a considerably larger audience came in 2005 when Jeff auditioned for "American Idol." He made it to Hollywood and was seen on national television leading others in prayer.
"I'm glad I did it. I learned a lot," he says of the experience. "When they cut me, that was not the easiest thing." Still, though, the national recognition didn't hurt. "It's crazy. After the show, especially. Not so much now, though people will ask about the show. It definitely helped the band."
Armed with their second album, "Glorious Day," the Jeff Johnson Band has just started on its Glorious Tour '08, which will take them throughout the South East to Georgia and Florida, back to Oklahoma and Texas, with every state in between.
Then, in the summer, the band continues to reach out to youth at a series of Christian camps and conferences in Tennessee, New Mexico, Texas, Colorado and Oklahoma.
Besides his compelling voice and musical gifts, Jeff is blessed with a youthful appeal and "Idol" level charisma. No doubt the kids (and adults) his songs and his ministry reach will not just be "showing up and smiling."

Click here to learn more about Jeff’s ministry
www.jeffjohnsonministries.com/newsletter.htm

Click here to listen to the song on Jeff’s myspace:
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=47936320

Here are the lyrics notice the reference to Isaiah 6 – “woe is me”

Woe to me I am unclean A sinner found in Your presence
I see you seated on Your throneExalted, Your Glory surrounds You
Now the plans that I have made Fail to compare when I see your glory
Ruin my life the plans I have made Ruin desires for my own selfish gain
Destroy the idols that have taken Your place'
Till its You alone I live for, You alone I live for.
Holy Holy is the Lord Almighty Holy is the Lord! Holy
Holy is the Lord AlmightyHoly is the Lord!
Ruin my life the plans I have madeRuin desires for my own selfish gain
Destroy the idols that have taken Your place'
Till its You alone I live for,You alone I live for.

"I Surrender All"

This powerful hymn was written by Judson W. Van DeVenter in 1896. He wrote the following in his journal:
The song was written while I was conducting a meeting at East Palestine, Ohio, in the home of George Sebring (founder of the Sebring Campmeeting Bible Conference in Sebring, Ohio, and later developer of the town of Sebring, Florida). For some time, I had struggled between developing my talents in the field of art and going into full-time evangelistic work. At last the pivotal hour of my life came, and I surrendered all. A new day was ushered into my life. I became an evangelist and discovered down deep in my soul a talent hitherto unknown to me. God had hidden a song in my heart, and touching a tender chord, He caused me to sing "I surrender all, I surrender all, all to Thee my blessed Savior, I surrender all"

Winfield S. Weeden wrote the music. In 1896 Weeden published a number of books of religious music, but this song must have been one of his favorites: its title was on his tombstone.

Click here to hear Ce Ce Winan sing this hymn:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjsz6fRnsDc

Click here to hear the Isaacs sing the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOq7p3RTm5w

Click here to watch a very moving liturgical dance to the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-VnQShgRYs

Behind the Praise - Sunday May 4, 2008

2008-04-28T19:48:00.000-07:00

Blended Worship 9:30am

"Take Up Your Cross"

This song of commitment was written by Steve Millikan, Jane Johannson and Ray Boltz. Ray Boltz was born in 1953 in Muncie, IN. Ray has sold more than one million albums, the result of songs and albums which charted repeatedly throughout the 1980s and 1990s. His inspirational songs have been sung by a number of his colleagues, and Boltz in turn has contributed to popular compilations by multiple artists. In the late 1990s, he assembled a rock-flavored band, thus expanding his inspirational repertoire. Boltz has successfully distinguished himself for his sincerity and integrity in the commercially hyped music culture. In his religious zeal, he undertook a regular battery of public concert tours even as he embraced traditional missionary travels beyond the realm of his musical ministry. In his devotion to the Christian ideal, he embarked on a series of expeditions that sent him to Africa and Asia. While on tour, he collected hundreds of thousands of dollars for food to feed starving people in Calcutta, India.
Boltz attended Indiana's Ball State University where he studied a business curriculum and graduated with a degree in business and marketing. Even as a teenager in the early 1970s, Boltz embraced a commitment to Christian ministry. He employed his musical talents to bring a Christian message to shut-ins including prisoners, hospital patients, and convalescent home residents. Likewise, he performed concerts for Christian youth groups. A dozen years passed, and by the mid 1980s Boltz's commitment to a musical gospel ministry was firmly entrenched as the basis of his career. When he released his first album, Watch the Lamb in 1986, the message of Christian commitment was clearly evident. Thank You and The Altar followed by the end of the decade, in 1988 and 1989 respectively.

