O For A Thousand Tongues to Sing

The choir is singing this song on Sunday. What an incredible song. I remember singing this while I was on the Praise Team at Falls Creek Youth camp, and literally having thousand of voices and tongues singing praise to God. Incredible times of worship. I shared the following with the choir in a weekly email, after I read the following story behind this song. It kind of made ask “what am I doing to remember all that God has done in my life through the transforming power of Jesus”. My hope is to celebrate what Christ has done through my daily life, in a way that brings Him glory, and draws others closer to Him. Take some time to remember all God has done for you, and how He has rescued you.

Story Behind the Song
Charles Wesley the writer of this song, was suffering a bout of pleurisy in May, 1738, while he and his brother were studying under the Moravian scholar Peter Böhler in London . At the time, Wesley was plagued by extreme doubts about his faith. Taken to bed with the sickness on May 21 Wesley was attended by a group of Christians who offered him testimony and basic care, and he was deeply affected by this. He read from his Bible and found himself deeply affected by the words, and at peace with God. Shortly his strength began to return. He wrote of this experience in his journal and counted it as a renewal of his faith; when his brother John had a similar experience on the 24th, the two men met and sang a hymn Wesley had written in praise of his renewal. One year from the experience, Wesley was taken with the urge to write another hymn, this one in commemoration of his renewal of faith. This hymn took the form of an 18-stanza poem, beginning with the opening lines 'Glory to God, and praise, and love,/Be ever, ever given' and was published in 1740 and entitled 'For the anniversary day of one's conversion'. The seventh verse, which begins, 'O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing', and which now is invariably the first verse of a shorter hymn recalls the words of Peter Böhler who said, 'Had I a thousand tongues I would praise Him with them all.' The hymn was placed first in John Wesley's A Collection of Hymns for the People Called Methodists published in 1780. It appeared first in every (Wesleyan) Methodist hymnal from that time until the publication of Hymns and Psalms in 1983.

O For A Thousand Tongues to Sing.mp3

New Interactive SHBC Newsletter

This is something we are working on. Feel free to give me or Angela some feedback.


Click to launch the full edition in a new window
Publisher Software from Yudu

YUDU Library - Item by www.yudu.com

Salvation Is Here

This is the new song we did last week. It's from Hillsong United, and I think it fits so well with Pastor Hess's new sermon series entitled "Word of God Speak". Take a look and a listen. It's one of my favorite songs.

Tis So Sweet to Trust In Jesus

"Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” was written by a woman, Louisa M. R. Stead. Out of one of her darkest hours—the tragic drowning of her husband—this hymn was penned. Louisa Stead was born in England. She felt the call of God upon her life for missionary service. She arrived in America in 1871. In 1875, Louisa married a Mr. Stead, and to this union was born a daughter, Lily. When the child was four years of age, the family decided one day to enjoy the sunny beach at Long Island Sound, New York. While eating their picnic lunch, they suddenly heard cries of help and spotted a drowning boy in the sea. Mr. Stead charged into the water. As often happens, however, the struggling boy pulled his rescuer under the water with him, and both drowned before the terrified eyes of wife and daughter. Afterward Stead was forced to work, and she was hardly able to provide for her daughter. One day when it seemed that all of their resources were gone, she found a gift of food and money left on her doorstep. It was on that day that she sat and wrote the words of this song. A song that both capsulate her struggle, and her trust in God.

I have posted a great video from Bluefish.tv It is a dramatic portrayal with the story behind the song. This is the video we showed on Sunday, during the choir song.

Winter and Easter Choir Songs 2010

Christ Is Risen.mp3

By Our Love.mp3

Send Me.mp3

Jesus Paid It All.mp3

Love has Come.mp3

I Am.mp3

Brand New Day.mp3

He is Lord.mp3

Holy Holy Holy.mp3

O For A Thousand Tongues to Sing.mp3

There Is A Fountain.mp3

Tis So Sweet.mp3

True Love.mp3

You Are Worthy.mp3

Christmas Choir Listening

12 Savior King.mp3

11 Love Came Gently.mp3

05 Made.mp3

03 You Oughta Know.mp3

There Will Be A Day

This is the video from the dance on Sunday. It was so moving and inspiring to everyone who was at Friends Day.

