March 2010 Volume 19::02 Israel Houghton wins his 3rd Grammy Page 12 Click to Read Jared Anderson Free Download Page 17 Click to read Carlos Whittaker A Ragamuffin Soul Page 8 Click to Read Vicky Beeching Adventures with a Dangerous God Page 6 Click to Read March 2010 www.integritymusic.com INTEGRITY Digital Update | 1 INTEGRITY’S GLOBAL CALLING Our Mission: “Helping people worldwide experience the manifest presence of God” “I’m convinced that the renewal we have been seeing in worship in the last thirty years has been to refresh people in God’s manifest presence, and change their lives so they are swept into His destiny.” —Mike Coleman, co-founder, president and CEO of Integrity Media, Inc. [ ] With offices around the globe and distributing worship music to more than 160 countries, Integrity Music is in a unique position to share how we see the Spirit of God moving around the world. The video below is an update from Mike Coleman, Integrity Media President, and our international office leaders. I n January 2001, I read a book written by Bruce Wilkinson titled The Prayer of Jabez. The book was based on the Bible verse 1st Chronicles 4:10 “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain” My wife Ina and I were deeply affected by this scripture and began to lift this prayer to the Lord. And He listened! In 2007, I was asked by Integrity Media to oversee their International Division, a serious task for a company with a global calling. So, we relocated from the Netherlands to Integrity’s home base in Mobile, Alabama, where our Integrity Music Latin department is located and from where we manage offices in Africa, Asia, England and Europe. It has been a great inspiration for me to work with Mr. Mike Coleman, Integrity’s CEO, to help facilitate our mission statement of “Helping people worldwide experience the manifest presence of God.” And it has been a great joy for me to help fulfill this calling by providing worship music, resources, educational training and worship concerts for the global Church. I am blessed to work with fine men and women around the world who share the same passion for worship and each of them are called to be influential and intentional in their regions. We see a great need and understand that God opens doors to bring healing and transformation through music, songs and testimony. That is why we are passionate about connecting leaders and ministries around the world who can help the generations understand and develop a worship lifestyle. We believe that there is a tsunami of Gods presence coming to the earth and we want to be a part of that outpouring! [ ] March March 2010 2010 www.integritymusic.com www.integritymusic.com What an honor to be a part of a ministry that is about changing peoples’ lives! Hans Groeneveld President, International Division INTEGRITY INTEGRITY Digital Digital Update Update || 3 3 Integrity Welcome to the 2nd edition of the Integrity Digital Update! In this issue we’re glad to bring you a deep-dive article on our new worship leader Carlos Whittaker. You’re going to love his album releasing 4/27/10. Also, the video intro from our CEO, Mike Coleman and the executive International staff, brings a great update on some areas where we see God moving across the globe. The $50 gift card winners from last issue’s video contest are below. Your emails to me will be included in this section next month. So, please send your questions and comments on this month’s content to my email address below. Worship well, Digital Update Matt Peterson [email protected] Digital Magazine Tutorial A Ragamuffin Soul 8 Worship leader for Andy Stanley. Host and speaker at events such as Catalyst. A reality TV appearance. And an online presence that reached thousands before he recorded a single note. It’s the usual story, just in reverse. Also In This Issue: Subscribe FREE Now! YES! I want to get two years of Integrity Digital Update at the low price of $0! Just enter your name and e-mail address below: Adventures with a Dangerous God $29.95 Your Special Rate www.integritymusic.com 14 New & Upcoming Music 15 Kari Jobe: Revelation Song 20 Israel Houghton Grammy Win for Power Of One Integrity Digital Update 100% Don’t forget to send this issue to a friend 4 | INTEGRITY Digital Update 12 Chief Editor: Matthew Peterson You Save E-mail Address Vicky Beeching Regular Rate FREE Name 6 2 years/20 issues of Integrity Digital Update John Mark McMillan