“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
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“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
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