VERSE 1 God has come to save me. I will trust in Him God has come to save me. I will not be afraid.
CHORUS The LORD GOD Is my strength Thank you LORD! Praise your name The LORD GOD Is my song Tell the world let them know He has given me VICTORY
The Mediatunes Project All Rights Reserved CCLI 7079605
About This Song
The premise behind the song is found in scripture. Specifically, the bible verse Isaiah 12:2. This single verse is packed with God’s love. First off, God is the source of salvation. We all have this in common, there are times in life where we need to be saved.
These could be dark and lonely times. It could be moments of distress and anxiety However, to acknowledge God is my salvation leads to the behavior of trust and peace. Afterall, peace is the opposite of being afraid. Some translation end with the word “victory”. And that is what Christians get when putting their entire trust in Him.
My hope is that this song will encourage Christians that God is our salvation especially when facing spiritual battles.
One of the primary reasons I wrote the song Cascading River of Love is for use in worship ministry. This song was written to bring worshiper into a better worship experience with God. It is my hope that the song will encourage, inspire and minister to anyone who participates in the song.
In life, we all experience difficult times. Moments where life is spiritually dry. This is the primary theme of the song. This desert place experience creates a desire to be refreshed. When it come to Jesus, He is the source of living water and the Holy Spirit desires to drench his children with the ultimate refreshment that come from God. The image of a cascading river that pours down paints a picture of that experience. It is a continual deluge of spiritual filling. It happens not once but many times over and over.
I invite worship leaders to consider adding Cascading River of Love to their song list. To assist in making that happen, several assets are being provided to worship leader and church music directors. Chord Charts, Lead Sheets and Audio are available. It is my sincere hope, that the resources available here will help you learn the song.
You will find that the songs are based on principles from the Bible. As such, scripture references are available. Please take some time to evaluate, listen and pray about how you in incorporate this song into your music sets. Keep in mind, this song was written to help the church have a greater relationship with their Creator through song.
Other Worship Ministry Resources
For each song presented there are several tools that will help you learn and teach the songs. Here is a brief summary of the tools available for you.
Audio
You can learn the songs by listening to a recording of the songs. An audio player is also available to allow you to listen to song online.
Chord Chart
This tool provides you the basic chords and words to the songs. This will assist you in learning the songs.
Lead Sheet
Each song presented includes a lead sheet. This tool provides the melody, words, song structure and chords. This is a comprehensive document that helps you learn each song.
Scripture
The worship songs are based on Scripture therefore references are included to help with worship service planning
There are many positive ways you can use music to soothe, inspire & motivate! Here are some ideas how you can benefit by using this music to complement your experience with God…
Worship ServiceUse this music to bless your congregation by offering song that glorify God.
OutreachUse the music for outreach into your community. The message in these songs help spread the hope that only comes through Jesus Christ.
Camps and RetreatsUse this music to help foster community during camps and retreats.
EducationYouth Leaders & Educators to start discussions in classroom settings
ReflectionPlay a song during reflection time in a seminar, workshop, retreat or service
Do I need permission to use this song?
I write music to share, to be heard, and to touch a many people as I can, I encourage you to use this music in your daily life, sing, meditate, pray and share it will those you love. So YES you do have John Pape’s permission to play these songs in group settings. We ask that you please email me the titles of the song(s) you are using and how they are being received.
Music, Lyrics & Charts made available through The Mediatunes Project (ASCAP) are copyright protected and registered with CCLI. They are not to be sold. Please feel free to copy and distribute to your worship team only and for the purpose of including these songs in your worship services and/or church programs. Please report usage of these songs to CCLI per your CCLI license. If you do not have a CCLI license please contact CCLI at: www.ccli.com. For all other licensing needs please contact us and we will direct you to the appropriate publishers.
Record this Song
This song exists to give glory to God. With that in mind it is available for you to use in your church worship services. I only ask a few small things of you.
First, that you please report to CCLI that the song is being used in the church service. The CCLI for this song is 7079624
Secondly, if you are using any form of visual, like printing, overhead slides, PowerPoint, etc., that you make available the copyright information, title of the song and author.
