One of my good friends came down to visit me yesterday and today. Travis is a gifted song writer and a loves people and ministry in a way that I could only pray that I might one day.
It was so cool to see him spend time with Stella and have some time with him last night around the dinner table. In addition to being a song writer, Travis attends and teaches at Liberty University in Lynchburg, and leads and serves on various ministry teams there.
Time with Travis is anything but predictable. He’s always talking about his adventures and what God is doing in his life. If you haven’t checked out his music yet, go HERE for the link to a song he wrote that was used as the title track on Charles Billingsley’s latest album. I’ve also posted below a video shot of him conducting the choir at Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg to his song, “God of the Ages.” I know the first time (and everytime since) God has stirred in my heart a passionate time of personal worship. Travis is one of the most genuine people I know, and I am thankful for his heart for the Lord and his friendship. God is using this man and I am humbled that he calls me a friend. Praise the Lord for the things He does in our lives and the ministry that He does in and through us!
When Uncle Trav comes to visit…anything can happen!
Saw this video from a friend on twitter. Like the originally of the beats and originality. That said….I may, or may not be a closet David Archuleta fan…please don’t judge me.
It’s been awhile since I’ve done an album review. But I HAD TO review Matt Redman’s new album “We Shall Not Be Shaken” released today. I figured while I was at it I would also review Mat Kearney’s latest CD released in spring 2009.
Firstly let me just say…he’s done it again. Redman has taken Biblical Truths, Memorable Melodies and combined them into songs fit for congregational worship and personal devotion…all on one disk. That is not an easy thing to do. He has written songs that can be sung by 10 or 10,000 all lifting high the name of the 1 true God. This album not only draws me to the throne room, but reminds me of scriptures that have refined me, blessed me and defined me as the man that God has grown me to be. Matt Redman did it again.
Top 3 Songs:
1) The is How We Know
2) All That Really Matters
3) How Great is Your Faithfulness
This album will definitely be on repeat for awhile for me, and will be added to my top albums of 2009.
I have been listening to this album almost weekly since I bought it back in May 2009. Mat’s ability to be melodically inventive while incredibly simplistic is what define’s this album as a “goodie.” I specifically appreciate the contrast in moods offered between each song. It would be irresponsible of me while reviewing this album to not at least MENTION the fact that it is VERY Coldplay-ish. If you don’t like Coldplay…you probably won’t like this album. The two biggest differences between Mat Kearney and Chris Martin would be Jesus and the fact that Mat doesn’t name his kids after various fruits.
Top 3 Songs:
1) Fire & Rain
2) Runaway Car
3) City of Black & White
My buddy Travis from iMinistries saw on Twitter that I was griping last week about not getting to download it, so being the RockStar that he is, he gifted me a copy of it from U.S Itunes.
Let me tell you…this song is UNBELIEVABLE. It points us to God…It gives us a glimpse of heavenly worship…but most importantly…it draws people to a place of self-less, Christ-focused WORSHIP!
If you haven’t already…buy it. Can’t wait for the full Album “Hope Rising” in the fall!
I have learned my lesson.
I have spoken too quickly before and had to retract my opinions.
Hillsong’s albums simply TAKE TIME TO LOVE.
So when Hillsong United came out with their latest album “Tear Down the Walls” I knew what to expect…
To date…after listening to each album after its release, I was left wanting more…always thinking that they could’ve done better.
SO. Rather than writing a post about their album 2 weeks ago when it came out that would’ve been summed up in the word “meh…” I waited.
As I write this post I’m sitting in my home office listening to “You Hold Me Now” (Track 9) and am FLOORED by not only the musicality of it (multiple layers of “out of the park” melodies) but more importantly the depth of the lyrics.
I am now into the digesting portion of listening (yes there is a graph I have developed for listening to HIllsong records).
I am really liking the title track “Tearing Down the Walls” as well.
The album itself is very reminiscent of early Hillsong while sticking with the ColdPlay-Rock they broke out in their last album.
All this to say. Hillsong United have done it again. They’ve written a bunch of songs for the church AND for my own personal worship time.
They are songs that reach deep into the hearts of worshipers and cling to both the truth that we WANT to sing and the spirit that HELPS us sing to the God we desire to PRAISE.
Really love this CD. Lady Antebellum does a great job at writing great songs both musically and lyrically. It’s about a year old now, but I’m still really digging it.
Harmonies are great, music is fresh and (unlike a lot of “typical country” music) all the songs are not about that same thing…
A friend of mine Jake McKee came with me to play electric. I knew that we had a great set going in, and the people responded during the time of worship. It is always such a great moment when a truth-filled son is sung by people that WANT to be there! Here’s how it all went down…
WELCOME & CALL TO WORSHIP
Holy, Holy, God Almighty – C
Beautiful Jesus – A
Glory to God – B
Jesus Paid It All – B
ANNOUNCEMENTS/OFFERING
Jesus, You Are Worthy – D
MESSAGE
Karl Whittingstall – Acts 12 “God’s Power”
One of my good friends came down to visit me yesterday and today. Travis is a gifted song writer and a loves people and ministry in a way that I could only pray that I might one day.
Yesterday morning…before I even went to work…
Back in Februray, I heard Fee’s “
I have learned my lesson.
Really love this CD. Lady Antebellum does a great job at writing great songs both musically and lyrically. It’s about a year old now, but I’m still really digging it.
GREAT day @ Harvest York Region this past Sunday.
