THOUGHTS ON WORSHIP

Greetings dear friends.
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I pray that this finds you well. How has your week been so far? Mine has been all about transitions. I quit my job doing hardwood floors this week. This transition has enabled me to focus in more on ministry and preparation for departing for the foreign mission field. For those of you who don't know, my family and I are making plans to move to Poland and serve as full-time missionaries. Doing this takes a lot of time as we are looking for friends, family members and churches who can support us financially on a monthly basis. Our family is also learning the Polish language, and it is a hard one to learn. It has been such a joy leading worship these past six months and I am looking forward to the next six months of serving in this capacity at Whipple. You all must know how many tears we will shed when it comes time to say, "goodbye" early next year. I am praying, and would like to ask you to join me in praying for the right person, or people, to step into leadership as the worship pastor at Whipple Creek Church. I believe that God has someone out there that is going to be able to take you as a team, as well as the entire congregation, to wonderful places in worship of our Father.
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On the topic of transitions...we all go through them in life. What priority does worship take place in your life through all the transitions. Both the easy transitions and the difficult transitions. The story of Job always blows me away. He was the most upright man of God in all the land. He went through a very difficult transition, from extreme wealth and great health to total poverty and poor health. Yet it says in Job 1:20-21 that after this, Job "fell to the ground and worshiped. And he said, 'Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD.'" Even Job's wife said to him in Job 2:9, "Curse God and die!" To which Job replied in Job 2:10, "Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?" And then it says in that same verse, "In all this Job did not sin with his lips."
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WOW! What an example of worshipping God no matter what transitions or circumstances are going on around us. Job had a very healthy perspective that God is bigger than transitions in life and greater than even the most difficult circumstances. May we all learn this important life lesson from Job as we experience transitions in our lives. Convicting, isn't it? Thank God that He isn't finished with any of us and that we are a work in progress.
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Thank you guys again and again for giving your talents to God and using them Sunday morning after Sunday morning. We are truly blessed at Whipple Creek Church with a phenomenal group of servants. Love you guys so very much. See you on Sunday.
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Blessings,

Christian

THOUGHTS ON WORSHIP

Hello everyone!
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I hope and pray that you are all having an awesome week. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. What an awesome time in our Papa's presence last week during the time of worship. Thank you all again and again for your time as you serve the Lord so faithfully. I am looking forward to our next series on Sunday mornings called "Road Trip." This is a subject that is so very close to my heart...The Great Commission, where Jesus tells us to go into all the world and make disciples of every people group, waiting for the Holy Spirit to fall upon us and empower us to do so at home, in our circles of influence, in our workplace, in our neighborhoods and to the ends of the earth. My prayer is that our times of worship would, as we bask in the Lord's presence, ignite our hearts on fire to share Christ, through words and actions, to the lost.
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It seems like a silly thought to raise our hands to Jesus in the lifeboat and not reach out our hands to people drowning in the waters around us and pull them into the lifeboat. Yet sometimes, we can become so "me" focused. "What's in it for me?" "How can I have a good feeling as I worship?" Even many modern worship songs reflect this. If you don't think so, count how many times "I" is found in our more modern songs than in the hymns of yesterday. Oh for more of the theology found in the hymns in today's modern worship tunes. I know that as a worship team we know that it's not about "me," but about "Him" and about "others." Even the two greatest commandments that Jesus gave us are to "love God and love others." Satan fell from heaven due to pride...taking the focus from God and others and placing it on self, and then leaving a wake of destruction behind. The unholy trinity (me, myself and I) has become today's idol of choice in this screwed up world. Let us crucify the "I," dying to "self" and live wholeheartedly for "He" while serving "them" with reckless abandon.
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Love you all very much. Hope I didn't beat anyone up too badly with the whole INAM thing (It's Not About Me). Let me know how the schedule works for you all. I know many have vacation time during the summer and such. Can't wait for Sunday. See you there.
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Grace and peace,

Christian

Whipple Creek Worship Team Unplugged

THOUGHTS ON WORSHIP

Hi there.
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I want to thank all of you who were in the worship team last Sunday. There just seemed to be such a sweet spirit about things last Sunday. I know that I was definitely blessed...and I felt really free to just move in the Spirit of God. Thanks for being such an awesome worship team to create such an environment for me to do so. I really am not worried about what is going on musically because you guys hold it all together so well, even when I stray from the path of normalcy and take on the role of prophet (message from God to the church...not in the futuristic sense) right in the middle of the set. This is something that I would love to see all of you cultivate as God continues to mold and shape you into awesome worship leaders. It is one thing to get up on stage, pick up an instrument and sing a song, hoping that all goes well. It is another thing to have your heart laid wide open before the Living God who desires to communicate to His people today, sense or hear what it is that He would like to communicate, and take the risk of speaking or singing it out as a worship leader. One thing I know, is that it is with fear and trembling, along with a heart cleansed by the blood of Christ that I ever operate this way as a worship leader on Sunday mornings.
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Thanks for lifting up Amy and her son during this tough time in their lives. Please continue to pray over that situation. This week had been nuts for many as VBS is going on along with many other things. Our cat, Denny, passed away last night. Our family has been in tears off and on since then. Thanks for your prayers, even though it seems like a weird thing to pray about. The cool thing is, that God cares about every single detail of our lives, no matter how minute we may think it is. Thanks again. Please continue to send me prayer requests as they come up. I haven't heard any more updates about Lisa's friend or Andy's nephew.
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Please check it out as I have adjusted it since last week. Also, Bill Christina - I haven't heard from you lately. We have been praying for you at devotions on Sunday mornings. I hope things have improved for you. Please let me know if you are okay to play drums. Chris Scrivner - If you are still in town on Sunday, you are welcome to join us, too. I will just have one of you on percussion and the other on the kit. Also, please find attached the Sunday Map. Love you guys. See you this Sunday.
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Grace and peace,
Christian