You are also welcome to record any of my songs. This ministry is very song driven and when other artists and worship leaders record those they are assisting in fulfilling a vision. I do ask that you fill out a mechanical license, print it out and send it to The Mediatunes Project (ASCAP) with the correct check amount.
The song Cascading River of Love written and composed by John Pape is a Christian Praise and Worship song. The purpose of the songs is to encourage and bless worshippers. In life, difficult times one can experience moments where life is spiritually dry. That is how the song starts. It sets the stage for individuals who are in a desert place. In this dry state of existence a desire to be refreshed and renewed is sought.
When it come to Jesus, He is the source of living water and the Holy Spirit desires to drench his children with the ultimate refreshment that come from God. The image of a cascading river that pours down paints a picture of that experience. It is a continual deluge of spiritual filling. It happens not once but many times over and over. However the worship needs to examine their own motives and look to be purged of the dirt that dwell in their heart. Water not only refreshes but is has the power to clean. This is a story of restoration, renewal and refreshment by the love, mercy and grace of God.
The song features a catchy melody and powerful lyrics that speak of the never-ending and unconditional love that God has for us. The lyrics are written in such a way that they create a visual of a cascading river, which is a metaphor for the love of God that is always flowing and never-ending. The imagery in the lyrics is very strong and evocative, making it easy for listeners to connect with the message of the song.
The song has a very positive and uplifting message that is sure to bring hope and inspiration to those who need it most. The song’s message is one of love and acceptance, reminding listeners that no matter what they may be going through, they are loved and accepted by God.
Musically, the song is a blend of contemporary Christian and pop, with a driving beat and lush instrumentation. It will be perfect for a Sunday morning service or for a daily commute.
Overall, “Cascading River of Love” is a song that will touch the hearts of many and will be a powerful addition to any Christian music playlist.
“Cascading River of Love” is a powerful and uplifting Christian song that is sure to resonate with listeners of all ages. The song is written by John Earl Pape, and produced by The Mediatunes Project.
There are many opinions in the church as to what is the best style of music presented during praise and worship time. There is one camp that claims old traditional hymns are best. Some people like songs with a contemporary feel that include a drum beat. Some want that sound of the pipe organ. To be sure there are many different ideas when it come to the style of music for the church
In reality, this is really a peripheral issue that can cause division. What is important no matter no matter what style of music is presented the goal is to connect with God. Worship music is not about genre or visuals. The crux of the matter is an attitude of the heart.
However, there is some value to entertainment. The style of music and the atmosphere in the church can and should draw the unbeliever. The music needs to minister to the individual. It needs to be a conduit that allows the worshiper to connect with God.
There are some things to consider when examining songs of worship. It is important to listen to the words. If the words are based on the Bible and filled with the God’s word, style does not matter. What the worship needs to do is take the lyrics and meditate on the words. While singing allow the heart to transform the lyrics into worship of God. Doing this is facilitate a connection with God.
Keep these things in mind when you start to complain or dismiss a song because of its style. It is not about the presentation or how it is sung. It is about putting the Word of God in the voice of the worshiper to create fellowship with Him.
John 5:34 But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.
Ever since I remember I was somehow involved with music. In elementary school I learned to play the violin and was in the school orchestra. Also, I sang in the Glee Club. When I got older I received a guitar as a Christmas present. I spent all of my spare time learning everything I could about the guitar. I played in several Garage bands in High School and my College days. Then I began to write songs. I learned by listening and copying artist that I liked. I learned from other musicians. Music was everything to me.
“The cross is foolishness to those that are perishing.”
All this time I was missing something in my life. I somehow knew it had a spiritual element to it. So there I was exploring things that at the time seemed to be spiritual. I looked to the stars for the answers in astrology. I looked at the Greek and Roman gods Mythology for answers. I was seeking but never finding the truth. These things always came up short. All though this time it was my belief that the “Christian thing” with Jesus was a rather foolish approach to spiritual enlightenment. As I look back at my journey, I now realize that I was on the wrong track. I thought I was seeking God. But as the Bible says – No one seeks God. The real truth is, God is seeking us. He just needs to get our attention.
