Welcome to the First Pres Contemporary Music email/blog, dedicated to enhancing your Contemporary Christian music experience!  Y

In Christ,  Mark

SONG OF THE WEEK    This week’s feature is Wayne Kerr Band’s  “THE MIRROR”, from his March 2011 release, LOVE STANDS OUT.  I’m a sucker for pulsing piano lead-ins, that’s what initially hooked me into THE MIRROR – the looping piano hook.  Then musically, you get a nice mash up of rock and orchestral string instrumentation.  Lyrically, THE MIRROR is here to lift you up and remind you that you are the apple of God’s eye.

It would be hard to guess how many people suffer from low self image, probably most of us to some extent.  Nathaniel Branden defined self-esteem as the sum of self-confidence (a feeling of personal capacity) and self-respect (a feeling of personal worth).  Abraham Maslow states that psychological health is not possible unless the essential core of the person is fundamentally accepted, loved and respected by others and by her or his self. Self-esteem allows people to face life with more confidence, benevolence and optimism, and thus easily reach their goals and self-actualize. It allows oneself to be more ambitious, but not with respect to possessions or success, but with respect to what one can experience emotionally, creatively and spiritually.

Are demons of self-doubt one of your constant companions?  If they are, they are in the way of you becoming all that God meant for you to be.  You might not be aware of what low self worth can do to you – some people with low self worth are enablers, wanting to please everyone.  Parents who are enablers raise kids who don’t learn how to be independent.  Perfecionism and indecision are other signs of low self worth. 

The good news is God is fully invested in you.  He knows what you are truly capable of.  He has given you a passion, or passions for certain things, that he wants you to use in his service. 

Do you see it?

THE MIRROR
tick tock,
goes the day
and just like that its gone
and you never get it back so
think of all the ones you love
and you just might, look them in the eye

and even say so

CHORUS
So tell me what you see
when you look in the mirror
is it empty? and regret
there’s a lot of that goin around
but i hope, that you know
there’s more to you than you can see

At the end of the day
Does your heart rise and fall
by what they say

Greatness is more than
what you look like
and its more like
who you are

CHORUS

you are one wonderfully made
and beautifully created
by a beautiful creator
this much i know
i know its true
There is only One You

CHORUS

So tell me what you see
when you look in the mirror

You can hear THE MIRROR here, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th1wkNrOhkU

SONGS THIS WEEK:  PRINCE OF PEACE, SWEETLY BROKEN, YOU ARE WORTHY OF MY PRAISE, HOW YOU LIVE

VERSEOF THE WEEK:   

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  – Colossians 3:12

FEATURED MUSIC    Songs we are listening to – some for church, and some for just the fun of it.  Let us know what you think of them! 

HEATHER WILLIAMS – Beautiful Thing http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzgxLhXkLEA

ANDREW PETERSON – Isn’t It Love http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xepP20aB3zQ

UPCOMING CONCERTS   

MATT KEARNEY, January 26, The Ritz Ybor City http://www.matkearney.com/events.aspx

MATT MAHER,January 28, Nativity Catholic Church, Brandon https://nativitycatholicchurch.org/youthevents/

DOMINIC BALLI,  February 9^th, State Theater, St. Petersburg http://www.stpetedoc.com/events

NEEDTOBREATHE, February 26^th, The Ritz Ybor City http://www.needtobreathe.net/tour-dates/

Welcome to the First Pres Contemporary Music email/blog, dedicated to enhancing your Contemporary Christian music experience!  Y

In Christ,

Mark

SONG OF THE WEEK    This week’s feature is Dominic Balli’s  “LOUDER”, from his April 2011 release, THE AMERICAN DREAM.  Not sure how I’ve missed this guy in the past, for he makes truly unique Christian music.  Balli describes his music as “CaliRockReggae”. It’s apt – he blends hip-hop and rock and fuses it with reggae – and then delivers a Christian message.  He also has a distinct, likeable singing voice that reminds me of Toby Mac.  Oh, and he throws in orchestral instrumentation just to spice it up.  And he’s coming to St. Petersburg in February (see concert listings).

