April 2010

I will bless the Lord at ALL times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

My soul makes its boast in the Lord
Let the humble hear and be glad.

Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
and let us exalt his name together!
Psalm 34:1-3 (ESV)

As worship leaders (pastors, musicians, lead worshipers), we must lead by example.
Some weeks are full of victories.
Some weeks are full of trials.
Some weeks are full of joy.
Some weeks are full of sorrow.
Some weeks are full of balance.
Some weeks are full of everything but balance.
Some weeks are full of drawing near to God.
Some weeks are full of things pulling us away from God.
Some weeks are full of a combination of all of the above.

Whatever happens in your week, whether at work, at home, or in between, you must stand in front of others and lead them to the throne of God.

Before you lead this week, no matter how great or difficult your week has been, take a few minutes and meditate on Psalm 34:1-3.

Consider the scripture and think about YOUR week.
…..I will bless the Lord at ALL times.
Have you blessed him at all times? …no matter how bad your week was? Probably not, but it can be your goal as you walk through the week.

…..my soul makes its boast in the Lord.
No one will know this but you. The lyrics from the Hillsong song “From the Inside Out” is a good reminder as your consider this scripture.   LYRICS: consume me from the inside out; to love you from the inside out.

…..magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.
If your heart is to bless the Lord at all times and to boast in your soul about the Lord, you cannot be silent. You want to encourage others to do the same.

So, as worship leaders, let’s make a commitment when we are off the stage to 1) bless the Lord at all times; and 2) allow our soul to boast in him. Then, as you come together with others in worship, lead them because of where you have already been.

Remember, it is all about HIM (not us).

Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;
you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.
But for me it is good to be near God;
I have made the Lord God my refuge,
that I may tell of all your works.
Psalm 73:23-28 (ESV)

Psalm 73 is a great reminder of God’s faithfulness to those who draw near to him. We are reminded that God desires us. He wants our hearts totally devoted to him.

“He guides us with his counsel”
“He is the strength of my heart”
“He is my portion forever”

As you prepare your heart to lead others, make sure you are following strong after him.

vs. 25: Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.

Don’t get up in front of others to lead them in worship until you make sure your own heart’s desires are turned toward Him. Those who know you will know if your words match your walk. Seek him FIRST (Matthew 6:33) in everything. Then, lead others.

VOTE for your FAVORITE SONG

WEEK TWO: April 21-28
Songs played on FQ RADIO are songs selected from the songs submitted in our FQ WORSHIP SONGWRITING EVENT.

SONGS ~ All songs will be played in random order
LISTEN ~ Listen to each song on FQ RADIO
FQ RADIO ~ click on the MIC icon at the top of every page to open FQ RADIO
VOTE ~ Vote below for your favorite song
ONE VOTE ~ Only one vote per person per week (Week one, two, three)

SONGS FOR WEEK TWO INCLUDE:
Emmanuel ~ Michael Geller
Great Love ~ Mark White
Hope of Glory ~ Chris Clayton
My Confession ~ Benji Fowler
On High ~ Ben Sanders
Quiet I Wait ~ Joe Cameneti
The Race ~ The Clarion Call
Saving King ~ Jason Morgan
To God Be the Glory ~ Patrick Mayberry
We Give You All ~ Jeff Morton

Comments on the blog do NOT count towards the voting.  Go HERE to vote!