How do we model the praise and worship of God beyond the songs we sing? The role of a worship leader is not to give the sermon in place of the pastor, but what are some creative ways that can teach our congregations the biblical value of worship that leads them to respond to God in praise?

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near. - Hebrews 10:23-25

Like many other cities and towns along the Mid-west, the small town of Muscatine, Iowa is greatly affected by the great flood of 2008. Please be in prayer for the waters to reeed, more importantly, the after affects in the clean-up and recovery. Check out this video post that gives us the reality of devastation to prompt us to prayer and action.
Posted by: iowaspeacechief. "The second flood of 2008 crested on the Mississippi River at Muscatine, Iowa, on the evening of June 17. Measured at 24.43 feet, this flood was almost as high as the record 25.6 feet in 1993. Flood stage is 16.0 feet. This slideshow "walks up and down" the town's riverfront, set to the song "Muscatine" by Iowa musicians Amy and Mike Finders (used by permission • mikeandamyfinders.com). Photos and video c. 2008 Daniel G. Clark (muscatine-tours.com)."

Have you ever wondered about the name "Cracker Barrel"? Sorry, but the last time I checked, I did not find any crackers in a barrel, I found cracker packages when ordering soup, but no barrel, no monkeys either. Why is that?

Seriously, God has called us to serve in His name. As we represent Christ in a watching world, the sincerity of our hearts will be revealed. What scares me is when I offer something that I cannot truly deliver. The watching world only stares in confusion at the mess. If I am to offer someone something out of service, I need to deliver more than crackers in a barrel; rather, I am to give the living water of Christ.

"I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name
because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward." - Mk. 9.41

I stumbled upon this video of Louie Giglio today. It is the most incredible thing I have seen in a while. How great is our God indeed:

I can hardly stop listening to this new song from the UK.  Well, here's a little secret: the song might have been written in the UK, but it was birthed in Canada.  How do I know that.  Well, Ben Cantelon's dad married Tracey and I back in 1994 in my former home church, Christian Life Assembly (Langley, BC).  In 1993 I traveled around Russia with Brent and Ben (his then 10 year old son) and several others on a missions team.  Ben would probably hardly remember me now.  Needless to say, it is quite awesome to see God taking that young kid and raising him up to be a world-class worship leader.  Ben teamed up with Tim Hughes to write Happy Day, which was a favorite this Easter.  I have a hunch this song is going to make its way around a lot of churches around the world.  I'd love to hear what you think.

Ok guys, shed some light for all of us on your song selection process. Ryan and I had an interesting discussion about this topic. Tell us about why you select certain songs in your place of worship. Answer this:

What are the top 2 things you look for in choosing songs?

I had a 'discussion' tonight with my Worship Team.  The band believes the singers should follow them while singing the worship set.  I have been trained that the band establishes the tempo; but ultimately follows or 'accompanies' the singer or singers.  What are your thoughts to this on going debate?

Give me a little grace here, while I let PraiseCharts get a somewhat personal.  Trust me, I am not one to leverage PraiseCharts to promote my own music.  However, at the same time, you must understand that in order for me to continue blazing a trail with PraiseCharts, the inspiration has to come from somewhere. I get the privilege of supporting an amazing church in Surrey, British Columbia, called Victory Christian Centre.  A few months ago, they recorded their third live worship album, with a title that follows this years theme at our church: ONE. 

I really don't think I am biased to say that VCC Live is really raising the bar when it comes to producing a local, live worship album. The songs are passionate, the recording is amazing, and the video is stunning.  I am so proud to have this music now available in PraiseCharts.  My personal favorite is a simple song I have led many times at Life Group in our living room, called Glorified.  Josh Loeve is the lead worshipper on this project that represents some powerful song writing -- very much in the style of Hillsong United. 

For a deeper look inside the heart behind this album, click here to read an interview I've posted with the Lead Worshipper and main song writer for this album, Josh Loeve.  Enjoy the video montage below to get a birds eye view of the entire album.  If you like the songs, you can download and print the charts here.

I woke up this morning to the news that no daddy ever wants to hear.  This morning, Maria is not just Steven's daughter, she is every man's daughter.  Maria is every woman's child.  Do you feel their pain in your heart this morning?  That is the privilege we have to share the sorrow with the Chapmans.  I woke up, tears started to roll down my face, and I immediately went to my daughter Lydia's bedroom to tell her the news.  Steven's little Cinderella went to be with Jesus last night.  Steven, our hearts go out to you and your family.  May the peace of God that passes understanding settle deeply into your home and your hearts.  Maria, you are a jewel of joy, and your legacy will far outlast the five precious years you had in this world.  To our PraiseCharts family, if you would like to leave some thoughts, reflections, stories, responses or prayers, please feel free to write them here.  Enjoy this little video of Maria that we picked up from Steven's blog.  If you would like to support the Chapman's with a financial gift, they are asking for donations to be directed toward Shoahannah's Hope.

Many of you may know by now, but the daughter of Steven and Mary Beth Chapman was struck and killed by an SUV yesterday as she was playing in the driveway of their home in Tennessee. My "daddy heart" is broken for his family in this time of terrible loss. I really don't know what else to say, except please read the article and pray.

Two of Chapman's own songs come to mind. My prayer is that the Father will use the words to these songs to, once again, bring His healing to this family:

"Cinderella"
So I will dance with Cinderella, while she is here in my arms,
'Cause I know something the prince never knew;
I will dance with Cinderella, I don't wanna miss even one song,
'Cause all to soon the clock will strike midnight,
And she'll be gone.

"With Hope"
We can cry with hope, we can say goodbye with hope,
'Cause we know our goodbye is not the end;
And we can grieve with hope, 'cause we believe with hope,
There's a place where we'll see your face again.