THOUGHTS ON WORSHIP

Hey guys!
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Hope you are all well this week. I love the focus on prayer that we've been having at Whipple Creek with the "One Prayer" series. What an awesome thought: Churches everywhere, worldwide, joining together with one purpose, with one prayer. As you all know, prayer is communication with God. Worship is also communication with God...we are communicating our love FOR Him TO Him. So in a sense, much of worship is actually prayer.
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When I was younger I used to draw quite a bit. Not long after I rededicated my life to Christ I drew a picture of Jesus. It was actually a pen and ink piece made up from tiny dots so His hair looked a bit like dreadlocks on accident, though I could definitely see Jesus having dreads. Anyway, Jesus was in heaven lying on His stomach with His legs sort of crossed it the air. He had a huge smile on His face. With one of His hands He was cupping His chin, and with that elbow on a cloud He propped up His body, like He was relaxing, lounging about in the heavenlies if you will. His other arm was reaching through space and in the palm of His hand was the earth, sort of levitated, like a softball, yet He wasn't touching it. He was actually spinning it.
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When the body of Christ worldwide unites with one prayer, worshipping with voice, I imagine Jesus looking down and smiling as He spins the globe in His nail-scarred hand, hearing His followers adore Him as different time zones whirl by and catch His listening ear, in different languages, yet with one voice. Neat picture.
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Love you guys. See you on Sunday morning.
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Grace and peace,

Christian

THOUGHTS ON WORSHIP

Hello friends!
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How are you all this week? I am doing well and I hope that you all are the same. Thanks to all of you who served on the worship team last Sunday. To be honest it was kind of a weird Sunday, at least to me. I think the reason I feel that way is because it didn't seem like the congregation was engaging in worship. Which leads me to a couple of very important questions: (1) What does it look like when the congregation really IS connecting with God during the time of worship? (2) How do we determine whether a Sunday morning time of worship was successful or not? I believe that the key in answering these questions has to do with balance. Follow me if you will.
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(1) What does it look like when the congregation really IS connecting with God during the time of worship? I think that different people express worship in different ways. Some people will stand up and clap their hands. Others will sit in their seat with their head buried in their hands as they meditate on the words being sung. Some raise one of their hands and yet others have both raised. Some eyes are closed while others are open. As worship leaders, we cannot look into the hearts of people while we are on the stage. Only God can do this. Yet we know from Scripture that "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." So at least for the most part, Spirit-filled times of worship will move people who are worshipping God from their hearts to some sort of response.
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I don't know if it was just me, but last week it felt a bit more like I was performing at a rock show. Not because I wasn't worshipping God from my heart, but because of the response of the congregation. On most Sundays I don't really have to ask people to stand up or sit down. Most of the time this happens naturally. But last Sunday, at least from what I was seeing or sensing, people were listening as spectators, and then applauding at the end of a song. Does this mean that everyone there was not really worshipping God? Of course not, but I have to at least ask the question as to why the response that would normally manifest itself physically in a person didn't seem to be there? Is it song selection? Maybe a couple of new songs throws people as they are just learning them. Yet there was only one new song last week. Is it that everybody woke up on the wrong side of the bed on the same morning? I don't think so. I greeted people before the worship set who seemed rather chipper. Couple of things I would like to explore with you all more and more.
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Do you remember in the Wizard Of Oz when Glinda, the "good witch" of the North caused a deep sleep to fall on Dorothy and her companions in that field? Sometimes I feel as though there is a huge spirit of apathy, or maybe spiritual laziness and sleepiness that seems to take a hold of large groups of people. I mentioned earlier that I "sensed" what was happening with the people. I believe that Christ-followers can develop this spiritual "sense" by more and more experience in ministering to groups of people, marking certain familiarities as they arise, and asking God about them. Is this even possible for a group of Christ-followers to fall under some kind of "spell?" If you don't think so, why do you think people, at times, get so tired while reading the Bible or praying. Maybe there is something to this. Maybe Satan really doesn't want people to engage in worship, because he knows that the fruit of such an engagement will result in damage to his kingdom. How can we, as worship leaders fight against such things that would keep the people we are longing to usher into God's presence through worship?
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Maybe there are times when people will only venture out to stand, sing out, clap or raise their hands if they see other people doing so. Once somebody breaks the ice and begins to worship freely in the congregation, as they feel prompted to, others seem to follow suit. Until then, many people feel self-conscious, as though people might think such and such about them if they are standing when no one else does. How can we, as worship leaders teach the congregation that there is complete freedom to worship as they feel led? Can we model this from on stage?
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(2) How do we determine whether a Sunday morning time of worship was successful or not? This is where I would like to talk about having a balance. I get the feeling at times, by comments that I hear, that playing every note perfectly or singing every song flawlessly is the standard by which we judge a successful time of worship. I disagree. I am stoked when everything does sound that way, but this isn't the standard. It goes even further. I have even heard it said that if we get better musicians to play, better singers to sing and newer songs in the repertoire we will have a "bigger draw." Is this what we are after? More people to listen to good music? Many mega-churches have this way of thinking. If you don't meet their requirements of a seasoned musician or singer, and I mean the bar is raised really high, there's no way you can be a part of their worship team.
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Now I am not saying that we should let just anyone be in the worship team. If someone can't stay on key or is playing something wrong all the time or is just not far enough along in learning their instrument, they should not be asked to be a leader in the worship team as they would not be leading people in worship but distracting them from worshipping the Lord. This can happen through a screening process. But if someone can play pretty well or sing pretty good and there heart is in the right place, why shouldn't they be given a shot to continue to develop as worship leaders, whether singing, or playing an instrument. Let me camp here for a minute on the heart. In my opinion, some of the most gifted and anointed worship leaders would be guys like Martyn Smith from Delirious, Chris Tomlin and Phil Wickham. What is it about them that draws people in? A good voice? Good playing? A good band behind them? These are all helpful in creating an environment where people can worship God, and all of the above mentioned have these things. But I believe that it is the heart of these guys that draws people to God. Their heart for Jesus is so evident. Believe me, there are much more talented people in the world...Martyn Smith goes flat (even on recordings), Chris Tomlin is a bit breathy and Phil Wickham has vibrato galore, a bit too much if you ask me, but they have hearts of gold. I will follow them to the feet of Jesus because of their heart, not their skill set.
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In the Old Testament, those who had any physical deformity or mixed blood in their ancestry were disqualified from being priests. When Jesus died on the cross, He became our High Priest and the veil in the temple was torn in two. We are all priests in the kingdom of God and should all have the opportunity to be used as such. I see the worship team at Whipple Creek Church as a place where those who have some talent and a heart to lead people to Jesus can serve. How about you? We'll take all of the greats as well. But we will not exalt one person over another because they sing better, play better or look better than someone else. I am looking for faithful, teachable people to serve alongside of me. As long as we are doing our best. No one is expected to give more than their best. If someone in the worship team is being a distraction to the congregation by something they are doing or not doing, we will deal with that as we are made aware of it. Balance. Balance. Balance.
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Back to the original question. A successful time of worship on Sunday morning can be determined, not by how good the sound was, or even if people had a good feeling (again, these are not bad things), but by the fruit that comes out of the lives of those who have truly had an intimate encounter with the Father. What do you think? Let's talk more on this subject at devotions this Sunday.
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Sorry for the discourse. This has just been on my heart lately. This Sunday is another acoustic Sunday (Yeah! I love those!).
Love you guys.
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Grace and peace to you all,
Christian

