Showing posts with label donMoen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label donMoen. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Songs 4 Worship Interview (2)
from Don
With 21 albums to his credit and over 5 million units sold, Don Moen is a creative force and an inspirational voice in worship music all over the world. Songs4Worship.com recently sat down for "10 Questions With Don Moen."
S4W.com: What compels you to write new songs?
Now, there have been instances where I have had dreams with the melody and words of a song with someone saying, "Here are the words and here are the chords-write them down." So I actually went to the piano and wrote them down.
S4W.com: Describe the most powerful worship experience you've ever had.
Moen: There are two, actually. One was after I had just written the song "I Want To Be Where You Are." I used to write songs in the apartment of a lady who had a grand piano, and in fact, I was writing the song "This Is My Holy Place," which was the last song for the musical God With Us. As I was writing the song, there suddenly came a really powerful sense of God's presence with me into that room. In fact, I had to get down on my knees because the feeling was so powerful. I literally had to stop praying because I thought to myself "They're going to find me in this room dead tomorrow and not know what happened." Since then, I've often wished that I hadn't stopped praying.
S4W.com: What's the songwriting process like for Don Moen?
Moen: When I started writing music, there weren't many people writing Christian music. I would get song ideas when I was ministering every night with a musical group, and would think, "If only I had a song that said this..." and because I couldn't find a song like that, I would write one. I never planned to be a writer, and still think I have a long way to go. I try to write songs based on a ministry focus. "What needs to be said here and now?" A lot of times, I'll go to an empty church and ask, "What's going to help me get into God's presence this morning." In fact, with "God Is Good All The Time," I sat in a service where a pastor said "God is good," and the people responded "All the time," and I thought, "There needs to be a song like that," so I went to Paul Overstreet and said, "Paul, let's write a song that says 'God Is Good All The Time.'"
S4W.com: What person has influenced your ministry/your music the most and how?
Moen: Probably Ray Schaibly-the man who was my pastor when I was twelve years old, and who passed away last year. Ray was my pastor from the time I was eight through sixteen and that is probably the most crucial time in a boy's life. My dad didn't go to church, so Ray took me fishing and hunting. After church he would lead us in songs with his guitar and would invite us to come to the altar and worship God. I can honestly say that I've thought many times, "You know, I don't think I would be doing what I am today if it weren't for Ray Schaibly and what he did in my life."
S4W.com: You've collaborated with other songwriters on songs, such as Paul Overstreet and Claire Cloninger. Have you found that this type of collaboration helps you to think "out of the box" and to stretch your creative muscles?
Moen: Collaboration is a very enjoyable process. I feel that I'm always strong on melodies and they come easy for me. When I was in the ninth grade, I went to an event where there was a competition to write two 16-bar songs. I just wrote them out, and it didn't take that long. I didn't pay any attention to it until later, but the professor had written on my paper, "Young man you have a very unique gift for writing melodies that you need to pursue." To me, it's very easy to write a melody, so it's good for me to collaborate with someone who has a good concept of melodies but also a good concept of words.
S4W.com: Who influenced you as a young musician and who influences you now?
Moen: I listened to old records of Frank Sinatra that my parents had at this lake cottage when I was a kid. I would play them on an old wind-up phonograph that belonged to my grandma and grandpa. On rainy days, I'd spin records like Frank Sinatra and Tommy Dorsey. All these guys were crooners, and sang really romantic ballads. That's what I listened to a lot, so I'm sure when you listen to my music, you'll probably see that I've been influenced by them.
With 21 albums to his credit and over 5 million units sold, Don Moen is a creative force and an inspirational voice in worship music all over the world. Songs4Worship.com recently sat down for "10 Questions With Don Moen."
S4W.com: What compels you to write new songs?
Moen: I never feel compelled to write songs. I mean, I feel it a little now because there's a deadline (laughs). Seriously, though, I do try to be faithful and sit at the piano and ask, "God, what do you want me to say?" Because it is a gift that I have been given, when there is a need, my first response is to address it musically. For instance, when I wrote "God Will Make A Way," I didn't really feel compelled to write it, but I wanted to know what to say to ease the pain of a lost loved one, and my first response was to write a song.
Now, there have been instances where I have had dreams with the melody and words of a song with someone saying, "Here are the words and here are the chords-write them down." So I actually went to the piano and wrote them down.
