Scripture Songs In The Toolbox of Our Lives

10.29.09

1st revision: 11.20.09

.

I’m planning on writing 52 simple songs (not lyrics just music – lyrics to the songs I am writing are actually pulled straight from the Bible) in 52 weeks. I understand at some level that by posting this on my seldom read blog and / or facebook page, I am a little more accountable to my friends and family in regards to completing my goal of 52 songs in a year. Many friends and family have encouraged me in my many musical pursuits over the last several years.

I also understand that myspace, facebook, and blogs in general can be a bit of a “me-fest” sometimes. I understand that I am a recovering ego-maniac, and this whole process can be a little odd if I take it too seriously.

I hope this is not what this songwriting exercise is about: LOOK WHAT I DID! But even as I type the words, I know that I am self-promoting at my core. Call it original sin. Call it the life of an artist in the local church. Kind of like the kid at the public pool that keeps shouting for older kids to watch him go off the diving board for the 100th time. His audience is a little bothered by the pesky kid, but they indulge him. So thanks for indulging me. I promise not to ask you how big my splash was.

So rather than put the attention on myself, I want to draw people’s attention to the words on the pages of Scripture. I hope each song is an offering of praise and obedience to the One that makes the flowers bloom. I want God to be honored and glorified through songs, smiles, and reflection on the beautiful words of the Bible. If these are songs that glorify God and minister to my own heart, that’s ok and that’s enough of a reason to pursue this goal, but honestly I really hope it ministers to others as well. I hope my friends and family will be encouraged to reflect upon Scripture in a new and interesting way.

Not to say that Scripture as song is anything new. This kind of use of Holy Writings pre-dates written history I suppose. Yet I find through random google searches that Scripture songs have been delegated almost exclusively to the children’s music rack. I hope this can change. I hope these songs become simple tools that allow Scripture to resonate in my life and maybe in the lives of others as well. I’ve been working on this new 52 week songwriting project for ten weeks now.

What I have so far are different chord progressions for the following passages:

1. Psalm 119:9-10 (G – C – Em – D)

How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping Your word. I have sought you with all of my heart; don’t let me wander from Your commands.

.

2. Philippians 4:13 (E – Eon9 – Am on 6 – Eon7)

I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.

.

3. Joshua 1:8 (Em – C – A – B) (this progression reminds me of an M. Night Shyamalan film:))

This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day and night, so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do.

.

4. Romans 8:28 (Em – C – G – D)

We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.

.

5. John 15:5 (variations on D position 7 fret with & without pinky, then fret 5, fret 3, then D)

I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me.

.

6. Psalm 32:8 (C-Em-D)

I will instruct you and show you the way to go; with My eye on you, I will give counsel.

.

7. Philippians 4:6-7 (G-C pluck and pick then change to D-C, then back to G-C)

Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

.

8. Psalm 51:10 (G-D-C-D)

God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

.

9. Galatians 2:20 (Am on 4 – E on 5 – E on 7 all barred)

And I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

.

10. Isaiah 40:31 (D with pinky right before change – Em – C)

but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint.

.

11. John 15:7 (Bm-D-Em-C)

If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you.

.

12. Psalm 1:1-2 (A-B-E-D)

How happy is the man who does not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path of sinners, or join a group of mockers! Instead, his delight is in the Lord’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night.

.

13. Colossians 3:17 (E -Eon7)

And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

.

Through putting music to the Scripture passages, I am able to better commit God’s Word to memory. I did not select the verses. The seminary I attended did. The seminary president recently challenged their students and alumni to memorize 52 passages over the course of 52 weeks. The website that gives the memory challenge is http://www.nobts.edu/Publications/BibleReadingPlan.html . I really believe that Scripture memory and Bible reading are some of the most important tools that we can carry in the toolbox of our lives.

I have done some home recordings over the past few years. A few of these rough recordings are posted on myspace: www.myspace.com/jeffreyford . I may record the Scripture songs and post them sometime in the next few weeks / months. I may also add verses to a few of the Scripture songs eventually. I’m pretty open with people about my desire to hear my musical creations on the airwaves one of these day. I just think that would be so cool. To write a song, and then hear someone else sing it on the radio. But maybe that’s not in the cards, and I am ok with that too. Well thanks for reading.

In the Grip of His Amazing Grace,

jeff