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!"