BLENDED WORSHIP - 9:30am
"Guide me, O Thou Great Jehovah"
This hymn is also called “Guide Me O, Thou Great Redeemer”. Encouraged by the Welsh Calvinist Methodists to update their hymnal, William Williams, the "Sweet Singer of Wales" produced about 800 hymns, "Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah" being the first in 1745.
This very personal hymn seeks the same care that God gave the Israelites in the wilderness: "Bread of heaven", the manna in the wilderness, "Open now the crystal fountain", water from the rock, "Let the fire and cloudy pillar", the pillar God used to guide them and protect them in the wilderness.
"Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah" has been translated into seventy-five languages. It is so loved in Wales that it is considered an unofficial national anthem
Many are the stories of this beautiful anthem giving people strength in time of adversity. Three women missionaries in China, with bandits outside their door, sang this as though nothing was wrong, receiving comfort and courage from their "Strong Deliverer". Imprisoned with only dry, hard bread and tea, they sang it as Paul and Silas, their spirits undaunted, fed by the "Bread of heaven." In the trenches of Flanders during World War I, it was sung so melodiously by the Welch soldiers that the German soldiers also took it up. Miners sang it on their way to the mines. It could be spontaneously sung at Welsh sporting events, and was sung at Princess Diana’s funeral at Westminster Abbey, London, on September 6, 1997.
Click here to listen to a tower bell arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ejdz1yAtDq0
Click here to listen to the great Mahalia Jackson sing the hymn:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pe6C92qJGMQ&feature=related
Click here to listen to a choir arrangement of the hymn:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=oei9Hcp5W9U
Click here to read through the words:
www.oremus.org/hymnal/g/g401.html
"You are My King"
Billy is a member of the Alamo City Christian Fellowship in San Antonio. Billy started leading worship in 1990, right out of college. Back then Christiandom didn't demand bands. They were satisfied with simplicity. Billy played his guitar and led worship by himself until several years later. He added a drummer (Joe McArthur) first and then a bass player (Shawn Skeen) and then Cindy joined in with vocals in 2001. Sometime around the year 2000 Billy began having vocal trouble which turned out to be a neurological condition called hyper-disphonia. There's really no cure for this condition. So Cindy began singing more of the lead vocals over time. Though Cindy sings most of the songs, Billy is still the person giving direction to the worship time and, of course, he writes most of the songs the band plays. Billy began song writing in the late 1990's. He's written several well known songs including:"Break Our Hearts", "Goodness and Mercy", "You Are My King (Amazing Love)", "Sing to the King", "I Have a River", "Die the Death", "You Are God Alone (not a god)", "You Are Welcome Here" and "Welcome to the Cross".
Learn more about Billy's ministry on his myspace website & ministry website:
www.myspace.com/billyfooteband
Learn more about Billy's ministry here:
www.billyfoote.com/
Click here to worship along with the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNBZXzN0tLU
Click here for another arrangement of the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUO0NhsaGKc
“In Christ Alone”
This song was written by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
Townend and Getty both admit they are motivated by the idea of capturing biblical truth in songs and hymns that will not only cause people to express their worship in church, but will build them up in their Christian lives. “I’ve been amazed by the response to this song,” says Townend. “We’ve had some incredible e-mails about how people have been helped by the song through incredibly difficult circumstances.” One e-mail described how a U.S soldier serving in Iraq would pray through each verse of the song every day, and how the promises of God’s protection and grace helped to sustain him through the enormous pressures and dangers of life in a war zone.
Click here to read more about how the song was composed
www.crosswalk.com/1275127/
Click here to worship along with the Newsboys
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8welVgKX8Qo
Click here to worship along with Natalie Grant
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MA9WbEn-Nj8&feature=related
CONTEMPORARY 11:00 am
"Sing to the King"
This song was written by Billy James Foote. The song is based upon the hymn by Charles S. Horne. Here are the original words penned in 1910. Notice the similarity between the Horne's words and Billy's adaptation of the song.
Sing we the King Who is coming to reign,
Glory to Jesus, the Lamb that was slain.
