“As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him. For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory; you stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn. 2nd Samuel 22: 31 - 37

Is it just me, or are things kind of difficult right now? I mean, global Jihad is enough to mess up your day, but what about all the other things you have to deal with right here at home? Kids, work, health issues, money, marriage, keeping the yard looking better than the neighbors – the list is endless of things that have to be managed every day. And then, there’s ministry! If you’re like me, you can feel pretty overwhelmed sometimes just doing what has to be done and preparing to minister to other busy people often takes a back seat. Well, when life starts to swallow us whole and we feel that all-too-familiar sinking feeling  - you know, the one that is accompanied by a loud gasping noise as you go down for the third time -  it’s time to remember that God has provided an answer for us in worship.

Jack Hayford wrote in his book Worship His Majesty (Regal Books) that “Worship is to God, but for man.” God deserves and demands the worship because He alone is worthy, but we’re the ones who benefit from worship – it doesn’t alter His worthiness in the least for us to worship Him or not. That singular phrase has helped me to understand worship, and its personal benefits, like no other phrase I have ever read.

As of last week, we experienced a loss in our family. We had to put down our family dog Cookie. She was a sun-ray of joy to all of us. If you ever have lost a pet, you know, that it is like losing a family member. One interesting story I’d like to share with you is of her last day. As hard as it seems to write, it is always good to release the pain to heal.

My wife and I left after our final goodbye of Cookie. Our crying turned into laughter. We re-lived sweet and funny memories. We remembered how she always loved chasing ducks at our favorite duck pond. Next, we agreed to take one more walk around that same duck pond. As we were driving, my wife leaned over and shared an idea. She told me that in her mind she could see Cookie with God. She began to wonder. Along the way to Heaven, God let Cookie stop at the same duck pond to chase and catch one more duck, one last time. We laughed until we cried again. Finally, she said it would be if the event became true: finding a dead duck at the pond. We arrived at the famous duck pond. Got out the car and walked down the path. The graveled walking trail led the way to the waters. The hills had a misty, yet green appearance. The wind was billowing across the lake. Children were off playing in the distance. Down between the grassy banks, in the middle of an open space, guess what we saw? A dead duck.

I went down to confirm the site. Sure enough, it was a dead duck. It looked about two days old, but it was the real deal. Heather and I were astounded. Cookie finally got her duck. I don't know about you, but we were amazed not just at the sighting of the duck alone. We were stunned at what Heather verbalized earlier from the car ride. Either way, we both got what we loved. A duck and a wealth full of sweet memories to last a lifetime. Now she is home free. It’s a weird way to view life through the lenses of a dog. When we do, we can see that there are only the simple things in life that become more important than the rest. When we set our minds on being Home with the Lord and being Free in Christ - there is nothing better.

“We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord,” (2 Corinthians 5:8).

The New Year is a time of great beginnings, aspiration and vision. In a way, this time reminds me of spring cleaning. We shed the old year and put on our best for the new to come. We value and prize our dreams and ambitions with great expectation. Recently, I set out all my plans and to-do lists only to find the enormity of their demand. My initial thought was to dive right in and swim as much as possible. Along the way, I grew tired, faint and directionless. I realized that I was swimming up stream instead of with the current. Here's the danger, it's only been 15 days into the New Year. So what's the problem? It's found in where I am placing my value. This alone will cost precious time, energy and more time. For something to be a value it must require attention.

If your like me, you want to overachieve more than what is actually necessary. I like to get-it-all-done when I can and as much as I can. Here's another problem. Along the way, I pass up what is truly important. You see, the things we value and treasure really aren't what we really need. Sometimes what we think we need are someone else's' dreams, expectations or self inflicted demands.  Maybe the old tapes playing in our minds relentlessly compel us to obey. You must do this. You should do it that way. You don't want to end up like this do you? Ok. Stop and think. Right now, what do you really value. I mean, what really calls out to you in the middle of the night. What cries for relief? If there was an open field or sky that had your remedy, what does it look like? Who would be standing there? What are the true things that  really make you happy or that are truly important - to you - not someone else? Have you really considered this alone between you and God?

The concerns of this life are crafty and lead us to believe in a lie that says we must have it all. But when we don't get it all, we aren't happy. When we do get it all, there is always something more to have. This chasing of the wind was exactly Jesus' point when he said: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal," (Matt. 6:19-20). Re-evaluate what you treasure in this life and in this New Year. It's great to have the plans in our hearts as long as the Lord directs our steps. When we lean on His understanding and treasure what is right, true and life-worthy we are truly free. In the good and bad, we are able to see what truly matters most. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also," (Matt. 6:21).

What does the New Year of 2009 hold for you? A better question may be, what has God called you to do and to complete? This second thought speaks to my heart. We tend to look at the things that we don't have, rather than what we do have. This half-empty perspective affects what we desire to accomplish. It also seals our fate. For me, longing for what I do not have clouds my vision. In fact, when I am looking for the visible, I am in deed not walking in faith. How can I? When I am too busy to find a sign, I am veering off the road. Think about all that you completed or still have left to complete from 2008. What has God called you too?