THOUGHTS ON WORSHIP

Greetings!
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Hope you have been having a great week so far. Thanks to those of you who were in the worship team last week. Again, we had another awesome time of worshipping the Father in the beauty of His holiness. I felt that the congregation was also very much connected to God in worship. Thanks again to all of you. The Lord is using you mightily in the furtherance of His kingdom. Can you believe that furthering the kingdom of God can be as simple as singing or playing an instrument? As the sound of our voices, the strumming of our guitars, the beating of our drums reverberates through the air, the praises that ring out actually thwart the kingdom of darkness. Oh yeah, Satan hates when people, from a sincere heart, praise and worship Elohim (God), Adonai (Lord), YHWH (LORD). Satan's whole deal was to try and elevate himself to the place where he was receiving such praise, adoration, worship. So as our praise and worship of the only One worthy rises, Satan's kingdom falls. In Scripture we find that God's heart is that His name be glorified and lifted up in all the earth. My hope is that, however small a part we play in this whole thing, our praise and worship rings out in Hazel Dell...Vancouver...Washington...the United States...and throughout the entire world. As we lead others in the worship of our Lord Jesus, we are being a part of a global plan to see God's creation everywhere redeemed back to Himself. Thanks for being a history maker.
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Love you guys. See you on Sunday.
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Grace and peace,

Christian

THOUGHTS ON WORSHIP

Hey guys,
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How is your week going? I hope and pray that it has been going good. It seems like this week has been crazy-busy for me so far. I am hoping that things will slow down a bit later in the week and then going into Memorial Day weekend so that I can find rest. Speaking of rest, do all of you take time to just do nothing? It is so important in this fast-paced society. I try to use this time to draw closer to Jesus. I know that I desperately need more of Jesus in my life. So I want encourage you this week, especially if you have Memorial Day off, find some time to just rest.
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Looking forward to spending time in the presence of the Lord with you all on Sunday. See you then.
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Grace and peace,

Christian

THOUGHTS ON WORSHIP

Whipple Worship Warriors:
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Greetings in the name of the One who we worship. How are you all doing so far this week? I hope this finds you well. Thanks for bearing with me and praying for me last Sunday guys. You don't know how much it means to me to have such great friends and fellow co-workers in the Kingdom of God around me, lifting up my arms at times as the battle rages on before our eyes. And what a relief it is to be able to pour ourselves out to each other; flaws, struggles and all. I mean, it felt thick and heavy in the main sanctuary before we had our devotions, at least to me. As I shared my struggles and burdens with you all and then sat back and watched you all minister to each other and make yourselves vulnerable before each other, I was rejoicing inside. Our worship team is more than a group of people there on Sunday mornings to get a job done. Our worship team is a caring group of authentic Christ-followers who have got each other's back. Praise God for you all.
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Thanks guys. Remember, if you have any prayer requests to share with the team this week let me know so I can get the word out. Love you all. See you on Sunday.
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Grace and peace,

Christian

THOUGHTS ON WORSHIP

Hey guys!
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I pray this finds you all well. What a lovely time worshipping our Daddy we had last Sunday. One thing I would encourage us as worship team members to do after leading the congregation into God's presence is that His very presence that was so real and tangible on that Sunday morning would be burned into backdrops of their souls and remembered often during the week, and that a desire would be stirred up within them to experience God's presence through worshipping Him during the week as well. In fact, can we pray that our congregation, including ourselves, would develop a lifestyle of worship? That God's presence would inundate every area of life and we/they would be in a continuous state of gratitude for who He is and what He has done and continues to do. May we all be marked as worshippers and may His presence be sensed in and around us at all times.
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[Christian's head comes out of the clouds]
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Please find attached the worship schedule for May/June 2008. It would be awesome if you could look it over and let me know if there any adjustments that need to made? Thanks a million. (Lisa - do you mind singing this Sunday as Christy must now focus every week on the Power House ministry?) Also you will find attached this Sunday's map. No new songs this week, but definitely some newer ones. Love you guys and as always, am so very privileged to fight side by side with you all on the frontlines of the heavenly war that has been waged. See you on Sunday.
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Grace and peace,

Christian

THOUGHTS ON WORSHIP

Greetings my friends,
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How are you all doing this week? I hope and pray that you are all well and having a good week. You are always in my thoughts and prayers. I continue to be blown away by the way the wind of the Holy Spirit blows through our church body. Sometimes it feels like a hurricane. Other times like a gentle breeze. My desire is that we all continue to fall head over heels in love with Jesus, and then express that love somehow in our worship of Him (words can't even describe that love and gratitude many times).