LOUDER, along with the title track AMERICAN DREAM, are songs that attack some of our most base challenges – 1) how hurtful words can be (addressed in LOUDER) and 2) greed (addressed in AMERICAN DREAM). 

LOUDER

They say sticks and stones can break your bones
But words they never hurt
Can turn a spark into a flame and then the fire burns
But I’ve heard words that shatter souls
They knock you down down
They break you down down
Them words but loudest can be heard

Chorus:
All around the world you can feel it moving
Shaking foundations waking up nations
Listen to the sound you can hear it calling
Don’t matter ’bout them sticks and stones, oh!

Love is louder
Love is louder
You know a bitter tongue is a bullet slung
It’ll shoot some people down
And a gentle word though it’s seldom heard
Can wipe away a frown
They can lift your soul to the highest heights
Or knock you down down
They break you down down
Them words but loudest can be heard

Chorus

La la la love
La la la love
La la la love is louder
La la la love
La la la love
La la la love is loud

Chorus

You can hear LOUDER here, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_gvFYvK2cQ

SONGS THIS WEEK:  Children’s program, band plays 4 songs – MIDNIGHT CLEAR, MY DELIVERER, HARK/ALLELU, LITTLE DRUMMER BOY

VERSE OF THE WEEK:   

The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

Proverbs 15:4

FEATURED MUSIC    Songs we are listening to – some for church, and some for just the fun of it.  Let us know what you think of them! 

 DOMINIC BALLI – AMERICAN DREAM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qT2r6Zz7GRE&feature=related

UPCOMING CONCERTS   

MATT KEARNEY, January 26, The Ritz Ybor City http://www.matkearney.com/events.aspx

MATT MAHER,January 28, Nativity Catholic Church, Brandon https://nativitycatholicchurch.org/youthevents/

DOMINIC BALLI,  February 9^th, State Theater, St. Petersburg http://www.stpetedoc.com/events

NEEDTOBREATHE, February 26^th, The Ritz Ybor City http://www.needtobreathe.net/tour-dates/

Welcome to the First Pres Contemporary Music email/blog, dedicated to enhancing your Contemporary Christian music experience! 

In Christ,

Mark

SONG OF THE WEEK    This week’s feature is Matt Maher’s  “TURN AROUND”, from THE LOVE IN BETWEEN.  Maher has written catchy songs we know and love, including HOLD US TOGETHER  and OVERFLOW, but TURN AROUND might be his catchiest to date.  It sounds like a Toby Keith song, both in the voice Matt uses to sing it and the style – country rock (is there such a thing?  Modern country music isn’t country, it’s pop rock with a hint of twang, but I digress). 

Anyway, TURN AROUND sounds like an anthem.  It’s meant to lift us with a promise, and I think it does, but it deals with dark, sad material.  There are so many times we feel lonely even though we are not alone, or as Maher says, that “you don’t matter”.  Do you say this to yourself on occasion — Does anybody really care about me?  Does anyone really hear me?  I’m drowning.  I can’t deal with this.

Maher’s smart enough not to promise roses from God – he says “well I won’t say that love won’t take away the pain, But don’t be afraid ‘Cause it will never walk away”. 

Outside of the obvious, it’s interesting to think about what Maher means by “turn around” when it comes to God.  I think a lot of times we want God to save us from a specific pain or problem, but we aren’t willing to talk to him about it and listen to what he has to say.  Try this sometime when you are alone – I’ve talked to God in a plain conversation and stated my case and question – “God, this sucks.  Why is this happening to me?  What can I do about it?”  Then,  I’ve forced myself to be quiet and see what comes to my mind on the topic.  Amazing what the answers are if you are still and listen.  So “turn around” to me is active – face God, hear him out, then be prepared to do things you don’t want to do.

