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June 27 / 2008
We have been asked for years when we would release a “live”
album. We are so happy to announce
that an EP for download only, is now available at www.ionworship.org. It includes the popular new songs, “Show Us
Your Glory,” “Arise,” and “God of Glory.”
Michael had the privilege of co-writing “Arise” with Brian Doerksen and the entire EP is only $3.49! Not bad for nearly 30 minutes of “live”
worship! Michael’s latest studio CD,
“Perfect Love” is now also available on iTunes
worldwide.
In other news, Michael and the band just got back from Lakeland, Florida
where thousands have gathered now for 80 days straight to praise and seek
God’s Glory. It was truly a trip they
will never forget as the atmosphere was electric with the manifest presence
of God. We left in awe of God’s faithfulness
and with eager expectancy at what God continues to do worldwide, which is of
course to make his kingdom known though His Bride, the Church. You can currently watch Michael and the
band lead at these meetings on www.god.tv on
demand if you have an account (it’s free) with them. The date to click on is July 25. Thanks to Todd and all at Fresh Fire
Ministries for the invite and also to Rory and Wendy at God TV for airing
these meetings.
God Bless!
Flood Songs Team
January 29 / 2008
“Perfect Love” is released in America today! To our American friends, we would really
appreciate a visit to your local Christian bookstore today to pick up the new
album. It is the first time that we
have had a cd on American store shelves and we
would love the support nation wide. If
you hear one of the songs on the radio, we would also love it if you could
send in a request to have it played again.
Thanks so much!!
In other news, I just came back from a conference in Seattle Washington
where I had the privilege of just sitting in on some teaching and had no
responsibilities of leading worship and praise. I met some great new friends and one of
them (Sean Feucht) told an amazing story in his
session that I wanted to share with all of you. Friends of his from Tyler,
Texas were worshipping God outside of a
brothel in the red light district in Amsterdam. They felt lead by the Holy Spirit to sing
and make sound to the Lord in front of one particular building. The song they chose was “Your Kingdom Come”
(a track from my new cd) and they just simply
prayed and sang that God would have his way.
They left that evening unaware of what was about to happen. A few months later, while watching the
national news, this man from Texas
noticed a report that the Dutch government had shut down a brothel in the red
light district of Amsterdam. This
particular place had also involved the abuse of children and when they showed
the picture of the building, he was amazed that it was the exact same place
where they had been directing their worship of God! I think this is so awesome that God is
using music and praise to have his kingdom come down to earth. We’re not just singing songs, but I believe
unseen things actually happen when God’s people join in song. Remember when Saul was tormented by the
evil spirit? He called for David to
play his music and the spirit left.
Paul and Silas sang praises to God while in prison and were later free
that night! I don’t have it all
figured out yet, but I do know this.
Good things happen when we praise with sound and music. Let us burn for God in our praises and let
his kingdom become manifest as we play our songs to the Father!
God bless,
Michael and Team
January 5 / 2008
Happy New Year! Michael and the
band just got back from Red Deer,
Alberta where they spent a
weekend with Peter and Kathryn Nash of Frontline Ministries. Alberta
has been very good to the ministry over the years, and this was no
different. There was a “Revival”
atmosphere in the house as the boys ushered in 2008 with songs of
praise! Special hello to all of our new
friends in Red Deer!
We also now have our official US release date for Michael’s latest
studio album, “Perfect Love.” January
29th will see the first ever American release of Michael’s music,
so to all of our American friends, please check out your local Christian
music store on this day. We appreciate
the support! We should also have the
new album on Itunes by this date.
Thanks!
Flood Songs Team
December / 2007
Merry Christmas!!
For the time being, we have all of Michael’s cd’s
shipping now for 11.99 US plus shipping.
Act now for this incredible Christmas deal by visiting our online
store, www.michaellarson.com/store. Michael’s newest album “Perfect Love” is
included in the offer and would make a great Christmas gift for that special
someone or friend in need of God’s love.
In other news, Michael and the band have had a great 2007 ministering
around the world and will be ending this year’s schedule in Red Deer, Alberta
with Frontline Ministries. For more
touring info, please visit www.myspace.com/michaellarsonmusic.
Thanks and have a Merry Christmas!!
