I grabbed my Bible this morning and the pages randomly opened  to a chapter  title that read “False Worship”.  Being a worship leader it obviously grabbed my attention.  I was challenged by the verse and want to share it with you.  The verse that stirs my heart even as I type  is Ecclesiastes 5:1.

“Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know they are doing evil.”

The phrase “guard your steps” indicates & admonishes us to be careful, be attentive, and to listen.  The idea here is that we are to draw near and listen to what God wants to say.  It is the attitude and mindset that says “God wants to speak to me today”; “Speak Lord, I am listening”.

Can I ask you a question?  What is your attitude and mindset when you are on your way to the house of God?  Are you busy thinking about the day or the week ahead of you?  Are you thinking about what you can do for the church or how important you are to what goes on at the church?

This goes for me as well.  Although leading in worship is my “job” and my “calling/gifting”, God wants me to come quiet in spirit and heart and listen.  God’s working does not depend on me or the band.  It depends on God speaking to each individual and whether or not our hearts are open and ready to listen to God.

I challenge you my friends to begin to have a quiet mindset asking God to speak.  Slow down and listen.  Come this weekend with a heart of expectation of what He will say to you.

It is not about what we can do or bring to God.  I remind the band of this regularly.  It is not about us.  The songs we rock to and the songs we raise our hands and worship have two main purposes.  To worship God & to prepare hearts to HEAR God speak to them.  Whether we use a Beatles Song or a U2 song, the purpose remains the same.  We engage our culture that they might HEAR God speaking to them.

So Father as we prepare for this weekend, it is my prayer that you would speak to my heart.  Help me remember that it is not about me, not about the band, not about anything else but hearing and obeying you.  Speak to us!  We come having no agenda of our own. Speak and we will listen!

Check out some new worship by Elevation Church (Steven Furtick’s Church). Great stuff

Wow, it seems like it has been forever since I have blogged.  Our family just returned from our vacation at the shore.  It was sorely needed.  What a great time with the family.  Here are some highlights.

• Mason went on his first rollercoaster with daddy.  So proud.  He didn’t even meet the height requirement.
• Hudson began nodding his head in the car to U2 Vertigo.  We had it on repeat for half the trip it seemed like.  Everywhere we went Mason asked for his favorite song.  Uno, dos’, tres….
• I took Hudson to get his stitches out.  He did great and didn’t even cry until half way through.
• We roasted s’mores and Mason loved it.  Over and over again.
• We went swimming every day.
• We walked the Sea Isle boardwalk twice, and the Ocean City board walk twice.
• Mason and I did the log ride…and he loved it.
• We hung with Dave, Lesley, & Kate Berkeyheiser in Ocean City.  They took the boys for an afternoon and evening so Jenn and I could go out on a date.  It was great.
• I had great times of prayer and being in the Word in the evenings which really refreshed me.
• I fell deeper in love with my family.  They mean the world to me and I had such a great time with them.  I love having boys!!
• I was reminded how lost, lost people are….people need churches like Fellowship. Churches that are about authenticity rather than religion.  Jesus wants us to be simple and authentic so that people can come to know Him!
• I am looking forward for greater things yet to come!

When Chester (our black lab) woke me up at 6:30am to go outside I wasn’t thrilled. But when I got down stairs and opened up the back door I saw the hot tub and felt God beckon.
So God and I soaked for the last 40 minutes. It was a a good time of prayer. It was a good time of crying out to God and asking Him for wisdom, peace, & security. I am learning to rely completely on God. When I have a need, I used to go to him after I searched all other avenues. Now, I try to go to him first thing.
So in the midst of a morning of taking care of the boys and getting them ready for school, thanks to my pal chester I have already had a great time with Jesus.
There is something about mornings that is so peaceful. The birds sing, the wind blows, and sometimes if you listen close enough you will find that Jesus wants to meet with you in the quietness of your day. I need that time. I need Him.

You won’t want to miss the student band as they lead worship this week. Here is a sneak peak of what is to come.

Yesterday the staff hit the streets as we took a survey about Church.  I have to admit I wasn’t ecstatic about spending the day talking to strangers when I have so much to wrap up before our family heads out on vacation this weekend.  But as I began to talk with the very people we are trying to reach I began to realize that God wanted me out there.  It wasn’t for their benefit but rather mine.  I needed to be reminded that people want church to relevant.  They want church to be something that applies to their every day life.

I am committed to redefining church.  I am committed to building bridges.  I am committed to continue to do church in relevant and creative ways.  But sometimes we need to hear the voice of the community.  I so appreciate lead pastor Gus Sareyka listening to the voice of God and pushing us to go out into the community.  They are crying out.  Are we listening?  Furthermore, are we giving them what they need?

When is the last time you asked someone why they do not go to church?  I promise it will excite you and motivate you to invite them to a church that does church in a relevant way.  So go ahead, get out there and listen to the heart cries of those around us.

Getting ready to leave the church office for the school. The time we have worked and prayed for all week is upon us. I am speechless as I am overwhelmed with the love the “Father has lavished upon us”. Today we focus on the fact that “God is Love”.  I am praying that God will use the message and the worship, and speak through me to help communicate His love for you & for me. “…that we should be called Sons and daughters of God!” God is love!

I hope you are having a great day with friends and family this 4th of July. We are so blessed to live in the U.S.A. Yeah we have our share of problems, but it is a great country and a great place to live!
Today our family went to one of the state parks along the Delaware river and had ourselves a family picnic. Mason and I flew his kite (which ended up in the river because the string came off the roll…daddies fault) and played baseball. We had a great time together as a family. I love family times! They are the best.
After our picnic we went to a close friends house for a pool party. The kids swam we we got to hang out with lots of great friends.
Now…the kids are napping and we will be going out to watch the fireworks on the riverfront in Wilmington. I am thankful for days like this. God thanks for family times. Thanks for friends, and thanks for blessing us with a great country. It is my prayer that you will raise up Godly men and women to help turn America back to you!

Happy 4th of July