TURN AROUND

Young man on the side of the road
Lost and beat up with nowhere to go
Smells like a hangover from days ago
He does what he can to survive

Single mom with a dead end job
Ninety hour week just to keep what she’s got
With the bills that add up and now she’s caught
She does what she can to survive

Well, let me say
That love won’t take away the pain
But don’t be afraid
‘Cause it will never walk away

[Chorus]
If you’re scared that you don’t matter
If you’re lost and need to be found
If you’re looking for a Savior
All you gotta do is turn around

Some turn to a bottle
Some turn to a drug
Some turn to another’s arms
But it seems like it’s never enough

Well I won’t say, that you will never fail again
But there is grace
Courtesy of lyricshall.com
To wash away your every sin

[Chorus]

No one listens to you anymore
And your heart has broken down
You don’t need to move
Love has come to you
All you gotta do is turn around
All you gotta do is turn around
Turn around

You don’t have to take the broken road
You can turn around and come back home
[x3]

[Chorus]

No one listens to you anymore
And your heart has broken down
You don’t need to move
Love has come to you
All you gotta do is turn around
All you gotta do is turn around

 You can hear TURN AROUND here, track 2 http://jesusfreakhideout.com/listeningparty/party7.asp

SONGS THIS WEEK:  Partial list includes GOD WILL LIFT UP YOUR HEAD, HOPE TO CARRY ON, GRACE LIKE RAIN

VERSE(s) OF THE WEEK:   

Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me. … Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior. Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.

Psalm 27:7,9-10

FEATURED MUSIC    Songs we are listening to – some for church, and some for just the fun of it.  Let us know what you think of them!

UPCOMING CONCERTS   

DAVID CROWDER BAND, November 6, Manatee Civic Center, Bradenton

CASTING CROWNS, SANTUS REAL, THE AFTERS, November 18^th, Idlewild Baptist Church, Tampa SOLD OUT

Welcome to the First Pres Contemporary Music email/blog, dedicated to enhancing your Contemporary Christian music experience!   

In Christ, 

Mark

SONG OF THE WEEK    This week’s feature is Switchfoot’s  “THE WAR INSIDE”, from their excellent September release, VICE VERSES.  As you know I am a self-confessed fanboy of Switchfoot, so it’s probably no great surprise to you that I’m featuring a second song from this album.  Musically this is trance rock —  hypnotic synth anchors it,  with monotone rap-like verses and melody-strong choruses layered on top.  The mood of the music fits perfect with the theme of the lyrics.

The WAR INSIDE is an acknowledgement that our worst enemy is ourselves.  Many people get dealt crappy cards yet we all must at some point deal with ourselves – fight our human nature, rise above self-centeredness and pride.  This war Switchfoot’s Jon Foreman describes is constant, incessant.  It wears you down.

This confession is advanced citizenship in this life – it takes moral and mental maturity to believe you are the problem, and even more to try to do something about it.  The realization that we are the problem is the first step to keeping it at bay.  Surrendering to God pushes it further back and allows us to be the people God meant us to be. 

But you can’t let your guard down – after all, you will be you for the rest of your life.

The War Inside

Put your hands up open up wide
Put your hands up side by side
Age don’t matter like
Race don’t matter like
Place don’t matter like what’s inside

Let the kick drum kick one time
Breathe out let your mind unwind
Eyes on the ceiling
Looking for the feeling
Wide open let your own eyes shine

Yeah, it’s where the fight begins
Yeah, underneath the skin
Between these hopes and where we’ve been
Every fight comes from the fight within

- Chorus – 
I am the war inside
I am the battle line
I am the rising tide
I am the war I fight

Eyes open open wide
I can feel it like a crack in my spine
I can feel it like the back of my mind
I am the war inside

I get the feeling that we’re living in sci-fi
I get the feeling that our weapons are lo-fi
Ain’t no killer like pride
No killer like I
No killer like what’s inside

Yeah, it’s in the air we breathe
Yeah, it’s in the blood we bleed
Beneath these dreams and what we’ve seen
We are the kids of the in-between

Put your hands up open up wide
put your hands up side by side
Age don’t matter like
Race don’t matter like
Place don’t matter like what’s inside

Yeah, every thought or deed
Yeah, every tree or seed
The big things come from the little dreams
Every world is made by make believe

 You can hear THE WAR INSIDE here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcwsXPBje2A

SONGS THIS WEEK:  Partial list includes YOU ARE A CHILD OF MINE, LAY’EM DOWN, SWEETLY BROKEN, WALK WITH ME

VERSE(s) OF THE WEEK:   

Jesus replied, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.”

