Raulle's Playlist

Audio Adrenaline - Get Down

2010-09-29T21:50:00.003+08:00

Lavishly our lives are wasted
Humbleness is left untasted
You can't live your life to please yourself, yeah
That's a tip from my mistakes
Exactly what it doesn't take
To win you've got to come in last place
To live your life you've got to lose it
And all the losers get a crown

CHORUS
I get down and He lifts me up
I get down and He lifts me up
I get down and He lifts me up
I get down
Every time I'm down the Lord lifts me up

All I need's another day
Where I can't seem to get away
From the many things that drag me down, yeah
I'm sure you've had a day like me
Where nothing seems to set you free
From the burdens you can't carry all alone
In your weakness He is stronger
In Your darkness He shines through
When you're crying He's your comfort
When all alone, He's carrying you

CHORUS

This valley is so deep
I can barely see the sun
I cry out for mercy, Lord
You lift me up again

Behind the Song:
“We wrote this in a van on our way to a camp, kind of a retreat and intense writing weekend at Hume Lake in California. We were just being all silly in the van and me, Mark and our friend Mike were talking about the Beastie Boys and came up with this stupid rap. Then we’re like ‘That’s kind of catchy.’ So we lost all that stupid kind of Beastie Boys stuff and kept the chorus and kept singing it and that song came out pretty quick. We actually wrote ‘Mighty Good Leader’ and ‘Get Down’ up at the Hume Lake, which are songs we still play to this day.” - Will McGinniss (Audio Adrenaline)

Audio Adrenaline may have been silly, but this song is so meaningful! I've seen the days when I was so weak, helpless, hopeless and how God works His way through and shine through me! Thank you, Lord for using me and teaching me to trust in You and knowing that You care and do not let me down.

The Museum - My Help Comes from The Lord

2010-08-18T18:54:00.004+08:00

When sorrows come and hope seems gone
You’re the Rock I rest upon
When waters rise and I can’t breathe
You’re the love that rescues me

Out of the darkness
I lift up my eyes
Unto the hills
I feel my faith rise

Chorus

Maker of heaven, giver of life
You are my strength, my song in the night
My refuge, my shelter
Now and forevermore
My help comes from the Lord

When I’m broken, scarred by sin
Death gives way to life again
When I suffer, when I’m bound
In You I’m free, in You I’m found

Out of the darkness
I lift up my eyes
Unto the hills
I feel my faith rise

Chorus

Maker of heaven, giver of life
You are my strength
You’re my refuge
Now and forevermore

Chorus

My help comes from the Lord
My help comes from the Lord

I love CCM because they are always uplifting and positive. Late July, right after my birthday, God gave me a big surprise! It was a promotion which also comes with bigger and heavier responsibility.

No one expected this incident to happen the way it did. Someone left the company with less than 10 days notice and 10 days are definitely not enough time to transfer all the responsibility and knowledge to another person. I am here in Asia and the person in Americas region. In fact, before I get the surprise another team of a few others were doing all the "ground work".

In desperation, the manager was looking for a person to take over as it is a high risk job. So with all that is happening, my name came up as they felt that I am able to do the job and I have some related knowledge that would help the transition.

As I get deeper into the role, I realize that the job will be total opposite of what I was previously doing. It is a bigger business, dealing with more people in a wider network. I know that I cannot do this alone without my colleagues help, and above all God's help. The new job is more demanding. Demands more of my time, more patience to learn and pick up bits and pieces of things that are all scatterred around.

It has been 3 weeks since I take on this new role. First week was the quarter close and I was sick. Somehow God preserved me and I was able to work night shift for 4 or 5 days, and to adjust back to normal routine. It was difficult, but we did it. I knew that if this promotion comes from God, He will guide me through it. He helped me to rely fully on Him and also helped me to have more faith and trust in Him. I know I can count on my Almighty God because He is living, He is real and He loves me.

Thank you, my Sweet Jesus for helping me go through this. I will do my best so that when men see this, they will acknowledge that You are the One who is to be glorified. Help me to work hard not for men, but for You!.

Brandon Heath - Wait and See

2010-07-24T16:12:00.003+08:00

I was born in Tennessee
Late July humidity
Doctor said I was lucky to be alive

I’ve been trouble since the day that I got here
Trouble till the day that I disappear
That’ll be the day that I finally get it right

There is hope for me yet
Because God won’t forget
All the plans he’s made for me
I have to wait and see
He’s not finished with me yet

I never really was that good in school
I talked too much, broke the rules
Teacher thought I was hopeless fool alright

I don’t know how but I made it through
It’s one of those things that you’ve gotta do
But I always had a knack for telling the truth

Chorus

Still wondering why I’m here
Still wrestling with my fear
But oh, He’s up to something
And the farther on I go
I’ve seen enough to know
That I’m, not here for nothing
He’s up to something

So now’s my time to be a man
Follow my heart as far as I can
No telling where I’m ending up tonight
I never slow down or so it seems
But singing my heart it’s one of my dreams
All I gotta do is hold on tight

Chorus

Behind the Song:
“Wait and See” is probably the most autobiographical song I’ve ever written. But I think that anybody can relate to this song, and be encouraged to know that God has a plan for us, even if we still feel like a failure at times. If we come to know Jesus as our Savior, He is going to change our hearts and lead us into a greater existence other than for ourselves. For me, the last verse of “Wait and See” is really what my journey is all about, “now’s my time to be a man, follow my heart as far as I can, no telling where I’m ending up tonight.” Most nights, I am in a hotel room and I barely know where I am, but I know that I’m doing what I am supposed to be doing. I just have to wait and see what God is going to do with the rest of the story. I’m encouraged by what He has done already, but I know that the story will continue to unfold and I’ll keep learning more about the purpose of my life.” - Brandon Heath

Making this the theme song for my birthday this year because God is definitely not finished with me yet! My birthday week is really eventful this time. Firstly we have the opportunity to open our house for lovely couple all the way from Switzerland. It's a great feeling to be able to share our home and country with them. Then in my career, God has given me an unexpected opportunity to be promoted. This is messy, but I am confident that I will be able to pull through it because God is the source of my strength and He helped me in the same exact position last year. I really need to give all the credit to God because I know I cannot do this alone without any divine intervention. My God is real! Jesus is real!

I'm sure that in the years to come that God is giving me, my life will be full of adventure with Him. The most precious gift that He has given me is this life that is surrounded with lovely people; my life partner, my family, my friends and my brothers and sisters in Christ!

He's not finished with me yet...He's not finished with me yet!

Josh Wilson - Before The Morning

2010-06-25T16:54:00.003+08:00

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?

Or maybe there are things you can't see
And all those things are happening
To bring a better ending
Someday, somehow 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
It can't compare to the joy that's coming

So hold on, you gotta wait for the light
Press on and just fight the good fight
'Cause the pain that 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'll get there
So say a prayer

And hold on
'Cause there's good for those who love God
But 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 have a reason to sing?
'Cause the pain that you've been feeling
It can't compare to the joy that's coming

So hold on, you gotta wait for the light
Press on and just fight the good fight
'Cause the pain that 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
It can't compare to the joy that's coming

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

Come on, you gotta wait for the light
Press on and just fight the good fight
'Cause the pain that you've been feeling
It's just the hurt before the healing

Oh, the pain that you've been feeling
It's just the dark before the morning
Yeah, yeah, before the morning
Yeah, yeah, before the morning

Sometimes it takes quite a few plays for me to hear what the song is about. The lines that had me double taking were " 'Cause the pain that you've been feeling can't compare to the joy that's coming".