Life and salvation His empire shall bring,
Joy to the nations when Jesus is King.RefrainCome let us sing, praise to our King,
Jesus our King, Jesus our King,
This is our song, who to Jesus belong:
Glory to Jesus, to Jesus our King.
Billy and his wife Cindy live in San Antonio, Texas. Billy started leading worship in 1990, right out of college. Back then Christiandom didn't demand bands. They were satisfied with simplicity. Billy played his guitar and led worship by himself until several years later. He added a drummer (Joe McArthur) first and then a bass player (Shawn Skeen) and then Cindy joined in with vocals in 2001. Sometime around the year 2000 Billy began having vocal trouble which turned out to be a neurological condition called hyper-disphonia. There's really no cure for this condition. So Cindy began singing more of the lead vocals over time. Though Cindy sings most of the songs, Billy is still the person giving direction to the worship time and, of course, he writes most of the songs the band plays. Billy began song writing in the late 1990's. He's written several well known songs including:"Break Our Hearts", "Goodness and Mercy", "You Are My King (Amazing Love)", "Sing to the King", "I Have a River", "Die the Death", "You Are God Alone (not a god)", "You Are Welcome Here" and "Welcome to the Cross".
Learn more about Billy's ministry on his myspace website & ministry website:
www.myspace.com/billyfooteband
Learn more about Billy's ministry here:
www.billyfoote.com/
Click here to worship along with the passion band
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrsrPfGmpPg
"King of Majesty"
This song was written by Marty Sampson. Marty (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".
Click here to learn more about Marty Sampson:
www.martysampson.net
Click here to worship along with the Hillsong worship ministry:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyyRfx563Zs
Click here for an arrangement by Marty Sampson:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=mg9Zqipk2nU
"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 thereIn 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, May 27, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
Behind the Praise - Sunday May 25, 2008
OLD NORTH WORSHIP - 9:30am & 11:00
"Praise to the Lord"
The lyrics for this great hymn were written by Joachim Neander
Click here to learn more about this great composer who died at the young age of thirty.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joachim_Neander
Click here to hear the story behind the song
www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7qq_0UNREE
Click here to read the lyrics and sing along
www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/p/t/pttlta.htm
Click here to listen to the hymn played on tubular bells
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNy8UOvdyNM
Click here to hear a Finger style guitar arrangement
www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0aPO9k037k&mode=related&search=
Click here to hear a hear a solo violin arrangement
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcOysumrQfc&mode=related&search=
"Cover the Earth"
Cruse-Ratcliff began ministering at the age of six alongside her family, The Cruse Family a well-known evangelistic musical group. The group, popular throughout much of the 1970s and early 1980s, traveled and ministered all across the world. They released 25 albums and received two Dove Awards.
While Cruse-Ratcliff always had a heart for music ministry, she would not become involved with worship music herself until later in life.At the age of nine, she became the youngest licensed ASCAP songwriter. Since that time, she has written for and produced more than 100 album recordings.
From 1997 to 1998, she traveled with Revival Ministries International leading worship for evangelistic crusades in the United States and abroad. In late 1998, she moved to Covenant Church in Carrollton, Texas , serving as one of three worship leaders.
In January 2000, she received a phone call from Lakewood Church Pastor Joel Osteen, who offered her the opportunity to become the church's worship director. She was Osteen's first hire when he became the new pastor of Lakewood. While Cruse-Ratcliff said she and her husband did not initially feel drawn to the church, they quickly fell in love with the people and moved to Houston.
Nearly 9 months after her arrival, Lakewood added an additional service on Saturday nights to keep up with the church's rapid growth.
Today, Cruse-Ratcliff leads weekend worship services at Lakewood Church alongside Steve Crawford and Da'dra Crawford Greathouse, former members of the Contemporary Christian music duo Anointed. They are also frequently joined by well-known singer and songwriter Israel Houghton.
Cruse-Ratcliff is married to Marcus Ratcliff, whom she met while working at Covenant Church. They have one child together, Windsor, whom they consider their greatest treasure. She is the daughter of Joe and Nancy Cruse, who have been pastors for more than 50 years, and is one of five children. Her siblings, Jane Cruse Bearden, Dr. John Cruse, Joe Cruse III and Karen Cruse Adams are all involved in full-time ministry.
