Thursday, March 26, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Behind the Praise - Sunday March 29, 2009
9:30AM BLENDED
“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
“How can I keep from Singing”
There is an endless song echoes in my soulI hear the music ring and though the storms may comeI am holding on to the rock I clingHow can I keep from singing Your praiseHow can I ever say enoughHow amazing is Your loveHow can I keep from shouting Your nameI know I am loved by the KingAnd 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
“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=
"Savior"
Click here to learn more about Travis Cotrell: www.traviscottrell.com/ABOUT/tabid/353/Default.aspx
Click here to listen to a sample online: www.halleonard.com/closerLook/75716047/Savior.mp3
CONTEMPORARY 11:00AM
“All to You”
This worship song was written by Lincoln Brewster. Brewster has been musically inclined since his early childhood in Homer, Alaska. At the age of one, his mother, Cheryl, noticed how well he could keep rhythm on a drum set his grandfather had given him. At the age of five, his mother introduced him to the mandolin. Quickly mastering the instrument, he began playing for cruise ship tourists alongside his mother in Homer, Alaska.
By the age of 12, Brewster had a band called Lincoln and the Missing Links, which included his mother on bass and vocals. In his late teens, he moved with his family to California where he joined the high school jazz band (playing guitar and drums) and marching band (playing snare drum).
Due to connections gained in Los Angeles, he had recording contract offers by 19. Feeling emptiness in his life, Brewster attended church services with his high school sweetheart and Christian, Laura. He recalls feeling God drawing him close after attending a drama ministry performance with Laura.
"I was afraid to lay down a lot of things in my life," Lincoln said. "One night, I laid all my cards on the table. I asked the Lord to come into my life, all by myself. It was the best night of sleep I'd ever had. I was very peaceful.
Click here to listen to the song online: http://play.rhapsody.com/lincolnbrewster/letthepraisesringthebestoflincolnbrewster/alltoyou?didAutoplayBounce=true
Click here to read more about Lincoln:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln_Brewster
Click here to play Lincolns’ songs on his myspace – the songs are available on his standalone player, you can also listen to “Everlasting” and “Let the Praises Ring”
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=83285546
Click here to listen to Lincoln share about his journey and how a 70 year-old woman encouraged him during a time of worship;
www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJPh1asdTsw
"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: http://www.martysampson.nett/
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
"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."
Charlie was struck by though that the generation that seeks after him will find him, they will ascend the hill of the Lord. He started praying this scripture and then he says the song just came forth.
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
Click here to visit Charlie’s myspace: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=60771694
Click here to learn more about Charlie Hall:
http://www.charliehall.com/
Click here to worship along with Charlie Hall
www.youtube.com/watch?v=onGbkeWkA64
“Remedy"
This song is by David Crowder. As you might guess from the title and the medical cross on the cover, Remedy focuses on God's constant presence as the answer to our hurts while challenging listeners to be the balm needed in the lives of others. Indeed, the Texas band's 2007club tour is part worship experience, part rallying cry to inspire change in local communities. At the same time, one could view this album as the band's personal healing in response to the tragic death of their friend and pastor Kyle Lake shortly after the release of A Collision.
Here is Davids' answer to what is worship? This is actually a really difficult question because language is such a fluid thing. A word like “worship” changes and evolves and provokes different meanings for different community sets. Over the last few decades, at least within Christian culture, the word has become synonymous with “music within a congregational context.” You say the word “worship” and a person immediately pictures in his head people singing in a room with lyrics projected on a screen. Words and the objects they signify are very difficult to separate. I’ll show you what I mean. Okay, in your head, say the word, “eight”—and try to not picture the number eight. It’s nearly impossible. So, once a word begins to signify something, it is hard to separate it from the thing it is signifying. For me, I tend to not trust moments of congregational singing as an indicator of where our true affections lie. It is a very simple thing to get caught up in the beauty of music and song erupting in a room full of people. So I rarely trust that moment. I think a better indicator of worship may be the way we interact with the world around us.