No one likes to feel pain or hurt, including me. Some people I know have been going through pain and hurt for more than 10 years..maybe more than that too. Do you think that this song would give them any comfort? How long more do they have to go through the rough times before joy comes?

Why does God let us go through difficult roads? If we had life that's like a bed of roses, we may start to think that we don't need God and we can rely on ourselves.

But what if someone who loves God still go through tough times?

Can we trust God when He said that He will not let us be tested beyond our limit?

Josh wrote this song for his friend that went through a difficult time. His friend's baby was having a heart disease and doctors do not think that the baby will make it a few days after being born. How the parent's heart broke when the doctors said that. But the wife told the husband that if they trust God with their lives for the future, why not also start to trust God now.

Such joy it is, the baby is now about 8 years old!

This the the video or a little documentary of this song.

This song definitely helps to encourage people who are facing difficult times.

Dave Barnes - God Gave Me You

2010-05-20T18:10:00.003+08:00

I’ve been a walking heartache
I’ve made a mess of me
The person that I’ve been lately
Ain’t who I wanna be

But you stay here right beside me
Watch as the storm goes through
And I need you

God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
For when I think I’ve lost my way
There are no words here left to say, it’s true
God gave me you

There’s more here than what were seeing
A divine conspiracy
That you, an angel lovely
Could somehow fall for me
You’ll always be love’s great martyr
I'll be the flattered fool and I need you

God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
For when I think I’ve lost my way
There are no words here left to say, it’s true
God gave me you

On my own I’m only
Half of what I could be
I can’t do without you
We are stitched together
And what love has tethered
I pray we never undo

God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
For when I think I’ve lost my way
There are no words here left to say, it’s true
God gave me you, gave me you.
Gave me you.

Have you ever wake up to a nice song that's playing on the radio? I was napping on my desk with KTSY playing on my laptop and suddenly this song woke me up. Such a lovely song that demonstrates one's appreciation to the people that matters to us the most.

I thank God for my family, my husband and all my friends!

You can watch the video here.

Casting Crowns - Lifesong

2010-05-10T21:47:00.005+08:00

Empty hands held high
Such small sacrifice
If not joined with my life
I sing in vain tonight

May the words I say
And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing
Bring a smile to You

Let my lifesong sing to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
I want to sign Your name to the end of this day
Knowing that my heart was true
Let my lifesong sing to You

Lord I give my life
A living sacrifice
To reach a world in need
To be Your hands and feet

So may the words I say
And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing
Bring a smile to You

Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Let my lifesong sing to You

Behind the Song:
“Worship is so much more than the songs I sing. Instead, worship is in the heart that lifts the song. If you think about it, worship began when I woke up this morning. My life purpose is to give God glory through everything I do. If my life does not worship Him, my songs don’t either.” - Mark Hall (Casting Crowns)

I was chatting with a friend and she asked me which ministry am I serving in church. So I told her that I'm serving in the Sunday School. She asked how's the class and I mentioned that we have more teachers now and we take turns to teach. So in a year, I only have 4 to 6 (or maybe 8?) lessons per year.

Then she posed another question: "Is that enough? Have you ever consider taking up more ministries since you only have so few lessons in a year"? I don't know in what context she is asking, but from the tone of the question it intimidates me a little.

I was pondering over her "challenge" for quite some time. It bothers me a lot. Am I doing enough for God? Why didn't I think of getting involve in more ministries? Will people think that I am anti social? Or will they think that I do not have any talent? Or if I am selfish and do not want to use my time for church ministries?

Why do I care so much of what people think?

What does God want from me?

Thinking back, I taught in Sunday School for about 8 years already and it started out with only 2 teachers, only one class and I was one of them. Back then, I have to prepare for lessons almost every week, and considering that I don't have a lot of free time since I worked till very late every weekday.

And after 8 years, the church grew and we have 5 classes and my class alone now has 5 teachers. Obviously we have more time and teachers can also sit in for sermons more frequently. Before, I remember struggling attending church on Saturday so I can listen to the sermon and Sunday I can spend time with the children. And before the church has only one service, I do not get to listen to the sermon (although there is a recorded version available).

What will make God happy? I don't think that being involved in so many ministry is the only way to please God. I don't want to get burn out just doing the work and not being able to enjoy Him. I think "ministry" goes beyond doing the work only. Talking to people, being a listening ear, being a good company, smiling and appreciating someone is also a ministry.

Well, I am not discouraging anyone from taking up more ministries in church. God sees us with different set of eyes from man's eyes. Jesus knows what we do privately and He'll reward us when we please Him.

Just don't let others pull you down if they belittle your tangible contribution because in the end, it is God that we want to worship and please, not human and there is no point to show to everyone what we do because we do it for His glory and not ours.

Let my lifesong sing to You my God, not to anyone else.

The longest post so far, but I hope it can encourage those who faced this situation too.

4HIM - Fill The Earth

2010-04-22T13:40:00.008+08:00

As the ball of sunset fire
Falls into the sea
And the diamond lights start dancing
In the sky of ebony
All that I see before me
Screams out your glory

Chorus:
You fill the earth with beauty
And leave us so amazed
You fill the earth with power
That takes our breath away
Lord we are your people
And for all our days
We long to fill the earth
Fill the earth with Your praise

In the mighty wind and water
That pounds upon the shore
In the rivers when they’re raging
And the thunder when it roars
Creator, Sustainer
It could not be plainer

Chorus

Bridge:
World of wonder around us
How Your works astound us!

April 22nd is marked as Earth Day and here is a song that we can sing to celebrate! When God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was empty. Day by day He fill the earth with light, water, plants, living creatures and mankind. He saw all that He had made and it is all good (Genesis 1).

Many of my friends list travelling as their interest and many have also state that they need to go for a relaxing getaway. So they went and when they are back, they share beautiful photos of them in a nice island, sipping their drink, soaking the sun, looking at the beach, enjoying sunset, going to a zoo or safari, etc.

That made me realise that indeed, God has created this earth with so much for us to enjoy. But lately, there has been many natural disaster happening all around the world. We heard of so many earthquakes, tsunami, volcano eruption, global warming so on and so forth.

God has put mankind to look after His creation, but instead, we have abused it. It's sad, but this is what we have become and I really wonder, will we be able to save this earth? Are the efforts to save the earth from further destruction enough?

Everyone has complained that the weather is getting warmer and warmer. Not sure if it's the El Nino season but the sales of air conditioners have shot up double or triple fold. If more people are using air conditioners, will the temperature rise further?

I'm doing the best that I can to help to reduce the negative impact to planet earth. I bring my own shopping bags for groceries and other stuff I bought, I have a special cabinet to separate my recyclable waste, I have a compost bin for organic waste and I want to do more if I could.

Thank God for creating the earth and us for Him to enjoy, as well as for us to enjoy.

Happy Earth Day!

Chris Tomlin - Amazing Grace

2010-04-13T21:51:00.003+08:00

Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

Chorus:
My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, Amazing grace

The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures

Chorus(x2)

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God, Who called me here below
Will be forever mine
Will be forever mine
You are forever mine

This afternoon, my colleague asked me if I have "Amazing Grace" song that I can share with him and so I did. I told him that there are many singers who did their own version of this song and he asked who is the original singer. I really do not know who the original singer is, but I told him that John Newton wrote this hymn in 1779 but Newton is not a singer (I think).

There's a line "I once was lost, but now I'm found" in this song that I can relate an incident with. Two weeks ago, I lost my employee tag and did not report to the office admin because I did not want to pay the hefty fine of RM100 and I was confident that I can find it back.

