I
COULD NOT LOVE YOU MORE REVIEW -
Mission
of CD: I COULD NOT LOVE YOU MORE
To musically illustrate
through a collection of songs the thoughts and words of Bruce Marchiano's book,
JESUS WEPT, concerning "Jesus' compassion, His heartbreak and His love,"
that He has for all our losses, all our heartaches and all our tragedies.
Ryan
Howard: "To create a CD that would truly minister
to folks."
About
Marchiano's book, JESUS WEPT - The inspiration for this companion CD,
I COULD NOT LOVE YOU MORE
Using
the tragedy of loosing 3000 souls in the twin towers and all the other 911's that
happen in our lives which leave us emotionally broken, Bruce Marchiano, in his
book JESUS WEPT (Howard Publishing) explores the head and heart of Jesus to answer
questions hurting people have been asking for generations when tragedy happens
in our lives.. Why me? Why now? How can God let this happen to me, to my family?
Where is God when I hurt? Doesn't He care? His book systematically builds the
case for the truth that we can all hang onto: That God is right there with you
in the midst of your pain, crying with you. His tears are for you."
About
Bruce Marchiano....
Bruce
Marchiano grew up in an Italian /Syrian family in Southern California in Orange
county when it still had orange groves. Bruce remembers that he loved playing
Superman, because Superman saved people! He enjoyed growing up in the Syrian/
Arabic culture, experiencing Syrian family gatherings, holidays and weddings and
the wonderful food. A healthy child was expected to eat a lot, so it is no wonder
that by the time he was 13, he was considered "chunky" though athletic!
His brother reflects, "You never looked really fat, you just looked like
a big square."
After
one too many rejections from the opposite sex, Bruce took charge of his problem
and lost the weight. Bruce credits his past weight problem a major influence which
has shaped his sensitivities which would help him in his future ministry. "I
find myself always gravitating toward the underdog - the guy left out - doing
everything I can to impress the truth that God has a plan for his or her life."
After
college, Bruce moved to Los Angeles with the dream of making it as an actor, a
rather unstable profession, which teaches the reality of what "struggle"
means, another good life lesson which has helped him in his present ministry.
His up and down successes in acting not only drew him to Jesus but developed his
faith and dependence on Him
He
lived in a community of struggling actors and made some great friends. Things
improved for Bruce both professionally and personally around mid-1987. He fell
in love with a young actress and started getting auditions because of a talented
manager who believed in him.
After getting a small taste of love and success, however things in both areas
dried up, leaving him very ashamed and searching, winding up in a park, where
he gave his life to Jesus, which was the result of the prayers of his Christian
actor friends and other Christians in his life.
His
career did another about face, and Bruce found himself working from show to show,
never loosing an audition! He became active in a great church where the Lord worked
on healing and shaping his heart, so that he grew spiritually. Bruce
was happy as a clam at high tide again, but the Lord had other plans for not only
the direction of Bruce's career and but also for fine-tuning / molding his spiritual
walk, which would further strengthen him for future ministry.
In
1991, Bruce Marchiano joined a drama ministry which was headed to Australia. This
calling from God was at first strongly resisted by Bruce because he feared it
would ruin his career. The Lord won this fight in the end, and his career did
wind up in the toilet. So, Bruce again experienced 18 months of struggle, but
this time he had his faith in Jesus to cling to, developing a stronger relationship
with Him.
Then, out of the
blue, through his Australian drama ministry friend, Jerry Fisher, Bruce got an
acting job in South Africa, playing Jesus, another transforming experience. In
his book, Bruce describes his traumatic experience in a scene where he as Jesus
held a real blind man in the dirt - which shattered his heart as he was overwhelmed
by the man's broken-ness. This made Bruce realize how much compassion Jesus had
for human broken-ness, how desperately he loves us. Bruce says about this revelation,
"I knew about Jesus' love for people in pain before that day, but I never
really "got it" until that moment.
This
role in this film turned out to be the defining role for Bruce, an experience
which was the springboard of inspiration for Bruce's ministries as an author,
as an actor and as a speaker.