The greatest gift I ever received
God was able to get my attention one day. I was invited to Church one day by a the mother of a friend of mine. We entered this little church and the preacher was preaching about Jesus. He explained that we are born sinners and our eternal destination was rather bleak. But that God so loved us that her sent His Son Jesus to get us out of this mess. How? Believe that Jesus rose from the dead three days after dying on the cross. And the power of His resurrection saves us from the ugly future that awaits us. Jesus gives us the ability the have fellowship with God for eternity. It was a pure Gospel message of salvation. At the end the preached asked if anyone would like to receive that give of salvation. It was at this time I had a vision of Jesus asking me to come to Him. It was as though the light had been turned on for the very first time.
The calling
Now I was placed in a rather peculiar situation. My lifestyle, which involved my music, put me in places that I began to feel uncomfortable. You know Sex, Drugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll. There was a spiritual war. It was at this time that I set aside my music. This break lasted for a couple of years. As I look back, I realize that music was an idol. And God needed to clean out the idols in my life. Of course, that’s not the end of the story.
One day I was reading my Bible and I read the parable of the talents. This truly stirred up my heart. I began to pray about my talents and how they could be used to glorify Jesus. Then Jesus revealed to me that day that I was to take my love for music and use it for his purpose. I then took a walk and as I was walking, I saw a piece of paper on the ground. You know that voice that speaks to you. It said John, pick up that piece of paper. At first, I ignored it. But as I passed by this piece of paper, I really felt that I better do what the voice said. So I picked up the piece of paper. It was a photocopy of some music. But not just any music it was Christian Music! Now, I knew that God had a plan and purpose for me. I immediately went to the store and picked up a local tabloid paper called the Reader. This is a local free newspaper. This publication has a special classified section for musicians. There was an ad requesting a bass player for a Christian music group. Now mind you my primary instrument is the guitar however I did have a bass that I used for recording. Within a week I was rehearsing with this group of Christian musicians. It is amazing how God works.
The next phase in my journey placed me in at the Horizon School of Evangelism. This is an extensive ministry school that concludes with a one-month practicum. It was at this school that my classmates learned that I knew how to play guitar. They asked me to play some Worship songs for the daily devotional.
My first experience was a total disaster in my mind. Even though I was in a Christian Music Group the songs were primarily Contemporary Christian Music and I learned only the bass parts. To compound the problem, I was rarely if ever sang publicly in front of people by my self – There was the lead singer and I was always the guitar player. I did possess great knowledge and skill in my instrument. But it was that day I learned humility. I set out on my own strength. What a mistake. I quickly learned that worship music is very special and requires the proper mind set. It not about my ability and me it’s about the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit’s purpose. I am just a vessel used to glorify Him.
The benefit of my relationship with God
Ever since the first time I was placed in a position to lead worship, I can testify that God has been molding and shaping me. Though His Holy Spirit he is guiding and directing my path in life. I truly find it a privilege and honor to be placed in this sacred position. I know that there is much further down the road. All I can do is allow Him to shape my future. And then someday when He calls I will be there in heaven offering my song of praise to God.
I now lead worship and write songs for those that desire to fellowship with God the Father the Creator of all things above and below.
Salvation is your today
Click on the button below to learn more about a Spirit lead life with Jesus.
God loves you and wants you to experience peace and life–abundant and eternal.
The Bible says…
“We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Romans 5:1
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
John 3:16
“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10
Why don’t most people have this peace and abundant life that God planned for us to have?
Step Two The Problem: Our Separation
God created us in His own image to have an abundant life. He did not make us as robots to automatically love and obey Him. God gave us a will and a freedom of choice.
We chose to disobey God and go our own willful way. We still make this choice today. This results in separation from God.
The Bible says…
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Romans 3:23
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
Our Attempts to Reach God
People have tried in many ways to bridge this gap between themselves and God…
The Bible says…
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.”
Proverbs 14:12
“But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.”
Isaiah 59:2
No bridge reaches God…except one.
Step Three – God’s Bridge: The Cross
Jesus Christ died on the Cross and rose from the grave. He paid the penalty for our sin and bridged the gap between God and people.
The Bible says…
“For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Jesus Christ.”
1 Timothy 2:5
“For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.”
1 Peter 3:18
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8
God has provided the only way. Each person must make a choice.
Step Four – Our Response: Receive Christ
We must trust Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and receive Him by personal invitation.
The Bible says…
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.”