Flood Songs Team
October / 2007
Hey Friends!
We are now shipping my new studio CD "Perfect Love." To purchase via download (9.99 US) or through
the mail (14.99 US includes shipping), please visit www.ionworship.org.
If you feel like picking it up in person, it should be in your local christian bookstores in Canada
and in Europe by November of this year and in America by January, 2008. It will also be available via iTunes and Walmart's
downloadable site in the near future.
Thanks!
Peace and Love,
Michael
October / 2007
Song Lyrics and Stories for “Perfect
Love”
He Is Good
Through every generation
Every tribe and nation
There's a song that never ever fades
A constant revelation
There's no stronger foundation
An anthem for all of our days
He is good and His love endures forever, forever
He is good and His love endures forever, forever
No force on earth or heaven
Could take away this wonder
It's a song that will never ever end
A chorus for all ages
The joy of our salvation
To our God with one voice and heart we sing
As we sing this song let your glory fall
As we give you praise let your kingdom come
As we sing this song let your glory fall
As we give you praise let your kingdom come
Words and Music by Michael Larson
Copyright 2007 ION Publishing
Administered by Vineyard Music
Used by permission
I had been longing to write a song with this chorus for a long time now. I
love reading 2 Chronicles 5:13 (NIV) where it says... "The
trumpeters and singers joined in unison, as with one voice, to give praise
and thanks to the Lord. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other
instruments, they raised their voices in praise to the Lord and sang:
"He is good; his love endures forever." Then the temple of the Lord
was filled with a cloud," When we gather as the Church to sing songs to
our Maker, there are certain times where it seems like everyone is on the
same page. It is often in these times were the presence of God is so tangible
you can reach out and touch it. I love the fact that no force, or anyone
created, can ever take away the truth that He is so good; His perfect love
lasts forever!
Freedom Reigns
Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom
Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom
Lift your eyes to heaven there is freedom
Lift your eyes to heaven there is freedom
Freedom reigns in this place
Showers of mercy and grace
Falling on every face, there is freedom
Jesus reigns in this place
Showers of mercy and grace
Falling on every face, there is freedom
If you're tired and thirsty there is freedom
If you're tired and thirsty there is freedom
Give your all to Jesus there is freedom
Give your all to Jesus there is freedom
Words and Music by Michael Larson
Copyright 1998 Flood Songs / ION Publishing
Administered by Vineyard Music
Used by permission
This song was written in 1997, right around the time God began to speak to me
about his call on my life for leading praise. I had a friend come into my
office proclaiming to me with exuberance, "God spoke to me while driving
by the church that today is a day of favor for you! You need to write a
song." I went home and turned to 2 Corinthians 3:17 (NIV). "Now the
Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is
freedom." I grabbed my guitar and the song was formed within minutes. It
truly was a gift as it has opened up many doors for me to lead worship. I
learned a lot through this experience about how the gift of prophecy is still
at work in the Church today. Had I not taken this word from my friend, you
probably would not be reading these words right now. I am grateful that this
song is being used around the world in times of corporate praise to set
people free from addiction and sickness. I guess the word freedom would be an
antonym of the word fear; Perfect love casts out all fear.
* Special thanks to Brent Cantelon for some great
advice while writing this song!
Your Kingdom Come
Your kingdom come, Your will be done
Your kingdom come, Your will be done
Your kingdom come, Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven
On earth as it is in heaven
On earth as it is in heaven
Words and Music by Michael Larson
Copyright 2005 Flood Songs / ION Publishing
Administered by Vineyard Music
Used by permission
Sometimes songs come to me while withdrawing from the distractions of life,
and in other times, songs will be birthed in the midst of public worship. I
remember leading at a conference near Seattle,
Washington, singing this line
over and over in a spontaneous moment; "Your kingdom come, Your will be
done." I then came home and started singing this one line at my home
church. As we kept singing the song over and over, the phrase, "On earth
as it is in heaven," came. It is of course only the first part of the
Lord's prayer, but I felt like the song was complete with just the two lines.
I believe that there is something powerful about singing in the chant song
form. It enables a group of people to really take hold of the truth being
spoken, and then unify with it in praise. There are some moments in our times
of singing to God, where it is just best to keep things really simple. I like
that about this song.
