Behind the Praise - Sunday August 3, 2008

TRADITIONAL SERVICE 9:30am

“Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble”

Martin Smith 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. Some of the most recognized 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.

Click here for the story behind the song www.theheartofworship.org/stories/Story-197-DidYouFeeltheMountainsTremble-Smith.mp3

Click here to listen to the song www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4Q5vVa0q8Q

Click here to sing along:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICRukDH7eKo

Click here to watch Martin Smith:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vO_bKR2Wzhk&feature=related


"I Will Call upon the Lord"

Words and music: Michael O'Shields
Two psalm verses (Psalm 18:2,46) are united into a powerful brief anthem of praise to "the God of our salvation." Initially a two-part canon (for women and men), this song develops into a strong homophonic "praise" which could be sung in harmony and suitably punctuated with hand claps. This is an (unusual!) example of a P&W song in which the music has a lot of interest and is likely to engender greater longevity.

I will call upon the Lord Who is worthy to be praised! So shall I be saved from my enemies.
The Lord liveth and blessed be my Rock, And let the God of my salvation by exalted. The Lord liveth and blessed be my Rock, And let the God of my salvation by exalted.
Copyright 1981 Sound III, Inc. Used by permission. CCLI # 501247 Words and music by Michael O'Sheilds

Click here to sing through the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=je2Vk83kuzg

"Before the Throne of God Above"

This song was written by Charitie Lees Smith Bancroft in 1863, but was recently published by Vikki Cook who wrote an alternate melody for it.

You can hear the old version by clicking here. http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/b/e/beforetg.htm
You’ll recognize the tune as “Sweet hour of Prayer”

Click here to read through the words:
www.inchristalone.org/BeforeTheThrone.html

What a great line in the second verse:
“For God the just is satisfied to look on Him and pardon me”.

Click here to worship along:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_GB_N_79-Q&mode=related&search=

* Click here to hear the Carolina Crown drum and bugle corps' rendition:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuDSHr7QoIg&mode=related&search=



“At the Cross”

Words: Isaac Watts (1674-1748)Music: Ralph E. Hudson (1843-1901)
Isaac Watts wrote six stanzas of this hymn in 1707 under the title, "Godly Sorrow Arrising From the Sufferings of Christ." Through the years, editors have made a number of alterations. Some of us can remember when the final line of the first stanza was, "...for such a worm as I."
The words of the refrain were added by composer Ralph Hudson when he wrote the tune for the text. It was first published in 1885. There is some evidence that Hudson adapted what was probably a very popular song and used it with only a couple of note changes for the refrain of this hymn.
Hymwriter Fanny Crosby said her "soul flooded with a celestial light" at the time of her conversion, when this hymn was sung.
Alas! and did my Savior bleed, and did my Sovereign die?

Would he devote that sacred head for sinners such as I?
Refrain

At the cross, at the cross, where I first saw the light, and the burden of my heart rolled away; it was there by faith I received my sight, and now I am happy all the day!

Go here to download a piano arrangement of the song:
http://joelcast.blogspot.com/2005/08/at-cross.html

Go here to download a quartet arrangement of the song: (Scroll down to “At the Cross”)
http://misslink.org/chapel/worship.html

CONTEMPORARY 11:00am

"Friend of God"
Israel Houghton serves as one of the worship pastors for Lakewood Church in Houston. Here is a portion of his amazing story.
I really should have been one of those abortion statistics you read about. My mother became pregnant with me when she was 17. My mother's white and my biological father's black. Her family wasn't supportive of their relationship and gave her the choice to have a back-alley abortion or to be disowned. I'm here because of the decision she made-and because of her conversion shortly after that. So when I lead worship I'm crazy. I realize how fortunate I am to be called by God and to be protected, to be covered by him. I'm incredibly grateful.

I grew up in a fairly legalistic home. My parents loved God, and they did the very best they could with what they knew. They came from a very discipleship-oriented, fairly heavy-handed way of doing kingdom work. So I would have more easily said, "I am afraid of God" than "I am a friend of God." The view I had of God was dysfunctional, almost like he was looking for opportunities to punish me. That was more what I caught than what was taught. But the more I said "I am a friend of God," the more that old, condemning view was purged from my life. I gained a healing sense of God saying, "I want to know you."