I went back to the place where I had lunch before I think I lost it and also looked in my colleague's car which I sat on to go lunch that day. The result was negative and I kept on praying that a good samaritan will return it to the company. But today, I was looking for my car key in my office drawer and I saw something between the drawer and my table.

I pulled it out and I was so happy I have finally found my ID!! I told a few of my colleagues that I found it and I was smiling all the way home. I was so happy that I could buy everyone a drink or even a meal!

That could be just how God feels and how the angels celebrate when a person finally acknowledge that Jesus is the Lord of his or her life.

Now let me just make sure that my ID is kept properly in my bag..

Daily Anthem

2010-04-11T00:01:00.004+08:00

I'm listening to 89.5 KTSY, and the song "Today is the Day" by Lincoln Brewster is playing.

I like this song so much (I made it my Birthday song last year) and I wish that I can blast this song every morning when I'm getting ready for a new day. Thank God for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday!

Steven Curtis Chapman - I Will Be Here

2010-04-10T23:43:00.003+08:00

Tomorrow morning if you wake up,
And the sun does not appear,
I, I will be here.
If in the dark
We lose sight of love,
Hold my hand and have no fear,
'Cause I, I will be here.

I will be here
When you feel like being quiet,
When you need to speak your mind,
I will listen.
And I will be here
When the laughter turns to cryin',
Through the winning, losing and trying,
We'll be together, I will be here.

Tomorrow morning if you wake up
And the future is unclear,
I, I will be here.
As sure as seasons are made for change,
Our lifetimes are made for years.
So I, I will be here.

(chorus:)

I will be here,
And you can cry on my shoulder.
When the mirror tells us we're older,
I will hold you.
And I will be here
To watch you grow in beauty,
And tell you all the things,
You are to me.
I will be here.

I will be true,
To the promise I have made,
To you and to the One,
Who gave you to me.
I, I will be here

I would classify this song as an evergreen wedding or love song. It makes a really popular song for wedding presentation, wedding theme, etc. My cousin sang this for my wedding too, and the lyrics were printed on my wedding bulletin cover.

This song compliments our wedding vows. We will stick to each other through think and thin, in sickness and in health, poor or rich. We've committed to love each other till death do us part. Oh how beautiful each wedding is. God designed marriage, it's His idea and I think it's really great!

Here's to all the married couples. I'm 2 months late for Valentine's Day, but I celebrate love everyday with my beloved husband!

Aaron Shust - Give Me Words to Speak

2010-04-10T23:18:00.004+08:00

Calloused and bruised
Dazed and confused
My Spirit is left wanting something more
Than my selfish hopes and my selfish dreams
I’m lying with my face down to the floor
I’m crying out for more

Give me Words to speak
Don’t let my Spirit sleep
Cause I can’t think of anything worth saying
But I know that I owe You my life
So give me Words to speak
Don’t let my Spirit sleep

Every night, every day
I find that I have nothing left to say
So I stand here in silence awaiting Your guidance
I’m wanting only Your voice to be heard
Let them be Your Words

Give me Words to speak
Don’t let my Spirit sleep
Cause I can’t think of anything worth saying
But I know that I owe You my life
So give me Words to speak
Don’t let my Spirit sleep

I just don’t understand this life that I’ve been living
I just don’t understand (x2)
I just don’t understand these lies I’ve been believing
I just don’t understand (x2)

Behind the Song:
"One day back in 2002, I had writer’s block from trying too hard to write a song. Finding no words of inspiration, I “threw up my hands,” as it were, and asked God, Give me words to speak, ‘cause I can’t think of anything worth saying. I felt that somehow God might be responding, “Well, Aaron, write about that.” At the time I recorded my first album, Anything Worth Saying, I only had the chorus written, and I included it at the beginning as the song snippet “Give Me Words.” After that album was released, I sat down and wrote the verses to this song, not thinking they would ever end up being used as final song lyrics. The verses simply flowed from my thoughts to the paper, and that never happens for me—I typically take months of wrestling and crafting to write a song! Yet every time I tried to revisit these lyrics, I couldn’t divorce myself from the words that you now hear on this recording. As often happens with a song that sits around for a while, I didn’t want to use it on this album—I had moved on to “newer” songs. My record label and my producer wouldn’t let me off the hook, though, and insisted that I record it as a “possibility,” and it’s turned out to be one of my favorite songs on the record. " - Aaron Shust

This is one song that can easily engage my emotions when I hear it or sing to it. While the lyric is so simple and short, it's just amazing to know how this song was produced. God can turn nothing into something! Just like how Jesus turned water into wine. On the other hand, I also hope this song can help us to remember to look up to Jesus whenever we are lost or do not know what to do.

Brandon Heath - Love Never Fails

2010-02-05T14:18:00.004+08:00

Love is not proud
Love does not boast
Love after all
Matters the most

Love does not run
Love does not hide
Love does not keep
Locked inside

Love is the river that flows through
Love never fails you

Love will sustain
Love will provide
Love will not cease
At the end of time

Love will protect
Love always hopes
Love still believes
When you don’t

Love is the arms that are holding you
Love never fails you

When my heart won’t make a sound
When I can’t turn back around
When the sky is falling down
Nothing is greater than this
Greater than this

Love is right here
Love is alive
Love is the way
The truth the life

Love is the river than flows through
Love is the arms that are holding you
Love is the place you will fly to
Love never fails you

Behind the Song:
“Love Never Fails” is all about 1 Corinthians 13. I know that audiences have heard this verse many, many times. But the truth is, “love never fails” is probably the most powerful line in the Bible. That’s what we are supposed to do as far as following Jesus and loving the Lord with all of our heart, mind and strength, but also loving our neighbor. We have to know that real love won’t fail us. If anything, 1 Corinthians 13 tells us how to love well.” - Brandon Heath

This passage from 1 Cotinthians 13 is very familiar to us and is very popular scripture reading during wedding services too. I even have it printed all over my wedding photo album! We just want to always remind ourselves how great LOVE is.

Sometimes, love is something which is so difficult to do in this selfish world. But I think people have to experience it first then only they will understand. That means someone has got to give it first. And we love because He FIRST loved us!

This song by Brandon Heath sounds light and relaxing. Great as lullaby too!

Sidewalk Prophets - The Words I Would Say

2010-01-25T11:32:00.004+08:00

Three in the morning,
And I'm still awake,
So I picked up a pen and a page,
And I started writing,
Just what I'd say,
If we were face to face,
I'd tell you just what you mean to me,
I'd tell you these simple truths,

Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say,

Last time we spoke,
You said you were hurting,
And I felt your pain in my heart,
I want to tell you,
That I keep on praying,
Love will find you where you are,
I know cause I've already been there,
So please hear these simple truths,

Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say,

From one simple life to another,
I will say,
Come find peace in the Father,

Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
Thank God for each day,
His love will find a way,
These are the words I would say

Behind the Song:
"The Words I Would Say is a fairly autobiographical song. Many nights, God would lay a friend or family member on my heart, and I wouldn’t be able to rest without literally writing them a letter. All of the “simple truths” contained in the chorus have, at one time or another, entered into those letters. One of the great appeals of this song is the perspective. It could represent a father or mother writing to a child who has left, a fiancé writing his bride to be, a friend writing a friend. No matter where the listener is in life, this song will hopefully remind them of someone that needs to hear about how much they are loved by the writer of the letter and by God. “The Words I Would Say,” is our letter to inspire many more letters." - Sidewalk Prophets

Such an encouraging and inspiring song from Sidewalk Prophets. I watched them perform the acoustic version of this song and I can feel and see that they really mean the words they sing from the heart!