Cindy wrote this song in collaboration with Israel Houghton and Maleesa Hougton.
Click here to worship along with the Lakewood Church in Houston:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWEfZ-f4L0Q&feature=related
“Grace Alone”
Scott Wesley BrownScott Wesley Brown is an artist whose career has spanned three decades, and continues to prove his relevancy to the changing times. Through the years, Scott Wesley Brown has left an indelible mark on Christian music…a prolific songwriter, dynamic vocalist, challenging author, international missionary, worship leader and Christian music pioneer!The past three decades have seen his signature on no fewer than 9 number one singles on the Adult-Contemporary and Inspirational charts. His songs have been recorded by Sandi Patti, Amy Grant, Bruce Carroll, Pat Boone, The Imperials, Petra and international opera star Placido Domingo.Scotts’ heart is mission minded - and his actions display that. Brown's journal records covert missions behind the Iron Curtain and the first publicly promoted Christian music event in the U.S.S.R. It was during this August, 1989 concert that over 15,000 Soviets heard the passionate cry for love and compassion while the Spirit moved some 2,000 to join in the family of Christ. He has taken over 100 musicians on trips to the mission field and provided hundreds of musical instruments to musicians and missionaries in third world and restricted access countries.
Click here to learn more about Scott:
http://www.scottwesleybrown.com/
Click here to worship along with the
www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6lhilgWXIE
Click here to listen to a choral arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbSGNve6e7U&feature=related
Every promise we can make, every prayer and step of faith,
every difference we will make is only by His grace.
Every mountain we will climb, every ray of hope we shine,
Every blessing left behind is only by His grace.
Grace alone which God supplies,Strength unknown He will provide.
Christ in us our Cornerstone;We will go forth in grace alone.
Every soul we long to reach, every hearth we hope to teach,
everywhere we share His peace is only by His grace.
Every loving word we say, every tear we wipe away,
every sorrow turned to praise is only by His grace.
“In Christ Alone”
This song was written by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
Townend and Getty both admit they are motivated by the idea of capturing biblical truth in songs and hymns that will not only cause people to express their worship in church, but will build them up in their Christian lives. “I’ve been amazed by the response to this song,” says Townend. “We’ve had some incredible e-mails about how people have been helped by the song through incredibly difficult circumstances.” One e-mail described how a U.S soldier serving in Iraq would pray through each verse of the song every day, and how the promises of God’s protection and grace helped to sustain him through the enormous pressures and dangers of life in a war zone.
Click here to read more about how the song was composed
www.crosswalk.com/1275127/
Click here to worship along with the Newsboys
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8welVgKX8Qo
Click here to worship along with Natalie Grant
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MA9WbEn-Nj8&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=
“All Hail the Power of Jesus Name”
Some years ago, missionary E. P. Scott went to India. He set out to visit a remote mountain tribe which had never heard the name of Christ. As he neared their land, he was suddenly surrounded by a savage band of warriors, all pointing their spears straight at his heart. Expecting a quick death, the missionary pulled out his violin and began playing and singing in their native language the hymn "All hail the power of Jesus' name." He reached the stanza that reads:
Let every tribe and every tongueOn this terrestrial ball To him all majesty ascribe And crown him Lord of all...
The natives lowered their weapons and some were in tears. E. P. Scott spent the rest of his life ministering to these primitive people.
The hymn which so effectively moved this Indian tribe is often referred to as the "National Anthem of Christendom" and has been translated into almost every language where there are Christians. The author of the hymn, Edward Perronet was the descendent of a French Huguenot family which fled first to Switzerland and then to England to escape religious persecution. Perronet was a pastor who worked closely with John and Charles Wesley for many years in England's eighteenth- century revival.
At that time, Methodists were savagely persecuted. According to John Wesley's diary, Edward did not escape his share of abuse either. "Edward Perronet was thrown down and rolled in mud and mire" at Bolton, he wrote.
Edward was uneasy about preaching in front of John Wesley. Wesley urged him to do so several times. Finally, Wesley forced the issue. He announced that Brother Perronet would speak the following week. A week later, witty Edward mounted the pulpit and declared he would deliver the greatest sermon ever preached. He then read Christ's "Sermon on the Mount" and sat down!
