Agree to Become Part of the Greatest Symphony Ever Formed!

All through my life and career as a musician and conductor, I've had the opportunity and honor to share the stage with talented artists, famous celebrities and a long list of outstanding people whose names you would never know. Many times the audience cannot seem to grasp the 'how' involved in musical performance. Whenever I'm asked to explain 'how' it all comes together, I could speak about years of musical study, the intricacies of musical notation and interpretation, the hours of focused rehearsal preparation and the courage it takes to show up and perform. But the simplest explanation can be summed up in one word - agreement.

'Agreement' is required by everyone on stage or chaos is the result. Everyone must agree that the conductor sets the tone, tempo and interpretation of the music. Each player agrees to follow and respond to the musical notation on their part page and every gesture communicated by the conductor. Every player agrees to play their part. The trumpet player understands that his role is to play only the trumpet part and agrees to not try to play or emulate the oboe part. And the person playing triangle has to understand that their contribution is as necessary and important as the first violin's melody. The orchestra member also agrees to perform in context with the orchestra as a whole. Imagine how unbearable it would be if the audience sat and watched as each instrumentalist tried to grab the spotlight with every singe note they played during a two hour concert. OUCH!

No matter the venue or calibre of musicianship, we have all experienced performances where 'agreement' was not present. I'm not referring to bloopers or wrong notes, mistakes will occur because we are not infallible. But think about the awkwardness you have 'felt' at concerts when you could easily 'hear' and 'sense' the struggles happening on stage between sections or members of the orchestra. Sometimes the problem is pitch disagreement, a different tempo thing, or someone just isn't listening to the rest of the group! The audience then quickly concludes that the orchestra is clueless and that no one cares about excellence. Harmony is possible but it requires 'agreement'.

"I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought."
1 Corinthians 1:9-11

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in My name, there I am with them."
Matthew 18:18-20

Notice that the Greek word used here in Matthew is the root word for the modern word we now use - 'symphony'. Webster's dictionary gives us the archaic definition; 'anything characterized by a harmonious combination of elements'.

Join with Him and each other in harmonious 'agreement' today! When God is conducting and we follow Him and agree to perform together in symphony - beautiful music is the result! Now go and you take your place in the greatest symphony ever formed!

The Largest Book Is Full Of Music

It was a joy last weekend for my wife Debbie and I to sing at a benefit concert for Umbrella Ministries, which was founded by our dear friend Daisy Catchings. Her Umbrella Ministries newsletter reach over 1,800 ladies who are dealing with the grief from the death of a child. The room was nearly full and several other singers joined in for this wonderful night.

The Master of Ceremonies was my friend Rev. Ronn Haus, who gave great meaning and insights. Something he said has been in my heart and it prompted me to share it with you here. He said, "You know our God must have known that all of us would need comfort, compassion and assurance in difficult times. In fact, the largest book in the Bible is a songbook...the book of Psalms is full of praise and adoration and musical lyrics!"

I've often said, "Praise God, that there is a song. . . in the night!" All through my life's journey songs and lyrics are recalled in my mind just when I need to be encouraged and reminded about God's love and blessings! And it dawns on me that the placement of the book of Psalms in the Bible is not accident, coming right after the book of Job.

The book of Psalms is a book of worship. Each psalm captures the writer's response to God from a variety of perspectives. The composers, including David, are not limited to a narrow range of worship expressions. Everything from exuberant praise to overflowing gratitude are found here. More than any other single book, Biblical or otherwise, the book of Psalms teaches us how to worship. Each psalm expresses not merely the heart of the composer, but also the heart of the Holy Spirit Who inspired the composition.

The book of Psalms has been called 'the church's first hymnal.' We find excerpts of this book throughout the New Testament, from the anguished cry of Jesus on the cross (Mark 15:34, par. Psalm 22:1) to the joyful prasie of Revelation (Revelation 15:4, par. Psalm 86:9). And today, many of our greatest hymns and worship songs find their inspiration in the these Biblical treasures.