Share this song with someone who needs some encouragement! God bless =)

Matt Redman - You Never Let Go

2010-01-12T13:50:00.005+08:00

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won't turn back
I know you are near

And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?

(Chorus:)
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We'll live to know You here on the earth

(Chorus)

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You

It's interesting times living here. There have been some churches around the country that have been the victim of arson attacks.

But I think Christ's followers are not trembling in fear but we are singing and praising God even more because this could be the breakthrough that we have been praying for many many years.

As I listen to this song and read through the lyrics, I know that my faith in Jesus is strenghtened and I know for sure that He will not let go of us.

Thanks Matt Redman for this song, I feel that it is written for such a time as this!

Foreigner - I Want to Know What Love Is

2009-11-19T23:18:00.003+08:00

I gotta take a little time
A little time to think things over
I better read between the lines
In case I need it when I'm older

Now this mountain I must climb
Feels like a world upon my shoulders
I through the clouds I see love shine
It keeps me warm as life grows colder

In my life there's been heartache and pain
I don't know if I can face it again
Can't stop now, I've travelled so far
To change this lonely life

I wanna know what love is
I want you to show me
I wanna feel what love is
I know you can show me

I'm gonna take a little time
A little time to look around me
I've got nowhere left to hide
It looks like love has finally found me

In my life there's been heartache and pain
I don't know if I can face it again
I can't stop now, I've travelled so far
To change this lonely life

I wanna know what love is
I want you to show me
I wanna feel what love is
I know you can show me

I wanna know what love is
I want you to show me
And I wanna feel, I want to feel what love is
And I know, I know you can show me

Let's talk about love
I wanna know what love is, the love that you feel inside
I want you to show me, and I'm feeling so much love
I wanna feel what love is, no, you just cannot hide
I know you can show me, yeah

I wanna know what love is, let's talk about love
I want you to show me, I wanna feel it too
I wanna feel what love is, I want to feel it too
And I know and I know, I know you can show me
Show me love is real, yeah
I wanna know what love is...

I heard this song in the morning on the way to office, sung by Mariah Carey. It's quite nice cover version I would say, and looks like a few of my friends have favourited this song.

What got me thinking when the Mariah was singing the chorus (I wanna know what love is..) is, God is love. His love for us is unconditional.

Would it be different if everyone starts loving each other the way Jesus thought us?

Third Day - Show Me Your Glory

2009-11-15T10:15:00.005+08:00

I caught a glimpse of Your splendor
In the corner of my eye
The most beautiful thing I’ve even seen
And it was like a flash of lightning
Reflected off the sky
And I know I’ll never be the same

Show me Your glory
Send down Your presence
I want to see Your face
Show me Your glory
Majesty shines about You
I can’t go on without You, Lord

When I climb down the mountain
And get back to my life
I won’t settle for ordinary things
I’m gonna follow You forever
For all of my days
I won’t rest ‘till I see You again

Show me Your glory
Show me Your glory
I can’t live without You

Pastor preached from Exodus 33, whereby Moses asked the Lord to show him His glory. I kept thinking of this song as Pastor preached.

18 Then Moses said, "Now show me your glory."

19 And the LORD said, "I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 20 But," he said, "you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live."

21 Then the LORD said, "There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. 22 When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen."

Our God is so holy that we all sinners will not be able to stay alive if we see His face. But still, He loved us and never stop showing His glory. Sometimes we like to take things in our own hands and do not allow God to show us what He can do for us when we ask.

I have learnt that sometimes when we are faced with difficult situation that we think that is impossible to handle, just ask and wait on Jesus. I have learnt that sometimes we need to do nothing and just let God take control and things will happen in His time. We may be impatient and still want to do something about it because we do not see any thing taking place and we thought that God is not going help us.

Now I have learnt to let go, just trust and relax (how on earth can we do that??!!). That really works for me because I know my God is powerful and I've let His glory be shown to me and that will be my great testimony to share to others so that others can also see how glorious my God is!

Behind the Song:
“Max Lucado likes to say that when we are asking for God’s glory, you are asking for more of God Himself. What a powerful prayer! If we all continue to seek for God to reveal Himself to us, we would surely, like Moses in this song, never be the same.” – Mark Lee (Third Day)

Mark Schultz - I Am

2009-11-09T00:29:00.005+08:00

I am the maker of the heavens
I am the bright and morning star
I am the breath of all creation
Who always was
And is to come

I am the one who walked on water
I am the one who calmed the seas
I am the miracles and wonders
So come and see
And follow me
You will know

Chorus:
I am the fount of living water
The risen son of man
The healer of the broken
And when you cry
I am your savior and redeemer
Who bore the sins of man
The author and perfecter
Beginning and the end
I am

I am the spirit deep inside you
I am the word upon your heart
I am the one who even knew you
Before your birth
Before you were

Chorus

Bridge:
Before the earth (I am)
The universe (I am)
In every heart (I am)
Oh, where you are (I am)
The lord of love (I am)
The king of kings (I am)
The holy lamb (I am)
Above all things

Chorus

Yes, I am almighty god your father
The risen son of man
The healer of the broken
And when you cry
I am your savior and redeemer
Who bore the sins of man
The author and perfecter
Beginning and the end
I am

Mark Schultz is one talented singer and songwriter. I just love the lyrics of his songs, and also the melody and how he delivers them. I have to admit that this song, when I first hear it, was not my favourite song. In fact, in some point of time, when the radio is playing this song I was hoping that the next song comes faster.

But there was one day when I was working and this song was playing, I unconsciously listened to the lyrics of the song (although this was not my favourite song previously, I still know the lyrics) and it was quite an experience! I was reminded again that Jesus is the maker of the heaven, the one who walked on water, the risen son of man, the healer of the broken, the beginning and the end.

I felt like Jesus was telling me more about Himself to me through that song, although I have known all that from the Bible. It's so personal. I worshipped Him at that moment, acknowledging that He is who He claims to be. He is my God, my Father, my everything!

Jonny Diaz - More Beautiful You

2009-09-19T00:11:00.003+08:00

Little girl fourteen flipping through a magazine
Says she wants to look that way
But her hair isn’t straight her body isn’t fake
And she’s always felt overweight

Well little girl fourteen I wish that you could see
That beauty is within your heart
And you were made with such care your skin your body and your hair
Are perfect just the way they are

(Chorus)
There could never be a more beautiful you
Don’t buy the lies disguises and hoops they make you jump through
You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do
So there could never be a more beautiful you

Little girl twenty-one the things that you’ve already done
Anything to get ahead
And you say you’ve got a man but he’s got another plan
Only wants what you will do instead

Well little girl twenty-one you never thought that this would come
You starve yourself to play the part
But I can promise you there’s a man whose love is true
And he’ll treat you like the jewel you are

So turn around you’re not too far
To back away be who you are
To change your path go another way
It’s not too late you can be saved
If you feel depressed with past regrets
The shameful nights hope to forget
Can disappear they can all be washed away
By the one who’s strong can right your wrongs
Can rid your fears dry all your tears
And change the way you look at this big world
He will take your dark distorted view
And with His light He will show you truth
And again you’ll see through the eyes of a little girl

I think we need more songs that encourages people and let people know that there is hope and we don't have to be somebody else because there could never be another person like us individually!

