Beyonce Responds

Here's how Beyonce responded to the lip-syncing controversy in the Super Bowl press conference:





Well said.

Word Wednesday.::221

Word Wednesday is posted every Wednesday. Each week I post a scripture that I've read that week that has spoken to me in a fresh way. I believe that if we read God's Word every day, He will give us at least one scripture every week that will impact us. Sharing Scripture with each other is like iron sharpening iron. Leave a comment and share a scripture that has impacted you this week.

Here's the scripture that stuck this week:

Nehemiah 4:20 NKJV

"Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!”

Epic verse. Wow. Very inspiring. Listen for the trumpet! That means that God will fight, not us. God will get the victory and we will celebrate. Our God will fight for us! 

What's your Word?

Living Legacy

Legacy: "anything handed down from the past."

I think if you asked anyone, "Do you want to leave a great legacy?", they'd probably say yes.

When it's all said and done, most everyone wants to be remembered in a great, positive light.

We want people to say nice things about us at our funeral.

After we die, and our name comes up in conversations, we want people to describe us in beautifully positive way.

We want to leave a great LEGACY.

The question is, "What kind of legacy will I leave?"

As I started to write this post, I decided to google the word, "Legacy", to see what would come up. I LOL'd when I looked at the google images that came up. As you can see below, the first several rows of pictures were of the Subaru Legacy. I laughed and said to myself, "Of course!"

Of course when I google the word LEGACY, the first image that would come up to represent it would be a nice car...

....because that's what our society's all about, isn't it?

Nice cars...Nice houses...Nice STUFF.

So, we have a choice when it comes to our legacy:

1. STUFF - We can totally make our legacy about STUFF. You've probably seen the bumper sticker: "Whoever dies with the most toys, wins!" Unfortunately, that's become more than a sticker. It's stuck to the mindset and idea that materialism is THE WAY. We've bought into this idea that success is having nice stuff....oh, and by the way, if it's not expensive, it's not nice. We've bought the lie and traded it for the truth (Romans 1:25), all in one credit card swipe.
The problem with defining our legacy with STUFF, is that it's a legacy that's going to die. I think it's funny how much money we actually spend on STUFF. Let's take a car, for instance. I've known people who have taken great pride in their vehicles. They've gradually built a self-imposed standard of automobile purchase. It's not just a car, it's a treasure. It's not just about function, it's about status. Here's the thing about cars: Different kinds of cars are bought off of different kinds of car lots, but one day, they'll all end up in the same junk yard.
The same goes for buildings, houses and statues. Many times, I've been in a building that was named after someone I've never heard of, with few exceptions. All I know is that they were rich and dead. Leaving a legacy by investing in a building for others is a noble act. It will have a notable impact......for a while. But, one day, eventually, that legacy will die. The name on the building will get less and less recognizable as time goes by, and then one day, that building will cease to exist....and so goes the legacy with it. When we bank our legacy on STUFF, that legacy will eventually die.

2. PEOPLE - The choice to truly consider is to leave our legacy with PEOPLE. Think about your life up to this point. The way you think, act and talk is a result of someone's influence on your life. Hopefully it's been positive. It may be parent, grandparent or someone you truly admire. Chances are, this person has invested in you or spoken into your life. They've left a lasting impression and inspired your path. What's beautiful about this whole thing is that the impact they've made on you is now and forever a legacy of their life which is now living on in yours. Death can never take the ideals and investment of that person. It's in you - it is you. They've left a legacy in and through you.
That's what happens when we choose to leave a legacy with PEOPLE. Influence happens. You influence a person who influences a person who influences a person............and on and on it goes.


For the last few years, I've been convicted, burdened and excited, all at the same time. God has really put a fire in me to invest more in the lives of PEOPLE and less in STUFF. After being in ministry for several years, I found myself transforming from a worship leader to a church leader. It's about people. That passion for people drove me to one undeniable call from God: DISCIPLESHIP.

Through a series of conversations and events, it became clear to me that DISCIPLESHIP is the end game. It's the ultimate way to leave a legacy in people and ultimately the way to glorify God (John 15:8). Jesus left a great commission in Matthew 28 and it can be summed up in one word - DISCIPLESHIP. As I embraced the passion of DISCIPLESHIP, I read a great book called Transformational Discipleship that really gave me a lot of guidance and vision. The author pointed out that Jesus had 3 years to do ministry on earth. The author went on to pose a big question: "If you had only 3 years to do ministry, and you knew it, what would you do?" The answer is easy: DISCIPLESHIP. Leave a legacy in people that will live beyond yourself and beyond your life.