Luke 18:27 

 FEATURED MUSIC    Songs we are listening to – some for church, and some for just the fun of it.  Let us know what you think of them! 

AFTERLIFE, Switchfoot  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5VbzR0ZeHA&feature=related

THE ORIGINAL, Switchfoot http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ChOOVK5Rho&feature=related

 UPCOMING CONCERTS   

 DAVID CROWDER BAND, November 6, Manatee Civic Center, Bradenton

CASTING CROWNS, SANTUS REAL, THE AFTERS, November 18^th, Idlewild Baptist Church, Tampa SOLD OUT

Welcome to the First Pres Contemporary Music email/blog, dedicated to enhancing your Contemporary Christian music experience! 

In Christ,

Mark

First, I have to apologize – I’ve let work and other things get in the way over the past few months of this somewhat regular posting.  As I mentioned last time there hasn’t been much musically that’s caught my ear.  That has changed now!

SONG OF THE WEEK    This week’s feature is Needtobreathe’s A PLACE ONLY YOU CAN GO/STAND BY ME.   “A PLACE” is my favorite song from their beautiful September release, THE RECKONING.  NTB channels a lot of influences such as Southern Rock, Stax/Memphis soul, U2, but here, I think they were inspired by the new bluegrass/roots music being created so well by the Avett Brothers, Mumford & Sons and others.

Most of the videos posted for the song are of the band in very small venues, playing completely acoustic and unmiked.  What you will hear in this rendition are two acoustic guitars, accordion, mandolin, hand drums and stand up bass.  You will also hear a song sung and played with great passion, with what Michael calls dynamics.  Parts of the song are sung and played softly, others are not.  I heard it done this way in every one of the 5 or 6 different venue recordings I watched.   I think that is a reflection of the band’s love and passion for what they are doing and saying.  When a band truly feels what they are delivering, the passion is felt by the audience. Music played passionately will touch your soul.  Doesn’t matter if it is a live performance or a recording. Magical Christian music will touch you even deeper.

I find those passionate messages all the time in music. I am constantly amazed at the thousands of songs over centuries that have that ability to touch my emotions in a variety of ways. 

Which brings me to my great wish for you – let music get to you. Don’t deny yourself from feeling the messages in the music and lyrics of songs – Christian or no.

I think “A PLACE” is about grace, a virtue sorely misunderstood and difficult to work in with our natural tendencies. I see the song as a love song from us broken humans to God.  They do a beautiful job tying STAND BY ME, using the melody line of A PLACE, in.

A PLACE ONLY YOU CAN GO

Pain is alive in a broken heart
The past never does go away
We were born to love
And we’re born to pay
The price for our mistakes

Grace, she comes with a heavy load
Memories, they can’t be erased
Like a pill I swallow, he makes me well
And leaves an awful taste

Oh I know this song won’t do
Enough to prove my love to you
In my heart you’ll always know
There is a place only love can go
There is a place only you can go

Take my notions and words to heart
This is the cry of a man
I can’t bring you fortune or noble life
But I’ll love you all I can

Oh I know this song won’t do
Enough to prove my love to you
In my heart you’ll always know
There is a place only you can go

Oh I know this song won’t do
Enough to prove my love to you
In my heart you’ll always know
There is a place only love can go
There is a place only you can go

You can hear A PLACE here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOeJJIXvEIo

SONGS THIS WEEK:  Partial list includes STARRY NIGHT, IN THE HANDS OF GOD, LIGHT OF THE WORLD, BLESSINGS

VERSE(s) OF THE WEEK:   

What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?

Mark 8:36

FEATURED MUSIC    Songs we are listening to – some for church, and some for just the fun of it.  Let us know what you think of them! 

Oohs and Ahhs, NEEDTOBREATHE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKQGedVC73Y

UPCOMING CONCERTS   

AMY GRANT, MICHAEL W. SMITH – October 25^th, Ruth Eckerd Hall

Welcome to the First Pres Contemporary Music email/blog, dedicated to enhancing your Contemporary Christian music experience!  

