Monday, October 19, 2009
Source: Steve Underwood | Viewed: 526
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Every believer has signposts for the journey of faith - the day we encounter our Savior, the challenges that uncover our deep need for Him, the moments we experience God’s faithfulness.
For Paul Baloche, this spiritual journey is marked by songs, music that has moved from personal touchstones to collective signposts for millions of believers. Intimate prayers that have become global anthems.
“Songwriting is a big part of my spiritual life,” Paul shares. “It helps me go deeper with God. It helps me fix my mind on Jesus, to set my mind on things above. It keeps my own heart fresh and alive, for myself, my family and the Church.”
“When I’m writing songs,” Paul says, “I think, ‘Will this help the Church worship God? Will this help people connect with Him?’ I want to make music that they can believe in.”
And the Church has responded. Paul is one of the most acclaimed worship artists and songwriters of our time. Winner of two Dove Awards, he has penned radio hits such as “Because of Your Love,” “Hosanna (Praise Is Rising),” “All The Earth Will Sing Your Praises,” and “Our God Saves,” and written top-ranking CCLI songs and modern-day classics including “Above All,” “Open the Eyes of My Heart,” “Offering” and “Your Name.” In short, Paul writes songs that the Church sings worldwide with translations of his songs in Spanish, Korean, French, Portuguese and more. It’s a calling he doesn’t take lightly.
“When I’m writing worship songs,” Paul notes, “I realize that I’m putting words into the mouths of God’s people. I’m giving them a vocabulary to sing back to God. And when they sing those words, hopefully it will act as a catalyst in their hearts, so something will happen in them. Because when we sing something, it goes down deep into our soul.”
Nowhere is Paul’s love for the Church more apparent than his own local congregation where he celebrates 20 years as worship pastor of Community Fellowship in Lindale, Texas. It is a testament to his faithfulness and commitment to community – local and global.
In celebration of Paul’s landmark journey in music and ministry, Integrity Music is honored to present Glorious, an all-new collection of songs that reflect his heart, and his passion for the Church. As with all of his recordings, Glorious encouraged Paul to examine the road so far.
“It’s an excuse and a reason to force my heart to go deeper, to reach down and say, ‘What do I believe now? What’s going on in my heart for real?’ I don’t want to just say words and phrases. So when I sing it, I believe it.”
The result is Paul’s trademark blend of music, ministry, and message, all interwoven with a unifying passion to draw people closer to the Savior.
“Glorious is about the adventure of being led by a living, active God,” Paul says. “It’s about looking beyond the cross, to look behind the mystery, to see the risen Savior. For us to live in the new covenant idea that Jesus Christ is alive in us. Instead of only looking back 2,000 years, we see the risen Christ now. Learning to be led by His Spirit, guided by His Spirit, and to discern the language of His Spirit.”
The songs highlight Paul’s ability to transform personal revelations into universal truths that resonate with every believer. The record’s title track suggests another anthem for the church, a song that looks back to one of Paul’s most memorable musical signposts, “Open the Eyes of My Heart.”
Paul recalls, “My pastor told me that ‘Glorious’ feels like an answer to ‘Open the Eyes of My Heart.’ That original cry of my own heart. ‘Glorious’ paints a picture of seeing Jesus for who He is, as the risen Christ and the living God.”
The album’s first single, “Just To Be With You,” offers a different, though no less profound, view of our God and our reliance on Him.
“’Just To Be With You’ is simply about intimacy with God,” Paul says. “With all of the stuff in this world that overwhelms us, no matter what happens, ‘all I want is to be with You’ as I’m walking through this life.”
Twenty years of music ministry. Twenty-three years of marriage (and three children). Eleven worship recordings including Glorious, a new French language CD and an album recorded in South Korea. Countless beloved songs. All are remarkable signposts on a remarkable journey.
As Paul reflects on the road so far, he remains committed as ever to what matters most.
“I’m just trying to press into God, to keep my own heart right, and to encourage and help the Church worship.”
