Book Review: A Better Way to Think

There is always a battle happening inside us. There is a battle field in our mind. Our behavior and actions are being filtered by our thoughts; and sometimes our mind is being clouded by negative thoughts which produce bad results. H. Norman Wright’s book “A Better Way to Think” is a very good resource to change that negativity in our thoughts to positivity.

As the book tells, research indicates that as much as 75 percent of everything we think is negative. Based on my personal experiences; I know it is a fact. Most of the things that I did in the past which made me feel so regretful are products of my negative and counterproductive thoughts. There are times I’ll just hear in my mind: “You can’t do it”, “You’ll always be a failure”, and I know I am not alone. Wright says these things are the voices of the enemy—deceitful lies that distort our thinking; and he says, we could control it!

“A Better Way to Think” is not just a simple guide. Each topic found on its pages will give you an opportunity to a better way of thinking. Most of the things Wright addressed on this book are the common issues people are dealing with. Imagination, Self-talk, Beliefs, Emotions, even Marital issues are here, to name a few.

What I love most about this book is, it was written by a Christian author; and so, all of the principles and insights found in it are biblically-based. Aside from this, the book also has a ‘reflect and remember’ portion after each chapter which gives the reader a chance to reflect and assess oneself.

This book really helps, but still at the end of the day, the greatest peace of mind can only be found in Jesus, the Prince of Peace. A regular consultation by prayer and meditation of His word is the best and proven method to a better way of thinking.

Get your copy today, available at CLC Philippines Stores nationwide.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8 NIV

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Album Review: 10,000 Reasons: Kids Worship

Worship Together recently released a new album for Kids called “10,000 Reasons: Kids Worship”. Named after Matt Redman’s hit, this compilation album boasts 15 tracks that will surely attract kids and Sunday school teachers.

There are three things that I like about “10,000 Reasons: Kids Worship”: it is full of honesty and innocence; energetic; and it has a very good track listing. Firstly, the honesty and innocence that is present in the album is simply stunning. This is what I like most about the album. I could feel the heart of each and every kid vocals as they sing. Their heart beats for honest worship. There is nothing sweeter than to hear children singing their worships to Jesus—crying their heart out. As a Sunday school teacher, I love seeing our church’s kids getting deeper in their relationship with their Saviour, and that’s one of the essences of Sunday Schools, to guide children to walk the path where they should go. The album is just that, it is spiritually edifying.

 

Secondly, 10,000 Reasons Kids Worship is so full of energy and enthusiasm. That’s a very good thing and I must say a juncture in worship albums for Kids. We do not want to see kids to look so bored while they listen to worship songs. Energetic melodies will surely awake them and will bring them to the dance floor.

Lastly, this album’s great track listing gives children an access to current Christian music hits. Songs such as ‘Blessed Be Your Name’, ‘How Great is Our God’, ‘Indescribable’, ‘Here I am To Worship’, ‘Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)’, and the title track ‘10,000 Reasons’ have been today’s church favorites; and yes they are on this album.

‘10,000 Reasons: Kids Worship’ is a very good resource to the church, specifically to Sundays schools, and also to every home where there are children. I am certain of this that kids of different ages will enjoy to sing and dance for Jesus like never before. With its well-chosen track list, exciting energy, and moving honesty, I believe it will be a hit. Do your kids a favour, grab a copy now! I strongly recommend!

Disclosure: A review copy of 10,000 Reasons: Kids Worship was provided for review by House of Praise, from whom you may purchase the album.

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Album Review: Hillsong Worship's No Other Name

If there is one church in Australia that is so influential to the church worldwide, that would be Hillsong Church. Founded in the 80’s, this mega church is so famous because of its music. I could remember on their 1997 live album “All Things Are Possible”, Pastor Brian Houston stated his vision for Hillsong Church: “The church that I see is a church of influence… a church so large that the city and nation cannot ignore it…” Now, after 17 years, see the fruit of their labor and the fulfilment of that vision.

Annually, Hillsong releases a live album. Through the years since 1992, they have resourced the church with their fresh worship songs. After the matriarch Darlene Zschech left the church in 2011, a new leadership under the senior pastor’s son Joel Houston was birthed. Now, as Hillsong enters a new season of pioneering, they rebrand from Hillsong Live to Hillsong Worship; and under this is their new album offering called “No Other Name”, their 23rd live worship project.