Rend the Heavens
Rend the heavens and come down
Rend the heavens and come down
Oh God, Oh God
Rend the heavens and come down
Rend the heavens and come down
Oh God, Oh God
Like a raging fire, like a rushing wind
Let your name be known
Let the nations quake before you
Let the mountains tremble
Let the mountains tremble
Let the mountains tremble
Words and Music by Michael Larson
Copyright 2005 Flood Songs / ION Publishing
Administered by Vineyard Music
Used by permission
It is a wonderful thing to sing the scriptures. I was reading Isaiah 64 one
day, and the song came out quite quickly. We do know that God is always with
us; that He is there when two or more gather in His name, under the new
covenant of the New Testament. At the same time, we still do need God to come
into our lives and fill us anew daily. The disciples and apostles gathered
after the temple curtain was torn to wait for the Holy Spirit to come and
empower them. As they were waiting, Holy Spirit then came in the form of
tongues of fire. I still do believe that we can call on the Lord to come in
His power and to make His name known among our nations. We are in a war; not
against flesh, but against principalities, as we read in Ephesians. So, we
need all the help we can get to fight for our families, marriages, friends, or
communities. Your Kingdom come Lord!
All For You
To glorify your name above all else
To make you famous Lord with endless praise
To see the nations falling at your feet
To make a way for you to come again
It's all for you Jesus
It's all for you Jesus
To give a drink of water in your name
To be a father to the fatherless
To see a dead man rise up from his bed
To see a sea of souls be born again
To see your blessings flow down from your hand
To see you take a dry and weary land
To see your favor flowing through our lives
To see our children grow to honor you
Words and Music by Michael Larson
Copyright 2005 Flood Songs / ION Publishing
Administered by Vineyard Music
Used by permission
Everything to the glory of God. Let this be our prayer! We all have the
longing for acceptance and applause, but we do need to divert this attention
to God. I am not talking about a false humility that can't take someone's
kind words of gratitude, but about a heart that knows who deserves the
highest praise. We can so eagerly take the credit, or try to make ourselves
look better than we are out of a heart of insecurity. I love the fact that
Jesus had the strength to tell a man not to tell anyone about how he had just
healed the man's body. I sometimes wonder how I would react if God ever used
me to pray for someone's miraculous healing. Would I respond with humility?
What if God told me not to tell anyone about what had just happened? That is
the message behind this song. It's all for your fame Lord Jesus.
Show The World
All around the world there's a cry tonight
Deep within my soul there's a cry inside
For children young and old there's a cry for justice
For the widow all alone, it's time to shine
Go and show the world
Shine, go and show the world
It's time to walk the walk not just talk the talk
We're filled with power and truth
Is what we've been taught, so rise up young and old
Clothe the widow feed the children
Don't wait for someone else this is our burden
Go and show the world
Shine, go and show the world
Go and show the world
Shine, go and tell the world
This is the sight of his army
I hear the sound of his war
Words and Music by Michael Larson
Copyright 2004 Flood Songs / ION Publishing
Administered by Vineyard Music
Used by permission
In 2003, I found myself in a place where it seemed like nothing was happening
with my call to write songs and lead people in worship. It seemed that all of
God's dreams that he had placed in my heart had vanished. I didn't know what
was next. One day, while reading the scriptures, I came across Isaiah 58. I
was astonished that I had been basically born on the front pew of a church,
and never really understood the message of Isaiah's
prophesy in this chapter. If God is still the same today as He was
yesterday, could he really expect and require us to take up the cause of the
oppressed and fatherless? Please read this chapter, Isaiah 58. It changed my
life. If we are loving God, and not our neighbor, we
have missed out on the second greatest commandment. We can all do something
to love the orphans, widows, sick, dying, elderly, fatherless
or anyone who needs our help. To treat all like their were
Jesus Himself. This is also perfect love. To give without expecting anything
in return. So after receiving this new revelation for my life, I decided I
would try (and still trying) to act on it. I soon found that the fulfillment
of past dreams and promises began to take place. I know we can all do our
part.
