Roots of Faith » songs http://rootsoffaith.org A Synagogue Without Walls - Preaching Moses Every Sabbath Sat, 19 May 2012 19:51:48 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 Copyright by Roots of Faith 2006 - 2012 rndavar@aol.com (Roots of Faith - Ross Nichols) rndavar@aol.com (Roots of Faith - Ross Nichols) Hebrew Bible Torah Jewish Roots 1440 http://rootsoffaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/RootsOfFaith-logo-144x144.png Roots of Faith http://rootsoffaith.org 144 144 Roots of Faith A Synagogue Without Walls - Preaching Moses Every Sabbath Hebrew, Bible, Torah, Roots, Tanach, Faith Roots of Faith - Ross Nichols Roots of Faith - Ross Nichols rndavar@aol.com no no The Servant Song by John Carlson (the Live Version) http://rootsoffaith.org/2007/12/09/the-servant-song-by-john-carlson-the-live-version.htm http://rootsoffaith.org/2007/12/09/the-servant-song-by-john-carlson-the-live-version.htm#comments Mon, 10 Dec 2007 00:37:02 +0000 Ross Nichols http://rootsoffaith.org/blog-and-podcasts/2007/12/09/the-servant-song-by-john-carlson-the-live-version.htm Write up by Ross Nichols

This is a new song written and performed by John Carlson. It is quite powerful.

John wrote this song to point out the meaning behind the idea of being a servant of God. The Hebrew Bible talks of a servant and clearly identifies that servant as the nation of Israel, and yet within the servant nation there seems to be yet another servant.

Christian teachers have claimed that this suffering servant within the servant nation is Yeshua.

In the words of this song, John takes this even further and describes the ultimate purpose and identity of the Servant.

You should find these words and the music to be quite inspirational.

Shalom

]]> http://rootsoffaith.org/2007/12/09/the-servant-song-by-john-carlson-the-live-version.htm/feed 0 0:05:42 Write up by Ross Nichols This is a new song written and performed by John Carlson. It is quite powerful. John wrote this song to point out the meaning behind the idea of being a servant of God. The Hebrew Bible talks of a servant and clearly identif[...] Write up by Ross Nichols This is a new song written and performed by John Carlson. It is quite powerful. John wrote this song to point out the meaning behind the idea of being a servant of God. The Hebrew Bible talks of a servant and clearly identifies that servant as the nation of Israel, and yet within the servant nation there seems to be yet another servant. Christian teachers have claimed that this suffering servant within the servant nation is Yeshua. In the words of this song, John takes this even further and describes the ultimate purpose and identity of the Servant. You should find these words and the music to be quite inspirational. Shalom Podcasts, songs Roots of Faith - Ross Nichols no no An Offering of Love by Glenn Chatterton http://rootsoffaith.org/2007/11/20/an-offering-of-love-by-glenn-chatterton.htm http://rootsoffaith.org/2007/11/20/an-offering-of-love-by-glenn-chatterton.htm#comments Wed, 21 Nov 2007 04:58:29 +0000 Ross Nichols http://rootsoffaith.org/blog-and-podcasts/2007/11/20/an-offering-of-love-by-glenn-chatterton.htm Offering of Love

by Glenn Chatterton 

musician.jpg

I struggled long and hard with what the Scripture instructs as opposed to what the church teaches about tithing. This song reflects my understanding of the issue – all I have is His, to use as He sees fit. It is my responsibility to lay it all down at His feet, and then distribute it as He directs. In that sense, the song is roughly based around Deuteronomy 18:4.

I wanted the song to have a ‘traditional’ Hebrew flavor, hence the time signature and chord structure. As for the minimalist lyrics, I found that once the message was delivered, there was nothing more to add. To do so would have served only to belabor the point.

Lyrics

Give unto the LORD your substance
The firstfruit of all your increase
Offer it up unto the LORD
On the altar of sacrifice
 
All you have, all you are
Comes from God above
Give to Him all your heart
In an offering of love.