Here is a devotional thought on the song
www.gospelflava.com/articles/songinword-friendofgod.html

Here is an interview with Israel that gives great insight into Israel’s walk with the Lord. www.cbn.com/700club/guests/interviews/israel_houghton_041205.aspx

Click here to listen to the song

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ty0SO7IvtXM



"Not To Us"

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

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

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

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

"Still"

… the challenge of the Church is to keep worship accessible to all people - Rueben Morgan

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

Click here to read more about Rueben

www.christianity.ca/entertainment/music/2005/10.000.html

Click here to worship along with the Hillsong version

www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPC5S81h7Zo

Click here to listen online: www.imeem.com/people/khupe0/music/GSrnppS5/reuben_morgan_still/

Behind the Praise - Sunday July 27, 2008

BLENDED WORSHIP 9:30am

“Praise to the Lord”
Joachim Neander was an important hymn writer for the German Reform church. His hymn, “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty,” was written at Dusseldorf, during a time in his life when he needed comfort. He learned to have close communion with God and nature. This hymn is a paraphrase of Psalm 103:1-6 and Psalm 150. “Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless his holy name.”
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=

"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:
http://www.christomlin.com/

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

“How Great Thou Art”
The history of the hymn How Great Thou Art begins with Mr. Carl Gustaf Boberg (1859-1940). He was a Swedish pastor, editor, and member of the Swedish parliament. Mr. Boberg was enjoying a nice walk when a thunderstorm suddenly appeared out of no where. A severe wind began to blow. After the storm was over, Mr. Boberg looked out over the clear bay. He then heard a church bell in the distance. And the words to How Great Thou Art begin to form in his heart -- O Lord, my God, When I in awesome wonder, consider all the worlds Thy hands hath made. . . Can you imagine what Boberg felt as he formed these words? There was such calmness after the fierce storm he could only utter those words of peace. This poem, titled O Store Gud (O Great God) was published in 1891 in Witness of the Truth, the weekly newspaper that Boberg edited. It was later translated in German. In 1927, it was published in a Russian version of the German text.

How Great Thou Art was sung by George Beverly Shea at the London Crusade of the Billy Graham evangelistic team in 1954. He later sang this song over 100 times during a revival in New York at a Billy Graham Crusade. This caused the hymn to receive new attention in Sweden and America and be published in several songbooks. Today millions across the world continue to sing this beautiful song. Giving God all praise, glory, and honor for who He is -- the Creator of this universe.

Click here to see the different arrangements available from Elvis Presley, Alan Jackson, The Grand Ole Opera Sandy Patti, Crystal Lewis, & David Phelps.
www.youtube.com/results?search_query=how+great+thou+art+&search_type=


“Shout to the Lord”

Darlene Zschech is the worship pastor of Hillsong Church, in Sydney, Australia (an Assemblies of God church) 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 program (the official website says that the program 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 traumatized 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.
Darlene wrote the song during a difficult time in her life. She slipped away to her study one evening and began to meditate on Psalm 96. Twenty minutes later she had the song completed. As a timid person she reluctantly approached her worship pastor about sharing with him the song. She was so embarrassed that he might not like it that as she fumbled her way through the song she kept saying “now you can change anything you want.” She finally was able to finish the song when her worship pastor stood with his back toward her. The first time the congregation sang the song it just took off, people stood and later commented that Darlene had written the song that expressed what people had always wanted to say but didn’t have the words to.
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.

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

Click here to listen to Darlene share how she wrote the song:
www.theheartofworship.org/stories.shtml

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 11:00am

“One Way”

Joel Timothy Houston (born 19 September 1979) is a musician and songwriter, best known as the key worship leader and producer of Sydney based worship band Hillsong United, the worship band of Hillsong Church's youth group, also known as Hillsong United. In 2008 he became the Creative Director at Hillsong Church. He is the oldest son of the church's senior pastors Brian and Bobbie Houston and grandson of the church's founder Frank Houston. He has two siblings, a brother Benjamin and a sister, Laura.

Joel wrote “One way” with Jonathon Douglas. When asked about worship and his personal mission Joel shared:
My revelation of worship is outwards. If we're truly a worship band, I feel that we need to communicate both: we need to write songs that glorify God lyrically, but also write songs that glorify God in the way we live our lives. People talk about this worship revolution that's occurred over the last ten years focusing only on worshiping God in song. Coming out of that season, I think the testimony is that we'll be judged by how the church lived as far as becoming the hands and feet of Jesus and helping those in need. That's a revelation that's been real strong for our church. What we do in song is a reflection of where experiencing at home.


Click here to worship along with the Hillsongs ministry:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPuUIUWE8h8

Click here to worship along on the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jUGTdYCs5Y

"God of Wonders"

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

Click here to worship along with Third Day & Caedmans' call

www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CBNE25rtnE

Click here to worship along with Shane & Shane

www.youtube.com/watch?v=0B9Bbnu7pLM

"To the Ends of the Earth”

