"He Died for Us" (Jimmy Owens, with lyrics and chords)

HE DIED FOR US

Words: Jimmy Owens

Copyright 1971 by Lillenas Publishing Co.

Am                                E 

When we were sinners, Jesus came 

Am                    Bm

And took upon Himself our blame 

Dm                            E 

Willing to bear our sin and shame 

Am 

He died for us. 

Am                      E 

The Son of God became a man  

Am                                Bm

Fulfilling God's eternal plan; 

Dm                            E 

Conceived before the world began 

Am 

He died for us. 

Chorus

            F                    G                    Em                    Am 

There once stood a wall, deep and white, strong and tall 

                Dm            G7            CMaj7    C7 

There it stood built of all, our unholiness 

                F                G7 

But this man, by His blood 

Em                                        Am 

Broke the wall, loosed the flood 

                                            Dm        G7                E 

(Loosed the flood) of the Mercies of God to mankind.

Am                          E 

And now God offers to each one 

Am                                Bm

A priceless pardon for what we've done 

Dm                                E

Because of Jesus, His own Son; 

Am 

Who died for us. He died for us.

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Chords added by Conrade Yap

"A Burden For Souls" (with lyrics and chords)

There was a request for the lyrics and chords for this song. So, I am putting up a new page for that. The old page without chords is located here. It is played to the key of D.

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A BURDEN FOR SOULS

Words: Bill Butterworth

Album: Make It Clear

D     F#m         G     A7 

A burden for souls dear Lord, a burden to share 

D     F#m         G A7 

A love for the lost dear Lord, a genuine care 

G F#m             Em         A7 

A need to see this world as people dying each day 

G     F#m         Em             A7 

An urge to speak with them, to do more than just pray 

 

D     F#m         Em     A7 

A burden for souls dear Lord, a decision to make 

D F#m             Em A7 

A goal to follow Christ, whatever it takes 

G F#m             Em         A7 

A life of sharing the gospel with whomever I can 

G F#m             Em             A7 

A need to take my eyes off myself, to see God’s plan 

        B7 

To see God’s plan. 

 

E         G#m          F#m     B7 

A burden for souls dear Lord, this will always be my prayer 

E             G#m F#m             B7 

Make this burden real to me, that I may always care 

A     G#m A B7 

To share God’s love, to share God’s love 

A             B7 E 

To share God’s love, Amen. 

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conrade

Midweek Encouragement: "Hymns vs Choruses" (Barry Liesch)

Many of us have heard this time and again. Should we sing more hymns or contemporary music? Take time to read the excerpt from Barry Liesch's "The New Worship," which gives an interesting take on worship below.

---

Dianne Bowker, a scholar who is interested in how worship, theology, and the arts interface, cautions against falling into the trap of musical chauvinism, and her concern intersects with the spirit of these verses. "Musical chauvinism," she maintains, "consists of thinking of one's preferred style more highly than what we ought to. (See Rom 12:3).

Since I've spent so much time talking about hymns in this chapter, you may think I'm saying that hymns are better. Not really. I'm arguing for diversity, musically and textually. Hymns do some things better, and choruses do some things better, as the chart below suggests.

(Barry Liesch, The New Worship, Baker Books, 2001, p29)

Calvary - Harvest

This is one of my favourite songs many years ago. It's from the Harvest group.

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CALVARY


 



Calvary, that's the place where Jesus bled and died.
And it's there that sin has lost its power,
At Calvary.
Calvary, there my Jesus won the victory.
There He gave Himself for you and me.
On Calvary.

Brother, give no thought 

For what tomorrow, it may bring. 

Your Father, He knows your heart, 

He knows your every need. 

Just seek Him in His truth, 

and rest upon His Word. 

Share His love to everyone. 

Let's all just praise the Lord. 

Let the stars fall from the skies, 

Let the sun refuse to shine. 

In darkness I know there will be

A light for all mankind.

It doesn't matter who you are, 

Or whatever things you've done. 

 'Cause Jesus, He still loves you, 

and calls for you to come, 

To Calvary . . . 