Click here to watch the David Crowder band on tour: www.youtube.com/profile?user=davidcrowderband
Click here to learn more about The David Crowder band: www.davidcrowderband.com/
Click here to visit Davids' myspace: www.myspace.com/davidcrowderband
Click here to worship along with a powerful video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3UWiJCZAz8
Click here for a live performance: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGIth9d_LXE&feature=related
Here we are Here we are The broken and used Mistreated, abused Here we are Here You are Here You are The beautiful one Who came like a Son Here You are So we lift up our voices We open our hands To cling to the love That we can’t comprehend
6PM THIRD
"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=
“Savior Please”
I work so hard, I live so fast, this life begins and then it ends
And I do the best that I can, but I don't know how long I'll last
I try to be so tough But I'm just not strong enough
I can't do this alone, God I need You to hold on to me
I try to be good enough But I'm nothing without Your love
Savior, please keep saving me
Savior, please help me stand
I fall so hard, I fade so fast Will You begin right where I end
And be the God of all I am because You're all I have
Hallelujah Everything You are to me
Is everything I'll ever need And I am learning to believe
That I don't have to prove a thing'Cause You're the one who's saving me
Click here to visit Josh Wilsons' myspace, you can play the song on his music player: www.myspace.com/joshwilson
Click here to learn more about Josh' ministry: http://joshwilson.sparrowrecords.com/
Click here to listen to Josh Wilson's version of "Savior Please" www.youtube.com/watch?v=diUhGip85U8
“Mighty is the Power of the Cross”
This song was written by Chris Tomlin & Jesse Reeves. Chris was stirred by the phrase "What can take a dying man and bring him back to life again". Chris and Jesse were amazed by the mystery of the cross, as it is foolishness to those who are perishing.
What can take a dying man And raise him up to life again?
What can heal the wounded soul? What can make us white as snow?
What can fill the emptiness?What can mend our brokenness?
Brokenness?Chorus:Mighty, awesome, wonderful Is the Holy cross.
Where the Lamb lay down His lifeTo lift us from the fall.
Mighty is the power of the cross.
Click here to hear more about how this song on the cross was written:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gDVwQ_Oyhc
Click here for a moving visual portrayal of the cross:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkO-D0fatRQ&feature=related
“The Old Rugged Cross”
The “Old Rugged Cross” is a popular Christian song written in 1912 by evangelist and song-leader George Bennard (1873-1958).
George Bennard, was a native of Youngstown, Ohio but was reared in Iowa. After his conversion in a Salvation Army meeting, he and his wife became brigade leaders before leaving the organization for the Methodist Church. As a Methodist evangelist, Bennard wrote the first verse of the gospel song, "The Old Rugged Cross" in Albion, Michigan, in the fall of 1912. Charles H. Gabriel, a well-known gospel-song composer helped Bennard with the harmonies. Published in 1915, the song was popularized during Billy Sunday evangelistic campaigns by two members of his campaign staff, Homer Rodeheaver (who bought rights to the song for $500) and Virginia Asher, who were perhaps also the first to record it in 1921. The Old Rugged Cross uses a sentimental popular song form with a verse/chorus pattern in 3/4 time, and it speaks of the writer's Christian experience rather than his adoration of God. Bennard retired to Reed City, Michigan, and the town maintains a museum dedicated to his life and ministry.
"The Old Rugged Cross" remains enormously popular and has been performed by some of the twentieth century's most important recording artists, including: Al Green, Anne Murray, Brad Paisley, Chet Atkins, Elvis Presley, Floyd Cramer, George Jones, Jim Reeves, Johnny Cash and June Carter, Kevin Max, Mahalia Jackson, Merle Haggard, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Ray Price, Ricky Van Shelton, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, The Oak Ridge Boys, The Statler Brothers, Vince Gill, Willie Nelson.