Not
only is Bruce Marchiano "known worldwide for his riveting portrayal of Christ
in this movie THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW, This defining moment was a founding
principle behind his book, JESUS WEPT, and expanded on in the companion CD, I
COULD NOT LOVE YOU MORE.
About
the CD: I COULD NOT LOVE YOU MORE
I
COULD NOT LOVE YOU MORE is the CD companion to Bruce’s JESUS WEPT, explores God’s
unending grace, unlimited mercy and unquenchable love for us and his ability to
relate to our losses in a deeply personal way.
Ryan
Howard, President of
Here to Him Music Group, and VP of
Business Development for Howard Publishing says of
the CD, "I Could Not Love You More was created in response to the overwhelming
message of Christ's love in Bruce’s
JESUS WEPT. We were so encouraged by Bruce's
ability to make Jesus become real to us that we wanted to develop a project that
allowed Bruce to expand on that message beyond the book. His spoken words are
set to the backdrop of stirring inspirational songs by some of today's top Christian
artists and rising talents."
Ryan
Howard and Bruce Marchiano worked together to create this stirring collection
of praise and worship songs, which took a couple of months to select the songs,
edit the vignettes, build the underscore, etc. The songs are compelling illustrations
of various short readings from the book, expressed by Bruce Marchiano himself,
who matched his messages to the songs presented. What is so effective is that
the readings build upon each other, and are nicely illustrated through music.
Dennis
Disney, the Production Executive of this project, shares with ChristianMusic.com,
how this memorable CD, I COULD NOT LOVE YOU MORE became a reality......."The
title from the CD comes from a song by Among
Thorns, a worship band affiliated with Here to Him Music Group. Ryan felt
the song represented the essence of the book, and we all felt the song title was
fairly compelling. Ryan Howard selected all the songs from our existing masters
at Here
to Him Music Group &
Cross Driven Records that he wanted
on the compilation. He also pushed for the song "Borne," from the indie
group NOT BY SIGHT. I pushed for the Joe Rogness tune, "Simply Divine."
"Bruce
Marchiano then took the song list and pulled his quotes from the book that matched
the sequence we wanted for the album. We had him record his spoken word vignettes
in California. We then had Nashville producer Jeff Nelson put the music bed under
Bruce's words and to also build the final sequence for the project."
This
reviewer did indeed find that this collection of songs truly inspiring and very
comforting, healing AND encouraging, giving insight into who Jesus is, what He
experienced how He feels about all our tragedies, in order to uplift, support,
inspire the grieving and depressed, giving a peace in the midst of sorrowful times
or times of trial, and times when the listener is just having a hard, stressful
day.
I highly
recommend the CD: I COULD NOT LOVE YOU MORE and the book JESUS WEPT as well, as
they become a dynamic duo for times of trial, grief, worry and stress. This well-picked
collection of truly lovely songs of worship and praise and of petition from a
variety of Christian artists will uplift, encourage and offer comfort to a hurting
heart, a burdened soul and point to the hope we have in the love and person of
Jesus Christ. A strong favorite for any Christian music collection, and is a must
for church libraries.
About
the Songs and the Artists on this CD:
It
is no surprise that this reviewer has quite a few strong favorites and had a heck
of a time deciding which song was the favorite of this reviewer on this CD. The
music will be a blessing to the listener as it was to this reviewer. It will deepen
your faith by reminding you how much Jesus Christ loves you, what he did for us
on the cross, and that we can depend on Him to be there for us in facing any difficulty
or disaster in our lives. He understands suffering, trials and his love for us
was and is and will ever be with us throughout eternity.
Because
of Love ( Song from CDs: Max Lucado's He
Chose the Nails )
Natalie
Grant
Her Purpose for
Singing: Natalie states, "I’m convinced that what people really want—from
music and their lives—is depth, and I feel like I have a responsibility to take
them there; the deeper things in life—values, relationships, family, and my faith
in Christ—they are what’s most attractive about a person. And they’re why I sing.
It's not about wowing the masses with how great I can sing, It's simply about
undeniably proclaiming Jesus Christ through my music."