In Christ,  Mark

SONG OF THE WEEK    This week’s feature is Switchfoot’s DARK HORSES, from their upcoming 2011 album, “VICE VERSES”.  I realize I haven’t blogged for a month and that the last time I did, I featured Switchfoot.  Yes, I am a fanboy of Switchfoot, but I will defend this choice by saying I really looked hard tonight for something outstanding other than this song, and I couldn’t find anything that is even close, so we will talk about DARK HORSES. 

What I like about Switchfoot is they are not a formulaic Christian band – they are spiritual, but they don’t necessarily knock you down with it with every song – they are very much in the outreach business as a successful crossover rock band that reach a very broad audience.  It also helps that they write distinctive music and lyrics.

Musically, DARK HORSES is a rock anthem – a grinding guitar start, a “Hey!” led chorus (note – any song that has Hey! as a lyric will become an anthem of some sort).  Lyrically, I thought it was about Christian kids and the pressure they face from peers everyday, but I was wrong.  At the beginning of the video I’ve attached (live version of the song from Fox & Friends), Jon Foreman explains that the song was inspired by and is dedicated to homeless children.

DARK HORSES

Yeah
I’ve made my mistakes
I’ve seen my heart cave in
I got my scars
I’ve been to hell and back again

Born for the blue skies
We’ll survive the rain
Born for the sunrise
We’ll survive the pain

[Chorus:]
We’re singing
Hey!  You can’t count us out
We’ve been running up against the crowd
Yeah we are the dark horses
We’re singing
Wait!  It’s not over now
We’ve been down but we’ve never been out
Yeah we are the dark horses

We found the way out
The city takes everything it can
But outside the crowds
I can feel my lungs again
Born for the blue skies
We’ll survive the rain
Born for the sunrise
We’ll survive the pain

[Chorus]

We’re singing
La la la la la la la
La la la la la la la

Yeah!

Born for the blue skies
Born for the blue skies
Born for the sunrise
We’ll survive the pain

[Chorus:]

Keep running for the dark horses
Hope makes the blood change courses
Keep running for dark horses
Stand up for the dark horses
Keep running for the dark horses
Hope makes the blood change courses

You can hear DARK HORSES here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYNnqaNuaYc

SONGS THIS WEEK:  Partial list includes GOD WILL LIFT UP YOUR HEAD, STARRY NIGHT, HE REIGNS

 VERSE(s) OF THE WEEK:   

“Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.”     – John 14:23

FEATURED MUSIC    Songs we are listening to – some for church, and some for just the fun of it.  Let us know what you think of them! 

UPCOMING CONCERTS   

ROCK THE UNIVERSE FEATURING SWITCHFOOT, DAVID CROWDER BAND, CASTING CROWNS, THIRD DAY, ANBERLIN, RELIENT K, MORE – September 9 & 10, Universal Studios Orlando. http://www.universalorlando.com/Events/Rock_the_Universe/2011.aspx

NIGHT OF JOY FEATURING NEWSBOYS, JEREMY CAMP, SKILLET, MERCYME, TOBYMAC, JARS OF CLAY, MORE –September 9 & 10, Disney World Magic Kingdom, Orlando http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/special-events/night-of-joy/

AMY GRANT, MICHAEL W. SMITH – October 25^th, Ruth Eckerd Hall

Welcome to the First Pres Contemporary Music email/blog, dedicated to enhancing your Contemporary Christian music experience!
In Christ,

Mark

SONG OF THE WEEK    This week’s feature is Switchfoot’s ON FIRE, from their breakthrough 2003 album, “THE BEAUTIFUL LETDOWN”.  I got into a friendly debate with a friend who wanted to know what the 10 best albums of the first decade of the 22nd century were. This is one made my list.  It went double platinum and features well known songs such as “Meant to Live”, “Dare You To Move”, “Gone”, as well as three other lesser known but wonderful songs – “More Than Fine”, “The Beautiful Letdown” and “On Fire”.

