Halal - Download

I have written songs virtually all of my life. I actually remember composing a song at the piano before ever having any music training. I must have been about 4 years old! As I grew older, my composing expanded to full choral, orchestral and jazz band works. I was even given a community involvement award by the local newspaper for a Christmas choral piece that I wrote that was performed by our college choral ensemble. I say all of that to emphasize the fact that the songs of Halal were given not written. I know the difference. With that as groundwork, I’d like to share a little background and information on each song.

 

Dance, Dance, Dance: This song was given to me on a 2 ½ hour drive from Eatonton, GA to Cleveland, GA. When I sat down at the keyboard a few days later, I was able to play the entire song. I admit it’s sort of a silly little song—but theologically profound. It is based on I Samuel 6:14 “And David danced before the Lord with all his might.” Can’t you just see him dancing and singing Psalm 150 as the Ark of the Covenant was being brought into Jerusalem? The style is sort of 70’s era disco, evoking (at least in my mind) an a spirit of abandonment and an expressive freedom to worship in dance. The opening and closing lines of this psalm are Hallelujah! (Praise the Lord). Halal (Praise) is the root word of Hallelujah!

 

Tear the Walls Down: This song was given to Des. She is not a musician; not musically trained; not a songwriter. But as the two of us were alone in a sanctuary, worshiping in preparation to lead worship, this song came forth through her. It’s a heart-cry to Father God to tear down the walls of our hearts and to make us real before Him. This is probably my favorite song on this CD.

 

Baruch HaShem Adonai: The Hebrew words mean Blessed is the Name of the Lord, for He is Holy. This song came forth as I was trying to troubleshoot some mal-functioning equipment while we were on the road in Pennsylvania. I had set up our equipment in our friends’ family room and as I was playing, the song came forth. I don’t speak Hebrew. I had only the vaguest impression of what the words sounded like. I actually had to look them up on the Internet to find out that this was a real phrase! Special thanks to Chaplain Henry Gregory of Nash Correctional Center for his help with the correct Hebrew grammar and pronunciation. 

 

Daddy, Daddy: This song was given to me after I heard Jason Upton share a very real story about his son Samuel trying to help him work. Although Jason’s story was not about woodworking, the principle is the same. I have no idea why God gave the song to me and not to Jason! Many years ago, the Lord told me “I’m not so much interested in your ability to do my will as in your will to do my ability.” This story exemplifies that statement.

 

Stand Still: One of my favorite Bible stories is the story of King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles chapter 20. If we would learn to stand still, turn to the Lord and not to look to our circumstances and situations, God would deliver us from every trial of the enemy. This song came during a week-long “vacation” at the beach with some friends.

 

Mirage/Abide with Me: We attended a 3-day conference in Myrtle Beach for church leaders. A friend allowed us to stay at her mobile home, and while we were there, I set up my keyboard. This song came forth as we were seeking the Lord and meditating on His love.

 

In This Holy Place: In the early 90’s, I was working as a programmer at RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company in Winston-Salem, NC. Often, during lunch, I would walk the streets of Winston-Salem and pray. On one of those times, I received this song. I distinctly remember that the Lord had given me several songs during a short period of time. When I felt this song coming, I remember thinking “Oh no, Lord, not another song!” because I felt like my head would explode if there was another song in it! I later repented for saying such a stupid thing and asked God to forgive me for ever limiting what He wanted to do in me! This is my other favorite song on this CD.

 

The Footstool of the King: We recorded this song on our CD, Encounter, a few years ago. We were asked to lead worship for a praise and prayer gathering to celebrate an anniversary for Kenny Davis Ministries. The theme for the gathering was “The Footstool of the King.” This is the song that the Lord gave us for that occasion. Kenny and Kim Davis can be heard singing backup on this song. It is a remix of the original CD version.

 

Come Unto Me: This song was given on another trip from Eatonton, GA to Cleveland, GA. Then the Lord kept adding verses throughout the following couple of weeks. It sounded to me like it should have been sung during a revival service in maybe the 30’s or 40’s. I tried to recreate that feeling.

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