2nd Row From Down Stage

Season's Greetings

2008-12-24T00:58:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everybody!
I declare blessing to you and your loved ones; more prosperity; more love; more peace; more joy; a deeper relationship with God...

... and a partridge in a pear tree!

God bless you all!

Wonderful Christmastime

2008-12-17T17:09:00.000-08:00

Wonderful Christmastime
[by Paul McCartney, as covered by Jars of Clay]

[click here for video]

The mood is right
The spirit's up
We're here tonight
And that's enough

Simply having a wonderful Christmastime

The word is out
About the town
To lift a glass
And don't look down
The party's on
The feeling's here
That only comes
This time of year

Simply having a wonderful Christmastime
Simply having a wonderful Christmastime

The choir of children sing their song
They practiced all year long...
Star of wonder, star of light
Star of royal beauty bright

Simply having a wonderful Christmastime

The mood is right
The spirit's up
We're here tonight
And that's enough

Christmas Cantata Schedule

2008-12-01T00:28:00.000-08:00

Scheduled performances of the 2008 Christmas Cantata, "Joy Joy Joy":

December 6, Saturday
SM City Cebu, North Wing
5pm

December 13, Saturday
Maranatha World Outreach Center
7pm

December 14, Sunday
Maranatha World Outreach Center
9am

December 14, Sunday
SM City Cebu, North Wing
5pm

December 17 & 18, Wednesday & Thursday
Waterfront Hotel and Casino Cebu
6pm

December 24, Wednesday
SM City Cebu, North Wing
5pm

Song of the Day: Reign in Us

2008-08-11T19:28:00.000-07:00

click here for video

Reign in Us / Starfield
[from the album "I Will Go"]

You thought of us before the world began to breathe
And you knew our names before we came to be
You saw the very day we'd fall away from you
And how desperately we need to be redeemed

Lord Jesus come lead us
We're desperate for your touch

[Chorus]
Oh Great and Mighty One, with one desire we come
That you would reign, that you would reign in us
We're offering up our lives, a living sacrifice
That you would reign, that you would reign in us

Spirit of the Living God fall fresh again
Come search our hearts and purify our lives
We need your perfect love
We need your discipline
We're lost unless you guide us with your light

Lord Jesus come lead us
We're desperate for your touch

[Chorus]

We cry out
For your love to refine us cry out
For your love to define us cry out
For your mercy to keep us blameless until you return

[Chorus 2x]

You would reign in us

[Bridge:]
So reign, please reign in us
Come purify our hearts we need your touch
Come cleanse us like a flood and send us out
So the world may know you reign, you reign in us

- - - - - -

One of the Starfield songs that our worship team is considering for use in our congregation. I am excited with "Reign in Us" because it captures the hunger and the desperation our church has for the Lord the really come and take over our lives, our city and our nation.

Triple Portion

2008-07-30T18:33:00.000-07:00

The choir gets a triple portion of joy for this Christmas season. We will be celebrating the holidays with the new Cantata from Word Music entitled "Joy Joy Joy".

We're already half way through (yeah! we're fast-tracking things with our practices [I "love" the challenge... and the discipline of it all. hahaha]). The second song's got a very special feel to it -- it's very broadway and very reminiscent of the musicals of old. Can't wait to present this cantata and bless people with God's message of joy in it.

Christmas is five months away yet, but I can already feel the joy, joy, joy of the holiday season welling up in my heart.

- - - - -

to New Life Sounds Choir members: I believe there's a greater anointing (multiple, not just double) and a greater harvest for us this season because we've all submitted to the Lord's discipline and workings in our lives, and allowed Him to take us to the next level. Let's not grow weary in doing good for in due time we will reap a harvest if we faint not! God bless you all.

Christmas Songs // Jars of Clay

2008-07-14T22:02:00.000-07:00

Christmas Songs is the first full-length holiday album by Jars of Clay. I got it as a gift from one of my best friends who resides in New York City. The package arrived early 2008, slightly after the holiday season and didn't get to listen to it thoroughly until the summer came when I finally loaded it on my iPod.