*
* *+ BECAUSE OF LOVE - Words and Music by Bernie Hermes & Natalie Grant
One
of this reviewer's strong favorites. An evolving worship and praise song which
features a lovely, moving melody, effective, heartfelt vocals, great dynamics
which build nicely throughout the composition, strong backup choir, which all
comes together to be the perfect vehicle for the song's lovely, uplifting message
about what Jesus did on the cross for each one of us. A personal testimony as
well in the lyrics makes it very understandable which truly makes the song's message
most uplifting and clear, offering the perfect introduction to Marchiano's first
reading, as this song flows over the listener, and has the effect of developing
an open heart.
Scriptural
References:(John 3:16 & 14:2, Galations 5:1, Matt. 11:28-30, Hebrews 7:25-27,
2nd Cor. 4:6)
Lyrics:
Because of love
He left His throne, And made this earth His home. He did it willingly for you
and me. With heaven left behind, He came to save all mankind from sin and shame.
He could have walked away. But instead He chose to stay upon a tree, And take
a crown of thorns for me. Because of love.
Because
of love He bore my pain, Shouldering the blame. Why did He choose to go, How could
he love me so. Because of love He called to me. He said, "Child, I will set
you free. And you'll have life abundantly. Because of love.
Bridge:
He gave unselfishly, Caused my blinded eyes to see. It was you and me He had in
mind, On the road to Calvary. I've never known such perfect love. I had fallen
down but He picked me up. He rescued my soul, now I want the world to know.
Because
of love He left the grave, Prepared for us a place. He'll be back again someday.
And I will hear Him say, "Because you believe, you'll live eternally"
And I'll fall on my knees and I will praise
You
are holy. You are holy. Lord God Almighty. You are worthy to receive glory. Honor
and power forever.(Repeat)
Holy,
Holy, Holy, Holy, Holy, Holy, Holy, Holy, Holy, Jesus, You are!
The
angels bow down singing. All creation cries out. You're worthy of all the glory.
Forever, Amen!
Bruce Marchiano's
message #1 "Jesus Knows hardship, and He did it all for you."
We
don't think of Jesus tasting broken-ness, but He did. It is a breathtaking reality
- He's the son of the living God and He chose to dip His being into the horror
hole of human struggle. His
cousin, John was killed and, quote, "Jesus withdrew to a solitary place."
I can only imagine his tears all alone in that solitary place....His friend Lazarus
would also be taken, and as Jesus stood before His grave, quote, Jesus wept. Again,
Jesus crying tears....
On
the day He was born He was born among animals, in the day He died He was treated
as If he was less than an animal. And with every drop of blood--- every tear and
every bead of sweat as day after day He knelt in the sand and reached His hands
into the most broken places of His babies' lives..... He says over and over...
"I love you. I did it all for you --and I love you." Jesus
Simply
Divine (Song from CD: Right with You)
Joe
Rogness
"Hearing
his music is like looking through window into a life of someone who isn't perfect,
but who is intent on focusing his efforts towards knowing God and learning how
to live out his understanding of a life of faith."
The
songs on his new CD, RIGHT WITH YOU gives the listener a revealing look inside
Joe's heart. SIMPLY DEVINE is a wonderful example of a song which expresses a
heart attitude of loving the Lord. His lyrics spell out clearly how
much Jesus loves us and in turn how Joe feels about Jesus. The theme illustrates
nicely Bruce's thoughts in #1.
*
* * + SIMPLY DEVINE - Words and Music by Joe Rogness and Nate Sabin
Another
strong favorite of this reviewer. A flowing 3/4 meter acoustic worship hymn, which
is a lovely love letter to Jesus, set to a stirring melody, brought to life by
lovely acoustic guitar arrangement, which propels the song forward in a swirling
fashion. Great use of broken chords by guitar and piano throughout create nice
counter melody. Also enjoyed the string counter melody in chorus. Whole composition
has nice dynamics which bring the feeling of the song to life. Joe's strong vocals
express the lyrics in a meaningful manner, which just float along lightly on top
of the musical accompaniment, celebrating Jesus.
