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.
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.
What is amazing about this painting is that we at STPC painted it
together during our spiritual retreat, using our thumbprints. It was
wonderful that recently they brought it out again on the Holy Week to
help in our reflection about Jesus’ journey to the Cross.
I love how my lecturer Dr James Harding pointed out that the painting seems to have a huge dot there. Although it represent the tomb, we can look at it as though it's a huge "fullstop". Many thought life ends just like that, like a huge "fullstop". But Jesus is works beyond that "fullstop" - He conquered death. That's where we celebrate that resurrection on Sunday.
May this Holy weekend brings us deeper in our walk with Him.
Alright, this is one of the most-talked-about issue recently. I was wondering if I should post this because we live in a world where people are free to make statements as they see fit and I know this will attract discussion.
I am not here to endorse this or to say who is right or wrong especially when it comes to art/creative direction but I encourage you to read this, ponder and chew upon it.
Then, if you need some discussion, PM me about it. I would prefer to chat there instead. Don't flood my comment link.
But the truth is this - in the crazy, messed-up and chaotic world that we are living in - peace is very much needed. Only peace of God helps us to make sense about life around us.
"Peace is not the absence of trouble. Peace is knowing God is with you in the midst of trouble"
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 guess this is what church is all about, what is worship is all about -- declaring how great is our God together!
And also, a taste of how amazing doing co-writing.
This song was written with my best bud Neil (of RELENT). There's a lot of
amazing stories tied to this composition and to see this happen is a
blessing to me.
I believe the song very much reflects our heart
that whatever happens, we can trust in God who is with us through every
season.
It's a blessing to see how both churches able to bring out the message of the song, so kudos to ya all!
So honored to know how this song is being impactful. I can't wait to
hear and watch their live recording mix of the song as ENCM did a full
recording of it recently (thus the footage here).
Meanwhile, may God continue to use this gift I have for His kingdom.
Recent times, I am often reminded of the beauty of worship songs.
I had this conversation with some folks about songs that touched their
hearts. One fella mentioned it was "awesome God" where he heard it few
years ago on a Sunday service which so happened I led that song.
Apparently, he searched for it and looped it all the time, and that song
brought him closer to know God.
To be honest, that song is very
simple, in terms of lyrics but yet it's powerful song. It reminds me
very much of the power of worship songs -- never doubt how those songs
can work among His people especially songs that it's about God.
May this testimony encouraged us worship leaders in choosing our songs and also songwriters as we compose songs.
Even
though we have been doing this every now and then, it's always an
opportunity for the worship team to learn and explore. It's always a fun
and enriching experience for us. Proud of the team for their effort and
creativity for God.
So blessed to hear the song we co-wrote is being sung live at his church. Sounds amazing as I hear it and I pray this song we co-wrote will be a blessing to many.
I am vindicated to sing this at FCC someday soon. Yes, someday.
Special shoutout to Ng Ming Foo and Danny Kinchang for coming and investing their time to pass their passion about sound to the church worship teams. I am grateful that not just the soundcrew were there but the rest of the worship team members were around to learn together too. I think it's important everyone come to learn and understand what it is all about so it helps in the team's communication with each other.
Anyway, thanks for coming, everyone. Keep up the passion in serving Him! #ilovefcc#fcclife