That's the place where Jesus bled and died. 

And it's there that sin has lost it's power, 

At Calvary. 

Calvary, that's the place where Jesus bled and died. 

And it's there that sin has lost it's power, 

At Calvary. 

Calvary, there my Jesus won the victory. 

There He gave Himself for you and me. 

On Calvary. Calvary. Calvary.

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uu__ttXRts&index=7&list=PLAA683E5FF624A60D

BookPastor >> "Every Valley" (Jessica Miller Kelley)

A Blessed Christmas to all my readers!

This review was first published at Panorama of a Book Saint on Dec 28th, 2014.

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TITLE: Every Valley: Advent with the Scriptures of Handel's Messiah
AUTHOR/EDITOR: Jessica Miller Kelley

PUBLISHER: Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2014, (160 pages).

The world famous Handel’s Messiah is not simply a musical concert to be enjoyed. It contains a lot of biblical prophecy, theological truth, historical richness, and pastoral depth. Focusing on the Advent theme, the Messiah is about anticipating the coming of Christ. The musical setting and the various “tonal paintings” come together to offer us an engaging experience with fascinating insights into the two comings of Christ. Forty reflections helm the whole book. Comprising of meditations from various contributors found in Feasting on the Word, edited by David L. Bartlett and Barbara Brown Taylor’s and published by the same publisher, readers will be thrilled to know that the book is not simply for the Advent season of 40 days, but a window to the rest of the year, in celebration of the Incarnation of Christ. Jesus did not simply appear at Christmastide and disappear the rest of the year. Jesus is not simply the reason for one season, but the reason for ALL seasons. The reflections are divided into three parts.

• Part One – Christ’s Birth and Its Foretelling (16 meditations)
• Part Two – Christ’s Passion and Resurrection (16 meditations)
• Part Three – Christ’s Eternal Reign (8 meditations)

Not only does the book tell the entire story of the Incarnation, the Resurrection, and the Eschatological Anticipation of Jesus’ Second Coming, it enables the musical movements to accentuate key parts of Scripture. I really like the way the book challenges us to reflect and to respond on the significance of the Advent.

“Is our Advent devotion about entertainment or edification? Diversion or direction? Amusement or awareness?” (15)

Each chapter begins with a brief chorus, a passage from Scripture, and a brief devotional. I appreciated the various reflections on the very simple impressions that provide for us the contexts from which Christ had come. Like the significance of lowliness when the angel of the Lord appeared to mere shepherds, unpopular and people considered of lower esteem in society, who were just going about their daily business. There is also the counter-intuitive manner in which Christ would come; where the lame would leap, a people who walked in darkness would see light, and how Jesus would come and not just suffer for us, He suffered with us. Blended with the musical, the whole work would come across as a magnificent hymn of praise to God and a rendition of heartfelt gratitude for Jesus. 

This devotional is not about entertainment or a distraction from the worries and cares of this world. It is about questioning our present lifestyles and the presuppositions we hold in our daily lives. Not only does it illuminates us of the reality of Christ, it helps the Word penetrate into our souls to remind us of purification, our depth of belief in the promise of God, and the passion of Christ. We are forced to reckon with the differences between worldly expectations of a military might versus the humble anticipation of the Christ-child. Let us not kid ourselves. We all harbor dreams of a mighty king frequently according to our terms rather than God’s. This is perhaps one of the biggest barriers, if not the biggest in our spirituality of faith. Stripped to our bare essentials, we will realize that the One who redeems us is One who comes in the Spirit’s power. Period. 

Rating: 4.5 stars of 5.

conrade

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This book is provided to me courtesy of Westminster John Knox Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

BookPastor >> "The Music Architect" (Constance M. Cherry)

This is one of my favourite books about the ministry of music and worship. The review was first published at Panorama of a Book Saint on Nov 3rd, 2016.

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TITLE: The Music Architect: Blueprints for Engaging Worshipers in Song
AUTHOR: Constance M. Cherry
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2016, (288 pages).

