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
Monday, April 28, 2008
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
BEHIND THE PRAISE - Sunday April 27, 2008
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
"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
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Behind the Praise - Sunday April 20, 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.
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
"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."
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
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