Revelation 3:20
“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
John 1:12
“That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Romans 10:9
Where are you?
Will you receive Jesus Christ right now?
Here is how you can receive Christ:
Admit your need (I am a sinner).
Be willing to turn from your sins (repent).
Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the Cross and rose from the grave.
Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to come in and control your life through the Holy Spirit. (Receive Him as Lord and Savior.)
How to Pray:
Dear Lord Jesus,
I know that I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness. I believe that You died for my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I now invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as Lord and Savior.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
God’s Assurance: His Word
If you prayed this prayer,
The Bible says…
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Romans 10:13
Did you sincerely ask Jesus Christ to come into your life? Where is He right now? What has He given you?
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Ephesians 2:8,9
Receiving Christ, we are born into God’s family through the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit who indwells every believer. This is called regeneration, or the “new birth.”
This is just the beginning of a wonderful new life in Christ. To deepen this relationship you should:
Read your Bible everyday to know Christ better.
Talk to God in prayer every day.
Tell others about Christ.
Worship, fellowship, and serve with other Christians in a church where Christ is preached.
As Christ’s representative in a needy world, demonstrate your new life by your love and concern for others. Share Jesus’ love and passion for the world You can share the gospel in a simple, non-offensive and attractive way with friends and loved ones by announcing the good news to them.
In the Bible there is mention on many who are going through difficult times. Oftentimes during those times there is a call out to God. It is an urgency to find relief from hard times. God is faithful. The image of water falling down reminds me of how the Holy Spirit floods our souls. There are a few verses in the Bible that bring home these ideas.
The First Verse
The first thought is similar to the words found in Isaiah 43:12 “Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.“
“When My heart is dry like the desert day. And my life is cracked like the dried-out clay”
As the song starts out the protagonist finds they are in a very dry desert place. We have all been there. This is not a pleasant place to exist. It becomes a time to seek help. As the song continues there is a desire to find relief.
“Every part of me thirsts for one small drink of pure Living Water to rain down on me. “
“O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1
The source of Living Water is found in Jesus. He is Living Water that give us a new life. As Jesus says in John 4:14: “but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.”
That is wonderful and great promise for Christ followers.
The Chorus
“Cascading River of Love Pour Down on Me”
The picture I wanted to paint in the chorus is the act of receiving God love. Specially the word “Cascading” It describes a rapid, succession of downpour in large amounts. It does not happen just once but it builds. That is how the Holy Spirit works. He constantly at work in the believer’s life.
There are many famous waterfalls in the world. On of them is Niagara Falls. The amount of water that pour down constantly is amazing. There is tremendous power in this and other waterfalls. But the power behind these forces of nature is nothing compared to the power of God the creator of all thing.
The river represents a journey or path it is constantly on the move. It is always in motion
Then there is Love. Love is God’s greatest attribute. He is epitome of Love. It is his nature. Jude 1:2 says, “May God’s mercy, peace and love cascade over you”
“Every single drop I freely receive. Fill my cup to the top let love overflow. Let it go, let it flow”
What is important is the desire and request for more. That is what the protagonist is calling out to receive.
Second Verse
“Cleanse me from the dirt dwelling deep inside. Purify my heart, take away my pride. Saturate my soul with your lavish love”
Water has another property that is just like the Holy Spirit and that it’s cleansing power. The priest in Israel would go thorough ceremonial cleansing before ministering in the temple. However, Jesus being Living Water cleanses us from all sin. That is the good. Water baptism is an act of Christ followers of a new life in Christ. The Psalmist cries out in Psalm 51:2
“Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.”
Likewise, there is this verse found in Acts 22:16
“Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.”
“Like a rushing current from God’s holy throne”
In Revelation we get to see a glimpse of heaven. John, at the end of the book, describes the throne and the current that flow from it.
“Then he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb, in the middle of its street. On either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” Revelation 22:1-2
The Bridge
In the bridge of the song there are three attribute that are God’s gift to believers. They are love, grace and mercy. These are the things that we need. Receiving them is how to life a better life. It is how we need to treat each other. This is the cure for a spiritually dry desert place.
Pour Down Your Love Pour Down Your Grace Pour Down Your Mercy on me Fill me with Love Fill me with Grace Fill me with mercy so great.