Click here for an organ arrangement of the song: www.youtube.com/watch?v=2q_G02X2Dj8&feature=related
Click here to listen to recording of this great hymn: www.simplyangel.com/theoldruggedcross.htm
“Once Again”
Matt Redman is a British Christian worship leader and songwriter, and was one of the main worship leaders associated with the Soul Survivor organization. He is now working with a church plant in Brighton, England. His latest Church was opened late in 2006 at St. Pauls Catholic College in Burgess Hill. He also works with Passion Conferences and an artist for Survivor Records (Six Steps Records in the US). Contemporary Christian music (CCM) artists such as Michael W. Smith, Rebecca St. James, and Tree63 have covered a number of Redman's songs. Some of his most popular songs include "Heart Of Worship", "Let Everything That Has Breath", "Once Again", and the 2005 Dove Award-winning "Blessed Be Your Name" (Worship Song of the Year). Redman was formerly the worship leader for Soul Survivor church in Watford, and led worship at the annual Soul Survivor youth conferences. According to founder Mike Pilavachi, the Soul Survivor festivals (which began in 1993) grew out of worship sessions with him and the then 15-year-old Redman. He has authored and edited multiple books on Christian worship, including The Unquenchable Worshipper and the book Facedown which accompanied the album.
Click here to learn more about Matt Redman:
www.mattredman.com/
Click here to visit Matt’s blog:
www.mattredman.com/blog/
Click here to listen to the song:
www.last.fm/music/Matt+Redman/_/Once+Again
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Behind the Praise - Sunday March 22, 2009
BLENDED 9:30AM
"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=
“The Wonderful Cross”
ISAAC WATTS & CHRIS TOMLINThe original song was written by Isaac Watts, the new chorus was written by Chris Tomlin. Isaac was born in 1674 and Chris was born in 1972. Even though they are separated by three hundred years, there is no separation between their passion and commitment to leading God's people in worship. WOW! The past meets the present.
Click here to hear Chris Tomlin talk about how this new arrangement came about. www.theheartofworship.org/stories/Story-306-TheWonderfulCross-Tomlin.mp3
Click here to learn more about Chris Tomlin
www.christomlin.com/
You can listen to more of Chris Tomlins' music on his myspace website.
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=94631118
Isaac Watts (July 17, 1674 – November 25, 1748) is recognized as the "Father of English Hymnody", as he was the first prolific and popular English hymnwriter, credited with some 750 hymns. Many of his hymns remain in active use today and have been translated into many languages.
Click here to read more about Isaac Watts.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac_Watts
This is an interesting read on Isaac Watts.
www.cyberhymnal.org/bio/w/a/t/watts_i.htm
Isaac is best known for his emphasizing the role of music in worship, where the congregation actually began to sing with the choir. Watts became the congregation's pastor in 1702. Just five feet tall, he was an unprepossessing figure in the pulpit. Health problems continued to plague him, and an assistant had to be appointed to fill in for him after a severe bout with illness in 1703. Despite these problems, Watts was a powerful preacher. The Mark Lane congregation outgrew its quarters and twice had to move to larger facilities, and Watts' sermons began to be collected and printed. Part of his success was due to his emphasis on the role of music in worship. A minister, he felt, should not only write sermons but should seek to involve his congregation in worship through music.
CONTEMPORARY 11:00AM
"One Way"
This song was written by Joel Houston and Jonathan Douglass. Houston 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.
Houston began playing piano at a young age, at the suggestion of his parents. As he was not interested in piano, he soon diverted his efforts to playing guitar instead.
Jonathan Douglass' first experience of what he describes as God's tangible presence was at a Christian youth camp. At 12, he was actually too young to attend the camp but tagged along with his older brother and sister anyway . One night while the band was playing, he felt something he is almost unable to put into words, I just remember lifting my hands, not really knowing what I was doing and singing these words that had a meaning I didn't really understand. I developed a longing for God's presence without knowing much about it.