S4W.com: Describe the most powerful worship experience you've ever had.
Moen: There are two, actually. One was after I had just written the song "I Want To Be Where You Are." I used to write songs in the apartment of a lady who had a grand piano, and in fact, I was writing the song "This Is My Holy Place," which was the last song for the musical God With Us. As I was writing the song, there suddenly came a really powerful sense of God's presence with me into that room. In fact, I had to get down on my knees because the feeling was so powerful. I literally had to stop praying because I thought to myself "They're going to find me in this room dead tomorrow and not know what happened." Since then, I've often wished that I hadn't stopped praying.
The other experience was during the recording of Bless The Lord in Orlando, Florida at Calvary Assembly of God. All of side two of that album, starting with "I Just Want To Be Where You Are," and ending with "This Is My Holy Place" was one of the most overwhelming times of worship I have ever experienced. In fact, when I listen to it today, it still overwhelms me. And for me to be able to listen to my own music and still be overwhelmed by the presence of God says a lot about the power of that night.
S4W.com: What's the songwriting process like for Don Moen?
Moen: When I started writing music, there weren't many people writing Christian music. I would get song ideas when I was ministering every night with a musical group, and would think, "If only I had a song that said this..." and because I couldn't find a song like that, I would write one. I never planned to be a writer, and still think I have a long way to go. I try to write songs based on a ministry focus. "What needs to be said here and now?" A lot of times, I'll go to an empty church and ask, "What's going to help me get into God's presence this morning." In fact, with "God Is Good All The Time," I sat in a service where a pastor said "God is good," and the people responded "All the time," and I thought, "There needs to be a song like that," so I went to Paul Overstreet and said, "Paul, let's write a song that says 'God Is Good All The Time.'"
S4W.com: What person has influenced your ministry/your music the most and how?
Moen: Probably Ray Schaibly-the man who was my pastor when I was twelve years old, and who passed away last year. Ray was my pastor from the time I was eight through sixteen and that is probably the most crucial time in a boy's life. My dad didn't go to church, so Ray took me fishing and hunting. After church he would lead us in songs with his guitar and would invite us to come to the altar and worship God. I can honestly say that I've thought many times, "You know, I don't think I would be doing what I am today if it weren't for Ray Schaibly and what he did in my life."
Ray gave me a hunger for those moments in God's presence. Why else would I have underlined in my Bible, as a twelve-year-old kid, Psalm 27:4: One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple. I know that hunger came from what Ray was doing in my life. I kept in touch with him over the years and still keep in touch with his wife.
S4W.com: You've collaborated with other songwriters on songs, such as Paul Overstreet and Claire Cloninger. Have you found that this type of collaboration helps you to think "out of the box" and to stretch your creative muscles?
Moen: Collaboration is a very enjoyable process. I feel that I'm always strong on melodies and they come easy for me. When I was in the ninth grade, I went to an event where there was a competition to write two 16-bar songs. I just wrote them out, and it didn't take that long. I didn't pay any attention to it until later, but the professor had written on my paper, "Young man you have a very unique gift for writing melodies that you need to pursue." To me, it's very easy to write a melody, so it's good for me to collaborate with someone who has a good concept of melodies but also a good concept of words.
S4W.com: Who influenced you as a young musician and who influences you now?
Moen: I listened to old records of Frank Sinatra that my parents had at this lake cottage when I was a kid. I would play them on an old wind-up phonograph that belonged to my grandma and grandpa. On rainy days, I'd spin records like Frank Sinatra and Tommy Dorsey. All these guys were crooners, and sang really romantic ballads. That's what I listened to a lot, so I'm sure when you listen to my music, you'll probably see that I've been influenced by them.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Songs 4 Worship Interview (1)
from Don
With 21 albums to his credit and over 5 million units sold, Don Moen is a creative force and an inspirational voice in worship music all over the world. Songs4Worship.com recently sat down for "10 Questions With Don Moen."
Songs4Worship: What has been the greatest challenge you've faced since you began pursuing music as a calling and a career?
Don Moen: Balancing my time is probably the biggest challenge. Balancing my work in the office and my role as a father, husband and songwriter has been a great challenge, and it's tougher now that my children are older. When children are younger, they need food, home and a bath, but as they grow older, they start school and need help with their homework and start driving cars. That's one of the reasons I say no to a lot of things. You only have your kids once. When people ask me if they can pray for me, I ask them to pray that I have balance in my life.