So here I am, in the middle of July and still soaking in the Jars' version of a Christmas album. My thoughts on the album? It carries the signature of the band -- naturally -- and their noticeable growth and creativity as musicians.

There is a very tangible Christmas feel to the entire album -- it is a Christmas CD after all -- but in my opinion this release can stand alone musically without being attached to the holiday season simply because it is a collection of good songs done well [which is why it is still on my playlist. That, plus the fact that I am a fan of the group]. The album is made even more interesting by the eclectic musical styles employed here and the sonic ambiance created by each song.

I have always been a fan of how Dan [Haseltine] uses his voice and here he continues to inspire me with his vocal stylings, particularly on Winter Skin and Hibernation Day. I also liked the band's rich instrumentation in every song -- there are so many bits and pieces of sounds from different instruments that make each track textured and multi-layered. I also also enjoyed Jeremy [Lutito]'s contribution the drums and percussion department -- I've always admired the way he gets to work on the drums since I've first heard him and Gabe [Ruschival] on their Disappointed by Candy songs.

The choice of songs for this collection also made the album standout from other Christmas CDs. I'm glad Jars of Clay didn't do cover versions of the overrun and overdone songs, and decided to do versions of lesser known carols and even write a few new ones themselves. This shows not only their talent in writing their own original material but also their skill at reconstructing old songs, updating them via the Jars of Clay treatment.

The entire album takes you through a journey of the different emotions of Christmas, as it evokes the joy and excitement of the season [Wonderful Christmastime, Love Came Down At Christmas], the serenity and peace of the holidays [Winter Skin, Peace is Here], and the sanctity and awe of the celebration of the Savior's birth [Gabriel's Message, In the Bleak Midwinter]. If you want to carry the Christmas spirit with you 24/7, this CD will effectively do the job of painting an aural landscape that will induce thoughts and feelings of the holidays.

For me, Christmas Songs will stand the test of time as an album -- in season or out of season -- because it is sonically, lyrically and musically rich, diverse and creative. Any music lover will appreciate listening to it even in the midsummer -- it is still on my iPod and Christmas is yet six months away. There's good stuff on this CD.

Andy. War. Whole.

2008-07-06T18:17:00.000-07:00

You know how the Bible says “ask and it will be given to you”? Well, a few years ago I went into this store in Ayala and heard this really cool techno music and started thinking “wouldn’t it be cool to have Christian techno/electronica?” I have always had eclectic tastes when it comes to music. And one of the genres that I find a liking to is dance music. So there has always been this longing to find techno music that doesn’t convey a “wrong” spirit.

As I was uploading songs on my iPod nano [plugging, hehe] the other day, I came upon this artist named Andy Hunter. I checked out one of the tracks on his album, Exodus. I was amazed to find what I have been looking for for a long time – Christian electronica! [or at least electronic from a Christian DJ]. I cannot express how awesomely cool this is for me to finally bob my head and move my body to techno music that, of all things, emits the sounds of spiritual warfare and sounds of advancing the Kingdom of God. I would consider this a gift for the changing of seasons; a soundtrack to intense war in the spirit.

So, if you guys have time, check out the sounds of Andy Hunter. I’m currently soaking on the album Exodus, and the tracks here are really something else. The whole album is intense, totally danceable and spiritually rousing (Intercessional is a spiritual butt-kicker! I'm also loving Radiate). Go to http://www.andyhunter.com/ for more of Andy and his whole discography.

iSoak

2008-06-20T00:49:00.000-07:00

It’s amazing how technology can improve and make life easier. One concrete example: mp3 players in general; iPod in particular! For the average music lover, this technological innovation of portable music makes it convenient to bring their favorite songs everywhere in a compact case and even more convenient to listen, shuffle, repeat and wear out the music of their choice to suit the mood of the day. For the music minister – such as yours truly – an iPod nano in his hand can mean the difference in his level of worship and music-assisted soaking in the presence of God.