I ran across this verse today that really grabbed me by the throat: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." - Heb. 11:1.  The question that ran through my mind was: am I certain? Yes, I am certain that if God gave me ability, opportunity and His wisdom, I have every reason to complete the work He's called me to do. Ephesians already has said that He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Eph.1). What better blessing in life is there? Having your own way? No, because Proverbs reminds us that our own way, without leaning on His understanding, will ultimately lead to death. So think of what God has already given you in order to complete His work in 2009. You may already know what this work is even as you read these words. Well then my friend, go and do. Trust in the Lord and be certain to make the most of every opportunity as he provides.  He is with you in prayer and in Spirit as we walk on. May this verse encourage your souls and lift your hearts for the New Year: "Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means." - 2Cor. 8:11.

I wrote this song with my wife Beth, and it´s special to us because it helped us make it through a very hard season in our lives. It was written in a really intense week. Beth suffered a miscarriage, and actually it was also the week of the London bombings. There are times when everything in life seems to be breaking and shaking apart, and that age old Psalmist cry of ´How long O Lord, how long?´ is echoing through your soul. It´s in seasons like those where we need to find something firm to stand on. For as real as these struggles are, there´s an even greater reality we can connect with, the wisdom, power and love of our amazing God. In our darkest moments He´s as kind, caring and in control as He ever was. The song for us was a really a way of reminding ourselves that there´s a God who never lets go us, through the times of calm, and the stormy times.

In the song we use Psalm 23 as a springboard into the theme. ´Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death´, and aim to lead people into a place of hope. Since writing the song we´ve been so encouraged by some of the emails and letters we´ve received in response. For example, people who have lost loved ones in a such hard circumstances. And though they´re very real about it and grieving the loss, they´ve made a choice to remain on the paths of trust and praise. Our God never let go of us, and if we´re wise in worship, we´ll never let go of Him.

Download You Never Let Go on PraiseCharts.

Sad to say, but Church maybe the last place to have relational difficulties. The truth: it's more prominent than we realize or would like to admit. Over the past two weeks, I've spoken to many worship leaders who tell me about this concern. A larger concern involves the volunteers in their own ministries. Like you, I hear of problems that spill into rehearsals, meetings and even awkward discussions that take place before worship. Are you kidding me? Well, the reality is, none of us our perfect. In fact, we suffer from the same condition as everyone else: being human. When you put anywhere from 100 to 3,000 in one room, you have that many more opinions and differences. Scary? Maybe. Outcome? Beautiful. Why? We are made in God's fabric of a kaleidoscope of colors and tones, likes and dislikes.

God loves us all the same in our array of contrasts. Why can't we love another just the same? It takes a lifetime for God to hammer out our hearts and minds, that's the beauty in this journey. None of us will have the same preferences and thoughts as the next person. Life would be boring. We can never change a person either. We are only to love one another as in the same love of Christ. Romans 12:16 puts it this way: "Live in harmony with each other. Do not be arrogant, but associate with humble people. Do not think that you are wiser than you really are."

Remember, when we lead worship with our teams, we are making more than just music. We are modeling the love of Christ. We model what it means to be in harmony with one another. We model what it means to be a leader of worship. We model what it means to lay our differences aside, pray, love and accept one another. Besides, did not Christ gird himself with a towel and wash the feet of his disciples. My friends in the same way, He commands us to do likewise.

The Fall is my favorite time of the year. There’s something sweet about the colors of amber, mahogany, deep red and orange. There’s something refreshing about the cool wind and the crackling of leaves under your feet. Toasty fires, mocha coffee and a harvest moon seems to kindle my heart. Over the weekend, my wife and I went back to our favorite old town square. The streets are lined with antique black lampposts among old maple and oak trees. Early century small shop houses invite you for a visit and some window shopping. The brisk weather rustled through the leaves with the sounds of horse drawn carriages and the laughter of children.

I asked my wife, “why do we enjoy the fall?” She replied, “the fall brings change as well as memories.” In amazement, I thought of how all the colors, smells and sounds appealed to my senses. Each association was coupled by a fond memory. Jumping into a pile of leaves with my friends, fire-side deserts with my family and long walks with my high school sweetheart (now my wife). These are great memories. 

If you can’t tell already, I love trees, particularly the branches and leaves. For me, the changing colors, shapes and sizes remind me of life. Leaves indicate the changing of time. Leaves also provide shelter, food, gardening and are a resource for other uses. I love the way leaves provide scenery: sunrises and sunsets, on top of mountains, through the river, along-side of oceans and even in the desert (well, at least there’s cactus). All of these environments bring a palate of inspirations and responses.

I was amazed in connecting the dots between memories and events stemmed by one season. There were good memories as well as bad. Some days were my most difficult struggles, while others brought unspeakable joy. Each memory was tied to a relationship and/or person. Each thought was a reminder of how things change, like the passing of time seen from the leaves of trees.