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Please find attached the Sunday map for this weekend. You will notice that many of the songs are the same ones we did on Easter Sunday. There is a purpose for that. Brett will be giving the last message of the "Living In The Dash" series and wanted us to end the series similar to how we started it, really focusing on the resurrection of Christ.
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I'll see you all first thing on Sunday morning. May our Father grant you a great rest of the week. Please feel free to shoot me any prayer requests that you have for the worship team to pray over.
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Blessings,

Christian

THOUGHTS ON WORSHIP

Greetings fellow co-laborers in Christ,
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Isn't it interesting on Sunday mornings how our time of worship can be totally awesome and Spirit-led Sunday after Sunday, yet look and feel different from one Sunday to the next. The Sunday before last I felt that the people were freely worshipping in the presence of the Lord as soon as they entered the main sanctuary. This last week I sensed a heaviness, as though many were burdened during the time of worship until after the message while we were leading the last few songs, where I very strongly sensed the Holy Spirit's presence. I find it really interesting. The Sunday before last you could sense the Spirit of God moving so strongly during the entire service, and our tendency would be to say, "Let's do it like that every Sunday," or "It should look like that every time," almost as if the bar had been set by what happened that morning. I think we ought to kick against that line of thought for two reasons: (1) If a Sunday morning didn't look like that particular Sunday two weeks ago, people could experience somewhat of a letdown, almost as if "God didn't really show up that Sunday." Basing our sense of the Spirit of God moving on a "feeling" that we had could be dangerous and putting God in a box. The truth is, the Holy Spirit is always at work during the worship service and we should never leave on Sunday feeling letdown, but edified. (2) There is a chance that we could try to force the hand of God, or try to manufacture some kind of experience. This kind of worship leading is not authentic and even dangerous. I say, we just get out of the way, stand back, and see what God does every week, embracing whatever the outcome is.
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In one of the songs I wrote, "You Reign In Majesty," one of the lines says, "we have come to give and not to receive, yet You're so conscious of our needs." That is why we are all worship leaders. That is what worship is about. Ascribing worth and giving honor to our Creator, our God, our Savior, our Friend. Anything or any feeling that comes from that time of worship is just a "perk."
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Anyway, wasn't trying to write a dissertation. I have felt a lot of opposition from the enemy this last week. Some of it through circumstances. Most of it just a strong sense. I believe that we are doing everything right as a worship team. This could possibly be why there is so much opposition. If we weren't making an impact for the Kingdom of God, my guess is that Satan would spend as much time trying to mess with us. Please continue to pray for protection for all of us, for the Whipple Creek Church staff and for all of those who call Whipple Creek Church their home as well as for all of our families. Please let me know if there is anything we can be specifically praying about as a team this week. Love you guys. See you on Sunday.
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Grace and peace,
Christian.

THOUGHTS ON WORSHIP

Hello everyone,
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Last week's time of worship was so sweet. You guys are really bringing it. Thanks. I know that the Holy Spirit moves in and through us as we worship our Father and lead others to His throne. Many of you know that Maria's dad passed away this last week. Please keep her and her family in your prayers, as well as all of the other prayer needs. It often feels as though after awesome times of worship like last Sunday, we get hit hard by things. Our family has been experiencing this as well. Stay on guard against the evil one. He hates what is happening and hates that you are a part of it. May God place a hedge of protection around us all. Blessings on you all and see you on Sunday.
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Grace and peace,

Christian

THOUGHTS ON WORSHIP

Greetings fellow worship team members!
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Baptism Sunday was awesome last Sunday. Thanks Nick and team for leading the worship time while I was in the hot-tub. I was wondering - are you guys continuing to lift each other up in prayer during the week like we had talked about during our devotions last Sunday? Just a reminder to pray for each other during the week. If you think about it, please continue to pray for the healing of my back - it has taken a turn for the worst this last week and I have been a little frustrated with the medical professionals who I am sure have my well being and best interests in mind and not the dollar signs $$$ they see because of my workman's comp. claim (sarcasm intentional). I just found out today how bad my herniated disks really are. Aarrggh. Nothing that the Great Physician can't take care of, though. Love you guys. You are all often in my thoughts and prayers. Talk to you soon.
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Grace and peace,

Christian

THOUGHTS ON WORSHIP

Hey team!
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Wow! Last Sunday was amazing! Thank you all for your hard work. I think it was right around when we sang the song by Phil Wickham, "Beautiful," that I just felt an overwhelming sense of the Holy Spirit washing over me. Not that we are going after some kind of spiritual "high" when we worship God...it was just one of the many benefits we get to enjoy when we worship the Lord in spirit and in truth. I can't think of an Easter Sunday where I have had as much fun. Thank you all for what you have brought to the worship team. With all of the great feedback we may have to do the choir thing more than just once or twice a year. What do you think? Again, I am honored to be able to lead worship alongside such a gifted bunch. Love you guys. See you soon.
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Grace and peace,