A LIVING LEGACY is something that should be treasured. The beauty of DISCIPLESHIP is that you are not only leaving a legacy on earth, you're storing up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). You're living for an eternal Kingdom, instead of building a temporary, personal kingdom. You're investing in something that won't be corrupted, because it's of God, for God and about God. It won't be muddied up by your pride, ambitions or inadequacies. It's a legacy dependent on the name of God, instead of your name and reputation.

It's a legacy that can't die. It's a LIVING LEGACY that will live on through PEOPLE, because, like the song says...

"OUR GOD'S NOT DEAD, HE'S SURELY ALIVE!

HE'S LIVING ON THE INSIDE..."

Sunday Setlist 01.27.13

click titles for iTunes links:

SING TO THE KING

HOW HE LOVES

ONE THING REMAINS

FOREVER REIGNS



Flow Sheet from Planning Center

Also Part of Sunday Setlist on The Worship Community

Internet Explorer - Child of the 90's

Great ad....too bad it's better than IE. Not a fan.

Album Review - Still Believe

Still Believe by Kim Walker-Smith

I can easily say that I believe that Kim Walker-Smith is one of the most gifted voices in the "worship genre". I was introduced to her when I heard the Jesus Culture recording of "How He Loves" years ago and I was hooked.

That being said, I'm thrilled to be posting a review of her new album, Still Believe.

It goes without saying that her voice is a producer's dream. It sets her a part. She has such a unique tone and quality and it's the instrument that exudes her passion for the living God.

The first track of the album grabbed me right away. The song "Alive" is well-written and full of impact, especially when you hit the hook of the chorus. Her vocal takes on an overwhelming, angelic tone as she sings the word "Alive" in the chorus. It truly struck me.

The song "The King is Here" is one I definitely have my eye on to incorporate in our worship services at my church. It's a killer, infectious anthem I could hear all kinds of congregations lifting up.

The title track is ridiculous...in a good way. It's a ballad and a heart cry to a very deserving God.

The only critique I have is rooted in semantics. The song "Waste it All" has an excellent concept, but I struggle with that phrase. Worship that is directed to God is never wasted...it's a bit nit-picky, but I still would wrestle with that one.

Over all, this album is a gift to the Church, filled with songs of adoration and passion that the true worshipper can sing out. If you love worship music, you'll love this.

Excellent album!

Get it today on iTunes

Word Wednesday.::220

Word Wednesday is posted every Wednesday. Each week I post a scripture that I've read that week that has spoken to me in a fresh way. I believe that if we read God's Word every day, He will give us at least one scripture every week that will impact us. Sharing Scripture with each other is like iron sharpening iron. Leave a comment and share a scripture that has impacted you this week.

Here's the scripture that stuck this week:

Ezra 8:21-23 NKJV

21 Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions. 22 For I was ashamed to request of the king an escort of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy on the road, because we had spoken to the king, saying, “The hand of our God is upon all those for good who seek Him, but His power and His wrath are against all those who forsake Him.” 23 So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer.

Prayer and sometimes fasting to God needs to be our first response and not our last resort.

What's your Word?

Top 5 Tuesday with Jared - Movie Villains

Jared is the Student Ministry Director at my church. Follow him on Twitter: @TheJaredKruse

Everyday, Jared has been coming up with these great Top 5 questions for me,

so I asked him to start sharing them on my blog. Make sure to comment and join in every Tuesday!

Watch this weekly short video, then comment with your top 5!

TOP 5 MOVIE VILLAINS:
1. Darth Vader
2. Joker - Heath Ledger
3. Anton Chigurh (No Country For Old Men)
4. Hannibal Lecter
5. The Wicked Witch


Comment below & tell us your Top 5!

Facebook/Twitter: What's the Difference?

For the last decade, my life, and many other lives, have been dramatically affected by two words: SOCIAL MEDIA.

I love social media. Not in an unhealthy, idolatrous way, but I genuinely love the connection that social media has made possible for me with people from different places and walks of life. In it's purest form, I believe that social media is to be SOCIAL.

It shouldn't primarily be a way to promote yourself, but a way to better yourself through healthy online relationships. I also believe the only way to keep online relationships healthy is the intent to connect, eventually...if possible, in person...you know, in a normal way. The unhealthy part of social media involves the word "fantasy"....that dark place that people find themselves in when they escape truth and embrace a lie. There's multiple examples of that, but that's not the point of this post.

For the last several years, two social media icons have risen to the top of the mountain and have become staples that don't show any signs of dying soon. They are....