]]> http://rootsoffaith.org/2007/11/20/an-offering-of-love-by-glenn-chatterton.htm/feed 0 Foundation by John Carlson http://rootsoffaith.org/2007/11/06/foundation-by-john-carlson.htm http://rootsoffaith.org/2007/11/06/foundation-by-john-carlson.htm#comments Tue, 06 Nov 2007 22:12:47 +0000 Ross Nichols http://rootsoffaith.org/blog-and-podcasts/2007/11/06/foundation-by-john-carlson.htm johnreverence.jpg
This song grew out of the very painful failure of a close friendship.  Having said that I think the words speak for themselves so I will say no more on that.  The point is that no matter how much pain we put each other through, however unintentional it may be, the One who created us all is always there to heal us if we stand on our faith and seek Him out.  Interestingly enough, even though it grew out of separation, this song eventually became a wedding song for another couple whom I have become close friends with.  That is how I have learned to recognize God’s hand in things, just when you think He has refilled your cup, he makes it overflow just a little.

The Lyrics 

With our imperfect hearts so easily torn apart
We reach out for each other’s love from within these shells of dust
We see through fear clouded eyes and others hearts pay the price
It shakes us to our very souls foundations rocked to the core
 (chorus)

We dance with each others souls as if we were in control
But each step has a price we pay with each others lives
Erecting walls against the pain our hearts grow darker every day
Only one can tear them down in whom the lost will be found
(chorus)

So in loneliness we dare to love with kindness and care
Imperfect hearts are all we have to judge the closeness we should share
Yet in His perfect hands the scars of foolishness mend
The careless hurt the we inflict my foundation will fix

Chorus

My Foundation is the one
Who spoke to creation and all was done
None can move Him and
None can shake me and
From His hand
None can take me away

]]> http://rootsoffaith.org/2007/11/06/foundation-by-john-carlson.htm/feed 0 0:06:16 This song grew out of the very painful failure of a close friendship.  Having said that I think the words speak for themselves so I will say no more on that.  The point is that no matter how much pain we put each other through, however unintentiona[...] This song grew out of the very painful failure of a close friendship.  Having said that I think the words speak for themselves so I will say no more on that.  The point is that no matter how much pain we put each other through, however unintentional it may be, the One who created us all is always there to heal us if we stand on our faith and seek Him out.  Interestingly enough, even though it grew out of separation, this song eventually became a wedding song for another couple whom I have become close friends with.  That is how I have learned to recognize God’s hand in things, just when you think He has refilled your cup, he makes it overflow just a little. The Lyrics  With our imperfect hearts so easily torn apart We reach out for each other’s love from within these shells of dust We see through fear clouded eyes and others hearts pay the price It shakes us to our very souls foundations rocked to the core  (chorus) We dance with each others souls as if we were in control But each step has a price we pay with each others lives Erecting walls against the pain our hearts grow darker every day Only one can tear them down in whom the lost will be found (chorus) So in loneliness we dare to love with kindness and care Imperfect hearts are all we have to judge the closeness we should share Yet in His perfect hands the scars of foolishness mend The careless hurt the we inflict my foundation will fix Chorus My Foundation is the one Who spoke to creation and all was done None can move Him and None can shake me and From His hand None can take me away Podcasts, songs Roots of Faith - Ross Nichols no no Psalm 1 Performed by Glenn Chatterton http://rootsoffaith.org/2007/10/21/psalm-1-performed-by-glenn-chatterton.htm http://rootsoffaith.org/2007/10/21/psalm-1-performed-by-glenn-chatterton.htm#comments Mon, 22 Oct 2007 02:15:31 +0000 Ross Nichols http://rootsoffaith.org/blog-and-podcasts/2007/10/21/psalm-1-performed-by-glenn-chatterton.htm musician.jpg
I have always loved the King James Version for its poetic lilt, and especially
the Book of Psalms. Since they were meant to be song in their original tongue, I
wanted to so render them in my native tongue as well. There is such a wealth of
insight and depth of emotion contained therein.

This is actually the second Psalm I put to music. It holds special significance
for me in that it provides a unique vocal picture of the Way. It also contrasts
clearly the walk of those who seek God and those who do not.

