“Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.“  Psalm 96:1

Lisa and I had lunch with Wilson and Danielle after church last Sunday.  They’ve been coming to the church for a couple of weeks now.  As newcomers to the church, Wilson said that it was difficult coming into a new church where all the music was unfamiliar.  He wondered if there was a way he could learn the songs ahead of the services each week so that he could worship with more confidence.

Well, here you go Wilson (and anyone else who wants to learn them).  I’ve posted a couple of songs we’ll be doing this upcoming Sunday:

King of the Ages by Eoghan Heaslip || Download the Lyrics

It’s been a while since we’ve done this song.  There are some lyrics that might need a little explanation.
Jehovah Jireh - This is a name for God found in Genesis 22:14 which means “The Lord will provide.”
Jehovah Nissi - This is a name for God found in Exodus 17:15 which means “The Lord is my banner.”  This comes from a really neat story found in Exodus 17:8-16.  You may have heard a person say, “You lifted my arms,” when you have encouraged or assisted them.  This is where that saying comes from.

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I Will Search For You by Israel and New Breed || Download the Lyrics || Buy the Song

I just discovered this song a few weeks ago and it resonated with me immediately.  And guess what…   …another reference to raising our hands; this time, it’s raising hands in worship.  Have you ever wondered why people do that?  Well, check back on Friday and I’ll post an explanation of this expression of worship.

Multiply Your Love - Andy Park
Indescribable - Laura Story
May The Words of My Mouth - Tim Hughes
Worthy, You Are Worthy - Matt Redman
You Never Let Go - Matt Redman

Don’t stop now. Today could well be the day that everything changes. Today could be the day that you get that phone call. That new job could be just around the corner. That relationship you’ve waited on for so long. That answer to prayer. That victory over temptation.

Don’t stop now. That person you never thought would change may be right on the edge of a breakthrough. That child you thought you couldn’t get through to, that spouse who you’ve all but given up on, that person who has rejected God for years.

Don’t stop now. Things are always darkest right before the dawn. Now is not the perfect time to give up, but rather the perfect time to dig in and hold on for another day.  Don’t stop now.

In all my years walking with God I have seen this pattern in my life of wanting to give up right before the critical moment. I believe that at those moments there are great spiritual battles in an unseen realm taking place. On many occasions I have given up, lost patience, exploded, quit, or forced the situation, only to see God’s intended solution appear right after my fall. As I get older, I am learning to hang in longer, and to take hold of God by faith in these moments.  I am finding that I can go another day. My world won’t end if I don’t do something NOW.

Our theme at Grace for 2008 is “Don’t Stop Now!” Please continue to pray that God will give us the determination and staying power to remain focused in our service as we await his answers in some key areas, such as our permanent facilities. I will take a moment right now to pray for everyone in our Grace family that God will give you strength this coming week. 

-Pastor Bartley 

Beginning Monday, January 28, Grace will have several ads running on Joy 1250. Can’t wait ’til Monday? Listen to them now:

The Church With Two Barts

Grace Turns 10

Grace High-Speed Edition

O Worship The King  - Chris Tomlin
Be Glorified - Chris Tomlin & Louie Giglio
Everything Glorious - David Crowder Band
O Sacred King - Matt Redman
Your Grace is Enough - Matt Maher

We are excited to announce that Grace will have the privilege of Canadian singer/songwriter Dan Macaulay leading worship with his band at our Easter services this March.

Dan is a gifted artist whose debut album Captured Again was honored as “Worship Album of the Year” by the Shai Awards in 2007.  The same year, Dan was selected as “Male Soloist of the Year” in this people’s choice award format.

For more information about Dan visit his website at www.danmacaulay.com or his MySpace page for some free downloads of his music.

On Monday, January 21, the 9:30 childrens staff will meet. One of the most interesting things we will be discussing is a curriculum change for children in the Toddlers, Tykes, Sparks, Flames, and Wildfires classes (ages 2-10). The new curriculum we’re looking at is from Discipleland. (Check it out at www.discipleland.com)

Perhaps the main reason why we are even considering a change in the curriculum is because the pastoral staff has noticed a lack in key areas of basic Biblical knowledge in the students who have been brought up under the curriculum we have been using (particularly our senior and junior high students.) This is not to criticize these students, we take responsibility for not having a well-rounded program that maximizes the short amount of time that we have with the children each week. Another reason to adopt this new curriculum is because it adds puppets to the lessons of those in the younger classes (Toddlers, Tykes and possibly, Sparks.) Adding puppets to our curriculum will dramatically increase the interest level for our children and encourage them to come back for more each week.  

Personally, I’ve been very impressed with the Discipleland materials. I’ve never used them myself, but I was involved in the selection process at another Grace Brethren church a while back and ended up moving just before the new curriculum was introduced there. They claimed that the Discipleland materials were excellent.Of course, the children’s ministry staff might have better ideas and we might go with something else, but I’m convinced that we are heading in a good direction with the curriculum at the very least.

My Best Friend - Hillsong United
Chasing - Charlie Hall
How Great is Our God - Chris Tomlin
Everything Glorious - David Crowder Band
Open The Eyes of My Heart - Paul Baloche