Marty Sampson (b. May 31, 1979) is a Christian songwriter and a worship leader at the Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia. Originally featuring in the Youth Alive albums of the late 1990s, he was one of original Hillsong United worship leaders and has led worship on every United album to date. He plays guitar and occasionally piano. He was married in November of 2006 to Michelle. Sampson was a former worship leader for Hillsong United together with Joel Houston (son of pastor Brian Houston). His last album with United in the 2007 United album All of the Above, could be his last album with Houston and the Hillsong United team. Since his marriage with Michelle, Sampson has moved from Hillsong United to the Hillsong band and helps lead worship with Darlene Zschech and the rest of the team. He is now one of the main worship leaders in Hillsong Church along with Zschech and Reuben Morgan. Sampson recently released a solo album entitled "Let Love Rule Love unfailing Overtaking my heart
You take me in Finding peace again
Fear is lost in all You are And I would give the world to tell Your story
Cause I know that You've called me I know that You've called me
I've lost myself for good within Your promise I won't hide it I won't hide it

Click here to visit Marty Sampsons’ myspace:

www.myspace.com/martysampsonmusic

Click here to learn more about Martys’ ministry:

http://martysampson.net/

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

Behind the Praise - Sunday July 20, 2008

BLENDED WORSHIP - 9:30am



“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 tongue
On 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



“Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble”

Martin Smith 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. Some of the most recognized 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.

Click here for the story behind the song
www.theheartofworship.org/stories/Story-197-DidYouFeeltheMountainsTremble-Smith.mp3

Click here to listen to the song
www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4Q5vVa0q8Q

Click here to sing along:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICRukDH7eKo

Click here to watch Martin Smith:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vO_bKR2Wzhk&feature=related



"Come Thou Almighty King"


This familiar hymn is often used as a call to worship. It appeared anonymously in England in about 1757 to commemorate Trinity Sunday. It has been attributed by some to Charles Wesley since it first appeared in a pamphlet published by John Wesley. The first three verses each emphasize one of members of the Godhead. The fourth stanza is a grand affirmation of the mysterious doctrine of the Trinity, that God is one yet three and ever worthy of our love and adoration.


Click here for an organ arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYphS-GmrA0


Click here for another arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiwGgJ1Qa4g



"Give us Clean hands"

Charlie Hall wrote this song as a prayer for his generation in 1994. He said he wanted to be a part of the generation that was sold out to seeking God with their whole hearts. When he wrote the song he sensed his generation huddling and praying this prayer, "Oh God let us be the generation that seeks your face Oh, God of Jacob." The song is based on Psalm 24:3-63 Who may ascend the hill of the LORD ?Who may stand in his holy place?4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false.5 He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior.6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob.



Click here to listen to how Charlie Hall wrote this song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hkQS8A8FiY


Click here to listen to the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pl5zSB3A-Z8



CONTEMPORARY SERVICE 11:00


"Here is our King"

Here is some background on the song written by David Crowder:

''What you are looking for is what is looking.' - St. Francis of Assisi I wrote this song after watching television for two days straight. The day after Christmas, December 26th, 2004, my eyes were fixed to this thing blinking at me from the dark wooden armoire in our living room. I, along with the rest of the world, watched as the most powerful earthquake in 40 years erupted under the Indian Ocean near Sumatra causing giant, deadly waves to crash ashore in nearly a dozen countries, killing tens of thousands. The death toll would eventually settle somewhere near 200,000. This is tremendously hard to take in. Close to 200,000 people, walking around, going about their business, stepping into eternity all together in a matter of hours. We watched story after story unfold knowing that each would end in either rescue or demise and our hearts broke. Our hearts broke and it is still tremendously hard to take in. It is a difficult thing to observe so vivid and complete, the depth of our fall. I mean we know things aren’t right, we know that things aren’t as they were intended. But here is this thing that comes from the middle of the sea to bring upon us devastation and to take from us our fathers and our mothers and to pull from our hands our children and our friends and our minds cannot fit this in. It is the depth of our fall upon us. Even the ground under our feet is not right. The air we breathe is not right. Here though, the hope I have found in Christ miraculously expands. I believe that we are part of a bigger story unfolding. I believe that the rescue of creation has been coming toward us for a long time. I believe that sure, there was a moment that I was found by this rescue and that I am rescued continually, but the even greater thing, the thing that expands in my chest in this moment is that there is more coming! He is coming to set things right. He is coming to set things straight. He is coming and this is tremendously hard to take in, but our hearts swell and this tide of hope grows and after all of this, after this brokenness, after these tears, after this fury, after this tearing that is life...finally, finally...we will lift up our heads...finally...and the clouds will break...and finally...he who is all light and healing... Finally... Finally... Majesty. Here.

''Since the writing of this song I have received a number of emails requesting explanation for the verses of this song. Don’t you just love the English language? The complete thought of the first verse is found in the chorus and therefore the whole could read, “here is our king from wherever spring arrives.” In other words, our king comes to us from the same place springtime does. Whatever the source of spring and newness. He comes from the same place that put this thing in our chests that makes it necessary for us to search for him and the fact that we are compelled to search for him gives a hint as to the goodness of him who we search for. The second verse when read one way is a simple redemption metaphor for spring or newness or surrender. Roses fold up at night and open in the light of morning with the sunrise. When one considers that Christ was also referred to as “the rose of Sharon” it takes on a different redemptive metaphor. The main thing I hoped to do with this songs was redeem the images of this massive wave that we saw. There is the biggest wave ever headed for us. It is coming from the place of love and springtime and it is terrifying.' - David Crowder
Written by David Crowder ©2005 worshiptogether.com Songs / sixsteps Music (ASCAP) Admin by EMI CMG Publishing

Click here to listen to David share about how the song came about:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aea5Mq4sSUA

Click here to worship along with David:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3w7t9DyGkqg

Click here to listen to the song online:
www.last.fm/music/David+Crowder+Band/+videos/+1-gImM9CUWXrE

Click here to visit Davids' myspace:
www.myspace.com/davidcrowderband

"Everlasting"

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

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

Check out Brenton’s ministry here:
www.brentonbrownmusic.com/

Click here to listen to him share about how the song came about
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YePOcs88kqw

Click here to listen to Lincoln Brewsters' arrangement
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jP2nz6PG8KM&mode=related&search=

Click here to listen to Brenton Brown & Paul Baloche
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bLWwnVBuF8


"Give us Clean hands"
Charlie Hall wrote this song as a prayer for his generation in 1994. He said he wanted to be a part of the generation that was sold out to seeking God with their whole hearts. When he wrote the song he sensed his generation huddling and praying this prayer, "Oh God let us be the generation that seeks your face Oh, God of Jacob." The song is based on Psalm 24:3-63 Who may ascend the hill of the LORD ?Who may stand in his holy place?4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false.5 He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior.6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob.

Click here to listen to how Charlie Hall wrote this song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hkQS8A8FiY

Click here to listen to the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pl5zSB3A-Z8



"More than Life"

Reuben Morgan wrote this worship song. Reuben Morgan is the worship pastor and one of the many worship leaders, songwriters at the Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia. He is well known for such songs as "Eagles Wings", "Hear Our Praises", "I Give You My Heart", "My Redeemer Lives" and "Touching Heaven, Changing Earth".

Here is a list of questions asked of Reuben Morgan in an interview and his answers.

Reuben when did you first pick up the guitar?
I started getting lessons from a friend at age 7… And then I can remember so clearly getting my first guitar not too long after that. I worked washing my parents' cars until I had enough money to pay for it!


What are your key musical influences?
I have a musical pallet for such a wide range of styles. Perhaps it was my parents' influence or where I studied. I would say that I have been influenced from Miles Davis to Dire Straits to Bach… the list goes on!


As a pastor at Hillsong Church, what kind of things does your week entail?
My first priority is our church; so week-to-week I lead worship and spend time with people. Apart from that, my time has been freed up to mostly write. I'm not the sort of person who can write on the go so I really value the space and time just to make it all work.


What is the heart of worship?
I would say that Knowing God is the heart of worship—intimacy with Him.

What motivates you to keep going?
I am definitely motivated by my family—my wife Sarah and our son Jones and then all of our incredible family—they are such a blessing! My motivation for doing everything I do though is a desire to see everybody everywhere inspired to worship our God.

Click here to worship along with the Hillsongs worship ministry:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbeIEpr4kGg

Click here to worship along with Reuben Morgan:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYiviL-5n2M

Behind the Praise - Sunday July 13, 2008

BLENDED SERVICE 9:30am

“Let there be Praise”

This popular song was written by Mel & Dick Tunney. There is a time for everything, and a season for every purpose under heaven . . . a time to plant and a time to uproot . . . a time to search . . . a time to speak . . . a time to build up . . . “ Ecclesiastes 3 (selected).
The wisdom of Solomon is not based in vague generalities, but in specifics that have defined the more than two decades of music ministry of Dick & Mel Tunney. God provides cycles of life, each with its particular work to do within His Kingdom. Their story is well-documented – Dick & Mel met traveling in the Christian group TRUTH in the late 1970s and after 18 months of touring, Dick was invited to be part of The Imperials as pianist in 1980. In December of that year, the couple wed as Dick continued touring with the Nashville-based group. It wasn’t long until Mel was a sought-after studio singer, where her path intersected with Bonnie Keen and Marty McCall, the 3 of whom formed the original First Call. As 1986 arrived, Dick was hired as musical director for Sandi Patty, and First Call was brought on as the back-up group and guest artist for the tour. Two new members of the family, Whitney and Kelsey, were born in 1986 and 1987 respectively, and as the decade came to a close, the young family chose a life with less travel and more time at home, as Dick and Mel each stepped away from Sandi and First Call. Songwriting and work in the recording studio sustained the couple through a fruitful time that brought the Tunneys 10 Dove Awards (with an additional 9 nominations), 3 Grammy nominations and one Grammy Award for “How Excellent Is Thy Name”, recorded by Larnelle Harris and co-written with former Imperial Paul Smith. The call to encourage, challenge, and stretch believers in local churches through a concert ministry took Dick and Mel to over 400 churches during the decade of the ‘90s.