Scriptural
References: (John 20:1-7, Luke 22:41-42, 48, Mark 15:16-20, Matt. 27: 35-44, Hebrews
2:9b)
Lyrics:
Exhausted
and anxious, Unwilling to fight. Sweating blood in Your anguish. Could this cup
pass tonight. A kiss of betrayal. Your silent defense. Religion claims victory,
As politics stand to the side. And leave You to die.
Chorus:
Simply divine, So gentle and kind, And only You. Could take the shape of the cross.
And make it something beautiful.
Lashes
of fury, A world's weight of shame. A crown made to mock You. A fool on display.
Hanging in misery. Alone and betrayed. Commending Your Spirit. You cried Your
last breath. As You gave Your life on that day.
Chorus
Two
nights and morning, The stone rolled away. Out of the ages of anguish and pain.
The heart of the earth, Gave birth to the perfect gift of grace.
Part
of Bruce Marchiano's message #2 "The Cross."
Then
came the day when Jesus "became" broken-ness. He would hang Himself
between the heaven that He gave
up and the earth that He created.......... His being would be gripped by the unimaginable.
Some people cried, most people laughed -- and He breathed His last.
You
know when hard times hit we cry out to God, and we're so full of questions. "If
You're good, Lord, why do these things happen?" "Why so much pain?"
And more than anything else, " Lord, why didn't You do something?" And
with every drop of His precious Son's blood, the living God looks up through His
own tears and answer, "I did do something -- Jesus."
Complete
(Song from CD: Amazing)
Parachute
Band: Libby & Wayne &
Rhys & Julian
The Parachute
Band got together in the summer of '96 as the in-house band to lead worship at
New Zealand's Parachute Music Festival.
Parachute's
Mission: To take Christian music in New Zealand to unprecedented levels. To Use
music both locally and globally to move people closer to Jesus Christ. "Our
heart is to simply love God, to sing to Him and to lead others in worship."
Their
song, COMPLETE is a solemn praise and worship song, continuing on with the theme
of responding to Jesus' love and support of us through giving ourselves back to
Him in praise, in service, in love, especially when we are hurting and need restoration
by Him.
* * *+ COMPLETE
- Words and Music by Andrew Ulugia
Another
strong favorite of this reviewer. A listener-involving praise and worship song
that will get the listener singing along with the vocals, and will change any
dour, sad mood, ( if it hasn't been changed already) into an attitude of praise
and petition of the Lord, becoming a source of comfort, as one takes the focus
off oneself and gives praise to the Lord.
Nice
strong piano introduction. Expressive single vocal softly carries melody and worship
quality of lyrics. Strings softly come in at the chorus. Song has a strong, catchy
melody, Nice choral sound, building dynamics in both composition and vocals,
and lyrics that are easy to remember, making this song perfect for group worship
or individual praise time.
Scriptural
References:(Hebrews 13:15,16 & 7:27, Matt. 6:33, Ephesians 5:1-2 )
Lyrics:
Here
I am oh God. I bring this sacrifice. My open heart. I offer up my life. I look
to you Lord. Your love that never ends. Restores me again.
So
I lift my eyes to you Lord. In your strength will I break through Lord. Touch
me now.
Let your love fall
down on me. I know your love dispels all my fears. Through the storm, I will hold
on Lord. And by faith I will walk on Lord. Then I'll see beyond my Calvary one
day. And I will be complete in You.
Jesus
Draw Me Ever Nearer ( Song from Just
Come In)
Margaret
Becker
"I believe
suffering makes us more like Him, ultimately, but in the midst of the suffering,
that doesn't seem quite enough. You can not always make sense out of why the One
who can make all the hurting in our lives stop, doesn't. There is a verse in Isaiah
that talks about getting the treasures of darkness. I think I have been through
enough darkness to know that if you go through those difficult times, under the
hand of God, you do come out on the other side with treasures." - Quotes
taken from Jamsline.com/b_becker.htm
*
* * +# JESUS DRAW ME EVER NEARER - Words
and Music by Margaret Becker and Keith Getty
The
second favorite song of this reviewer. It is the perfect hymn to follow the above
song. The mindset of having a praise and worship attitude comes with the listener
into this song, a lovely, but spirited prayer hymn of petition, with a memorable
melody, expressive vocals and meaningful lyrics. It is kept moving and vibrant
by acoustic guitars, mandolin and interesting percussion, which keeps the beat
and offers nice counter-melodies Really enjoyed Margaret's strong vocals and the
wonderful lyrics which express so well the faith and hope we have in our Lord,
in a well-written petition for help and guidance. Reminds this reviewer of Romans:8:28.