Untitled from Southern Hills Baptist Church on Vimeo.

From the Inside Out

WOW! What an incredible song. This is from my favorite worship team Hillsongs United. They have incredible songs and incredible hearts. This song just speaks to me about the eternal perspective that I should have every day of my life. There are so many things that are temporary in this world, so many things that were made to be broken. We also see the effects of the fall of man around us. We are broken, creation is broken, but there is one who is completely and utterly whole, and His name is Jesus. He longs to fully restore what was broken, He longs to make us completely whole, and one day He will for all those who trust in Him. There is something comforting to know that the eternal one, the everlasting one has given up so much to be with us, to call us friend, to rescue us from ourselves. I think that as we see who He is, then our overwhelming desire is to worship Him, to give Him praise, and that through that process of meeting with Him that we would be transformed daily through the renewing of our minds and be more like Him. I'm excited about this song for Sunday. See you then.

The House Cleaning Choice

This is Pastor Hess's sermon from Sunday. It is from the series Life's Healing Choices. If you missed it on Sunday it's worth watching. I think it's one of the most important parts of the series. Enjoy

The House Cleaning Choice from Southern Hills Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Our God Saves

Here is a video from Paul Baloche, talking about the story behind the song he wrote entitled "Our Saves". Paul's heart for community has inspired some of today's most powerful songs of worship, including "Open the Eyes of My Heart" (ranked fourth in CCLI’s Top 25), the radio favorite "Hosanna," which he co-wrote with Brenton Brown and "Above All," a Dove award winner for Inspirational Song of the Year that he co-wrote with Lenny LeBlanc. In addition to his own work, Paul has co-written with a wide range of artists such as Michael W. Smith, Brenton Brown, and Lincoln Brewster . But though Paul often creates music for different genres and styles, he maintains a straightforward approach to writing."I try to keep it simple, yet interesting—simple and inspiring," he says of his songwriting. "You don't want to teach the whole Bible in one song, you can't do that. I try to take one aspect of God's character perhaps, and really focus on that and try to bring it to light." Now 25 years into his journey in worship, Paul continues to be one of today's most prolific songwriters. Friend and fellow writer Michael W. Smith tapped Paul to co-write the title track and first single from Smith's live worship release, New Hallelujah. Paul is a member of CompassionArt, a unique songwriting collective committed to social justice. Conceived by Martin Smith of Delirous?, CompassionArt features a veritable who's-who of contemporary Christian and worship artists including Darlene Zschech, Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Israel Houghton. All proceeds from the group's songs and recordings are pledged to aiding those living in extreme poverty. Paul is also passionate about encouraging and training those who lead worship. Through his web site www.leadworship.com, Paul offers a wealth of resources for equipping the worship leaders of today and tomorrow. Paul also serves with Seminars4Worship where he trains and mentors worship leaders, songwriters, and musicians. Paul's contemporaries readily recognize his vital contributions to the worldwide worship community. "Paul continues to amaze me with his ability to write songs that connect with so many people and give voice to the cries of the heart," shares fellow songwriter and Dove Award winner Don Moen. "As a worship leader, he understands the need for songs that embrace sound doctrine and universal themes, songs that transcend generations and cultures." Pastor and bestselling author Rick Warren adds, "Paul Baloche has the hand of God on his songwriting and worship leading. His music is a great gift to the body of Christ." Paul realizes that songs are secondary to a lifestyle of community and praise. "We need each other. We need to worship," says Paul. "The essence of life is a relationship with God and a relationship with others. I think writing songs and trying to be creative with God's word, to sing out your prayers spontaneously is a great spiritual exercise. And if a good song comes out of it, that's a bonus."