Finale
The idea behind the song is how much God loves people. Even though someone might be in a dry desert place; God can cleanse and refresh through the Holy Spirt. The imagery of water cascading represents the magnitude of love. My desire is that this song will encourage Christians that there is hope even when being down spiritually.
Cascading River of Love is a song written and performed by John Pape
The song Cascading River of Love written and composed by John Pape is a Christian Praise and Worship song. The purpose of the songs is to encourage and bless worshippers. In life, difficult times one can experience moments where life is spiritually dry. That is how the song starts.
It sets the stage for individuals who are in a desert place. In this dry state of existence a desire to be refreshed and renewed is sought. When it come to Jesus, He is the source of living water and the Holy Spirit desires to drench his children with the ultimate refreshment that come from God.
The image of a cascading river that pours down paints a picture of that experience. It is a continual deluge of spiritual filling. It happens not once but many times over and over. However the worship needs to examine their own motives and look to be purged of the dirt that dwell in their heart. Water not only refreshes but is has the power to clean. This is a story of restoration, renewal and refreshment by the love, mercy and grace of God.
John Pape from El Cajon California, an independent, self-managed Christian songwriter who creates worship and praise music for seekers and believers in the church, announces the release of his new single “Cascading River of Love“. It is schedule to come out on February 25th on various music sites that include Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon. The song Cascading River of Love is a praise and worship song written for church congregation worship services.
When describing the song, it goes like this. In life, difficult times one can experience moments where life is spiritually dry. That is how the song starts. It sets the stage for individuals who are in a desert place. In this dry state of existence, a desire to be refreshed and renewed is sought. When it comes to Jesus, He is the source of living water and the Holy Spirit desires to drench his children with the ultimate refreshment that come from God. The image of a cascading river that pours down paints a picture of that experience. It is a continual deluge of spiritual filling. It happens not once but many times over and over. However, the worshiper needs to examine individual motives and desire to be purged of the dirt that dwell in their heart. Water not only refreshes but is has the power to clean. This is a story of restoration, renewal and refreshment by the love, mercy and grace of God.
As a Christian Praise and Worship song it is based on scripture. Here are a couple of examples
“Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” ISA 43:12
“Whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.” John 4:14
“Then he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb, in the middle of its street. On either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. Revelation” 22:1-2
O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1
This song is a pure DIY project with the recording and production be done in a home studio.
John states, “My music ministry is to create songs that will encourage a closer relationship to Jesus. The songs are crafted to encourage Christians in their daily walk. The songs provide a positive soundtrack for people’s lives.”
John’s songwriting drive is to honor God though words and music. His experience has grown over several years of honing the art of songwriting.
John is also author of the book “Building a House of Worship”. The book was written as a guide to Christian church worship leaders to better minister to the people they serve as they use their gift of music.
In addition to writing songs, John also uses his musical gifts to lead worship in local churches.
Currently John is working on a project to release several new Praise and Worship songs that were written to build and encourage Christians in their daily walk.
Mediatunes Inc is a multimedia service business that offers several services to help its clients better communicate to their audience. Its primary goal is to provide multimedia type services.
Music is the universal language. It adds a refreshing dimension to your presentation. Music will allow you to “speak” to your audience in an emotional, subtle manner. Music will paint a mood by appealing to the audience’s auditory senses. Hollywood had used this technique from the very beginning. Music allows you to conjure up such feelings as love, tranquillity, nostalgia, excitement, anticipation, and fear.
Enhancing your presentation with music is easy. Music will add a professional touch to your production. There are many ways to get music for your production. One popular alternative is to use Buyout Music. Buyout music libraries allow you to use quality instrumental music without licensing hassles. Also, it is less expensive and will save you a tremendous amount of money.
It is important to note; the composer or artist original music is automatically copyrighted once it is place in a fixed medium. Fixed medium includes sheet music, tape, DAT, Audio CD, MIDI file etc. Proper permission is required prior to usage in your production – especially if it is performed publicly. Before you use any music your video, make sure you understand copyright law and have the right licenses.
The basic equipment to add music to your videos is as follows. You’ll need a CD player, cassette deck or turntable; some music; and a VCR with audio-dub capability. Of course there are other more sophisticated methods you can use. However they are more technically advanced.