I’ve posted this week’s new music at Reformed Praise again since it’s an old text set to new music. Head here to hear this Horatius Bonar hymn with a new melody and to download a free rough recording and lead sheet.
Leave a Comment November 9, 2010
Head on over to my post at Reformed Praise to hear my updated melody to this text by William W. How.
Leave a Comment November 2, 2010
I don’t know of many texts that express the kind of longing that this one does. The author, Henry F. Lyte, was a man familiar with pain. His father left his mom and younger brother after he sent him off to school. Soon after, his mom and younger brother died. He developed tuberculosis after spending most of his life in poor health. He died at the age of 51.
When reading these lyrics, you can tell he was a man who desired to be somewhere better than this world. He reminds himself over and over that he has a rich inheritance in Christ that he can carry with him throughout his embattled life.
Jesus, I my cross have taken all to leave and follow thee / Destitute, despised, forsaken, thou from hence my all shalt be / Perish every fond ambition, all I’ve sought or hoped or known / Yet how rich is my condition, God and heav’n are still my own
Man may trouble and distress me – twill but drive me to thy breast / Life with trials hard may press me – heav’n will bring me sweeter rest / O, tis not in grief to harm me, while thy love is left to me / O, t’were not in joy to charm me were that joy unmixed with thee
Hasten on from grace to glory, armed by faith and winged by prayer / Heav’n's eternal days before me, God’s own hand shall guide me there / Soon shall close my earthly mission / Swift shall pass my pilgrim days / Hope shall change to glad fruition / Faith to sight, and prayer to praise
This is the free streaming version. To download the fully-produced version that was just released on Reformed Praise’s “Merciful to Me” album, and to download the chart and lead sheet, visit the songs page.
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Leave a Comment October 5, 2010
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At Grace Community Church, our pastor Scott Patty finished an exposition of the book of Ephesians in May of this year. As we approached Easter, we came to this text in Ephesians 5:14 – “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Since this part of the text is set apart like a song lyric, Scott (somewhat light-heartedly, but wanting to get a point across) said we should find a song or write a little song for ourselves with these words so that we would remember to wake up to God’s grace and respond by allowing Him to lead us to good works. He re-visited this verse for his Easter sermon, so with a choir and a full team ready to go, I figured it would be a good idea to put the verse to music.
So, here it is as it was recorded Easter Sunday morning. The verses are taken from Romans 6 and the rest of Ephesians 5. Be sure to listen until at least the second chorus, where all the amazing players at my church get going!
We are all sinners / saved by God’s grace / we have died in Christ’s death / and in Christ we are raised / How can we live in the sin we despise / when our old self was crucified?
Awake, O sleeper / arise from the dead / and Christ will shine on you.
(repeat)
For death could not hold Him / He conquered the curse / its power was broken / and our fate was reversed / No longer slaves / we are free, but must fight / take hold of the gift of new life.
The mp3, chart, and lead sheet are available here.
1 Comment September 14, 2010
This week, I pull out one of my earliest-written congregational songs. I wrote “Adopted” when I was working for Smarte Carte at the Atlanta Hartsfield Airport during the winter break of ’96 (I was a junior at Belmont University at the time). As I was pulling carts around from place to place, the rhythm of my feet got my mind rolling on a tune and some lyrics, and I just kept singing it all day long so I wouldn’t forget it. I introduced it when I led worship for Centrifuge in Panama City during the summer of ’97, and the producers of the Centrifuge CD that came out the following year included it on an album they released the following summer (produced by my good buddy, Dave Hunt). A few months before that, a worship leader named Daniel Hoover decided to record it on his album, making it my first actual “cut.” Then, during the summer of 1998, a friend of mine traveled with Mercy Me and introduced the song to them. They played it all summer and put it on their “Traces of Rain, Vol. II” album, which, if you hit that link, you’ll see you can only get used for $60 a pop! Makes me want to sell mine! This was obviously before they were heard nationwide with “I Can Only Imagine.”
So, I’m thankful that God took this song all over the place. I played it for the first time in years to make this video, and I still really like it. It’s based on Galatians 4:3-7 where Paul is describing the process by which we were taken from being slaves of the principles of the world to being sons and heirs of God.