Click here to worship along on the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=itUNSwS4q9E
Click here to hear an acapella arrangement by Point of Grace:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKT0WZM5aI8
Click here to hear an organ arrangement of the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=d54CqTpLW9E
Click here to sing along with Avalon:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucF_C7rYe58
"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
"I will Worship Thee / I Exalt Thee"
Judy Jacobs is an ordained Minister of the Gospel, inspired and anointed woman of God who through word and song presents the Good News of Jesus Christ. She is known for her dynamic singing and ministry of the Word. Minister Jacobs demonstrates the joy of a true worshipper and encourages followers of Christ to experience freedom, allowing God to transform their lives. Minister Jacobs uniquely communicates God's powerful message to His people. As a teacher, preacher and psalmist she has led thousands of people to a saving knowledge of Christ through concerts, conferences, churches and conventions around the world. Minister Jacobs shares, "Seeing my parent's commitment to prayer and fasting, gave me a hunger and desire after the things of God and they became the greatest spiritual influence in my life." God began to broaden her territory of ministry in 1989 and she established His Song Ministries. Since then, her ministry expanded as she recorded several music albums. Her latest project, "Almighty Reigns" was released October 2005. She has also began creating preaching and teaching sessions on tapes, compact discs and DVDs. "Surely this is excellent preaching wrapped in song and saturated with anointing!" - Bishop T. D. Jakes Further extending her ministry, in 2002 she established the "Press...Push...Pursue" Women's Conference. This conference brings an expectation of the Holy Spirit to do the miraculous, the unthinkable, the unbelievable and the undeniable. Currently being hosted in Louisville, KY and internationally in the Caribbean, it brings a unique blend of dynamic ministers, worshippers and speakers to impart to women from all walks of life. For many years there was not a mentor in Minister Jacobs' life. She explains that her mother was one of the Godliest people she has ever known. Her mother really spoke into her life and helped her; molded her into a Christian wife and mother. Through experiences, she has learned that living a Christ-centered life is vital to living victoriously. This explosive ministry encourages audiences out of their comfort zone, to seek the power to walk in the authority and the boldness of God and experience the complete fulfillment He wants for each of their lives.
Click here to learn more about Judy:
http://www.judyjacobs.com/
Click here to worship along with Judy Jacobs:
www.imeem.com/people/BscrzBe/music/U8vYK1k8/judy_jacobs_i_will_worship_youi_exalt_thee/
"This is the Day" This powerful worship song was written by Rebecca J. Peck. She has written many worship songs. Here is a powerful testimony of the impact of her music.
When the space shuttle Columbia exploded on February 1 2003, there were some wonderful Christian people on board. One of those was Col. Rick Husband. Husband was an active choir member at his church in Texas. Not long before the shuttle's departure, his choir made a recording of many popular worship songs. The recording also featured one new song entitled "Breath of the Spirit," written by Rebecca Peck. Husband took the CD on board with him to play for the crew (he was a featured soloist on the recording). After the incoming shuttle exploded, the CD was found in the yard of a Texan. Though the front was charred, the back was clearly readable. Some of the last music the astronauts
Click here to listen to a portion of the song: www.wordmusic.com/products/book.cfm?upc=080689410178
"Praise to the Lord"
The lyrics for this great hymn were written by Joachim Neander
Click here to learn more about this great composer who died at the young age of thirty.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joachim_Neander
Click here to hear the story behind the song
www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7qq_0UNREE
Click here to read the lyrics and sing along
www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/p/t/pttlta.htm
Click here to listen to the hymn played on tubular bells
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNy8UOvdyNM
Click here to hear a Finger style guitar arrangement
www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0aPO9k037k&mode=related&search=
Click here to hear a hear a solo violin arrangement
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcOysumrQfc&mode=related&search=
"Cover the Earth"
Cruse-Ratcliff began ministering at the age of six alongside her family, The Cruse Family a well-known evangelistic musical group. The group, popular throughout much of the 1970s and early 1980s, traveled and ministered all across the world. They released 25 albums and received two Dove Awards.