"No Other Name" is new in the sense that Hillsong Live has never done a production like of this one before. If you are a fan of their music, you will be surprised by this factor. Theologically, the album points us back to the One whom worship is all about—Jesus. As if it says: “it is, was, and will always be about Him.” It focuses on His life, works and atonement. If you are getting what I am saying, people nowadays are so consumed by beautiful lights and astounding sounds, and most probably they’re missing the point what is worship all about. Because of this, I commend the results of their pioneering and equipping sessions. The songs that they have produced are spiritually edifying. As we talk about the depth of the songs, I am moved by their efforts on putting The Apostle’s Creed to song with "This I Believe". Being the album opener, it sets the aim in focus. Congregations would certainly love to sing this declaration of faith. Joel Houston and Jonas Myrin’s re-make of the John Newton classic ‘Amazing Grace’ by the title "Broken Vessels" is my favourite cut off the album. The intimate worship atmosphere that is being stirred as Taya Smith sings is stunning. The musical simplicity blends perfectly to the mood and message of the song.

Musically speaking, "No Other Name" is exquisitely produced. Surprisingly, the whole album is slow in tempo. This is one thing that separates it from their preceding albums; another, it is less on synths; an element that is common on current worship projects. The simple yet melodic guitar parts on each song are very good. It just shows that it doesn’t always need to be overblown and blasting.  Let’s say for example, the title track "No Other Name", it has a good musical balance; that thing gives beauty to the song and brings out the melodic richness.

Before the album ends, it reaches its culmination with "Our Father". Obviously, it is The Lord’s Prayer-inspired. It is one of the moments in the album that you don’t want to miss. The message of the song shifts from a prayer to a song of praise. I love the idea of the song, the way it flows. 

Overall, the worship on "No Other Name" is simply powerful and musically exquisite. When good musical production and theologically-rich lyrical content meet, good worship songs are being born. Far from what we are expecting, Hillsong has given us a new sound of their “worship,” one that is more on an intimate setting. Their labors on “pioneering again” and creative nights have produced good fruits and a plentiful harvest of quality worship songs. Tracks such as: This I Believe, No Other Name, Broken Vessels, Depths, and Our Father will surely encourage and move the listeners.

“None of this matters if it’s just for creativity alone. Always keep the main thing… Jesus.”

-Cass Langton

Global Creative Pastor, Hillsong Church

Rating: 5/5

Disclosure: A review copy of No Other Name was provided for review by House of Praise, from whom you may purchase the album.

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Integrity Music Releases Before Amen: A Worship Collection Oct. 7

 NEWS SOURCE: Hoganson Media September 9, 2014

 

Releasing internationally Oct. 7 through Integrity Music is Before Amen: A Worship Collection (album page), the musical companion to the book from New York Times bestselling author and pastor Max Lucado, Before Amen: The Power of a Simple Prayer (Thomas Nelson, October 2014). Written for everyone who wants to pray more, better and stronger, with more fire, faith and fervency, the album offers songs that that were chosen to complement the book, providing a musical backdrop for prayer and personal devotion. 

The 13-track recording features inspirational, spoken word messages from Max Lucado and songs recorded by All Sons & Daughters, Michael W. Smith, Kari Jobe, John Mark McMillan, Brian Doerksen, Kathryn Scott and Soul Survivor, as well as brand new songs from worship leaders Paul and Rita Baloche, Planetshakers and Darlene Zschech.

Zschech's song for the project, "My Highest Hope," is a powerful declaration and reminder of the hope everyone has in Jesus. Written by Zschech as she recovers from cancer, the chorus rings out:

Pray to the Risen One

My highest Hope

I trust You with my life

Lord over every fear

Your love is holding me

 

"Prayer is essential to every Christian's walk with God," says Zschech. "You simply cannot have a relationship without communication and, as Max explains in Before Amen, that's what prayer is… our simple, honest conversation with our Heavenly Father. I'm excited for the message behind the book Before Amen and honored to share a song for the Before Amen album."

Paul and Rita Baloche's new song, "Father You Are Good," sung by Rita, features lyrics from Jesus' most famous prayer that resonates on the lips of worshippers around the world:

Our Father in Heaven hallowed be Thy name

Thy kingdom come Thy will be done

In Heaven and Earth the same

Hallowed be Thy name Hallowed be Thy name

 

Before Amen: A Worship Collection also features Michael W. Smith's "Lord Have Mercy," McMillan's "How He Loves," All Sons & Daughters' "All The Poor And Powerless" and Kari Jobe's "Healer," as well as the new song "Abba Father" from Planetshakers.

