During the service this last Sunday, as we were singing and worshipping, Angi Sussex sang a song she sensed God wanted to use to minister specific encouragement to those in the congregation struggling with anxiety and fear over the future.

Here’s the lyrics from the song, and a rough recording. May it serve and encourage you all!

Today you may be hurting,
In pain or suffering.
Today you may feel God is far away from you.
Today you may be anxious,
Afraid for tomorrow.
Today you may feel temptations lead you astray

But we have a hope of a greater day coming;
A day when our Saviour will make all things new.

So don’t be disheartened,
If you feel that the days ahead
Look too hard for you;
Because of a day when Jesus gave everything,
We can be confident He’ll carry us through.

So we’ll trust in Your promises,
Hold on to Your faithfulness.
Holding on to the hope of that glorious day;
For we know You are coming,
For those You have loved;
And we trust You that You would carry us through,
Everyday.

Prophectic Song (22 01 2012)

During the service on Sunday (25/09/11), as we were rejoicing in the grace and goodness of God, Angi Sussex sensed that God wanted to minister through prophetic song specifically to these who were struggling with doubt, and questioning the goodness of God, because of particular situations in their lives at present.  Here’s the lyrics from the song. May they serve and encourage all who read them!

Sunday 25th September 2011
Prophetic Song for those Struggling with Doubt.

I hear your cry, I see your tears in the night
You are weak and you wonder why
You feel alone but I am with you

So let my grace, let my grace be enough
Find your strength in me the solid rock
for my power never ends

For I am the God who draws near unto
Those who call on me
I welcome you to my throne of grace
To find help in times of need

I hear your cry, my promised good you cannot see
Your situation’s not what you want it to be
But it’s my design and sovereignty

So let my peace, let my peace bring calm to your soul
In stormy trials I won’t let you go
Rest in the shadow of my wings

For I’m the God who heals the brokenhearted
I stoop down to seek the lost
I’ve shown my love and compassion for you
In the mercy of the cross
I’m the father to the fatherless
The defender of the weak
Always watching over you
Put your trust in me

So lift you eyes to me your Coming King
Lift your heart and voice to sing
Hope in my love that’s unfailing
I’m the sustainer of everything
I’m your God, trust in me

As mentioned, we are holding a meeting for all current worship team members, and those within the church who might have an interest in possibly serving in this area in the future.

As a pre-requiste for the meeting on Thursday 18th March, 8pm at the Vassall Centre, we would ask you to please download and read the following document and also listen to the message below (outline available below).

Grace Church Worship Team Requirements & Responsibilities

The Call of the Christian Musician (Bob Kauflin) —  Audio |  Notes

Our friend Andy Patterson, pastor at Kensington Baptist Church, recently emailed me to let me know about an exciting event they are hosting this Spring, and we wanted to pass on the info to you too.

The “Stuart Townend ‘Creation Sings’ Tour” is coming to Bristol with a concert at Kensington Baptist Church on Friday 26th March at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £15.

Stuart Townend is one of the UK’s leading songwriters. (His best-known songs include In Christ Alone, How deep the Father’s love, The Power of the Cross and Beautiful Saviour). Mark Edwards is a special guest. (Mark is one of the most sought-after keyboard players and arrangers in the world of Christian music. His most recent album is ‘Hymn to Grace’).

Tickets are going fast, but due to the kindness or Andy and the folks at Kensington Baptist Church, they reserved 50 tickets for us at Grace Church. So if you are interested please send email to info@gracechurchbristol.org ASAP. They are willing to hold the tickets for us for 2 weeks, before releasing them for general sale.

Following along the theme of Sovereign Grace resources from the Psalms…

WorshipGod 2008 – the worship conference hosted by Sovereign Grace and Bob Kauflin just took place at the end of July.

And, as usual, the audio of the conference is FREELY available for you to download and benefit richly from.

You can also visit the website for WorshipGod 08 to get more info and book recommendations to help you mine the gold that is the Psalms.

For centuries the book of Psalms has informed, directed, and inspired the worship of God’s people. Without minimizing the struggles of living in a fallen world, this book exudes a confident trust in the God who is good and rules over all.

These twelve songs have emerged from those ancient poems and prayers. Our aim is to offer fresh interpretations of individual psalms, especially in light of the crucified and risen Savior to whom they point.

This is the latest album produced and released by Sovereign Grace Music.

Listen to tracks, get downloads (including a free song!) and sheet/chord music by visiting the website.

Available soon at a church book table near you(!) or (if you can’t wait that long!) you can download it for next to nothing at the Sovereign Grace Store.

For interested music buffs, Stephen Altrogge – one of the songwriters on this latest album, has a post over at his blog – The Blazing Center – that describes his process of song writing, and the evolution of his songs from demo’s to album tracks.

AND…

You can watch a video about the production of the album: