Planetshakers To Release Outback Worship Sessions May 12th

Recording features top Planetshakers songs re-imagined by Grammy-winning Ed Cash, all geared for corporate worship

Christian Music News, New Christian Music News The worship team from Planetshakers Church, one of Australia's fastest growing churches in history, is set to release Outback Worship Sessions globally through Integrity Music May 12, 2015. What started as a project to re-craft Planetshakers' most-loved worship anthems into a form accessible to worship teams representing the wider church body has since grown into a studio recording that is, as Aristotle might say, "greater than the sum of its parts."

Known for its cutting-edge, joy-infused sound that is full of energy and that has sparked the young and young at heart around the globe to celebrate in worship, Planetshakers' recent recording, This Is Our Time, immediately soared to the top of the overall charts in several countries during its first week at retail. The project, like the Planetshakers ministry, has transcended cultures, languages and geographic boundaries.

"Outback Worship Sessions is about taking our message further, sharing with as many as possible and empowering generations to win generations," says Planetshakers worship pastor Bj Pridham. "I think as a church, we have organically reached a younger audience. We want to be intentional to reach not just one generation, but all generations."

For the new album, Planetshakers tapped into the expertise of Grammy Award-winning, four-time Gospel Music Association Dove Award-winning "Producer of the Year," Ed Cash. Taking Outback Worship Sessions under his wing, and with church worship teams in mind, Cash gave a new, intimate 'voice' to Planetshakers' best-loved anthems. He not only brought out the best in the Planetshakers team, but also produced three brand new songs on the 11-track album.

Co-writing and producing the worldwide church anthem "How Great is Our God" with Chris Tomlin, and recently writing songs featured on albums by Jeremy Camp, Kari Jobe, Crowder, Laura Story, Hillsong and many more, Cash penned "My Soul Longs For Jesus" featured on Outback Worship Sessions. He further co-wrote "Spirit Of God" and "Father" for the album with Pridham, who is one of several featured vocalists from Planetshakers' worship team on the album.

"The moment I began co-writing with Bj over Skype, I knew that Heaven was going to fall heavy on this project," says Cash. "It became increasingly clear that the Planetshakers family has habitually drawn near to God, and in His matchless covenant fashion, He has drawn near to them! I pray the presence of the Lord will bless you as richly as you listen as He did me while working on it."

In addition to the new recording, lead singers featured on Outback Worship Sessions will literally fly into the heart of Australia's Outback to record the brand new videos "Like A Fire," "My Soul Longs for Jesus," "Nothing Is Impossible" and possibly more songs from the new project.

"Set in a small church in the Outback of Australia, the videos will be recorded with a band playing in a very organic, natural setup," explains Planetshakers Lead Singer and Music Director Joth Hunt. "There will be no flashing lights or big production elements, but we will be utilizing aerial cinematography interspersed throughout the video capturing the spectacular surroundings of the Australian Outback."

Each of these videos will be offered free as a resource to worship leaders following the May 12 release of the album. Integrity Music will also offer a companion digital Outback Worship Sessions songbook free of charge through WeAreWorship.com.

The full Outback Worship Sessions track listing follows:

1.    Like A Fire
2.    Spirit Of God
3.    Leave Me Astounded
4.    My Soul Longs For Jesus
5.    Endless Praise
6.    Nothing Is Impossible
7.    Covered
8.    Father
9.    Made For Worship
10. This Is The Day
11. This Is Our Time

Having led over 200,000 people at a single event in Asia and sharing new music from This Is Our Time and other favorite Planetshakers worship anthems around the world, Planetshakers will hit Cape Town, Pretoria and Durban on a 10-day tour of South Africa beginning April 24. They will also be the featured worship leader June 28-29 during several events at CBA's International Christian Retail Show 2015 (ICRS) that will also feature Lee Greenwood, Josh McDowell, Steve Green (Hobby Lobby) and others. Planetshakers will further be featured during the National Worship Leader Conference June 23-25 and headlining along with Casting Crowns and Jesus Culture "Florida's biggest Christian music festival," Rock The Universe, Sept. 12.

Source: Integrity Music

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How to Worship When You Don’t Feel Like It

I’ll stand with arms high and heart abandoned,” you sing along with the worship leader. You try to stir yourself up to worship, closing your eyes and maybe even lifting your hands, but to be honest, you’re just not feeling it.