March 2010 Managing Editor: Jeff Roberts News Director: Shannon Walker Art Director: Dan Wilson Marketing Director: Chris Estes Integrity Digital Update Volume 19 :: 2 ©2010 Integrity Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. March 2010 www.integritymusic.com INTEGRITY Digital Update | 5 Adventures Pray For with a Dangerous God Chile by Jo Brazier T he extreme poverty of the developing world is always deeply shocking to visitors from the affluent West. Vicky Beeching was only ten years old when she spent a month working with her missionary grandparents in Zimbabwe, an experience that infused her with a passion for justice and the thrill of living wholeheartedly for Christ. “It blew my mind,” Vicky admits. “My grandparents had normal jobs until they were in their forties, then they just sensed God saying that it was time for a huge change. It reminded me that in a good way, Jesus is “ But I think to be relevant we have to offer something eternal and something of heaven. ” dangerous! He asks you to do crazy things and leads you on amazing holy adventures. I saw them do that journey and I knew that Jesus looked after them.” As she grew older, Vicky began writing songs and performing them for her church youth group. One evening, her youth leader suggested that the group join in, giving Vicky her first experience of leading worship. Continuing her grandparents’ legacy, Vicky has frequently stepped out of the traditional �worship leader’ box, playing in night clubs, red light districts and women’s refuges in her desire to bring Jesus’ presence to those outside the church. “It’s an amazing form of evangelism, �cause the Kingdom shows up and people sense God when they’ve never known Him before.” She says, “Jesus’ heart is for the dark corners of the world. If you take a little bit of His light outside the church, it goes a long way.” Passionate about God’s heart for the poor, Vicky believes worship leaders have a crucial role in demonstrating His love to those in need. “We should be leading worship through acts of justice as well as through singing. We’ve got to be first to do that.” Vicky is convinced, though, that good works must go hand in hand with the Good News. “A lot of Christians dive in with the justice movement, but leave Jesus out of it because that part’s a bit awkward. A lot of bands water down the Jesus content too, because they want to be relevant. But I think to be relevant we have to offer something people don’t already have - something eternal and something of heaven.” As an advocate for organizations like Hope for Justice, founded by Ben and Debbie Cooley, Compassion International and The International Justice Mission, Vicky has seen how relevant Jesus really is. “Justice is a huge ethereal reality, but God breaks it down into bite-sized chunks: it’s about opening your eyes, and when someone is suffering, not turning away… If everybody did that, we really could change the world. It’s not just pep talk, it’s actually true. We could genuinely change the world as the church today.” Order Vicky Beeching EP on iTunes—Only $2.98 Listen to tracks from Eternity Invades (mouse over song title to play) Preorder Now! 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6 | INTEGRITY Digital Update Salvation Day Blessing and Honor Deliverer Breath of God Inhabit The Praise 6. Glory To God Forever 7. One Day 8. Break Our Hearts 9. Emmanuel 10.Refuge www.integritymusic.com 11.Listening 12.Undivided Heart 13.Bonus: Wonder of The Cross Please support your local ministry centered on relief for Chile or these organizations. Chile needs your help. American Red Cross March 2010 A RAGAMUFFIN SOUL by Steve Underwood It’s a familiar story: A worship leader is called to extend their platform. They record a debut release, filled with songs birthed in their ministry. They create online environments to connect with their audience. They’re invited to lead worship at prominent churches and conferences. And then there’s Carlos Whittaker. A worship leader for Andy Stanley’s Buckhead Church in Atlanta. Worship leader at events such as Catalyst. A reality TV appearance (more on that later). And an online presence that reached thousands before he recorded a single note. It’s the usual story, just in reverse. 