Girls and boys, women and men..most of us are not happy with some part of our appearance and wished that we can have someone else's features. No doubt we need to take care of our body because it is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

If you feel that you are not pretty enough or not handsome enough, listen to this song. There's so much truth in it. "Dontcha" may be nice to listen to, but the message is somehow depressing people that would think they have to look like those girls in PSD. I'm not against PSD (if I don't like a song, I only mean the lyrics), but the message is sending out negative message.

You're beautiful in your special ways!

Addison Road - What Do I Know of Holy?

2009-09-18T23:38:00.007+08:00

I made You promises a thousand times
I tried to hear from Heaven
But I talked the whole time
I think I made You too small
I never feared You at all No
If You touched my face would I know You?
Looked into my eyes could I behold You?

(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

I guess I thought that I had figured You out
I knew all the stories and I learned to talk about
How You were mighty to save
Those were only empty words on a page
Then I caught a glimpse of who You might be
The slightest hint of You brought me down to my knees

(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

(CHORUS 2)
What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of wounds that will heal my shame?
And a God who gave life "its" name?
What do I know of Holy?
Of the One who the angels praise?
All creation knows Your name
On earth and heaven above
What do I know of this love?

(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of Holy?

Sometimes we think that we are so great, we are better than other person; self indulgent.

This song helped to remind me and brought my feet back on the ground. Some part of the song, I can relate it to my personal experience. So we think we are still great? Have we forgotten that we have the talent and ability because our God is greater?

We need to remember that we need to stay humble at all times. God is the Holy One. We fall short of His standard. No matter how much good we think we have done can ever match His standard. But He still love us.

How lovely is that fact?

Phillips, Craig and Dean - The Revelation Song

2009-08-28T16:21:00.007+08:00

Worthy is the,
Lamb who was slain
Holy, Holy, is He
Sing a new song, to Him who sits on
Heaven's Mercy Seat

Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come
With all creation I sing:
Praise to the King of Kings!
You are my everything,
And I will adore You!
Yeah!

Clothed in rainbows, of living color
Flashes of lightning, rolls of thunder
Blessing and honor, strength and
Glory and power be
To You the Only Wise King,
Yeah

Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come
With all creation I sing:
Praise to the King of Kings!
You are my everything,
And I will adore You!
Yeah!

Filled with wonder,
Awestruck wonder
At the mention of Your Name
Jesus, Your Name is Power
Breath, and Living Water
Such a marvelous mystery
Yeah...

Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come,
With all creation I sing:
Praise to the King of Kings!
You are my everything,
And I will adore You!

Come up lift up His Name
To the King of Kings
We will adore You Lord
King of heaven and earth
King Jesus, King Jesus
Aleluya, aleluya, aleluya!
Majesty, awestruck Honor
And Power and Strength and Dominion
To You Lord,
To the King, to King
To the King of Glory

I like Phillips, Craig & Dean's songs because not only they have nice tune, but also wonderful lyrics. This song which happens to be sung by them was written by Jennie Riddle. It got stuck in my ears after listening to it the first time when I was in Boise.

The words and the tune leads me to imagine how much more grand and awesome it is when Jesus comes and all creation sing in one voice to our King of Kings. This song really helped me to connect my feelings with the revelation that God gave to His people through John. The feeling of how privileged it is to be in God's almighty presence.

I hope they will sing this song in church..

Lincoln Brewster - Today is the Day

2009-07-23T14:14:00.003+08:00

I'm casting my cares aside
I'm leaving my past behind
I'm setting my heart and mind on You, Jesus

I'm reaching my hand to Yours
Believing there's so much more
Knowing that all You have in store for me is good, it's good

Today is the day You have made
I will rejoice and be glad in it
Today is the day You have made
I will rejoice and be glad in it
And I won't worry about tomorrow
I'm trusting in what You say
Today is the day
Today is the day

I'm putting my fears aside
I'm leaving my doubts behind
I'm giving my hopes and dreams to You, Jesus

I'm reaching my hands to Yours
Believing there's so much more
Knowing that all You have in store for me is good, it's good

I will stand upon Your truth
(I will stand upon Your truth)
And all my days I'll live for You
(And all my days I'll live for You)

Such a happy song. We were just driving in Eagle, Idaho (yes, with all the scenic mountains, clear blue sky and everything nice) and this song playing on the radio just made it more fun to drive! Everyday is a gift from God and He made each day good for all of His children.

Thank You for each new day that You give us!

Mark Harris - Find Your Wings

2009-06-21T18:03:00.003+08:00

It’s only for a moment that you are mine to hold
The plans that heaven has for you will all to soon unfold
So many different prayers I’ll pray for all that you might do
But most of all I’ll want to know your walking in the truth
And If I’ve never told you I want you to know
As I watch you grow

Chorus:
I pray that God will fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage to dare to do great things
I’m here for you whatever this life brings
So Let my love give you roots and help you find your wings

May passion be the wind that moves you through your days
And may convictions keep you strong guide you on your way
May there be many moments that make your life so sweet
But more than memories

Chorus:
I pray that God will fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage to dare to do great things
I’m here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots and help you find your wings

Bridge:
It’s not living
If you don’t reach for the sky
I’ll have tears as you take off
But I’ll cheer as you fly

Mark Harris is one of the members of the disbanded group 4HIM. This is such a wonderful song, which is like a wish or a prayer from a father to his son or daughter.

The first time I heard this song, it almost made me cry. The lyrics just show how much love our earthly father have for us, and I cannot imagine how much more our Father in Heaven loves us and wants to give us all the good things there are.

There is a video in youtube and you may want to have a listen to this wonderful song.

Here's to all the fathers in the world, Happy Father's Day!!

Fireflight - Unbreakable

2009-06-11T15:36:00.004+08:00

Where are the people that accused me?
The ones who beat me down and bruised me
They hide just out of sight
Can’t face me in the light
They’ll return but I’ll be stronger

God, I want to dream again
Take me where I’ve never been
I want to go there
This time I’m not scared
Now I am unbreakable, it’s unmistakable
No one can touch me
Nothing can stop me

Sometimes it’s hard to just keep going
But faith is moving without knowing
Can I trust what I can’t see
To reach my destiny
I want to take control but I know better

Forget the fear it’s just a crutch
That tries to hold you back
And turn your dreams to dust
All you need to do is just trust

I'm very happy to hear our local music station play some contemporary Christian songs, because here, there is no radio station that plays purely that genre and I usually tune to internet radio for my feed of favourite type of music (sometimes it's just depressing and demotivated listening to "break up" songs and songs with no meaning).

This song by Fireflight is in the Hitz.fm Nu'List.

Here is the story behind the song from the writer of the song herself (and the singer also):

"When we wrote this song, I drew inspiration from the story in the Bible that tells about the woman caught in adultery. She was thrown at the feet of Jesus, and the religious leaders of the day were looking for Him to condemn her according to their laws. Instead, He asked each of them to punish her according to the level of their own perfection, and they had nothing to say. I tried to think how she must have felt, to be turned free and unpunished although she was guilty. This song is about breaking free and going further and higher than you or anyone ever expected. It’s about facing fear and sometimes even facts and becoming stronger than both." - Dawn Richardson

Needtobreathe - Signature of Divine (Yahweh)

2009-06-08T20:37:00.005+08:00

Cathedrals have tried in vain
To show the image of your face
But we are by your design
The signature of divine

We'll always sing your name
Forever and today

Yahweh, Yahweh
Great is your glory when you go before me
Oh, we sing
Holy, Holy
Your ways are lovely
So high above me
Yahweh

The fortunes of kings and queens
Are wasted chasing what we've seen
Cause we are by your reprieve
The beauty framed by your suffering

We'll always sing your name
Forever and today

Yahweh, Yahweh
Great is your glory when you go before me
Oh, we sing
Holy, Holy
Your ways are lovely
So high above me
Yahweh

Take me, and pull me through
Cause I can't move without you
I won't leave you alone, you say
It will be okay

Yahweh, Yahweh
Great is your glory when you go before me
Oh, we sing
Holy, Holy
Your ways are lovely
So high above me
Yahweh

Yahweh, Yahweh
Great is your glory when you go before me
Oh, we sing
Holy, Holy
Your ways are lovely
So high above me
Yahweh

Ancient of Days...
Yahweh!