Christian

THOUGHTS ON WORSHIP

Hey worship team!
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Sorry I am getting the songs we are doing this Sunday to you so late. It's been a pretty tough week. Please pray for me as I hurt by back pretty badly at work (doing hardwood floors) this week and am not sure when I can return to work. Also please pray for Brett and his family as Brett will be leaving to be with his father in South Dakota. With Brett not here this Sunday, I will be both leading worship and teaching. I will be counting on your leadership this Sunday as my mind can wander to what I will be teaching on. Please pray that I can remain focused on leading the congregation in worship as well as bring God's truths through the Bible teaching. Have I ever told you guys how much I appreciate you all? If not, please know that I really do appreciate the sacrifices you guys make to be there on Sunday mornings and to bring the gifts that God has given you to edify the body of Christ. See you guys on Sunday (And some of you on Saturday for the choir rehearsal).
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Blessings,

Christian

THOUGHTS ON WORSHIP

Greetings worship team!
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You guys rock! Last Sunday the worship was so sweet (as it always is). Thank you all once again for being such a vital part of what God is doing at Whipple Creek Church. I pray that you worship with the same reckless abandon during the rest of the week that you do on Sunday mornings. You are warriors on the frontlines of a spiritual battle (check out 2 Chronicles 20). Anyway, I am attaching the new schedule for March and April of 2008. Please look it over and let me know what changes I need to make. This week we are doing another "unplugged" worship set. Love you guys.
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Blessings,

Christian

THOUGHTS ON WORSHIP

Greetings Worship Team!
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I wanted to thank you all for an awesome Sunday last week. God is so good to us, isn't He? I am really enjoying the time together with you studying through the Psalms and in prayer before our practices on Sunday mornings. Thank you for your prayers concerning my health. I am feeling much better today. I believe that God often times uses us in our weaknesses even more so than when we are counting on our own resources to somewhat carry us through. At least that's how I felt this last Sunday. I started to notice a common thread in the fact that many of us on the team have been facing some health issues recently. It could simply be due to something going around, or a change in the weather. But there could also be resistance from the enemy in the form of a concerted effort to mess with our worship team and get us distracted or discouraged. Let us, with one accord, continue to thwart Satan and bind him from our worship team, our families, our church leadership and our congregation...In the name of Jesus!
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Grace and peace,

Christian

THOUGHTS ON WORSHIP

Hey guys,
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I have you scheduled to be on the worship team for this coming Sunday. Last Sunday's time of worship was phenomenal! I am so excited to see what the Lord does this coming Sunday. He is so worthy of our praise and worship! Thanks a bunch. Love you guys.
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Grace and peace,

Christian

THOUGHTS ON WORSHIP

Hey guys,
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I have been hearing so many good things from those in the congregation about how awesome worship has been over the past few weeks. I wanted to thank you for being such a huge part of it and encourage you to continue allowing the Lord to work through you. I love you guys and continue to be blessed by leading worship with you.
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Grace and peace,

Christian

THOUGHTS ON WORSHIP

Hey guys,
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Again, awesome time of worship this last week. Another quick reminder that the worship team, sound crew and tech crew are meeting at 8:00 am on Sundays at Whipple. Thanks again for offering your gifts to God in this area of ministry. There are definitely awesome things happening.
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Blessings,

Christian

Glorious You

GLORIOUS YOU
Christian Jung
(c) 2007

VERSE 1
C------------------F-------------------------C
That You could love someone like me
C-----------------F-------------------------Am---G--------F
Leads me to know someone like You, glorious You
C-------------------F-----------------C
You take the brokenness in me
C----------F------------------------Am---G-------F
Turn it to righteousness in You, glorious You
F-------Am---G---F
I'm in love with You

CHORUS
C----------------G----------Am------F
Jesus You mean so much to me
C------------------G-------------F
Where would I be without You?
C----------------G---------Am----F
Jesus Your touch is all I need
Am-------------G--------------F
Jesus You mean everything to me, everything to me

VERSE 2
C-------------------F----------------C
That You would die for sinful me
C-----------------F---------------------Am-----G-------F
Leads me to worship sinless You, glorious You
C---------------F-----------------------C
You take the filthiness in me
C----------------F-------------Am----G--------F
Clothe me in righteousness in You, glorious You
F------Am--G---F
I'm in awe of You

CHORUS

CHORUS/TAG
Am------------------G---------------------F
I fall down and worship glorious You, glorious You
Am------------------G---------------------F
I fall down and worship glorious You, glorious You.
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COMMENTARY:

This song started with the lyrics from the first verse. I thought that it was such a huge concept that God, who is perfect in every way, could love someone as imperfect as me. Shortly after writing the first verse came the chorus. I just wanted to express to Jesus how much He means to me. It also led me to think of where I might be without Him, which would be nowhere good. The song has the phrase "Glorious You" through out the song and ends with the thought of, after expressing how much Jesus means to me, falling down and worshipping "Glorious You (God)."