The melody and chords for this version came to me in a relatively complete
package in a very short period of time. It reminds me of how God gave the 10
Commandments to Moses on Sinai, as a unified whole written by His own hand. In
that way I feel unable to take credit for the song, other than having the
distinct honor of being the messenger by whom it was delivered.

Glenn

]]> http://rootsoffaith.org/2007/10/21/psalm-1-performed-by-glenn-chatterton.htm/feed 0 0:03:30 I have always loved the King James Version for its poetic lilt, and especially the Book of Psalms. Since they were meant to be song in their original tongue, I wanted to so render them in my native tongue as well. There is such a wealth of insight [...] I have always loved the King James Version for its poetic lilt, and especially the Book of Psalms. Since they were meant to be song in their original tongue, I wanted to so render them in my native tongue as well. There is such a wealth of insight and depth of emotion contained therein. This is actually the second Psalm I put to music. It holds special significance for me in that it provides a unique vocal picture of the Way. It also contrasts clearly the walk of those who seek God and those who do not. The melody and chords for this version came to me in a relatively complete package in a very short period of time. It reminds me of how God gave the 10 Commandments to Moses on Sinai, as a unified whole written by His own hand. In that way I feel unable to take credit for the song, other than having the distinct honor of being the messenger by whom it was delivered. Glenn Podcasts, songs Roots of Faith - Ross Nichols no no Yours by John Carlson http://rootsoffaith.org/2007/10/16/yours-by-john-carlson.htm http://rootsoffaith.org/2007/10/16/yours-by-john-carlson.htm#comments Wed, 17 Oct 2007 00:52:45 +0000 Ross Nichols http://rootsoffaith.org/blog-and-podcasts/2007/10/16/yours-by-john-carlson.htm Yours

johnwguitar.jpg

I can’t claim any specific scriptural reference for this song although I believe the idea behind the words is certainly scriptural. The melody for this song had been knocking around in my head for several years but I could never come up with any ideas for the lyrics that I liked. I happened to be reading an article in a scientific magazine that I subscribe to one day and the thought occurred to me that we (modern mankind) work so very hard to prove that the universe that we live in just sort of happened. How absurd. It’s like looking at the sky and insisting its green then spending your whole life trying to prove it. If men did not praise Him, the rocks themselves would cry out.

Yours
By John Carlson

By Your hand the worlds were cast
Stars stretch out beyond our grasp
Echo’s ring from distant suns
And all of this is Yours
We strain our lives to touch it all
Set our eyes for distant shores
All the while deny the call
That we ourselves are Yours

Your song set forth the laws of life
Sparked the sounds that gave us light
Set to move the spinning orbs
And all of this is Yours
Yet still we seek the answers born
Where risks of faith can be ignored
Refuse to hear the silent truth
That we ourselves are yours

(INSTRUMENTAL)

The stuff of stars we cannot see
Only you hold the key
We bend our thought to find the source
And all of this is yours
Our thoughts rebound, conviction calls
It’s time we learned our purpose born
Turn our ears to hear the call
That we ourselves are yours

]]> http://rootsoffaith.org/2007/10/16/yours-by-john-carlson.htm/feed 0 0:03:28 Yours I can’t claim any specific scriptural reference for this song although I believe the idea behind the words is certainly scriptural. The melody for this song had been knocking around in my head for several years but I could never come up with [...] Yours I can’t claim any specific scriptural reference for this song although I believe the idea behind the words is certainly scriptural. The melody for this song had been knocking around in my head for several years but I could never come up with any ideas for the lyrics that I liked. I happened to be reading an article in a scientific magazine that I subscribe to one day and the thought occurred to me that we (modern mankind) work so very hard to prove that the universe that we live in just sort of happened. How absurd. It’s like looking at the sky and insisting its green then spending your whole life trying to prove it. If men did not praise Him, the rocks themselves would cry out. Yours By John Carlson By Your hand the worlds were cast Stars stretch out beyond our grasp Echo’s ring from distant suns And all of this is Yours We strain our lives to touch it all Set our eyes for distant shores All the while deny the call That we ourselves are Yours Your song set forth the laws of life Sparked the sounds that gave us light Set to move the spinning orbs And all of this is Yours Yet still we seek the answers born Where risks of faith can be ignored Refuse to hear the silent truth That we ourselves are yours (INSTRUMENTAL) The stuff of stars we cannot see Only you hold the key We bend our thought to find the source And all of this is yours Our thoughts rebound, conviction calls It’s time we learned our purpose born Turn our ears to hear the call That we ourselves are yours Podcasts, songs Roots of Faith - Ross Nichols no no Sweet Hour of Prayer – Performed by Tammy Michael http://rootsoffaith.org/2007/10/15/sweet-hour-of-prayer-performed-by-tammy-michael.htm http://rootsoffaith.org/2007/10/15/sweet-hour-of-prayer-performed-by-tammy-michael.htm#comments Tue, 16 Oct 2007 01:42:11 +0000 Ross Nichols http://rootsoffaith.org/blog-and-podcasts/2007/10/15/sweet-hour-of-prayer-performed-by-tammy-michael.htm Here is another featured song on the first album produced by the “musically gifted” at Roots of Faith. 