Hallelujah! God has spoken, and I know this changes everything / “Hallelujah! Praise Him only,” sing the slaves adopted by the King / Glory be to my Father who reigns, for I met Him and cannot be the same / When in bondage to Jesus I came, He took my place and He changed my name / Hallelujah (women echo) / God has spoken (women echo) / Hallelujah (women echo) / Chains are broken
You can find the chart and lead sheet here.
Copyright 2003 Universal Music Publishing Group / Cumberland Belle Music (ASCAP).
5 Comments August 31, 2010
One of my favorite chapters of the Bible for many years has been Psalm 139. It’s a very intimate song – but not in the way you would think or the way we would naturally write a worship song today. Rather than emphasizing how intimate we want to be with God or what we will do to worship Him and be close to Him, it speaks of how intimately God knows us. “You Are There” focuses on Psalm 139:7-12.
I wrote this in my office at church with Mathew Linton, a friend of mine and one of the most innovative melody writers I know. To listen to more of his stuff (along with Laurianne Cates, the other half of the duo “Boot Hill & the Paramount Ship”), click here.
If I go to the heavens, / or make my bed in the depths, / if I rise on the dawn’s wings, / or make my home on the ocean shore, / You are there, You are there, / You are there. / Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, / Living God, You are there.
If I say, “The dark will hide me / and the light be like the night,” / even darkness will shine like daylight, / for the dark is like light to You. (chorus)
I can pray because You bought me, / and your Spirit dwells within, / and on that mountain, You made a promise / that no matter where I am, (chorus)
Copyright 2009 I Believe So Music / Manicotti Music (ASCAP).
You can find the chart and lead sheet here.
2 Comments August 10, 2010
The universal principle of cause and effect is no different in our spiritual lives than it is anywhere else. In the realm of our souls, God’s work is the cause of the effects of life, growth, and change.
James Tealy and I set out to write a song that reflects this reality in the corporate life of the church. The word “arise” is taken from Isaiah 60:1 – “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.” God continues to speak in this chapter through Isaiah to the people of Israel saying that His glory will be revealed, and it will change everything. God’s glory was revealed in Christ, and His work gives us hope for the glorious picture that we see in verse 19 and on: ”The LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of mourning shall be ended.” The hope of God’s glory in the end gives us cause to arise. This is the song that we pray will remind the church of these truths.
Because of His matchless love / because of His healing touch / His glory displayed in His perfect ways / we will arise / because of His Son, the Christ / because of His sacrifice / because He’s erased our guilt with His grace / we will arise / Chorus: So arise all you children of God / lift your eyes and humble your hearts / He alone is deserving, worthy of praise / so arise, O saints, arise / Because of that promised day / when we finally see His face / and bow at His throne, because of that hope / we will arise (chorus)
Written by James Tealy and Jeff Bourque. Copyright 2008 Universal Music Publishing/Cumberland Belle Music/Manicotti Music (ASCAP).
Get the chart and lead sheet here.
1 Comment August 3, 2010
Isaac Watts penned the words to “Jesus Shall Reign” in 1719. I just paused for a moment and realized that these lyrics have been around before the USA was the USA. To still be singing them is both a privilege (that they’ve been preserved) and an encouragement (that this man walked humbly with God 300 years ago, and our church is being built up today because he meditated on Psalm 72).
I decided to write a new melody for it a few years ago, and it has been a joyful addition to many of our corporate worship services since.
To see my post, read the lyrics, and download a free mp3, chart and lead sheet, go to this page at reformedpraise.org. Reformed Praise is a site that I came across 6 or 7 years ago. David Ward developed this site as a place for music and worship leaders to find new melodies to songs with great lyrical content from ages past. We share a vision for these kinds of hymns, so I’m thankful that David has welcomed me to call Reformed Praise my home for the re-worked hymns that I compose. All of his content is free, and you can find many great, theologically rich songs to use there.
Be looking for a post here soon about the new CD that Reformed Praise is now in the process of making.
Leave a Comment July 27, 2010
This is one of those songs that quickly reminds me of my rightful place before our holy God – on my knees, begging for mercy. I think it’s one of my favorites because when I sing it, I feel that mournfulness over wrong choices, and the cry of David’s heart for forgiveness so many centuries ago resonates with me. What a sad, passionate, broken song he wrote in Psalm 51.