In churches around the world, music and song are common ways in which we honour God in worship and praise. Many people serve in this ministry but not many are trained. Musicians come with deep talents but the understanding of worship may not be as deep. This is where this book comes in. The dual objectives are to:

1. Learn about thoughtful and holistic worship
2. Disciple worshipers in song.

This book is Volume 3 of the "The Worship Architect" series of book designed to help churches and worship leaders plan their worship flow and program. The first volume is about planning. The second volume looks at principles of preparing specific worship segments and special events. This volume covers more specifically the area of music. In all of the three books, the aim is to maintain a consistent philosophy of worship; to unite worship and practice; and to provide a resource that is helpful across denominations. On top of these, there is a pastoral element infused into the teaching. The key thesis is "who we are" is a greater impact than "what we do." This is why the author starts with defining the meaning of a "Pastoral Musician" who is essentially one who embraces the Christian faith, growing in spiritual maturity, using one's spiritual gifts, participating in community, and accountable to God and others. Worship must be relevant to God while connecting to people. There is a biblical element that guides the understanding of worship. The historical perspective is not static but dynamic, which means we ought to let worship practices throughout all generations be rendered in a manner that is meaningful. In terms of spirituality, worship forms worshipers. Thus, the title of "pastoral musician" simply tells us that worship involves lots of music but is much than music. 

"A Common Destiny" (Justin Unger)

This beautiful song speaks of our common destiny of our faith.

A COMMON DESTINY

There’s a place for us we know

Where all pain and sorrows cease

A place where tears will never flow

A home that’s filled with joy and peace

[Chorus]

Soon we’ll see Jesus, and when He sees us

We will be like Him, and our eyes will finally see

We have God’s guarantee, for all eternity

To be with Christ, Is our common destiny

No troubled heart that we must face

For he said “Believe in me.”

A home beyond all time and space

We have a common destiny

[chorus]

Soon we’ll see Jesus, and when He sees us

We will be like Him, and our eyes will finally see

We have God’s guarantee, for all eternity

To be with Christ, Is our common destiny

We have a promise sure and true

Of a life that never ends

And when our time on earth is through

That’s when our life really begins

[chorus]

Soon we’ll see Jesus, and when He sees us

We will be like Him, and our eyes will finally see

We have God’s guarantee, for all eternity

To be with Christ, Is our common destiny 

To be with Christ, Is our common destiny 

Video

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"It's Christmas Time" - City on a Hill

This is one of the best Christmas songs released not too long ago. It brings together some of the most memorable carols combined with beautiful melodies. You can listen to it here, here, and here.




Lyrics In the city on the hill
Hear the bells chime
Peace on earth good will
Its Christmas time

Glad tidings we will bring
of Christ the new born king
And with the angels sing at Christmas time

Its Christmas time
Its Christmas time
Its Christmas time
Its Christmas time
Its Christmas time

In a town of Bethlehem
See the stars shine
Fall down and worship Him
It's Christmas time
Glad tidings we will bring
of Christ the new born king
And with the angels sing at Christmas time

Glo...ooo...ooo...ooo..ria
In exelcis Deo...
Glo...ho...ho...oo..ria

In the city on the hill
Hear the bells chime
(Peace on earth)
Peace on earth good will
(Its Christmas time)
Its Christmas time
Glad tidings we will bring
of Christ the new born king
And with the angels sing at Christmas time

Glad tidings we will bring
of Christ the new born king
And with the angels sing at Christmas time

Its Christmas time (10x)

In the city on the hill
Gloo..ooo..ooo...ooo...ria..
Its Christmas time

Beautiful Rendition of "All is Well"

This is my favourite Christmas song this year.



All is well all is well
Angels and men rejoice
For tonight darkness fell
Into the dawn of love's light
Sing A-le
Sing Alleluia
All is well all is well
Let there be peace on earth
Christ is come go and tell
That He is in the manger
Sing A-le
Sing Alleluia

All is well all is well
Lift up your voices and sing
Born is now Emmanuel
Born is our Lord and Savior
Sing Alleluia
Sing Alleluia
All is well

Words: Michael W. Smith

Five of My Favourite Songs from the 70s

Here are some of my favourite songs from the 70s.