 &

Most people are on Facebook...actually a lot more are on Facebook, than Twitter. In fact, now you're seeing your parents and even grandparents friend requesting you....which can be cool or just weird.

I, personally, prefer Twitter. I like the simplicity of it, and there seems to be less drama.

Over the last few years, Twitter has definitely grown and has gathered some momentum, and that has caused some Facebookers to be intrigued, with skepticism, of course.

One thing I get a lot from Facebookers, in a skeptical tone, is..."Why? What's the difference? Why should I tweet?"

I've really thought about that a lot lately and recently I had a light bulb moment......the Presidential Election.

I hate election year. It's truly one of the most juvenile, immature things to witness in our society. We vote for a presidential candidate who is literally bringing someone down to get themselves higher. Not my cup 'o tea.

Any who.....

Social media has become the hot spot for debate, discussion, promotion and endorsement in the world of politics....which triggered this light bulb moment for me.

I found myself really avoiding Facebook as much as possible in the heat of the election, because I was truly disturbed by some of the posts....but, I was totally content on Twitter. I wasn't offended or disgusted at all.

So I asked myself...."What's up with that?"

Then it hit me...

The difference between Facebook and Twitter is the "F" words: Friendship and Following.

On Facebook, the connection is made possible through "Friend Request". You're asking someone, "Will you be my friend?"

On Twitter, you're "Following" or being "Followed" by someone. You're not asking them to be a friend. You're saying, "I'm interested in what you have to say."

Following someone and being friends with someone can be two very different things:

1. When you make a decision to FOLLOW someone, it's usually because you agree with their views or you're entertained or interested by their views. If someone turns you off or offends you, that's usually when you stop listening to them and you go a different direction. The same applies to Twitter. If someone says something offensive and you're turned off, you simply hit the "Unfollow" button and you don't have to expose yourself to them any longer. Now, I've definitely cultivated some friendships through Twitter, but for the most part, my Twitter feed consists of people that I line up with or I'm just simply entertained by.

2. When you are FRIENDS with someone, it's because there's some sort of emotional connection. You care about them and that's why you call them a "Friend". Facebook is primarily built on this idea of friendship and emotional connection. I can look at my list of Facebook friends and say that there's some kind of personal connection with the majority of them. I rarely have friend requested someone, unless I have personally met them in real life...you know, the normal way. Friendship is also a choice. There's some people you call "Acquaintances" and some you actually call "Friends". To call someone a friend is a big choice. It's an emotional connection. You're not obligated to be friends with everyone, and Facebook follows that logic. If someone friend requests you, you still have a choice.

Here's the big difference between Facebook and Twitter:
On Twitter, if you're offended by someone, it's simple....you stop following them. You don't have to tolerate their opinions anymore. It doesn't have to be an emotional decision. It's cold and not messy. You simply hit "Unfollow" and say "Esta la vista, baby!"

On Facebook, if you're offended by someone, it's not so simple...it's messy. If you "Unfriend" someone, they will know and more than likely, it will be personal and possibly hurtful to them. You're literally saying, "I don't want to be your friend anymore." Now, obviously, Facebook gives you the option of hiding their posts, but if I did that, I would be hiding a ton of people's posts on Facebook during social and political uprises...which, I really am not interested in taking the time to do. It takes a very extreme situation for me to unfriend someone on Facebook. I've only done it a hand full of times in the last several years.

In short, the difference between Facebook and Twitter comes down to tolerance. Twitter is easy and enjoyable for me, because I'm picking and choosing who I want to hear from without the messiness of true relationship. Facebook is more complicated, because I have to tolerate my friends posts and opinions on the news feed. Sometimes it's not enjoyable and easy to be on Facebook. Sometimes it's discouraging to see and hear some of the things from my friends on Facebook....but, they're my friends. True friendship is buit on a tolerant, supportive and patient relationship of listening and communicating even if I don't agree. It would take an extreme situation for me to "unfriend" someone on Facebook, but on Twitter, I don't have to think twice if I want to "unfollow" someone, because there's a lot less friendship, which means a lot less need for tolerance.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Am I missing something? Comment below and let me know!

Sunday Setlist 01.20.13

click titles for iTunes links:

BLESS THE LORD

YOUR LOVE NEVER FAILS

ONE THING REMAINS

HOLY IS THE LORD



Flow Sheet from Planning Center

Also Part of Sunday Setlist on The Worship Community

Word Wednesday.::219

Word Wednesday is posted every Wednesday. Each week I post a scripture that I've read that week that has spoken to me in a fresh way. I believe that if we read God's Word every day, He will give us at least one scripture every week that will impact us. Sharing Scripture with each other is like iron sharpening iron. Leave a comment and share a scripture that has impacted you this week.

