TOUCH THE SKY by Hillsong UNITED REVIEW

Two days ago, my favorite Christian band, Hillsong United, released their newest single from their newest album, EMPIRES. The song is called TOUCH THE SKY; words by the resident lyric genius Joel Houston. The ethereal voice of Taya Smith gave life to this very beautiful hymn.

The first time that I listened to it, I felt like the words spoke to me so loudly. I could not refrain myself from listening to the song all over again.

What fortune lies beyond the stars
Those dazzling heights too vast to climb
I got so high to fall so far
But I found heaven as love swept low

The song begins with a very good question. WHAT FORTUNE LIES BEYOND THE STARS? For me there iS no fortune at all; there is no such thing as luck. I believe in God’s loving grace and providence instead. It’s more REALISTIC and COMFORTING in a deeper sense.

Sometimes we find ourselves going too far until we realize that we no longer find our lives relevant to the people around us, to the world per se. We tend to chase dreams that we thought are good for us, but in the end, Jesus wants something much better. We  reach rock bottom at some points in our lives but once we learn that God and His love is all that we need, we can rise and be well again. WE CAN FIND HEAVEN AS LOVE SWEPT LOW.

My heart beating
My soul breathing
I found my life
When I laid it down
Upward falling
Spirit soaring
I touch the sky
When my knees hit the ground

I love the chorus of the song. The phrases are short yet powerful. The words are simple but the message it says is beyond notable.

What treasure waits within Your scars
This gift of freedom gold can’t buy
I bought the world and sold my heart
You traded heaven to have me again

This is too much. I BOUGH THE WORLD AND SOLD MY HEART. YOU TRADED HEAVEN TO HAVE ME AGAIN.

Wow! Very comforting; needless to say that this statement is very striking!

Find me here at Your feet again
Everything I am
Reaching out I surrender

Come sweep me up in Your love again
And my soul will dance
On the wings of forever

I am so blessed and touched by this song. It reminds me that the best way to live is to surrender my life to Him. And when times get rough and we suddenly find ourselves squashed, the love of Jesus can lift us up and we’ll be renewed. This is how great our God is. Amazing grace!

If you want to listen to the song, they have already uploaded the lyric video on Youtube. It is on Spotify as well! The gift of technology, haaaa! It is best that you download the song; it’s on iTunes already! I can’t wait for the whole album to be released here in the Philippines.

Thanks for reading. Be blessed!

Jhonn Robert, 24, is a writing enthusiast, who believes that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. And that He bakes great cakes for him.

SOMETHING MEMORABLE

As the world may have probably said, time flies too fast. Let it be.

Today I want to write about some memorable moments that I had within the past few weeks. No, i did not audition for Pinoy Big Brother nor The Voice of the Philippines. That’s not just my type.

Anyway, I want to talk about a nerve-wracking yet very fun experience last February 22, Sunday. My friend Ria and I went to ABS-CBN Broadcasting Network because we were the guests on a Catholic radio show called “Salitang Buhay”. It was aired on TV, DZMM and The Filipino Channel. That was surreal.

With the hosts of Salitang Buhay, Author Ms. Ilsa Reyes, Fr. Bel San Luis, SVD and Fr. Jerome Marquez, SVD. The awesome woman beside me is my friend Ria. She has a very beautiful voice; such a nightingale! We sang “The Prayer” and Hillsong’s “With All I AM”.

While waiting for our time to be on air, Ms. Gretchen Fullido is doing her showbusiness news program. Of course, I was not able to refrain myself from having a photo with her.

HAHAHA! Sorry for being too narcissistic. This is my first time to be on a national radio show. DZMM pa and TFC. I just can’t believe it. Needless to say, this is not to exalt my name or whatsoever. I agreed to sing with my friend because I want to glorify the God who has given me the gift of music. Praise God!

Yeah right! We live to worship!

 As I have said earlier, I have been so busy with my life these days. Aside from my regular work in the government on weekdays, I also spend a big chunk of my time in church on Sundays. Wow. The first Sunday of Servanthood 101, a formation activity for new sign-ups, started on March 7.

Sometimes I can’t believe how God uses me in building his church. I am not worthy but still He called me to serve with Him. How great is our God!

What else?

I can’t think of anything more to write about.  And because of that, I’ll go now and have dinner with my family. So long.

I’VE GOT A HUGE CRUSH ON…

Since it is a sweet Saturday, I want to write about my 5 Christian women crushes. I know that I sound silly writing about this topic, so please forgive me. We must be forgiving anyway (remember Matthew 6:14)

Taya Smith

The first time that I heard her voice, I felt like I already met the woman that God has set for me. Haha! I even posted that moment on my Instagram account.