This is my current favourite song that sings about the beauty of our God and King. And I also love the official video of this song, as it is different from most of the videos that I have seen before.

I've tried to search for the video on youtube but with no success. Anyway, the video is made up of thousands of photographs in a series..sound interesting? You can find the making of the video though.

Needtobreathe is a band that should be given a listen because unknowingly, their songs are featured in various popular programs such as ESPN, Oprah, MTV, Prison Break (source from Wikipedia).

Anyway, what I think the song is trying to express is that, humans may try in many ways to portray how our God look like, but sometimes we forget that we are made in His image, thus the signature of divine.

Do you think the same?

Stellar Kart - Innocent

2009-05-28T11:34:00.005+08:00

I'm overdressed for success
In a world that has no shame
I've had enough of seeing love
Being played like some game

I know why the good old days are gone
Cause everyone just tolerates whats wrong
I'm not some empty space for rent

I wanna be innocent
Yours wholeheartedly
Innocent
Every part of me
Take me back so I can see
The way that love was meant to be

Boys and girls
The real world
Is one that's filled with consequence
And all the lies that glamorize
It's a life that's broken

I see why the good old days are gone
Every time I turn my TV on
What's wrong with being different

Buried underneath this avalanche
You are my hope and second chance
Don't let my heart get away

Things have certainly changed a lot even within the last 10 years. Sometimes I thought that I was 17 years old like just 2 or 3 years ago!

Commercialism (an attitude that emphasizes tangible profit or success - from Dictionary.com) is everywhere nowadays thanks to the efficient and effective means of communication that we get to enjoy.

The world sometimes tell us that we need to have this or that to be cool, rich, happy, safe, etc. If we don't, others may think that we are weird. When we are weird, then we may not have a lot of "friends".

I don't know how, but I wish that people will not be too busy looking for all these temporary things. Let's go back to basic. L. O. V. E. The love that God has showed and still is showing to us.

It is not easy to love, is it? We are selfish and we want to please ourselves only. Would this world be a better place if we all love each other?

Have a listen to this song because it is catchy and the video is hilarious =)

WL

PureNRG - Here We Go Again

2009-05-14T00:22:00.004+08:00

I caught you waking up the sky
And I could not believe my eyes
The brightest blue that I had ever seen
Was looking back at me

It happens everywhere I go
I find something that lets me know
Lord you're always up to something new
I'm still surprised by you
I'm ready to be amazed

[Chorus:]
Here we go, here we go
It's a brand new day
And I sing cause I know
That you'll lead my way
Life is good in a world
Where your wonder never ends
So here we go again

So what's it gonna be today
What you gonna bring my way
You know I wonder
What my heart will see
I'm on the edge of my seat
And I'm ready to be amazed

[Chorus]

Here we go again
Here we go again
Yeah, yeah

I don't ever wanna close my eyes
Cause I don't wanna let my life pass me by
With so little time
And so much to do
And I wanna spend every second with you

So what's it gonna be today
What you gonna bring my way
You know I wonder
What my heart will see
I'm on the edge of my seat
Now I'm ready to be amazed

Here we go, here we go
It's a brand new day
And I sing cause I know
That you'll lead my way
(Lead my way)
Life is good in a world
Where your wonder never ends
Here we go again

Here we go, here we go
It's a brand new day
And I sing cause I know
That you'll lead my way
(My way)
Life is good in a world
Where your wonder never ends
So here we go again

Here we go again [4x]

This song may be too young for me, considering the group that sings this song are young teens. Nevertheless, what this song is about still apply to people regardless of the age, because it is about being grateful to God for a brand new day, and being ready to face whatever that comes our way.

How true it is, God always amaze me in good and bad situation. Sometimes I feel that we should also leave space for some surprises (everybody loves surprises, don't they?) and let God show us what He can do for us and how much He cares for us.

On another note about PureNRG, they are something like the disbanded Jump5.

WL

Jeremy Camp - This Man

2009-04-26T01:10:00.003+08:00

In only a moment truth was seen
Revealed this mystery
The crown that showed no dignity He wore
And the King was placed for all the world to show disgrace
But only beauty flowed from this place

Chorus
Would you take the place of this man
Would you take the nails from His hands
Would you take the place of this man
Would you take the nails from His hands

He held the weight of impurity
The Father would not see
The reasons had finally come to be to show
The depth of His grace flowed with every sin erased
He knew that this was why He came

Chorus

And we just don't know
The blood and water flowed
And in it all He showed
Just how much He cared

And the veil was torn
So we could have this open door
And all these things have finally been complete

Thank you Jesus for taking our place. I could not imaging if this never happen..there will be no more hope for mankind..

Just happened to watch some video and this song strucked me, so here it is, making it into the playlist blog =)

Michael Olson - On The Third Day

2009-04-13T09:24:00.003+08:00

Creation brings an offering
As autumn leaves turn to gold
The trees bow down in highest praise
Now made bare before Your throne

The western sky's an amber blaze
At the end of the day
For everything must die to rise again

The winter's chill, a bitter cold
As sin and shame leave us to fall
The clouds so full of newborn snow
For grace to come and save us all

Within the darkest night of man
Was found Your saving hand
For everything must die to rise again

On the third day behold the King
On the third day death has no sting
On the third day we're forgiven and reconciled

The earth it groans in labor pains
As flowers stretch to heaven above
Your creatures sing a prophet's song
To be a gift of selfless love

The sun is rising in the east
And Your Spirit is unleashed
For everything must die to rise again

On the third day behold the King
On the third day death has no sting
On the third day we're forgiven and reconciled

And so we wait in joyful hope
For You to come and take us home
And so we join beneath the cross
In suffering from whence we go

The greatest act of sovereign grace
In the universe displayed
For everything must die to rise again

On the third day behold the King
On the third day death has no sting
On the third day we're forgiven and reconciled

On the third day the saints rejoice
On the third day we lift our voice
On the third day we're united and glorified

Yesterday was Easter Day, the day Jesus Christ rose from the death, hence death has lost its victory. When Jesus was still on the cross, many people mocked him, and shouted that if He is the King, He should save Himself.

Easily Jesus could have done that, but in obedience, He died that most painful death so that we all may have hope. Such sacrifice He paid for us.

This song is written by Matt Maher and I must say that he is one talented song writer. He also wrote the popular worship song sung by Chris Tomlin "Your Grace Is Enough".

Glory Revealed - By His Wounds

2009-04-11T00:51:00.004+08:00

He was pierced for our transgressions
He was crushed for our sins
The punishment that brought us peace was upon Him
And by His wounds, by His wounds we are healed

He was pierced for our transgressions
He was crushed for our sins
The punishment that brought us peace was upon Him
And by His wounds, by His wounds we are healed

We are healed by Your sacrifice
And the life that You gave
We are healed for You paid the price
By Your grace we are saved
We are saved

He was pierced for our transgressions
And crushed for our sins
The punishment that brought us peace was upon Him
And by His wounds, by His wounds we are healed

We are healed by Your sacrifice
And the life that You gave
We are healed for You paid the price
By Your grace we are saved
We are saved

He was pierced for our transgressions
He was crushed for our sins
The punishment that brought us peace was upon Him
And by His wounds, by His wounds we are healed
And by His wounds, by His wounds

What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus

This song is sung by Mac Powell (Third Day), Mark Hall (Casting Crowns), Steven Curtis Chapman and Brian Littrell (Backstreet Boys).

