Worship Songs for May 3

First Baptist Church of Euless – BEHIND THE PRAISE
Worship Songs
May 3, 2009

“Come, Now Is the Time to Worship”

Brian Doerksen was born into a Christian family in a very musical home, just outside of Vancouver, British Columbia. At first, he wasn't interested in living for God. But when he was 15, he says, "I heard the Lord saying, 'Give Me your whole life.' And I said yes."

Soon he developed "this incredible hunger to serve God through music." He became the full-time music minister at a Vineyard Church, in British Columbia, and discovered a gift for songwriting. His most famous composition to date came in the summer of 1997, during a time that he describes as "the darkest and lowest season of my life."

When Brian and a team of investors lost more than $1 million in a failed ministry project, Brian and his wife, Joyce, lost their house. And Brian fell into a deep depression. Hoping to regroup, Brian moved his family to England and became the worship pastor of South-west London Vineyard, but life dealt another blow when he and Joyce discovered that three of their six children had a condition called Fragile X Syndrome, a form of mental retardation.
"One morning, I went for a prayer walk, to pour out my heart to God," he says. "As I was walking, I heard as clear as a bell, 'Come, now is the time to worship … ' I thought, Wow! The call of worship is being sounded all of the time and in all kinds of ways. I was sweating, and walking, and singing that line over and over again, just sensing God's nearness." Back at home, he ran upstairs and sat down at the piano. "I took a pad and began to write everything I could think of concerning the call to worship. Suddenly, I realized that God's call to worship doesn't come only to those who have it 'all together.' It comes to all of us." That epiphany gave birth to "Come, Now Is the Time to Worship," a song that Brian says "became like wings to lift me up from those shadows that had almost engulfed me."

Within weeks of teaching the song to his congregation, he began hearing reports of other churches singing it. Purely by word of mouth, the song made its way to churches around the world. Brian recorded the song in 1998, and it has since become one of the most popular modern praise songs.

Now back at home in Canada, Brian says: "I believe God wants us to come and worship just the way we are, though when true worship happens we don't stay the way we are."

Click here to worship along with Brian Doerkson:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPWq8eM4lu8

Click here to learn more about Brian:
www.briandoerksen.com/

Click here to purchase Brian Doerksen's version:



“Jesus Saves” (hymn)

The heart of the Christian gospel is a person, not a church or a system of doctrines. The angel proclaimed: “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)

Priscilla J. Owens, a Baltimore public school teacher for 49 years, wrote these stirring soul-winning words for a missionary service in the Sunday school of the Union Square Methodist Church. Fourteen years later, William Kirkpatrick wedded his vibrant music to her words. And through the years they have challenged God's people with the urgency of soul winning.

We have heard the joyful sound: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Spread the tidings all around: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Bear the news to every land, climb the mountains, cross the waves;
Onward! ’tis our Lord’s command; Jesus saves! Jesus saves!

Waft it on the rolling tide: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Tell to sinners far and wide: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Sing, you islands of the sea; echo back, you ocean caves;
Earth shall keep her jubilee: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!

Sing above the battle strife: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
By His death and endless life Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Shout it brightly through the gloom, when the heart for mercy craves;
Sing in triumph o’er the tomb: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!

Give the winds a mighty voice: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Let the nations now rejoice: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Shout salvation full and free; highest hills and deepest caves;
This our song of victory: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!

Click here to listen to Buddy Green and Russ Taff: www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_Z5ScrUB3Y

Click here to listen to a gospel arrangement of “Jesus Saves”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZ6TKNQmaTI

Click here to purchase “Jesus Saves”


“Only a God Like You”

Tommy Walker didn’t speak until he was three years old. They say once he started he hasn’t stopped. Tommy has led worship at Christian Assembly in Los Angeles, California with his pastor Mark Pickerill, since 1990. Tommy believes every person is created to give glory to their Creator. Only in fulfilling this purpose can we find true meaning in life. Tommy has traveled with Promise Keepers, Greg Laurie Harvest Crusades and Franklin Graham. He has written over 100 songs that include “He Knows My Name”, “That’s Why We Praise Him”, “Lord, I Believe in You”, “Break Through” and “This is What Christmas Means to Me”. For the last decade Tommy has traveled internationally holding worship concerts and mercy ministry outreaches in places where people are in great need. He has led his worship team to the Philippines, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Guatemala, Zambia and Brazil. Tommy has been married to his wife Robin for seventeen years and they have four children. Tommy’s prayer is that he will be found faithful to His God, his family and his local church.

Click here to learn more about Tommy Walker:
www.tommywalker.net

Click here to sing along on the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nr117slPVEg&feature=related

Click here to purchase Tommy Walker's version:



"I'd Rather Have Jesus"

At the age of 23 George Beverly Shea (1909 - ) had a hard decision to make. He could accept a job offer in a secular singing position in New York City with a great salary and wide respect; or he could continue singing in churches and for Christian radio programs. While sitting at the family piano, he started to prepare a special hymn for the Sunday service. On the piano he found a poem by Mr. Rhea F. Miller. He immediately began to compose the music for the poem and used the song that same morning in his father's church service. He also used those words to direct his life and has shared his song, "I'd Rather Have Jesus" with audiences around the world.

I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I'd rather be His than have riches untold;
I'd rather have Jesus than houses or land;
I'd rather be led by His nail-pierced hand:

Than to be the king of a vast domain or be held in sin's dread sway!
I'd rather have Jesus than anything this world affords today.

I'd rather have Jesus than men's applause;
I'd rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I'd rather have Jesus than world-wide fame;
I'd rather be true to His holy name

He's fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;
He's sweeter than honey from out the comb
He's all that my hungering spirit needs
I'd rather have Jesus and let Him lead

Here is a great clip of the Crabb family singing this great song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eT4DkKjfJGE

Here is a clip from one of the Gaither Videos
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y34lUGEmv10

Click here to purchase George Beverly Shea's version:



“Please, Forgive Me”

Click here to learn more about Travis Cottrell:
www.traviscottrell.com

Click here to listen online:
www.halleonard.com/closerLook/75708530/LionOfJudah_PleaseForgiveMe.mp3

For every time I've been unfaithful
For every time I've been untrue
For every time I've been ungrateful
For all You've done
And all You do
Please forgive me
Please forgive me

For when my pride has been unbroken
For when my soul has been unmoved
For all the praise I left unspoken
When I owe everything to You
Please forgive me
Please forgive me

Chorus
There is a fountain filled with blood
Where Your forgiveness ever flows
Come wash me in the healing flood
And I'll be white as snow


“Lord, Let Your Glory Fall”

This worship song was written by Matt Redman. Matt shared the following on why he writes:

"I can look back on the past few years of writing songs and see what God has been doing in my life," says Redman. "It's a bit like journaling. It's just part of me and it's how I let my heart overflow before God. But on top of that, when you've poured out your heart to God in a little room somewhere, and then one day you visit a church in another country and they're singing your song, it's a great encouragement, because ultimately that's what the songs are for."

Click here to learn more about Matt Redman:
www.mattredman.com/

Click here to worship along on the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=uq-GzhcRhIs

Click here for another arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dc9u_3PI74k

Click here to purchase Matt Redman's version:



"Here is Our King"

This worship song was written by David Crowder in response to the Tsunami on December 24, 2004. David and his wife were watching the images of devastation preparing to attend the Passion meeting in Nashville later that month. David was having trouble processing the level of devastation. He remembered telling his wife that 9-11 made more sense, as we are used to humanity doing something to each other. Historically we've done unkind things to each other and all we have to do is turn on the news. David knew how to process that devastation, but to be able to see such devastation unfold before his eyes was a new process for him. He struggled with how to look at that and still say "God is Good". This song was David's response to God in the face of such a tragedy.