8 | INTEGRITY Digital Update www.integritymusic.com March 2010 March 2010 www.integritymusic.com INTEGRITY Digital Update | 9 T his story begins in Los Angeles. As the son of a Southern Baptist pastor, Carlos was raised in his father’s church, where his musical journey began in a less-than-rocking fashion. “I was in the church hand bell choir, complete with an Afro,” he says with a laugh. “I learned music by playing the A and C bells.” He would also learn about singing. Equipped with a tenor voice, Carlos would often find himself performing the choir’s solo. It was then he first encountered his passion for leading worship. “I loved helping to carry the moment,” he says. “I enjoyed leading people somewhere through music.” Carlos moved into a different medium, online social media. Originally created as a forum for worship leaders, his RagamuffinSoul.com blog has become a dynamic, worldwide conversation where thousands of people daily exchange thoughts, ideas, and insights. 1. Who is Carlos Whittaker? It was through his blog that Carlos would connect with Integrity Music. As he began recording his debut with renowned producer Jason Ingram, Carlos was clear on what he wanted to say to the church. 3. Why did you feel you “My desire is to create a should make a worship movement of authenticity album at this time? among Christians,” he enthuses. “A movement that pushes people into a place of being real with themselves, others, and God. It’s all about authenticity. And in that authenticity, finding God.” 5. What has been the major As for the music itself, influence in your life? Carlos was committed to being uncommitted to any particular style. “I didn’t have a specific sound,” he notes. “I just had an attitude. An energy. I was trying to find the essence of who I am, and 7. Who is the audience you get that inside the music. I speak to? think we did it.” The result of this mission is Ragamuffin Soul, a record that alternates from arenasized powerhouses to intimate songs of faith, with a sound that’s both fresh and familiar. Features include “Rain It Down,” an epic plea for God’s quenching presence, “Jesus Saves,” a soaring track carrying a simple, yet powerful, message, and “Can’t Start This Fight,” a jam best described as hip-hop meets Jack Johnson. Another standout, “No Words,” encourages people to move from singing to action. “There are no new words we say that can impress God,” Carlos says. “What impresses Him is the attitude of our hearts. The heart of a servant, being a true worshipper, so that our words or sounds are wrapped in obedience.” “God of Second Chances” would have a special public debut, Get to know Integrity’s new worship leader… Carlos Whittaker. 10 | INTEGRITY Digital Update www.integritymusic.com 2. What are you passionate about? connecting with someone long before the record’s release. While Carlos performed the song for a video shoot in an Atlanta park, a stranger spontaneously joined him, adding his own lyrics to this personal, firstperson view of God’s limitless grace. Having played that song for a crowd of one, Carlos will next share his 4. What’s behind this album title RagamuffinSoul? “ What impresses Him is the attitude of our hearts. 6. Tell us about your lovely bride and kids. ” music with larger audiences at Catalyst West, Creation Festival, The One Day Conference, and tour dates with Shane & Shane and fellow Integrity artist John Mark McMillian (“How He Loves”). In addition to music, Carlos is helping to plant a new church in downtown Chicago. As with everything he’s involved in, he has a unique vision for what Soul City Church will look like. “We want to do church seven days a week, through continual ministry,” he enthuses. “We don’t want to pour all of our resources into one day of the week. And it’s easier to do this in the inner city, because when you leave your place, you’re immediately in the middle of great need.” No matter the outlet, whether it’s through a worship service, a revealing song, or an insightful blog entry, Carlos is committed to encouraging people to express the spiritual through the creative. “You don’t have to be a worship leader to be creative for the Lord,” he notes. “God has put His divinity and creativity in us, and it’s our responsibility to put that divinity back into things.” And it’s this continual desire to connect and share with others that fuels both his music and ministry. “Pastoring and worshipping are the same thing to me,” Carlos says. “Leading worship is just a piece of my life.” Besides, he adds, “People don’t know me as a worship leader.” That’s