TIMLIM's Worship Journal: October 2018

Sunday, October 28, 2018

Friday, October 26, 2018

It’s one of the points that Bishop Melter shared last weekend and it really hit me hard. Maybe because I heard his sermon twice on Sunday (in two different language) so it make sense a bit more but what he shared on BM service is something I wished everyone heard. Really.

Actually, I wanted to share this thought few days ago but a lot of things in mind I am battling with. At some point, I feel like giving up where that sentence above seems to be so hard to even utter.

The oxymoron thing is about life is sometimes when you totally want to give up, is the time you feel you should practice faith even more.

“Speak faith” is not an excuse to brush away problems or expecting rainbows and unicorns all the way but learning to practice faith in God, knowing everything will eventually be alright, somehow someday, maybe in a month, a year, a decade. I don’t know exactly about what’s going to happen in future but God has His timing. Meanwhile, we’ll prepare our hearts to receive and facilitate that breakthrough.

FB memories reminded me something happened few years ago and I asked myself and God, “man, how that happened?” Only God can do it. And I believe He will do it again. Somehow someday.

Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”.

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

mid-Oct updates

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A post shared by Tim Lim (@timlim12) on Oct 22, 2018 at 6:56pm PDT

I know it’s early to tell or say anything but one of the things I am grateful for in this year is the opportunities to be back in the studio, for various recording projects. Some are collective effort with a few awesome people while one of it is for my new single.

Actually, some of you would know what some of it is all about. Not sure when all of these will be out for all to hear and enjoy but nevertheless, my prayer is that these songs will be pleasing to your dear ears and souls.

Good things come to those who wait and I hope all these are worth your attention. Yup, keep sticking close to my social posts for these!

Ps: well, I received a few feedback that you all loved that new song I debut in this year’s praiseunited. I only have the demo version for all to hear but let me reconsider if i want it to be online. But nevertheless, thanks for your kind words, it will inspire me to write more songs.

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

day 296 of 2018

what a statement.

Credit to him who sincerely admit where he could improve while giving thanks.

So much to learn from here. That's why it's so important to evaluate and getting feedback.

Monday, October 22, 2018

"for you are with us" song story

I think I owe the whole internet world about the story on how the famous "For You are with us" song came about, which I co-wrote with Neil Frenniel.

Quick recap, Neil wrote his side of the story. Well, on my side, it would be quick similar but I try to add some depth to it.

We actually have been bouncing ideas about writing songs together for years. Life and ministry kept us busy till 2016, once I came back KL (after spending 2 years in KK), we had our usual catch up session at myburgerlab Sunway (yes, our usual hangout spot).

After a hearty meal, he told me he has some songs he couldn't finish for years and particularly one song that he felt there's something to it and he asked if I could try to make it work. I said, challenged accepted. Not long after that, I heard his draft and spend some time to workout a chorus and verses that would fit into what he had.

The first verse and pre-chorus was what I received from him that time. Pre-chorus for me was the hook, it's something you cannot run from. It's like the main message or anthem for that melody or song.

The verse 1 and pre-chorus goes like this...

If faith could move a mountain
With faith that's not as tall
Then oh, you mountain move
If faith was all it took
To cross the sea on foot
Then oh, we'll make the move

Pre Chorus :-
We will not be shaken
We will not be moved
We won't be afraid
For You are with us

One story that hits me immediately when I heard(or read) the first verse and pre-chorus is the story of Peter trying to walk on water to Jesus (Matthew 14:22-33) and Neil confirmed that the story of Peter is one of the inspiration to this verse and pre-chorus.

Taking all that into consideration and reflection while understanding the theme and the flow of the song, I spend some time to ponder and then try out some lyrics to complement all those.

Next half of the song was written by me, which was the chorus and verse 2. It is a reflection of Hebrews 11, a passage is about faith. It's also a call for response on the message about faith, which I hope it will reflect and complement what Neil wrote in the first half.