From wherever spring arrives to heal the ground
From wherever searching comes the look itself A trace of what we’re looking for
So be quiet now and wait
The ocean is growing the tide is coming in Here it is
Here is our king, here is our love here is our God who’s come to bring us back to him
He is the one, he is Jesus, Jesus

Click here to worship along with David Crowder:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6Fl_nqGJc0

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

Click here to purchase David Crowder's version:



“Our God Saves”

Paul Baloche wrote this song of declaration. Paul said “people are looking for the magic pill, the thing that will give them life, and God is the only answer. We come in the name of the Father, in the name of the Son, in the name of the Spirit, as we worship, we will rise with You and world will see that “OUR GOD SAVES”.

Click here to learn more about Paul’s ministry:
www.leadworship.com/

Click here to hear Paul share the story behind the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqJy6NHe6Po

Click here to listen to the song:
www.youtube.com/results?search_type=&search_query=our+god+saves&aq=f

In the name of the Father
In the name of the Son
In the name of the Spirit
Lord we've come

We're gathered together
To lift up Your name
To call on our savior
To fall on Your grace

Hear the joyful sound of our offering
As your saints bow down, as your people sing
We will rise with You, lifted on Your wings
And the world will see that
Our God saves, our God saves
There is hope in Your name

Click here to purchase “Our God Saves”



"Here In Your Presence"

Jon Egan wrote this song after meditating on the presence of God. He said that as he leads worship for the youth, he sees what a few moments spent in the presence of the Lord can do for people. Click here to listen to Jon Egan share how he wrote the song (scroll down to the song):

www.theheartofworship.org/stories.shtml

Found in Your hands, fullness of joy
Every fear suddenly wiped away here in Your presence
All of my gains now fade away Every crown no longer on display, here in Your presence
Heaven is trembling in awe of Your wonders
The kings and their kingdom are standing amazed
Here in Your presence, we are undone Here in Your presence,
Heaven and Earth become one
Here in Your presence, all things are new
Here in Your presence, everything bows before You
Wonderful, beautiful, glorious, matchless in every way
Wonderful, beautiful, glorious, matchless in every way

Click here to worship along with the New Life worship team:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFZyT2fEK3I

Click here to purchase the New Life Church version:

Worship Songs for April 26

Well, this Sunday should be special - I will baptize my 6-year-old daughter, Audrey. She certainly holds a special place in my heart, and she knows it! The other day she told me "You're a softie, Daddy!" (As in, "I sure can get away with a lot more when you're around than Mommy!") Well, I suppose it's true - but that can't be all bad, right? (I'm sure it will really hurt me when she's a teenager!) But come on, just look at this picture - who can refuse such a sweet face? Well, I am proud, and very excited about hearing her confess your love for Jesus on Sunday!


First Baptist Church of Euless – BEHIND THE PRAISE
Worship Songs
April 26, 2009

"The Solid Rock"

The name of Edward Mote does not often rest on the lips of the church today in the same fashion as Fanny J. Crosby, B.B. McKinney, Ira Sankey, or other greats in hymnody. However, the testimony of his life is one that should inspire all Christians. Mote was not brought up in a godly home and did not have the advantage of early exposure to Scripture. In fact, his parents managed a pub in London and often neglected young Edward, who spent most of his Sundays playing in the city streets. Of his theological upbringing, he said “So ignorant was I that I did not know that there was a God.”
Eventually Mote became exposed to the Word of God, and was baptized at the age of 18. This event, however, did not send Mote immediately into the ministry. He was apprenticed to become a cabinetmaker, a career which he successfully conducted for another 37 years. Eventually, at the age of 55, he became pastor of a Baptist church in Horsham, Sussex, where he did not miss a Sunday in the pulpit for the next 21 years. He resigned from this pastorate in 1873 due to ill health, and died the following year at the age of 77.
It was with this background that Mote wrote the hymn we have today, "The Solid Rock." It was during his career as a cabinetmaker that the hymn came into being. One morning in 1834 as he was walking to work, it entered his mind to write a hymn. By the time he got to work, he had the chorus. He wrote four more verses over the course of that day and two additional verses before he was finished.

‘On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand.’

“In the day I had four first verses complete, and wrote them off. On the Sabbath following I met brother King as I came out of Lisle Street Meeting…who informed me that his wife was very ill, and asked me to call and see her. I had an early tea, and called afterwards. He said that it was his usual custom to sing a hymn, read a portion, and engage in prayer, before he went to meeting. He looked for his hymn-book but could find it nowhere. I said, ‘I have some verses in my pocket; if he liked, we would sing them.’ We did, and his wife enjoyed them so much, that after service he asked me, as a favor, to leave a copy of them for his wife. I went home, and by the fireside composed the last two verses, wrote the whole off, and took them to sister King…As these verses so met the dying woman’s case, my attention to them was the more arrested, and I had a thousand printed for distribution.”

Click here to listen to an arrangement by the Cadet sisters
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJnb3l9UuYU&feature=related

Here is a gospel arrangement by the:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkGv-2Yb8a4&feature=related

Here is a more traditional arrangement of the song on organ:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkGv-2Yb8a4&feature=related

Click here to purchase Avalon’s arrangement of “The Solid Rock”


“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

Click here to purchase "Holy is the Lord"


"Blessed Assurance"

The story behind the writing of "Blessed Assurance" is simple, yet interesting. One day Miss Crosby was in the home of her friend, Mrs. Joseph F. Knapp. In the Knapp home was installed what was believed to be the largest pipe organ ever placed in a private dwelling. However, on this particular day Mrs. Knapp called her guest over to the piano to listen to a new melody she had just composed. After playing the tune a few times she asked, 'What do you think the tune says?' "Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine", answered Fanny Crosby, and then, drawing from her vast storehouse of Scripture knowledge, continued with “Oh what a foretaste of glory divine, Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood. In a very short time a new sacred song was born with words by Fanny Crosby and music by Mrs. J. F. Knapp. Although written as far back as 1873, “Blessed Assurance” still remains a firm favorite with Christians everywhere.

Click here to read more about Fanny Crosby
www.sermonaudio.com/hymn_details.asp?PID=blessedassurance#history

Click here for an arrangement by the Isaacs:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xE7AGB5nXTs&feature=related

Click here to purchase Alan Jackson’s "Blessed Assurance"


"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

Click here to purchase Chris Tomlin’s version:


"When I Don't Know What To Do"

This song is by Tommy Walker – interestingly enough, Tommy was four years old before he spoke a word. Here are the lyrics:

When I don’t know what to do
I’ll lift my hands
When I don’t know what to say
I’ll speak Your praise
When I don’t know where to go
I’ll run to Your throne
When I don’t know what to think
I’ll stand on Your truth
When I don’t know what to do

Click here to sing through the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8COm-pvbHA0&feature=PlayList&p=4258BA170FE1265F&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=13
Click here to purchase Tommy Walker’s version:


“At The Cross” (Hillsong music ministry)

Here’s another worship song written by Darlene Zschech and Reuben Morgan. Here’s a short portion of her testimony and how God delivered her from bulimia.

Darlene's no stranger to troubled teen years. Outwardly her childhood seemed glamorous—she was singing and dancing on a weekly children's television show in Australia, Happy Go 'Round, at the age of 10. But when she was 13, her parents divorced. The pressures of television, combined with the emotional turmoil of her parents' divorce and the custody battle that ensued, took their toll. By age 14, bulimia reared its ugly head. But in 1980, God intervened: Darlene's father rededicated his life to Christ and started taking Darlene to church, where she asked Jesus into her life at 15. While there she also met Mark, her husband of 16 years, with whom she shared faith in Christ. Darlene and Mark dated for a year and a half and married one week after she turned 19.