Emmanuel
A mystery of heaven that you'd become a man
To face mockery and pain at your creation's hand
How could I understand this love
It's too deep to realize
That you would come and live for me
That you would come and die
Emmanuel, Emmanuel, Emmanuel
God with us
Emmanuel, Emmanuel, Emmanuel
God with us
All creation groans and waits to see you come again
A pure and spotless bride you'll take
In heaven we will reign
How I long for that coming day
When everyone will see
The clouds will roar the skies will break
Together we will be
Words and Music by Michael Larson
Copyright 2006 Flood Songs / ION Publishing
Administered by Vineyard Music
Used by permission
You could probably sing this as a Christmas song, yet the idea of God with
us, is completely relevant at anytime of the year. It really is a simple
message. God came, and is coming back again. I can hardly wait for that day,
when we begin the new era! Our relationship with our Father will be made
perfect in that moment when He returns.
The Greatest Gift
The greatest gift of all
Is found inside your arms of love
Inside your arms of grace
A fire that will not end
I've found the greatest friend
And I just want to be with you
The winds may blow and seasons change
But this I know Your love with stay the same
And if we walk through valleys deep
If darkness comes
Your love will light the way
In all our joy, in times of peace
We'll dance together to the songs of unity
And when the sun shines with a summer breeze
We'll sing together songs of intimacy
Words and Music by Michael Larson
Copyright 2007 ION Publishing
Administered by Vineyard Music
Used by permission
It is amazing to know that we have the most faithful friend in the entire
universe, in Jesus. Psalm 23:4 (NIV) "Even though I walk through the
valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your
rod and your staff, they comfort me." We all go through difficult
seasons in life and this song also reflects the truth that He is there in our
good times and our times of trial. I love the part in this great Psalm where
it uses the word "through." There is hope on the other side as we
go "through" our hard seasons. We have the most trustworthy,
intimate friend in Jesus, who will never, ever leave us alone.
I Will Wait On You Lord
Father, I feel weak
I'm really tired, a little incomplete
This battered soldier needs to hold your hand
I've been fighting really hard trying to take the land
So teach me now, how to lay it down
So your dreams can rise again
And here I am, knowing the rest will come
As I wait upon you Lord
I will wait on You Lord
I will wait on You Lord
I will wait on You Lord
I'll rise like the eagle
As I rest in your shadow
I will wait
I wanna run with what you've given me,
I wanna fly with what you see in me
But I can't run without knowing rest
And I can't fly without doing less
Words and Music by Michael Larson and Jennie Larson
Copyright 2007 ION Publishing
Administered by Vineyard Music
Used by permission
Often, we get caught up in trying to do things by our own strength and
schedule. We will all burn out one day, but it is not God's intention for us
to go through it before we die. I think we need to get back to the basic
principle of what God called a sabbath. I am not
talking about legalism here, I know sometimes that
is not possible. At the same time however, I do believe that we have drifted
away from consistent rest. Rest is a discipline that has to be fought for.
This song was written with my wife Jennie and was taken out of the passage in
Isaiah 40:31 (Amplified Version)
Summer Time
Summer time is flying by, it's OK
Hard to catch my breath sometimes, it's OK
The finer things in life are free
Hand in hand you'll run with me
Your the fire in my eyes, it's OK
And he said...
Take my cup, we'll drink of love divine
Radiant stars up high, they'll shine
Come what may when flowers fade, we'll shine
Stay with me the sky looks bright tonight
Summer time is flying by, it's OK
I am yours and you are mine, it's OK
There's no place I'd rather be
like a little child running free
I'll always be by your side, it's OK
And he said...
Take my cup, we'll drink of love divine
Radiant stars up high, they'll shine
Come what may when flowers fade, we'll shine
Stay with me the sky looks bright tonight
You will never leave me, in you there's safety
No one can tear us apart
You will never leave me, I'm learning to trust you
No one can tear us apart
Words Michael Larson, Philip Janz and Brenda Janz
Music by Michael Larson and Philip Janz
Copyright 2007 ION Publishing
Administered by Vineyard Music
Used by permission
Some songs are born with little or no effort. This song definitely has a very
different story. I remember bringing draft one of this song to Philip Janz (my close friend and producer) in 2002. We began to
re-write parts of the song together, and after five years of reviewing every
lyric and melody, we finally felt like it was complete!
I remember the summer of 1998. I was invited to lead worship with my band at
a youth camp called "Eagles Nest Ranch" in Medicine Hat, Alberta.