For many of us, worship is one of the key elements in our relationship and response to God. The majority of our church services have times of corporate sung worship, our music collections are saturated with worship albums, and people often know Bible verses not from reading the Scripture but from singing the words. This is, of course, a good thing. Worship is from God, and it is right that we offer songs of praise to Him.
However, with worship playing such a big role in shaping our faith, what happens in those times when we don't feel like worshiping? What happens when you desperately try to engage with worship but nothing seems to happen? When there is no connection, no response, no affirmation that your worship is going somewhere?
Here are five small steps to help you reengage with worship and meet with God afresh.

1. Remember That Worship Isn't About How You Feel.

The Westminster Catechism puts it perfectly: "Man's chief aim is to glorify God." At the end of the day, worship isn't about how we feel. There is no doubt that worship does provoke an emotional response in us, and that is a good thing. We can find ourselves overwhelmed at the love of the Savior, comforted in times of need or reassured when the path seems dark.

At the end of the day, worship isn't about how we feel.

But these responses are not the purpose of worship. The reason we worship is to give God the glory and honor He deserves. We love because He first loved us, and we worship because He deserves the praise.
The minute we start to enter into worship with our own agendas and our own wish lists is the minute we begin to miss the point. We lift our voices to God in recognition of who He is. Often God blesses us by responding to us and meeting with us in that place—but that is never the primary reason. If you're struggling to engage in worship, remember why you are doing it.

2. Try Different Styles of Worship.

Worship has become a bit of a buzzword in the Church and has come to signify musical response—and that does form a big part of it. But worship doesn't only come with a guitar and stage lights.
If you are finding that you aren't engaging with your regular pattern of worship, try something different. Listen to some older songs or songs from a completely different genre. Try worshiping in a completely different way—through art, dance, writing or whatever you enjoy.
Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. David danced naked before the Lord—and while that's not necessarily the most appropriate model to follow, his reckless abandon to worship his God is a powerful challenge to us to lose our inhibitions and worship in whatever way we feel led.

3. Don't Be Afraid to Stand in it and Let it Surround You.

One of the most beautiful aspects of congregational worship is that it lifts many voices up in one song to one Savior. Communities gather together to proclaim the same truths about God and push into His presence together.
But there is no rule that says you have to be singing all the words to be worshiping. Sometimes, just resting and abiding in the moment is just as (if not more) powerful. Standing in the middle of a sea of voices praising God can be incredibly moving and poignant. Sometimes with worship, less is more—don't be afraid to take a step back to listen.

4. Find a Rhythm of Worship That Goes Through Your Week.

One of the big downsides of the way the modern church culture has developed is the way worship has become associated with Sundays only. Worship gets slotted in at the beginning and end of our services. We schedule it in for specific times.

Worship is something that should be weaved into everything we do in our lives. Each part of our day should be soaked in worship.

But worship is something that should be weaved into everything we do in our lives. Each part of our day should be soaked in worship. That doesn't mean we're spending our days singing, but that everything we do is done against a backdrop of wanting to glorify God.

Matt Redman, when asked recently in an edition of RELEVANT what he would say to people who don't feel the joy of worship, put it beautifully: "You can’t breathe out till you’ve breathed in." Breathe in God's love regularly. Pray. Spend time in His presence. Then breathe out through worship.

5. Do it Anyway.

Sometimes, nothing beats crying out in worship when you feel least like doing it. There's power in persistence and perseverance, and God recognizes when we are worshiping despite our desire not to.
God's love is the same no matter how we feel, and our response to Him doesn't depend on our emotional engagement. God is love, God is good—and those are permanent truths. Proclaiming those things can help us to worship when we don't feel like it, and bring us back to a place of thanksgiving and wonder at the vast love God has for us.


SOURCE

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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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Sidewalk Prophets: Merry Christmas to You {Album Review}

ALBUM TITLE: Merry Christmas to You

ALBUM ARTIST: Sidewalk Prophets

RATING: 4.9/5

Christmas is in the air! The most awaited season of the year has come! The happiest of days is finally here! As we enter the season with joy and excitement, Sidewalk Prophets greet us Merry Christmas to You, their latest Christmas worship album offering. Featuring 12 exciting songs, this album brings us back in time when Heaven was born into earth!