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

Click here to worship along with the Hillsong music ministry:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRjXBbtbEpM

Click here to worship along in Spanish with the Hillsong music ministry:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3l8_5WXEpF0

Click here to purchase the Hillsong’s version:


“All Because of Jesus”

Giver of every breath I breathe
Author of all eternity
Giver of every perfect thing
To You be the glory
Maker of Heaven and of Earth
No one can comprehend Your worth
King over all the universe
To You be the glory

And I am alive because I'm alive in You

It's all because of Jesus I'm alive
It's all because the blood of Jesus Christ
That covers me and raised this dead man's life
It's all because of Jesus I'm alive
I'm alive, I'm alive

Click here to learn more about Casting Crowns:
www.castingcrowns.com/

Click here to worship along with Casting Crowns:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQ9HDBJDRvg

Click here to listen to the Steve Fee version:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmdylCFUBs8

Click here to purchase the Steve Fee version:


“Everywhere That I Go”

This stirring worship song was written by Israel Houghton:
Nearly Disposed – Israel’s Testimony
My mother became pregnant at the age of 17 in Waterloo, Iowa. You can imagine how this is shaping up. She was given the choice of a back-alley abortion or being disowned by her family. Thank God she chose the latter. Ultimately, she was disowned, abandoned by my biological father, and ended up in San Diego, California. Picture this. It was 1971 and my mother was 8 months pregnant, all alone, thousands of miles from home, and forced to enter reality unprepared – pretty bleak. One day while walking down the street, a lady pulled up in her Volkswagen Bug, got out, and respectfully yet boldly, began to share the Gospel with her. Words of life and hope began to overtake the words of rejection and abandonment she had grown accustomed to. There on a street corner, she ended up on her knees and cried out to God-committing her life to Jesus Christ. The lady gave her a bible and that's how I got my name. My mother started reading at page one and well, you know-you have a bible, my name's on every page!
I'm often asked by skeptics or the stoic, why I'm as passionate about worshiping God as I am. The answer is simple for me. In this age of disposable relationships, I could have easily become a statistic and at best, a distant memory of a youthful mistake. Instead, a Sovereign God rescued my mother and me and gave us hope, a future, and a testimony of the providence of God. The very least I can do is enter into His gates with fresh thanksgiving, His courts with a passionate praise, and eventually bow before His throne in intimate worship. As far as leading worship goes (which is my passion and calling), I now realize that there have been demands put on me from every part of my experience since day one - culturally, emotionally, musically, and more. So things tend to sound cross-cultural, cross-denominational, and cross-generational. I like to call it, "The Sound of New Breed Worship." I tend to lead from an internal platform founded in Psalm 124:2, "If it had not been for the Lord who was on my side"....where in the world would I be? In an age of disposable relationships, maybe we should be asking ourselves that question a lot more often. I am confident that we would worship with far more conviction, intensity, and overwhelmed gratitude if we did. It is my delight to encourage you today.

Click here to learn more about Israel:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel_Houghton

Click here to worship along with the Lakewood Church:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0W0oCGcu8k&feature=related

Click here to listen online:
www.imeem.com/pickurnose/music/fEmluTVP/everywhere_that_i_go/

Click here to purchase Lakewood’s version of "Everywhere That I Go":


“All Who Are Thirsty”

All who are thirsty
All who are weak
Come to the fountain
Dip your heart in the stream of life
Let the pain and the sorrow
Be washed away
In the waves of His mercy
As deep cries out to deep
(We Sing)

Come Lord Jesus Come
Holy Spirit Come

This song was written by Brenton Brown and Glenn Robertson.
Like everyone, Brenton has an unusual story. He grew up in Cape Town, South Africa, studied in Oxford, England, and now lives in Malibu, California. So how did this all happen? Brenton first came to the attention of the wider church, as one of the young worship leaders on the first Vineyard UK recordings, “Come Now is the Time” and “Hungry.”
His songs “Lord, Reign in Me”, “All Who Are Thirsty” and “Humble King” joined songs like “Come Now is the Time”, “Be the Centre” and “Hungry.” It wasn't a bad start to a recording career! But though these were his first recordings as a solo artist, Brenton had been leading worship in his home town in South Africa for a number of years.

Click here to learn more about Brenton Brown: www.brentonbrown.com/bio.html

Click here to learn more about Brenton’s co-writer, Glenn Robertson: www.theglennrobertsonjazzband.co.za/about_us.php

Click here to worship along on the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAdr6dJ5DOI

Click here to purchase “All Who Are Thirsty”

Worship Songs for April 19

Better late than never! I promise to get on top of this - I have good excuses: Easter (good), and the start of baseball (well, not so good).


First Baptist Church of Euless – BEHIND THE PRAISE
Worship songs
April 19th, 2009

"He Keeps Me Singing"

A Methodist preacher by the name of Luther Bridges, was born in 1884, he married Sarah Veatch and three lovely sons were born of their union. Pastor Bridges accepted an invitation to minister at a conference in Kentucky in the year 1910, so he left his family in the care of his father-in-law and made the trip to Kentucky. There, two wonderful weeks of ministry resulted. The last service closed with great joy and he was excited to be called to the telephone. He couldn't wait to tell his wife about all the blessings. But it wasn't her voice on that long distance line. He listened in silence to the news that a fire had burned down the house of his father-in-law and his wife and all three of his sons had died in the blaze. That distraught father leaned heavily on His Savior and expressed his faith in God during a tearful moment by penning these words:

There's within my heart a melody
Jesus whispers sweet and low,
Fear not, I am with thee, peace, be still,
In all of lifes ebb and flow.

Click here to listen to a quartet arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNQ4RbfF4jM

Click here for a recording of the song:
http://my.homewithgod.com/heavenlymidis/hekeepsmesinging.mid

Click here for a ragtime piano version:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiJrzRg17l4

Click here to purchase “He Keeps Me Singing”


“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 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

Click here to purchase “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name”

“Nobody Fills My Heart Like Jesus"

This powerful worship song was written by Dennis Jernigan. Dennis Jernigan is a singer-songwriter of contemporary Christian music. He is native to Oklahoma, and headquarters a music-based ministry from there. Self-avowedly ex-gay, Jernigan now lives in Muskogee, Oklahoma with his wife and their nine children. Jernigan has been married to his wife for more than twenty five years.
A primary source of inspiration for Jernigan's message and music is an experience he describes as his "deliverance from homosexuality". Jernigan states that this began during a 2nd Chapter of Acts concert in Norman Oklahoma.Jernigan believes his prior identification as homosexual was related to an erroneous childhood perception that he had been rejected by his father.
As a boy I needed a role model to show me the way to manhood. But because I felt rejected by the main man in my life I, in turn, rejected him and began to yearn for intimacy with a man in perverse ways. Because of this wrong thinking I came to believe I was homosexual. It must have begun early in my life because I remember having those feelings for the same gender at a very early age.
It was then [during a critical moment at the 2nd Chapter of Acts concert] that I lost the need to be accepted or loved by others because I realized Jesus would love me and accept me no matter what, even when I was rejected by others! It was also at this same time that those sexually perverse thoughts and desires were changed...and He began to replace them with holy and pure thoughts about what sexual love was all about.
Following the experience at the concert, Jernigan developed a ministry based on his personal experience, which he shares at churches and other locations around the world.
Dennis has written many of the worship songs we sing including "Who can Satisfy", "We will worship the Lamb of Glory", "I belong to Jesus", "When the night is Falling" and "You are my all in all". Here are some links that will share more about Dennis' ministry.

Click here for an article about Dennis www.okbu.edu/news/view_article.php?id=1127

Click here for Dennis' website
www.dennisjernigan.com/

Click here to listen to the song online: www.imeem.com/imyaya/music/yraNtNgA/dennis-jernigan-nobody-fills-my-heart-like-jesus/

Click here for an acapella arrangement:
www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=ed4f66a00527a13ba699

Click here to purchase “Nobody Fills My Heart Like Jesus”


“Knowing You”

Graham Kendrick shares the following on how he wrote “Knowing You”.
A major Christian conference in the UK had circulated a number of songwriters asking them to consider writing specific material to accompany the Bible readings and teaching at their event the following year. The book of Philippians had been chosen, so in order to begin the process of seeking inspiration I began to read through the book meditatively, asking God to draw my attention to anything which might become the seed of a song. I had come to the famous passage where Paul lists his impressive qualifications, and then dramatically sweeps them all aside for the sake of one supreme aim - to know Christ.
At this point my heart was stirred by the theme of knowing Jesus, and in an attempt to make it a personal song directed to him, I began to experiment with the phrase 'knowing you' as the moment of release of the song. Having written the chorus I set out to paraphrase the key verses of the scripture text into a singable form. This is always a great challenge because of course no translation of the Bible rhymes and scans, and there is always a danger that in shaping a lyrical form something is lost. After all this is the Word of God that we are dealing with!
Eventually, and with some editing input from one of our church leaders, plus some private 'road testing at my home church, the song was finished. I know of several people who have learned the song without realizing where it is derived from and have commented "Graham, I found your song in the bible!".
For me one of the most important things about it is the theme of sharing in Christ's sufferings (in the third verse), and of dying and rising with Christ. Perhaps for this reason the song has featured at funerals as well as in regular worship services. It has found its way into wedding services too where couples wish to express their commitment to putting Christ first in their marriage. 'Knowing You' has rapidly risen to be one of the most popular songs in the UK churches, at one time reaching number 5 in the CCLI chart.