S4W.com: What has been the most profound lesson you've learned about worship over the past few years?
Moen: There were quite a few years when I was first doing praise and worship music when people would laugh at it and say, "That's not music-that's not serious." Only in the last few years has praise and worship music become a genre. Major artists are now doing worship records and they're starting to become their best ones. So only recently has praise and worship come to be recognized as a very significant category, and it's almost the only category in Christian music that is still showing solid growth. For many years it wasn't like that, though, so it was always a challenge to gain recognition without compromising integrity.
S4W.com: What is the most profound lesson you've learned about life over the past few years?
Moen: Be yourself, no matter what it is you do. Many times people try to be someone they're not. I'm a ballad singer, and I don't have hot licks like some artists. My kids would not call my songs "cool," but the most valuable lesson I've learned is to be happy and comfortable with who God made me to be. I think it's so easy to get caught up in the production and presentation of something and to not ask the hard questions, like "Why am I doing what I'm doing?" We should all analyze what we do everyday and say, "Why did we do what we just did."
S4W.com: What does "worship lifestyle" mean to you?
Moen: First of all, it means that worship is more than a song. It's important to remember that music is just one facet of worship. To me, worship lifestyle means being the same person at home and the same person in the supermarket that I am on the stage. It means following the example of Jesus, who was the Son of God, but was also the Son of Man. Jesus was approachable, and people loved to be around him. Just ask yourself, "Was Jesus a true worshiper?" You bet he was.
S4W.com: How do you explain the powerful connection between music and worship expression?
Moen: First of all, music is such a powerful tool for bringing people together. For instance, one song can be sung around the world in different languages and have the same meaning, so why not use the beauty and the power of music to facilitate the worship of God? Look at history-Bach and Handel were the songwriters of the church.
Music also has the ability to tear down barriers. I've seen the power of song bring congregations and denominations together when the greatest sermon could not. It's hard to stay angry with someone when you sit next to him and experience God's presence through song.
S4W.com: How do you explain the powerful connection between music and worship expression?
Moen: First of all, music is such a powerful tool for bringing people together. For instance, one song can be sung around the world in different languages and have the same meaning, so why not use the beauty and the power of music to facilitate the worship of God? Look at history-Bach and Handel were the songwriters of the church.
Music also has the ability to tear down barriers. I've seen the power of song bring congregations and denominations together when the greatest sermon could not. It's hard to stay angry with someone when you sit next to him and experience God's presence through song.
With 21 albums to his credit and over 5 million units sold, Don Moen is a creative force and an inspirational voice in worship music all over the world. Songs4Worship.com recently sat down for "10 Questions With Don Moen."
Songs4Worship: What has been the greatest challenge you've faced since you began pursuing music as a calling and a career?
Don Moen: Balancing my time is probably the biggest challenge. Balancing my work in the office and my role as a father, husband and songwriter has been a great challenge, and it's tougher now that my children are older. When children are younger, they need food, home and a bath, but as they grow older, they start school and need help with their homework and start driving cars. That's one of the reasons I say no to a lot of things. You only have your kids once. When people ask me if they can pray for me, I ask them to pray that I have balance in my life.
S4W.com: What has been the most profound lesson you've learned about worship over the past few years?
Moen: There were quite a few years when I was first doing praise and worship music when people would laugh at it and say, "That's not music-that's not serious." Only in the last few years has praise and worship music become a genre. Major artists are now doing worship records and they're starting to become their best ones. So only recently has praise and worship come to be recognized as a very significant category, and it's almost the only category in Christian music that is still showing solid growth. For many years it wasn't like that, though, so it was always a challenge to gain recognition without compromising integrity.
S4W.com: What is the most profound lesson you've learned about life over the past few years?
Moen: Be yourself, no matter what it is you do. Many times people try to be someone they're not. I'm a ballad singer, and I don't have hot licks like some artists. My kids would not call my songs "cool," but the most valuable lesson I've learned is to be happy and comfortable with who God made me to be. I think it's so easy to get caught up in the production and presentation of something and to not ask the hard questions, like "Why am I doing what I'm doing?" We should all analyze what we do everyday and say, "Why did we do what we just did."