God gave me an iPod nano through my two best friends and I have to say this tech gadget has done nothing but increase my time of worship and soaking. Not only have I been blessed by this gadget as a music lover (been desiring to get an mp3 player for two years) but also as a music minister (I’m now able to listen to worship music anytime, anywhere and pick out possible songs that we might sing during worship service in church).

Another thing the nano did for me in the past three weeks is put oil in the rusting hinges of my songwriting aspirations. [Here we go again with the rock star dream!!! Hahaha!]

- - - - -

Thanks to J & G for the iPod nano.

Thank You Daddy for the new burst of inspiration!

My Music Instructors

2008-06-18T11:15:00.000-07:00

jars of clay

impartation:
poetic lyric writing
soulful singing
use of natural, God-given voice with impressive results

first soundbyte:
Flood -- this song not only introduced and got me hook on Christian rock music, it also helped me appreciate guitar-driven music as a whole

favorite album/s:
Much Afraid
Good Monsters

favorite song/s:
Tea and Sympathy
Work
Scarlet
Disappear

michael w. smith

impartation:
creativity with piano/keyboard playing skills
writing insightful lyrics
use of tenor/bariton voice

first soundbite:
Place in this World -- I was surprised to learn that this song was written by a Christian; it introduced me to Christian pop music

favorite album/s:
Live the Life
Go West Young Man

favorite song/s:
Love Me Good
Somewhere Somehow
Live the Life
In My Arms Again
Somebody Love Me

chris tomlin

impartation:
singing high praises to God
use of high tenor voice
free worship inspired by the Psalms

first soundbyte:
Your Grace is Enough -- I heard this being sung in our congregation during praise and worship and fell in love with the simplicity and directness of this song; one of the first few songs I considered "non-traditional" p&w songs

favorite album/s:
Arriving
See the Morning

favorite song/s:
How Great is Our God
How Can I Keep From Singing
Let God Arise
Your Grace is Enough

jason upton

impartation:
intimate worship of God
violent declarations in the spiritual
spirit of sonship
intimacy with God

first soundbyte:
I Will Wait -- heard this a few years back in church and it just captured the state of my heart at that time; currently soaking on Jason's albums to deepen my intimacy with the Father

favorite album/s:
Between Earth and Sky
Faith

switchfoot

impartation:
appreciation for ear-grabbing guitar riffs
artful screaming/shouting in songs
thought-provoking lyric writing

first soundbyte:
New Way To Be Human -- didn't quite get into the band just yet with this one, but I found it catchy enough; Happy is a Yuppie Word made me a convert

favorite album/s:
Nothing is Sound

favorite song/s:
Happy is a Yuppie Word
Stars
Only Hope
Dare You to Move

brian and jenn johnson

impartation:
high praise and deep worship
use of low/bariton voice [thanks, brian]
use of high-to-falsetto voice [thanks, jenn]

first soundbyte:
O Taste and See -- again sung during praise and worship in church; very catchy tune, very powerful lyrics; this is my training song for high pitch (I can sing Jenn's part, except in the chorus where I switch to Brian's pitch)

favorite album/s:
We Believe

favorite song/s:
O Taste and See
We Believe
Greatly To Be Praised
Where You Go I'll Go

mute math

impartation:
creative, ambient music
creative, cryptic lyric writing
creative vocal workings
deep worship

first soundbyte:
Typical – my first taste of Mute Math was anything but typical. They’re music was quite fresh to my ears and Paul Meany’s vocals also gave me a lot of cool ideas on how to use my own

favorite album/s:
Reset EP [still soaking on this for now]

favorite song/s:
Typical
Chaos
Control
Peculiar People

delirious?

impartation:
singing with a British accent
groovy worship music
desperation and hunger for the Lord

first soundbyte:
Deeper – this is probably one of the first intimacy and spiritual hunger songs I’ve heard. Martin Smith’s British accent stands out in this song and it makes this song a standout to me.