The Largest Book of All

Debbie and I had to honor of singing at a benefit for Umbrella Ministries which was founded by our great friend Daisy Catchings. This orgranization ministers to mothers who have had a child die. Her newsletter reaches over 1,800 people, providing resources and encouragement as these ladies work with their grief. The room for the concert was nearly packed to the limit and several other singers joined in this wonderful night of ministry. The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was my good friend, Rev. Ronn Haus. (Debbie and I also joined in singing with Ronn and his wife Connie, as Ronn led the entire room in an 'totally impromtu' medley of songs! Wow! Talk about standing on your tip toes and singing!)

One thought that Ronn shared has stayed and I feel impressed to share it with you. He said, "You know that God 'must' have known that we would all need comfort, assurance and encouragement in order to face difficult times - so much that - the largest book in the Bible, is a songbook. . .the book of Psalms! It's full of lyrics that give praise to Almighty God!"

When The Music Stops

Summertime always finds us 'taking a break' from the normal routines of life. Our Worship Choir is on vacation until September and many of us are already feeling the sad relief of the change in schedule. "What shall we do on Tuesday night?" is the question many ask now! In fact, one singer recently told me her story; feeling the loss of meeting together with her Choir family every week, she quickly resumed listening to her Choir music CD and her spirit lifted again.

What do we do when the music stops?

We must remember that worship is our life line to God and worship was never designed to find it's expression through music alone. We live in a culture that would reduce worship to the group singing that takes place before the preacher speaks. But to do so only narrows the opporunity for joy and intimacy found in worship.

God first seeks devotion to Him in the hidden place of personal worship - when no once else is watching. King David was the author of the majority of lyrics found in the book of Psalms. He was probably only 15 years old when Samuel described David to Saul as "a man after God's own heart" (I Samuel 13:14) And before long, David became the most well-known worshipper in the whole of the land. One day he was alone in the fields tending his sheep singing his songs to God, and then as King, David worshipped in a much more public setting. Yet today as you read the Psalms of David, it's easy to see that every song he sang and every prayer he prayed was truly for an audience of One.

The Bible clearly shows us that God want His people to have a close relationship with Him. Jesus even taught his disciples to pray to an intimate Father, just as He did. He told them that they were no longer servants but friends.

"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice

and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me."

Revelation 3:20

This passage is directed to people who are believers and already following Jesus. He's inviting His people to a greater intimacy. He describes an intimate gathering for the evening meal, where people would sit down together at end of a day's work and spend quality time with one another. The reason for the meal was for fellowship, not just food. Jesus is saying in effect, "Let Me deeper into your life. I want to come and eat with you, to be close to you. I am not calling you to just be a waiter at he table, serving Me as I eat. I'm calling you to sit donw with Me and for us to eat together.

What do you do when the music stops?

Listen for His voice - and draw closer!

There Is A Lot of Love Here!

You and I live in a world that is full of sounds, slogans, commercials, politics and sometimes just a lof of noise. But occassionally, when you listen carefully 'below' your surroundings, you get to hear things that are remarkable.

"There is a lot of love here!"

Those thrilling words came softly from a guest made comment at the conclusion of last Sunday night's - An Evening of Worship - presented by our Worship Choir. He was filled with joy, loved the music and the spirit of the presentation and promised to return for our next concert --- when he would then be 100 and 1 years old.

As I continue to reflect on this kind gentlemen's observation, I reviewed how the lyrics presented came together to weave the tapestry he embraced;

"Join the song of praise as we gather here, celebrate the Lord of love!"

'How marvelous, how wonderful - is my Savior's love for me!"

"When I think about the Lord - how He picked me up and turned me around

how He placed my feed on solid ground - it makes me wanna shout - Hallelujah!"

"You raise me up so I can stand on mountains, to walk on stormy seas -

You raise me up to more than I can be."

"What a priv'lege to know You, like I know You, to be loved like You love me."