Click here to worship along with Sandi Patti:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEige7eIe1o

“How can I keep from Singing”

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

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

Chris reworked the original text and crafted a song that could be sung to God during the difficult times.

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

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


“Wonderful Grace of Jesus”

"Wonderful Grace of Jesus"—the very title proclaims from the outset and at the beginning of each stanza that this hymn by Haldor Lillenas is a hymn of grace. First introduced in 1918, this song has become a favorite across denominational lines in the Church today. Its upbeat, bouncy meter and somewhat unusual refrain, which splits into two parts, with the melody alternating between the bass/tenor and alto/soprano parts, endear the tune to many. However, as is often the case, the strong doctrinal message carried by the words of the hymn are often obscured in the enthusiasm for the music. In fact, the author himself, in his autobiography, cautions against distorting the words of the hymn by performing it at too rapid a tempo.
Haldor Lillenas was born in Norway in 1855, but his family emigrated to America when he was a young child.2 He was trained at Deets Pacific Bible College in Los Angeles, and became a pastor in the Church of the Nazarene. He received his musical training through personal study and correspondence courses. Eventually, Lillenas would obtain more renown through his musical endeavors than through his pastoral ministry. In 1925, while pastor of the First Church of the Nazarene in Indianapolis, he founded the Lillenas Publishing Company, which was later purchased by the Nazarene Publishing House, and became its music division. Over his lifetime Lillenas wrote more than 4,000 hymn texts and tunes, many of which are still in use today both by the Nazarene and by other denominations.
While at first glance "Wonderful Grace of Jesus" may seem to be simply a general song of praise to God for His grace, several of its phrases make it clear that the author understands not just the term but the substance of the grace of God. In the first stanza and the chorus, the surpassing nature of God’s grace is set forth with the phrases "greater than all my sin" and "Broader than the scope of my transgressions, greater far than all my sin and shame" (Rom 5:20). It is grace, Lillenas proclaims, that takes away the burden of sin and liberates the captive soul.
In the second stanza, Lillenas demonstrates his understanding of the extent of God’s grace. Not covering just a favored few, the grace of God reaches to "all the lost." People may choose to reject grace, but God extends the offer of salvation freely to all (Titus 2:11). Also in this stanza, and again in the chorus, the sufficiency of grace is described. Lillenas says he has been "saved to the uttermost" by an "all-sufficient grace." Lillenas’s view of salvation by grace is not one of meeting God halfway, with both parties contributing to the transaction (Titus 3:5; Eph 2:8). His words here indicate an understanding that when Christ completed His work on the cross, salvation was finished (John 19:30), leaving nothing for man to do but accept the gift of grace and be completely saved.
The third stanza touches on another hallmark of the doctrine of grace—that regardless of the magnitude of one’s sin, God’s grace is available and is sufficient for salvation even to "the most defiled." This is reminiscent of Fanny Crosby’s words in "To God be the Glory"3 when she wrote "The vilest offender who truly believes, that moment from Jesus a pardon receives."
The words of this third stanza may strike some as inconsistent with Lillenas’s Nazarene theology. While members of GES generally recognize that ultimate sanctification will occur only in the presence of the Lord in Heaven, Nazarene theology teaches a doctrine of "entire sanctification," in which the believer can and should obtain complete sanctification in this life.4 Connected to this doctrine is the Nazarene teaching that apostasy in the life of a believer can result in the loss of salvation. Thus, for the Nazarene, there is no true doctrine of eternal security, as promulgated by GES. This makes Lillenas’s words in the third stanza even more interesting, when he writes "Purchasing peace and heaven for all eternity," and even in the second stanza where he tells us that we have been "saved to the uttermost" (italics added). While these words may have meant something quite different to Lillenas, they seem equally applicable to our understanding of God’s grace in salvation, sanctification, and security.
"Wonderful Grace of Jesus" combines doctrinal truth with a buoyant melody and serves as a good vehicle for teaching the doctrine of grace. It touches on the availability, sufficiency, and efficacy of the salvation offered by grace through faith in Christ, and so carries an appropriate message for believer and unbeliever alike. Though we should be aware that Lillenas’s own theology may not line up completely with that of most GES readers , his words do carry the Gospel of grace, making this hymn worthy of the category "Hymn of Grace."

Click here for an arrangement by the Cathedrals:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKS5MgytW54

Click here for an orchestral arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiI45LwEgak


“Glorious is thy Name”
This powerful hymn of faith was written by Baylus Benjamin McKinney 1886-1952. BB was a singer, song-writer, teacher and music editor. McKinney wrote the words and music to 149 hymns and gospel songs. His most famous are "The Nail Scarred Hand" (1924), "Let Others See Jesus in You" (1924), "Satisfied with Jesus" (1926), "Speak to My Heart" (1927), "'Neath the Old Olive Trees" (1934), "Breathe on Me" (1937), and "Wherever He Leads I'll Go" (1937).