Change is not easy for some, while it is embraced by others. However, there are things in life, where we do not want to see change. Sometimes, we want to hang on to the moment and hope of its eternity. Letting go can be so hard, even when we can’t understand the winds of change. Looking down can feel so lonely, that you can’t even see through the trees. Trying to figure out our direction, where to go and what to do, can be like waiting for spring in the midst of winter. All in all, things must change.

Jesus says  "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” Jn. 15:1-4.

The act of cutting and pruning of the branches is painful. Change involves the removal of old to bring forth new. He is not only our Father but our Gardener. Like a caretaker of crops, He know exactly how and where to prune in places we cannot see or know. He knows the right tools to use and the right time. He also knows what kind and how much pressure to use. All the while, He is cleaning, purifying and gently caring for us. He knows how much pain we can bear and how much we cannot. LIke the falling of leaves and the passing of branches, we witness the results of His pruning. Our comfort lies in how and what He is saving us from. At this point, our faith really is the evidence of things unseen. Think about how ginormous and frightening our problems would be if we can see all that God sees. “but God, can’t I have just a peek?!” Then the Lord whispers, “No, my child, because I know what is best for you,” It’s funny how a silent whisper can speak so clearly. God has to pass over us first before we can see what He is doing. Think about how God showed his glory to Moses. God had to pass by him first. Even when God passed, Moses could only see the backside of Him, and even this was more than enough.

Our God, Father, Gardener and Gentle Shepherd, knows our needs even before we ask (Ps. 139:4; Matt. 6:32b). We can take comfort in the passing of change through the seasons. May we be forever plugged into His vine to feed on his faithfulness (Read Ps. 37:1-11). As you go through this fall of whatever change you are facing, hold on to the good memories, the good colors and the good that fills your senses. Let go of what is falling and passing. Our bodies are just a shell. May the comfort we find in this season be used to comfort others who maybe falling. The Lord breathes new life again into our souls. He refreshes our branches as a good Gardener. He desires to see us reap a harvest of righteousness - to never give up.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” - Gal. 6:9

Staff standards are very important in any ministry, and it is certainly no different in the music ministry. I'd like to share with you the general standards Saddleback's founding pastor Rick Warren established to help married staff members maintain moral integrity in 1986. After Pastor Warren's list, I will share several more of my own music ministry standards.

1. Thou shalt not visit the opposite sex alone.
2. Thou shalt not counsel the opposite sex alone.
3. Thou shalt not counsel the opposite sex more than once without that other person's spouse being present.
4. Thou shalt not go to lunch alone with a member of the opposite sex.
5. Thou shalt not kiss any other attender of the opposite sex or show affection that could be questioned.
6. Thou shalt not discuss your marriage problems with a person of the opposite sex during a counseling session.
7. Thou shalt not discuss your marriage problems with an attender of the opposite sex.
8. Thou shalt be careful when answering cards and letters from the opposite sex.
9. Thou shalt make your secretary your protective ally.
10. Thou shalt pray for the integrity of other staff members.

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Eph. 5:3, New International Version (NIV)

Whatever else our worship is, it is essentially a response to God's endless self-giving. Alan P. Ross wrote that worship “refers to the appropriate response to the revelation of the holy God of glory.”1 While we most often think of worship as something that man alone initiates, the perspective of Scripture is clearly that God has placed man in an atmosphere of constant worship, constant response to Himself as the Creator, an entire galaxy of worship that evermore responds to Him in praise.

“The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of His hands,” says Psalm 19, and man can do no less – we are literally geared from the Manufacturer to give forth His praises by our very existence on the planet, whether we understand it or not. Even those who despise, reject, or deny God cannot help but show forth His glory as human beings.

Irenaeus, as early as the 2nd Century A.D., said, “the glory of God is the living human being,”2 an echo of John, writing in his ecstasy, “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they were created and have their being” (Revelation 4:11).  God, by His very being and by His choice to reveal Himself through His creation, is the one who has initiated all that is worship in this closed eco-system.

Ask just about anyone what worship is and you’ll probably hear back the words "songs" or "singing." For many, this worship means proclamation only, singing of God’s glorious love or nature or power. Often it appears that we forget to whom we are proclaiming such wonderful things. Are we reminding God just who He is, in case He’s forgotten and we’re left down here on earth to fend for ourselves? Actually, the proclamation, the rehearsing again and again of God’s person and attributes, is for our sake – we are the ones who are affected by authentic worship – we are the ones who are being transformed “from glory to glory”3 as we behold Him in His exaltation. We are the beneficiaries of worship as our proclamation draws us into adoration, awe, and the sheer delight of God.

Is Worship Traditional or Contemporary? After speaking with many of you, there have been a lot of discussions on music styles. Some claim that contemporary music breathes new life in the faith; others say that our traditional heritage reminds us of our faith. While both of these are true, is there only one way that ought to be more embraced or do you find a balance in both styles of worship that can coexist? Watch author and speaker, Marva Dawn in this video to hear her response as she shares the biblical perspective on the styles of worship and their role in the Church.