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid. And the angel said, fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people, for unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord—makes a very clever intro to the first song, What A Glorious Night. Its lyrical content is the perfect expression of the passages found in Luke 2:8-11; this song is so energetic, vocally and instrumentally brilliant. The hand-claps and bells at the background is so nice, a perfect song to open the album in great excitement& enthusiasm.White Christmas is sweet and jazzy, I love how the song started and France’s falsetto is beautifully done. Backing vocals is so clear& you can hear the bells that continue through the upbeat Give Me Christmas.You can picture out the joy brought by the season and the warm spirit of love. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ feeling and emotion is capturing; its musicianship is engaging. Piano-laced & lyrically amusing Hey Moon is so heartfelt, vocals are warm and expressive. Impressive is the shifting to a short verse of the anthem Silent Night.Its simple, honest and raw instrumentation is compelling; it creates an atmosphere of that silent night when Love came down.

Bells are here again to accompany the album title track Merry Christmas to You. It opens with acoustic guitar strums/hits; the song is jam-packed & well-accomplished. Bells are still here added with drumbeats in Holly Jolly Christmas, it resembles with other Christmas songs that has been the signature of its kind. The never fading atmosphere of the solemn What Child is This & Silent Night is very powerful and raw. Both have been Christmas favorites. The vocally distinctive & well-orchestrated The Spirit of Christmas has an awesome backing chorale to be commended, it sounds like a gospel song. My favorite track Hope Was Born That Night is a gorgeous song of praise and exaltation to our King. Everything in it is so perfect; the message of the song is simple & meaningful. It will leave you stunned with a grateful heart& feeling of excitement; while the lively Because It’s Christmas describes the Christmas atmosphere, I love how it ended with a Christmas tune. It reminds us to never forget the reason for the season—Jesus, our Savior. That is why He came to earth to bring peace, love, hope and salvation to all mankind; and those who will believe in Him will have an eternal life.

Closing thoughts:

This Christmas worship project has a very high level of musicianship, a no-ordinary album. People of all ages will surely love every song in this record. Everything in it is well made!
Rejoice in Christ the King! Merry Christmas to You!

ABOUT SIDEWALK PROPHETS

Their background may have made it look easy—after all, Sidewalk Prophets toured with Jeremy Camp and Audio Adrenaline on the strength of independent albums, then rode the popularity of their first Word Records release, These Simple Truths, to a Dove Award for Best New Artist and a nomination for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year. "The Words I Would Say" hit #3, "You Can Have Me" went Top 20, a Christmas single, "Hope Was Born This Night," hit the Top 10, and "You Love Me Anyway" went all the way to #1 on the Billboard Christian Singles chart. The band has toured with the Rock and Worship Roadshow with MercyMe and Francesca Battistelli, among others, and landed another Dove nomination for Group of the Year in 2011.

Follow them on social media sites:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sidewalkprophets‎

Twitter: @swprophets

Instagram: SidewalkProphets

For more info. log on to www.sidewalkprophets.com/

Disclosure: I received free review copy of the album in exchange of my honest review and opinion.

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The Normal Christian Life {Book Review}

BOOK TITLE: The Normal Christian Life

AUTHOR: Watchman Nee (Nee To-Sheng)

ISBN: 978-971-789-194-1267-2

THEME: Christian Living/ Spiritual Growth

PUBLISHER: CLC Publications

OVERALL RATING: 4.9/ 5

PAGES: 255

As a Christian Have you ever asked yourself,—“Am I living the normal Christian Life?” “Am I walking in the path that God wants me to walk in?”But wait, what really is the normal Christian Life? Maybe, you’ll say it is reading the bible, praying, going to church by Sundays… and that’s it, but there’s more than that.

Watchman Nee gives us the secret of a normal Christian life, and that is to put Christ in your life, make him your life, dying to self so Christ will be glorified.Compiled from the records and private notebooks of Nee (Nee To-Sheng) which are meticulously translated by Angus I. Kinnear, this book is a must have to any Christian who longs to live a Christ-centered life.

With 1 Million in print, there is no wonder that this book has reached that peak. Every pages of this book is clearly, well-written & well- inspired from the bible, particularly from the book of Romans and Ephesians. Nee reveals the essential steps in the personal faith and walk of the believer and emphasizes the cross, blood and resurrection of our Lord Jesus which contains fresh spiritual insights very good for our spiritual walk.

Get ready to experience breakthrough in your life as you read this book and as you long to live for the sake of Christ, let Christ be your life, live the normal Christian Life!