Scriptural
References: (Isaiah 48:10-11 & 58:11, Hebrews 3:14, 2nd Cor. 1:24b)
Lyrics:
Jesus, draw
me ever nearer. As I labor through the storm. You have called me to this passing.
And I'll follow though I'm worn.
Chorus:
May this journey bring a blessing. May I rise on wings of faith. And at the end
of my heart's testing. With Your likeness let me wake.
Jesus
guide me through the tempest. Keep my spirit staid and sure. When the midnight
meets the morning. Let me love You even more. Chorus
Let
the treasures of the trial, Form within me as I go. And at the end of this long
passage. Let me leave them at Your throne. Chorus.
3)
Bruce Marchiano's message #3 "Identification With Broken - Jesus
Beckons, 'Come..."
Hard
times touch all of our lives. I think of King David 3000 years ago-- a man with
more promise than any of us, yet going through his own hard times---His heart
and hurt worn openly on his sleve in so many Psalms that he wrote. You can almost
see his tears staining page after page..."Oh Lord, how long will you be silent?
My heart is melted like wax within me. My tears are my companions all night long."
Sound
close to home? Yes, we live in a broken times are nothing new. And in the middle
of it all stands Jesus. "Come," He says, "I understand broken--For
you I was broken--And I'll give you rest for your soul." Jesus.
I
Could Not Love You More - (Song
from their CD; Draw
Near)
AMONG
THORNS: Matt Gilder, Darin Sasser, Brandon Eller, Gary Ishee and David Childress
THE
VISION OF THIS BAND IS TO REVEAL WHO GOD IS.
"We
want to lead people into a deep time of worship and intimacy before God. As we
step onstage we want people to know that we are intimately involved with our Savior,
and that ultimately we are not there to entertain them - we are there to worship
Him together."
*
* * I COULD NOT LOVE YOU MORE - Words and Music by Jay Hall, Jason Morant &
Darin Sasser
A
beautiful prayer hymn of devotion and worship of Jesus Christ, the perfect song
to be picked as the title of this CD. Nice introduction of guitar, piano and strings,
with light percussion in the background, steadying the tempo. Once again, the
song has strong vocals, great dynamics which build throughout the composition,
and then nicely quiet down once again, like the beginning. Lovely melody supported
by a nice, intricate blend of guitars, piano, strings, synthesizer, offering chord
and counter melody, all which gives so much to the quality of the song, and fine
support for the lyrical message.
The
lyrics are inspiring, encouraging the listener to be encouraged with the hope
we have in Jesus, the anchor to our soul, the source of our salvation and eternal
life with Him, who cares for us and sustains us when we are weary, in need of
rest.
Scriptural References:(Hebrews
7:27, 1 Thess. 5:16-18, Phil. 4:4)
Lyrics:
If I saw a crippled
man stand tall, if I turned to see a dead man walk, I could not love You more,
I could not love You more. If I felt the warmth of Your embrace, or laid my eyes
upon Your face, I could not love You more, I could not love You more.
Chorus:
The cross is, my treasure,Your blood has, joined us together. Your greatness,
Your splendor, has sustained me, for ever....I could not love You more, I could
not love You more.
If
I saw a blind man stand in awe, at the wonder of all that he saw, I could not
love You more, I could not love You more.......If I saw the stone roll away, and
touched Your scars and felt Your pain, I could not love You more, I could not
love You more.
Not
By Sight - Borne (Song
from their CD; Not
By Sight)
Brother
& Sister Duo: Nathan Thompson (Vocalist, Guitar) and Naomi Thompson Carroll
(Vocals, Songwriter)
II
Corinthians 5:7: "For we walk by faith and not by sight."