The complete track listing for Before Amen: A Worship Collection follows:
Spoken Word Prelude:
1. MAX LUCADO
Devotional:
2. WHAT A FRIEND (Kathryn Scott)
Father Daddy:
3. ABBA FATHER (Planetshakers)
4. HOW HE LOVES (John Mark McMillan)
You Are Good:
5. YOUR FAITHFULNESS (Brian Doerksen)
I Need Help:
6. MY HOPE (Paul Baloche and Kathryn Scott)
Heal Me:
7. HEALER (Kari Jobe)
Forgive Me:
8. LORD HAVE MERCY (Michael W. Smith)
They Need Help:
9. ALL THE POOR AND POWERLESS (All Sons & Daughters)
Thank You:
10. 10,000 REASONS (Soul Survivor)
In Jesus Name:
11. MY HIGHEST HOPE (Darlene Zschech)
The Prayer:
12. FATHER YOU ARE GOOD (Rita Baloche)
Spoken Word Postlude:
13. MAX LUCADO

About Before Amen: The Power of a Simple Prayer: Lucado cites in his new book that every week, more people will pray than will exercise, go to work, or have sex. But when it comes to praying, many don't know where to begin.

Lucado believes that a vibrant prayer life does not mean your prayers are better or more eloquent than others. Quite the opposite. Lucado says humility combined with confidence provides a God-given prayer strength. Writes Lucado: "Since you matter to God, your prayers matter in heaven. You're never without hope because you are never without prayer."

Lucado sprinkles Before Amen with powerful stories of powerful prayers. He also writes about some of his own doubts about prayer, sharing how to overcome disappointment from unanswered prayers and be confident that God hears. Before Amen will allow readers to calm the chaos of life by embracing a prayer life that brings peace and rest.

About Max Lucado:
Max Lucado is the leading inspirational author in United States. His writings have been shaped into bestselling books, videos, devotionals, songs, greeting cards, booklets, Bible studies, commentaries, and theatrically released movies. More than 120 million Lucado products have been printed in 54 languages, including 92 million books to date. Lucado's books have appeared on national bestseller lists such as The New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly and ECPA. Lucado has been featured on countless national media outlets including The TODAY Show, Good Morning America, Huckabee, and Fox & Friends. Max and his wife of more than 30 years, Denalyn, call San Antonio, Texas, home. Max has served the people of Oak Hills Church for 25 years. (www.maxlucado.com)

About Thomas Nelson:
Thomas Nelson publishers is a world leading provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational product for more than 200 years. As part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing Inc., the publishing group provides multiple formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, cookbooks, curriculum and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson, is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information visit www.thomasnelson.com.

About Integrity Music:
Integrity Music is part of the David C Cook family, a nonprofit global resource provider serving the Church with life-transforming materials. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Integrity is committed to taking songs of substance to the local church and its leaders around the world. Additional information can be found at www.integritymusic.com.

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Tommy Walker Live In Manila 2014 “Living In The Wonder”

“LIVING IN THE WONDER”
TOMMY WALKER
LIVE IN MANILA 2014
SPECIAL GUESTS:
gloryfall, Victory Worship, Gospel Collective and Musikatha
 
With special participation of IGNITE GOSPEL MUSIC FESTIVAL SEASON 2 GRAND WINNER!

“ ALL THE NATIONS YOU HAVE MADE WILL COME AND WORSHIP BEFORE YOU LORD: THEY WILL BRING GLORY TO YOUR NAME”
-ISAIAH 86:9
 
11 NOVEMBER 2014   TUESDAY   7:00PM
MALL OF ASIA ARENA
 
FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE TYPHOON YOLANDA SURVIVORS
 
FOR GROUP/BULK SALES
Php 100,000.00 and above worth of ticket purchase Five Percent (5%) discount
Php 200,000.00 and above worth of ticket purchase Ten Percent (10%) discount
Php 300,000,00 and above worth of ticket purchase Fifteen Percent (15%) discount
 
Tommy Walker is a worship leader, singer/songwriter, educator and founder of Break Through Christian Academy in Manila, Philippines. He has served as a worship leader at Christian Assembly Church in Los Angeles, California for the past 25 years.
 
Tommy has written over 200 songs that are currently tracked by C.C.L.I. and are sung in churches around the world. His most popular songs include, He Knows My Name, That's Why We Praise Him, Only A God Like You, Mourning Into Dancing, I Have A Hope and We Will Remember.  He has recorded worship music albums and singles for, Maranatha! Music, Integrity Music. Brentwood and is a writer  with LifeWay Songs.
 
Tommy Walker songs have been recorded by such artists as - Israel Houghton, Paul Baloche, Ron Kenolly, Don Moen, Chrystal Lewis and Alvin Slaughter. He has had the privilege of leading worship with such Christian leaders as: Franklin Graham, Rick Warren, Jack Hayford, Bill Hybels, Luis Palau and Greg Laurie. He has held worship concerts and mercy ministry outreaches in more than 20 nations.
 