You might have heard someone use the term they are “on fire” for God, meaning they are pumped up and ready to evangelize.  In this song, we see a different interpretation, one that has to do with your internal state as opposed to your external actions.  ON FIRE is a love song.  It won’t seem so much if you just read the words, but the words combined with the music convey the thought very well.

We need to love, and we need to be loved, but we aren’t very good at receiving or giving it.  There isn’t a credible manual on the subject.  You could argue we start in the wrong (but logical) place – with people.  Learning to love and be loved by God first will help us love and be loved by people.

On Fire

They tell you where you need to go
They tell you when you’ll need to leave
They tell you what you need to know
They tell you who you need to be

But everything inside you knows
There’s more than what you’ve heard
There’s so much more than empty conversations
Filled with empty words

And you’re on fire
When He’s near you
You’re on fire
When He speaks
You’re on fire
Burning at these mysteries

Give me one more time around
Give me one more chance to see
Give me everything You are
Give me one more chance to be… (near You)

Cause everything inside me looks like
Everything I hate
You are the hope I have for change
You are the only chance I’ll take

When I’m on fire
When You’re near me
I’m on fire
When You speak
And I’m on fire
Burning at these mysteries
These mysteries…

I’m standing on the edge of me [x3]
I’m standing on the edge of everything I’ve never been before.
And I’ve been standing on the edge of me
Standing on the edge

And I’m on fire
When You’re near me
I’m on fire
When You speak
(Yea) I’m on fire
Burning at these mysteries… these mysteries… these mysteries
Ah you’re the mystery
You’re the mystery

You can hear ON FIRE here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhcJh-gF1-8   or for a live studio version sans piano, here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q81yI6M95TE

SONGS THIS WEEK:  Partial list includes GOD WILL LIFT UP YOUR HEAD, HALLEUJAH, EVER BE, BRING THE RAIN, BLESSINGS (NEW)

VERSE(s) OF THE WEEK:
“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”     – 2 Timothy 1:6

FEATURED MUSIC    Songs we are listening to – some for church, and some for just the fun of it.  Let us know what you think of them!
MORE THAN FINE, Switchfoot http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxiYRx55g1c
DARE YOU TO MOVE (acoustic), Switchfoot http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEDkNZZU1X4
THE BEAUTIFUL LETDOWN (live), Switchfoot http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZXicxAX_W4

UPCOMING CONCERTS

AUDREY ASSAD – July 30th, Nativity Catholic Church, Brandon http://nativitycatholicchurch.org/main.php

HILLSONG UNITED – August 5th, St. Pete Times Forum http://www.thejoyfm.com/event/aftermath

Welcome to the First Pres Contemporary Music email/blog, dedicated to enhancing your Contemporary Christian music experience!

In Christ,

Mark

SONG OF THE WEEK    This week’s feature is Mary Mary’s WALKING.

Veteran vocalists Erica and Tina Campbell have graced contemporary gospel/R&B/Hip-Hop/CCM since 2000. WALKING is the lead single from their latest record, SOMETHING BIG.  WALKING is one of those songs that sticks to your head.  My favorite part of the song are the groovy keyboards which remind me a bit of Stevie Wonder.  It’s an excellent summer song.

WALKING acknowledges the difficulty of this journey we are on, as we battle to overcome our human nature.  If you are a perfectionist and you think you are going to get life right by following God, you’re mistaken – you’re still going to screw it up daily.  Don’t let that frustrate you.  When you take God’s way through life, it means you are giving up your control.  When you do that, you will find you are achingly free, if just for a bit.  Let those moments carry you on.