Click here to hear an arrangement of the song: www.youtube.com/watch?v=8455LlhCnIM

"Embrace the Cross"

I am crucified with Christ therefore I no longer live Jesus Christ now lives in me Embrace the cross where Jesus suffered Though it will cost All you claim as yours Your sacrifice will seem small beside the treasure Eternity can't measure what Jesus holds in store John G. Elliott began training as a classical musician at age eight.Beginning at age 12, he performed yearly in solo piano recitals. At 18, hewon an all-state competition, and at age 20 was a finalist in internationalcompetition at Carnegie Hall. He then moved to Los Angeles to studyprivately with Aube Tzerko and continue preparation for furthercompetitions, including one in Moscow.After a brief period of study, an over-extension resulted in John losinguse of two fingers on his right hand. Forced to give up as a pianist, heenrolled in seminary and earned a Master of Arts in New Testamentstudies, and served as a campus minister at Purdue University from1980-83.It was during this period that the Lord began to reveal that it wasnecessary for John to undergo a "crucifixion" to his own ambitions andmotives. The Lord would then begin a work to resurrect John to Hismusic, His message and His way of ministry. The song "Embrace TheCross" was born out of this time when John learned to die to himself andhis own dreams.Beginning to write songs and produce recordings in 1982 led him toNashville, TN in 1983. Upon arrival, the Lord quickly confirmed His callupon John, as two of his songs were recorded by Pat Boone. John wasthen hired as an assistant producer and worked with various artists inthe Christian music industry. He also served several years as worshipleader for Belmont Church in Nashville, under the direction of Don Finto.It was at this time that the Lord healed John’s hand and completelyrestored the ability to play piano. John has worked with the following artists.
Ricky Skaggs Steve Green Pat Boone Truth First Call Jesse Dixon Billy & Sarah Gaines
He has co-written songs with Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Bill andGloria Gaither, Kim Hall, Paul Overstreet, Bruce Carroll, and SteveCamp.John wrote and had the privilege of recording the title song, "GodCame Near," for Here To Him Music's Christmas album with author andspeaker Max Lucado. That recording was nominated in 1999 for a DoveAward for Praise & Worship Album of the Year. John also appeared onthe ABC television special honoring the life and ministry of Dr. BillyGraham.The Gospel Music Association and ASCAP have asked John tospeak and chair panels on songwriting.Steinway Piano added John in 2004 to their international roster ofendorsed artists.But John believes his primary calling is in the area of worship andministry, where he leads worship and teaches seminars. In this pursuit,he has ministered around the world, including Russia, Yugoslavia,Czech Republic, western Europe, Singapore, Africa and Israel. Hehelped lead Albania's first post-communist evangelistic meetings in1991. On occasion, he has had the privilege of co-ministering with hisfriend Steve Green in Latin America and Spain.John wants to be obedient to the call God has given—to minister topeople for Christ. John believes that, if he remains faithful to lift up theLord through his music, in his message and in his life, he will havefulfilled that call.John, his wife now live in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Click here to listen to the song: www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-6Jl8CYaHo&feature=related

CONTEMPORARY SERVICE 11:00am

“Let there be Praise”

This popular song was written by Mel & Dick Tunney. There is a time for everything, and a season for every purpose under heaven . . . a time to plant and a time to uproot . . . a time to search . . . a time to speak . . . a time to build up . . . “ Ecclesiastes 3 (selected).The wisdom of Solomon is not based in vague generalities, but in specifics that have defined the more than two decades of music ministry of Dick & Mel Tunney. God provides cycles of life, each with its particular work to do within His Kingdom. Their story is well-documented – Dick & Mel met traveling in the Christian group TRUTH in the late 1970s and after 18 months of touring, Dick was invited to be part of The Imperials as pianist in 1980. In December of that year, the couple wed as Dick continued touring with the Nashville-based group. It wasn’t long until Mel was a sought-after studio singer, where her path intersected with Bonnie Keen and Marty McCall, the 3 of whom formed the original First Call. As 1986 arrived, Dick was hired as musical director for Sandi Patty, and First Call was brought on as the back-up group and guest artist for the tour. Two new members of the family, Whitney and Kelsey, were born in 1986 and 1987 respectively, and as the decade came to a close, the young family chose a life with less travel and more time at home, as Dick and Mel each stepped away from Sandi and First Call. Songwriting and work in the recording studio sustained the couple through a fruitful time that brought the Tunneys 10 Dove Awards (with an additional 9 nominations), 3 Grammy nominations and one Grammy Award for “How Excellent Is Thy Name”, recorded by Larnelle Harris and co-written with former Imperial Paul Smith. The call to encourage, challenge, and stretch believers in local churches through a concert ministry took Dick and Mel to over 400 churches during the decade of the ‘90s.