1) Gilbert O'Sullivan: "Clair"



2) Bee Gees: "How Deep is Your Love"



3) James Taylor: "You've Got a Friend"


4) Roberta Flack: "Killing Me Softly"



5) Carpenters: "Yesterday Once More"



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Five of my Favourite Male-Band Songs

I thought I would put together a list of five of my top favourite songs by male-bands.


1) Savage Garden: "I Knew I Loved You."


2) Take That: "Back For Good"


3) One Direction: "Night Changes"


4) Backstreet Boys: "I Want It That Way"


5) Boyz II Men: "End of the Road"


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An Old Classic: "This Guy's In Love" (Herb Alpert)

This is an old classic. Still so pleasurable listening after all these years.




Other links here and here.

****

You see this guy, this guy's in love with you

Yes I'm in love who looks at you the way I do

When you smile I can tell we know each other very

Well

How can I show you I'm glad I got to know you 'cause

I've heard some talk they say you think I'm fine

This guy's in love and what I'd do to make you mine

Tell me now is it so don't let me be the last to

Know

My hands are shakin' don't let my heart keep

Breaking 'cause

I need your love, I want your love

Say you're in love, and you'll be my girl, if not

I'll just die

Tell me now is it so don't let me be the last to

Know

My hands are shakin' don't let my heart keep

Breaking 'cause

I need your love, I want your love

Say you're in love, and you'll be my girl, if not

I'll just die

c

Hymn: Sent Forth By God's Blessings (Ash Grove)

This is one of my favourite songs to end any Sunday service. (Video)
[Sing to the tune of Ash Grove]


Lyrics
Sent forth by God's blessing,
our true faith confessing,
The people of God from his dwelling take leave.
God's sacrifice ended,
O now be extended.
The fruits of this Mass in all hearts who believe.

The seed of his teaching our inner souls reaching,
Shall blossom in action for God and for all.
His grace incite us, his love shall unite us
To further God's kingdom and answer his call.

With praise and thanksgiving,
to God who is living,
The tasks of our ev'ryday life we embrace.
Our faith ever sharing,
in love ever caring,
We claim as our neighbour all those of each race.

One bread that has fed us,
one light that has led us
Unite us as one in his life that we share.
Then may all the living with praise and thanks giving
Give honour to Christ and his name that we bear.

c

Music for Meditation

This is one of my favourite classical melodies. Written by a French musician named Erik Satie (1866-1925) at the age of 22, the "Trois Gymnopedies" is a series of three piano pieces that have a slow, intentional, and melodious manner that aids reflection and careful thinking.

Here is a Youtube rendition.




Here is a shorter version.





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Midweek Meditation: A Musical Peace in Love's River (Audio)

TITLE: Love's River: Calming Music, Soothing Music, Background Music, Dinner Music, New Age Music, Spa Music, Yoga Music, Relaxing Piano Music, Meditation Music
ARTIST: Laura Sullivan

This is a beautiful album for meditation and reflection, especially after a long day's work or when needing to find space to take a break, to rest, and to let our minds linger on spiritual thoughts. Laura Sullivan is an artist that has won a music emmy back in 2013.

Beginning with "Secrets of the Deep," one finds waves of piano melodies allowing one to swim freely without limit. The next song, "Wishing on a Dandelion" sparkles with ripples of hope and happiness. With the piano leading the way, one can follow the bright melody with lightly spirits. Then comes "Awakening to Love" which slows the mood down. Like waking up in the morning, one slowly allows the sleepy soul to awake, and to welcome the beginning of the day, the start of fresh hope, and to embrace the day or the night that is to come. The song "Blessed" is a nice reminder of how thankful we ought to be, for the ability to exercise our human senses, and to give thanks. "Holding Heaven" is a music of hope that much good and joy will come in due time. In "Moonlight Passage," we travel once again through the moods of ups and downs of life. The melancholic and sometimes haunting melody not only slows us down from the fast-paced lifestyle of the modern world, it gives us room to pace ourselves to human speed rather than technological rush. In "Love's River," Sullivan combines two piano playing styles together that reminds me of two persons in love. Like a flowing river, two persons dance with each other to learn, to move, and to enjoy each other's passions together. The song "Calligraphy" is the longest piece in the entire album. Like a musical poem, it flows like a musical essay with stanzas and choruses.

