Category: VOCAL MUSIC

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Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego – Great Children’s Song

Back in the days of teaching Junior Church, this was one of those songs that communicates such an impactful message to children and in addition also has a great tune.

The title is “Shadrach, Mesach, and Abednego” and was written by Hugh Mitchell.

First line begins

Three good men lived very long ago,
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego . . .

The song later says, “to an idol they would never bow.”

What a testimony these three men had. Oh that our youth would grasp the same desire and live it in their lives!

This is also a great song for teens and those learning to play an instrument.

Where to find:

Salvation Songs Favorites (published by CEF) Song #27 in book. (This is a great book – it has some of those harder-to-find children’s songs.)

  • RBP ($4.99 excluding shipping)
  • CEF
  • Amazon – not available
  • (Maybe Ebay?)

For those who use CCLI, lyrics and chords can apparently be obtained here.

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In Faith I Follow by Matt Herbster – Choir or Solo Special

The words to this song invoke dedication from your heart. They were written by Matt Herbster in loving memory following the passing of his wife.

An amazing rendition by young people – 2018 graduation special.

Where to find:

Wilds (cello and violin obligado and audio sample also available)
J.W. Pepper

Audio – digital Amazon – 99c

(hymn format pdf)

In you’re not familiar with the Matt Herbster family and God’s grand working through their life, the following video provides a blessed encouragement of testimony of God’s greatness. Video link

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Not My Will – Luke 22:42

How precious is this passage of Scripture:

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

Phil. 2:5-8

How incomprehensible that the God of the universe would come as a man to redeem sinful man!

Wow!!

I treasure this song for its message. Additionally, it wonderfully conveys the account of God’s Son choosing to yield Himself to the will of His Father.

So often I struggle in the flesh, seeking my own will.

The words and tune of this song come to mind:

“Not my will but Thine, Lord;
Lead me to Calvary…”

-Ron Hamilton

A video sample of the song is provided here.

Where to find:

Majesty Hymns #408

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Our Great God in Troubling Times

Our God is great!

As believers, there is such a contrast between world events/ emotions and the peace and hope found in God.

We know we can trust our powerful God. He is in control.

The same God Who brought the Israelites to the Promised Land is the same God Who controls our life and world circumstances.

“A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” is such an apropos piece at such as time as this.

Church orchestra:

Majestic organ:

(Incredible – he played entirely from memory)

Other video links: BJU & congregation link
Orchestral rendition link

Trumpet
Piano solo

Piano/organ with lyrics

Where to find:

Most hymnals contain this hymn.

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Amazed by A.H. Ackley (“I Am Amazed that God Would Ever Love Me”)

“I am amazed . . . “

God blessed in an amazing way recently in seeing an individual commit their life to God.

Upon reflecting on the step this individual took, several songs came to mind.

One of them was the song “I Am Amazed” by A. H. Ackley.

The first lines go like this:

“I am amazed that God would ever love me

So full of sin, so covered o’er with shame –

Make me to walk, with Him Who is above me,

Cleansed by the power of His redeeming name.”

-A.H. Ackley

The following is an excellent piano rendition of the song:

Where to find:

Best of Favorites Songbook Vol. 1 (Song #71) Amazon AbeBooks Ebay (Ebay currently has the best price)

fyi – One Spanish translation is as follows:

Maravillado Estoy

Maravillado estoy que Dios me amara,
Tan pecador, cubierto de maldad;
Que me hiciera andar en su presencia,
Purificado por su santidad.

Maravillado estoy que Dios me amara,
Solo Jesus mi culpa borrara;
Por fe en Jesus obtengo vida eterna,
Por siempre morare con El en Sion.

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Saved By Grace: A Wonderful Offertory, Duet, and Congregational Song

“Someday the silver cord will break . . .”

For those familiar with this song, the above quote has just started a melodious tune in your head, complete with deeply meaningful lyrics.

For those less familiar, this hymn reflects on the temporary nature of our earthly presence and anticipates with joy the arrival to our heavenly home. It is truly a special song!

This has been a classic song/offertory for numerous years and is loved by many.

The following provides an idea of the piano arrangement:

(Another excellent recording of this arrangement – video link)

Example of congregational singing: Video Link

Excellent piano recording: Video Link and a cappella version Video Link

Where to Find:

Arrangement – “Saved By Grace” in Cindy Berry’s arrangement book

Amazon
Abebooks
SheetMusicPlus

Congregational hymn – Living Hymns (1st ed.) #691 (also excellently arranged for duet)

Great Hymns of the Faith #512

Bonus: While researching for this post, I ran across the following choral work: “We Are Saved by Grace.” I love the doctrine taught through this piece. Video Preview