It is impossible for me to date this girl because first, she is in Australia and I am here in the Philippines. Second to this, she currently has a boyfriend and as a Christian, I do not like to meddle in their relationship. </3

I already met her, just from afar though. Yes, I am talking about an Upper Box B seat.

Kari Jobe

Hail, my life. I have a huge crush on this Kari girl. But the thing is she is about to get married in less than a month. There is no choice but for me to be happy for her and Cody Carnes. Haha! I still love you though, Kari!

Juris

She does not lead the worship nor sings Christian songs much often but I know that she is a believer. My friends know how much I love Juris. I am a “fan” of her music. Her voice is like a glimpse of heaven.

Juris has already tied the knot back in 2011. Now, please tell me how to fix a broken heart. </3

Hayley Williams

This rocking pretty chick is every music man’s crush, I guess. Haha! I like her because she is a box full of surprises whenever she performs!

In one of her previous interviews, she said that her Christian faith has been a very big part of her life.

She even displayed her Christian faith in their performance of “Let The Flames Begin” in one of their concerts. Go check it out on Youtube.

Julianne

I was in college when I first heard her song called “Grateful. It goes, “I’m stronger than before, stronger than I’ll ever be. And I raise my eyes to the One; the One who made me see. All what I thought was lost but now is found. And I’m grateful.”

One more thing that made me love this girl is her love for God and for Jesus.

https://a2-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/2/a76f470e2bc3431bba26481e2a211e09/full.jpg

So now you know who my crushes are. Haha!

This post does not mean to show mere idolatry. It is actually more of appreciating those people who show their love for God through the talents that He has blessed them with. I hope I was able to get my point across.

(Photos from Google).

—

Jhonn Robert, 23, is a, well, I actually do not know how to describe myself this time.

WHAT IS GOOD ABOUT LISTENING TO WORSHIP SONGS

Everybody needs something or somebody that can inspire them when things go rough. In this context, I can say that worship songs definitely make it to the cut.

When I am down, I always tend to plug my earphones on and play the worship songs that I love the most. Oh boy, it is so nice to praise and worship Jesus amidst the raging seas. It feels like I am so close to Him! It’s really a quality time with the Lord.

Our choirmaster used to tell us that singing praises is a great form of prayer. I agree.

I want to share with you some of the worship songs that I love listening to almost everyday!

First on my list is Hillsong United’s Oceans. This is the best worship song! In fact, it has been hailed as the Song of the Year in the recent Dove Awards.The lyrics are well-written.

The voice of Taya Smith is simple enchanting! Ethereal! I have witnessed her lead the worship last June 13, 2014 during their Welcome Zion Asia Tour here in Manila, and man, she is a bomb!

I will call upon Your Name

And keep my eyes above the waves.

My soul will rest in Your embrace.

I am Yours and You are mine.

Here’s one more from Hillsong. It’s called I Surrender. I usually listen to this song in the morning, right after waking up. It always reminds me to surrender to God everything that will happen on that certain day.

Like a mighty storm
Stir within my soul
Lord have Your way
Lord have Your way in me

Like a rushing wind
Jesus breathe within
Lord have Your way
Lord have Your way in me

Also included on my list is Jesus Culture’s Rooftops.

So I shout out Your name, from the rooftops I proclaim
That I am Yours, I am Yours
All that I am, I place into Your loving hands
And I am Yours, I am Yours

These are only three of the many worship songs that are worth listening to! Different words. Various melodies. But the message is clear, and that is to allow ourselves be near to Jesus and establish a firm relationship with Him.

What about you, my friend? What is your favorite worship song?

OCEANS (HILLSONG UNITED) COVER

Hey guys! So I just uploaded my home cover of my favorite worship song “Oceans” by Hillsong United on my Youtube channel. I know it is wrong to generalize, but I think, Oceans is everybody’s favorite. Ha ha! This song was written by Matt Crocker, Joel Houston and Salomon Ligthelm.

Here are the lyrics of this beautiful song:

You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand

And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You’ve never failed and You won’t start now

So I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

[6x]
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior

I will call upon Your name
Keep my eyes above the waves
My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am Yours and You are mine

***

Let’s go worship God!

“NO OTHER NAME” ALBUM REVIEW

Three days after its worldwide release this July 2014, I got myself a copy of Hillsong Worship’s newest album called “NO OTHER NAME”.