For more information on Ray check out his website:
http://www.rayboltz.com/

Take up your cross and follow Jesus
Take up your cross every day
Don't be ashamed to say that you know Him
Count the cost then take up your cross and follow Him

Click here to worship along with the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir:
www.rhapsody.com/thebrooklyntabernaclechoir/livewecomerejoicing/takeupyourcross

"The Wonderful Cross"

Click here to hear Chris Tomlin tell about how the song came about.
www.theheartofworship.com/stories/Story-306-TheWonderfulCross-Tomlin.mp3

If you haven't watched this moving video from one of the Passion meetings check out part one and part two.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DNGMO35-64&mode=related&search=

www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5eBvz1tLfA&mode=related&search =

Click here to worship along with some incredible photos:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=skxiHGj6lIU

"Grace Flows Down"

With a tie to the familiar hymn, “Amazing Grace,” this song from the Passion movement is a plaintive, reverent, and expresses our appreciation for His grace that “covers me.” It is especially effective for a time of personal ministry.

Amazing Grace How sweet the sound
Amazing Love Now flowing down
From hands and feet that were nailed to the tree
As Grace flows down and covers me

Chorus
It covers me It covers me It covers me And covers me

Click here to worship with the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlNE0pHwrng

Click here for another arrangement of the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzat9dx6v8k

"I'll Tell the World that I'm a Christian"

This song was written by Rev. Baynard L. Fox, (deceased 10-9-82, age 50). Baynard served as a former minister of music in churches in KY, AL, and GA. He composed many Christian songs, among them “I'll Tell the World That I'm A Christian”—included in the 1991 edition of The Baptist Hymnal and also in many other hymnals. The song was written in 1958.

I’ll tell the world, that I’m a christian,I’m not ashamed, His name to bear;
I’ll tell the world, that I’m a christian,I’ll take Him with me anywhere.
I’ll tell the world, how Jesus saved me,and how He gave me a life brand new;
And I know that if you trust Him,that all He gave me, He’ll give to you.

CONTEMPORARY 11:00am

"O Praise Him"

David Crowder wrote this song on a plane ride from Waco, Texas to Atlanta, Georgia. He said as he was resting on the plane the phrase "All this For a King" began to ring in his head. After meditating on the phrase he began writing the following:

Turn your ear to heaven and hear
The noise inside the sound of angels awe
The sound of angels songs and all this for a King
We could join and sing all for Christ our King!'

How constant how divine this song of ours will rise
Oh, how constant How divine this love of ours will rise Will rise...

Ohh praise Him! Ohh praise Him! He is Holy! He is Holy!

Click here to learn more about how David Crowder wrote the song "O Praise Him"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2fbX4dRLO0

Click here to worship along with David Crowder:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2qfCynlTVg

"Forever"
This worship song is based upon the passage in Psalm 136 “His love endures forever”. It took four years for Chris to finally finish the song after working on the song off and on.

Click here to listen to Chris tell about how he wrote the song:
www.theheartofworship.org/stories/Story-263-Forever-Tomlin.mp3

Click here to learn more about Chris Tomlin:
www.christomlin.com/index2.html

Click here to worship along with Chris Tomlin:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOZVFHqKg1k

"Wonderful Maker"

Click here to play Jeremy Camps arrangement:
www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=CD96132&netp_id=328875&event=ESRCN&item_code=WW#curr

Click here to listen to the song:
www.imeem.com/crusadeband/music/g9jM3rtb/chris_tomlin_wonderful_maker/

Click here to worship with Chris Tomlin:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoYWDCwxExs

Click here to learn more about Jeremy Camp:
http://www.jeremycamp.com/

You spread out the skies over empty space
Said "let there be light" into a dark and formless world
Your light was born You spread out Your arms over empty hearts
Said "let there be light"Into a dark and hopeless world Your Son was born
You made the world and saw that it was good You sent Your only Son for You are good
What a wonderful Maker What a wonderful Savior How majestic Your whispers
And how humble Your love With a strength like no other
And the heart of a FatherHow majestic Your whispers
What a wonderful God No eye has fully seen, how beautiful the cross
And we have only heard The faintest whispers of how great You are