The most powerful songs come from a personal relationship with God and are filled with meaningful scripture, JD says. Three years ago, JD wrote One Way, a song inspired by a personal search, I questioned what I was doing and why I was doing it. He was still going to church, reading the Bible and praying but he felt like he had lost the reason for it all. I sat down one night after hanging out with God and the verses just came out back to back within a couple of minutes, he says, Things about God, how He's always there, how He never changes and how I'll never live for anyone but Him.
Click here to learn more about Jonathon Douglass:
www.jonathondouglass.com/
Click here to worship along with the Hillsong worship team:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPuUIUWE8h8
Click here to listen online:
www.last.fm/music/Hillsong+United/_/One+Way
“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
"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 wroughtHe forgives Oh the Glory of it all is:he came hereFor the rescue of us allthat we may livefor the glory of it allfor 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
"Lord I lift Your Name on High"
Rick Founds wrote this song.It was written in 1989 during Found's morning devotion. Having developed the habit of playing guitar while watching television, he found it very natural to play while reading Scripture on his computer monitor."I'd just reach over and grab my guitar," he recalls. "I'd plunk along with whatever I was reading that day."He remembers marveling one early morning at the love of God who created the world though He knew we would rebel and fall. It amazed Rick that God had a plan to redeem us from the very beginning. As Founds meditated over his cyber-Bible and touched his guitar strings, God's plan struck him as something of a cycle.He thought of the cycle of rain that comes down, waters the earth, evaporates back into the clouds and then returns.Suddenly, the now famous chorus emerged: "You came from heaven to earth to show the way / From the earth to the cross my debt to pay / From the cross to the grave / From the grave to the sky..." Interrupting his own lyric, Founds explains, "The response to grasping even a little bit of that knowledge is praise, and thanksgiving and gratitude!" When he completes the line, 'Lord, I Lift Your Name on High,' a moment of silent awe follows.
Click here to read more about this Carol:
www.ccli.com/WorshipResources/SongStories.cfm?itemID=11
Click here to worship along with Rick Founds:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBezK_v_FqY
Click here to worship along with the group Petra:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cx5YmS7GXQ&feature=related
Click here to worship along with some great images:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OF5iaFNE7Q
THIRD 6PM
"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=
"Everlasting God"
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
"Great is Thy Faithfulness"
In praise of God, 'Great is Thy Faithfulness,' a hymn written by Thomas O. Chisholm (1866-1960), is a worship song that uplifts through trials and tough times. It was a result of a writer's daily experiences and realization of God's faithfulness. The tune is composed by William M. Runyan (1870-1957), with scripture reference from the Bible's Lamentations 3:22-23 - "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail." This sacred song has been an all-time favorite among Christians. Popular gospel singer and songwriter Beverley Shea says that it was first introduced to audiences in Great Britain by the Billy Graham Crusades in 1954
Click here to sing the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=kabwrNk3JAQ
Click here for an organ arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CIjceUj_oI&feature=related
"Beautiful"
I see Your face in every sunrise The colors of the morning are inside Your eyes The world awakens in the light of the day I look up to the sky and say You’re beautiful I see Your power in the moonlit night Where planets are in motion and galaxies are bright We are amazed in the light of the stars It’s all proclaiming who You are You’re beautiful, You're beautiful I see you there hanging on a tree You bled and then you died and then you rose again for me Now you are sitting on Your heavenly throne Soon we will be coming home You’re beautiful, you're beautiful When we arrive at eternity’s shore Where death is just a memory and tears are no more We’ll enter in as the wedding bells ring Your bride will come together and we’ll sing You’re beautiful, You're beautiful, You're beautiful I see Your face, You're beautiful, You're beautiful, You're beautifulI see Your face, You're beautiful, You're beautiful, You're beautifulI see Your face, I see Your face I see Your face, You’re beautiful, You’re beautiful, You’re beautiful
This song was written by Phil Wickham. In a world where swagger usually triumphs over substance, it’s refreshing when a young singer/songwriter arrives on the scene with something to say. With the multi-faceted sound of a much older soul and shimmering melodies that match the intensity of his heartfelt lyrics, 21-year-old Phil Wickham’s self-titled debut can’t help but stand out in a crowd of cookie-cutter pop and angst-fueled rock. And it’s his personal journey of faith expressed in the songs that really makes the difference.Even though singer/songwriter Phil Wickham grew up in a devout Christian home, there came a point early in his life when he knew his faith needed to become his own. He no longer wanted to coast on his parents’ coattails or go to church simply because that’s what he was supposed to do. He wanted something real, that personal friendship with Jesus. And that crucial realization, combined with moving to a new city while he was in junior high, paved the way for Phil to pick up a guitar and start writing songs about his growing faith.