Here's the scripture that stuck this week:

II Chronicles 34:30 NKJV

"The king went up to the house of theLord, with all the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem—the priests and the Levites, and all the people, great and small. And he read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant which had been found in the house of the Lord."

King Josiah, the great grandson of Hezekiah, really resembles his great grandfather. He was focused on restoring true worship to his people. The more I read/study the Bible, the more I see how central God's Word is when it comes to worship, thus Jesus said, "...worship in Spirit and in Truth." King Josiah knew to read the Book of the Covenant "...in their hearing...", which is also monumental in Nehemiah 8. God's Word is a necessary element in worship -- whether it be corporate or individual.

What's your Word?

Current Favorite Commercial

Sunday Setlist 1.13.13

How Great Thou Art
None But Jesus
10,000 Reasons
'Til I See You

Flow Sheet from Planning Center

Also part of Sunday Setlist.

Word Wednesday.::218

Word Wednesday is posted every Wednesday. Each week I post a scripture that I've read that week that has spoken to me in a fresh way. I believe that if we read God's Word every day, He will give us at least one scripture every week that will impact us. Sharing Scripture with each other is like iron sharpening iron. Leave a comment and share a scripture that has impacted you this week.

Here's the scripture that stuck this week:

II Chronicles 20:12 NKJV

O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.

King Jehoshaphat was facing what looked like a "losing battle". He didn't have an immediate, logical strategy for leadership....except God. God is ALWAYS the answer. There's times when we don't see, understand or know what to do, but may our eyes ALWAYS be on the Lord.

What's your Word?

Take a Stand against the Stand

I want to preface this post with a plea of humility. Because this is typed and not spoken, it could easily be mistaken as condescending....I promise it's not.

This is simply something that I've observed and I want this to be constructive criticism.....take it as a challenge.

This critique isn't a monumental, philosophical change. It's simply just a tweak. It's a small improvement. It's a spoke in the wheel of small improvements and tweaks we can constantly make to strive to be better.

I want to talk to worship leaders...mainly, worship leaders who do this full time.

God bless you for what you do each and every week. Thank you for serving God and his Church. Thank you for inspiring people to worship. Thank you for enduring the occasional critic of your setlist. Thank you for modeling worship on and off the stage...

...but, I want to challenge you...better yet, I want to encourage you.

I want to challenge and encourage you to take a stand against the stand.

I'm not questioning your heart or motives. I'm not questioning your work ethic or effort.

I'm simply challenging a practice I've noticed that has become somewhat common...

...the Music Stand.

I personally have no issue with the support band with stands in front of them.

I'm talking about worship leaders and vocalists. The one's whose voice is preparing and leading the way.

Using a stand doesn't automatically make you less of a worship leader, just like lacking a stand doesn't automatically make you more of a worship leader. If you are a worship leader that uses a music stand while you lead, you are not alone. I've seen this quite a bit, and I've heard the reason why..."I'm bad at memorization." That may be so, but that doesn't eliminate the issues with the stand.

The issues I see with having a music stand in front of you, as a worship leader, are important:

1. DISTRACTION FOR THE CONGREGATION - When you have a music stand in front of you, it's obvious to the congregation that you are not confident with these songs, and that can become a distraction in worship. Should it be a distraction? NO! When we're focused in prayer and in worship, things like that do not tend to distract us, because the Lord's presence is amazing. Unfortunately, not everyone in our congregation has that tight of a focus and can get distracted easily at times. The obvious music stand can serve as a distraction for our people.

2. DISTRACTION FOR THE WORSHIP LEADER - When you have a chord chart on a music stand in front of you, it automatically is sharing your attention, as a worship leader, with the congregation. When you're reading charts, it's hard to connect with hearts. The less focused you can be on the musical part of worship, the more you can be focused on the spiritual part of worship. The stand can definitely stand in your way and distract you from shepherding your congregation towards an encounter with the presence of God.


For some worship leaders, the stand is necessary. This is a negative thing, because this can only mean that the time has not been put in to memorizing songs. For others, the stand is comfort. It may not be necessary, but it's security...JUST IN CASE.

Now, a critique without a solution is annoying and useless...so, let me offer a solution.