BEHIND THE PRAISE - Sunday April 27, 2008

2008-04-22T06:38:00.000-07:00

BLENDED WORSHIP 9:30am

"HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD"

HOW MONO LAUNCHED AN INCREDIBLE CAREER

This worship song was written by Chris Tomlin. Chris said he almost apologized to the Lord for writing such a simple song, but felt that the English language could only go so far in describing the greatness of our God. After writing the song he felt in his spirit that he had written a song that would be embraced by the church around the world.
Chris received his first guitar from his father, Connie, at the age of eleven after contracting a case of mono. Then, Tomlin wrote his first worship song at age fourteen. He entered college planning to study medicine, but he stated that he felt God's calling to something else and did not pursue that career.In the mid-1990's Tomlin spent time leading worship at the Dawson McAllister Youth Conferences, as well as at various camps around the state of Texas.Following college, at Texas A&M University Tomlin continued to play and write songs, and in 1997, Louie Giglio asked if he would be interested in working with the Passion Conferences. Tomlin agreed, and he has played a key role ever since. His first nationally released solo project, entitled The Noise We Make, was released in 2001, which saw the emergence of songs "Forever" (his most famous song other than "How Great Is Our God"), "Be Glorified", and "Kindness", all of which made the top 200 in the CCLI 2005 top 500 worship songs.
According to Christian Copyright Licensing International's list of the top 25 worship songs in the United States as of August 2007, Tomlin held 5 spots with songs he has either written or co-written with other songwriters: "How Great Is Our God" (#1), "Forever" (#5), "Holy Is the Lord" (#7), "We Fall Down" (#12),and "Indescribable" (#22).

Click here to listen to the story behind the song:
www.theheartofworship.org/stories/Story-302-HowGreatisOurGod-Tomlin.mp3

Click here to listen to Chris share about how the song came about on newsong café:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpfKli_4LQ0&mode=related&search=

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

Click here to learn more about Chris’ ministry:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Tomlin#Biography

Click here to visit Chris’ website:
www.christomlin.com

Click here to visit Chris’ myspace:
www.myspace.com/christomlin

"Immortal Invisible, God only Wise"
Based on I Timothy 1:17, "Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever", "Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise" reminds us of the awe and reverence that we need to have as we worship our God. Even as we cannot see the sun, we see merely the light reflected by the hot gases surrounding the sun, so God’s glory is hid from our eyes. Even the angels cover their faces in God’s presence (Isaiah 6:2) because they cannot look on God’s full glory.
"Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise" draws from other Scriptural references as well. "The Ancient of Days" from stanza one is from Daniel 7:9. "Thy justice like mountains" from stanza two is from Psalm 36:6. Originally written with six stanzas, stanza four referenced II Corinthians 3:15-16. The original stanzas four and five were combined to make the contemporary fourth stanza.Great Father of Glory, pure Father of Light,Thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight;But of all thy rich graces this grace, Lord, impart -Take the veil from our faces, the vile from our heart.All laud we would render; O help us to see 'Tis only the splendour of light hideth thee, And so let thy glory, almighty, impart,Through Christ in his story, thy Christ to the heart.
"Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise" was first published in Hymns of Christ and Christian Life, (1876). The text was altered by the author and published in W. Garrett Horder’s Congregational Hymns. (1884)

Click here to worship along:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eR1Kxcvq_hM

Click here for a finger picking guitar arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4Tmq_B2eIg

Click here for a tower bell arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jodz3Muw8i8&feature=related

Click here for a newer arrangement by Daniel Rodriguez:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiV3ODJA9Ik

CONTEMPORARY SERVICE 11:00

"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

"Everything Glorious "

After the tragic lost of their pastor in Waco, David Crowder was preparing for a Passion tour. His understanding of grace was challenged by the loss of his friend and mentor. This song was birthed as David began to understand the sovereignty of a loving God. That in the midst of tragedy God was making all things glorious.