S4W.com: What does "worship lifestyle" mean to you?
Moen: First of all, it means that worship is more than a song. It's important to remember that music is just one facet of worship. To me, worship lifestyle means being the same person at home and the same person in the supermarket that I am on the stage. It means following the example of Jesus, who was the Son of God, but was also the Son of Man. Jesus was approachable, and people loved to be around him. Just ask yourself, "Was Jesus a true worshiper?" You bet he was.
S4W.com: How do you explain the powerful connection between music and worship expression?
Moen: First of all, music is such a powerful tool for bringing people together. For instance, one song can be sung around the world in different languages and have the same meaning, so why not use the beauty and the power of music to facilitate the worship of God? Look at history-Bach and Handel were the songwriters of the church.
Music also has the ability to tear down barriers. I've seen the power of song bring congregations and denominations together when the greatest sermon could not. It's hard to stay angry with someone when you sit next to him and experience God's presence through song.
S4W.com: How do you explain the powerful connection between music and worship expression?
Moen: First of all, music is such a powerful tool for bringing people together. For instance, one song can be sung around the world in different languages and have the same meaning, so why not use the beauty and the power of music to facilitate the worship of God? Look at history-Bach and Handel were the songwriters of the church.
Music also has the ability to tear down barriers. I've seen the power of song bring congregations and denominations together when the greatest sermon could not. It's hard to stay angry with someone when you sit next to him and experience God's presence through song.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Song Story: I Want To Be Where You Are
From Don
05.04.09
I was sitting alone in a church trying to write the first song of a musical (which turned out to be God With Us) that would be a big and powerful choral anthem inviting people into God’s presence. What came out of my mouth really surprised me because it was so gentle. I put it aside thinking, “This is not the big choral anthem I was looking for;” however, I couldn’t get the medley out of my head.
I tried it out for the first time unfinished in a little church in Oklahoma. I had my legal pad at the piano and because I didn’t have the rhymes yet I just sang the four thoughts I had sketched for a bridge (I want to be where you are, dwelling in your presence, feasting at your table, surrounded by your glory) and decided I’d figure out the rhymes later. But the song so impacted the people that I never changed it.
This song was unique because I felt the Lord had let me capture, in music, a prayer and a cry on hundreds and thousands of people’s hearts, people want to be in God’s presence (Psalm 27:4).
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Song Story: I Will Sing
From Don
05.05.09
I wrote the title song for I Will Sing in my car and my first reaction was, “I don’t know where that came from, but I’ll never put it on a Hosanna! Music album!"
I had spent the day at one of Alabama’s gulf coast beaches, about an hour south of Integrity’s studios in Mobile, hoping to write songs for the upcoming album.
I didn't feel anything the entire day. It was one of those times when you wonder where God is. I was driving back home, feeling frustrated, and I said, “Lord, You seem so far away, a million miles or more it feels today.” It just popped out. Then I got another line: “And though I haven’t lost my faith, I must confess right now that it’s hard for me to pray.” The words kept coming, and I wrote the entire song right there in my car, but I didn’t like it. I thought, “What a waste! I need songs for the album; I don’t need this!”
I promptly filed the song away, thinking I’d never use it. Not long after, Integrity’s staff was stunned by the news that the ten-year-old daughter of David C. Reilly, a graphic artist who has designed album covers for Integrity Music for more than a decade, was killed in a car accident.
I remembered the song I had scribbled on a paper, so I recorded it on a CD and sent it to David with a note: “I know you’re going to have days when you feel like, 'Where in the world is God?' but I want to encourage you to sing. Don’t give up.”
The reality is that everyone goes through days when we feel God is far away. There’s a phoniness in Christian circles that says you don’t admit that. But look at Psalm 109. How could David, the sweet psalmist of Israel who said, 'I will bless the Lord at all times,' write these angry words? Because he was honest before the Lord, and that’s what God wants in our worship, too. He knows already, so I want to work on being honest, transparent with the Father, who delights in our hearts.
- Don
05.05.09
I wrote the title song for I Will Sing in my car and my first reaction was, “I don’t know where that came from, but I’ll never put it on a Hosanna! Music album!"
I had spent the day at one of Alabama’s gulf coast beaches, about an hour south of Integrity’s studios in Mobile, hoping to write songs for the upcoming album.