Walking

Tell me what you see when I pass by
A shadow  a cloud or a line in the sky
Am I getting you wrong or am I getting you right
Well all I can take is one
One step at a time

Look at me, I’m trying
Everyday, I fall down
I make mistakes
Get back up
Try again
Next time that you see me

Chorus:
I’m walking, I’m walking, I’m walking
I’m walking, I’m walking, I’m walking

Some people say walking takes too long
But I say with walking you can’t go wrong
Why should you rush your way through life
You won’t get very far, running all the time

Look at me, I’m trying
Everyday, I fall down
I make mistakes
Get back up
Try again
Next time that you see me

Chorus

What does my life say about me
Can anyone see
Does it show I rock with the greatest
I can’t get back the time I spent
Use the rest of it
To show all the world how I made it

Chorus
You can hear WALKING here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-baoSWy8jY

SONGS THIS WEEK:  Partial list includes BLESSED BE YOUR NAME, HOLD US TOGETHER, AUDIENCE OF ONE

VERSE(s) OF THE WEEK:
“We walk by faith, not by sight.”     – 2 Corinthians 5:7

FEATURED MUSIC    Songs we are listening to – some for church, and some for just the fun of it.  Let us know what you think of them!
NOT WHAT I THOUGHT – Jessa Anderson http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7usFJLc6zYk

TURN AROUND – Matt Maher http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCi8P7W_tAw

ELEVATOR – House of Heroes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWpFzS9QtJ0

UPCOMING CONCERTS

AUDREY ASSAD – July 30th, Nativity Catholic Church, Brandon http://nativitycatholicchurch.org/main.php

HILLSONG UNITED – August 5th, St. Pete Times Forum http://www.thejoyfm.com/event/aftermath

Welcome to the First Pres Contemporary Music email/blog, dedicated to enhancing your Contemporary Christian music experience!
In Christ,

Mark

SONG OF THE WEEK    This week’s feature is Dara Maclean’s debut single, SUITCASES.

Singer-songwriter Maclean has made a very listenable song in SUITCASES.  She uses great phrasing to make the vocal interesting.  I also like the keyboard she uses in this video, a live recording of the song, which is even better than the studio version.

Her message is one that is at the core of our humanness –  we have an innate fear of letting go.  That fear keeps us away from friends, family and God. You carry guilt, regret, character flaws, personality quirks, addiction and even though we won’t admit it, grudges.  This bunk is weighing you down to the point that you don’t really function and live as you were meant to.

God says this to you – “(your first name), what’s wrong?  Why are you holding on to this?  Tell me all of it.  Lay it before me.  If you can do this, then it is gone to me.  I free you of this weight.”

This part is tough, but I don’t think it’s what stops us from doing it.  It’s the follow up that scares us – how do I make this right?  I’m embarrassed.  I don’t have the strength to face him/her, etc.  So, we hang on to all of this and don’t let God forgive us and start the healing.  We will take the dull damaging long-term pain over the sharp short term pain of healing, it’s easier.

But what we don’t get is that the first step, talking to God, introduces an ally that knows us to the core and will not judge. This ally will give you the strength to tackle, and succeed, at the follow up.

SUITCASES

How can you move when they’re weighing you down
What can you do when you’re tied to the ground
You carry your burdens, heavy like gravity
Just let them go now, there’s freedom in release

Chorus
You can’t run when you’re holding suitcases
It’s a new day throw away your mistakes and open up your heart
Lay down your guard, you don’t have to be afraid
Just breathe, your load can be lifted
There’s a better way when you know you’re forgiven
Open up your heart, lay down your guard
You don’t have to be afraid

Can you imagine what it’s like to be free
Well, send those bags packing, they’re not what you need
Abandon your troubles on the side of the street
Just let them go now, believe me

Chorus

There’s nothing hold you back now, just run

Chorus

You can hear SUITCASES here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4cFZcSivZI

SONGS THIS WEEK:  Partial list includes HOPE TO CARRY ON, IN THAT DAY, SWEETLY BROKEN, JESUS LOVES ME

VERSE(s) OF THE WEEK:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”         – Matthew 11:28-30

FEATURED MUSIC    Songs we are listening to – some for church, and some for just the fun of it.  Let us know what you think of them!
Ginny Owens – BEFORE YOU FLY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDmz0aqKcKg

UPCOMING CONCERTS

AUDREY ASSAD – July 30th, Nativity Catholic Church, Brandon http://nativitycatholicchurch.org/main.php

HILLSONG UNITED – August 5th, St. Pete Times Forum http://www.thejoyfm.com/event/aftermath

Welcome to the First Pres Contemporary Music email/blog, dedicated to enhancing your Contemporary Christian music experience!  You can see the blog at www.firstprestampa.org

In Christ,

Mark

SONG OF THE WEEK    This week’s feature is JESUS RIDES THE SUBWAY by Trevor Morgan from his 2011 album, “THE BLESSED AND THE BROKEN”.  I had the radio on in the car the other day when I did a double-take – the singer—on Spirit FM – sounded like Greg Allman singing and the Brothers playing.  Slide guitar, storytelling, great hooks.