While Cruse-Ratcliff always had a heart for music ministry, she would not become involved with worship music herself until later in life.At the age of nine, she became the youngest licensed ASCAP songwriter. Since that time, she has written for and produced more than 100 album recordings.
From 1997 to 1998, she traveled with Revival Ministries International leading worship for evangelistic crusades in the United States and abroad. In late 1998, she moved to Covenant Church in Carrollton, Texas , serving as one of three worship leaders.
In January 2000, she received a phone call from Lakewood Church Pastor Joel Osteen, who offered her the opportunity to become the church's worship director. She was Osteen's first hire when he became the new pastor of Lakewood. While Cruse-Ratcliff said she and her husband did not initially feel drawn to the church, they quickly fell in love with the people and moved to Houston.
Nearly 9 months after her arrival, Lakewood added an additional service on Saturday nights to keep up with the church's rapid growth.
Today, Cruse-Ratcliff leads weekend worship services at Lakewood Church alongside Steve Crawford and Da'dra Crawford Greathouse, former members of the Contemporary Christian music duo Anointed. They are also frequently joined by well-known singer and songwriter Israel Houghton.
Cruse-Ratcliff is married to Marcus Ratcliff, whom she met while working at Covenant Church. They have one child together, Windsor, whom they consider their greatest treasure. She is the daughter of Joe and Nancy Cruse, who have been pastors for more than 50 years, and is one of five children. Her siblings, Jane Cruse Bearden, Dr. John Cruse, Joe Cruse III and Karen Cruse Adams are all involved in full-time ministry.
Cindy wrote this song in collaboration with Israel Houghton and Maleesa Hougton.
Click here to worship along with the Lakewood Church in Houston:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWEfZ-f4L0Q&feature=related
“Grace Alone”
Scott Wesley BrownScott Wesley Brown is an artist whose career has spanned three decades, and continues to prove his relevancy to the changing times. Through the years, Scott Wesley Brown has left an indelible mark on Christian music…a prolific songwriter, dynamic vocalist, challenging author, international missionary, worship leader and Christian music pioneer!The past three decades have seen his signature on no fewer than 9 number one singles on the Adult-Contemporary and Inspirational charts. His songs have been recorded by Sandi Patti, Amy Grant, Bruce Carroll, Pat Boone, The Imperials, Petra and international opera star Placido Domingo.Scotts’ heart is mission minded - and his actions display that. Brown's journal records covert missions behind the Iron Curtain and the first publicly promoted Christian music event in the U.S.S.R. It was during this August, 1989 concert that over 15,000 Soviets heard the passionate cry for love and compassion while the Spirit moved some 2,000 to join in the family of Christ. He has taken over 100 musicians on trips to the mission field and provided hundreds of musical instruments to musicians and missionaries in third world and restricted access countries.
Click here to learn more about Scott:
http://www.scottwesleybrown.com/
Click here to worship along with the
www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6lhilgWXIE
Click here to listen to a choral arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbSGNve6e7U&feature=related
Every promise we can make, every prayer and step of faith,
every difference we will make is only by His grace.
Every mountain we will climb, every ray of hope we shine,
Every blessing left behind is only by His grace.
Grace alone which God supplies,Strength unknown He will provide.
Christ in us our Cornerstone;We will go forth in grace alone.
Every soul we long to reach, every hearth we hope to teach,
everywhere we share His peace is only by His grace.
Every loving word we say, every tear we wipe away,
every sorrow turned to praise is only by His grace.
“In Christ Alone”
This song was written by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
Townend and Getty both admit they are motivated by the idea of capturing biblical truth in songs and hymns that will not only cause people to express their worship in church, but will build them up in their Christian lives. “I’ve been amazed by the response to this song,” says Townend. “We’ve had some incredible e-mails about how people have been helped by the song through incredibly difficult circumstances.” One e-mail described how a U.S soldier serving in Iraq would pray through each verse of the song every day, and how the promises of God’s protection and grace helped to sustain him through the enormous pressures and dangers of life in a war zone.