All I once held dear, built my life upon,
all this world reveres and wars to own,
all I once thought gain I have counted loss,
spent and worthless now compared to this.

Knowing You, Jesus, knowing You.
There is no greater thing.
You're my all, You're the best, You're my joy,
my righteousness; and I love You, Lord.

Now my heart's desire is to know You more,
to be found in You and known as Yours,
to possess by faith what I could not earn,
all surpassing gift of righteousness.

Knowing You, Jesus, knowing You.
There is no greater thing.
You're my all, You're the best, You're my joy,
my righteousness; and I love You, Lord.

Oh, to know the pow'r of Your risen life,
and to know You in Your suffering,
to become like You in Your death,
My Lord, so with You to live and never die.

Knowing You, Jesus, knowing You.
There is no greater thing.
You're my all, You're the best, You're my joy,
my righteousness; and I love You, Lord.

Click here to visit Graham’s website:
www.grahamkendrick.co.uk/

Click here to worship along on “Knowing You”
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcWNwSan5u4&feature=related

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

Click here to purchase “Knowing You”


“When I Speak Your Name”

The following is a testimony from Elizabeth Clark who wrote the song:

Music as well as the Word of God has been a part of me even from the beginning of life in my mother's womb; and I have done my best for the past 20 years to follow hard after the heart of God. I have been leading worship for ten years, in youth groups, women's conferences, outdoor events, marriage conferences, worship conferences, youth camps, and have opened for Carmen, Sierra, and Scott Kripaynne, and I have also shared the stage with Rita Springer, Klaus Kuehn, and Lenny Leblanc. Worship leading is not something I just do, I really try to live it, for I was born to worship my Creator. He just happened to give me the gift to sing, play the piano, and write songs. He is my true love.

CHRIST FOR THE NATIONS has been a major part of influence, and a molding and shaping ground for me. I attended there in the fall of 2002-2004, and will never forget the memorable moments of pure and intimate worship, as well as the high praise that went up! God is truly leading the way there. Klaus Kuehn,(a man of wisdom, transparency, and a love for his Savior) has played one of the major roles of inspiration and encouragement in my life and "world of music". I praise my God for what he has done, what He is doing, and what He will do!

Click here to visit Elizabeth Clarks’ myspace:
www.myspace.com/elizabethclarklucid

Click here to listen to the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2dGtHd5a4k

Click here for another arrangement of the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eygJlLn3vwc

Click here to purchase “When I Speak Your Name”


"Come Thou Fount, Come Thou King"

This arrangement is by Thomas Miller, Worship Pastor of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas. I had the opportunity to visit with Thomas during my sabbatical, he said the added chorus came to him on a Saturday morning watching college football. He was singing through the order for that evenings service and wanted to have some kind of transition to the next song and the following simple chorus came to him.

"Come Thou fount, come Thou King,
Come Thou precious Prince of Peace;
Hear Your bride, to you we sing,
come Thou fount of our blessing."

The original hymn was composed by the 18th century Methodist pastor and hymnist Robert Robinson. The hymn is set to an American folk tune known as Nettleton, by attribution to the evangelist Asahel Nettleton who composed it early in the nineteenth century. Robinson penned the words at age the of 22 in the year 1757.

Click here for a version of the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_OLyPhHHWk

If you like more of a traditional arrangement check out this choir arrangement here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUhU0HgTq94&mode=related&search=

Click here to purchase the song “Come Thou Fount, Come Thou King”


“You, You Are God”

This song of declaration was written by Walker Beach. Walker Beach is a Pastor of Worship Production at Gateway Church in Dallas, Texas, and a prolific writer of worship songs for the Gateway Worship team. Walkers’ life motto is “My relationship with you is more important than the project we are working on”. Before becoming pastor of worship production at Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, Walker served as director of the school of worship at Christ for the Nations in Dallas. Walker reminds us that we are to bring an offering of praise into the house of the Lord.

Here I am, I've come to find You
Here I am, to see Your grace
To bring to You an offering
I have to ask myself one thing
How can I do anything
But praise, I praise

You, You are God, You are Lord
You are all I'm living for
You are King of everything
I want my life to praise You

Here I am, I've come to thank You
Here I am, a life You've changed
Because You gave Your life for me
You crucified Your Son for me
Now how can I do anything
But praise, I praise

Click here to worship along with the Gateway worship team:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xa0EIFFc6xk

Click here to purchase “You, You Are Good”


"Your Grace is Enough"

Matthew "Matt" Maher is a singer/songwriter/worship leader originally from Newfoundland, Canada, who later relocated to Mesa, Arizona. He has written and produced 3 independent albums, The End and The Beginning (2001), Welcome to Life (2003), and Overflow (2006). All three albums were produced by Maher, with Welcome to Life and Overflow both being co-produced by Maher and Nashville engineer Jeff Thomas.

Matt is most known for his song, "Your Grace Is Enough" which Chris Tomlin recorded on His 2004 Gold release, Arriving. The two met at a Youth Specialties conference held in Phoenix when Tomlin's band was asked to "back" Maher up. Tomlin instantly fell in love with the song. Since then, the song has become a popular worship anthem. Matt recorded a new version of the song, combining both his and Tomlin's versions, for the album "Empty and Beautiful". The song was released as a single on iTunes in March 2008, and reached #2 on Billboard's Adult Christian Contemporary Chart, where it remained in the top ten for over 8 weeks.

Click here to learn more about Matt Maher:
www.mattmahermusic.com/index.php

Click here to visit Matt’s myspace:
www.myspace.com/mattmahermusic

Click here to listen to how the song was written
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIgGHA27nG4

Click here to worship along
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtnE_e1LylY

Click here to purchase “Your Grace is Enough”


“Healer”

This is an article from the Hillsong church webpage about the Healer Story. Initially it seemed that Mike Guglielmucci wrote the song and then was healed, but after further investigation it came out that Mike had made up the story. It doesn’t minimize the message of the song or the healing power of the Lord.

Removal of a song from the album "This Is Our God"
On August 20, 2008, Michael Guglielmucci, a former Planetshakers pastor who composed a number of songs for Hillsong, including “Healer” from the album This Is Our God - a song about his cancer struggle - admitted he had lied about ever having cancer in the first place. Representatives of churches with which Mr. Guglielmucci had affiliations told the press they were totally unaware of the situation. In an e-mail sent to Hillsong members, the church’s general manager George Aghajanian said the news was even a shock to Mr Guglielmucci’s own family and that the suspended pastor was seeking professional help. A statement is expected to be read at congregations affiliated with Australian Christian Churches on Sunday, August 24, 2008. The ACC promised that all money donated by listeners inspired by the song will be returned or donated to charity, and is currently auditing Mr. Guglielmucci’s bank accounts to determine the amount of funds raised. The track “Healer” was promptly removed from the tracklist of the album This Is Our God on Hillsong’s website where one can buy MP3 tracks , and there are plans to revoke CDs and DVDs that contain the song.

Click here to watch a news report on CNN about the song: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ei7v2b2lEyQ&feature=related

Click here to hear Brian Houston share his thoughts on the song: www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1SsMbckSUo&feature=related

Click here to listen to the song: www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaB53_AS7Ug&feature=related

Click here to worship along with Israel Houghton: www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnXO2FGrygM&feature=related

Click here to purchase Kari Jobes’ “Healer”

Worship Songs for EASTER!