Click here to listen to David share his story:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKgM_fv_4EI

Click here to read more about the tragedy:
www.baptiststandard.com/postnuke/index.php?module=htmlpages&func=display&pid=4112

Click here to worship along with David:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsxNPM4P0w4

The day is brighter here with You
The night is lighter than its hue
Would lead me to believe Which leads me to believe

(chorus)
You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
And I am Yours

My eyes are small but they have seen
the beauty of enormous things
Which leads me to believe
there's light enough to see that
From glory to glory
You are glorious You are glorious
From glory to glory You are glorious. You are glorious
Which leads me to believe why I can believe that

"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 all that 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

Behind the Praise - Sunday April 20, 2008

2008-04-15T15:49:00.000-07:00

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

"Cover the Earth"

This powerful worship song by Israel Houghton and Cindy Cruse Ratcliff speaks of a prayer for God to cover the earth with his glory. When asked about worship Cindy shared the following.

I think that it's one of the main communications with God. It's like prayer set to music. It is such a vital part of our every day life with God. The Bible says to "pray without ceasing." Praise and Worship is one of those ways that we can offer up prayer to the Lord. It edifies us and glorifies the Lord. It draws us closer to Him. It brings us to His presence. It brings us joy. It encourages us. It strengthens us. Our communication with the Lord is the mainstay of our relationship with Him. I look at worship as one of my ways to communicate with the Father. You can tell Him what you're thankful for, how you feel; your most joyous feelings to your most intimate feelings for him. I think that without worship, our relationship with the Lord becomes one-dimensional.

Lyrics:
Let me be an instrument to exalt and to extend Jesus’ name globally
As the waters cover the sea open the heavens O Lord and pour out Your Spirit

Cover the earth with Your glory Cover the earth with Your glory
Cover the earth with the sound of heaven Cover the earth with Your glory
Cover the earth with Your glory Cover the earth with the sound of heaven Cover the earth

Let me speak what You say let the sound prepare the way
Kingdom come globally as the waters cover the sea open the heavens O Lord

Click here to worship along with the Lakewood worship team:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWEfZ-f4L0Q

"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=

"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

CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP 11:00

"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

"Not To Us"

One of the premier songwriters of today, Chris Tomlin is shaping the language of worship for generations present and future. And yet his gifts are rooted in one central truth, that God is the center of everything.Even as a small town Texan boy pounding out new tunes with his rag-tag garage band, Chris Tomlin had been blessed with a passion for purpose. He wanted to be more than just another guy with a song. As he grew, he became even more aware of the fact that everything-what we do, who we are-exists only for God's glory. Tomlin's sophomore studio project, NOT TO US, is an organic, edgy pop blend of his most compelling lyrics to date, the longest and most rewarding mile in his passionate pursuit of real life. NOT TO US is not just another worship album; it's a soundtrack for all of life. "God is a mystery beyond our comprehension," says Tomlin, whose most recent work includes WoW Worship and Passion: Our Love is Loud. "We can't figure God out. He won't be boxed in. He's bigger than all our questions and bigger than our answers. And when our lives become aligned with Him, we see life in a different light, hearts are restored and people are healed."

Lyrics:
the cross before me the world behind
no turning backraise the banner highi
t's not for me it's all for YOU
let the heavens shake and split the sky
let the people clap their hands and cry
it's not for usit's all for YOU

not to us but to YOUR name be the glory
not to us but to YOUR name be the glory

Click here to listen to Chris share more about how he wrote the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zt9K5rLHVk
Click here to listen to the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFlwKpQmmFQ

"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 hereFor the rescue of us all
that we may livefor 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

"Great is Thy Faithfulness"

In praise of God, 'Great is Thy Faithfulness,' a hymn written by Thomas O. Chisholm (1866-1960), is a worship song that uplifts through trials and tough times. It was a result of a writer's daily experiences and realization of God's faithfulness. The tune is composed by William M. Runyan (1870-1957), with scripture reference from the Bible's Lamentations 3:22-23 - "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail." This sacred song has been an all-time favorite among Christians. Popular gospel singer and songwriter Beverley Shea says that it was first introduced to audiences in Great Britain by the Billy Graham Crusades in 1954

Click here to sing the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=kabwrNk3JAQ