Isaiah 53:5 (New International Version)

But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.

This is what Good Friday is about, Jesus took our place so that we may live!

WL

Nicole Nordeman - Why

2009-04-08T22:53:00.005+08:00

We rode into town the other day
Just me and my daddy
He said I'd finally reached that age
And I could ride next to him on a horse
That of course was not quite as wide

We heard a crowd of people shouting
And so we stopped to find out why
And there was that man that my dad said he loved
But today there was fear in his eyes

So I said daddy why are they screaming
Why are the faces of some of them beaming?
Why is he dressed in that bright purple robe?
I'll bet that crown hurts him more then he shows
Daddy please can't you do something?
He looks as though he's gonna cry
You said he was stronger than all of those guys
Daddy please tell me why?
Why does everyone want him to die?

Later that day the sky grew cloudy
And daddy said I should go inside
Somehow he knew things would get stormy
Boy was he right
But I could not keep from wondering
If there was something he had to hide
So after he left I had to find out
I was not afraid of getting lost
So I followed the crowds
To a hill where I knew men had been killed
And I heard a voice come from the cross

And it said father why are they screaming?
Why are the faces of some of them beaming?
Why are they casting their lots for my clothes?
This crown of thorns hurts me more then it shows
Father please can't you do something?
I know that you must hear my cry's
I thought I could handle a cross of this size
Father remind me why?
Why does everyone want me to die?
When will I understand why?

My precious son
I hear them screaming
I'm watching the face of the enemy beaming
But soon I will clothe you in robes of my own
Jesus this hurts me much more then you know
But this dark hour
I must do nothing
Though I've heard your unbearable cries
The power in your blood
Destroys all of the lies
Soon you'll see past their unmerciful lies
Look there below
See the child
Trembling by her father's side
Now I can tell you why
She is why you must die

Good Friday is just 2 days away...Here is one Good Fridaay song.

There are a lot of lyrics in Nicole Nordeman's song. Just listen to it, and it will definitely overwhelm you with emotions..

You can try to find the song in youtube, some with nice videos...

Bebo Norman - Britney

2009-03-26T22:51:00.004+08:00

Britney I’m sorry for the lies we told
We took you into our arms then left you cold
Britney, I’m sorry for this cruel, cruel world
We sell the beauty but destroy the girl

Britney, I’m sorry for your broken heart
We stood aside and watched you fall apart
I’m sorry we told you fame would fill you up
And money moves the man so drink the cup

I know love goes around the world we know
And you never see it coming back, you never see it coming back
And I know love goes around the world we know
And you never see it coming back, but I can see it coming back for you

Britney I’m sorry for the stones we throw
We tear you down just so we can watch the show
Britney I’m sorry for the words we say
We point the finger as you fall from grace

I know love goes around the world we know
And you never see it coming back, you never see it coming back
And I know love goes around the world we know
And you never see it coming back, but I can see it coming back for you

It’s coming back for you
Yeah, it’s coming back for you

Britney I do believe that love has come
Here for the broken, here for the ones like us

I know love goes around the world we know
And you never see it coming back, you never see it coming back
And I know love goes around the world we know
And you never see it coming back, but I can see it coming back for you

It’s coming back for you
Yeah, it’s coming back for you

I was kinda surprised when I saw this song in youtube. So, as usual, interesting songs will get me searching for the lyrics.

The whole world showed us how Britney's life was shattered, all the sad thing that she went through. I do feel sorry for her. It must be really tough, as she mentioned in her interview that 8tv aired (American Idol is supposed to be on air now!!).

All these famous entertainers paid a handsome price for their success. I think that they really work hard for all the fame and luxury, but others also want to profit by creating untrue stories that the world would buy (to quote a show that I've watched before, "there's pleasure in other's misery").

I've read those gossip magazines before, but after a while, I feel sick and stop reading it (my personal feeling only). Therefore, now I do not bother reading them anymore, unless I am watching those people being interviewed in talk show. At least I am sure that it's the true story, right? Because it is coming out from the own person's mouth.

Famous people are also just like us, ordinary people who has feelings. It is the same God that created them and us. He loves them, so must we love each other.

The good news is, Britney is rebuilding her life again. Actually, I kind of like her as a singer. Just that the lyrics of some of her songs are not my type.

Bebo Norman - Amazing Love

2009-03-20T14:17:00.004+08:00

My Lord, what love is this
That pays so dearly
That I, the guilty one
May go free!

Chorus:
Amazing love, what sacrifice
The Son of God, given for me
My debt He pays, and my death He dies
That I might live, that I might live!
(Last time only) That I might live!

Verse 2:
And so, they watched Him die
Despised, rejected
But oh, the blood He shed
Flowed for me!

Chorus:
Amazing love, what sacrifice
The Son of God, given for me
My debt He pays, and my death He dies
That I might live, that I might live!

Verse 3:
And now, this love of Christ
Shall flow like rivers
So come wash your guilt away
Live again!

Chorus:
Amazing love, what sacrifice
The Son of God, given for me
My debt He pays, and my death He dies
That I might live, that I might live!
That I might live, that I might live!

Easter Day is coming soon, but before we celebrate the victorious day, we also need to remember that 3 days before, our Lord Jesus Christ went through the most cruel death, which is the death on a cross.

This song got me stopping doing whatever I was doing but just to look for the lyrics. It helped me to reflect on how much our God love us, that He sent His only beloved Son to be the perfect sacrifice so that all of our sins can be forgiven.

If God sends His only Son to die for us sinners, He must have loved us so much...very very much!!

Oh God, You love us so much, but we always break Your heart and fail You..forgive us, but we really want to thank You for the cross. We love You.

Daniel Doss Band - Hold On

2009-03-18T17:21:00.003+08:00

When you don't want to face another day
Seems like your life's one big mistake
Failures from your former self chase you
Listen close so you know what to do
You may not see it and you may not feel it
But I'm holding you tightly
Your spirit is near me

So Hold on, hold on,
It will not be long till it's all over
Child hold on, hold on
Lay your weary head upon My shoulder

The rain is beating down so faithfully
But My love is more faithful, you will see
The winds will show no mercy for your face
But your heart is safe, secure inside My grace
Hold on, hold on, hold on
Hold on Hold on
No it won't be too long

Such comforting song. Our God is always near us.

I love the lyric of this song so much.

Casting Crowns - Slow Fade

2009-03-16T13:43:00.003+08:00

Be careful little eyes what you see
It’s the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it’s the little feet behind you that are sure to follow

It’s a slow fade when you give yourself away
It’s a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It’s a slow fade, it’s a slow fade

Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray

It’s a slow fade when you give yourself away
It’s a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day

The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you’re thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking

It’s a slow fade when you give yourself away
It’s a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day

Oh be careful little eyes what see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see

I love the songs from Casting Crowns because of their lyrics. First song that I heard from Casting Crowns is "Who am I?" (and because of this song, I bought their debut album). I must say that, their songs are mainly reminders to Christians (and non Christians alike) about how much God love us, about an attempt to save a non-believer ("Here I go again"), about us turning to God more often ("What if His people pray"), about Christians being the salt and light unto the world ("If we are the body") and so on and so forth.