Looking forward to a great EASTER weekend - HE IS RISEN!

First Baptist Church of Euless – BEHIND THE PRAISE
Worship songs
RESURECTION SUNDAY April 12th, 2009

"My Savior Lives"

This is a new song by Jon Egan & Glenn Packiam of the New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Co. When asked about writing songs for the church in an interview Jon shared the following.

"Those songs were written out of innocence just to equip our own church. I think that probably is the reason for the success. The heart of these songs, the heart of us as worshippers or worship leaders, has always been to help our people in our spheres of influence. The fact that it's equipped the Church beyond our church is overwhelming, wonderful, and humbling. Jared: We weren't really following anyone into it; we were just excited about what God was doing. We started to try our own songs at times other than Sunday morning. We just put it out there to see if it would live. It began that way, and it crept into the culture of Sunday morning."

Click here to listen to the song:
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=139038586

Click here to worship with the New Life church:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_SB-SpNm00&feature=related

Click here to purchase “My Savior Lives”:



"My Redeemer Lives" (Hillsongs)

This great worship song was written by Rueben Morgan. When asked about the modern worship movement Rueben responded:

"The Church world-wide is getting a revelation that there is a new song to sing. It's bringing the Church together, bringing unity among denominations, life, and relevance to churches. People are turning their hearts to God, their focus is being renewed, and they are realizing that we were created to worship God."

Click here to listen to Rueben Morgan share how he wrote the song
www.theheartofworship.com/stories/Story-323-MyRedeemerLives-Morgan.mp3

Click here to worship along with Rueben
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fm11e3HbT2s

Click here to purchase “My Redeemer Lives”


“He Lives” (hymn)

“Why should I worship a dead Jew?” This challenging question was posed by a sincere young Jewish student who had been attending evangelistic meetings conducted by the author and composer of this hymn, Alfred H. Ackley. In his book, Forty Gospel Hymn Stories, George W. Sanville records Mr. Ackley’s answer to this searching question, which ultimately prompted the writing of this popular gospel hymn:
“He lives! I tell you, He is not dead, but lives here and now! Jesus Christ is more alive today than ever before. I can prove it by my own experience, as well as the testimony of thousands.”

I serve a risen Savior,
He's in the world today;
I know that He is living,
Whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy,
I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him
He's always near.

He lives, He lives,
Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and He talks with me
Along life's narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives:
He lives within my heart.

Click here for a piano arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUKhNsLPExA

Click here for another recording:
www.hymnal.net/hymn.php?t=h&n=503

Click here to purchase "He Lives"


“In Christ Alone”

This song was written by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend.
Townend and Getty both admit they are motivated by the idea of capturing biblical truth in songs and hymns that will not only cause people to express their worship in church, but will build them up in their Christian lives. “I’ve been amazed by the response to this song,” says Townend. “We’ve had some incredible e-mails about how people have been helped by the song through incredibly difficult circumstances.” One e-mail described how a U.S soldier serving in Iraq would pray through each verse of the song every day, and how the promises of God’s protection and grace helped to sustain him through the enormous pressures and dangers of life in a war zone.

Click here to read more about how the song was composed
www.crosswalk.com/1275127/

Click here to worship along with the Newsboys
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8welVgKX8Qo

Click here to worship along with Natalie Grant
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MA9WbEn-Nj8&feature=related

"In Christ Alone"
By Keith Getty and Stuart Townend

In Christ alone my hope is found; He is my light, my strength, my song;
This cornerstone, this solid ground, Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace, When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My comforter, my all in all—Here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone, Who took on flesh, Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness, Scorned by the ones He came to save.
Till on that cross as Jesus died, The wrath of God was satisfied;
For ev'ry sin on Him was laid—Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay, Light of the world by darkness slain;
Then bursting forth in glorious day, Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory, Sin's curse has lost its grip on me;
For I am His and He is mine—Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death—This is the pow'r of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man, Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home—Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand.

Click here to purchase “In Christ Alone”


“Free for All”

Mark Townsend started producing at age 16, working out of a local studio in Houston. After earning his degree in commercial music performance at Belmont University in Nashville, Mark began working as a musician and producer for artists such as Shania Twain, Israel Houghton, Third Day, Toby Mac, Kevin Max, Susan Ashton, The Finalist, DCTalk, and Lakewood Church, Mark has experience in many genres, ranging from rock to pop and country. Having done commercials for companies such as Coca Cola, Radio Shack, and film soundtrack work for movies such as “Chalk”, “Beautiful American”, and recently John Gray's film "31 Falls", his experience is wide ranging across the music industry. Mark earned a nomination for “Instrumental Album of the Year” for the GMA dove awards, as well as multiple platinum and gold records. Also a writer, Mark has penned top ten hits on radio, as well as songs for multi platinum records.
Currently residing in Houston, TX, Mark is married to Michelle, and has two children, Maren Chapel (20 months) and London Christopher (7months). Mark is an avid racquetball player and has earned a medal the last 3 years at the National Championships, including gold last year to make him the current National Champion in his division.

River rich and mercy beckon
Everyone who thirst, is welcome
All who hungers, freely come
Bread of life for everyone

(Pre-chorus)
Free for all
Free for all
Over every limitation, free for all

(Chorus)
Where the spirit, of the Lord is...
There is freedom, free for all

We're proclaiming freedom to nations
Set, and seek your whole salvation
Rivers in the desert... clouds are forming
Celebrate this freedom out-pouring

Click here to visit Israel Houghtons’ myspace site: www.myspace.com/israelhoughtonmusic

Click here to worship along with the Lakewood church worship ministry: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZZdxqK7MFY

Click here to purchase “Free for All”

“Crown Him with Many Crowns”

This worshipful text is the combined effort of two distinguished Anglican clergymen, each of whom desired to write a hymn of exaltation to our suffering but now victorious Lord.
Matthew Bridges' version first appeared in 1851 with six stanzas. Twenty-three years later Godfrey Thring wrote six additional stanzas, which appeared in his collection Hymns and Sacred Lyrics. The hymn's present forrn includes stanzas one, two, and four by Bridges and the third verse by Thring.
Each crown in this hymn text exalts Christ for some specific aspect of His person or ministry—
(1) Stanza one for His eternal Kingship;
(2) stanza two for His love demonstrated in redemptive suffering; (
(3) stanza three for His victorious resurrection and ascension, and
(4) stanza four as a member of the Triune Godhead ever worthy of worship and praise.
The tune, Diadernata (the Greek word for crowns), was composed especially for this text by George Elvey, a noted organist at St. George's Chapel in Windsor, England, where British royalty often attend.

Click here to read more about this hymn: http://songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/crown-him-with-many-crowns

Click here to listen to the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdK4lzg8gsU

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

Click here to purchase “Crown Him with Many Crowns”


“There is a Redeemer”

Keith Gordon Green (October 21, 1953 – July 28, 1982) was an American gospel singer, songwriter, musician, and Contemporary Christian Music artist originally from Sheepshead Bay, New York. Green is best known for his strong devotion to evangelical Christianity and his unwavering efforts to stir others to the same. Notable songs written by Green and/or his wife, Melody Green, include "Your Love Broke Through," "You Put This Love In My Heart," and "Asleep In The Light," as well as the popular modern hymns "O Lord, You're Beautiful" and "There Is A Redeemer".