Revelation Song

Ever had one of those days when, smack in the middle of all the everyday “stuff” that screams for attention, all you wanted was a sure sign that God was present and at work? Worship songwriter Jennie Riddle has.
I gave my life to Jesus back in 1988. There was a new song out at the time entitled, "I Hear Angels" by Gerrit Gustafson. The lyrics read:
I hear angels singing praises, I see men from every nation,bowing down before the thronelike the sound of many waterslike the rushing wind around usmultitudes join the songand a symphony of praise arisestears are wiped away from eyesas men from every tongue and tribe all sing…Holy, holy, God almighty, who was, and is, and is to come
I remember looking up and around, asking, "Where God? I want to see and hear that too!" Those prophetic words from Mr. Gustafson took residence within me, became the lullaby sung over each of my children, and fueled an earnest, decade long prayer to see multitudes gathered around the throne.
Back in 1999, I had just changed my 20,446th diaper (Yes. I count. Don't you? ), when I began singing the aforementioned lullaby over my fourth son, Andrew, as we cuddled in our blue chair. My keyboard was broken down, and I simply didn't have the energy to set it up. It had been a really tough "mommy" day. The guitar (which I didn't really play) was accessible, but the spaghetti dinner I’d yet to cook was screaming my name. But so was the Holy Spirit! I, again, began telling Him how much I wanted to SEE and HEAR all creation worshipping Him. The songs being sung by the Bride at that time were focusing on need. My heart longed to focus on something far greater than my need, knowing that all needs would be satisfied with just one glimpse of Him.
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 we could join in with One Voice, as One Bride, to One King. My heart recalled Ezekiel 1:26-28 and Revelation 4:
"And then, as they stood with folded wings, there was a voice from above the dome over their heads. Above the dome there was something that looked like a throne, sky-blue like a sapphire, with a humanlike figure towering above the throne. From what I could see, from the waist up he looked like burnished bronze and from the waist down like a blazing fire. Brightness everywhere! The way a rainbow springs out of the sky on a rainy day-that's what it was like. It turned out to be the Glory of God!” (Message)
"A throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald. Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns[] of gold on their heads. And from the throne proceeded lightening, thundering, and voices. Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures. And they do not rest day or night, saying: ' Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!'"
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.
"Revelation Song" made its very first public outing when I introduced it to my local church. That Sunday, the Lord moved in such a way that I felt it was called for, so we offered it unrehearsed and "on the fly." The song resonated with the congregation, and Jesus danced, I'm just sure of it. It quickly became a loved song. Next, it was introduced to my students at the high school. God met us every time we used it from that point on.
The first demo of the song was done for me by Walker Beach a couple of months after I wrote it. Klaus Kuehn helped me do a second demo in 2002. They both remembered it when it came time to select songs for the annual live recording at Christ for the Nations where Klaus was leading worship and Walker was directing the School of Worship. They introduced it to the student body during chapel, and it was decided that it would be sung by Kari Jobe, to release on the Glorious album in 2004. The anointing on those gifted worshippers, the excellent production, the tremendous musicianship, and the glory of God was fully captured in that recording. God met us powerfully that night!
Even though I had been writing songs for years, I had not promoted my music and didn't know how to begin had I wanted to do so. The Holy Spirit kept nudging me and saying, "Give it to the Bride." Finally, determining to send it to the two places that kept coming to mind, I mustered my courage, obeyed, and sent two recording. That act of obedience was my only attempt to "do something" with the song. From there it spread. Encouragement and support materialized from all corners. Lindell Cooley with Music Missions International, the International Worship Institute, Song Discovery, and LeadWorship.com were instrumental in the early grass roots spread of “Revelation Song.”
"Revelation Song" has taken on a life of its own, and it has been an intense joy to watch the Father "grow it up” and to hear the Voice of the Bride sing to Jesus. Her voice is so lovely.
I often get asked the song story, and even more often, the question of "how" it got "out there" comes up. My only answer is that God chooses what He chooses. No amount of maneuvering, strategizing, posturing or pitching would have gotten my music "out there." Whatever that means.
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!
Jennie Riddle wrote this powerful worship song: She is housewife from McKinney, Texas who simply heard what some would call a song from the "other side". She said it was between cooking spaghetti and changing one of the kids’ diapers.
If you’ve been blessed by the song, send Jennie an encouraging note here –
jennie@jennieriddle.com

Click Here to watch a video of Revelation Song with Kari Jobe.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bL0nDrEYDnk

Fall Choir Songs 2009

Here are the mp3 download for the Fall choir music. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone on next Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009. There are some new songs, there are some old songs, there are some good songs. There are two songs I don't have recordings for as well. Enjoy.