It was a really special time in my life. The tangible presence of God seemed
to be everywhere this summer. I began to dream about singing my songs around
the world, and it really felt like nothing could stop the dreams that God had
given me. A few years passed, and things didn't go exactly as I had planned.
I soon learned, (and I am still learning) that sometimes things don't happen
as quickly as we would like them too. However, we do know that God is always
faithful, teaching us to trust in Him through it all.
Perfect Love
If it takes a thousand years, I will wait for you
If it takes a thousand miles, I will run them for you
'Cause all my life I've been longing
For someone like you
And I know you are the one who gives me
Perfect love
I remember the first time we met
My heart was tattered and torn
Yet you kept me warm
I remember our first embrace
Never felt such peace
never seen such beauty
Majesty, your tenderness is all I need
Here is my all, come and take my hand
The great romancer, mysterious one
You've searched me out of the darkness
Called me beloved
My redeemer, how can this love be
I know you will always be faithful, forevermore
As the title track for the album, this is really a love letter to Jesus.
Please don't misunderstand. As a man, it is hard for me to imagine myself as
"The Bride of Christ." However, this is how God describes His
Church. We must realize that this is not a gender thing, but that God has
used this phrase or ideology as a picture of how close He wants our
relationship to be with Him. If you think about it, what other relationship
here on earth is closer than a marriage? This song really captures my desire
for intimate friendship.
Great is Your Love
Great is your love
Reaching to the lowest place
Great is your love
Reaching to the highest of skies
No enemy
No principality
No height or depth
Can separate me from your love
Great is your love
Faithful from the dawn of time
Great is your love
Faithful to the end of this life
Great is your love
Reaching to the lowest place
Great is your love
Faithful to the end of this life
This song was inspired by Romans 8:38-39 (NIV). It says, "For I am
convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,neither the present nor the future, nor any
powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be
able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our
Lord." In a world where it is hard to find faithfulness, we know that
our God has been, is, and will remain faithful. Nothing can snatch away God's
love from us. No matter how badly we have messed up, He is always there to
welcome us into His arms. There is no other like our God.
Words and Music by Michael Larson
Copyright 2005 Flood Songs / ION Publishing
Administered by Vineyard Music
Used by permission
Holy God
Holy, Holy, Holy God
Holy, Holy, Holy God
Creating, commanding
Transcendent Adonai
Defending love, destroying sin
The warrior divine
Forgiving, redeeming
From every tribe and tongue
Arising first, the nailed scarred Lamb
Salvation's champion
Romancing, pursuing
Reclaiming to restore
Releasing hearts, transforming lives
The Lion's mighty roar
While selecting songs for this project, Philp Janz (the producer) suggested recording one song that I
didn't write. Right around this same time, I bought Brian Doerksen's
(one of my favorite worship leaders) record "Holy God." While
listening to the title track, the tangible presence of God filled my car so
greatly, that I nearly had to pull the car over! I called Philip right away
exclaiming, "I found the song!" The lyrics to this song are so
simple, yet so rich. An artist named Christa Black joins me on this song,
which was an amazing honor. I absolutely love her voice!
Words and Music by Brian Doerksen
Copyright 2006 Integrity Music
Used by permission
September / 2007
ION Worship has released the first single “He is Good” off of my
new album as a free download for a limited time! Please visit ION
Worship for info. If you would
like to be informed by email as to when we start shipping the entire album,
please sign up on our email list at michaellarson.com.
Thanks!
Michael
August / 2007
The
finishing touches are today being applied to my first major international release,
“Perfect Love.” I am completely
thrilled with how it is sounding and It should be available via the web in
October (Ionworship.org) and in
Canadian and European Christian Bookstores November 1st. The American release is currently set for
January at some point.
In other
news, the band and I just got back from California
and London, Ontario.
I was particularly struck by the speaking of Tommy Tenney. I have never heard him live before, and it
was very impacting. He encouraged us
all to put our families ahead of our self interests, something we know, but
don’t always apply like we should! It
was really great. We are home for all
of September for some much needed rest, then off to Europe
in October. Thanks to all of you who
have prayed for us in this busy season of recording and touring!
Peace
and Love,
Michael
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