THOUGHTS ON WORSHIP

Greetings Worship Arts Team!
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I want to begin by saying how much of an honor it is for me to be working with such a talented and dedicated group of people at Whipple Creek Church. I hope that you all had an awesome Christmas.
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I also wanted to fill you all in about the Worship Arts Team meeting that took place on Sunday, December 16, 2007. Many of you were there so this will just be a recap for you. Others of you couldn't make it out to the meeting so this will be valuable information for you as changes have been made as to how we will be operating as a worship team in this next year. Here are the main points from the meeting:
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(1) Just recently I was having a rough time in youth ministry. Many of our young people were being led astray by various temptations. I called some of these young people on their sin and it caused a bit of a falling out. I felt confident about my motivations, though I felt I could have handled it better. Discouraged, I began to question if I was the right guy for the job at FacePlant Ministries. Later that week, I received a card signed by most of the youth at FacePlant Ministries thanking me for investing into their lives over the past two years. It was timely and I was encouraged. If I, a human with tons of frailties and shortcomings, had my heart touched by a group of voices saying, "Thank you," how much more does it touch the heart of the Father when every Sunday morning a group of Christ-followers at Whipple Creek Church lifts up their voices to say/sing in unison, "Thank You. We love You. We worship You." May we, as a worship team, be the ones who "initiate the thank you card signing" every week at Whipple.
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(2) My hope is that God's presence will be so evident every week, through Spirit led worship, that people find themselves not wanting to leave on Sundays, as well as at other days of the week where our worship teams lead people into His presence.
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(3) At Whipple Creek Church, we want worship to permeate every area of ministry. We want to develop teams that usher people into God's presence on Sunday mornings in the adult service as well as in Power House, at FacePlant Ministries on Tuesday nights, at our Epic Young Adult group on the first Wednesday of the month and on Friday nights. We also hope to develop teams to be able to send out to other congregations who don't have worship teams. It would also be great this next year to record, produce and release a Whipple Creek worship CD with original worship written by members of our team so that people can take what takes place at Whipple through worship home with them, permeating their personal devotions and times of worship.
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(4) My desire is that our worship teams actually be small groups, where ministry can take place before we practice and then later lead worship. What we are doing then, is changing our Sunday morning schedule. I would like to ask all worship team members (both vocalists and instrumentalists), sound crew and tech crew members to be at the church promptly at 8:00 am. We will get the sound system and instruments line checked from 8:00 am to 8:20 am. From 8:20 am to 8:40 am we will all gather as a small group and have a short devotional as well as a prayer time where we can minister to each other. As worship pastor, I want to be able to pray for you, serve you and keep you accountable as I want you to keep me accountable. Then from 8:40 am to 9:50 am we will practice, both as an entire team, but also leaving time to go over new songs more thoroughly and work on and refine vocal and instrumental parts. This new schedule is effective Sunday, January 6, 2008.
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(5) We also went over our current worship team, sound crew and tech crew roster. We also went over what other worship venues during the week that people were available for. We are adding some new members and hope to do so even more as more people are recognized in their giftedness. If you weren't at the meeting and I haven't talked to you yet, please let me know what your availability is.
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(6) We are also re-vamping the way we run our sound crew. We will now be having two person teams running sound on Sunday mornings; one person running the sound board, the other person walking around the main sanctuary during both practice and during the main service to listen for adjustments that need to be made and relaying that information to the person running the sound board.
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(7) I also encouraged those of us on stage to be aware of our "stage presence." I don't mean that we become someone who we aren't by putting on some kind of act, but to make sure that we are smiling (hopefully this is a natural overflow of the joy of the Lord in our lives) and engaging the congregation in worship through clapping, etc.

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Well this was our first meeting together under my leadership as worship pastor. I am currently working on handing off many responsibilities as youth pastor so that I can focus in on the area of worship. Please pray that God brings the right people along to take the youth. Until that happens, I will be working my 40 hour a week job doing hardwood floors, taking care of needs with my family at home, and then figuring out how to balance both youth and worship ministry. So please know, that I am doing the best I can with what I have on my plate. Thank you in advance for your patience with me.

Grace and peace,

Christian

Stay With Me

STAY WITH ME
Christian Jung
(c) 2006

CAPO 5

VERSE 1
D--D/F#-----------D/B--C--D--D/F#----------D/B---C
I'm reaching for destiny, and running from history
D--D/C---------D/B-----------Bb-----D----D/F#--------D/B------C
I'm hoping our paths will collide, and banking on all You say

PRECHORUS
Bm----------C-----Bm----------C
'Cause I'm alive when You and I
Em---D/F#--C--------D
Are unified, oh please

CHORUS
D-------------G----------Em----------G--------Em
Won't You stay with me? Everyday with me?
Em--------------C-------------D---------------Em
You're all I've got, You're all I'm holdin' on to
Em---------G-----------Em-----------G----------Em
Won't You stay with me? Everyday with me?
Em---------------C-----------------D-------------------Em
You're all I've got, won't You please, please stay?

VERSE 2
D--D/F#----------D/B---C--D--D/F#----------D/B--C
I'm feeling uncertainty is getting the best of me
D--D/C-----------D/B-----------Bb------D--D/F#--------D/B-----C
I know there's a plan deep inside. I just need the eys to see

PRECHORUS
Bm------------C---Bm-----------C
'Cause I can try, But who am I?
Em---D/F#------C----------D
That You should die for me?

CHORUS



















COMMENTARY:

God's promise to us, as we well know, is that He will never leave us or forsake us. But the neat part of this song is the desire for God to linger, and that His felt presence might remain, even when we are off to do other things.

Great Are You Lord

GREAT ARE YOU LORD
Christian Jung
(c) 2005

VERSE 1
D---------------------------------------------------------Bm
Lord I've got to say to You, I love everything about You
Bm-------------------------------Em--D/F#--G--------------------A--Asus--C7
My whole world reveolves around the Son, 'round the glorious One

VERSE 2
D----------------------------------------------------------------------Bm
Lord I've got to let You know, where You lead me I will glady go
Bm---------------------------------------Em--D/F#--G-------------------A----Asus----C7
My whole world has been turned upside down, oh let Your praise resound

CHORUS
D---------------------------------------------------------------G
Great are You Lord, You made everything from nothing
G----------------------------A--------------------------D
And You hold it all together, great are You Lord