I didn't feel anything the entire day. It was one of those times when you wonder where God is. I was driving back home, feeling frustrated, and I said, “Lord, You seem so far away, a million miles or more it feels today.” It just popped out. Then I got another line: “And though I haven’t lost my faith, I must confess right now that it’s hard for me to pray.” The words kept coming, and I wrote the entire song right there in my car, but I didn’t like it. I thought, “What a waste! I need songs for the album; I don’t need this!”
I promptly filed the song away, thinking I’d never use it. Not long after, Integrity’s staff was stunned by the news that the ten-year-old daughter of David C. Reilly, a graphic artist who has designed album covers for Integrity Music for more than a decade, was killed in a car accident.
I remembered the song I had scribbled on a paper, so I recorded it on a CD and sent it to David with a note: “I know you’re going to have days when you feel like, 'Where in the world is God?' but I want to encourage you to sing. Don’t give up.”
The reality is that everyone goes through days when we feel God is far away. There’s a phoniness in Christian circles that says you don’t admit that. But look at Psalm 109. How could David, the sweet psalmist of Israel who said, 'I will bless the Lord at all times,' write these angry words? Because he was honest before the Lord, and that’s what God wants in our worship, too. He knows already, so I want to work on being honest, transparent with the Father, who delights in our hearts.
- Don
Monday, August 10, 2009
Song Stories: Thank You Lord
From Don
05.19.09
I was sitting at my church in the balcony, looking at the congregation, and wishing I had a simple song of thanks that people can sing. Praise and worship songs can get very complicated. The congregation really wants to worship, but sometimes as leaders we make it difficult musically and lyrically for them to do that.
That Sunday in my own church, I asked the Lord to give me a song that causes people to give thanks to Him easily, that puts thanksgiving on their lips. The result was "Thank You Lord."
Thanksgiving is the first step to come into His presence: Psalm 100:4 NIV "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Simply saying "Thank You Lord" is one of the most powerful concepts in worship. To say thank You "for all You've given to me, for all the blessings that I cannot see" is powerful because we're remembering what He's done in the past and thanking Him for all He's going to do in the future. I pray those words in every concert. If you can say "Thank You" for something you haven't seen yet--a job, a car, a healing--that is powerful.
- Don
05.19.09
I was sitting at my church in the balcony, looking at the congregation, and wishing I had a simple song of thanks that people can sing. Praise and worship songs can get very complicated. The congregation really wants to worship, but sometimes as leaders we make it difficult musically and lyrically for them to do that.
That Sunday in my own church, I asked the Lord to give me a song that causes people to give thanks to Him easily, that puts thanksgiving on their lips. The result was "Thank You Lord."
Thanksgiving is the first step to come into His presence: Psalm 100:4 NIV "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Simply saying "Thank You Lord" is one of the most powerful concepts in worship. To say thank You "for all You've given to me, for all the blessings that I cannot see" is powerful because we're remembering what He's done in the past and thanking Him for all He's going to do in the future. I pray those words in every concert. If you can say "Thank You" for something you haven't seen yet--a job, a car, a healing--that is powerful.
- Don
Monday, August 3, 2009
I Will Sing Devotional
From Don
05.08.09
Lyric Excerpt for “I Will Sing”
I will sing, I will praise.. Even in my darkest hour.. Through the sorrow and the pain.. I will sing, I will praise.. Lift my hands to honor You.. Because Your Word is true.. I will sing..
Scripture reference: Psalm 145:17-18
“The Lord is righteous in all his ways, And loving toward all He has made. The Lord is near to all who call on him, To all who call on him in truth.”(NIV)
When you’re privileged to do what I do, to travel around the country and minister to others through worship, you see a lot of church signs. And depending on what neck of the woods you’re in, some signs just don’t make a lot of sense. Like the one I saw out in front of a beautiful white clapboard chapel on a state highway in Louisiana. It said, “Today’s Sermon: the Word of God.” Trouble was, besides the obvious fact that all sermons should be based on the Bible, I passed that sign on a Thursday. That sermon was long finished.
Another sign I saw recently really confused me. It read: “Pot Luck Revival, Sunday-Wednesday.” I’m still not sure it that church was having a revival or a four-day buffet.