Click here to learn more about Keith and read his incredible history:
www.lastdaysministries.org/Groups/1000008700/Last_Days_Ministries/Keith_Green/Bio.aspx
Click here to read more about Keiths’ ministry:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keith_Green

Click here to purchase “There is a Redeemer”


“We Will Glorify”

We will glorify the King of kings
We will glorify the Lamb
We will glorify the Lord of lords
Who is the great I AM

Lord Jehovah reigns in majesty
We will bow before His throne
We will worship Him in righteousness
We will worship Him alone

He is Lord of heaven, Lord of earth
He is Lord of all who live
He is Lord above the universe
All praise to Him we give

Hallelujah to the King of kings
Hallelujah to the Lamb
Hallelujah to the Lord of Lords
Who is the great I AM

Click here to learn more about Twila Paris:
www.twilaparis.com/

Click here to read more about Twila Paris:
www.musicianguide.com/biographies/1608003440/Twila-Paris.html

Click here to listen to the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=4skT9ndv6ng

Click here to purchase “We Will Glorify”


“He Lives” (Lakewood)

This powerful song was written by Israel Houghton and Cindy Cruse-Ratcliff. Both serve as worship pastors with Joel Osteen at the Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas.

Click here to worship along with the Lakewood Church:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFhAkkaXcJY

Click here to purchase “He Lives”


“Alive, Forever, Amen” (Travis Cottrell)

Let the children sing a song of liberation
The God of our salvation set us free
Death, where is thy sting? The curse of sin is broken
The empty tomb stands open, come and see

He's alive, alive, alive. Hallelujah!
Alive! Praise and glory to the Lamb.
He's alive, alive, alive. Hallelujah!
Alive forever. Amen

Let my heart sing out, for Christ, the One and only
So powerful and holy rescued me
Death won't hurt me now because He has redeemed me
No grave will ever keep me from my King

I'm alive, alive, alive, hallelujah!
Alive! praise and glory to the Lamb.
He's alive, alive, alive. Hallelujah!
Alive forever. Amen

Click here to learn more about Travis’ ministry:
www.yourmusiczone.com/go/ymz/music_artist_more/cottrell_travis/

Click here to visit Travis’ blog:
http://traviscottrellministries.blogspot.com/

Click here to learn more about Travis’ ministry:
www.traviscottrell.com/

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

Click here for another version of the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgGxPYNM6NI

Click here to purchase “Alive, Forever, Amen”


"My Savior, My God"

Aaron Shust was reading through an old hymnal and thought that the verses to this hymn would make a great worship song. The hymn was "I am not Skilled to understand". Aaron wrote the original chorus while sitting at a red light on the way home from a rehearsal.

The hymn “I Am Not Skilled To Understand” was written by Dorothy Greenwell (1821-1882). Sometimes known as “Dora,” Ms. Greenwell lived in the rectory in Northumberland, England in 1848. She wrote poems and hymns. “I Am Not Skilled to Understand” was published in 1873, in the hymnal Songs of Sal¬va¬tion.

Click here to learn more about how Aaron wrote the song:
www.theheartofworship.org/stories/Story-308-MySaviorMyGod-Shust.mp3

Click here to visit Aaron's myspace:
www.myspace.com/aaronshust

Click here to worship along with Aaron Shust
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gt0WluTpFTg

Click here to purchase “My Savior, My God”




GOOD FRIDAY EVENING SERVICE

First Baptist Church of Euless – BEHIND THE PRAISE
Worship songs
April 10, 2009 – GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE

“The Wonderful Cross”

ISAAC WATTS & CHRIS TOMLIN

The 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.

Click here to purchase Chris Tomlin's “The Wonderful Cross”


“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 Michael W. Smith:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_kAjok4-Uk

Click here to read more about the composer Tim Hughes
www.crosswalk.com/spirituallife/worship/1227531/

Click here to purchase “Here I Am to Worship”


"That's Why We Praise Him"

This song was written by Tommy Walker: Tommy has led worship at Christian Assembly in Los Angeles, California with his pastor, Mark Pickerill, since 1990. He has traveled with Promise Keepers, Greg Laurie Harvest Crusades and Franklin Graham.He has also been privileged to serve with such church leaders as Jack Hayford, Bill Hybels and Rick Warren. He has recorded worship projects for Maranatha! Music, Integrity Music, and Get Down Ministries. He has written over 100 songs that are currently being tracked by C.C.L.I. and are being sung in churches around the world, including "He Knows My Name", "Only A God Like You", "That's Why We Praise Him", "Lord I Believe In You", "Mourning Into Dancing", "Break Through", "This is What Christmas Means to Me", and his latest song, "I Have a Hope". For the last decade Tommy has traveled internationally holding worship concerts and mercy ministry outreaches in places where people are in great need. He has led his worship team to the Philippines, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Guatemala, Zambia and Brazil. Tommy has been married to his wife, Robin, for seventeen years. They have four children, Jake, Levi, Emmie and Eileen. To be found faithful to His God, his family and his local church will always be his greatest achievement.


Check out Tommy Walker here
www.tommywalker.net/

Click here to sing through the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3OopRS5hYg

Click here to listen to the song:
http://wordmusicnow.com/Song.asp?SongID=100

Click here to purchase Tommy Walker's “That’s Why We Praise Him”:


“At the Cross” Hillsong music ministry

Here’s another worship song written by Darlene Zschech and Reuben Morgan. Here’s a short portion of her testimony and how God delivered her from bulimia.

Darlene's no stranger to troubled teen years. Outwardly her childhood seemed glamorous—she was singing and dancing on a weekly children's television show in Australia, Happy Go 'Round, at the age of 10. But when she was 13, her parents divorced. The pressures of television, combined with the emotional turmoil of her parents' divorce and the custody battle that ensued, took their toll. By age 14, bulimia reared its ugly head. But in 1980, God intervened: Darlene's father rededicated his life to Christ and started taking Darlene to church, where she asked Jesus into her life at 15. While there she also met Mark, her husband of 16 years, with whom she shared faith in Christ. Darlene and Mark dated for a year and a half and married one week after she turned 19.

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

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

Click here to worship along in Spanish with the Hillsong music ministry:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3l8_5WXEpF0

Click here to purchase the Hillsongs’ version of “At the Cross”



“Come Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy”

This hymn was written by Joseph Hart. Born in London in 1712, he was raised a Christian and given a splendid education. He turne away from the Lord in his twenties and became an enemy of the Cross. Later describing himself as a “monstrous sinner,” he wrote, “I ran such dangerous lengths both of carnal and of spiritual wickedness that I outwent professed infidels.” Finally, at age fourty-five, after a bout of depression, Joseph fell under deep spiritual conviction. Attending a Moravian service in Fetter Lane, Lond, on Pentecost Sunday 1757, he was struck by a sermon from Revelation 3:10. Hurrying home, he flung himself on his knees in broken repentance. “My horrors were immediately dispelled,” he said, “and such light and comfort flowed into my heart, as no words can paint.” Soon Joseph was writing Christian poems, and when he published them in 1759, they became so popular that he felt compelled to enter the ministry. This hymn was an expression of his testimony.

Click here for an arrangement:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VRevkal-Sk&feature=PlayList&p=96AF9372D5B50D0C&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=40

Click here to purchase Fernando Ortega’s version:



“Without the Cross”

This song was written by Jeff Ferguson. Jeff Ferguson is a minister, gospel singer, recording artist, songwriter, music publisher and a teacher.

As a minister, Jeff speaks in over 100 church services a year and has been invited as a keynote speaker in conferences in the United States and internationally. Jeff's powerful messages move audiences from laughter to tears as their hearts are lifted in worship. Young children to the eldest seniors enjoy Jeff's refreshing style of speaking. Several times over the past few years Jeff has been invited to speak in a single service and revivals have "broken out" and have been extended by the church into powerful meetings that have lasted as long as nine weeks. Last year, Jeff was surprised and honored when he was chosen to receive an honorary doctorate in a special ceremony for his life's work in the ministry.

Made of wood, built by man,
There is stood, salvation’s plan.
Adam’s fall and my own sin,
It was all placed on him.

Without the cross I would not know
Redeeming love that floods my soul.
Without the blood where would I be?
I would be lost without the cross.

Mercy spilled blood divine
On Calv’ry’s hill for all mankind.
Flowing through the ages past,
Destined to reach me at last.

Without the cross I would not know
Redeeming love that floods my soul.
Without the blood where would I be?
I would be lost without the cross.

I can’t repay him for the grace
Poured out on that tree.
But I’ll give my life to Jesus Christ
For all he gave to me.