This song, is part of the sound track for the movie "Fireproof". I'm not going to spoil the story if you have not watched it, but Slow Fade definitely serve as a good reminder to all of us, regardless of the situation we are in. It's about the never ending tempatation that we face every day and if we take it lightly, we are actually slowly giving in to the world who will consume us.

Therefore, as Christians, we should always keep our eyes on Jesus and grow deep in Him who loves us so much.

WL

Nicole Nordeman - Legacy

2009-03-12T21:04:00.005+08:00

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest
You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all who's who and so-and-so's that used to be the best
At such-and-such, it wouldn't matter much

I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an 'Atta boy' or 'Atta girl'
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trappings of this world

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to You enough to make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace who blessed your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

I don't have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthly list of all that I enjoy
It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile
Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon enough destroy

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to You enough to make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace who blessed your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

Not well traveled, not well read,
Not well to do or well bred
Just want to hear instead
"Well Done" good and faithful one...

I've known this song for a long time already, and it is still one of my favourite songs. Just that in office today while waiting for the time to go home, I was just thinking and reflecting that it's going to be almost 3 years since I joined the current company that I am in now.

About a few weeks ago, the top management has decided to end the operation in this plant that I am in due to the difficult economic situation. It's really sad to hear it for most of us, because my colleagues and myself really like working in this company due to the condusive working environment here and also the nice bosses.

All of us are busy looking for jobs and planning our journey after this company is "laid to rest". I thank God for providing me with a job, and I will be leaving the company slightly sooner than its last day.

So, suddenly I found myself humming this song. Then it made me realised, what legacy do I want to leave in this company?

But work aside, what legacy do I want to leave here on earth?

WL

Johnny Tillotson - You Can Never Stop Me Loving You

2009-03-11T21:09:00.004+08:00

You can take my picture off your shelf
You can go around all by yourself
You can tell the others that we're through
But darling, I know one thing you can't do

You can never stop me loving you
You can never stop the way that my heart's beating too
You can never stop me loving you
That's one thing you'll never do

You can look away when I pass by
You can do your best to make me cry
You can break my heart and leave me blue
But darling I know one thing you can't do

(Repeat verse 2)

You can hang the phone up when I call
You can say you don't love me at all
You can say it's over and we're through
But darling I know one thing you can't do

(Repeat verse 2)

You'll never stop me loving you
That's one thing you'll never do

Why would I want to listen to Johnny Tillotson? My dad indirectly introduced him to me =) Johnny is the one who gave us the famous "Judy, Judy, Judy, I Love You~~"

As I listen to the oldies, it always make me feel like I want to live in the 60s and 70s. Life seems to be so carefree back then. Love songs and break up songs like this, still sound like fun.

You can look at this song just like the two sides on a coin. The "me" may be a stalker to "you", whereas "me" just want to let "you" know that "me" still love "you" no matter how "you" treats "me"...

Sometimes, this song can remind me that Jesus will never stop loving us too, however we treat him.

I love how simple and practical oldies lyrics can be, compared to some of the current hits that goes "Hey, hey, you, you, I don't like your girlfriend, No way, no way, I think you need a new one"...No offence, it has nice catchy tune, but lyrics like that is not my cuppa =)

WL

David Crowder Band - Foreverandever Etc.

2009-03-09T13:07:00.011+08:00

Love so incredible to know
It’s never gonna go, never gonna go
Love too impossible and true
For anyone but You, for anyone but You
I think I’m on the brink of something large
Maybe like the breaking of a dawn
Or maybe like a match being lit
Or the sinking of a ship, letting go gives a better grip

I’m finding everything I’ll ever need
By giving up, gaining everything
Falling for You for eternity
Right here at Your feet, where I want to be
I am Yours

Love so indelible to know
You’re never gonna go
You’re never gonna go
Love too unthinkable and true
For anyone but You
For anyone but You

Forever and ever and ever and ever and...

Behind the Song:

'Dying is a strange concept to live by. Yet that is what we are called to, forsaking life to gain it. A close friend of mine suggests we look at it as trading up – discarding our tiny self centered story for a grander eternal one. A sinking ship is both a tragic and beautiful image when he is the ocean.' - David Crowder

Often I discover new songs I've never heard before in office. I guess office is the place where I listen to a lot of music.

Anyway, what attracted me to the song when I first heard it, is the ending of the song. It goes "Forever and ever and ever and ever...Forever and ever and ever and ever...."

I was thinking, what kind of song it this? But it's interesting song, so I checked the radio playlist. I was happy to find out that David Crowder Band performed that song and the title is somehow unique to me "Foreverandever Etc". Etc??? Haahahah..

I love the lyrics too, especially the chorus. Wondering if there will be a day where I can get to sing this in a worship session? Heheheh...

Oh, did you know that David Crowder played the keytar during the band's Remedy Club Tour? It's kinda cool, and the band brought the crowd back to the 80s with the super mario theme song and the overhead clapping (made popular by Bon Jovi). But David also mentioned something like they are going back to the past decades, but we should also look towards eternity, where we will be, hence....foreverand ever and ever and ever and ever and ever.......

WL

Newworldson - Working Man

2009-03-06T17:19:00.008+08:00

I am a working man I get things done
Work for the Holy Ghost work for the Son
I am a working man oh yes I am
I am a special agent of the Lamb

I'm gonna wear your covering I'm gonna wear your robe
I'm wear your righteous mane everywhere I go
You're gonna light my candle Son you're gonna make it shine
You're gonna lead me to the throne
Brother testify!

I was born in the city child I was born in the north
I was born in the autumn time Lord only knows what for
I was born when leaves turn red born when things are dying
But I was born with a big ole mouth
Brother testify!

This song has a catchy reggae tune. I came accross this song in the WoW 2009 video compilation. The lyrics of the song is just simple and can be a reminder to us that we are God's stewards in everything that we do.

The last verse is kinda humorous, especially the line "I was born in the autumn time, Lord only knows what for; I was born when leaves turn red, born when things are dying" =)

There was a part of the song, in the music video where the singer did some beatboxing.

WL

Josh Wilson - Savior, Please

2009-02-28T17:08:00.000+08:00

Savior, please take my hand
I work so hard, I live so fast
This life begins, and then it ends
And I do the best that I can, but I don't know how long I'll last

I try to be so tough
But I'm just not strong enough
I can't do this alone, God I need You to hold on to me
I try to be good enough
But I'm nothing without Your love
Savior, please keep saving me

Savior, please help me stand
I fall so hard, I fade so fast
Will You begin right where I end
And be the God of all I am because You're all that I have

I try to be so tough
But I'm just not strong enough
I can't do this alone, God I need You to hold on to me
I try to be good enough
But I'm nothing without Your love
Savior, please keep saving me

Hallelujah
Everything You are to me
Is everything I'll ever need
And I am learning to believe
That I don't have to prove a thing
'Cause You're the one who's saving me

Many people in the world are working so hard to make ends meet, to reach for their goals in life, to chase their dreams. So much of our time is spent on work, not only 5 days a week, sometimes on weekends too.

I do feel that there were times where I do not have time to spend on myself, on family and other things. This song, I first heard it was in office. Immediately, I googled for the lyrics and it's just exactly how I feel sometimes when there's so much to do at work!

There maybe other instances when we feel like this too, but all in all, we should not forget that we need God to take us through our every day.

I cannot imagine how it would be if I do not know that there is a God that I can rely on.

I'll echo with Josh, that everything that Jesus is to me, is all that I'll ever need..that I don't have to prove a thing because He's the One who is saving me.

WL