Click here for an organ arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CIjceUj_oI&feature=related

BEHIND THE PRAISE - SUNDAY APRIL 6, 2008

2008-03-31T07:45:00.000-07:00

BLENDED WORSHIP 9:30

“And Can it Be”
Not many hymns begin with a question as does this one. However, it is not an expression of doubt but of wonder and awe.
· How can it be that the shedding of Jesus’ blood 1900 years ago is relevant to me today?
· How was it possible for the Son of God to have died for me?
· Why should our Lord empty Himself of all His divine glory and become a man, in order to save “Adam’s helpless race?” There is considerable evidence that this hymn was written by Charles Wesley soon after his own conversion. Charles Wesley’s crisis experience occurred on May 20, 1738. He had been sick in body as well as in spirit. It seemed that God spoke to him through a vision. According to his Journal, this confrontation took place after reading the bible for some time.
Following is his account:
“At midnight I gave myself up to Christ: assured I was safe, sleeping or waking. I had continued experience of his power to overcome all temptation; and confessed, with joy and surprise, that he was able to do exceedingly abundantly for me, above what I can ask or think.”
And Can it Be, that I Should Gain
And can it be, that I should gain

An interest in the Savior’s blood`?
Died he for me, who caused his pain?

For me, who him to death pursued?

Amazing love! how can it be

That thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
’Tis mystery all! The Immortal dies!

Who can explore his strange design?
In vain the first-born seraph tries

To sound the depths of love divine!

’Tis mercy all! let earth adore,

Let angel-minds inquire no more.
He left his Father’s throne above,

(So free, so infinite his grace!)
Emptied himself of all but love,

And bled for Adam’s helpless race:
’Tis mercy all, immense and free,

For, O my God, it found out me!

Long my imprisoned spirit lay

Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray,

I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;

My chains fell off, my heart was free,

I rose, went forth, and followed thee.
No condemnation now I dread,

Jesus, and all in him, is mine!
Alive in him, my living Head,

And clothed in righteousness divine,

Bold I approach the eternal throne,

And claim the crown, through Christ my own.

Click here to worship along:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qp4ezV05v6k

Click here to sing along with a congregational recording:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_zMJ8MAGJo

“Mighty is the Power of the Cross”
This song was written by Chris Tomlin & Jesse Reeves. Chris was stirred by the phrase "What can take a dying man and bring him back to life again". Chris and Jesse were amazed by the mystery of the cross, as it is foolishness to those who are perishing.

What can take a dying man And raise him up to life again?

What can heal the wounded soul? What can make us white as snow?

What can fill the emptiness?What can mend our brokenness?

Brokenness?Chorus:Mighty, awesome, wonderful Is the Holy cross.

Where the Lamb lay down His lifeTo lift us from the fall.

Mighty is the power of the cross.

Click here to hear more about how this song on the cross was written:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gDVwQ_Oyhc

Click here for a moving visual portrayal of the cross:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkO-D0fatRQ&feature=related

“Amazing Grace”
John Newton wrote this hymn some time after converting to Christianity in the village of Kineton, in Warwickshire, England. The lyrics are based on his reflections on an Old Testament text he was preparing to preach on, adding his perspective about his own conversion while on his slave ship, the Greyhound, in 1748.
The melody most often used for this hymn was not original (nor was Newton a composer). As with other hymns of this period, the words were sung to a number of tunes before and after they first became linked to the now familiar variant of the tune "New Britain" of which the composer is unknown and is in William Walker's shape-note tunebook Southern Harmony, 1835.

Click here to view the many arrangements of Amazing Grace on youtube:

www.youtube.com/results?search_query=amazing+grace+&search_type=

“Come Just as You Are”
Come just as you are
hear the spirit call
come just as you are
come and see
come receive
come and live forever
life everlasting strength for today
taste the living water and never thirst again

For more on Crystal Lewis the composer click here
www.christianmusiclighthouse.com/main/biography/crystallewisbio/index.htm

Click here to listen to Crystal Lewis at a Harvest Crusade with Greg Laurie

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vuxh3hW2at0

Click here to worship along with Crystal Lewis and read along in Spanish:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MqNV5NvtUQ&feature=related

CONTEMPORARY SERVICE 11:00

“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

"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
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

“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