Long As I Got King Jesus.mp3

Jesus Saves.mp3

Where Joy And Sorrow Meet.mp3

From the Inside Out.wma

You, You Are God.mp3

For Who You Are.wma

I then shall live.mp3

Unfailing Love.mp3

Our God Saves.wma

Somebody Tell It.mp3

Revive Us Again.wma

Free Concert with Josh Wilson

We are so excited to announce that Josh Wilson will be in concert promoting his new album on Wednesday evening September 9th, 2009 at Southern Hills Baptist Church. The concert is free for everyone. Josh just recently married our pastor's daughter Becca and God is doing amazing things in their life. Come out and support them on September 9th at 7:00 P.M.

Hillsong United is coming to Tulsa!

The well-known worship band, Hillsong United from Hillsong church in Sydney, Austrailia will be at the Spirit Bank Event Center, Wednesday, August 26. (Darlene Zschech who wrote "Shout to the Lord" was the worship pastor there for several years.)

Hillsong United is the youth ministry of Hillsong Church, pastored by Brian Houston. After the summer youth camp in 1998, the worship band released their first CD, Everyday. After coming back from summer camp with God full in their hearts, the youth ministries desired to continue worshipping together. They gathered for times of worship, called the nights, "UNITED" Nights. Each year since then the group has released a new album and has steadily grown in popularity. Some of their albums include To the Ends of the Earth (2002), United We Stand (2006), The I-Heart Revolution(2008), and a-Cross the Earth - Tear Down the Walls (2009).

Many of the original songs recorded were covers of songs from Hillsong Church, or other popular worship songs. Recently however with such emerging songwriters like Joel Houston, who currently leads the band, and Brooke Fraser (Ligertwood), many of the songs originate from the band itself. Both "Mighty to Save" and "Hosanna", which we sing currently in worship on Sunday mornings, were written by Hillsong United members, Joel Houston and Brooke Fraser, respectively.

KXOJ is sponsoring the event. Tickets for the concert are $25 and can be purchased from livenation.com, spiritbankeventcenter.com, the event box office, or charge by phone 918-369-9360. Hope you can join us for an unforgettable night of worship!

Here is video of the band singing "Mighty to Save".

Hosanna

This is a Hillsongs song written and performed by Brooke Gabrielle Fraser who is an award-winning New Zealand singer/songwriter. Brooke started taking piano lessons at age 7. She started writing songs at age 12 and taught herself the acoustic guitar at 16. In 2003, Brooke released her first album, What to Do With Daylight. Shortly after the release of this album, she toured briefly with both America artist, John Mayer and UK artist, David Bowie.
In 2005 Brooke release her second album, Albertine, named after a Rwandan orphan that she met while visiting her sponsor children. On this album is the well-played song, "Shadowfeet".
Brooke has toured with Hillsong United and is a member of Hillsong Church in Sydney. In 2008 she married Scott Ligertwood, and uses both the names Brooke Ligertwood and Brooke Fraser in her writing.
This video is her description of how the song "Hosanna" was written. She says the chorus was the last part of the song and came to her late in the writing process. She describes the word "Hosanna" as a universal cry of the church, both of those people who have gone before us in the faith and those who follow behind. Watch this amazing video!

God of this City

Let Your Glory Fly

I just thought this one was fun. I like all of the waving flags.

God Bless America

I thought everyone might want to see some of the video from the Freedom Celebration. So here are a few clips. What an amazing evening.