Verse 2
If faith is all we need
To see what can't be seen
Then oh, we'll trust in You
If faith is all it takes
To know His endless grace
We rest our hope in You

Chorus
God above it all
Nothing can compare
To Your Majesty O Lord
Even through our darkest days
We won’t be afraid
For You’re always here
For You are with us

To Neil's credit, he adjusted the chorus a bit by changing some lyrics. Anyway, after writing my part, I bounced that back to Neil and it is his turn to ponder. Not long after that, he feedback that he recorded a demo of it with the OneAccord team then "challenged" me to sing it at FCC. That time, I wasn't ready or even convinced until a few months before 2017's praiseunited, I heard the demo version and then, there's this stir in my heart to do it in FCC Saturday service. Long story short, did it and the response of the congregation really impressed on me that God is doing something through this song.

In fact, we had an opportunity to sing this song together in 2017's praiseunited. Here's the footage :-

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A post shared by Tim Lim (@timlim12) on Nov 4, 2017 at 8:01am PDT

Watching all the worship videos in both FCC and ENC encouraged me in many ways. Firstly, I just knew in my heart that God is using this song to minister to people especially in the area of trusting Him.

Secondly, it feels like an anthem for each of our churches because sometimes life can be tough and unpredictable, but knowing God is in control can be a real encouraging thought.

I just love how Psalms is written -- in the place of joy and trouble, the Psalmist choose to rejoice and trust in God.

Psalm 62:1-2 - ^"I am at rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him.He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will never be shaken".

Here's some trivia part of the song :- I actually was invited to witness the post-production side of the song at the studio, after they recorded it live at their church. During that process, I joined the other OneAccord members in adding our vocals as layers for the live recording. So, that means, there's a small small small percentage of my voice in the recording, basically I am like "in the crowd" singing. Hahaha.

Alright, that's basically the story and I hope you have been blessed by this song. If you haven't, well, here's some facts for you to search, the song is featured in One Accord's "Forgiven seas" worship album, which you can purchase or stream at :-

bit.ly/ForYouAreWithUs
bit.ly/ForYouAreWithUsSpotify

And here's the Youtube music video of it...

Here are the previous articles I wrote which highlights that song too :-
https://timlimworshipjournal.blogspot.com/2018/02/for-you-are-with-us-neils-story.html
https://timlimworshipjournal.blogspot.com/2018/01/more-for-you-are-with-us-testimony.html

I think it's a testament of collaboration together.

Moving forward, well, Neil and I have written a few more songs together.. but let's see if any of those will be out like this song.

Anyway, thank you for reading this and God bless!

Sunday, October 21, 2018

20 and 21 October 2018 songs

I led worship in both English services

SATURDAY

HP : Into Your hands https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYXJmnJCPG0

Alive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEvEVALLjNQ

Nothing is impossible https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wm0O_1Xqn5o

Great are You Lord https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHz0w-HG4iU

O come to the Altar https://youtu.be/rYQ5yXCc_CA

O : Come on and celebratehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kog4QkDT4Ho

R : 4th song

C : Wake https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=io2WOQ-3aVs

SUNDAY

HP : ocean will part https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7Uj_B0KNgU

God is great https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AV7C_AKq1kA

all power all glory https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yujj2Jdkz5w

Here i am to worship https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CKCThJB5w0

I exalt Thee https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3u2Ky_CP5zQ

O : Come on and celebrate https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kog4QkDT4Ho

R : (heart preparing)

C : Build your kingdom https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbdJXKqVgtg

Thursday, October 18, 2018

weekend

It's nice clip done by my friends at One Accord.

Apart from the main message at the end, I wanna use this to appreciate those who serve faithfully on the weekend in every ministry - staff team, worship team, ushers, intercessors, drivers, bible readers, announcers and various ministries as well. Many times, not everyone are aware what happens behind-the-scenes and the sacrifices involved but I wanna say thank you for serving and I believe God values your heart a lot. Gambateh everyone!

Trivia : there's a "blink-and-you'll-miss-it" scene of my name is on their music songsheet. you gotta be eagle-eye. lolz.