favorite album/s:
Glo

favorite song/s:
Deeper
God You Are My God
Rain Down

misty edwards

impartation:
uber-intimacy and desperation for the Lord
total abandon to God and total focus on God in worship
importance of the fasted lifestyle

first soundbyte:
Baptize My Heart – sung in church with very convicting results. My pastor doesn’t like the line “I don’t want to be offended when it’s coming down”. “Offended with what?” he says, but after listening to Misty talk about spiritual violence and how Jesus was offensive to the religious, the song made more sense to me.

favorite album/s:
Relentless

favorite song/s:
My Soul Longs for You
You Won’t Relent
All Consuming Fire

disappointed by candy

impartation:
creativity with instruments and vocals
80s style singing
cryptic and catchy lyric writing

first soundbyte:
Failed Medication – Gabe Ruschiaval’s vocals are amazing on this song and his and Jeremy Lutito’s instrumentations are equally amazing. I got to listen to its initial version and loved it; I also got to listen to its final version and loved it as well.

favorite album/s:
The Restless Star EP

favorite song/s:
Failed Medication
Feeling I’ve Got
End of the World

Song for the Day: Happy is a Yuppie Word

2008-06-10T22:23:00.000-07:00

click for video

Ah!

Everyone dies
Everyone loves a fight
Nothing is sound
Nothing is right side right
Evening comes, when the sun goes down in red
Nothing is cool
When will all the fighting end
When will all the fighting end

Happy is a yuppie word
Nothing in the world could fail me now
It's empty as an argument
I'm running down a life that won't cash out (cash out)

Everything fails
Everything runs it's course
A time and a place, for all of this loving war
Everyone buys, everyone's gotta price, and nothing is new
When will all the failures rise
When will all the failures rise, rise!

Happy is a yuppie word
Nothing in the world could fail me now
It's empty as an argument
I'm running down a life that won't cash out

Happy is a yuppie word
Blessed is the man who's lost it all
Happy is a yuppie word (word)

Looking for an orphanage
I'm looking for a bridge I can't burn down
I don't believe the emptiness
I'm looking for the kingdom coming down
Everything is meaningless
I want more than simple cash can buy
Happy is a yuppie word
Happy is a yuppie word
Happy is a yuppie word
Happy is a yuppie,

Nothing is sound
Nothing is sound
Nothing is sound
Nothing is sound
Nothing is sound
Nothing is sound
Nothing is sound

Happy is a yuppie word
Nothing in the world could fail me now
Happy is a yuppie word (word)

So calm down, yeah!
So calm down, yeah!
So calm down, yeah!

- - - - -

This is the song that turned me into a Switchfoot fan. I heard it while I was half asleep [I was playing a CD full of mp3 songs and the Nothing is Sound album was on]. It has such a catchy tune, thought-provoking lyrics and powerful vocals from Jon Foreman. This song is currently being worn out on my iPod nano [courtesy of Jucy and Gay!].

Cinderella

2008-06-10T22:10:00.000-07:00

I heard this song during Ron & Sanchia's wedding [they're called the Quirongs now] and many of the ladies in the choir liked it.

This post goes out to Atzi Miriam who asked me to research this song.

click for the video

Cinderella
by Steven Curtis Chapman
from the album This Moment

She spins and she sways
To whatever song plays
Without a care in the world
And I'm sitting here wearing
The weight of the world on my shoulders

It's been a long day
And there's still work to do
She's pulling at me
Saying "Dad, I need you

There's a ball at the castle
And I've been invited
And I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?"

So I danced with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I danced with Cinderella
I don't wanna miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone...

She says he's a nice guy and I'd be impressed
She wants to know if I approve of her dress
She says, "Dad, the prom is just one week away
And I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?"

So I danced with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I danced with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone

She will be gone

Well, she came home today with a ring on her hand
Just glowing and telling us all they had planned
She says, "Dad, the wedding's still six months away
But I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?"

So I danced with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I danced with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone

World Tour

2008-04-21T21:20:00.000-07:00

The choir is busy preparing for the first leg of our world tour, which starts with our trip to Europe. We've been praying constantly about it, getting our papers and credentials ready, and also improving vocally as we learn new and challenging songs for this season.