Sweet Hour of Prayer
A well-known hymn by an obscure author.
 
Nothing distinguishes the children of God so clearly and strongly as prayer.  “Sweet Hour of Prayer” although written well over 100 years ago still touches the hearts and minds of Godly people today.  I wanted to play this song because we come no closer to God then when we bow our heads and tell God what is in our hearts.  The instrument played is the Dulcimer, a biblical instrument recorded in Daniel 3:5. 

Tammy Michael

]]> http://rootsoffaith.org/2007/10/15/sweet-hour-of-prayer-performed-by-tammy-michael.htm/feed 0 0:01:25 Here is another featured song on the first album produced by the “musically gifted” at Roots of Faith.  Sweet Hour of Prayer A well-known hymn by an obscure author.   Nothing distinguishes the children of God so clearly and strongly as p[...] Here is another featured song on the first album produced by the “musically gifted” at Roots of Faith.  Sweet Hour of Prayer A well-known hymn by an obscure author.   Nothing distinguishes the children of God so clearly and strongly as prayer.  “Sweet Hour of Prayer” although written well over 100 years ago still touches the hearts and minds of Godly people today.  I wanted to play this song because we come no closer to God then when we bow our heads and tell God what is in our hearts.  The instrument played is the Dulcimer, a biblical instrument recorded in Daniel 3:5.  Tammy Michael Podcasts, songs Roots of Faith - Ross Nichols no no The Shema Song by John Carlson http://rootsoffaith.org/2007/10/11/the-shema-song-by-john-carlson.htm http://rootsoffaith.org/2007/10/11/the-shema-song-by-john-carlson.htm#comments Fri, 12 Oct 2007 02:18:15 +0000 Ross Nichols http://rootsoffaith.org/blog-and-podcasts/2007/10/11/the-shema-song-by-john-carlson.htm Music by John Carlson

Shema means “hear” or “listen” in Hebrew and it is traditionally the scripture read at the beginning of every Torah service. It consists of Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Deuteronomy 11:-21 and Numbers 15:37-41. The melody came to me one afternoon when I was messing around with my guitar and when I couldn’t make it work with any of the psalms I decided to try it with the Shema, it fit perfectly. It is obviously not a literal rendition of the full Shema but I believe it has captured it’s heart and substance and so I say it is based on these scriptures. I played it for the wife of a friend not long after I wrote it and she commented that I should record an album and name it Shechit Schema which in a modern dialect translates as “Shutup and Listen”. I immediately loved this title because I like getting right to the point and because I believe we spend far too much time telling God what He should do for us instead of remaining still and listening to what he is trying to do for us. And so I encourage all of you to treat each of the songs on this album the same way, be still and listen, not just to the music but to the lyrics.