One thing that I like about this album is the HONESTY that all the songs exude. I guess, this is just really how Hillsong creates music for the soul; it’s all about praising and worshiping Jesus to the highest possible extent.

This I Believe (The Creed)

Worship leader: Matt Crocker

POWERFUL. This is how I can describe the first track in the album. This is the ultimate song of declaring one’ s faith. Here are some of its lyrics:

“I believe in God our Father
I believe in Christ the Son
I believe in the Holy Spirit
Our God is three in one
I believe in the resurrection
That we will rise again
For I believe in the Name of Jesus”

One of the best songs in the album, I must say!

Heaven and Earth

Worship leader: David Ware

This song has a rocky edge in it. The bridge is a great “last-song-syndrome” candidate. It will surely keep on playing in your head after you listen to it for a few times.

“By His stripes we are healed
By His death we can live
In Jesus Name, in Jesus Name

All oppression will cease
Every captive released
In Jesus Name, in Jesus Name.”

Broken Vessels (Amazing Grace)

Worship leader: Taya Smith

 Photo from Hillsong Website

The “Girl who sings Oceans” returns with a very anointed song called “Broken Vessels” with a mix of the classic “Amazing grace” lyrics. Since the release of Hillsong United’s Zion album, the world has been captivated by the beautiful, ethereal voice of Taya Smith in her song “Oceans”. I guess everybody will agree with me if I would say that Oceans is a humongous smash hit from the group’s Zion album. Yes?

“Oh I can see You now
Oh I can see the love in Your eyes
Laying Yourself down
Raising up the broken to life.”

No Other Name

Worship leader: Joel Houston and Jad Gillies

So here is the song from where the title of the album has been gained from. As expected, the voices of Joel and Jad made the song so powerful along with its moving lyrics! This is undeniably a perfect song to worship, no other name, Jesus.

“One Name holds weight above them all
His fame outlasts the earth He formed
His praise resounds beyond the stars
And echoes in our hearts the greatest One of all.”

This is actually one of favorites from the album!

Depths

Worship leader: Marty Sampson

The song where the name Jesus is being mentioned for so many times!

“In Your presence I quiet my soul
And I hear Your voice
In my spirit I hear the sound
Of salvation’s song
Jesus, Jesus.”

I can really feel Jesus’ presence whenever I listen to it. For real.

Calvary

Worship leader: Reuben Morgan

Jesus carried the cross to Calvary, was nailed and died for our sins. This song is the most perfect one to honor the King of kings, the Servant of all servants.

“Calvary covers it all
My sin and shame
Don’t count anymore
All praise to the One
Who has ransomed my soul
Calvary covers it all.”

Thank You Jesus

Worship leader: Hannah Hobbs

This song speaks a lot. True to the very words of this song, I gladly thank You Jesus for everything that You’ve done. Thank you so much.

“You’ve given me life
You’ve opened my eyes
I love You Lord, I love You Lord”.

All Things New

Worship leader: Ben Fielding

I actually heard the song last Sunday in our church. I was so happy that they sang it. True enough, Jesus makes all things new. He revives us. He refreshes our soul with his love. No further questions asked.

“You make all things new
You make all things new
Yesterday and forever
Your love never changing
This hope never fading
Hallelujah”

My Story

Worship leader: Reuben Morgan

“Take my life but give me Jesus
To know You God is why I live
Take the world but give me Jesus
For all my days I’ll follow You”

Photo: http://closed1357246.wordpress.com

Our Father

Worship leader: Annie Garratt

Photo: Hillsong.com

“Our Father hallowed be Your Name
Forever our God be exalted
Your kingdom come
And in us let Your will be done
Our Father.”

It is obvious that this song is based from the bible in Matthew 6:9-13 where Jesus taught his people how to pray.

Mountain

Worship leader: Jad Gillies

“Your Name my hope
Fortress in the raging storm
My heart is Your home
Jesus let Your love take hold”

—

Overall, this album is a must-have! My favorite is “This I Believe (The Creed)”. #ASTIG

Last July 13, 2014, Hillsong United led the Filipino Christians in worshiping Jesus at the Big Dome. I was there and I can’t still move on from it. That was so epic! And I think I need to tell you that I can’t wait for Hillsong Worship to come back here in Manila and lead us again in singing these new inspiring songs!!! Yes!

Go grab a copy, my friend!

To God be the glory! 🙂

Lyrics from http://www.newreleasetuesday.com

CELEBRATING JESUS WITH HILLSONG UNITED

July 13, 2014 was beyond what words can describe. That was the second night of my favorite Christian band, Hillsong United’s two-night tour in Manila. Filipinos are so blessed because it is only in Manila that they had a two-night show compared to those countries they have visited in their Zion Asia tour. Yes, God is so good!