"Who on earth could comfort me and love me like You do?"

"In Jesus name - we press on!"

"Let the people dance, let the people sing; Worthy is the Mighty King!"

"When You call on Jesus - all things are possible!"

"King of all kings, our joy for endless days - Jesus, You alone are worthy of all praise!"

"My chains are gone, I've been set free. My God and Savior has ransomed me.

And like a flood His mercy reigns. Unending love, Amazing grace."

And I agree with him -- there is a lot of love here -- but we must again give the source of this love supreme position -- it's all about God's love.

I John 4:12 (The Message)

"My dear, dear friends, if God loved us like this, we certainly ought to love

each other. No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another,

God dwells deeply within us, and His love becomes complete in us - perfect love!"

My words of encouragement to the members of our Worship Choir have two major themes; first, that people listen with their 'eyes' & 'ears' and secondly that we sing from what's in our hearts - not just our heads! The scripture above from I John reminds us of something amazing - that His love becomes complete within us, where He live - as we genuinely love one another.

In closing, let me take a moment to say thank you to every singer who makes our Worship Choir's ministry vibrant; the 75+ faithful singers and their families, our accompanist Brenda Hyde, our Choir Manager Larry McCoy, my Executive Assistant Bobbie Fikes, my lovely and supportive wife Debbie, all the helpers who sort the music materials, to Ted Walker and his team, to Ken & Jeff who manage our riser set up crew, our wonderful church family and our awesome Senior Pastor Mark Cedar.

If YOU are interested is making Worship Choir part of your life and ministry - then I invite you to our next gathering - on Tuesday night, July 13th at 6:30 pm as we hold "Christmas In July". You'll enjoy some holiday goodies, meet new friends and see and hear all the new music we will be singing at our Christmas Celebration Concerts on Saturday & Sunday - December 18th & 19th!

New Beginnings!

Welcome to 'Words of Praise' my new blog!
I've been wanting to begin this project for many months now, but find that 'timing' is as important in life as it is in music. So let me thank you for joining me here - and invite you to follow along as I share insights, encouragement and updates on the music ministry of Desert Springs Church.

The Male Chorale from California Baptist University, located in Riverside, CA - appeared in concert last Sunday night here at Desert Springs. Eighty three young men performing together as Chorale and Band, all under the leadership of their conductor Dr. Judd Bonner. It was an amazing concert - rousing songs of praise such as 'Sing', 'Total Praise', wonderful anthems like 'Revelation 15' a salute to our veterans, a rousing arrangement of 'The Battle Hymn of the Republic', songs of Americana including the crowd pleaser 'Cindy!', and songs of praise and worship such acapella with the Chorale surrounding the audience that left here inspired and thrilled.

The story of transformation of the University and the revitalization of the entire School of Music under the leadership of Dr. Gary Bonner as Dean since 2002 is worth reading. For more on this check out their website www.calbaptist.edu


Excellence was dripping from this presentation, not only musically, but in their purpose, demeanor and spirit as they embarked on their two week tour. At the concert, we committed to pray for these guys during their tour each day, that God would keep them safe, use them to inspire all those who hear them sing and that the tour would reveal opportunities for personal growth and team building.

A word of special thanks goes to everyone who helped us with housing on Sunday night and to the teams of food servers who helped with dinner on Sunday and breakfast on Monday.

In closing this installment of 'Words of Praise', let me remind you to invite your friends to join you at our upcoming concert "An Evening of Worship" Sunday, May 16th at 5 p.m. This is the season closing concert by our own Worship Choir. Please note the time is 5 p.m. - with a reception to follow! For more information go to our website; www.desertspringsfamily.org

Scripture feature of this first blog is my life verse;
"But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God." John 3:21 NKJV.
The one who does the truth (see I John 1:5) is obviously already a believer because his or her deeds are done in God. Therefore, "coming to the light" is more than exercising faith. A person who comes to the light not only believes, but also openly identifies with the light so that his or her works can be seen as things done in union with God.