Here are the lyrics:
Chorus

Shema Y’srael Adonai Eloheynu, Adonai Echad
Y’srael Adonai Eloheynu, Adonai Echad

Love the Lord your God with all your heart
Love the Lord your God with all your strength
These commands that I have given you
Shall be written on your hearts, Y’srael
(chorus)

Teach your children of my ways
Speak of them throughout your days
When you rest and when you rise
Seal them on your hearts, Y’srael
(chorus)

Bind them on your wrists and brow
On the frames of entry to your house
On the gates that lead into your lands
Let them deep into your hearts, Y’srael
(chorus)

Shalom

]]> http://rootsoffaith.org/2007/10/11/the-shema-song-by-john-carlson.htm/feed 0 0:04:06 Music by John Carlson Shema means “hear” or “listen” in Hebrew and it is traditionally the scripture read at the beginning of every Torah service. It consists of Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Deuteronomy 11:-21 and Numbers 15:37-41. The melody came to me one a[...] Music by John Carlson Shema means “hear” or “listen” in Hebrew and it is traditionally the scripture read at the beginning of every Torah service. It consists of Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Deuteronomy 11:-21 and Numbers 15:37-41. The melody came to me one afternoon when I was messing around with my guitar and when I couldn’t make it work with any of the psalms I decided to try it with the Shema, it fit perfectly. It is obviously not a literal rendition of the full Shema but I believe it has captured it’s heart and substance and so I say it is based on these scriptures. I played it for the wife of a friend not long after I wrote it and she commented that I should record an album and name it Shechit Schema which in a modern dialect translates as “Shutup and Listen”. I immediately loved this title because I like getting right to the point and because I believe we spend far too much time telling God what He should do for us instead of remaining still and listening to what he is trying to do for us. And so I encourage all of you to treat each of the songs on this album the same way, be still and listen, not just to the music but to the lyrics. Here are the lyrics: Chorus Shema Y’srael Adonai Eloheynu, Adonai Echad Y’srael Adonai Eloheynu, Adonai Echad Love the Lord your God with all your heart Love the Lord your God with all your strength These commands that I have given you Shall be written on your hearts, Y’srael (chorus) Teach your children of my ways Speak of them throughout your days When you rest and when you rise Seal them on your hearts, Y’srael (chorus) Bind them on your wrists and brow On the frames of entry to your house On the gates that lead into your lands Let them deep into your hearts, Y’srael (chorus) Shalom Notes, Podcasts, songs Roots of Faith - Ross Nichols no no Roots of Faith – The Musical Side of the Quest http://rootsoffaith.org/2007/10/09/roots-of-faith-the-musical-side-of-the-quest.htm http://rootsoffaith.org/2007/10/09/roots-of-faith-the-musical-side-of-the-quest.htm#comments Tue, 09 Oct 2007 23:15:26 +0000 Ross Nichols http://rootsoffaith.org/blog-and-podcasts/2007/10/09/roots-of-faith-the-musical-side-of-the-quest.htm hac_v_shma.JPG 

The musically gifted members of Roots of Faith have put together an album called Hac! V’Shema – Shut Up! and Listen.
God has drawn several talented musicians to the Roots of Faith Congregation in Saint Francisville, Louisiana.  In keeping with the vision of this unique Bible fellowship, these musicians elected to write and perform their original music in the desire to be an inspiration to those who base their faith on Scripture alone.

You will be inspired by the incredible music on this CD.  The title is Hac! V’Shema – Shut up and Listen. The title seeks to convey the idea that quite often we fail to hearken because we are too busy talking.  The title of the album sends the strong message that we should HAC (be silent – hush!) and SHEMA (listen).

Here is what the musicians had to say about their contribution to this album:

John Carlson
“It was truly a blessing to be able to share the gifts HaShem has given to our little group of misfits.  I pray that each person that hears it will be touched by something it has to offer.  Not to mention I that it was great to have the opportunity to play with my toys again.” ;-{)} John C.
 
Glenn Chatterton
“What an incredible privilege it is to worship the Father! May this offering from the heart be acceptable in His sight.”  The songs are The Lord’s, not mine. Glenn C.


Sherry Cole
“What a joy to be included in this recording! May each listener be encouraged to walk in the way of the LORD, and in so doing, walk in the blessing of the LORD .”  Sherry


Tammy Michael
“You know you’re in the right place when your heart is filled with this much love.” Tammy

Pictured on the cover is the synagogue currently used by Roots of Faith as a house of study, where Moses is preached every Sabbath.  More can be learned of this congregation and its vision at www.RootsofFaith.org.