We've already received an invitation from Pastor Tony [Ibarra] for the choir to minister in Mallorca, Spain, during a prophetic conference. We have also received the go signal and blessing from our Pastor [Joe DiSarno]. So it's pretty much green lit.

There was also an open door for us to minister to the congregation of one of our missionary pastors in the US. Pastor Benjun and his wife Ate Malou have expressed interest in having the choir over at their church in Baltimore. That should be exciting!

This is just a foretaste of what is to come. God has called our congregation to global ministry. So be it!

The Essential Jars of Clay

2008-04-21T17:44:00.000-07:00

Disc one
"Flood" - 3:33
"Liquid" - 3:30
"Worlds Apart" - 5:18
"Love Song for a Savior" - 4:45
"Tea and Sympathy" - 4:46
"Fade to Grey" - 3:33
"Crazy Times" - 3:36
"Five Candles (You Were There)" - 3:49
"Goodbye, Goodnight" - 2:54
"Grace" - 4:32
"Can't Erase It" - 3:33
"Unforgetful You" - 3:21
"I Need You" - 3:40
"Fly" - 3:19
"Silence" - 5:16
"Revolution" - 3:42
"Coffee Song" - 3:02
"New Math" - 3:21

Disc two
"Sunny Days" - 3:32
"Tonight" - 3:39
"Shipwrecked" - 2:52
"Faith Enough" - 5:25
"Jealous Kind" - 4:09
"Needful Hands" (Acoustic Version) - 2:47
"Dig" - 3:15
"God Will Lift Up Your Head" - 4:24
"Work" - 3:54
"Oh My God" - 6:05
"Dead Man (Carry Me)" - 3:19
"Mirrors & Smoke" - 3:58
"This Road" - 5:07
"The Widowing Field" - 3:57
"Bethlehem Town" - 4:34
"Little Drummer Boy" - 4:26

Definitely a must-have -- or more appropriately, an essential -- for Jars of Clay fans. This collection pretty much sums up the band's career in the music industry, as it presents the biggest hits and the most prolific songs they have written in their more than 10-year run as musicians.

Music Saved My Life

2008-03-11T13:36:00.000-07:00

I was born with an ear for music. I have always loved to sing. Music has been a very important part of my life… still is. All this is for a reason. God has called me to the music ministry and He has prepared me for it from the day I was born… way before I was born, actually.

He has anointed me to hear music sharply with my ears and listen to notes with discernment. He has bestowed the ability upon me to learn songs fast and to harmonize effortlessly. God has equipped me for such a time – and a calling – as this.

God has honed my singing talent and listening skills during the five years of ministry with the New Life Sounds Choir. And now, after a full year with the MCF Riverband -- our congregation's worship team -- I have learned to war in worship and to war with music. The Lord has taught me to consecrate the weapons He has given me -- my voice, my ears, my eyes -- and use them only for the glorification of His name.

In a way, music did save my life, because through it the Lord showed me who I am in Him, how I can fight victoriously, and how I can influence others for Christ.

Song of the Day: Live the Life

2008-02-29T00:28:00.000-08:00

click here for audio/video

We’re passengers aboard the train
Silent little lambs amidst the pain
That’s no longer good enough
And when its time to speak our faith
We use a language no one can explain
That’s no longer good enough
And God knows its a shame
Cause if we look to pass the blame
We are not the worthy bearers of His name

For the world to know the truth
There can be no greater proof
Than to live the life, live the life
There’s no love that’s quite as pure
There’s no pain we can’t endure
If we live the life, live the life
Be a light for all to see
For every act of love will set you free

There’s something beautiful and bold
The power of a million human souls
Come together as one
And each, in turn, goes out to lead
Another by His word, His love, His deed
Now the circle is done
It all comes back to one
For it is He and He alone
Who has lived the only perfect life we’ve known

- - - - -

We need to witness those around us not just with our words, but most importantly with our way of life. We may be the only Bible other people get to see. One of Michael W. Smith's finest songs and messages.