Get your copy now! I am telling you,you’ll love to read it over and over again!

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“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ livethin me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

-Galatians 2:20 KJV

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Watchman Nee (1903-1972) was a noted Chinese Bible teacher and Christian leader. He began his preaching ministry while still a university student. From 1923 to 1950 Nee founded 200 churches. Starting as small groups meeting in rented houses, these self-supporting congregations became strong spiritually and gew rapidly, continuing to develop their China’s Cultural Revolution. Nee was arrested in 1952 and found guilty of false charges; he was imprisoned until his death in 1972.

ABOUT THE CLC PUBLICATIONS

CLC Publications (formerly Christian Literature Crusade) is the English language publishing house for CLC Ministries International. Headquartered in Fort Washington, PA, CLC has published books for the Deeper Christian Life for over 50 years. Our focus has been to publish books by trusted authors with a clear and timeless message. Some of our better known authors from the past include Watchman Nee, Corrie ten Boom, Amy Carmichael, Andrew Murray and Roy Hession. Today we are also publishing books by well known authors like Warren Wiersbe and Michael Catt.

Many of our books are influenced by the message of the Keswick movement starting in 1875 in England and therefore some of our older authors have British origins or spoke on the Keswick stage at one time or another. While we do not limit our publishing to the theology of this movement, we are certainly excited to be able to convey the message of the Victorious Christian Life to a new generation.

As a part of CLC International, our books are sold and distributed in countries all over the world including but not limited to the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, India, the West Indies, and the Philippines. We are committed to being a significant part of fulfilling CLC’s international purpose of making evangelical Christian literature available to all nations so that people may come to faith and maturity in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Disclosure: A review copy of this book is provided for review by CLCPhilippines

for more info. visit: http://www.clcphilippines.com/

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What Worship Style Are You?

Today’s post is more of a poll than it is a teaching.
I want to know…what worship style are you?
Piano? Banjo? Organ? Guitar? Synth? Vocoder?
A few weeks ago I shared my criteria for selecting new songs as well as how I find new songs.
A friend of mine messaged me privately when I mentioned who the “staple” songwriters were that I look for.
You see, he leads worship with predominantly “Black Gospel” music. The most “crossover” artist he does is Israel Houghton. But he’s into songs from Judith Christie-McAllister, John P. Kee, William Murphy, Vashawn Mitchell, James Fortune, Charles Jenkins, Kurt Carr, Byron Cage, and Fred Hammond.
Me? These songwriters and artists aren’t even on my radar. But the question begs to be asked: should they be?

Is the Guitar Overtaking Worship Music?

What’s interesting is that this type of music doesn’t require the ever popular, guitar-oriented worship band with two singers. It’s driven by a couple keyboards, organ, 6-9 singers, and sometimes even a choir.
I know for me, this type of music doesn’t get included in my repertoire. I’m as white as white can be. But it got me thinking: why don’t I include this type of music on occasion? Am I missing a beautiful element of diversity in my services?
What worship style are you? Do you feel the style of your church isn’t given voice in our current, modern worship music?
And it seems that most churches are conforming to the guitar, tenor-vocal driven, modern, pop/rock worship sound.
As the body of Christ all over the world, our styles should be unique. The message of the Gospel never changes but as we incarnate that truth in different cultures it needs to take on new flavor.
So I want to hear from you, friends. What worship style are you?
What music do you select? Who are you listening to?
You can leave a comment

SOURCE

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Holy Ground Album {Review}

ALBUM TITLE: Holy Ground

ARTIST: Citipointe Live

BEST TRACKS: Holy Ground, The Ninety-Nine, Emmanuel, El Shaddai

OVERALL RATING: 4.50/5

Brisbane, Australia’s Citipointe LIVE just released its 8^th and latest live praise and worship album – Holy Ground. It has 12 tracks in a CD+DVD format, a great resource to any Christian specially to lead worshippers. It is already available in Australia and worldwide through iTunes and is set to release here in the Philippines on the 15^th of July 2013.

It was recorded live at Citipointe Church by their key lead worshippers-- Aaron & Becky Lucas, Joel Ramsey, Chardon Lewis, Beau Lamshed and the Citipointe worship team. The majority of the songs were written by Aaron Lucas, Joel Ramsey and Collin Moore.

The album title was taken from the passages in the book of Leviticus 20:26 (The Message): “Live holy lives before me because I, GOD, am Holy. I have distinguished you from the nations to be my very own.” While the album art depicts the burning bush when YHWH spoken to Moses.

