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!

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.