The Word + Music = Powerful Evangelism

2008-02-19T18:35:00.000-08:00

I am currently listening to the songs that the choir is going to present on the March 15th Easter cantata and I really believe these are some of the most moving and anointed songs I have ever heard and sung with the group.

The Word of God as it is already powerful enough, but setting them into music transforms them into something quite different on its own. Personally, I find it easier to absorb scripture when set to music, and most of the verses that I have memorized are the ones that I have heard through songs.

Five years of ministry with the New Life Sounds Choir has taught me this: relaying God’s Word through music is a powerful tool of evangelism.

For this set of 15 songs that we will be singing, I am firmly believing that the Lord will do something awesome in the heart of those appointed to watch the musical. With songs based on passages of scripture – like Zephaniah 3:17 [“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”] and Micah 7:8 [“Do not rejoice over me, O my enemy. Though I fall I will rise; Though I dwell in darkness, the LORD is a light for me.”] – I am confident that people’s eyes will be opened to the Father’s love for His children, that He truly, madly, deeply cares for us.

“Worthy of Worship” – the 2008 Easter cantata will be presented at the Maranatha World Outreach Center in Manalili corner Burgos streets, Cebu City. Everyone is invited to come, be blessed and be overwhelmed by the heavenly Father’s love.

Song of the Day: Only Hope

2008-02-18T22:52:00.000-08:00

click here for audio/video

There's a song that's inside of my soul
It's the one that I've tried to write over and over again
I'm awake in the infinite cold
But You sing to me over and over again

So I lay my head back down
And I lift my hands
and pray to be only Yours
I pray to be only Yours
I know now you're my only hope

Sing to me the song of the stars
Of Your galaxy dancing and laughing
and laughing again
When it feels like my dreams are so far
Sing to me of the plans that You have for me over again

And I lay my head back down
And I lift my hands and pray
To be only yours
I pray to be only yours
I know now you're my only hope

I give You my apathy
I'm giving You all of me
I want Your symphony
Singing in all that I am
At the top of my lungs I'm giving it back

- - - - -

One of my favorite Switchfoot songs [next to Happy Is A Yuppie Word], Only Hope captures the essence of truly belonging to the one and only Hope of all hopes -- Jesus! He's the only one who truly knows what it's like to be human, while being God at the same time. This song also echoes that verse in Zephaniah that says, "The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." A very dramatic and captivating song.

Song of the Day: How Can I Keep From Singing

2008-02-13T18:44:00.000-08:00

click here for audio/video

There is an endless song
Echoes in my soul
I hear the music ring

And though the storms may come
I am holding on
To the rock I cling

How can I keep from singing Your praise
How can I ever say enough
How amazing is Your love
How can I keep from shouting Your name
I know I am loved by the King
And it makes my heart want to sing

I will lift my eyes
In the darkest night
For I know my Savior lives

And I will walk with You
Knowing You'll see me through
And sing the songs You give

I can sing in the troubled times
Sing when I win
I can sing when I lose my step
And fall down again
I can sing 'cause You pick me up
Sing 'cause You're there
I can sing 'cause You hear me, Lord
When I call to You in prayer
I can sing with my last breath
Sing for I know
That I'll sing with the angels
And the saints around the throne

- - - - -

One of the worship songs we sing in church. It really speaks a lot about how much we, as a congregation, are really dependent on the Lord for... everything! For me personally, this song expresses my gratitude towards God -- for His presence, His grace, His love. Chris Tomlin captures that in this song.

Switch/Accelerate

2008-02-12T23:08:00.000-08:00

Half way into the preparations for the Easter cantata, one of the tenors in the choir decided to bow out of the season due to some unknown reasons [to me at least]. It would have been okay on any given day that he pulled out, but under the circumstances -- with one of the older members of the tenors taking a leave of absence at the start of the year, leaving a shortage of tenors -- it was ill-timed and unexpected.

Nevertheless, God always has a better plan in mind. He always raises up another person to fill in and fulfill the vacated duty. In this case, it was I who was called on from the basses to take the slot with the tenors and help fortify the group -- at least that's what I feel the Spirit is leading me to do.