Their
mission is to bring messages of hope and healing through Christ to the world..
Not-By-Sight.com
*
* * ++BORNE - Words and Music by Naomi Thompson
Favorite
song of this reviewer - The
combination of strong, expressive vocals, a memorable melody supported by well-composed
piano accompaniment and a very nice steady dynamic buildup of a interesting combination
of other instruments really provide the perfect vehicle for the stellar, Spirit-inspired
lyrics which express so clearly our flawed human condition, and how the Lord picks
us up when we stumble and fall, how we belong to Him and why, and how we receive
love and mercy and purpose through Jesus Christ. It gives the listener a lot to
think about and be grateful for in what a Savior we have in Jesus. The song as
a total unit speaks to the soul
of the listener, inspiring an attitude of appreciation and love for not only Jesus'
willingness to be our sin offering, but also how much the Lord loves us and cares
for us, giving rest for our souls, despite the circumstances we find around ourselves.
This
composition starts off simply, with piano and expressive vocals by Naomi, with
light strings joining in halfway through the 1st verse, which come in stronger
as underlying support at the chorus. Musical interlude between verses introduces
light electric piano, electric guitar. 2nd
verse brings in vocal harmony from 2nd backup vocal, string support, light touches
of electric keyboard, and electric guitar playing little counter melodies which
blend nicely with other accompaniment composition. Light drums appear, and music
builds to the 2nd time through Chorus 1.
Things
quiet down at the Bridge, then swell while segueing into a key change, which signifies
the change of topic to Jesus in the 2nd Chorus. In 2nd Chorus, great vocal ensemble
nicely supports the strong main vocals, as the song goes full bore dynamically,
ending on a quiet note, like the beginning.
Scriptural
References:(John 3:16, Psalm 46:1, 2 Cor. 4:7-9 & 12:9, 1 Peter 5:7, Romans
8:26)
Lyrics:
Borne of dust,
I get so dirty, But You pick me up, brush me off. Send me on my way. Borne of
flesh, I get so caught up in my story, It's so human to concern myself with. Everything
that I seem to be going through. But Lord, where would I be. Without this flesh
to remind me.
Chorus 1: I was borne to breathe, Borne to be broken, Borne to realize that it's
not I, But the You in me. Borne to live, AND Borne to love You. I was borne to
die. Knowing that my life is not mine.
Hook:
So Lord, thank you for the thorn, I've had to bear. From the day that I was borne.
Borne of love,
Love so perfect. You are Heaven's thought, gift of God. Come to save the world.
Born of flesh and born of Spirit, My sweet Savior it's so like You. To concern
Yourself with, Everything that I seem to be going through. Oh Lord, where would
I be, Without Your love to remind me. Chorus 1
Hook:
So Lord, thank you for the thorn, I've had to bear. From the day that I was borne.
Bridge for 2nd Chorus:
You were borne to breathe, Borne to be broken.....
Chorus
2: You were borne to
breathe, Borne to be broken, Borne so that I would realize, You are all I need.
Borne to live, Borne to love (save) me. You were borne to die so that I, Could
be completely free. (Repeat)
Hook:
So Lord, thank you for the thorns,
for the thorns,
you chose to bear, So that I could be... I could
be borne. I could be borne.
{Not
By Sight CD Review - Check out the full review of their CD}
Bruce
Marchiano's message #4 "Joy Comes In The Morning!"
As
we know, the grave would not hold Jesus' friend Lazarus. It would not come close
to holding Jesus. Oh, how the living God laughs in the face of all things broken!
One thought, one word from his divine lips and the breath of life explodes onto
the scene bringing goodness, life and wholeness. With His eternal hands astride
His eternal hips--With a smile that's wider than a summer sunset--He waves a welcome
and belts, " Weeping may last for a night, My child--But joy comes in the
morning."
Oh, beloved
one, I know it feels big, but it's not bigger than the living God--It's not bigger
than Jesus and He loves you like you can't begin to know. "Hang on My child!"