Tommy received an honorary doctorate of Divinity from Life Pacific Collage in 2013 and an honorary doctorate in music arts from Shepherd University where he is a professor of Worship Music in the Cornel School of contemporary Music. He and his wife Robin live in the Los Angeles area and have four children, Jake, Levi, Emmie and Eileen.
 
To be found faithful to His God, his family and the local church will always be his greatest achievements!
 
Please call our SM CUSTOMER CARE hotline 4702222 for group sales arrangements

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Album Review: Integrity's iWorship Now/Next 2014

One of the things that set apart the church today from its early years is Music. For nearly a thousand years, no one was permitted to sing in church. There was a decree made in 364 A.D. by the council of Laodicea that no lay person could musically intone a syllable in church. Until the time of a Czech Reformer by the name of Jan Hus who publicly challenged the directive. As a punishment, he was burnt alive at the stake. Today, the freedom of singing is very well practiced by the church. Not only can we sing, but we have such a plenitude of worship songs of different styles with various musicalities. There are so much songs and albums to choose from. We can worship while singing our choice of music. Just like in the time of King David, he used music as one of his expressions of worship to our God.

Indeed, we have come a long way. The church and its history are knitted into God’s amazing tapestry. As colourful as the church history is, is its music. As diverse as the Christian music is, so does this years’ Integrity’s iWorship Now/Next. Comprising 15 top worship songs from Darlene Zschech, Planetshakers, Paul Baloche, Martin Smith among others, this compilation is a fabric of various thread.

Unlike the 2013’s iWorship Now/Next which was a double CD-release (a disc for “Now”, another for “Next”), this year’s has a single disc. The fact that this is a compilation album of different artists, it has varied styles. If you are looking for a powerful worship song with big guitar hooks, Planetshakers’ The Anthem fits for you. Originally found on their ‘Limitless’ album, this track has no verse until it was re-written in 2012 by Joth Hunt. Congregations love to sing the truths found on its lyrics. Its verse is Isaiah 53:5-put to song. This ultimate worship song is perfect to be paired with Darlene Zschech’s power praise, In Jesus Name. Recorded live with thousands of believers on her Revealing Jesus album, this has been one of today’s church’s favorites. Originally a ten-minute track, it is truncated to over five minutes. Those who are spiritually weary will surely be strengthened by God’s promises on its lines. Full of power and conviction, it literally shakes the heavens and the earth.

Simple treats await you as you reach Paul Baloche’s My Hope, Cory Asbury’s Ascribe, All Sons and Daughter’s Great Are You Lord, and Ryan Williams’ Come Like The Dawn. Each of these songs affords you a great time of worship with their simple musicality and straight-forward messages; ideal for quiet time devotions. On the other side of this are the praise party songs with Planetshakers’ Limitless, Worship Central’s Let It Be Known, and Martin Smith’s God’s Great Dance Floor. These tracks have two things in common. First, all are synths and electronic-effects-based, needless to say, sound effects and synths are very common on current worship songs. Second, these three are all album title tracks.

The City Harmonic is one the artists in Integrity Music Family which has a gift in writing in-depth songs. Last year, I had had a chance to write a review of their sophomore album “Heart”. I must say it is one of the best albums of 2014; songs are musically and lyrically brilliant. Their "Holy (Wedding Day)" from their debut album “I Have a Dream” is just that. It is simply moving and beautifully-written.

Whether you just want to hear the modern hits of worship songs on the radio or a worship leader looking for new songs without having a great expense, Integrity iWorship Now/Next 2014 is good for you. The great selection of songs and its variety in style give access to everyone in the church. Whatever your musical preference is, it is represented here. As the title goes, I know these worship songs of today (now), will stand the test of time and resource the church in the future (next). Strongly recommended!

Rating: 4.8/5

Disclosure: A review copy of Integrity's iWorship Now/Next 2014 was provided for review by House of Praise, from whom you may purchase the album.

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KKB Movement: The Youth Summit 2014

The registration for The Youth Summit 2014 is now on going! To register, coordinate with your Area You Coordinator (for JIL) or contact 0915 912 5295 (for non-JIL). You may also contact 0917 527 9814 for more details.

 

Register now for ‪#‎YouthSummit2014‬ and reserve the best seats for you and your friends! Fee is P800. Get ready to be ‪#‎FEARLESS‬ on December 18 and 19 at the Araneta Coliseum!

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