James Tealy invited me to come write one afternoon with some brothers (spiritually, and literally – they were siblings) who were spending some time in Nashville. We finished another song they were working on before I got there, and then started and finished this one. I’m thankful we did.
From my mother’s womb I was a sinner / Against You alone I have done evil / Surely you desire truth and wisdom / But I turned away, I hid my face / Purge me and I will be clean / Wash me and I will be whiter than snow
(Chorus) Have mercy on me, oh God / According to Your love / According Your faithful love / Have mercy on me, oh God / Wash my transgressions / Cleanse me from all my sin
I am so ashamed my rebellion / Don’t cast me away, away from Your presence / Restore to me the joy of Your salvation / Open my mouth and I’ll sing your praises / Here is my offering to You / I bring the song of a broken heart (chorus)
Find the chart and lead sheet here.
Written by Jeff Bourque, Jarod Espy, Jonathan Espy, James Tealy. Copyright 2007 Manicotti Music/Universal Music Publishing/Cumberland Belle Music (ASCAP). All rights reserved.
2 Comments July 19, 2010
This song is inspired by a friend of mine and his family who are walking through the dark valley of cancer (read their story at teamemmett.com). Suffering is an inevitable part of the human experience, and its mystery lies in its ability to give us a greater understanding of ourselves, of one another, and of our need for God’s mercy. I’ve never walked where my friend has, and my experience with pain thus far in my life pales in comparison. But I pray that this song will give words to anyone that is going through such a time. And may God’s mercy and healing be with you if that’s where you are.
If it looks like I’m looking just off the camera, I am – I still needed the words for this one.
When thunder is rumbling and black clouds blanket the sun / When the storm winds are blowing and pain like a hurricane comes. / When all that I cling to is shaking, and the ground where I’m standing gives way / I will fall, fall to my knees / And You will hold on to me / Help me hold on to You. / You hold the thunder, Your hands give shape to the clouds / I know You are Sovereign, and You know I need You right now.
You can find the chart, lead sheet, and a better recording here.
Written by Jeff Bourque and James Tealy. Copyright 2010 Manicotti Music / Centricity Music Publishing (ASCAP). All rights reserved.
4 Comments July 13, 2010
“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and how inscrutable His ways! ‘For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been His counselor? Or who has given a gift to Him, that he might be repaid?’ For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever, amen.” Romans 11:33-36 ESV
This song is a no holds barred quotation of this burst of praise from Paul at the end of the 11th chapter of Romans (excepting the word “inscrutable” – we just couldn’t make that one happen). Paul has just finished writing some of the most argument-provoking words in all of scripture about the destiny of Israel, so it’s no wonder that he wraps it up with these thoughts about the mysteries of God.
This is probably the quickest song James Tealy and I have written together. After toiling over a verse and a chorus of another song for 2+ hours, we had 30 minutes or so left to write. James moved over to the piano, I turned to these verses, and before we left, God had given us this song to remember Paul’s words.
My apologies for the missed New Music Tuesdays! It has definitely been a busy June. I just got back from Russia last week where Ben and I were leading worship for some people over there who are serving overseas. I recruited him to help me on this one during the trip. It comes to you “From Russia with Love.” Sorry. Couldn’t resist.
Everything
Unsearchable, His wisdom / Untraceable, His ways / Who could know the mind of the Lord most high? / Who could ever give Him counsel? / Everything is from Him / Everything is through Him / Everything is to Him / To Him be the glory in everything / (last chorus) Everything is from Him / Everything is through Him / Everything is to Him / To Him be the glory / To Him be the glory / Forever and ever / Forever and ever / Amen / Amen.
Grab the chart or the lead sheet here.
Copyright 2008 Manicotti Music / Cumberland Belle Music / Universal Music Publishing (ASCAP). All rights reserved.
1 Comment June 29, 2010
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, I wrote the tune to these lyrics. Seriously, 2003 sounds like forever ago, but the reason I am posting this song is that it’s one that never seems to lose its passion. Horatio Bonar, a Scottish minister, penned these words in 1866. They speak of the daily desire he had to glorify his heavenly Father in every detail of his life.