Click here to worship along with Phil: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zg4cYdP1ngw
Friday, March 6, 2009
Behind the Praise - Sunday March 15, 2009
BLENDED 9:30AM
"Mystery"
Paradox. It is not an easily definable concept. It is suffering mingled with joy; sorrow clasping hands with celebration; brokenness enveloped by unity. It is a bright sadness. It is a concept that is frequently embraced by those contemporary psalmists who march boldly on the cutting edge of change while holding tenaciously to the secure tether of tradition. Though it is the preferred weapon of warriors of worship, for Charlie Hall the paradox of pain and praise is neither a recent phenomenon nor a carefully orchestrated career choice. It is a compulsion driven by a hunger and thirst for the presence of God."The human condition may be frail, but God is bursting with life," Charlie insists. "There is a massive sunrise full of dreams and hopes right beside the obscenity of the cross, and those two things don't have to be exclusive. There was a time when I felt so human that I didn't feel like I could belong to God. I didn't feel like His greatness and my difficulties could fit together. Then He began to show me that my brokenness and messiness fit perfectly with what He came here to do. I was the perfect candidate for mercy and grace and life and hope. In my broken state, He is the Bright inside my Sadness."
Click here to worship along with Charlie Hall:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=A69Hj3ISMSo&feature=related
Click here to listen online:
www.last.fm/music/Charlie+Hall/_/Mystery
Click here for Charlie Hall "Scenes from a little church"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xk33IQJ8B0k&feature=related
“Jesus, Lover of My Soul”
Paul Oakley wrote this popular song. If you’ve ever heard Paul’s songs or been in a context where Paul has lead worship, then you won’t have failed to notice the consuming passion to know God that characterizes his songwriting. This song alone stands out as one of Paul’s fine contributions to the kingdom. Reminding us that everything should center around the Lord.
His international profile continues to grow. This last year has seen Paul travel to Canada, South Africa, Holland, Germany, Scotland and Northern Ireland and more recently, invitations have opened up for Paul to travel to Brazil, the States, Portugal, Germany and Holland again this year.
Although he travels a lot, Paul and his family are very committed to Church of Christ The King, their home church in Brighton (UK), where he regularly leads the 1,000 strong congregation in worship alongside Dave Fellingham, Stuart Townend, Matt Redman, Phatfish and Kate Simmonds.
Click here to visit Paul’s myspace:
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=73404442
Click here to worship along:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dD-ZdMOx_HY
Click here for another arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWBeOfoESt4
"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.
Refrain
Come 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.
In the summer of 2001, I was sitting in my office, in Evergreen, CO, reading through a Baptist Hymnal when I came across an old hymn called Sing We the King, written by Charles Silvester Horne. As I read the first verse I was amazed by the lyrics. There was not a wasted word. I had been working on a melody for several weeks, but did not have any lyrics. Horne’s first verse was a perfect match to the melody I had written. It did not take long to come up with a chorus. The second verse takes two phrases from Horne's last verse including, "satan is vanquished and Jesus is King". Of course, I have documented this on both of my worship projects and try to make sure everyone who records Sing to the King does the same.
