It’s God’s blessings that this became a reality - from the songwriting
process to recording. Hope you enjoy it so yes, please share and stream
it!
Thank you for your patience for this song as I know some
have waited a long time for this. More songs to come soon, both from me
and the IGNITE team so keep following us on social media for more.
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 :-
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 :-
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.
My heart is just blessed and touched
by this clip, seeing how people just diving deep into God’s presence
through this song. Another wonderful testimony of His goodness and all
glory to Him.
Also, my church members keep sharing with me how the song speaks to them. Testimony like this can only encourage me to use this gift for God even further.
Looks
like FB page have this nice function where I can group the gigs
together, yea, it looks convenient to keep track, isn't it? So click it
here :
https://www.facebook.com/pg/timlimproject/events/?tour=1975104396082142
Do you know the song I wrote with Frenniel Batiancila, the song we recently been singing in FCC English services is now recorded and featured in One Accord's worship album?
Oh yes, now you can loop it over and over again on Spotify. Also, you can purchase it online or order their physical album.
Honestly, I've been listening to this album again and again, I love
each songs and totally blessed by it. Well done, friends in One Accord,
so many names to mentioned though but I am blessed by your heart of worship and partnership.
Of course, there's one song that always have a special place in my
heart. Still overwhelmed by the thoughts that the song has become a
reality with many people singing to it.
I will probably share
someday how we came out with this song but till then, I believe this
would be a wonderful Christmas purchase... let them know if you want the
physical album or if online download works for you, go ahead and get
it!!
I wanna congratulate my friends at OneAccordMinistry for the release of the new worship album — “forgiven seas”
I am listening to it right now and totally blessed by the songs.
I also had the honour to be involved in a small way, by writing “for you are with us” with my buddy Neil
for this album. My heart just overwhelmed when I heard the live
recording version. Thank you bro for allowing me to be part of what God
is doing in this nation and beyond.
Meanwhile, just
let you know the album is now available on Spotify, itunes and also in
physical CD. Please buy the album, it’s really worth it!
All that has happened is really a dream come true for me. All glory to God
Last night, Van Whale
send me her Instagram posts about her short cover of my original song
"Lost in love/Amazing Grace". Thank you very much for it. Lovely.
Totally encouraged by it to know how my songs have been a blessing. Best is yet to come, I always believe.
It's any songwriters' dream to have their own songs to be aired in public so really, all glory to God!
I've been waiting for times like these and thank God for the strength
to persevere. Thank you Rhema Radio for featuring the song that pretty
much captures what life is all about and in fact, one of the lyrics in
this song reflects my heart that my song will be on air someday. You can say my faith, dream or prophecy came true!
What a blessing. I believe more will come, till then, let the music play and share the good news yo!
For Father's Day this year, I presented the cover "good good Father" live. I
did this song live last night, a song that reflects the father's heart.
A well known song by Houseflies II and made famous by Chris Tomlin and
other Christian bands.
Recently I went to their MV launch and have listened to their song already. To be honest and not being bias, I am loving this track. Been looping over and over again.
I was trying recall if I am posted this song before but nevertheless, it's worth mentioning again.
Had goosebumps when I was singing "no longer slaves" last weekend. Sometimes life can be tough and we forget who we are, so it's a beautiful reminder of our identity in God -- that we are a child of God, beautifully and wonderfully made in His image.
Today I came across this song and it really resonate with my heart so much.
I
guess this song is my theme song as I head towards 2016. I believe the
best is yet to come. I speak blessings to the years to come, believing
God has great things ahead for me and things around me.
This mic was the mic that i used during the recording of my first song for my first album.
From one song to more songs to then to one album then another album.. The journey goes on and on...
Anniversary of my album release always allows me to reflect back on the
journey so far and be thankful. It is not so much about bragging
rights, because there is nothing to brag about but it's all about God's
Grace through out this journey.
I
am thankful for all the support from you all again & again. even
sometimes i am embarrassed by questions like when is the next album
coming out. I want to assure you that it is in my mind and some
groundwork is taking place. I cannot confirm when it is out but i
promise to inform once everything is in place.
Nevertheless, i want to appreciate your undying support over the years
As this week is celebration of THIS ROAD's 6th anniversary, i want to
let everyone know that the [online EP] is free for download!