about to change. Order Carlos Whittaker EP on iTunes—Only $2.98 Listen to tracks from Ragamuffin Soul 8. Where can we see you speak and sing this year? (mouse over song title to play) Preorder Now! March 2010 March 2010 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Rain It Down Can’t Start This Fight God Of Second Chances We Will Worship You No Words Because Of You www.integritymusic.com 7. Shine On 8. Grace Already Won 9. Jesus Saves 10.In Your Presence 11.Your Name 12.We Will Dance INTEGRITY Digital Update | 11 The Power of One Makes Three for Israel Houghton by Shannon Walker M ulti-talented worship leader, songwriter and recording artist Israel Houghton won his third consecutive GRAMMY® during the 52nd Annual GRAMMY® Awards ceremony in Los Angeles. Houghton took home the award for “Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album” for his critically-acclaimed CD The Power Of One and also was honored with a “Best Gospel Song” nomination for “Every Prayer” from The Power of One. Previously, Houghton and his powerhouse musical ensemble New Breed won a GRAMMY® in 2008 for A Deeper Level and in 2007 for Alive in South Africa. This year’s win marks his first GRAMMY® as a “solo” artist. “It’s really an honor to be nominated for such a prestigious award,” says Houghton. “And to win is such a surreal experience… I’m so moved that the message in the music was embraced and appreciated.” The “message” of the genre-blending album is one of hope, redemption and revelation, especially the title track, which expresses “ instrumentalist, producer and worship leader, he has created a canon of songs that have become standards in houses of faith around the globe while earning Grammy, Stellar and Dove awards all along the way. For his most current offering, Israel delivers the Grammy-winning tour-de-force The Power of One, which may be his most personal effort to date. It is a challenge to all people of faith to be as impassioned and Christ-like in their earthly walk as humanly possible. Israel says the creative seeds for the project were planted back in May of 2008 at a friend’s beach house in Southern California. “It’s about two miles from where I was born in Carlsbad,” he says. “I generally go there by myself to gather my thoughts, turn off the phone, read, write and get inspired. This time I had Tommy Sims and Aaron Lindsey come in to give a collective energy try… We spent three days there, just looking at the ocean and writing the bulk of the album.” Recalling musical missions past, Israel says, “If you look at our albums thematically, the early ones were about the Church and what God is doing… �a New Season is coming’ and �Another Level.’ On the most recent records, our message has shifted into more social and global concerns, focusing on identity and the purpose of God in everyone’s life. I strongly believe that those of us who consider ourselves worshippers need to have a heart for social justice as pointed out in Amos 5. ” Thank you so much. Houghton’s passion for social justice. “I strongly believe that those of us who consider ourselves worshippers need to have a heart for social justice,” says Houghton who will be in Toronto for a Haiti benefit concert on Feb. 12. In addition to his career as a recording artist, Israel Houghton is a worship leader at Houston’s Lakewood Church and a spokesman for international relief agency World Vision. He is the recipient of six Dove Awards, three GRAMMY Awards, two Stellar Awards and a Soul Train Award. Israel Houghton is known for injecting contemporary gospel and worship with a blazing, youthful energy. As a singer, composer, multi12 | INTEGRITY Digital Update www.integritymusic.com �Power of One’ is the song we wrote specifically around that thought for this album.” What if it all depended on me to change the world What if my only responsibility were to change the world Let me be the one to start a revolution Let me sing my song to the people of the world It all begins with one The Power of One Joining the hundreds of millions of people “Believing in One” – The Power of One The Grammy and Dove Award-nominated song, is also featured on Healing 4 Haiti, a new multi-artist benefit album that supports relief efforts in the ravaged island nation. As part of his personal effort to change the world, Israel supports a variety of compassion-focused ministries including the international relief and aid organization