Click here to worship along with Sandi Patti:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEige7eIe1o

"Blessed Be Your Name"

This powerful worship song by Matt Redman has a phrase that is based on Job 13:15. The Message translates it like this
"So hold your tongue while I have my say, then I'll take whatever I have coming to me.Why do I go out on a limb like this and take my life in my hands?Because even if he killed me, I'd keep on hoping. I'd defend my innocence to the very end. Just wait, this is going to work out for the best—my salvation!"
Click here to hear the story behind the song by Matt Redman. www.theheartofworship.org/stories/Story-257-BlessedBeYourName-Redman.mp3

Click here to hear the song www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6xo5KogzaI

Click here to worship along with Tree63 www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mZH9T9XNVU&mode=related&search=


“How can I keep from Singing”

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

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

Chris reworked the original text and crafted a song that could be sung to God during the difficult times.

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

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

"Amazing Grace" (My Chains Are Gone)

Click here to hear Chris Tomlin share about how he wrote the alternate chorus:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PU_4lIik9D8

here is more information on how the song came about. www.youtube.com/watch?v=IliVc9JqW0I

Click here to watch the music video
www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXV6HJxUebg&mode=related&search=

Click here to watch the music video
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PU_4lIik9D8

More information on how the song came about.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IliVc9JqW0I

Click here to watch the music video www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXV6HJxUebg&mode=related&search=


“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/

"Embrace the Cross"
I am crucified with Christ therefore I no longer live Jesus Christ now lives in me
Embrace the cross where Jesus suffered Though it will cost All you claim as yours Your sacrifice will seem small beside the treasure Eternity can't measure what Jesus holds in store
John G. Elliott began training as a classical musician at age eight.Beginning at age 12, he performed yearly in solo piano recitals. At 18, hewon an all-state competition, and at age 20 was a finalist in internationalcompetition at Carnegie Hall. He then moved to Los Angeles to studyprivately with Aube Tzerko and continue preparation for furthercompetitions, including one in Moscow.After a brief period of study, an over-extension resulted in John losinguse of two fingers on his right hand. Forced to give up as a pianist, heenrolled in seminary and earned a Master of Arts in New Testamentstudies, and served as a campus minister at Purdue University from1980-83.It was during this period that the Lord began to reveal that it wasnecessary for John to undergo a "crucifixion" to his own ambitions andmotives. The Lord would then begin a work to resurrect John to Hismusic, His message and His way of ministry. The song "Embrace TheCross" was born out of this time when John learned to die to himself andhis own dreams.Beginning to write songs and produce recordings in 1982 led him toNashville, TN in 1983. Upon arrival, the Lord quickly confirmed His callupon John, as two of his songs were recorded by Pat Boone. John wasthen hired as an assistant producer and worked with various artists inthe Christian music industry. He also served several years as worshipleader for Belmont Church in Nashville, under the direction of Don Finto.It was at this time that the Lord healed John’s hand and completelyrestored the ability to play piano.
John has worked with the following artists.

Ricky Skaggs Steve Green Pat Boone Truth First Call Jesse Dixon Billy & Sarah Gaines

He has co-written songs with Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Bill andGloria Gaither, Kim Hall, Paul Overstreet, Bruce Carroll, and SteveCamp.John wrote and had the privilege of recording the title song, "GodCame Near," for Here To Him Music's Christmas album with author andspeaker Max Lucado. That recording was nominated in 1999 for a DoveAward for Praise & Worship Album of the Year. John also appeared onthe ABC television special honoring the life and ministry of Dr. BillyGraham.The Gospel Music Association and ASCAP have asked John tospeak and chair panels on songwriting.Steinway Piano added John in 2004 to their international roster ofendorsed artists.But John believes his primary calling is in the area of worship andministry, where he leads worship and teaches seminars. In this pursuit,he has ministered around the world, including Russia, Yugoslavia,Czech Republic, western Europe, Singapore, Africa and Israel. Hehelped lead Albania's first post-communist evangelistic meetings in1991. On occasion, he has had the privilege of co-ministering with hisfriend Steve Green in Latin America and Spain.John wants to be obedient to the call God has given—to minister topeople for Christ. John believes that, if he remains faithful to lift up theLord through his music, in his message and in his life, he will havefulfilled that call.John, his wife now live in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area.
Click here to listen to the song: www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-6Jl8CYaHo&feature=related

Behind the Praise - Sunday July 6, 2008

BLENDED WORSHIP 9:30am


“God of our Fathers"