THE ABSOLUTE, words & music by Aaron Lucas, this song declares the Lordship of Jesus Christ; the absolute truth of His Kingship and endless power. It was led by Aaron Lucas, and it started and ended with a shout “All glory to You” (taken from the end of the chorus). It has resemblance to the worship anthem “Break the Silence” (also from Citipointe). “You’re the absolute King of endless worth… Awesome God of truth…”

UNSHAKEABLE, words & music by Aaron Lucas, this song proclaims the unshakeable hope found in Jesus for He is Elohim—The All-Powerful One. This energetic song was also led by Aaron Lucas. Christ alone is the Unshakeable and the Solid Rock on whom we can put our trust—a song of Faith. “The waters crash around but my feet will remain on Christ the solid rock…”

HOLY GROUND, words & music by Aaron Lucas, the title track of the album. This song is short in composition but intimate, which makes it an ultimate worship anthem. Its chorus is very powerful and will surely stir up your spirit as you shout the holiness of God.  This song is easy to master and so congregational. As you sing this song, an atmosphere of worship will surely touch your heart as if you are Moses, back in the bible times—having an encounter with GOD in the burning bush. “I stand on holy ground, lifting a holy sound… Angels dancing all around…”

THE NINETY-NINE, words & music by Collin Moore, led by Becky Lucas, this song was taken from Matthew 18:12 (NIV), “What do you think if a man owns a hundred sheep, an one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one who wandered off?” It declares the love of God for humanity that he chose to leave the heavens above to save us—to find us who were lost. Our God is YHWH Rohi—the Lord our Shepherd. ”Merciful and Mighty, for love you left the ninety-nine.”

EMMANUEL—GOD WITH US, words & music by Chardon Lewis, led by Chardon Lewis, this song is an anthem of praise for our God who never leaves us. It is a broad declaration of faith—“whom shall I fear, for you are always near,” Chardon sang soulfully (as always) never forget Becky’s powerful second voice as the drum line beats. It’s my favorite track in the album, so powerful!

WE’VE COME ALIVE, words & music by Joel Ramsey/ Colin Moore; it proclaims the All-Sufficient GOD—YHWH El Shaddai. His faithfulness through the ages and His power to save is the message of the powerful chorus.

EL SHADDAI, words & music by Joel Ramsey, led by Becky Lucas, this song is another worship anthem for the God who saves, our only hope. Becky’s voice never fails us to give us very soulful and anointed songs that will surely push anyone to a moment of worship. “Jesus our hope El Shaddai there is no one like you!”

SURRENDER, words & music by Aaron Lucas, another song led by Becky. As the title conveys, this song is an anthem of surrender. Beautifully crafted, this song will surely put you at the foot of the cross to surrender everything.

HOLD ME NOW, words & music Beau Lamshed, it started with strums of guitar, this song coveys the Power of God who created us that resonates with Psalm 139:13 (NIV), “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” I love how the song ends, a shout of “I am Yours!”

HEAVENLY LIGHT, words & music by Joel Ramsey/ Aaron Lucas; a Father to the fatherless; Eyes to the blind; Hope where all hope is gone, your name is Jesus Christ—A declaration of our need of Jesus for He is the only one who can complete us. You will surely love the part when the choir/ congregation sings as the guitar strums.

GLORIOUS, words & music Aaron by Lucas, Joel Ramsey & Collin Moore; It shouts the glory of our God who has conquered the grave because of his love. This song has an excellent guitar line; you are free to dance as you listen to it, what an energetic song indeed!

UNFAILING FATHER, words & music by Joel Ramsey & Collin Moore, an awesome song to end the album. Very congregational, it exalts our Unfailing God—the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, who was and is and is to come (Revelations 1:8 NIV). This song is prayer of the heart, giving and surrendering all authorities and dominion to our God, “Your kingdom come, your will be done… my forever King, Heaven’s royalty…”

I don’t know how to express my joy to listen and worship with this phenomenal album. It is an absolute declaration of worship to our Living, Powerful, All-Sufficient, Never Failing and Ever-Loving God. Every song in this album is beautifully written, spirit-breathed and so anointing! As soon as it reaches the music stands/ record bars in you place, I encourage you to get your own copy! It is very great resource indeed. Shalom! Emmanuel—God with us forevermore! J

Disclosure: A review copy of this album was provided by Citipointe LIVE. Special thanks to Ps. Mark & Leigh Ramsey and to Ms. Vanessa Johnson.