But one church sign seems to be cropping up more than others these days: “Sinners welcome here.” And every time I see one, I think: “Thank the Lord for just telling it like it is.”
The only difference between the sinners inside churches and the sinners outside churches is the amazing grace and forgiveness of God. The saints really are sinners who still fall down, but by the outstretched arm of a merciful God, we get up again. And again.
Trouble is, too many Christians think that they have to be worthy to worship the Lord. Many walk through the workweek feeling that God is far away. They don’t try to pray because they’re not convinced He’s listening. And besides, the anger and fear and doubt that consumes their thoughts isn’t really the stuff you’re supposed to tell God about, right?
Few things are further from the truth. Psalm 145: 18 says, “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” You can—in fact God wants you to—tell Him what you really think. To be honest about what’s going on in your life and in your heart. He already knows what’s going on anyway, but He longs for you to tell Him all the same.
The reality is that everyone goes through days when we feel God is far away. There’s a phoniness in some Christian circles that says you don’t admit that. But just look at Psalm 109 where David – the sweet psalmist of Israel who said, ‘I will bless the Lord at all times’ – tells God all about his fear and doubt, in no uncertain terms. Why is he so bold? Because he couldn’t be anything but honest before the Lord. That’s what God wants in our worship—our spirit and our truth.
The truth really does set us free. Free to worship with our whole hearts. Don’t be afraid. Be bold and tell God the truth about something you’ve been holding back. Release that sin or bitterness or anger by confessing it, and let the truth set you free.
- Don
05.08.09
Lyric Excerpt for “I Will Sing”
I will sing, I will praise.. Even in my darkest hour.. Through the sorrow and the pain.. I will sing, I will praise.. Lift my hands to honor You.. Because Your Word is true.. I will sing..
Scripture reference: Psalm 145:17-18
“The Lord is righteous in all his ways, And loving toward all He has made. The Lord is near to all who call on him, To all who call on him in truth.”(NIV)
When you’re privileged to do what I do, to travel around the country and minister to others through worship, you see a lot of church signs. And depending on what neck of the woods you’re in, some signs just don’t make a lot of sense. Like the one I saw out in front of a beautiful white clapboard chapel on a state highway in Louisiana. It said, “Today’s Sermon: the Word of God.” Trouble was, besides the obvious fact that all sermons should be based on the Bible, I passed that sign on a Thursday. That sermon was long finished.
Another sign I saw recently really confused me. It read: “Pot Luck Revival, Sunday-Wednesday.” I’m still not sure it that church was having a revival or a four-day buffet.
But one church sign seems to be cropping up more than others these days: “Sinners welcome here.” And every time I see one, I think: “Thank the Lord for just telling it like it is.”
The only difference between the sinners inside churches and the sinners outside churches is the amazing grace and forgiveness of God. The saints really are sinners who still fall down, but by the outstretched arm of a merciful God, we get up again. And again.
Trouble is, too many Christians think that they have to be worthy to worship the Lord. Many walk through the workweek feeling that God is far away. They don’t try to pray because they’re not convinced He’s listening. And besides, the anger and fear and doubt that consumes their thoughts isn’t really the stuff you’re supposed to tell God about, right?
Few things are further from the truth. Psalm 145: 18 says, “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” You can—in fact God wants you to—tell Him what you really think. To be honest about what’s going on in your life and in your heart. He already knows what’s going on anyway, but He longs for you to tell Him all the same.
The reality is that everyone goes through days when we feel God is far away. There’s a phoniness in some Christian circles that says you don’t admit that. But just look at Psalm 109 where David – the sweet psalmist of Israel who said, ‘I will bless the Lord at all times’ – tells God all about his fear and doubt, in no uncertain terms. Why is he so bold? Because he couldn’t be anything but honest before the Lord. That’s what God wants in our worship—our spirit and our truth.
The truth really does set us free. Free to worship with our whole hearts. Don’t be afraid. Be bold and tell God the truth about something you’ve been holding back. Release that sin or bitterness or anger by confessing it, and let the truth set you free.
- Don
Monday, July 27, 2009
Song Story: Give Thanks
From Don
05.06.09
Because Give Thanks is one of the most recognizable songs that I sing, many people think that I wrote it. However, it was written by Henry Smith.