VERSE 1

VERSE 2

CHORUS
D---------------------------------------------------------------G
Great are You Lord, You made everything from nothing
G-------------------------A----------------------------D
And You hold it all together, Great are You Lord
D------------------------------------------------------G
Great are You Lord, greater than our circumstances
G---------------------A--------------------------D
So let us sing together, great are You Lord

G----------------------------A-------------------------D
Glory to Your name forever, great are You Lord

You Reign In Majesty

YOU REIGN IN MAJESTY
Christian Jung
(c) 2005

VERSE 1
G------------D/F#------Am-------------C---------------D
We have come to worship You, exalted One, King above all kings
G---------D/F#--------Am------------------------C-------D------G
We bow down before You now, for You reign in majesty

VERSE 2
G------------D/F#-----Am-------------------C----------------D
We have come to give You praise, Anointed One, Ancient of Days
G---------D/F#-----Am-------------------------C--------D---------G
We fall down before You now, for You reign in majesty

CHORUS
Em--------------------C--------------------G
We have come to give and not to receive
G-------------------B7
Yet You're so conscious of our needs
Em-------------------C-------------------G
We are always satisfied just to meet
G------------------D
Here at Your nail-scarred feet

VERSE 1

VERSE 2

CHORUS
G----D/F#---Am---G---D/F#--Am---G--D/F#--Am----G---D/F#---Am----G
We have come, we have come, we have come, we have come

COMMENTARY:

This is one of the songs I wrote while involved in the worship team at Calvary Chapel in Tigard, Oregon. The chorus really sums up why it is that we come and assemble together and worship...we come to church to give to God; give praise, thanks and adoration to the Lord from our heart, and give of the gifts God has given us to edify others in the body of Christ. We shouldn't be coming to church for the sole purpose to receive during the congregational worship time. The rad thing is, when we pour out our hearts to God in worship, we generally receive so much from Him during that time. I think it is good to check our motivation of why wee come to worship. Is it to get a good feeling or an emotional high? Nope. But good feelings and emotional experiences are great if they come as a natural bi-product of giving to God through our worship.

It Was You

IT WAS YOU
Christian Jung and Jonas Jung
(c) 2005

VERSE 1
Am--------------Dm----------------G----------------------C-------C/B--------------Am
It was Your hand upon my shoulder when all I needed was Your touch
Am--------------Dm----------------G----------------------C-------C/B--------------Am
It was Your voice that whispered softly when all the noise was just too much
Am--------------Dm----------------G----------------------C-------C/B--------------Am
It was the way You held me gently, It was the way You held me tight
Am----------Dm---------------------G
It was the way You held me closely

CHORUS 1
C---------------------------------------------------------G
It was You who turned my life around completely
-------------------------------------------Bb
Who suffered pain and death to free me
Am------------------G-------------------Am
It was You, it was You, it was You

VERSE 2
Am--------------Dm----------------G----------------------C-------C/B--------------Am
It was those eyes that looked right through me when all my motives were laid bare
Am--------------Dm----------------G----------------------C-------C/B--------------Am
It was Your thoughts of who I could be, not who I was right then and there
Am--------------Dm----------------G----------------------C-------C/B--------------Am
It was the way You were so patient, It was the way You were so kind
Am-------------Dm--------------------G
It was the way You were so faithful

CHORUS 1

CHORUS 2
C---------------------------------------------------------G
It was You who sent Your Spirit here to help me
-------------------------------------------Bb
Who gave Your promise not to leave me
Am------------------G-------------------Am
It was You, it was You, it was You

BRIDGE
Am---C---E7---Am---F---G---C---G---Am---C---E7---Am---F---G---Am

CHORUS 1

CHORUS 2

CHORUS 3
C---------------------------------------------------------G
It was You who in my brokenness restored me
-------------------------------------------Bb
Who showed Your loving mercy toward me
Am------------------G-------------------Am
It was You, it was You, it was You

CHORUS 4
C---------------------------------------------------------G
It was You who didn't stop believing in me
-------------------------------------------Bb
Who never once chose to condemn me
Am------------------G-------------------Am
It was You, it was You, it was You

You've Got Me Dancin'

YOU'VE GOT ME DANCIN'
Christian Jung
(c) 2005

VERSE 1
Am------------------------------------------G
Oh Lord, You've got me dancin' and singin' praises to You Jah
Am------------------------------G
I want to fly to Mount Zion
G-----------------------------------------------F
Where You're salvation and glory belong

CHORUS 1
F-----------G-----------------------------C-------------F
I want to find my way into Your mercy and love
F------C----------------G--------------------F------------------G
So I keep walkin' down this narrow road, I keep walkin' on

VERSE 2
Am------------------------------------------G
Oh Lord, You've got me dancin' and givin' glory to You Jah
Am-------------------------------G
I want to fly to the heavens
G------------------------------------------------F
Where Jesus Christ is there seated above

CHORUS 2
F-----------------G--------------------------------C--------------F
I want to dance my way into Your throne room because
F------C------------------G--------------------------F-------------G--------C
I will keep walkin' down these streets of gold, I keep dancin' on

BRIDGE
Am--------------------------------------------G
Me gonna dance to da rhythm of da heavenly song
Am--------------------------------------------G
We gonna groove to dat music all night and day long
Am------------------------------------------------G
Me gonna hear how His heart beats and feel JahJah's love
Am---------------------------------------------------G
We gonna party for eternity with da angels above

CHORUS 1

CHORUS 2

COMMENTARY:
The second reggae worship song that I've even attempted to write. Props to my many influences such as Christafari, P.O.D. and others.