At Grace, we have used this song extensively as a congregational response after the Word has been preached. It’s words are a prayer for the daily practical application of the gospel – that God would grant “a life made up of praise in every part.”
Fill Thou My Life
Fill Thou my life, O Lord, my God, in every part with praise / That my whole being may proclaim Thy being and Thy ways / Not for the lip of praise alone, nor e’en the praising heart / I ask but for a life made up of praise in every part / Praise in the common things of life, its goings out and in / Praise in each duty and each deed, however small and mean / Fill every part of me with praise, let all my being speak / Of Thee and of Thy love, O Lord, poor though I be, and weak / So shalt Thou Lord, from me, e’en me, receive the glory due / And so shall I begin on earth the song forever new / So shall no part of day or night from sacredness be free / But all my life, in every step, be fellowship with Thee.
Get the chart and lead sheet here.
Leave a Comment May 31, 2010
For this Tuesday, I go back to August of 2008 when my pastor, Scott Patty was taking our church through a study of Exodus. As we worked our way through chapter three and Moses’ meeting with God at the burning bush, I remember pondering the weightiness of God’s holiness. I sat down one day in the office and wrote out many of the words and the melody of this song. Then I called Wendy Wills, a fellow songwriter at Grace, and asked her to listen and suggest any changes. Her suggestions were golden, and the song was finished (except for one later word change) that day.
It has been focused on more of late, but the seriousness of the holiness of God is something that is easy to brush aside in favor of God’s love and grace for us. The fact is that His love and grace cannot be meaningful until we realize how much sin offends a holy God and how much wrath it justly deserves from Him. When I sing this song, I am grateful for the first three words of the chorus: “You have done…” It is finished. His wrath is satisfied, the law is fulfilled in Christ, and I am free.
Your Grace Astounds Me
In the still of this sanctuary / Lord, Your light is more than I can bear / I must come in the way You require / Holy and pure / I am humbled, for I am just mortal / And there’s nothing in me that is good / Yet You cover me with Your perfection / With Your own blood / Chorus: You have done all that Your law demands / With Your outstretched arms / You have stayed Your own hand / So I stand safe on this holy ground / God, Your grace astounds me / God, Your grace astounds me / I am blessed with the greatest of privilege / Justified in the presence of God / If I strived all my days to attain it / I could not (chorus)
Copyright 2008 Manicotti Music / Schparkenmusik. All rights reserved.
Get the chart and lead sheet on the songs page.
5 Comments May 25, 2010
After having a very informative conversation with Bill Seaver of Micro Explosion Media, I have decided that I don’t blog enough. You say, “Really? No posts since February, and you got that from a conversation with someone else?” Yes. And he’s a pro, so he got through.
And so, with much excitement, I am launching the first of what will be New Music Tuesdays (I know it’s Wednesday, but I had trouble embedding video correctly yesterday with my limited web experience. Shout out to my programmer Adam Darnell for the fix!). This video is from the comfort of my garage. My little Lucy is 16-months old, and waking her up is not wise. So I went as far away from her room as possible – it’s not fancy, but it’ll do.
This week’s new music is “One True God,” written with James Tealy (it’s not exactly new, but it’s probably new to most). It has been used in many contexts where the truth that there is one God that is above all other gods is not well known. Overseas, missionaries have embraced its message, but so have those on this side of the pond who deal with relativism and the “all roads lead to the same God” mindset. Ephesians 4 is just one passage out of many that remind us that there is “one God and Father of all, who is over all and in all and through all.”
The chart and lead sheet are coming soon to the songs page. Be sure to check back weekly for New Music Tuesdays!
One True God
You’re the God of the falling fire / You’re the God of the coming rain / You’re the God of the gentle whisper / Surely You are / Surely You are / The one true God / Strong yet beautiful, just yet merciful / Proving Yourself to be / The one true God / Never changing but still mysterious / The infinite, yet intimate God / You’re the God of the humble manger / You’re the God of the healing word / You’re the God of the blood and water / Surely You are / Surely You are / (chorus)
Words and Music by James Tealy and Jeff Bourque. Copyright 2005 Universal Music Publishing/Cumberland Belle Music (ASCAP) and Manicotti Music (ASCAP).
5 Comments May 12, 2010