The year was 1978, and Henry had a lot to be thankful for. Recently graduated from seminary and soon to be married, he found himself deeply touched when his pastor preached about 2 Corinthians 8:9. In this verse the apostle Paul explains how Christ, though rich, became poor for our sake in order to help us understand and receive the true and eternal riches He offers us. Henry remembers being filled with peace when he heard this, and amazed at the depth and completeness of Christ’s love.
A seed was planted in him that soon blossomed in Give Thanks. Eight years later, he discovered that the song had “sung” its way into congregations across America.
“I consider what I did to be totally unremarkable,” says Henry. “But what God has done in carrying the song around the world and into people’s lives is incredible. He could have chosen anyone. I’m just thankful to be in His flow and a part of things He’s doing.” I am blessed to sing this song!
- Don
05.06.09
Because Give Thanks is one of the most recognizable songs that I sing, many people think that I wrote it. However, it was written by Henry Smith.
The year was 1978, and Henry had a lot to be thankful for. Recently graduated from seminary and soon to be married, he found himself deeply touched when his pastor preached about 2 Corinthians 8:9. In this verse the apostle Paul explains how Christ, though rich, became poor for our sake in order to help us understand and receive the true and eternal riches He offers us. Henry remembers being filled with peace when he heard this, and amazed at the depth and completeness of Christ’s love.
A seed was planted in him that soon blossomed in Give Thanks. Eight years later, he discovered that the song had “sung” its way into congregations across America.
“I consider what I did to be totally unremarkable,” says Henry. “But what God has done in carrying the song around the world and into people’s lives is incredible. He could have chosen anyone. I’m just thankful to be in His flow and a part of things He’s doing.” I am blessed to sing this song!
- Don
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Song Story: God Will Make A Way
From Don
05.01.09
(From the devotional book God Will Make A Way)
Late one evening, Don Moen received a phone call with devastating news: his wife’s sister had lost her oldest son in an automobile accident. Craig and Susan Phelps and their four sons were traveling through Texas on their way to Colorado when their van was struck broadside by an eighteen-wheeler truck. All four boys were thrown from the van.
Craig and Susan located their sons by their cries, one boy was lying in the ditch, another in an area wet from melted snow. Nearby was his brother who landed by a telephone pole. All were seriously injured, but when Craig, a medical doctor, reached Jeremy, he found him lying by a fence post with his neck broken. There was nothing Craig could do to revive him.
When Don received the news of this tragedy a few hours later, he recalls, My whole world came to a standstill, but I had to get on a plane the next morning and fly to a recording session that had been scheduled for several weeks. Although I knew Craig and Susan were hurting, I couldn’t be with them until the day before the funeral.
During the flight the morning after the accident, God gave me a song for them: God will make a way where there seems to be no way. He works in ways we cannot see. He will make a way for me. The song was based upon Isaiah 43:19 NASB Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.
This song would bring comfort to Craig and Susan when all hope seemed lost. It touched the hurt in their hearts with hope and encouragement. Don received a letter from Susan in which she quoted Isaiah 43:4 NASB: Since you are precious in My sight, since you are honored and I love you, I will give other men in your place and other peoples in exchange for your life.
Susan wrote, We’ve seen the truth of the scripture. When Jeremy’s friends learned that he had accepted Jesus into his life before he died, many of them began to ask their own parents how they could be assured of going to heaven when they died. The accident also prompted Craig and Susan into a deeper walk with the Lord as well as into new avenues of ministry. Craig began teaching Sunday school at their church and Susan became active in Women’s Aglow, sharing with various groups her story and the Lord’s provision in her time of sorrow.
She has since said, “The day of the accident, when I got out of the van, even before I knew our son was dead, I knew I had a choice. I could be bitter and angry or I could totally accept God and whatever He had for us. I had to make the decision fast. I’ve seen fruit come as a result of that choice. If I had to, I’d do it again. It’s worth knowing others will go to heaven because of what happened to Jeremy. God really did make a way for us!”
05.01.09
(From the devotional book God Will Make A Way)
Late one evening, Don Moen received a phone call with devastating news: his wife’s sister had lost her oldest son in an automobile accident. Craig and Susan Phelps and their four sons were traveling through Texas on their way to Colorado when their van was struck broadside by an eighteen-wheeler truck. All four boys were thrown from the van.