Two Things:

1. COMMITMENT - Make sure you commit yourself 100% to memorizing the songs you lead. I think you can get away with cheat monitors on the stage or in the back, because at the very least, it allows you to keep your head lifted and there's still the opportunity for you to stay connected with the congregation. The stand tends to draw your eyes and attention down, instead of up. BUT....what if technology fails you and the monitor cuts off? What then? That's where memorization becomes your friend. I remember the first time I led the song "In Christ Alone". I made myself memorize all those words...JUST IN CASE. Sure enough, that was the Sunday that our monitor bit the dust. Because I dedicated to memorizing the song, all was well. Commit songs to memory. And to the guitar-playing worship leader, at the very least, memorize the chords. When you do, you'll escape the bondage of the stand and become free to lead your church spiritually, as much or more than musically.

2. CONFIDENCE - You probably know worship songs better than you think. Too many worship leaders have fooled themselves into thinking they don't know the songs. If you've committed the time to memorization, then you have to practice some confidence. When you use the music stand, you tend to use your brain less. If you're reading it, the recollection part of your brain takes a break. Be confident, not only in yourself, but in the Spirit of God in you. If you've memorized it and taken these songs to heart, be confident that they will come out just as God has planned.


Church is people. The reason you're called a worship leader is because you're leading people, not a song. You want to make sure that every hinderance, whether physical or spiritual, is eliminated when you take that leadership position in the journey and experience of corporate worship.

Don't let anything stand in your way...not even a stand.

Sunday Setlist 01.06.13

click titles for iTunes links:

ALLELUIA (OUR PRAISE IS)

MORE THAN AMAZING

GREAT I AM

OUR GOD SAVES



Flow Sheet from Planning Center

Also Part of Sunday Setlist on The Worship Community

Album Review - Who We Are

Who We Are by Eddy Mann

I love listening to songs from talented artists who I've had the opportunity to meet in person. It gives me an inside perspective into the heart of the songs. It's a deeper perspective.

I've gotten to know and become good friends with Eddy Mann. I've seen his heart and led worship with him. So, when I listen to his recordings, I can validate the heart behind the songs from my experience with him. He's a great friend and a Godly family man with a heart for the Body of Christ.

I recently gave his latest album, Who We Are, a thorough listen on a flight home. In a word, it's very peaceful. I was able to just close my eyes and hear well-written songs with biblical integrity and excellent musicianship. Eddy's guitar work and vocals are very easy on the ears. He's gifted by God and he's using that gift for God's glory.

The standouts for me were "Beautiful Day", "We Stand in God's Grace", "Christ Will Come Again" and "He's Coming".

The album title accurately depicts the playlist. It's a group of songs that articulate who we are to be as the Church. It will definitely be a go-to for me when I'm in the mood for some chill music.

If you're an Eric Clapton fan, I would highly recommend this album. I think you'll hear some similarities in style...which should tell you the quality level as well. Go check it out!

Thanks Eddy!

Get it today on iTunes

Book Review - MONSTER

MONSTER by Frank Peretti

Being in full time ministry the last 10 years, I've completely gotten away from reading fiction. I've been in study mode for so long, I forgot the joy of fiction. This year I decided to read a novel again, so I read my favorite fiction author's book Monster.

Very cool story about some unassuming people stumbling into a possible Sasquatch as they are hiking through the woods. As in all his novels, there's always a spiritual message, sometimes blunt and sometimes underlying. This is Peretti's most underlying message for sure. Even after finishing it, I'm still thinking about the message he's conveying in this story. Creationism vs. Evolution is the most obvious guess for me. I actually appreciate it being more underlying than blunt. That always calls for more creativity and blunt can sometimes be a lazy, less challenging route for a writer.

If you like Peretti's previous work, especially The Oath, I would highly recommend this one. It's great to be reading fiction again!


Click here to get it on Amazon.

Word Wednesday.::217

Word Wednesday is posted every Wednesday. Each week I post a scripture that I've read that week that has spoken to me in a fresh way. I believe that if we read God's Word every day, He will give us at least one scripture every week that will impact us. Sharing Scripture with each other is like iron sharpening iron. Leave a comment and share a scripture that has impacted you this week.

Here's the scripture that stuck this week:

II Chronicles 16:9 NKJV

For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of thosewhose heart is loyal to Him. In this you have done foolishly; therefore from now on you shall have wars.”

King Asa didn't rely on the Lord...he opted for humanistic defense, which is common today, especially in some Christians. We either trust God or we don't. God is seeking those who trust.

What's your Word?

New Year's Resolution...

                                          




















...is to resuscitate this blog...starting with this post.

Expect to see music reviews, book reviews, Word Wednesdays, videos and of course, my thoughts on worship, music, church, family, sports and whatever else stirs my brain.

Thanks for reading!

Here's to 2013!