He says. "I love you so much, and I promise you, if you'll just hang on to
Me--Joy will come in the morning!" --Jesus.
Kelly
Minter - Say The Word
(WRESTLING
THE ANGELS CD)
*
* * + SAY THE WORD - Words and Music by Mary Danna and Kelly Minter
The
message of this song fits in nicely with the Joy comes in the Morning passage
posted above. When we seek and have a relationship with Him, we are never alone
in our trials and have the hope and faith in the Lord who love us.
Spiritual
Message - Kelly Minter Comments: "I love the whole idea surrounding the type of
God we serve - a God who is very powerful, shakes mountains, calms storms, and
speaks without making a sound. This one's about finding a real intimacy and communion
with God, pleading for him to speak into our lives in a way that only he can.
Another
strong favorite of this reviewer. Intro uses a synthesizer to good effect, giving
the feeling of a powerful God. Starts off softly, and gradually gets louder. Nice
acoustic guitar, keyboards, strings provide mellow, smooth support for the sweet
melody and Minter's expressive vocals in this love letter to the Lord, proclaiming
the faith and love of a believer..
Scriptural
References:( John 1-3 & John 6:16-21, Matt. 8:23-26 & 9:29, Luke 7:6-7)
Lyrics:
It just took
a touch and blind could see. Just a breath and man could breathe. And it just
takes a whisper for my heart to mend. To set me on my feet again. Cause when You
speak the mountains shake. Storms are stilled, the wind obeys.
Chorus: Say the word
and I will be healed. Cause You're the only one who knows how I feel. And it will
be the sweetest thing that I have ever heard. Say the word.
Tell
me You love me or sing me a song. Just let Your voice carry on. Cause You can
speak soft or loud Or You can speak without a sound. Chorus
Bridge:
And let if fall on me like rain drops, So I can know Your love will never ever
stop.
Tinman
Jones - Crave
(Song from their CD; Poetic)
Tineman
Jones : "We feel that we are the equivalent of air support flying in
to reinforce the work that the local ministry is engaged in. We want them to understand
exactly where we're coming from. We want them to understand that relationship
with God is essential and it's for real."
World
Vision Artists:
Tinman
Jones Members: Bryan Alexis (lead vocals), Don Guthrie (Percussion and rap vocals),
Matt Helms (Guitar), Keith Alexis (Bass), Mark Toombs (Drums).
*
*+ CRAVE - Words and Music by Tinman Jones
Another
fine worship / prayer hymn of petition, which expresses so well the great need
we all have for the Lord in our lives, in a relationship with Him. The meaningful
lyrics and their interesting delivery by the main vocals earned this song a spot
on this CD. They touch the heart and inspire the listener to ask the Lord for
similar requests. Nice back electric guitar, simple yet supportive of the main
melody carried by the vocals. Some nice harmony also adds variety to sound.
Scriptural
References (John 10:27-30, Eph. 3:16-18 & 4:22, Matt. 24:33, Romans 12:2,
Hebrews 6:19-20)
Lyrics:
I
need you, More than I admit. Or understand. To see You. Renew me. And heal me
once again. Pursue me. To the end of, Everything I am. Then teach me. Deplete
me. And keep me in Your hand.
Chorus:
I crave You. I crave You.
I
want You. I'm reaching out. Toward You now. Come touch me. Complete me. And fill
my soul somehow. I
seek You. I'm finding out . Just who You are. To know You. To love You. To hold
You in my heart. Chorus
I'm
desperate. To feel You near. I close my eyes. Surround me. And drown me. In Your
consuming fire.
Bruce
Marchiano's Message #5 "Broken-ness"
Broken-ness,
loss, struggles, heartache --just things going wrong....In those times, nothing
seems to make sense, and we need Jesus so much, but He seems to be so hard to
find. We cry out, "Jesus, I need you!"But through the spin of our emotions
and all the strain, He just seems so hard to find....But He is there--Oh, how
He is three--And He whispers, "Be still, My child. Rest. Know in Me a quietness
and trust. I Am and I always will be--And I love you. I love you." ---Jesus
Detour
180 -
Hallelujah
(Song from their CD; Detour 180)
Adrian
Robertson (Lead vocalist), Matthew J. Chapman (Rhythm guitar), Cain Coulton (Electric
Guitar), Jonathan 'Jono' Scarlet (Bass guitar) and Evan Cooper (drums)
"We
call ourselves an unashamedly Christian band. We write songs from a Christian
perspective," says guitarist Matt Chapman. "When Adrian sings ‘I'm waiting for
You with arms outstretched,’ that's You with a capital Y --God.”