Freedom Celebration Pictures

Thanks again to everyone who made this evening such an amazing success!

O God Our Help In Ages Past

Isaac Watts wrote "Our God, Our Help in Ages Past" as a paraphrase of Psalm 90. His desire to write the hymn was born, in part, out of his dissatisfaction with the church music of his day. At 20 years of age, he complained that the metrical psalms they had to sing at Above Bar Chapel in Southampton were grim and ponderous. But to sing anything other than the actual words of Scripture was said to insult to God. Watts’ father heard Isaac’s complaining and challenged him to "write something better for us to sing." In 1719, he published an important hymnal titled The Psalms of David in the Language of the New Testament. In it he paraphrased the entire Psalter with the exception of twelve Psalms he felt were unsuited for usage. At this time in England, religious freedom was severely limited and Watts’ father was jailed twice for his religious views. Isaac himself was considered a radical churchman, since he wrote many "hymns of human composure” songs that did not directly quote Bible passages. In such uncertain times, Watts looked to Psalm 90 for comfort and wrote more than a paraphrase of its heartening words. His hymn actually gave a grand commentary on the subject of time and how God stands above human time. Originally, "Our God, Our Help in Ages Past" contained nine verses. Today most hymnals use only verses 1, 2, 3, 5, and 9. In 1738, John Wesley changed the first line from "Our God" to "O God." Some feel that the change makes it easier to sing and also calls the vocative case which causes the singer to expect the "Thy" of the second stanza.

Be My Everything

This is the song that we did for offertory last week. It is based on the prayer of St. Patrick. Yes the guy from Ireland. The prayer is amazing, and we are going to pray part of it congregationally this Sunday. Here is the part we are going to pray together. It is written by Tim Hughes, who was at our church for the worship conference back in March. Was it really that long ago? WOW!

The Prayer of St. Patrick

I arise today
Through the strength of heaven;
Light of the sun,
Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of the wind,
Depth of the sea,
Stability of the earth,
Firmness of the rock.
I arise today
Through God's strength to pilot me;
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's hosts to save me
Both far and near,
Alone or in a mulitude.
Christ shield me today
Against wounding
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye that sees me,
Christ in the ear that hears me.
I arise today
Through the mighty strength
Of the Lord of creation

Be My Everything

Worship Quote

"The Church is the only society that exists for the benefit of those who are not its members."

"Worship is the submission of all of our nature to God. To worship is to quicken the consciened by the holiness of God. To feed the mind with the truth of God. To purge the imagination by the beauty of God. To open the heart to the love of God. To devote the will to the purpose of God."

William Temple

Freedom Celebration Music

Here are a few of the songs for the Freedom Celebration. All of the worship songs are here as well. I am so excited about all of the doors that God is opening for the Freedom Celebration. The Freedom Celebration will be at the Jenks Riverwalk Amphitheatre on Tuesday Evening June 30th.

I Am Free.mp3

God of this City.mp3

Freedom.mp3

America.mp3

Freedom Song.mp3

Amazing Grace.mp3

11 O God, Our help in Ages Past.mp3

Battle Hymn of the Republic.mp3

Let Freedom Ring.mp3

Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor.mp3

God Bless America.mp3

Salute to the Armed Forces.mp3

Cardboard Testimonies

This is the Southern Hills version of cardboard testimonies. All I can say is WOW! It was so amazing to see all of the transformed lives in Christ. God is so good, and He loves us all so very much. The song is called "How He Loves". It was written by Kim Walker an up and coming worship leader. Kim Walker is a joyful, radical lover of Jesus! She lives to worship him with every once of her being. One of the greatest desires of her heart is to see God's kingdom and power manifest for people to be set free, healed, and radically changed as they encounter God in worship. Kim currently leads worship and pastors the worship team at Bethel Church in Redding, California. She has quickly become one of the strongest voices for the current youth revival. She is a passionate worship leader with an anointing to bring an entire generation into an encounter with God. All of those who are in a worship service led by Kim will catch her contagious love to worship.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbk7TY_4d2U