The whole album deals with the journey metaphor of life. Like waters reflecting light, the music reflects what life is essentially about. We need to take stock of what we can do and cannot do. We must learn from our mistakes, and celebrate our victories. In between is where most of us live in. The period of waiting can be a hauntingly anxious time of nothingness. During such times, we need help to be patient and to wait. Learning to rest and relax is becoming very challenging in our world of results and high expectations. We need to learn to slow down so that we can catch a breath. This kind of music ushers us into a mood of meditation and thankfulness.

I warmly recommend this album for your reflection. Though it is considered as "New Age," I would prefer to call it, meditative music for the soul. Learn to distinguish between good music and bad music, rather than all other kinds of differentiation. This album is good music.

conrade

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This album was provided to be free by the producer in exchange for an honest review. 

Midweek Meditation: "By Faith" (Keith and Kristyn Getty)

This week, let us meditate pleasing God with faith. The song, "By Faith" is by this Irish singing group that has been making waves in evangelical circles with their songs that point attention back to God. The Gettys shared :

"In our own songwriting for the church, we often consider these questions:

Is there a musical vocabulary that might link generations and not separate them? What thoughts were important to believers in the church from generations past? Are the lyrics we sing expressing these overarching themes or dispelling both the challenge and relief that comes when considering the well-trodden path of faith? "

conrade

"Before the Morning" (Josh Wilson)

When we are down or distressed, we need a hand to guide us upward. We need hope to point us forward. We need to focus on the Risen One, who has promised us something far better than anything we can find on this earth: His Very Self.

This song is particularly encouraging as it does exactly that, to enable us to remember that darkness will never be forever. For the dark times we encounter, are but "before the morning." The dark night would never have the last say. It's the morning that will come forth. God's glory. Here the story behind the song here.

Before The Morning (Josh Wilson)

Do you wonder why you have to,
Feel the things that hurt you,
If there's a God who loves you,
Where is He now?

Maybe, there are things you can't see
And all those things are happening
To bring a better ending
Some day some how, you'll see, you'll see

Would you dare, would you dare, to believe,
That you still have a reason to sing,
'cause the pain that you've been feeling,
Can't compare to the joy that's coming

So hold on, you got to wait for the light
Press on, just fight the good fight
Because the pain you've been feeling, 
It's just the dark before the morning

My friend, you know how this all ends
And you know where you're going,
You just don't know how you get there
So just say a prayer.
And hold on, cause there's good for those who love God,
Life is not a snapshot, it might take a little time,
But you'll see the bigger picture

Would you dare, would you dare, to believe,
That you still got a reason to sing,
'cause the pain that you've been feeling,
Can't compare to the joy that's coming

So hold on, you got to wait for the light
Press on, you just fight the good fight
Because the pain you've been feeling, 
It's just the dark before the morning
Yeah, yeah,
Before the morning,
Yeah, yeah

Once you feel the weight of glory,
All your pain will fade to memory
Once you feel the weight of glory,
All your pain will fade to memory
Memory, memory, yeah

Would you dare, would you dare, to believe,
That you still got a reason to sing,
'cause the pain that you've been feeling,
Can't compare to the joy that's coming

Would you dare, would you dare, to believe,
That you still have a reason to sing,
'cause the pain that you've been feeling,
Can't compare to the joy that's coming

Com'n, you got to wait for the light
Press on, you just fight the good fight
Because the pain you've been feeling,
It's just the hurt before the healing

The pain you've been feeling,
Just the dark before the morning
Before the morning, yeah, yeah
Before the morning

conrade

Midweek Meditation: "Thanksgiving Song"

With Canadian Thanksgiving around the corner, it is an appropriate time to dedicate this week's "Midweek Meditation" with one of the most beautiful Thank You songs. Here it is:

LYRICS

Lord, I am thankful;
Thankful for the Name of Jesus; 
Thankful for the Blood that cleans us. 
Lord, I'm thankful for You, each day. 
Each day I am thankful; 
Thankful for the Spirit's leading;
Thankful that in You there's healing.
Lord, I'm thankful for You.