Daniel C. Roberts, the 35 year-old rector of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, a small rural church in Brandon, Vermont, wanted a new hymn for his congregation to celebrate the American Centennial in 1876. He wrote "God of Our Fathers" and his congregation sang it to the tune RUSSIAN HYMN. In 1892, he anonymously sent the hymn to the General Convention for consideration by the commission formed to revise the Episcopal hymnal. If approved, he promised to send his name. The commission approved it, printing it anonymously in its report. Rev. Dr. Tucker, who was the editor of the Hymnal, and George W. Warren, an organist in New York city, were commissioned to choose a hymn for the celebration of the centennial of the United States Constitution. They chose this text and Warren wrote a new tune for it, NATIONAL HYMN, including the trumpet fanfare at the beginning of the hymn.It was first published in Tucker’s Hymnal, 1892, with this tune, then in 1894 in the Tucker and Rosseau’s Hymnal Revised and Enlarged. These lyrics were also set to the hymn tune PRO PATRIA in Charles Hutchins’ The Church Hymnal. But NATIONAL HYMN prevailed and it is the tune to which "God of Our Fathers" is always sung today.

Click here for the various arrangements:
www.youtube.com/results?search_query=god+of+our+fathers+&search_type=&aq=f

"Give us Clean hands"

Charlie Hall wrote this song as a prayer for his generation in 1994. He said he wanted to be a part of the generation that was sold out to seeking God with their whole hearts. When he wrote the song he sensed his generation huddling and praying this prayer, "Oh God let us be the generation that seeks your face Oh, God of Jacob." The song is based on Psalm 24:3-63 Who may ascend the hill of the LORD ?Who may stand in his holy place?4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false.5 He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior.6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob.

Click here to listen to how Charlie Hall wrote this song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hkQS8A8FiY

Click here to listen to the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pl5zSB3A-Z8

"America the Beautiful"


Pike's Peak is an American beauty spot, about 10 miles west of Colorado Springs, in the state of Colorado. It is actually a 14,000 ft mountain, with a road up to the summit, although many people choose to climb to the top and look out across the "spacious skies", and "purple mountain majesties".Katherine Lee Bates did just that back in 1893, and the view she saw inspired her to write the words to America the Beautiful.She was born in 1859, the daughter of a Pastor, and she graduated from Wellesley College, in Massachusetts. Later she returned to teach at the college, and became head of the English department.By 1893 she had written a number of books, including her research into the history of American literature. But the work that she is best known for is the poem that became the country's second most popular patriotic song.She had been on an extended holiday in 1893 when she visited Pike's Peak, in Colorado. After she returned to her room that night, she remarked to friends that countries such as England had failed because, while they may have been "great", they had not been "good" ... she went on "unless we are willing to crown our greatness with goodness, and our bounty with brotherhood, our beloved America may go the same way."The poem itself remained unpublished until it appeared two years later in the Congregationalist Newspaper, and after that it went through a number of revisions before eventually being published by he Boston Evening Transcript in 1904.It was originally never intended to be sung, but its metre fitted a number of tunes around at the time. The one that it is most closely associated with is a tune called Materna, written by Samuel Augustus Ward in 1882. originally for a hymn, O Mother Dear, Jerusalem.



Click here for the various arrangements of the song:
www.youtube.com/results?search_query=american+the+beautiful+&search_type=&aq=f


Contemporary Service 11:00


“Everyday”

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

Click here to worship along with the Hillsongs worship team:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RiDQmlC9uY

“Holy is the Lord”
Chris Tomlin wrote this song after meditating on Isaiah 6. He was intrigued by the passage where the angels called to one another. The phrase “Holy is the Lord and the earth is filled with his glory” kept ringing in his mind. He met up with Louie Giglio who had been meditating on the passage in Nehemiah where after Israel rebuilt the wall they built a wooden tower and opened the word of the lord. When this happened the people stood and lifted their hands then also bowed down. Louie was struck by the picture in his mind and wrote the following phrase in his journal:

“It’s rising up all around, it’s the anthem of the Lord’s renown”

Click here to listen to Chris & Louie Giglio talk about how the song came about:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nv6hSdbfo2E

Click here to worship and sing-along
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSKN5PX_3a0&feature=related

Click here to worship along with Chris Tomlin
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3X4CwGGJQMI

“Enough”

This worship song is by Chris Tomlin. Chris is instrumental in shaping the language for this present body of worshippers. Chris wrote this song along with Louie Giglio. Louie gave Chris a note right before one of their passion tours. The note simply said:

God is enough, He is really more than enough.

Chris took the rough words and crafted the song around that one phrase. Chris showed up in Louie’s kitchen played it for Louie and it was then that Louie realized that the song was really birthed out of the heart of God.

Click here to hear the story in Louie & Chris’ words on New Song Café:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaLNjeTEeE4

Click here to worship along with Chris:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHEm-b4IRYk&feature=related