ABOUT CITIPOINTE LIVE:

Citipointe Live is worship team birthed from citpointe church Brisbane and Have a great passion for the local church. Devoted their church vision 'to unmistakably influence our world for good and for God', Citipointe Live travel internationally bringing changing worship and trainging to churches and conferences world wide

For more info., visit: http://citipointelive.com/

ABOUT CITIPOINTE CHURCH:

Citipointe Church (formerly Christian Outreach Centre Mansfield) is a Pentecostal Christian church founded in 1974. It is the founding church of the Christian Outreach Centremovement. The founding campus is located in the Brisbane suburb of Mansfield, in Australia. The church's senior pastors are Mark and Leigh Ramsey, who have held the position since September 2000.

For more info., visit: http://citipointechurch.com/

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Revealing Jesus 365 Day Devotional Book

Multiple Award Winning singer, songwriter, world-renowned worship leader, author and speaker -- Darlene Zschech released her latest book Revealing Jesus. It has a companion worship album in CD/DVD format by the same name. I encourage you to get your own copy of this 365 Day Devotional book, it would make an awesome gift for yourself, friend or for your relatives.

When I got my copy from my very generous aunt, I was surprised by its very rare and elegant hardback that is literally glimmering; it will attract any person’s attention.

If you are longing for intimacy with God, and if you desire to plunge deeper in knowing of Him, this book will help you. Born out of Darlene’s own yearning that she poured onto the pages of journals and meditations, this book speaks of the finished work of Jesus Christ in the cross—how He tenderly cares for you and wants you to know Him.

Honest, raw and beautifully written, every pages of this devotional book will inspire you, empower you and will encourage you in your daily journey with Jesus. Each month is focused to a study of a particular character of Jesus:

January – Faithful

February – Solid Rock

March – Shield

April – Holy One

May – The Gate

June – Savior

July – Risen One

August – Redeemer

September – Breath of Life

October – Peace

November – Friend of Sinners

December –Messiah

Darlene Zschech urges us to come, sit at the feet of our lord, be strengthened in your weakness, embrace His love for you and breathe in His peace.

JESUS, BE REVEALED!

About The Author

Darlene Zschech is acclaimed worldwide as a singer, songwriter, worship leader, and speaker--most notably for her involvement in the music from Hillsong Church over many years. Although she has achieved numerous gold albums and her songs are sung in many nations, her success stands as a testimony to her life's passion to serve God and people with all her heart.

Mark and Darlene's life commitment to do whatever they can to bring answers and relief to human suffering prompted the birth of HOPE: Rwanda to bring hope and healing to that nation seemingly forgotten since the genocide of 1994. As this HOPE has spread into Cambodia, Vanuatu, India, Uganda, and beyond, their work through HOPE: Global continues to gather momentum. They also actively work with Compassion International serving the world's poorest children. notably for her involvement in the music from Hillsong Church over many years. Although she has achieved numerous gold albums and her songs are sung in many nations, her success stands as a testimony to her life's passion to serve God and people with all her heart.

In 2011, Mark and Darlene became senior pastors of Hope Unlimited Church on the beautiful Central Coast of New South Wales, where they now live with their family. While they travel extensively and have the honor of ministering around the globe, Darlene says, "First and foremost I am a woman who simply and wholeheartedly loves Christ, and serves Him through loving my family, serving the church, and speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves."

Thanks to my aunt Emily Bustos for giving me a free copy. :)

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LWP#1: Justine Paolo Gadiano Parcasio

Last week, I contacted a friend of mine, whom long ago I found because of the social networking site Facebook, isn't that great and awesome?

I selected him as the pilot/ first lead worshipper whose profile is to be featured here in my worship blog. Thank GOD, he responded so quickly!

His profile goes like this...

Name: Justine Paolo Gadiano Parcasio

Current City/Location: Baguio City, Philippines

Church: Grace Communion International - Baguio City/La Trinidad Church

Denomination: Grace Communion International

Years leading worship: 2 years

Active members: 60-70 members

Favorite Worship song: Our God by Chris Tomlin

Instrument(s) you play: Guitar

Favorite Worship song: Our God by Chris Tomlin

Instrument(s) you play: Guitar

Last two books read:“Hearing and Understanding the Voice of God” Compiled by Frank A, DeCenso Jr.

and “The Shack Revisited” by C. Baxter Kruger PH.D.