Without the cross I would not know
Redeeming love that floods my soul,
Without the blood where would I be?
I would be lost, I would be lost
Without the cross, old rugged cross!

I would be lost without the cross,
The cross.

Click here to purchase the song:


“Worthy is the Lamb”

Australian Darlene Zschech is acclaimed all over the world as a singer, songwriter worship leader and speaker, most notably for spearheading the music that comes from Hillsong Church. Although she has achieved numerous gold albums and her songs are sung in many nations of the world, her success is not the result of pursuing stardom and fame –it stands as a testimony to her life’s passion to serve God with her musical gift.

Click here to learn more about Darlene Zschech who wrote this powerful ballad on the cross.
www.darlenezschech.com/pages/default.asp?pid=20

Thank you for the cross, Lord.
Thank you for the price you paid.
Bearing all my sin and shame, in love you came
And gave Amazing Grace.
Thank you for this love, Lord.
Thank you for the nail-pierced hands.
Wash me in Your cleansing flow, now all I know…
Your forgiveness and embrace.
Worthy is the Lamb
seated on the throne.
We crown You now with many crowns
You reign victorious!
High and lifted up
Jesus, Son of God.
The darling of Heaven, crucified…
Worthy is the Lamb.

Click here to worship along with Darlene:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=AR4CCLnmf1Q

Click here to listen online:
www.imeem.com/people/ewvSYY/music/Xwoirr-Z/darlene_zschech_worthy_is_the_lamb/

click here to purchase the Hillsongs’ version:

Worship Songs for April 5

First Baptist Church of Euless – BEHIND THE PRAISE
Worship songs
April 5th, 2009

“Prepare the Way”

He has come
To bring light into the darkness
He has come
To bring freedom to the captives
He has come
To restore the broken-hearted
It's time to proclaim
The year of the Lord

Prepare the way
Prepare the way for our Redeemer
Prepare the way
Prepare the way for our Restorer

Make ready your heart
Make ready your home
Make ready the people of God
Prepare the way

He has come
To bring hope to the hopeless
He has come
To comfort all who mourn
He has come
To heal our every sickness

Darrell Evans is a passionate follower of Jesus Christ first, a devoted husband, and loving father. Darrell has three beautiful young children. Daughter Leah, and two sons Connor and Zachary. “They are my heart and world. My kids have changed my life for the better. I want to be the Godly father and leader that they need.” Darrell and his wife, Charity, plan on having more children in the near future and would also love to adopt.
Best known as the writer of songs like “Trading my Sorrows”, “Let the River Flow”, “Your Love is Extravagant”, and “Freedom”, he is considered by many to be a pioneer in the modern worship music movement.
Darrell’s ministry started as a teenager in Olympia, WA: leading many of his fellow classmates to Jesus through personal testimony and nights of praise and worship in his parent’s home. He has served as a worship pastor for churches in Washington, California, Oklahoma and Texas.
For the past 12 years Darrell has traveled the world alone and with the band ministering the gospel through worship, preaching, and prayer. His authenticity, genuine spirit and passion have connected with many as he ministers worship to the Lord. Darrell has seen numerous people come to know Christ and has encouraged many others to a deeper walk with God. People are healed, refreshed and renewed through Darrell’s ministry.
Darrell’s projects “Let the River Flow” and “Freedom” both garnered Dove award nominations and influenced a new wave of congregational worship. His newest project, “Nothing Less Than Everything”, wraps his joy, passion and experience in a fresh and powerful sound. In Darrell’s words, “It’s my prayer that the Lord will use these songs to help people connect with Jesus in a life-changing way”.

Click here to learn more about Darrell’s Journey:
http://darrellevans.com/

Click here to worship along with Darrell Evans:
www.imeem.com/imyaya/music/6TIMuBeO/darrell-evans-eric-nuzumvarious-artists-prepare-the-way/

Click here to purchase “Prepare the way”


"Hosanna"

Paul Baloche wrote this with Brenton Brown to be sung on Palm Sunday. Contemplating that sense of expectancy led Paul to start with the phrase “Praise is rising”. Paul said there is that same sense of expectancy when God’s people gather to worship that was felt along the road in Jerusalem when the people crowded the streets to get a glimpse of Jesus.
Ever wonder what Hosanna really means? Hosanna is Hebrew for "Save now" from Psalm 118. It is an intensified imperative, a cry, addressed to God, particularly used in the Feast of Tabernacles, when prayers for rain were offered. In the New Testament the crowd shouted it when Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. It is used as an exclamation in Christian worship.

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

Click here to worship along with Paul Baloche
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TIg2QOzPpg

or here
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BZoDH2H1Ls

Click here to purchase “Hosanna”


“At Calvary”

The words for "At Calvary" were written by American hymn writer, William Newell (1868 – 1956). Song leader Daniel Towner wrote the musical portion of the hymn. One afternoon, Newell was walking to teach his next class while thinking about Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. When he got to his classroom, he grabbed the only paper around, an old envelope, and the lyrics began to flow out of him. He showed the poem to his friend at the school, Towner, and just as quickly the song leader penned the musical portion. Thus, "At Calvary" was born in a quick manner.
Both of these composers have Ohio roots. Newell was born in Savannah, Ohio and graduated from Wooster College. Towner served as the song leader for York Street Methodist Episcopal Church in Cincinnati, Ohio from 1882 to 1884. They met at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois. There, Newell served as an instructor and later assistant superintendent. Towner was director of music at Moody. Together their work, "At Calvary," has been loved by Christians worldwide for its testimony about Christ’s love for us.

Years I spent in vanity and pride,
Caring not my Lord was crucified,
Knowing not it was for me He died on Calvary.
By God's Word at last my sin I learn,
Then I trembled at the law I'd spurned,
Till my guilty soul imploring turned to Calvary.
Now I've giv'n to Jesus everything;
Now I gladly own Him as my King;
Now my raptured soul can only sing of Calvary.
O, the love that drew salvation's plan!
O, the grace that brought it down to man!
O, the mighty gulf that God did span at Calvary!
Mercy there was great, and grace was free;
pardon there was multiplied to me;
There my burdened soul found liberty, At Calvary.

Click here to listen to Lynda Randle & Jesse Dixon: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTsREFcTKbE

Click here for a southern gospel piano arrangement: www.youtube.com/watch?v=15br-Gy3Z-c

Click here for a more traditional arrangement: www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYxRPEZSYLo&feature=related

Click here to purchase the Gaither version of “At Calvary”

“Great is the Lord Almighty”

Dennis Jernigan is a singer-songwriter of contemporary Christian music. He is native to Oklahoma, and headquarters a music-based ministry from there. Formerly a homosexual, Jernigan now lives in Muskogee, Oklahoma with his wife of nearly 24 years and their nine children.
A primary source of inspiration for Jernigan's message and music is an experience he describes as his "deliverance from homosexuality", which he states to have begun during a 2nd Chapter of Acts concert in 1981 at Oklahoma Baptist University. Jernigan has stated that he believes his prior identification as homosexual was related to a childhood perception that he had been rejected by his father. He claims that both perceptions were erroneous:
As a boy I needed a role model to show me the way to manhood. But because I felt rejected by the main man in my life I, in turn, rejected him and began to yearn for intimacy with a man in perverse ways. Because of this wrong thinking I came to believe I was homosexual. It must have begun early in my life because I remember having those feelings for the same gender at a very early age.
It was then [during a critical moment at the 2nd Chapter of Acts concert] that I lost the need to be accepted or loved by others because I realized Jesus would love me and accept me no matter what, even when I was rejected by others! It was also at this same time that those sexually perverse thoughts and desires were changed...and He began to replace them with holy and pure thoughts about what sexual love was all about.
You may know the music of Dennis Jernigan rather than the mention of his name. Songs like: "You Are My All in All", "Great is the Lord Almighty", and "Nobody Fills My Heart Like Jesus", as well as hundreds of others are sung literally all over the world. Dennis believes worship is all about relationship rather than performance...and he believes he is called to help people get honest with themselves and with God simply because he has found in his own life that honesty and truth have set him free. He has an incredible testimony that he shares very openly with his audiences.