* * * + HALLELUJAH
- Music by Matthew J. Chapman And Words by Matthew J. Chapman & Jonathan Scarlet
Another strong favorite of
this reviewer. Wonderful 3/4 meter praise song, which flows along nicely. It has
simple, yet wonderful lyrics, and a really appealing melody, upbeat feeling to
it. Another tool to get out of a sad or dour mood! Very Nice acoustic guitar /
mandolin work, effective dynamics and the uplifting, expressive vocals and well-balanced,
vocal ensemble backup give the song its sparkle and oomph!!! This song would be
perfect for group worship, as well as for personal time, to bring praise and worship
to the Lord, a reminder to all of how great our Lord is.
Scriptural
References (Job 38, Psalm 19:1-6 & Psalm 108, 1 Thes. 5:18, Ephesians 5:19,
Phil. 4:4)
Lyrics:
Who
made the stars, for the evening? Who made the sun for the dawn? The mountains
above, The valleys beneath, Sing your praise. The heavens above. The water beneath.
Sing your praise.
Hallelujah
Hook:
Lord of mercy, You can hear me, Singing sovereign, I adore Thee.
Bruce
Marchiano's message #6 "Jesus Speaks To The Listener"
"Be
still, My child. Know that I'm God. " "I love you with an everlasting
love. I will never leave you. I'll never forsake you."
"Your
name is inscribed in the palm of My Father's hand." "You are My will,
My child. Your joy is My pleasure....
"And I love you. I love you, I love you, I love you..." Jesus.
Carman
- ALWAYS
WILL (Song from
his CD;HOUSE OF PRAISE).
"I have decided to follow Jesus.
No turning back. No turning back."
*
* *+ ALWAYS WILL - Words and Music by Carman, found on his HOUSE
OF PRAISE CD.
"Every song reveals a different truth, just as the Spirit of the Lord is there
to do different things. Every song has a different avenue of healing to the soul
and spirit."
Another
strong favorite song of this reviewer. The perfect song to end this comforting
and uplifting CD. An absolutely well-composed, uplifting and comforting ballad,
the type of song that Carman is well known for singing / writing. Vocals are strong
and expressive, and the lyrics speak to the listener of God's faithfulness, a
dependable friend during the rough times when we remember to turn to Him.
Wonderful
melody flows along with dotted quarter and eighth note rhythm, with fine broken
chord guitar work, piano / keyboards and a delicate contribution of strings, which
doesn't take over the total sound, but adds color to the song. * Back up vocals
have lovely harmonies, which grow and expand nicely in the composition. The usual
great use of dynamics add additional oomph to the total song.
2nd
time through, the choir is led by Carman through the song. Harmonies are wonderful,
starting with ensemble sound, that grows into a full choir harmonic voices which
add so much to the song.
Scriptural References: (Romans 8:38 & 15:13, Ephesians 3:18, John 10: 27-30, 1
Peter 5:7)
Lyrics:
I've been alone and I've been forgotten. I know what it feels
like to be on the bottom. Nothing to look forward to and nobody there. I've felt
the grip of the spirit that takes. Under the ways of depression that makes you
Numb to the feeling of hope and you just don't care.
Chorus:
Lord I need to hear You say. That You're there for me. That You're with me still.
And I need to hear You say. That You're there for me. That You love me and You
always will.
Bridge: I know it's not a one way street. And what I need to hear from You, You
need to hear from me.
Chorus:
Julie
Carr - CD Reviewer for ChristianMusic.com
For
more information about the groups, their songs and the CDs they came from, check
out the linked review pages and the linked web sites for each group.