Q1: How would you describe the set up of your church?

-Our local church usually use the “ Blended Style” of worship where the songs are a combination of hymns and contemporary songs representing the different generations of the church family.

Q2: Please share your journey to becoming a lead worshipper.

-My journey as a worship leader started when I was a child, when my parents bring me to church regularly (this is what Proverbs 22:6 is all about). Since childhood, my parents encouraged me to render a “special music” at church with my sister or even with my whole family. And as I grew up, I came to know the Lord Jesus Christ on April 21, 2004 through my aunt Auey at the age of 9 and on December 26 on the same year, I got baptized. From then on, I started attending praise and worship concerts of Darlene Zschech live in Manila last 2010, Hillsong United Aftermath Tour last 2011 and other local Christian concerts. In our church, I started joining the worship team as a back-up singer until our senior pastor asked and encouraged me to lead worship. My first time to lead worship was during the Pastoral Team’s Conference on May, 2011, which was held at Teacher’s Camp, Baguio City. The second time was last year, June 10, 2012 during our church’s 36^th Anniversary which was held in a resort on top of the mountain. Since then, I was continually assigned as a worship leader at least once a month. I am so excited for the things God has prepared for my future as a worship leader/lead worshipper.

Q3: I know you have a unique working relationship with your pastor, why is this important for pastors and lead worshipper to cultivate?

-It is very important for a worship leader to cultivate a good relationship because the pastor serves as the father and shepherd of the church. It is always right to consult and seek spiritual wisdom from the pastor every now and then about your worship line-ups like the songs and scriptures. 

Q4: What type of tech tools are you using in your church?

-Laptop, LCD projector, instruments and sound system.

Q5: What are some of your favorite worship resources?

-Our church’s hymnal (WCG/GCI Hymnal).

-GCI Manila’s Worship Lyrics Compilation (for power point slides, song chords and lyrics)

-Various Christian CDs and DVDs.

- www.gci.org

                                                         - www.trinitarianworship.blogspot.com

                                                         - www.worshiptogether.com

                                                         - www.darlenezschech.com

                                                         - www.youtube.com (for song searches)

                                                         - www.ibethel.tv

Q6: What is the biggest lesson you have learned in leading worship?

-The biggest lesson I’ve learned in leading worship is that for me not to focus on myself as a worship leader but to focus and depend on the ultimate and perfect worship leader who is the Lord Jesus Christ. When your focus is on the Lord Jesus Christ, all the worries, hindrances and imperfections will disappear and worship will be a genuine expression of our love for God.

Sample Praise and Worship set

CALL TO WORSHIP: Psalm 127

-We Praise Thee O God, Our Redeemer (Hymnal)

-Kay Buti Buti Mo Panginoon

-Give Us Clean Hands (Chris Tomlin)

-Great Thy Faithfulness

                MESSAGE/SERMON

                COMMUNION

                OFFERTORY SONG: (Special Music)

                                -Ang Dakilang Katapatan

                CONGRAGATIONAL PRAYER

                CLOSING SONGS:

                                -For You Alone (Don Harris)

                                -You are good (Israel Houghton)

                BENEDICTION

My final words and advices to aspiring and new lead worshippers

---For aspiring and new lead worshippers, it is very important to set a time solely devoted for you and God. This is the time where you seek God through prayer, reading His word and even singing the songs you have chosen for your worship set/line-up as a your personal worship. It is also important to have time for you as a worship team to practice at least once a week. In our church, our worship team meets regularly every Wednesday, the time used to practice the songs and take time to pray for each other. When you do this regularly, you allow the Holy Spirit to train, teach, equip, correct and soak you with His presence personally and the group as a worship team in your worship leading journey. . . amazing journey!!!

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Lead Worshipper Profiles

Starting this week, I will start a "program" in this blog..

and it is the...

YES!, the LEAD WORSHIPPER PROFILES, you read it right from the title :)

Every month I will post different profiles of different lead worshipper to post it here in my blog. Its main purpose is to know them and to get different advices and insights from them for us to learn from.

So, are you ready? GET READY! :)

If you know a lead worshipper who is willing to share to us his/her profile, kindly contact me in my e-mail: marcdanielrivera@gmail.com

Many Thanks & Blessings!

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