“We will all come to a place where God is taking us from what He had, to what He has in store. As we continue this journey, true solace isn’t found in knowing what’s on the other side; it’s only found in worshipping Him as we cross….the bridge.”
~ ~ ~
It is the one earthly journey we all experience, but too few of us choose to recognize –that invisible road between here and there. Some call it transition. Anthony Evans calls it …The Bridge.
To the majority of us, that transitional chasm of chaos is often overlooked in hopes of glimpsing the outcome, on the other side. But to a perceptive few, like Evans, the unknown between where were are and where we’re going is the all-important next step. Whether we stumble in the dark, or firmly plant our feet on faith, it is all up to us.
This universal, yet intimate test of transition is both exposed and explored in Anthony’s latest September, 2007 release …The Bridge.
Press the button on this new CD and it’s obvious that there is a fresh focus to Anthony Evans life - and music. “…This record came out of pain… When I got to the end of myself and surrendered to the concept of what I was created to do, I realized I wasn’t made to figure it all out. I wasn’t put here to see the big picture clearly, or to glimpse what is ahead. I was created to worship… That’s it.”
And that is exactly what Evans does on each of the eleven tracks in this insightful collection. “I took worship songs that are known in more of a contemporary environment and played them with a little more flavor.”
Using the spice of pure artistry, Anthony mixed adoration and experience with the essence of reverence and combined them with the praises of his distinctive voice. The result is a musical record of his own journey of worship, across the Bridge.
Listening to such standards as Glory To The King, Everlasting God and In Christ Alone, there is little doubt that Evans has found his purpose. And feeling the sense of surrender in Anthony’s interpretations of Let It Rain, Wonderful, Merciful Savior, and Here I Am To Worship, it is clear that he’s discovered something ‘transcending’ in his daily walk of faith.
“It is a hard concept to trust something you can not see. More often than not it takes more strength to let go than it does to hang on.”
AN INTERESTING WAY TO LIVE…
Letting go and discovering that ‘the journey is just as important as the destination,’ wasn’t easy for Anthony. It was a life lesson that came as the result of a deeply personal, internal transition.
“I used to pray - God, if You fix this, it means You love me… I know You’re listening to me, IF You fix this. But when I saw that things were not getting better, I had to look at the scenario differently and figure out HOW He was loving me. Eventually, when I opened myself up to Him and surrendered my broken heart, I realized He was loving me HUGE…”
You loved me so much
That You let me, You let me fall
Knowing I’d lose it all and hear your call
You loved me so much that You chased me
When I ran away You captured me
By letting me run to the end of myself
That heartfelt lesson not only spilled out of his composer’s pen, (becoming ‘the bridge’ of track 10 - The Way You Love Me), it also set in motion a new and interesting way to live. “…I no longer need to see what’s ahead - what’s on the other side. I’m just crossing the bridge, letting each step I take reveal itself as I go… I leave the rest up to Him. I’ve discovered that in times of transition my job is to simply worship.”
That all-important ‘job’ led Anthony to the recording studio, where he recently completed the musical construction of The Bridge. Assisting the artist is this effort of worship was co-producer Nathan Nockels; who along with Shaun Martin arranged the nine contemporary classics, as well as and the two Evans-composed tracks, The Way You Love Me and Meaningless, (co-written with Ben Glover and Jason Ingram).
In the creative atmosphere of the Control Room this rare collection of musical talent was a given. But now, the result of that teamwork is becoming evident to audiences everywhere.
“This is the first record I’ve done that is accepted no matter where I go. It is music that fits any environment, any venue.”
The concept that ‘there is never a bad time or place for worship,’ is one that Anthony no doubt learned growing up in the home of his father Dr. Tony Evans; renowned pastor, author, and speaker. But though the young artist has performed before everyone from Soul Train to President Bush, the notion of endless worship did not truly hit Anthony until he found himself alone on that bridge.
“We tend to live our life backwards, allowing our emotions to dictate what
we do. But I’ve discovered that our emotions are not truthful. They have no intellect. Emotionally and physically we can’t control where we are or where we’re going. Only our spirit is connected to the Truth. So the spiritual side of us should lead the way…”
Now everyday of Evans’ life is a step of faith; a conscious, deliberate effort to listen to the Spirit and connect with The Truth through his music and worship.
“My previous albums have been about communicating ‘my story.’ But ‘The Bridge’ is all about communicating with Him. This one is strictly vertical.”
“Its about learning to worship in spite of our internal chaos, in spite of the pain. It’s dealing with transition; from what God had for us, to what He HAS for us. We will never rest if we’re trying to figure out what’s on the other side. It’s being willing to cross without knowing –yet still believing that He loves us and that it will ultimately be great.”
For now, Anthony Evans is content to communicate the music and the message of his new release “The Bridge” through his up-coming appearances and constantly-expanding calendar. But when the artist is asked the obvious question “What’s next”, he simply smiles. “That’s on the other side of the Bridge. I haven’t seen that step - yet. All I know is what He’s told me…worship as you cross.”
ANTHONY EVANS
“The Bridge”
Glory To The King
Blessed Be Your Name
Lord I Give You My Heart/How Great Is Our God
Wonderful, Merciful Savior
Your Name
Everlasting God
In Christ Alone
Here I Am To Worship
Let It Rain
The Way You Love Me
Bonus: Meaningless
The Bridge is only available (for a limited time) at anthony-evans.com
Anthony's Webpage
I saw the "Getting to Know" clip on your website. I would certainly say that before the video clip,you gave your listening audience a clear picture of who you are. Your songs certianly reflect your personality,life experience,growth and dependence on God. Most times you don't find artists who sacrifice the time to give their fans a opportunity to "get to know" them. I pray that God continues to take you to a higher level as you develope your 4th album.......Also, I miss the journals : ( whenever the time permits please drop a few lines.
Stay encouraged and remember to make time for self and i leave you with this....
Isaiah 55:12-13 Describes the life of a worshipper:
For ye shall go out with joy,and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.
Thank you so much for adding me. Your voice is amazing...what an incredible talent God has given you. Thank you for loving Him enough to share it with us. "Letting Go" is one of my favourite CDs...bar none. I've turned a few of my friends on to it, so you're growing a fan base here in Trinidad too. :-)
Looking forward to all you'll bring in the future.
Thanks much for the add....may God shower down His grace and peace on you heavily...Keep labouring in da vineyard..and continue to being blessing!!!! Sgirl
I Just wanted to sow some seeds of encouragement today. I know personally when you're a giver often times we neglect to pour into ourselves. I pray that God restores all that give out to others.
The lyrics to one of my favorite songs says: " The steadfast Love of the Lord never ceases,his mercy never comes to an end. They are new every morning,new every morning. Great is thy faithfulness O' Lord...great is thy faithfulness.
***Peace is not the absence of conflict, it's the absence of inner conflict****
-kesh *^^*
Philippians 1:6 NLT And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
May God keep you happy and safe! Blessings to you!
Marcia
"In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the satisfaction for our sins."
Matt. 5:14,16 ============= 14 “You are the light of the world. ... 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (NKJV)
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have recieved, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let his presence settle into your bones,and allow your soul the freedom to Sing, Dance,Praise and Love.It is there for each and every one of us.
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