World Vision and a medical missions ministry birthed out of Houston’s Lakewood Church where he serves as a worship leader. For more information on Israel, visit http://israelhoughton.net. Listen to tracks from The Power Of One (mouse over titles to play) Order Now! Order The Worship Leader Edition March 2010 March 2010 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. My Name Iz Everywhere That I Go Just Wanna Say Surely Goodness The Power Of One (Save The World) 6. U R Loved 7. Moving Forward 8. I Receive 9. Saved By Grace 10. Every Prayer 11. Sing Redemption’s Song www.integritymusic.com 12. Better To Believe 13. You Found Me 14. My Tribute Medley 15. How Great Is Our God Medley INTEGRITY Digital Update | 13 New in 2010 from Integrity Music Unshakable Deluge Band Unshakable delivers energetic and passionate modern worship from the Deluge Band of Bethany World Prayer Center in Baton Rouge. This powerful album is the follow-up to the band’s debut CD which Christianity Today Magazine named one of their “Favorite Worship Albums of 2008.” Unshakable is a studio-recorded worship album that Preorder Now! paints a lyrical picture of a “tried by fire” faith set to an energetic, alt-rock and sometimes experimental soundscape. Jonathan Stockstill, band frontman and worship pastor at the 10,000+-member Bethany World Prayer Center in Baton Rouge, penned all of the songs with help from his band mates and in one instance, his brother Joel. According to Stockstill, the songs are an outpouring of the joy, anger, pain and hope that his family and church experienced over the past two years. This includes the birth of Stockstill’s first child, the loss of his young sisterin-law to cancer and his brother Joel’s lifelong battle with kidney disease. Deluge allows listeners to see their heart through the music. From rock-out moments, to soft worship interludes, Unshakable gives a glimpse into the everyday-life struggles of believers who share a selfless passion for Christ. F Come Weary Saints Sovereign Grace Music Oh that all of our problems would end the moment we give our lives to Christ. After all, the problem of sin – our separation from God – Order Now! has been solved through * Resources Available the blood of Jesus Christ. But we still get sick. Marriages end. Children die. Our plans, great and small, are disrupted. We grow weary in the battle. Come Weary Saints is an invitation to redirect your focus to the God whose love has been forever demonstrated at the cross of Calvary. As you listen to these powerful songs of worship, may your faith and joy in the Savior be strengthened for the challenges you face, now or in the future. olks, it’s time to write dangerous music. It’s time to take risks. It’s time to wear your heart on your sleeve, and sing about the things that actually matter to you. It’s time to bury the shackles of religious expectation and stop trying to put new cloths on the dead. Forget about the correct usage of wording for one dang second and sing your heart. How can you “correct” the course of a boat that isn’t willing to acknowledge the waters it sails in? Give me honesty before correctness. People can argue with me all day long about this and I won’t care, because honesty attracts God and it attracts people. And my two jobs are to love God and love people. Besides, you can never be “right” enough for God. “All our righteousness are like filthy rags” (Isa 64:6). If you want to know what God thinks of your ability to be correct then go ahead and look up the original Hebrew translation for “filthy rags”. God wants your heart, the whole nasty thing. —John Mark Mcmillan www.thejohnmark.com Single & Video on iTunes for $1.29 Releasing 3.23.10 14 | INTEGRITY Digital Update www.integritymusic.com March 2010 March 2010 www.integritymusic.com INTEGRITY Digital Update | 15 What is ? Speakers include: I ntegrity Music is partnering with conference producer Ben Arment to create an event on Friday, May 21st in Virginia Beach called The Whiteboard Sessions. It’s a one-day conference for church leaders that introduces fresh, new ideas for ministry. Seven influential leaders are given just 30 minutes to present one, compelling idea. M •Dr. Al Mohler - president of Southern Seminary in Louisville, KY •James MacDonald - pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel in Rolling Meadows, IL •Jonathan Falwell - pastor of Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, VA •Jon Tyson - founding pastor of Trinity Grace Church in New York City •Eric Mason - A29 board, pastor of Epiphany Fellowship in Philadelphia •Perry Noble - lead pastor of NewSpring Church in Anderson, SC •Tony Morgan - leading blogger & strategist, author of Killing Cockroaches Additionally, Integrity artist Carlos Whittaker, will lead worship at the event, held at the beautiful Sandler Center for the Performing Arts. May 21st is late enough for great weather in Virginia Beach, but early enough for good hotel rates to make it a staff retreat. For more information or to register for the event, visit TheWhiteboardSessions.com. This is one of many conferences that are produced by Integrity and Ben Arment. This September, they’ll come together again for the STORY Conference in Chicago, which will feature Integrity artists Kari Jobe, Vicky Beeching and Carlos Whittaker. Arment is a former event producer at Catalyst, an author and a blogger at BenArment.com. Listen to tracks from Healing4Haiti 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. (Mouse over titles to play) Come Together Now (Music City Unites For Haiti)—Various Artists Special Message—Michael W. Smith and Israel Houghton The Power Of One (Change The World)—Israel Houghton Love Can—DecembeRadio Healer—Kari Jobe Special Message—Josh Havens (The Afters) Falling Into Place—The Afters Shaken—Hawk Nelson Special Message—Lacey Mosley (Flyleaf ) Break Your Knees—Flyleaf Beautiful Feet—Lecrae (featuring Dawntoya) Hello Sunshine—Canton Jones Special Message—Canton Jones I Worship You (Radio Version)—Mary Mary Mighty To Save—The Tommy Coomes Band God Of Second Chances—Carlos Whittaker Everlasting God—Lincoln Brewster Carry Me (Healing 4 Haiti Exclusive)—Jared Anderson In God We Trust—Voices Of Hope Special Message Michael W. Smith ore than a dozen award-winning artists are combining their musical talents to help make sure desperately needed relief supplies continue flowing into Haiti, where the struggle for survival continues for hundreds of thousands of earthquake victims. Healing 4 Haiti is a collection of 15 songs from Christian music’s leading artists and worship leaders and includes the anthem “Come Together Now (Music City Unites For Haiti),” penned by Michael W. Smith, Cindy Morgan and David Mullen and featuring a host artists. The songlist also includes tracks from Israel Houghton, DecembeRadio, Kari Jobe, The Afters, Hawk Nelson and many more plus an exclusive version of Jared Anderson’s new song, “Carry Me.” Healing 4 Haiti will be released by Integrity Music at iTunes on Tuesday, March 2 with a retail release slated for March 16. A minimum of $5.00 per copy of the album sold will be donated to Haiti earthquake relief. The donations will be used to provide clean water, shelter, medical care and other critical aid from Samaritan’s Purse. It will also support the work of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s Rapid Response Team, which had chaplains on the ground within 24 hours of the earthquake providing emotional and spiritual comfort to survivors. Additionally, net proceeds from “Come Together Now (Music City Unites for Haiti)” will go to the Haiti relief efforts of Samaritan’s Purse and the American Red Cross. “Every artist and every individual who can use their talent and ability to shed light on those in need, when it’s all added together, it makes a huge difference,” says Franklin Graham, president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association/Samaritan’s Purse. “My prayer is that God will use Healing 4 Haiti to touch the hearts of this nation to give generously to the suffering people of Haiti.” “What I saw while in Haiti is something we must keep in front of the minds and hearts of Americans,” adds GRAMMY® Award-winning artist Michael W. Smith. “The recovery efforts are going to take a long, long time so we want to do anything we can to raise awareness and to continue to support organizations doing good work in Haiti.” Click here to download MP3 audio of “Carry Me,” by Jared Anderson, FREE! Order Now! 16 | INTEGRITY Digital Update www.integritymusic.com March 2010 March 2010 www.integritymusic.com INTEGRITY Digital Update | 17 Worship songs by Paul Baloche, Kari Jobe, Hillsong, Kathryn Scott, and more. The CD is the perfect backdrop for personal times of worship, prayer and devotion. Click image to hear samples. CD Just $7.99 Songbook: $9.95$8.95 CD Trax: $29.98$24.95 Healer 15 songs of healing, hope, and restoration. It might just be exactly what you or someone you know needs to hear. Songs from great worship leaders like Christy Nockels, Brian Doerksen, Don Moen, and Laura Story. Your Price: $11.97 SPK Curriculum Everything To God 13 weeks of kids Sunday school curriculum. They learn Bible verses and a 3 song worship set, so the kids can lead worship for the adults one Sunday. This is 1 of 4 quarterly sets to take your children’s church through a whole year. Just $54.95 CHECK OUT OUR EASTER MUSIC Integrity’s iWORSHIP System Resource DVD S iWorship DVDs are easy to use Audio/Visual worship backgrounds. This DVD has great songs like Healer, How He Loves, and Desert Song. Jared Anderson Live From My Church A great live worship recording, with songs you’ll love. We are happy to fully resource this album so you can sing these songs in your church, play them with your band, and sing the songs with your choir. CD: $11.97 Songbook: $12.95 CD Trax: $29.98 Digital Songbook: $19.95 • • 3 Audio Modes (Full Stereo, Split Track, Click Track). Works will with all presentation software systems. COLLECT THE ENTIRE LIBRARY. A-R currently still available! Just $27.95 MARCH MADNESS SPECIAL $5 off any order over $20, when you find this image, hidden on our site. Watch the video in the beginning of this issue for details. Visit the Integrity Music Shop at www.IntegrityDirect.com Visit the Integrity Music Shop at www.IntegrityDirect.com At The Foot Of The Cross Song Stories Kari Jobe — Revelation Song From Kari Jobe’s Perspective: I first heard “Revelation Song” in 2004 when we were about to record a new worship CD at Christ For The Nations. It was a demo on a cassette tape! As I listened through the song I felt the Lord’s presence all over it, even from a little tape! I knew it was something special. The night we recorded it LIVE was incredible. Most of the people didn’t even know it and they just worshiped anyway. It was extremely powerful. After singing it probably more than 1,000 times I’ve never gotten tired of it. It’s so interesting because the Lord anoints it in a special way each and every time. The way I recorded it on my new worship album is not any different. It was anointed in the studio that day, and the extra element that we added, makes me think of just one more taste of different sounds we’ll hear in heaven. I believe it’s a song straight from the throne room of Heaven… all about our God. From writer Jennie Lee Riddle’s perspective: Back in 1999, I began singing “I Hear Angels” by Garrit Gustafson over my fourth son, Andrew. As we cuddled in our blue chair. the guitar was accessible, my spaghetti dinner was begging to be cooked and screaming my name… but so was the Holy Spirit! Therefore, I asked the Holy Spirit to help me write a song that painted Him; a song that the angels and creation were already singing, so that we could join in with One Voice, as One Bride, to One King. My heart recalled Ezekiel 1:26-28 and Revelation 4. I put the baby down to play with his toys, picked up the guitar, and began to play four chords I had “discovered” the day before. Immersed in those scriptures, the Lord helped me paint what I was seeing through those passages,” Clothed in rainbows of living color, flashes of lightening, rolls of thunder...” The melody stuck. It had the sound of heaven in it. The song wouldn’t leave me and I sang it for weeks. I can still hear the Lord whispering to me that He would carry this song across the world. I remember thinking how cool it was going to be to have a couple of my missionary friends carry it to the natives in the bush to be sung around campfires. I had no idea… I remember telling Jesus with complete sincerity that I could wait until I got to heaven to hear my song sung (although, I also suggested that it would be a terrific song for the angels and great cloud of witnesses to sing when He comes back for us… In the event that He had not already chosen one for the occasion, I didn’t think it would hurt to ask!). Listen to tracks from Kari Jobe (mouse over titles to play) Click to view 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. I’m Singing Healer Everyone Needs A Little Joyfully Beautiful My Beloved 7. Singing Over Me 8. No Sweeter Name 9. Be Still 10. Sweep Me Away 11. Revelation Song 12. You Are For Me
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