So I went straight to the Big Dome right after a day of stressful work at the office. Just like other worshipers, I was so excited to get in and raise my hands up to praise Jesus with all my heart and might!

The moment the band got up onstage, the crowd had gone so crazy (as expected); I thought the dome would be annihilated or something. “Relentless” is the first one that they sang.

“Salvation sounds a new beginning
As distant hearts begin believing
Redemption’s bid is unrelenting
Your love goes on
Your love goes on” – RELENTLESS

Here are some more photos from the show:

Taya leading the crowd in singing one the group’s classics “Hosanna”.

Scandal of Grace. I sang at the top of my lungs!

“I will stay should the world by me fold
Lift up Your name as the darkness falls
I will wait and hold fast to Your word
Heart on Your heart and my eyes on You” — STAY AND WAIT

It was sometime in February 2014 when I first heard the song Oceans. From then on, it has become my favorite song from their Zion album. I have been used to singing it wherever I am; walking along the street, at work, while on board the train (at least hums it over), and of course in the bathroom.

I remember, I watched so many videos of the band’s live performances on Youtube and I prayed, “Sana ma-experience kong mag worship with United someday”.

Good is so good! He heard my prayer and granted it!

When Taya started to sing “Oceans”, I was in tears. I couldn’t believe I am singing it with her, for the Lord of course. Oh my God, my heart pounds it as i recall it and write it in here. Sublime experience, it was!

Oh gosh, Taya’s voice is ethereal.

“And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine” – OCEANS

And so the rest of the night had been great. It is so nice to sing, dance and worship Jesus! I could not believe that I can still dance. Ha!

The Big Dome had gone crazier as the night further deepened! Everyone was on their feet as the band sang ALIVE, WAKE and ONE WAY JESUS as the finale.

The song WAKE was the craaaaziest i must say!

Watch this video (Credits to ony Joy Lucero) :

I can say that so far, this is the GREATEST PARTY (for JESUS) that I have ever been to. Thank You God for this unforgettable experience!

I know I’ve been asking too much, my Lord, but please bring them back again here in Manila for their #NoOTherName tour. This i claim in Jesus’ Name! Thank You Lord!

THE REASON WHY I LOVE “OCEANS”

The first time I heard the song Oceans (Where feet may fail) by Hillsong United, I instantly fell in love with it. I can’t recall how many times that I do play the song on a daily basis. I listen to it wherever I am; at the train station, while working in the office, and even when I am already under the covers before I send myself to sleep.

Apart from the song being so beautiful, Taya’s voice is awesome. I can feel the sincerity and the warmth of her voice as she sings the song. Hmmm. I have a crush on her. *blushes*

Here are the lyrics of this beautiful song:

You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand

And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You’ve never failed and You won’t start now

So I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior
[x6]

I will call upon Your Name
Keep my eyes above the waves
My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am Yours and You are mine

(Source: azlyrics.com)

Wow. Those words. 🙂

My favorite part is that where I ask the Holy Spirit to lead me all the way without any iota of holding back, of doubt, of reservations, and of fear. It’s as if I am personally talking to Jesus.

“Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me”

“Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior”

Biblically speaking, the song is primarily based on that instance when Jesus’ disciples were in a boat which was being buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. In the middle of the raging sea, they saw a man walking on the water towards their direction; they even thought it was a ghost. Later then they realized that it was Jesus himself.

Peter, in  disbelief, asked Jesus: “Lord, if it’s you, please tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus said, “Come”.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said,“why did you doubt?”. (Matthew 14:22-33)

Like Peter, why do we doubt? Why do we fear? Why do we test God?

It’s simply because we are human and by nature we are frail. Nonetheless, we have an option and this is to choose to believe in God, in Jesus who is the perfecter of our faith. (Hebrews 12:2)

We may fear, we may doubt our capabilities and even God himself, but there is always this Supreme Being that will hold our hand and catch us, just like how Jesus caught Peter from drowning in the water. Isn’t it amazing? Jesus is our Lifeguard. Oh so sweet.

I doubt my future. I fear the unknown. We all do, I guess. But just as what the song says, we can call upon His name, keep our eyes above the waves, and let our soul rest in His embrace when oceans rise.

Let us always trust in the Lord. There is no need to worry because we have a God who is ever willing to provide for us and to keep us safe and triumphant amidst life’s adversities.

Oh, praise God. Thank You Jesus!