So, now I have officially switched sides -- I'm singing with the tenors for this Easter cantata, which by the way is called "Worthy of Worship!"

And that's not all. As this has been identified as a season of acceleration, a lot of things in my life and in the ministry has been moving, shifting, changing. The Lord has been calling His children to rise up, go further and do more for Him this year.

Not only is there choir practices for me these days -- three days in a week until we sing on March 15 -- there's also a project that needs to be done by March 5 for my discipleship training class. Then there's also the upcoming cafe/outreach activity that will be taking place in front of our church building, which should be very exciting.

Amidst all these, God reminds me: "It's not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord."

Song of the Day: God Be Merciful to Me

2008-02-12T22:13:00.001-08:00

click here for audio/video

God be merciful to me
On Thy grace, I rest my plea
Plenteous in compassion Thou
Blot out my transgressions now

Wash me, make me pure within
Cleanse, oh, cleanse me from my sin

My transgressions I confess
Grief and guilt my soul oppress
I have sinned against Thy grace
And provoked Thee to Thy face

I confess Thy judgment just
Speechless, I, Thy mercy trust

I am evil born in sin
Thou desirest truth within
Thou alone my Savior art
Teach Thy wisdom to my heart

Make me pure, Thy grace bestow
Wash me whiter than the snow

Gracious God, my heart renew
Make my spirit right and true
Thy salvation's joy impart
Steadfast make my willing heart
Steadfast make my willing heart

Broken, humbled to the dust
By Thy wrath and judgment just
Let my contrite heart rejoice
And in gladness hear Thy voice

From my sins, oh, hide Thy face
Blot them out in boundless grace

- - - - -

Always the prayer of my heart -- for God's mercy to abound in my sin-stained life. This hymn, made modern by Jars of Clay, is the summary of my life and God's infinite goodness.

2nd Row From Down Stage

2008-01-10T17:58:00.000-08:00

2nd Row From Down Stage is a music blog.

It is also where I stand when on stage as a music minister with The New Life Sounds Choir, the group I minister with.

This blog will talk about my involvement in the music ministry of our congregation [in the choir and in the worship team], my love for almost all genres of music, and my thoughts on the use of music as a powerful tool for evangelism.

There will also be reviews of CDs, songs and videos here -- mainly focusing on music that glorifies the Almight God!

Some of the songs I write will also be shared here.

Forever and a Day

2007-12-18T23:39:00.000-08:00

The New Life Sounds Choir had a very fruitful season of evangelism this Christmas. We presented our 2007 holiday cantata entitled " Christmas is Forever" at Cinema 1 of SM Cebu and got a huge response from people who were seeking the Lord. It was a powerful cantata and many of our brethren said it was heavily anointed. I think we all felt the anointing on the ministry that day.

More than 500 people responded to the invitation to receive Jesus Christ into their lives during the cantata presentations in the afternoon and in the evening. Talk about getting a big harvest. The net was cast. Now the job of pulling the fish in begins. I pray, along with my congregation and fellow ministers, that all of the seeds sown will find fertile ground for growth and fruitfulness. Help us usher them to the kingdom, Lord, so we can disciple them and teach them your ways.

For this season of ministry with the choir, I'd say the Lord has taken us -- individually and corporately -- to yet another level of dependence on Him, another level of receiving and extending His grace, another level of intimacy that translated to a more powerful time of ministry during the cantata. Everybody who put in their time, talent, energy and heart into the production and presentation of the musical sowed not only in the physical but also in the spiritual, which is why I believe the Lord moved so mightily last December 8 at SM.

Kudos to all the members of the New Life Sounds Choir: the singers, the dancers, the actors, the stage directress, the choir directress, the kids' choir and dance team, the cantata support group, the backstage/behind the scenes crew, the sound and light crew, the narrators, the logistics team, the connectors, the consolidators, the facilitators, the ushers, the intercessors and everyone who did their best for the Lord. All glory and honor goes to Jesus for what He has accomplished.

Up next: the Easter cantata! Haha!