My prayer is that this song will remind the church that the King really is coming back. It seems as though we have left this fact out of worship songs for too long. It is encouraging to be reminded that the enemy does not win (Rev. 20:10). We have a hope in the knowledge that the King is going to one day split the sky and the dead in Christ will rise, and believers, who are alive, will be caught up in the clouds to meet Him. I also pray this song will give the church a sense of urgency to win the lost; as Fanny Crosby said, to "rescue the perishing, care for the dying." We must not be idle, but live as those who know the King and know He is coming to reign.
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 on the passion recording:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrsrPfGmpPg&feature=related
“Hallelujah, What a Savior”
Words & Music:Philip P. Bliss, in International Lessons Monthly, 1875.
Preparing us for eternity, when all nations will praise God together, the word "Hallelujah" provides a similar expression of praise in all languages. "Hallelujah, What a Savior" uses the word to tie the cross with the triumph of the risen and reigning Lord.
The first four verses tell the crucifixion story, that Jesus, the "spotless Lamb of God," stood condemned in our place. He took on our sins for us, the "guilty, vile and helpless." Completing each short stanza, we cry out with overwhelming praise "Hallelujah, what a Savior!"
In the last public meeting before his untimely death, Philip Bliss the hymn's composer conducted a service at the Michigan State Prison for 800 inmates. Many of them wept in true repentance as he spoke of Jesus' redeeming death and sang the verses of "Hallelujah, What a Savior!"
Man of Sorrows! what a name
For the Son of God, who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Click here to worship along:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=NI-UQDCuous
Click here to listen online:
www.rhapsody.com/album/amazinggracetimelesshymnsoffaith/hallelujahwhatasavior
CONTEMPORARY 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 Lakewood Church in Houston:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=60cZ5SmlXMc&feature=related
"Beautiful One"
Tim wrote this song based upon Isaiah 53:
Click here to listen to Tim Hughes share how he wrote the song
www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJj6fiJ2aW8&mode=related&search=
Click here to worship along with Jeremy Camp
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdF-cBk9CBU
Click here to worship along with Tim Hughes
www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMyVZW0zY14&mode=related&search=
Click here to learn more about Tim:
www.timhughesmusic.com/
"Our God Reigns"
So much holy, so divine Yours and so much mine by the morning, light is Thine
Perfect by design Mighty to man, binding to earth Sending His Son to echo His worth
Breaker of sin, winner of souls Every creature will know
Our God reigns over the heavens Over the earth,
Our God reigns Praise His name, All still standing
All that was, all that remains
Our God reigns Deepest Ocean opened wide So shall love divide
In devotion to His bride Standing by her side Mighty to man, binding to earth
He's sending His Son to echo His worth Breaker of sin, winner of souls
Every creature will know Our God reigns over the heavens
Over the earth, Our God reigns Praise His name, All still standing
All that was, all that remains Our God reigns So much Holy, So divine
Yours and so much mine
This song was written by Brandon Heath Knell. Click here to read more about Brandon: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandon_Heath
Click here to worship along with Brandon:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0oehQ__iGI
"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
THIRD 6PM
“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
"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:
http://www.martysampson.nett/
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
"Savior Please"
Savior, please take my hand I work so hard, I live so fast This life begins, and then it ends And I do the best that I can, but I don't know how long I'll last I try to be so tough But I'm just not strong enough I can't do this alone, God I need You to hold on to me I try to be good enough But I'm nothing without Your love Savior, please keep saving me Savior, please help me stand I fall so hard, I fade so fast Will You begin right where I end And be the God of all I am because You're all I have Hallelujah Everything You are to me Is everything I'll ever need And I am learning to believe That I don't have to prove a thing'Cause You're the one who's saving me