To read more about Dennis visit his website at www.dennisjernigan.com.

Dennis and his wife Melinda, along with eight of their nine children make their home in Muskogee, Oklahoma where they serve Christ through the local body of believers known as New Community Church.

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

Click here to listen to Dennis on his myspace:
www.MySpace.com/dennisjernigan

Click here to purchase “Great is the Lord Almighty”


“There is a Fountain”

This is one of the first hymns William Cowper wrote after his first attack of temporary madness. Cowper had been promised a post as Clerk of the Journal to the House of Lords, but was dismayed upon learning he would have to undergo a public examination in the House before beginning his duties. The following article from the North American Review, January, 1834, describes his dilemma, and how God prevented him from destroying himself:

As the time drew nigh, his agony became more and more intense; he hoped and believed that madness would come to relieve him; he attempted also to make up his mind to commit suicide, though his conscience bore stern testimony against it; he could not by any argument persuade himself that it was right, but this desperation prevailed, and he procured from an apothecary the means of self-destruction. On the day before his public appearance was to be made, he happened to notice a letter in the newspaper, which to his disordered mind seemed like a malignant libel on himself. He immediately threw down the paper and rushed into the fields, determined to die in a ditch, but the thought struck him that he might escape from the country. With the same violence he proceeded to make hasty preparations for his flight; but while he was engaged in packing his portmanteau his mind changed, and he threw himself into a coach, ordering the man to drive to the Tower wharf, intending to throw himself into the river, and not reflecting that it would be impossible to accomplish his purpose in that public spot. On approaching the water, he found a porter seated upon some goods: he then returned to the coach and was conveyed to his lodgings at the Temple. On the way he attempted to drink the laudanum, but as often as he raised it, a convulsive agitation of his frame prevented it from reaching his lips; and thus, regretting the loss of the opportunity, but unable to avail himself of it, he arrived, half dead with anguish, at his apartment. He then shut the doors and threw himself upon the bed with the laudanum near him, trying to lash himself up to the deed; but a voice within seemed constantly to forbid it, and as often as he extended his hand to the poison, his fingers were contracted and held back by spasms.
At this time one of the inmates of the place came in, but he concealed his agitation, and as soon as he was left alone, a change came over him, and so detestable did the deed appear, that he threw away the laudanum and dashed the vial to pieces. The rest of the day was spent in heavy insensibility, and at night he slept as usual; but on waking at three in the morning, he took his penknife and lay with his weight upon it, the point toward his heart. It was broken and would not penetrate. At day break he arose, and passing a strong garter around his neck, fastened it to the frame of his bed: this gave way with his weight, but on securing it to the door, he was more successful, and remained suspended till he had lost all consciousness of existence. After a time the garter broke and he fell to the floor, so that his life was saved.; but the conflict had been greater than his reason could endure. He felt for himself a contempt not to be expressed or imagined; whenever he went into the street, it seemed as if every eye flashed upon him with indignation and scorn; he felt as if he had offended God so deeply that his guilt could never be forgiven, and his whole heart was filled with tumultuous pangs of despair. Madness was not far off, or rather madness was already come. After recovering, Cowper came to realize how God can erase the stain of any sin.

There is a fountain filled with blood
drawn from Emmanuel’s veins;
And sinners plunged beneath that flood
lose all their guilty stains.

The dying thief rejoiced to see
that fountain in his day;
And there have I, though vile as he,
washed all my sins away.

Dear dying Lamb, Thy precious blood
shall never lose its power
Till all the ransomed church of God
be saved, to sin no more.

E’er since, by faith, I saw the stream
Thy flowing wounds supply,
Redeeming love has been my theme,
and shall be till I die.

Click here to worship along with the Gaither homecoming singers:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IH7MH7n3j28

Click here for another arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=roArM2ldIZ0&feature=related

Click here to purchase Selah’s version of “There is a Fountain”


“Unfailing Love”

This song was written by Jonathon Stockstill of the Bethany World Prayer Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
www.myspace.com/jonathanstockstillofficial

Click here to listen to the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pio7U51a93Q

Click here to purchase “Unfailing Love”


"The Lord Reigns"

Here is Klaus' testimony in his own words:

There are moments in each person’s life that shape us and cause us to change our course. One such moment in my life happened in the spring of 2003 at an “Encounter” event in Mexico. I attended the conference to help with worship and ended up with an encounter that would change my life. The word I received that weekend from Lindell was that I had not been forgotten, the Lord had need of me in this hour, and that a fountain for the nations was about to open up.
Soon after, I received an invitation to be the Worship Leader at Christ For The Nations Institute in Dallas, Texas. From the fall of 2003 through the spring of 2005 I had the privilege of entering into the presence each morning with about 1000 students who were hungry to see God move in their life. That season also opened up the opportunity to produce two CFNI Worship projects,"Glorious" and "Overtaken".
I was born in Germany, but by the time I was ten, my family ended up in Canada after several years in Chicago and Michigan. At the age of five I began taking piano lessons and continued training in classical and jazz until I was about 18. I remember hearing Keith Green for the first time and being captivated by the sound of his heart. A lot of other influences weighed in to shape my musical mindset.
In 1984 I left Canada and moved to Dallas, Texas to attend Christ For The Nations, Institute. Soon after graduating, I married Julie, who is an amazing woman and my best friend. We have three children, Candace, 11, Aaron Judah, 2, and Olivia Grace, born June 20th of last year.
After a number of years in music ministry in Plano, Texas, we felt a season of change coming into our lives. In 1995 I left the church where I was leading Worship and began getting involved with real estate and remodeling homes. Through the years I have continued traveling and Leading Worship while building custom homes in McKinney, Texas.
In the spring of 2005 I left Christ For The Nations and started Pure Worship Ministries. We are producing Worship that I believe, touches the heart of God and ministers to His people. The best is yet to come.

Click here to learn more about Klaus Kuehn:
www.klausmusic.com

Click here to listen online:
www.imeem.com/atst/music/c1gewWR1/klaus_kuehn_the_lord_reigns/

Click here to worship along with Klaus:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaWrJtY4fYY&feature=related

Click here to purchase “The Lord Reigns”


"You're Worthy of My Praise"

This song was written by David Ruis. David is a well-respected worship leader, songwriter and speaker. Together with his wife Anita, he is also known as a church planter and pastor having established churches in Canada and the US within the Association of Vineyard Churches. David has also been instrumental in seeing Christian communities developed in Nepal and India within the Vineyard movement. Much of his focus tends to be in indigenous settings working amongst the poor, as well as facilitating leadership development and the fostering of originality in song writing and the arts in various cultural settings.
David has several worship songs published that are standards in Church worship, most notably "You're Worthy of My Praise" and "Every Move I Make". He recently released his latest CD, “When Justice Shines” through ION Records (ionworship.org). David has also authored two books with Regal Publishing - "The Worship God Is Seeking" and more recently "The Justice God Is Seeking".
At this point David is giving significant focus to music and the creative aspects of his calling, which involve music production, writing, and composition. David continues to travel internationally both speaking and leading worship. A burning passion for the Ruis family is the discovery of the practical and theological integration of creative worship expression within community that is engaged in a lifestyle that interfaces with the issues of poverty and social injustice.
David, his wife Anita and their four children currently reside in the Los Angeles area.

Click here to listen to David share about how the song came about:
www.theheartofworship.org/stories/Story-164-YouAreWorthyofMyPraise-Ruis.mp3

Click here to worship along with the Vineyard worship team:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEcWkt7rxrg

Click here to worship along with Jeremy:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJ33YN3lZWw

"Your Name"

This song is by Paul Baloche. Paul is a native of Camden, New Jersey, and is currently the worship pastor at Community Christian Fellowship in Lindale, Texas.

You can learn more about Paul on his myspace, and can listen to the song on his myspace standalone player:
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=70931079

You can read more about Pauls’ ministry on his ministry website.
www.leadworship.com/

Click here to worship along with Paul:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5i2pELpqBg