I’ve recently read a few articles about the iconic rocker.  He’s doing great and has a fine new album out, but he hasn’t quite decided to cross over to Christian Contemporary Music.

Who I heard was Morgan, a singer-songwriter who has been touring with my personal mac-daddies – Third Day.  His debut album is co-produced by Third Day’s Mac Powell and recorded at the band’s new studio near Atlanta.  The song was LOVE THAT WAY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWDixCPBlkM .  It’s a great song that led me to an even greater one – “JESUS RIDES THE SUBWAY” (Bus might have been more universal).  Make sure you hear or see the catch at the end of the song.

The message in this one is tough to play out for us.  Let’s be honest – it’s easy to judge. Today we are so polarized as a society.  It’s very difficult to care about cruel people, jerks, child abusers, wife-beaters, car-jackers, purse-snatchers, gang-bangers, drug dealers, welfare-cheaters, dead-beat dads, members of the opposite party, the self-centered and slobs.  But as followers of Christ we are called to shelve our judgments, grit our teeth and care about and for the unloved.  When we can drop our judgment and begin to care, you may care in a way you could never imagine. You may never realize the impact you might have. Your efforts are not going to play out every time, but that’s not the point.

If you read the St. Pete Times, then you might have seen a fantastic story last Sunday about Gulf High graduate Ladarious Jackson that illustrates a few related points  — 1) every person deserves a chance, and 2) God reached Ladarious through one or two people who believed at least faintly that every person deserves a chance. http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=376&f=1462&t=7573849 .

At the very least, I am going to work hard to not be judgmental, and try to grow as a Christian from there.

JESUS RIDES THE SUBWAY

Jesus rides the subway
With the junkies and the freaks
Jesus rides the subway
With the hustlers and the creeps
He rubs shoulders with the thieves
And he looks a lot like everyone he sees
Jesus rides the subway
While the pretty people sleep and he says
You can lay your burden down
You can lay your burden down
Oh maybe you’ve been kicked around
But you can lay your burden down
Jesus strolls the sidewalks
On the wrong side of the tracks
Jesus strolls the sidewalks
That poverty attacks
He makes his home among the shacks
Where the fatherless have fallen through the cracks
Jesus strolls the sidewalks
While the righteous turn their backs and he says
You can lay your burden down
You can lay your burden down
Oh maybe you’ve been kicked around
But you can lay your burden down
Jesus went to church on Sunday
Sat in the back and sang the hymns
Jesus went to church on Sunday
But they didn’t recognize him and he said…
You can lay your burden down
You can lay your burden down
Oh maybe you’ve been kicked around
But you can lay your burden down

You can hear JESUS RIDES THE SUBWAY here  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmQ8U26OVu8&feature=related

SONGS THIS WEEK:  Partial list includes HAPPY, GOD WILL LIFT UP YOUR HEAD, GOD OF WONDERS, ON JORDAN’S STORMY BANKS

VERSE(s) OF THE WEEK:
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” – Matthew 7:1-3

FEATURED MUSIC    Songs we are listening to – some for church, and some for just the fun of it.  Let us know what you think of them!
SUITCASES – Dara Maclean — http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4cFZcSivZI

I AM NEW – Jason Gray — http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-w6YG2NZguc

UPCOMING CONCERTS

AUDREY ASSAD – July 30th, Nativity Catholic Church, Brandon http://nativitycatholicchurch.org/main.php

HILLSONG UNITED – August 5th, St. Pete Times Forum http://www.thejoyfm.com/event/aftermath