PHOTO CREDITS – SYNAGOGUE ON COVER BY CARIN CARLSON; SYNAGOGUE AT NIGHT ON BACK COVER BY DAVE COLE; SCROLL PHOTO ON INSIDE BY RICK GOZHANSKIJ.  THE SCROLL WAS SCRIBED IN 1890 AND SURVIVED THE HOLOCAUST. IT IS NOW OWNED BY RICK GOZHANSKIJ AND HE KINDLY SHARES IT WITH THE CONGREGATION AT ROOTS OF FAITH ON THE SABBATH AND SPECIAL OCCASSIONS.
Samples of this incredible music will be posted on this blog soon.

]]> http://rootsoffaith.org/2007/10/09/roots-of-faith-the-musical-side-of-the-quest.htm/feed 0 A Week Under the Stars http://rootsoffaith.org/2007/10/05/a-week-under-the-stars.htm http://rootsoffaith.org/2007/10/05/a-week-under-the-stars.htm#comments Fri, 05 Oct 2007 13:28:29 +0000 Ross Nichols http://rootsoffaith.org/blog-and-podcasts/2007/10/05/a-week-under-the-stars.htm The command to live in booths for seven days is declared to be so that future generations know that God made the ancient Israelites live in booths when He brought them out of the land of Egypt (Leviticus 23:39-44).

This past week, Roots of Faith hosted its first annual Succoth Conference. We had people from Texas, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia as well as the locals of course. Many of us camped out for a full week under the stars. The weekend was packed with exciting and informative lectures and tours.

I am so pleased and thankful for the wonderful time with all who were able to attend the week’s events.  This is to be an annual event here in the Felicianas.  The speakers were fantastic, the food was very good and the music was stirring! In the coming days I hope to post some reports on my blog about the conference.  If you have something that you would like to share about the conference, please send it to me in an email and I will post it. Just a short note that captures in a few words what the time meant to you will be fine. 

This is my favorite time of year now.  Yesterday, from inside my home I watched the rain pouring down. Give God the glory for this miracle! It literally rained up until the day before we went into the campsite, the heavens held back the rain for seven days and then the rain fell once again the day after we had cleared the campsite! Rain is a significant part of this ancient festival. In fact, in the future, those who do not go up to Jerusalem to worship the LORD during the Feast of Succoth (Tabernacles) will not get rain in their land! (Zechariah 14:16-19)

Start thinking now about joining us next year for the Annual Succoth Conference here in the Felicianas.  We experienced such an incredible level of harmony this weekend – Jew, Christians and Gentile God Fearers together, united around the one thing that we all share – a love for the Bible! We learned a great deal from the conference this year.  Next year we will be even better and you can play a part in that as well.  You can send me comments – constructive feedback on what we can do to make this Conference better. I look forward to your input and promise to consider your points when planning our next gathering.

My good friend Tammy Michael was the camp photographer. She informs me that she took over 500 pictures. Some of these are up on my website:

http://rootsoffaith.org/ROF_Succoth_2007.htm.

The group at the camp site also took turns reading from the Torah (Genesis – Deuteronomy) and completed the entire Torah! This event was based upon a literal interpretation of Deuteronomy 31:10.  I want to do this again and next time I want to be more organized with it so that everyone will be able to participate. It was quite a blessing.

Several members of Roots of Faith put together a CD with original music that was a smash hit! I have been getting compliments and requests about this CD.  You can contact John Carlson for more information about how you can obtain a copy of this excellent CD (carlson_john@bellsouth.net). We also hope to put an entry on the blog about the music and the artists featured on this CD, titled – Hac! V’Shema / Shut Up! and Listen.  There is a story behind the title as well:)

Thanks for all the help in making this Feast of Tabernacles a time of refreshing and revival. Don’t forget to check out the photos on my site:

http://rootsoffaith.org/ROF_Succoth_2007.htm.

Shalom, and may your names be inscribed in the Book of Life – Ross Nichols

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