Click here to read more about how the song was composed
www.crosswalk.com/1275127/
Click here to worship along with the Newsboys
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8welVgKX8Qo
Click here to worship along with Natalie Grant
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MA9WbEn-Nj8&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=
“All Hail the Power of Jesus Name”
Some years ago, missionary E. P. Scott went to India. He set out to visit a remote mountain tribe which had never heard the name of Christ. As he neared their land, he was suddenly surrounded by a savage band of warriors, all pointing their spears straight at his heart. Expecting a quick death, the missionary pulled out his violin and began playing and singing in their native language the hymn "All hail the power of Jesus' name." He reached the stanza that reads:
Let every tribe and every tongueOn this terrestrial ball To him all majesty ascribe And crown him Lord of all...
The natives lowered their weapons and some were in tears. E. P. Scott spent the rest of his life ministering to these primitive people.
The hymn which so effectively moved this Indian tribe is often referred to as the "National Anthem of Christendom" and has been translated into almost every language where there are Christians. The author of the hymn, Edward Perronet was the descendent of a French Huguenot family which fled first to Switzerland and then to England to escape religious persecution. Perronet was a pastor who worked closely with John and Charles Wesley for many years in England's eighteenth- century revival.
At that time, Methodists were savagely persecuted. According to John Wesley's diary, Edward did not escape his share of abuse either. "Edward Perronet was thrown down and rolled in mud and mire" at Bolton, he wrote.
Edward was uneasy about preaching in front of John Wesley. Wesley urged him to do so several times. Finally, Wesley forced the issue. He announced that Brother Perronet would speak the following week. A week later, witty Edward mounted the pulpit and declared he would deliver the greatest sermon ever preached. He then read Christ's "Sermon on the Mount" and sat down!
Click here to worship along on the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=itUNSwS4q9E
Click here to hear an acapella arrangement by Point of Grace:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKT0WZM5aI8
Click here to hear an organ arrangement of the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=d54CqTpLW9E
Click here to sing along with Avalon:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucF_C7rYe58
"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
"I will Worship Thee / I Exalt Thee"
Judy Jacobs is an ordained Minister of the Gospel, inspired and anointed woman of God who through word and song presents the Good News of Jesus Christ. She is known for her dynamic singing and ministry of the Word. Minister Jacobs demonstrates the joy of a true worshipper and encourages followers of Christ to experience freedom, allowing God to transform their lives. Minister Jacobs uniquely communicates God's powerful message to His people. As a teacher, preacher and psalmist she has led thousands of people to a saving knowledge of Christ through concerts, conferences, churches and conventions around the world. Minister Jacobs shares, "Seeing my parent's commitment to prayer and fasting, gave me a hunger and desire after the things of God and they became the greatest spiritual influence in my life." God began to broaden her territory of ministry in 1989 and she established His Song Ministries. Since then, her ministry expanded as she recorded several music albums. Her latest project, "Almighty Reigns" was released October 2005. She has also began creating preaching and teaching sessions on tapes, compact discs and DVDs. "Surely this is excellent preaching wrapped in song and saturated with anointing!" - Bishop T. D. Jakes Further extending her ministry, in 2002 she established the "Press...Push...Pursue" Women's Conference. This conference brings an expectation of the Holy Spirit to do the miraculous, the unthinkable, the unbelievable and the undeniable. Currently being hosted in Louisville, KY and internationally in the Caribbean, it brings a unique blend of dynamic ministers, worshippers and speakers to impart to women from all walks of life. For many years there was not a mentor in Minister Jacobs' life. She explains that her mother was one of the Godliest people she has ever known. Her mother really spoke into her life and helped her; molded her into a Christian wife and mother. Through experiences, she has learned that living a Christ-centered life is vital to living victoriously. This explosive ministry encourages audiences out of their comfort zone, to seek the power to walk in the authority and the boldness of God and experience the complete fulfillment He wants for each of their lives.
Click here to learn more about Judy:
http://www.judyjacobs.com/
Click here to worship along with Judy Jacobs:
www.imeem.com/people/BscrzBe/music/U8vYK1k8/judy_jacobs_i_will_worship_youi_exalt_thee/
Monday, May 12, 2008
Behind the Praise - Sunday May 18, 2008
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
"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
Monday, May 5, 2008
Behind the Praise - Sunday May 11, 2008
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
"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
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