Craig and Susan located their sons by their cries, one boy was lying in the ditch, another in an area wet from melted snow. Nearby was his brother who landed by a telephone pole. All were seriously injured, but when Craig, a medical doctor, reached Jeremy, he found him lying by a fence post with his neck broken. There was nothing Craig could do to revive him.
When Don received the news of this tragedy a few hours later, he recalls, My whole world came to a standstill, but I had to get on a plane the next morning and fly to a recording session that had been scheduled for several weeks. Although I knew Craig and Susan were hurting, I couldn’t be with them until the day before the funeral.
During the flight the morning after the accident, God gave me a song for them: God will make a way where there seems to be no way. He works in ways we cannot see. He will make a way for me. The song was based upon Isaiah 43:19 NASB Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.
This song would bring comfort to Craig and Susan when all hope seemed lost. It touched the hurt in their hearts with hope and encouragement. Don received a letter from Susan in which she quoted Isaiah 43:4 NASB: Since you are precious in My sight, since you are honored and I love you, I will give other men in your place and other peoples in exchange for your life.
Susan wrote, We’ve seen the truth of the scripture. When Jeremy’s friends learned that he had accepted Jesus into his life before he died, many of them began to ask their own parents how they could be assured of going to heaven when they died. The accident also prompted Craig and Susan into a deeper walk with the Lord as well as into new avenues of ministry. Craig began teaching Sunday school at their church and Susan became active in Women’s Aglow, sharing with various groups her story and the Lord’s provision in her time of sorrow.
She has since said, “The day of the accident, when I got out of the van, even before I knew our son was dead, I knew I had a choice. I could be bitter and angry or I could totally accept God and whatever He had for us. I had to make the decision fast. I’ve seen fruit come as a result of that choice. If I had to, I’d do it again. It’s worth knowing others will go to heaven because of what happened to Jeremy. God really did make a way for us!”
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Song Story: I Offer My Life
From Don
05.03.09
It was 10:30 P.M., and I was still in my office working on the final song list for John Chisum’s new project called “Firm Foundation.” I knew there was something missing on the list and I felt somewhere on this project we needed to say, "Lord I Offer My Life To You … Everything I’ve Been Through," because this particular project was dealing with inner healing believing that God can restore everything that has been broken in your life. It was important to say something like, “God, I believe you can use all that I have been through for your glory, somehow.”
I decided to call Claire Cloninger who I love to write with. She is one of the most incredible lyricists I have ever known. I called her at 10:30 P.M., and after apologizing for calling so late, told her what I was looking for and played a bit of the chorus of the song over the phone. “Lord, I Offer My Life To You … Everything I’ve Been Through," and told her what I think the song needed to say. In 15 minutes she faxed over some lyrics and we spent 10 more minutes on the phone tweaking this and that and by 11:00 PM the song was finished! I still sing this song at almost every concert.
One little bit of trivia here. There is also a pretty nice bridge to this song that we recorded on Firm Foundation but I have never used it when I sing the song live. I think the reason is because it’s a little tricky and a congregation could get lost singing it. I like to get right to the heart of a song and stay there.
- Don
05.03.09
It was 10:30 P.M., and I was still in my office working on the final song list for John Chisum’s new project called “Firm Foundation.” I knew there was something missing on the list and I felt somewhere on this project we needed to say, "Lord I Offer My Life To You … Everything I’ve Been Through," because this particular project was dealing with inner healing believing that God can restore everything that has been broken in your life. It was important to say something like, “God, I believe you can use all that I have been through for your glory, somehow.”
I decided to call Claire Cloninger who I love to write with. She is one of the most incredible lyricists I have ever known. I called her at 10:30 P.M., and after apologizing for calling so late, told her what I was looking for and played a bit of the chorus of the song over the phone. “Lord, I Offer My Life To You … Everything I’ve Been Through," and told her what I think the song needed to say. In 15 minutes she faxed over some lyrics and we spent 10 more minutes on the phone tweaking this and that and by 11:00 PM the song was finished! I still sing this song at almost every concert.
One little bit of trivia here. There is also a pretty nice bridge to this song that we recorded on Firm Foundation but I have never used it when I sing the song live. I think the reason is because it’s a little tricky and a congregation could get lost singing it. I like to get right to the heart of a song and stay there.
- Don
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