Click here to visit Josh Wilsons' myspace, you can play the song on his music player: www.myspace.com/joshwilson
Click here to learn more about Josh' ministry: http://joshwilson.sparrowrecords.com/
Click here to listen to Josh Wilson's version of "Savior Please" www.youtube.com/watch?v=diUhGip85U8
"You Watch over me"
I was lonelyYou came waltzing over to me And Your eyes they saw right through me And You heard each one of my cries for help And You came to rescue me I was broken Every prayer that I had spoken Reached Your ears and all my tears weren’t cried in vain You carried all my pain And put me back together again You watch over me in the darkest valleys You watch over me when the night seems long You help me to see the way before me You watch over me; You watch over me Always faithful To be leading, at this moment Interceding for Your children Though I’ve wandered astray from Your infinite waysYou’ve never left me alone Take my frozen heart; awaken me Never once have You forsaken me Even though I walk through this shadow of deathYou will guide and defend me You’ll guard and protect me Even though I walk through this shadow of death You will lead me home
I was wondering if the people of Israel felt butterflies of excitement in their stomachs when Moses said something to them like, “Pack your bags quickly, because after 430 years of slavery, I’m here to tell you that God has heard your prayers, and He’s giving us a land of our own. We’re leaving tonight!” God watched over His people as they journeyed through the desert to a place they couldn’t yet see. It’s easy to feel their pain as they hoped to be delivered from slavery in Egypt; while they searched their own hearts to discover if they really believed in this “God of their forefathers,” and whether or not He would truly deliver them. Jesus said, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” So, when your night seems long, when you walk through a dark valley in life, He will show the way before you. He will never leave you alone. He will watch over you. Believe that! -- AARON SHUST
Click here to learn more about Aaron: www.ccmmagazine.com/music/artist/aaron_shust/
Click here to listen to the song: www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdorGhItLy4
Click here for another version: www.ilike.com/artist/Aaron+Shust/track/Watch+Over+Me
"When the Tears Fall"
I've had questions, without answers I've known sorrow, i have known pain but theres one thing, that i'll cling to you are faithful, Jesus your truewhen hope is lost, i'll call you saviour when pain surrounds, i'll call you healer when silence falls, you'll be the song within my heart in the lone hour, of my sorrow through the darkest night of my soul you surround me, and sustain me my defender, forever more when hope is lost, i'll call you saviour when pain surrounds, I'll call you healer when silence falls, you'll be the song within my heart I will praise you, i will praise you when the tears fall, still i will sing to you I will praise you, Jesus praise you Through the suffereing still i will sing when hope is lost, I'll call you saviourwhen pain surrounds, I'll call you healerwhen silence falls, you'll be the song within my heartI've had questions, without answers I've known sorrow, I have known pain but theres one thing, that i'll cling to you are faithful, Jesus your true when hope is lost, I'll call you saviour when pain surrounds, I'll call you healer when silence falls, you'll be the song within my heart I will praise you, I will praise you when the tears fall, still I will sing to you I will praise you, Jesus praise you Through the suffereing still I will sing when hope is lost, I'll call you saviour when pain surrounds, I'll call you healer when silence falls, You'll be the song within my heart
This song was writtne by Tim Hughes. Tim is a Christian worship leader and songwriter with Survivor Records, who is currently Director of Worship at Holy Trinity Brompton, a vibrant Anglican church in central London and heads up Worship Central, a new worship training resource. The son of an Anglican vicar, Hughes grew up in Birmingham and studied History at Sheffield University. Prior to his current post, Hughes worked at Soul Survivor Watford Church, where he was Worship Pastor (the current Worship Pastor is Ben Cantelon). He moved to Holy Trinity Brompton in 2005 and, with Associate Director of Worship Al Gordon, has set up the Worship Central project.
Click here to learn more about Tim Hughes: www.timhughesmusic.com/
Click here to listen to the song: www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEAK_acTbsQ