Lord, I am thankful;
Thankful for the Name of Jesus; 
Thankful for the Blood that cleans us. 
Lord, I'm thankful for You, each day. 
Each day I am thankful; 
Thankful for the Spirit's leading;
Thankful that in You there's healing.
Lord, I'm thankful for You.
CHORUS: 
Oh let my spirit soar in worship to Your Name. 
My life is not the same by the power of Your Blood. 
And every moment that I breathe, 
Your Spirit leads and meets my every need 
of walking in the Light of You.
Lord, I'm so thankful;
Thankful for the Name of Jesus; 
Thankful for the Blood that cleans us. 
Lord, I'm thankful for You, each day. 
Each day I am thankful; 
Thankful for the Spirit's leading;
Thankful that in You there's healing.
Lord, I'm thankful for You.

Lord, I'm so thankful
O Lord I'm thankful...
For all you are to me...

Lord I'm so thankful,
Very very thankful
For you are to me..

conrade

"The Mystery of Faith" - Worship Shapes Believing

When I first heard this song, I am moved by the spectrum of theological truths it manages to touch on. Newly released from the album, "The Mystery of Faith," this song centers on the life, the suffering, the death, the risen, and the Second Coming of Christ. There are themes of faith, communion, forgiveness of sins, redemption, Christology, Eschatology, the coming Kingdom, the hope and glory of Christ. Thanks to Glenn Packiam whose story of the song can be found here. Key to the motivation to writing this song is this: "The way we worship becomes the way we believe, which in turn becomes the way we live."

I like the way the writing of the song is based on the theological creeds, the Anglican Book of Common Prayer, the thoughtfulness of letting an attitude of worship to shape our faith. This is one example of a good worship song that is anchored on deep theological truths. Just for today, you can download the MP3 free here.

THE MYSTERY OF FAITH (Lyrics)

Your body was given
For all the broken of the world
Now by Your wounds we are made whole

Your blood was spilled for us
This is the hope of guilty souls
Now from Your hands forgiveness flows

Christ has died
Christ is risen
Christ will come again
This is the mystery
of faith that we proclaim

Your Spirit now fills us
With You, we've come from death to life
We are Your Body, one in Christ

We wait for Your coming
The Hope of Glory will descend
And bring a Kingdom without end 

We proclaim....

Christ has died
Christ is risen
Christ will come again
This is the mystery
of faith that we proclaim

Christ has died
Christ is risen
Christ will come again
This is the mystery
of faith that we proclaim

Let it rise.. Let it rise... with one voice we sing...

Alleluia, Alleluia
Thanks be to our God
Alleluia, Alleluia
Thanks be to our God.
Alleluia, Alleluia
Praise be to our God
Alleluia, Alleluia
Praise be to our God.

Christ has died
Christ is risen
Christ will come again
This is the mystery
of faith that we proclaim.

Glenn Packiam and Jennie Lee Riddle
© 2013 Integrity Worship Music/ASCAP & Integrity's Praise! Music/BMI (adm at EMICMGPublishing.com) CCLI # 6256764

The Youtube version is available here.

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conrade

Midweek Meditation: "Blessings"

Laura Story has a gift of putting into words, music, and song, the tough issues of life with the beautiful demonstration of faith. This song, "Blessings" is a reflection on prayer and faith. Take the time to reflect on the words, and pray.

"Blessings"

We pray for blessings, we pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
And all the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

'Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom, Your voice to hear
We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt your goodness, we doubt your love
As if every promise from Your word is not enough
And all the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

'Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not,
This is not our home
It's not our home

'Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near

What if my greatest disappointments or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy
What if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are your mercies in disguise

conrade