Thinkin' of You

THINKIN' OF YOU
Christian Jung
(c) 2004

VERSE 1
G--------------------D/F#-----------------------Em
The years have come, the years have gone
--------------------------C
What seems so short has been so long
G-----------------D/F#--------------------Em
And through it all You've been so strong
------------------------C
You've been so strong

CHORUS
G-------------Asus--A----C
I've been thinkin' of all the good times we've shared together
G------------B7---------C
I've been thinkin' of You and all that we've been through

VERSE 2
G----------------D/F#----------------Em
As time goes by and time goes on
-----------------C
You'll carry me and I 'll just hold on
G-----------------D/F#---------------Em
And through it all we'll overcome
-----------------C
We'll overcome

CHORUS

BRIDGE
Em-------------------------------------------------C
You've been the Light in my darkest hour
Am--------------------------D
You've been the wind in my sails
Em------------------------------------C
And when I figured You had given up on me
Am------------------D
It was then You took me back and embraced me
Dm7-----------------------------------------------------------------G
How can I ever repay the kindness You've shown me?

CHORUS

Father of Mercy

FATHER OF MERCY
Christian Jung
(c) 2004

CAPO 3

VERSE 1
Em----------C------Em-----------C
Father of mercy unto You I cry
Em---------------C---C/C#-----D
Without Your favor I would die
Em------------C-------Em--------------C
God of all comfort, comfort even me
Em------------C-----------C/C#----D
I want to thank You endlessly, 'cause

CHORUS
G-------------------D----------Em
You came and died for me
B7---------------C---------------D-----------------G------D
I see now so clearly how dearly You love me

VERSE 2
Em----------C--------Em-------------C
Father of mercy to Your feet I fall
Em------------------C------C/C#-----------D
I give You my worship, I give You my all
Em----------C----------Em--------------------C
God of compassion, so passionate for me
Em----------C----------C/C#-----D
I want to give You everything, 'cause

CHORUS

BRIDGE
C----------E7-----------------Am
Selflessly You laid Your life down
F--------------------------C
I know now I am free
C----------E7----------------Am--------------D7
In response I lay my rights down, because

CHORUS

CHORUS

You Are Beautiful

YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL

Christian Jung

(c) 2004

 

VERSE 1

A--------------------------------------------------------------------E

As I'm basking in Your presence I can only stand in awe

A--------------------------------------------------E

The light of Your glory surrounds Your throne

E---------------C#m--------------------B

And as Your fragrance fills this place

A---------------------------B

These are the only words I can say

 

CHORUS

E----------------------------------C#m

You are beautiful, You are beautiful

F#---------------------A

Friend of sinners, Son of Man

B----------------------------------------E

Lord of mercy take my hand

E----------------------------------C#m

You are beautiful, You are beautiful

F#----------------------A

Saints and angels gather 'round

B-------------------------------------------------A

As tear-filled faces press the ground

A------------------E

You are beautiful

 

VERSE 2

A------------------------------------------------------------------------E

As I'm pondering Your goodness, I can only take a bow

A-------------------------------------------------E

The brilliance You radiate floods my soul

E---------C#m----------------B

And as I gaze into Your face

A---------------------------B

These are the only words I can say

 

CHORUS

 

CHORUS/TAG

A----------------B------------E

We sing glory to the Lamb

A----------------B------------E

We sing glory to the Lamb

A------------------B-------E---E/Eb------E/C#--E/B

We sing glory to the Lamb that was slain

A-----------------B------------E

We sing glory to the Lamb

 

A---------------------B----------E

We sing worthy is the Lamb

A---------------------B----------E

We sing worthy is the Lamb

A-------------------B--------E---E/Eb------E/C#--E/B

We sing worthy is the Lamb that was slain

A--------------------B------------E

We sing worthy is the Lamb

Ocean Of Remorse

OCEAN OF REMORSE
Christian Jung
(c) 2004

VERSE 1
E--E/F#--E/G#--E/A---E--E/F#--E/G#--E/A
Here I am again, down on my knees again
G#m--------------------A---------------E--E/F#--E/G#--E/A
I am washing Your feet with my tears
E--E/F#--E/G#--E/A---E---E/F#-----E/G#---------E/A
Here I am so scared, at the foot of the cross is where
G#m---------------A-----------------E--E/F#--E/G#--E/A
I am laying my cares and my fears

PRECHORUS
A--------------B
Unable to lift my head up
A---------------B
I beay my chest and say

CHORUS
E------------E/F#----C#m--E/F#-----A
I'm so sorry for my folly, for I've more than missed the mark
F#------------------------B
I have broken Your heart
E----------E/F#---------C#m---E/F#
I'm so thirsty for Your mercy
A-------------------------------Am-------------E--E/F#--E/G#--E/A
But I'm drowning in this ocean of remorse

VERSE 2
E--E/F#---E/G#--E/A--E--E/F#------E/G#--------E/A
Here I am undone, staring into the eyes of the Son
G#m-------------A-------------------------E--E/F#--E/G#--E/A
I am feeling ashamed as You can see
E--E/F#--E/G#--A--E---E/F#-----------E/G#----------------E/A
Here I am in need, for the faults that I have You would bleed
G#m-----------------A------------------E--E/F#--E/G#--E/A
I am pleading the blood, "Cover me"

PRECHORUS
A------------B
Unable to forgive myself
A--------------B
I purse my lips to say

CHORUS

PRECHORUS
A-------------B
Unable to go on like this
A--------------B
I close my eyes and pray

CHORUS

COMMENTARY:

I wrote this song during one of the darkest times in my life. I had made a series of really bad decisions and felt horrible. I felt as though I was drowning in an ocean of remorse because of my bad decisions. It was in those deepest darkest times that I was really able to grab a hold of God's mercy and forgiveness. Of course, there was a time of repentance and then a long amount of time that I had to deal with not feeling the residual guilt and shame, but Jesus died not only to take away our sin, but to take away our guilt and shame, too. Only Jesus can recuse us from the ocean of remorse.